Monday November 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 5
Letters... Where your views make the news...Letters... Where your views make the news
The people are not likely to allow the PPP to operate as a Govt. in hiding DEAR EDITOR, It appears as if the Government of Guyana has no intention of ceasing their abuse of our Parliamentary democracy and of the public purse. In a whole-page ad published in the Stabroek News on November 9, 2014 titled: ‘Statement on Parliamentary Situation’ they brazenly declare that Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh ‘restored monies cut from the 2014 National Budget’ in keeping with ‘the ruling of the Hon. Chief Justice pursuant to the relevant provisions in the Constitution of Guyana.’ Firstly, it needs to be noted that monies were not ‘cut’ from the 2014 Budget as is alleged. Rather, a number of proposed expenditure were dis-approved by the National Assembly during their consideration of the Minister ’s proposal or Estimates of Expenditure. A ‘Budget’ only becomes a reality based on an Appropriation Bill that the Minister brings to the National Assembly. Such a Bill is normally introduced following consideration of the Estimates and includes items approved by the National Assembly meeting in Committee of Supply. The Appropriation Bill brought to the House on April 16, 2014 (on or about 19:50 hours) by Minister Singh was an amended version of the one previously printed and dated 25th March, 2014. The Minister’s Bill then became legal when it became the Appropriation Act 2014 (Act No. 10 of 2014) following Presidential assent on 30th
April, 2014 (the last possible date under the law). Against the foregoing, Dr. Ashni Singh has no authority to unilaterally ‘restore’ any item of expenditure. To do so is both lawless and madness. It is to invite anarchy. In any event, Financial Paper No. 1/2014 –Statement of Excess (laid on 19th June, 2014) and Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2014, Bill No. 12 of 2014 seeks the approval of the House specifically ‘in accordance with article 219 of the Constitution and sections 24 and 41 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003[FMAA].’ Neither sections 24 and 41 of the FMAA are relevant in the circumstances as the former requires approval ‘prior to spending’ and the latter requires expenditure that is ‘unavoidable and unforeseen. ’Neither applies. The Constitutional article [219. (2)] that the Minister seeks comfort and refuge in requires the Assembly’s approval. The Minister can only be motivated to act as he does on either of two premises. Firstly, it would be to see the thirty three Members of the Assembly as ‘rubber stamps’ or mannequins, there waiting to endorse any action of his. Speaking for myself, I resent the imputation. Secondly, given that the House refused the Minister’s initial request, what causes him to believe that they will accede now? Further, the Minister’s reckless, ill-advised and unlawful conduct can be appreciated by further
Most Guyanese support... From page 4 excuses for not charging the Attorney General for making physical threats against the staff of Kaieteur News. He is one of the untouchables who belongs to the Chatrie caste. Had the DPP been a potent institution, many public officials, including ministers of the government, would have been charged and jailed over the last twelve years for corruption and for squandering or stealing public funds. During the last five years, over $50 billion of the taxpayers’ money have been squandered in bogus contracts. Such huge amount of public funds could have been spent for the development of the country, to educate our children, improve health care, increase salaries /wages and old age pensions as well as improve the lives of the poor and the working class. The President should
take note that there will be grave consequences from an angry and frustrated people, should he prorogue Parliament. No power is greater than the people’s power. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
examination of article 219 under which he seeks to shelter. This article is premised on the preceding one, i.e. 218. Article 218. (3), however, and in relation to any ‘statement of excess’ says: ‘If in respect of any financial year it is found’, clearly establishing that it refers only to reacting to a finding and not a pro-active situation, the latter being the case relating to the expenditure in question. Indeed it is simple English as one is not normally expected to foresee excesses! The Government has no grounds to stand on. That the Government asserts, as they do in the aforementioned ad that they are acting ‘lawfully and democratically’ shows that they have completely lost their moral compass. They now seek to operate in a zone of lawlessness. The Constitution does not provide that a government can spend without Parliamentary approval and any prorogation of the National Assembly would not alter or affect this. President Ramotaraught to consider this before he decides on which option he will exercise of those in his threats announced on 4th November, 2014. My opinion is that while he does have cover, however flimsy, under the Constitution, to prorogue the National Assembly his Government would be bereft of any lawful authority to access the Consolidated Fund, which is only provided for in the event of a dissolution [article 219. (3). The orgy of corruption, incompetence, discriminatory behaviour, victimization and other excesses of the PPPC has to be brought to an end. How soon will it be? The people are not likely to allow Donald Ramotar or the PPP to operate as a Government in hiding. Ronald Bulkan, M.P.
David Granger has emerged as a most tactful, and genuine political leader
DEAR EDITOR, A lot has been said about David Granger’s leadership and political skills, some critics were adamant that he is politically naive and too meek for the PPP. The fact is I knew different. Granger has proven to be a most tactful, astute, mature and poised leader, who has demonstrated that he will go to end of the road and to take all necessary and possible actions to ensure that the interest of Guyana and its people remain top priority. So when he announced to the nation and the world that he was prepared to talk with a most recalcitrant PPP/C regime some people thought he was “dotish” to engage in talks with this stubborn bunch, but he nevertheless stuck to his guns and allowed Ramotar to expose the PPP/ C’s disposition towards dialogue. So Ramotar, at a gathering of Amerindian leaders, made the announcement that clearly killed all talks. Granger knew that once given time, the PPP/ C government would hang itself, and it did! The next issue which demonstrated Granger’s genuine belief in putting country and people first was his recent announcement that he intends to continue pursuing the conversation of coalition, with the AFC. Some wondered why Granger continues to reach out to the AFC on this subject, since that the party has given every indication that it is least interested in teaming up with the APNU. However, Granger waited it out, understanding that he has not heard anything definitive on this matter from the AFC leader. So, less than 24 hours after Granger’s public announcements Khemraj Ramjattan, the leader of the AFC, boldly denounced such a coalition
and passionately stated that he is against any such formation since, according to him, the AFC would become “dead meat” in any such coalition. Ramjattan has therefore come full circle on the subject of coalition. It appears that for the AFC it seems to be all about protecting party’s image and the ego of the leaders, as opposed to looking out for the interest of the people and country. It is shocking that some associated with the leadership of the AFC actually believe that the APNU seeking a coalition is reflective of some weakness on the part of the APNU! This kind of thinking, for me, indicates a certain politically immature mindset of some of those who find themselves in the echelons of the party. To interpret a magnanimous and humbling political gesture, which seeks to promote people and country first as weak, is the silliest we can get. However, again, Granger has proven to the world that he is no political joke, His humility and calm demeanor should not be taken for granted. Clearly, his strategy has allowed many to expose their true intentions which provides the people a unique opportunity to judge them. Granger obviously knows how to allow a sinking ship to hit rock bottom. So, yesterday we woke up to the news that David Granger has declared that, for Ramotar to shut down the parliament and silence the opposition will make it impossible for the APNU and its leader to engage in any talks with the
government. This is classic! In all his political engagements David Granger has demonstrated that dialogue in the political process is very important to moving any nation forward, but he has also demonstrated that dialogue forged by bullish tactics and hostility cannot be condoned in any civil and free society. So if the president thinks it best to shut down the parliament, the main forum for public debate, to coerce talks, Granger reminded him that talks will be halt. David Granger has emerged as a most tactful political leader in current day Guyana. I wait to see his critics and naysayers give him credit for his brilliant strategy and his genuine concern in nation building. Sometimes just got to give credit where it is due! Kudos to you Mr. Granger and keep, keeping on! In this period of high class political bullyism by the regime, I will be looking to see all those so-called leaders emerge and step out of their comfort zone. This is time for grown folks politics and solid leadership, don’t hide behind the pen take to the forefront and lead on the streets. Just like Granger has his role to play, you also have your part to play. I call on all the civil society leaders, union leaders, business leaders, religious leaders and every other leader. A nation is in crisis, democracy is under attack, the people’s parliament is under threat it is time to take a stand! Time for ‘grown folks’ politics. Lurlene Nestor
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 10, 2014
The “Anil-gate” scandal… recording vs. statements…
Cabinet covering up Nandlall’s financial impropriety Just when it was thought that the Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall’s admission of misusing state funds was a grave enough injury to the current administration’s integrity, an insult of similar nature was on its way. The insult is in the form of the Attorney General’s claims that his actions were legal and approved by Cabinet. This view was posited by A Partnership for National Unity’s Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge, who said that the fact that the AG could drag the Cabinet into his “dirty misgivings, only goes to show that Cabinet too is guilty of aiding in covering up Nandlall’s financial impropriety.” Greenidge pointed to a part of the despicable 19minute profanity laced recorded conversation between, Nandlall and Kaieteur News reporter
- Carl Greenidge
Attorney General, Anil Nandlall Leonard Gildharie. In the recorded conversation, Nandlall said that he “used money from the government… and pay back long before” Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall “made an issue of it.” However, in a statement released by a public relations consultant on Nandlall’s behalf, the Minister said, “I
wish to set the record straight …the reference relates to the reimbursement I received for monies I expended on medical treatment. This reimbursement was approved by Cabinet in a written Cabinet decision dated 20 June 2013. “This is, and historically has been, an entitlement of every member of Cabinet long before my appointment.” In light of the comparison made between the statement and Nandlall’s despicable recording, Greenidge said that, “As far as I understand, Ministers are only supposed to get an additional grant for monies in the case of medical emergencies which is going to be in addition to what they get from NIS. I don’t believe that it is even safe for one to consider that an entitlement. The fact that no member of Cabinet has spoken about this is an indication that they are aiding him in covering up a financial crime.” The APNU Parliamentarian also stated that as far as his understanding of Nandlall’s circumstances is concerned, “what he took the money for constituted to no emergency. And in light of that glaring fact, Cabinet should not have been allowing him to use its
chambers as some place to seek refuge when he has committed an illegality. But it is clear though, the government’s blue-eyed-boy has been caught. He confessed to misusing funds and as such they are aiding him in covering up the impropriety. That is clear when you do the comparison.” As it relates to Nandlall’s contention that the money was an entitlement, he said that this is very “confusing.” He said that if the reimbursement was an entitlement to begin with, then Cabinet’s approval would not have been needed in the first place. The former Finance Minister made the point that an entitlement just requires one to provide the relevant documents or filling of a
APNU Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge form, and technical officers will take care of the rest. “He is clearly confusing himself and trying to confuse the public,” the financial expert emphasized. Regardless of what the Minister of Legal Affairs is contending, Greenidge said that a financial irregularity has occurred and it is one which attracts punishment
and as such, Nandlall should be made to feel the full extent of the law. “His statement and the confusion it causes should be rejected,” The APNU member asserted. In support of Greenidge’s position, Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan stated that the AG would have to prove under what circumstances or basis the money was granted. Ramjattan noted that he was not aware that the Cabinet members are privileged to such an entitlement. He too agreed with Greenidge on the point that the Attorney General has contradicted himself. “I mean, how you could say that you are entitled to something, and in the recording you said that you took money and then repaid it? If it was an entitlement, then how come your conscience forced you to pay it back before you were (Continued on page 17)
Trial of former GRA staff seeking asylum in USA commences today The trial of former Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) employee who is seeking asylum in the United States of America gets underway today at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, New York. Barnes, who fled Guyana to the USA in 2009 to escape possible fraud charges that involves millions of dollars, was arrested in New York in February on an Interpol warrant. He has been in federal custody since his arrest. He continues to be represented by Attorney Kurt R. Saccone, a former U.S. Department of Justice official, who practices U.S. Immigration Law in New York. When contacted for a comment, Mr. Saccone stated, “We will not comment on trial strategy. We are confident, and Gregory thanks all his friends for their continued support throughout this ordeal.” Barnes received special permission to get married while in jail, which is believed to have delayed his deportation hearing several months to his advantage. It is now clear that Barnes is seeking lawful status in the United States. However, his strategy has not been revealed. Back in February this year, a Buffalo News online report said that Cheektowaga police pulled over a four-door gold-colored Infiniti Sedan for an expired inspection and illegal tinted windows.
Cheektowaga is part of the state of New York. It turned out that the Guyanese driver of George Urban Boulevard in Cheektowaga was wanted by Interpol. A computer check revealed there was an active warrant through Interpol on Barnes who was suspected of embezzling somewhere between $6M and $300M from GRA. This newspaper had earlier reported that in 2009, Barnes fled Guyana after he was reportedly being investigated for allegedly defrauding GRA of over $300M. Local investigators, who badly wanted to get their hands on him, turned to Interpol for help and posted a wanted bulletin. Investigators believed back then that Barnes conspired with other staffers, including an IT official of GRA, to delete evidence of taxes and duties paid by businesses to the agency from the main database. However, the fraud unraveled after the IT employee failed to delete a payment made. The cashier was reportedly questioned for two days by GRA before he fled the country. Another staffer, Garfield Pearson, of South Ruimveldt Park, was charged with four counts of embezzlement. It was alleged that in October 2009, at the GRA Head Office, located then on Main Street, he stole over $6M from his
Attorney-at-law Kurt Saccone employer, the GRA. Pearson was Systems Engineer at the time and was posted in the Information Technology department, the Prosecution said. Barnes had reportedly fled Guyana in the midst of the investigations. The police contended in the charges against Pearson and Barnes that between January 2008 and October 2009, the latter was employed as cashier. It was alleged that the two conspired to steal over $3M paid by businesses for containers by deleting records of the transactions on the GRA system. Barnes was allegedly caught with $1M cash in his possession, according to Prosecutors. GRA sources, back in 2009, said that the scheme was much larger and a total up to $300M may have been lost in revenues by GRA and by extension, the state.
Monday November 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
Hungarians protest against corruption, want tax chief sacked (Reuters) - Thousands of Hungarians demonstrated against alleged corruption at the country’s tax authority and for wider democratic freedoms in Budapest yesterday in the latest protest to rock the country’s politics. The protests against the populist centre-right government, notably against a planned tax on the Internet, show that despite a big majority in parliament, Prime Minister Viktor Orban faces increasingly vocal opposition from civil society. Orban has raised eyebrows among Western partners, including the United States and the European Union, for policies that have penalised big businesses, limited democratic freedoms and - his critics say - pulled Hungary closer into the Kremlin’s orbit. Ye s t e r d a y ’s rally demanded the dismissal of tax chief Ildiko Vida, who admitted earlier this week she was one of several people including government officials - who were barred entry from the
Ildiko Vida United States on charges of corruption. She denied any wrongdoing. About 100,000 Hungarians rallied on Oct 28 to protest against a planned tax on Internet data traffic and the broader course of O r b a n ’s government they saw as undermining democracy and relations with European Union peers. The crowd yesterday marched through central Budapest and held up signs depicting the prime minister that read: “You
stink to high heavens!” a Titanic cutout emblazoned with his Fidesz party’s name and one with a pun on the tax chief: “Vida Loca!” The protesters, now as before, said they were marching for more than the specific issues the organisers originally called them out to oppose. They oppose the entire government and want it gone, they said. “Enough is enough, said Istvan Kramer. 45. “They are absolutely unscrupulous while we are oppressed and told to shut up.” “We don’t want to pay taxes in a corrupt country,” said Pirosha Hahn, 65. “What hurts me most is that my kids need to leave the country to find a job that pays enough to raise a family on.” “The corruption that works in this country is the worst because it all begins with the higher-ups, the government,” said 30 yearold Dia Szenasi, who arrived with a banner reading: “All corrupted here”.
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Miliband warns businesses of PM Cameron’s EU exit gamble (Reuters) - British opposition leader Ed Miliband will today attack Prime Minister David Cameron’s plans to hold a European Union membership referendum, seeking to shift the political agenda away from questions over his own future. In a speech to business leaders, Miliband will warn that political rivals who “flirt” with pulling Britain out of the European Union are putting millions of jobs at risk by generating uncertainty among business and deterring investment. The speech will come after a poll by YouGov showed backing for Miliband’s leadership had fallen sharply among Labour voters. Miliband will be looking to refocus attention away from speculation that some members of his party are readying a bid to oust him, and onto the issue of Europe - an area which is seen as a major headache for Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron six months away from national election. Cameron has promised a referendum by 2017 in a bid to combat discontent among rebellious Conservative
Ed Miliband
David Cameron
lawmakers and win back Eurosceptic voters who have defected to the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP). Miliband will call that policy a “false solution”. “Giving succour to the argument that the real answer is leaving the EU, or contemplating it, simply drags us closer to exit,” Miliband will say, according to advance extracts of his speech released by his office. “Every nod and wink to those who want to leave sends a message to potential investors in our country that we are not open for business.”
Miliband’s comments are also aimed at addressing the growing threat that UKIP, who advocate an immediate withdrawal from the 28-country bloc, pose to his own chances of becoming prime minister. Right-leaning UKIP emerged as a serious contender in centre-left Labour’s northern heartlands last month when they won a surprisingly high 39 percent of the vote in a special election to replace a deceased Labour lawmaker. Labour won that vote but by a much narrower margin than expected.
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 10, 2014
Page 18
Kaieteur News
Monday November 10, 2014
Cane-cutter electrocuted at home (From page 19)
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A 59-year-old cane-cutter was electrocuted yesterday afternoon at his Enterprise, East Coast Demerara residence, when he tried to connect a fan into a faulty extension cord. Dead is Prahalad Rajkumar, a resident of 502 Forbes Street, Enterprise, East Coast Demerara and an employee of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) for the past 40 years. The cane cutter’s wife, Shaimoon Rajkumar, said that he “re-connected the wires of the extension cord early last week after it was cut in half” and did not use it back until yesterday. The cane-cutter’s wife said that around 16:20 hours, her husband was upstairs and she called him downstairs to sleep beside her on the bed in their yard, as she felt lonely. In response, she said that her husband told her that he would “use the extension cord he had fixed, to connect a fan in the yard” to get some
Prahalad Rajkumar breeze since the place was hot. After she heard his response, the cane-cutter’s wife said that she proceeded to sleep, expecting him to join her. A few minutes later, Shaimoon said that she was awakened by the loud screaming of her husband, whom she witnessed shaking as he plugged the fan into the
extension cord. Rajkumar said that she immediately ran to her husband in order to remove a wire which was stuck to his finger, causing the electrocution. Unfortunately, she too was shocked. After screaming from the shock as well, Shaimoon said that her eldest daughter immediately came to their assistance and managed to remove the exposed wire. At this time, her husband’s condition was already critical. The labourer’s wife said that the canecutter was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by neighbours who responded to the screams. Unfortunately, Rajkumar was pronounced dead on arrival. The mournful wife said that officers attached to the Vigilance Police Station are currently investigating the matter. Apart from his wife, Rajkumar leaves to mourn two daughters.
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Relatives of drowned Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal Darrel Prince say that he suffered epileptic seizures and should not have been allowed to participate in the course in which he met his demise last month. There have been conflicting reports on how the 32- year-old ended up drowning on October 18, last, at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School, (CRMJATS) located at Makouria, Essequibo. He was
participating in the army’s Junior Leader’s Course. The Army has stated that a Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding Prince’s death. He was laid to rest last Wednesday at Number 53 Village, Corentyne. Relatives said that several army ranks attended, and Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips and another senior officer paid tributes. A female relative told Kaieteur News that Brigadier Phillips pledged that more stringent safety measures would be enforced at the training school. She said that the Chief of Staff has also offered to meet with Prince’s mother, who flew in from overseas for his funeral. According to the relative,
Lane Corporal Prince had spent some 14 years in the army and was participating in the course to gain promotion. The relative said that a senior officer said that Prince had asked to take part in the course. Kaieteur News was told that the army was aware of Prince’s medical condition and supplied his medication. However, it was reported that the rank had not experienced any recent seizures. Prince is survived by his mother, foster father and six siblings. It was just last year that another rank died by drowning at the same training base. On April, 21, 2013, army medic Kevin Calder, 28, died while swimming with another soldier in the Essequibo River.
Monday November 10, 2014
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Kaieteur News
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EDUCATIONAL First Aid/CPR Training course at St. John, Wednesday, 19th November, 2014. Call: 225-9082
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 6273206 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call :225-9032, 647-2943 Hibiscus Jewellery & Pawn Shop, 15-16 American Street, Best price offer, open from 9:00-4:00 – Tel: 225-7252 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 231-0655, 683-8734 For professional and affordable landscaping services, grassing, leveling, perorated & drainage, system, supply of earth- Call: 626-1044, 656-1326 Repairs to refrigerators gas stoves washing machine, A/ C units – Call Lindon: 6411086, 694-2202, 227-8907 Now Open – Diamond Auto Spa “where everything sparkles” – 186 Durban & Smyth first three cars wash daily free. Promotion ends November 10th. H&R Construction and Consultancy Services: Specialized in general construction & electrical installation – Call: 661-8802 Specialized repair to washing machines, refrigerator, dryer, stoves, AC units, Hot water pressure pumps, ovens, deep fryer –Call: 661-7977 FOR LOWCOST: REPAIRS TO FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/ C UNIT, MICROWAVES, TV & WASHING MACHINE CALL: 629-4946 OR 225-4822 Services and repairs to gas stoves, washing machines, electric stoves, etc. Call: 688-0183 For Delicious Puri, Roti & any Kind of Curry Orders – Contact Safia Hussain: 2276789, 698-3592, 169 Thomas Street, Kitty. Parts Motorworks – Tel: 6947949 Repairs: seadoo, jetski, jetboard, inboard/outboard engines, generators, pressure washer, ATV etc. FOR SALE/FOR RENT Located @ Lot 5 Block ‘K’ Walkers’s Delight W.C.D 4 bedrooms all self contain. Price $25M/ per month $100,000 Tel: 674-4929/ 662-0187
VEHICLE FOR SALE First Class Auto: In stock Premio, Spacio, 212, Sienta, Rush, Fielder, Bluebird- Tel: 609-8188/ 602-6307 Pitbull Bus ($3.1M) unregistered, Noah, Regius ($2M) unregistered - Call: 603-9700 1- 2001 new model 212 stick shift - $2M, 1 -2000 year model Tacoma with 3RZ engine- $2.1M – Call: 6165974, 618-8703 One pit bull 19 Seater BNN, Excellent Condition- Call: 652-0709, 276-0556 1-Honda-600RR, Toyota Raum, Rav4, AT212, AT192, EP71 Starlet, Fun cargo, Tacoma 2007- Call: 644-5096, 697-1453 1999 Toyota Tacoma (black) excellent condition, auto extended cab, fully loaded – Call: 610-5370 Mitsubishi Canter 2 Ton, 4D 32 Engine GGG Series, good working condition Call: 669-2290 Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call:643-2403 15 Ton dump Truck very good working condition, price very attractive - Call: 681-5988, 675-5448 1 Spacio, 7-seats, Excellent condition, 4 years, Price Negotiable. Tele: 624-5018; 227-3749 Unregistered Premio with Rims - $2.250 – Call: 657-1796 Unregistered Spacio 2004, camera, rims, body kit, Fielder 2003, black interior, fully loaded. Call: 617-5536 RZ Minibus VVTI Engine, BNN Series. Call: 697-2550 2004 Toyota Avensis, new tyres, interior well maintained, 75,000 KM, Excellent paint job, seat covers, asking $3.2M – Contact: 651-3000 Toyota Ipsum, sunroof, spoiler, R/Rack, automatic, fully loaded, excellent condition - $1.5M - Call:6122258 Toyota Noah, VVTI, Mags, Automatic, full loaded, excellent condition - $1.6M – Call:612-2258 Cheapest VVTI and 1RZ Super GL buses, CAMI, Road Side Property in Bougainvillea Park, Farm E.B.D – Tel:616-7635
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
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VACANCY Insurance Claims Investigator, Sales Manager, Sales Representative. Send CV to P.O.Box 101666, Georgetown Work from home; earn $5,000- $20,000 dailyContact: 233-6517, 622-1957, www.jobfairworldwide.com International Cruiseline Purser officer, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionist, storekeeper, cleaners, electrician, carpenter, plumber, musicians etc – Tel: 2316296, 650-9880 Experienced hair dresser with client and nails technician and barber (male) @ Diamond Housing Scheme – Call: 695-2268, 216-1350 Hire car drivers & contact cars from E.C.D- Call: 2201000 Cool Square: Kitchen Assistant, Waitress, Cleaners, and Room Attendants. Apply in person. Call: 226-7418 Cashiers @ Shell Service Station Providence EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) – Tel: 265-7306 One Shop Attendant - Call: 625-5322 Assistant Salesgirl, E.C.D. Contact: 622-3250, 665-9747
LAND FOR SALE Blankenburg @ The Back Of Gas Station (3) Lots @ 75' X 76' Each. $20M for all 3 Lots. (1) Lot for $10m - Contact 650-0402 Prime Land @ Corriverton, 1.3 Acres, roadside land suitable for gas station/ hotel/ shopping mall, etcCall: 626-6245 Parika (Butcher Shop Street) – One (1) Lot 38' X 150' $ 7m - Contact 650-0402 - for serious inquiries Diamond/Grove, New Scheme, land with foundation & post, corner lot, $7M (neg) - Call: 603-9700 ECCLES: Build your own home in a modernize gated community, lot size 60X100 - $7.5M – Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033 ECCLES: Commercial Lots - $14M – Call: 227-2913, Cell:689-3033 One land Located at Cornelia Ida W.C.D, Phone, water & light – Contact: 652-0709; 276-0556 Soesdyke, Linden Highway – Call: 678-1575, 223-8590
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad Call: 647-1773/660-5257
WANTED One domestic: apply in person with a valid police clearance @ Bacanas Hotel @ 180 Charlotte street Bourda. Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education - Call: 612-1607 Gold Investor, Gold Claim on Rental, giving out position to work stone & free goldCall:679-0030, 678-8748, 6224415 Live in domestic, must know to cook Indian dishes between ages 30-45yrs, salary $60,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free. Call: 610-5043 Live in waitress, must have secondary education between ages 18-25 yrs, Salary Starts @ $50,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free. Call: 610-5043 One Live in maid to work in home in Georgetown – Call: 669-6030 One shop attendant to work in the Interior- Call: 681-6044 Cook and waitress; must be from the vicinity of Herstelling- Alexander Village. Call: 678-4470, 233-2849 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 (1) 16 DISC Tractor room plough. Tel: 688-1785 2 Kitchen assistant, 1 salesgirl, to work in Restaurant Juice ++, At Madhia, accommodation and meals provided- Call: 617-1415 Farm worker, male clerk- Call: 265-3586 Live in domestic in Peter’s Hall, 1 week on; 1 week off, 40years plus, starting $13,000. Call:675-0767
MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! – 6684554 American Style massage services- Call: 678-7499 Relax with a massage from Anna. Contact: 661-8969. (Continued page 18)
Monday November 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Binding Jamaica & South Africa Heavy rainfall causes flooding, The Gleaner - Leaders of Tshwane and Kingston to pool efforts to tackle common problems in the two cities Mayor of Kingston Angela Brown Burke and Kgosientso Ramokgopa, executive mayor of the South African city, Tshwane, last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to build expertise and exchange information in several areas. Ramokgopa, who was on a five-day visit to Jamaica, and Brown Burke reaffirmed that the collaborative efforts presently being undertaken in relation to music, as well as the culinary, visual, literary and performing arts serve to reinforce the friendship and understanding of the traditions of their peoples. The MoU underscores the plan to collaborate in the areas of youth empowerment, sports and culture, safety and security, governance, inner city social programs, revenue collection and budget processes, local economic development and, research and innovation. In order to achieve the objectives of the MoU, the cities have vowed to promote dialogue and cooperation on issues relating to trade and investment, and exchange
power outages across St Lucia
Mayor of Kingston Angela Brown Burke (left) and Executive Mayor of Tshwane, South Africa, Gosientso Ramokgopa -Gladstone Taylor / Photographer opinions and technical expertise on efficient service delivery and good governance. The two cities are also to establish cooperation mechanisms to confront socio-economic related challenges and to promote people-to-people interaction, to the benefit of both cities with regard to education and culture. There is also to be a twining of various institutions and organisations in the two countries and cities to ensure broader stakeholder support and further elaboration on specific projects and
Sonia Garro Alfonso “They should now be released immediately and be allowed to await their trial outside of prison.” Amnesty International has been calling for the trial to go ahead in accordance with international standards, including the right of the accused to call defence witnesses and to challenge the evidence against them. It said all three were arrested on March 18, 2012 during a demonstration by a group of government supporters who gathered in front of Sonia Garro Alfonso and Ramón Alejandro Muñoz González’s house. Amnesty International said the government supporters, helped by state security officials, were attempting to prevent the couple from participating in in events to commemorate the
ground. Phillip also reported that some areas, north of the capital, were without electricity as a result of a fallen pole. “We are aware that sections of the capital have also been affected by flood waters. The government continues to monitor the situation and encourages all to report any concerns or damage in their area,” Phillip said, adding “while an
improvement in weather conditions is expected later today, we wish to advise those in flood and landslide prone areas to remain vigilant. “Please adhere to the caution against sea bathing until the weather improves,” Pierre said. A government statement said that response teams have been mobilized and are attending to blocked roads and bridges, fallen trees and landslides.
Study finds uneven tax rates among rich and poor in Jamaica
programmes. The partnership will also be exploited to leverage the exchange of coaching expertise with the University of Pretoria High Performance Centre in South Africa and the GC Foster College in Jamaica, to include track and field, swimming, rugby and netball. A five-year joint implementation plan to collectively pursue the objectives will be developed to oversee the implementation of the MoU. The parties further agreed to establish joint working committees dedicated to dealing with specific issues.
Amnesty International says Cuban detainees left in ‘unfair legal limbo’ LONDON - CMC – The London-based human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, says the trial of three people arrested in Cuba during a government crackdown on peaceful protests has been postponed for a fourth time in two and a half years, leaving the detainees in an “unfair legal limbo”. According to Amnesty, Sonia Garro Alfonso, a member of the Ladies in White (Damas de Blanco), a protest group, her husband Ramón Alejandro Muñoz González and their neighbor Eugenio Hernández Hernández have been in pretrial detention since March 18, 2012.Their trial was due to start on Friday but was once again postponed without explanation, said the human rights group, adding that no new trial date has been set. “The Cuban authorities’ continual postponing of the trial without explanation raises concerns that the charges against the three may be politically motivated,” said James Burke, Caribbean Researcher, Amnesty International.
CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – Heavy rains caused widespread flooding in St. Lucia on Saturday resulting in several fallen trees, blocked roads and landslides. Infrastructure Minister Phillip J Pierre said low lying communities along the northern and eastern sections of the island were among the hardest hit by the rains that started on Friday and residents in these areas were urged to move to higher
anniversary of the crackdown on dissidence, which started on March 18m 2003 and led to the imprisonment of 75 peaceful activists. They were charged by the public prosecutor in September 2013 with public disorder and attempted murder. Sonia Garro Alfonso faces the additional charge of using violence or intimidation against a state official. Their trial was postponed previously on three occasions, in November 2013, June 2014 and October 2014, “with no reason ever given for each postponement,” Amnesty International said. “This morning across Cuba, members of the Ladies in White have been peacefully demonstrating in front of their local courts on behalf of Sonia Garro Alfonso, Ramón Alejandro Muñoz González and Eugenio Hernández Hernández,” the statement said. It said there have been reports of arrests of members in the city of Matanzas and the town of Palma Soriano in the province of Santiago de Cuba.
Jamaicans wait in a long line to pay taxes at Tax Administration Jamaica’s Constant Spring collectorate. (OBSERVER PHOTO) Jamaica Observer Jamaica taxes the rich at one of the lowest rates in the world while taxes on the poor are among the highest, according to a new Personal Taxes Study by UHY, an international accountancy network. It has led to calls to increase the tax threshold in order to reduce the tax burden on Jamaicans. “The Jamaican Government should take bold steps to increase the tax-free threshold to US$10,000. This measure would have a positive effect on employees’ productivity, and tax revenue loss can be recovered via a sales and consumption tax,” stated Dawkins Brown, managing partner of UHY Dawgen in Jamaica. The study, released last week, found that individuals earning US$1.5 million (J$168 m) a year pay 29 per cent as income tax in Jamaica compared with the global average of 40 per cent. That equates to US$1.06 million in take-home pay. But the Jamaican scenario flips towards comparatively
greater taxation for those who earn smaller salaries. The study found that individuals earning US$25,000 (J$2.8 million) a year pay income tax at 26 per cent in Jamaica while the global average drops to 17 per cent. Interestingly, the European average drops from among the highest in the world at 50 per cent for US$1.5 million earners down to 17 per cent for US$25,000 earners. Brown explained that on the upside the relatively lower tax rate in Jamaica for highincome individuals could serve as a competitive business advantage. “While not a lot of employees in Jamaica are earning US$1.5 million or approximately J$14 million per month, this is important to attract high-skilled professionals from abroad, who can train our local staff, resulting in ‘effective knowledge transfer’,” Brown said in an e-mailed response to Jamaica Observer queries. Last week, the World Bank announced that Jamaica jumped from roughly 94 to 58 in the ranking of the 2015
Doing Business Report. It resulted in the island topping the region as the most competitive for doing business. Jamaica’s improvement resulted from a series of business reforms Government fast-tracked in order to access financing from multilateral agencies, led by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Lower tax rate is definitely a competitive business advantage. Multinationals who seek to expand internationally are motivated by competitive tax policy, both for personal taxes and corporation taxes. As Jamaica improves its ranking in the Doing Business Report, more companies will seek to explore possibilities of setting up subsidiaries here. Tax policy will be a key determinant in this decision,” stated Brown. The study found that some of the lowest rates were in Dubai, at zero personal income tax, and Russia, at 13 per cent. It also indicated that rates were adjusted following the western financial crisis.
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 10, 2014
Iraqi officials say IS leader Iran, U.S., EU nuclear talks in Oman seen going to second day wounded in airstrike BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi officials said yesterday that the head of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was wounded in an airstrike in western Anbar province. Pentagon officials said they had no immediate information on such an attack or on the militant leader being injured. Iraq’s Defense and Interior ministries both issued statements saying alBaghdadi had been wounded, without elaborating, and the news was broadcast on staterun television last night. The reports came at a time when President Barack Obama said the U.S.-led coalition was in a position to start going on the offensive against the Islamic State militants. Al-Baghdadi, believed to be in his early 40s, has a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head. Since taking the reins of the group in 2010, he has transformed it from a local branch of al-Qaeda into an independent transnational military force. He has positioned himself as perhaps the pre-eminent
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi figure in the global jihadi community. His forces have seized large parts of Syria and Iraq, killed thousands of people, beheaded Westerners and drawn the U.S. troops and warplanes back into the region, where Washington is leading a campaign of airstrikes by a multinational coalition. An Interior Ministry intelligence official told The Associated Press that alBaghdadi was wounded by an Iraqi airstrike that came during a meeting Saturday
with militants in the town of Qaim. The official, cited informants within the militant group. A senior Iraqi military official also said he learned in operational meetings that alBaghdadi had been wounded. The operation was carried out by Iraqi security forces, both officials said, although they did not know how seriously al-Baghdadi was hurt. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss confidential material. A statement posted yesterday on the official Facebook page of Defense Minister Khalid Obeidi also said al-Baghdadi was wounded, but added that he was targeted in the northern city of Mosul, currently the group’s biggest stronghold in Iraq. A senior U.S. defense official said Saturday that the coalition conducted a series of airstrikes targeting a gathering of Islamic State leaders near Mosul, but he could not confirm whether alBaghdadi was part of the gathering.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (R) and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) shake hands as Omani Foreign Minister Yussef bin Alawi (2nd R) and EU envoy Catherine Ashton watch in Muscat yesterday. REUTERS/Nicholas Kamm/Pool MUSCAT (Reuters) Iran, the United States and European Union will hold an unscheduled second day of talks on Monday on disagreements blocking resolution of a dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program, a U.S. official and Iranian state media said. With two weeks to a deadline for a comprehensive accord, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and EU envoy Catherine Ashton met in Oman’s capital Muscat on Sunday to address a decadelong confrontation that has raised the risk of a wider war in the Middle East. Reiterating Iran’s official line, Ali Akbar Velayati, a top aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted by Iranian media as saying the Islamic Republic would not abandon its nuclear “rights” but was committed to the negotiations under Khamenei’s leadership. Western countries and close U.S. ally Israel suspect Iran has covertly sought to develop the means to build nuclear weapons. Iran denies any secret nuclear weapons agenda, saying it wants peaceful nuclear energy only, but has refused to curb enrichment capacity and has been hit by damaging U.S., EU and U.N. Security Council sanctions as a result. The discussions aim to put verifiable limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment work and any other potential path to a nuclear weapon - in return for a gradual lifting of sanctions. The negotiations at a luxury hotel appeared to be intense. The Iranian, U.S. and European delegations met
from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. local time, broke for lunch and consultations, and then resumed three-way talks just before 6 p.m. (1400 GMT). Both U.S. and Iranian officials said the discussions would continue on Monday, past the time when some of the participants were due to have left. “Talks will continue in the morning,” a U.S. official said. “Talks between Kerry, Zarif and Ashton ... will continue on Monday, to narrow the gaps and reach a comprehensive deal by the Nov. 24 deadline,” the official IRNA news agency reported. Omani Foreign Minister Youssef bin Alawi gave reporters an upbeat assessment of the talks. “By the level of commitment all parties are showing, we feel comfortable,” he said. “There is no going back ... I feel that all parties are positively willing to reach an agreement.” The thorniest unresolved issues are the size of Iran’s enrichment program, the length of any long-term agreement and the pace at which international sanctions would be phased out, according to Western and Iranian diplomats involved in the negotiations. Washington also wants intensive verification and monitoring measures to ensure Iran is living up to its end of the bargain. As Kerry arrived in Oman, a senior U.S. official said the three-way talks would be “an important meeting,” with the focus on making progress in order to meet the deadline. U.S. officials say major gaps still remain in negotiating positions. Kerry said last week that the United States and its partners were not contemplating an extension
of the Nov. 24 deadline, although he held out the possibility that negotiations could go beyond that date if major issues were resolved and there were only technical details to wrap up. Speaking to Iranian state television on his arrival in the Omani capital Muscat on Saturday night, Zarif reiterated that sanctions imposed on Iran had brought “no result” for the West. “If the West is interested in reaching such a solution, there is possibility to find a solution and to reach an understanding before November 24,” he said. Quoted by Iranian student news agency ISNA in Tehran, Velayati said Iran “will not abandon our rights” over nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Arak as well over the size of its centrifuge program that enriches uranium for nuclear fuel. Centrifuges are machines that spin at supersonic speed to increase the ratio of the fissile isotope in uranium. Low-enriched uranium is used to fuel nuclear power plants, Iran’s stated goal, but can also provide material for bombs if refined much further, which the West fears may be Iran’s latent aim. “We are committed to the talks and our negotiators are acting based on a framework ... outlined by the leader,” he was quoted as saying, reinforcing the widely accepted notion that Khamenei has the last word on important matters of state. A senior Iranian official close to the talks told Reuters the Oman talks would examine “the gaps that are still huge, Iran’s enrichment capacity and time frame of lifting sanctions.”
Monday November 10, 2014
Kaieteur News
Obama defends plan to act on immigration: CBS interview (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama defended his plan to use executive powers to implement some immigration reforms, saying in an interview broadcast yesterday he had waited long enough for Congress to act. Obama told congressional leaders on Friday he would try to ease some restrictions on undocumented immigrants, despite warnings from Republican leaders that such actions would “poison the well” or would be “a red flag in front of a bull”. The meeting came after Obama’s Democratic Party was punished in midterm elections on Tuesday. Republicans seized the U.S. Senate and kept a majority in the House of Representatives, in what Obama said was a message from voters who held him responsible for how Washington worked, or didn’t. In an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Obama said he had watched while the U.S. Senate produced a bipartisan immigration reform bill, only to have it not taken up by House Republican Speaker John Boehner. Obama said he had told Boehner if he could not get it done by year ’s end, the White House was going to have to take steps to improve the system. “Everybody agrees the immigration system’s broken. And we’ve been talking about it for years now in terms of fixing it,” Obama said in the interview, according to a CBS transcript. U.S. borders needed to be
President Barack Obama secure, the legal immigration system needed to be more efficient and there needed to be a path to legal status for the 11 million undocumented immigrants. “We don’t have the capacity to deport 11 million people — everybody agrees on that,” he said. Obama insisted he was not telling Republicans they had run out of time or trying
to circumvent them. “The minute they pass a bill that addresses the problems with immigration reform, I will sign it and it supersedes whatever actions I take,” Obama said in the interview. “And I’m encouraging them to do so ... on parallel track we’re going to be implementing an executive action. “But if in fact a bill gets passed, nobody’s going to be happier than me to sign it, because that means it will be permanent rather than temporary.” Without any changes, the government will continue to misallocate resources, deport people who should not be deported and not deport those who are dangerous, he said. Any unilateral action promises to draw the ire of Republicans in Congress. U.S. Senator John Barrasso, the No. 4 Republican in the Senate, told Reuters on Friday members of Congress had told Obama that would
be a “toxic decision”. “It will hurt cooperation on every issue,” Barrasso told “Fox News Sunday”. “What the president does over the next two months is going to set the tone for the next two years.” Representative Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said on ABC’s “This Week” he hoped Obama would delay action “and have a real comprehensive discussion about what’s possible, because a great deal is possible on immigration reform.”
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Brazilian Grand Prix
Monday November 10, 2014
GNRA yearend Fullbore National Short Range Championships
Nico Rosberg beats Braithwaite & Peter Persaud are new Nat’l ‘Kings’ capitalized on the Caribbean Individual By Franklin Wilson Persaud third. Champion’s bad shoot at the 500 Yards For the next year, the title of National Peter Persaud, like Braithwaite was Lewis Hamilton Champion in the X-Class and O-Class Range yesterday to draw level on points tested by Terrence Stuart whom he BBC Sport - Nico Rosberg held off Mercedes team-mate and title rival Lewis Hamilton to win a racelong battle at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Hamilton fought back to close a seven-second margin after a spin at about one-third distance just as he appeared to be set to take the lead. But Rosberg did just enough to hold him off in a tense final part of the race. It reduces Hamilton’s lead in the title race to 17 points, with 50 available in the final race in Abu Dhabi. “I’m very happy with the whole weekend,” said Rosberg. “I’ve been feeling comfortable in the car and controlled the gap to Lewis in the race.” Hamilton can win the title by finishing second to Rosberg in Abu Dhabi on 23 November, even though double points will be on offer. But the Englishman may rue a half-spin on lap 28 which, as it turned out, decided the race in Brazil. Rosberg had made his second pit stop on lap 26, with Hamilton less than two seconds behind him. Hamilton stayed out. He set the fastest lap of the race to that point next time around, having set three sectors that were the fastest anyone had set up to that point. The Mercedes engineers
calculated that his first lap had not been enough to leapfrog him ahead and decided to keep him out for one more lap to give him extra time to build the advantage he needed. But he dropped a wheel on to the white line on the entry to Turn Four, the Descido do Lago and ran wide into the run-off area, half-spinning. Hamilton said: “Ultimately it cost me the win. I was a much quicker up to that point. I went a second quicker, thought I was going to pit on that lap, used all my tyres and on the next lap there was nothing left. “I locked the rear and went wide. No-one’s mistake but mine.” The incident cost Hamilton seven seconds, which he reduced to two over the course of their third stint. Rosberg came in first for his final stop, on lap 50, with Hamilton making his a lap later, and their battle resumed with them half a second apart on lap 52, 19 from the finish. Hamilton, clearly faster, stayed within a second of Rosberg for the remainder of the race but was never close enough to make a passing attempt. Rosberg thus took his fifth win - his first since Germany back in July - while Hamilton has 10 victories.
respectively are Lennox Braithwaite and Peter Persaud. The duo staved off challenges from their counterparts to emerge winners of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) yearend Fullbore National Short Range championships which concluded yesterday at the Guyana Defence Force, Timehri Rifle Ranges. It brought the curtains down on three days of exciting competition which began on Sunday November 2nd, continued on Saturday, ending yesterday. Both Braithwaite and Persaud led from the first day and never relinquished the lead despite some good scores posted by their rivals on Saturday and yesterday. Braithwaite was tested by National Captain Mahendra Persaud who Third day & Overall Scores X-Class Name 300 Yards Ransford Goodluck 50.7 Mahendra Persaud 50.4 Leo Ramalho 46.1 Lennox Braithwaite 50.6 Dylan Fields 48.4 O-Class Dane Blair 47.2 Terrence Stuart 48.3 Sherwin Felicien 44.0 Peter Persaud 46.2 Chaflin Velloza 39.0
going into the final range. While Braithwaite only scored 44 points, Mahendra Persaud shot a possible to catch up but the new champion returned to form at 600 Yards to nail another possible, his second of the day while Mahendra fell down as he only mustered 46 points. It was indeed an electrifying end to the championships. Dethroned champion Ransford Goodluck won the aggregate for the day shooting a possible at 300 Yards to end with 147 points and 12 Vs. Persaud and Braithwaite were the other two shooters to achieve a possible at 300 Yards. Leo Ramalho achieved a similar feat at 500 Yards. Goodluck ended the championship as the runner-up with National Captain
dethroned. Stuart trailing by 9-points going into the final day came within two of retaining his crown but his performance wasn’t enough to deny Peter Persaud from being crowned OClass champion. Winning the grand aggregate for the day was Dane Blair who found excellent form but it was too late to challenge for top honours. Blair and Stuart ended the day on 142 points and 8Vs but Blair who attained the highest score at the longest range got the nod. Captain Persaud summed up the championships as a very good one that produced competitive shooting, noting shooters got better as the competition matured. He said that the front runners did well to hang on to the early advantage that they created.
500 Yards 49.4 50.4 50.6 44.3 48.3
600 Yards 48.1 46.3 49.4 50.5 48.3
Total 147.12 146.11 145.11 144.14 144.10
Overall Total 395.31 (2nd) 394.25 (3rd) 391.28 (4th) 398.43 (1st) 387.20 (5th)
49.5 49.3 48.2 44.1 44.1
46.1 45.2 47.1 45.3 43.1
142.8 142.8 139.3 135.6 126.2
361.20 (4th) 376.22 (2nd) 376.18 (3rd) 378.24 (1st) 328.7 (5th)
Six days remain before Region’s best racers square off at South Dakota By Rawle Welch Six days remain before some of the best racers in motor sport in the Caribbean converge at the South Dakota Circuit to participate in the final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC). But long before race day, a flurry of activities among the sport’s administrators, sponsors, competitors and the fans had started as they prepare for what has gradually developed into the biggest sporting spectacle in the ‘Land of Many Waters’. No other sport in Guyana is responsible for the large influx of visitors who converge at the premier motor racing facility to witness the annual showdown between the region’s best drivers and riders as they exhibit their skill and will in a battle for overall supremacy. Reigning Caribbean champion Guyana will no doubt be aiming to keep hold of the country title and perhaps add the individual crown to its collection, especially with two of its sons Kristian Jeffrey, who leads the points standing, and teammate Danny Persaud, firmly placed in the top two spots. The host has named a
strong team to defend home turf, but Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have also done the same, so fans could expect a day of exhilarating rivalry when the competitors take to the grid. Motor racing across the Caribbean is on the move and the traditional countries that host the various legs in the Series are all set on improving their respective facilities with the clear focus being on expanding the Series to attract racers from outside the Caribbean. Barbados has taken the lead in this direction, hosting the Top Gear Festival earlier this year, while the country is confirmed to host the Race of Champions Meet in December where some of the best drivers from F1, NASCAR,
Le Mans, Rallycross and World Touring Car are anticipated to compete. The Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC), the official entity with responsibility for the sport here did manage to get the assistance of Government to resurface the South Dakota Circuit a few years ago, but will have to significantly improve to get FIA’s approval to host events of the magnitude that Barbados is doing. Plans are in the pipeline to move in that direction and should the construction of a bigger and better Circuit become a reality then the sport which is enjoying a fillip right now could progress even further. The month of November
in recent times is synonymous with motor racing and this Sunday expected show of force from the fans will evidently emphasise this view. Hundreds of visitors are expected in Guyana from North America, the Caribbean and even further afield with Guyanese nationals projected to be the bulk of overseas support so it is added incentive for the local racers to drive and ride on their support and keep the titles in Guyana. What is assured is that the fans will be the real winners since the Guyana leg because it usually decides who the winners are has always proven to be the most exciting in the Series.
Yelyco trounce Achievers to... From page 25 another pulsating faceoff with no letting up on either side as the respective Coaches sought to keep their charges focused. French Guiana eventually won 25-22 to draw level thus setting up the fifth and deciding set. This too was a thriller, throughout, it was any body’s game as both kept within striking distance of each other. French Guiana eventually won 18-16 to claim the top spot. The individual awards were shared evenly with French Guiana’s Gerogina Marie Claire and Soria Pirisse taking the Most Valuable Player and Best Setter awards while
Suriname’s Merville Sno and Janise Valise were named Best Receiver and Best Attack, respectively. Guyana Volleyball Federation President John Flores in remarks at the presentation ceremony thanked all the teams especially the visitors for accepting the invitation to attend the festival which serves to help in the development of the sport in the Guiana’s. Also attending was immediate Past President of the GVF, Lennie Shuffler who assisted with the presentation of prizes. Plaques of Appreciation were presented to the respective Coaches of the two visiting nations.