Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday November 16, 2012

Mabaruma schoolgirl succumbs

Minutes after leaving Mabaruma on a medivac at around 05:30 hours yesterday, 15 year-old Bibi Zaleena Shadeek who had her throat slit and was virtually disembowelled by her spurned boyfriend, succumbed to her injuries.

Reports are that after the teen died, the flight returned to Mabaruma.

Shadeek, a former fifth form student who was preparing for CXC early next year, was viciously attacked by the young man at around 19:30 hours on Wednesday at her home. The incident occurred at the teen’s home

at Kumaka Stretch, Mabaruma, Barima-Waini, Region One. Her attacker has been identified as 18-year-old Ronnie Ramit, a minibus conductor, with whom she once shared a relationship.

Ramit was found hanging from a tree with a hammock rope tied around his neck early yesterday morning.

However, it is believed that the man killed himself sometime on Wednesday night after the incident since he last made contact with his sister via text message and was not heard from again.

In the text message, Ramit

- spurned boyfriend kills self told his sister “Tell mommy and daddy bye, I just kill Lena and I going and hang meself”.

One of the dead teen’s cousins, Janel Wong, told this publication that Bibi Shadeek had recently tried to sever her relationship with the young man, but he “would not take no for an answer”. Wong said that on Wednesday, Ramit called Shadeek on her cellular phone and asked her to come downstairs to collect a

memory card.

“She and two cousins were home and she went downstairs and he was already in the yard and he dragged her behind the dog pen and slit her throat and then buss open she belly.”

According to Wong, the man then fled the yard as the badly wounded teen dragged herself into the bottom flat, by which time two of her cousins ran to her rescue.

After seeing Bibi covered in blood and the contents of

Dead: 15-year-old Bibi Zaleena Shadeek her abdomen protruding, her relatives started screaming for help. The teen was rushed to the Mabaruma Hospital but there was no doctor on duty.

Wong told this publication that a doctor arrived one hour and ten minutes later, but in the interim her cousin was being treated by a nurse. This publication was told that the teen’s family was allowed to stay with her throughout the night.

“She couldn’t talk, so we give her a pen and a paper and she write a note and tell us who did it.”

The cousin related that the note the teen wrote stated “Is Ronnie stab me, daddy I’m your only daughter, I know I make your hands fall.

I never see you cry for me but you cried tonight. I’m sorry and I love you. If y’all find Ronnie make sure he is dead.”

In her note too, Shadeek pleaded with her brothers to always listen to their parents.

According to Wong, Bibi cried throughout the night as relatives and other officials tried getting a flight to take her out of Mabaruma for better medical attention.

Relatives said that all they were told was that while there were aircraft to do the medivac, there was no pilot.

This publication was told that

Dead: 18-year-old Ronnie Ramit in an effort to try to save the girl, relatives made calls to several persons “in high position” pleading with them to find a pilot. It was not until daybreak that a plane belonging to a church group and parked at Mabaruma took off with the injured teen.

However, all their efforts were futile, as Shadeek died a few minutes after the flight left Mabaruma.

“When we see the flight come back we know something was wrong, but before she left she bleed a lot and she was really pale,” a relative related.

The teen’s death has rocked the community, as many could not believe that such a tragic incident had occurred in their neighbourhood. Students and teachers of the school which the teen attended were all in shock and disbelief as she was described as a high achiever.

The dead girl’s relatives lauded the efforts of the doctor, nurses and the Medex who did their best with the teen before she succumbed.

Reports are that the Doctor and other staffers at the Mabaruma Hospital wept when the girl died.

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

A Guyana Teaching Council On Wednesday, the Ministry of Education (MoE) organised a consultation in collaboration with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) on the feasibility of establishing a National Teaching Council (NTC) in Guyana. In brief, the NTC would perform the role played by the Medical Council does for doctors and the Bar Association for lawyers: establish standards for the profession and ensure that they are complied with. In other words to licence, register and apply sanctions such as de-registration of teachers who breach standards governing the profession.

While pointing out that it had invited a wide cross section of teachers, beyond the union’s executive, and also some students, the president of the GTU emphasised that, “members of the University of Guyana (UG), members of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), Members of Parliament (MPs), the Teaching Service Commission (TSC)” must also be involved in the widest possible consultations.

While the present initiative is an outcome of a joint CARICOM-Commonwealth Secretariat initiative, going back to a 2010 meeting in St Lucia, its circulated draft “Guidelines for Establishing Teaching Councils in the CARICOM” did acknowledge that it had benefitted from the experience of Jamaica. That country had launched its Teaching Council the same year after six years of preparatory work and consultations. A review of Jamaica’s experience should be a salutary exercise for all ‘stakeholders’ in going forward.

One sticking point was the relationship between the Teaching Council and the Ministry of Education. Seemingly oblivious to the debate in Jamaica, the Guidelines answer the question, “What is the Teaching Council?” as follows: “The Teaching Council is an autonomous professional and administrative body under the aegis of the MoE.” This ‘aegis’ is clearly at variance with the status of the medical and legal bodies that is sought to be emulated.”

Some of the most trenchant critique came from the Jamaican Teachers’ Association (JTA), especially as it related to sanctions. They also feared the loss of authority of the Jamaican Teaching Service Commission, which would see some of its functions subsumed within the new Council. By 2011, the JTA instructed its teachers not to register with the Jamaican Teaching Council (JTC), since that body had no legal status.

In fact, in a purely serendipitous circumstance, just a week before the Guyana consultation, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education finally announced that they had finally reached agreement with the JTA and that the JTC Bill would be finally presented to parliament. Very much as was established from the beginning, the Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of a governing body for the teaching profession, and institute a regime for the licencing and registration of all government-paid teachers. It also gives legal powers to the Council to immediately suspend and cancel the registration of a teacher, who is charged for what is deemed a disqualifiable offence, which includes: sexual offences, murder, pornography, robbery, and fraud.

It is quite possible that the Guyana MoE might be au fait with the Jamaican experience and has sought the GTU’s buy-in from the beginning. Indeed, from Wednesday’s conclave, the GTU was explicitly made to look as if they were spearheading the entire initiative. The ‘regulatory services’ to be provided by the Council as per the guidelines go to the heart of what all ‘stakeholders’ ought to be in agreement on. Not as aspirations, but in their execution.

These include ‘providing the professional with a yardstick against which he or she is able to assess personal performance’; establish, maintain and enforce a system of licencing of teaching and other personnel in the education system – in public and private educational institutions; establish, maintain and enforce a code of ethics; take necessary measures to revoke the licences of teachers in event of professional misconduct or any behaviour that demeans the profession.’

While we welcome any move to ‘professionalise’ the teaching profession, we note that there has been a studious avoidance of the elephant in the Guyanese (as opposed to other CARICOM members’) classroom: the question of teachers’ remuneration for all this ‘professionalization’.

Thursday November 15, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

Teacher Training — key to upping Education Standards.

DEAR EDITOR, At the last CXC Exams, the West Coast Demerara School, the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN), was outstanding in its total results, doing much better than most of the traditional “super” schools of Georgetown.

Someone had written a letter giving reasons for SVN’s remarkable achievement (e.g. banning private lessons), and advocating that the school be studied by the Caribbean Exams

Council and by the Ministry of Education.

The one important factor in achieving such remarkable results by SVN which the letter-writer omitted to mention was the fact that the school methodically carries out its own teacher-training programes, both locally and overseas.

I recently came across a past newspaper of July 2012 where there was a report that the school was able to enjoy the confidence and gracious

generosity of the Ramnarayan family of the USA who granted full scholarships to three students of Saraswati Vidya Niketan to pursue degrees at first class American colleges.

These students have now returned and are teaching at SVN. The school has also provided scholarships for Cyril Potter training.

Accordingly SVN is building up a high grade professional teaching staff reminiscent of the old Queen’s College.

All secondary schools

need to take a page out of SVN’s book and the Ministry of Education should induce them to help themselves and not to sit aimlessly waiting on Government-sponsored scholarships.

It may profit the Ministry to try to keep in close contact with Swami Aksharanand who is committed to raising moral and educational standards of Guyana and who is successfully doing so.

Name Withheld

This road needs urgent repairs DEAR EDITOR, Please permit the use of your column to enquire on a critically important situation for the residents of the Pattensen (south) community commonly called ‘B’ Field Sophia.

I became elated at the prospects of having the deplorable state of our main access road rectified, when In the April 2012 budget debates on government expenditure estimates, I noted that $33 million under the urban Roads programme had been allocated for the road repairs.

For the majority of residents this road works was long overdue even though there was some “patching” done the previous year. This road, I must mention, was completed in 2006 when the entire community benefited from a road construction project but to our dismay

within one year of completion of the project over 30 per cent of all the surfaces were compromised and thus needed repairs. This deterioration continues until present day.

This main road and the other carriageways within the community serve over 5,000 residents, who own approximately 150 personal vehicles. The public transportation fleet of minibuses number over 28.

The Section B Pattensen main road is strategically the only carriageway within the entire Sophia catchment area that is accessible by vehicular traffic (via three bridges which the community built and maintains) that comes from the Lamaha Park and other sister communities in the southern section of Georgetown and it equally serves to ease the traffic on the eastern corridor of the

coast for commuters coming from higher up the East Coast and heading to the East Bank.

I would have thought that such a critically useful roadway that has sunk into the deplorable state it’s in t o d a y, would have generated a more stealthy effort to get the job done, but alas this is not so.

During the month of June I noticed the Honorable Minister of Public Works negotiating his vehicle one Saturday afternoon, through the same main road, and took this to mean that he was putting some personal effort into bringing this road project to fruition. To date there has been absolute silence on the works to be done.

To the credit of some youths within the community, they can be seen daily seeking out all types of builders’ waste and other materials to put into the

gaping craters that the road has been reduced to, and I must say thanks to the minibus drivers who continue to hazard their vehicles and safety to provide our denizens with public transportation which is very imperative in a working class neighborhood such as ours.

As a community servant and resident of this community I would like to implore the responsible Minister and his technical and works team to find a way to get the road done especially now that we are into a somewhat dry period at this time.

I think the people of our community deserve this and of course many of the persons from our sister communities too. It has been seven months too long.

Colin Marks Pattensen Community Development Council (PCDC)

Thursday November 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

The acting appointment of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the concern expressed by Attorney-atLaw, Mr. Nigel Hughes and reported in your newspaper over the prolonged acting appointments of their Honours Justices Carl Singh and Ian Chang in the judicial offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice, respectively. Mr. Hughes’s comment echoed a similar concern by Mr. Teni Housty, a former President of the Guyana Bar Association.

I consider that it might be useful if I made a contribution on this matter. In the Constitutions of most of the CARICOM States and in some other Commonwealth countries, the Head of the Judiciary is appointed by the Head of State after

consultation with the leader of the Opposition.

This is the procedure specified in the Constitution of Guyana for the appointment of the Chancellor as the Head of the Judiciary in Guyana, and the Chief Justice as the most senior Judge of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature.

During Mr. Burnham’s tenure of office as Head of State, the legal personalities appointed to the Office of Chancellor and Head of the Judiciary, and the Office of Chief Justice as nominees of the Prime Minister (and later President) were acknowledged legal luminaries, in first Chancellor and President of the Court of Appeal being Sir Kenneth Stoby, and Sir Harold Bollers

Murder, suicide and wanton death pervades the society!

DEAR EDITOR, Under the Donald Ramotar presidency, with his Home Affairs Commissar, Clement Rohee, manacled to his post, there is no premium to life in Guyana.

I am sick to my soul about checking the daily Guyanese press, online, first thing, every morning with the screaming accounts of death in every form and manner imaginable, in my country.

This is not a manifestation per chance. It mirrors the society that we are all consumed building, pro-PPP, anti-PPP, young, old, rich, poor, involved, uninvolved.

We are all consumed.

Guyanese simply can’t continue to turn a blind eye, like the government, to this social ill disgracing our collective psyche.

I am not even

contemplating the other areas of national life and disgrace— drugs, crimes, money laundering and other vices that permeate our society.

There is already a litany of accounts in the police departments, the national press, mass organisations, churches and wherever else such matters are noted and booked.

Donald Ramotar and his Cabinet, as the custodians of the law, must be held accountab l e and responsible.

Ramotar must initiate emergency measures with his Guyana Police Force a n d o t h e r m i l i t a ry and paramilitary outfits to initiate measures to address this scourge on Guyana. It needs, in conjunction with the entire opposition. A national crisis calls for a patriotic response!

Lionel Peters.

An untenable situation in Queenstown DEAR EDITOR, I write to you with disgust about a situation which the residents of Lance Gibbs Street between Albert and Oronoque Streets are experiencing. My lot is 196 which is one lot away from Oronoque Street.

From September a construction which is being done by a popular businessman has been causing the drains to be blocked.

The sand for the construction is, I believe, the cause. Numerous complaints have been made to the relevant authorities to no avail.

I am now unable to access my home which is in the back of the yard. I have to use the higher parapet of the next lot.

Soon that parapet would be blocked as well. I was told by a building inspector that “he passed by my lot and only half of the bridge was covered” What a nerve.

The question to be asked is, “Should the ordinary man be made to suffer because those in high places can do what they like and get away with it because of connections?

When are the people who should be ensuring that the rule of law be adhered to and order is kept, begin to do what they are paid to do?

I am not the only resident suffering. Another resident who lives on a ground floor has a sewerage connection which was damaged.

Faith Clarke.

as the Chief Justice of the High Court.

During the Constitutional review process which commenced after the PPP/C assumed office after the general elections in 1992, the proposal was made by the PNC/R (now in opposition) for a change in the procedure for the appointment of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice, respectively the requirement of agreement (not merely consultation) between the Head of State and the Leader of the Opposition was proposed

by Mr. Robert Corbin the leader of the Opposition and was agreed by the National Assembly which had turned itself into a Constituent Assembly for the purpose of reforming the Constitution.

I am on record as having warned against the change in the procedure for the appointment of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice.

I contended that if the requirement was agreement for the appointment of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice, the Constitution must contain provision for

resolving the matter in the event of this being unattainable.

I proposed that there should be a reference to the National Assembly and a decision being made by not less than a two-thirds majority vote.

This proposal was not favoured; the argument advanced being that it might not be possible to obtain a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly.

In the end, the existing (revised) C o n s t i t u t i o n adopted in 2002 requires agreement to be reached

by the President and the Leader of the Opposition for the substantive appointment of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice, respectively.

It is to be noted that the revised Constitution of Guyana includes a provision (Article 232) which actually defines what is meant by “consultation” or “meaningful consultation”.

This may have been inspired by the Constitution of Belize which contains a similar provision.

Brynmor T.I. Pollard, C.C.H.; S.C.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 15, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Suriname Airways begs to enter the local market A most unwelcomed DEAR EDITOR, The Chief Executive Officer of SLM Suriname Airways said some time ago that the success of its investment in Guyana and future expansion from Guyana to Toronto and New York City depends on the cooperation of the government of Guyana.

Hence, it would make sense that Guyana urgently lobbies the government of Suriname by offering major incentives or even some sort of subsidies to encourage SLM to expand its services from Guyana to

other major hubs.

Sadly, SLM is still waiting on the Guyana Government to talk business on expanding to Toronto and New York City.

No doubt it was a great move that the government of Guyana embraced Caribbean Airlines (CAL) after EZjet services to Guyana was suspended by the US and Canadian Department of Transportation leaving thousands of passengers stranded as the Christmas season approaches. When this is all over, air fares from NY, Toronto and Port of Spain

to Guyana will soar again.

Thus, raises the question, what is the government of Guyana doing to solve this dilemma in the long term?

Obviously, Jet Blue, British Airways, KLM or American Airlines aren’t entering the Guyana market. It would make sense to work with what Guyana has now, and SLM is backed by the government of Suriname.

Further, the economy of Suriname is growing strong and the pro-Guyana government in Paramaribo seeks South to South cooperation which works in Guyana’s favour.

SLM’s product is far the best in the Caribbean.

The airline has the best food and cabin services in the Caribbean.

The service is far superior to that of Delta, Caribbean Airlines, American Airlines and other carriers servicing the region. And as the Suriname tourism industry grows as we are witnessing, SLM will expand. Another reputable carrier, Dutch Antillean

Express (DAE) enters the Suriname market next week, offering daily service between Suriname and Curacao at a low fare at US$150 roundtrip.

The time has come for the government of Guyana to stop supporting and associating itself with doggy fly by night carriers such as Universal and EZjet. Corruption in Guyana and among some Guyanese entrepreneurs overseas has been growing at an embarrassing speed.

Naturally, people are blaming the government of Guyana for the EZjet fiasco because the PPP Regime decided to stick its head in the sand and continue lambasting the opposition and the media for stalling G u y a n a ’s economic development.

The PPP Regime needs to understand that as civil society take root in Guyana and now that Guyana has a real opposition, they will have to succumb to the new political landscape instead of trashing everyone who condemns corruptions.

Ray Chickrie

publication

DEAR EDITOR Ms. Oluatoyin Alleyne, i n h e r a r t i c l e “ Wo m e n miners’ organization finds eight-year old in mining pit”, published in Sunday Stabroek, November 4, 2012, has given us an account of some of the activities in the Puruni Backdam as told by Ms. Simona Broomes.

To substantiate some of the information, two photographs have been provided, one of which includes the little boy referred to in one episode of Ms. Broomes’s story.

Not knowing the child, we perhaps in this distant location would not be able to recognize him, but it is, however, possible that persons who know him in that location would be able to recognize that child.

It is in this context that one could take issue with this article.

Publicizing the picture

of this child runs contrary to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Guyana is a signatory.

It also runs contrary to standards on reporting on children as set by UNESCO and UNICEF. These deficiencies in reporting on children have been clearly set out in the Report “Media Trends: Representation of Women and Children in the Media” produced by Dr. Paloma Mohamed in collaboration with UNICEF and the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security.

Further, this Report also formed the basis of a workshop which was intended to sensitize the Media to these requirements in reporting on children.

It was therefore quite surprising to note the picture published in the newspaper.

Yvonne Stephenson

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Friday November 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

Berbice businessman wanted in connection with cop’s execution The Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for Salim Bacchus called ‘Black Salim’ whom they say is wanted for questioning in relation to murder of Police Constable Jirbahan Dianand.

The police is asking for anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Salim Bacchus called ‘Black Salim’ to contact them on telephone numbers: 333-2191, 333-3876, 333-2151- 3, 2252227, 225-6411, 911 or the nearest police station.

Bacchus’ last known

Wanted: Salim Bacchus

address was given as Lot 139 Line Path ‘D’ Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice.

Detective Dianand’s body was discovered in his motor car, PHH 6528, on the Jackson Creek Public Road by a police patrol attached to Springlands Police Station on Friday, September 14, last. He had two gunshot wounds to his head.

Detective Dianand was attached to the Springlands Police Station and was based at Moleson Creek Police Outpost as a Narcotics rank.

Govt. suspends legal reform of telecoms sector - Talks “heightened” with GT&T, Digicel The government has suspended its efforts to pursue liberalization of the telecoms sector in Parliament, opting for more talks with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and Digicel.

Two bills for the reform of the sector were before Parliament. The bills are the Telecommunications Amendment Bill and Public Utilities Commission Amendment Bill.

The Bills were introduced already and were due to be read a second time, during which there would have been debate and its possible enactment by the House.

However, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon yesterday announced that the governing PPP has made known its desire not to pursue the second reading of the Bills and has also informed GT&T and Digicel of its intentions.

Luncheon said that bilateral engagements with GT&T and Digicel have started and will

continue. He said the aim of those discussions is agreement of liberalisation of demonopolisation of the sector.

New legislation specifically addresses the expansion of telecommunications networks and services into unserved and underserved areas through the institution of a new universal access/universal services programme.

The pieces of legislation also call for a number of changes in the policies and operations of the PUC. The legislation was intended to create a new legal framework “characterized by transparency and non-discrimination in the issuance and monitoring of licenses and authorizations to use the spectrum, seamless interconnection and access between and among telecommunications networks and services and price regulation where required, to ensure competition and protect consumers.”

N &M INT. 50 OVER - BERBICE

Batson 5-18 steers RHT Pepsi into semis Rose Hall Town Pepsi have become the latest team to reach the semi finals of this year ’s Neal and Massy Intermediate 50 over cricket competition in Berbice, thanks mainly to a 5-wicket haul from Renwick Batson as they overcame N0. 70 Young Star by 5 wickets in their quarter final game.

Winning the toss and taking first strike at the Area H Ground, Rose Hall Town, No. 70 Young Star soon found themselves in trouble at 25 for 3 with the opening pacers, former Berbice under-19 cricketer, Ingram Dey, taking two and Jamal Jarvis one.

After they had progressed to 41 for 3, medium pacer Batson joined the fray and in a destructive spell took 5 consecutive wickets to reduce them to 53 for 8.

Berbice Under-15 off spinner Daniel Lewis accounted for the last two wickets, Young Star bowled out for 78 in 17 overs.

Batson ended with 5 for

18 from 4 overs, Daniel Lewis 2 for 21 from 3 overs and Ingram Dey 2 for 26 from 5 overs while Tameshwar Ramoutar top scored with 21.

When Rose Hall Town Pepsi began their reply, they ran into early trouble when pacer Omesh Khemraj picked up two early wickets to have them 6 for 2. However, former Guyana wicket-keeper batsman Delbert Hicks and Devin Baldeo came to the

rescue and put on 52 for the third wicket before left arm spinner Omesh Kumar removed Hicks for 27, Baldeo for 14 and Ravi Narine for 0 to see them slip to 65 for 5.

Akshay Homraj (12) and Arif Chan (0) both unbeaten guided Rose Hall Town Pepsi to victory at 79 for 5 in 19.3 overs. Bowling for Young Star, Omesh Kumar took 3 for 27 from 5.3 overs and Omesh Khemraj 2 for 10 from 4 overs.

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Cops nab suspect in Diamond housewife shooting …while searching for truck driver’s killers Detectives investigating the recent murder of truck driver Aga Khan have reportedly tracked down the bandit who shot Diamond, East Bank Demerara housewife, Bibi Samaroo, two months ago.

The suspect, identified as Paul Bascom, of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, was arrested a few days ago while police were attempting to track down the three men who killed 57-year-old Aga Khan and wounded a porter during a robbery in Buzz Bee Dam, Craig, East Bank Demerara.

Police said that they seized an unlicenced pistol from the suspect and alleged that the weapon was the same one with which the housewife was shot.

Kaieteur News understands that Bascom, who is in his twenties, appeared in the Providence Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

He was remanded on possession of an unlicenced firearm and for discharging a loaded firearm

among other charges.

It is alleged that Bibi Samaroo and her two sons were alone at home last September when three men entered the premises. One of the men was brandishing a handgun.

Samaroo was reportedly shot in her right shoulder and pelvis while scuffling with the gunman.The robbers fled with Samaroo’s purse.

Meanwhile, police disclosed yesterday that they had released all the suspects who were being questioned in connection with the murder of Aga Khan.

Mervin Marcus, a 22year-old porter of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, was shot in the right shoulder.

Another porter, who was on the same vehicle, escaped unhurt. The suspects escaped on foot with some $750,000.

Police found a single 9mm round under the driver’s seat.

They believe that the bandits fired one bullet which passed through the left side of

Bibi Samaroo Khan’s neck and then struck Marcus.

The victims were employees of Edun’s Poultry and Hatchery, located in Buzz Bee Dam, a short distance from where the bandits struck.

They were returning to their employer ’s farm with proceeds of the day’s sales when they were attacked.

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Kaieteur News

Friday November 16, 2012

Rose Hall murder Govt. admits agencies accused remanded wiretapped phone calls Shamdial Ramroop called ‘Muscle’, 31, of Tain Settlement, Corentyne, was yesterday remanded to prison after being charged with the murder of Ajai Cecil.

Ramroop made an appearance at the Albion Magistrates Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The father of two was represented by Ian Annamayah. Bail was refused and he will return to court on January 8.

On Sunday last, Cecil was stabbed to death at Rose Hall, Corentyne, while on his way home from a fun day. Reports are that Cecil was pronounced dead on arrival at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, shortly after the incident.

Murder accused Shamdial Ramroop called ‘Muscle’.

Relatives told this publication that Cecil left his home at around 19:30 hours on Saturday to attend a Fun Day at the Area H Ground

Rose Hall.

The man then decided to stay for the ‘wash down’ and was heading home at around 12:30 hours, with a relative, identified only as Rakesh, when he was attacked by three men.

The eyewitness recalled that one of the men struck Cecil on his head with a piece of wood causing him to fall to the ground.

The men then relieved the injured teen of his valuables comprising three gold rings, a gold band and a gold chain.

As the men were relieving Cecil of his valuables, they stabbed him several times about his body.

Rakesh said that during the attack he ran away and screamed for help.

The robbers chased after him but subsequently gave up and fled the area.

The injured man was first rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital but after being greeted with locked gates his relatives were forced to drive to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Government has admitted that its security agencies wiretapped phone calls on a number of occasions. But they were all for security reasons…in pursuit in criminals.

Responding to questions yesterday during his weekly press briefings, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Roger Luncheon, while not giving details, disclosed that the local courts had given permission after “approaches” have been made to the judge.

Intercepting phone calls or listening in to phone calls is known as wiretapping.

Wiretapping legislation, under the ‘Interception of Communication Act’, became effective August 2009.

However, the police, army and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which have powers to ask a judge to wiretap phones as part of an investigation, just cannot take it upon themselves to do so. They first have to approach a judge and make a case to justify the need to wiretap. The judge’s order is then directed to the phone

… for security reasons

company, be it the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company or Digicel Guyana to allow the facility to be used.

Kaieteur News understands that the telephone company would then route the lines to equipment that a special government intelligencegathering agency has acquired. The intelligence agency has set up shop on Vlissengen Road, behind Castellani House.

Government has insisted that it has not illegally done any wiretapping of the phones of private individuals.

The Interception of Communication Bill was not unanimously approved in the National Assembly when it was piloted through the National Assembly during the last Parliament under former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The legislation, which was debated for hours on end in the House, was condemned by the opposition as “suspicious and unconstitutional”.

Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, who piloted the Bill, had at the time of the debate said that there was no need for paranoid concerns, given that the legislation was laden with safeguard clauses.

The legislation gives the power to the Commissioner of Police, the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, and the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, to apply to a judge to direct the technical officers at the telecommunication companies to intercept the communication of a person without his/her knowledge.

In an emergency, and in instances where deemed a matter of national security, the authorities can move to have a warrant sought from the Minister of Home Affairs, after which he will have 72 hours to present the application.

There is also a clause in the legislation that allows for a designated officer to order a wiretap in instances deemed emergency, where it is impracticable to reach a judge.

Thursday November 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

PARLIAMENT HAS NO POWERS TO SANCTION ANYONE IN THE AUDITOR GENERAL’S OFFICE The opposition seems destined for further selfembarrassment. They seem not to have learnt anything from the debacle they faced when the court ruled that they had no power to cut the country’s Budget.

It seems as if they are about to repeat that mistake, this time in relation to appointments within the Office of the Auditor General. The opposition does not seem to understand that the sole role of the Public Accounts Committee ( PAC) is to confirm appointments made by the Auditor General.

It is the Auditor General who makes the appointments, not the PAC. Those appointments are required to be confirmed by the PAC. As such, they can confirm or not confirm, but having confirmed there are no powers to remove the confirmation of any person so confirmed.

It is very much like the Budget. The National Assembly can approve or reject the Budget, but they cannot cut it to suit their needs. It is a complete waste of time, therefore, for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to be investigating issues of conflict of interest within the Office of the Auditor General, because in the final analysis, the PAC cannot undo what it did in confirming the appointments which were made by the Auditor General. The government members on the PAC were able to railroad the confirmation of the appointments at a meeting earlier this year. They were successful in doing this because one of the opposition members of the committee was not present at the time the vote was taken. The alert

members noticed this and had put the matter out to a vote and used their majority to secure confirmation. These things happen and the opposition has to live with it, especially since they merely have a majority of one. After the 1992 General and Regional Elections, the PPP was gifted with the Chairmanship of a Region, because when the time came for the vote to be taken, opposition persons were not present. After the 2006 elections, there was a deal between the PPP and the PNCR to shut the AFC out of the Chairmanship of some regions. In some areas, however, the PPP accused the PNCR of reneging of that agreement, which led to the PNCR gaining positions that it ought not to have gained. It happens.

After the last local government elections, there was reportedly some agreement between the PNC and the PPP on rotating the position of Mayor. The PPP has always contended that the PNC reneged on this agreement when the PPP’s turn came. It happens.

The PPP took advantage of the absence of an AFC member at a previous PAC meeting which considered the confirmation of appointments within the Office of the Auditor General and those persons were confirmed.

Included among the lot was the wife of the Minister of Finance, over whom concerns of conflict of interest had arisen.

Any conflict of interest within the Office of the Auditor General is one for the Auditor General to address, not parliament. There is always the potential for conflict of interest in organizations and in

Dem boys seh...

Brum Hell got Rohee back, he want promotion When a man seh that he got you back he don’t mean that he tek you back and keeping it. It mean that de man offering you protection. Just before de election, everybody had Uncle Donald back. And Uncle Donald got a broad back.

Well other people got other people back. De other day dem had de Linden commission of inquiry. People disown one another. But some of dem had one another back. Hicky had Rohee back and Rohee had he own back. Now Brum Hell tell de whole world that he got Rohee back. Dem boys seh that he had to seh suh if he want promotion and he think that Rohee gun push fuh he get de wuk.

Uncle Donald sit down and he read bout Brum Hell and how he supporting Rohee and right away he call a Cabinet meeting.

Then he drop to sleep before de meeting start. Is then dem boys realize that he in a coma and need a doctor. Dem boys start fuh recommend all dem doctor dem know. Dem recommend Dr

Barbie, Dr Bharrat, Dr Yesu, Dr Leslie, Dr Berry and even DrAsh Knee. Dem seh that dem wouldn’t recommend Dr Lunch Man because he like Uncle Donald. He too in a coma, because he couldn’t treat Gail when she had a fever. Sam is a doctor too, but he know that sometimes is better fuh stay quiet than fuh open yuh mouth and mek people believe that you stupid. He keep he mouth shut when dem talk bout de hydro road and he refuse to talk when dem talk boutAmaila. He tell dem boys that he don’t thief and he want to enjoy he retirement. But Uncle Donald can’t hear that because he in a coma. De Bees know that when people in a coma dem can’t see wha coming or wha going. Dem can’t see if people tekking, although de Bees tekking all de time. Dem tek land, dem tek money, and now dem tekking over business. One of dem trying fuh tek over de housing business wid Irfaat and Uncle Donald can’t see because he in a coma.

relationships. In fact in relation to a number of issues, the government has been accusing persons within the AFC of being in positions of conflict of interest. The Office of the Auditor General is supposed to be an independent, constitutional office, in that it should not, according to the Constitution of Guyana, be subject to direction or control of any authority - and that obviously has to include parliament. However, the very next paragraph allows for the PAC to exercise general supervision over the Office of the Auditor General in relation to the Rules, Policies and Procedures Manual of that

office. This manual is prepared by the Auditor General and required by law, under the Audit Act, to be approved by the PAC. This, however, is not a case in which there is a contradiction in the constitution. The Auditor General is accountable to parliament, in that he is required to lay his reports to parliament, but he is not subject to the direction of parliament His office is subject to oversight in relation to how it is managed, but to ensure that this power of oversight is not used as an excuse to interfere with the independence of the Auditor General’s office, the PAC is allowed to exercise general supervision in ensuring that the

audit office is managed in accordance with laid down rules and policies as contained in a manual which is prepared by the Auditor General, and approved by the PAC. In this way the PAC exercises scrutiny without encroaching on the independence of the Auditor General’s office. The manual is prepared by the Auditor General and confirmed by the PAC, and the PAC can only scrutinize the AG’s office in relation to what is contained in the manual.

If per chance, however, the PAC finds that there is a breach of any of the stipulations of the manual, including stipulations relating to conflict of interest, it can bring this to the attention of

the Auditor General. This is all it can do.

The ball will be in the court of the Auditor General to decide what action is to be taken. He cannot be directed what to do.

Neither can the PAC undo what it has already done. It has confirmed appointments made by the Auditor General and those appointments cannot be undone by the PAC. It is hoped that the members do not raise the hopes of their supporters that somehow the parliament can sanction anyone in the Office of the Auditor General. It has no such powers.

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=== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ===

The song, the bell: Sung out and rung out It tires your mind, burdens your heart and bores your soul to hear about a song that has been sung and a bell that has been rung more than fifteen years ago in Freedom House, home of the ruling party and the PPP presidency.

The song and the bell are about the country working together without acrimony and free of partisan attitudes in building Guyana. Every senior PPP leader, every Minister of the Government and all the Presidents since

Cheddi Jagan died, (have said and) say this whenever they address even a boy scouts’ meeting. It never stops.

Last Saturday, President Ramotar repeated this most insipid statement in the PPP’s semantic ensemble. It is an excruciatingly boring repetition that demonstrates the Machiavellian destructive instinct that accompanies the administration of this poor, divided country. Addressing UG graduates, the merger of the statement and the venue was one of Guyana’s most

poignant moments of bitter irony.

President Ramotar told the graduates that we (he means the people of Guyana) must work together without acrimony and partisan feelings.

This was said at UG of all places. This is a state institution dominated by the worst form of partisan bloodletting under Mr. Ramotar’s presidency (and before him, Mr. Jagdeo).

To add insult to injury, in the wake of the industrial action earlier this year, another partisan Council at UG was enacted, with Odinga Lumumba becoming a Council Member. If I know President Ramotar ’s intellectual capacity to reason, I would say Ramotar would describe Lumumba as an independent citizen, just as Hydar Ally of the PPP leadership told me years ago he is an independent thinker just like me.

Ramotar’s epistemology is indeed a strange one. His understanding of the nature of knowledge is troubling for a President (but why worry; after all he is President of God-forsaken Guyana). What is objectivity, acrimony, non-

partisanship in the lexicon of Ramotar, will need the most brilliant French deconstructionists to explain.

We have in Guyana, a government that understands no other language than acrimony. This is a Government that is so acrimonious that it asked the judiciary to rule on whether Parliament can pass a motion of no-confidence in one of its own members.

This is a government that is so acrimonious that on three occasions it has questioned the legal independence of the supreme institution of the land – Parliament – by taking it to the courts. This is a government that is so steeped in human insensitivity that it appealed a mere six-million-dollar legal award by the courts to an underage boy who was brutally tortured by members of the Guyana Police Force.

This is a government that, perhaps since the founding of the PPP sixty years ago, has never understood or accepted the meaning of nonpartisanship.

Just take a cursory glance at any State institution and the ghost of partisanship opens its mouth like Jaws and

swallows the Guyanese nation. We were just introduced to the “wonderfully, non-partisan” Broadcasting Committee.

Except for the statutory appointment of an opposition nominee, this Board bears the Freedom House stamp that is larger than the square miles of Russia.

The same Bibi Shadick that heads this committee is also on the UG Council where she sits as one of four PPP Members of Parliament, including the presidential advisor on Governance.

Now isn’t the UG Council like the Broadcasting Committee, a school of nonpartisan Guyanese nationalists? How funny is the timing of Mr. Ramotar. His peculiar use of words came on Saturday afternoon, a day after the opposition accused his government of interfering in the Regional Democratic Councils that the opposition won in a free and fair national election last year. Is this nonpartisanship?

We must remember that Mr. Ramotar spent eight years in Czechoslovakia as an editorial board member for the magazine of world communism, “World Marxist

Frederick Kissoon Review.”

Communist epistemology would explain that knowledge is class-based and that words and concepts have no independent existence outside of their class moorings. One would surmise that based on his communist background, Ramotar would see the PPP as the vanguard party and therefore the embodiment of non-partisanship.

It is we the Guyanese people who are always partisan and acrimonious and the PPP leadership needs to teach us about such concepts. A UG lecturer who was present at the ceremony told me that when Ramotar advised his listeners to be less acrimonious and less partisan, there was a murmur that was loud enough to reach the President’s ears.

They knew and he too, that he was talking nonsense.

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Government dismissed fears of a collapse of the multi-billion-dollar National Insurance Scheme (NIS), yesterday, saying that it has planned a host of meetings with the relevant entities to ensure its continued viability.

Admitting yesterday that the state of the records at the Scheme is embarrassing despite efforts to have it computerized, Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, defended the NIS Board’s performance, saying that not all the recommendations made in 2007 in a routine five-year report could practically be implemented.

Poor returns on investments and dwindling contributions from a workforce are continuing to bog down the fund, which experienced its first deficit (meaning expenses outstripped income) of $371M, last year, in its 43-year history.

A recent five-year actuarial review covering the period ending 2011, warned that the NIS benefits to pensioners could be exhausted in nine years or so, unless drastic measures are taken. These measures

Kaieteur News

include pushing back the pensionable age to 65 and raising the wage ceiling to $200,000 which means that rates would have to be increased.

The private sector body, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GM&SA), has since expressed worry, warning that the workforce would be placed under more pressure if rates are increased.

Yesterday, Dr. Luncheon, who chairs the NIS’ Board of Directors, made it clear that government would not sit by idly and allow the entity to fall by the wayside. There have been calls for Luncheon and the board’s resignation. $30B IN RESERVES NIS has over $30B (US$150M) in its reserves invested in places like the Berbice River Bridge.

It had lost US$30M during the CLICO debacle in 2008, placing a major dent in NIS’s income from investments which are concentrated mainly in Guyana.

Luncheon insisted yesterday that it is easy for criticisms to be laid. He pointed out that NIS had actually implemented a number of measures from the

Friday November 16, 2012

- fund has $30B in coffers; poor records remain major challenge - Dr. Luncheon 2007 actuarial review along with that of the National Insurance Reform Committee, a special body established to oversee these changes.

However, the government spokesman admitted that “greater attention” should have been paid to the recommendations.

He denied that NIS is in dire straits or a “sinking ship”, saying any such belief is “total nonsense”.

Dr. Luncheon conceded that failure to act would result in NIS being in dire straits and falling on hard times, in keeping with the forecast…a conclusion, he emphasised, that is unlikely to occur.

Now that the report for 2011 is out, several meetings are planned, including with private sector bodies, organized labour unions, pensioners and other stakeholders.

The outcome of the meetings will be prepared in a report to be laid in the National Assembly.

According to the recent independently-prepared 2011 Actuarial Review, NIS is nearing crisis stage and will be exhausted in less than 10 years, unless contribution rates and benefits reforms are done immediately.

The report also criticized the National Insurance Reform Committee for failing to make critical changes that were recommended from the 2007 review Among other things, the report is recommending an increase of the contribution rate from 13% to 15% no later than January 2013. The wage ceiling should also be increased to $200,000 per month.

The pension age should also be raised from 60 to 65 years on a phased basis and there should be a freeze on pension increase for two years until the contribution rate is increased and finances improve.

POOR RECORDS The reform committee was established to look at the NIS

and provide guidelines as to the way forward from the 2007 report. “However, no meaningful changes emanating from either of these reports have been made,” the recent assessment found.

Government has already expressed worry in the future of the fund and the report has been sent to Parliamentarians.

With thousands of pensioners and others depending on NIS, for spectacles, among other things, the implications would be a troublesome one for the a d m i n i s t ration of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), which for the first time in its 20-year continuous rule is now also facing an unrelenting opposition which has a oneseat combined majority in the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, on the issue of record keeping, Luncheon disclosed that converting manual records to electronic have proven one of the greatest challenges of NIS. Several projects have been

Chairman of the NIS Board, Dr. Roger Luncheon launched to convert the records, with limited results.

So far, NIS records are only online for a few years.

The problem, Luncheon admitted yesterday, is that previous years continue to challenge staffers with the computation of contributions of especially new pensioners.

Sugar workers have continued to complain of missing records and it will be an uphill task to record the millions of entries of contributions to the computerized archive, Luncheon asserted.

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Force supports Minister Rohee - Top Cop Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell on Wednesday, last, assured the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, that the Guyana Police Force fully supports him.

This assurance comes at a time when the Minister is under fire from the Opposition for matters related to the July 18 protest and shooting deaths of three demonstrators, allegedly by police ranks.

“Sir, I would like to assure you that the Guyana Police Force is behind you,” Brumell firmly asserted during the recommissioning ceremony of the ‘C’ Division Headquarters - the Cove and John Police Station. “The force is behind you with whatever you do. Many of us

who had different views…

Externally, people can make comments but you have to be internal to know what it is…

A person may turn out to be different when you get to know them…Don’t judge a book by its cover!” the Top Cop stated emphatically.

Rohee, during his address to the gathering, noted that he was particularly happy about having the Force’s support.

“The whole country should know that Minister and the Force are as one. We are united in terms of objectives and where we want to take the Guyana Police Force. I saw some letters… or lectures I should say, in the papers, given to police about how they should conduct their operational activities, by

some of these people who call themselves experts in public safety and security issues.

I am not an expert…the only thing I’m an expert is in politics…That I know well…and that I will stick to! I have no interest in becoming an expert in policing; I have no interest in becoming an expert in security matters… simply because today or tomorrow, if the President asks me to serve somewhere else…well, that ambition to be an expert in one area or another goes up in smoke.”

As part of the Citizen Security Programme, under the Integrated Crime Information System (ICIS), three computers, along with a few desks, chairs, air condition units, and file cabinets were given to that

The entrance to the newly renovated interviewing room at the Cove and John Police Station

Police Station.

The building was also repainted and various offices such as the ‘Identification Parade Room’, the ‘Interviewing Room’, the ‘Listening Room’, ‘The Court Sub Office’, and the station’s washroom were all given facelifts. These works totaled approximately $19.1M. The Cove and John Police station is the final of 18 stations to be remodeled.

The Minister had some choice words for those seeking to misrepresent and make light of the advancement within the security sector, more particularly, the increased funding and other developments in the Police Force.

“Forget what people talk about in the media, these are just political statements being made. Let them go to the budget, and to the current and capital estimates made for the past five years, and see the increases of money being made available to the Guyana Police Force over those years.

Maybe it’s our fault that we don’t talk more about these things.

“Developments are occurring in the Force, but we need to speak more of these developments, because it

Commissioner of Police (Ag), Leroy Brumell

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee

seems those who speak contrary to the development seem to be getting more publicity than those who speak in favour, and this is regrettable.”

M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner Brumell urged the ranks of the Cove and John Station to be more considerate to members of the public. He warned against telling persons in need of their assistance, that the station does not have any vehicles and find alternative ways in rendering assistance to persons.

Explaining the ICIS,

Clement Henry of the Research Unit, noted that information will be entered into the computer system which will be accessed through a data system.

The upgrade is an effort to bring the police force on par with technological advancements. It was pointed out that this will help the Force with more quick development policies.

On behalf of the ranks, Inspector Harte promised both the Minister and the Top Cop that the facility will be put to good use, as it is a form of motivation for the ranks.

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Friday November 16, 2012

Opposition, Govt. at odds over PAC letter to int’l body

By Latoya Giles Shadow Finance Minister for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Carl Greenidge, said yesterday that the government has taken offence to a letter which was sent to local, regional and international oversight bodies for Chartered Accountants, alleging the possible conflict of interest between the Finance Minister and his wife’s appointment at the Audit Office.

Speaking at the party’s weekly press conference, Greenidge disclosed that during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting on November 5, last, the

Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira complained about the inclusion of the name of the wife of Dr. Ashni Singh in a letter. The letter was sent by Greenidge, who is the Chairman of the PAC. According to Greenidge, the letter requested guidance from the Guyana, Caribbean and international institutes, regarding their codes of ethics and possible conflict of interest arising from the appointment of Mrs. Singh to the post of Director in the Audit Office, given that her husband is the Minister of Finance. APNU cited, in particular, the material she would be required to audit directly or through colleagues

pertain to agencies for which her husband has Ministerial and policy responsibility.

Greenidge emphasised that this represents a strong conflict of interest, given that Mrs. Singh operates at such a senior level. He said that apparently the PPP/C did not want the source of the conflict mentioned in the letter and had also claimed that there were several inaccuracies.

The Shadow Finance Minister added that it was clear that without specific names being provided to the oversight bodies, they are unlikely to be in a position to offer advice on this “very special and controversial case at a time when the

Government is embroiled in accusations about corruption and there are calls for special audits for entities such as NICIL and AHI”.

He said that these entities have failed to account for billions of dollars which have been in their keeping.

“Mrs. Singh’s promotion to the number two position in the Office of the Auditor General was sought by the acting Auditor General, Mr.’ Deodat Sharma, and was facilitated by the unexpected and temporary PPP/C majority on the body, resulting from the sudden and unannounced absence of the AFC representative Mr. Trevor Williams, Greenidge

stated.

He added that the decisions of the PAC are by tradition, based on a consensus among the parties, especially in the face of politically sensitive matters such as appointments where the parties need to have confidence in the impartiality and professionalism of the officers.

Greenidge said that the National Assembly can be expected to look at the matter in a few weeks’ time when a full report of the PAC deliberations, as well as the views of the Standing Order Committee, should be considered.

“In the interim, staff members have been appointed by the Auditor General, who has since been confirmed by the PPP regime,” he said, adding that

“APNU continues to view with concern and to resist attempts by the PPP/C regime to make sweetheart appointments”.

“Where the PPP/C is not sure of loyalty or is concerned that officers might be too independent, it uses the device of having them acting interminably or kept to short contracts.”

Greenidge explained that this is “a means of keeping those officers in line, and the PPP/C is currently on a drive to protect itself from investigation of fraudulent behaviour and possible prosecution for corruption”.

It was pointed out that Guyana is currently ranked as the most corrupt regime in the Caribbean and the second most corrupt in the entire Latin America and Caribbean region.

Municipalities challenged to increase revenue collection The challenge is on for municipalities to increase revenue collection to ensure adequate, quality services are delivered to citizens timely.

These services must be reflective in budgets prepared by municipalities following consultations with residents.

The challenge was issued to Senior Officials of municipalities by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker yesterday as he presented budget estimates for 2013.

According to Whittaker, the theme for the budget, “The Budget as a medium for promoting effective and efficient Municipal Governance” is relevant, since it is the tool for allocating resources.

He added that the allocations must reflect input from Councillors, staff and residents within the various municipalities, because residents are the beneficiaries of the services. However, residents could only acquire these services through the payment of taxes. As such, municipalities need to aggressively increase their revenue collection.

The Minister stressed that the budgets presented must be balanced, and as such, the municipalities must not spend more than is available. He said that if there is a deficit the municipality must find means of getting rid of it - the Ministry would only offer a grant to assist with the financial woes of municipalities if the situation is critical. He added that following the approval of the budget by the Minister its implementation is pertinent. If the municipalities are unable

to rake in revenues, integral services cannot be delivered.

According to Whittaker, officers need to develop measures to convince residents to pay their taxes.

He opined that strong public awareness and proactive revenue collection departments would help in revenue collection.

Whittaker noted that the budget should be utilized as a means of comparison, showing revenue and expenditure. He explained that financial statements alone mean nothing if comparisons of previous years’ performances are not provided. In addition, monitoring of projects executed under the budget must be a priority.

Whittaker emphasized that if projects are not properly monitored, there is shoddy and sometimes incomplete work.

Consequently, the populace’s confidence in the municipality is reduced significantly.

The Minister also pointed out that there are financial irregularities at some municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, affecting their abilities to execute services.

He cited that some municipalities do not bank cash regularly, and encash personal cheques, which are breaches.

Of the six municipalities Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Corriverton, Linden and Anna Regina - the Georgetown Municipality has the largest budget and the largest population. That Municipality has been experiencing financial woes for years and has had difficulties in providing quality services to residents.

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APNU looking to accelerate Local Govt. reform discussion The possibility of Local Government elections this year has been effectively dashed, with announcements by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to commence continuous registration.

This assertion was made recently by Executive Member of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Lance Carberry. He was at the time speaking at an APNU press conference at the party’s Hadfield Street, Georgetown headquarters.

The continuous registration plans, according to Carberry, will ensure that “elections cannot be held until that phase is completed.”

Alluding to the outlined procedure, the Executive Member explained that GECOM would first have to

Ronald Bulkan inform the government that, in all respects, it is ready to manage an election. Against this background Carberry categorically stated that “it is therefore unlikely that

elections will be held before next year.”

His remarks were intended to back his party colleague, Shadow Minister of Local Government, Ronald Bulkan, who at the same forum, did not pronounce on a potential timeframe for the highly anticipated elections.

“I would not be brave enough to put a timeframe...but because the holding of these elections are of vital importance, its nonholding contributes to the decay and deterioration of services that Local Government organs are tasked with providing.” This state of affairs, Bulkan added, serves to manifest the resulting disappointment and anger of citizens countrywide.

However it is the view of the Shadow Minister that even more importantly than

Govt. jittery about pace of Amaila Falls road project With several deadlines already missed, and lingering questions about its final cost, the government is jittery about the construction of the road to Amaila Falls where a mega hydro power plant is to be constructed.

“Abiding concerns persist,” was the frank appraisal of Dr. Roger Luncheon when asked yesterday about the road project. He had earlier said that the road could be completed by mid next year.

Luncheon said he could not convey “how concerned” the government is about the road project, since it is critical to the construction of the hydro power plant.

The plant, expected to cost close to U$1 billion, is being trumped up by the government as the project that will not only bring down electricity costs for ordinary citizens but also offer cheap and clean energy to investors.

Luncheon said yesterday that “all efforts” are being spent to ensure that the road is completed by the time financial closure for the power plant is reached.

He said that once financial closure is reached it is hoped that the road would be completed so that the contractor of the plant “could start rolling equipment off the wharf” to start construction.

Several contractors are involved in constructing the road, through contracts that were assigned in “lots.”

The Amaila Falls Hydro (AFH) Project reached major milestones in September, with the signing of key project agreements in Xi’an, China.

The Engineering,

- says “abiding concerns persist” Procurement & Construction (EPC) contract, valued at US $506 million, was executed by AFH and China Railway First Group Co, Ltd. (CRFG).

Neither Guyana Power & Light Inc. (GPL), nor the government is a signatory to the EPC contract. AFH, as owner of the Project, has the contractual obligation to build and finance the construction of the plant, then sell the power to GPL, pursuant to agreements to be entered into with GPL and the government.

The Investment Agreement, governing the fiscal arrangements and certain legal obligations related to CRFG’s activities in Guyana with respect to the Project, was executed by CRFG and the Government of Guyana.

The Mandate Letter, an agreement that formally initiates the documentation and due diligence phase related to the planned participation of the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) in the financing Project, was executed by AFH and IDB. On January 12, the government cancelled the controversial contract that was won by Synergy Holdings under the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency.

The new Donald Ramotar government terminated the contract from Fip Motilall’s Synergy Holdings and moved to seize all of his equipment. The government further determined that the contractor will pay US$120,000 in liquidated

damages.

Luncheon had previously indicated that even if costs are recovered maximally from Synergy Holdings, the cost will still be more than the original contract sum.

The project site is located on the Kuribrong River, a tributary of the Potaro River in West Central Guyana. The nearest point of access is the airstrip at Kaieteur Falls on the Potaro River, approximately 15 miles to the south.

An overland trail exists from Kaieteur to Amaila.

Access is also provided overland by an all-weather road through Tumatumari on the Potaro River and on to Mahdia and Kangaruma.

River access along the Potaro-Kuribrong Rivers to the foot of Amaila Falls involves several portages around rapids and waterfalls.

The road from Tumatumari was recently extended to Mahdia/ Kangaruma that brings the project closer to the site, but approximately 30 miles of additional roads needed to be built to the top of Amaila Falls.

The Government of Guyana had granted the road building contract in March 2010.

The then Bharrat Jagdeo government had vociferously defended the contract given to Motilall and his company, Synergy Holdings, and refused to terminate the contract, despite mounting controversy over Motilall’s suitability and ability to complete the contract.

the holding of elections is the necessity for reforms to be instituted and implemented before the long overdue elections are held.

“It is no secret that the outstanding bills that are part of the package for the reforms to the Local Government system were re-tabled in the National Assembly just prior to its going into recess,” Bulkan stated.

Among the legislation needed to facilitate the reform process are the Local Government Commission Act, the Electoral Act and the Fiscal Transfer Bill. The Bills have since been sent to Select Committees and are yet to be addressed, although Parliament came out of recess during the latter part of last month.

“We have seen what transpired at the most recent sitting, where the Executive appears determined to frustrate the authority of the Parliament, which is really a representation of the ‘will’ of the citizens,” Bulkan insisted.

He highlighted that the role and authority of the Parliament is clearly prescribed in the Constitution of Guyana, adding that “in fact the Constitution specifies that the supreme organ of

democratic power in Guyana is in the Parliament. It is not the Executive, as Government members try to portray; it is certainly not the judiciary, it is not the presidency, it is the Parliament.”

According to Bulkan, the National Assembly is currently in limbo, since the constitutional role of the body is being affected despite a successful motion. He was at the time alluding to the parliamentary opposition to pass a no confidence motion against Minister of Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee.

Bulkan warned that the parliamentary opposition is “determined to ensure that the Bills that will lead to the implementation of laws for the reformation of Local Government in Guyana are now within the National Assembly and it is our

Lance Carberry determination to try and accelerate the discussion within the Select Committee as a precursor to t h e i r passage in the full Assembly, which of course, is the precondition.”

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Government to remove flogging from books KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC - The Portia Simpson Miller led administration has approved the enactment of legislation to abolish the judicial imposition of corporal punishment in the form of flogging and whipping, a decision that will support the country’s commitment against torture, and the international protocols against human rights violations.

While flogging and whipping are not currently being practiced in the judicial system, the fact that they remain on the books is proving to be a problem.

“Jamaica has in various laws on its books from the colonial era. The possibility

of the imposition of flogging and whipping as part of the judicial sentencing for certain offenses it is preventing Jamaica from ratifying the UN convention against torture and cruel and degrading punishment which is something that Jamaica would like to do and most civilized countries have already signed on to” said Justice Minister Mark Golding.

The practice of whipping and flogging ceased in Jamaica’s penal institutions in 1997 and since that time, the courts have not handed down sentencing with those stipulations.

However, Jamaica is unable to ratify the United

Stanford accountants helped hide ponzi scheme state US prosecutors

HOUSTON, United, States – CMC - United States federal prosecutors have argued that two former accounting executives should be convicted of helping Allen Stanford - the failed Texas financier, conceal the theft of billions of dollars from investors at his offshore bank in Antigua and Barbuda.

The prosecutors have asked jurors to reject claims by ex-Chief Accounting Officer Gilbert Lopez, 70, and former Global Controller Mark Kuhrt, 40, that they were duped by Stanford and his finance chief into creating false financial statements.

Investors say they relied on those statements to buy US$7 billion of fraudulent certificates of deposit at Stanford’s Antigua-based Stanford International Bank (SIB) in what prosecutors described as a Ponzi scheme.

“Gil Lopez and Mark Kuhrt were faced with the same choice over and over again, to either help Allen Stanford lie to his customers and misuse their money or say ‘I don’t want to be part of it,’” said US prosecutor Jeffrey Goldberg in closing arguments on Wednesday.

Goldbery charged that the men chose to “keep it secret and actively work to keep others from finding out about it.” Lopez and Kuhrt, who went on trial on October 17, are the last two Stanford executives to be criminally tried for their roles in the Ponzi scheme built on bogus certificates of deposit.

Prosecutors charged that early investors were paid above-market returns with funds taken from later investors, and the accountants helped cover up

Allen Stanford t h e St a n f o r d b a n k ’s insolvency for years before US securities regulators seized the operation in early 2009 on suspicion of fraud.

Stanford, 62, was convicted in March of masterminding the fraud scheme and is serving a 110-year sentence at a federal prison in Florida.

He is appealing the verdict and his sentence .Federal prosecutors told jurors that Lopez and Kuhrt meticulously tracked about US$2 billion that Stanford “sucked out” of the bank to fund risky private ventures including Caribbean airlines, resort developments and international cricket tournaments.

They charged that the accountants didn’t disclose these loans or additional funds that Stanford took to underwrite a lavish personal lifestyle of private jets, yachts and waterfront mansions.

Prosecutors charged that Stanford told investors that their money was invested in conservative liquid assets and overseen by international money managers.

Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment because the archaic laws.

Sentencing by the courts to flogging meant that the convicted person would be beaten with a switch from a tamarind tree, while whipping involved the use of a cat o’ nine to inflict punishment on the offender.

The last victim of flogging in Jamaica was Errol Price, who was sentenced in

1994 to four years at hard labour and six strokes with the tamarind switch.

He was flogged in 1997 on the day before his release from prison after his sentence was reduced for good behaviour.

Price took the case to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, which ruled that Jamaica was in violation of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.

As a signatory to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Jamaica is periodically reviewed to determine whether the island is in compliance with the covenant.

According to the Justice Minister the legislation will be tabled in the Upper House next week.

Golding was addressing journalists at Wednesday’s weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston.

Mark Golding

Page 24

AG claims victory in OPV dispute…

Trinidad Guardian Don’t mess with T&T. That was the message from Attorney General Anand Ramlogan Wednesday as he announced that Government had emerged victorious with a $1.382 billion settlement from British Aerospace Engineering Systems (BAE) over the cancellation of an order for three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

“Government has agreed to pay BAE not one red cent, “Ramlogan added, announcing the settlement of the two-year dispute.

Ramlogan said a diplomatic initiative by the British Government “bore fruit “in favour of the T&T Government. The settlement, he said, was a significant precedent for T&T and created legal history by successfully standing up to

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 15, 2012

Boat builders to pay T&T $1.3b

Anand Ramlogan one of the world’s biggest military defence companies.

Wednesday, in a brief statement, BAE said: “The settlement with the T&T Government is at an amount consistent with provisions held.” It said after the cancellation the three OPVs were subsequently sold to the Brazilian Navy under a contract signed in December 2011 and the first ship was

handed over in June.

The London Financial Times reported that BAE had reached a settlement in the “long-running dispute with T&T.” It added: “The settlement brings to a conclusion a disagreement that arose when Trinidad cancelled an order for the three boats following cost overruns and delays.

“The decision in 2010 came so late in the development phase of the contract that one of the three boats was ready to be delivered, prompting BAE to take a £100 million charge.”

The FT also quoted an analyst, Robert Stallard, as saying the deal “should be seen as a positive development because it reduced the company’s political risk.

He noted that by 2012 BAE had received about £130 million as a working capital

inflow from Brazil and had carried a trade liability of £125 million in deferred income relative to the settlement.

Stallard was reported as saying the settlement was likely to be for £125-£130 million.

“There should be a net nil result in the working capital for the year as we understand Brazil has already paid for the ships,” he added. A story in the Global Arbitration Review, however, quoted a similar number but in US dollars, not sterling. “BAE,” it said, “has today agreed to pay US$131 million to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to settle ICC arbitration proceedings over a shipbuilding contract.”

At Wednesday’s media briefing, Ramlogan, claiming vindication against his critics, said the

arbitration with BAE took place in London in May, first on liability and then on the assessment of damages.

Evidence was given by the AG, Commodore Garnett Best and Capt Mark Williams of the T&T Coast Guard. The agreement was reached on Tuesday.

Ramlogan added: “Subsequent to the arbitration hearing, which we thought went pretty well, a diplomatic initiative ensued under the auspices of the British High Commission and that initiative has borne fruit but not in the way some people thought it would. It has instead borne fruit in favour of the T&T Government.

“BAE, as per the settlement agreement, has agreed to pay the Government of T&T and the people of T&T the sum of $1.382 billion in settlement of the claim against BAE. “The

Government of T&T has agreed to pay BAE not one red cent for their claim of over $600 million against Government. “ We a r e grateful to his Excellency (British High Commissioner) Arthur Snell for the diplomatic support he had provided to us in his efforts to settle this matter.” Ramlogan paid tribute to the legal team of Joe Smouha, Alan Newman, John Almeida (of Charles Russell LLP), Neena Poliah and others, including Jerry Hospedales, He said there was no possibility of an appeal against the settlement since all parties had signed on the settlement agreement. The first payment towards the settlement will be over £100 million next January and a second payment next May.

Jamaica Gleaner - China, Singapore and the Netherlands have pledged technical support to assist Jamaica fast track its plan to establish itself as the logistics hub of the Americas, according to Minister of Industry, investment and Commerce, Anthony Hylton.

Describing the mission as successful, Hylton, addressing a press conference in Kingston yesterday morning, said the meetings reaffirmed and validated the soundness of the intention to make Jamaica the logistics hub of the Americas.

He said it was encouraging that the major players in the world of global supply management and logistics saw Jamaica’s proposed logistics hub as a global asset.

The Minister recently led a delegation to China and Singapore during

which discussions were held with counterpart ministers on deepening commercial and industrial relations between Jamaica and the two countries.

The Jamaican delegation also met with potential investors and used the opportunity to promote investment in the proposed logistics hub and other sectors in Jamaica.

The logistics hub is the centre-piece of the government’s growth strategy, which is intended to impact positively on Jamaica’s economy and create well needed jobs.

The trip to China and Singapore was preceded by fact-finding visits to Panama and the Netherlands, where Hylton toured the Colon Freezone and discussed possible cooperation with Dutch maritime and aviation interests.

Asian countries pledge technical support for Jamaica’s logistics hub

Thursday November 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Ministry needs $5B urgently to ‘fix’ justice system

Jamaica Observer There is a backlog of some 500 cases before the Home Circuit Court, but the Ministry of Justice says it needs about $5 billion and time to straighten out the besieged system, with no other option than turning to an already cashstrapped Ministry of Finance and Planning.

Members of Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) were alarmed at the figure presented to it by the Justice Ministry Wednesday at Gordon House. But they were even more alarmed to learn that there were significantly more outstanding cases in the Resident Magistrate’s Court system not listed.

“The structure of the ministry has major weaknesses, and I do not believe we have the capacity for the work that is required,” Permanent Secretary Carol Palmer admitted.

Palmer said that her ministry has the “typical ministry structure that exists in Jamaica”, which does not

work for the justice sector.

Pressed by PAAC members for an explanation as to the needs and the cost to improve the system, the permanent secretary said, “When the review of the justice system was done and the recommendations were presented one of the first recommendations was that there should be an envelope of additional funds, provided to the Ministry of Justice for the reforms to be implemented.

We cannot do all the things that need to be done, when we do not have a net increase of significance in our budget.

“The reforms in the justice system need somewhere in the region of $5 billion, so if I was to tell you all that was involved, for example, in addressing the backlog of cases... because it is not simply putting the cases on the court sheet: Where is the court going to sit?

Where is the courtroom? Is the building falling down?” she asked.

“We have, for example, had the laws for increases in

magistrates, increases in the Supreme Court judges, increases in the Court of Appeal judges. We have not been able to increase the number of Court of Appeal judges because we do not have anywhere for them to sit.

There is no courtroom, so the ministry does what it can do within its area of control, and if nothing else is provided we can do nothing more.

“We have an agenda from 2007. We had a 10-year time horizon to implement the reforms: This is 2012, and we still have not seen any tangible increase in the budget provided for the Ministry of Justice,” Palmer added She said that the initiatives the ministry has been able to undertake have largely been funded

by Independent Donor Partners (IDPs), who do not fund salaries and most of whom will not undertake construction funding.

“The only IDP that has done construction is the EU, which gave us the Lucea family

Harry Husbands

Barbados Nation - For the first time, Barbadians can access a passport within 24 hours.

That is according to Senator Harry Husbands, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Immigration.

He was speaking in the Senate Wednesday during debate on the International Business (Amendment) Bill

which would adjust tax rates fro international businesses.

“The days when it took ten weeks and one had to go down to the Immigration Department, wait in a line and told to come back tomorrow, [have] been brought to an end,” Husbands said.

“You talk about innovation and creativity in business in Barbados? It is happening right here under this Government.”

Barbadians can access a passport within 24 hours

Page 25

VAT-free food in TT Trinidad Express Confusion reigned We d n e s d a y a s g r o c e r s rushed to change prices in keeping with the new Value Added Ta x ( VAT ) exemptions on food items.

They also complained the list was “quite confusing”.

A number of grocers in downtown Port of Spain said they were unclear on which items were to be changed because of the wording of the Government-issued list, and they had hoped for some type of Government consultation before VATfree deadline .

“Honestly, we are not too sure, but we are trying to generalise the items and change the prices,” said the grocery supervisor at FHS United Supermarket on Independence Square.

“There are a few things that seem to be duplicated, but when the list talks about products derived from some foods, we are not too clear on what

products they are talking about,” she said.

Another grocery supervisor said they were concerned about not meeting the list in its e n t i r e t y, d u e t o t h i s confusion, and stand to be accused of attempting to rob customers.

“We have heard from M s We n d y L e e Yu e n (chairman, Food Distributors Association) that there will be inspectors going around the groceries to check if we changed our prices,” the supervisor said.

“We hope we get everything right because we don’t want anyone saying we are being dishonest.

This is why someone from the ministries should have started liaising with groceries from the time they made the announcement, to make sure

we understand what we are doing,” she added.

Some foods mentioned on the list, such as mayonnaise, potatoes, onions and chicken sausages, were already VAT-free, the supervisor said.

“If you look around right now, you will see that people come here every evening and pick up basics—bread, sausage, cheese, tuna.

There was no VAT on those things. So some people will not see the difference until they shop for groceries at month end.”

In the background, grocery workers were busy re-tagging shelves of goods and those customers in the shops at the time got a preview of what their grocery bills should look like from today.

It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 15, 2012

Rockets hit near Tel Aviv as Gaza death toll rises GAZA (Reuters) - Two rockets fired from the Gaza Strip targeted Tel Aviv yesterday in the first attack on Israel’s commercial capital in 20 years, raising the stakes in a showdown between Israel and the Palestinians that is moving towards all-out war.

Earlier, a Hamas rocket killed three Israelis north of the Gaza Strip, drawing the first blood from Israel as the Palestinian death toll rose to 16, five of them children.

Israeli warplanes bombed

targets in and around Gaza city for a second day, shaking tall buildings. In a sign of possible escalation, the armed forces spokesman said the military had received the green light to call in up to 30,000 reserve troops.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said Palestinian militants would pay a price for firing the missiles.

Plumes of smoke and dust furled into a sky laced with the vapor trails of outgoing rockets over the crowded city,

where four young children killed on Wednesday were buried.

The conflict, launched by Israel with the killing of Hamas’s military chief, pours oil on the fire of a Middle East already ablaze with two years of revolution and an out-ofcontrol civil war in Syria.

Egypt’s new Islamist President Mohamed Mursi, viewed by Hamas as a protector, led a chorus of denunciation of the Israeli strikes by Palestinian allies.

Mursi’s prime minister, Hisham Kandil, will visit Gaza today with other Egyptian officials in a show of support for the enclave, an Egyptian cabinet official said. Israel promised that the delegation would come to no harm.

Israel says its attack is in response to escalating missile strikes from Gaza. Israel’s bombing has not yet reached the saturation level seen before it last invaded Gaza in 2008, but Israeli officials have said a ground assault is still

This man weeps while he holds the body of his 11-month old son, following an Israeli air strike. (AP Photo/Majed Hamdan) an option.

Israeli police said three Israelis died when a rocket hit a four-story building in the town of Kiryat Malachi, some 25 km (15 miles) north of Gaza, the first Israeli fatalities of the latest conflict to hit the coastal region.

Air raid sirens sent residents running for s h e l t e r i n Te l Av i v, a Mediterranean city that has not been hit by a rocket since the 1991 Gulf War. Israeli sources said one rocket landed in the sea, while another missile landed in an uninhabited area of the Tel Aviv suburbs.

The Tel Aviv metropolitan area holds more than 3 million people, more than 40 percent of Israel’s population.

“This escalation will exact a price that the other side will have to pay,” Barak said in a television broadcast shortly after the strike.

Speaking at the same time in Gaza, Hamas’s Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, urged Egypt to do more to help the Palestinians.

“We call upon the brothers in Egypt to take the measures that will deter this enemy,” he said.

After watching powerlessly from the sidelines of the Arab Spring, Israel has been thrust to the centre of a volatile new world in which Islamist Hamas hopes that Mursi and his newly dominant Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt will be its protectors.

Iran may step up underground nuclear work soon: diplomats VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran could soon increase uranium enrichment in an underground nuclear plant, diplomats say, a development that may further complicate efforts to resolve peacefully a dispute over Tehran’s atomic ambitions.

Iran has nearly finished installing centrifuges at the Fordow enrichment plant buried deep inside a mountain and is believed to be in a position in the near future to significantly step up production there of material that could be used for bombs if processed further, they said.

“They should be able to (increase production) within a few weeks,” one diplomat accredited to the Viennabased U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said yesterday.

Fordow is of particular concern for the West as Iran uses the facility to refine uranium to a fissile concentration of 20 percent, a short technical step from bomb-grade material.

The fact that it is buried deep underground also makes it less vulnerable to any air strikes, which Israel has

threatened if diplomacy fails to stop Iran getting nuclear weapons capability.

Tehran denies it is seeking such a thing, saying its program is entirely peaceful. But U.N. inspectors suspect past, and possibly ongoing, military-related nuclear work.

The IAEA is likely to submit its next quarterly Iran report to member states on Friday, 10 days after President Barack Obama’s re-election raised hope of a revival of diplomacy on the issue.

It is expected to show a defiant Iran pressing ahead with expanding its nuclear program, despite harsh Western sanctions targeting its vital oil sector, and continuing to sanitize a military site the IAEA wants to visit.

At Fordow, diplomats say Iran has now put in place the nearly 2,800 centrifuges it was built for, up from about 2,140 in the previous IAEA report issued in late August.

It is unclear whether the necessary piping and other infrastructure have been completed for all of the (continued on page 21)

Thursday November 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 27

BBC pay out 185,000 pounds over false abuse claim

LONDON (Reuters) - The BBC agreed to pay 185,000 pounds ($295,000) yesterday to a former treasurer of Britain’s Conservative Party wrongly accused of child sex abuse as a result of one of its reports.

The settlement came as media reports said one of the BBC’s former stars had been arrested as part of an ongoing police investigation into sex crimes centered on the publicly funded broadcaster.

Lord Alistair McAlpine, an ally of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, was widely named on the internet as being the unidentified senior politician

accused in a report by the BBC’s flagship Newsnight program of abusing boys in social care.

The flawed film sparked one of the worst crises in the broadcaster’s 90-year history and claimed the scalp of Director General George Entwistle, after the abuse victim central to the BBC investigation said McAlpine was not one of his attackers.

“I am delighted to have reached a quick and early settlement with the BBC,” McAlpine said in a statement.

“I have been conscious that any settlement will be paid by the license fee payers, and have taken that into

account in reaching agreement with the BBC.” His lawyer warned others who had sullied his client’s reputation to get in touch before they too faced litigation, a threat which could ensnare hundreds of Twitter users and bloggers who wrongly named McAlpine.

“We will now be continuing to seek settlements from other organizations that have published defamatory remarks and individuals who have used Twitter to defame me,” McAlpine said.

One of the first who could face action is Sally Bercow, the flamboyant wife of Britain’s parliamentary speaker who keeps lawmakers in order during debates.

She had tweeted: “Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *innocent face*” as speculation mounted after the Newsnight report. On Thursday, she wrote: “I’m getting legal advice. Shocked that I’m first person Lord McAlpine coming after though.”

The controversy convulsed the national broadcaster just as it was trying to grapple with revelations that a former star

(from page 20) newly-installed machines. It is also not known whether Iran will use the new centrifuges to make higher-grade uranium.

Iran started producing uranium enriched to 20 percent fissile purity at Fordow, compared with the 3.5 percent level needed for nuclear energy plants, in late 2011 and has been operating 700 centrifuges there since

January this year.

Obama and Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator this week have separately made clear their desire to resume diplomacy that has been deadlocked since a meeting between six world powers and Iran ended without a breakthrough in June.

World powers - the United States, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain - want Iran to halt 20 percent enrichment, close down Fordow and ship

out its stockpile of the material.

Iran has signaled it may be ready to suspend the highergrade enrichment but says sanctions in return, a demand the West rejects.

Tehran says it needs 20 percent uranium to make fuel for a medical research reactor and it has used a large part of its stockpile for that purpose, at least temporarily removing it from any quick atom bomb

George Entwistle

Iran may step up underground nuclear work soon: diplomats

presenter, Jimmy Savile, who died last year aged 84, was one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders.

Police investigating claims against Savile, said on Thursday they had arrested a fourth man, aged in his 60s, on suspicion of sexual offences and added the number of victims who had come forward with allegations had now risen to 450.

The BBC and other media named the arrested man as radio presenter Dave Lee Travis, who once appeared on the same TV show and radio station as Savile and whose radio show Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi said had provided her with comfort during her many years in

captivity.

A Reuters photographer reported there were a number of police officers outside the home of Travis, 67, a short distance north of London.

Travis publicly denied any allegations of impropriety when claims first surfaced last month.

The BBC’s muchcriticized handling of the Savile allegations and the mistaken child abuse report on Newsnight prompted BBC Trust Chairman Chris Patten to warn that the world’s biggest broadcaster was doomed unless it reformed.

Patten, a former Conservative minister who is best known for handing back Hong Kong to China in 1997, was due to meet the 11 other

BBC trustees on Thursday to try to plot a way out of the crisis and find a successor to Entwistle, who quit on Saturday.

McAlpine, who is 70 and in poor health, said in a BBC interview it had been a “horrendous shock” to find out that he was being linked to a claims of a high-level pedophile ring.

He said the BBC should have called him about the allegations before airing the report.

“They could have saved themselves a lot of agonizing and money, actually, if they’d just made that telephone call,” McAlpine said. “I would have told them exactly what they learnt later on ... That it was complete rubbish.”

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 15, 2012

Petraeus says no classified info shared in affair,

General David Petraeus WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In his first public remarks since resigning as CIA director last Friday over an extramarital affair, retired General David Petraeus said he did not share any classified documents with his mistress and biographer, Paula Broadwell.

Petraeus also told a reporter for the HLN television network that it was the affair, not any questions over the CIA’s role during the September 11, 2012, attacks on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, that prompted him to step down.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that investigators found

substantial classified information on a computer used by Broadwell.

According to law enforcement and national security sources, investigators are examining whether the information should have been stored under more secure conditions.

Despite Petraeus’ comments to the network, investigators yesterday said they had not ruled out the possibility that Petraeus passed on classified material to Broadwell. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing law enforcement investigation.

Broadwell, who has not been charged with any wrongdoing, has made no public comment since the scandal erupted last week.

The developments underscored a central question hanging over a scandal that has led to the downfall of one of the United States’ most respected public figures: whether a private indiscretion put national security at risk. President Barack Obama said on Wednesday that there was no

indication so far that any classified information had been disclosed as a result of the affair. Sources who have been briefed on the investigation said on Thursday that none of the classified material found on Broadwell’s computer came from the CIA. The material, they said, appeared dated and pre-dates the start of Petraeus’ tenure at the spy agency in September 2011.

As an Army reserve officer involved in military intelligence, Broadwell had a security clearance that allowed her to handle sensitive documents. With Broadwell’s consent, the FBI searched her Charlotte, North Carolina, house on Monday evening.

Broadwell’s security clearance has now been suspended, and she could have it revoked and face harsher penalties if it’s found she mishandled classified data. Law enforcement officials have said that they believe the investigation is likely to end without criminal charges.

The scandal this week

also ensnared the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Marine General John Allen.

Allen has pledged to resolve questions surrounding what officials have called his inappropriate email communications with Tampa socialite Jill Kelley, who is also at the center of the Petraeus case. Last spring, Kelley informed the FBI of harassing emails that were ultimately determined to have come from Broadwell. A subsequent FBI investigation uncovered Broadwell’s affair with Petraeus.

Traveling in Bangkok, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said he knew of no other military officials who have been drawn into the investigation.

He acknowledged that further revelations were possible.

Pakistan to consider releasing former Taliban second-in-command KABUL (Reuters) Pakistan will consider freeing former Afghan Taliban second-in-command, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, if current releases of lower level members help to advance peace efforts, officials from both countries said yesterday.

“After releasing 13 Taliban, Pakistan promised to free Mullah Baradar if these releases prove effective in peace negotiations,” a senior Afghan official close to talks between Islamabad and Kabul told Reuters.

Afghanistan has been pushing Pakistan to release Afghan Taliban captives who could provide leverage in any peace talks with the movement. Kabul has long been suspicious of its powerful neighbor’s intentions. Pakistan has

gained credibility in the Afghan peace process by agreeing to release mid-level Taliban over the last two days.

But Pakistan is under growing pressure to free senior Taliban figures such as Baradar to boost reconciliation efforts, as most NATO combat troops prepare to pull out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and anxiety grows over the country’s security. Afghan officials believe he may command enough respect to persuade the Taliban to engage in talks with the Kabul government.

Asked if Baradar would also be freed, a senior Pakistani foreign ministry official said that was possible if the release of the Ta l i b a n figures “produced results”.

MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia warned the United States yesterday to expect a tough response if the U.S. Congress passes “unfriendly and provocative” legislation designed to punish Russian officials for human rights violations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said U.S.-Russian ties were sure to suffer if lawmakers backed a move directing the U.S. government to deny visas to Russian officials involved in the detention, abuse or death of Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer who died in jail in 2009.

“Such a step will unavoidably have a negative effect on the whole range of Russian-U.S. relations,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich told

a news briefing.

“We will certainly not leave the introduction of essentially anti-Russian visa and financial sanctions without consequences,” he said. “We will have to react, and react toughly, depending on the final version of this unfriendly provocative act.”

Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives brushed off the threat as they began debate on the legislation as part of a broader package to extend “permanent normal trade relations,” or PNTR, to Russia.

“Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of Sergei Magnitsky’s death and it is outrageous ... that this kind of action in this 21st century still exists in a country that

claims to be a democracy,” said Representative David Dreier, the Republican chairman of the House Rules Committee.

“It is horrendous and it is unacceptable,” Dreier said.

Magnitsky, who was arrested in 2007 after exposing a massive tax fraud, has become a symbol of corruption and the abuse of Russians who challenge the authorities. Adoption of the bill could undermine efforts to smooth relations at the start of President Barack Obama’s new term.

The U.S. Congress must approve PNTR to ensure that American companies receive all the market-opening benefits of Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization in August.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) Superstorm Sandy drove a surge in new claims for jobless benefits last week and hurt factory activity in the mid-Atlantic region in November, signs it could deal a substantial blow to economic growth in the fourth quarter.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 78,000 to a seasonally adjusted 439,000, the highest level since April 2011, the Labor Department said yesterday.

It was the biggest one-week jump since a spike caused by Hurricane Katrina in September 2005. Because the storm’s impact is expected to be temporary, the data gave few clues as to the underlying health of the economy. But it appears

the short-term hit could be greater than economists previously thought.

“We will likely see a step back in job growth,” said Ryan Sweet, senior economist at Moody’s Analytics in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The jobs market has had a painfully slow recovery from the 2007-09 recession and the unemployment rate remains stuck near 8 percent.

The muddy economic picture left by the storm could make it difficult to gauge the economy’s fundamental strength for several more weeks. In addition to the storm, the economic recovery is laboring against the uncertainty over the path of budget policy.

Economic growth is expected to slow sharply in the fourth quarter as businesses and consumers hold back on purchases due to fears of the so-called fiscal cliff, a Reuters poll showed yesterday. Absent action by lawmakers, Washington will slash the federal budget gap by roughly $600 billion next year with sharp spending cuts and big tax hikes that would likely push the economy back into recession.

Europe’s debt crisis is also weighing on U.S. growth.

Economists expect job growth to slow to an average 144,000 jobs per month over the final three months of the year from 174,000 in the third quarter.

Russia threatens tough response if U.S. backs rights bill

Superstorm boosts jobless claims, hits factories

Friday November 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 29

F&H Printing countrywide dominos climaxes this weekend Following eight weeks of domino rivalry across the length and breadth of Guyana, the F& H Printing Country wide Million Dollar Plus competition is nearing a climax with the start of the playoffs tomorrow (Saturday) and the grand final on Sunday at the National Gymnasium.

A total of 56 teams are set to compete in these finals stages which will be played on a two in, one out basis until the finalists are decided.

Unfortunately, only the Mahaica/Mahaicony zone failed to participate.

Five (5) rounds of dominoes will be played tomorrow and four (4) rounds, including the final will be contested on Sunday. The organizers have stated that double six times on the final two days will be enforced without any degree of leniency.

Teams that are not present will be disqualified if the match is called. Teams, especially those out of town are being reminded to be guided accordingly and to take note of factors such as bridge openings.

The schedule for tomorrow (Saturday) is as follows: 11.00 hrs March Pass and Judging of the best uniform team 11.05 hrs Opening Address 11.10 hrs Outline of play and code of conduct 11. 15 hrs Announcement of the Winner of the Best Uniform Team Prize 11.20 hrs Distribution of score sheets 11.45 hrs Drawing 12.00/12.30 hrs Commencement of play Director of Sport Neil Kumar will be on hand for the march pass and will also deliver remarks. Judging for the best uniformed team will be in the hands of Ms. Negla Brandis, Clive Powell and Ajay Baksh.

Ms. Barbara Marshall will be in charge of match coordination and Mr. Colin Mc Ewan in charge of stewardship. In charge of adjudication; disciplinary action and disqualifications are Hazim Hakh, William Boston and Colin Mc Ewan.

The sponsors have emphasized zero tolerance on indiscipline as the Domino Association is attempting to regain some lost ground through the hosting of this competition. To date, 45 of the 56 teams to play in the playoff are known.

Leguan - Sunshine and Playboy. Bartica – Boat Crew, Lotto, Upsetters, Warriors, Rainbow Raiders, Double Impact. East Bank Essequibo – Adventure and Blue Birds.

Linden – Exodus and Royal Challengers. Madhia - Blue Pepper and Desert Storm.

West Bank Demerara – Mix up, West Side, Ravi 6 and Rotto Board. Kwakwani – Double Duece and Strikers.

Corentyne/Canje – Rosehall R&R and NA Killers.

Georgetown – TNT, Rage, Assassin, Mix up, Providence, Specialist, C-7, Exodus, LRB, Lions, F&H Supremes, Blue Birds, Wild Bunch and RED. Corporations – Ministry of Health, Transport C, GPL, Stabroek News, Prisons, Legionnaires, Guyana Goldfields, Sterling Products and Magnificent Six. The remaining 11 teams

- 56 teams set for playoffs will come from zones still to be completed in Mabaruma (1), East Bank Essequibo (2), West Bank Demerara (2), Georgetown (2), East Coast Demerara (2) and West Coast Berbice (2).

Prizes up for grabs are: Winner $500,000 + trophy

and 9 Gold medals; first runner-up $250,000 + trophy and 9 Silver medals; second runner-up $100,000 + trophy and 9 bronze medals; third runner-up $60,000; fourth runner-up $35,000; fifth runner-up $25,000; MVP (Finals) $10,000; first double

love (playoffs) $5,000; best female (Playoffs) $5,000; first love (Finals) $$3,000; best far reaching area team $25,000; best Corporation team $15,000; best uniformed team $30,000; teams winning their respective zones have already received zone prizes of $10,000 each.

The general public is invited to attend this weekend’s action.

N&M Intermediate 50 overs...

Niroj Singh’s 5-wicket haul seal Albion’s semi final spot Former Berbice all rounder Niroj Adrian Singh took 5 for 36 from 9 overs of off spin to guide Albion Community Centre to a convincing 9wicket win over Kim Il Sung of Corriverton in their quarter final match of the 2012 Neal & Massy Intermediate 50 overs cricket competition.

In the match played at the No.70 Ground, Kim Il Sung won the toss and chose to bat. They were given a good start by Ryan Ramdass and Jerry Moore, the two putting

on 45.

But then Singh got into the act by removing Moore for 10 and Rabindra Singh for 0. National Under-19 left arm spinner Gudakesh Motie soon took two to see them slip to 77 for 4, a position from which they never recovered as Singh picked up three more and Motie one to end their resistance at 106 in 29.4 overs; Ramdass top scoring with 37.

Bowling for Albion Community Centre, Niroj

Singh took 5 for 36 and Gudakesh Motie 3 for 6 from 7 overs.

When Albion Community Centre replied, Kandasammy Surujnarine and Verapen Permaul put on 36 before Surujnarine was ran out for 26 at 36 for 1.

Balchand Baldeo then joined Permaul and together they put on 73 in an unbroken second wicket stand to take Albion to 109 for 1 and victory in 21.4 overs. Permaul ended on 35 and Baldeo 24.

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Kaieteur News

Friday November 16, 2012

Virender Sehwag punishes tourists in first Test Virender Sehwag smashed a rapid century as India enjoyed the better of the opening day of the first Test against England in Ahmedabad. Sehwag made 117 off 117 balls, while Cheteshwar Pujara added an elegant 98 not out as the hosts closed on 323-4.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann single-handedly kept England in contention, claiming all four wickets to fall.

But the tourists were hampered by some poor fielding, with four catches missed.

The most costly came when Pujara, on eight, got a leading edge off Tim Bresnan.

James Anderson rushed in from mid-on, only for the ball to loop over his head. That and a tickle down the leg side from Sehwag off Anderson that was dropped by diving wicketkeeper Matt Prior were the only chances England’s trio of pace bowlers created on a slow, low pitch that is already taking turn.

Indeed, the signs of

deterioration and the fact the impressive Swann got through 32 overs may cause new Captain Alastair Cook to rue the decision to leave out left-arm spinner Monty Panesar. Samit Patel provided England with a second spinning option but, with the Nottinghamshire all-rounder largely ineffective, he will have to justify his selection through weight of runs, particularly with the tourists set to bat last.

Patel did, however, play his part in tandem with Swann as England managed to apply some pressure in the evening, as India’s scoring rate slowed almost to a standstill. Only 73 runs came in the final session, in marked contrast to the morning when Sehwag took advantage of England indiscipline.

Losing what could prove to be a vital toss in his first match since being appointed Test captain, Cook may not have expected his pace bowlers to extract any movement, but would have

been disappointed by their inability to find any consistency of line or length.

Too often Sehwag was allowed to flay through the off side, before highlighting the slowness of the track by lofting Bresnan over long-on for six.

Dropped by Prior on 80, he completed his first Test century for two years off only 90 balls, the seventh time he has reached three figures in the longest form of the game at better than a run a ball.

Gautam Gambhir was nowhere near as fluent, struggling against Swann in particular.

He offered a catch and stumping chance to Prior off the same Swann delivery both were missed - but later that over he was bowled as he tried to force through the off side, ending an opening stand worth 134.

His dismissal brought Pujara to the crease and, except for the chance in Anderson’s direction, he and Sehwag compiled a second-

wicket partnership of 90 with some ease.

Such was their progress, it came as a shock when Sehwag, needlessly attempting to sweep, was bowled, giving Swann his 194th Test wicket and taking him past Jim Laker as England’s most successful off-spinner.

Shortly after, Sachin Tendulkar fell in similarly rash

fashion, caught at deep midwicket minutes before tea.

A combination of those wickets and improved England bowling saw India grind to a halt after the interval, with Virat Kohli taking 30 balls to get off the mark.

He benefited from a drop off Swann, as replays showed the ball was grounded when Jonathan Trott juggled and

fell at slip. Shortly after, Kohli was bowled by one from Swann that turned sharply through the gate as England looked like they might end the day with a flourish.

However, Pujara, joined

by Yuvraj Singh, stood firm and England will have to make swift inroads with a ball that is only four overs old if they are to avoid being batted out of the match. (BBC Sport)

Friday November 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

The best is yet to come

H

e is the King of the Superbike at all levels and Guyana’s leading racer Stephen ‘Valentino Rossi’ Vieira told Kaieteur Sport shortly after dominating the Caribbean ‘Race of Champions’ Meet last Sunday, at the South Dakota Circuit that 2013 could see him shattering many of the existing records.

Vieira, who has been the Caribbean and Local champion in the Superbike Series, described 2012 as another successful year for him following up of last year’s performance when he crushed the opposition both at home and abroad.

A usually reserved individual who normally prefers to do the talking on the track felt confident enough to come out of that comfort zone to announce how confident he is heading into next year’s competitions which he believes will be another breakthrough year for him and one that could separate him from all contenders.

Fully fit now after surviving a horrific accident in Suriname thanks to his Trainer Kezqweyah Yisrael of Top End Fitness Gym, who he credited for bringing him back into competition shape just ahead of the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC), Vieira completely obliterated the opposition, winning two races in convincing fashion, before starting at the top of the homestretch, but could only manage third to crown an impressive performance that allowed him to be named champion rider for the CMRC and the Meet.

Once in the shadows of Canadian speedster Kevin Graham for a number of years, the local speed ace has now graduated

- Vieira

Caribbean champion Stephen Vieira waves the chequered flag after winning the second race last Sunday. to the extent where he has now relegated the Canadian to be the one trailing him, a stark improvement from the days when the positions were reversed.

The repeat CMRC title holder, Vieira extended thanks to his main sponsor Sunburst Orange Juice, especially Managing Director Mr. Puri, who he intimated has stood firm behind him over the years and for this he is indeed thankful, Marcel Profitt, another loyal friend and someone who ensures his machine is in top shape and Pointer.

So cocky is the two-time Caribbean champion that he is predicting very early that the best is yet to come.

CFU Caribbean Cup...

Guyana seeking to rebound against Grenada

G

uyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’ will be aiming to rebound following their 1-0 loss to Haiti in their opening match in second-round Group 6 Caribbean Cup Qualifying on Wednesday night at the Grenada National Stadium.

After holding the Haitians to a goalless first half, the Guyanese conceded a goal via a free kick in the first minute of the second half, scored by Olrish Saurel. The tough encounter saw the Jaguars trying for their best to pull one back but that was not to be as the game ended with the score unchanged.

It was the 5th consecutive win for the Haitians who now lead the group with 3 points and they will face French Guiana in their next game this evening at the same venue when Guyana will engage host national Grenada in a must win game for both sides, the Grenadians drawing their opening game also on Wednesday night against the fast improving French Guiana outfit, the latter team coming from behind.

Gary Emmanuel equalized in the 92nd minute to earn French Guiana their 1-1 draw with host Grenada which is seeking a third consecutive berth in the regional finals. The Grenadians ended a three-game losing streak, but disappointed a crowd of 1,500 at Grenada National Stadium. The top two teams from Group 6 will advance to the Caribbean Cup finals in Antigua & Barbuda in December.

Guyana’s starting X1 is Derrick Carter, Jake Newton, Jamaal Smith, Charles Pollard, Walter Moore, Vurlon Mills, Christopher

Nurse, Kestor Jacobs, Trayon Bobb, Daniel Wilson and Shawn Beveney.

In Bacolet, Tobago, Marcel Hernandez scored two goals in each half to lead Cuba to a 5-0 victory over Suriname also on Wednesday in the opening match of their second-round Caribbean Cup qualifying group.

The result put Cuba atop Group 8, two points better than host Trinidad & Tobago and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, which drew 1-1 in the nightcap of a doubleheader.

The top two teams from Group 8 will advance to the Caribbean Cup finals.

Hernandez gave Cuba the lead in the sixth minute, and added goals in the 36th, 62nd and 89th minutes to end Cuba’s 13match winless streak. Cuba had not won since a 21 friendly victory over Nicaragua in May 2011.

It also was the first time Cuba had scored two goals or more in a match since the Nicaragua victory and the first time it had scored four in a match in over two years. Ariel Gonzalez also scored for Cuba in the 46th.

In the other match, Devon Jorsling and Myron Samuel traded first-half goals to lead Trinidad and St. Vincent deadlocked. It was the first draw in 12 meetings in the Caribbean rivalry, which Trinidad has dominated with eight victories in the series.

Jorsling put Trinidad ahead in the third minute before Samuel equalized in the 24th.

Samuel’s goal was only the second allowed

by Trinidad in its last four matches. St. Vincent next plays Cuba today before Trinidad faces Suriname.

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Kaieteur News

Friday November 16, 2012

K&S duo collects winners’ trophy/cash from PM

Prime Minister, Sam Hinds hands over the trophy and cheque to Aubrey Major in the presence of Kashif Muhammad.

“

We are working assiduously to ensure that the 23rd edition of the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament is the best ever,” were the words of Kashif Mohammed, minutes after he had collected a large trophy from Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds at his Wright’s Lane Office yesterday afternoon.

The trophy will go to the winning team along with four million dollars, donated by another entity. Mr. Hinds also donated a lucrative financial package that will be given to the winning team in the Under-13 tournament that will be played simultaneously with the main tournament.

The Office of the Prime

Minister has been contributing to the tournament for the past eight (8) years and Mr. Hinds acknowledged this feat while expressing delight in his association with the tournament. He commended the K&S duo for their steadfastness to the extent that they have now extended their benevolence to the younger members of the football fraternity.

Mr. Muhammad expressed delight at receiving the support and said that it will assist in supporting their agenda of all round football development.

Activities get underway on December 16 and conclude with the grand final on January 1 next at venues countrywide. Sixteen teams

will engage in intense warfare and the team finishing second receives one million dollars.

The third and fourth places will cart off $750,000 and $500,000 respectively.

Additionally, the Most Valuable Player will win a luxury motor car while Coaches will be compensated for their hard work when the best among the lot receives one motorcycle.

One lucky patron will a l s o w i n o n e 11 0 C C motorcycle donated by Cell Phone Shack after a draw is conducted at the Buxton fixture while another patron will win another motorcycle donated by Auto Fashion of Seaforth Street, Campbellville at one of the other fixtures to be announced.

Local Amateur Boxers Engage T&T Counterparts in Intermediate Competitions

F

our local amateur boxers will be required to dig deep if they are to come out victorious when the amateur segment of the Friday Night Fights get underway at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) Friday November 30 next.

Whereas in the past they have battled among themselves, these boxers will now be matched agains t their Trinidadian counterparts as the executives of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) continues their drive to provide the locals with top quality competition.

Middleweight, Eon Bancroft will match gloves with Trinidadian Declan Ellixce while Laured Stewart opposes another Trinidadian, Leon Nottingham in a welterweight bout.

Lightweight Stephon Gouveia will oppose Michael Alexander while Imran Khan

opposes Aaron Cumberbatch in a bantamweight shindig.

Meanwhile, local boxers will be in action this evening and tomorrow evening when the GABA presents the National Intermediate Championships on the tarmac of the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Several action packed bouts are envisaged when such pugilists as Mark Marshall and Trevon King, both of the Guyana Defense Force take to the ring.

Several other boxers noted for their exciting styles will also grace the ring including Travis Hubbard of the Harpy Eagle’s, Odeny Moore out of the Essequibo Boxing Gym and Joel Williamson of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym. The boxers will be at the venue of the fights this morning for weigh in. the action gets underway at 18:30hrs.

Friday November 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

Phillip George Legacy Basketball

Championships start tonight

By Edison Jefford The Colts’ Phillip George Legacy Basketball Championships bounces off tonight at the Burnham Basketball Court after a gala Opening Ceremony that is scheduled for 5:30pm.

The Opening Ceremony will feature an address from the Colts Basketball Club President, Michael Singh among other officials. According to Coach, Vijay Panday, there will also be prayer and the Crystallite Dance Group on the opening programme.

Panday confirmed yesterday that the Guyana Basketball Officials Council (GBOC) will manage the officiating of both the Division I and III tournaments. He said that it is expected that referees display a high standard indicative of the level of the competition.

“We will have high standards during this tournament because you know Phillip would have liked that and this is in his honour. We’re putting all the systems in place, including additional lights at the Court for this tournament,” Panday told Kaieteur Sport.

He indicated that the club’s new president, Singh, has done his utmost to ensure that all bases are covered.

According to Panday, basketball needed such an event at this time of the year with not a lot happening in the sport. He said it will be an annual contest.

The Original Palm Court, Nigel Hinds and Associates and Giftland OfficeMax are main sponsors of competition with the top club walking away with $100,000 in the Division I contest; following the Opening Ceremony, Georgetown’s top two ranked clubs gets into action.

In the first game, Pepsi Sonics take on Ravens. This clash will see Ryan Melville, Aubrey Austin and Jason Squires of Sonics come up against some names that won the 2012 Mackeson Smooth Moves tournament, including Ryan Stephney, Jermaine Slater, Ryan Gullen and Akeem Kanhai of the Ravens.

Pepsi Sonics has been among the top four teams in Georgetown for the last three years, which is a fact that Ravens should not take for granted tonight. The first game is expected to be the keener of the two battles on the opening night.

The second game will feature, Pacesetters against the plaisance-based Guardians. Travis Burnett, Steffon Gillis, Royston Siland, Clement Brusche and Elton Jefford Jr. are among the key players for Pacesetters against the relatively new Guardians at this level.

However, Andrew Hercules will look to continue to build his team momentum against his senior counterpart, Robert Cadogan and the Pacesetters. Following their shock defeat to Colts in Pepsi’s tournament a few weeks ago, Pacesetters will not be taking any team for granted.

George, who was also known as ‘One

Travis Burnett

Ryan Stephney

Ryan Gullen Foot’, ‘Coach Man’ and ‘Mr. Fundamental’, was 63 years-old at the time of his death. The renowned late Colts’ Coach piloted the careers of many national junior and senior players and was a consistent visitor to Burnham Court.

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Kaieteur News

Friday November 16, 2012

Players, clubs rewarded by Ansa Mcal, Friends of Cricket & De Sinco Trading

P

layers and clubs were rewarded on Wednesday evening at the Malteenoes Sports Club for their outstanding performances in this year’s Ansa Mcal / Carib Beer / Friends of Cricket sponsored first division two-day and De Sinco Under-13 competitions which were organised the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA).

The Carib Beer / Friends of Cricket tournament saw Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) emerging as the best while Demerara Cricket Club ended as champions of the De Sinco competition.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, GCA President Roger Harper congratulated the winning teams and said that sponsorship is very important in sports. He urged the players to continue training.

Chairman of the GCA Competitions Committee, Shaun Massiah who gave a review of both competitions, thanked the sponsors, umpires, journalists, grounds men and clubs for their collective support.

He said that the inclement weather and the unavailability of grounds resulted in the division one tourney being completed in October.

Speaking on behalf of the De Sinco Trading, Cassandra Jaikaran stated that the company was pleased to be associated with

Members of the GCA Executive, sponsors and awardees pose with their silverware following the presentation.

the game and that cricket is a way of life. Ms. Darshanie Yusuf, PRO of Ansa Mcal Trading said that her company was pleased to be associated with the tournament which offered players an opportunity to excel.

Yusuf also urged the players to remain committed to the game and to strive for success at the higher levels. MSC cricketer Quasen Nedd thanked the sponsors and GCA for helping to develop the game in Georgetown and Guyana.

FOLLOWING ARE THE FULL LIST OF AWARDEES. De Sinco Under-13 Best Batsman – Clevon McEwan DCC (avg. 39), Best Batting Performance Timothy Mc Almont DCC (36 vs ECC), Best Bowler Clevon Mc Ewan DCC (12 wickets), Best Bowling Performance - Reaz Ali DCC (3-1-5-4 vs ECC), Best all-rounder - Clevon

Mc Ewan DCC (12 wickets & 39 runs), Best Fielder Alex Rambarran ECC, Runner-up GYO ‘B’, Winner - DCC. Carib Beer / Friends of Cricket div 2 Batsman with Highest Individual Score Robin Bacchus GCC (200 vs GYO), Best Bowling Performance in an innings Totaram Bishun - DCC (27-4-104-7), Fielder with the Most Dismissals - Christopher Barnwell DCC (11 catches), Batsman with the Most Runs in the competition - Derwin Christian DCC (604 runs - avg of 60.4; 3x100, 6x50 HS 119), Bowler with the Most Wickets in the competition - Totaram Bishun DCC (31 wickets @ avg of 13.87), Best allrounder Winston Forrester GCC (292 runs @ avg of 41.71 and 24 wickets @ avg of 7.42), MVF of the competition Winston Forrester GCC (79.2 points), Runner-up - DCC, Winner –MSC.

Friday November 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 35

NBS 2nd div. cricket launched in Berbice T

he New Building Society Ltd. and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) recently launched the 2012 New Building Society Second Division 40 over competition with over one hundred teams to participate in what will be the largest competition by far in Guyana.

At a simple ceremony held at the NBS New Amsterdam Branch, the sponsor presented $683,400 to the BCB for running off the competition, this representing an increase in nearly $200,000 which will go mainly towards offsetting the cost of umpire fees covering over 250 matches.

At the presentation ceremony, Mr. Anil Beharry, NBS Senior Manager of the Berbice Branches said that his entity was pleased to be once again involved in a competition which has touched many communities across theAncient County affording NBS the splendid opportunity of giving back to so many different areas and to keep young people gainfully

occupied.

Beharry, who is also Treasurer of the Board said that he is well aware that it takes great effort from the BCB to ensure the success of the competition over the years.

Beharry said that he was happy the way it was usually run and was particularly pleased with the support given by the media to have all the results published.

Also speaking on behalf of the Society was its Rose Hall Branch Manager Mr. Rana Persaud who reiterated his organization’s pleasure with the running off of the competition over the years as well as with the number of matches played which made it easy for the Society to increase sponsorship this year.

He went on say that he was very pleased with the commitment, sportsmanship and discipline generally shown by the participating teams in the past and was looking forward for much of the same in this year which he hoped would be successful once again.

The sponsorship cheque being presented to Keith Foster (right) by Rana Persaud.

Also present at the launch was the Board President Mr. Keith Foster who took the opportunity to thank the New Building Society for keeping faith in his Board through its continued partnership. He said that it was this competition that was responsible for keeping Berbice cricket alive especially since the young players used it to hone their talent and go on to higher levels as

Devendra Bishoo, Assad Fudadin and Veerasammy Permaul who all grew up playing NBS cricket had done. Foster reminded that many players graduated to the first division level. He also pointed out that with the older players involved, the younger ones benefitted from the experiences and that youth cricket in the villages flourished with so many

grounds put in shape for this competition.

BCB Competition Committee Chairman, Carl Moore disclosed that all of the clubs in Berbice have received their invitation letters and application forms. He went on to urge those who had not registered yet to do so immediately so that the competition can get started on Sunday December, 2.

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Kaieteur News

Friday November 16, 2012

WI toil hard as Naeem stars D

H A K A , Bangladesh – A day that started filled with much promise for West Indies was turned upside down, when rookie batsman Naeem Islam stroked a resolute maiden Test hundred to lead a Bangladesh batting revival in the first Test.

The Windies bowlers toiled hard, but Naeem, playing in only his sixth Te s t , f a s h i o n e d a workmanlike 108 that anchored the Tigers to 455 for six at the close on the third day, still trailing by 72 on first innings.

Ravi Rampaul has been the visitors’ most successful bowler, taking 3-101 from 26 overs, and team Captain Darren Sammy supported with 2-83 from 23 overs.

But the West Indies’ bowlers were hamstrung by the unforgiving Sher-eBangla Stadium pitch and the home team’s batsmen

cashed in – Shakib Al Hasan scored 89, their Captain Mushfiqur Rahim made 43, Mahmudullah was not out on 42 and Nasir Hossain was not out on 33.

The Windies struggled to make inroads into the Bangladesh batting, going wicket-less through the morning session, after the home team continued from their overnight total of 164 for three.

The Caribbean side were left heartbroken, when Shakib, on 26, gained a reprieve.

The Bangladesh lefthanded edged Rampaul to ‘keeper Denesh Ramdin, but Australian umpire Bruce Oxenford asked for the delivery to be reviewed, and TV replays showed that the bowler had delivered a noball.

West Indies were made to pay dearly for Rampaul’s indiscretion, as Shakib and Naeem plundered runs,

bringing up their halfcenturies, as they carried Bangladesh to 252 for three at lunch. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul was swept to fine leg for two, carrying Shakib to his 50 from 96 balls before Naeem square drove Sammy through backward point for his ninth boundary to take him to the landmark from 136 balls.

After lunch, the Windies continued to endure the long, hard toil, as both Shakib and Naeem put individual triplefigures scores in their sights.

They put on a Bangladesh fourth-wicket record of 167 before the breakthrough came.

Rampaul redeemed himself in the first half-hour after the interval, when Shakib mistimed a drive and was caught at short extra cover by substitute Assad Fudadin – on the field for the ill Shivnarine Chanderpaul. The Bangladesh all-rounder’s

innings lasted196 minutes, faced 143 balls, striking 10 fours and one six.

Still, the torrent of wickets did not come for West Indies, as Naeem diligently worked his way to his milestone.

He flicked his 228th ball, a wayward delivery from Tino Best, to the deep fine-leg boundary for his 17th boundary to cross the threshold to tumultuous applause from the crowd that half-filled the stadium.

Tea offered the Windies a temporary reprieve, as Bangladesh reached 349 for four, but the wickets of Naeem and Mushfiqur in the first half-hour after the break lifted their spirits.

Sammy had Naeem caught behind chasing a delivery just outside the offstump following a 353minute innings that contained 17 fours from 255 balls, and Permaul claimed his maiden Test scalp, when

Mushfiqur was caught and bowled for 43 from a mistimed drive.

With the workload taking toll on the bowlers, West Indies failed to make any further headway, as Mahmudullah and Nasir put

on 87 – unbroken – for the seventh wicket before stumps were drawn.

This is West Indies’ third full tour of Bangladesh, where they have never lost a Test series, let alone a Test.

(WICB Media)

Friday November 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 37

Courts Pee Wee Schools Football tourney...

Fireworks anticipated for semi-final encounters

W

h e n t h e Courts Pee Wee Schools Football competition resumes tomorrow with semi-final action, at the Thirst Park ground, parents, fans and scouts will have another solid opportunity to see some of Guyana’s budding stars on show.

In the feature clash, Tucville, who have the most lethal scorer in the competition to date in their line will battle another team North Georgetown, impressive winners last week.

Tucville will be led by the prolific Simeon Hackett, who netted the equaliser in regulation time to save them from defeat against a stubborn Redeemer, while their opponents North Georgetown have a cadre of

top players capable of being match winners.

They will have in their line-up the likes of Tyrese Prescott, who lashed in a brace last week, while support will come from Laman Lord, Tyriq Saunders and Joshua Denny.

In the other semi-final clash, Marian Academy plays West Ruimveldt and this too having the making of a cliff hanger with the former slightly favoured to reach the final.

However, they will have to play positive and technically sound football to get past another team that has shown admirable resilience and equal ability.

Marian Academy will be led by last week’s goal scorer Diarra Thomas, but support could also come from Dominic Roberts,

Young minds battling for supremacy.

while West Ruimveldt’s quest to advance will rest on the shoulders of Anton Porter, Victor Brown and

Japheth Singh.

Meanwhile, the Prize Winners for gate Prizes at last Saturday Courts Pee-

Wee Football competition were Ayana Dalryple - F.E Pollard (1 Coby DVD Player), Claudette George

F.E (Pollard i MP3 Player) and Luke Perry (Coach St. Margaret’s Primary) Eureka Vacuum Cleaner.

t r o Sp

International tournament is a dream come through-Shuffler

President of the GVF Lenox Shuffler (with trophy) poses for a photo op with visiting teams and officals along with DVA President Ian Wills yesterday.

D

escribing it as a dream come t h r o u g h ,

President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) Lenox Shuffler in his speech

to launch the Castrol Strikers ‘True Champions’ Tournament told a gathering of the media

yesterday at the National Gymnasium that local fans will see the revival of the game here with the staging of the Invitational event.

Shuffler, who has been instrumental in getting the tournament here through the use of his office following his attendance at a recent FIVB Congress first thanked the visiting teams for accepting the invitation to play here, before stating how important it is for the tournament to be staged which he opined could be the fillip the game needs to move forward.

The teams that arrived for the 3-day tournament

which starts today and ends on Sunday are from Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Brazil, but are not national representative teams rather from clubs.

The GVF President recently returned from a Meeting with new FIVB President Dr Ary Graca and the executive of the South American Volleyball Federation (CSV) in Rio, Brazil which was held on November 12 and 13.

The visit was a follow up to his continued request that Brazil become “BIG BROTHER” to GVF and that a South American Volleyball Association be formed with the Federation

of Amapa (Brazil), Cayenne, Suriname, Guyana and Roraima (Brazil) in the first instance for the development of volleyball in this part of South America with increased activity at affordable cost.

Shuffler, who started this process in 2001when he presented his Block Development Plan and which was approved by FIVB and CSV in 2004.

Also in attendance yesterday was President of the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) Ian Wills, who first presented the teams and also extended thanks to them for being here.

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