Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Our rubber-stamp President Mimicking the colonial authority DEAR EDITOR, It is now clearer than ever that we are dealing with a desperate Government, one that is willing to pull out all stops to hold on to power at all costs. Recent developments in Guyana have established a trend of not only denials, but a systematic breakdown of respect for laws, for the people and for the country. In the midst of it all, the Opposition seems clueless on how to tackle what is surely emerging to be a clear dictatorship of our country. From the onset let me say that when Donald Ramotar was sworn in late 2011 to become President, there was a sigh of relief that the dark days of Bharrat Jagdeo was over. Little did Guyana know that the more things change, the more they remained the same. Not only did Ramotar fail to live up to the expectations that at last a decent man was in the State House, he has also made true his promise that his administration was one of continuity-continuing what Jagdeo had started to do to the people of Guyana.Together with a few rogue ministers, Jagdeo’s influence and iron-grip on the administration remained very evident in face of a rubber-
stamp President. One by one, the many deals by Jagdeo have started to fall apart at the seams. In so doing, a chosen few have alarmingly snatched control of key sectors like telecommunication, drug supply, media houses, and even transportation…Berbice Bridge. Let me say that I do believe sincerely that 60 percent of the monies that the state spends ends back in bribes and kickbacks to corrupt officials. Overpricing, backroom deals and laxity from corrupt engineers have all been contributing to where we are. Immediate evidence is our roads. Less than one year after the big hype of a $60M road, the poor quality work becomes evident. How could this be if there is supervision? We now come to that now infamous audio tape made by Attorney General Anil Nandlall to a senior Kaieteur News journalist. While the Government has attempted in vain to wiggle from the explosive revelations as contained in that almost 19 minutes of recording which saw threats made Kaieteur News, it is clear from their words that they have accepted it is what the Minister said. In his recent statements,
The problem of caste DEAR SIR, With all the talk about chatri and caste in the upper echelons of the PPP, I wonder to what caste the following persons belong: Dr. Roger Luncheon; Mr. Samuel Hinds; Mr. Robeson Benn; Mr. Odinga Lumumba; Bishop Juan Edghill; M r . Carvil Duncan; Mr. Joseph Hamilton; Ms. Gillian Burton and the many Muslims and other Africans who are members of the Party. Lance McCaskey
Open letter to President Ramotar DEAR PRESIDENT RAMOTAR, I respectfully refer to your decision to prorogue Parliament. ‘President Ramotar I hope to God, that you know what you are doing‘. As one of the citizens who truly love and care for our beloved country, the only advice I can give you at this stage, is to let WISDOM
prevail. Please Mr. President, think country first, not party or government; please, think country first! Give us some kind of assurance that our country will not disintegrate. We need an undertaking from you, that you will do everything possible and within your power to prevent Guyana from falling apart. Audreyanna Thomas
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
with the blessings of Donald Ramotar and his administration, the Attorney General, lived up to the trend set by Jagdeo…deny everything that hurts the party, even if it is the glaring truth. In any other country, the Minister on his/her own accord would have stepped down. It would have been the right thing and the moral thing to do. That tape went viral, making it one of those most debated issues in Guyana and probably the most embarrassing for the ruling party. Yet, despite the many things that have been pointed out as wrong in this tape, the PPP/C continues through its control of the state media and radio stations it handed to friends, to attempt to spin the situation. It is not hard to imagine that Monday’s suspension of Parliament and attempts to place the Attorney General as part of the team to “hand” over those $10,000 grants to school children, was a lame attempt to repair the image of a party that has lost touch with the people of Guyana who are crying for real leadership, honesty and transparency. Mr Editor, no amount of ghost writers in the stateowned Guyana Chronicle and Government-friendly media houses can cover the truth. The truth is the truth. As the old people say, the boat done “gaan” a falls. It is therefore unforgivable that our religious organizations and leaders have remained so silent in face of these atrocities. It hurts more when we look next door and see how one woman, TT’s own Kamla, firing 13 ministers during her reign. It was hard to do, she admits, but it was the correct thing to do. Is our President more interested in power? Or is he ready to make the change, be the change that Guyana so desperately wants? Abdul H.
DEAR EDITOR, All of us, including PPP supporters, have to congregate to avert the rule of tyranny. Hard as President Ramotar tries to make acceptable his application of the proroguing authority vested in his office, as outlined in Article 70 (1) of the Constitution, it cannot remove the clear fact that in this instance its use is misapplied. Those who remember history, Monday, November 10, 2014 evoked memories of October 1953 when the Colonial Authority suspended the constitution, threw the government out of office and the rest is now history. The PPP has never forgotten to remind this nation of that dark period in our history. And rightly so, because this was an attempt by the Crown to silence the voice of the people and hinder their inalienable right to self-determination. In today’s Guyana, the Head of State is not a monarch, but the people’s Chief Public Servant. A way forward must be found to address the president’s misapplication of the constitution. Irrespective of our differences on issues what must bind us is the desire and inalienable right to be free. It may be another tempting proposition to use the misapplication of Article 70 (1) to castigate the ‘Burnham Constitution.’ Persons are urged to rethink this approach since it would be creating another smokescreen to attack a bogeyman, while the president and his cabinet are allowed to run amok in their continued violations of this sacred instrument. Let us be reminded, Article 70 (1) is a parliamentary procedure used in the British
Parliamentary system, inherited and maintained verbatim by former colonies including Australia, Canada, and sister commonwealth countries. In Guyana our Constitution, at Article 106 (6) enshrines power to the people through their elected representatives, to hold the Cabinet accountable through a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. For the president to have his administration escape answering/subjecting themselves to the people under the guise of enforcing Article 70 (1), is a disregard for the representative tenet underpinning our constitution, and a dictatorial act. No person, group or
individual, is greater than the people under our constitution, and this must be upheld. What the president has done is to seek temporary escape to account to the people in whom the constitution vests the power. The people will now have to come together and restore to them what is guaranteed to them. And while in 1953 this inalienable right to selfdetermination was not enshrined in that constitution, in 2014 the Constitution safeguards this right. Our voices and actions in the coming days must be designed to return sovereignty to the people. Lincoln Lewis
Ramotar has stolen democracy DEAR EDITOR, Reprobates have legitimately stolen democracy by discontinuing to meet in parliament. Prorogation! No sitting of the oppositioncontrolled National Assembly. A band of cowards has chosen a dictatorial path to rulership, rather than face parliamentary scrutiny. The choice made yesterday by PPP/C has irreparably damaged its future. The ruling party has chosen methods it decried; the same methods used by our colonial master, Britain, to usurp the will of the people, to sanction what type of governance we as Guyanese had wanted in October 1953. Just a mere 61 years ago Cheddi Jagan, the then elected Premier of then British Guiana, had the election overturned by the
prorogation of parliament and thence turfed from power! The oppressed has become the oppressor. This very act denounced and repudiated by the predecessors of the current rulers is now being deployed. They must not have been acquainted with their history or they have blatantly chosen to ride roughshod over their electorate. This dastardly act has cemented a rule by decree for the next six or a possibly 10 months. In essence the rule by this Minority President Donald Ramotar and his cronies will go unchecked. They can do what they want. It is up to all citizens of this great land, as our forefather did, to rise up, stand up and emerge from our apathetic coma in order to put a halt to this blight on this nation of ours. Louis Nestor
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Fuel tax hiked by 20% Rohee dodges important As fuel prices continue to fall on the world market, it is unlikely that Guyana will see any reduction anytime soon at the gas stations. This is because the government has reportedly approved an increase in the taxes for gasoline and diesel. Earlier this month, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, in a notice to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), said that under the Financial Administration and Audit Act, the Cabinet of Ministers approved increases of the excise tax on gasoline from 20 percent to 40 percent. Diesel was also
raised significantly from 15 percent to 35 percent. The increases took effect from November 5 and will remain in force until further notice, the Finance Minister said in his notice to Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur. It was copied to Auditor General, Deodat Sharma; Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Mahender Sharma; the Guyana Oil Company, Sol Guyana Inc, and Rubis Guyana Inc. There has not been any official announcement from Government on the tax
increase, although international news agencies have been reporting heavily on the drop in oil prices on the world market. Under a special arrangement, Government has from time to time adjusted the excise tax on fuel, depending on the prevailing price. In most cases the taxes were reduced to help cushion prices locally as prices on the world market went up. Yesterday, crude oil fell to a four-year low of US$79 per barrel. Fuel prices in Guyana remain among the highest in the region.
Con artists using classified ads to target victims An East Coast Demerara businesswoman is thanking her lucky stars after she responded to a newspaper advertisement and was conned almost $90,000. The gang of con artists has since returned the money and the victim is warning persons to be on alert. According to the businesswoman, she responded to an advertisement in Kaieteur News published early last week which offered “specialized repair to washing machines, refrigerator, dryer, stoves, AC units, hot water pressure pumps, ovens, deep fryer…” The businesswoman was interested repairs to be done to a pressure pump. “I called this number and a woman answered. She called for someone named Ricky and he came on the phone. He was well spoken.” The man took directions and came later in the afternoon. “He told me that the tank for the pump was too small and had to be changed. He said that if he had to supply the parts, it would cost $85,000. But if I buy the parts the workmanship would cost $20,000.” “Ricky”, described as chubby man, took an
advance of $5,000. The businesswoman said she spoke to the man on Wednesday last and he told her that he was unable to make it then as he was working to install aircondition units in the Turkeyen area. The woman said she became interested also in the air condition units and made arrangements for the man to install two at her property. However, the woman, being a cautious person, told the “contractor” who gave his name as Ricky Dass Persaud, that she wanted to see where he operated from before she handed over an advance. “Ricky” had no objections and met her at a Third Street, Alexander Village address where he pointed to a back house. The businesswoman, reassured that “Ricky” was a legit person, agreed for the transaction and the man arrived at her Enterprise property on Friday. He came in a car, a white Toyota Corona Premio bearing registration, PHH7554. The man even had a contract which said that two Samsung 12,000 BTU Split Air Conditioners were supposed to be installed at the Enterprise property. In the back seat of the car were what
appeared to be the air condition units. It was agreed that the price for the supply and installation of the units would be $170,000, with $90,000 to be paid immediately and the balance within three months. On signing the contract, the businesswoman said she handed over the advance to “Ricky” who said he was going to the car for the units. However, the man jumped in the car and pulled off. The frantic woman said she called Ricky’s number, 661-7977, but it was turned off. She hurried to Alexander Village where “Ricky” said he lived. There was more bad news. Nobody by the name of “Ricky” lived there. The businesswoman said she visited Kaieteur News where she met with staffers. Checks discovered that two classified ads were placed at the same time by a woman named “Sharon”, including another one offering construction services…for a company called H&R Construction and Consultancy Services. On Monday, Kaieteur News managed to make contact with a number belonging to a relative of (Continued on page 16)
questions on Nandlall
- Directs them to Cabinet Secretary
Attorney General, Anil Nandlall
Dr. Roger Luncheon
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, refused to answer questions relating to the controversy surrounding the Attorney General (AG)’s use of $6M belonging to the state for a personal undertaking. In a profanity-laced recording of a conversation between the AG Anil Nandlall and a Kaieteur News reporter, Nandlall was heard admitting to the transaction His exact words were, “I use some money from the government and Glenn (Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall) mek an issue of it. I pay back deh f**king money long before he even mek de issue and he know about it because wha it pay fuh.” The confusion came when Nandlall sought to cover his tracks. As he read a statement to employees of his Ministry, Nandlall said that what he was heard saying on the recording was unfortunately interpreted to implicate him in some form of financial impropriety. He said, “I wish to set the record straight on that issue. 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.” This statement has already been contradicted by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, but Rohee chose not to even answer questions related to the issue despite the fact that he is a sitting member of Cabinet. When asked if he was present at Cabinet meeting when the body approved $6M of taxpayers’ money for the Attorney General’s personal use, Rohee responded, “What money?” However, Rohee, who said he had “no knowledge”, made sure he clarified h i s statement. The politician said “let me be careful, when I say I have no knowledge of that, I mean I have no knowledge of what you are saying, not that I have no knowledge of what Cabinet approved.” But when offered clarification on what was being asked, Rohee said “I am not going there.” “Please, please, I would wish to encourage you not to use my press conference to legitimize a recording that the government is now seeking to have greater scrutiny,” said Rohee. Pressed to answer the question even from the aspect of the AG’s statement, Rohee said that the best person to answer questions
related to Cabinet would be the Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon. Rohee said that the Cabinet Secretary is best to answer, mainly because he has the record of all decisions made by Cabinet. But the probability of Dr. Luncheon answering that question is slim. Only last week, he told the media that he wishes to distance himself from making public pronouncements on the Nandlall issue. Luncheon noted too that government’s stance to support Nandlall even in the face of the recorded evidence of his transgressions does not necessarily reflect the advice by him to the President. Luncheon said that while his opinion may have differed from those which influenced the position taken by the government, he is fully prepared to support the administration’s stance. Another high ranking government official who spoke on the issue is Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. In an interview with Kaieteur News, Hinds said that he would not call the monies approved for certain emergencies an entitlement. The Prime Minister disclosed that such discretion by Cabinet “is not something that is automatic. It is something that would require much review.”
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
Two Jamaicans jailed, fined for ‘ganja’ Benjamin Isaiah Carrington and Tamara Nicola Douglas, two Jamaican nationals, who were nabbed with over 60 pounds of marijuana at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), last April, were yesterday each sentenced to five years imprisonment for the offence by Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Carrington, a 27-year-old former vendor was fined $25,181,000 and sentenced to 60 months imprisonment for having in his possession 15.454 kilograms (34 lbs) of marijuana on April 21 at the CJIA he had for the purpose of trafficking. Douglas, 31, and a hairdresser by profession was fined $18,408,000 and sentenced to 56 months imprisonment for having in her possession 12.272 kilograms (27lbs) of marijuana for trafficking purposes. Their first appearance was
Benjamin Isaiah Carrington before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Police Prosecutor Michael Grant, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the state,
argued that both defendants confessed in writing that they were the ones who packed their suitcases without any assistance. Grant further explained that the two had arrived at the airport on Fly Jamaica Flight OJ152. “As they were passing through the scanner, police ranks observed a block-like image in their suitcase.” They were then called and asked to identify their luggage to which they complied and a physical search was conducted whereby police uncovered the illicit substance contained in transparent plastic bags. The Prosecution said that the defendants were told of the offence, arrested and taken to the Headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) where the cannabis was weighed and they were charged. The two were represented by Attorney-At-Law Motee Singh. They are set to appeal the sentencing.
Ten Indian women die, dozens sick after mass sterilisation
Ten women have died in India and dozens more are in hospital, some in a critical condition, after a state-run programme that pays women to undergo sterilisation went badly wrong, officials said Tuesday. Sterilisation is one of the most popular methods of family planning in India, where the government provides cash and other incentives to try to control the country’s billion-plus population, but rights groups say the system is often abused. More than 60 women fell ill after undergoing the surgery over the weekend in the central state of Chhattisgarh, and 10 have now died, local official Sonmani Borah told AFP. “With two more deaths reported today (Tuesday), the death toll in the family planning operation-related
case has gone up to 10,3 Borah told AFP by phone. Around 80 women had the procedure at the local government-run sterilisation camp. The women suffered vomiting and a dramatic fall in blood pressure, said Borah, the commissioner for Bilaspur district, where the camp was held. It was not immediately clear what caused the deaths, but
doctors in the state told AFP the women’s symptoms suggest the drugs they were given after the relatively simple procedure may have been the cause. State governments in India frequently organise mass sterilisation camps under a national programme whereby women are given 1,400 rupees ($23) as an incentive to have the operation.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Activist pleads for safe house for abused women ST JOHN’S, Antigua – There’s a call for the establishment of a safe house for victims of domestic and other abuses, rape, human trafficking and the like. Head of the Women Against Rape (WAR), Alexandrina Wong, said given what she called “the prevalence” of such incidents in Antigua & Barbuda, the need is urgent. Her comments come on the heels of a report from a 33-year-old woman, who said she’s scared for her life after a masked man who held her up at gunpoint and attempted to rape her, threatened to return and finish “the job”. The woman, whose name cannot be published, according to the Sexual Offences Act, said the man
Alexandrina Wong attacked her around 5:30 pm last Thursday while she was walking near Little Canton Supermarket, just outside the Ottos area. “He beat me up bad and
now all my teeth are shaking in the front of my mouth. He said he knows where to find me. Up to now my mouth still bleeding after he beat me and I am scared because he said he has been watching me a long time,” the woman told OBSERVER media. Wong said to simply advise the woman to get someone to stay with her at her home is not enough protection for a woman in such a situation. She said a safe house would be ideal, adding that at least once per week victims call upon her to help find a safe place from their abuser(s). Also, she said, similar groups that cater to such victims, sometimes turn to her for help in finding a safe place for victims.
St Ann businessman, Cool Oasis employee remanded in multi-million fraud case ST ANN, Jamaica – A St Ann businessman and a senior employee of Cool Oasis Corporate office charged with defrauding the company of approximately $100 million will have to wait until tomorrow to know if they will be granted bail.Attorney Oswest SeniorSmith made a bail application on behalf of 39year-old Hansley Berry and 26-year-old
D’Andra Gibbs yesterday, when the two were brought before the St Ann’s Bay Resident Magistrate Court. However, presiding Resident Magistrate Vaughn Facey will not make a decision until tomorrow. The two were charged by the Major Organized Crime and Anti-corruption Agency (MOCA) last Friday. (Jamaica Observer)
Foreign affairs minister heads to CARICOM-Japan Ministerial Meeting The Gleaner - Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator A.J. Nicholson is to lead a delegation to the Fourth CARICOM-Japan Ministerial Meeting in To k y o , J a p a n w h i c h i s being held November 14 and 15. The Jamaican delegation, which also i n c l u d e s t h e c o u n t r y ’s Ambassador to Japan, Ricardo Allicock and Director for Caribbean and the Americas in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Angella Comfort, left the island for the meeting yesterday. They’re expected to return on Sunday.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the discussions will focus on Japan-CARICOM Relations and Cooperation in the International Arena on issues such as Security Council Reform, Climate Change and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Meeting falls within the context of the commemorative events to mark the CARICOM-Japan Friendship Year, as CARICOM and Japan celebrate their Twentieth Anniversary of relations in 2014. 2014 also marks the
A.J. Nicholson Fiftieth Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Jamaica and Japan.
Six charged for million-dollar cocaine haul ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Lawmen have disclosed the names of the six men implicated in a $1.7 million cocaine haul last Friday. They are Weatherills resident, Eugene Francis; Sutherlands resident, Elvi Brito, originally from the Dominican Republic; Matthias Greenaway of Dominica but who lives in
Yorks; and three Venezuelans – Erick Gutierrez, Eddy Marquez and Ramon Brito. Immigration officials have no records of the three Venezuelans and have concluded the men entered the state illegally, perhaps by vessel. The six accused are charged with, among other
things, possession and intent to supply the 50 kilograms of cocaine to other persons. They appeared before Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh Monday but were not required to enter a plea since the quantity of drug with which they were allegedly found exceeds two kilograms.
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
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INSTEAD OF D-DAY, THE OPPOSITION GOT P-DAY The shock and the frustration on the faces of the supporters of both the AFC and APNU following the prorogation of parliament should come as no surprise. These supporters were hoping for a party, instead they got a “wake.” The supporters of the parliamentary opposition parties were gleeful on the morning of November 10, 2014. They were anticipating the resignation of the government. After being out of power for over twenty years, nothing more would have gladdened the hearts of the opposition supporters than the humiliation of the government being forced to
resign because of the passage of a no-confidence motion. It did not matter what the grounds were for the noconfidence motion. The opposition supporters did not need any basis for the noconfidence motion. Any reason was good enough. In fact, the absurdity of a noconfidence motion without any stated reason has not yet dawned on these supporters. The AFC was of course the party that was leading the charge. And its leaders were deflated when they learnt that the President had prorogued the parliament. They should now explain to the Guyanese people, and all of those who were planning to celebrate the
downfall of the PPP government, why they never predicted that the government would resort to prorogation even though it is provided for in the Constitution. They should explain why they never saw prorogation coming even though there is recent precedent for such action as in Sri Lanka in 2001, and in Canada in 2008, of more recent vintage. The opposition parties were caught napping. They ought to have predicted that prorogation was one of the options open to the government. They had to know that this option was utilized by Prime Minister
Dem boys seh...
DONALD AIN’T GOT A MIND OF HE OWN Old people seh that life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath. There is another saying. “It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!” Jagdeo scatter nuff sh**t suh till a big load fall pun Donald head. He follow Jagdeo and get suh stupid that he run and cancel de same Parliament that give he power. When Parliament pass a law is he got to sign it. But he get very crookish of lately. Dem boys coulda never believe that he woulda invite people to he house fuh dinner and lock up he house and go way. That is wha he do to dem MPs. He send out notice de week before; he plan de date and everything to reconvene Parliament suh dem could have proppa dialog—not de log wha Bai Shan does ship out. When he do that he had de nerve to seh that he shut parliament to have dialog wid de opposition. This got to be de strangest episode in de history of Guyana.
Everybody, even de smallest child, know that is parliament all de dialog and discussions fuh de people business got to tek place. How come Donald don’t know that? He tell de nation that he shut down de parliament to have dialog wid de opposition. Dem boys hear is de Goat Man and Jagdeo tell him to do that. De first meeting, dem boys hear, is at de house of de man who seh goat nah bit he. From that house he plan fuh meet in de house of de man who Rohee seh got tremendous influence inside de PPP. Who is this man? This is de man who resemble de devil.
That is why dem boys seh that Donald is behaving like de thing that ain’t bite Rohee. He is president and he allowing a man who is a private citizen fuh tell he wha fuh do. This is de same man who did holla pun Donald when he was GS (Goat Sh**t like Rohee now) and tell he fuh stick to running de party and lef he fuh run de government. Now this man running de party, de government and Donald, plus Rohee. CN did use to seh pun he TV is a shad, shad shishuashan we in. Talk half and pray fuh Guyana under Donald.
Stephen Harper of Canada in 2008 to avoid a no-confidence motion against his minority government. It was the same situation in Sri Lanka in 2001. The opposition parties ought to have planned for such an eventuality. They did not. As such, they have no one but themselves to blame. The AFC was the architect of the noconfidence motion. It has to take responsibility for what happened. APNU also has to accept some responsibility for going along with the AFC, when it is clear that it was and still is not in APNU’s interest to support the no-confidence motion. APNU found itself between a rock and a hard place. It would have been difficult for APNU to not have indicated that it would support a no-confidence motion against the PPP. That would have played right into the AFC’s hands. And in the context of internal dissent within the PNCR, would have played right into the hands of those within the PNCR who are opposed to Mr. Granger. APNU was therefore obligated to express support for the no-confidence motion. This was the rock. But APNU had to have seen the problems that such a motion would cause for the coalition. While it may not admit this publicly, unless APNU was confident of at the minimum winning a plurality of votes at elections, it made no practical sense for it to
support the AFC’s noconfidence motion. Such support would force general elections within three months and if those elections handed a plurality once again to the PPP, nothing would have changed. APNU would have gambled and lost. This was the hard place. APNU therefore tactically decided to press for local government elections, while still insisting that it would support the no-confidence motion tabled by the AFC. The government read between the lines and decided to have discussions with APNU on this issue. During the course of these discussions, APNU felt that the government would accede to naming a date for local government elections. But the President was also between a rock and a hard place. How could he have set a date for local government elections when there was the possibility of a no-confidence motion forcing general elections? APNU did not read between the lines. It did not realize that the President was seeking a deal. The deal was local government elections in return for a delay or nonsupport by APNU for the noconfidence motion. This was both a rational and reasonable position. APNU said it had no interest in further talks.The die was cast. APNU could not now back down from supporting the noconfidence motion, but it also
knew that it cannot win a plurality of votes at any elections called within three months, unless the AFC joined its partnership. The AFC said no. Then and there APNU should have said no deal. It went along with pledging support for the noconfidence motion. Both the AFC and APNU had their supporters hyped up expecting D-Day on November 10. Instead of DDay, they got P-Day. My question to all of those who feel riled up by what the President has done is this: What would you as President have done in the face of a no-confidence motion? Would you have dissolved parliament or would you have prorogued parliament? Or would you have stood there and be humbled into resigning? Think about it! Think about this also: If instead of proroguing parliament, the President had decided to dissolve parliament. This would have meant calling elections. Do you believe that with the AFC not joining with APNU, the latter could have commanded a plurality of the votes necessary to form the government? APNU, I am sure, does not believe that!
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
My week with President Ramotar begins today In the conversation between Anil Nandlall and Leonard Gildarie, Nandlall is heard telling Gildarie that Ramotar had a conversation with Glenn Lall’s wife, in which it was requested that the Kaieteur News stay away for one week from any condemnation of the Government. It appeared that Lall did not acquiesce and the President was mad. So far the President has not denied that specific reference to him in “Tapegate.” One can assume that it is true. If Lall didn’t give Ramotar his week, I will do so now. I have resumed writing every day in the week. So for the next week, I will be offering the President not a week of abstention of
condemnation, but a week of stepping up the tempo (remember the word “tempo” as used by the AG in that recording?). The increased tempo will take in both the style and political chemistry of Donald Ramotar and his do-nothing presidency. And when he does offer something, it is selfdestructive - the proroguing of Parliament. Mr. Ramotar is the weakest president ever in the history of the postcolonial CARICOM region. Disaster looms ahead for him; can his regime survive the coming baptism of fire? In the seventies when the Burnham regime sank deeper in the authoritarian whirlpool, the PPP stepped up its activities against the
government? First, there was the frequent arson on the sugar estates. The murder of Constable Henry and the wounding of his partner, Joaquin during a violent PPP attack on the Corentyne toll gate. The PPP also developed a closer working relation with the WPA. The intensity of antidictatorship politics was inevitable given some terrible moments of authoritarian output by President Burnham. There was the 1973 rigged general election; the 1974 rejection of an appointment of Dr. Walter Rodney at UG; the fraudulent 1978 referendum. In 1980, the general election was rigged again. There was the murder of Father Bernard Darke.
From 1971 when there was an attempt on the life of UG professor Joshua Ramsammy to the 1980 murder of Walter Rodney, the Burnham Government had lost its legitimacy. This was a rich period of anti-dictatorship struggle and the praxis involved in it could only be rich and finely textured. Two PPP activists missed out on this seminal period of Guyana’s postcolonial stress - Donald Ramotar and Clement Rohee. It explained why both men are manifestly insensitive to human rights issues, and have no overt guilt about the excesses of bad governance. Both men were dispatched by Janet and Cheddi Jagan to Czechoslovakia to live and work in Prague, helping to fill the contents of the journal of the international communist movement, World Marxist Review. Both of these young PPP activists spent ten years in Prague. In those ten years in Guyana, the seeds of Burnham’s downfall were sown. Rohee came from the lumpen-proletariat and made Metropole cinema his home. As was natural, he would skip
across the road to lime at Freedom House. He hung around Freedom House doing menial tasks so often that he was noticed and drafted to do low level political work. I knew Rohee then when I was a sixteen-year-old employee in the Michael Forde Bookshop. Taken in hand by Mrs. Jagan, Rohee was tutored at the Mirror newspaper by Mrs. Jagan, who sent him to communist countries to broaden his horizon. When the Prague opening came, he fitted the bill. The reason for sending Rohee to Czechoslovakia was essentially different from that of Ramotar. Sensitive about not having African youths in the party, Janet Jagan made sure that Rohee’s future was assured. In the case of Ramotar, he had no productive years in the youth arm of the PPP, the PYO, and the PPP itself. He worked as a clerk in the PPP business arm, GIMPEX, then did a stint at GAWU, where he was a field officer. GAWU people felt he was not trade union material. It was then that the opportunity arose to send him to Prague for ten years.
Frederick Kissoon When he came back from Czechoslovakia, there was no place for him in the hierarchy of the PPP. Strange that during the election campaign of 2011, Dr. Roopnaraine whipped up the crowd with the slogan, “No place for Donald.” Roopnaraine meant no Cabinet post since 1992, but in fact since the eighties there was “no place for Donald” in the PPP itself When Ramotar came home, the PPP had a full quota of activists that formed the core of its line-up – Navin and Indra Chandarpal; Gail Teixeira; Moses Nagamootoo; Feroze Mohamed; Clinton Collymore; Komal Chand; Roger Luncheon; Boyo Ramsaroop; Reepu Daman Persaud, Isahak Bashir, among others. There was never any place for Donald. After 2015, they won’t be any.
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Caribbean on developmental course – Ambassador LaRocque The Caribbean is still struggling to emerge from worldwide ‘financial shocks’ that have impacted the economies of Member States. But such challenges are certainly not new to this section of the world. “The threat of global climate change to our environment, our economies and indeed our societies looms large, particularly for our Community of Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States,” revealed CARICOM’s Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. He was at the time addressing a gathering at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus’ 48th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday last. But according to
...but business community expected to aid process Ambassador LaRocque in spite of the challenges “these are exciting times to be a citizen of the Caribbean Community. They are also exciting times to be at the CARICOM Secretariat,” the Secretary General said as he went on to inform the audience that this past July, the Caribbean’s Heads of Government approved the first-ever five-year Strategic Plan for the Caribbean Community. According to him, the plan is to be implemented through coordinated strategic management involving the Secretariat, Member States and other regional institutions. The plan is one that recognises the
need for prioritisation, setting achievable targets and greater accountability, as well as for putting in place the necessary arrangements to strengthen its implementation. Even as he urged the university graduates to go online and read more about the plan, Ambassador LaRocque disclosed that it contains a number of high priorities such as: accelerated implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). He informed too that aided by the plan, steps will be taken to build competitiveness and unleash key economic drivers to encourage growth and generate employment.
WBD $$M sea defence attracts four bidders For the construction of Rip Rap Sea Defence at La Retraite, West Bank Demerara region three, the Ministry of Public Works received four bids. The bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Main and Urquhart Streets.
The Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development received bids for the cleaning and final closure of Grove Dumpsite.
Finally, there were two bids for the supply and delivery of one generator set for Moraikabai, Mahaicony River, Region five.
“We are going to work towards the creation of a Single Information Communication Technology (ICT) Space in CARICOM. Imagine a space in which the cost of broadband is lowered, there is full portability of cell phone numbers across the Region, and there are no long distance charges for calls between CARICOM countries. That is what we will strive to achieve.” Added to this, Ambassador LaRocque spoke of plans to enhance the Region’s resilience to the effects of climate change and threats to its environment through proactive adaptation and mitigation strategies as well as improved disaster readiness, response and recovery. He also highlighted the need for focus on human capital development – including education, training and advanced research capacity. IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION Turning his attention to the need to build a strong Caribbean Community,
Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque Ambassador LaRocque emphasised the importance of ensuring that the skills taught in the education system are the ones needed to fulfil the Region’s development goals. “To do this, educational institutions, public policymakers and the private sector must collaborate more closely,” said the Secretary General as he underscored that “the business community knows what skills it needs, now and in the future.”
And it is the business community, he noted, that can help design training relevant to the labour market – which directly improves the employment opportunities for graduates such as those from UG. But according to Ambassador LaRocque, while there are already examples of this kind of collaboration, more needs to be done. “Our universities should be centres of research and excellence that inculcate a culture of creativity and innovation – a prerequisite for building competitiveness, which in turn is key to prospering in the new global economy,” he said. According to him, targeted research linked to the creativity and innovation of Caribbean youths could in fact help lead to a transformation of “our economies and societies and ensure we build resilience in the areas which the Strategic Plan identifies as vital for sustainable development.” Moreover, he noted that even as Guyana is poised to lead in areas of Climate Change, through its Low Carbon Development Continued on page 12
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Prorogued Parliament… By Kiana Wilburg Even after an almost week’s notice of President Donald Ramotar’s threat to either dissolve or prorogue Parliament, with the latter being the ultimate decision, the joint political opposition - A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) - still seems too shaken to meet and decide on the way forward. Some observers have opined that the Opposition allowed itself this time around “to be caught with its pants down” as it on Monday afternoon, could not even appease worried and frustrated protestors with the blueprint for its strategy after the President’s decision was announced. And from all indications this remains the case. Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, was asked yesterday about his party’s proposed way forward and if it has met with
Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Way forward still undecided - APNU, AFC caught unaware, yet to meet
Political Activist, Aubrey Norton
APNU Leader, David Granger
AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan
APNU on their strategy. Ramjattan answered in the negative. Ramjattan said that the way forward has not been decided as it has not met with its counterpart, APNU, as yet, but the AFC is on its own, currently “strategizing.”
APNU Leader David Granger also confirmed that a meeting with the AFC on the next step has not been decided as yet but he expects that they would meet soon. The Opposition Leader however, noted that APNU will be hosting a rally at the Square of the Revolution on Friday. He said that the rally is being held to register
disdain for the oppressive denial of parliamentary democracy. There were also concerns from observers as to why Granger was not advised on the possible implications of Ramotar making good on his threat and the strategy that should be taken in such an event. Asked yesterday why this was not done, APNU
parliamentarian Basil Williams told this newspaper that the question should be posed to the Opposition Leader. Pressed further on the basis that he is the legal advisor for the coalition and the shadow Attorney General, Williams said, “Listen man, I don’t know. I already told you who to ask.” He then ended the telephone call. In an invited comment, political activist, Aubrey Norton said that the Parliament being prorogued is but a dictatorial move. He said that the citizenry must admit that the provision in the Constitution to prorogue, however archaic, is a clear oversight, but he maintained that it was a
misuse of powers by the government. “It is a bad move by an illegitimate government,” Norton stated. He asserted that the government’s decision can only be seen as “taking things to the extreme and it is undemocratic.” Norton said that he believes the government has essentially removed one of the pillars of democracy. He nonetheless expressed hope that while the reaction of the people may be in the form of peaceful protests, he hopes that the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force act on the side of the people and do not allow themselves to be used against them.
C’bean on developmental... From page 11 Strategy, perhaps UG will be able to embrace the opportunity to develop a Centre of Excellence in this area as well as in areas of forestry, given the country’s vast natural resources. In support of these types of initiatives, Ambassador LaRocque said that a CARICOM Commission on Human Resource Development has been established. And one of its main tasks is to develop a CARICOM Education Agenda, with a roadmap for action by Member States, aligned to Twenty-First Century competencies, competitiveness and sustainability. The Commission, the Secretary General, said, will begin its work shortly. “All of this is important, challenging, and rewarding work. I would like to use this occasion to invite you to help us do it. It is my hope that you and others like you – products of the education system in our Community – will be inspired and engaged to take our regional integration movement forward. Our very future depends on it. Your drive and energy, your idealism and commitment, are essential if we are to build a prosperous, secure, sustainable, resilient Caribbean Community with opportunity for all,” the Secretary General stated.
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Jagdeo is influential in the PPP - Rohee Former President Bharrat Jagdeo is still influential within the ruling People’s Progressive Party. As he hosted the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) weekly press conference on Monday, the Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee confirmed this. Rohee was also asked to confirm statements to the effect that the PPP is divided into two groups – “Jagdeoites” and “Jaganites” meaning that some Party members hold on to teachings of PPP founder and former President of Guyana, the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, while some have adopted the policies and tactics of Jagdeo. The General Secretary responded saying that such an opinion is “unscientific” and that only people who don’t understand the PPP would make such utterances. However, when confronted with the fact that it was said by a former longserving member of the PPP, Rohee chose not to give further responses. He further stressed that there is no division in the PPP. But when questioned about the influence of Jagdeo on the Party’s decisionmaking organs, Rohee responded, “He is
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo
PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee
influential….He is influential” The PPP Central Committee is made up of 35 members who were elected through congress. There are also five others referred to as candidate members, those are usually first timers and are not voted in. One month after congress, the Central committee meets and elects a 15-member executive committee. It also appoints the General Secretary of the Party who is essentially the Party’s leader. The executive committee is the body that more or less runs the Party’s affairs. That body meets once a week while
the central committee meets once every three months which amounts to four times a year. Meanwhile, in an invited comment, former executive member of the PPP Moses Nagamootoo said, that Jagdeo has for a long time has had a hold on many PPP members. He said that Jagdeo appointed most of the Ministers and in his opinion, has had a negative influence on them. Nagamootoo said that Rohee, who is supposed to be a real decision-maker in the PPP based on his appointment as General Secretary, is not as
independent as he should be. The long time politician said that Jagdeo controls a gang of eight in the executive committee and “whoever controls the eight controls the Party.” It was Nagamootoo who spoke about the Jagan/ Jagdeo division in the Party. He said that had it been up to the late founder of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, then the likes of Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, would have been reined in over the recent revelations made public in the now infamous audio recording between himself and a Kaieteur News journalist. He said that the party is no longer controlled by those loyal to Dr. Jagan’s teachings, but by individuals who now hold to the policies and tactics of the Former President Bharrat Jagdeo. Nagamootoo labeled them Jagdeoites as against Jaganites. The emails that were exchanged between Jagdeo, Nandlall and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) boss Khurshid Sattaur which revealed a plot to destroy Kaieteur News, suggested strongly that Jagdeo is still very influential at the highest levels.
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Man picked up by cops, beaten and dumped in lock-ups at La Grange Allegations of police brutality have once again been made; this time it is against ranks at La Grange Police Station on the West Bank of Demerara. The ranks are being accused of wrongfully arresting 38- year-old Sunel Lall, throwing him into the lock-ups and brutally assaulting him. To make matters worse, a badly battered Lall was released without charge, but only after his wife was forced to hand over $5000 to one of the ranks at the station. The incident comes at a time when the Force is desperately trying to recapture the image that is in keeping with its motto of service and protection. According to Lall, his ordeal began on Sunday night when he stopped at a roadside shop in his home village of La Parfait Harmonie to buy some souse. The man said he did not see the police following him, but as soon as he collected a cup of souse, someone slapped it from his hands and grabbed him from behind. The father of five said that startled, he immediately looked around and saw that it was police ranks who were on patrol. Before he could begin protesting, one of the ranks told him to shut his mouth and proceeded to handcuff him. He said that he was then thrown into the back of a police pick-up without being told why he was being arrested. “One ah dem put he foot pon me, he actually had he boots in me mouth. When I object, he stamp me in me back. I scream because de handcuff squeezing me hand and dey tell me fuh shut up,” Lall told this newspaper. He was subsequently taken to La Grange Police Station where he was placed to sit on a bench. According to Lall, the police still did not tell him why he was being detained. Instead, to his surprise, they gave him a document to sign. “I ask dem wha I do and dey tell me shut me mouth. I didn’t cuss dem, I didn’t resist arrest. Dey didn’t even ask me meh name but dey give me a paper fuh sign,” Lall said. Continued on page 30
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Trotman’s accuser fails to lift injunction The 22-year-old man who moved to challenge the court order that prevents him from publishing in the print or electronic media, any material relating to allegations he made against Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, saw his efforts rejected in court yesterday. Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang has dismissed the appeal Johnny Anthony Welshman filed to have the injunction overturned. The House Speaker has also undertaken to remain silent on the issue. The injunction which was granted on September 22, last, by the acting Chief Justice also ordered Welshman to remove all malicious content from his Facebook page. Welshman had, in response, moved to the High Court seeking to have the order discharged. The Chief Justice, after listening to Trotman and Welshman’s arguments over the past weeks, yesterday ruled that the injunction, which prevents Welshman from publishing or speaking about the “issue” in the public or on his Facebook Page, stays. Welshman has accused the Speaker of sexually molesting him over ten years ago; an allegation which Trotman has, at all times, categorically denied, asserting that it is a political plot designed to destroy him. The young man and his attorney, Peter Hugh, as well as Trotman and his counsel, Nigel Hughes, were present when the decision was handed down in the Chief Justice’s chambers. It was approximately thirty-five minutes after the session convened that Welshman was seen storming out, leaving the Chief Justice’s door ajar. The “ruckus” he created thereafter caused him to be cautioned
and threatened to be arrested by police officers. Welshman proclaimed “This has politics written all over it...The Chief Justice on last hearing, he had a hearing with Freddie Kissoon and Mr. Jagdeo. They would have to lock me up because I am telling you, I have him on camera.” Being grilled by reporters, Welshman insisted that this was a political ploy and further threatened to release recordings and videos to the media. Welshman exclaimed “same nonsense, pure politics… I was given an undertaking that I cannot say anything on my social media…Guyana has no cyber laws!” Passionately, Welshman argued that because of this, an order barring him from publishing information on his Facebook Page is wrong. “According to the laws, the Chief Justice cannot bar anyone from their social media, but let me tell Guyana that this will be big bacchanal and I have my documents to back it up,” Welshman fumed. “Let them charge me for contempt because this is nonsense and its pure dirty politics that they’re playing with. Let me tell the acting Chief Justice this…you cannot bar nobody from the social media site…let me tell you, they will have to charge me on contempt proceedings and I want it big in the headline,” Welshman expressed. Moments later, the remaining parties emerged. Amid insulting statements being spoken by an angry Welshman, Hughes explained that the injunction continues until there is a determination of the matter. The Speaker, he explained, has made a $50 million claim for damages done to his reputation as a
…House Speaker vows to also stay silent
Johnny Welshman Jr.
Chief Justice (ag), Ian Chang
House Speaker, Raphael Trotman
result of statements made by Welshman. “It is at the trial that the Plaintiff (Trotman) has to establish his reputation has suffered injury as a result of Mr. Welshman’s statement and the places where he made those comments,” Hughes clarified. The lawyer further
explained that the information is accessible on the World Wide Web, and as a result, every time someone launches a “search” with his client’s name these allegations will come up; adding “that’s an injury to his reputation.” Hughes said Welshman’s behaviour in the Chamber was “rather unfortunate”,
saying he disregarded the instructions of his own Counsel to the extent that he walked out of the court. In a response to Welshman’s claims, Hughes said “this is not an issue of cyber laws; this is a case of libel. Whether or not there are cyber laws, the fact is that Mr. Welshman published
statements that were hostile and adverse and injured my client’s reputation whether they were in cyber space, whether they were in print or wherever he spoke those words, they were published.” Hughes said in those circumstances, as long as Trotman establishes that they (the allegations) were published, and that there was no basis for it, he is entitled to damages. The trial is likely to come up within the next eighteen months to two years; until such time Welshman remains barred from adding to the allegations that are already in the public domain. Meanwhile, Hugh, who in the wake of Welshman’s outburst spoke little yesterday, had issued a statement saying that it was unacceptable behaviour on Trotman’s part to continue to continually attack the accuser of an alleged sexual assault, especially Welshman, who is restrained from publishing any material in relation to those allegations.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
President Ramotar has made democracy homeless By Kiana Wilburg General Secretary of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Joseph Harmon, says that President Donald Ramotar has essentially made “democracy homeless” by suspending the Parliament. The politician made this comment on Monday, after a session for Opposition Members of Parliament to ventilate on the President’s decision came to an end. Harmon told Kaieteur News that the Parliament was built on the basis of housing democracy and allowing principles of good governance to reign supreme. He said however that now that the government has chosen to go this route, it has made democracy “homeless”. In the same breath, Harmon stressed that such a
- Harmon
APNU General Secretary, Joseph Harmon move will not be enough to break the spirits of the people. The APNU General Secretary said the Opposition will take to the streets—the cradle of democracy—and speak with the frustrated citizens who yearn to see the back of the dictatorial People’s
Progressive Party (PPP). “We will have to speak to the people of the streets, in their hearts, wherever they live. What the President feels he has done by shutting us down has actually allowed us to spread our wings even further… anywhere we go will become the Parliament. Wherever we go will become the Parliament of the people,” Harmon stated. He said too that while the votes of the people do not matter to the government in the National Assembly, it cannot be controlled in the streets, “…and that is something Ramotar and his thieving cabal fail to understand”. Harmon said that the political opposition will not
allow the matter to “die a natural death” and added that he refuses to accept the decision. He emphasized that the people will show the government that they will fight for democracy. Opposition Leader, David Granger, also stated that he believes the nation has been served a grave insult by President Ramotar. The APNU Leader said that there is no precedent to be using such a provision in the Constitution to prevent the scrutiny of Ministers and their conduct. He reminded of the fact that the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, was being hauled before the Committee of Privilege for spending millions without parliamentary approval and opined that the government could not stand to face questions about the Minister of Legal Affairs and his alleged inappropriate behaviour in a 19-minute profanity-laced conversation with a Kaieteur News reporter. Granger deemed government’s latest decision
to be “a stupid act” and emphasized that it has only served to bring APNU and the Alliance For Change closer. The Opposition Leader expressed confidence in the fact that he believes the citizens of Guyana will demonstrate their anger and frustration. He noted, however, that there will be peaceful protests. He added that the protests must continue against the “illegalities taking place in the Office of the President.” Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, also added his voice to the issue. He said that the other side, being the government, only wins if the people allow it. He did not agree with Harmon’s comments entirely, that democracy is now homeless. “If we define ourselves as homeless, then we will indeed be homeless. Now is a good time for the political parties to go to the people in their communities and hold Parliament and meet with the salt of the earth of Guyana.”
Trotman asserted that it is important for politicians at this point to hear the problems of the people and exchange ideas with them on how the best solutions can be had for their difficulties, and even those facing the nation. Democracy being homeless, he asserted, is a mindset that citizens must not allow to set in at any cost. “Opportunities abound and we have to seize them,” the House Speaker concluded.
A former Police Constable, Michael Pollydore, was yesterday placed on $200,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. It is alleged that on November 4, last, without being a licenced firearm holder, he had in his possesion; one glock pistol,one .40 and eight .9mm live rounds of ammunition. Pollydore was represented by Attorney-At-
Law Patrice Henry, who told the court that Pollydore’s sister and a man identified as one Desmond McPherson got into an altercation during which a firearm was withdrawn. Prosecutor Sergeant Vishnu Hunt told the court that the facts of the matter did not differ from the defence except that the defendant escaped when he was sent to find his sister. McPherson allegedly left the woman’s home in a vehicle that was also used by the defendant. While the sister was making a report to the police, McPherson, upon
returning, parked the vehicle in front of the Pollydore’s home. The vehicle was later taken to the Police Station where a search was conducted in the absence of the ex-cop, and the firearm and ammunition were allegedly found. Pollydore was told of the offence, arrested and detained for seventy-two hours. Henry told the court that his client is a 30-year-old father of three who has no previous brushes with the law. He was granted $100,000 bail on each charge and the matter has been adjourned until January 13.
(From page 3) Granger described the prorogation of parliament as a means of silencing the population, denying their representatives the opportunity to relate the people’s concerns. Protest action by both the AFC and APNU took place outside Parliament Building on Monday following the government’s announcement. None of the government Ministers turned up for the Parliamentary sitting. The AFC has already expressed its disgust at the President’s action, while both parties have related that the action by the president has obstructed all forms of discourse. The opposition leader had stated a day before the President’s announcement that there will be no talks if
the government should shut Parliament’s doors. The Administration is hoping however that the opposition will come to the discussion table, with the intent to discuss the motion. A no-confidence vote against the Ramotar’s minor-
House Speaker, Raphael Trotman
Former cop gets bail on firearm, ammo charges
OAS urges earliest...
ity regime would be the first in Guyana’s history. It is being peddled that to save themselves from embarrassment and from discussing the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government “poor” track record thus far, “they have taken the easy way out.”
Con artists using... (From page 6) “Ricky” who said that he was out of the country. The newspaper made it clear that it would not tolerate a fraud and said it would publish photo images of “Sharon” in the newspaper. Hours later, the businesswoman said that a white car pulled up and the money was delivered. The driver claimed he was a taxi hired by a man. “I looked at the number plate on the car and it seems that they had switched some numbers on it. Instead of PHH 7554, it had PHH 7545. I am thankful to Kaieteur News for helping me get back my money. I would also like to urge persons to be careful. There are many con people out there.”
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
PPP is like “an ungrateful dog” to the people The prorogation of the Parliament by President Donald Ramotar has elicited strong responses from leaders of the opposition parties, with Vice Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Moses Nagamootoo, asserting that the action by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration is tantamount to being an “ungrateful dog” to the people. The attorney-at-law commented that the government has certainly served the Parliament, and by extension the citizens, a “devastating blow”. He predicted, too, that the government would most likely use the “break” to start a campaign to garner lost votes. Nagamootoo told Kaieteur News that he is worried about the financial improprieties that will take place, in light of the absence of scrutiny that will result from the suspension of the National Assembly. The AFC Parliamentarian opined that government will now use the opportunity to go on a spending campaign in an effort to recover lost ground. “They will be spending. They will probably commit themselves to activating certain programmes to show that they care. So what is going to happen is a campaign of social bribes. They will focus on Amerindian areas and other communities, for it is all about catching as many votes as it can now. “They will also use state media to the maximum to sell the party, because at this point, the government is terribly wounded. The PPP is more concerned about recovering lost ground. The government is also going to use this six-month breathing period to deal with internal problems.” The Vice Chairman said that there is an internal crisis in terms of deciding who will be the Party’s next Presidential candidate should there be a general election. “And obviously Ramotar knows he is being challenged, and talks of the likes of Rohee and others - who would be standing and looking on to see where they would come in - are already in the air. I am not at all enamored by the idea that we are going to see the PPP focusing on the bigger developmental projects; they always miss the bigger picture,” Nagamootoo said. Asked to what extent he believes the Parliament will be affected by the six-month suspension, the AFC
- Nagamootoo
AFC Vice Chairman, Moses Nagamootoo Executive said that he believes that the decision will be a huge setback. He made reference to the fact that members of the regional districts rely on their representing Members of Parliament to bring their troubles to the national table for discussion. However, he said, those citizens will now have to suffer from a huge “disconnect”. He deemed this to be a most dangerous implication of the decision taken by the government. “If you are not able to bring the feelings or the concerns of the people to the Parliament, then you are asking for trouble. In any democracy, a Parliament is considered a cooling-off pool where people can come and peacefully resolve issues, but in an extra-parliamentary situation, such as what we have today, it breeds confrontation. That for me is an ingredient in our politics that we shouldn’t have,” the
politician asserted. Nagamootoo was also asked if he believes that the move to prorogue parliament has, in a sense, made the people powerless for six months. He answered in the affirmative. “President Donald Ramotar has undone the power of the people. While some sections of society voted for the government, they have now realized that they are not worth anything, considering that it (Gov’t) has withdrawn from the place to talk the people’s business. The people want the government to face the edge of the sword and it is hiding from its inevitable end.” “The problem with the current administration is that it continues to beat its chest at the top of the highest tower and shout about its belief of empowering the people, and when it gets down from the tower, it goes on a hypocritical stage and acts out its true feelings—that being that it doesn’t care about the people.” “It’s like training your own dog to be a pet and it has turned back to bite you. That’s what the PPP has done. It has turned its back on the people. It’s an ungrateful dog!” Nagamootoo stated emphatically. The Parliamentarian said that the government’s decision to make the Parliament impotent sends a “terrifying message” for politics in Guyana.
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Tourism Awareness Month 2014…
Birdwatching tour, training session observed
Under the theme, ‘Tourism Entrepreneurs and Ambassadors Mobilised’ Tourism Awareness Month 2014 is being observed, as a Birdwatching tour and a Bird Guide Training Session were both conducted over the weekend as the Guyana Tourism Authority continues to roll out activities for Tourism Awareness Month 2014. Eighteen participants, inclusive of persons from Evergreen Adventures and Hurakabra Tours, along with residents of Fort Island, participated in the Essequibo Bird Guide Training, which was hosted on Fort Island in the Essequibo River. The trainer, Mr. Leon Moore, who was the GTA’s designated 2013 Tour Guide of the year, expertly facilitated
the basic level training session on Birds of the Essequibo, Important birding areas of Guyana, Birds endemic to the Guiana Shield, Parts of a bird, Bird Families, Qualities of the good bird guide and Pointing out birds to the tourists. M e a n w h i l e , representatives from the Mexican Embassy along with the Indian High Commission participated in the Birdwatching activity in the Botanical Gardens, in Georgetown. All of the participants expressed their delight at having the opportunity to spot several species including the Wattled Jacana, Tropical Kingbird, Yellow Oriole, and the elusive Blood coloured Woodpecker, which is mainly found in Suriname and
Guyana; the bird guide was Mr. Waldike Prince. The Botanical Gardens was declared a ‘Bird Sanctuary’ on November 18, 2011. It was recognised as an important Birding Area in Guyana, with land mass of 185 acres and home to over 189 bird species from 41 families. Birdwatching is one of the fastest growing niche markets in the world; over the years Guyana has been actively promoting Birdwatching as a tourism product and has succeeded in ensuring that more than 100 international companies are selling Guyana as a birding destination.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
C/ville Health Centre starts World Diabetes Day observance early - officials emphasise importance of screening Although it characterised an early start to the commemoration of World Diabetes Day, the Campbellville Health Centre experienced heightened activity yesterday as efforts were made to raise awareness about the medical condition of diabetes. World Diabetes Day is usually celebrated on November 14 annually and is therefore set to be observed globally on Friday. The activities yesterday to observe the day at the Health Centre, which falls under the purview of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), entailed several awareness presentations by medical experts and dental check-ups to which patients were exposed. Several students and members of the public were able to access free dental check-ups as part of the observance yesterday. Speaking to this publication yesterday doctor-
in-charge of the health facility, Dr. Kampta Prashad, said that a deliberate move was made to observe World Diabetes Day a few days early as part of its Chronic Disease Clinic which is usually held on Tuesday. “Basically what we are doing is educating and making our patients aware of what diabetes is and what are the complications,” said Dr. Prashad. Patients yesterday were informed of ophthalmologic complications that can result because of diabetes as they were of the importance of foot care which ranged from the types of shoes one should wear and the need for proper diet and exercise. Added to this, the Pharmacy department of the health facility also had a role yesterday in showcasing the various types of medications to cater to diabetes, and patients were informed of the consequences if the use of medication is not strictly
Dr. Kampta Prashad (sitting at left), Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, Mr. Michael Khan (standing), and Nurse Nalini Dass.
A student of the Campbellville Secondary School gets a dental check-up. adhered to. “Dealing with diabetes means you have to concentrate on three main things and these are exercise, diet and medication,” said Dr. Prashad who noted that it was for this reason that efforts were made to particularly raise awareness in this regard.
Currently, close to 800 of the 4,000-odd patients seen at the Campbellville Health Centre are diabetics and there is always a possibility of that number increasing every day, according to Senior Health Visitor Nalini Dass. Nurse Dass explained that as part of the commemoration, efforts are being made to amplify the need not only for persons to be aware of the condition but also to know that treatment is available. “Once they can identify that there is diabetes and
know that there is care and treatment for it, that is an important thing for them...and all this can follow after diabetic foot screening, random blood sugar testing, and checking your blood glucose level,” Nurse Dass related yesterday. The observance of World Diabetes Day was brought into being, according to Dr. Prashad, because of the growing number of persons who were found to be affected by diabetes. He too emphasised the importance of
screening, even as he pointed out that “even persons who appear to be in good health need to be screened...they need to come out and be screened on a yearly basis; they need to be aware that this is a condition that is out there and anyone can be walking around with it and they can come in and do simple tests,” noted Dr. Prashad. He pointed out too that while there are symptoms with which the virus can manifest, these symptoms may not Continued on page 30
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Akbar Auto Sales fire… Five Service investigators are still trying to find the source of the “explosive sound” that eyewitnesses said that they heard just before the warehouse of Akbar Auto Sales, at Cornelia Ida, went up in flames last month. Eyewitnesses have indicated that the explosion occurred in the furniture workshop. Indications are that investigators are looking at several possible causes for the fire, but an official who spoke to Kaieteur News was reluctant to comment until further investigations are done. From statements given to investigators, the owner Munaf Hussein, popularly known as ‘Akbar, was not on the premises when the fire started. Hussein’s wife was reportedly at the couple’s residence, which is near the warehouse.
Kaieteur News
Investigators focus on explosion just before blaze Kaieteur News understands that Hussein’s employees have stated that they were all on their lunch break at the time, and that the fire had already started when they returned. The fire, which occurred at around noon on October 31, last, destroyed at least 150 vehicles, as well as the workshop. Mr. Hussein estimated his losses in the millions. Firefighters were hampered by the presence of petrol in the vehicles and the presence of other flammable material. Kaieteur News understands that some customers had already made down-payments on vehicles in the warehouse. Akbar Auto Sales was established some 60 years ago, and was run by Mr. Hussein’s father, Mohamed ‘Akbar’ Hussein, who was gunned down on October 1, 1998, by notorious killer Jerry Perreira.
Dynamic Airways to... (From page 23) never given them permission to operate. Late last week, Director General of the GCAA had told Kaieteur News that Dynamic were at the time submitting their documents. He had stated that the airline was coming along with the documents that were required and would soon attain approval for its service. Roraima Airways, which is owned and operated by Gouveia, is the local representative and ground-handling agent for Dynamic Airways. He had said during the airline welcoming ceremony that Dynamic would be working to-
Page 27
wards attaining flag carrier status. He said it is not a designation given to the airline but one that is earned. Gouveia had also assured the Guyanese public that Dynamic is here to stay, even after it fell out on the Guyanese leg. Gouveia said that Dynamic will be operating non-scheduled flights, but the company is currently working on permission for scheduled operations. It had stated that it is hoping to have at least one Boeing 767 based in Guyana. Tickets are currently on sale at various travel agencies. (Zena Henry)
Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it.
Some of the vehicles that were damaged beyond repair.
Page 28
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Complete sawmill operation with lots of equipment, customers & suppliers and large land space – Contact Swamee: 614-1466; 672-4438 D6R Caterpillar Bulldozer, D8K Caterpillar Bulldozer, Price to go – Call: 611-4775 Sheep for sale in a large quantity – Tel:695-6139, 6391572 2 compressors, fruit dying machine, electrical stove with grill, water dispenser machine, Price negotiableContact: 231-5171, 619-7134 “Wealth & Riches belongs to the righteous” Get your copy from Smile Gas Station; Austin’s Book Store – Call: 229-6104 AMERICAN BULLY, REMYLINE PUP. CONTACT:667-4845, 2207933
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE Yamaha outboard engines, various sizes, tundra wheels, boat trailer - Tel: 220-1981, 690-1945 Fluffy, loving puppies – Tel:645-0240 or 629-3814 Bedford Truck Model M 4X4, 2 Perkins engine, one 6, one 4 Cylinder, fully beded – Owner leaving country - Call: 693-2237 3" Honda water pump – 5.5HP Brand New, one Garmin GPS map. Owner leaving country – Call: 6932237 1 Cupboard, imported wall divider, imported 4 piece table & chair, stainless sink , freezer, microwave, tank 450 gal, good quality- Call:6868343 One complete shop with 3 white tanks, 1 pressure pump & ultraviolet lamp – Call: 6225986 Brazilian hair final sale: Loose wave 24", Curly 12-22", straight 12"-28". Low prices –Call: 626-6335 Wolf power 7500E, Generator, One Tohatsu everrun , outboard engine 18HP. Owner leaving country Call: 693-2237
White 4X4 XLT F150 8 Cylinder, Price $2.5M negotiable – Call: 226-1047 One Belta Vehicle for salePSS 2700 – Call: 684-4627 Girls dresses and footwear, final sale, wholesale & retail. Call: 626-6335 House for sale 3 bedroom, master room, self contain, down stairs, bar rest room, pools hall & 1 bedroom apartment. Call: 669-0366 Imported from Canada: Refrigerators, washing machine, AC Unit and Water Cooler at unbelievable low prices – Contact: 652-7740, 688-2717
MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! – 6684554 American Style massage services- Call: 678-7499
One 14 inch dredge / draga – Call: 663-0742 Ladies jeans- fashionable stretch 2 dozen, sizes 1-13, wholesale & retail, low prices. Call: 626-6335 1 Honda CRV, PNN Series, 1 excellent condition, price $3M Negotiable- Contact: 688-2150, 658-7880
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 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 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: 6880183 For Delicious Puri, Roti & any Kind of Curry Orders – Contact Safia Hussain: 2276789, 698-3592, 169 Thomas Street, Kitty.
The Gent’s Spa: Be pampered by beautiful masseuses, new attendant Candy, four hands massages, drinks available – Tel: 657-5979
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota 212 Carina, Toyota Vigo Pick-up, Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, excellent condition, prices negotiable. Call: 264-3732, 225-8427, 6097766.
VEHICLE FOR SALE
SALON
WANTED
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 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 Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call:643-2403 RZ Minibus VVTI Engine, BNN Series. Call: 697-2550
Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad Call: 647-1773/660-5257
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 One Live in maid to work in home in Georgetown – Call: 669-6030 One shop attendant to work in the Interior- Call: 681-6044
2004 Toyota Avensis, new tyres, interior well maintained, 75,000 KM, Excellent paint job, seat covers, asking $3.2M – Contact: 651-3000 Toyota Fielder (black), Year 2003, PRR Series – Call: 6826769, 661-2559 Toyota Raum, Contact Devika: 264-2954, 628-2634 1 Toyota Premio PRR Series $2.2M, 1 Toyota Tacoma, Crystal lights, rims, fully loaded - $4M. Call: 647-8621/ 221-2449 AT 192 Carina - $900,000, AE100 Sprinta - $600,000Call: 641-4149 or 229-6515
LAND FOR SALE Diamond/Grove, New Scheme, land with foundation & post, corner lot, $7M (neg) - Call: 603-9700
Relax with a massage from Anna. Contact: 661-8969.
Power washer, household items (new) 2 weed walker, gift, pop corn maker, deep fryer, Epson projector, bar stools - Call: 669-0366 1-7 Weeks old German shepherd pup - Call: 654-6355
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL - CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807/ 690-6494 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
Wednesday November 12, 2014
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 Soesdyke, Linden Highway – Call: 678-1575, 223-8590 Parika (Butcher Shop Street) – One (1) Lot 38' X 150' $ 7m Contact 650-0402 - for serious inquiries Blankenburg @ The Back Of Gas Station (3) Lots @ 75' X 76' Each. $20M for all 3 Lots. (1) Lot for $10m - Contact 650-0402 Blankenburg Public Road, W.C.D, 38X150, 37X150$16M Each. Call: 666-3619
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: 231-6296, 650-9880 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 Assistant Salesgirl, E.C.D. Contact: 622-3250, 665-9747 One Driver; Apply at technical Services Inc lot 1823 Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara. Two cleaners; Apply at technical Services Inc lot 1823 Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara. Experienced cashier; apply with written application & passport size picture @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street, Campbellville. Call:227-5286/9
EDUCATIONAL First Aid/CPR Training course at St. John, Wednesday, 19th November, 2014. Call: 225-9082 CXC Classes for adults/ students, repeater, Grade 6, slow learners in Mathematics, All Science & Business Subjects – Call: 231-5678, 6905008 ACCOMODATION SIGNATURE INN: Luxury Suits & Apartments. Free Wi-Fi & Breakfast; AC & Self Contained Rooms @ 83 Laluni Street Queenstown. Tel: 592-226-2145
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 w o r k i n 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 1 Cook to work in the interior – restaurant, $120,000, age 30-45. Call: 675-7043, 6645199 between 9am-6pm. Female to work in interior, shop attendant, salary $80,000, age 25-45 – Call: 6645199 One experienced chainsaw operator. Call: 664-5199 between 8am-6pm One Graphic Artiste, 1 Office Clerk (age 30-40yrs) – Call: 233-2725 Investing in buying old stamps/coins and old paper money. Call: 690-8702 Jet and Marack men – Call: 694-2310 Two Wash bay workers – Call: 660-4405 Workers to plant pineapples on highway farm – Phone: 639-5577 Live in waitresses to work in a bar – Call: 604-6606 We buy land in Parfait Harmonie, Schoonord, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Providence, Herstelling, Friendship & Nonpareil – Call: 675-7292, 218-5591 One live in domestic, light duties, country applicant preferably. Call: 227-1830 Live in couple, duties husband – Driving, wife – Domestic – Call: 227-1830 TO LET Two bedrooms bottom flat apartment, Lot 1220 Diamond, Housing Scheme, 6th Avenue, 4th corner in. Call: 663-2855 (Continued page 29)
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Donald Ramotar has surprised even his own supporters DEAR EDITOR, Guyana’s current dilemma of an effective shutdown of Government by Donald Ramotar’s ‘proroguing’ is unbelievable, impossible, heretic, ridiculous, and absolutely hilarious. Upon being confronted with the breaking news as early as Sunday, I furiously penned an immediate response of my facebook page rallying all Guyana to come to Georgetown to protest this action. I still do encourage all Guyanese to get on board and arrest our slide into dictatorship.
I can honestly say that I subsequently burst out laughing at the ridiculous circumstance Guyana is now presented with by Donald Ramotar and his administration. I am most certainly sure that he surprised even his own supporters. We have on our hands a potentially destructive situation, and the sooner diffused the better. I have rationalized the situation and am proposing a solution which I think presents the least risk of loss for all involved.
The opposition gave... (From page 4) government is conferred not only by the constitution, but, more importantly, by the belief of the vast majority of the people that the government has the moral and political right to govern. The leaders of the Parliamentary M a j o r i t y, against the wishes of their constituencies, gave their stamp of approval to the PPP minority government. They retreated into the role of traditional opposition when the circumstance dictated that we were not. They gave the executive branch unlimited space to govern as if it were the creature of a super-majority. They allowed the PPP to dictate the agenda; they allowed themselves to be bogged down in endless, fruitless dialogue. They stubbornly refused to mobilize the people to exercise their constitutional and human right to resist government over-reach. Their parliamentary behavior, except for the budget cuts and a boycott of Minister Rohee, lacked the cutting edge of an empowered majority. In short, they cuddled a government that showed scant respect for the rule of law. They ceded their right to share in the governance of the country. And this is the thanks they got—the suspension of the parliament. As Brother Bob Marley observed—”Hate is your reward for our Love.” Only recently, I drew attention to the non-strategy behind the no-confidence vote. Clearly our lawyers knew of the President’s option to prorogue the parliament. But by not preempting the President’s latest action, the AFC and APNU obviously didn’t believe the PPP would go down that road. In politics, you cannot predict every act of your opponents. But the PPP is
an open book when it comes to the politics of domination. Listen carefully to the recent conversation between the Attorney General and the journalist, which was exposed by the Kaieteur News, and you will hear the extent to which the PPP’s praxis is grounded in the notion of r a c i a l s u p e r i o r i t y, t h e criminalization of the state and the divine right to govern Guyana. The Attorney General’s remarks became the perfect introduction to the President’s announcement of the suspension of Parliament. Now that Parliament has been suspended, the people’s representatives have in effect been dismissed by the President. They have no formal forum to represent the interests of their constituencies. They have been put out on the streets—the very streets that for three years they avoided like the plague. Guyana has had 22 years of PPP bullying. Bullies do not respond to dialogue as strategy. Bullies only respond to dialogue when they know you are prepared to fight back. The PPP will continue to batter us until our leaders show some resolve to wage a relentless struggle to set the crooked ways straight and unambiguously declare in word and deed the Kwayana dictum—This Confounded Nonsense Must Stop. So the ball is in the APNU and AFC court. David Hinds Dr. David Hinds, a political activist and commentator, is an Associate Professor of Caribbean and African Diaspora Studies at Arizona State University. More of his writings can be found on his website w w w. g u y a n a c a r i b b e a n politics.com
I do hope that if not this, then some similar rationale could be devised as a means of arresting this present crisis. The PPP has maneuvered itself into a nice little box where, in assuming undemocratic power, it strips itself of all authority over Guyana’s democratic institutions. Donald Ramotar has effectively exited the Executive Office to which he was democratically elected, and he and his administration have no claim to the democratic authority entrusted in them by the electorate. Hence, the institutions of
democracy responsible for enforcing law and justice, namely the Police and the Army, are under no obligation to carry out any instruction of the Executive, since the Executive is now operating beyond the democratic norms of Government. This now means that the Head of the Army, whoever that may be, not Donald Ramotar, is now in full authority and control of Security until Guyana is returned to Democratic Rule. Right thinking ministers of the PPP, the Minister of Finance included, are encouraged to examine their conscience and step away
from the injustice the PPP is pursuing in its current agenda of dictatorial imposition by resigning from their ministerial positions. They were democratically elected to these positions. Under the current scenario, they are a dictatorial imposition and fly in the face of the Democratic norms of Guyana. Resigning now effectively removes them from any proceedings which may be pursued against the remaining members of the PPP administration upon the resolution of this current crisis. Craig Sylvester
Proroguing of Parliament is an act of desperation DEAR EDITOR, After 22 years in power, the PPP regime has turned Guyana into a corrupt, brutal, dictatorial and undeveloped society where civilization might no longer be possible. The country’s race driven politics, its corrupt and brutal regime, its archaic judicial system, its collapsed education and health care systems, its unprofessional, corrupt and barbaric Police Force. Its dysfunctional Parliament is clear evidence that Guyana is still a primitive state. And if that was not enough, the do-nothing president has prorogued Parliament for no apparent reason other than he is afraid to call elections. It is the same do-nothing president who
supported the foul-mouthed, indecent, immoral and pimping Attorney General who used physical threats against the staff of Kaieteur News. How low is this impish and dictatorial communist minority PPP regime is prepared to go to bring more shame to the people and our beloved Guyana. The opposition cannot allow this corrupt, barefaced and rogue regime to cause any further shame and destruction to Guyana. Enough is enough. Guyanese have already become a “laughing stock” in the Caribbean. Brigadier Granger ’s Armageddon to end the reign of the uncaring, reckless, lawless and anti-working
class PPP regime must start now. The AFC must join in the battle to redeem the people’s freedom and let the chips fall where they may. The do-nothing president and his unruly cabinet have declared war on the Guyanese people and the majority opposition has to get rid of this bully PPP regime. Time for action is now. There is no greater power in Guyana that can match the people’s power. In this struggle of “All for one and one for all” the people’s power will prevail. They cannot kill or jail everyone. And it is Nelson Mandela who said “it is better to die on our feet than to live on your knees.” Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
(From page 28)
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) AND MORE, SAWS & DRILLS -$10,000 - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 Business place for rent 3000 SQ FT W.C.D – Call: 6901740 Sawmill at Linden to rent with Woodmizer Mill, reasonable land space and licensed Contact: 648-5022 One three bedroom unfurnished bottom flat apartment, parking $80,000.00 – Call: 662-8969, 644-5128 1-3 Bedrooms house located at Belle West. Call: 692-9769, 604-1299 Three bedrooms house to rent in Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D – Call: 6679499
PROPERTY FOR SALE One 3 storey business property @ Middle St. Georgetown, opposite GPHC- Contact: 619-7134, 225-6481 2 Business properties on Whim Public Road, ideal for business- Contact: 619-7134 One ongoing business and residential property, Parking can accommodate 10 Vehicles Located @ Public Road Friendship, E.B.D $25M. Call: 661-8802 1-2 Storey business property with running taxi service services, 1 apartment, 1 office located @ 3 Norton Street, Werk- En- Rust- $45M negotiable - Tel: 689-0065 Newly built flat concrete house with all utilities @ Bath Settlement West Coast Berbice - $8M negotiableCall: 648-5012, 686-9514 Property @ Kersaint Park, LBI, E.C.D. Contact: 698-5713 or 664-1865 One commercial property located at Diamond/Grove, New Scheme- $24M Negotiable. Call:216-0147, 661-9796
Page 30
Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Rodney COI likely to continue throughout 2015 - Lead Attorney Millions of dollars will most likely be expended to facilitate the continuation of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the death of Dr. Walter Rodney, which is scheduled to resume in January 2015. Lead Counsel of the Commission, Glenn Hanoman, in an invited comment, stated that at least twenty other witnesses are yet to be called upon to give evidence. Dr. Rodney, a scholar, social activist and founder of Working People Alliance (WPA) was killed in an explosion on June 13, 1980. Following his death, there was speculation that the killing was set up by the then Prime Minister and leader of the People National Congress (PNC), Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. It was after almost three decades, the COI, which was
- At least twenty more witnesses to testify requested by the close relatives and associates of the late Guyanese politician and Historian, was launched. At its commencement in February, last, it was noted that the public probe was set up to determine the facts and circumstances which led to Rodney’s demise. The Commission was also convened to determine who or what was responsible for the explosion that killed him. The Walter Rodney COI was initially scheduled to last for four months with $112M allocated for the duration. Last October, Government’s Chief Spokesperson, Dr. Roger Luncheon announced that an additional $60M would likely be utilized on the
Commission; the amount was estimated to last until January, since according to Government’s calculation, the Commission spends about $20M a month. The sixth cycle of the public investigation into the assassination of Dr. Rodney ended last Friday after a series of witnesses including Dr. Rodney’s widow, Dr. Patricia Rodney, Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul and Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Justice Charles Rishi Ramson, were called upon to testify. That session lasted for a total of three weeks. Many persons, especially members of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) are contending that
the Government, instead of allocating unlimited financial resources to the Walter Rodney COI, should put the money towards initiatives that will better benefit the people of Guyana. However, the Lead Attorney noted, that while a COI is a costly exercise, which will likely last longer than anticipated, the inquiry is related to the death of a “special son of the soil,” and the events which took place during a period, many Guyanese hope would never reoccur. Hanoman explained that while some persons are “obvious witnesses,” and are sought out and invited to give evidence at the Commission based on their affiliation and involvement with Dr. Rodney, other persons are invited to provide statements to the Commission and will be allowed to testify based on
The late Dr. Walter Rodney those statements. He explained that based on the number of witnesses still to appear before the commission, the exercise is likely to continue throughout the upcoming year. Earlier this year, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) had called on Government to ensure that the Walter Rodney COI honoured its September deadline, warning that it will
not support additional funding should the Commission be prolonged. The COI was initially scheduled to last four months, following its February commencement date; however, President Donald Ramotar, upon whose instructions the Inquiry was established, extended the deadline to September 30, last. Last month, Dr Luncheon explained that on September 30, last, the extension of the life of the Commission was approved by Cabinet, after the decision was taken by President Donald Ramotar to approve its continuation into next January. Back in February, the President had said that the COI will not come cheap and that he knew for a fact that the money would be well spent. Ramotar had denied that there was anything sinister in the holding of the inquiry, but claimed that his Government was in fact fulfilling the wishes of the late Dr. Rodney’s wife.
C/ville Health Centre starts World... From page 26 always be recognised as that relating to diabetes. Some symptoms could include: hunger, tiredness, weight loss, inching of the skin, recurring yeast and other infections. “With these symptoms, people may not think diabetes, they might be thinking something else, so it is important that people become aware of what are some of the symptoms they can present with, even if you are healthy,” said Dr. Prashad. And a check-up is especially important, he noted, if
persons have a family history of diabetes. All diabetic patients are treated at the Health Centre, save and except for those who develop complications such as a non-healing ulcer or those who are required to be admitted and administered intravenous medication. Such persons are referred to the Diabetic Foot Centre at the GPHC. “Once we see things that we can’t handle...things that we don’t have the instruments to deal with...sometimes they might need a bone debridement...we
take them over to the hospital and that can be done right at the emergency room there before they are sent back to us,” said Dr. Prashad. As part of its effort to combat Diabetes, the Campbellville Health Centre has been offering extended hours, during which members of the public could access screening for diabetes. The extended hours are on Tuesdays from 16:00 – 20:00 hours and on Saturday 08:00 – 12:00 hours. Normal operating hours at the Health Centre are 08:00 hours to 16:00 hours daily.
Man picked up by cops, beaten and... From page 14 He indicated that he did sign the piece of paper, although he did not know what was written on it, since he thought that that would have led to his release that very night. But that was not the case. The contractor was thrown into the lock-ups without being told of any offence that he might have committed. As far as he was concerned, the only thing he was guilty of was riding a bicycle in the night to go to buy his souse. Lall said that he began to protest vociferously in the lock-ups, and this certainly irritated the ranks who barged into his cell and continued beating him about his body. “I never know is so police does beat you,” the man told Kaieteur News. By this time his wife got word that he was arrested by the police and she made her way to the station to make enquiries and secure his
release. But she got no satisfaction and had to return home without her husband, after being told to return the following morning. The woman went back to the station early Monday morning, eager to have her husband released. Again she enquired as to the reason for Lall’s detention and was bluntly told that he was arrested for loitering. But before they could release Lall, the police had conditions. They wanted Lall, who also operates a brush cutter whenever he is out of construction work, to weed the station compound for free. “I tell dem me ain’t weeding no yard, but me wife beg me, telling me dat dey gon release me if I agree fuh weed de yard. But I refuse and one ah dem tell me dat I giving de police a hard time,” Lall recalled. He said that one of the ranks pulled his wife aside
and told her that for her husband to go free she would have to give them $5000. Lall stated that his wife gave the rank the cash but got no receipt. He was then told that he was free to go. He said when he asked the police for a medical certificate, they chased him out of the station. An angry Lall came to Kaieteur News and related his ordeal. This newspaper contacted La Grange Police Station and a senior rank there promised to investigate the matter. He advised that Lall return to the station to give a statement. This was done, but Lall was told by the police that he will be contacted later. He is still to hear from the police and he was still not given a “Medical”, although he showed obvious signs of a beating about his body. “Right now I can’t even wuk. I gat installment fuh pay and a family fuh mind,” he lamented.
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
Ombudsman’s report clears sacked NBS managers of fraud
Maurice Arjoon
Kissoon Baldeo
Kent Vincent
In one of its first major cases, the Office of the Ombudsman has issued a damning report regarding criminal charges filed against three senior managers of the New Building Society (NBS) seven years ago and which has raised troubling questions of meddling in that mortgage entity by the previous administration. The Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore, is the independent public advocate who is charged with representing the interests of citizens by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or a violation of rights. Justice Moore was sworn in back in January after several years of Guyana being without an Ombudsman. In January, Maurice Arjoon, a former Director/ Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NBS, the country’s largest mortgage financing provider, filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, “alleging a multiplicity of wrongs done to him and two senior managers of the New Building Society Ltd (NBS).” Arjoon, who worked over 30 years at NBS, claimed that he and two managers were, on June 1st, 2007, “deliberately and maliciously charged for an alleged fraud which the Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as well as the Board of Directors of NBS knew we did not commit, and which was also confirmed by several investigations at the NBS.”
The former CEO said that after more than three years of delays, his case was finally dismissed, with those of the two managers a year later. He had been six months away from retirement when he was sacked, as a result losing his benefits. The two other managers were Kent Vincent and Kissoon Baldeo. In his report which is to be sent to President Donald Ramotar; Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon; Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and the Director of Public Prosecutions, among others, the Ombudsman said “the rush to the conclusion that the three top managers had orchestrated a massive fraud from the account of a depositor with their own organisation, is an area that angels would fear to tread, not to mention that Mr. Arjoon, the CEO was six months away from retirement.” Justice Moore also said that the humiliation and trauma suffered by the managers and their families must have taken a toll on “their health, not to mention the effects of these events on the morale of the NBS staff.” The report found that missing police files on the charges indicated interference that was highly irregular. The report also said that Dr Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance, despite being asked, did not comment on the allegations that he deliberately suppressed a Bank of Guyana Report that would have possibly prevented charges being laid.
A junior staffer, Amrita Prashad, should also not been charged. “I, however, trust that the three senior managers and Ms. Amrita Prashad who clearly appear to me to have suffered grave injustice when they were charged, would receive their due.” In his claims, Arjoon said he believed that an independent investigation will also reveal that certain influential persons did not want to take action against the real perpetrators of the NBS fraud. As a matter of fact, Arjoon claimed that the wrongful charge and subsequent termination of services were instituted after his decision to not endorse an investment of $2B in financing from NBS for the construction of the Berbice Bridge. Arjoon believed that his decision to only invest $350M made high-ranking government officials upset. He also claimed that while NBS is supposed to be a private company, it is run by persons aligned to the “Government and/or the CIOG.” The accusation against Arjoon and the two managers was that they conspired using a forged Power of Attorney to withdraw $69M from an account at NBS. The case had generated significant attention because the managers were all wellknown. Arjoon has filed High Court proceedings over his sacking and loss of benefits from NBS.
A city businessman is nursing a gunshot wound to his left side after he was shot by bandits yesterday while trying to thwart a robbery. Inshan Ally, a licenced firearm holder, is presently hospitalised after he was shot in the Style Palace General Store on King Street, Georgetown, at around 16:05
hours when he confronted two bandits. According to the police, the two men, one of whom had a firearm, entered the store and demanded cash from 60-year-old businesswoman Rakeema Ally, of Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. The woman grabbed a
cutlass and put up a resistance, while Inshan Ally reached for his firearm. But before he could get off a shot, the bandit with the gun shot Ally to his left side and the men made good their escape. The wounded businessman was rushed to hospital where he was immediately admitted.
Businessman shot in botched robbery
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T&T Attorney General seeks legal advice… The President gets $28,000 monthly housing allowance and receiving S t a t e - p r o v i d e d accommodation Trinidad Express Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has put in the hands of the Solicitor General’s office theis sue of President Anthony Carmona’s receipt of a $28,000 tax-free monthly housing allowance while also receiving State-provided accommodation. “This is an unfortunate occurrence,” Ramlogan said Monday. Speaking to the Express, the Attorney General said the matter had been referred to him by Finance Minister Larry Howai. “Minister Howai has referred this matter to my Office for advice and I will ask the Office of the Solicitor General to provide some guidance and clarification to the Chief Personnel Officer on this matter,” he said. “Let the Solicitor General’s office decide.” He said the Solicitor General’s office would be capable of providing much needed (legal) advice based on the relevant facts from both sides—the CPO and the Office of the President. He added that the Solicitor General is the legal adviser to both the office of the CPO and the Office of the President. He appealed to people not to jump to conclusions since the President was “constrained” from speaking out publicly on the issue. Head of the Public Service and permanent secretary to the Prime Minister, Reynold Cooper, told the Express
Anand Ramlogan
Anthony Carmona
Monday he had received a report from the CPO, which he had shared with the Prime Minister. He said he had a view on the matter which he also shared with the Prime Minister. Earlier in the day, speaking at a news conference called to announce the State’s legal victory in the matter of the legal challenge to the Constitutional Amendment bill, the Attorney General noted that the key players involved in this matter were the CPO, his Excellency and the Office of the President. Asked who would bear political responsibility for this issue, Ramlogan said Government had to operate in accordance with the constitutional lines of demarcation. He said the office of the CPO was an independent one and the Government had “no sway or say” over the CPO. “So if the Chief Personnel Officer gives a ruling in a matter, the Government quite frankly would be out of place,” he
said. Told that the CPO’s ruling was a variation and interpretation of the SRC (Salaries Review Commission) Report as approved by the Cabinet, Ramlogan repeated that the office of the CPO was independent. “If the Government were to intervene or interfere in matters concerning decisions which fall under the jurisdiction of the Chief Personnel Officer, the Government would be accused of unlawfully interfering in a matter that does not concern itself. The CPO having ruled in this matter, these questions would be more appropriately addressed to the CPO who can best advise on what principles governed her decision and what considerations were brought to bear”. Reminded that the CPO reports to two line ministers (the Minister of Finance and Public Administration), the Attorney General again suggested that the media talk to the CPO.
Israeli forces kill Palestinian as clashes flare in West Bank (Reuters) - Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian during clashes on Tuesday in the occupied West Bank, a day after Palestinian assailants fatally stabbed an Israeli soldier and a woman in attacks that raised fears of a new uprising. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would seek to crush the spiraling violence by meting out stiffer punishments, deploying more forces and destroying assailants’ homes. “We have defeated terrorism until now and shall do so again,” Netanyahu said in nationally televised remarks after consulting with security chiefs.The military said soldiers killed a 21-year-old Palestinian man at a refugee camp after coming under attack by a crowd hurling petrol bombs and stones. Residents said he was on his roof, away from the clashes when he was
shot. Confrontations also erupted in at least two other West Bank areas, where the army said soldiers shot and wounded two Palestinians. Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said “it’s clear
there is an escalation”, but that the violence was not organised and it was not clear if it would lead to an Intifada, like the last Palestinian revolt that began in 2001 and died down in 2005.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
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LeBron’s triple-double Pacers beat Jazz 97-86 leads Cavs past Pelicans to end 6-game skid From page 32 Olympic team in 2012. James said Davis has a unique game. ‘’It doesn’t compare to anybody,’’ he said. Cavaliers: G Dion Wa i t e r s s a t o u t w i t h a bruised lower b a c k , a n injury he sustained Friday when he was fouled on a layup by Nuggets forward Darrell A r t h u r, who w as
suspended one game. It’s not known how long Waiters will be sidelined. ... Cleveland plays eight of its next 10 games at home. UP NEXT - Pelicans: Host Los Angeles Lakers today. Cavaliers: At Boston on Friday. Meanwhile, Derrick Rose coming back from two season-ending knee surgeries led the Chicago Bulls to a 102-91 win over
Detroit Pistons. He scored a season-high 24 points (9of-20 FG) with seven assists in 32 minutes, also the most playing time he’s seen. The greatest sign for the Bulls’ long-term success is that Rose appears to have lost none or very little of his athleticism. Hopefully he won’t see the sidelines again for quite some time.
Wednesday November 12, 2014 LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Do you feel as though your self-expression is being stifled, Aries? Perhaps you need more time to choose a direction in life. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Is there someone persecuting you, Taurus? Is there a situation that feels unbearably o p p r e s s i v e ? To d a y y o u won't have any trouble identifying the source of your problems.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Although your current mood is somewhat reserved and modest, you probably feel tempted to strut your stuff every once in a while. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Obviously, you have an i m p o r t a n t r o l e t o p l a y, Cancer. The mood today may be somewhat frustrating, but the way you handle it will earn you rewards and recognition in your workplace or at school. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will feel as though your back is against the wall, Leo. And this particular wall is impeding your progress. Others will ask you questions and ask for your opinion. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today is likely to be a bit gray, Virgo. You won't be able to see how you can get out of your current situation. You may have some financial or physical problems at the moment.
22) Yo u ' r e w a s t i n g y o u r e n e rg y, L i b r a , a n d y o u know it. You go out to dinner, attend parties and shows, but you're never really present. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It isn't always easy to think about how your life is going, Scorpio. Imagine if you were alone in the world, with nothing to hold you back or force you to do anything. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Now is the time to be thinking about your professional orientation, Sagittarius. You may need to get some more fun in your life and experience pleasures that you've never had before. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may be worn out, Capricorn, but you will have to push forward anyway. You're entering a long period of work and perseverance. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) In a series of days that have tested your patience to the limit, here comes the moment of truth that could make or break you. You can expect a high-pressure day when you will be induced to express your deepest motivations. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Are you hankering for a little fun and longing for a little experimentation and perhaps even childish play? Tempting as these prospects are, you will have to ignore them.
Indianapolis (AP) - With three starters out with injuries, Roy Hibbert knows the Indiana Pacers are relying on him each night. He also had some help Monday night. H i b b e r t s c o r e d a season-high 29 points to help Indiana beat the Utah Jazz 97-86 Monday night, ending the Pacers’ six-game losing streak. A.J. Price had 22 points and Lavoy Allen added 12 - also season highs for both players - as the Pacers won for the first time since the season opener. Allen also had 15 rebounds and Hibbert grabbed five. Price, playing on a 10day contract with the Pacers granted a roster exemption due to their injuries, scored 10 points i n t h e f o u rth quarter, including two 3-pointers during a 13-2 run that gave Indiana an 8 7 - 7 9 l e a d midway through the period. Solomon Hill added 13 points for the Pacers, and his dunk on Indiana native and former Butler star Gordon Hayward in the third quarter may have been the turning point for Indiana. The Pacers were trailing 6057 with a little more than 5 minutes left in the third when Hill drove to the rim. Hayward scored 30 points to lead Utah. Enes Kanter had 18 points and
Guyana Jaguars to... From page 40 Chandrika. “He scored a double-hundred in our Inter-County championship and we are expecting big things from him, seeing he was also a graduate of the Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre. He has gotten a few good starts in previous matches, but we are hoping he can help solve our problem at the top of the order,” Crandon informed “Further down the order, we have Vishal Singh and we are hoping with the presence of experienced batsman like Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine and Leon Johnson that he could add some depth to his game. We also expect Ronsford Beaton to play that leading role for us with the new-ball with our traditional strength in the spin bowling department to offer support,” the Head Coach concluded .
Roy Hibbert Derrick Favors added 13 points and eight rebounds. Indiana played without injured starters David We s t ( s p r a i n e d a n k l e ) , George Hill (bruised knee) and Paul George (leg).
Hayward scored 13 points in the third quarter as the Jazz use a 19-4 run to take a 60-53 lead midway through the period. The Pacers clamped down in the fourth quarter, holding Hayward to four points while outscoring the Jazz 25-17 in the period. All six of Indiana’s losses during it skid was by 10 points or fewer and the last four defeats were all two possession games, including an overtime loss at Washington. Indiana’s seven turnovers were a season-low. The Pacers did not commit a turnover in the first quarter, their first 12-minute stretch of the season without a giveaway. UP NEXT - Pacers: At Miami on Wednesday. Jazz: At Atlanta on Wednesday.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Old master Federer tames LeBron’s triple-double Nishikori at Tour Finals leads Cavs past Pelicans
Reuters - Roger Federer produced another masterly display to beat Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-2 and move a step closer to the semi-finals at the ATP World Tour Finals yesterday. The six-times former champion was at his imperious best to subdue the 24-year-old U.S. Open runner-up and will reach the last four should Canada’s Milos Raonic defeat Andy Murray in the day’s other Group B match. Although this year’s tournament is still to witness a three-set match, the entertainment served up by world number two Federer and Asian trailblazer Nishikori kept the capacity O2 crowd enthralled for one hour and nine minutes. Federer clearly enjoyed it too. “I was expecting a very difficult match,” the 17times grand slam champion said on court, to cheers from a vocal Swiss contingent complete with cowbells. “I’ve known him since he was 17 years old and always thought he was a great talent and he’s going to have a great future. I’m very pleased with the way I played.” The 33-year-old Federer, who can still knock Novak Djokovic off the top of the rankings before the end of the year, fought off two break points in the third game, one with an ace, and
Bulls beat Pistons
Switzerland’s Rodger Federer returns to Japan’s Kei Nishikori during their Group B singles match on day three of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament in London, November 11, 2014 (AFP Photo/Adrian Dennis) broke himself a game later with a flowing forehand pass. That was enough for the Swiss maestro to secure the opener and the quality of his play pressured Nishikori into several errors on the backhand side at the same stage of the second set as he forged further into the distance.
There were flashes of inspiration by Nishikori, a graceful top-spin lob here, a sweetly-struck backhand pass there, but he lacked the authority he showed in convincingly beating home favorite Murray on Sunday. Federer, who began his record 13th appearance at the ATP Tour Finals by subduing Raonic in straight sets, has only once failed to survive the group stage and looks poised to take center stage again at the weekend. His final match will be against Andy Murray who beat Milos Raonic of Canada 6-3 7-5.
Cleveland (AP) - LeBron James wanted so badly to give back to Cleveland fans after he played poorly in his emotion-laced home opener. They deserved something. On Monday night, he delivered a belated gift. James recorded a tripledouble with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, Kyrie Irving scored 27 of his 32 in the second half and Cleveland’s ‘’Big 3'’ dominated in a 118-111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. Kevin Love made six 3pointers and added 22 points for the Cavs, who were back at Quicken Loans Arena for the first time since Oct. 30, when Cleveland welcomed James home after four years in Miami. He failed to play up to the monumental event, going 5 of 15 and committing eight turnovers in a stunning loss to the New York Knicks. James wouldn’t allow a repeat performance. After the Cavs returned from a fourgame road trip, James went on his Twitter account and told Cleveland fans, ‘’I owe y’all one.’’ Not anymore. James and Irving dominated in the second half, combining for 49 points - 30 in the third quarter when the Cavs overcame 9-point deficit. Love, too, was huge after halftime, making four 3pointers. Anthony Davis scored 27 with 14 rebounds for the Pelicans, who beat defending NBA champion San Antonio on Saturday night and gave the Cavaliers all they could handle. Ryan Anderson added 32 points - 23 in the first half for New Orleans. Irving’s 3-pointer gave the Cavs a 101-95 lead, but the
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to pass during the game. (Photo by David Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) Pelicans didn’t go away and were within three when Love drained one of his six 3s. Irving scored on a conventional three-point play and then hit another longrange shot to give Cleveland a 110-98 lead with 2:26 left. James was taken out to a rousing ovation, but coach David Blatt had to re-insert the superstar in the closing seconds after Anderson’s 3 brought the Pelicans to 117111 with 13.9 seconds left. Following the game, Blatt answered several questions before reminding everyone what James did. ‘’Hey, that guy No. 23 was pretty good tonight,’’ Blatt said. ‘’It’s easy to overlook that guy. He grabbed the game. He understood the moment.’’
Cleveland was just back from a four-game road trip, which had its share of drama as James challenged his young teammates following a loss in Portland. But in their first game back, the Cavs’ trio of James, Irving and Love showed why they’ve been pegged as title favorites. After a slower start than many imagined, the Cavs - and James - are beginning to figure things out. ‘’I’m not there yet,’’ James said. ‘’I have a couple more kinks I need to work out, but I feel I’m in the right place right now and I’ve made some progress.’’ COACH’S CORNER Blatt was pleased with his team’s offensive movement, but Cleveland’s defense had some disastrous stretches. Blatt said the Cavs had ‘’moments of lethargy’’ and described the Cavs’ defensive issues as ‘’disturbing and ‘’worrisome.’’ Cavs rookie G Joe Harris made his first career 3-pointer and gave Blatt 20 quality minutes. ‘’He plays with a lot of heart and people in Cleveland love that,’’ Blatt said. TIP INS - Pelicans: Davis came leads the league in rebounds (13.0) and blocks (4.2) and is averaging 24.9 points. ‘’He’s one of the elite players,’’ said James, who played with Davis on the U.S. (Continued on page 31)
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
Rahat, Babar secure 304-run lead For two days New Zealand’s bowlers had struggled to create chances as Pakistan amassed their match-defining total, but as soon as they batted, the balance between bat and ball shifted dramatically. The home side were a constant threat, and the New Zealand batsmen did not have the softness of technique to survive long periods in conditions that demanded patience. They conceded a first-innings lead of 304. Tom Latham was the exception, and the only reason New Zealand got as far as they did, making his maiden Test hundred. The rest of the top-order batsmen struggled against the relentless accuracy of Rahat Ali and the dangers created by Pakistan’s spinners operating with up to five catchers around the bat. Rahat was the pick, though, taking pivotal wickets to finish the day with figures of 17-10-22-4. Pakistan had six overs to bat before stumps and were without regular opener Ahmed Shehzad, who was ruled out of the series with a minor skull fracture. Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali were unbeaten, and had no major scares, unlike New Zealand. The visitors had decided to open with Brendon McCullum and Latham, and they added 33 for the first wicket - New Zealand’s best first-wicket partnership for 12 innings. It was fraught with uncertainty, though. In the second over of the day, McCullum survived Imran Khan’s lbw appeal after the not-out decision was found to be umpire’s call on review. In the third, from Zulfiqar Babar, Latham played the ball firmly to short leg, where Azhar Ali could not catch it. Misbah-ul-Haq crowded the bat with catchers. There were usually four for Babar, sometimes more. McCullum fell to slip, as he pushed with hard hands and Younis Khan stooped to take a low catch. While Babar was the most threatening in the morning, he was supported by Rahat, who finished the first session
Rahat Ali with sensational figures of 87-1-1. Rahat’s wicket-towicket line and tight length made him impossible to score off for the cautious New Zealand batsmen - the only run he conceded was via a no-ball. In his fifth over Rahat dismissed New Zealand’s best batsman with a yorker. Kane Williamson jammed his bat down, but was too late in turning around to prevent the ball from trickling on to his stumps. Ross Taylor was returning from a calf injury but his comeback innings lasted only six balls before he edged Babar to gully. New Zealand were 47 for 3. Watching from the other end was Latham, who also had nervy moments. He shouldered arms to Rahat but survived the lbw appeal because it was marginally high, and towards the end of the first session an edge bounced off the wicketkeeper’s glove and fell wide of the diving fielder at slip. Latham attacked when he could, though, sweeping Babar for consecutive fours despite there being three close catchers on the leg side. New Zealand hobbled to 81 for 3 at lunch, but after the break Latham and Corey Anderson resumed aggressively. Anderson was harsh on the legspinner Yasir Shah, whose shorter lengths were swept and cut repeatedly to the boundary. He attacked Hafeez too, sweeping and lofting straight. The fifty
partnership came in quick time. Misbah brought back Rahat to quiet the scoring and Anderson edged his first ball between slips and gully, and then swatted the next through midwicket. Those were the first runs Rahat had conceded off the bat all day. Soon after, though, Anderson attempted to force Rahat through the offside and played on to his stumps. His fellow allrounder Neesham followed quickly, stumped off Hafeez while attempting to heave down the ground. While the aggression of the allrounders did not look like it would last, Latham played with an assuredness that made longevity seem more likely. He was comfortable driving and pulling, and played the spinners late and with soft hands to reduce the threat of the prowling close catchers. When he swept, he planted his front foot well outside the line of off stump to eliminate the lbw. Latham resumed fluently after tea, pulling Imran to the midwicket boundary and then driving Babar down the ground to raise his first Test hundred. Misbah brought back his go-to man, and Rahat did the job with another yorker. Latham reviewed the lbw decision but replays upheld the decision, ending the sixth-wicket stand of 65 on 215. The innings seemed headed for a speedy finish when Mark Craig and Tim Southee fell in quick succession, but Ish Sodhi added 43 runs with Watling before being bowled by Yasir. Babar ended Watling’s innings with a superb set-up - he spun two balls sharply away from the right-hander before slipping in the arm-ball to nail him lbw on the sweep. Pakistan chose not to enforce the follow-on, and New Zealand could expect to be batting for survival not long into the fourth day. Pakistan 566 for 3 dec (Shehzad 176, Hafeez 96, Azhar 87, Younis 100*, Misbah 102*) and 15 for 0 lead New Zealand 262 (Latham 103, Rahat 4-22) by 319 runs. (ESPNcricinfo)
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Venues confirmed for Leewards matches St. John’s, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board yesterday announced that it has confirmed venues for three home matches of the Leeward Islands Franchise in the Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament. The Leewards Franchise will face Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Warner Park in the St. Kitts capital of Basseterre in the second round of matches from November 21 to 24. Warner Park will also stage the sixth round match between Devon Thomas’ side and Guyana Jaguars from February 13 to 16 next year. The Leewards Franchise will conclude its home schedule with a ninth round match against the Jamaica Franchise from March 13 to 16 next year at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. Confirmation about where the Leewards Franchise will play their home matches in the seventh and eighth rounds will be released at a later date. The WICB PCL R4Day opens on Friday. (See updated schedule below). Schedule of matches (Home teams mentioned first; all matches start at 10 a.m. local time) ROUND 1 November 14 to 17 Jamaica Franchise vs Windwards Volcanoes – Sabina Park T&T Red Force vs Barbados Franchise – Queen’s Park Oval Guyana Jamaica vs Leewards Franchise – Guyana National Stadium
ROUND 2 November 21 to 24 Guyana Jaguars vs Windwards Volcanoes – Guyana National Stadium Leewards Franchise vs T&T Red Force – Warner Park Barbados Franchise vs Jamaica Franchise – Windward Sports Club ROUND 3 November 28 to December 1 Windwards Volcanoes vs Leewards Franchise – Grenada National Stadium Guyana Jaguars vs Barbados Franchise – Guyana National Stadium T&T Red Force vs Jamaica Franchise – Queen’s Park Oval ROUND 4 December 5 to 8 Windwards Volcanoes vs Barbados Franchise – Arnos Vale Sports Complex Jamaica Franchise vs Leewards Franchise – Sabina Park T&T Red Force vs Guyana Jaguars – Queen’s Park Oval * * * BREAK * * * ROUND 5 February 6 to 9 Jamaica Franchise vs Guyana Jaguars – Sabina Park Windwards Volcanoes vs T&T Red Force – Beausejour Cricket Ground Barbados Franchise vs Leewards Franchise – Kensington Oval ROUND 6 February 13 to 16 Windwards Volcanoes vs Jamaica Franchise – Arnos Vale Sports Complex
Barbados Franchise vs T&T Red Force – Kensington Oval Leewards Franchise vs Guyana Jaguars – Warner Park ROUND 7 February 20 to 23 Leewards Franchise vs Windwards Volcanoes – To be confirmed Barbados Franchise vs Guyana Jaguars – Kensington Oval Jamaica Franchise vs T&T Red Force – Sabina Park * * * BREAK * * * ROUND 8 March 6 to 9 T&T Red Force vs Windwards Volcanoes – Queen’s Park Oval Guyana Jaguars vs Jamaica Franchise – Guyana National Stadium Leewards Franchise vs Barbados Franchise – To be confirmed ROUND 9 March 13 to 16 Barbados Franchise vs Windwards Volcanoes – Kensington Oval Leewards Franchise vs Jamaica Franchise – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground Guyana Jaguars vs T&T Red Force – Guyana National Stadium ROUND 10 March 20 to 23 Windwards Volcanoes vs Guyana Jaguars – Windsor Park T&T Red Force vs Leewards Franchise – Queen’s Park Oval Jamaica Franchise vs Barbados Franchise – Sabina Park (WICB Media Release)
Barcelona gets date for FIFA transfer ban appeal Lausanne, Switzerland (AP) — Barcelona’s appeal against a one-year transfer ban imposed by FIFA for breaking youth transfer rules will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on December 5. CAS says it will give a fast-track verdict before the transfer window opens in January. Barcelona protected itself against another possible legal defeat by signing extra players in the off-season window.
FIFA allowed that by suspending the transfer ban in April while its appeals panel processed the case. The case emerged in February 2013 when FIFAblocked Barcelona from selecting youngsters from South Korea, France, Nigeria and Cameroon for competitive matches. FIFA tightened transfer rules in 2010 to help end what was described as “child trafficking” in which clubs, and agents, took boys to Europe with lucrative contracts promised.
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Kaieteur News
Singh, Chanderpaul lead Tiger’s XI to victory over MMZW A five-wicket haul by Doodnauth Singh coupled by an unbeaten 90 from Tagenarine Chanderpaul guided Tiger’s XI to a ninewicket victory over host Meten-Meer-Zorg West in a 30-over match played on Sunday last. Batting first and witnessed by a large crowd, the home team recovered from a precarious 36-4 to score 189 before they were bowled out in 29.5 overs. Seymour Evans smashed four fours and eight sixes in a top score 82 from 42 deliveries w h i l e A d r i a n Johnson supported with 23 and Emmanuel Chrisnauth 22; Singh grabbed 5 for 41. Chanderpaul then stroked eight fours and four maximums as Tiger ’s XI replied with 193-1 in 28 overs. Vishnu Sukhram slammed 63 (4x4 3x6) and Krishna Arjune 28 not out. Both teams received trophies while Evans was given the best batsman prize, Singh the most outstanding bowler accolade
Tagenarine Chanderpaul collects his prize from Shabana Bacchus of Meten- Meer-Zorg West SC. and Chanderpaul the man-ofthe-match award. The game
was sponsored by Odyssey Transport Services.
Women’s Test to be broadcast live A Women’s Test will be broadcast live on television for the first time next summer when England defend the Women’s Ashes. Every game of the seven-match series will be televised live in the latest boost to the women’s game. The third multi-format series will see the Test match played between the ODI and T20 matches and the points for winning it reduced from six to four to increase the balance of the competition. Previously the Test was the first match of the series and a significant advantage could be gained with only one of seven matches completed. England retained the Ashes with two matches to play last winter after which Meg Lanning, the Australia batsman, questioned the weighting of the points system. The series will continue to feature three ODIs and three T20s, all worth two points each, with the ODIs also part of the latest round of the new Women’s Championship. All seven matches will be broadcast live by Sky Sports
and BBC Radio and the final contest in Cardiff will be a double-header with the men’s T20. Beginning on July 21 at Taunton, the series will travel up the M5 via Bristol and Worcester before the Test during Canterbury Cricket Week, giving Charlotte Edwards the chance to lead England on her home ground. Chelmsford, Hove and Cardiff will host the T20s with no match in the series being played at Lord’s in contrast to recent England Women’s fixtures. England won the inaugural multi-format Ashes 12-4 at home in 2013 before mounting a successful defence 10-8 in Australia last winter. “It has already been a remarkable year of firsts for England women’s cricket,” Clare Conner, ECB’s head of England Women’s cricket. “The first crop of 18 players to receive professional contracts, alongside a first standalone commercial sponsorship deal with Kia. “The level of broadcast coverage that the England
women’s team now gets is exceptional. It is this level of exposure and support that will ensure that the women’s game continues to grow, and that will inspire the next generation of England women’s cricketers. “The points awarded for winning the Test match has been reduced it will be played in the middle of the series for the first time to help improve the balance of the competition and to ensure maximum interest across the three formats throughout the summer.” Women’s Ashes 2015 fixtures July 21, first ODI, Taunton July 23, second ODI, Bristol July 26, third ODI, New Road August 11-14, only Test, Canterbury August 26, first T20, Chelmsford August 28, second T20, Hove August 31, third T20, Cardiff (© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.)
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Rage cop Wiltshire and Hicken Dominoes title
Gittens tournament set for November 22
GDA President Faye Joseph (right) presents the trophy and cash prize to Captain of the victorious Rage team Yusif Edghill in the presence of other members. Rage scored 48 games to win the final of the Mark Wiltshire and Colin Hicken four-game dominoes competition on Sunday night last at Dynasty Sports bar. Turning Point grabbed the runner-up spot with 47 games while Sparton placed third on 40. Yusif Edghill, Cargail De Freitas and Mark Welch chalked up 10 games each for the winners while Samantha Vickery marked 11 and Colin Mc Ewan 10 for the Turning Point. Leroy Edwards and
Navin Singh were Sparton’s leading players with 11 and 10 games respectively. Rage received a trophy and $70,000, Turning Point a trophy and $30,000 and Sparton a trophy and $20,000. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, President of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) Faye Joseph commended the winning side and thanked the other teams that participated. She congratulated the GDA Secretary Barbara Marshall who celebrated her 50th birth
anniversary also on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Lyall Gittens two-in, one-out tournament will commence on November 22 at August Sports Bar, Norton and Creen streets. Entrance fee is $10,000 and double six-time is 15:30hrs. The winning team will take home a trophy and $150,000, the runner-up a trophy and $100,000 and third place a trophy and $50,000. Among the teams set to battle are Police, Mix Up, TNT, B 4, Rage and Assassins.
Brilliant Taylor fails to fire Windies Sydney, Australia - Stafanie Taylor’s brilliant 95 couldn’t spark the West Indies Women to victory in the 1st ICC Women’s Championship One Day International against Australia Women yesterday. Along with a debut halfcentury from opener, Hayley Matthews, Taylor’s knock took the West Indies Women to 240-8 from their 50 overs. Coincidentally, captain of Australia Women, Meg Lanning, also scored 95 that trumped Taylor’s innings. Opener, Nicole Bolton, hit 59 while Ellyse Perry scored 53 as the Aussies won the 1st ODI by three wickets. Taylor, Anisa Mohammed and Shanel Daley all finished with two wickets each. Earlier, Taylor spanked 95
Stafanie Taylor from 102, hitting twelve boundaries along the way. She shared in second wicket stand with Matthews worth 109 runs. Matthews scored 55. Matthews was patient in her approach but looked to have settled in nicely. She took 86 balls in her knock,
hitting six fours. Deandra Dottin was another highlight of the West Indies Women’s innings, getting a start and scoring 24. Summary Scores: West Indies Women: 240/8 (50 Overs). Stafanie Taylor 95, Hayley Matthews 55, Deandra Dottin 24, Kycia A Knight 14; Erin Osborne 100-43-3, Katie Beams 10-132-2, Jess Jonassen 7-0-311, Rene Farrell 7-0-42-1. Australia Women: 241/7 (49.3 Overs). Meg Lanning* 95, Nicole Bolton 59, Ellyse Perry 53, Alyssa Healy+ 14; Anisa Mohammed 10-0-39-2, Shanel Daley 8-0-382, Stafanie Taylor 8.3-0-452, Tremayne Smartt 5-0-191. Australia Women won by 3 wickets. (WICB)
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Kaieteur News
Seaboard Marine CMRC
All issues rectified, I’m ready - Rahaman Former Group 3 champion driver Ryan Rahaman’s confirmation of participation in Sunday’s Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) presented additional boost to Guyana’s chances of retaining the regional title. Rahaman, who comes from a racing family that includes his father Jad and Uncle Ray, both retired now, added his name to the list of high profile local drivers who will be aiming to defend home turf against counterparts from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname and the USA. The young speedster, speaking with Kaieteur Sport at his garage yesterday, when quizzed about his preparations, said that the team is almost complete with
the work and it’s now about testing the reliability and speed of his Ford Sierra Cosworth which according to him had not raced since last November. “You may recall that we did not take to the track this year after suffering some braking issues last November, but my team of mechanics was able to rectify the problem and preliminary testing indicated that all is well,” Rahaman revealed. He added that the team did some testing on the braking system, going through a simulation at racing speed and the brakes held well so they felt that it should be fine come Sunday. Widely considered as one of the purest drivers in the sport locally, Rahaman said he is satisfied with the
modifications that were done, informing that work was also done on the suspension and handling and it is just a matter of him getting on the track and putting his best foot forward. He pointed out that while in his opinion the issues pertaining to the advantages and disadvantages of pitting the two-wheel against the four-wheel are still not settled, his focus will be to do the best he could for Team Guyana. Rahaman paid recognition to his team that includes Freddie Mapp, Tedroy, Hakim and Veeko, while he also extended much gratitude to his sponsors Valvoline, Carlsberg, J.R. Burgers, GEM Magazine, Guyson’s Engineering, Silhouette Restaurant and Altitude Cocktail & Bar.
Albion are BCB 2014 Carib Beer T20 Champions Cricket power house Albion Cricket Club of Corentyne stumbled before recovering to defeat Bermine Cricket Club of New Amsterdam in the final of the Carib Beer sponsored and Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) organized first division event. In the final which was played on Sunday under lights at the Albion Community Centre, Albion won by 20 runs. Winning the toss and electing to take first strike, Albion were in trouble at 10-3 in the second over with pacer Romario Sheppard DeJonge beating opener Anthony Bramble for pace to trap him LBW with his first delivery. DeJonge also removed West Indies players Veerasammy Permaul and Narsingh Deonarine for ducks in the same over. Bermine then started to slip up in the field as Albion were let off the hook with opener Kandasammy Surujnarine and Jonathan Foo coming to their rescue. It took a diving catch at point to remove Foo for 15. However Albion continued to fight using their experience to propel their innings. However, the hosts lead by Surujnarine, who carried his bat for a well played unbeaten 72 (7x4 2x6) along with Test player Devendra Bishoo 25 (3x4) and Veerapen Permaul 12 carried the hosts to 145-7. A total of 19 runs were scored off the final over bowled by Devon Clements.
Bowling for Bermine pacer DeJonge took 3-27 with one apiece for pacer Jeremy Gordon; spinners Stephen Latcha and Clements. In their turn at the wicket, Bermine were immediately strangled by the nine man all spin attack. They started slowly and quickly lost two wickets to be 12-2. Clements with a fighting 54 (5x4 2x6) was in excellent form. He threatened to win the game for Bermine, taking 13 from one over bowled by Deonarine. However the asking rate continued to climb way out of reach and they ended at 125 in 19.5 overs. Akeem Hinds backed up with 22 (2x4 1x6) and Kevin Bodie and Stephen Latcha 12 each. Bowling for Albion, skipper Veerasammy Permaul led the way with three wickets, while there were two apiece for Veerapen Permaul, Gudakesh Motie and Deonarine. Bachan Baldeo took one. In the third place game, Young Warriors pulverized a 10man West Berbice by nine wickets. Scores: West Berbice batting first ended on 90-8 from their 20 overs; Raun Johnson top scored with 21. Bowling for Young Warriors, there were two wickets each for Balram Samaroo, Linden Austin and Kasim Khan, while Kevin Ramdeen and Amir Khan took one each. Young Warriors in their turn at the crease galloped to 91-1 in 13 overs; openers Waheed
Edwards with an unbeaten 35 (5x4) and Shemron Hetmyer 28 (3x4) put together 55 for the first wicket. Vishal Mohabir made 11*. At the presentation ceremony Carib Beer Marketing Assistant Khemraj Tajeram expressed his pleasure with the staging of the competition. He congratulated Albion for winning the title and Bermine for reaching the final whilst wishing them better luck next time. He also thanked both teams for a well played match and the BCB for the excellent way in which the competition was staged. Tejram promised to urge his principals to continue sponsorship of the competition in the future. He also thanked the other teams for participating in the competition. Also speaking at the ceremony was BCB Secretary Ms. Angela Haniff who thanked Ansa McAl for partnering with her board. Congratulations were extended to Albion for winning the tournament. Albion received $80,000 and trophy, Bermine took home $40,000, third placedYoung Warriors collected $30,000, while fourth placed West Berbice got $20,000. Surujnarine for his well played innings of 72 was named the man-of-the-match and received $10,000 and trophy. The four teams also received Carib beer caps. Thirteen teams participated in the competition. (Samuel Whyte)
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Bayrock Cricket Club gets gear from GCB GCB President Drubahadur hands over a cricket bat to Mortimer Denny.
The Bauxite Mining Town of Linden once again benefitted from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) developmental outreach programme when GCB President Drubahadur donated a complete set of gear to the Bayrock Cricket Club on Sunday last. The donation was made after the GCB head witnessed the Upper Demerara Cricket Committee final between Bayrock Cricket Club and Waruni Mission Cricket Club. Drubahadur’s visit was a follow up to the outreach programme the GCB made in August this year where the Board contributed $250,000
each to the Bayrock club and the Regional Authority, along with six bats and five boxes of balls. Speaking to club representatives and young players, Drubahadur said he was happy to see youths involved in cricket in Linden. He urged the cricketers to make good use of the gear and take care of them. He further stated that as the finances of the Board improve, Lindeners will get more support. The GCB boss congratulated Lancelot Easton, Mortimer Denny and others for the wonderful work they are doing in the Upper Demerara area and pledged
his personal commitment to the development of the game. Speaking on behalf of Bayrock and the Committee, Easton thanked the GCB for again helping the youth of the region and promised to ensure the cricket equipment is well utilised and kept safely for use not only by Bayrock but other teams in the area as well. The GCB started a countrywide outreach programme this year to aid clubs across the country in the development of cricket. So far, they have reached Berbice, Essequibo, Linden and other areas on the East Bank of Demerara.
Lee Chong Wei: Badminton star suspended for ‘apparent’ doping Lee Chong Wei
World number one Lee Chong Wei has been provisionally suspended for an “apparent” anti-doping violation. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) said he was banned because of “an adverse analytical finding of a sample taken at the World
Championships”. The 32-year-old Malaysian, who tested positive for the banned antiinflammatory agent dexamethasone, faces a twoyear ban if guilty of doping. He could also lose the silver medal he won at August’s World Championships.
Lee has posted messages on his Twitter and Facebook accounts denying using drugs to gain an advantage. “There are so many unanswered questions and I hope to clear my name soon,” he wrote. “I never cheated nor will I ever rely on banned substances.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Records to tumble at National Schools’ Championships - as nation’s top athletes go on show next week What is certain is that Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground produces some of the fastest times in local athletics outside of the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. It will be no different when the 54th edition of the National Schools’ Championships is staged at Base Camp Ayangana, November 19-21 with records expected to fall by the wayside. Several of Guyana’s top youth and junior athletes will be on show over three days of competition at the venue. Notably, three-time CARIFTA Games 1500m gold medalist, Cassey George will be looking to use the event to reintroduce herself to athletics at the schools’ level after an injury had her on the sidelines for most of this year. The Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani, District 10, athlete, who will be competing in the Under-16 age group will certainly eye impressive times in the 1500m and 3000m races
upon her return to what will certainly be a competitive 2014 Championships. East Coast’s trump card, Jason Yaw, who is also a CARIFTA Games bronze medalist in the 400 metres will be looking to exert his dominance from last year. Yaw will be competing in the 200m and 400m in the Under18 category of the competition. Continuing among the boys, Tevin Garraway and Kevin Abbensetts will renew a rivalry in the Under-20 marquee male 100m and 200m races. With Garraway representing District 3 that is West Demerara and Abbensetts competing for defending champions, North Georgetown, Julian Edmonds’ 10.6 seconds 100m record from 1992 could be under threat. In addition, the duo could make a run at Keith Roberts’ 2002; 22.0 record. Among the girls, one of the most interesting
FLASHBACK! Jevina Sampson and Natricia Hooper (centre left, right) battle at the National Schools’ Championships 2013 at the National Stadium. showdowns is looming in the 200m and 400m events with Natricia Hooper of East Georgetown, Jevina Sampson representing North Georgetown, and Avon Samuels from the East Coast, expecting to clash in the U-18 category.
Inter Schools Champion of Champions Sports in Region 10 held After weeks of unresolved issues between the Department of Education and the Upper Demerara branch of the Guyana Teacher’s Union, the Inter School Sports has finally kicked off and Region 10 will participate in the National School Championships.According to the Regional Education Officer Ms. Marcia PaddyAndrews, the GTU had failed to submit the list for Nationals for Region 10 and she had to engage Allied Arts, GTU Central Branch, Ministry of Education and met with other stakeholders such as Milerock and all the other local coaches and they have indicated their willingness to have the sports run off. “We had a meeting and GTU was there and of course they tried to create a ruckus, but I did not entertain them again because at this point in time all I am catering for is to field a team for the Nationals because we would have already missed the first deadline.” She said she spoke to the President of the Guyana Teachers Union and he agreed to extend the deadline to Friday. She noted that teachers, clubs and public spirited citizens came on board to assist and the road and cycle races were completed last Thursday, the swimming on Friday and the field events were held Monday. She said the Inter Primary sports was held yesterday and Inter Secondary is today. “Even though there was a mix
up with the sports children were still training so that should not jeopardize their performance.” However, the Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon was not in agreement, he said it has a psychological effect on the children, not only on their physical performance. The Chairman asked why it took so long before he was brought up to date with the matter of almost $600,000 being owed to teachers for work done during 2013 sports. The REO refuted the amount saying she is not aware of that. “I know the way sports used to be run the Administrative part by the Department of Education and the organizing of the sports by the Guyana Teachers Union that was the system put in place by the former REO. I spoke to him to get some clarity and he said to me that what used to happen is that the GTU would run the sports, pay themselves, do whatever it is with the funds and then they saddle the Department with the responsibility of paying for the ground and transportation and all that. In our budget we ask for funds to run off the Nationals so they are responsible for running the sports from Inter House to Champion of Champions and so that is the arrangement. The Region doesn’t pump funds into those activities. The gates are responsible for paying all the
expenses.” She claimed after all the expenses were cleared off the remaining sum was demanded by the teachers to travel to Georgetown. “Everybody demanding a four thousand dollars and eventually they came for the coins and Ms. Adams handed it over to them so at the end of the activity we had no funds left to pay anybody any money.” She also noted that in speaking with the President of the GTU he claimed that in no other Region teachers are paid to run off sports. Region Ten is the only Region teachers are demanding to be paid to run off sports. The Education Officer said she told the teachers that if the gate is the problem and the money is the issue she has no problem, they can have the gates but they must bear the expenses that go with the gate and they are not in agreement. “I would ask the Regional Executive Officer for this year that we put two accountants from the Regional Administration to man the funds at the gate, they would do the collections and all payments, one member from the GTU to be present at the gate along with a member of the Department of Education for transparency.” Teachers working for the 2014 sports will be working voluntarily. (Jacquey Bourne)
Deja Smartt is back, and will compete in the U-20 sprints for North Georgetown
against rising star, South Georgetown’s Tasnica Lovell. These are just some of the
athletes who are expected to provide enthusiasts with loads of excitement.
Ninvalle in South Korea for AIBA Congress
GBA President Steve Ninvalle is flanked by St Lucia’s David ‘Shakes’ Christopher (2nd right), Grenada’s Ralph James (right) and VP of Egypt Boxing Association Mohamed Aly Elsayed Touma following their arrival in South Korea. President of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle has arrived in Jeju Island, South Korea for theAIBA Congress held from Tuesday to Friday. He is hoping to be elected to the AIBAAmericas Executive Committee, where Guyana and the Caribbean would have a major voice in the operation of the world of amateur boxing. It is a very tough race as Ninvalle will be up against other influential candidates from several developed countries. Ninvalle confirmed to this newspaper his arrival on Monday and they were into the business of charting the way forward for the world boxing body, which will be followed by the all important elections. The Caribbean association reps met yesterday and decided
that Ninvalle and Kathy HarperHall of Barbados will speak at a meeting of associations on behalf of the Caribbean today. Prior to his departure the GBA head spoke about the race to be elected on the AIBA executive. “It is basically a David versus Goliath scenario. You are going up against the might of the boxing world. It’s a lot of politics being played out and a lot of resources being pumped into winning. Quite frankly neither Guyana nor the Caribbean is capable of matching the resources of some of the opponents,” Ninvalle had declared. “It’s not an easy road but Guyana and the Caribbean would be giving it the best shot. You only fail when you stop trying and our best attempt is yet to
come.” Among the other members vying for positions on AIBA include: Osvaldo Bisbal (Argentina), Pat Fiacco (Canada), Rafael Vega Rodriguez (Costa Rica), Alberto Puig De La Barca (Cuba), Alex Gonzalez Gutierrez (Ecuador), Ray Silvas (USA) and Fran Lopez Almeida (Venezuela). Once successful, Ninvalle will be a vice president in the Americas area, which is led by AIBA vice president and area President Dr. Domingo Salano. This is the first time that a representative from the English speaking Caribbean has been nominated for this crucial election of the World amateur boxing body (AIBA). The elections have been fixed for Friday.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
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Atwell goes after the IBF & WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight titles tonight One day after celebrating his 26th birth anniversary and approximately six months after his failed attempt at Mexican, Johnny Gonsalves’ World Boxing Council World Featherweight Title, Clive ‘The Punisher’ Atwell gets another chance at a title when he steps in the ring tonight against unbeaten Australian pugilist, Kye Mackenzie, at the Hisense Arena, Melbourne Victoria Australia, for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Super Featherweight titles. Atwell has recently travelled to Australia and has been hard at work, ably assisted by his countryman, Gary ‘Superman’ St Clair. Reports from Australia state that Atwell has been engaged in rugged training ever since his arrival in Australia and closed off sessions with some light sparring against Australia boxing super star Daniel Lewis. Efforts to speak with Atwell were futile but Kaieteur Sport has been reliably informed that he is in
good physical and mental shape for tonight’s encounter. “He is good and ready to win this fight,” the source confirmed. Atwell has an impressive 12-1-1 record with 7 knockouts; his only loss was to Gonsalves while he fought local pugilist, Mark Austin to a draw. He has a 50% knockout ratio and would best be remembered for devastating knockout victories over Prince Lee Isadore for the W B C C A B O F E Light/Welterweight title in October 2012 and Revlon Lake in December of that same year, for the local Lightweight title. Atwell has also underlined his dominance when he outboxed and outpunched Ve n e z u e l a n , R a f a e l Hernandez in April last year to add the WBCCABOFE Featherweight title to his collection. He rattled off two more victories against local pugilist, Anson Green (KO 3) and Jamaican, Glenroy Beckford (KO 2) before taking on Gonzalves in a bout that was halted by the ringside doctor after a clash
Germany threaten jail for athletes under new doping law
Germany is set to make doping in sport a crime for the first time, with jail terms of up to three years for athletes found guilty. The draft is scheduled to be presented by ministers today with the law going before parliament in spring 2015.
About 7,000 German professional athletes who are covered by the national testing program will be affected by the new law. Foreign athletes caught doping in Germany would also risk prison. (BBCsport)
of heads where Gonsalves came out the worse with a cut over his eye. He retained his title after the fight was decided on the judges’ score card up to the termination of the bout. Atwell will be out to reverse his fortunes tonight. (Michael Benjamin)
Just after one of his training sessions, Atwell (2nd left) poses with some of boxing’s bigwigs in Australia.
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Kaieteur News
Players are all eager to go says Coach Crandon By Sean Devers It can’t possibly get worse than last season! Guyana’s Head Coach Esuan Crandon, the former Guyana fast bowler will have his hands full trying to lift Guyana’s cricket fortunes when the inaugural WICB Regional four-day First-
Class Franchise season commences on Friday with the Jaguars facing the Leeward Islands at Providence. “Our performance last season was very disappointing. We will have to put it behind us and seek to improve, try for greater
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Guyana Jaguars to hold first net session today consistency moving forward. We have done a lot of soul-searching and planning after last season and in our preparations for this season. With this new franchise system in place and a longer season ahead, the players are all eager to go,” Crandon said.
Asked what he thinks needs to be fixed for Guyana’s performance to improve Crandon said the team realised that one of the main problems was the opening pair had not performed as consistently as the team would have liked. “This has meant that we
did not have the base for big first innings totals to put our opponents under pressure. We have also been working hard on situationalawareness in the hope that the thought processes of the players would improve and we will be able to endure and come out on top during those pressure moments in the game. We have had a number of young players and we have asked them to learn the game – and quickly – prior to this season when they were only five or six matches, but this season presents a good opportunity and we have asked them to prepare themselves in every area, so they can perform well for the team, themselves and Guyana,” Crandon explained. “We have a pretty good balance for the first few matches – no less than six Test players are available to us – a pretty good range of players from which to choose. It looks good on paper, but we have to prove it on the field. We are hoping that we can make full use of home advantage, something which we have failed to do in the recent past, and I think the players are all in the right frame of mind approaching the start of the new season,”
Raymond Reifer
Rajendra Chandrika Crandon continued. Crandon feels in order to maintain intensity throughout the long season fitness will be vitally important and the players will have to manage their workloads throughout the season, specifically the bowlers, so that they can sustain the level of performance that is required to make the team a competitive force. “It will also call for players to be honest with the management team about the nature of their injuries. Some players can play through the pain barrier and through their injuries, but others cannot, so we need to know to be able manage them properly,” the Berbican pointed out. Crandon said Barbadian all-rounder Raymon Reifer is fitting in very well and getting accustomed to the playing conditions in Guyana. “The pitch plays much lower and slower and favours the spin bowlers than they do in Barbados, but we have been talking to him about the lengths he has to bowl and how he will need to adjust his stroke-play as a batsman coming from Barbados where the pitches offer more pace and bounce. He is coping well and the players are making him feel welcomed. He has a key role to play as a batting allrounder and we are looking forward for his contribution throughout this tournament.” the former Guyana pacer said. Crandon thinks highly of opening batsman Rajindra (Continued on page 33)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 12, 2014
Page 41
GT&T outfits National Women’s Hockey Team GT&T enhanced its association with the Guyana women’s hockey team by outfitting the team with playing gear for the upcoming Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Games in Vera Cruz, Mexico. The telecommunications giant has a long and healthy relationship with the sport of hockey in Guyana and just celebrated its 14th year of sponsoring the Indoor Hockey National Championships. In recognition of the achievements of the women’s national hockey team, including their qualification and participation against World Class opposition in the prestigious PAHF Cup, GT&T has chosen to embrace its latest effort to medal in the CAC Games. The company’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Nadia DeAbreu was on hand to make the presentation of playing u n i f o r m s t o representatives of the team. Ms. DeAbreu indicated that the company was happy to support the efforts of the team and wished them success in the Games. Vi c e - C a p t a i n U l r i c a Sutherland expressed great appreciation on behalf of the team indicating that companies like GT&T should be commended for affording young people the
opportunity to set and achieve goals both in sport and in other beneficial endeavours. The national ladies depart today for Mexico and will compete against the Dominican Republic in their first match of the games on Saturday at 12 noon Guyana time. As a result of their success over the past three years, Guyana enters the tournament ranked 4th out of 8 teams. Other teams in the competition include Trinidad, Cuba, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and hosts Mexico. Defending champions Trinidad & Tobago ranked top in the competition with Mexico being ranked second. Guyana have never medalled in these games, b u t e n t e r t h i s y e a r ’s competition with a much better ranking than their last place ranking at the last staging of the games four years ago. Meanwhile the full squad is: Alysa Xavier (GK), Ashley DeGroot, Ulrica Sutherland, Maria Munroe, Tiffany Solomon, Trisha Wo o d r o f f e , A l i y a h Gordon, Marzana Fiedtkou, Leigh Sandison, Gabriella Xavier, Kerensa Fernandes, Chantelle Wa l e s , S a m a n t h a Fernandes, Shebiki B a p t i s t e , Te k i e s h a DeLeon and Princessa Wilkie.
Thomas to Captain Leewards against Guyana Jaguars Devon Thomas has been appointed Captain of the Leeward Islands team with no big name players that will face the Guyana Jaguars on Friday at Providence. Thomas, who made his First-Class debut for the Leewards against Jamaica in 2008, has nine 50s and a century from 41 matches and has played 21 ODIs for the West Indies. He will have as his deputy Jahmar Hamilton while 31-year-old pacer Gavin Tonge, who has played his only Test against Australia, is the lone Test player in the side. Leg-
spinner Anthony Martin has nine ODIs and Austin Richards are the only other International players in the team which was expected to arrive in Guyana last night. Leeward Islands: Devon Thomas (Captain), Jahmar Hamilton (Vice Captain), Quinton Boatswain, Yannick Leonard, Jeremiah Louis, Anthony Martin, Orlando Peters, Austin Richards, Lyndell Richardson, Akeem Raunders, Jacques Taylor, Gavin Tonge, Kelbert Walters. Leroy Percival (Manager), Ridley Jacobs (Coach), Masefield Nisbett (Trainer).
GT&T Public Relations Officer Nadia DeAbreu (3rd right) hands over the uniforms to Ulrica Sutherland in the presence of teammates recently.
t r o Sp Seaboard Marine CMRC
All issues rectified, I’m ready - Rahaman Local speedster Ryan Rahaman poses next to his Ford Sierra Cosworth at his garage yesterday
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Atwell goes after the IBF & WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight titles tonight
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Guyana Jaguars to hold first net session today
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GT&T outfits National P.41 Women’s Hockey Team
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