Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Avoid any query of governmental actions The PPP government has lived up to the expectations of every right thinking Guyanese; it has proven itself to be rogues clothed in a tattered democracy. Reasonable persons are loathe to believe that the PPP can win back a parliamentary majority in any local or general elections. Regardless of the claims by the government spokespersons the effect of terminating the business of the 10th Parliament is to give the PPP space to run, hide and lick its wounds while looking over its shoulder at a decidedly narrow escape. But as the saying goes, ‘you can run, but you can’t hide forever’. It is no secret that serious mistakes were made on the question of reconvening the Parliament. The view out there is that more assertiveness should have been exercised in the initial stages. As former Speaker Sase Narain suggested, the opposition parties should have informed themselves on a particular relationship issue. This would have prevented them from being caught off guard by what was evidently a flawed opinion as to who has the authority to convene the National Assembly. The President is arguing that his decision is based upon his expectation that prorogation will allow the parliamentary parties to dialogue. The obvious question that arises from that comment is, “Is the President for real?’ The Head of State spoke out prior to the Opposition Leader’s position on the lack of good faith by the PPP. Now the Guyanese people are fed a dose of nonsense that Granger started it. We are in the midst of a serious constitutional impasse and grown men are trading blame, and in all of this the President still hopes to see engagement and dialogue when the Opposition requests are ignored. The President’s decision to end the session has effectively terminated the business of the House. The members can only resume their parliamentary duties when Parliament is next summoned, and there is no clear indication when this will be. In that scenario, therefore, to suggest dialogue and agreement among parties is a non-starter, because in effect any such engagement will be extra-parliamentary since no committee can meet to discuss parliamentary business. All unfinished business on the Order Paper died and all committees are without power to transact business. All Bills not assented to, are considered terminated and must be reintroduced as if they never saw light of day. However, in more mature polities (and Guyana is not on that list) Bills have been reinstated by motion at the start of a new session, at the same stage they had reached at the end of the previous session; committee work has similarly been revived. Political observers are inclined to the thinking that President Ramotar’s administration is afraid to defend its record because there is nothing positive to report in a squalid atmosphere that abounds with established acts and rumours of corruption, malfeasance, misfeasance and misadvisement. Furthermore, taking the track record of PPP leaders into account there is no guarantee that the President will not proclaim the reconvening of Parliament, only to again prorogue the session for another period in the hopes that Guyanese will fall asleep and forget the misadventures of this uncaring elitist government. Government will leave no stone unturned in its unseemly quest to avoid accountability to the Guyanese people. The opposition parties need to think out their strategy very carefully if they are to succeed in bringing this government to its senses. Looking at all the sand dancing and excuses why local government elections could not be held, it is ironic and pathetic to now hear that the Opposition’s position with a no-confidence motion would have disrupted the very elections for which they have been clamouring. The obsequious words of support from certain civil

Thursday November 13, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

The worst case scenarios from prorogation could destroy Guyana DEAR EDITOR, President Ramotar did the cowardly thing and prorogued Parliament. It is yet another example of the intellectual and strategic shallowness of the PPP and its leader. This is what happens when power-drunk hijackers of a party, desperate to protect their ill-gotten gains by any means necessary, expose the very party and its supporters to a future that could be perilous to their fortunes. The fortunes of the PPP hierarchy are secured. They have homes in Florida and bank accounts all over the world. It is the people who vote for them who will feel the pain if this prorogation decision backfires spectacularly. Notwithstanding a weakened and fractured PNC, the PPP is afraid to contest an election because it knows it will lose votes. So, in order to avoid losing votes and getting a smaller plurality which will cause internal power squabbling that will inevitably collapse the Jagdeo-Ramotar

domination, the JagdeoRamotar hijackers of the PPP have committed hara-kiri to hold onto power by any m e a n s n e c e s s a r y, b y proroguing Parliament. Prorogation is a gift to the opposition. It ensures international condemnation and isolation of the PPP. Even the Chinese will not back this regime, knowing that when the PPP falls from power, now a foregone conclusion in the short term, the new government could reverse many of China’s projects and China would lose major opportunities with the new government. Prorogation is also economically risky. Political uncertainty, particularly if accompanied with protest, violence and civil unrest, is detested by investors, donors and major lenders. Look for a drying-up of funds from international sources. At home, locals will tighten spending, leading to the further slowdown of an economy already screeching to a halt with a volatile gold sector facing declining prices. The anti-money laundering world body will

now definitely blacklist Guyana and the economic consequences of this act on top of the battering the PPP will get, will be crushing. In keeping with its past behaviour, the PPP will try to use this suspension of Parliament to go on a spending spree trying to bribe Guyanese taxpayers with their own money. The problem is they simply don’t have the money. The PPP was projected to get $139.77 billion in revenues in 2014, a 3% increase over 2013. According to its mid-year report, its spending increased a whopping 28.7% compared to 2013. This means that the PPP was expected to spend $149.1 billion even before it faced the no-confidence vote. That puts it in a deficit of $9.33 billion (US$46.65 million) even before it planned to bribe taxpayers with reckless spending to regain their votes. The plan makes no sense given that the PPP is already in a deficit, spending more than it earns, particularly with gold revenues declining

since July 2014. It will have to borrow internationally to fund its spending spree to try to buy back electoral support. A government cannot spend money it does not have. As I stated above, no international agency or country in its right mind would lend a government already in deficit, broke and spending to support a dictatorial act of prorogation, not even China or Russia. The economy always wins the political war. The economic pitfalls from prorogation will cripple Guyana, jeopardizing public sector salaries and restricting the ability of the government to meet its obligations. This will likely trigger fiscally deadly strikes. The first group to flee a country is the most economically mobile and this happens to be predominantly PPP supporters. So, prorogation and its worst case economic outcomes will lead to mass migration by the PPP’s own (Continued on page 23)

Let us collectively tackle lawlessness on the roads with zero tolerance DEAR EDITOR, Not a day passes by without any news of an accident on the roads in this dear country of ours. It seems that we are not fed up with the numerous pictures of mangled cars, and dead bodies on our roads. Hence it is timely for me to ask the question” Who’s keeping house in Guyana? Or perhaps simpler put, “Who is looking after the affairs of the home?” Time does not permit me to wait for the response, as it is blatantly obvious that no one is in charge. What are the Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs doing, to curb the poor road discipline currently being displayed by motor vehicle owners, and

which translates into Guyana being robbed of its most valuable resources? Enough is enough! Sound the cry near and far, let us start an all-out war, against the streets of Guyana being converted into crime scenes. This kind of report is repeated over and over again, year in, year out, as more and more people are killed and injured, sometimes maimed for life - and the horror remains with survivors, families and friends for the rest of their lives. We need to stop killing and maiming each other on our roads. How many families will lose a close relative? How many people will lose an arm, or a leg, or an eye, or become paralyzed?

society members are to be expected but their sycophantic conduct will extract a severe cost to their image in terms of the general public’s discontent with their position on the government decision. Plain and simple President Ramotar’s decision to prorogue is about one thing and one thing only - avoiding the scrutiny of a debate in Parliament at a time when this government is facing tough questions about its conduct in expending public monies from the national treasury.

How many people will end up in hospital? How many people’s holiday will be ruined? How many vehicles will be damaged, or completely written off? How much money is all that going to cost? Surely we can do something to stop all this. Surely we must do something to stop all this, soon and very soon too, before another Guyanese goes home to meet his maker via the street. In 2011, the World Health Organization data on road accidents listed Guyana as being the highest in the world. Ironic that even in tragedy we will score a first. Guess you can’t stop a Guyanese. We know what causes accidents: speed, alcohol, drugs, cell phone distraction, tiredness, unroadworthy vehicles, unlicenced drivers, and misjudgement when overtaking are the main culprits. Yes we all know, so where do we go. Quo Vadis? A “road crash” is not a random event: it can be prevented by the adoption of

measures that are clearly outlined in the five pillars of the ongoing 2011-2020 United Nations Decade of Road Safety which is supported by 103 countries worldwide, of which Guyana is included. Let me elaborate. Four of the five pillars of the Decade of Action are geared to: 1. Strengthening institutional capacity to further national road safety efforts, including activities such as establishing a lead agency for road safety in the country involving partners from a range of sectors and developing a national road safety strategy. 2. Influencing safety road design and network management to make roads safer for users, particularly the vulnerable (pedestrians, cyclists, children, the elderly, bus passengers) and reducing severity of crashes. 3. Making vehicles safer by adopting motor vehicle safety standards; implementing new car safety assessment programs; and Continued on page 23

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news If the opposition does not do the correct thing Mr. Wordsworth should leave gracefully if the from here on, it will be condemned by history Hope Canal Project is not finished by year-end DEAR EDITOR, The decision of President Donald Ramotar to prorogue the tenth parliament of Guyana is another manifestation of the confidence the PPPC leadership and government have in their tested and very successful method of dealing with the political opposition since it came to power in 1992, i.e., to put a very high price for any success the opposition hopes to achieve in the ongoing conflict that rages between the two contesting sides. On Monday, November 10th, 2014, in response to the combined parliamentary opposition’s declaration to move a no–confidence motion against the government, the President very early in the day fired his missile in a pre-emptive strike thereby turning the opposition’s intended “show of force” into a “damp squib”. The nation awaits the opposition’s response. They, the opposition, will have to come good this time lest they run the risk of again being condemned as no match for the rulers. In this historic political struggle the battle lines are clearly drawn. The rulers are convinced that they have the opposition on the run. Their propaganda campaign is designed to portray the opposition as being irresponsible, uncaring, unstable and destructive. Their spokespersons on the television airwaves are also mocking the leaders of the opposition, making jokes at what they perceive as the opposition’s inability to get their supporters to make a significant response to the proroguing of the parliament. At the same time they are calling for stability in the country while further insulting the opposition and the majority of the electorate by proposing dialogue as the way out of the impasse that they, the rulers, have created. This so called olive branch that is being held out by

Ramotar must be seen for what it is–nothing but political baiting. The combined opposition for its part has denounced the ruler’s action and accused them of establishing a oneparty dictatorship. It has pledged not to tolerate this imposition. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. David Granger has called on Guyanese to mobilise and turn up at 5:30pm on Friday, November 14th at the Square of The Revolution for a mass rally. Expectations are running high among a large segment of the population. As I have said above, the battle lines are drawn – the ruler’s trump card is “stability” – the opposition trump card is “instability”. In the present engagement there will be a winner and a loser. The stakes are very high with little room to manoeuvre on either side. In my estimation what we have here is a battle of political wills, with the winner being the ones who show greater determination to hold their ground. What happens or does not happen in the next week or two will determine where Guyana goes from here. I am duty bound to remind the nation that this political crisis reached explosion point when the AFC leadership proposed in the National Assembly a no-confidence motion in the government as a result of the excesses of certain ministers of the government. The APNU, which itself had proposed a number of punitive measures to deal with the said ministerial excesses and constitutional violations, felt duty bound to support its parliamentary ally – even in spite of my advice to the political opposition “to bite the bullet” which they refused to do. It is my contention that

in proceeding with the noconfidence motion the APNU and AFC have assumed joint responsibility for the outcome of this struggle. It is my fervent hope that the AFC remains true to its commitment to see this struggle to its logical conclusion and does not jump ship as a result of the pressure the PPPC will put it under in the weeks ahead. If that party falls prey to the PPPC’s pressure it will be condemned as a political bluffer. Electoral opportunism can extract a major political price from those who choose to walk down that road. Ironically, both the APNU and AFC opted for elections as the way to deal with the arrogant ruling executive who demonstrated contempt for the majority in the parliament. In the three years of the tenth parliament the opposition refused to wage the required constitutional struggle to address the country’s governance challenges. Objective reality has once again put on the political agenda a constitutional struggle. Have the leaders of the combined opposition gotten the message or are they prepared to continue with their heads deep in the sand? The nation and the world are watching how this struggle will evolve. One thing is sure, if the opposition does not do the correct thing from here on, it will be condemned by history. Tacuma Ogunseye

DEAR EDITOR, A few days ago, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Mr. Lionel Wordsworth stated during an interview on the Hope Canal Project (HCP) construction progress update, that completion of the HCP is on track and it will meet its year-end deadline. However, in early September, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Ramsammy acknowledged that the HCP had missed its third completion deadline but it would nevertheless be completed in six weeks’ time, i.e., end Oct. 31. A review of construction progress of HCP indicates that the Project will not be completed anytime soon and therefore no flood water could be released from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) into the Atlantic Ocean as per its stated design requirements. Further, many additional works outside of HCP remain to be built before the system could be functional. HCP started in Feb. 2011 and was to have been completed 18 months later. In June 2013, Mr. Wordsworth stated that the deadline was not met because of bad weather, long delivery time for equipment and the tardiness of contractors to meet set deadlines. He made no mention of the incompetence and poor management of the NDIA, which is responsible for monitoring construction progress of HCP as well as

being the contractor which is struggling to complete the 10.3 kilometres of Canal linking the Head Regulator and Sluice nor the late delivery of the eight sluice gates it was contractually obligated to provide the sluice contractor - Courtney Benn Contracting Services. The Canal is still under construction and it is unlikely to be completed before the end of 2015 while its cost escalates and is being kept a state secret. The geo-textile material bought over two years ago by NDIA purportedly to strengthen the Canal’s clay embankments has been in storage at a warehouse at Dochfour. Therefore it is puzzling why at this late stage NDIA is now scrambling to install them. Mr. Wordsworth stated that HCP costs remain within its budget although there is a

huge time overrun of nearly three years with several claims pending for contract changes. No mention has been made about these extra costs, particularly those incurred for additional project supervision and other overhead costs which could be substantial as they were not catered for in the original budget. F i n a l l y, M r. W o r d s w o r t h acknowledged that the Hope Canal Project, which was politically conceived and is being badly a d m i n i s t e r e d under his watch, was ‘not without its challenges’. Therefore, if HCP is not finished by the end of 2014 as he so confidently assured us all, he should have the courage of his conviction, throw in the towel and leave gracefully before the auditors step in. Charles Sohan

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 13, 2014

Explosive Ombudsman report…

Jagdeo ordered dismissal of NBS boss ...because he refused to lend US$10M for Berbice Bridge Maurice Arjoon, who was one of three New Building Society (NBS) Managers sacked in 2007, has made startling claims. NBS is the country’s largest mortgage finance entity. Arjoon said he ran into trouble after refusing to back a proposal to lend $2B to the Bridge committee in 2006 for the building of the Berbice River Bridge. The claims by former Director/Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Maurice Arjoon, were contained in an explosive report by an independent public complaints body. The report was released earlier this month. The report would have come from a complaint filed by Arjoon back in January with the Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore. Guyana would have been without an Ombudsman for a number of years. On June 1, 2007, Arjoon, Kent Vincent and Kissoon Baldeo were all charged with fraud over the withdrawal of some $69M from a savings account. NBS has repaid the account holder almost $74M. The fraud charges were dismissed but NBS had already sacked the Managers citing fraud, negligence and serious misconduct. The Ombudsman report cleared the three managers, and questioned how investigators recommended charges when there was clearly no evidence in the police file. Justice Moore noted in his findings that: “The standard required for conviction of a criminal offence is proof beyond a reasonable doubt for every element of the offence – the acts as well as the mental

Dr. Nanda Gopaul ingredients. “Without intending any disrespect to anyone, I would state that carelessness, most species of negligence, foolhardiness or even stupidity are not the standard of proof of guilt for a criminal offence. “I do not hereby state any finding or conclusion that anyone at the NBS should be blamed for any of these.” Assisting with the Ombudsman’s independent investigation of the complaint was Henry Chester, Deputy Commissioner of Police (retired). According to the report, Arjoon in his complaint, said that at the time of the “trumped up charges”, he was six months away from retirement, which would have entitled him to receive a lucrative monthly pension and substantial benefits. TRUMPED-UP CHARGES Arjoon believed that an independent investigation would have revealed that

DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

Cleared: Former NBS CEO, Maurice Arjoon

persons from the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), including the Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar AliHack, did not want to take action against the real perpetrators of the fraud. The reasons were simple. It was punishment for “certain

by persons aligned to the Government and CIOG. He said that in 2006, at an NBS Board meeting, three Directors voted for an investment of $2B in the Berbice Bridge, while three voted for zero investment. “I recommended that the Directors be guided by the

his investigation, Justice Moore wrote Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, on the allegations against Gopaul and whether Dr. Ashni Singh, the Finance Minister, did order the Bank of Guyana to investigate the NBS, as a result of the allegation of fraud. He also asked whether the report of the investigation was deliberately suppressed to the detriment of anyone. “Dr. Nanda Gopaul replied through the Head of the Presidential Secretariat denying co m m u n i c a t i n g any threat to Mr. Arjoon. In fact, he claimed that he and Mr. Arjoon had very cordial relations up to the time Mr. Arjoon was dismissed by the NBS. To date no response has been received from Dr. Ashni Singh.”

“The President asked of the Board ‘Why do you have them there then?’” This is the main reason they agreed to fire us (sic).” The former CEO said that when written to in January 2008 by his wife, with information attached that the DPP wrongfully charged him and the two Managers, the former President “quickly confirmed the DPP.” Then, amendments to the NBS Act were rushed through parliament and hastily assented to by the President, to make it impossible for NBS members to call special meetings in the event of wrongdoings.” Arjoon also claimed that in November 2010 – before the criminal charges were dismissed –Jagdeo offered to grant the full pension and benefits in return for dropping the civil lawsuit. “Given that I was told the civil matter would be drawn out for years, I decided to accept. “The President arranged for me to meet Dr. Nanda Gopaul at Office of the President who admitted that I did no wrong. He agreed for legal fees to be paid by NBS and that I can get full pension and benefits.” However, Arjoon said that surprisingly, NBS lawyer, Ashton Chase, sent a letter “advising approximately half of my monthly pension and lump sum due, stating this was agreed to after discussion at the highest level.” Jagdeo was the person at the highest level. Arjoon refused the deal. The Ombudsman said that he was of the opinion that Arjoon, the two Managers and Amrita Prashad, another NBS staffer who was charged, had “all suffered injustice, notwithstanding the fact that they were all discharged by Magistrates at the various Preliminary Inquiries.”

Gopaul “telephoned me and said that as President Jagdeo did not get the $2B for the Berbice Bridge he – the President will “deal with me!” - Maurice Arjoon decisions and/or recommendations I made in the interest of the NBS but were deemed unfavourable to the President of Guyana and certain Directors of the NBS.” The President back in 2006-2007 was Bharrat Jagdeo. Government had been seeking monies to finance the construction of a bridge across the Berbice River. According to Arjoon, while NBS is supposed to be a private company, it is run

Financial Institutions Act in determining the quantum to invest in the Berbice Bridge, to which they all agreed without any objection, thus $350M was invested (then).” The former CEO said that less than two hours later, he received a call from Dr. Nanda Gopaul, the then Permanent Secretary of the Office of the President, who was part of the Board. Gopaul is the current Minister of Labour. Arjoon claimed that Gopaul “telephoned me and said that as President Jagdeo did not get the $2B for the Berbice Bridge he – the President will “deal with me!” According to the Ombudsman’s report, during

FIREHIM Arjoon also had other claims in June 2007, “certain Directors of NBS subsequently confided that the President (Jagdeo) called them to a meeting at Office of the President where the Chairman and Vice Chairman lied that the police said they had evidence against me and the two Managers.

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

European probe lands on comet, but fails to anchor down (Reuters) - The European Space Agency landed a probe on a comet on Wednesday, a first in space exploration and the climax of a 10-yearodyssey, but an anchoring system problem may hamper planned investigations into the origins of Earth and the solar system. The 100-kg (220-pound) lander - virtually weightless on the comet’s surface touched down on schedule at about 1600 GMT after a seven-hour descent from its orbiting mothership Rosetta, now located a half-billion kilometres (300 million miles) from Earth. But during the free-fall to the comet’s surface, harpoons designed to anchor the probe, named Philae, failed to deploy. Flight directors are considering options to ensure the lander does not drift back into space. “The lander may have lifted off again,” Stefan Ulamec, Philae lander manager at the DLR German Aerospace Center, told reporters. “Maybe today we

just didn’t land once, but landed twice. Hopefully we are sitting there on the surface … and can continue our science sequence.” Scientists hope that samples drilled out from the comet, known as 67P/ Churyumov-Gerasimenko, will unlock details about how the planets – and possibly even life – evolved, as the rock and ice that make up comets preserve ancient organic molecules like a timecapsule. Comets date back to the formation of the solar system some 4.6 billion years ago. Scientists suspect impacting comets delivered water to early Earth. “How audacious, how exciting, how unbelievable to be able to dare to land on a comet,” NASA’s director of Planetary Science, Jim Green, said at the European Space Operations Centre in Germany after the successful touchdown. Manmade craft have now landed on seven bodies in space: the moon, Mars,

Venus, Saturn’s moon Titan, two asteroids and comet Tempel-1, which was hit by a NASA probe. Among several records set by the mission, Rosetta has become the first spacecraft to orbit a comet rather than just flying past to take pictures. Rosetta reached the comet, a roughly 3-by-5 km rock discovered in 1969, in August after a journey of 6.4 billion km that took 10 years, five months and four days - a mission that cost close to 1.4 billion euros (1.1 billion pounds). “What really nails this experience for me are the images,” Daniel Brown, an expert in astronomy at Nottingham Trent University, said via email after threelegged Philae had relayed data and images back to Earth as it moved toward the comet. “Especially exciting will be getting the results of the samples recovered from below the surface and seeing their chemical composition,” he said.

U.S. states’ pot legalization not in line with international law: U.N. agency

(Reuters) - Moves by some U.S. states to legalize marijuana are not in line with international drugs conventions, the U.N. anti-narcotics chief said on Wednesday, adding he would discuss the issue in Washington next week. Residents of Oregon, Alaska, and the U.S. capital voted this month to allow the use of marijuana, boosting the legalization movement as cannabis usage is increasingly recognized by the American mainstream. “I don’t see how (the new laws) can be compatible with existing conventions,” Yury Fedotov, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), told reporters. Asked whether there was anything the UNODC could do about it, Fedotov said he would raise the problem next week with the

U.S. State Department and other U.N. agencies. The Oregon and Alaska steps would legalize recreational cannabis use and usher in a network of shops similar to those operating in Washington state and Colorado, which in 2012 voted to become the first U.S. states to allow marijuana use for fun. Marijuana remains classified as an illegal narcotic under federal law, although the Obama administration has said it was giving individual states leeway to carry out their own recreational-use statutes. Fedotov suggested the U.S. developments may be part of a wider trend that he said the UNODC was following. On the international level, Uruguay’s parliament in late 2013 approved a bill to legalize and regulate the production and sale of marijuana — the first country to do so.<

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THERE HAS BEEN NO BREACH OF CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER The opposition parties are making out as if the decision of the President to prorogue parliament has unilaterally shut down parliament and silenced the voice of the people. This is not exactly true. What the opposition parties are not saying is that if Government had not prorogued parliament, they the opposition parties would pass a no-confidence motion in the government. This would have resulted in the dissolving of parliament. Elections would have had to then be held by February. As things stand now the President has given the parliament a chance to avoid being dissolved. The proclamation proroguing parliament has a shelf life of six months. If within this period no agreement can be reached as to the way forward in this 10th parliament, then one of the options and the most likely one would be for general elections. However, elections are likely to be called earlier, since with parliament prorogued the government will be unable to have its Budget approved. As such elections are likely to be held much earlier than expected. The difference between having parliament dissolved by the no-confidence motion

and having it prorogued by the President is but a mere few months. With the proroguing of parliament, there is but a mere pause. Parliament has not been disbanded. In the present circumstances, the President can recall Parliament. However, if the opposition had had their way last Monday, the parliament would have been dissolved and could have only been recalled through fresh elections. The opposition is therefore being disingenuous and the people should not be deceived into believing that the President in proroguing parliament has ended its existence and therefore silenced its voice. It is the opposition who were planning to end the life of parliament with their noconfidence motion but they got outfoxed, and it is the shame and embarrassment that their plans were nixed that has gotten them so riled up. They are hot under the collars because they did not see prorogation coming. They should have. I have noticed that the Organization of American States (OAS) is making some sounds and calling for parliament to be resumed early. Well, would the OAS have said the same thing if the no-confidence motion had

Dem boys seh ...

Ombudsman skin up Jagdeo wickedness Everybody know that whatever somebody do in darkness it does come to light one day or de other. Jagdeo and some of dem under him do nuff wicked things to people and to de country. Dem boys been talking about he wicked and scampishness fuh years. People all over was supporting dem boys and begging dem fuh expose dem man. Some of dem embassies seh that if Guyana want change it left to dem fuh expose Jagdeo wickedness. Fuh de whole of Jagdeo presidency he never appoint an Ombudsman. He never confirm de DPP, de Chief Justice, de Chancellor and even he own cook, he gardener and he photographer. There was a reason fuh that. When you got a man acting he got to dance to you music. He had de whole dance floor full up wid people who dancing to he tune. Most of these people, if appointed, don’t have to dance to Jagdeo music. Dem does dance to any music and dem can tell Jagdeo fuh wine by heself. Jagdeo had Kwame acting too and that was fuh a special reason. It was fuh he to do backball on Jagdeo request. Donald mek de thing clear. Dem boys hear that Jagdeo get very upset when Donald appoint de Ombudsman. De man dance to he own music and skin up Jagdeo evil and wicked ways. De Ombudsman expose Jagdeo as a spiteful mudda. Jagdeo ask NBS, a private lending agency, fuh put in US$10 million in de Bridge wha Bobby now got de biggest share. Arjoon refuse his request because it was illegal for him to do so. De next thing you hear from Ganda, one of Jagdeo henchman, is that Jagdeo gun deal wid Arjoon. So said; so done. Arjoon plus he two managers was charged and placed before de courts. De Ombudsman expose Jagdeo, Ganda, de police, de DPP and everybody fuh de trump up charge against dem. Talk half and wait fuh more story pun this matter.

been passed and parliament dissolved? So what is the OAS really saying? Are they saying that it is okay for the opposition to dissolve parliament but it is not okay for the President to do so? Unlike what happened in Honduras in 2009, there has been no break with constitutional order in Guyana. Guyana’s constitution remains intact and operational, and since prorogation is allowable by the Constitution of Guyana, the OAS could not have taken any decision on suspending Guyana from its membership. Constitutions of countries are not just mere laws. They are part of lineage of traditions and rights created through centuries of practice. Prorogation has

historically been a prerogative of the Crown. The right to summon, suspend, dissolve or prorogue parliament has historically been a prerogative of the Head of State. But this is prerogative that should never be used casually. It is never desirable for a situation to arise in which parliament has to be prorogued. It is always desirable that a government be scrutinized by a legislature. But historically the right of the Crown to prorogue parliament has been preserved. Even in Guyana this has always existed. In the 1980 Constitution, one of the objectionable clauses was the one that gave the President the option to prorogue parliament if a situation arose in which he was likely to be

removed by the National Assembly. That rule has since been modified but the prerogative of prorogation has remained. The prerogative of prorogation has religious roots. This prerogative goes back to the issuance of Papal Bulls. The issuance of these Papal Bulls was far from democratic. It is therefore ironic that the Head of the local Roman Catholic Church in Guyana, should be calling for a restoration of parliamentary democracy when the very act of prorogation has its origins in undemocratic Papal Bulls. So powerful were these Bulls that it was one such Bull that divided the world into two parts, one half for Spain and the other for the Portugal. The rest is history, including

our history. One fear by the opposition parties is that after the life of this present proclamation ends, the government will attempt to rule by decree. The opposition should not unduly worry about this. If this should ever happen, the response by the international community will be swift and strong. The OAS, Mercosur, UNASUR and a host of other international groupings are going to suspend Guyana from their membership and impose sanctions. The PPP cannot withstand such pressures.

Deputy Clerk of National Assembly appointed President Donald Ramotar on Monday formally appointed Hermina Gilgeours as the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly. The President issued the instrument of appointment to Gilgeours, who has been acting in the capacity of Deputy Clerk since the retirement of former Deputy Clerk, Lilawtie Coonjah, in May 2013. “Ms. Gilgeours is one of Guyana’s longest serving parliamentary staff, who joined the work of the National Assembly on August 4, 1997. At the commencement of her tenure, she was employed as Clerk II General. She also held the positions of Research and Analytical Assistant and Assistant Clerk of the National Assembly,” a statement from the Parliament Office said yesterday. According to a “grateful” Gilgeours, she is extremely grateful for an opportunity to serve Guyana at such a high level. “I express my sincere gratitude to God, His Excellency the President of Guyana, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly, who has been my mentor, Members of Parliament, who have encouraged me in their own special way, my family and my friends. I am thankful for the confidence they have expressed in me to carry out the functions of this office. I have always enjoyed good relations with other parliamentary staff and I am looking forward to their continued support.” Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, in

an invited comment disclosed that Gilgeours has been attached to the Parliament for a number of years, gaining a wealth of experience in Parliamentary administration. “She is proficient and efficient in her work and the work she produces is always of a high standard. I will continue to work with her

closely with respect to parliamentary procedures, among other things, until I am ready to demit office in the not too distant future, I hope.” The newly appointed Deputy Clerk is the holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

New Deputy Clerk: Hermina Gilgeours

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 13, 2014

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Ramotar said; ‘Bring it on’ but when it came, he fell heavily The Attorney General, Mr. Nandlall was facilitated by his boss, the President, to present the $10,000 voucher to the parents of school children in public schools. This was the beginning of Ramotar ’s descent. In proroguing Parliament, Ramotar has dived to the bottom of the pit. Mr. Nandlall has put Guyana in a terrible light with a tape that in any other part of the world would have landed Nandlall and Ramotar in hot volcanic ash. In American sports, the owner of a professional basketball team was taped by his lover

as he warned her about bringing her African male friends to the team’s games. What followed was a national scandal in the United States in which the American society literally condemned and forced the man to sell the team. In Guyana, President Ramotar not only refuses to fire Nandlall but even to scold him. On the contrary, Ramotar has strategized that if he puts Nandlall on meet-the-people tours, it would lessen any damage to Nandlall’s and his government’s credibility. But in doing so Ramotar shows how politically flawed his

Presidency is. There are two horrible aspects of what Ramotar has done. First, he knows those folks have to turn out to collect the $10,000 handout so in effect, he has actually coerced them into meeting Mr. Nandlall. Secondly, Mr. Ramotar is actually telling those people that they are stupid so they cannot sense that Mr. Nandlall is in big trouble and they will accept him as if nothing happened. This political plan to rehabilitate Mr. Nandlall shows the shocking level of disdain the PPP historically

had and continue to have for the East Indian folks of Guyana. Every PPP leader at both the senior and junior levels accept this mental structure of Indian Guyanese. They all believe that Indians will listen to the PPP and believe any and everything the PPP tells them. Mr. Ramotar is as foolish as the people he thinks will buy the Nandlall strategy. The Indians of the sixties, seventies and nineties are not the Indians of the 21st century. Mr. Ramotar obviously didn’t read the current census. Over sixty percent of

Guyanese are under 35 years. The mentally blinded Indians, who made the PPP the god that it thinks it is, died years ago along with Cheddi and Janet Jagan. Which young Indian believes Anil Nandlall is innocent? Ramotar is indeed as foolish as those Indians he perceives as foolish. They will take the $10,000 and return home leaving Ramotar to relish his own sordid delusions. From stumbling badly by fronting Mr. Nandall, Mr. Ramotar fell flat on his face when he suspended the Parliament in which his party does not have a majority. Taking his cue from his benefactor, Jagdeo, who was given to public boasting, Mr. Ramotar shouted out that he can face any no-confidence vote. He said; “Bring it on.” It was a grinning Jagdeo who faced the media and in reference to the libel writ he brought against me and this newspaper shouted out; “I can’t wait for my day in court.” Jagdeo never showed up. When it was time to face the no-confidence vote, when it was time to ‘bring it on’, Mr. Ramotar, like Jagdeo, failed to show. Like Jagdeo, Mr. Ramotar is all fluff and bluff. Fluff and bluff have been at the centre of governance since 1999. It explains why Ramotar may lose his short-lived throne. Why did Ramotar prorogue Parliament? To give

Frederick Kissoon him the five-year term, the only period in which he will serve as President. It has nothing to do with advice he got. My contestation from the time the no-confidence vote was announced was that Ramotar would not face a snap poll because he is uncertain about being retained as his party’s Presidential candidate. Ramotar never had any intention of facing a noconfidence vote, because there was never any intention of going to the polls before 2016. When the no-confidence song hit the top of the billboard, some serious players emerged to test the water – Manickchand, Robert Persaud, Ashni Singh, Clement Rohee and Nandlall. Ramotar knew this and he knew there wasn’t any kingfigure around this time to impose Ramotar on the PPP as Jagdeo imposed Ramotar for the 2011 elections. One doesn’t know what Mr. Ramotar will do in the coming months, assuming that the PPP Government doesn’t fall. But if Ramotar remains in the Presidency, he will use any type of mechanism, legal or unorthodox to stretch his time until 2016.

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

APNU opposes fuel tax hike at this time A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Parliament’s largest Opposition faction, is opposing a hike of the fuel tax in light of the current political situation. The faction, which controls 26 seats in the Opposition majority National Assembly, said that the current suspension of Parliament makes it worse and there should be no new taxation. According to APNU yesterday, it views the Cabinet approved increase of the excise tax on gasoline from 20 to 40 percent, and diesel from 15 to 35 percent as unwise and uncalled for. “APNU notes that despite dramatic reductions in the price per barrel (of fuel) on the world market, the people of Guyana, especially in the mining, manufacturing, agricultural and transportation sectors, will not get any relief.” APNU said that it believes that this continued taxation by the PPP/ C will have a direct negative effect, increasing the costs of production in gold mining, manufacturing and other sectors that are heavily dependent on gasoline and diesel. “APNU condemns this action especially in light of the PPP/C Administration’s prorogation of the Parliament of Guyana, thus shutting out the peoples voice; there should be no new taxation without representation.” Earlier this month,

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, in a notice to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), said that under the Financial Administration and Audit Act, the Cabinet of Ministers approved increases of the excise tax on gasoline from 20 percent to 40 percent. Diesel was also raised significantly from 15 percent to 35 percent. The increases took effect from November 5 and will remain in force until further notice, the Finance Minister said in his notice to Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur. It was copied to Auditor General, Deodat Sharma; Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Mahender Sharma; the Guyana Oil Company, Sol Guyana Inc, and Rubis Guyana Inc. Under a special measure, Government can from time to time adjust the excise tax on fuel, depending on the prevailing price. In most cases the taxes were reduced to help cushion prices locally as prices on the world market went up. Earlier this week, crude oil fell to a four-year low of US$79 per barrel. It has been selling for over US$100 per barrel in recent years. Fuel imports accounts for a significant chunk of foreign exchange spending for the country. Fuel prices in Guyana remain among the highest in the region.

Page 11

The following was published in the November 12, 2014 issue of the Jamaica Observer. We reprint for the benefit of those who did not see it.

Guyana headed for dictatorship Guyana is a country where democracy has traditionally been weak; indeed, for long periods political manipulation has just barely masked some form of dictatorship. The history of Guyana shows a consistent unwillingness to accept the will of the people as expressed in free and fair elections. The root cause of the undemocratic tendency is the unabated tension between the two ethnic groups, the Afro-Guyanese and the Indo-Guyanese. This persistent, pandemic and virulent racism has become even more perverted and vicious because both tribes see control of the state as a means of distributing scarce benefits in a very poor country. This practice of racial exclusion from the scarce benefits derivable from the state s p a w n s s o c i al and political polarisation. Guyana has a National Assembly which is a unicameral legislature of 65 members of which 25 members are elected from 10 constituencies by proportional representation, and 40 members are chosen also on the basis of proportional representation from national lists named by the political parties. The president is elected for a

five-year term on the basis of parliamentary elections which were last held on November 28, 2011. The president is not directly elected. At the time of elections each party presenting a slate of candidates for the assembly must designate a leader who will become president if that party receives the largest number of votes. The current situation is that the Indo-Guyanese-controlled People’s Progressive Party won 32 seats in the 2011 election and has formed the Government under Mr Donald Ramotar. A coalition of opposition groups, including the People’s National Congress dominated by Afro-Guyanese, and the Alliance for Change, controls the majority of 33 seats in parliament. The opposition coalition on August 7, 2014 delivered to the clerk of the National Assembly a motion of “no confidence” against the Government of Mr Ramotar, who knows that this will succeed and new elections will be necessary. Since the announcement of the intention to have a vote of “no confidence” he has refused to convene a sitting of parliament. Now in a move which undermines the democratic process, Mr Ramotar has prorogued parliament for six months,

a move some suggest can be repeated until elections are constitutionally due. This would certainly provoke a constitutional crisis. His specious justification for this undemocratic act is a transparent farce, claiming that proroguing Parliament was his “sole recourse” to preserving the life of the current Parliament and to bring an end to the opposition’s “political gamesmanship”. Mr Ramotar also gave the “assurance” that the six months’ prorogation would be used to engage the parliamentary opposition in “constructive ways”. He further stated that if no agreement for “normalcy” was reached, then he would have no choice but to hold early general elections. All this is clearly intended to maintain himself in power and delay elections as long as possible. Meanwhile, he has done his country considerable reputational damage. To deliberately create a situation in which the executive is exercising power without a functioning parliament is a subversion of democracy. It is tantamount to the conversion of an elected president into a de facto dictator.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 13, 2014

Prorogued Parliament exposes need …provisions being used for for constitutional reform the wrong reasons - Trotman By Gary Eleazar The decision to prorogue the Guyana Parliament is provided for in the Guyana Constitution but the time has come when there is need to have a re-look and overhaul. This is the view held by Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, who said that in recent times, politicians have time and again been made to confront provisions that have never been previously used or are now being used for the wrong reasons. “We are due for a constitutional overhaul,” according to Trotman. When Trotman officially informed the members of the Opposition on Monday last of the President’s proclamation to prorogue the Parliament, he said “the power of the elected office of the peoples representatives has been neutered; this is also in my opinion most undemocratic.” Meanwhile Deputy Speaker, Basil Williams, who also addressed the members of the Opposition on Monday last after Trotman’s announcement, reminded that in the past three decades all have been regaled over how bad the Constitution is. “Even before the Constitution came into being it was attacked as being a dictatorial Constitution,” said Williams. According to Williams, Guyanese have since lived to see Presidents Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Samuel Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and now Donald Ramotar “hugging and embracing the same Constitution.” Williams said that this is the first time that the Guyana Constitution is being used to

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Basil Williams

create a dictatorship and it has “occurred under the PPP/ C Government.” In his analysis of the events, Williams said that what has happened is unprecedented in that there is a minority government, “embarking for the next six months a one party rule.” He suggested that such a reality is the hallmark of Marxists/Leninist. “This is not a government of the people…They have shut out the opposition majority, this is the majority of all Guyanese people in this country,” according to the Deputy Speaker. Williams was adamant that the world must know that apart from Haiti, Guyana has the first dictatorship in Guyana. He said that this is the first time in Guyana where there is minority rule of the majority and this cannot be allowed to persist. The current Constitution of Guyana is the highest governing document that officially came into effect on October 6, 1980. It was however not Guyana’s first constitution; previous to this one, Guyana

had another constitution that was enacted in 1966, upon the country attaining independent status. Many are convinced that the existing constitution places an unhealthy amount of power into the hands of the President. The last effort at

constitutional reform was made between 1999 and 2000. The Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) sat for six months, visited all regions of Guyana, received oral and written submissions from individuals, parties and groups and accepted local and overseas expert advice.

The Report of the CRC was substantially adopted by the National Assembly and the Constitution amended to give effect to the recommendations. The Constitution Reform Commission was headed by Senior Counsel, Ralph Ramkarran, a former Speaker of the House and member of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party for decades before recently resigning. Ramkarran, in one of his recent writings on the matter of constitutional reform, said it has been a great disappointment to many that the combined Opposition did not have on its agenda the subject of constitutional reform as the principal issue after the indecisive results of the 2011 elections. “A constitution that allows a minority government to remain in office indefinitely is not the greatest constitution in the world, as

proclaimed by the PPP…It is seriously flawed…It remained so after the reform process of 1999-2000 because of the failure of the main political parties to confront the presidential system and its absence of checks and balances.” According to Ramkarran, by failing to focus on constitutional reform since 2011 the Opposition may have lost a golden opportunity to have the upcoming elections as a clear referendum on the issue. “To believe that it could have influenced governance and decision making from the opposition benches was a grievous error…Hopefully, it will use the opportunity of the election campaign to attempt to correct its mistake and confront the issue for the Guyanese people as the most, or one of the most urgent and important facing the nation at this time.”

bandits were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were admitted under police guard. The third was taken into police custody as investigations continue. Two of the bandits were identified as Kevin Anthony of Festival City, North Ruimveldt, and Seon Hersham of West Ruimveldt. One of the residents of Seventh Street, Success ECD,

told Kaieteur News that he had to patch up 15 feet of his wooden fence which one of the bandits crashed through while fleeing from the police. One businessman in the area disclosed that one of the bandits ran through his yard and squeezed through his fence but was caught. He received a trashing and his shirt was left behind at the scene on the parapet.

Villagers attack bandits, police shoot one Vigilante justice was taken out on four armed bandits that descended onto “Archie’s Hideout” in Fifth Street, Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Tuesday night. According to reports, two of the bandits were armed with cutlasses and one with a firearm. At 21:30hrs, the quartet then proceeded into a bar, “Archie’s Hideout” where they confronted four men. They relieved the victims of cash and valuables. After fleeing the scene the victims raised an alarm. Villagers and public spirited citizens responded. Members of the Community Policing Group and police ranks later intervened.

A section of ‘Archie’s Hideout’ where the robbery occurred.

The bandits scampered through neighbouring yards and streets with villagers in hot pursuit. Eventually they caught two of the men. There was also an exchange of gunfire between another bandit and the police. This bandit was shot. Police intervened into the beating of two of the bandits while the fourth perpetrator escaped in a vehicle. The two

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Witness tied to Guyanese death squad, testifies in NY murder trial Staten Island, NY- After a trial that included testimony from a killer with ties to a Guyanese death squad, a jury is now weighing the evidence against three brothers accused of killing a rival drug dealer outside the Park Hill Apartments in 1994. The two-week trial against Brian (Brawl) Gill, 46, David (Plot) Gill, 43, and Samuel (Waco) McIntosh, 40, wrapped up Monday in Brooklyn federal court. Jurors finished their second day of deliberations Tuesday. All three are accused of shooting Michael Dawson, 23, to death in broad daylight on June 22, 1994, in front of 160 Park Hill Ave., to further a drug-dealing conspiracy. Prosecutors brought in a series of witnesses — including Paul (Uncles) Ford, a drug supplier and admitted murderer who testified to calmly watching Dawson’s killing as he sat in a taxi, because he was interested in seeing how the violent scene, and the brothers’ dispute with Dawson, would play out. Ford also testified last month at the drugs-and-

murder racketeering trial of brothers Anthony and Harvey Christian, who were accused of running the crack trade in the Park Hill complex for 20 years. Both were found guilty on Oct. 27, along with accomplice Jason Quinn. The Gill brothers’ defense attorneys zeroed in on Ford’s criminal past, trying to bring up rumors that he had once decapitated a woman who lived on nearby Osgood Avenue. “Do you remember killing a girl by the name of April and cutting off her head?” asked Kenneth Paul, Brian Gill’s lawyer. As one of the prosecutors objected to the question, Ford responded, “No, no, not at all.” In her closing argument, Kelley Sharkey, who represents David Gill, challenged Ford’s credibility as a witness, making references to his own testimony that he got his drug supply through a connection to the Guyanese “Phantom death squad,” and who the group had hired as an assassin in New York. The squad, run by

Guyanese drug lord Shaheed (Roger) Khan, is believed to be responsible for hundreds of killings in Guyana in the early to mid-2000s. “Paul Ford came to the United States on a fake soccer scholarship and within a year, within two years, when he’s not even 20 or maybe just 20, he is making hundreds of thousands of dollars selling cocaine up and down the East [Coast]. And in the ’90s, who is he trafficking in drugs with? The Phantom death squad. I mean, this is a 5 o’clock movie on a Saturday afternoon,” Ms. Sharkey argued. “You learned from Ford’s own mouth that the Phantom death squad in Guyana, it’s a hit squad. And rival political parties pay them money to kill their political rivals. ‘Assassin’s Creed’ in Eastern District Court. I am not kidding. Is this someone whose testimony you’re going to believe for half a second?” “Assassin’s Creed” is a reference to a popular video game series. Dawson’s murder took place during a violent era for the Park Hill

Apartments section of Clifton — a neighborhood dubbed “Killa Hill” by the Staten Islandbased Wu-Tang Clan rap group. In the early 1990s — before authorities say the Christian brothers had solidified their grasp of the neighborhood’s drug trade — crack dealers would often rush out to greet potential customers in their cars, and the first dealer to get to a car got the sale. Dawson, who went by the nickname “Nim,” was a Concord High School graduate and was studying sociology at the College of Staten Island. Back in 1994, his family said he was struggling to better himself, and had worked for about a year at a community residence for kids in Port Richmond, but couldn’t resist the pull of the criminal lifestyle. ‘’People will say it’s just another life wasted. But this time it’s my baby,’’ Dawson’s father, Kevin Caldwell, told the Advance a day after his son was killed. Dawson had an arrest record dating back to age 17, and had done state prison time for gun possession. He

had been dealing crack at 141 Park Hill Ave., but moved on to 160 Park Hill Ave. and pooled his money with one of Brian Gill’s friends, Donald (Don Don) Lewis, to get their product, prosecutors said. That didn’t sit well with Brian Gill, who didn’t think Dawson could step up with the violence necessary to “protect the building,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadia Shihata said. Brian Gill “wasn’t happy with that arrangement,” Ms. Shihata said, telling Lewis that they “couldn’t count on Dawson to protect the building with violence.” After the slaying, Brian Gill left Park Hill, but he returned in 2011, and he and his brother David went back to selling crack together, ultimately becoming the target of a federal wiretap investigation in 2013, Ms. Shihata told the jurors. Ford had testified that, as he watched from a taxi, he saw all three brothers shoot and kill Dawson. Brian Gill used a machine gun, David Gill used a 9mm handgun, and McIntosh used a .38-caliber

revolver, according to federal prosecutors. Lewis also testified for the government, as did a security guard at the apartment complex who named McIntosh as the shooter, but hadn’t done so when testifying before a grand jury in 2013. The jurors also heard 911 recordings from the day of the shooting, as well as testimony from police investigators. “The defendants shot Dawson because they didn’t want him selling crack at 160 anymore, their building, their territory,” said Assistant U. S. Attorney Alicyn Cooley. “They all fired their guns at Michael Dawson that day. In doing so, they helped each other commit this murder.” Joyce David, McIntosh’s lawyer, said both Ford and Lewis had motive to kill Dawson. “Michael Dawson lost money. He left it in his apartment or his car, and supposedly it was stolen or taken by the police. But it was Uncles’ [Ford’s] money. OK. There is a drug business. If you take somebody’s money, they get you. (www.silive.com/news)

Page 22

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Kaieteur News

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White 4X4 XLT F150 8 Cylinder, Price $2.5M ECCLES: Build your own home in a modernize gated negotiable – Call: 226-1047 community, lot size 60X100 One Belta Vehicle for sale- - $7.5M – Call: 227-2913, PSS 2700 – Call: 684-4627 Cell: 689-3033 Girls dresses and footwear, ECCLES: Commercial Lots final sale, wholesale & retail. - $14M – Call: 227-2913, Call: 626-6335 Cell:689-3033 Imported from Canada: Soesdyke, Linden Highway – Refrigerators, washing Call: 678-1575, 223-8590 machine, AC Unit and Water Cooler at unbelievable low Parika (Butcher Shop Street) prices – Contact: 652-7740, – One (1) Lot 38' X 150' $ 7m Contact 650-0402 - for serious 688-2717 inquiries Grand Yard Sales @ 19 Garnett Street, C/Ville, Blankenburg @ The Back Of Floral, gifts, herbal, clothes Gas Station (3) Lots @ 75' X & craft – 50% off all items 76' Each. $20M for all 3 Lots. – Call: 225-2681, 684-5868 (1) Lot for $10m - Contact 650-0402 Brazilian hair final sale: Loose wave 24", Curly 12-22", Blankenburg Public Road, straight 12"-28". Low prices W.C.D, 38X150, 37X150$16M Each. Call: 666-3619 –Call: 626-6335 Ladies jeans- fashionable stretch 2 dozen, sizes 1-13, wholesale & retail, low prices. Call: 626-6335 Wolf power 7500E, Generator, One Tohatsu everrun , outboard engine 18HP. Owner leaving country Call: 693-2237 1 Cupboard, imported wall divider, imported 4 piece table & chair, stainless sink , freezer, microwave, tank 450 gal, good quality- Call:6868343

EDUCATIONAL CXC Classes for adults/ students, repeater, Grade 6, slow learners in Mathematics, All Science & Business Subjects – Call: 231-5678, 6905008

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 6273206 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call :225-9032, 647-2943 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 231-0655, 683-8734 For professional and affordable landscaping services, grassing, leveling, perorated & drainage, system, supply of earth- Call: 626-1044, 656-1326 Repairs to refrigerators gas stoves washing machine, A/ C units – Call Lindon: 6411086, 694-2202, 227-8907 Services and repairs to gas stoves, washing machines, electric stoves, etc. Call: 6880183 For Delicious Puri, Roti & any Kind of Curry Orders – Contact Safia Hussain: 2276789, 698-3592, 169 Thomas Street, Kitty. Guywiz Technology, I-phone unlocking sale, starting from $5,000 – Call: 616-8230, Lot 47 Russell Street Charlestown

Thursday November 13, 2014

VEHICLE FOR SALE

SALON

WANTED

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Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad Call: 647-1773/660-5257

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2004 Toyota Avensis, new tyres, interior well maintained, 75,000 KM, Excellent paint job, seat covers, asking $3.2M – Contact: 651-3000 Toyota Fielder (black), Year 2003, PRR Series – Call: 6826769, 661-2559 Toyota Raum, Contact Devika: 264-2954, 628-2634 1 Toyota Premio PRR Series $2.2M, 1 Toyota Tacoma, Crystal lights, rims, fully loaded - $4M. Call: 647-8621/ 221-2449 AT 192 Carina - $900,000, AE100 Sprinta - $600,000Call: 641-4192 or 229-6515 Toyota 212 Carina, Toyota Vigo Pick-up, Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, excellent condition, prices negotiable. Call: 264-3732, 225-8427, 6097766. Cheapest VVTI and 1RZ Super GL buses, CAMI, Road Side Property in Bougainvillea Park, Farm E.B.D – Tel:616-7635

VACANCY Insurance Claims Investigator, Sales Manager, Sales Representative. Send CV to P.O.Box 101666, Georgetown Work from home; earn $5,000- $20,000 dailyContact: 233-6517, 622-1957, www.jobfairworldwide.com International Cruiseline Purser officer, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionist, storekeeper, cleaners, electrician, carpenter, plumber, musicians etc – Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 Cool Square: Kitchen Assistant, Waitress, Cleaners, and Room Attendants. Apply in person. Call: 226-7418 Cashiers @ Shell Service Station Providence EBD. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) – Tel: 265-7306 One Driver; Apply at technical Services Inc lot 1823 Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara. Two cleaners; Apply at technical Services Inc lot 1823 Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara. Experienced cashier; apply with written application & passport size picture @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street, Campbellville. Call:227-5286/9

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL - CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807/ 690-6494 FOR SALE/FOR RENT Located @ Lot 5 Block ‘K’ Wallers’s Delight W.C.D 4 bedrooms all self contain. Price $25M/ per month $100,000 Tel: 674-4929/ 662-0187

MASSAGE TO LET Two bedrooms bottom flat apartment, Lot 1220 Diamond, Housing Scheme, 6th Avenue, 4th corner in. Call: 663-2855 One exquisite 2 rooms top flat apartment, in Amla Ave. Prashad Nagar. Call Bernard on: 621-6366, 226-7023 2 Bedrooms house for rent at 499 Block, A Section Y Kaneville - Contact: 674-6213 Newly constructed apartment located in a safe and healthy environment. Call: 698-6496

The Gent’s Spa: Be pampered by beautiful masseuses, new attendant Candy, four hands massages, drinks available – Tel: 657-5979

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

One Live in maid to work in home in Georgetown – Call: 669-6030 One shop attendant to work in the Interior- Call: 681-6044 Cook and waitress; must be from the vicinity of Herstelling- Alexander Village. Call: 678-4470, 233-2849 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 (1) 16 DISC Tractor room plough. Tel: 688-1785 Farm worker, male clerk- Call: 265-3586 Live in domestic in Peter’s Hall, 1 week on; 1 week off, 40years plus, starting $13,000. Call:675-0767 1 Cook to work in the interior – restaurant, $120,000, age 30-45. Call: 675-7043, 6645199 between 9am-6pm. Female to work in interior, shop attendant, salary $80,000, age 25-45 – Call: 6645199 One experienced chainsaw operator. Call: 664-5199 between 8am-6pm One Graphic Artiste, 1 Office Clerk (age 30-40yrs) – Call: 233-2725 Investing in buying old stamps/coins and old paper money. Call: 690-8702 Two Wash bay workers – Call: 660-4405 Workers to plant pineapples on highway farm – Phone: 639-5577 Live in waitresses to work in a bar – Call: 604-6606 We buy land in Parfait Harmonie, Schoonord, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Providence, Herstelling, Friendship & Nonpareil – Call: 675-7292, 218-5591 One live in domestic, light duties, country applicant preferably. Call: 227-1830 Live in couple, duties husband – Driving, wife – Domestic – Call: 227-1830 Mechanic Technician with 7 years of experienced, needed in Tortola B.V.I. Call: 1-284-447-1075 One farmer to work in B.V.I Tortola – Contact: 1-284447-1075 ACCOMODATION SIGNATURE INN: Luxury Suits & Apartments. Free Wi-Fi & Breakfast; AC & Self Contained Rooms @ 83 Laluni Street Queenstown. Tel: 592-226-2145 (Continued page 23)

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Letters... Where your views make the news

It is becoming clear that Guyana cannot be run by one party DEAR EDITOR, It is unfortunate the position that Guyana finds itself in with the temporary annexation of the most representative branch of our government structure, our legislature. This is something that I hope is reversed and rectified sooner rather than later by the president. In the final analysis, the

only real solution out of this democratic crisis is to finally commence, in a meaningful way, the missing ingredient that got us here: collective political dialogue. We can call fresh elections, we can secure a no-confidence against government, we can organise protests, we can dissolve parliament, or we can seek external intervention, however,

the one constant need that will remain after all that is said and done is for all parties to sit down and talk about what’s best for our country’s future. With the distrust that exists, it is necessary that a referee of sorts be involved in such talks. Be it civil society or international observers. More and more it is becoming clear that Guyana

cannot be run by one party, but rather the task requires a collective and inclusive effort. I urge our politicians during this testing time to put the nation first and start to look at new ways to reinvent governance and government in Guyana along a more cooperative and inclusive path. Clinton Urling Blue CAPS

Let us collectively tackle lawlessness on... From page 4 ensuring that all new cars are equipped with seat belts that meet regulatory requirements and pass applicable crash test standards; and 4. Influencing road user behaviour through sustained enforcement of road traffic laws and standards and rules combined with public awareness/education activities. It is evident that our country lags behind and in some cases far behind other countries when it comes to road safety. One appalling form of our behaviour on the road is the speed at which we drive. Guyanese motorists tend to think that once they are behind the steering wheel their flesh turns into iron and they can drive at any speed because they are invincible. It is downright stupid and irre-

sponsible. There is a crying need for proactive measures to halt the upwardly spiraling carnage on our roads. However, “better law enforcement” in this respect has many dimensions and a holistic approach over a longer period is absolutely crucial in finding effective solutions. Better law enforcement, investment in breathalysers, and swift, hard and harsh punishment for offenders, that would send a strong clear message to other motorists – such as punishment for sellers of alcohol who allow drivers to take the wheel after imbibing above the accepted limit. There have been allegations surrounding the motor vehicle industry, so we’ll root out corruption from the driver

and vehicle licencing and testing environments. Over too many years now, we have been exposed to the gross irregularities and corrupt activities committed in this space, yet not enough is done to eradicate this behaviour by these public servants. Let us collectively tackle lawlessness on the roads with zero tolerance. This involves not only the general disregard for the rules of the road, which is especially prevalent among taxi drivers (and is now also being emulated by growing numbers of “non-taxi” motorists), but also matters such as unroadworthy vehicles, overloaded and unlicenced vehicles, unlicenced drivers and motorists under the influence of alcohol. All of these interventions

require well trained and incorruptible manpower and resources. It is my fervent wish that 2015 will be a year of making hard decisions and action to halt the ongoing undermining of law and order on our roads. I also call on all spheres of business, the legal fraternity, insurance companies, the Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the wider public to stand together to demand that effective plans be immediately implemented to resolve the situation. This way we will be able to reduce the growing number of needless deaths that have become a bane and disgrace to the state of this country. Guyana needs all of us alive to make her great. Yvonne Sam

(From page 22)

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) AND MORE, SAWS & DRILLS -$10,000 - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 Business place for rent 3000 SQ FT W.C.D – Call: 6901740 Sawmill at Linden to rent with Woodmizer Mill, reasonable land space and licensed Contact: 648-5022 One three bedroom unfurnished bottom flat apartment, parking $80,000.00 – Call: 662-8969, 644-5128 Three bedrooms house to rent in Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D – Call: 6679499

The worst case scenarios from prorogation... From page 4 supporters, and primarily the most capital-formidable among them. This pullout of capital and investment stagnation from local and foreign investors will generate serious economic consequences. Prorogation at a time when a budget is constitutionally due in five months and the government is likely to already be in deficit spending is a terrible decision. The PPP will have to recall Parliament before the end of March 2015 to present a budget and it will inevitably face a no-confidence motion that will send it to elections in three months, which is June 30, 2015, by the latest. The timing of this gambit by the PPP is clearly idiotic and confirms Ramotar and the PPP’s intellectual weakness, cowardice and strategic imbecility. The political losses to the PPP by that time will be heavy. It will bleed moderate support, mostly Amerindians and Mixed voters, and will have converted a smaller plurality into a distinct possibility of a political loss at the future election. If it tries to prorogue Parliament beyond March 31, 2015 without tabling a budget,

an impossibility in effect, it will still face the certainty of elections in 2016, a year when the EU will cancel all concessions and preferential pricing to the sugar industry, dealing yet another devastating blow to the PPP’s support base and to the PPP in turn. By that time, the PPP WILL lose the election. The other worst case scenarios the PPP has not considered are the effect of loss of legitimacy in critical agencies such as the military and the potential for violent rebellion against the PPP’s actions. While the police and military have been generally professional in the 22 years of PPP rule, prorogation for obviously dictatorial ends, international pressure and the innate illegitimacy of this measure will divide these state institutions, especially if they are instructed to confront a populace in popular uprising to this autocracy. We know where the political allegiance of the members of the armed forces lie as evidenced by their votes, which is publicly available information. It is stupid for any government to think any fallout from this prorogation decision that engulfs this country will not test those loyalties and

the government is highly likely to end up on the wrong side of the loyalty test. The PPP made Guyana into a violent, criminalized, volatile and unpredictable country. It defanged the police force. A worst case scenario is Guyana plunging into mayhem in response to the totalitarian antics of the PPP because of this very fertile environment created by the PPP. The PPP cannot benefit from this madness. It will lose votes, not only from fleeing supporters, of which their prime Indian constituency will likely flee first, and in the greatest concentrations, but also from a deflation of support from other ethnic groups. That the PPP has consid-

ered the worst case scenarios, and still wants to seize power fraudulently, must mean the PPP will clutch at any straw when faced with its demise. I see a reaching out to Venezuela if it opens the PPP to the possibility of holding onto power. This band of brigands will rather see this country fractured, divided, economically ravaged and open to the ambitions of those with territorial designs in order to hold onto power. Not to mention, how devastating the impact of prorogation could be on their own supporters if the worst case scenarios are to unfold. The opposition should thank the Ramotar-Jagdeo cabal for the gift. M. Maxwell

PROPERTY FOR SALE One 3 storey business property @ Middle St. Georgetown, opposite GPHC- Contact: 619-7134, 225-6481 2 Business properties on Whim Public Road, ideal for business- Contact: 619-7134 1-2 Storey business property with running taxi service services, 1 apartment, 1 office located @ 3 Norton Street, Werk- En- Rust- $45M negotiable - Tel: 689-0065 Newly built flat concrete house with all utilities @ Bath Settlement West Coast Berbice - $8M negotiableCall: 648-5012, 686-9514 Property @ Kersaint Park, LBI, E.C.D. Contact: 698-5713 or 664-1865 One commercial property located at Diamond/Grove, New Scheme- $24M Negotiable. Call:216-0147, 661-9796

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Kaieteur News

GPHC, West Demerara Hospital collaborate – Health Minister The West Demerara Regional Hospital

Thursday November 13, 2014

Man gets suspended sentence for 67 kilos of cocaine Leonard Bacchus

Plans were in the pipeline for a number of years for the West Demerara Regional Hospital to be twinned with the country’s premier health facility, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). These plans, according to Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, are currently unfolding, a move that comes at a time when the Region Three Hospital is undergoing dramatic evolution. According to Minister Ramsaran, within a period of a year the West Demerara Hospital has moved from having one fully operational theatre to two fully operational theatres, and a number of other improvement measures are in place. The twinning effort, according to the Health Minister, is being successfully spearheaded by GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Michael Khan. And the move to twin the hospitals will by extension allow for the public health system to be more efficient in its delivery of services. “This means that the Director of Medical and Professional Services (at GPHC), Dr. Sheik Amir, can send (medical) teams of orthopaedic surgeons, or he himself can go over to the West Demerara Hospital and do more surgeries than can be done in the limited capacity of the city

hospital (GPHC),” explained the Health Minister. He noted that while medical support will be forthcoming from the GPHC to deliver quality care at the West Demerara Hospital, there are however, several well-trained professionals already stationed there including: Anaesthesiologist, Anaesthetic Technicians and support staff, who can aid surgical processes. Recently, the medical staffers of the Region Three Hospital were able to benefit from the expertise of a visiting George Washington University Medical Team. The team was able to conduct more than 40 surgical operations over a period of one week at both the GPHC and West Demerara Hospital. The team had also offered its support last year to the West Demerara Hospital and was only too impressed to see notable changes at the facility when they visited recently. According to the Region Three Health Officer, Dr. Nadia Coleman, the visiting team helped in noticeable ways to bring about needful changes at the health institution. “They have brought about a lot of changes that we plan to maintain and the Regional Administration as well is working towards maintaining what has been

accomplished so far...we have two functional theatres now and we plan on making things even better,” said Dr. Coleman. It is the expectations of health officials that the collaboration between the GPHC and the West Demerara Hospital will ensure an improvement in the delivery of service. The West Demerara Regional Hospital was, in the not so distant past, the subject of many daunting concerns in terms of its infrastructure and even services delivered. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, in an attempt to address such concerns, during an interview with this publication, revealed that the GPHC, which has been developing its span in terms of services “has been offering to help and I think we are going to take them up on that offer to sort of twin the two hospitals.” This strategic move, he explained, would see assistance being sent to the West Demerara facility if there is a shortage of staff in a particular area. The move, he noted, could also extend to a patient exchange programme, where the patients who require less demanding services could be moved to the West Demerara hospital and be monitored

there. “Some people don’t need an intense one on one nursing care as others, so we can utilise the facilities a little bit more rationally.” Even as these measures are being contemplated, Dr. Persaud noted that efforts are being made to ascertain the root cause of the problems that have emerged at the Regional Hospital. He revealed that his vision for the hospital is for it to be restored to a level where it is recognised as a full Regional Hospital, providing the complete range of services for paediatrics, obstetrics, surgeries and internal medicine. Additionally, he spoke of the need to address the ambulatory service, even as he alluded to the need for adequately trained, qualified medical, nursing and other allied health professionals such as those in the laboratory, x-ray and pharmacy departments. He nonetheless lauded the work of the hospital’s health centre, which according to him, has been very productive. “I think it has done its work pretty well. They (staffers) have been able to not only provide regular antenatal infant care, but they have also been able to hold regular clinics looking at high risk pregnancies.”

A confessed drug dealer who admitted to trafficking in more than 67 kilograms of cocaine may not spend a day in prison. Leonard Bacchus who was arrested three years ago after a police raid netted the $300M worth of narcotics, which was contained in kunds, was handed a five year suspended sentence by Magistrate Alex Moore when the matter came to a close on Tuesday. Bacchus was also given a slap on the wrist suspended sentence of two years for being in unlawful possession of 125, 12-guade cartridges and 115, .32 rounds of ammunition, which also stemmed from the raid on his block 20 Enmore/ Haslington Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara home on August 16, 2001. In addition to being spared a mandatory prison term, Bacchus was fined a measly $2.5M. This means that he will only go to jail if he commits another offence within the five year period. When the prosecution, which was started by Superintendent Karim Baksh and concluded by Inspector Stephen Telford, closed its case, the court found that a case was made out against Bacchus and Magistrate Moore ordered him to lead a defence. But in a surprise move, Bacchus, who was represented by Attorney at Law James Bond, changed his plea to guilty on both charges. Magistrate Moore accepted the plea and then informed Bacchus that in addition to possible jail time he was staring at a fine of more than $300M. But, then to the amazement of most of the persons in the courtroom, the Magistrate handed down the suspended sentence for both of the charges. He then considered the

pleas of Bacchus' lawyer that he could only afford to pay a fine of $2.5M, which he was given up to the end of June next year to do. Meanwhile, Bacchus' wife Indranie was set free by the Magistrate. His 17- year old son was also acquitted by the Magistrate who said that no evidence was offered against him. Legal sources have indicated that the law hardly provides for a suspended sentence when a person is found guilty of trafficking in narcotics and possession of ammunition. The Director of Public Prosecutions has indicated that the Magistrate's decision would be appealed. The case of the cocaine in kunds attracted much public interest when it first came to light in 2011. Back then, the now late attorney Vic Puran, who in representing the Bacchus family had said that Leonard Bacchus had given police a statement saying that he was merely doing a job of sanding and polishing the Kunds, “which were delivered to him by someone else.” The lawyer had also accused investigators of trying to force Mr. Bacchus into a plea bargain deal and into implicating others in the drug find. After the bust, the police had questioned a housing scheme developer after allegedly being informed that he was the person shipping the kunds overseas. Police said that the Bacchus family had been under surveillance for three months prior to the discovery of the cocaine in their home. The Bacchus family members were remanded to prison when they made their first court appearance on August 23, but were able to secure high court bail to the tune of $1M each on November 23rd.

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

Oil search on...for another five years, at least Jamaica Observer - In five to eight years, Jamaica should know if it has enough oil and gas to allow for commercial production, Tullow Oil plc officials said Wednesday. The Irish oil and gas exploration company will put up an initial US$60 million to finance the exploratory phase in the search for the valuable commodities. The majority of that amount is earmarked as payment to a third party contractor, who will be entrusted with the task of carrying out threedimensional seismic scans of the Walton and Morant basins located off the south coast of the island. The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) Wednesday signed a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Tullow, which essentially gives them the right to explore just about one-third of the area zoned for oil exploration. In the event that Tullow finds oil, “the Government of Jamaica.... has secured a maximum of up to 45 per cent of any production over 50,000

John McKenna, business unit manager, Tullow Oil plc, looks on as Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell signs the commemorative board at the signing of a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) (PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON) barrels per day... apart from the royalties that the Government will collect”, Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell said at yesterday’s signing ceremony. The agreement, which took effect on November 1, will see the Irish company begin exploratory work on just over 10 of the 31 areas, spanning approximately 32,000 square kilometre‘s, zoned by the PCJ for gas and oil exploration.Tullow will put

up all the finances required for the exploration phase, and will opt to sign a contract, not exceeding 25 years, in the first instance, if any of the wells contain oil and gas in commercial quantities. Thereafter, it could take up to another 17 to 19 years before Jamaica could see what is termed “first oil”. discovery of new wells in Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and French Guiana in South America.

A fair climate treaty or none at all, Jamaica warns KINGSTON, Jamaica (IPS) - As the clock counts down to the last major climate change meeting of the year, before countries must agree on a definitive new treaty in 2015, a senior United Nations official says members of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS) “need to be innovative and think outside the box” if they hope to make progress on key issues. Dr. Arun Kashyap, U.N. resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative for Jamaica, said AOSIS has a significant agenda to meet at the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in Lima, Peru, and “it would be its creativity that would facilitate success in arriving at a consensus on key issues.” Kashyap cited the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and their compelling need for adaptation and arriving at a viable mechanism to address Loss and Damage while having enhanced access to finance, technology and capacity development. “A common agreed upon position that is acceptable across the

AOSIS would empower the climate change division (in all SIDS) and reinforce its mandate to integrate implementation of climate change activities in the national development

priorities,” Kashyap told IPS. At COP17, held in Durban, South Africa, governments reached a new agreement to limit the emissions of greenhouse gases.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 13, 2014

Brazil’s Petrobras overpaid up to $1.2B in kickback transactions Brasília (AFP) - Petrobras may have overpaid as much as $1.2 billion in transactions being investigated for potential kickbacks, Brazil’s national accounting office said Tuesday.The alleged graft issue at the state oil giant and elsewhere was used against President Dilma Rousseff in her reelection campaign but did not stop her from winning while promising she would fight corruption harder. Voters did not blame Rousseff - who was on Petrobras’ board at the time - in two rounds of voting in which she prevailed last month.

“We have demonstrated that there was overbilling (at the) Pasadena (refinery). And we found evidence this happened with other major projects, all of which were worth a total of almost 1.2 billion dollars,” said Augusto Nardes, head of the government’s accounting arm, known as the TCU. The Pasadena refinery case alone cost Petrobras 317 million dollars, Nardes said. With Rousseff board chair at the time, Petrobras in 2006 approved the purchase of a 50 percent stake in the Pasadena facility from Belgian firm Astra Oil in a $370 million deal.

Trial again delayed for Venezuela judge CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A Venezuelan judge whose arrest has sparked international condemnation had her day in court postponed yet again yesterday. Maria Lourdes Afiuni was arrested in 2009 after thenPresident Hugo Chavez objected to her decision to free a banker awaiting trial on charges of violating currency controls. The banker then fled the country and sought asylum in the U.S. The middle-aged judge was allowed to leave jail in 2011, and freed from house arrest in 2013 on medical grounds as she battles cancer. But she still faces charges of corruption, abuse of authority and aiding an inmate’s escape. She was scheduled to appear in court yesterday, but the hearing was put off by the court. Her trial has now been suspended for more than a year and her attorneys argue

Maria Lourdes Afiuni that the delay itself is illegal. Opposition leaders consider Afiuni among the country’s highest-profile political prisoners. Human rights officials from the United Nations and international groups including Amnesty

International have called for her freedom. Venezuela’s government says it holds no political prisoners. Venezuelan Francisco Olivares published a book saying Afiuni told him she was raped in prison in 2010, became pregnant and lost the fetus. Venezuela’s head of prisons rejected that allegation as a “vile lie.” A day after Afiuni’s arrest, Chavez said on television that she should face up to 30 years in prison and critics say the case exemplifies how Chavez and his successor, President Nicolas Maduro, have come to control the judiciary after increasing the size of courts and stocking them with friendly magistrates. Similar allegations surround the government prosecution of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who is held in a military prison despite demands by international organizations that he be freed.

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

CHANGE OR PERISH From page 29 competence and skill development, discipline and follow through, measurement and feedback, effective alignment of structures and systems, education and communication strategies, and good reward and recognition practices. But these things will only work well in an environment that is relatively free of egotistical and selfish attitudes and behavior. In humans, the epitome of

selfishness and egotistical behavior is found in the cancer. The cancer is not concerned about the goals or priorities of the body - health, growth and the reproduction of the species. It is only interested in itself - its own growth and power to spread and control. It usually gets its way and in the end destroys and kills the body. But in the process it kills itself since it can only survive in a living body. Unfortunately, there are lots of undiagnosed cancers

in many of today’s organizations. The Board is unlikely to voluntarily change its behavior, its self-protective habits and its satisfaction with mediocrity. Let’s hope that pressure especially from its sponsors, and from the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and the governments and people of the region will force it to do so because failure to embrace substantial and immediate change could very well result in its demise.

Thursday November 13, 2014 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Don't hesitate to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship. You will find that valuable knowledge can be gained if you are willing to listen. Do your own thing and everything will settle down. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You may need a physical outlet that will help you relieve your tension. You will be able to talk about emotional problems with your p a r t n e r. L o o k i n t o physical activities that will help get rid of some of that tension you may be feeling. GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) Your ability to relate will close the generation gap. Don't jump as quickly as you usually do. Try not to skirt issues if you think you'll hurt someone's feelings. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You may find yourself caught in a triangle. Move forward if you want to turn your life around. Romance appears. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You will be able to make financial gains. Yo u ' l l o n l y h u r t y o u r lover if you don't. Give everyone in the house a physical chore that will help burn off some of the excess energy. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) You could be disillusioned if you let relative in on your emotional thoughts. Passion is about the best way for you to relieve

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WORLD CUP 2022: Qatar to be... From page 30 studying Garcia’s findings, Eckert, a German judge, produced a 42-page summary, which will be published on Thursday at 09:00 GMT. The report has not only cleared Qatar, but is believed to admonish the English Football Association for its behaviour during the bidding process. In the running for the 2018 tournament, the FA comes under fire for its relationship with former Fifa vicepresident Jack Warner, who resigned in 2011, having been suspended pending an investigation into bribery allegations. A senior FA source told the BBC that it will take stock of the report once it is published before commenting officially.

tension. Take matters in hand when it comes to dealing with clients or colleagues.

WICB Franchise...

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 OCT. 23) You might be overly emotional when dealing with your partner. They won't get away with it. You need to sit back and enjoy.

From page 31 and along with Matthew Kissoon and Berbican Anthony Khemraj have been selected to call play in the opening game with the analysts being former Test player Travis Dowlin and ex-Guyana Wicket-Keeper Sidney Jackman. Inderjeet, Chan and News Anchor Avenash Ramzan will describe the action in the Jaguars’ second match against the Windwards Volcanoes from November 21-24 at Providence with the analysts being former National cricketers Neil Barry and Roderick Lovell. The final game against Barbados, also at Providence from November 28 to December 1 will be broadcasted by the International team of Barbadian Andrew Mason, Devers and Persaud with Jackman and Dowlin doing the analytical work. The Voice of Guyana is heard throughout Guyana and Companies interested in providing sponsorship for the cricket can call NCN’s Marketing Department on telephone numbers 226-1382 or 223-7549 for more information.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. Travel and entertainment will be pleasurable. You can make money if you pursue your own business. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You will get upset over trivial matters. Listen to the advice given by those with experience. Yo u r i n p u t i n t o t h e i r activities will help bring you closer together. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Your ability to help others will win you points. Resist any idle chatter. Try to be there for someone if they need assistance. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 -FEB. 19) You will be in the mood for competition, and your ability to lead a group will bring you p o p u l a r i t y. A l i t t l e overtime may help you reduce the workload. Don't be too quick to judge others. PISCES (FEB. 20MAR. 20) Business and emotional partnerships will run smoothly. Your outgoing nature might work against you today. Be careful not to take on other people's problems. You may find yourself in a financial bind.

Port Mourant, Hopetown... From page 31 Dwayne Crandon 64 and Jamal Cort 32. David Williams 2 for 26. At Fyrish, the home team beat Kendall’s Union by 2 runs. Fyrish 142 in 28 overs with Munilall Shivdyal 44 and Troy Sinclair 38. Kendall’s Union 140 in 27 overs with Shivdyal 5 for 25 and Yuvindra Chinapen 3 for 35.

It is understood that the FA believes it was fully compliant with Garcia’s investigation and thinks any transgressions that are contained in the report will be relatively minor. Former FA chief executive Mark Palios told BBC Radio 5 live: “It’s embarrassing in a sense that [the FA] have clearly been the main protagonist within Fifa in terms of trying to drive some kind of proper accountability in respect of the World Cup

bidding process. “But one of the ironies is if the FA have complied with the requests for evidence they stand to be damned, whereas people who have not complied and not provided evidence cannot be criticised.” The 2018 bid company working on behalf of the FA has since closed, with many of its employees, who were not FA staff members, now working outside the football industry.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 13, 2014

Clive Atwell fails his super Macaw House win MLC featherweight title bid Inter-House sports By Michael Benjamin He put up a spirited fight but in the end it was just not enough and Clive ‘The Punisher’ Atwell succumbed by a 10th round knockout to Australian pugilist, Kye ‘Mr Frenzy’ Mackenzie, when the two faced off for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Super Featherweight titles at the Hisense Arena, Melbourne Victoria Australia, early yesterday morning (local time). A wicked two fisted attack that commenced with a right cross and culminated with a left hook at 1:11secs of the tenth round landed on Atwell’s jaw and sent him reeling to the ropes near the

Knocked out in 10th round red corner. He did not fall but was struggling to maintain an upright position when the referee jumped in and waved off the proceedings without even bothering to institute the mandatory 8 count. Indeed, for the most part of the decisive round Atwell was on the receiving end as Mackenzie, the rangier of the two fighters, utilized the jabs to full advantage before following up with wicked right crosses. Both of Atwell’s eyes were swollen, evidence of the gruelling encounter, while Mackenzie sported a slightly blackened eye. It was a disappointing gift for Atwell who celebrated his 26th birth anniversary one day prior to the bout. His record dips to 12 wins with 2 losses

and one draw. Mackenzie retains his unbeaten streak after 13 fights; eleven of them finished inside the distance. Further, Mackenzie’s last 8 bouts all finished inside the distance and he now sports a knockout ratio of 84.62 percent. Meanwhile, Kaieteur Sport attempted to get a comment from Atwell but Gary ‘Superman’ St Clair said that he was tired and was resting in his hotel room. Asked to comment on the fight, St Clair, the former IBF and IBO jnr/lightweight champion, said that he was still disappointed with the stoppage. He also said that he was not in a frame of mind to engage in an analysis at that time.

GSCL Inc. postpones hosting of President’s Cup Following the scheduled completion of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association tournament this month end and with several teams set to compete for supremacy in same, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. has decided to postpone the hosting of its inaugural President’s Cup T20 Competition. This tournament was to be being played with the big ball, with the aim of keeping softball teams affiliated to the League active year round and was set to bowl off this weekend. However, in show of good faith and solidarity with the GFSCA, the GSCL Inc. decided to push back the tournament to 6th and 7th December, with the closing date for entries now being 28th November, while the launching will occur on 3rd December at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation

Sports Club at 17:00hrs. The GSCL Inc will be facilitating six teams in the Open and Over-45 categories with the entrance fee set at $50,000 per team, while the winning teams will take home $300,000 and the runners up $100,000 in both categories, along with trophies. The new playing dates for the tournament are Saturday 6th December and Sunday 7th, on which day the finals will be held under lights at the Demerara Cricket Club ground in Queenstown, along with a female exhibition game. Grounds identified to be used for this competition so far are GNIC, Demerara Cricket Club, Carifesta Sports Complex and Georgetown Cricket Club. Apart from the above-mentioned prizes, the Man-of-the-Match in the finals will also receive trophies and interested teams can contact Kingston on 614-9536 for more information.

Macaw House easily continued its dominance on Sunday when Morgan Learning Centre (MLC) held its third Annual InterHouse Athletic Championships at the CARIFESTA Sports Ground after amassing 249 points. Falcons House was second with 169 points. Raven House third with 148 points, with Toucan fourth on 125 points. The race of the day according to the organisers was the teacher’s one, which saw Hubern Collins winning ahead of Roderick Gordon and Orin Morgan. Gordon, who is in charge of the winning house, told the media that “the sport is growing every year and it was fun for children that don’t usually get to run at school sports.” He stated that the school will continue to place emphasis on sports.

Macaw House pose for a photo opportunity following yet another MLC triumph.

Neymar scores two as Brazil beat Turkey

BBC Sport - Neymar scored twice as Brazil beat Turkey 4-0 in a friendly in Istanbul for their fifth successive win since their World Cup exit. Brazil opened the scoring midway through the first half when Neymar drove past keeper Volkan Derimel. Turkey defender Semih Kaya turned a cross into his own net to make it 2-0 before Chelsea’s Willian tapped in. Neymar then played a one-two with Willian before curling in Brazil’s fourth in the second half. The victory continued Brazil’s impressive form under coach Dunga, who was

appointed in July. . Dunga succeeded Luiz Felipe Scolari, who resigned after Brazil suffered the joint-heaviest defeat in their history when they lost 7-1 to Germany in the semi-final of the 2014 World Cup they were hosting. Neymar, 22, was once again their key player but Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho played a huge part in the Barcelona forward’s opener. He played a 40-yard pass for Neymar, who took a touch to bring the ball under control before finishing with the outside of his boot. Moments later, Brazil

doubled their lead when a teasing cross by Danilo was turned into his own net by defender Kaya. Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan had a shot saved for Turkey before Brazil added a third before the break. This time, Neymar turned creator as he dribbled his way down the left before sending a cross to the far post, where Willian was on hand to finish from close range. Brazil wrapped up the win early in the second half when Willian and Neymar exchanged passes, before the latter held off a challenge to roll the ball into the far corner.

Neymar scored twice as Brazil beat Turkey 4-0. (EPA)

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

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>>> Letters to the Sports Editor <<<

Guyana’s football needs a Tsunami to save us from these inept Administrators DEAR MR EDITOR, As I sat at the Georgetown Football Association General Council meeting last Friday evening November 7, 2014, I have come to the conclusion that Guyana’s Football needs a Tsunami to get rid of some of the inept Administrators that is charading these shores. The level of discussion and revelations which took place there was ludicrous and preposterous bordering on being a comedy show. We were discussing the collaboration of the GFA/ Kashif & Shanghai for the yearend football tournament. At this meeting on Friday it was asked by Mr Charles Greaves (President of Huston Stars FC) “Why should we collaborate with K & S when we can make all the monies ourselves”. He then made the million dollars statement that at the last GFA Banks Year End Tournament he made lots of personal money in the vicinity of hundreds of thousands of dollars and he also asked the rhetorical question to Mr. Vernon Burnett (President of GFA) and Mr. Mark Phillips (Former VP. GFA & President Beacon FC) about them making hundreds of thousands of dollars for themselves. As a club executive sitting there I was appalled to hear that type of revelation which was not denounced by either President Burnett or Mr. Mark Phillips. Let me reiterate the point of skullduggery at its best. A few months ago Mr Mark

Phillips was on NCN Sports Programme being interviewed by Moderator Mr Edwin Seeraj in the presence of Mr Jamaal Shabazz. Mr Phillips was very critical of his buddy and bosom friend Mr Matthias, castigating him for not having a clue on how to run football and that he was the wrong pick for the Presidency of the GFF. Fortunately or unfortunately Mr Matthias was listening and he opted to call in to the programme. His words were, “Mark can you remember that one day you came into my office and said that we are broken and we need to take over the Kashif and Shanghai and the Mayor Cup Tournaments, We need to start making money right now.” Mr Phillips never responded to Mr Matthias on that allegations or have never to this day renounced what his ally and confederate said of his statement.” This seems crystal clear to me that Phillips and Matthias were in motion. The GFA owes approximately $23 Million Dollars to Association, Persons, Clubs, Grounds and other stakeholders yet some officials are boasting that they made hundreds of thousands of dollars from the tournament. Can someone explain what is going on? How come 23 Million disappear like that? What happened to the gate takings? Are these same persons being given the opportunity to run another year end tournament to swindle,

misappropriate and manipulate the coffers and funds of the GFA? By the way what position does Mr Mark Phillips holds in the GFA, didn’t he resign? When the Immediate Past Disgraced President Mr Christopher Matthias then Secretary of the GFA carried out a brutal attack on the Mr Colin Klass and Mr Franklin Wilson regime most was delighted and agitated with the conclusion which resulted in Mr Matthias elevation to the Presidency. Guyana’s future seemed bright but we were all disappointed and the rest is now history. There are many more like him around and they need weeding out instantly. I am not holding a brief for the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation, but this Organisation in all of its 24 years of existence I have never heard of any club, Association, GFF or any stakeholder being owed. This Organization has contributed to the development of Guyana’s football by organisation high quality football with the best teams playing with the inclusion of guest players. Years ago all teams wanted to be a part of K & S with lots of overseas players coming in for this tournament. But Mr Matthias and this bunch of executives watered down the tournament so that they can earn a few dollars for themselves. Houston Stars, Black Water, Renaissance FC, Black Pearl, Northern Rangers,

these are some of the teams that we will have to go and look at come Xmas Day & Boxing Day. Do we, as football fans have to endure such mediocrity again. Is football development being considered or personal aggrandizement the order of the day? Are persons jealous of other people’s achievement and superb organizational ability? Or is greed on the plates of a few? The K & S Organisation have guaranteed funds to the GFA which is a certainty, but with the GFA running the year end tournament it is a recipe for disaster. What guarantee will we have that we will not be owed again or we will be hoodwinked and deceived again with a few individuals pocketing cash and the players and clubs being the biggest losers. Members of the public, sponsors, players, football fans, supporters you be the judge, these people are to be denounced instantly. Let me hear your voices instantly. To the members of the Normalisation Committee of the GFF which was appointed by FIFA I wish you well but I am aware of a few elements who has egos like those inflated balloons and would want to see the NC fail, these persons are just destructive, wicked and naughty. Sometimes one wonders if they are demon possessed. Thank You, Respectfully yours, Daniel Stern

Change or Perish By Rudi V. Webster Debriefing is one of the most powerful tools in performance improvement. And yet, it is perhaps the most neglected. Debriefing is used to review performance, monitor standards, recognize the good things that are done, identify mistakes and their root causes, learn from mistakes, and incorporate lessons into the next planning and preparation cycle to do things better. India’s captain, M.S. Dhoni once told me that the main difference between good teams and average teams is the interval between mistakes. Good teams make mistakes, learn from them and hardly ever repeat them. Lesser teams repeat them at regular intervals. I have lost count of the number of conflicts and disputes the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has had with its players in the last 20 years, the number of player strikes that were threatened or carried out, and the number of court battles that the Board has lost with the West Indies Players Association (WIPA). One can only assume that the debriefing process is not a priority since the Board is not learning from its mistakes and keeps repeating them with monotonous regularity. In a recent article, Dr Claude Denbow an attorney at law hinted that when the Board is confronted by a crisis its members delude themselves into believing that a few meetings, where the main actors are pictured smiling and shaking hands followed with a news release saying that the problem has been resolved, (or that a task

Bissoondyal Singh is misleading the public DEAR EDITOR, I had to ensure that the facts were available before penning this letter as Mr. Bissoondyal Singh may very well drag me before the court as he had done on so many occasions to others, for flippant reasons. The Kaieteur News of 31st October, 2014 carried a story captioned “Anil Persaud and Taignauth Jadunauth sued for $50 Million by ECCB President”. The author of the article failed to state what exactly was in the order of court but rambled about the statement of claim. I had a look at the Court order issued by Hon. Judge Diane Inshanalli which states “It is Ordered that the respondents/defendants and each of them whether by themselves, their servants

and/or agents be restrained and an injunction is hereby granted restraining the defendants and each of them by themselves, their servants and/or agents or otherwise whomsoever from further writing, printing or publishing or circulating or causing to be written, printed, published or circulated the said defamatory words contained in Kaieteur News Newspaper edition or issue published on the 6th day of October 2014 and Stabroek News Newspaper on 7th day of October 2014 or any other words or matter to the same or like effect until the determination of a summons returnable for the 18 th November 2014”. The honourable judge went on to order service. At no point did the Judge order anything that remotely

concerned East Coast Cricket Board, who is legitimate or not, or who is responsible for cricket on the East Coast. This is another total fabrication. Mr. Bissoondyal Singh is again misleading the public into believing that the honourable Judge ruled on his legitimacy as president of the ECCB. The gentlemen basically claimed in their letters to the press that Mr. Bissoondyal Singh is incompetent, held illegitimate elections of the ECCB and was threatening competent persons with court action if they rescue the East Coast youths by playing competitive cricket to facilitate their teams’ participation in DCB cricket. In fact Mr. Singh in his sworn affidavit is claiming that Mr. Anil Persaud and Mr.

Taignauth Jadunauth made remarks in letters to the media that has caused damage to his character hence the judge issued an interim order on an ex parte application. Mr. Singh has made a lot of incriminatory statements about almost everyone challenging him in the cricketing circles. However these decent individuals were able to keep focused and not bother with his ramblings. Of course not everyone likes to go to court and it certainly helps when your personal lawyer and friend is the Attorney General, we all know how convenient that can be especially if your case has no merit. The honourable gentlemen, Persaud and Jadunauth, would now have a chance to respond and that would be interesting as the

sentiments expressed by these gentlemen are common to most on the East Coast. All of us are aware the Bissoon held an AGM with students and parents (admitted publicly by the purported ECCB) and not the representative cricket playing clubs on the East Coast. Anil and Tage continue to do the tremendous job of helping and developing youths on the East Coast especially at Enmore. It is time for the DCB to pronounce on all the illegalities of the ECCB and its purported President. If these people are not participating in activities of the Demerara Board then they have breached their conditions of membership and should be removed. Dianand Dyal

Dr. Rudi V. Webster force has been set up) will actually end the matter. But the Board has not only been smiling and shaking hands. According to journalist Tony Cozier it has had 6 presidents, 7 CEOs, 8 captains and an “enormous” turnover of players since the year 2000. And yet West Indies cricket remains in the doldrums and is in a state of constant turmoil. The Board has rejected the first-class reports of P.J. Patterson and Charles Wilkins that called for substantial structural reform. The Board’s resistance to meaningful and constructive change indicates that it is not yet ready or willing to alter its thinking, attitude, behavior, and bad habits. But performing better is often more about unlearning or removing bad habits, poor attitudes, and outmoded traditions, systems, processes and structures than about learning or adding new ones. To embrace and capitalize on the rapid changes in today’s highly competitive world, the WICB must as a matter of urgency transform itself into a learning organization, since continuous learning and improvement are two of the most powerful forces behind successful change. To be specific, the Board must, among other things, create and articulate a clear vision of what it wants to achieve and become, and then design a simple but intelligent strategy to achieve that vision. But its strategy will be useless if it is not well implemented. Its execution plans should therefore encompass things like wise and sensible leadership, motivation of staff and players, improvement of its standards, and the creation of a levelheaded contract of expectations with its players so that both sides will know exactly what to expect from each other. In addition, the Board should build harmonious and cooperative relationships and focus on teamwork, (Continued on page 27)

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Thursday November 13, 2014

Berbice University students to host fund WORLD CUP 2022: raising three-team T20 tourney on Saturday Qatar to be cleared of corruption over bid

University of Guyana, Tain Campus second year Public Management Class will on Saturday host a fund raising three team T20 cricket tournament at the Rose Hall Estate Welfare ground. The event is being run to raise funds for the Class’ Research visit to Suriname next year. The competing teams are Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club, University of Guyana Strikers and Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTG&G) first division side. Rose Hall Estate and the UG Strikers would clash in the first match starting at 10:00hrs with the winner earning a date with Rose Hall Town Gizmos

and Gadgets from 13:30hrs. The Rose Hall Estate team would be spearheaded by Ameer Rahaman, Rocky Beepat, Sasenarine Sukhdeo, Kristoff Bahadur and Fawaaz Hoosein while West Indies Under-19 player Shimron Hetmyer would make a guest appearance for the UG Strikers. Hetmyer would be supported by Vishal Mohabir, Linden Austin, Andy Mohan, Suresh Dhanai, Kassim and Urvash Shiwprasad. The experienced RHTG&G will have in its lineup former national Under 19 Captain Shawn Pereira, former Windies ODI player Royston Crandon, Delbert Hicks,

Akshay Homraj, Jason Sinclair, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano and Brandon Prasad. The winning team, runnerup and man-of-the-final would all receive trophies among other prizes. An entrance fee of $300 would be charged for adults while children would pay $100. UG Strikers: Andre DeFreitas, Shimron Hetmyer, Vishal Mohabir, Linden Austin, Andy Mohan, Darryl Thompson, Junior Blair, Suresh Dhanai, Kasim Khan, Judson Bess, Urvash Shiwprasad, Nicholas Narayan, Javeed Mootoo. Manager Ryan Sookhu and Coach Kwesi Maltay.

Rose Hall Estate: Kristoff Bahadur, Rocky Bipat, Ameer Rahaman, Sasenarine Sukhu, Zachary Persaud, Fawaaz Hoosein, Duane Ramdeo, Keon Issacs, Adrian Persaud, Anil Sarjudas, Latchman Ramotar, Mark Barker, Ricky Balak. Manager Carl Ramsammy, Coach Michael Ramdeen. Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets: Akshay Homraj, Brandon Prasad, Delbert Hicks, Jason Sinclair, Royston Crandon, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano, Keon Sinclair, Troy Matheson, Simon Lawson, Shawn Pereira, Denzil Sinclair, Jason Anderson and Azam Khan. Manager, Hilbert Foster.

Top stables rounding out preparations for Sunday’s Bush Lot United Horserace meet Most of the top stables in Guyana were rounding out preparations for the Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC) one day horserace meet slated for Sunday the club’s racetrack at Sea View Park, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice. Eight races are carded for the day with close to $8M up for grabs. So far the Mohammed Shariff, Inshan Bacchus and Jumbo Jet Stables lead the entries with more than four entries each. Other stables such as Elcock, Sooklall and Appadhu also have multiple entries. Over 50 of the country’s top racehorses have already taken entry for

what is expected to be an action packed day of racing. The Feature race will be for horses classified ‘C’ and lower and has the likes of California Strike and Settle In Seattle from The inform Shariff Racing stable coming up against the likes of Grande De Roja of the Jumbo Jet Stable for a $1M first prize from a total prize package of $2M and trophy with the animals set to cover 1600M. Other horses already entered include Mission King, Unsettled, Right To Rule, Strom Bird, Fresh Again, Battle Hymn, Silent Night, Cassie, Captain Crook, Ameera’s Joy, War Craft, She

Is Running hard, Gold D Cova, Mary Ann, Red Steel Affinity, Empire Maker, I get another, Miss Lewinski, Settling jet, Maggaline, Romeo, Million Dollar Baby among others. The other events are the F and lower 1400M event for a $500,000 winning purse and trophy. The 1600M race for three Year old Guyana and West Indies Bred and Born animals also for a first prize of $500,000 and trophy. The 1200M event for two year old Guyana and West Indies Bred horses for a winners money of $400,000 and trophy. The G3 and lower 1200M

race for a winning purse of $400,000 and trophy. The ‘I’ and lower horses will compete over 1200M for a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy. The final two races are for animals classified the J and lower and K and lower over 1400M and 1200M respectively for winning takes of $200,000 and $150,000 and trophies respectively. A number of sponsors are also on board with the Ministry of Tourism, Hand In Hand Insurance, Phagoo General Store, Qtrex International Shipping, Banks DIH, Buddy Shivraj, Jumbo Jet, Inshan Bacchus Trucking Service, Mohammed ‘Nankoo’ Shariff and Lakeram ‘Buddy’ Sukhdeo, Shano Seeonarine and Rohan Ouditt among others. According to coordinator Lakeram ‘Buddy’ Sookdeo rehabilitation work has been completed and turfites turning up at the venue on race day are expected to be greeted by a completely refurbish structure. The grand stand, the paddock, fencing, the rails, jockey board and the officials housing area are all being completed. Most of the turns on the track has also been reshaped which will give the animals a better flow in the races. Top individual performers including top jockey, stable and trainer will be presented with trophies compliments of the organizers. Interested persons can make enquiries with Coordinator and Treasurer Lakeram B. Sukhdeo on Number 232-0558 or 672-0810 or Ramnauth on 337-5311 or 697-1979. (Samuel Whyte)

FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the ceremony to award the host country for the 2022 World Cup. (GETTY IMAGES) BBC Sports - Qatar will be cleared of corruption during the 2022 World Cup bidding process when a Fifa report is published on Thursday, BBC Sport has learned. It was alleged that Qatar won the staging rights after Fifa officials were paid £3m to support its bid. However, Fifa’s independent ethics adjudicator, Hans Joachim Eckert, is not expected to recommend a revote. Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup in 2010, beating bids from Australia, the United States, South Korea and Japan. The decision was a

surprise and eventually led to a number of corruption allegations. Qatar’s bid committee always denied these, but an inquiry was started, headed by independent ethics investigator Michael Garcia. The American lawyer was also tasked with looking into the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup, which will be staged in Russia. Garcia interviewed individuals connected with all nine bids for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments and submitted a 430-page report to Eckert in early September. After (Continued on page 25)

Corentyne Football Cup competition continues Play in the Corentyne Cup 2014 Football Competition organized by the Corriverton Links Football Club in association with the Scottsburg Community Centre continued recently with one match. In the game played at the Scottsburg ground, which is the venue for the matches, No 51 and Courtland played to a 3-3 draw with No 51 eventually securing victory in penalty shootout. Goal scorers for No 51 were Jamal Rose with a double in the 20th and 25th minutes, while Peter Tello also netted two in the 17 th and 52nd minutes. Scoring for Courtland was Collis Barnett with a double in the 38th and 49th minutes, Nicholas Rose in the 8 th and Sherwin Crandon in the 45th minute. The teams participating in the competition are Corriverton Links, NO 51

Football Club, Courtland Football Club, Manchester/ Liverpool Football Club and guest team Teachers United. The objective of the tournament is to promote football at the senior level in the Corentyne area, assist in the development of the game in the area and to encourage clubs not affiliated with the Berbice Football Association (BFA) to get themselves properly organized. Incentives will be presented to the top three teams, highest goal scorer, and best goalkeeper, while medals will also be presented to the players of the top three teams. The semi-finals will be played shortly with Manchester set to play Teachers United in the first semi-final, while in the second game No 51 will play Corriverton Links. (Samuel Whyte)

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

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BCB, NBS second division 40-over cricket competition in Berbice...

LITTLE DIVA to play in Port Mourant, Hopetown GFA Futsal Tournament United through to playoffs

P

The Little Diva Flames during the Lethem tourney.

The Little Diva Flames during the Lethem tourney. Little DIVA Flames Football Club have been invited to play a friendly game in the GFA Stag Beer Futsal Competition being played at the Sports Hall today 13th November 2014 against a Georgetown All Stars team commencing at 19:00hrs. The DIVAS team will come from - Jennel Brown, Aaliyah Stanley, Mariska Corbin, Shania Riley, Abiose Heywood, Anastasia Horsham, Aqueena Forde, Keisha Gordon, Troy Ann Barton, Atabia James, Priscilla Wilkia, Eboni Ross, Cindy Mc Pherson, Seida Dummett, Rennay Shepherd, Gabriella Silva, Shomell Daniels & Deborah Waldron.

The coach is Colin McNicols. During the Easter period the DIVAS placed second in a 5-a-side tournament played in Lethem. A Brazilian team placed 1st. Four teams took part. Meanwhile, the DIVAS will be travelling to Linden on Saturday 29th November 2014 to participate in the 3rd KAYO’s Football Academy in collaboration with Rickland “Tallo” Hutson - 1day U-13 and U-16 Youth Challenge Football Cup Fiesta at the MSC Ground. This tournament is basically a male affair, but the DIVAs will be fielding a team to play against the U-16 Boys category.

WICB Franchise cricket starts tomorrow NCN to bring live ball-by-commentary

Molly Rampersaud Hassan

A

fter a few years of absence, live Regional fourday cricket will be back on NCN’s Voice of Guyana (VOG) from 10:00hrs tomorrow when the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Four-Day Franchise First-Class cricket starts with Guyana Jaguars face-off with the Leeward Islands at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. An initiative of

Sean Devers

Inderjeet Persaud

NCN’s Chief Executive O ff i c e r ( C E O ) M o l l y Rampersaud Hassan, Marketing Manager Raymond Azeez and NCN’s cricket producer John Ramsingh, the local station has committed to bringing live ball-by-ball commentary for all of the home games this year with support from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). Some of Guyana’s most experienced radio cricket

broadcasters have been assembled including Sean Devers, who has commentated in the World Cup ODIs and at Test level and Iderjeet Persaud, who has commented in ODIs. Former International cricket commentator Niam Chan has also been recalled. Devers returns to the local airwaves after a successful surgery and treatment for Brain Cancer (Continued on page 27)

ort Mourant of Zone C (Lower Corentyne/ Central) and Hopetown United of Zone A (West Berbice/West) both scraped through to the playoffs of the 2014 New Building Society Second Division 40-Over Cricket Competition after they both ended their zones tied in the top position with Tain Block Four and Bush Lot Challengers respectively, but having superior run rates in both cases, they both have the right to advance to the next round. In Port Mourant latest victory, former Guyana U n d e r- 1 9 a l l r o u n d e r Loyydel Lewis hit 64 (4 fours) and Joshua Ramsammy 52 (7 fours) to see them to 251 for 7 in 40 overs against Rose Hall Town Bakewell. When Rose Hall replied, Ramsammy came back with the ball and took 4 for 29 and Berbice Under-19 pacer Dimitri Cameron 4 for 19 to bowl them out for 144. In Tain Block 4’s victory over GuySuco Training Centre, Mahendra Maynard hit 51 and took 4 for 31 and Chinsammy Veerasammy 4 for 31. While Hopetown United registered a 47 run win over Achievers, Bush Lot Challengers scraped home by one run against Rainbow Generation with Rajbance Hemraj 51 for Bush Lot. Tyson Carmichael made 51 for Rainbow. Corriverton struggled to a 3-wicket win over No 69 Red Rose to end their Zone P (Upper Corentyne/South) unbeaten and therefore earning a place in the playoffs. Pacer Clavern Beresford took 5 for 25 for them to bowl out No. 69 for 82. No. 69 off spinner Chetram Nowrang then took 5 for 21 to reduce Corriverton to 54 for 6 but they held on to reach 85 for 7. Pacers Michael Cummings and former Berbice cricketer Eon Gibson took 4 wickets each to help Courtland All Star restrict No. 1 Road to 119 and then former Berbice under15 batsman Dwayne Crandon hit 64 to see his team to a 7-wicket victory. Former Berbice Under19 off spinner Munilall Shivdyal scored 44 and then took 5 for 25 to see Fyrish to

- Corriverton also advance

Clavern Beresford

Joshua Ramsammy

Loyydel Lewis

Mahendra Maynard

a narrow 3 run victory over Kendall’s Union. In summarized scores: At Port Mourant, the home team beat Rose Hall Town Bakewell by 107 runs. Port Mourant 251 for 7 in 40 overs with Loyydel Lewis 64, Joshua Ramsammy 52 and Arif Chan 44. Troy Matheson took 2 for 43. Rose Hall Town Bakewell 144 in 29.4 overs with Dimitri Cameron 4 for 18 and Joshua Ramsammy 4 for 29. At Tain, Tain Block Four beat Guysuco Training Center by 63 runs. Tain Block Four 160 in 30.2 overs with Mahendra Maynard 51. Madan Budhram took 3 for 31. GuySuco Training Center 97 in 20 overs with Madan Budhram 30. Chinsammy Veerasammy 4 for 31 and Mahendra Maynard 4 for 31. At Hopetown, the home team beat Achievers by 47 runs. Hopetown United 153 in 19.3 overs with Steffon Adams 26, Kawsie Mentore 25 and Dellon Wayne 35. Ryan Shun took 4 for 30, Brian Nurse 2 for 25. Achievers 106 all out in 18.2 overs with Carlston Nurse 28. Derrick Cadogan took 4

for 23, Claude Saul 2 for 2 and Emerson Benjamin 2 for 16. At Bush Lot, the home team beat Rainbow Generation by 1 run. Bush Lot Challengers 173 for 8 in 35 overs with Rajbance Hemraj 51, Asgar Mathabeek 48 and Joel D i l c h a n d 2 7 . Ty s o n Carmichael took 2 for 35. Rainbow Generation 172 in 34.2 overs with Tyson Carmichael returning to score 51, Sherwin McPherson 29. Asif Khan 3 for 25, Joel Dilchand 2 for 30. At No. 69, Corriverton beat No. 69 Red Rose by 3 wickets. No. 69 Red Rose 82 in 19.3 overs with Tariq Chaitram 34. Clavern Beresford 5 for 25 and Jermain Reid 2 for 20. Corriverton 85 for 7 in 17.4 overs with Chetram Nourang 5 for 21. At Fyrish, Courtland All Star beat No. 1 Road by 7 wickets. No. 1 Road 118 in 23.3 overs with Vijai Seecharran 30. Michael Cummings 4 for 13 and Eon Gibson 4 for 21. Courtland All Star 119 for 3 with (Continued on page 27)

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Thursday November 13, 2014

Local shooters perform 2014 BUSTA CRICKET creditably in Suriname FESTIVAL LAUNCHED Enterprise Busta SC collects sponsorship cheque By Sean Devers

Left - Right: Smallbore captain Dale Hing with IPSC Regional Director Harold Hopkinson, Dr. Johan DaSilva, Gordon Richards and Ray Beharry.

T

he Guyana National Rifle A s s o c i a t i o n ’s smallbore shooting team performed creditably at last weekend’s Suriname Level 111 Open IPSC sanctioned shooting championships in the neighbouring republic and plans are afoot for further development of the local shooters in 2015. National smallbore captain Dale Hing, who spearheaded the team, said the tournament recognized by the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) attracted shooters from the Caribbean, South America and North America. Hing said the tournament was of a very high standard and although the local shooters did not win medals

it was a great learning experience for the entire team. The team comprised Hing, Harold Hopkinson, Gordon Richards, Murtland Smith, Dr. Johan DaSilva and Ray Beharry. In the results, - the “Open Division”, where the use of firearms nicknamed “Race Guns” was used, Lesgar Murdock of Jamaica was declared winner. The “Production Class” was won by Canadian Trenton Sukovieff, while Jamaican Ronald Brown took top honours in the “Standard Division”. Shooters from Aruba, Barbados, Canada, French Guiana, Guyana, Jamaica and Suriname were in action in the tournament. The Local shooters returned home and

expressed gratitude to the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Crown Mining Supplies and Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. for their assistance. Meanwhile, Guyanese veteran shooter and administrator Harold Hopkinson was appointed a Regional Director for IPSC with overall responsibility for Guyana. Hopkinson will coordinate all handgun, shotgun and Air action shooting competitions locally. There are also plans for Guyana to host a Level 111 Championships next year. IPSC shooting blends accuracy, speed and power to achieve maximum scores in competition.

Andrew Forsythe T20 Round Robin Cup...

For the 10th year in a row Tr i n i d a d i a n B e v e r a g e Company SM Jaleel, has under its Busta brand, committed its support behind the Essequibo Cricket Board’s (ECB) 50-over three-day cricket Festival which is set to commence on November 21 with $1million worth of Busta products. Robert Selman, CEO of Guyana Beverage Inc, producers of Busta Soft drinks, started the Guyanese branch in Festival City 20 years ago and said 10 years ago when the sponsorship first began Essequibo’s cricket was at a very low standard. “For the last two years Essequibo has began producing quality players and I would like to think that our continued sponsorship has helped with that,” Selman opined. Selman expressed satisfaction with how things are going in terms of the Company growing and of course, “…once we continue to get bigger then tournaments like the Busta Cricket Festival in Essequibo will benefit. It is with the support of everyone that we are here today,” Selman, a Trinidadian who has lived here for 20 years, stressed. In addition to the soft drinks which will be sold by the ECB to fund the tournament which commences with a Marchpast of all of the teams on the morning of November 21, Colored Busta T-Shirts will

be provided for the top eight teams, while refreshments will be provided for the players from the semi-final stage. ECB President Fizul Bacchus commended Busta for the sponsorship adding that players like West Indies ‘A’ team fast bowler, the Fredericks brothers, Kemo Paul, Ricardo and Anthony Adams and Kevin Boodie have all performed well in recent times and reminded that all of these players came out of the Busta competition. Former ECB President Alvin Johnson, a former National youth and senior team Manager and now the assistant Treasurer of the ECB, informed when he brokered the sponsorship deal 10 years ago as ECB Head, there was virtually no cricket being played in Essequibo due to the prohibitive cost to travel due to the size of Guyana’s largest County. “We have to thank Busta in a big way for sustaining their sponsorship for a decade and we are seeing the fruits now with the emergence of quite a few players on the national teams at various levels,” Johnson said. Johnson managed the National senior team this year but was replaced by Chairman of Selectors Rayon Griffith, who now holds the position of assistant Coach/Manager for the Guyana Jaguars. Johnson informed that when the competition began it was intended to be a Festival but

the format was changed. “We have gone back to the old format where we start the tournament with an opening Ceremony at the NOC ground before the first round commence later in the day at Pomona, Anna Regina, Imam Bacchus and the NOC grounds which are all on the Essequibo Coast,” Johnson explained. Meanwhile, Busta also extended its sponsorship of the Enterprise Busta Sports Club for that entity to hold the 14-team Busta t20 tournament scheduled to start next month. N K O m a r, Vi c e President of the East Coast Demerara club, which has five teams playing in East Coast cricket, informed that the club need the approval of the East Coast Cricket Board to run off their competition but since the main reason for the event is the get the youths meaningfully occupied, he does see a problem in getting the Board’s blessings. Present at both presentations were Selman, Marketing Manager of Guyana Beverage Inc Shameeza Yadram and Finance Controller Trinidadian Godfrey Delisle. Busta Festival Essequibo Fixtures: Nov 21: Wakenaam vs Bartica at Pomona North vs Central at Anna Regina Pomeroon vs East Bank at Imam Bacchus Leguan vs South at NOC Nov 22: semi-finals Nov 23: Final

Muritaro Young Warriors, West Watooka to clash in final

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hristianburg Ground was full of activity last weekend as the Andrew Forsythe T20 Cup semifinal and final were played in Group A. In the semi-final Christianburg were up against Dora. Taking first strike were Dora and they were all out for 137 in 18 overs with Lawrence Rampersaud once again top scoring with 61. Gregory Klass 17 and Mike Rampersaud 14. Dorin Lowenfield, Hilton Morrison and Ricardo Anderson each did a hat-trick for Christianburg. In reply Christianburg made 141 for 6 from 16 overs. Top scorer was Theodore Morrison with 82. Lawrence Rampersaud took 2 for 18 from 2 overs, Patrick Cornelius 2 for 24 from 4 overs and Sherwin Henry bagged 2 for 15 from 4 overs.

In the other semi-final played on Sunday at the same venue saw Christianburg and West Watooka battling for the top spot and West Watooka came out the winners. West Watooka took first strike and amassed 115 all out in 19.4 overs with Travis Polius 32, Rickey Gangarham 21 and Seon Prince 12. Nigel Brisport took 2 for 23 from 4 overs and Travis Morrison 2 for 25 in 3.3 overs. In reply Christianburg were all out for 108 in17.3 overs. Travis Morrison 23 and Nigel Brisport 12. Darren Black bagged 3 wickets for 13 from 3.4 overs and Travis Polius 3 for 15 from 4 overs. The finals will be played at the Maria Elizabeth Ground on Sunday between Muritaro Young Warriors and West Watooka. (Jacquey Bourne)

Selman presents Enterprise Busta Sports Club Vice-President NK Omar with the sponsorship cheque for the Club’s Busta t20 cricket Festival.

Thursday November 13, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Interim Guyana football WICB announces Test South Africa head calls on CONCACAF squad toChanderpaul, Johnson included

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CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb (right) with Clinton Urling, Chairman of the GFF’s Normalization Committee, on November 7, 2014, in Miami. Miami - CONCACAF officials held an introductory meeting Friday with Clinton Urling, the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Normalization Committee chairman, to discuss the way forward for development of the sport in Guyana. In October 2014, FIFA installed a Normalization Committee as a response to internal turmoil within the GFF. The Committee was entrusted with running dayto-day operations, revising statutes and organizing elections by September 2015. “The objective of this courtesy visit by Committee Chairman Urling was to determine the next steps in the progression of

football in Guyana and to keep it on solid and stable footing,” said CONCACAF President Jeff Webb. The current situation faced by the GFF was thoroughly analyzed and key areas requiring urgent attention were identified. Most importantly, perhaps, a strategic plan and timeframe on how and when the C o m m i t t e e ’s o b j e c t i v e s w o u l d b e accomplished were examined. “Faith in Guyana football must be restored,” said Urling. “However, the cooperation and involvement of all football stakeholders and the country as a whole is required. Guyana is a country with amazing football potential.”

Seaboard Marine CMRC...

Look out for Matthew Vieira! J

u s t l i k e Ry a n Rahaman, his involvement in motor racing is no accident, but rather flooded in his ancestry, having a long extraction of family members who‘ve either participated in the sport or are still doing so. Superbiker Matthew Vieira was born into a family of motor racers who were among the most dominant in their time and this young and precocious rider has set his sights on following in their’s footsteps, especially his father and mentor Mark. Matthew, who rides a Kawasaki, will be competing in both the Superstock and Supersport

categories at this Sunday’s Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship and according to him he is eager to challenge the opposition in his quest to come out on top. The young Vieira said apart from his hunger to establish himself as one of the emerging riders his real ambition is to do well for the fans and his sponsors. Definitely one of the top riders to graduate from the Novices category, Vieira dominated the Race of Champions Meet in March, racing to three wins from as many races. He, however, will have to contend with the likes of ‘new kid on the block’ Nikhil

Seereeram and Heranand Boodram in the Superstock division, while his elevation to the Superspirt category will pit him against the likes of seasoned campaigners such as Stephen Vieira, Carlos Rodrigues, Joel Neblett and Ricardo Fagundes. The promising racer paid tribute to the support of parenta Mark and Sadika, while the assistance of Navin Seereeram and Paul Yearwood were recognised as well. Thanks were also extened to the following sponsors namely Maye’s General Store, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Truck Masters, Jumbo Jet and Game Express among others.

he West Indies C r i c k e t Board Selection Panel y e s t e r d a y announced the West Indies Test Squad for the tour of South Africa which includes three Test matches. The squad is as follows: Denesh Ramdin (Captain), Sulieman Benn, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Braithwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Christopher Gayle, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor and Chadwick Walton. Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd commented, “Of course at all times the Selection Panel aims to select the best and strongest team available. We look forward to this squad giving a good account of themselves for the three Tests in South Africa.” “There is a significant amount of international cricket to be

played over the next six months, including Test matches against some of the higher ranked teams in world cricket and as such it would be critical for the squad to get off on a positive note in South Africa,” Lloyd added. “Specifically we have selected young fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell who is a good prospect. The Selection Panel is looking to introduce players such as Cottrell who can contribute in moving We s t I n d i e s c r i c k e t forward,” Lloyd explained. All players selected have been notified of their selection and that their selection is contingent upon their signing of the Match Tour Contract which was sent to each player selected on Tuesday November 11. The deadline for the return of signed Match Tour Contracts to the WICB is 5 p m ( E C T ) , Tu e s d a y,

November 18. The West Indies Test Squad is scheduled to depart the Caribbean on November 30, 2014. West Indies Tour of South Africa Schedule December 17-21 – First Test – Super Sport Park December 26-30 – Second Test – St George’s Park January 2-6 – Third Test – Centurion January 9 – First T20I – Newlands January 11 – Second T20I – Wanderers January 14 – Third T20I – Kingsmead January 16 – First ODI – Kingsmead January 18 – Second ODI – New Wanderers January 21 – Third ODI – Buffalo Park January 25 – Fourth ODI – St George’s January 28 – Fifth ODI – Super Sport Park

Defending champions Cuba held by French Guiana, T&T edge Curacao Montego Bay, Jamaica – Defending champions Cuba were held to a 1-1 draw by the ever improving French Guiana, while regional powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago had to stave off a gallant challenge from Curacao winning 3-2 on the opening night of action of the Men’s Caribbean Cup in Jamaica on Tuesday night. Playing the feature game, Cuba would have started the encounter confident of holding off the French Guiana side but they had to pull out all the stops to keep the French at bay. The first half did not produce any goals which added pressure on the Cubans. It was the Cuban’s however who would break the deadlock when man-of-the-match Ariel Martinez fired past the French Guiana goalkeeper in the 57th minute. As the game progressed, it seemed like Cuba were on their way to emulating the Soca Warriors by taking full points but that was not to be. Deep into stoppage time when the Cubans should have been alert, they let up and taking full advantage was the French Guiana side; Mickael Solvi it was who blasted the nets in the 3rd minute of stoppage time (93) to ensure that they take a point. In the opening game which was a thriller, Trinidad and Tobago prevailed against Curacao 3-2. Curacao cantered into the lead much to the surprise of all in the 18th minute compliments of a Rihairo Meulens goal. But 26 minutes on, Soca Warriors Captain Kenwyne Jones was brought down in the box; the subsequent penalty was calmly slotted home by the Cardiff player himself to draw T&T level at 1-1. Jones was on target again in the 38th minute making the French pay for a mistake at the back as T&T took the lead. Curacao

equalized in the 48th minute Gianluca Maria the player on target to draw his side level. But the multiple Caribbean champions through man-of-the-match Kevin Molino’s goal regained the lead which turned out to be the winning goal in the 53rd minute. Group B action was slated to start last evening at the same venue; Antigua & Barbuda faced Haiti while host Jamaica battled Martinique in the feature.

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Clive Atwell fails his super Look out for featherweight TITLE BID Matthew Vieira! Knocked out in 10th round

Clive Atwell

Kye ‘Mr Frenzy’ Mackenzie

Young, upcoming Superbiker Matthew Vieira with chequered flag after a victory earlier this year.

2014 Busta Cricket Festival launched ENTERPRISE BUSTA SC COLLECTS SPONSORSHIP CHEQUE

Busta’s CEO Robert Selman hands over a T-Shirt to ECB President Faziul Bacchus to be used in the E’bo Busta cricket Festival. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210