Kaieteur News

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Pressure mounts on Venezuela to allow election observers Washington (AFP) - More than 150 US and Latin American lawmakers sent a letter to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Wednesday, urging him to let international observers monitor the country’s crucial December 6 legislative elections. The letter expressed concern that several opposition candidates have been barred from participating and called for the immediate release of jailed opposition and student leaders. “This situation contributes to a public perception that the current electoral climate in the country is defined by political bias and an absence of full electoral safeguards,” the letter said. The elections are being held as the socialist government faces the prospect of losing control over the National Assembly for the first time since Maduro’s predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez, came to power. The oil-rich country’s economy has been battered by a plunge in crude price, runaway inflation and widespread shortages of staples and medicine. Violent crime and political

Nicolas Maduro tension have added to the pervasive sense of insecurity. In their letter, the 157 lawmakers from the United States, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru urged Maduro to allow election observers from the Organization of American States and the European Union. “As citizens go to the polls, the presence of qualified international observers would permit all Venezuelans to have the highest degree of confidence in the integrity of the process and the electoral results,” it said. The Venezuelan government has so far invited only

an observer mission from UNASUR, a South American regional grouping that Venezuela helped to form, and has specifically rejected an OAS observer mission. The OAS’s secretary general, Luis Almagro of Uruguay, warned Tuesday that conditions for the vote “do not ensure transparency and electoral justice.” National Assembly speaker Diosdado Cabello, the country’s second most powerful politician after Maduro, responded by calling the OAS “the world’s most twisted, corrupt and poorly regarded institution.”

Page 7

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Surujbally displeased with Rohee utterances, refutes allegations Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr Steve Surujbally yesterday rejected statements peddled in the media by PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee that the Secretariat had refused to answer questioned presented to them at a recent meeting. Earlier this week, the PPP General Secretary chided Surujbally and Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield for being “defensive, evasive and indifferent,” at a recent meeting between a PPP delegation and GECOM. Rohee accused the two men of clamming up and skillfully dodging questions posed to them by the said delegation. He posited that their predisposition will only prove “counter-productive and aggravate the already existing tension between the PPP and GECOM,” as well as increasing the doubts of the PPP about GECOM’s favouritism and inability to supervise the holding of free and fair elections in Guyana. Surujbally categorically refuted Rohee’s allegations, stating that while it is difficult to recognize why the PPP would choose to make such declarations, he believed that it was a ploy to “embarrass” GECOM. He insisted that all the questions posed by Rohee, who was heading the delegation, were answered. Therefore, Surujbally said he was stunned by the “abuse” and “language” coming from Rohee. Nevertheless, he announced that every meeting with GECOM is recorded. “We record everything in a boardroom, even that meeting,” he charged, insisting that if they were supposed to respond to the onslaught emanating from the PPP, the automatic response would be “‘You see we have proved our point. GECOM is against us’ and we are not prepared to do that,” he stated. At the meeting, he said, the PPP delegation informed the Secretariat about it reservations and concerns with regard to the holding of the Local Government Elections and the Commission an-

GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally swered, providing all the relevant information. The issues raised included the period for Claims and Objections versus a ninth cycle of continuous registration; the non-availability of lists for each constituency for use during the Claims and Objections period; the listed number of registered voters in each Constituency and Municipality; the non-availability of sketch maps showing each constituency with clear lines of demarcation; absence of voter education; preparation of NDCs for Local Government Elections and provisions for voting by the Disciplined Services; the effectiveness of GECOM’s communication strategy relative to the conduct of Local Government Elections, considering that there will be a host of other national events that are likely to be held around the same period, and also concerns about an ethnic imbalance relative to persons employed by GECOM. According to Lowenfield, it was custom and practice for the last day of the month preceding the month earmarked for the holding of elections, to be used as the qualifying date. He pointed out that the same principle had been applied in choosing the February 29, 2016 as the qualifying date for Local Government Elections. He stated that as it relates to the question whether the

period for Claims and Objections was adequate as against conducting a cycle of continuous registration, the duration of the ongoing Claims and Objections exercise is 35 days i.e. 28 days for Claims and Objections and an additional seven days to treat with objections. He noted that the registration transactions that were being done, targeting persons from non-local authority areas were specific to those areas and that this must not be construed to mean (i) that the Commission was in fact conducting the 9th cycle of Continuous Registration, and (ii) that the relevant transaction would have any relativity to the PLVs/ Local Government Elections. With reference to the Preliminary Register of Voters, Lowenfield explained that a compact disc containing the comprehensive Preliminary Lists of Voters (PLVs) for all of the nine Municipalities and sixt- two NDCs was given to the delegation at the meeting. This list contains the total number of electors in every Constituency in all of the Municipalities and NDCs. A hard copy was later presented to the party three days later. Surujbally stated, in response to Rohee’s query about the effectiveness of GECOM’s communication strategy relative to the conduct of Local Government Elections, considering that there will be a host of other national events that are likely to be held around the same period, that GECOM is charged with the conduct of Local Government Elections, a task which GECOM is committed to competently carrying out, regardless of any national or other event which may occur simultaneously. He also insisted that there was no ethnic imbalance relative to persons employed by GECOM. (see related story on page 11) Rohee had indicated that the PPP was disappointed with the answers provided at the meeting, mostly as they regarded the demarcation of boundaries, and “the re-employment of persons as elections officials who are known party activists belonging to the PNC/APNU/AFC.” He purported that the answers provided by Surujbally and Lowenfield were basically information that was already in the public domain and thus the PPP had nothing new to take away from the meeting. A press statement from GECOM indicated that since all of the delegations questions were answered, they were skeptical as to what “could be the objective of such a deliberate misinformation.”

Friday November 13, 2015

Parents of newborn injured at GPHC to sue hospital The parents of the newborn boy, who sustained a fractured skull after a nurse reportedly dropped him in the maternity ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), have retained a lawyer in their quest to be compensated for injuries their baby sustained. This publication has been reliably informed that the infant’s parents, Akeem Balgobin and Pholmattie Ramjattan, have been able to

retain Attorney-at-law, Anil Nandlall, to represent them as they pursue legal action against the hospital. Nandlall yesterday confirmed this development pointing out that he has already sent a letter to the hospital and another to the doctor, who performed the surgery on the baby last Friday. The attorney said that he requested the infant’s medical report from the GPHC and the findings will be used as the

basis for litigation. Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton could not be reached for a comment yesterday but he had stated that the nurse in question was sent on leave to facilitate an investigation which was launched a day after the incident was reported. He did say that if it is found that the baby sustained injuries as a result of negligence, action will be taken against the people involved.

Bandit uses gunfire to escape after $2M Cambio heist It was near pandemonium in the New Amsterdam market yesterday morning, as a lone gunman robbed the popular Hack’s Variety Stall, owned by Rashid Hack, and escaped with a bag of cash - not before firing shots in the air, which caused those in the market and its environs to run for cover. According to reports, a variety of items are sold at the establishment, and the owner is a licenced Cambio dealer. The stall opened for business around 08:00 hrs and it was not too long after, that an individual dressed in a red shirt and black pants went to the premises under the pretext of conducting business. The man suddenly whipped out a gun and held employee Alvin Mature at gunpoint, and demanded cash. Whilst using expletives the unmasked bandit pressed the gun to the man’s mouth threatening to shoot, if he didn’t hand over money. Two bags of money were then

grabbed by the gunman. The bandit, before leaving took another employee hostage and fired shots in the air. This caused other vendors and shoppers to scamper for cover. The man then ran out of the market with gun and bag in hand through heavy rain. He then ran towards New Street where an accomplice was awaiting on a motorcycle. The men then rode up the one-way before turning into Lad Lane and disappearing in the vicinity of Angoy’s Avenue. Speaking to the media, the stall owner stated that he was at home at the time of the robbery. He said that he received a telephone call about 08:30h informing him of the incident. The businessman stated that he was out of the country for the past four weeks and only returned to the country on Tuesday. He had left a large quantity of cash with his employees to conduct business, including making

purchases. He said the money included sales from this cambio business. He did not have a chance to go through the books and to do any banking. He had planned to do so yesterday. He stated that he lost over $2M. The man, who sells a variety of items including household and electrical items, stated that his business has been robbed over five times, including one occasion when an entire money chest was moved out. He has been applying for a firearm licence for a long time, but was repeatedly denied. An eyewitness stated that the thief was seen in the vicinity for some time before the stall opened and had told those around that he was waiting to do some business and “change some money with Hack.” A witness stated that he gave chase, but aborted his pursuit since he realized that the man had a gun and was not shy to use it.

PPP sees Specialty Hospital decision as vindication -Govt. reminds nation of “reckless moves” By Abena Rockcliffe The recent announcement that Government will be moving to complete the Specialty Hospital is being viewed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as vindication that it was heading in the right direction in seeking to execute the project. However, that view is definitely not being shared by the government. In fact, the government thinks it is absurd that the PPP will view this as vindication. Yesterday, the Opposition held a press conference chaired by Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, with shadow Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, by her side. The two, especially Dr. Anthony, spoke extensively on health and health-related

Dr. Frank Anthony issues facing the nation. Among the topics, was the Specialty Hospital, a

project which the PPP is claiming was “deliberately and spitefully” stalled by the opposition. The PPP is of the opinion that the fact that the government, while in opposition, was pushing to stall the project, but is looking to get it underway now, is proof that the PPP knew why it was pushing ahead for its execution. Teixeira noted that the PPP “from the beginning” faced a host of criticisms from the then APNU+AFC Opposition. She said that effectively, the combined Opposition stymied the plans to build the hospital which set the project back by a number of years. Teixeira said, “The PPP/C has been vindicated, in that (Continued on page 33)

Thursday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 9

Guyana reserves the right to a reservation… Guyana, under the PNC, has always dodged the issue of sovereignty of the islands to which both Argentina and Great Britain lay claim. For Argentina, these islands are known as the Malvinas; to the British they are referred to as the Falklands. It is being reported in social media that Guyana at the recent Arab-South America Summit expressed a reservation on this issue. It is not clear what this means. The true intention of Guyana could have been lost in the translation. But it could also mean that Guyana expressed a reservation to the agreements reached at the meeting. Expressing a reservation is one of the means that is adopted in relation to international agreements. There are, for example, international agreements that are signed by governments, but these governments can express a reservation on particular articles of the agreement. In instances when treaties have to be ratified, a country may decide to express a reservation, that is, to state the conditions under which it will be bound by certain aspects of the treaty. Guyana’s reported

“reservation” on the Falklands/ Malvinas issue must therefore not be interpreted as Guyana sitting on the fence and not taking a position. It could be that Guyana was expressing reservation in relation to the agreements reached at the Summit. There has been some attempt to spin confusion concerning the position of Guyana on this c o n t r o v e r s y. T h e r e h a s been an attempt to contrast the position adopted by the PPP government with the position adopted by the PNC government. The PPP’s position is not necessarily at odds with the PNC’s position. The PPP has made it clear where it stands on the issue of sovereignty of the disputed islands, while the PNC has not. The PNC government have never taken a position on the sovereignty of the islands. This is quite unlike what the media is trying to make out. Burnham never supported Britain’s actions in 1982 to send warships to combat Argentina. He could not, since he was just as opposed to that as he was to Argentina’s military junta’s actions to

retake the islands. The PNC’s position has always been about the use of force and not about sovereignty. Its position has been that it opposed Argentina’s use of force in 1982 to take possession of the islands. The PNC has never said it recognized the islands as belonging to Britain. It never ventured this position, because it was more concerned about the use of force. The PNC’s position is quite understandable. It had reason to adopt the position that it did. In the face of Venezuela’s claims to Guyana, it was in the interest of the PNC government to reject force as a means of settling the issue of sovereignty. The PPP on the other hand was always very clear that the islands belonged to Argentina. There was never any dispute within the PPP about this. The PPP supports Argentina’s sovereignty to the islands and rejects Britain’s arguments that the right to self-determination of the people of the islands accords sovereignty to Britain.

The people of the islands have voted overwhelmingly to remain British, but this has little bearing in international law on the question of sovereignty. In fact it can be strongly argued that before the issue of selfdetermination can be decided, the issue of sovereignty has to be settled. In so far as the Falklands/

Malvinas islands are concerned, the PPP government had determined where it stood on the question of sovereignty. It stood with the rest of South America with Argentina. This is where the PPP has always stood. The PNC on the other hand has never made a

decision on who owns the islands. It has merely decided that force should not be the means to settle this issue.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 13, 2015

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

How do the police do their investigations? In both independent dailies – the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News - the reporting on the case of the “Robb Street granny murder” cited one of the accused giving a voluntary statement to the police in which he implied that a well known businessman, whose operation in motor spares is next to the house of the “murdered granny” wanted the woman out of the way. In these reports, there was absolutely no mention if the police interviewed the businessman. It doesn’t

mean that during the investigation, the police did not question him. Here is a quote from each newspaper; “Before we go pun de wuk Otis de tell me that we didn’t got fuh worry, because Trans lived next door and how I get fuh figure out that is Trans wuk is because about a week before, Trans, I think he name Satish, because I hear Otis de calling he Satish, he come in Albouystown and he and Otis de talking. He de telling Otis that he and a lady deh in court over some land dispute and how the lady is cross …Is the same lady Otis put we fuh kill on Robb Street, right next to Satish house.” (end of quote). This is from the Kaieteur

News.Here is the quote from the Stabroek News; “About a week before, Trans—I think he name Satesh, because I hear Otis calling he Satesh— he come in Albouystown and he and Otis did talking and he did telling Otis that he and a lady deh in court over some land dispute and how de lady is a cross and he want she go down. Jacobs said, according to the statement. Jacobs claimed that the lady his friends were paid to kill was the same lady who was at the centre of Otis’ and Satesh’s discussion that day. Is the same lady Otis put we fuh kill on Robb Street, just next to Satesh store.” (end of quote) No popularly known businessman has been charged with the murder. So it leaves you to wonder what the motive of the four men was for killing “granny.” From the reporting of the trial, it seems that someone wanted granny out of the way over a dispute with property.

In the court proceedings, it was revealed that no one by the name of Satesh was charged. Satesh is a typical East Indian name. It meant therefore that a person of Indian descent was allegedly involved in the conspiracy to kill, but just who or what or where is Satesh? Is it possible there was never any Satesh? But why did his name surface in a confession statement? I guess we have to leave it at that. The “Robb Street granny murder” reminds me of the older folks who have said time and time again that the early days of the fifties and sixties were the best era in Guyana and lamented its passing. In fact, up to a few days ago, Guyanese icon, Moses Bhagwan, in an e-mail to me offered a similar sentiment. Would the police have operated the same way as they do now in the 21st century in Guyana? Were the police more professional and

less corrupt in the fifties and sixties? Do we have policemen in Guyana today that would know that a very wealthy person was behind a crime and would only charge the donkey-cart man who carried the stolen goods that were arranged by the wealthy guy? The “Robb Street granny murder” reminds me of a case carried in this very newspaper years ago. And every day one has to say thank God for the media in this country. There was a dispute within a very rich family. The heiress had put in her will, a whopping sum (millions) for her handyman who served her for over thirty years. That angered some in the family. There was an attempt on the life of the handyman. No one was ever charged. Any schoolboy would know that suspicion had to fall on that family. But maybe our crime sleuths had other ideas about who wanted to murder the

Frederick Kissoon handyman. It could be that the handyman told his grandchild about the money left for him, and so the recalcitrant young man tried to kill him. That was stupid, because how would he have secured the money that was still in the old lady’s will? Is it possible that hits may have been ordered by people so rich that the police’s first approach is get the actual shooter and once that is done, they don’t feel inclined to go after the untouchables? Or the untouchable have envelopes?

Dem boys seh...

Nuff people gun cry again De more people walk is de more dem does see. And de more people see is de more dem want to ask question. De other day a wanted man get shoot in Bagotstown. People claim that he was standing by he gate and some claim that was sitting pun he bridge. Whatever de case, he been home. This is a man who was wanted by de police; this was a man who shoot and kill another man, so he was a bad man. Dem boys want to know how come this man live in he own house and de police couldn’t find him. This man was so brave that he coulda sit on he bridge outside he house and de police deh passing all de time. People in de village know de man, but if dem call de police, no police didn’t tek dem serious. But another young man who just as bad ride up to de young man and shoot him dead. Dem boys want to know if dem have a charge when people kill a wanted man. If dem ain’t got a charge, then de man who do de

shooting in de clear. But that and all got problems because de villagers don’t like de idea of people killing wanted people. And what about all this talk about harbouring a criminal? Nobody ain’t get charge. Dem boys seh that de whole village harbour de wanted man. De strange thing is that de police ain’t put out a statement bout de killing, which mean that dem know that when people kill a wanted man dem can’t charge de person. But dem boys want to know if people didn’t see when some people decide to burn down de trigger man house. Dem have a saying that when you see you mattie house burning, throw water. Dem see somebody set a house on fire and dem ain’t throw water. Dem know who burn de house and arson is a crime, but dem ain’t telling de police. Ray Charles did sing “Is crying time again.” He know wha he did singing. Talk half and watch de tears fall.

Thursday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

GGMC praises Troy Resources for “exceptional job”

Oil exploration can synchronize with a green economy - Governance Minister

A visit by a team from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), recently to the Troy Resources Karouni Gold Project in Region Seven, has led to the opinion that the company has done an exceptional job in ensuring that the tenets of the Mineral Agreement, which was signed in 2014, were being upheld. The team, which was headed by Chairman of the GGMC Board of Directors, Clinton Williams, included Head of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), Lisaveta Ramotar, Secretary of the GGMC Board, Jacques Foster, Technical Officer- Mining, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Euileen Watson and former President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDM), Patrick Harding. They were briefed on the status of the project by Executive Director on Project Development, Ken Nilsson, before given a full tour of the Karouni operations. Williams explained that the visit and tour was organized for the GGMC to see firsthand, whether the corporate, social and other responsibilities to which the company had agreed in the 2014 agreement, were achieved. “We had signed a Mineral Agreement last year with Troy Resources for them to produce gold in commercial quantities. The intention was that Guyana would benefit in many ways. First of all, it was ensuring that we get foreign exchange, that we get employment for our people and that we would have a transfer of technology. With this particular agreement, we emphasized that we needed to increase their corporate social responsibilities and they agreed to these commitments,” the Chairman said. According to Williams’ observations, the company has outdone itself in fulfilling its obligations as agreed to in the Mineral Agreement.

Chairman of GGMC Board, Clinton Williams “They told me they were able to employ 96 percent of Guyanese for their overall workforce. They have made contractors and other skilled persons into entrepreneurs; they provide sewing machines to the surrounding indigenous communities and then commissioned them to sew their curtains and soon, their uniforms, and they are also looking to encourage the communities to partake in agriculture so that they can purchase their vegetables from them instead of Georgetown,” Williams disclosed. The operations at Karouni currently host a medical unit which is manned by a doctor and provides medical services to not only the staff of the mine, but also to miners in the area and the nearby Amerindian communities. In an effort to transfer technical knowledge and boost the capacity of locals, the company has embarked on a training programme to instruct staff in the operation of the mine. Upon completion of the training, staff will be certified and this will ensure that they have the necessary paperwork to support their skills. More importantly is the commitment made by the company to work with the Commission and the Government of Guyana to develop technology, which

can help small and medium scale miners to improve their gold recoveries and reduce the use of mercury in the recovery process. “Small and medium scale miners usually have a gold recovery rate of approximately 40-50 percent, but with the introduction of new technologies and processing methods, these can be vastly improved,” he explained. The company has sought the services of an expatriate who is currently working with staff and the Safety and Health personnel to elevate the level of Occupational Health and Safety practices and norms to that of international standards. The Chairman further noted that the Troy Resources operations, coupled with the Guyana Goldfields/ Aurora Gold Project; two major international companies; will ensure that the total receipts from gold production and sales remain within the targeted 400,000 ounces per year, despite the fluctuation in gold prices. While he noted that the company will probably take an additional three months to launch full scale operations, Nilsson said that they are accelerating preparations to pour the first gold bar in about two weeks. Troy Resources had proposed a medium-scale gold mine designed to produce up to 110,000 ounces of gold per annum, based on an average overall recovery of 92 percent at the Black Water Creek, Kaburi Area, in Region Seven. The mine will be focused on the recovery of ore for processing from Smarts and Hicks gold deposits. The project components include an open cut mine, processing plant, tailings storage facility, mine site accommodation and additional infrastructure required to recover and to process ore for the recovery of gold.

Despite Guyana’s position of being a ‘Green Economy’ and recent climate change accusations made against oil giant ExxonMobil, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, says that the Government “will not be denying themselves the opportunity of economic prosperity simply because we have a green economy”. In October of this year, ExxonMobil had allegations leveled against them by United States Senators, Ted Lieu, Mark DeSaulnier, Bernie Sanders and Sheldon Whitehouse, of promoting and funding climate change denials, despite knowing of the connection between the burning of fossil fuels and climate change. When faced with the question of how oil exploration synchronizes with Guyana’s position of being a green economy, Trotman said that “a green economy does not mean that you are not to have any extractive or exploitive industries.” Trotman said that there are models around the world which show that the oil exploration and a green

Page 11

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman economy can be synchronized, and it is just a matter of observing and implementing similar programmes here. He gave the example of Norway, which has, through a combination of steep carbon taxes, careful management of oil wealth and innovation investments, found a balance between a green environment and economic growth. The money garnered from their oil

products are placed in a sovereign wealth fund named the “Pension Fund Global,” while all of its energy is run off of hydropower. It was reported by the Guyana Chronicle in 2009 that the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo during his time as President had made a proposal to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for carbon tax to become part of the new global climate change regime. However, during a telephone interview with Jagdeo, he said that his administration had never tried to submit such a proposal to CARICOM as “it would not make sense,” since Guyana produces a small amount of carbon emissions. Trotman said that the Government is currently looking at a Trinidadian model of a tax similar to carbon tax which finances a “Green Fund.” He stated that if they choose to go in that direction, however, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan would have to make the decision. Efforts made to contact Jordan were unsuccessful.

Surujbally rejects notion of racial imbalance at GECOM “We have a procedure, we have a process. We do not employ Afro-Guyanese! We do not employ IndoGuyanese! We employ Guyanese!” Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr Steve Surujbally said yesterday at a press conference while responding to claims that there was a serious ethnic imbalance at the Commission. He was responding to a concern expressed by General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Clement Rohee that there was racial imbalance at GECOM. Rohee had also enquired whether GECOM had blacklisted anyone who would have performed questionably while working

with the Secretariat in past elections. Even though Surujbally acknowledged that there were a number of GECOM polling agents that might have worked in past elections for a political party, no evidence was produced showing that these persons had performed their duties questionably at the elections. He stated that GECOM was provided with a list of 50 persons who had worked in the 2011 elections as party polling agents and also in the Continued on page 12

Dr Steve Surujbally

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Sexual molestation by police officer…

File back with DPP for advice The police are once again awaiting the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward with an Assistant Superintendent of Police, who is accused of sexually assaulting a young female constable two months ago. Kaieteur News understands that the file on the matter was returned to the DPP for a second time yesterday. This was after she had requested that the Police Office of Professional Responsibility clarify a few points that were contained in their initial report. The OPR investigators had initially recommended that the officer face criminal charges, and according to a source, their recommendations remain the same after clarifying the points for the DPP. The Constable’s mother had expressed that she was beginning to lose faith in the integrity of the Guyana Police Force as a result of the lengthy delay in resolving the matter, added to the fact that the

officer has been elevated to the post of deputy commander in the same police division that the incident occurred. The woman pointed out that since the matter involved a senior rank of the force, she has sought to have an audience with Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, but her efforts have so far been futile. Except for a statement on the matter from Minister of National Security Khemraj Ramjattan, many have been silent, including local women’s groups, which have in the past been vigilant against alleged sexual misconduct against females by persons in authority. She said that she read the Kaieteur News’ report about the alleged incident and felt comfortable that something was being done about it. But she waited for that to happen, and so far it has not. So, with nowhere to turn to, the cop’s mother came to this newspaper. “I am wondering why it taking so long because I

reading about other matters that come up already and I am not hearing anything. This thing happen in the Guyana Police Force, so if my daughter does not get justice what will the public think about the Force?” She said that she is surprised that the officer at the centre of the matter is still on the job, and as a matter of fact is now a Deputy Commander. Strangely, a rank who had given a statement on the matter, which was not favourable to the officer in question, has been transferred to a remote interior location. “That is victimization, man!” she lamented. “What is the Force trying to tell me? What picture are they portraying there when you do something like that? I don’t feel they should have this man working; they should have him under some disciplinary action. If it was a corporal or so, you believe they woulda have him there?” the woman questioned.

Surujbally rejects notion of... From page 11 2015 elections. “This disturbs me in some way,” he said, but added that even though it was worthy of concern, he needed those names before the elections, not after.

“Nothing tells me on those fifty people or fifty-plus people where they erred, where they were miscreants, where they were vagabonds, where they did things that were inimical to the interest

of a party - that is not part of the comment,” he charged. He highlighted that at a recent meeting between a PPP delegation and GECOM, Rohee had insisted to know the ethnic ratio of some 12,000 persons who were employed by the Secretariat for the 2015 Elections. Surujbally re-emphasized that there was no ethnic imbalance relative to persons employed by GECOM and that GECOM advertises positions “treated with the applications received, trained personnel and employed based on marks gained at the evaluations,” he said, insisting that ethnicity is not a factor that influences employment by GECOM.

Thursday November 13, 2015

Robb St. granny murder trial…

Killers promised $1.5M for elderly woman’s execution The Caution Statement obtained from Orwin Hinds, the number one accused in the execution-style killing of Robb Street resident Clementine Fiedtkou–Parris was yesterday admitted as evidence in the High Court trial. Four men are currently on trial for the murder which occurred on June 30, 2011. Hinds, called “Red Man,” of Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, East Bank Demerara; Kevin October called, “Troy,” of Second Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Cleon Hinds and Roy Jacobs called “Chippie” or “Black Boy”, of Evans Street, Charlestown, are facing Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury. The accused are being represented by Attorneys-atLaw, George Thomas, Moti Singh, Raymond Alli and Maxwell McKay. Following a Voir Dire yesterday, the caution statement of Cleon Hinds was admitted into evidence. The case is being presented by State Attorneys Narissa Leander and Teshana Lake. Fiedtkou-Parris was shot and killed in her home on June 30, 2011, by gunmen, who were reportedly hired to end her life, over a property dispute. On the day of the shooting, two men reportedly went to the woman’s Lot 42 Robb Street residence and requested an audience with her. Upon hearing the persons requesting her presence, she moved to the door, where the gunmen opened fire on her. She was hit several times about the body and died. It was reported that after the shooting, the suspects made their escape in a waiting car. However, the men were

Murdered: Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris purportedly caught on camera committing the act. The gunmen were allegedly paid to end the woman’s life. According to the statement, read by Police Witness Mark Garnett, the accused told police investigators that he learnt of a plan to kill the woman from his friends “Black Boy” and “Dutchie.” “Black Boy tell we that he does work for a big Indian man and the man want he to kill a woman over some land problem and they want to use the gun. The accused had told police that he had previously collected a .38 revolver from Jermaine Shepherd, a boy he knew from “East.” Hinds had related further that the hit-men were set to collect $1.5 million for the old woman’s “head” and he was offered an additional $100,000 to rent the gun. He said that he met the men on more than one occasion to discuss how they would kill the lady; they even went to check out her house on Robb Street.

Hinds told the investigators that on the night of the incident, he and Dutchie went into the woman’s’ yard and called out to her. He recalled that, “a big man” was also present at the residence. “Dutchie open the gate and walk up the step and said good night to the big man, who was on the step, and he ask de big man if aunty deh home, and the big man call the lady and tell she (somebody) come to you.” At this time, the accused recalled the woman came to the door inquiring who the visitor was. Hinds recounted that at this time, his friend had pushed the big man on the steps aside and de calling me fuh hold the man. “I told he me ent deh pun that…People went out pun the neighbour verandah across the road and I look at them...Then I hear two shots, me see Dutchie with the gun in he hand and me run back to the car.” Hinds related, “Me, Dutchie, Troy and Black Boy,” escaped in a waiting car. Subsequent to the reading of the Caution Statement, the witness was subjected to a series of questions from Defence Counsel, George Thomas. Thomas suggested to the witness that his client (Orwin Hinds) was beaten and forced to sign the statement. He also questioned Garnett whether he had made attempts to check for or find “Black Boy,” or “Dutchie,” during the investigation. But Garnett told the Court that he was not tasked with investigating the crime, that he only witnessed the taking of the caution statement.

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Govt., Speaker in plot to muzzle opposition - says PPP Chief Whip

By Abena Rockcliffe The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is convinced that it is the target of a “devious” plot which does not harmonize with the cherished democracy that is supposed to characterize the Parliament. The plot, according to opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, is one that aims to muzzle the opposition. Further, Teixeira is of the opinion that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland is a part of this plot. Teixeira held a press conference yesterday at Freedom House. At that forum, she told the media of the perceived predicament facing the opposition and chronicled the series of events that led her to the conclusion that her party is being muzzled. Teixeira said that she wrote a letter to the Speaker last week, under the requisite Standing Orders, asking him to convene an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly at soonest in the public interest. She said that she noted that this was to debate the matters that are pending on the National Assembly’s agenda including opposition matters. The Opposition Whip said that she indicated that her side is willing to meet on any date in November, providing that it does not fall on a Saturday or Sunday. She said that the Standing Order cited allows the Speaker and/or the government to convene a sitting in the public interest, or on a matter that is of public interest. Teixeira’s appeal comes at a time when government, with the approval of the Speaker, moved to postpone a sitting from November 12 (yesterday) to an indefinite date. Government reasoned that Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) and other matters stand in the way of the availability of its Members. Government also said that it requested an earlier date, but later withdrew the request. Teixeira said that as Chief Whip, she knew nothing about that request until the government statement was put out. She said that the PPP’s information is that there may be no sitting in November. Teixeira indicated that yesterday morning she received a two-and-a-half page letter from the Speaker and he admitted that there are two limbs on which such a request may be considered. Those are; if it was

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira represented by the government to the Speaker that public interest requires an early sitting or if the Speaker in his opinion sees it that public interest requires that the House should meet earlier than the date to which it stands adjourned. Dr. Scotland ruled that the opposition lacks the locus standi to make a request of the kind contained in Teixeira’s letter. He indicated that even if the request was in order, given the fact that the matter which is the subject of the private members’ motion (salary increases) has been the subject of discussion in the public domain, he is of the view that the public will not suffer prejudice by the postponement of the sitting, neither would the public interest not be adequately addressed though the arrangement already in place. In the circumstances, therefore, the Speaker said that the request by the opposition is not in order and would not be entertained. The issue that the PPP is pressing to address is salary increases for government officials. The order was made that the ministers, members of the national assembly and special offices receive increases in salary. When the order is made and gazette it becomes law, but it is required that it goes through a parliamentary process and if this gives a negative resolution, the order is to be reversed. Citing technical parliamentary procedures in accordance with the Standing order and the interpretation of the general clauses in law, and the Speaker’s action, Teixeira said, “Therefore this deliberate postponement of the House sitting from November 12 to a date to be fixed and the denial of an appeal to the Speaker to do what is honourable and best, and allow for the sitting to be held in the month of November, basically says they are killing the motion of the opposition to call for a reversion or annulment of the

salary increases.” The politician added, “This is deliberate, conscious, planned orchestrated engineered, you pick the adjective to ensure that the opposition, in this parliament is muzzled.” “I have been around in parliament long enough and I have advised the Clerk to please go into the records; because before I formally wrote on Monday, I reminded the parliament office that in 2012 or 2013, the government of the day had named the date of when we were convening. But after recess something happened, and therefore we asked for the date to be postponed to another. The Speaker then agreed, and a ton of bricks came down from the then opposition to demand, under the same standing order that we are quoting, that you had to go back to parliament and call for a postponement.” Teixeira said that the government had to then go back and comply with the opposition. According to her, “We may not have a sitting until sometime in January and if this doesn’t worry the Guyanese people, it should; parliamentary democracy is on the rocks.” Teixeira stressed that Parliament is made up of rules, gentlemen’s agreements, practices, conventions and norms “not everything is written. But one thing a democratic parliament does not do, is try to muzzle the opposition, particularly in an issue that has created such public interest in relation to the exorbitant salary increases for the ministers.” Teixeira opined that the Speaker was being unreasonable in his interpretation of the Standing Orders and was asked if she was inferring that he is part of the plot she spoke of. Skunking her shoulder, she said, “You draw the inferences. I have made my position clear; we have seen this with previous speaker Mr. (Raphael) Trotman in the last Parliament, you take any inference how you like it.” Responding to question about the similarities between this and the prorogation, Teixeira said it was a “red herring… those are two unrelated issues. There is no comparison and if you were to say that the Commonwealth Parliamentary group would laugh at you and laugh at any (Continued on page 29)

Page 13

Harbour Bridge tragedy…

$1M bail for husband on causing death charge Twenty-six year-old, Dhanram Ramdeo Ramlall was yesterday granted bail in the sum of $1M by City Magistrate Judy Latchman, for allegedly causing the death of his wife Gangadai Persaud, by dangerous driving. Ramlall, of 4210 Tuchen Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, denied the allegation which stated that on November 8, at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, he drove motor vehicle GEE 4540, in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Persaud. He will return to court on November 30, for statements in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Attorney Sandil Kissoon made an application on behalf of the defendant for bail. The Attorney asked the Magistrate to grant his client bail in order for him to pay his final respects to his wife, who was laid to rest yesterday. Kissoon told the Magistrate that Ramlall is not a flight risk. The Attorney also promised the court that the defendant will be present for all court hearings. Further, the lawyer argued that contrary to reports in the media, they were no eyewitnesses at the scene of the incident.

Dead: Gangadai Persaud

Charged: Dhanram Ramdeo Ramlall

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Shellon Daniels in relating the facts of the matter, said that Ramlall was driving at a fast rate when he lost control of the vehicle at the retractor span on the bridge. As a result, Daniels stated that the vehicle went overboard with Persaud, who was seated in the front passenger’s seat. While there were conflicting reports surrounding the death of Persaud. It was reported that on the day in question, around 04:45hrs, Ramlall attempted to turn the truck around on the Harbour Bridge. The truck reportedly reversed off the eleventh span of the bridge and ended

up in the Demerara River. The lifeless body of the 22-year-old mother of one, was pulled from the submerged truck, after divers were summoned to the scene. In another report, it was alleged that the driver had attempted to turn around the vehicle by the retractor span, to retrieve a bag of boulangers that had fallen from behind the truck. At the time of the incident the couple was heading to the La Penitence Market to drop off greens. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advised that the charge be laid against Ramlall, after a police file was sent following investigations.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

PSC meets Govt. on proposed law allowing GRA access to bank accounts

Friday November 13, 2015

Gunmen strike at La Penitence Market stall

PSC officials meeting Attorney General Basil Williams and his team. Days after expressing concerns over proposed legislation which would allow the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) access to bank accounts, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday met with the Attorney General (AG), Basil Williams. According to the AG’s Chambers, during the discussions the PSC indicated that they had no difficulty with the proposed amendments but were interested in certain safeguards to protect data obtained by GRA. The business advocacy body wants the proposed legislation to also include

notices by GRA to the customers whose accounts are being accessed. PSC also wanted assurance over the care and custody of the data as well as the specifying of the reasons why the data was being requested. The Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2015 was recently tabled in the National Assembly. The PSC delegation was headed by Major General (Ret’d), Norman Mc Lean, and included Immediate Past President, Ramesh Persaud; Chairperson of the Legal Affairs Committee, Attorneyat-Law, Patricia Bacchus, and Manniram Prashad. The AG, who was accompanied by

Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Cecil Dhurjon SC, CCH, gave the PSC assurances that their concerns would be examined and addressed. Last week, the PSC wrote the Attorney General over the issue, asking for a meeting. There have been concerns that information could be misused for other purposes. PSC in the letter that was released to the media said it welcomes the move for GRA’s access to the financial banking data of citizens, as this would certainly aid tax enforcement mechanisms and should reduce the incidence of tax avoidance. “We do have some (Continued on page 27)

The stall which the gunmen robbed

The owner points to the spot where the bullet struck Vendors of the La Penitence Market on Saffon Street are calling for more security during shopping hours. This call follows a daring daytime robbery committed by two gunmen yesterday on stallholder Mahabeer Chunilall. The man and his wife Ranie were held up by the robbers while they were conducting business at their grocery stall. Recounting events, Chunilall said at about 15:15 hrs two “young boys” came

through the middle gate of the market and before they knew it, one placed a gun to his person. “He pointed the gun to me and said don’t move, and the other one open the stall door, walked in and picked up the two boxes of money containing the day’s sales.” Most of the stalls were closed, and according to Chunilall, no constable was around at the time. “Those constables were at the back of the market at the time and here at the market is a set of females stationed,”

the stallholder for more than twenty years recounted. The man’s wife was also in the shop. She said, “Dem youngsters fired one shot at me and missed, after I step away in the shop.” The bullet left a hole in the wall. After the unmasked youngsters collected the money boxes they walked out of the market through the back gate and entered a white station wagon. The stallholder said he had applied for a firearm since 1998 and is yet to get one.

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 27

GRDB: Rice exports up despite low prices As worry continues to mount over markets for rice, authorities have announced that private exporters have commitments for 220,000 tonnes over the next few months. To date, there has been a six percent increase in rice exports for 2015 in comparison to the same time period last year, reports General Manager (ag) of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan. Statistics for 2015 show 437,448 tonnes of rice being exported in comparison to 412,220 tonnes for the same period last year. With just two months remaining in 2015, Hassan, in a statement issued, was confident that 2015 will be another successful year for the industry. “We are very confident that the exports of rice and rice products will pass 2014’s fare.” Venezuela, following the discovery of oil by USowned ExxonMobil earlier this year, restated its claims on two-thirds of Essequibo

- exporters have commitment for 220,000 tonnes

as well as a part of the maritime areas, including the area where the well was drilled. That neighbouring country has also told the

Government of Guyana that it was not renewing a rice-foroil pact it had, beyond this month. Guyana had been taking oil under the

PSC meets Govt. on proposed law... (From page 14) concerns, however, and these relate to data protection and privacy rights. We are cognizant that the granting of legislative authority for access to citizens’ bank account data, is not peculiar to Guyana, and many countries around the world, particularly the more developed ones, have similar provisions in their legislation. “However, jurisdictions where such legislation exists usually have corresponding provisions dealing with criteria for access and protection of the data once accessed or released.” The commission, which has as its members banks,

telephone companies and host of manufacturing and other businesses, said it has researched the issue and has found examples in the United Kingdom - which has a Data Protection Act, and in the United States of America - where the protection is built-in to the same Act which provides for access, along with Regulations governing the criteria for federal revenue authority’s access to and usage of the data. As a short term measure, PSC suggested that the US approach may be more prudent, while Guyana develops a more general data protection mechanism. The PSC recommended

that in the absence of a Data Protection Act, it would prefer to see an amendment which caters to a number of concerns, and corresponding regulations guiding the GRA. Among other things, the PSC wants the criteria governing requests for access; notice to be served on citizens regarding intended request for access, along with an indication of the law for which enforcement is being sought via such access; care and control which such data is in the custody of GRA, and recourse available to citizens if said data is unlawfully released or published by GRA.

PetroCaribe arrangement and paying with rice and paddy, for over five years now. It had left the new Government scrambling to find new markets. According to Hassan, GRDB is assuring rice farmers that their paddy will be sold, and that measures will be put in place to ensure they are paid in a timely manner. “The GRDB has a responsibility to ensure, support and encourage millers to pay their farmers. However, it is largely a private arrangement, but because of the law that exists, millers have 42 days to pay their farmers.” He assured that as regulators, GRDB and Government will continue to be proactive in their roles in

ensuring rice farmers are paid in a timely manner. However, in highlighting the challenges farmers face in receiving payment, Hassan explained that many millers had purchased paddy with the expectation of receiving higher prices than they are currently receiving. “When Guyana was exporting to Venezuela we were getting US$780 per tonne of white rice,” Hassan pointed out. The price previously offered by Venezuela is double that of the world market price which averages at US$390 per tonne. Presently Guyana has agreed to sell its white rice between US$335 to US$400 per tonne while parboiled rice sells for as much as US$600 per tonne. It is true also that Guyana’s rice yield has been significantly increasing in recent years, raising the problem of finding new markets for the extra rice. For the first half of 2015, Guyana’s production is recorded as 359,960 tonnes a 15.3 per cent increase from last year’s record high firsthalf production of 312,283 tonnes. There were problems also with the lucrative Venezuelan market. In July of this year, GRDB officials visited and discovered that there were 876 containers - two shipments of Guyana’s rice that had not been remov e d f r o m t h e w h a r f . T h e b a c k l o g of Guyana’s rice on Venezuela’s wharf was cleared four months after. “As Guyana’s rice farmers continue to produce bumper crops it is government’s

GRDB’s General Manager (ag), Nizam Hassan mandate to facilitate the provision of additional rice markets. Additional markets will ensure that rice farmers are paid for the rice they produce in a timely manner. GRDB continues to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure there is no undue disruption to rice exports and unnecessary hardships endured to rice farmers.” With thousands of farmers in all three counties involved in rice, the worries have been many. From low prices to storage to proper access roads and late payments from millers, farmers are now contending with low water levels as a result of the current El Nino weather conditions.

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Wismar resident accuses cops of breaking into his home Some ranks of the Guyana Police Force stationed in Linden are being accused by a Wismar resident of allegedly breaking and entering his home under the pretext of searching for guns and ammunition. According to Nigel Sommersall of 67 ‘C’ Wismar Housing Scheme, he was not at home on October 5, 2015, when ranks visited his home and broke into it. “I was in de bush and they go by me house and break it and go in. They carry away money, household things, motorcycle and other things.” Sommersall claims that the

ranks removed $350,000 in cash, two DVD players, one 42-inch Flat screen TV, one equalizer, one amplifier, one cross over, one motorcycle and one Stihl 51 Chain Saw a total value of $1.25 million. Sommersall noted that the motorcycle was returned to him, but he is yet to receive the remainder of his belongings. He also noted that all the ranks were transferred from Linden, except one who was removed from the CID Department and is now in uniform. Sommersall claimed he saw the rank wearing his sunglasses. “I see he with me shades on”.

Sommersall claimed that as he was standing in the courtyard the rank spoke with him and begged him to “go light”. “You ain’t see that police who de talking to me just now? He had on me shades and now he begging me. He tell me it could cost him his job, so I must go easy. “But I want back me things. They say they come fuh search fuh guns and ammunition. How they could go in me house and me ain’t deh home and carry away me things?” Sommersall said that all he wants is for the police to return his things.

Health of region’s workforce must be... (From page 6) regional climate reform”. LaRocque said strengthening the public-private linkage will require a deepening of the consultative modes currently used for engagement with the private sector. Key to facilitate this necessary dialogue, he said, is a representative regional body for the private sector which can reflect the views and interest of the entire spectrum. “I am sure that we all look forward for the establishment of the long-awaited Caribbean Business Council.” The Secretary-General posited that a competitive and vibrant private sector is critical for the strengthening of the CSME; the main tool to build its economic resilience and to provide a platform for further integration into the global economy. “However, there are some

areas in the CSME which need to be addressed in order to strengthen the platform on which to base the interface with external partners. These areas include certain elements of the regime for trading goods, the application of technical measures, in particular sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS), trading services and services regulations, investment and competition policies among others. “As considerations of the future directions of CARICOM external trade policy and strategy at this meeting, the objective of that policy must be grounded in the regional developmental imperatives.” LaRocque further noted that the language of the strategic plan must contribute to the building of economic and social resilience. Critically, he said, there must also be coordination between external trade strategies

and the community’s foreign policy; a policy that must have the effect of placing regional enterprises of all scales of operations in the best position to take advantage of and participate in global as well as regional value chains. “A dynamic regional programme of trade and investment promotion to compliment the national trade and investment programmes is also needed. This along with trade and research marketing information would help to further identify CARICOM’s opportunities in the global economy.” The meeting, he said, offers an opportunity for participants to examine the strategies for regional investment promotions prepared by Caribbean export which benefitted from consultations throughout the Community. Suriname’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Sieglien Burleson, the Chairperson of the COTED, also presented an overview to the participants.

Friday November 13, 2015

Diet is fundamental in diabetic care - says Nutritionist While the use of prescribed medication is an important factor in helping to control diabetes, Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator, Djamilsa Lambert, has underscored that the importance of one’s diet cannot be downplayed. Even as she described an appropriate diet as “fundamental”, Lambert explained that diabetes is a condition whereby the glucose in the food eaten does not enter the blood stream swiftly enough to allow the pancreas to make insulin that creates energy. The pancreas, as one of the organs of the digestive system, is found in the abdomen. Offering a simplified version of how food is processed in the body, Lambert explained that “It goes into your mouth, is digested through your stomach, and in the stomach it has to be transformed into liquid form in order to travel from the blood to the cells.” But persons with diabetes, Lambert informed, are encouraged to eat more, and this she disclosed could translate to them eating every three hours. However, “if you eat a large amount of food it means there will be a larger amount of sugar that you are adding in your system. The foods need a transporter to go from the blood to the cells, and this is what we call insulin.” Insulin is a hormone that helps to ensure that an individual’s blood sugar level does not become too low or too high.

Nutritionist Djamilsa Lambert pages through a guidebook for diabetics.

“If your body is only making a certain amount of insulin and you are eating double and triple times, a large amount of that food (in its broken down form) will not enter into the cells,” Lambert asserted. The resulting state of affairs, she noted, will be that the kidneys will have to do more work to get rid of these foods, and the heart too will have a more tedious task to pump blood that has a “heavier” concentration of unprocessed sugar. “At some point, if all of this sugar doesn’t get into the cells, the kidneys will have to eliminate it through the urine, so we are exposing the kidneys to hard work; your heart is exposed to hard work to circulate this ‘heavy’ blood, and you are exposing your optic nerves too, to not having the necessary vitamins, oxygen and nutrients, because the processed foods never reach those areas,” Lambert outlined, as she stressed that diet plays a fundamental role. She moreover asserted that people with diabetes should seek to stay away from foods that offer them no nutritional value. “For example ice cream, cookies and aerated drinks...these have no vitamins, no minerals; just sugar. By taking these, you are exposing yourself to higher blood sugar without

getting any of the effects of what foods should really be about,” said Lambert. As such, she noted that diabetics are instead urged to consume more peas, beans and healthy grains. Lambert also recognised the importance of physical activities to persons with diabetes. She pointed out that if the pancreas is not making enough insulin to be taken to the cells, physical activities could in fact help to make the blood free of too much accumulated sugars. This by extension would reduce the work of the kidneys from filtering the blood and reducing the work of the heart from pumping the heavy concentration of sugar. She however asserted that “We are not telling all the patients to join a gym, but add a walk for at least 45 minutes.” On this note, Lambert expressed her hope that persons will come out in their numbers tomorrow to be a part of a walk to observe International Diabetes Day. The walk, according to Lambert, will start at the Square of the Revolution and culminate at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. At the end of the walk persons can have their blood sugar levels checked and Lambert, who functions out of that hospital, is convinced that they will be pleasantly surprised.

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Charges against Dr. Westford breach amnesty - Neil Boston Senior Counsel, Neil Boston, has maintained that the institution of criminal charges against Former Minister of Public Service, Dr Jennifer Westford, and her Personal Assistant, Margaret Cummings, breaches an amnesty promise made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during a press conference earlier this year. Boston made this claim yesterday, when he addressed the court on why court proceedings against the former Minister and her Personal Assistant, should not go forward. Boston contended that there is evidence for the Magistrate to “stay indefinitely these proceeding”. The Attorney made an hour-long submission before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. In his opening remarks, Boston assured the court that his application has nothing to do with prejudice or fairness. He affirmed that it has to do with “executive abuse”. The lawyer recalled that over the years, the court has frowned over the attempt by any executive to wrongfully misuse the process of the court. Police Prosecutor, Bharrat Mangru was given until November 30, to reply to the Attorney’s submission. Sixteen witnesses are slated to testify on behalf of the prosecution if the matter goes to trial. The former minister was placed on a total of $800,000 bail after she pleaded not

- Attorney cites executive abuse

Margaret Cummings

Dr. Jennifer Westford

guilty to eight charges. The charges alleged that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, she attempted to transfer eight state vehicles to four persons, including her husband, Gary Beaton, Osbert McPherson, Wayne Walker and Delroy Lewis. Westford’s former Chief Personnel Officer, Margaret Cummings, was also slapped with four counts of forgery. Cummings also pleaded not guilty to four charges which alleged that she forged documents for the purchase of the eight motor vehicles. She has been released on a total of $1.2M bail. AMNESTY During his submission, Boston informed the court that the Minister of State had announced an amnesty for persons in possession of state assets. He revealed that the amnesty was brought to light during a June 19, press conference, which he said was aired on HPGTV. Boston stated that Harmon had promised that once the vehicles were returned-no prosecution will

take place. He added that during the press conference, Harmon said, “They can quietly bring them (vehicles) back to the Ministry, in which they came from or to the Office of the President (OP). They can park them outside the gate…” However, Boston said that all the vehicles were returned to the OP and in spite of the official pardon, his clients were charged. The lawyer argued, “The institution of the charges breached the promise (Harmon made). And the court proceeding against Westford and Cummings should be stayed indefinitely.” He noted that the court process is wrongfully being misused by the filing of the charges. As such, the attorney stated, “It offends this court’s sense of justice and priority to be asked to try the two defendants in the circumstances…” BEFORE CRIMINAL CHARGES The lawyer told the court that his clients were

Govt., Speaker in plot... (From page 13) other party that tries to make a comparison between a motion in a sitting House and a no confidence motion”. She told the media that if the government disagrees with PPP “all they have to do is have 33 people in the House and the motion is automatically defeated, but you cannot muzzle our right to speak.” Asked if the PPP is pushing for a sitting now to bank on the absence of government members, She said, “I just know they are travelling plenty, I have been Chief Whip for the government and had extraordinary difficulties making sure that all Members were there for key issues. If

there is a matter of importance to a government it behooves that government to come and protect and defend, and be righteous in its position…they cannot be righteous on this issue, because their arguments thus far in the press is utter

rubbish about the rationale for the increase. Let them come into the House and say those things.” “If the Chief Whip on the other side cannot ensure that all 33 are there does it mean that this Parliament will not be meeting?”

employed in the Public Sector before May 11. He said that Westford was Minster of Public Service and Cummings was acting Permanent Secretary. Boston explained that subsequent to May 11, there were allegations to the effect that attempts were made to transfer Government vehicles from the Ministry of Public Service, which was over sighted by OP. He stated that the vehicles were purportedly transferred to several persons, inclusive of

Westford. According to the lawyer, it was a matter of several breaking stories in the media. Boston exclaimed, “Harmon joined the breaking news train. He had to get in his punches.” PRESS CONFERENCE In early June, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, had told the media that it was brought to his attention that some documents were sent to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), purportedly signed by Permanent Secretary of the

Public Service Ministry, Hydar Ally. This was done under Ally’s letterhead, but signed by someone else. “He had no knowledge of this transaction,” Minister Harmon had stressed. It was Ally, who directed Harmon to the discrepancy in the paperwork forwarded to GRA for the transfer of eight vehicles. In light of the overwhelming evidence, the vehicles were returned to the government. The police were called in to investigate and Westford was charged while Cummings was sent on leave.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

SALON

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Building/Renovating: for quality services from foundation to fine finishes. Contact Trini: 682-9935 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. PARTY DECORATING: balloon creation, back drops etc. for weddings, birthdays, anniversary etc. Make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, A/C, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS CALL: 629-4946 OR 225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@yahoo.com. Call: 225-6496, 662-6045 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES – CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206

WANTED Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated and know to cook. Between 25-35 years. Call 1868-683 1528 Experienced general domestic pastry maker/ cake decorator, roti, puri cook, apply Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. One manager to work at a Hotel on the Essequibo Coast- Call: 226-9768; 6156172 Minibus and hire car drivers with dispatching experience. Call: 645-0025 Live in waitress and cleaner, salary $60,000-$70,000 monthly, between age 18-30. Call: 610-3974 One able body porter; apply at Key Food Trading, Mc Doom Village during working hours. One property to rent for business, long term, within Soesdyke area. Call: 684-2119 Urgently needed live in waitress- Call: 670-2323 Mechanic Driver 40years & older to work on garbage truck- Contact: 658-3079 Security officers to work shift 8hrs & 12yrs -$3,000 nightly, bouncers -$4,000 nightly, electronic security technician. Call: 231-6052 We buy land in Eccles, Herstelling, Providence, Parfaite Harmonie & Schoonord. Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 4 Waitresses, 1 cook to work at Sports Bar, E.C.D -$17,000 weekly, free accommodation and meals. Call/whatsapp: 661-8802

-Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Introductory male Brazilian waxing; guys don’t be shy!! .Call: 696-7337 for details Affordable salon services: pedi, mani, wash & blowout, facials, etc $2500 each. Vogue @ Kalyan Mall, Lamaha Street- Tel: 647-1773/660-5257

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 Bedrooms bottom flat @ West Ruimveldt - $40,000 per month. Call: 692-7194; 6927377 2 Bedrooms apartment located @ Mon Repos E.C.D, price -$60,000 –Contact: 6929295 or 688-6005 Apartments for rent store space for rent. Call: 681-4275; 231-4432 House in Bel-Air Gardens; 4 bedrooms with all modern convenience. No agents! Call: 231-7839 working hours House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ downstairs, all modern conveniences -$1,600US monthly. Call: 231-7839 working hours One four bedroom house @ Grove New Housing Scheme- Call: 643-6049

VACANCY Popular East Coast Gas Station Day/Night: pump attendants, sales & office assistant. Contact: 658-2013; 695-9880, Strathspey E.C.D. Engineering technician/ intern student, university graduation priority, good salary, to work in CJIA extension project- Call: 6687104, 614-9511 Exist for bartender, waitress, security guard –Contact Sheik or Donald on Tel: 2271131 Supervisor, Handyman, room attendants- Call: 225-0198 or 233 South Road Lacytown.. One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655 Urgently needed 8 bar girls to work in Mahdia, preferably with working experience, attractive salary- Call: 6011479 Truck/tractor drivers, security officer, office assistant, excavators, skid steer operators, labourers, pastry chef, waitress/waiters. Call: 603-4094 1-Welder/Fabricator. Call: 223-5273/5274 1-Diesdel/Gasoline mechanic: knowledge of Model M, TM trucks, caterpillar excavator, hydraulics of power train & Perkins engine. Call: 223-5273/ 5274 1-Mechanic, must know to operate lathe, milling machine, surface grinder, band saw, etc. Call: 223-5273/ 5274 Immediate vacancy: one hair dresser with atleast two (2) years experienced; attractive package. Contact: 625-3899; 264-0034/Nalini’s Beauty Saloon

Thursday November 13, 2015

PROPERTY FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Property at Diamond New Scheme: 1-Three bedroom flat concrete house, price $9.5M negotiable. Call: 2663962; 667-1240 3 Bedroom; 2 flat house for sale, Enterprise, Lincolin Street, Lot 135 -$14M negotiable. Contact: 597-858-4554 (Suriname), Guyana: 602-3643

SALE! SALE! SALE One TOYOTA RZ MINIBUS GJJ series -$1.5Million. One Econoline FORD 2005 GSSSeries-$1.5M.Call:604-6108

Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property at Craig E.B.D, land size 91X50 feet, house 40X28 feet. Call US: 718-213-6496 Zeena & Local: 617-7691 Shameer. One Church & 1-2 Storey house at 180 Charlotte Street Bourda. Call: 227-6817; 6247341 2 Storied transported, concrete property, fully AC, semi-furnished @ Somerset Court. E.B.D 31M neg. Call: 681-1377; 625-2317 PROPERTY WITH 54,000 SQ.FT BOND SPACE ON 1 ACRE OF LAND WITH LOADING & DISCHARGING BAYS. CALL: 225-0790; 226-4878 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete- Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052 One 2 storey 5 bedroom concrete and wooden house with two large self contained rooms, well secured –Tel: 6928923 One Roadside, 2 storey house @ V/Hoop, ground floor, in excellent condition for restaurant or other businesses. Call: 692-8923; 614-0107

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar

Floor sanding & Lacquering House plans, Estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission Tours –Call: 6504362 TOURS Suriname Tour, Shopping, Tours, site seeing November 26th -29th Old years into New Years December 30th – January 3rd –Call: 639-2663; 665-5171

Smart Choice Auto Sales, in stock, Premio, Allion, Fielder, Bluebird, Carina 212, Spacio, Call: 652-3820/ 665-4529 Pearl white reconditioned, Prado Jeep. Call: 624-6702; 624-5838 Honda CRV PSS 2018 -$3M negotiable, Toyota Rush and Premio – New Model unregistered$3.2M negotiable. Call: 655-3400 AT170 Toyota Corona; need body works and CV. Asking $275,000 negotiable. Call: 6638033 Star Cars Auto Sales: Premio, Spacio, Runx, IS, Fielder, Bluebird, Axela, Pit-bull, Raum, Benz -Tel: 268-3509; 679-3140 Bidding- 1 Hilux double cab, starting $3.2M, end date: November, 22, 2015. Call Orin Moses: 603-0535 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 2 Ford F350 Pickup, lift kit, 35inches rims and tyres, also 1 Chevy Van 2007 –Call: 6105370 One Honda CRV, immaculate condition, 17" mags, AC, CD, price -$1.750,000 negotiable. Call: 626-2884

LCD-Plasma-LED TV repairs etc. Contact Abdul Electronics. Call: 225-0391 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Areostan VAN, perfect condition, magrims etc, 22R Toyota Engine, great consumption. Call: 618-4257 or 644-5959 First Class Auto: 08 Premio, Rush, Bluebird, 06 Premio, Spacio IST, Runx. Call: 6098188; 638-3045

Unregistered Fielder Wagon, fully loaded, rims, camera, bodykit, HID, dark interiorCall: 617-5536

TO LET CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM FOR SALE/RENT American Pools table-Call: 277-0578

4 Bedroom house furnished, self contained, master bedroom. Call: 603-6351 One bedroom apartment Mon –Repos E.B.D- No ChildrenCall: 662-9043

EDUCATION Obtain a guaranteed distinction in CSEC Principles of Accounts. Call: 654-1723 for more information Computerised Accounting Programs: 4 Courses -$35,000 @ Micrographics, Vreed-EnHoop (Royal Castle Building). Call: 626-4833

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

Pre-Christmas Deal: 9 course Diploma in Computers, Windows 8, Office 2016 @ Micrographics, Vreed-EnHoop (Royal Castle Building). Call: 626-4833

LAND FOR SALE 1500 Acres Transported land near Bartica, Forestry, Agriculture, loam, sand rock quarry, price to sell. Cal Mark: 603-1266; 625-9788; 704-4652222 Formerly Globe Cinema, corner lot @ Church & Waterloo Street, size 126ftX133ft. Call: 610-2234 Land at Parfaite Harmonie $1.1M, $1.4M, $1.6M, Tuschen 2nd Street -$5.5M, Phase 2, $1.4M- Call:6046724

1 New model Raum AC, TV, mags, PMM series, never worked hire, excellent condition -$1.350M. Call: 6191047 PRR Mazda Axela, auto start alarm, chrome kit excellent condition -$1.5M. Call: 6177113 Damein’s Auto Sales: 20022004 Toyota Premio Cars, prices: $2.3M-$2.4M negotiable. Call: 692-1522 or 614-1333 Continued on page 31

Thursday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Letters... Where your views make the news

Black Guyanese intellectuals and artists support privileges for Africans DEAR EDITOR, The Afro nationalist Abu Bakr queried “What is the definition of the Indian that Indian intellectuals wish to protect and preserve”? Why shouldn’t Indians get respect for addressing issues pertaining to Indians? What exactly is wrong with people speaking on behalf of or in defense of their identity? Should not Portuguese or Chinese or Amerindians be proud of their identity and speak out against abuses they suffer during PNC misrule? Should Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King not speak out against the rights violations of Black Americans and demand racial equity to that of Whites? Eusi Kwayana, Lincoln Lewis, Barrington Braithwaite, Vincent Alexander, David Hinds, Tacuma Ogunseye, Craig Sylvester, Eric Philips, and other Black nationalists “unfurl their ideas of Black identity” with impunity. If it is good for Afro-centric advocates, why is it wrong for advocates to do same on behalf of Indians? Since time immemorial, the entire world has engaged in “identity politics”. When Indians speak about their identity and their persecution,

it is automatically wrong. Isn’t this double standard? Bakr asserted that “Black intellectuals, painters, calypsonians, and artists in general engage in selfcritiques and have participated in one of history’s remarkable examples of self-examination” and he concluded that Indians don’t do same. He is right that Indian artistes and intellects don’t engage in the same manner of self-critique as the African – that is the central point Dr. Ramharack is making in addition to arguing that many Indian intellects (unlike Africans) don’t advocate for their communities out of fear of being branded. But it is an exaggeration to say Black artists and intellects engage in incontrovertible selfintrospection. They often refer to the problems of their community with limited self-criticisms preferring to lay blame on outsiders (perhaps justifiably) for their problems as can be inferred from the writings of so many Black nationalists and nothing is wrong with such an ethnic position. Contrary to what Bakr feels, Black intellects and artistes pay greater attention to Black rights such as

historical land rights, slave reparations, excusing the evils of Burnhamism and rigging elections, justifying the banning of foods (as Bakr himself has mockingly done when he so often trivialized the ‘dhal ban’) critical to the diet of Indians, alleged abuses of the Jagdeo/ Ramotar administrations, ignoring anti-Indian sentiments, preserving and supporting privileges for Africans (such as free electricity for Linden and none for elsewhere), defending racial domination (as in discriminating against Indians, Chinese and Amerindians), excusing degenerative anti-social behavior, etc. Indo-Guyanese intellects and others need to emulate their African counterparts and speak out on the atrocities against their groups. Indisputably, Prof. Ramharack stated that few Indian intellects address issues impacting on Indian Guyanese. Few speak out on critical issues facing the collective, and only a handful of activists participate in a struggle against (anti-Indian or antiAmerindian or anti-Chinese) racism. One constraint for not speaking up is a fear of

professional retribution and also of being a labeled a racist or supremacist or some other negative connotation. Those labels are reserved for Indians when they speak up regarding issues of Indian ‘victimhood’. The same labels apparently don’t apply to Afro-centric advocates who write about Africans or paint or sing on the African experience. Indians are expected to watch what they do or say and don’t respond to attacks from Africans. Africans don’t engage in similar selfrestraint. In contrast to IndoGuyanese, African intellects do not exercise restraint in speaking about problems they face. Africans speak out boldly on issues. Bakr and other Afro intellects would like us to assume that when Africans speak on issues impacting on their group, they do not necessarily negate or criticize Indians unless otherwise so specified. Why shouldn’t the same apply to intellects of other ethnicities (Amerindians, Portuguese, Indians, Chinese)? Speaking on ethnic problems strengthens inter-ethnic relations. Vishnu Bisram

Attorney Bacchus says his client is entitled to his $27 million back pay

DEAR EDITOR, As counsel for Mr. Aeshwar Deonarine, the Deputy Chief Executive officer of GPL, I refer to your front page caption “Government makes no effort to recover $27M from former GPL Deputy CEO” in Wednesday the 11th day of November, 2015 issue of the Kaieteur News. The Minister

of Public Infrastructure by letter dated the 22nd day of July, 2015 purported to send Mr. Deonarine on administrative leave. However, on behalf of Mr. Deonarine, my client, I wish to bring to your attention that the High Court has granted Deonarine an order nisi in cause No. 113 of 2015 (Demerara) on the 3rd day of

November, 2015 calling upon that Minister to show cause why his decision to send Mr. Deonarine on administrative leave should not be quashed as being unlawful, in excess or lack of jurisdiction irrational erroneous in law and ultra vires. That order was entered on the 6th day of November, 2015 and was served on the

When a road becomes not only dangerous but unforgiving DEAR EDITOR, I wish to bring to the attention of the Minister of Communities the plight the residence faced on a daily basis by a long forgotten, onerous and treacherous road that the citizens of Mahaicony have to face; the Mahaicony Branch Road. A journey which should have taken two minutes to Perth Village from central Mahaicony becomes a long twenty (20) minutes agonizing journey. Drivers have to manoeuvre their way as though they are traversing a treacherous terrain in some remote inhabited area.

Drivers have to service their vehicles every week due to damaged incurred because of this unforgiven road. For those who work taxi, over 90% of their earnings returned into servicing their vehicle and little to live on a daily basis. The daily printed media reported of $191 million contracts awarded to rehabilitate roads in a few selected communities. Why is Mahaicony Branch Road neglected? Many senior functionaries of the past administration and the judiciary traverse this road regularly. I guess they don’t personally pay to have their vehicles serviced.

We the residence do and it cost oh yes a hell of money to do so. We voted for change and yes we want a better road with yes street lights. Kirtley A. Williams

Minister on the 11th day of November, 2015. The cause has been made returnable for the 20th day of November, 2015 in Georgetown. My client did not pay himself any money. He was entitled to that sum as his salary was lawfully increased retroactively by those concerned of GPL. GPL is not in any position to dispute that my client was entitled to the sum paid to him. It would be a travesty of justice if my client is charged with any offence in view of the documentary evidence that would be with GPL and which I expect would be surrender to any investigating agency. M. Bacchus Attorney-at-Law

From page 30

FOR SALE Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop & laptop computers from -$49,000, free games & educational programs @ FutureTech: 231-2206

LAND FOR SALE Double lot, one corner land & one adjoining located at Buddy’s Gated Community (Providence) $10.5M. Call: 681-1377; 625-2317 Land @ Lot 1856 Farm, EBD, size: 50X80$2.7M negotiable-Call: 676-5229 Land at farm E.B.D -$3.7M – Call: 667-3771 Parfaite Harmonie (80ftX50ft) -$1.5M & (100ftX50ft fenced & land filled) $3.2M, Lowlands -$1.8M, Tuschen $1.3M. Call: 611-7223; 6042207 WANTED Seafood Plant Procession Supervisor, labourers and Security Guard Attractive salary. Call2235180; 225-8645 Excavator operator. Call 2235180; 225-8645 Company Secretary, one cashier, an accountant Attractive Salary. Send application via WhatsApp or Instant Messenger to 6975221

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. House in Tuschen Main Road -$27M, 46ft fishing boat & 500lbs Nylon Seine -$2.3M. Call: 696-6074 One Spacio motor car PSS9296, perfect condition, owner moving on, asking $1.6M negotiable- Call: 6979137; 699-9595 House Lots for sale at Parika, Blankenburg and Schoonord, also Financing Available. Call: 650-0402 / 260-4988 MILL CUT AND DRESSED GREENHEART FROM $160BM AND KABUKALLI FROM, $180BM- TEL: 6886579/653-9752 1-CAT320 BL excavator, 1CAT930 Front End Loader, 1CAT428 Back-Hoe, 1-55 Leyland Daf Truck. Call: 2750538, 660-4021 XBOX 360- $2500, PS3 $35,000, PS2 -$15,000, PS VITA -$60,000, Plastic Barrel -$5,000- Call: 621-7497; 6493277; 603-8643 Newly built furnished 2 storey executive style home, located at La Jalousie W.C.D -$33M negotiable. Call: 6756426 One 928 F Caterpillar Wheel Loader $ 7.1 M, Price Negotiable-Call Us Today 650-0402/260-4988 3 Lots At Blankenburg Behind The Gas Station; $13 M Price Negotiable; Each Lot Size 75x76- Call Us Today 6500402/260-4988 33.6 Acres farm land at Kuru Kururu area, Linden Soesdyke Highway. One garden tiller, motor blowerCall: 225-7794; 679-1151 Excellent quality Rottweiler pups. Must See! Hurry and get yours. Limited amount available- Call /Whatsapp: (592) 664-5401 Rotweiler pups. Tel: 6196086, 622-6646, 699-7077. PRADO: TOP CONDITION, SUNROOF, FULLY LOADED, 8 SEATER, FUEL, 2000 MODEL. CALL: 6845868 CRV EXCELLENT CONDITION, 1998CC, ALARM, DVD, MAGRIM, CLEAN ENGINE & BODYCALL: 684-5868

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Friday November 13, 2015

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Trade deals, protests mark UK visit by India’s Modi Reuters - Britain and India were poised to sign 9 billion pounds of trade deals during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but his arrival yesterday was overshadowed by protests over a perceived rise in intolerance back home. Modi got a warm welcome by British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has tried to cultivate closer ties with India to secure business opportunities in a fast-growing economy at a time when Modi has been prioritising other relationships. For his part, Modi is seeking to restore his authority on the world stage and regain momentum in the drive to foster investment and growth after a bruising defeat for his Hindu nationalist party in populous Bihar state on Sunday. Cameron said Britain wanted to support Modi in his efforts to transform India with improved infrastructure and education. “We want to become your number one partner for supporting the finance needed for this ambitious plan, making London the world’s centre for offshore rupee trading,” Cameron told him during a news conference, adding that

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chats with Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron after the ceremonial welcome during his official visit, in London, yesterday. REUTERS/STEFAN WERMUTH plans were in place to issue more than 1 billion pounds in bonds. He also said British and Indian companies would announce new “collaborations” worth 9 billion pounds during Modi’s visit, but gave few details. Modi said the two countries had signed a civil nuclear agreement, which he described as a sign of mutual trust, and said there were plans for a rupee bond aimed at financing Indian railways. Before the visit, diplomats said the Indian leader was

keen to buy 20 more BAE Systems Hawk trainer aircraft to be made in Bengaluru. Cameron has visited India three times since taking office in 2010 in an effort to climb back up the diplomatic pecking order, but Modi is the first Indian head of government to pay an official visit Britain, the country’s former colonial ruler, in almost a decade. His visit comes at a time when a debate is raging in India over accusations that Modi is failing to rein in Hindu zealots trying to impose their values on all Indians.

PPP sees Specialty Hospital decision... (From page 8) we have now lost two years thanks to the behaviour of the APNU+AFC in the Opposition. It was stymied deliberately, obstructed deliberately in the last Parliament, and now they come back to the same point that we started with in 2012.” Teixeira told the media that the Government now has a responsibility to come clean about its reasons for initially opposing the project, notwithstanding the allegations of corruption. “The APNU+AFC has to answer what really was the tactic behind the obstruction of the specialty hospital….they now need to say to the Guyanese public why have they done an about turn,” she stated. Dr. Anthony stated that in addition to explaining the change of mind on the project, the Administration also needs to state clearly where the funds are coming from. He also listed a number of questions that he says need to be answered. “We would like to know: how much the hospital will now cost? What are the services that would be offered? How is it going to be staffed? Have they (government) signed an agreement with the Indian government? If not,

when will this be signed? And what is the projected timeline for the completion?” He noted that the government will use money remaining from what was previously allocated for the specialty hospital to upgrade the Suddie, West Demerara and Bartica Hospitals. In this regard, Dr. Anthony asked, “Can we get details on what would be done at each of these hospitals and the associated costs as well as the timelines?” He said that those questions and others are “crying out for answers.” Soon after that press conference was over, government released a statement saying that its decision to go ahead with the hospital does not vindicate the PPP. Government sought to remind Guyana that “it was the PPP, despite the vehement protestations of the then Combined APNU and AFC opposition, which concluded and forced through a shady deal with Surendra Engineering Company Limited (SECL). This deal cost the Guyanese taxpayers over $900M, which represents the amount that the dubious SECL drew down before disappearing”. The government said that its renegotiation of the contract with the Government of

India has not vindicated the PPP but rather has further indicted the PPP for “signing off a major project with this highly questionable company against whom a high court judgment was given to the tune of $902,192,483.” Government said that the credit for the new extended package of the construction of a specialty hospital along with the upgrade of three major medical institutions – Suddie Hospital, Bartica Hospital and the West Demerara Regional Hospital – ought to be given specifically to the Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton and his team. “No amount of verbal machinations by Ms Teixeira can deny or mask this. The Government is confident that the public will see this lame scheme by Ms. Teixeira for what it is.” The Government committed that consistent with its policy, these newly negotiated projects will be executed with the highest level of transparency. “It is unquestionable that when completed these significant health sector projects will redound to the direct benefit of residents in regions 2, 3 and 7 who will receive vastly improved primary health care in addition to all Guyanese who will receive specialized care at the specialty hospital.”

Page 33

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Friday November 13, 2015

St Lucia’s political leaders outraged at rape of 97-year-old woman CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – Prime Minister Kenny Anthony and opposition leader Gale Rigobert have expressed outrage over reports that a 97-year-old woman from the village of Micoud, east of Castries was raped earlier this week. In a statement yesterday, Anthony condemned the act, stating that it is a despicable one that not only violates an elderly citizen, but the entire community and country. “It is unbelievable that someone would even think of committing such an act. This is a heinous and outrageous act. It is inconceivable that a human being would do this. I commend the community of Mon Repos for its decision to host prayer vigil to share their collective outrage, and to send a message to the perpetrator or perpetrators that this behavior will not be tolerated.” The prime minister voiced concerns about an increase in reports of rape across the island, saying there must be a collective effort between the police and the public to deal with this problem. “For too long we have been silent about sexual violence in our homes and our communities. In many instances, we know there are fathers, uncles, stepfathers

Kenny Anthony and others who commit deviant sexual acts in homes and communities and nothing is said or done. Quite often the perpetrators are protected. These unreported cases lead to an even greater problem in our society, where these men grow to believe that this is acceptable behaviour. We need to tackle the problems at the root”. Anthony also said he had recommended to Acting Commissioner, Errol Alexander, that a special unit be established within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to investigate rape cases and to also build a database that stores DNA evidence to determine whether some of these cases are being committed by repeat offenders. “We have serial rapists at large.” He expressed hope that

the intended reopening of the Forensic Laboratory, under new management, would better assist police in conducting investigations and tes t i n g D N A s a m p l e s . H e stressed, however, that the first, most important response is that people report known sex offenders. ýMeanwhile the opposition leader has called for the engagement of regional organizations, women’s groups, social welfare agencies and others in the fight against rape and child abuse. She told reporters at the end of a pa r l i a m e n t a r y gatheringý on Wednesday “the nation needs to be resolute in interventions to address domestic violence, rape and child abuse.” Noting that all the offences derive from the same “embryo”, Rigobert asserted that the mission to address those crimes has no party or tribe. “I will not rest until we at least put mechanisms in place to empower the marginalized and the vulnerable-both men and women,” the Micoud North MP declared. “We need to get to the root cause.” The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, this week announced that were fifty-six reported cases of rape so far for the year.

CCJ welcomes launch of Suriname’s Code of Judicial Conduct PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname — President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, and Mr Justice Jacob Wit attended the launch of the Code of Judicial Conduct held at the High Court of Justice in Suriname on November 6, 2015. The Conference of Caribbean Chief Justices and Heads of Judiciary was represented at this ceremony by Chancellor Carl Singh of Guyana. This was the culmination of a judicial education program conducted by the CCJ for and at the request of the judiciary of Suriname to improve the quality of justice delivery. They led the faculty, which also included Ewald Ombre, a former president of the High Court of Justice of Suriname, and Hans Lim A Po, a leading lawyer and academic in Suriname, and other facilitators. The Code of Judicial Conduct project was conducted over a period of 18 months, during which all judges of the court participated. A judicial code is a collection of rules

(L-R): Mr Justice Carl Singh, Mr Justice Jacob Wit, Sir Dennis Byron. Photo: Caribbean Court of Justice and guidelines governing the conduct of judges, in their personal and professional capacity. Byron, a champion of justice reform and education, was encouraged by this important step in strengthening the governance structure of Suriname’s courts. “A Code of Conduct provides a blueprint for judges as to what is expected of them and, more importantly, provides the public with insight into the principles that guide judges in their personal and professional life,” he stated.

Byron also noted that Suriname is the first jurisdiction in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to ask for and obtain the assistance of the CCJ in developing and or reviewing a code of judicial ethics. He commended the acting president of Suriname’s High Court of Justice, Mr Justice Iwan Rasoelbaks, and his team for their expert stewardship and unwavering commitment to the project and congratulated them on the launch of the code. (Caribbean News)

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Page 36

Kaieteur News

Ramnarine Appiah Memorial Twenty over cricket competition

Young Warriors Cricket Club score double wins to move to semifinals Betsy Ground also record victory Consistent batting by Berbice youth batsman Alex Algoo, led Young Warriors Cricket Club from Cumberland East Canje Berbice to two victories over the weekend, thus a place in the semifinal of The Ramnarine Appiah (Brother Appiah) Memorial twenty over cricket competition for second division teams in the East Canje/Lower East Coast, Berbice area. Both matches were played at the Cumberland and below are the summarized scores: At 9:30AM, the home team won the toss against Seawell and took first strike. They made 142 for 6 off 20 overs. National under-17 all rounder Kevin Sinclair top scored with 52 consisting of 6 classy

fours and another Berbice youth player Alex Algoo 31 with 3x4 and 1 x6. Seawell replied with 129 for 5 when their overs expired. A. Ramroop made a fighting 75 with 8x4 and 3x6 and N Singh supported with 23. Bowling for YWCC, Sinclair returned to take 2 for 16 and President’s Eleven under-15 all rounder Aaron Beharry 2 for 26. In game number two from 1:30PM, No 7 won the toss and batted first making only 97 for 6 off their reduced quota of 15 overs. L. Chaitram with 26 offered the only resistance. Zaheer Moakhan took 2 for 14 and Balram Samaroo 2 for 17. The home team won comfortably ending on 97 for 2 off 11.2 overs. Alex

Algoo was again among the runs scoring 45 not out with 5 x 4 and Mortimer Fraser returned to form with 41 consisting of 2x6 and 2x4. Left arm spinner Raymond Mohamed took 2 for 25. Over at Goed Bananen Land, Canefield Sports Club batting first against Betsy Ground, scored a challenging 156 for 6 off their allotted 20 overs. Leon Sunthgolam made 68 n o with 7x4 and 3x6. Krishan Doerga took 3 for 12 and Davendra Ramoutar 2 for 22. In reply, Betsy Ground Triple Star raced to 157 for 2 off 14.2 overs. Rommel Bassant plundered the bowling attack scoring 84 not out with 9x4 and 4x6. R. Jugisteer supported with 24.

Friday November 13, 2015

IPA outfits Foreign Affairs Football Team International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA) has outfitted the Foreign Affairs football team with tops for the current GT Beer Inter Ministry Futsal competition that is taking place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Ms. Atisha Isaacs, Sales and Marketing Manager of IPA in handing over the tops to Clarke said that they are happy to support the team in the form of the tops so they can be uniformed at matches. Clarke expressed gratitude to Ms. Isaacs and IPA for their support. Other sponsors on board lending support to the team are Industrial Supplies and Services, CellTopia and DevCon Construction and Contracting Services. The Foreign Affairs team which is being led by reign-

IPA Sales and Marketing Manager, Ms. Atisha Isaacs (left) hands over one of the tops to Kerwyn Clarke. ing Mr. Guyana Kerwyn Clarke has advanced to the

semi-finals of the competition which will be contested today.

Agricola A & B, Timehri A, Soesdyke B... (From page 38) proceedings underway in the 2nd minute and thereafter, it was a steady flow to the back of the nets for the Warriors. Andy Higgins placed his

name on the score sheet in the 9th minute, O. Grant in the 14th, Collis Messiah (16th) and Jarel Wallcott in the 17th sealed the deal and a place in the next round for the Panthers.

Soesdyke Falcons B were 1-0 winners over Diamond United A, compliments of a 6th minute strike off the boot of Chavez Sullivan. Agricola B ensured that the home team, Herstelling did not secure a win on the day with their B team going down 2-0. Akeem Rawlins in the 2nd minute and Bilall Jabar in the 15th securing the victory for Agricola B. The second widest margin of victory was secured by Grove B against Mocha A, 41. Akeem James opened the scoring for the day and the competition in the 3rd minute of the match, Floyd Matthews then converted twice, in the 10th and 13th minute before his brother, Nichaloi Matthews blasted the nets on the stroke of full time to seal the win. Mocha were able to salvage some pride with a goal of their own from Orin James in the 14th minute. Grove A won via the walk over route from Mocha B, similarly, Diamond United B advanced at the expense of Timehri Panthers B and Kuru Kururu Warriors A over Timehri Panthers B. Competition will continue on Sunday afternoon at the Grove Playfield.

Friday November 13, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your mind may be on spiritual or philosophical subjects and considering fascinating new ideas. Some of these may come from faraway lands, which might have you considering travel. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Romance might take a front seat in your thoughts today. You could have some unusual dreams tonight. They might be romantic or they could prove artistically inspiring, or both. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today your mind may be on romance. If you're married, you'll grow closer to your partner. If you're single but involved, the relationship could move to the next level of commitment. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You feel wonderful and you're looking great. Expect to draw some admiring glances! The only downside to this is that you feel stronger than you are. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A romantic haze surrounds love relationships. You could be thinking that your romantic partner has stepped out of a fairy tale. Yet even storybook heroes and heroines have flaws - but flaws can be endearing! VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might host a group meeting or other social event. Your guests may be artistically or spiritually inclined. The evening should be a social success and an inspiring experience.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you've been thinking about writing, this is the day to get started. Your mind is particularly sharp and your imagination rich. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Money matters continue to go well, though you don't feel as secure about them as you should. A previously unsung talent, perhaps for the arts, healing, working with technology, or all three could come to light. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Today you should feel especially idealistic, imaginative, intuitive, and spiritually inclined. You project an otherworldly aura that attracts more attention, such as admiring glances, than you're used to. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You might walk around in a romantic, imaginative, spiritual fog with your head in the clouds. Everything m a y s e e m p e r f e c t and wonderful - perhaps too wonderful to be true. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Romantic notions about friends seem to be the energy driving you today. You might see a longtime friend in a new light as a possible romantic partner. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Because your working life is going well, you might indulge in daydreams in which you're at the top of the heap, perhaps even famous!

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 37

Letter to the Sports Editor

WICB PCL Cricket

Jaguars aim to blow away A look at the two teams contesting Hurricanes at Providence for football governance But rain threatens

Rahkeem Cornwall could play a big role with both bat and ball. By Sean Devers Defending champions Guyana Jaguars will be aiming to blow away the Leewards Hurricanes and extend their eight-match unbeaten streak which started after their third round loss to Barbados last year at Providence when the two teams face-off today at Providence, even as rain threatens the contest. The second round of the second edition of the WICB PCL four-day First Class Franchise starts today at Providence from 09:30hrs and it is hoped the Education Ministry collaborates with Head teachers on the East Bank to facilitate students from their schools being allowed to go to the match today and Monday. With their confidence high after beating the Windwards Volcanoes in their first round game on home soil the Jaguars have named an unchanged squad to battle the Hurricanes who lost their opening game against T&T’s Red Force in Trinidad. When the two sides last met on South American soil, a second consecutive ton from Narsingh Deonarine and incisive bowling from Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul led the Jaguars to an innings and 10 runs victory. This time Deonarine, who scored a half-century for the Red Steels, the team he is representing this year, along with Permaul and Bishoo are all unavailable. Bishoo is in Sri Lanka and Permaul’s ankle injury is not yet healed. Guyana has won 11 and lost 10 of the matches they have played against each with

Dear Sports Editor,

Rajendra Chandrika will want to reproduce his first round form.

the other 16 ending in draws. But in the PCL the Jaguars have won both of their games including the last time they met in Antigua earlier this year when they won by eight wickets. Rajendra Chandrika scored a classy 83 and Leon Johnson got 48 as off-spinner Rakeem Cornwall captured 7-96 after Ronsford Beaton picked up 4-40 in the Leewards’ first innings. Bishoo bagged 6-82 in the second innings leaving the Jaguars to get 73 to win. Today Chandrika’s confidence should be high after registering his maiden hundred at this level in the first round when four of the top order batsmen got starts which they failed to build on, while the lower order failed to fire as the Jaguars lost their last six wickets for 61 runs. The Jaguars, boasting Assad Fudadin, Chandrika, Johnson and Shiv Chanderpaul, all Test batsmen along with Vishaul Singh, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Chris Barnwell and Steven Jacobs, were sent crashing for 95 but Jacobs bowled with excellent guile to bag eight wickets in the match, while Reifer picked up four to help the Jaguars to a 104-run win just after lunch on the last day. Chandrika will want to get another big score before he leaves for the three-Test Series in Australia, while the other three Test players as well as the others will keen to not only bat ‘long’ but to make big scores. Jacobs could again do the bulk of the bowling and hope for support from left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, Beaton, Reifer and Barnwell in the absence of their top dogs

Permaul and Bishoo. But on too many occasions in the recent past the Jaguars have struggled to wrap up the tail as happened in the first round when the eighth wicket pair put together 45 runs. The last time the Hurricanes played the Jaguars the last wicket pair added 65 runs. The visitor’s will depend heavily on Shane Jeffers, Steve Liburd, Orlando Peters, Sherwin Peters, Rahkeem Cornwall and Nkrumah Bonner with the bat. Antiguan fast bowler Gavin Tonge, the only player in the side with Test experience, West Indies U-19 pacer Alzarri Joseph, Jacques Taylor, along with spinners Cornwall and Bonner, could have a lot of work to do with the ball on what should be another placid track. Admission is free, while NCN Radio panel of Sean Devers, Edwin Seeraj and Anthony Khemraj will provide ball by ball commentary with former Guyana players Sidney Jackman and Jermaine Neblette being the Comments men. The Guyana Jaguars team read: Rajendra Chandrika, Assad Fudadin, Shemron Hetymer, Leon Johnson (Captain), Vishaul Singh (ViceCaptain), Shiv Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Steven Jacobs, Gudakesh Motie, Ronsford Beaton, Chris Barnwell and Keon Joseph. Leewards Hurricanes: Nkrumah Bonner, Nelson Bolan, Keacy Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Daron Cruickshank, Shane Jeffers, Alzarri Joseph, Steve Liburd, Jaison Peters, Orlando Peters, Sherwin Peters, Jacques Taylor and Gavin Tongue.

As the Nation’s football destiny awaits the outcome of the November 14 General Congress, it is essential that those vying for office undergo character scrutiny lest we retreat into the chasm that has been the resting place of our football for over two decades. By now, most stakeholders if not all, are aware of the two contesting slates namely Team Integrity led by Fruta Conquerors President Wayne Forde and Team Unity whose candidate for the Top Post is Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes. The two candidates have one thing in common and it is the fact that they are successful men in their respective careers, but there is where the similarity stops. Forde is a proven success in Sports Administration, having been at the helm of Fruta Conquerors FC for some time, during which the club has grown into one of the best run organisations, while the development and promotion of Draughts has not escaped his contribution as well. Forde’s interest in the development of sportsmen and women both as athlete and individual is well documented and unchallenged. Hughes on the other hand is not well known within the Sports fraternity so how well he performs at the highest level of football administration is up for pure speculation, a risk that voters could ill afford to take after enduring years of ineptitude. It simply means, it is difficult to establish whether his outstanding academic achievements would be enough to navigate the turbulent times that local football experiences. A complete look at the respective slates will reveal that Team Integrity full executive includes First Vice-President Brigadier General (Ret’d) Bruce Lovell, Second Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t Rawlston Adams and Third VP- Thandi McAllister, while the Hughes’ faction is comprises First VPOdinga Lumumba, Second VP- Aubrey Major AND Third VP- Mark Waldron. Over the past year, Guyana’s football has been administered by a FIFA imposed Normalisation Committee with Businessman / Politician Clinton Urling as its Head, but the Committee’s

tenure is expected to come to an end on November 14 when a new executive to run the affairs of the sport is voted into office. However, Guyana’s football leading up to the Congress to elect the Boss to govern the sport locally always experiences a metamorphosis where hostility, treachery and blatant self interest are placed ahead of love, honesty and self-sacrifice. Forde’s supporting cast without fear of contradiction is far more superior to that of Hughes in reference to Sport Administration. Lovell has vast experience in administrative duties, having held a senior post in the military in various organizational capacities, while Adams’ managerial prowess can withstand even the most rigorous scrutiny. Perhaps, the babe in the cast is Thandi McAllister, but even her interaction at the junior level of administration is impressive and just to add a bit of respectability and assurance about the Team’s competence, Committee member Dion Inniss is a senior management staffer at Caribbean Airlines. Team Integrity possesses a strong balance of business and commercial experience, technical and logistics skills, legal and constitutional competence and discipline and institutional governance knowledge. On the contrary, Team Unity’s supporting cast is littered with characters of questionable integrity and glaring inexperience specifically related to the sport’s administration. A quick glance will reveal that Aubrey Major was once the Organising Secretary of the GFF and was there during the period that the recent forensic audit highlighted instances of irregularities. It must be noted also that he played a significant role in negotiating the World Cup qualifier switch against Mexico that resulted in Guyanese at home being deprived of seeing some of the Mexican stars on show for what they described as a lucrative deal. Up to the time of writing this missive, nothing tangible about the Mexico proceeds has been released and there must be a price paid for that act of disloyalty and dishonesty. During that period Major

was a Major figure within the national setup and cannot claim to not know about the inner workings of the Federation, he was the official that was central to all negotiations along with the President (Acting) at the time. Lumumba has always sought to rule football locally and made it as far as the Georgetown Football Association, but his ambition to run for higher office has been stymied by his own governance style which according to many within the fraternity is abrasive and high-handed, tenets that does not encourage cohesion and will simply affect development. Both Mark Waldron and Javid Ali are successful businessmen in their respective endeavours, but the question is could they translate the same achievements to the football landscape which could be extremely vacillating and contentious. Waldron’s success was perfected in the legal society; no doubt he has done well through hard work and competence, while Ali is a successful team owner and businessman, but their particular line of work is far removed from the real world of football administration, especially coming with little or no experience. Guyana’s history of football administration is not a pleasant one; it has been ruled by the iron-fist for decades, while cronyism and retribution are two devices that are always at the disposal of the ruling administration. The Mexico story must not be laid to rest and nothing less than a comprehensive disclosure should be insisted on by the new Body. A price must be paid by those who presided over the fiasco if not we would be doing damage to the terms INTEGRITY and UNITY. Regards, Tony Wiggins Editor’s note: At the time of reading this missive, Odinga Lumumba has indicated his withdrawal from the Team Integrity Slate at Vice President Candidate.

Page 38

Kaieteur News

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ launched It’s here once again. No local football tournament generates more excitement and pure rivalry than the Banks DIH-sponsored Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition which is scheduled to kick off tonight with eight matches, at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. The annual competition which has swarmed many communities across the regions was launched yesterday in the Boardroom of Banks DIH, Thirst Park and in attendance at the occasion were Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste, Communications Manager of the Company Troy Peters, Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca and Aqua Mist Brand Manager Errol Nelson. Baptiste speaking at the Launch said tonight’s action marks the commencement of the street football season, adding that this year which is the sixth since the tournament’s birth is projected to be a big one, judging from the overwhelming level of interest expressed

amongst the various communities. He revealed that the popularity has grown to the level where they’ve exceeded last year’s quota when 52 teams were confirmed that necessitated a playoff for the remaining spots, while this year, the total has risen to 63. Baptiste said that teams from the East Bank of Demerara and West Coast Demerara had to merge so as to allow representation from the other communities. He urged teams to display a high degree of discipline throughout the event, informing that any team found in breach of the rules or engage in any form of indiscipline will be disqualified with immediate effect by the Organisers. The Guinness Brand Manager disclosed that over $1million in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs with the winning team set to receive $500,000, runner-up $200,000, 3rd place $150,000 and 4th place $100,000. Mendonca, who has been at the helm of the event from its inception said thirty-two

teams will participate in the competition and they’ve been divided into eight groups of four for the preliminary phase. He congratulated Banks DIH for remaining on board and seeking to improve the tournament each year. Mendonca whose organisation has partnered with the Company for several years said that they were happy to once again be working with the sponsor to bring off what is undoubtedly the biggest street football extravaganza in Guyana. The fixtures for tonight are as follows: North Ruimveldt versus Island All Star South Ruimveldt vs. Festival City Street Fighters Queen Street of Tiger Bay vs. North East La Penitence Globe Yard vs. Cross Street Sophia South vs. West Back Road Albouystown B vs. Hope Street of Tiger Bay Alexander Village vs. East Front Road Sparta Boss vs. Broad Street Bullies

GT&T Indoor Hockey Championships

Old Fort, Pepsi Hikers and GCC ease to victories in latest action The three leading men’s first division sides, Old Fort, Pepsi Hikers and GCC all cruised to easy victories on the third evening of the GT&T National Indoor Championships being held at the National Gymnasium at Mandela Avenue. While the Hikers amassed the highest margin of victory with an 11-0 hammering of Saints Hockey Club, Old Fort’s 5-0 victory over Phoenix sees them comfortably retain the top spot of the table mid-way through the pool rounds. With the noticeable absenteeism of Saints number one goalkeeper, Azad DeAbreu, and inspirational leader Robert Fernandes, the Hikers men had a field day against a much weaker opponent on the night. National midfielder Jamarj Assanah led the score table with 3 goals, Shane Samuels, Orlando Guirola and Randy Hope each

scores doubles, while Sheldon Corlette and Robert France scored one each to round out the 11 unanswered goals for the Hikers. GCC had to come from behind against a defiant Pumas side which scored in the opening minute through an Aroydy Branford conversion. Youthful national prodigy Branford however would find it difficult to exact his usual control of the match as GCC’s Dwayne Scott and Orland Semple applied a high press which proved successful in creating several turnovers deep in the Pumas half of the pitch. Semple would open his team’s account in the 7th minute and would later return to complete a hatrick before his team’s 7-2 victory at full time. Eric Hing would add two goals for GCC with Kevin Spencer and Dwayne Scott scoring one each, while the single additional goal for

Pumas came off the stick of Shaquille Leung. The highly anticipated duel between Old Fort and Phoenix sadly resulted in a one-sided affair as Old Fort stamped their dominance on the match from the beginning en route to their 5-0 victory. Phoenix came within inches of scoring on a few occasions but it was not their lucky evening and Old Fort grew in confidence as the match progressed. John Abrahams top scored with two goals while the Simon brothers, Ascofu and Aderemi added one each. The GCC Tigers and Panthers remain the only remaining unbeaten sides in the women’s competition and sit at the top of the ladies pool with 6 points each. The two sides were hardly troubled on the evening as the Panthers defeated the Under-21 side 40 and the GCC Tigers knocked off the Hikers 3-1. In the men’s second division competition, Old Fort’s 3-0 victory over Saint Stanislaus College sees them in the lead of the competition with 9 points. The Hikers meanwhile have managed to draw even with GCC for second after a 3-1 win over Saints. Matches continue throughout the week with the four finals set for Sunday from 17:00hrs.

Friday November 13, 2015

Stag/Cell Smart NEE Second Annual Futsal Tournament

Showstoppers through to tonight’s quarterfinals

Show Stoppers’ forward, Donovan Francis (left) beats the goalkeeper to finish in the left corner of the goal Wednesday night in Linden. Showstoppers blasted six goals pass Santos Wednesday night to secure their place in tonight’s quarterfinals of the Stag/Cell Smart New Era Entertainment (NEE) Futsal Tournament in Linden at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court. Donovan Francis scored three goals to ensure Showstoppers beat Santos 6-2 in the featured game in the Mining Town. Ron Fiedtkou scored a brace, while Jessie Waldron

secured the other goal in a lopsided win for Showstoppers. Kevin Cadogan and Andre Phillips were the goal scorers for Santos. Before the encounter, Magic Stars edged Plantain All-Stars 1-0 with Jermain Grandison scoring the lone dagger in the win. East Side Jammers and Ghetto Warriors played to a 3-3 stalemate in another contest before the knockout round tonight.

Denzil Bobb had a brace while Dequan Wilson scored the other goal for East Side Jammers. For the opposing, Ghetto Warriors, Moses Simon also had a brace while Larell Bordon had the other goal for the team. In the opening game of the night, Trendsetters outclassed Redline 8-0; Ryan and Batson both had hat-tricks while Delon and Mathew both had a goal each for the winners. The semi-finals will be played tomorrow.

SUN BURST / EBFA U-17 League

Herstelling to face Mocha; Grove and Soesdyke to tangle When play in the SUN BURST sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-17 league continues tomorrow at the Grove Playfield, defending champions Grove Hi Tech will feature in the main attraction. They are set to come up against Soesdyke Falcons in what is expected to be a fierce contest between the leading sides on the East Bank and a team that has shown the desire to unseat the champs. These two villages have always produced some fierce contests at the senior level and it is likely to continue tomorrow afternoon among the

junior players. Opening play at 13:00hrs brings together Herstelling Raiders who won their opening clash by a whopping 8-0 margin over Diamond United; they are set to match skills with Mocha Champs. Herstelling, since their arrival on the competitive scene has been improving with every game and will doubt be confident of pulling off another win which will secure them a place in the semi-finals with their group, Group A having just three teams unlike Group B which has four. National Under-17 goal-

keeper Quazim Yussuf will again be leading the Raiders with the hope of securing a final four berth. Herstelling Raiders started the year on a high having won the EBFA/MCYS Under-11 Pee Wee League and placed second to Agricola in the Lens Craft Optical Under-13 League. The top two teams from each group will move on to the final four which will be played on a knock-out format with the two winners advancing to the final while the respective losers will contest the third and fourth place match.

CAL Marketing & Sales Manager Avalon Jagnandan kicks off the ball to officially start the league.

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 39

Mayor Green’s Inter-ward Football continues Sunday at Victoria ground Play in the annual 7-aside Inter-ward Football competition to mark the occasion of Mayor Hamilton Green 81st birthday organized by former National footballer Lennox Arthur continues Sunday at the Victoria ground on the East Coast of Demerara. The fixtures will see Buxton Youth Developers

facing Lima Dam in the opening salvo at 5:00pm, followed by Victoria versus New Amsterdam, Ann’s Grove against Haslington and Golden Grove battling Mahaica. Coordinator Lennox Arthur informed that from this stage the teams will be battling in 30 minute games, 15 per half and the no offside

rule is in effect in this tournament. Meanwhile, in the matches played; Victoria beat Diamond 4-0, Lima Dam 1, Kuru Kururu 0, Buxton Youth Team edged Plaisance 1-0, Agricola beat Paradise 2-0, kitty beat Herstelling 2-0 and Haslington got past South Sophia via penalties all on

opening night. Night 2 produces wins for Stewartville 2-0 over Bagotville, Pouderoyen 2-0 over Wales, Uitvlugt 2-0 over Sara Lodge, New Amsterdam 4-0 over Dekinderen and Den Amstel 2-0 over North Sophia. Four players are on top of the scoring list with two apiece. They are Gordon

Grant (Agricola), Quincy Holder (Mahaica), Adrian Adams (NA) and Orette Stephen (Stewartville). The teams are battling for a first prize of $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy, while the other top four finishers will collect; $100,000 and Youth and Sports Trophy, $70,000 and China Trading trophy and $30,000 and the Business School trophy. Additionally AHL Kissoon has donated a 3piece suite for the top scorer, while Ricks and Sari will give 10 hampers each to the winning and runner up teams. Among the sponsors to have assisted are Banks DIH, Clinton Urling on behalf of his business entity G e r m a n ’s R e s t a u r a n t , Crown Mining, Star Computers, Massy, Nigel’s Supermarket, Nigel Pyle of Tent City, Paul Giddings of Hotel Princess Raven, Beepat and Sons, CBR Mining, MACORP, Winston

Gordon Grant R a m b a r r a n , Vi n c e n t Thakur, Nigel Pile, Sattar G a f o o r, K e n a v H D L , Pavnic Press, GBTI, Ramchan Ragabeer and Guyana Beverage, home of Busta soft drinks along with the above mentioned trophy and cash prize and other donors. The tournament is set to continue Wednesday.

5-a-side football fixed for Port Kaituma this weekend I Movement Promotions, which seeks to promote health and wellness through sports, social and cultural interaction, have in the past promoted a multiplicity of events in various communities in Guyana, such as Bartica, Port Kaituma, Mahdia and Georgetown. Now they seek to promote the first ever five (5) a side football competition in Port Kaituma, Matarkai, Sub District, Region 1 slated to start on Saturday 14 and concludes on Sunday 15 November at the Oronoque Tarmac, Port Kaituma. This is promising to be an exciting tournament with the future of young local talents such as James Peters, Cordel St Romain, Earl Gill and Bunny Fraser, and even some of the senior talents too such as Monty Giles, Mark Renolds just to name a few. The champion team will cart off $100,000 and a trophy. The runner-up team will receives half that amount while the third place team goes home with $25,000. Activities are sponsored by several corporate entities including Chinee and Daughters General Store, Banks DIH Ltd and Rawlo & Gailann’s Variety Store. An th

th

Promoter I’Salaam enterprising citizen, also a member of the community, Conrad St. Romain, has also contributed significantly towards the success of the event. Cornel St. Romain is providing the lights and Chinee and Daughters Hardware is the major sponsor of the event. Interested teams can contact the organizer, Patrick Adams, on telephone # 673-7777. Registration of teams will be done at the business place of one of the sponsors, Gailann’s Variety Store at the Waterfront. Teams are not required to pay a registration fee and patrons will also be able to view the matches free of cost. Music will be provided by Bullet Soundz and the first whistle will be blown at 18:00hrs sharp.

Page 40

Kaieteur News

Friday November 13, 2015

Wayne Forde ready to take up the mantle of (GFF) Presidential seat By Michael Benjamin They have labeled themselves ‘Team Integrity’ and according to the group’s Presidential candidate, Wayne Forde, the tab was carefully chosen to truly depict the merits of a group of individuals who are united and committed to the improvement of the sport while restoring its integrity. Mr. Forde was speaking with Kaieteur Sport at his Thomas Street office earlier in the week as he applied the finishing touches to his campaign in pursuit of the coveted Presidential seat of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) when elections are held tomorrow evening. “ Te a m I n t e g r i t y comprises a group of individuals of diverse background that encompasses the key variables needed to propel local football(ers) to a respectable place in the world rankings,” asserted Forde. He explained that that his strategies and tactics were deliberate and his team is prepared and well organized to address its mandate effectively and efficiently. Several other persons of impeccable ‘Integrity’ comprise the slate including Brigadier, Bruce Lovell (1st Vice President), Rawleston Adams (2nd Vice), Thandi McAllister (3rd Vice). The

Committee Members are Keith O’Jeer, Deon Inniss, Maxine Stewart and Ryan Farriot. “Our objectives are sound and the team was carefully selected to complement those objectives,” said Mr. Forde in response to a question. He said that Brigadier Lovell is a disciplinarian and brings years of experience as an administrator to the table. “There’s really no need to elaborate on his abilities; they speak for themselves,” exhorted Mr. Forde. He said that the team comprises individuals of diverse background in business, legal affairs, technical propensities, discipline and governance. “I firmly believe that the synergies of expertise depicted in this combination will produce a managerial apparatus that is geared to deal with the pertinent challenges of the sport,” a confident Forde exhorted. “Mr. Lovell has been at the top echelon of administration in the Guyana Defence Force and his attributes as an organizer and disciplinarian is well documented. I cannot overexemplify the importance and merits of such an individual in the administrative sector of the sport,” said Mr. Forde. “The need to restore discipline among the rank

Wayne Forde and file cannot be overemphasized since it is this lack of discipline, in the first place, that has disturbed the administrative flow and necessitated the intervention of the Normalization Committee,” explained Mr. Forde. He said that Rawleston Adams, currently the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, comes with a wealth of administrative experience, both as a former Vice President (GFF) as well as a Civil Engineer. “Our representatives are multi-faceted and fall under the umbrella of business, governance, discipline, technical attributes and most importantly, commitment and honesty,” Forde pointed out. He also assured that his

Bruce Lovell group possesses the synergies of expertise that will produce a management apparatus geared to deal with the anticipated challenges. Football is indeed a glorious game but the administrative sector has been bogged down by accusations of ineptitude and malfeasance and the raging battles to occupy the Presidential seat has resulted in nasty battles riddled with instances of character a s s a s s i n a t i o n . “ Te a m Integrity has been working exceptionally hard in its attempt to convince the electorate of its authenticity,” pronounced Mr. Forde. He said that his group has been engaging the clubs and a recent prognosis suggests that the messages have been well received.

“ Te a m I n t e g r i t y represents the answer to the many problems that have beset the sport over the years and I am extremely confident that the principals (of Team Integrity) could foster the requisite changes,” Forde assured. But what are the immediate plans and objective of the group? “We have projected a 6 point development pillar; one of our first tasks is to institute a good government structure,” Forde intimated. He also spoke of plans to invest heavily in training and educational opportunities for the footballers and auxiliary staff. “We will also establish new models for investment and sponsorship opportunities to improve the livelihood of footballers through economic opportunities,” said the aspiring President. Despite these grandiose plans and the fact that he has already received a vote of confidence from a majority of the clubs, Forde is cognizant of the mercurial nature of the electorate. “ We ’ v e h a d s t r a t e g i c engagements with several clubs and feel confident that our policies and projections are well received,” he said. He said that he is aware of the aspirations of other individuals but feels that his team is well equipped to address the pressing needs

of the affiliates, be they footballers, advertisers, members of the corporate community or the myriad of stakeholders that wish to witness a delectable metamorpho s i s o f t h e sport. “ Te a m I n t e g r i t y comprises individuals of sound character, has proven successful records and those that have demonstrated a willingness to give back to the sport through committed service,” assured Mr. Forde. It is with this conviction that Forde faces the electorate sometime tomorrow in his bid to clinch the requisite mandate to take the sport to another level. He said that upon his ascension, he will be open to suggestions and worthwhile initiatives to advance the sport. “Clinton Urling and the Normalization Committee has worked diligently to steady the tilting football ship. Team Integrity is geared to keep the ship on course; we are just awaiting the formal declaration so that we could start the ball rolling, so to speak,” Mr. Forde proclaimed when quizzed on his level of confidence. Amidst it all, the final decision rests on those affiliates and that decision will be made twenty four hours from now. Forde is ready to take up the mantle!

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 41

The National Coach Speaks

The Coach in Caribbean Society By Jamaal Shabazz The question has often been asked about the importance paid to the coach in Caribbean football, I want to carry it outside and address this in a bigger context. The football coach is just as important to Caribbean society as a father, teacher, Religious leader and even a police officer. For when you ask a youngster in the Caribbean where is your father, in a lot of cases his dad is in North America, dead or in prison. So Caribbean coaches often inherit a player whose father has not been there for him and the coach becomes the father figure. The coach has to guide, nurture and advise this youngster not just in football but in his life issues. When the coach pulls the team together to pray before and after training, this is often the only contact some of these kids have with the acknowledgment of the existence of God. They give problems to go to church, the mosque or the Hindu temple yet they will submit to prayers at training or a game. So while the coach is not a Pastor Smith he now becomes a would-be religious leader.

At football when a player steals another’s cell phone, the Caribbean coach has got to play police and detective to solve the crime. The player who stole may be the best player on the team and now the coach has to emulate Judge Ian Chan in order to adjudicate the case with fairness and impartiality. Indeed some of our best young players past through a period of petty pilfering, in their lives ......often forcing the efforts tantamount to that of a welfare officer, from the coach. When one considers we got to ensure the player eats, gets transport, gears and other needs, it is clear the social and cultural task of the Caribbean coach. Why then must the Caribbean coach be at the bottom of the food chain when his efforts play a major role in the overall stability of the region? Reflect on how many a youth because of his coach and football, chose a different pathway than crime and delinquency? In this regard the coach must be paid and compensated properly for his/ her efforts as a sports and social worker in Caribbean society. Their are coaches in the region who will take the job for pittance under the guise

of patriotism and cause our noble profession to be disrespected. I have seen coaches in Guyana become bitter because past administrations have refused to pay them a proper wage and instead of making a stance they “chicken out” ...accept crap and bad mouth the officials behind their backs. In Guyana the coaches made a big step by forming a coaches association but we must make a greater effort to develop ourselves in areas of public speaking, contract negotiation, dress code and generally how we carry and represent ourselves on and off the field. We m u s t a t t e n d management seminars, learn another language, improve our ability to motivate our charges and better articulate our ideals and philosophy to the media, the public and even corporate Guyana. This type of investment into our personal development will better equip us with the tools to function more effectively in a modern football environment. A former president of the GFF mischievously gave a coach a copy of my contract during my previous employment in Guyana. The coach took the

Flex Night set for December 6; Athletes’ meeting on tomorrow

Godfrey Stoby

The annual Flex Night International event will take place on Sunday December 6 at the National Cultural Centre. Athletes and coaches from gyms in Demerara and Berbice are all invited to an important briefing this Saturday November 14th, from 14:00hrs at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters on High Street, Kingston. This year’s Flex Night event is expected to renew the traditional and friendly rivalry between male and female bodybuilders from Guyana and Suriname. Suriname is expected to send a larger contingent to this year’s Flex Night, since both the Gym Expo held in O c t o b e r a n d t h e M r. Suriname competition

scheduled for November 21, will have preselected both male and female athletes for participation in the Flex Night event. Making a special appearance at this year’s Flex Night event will be Guyana-born, but now US-based Timeon Peters. Peters is coming with one aim – to take the Mr. Flex Night title back with him to the United States. Top bodybuilders from Guyana and Suriname are dead set on denying Timeon that privilege including defending champion, Godfrey Stoby. Athletes, coaches and media reps are invited to make a special effort to be at the Guyana Olympic House on Saturday from 14:00hrs for the briefing.

contract to a coaches association meeting to complain about how much Shabazz was paid ......as opposed to the local coaches. It’s instructive that his efforts was to complain about my wages rather than devise a means of how local coaches could elevate themselves to earn similar and even better wage packages. I belong to a group of Caribbean coaches who want the best for my players, the teams that I coach and the nation that I represent. But based on my sacrifices I want the best for my family as well. Indeed it is said that the best charity that one can give is to one’s immediate family that is in need. The Caribbean has a huge coaching presence in North America but when we start to export coaches to Europe and Asia then we know we getting there. K e e p u p t h e struggle......my dear coaches.....Caribbean society needs us.

Jamaal Shabazz and his coaching staff during an engagement of the national team.

Page 42

Kaieteur News

Friday November 13, 2015

GCA launches 2-day first division tourney Renowned Martial Artist, Hwang Jang GISE, Star Party Rentals & Trophy Stall on board

GCA President Roger Harper collects the sponsorship cheque from GISE’s Miss VanLang yesterday. By Sean Devers GYO will play MSC at Everest and DCC hosts GINC from tomorrow in the opening round of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) twoday first division competition which was launched yesterday at the Malteenoes Pavilion and Cosponsored by General Industrial & Supplies Enterprise (GISE), Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall. Chairman of the Competitions Committee Shawn Massiah provided a brief overview of the 10team tournament which will see University of Guyana (UG) making their first division two-day debut. Massiah said that this competition should encourage batsmen to bat for long periods as opposed the shorter but more popular formats in which a few big hits are the ideal ingredient to win matches. Massiah, who also

Captains the Transport Sports Club (TSC) said batting and bowling points will be award with a maximum of 10 points to teams for making 350 and bowling out the opposition. It was disclosed that fast bowlers must bowl 25% of the overs in a completed innings while the regulation of the GCA’s competition allows for runners being used by injured batsmen. While there were no representatives of Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall, Miss Verleen VanLange speaking on behalf of GISE, said that the team must all play to win in cricket. “That spirit extends to the spectators, officials, staff, sponsors and other partners. It is in that spirit that General Industrial & Suppliers Enterprises is pleased to be a Co-sponsor of this First Division competition,” VanLange said. “We understand the role that is played as a sponsor in

supporting the development of cricket for those who play for fun, for those who enjoy watching it and for those who may one day be selected to represent their Country and Region,” VanLange added. President of the GCA, former West Indies ViceCaptain Roger Harper said a very critical part of cricket is the two-day format which develops aspects of the game than the shorter version don’t. “The sponsors would want to sit back some day and say this person, who is now playing for the West Indies came out of our competition in 2015,” Harper said. The GCA Boss explained that a player of any gender is eligible to participate in this competition adding that a final will be held and the winning team will collect $100,000, while the Runnerup receives $50,000 with incentives for several individual performances are up for grabs.

Lee AKA, Silver Fox, arrives in Guyana Amidst an air of e x p e c t a n c y, r e n o w n e d Martial Arts practitioner and movie star, Hwang Jang Lee AKA, Silver Fox, touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, early yesterday morning to engage in two full days of interaction that include workshops for local practitioners, interviews and social activities. Director of Sport, Chris Jones, traveled to the location and met the legendary practitioner who was accompanied by Trinidadians, Shihan Andre M u r r a y, P r o f e s s o r Christopher Francis, Dr. Kevin Hufford of the Dragon Fire Martial Arts Association (Intl) and Grandmaster, Eric Kovaleski. Host of Maximum Sport, Strength and Fitness, Max Massiah, was also at the forum and extended a warm welcome to the entourage. Mr. Jones extended a hearty welcome to the group and urged them to enjoy the warm hospitality synonymous with the Guyanese culture. Mr. Jones admitted that the Silver Fox has been his childhood hero and he (Jones) was extremely delighted to share the same space with him. The Director of Sports complimented Mr. Massiah for his efforts that facilitated the martial artist’s visit even as he committed to his government support during Jang Lee’s short sojourn. Speaking in halting English, the septuagenarian thanked his hosts for facilitating the trip and

Director of Sport Christopher Jones welcomes Silver Fox to Guyana and pledged government’s support. Grandmaster, Eric Kovaleskie is in the centre. expressed the hope that the sessions would be beneficial. Professor Francis said that the primary purpose of the forum is to tutor youngsters in the intricacies of martial arts in order that they may inculcate character and discipline. He also pointed out that he assists practitioners to develop commendable anger management techniques. Dr. Hufford and Grandmaster Kovaleski also delivered brief remarks while endorsing their pleasure in being in Guyana for the occasion. Shortly after the conclusion of the press conference in the VIP room, the visitors were treated to a display of skills by a group of yellow belts before they interacted with members of the public, many of whom had travelled to the airport to catch a glimpse or simply touch the hem of the garment of the martial arts icon. Meanwhile, shortly after their arrival, Mr. Massiah presented the visitors with a

jersey emblazoned with the insignia of the weekly programme. Organizers will also host a seminar and certificates will be issued to participants. As a bonus, the certificates will bear the signatures of Jang Lee and other members of the visiting team. Otherwise, the renowned martial artist will conform to a tight schedule which includes visits to Minister of Education, Rupert Roopnarine and Jnr Minister of Sports, Nicholette Henry. The visitors will also be the guests on several television interviews, while conforming to several other engagements including a drive through the Capital city, a visit to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, meet with martial arts officials at the North Ruimveldt (Multilateral) Secondary School, while culminating activities with a dinner. The visitors are scheduled to dep a r t Guyana tomorrow morning. (Michael Benjamin)

Stag / EBFA 7 A-Side K.O

Agricola A & B, Timehri A, Soesdyke B, Warriors A, Diamond B, Grove A & B advance When the Stag sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) 7 A-Side knock-out

competition kicked off in fine style on Tuesday last at the Farm Community Centre ground, there were wins for

Agricola A and B, Grove A and B, Kuru Kururu Warriors B, Soesdyke B and Diamond B teams. Playing in sunny conditions at the senior level for the first time at the Farm ground in years, Agricola Red Triangle made light work of Herstelling B whipping the home team 3-0. Gordon Grant hit in a brace (4th, 19th) with the other coming from Anthony Rawlins in the 18th minute. Herstelling had the chance to score at least once when they were awarded a

Agricola A’s Noel Punch (ball at feet) leads the offensive against Herstelling A. penalty in the second half of the 20 minutes (2 halves of 10 mins) match but muffed the chance when Seon

Alfred hit the right upright. Timehri Panthers A team made light work of Kuru Kururu Warriors B with a

comfortable 5-0 win having led 2-0 at the half way mark. Alvin Adams got (Continued on page 32)

Friday November 13, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 43

GTT Round Robin / Knockout Football Competition

Ten-man Ann’s Grove topple NA United Ten-man Ann’s Grove rebounded from an opening loss to Linden’s Topp XX to secure their first set of points in the inaugural GTT Round Robin / Knockout Football Competition with a narrow 2-1 triumph over New Amsterdam (NA) United on Wednesday, at the Golden Grove Community ground. On target for the winners were Keon Barry and Maxton Adams, who netted in the 19th and 28th minutes respectively. Adrian Adams 56th minute strike was the lone response for the losers. Ann’s Grove’s win means that they are levelled with NA United on three points from two matches, making the pursuit of a place in the knockout phase interesting. Played before a fair-sized crowd at the big facility, Ann’s Grove were in a must win situation and make a positive start to game, going on the offensive very early clearly dominating possession and got their

-Golden Grove draw with Rosignol

Part of the action between New Amsterdam United and Ann’s Grove (orange bibs) on Wednesday night. reward through Barry, who raced on to a pass and finished with aplomb past the goalkeeper. Bouyed by their early s u c c e s s , A n n ’s G r o v e attacked with menace as NA United scrambled in defence to snuff out the relentless onslaught, but were again found wanting when Adams was sent through inside the penalty area and his fierce right-footer raced past the keeper after twenty-eight minutes play. The break came with

A n n ’s G r o v e i n t h e ascendancy, enjoying a comfortable 2-0 lead. The resumption of the final period saw a spirited fight back by NA United as they created a few opportunities to make it a contest, but a resolute Ann’s Grove backline erased every effort, before the wily Adrian Adams broke through following a clever pass from mid-field to nonchalantly lob his effort over the advancing goalkeeper ’s head in the 56th minute as

they trailed 1-2. The visitors from New Amsterdam squandered an excellent chance to gain the equaliser when the energetic Adams superb effort which had goal written all over it was rubbed out after a teammate who was in an offside position in his exuberance headed the ball into the goal only to see the linesman wave off-side in the 73rd minute. It was a cruel blow for the visitors and a mistake that cost them the game as Ann’s Grove held on grimly until the final whistle sounded. However, three minutes later, Ann’s Grove lost Jamin Rodgers following a second bookable offence after another wild challenge on an opposing player to reduce them to ten men and open the door slight. However, they stood firm until the end to earn valuable full points.

Maxton Adams and Kevon Barry pose for a photo op following their win over New Amsterdam United on Wednesday night at Golden Grove ground. In the feature clash, homesters Golden Grove and Rosignol United duelled to a 1-1 tie with Oswin Carmichael 14th minute goal jolting the hosts early, before Phillip Williams netted the equaliser in the 36th minute. With the draw, both teams are on one point each from two matches following opening round defeats. Carmichael gave Rosignol United the lead when he outpaced his marker to lash past the goalkeeper into the lower left hand corner. Golden Grove had a chance to level the game in

the 21st minute after Williams was brought down inside the ‘Red Zone’, but Akini Cameron’s weak shot went straight at the keeper, who saved easily. However, fifteen minutes later Williams delivered a belter of a free kick that deflected off a defender to wrong-foot the goalkeeper. The second half brought no drama and the game eventually ended in a draw. Action in the competition continued last evening with a double header at the MSC ground in Linden.

Odinga Lumumba withdraws from VP position on Team Unity slate President of the Alpha United Football Club and former Vice President candidate of the Team Unity slate, Odinga Lumumba has withdrawn his VP candidacy f r o m Te a m U n i t y f o r t o m o r r o w ’s G u y a n a Football Federation (GFF) elections. Citing attempts to misconstrue his intentions and his desire to see football be the winner in the long run, Lumumba made the decision to ensure the slate functions with no inhibitions and to ensure any cloud surrounding his involvement was removed. Here is the full text of Mr Lumumba’s statement: “Today I’m here because it is my opinion that at the end of the day football must be the victor. For the past

three weeks attempts have been made by members of the Integrity Group in particular Mr. Forde, Mr. Adams and Mr. Lovell to drag my name, character and contribution to football into the mud.” “These misguided individuals have gone so far as to suggest that the honorable counsel Mr. Nigel Hughes and fellow respected counsel Mark Waldron were hired by me to secure a victory in the upcoming GFF elections, and then after elections they would have ridden away in the sunset. Not only do I find this position ridiculous, it also shows the level of unscrupulous behavior that is presented by members of Team Integrity.” “This group has decided

Odinga Lumumba that in order to win it must say degrading things about

two young attorneys, strip them of their integrity and accuse them of taking bribes. In any other society they would have been brought before the courts or at the least, the ethics council of the governing body for the sport. The records will show that in past seven years I have been able to turn around Alpha United from Guyana’s whipping boys to the present point where it is one of the top teams in the Caribbean. The records would also show that my benevolence has been felt by over 100 footballers and by extension their families. Alpha United club is the first sport team in Guyana outside of boxing that has guaranteed their players

financial incentive for their hard labor.” “In addition, Alpha has uplifted the standard of Football in Guyana by importing players from Panama, Brazil, St. Vincent, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and recently we have signed a Nigerian player who is listed in the top 200 in his own country. I wish to point out to members of Team Integrity that my desire is not to seek power in the GFF but to take local Football to a level that will set the course for better players so that Guyana as a country could become competitive and one day compete at the world cup.” “While enduring the personal attacks, I want to assure the Football federation and the public at

large that Lumumba doesn’t have any interest in presid e n c y a n d w i l l never attempt to undermine Mr. Hughes for him to leave. To c o n c r e t i z e t h i s position, I have submitted a letter to the Chairman of the NC requesting an adjustment of Team Unity’s slate which would reflect that I am no longer running for the position of First Vice President.” “This letter would take effect prior to the election on Saturday November 14th, and will be the mandate of the NC or new General Counsel. I do this with a heavy heart but my interest is to put football first always for the good of the game.” Odinga Lumumba.

t r o Sp

Guinness ‘Greatest of of the Streets’ launched launched

Odinga Lumumba withdraws from VP position on Team Unity slate WICB PCL Cricket

Jaguars aim to blow away Hurricanes at Providence

But rain threatens

Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (2nd right ) hands over the winning trophies to Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca in the presence of Communications Manager Troy Peters and Aqua Mist Brand Manager Errol Nelson yesterday.

GT&T Indoor Hockey Championships

Renowned Martial Artist, Hwang Jang Lee AKA, Silver Fox, arrives in Guyana

Old Fort, Pepsi Hikers and GCC ease to victories in latest action

Old Fort’s Aderemi Simon passes to teammate Chris Low for the deflection as the Phoenix defence stands guard. 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