Thursday November 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The main opposition has becoming a running joke DEAR EDITOR, This is not good. It is not good that the main political opposition in Guyana has assumed the presence, contours, and durability of a running joke. The strongmen of old are now reduced to the impotence of shambling vacant creatures pawing the air with feeble meaningless gestures, and in words ridiculed for their mere utterance. This society needs a vibrant opposition to hold the government’s feet to the coals, to be assured by an alert muscular watchdog. Instead, it is treated to the awful spectacle of those in the throes of slow selfdestruction, who have dug deepening graves for themselves through the sharp implements of selfincriminating words and damning actions. Truly, this official opposition is damned to a sick unsparing existence. It opens its mouth and the government of the day does not even have to respond. There are many-the press,
the historians, the injured, and the once oppressed-who set the record straight by calling to task, through pinpointing inconsistency, hypocrisy, and political delinquency. It is political delinquency of a primitive unforgettable, unforgivable kind. And so the new opposition has become a caricature of the spectral, exemplification of all that is increasingly moronic. Some of the demonic was long suspected, too. It is now a pale shrunken shadow of a once roaring uncontrolled monstrosity. Indeed, those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make…. Still, the group refuses to listen, to emerge from its medieval ideological and mental swamp into the new world and all of its sophistication, ethical challenges, and character demands. It refuses to read the terrain, interpret the telltale signs brightly flashing, undeniably loud. It sticks with a known
triumvirate now shorn of standing and clothing, and exposed for all the world to see its members as they really are: ramshackle curiosities, derelict political operators of the worst stripe, and abundant in the puerile and palpably vacuous. In this pantheon of the pathetic are secretaries come and gone, and a third that stride over them like a Colossus. The party persists with the failed and obstructive and divisive, even when it is obvious that they are out-ofplace relics rendered inconsequential by historic out-of-proportion baggage. They do say that payback is a…. The opposition ventures to speak and people laugh. They lurch erect and political youngsters throw stones at the irresistible bull’s-eye they present. Yes, the mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine. There should be rejoicing, but there is only pity. This is not good for this place. GHK Lall
From page 4 remember after lunch parties in the 80s (or was it the 70s) use to attract sell- out crowds. It seems Guyanese businessmen are most comfortable with increasing their wealth without investing in offering their patrons an improved service. In other places proprietors of bars would seek to increase the number of their patrons during the legal hours by adding activities to their product. For example they could advertise and have Charmaine Blackman, Henry Rodney etc, perform at 10pm. Also proprietors could advertise that patrons who are present at 9am will be given a number and that there will be a drawing at 12pm, the patron holding the randomly selected number will win $10000. The night’s experience will be more exciting and much more people will patronize these bars by 10pm making a closing at 2am no problem. Money will be made not because few people drink for a
longer period (unto 4am) but by a larger number of revellers drinking over a shorter period (unto 2am). But not the Guyanese businessman, he wants the government to merely make it possible for people to drink longer. No investment on his part, no thought of making the night’s experience interesting, just have the government change the closing time and let the silly drink themselves into a stupor. Guyana is a poor country
that should be in a hurry to enhance its economic wealth while promoting decent living. I do not see having our young people drinking at bars at 4am in the morning helping in this endeavor. This behavior of our business community does not surprise me, but it certainly disappoints. Claudius Prince.
In other countries, patrons don’t...
We must stop borrowing needlessly from the United States
DEAR EDITOR, Permit me to once again address this vexing problem of Corporal Punishment; to be or not to be. This topic was recently addressed by Mr. Roy Paul, the latest member of the “Ban the Cane” brigade. I’m “comfuffled” (to borrow a Paul Keens Douglas word) as to why, all of a sudden, corporal punishment is such a terrible thing. The argument is advanced that corporal punishment causes psychological damage to children. It is described as violence against children and is said to ultimately cause said children to be violent. Now, am I losing my (mental) marbles or is this generation today which grew up on a diet mostly free of corporal punishment, more violent than the previous which was raised on CP. My generation should, according to the arguments trotted out by the “ban-thecane” gang, be psychologically scarred and more violent than the generation that followed. For those of us who grew up knowing if we passed certain behavioral boundaries, our fathers or mothers would tear into us with the whip or belt, be honest. Would you have been a better person had they used the overrated “time out” method suggested by the supposed enlightened educators? I cannot speak for you but for me, had I been given “time out” when I was a youth that would’ve been
akin to a free pass for my misdeeds. I was in teacher’s college in Georgetown when psychology was introduced to us: this new and supposedly better approach where the whip would be put away. When my batch mates and I went into the classrooms on our first teaching practice and declined the offer by the seasoned teachers in the field to use the cane, within a week we had resorted to the old method of discipline. For, as soon as the children realized we were not going to use the cane, it was a free-for-all for them. The older and more experienced teachers used the cane but sparingly. The children already knew that if they overstepped their boundaries there is a consequence. Caning was an immediate punishment for one’s misdeeds, after which you were immediately returned to class to continue your studies. No wasting time with “time outs” and detention and a student not learning the fact that there are consequences to one’s actions; in this case, immediate consequences. The basic problem is that anything the U.S. embraces is adapted as better, modern, and more enlightened than what we have in “backward” Guyana. A word to the wise: Guyana may be a Third World country but we are better at raising children than Americans are. (At least we
used to be). Why are we blindly adopting a system of discipline from a nation known for undisciplined children? They have vilified corporal punishment and replaced it with time outs and psychological approaches that have borne the fruit of rising violence in schools, a platoon of councillors who make little or no difference, metal detectors and a division of the police force assigned to schools to curb the violence this system has bred. It has also spawned a lucrative path for the pharmaceutical industry which dole out millions of dollars worth of pills designed to supposedly modify negative behavior in children. Is this the road we’re choosing to follow? Can we afford the budget this “enlightened” approach breeds? Too many of our American educated policy makers are naively adopting everything from the U.S. without picking and choosing what is best for our society. Ten years ago we began removing corporal punishment from our schools. Has discipline in our schools improved since? Are we going to blame the lack of enough councillors for this decline? Are we going to tell our parents to stop spanking their children at home because it is damaging them and giving them a low self esteem? When are we going to stop parroting everything the U.S. does and Continued on page 23
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 12, 2015
Canadian mining company commits to building 100MW Kurupung hydro project Minister of Governance, with responsibility for the Natural Resources and the Environment sector, Raphael Trotman; and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, on Tuesday paid a visit to the ETK Incorporated, a Canadian company located at Toroparu, Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni). According to the Ministry of the Presidency, the visit was intended to give Minister Trotman an overview of the company’s operations and to enlighten Minister Patterson on the hydropower project being undertaken by the company to support the running of its day-to-day activities. The Toroparu Project,
which is still in its exploration stages, is expected to be larger than the Guyana Goldfields/ Aurora Gold Mines Project and Troy Resources, Karouni Gold Project. “Our job is to facilitate investments into the industry and the country and to ensure that the Essequibo is beneficially occupied and the resource base is explored and developed. I am equally excited about the prospect of the hydroproject that would accelerate development in the region and even be able to provide energy to the grid,” Minister Trotman said after the visit. According to the company’s website, in April 2013, Sandspring signed a
Briefing Session: Sir Shridath Ramphal; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman; and Ministerial Advisor to Minister Patterson, Kenneth Jordan, being briefed on Tuesday. Memorandum of Understanding with the then Government of Guyana granting the company the exclusive right to develop the Kurupung River Hydroelectric Project (KRHP). Located approximately 50 km southwest of Toroparu, it is estimated that the KRHP can support more than 100 megawatts of run-of-river hydroelectric capacity. An initial 50-megawatt run-ofriver facility would support the Toroparu Project and other enterprises located within 120 km of the power plant. Sandspring estimates that the use of hydroelectric power could reduce its cash operating costs by aboutUS$80 per ounce of
gold produced. Such a reduction would not only result in significant cost savings over the life of the Toroparu Project, but also increase the economic viability of mining additional resources not currently in its mine plan. Given the Government’s new push for a green economy, Minister Patterson has expressed government’s interest in the venture. In the meantime, however, the visit also provided the opportunity for the Minister of Public Infrastructure to determine the transport needs in the area, the statement said. “I am looking at two things here in this region- the roads and bridges, which come under my Ministry and
the possibility of hydropower here. My visit, however, was primarily to check on the roads. This company maintained it in the past but they have indicated that they cannot continue to do so, and so we are looking at the various options available to maintain the road because lots of miners use it but the hydropower plan is very economical and very interesting,” Minister Patterson said. After a brief presentation on the operations of the company, the Ministers and team, which included Sir Shridath Ramphal; Permanent Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE), Joslyn McKenzie; Ministerial Advisors, Clayton Hall (DNRE) and Kenneth Jordan (Ministry of Public Infrastructure); and President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Norman McLean, were given a tour of the operations.
Chief Executive Officer of ETK Inc/Sandspring Resources Ltd, Rich Munson, who accompanied the team to the camp, pledged his commitment to working with the Government. The Toroparu Project is planned to be a conventional open pit mine. The company’s website says that it has a 4.1 million ounce proven and probable gold reserve, 211 million pounds of economic byproduct copper, and a 16year mine life. The ore processing facility is being designed to accommodate two ore types with varying amounts of copper. It will consist of flotation and leaching circuits, and produce gold-bearing copper concentrates for shipment to a smelter, and gold doré bars that will be poured on-site and flown to a refinery. This facility is expected to process an initial throughput of 19,000 tons per day, and increase to 22,500 tons per day in its fourth year of production.
Thursday November 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
EU to offer Africans aid, other benefits to cut migration: plan
(From left) Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande at the Valletta Summit on Migration in Valletta, Malta, yesterday. (Reuters/Yves Herman) (Reuters) - The European Union has offered African states a range of aid as well as easier visa access and lower costs for migrants sending cash home in return for help to curb migration into the EU, including by taking back illegal immigrants. A 17-page action plan to be agreed by EU and African leaders at a summit on Malta, seen by Reuters, sets out dozens of initiatives, many long established, others fresh, for what leaders say should be a partnership to combat the poverty and insecurity driving Africans north and ensure that migration which does take place is safe and beneficial to all involved.
EU officials said the plan had been finalised yesterday in negotiations among EU and African officials. Alongside a commitment to conclude more agreements between EU and African states to expand and accelerate the return of illegal African immigrants from Europe to their home countries, EU governments would offer cooperative African states easier visa access for people to travel to Europe, including for work. The number of African students and university teachers taking part in an EUrun educational exchange program would be doubled next year from the level in
2014. The plan also addresses African concerns that curbing migration could crimp remittances from Africans to families back home — U.N. officials estimate that remittances may provide twice as much to the African economy as official aid. Acknowledging complaints that Africans are charged too much to send money home — as much as 10 percent or more in many cases — the plan commits governments to cutting that cost to below 3 percent by 2030 and encouraging a substantial reduction in transfer costs within five years.
(Reuters) - A leaks scandal rocking the papacy widened yesterday as the Vatican put two Italian journalists under investigation and said it suspected other Holy See officials had helped two arrested for stealing documents. The latest twist in the scandal came in a statement about the two journalists who wrote books based on the leaks. It said they were being investigated on suspicion of “complicity in committing a crime.” The leaks are one of the biggest internal scandals to hit the papacy of Pope Francis and were reminiscent of the “Vatileaks” furor that preceded the resignation of former Pope Benedict in 2013. The Italian media has dubbed the latest episodes “Vatileaks II”. “Investigators are also looking into the role of people
who, because of their office positions (in the Vatican) may have cooperated in obtaining the confidential documents,” spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said in the statement, indicating that the scandal looked set to widen soon.On Nov. 2, the Vatican announced the arrests of a high-ranking Holy See official and an Italian woman who works in public relations for allegedly leaking the documents to the authors of two new books. Those arrested were members of a commission Francis set up several months after his election in March 2013 to advise him on financial and administrative reforms in the Holy See.The commission completed its work last year and handed its report to the pope, who subsequently made changes in Vatican administration. They included establishing a new economic ministry and
increasing power for Vatican financial regulators. The books by the two authors, “Merchants in the Temple” by Gianluigi Nuzzi and “Avarice” by Emiliano Fittipaldi, depict a Vatican plagued by mismanagement, greed and corruption and where Pope Francis faces stiff resistance from the old guard to his reform agenda. The Vatican has condemned the books because it says they were based on stolen documents and give only a “partial and tendentious” version of events. Last Sunday, the pope said the leaks were “deplorable” and vowed that they would not distract him from continuing financial and administrative reforms. The Vatican’s decision to investigate Nuzzi and Fittipaldi for suspicion of complicity in theft, however, could end up slowing down its investigation.
Vatican leaks scandal widens as authors investigated, others suspected
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 12, 2015
Thursday November 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
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No moral or legal grounds for the revocation of the lease to Red House The government has no legal or moral case to try to reverse the lease granted to a committee to administer the affairs of Red House which houses the Cheddi Jagan Research Center. The government has no legal case. There is valid legal contract and there are no legal grounds for the revocation of that contract. The government also does not have a moral case. This is the basis of today’s column. In the United States there are presidential libraries for each President. These are dedicated to preserving the works and documents of each President. These libraries were established with private and other non-Federal funds and are coordinated and supported by a non-profit organization and have their own support organizations. The libraries are supported also by the State. The establishment therefore of a committee to administer Red House is not a peculiar development. It is based on a tried and tested model developed in the United States of America. There has been too much fuss also over the price of the lease of Red House. This needs to be put into context.
Guyana gave one million acres of land, free of cost, to the Commonwealth in 1991 for sustainable development purposes. No one said then that Guyana should have charged a reasonable annual lease for this massive amount of land. Yet when a State property is used for the archives and papers of a former President, it becomes an issue when there is a token leased charged. It is found objectionable to us to dedicate at a token cost the lease of a building dedicated to research on former President Cheddi Jagan but it is not objectionable to give away one million acres of land to the international community. The PPPC has not been granted any lease to Red House. A committee comprising of persons, some of whom have had associations with the PPP, was formed to administer the Cheddi Jagan Research facility which is still State property. The PPP has no lease to Red House. A Committee does. The formation of the Committee is not unusual. All over the world, such Foundations are formed to
Dem boys seh ...
Everything happening in twos These days everything come in twos. De weekend got two days and when a cricket team batting is two people at de wicket. But Guyana tek this thing too far. Dem boys seh that Guyana is one country but it had two Diwali. Is only because dem got one government that dem didn’t get two holidays. De Pee Pee Pee so glad that people tek it upon demself to keep dem own Diwali outside de date that Rum Jattan announce that Jagdeo call; Rohee and tell he to close down Freedom House pun de day that is not de holiday. It was not surprising that while no other office was open pun Diwali day Freedom House was open. If dem had had sense dem woulda shut down and enjoy two holiday. Jagdeo get two terms as President and he mek sure that Donald only get one. And right now he wukking to mek sure that no other president get two term. Well dem still got other things that does come in twos. For example, dem will need two jail cells to hold Brassington and is because of he size. People got to call Kwame name two times to get he attention because he always got he two eyes looking for some young boy. People still vex wid all de thiefing that went on to de extent that dem always talking about clapping two lash pun de thieves. Bharrat and Babbie; De Cat-3 and he friend at Sleep Out; Donald and Karaoke; Odinga and Steve Navel; Gail and she cigarettes; Rohee and he goat; all of dem things come in twos. De only thing dem boys don’t want in twos is one set of government people fuh two terms. Then dem boys got dem eye pun de one in de High Court. He like to give people long sentence without thinking bout a second chance. He was in he court today and he call in some drivers who think dem was Little Boy Blue in a quiet zone. For dem who don’t know, Little Boy Blue blow he horn and you can’t do that round de court or de hospital. Dem drivers ain’t gun do it again. De find out that one horn or one poop can cost a lot. Talk half and don’t poop in front of that judge.
promote research and projects in the names of former Presidents. The State does support such committees. The real purpose however of having such committee formed is that donor and other persons find it more convenient to provide support to endowments, foundations and research institutes if it is administered by a non-state entity. There is absolute merit in the establishment of a committee, be it partisan or not, to administer the affairs of Red House. This also makes practical sense because there are persons who will be inclined to give if they are approached by a nongovernment or even a
partisan entity rather than by the state. The government should seriously take a step backwards and try to appreciate why a committee was formed and why this committee obtained a lease for Red House. This is not confiscation of State property. This is a practical measure that was employed. The government’s threat to revoke the lease via Court action is therefore misguided. Many years ago, the idea was floated that Red House should not be used as a Research Center for only one President. It was suggested that Red House should also be used as a Research center for Forbes Burnham.
On the basis of seeking private funding, this makes little sense because there are many persons who would give monies to a Cheddi Jagan Research Center but would balk at having to give to a Center for both Jagan and Burnham. Similarly there are persons who would love to support a Center of Research for Burnham but would pull out if they knew that their monies were going to be used to support a center that also attends to the works of Jagan. That is the reality of the country and the world in which we live. Burnham should have his own research center but not at Red House. The former Residence, now Castellani
should be converted into a research center for Burnham and the art exhibits on display there should be relocated to a more central place. There are supporters of Forbes Burnham who will pour millions into research center for his works but they are not going to do so if that center is located in the same building as the research center for Cheddi Jagan. These same supporters will also be more likely to donate millions through a committee established to run the center rather than through the State.
By: Kiana Wilburg
Incorporate (AHI), a subsidiary of the National Industrial Commercial and Investments Limited (NICIL) which falls under the Government. AHI had invested over US$20M in taxpayers’ dollars and was looking to raise US$27M more from a syndicated loan arrangement through Republic Bank, Trinidad. Another US$8M would have been coming from two private investors reportedly out of Hong Kong, which would have subsequently led to them gaining 67 percent control of the hotel. However, the transfer was blocked via a court case that was file by then Parliamentarian, Desmond Trotman. The Marriott was also given “extravagant incentives and benefits”, which left other local hotel operators screaming over the unleveled playing field. Despite the controversy, the hotel officially opened its doors last April 16 to begin its phase one operations while other sections of the Marriot are still under construction. Three months later, the 197room facility was already showing signs that it was not going to be the overnight success the PPP claimed it would be. In fact, Marriott racked up a $60M loss up to the end of June, according to Government officials. The state-owned hotel’s biggest expense is its electricity consumption. Its monthly bill to Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is in excess of $25M. This has been a major factor why construction of a critical component of the hotel- the adjoining entertainment complex- has not started. Marriott’s electricity tab would contrast starkly with that of its nearby competitor, the Pegasus Hotel, whose electricity consumption averages $15M
monthly. Marriott also has a fivemegawatt generator with the capacity to power the Kingston area. It has been using this from time to time. While in Opposition, the AFC, of which Hughes is a member, had made it clear that the party would revisit, review and if necessary impose sanctions on the hotel should the party get into Government. However, the Minister explained that while the former Opposition was critical of how the hotel was handled, it has no reservations about the actual Marriot franchise itself. “I want people to understand that the concerns we had about the Marriott were purely in terms
of the fact that we as an administration did not feel that the Government should spend (US) millions on a hotel,” related the Tourism Minister. She said they had felt that the private sector or international investors should have been the ones to put their money into the Hotel, without spending taxpayers’ dollars. Minister Hughes had said that while she and the coalition were on the campaign trail, they encountered communities just off the East Bank Demerara Public Road without electricity, portable water and with insufficient infrastructure. Minister Hughes had said that (continued on page 24)
Govt prepared to sell Marriott Hotel - Finance Minister
If the price is right, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said, Government would be willing to rid itself of the controversial Marriott Hotel located in Kingston, Georgetown. Jordan was asked to provide an update on what Government has decided to do with the Hotel it inherited from the previous regime. He recalled that the government has made it clear on several occasions that it has no intentions of being competitively involved in the hotel industry. When asked about the possibility of Government selling the hotel, Jordan responded, “Let me put it this way, if Government gets a credible offer or buyer, it will divest itself of the hotel.” The Finance Minister said that Cabinet has established a subcommittee that is looking at the issue and the best way of relieving the government of any responsibility in owning the hotel. He noted that the Committee includes members such as Business Minster, Dominic Gaskin and Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma. The Finance Minister reiterated, “Government is determined not to own the hotel.” Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes had, early on, made it clear that Government does not want to be in the business of owning and operating hotels. The US$60M Marriot Hotel was met with much contention by the then Opposition bloc A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), when it was being constructed under the previous regime. The project had been criticized for lacking transparency. Managing the construction shares of the company was Atlantic Hotel
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Thursday November 12, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Nation still waiting for information on PPP’s bad governance It is common knowledge that under Mr. Jagdeo’s Presidency, Guyana became a deeply messed up nation. It already was but Jagdeo’s reckless, irresponsible, indisciplined regime took Guyana further down the immoral slopes. Here is a story that is one thousand percent factual. It symbolizes all that was depraved in Guyana under Mr. Jagdeo’s watch. There is an empty lot at the junction of New Market and Waterloo Streets. On it used to be the Ministry of Housing under the portfolio of Agnes Bend-Kirton during the Presidency of Forbes
Burnham. The building was left in a bad state during the tenure of Desmond Hoyte. Under the Economic Recovery Programme, state properties had to be divested and the building was sold to a well-known AfricanGuyanese businessman who started out in a small way, but worked himself up the economic ladder of success. This businessman never built on the land and strangely never fenced it. One day, the businessman was informed that construction workers were on the ground fencing the land. He went to the site and enquired from the foreman
what they were doing on his property. The entrepreneur almost got apoplexy when he heard the explanation. One of the richest men in Guyana whose friendship with the then President with whom all Guyanese are familiar had assigned his workers to fence the land. All ended well because Mr. Jagdeo’s friend backed down. He was told that he was usurping legal, private property. What is the explanation? What is the lesson to be learnt from this incident? The presidential connected guy honestly thought it was governmental asset and given his relationship with the President he could take the land. The lesson to be learned is how undemocratic government operates. U n d e m o c r a t i c government is essentially oligarchic. The oligarchs connected to the presidential palace have unlimited access to state properties. They can do what they want. They lacerate the rule of law. Why did another friend of Mr. Jagdeo drive into one of
his construction sites and order his supervisor to lock the gates and instructed them not to let NIS inspectors leave the compound. In the US, do you know how that would have been dealt with? That was a serious breach of the law. NIS inspectors are equivalent to revenue officials. To hinder them in their investigation is a serious violation of the law in most countries. Do you need a doctorate in political theory to tell you why this presidential friend acted this way? The answer was his relationship with the presidency. President Jagdeo never uttered even one word of castigation to his friend. The obvious question is: has the presidential connection in the New Market Street incident done before what he attempted to do in New Market Street? It is naïve to think that the New Market Street incident is an isolated one? Obviously, it is not and this is where the APNU-AFC Government comes into focus. After six months in power
with an energetic Assets Recovery Unit, where is the information on the abominable, oligarchic take over of public assets by the presidential acolytes during the PPP Government? Where is the evidence of ubiquitous corruption? The enigma is not in the existence of the PPP’s depravities but in the APNU-AFC Government’s lack of alacrity in telling the nation about it. Most of the skullduggery took place after the 2001 General Elections. From thereon, Jagdeo broke free from PPP control because he felt that he no longer had to accept edicts from the PPP’s hierarchy. He was now in his own. He won an election as the presidential candidate. From that year, Jagdeo virtually handed over the country to his business friends and the state mandarins and PPP big wigs that he trusted and whom in turn he knew would be loyal to him. There is a plethora of Augean Stables under the twelve years of Jagdeo and
Frederick Kissoon three years of Ramotar that the torchlight needs to be shone on. But the present Government seems reluctant to buy batteries for the torchlight. One can literally count on one’s fingers the items of financial misbehaviour that the government says it has found. There is the Jennifer Westford case. The Assests Recovery Unit has cited Guysuco head under the PPP, Jajendra Singh, for being involved in questionable financial transactions. There is the GPL guy who paid himself $27 million in retroactive pay. That is three so far. We cannot count the Guyoil gas scam because the government has vehemently refused to disclose any names. Maybe all these years we were fooling ourselves – there was no skullduggery at all under the PPP.
Thursday November 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Guyana signs US$2.4M loan with CARICOM fund …to upgrade farm roads at Laluni, Parika, Ruby and Onverwagt More than 35,000 citizens are to benefit from better road access to farmlands in Parika, Laluni, Ruby and Onverwagt. This relief is made possible through a new allocation of loan and grant resources to Guyana from the Caricom Development Fund (CDF). Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, yesterday signed an agreement with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CDF, Rodinald Soomer, that will see Guyana benefiting from an additional US$2.4M through the Country Assistance Programme. Under the agreement, approximately 12 km of asphaltic concrete roads will be constructed, another 13km of all-weather roads will be upgraded and two reinforced concrete bridges are to be built. “These upgrades will help
alleviate many of the problems hindering access to the backlands which are often impassible as a result of damage caused by adverse weather and heavy duty machinery. The loan will also rehabilitate bridges that have been compromised. All the roads are expected to be completed by August 2016,” the Ministry of Finance said yesterday. An estimated 9,500 farming households will directly benefit from access to prime agricultural backlands in all seasons, as government aims to help farmers in these areas increase production, incomes and exports in cash crops. This, in turn, will contribute to price stability for green vegetables mainly on the domestic market. This new allocation supplements US$9.1M that
Guyana received in July 2013. Soomer said, “Achievements to date have been impressive as all the works have been completed within the budget and on schedule.” He added that Guyana can benefit from more resources to finance other projects in agriculture and other sectors as it automatically qualifies for further support by virtue of it having paid up its full assessed contribution to the fund. Minister Jordan in response thanked CDF and said that Soomer’s comments augur well for future collaborations with the CDF as the Government continues with its agenda for all Guyanese to realize the good life. It is the first signing for a loan done by Minister Jordan since the APNU-led Coalition
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and CEO of CARICOM Development Fund, Rodinald Soomer, at the signing yesterday. came into office. Coincidentally, it is also the first signing to be done by CDF’s new CEO, Soomer. The CARICOM Development Fund provides
technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to enhance their prospects for successful
competition within the Community, and to redress any negative impact of the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 12, 2015
Four months later…
DPP advises manslaughter charges for cops involved in killing of mentally ill Mahaica man Four months after they shot a mentally challenged man at Strathavon, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, two policemen will face the court for Manslaughter. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, yesterday, confirmed that the file on the matter was returned by the Director of Public Prosecutions with the advice to charge the two cops with Manslaughter. Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, Cecil Kennard, had earlier recommended that the ranks be charged with murder, however the DPP did not
concur with Kennard. The two police Constables, Elvis Jones and Marlon Cruickshank, are likely to appear in court as early as tomorrow. The two cops, who were attached to the Cane Grove Police Outpost, are still under open arrest. It is alleged that on July 4, last, the ranks shot and killed 30-year-old Junior Gulliver at Strathavon, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara. The ranks had opened fire on Gulliver, when they responded to reports that he was threatening villagers. The ranks are maintaining
that they were attacked by Gulliver, who was armed with a cutlass. They said that they resorted to the use of force. However, relatives and neighbours of the dead man have maintained that the cops murdered an unarmed person. On the day in question, the police first responded to a report that Gulliver was threatening persons in the village. Upon arrival at the scene, the policemen, who were unarmed, came under attack from Gulliver, who had a cutlass, and they had to hastily retreat. In the process the vehicle they came in was damaged by Gulliver, who had struck the window with his cutlass. The ranks went back to the station, and after receiving another report that Gulliver was still acting in a threatening manner, they armed themselves and returned to the area to confront him. Eyewitnesses said that Gulliver, aware that the police
had returned with guns, went into hiding. After a while, when he felt that the ranks had left the area, Gulliver emerged from his hiding place and went into his shack. The two armed ranks subsequently emerged and confronted Gulliver and shot him. A post mortem examination performed on Gulliver’s body by Dr. Nehaul Singh revealed that he was shot twice, from two different calibre weapons, the larger of which inflicted the fatal wound. The Post Mortem found that Gulliver died from perforation of the lung and spinal gunshot injury. According to a police source, the fatal bullet which was fired from a rifle, passed through his lungs and spine from the front of his body. The other bullet, fired from a smaller calibre weapon, struck his left shoulder, causing minimal damage. The news of the charge was not taken too well by the two ranks in question, who
Constable Elvis Jones have a total of 30 years service. They both were wounded in the line of duty, having faced death on separate occasions during the dreaded crime wave of 2002 to 2008, while they were stationed on East Coast Demerara. Cruickshank received 17 pellet wounds from a shotgun
fired at close range when his patrol unit was ambushed by gunmen at Coldingen in May 2002. One of his colleagues was killed during that attack. Constable Cruickshank sustained a partially paralysed right hand. In 2005 Constable Jones was wounded when gunmen in Buxton opened fire on his patrol unit. “I have served the Guyana Police Force for so many years without a charge and was never promoted; this is the thanks I get,” said Jones, who maintained that he was just protecting himself and his colleague from a violent mentally ill man. He reminded that last year he was responsible for the apprehension of a murder suspect who had been on the run for 10 years. He stated that he is willing to face the court to prove that he did not act in a reckless manner. “I feel it because a man lost his life but if we could have done anything better we would have,” Jones stated.
Thursday November 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
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GPHC on mission to arrest prevalence of diabetes - conducts mini fair to kick off Diabetes Awareness month Keen efforts are being made at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to arrest the prevalence of diabetes. According to GPHC’s Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator, Djamilsa Lambert, an awareness approach is being used as a strategic tactic to help combat the chronic disease. According to Lambert, what has been the observed trend in some families with a history of being overweight is that, when they reach a certain age they have a chance of developing
diabetes. “So you see mothers, grannies and children all being diabetics in the same families, so we really have to target how the eating pattern is being done at home in order to help them make changes in the future generation. “Maybe it wouldn’t happen for this generation but for their children so that they can change how they eat so the risk of them developing diabetes can be reduced,” said Lambert. Yesterday, GPHC commenced a month of diabetes awareness activities.
International Diabetes Day will however be observed on Saturday with a walk spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health. A mini health fair was yesterday held at the hospital. It sought to target those attending the weekly diabetic clinic, as well as other interested persons. Another mini health fair is slated for next week Wednesday. According to Lambert, every Wednesday the hospital conducts a diabetic clinic and it was with this in mind that “We chose the opportunity to provide the
Woman stole boyfriend’s car while he slept - court hears A woman accused of stealing her boyfriend’s motorcar and other valuables from his home, while he took a nap, was ordered to post bail in the sum of $300,000 after she denied a charge of Simple Larceny, when she appeared in the Providence Magistrate’s Court. Sasha Mentore, 23, was not alone. Her 21-year-old cousin, Melissa Isaacs, was jointly charged with her for the offence. The women denied that on November 5, at Parker Street, Providence, East Bank Demerara, they stole a motorcar, a DVD player, an amplifier, a laptop along with other items-- carrying a total value of $1.650, 000. The articles belong to Raymond Nandlall. Mentore and Isaacs pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to
Sasha Mentore them by Magistrate Leron Daly yesterday. They were ordered to post bail in the sum of $300,000 each and instructed to return to court on November 25, for statements. Attorney Leslie Sobers represented both defendants and asked that they be
Guyana Foundation establishes database on the homeless From page 19 the environment. According to Autar, the reports of the removal of vagrants were “troubling” since, from all indications, no single agency wanted to take responsibility for the job. “I thought this would have changed by now. The Ministry of Public Health is saying that it's a matter for the Social Protection Ministry,
and yet Social Protection is saying it's a matter for the Ministry of Public Health. They keep bouncing this responsibility back and forth,” he said. He further said that this was a reason for concern since the issue was such a large one, yet, “nobody seems to want to take responsibility for it and nobody seems willing to come together and collaborate.”
released on bail. The Attorney told the court that the offence is bailable and that the allegation against his clients is false. Sobers explained that Mentore and the complainant share a relationship and that she would normally use the vehicle to go out. He stated that on the day in question, the complainant became fearful of Mentore returning the car because she had no driver’s licence. Sobers added that the complainant told his client to take the car to her cousin’s (Isaacs) residence. The Attorney noted that strange enough, a report was made at the station alleging that the women stole the articles. He also noted that the articles listed in the charge, were in the car at the time it was supposedly stolen. However, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant, in relating the facts of the matter told the court that on the date in question, Mentore had invited her cousin over to the man’s home. Grant related that when the complainant fell asleep, the defendants made good their escape with the items mentioned in the charge. Grant had no objections to Mentore and Isaacs being granted pre trial liberty, but asked that bail be set in a substantial amount to ensure their return. Both Mentore and Isaacs are unemployed.
Diwali motorcade attracts thousands ... From page 16 the legend of Yama and Nachiketa on Diwali night. The fireworks displays usually go towards remembering the celebrations which, according to legend, took place upon Rama's return. The locals, according to folklore, set off their own version of fireworks. During Diwali, it is custom-
ary that families and friends share sweets and gifts, as there is a belief in giving to the needy. Sweetmeats are also exchanged between neighbors to foster good relations. Traditionally, homes are also cleaned and new clothes worn to usher in the Hindu New Year. In addition to its displays, Diwali is also renowned for its food. Many families will pre-
pare food at home for guests, who show up bearing gifts and to watch the fireworks. Meanwhile, for the private sector, Diwali represents a surge in business as there is a rush to purchase celebratory commodities in mass quantities. This is noteworthy as the festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who personifies prosperity and wealth.
(clinic) population with information concerning all the different areas in which diabetes is involved.” Moreover, patients were afforded presentations delivered by representatives of the Eye Clinic which focused on diabetic retinopathy, another from the Nephrology Clinic and the Foot Centre which Lambert heads. Patients were also enlightened that diet is an important factor in diabetic care. “We were there informing them about meals; the types of foods that they can incorporate in their meals and giving information how they could plan their meals and even how a diabetic should eat,” said Lambert. “We want them to be aware that they should eat about five to six times per day; three meals and about two to three snacks. Every three hours a diabetic should eat something,” said the
Nutritionist. Accompanying the advice, including the fact that foods higher in healthy carbohydrate are better for diabetics, are nutritional guides, which according to Lambert, and are readily available to patients. According to Lambert, yesterday, patients were privy to the use of measuring cups with the aim of also raising awareness about the importance of quantities. “They (patients) have to portion it. Often they are not aware what is really the right quantity and that may vary according to their body mass index (BMI), the age of the person but there is more or less of an idea what they should eat in order to control their blood sugar level,” Lambert added. According to her, the message that was particularly emphasised yesterday was that while the medical team is
Nutritionist Djamilsa Lambert the facilitator of information, diabetes is really a concern of the patient. “We want to provide them with enough knowledge for them to control their condition.” And controlling diabetes, she noted, is as easy as “simple life changes” that could see patients better managing their condition.
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Kaieteur News
SALON
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Building/Renovating: for quality services from foundation to fine finishes. Contact Trini: 682-9935 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. PARTY DECORATING: balloon creation, back drops etc. for weddings, birthdays, anniversary etc. Make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, A/C, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS CALL: 629-4946 OR 225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@yahoo.com. Call: 225-6496, 662-6045 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES – CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Professional Pressure washing & water tank cleaning services, for all your home & business exterior cleaning call: 696-5424 LCD-Plasma-LED TV repairs etc. Contact Abdul Electronics. Call: 225-0391
WANTED Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated and know to cook. Between 25-35 years. Call 1868-683 1528 Experienced general domestic pastry maker/ cake decorator, roti, puri cook, apply Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. Waitress to live in and work at Bar & Hotel- Call: 604-6606 Minibus and hire car drivers with dispatching experience. Call: 645-0025 Live in waitress and cleaner, salary $60,000-$70,000 monthly, between age 18-30. Call: 610-3974 One able body porter; apply at Key Food Trading, Mc Doom Village during working hours. Two salesgirls wanted to work in the interior, Mahdia – Call: 684-1718 Urgently needed live in waitress- Call: 670-2323
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 Bedrooms bottom flat @ West Ruimveldt - $40,000 per month. Call: 692-7194; 6927377 Apartments for rent at Nandy Park. Call: 227-5194 2 Bedrooms apartment located @ Mon Repos E.C.D, price -$60,000 –Contact: 6929295 or 688-6005 Mall and office to rent at Sharon’s Building/Mall @ King & Charlotte Street Georgetown. Contact: 2254413; 225-0283; 669-6320
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM
Three Storey 75ftX30ft building, open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveway, 25B Princess St, Charlestown. Call: 223-0654; 225-0605 House in Bel-Air Gardens; 4 bedrooms with all modern convenience. No agents! Call: 231-7839 working hours
DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ downstairs, all modern conveniences -$1,600US monthly. Call: 231-7839 working hours
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
One four bedroom house @ Grove New Housing Scheme- Call: 643-6049
Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
VACANCY Popular East Coast Gas Station Day/Night: pump attendants, sales & office assistant. Contact: 658-2013; 695-9880, Strathspey E.C.D. Engineering technician/ intern student, university graduation priority, good salary, to work in CJIA extension project- Call: 6687104, 614-9511 Exist for bartender, waitress, security guard –Contact Sheik or Donald on Tel: 2271131 Supervisor, Handyman, room attendants- Call: 225-0198 or 233 South Road Lacytown.. Security officers wanted by security company-Contact: 672-1920, between 8:00am5:00pm Urgently needed 8 bar girls to work in Mahdia, preferably with working experience, attractive salary- Call: 6011479
TO LET TOURS Suriname Tour, Shopping, Tours, site seeing November 26th -29th Old years into New Years December 30th – January 3rd –Call: 639-2663; 665-5171 FOR SALE/RENT American Pools table-Call: 277-0578
4 Bedroom house furnished, self contained, master bedroom. Call: 603-6351 One bedroom apartment Mon –Repos E.B.D- No ChildrenCall: 662-9043 EDUCATION Obtain a guaranteed distinction in CSEC Principles of Accounts. Call: 654-1723 for more information
PROPERTY FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Property at Diamond New Scheme: 1-Three bedroom flat concrete house, price $9.5M negotiable. Call: 2663962; 667-1240 3 Bedroom; 2 flat house for sale, Enterprise, Lincolin Street, Lot 135 -$14M negotiable. Contact: 597-858-4554 (Suriname), Guyana: 602-3643
SALE! SALE! SALE One TOYOTA RZ MINIBUS GJJ series -$1.5Million. One Econoline FORD 2005 GSSSeries-$1.5M.Call:604-6108 Areostan VAN, perfect condition, magrims etc, 22R Toyota Engine, great consumption. Call: 618-4257 or 644-5959 First Class Auto: 08 Premio, Rush, Bluebird, 06 Premio, Spacio IST, Runx. Call: 6098188; 638-3045 Smart Choice Auto Sales, in stock, Premio, Allion, Fielder, Bluebird, Carina 212, Spacio, Call: 652-3820/ 665-4529 Pearl white reconditioned, Prado Jeep. Call: 624-6702; 624-5838
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property at Craig E.B.D, land size 91X50 feet, house 40X28 feet. Call US: 718-213-6496 Zeena & Local: 617-7691 Shameer.
1-Welder/Fabricator. Call: 223-5273/5274
One 3 bedroom house available for sale at Pearl E.B.D. Call: 266-5739; 6511169 One Church & 1-2 Storey house at 180 Charlotte Street Bourda. Call: 227-6817; 6247341 2 Storied transported, concrete property, fully AC, semi-furnished @ Somerset Court. E.B.D 31M neg. Call: 681-1377; 625-2317
1-Diesdel/Gasoline mechanic: knowledge of Model M, TM trucks, caterpillar excavator, hydraulics of power train & Perkins engine. Call: 223-5273/ 5274
PROPERTY WITH 54,000 SQ.FT BOND SPACE ON 1 ACRE OF LAND WITH LOADING & DISCHARGING BAYS. CALL: 225-0790; 226-4878
Truck/tractor drivers, security officer, office assistant, excavators, skid steer operators, labourers, pastry chef, waitress/waiters. Call: 603-4094
1-Mechanic, must know to operate lathe, milling machine, surface grinder, band saw, etc. Call: 223-5273/ 5274
LAND FOR SALE 1500 Acres Transported land near Bartica, Forestry, Agriculture, loam, sand rock quarry, price to sell. Cal Mark: 603-1266; 625-9788; 704-4652222 Formerly Globe Cinema, corner lot @ Church & Waterloo Street, size 126ftX133ft. Call: 610-2234
INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Floor sanding & Lacquering House plans, Estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission Tours –Call: 6504362 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
-Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Introductory male Brazilian waxing; guys don’t be shy!! .Call: 696-7337 for details
Thursday November 12, 2015
Honda CRV PSS 2018 -$3M negotiable, Toyota Rush and Premio – New Model unregistered$3.2M negotiable. Call: 655-3400 AT170 Toyota Corona; need body works and CV. Asking $275,000 negotiable. Call: 6638033 Star Cars Auto Sales: Premio, Spacio, Runx, IS, Fielder, Bluebird, Axela, Pit-bull, Raum, Benz -Tel: 268-3509; 679-3140 Bidding- 1 Hilux double cab, starting $3.2M, end date: November, 22, 2015. Call Orin Moses: 603-0535 One 4X4 Toyota Tacoma (2009) just registered, for sale. Contact: 225-4413; 2250283; 669-6320 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154
VEHICLE FOR SALE Damein’s Auto Sales: 20022004 Toyota Premio Cars, prices: $2.3M-$2.4M negotiable. Call: 692-1522 or 614-1333
FOR SALE
Land at Parfaite Harmonie $1.1M, $1.4M, $1.6M, Tuschen 2nd Street -$5.5M, Phase 2, $1.4M- Call:6046724
33.6 Acres farm land at Kuru Kururu area, Linden Soesdyke Highway. One garden tiller, motor blowerCall: 225-7794; 679-1151
Double lot, one corner land & one adjoining located at Buddy’s Gated Community (Providence) $10.5M. Call: 681-1377; 625-2317
Excellent quality Rottweiler pups. Must See! Hurry and get yours. Limited amount available- Call /Whatsapp: (592) 664-5401
Land @ Lot 1856 Farm, EBD, size: 50X80$2.7M negotiable-Call: 676-5229
Duckling & broiler chicks for sale- Call: 622-7026 or 6705222
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 2 Ford F350 Pickup, lift kit, 35inches rims and tyres, also 1 Chevy Van 2007 –Call: 6105370 One Honda CRV, immaculate condition, 17" mags, AC, CD, price -$1.750,000 negotiable. Call: 626-2884 Unregistered Fielder Wagon, fully loaded, rims, camera, bodykit, HID, dark interiorCall: 617-5536 1 New model Raum AC, TV, mags, PMM series, never worked hire, excellent condition -$1.350M. Call: 619-1047 PRR Mazda Axela, auto start alarm, chrome kit excellent condition -$1.5M. Call: 6177113 Blow out sale! Cheapest: Super GL automatic and stick gear VVTI buses, Hilux-1RZ engine. Call: 616-7635 Continued on page 23
Thursday November 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
This building serves no useful purpose in our community DEAR EDITOR, We the residents of Costello Housing Scheme (La Penitence) pen you this letter to voice our frustration and disappointment over the sluggish movement of the Mayor and City Council’s officials in relation to a petition which was submitted on Saturday, August 29th , 2015 calling for the removal of the physical structure which once housed the Albouystown Skills Training Center from our community. The petition which bears the signatures of one hundred and ten (110) residents was delivered to the Mayor - Mr. Hamilton Green, Deputy Mayor - Ms. Patricia Chase-Green, Town Clerk Mr. Royston King as well as the Minister of Communities - Mr. Ronald Bulkan and clearly outlined the primary reasons why we demand the structure’s removal. On Wednesday, September 9th, 2015 correspondence of acknowledgement of receipt of the community’s petition was received from the Office of the Town Clerk. It was also stated in the Town Clerk’s correspondence that the petition was being reviewed by “the relevant department.” Since receiving word from the Town Clerk’s Office, four
visits were paid to the Mayor and City Council for updates but each visit was meted with disappointment. We were asked time and again to “come back next week.” The most recent meeting with the Town Clerk on Thursday, October 15th, 2015 bore no fruit as he too repeated the words we have been hearing on previous visits: “come back next week.” A subsequent visit was paid to the Community Development Council of Georgetown where a discussion was held with one, Mr. Donald Ainsworth. On Mr. Ainsworth’s invitation, a community meeting was called to meet with the overseer of the Albouystown Skills Training Center, Mr. Ronald Thorne on the facility’s premises but residents retaliated in the form of a protest. On the advice of Mr. Ainsworth at the end of the community meeting, a date was proposed for the election of a Community Committee Manager to take control of the aforementioned facility. It is Mr. Ainsworth’s belief that such a facility is needed and he urged the community to keep the structure; much to the strong objection of residents. It must be made clear that we the
We must stop borrowing... From page 5 “Professing themselves claims when, morally, their society is roaring downhill with no braking in sight? In a previous letter to this newspaper I had alluded to other countries that were wise enough to retain corporal punishment in their systems; modern Singapore being one of the. Compare the discipline in these societies with that of the United States. I rest my case. When I was in Common Entrance class I remembered seeing a book in a book store entitled “We Are The People Our Parents Warned Us Against.” At the time I thought it was the longest title I’d ever seen. Years after, the significance of the title struck me. Are we there now?
to be wise, they became fools…” Romans 1:22 Malcolm Alves
residents have no objections nor bias towards skills training, however, we do not see the need for such a facility, particularly one which is in such a state as the Albouystown Skills Training Center, within our community. The facility has been in existence for approximately ten years (10) and has become nothing but a dysfunctional reject by the community, and a visually unflattering edifice, one guard dog shy of becoming a junkyard. It has always been a visual impediment to motorists and pedestrians alike and imposed on the livelihood of the community’s youths who once used the space for recreational activities. On Sunday, October 18th, 2015, the proposed date for the community election, Mr. Eugene Gilbert came in the stead of Mr. Ainsworth without knowledge of the gravity of the situation. Another confrontation took place between residents and the overseer in Mr. Gilbert’s presence and it was recommended that the election be postponed and community representatives were invited to a meeting at the Community Development Council’s office the following day – a further delay in decisive action being taken in the best interests of the community. That meeting too bore no fruit since Mr. Ainsworth facilitated the meeting instead
of Mr. Gilbert who extended the invitation. A lengthy discussion was held during which the issues were repeated time and again with Mr. Ainsworth holding firm to his stance that the community ought to keep the structure and utilize it for skills training purposes; a notion which we the residents strongly object to. No community should have to endure diminished aesthetics, decreasing property values and the abrupt interruption of community livelihood in the name of poorly planned projects such as the Albouystown Skills Training Center which has failed the residents of the La Penitence area. Proper community development initiatives ought to begin with stakeholder consultation, allow for community input, foster a sense of social integration and cohesion, encourage community participation, create a sense of ownership and create safe zones for youth development and achievement. Mr. Editor, in light of the reasons outlined in our petition we the residents are formally making a request for the immediate halt of current and future planned activities by the
overseer, Mr. Thorne and the dismantlement, removal/ relocation or disposal of the structure/facility. Further, in supporting the Mayor and City Council’s public call for the development of a “Green City,” we propose that the facility’s location and the extensive plot of vacant land between Third Terrace and Cemetery Road be used for the development of a community park/urban green space which would be of greater long term benefit. Parks foster social inclusion, reduce stress, improve mental well-being, add real estate value, increase aesthetic value, aid in pollution reduction and cooling, create stable neighborhoods, offer recreational activities for atrisk youth, encourage physical exercise and sports skills enhancement among many other short and long term benefits. We look forward to your intervention and assistance in dealing with this hindrance to further social enhancement and development within our community Ainsley Mayhew Dyer (On behalf of the residents of Costello Housing Scheme/La Penitence)
From page 22
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. House in Tuschen Main Road -$27M, 46ft fishing boat & 500lbs Nylon Seine -$2.3M. Call: 696-6074 One Spacio motor car PSS9296, perfect condition, owner moving on, asking $1.6M negotiable- Call: 6979137; 699-9595 House Lots for sale at Parika, Blankenburg and Schoonord, also Financing Available. Call: 650-0402 / 260-4988 MILL CUT AND DRESSED GREENHEART FROM $160BM AND KABUKALLI FROM, $180BM- TEL: 6886579/653-9752 1-CAT320 BL excavator, 1CAT930 Front End Loader, 1CAT428 Back-Hoe, 1-55 Leyland Daf Truck. Call: 2750538, 660-4021 XBOX 360- $2500, PS3 $35,000, PS2 -$15,000, PS VITA -$60,000, Plastic Barrel -$5,000- Call: 621-7497; 6493277; 603-8643 Locally Made: pure cassava Cassareep, (made from cassava extract), no starch added. Main distributor- Tel 695-7687 Newly built furnished 2 storey executive style home, located at La Jalousie W.C.D -$33M negotiable. Call: 6756426 One 928 F Caterpillar Wheel Loader $ 7.1 M, Price Negotiable-Call Us Today 650-0402/260-4988 3 Lots At Blankenburg Behind The Gas Station; $13 M Price Negotiable; Each Lot Size 75x76- Call Us Today 6500402/260-4988 Rotweiler pups. Tel: 6196086, 622-6646, 699-7077.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 12, 2015
Diamond man remanded for GRA and police cracking businesswoman’s murder down on firecrackers Two years after businesswoman, Sirmattie Ramnaress, was found dead in her Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home, her neighbour, Colin Grant, was hauled before a city magistrate, charged with the woman’s murder. Grant, 32, of Lot 1161 Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD, is accused of murdering Ramnaress between August 30 and August 31, 2013, at Diamond Housing Scheme E.B.D. The killing allegedly occurred during the course of a robbery that was not a robbery. The accused, a construction worker, was not required to plead to the charge read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He was remanded to prison until December 15. Grant, a father of one, had no
Murder accused: Colin Grant
Murdered: Sirmattie Ramnaress
legal representation. According to reports, the body of 36-year-old Ramnaress was found lying face down in the garage of her home on August 31, 2013. It was a blaze coming from the woman’s home that led firefighters to a bond, when they stumbled upon her body.
Her body reportedly bore two stab wounds- one to the neck and another to the hip. The police, in a statement had said that Ramnaress’ house was ransacked and drenched with a flammable liquid, and a storage bond at the rear of the building was destroyed by fire.
Govt. prepared to sell Marriott ... From page 9 some of these communities, like Friendship Squatting Area, are on the way to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The Minister related that she wondered whether the millions in US dollars could have been spent towards
improving such areas, instead of one hotel. According to the Tourism official, Guyana has an ample number of local hotels and accommodations, which can serve to build the tourism sector already. She contended that for these hotels to improve standards an “incentive regime” needs to be adopted. This would ensure that local hoteliers are given the requisite opportunity to invest in Guyana’s tourism industry. “We have a tremendous advantage in Guyana, in that
most of the hotels are owned by Guyanese and have been here for the last 25 years trying to push the industry forward. And therefore, some of the concessions, I feel that are given to foreign investors, should be given to the (local) hotels,” said Minister Hughes. For a long time Minister Hughes said that smaller hotels (with less than 30 rooms) did not qualify for concessions, but shared that as head of the tourism sector, she wants to put forward an argument to Cabinet which will change that.
Firecrackers may seem like much fun to add to the merriment of celebrations at this time of year, but the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Police Force have dubbed the items as prohibited. In fact, the Guyana Police Force has embarked on an aggressive zero tolerance campaign in all Policing Divisions across Guyana, to clamp down on the sale and use of firecrackers and other illicit explosive devices. I n a n e f f ort to have accident free holidays, the anti smuggling unit of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Law Enforcement and Investigation Division embarked on a campaign to rid the streets of dangerous explosives (fire crackers and explosive flares) which are prohibited under the Customs Laws. These materials are dangerous, according to GRA
sources, and can inflict severe damage to lives and properties. In an advisory the GRA, LEID is advising the public against sale, purchase and use of these materials. The police initiative has already seen positive results where ranks have swooped down on several stalls in the Stabroek and Bartica Markets, where several large quantities of various kinds of illicit explosives were discovered, seized and destroyed. Several persons are in custody, charges are already instituted and they are to appear in court shortly. Anyone with information relating to the sale or storage of these dangerous explosive materials is being advised to call the Guyana Revenue Authority holiness on Tel: 2276060 or 2278222 ext 1200, 1201 and 1202. Meanwhile research has
shown that fireworks can cause stress, terror and even death for both domestic and wild animals. During the festive season firecrackers cause a high incidence of pets running away or getting lost. The loud and unexpected noises are both painful to animals which have much more sensitive hearing and are extremely frightening since these are noises that are unpredictable, unexpected and they come from all directions. According to veterinarians, frightened animals can sometimes do very surprising things including, jump out of what was previously considered secure containment, or act out in unexpected ways as a result of panic - including biting familiar people. Some animals experience such great stress from fire crackers that they can actually die from fear.
Berbice resident remanded for knife-point robbery Forty three-year-old, Richard Bourne, of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was yesterday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with robbery under-arms. It is alleged that on November 9, at Georgetown, while being armed with a knife, he robbed Looknarine Shaw of a gold and diamond hand band, a silver chain and $47,000 cash. Bourne pleaded not guilty to the charge in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was remanded to prison until December 14. According to the
Richard Bourne prosecution, on the day in question, the complainant
was about to enter his motor car, when he was confronted by the defendant. Bourne allegedly held the man at knifepoint and demanded that he hand over the articles mentioned in the charge. Shaw, being fearful for his life, complied and Bourne made good his escape with the items. The incident was subsequently reported to the police and investigations led to the arrest and institution of the charge against the defendant. The prosecution revealed that the defendant is known to the police, since he was charged before for simple larceny.
Wanted man killed, trigger man's ... From page 14 grandmother's home and spoke briefly then he left to find his grandmother at a shop in the street. “He was on a bicycle and his sister was behind him, walking, to go meet his grandmother in the shop. Anthony Soulgee, when he reach me son, he fire a shot to my son head and he fall off he bicycle.” Joverna Simons, the dead man's sister, said she stood over her brother and started hollering. “I see Soulgee with a gun in he hand and tell me get meh S@#*# from there and I run because he point the gun at me.” The young woman who said she witnessed the shooting alleges, “When he done I see he on a phone with the
gun in he hand saying that he just kill me brother.” The gunman who has a broken leg allegedly fled the scene with the aid of a crutch. The man was shot to the middle of his forehead and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital because of the severity of his injury. He died at about 3:30hrs yesterday. Dubbing the death of her second child as a surprise, Simon admitted that Jermaine and Anthony were friends but fell out about three years ago after which they were okay again. “Not we and no fire. Me son dead; we ain't got time with that. He shoot me son and I want the police to get him cause I see he with me own eye.”
The angry woman said that her son “had to become a fugitive because Soulgee and he friends Francis David Degou, aka Cayenne, and Arif, called Abdool Browne, come threatening we up to (yesterday) morning. (My) son born and grow here and a crew always after me son.” The killer is said to be related to Travis Rudder who was killed at Nandy Park earlier this year. Villagers noted that there is a gang that has been creating fear in the community on a regular basis. Soulgee is a member of that gang. “When dem come dem does come with the guns and dressed in black like if is police.” “Dem is menace and got the village in fear,” the dead man's relative also said.
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Myanmar army, president endorse Suu Kyi victory, vow stable transition (Reuters) - Myanmar President Thein Sein and the powerful army congratulated democratic champion Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday, after her party trounced the ruling camp in the first free election in 25 years and was closing in on an absolute majority in parliament. Thein Sein reiterated that the government would accept the results of the election and agreed to Suu Kyi’s request to hold reconciliation talks soon, although the two are still to agree on the time and location of the negotiations. Suu Kyi’s opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) has won over 80 percent of the seats declared so far in the lower house and is well ahead in the upper house and regional assemblies. If the final results confirm the trend, Suu Kyi’s triumph will sweep out an old guard of former generals that has run Myanmar since the junta handed over power to Thein Sein’s semi-civilian government in 2011. Such unambiguous endorsement of Suu Kyi’s victory could smooth the post-election transition, ahead of the first session of parliament which reconvenes on Monday. “Congratulations ... to the chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi and her party for gathering the support of the people,” read a statement posted on the Facebook page of the presidential spokesman. “The government will respect and follow the people’s choice and decision, and work on transferring power peacefully according
to the timetable,” said the statement, adding that the president would work with “all other people” to ensure stability in the post-election period. The army has also congratulated the NLD on its win in a statement posted to the Facebook page of the military’s media portal, Myawady. The armed forces continue to wield considerable power in Myanmar ’s political institutions, under a constitution drafted before the end of nearly 50 years of rule. It is unclear how Suu Kyi and the generals will work together. Relations between Suu Kyi and armed forces chief Min Aung Hlaing are said to be strained. “We would like to congratulate the National League for Democracy because it is leading in the election results,” the army said in the statement. It also said that the army chief would meet Suu Kyi for
reconciliation talks after official results are out. One of the biggest sources of tension between Suu Kyi and the military is a clause in the constitution barring her from the presidency because her children are foreign nationals. Few doubt the military inserted the clause to rule her out. While her letters seek conciliation, Suu Kyi has become increasingly defiant on the presidential clause as the scale of her victory has become apparent. She has made it clear she will run the country regardless of who the NLD elects as president and described the constitution as “very silly”. “We’ll find one,” she told the BBC in an interview on Tuesday, referring to her choice of president. “But that won’t stop me from making all the decisions as the leader of the winning party.” Final results are due no later than two weeks after Sunday’s poll.
(Reuters) U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon yesterday warned against proposed reductions in development aid by wealthy countries struggling to cope with Europe’s refugee and migration crisis, saying such cuts would be counterproductive. “With the world facing the largest crisis of forced displacement since the Second World War, (Ban) calls on the international community to meet this immense challenge without lessening its commitment to vitally needed official development assistance,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. He added that Ban “underscores the importance of fully funding both efforts to care for refugees and
asylum seekers in host countries as well as longerterm development efforts.” “Resources for one area should not come at the expense of another,” he said. “Redirecting critical funding away from development aid at this pivotal time could perpetuate challenges that the global community has committed to address.” Last month a group of 18 Swedish charities wrote an open letter urging that country’s government not to press ahead with a possible 60 percent cut in development aid to help pay for the flood of migrants coming to Sweden. Other European and Nordic countries, among the biggest donors, are also considering sharp cuts in foreign development aid.
Northern Europe is the preferred destination for many of the hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants fleeing conflicts and poverty in the Middle East and Africa. “Reducing development assistance to finance the cost of refugee flows is counterproductive,” Dujarric said. It would cause “a vicious circle detrimental to health, education and opportunities for a better life at home for millions of vulnerable people in every corner of the world.” The U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said last week that refugees and migrants were likely to continue to arrive in Europe at a rate of up to 5,000 per day via Turkey this winter. Most of those people are fleeing the four-year civil war in Syria.
Myanmar President Thein Sein
U.N. warns against cuts in development aid due to refugee crisis
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With Ramadi encircled, Iraqi forces brace for urban warfare
(Reuters) - Iraqi forces appear better positioned than ever to launch an offensive against Islamic State militants controlling Ramadi, now that months-long efforts to cut off supply lines to the city are having an effect, but plenty of risks remain. The fall of Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, to the group in May was the biggest defeat for Iraq’s weak central government in nearly a year, dampening its hopes of routing the Sunni militants from the country’s north and west. Retaking the city of 450,000 would provide a major psychological boost to Iraqi security forces, who have mostly collapsed in the face of advances by Islamic State, which last year seized a third of Iraq, a major OPEC oil producer and U.S ally. The ultimate goal for Iraqi forces is to break Islamic State’s grip over its main stronghold Mosul, the biggest city in the north. Critical momentum is needed in order to achieve that.
The Ramadi offensive has been impeded by heavy use of improvised explosive devices, inadequate troops and equipment due to government cash shortages, and stringent rules of engagement for U.S.-led air strikes, Iraqi army and federal police officers involved in the battle told Reuters. Recent gains, however, have raised expectations that the military is set to strike, six months after vowing to quickly seize the city, 100 miles (60 km) west of Baghdad. Iraq’s elite U.S.-trained counter-terrorism forces have led the campaign to put a cordon around the city. Backed by armored divisions of the federal police, they cut off the southern and western approaches to prevent reinforcements arriving from cities near the Syrian border. The forces have taken control of towns, villages and roads in those areas, including Anbar University and sprawling desert areas along the highway to Syria,
the officers said. They also seized eastern outskirts such as Husaiba alSharqiya and Matheeq, significantly reducing Islamic State’s ability to resupply from Falluja, a nearby city it controls. Earlier this month, counter-terrorism forces seized a large military camp on Ramadi’s western outskirts and a handful of districts further north, reaching the western approach to the Palestine Bridge over the Euphrates. Two army divisions on the opposite side of the river, which runs north to south through Ramadi, are pushing slowly along a northern highway. Last week they reached the al-Jarayshi overpass, less than 2 km (1.25 miles) from the river. Colonel Steve Warren, the spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition which has been bombing targets in Iraq and Syria for more than a year, said the insurgents were using the Euphrates as “a waterborne highway” to resupply
the center of Ramadi. Taking the stretch of highway to the bridge would complete the cordon around Ramadi and enable the forces to begin clearing the city one neighborhood at a time. It is not clear how long it will take for the army divisions to make the final push to the Palestine Bridge. They face the same obstacles that have slowed the siege of the city on the other axes and will complicate the street fighting that is to come. Military officers in Anbar attribute the campaign’s pace to explosives planted by militants on an almost industrial scale and to a shortage of troops. Numbering around 10,000, government forces around Ramadi outnumber Islamic State militants there at least ten-to-one, but are of varying quality and readiness. Stretched along several front lines, Iraq’s security forces have been decimated by corruption and two near collapses in the past year in
the face of Islamic State. Many of the army’s bestequipped troops remain around Baghdad to protect the seat of government. And despite recent gains, security forces remain cautious, raising questions over the pace of any major operation. Commanders, wary of incurring casualties to an already depleted force, avoid confrontation with an enemy that regularly tortures and executes captives, army officers said.
“We have to launch an offensive and watch our backs at the same time, which is a heavy burden for our tired soldiers,” said a colonel from the 9th division, fighting north of Ramadi. The offensive has suffered from the absence of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), paramilitary fighters who played a key role in recent battles that brought the towns of Tikrit and Baiji back under government control.
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OAS chief says conditions don’t ensure fair Venezuela vote Washington (AFP) - The Organization of American States’ chief questioned earlier this week whether legislative elections next month in Venezuela will be transparent and fair. OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro said in an 18page letter to the head of the Venezuelan election commission that conditions for the vote “do not ensure transparency and electoral justice.” Last month Venezuela rejected a request from the OAS to send an observer mission to monitor the December 6 elections, which polls say the opposition might well win. Almagro said problems reported as Venezuela gears up for the vote include the fact that opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is in jail. Opposition parties are having trouble getting air time on media, he added. Some opposition candidates have been disqualified, and opposition parties also have trouble getting access to campaign funding, Almagro wrote. “We would be sorely
Luis Almagro lacking in our job if we did not take into account the conditions in which the election campaign is taking place in Venezuela,” Almagro wrote. “It is worrisome that, through an analysis of those conditions we must conclude that, as of now, only opposition parties are having
problems,” he added. The Venezuelan opposition has repeatedly asked for an OAS presence during the election, the OAS chief said. The Venezuelan election comes with the oil-rich country’s economy a mess, amid shortages of basic goods and runaway inflation.
Curacao government resigns WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — The prime minister of Curacao, Dr Ben Whiteman, has tendered his resignation to the governor in Willemstad. On Friday his four-party coalition lost its majority in parliament. Whiteman has been prime minister for just one month. Whiteman’s coalition was supported by 11 of the 21 seats. On Friday the coalition lost the support of an MP for the moderate PAIS party. During the weekend, the coalition parties tried to glue the coalition together with the help of the o p p o s i t i o n p a r t y PAR, which demanded support for two ministerial posts and the departure of the controversial minister plenipotentiary, Marvelyne Wiels, in The Hague. On Tuesday evening it
became clear that Pueblo Soberano, Whiteman’s party, would not pay that price. Curacao may be preparing for early elections in February or March, some six months earlier than planned, and it is the first time that the population of Curacao can talk about a new political composition of the parliament after the assassination of former political leader Helmin Wiels in 2013. Wiels had won the elections in October 2012 and was able to collect 18 percent of the vote on his own. After his death, he was succeeded as prime minister by Ivar Asjes, supported by Helmin Wiels’ sister, the current minister plenipotentiary, Marvelyne Wiels. However, the Asjes
government was not popular because, during the last two years, the administration had to cut its budget to balance the books and put the island’s finances in order. The government remained in power largely on fears of a comeback by the former prime minister, Gerrit Schotte of the MFK. Schotte is still very popular on the island, despite criminal charges against him. The former prime minister is facing charges of corruption, money laundering and forgery. His opponents fear that Schotte could win the election before he is tried. Schotte became prime minister in 2010 thanks to a controversial failure of integrity screening. (Caribbean News)
PNP and JLP agree to stage three political debates leading up to General Elections The Gleaner - The People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have agreed in principle to the staging of three political debates in the lead up to General Elections. The parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jamaica Debates Commission yesterday. The commission says the debates would be
staged between Nomination Day and Election Day. The MOU states that the first debate will be on social issues, the second on economic issues and the third will be between the contenders for the office of Prime Minister. However, the parties say a formal agreement would require further negotiations on a number of areas
including structure, format, production guidelines and duration. Commenting at the signing, JLP Deputy General Secretary Audley Gordon said the staging of political debates is an index of a maturing democracy and indicated his party’s commitment to taking part in the proposed cycle of debates.
Thursday November 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
St. Lucia defends appointment of Saudi billionaire as diplomat
Dr. Walid Juffali (right) married Lebanese model and TV presenter Loujain Adada (left). Photo: Daily Telegraph) CASTRIES, St. Lucia – Government is defending its appointment of a Saudi billionaire as St. Lucia’s Permanent Representative to the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) as well as its decision not to lift his diplomatic immunity so he can face legal action initiated by his former wife. Dr. Walid Juffali, a successful philanthropist and businessman who was awarded three knighthoods, was appointed to the position in April 2014, and government insists that all necessary due diligence was done prior to the appointment. It said it is satisfied that he is “eminently suited to perform his diplomatic duties on behalf of the government and people of St. Lucia”. An article published on Monday in the Daily Telegraph questioned Juffali’s appointment, contending that there is no public record of him ever attending any meetings of the IMO, nor does he possess any known qualifications in maritime law. The story comes as the 60-year-old businessman faces a financial claim from Christina Estrada, a former Pirelli calendar model
whom he married in 2001. They were formally divorced in Saudi Arabia December last year, but Estrada has launched civil proceedings in the UK, seeking additional relief, including a share of her ex-husband’s properties in Britain. Estrada’s lawyers have asked the St. Lucia government to lift Juffali’s diplomatic immunity to force him to testify in the civil suit, but it has refused. “The Government of St. Lucia has expressed the view to the lawyers of the former wife that this is a civil matter in which it does not desire to get involved. In the view of the Government, this is a private matter and to waive Dr. Juffali’s immunity for the purposes of resolving property disputes arising out of divorce proceedings will create a precedent that could compromise current and future diplomatic personnel in the United Kingdom and elsewhere,” it said in a statement issued yesterday. “To date, Dr. Juffali has conducted his duties to the highest expectations of the Government of St. Lucia. In addition to advancing the goals of St. Lucia in the IMO and sourcing investment for
St. Lucia, Dr. Juffali has initiated his first major project for St. Lucia – the establishment of a medical research industry . . . and the legislative framework for establishing such an industry is currently being reviewed by the Attorney General’s Chambers in preparation for enactment. Dr. Juffali’sý contacts and influence will be major factors in ensuring success of this initiative.” The Dr. Kenny Anthonyadministration also noted Dr. Juffali’sý second project – investigating the establishment of a Global Diabetes Research Centre in St. Lucia in response to the chronic levels of diabetes in the country. A detailed multidisciplinary investigation has been conducted by some of the world’s leading researchers in diabetes, science and medical business to design a model for the centre. Government said several meetings were held with clinicians, nurses, and other medical personnel during August and September. A final report will be issued in December with necessary announcements on the way forward to be made in January 2016. (Caribbean 360)
Daily Observer - The Leader of the Opposition yesterday informed the Clerk of the House of Representatives that Ganga Singh, Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West has been appointed to serve as Opposition Chief Whip. In a press statement from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Kamla PersadBissessar stated: “Mr. Singh is very experienced with respect to the duties of an
Opposition Chief Whip as he has served in this capacity from 2002-2006 and was currently serving as Deputy Chief Whip of the Opposition Bench. Additionally, he served as Leader of Government Business in the Senate under the People’s Partnership administration” “He was very effective and disciplined in managing both the House and Senate caucuses in the past and I anticipate that his leadership
as Opposition Chief Whip now would be invaluable in holding the present PNM government accountable in the House.” The position of Opposition Chief Whip was vacated last week by Dr Roodal Moonilal who said it would be inappropriate for him to hold the post while challenging Persad-Bissessar for the political leadership of the United National Congress.
Ganga Singh is Opposition Chief Whip in Trinidad
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Upset operators form association Trouble at Ogle over aircraft seizure proposal Airport Inc…
NATA’s President, Annette Arjoon-Martins (2nd r), Vice-President Gerry Gouveia (3rd r), Captain Emil E. Jahan (r) and Orlando Charles (l) yesterday. A proposal to seize aircraft and properties belonging to local operators of the Ogle Airport Inc. if they default on their debts has forced the formation of a National Air Transport Association (NATA). The organization was formed by nine of the ten local aircraft operators at the airport. The dissenting operator was Trans Guyana Airways. During a press conference yesterday at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) office on Waterloo Street, the members forming NATA would be Air Services Limited, Roraima Airways, Hinterland Aviation, Oxford Aviation, Wings Aviation, Fenix Aviation, Domestic Airways, Hopkinson Mining Aviation and Jags Aviation. The representatives were all present at the launch, yesterday. Vice-President of NATA, Gerry Gouveia, stated that the formation of the association was triggered by the document which was presented recently to the Board of Directors of the airport for approval. A copy of the agreement, which was seen by the Kaieteur News, revealed that OAI is entitled to impose fees incurred in respect of any aircraft or property for storage or otherwise during the period of exercise of the lien and they may further impose a lien in respect of unpaid fees, charges, costs or other liabilities as it sees fit. “What I believed caused a trigger at Ogle was a document that was presented to the Board of Directors of the airport and it went to the Board for approval and this document was demanding that the operators at Ogle sign the document that hands over a lien of our planes, vehicles, boats and planes
and whatever it is that we own at Ogle to the airport so that if we owe them landing fees they could seize our planes and our buildings,” Gouveia said, noting that they demanded that the operators present them with a list of their customers and whatever was being carried on their aircraft. “And so that document was such a draconian document it triggered an alarm bell in the operators… that whoever could have the audacity to craft a document like that to present it to operators to sign was extremely disrespectful to the industry,” he charged. The agreement indicated that if fees, charges, costs or other liabilities in respect of which a lien is exercised remain outstanding, the OAI may deliver by hand to the operator at his registered address and to the registered owner of the aircraft at his address on the appropriate Register in the State of Registration a notice demanding payment within 14 days of delivery of the notice. “In the event that payment remains outstanding thereafter, OAI may at its entire discretion sell, dispose of, remove or destroy such aircraft or equipment,” the document read. It added that a lien shall not be lost by reason of the aircraft departing from the Airport but shall continue to be exercisable at any time when the aircraft or any other aircraft or other equipment owned by the Operator has returned to the Airport after having left it for as long as any of the said fees, charges, costs or other liabilities, whether incurred before or after such departure, remain unpaid. Gouveia indicated that when certain challenges arose at the airport four of the five original investors called on Michael Correia, OAI
Chief Executive Officer, to resolve these issues and to talk to him about “The way forward,” which would inevitably lead to the creation of NATA but he refused the invitation. “There are difficulties and challenges being experienced by the operatives of Ogle. About two weeks ago four of the original investors of the OAI, because of the eruption of discontentment that is happening at Ogle, requested to meet with Michael Correia to discuss the issues but he refused to meet with them to take the next step forward,” he explained. Gouveia denied, when questioned by the media, if the launch of the association had anything to do with a proposition by President Granger to rename the airport to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport. “We believe that the President did not take into consideration the issue of renaming the airport after one
of the families that is the major competitors of the airport.” One of the problems facing the industry at Ogle is that they have a competitor regulating its competitors, he said. “…If you take that further and rename the airport after that competitor you compound an already difficult and oppressive situation,” he continued. However, he stated that the association does not view the renaming of the airport as an issue that cannot be resolved through discussion. All nine of the aviation operators endorsing NATA have “unanimously” voted against the renaming the airport, and have written strong letters against it, he added. He also indicated that number one on their priority list of challenges to resolve is improving search and rescue in the industry. He said the association will soon be addressing other challenges and they will be
meeting with a series of policy makers, private sector bodies and regulatory agencies to help. One of the major issues which plagued the local operators was the lack of transparency in the management of the administration. CEO of Hopkinson Mining Aviation, Shawn Hopkinson, and Domestic Airways Orlando Charles both endorsed NATA because they believed that it will bring transparency and equal opportunity for all operators—something they noticed missing at the airport. Captain Emil E. Jahan of the Hinterland Aviation noted that the newly formed association will advocate for and represent all sub-sectors of the aviation transport industry. He said the membership composes a team of experienced aviation professionals and will ensure fair and impartial representation of all aviation professionals and aircraft owners. “The leadership of this organization will be democratic and observe term limits of two one year terms of presidency in order to ensure that there is always equity and balance in governance,” he indicated, adding that the leadership is based on objectivity and application of transparency and equality. “There will be no tolerance for discrimination among members. This association will support and encourage the representation of policies that will promote health safety and responsible management of aviation facilities and aircraft operations,” he said. He added that the
association committed to working closely with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, all relevant government and private sector agencies toward the advancement of the sector. NATA President, Annette Arjoon-Martins, stated that despite improvements in the aviation industry, it has still not benefitted from broad based representation of all aviation stakeholders involved. She said it was timely for such an association to be formed in order to correct this shortcoming. She said it will integrate the needs, views, and interests of all stakeholders and include pilots, Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Mechanics, Flight Operations Personnel, Ramp Attendants, Administrators, Owners, Operators, and Aviation Medical and Legal Personnel. She explained that Aviation Professionals licensed by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (including Pilots, Engineers, and Air Traffic Controllers) and Aircraft Owners/ Operators are eligible for Full Membership while unlicensed Aviation Professionals will be eligible for Associate Membership. The objectives of the association would be to represent the interests of the aviation sector at a national level, provide advocacy and develop the sector by consulting, advising and collaborating with the government and all aviation stakeholders. The organization will soon become a member of the Private Sector Commission and the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce.
9mm bandits attack remigrant family Three bandits, all armed with 9mm pistols, have left a remigrant Guyanese family traumatized after invading their home on Diwali night (Tuesday) and robbing them of an undisclosed amount in cash jewellery and high end electronic equipment. And to make matters worse, Motielall, called Sunil, and his family are livid at the slow and callous response to their plight by the police although the Alberttown Police Station is just about four blocks away from their Peter Rose and Lance Gibbs Streets residence. Motielall who returned with his family from Florida, USA, about two years ago, recalled that he was attending to some diyas outside his
house with one of his two sons when the bandits struck. The bandits had arrived in a white car which they parked on Peter Rose Street and entered, Motielall’s yard from the side entrance. “I heard my wife screaming and the next thing we saw were two guys with guns in the kitchen with my wife and my older son…I saw another guy coming up the front steps,” Motielall recalled. He said that the guns the bandits were carrying all appeared to be 9mm pistols and they were fitted with extended magazines. According to Motielall, the men began threatening to kill them, while forcefully demanding “De gold and US
(currency)” “These guys don’t look like more than 26 years but all had 9mm,” Motielall said. He stated that they gave the men everything they had. However, his son scuffled with one of the bandits when they tried to take his cellular phone. “That’s when they struck me in my head with a gun,” the re-migrant stated. In addition to the cash and jewellery, the bandits made off with five cell phones, one Ipad and a laptop computer. Kaieteur News understands that even as the robbery was taking place, neighbours were alerted to what was taking place and they tried to contact the police
on the 911 hotline but were unsuccessful. “They (police) came about half hour later,” Motielall said. According to an eyewitness the police gave a ridiculous excuse for not responding to the 911 call. “They say people does call and make them fools (and) that is why they don’t respond,” the eyewitness explained. He told this newspaper that the ordeal was especially traumatic for his children. “They are not taking it too well. But we are thankful they did not shoot us,” he added. No one has so far been arrested but the Police say they are investigating.
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First four-round CMRC season set for thrilling finale this Sunday From page 34 (GUY), Triumph Daytona 28pts; etc. Meanwhile, here is a list of the competitorsandtheGroupstheywill competein: Seaboard Marine CMRC Group4 11AndrewKing(GUY),Mazda RX-7 17 Kristian Boodoosingh (T&T), Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.5 26PeterRae(JAM),MazdaRX7 29 Danny Persaud (GUY), Mazda Miata 83SammyCumberbatch(BAR), BMWM3 86 Mark Maloney (BAR), MazdaRX-3 90 Kurt Thompson (BAR), HondaCRX 161 Kevin Jeffrey (GUY), Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX 261 Kristian Jeffrey (GUY) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 1 Roshan Ali (GUY), Toyota Starlet Turbo 7 Kenrick Husbands (BAR), Toyota Starlet 19 Rameez Mohammed (GUY), Toyota Starlet Turbo
29 Danny Persaud (GUY), Mazda Miata 47 Ronald Wortman (T&T), Honda Civic 24 Gavin Guyadin (GUY), BMW 56 Kevin Deodass (GUY), Toyota Starlet Turbo 75 Ravi Singh (T&T), Mazda RX-7 76 Steve King (BAR), Toyota Starlet 79 Gary Barrett (CAY), Honda Civic 81 Mark Thompson (BAR), Honda Civic 83 Sammy Cumberbatch (BAR), BMW M3 88 Afraz Allie (GUY), Toyota Starlet Turbo 90 Kurt Thompson (BAR), Honda CRX 104 Paul Vieira (T&T), Mazda RX-7 107 Natasha Chang (JAM), Honda S2000 117 Neil Thompson (BAR), Honda Civic 121 Syed Hassan (GUY), Toyota Starlet Turbo 154 Riaz Allie (GUY), Toyota Glanza Turbo 397 WR Reaz (GUY), Toyota Starlet Turbo
597 Oliver Tjin Lip Shie (SUR), Honda Civic Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 7 Kenrick Husbands (BAR), Toyota Starlet 8 Marc Gill (T&T), Honda Civic 10 Chet Singh (GUY), Honda Civic 30 Shiraz Roshandin (GUY), Honda Civic 32 Haresh Nanan (T&T), Nissan Sentra B13 39 John Joseph (GUY), Honda Civic 48 Justin Sanguinette (T&T), Honda Civic 51 Andre Dhanraj (GUY), Volkswagen Golf 67 Adrian Bailey (BAR), Peugeot 205 70 Ryan Rahaman (GUY), Ford Escort MkI 81 Mark Thompson (BAR), Honda Civic 83 Damien Nesbit (T&T), Nissan Sentra B13 98 Joe Mohan (GUY), Toyota Levin 105 Rafeek Khan (GUY), Toyota Starlet 112 Raj Singh (GUY), Honda Civic
Thursday November 12, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You can make major gains professionally by completing projects on time. Expect to experience a sudden reversal of fortune. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You'll find it easy to meet new people. You will find it easy finalizing personal papers if you make an effort. Your contributions will be valued and helpful. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Digestive disorders will be a result of family squabbles. Don't let your jealousy be the reason for a decaying relationship. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your persuasive nature will win the heart of someone you've had your eye on. Travel is evident, but be cautious while in transit.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Opportunities to expand your circle of friends will result in possible new romantic encounters. Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Talk to the party involved and make sure that they are informed as to what actually happened. Expand your knowledge and sign up for courses and seminars. SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You need to make your lover feel wanted, not like a piece of the furniture. You have to know what your boss wants if you expect to do your job correctly. CAPRI. (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can make successful moves. Don't avoid your true feelings. Do a little extra work at home.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Unexpected changes in friendships could occur. Your emotional attitude with respect to your status and direction in society may be unrealistic.
AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Use your energy wisely. Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven't taken proper care of yourself.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Children's needs could be more costly than you anticipated. You can make life easier for an older member of your family.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Your knowledge and good sense will help more than you think.
117 Neil Thompson (BAR), Honda Civic 122 Quincy Jones (BAR), Toyota Starlet 140 Tremaine FordeCatwell (BAR), Daihatsu Charmant 275 Shan Seejattan (GUY), Honda Civic 285 Aqueeb Ali (T&T), Honda Civic 786 Yazid Ali (T&T), Honda Civic
Seaboard Marine CMRC Superstock 11 Shirley Scantlebury (BAR), Suzuki GSX-R600 12 Luke De Nobriga (T&T), Suzuki GSX-R600 15 Carlos Rodriques (GUY), Yamaha R6 27 Stephen Vieira (GUY), Suzuki GSX-R600 32 Terrance Ollivierre (BAR), Suzuki GSX-R600 33 Elliot Vieira (GUY),
Kawasaki ZX6-R 48 Matthew Vieira (GUY), Triumph Daytona 64 Brook Miller (BAR), Suzuki GSX-R600 93 Kevin Persaud (GUY), Kawasaki ZX6-R 100 Joel Neblette (GUY), Suzuki GSX-R600 193 Devan McCartney (BAR), Suzuki GSX-R600 326 Kyle Reynolds (JAM), Kawasaki ZX6-R
From page 34 Siriwardana was stumped running at Sunil Narine. The hosts had unraveled definitively by the middle of the 18th over. This was after their own bowlers had withstood brief charges from Johnson Charles and Denesh Ramdin, who both hit 34 at either end of West Indies’ batting effort. The visitors had warmed up slowly, hitting only 17 from the first 26 balls, until Charles ignited the innings with a four-ball sequence that brought 22 runs. Charles ran at Sachithra Senanayake twice to lift him into the legside stands, and swept him twice as well, collecting a six and a four. The next over from Dushmantha Chameera was equally expensive. Andre Fletcher struck three fours as Chameera erred down the legside - though he also had Fletcher dropped off a slower ball, on 16. With 44 runs having come off the last two Powerplay overs, West Indies appeared to be surging. Siriwardana’s left-arm spin quickly brought the hosts some control. He trapped Fletcher in front with a slider, saw Marlon Samuels run-out later in that over, then struck again with his arm ball
to have the visitors 75 for 3 after nine overs. West Indies attacked intermittently after that, but had their salvos briskly shut down. Andre Russell was dismissed in the 12th over after two sixes had come in the previous five balls. Ramdin cracked two sixes and a four in the 14th and 15th overs, but was soon forced to contend with a stream of good yorkers - particularly from Nuwan Kulasekara which he could only dig out
for singles or twos. Sri Lanka’s seamers were pinpoint at the finish. Although opposition hitters were at the crease, Malinga conceded only five runs in each of his last two overs, and Kulasekara no more than seven from his. Ramdin remained unbeaten at the end of the innings. Scores: West Indies 162 for 6 (Ramdin 34*, Charles 34, Bravo 31, Malinga 2-16) beat Sri Lanka 139 (Dilshan 52, Bravo 4-28) by 23 runs.
First win on tour helps West Indies...
Banks DIH Limited supports Guyana... From page 33 event. Race Director Sevak Tsaturyan and Village Chief of Santa Mission Aubrey Samuels both thanked Banks DIH Limited for its generous sponsorship of the event. Rainforest Brand Manager Errol Nelson made the presentation to the race officials including Organiser Leslie Black and Banks DIH Branches Controller Gavin Jodhan. The mission of Guyana Trail Marathon is to bring athletes and amateur runners around the world for a cultural awareness of the Amerindian community and to raise funds for the local Elementary School.
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Kaieteur News
Banks Beer Inter-Ministry Futsal Competition
Explosive semi-finals anticipated this evening With over $500,000 up for grabs the four semi-finalists need no more incentive to go toe to toe for a place in the final of the Banks Beer InterMinistry Futsal Competition which resumes tonight with final four action, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. In the opening game, Ministry of Foreign Affairs take on Ministry of Infrastr u c t u r e a n d t h i s encounter will be followed by the clash between Banks DIH vs Ministry of Public Health. Foreign Affairs will be looking to quarter-final heroes Godfrey Powers and Courtney Britton to lead their charge for victory, while Infrastructure’s quest for a final spot will depend on the services of Roy Cassou and Josephius Charles. In the other semi-final, Banks DIH Andre Trotz, James Meredith, Ron Adams, Phillip Rowley and Seon McKenzie are the players the beverage company will be leaning on for victory. On the other hand, Ministry of Public Health’s chances of beating the starstudded Banks DIH unit will rest on the shoulders of Delroy Dean and Deshane Garnett. Two pulsating encounters are envisaged. Meanwhile, three
exhibition games will be played before the semi-finals are the fixtures are Divas vs G/Town Mix (Ladies), before Hopkinson Mining takes on New GPC and Sparta Boss sqaure off against West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’. The winner of thetournament is guaranteed $200,000; s e c o n d p l a c e $150.000; third place $100,000 and fourth place $50,000 along with trophies donated by Ramesh trophy stall. The tournament was made possible by sponsorship from the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Education, Cultural and Sports, Midtown Café, Mohamed’s Enterprise, New GPC, Insurance Brokers, Oasis Water, GFF, Banks DIH, Petra, Sleep-in Hotel, Hopkinson Mining. Admission is $500 with a donation going towards the Guyana Cancer institute to help in the fight against cancer. The results of the quarterfinals held on Tuesday are: Game-1 Oasis Water 1 vs Ministry of Foreign Affairs-5 Foreign Affairs Scorers Godfrey Powers-15th, 16th and 30th Courtney Britton-24th and 25th
Oasis Scorer Gerald Gittens-29th Game-2 Banks-5 vs Barbers Association-4 Banks Scorers Andre Trotz-14th and 29th James Meredith-16th Ron Adams-23rd Phillip Rowley-26th Barbers Scorers Christian Galloway-19th, 22nd and 29th Jermaine Willis-15th Game-3 Ministry of Health-5 vs Ministry of Presidency-3 Min. of Health Scorers Delroy Dean-1st, 4th and 13th Deshane Garnett-29th and 30th Min. of Presidency Scorers Janson Jack-11th and 28th Deon Rodney-30th Game-4 Customs-4 vs Ministry of Infrastructure-4 Min of Infrastructure won 1-0 on penalty kicks Min. of Infrastructure Scorers Roy Cassou-11th, 17th and 27th Josephius Charles-34th Customs Scorers Carlos Monkhouse-10th and 30th Rawle Johnny-20th and 33rd
GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket
Aurora beat Good Hope by nine wkts Aurora thumped Good Hope by nine wickets when the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Scotiabank kiddy progression one cricket continued recently. In the Essequibo leg, Good Hope Primary batted first and posted 139-1 in 14 overs at Hibernia. Joshua Hackett struck 55 while Narindra Dusraj scored 31. Aurora Primary replied with 145-1 in 14 overs. Ramesh Seeram slammed 45 while Sherwin Davson made 28. Over at Pomona, Riverstown trounced Huist’ Dieren by 56 runs. Batting first, Riverstown managed 164-2 off 14. Russhella Beveney scored 22. In reply, Huist’ Dieren could only manage 108/7 off their 14 overs; GauravSahadeo hit 15. Aliya Persaud had 2-3. At NOC, Suddie Primary batted first and made 87-5. Mahendra Singh was the only batsman made 16’ Movin Persaud had 2-2. In their chase, Fisher Primary raced to
Shania Smith 89/4 in 13.1 overs with Devaster Fall getting 10. In the other game played at the Racquet Centre, St Stephen’s Primary dispatched Ketley Primary by 32 runs. St Stephen’s posted 132-12 in 14 overs, taking first strike. Jequan Cole scored 36. Ketley Primary mustered 100-12 in 14 overs in reply. Bel Air Primary sneaked past Comenius Primary by five
runs in a thriller thanks to Shania Smith’s effort. Asked to bowl the final over with Comenius Primary needing just six for victory, Smith kept her composure picking up three wickets for one run. Earlier, Bel Air Primary was held to 96/5, D’Andre Alexander who took three wickets while Dequan Welcome top scored with 16. However, as it turned out 96 were just enough to secure victory for Bel Air. Comenius Matches continue today with Mae’s Primary facing BelAir Primary in the first semi-final of the East Georgetown Zone at the Racquet Centre and on Friday Redeemer Primary will take on Stella Marris in the second semi at the said venue. In Essequibo Coast zone, Queenstown Primary will travel to Capoey Primary at while Charity Primary will host Good Hope Primary. Sans Souci Primary will play Western Hogg Island at Wakenaam Community Center ground in the final of the Essequibo Islands zone.
Thursday November 12, 2015
No. 70 ’A’ and No. 69 Vikings through to 4R 20/20 final in Upper Corentyne The semi finals of the Upper Corentyne 4R 20/20 was full of action and drama, however No. 70 ‘A’ and No. 69 Vikings battled their way through to the final which is set for Sunday November 15 at the Crabwood Creek Sports Complex. In semi final No 70 ‘A’ defeated NO. 64 Fighting Marines by 8 wickets. Bating first No.64 Fighting Marines were bowled out for 118 off 17.5 overs with Somdat Singh 43 and Devindra Balram 21 being the top scorers. Bowling for No. 70 ‘A’ Naeem Yacoob took 3 for 25 off 4 overs, Tameshwar Ramoutar 2 for 8 off 2 overs, Omesh Khemraj 2 for 15 off 2.5 overs and Omesh Kumar 1 for 18 off 4 overs including 1 maiden over which was the only one of the game. In reply No. 70 ‘A’ lost opener Rayan Yacoob off the first ball, however his brother Naeem Yacoob and veteran second division player Alim Haniff batted with maturity in a partnership of 82. At the end No. 70 ‘A’ got 125 for 2 off 15 overs with Naeem Yaccob 49 not out, Alim Haniff 33 and Omesh Kumar 15 not out. Bowling for No. 64 Fighting Marines Devindra Balram took 1 for 17 off 2 overs.
Final set for November 15 In the Second semi final, No. 69 Vikings defeated Skeldon by 1 run. No. 69 Vikings batted first after winning the toss and scored 172 for 6 off 20 overs. Vishwanauth Lallbeharry top scored with a brilliant 70 (4x8 & 1x6) and got good support from Latchman Roopchand 43 and Vivendra Gooniah 31. Bowling for Skeldon Sherwin Murray took 2 for 23 off 4 overs and got support from former Berbice U-19 player Junior Blair with 1 for 18 off 4 overs including 1 maiden over. In reply Skeldon were up to the chase, however, after getting a brilliant start from Christopher Jaundoo 54 (4x4 & 3x6) and good support from Junior Blair 25. Sherwin Murray 34 not out and Juan Velloza 29 almost brought it home for Skeldon. In the last over needing 11 to win with the sun light against them, Skeldon only manage 9 runs. Bowling for No. 69 Vikings Imran Khan took 3 for 25 off 3 overs, Latchman Roopchand 1 for 35 off 4 overs and Totaram Persaud 1 for 32 off 4 overs. In the exhibition game No. 72 select XI defeated Crabwood Creek select XI.
The final will be played with red ball and white clothing due to the lack of proper light facility in the Upper Corentyne area for a Night game. The final will start at 1:30PM and it is expected that the entire No. 69 and No. 70 will be there to witness this historic clash among neighbors. There will be a clash between rivals No. 48 Challengers and Crabwood Creek Sports Club with trophy and cash up for grab. The day event starts at 9:30am. The winner of the final will receive $100,000 and a trophy; there will also be other prizes for runner up, man of the final and MVP of the competition. Admission is $200, children under 12 years are free. There will also be gate prizes to be won. Proceeds will go towards the Upper Corentyne first division team. This competition is sponsored by Mr. Ricky Deonarian of 4R Bearings of Georgetown and is being organized by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. The UCCA takes this opportunity to thank Mr. Deonarian for this much needed sponsorship.
events contested. A number of the participants, who are presently preparing for the national school athletics championship in Georgetown, used the opportunity to warm up by putting in some good performances during the day. Participants were drawn from all over Berbice including New Amsterdam, Canje, West Berbice and Corentyne. The top performers received cash and trophies. The coordinator was cycling coach Randolph Roberts. Roberts stated that he was pleased that he was able to give the athletes an opportunity to compete a few days before the
National Schools Athletic Championships. A number of businesses contributed towards the successful staging of the day’s event; among them - Courts Guyana limited, Republic Bank, A. Ali and Sons, Water Crest Hotel, Refigure Construction, Kings Jewelry, Arokium Funeral Parlour, Deputy Superintendent of Police Lyndon Isle, Sergeant Lawrence Thomas, Steve Macedo Taxi Service, Sentinel Security, Massey Group of Companies, Watterson Catering, Imran and Sons, Bibi Khan of Bartica, Deolal Sooklall Tyre Shop and Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle amongst others. (Samuel Whyte)
FACC stages successfully Track Attack cycling and athletics event
The Annual Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) ‘Track Attack’ cycling event was successfully held on Sunday last at the Area H Ground Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice. The day’s activity was intense and very competitive. A number of cyclist put in outstanding performance with Andrew Hicks dominating in the open category, Curtis Dey had things his way in the U16 category, while Whitney Poyer was the top performer amongst the females as she got the better of Shenika Tosharia and former national female champion Maricia Dick. Hicks, of the Trojan Cycle club, was in top form as he rode away with the Devil Take the Hindmost, the 20 lap and the eight laps events. Curtis Dey of The FACC for his part rode away with the U16 six and five lap events. On the distaff side, up and coming top female cyclist Whitney Poyer also of the FACC showed that she will be a force to be reckoned with as she won the female five and six lap races. There were athletics
Invaders cop Trophy Stall Dominoes title in Wakenaam Invaders chalked up 79 games to win the final of the Trophy Stall Dominoes competition which was contested on Sunday at Carlosh sports bar, Good Success, Wakenaam. Mix Up and Eastern Wakenaam made 75 games each, but Mix Up took the runner up spot after making more sixes. Adrian Massiah and Julian Ramotar scored 17 apiece while Mohamed Sheriffudeen got 15 for the winners. Mohamed Zafrull 16, Khemraj Surujpaul 15, Kalam Zafrull and Amit Ramnarine with 14 each were Mix Up leading players. Mitroy Solomon and Egbert Johnson marked 15 for Eastern Wakenaam.
Thursday November 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Annual National Draughts Changes made to Annual Souvenir Championship underway Ramndyal Table Tennis Tournament The opening game in the Annual National Draughts Championship was played last Saturday at the National Gymnasium. In the ‘B’ Class tournament first time winner Linden Heywood a/k ‘Bam Bam’ of America Street is the new champion. He amassed 21 points. Ulric Brathwaite, Tyrone David and Navin Neighbarran all ended on 20 points. However, Tyrone David did not contest the tie breaker and had to settle for the 4th position. Ulric Brathwaite defeated Navin Neighbarran in the tie break to capture the 2nd place.
The contest in this category was always close. Another consecutive win for Linden Heywood would earn him a place in the ’A’ Division. Meanwhile, the ‘A’ category which was played the next day on a six round Swiss System saw Khemraj Pooranmall (Raj) recapturing the crown from Linden player; Floyd Cumberbatch. Pooranmall earned 17 points ahead of Cumberbatch who had a close 16 points. Steve Bacchus and Mark Brathwaithe ended on 15 points each, but a tiebreaker gave the edge to Bacchus. Trophies were donated by
Colours boutique, Lalta Gainda of Rubis Bel Air, A. Ahamad Hydraulics Bagotstown, Berbice Bridge Inc., Hand-in-Hand Trust and Brans Security Service. President of the Guyana Draughts Association Mr. Jiaram extended gratitude to the sponsors, and Mr. Paul D’Anjou (coordinator). On Sunday November 22nd the game continues with the International 100 square. The same six round Swiss System would be used. Registration begins at 10.30am and game time is 11.00am sharp. All players countrywide are invited to participate.
Banks DIH Limited supports Guyana Trail Marathon
Aubrey Samuels (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Errol Nelson, while Sevak Tsaturyan (right), Leslie Black (2nd left) and Gavin Jodhan look on. Banks DIH Limited has international athletes the world and the Company teamed up with the organizers participating in the race has continued to of the first ever Guyana Trail through the trails of the demonstrate its commitment Marathon which takes place Amerindian village. to supporting athletics in on Saturday at Santa Mission The sponsorship Guyana. as the main beverage packages were handed over He said athletes and provider. to officials of the race during officials participating will be The local beverage giant a simple ceremony at Thirst hydrated with top quality has provided sponsorship Park Friday. products. Peters said Rain through its Rain Forest Water C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Forest Water, one of the and Powerade brands for the Manager of Banks DIH Company’s newest products, prestigious event which will Limited Troy Peters said the will lend to the theme of the Continued on page 31 see both local and race will showcase Guyana to
School team competition introduced for Alton Holder memorial trophy With the announcement of the staging of the Annual Souvenir Ramndyal Table Tennis Tournament set for this Saturday 14th November at NATI, a few changes have been made. Initially set for schools in the in the New Amsterdam, Canje District which includes New Amsterdam, East and West Canje and East Bank Berbice. The tournament has now been expanded to include all schools and school age children in the East Berbice area. The competition which is sponsored by overseas based Guyanese, Berbician Souvenir Ramndyal, a 2009 Hall of Fame Realtor of Queens NY will be played in the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, auditorium, beginning at 09:00 hrs. This is the fourth year that Mr. Ranmdyal is sponsoring the tournament which over the years has taken different formats. Apart from the individual school children category and C class players that will be feature this year, an inter school team competition has been introduced for the Alton Holder Straker memorial trophy. The team tournament is expected to feature teams of three and should include a teacher or female players. A number of categories will be contested including U10, U13, U15, U18 and U20 a special category will be played for C class players and is expected to see most of the best Berbice racquet wielders in action. Play is expected to be for both male and female in all the categories. The organisers are
asking interested players to make contact as early as possible. A special invitation has also been sent to the Guysuco Training Centre, while students from the University of Guyana and recruits from the Guyana Police Force are also expected to feature. The Sponsor along with members of his family and company are expected to be on hand to meet the players, declare the competition open and distribute the prizes at the end of the competition. Berbice has a rich history in the Table Tennis arena and among some who would have gained stardom in the past are former Caribbean champions Anand Sookram and Doreen Chow Wah. Former national Female Table Tennis and nine times champion Desiree Lancaster, who is the only female to have won the tournament on five consecutive occasions. Former national champions Donna Sue and Vida Moore
along with former national junior champion Petal Bennet-Denny who won the Caribbean junior doubles title in the 90s. Other outstanding players include Isaac Sewnarine, Leslie Amsterdam, Alvin Kallicharran, Clairmont Saul, the Duffs, the Alphonsos, Floyd Conway and the late Roy Fredericks. Incentives will be available for the top four performers in each category. Incentives are also expected to be given to the most outstanding player; most promising and most improve among others. Interested persons can make contact with any of the following persons- Floyd Conway- 6238481, Richard Thompson- 6739112, Desiree Lancaster 6680088, Steven Beharry 647-5090 and Levi Nedd 641-9592 for more information. Apart from Ramndyal, others contributing towards the sponsorship of the tournament are overseas based former players Patrick Narine and Lanny Anthony. (Samuel Whyte)
Five Primary Schools on the East Coast of Demerara have qualified for the Finals of the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) InterPrimary School competition scheduled for Friday at the Lusignan Community Centre ground from 09:00hrs. Novar, Helena, Enterprise, Lusignan and Mon Repos are the schools that qualified for the tournament after the last zone match was played last Friday at the Better Hope ground. In a competition Organised by the NCS’s Cricket Coach Daniel Richmond, BV lost to Mon
Repos by seven wickets in sunny conditions. BV batted first on a slow pitch and made 48-6 off six overs as Skipper Jason Mitchell hit three fours in 17 while Extras contributed 13. Verun Mangle took 2-10 for Mon Repos who responded with 50-3 from 5.1 overs with Mangle returning with the bat to reach the boundary four times in 20 and Kapil Dev Phagoo stroked three fours in 18. Director of Sports Christopher Jones will give the opening remarks before the start of the finals on Friday. (Sean Devers)
NSC Inter Zone Primary School cricket final set for Friday
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Kaieteur News
First win on tour helps West Indies level T20 series
ESPNcricinfo - West Indies’ bowlers delivered tight lines and intelligent variations of pace on a slow Khettarama surface to force a Sri Lanka collapse and prise a 23-run victory to end an otherwise barren tour. Dwayne Bravo collected four wickets, and Ravi Rampaul three, in the visitors’ defence of 162 for 6 which, like their bowling, had also been a collective effort. The victory gives West Indies a share of the series, though Sri Lanka keep the top T20 rank. Bravo, who hit a run-a-ball 31 in addition to his 4 for 28 with the ball, was named Man of the Match. Tillakaratne Dilshan struck his second fifty of the series but - although his own
strike-rate was nearly 137 - his 70-run stand with Shehan Jayasuriya drew some of the momentum from Sri Lanka’s innings. Jayasuriya was out for 30 off 32 balls. His wicket set in motion a capitulation that cost nine wickets for 46 runs. Incoming batsmen attempted to hit out immediately, mindful of a climbing required rate, but managed only to find secure pairs of hands in the outfield. Jayasuriya was scoreless off his first seven balls and, although he struck successive fours off Jerome Taylor, he slipped into a pattern of finding fielders with his big shots. Dilshan also misread the pace of the ball off the pitch on occasion, and West Indies continued to
squeeze in cheap overs through the first half of the chase. When Jayasuriya was dismissed - thanks to an outstanding running catch from Andre Russell at the long-on boundary - Sri Lanka’s required rate was nearing 10. Dinesh Chandimal was almost caught at the leg-side boundary first ball, but was securely held immediately after. Dilshan was out switchhitting Rampaul in the same over, and Angelo Mathews was caught trying to clear the backward square leg boundary not long after that. From then on, Sri Lanka lost at least one wicket per over. Chamara Kapugedara was caught at cover. Milinda Continued on page 31
Crabwood Creek gets huge boost from overseas based Guyanese
Mr. George Baijnauth (right) presented the gear to Mr Ramesh Dedicharran as others, some wearing the uniforms, enjoy the moment. The Crabwood Creek Sports club, one of the top cricket clubs on the Upper Corentyne, Berbice area, was recently the recipient of a set of cricket apparels and gear compliments of a number of overseas based former members. Some of whom are also members of The Florida/ Guyana Hope foundation. Among the items received were 15 sets of cricket uniforms, wicketkeeping and batting gloves among other gear. The items were first handed over to popular Corentyne Businessman George Baijnauth who is also President of the Upper Corentyne Rotary Club and the Guyana/ Florida Chapter. The items were then presented to Secretary/
Treasurer of the CWC Sports Club Ramesh Debicharran by Mr. Baijna u t h i n t h e presence of members of the club and donors and well wishers at a simple ceremony held on Monday at the Skeldon Estate Training Building. Baijnauth on behalf of the donors expressed gratitude to them for remembering where they came from. He called upon the club members to make full use of the items donated and not to abuse them. He stated that the items are very expensive and should be used for its intended purpose. Mr Debicharran in accepting the items thanked Mr. Baijnauth and the donors for their generosity in remembering them. He gave
the assurance that the items donated would be use entirely for the purpose intended. The club, which competes in all cricket competitions in the Crabwood Creek area, has about 20 active members at present. It has a functioning executive led by Dennis D’Andrade as president, Lionel Seergobin vice president and cricket captain. The hard working secretary Treasurer is Ramesh Debicharran, while the vice captain of the club is Drashan Chalitar. Among those who contributed to acquiring of the equipment were Naresh, Ramesh, Raj, Joshua Joey, Joseph, Joel and Panchu. (Samuel Whyte)
Thursday November 12, 2015
First four-round CMRC season set for thrilling finale this Sunday Competitors from across the region are making ready to head for South Dakota in Guyana for the final round of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) this weekend. The finale of the CMRC’s first four-round season promises to be hard-fought, with all five championship titles, on both two and four wheels, going down to the wire. Trinidad & Tobago leads the chase for the coveted Country Championship with 658 points; Barbados (533) moved into second place with a huge score of 441 when it hosted round three in September, with Guyana third, only 22 points behind (511) and Jamaica (369) and the Cayman Islands (138) completing the table. Guyana’s Kristian Jeffrey will be hoping that home town advantage will carry him to a second Group 4 Championship, while in Group 3, Cayman Islander Gary Barrett has the upper hand, but with Paul Vieira, representing Trinidad & Tobago, right on his heels. Reigning Group 2 Champion Mark Thompson of Barbados is chasing current leader, T&T’s Marc Gill, while Guyanese cousins Stephen and Elliot Vieira will slug it out on two wheels for the Superstock title. Since his CMRC debut at Bushy Park Barbados last July, Jeffrey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) has an unrivalled record in the series, with 11 race wins in 18 appearances. The new-for-2015 dropped scores rule, however, means his advantage over T&T’s
Kristian Boodoosingh (Evo VI) is not quite what it seems. While the table shows a difference of 82 points, subtracting Jeffrey’s three lowest scores so far brings the gap down to 49, which gives ‘Boodoostig’ – the only other driver capable of winning the title – a mathematical chance of snatching the crown. Barrett (Honda Civic) is the only driver to have raced in all three rounds in Group 3, so the dropped score affects him, too, creating the closest individual title battle: dropping his lowest three scores cuts his total to 110 . . . with T&T’s Vieira (Mazda RX-7) just two points behind. Indeed, with 75 points on offer at South Dakota, Guyana’s Danny Persaud (Mazda MX-5) still has a mathematical chance, given a day of problems for the others. Since the Group 2 Championship was introduced in 2010, every winner has been a member of Team Barbados . . . but that could change this year. Reigning Champion Mark Thompson (Civic), also the winner in 2012, is currently second to T&T’s Marc Gill (Civic), the only Gp2 driver to have raced at all three rounds. Consistency has been Gill’s strong suit - he is yet to win a race this year - but the dropped-score rule cuts his 60-point cushion to 18, so there is all for Thompson to play for. There is no doubt that the CMRC Superstock Championship will be won by one or other of Guyanese cousins Stephen and Elliot Vieira, the former currently the leader by 14 points and the only previous Champion (in
2011 & ‘12). The dropped score rule does not come in to play here, as there was no Superstock round at Wallerfield in June, but no other rider is even close to the Vieiras, who have won all six races between them, Stephen four to Elliot’s two, aboard Suzuki and Kawasaki respectively. Championship – Country: 1st Trinidad & Tobago 658 points; 2nd Barbados 533pts; 3rd Guyana 511pts; 4th Jamaica 369pts; 5th Cayman Islands 138pts. CMRC Group 4: 1st Kristian Jeffrey 183 points; 2nd Kristian Boodoosingh 101pts; 3rd Gerard Carrington (T&T), Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI 58pts; 4th George Bayley (JAM), Evo VIII 51pts; 5th Williams 48pts; 6th Franklyn Boodram (T&T), Renault Megane Trophy 45pts; etc CMRC Group 3: 1st Gary Barrett 138 points; 2nd Paul Vieira 108pts; 3rd Danny Persaud 70pts; equal 4th Natasha Chang (JAM), Honda S2000 & Kurt Thompson (Honda CRX) 62pts; 6th Kenrick Husbands (BAR) Toyota Starlet 51pts; etc CMRC Group 2: 1st Marc Gill 150 points; 2nd Mark Thompson 90pts; 3rd Jordan Powell (JAM), Honda Civic 75pts; 4th Shairaz Roshandin (GUY), Civic 61pts; 5th Mark Williams (T&T), Civic 55pts; 6th Damien Nesbit (T&T), Nissan Sentra 52pts; etc CMRC Superstock: 1st Stephen Vieira 133 points; 2nd Elliot Vieira 119pts; 3rd Robert McDonald (JAM), Yamaha YZF-R6 45pts; equal 4th David Bell (JAM), Honda CBR RR600 & Joel Neblette (GUY), Suzuki GSX-R600 36pts; 6th Matthew Vieira Continued on page 31
The inaugural GTT Round Robin Knockout Football Competition will resume today with an exciting double header, at the Mackenzie Sports Club in Linden. The opening between unbeaten Group-A teams host Winners Connection and East Coast of Demerara giant Victoria Kings is anticipated to be a sizzling encounter from 18:00hrs. Winners Connection will be riding high on confidence after their crushing 6-1 demolition of Rosignol United in their opening fixture and will no doubt be aiming to continue in that vein. Veteran Rawle Gittens, Marmarlaque Davidson and Fitzroy Chin are the key players in attack, while the
impregnable defence will be led by Derrol Dainty. Victoria Kings, who defeated Golden Grove 2-0 in their opening engagement, will also be looking to stay unbeaten.The experienced Kings will be hoping that their talisman Winston Pompey in addition to Alden Lawrence and Aubrey Gibson maintain form and lead them to victory. In the feature clash, Topp XX battle Milerock from 201:00 hrs and this hometown rivalry should provide rivetting action. Topp XX made a perfect start to the competition with a 2-0 win over Ann’s Grove so the plan right now must be to cemant their position in the points standing. Travis Waterton, Shawn
Daniels, Quacey Johnson and the skilful Dequan Hercules will no doubt be a handful for the opposition, whileTevin Crawford and Ruel Williams will be charged with the responsibility of ensuring stability at the back. Milerock, who lost 2-1 to New Amsterdam United, should be looking for their first positive result. Jermain Grandison, Clarence Huggins and Ron Fiedtkou will have to produce some magic to give them the best chance of staging an upset. The vistorious team will cart off $500,000 and the championship trophy, 2nd, 3rd and 4 th placed finishers receive $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.
GTT Round Robin Knockout Football Competition heads to Linden today