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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
Anything for a price It is nothing short of amazing, the things that the Guyanese people are expected to swallow. Take the recent case where a causing death driver is allowed to flee the justice system, all because of his connections. A review of the salient elements of this sordid matter is essential so that people could get a better understanding of the farcical existence that passes for living in Guyana. A wife standing in the corner of the roadway awaiting transportation after leaving her place of work is struck down and killed by a driver whose blood alcohol content level is well over the legal limit. After the initial dillydallying, including the insulting attempt to buy off the woman’s relatives, the young man who resided in Pradoville II is charged, albeit reluctantly by the police. The situation then moves from the sublime to the ridiculous where after attending court on a few occasions the defendant disappears. There is no indication that he was ordered to lodge his passport with the authorities as obtains with other less seriously charged persons. According to the more knowledgeable in these matters, even if he had been directed to lodge his travel document with the court or even the police, that was no ironclad guarantee that he would not have disappeared. The reasoning is that even if the defendant’s name was on some blacklist at the country’s ports of exit and entry he could just as easily have departed these shores. Anyone can secure a passport in a new identity. This aspect is not totally unbelievable, since what else can explain one of life’s ironies where a prominent suspected hit man was granted a US visa. The belief that the General Registrar Office is not current on many issues lends itself to all kinds of potential for manipulation and subterfuge, and by logical extension, to the level of scrutiny that can be exercised by the immigration authorities. That belief is not without merit, particularly considering the fragile political environment fraught with distrust and angst. It is to be wondered if anyone can really predict that the GRO is not an unwitting participant in a grand scheme to produce unqualified aliens as Guyanese with supporting bona fides in a fraudulent effort to boost the electoral prospects for the incumbent administration. That apart, the many instances of criminally charged persons absconding should be seen for what they really are. That is a manifestation of a broken system, where no effective checks and balances exist. Just as prevalent is the involvement of law enforcement officers as facilitators seeking to impose the will of one party, contrary in terms quite unfavourable to the other, who in most cases is the injured party, in impecunious circumstances. Not much is left to the imagination with respect to the zeal and interest displayed by the negotiator, who more often than not is inspired by the pecuniary benefits coming his way. It should be noted that ranks are criminally charged and if found guilty, are penalized for permitting prisoners to escape from custody. Why then should those ranks who have been less than diligent in the performance of their duty fare any better? The examples are myriad where case dockets cannot be located and the victim or virtual complainant is left without justice all because of a few dollars more. Once there is a custody trail, it ought not to be any great undertaking to detect those culpable. Another thing is the lackadaisical attitude that attends the preparation and presentation of matters by some police prosecutors. Taken in an atmosphere where attorneys-atlaw demonstrate their legal prowess, and in the process demolish the prosecution’s case, it is hardly surprising that the not so straightforward matters are dismissed. In other words defendants who are confronted by a preponderance of evidence against them can either plead guilty and throw themselves at the mercy of the court, or pay an attorney to make a plea of mitigation for whatever that is worth.
Friday November 21, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
There can be no representative government without the representatives of all parties DEAR EDITOR, As one who has been very critical of the APNU for being too ready to enter into dialogue with the PPP, it is only fair that I commend the APNU for refusing to meet with President Ramotar and the PPP while the parliament remains prorogued. As we said a few days ago, any dialogue with the President at this time would serve to legitimize the suspension. The PPP is an important political organization; it represents almost half of the electorate. There can be no truly representative Guyana government without the PPP. But the PPP must recognize that there can be no truly representative government without the representatives of the other parties that make up the Parliamentary Majority. To prorogue the parliament without just cause is an act of political exclusion and domination that must never be tolerated in Guyana. The AFC has already said that it is not going to
enter into dialogue with the PPP at this time. Now that the APNU has made it clear that there is no backing down from its stated position of “No Dialogue” while parliament is suspended, we shall see what the PPP does. It can reopen parliament or dissolve it and call early elections. The latter would be a counterproductive step that would only increase the anxiety in the country. Although I have sympathy for the AFC’s commitment to the noconfidence vote and subsequent elections, I remain very firm in my belief that early elections are not a solution to the impasse. It is a seductive but simplistic answer to a complex situation that has its groundings in almost seven decades of ethno-political contestation. Replacing a divided government with another divided government (the most likely result of an election at this point) would only exacerbate the current tension and frustration.
Returning to a PPP legislative majority would defeat the purpose of the noconfidence motion and could have disastrous consequences. An APNU or AFC wresting of the Presidency and the legislative majority is the least likely result. So, if the President does not dissolve parliament, the APNU and AFC have to work out now what their post-suspension agenda would be and then go into negotiations, not dialogue, with the PPP. As I have argued before, the ideal short-term solution would be an Interim National Government, comprising the parliamentary parties, for the remainder of the current term. Such a government should be tasked with overseeing, in particular, the much touted constitutional reform aimed at bringing the constitution in line with the ethnic and political realities of the country, enacting delayed legislation, cleaning up official corruption and holding Local Government
elections. The time for dreaming of cross-over and non-ethnic voting patterns is over; we cannot wait any longer on the ideal. The result of the 2011 elections is as close to the ideal we are likely to get at this time. That our political leaders did not grasp the larger significance of those results is a colossal shame, which is reflected in this proroguing of the People’s House. It’s time that we end what Elder Eusi Kwayana calls the “horse race of thoroughbreds” and what Bro Bob Marley called the “Rat Race.” So if this proroguing of the parliament teaches us anything, it is that “Horse Race” and “Rat Race” Politics kill the soul of a nation. And for our collective sake Guyana must live. So Mr. PPP come off your Domination Horse. Mr. AFC come off your NoConfidence/Election Horse. And Mr. APNU come off your Indecisive/ Election Horse. Let Guyana Live. David Hinds
Recall Parliament or hold elections
DEAR EDITOR, The calls by British Ambassador Andrew Ayre, Dr. Joey Jagan and others for the recall (reconvening or “revoking of the prorogue”) of parliament should be heeded. The Ambassador, Dr. Jagan, myself and others clearly have the interests of the country at heart, and we all want the parties to do what is best for the nation. The people do not want their business (concerns, issues, national development) to be neglected. Thus, the three parties must listen and act accordingly taking into consideration the peoples’ views. It is understandable why President Ramotar took preemptive action to prevent the dissolution of the national assembly. His reason was clear. The parliament would have been dissolved and the peoples’ business left hanging, leading to elections in the midst of the holiday season. The proroguing of parliament gives all sides an opportunity to cool off from their tough rhetoric. Each side has demonstrated its power that it can check the other. Now there is a stalemate. Is that is the road that they wish to take the people – off the cliff? What next? Will the parties talk with each other or continue
to bark at each other? Are they showing off whose bite is bigger or who is “mo man”? Time to end this machismo projection! Now that the life of the parliament has been saved, as explained by the President when he resorted to his extraordinary action, it is time for the parties to reflect, t u r n b a c k f r o m brinkmanship, and do what is in the best interest of the nation. As Ambassador Ayre said, the constitution gives
powers to the President and the legislature and each is not mutually exclusive”. In other words, there is need for compromise and accommodation – each side must be willing to give a little to return the country to normalcy. It is encouraging to read that the President is heeding the advice of diplomats and those of us who would like to see the country gets back to business. The President’s letter of invitation to the two
opposition parties for talks on moving forward is a welcome step. The opposition should not be obstinate. There is no harm in talking; it is only through conversation with each other that a solution can be reached. It is hoped the leaders of the three parties would meet and reach a compromise as suggested by Ambassador Ayre who suggested that the leaders of the parties first try to trash (Continued on page 5)
Thieves are everywhere DEAR EDITOR, The sudden rise of crime in our country is now a concern for all Guyanese citizens and the reintroduction of blackouts makes it easier for thieves and criminals to escape very easily from the police and citizens. A few days ago bandits invaded NAREI not too far from where I live, one staff barely escaped death. A popular supermarket in Agriculture Road was robbed over ten times in a very short period of time; no one was apprehended by the police. Even when these bandits and criminals are arrested by the police, they are represented by some high ranking lawyers and very soon they are released to go
out and rob and kill innocent citizens again. It seems to me our legal system is a very corrupt system because our judges and magistrates don’t seem to be able to distinguish right from wrong. The death penalty should also be enforced to these hard core criminals who rob and kill innocent citizens. When I look at the news and read the papers I see lots of innocent citizens are suffering at the hands of criminals and nothing has been done. Those who make the law break the law, thus we have become a nation of lawless people like Jesus said: ‘’The blind leading the blind.’’ Just recently, bandits went into a church and robbed the congregation
during a service and none were caught. What have we become as a nation for people to stoop so low to rob churches and their members during worship? We have fallen morally, spiritually and intellectually. It’s about time our President gets serious about this crime situation in Guyana and implement more stringent laws. If we compare ourselves with our Caricom neighbours we can clearly see we are left behind as a nation. I call on all stake-holders, NGOS, churches and law abiding citizens to speak out against the rise of crime in our country; our nation Guyana is too young to die. Rev.Gideon Cecil
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
NCFC Chairman skirts I was unable to update the fundamental issues my NIS contributions DEAR EDITOR, It was instructive to see Mr. E.B. John’s critique recently on the “organizational lacuna” that plagues the National Cane Farming Committee(NCFC) Instead of the inanities and ad hominem which characterized the response of the NCFC Chairman to the critical issues which I had raised, it would help if he (and I may add the Cane Farming Officers of GUYSUCO) were to heed the comments and advice of Mr. John who is an ‘originator’ and ‘authority’ on the development and
administration of the ‘private’ cane farming sector. As a private cane farmer and concerned Guyanese, I had drawn attention to the diminishing output from private cane farmers and the apparent anachronism/ obsolescence/ uselessness of the NCFC. My specific calls for an examination of these issues by the relevant authorities initially in GUYSUCO and then the NCFC were met with minutiae, irrelevant defensiveness and personal acrimony. The obvious failure by GUYSUCO and the NCFC to
We back this decision to continue the struggle DEAR EDITOR, This is an open letter to Opposition Leader Mr. David Granger. We, at Port Kaituma, have been following the recent developments in and out of parliament, and we are concerned, but we are giving full support to you and your party. We have been grateful for your leadership and sincerely hope that you
stand firm by your word as leader of the APNU, when you said that the door is closed to all discussion and talking. We are in agreement with that decision, because what three years didn’t fulfill cannot be fulfilled now. We back your decision to continue the struggle and prepare for General Elections. Port Kaituma resident
Recall Parliament or... From page 4 out their differences and arrive at a workable solution. If they are unable to reach a solution, the Ambassador suggests international mediation; support will be provided by Britain and others to bring about a resolution. News reports indicate that President Ramotar has expressed similar thoughts to those of the Ambassador – domestic attempt at resolution of the issue of prorogue of parliament, and if that fails then he said he would seek foreign assistance. It is also reported that he said if all efforts fail to reach a consensus on recalling parliament, then he will dissolve the assembly and call fresh elections. Before taking action, it would be wise for the parties to consult with their supporters. A majority of people, in a NACTA survey I conducted a month ago, did not want early elections and indicated they want the parties to work together. That opinion may have changed. The parties should seek the views of their constituents in moving forward. If the people suggest elections as the way forward, then they should act accordingly. If not, then parliament should be urgently recalled as opined by Ambassador Ayre. Clearly, the President prefers not to end the life of parliament now. If the leaders of the two opposition parties, after
consulting with their supporters, feel parliament should be dissolved, then they should so communicate with the President who should invoke the necessary steps to call early elections. Don’t beat around the bush as we say in Guyana! Vishnu Bisram
address the real issues of diminishing outputs from current farmers and the abandonment of several farms by long established private cane farmers and cooperatives to which I had alluded is alarming. The Chairman’s reference to ‘the leasing of more lands to farmers at Wales, Uitvlugt, Albion and Wales raises another set of questions such as the persons/organizations to whom these lands were leased, when and how they were leased and what has been their production so far? Finally, the Chairman mentioned two contributions made by the NCFC, namely, the reduction of fertilizer charges and the establishment of a revolving fund; but his doing so prompts more questions than provide answers to the real issues. For example: when was the “revolving fund” established, what is its purpose and its utilization so far. What about the more longstanding, more critical issues of overhead charges of 30% to 50% levied on farmers by the Estates? What about the silence surrounding the EU funds? Can the NCFC Chairman and GUYSUCO address these issues, instead of engaging in personal attacks on farmers? Nowrang Persaud
DEAR EDITOR, In your November 14, 2014 issue I noticed an article stating that the N.I.S has billions of dollars for unidentifiable contributors. Please allow me to make a comment on that. Prior to migration, I worked for the Guyana government as postal work ( Blairmont post office) accounts clerk ( Soesdyke/ Linden land development project) and the Guyana Police Force among shorter stints at two other government jobs. I was under the impression that I contributed as Donald Adrian Denhart. I returned to Guyana several years ago, on an invitation from “Go Invest Guyana “ and made an attempt to update my contributions as I intended to re-migrate. That’s when I learned that the N.I.S has no contributions for me after my employment at Blairmont ( GPO ) or at least, that’s what the N.I.S officer I spoke to , tried to convince me of. The names Donald Adrian Sookraj
(mom’s maiden name) and Donald Adrian were found along with Donald Adrihan and Donald Adrian Denhart; however, no monies were deposited for those names because those names don’t match the N.I.S number on file. My attempt to explain to the officer that I was sometimes called those names, was met with suspicion and I was alter informed, after she seemed convinced that those names were mine, that I only wanted to update my contribution so that I may collect pension. I was asked to visit the G.P.F and asked that my contributions be sent over. I did that but it seems the finance officer reneged on the promise to send the info over. My problem was, my parent’s marriage was never registered. I found that out in 1974. I made the effort and had a deed poll made out to show that Donald Adrian Sookraj and Donald Adrian Denhart was the same person and henceforth will be know as the latter. That did not help apparently as some of my
country men had problems pronouncing words with H, E. I and A. Instead of Donald Adrian. I was sometimes listed as Donald Adrihan. I sign that name, on occasion as I was instructed to do so, not because it was my name. During my time as a police officer, I met several hundred citizens with the same issue, some of which were caused by officers who refused to admit they were unable to correctly spell a person’s name or simply did not enquire on the proper spelling of that individual name. Individual’s hand-written reports also contributed to the confusion. Nazareen became Nazarun etc. I have written letters to various government officials, seeking assistance to have this matter resolved, including Dr. Luncheon. No one has responded to my attempts. If you could assist or know of someone that may assist I will be grateful as I am still very much interested in returning home and have started the process by building a home in Guyana . Don Denhart
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Friday November 21, 2014
Energy efficient public procurement Guyana breathes easy as Venezuela policies needed for Public Sector pledges to continue oil deal - GEA - but prices likely to go up By Rabindra Rooplall
A review of the Energy Efficient Public Procurement policies in the public sector can have tremendous benefits as a new energy efficiency directive could lead to a more clear and ordered situation, according to Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Mahender Sharma. This was disclosed at an Energy Seminar yesterday to stimulate dialogue and interest among targeted audiences on energy-related issues. The seminar was held at Cara Lodge. Under the theme “Achieving Climate, Environmental and Economic Resilience through Sustainable Energy” the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and CARICOM member states are simultaneously observing the Energy Week from the 16th22nd November, 2014. In keeping with the observation of CARICOM Energy Week (CEW), the main thrust of CEW “is to build awareness among various segments of the society across the Community about critical energy issues with a key focus on sustainable energy development at the national level”. It was explained at the seminar that Government and public authorities at all levels
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
should demonstrate to local communities that Energy Efficient Public Procurement tackles local policy goals and is forward-thinking, drives innovation and can directly contribute to the concept of a smart region. Thus, Energy Efficient Public Procurement should be based on extensive knowledge and experience. Governments are urged to promote and support actions and programmes undertaken in the process of implementing the different energy efficiency-oriented directives. According to Minister in Charge of Energy, Samuel Hinds, regarding energy efficiency initiatives, GEA has carried out energy assessments, replacement of defective photocells on street lights, replacement of high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps with more energy efficient lamps – all with the objective of reducing energy consumption by attaining higher levels of energy efficiency. The Energy Minister explained that the Government has also provided fiscal incentives through import duties and VAT exemptions on identified renewable energy machinery and equipment and energy efficient lighting. These achievements were not without their challenges, and there is still much work to be done. “The other pillar of sustainable energy, energy efficiency, is equally important and is considered a “low-hanging fruit” given
that minor behavioural changes can lead to improved efficiency, less wastage and a significant reduction in energy consumption. Nationally, a small shift in demand based on increased energy efficiency can lead to savings of millions of dollars in the country’s oil import bill,” the Prime Minister asserted. According to the GEA, the agency planned a week of activities which focuses on energy while giving recognition to its importance in achieving a reliable energy future that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. “Through art, media, essay writing and open discussions, the objective of the week of activities planned by the GEA is to sensitize the Guyanese population, with specific focus on youths, on sustainable energy, energy conservation (the ‘saving of energy by any means including energy efficiency’) and energy efficiency (the use of less energy to do the same amount of work). The Guyana Energy Agency, in the exercise of its mandate, continues to promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and the development and utilisation of alternative sources of energy. The observance of ‘CARICOM Energy Week’ serves as an annual feature in fulfilling part of the mandate of the GEA through the dissemination of information, essential to improving public awareness on sustainable energy, conservation and overall efficiency.
Venezuela has allayed fears that the Petrocaribe oil arrangements are over Amidst worry by regional leaders, Venezuela yesterday pledged to continue supplying oil on favourable terms to Petrocaribe member states despite a drop in international crude prices. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Rafael Ramirez, the former Chief Executi v e Officer of state oil company, PDVSA, stressed a t t h e o p e n i n g of the gathering that the South American nation remains “firmly committed” to the initiative. Members of Petrocaribe were in Venezuela for the occasion of the 14th Meeting of the Ministerial Council. There have been widespread concerns that Venezuela, facing internal turmoil, would consider ending the arrangement. Any such move would have left many CARICOM member countries reeling as they would now be forced to buy oil directly from the world market. Petrocaribe “is an energy agreement that is perfectly sustainable over time,”
Ramirez told energy ministers of the 18 member states. The Venezuelan government-promoted Petrocaribe alliance has come under increasing criticism in recent weeks due to a sharp drop in oil prices, which President Nicolas Maduro says has caused government revenues to fall by at least 35 percent. Venezuela’s opposition blamed the Maduro administration’s continued support for Petrocaribe in large part for the country’s financial woes. Venezuela’s basket price for crude fell last week to US$70.83 per barrel, its lowest level since Oct. 1, 2010, when it closed at $69.61 per barrel. Petrocaribe is made up of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Granada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Venezuela. Founded in June 2005 by
Maduro’s predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez, Petrobras allows poor Central American and Caribbean countries to purchase crude and derivatives from oil-rich Venezuela on conditions of preferential payment. Last week, media reports said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was monitoring the potential impact any changes to Petrocaribe will have on regional economies. Analysts said the initiative will have to be modified or discontinued amidst a worsening economic situation in the South American country. Reports were that delegates, including those from Guyana, would have been discussing the new financing terms, the supply, outstanding debts and even a regional economic zone. In essence, the Petrocaribe arrangement has been allowing Guyana and other participating countries to buy the crude and other oil products, and keep part of the payment as a long-term, low interest loan. Last year, Venezuela’s exports to the Petrocaribe member states were reportedly reduced by 20 percent. Oil exports account for more than 90 percent of Venezuela’s revenues. Guyana and a number of the Petrocaribe countries have been benefitting from the oil deal. Guyana has an agreement for several years now to supply an annual quota that is negotiated yearly. The payments to Venezuela due for oil are used to pay off farmers and millers who are participating in the deal. The price offered by Venezuela has been a lucrative one. The delayed payments by Guyana have been used to fund projects and plug other initiatives.
Friday November 21, 2014
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PRESIDENT RAMOTAR INVITES OPPOSITION LEADER TO TALKS EDITOR’S NOTE: In yesterday’s edition, we failed to publish the full letter that President Donald Ramotar dispatched to Opposition Leader David Granger. Today, we repeat the publication with the missing paragraph.
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Urgency required on alternative energy
From left to right: Alexis V. George, Barbara Walker, Thomas Scheutzlich, Krishna Desai, Jannik Vaa and Jim Reid during the Caribbean Exporters’ Colloquium Barbados Nation - The Caribbean needs to embrace a transition to 100 per cent adoption of renewable energy as if its very life depends on it. This was the general view from a panel discussion on alternative energy which formed part of the programme on Wednesday of Caribbean Exporters’ Colloquium 2014, organised by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and funded by the European Union via the 10th European Development Fund (EDF). Alexis George, project officer with the Government of Dominica’s Geothermal Project Management Unit
and president of Caribbean LED Lighting Inc. in Barbados, Jim Reid, contended it was achievable to have an economy based on 100 per cent adoption of alternative energy. Addressing the session Alternative Energy: The Region’s Transition to Sustainable and Energy Efficient Economies on Wednesday, the final day of the conference at Hilton Barbados Resort, Reid said “We need to think differently and go after change as if our life depends on it.” George said Government has a transition role to play and has played a significant role in Dominica where geo-
thermal energy holds out the best prospect in alternative energy. The transition in Dominica involved liberalisation and changes in legislation to accommodate independent power providers so the state-owned utility no longer holds a monopoly in generation as well as distribution of electricity. But Reid stressed that the transition could be achieved with a “win-win” where the utility company is financially viable, consumers and businesses benefit from reduced electricity rates and Government continues to earn income from taxes. “Everyone is a winner,” he remarked.
‘$211,000 salary for CAL CEO’ Trinidad Express – Canada-born Michael DiLollo, chief executive officer of State-owned Caribbe-an Airlines (CAL), is receiving a monthly compensation package of US$33,000 (TT$211,000). This works out to $2.53 million a year. Speaking during the Prime Minister’s question time in the House of Represen-tatives yesterday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said DiLollo received a salary of US$28,000 and a housing allowance of US$5,000. Asked by Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner whether CAL could afford this kind of salary, PersadBissessar said the salary was negotiated between the board and the incoming officeholder. The Prime Minis-ter also confirmed Gov-ernment had received the cash proceeds amounting to $7.4 billion (US $1.75 billi-on) from the sale of the Methanol Holdings (MHTL) shares.
Michael DiLollo Responding to questions from Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, she said the money was deposited in the statutory fund and converted into Treasury bills by the Central Bank. The Prime Minister also disclosed P e t r o t r i n ’s foreign debt currently stands at $13.8 billion. She said in September 2002, the debt was
$3.3 billion but it “skyrocketed” to $12.4 billion by the time her administration took office. She said main dri-vers of this debt were the issuance of two bonds—one in 2007 for US$750 million and one in 2009 for US$850 million. These monies were used for projects including the gasoline optimisation project and the ill-fated GTL (gas-to-liquids) project, which was the “flagship of the former administration”, she said. She said this debt was being serviced in a timely manner and the company had met all its payments. Petrotrin’s credit rating was adjusted from a triple B to triple B minus by Standard and Poor’s, she said. She added there were lower refinery mar-gins which is a function of the shale oil revolution in the US, which has affected other international oil companies with refineries.
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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FLOOD CONTROL IN THE TIME OF PROROGATION When people’s homes are under water; when their lives are disrupted because of floods; when they suffer losses because of inundation, there is bound to be high levels of frustration. In such scenarios, it is often the practice of those affected, egged on by the “specialists” that we have in the media, to cast blame. This is in part a human reaction and even a rational reaction. The blame game is not going to help the present situation. What is not needed also is a re-analysis of the causes of the flooding. What is equally not required is propaganda showing that
other countries in the world are experiencing adverse weather conditions. What is needed is action, collective action. Certain things, however, must be made clear. A national clean-up exercise which expends hundreds of millions of dollars is not a flood control plan. A clean-up exercise will have some implications for drainage. Indeed, the government is right. There are a number of areas in the city where the water has receded despite the high levels of rainfall and this recession has been as a result of the improvement in run-off flow occasioned by the national
clean-up campaign, of which only five hundred million has been allocated for Georgetown. The second thing that needs to be made clear is that we must learn from what happened yesterday. The floods have exposed the vulnerability of certain areas of excessive accumulation and those areas should be identified and mapped so that action can be taken What is needed, as stated, is action. The private sector has indicated that it is prepared to help and that help should be mobilized. A national flood relief committee should be established. The first step should
therefore be to establish this multi-stakeholder flood control committee. The second step should be to identify, almost immediately, the vulnerable areas where the water has either not receded or has been slow to recede. The third step is for an emergency plan to be developed. The government may feel that this can be done by its personnel in the Ministry of Local Government and in the Ministry of Public Works. But it is best that this be done almost immediately by the national flood control committee. With this emergency plan in place there will be a need to mobilize resources. One of
the things that I have found with Guyana is that people are very willing if called upon to contribute to a national effort. I know there are many farmers who would be willing, for example, to lend their tractors and pumping equipment to help pump water out of certain areas. There are miners who will do the same. This can be done almost immediately, but the private sector and other persons would be more willing to mobilize resources once they are part of a process. The President has to do away with a certain style of management that was characteristic of his
predecessor. He has to bring people on board, because what Guyana faces now and can face again during this rainy season is an emergency. It is time for a broad-based national flood control committee to be established, one that will work with government and all stakeholders to bring immediate, medium- and longterm solutions to Guyana’s flooding woes.
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Friday November 21, 2014
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Has President Ramotar no shame, dignity and/or self-respect? A person that holds the highest office in the land is expected to display behaviour of the most sacred kind in the system of values that holds civilization intact. Most leaders have not done so. Some have, some try to. But they all try to avoid undignified, crass, immoral, indecent, profane, feral behaviour. Should a nation’s leader descend to semi-civilized or vulgar or shameless or disrespectful conduct, he/she certainly would jeopardize the life of their office. At all times a Prime Minister or a President must be seen saying and doing things that convey to the world that he/ she has commonsense, rationality, logic and intellectual knowledge. That person may not have such qualities, but it must be done in ways that people will believe that they do. President Ramotar’s letter yesterday to the Opposition Leader for a post-prorogation dialogue fails to achieve this conveyance. It is an intellectually barren, political silly and personally insulting letter (to Mr. Granger). After the dictatorial suspension of Parliament by Mr. Ramotar, a repugnant manipulation of the Constitution never seen
before in any CARICOM territory, Mr. Ramotar writes the Opposition Leader in a manner that is extremely condescending. If the PPP is going to achieve any significant number of votes in the next election, it had better dump Mr. Ramotar peremptorily. He is so politically flawed that C.N. Sharma may do better than him at the polls. Mr. Ramotar ’s letter contains the following unbelievable words in reference to the noconfidence motion; “The parliamentary opposition you led at the sitting planned for November 10, 2014 would have ended the life of the 10th Parliament, leaving unaddressed many important issues of the day.” Nowhere in Mr. Ramotar’s foolish missive did he give recognition to the fact that the Guyana Constitution allows Parliament to dissolve itself to have another general election. That is the legal, constitutional and political right of Parliament. What that section of Mr. Ramotar’s missive openly tells you is that he is saying, “I as President have rights, you as Parliament do not, and I determine what becomes of Parliament. Mr. Ramotar continues;
“My decision to prorogue Parliament on that day has delayed such an eventuality, thereby providing an opportunity to still have the tenth Parliament discuss and conclude those issues.” This is amazingly stupid stuff from the highest office in the land. Which country does President Ramotar live in? The no-confidence vote was announced in June. Mr. Ramotar was written to by the AFC tying the no-confidence motion to a series of requests, a resolution of which could have avoided the noconfidence process; Mr. Ramotar rejected that pathway. Mr. Ramotar then prorogues Parliament, writes the Opposition Leader and tells him I have matters that are still to be resolved therefore let’s talk to resume Parliament and have my agenda pass. Why didn’t Ramotar seek dialogue before the no-confidence plan was about to be tabled? Alright, let’s say the combined opposition was going for new elections anyway, what is there to change its mind now that Parliament is prorogued? Is President Ramotar imbecilic enough to think that the PNC is so stupid, sycophantic and selfdestructive that it is going to sit down with Ramotar and discuss Ramotar’s “unaddressed issues” with a promise to resolve them if the President resuscitates Parliament? Any opposition party that behaves so slavish is useless and should be shouted down and be disbanded by its membership. Ramotar has put the PNC is a position where if it listens
and responds to him, its membership and supporters would denounce it. The commonsensical thing for Mr. Ramotar to do was to write both AFC and APNU to inform them that Parliament would be resumed with the request by the presidency that the Government’s “unaddressed issues” be given priority for discussion. That was all that was required. Even this elementary strategy to save face, Mr. Ramotar cannot grasp. So what does Mr. Ramotar do instead? He puts conditions on the resumption
of Parliament and he is shameless in saying so. He stated in his correspondence; “…I propose a high-level engagement…to agree on a post-prorogation Parliamentary agenda.” Mr. Ramotar is barefacedly saying, talk to me first before I open Parliament again. In the first part of his letter he gave his reason for prorogation – Government business that was left unattended. In the second part of his missive, he wants a post-prorogation agenda. But the agenda has to be governmental business
Frederick Kissoon because the lack of discussion on such was the reason he de-mobilized Parliament in the first place. The die is cast. The opposition has no way out but elections. But Ramotar is fighting for his full term. He cannot get it now. Too late.
Dem boys seh...
DONALD DUCK AND EE CABINET MISS DE BOAT Dem got sea plane wid wheels. Dem got boats wid wheels. When de Chinee give Hamma Man Benn, de boat, Sabanto, dem boys didn’t see no wheels. That is why when dem boys see de boats pun land dem start questioning dem eyesight. Dem ain’t know if de eye doctor do something to dem eye although dem nevah go to none yet. Knack wood fuh dah one. Dem also want to know if de government give Bee Kay a secret plan fuh build another wharf at Wakenaam and only de Sabanto did know bout it. Early Tuesday morning de Chinee boat drive pun Wakenaam like if it had wheels. When dem boys realize that de boat didn’t have wheels then dem realize that was de captain who put it deh. Passengers did call and tell dem boys that dem see de captain and some of dem sailors was tekking a few at Parika. One passenger seh when he realize that he can’t come off de boat till day clean, he went in search of de captain only to find de man snoring away. He seh he try fuh wake de captain and a sailor come and tell he that he better try
and shut he eye too because dem ain’t got no way to go till high tide come. Yesterday de Waterfalls paper had a headline that coincide wid wha de sailor tell de passenger. According to de headline, “Grounded E’bo ferry awaiting weekend high tide for removal”. Is a T&HD official seh suh. When dem boys read de headline dem had to laugh. De Boss man seh he sorry fuh dem people who had to wait suh lang pun de boat. He seh he wish that Donald Duck and three-quarter of his Cabinet can be on one of dem same boat and end up high pun Hog Island and got to wait till year end fuh de high tide to move it. De rain fall heavy and de river swell before weekend and lift de boat off de island and into de ocean. De rain help Donald too. Dem boys see Donald Duck early morning flapping he wings pun what was suppose to be de lawns of State House but look like de ocean. He was flapping and shouting, “Quack, Quack, Quack.” And Jagdeo deh by de gate hollering, “Pluck. Pluck, Pluck.” Talk half and keep you eye pun de money dem gun seh dem spend fuh repair Sabanto wid de few scratches it get.
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Lotto Fund stands at $1.3B, still eludes Consolidated Fund By Abena Rockcliffe Authenticated documents and reliable sources have indicated that the Lotto Fund which government continues to withhold from the consolidated fund, according to many, “illegally” now stands at $1.3B. A sum of 24 cents in every dollar of lottery proceeds is paid to the government. This forms the Lotto Fund which is managed by the Office of the President. For years, the parliamentary opposition and the Office of the Auditor General have been trying to get the government to place the Lotto funds into the Consolidated Fund, but these efforts have been to no avail. Therefore, the government continues to use this money without any sort of scrutiny. But even with the unaccountable spending, the fund has $1.3B which is a little less than the amount it stood at in 2002. Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran had, during his tenure, pronounced on the matter in strong terms. Goolsarran stated in numerous reports that he had cause to highlight the Ministry of Finance’s failure to pay over government’s share of the proceeds of the Guyana Lotteries to the Consolidated Fund. These funds were instead paid to a special bank account and this was used to
meet public expenditure without parliamentary approval, the report said. Goolsarran had recommended in the 2003 report that the Ministry of Finance take appropriate measures to close the bank account in which the Lotto monies were being held and transfer the balance to the Consolidated Fund. Auditor General Anand Goolsarran was given all assurances by former President Bharrat Jagdeo that supplementary estimates would be presented in the National Assembly to ensure parliamentary approval of the expenditure and recording in the public accounts of funds from lotto proceeds. Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, promised to regularize the use of the lotto funds in deference to Goolsarran’s position at the time, that all public revenues must be paid into the Consolidated Fund and expenditure from lottery proceeds had to be appropriated through parliament. In an invited comment, Alliance For Change General Secretary, David Patterson, said that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, while it remains in office, needs to strive to be more accountable. He noted that the constitution was clear that all revenues or monies received by the government must be placed into the Consolidated Fund. When contacted, former
Debt collector claims Parliamentary Clerk prevented him from doing his job A debt collector for Citizen’s Bank is claiming that he was prevented from doing his job due to the interference of Parliamentary Clerk Sherlock Isaacs. The debt collector, William Blackman, is alleging that Isaacs is refusing to part with a motorvehicle that has been repossessed by his (Blackman’s) employer. According to Blackman, the motor-vehicle in question has been in arrears for the past six months. The motorvehicle was in the name of one Brendon Baird, and was repossessed then impounded this past Friday by police officials. Blackman claims the motor-vehicle was subsequently removed from impoundment without his knowledge and without complete payment of debt. He says it was then found to be in the Parliament Building parking lot on Tuesday evening, where Isaacs refused to release the car to him. Blackman, a former court marshal, related that the
vehicle is not in Isaacs’s name and that he is confused as to how the Parliamentary Clerk has claim to it. This newspaper understands that Baird occasionally lent the vehicle to Isaacs for hunting trips and that the two are friends. The debt collector said that he was unsuccessful in trying to contact Baird. Blackman further alleged that even though he presented official documentation for the removal of the vehicle, Isaacs was still uncooperative in releasing it from the Parliamentary compound. Blackman claims that on Wednesday afternoon when he sought to remove the vehicle again it was revealed that it was “missing”. He described the vehicle as a white pick-up with the licence number GSS 693. The debt collector says that the bank intends taking the necessary legal action against the parties suspected to be involved the matter. (Nicholas Peters)
- It is most likely going towards enriching the friends of the PPP- Greenidge Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge reiterated the view that has long been expressed, that the Lotto Fund rightfully belongs in the Consolidated Fund. He stressed that $1.3B is a significant amount of money, relative to the annual national budget. Greenidge told Kaieteur News that it is a fact that the poor are made to bear a disproportionate share of the burden of taxation. He said that the Lotto Fund should be urgently placed in the Consolidated Fund and be used to bring relief to the poor in the form of meaningful projects. As he pointed to the fact that the spending is being determined solely by the Office of the President, he said that the money is “most likely going towards enriching the friends of the PPP.” Though Attorney General Anil Nandlall said that the court had ruled that Government had not acted unconstitutionally by not
placing the proceeds from the Lotto Fund into the Consolidated Fund, Greenidge, who also chairs the Public Accounts Committee, ordered the Auditor General to seek “independent” legal advice in this regard. Greenidge had said that as it relates to the Lotto and Cricket Funds, the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, was asked to seek legal opinion as to whether it should go into the Consolidated Fund. Greenidge said that the Committee was divided on the matter, as those who represent the interest of the government communicated that the matter was already dealt with at the level of the court and as such they were not in agreement with the Auditor General being told to seek independent legal advice. Over the years, the proceeds from the Lotto have been used to fund the President’s Youth Choice
Former Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge
Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran
Initiative (PYCI), a youth project scheme that has been criticized for being ill-timed and poorly executed. An Auditor General report had noted that in one year, sums totaling over $800M have been spent on a number of projects without parliamentary approval. But Article 217 of the Constitution reads: “All revenues or other monies raised or received by
the Government (not being revenues or other monies that are payable, by or under an Act of Parliament, into some other fund established for any specific purpose or that may, by or under such an Act, be retained by the authority that received them for the purpose of defraying the expenses of that authority) shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Fund.”
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 21, 2014
Grounded ferry back on water; new crew in control Four days after running aground on Wakenaam Island, authorities says that the MV SABANTO, was back in the water yesterday. The Chinese-built vessel will be placed into operation today with another crew in control, the Transport and Harbours Department announced. On Sunday, shortly after midnight, the vessel which was en route to Supenaam from Parika, somehow ploughed into Wakenaam, an island located on the Essequibo River. There were no injuries but horrified passengers were forced to wait until daybreak before water taxis that ply the route arrived and took them off. Most of the vehicles on board were removed Monday and Tuesday with the last one being taken off yesterday when the vessel docked at the Supenaam wharf, Essequibo Coast yesterday. Marclene Merchant, Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) General Manager, confirmed that the
vessel came off on its own power around 16:00 hrs yesterday. “The tide was high [2.88 metres], so the vessel was able to come off without us having to utilize tugs,” she stated. The Ministry of Public Works had initially announced that it was aiming for this weekend’s high tide to remove the vessel. According to Merchant, checks indicate there was no damage to the vessel. “In light of this, MV SABANTO will resume its operation under the command of another crew tomorrow (this) morning, November 21, at its scheduled time.” T&HD said that investigations into the incident are still ongoing. Earlier this week, authorities said that they are investigating reports that senior employees of the ferry were drinking earlier in the day. According to persons close to the investigation,
Authorities have managed to remove the ferry that ran aground Wakenaam Island Sunday night. It is expected back in operations today. (T&HD Photo)
they have received reports that employees were consuming alcohol in the Parika area.
The incident would be a highly embarrassing one for the Transport and Harbours Department as the Sabanto was one of two vessels donated to Guyana by China back in January 2012. Reports indicated that around 120 passengers were on the vessel which left Parika around 23:45 hrs Sunday. The vessel was about two miles into its journey when the mishap occurred. Caught on the vessel was an ambulance assigned to the Suddie Public Hospital. It had earlier taken a heart patient to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The ferries provide a critical link between the city and Essequibo Coast, for goods, farm produce and
passengers. A passenger on the other Chinese ferry, the KANAWAN, said she was with her family heading to Parika around midnight when the ferry suddenly turned around. They had passed the
SABANTO a short while before. At Wakenaam they came upon the shocking sight of the SABANTO stuck on the island. The KANAWAN attempted to pull the stuck vessel from the bushes but in vain.
Father dies day after son killed in accident An elderly Zeelugt man collapsed and died a day after his 38-year-old son was struck down and killed at Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo. The son, David Dhanraj, of Greenwich Park, was attempting to cross the main road in his community at around 23.05 hrs on Saturday when he was struck down by a police constable, who was driving to Zeelugt Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, where a taxi driver was shot. Dhanraj was
pronounced dead at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. A relative said that at around 18.00 hrs the following day, the victim’s 70 year-old father, known only as Hussein, took ill and was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital. He died shortly after. Kaieteur News understands that Mr. Hussein was in poor health since suffering a stroke some six years ago. Father and son were buried next to each other at Leguan, Essequibo.
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Page 14
Kaieteur News
Friday November 21, 2014
Angoy’s Avenue man was GECOM Head receives distinguished veterinarian award ‘shot at close range’ Investigators continue to search for the motive in the brutal execution-style murder of Angoy’s Avenue resident Richard Dey, a 40-year-old father of two. In the meantime a number of persons have been questioned. Four were placed in custody, including a teen and some close associates. They have all since been released. A post mortem examination was conducted yesterday by Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan at the Anthony Funeral Parlour, West Coast Berbice. The findings revealed that the man died from shock and hemorrhage due to gunshot injuries to the head. Investigators are working on the theory that the man was shot at point blank range with the gun close to or pressed to his head. There was a burn mark on the spot where the bullet entered. There was also a laceration on the throat. Dey’s reputed wife Ongel Lindie, a teacher, and their two children, went out to celebrate his son’s first birthday on Saturday. The family returned home around
Dead: Richard Dey 20:30 hrs. The man then left home around 22:00hrs and was walking towards his car at Rodney Dam, which would take about a half-a-minute, when a gunshot rang out. It was learnt that just before the man was shot he was involved in an argument. His body was discovered in an alley leading to his Angoy’s Avenue home. It is understood that Dey, a mechanic would mostly ply his trade in the interior. A relative told the media that she was at home when she heard the explosion, but did not pay much mind.
Nevertheless, she peered outside and saw that Dey’s car was still parked where he had left it. She assumed that Dey was in the vehicle talking to someone on his cellular phone since her calls to his phone went unanswered. The woman still did not think too much of it, but continued to survey the area where the car was parked. But as she was preparing to go out and investigate, a teenager who frequently uses the alley saw the body and alerted the police. By this time, the woman had made her way towards the car and stumbled upon the bleeding body of Dey slumped by a drain in some bushes. Robbery has been ruled out since the man’s pockets were reportedly not run through and the $15,000 he had left home with was recovered. Several pieces of jewellery which he was wearing at the time were also not touched. When Dey was found he had a cigarette and a lighter in his left hand and a key in his right. His cellular phone was the only article missing from his person at the time. However, as investigators continued their probe, the cellular phone was found in the possession of one of the teens who had been later arrested and released.
Commendations being read by Dr. Alfred Benjamin (left) and Dr. Kanyuira Gikonyo (centre) of the CbVMA’s Conference Committee to a pleased Dr. Steve Surujbally Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally, has been conferred with the Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association (CbVMA)’s highest award, the Distinguished Veterinarian Award. Dr. Surujbally was officially presented with the award at the Association’s 28th biennial conference in the Grand Cayman earlier this month. The award was bestowed upon him in recognition and appreciation of his years of exceptional contribution to Caribbean Veterinary Practice and the Conferences of the CbVMA. Though easily identified locally as GECOM’s head, Dr. Surujbally, a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow from the University of California – Davis (1991-1992) who also obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate in Veterinary Science, at the University of Leipzig, Germany, has been a practicing Veterinary Surgeon for almost 46 years. He has several peerreviewed publications to his credit. At the ceremony, it was noted that Dr. Surujbally has been Guyana’s representative, inter alia, for
many years at the International Office of Epizootics (OIE) and at the South American Commission for the Fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (COSALFA). The GECOM Chairman has received several honours and awards in recognition of his invaluable dedication and professional service and achievements. Among them are the Golden Arrow of Achievement – Guyana National Award in 1996; awards from the Guyana Veterinary Association in 2009 and 2011 for invaluable, distinguished, dedicated and professional service; the International Olympic Committee’s Diploma Award in 2000 for his contribution to Ethics in Sports and the NRI Welfare Society’s Mahatma Gandhi Gold Medal Award which was presented in the House of Lords, London, England in 2013. While acknowledging Dr. Surujbally’s contribution in production, research, advisory and consultancy capacities associated with Veterinary Medicine on four continents (Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa), the CbVMA recognized that he is the longest serving GECOM Chairman. The CbVMA acknowledged too that until
recently, Dr. Surujbally was the President of the Association of Caribbean Electoral Organizations. The awardee, in response, expressed gratitude for the honour, especially since it was a decision made by his peers. Among other things, Dr. Surujbally emphasized that the members of the Veterinary Medical fraternity within the Caribbean should maintain professional ethics as an integral part of their day-today practice. He urged them to adhere to the tenets associated with solemn oaths and to those objectives enshrined in the Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association’s Constitution, while reaching out and establishing a practical nexus with the Animal Welfare Societies of the Caribbean with whom veterinarians have a common cause in improving the well-being of all animals. At the conference, Guyana was unanimously elected to host the twentyninth CbVMA conference in 2016. The association’s mace, symbolizing the management of the Association, was handed over to Dr. Surujbally on behalf of Dr. Nicholas Waldron, President of the Guyana Veterinary Association.
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 15
Consultation held as Ministry prepares to craft new Mental Health Strategy Deliberate efforts are ongoing by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with its partners to tackle the challenges associated with Mental Health. This tactic is one that is certainly not unique to Guyana as mental health challenges, which can be wide-ranging, are evident in countries across the globe. An individual’s mental health is regarded as their psychological and emotional well-being. Moreover, mental health illness translates to conditions that affect behaviour, mood and thinking. These include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictions. And addressing these conditions has not been a simple task. However, the Ministry of Health is currently preparing to craft a new Mental Health Strategic Plan, even as it seeks to keenly collaborate with technical partners the likes of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and a wide cross-section of stakeholders. Moreover, a consultation to further solicit the input of various stakeholders was on Wednesday convened at the Ocean View International Hotel, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown,. The event was spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and PAHO/WHO. It was at this forum that Dr. Jorge Rodriguez-Sanchez, in alluding specifically to the Mental Health situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, disclosed that the burden of mental health can be enormous. The Unit Chief for Mental Health and Substance Use attached to PAHO/WHO was at the time making a presentation on the Global Mental Health Plan 2013-2020. In his deliberations Dr. Rodriguez-Sanchez disclosed that 65.5 per cent of the countries in the Region have a national mental health plan and 74 per cent of these were either approved or revised in 2005 or later. He went on to note too, that while 56.3 per cent of the countries under scrutiny have in place legislation on mental health, in many cases, these laws are incomplete and do not meet international standards. This is compounded by the fact, he outlined, that psychoactive drugs are not within the reach of the population, a state of affairs that is added to the fact that some countries have major limitations in their information systems regarding mental health
information gathering. In fact Dr. RodriguezSanchez opined that in this part of the world the Primary Health Care teams are oftentimes not prepared to handle mental health problems even as he highlighted that mental health services for children and adolescent are very limited. In underscoring too that there are few actions in place to promote and prevent mental health, the Specialist spoke of research in this regard being poor or nonexistent, even as he pointed out that some countries are also faced with a situation where mental health protection of the vulnerable populations is not a clear priority. But the local health sector is determined to reverse such trends. Moreover, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, speaking on behalf of the Health Ministry, noted that yesterday’s forum was both important and timely. He disclosed that while the Ministry had introduced a Mental Health Strategic Plan in 2005, it was not until around 2008 that it was implemented. “During that time we were just coming out from a severe disaster...the floods of 2005 and lots of the issues that emerged in addition to the health issues, centred on people’s capacity to cope,” recalled Dr. Persaud. Even then, he noted that there was significant input from PAHO and some other supporting agencies to provide some level of support for persons. “It opened the eyes of many of us who were not mainstream mental health practitioners as to the complexities with which mental health issues present,” said Dr. Persaud who went on to note that the last strategy was one that identified some issues. Among them was the main challenge of stigma and discrimination, which, according to Dr. Persaud, is likely to remain one of the key areas of concern in Guyana that must be addressed. As such he shared his conviction that “as we are in the process of planning...it is always good to look back at what you did and how ambitious we were, and why we probably did not achieve all that we had planned to do
A section of the stakeholders at the forum
at that time.” He spoke of the need for ensuring that the society is one that respects all and does not discriminate in any form, be it gender, beliefs, religion, and certainly not on the basis of health issues. “We are still trying to overcome some of those challenges,” said Dr. Persaud as he emphasised that dealing with mental health is no less challenging. “I think that the interface between the mental health itself and disorders still seems to be something that we need to look at.” “In everyone’s minds, including some of our health professionals, you have a mental health issue if you have a psychiatric condition; in that way it sort of precludes the adequate intervention, sometimes in conditions that are not normally referred to as psychiatric, and as such those are precursors for many of the things like suicide, some of the violence we see in our society and some of the other acute mental health illness manifestations,” said Dr. Persaud as he noted that the linkage to substance abuse cannot be downplayed as well. The Strategic Plan in the making is one that is expected to guide the delivery of mental health services over the course 2015-2020. Once in place, the plan will be synced with the Health Ministry’s overall Strategic Plan – Health Vision 2020, according to PAHO Resident Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow. Like Dr. Persaud, the PAHO Resident Representative spoke of the
need to closely examine the previous plan in order to determine which areas “we need to include in the new one if they are not already.” Aside from issues of stigma and discrimination, suicide and substance abuse, Dr. Adu-Krow also spoke of the need for issues such as depression and anxiety, alcohol, tobacco, among others that should be included in the Strategic Plan.
“It is my hope that during today and the days after the consultation work will still continue,” he intimated. In delivering an overview of the consultation, Chief Psychiatrist and Mental Health Focal Point within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bhiro Harry, amplified the importance of consulting with stakeholders. “If we had a perfect document then we would not have required you
to be here to work with us today.” He further emphasised that “the intention is to make our document perfect.” Among those in attendance Wednesday were several Regional Health Officers; Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice Regional Health Authority, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, and veteran psychiatrist, Dr. Frank Beckles.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 21, 2014
Demerara Bank launches Visa card to celebrate 20th anniversary Demerara Bank Limited is marking its 20th anniversary today. According to Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Pravinchandra Dave, the success of the financial institution would not have been possible without its customers, shareholders, and the general public. The executive is also lauding staffers, its Chairman, Dr. Yesu Persaud, its Board of Directors, management and staffers for their dedication and commitment. Demerara Bank opened its doors to the general public on November 21, 1994 at their Head Office at Camp and
South Streets, Georgetown. Since then it has spread to five other locations throughout the country. According to Demerara Bank, it has performed remarkably well in all areas, showing a continuous growth in its profit for the last 20 years. As a matter of fact, its profits for the financial years ending September 30, saw the entity racking up a towering $2.5M in profits. “The mission of the bank is to help build a stronger, healthier, more diverse business sector through prudent investment, attractive deposit plans and innovative lending policies.
Our aim is to excel in providing innovative and superior banking services through well trained, dedicated and courteous staff in the interest of our customers and shareholders and to fulfill our social responsibilities to society through meaningful involvement in community development.” In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the bank, in the coming weeks, will be launching its Visa credit cards. “Demerara Bank is the only principal member of Visa in Guyana and we plan to pass on all benefits of this type of membership to our
Longstanding employees and senior staffers of Demerara Bank yesterday during the start of the 20th Anniversary celebrations. customers. We will also be the only bank in Guyana to have a Signature Visa Card. The bank is also hopeful to open its Corporate Office by 2015. We would also like to extend to you our valued customers and friends a warm and joyous season and a
prosperous new year.” The bank was the brainchild of Dr. Yesu Persaud, the Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited, makers of the award-winning El Dorado rum. The bank’s deposit base which was its highest at
$45.6B as at September 30, registered a rise of 10 per cent when compared to 2013. Total loans and advances moved from $18.6B to $22.4B billion, showing a rise of 20.8 per cent over the previous year. The investments of the bank have remained constant at $20.8B.
Guyana caught off guard... From page 3 government was working to minimize the effects. Edghill encouraged citizens to remain patient with the Government Ministries as they work to address the situation. The government officials explained that measures have already been put in place; teams have been put to together “to do everything humanly possible” to deal with the situation. “We've had an overwhelming amount of rainfall; it's a reality and we should not get into the panic mode,” Edghill said. He pointed out that every effort should be made to ensure minimum levels of damage to household belongings. Minister Benn added that pumps are being deployed to help the water recede. He added that the current cleanup campaign undertaken by the government is also addressing the clearance of debris found under bridges which is preventing the free flow of water. Minister Whittaker has opined however, that had it not been for the cleanup campaign the current flood could have been worse. The government released $1B to clean up the country, with half of that sum being designated for Georgetown. However, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), in a
public statement, expressed concern that once again it seems that the leaders of the nation have been caught off guard. “The alert mechanisms, forecasters and administrators both in central and local government have disappointed us in their proactivity and reaction to this development.” The body also questioned the unfolding of the situation, “even after the millions (of dollars) being spent on the Doppler weather stations, hundreds of millions (of dollars) spent on drainage and irrigation annually, billions of dollars spent on the significantly delayed Hope Canal Project and the billion dollars currently being spent on the cleanup campaign. Our confidence in the effectiveness of these programmes has been further diminished.” The PSC called on Government to drain the most affected areas as soon as is practical, while they explore opportunities to assist; support provided to aid clean-up and recovery of households affected, facilitate advisories being sent out to the public with regard to the expectations of the next few days, assess damage for possible financial assistance or other aids. They also called for medical advisories to be sent out so additional disasters are not ignited.
Deputy Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green expressed concern at the possible health crisis facing the city due to the flooding. She said she had visited the cemetery areas and communities among other places and citizens were facing grave difficulties. She had opined that given the already high levels of water, along with high tide, citizens should not expect the water levels to go down any time soon. After expressing gross disappointment that the relevant government ministries had failed to include City Hall in plans to address the sudden flood, Chase-Green opined that if more rainfall comes the city won't be able to handle it. “The city is designed to take off an inch and a half of water. I was told that there was some seven and three quarter inches of rainfall last night. The city is not designed in that way to take off the heavy rainfall,” the Deputy Mayor said. She added that some pumps that service certain areas are not working and the city, given the high tide, would have remained flooded. The Council said there would be health advisories in the face of the flood, especially since the country is still recovering from the recent Chikungunya outbreak. (See more photos on pages 22 and 23)
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 25
N/A Technical Institute churns out 129 students One hundred and twentynine (129) students graduated with technical and mechanical skills when the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) held its 42nd Convocation Ceremony on the institution’s tarmac, Garrison Road, New Amsterdam yesterday. Receiving prizes and trophies yesterday were Joseph Clements, Kevin Pellew, Lindsay Rigby, Graheme Ramsaran, Shanice White, Esree Bisnauth, Aminah Fraser, Ammedela Forsythe, Hemraj Singh, Chandradat Sewpersaud, Nicholas Henry, Nickel Carteron, Vivian Fredericks, Davendra Samaroo, Rahul Madramootoo, Mark Clements, Stephen Munisar, Adrian Bess, Crystal Cummings, Shoma Hemchand, Hakeem Hinds, Shoab Shalim and Omadat Ali, among others. Ms. Shanice White was the Valedictorian. Among the disciplines they mastered were bricklaying and concreting; carpentry and joinery; plumbing; Administrative
principles and practice; computer science; commerce; electrical installation; radio and electronics servicing; agricultural machinery; internal combustion engines; metal and mechanical fitting; motor vehicle electrical systems; and welding. Principal of NATI, Mrs. Maxene Thompson, in her report, pleaded for a Guidance Counselor at the institution to deal with the myriad problems of indiscipline at the school which she named. Physical assault, theft, alcohol and drug abuse, and adolescent issues were the major issues. She said that the academic staff at the institution is “faced with the dilemma of addressing such problems” and that too much time is spent dealing with such. She also requested that lecturers be trained in psychology for adolescence at the facility so that they can be better equipped with the necessary skills. Employees are now benefitting from internet access, she said. It is hoped that there will be full
The NATI graduating class of 2014 integration of internet facilities shortly. In this year’s exams, the Principal stated that 25 per cent of students were referred while 13 per cent were unsuccessful. At the beginning of the Academic Year, 625 persons applied for studies. Some 540 were eligible and 509
accepted. An alumni body was formed in Brampton, Canada, she added, members of which visited the institution last October. They are hoping to carry out a number of projects at the facility. A website for the institution was also created. The television
programme, ‘NATI in Perspective’ also airs on a monthly basis, to inform the public about the school’s programmes and plans. Speaking about homeschoolcommunity collaboration, an Open Day was held earlier this year. The Guest Speaker’s address was delivered by
Demerara Distillers Limited Training Manager, Mr. Floyd Scott. Other attendees included Mr. Vishwa Persaud, Deputy Principal, and Mr. Peter Benny, Human Resources Manager of Guyana Goldfields Inc., who delivered the charge to the graduating class.
inadequate management of the solid waste (irregular collection, poor storage, inappropriate disposal of garbage, and lack of regular cleaning of the markets, internally and externally) at the Stabroek, Bourda and East La Penitence Markets.” “Failure to comply with
this order and its terms and conditions within seven days of receipt of this notice will result in legal action being taken against the Council by the Agency.” EPA says it will be monitoring the various locations to verify compliance with this notice.
Market.” The Agency said its most recent investigations, which were conducted on November 17 and 18 at Bourda and Stabroek Markets, revealed that the locations were littered with large amounts of organic waste, and were unsightly, and pose serious detriment to the amenities of the surrounding public space and neighbourhood. EPA claimed that there were no working and/or adequate infrastructure such
as bins and working compactors to allow vendors to dispose of their waste. The EPA stated further that because of the deficiency in waste management, heavy malodour was emanating from these locations indicating unsanitary conditions, while garbage was seen nearby waterways and drains. EPA continued that Bourda market’s interior seemed not to be cleaned for some time, while human excrement was seen in various locations in the market. The Council’s current management system, the agency said, results in irregular garbage collection, poor storage, inadequate disposal, and lack of regular cleaning of markets, internally and externally. Under the EPA Act of 1996, the agency has the right to serve on the Council a prohibition notice, where it appears that the person responsible for a particular area poses a threat to the natural resources or the environment or risk of serious pollution or damage to public health. “The Agency is therefore issuing a Prohibition Notice with immediate effect, ordering the Mayor and City Council to desist from causing, advertently or inadvertently, the continued
EPA threatens City Hall with legal action over solid waste mismanagement City Hall
By Zena Henry The country’s environmental overseer has threatened the City Municipality with legal action for what it says is the mismanagement of solid waste at major city markets. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday, issued a warning to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) stating that they will face legal penalties for at least six
environmental inefficiencies occurring at the market. The letter which was written to the Council’s Town Clerk, Carol Sooba, stated that the EPA through its Litter Enforcement Unit has been investigating the “indiscriminate dumping, and inadequate collection and disposal of solid and other Waste at the Stabroek Market, Bourda Market, and in the vicinity of Merriman’s Mall, Orange Walk and North Road; and East La Penitence
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FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. One 9FT Slate Pool table Coin Operated. Call: 6106322 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Plants! Plants! A variety of Orchids, Roses, Also indoor & outdoor, etc – Call:6671759, 652-8322 D6R Caterpillar Bulldozer, D8K Caterpillar Bulldozer, Price to go – Call: 611-4775 Miller thunder bolt 225cc. AC welder, Galvanize bolts 14 & 16 ins, Nissan Bluebird Wagon. Call: 226-9659 after 4:30 226-1879 1 Model M Bush Truck with Winch & dump, 1 Honda ATV 4-wheel bike used only for prospecting, 250 hours, excellent condition. Contact: 672-4536 Spacio for parts - Call: 6836438 Sheep for sale - Call: 6956139
Kaieteur News
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security - Tel: 698-7807 TAXI SERVICES City Taxi Service since (1968), 8 Vlissengen Road, Newtown -24hrs service – Call: 225-8600, 226-1088, 2271101, 226-7150
Canon Image Runner 400/ 330S, working condition and for parts – Call: 624-7155 One 33FT Flat Baton 400LB ‘5 Inch’ cat guts seine, one Tahoma Engine – Call:2207655, 220-0410, 695-9860 Bedford Truck Model M 4X4, 2 Perkins engine, one 6, one 4 Cylinder, fully bead, Owner leaving country Call: 693-2237 Wolf power 7500E, Generator, One Tohatsu everrun , outboard engine 18HP. Owner leaving country Call: 693-2237 XBOX 360 Slim-Systems, games controller, Kinect Sensor and hard drives– Call: 683-8386 One pop corn machine – Call: 222-4708 Hacked PS3 with 40 top games and more - Call: 6519620
Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 6273206 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 231-0655, 683-8734
PEN PAL
Grooming Palace Barber Shop & Salon, excellent, prestige & refine haircuts & designs, Royal Castle Building South - Tel: 6018045, 218-0116
Indian Male from USA is seeking female age 30/33 with good personality. Call:6653246 (no texting)
Repairs to refrigerators gas stoves washing machine, A/ C units – Call Lindon: 6411086, 694-2202, 227-8907
LEARN TO DRIVE
For garden design and landscaping services – Call Jade Gardens on 603-5689
Eddie’s Taxi Service, 6 Vlissengen Road, Newtown. Call: 226-0606, 225-1513
Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
House for sale 3 bedroom, master room, self contain, down stairs, bar rest room, pools hall & 1 bedroom apartment. Call: 669-0366 Home Hardware item: Fast Efficient & Courteous Service, Discount for “small time” contractors @ Sheriff Street. Phone: 227-1363
Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045
FOR LOW COST: REPAIRS TO FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/ C UNIT, MICROWAVES, TV & WASHING MACHINE CALL: 629-4946 OR 2254822
VIDEO GAME PACKAGE SONY PS3 OR XBOX 360 WITH 2 CONTROLLERS, 4 GAMES, NEW 21" RCA TV CALL MAX: 609-8132/ 672-8569
PROPERTY FOR SALE 1-3 Bedrooms flat house with full bath at Recht- Door – Zee, Parfaite Harmonie W.B.D – Serious enquiries only – Call: 643-4740 3 bedrooms upstairs & 3 bedrooms downstairs, Thomas Street Kitty, Georgetown – Tel: 680-7047
One 1200lbs ice machine $200,000 negotiable – Call: 231-0655, 683-8734
Six acres prime roadside land and metal workshop in Corriverton, can be sold with or without workshop. Call: 626-6245
Grand Yard Sales @ 19 Garnett Street, C/Ville, Floral, gifts, herbal, clothes & craft – 50% off all items Call: 225-2681, 684-5868
Diamond Section “A”, 274 Great Diamond, E.B.D, 56’ by 40’ building on 111’ by 60’ land- $17.5 Million- Call: 2332546, 233-5859
One desktop computer for sales- comes with everything from backup battery to printer- Call: 669-1646
HEALTH
Fluffy, loving puppies – Tel: 645-0240 or 629-3814
WANTED Graphic Artiste @ Trophy Stall (Bourda Market). 1 Experienced cook (Interior Restaurant); Ages 30-45, 1 Female Bartender for Interior Location; Ages 20-30. Attractive Salary! Tel:6812997, 680-1323 Labourers to work at Hack’s Hallow Block Factory, preferably from E.B.D - Contact: 226-8766 or 265-7385 between 8:00am & 4:00pm We buy land in Parfait Harmonie, Schoonord, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Providence, Herstelling, Cornelia Ida & Nonpareil – Call: 675-7292, 218-5591 Ladies to do cleaning, canter drivers - $22,000, porter to work on W.C.D – Call: 6848231, 622-9341 1 Female to work in snackette & bar , must know to cook, age 20-35yrs – Tel:647-7432, 223-5798 Live in waitress to work in Liquor Restaurant – Call:6863116 Cook, waitress to work at New Bar in Agriculture Road Call: 612-2522 One female tutor for CXC Student to teach Physics, Chemistry & Biology Kindly Call: 222-2475 or 6246391 Workers to plant pineapples on highway farm – Phone: 639-5577 One female domestic, must be able to wash, press, & clean - Call: 600-2745 Wallaba squares to buyContact: 610-2335, 261-3645 between 8am-5pm Jet and Marack men, male cook - $100,000- Tel: 694-2310
FOR SALE One 14 inch dredge / draga Call: 663-0742 3" Honda water pump – 5.5HP Brand New, one Garmin GPS map. Owner leaving country – Call: 6932237
Friday November 21, 2014
Hazel Herbal Store for genuine herbal supplements. Iridology Evaluations on Monday December 8th 2014. Call: 226-9136
Live in domestic in Peter’s Hall, 1 week on; 1 week off, 40years plus, starting $13,000. Call:675-0767
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Glamazon Beauty Salon and Cosmetology School, Located 28 Sheriff Street C/ Ville, Visit us or Call for an appointment. Tel:225-5360, 687-7566, 625-7844
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) AND MORE, SAWS & DRILLS -$10,000 - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System Call: 661-8908, 335-3590 4 Bedrooms house- AC, Security camera, GEB alarm, phone, 2 vehicle parking, etc @ Friendship, E.B.D. Call: 674-6363 Fully furnished apartment with TV, Air- Condition, hot & cold, cable in South - Call: 689-5877 Two bedroom apartment at Stewartville West Coast Demerara, 1 Business place at Stewartville opposite Primary & Secondary School Call: 613-5261 Hair station to rent behind Bourda Post Office opposite The Net Library Contact: 676-4316, 602-0333, 225-4665
TO LET Barber Stations & Hair Stations for hairdressers, in lucrative & friendly environment. Call: 601-8045
Pre-Xmas Give away $20,000 OFF 9 Course Computer Diploma, Conditions Apply. Micrographics, Vreed- En-Hoop. Call: 2643057 Limited Space
Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 2004 Toyota Avensis, new tyres, i n t e r i o r w e l l maintained, 75,000 KM, Excellent paint job, seat covers, asking $3.2M Contact: 651-3000 2005 Honda Airwave, Mint Condition - $2.6M negotiable Call: 592-6851231, 592-670-2343 Toyota Fun Cargo Sports Car, Excellent condition, first owner, price $1.25M. Call: 613-3160
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Hairdresser, nail technician and one barber @ Grove Time Square Mall – Call: 6694390, 216-3174
EDUCATIONAL Earn a Certificate in Cosmetology or nails alone. Tel:225-5360, 687-7566, 6257844
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Fully furnished 2 bedrooms apartment, with hot & cold @ AA Eccles. Call: 686-5625 or 665-6099 Three bedroom house to rent in South Ruimveldt - $47,000. Call: 685-3971 Alberttown - $60,000 $70,000, Greenfield Park $US1300, BB Eccles - $55,000 -$65,000 – Call Diana: 2272256, 626-9382.
2003 Toyota Premio - $2.3M, New Model Spacio $2.150M, fully loaded, unregistered. Call: 617-2891 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Prado Land Cruiser, Automatic Diesel, PHH Series, $5.8M. Call:233-2546, 688-5554 Toyota IST 2003, $1.5M Neg. PNN series, Toyota Allion 2006 - $1.950M Neg. PRR Series. Call: 609-2815 Cheapest VVTI and 1RZ Super GL buses, CAMI, Road Side Property in Bougainvillea Park, Farm E.B.D – Tel:616-7635 AE170 for sale, sold as scrap, good conditionContact: 645-4088 Minibus (pitbull) sliding glass - $15,000- Contact:6280909 Toyota 212 Carina, Toyota Vigo Pick-up, Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, excellent condition, prices negotiable. Call: 264-3732, 225-8427, 6097766 1-Honda-600RR, Toyota Raum, Rav4, AT212, AT192, EP71 Starlet, Fun cargo, Tacoma 2007- Call: 644-5096, 697-1453 Toyota Hilux Enclose Type like Pathfinder looking for $1.5Milion – Call: 679-3681 Green Toyota Corona AT170, 5 Seating Capacity – Call: 666-7037, 223-6098, 602-4536 Red Toyota AE100 5 Seating capacity (leather) good condition – Call: 666-7037, 223-6098, 602-4538 ACCOMODATION SIGNATURE INN: Luxury Suites & Apartments. Free Wi-Fi & Breakfast; AC & Self Contained Rooms @ 83 Laluni Street Queenstown. Tel: 592-226-2145 (Continued page 31)
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Eight new land surveyors sworn in Eight new land surveyors were sworn in by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), yesterday, to boost the capacity of the Commission and other Government agencies that require this specialised skill. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, during his remarks congratulated the successful surveyors and highlighted that, “nearly every aspect of national development, both from the public sector and the private sector requires some level of surveying”. He told the surveyors at the swearing-in at the GL&SC, Durban Backlands that “you have been given essential skills and tools for national building, but also for the prosperity and progress of this nation and that must not be ignored or taken lightly”. Minister Persaud, according to a Government statement, also pointed out that the newly sworn-in surveyors will be essential in realising development projects moving forward as the natural resources sector
(From page 30)
Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud (fourth from left), with officials and the eight new land surveyors. is continually expanding, particularly in forestry and mining, including housing and other infrastructure development. Further, he pointed out that land use and administration is taking on a greater prominence in society in terms of the government’s vision in moving the country forward. Minister Persaud made reference to the recently
finalised national land use policy and the approved national geospatial policy which will allow for better coordination and support for GIS in Guyana. The Natural Resources and the Environment Minister said that the skills acquired by the surveyors will give greater impetus to adequately support development and land management.
Persaud also urged the successful surveyors to value their importance and to make full use of the opportunities, while at the same time recognising some of the challenges ahead. According to Surveys Division Manager, Rene Duesbury, the successful eight surveyors came from a batch of 36. He pointed out that a lot of emphasis was placed in Mathematics in
Christianburg/Wismar Secondary wins JOF Haynes debating competition Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, Region Ten, claimed a well-earned victory, defeating its opponent Queen’s College (QC) during a battle of words, fluency and eloquence in the 2014 JOF Haynes Memorial Inter-Secondary Schools debating competition at the Theatre Guild, Kingston. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and Permanent Secretary, Delma Nedd, were among education officials, teachers, students and parents who were treated to highly competitive presentations from both the opposition and the proposition. Yesterday’s event culminated the national competition which commenced in September as part of Education Month activities where Region Ten and Georgetown remained undefeated throughout the various rounds.
Christianburg/Wismar Secondary, which also copped the best speaker prize, argued that the private sector has a corporate social responsibility to invest resources to tackle pollution, while QC opposed. The Christianburg Wismar Secondary provided very strong factual points to match their argument and demonstrated confidence during their presentation. The debating competition officially began during the period April to July, where the regional competitions were held in each education district. The winning school was given the opportunity to represent the education district at national level.
Region One was represented by Santa Rosa Secondary; Region Two Anna Regina Secondary; Region Three - L’Aventure Secondary; Region Four Diamond Secondary, Region Five - Bush Lot Secondary; Region Six, New Amsterdam; Region Seven, Three Miles Secondary; Eight, Paramakatoi Secondary; Region Nine, St. Ignatius Secondary, Region Ten, Christiansburg Wismar Secondary and Georgetown, Queen’s College. The JOF Haynes Memorial Inter-Secondary Schools debating competition is used to celebrate the oratorical experience of the late Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence Haynes who in his day, was
identified as the most brilliant and eminent lawyer of his generation. Mr. Haynes started this competition 24 years ago, and the Education Ministry has since continued it. The winning school received new computers; compliments of Metro Office Supplies which has been supporting the competition for several years. Each participating student was presented with a trophy and cash prize.
2014, but performance in this area still remains low, however, more emphasis will continue to be placed on this subject. Additionally, it was also pointed out that the course for 2015 will include new subject areas as part of a requirement under the recently assented Land Surveyors Act. Also present at the swearing-in were Commissioner of the GL&SC, Doorga Persaud, and Rudolph Choo-Shee-Nam, Head of Lands and Surveyors’ Association. Linden Grey was recognised as best student of the batch.
VACANCY Carpenters & Welders to work in Coverden E.B.D. Apply in person to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Work from home;earn $5,000- $20,000 daily- Contact: 233-6517, 622 1957,www. jobfairworld wide.com International Cruiseline Purser officer, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionist, storekeeper, cleaners, electrician, carpenter, plumber, musicians etc – Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 For one male cleaner, apply to Alabama Trading, G/town Ferry Stelling Stabroek. IT Technician to install outdoor antenna, must have driver’s licence. Send application to jobs@awngy.com. Live in House Keeper 3545yrs, Long term employment. Call: 697-8797. Nail Technician, barber, hairdresser. Tel:225-5360, 687-7566, 625-7844
TO LET Two bedroom furnished house in Crane Housing Scheme W.C.D. Call: 671-6855 VACANCY CANTER DRIVER/ SALESMAN and Factory Assistant living on E.B.D, free accommodation also available. 266 4427 One Trainee refrigeration technician – Call: 231-0655, 683-8734
LAND FOR SALE ECCLES: Build your own home in a modernize gated community, lot size 60X100 - $7.5M – Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033 ECCLES: Commercial Lots - $14M – Call: 227-2913, Cell:689-3033 Parika (Butcher Shop Street) – One (1) Lot 38' X 150' $ 7m - Contact 650-0402 - for serious inquiries Blankenburg @ The Back Of Gas Station (3) Lots @ 75' X 76' Each. $20M for all 3 Lots. (1) Lot for $10m - Contact 650-0402 Blankenburg Public Road, W.C.D, 38X150, 37X150$16M Each. Call: 666-3619 Prime High Income land (110ftX50ft) Parfaite Harmonie. Main Road Corner lot suitable for business $3.5M - Call: 675-7292 Grove with foundation $2.6M, Providence -$5M, Herstelling (110ftX50ft) $5M, Parfaite Harmonie (110ftX50ft), Business Spot - $3.5M – Call:677-7095
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 21, 2014
Iran nuclear talks stuck, deadline may be extended: officials (Reuters) - A deadline for resolving a 12-year-old dispute over Iran’s nuclear program may be extended from Monday until March because of sharp disagreements between Tehran and world powers, officials close to the talks said on Thursday. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was due to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif with European Union envoy Catherine Ashton to try to break the stalemate, but talk of an extension prompted calls for tougher sanctions in Washington. The United States and its allies had hoped this week’s talks in Vienna would be the culmination of months of difficult diplomacy between Iran and the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China on a comprehensive agreement. The aim is to remove sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its atomic program. But the talks have long been deadlocked. The timing for lifting sanctions and future scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment are stumbling blocks. “Important points of difference remain,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told a news conference in Paris with Kerry. The U.N. nuclear chief, Yukiya Amano, on Thursday highlighted another hurdle: Iran has yet to explain suspected atomic bomb research to the U.N. nuclear agency, one of the six powers’ conditions for lifting sanctions. The latest round of talks between the six and Iran began on Tuesday and are likely to last right up to a selfimposed Nov. 24 deadline for
a final agreement. “Some kind of interim agreement at this point is likely, or perhaps at best a framework agreement by Monday that needs to be worked out in the coming weeks and months,” a Western diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity. A senior Iranian official had similar expectations. “We need more time to resolve technical issues and don’t forget that the time frame for lifting sanctions is still a huge dispute,” the Iranian official said, adding that an extension until March was a possibility. Western officials also suggested March was an option, with a resumption of talks in January. The officials said, however, that Iran and the six were not actively discussing an extension yet and would push for a deal by the deadline, which has already been extended from July. “The talks have been going in an overwhelmingly tense atmosphere. Time is running out,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti news agency. Various meetings were under way and no-one was talking about prolonging the talks, he said. TIMING Some hawkish members of U.S. Congress, citing Iran’s nuclear program as a threat to Israel, expressed frustration over the prospect of an extended deadline. Many Republicans, who will control both houses of Congress from January, insist stiffer sanctions will force Iran to compromise. “The thing that the Iranians need most is time to
complete their atomic bomb. The president shouldn’t give it to them,” said Republican Senator Mark Kirk, co-author of a bill to slap tough sanctions on Iran. Officials close to the negotiations, which began in February, say Iran wants all key sanctions on oil exports and banking terminated almost immediately, not merely suspended as the United States and European officials have said. Tehran rejects Western allegations it is amassing the capability to produce atomic weapons and has refused to halt its enrichment program. It has been under international sanctions for eight years and the U.S., European Union and U.N. measures have slashed its oil exports, causing inflation to soar and the value of its currency to plummet. Western powers say the sanctions can be suspended gradually and in line with moves by Iran to restrain its nuclear activities and terminated only after Tehran has demonstrated full compliance with the terms of any deal. They also want Iranian restrictions to last for 20 years, while Iranians are pushing for either months or a small number of years, diplomats say. Western officials say Iran has refused to budge on enrichment, despite repeated offers of potential compromises. Tehran may consider keeping fewer enrichment centrifuges as long as they are advanced, to keep the volume unchanged, Western officials say, adding that this represents no compromise at all.
Pope to raffle gifts given to him to raise money for the poor Reuters) - Want a white Panama hat owned by the pope? Now is your chance. Pope Francis is raffling off the Homero Ortega brand hat, a new fourwheel-drive Fiat Panda, bicycles, an espresso coffee machine, watches and other objects he has received as gifts in order to raise money for the poor. A poster recently went u p a r o u n d t h e Va t i c a n announcing the raffle of 13 objects as well as more than 30 unspecified “consolation prizes”. In the past, most gifts
given to popes have either been quietly given away to missions, church institutions, or have gathered dust in a Vatican warehouse. Francis, the first Latin American pope, has made concern for the poor one of the hallmarks of his p a p a c y. H e r e c e n t l y ordered shower stalls to be built around the Vatican so that homeless people in the area could wash up. Tickets for the raffle cost 10 euros ($12.50) and the winners will be announced on Jan.8.
Pope Francis
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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U.S. increasing non-lethal Alumnus shot dead after wounding three at Florida State University military aid to Ukraine (Reuters) - The United States plans to increase nonlethal military assistance to Ukraine, including deliveries of the first Humvee vehicles, having decided for now not to provide weapons, U.S. officials said. The increase in non-lethal aid to Ukraine, which is grappling with a Russianbacked separatist movement in its east, is expected to be announced on Thursday during a visit to Kiev by Vice President Joe Biden. The officials, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, described it as an expansion of U.S. support for Ukraine’s armed forces, but one that was unlikely to significantly alter the conflict. The aid falls short of what Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko requested during a visit to Washington in September when he appealed for lethal aid - a request echoed by some U.S. lawmakers in response to what NATO allies say is Russia’s movement of tanks and troops into eastern Ukraine. Officials in the Obama administration had said Washington believed Ukraine had enough lethal aid and the types of weaponry requested for Ukraine would be of only marginal value. They had also emphasized the need for a diplomatic outcome. The United States and its European allies have imposed several rounds of economic sanctions on Russia for its seizure of Crimea and incursion into eastern Ukraine. The new non-lethal aid Biden will present in Kiev includes Humvees from
excess supplies in the Pentagon’s inventory, as well as the delivery of previously promised radars that can detect the location of enemy mortars, officials said. They did not specify a dollar value for the assistance. Previous non-lethal aid to Ukraine includes $53 million announced in September for military equipment such as counter-mortar detection units, body armour, binoculars, small boats and other gear for Ukraine’s security forces and border guards in the east. LONG DEBATE President Barack Obama’s administration has long debated providing weapons to the Kiev government, but has so far concluded that it might only prompt Russia to escalate its aid to the separatist rebels. Lethal assistance “remains on the table. It’s something that we’re looking at,” Obama’s deputy national security adviser and nominee
for deputy secretary of state, Tony Blinken, said at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday. In response to Blinken’s comment, Russia warned the United States on Thursday against supplying arms to Ukrainian forces. Hours before Biden was due to arrive in Kiev, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich cautioned against “a major change in policy of the (U.S.) administration in regard to the conflict” in Ukraine. U.S. Senator John McCain, an Arizona Republican, said he had not been briefed on the new nonlethal aid but called it “a continuation of the ridiculous.” “They are fighting against people with lethal weapons. They need lethal weapons to fight back. It is disgraceful and shameful that we won’t give them lethal weapons,” McCain told Reuters.
Naked outdoor protest over SeaWorld float in NY’s Thanksgiving parade (Reuters) - Animal rights advocates outraged that a SeaWorld float is included in next week’s lineup for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade unveiled plans on Wednesday for a naked protest outside the landmark store. Demonstrators wearing nothing but black and white body paint to resemble orcas will squeeze into a bathtub outside the midtown Manhattan store on Thursday to mimic orcas held in captivity and to repeat last year’s demand - which was denied - that the float be excluded, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said. “It is unacceptable to confine
orcas to barren tanks that, to them, are the size of a bathtub,” said Delcianna Winders, PETA’s deputy general counsel. The naked protest in temperatures predicted to hover just above freezing rides a wave of controversy surrounding SeaWorld after the 2013 documentary film “Blackfish” alleged the park mishandled the huge sea mammals. The marine theme park uses orcas in its aquatic shows. Responding to a second year of protests by PETA, Macy’s vowed to steer clear of any controversy surrounding the parade, which last year included SeaWorld’s multi-color float
of dolphins, turtles and orcas. “The parade has never taken on, promoted or otherwise engaged in social commentary, political debate, or other forms of advocacy, no matter how worthy,” Macy’s spokesman Orlando Veras said in a statement. SeaWorld spokesman Fred Jacobs said the “Waves of Conservation” float would not be canceled. “SeaWorld’s animals are well cared for and their health and well-being is a responsibility we take extremely seriously. We are proud of our world-class standards of care,” said SeaWorld spokeswoman Aimée Jeansonne Becka.
(Reuters) - Brandishing a semi-automatic handgun and carrying extra ammunition in his pockets, a Florida State Unive r s i t y graduate opened fire early on Thursday at his alma m a t e r ’s m a i n l i b r a r y, wounding two students and an employee as hundreds were studying for exams. The shooter, identified by authorities as Myron May, 31, was fatally shot by police near the entrance to Florida State’s Strozier L i b r a r y, t h e l a t e s t i n a string of shootings on U.S. campuses, which left one victim critically wounded. Authorities said they found journals and videos written by May in which he expressed fears that government agencies were targeting him. “Mr. May was in a state of crisis,” Michael DeLeo, the police chief in Tallahassee, told a news conference. A 2005 Florida State graduate, May received his
law degree from Texas Tech University in 2009 and had moved back to Florida about three weeks ago, DeLeo said. He recently quit his job and broke up with his girlfriend, according to police reports in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he was living. He told authorities he was hearing voices and thought he was being watched. Florida police said they did not know why he chose this day to open fire. The initial call about a gunman at the library came at 12:25 a.m. local time, police said. By 12:27 a.m., the gunman had been shot down outside the library. I n a l l , 3 0 rounds of ammunition were fired during the incident, including shots by law enforcement officers and by May, who used a .380 semi-automatic handgun, authorities said. Authorities did not identify the man who was critically wounded or another male victim treated at the
scene for a graze wound. A third victim, Nathan Scott, was in good condition after being shot in the leg and was recovering at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said. Campus security was increased and classes were canceled on Thursday. University President John Thrasher said normal operations would resume on Friday at the campus of about 40,000 students, known for its strong football team and academics. The shooting, which occurred just over a mile (1.6 km) from the Florida state capitol building, comes amid heightened concerns about safety at U.S. schools and a long-running, heated debate about gun control. “Another campus shooting. Yet we still haven’t started even a dialogue on keeping guns from criminals and the mentally ill,” Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson of Florida said on his Twitter page.
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Friday November 21, 2014
Foreign ministers follow up on Citizens group claims evidence first CARICOM-Japan summit of electoral fraud in Dominica
TOKYO, Japan — The just concluded Caribbean Community (CARICOM)Japan meeting of foreign ministers, in which a joint statement of areas of cooperation was issued, builds on the momentum of the successful first CARICOM-Japan summit of 28 July 2014, in Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting, held on 15 November 2014, in Tokyo, Japan, resolved to strengthen the bonds of friendship between CARICOM and Japan. It agreed to cooperate in various areas under three broad pillars: cooperation towards sustainable development, including overcoming vulnerabilities particular to small island states; deepening and expanding bonds founded on exchanges and friendship; and cooperation in addressing challenges at the international community. The Japanese foreign minister, Fumio Kishida,
indicated his country’s intention to give “utmost consideration” to CARICOM’s concerns on the issue of graduation from concessionary funding based on the narrow measurement of GDP per capita, and to the value of expanding this measurement to include a vulnerability index. According to him, the importance of assisting the Community from perspectives other than those based on per capita income was recognised; and his country would extend its cooperation towards overcoming these vulnerabilities, utilising Japanese technologies and expertise in fields such as disaster risk reduction, countermeasures against environmental degradation, climate change, renewable energy, waste management and fisheries. Several CARICOM member states have been graduated from access to
concessionary financing based on the use of per capita income as the main criteria for measuring development and CARICOM have been arguing that the degree of vulnerability to external shocks, including natural disasters, should be taken into account. With regard to cooperation in addressing challenges confronting the international community, particular attention was paid to United Nations Security Council reform where the two parties agreed to work together to achieve concrete outcomes during the 70th anniversary of the UN in 2015. Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development planning and international cooperation as well as to the Post 2015 Development Agenda, climate change, and international peace and security would also be given attention. Since 1993, CARICOM and Japan have enjoyed friendly relations and this year, 2014, has been designated the CARICOMJapan Friendship Year to observe two decades of relationship in diverse fields. Commenting on what could only be described as a frank, meaningful and results oriented meeting, chair of the Council for Foreign and Community Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s foreign minister, said, “every expectation” that the dialogue would “lead to a further consolidation and enrichment of a long-standing and much valued CARICOMJapan partnership was met”.
ROSEAU, Dominica — The Citizens Forum for Good Governance has begun publicising the names of people who it claims have accepted bribes and tickets from the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) to come to Dominica to vote at the December 8 general elections. Already, local activist Atherton Martin, on behalf of the group, has read the names of 18 such individuals on local radio. Martin warned that videos and photos will be taken of those who come to Dominica to vote illegally and improperly. Such videos and photos will be published and distributed globally and will be sent to the appropriate authorities such as the US Department of State and the US Embassy in Barbados, he said. Other sources report that the US Inland Revenue Service, (IRS) may also have an interest in such people, since failure to report such income could be a financial crime, both on the part of the receiver and the giver or agent. Martin said the group’s job is to prevent the rigging of elections and violation of electoral laws. Further, Martin claimed that the DLP has been contacting people and offering them between $20,000 and $50,000 to run as independent candidates in certain constituencies. Martin explained that the plan is that the votes against the DLP would be split, thereby favouring that party.
Atherton Martin So far, the Citizens Forum for Good Governance has two such names but Martin said he understands that five such persons have been approached in a pre-poll attempt to divert votes from the opposition. He said that, once it is confirmed that these persons are not genuine independents and have agreed to accept bribes and act on behalf of the DLP, then their names would also be publicised. Additionally, Martin said there is video and photo evidence of the DLP candidate for the Kalinago Territory walking beside a flatbed truck of lumber and offering the lumber as bribes to the members of the community. Describing this as open bribery and an open violation of electoral laws of the country and the recently
signed code of conduct, Martin alleged that the DLP is carrying out similar action in almost every constituency. According to Martin, the evidence from the Kalinago Territory has been sent to the Christian Council, which spearheaded the Electoral Code of Conduct. The footage will also be broadcast locally, he assured. He noted that attempts to undermine Dominica’s democracy must be arrested. Martin said the DLP is aware that many of their wrongdoings have been discovered and as such, they would have to have to face legal implications under a new government. “They are scared to death… they are scared of the implications…” he said. Meanwhile, the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for the Grand Fond constituency, Dr Thomson Fontaine, expressed concern that independent overseas observers such as the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Carter Centre have not been invited for the general elections. Fontaine said the UWP had made representation for the Carter Centre to be invited as an election observer. Claiming that the Electoral Commission has failed Dominicans and has not done what it was employed to do, Fontaine said the office has had enough time to clean up the voters list and institute a voters ID card system to ensure free and fair elections in Dominica.
Luis Moreno confirmed as next US ambassador to Jamaica Jamaica Gleaner - Luis Moreno, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service has now been confirmed as the next United States Ambassador to Jamaica. Moreno’s appointment was confirmed by the US Senate yesterday. He is to be sworn in soon before he is dispatched to Jamaica. Moreno will replace Pamela Bridgewater, who has retired from office. Moreno is currently the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain. From 2010 to 2011, he served as political-military affairs minister counselor, as well as force strategic
engagement cell director at the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. From 2007-2010, Moreno served as deputy chief of mission in Tel Aviv, Israel. T h e v a rious postings have seen him serve as consul general and principal officer in Monterrey, Mexico, and deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Port-auPrince, Haiti. He spent three years in Haiti, but not before heading Narcotics Affairs at the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. “Throughout his time with the Foreign Service, Mr Moreno served as refugee coordinator at the US Embassy in Port-au-
Luis Moreno Prince, Haiti; international relations officer in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the US Department of State; and deputy director of Narcotics Affairs at the US Embassy,” the US State Department said.
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
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FIFA ethics chiefs agree next step for 2018/2022 report Reuters - FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert and investigator Michael Garcia met yesterday and agreed on the next step for their probe into the bidding process for the 2018/ 2022 soccer World Cups. sThey decided that Garcia’s report on his investigation would be sent to the chairman of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee, Domenico Scala, who would in turn decide how much of the report would be sent to the FIFA Executive Committee. Eckert, head of the ethics committee’s adjudicatory chamber, said in a 42page statement last week there were no grounds to reopen the bidding process which led to Russia and Qatar getting the tournaments run by FIFA, world soccer’s governing body. But FIFA was plunged into chaos when Garcia said Eckert’s statement on his 430-page report contained misrepresentations and that he would appeal to FIFA’s appeal committee. Eckert and Garcia said in Thursday’s joint statement: “Both chairmen agreed that it is of major importance that the FIFA Executive Committee has the information necessary to evaluate which steps
are required based on the work done by the FIFA Ethics Committee. “The chairmen also offered to answer any questions the chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee and the Executive Committee might have.” The statement confirmed that “the investigatory chamber has already opened a number of formal cases against individuals as a result of that inquiry.” It said those cases would not be affected by yesterday’s development, nor by the recent referral of the reports to the Swiss Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office. Switzerland’s attorney general last week confirmed the receipt of a complaint submitted by FIFA along with a copy of the Garcia report. “Both chairmen stressed the vital role of the FIFA Ethics Committee in ensuring the highest standards of ethics and governance at FIFA. “Irrespective of the independence of the two chambers, the two chairmen regard good communication as key to fulfilling that role.”
Friday November 21, 2014
2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup: 11 in, one to go Montego Bay, Jamaica – After Jamaica and Haiti have confirmed their presence Sunday in n e x t y e a r ’s CONCACAF Gold Cup by virtue of finishing first and second, respectively, in Group B at the Caribbean Cup finals, 11 of the 12 participants are now known. The last coveted berth will be decided in a two-legged playoff between French Guiana and Honduras on dates yet to be determined. Here’s a look at the qualifiers (number of previo u s appearances in parentheses): NORTH AMERICA Canada (11), automatic North American entrant
Mexico (12), automatic North American entrant United States (12), automatic North American entrant CENTRAL AMERICAN ZONE Costa Rica (11), 2014 Central American Cup – champion El Salvador (8), 2014 Central American Cup – fourth place Guatemala (9), 2014 Central American Cup – runner-up Panama (6), 2014 Central American Cup – third place CARIBBEAN ZONE Cuba (7), 2014 Caribbean Cup – Final Round, Group
A runner-up Jamaica (8), 2014 Caribbean Cup – Final Round, Group B winner Haiti (5), 2014 Caribbean Cup – Final Round, Group B runner-up Trinidad & Tobago (8), 2014 Caribbean Cup – Final Round, Group A winner The Gold Cup has been contested on 12 previous occasions with Mexico winning a record six titles. The defending champion has lifted the trophy on five occasions, while Canada is the only nation to claim the biennial championship. (CONCACAF)
Jaguars aiming to roar... Friday November 21, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Perhaps you should suspend your inhibitions for the day, Aries, and let your dreams guide you. For instance, you might imagine that the need to make any choices has vanished. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This is the type of day you enjoy. The climate is positive and the energy is flowing. It's as though you have a magic wand. You give it a wave and - presto - the day's tasks and chores are done! GEMINI (May21–June20) If the world collapsed today, you wouldn't bat an eyelash. You're perfectly content sailing along on cloud nine! CANCER(June21–July22) You may have had some emotional disappointments lately, but today will restore your faith in love. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Put on your traveling shoes, Leo. Fear of the unknown may have prompted you to postpone certain trips. You claimed you were too busy, but no one really believed this, not even you. VIRGO (Aug. 23 – S e p t . 22) Something is currently compelling you to be more of a world citizen than usual, Virgo. You may find this somewhat disturbing. You feel as though the roots of your identity, such as your fa mily bac k g r o u n d a n d s o c i a l s t a n d i n g , are dissolving little by little.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your surroundings are currently changing, Libra. Perhaps your circle of friends has already undergone a major change. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Scorpio, you're demystifying the concept of talent. You used to look enviously at other people and think, "I wish I had a natural ability like that." SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you thinking of going into business for yourself, Sagittarius? Being selfemployed doesn't automatically mean you will have more freedom. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Within the next few days, you're likely to gain access to dimensions of perception you never suspected, Capricorn. Perhaps you will become aware of certain energy phenomena, peak experiences, or other highly sensitive states of consciousness. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Often fiery temperaments like yours are drawn to fight for great causes despite the better judgment of more down-to-Earth people. As a result, you have great leadership potential that may emerge today. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your optimism is likely to receive a little boost today, Pisces. A memorable emotional encounter may be the source of some extra zeal. Or you may derive great satisfaction from being part of a group.
From page 42 Chandrika showed glimpses of brilliance against the Leewards while the Test trio of Skipper Leon Johnson, Assad Fudadin and veteran Shiv Chanderpaul are not expected to fail with the bat for two consecutive matches. With all-rounders Reifer and Chris Barnwell, wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble, Permaul and Bishoo all capable of scoring runs at this level the Jaguars’ does not have much of a tail. Skipper Sebastian and left-arm spinner Alston Bobb who had 11 wickets in the first round, could enjoy the strip with their spin but pacers Mervin Matthew, Nelon Pascal and Kenroy Peters could find bowling at Providence hard work. The Volcanoes have the potential to erupt if 33-yearold left-hander Devon Smith, who has played 33 Tests and still a very dangerous campaigner at this level. Despite managing just a single Test hundred he has 23 tons from 154 First-Class matches and will no doubt be the rock the Volcanoes are built on. The 21-year-old Ambris should have fond memories of Guyana since he scored a debut century the last time he played here. He will expect batting support from the Skipper, Johnson Charles and Andrew Fletcher, both West Indies ODI batsmen, Lindon James, Tyrone Theophile, Romel Currency and Keddy Lesporis. Teams: Guyana Jaguars: Leon Johnson (Captain), Assad Fudadin (Vice-Captain), Rajindra Chandrika, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine,
Raymond Reifer, Anthony Bramble (wk), Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Ronsford Beaton, Vishal Singh, Trevon Griffith. Windward Islands Volcanoes: Liam Sebastian (cap-
tain), Sunil Ambris, Alston Bobb, Johnson Charles, Romel Currency, Andre Fletcher, Lindon James, Keddy Lesporis, Mervin Matthew, Nelon Pascal, Kenroy Peters, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile.
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
Pressure? No pressure, says Hamilton Reuters - Lewis Hamilton played down the pressure of his Formula One title showdown with Nico Rosberg yesterday by saying he had years of experience in dealing with it. “I come into the race weekend to try to win... so nothing changes there,” said the Mercedes driver, who only need finish second to become champion even if team mate Rosberg triumphs on the day. “And in terms of pressure, I don’t particularly feel any,” added the Briton in response to a German reporter who described him as the favorite and thus the man with everything to lose. “I think I’ve had plenty of experience through my racing career... it might be 20 years of racing, to be prepared for today. There’s no special recipe for it (handling the pressure).” Hamilton leads Rosberg by 17 points and has won 10 races to the German’s five but, with 50 available to the winner thanks to the novelty of double points, he knows a mechanical failure could overturn everything. On the plus side for Hamilton, the 29-year-old has finished in the top two in his last six races with Mercedes chasing a record 16th win of the 19 round season on Sunday.
Lewis Hamilton of Britain, left, stands with his teammate Nico Rosberg of Germany. FAIR FIGHT The two collided on track in Belgium, with Rosberg blamed but going on to finish second while Hamilton had to retire, but the Briton said he expected a fair fight on Sunday and was not expecting anything underhand. “We’re not children, we should know what is wrong and what is right,” he said. Rosberg, sitting further along the row in the news conference, indicated that it was up to Hamilton. “Lewis can do something to keep it
clean which is drive cleanly himself,” he said. “So it’s not like he can’t do anything.” Both agreed that the title showdown took them back to the days 15 years ago when they were friends and rivals fighting for a championship and race wins in go-karts. “It’s quite similar to back in the karting days,” said Hamilton, who won that boyhood battle. “At that age it was as intense as I had experienced. I wanted to win back then and nothing’s changed.”
Roger Federer to face Monfils in Davis Cup final Lille, France (AP) - Saying he has recovered from a back injury, Roger Federer has the chance to finally win one of the only notable titles missing from his collection. Federer will play Gael Monfils today in the second singles match as Switzerland takes on France in the final of the Davis Cup. Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka will open the best-of-five series on indoor clay against France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in this northern French city. Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, was doubtful for the final after injuring his back last week during his three-set win over Wawrinka in the semifinals at the ATP finals in London. The injury forced him to pull out of the title match against Novak Djokovic on Sunday. Federer said a final practice session hours before yesterday’s draw convinced him he would be able to step on court Friday. Whether he is 100 percent fit remains uncertain. Along with an Olympic
gold medal in singles, a Davis Cup title is the only major hole in the 33-year-old Federer’s resume. Switzerland is bidding for its first Davis Cup title, while France is seeking its 10th. This is the 13th meeting between the two nations, with France leading 10-2. The doubles tomorrow will pit French pair Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet against Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer, but team captains can change their lineup up to one hour before the match. If Federer is judged fit enough to play over three days, he is expected to be picked for the doubles alongside Wawrinka. In the reverse singles Sunday, Federer will play Tsonga, and Wawrinka will face Monfils in the potentially decisive fifth match. Wawrinka and Federer said they have smoothed over their relations after the tense London match. Wawrinka complained to the chair umpire during the match that Federer ’s camp was
making noise as Wawrinka prepared to return serve at a crucial stage of the third set. Federer’s presence is a huge boost for the Swiss team, which has won just one of the 10 ties it has played without him in the top-tier World Group since his debut in the competition. The French players played down Federer’s injury, saying they never thought he would withdraw from the tie at the 27,000-capacity Pierre Mauroy Stadium. Monfils is preparing for a rematch of his epic quarterfinal against Federer at the U.S. Open in September, when the Frenchman lost in five sets after going up two sets to one and failing to convert two match points. French captain Arnaud Clement said Monfils’ current form was the decisive factor when he picked him over Richard Gasquet. Wawrinka, meanwhile, said he has recovered faster than expected from his loss to Federer in London last Saturday, when he wasted four match points.
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Spurs top LeBron again, 92-90 Cleveland (AP) - Out of timeouts, LeBron James had no choice but to hurry up the floor. With the clock ticking down, James tried to dribble behind his back and had the ball - and game - bounce away. The San Antonio Spurs stopped him again. Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw scored 19 points apiece and the defending NBA champions beat Cleveland for the 10th straight time with a 92-90 win over James and the Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Manu Ginobili scored on a layup with 18 seconds left, made a free throw with 9.1 to go and harassed James into his costly turnover with 1.9 seconds remaining. It was the first meeting between San Antonio and James since last June, when the Spurs overpowered the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. Anderson Varejao scored 23 points, Kyrie Irving added 20 and James had 15 for the Cavs, who fell to 5-5 and aren’t rolling the way most predicted. James was just 6 of 17 from the field, Kevin Love went 4 of 12 and Cleveland’s bench contributed 17 points. After Ginobili missed his free throw, James charged forward with both Duncan and Ginobili blocking his way. As the crowd roared, James appeared to be headed toward a game-tying or winning basket, but it didn’t go the way he planned. Not much has so far in his homecoming season. Still, the four-time MVP felt the Cavs, who are suffering growing pains under firstyear coach David Blatt, improved. Ginobili felt fortunate that James didn’t drive past him.
Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NBAE via Getty Images) James insisted the game would not be a ‘’measuring stick’’ for the Cavs, who are still trying to figure things out in the first weeks of the season. He warned it would take time for Cleveland to jell as a team and, as usual, James is dead on. Cleveland hasn’t beaten San Antonio since March 8, 2010, during James’ first stint with the Cavs. Following Monday’s l o s s t o D e n v e r, J a m e s warned his teammates
they’d better not come out flat or they would be embarrassed by the Spurs, whom he called ‘’the P a t r i o t s o f t h e N B A . ’’ Cleveland was ready, and with James on the bench with three fouls, Irving buried two straight 3pointers and scored eight in a row to give the Cavs a 47-36 lead. UP NEXT – Spurs will be at Minnesota today with Cavaliers travelling to Washington also today.
Nowitzki returns to hit 3, Mavs top Wiz 105-102 Washington (AP) - With his Dallas Mavericks locked in a tight fourth quarter, Dirk Nowitzki twisted his left ankle by accidentally stepping on an opponent’s foot, then fell to the court. Moments later, Nowitzki was limping off to the locker room to get his ankle taped. And minutes after that, he was back in the game, delivering a key basket. Nowitzki’s 3-pointer with 80 seconds left sealed a fifth consecutive victory for Dallas, 105-102 over the Washington Wizards, after Monta Ellis scored 24 of his 34 points in the first half Wednesday night. Nowitzki went down with
about eight minutes left after getting tangled with Kris Humphries. But the German came back with 3 1/2 minutes to go and Dallas trailing by a point. After sinking his important 3 to put the Mavs ahead 102-97 - part of a 13point night on 4-for-12 shooting - Nowitzki held out three fingers on one hand and slammed it against his other palm. Wa s h i n g t o n l o s t a t home for the first time this season, despite Bradley Beal’s first action following left wrist surgery. Beal was terrific, too, leading Washington with 21 points, and even drawing a charge on Ellis with about 30 seconds
to go. But with a chance to tie the game, John Wall missed a 3-pointer at the other end. Ellis then made two free throws to push Dallas’ edge to five points. Over the first two quarters, Ellis made seven of 10 shots, including a 3pointer, and nine of 10 free throws. Later, though, reserves J.J. Barea and Brandan Wright got involved, each scoring 14 points for Dallas, which leads the NBA in scoring. Wittman criticized his players for getting discouraged after a poor start to the third quarter. UP NEXT - Mavericks host Lakers today; Wizards host Cavaliers on Friday.
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Bubbly Jamaica face Barbados from today Kingston, Jamaica - The Jamaica Franchise Coach Junior Bennett says he wants his players to maintain their winning start to the regional four-day season when they face Barbados Pride in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional League at Winward Park from today. The Barbados Pride encounter will be the first of two away matches for the Jamaicans, who will travel to Trinidad & Tobago to meet the Red Force at Queen’s Park Oval next weekend. In last week’s opening round, the Jamaica Franchise escaped with a slim 13-run victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes at Sabina Park. Bennett told the Jamaica Observer that though he expects another tight contest, his team is aiming for a win. “It’s a very important fixture for us and we just have
to continue our winning ways,” he said yesterday as the squad prepared to leave Sabina Park. The bowling and general fielding was satisfactory against the Windwards, but the veteran Coach said an improved batting display is needed against Barbados. He urged his batsmen to replicate the kind of form they showed towards the latter stages of last season. “We want to go out and play some good cricket. The batting is not consistent, but last season towards the backend of the tournament we were decent in terms of our batting and got good team totals. That’s where we are mostly focused right now,” Bennett said. Jamaica lost to Barbados at Sabina Park during last season’s league stage as the latter went on to win the President’s Trophy. However,
Bennett’s team turned the tables on Barbados in the semi-finals at the Kensington Oval and marched on to cop the Headley/ Weekes Trophy. The Jamaica captain Tamar Lambert noted the infusion of less experienced players such as batsman JonRoss Campbell and pace bowling rookies Marquino Mindley and Keno Wallace, into the current squad. Though optimistic, Lambert predicts a difficult pair of games away from home. “We have a young team and we have to take things day by day. It’s going to be a tough two weeks on the road. We face Barbados, then Trinidad the following week. But we have had the better of them the last few years and once we go out there and play good, consistent cricket we should come out on top,” he said. (Jamaica Observer)
2014 Caribbean Cup: Award Winners
CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb (right) makes a presentation to Jamaica Captain Rodolph Austin, MVP of the 2014 Caribbean Cup. Montego Bay, Jamaica – The Technical Study Group for the 2014 Caribbean Cup named its award winners following the final between host Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago on Tuesday at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. Here’s a list of the honorees: BEST XI - GOALKEEPER: Andre Blake (Jamaica); RIGHT DEFENDER: Alvas Powell (Jamaica); LEFT DEFENDER: Kim Jaggy (Haiti); CENTRAL DEFENDER: Jermaine Taylor (Jamaica); CENTRAL DEFENDER: Daneil Cyrus (Trinidad & Tobago); LEFT MIDFIELDER: Jobi McAnuff (Jamaica);
RIGHT MIDFIELDER: Darren Mattocks (Jamaica); CENTER MIDFIELDER: Rodolph Austin (Jamaica); CENTER MIDFIELDER: Yenier Marquez Molina (Cuba); FORWARD: Kevin Molino (Trinidad & Tobago); FORWARD: Kervens Belfort (Haiti). MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - Rodolph Austin (Jamaica). GOLDEN BOOT - Kervens Belfort (Trinidad & Tobago), Darren Mattocks (Jamaica), Kevin Molino (Trinidad & Tobago), 3 goals. GOLDEN GLOVE - Andre Blake (Jamaica). FAIR PLAY – Haiti. (CONCACAF)
Friday November 21, 2014
Sarfraz ton, Taylor fifty set up final day Pakistan were nine down and 91 runs behind but Sarfraz Ahmed made his third Test century in the company of last man Rahat Ali to frustrate New Zealand and nearly wipe out the deficit in an extended first session. The two Pakistan spinners then struck thrice each but Ross Taylor cut his way to an unbeaten 77 to give his side an overall lead of 177 going into the final day. New Zealand were not able to break through the last pair despite the extra half hour added to the morning session as Sarfraz and Rahat Ali added 81 in 28 overs. Sarfraz finally fell in the second over after the interval on 112, hitting a return catch to give Brendon McCullum his first wicket in 89 Tests. Sarfraz’s effort not only prevented New Zealand from taking a big first-innings lead, but also took plenty of time out of the game. He went past Kamran Akmal for the most Test runs scored by a Pakistan wicketkeeper in a calendar year, and also became the first keeper from his country to make three Test centuries in a calendar year. Pakistan began on 281 for 6 and lost three wickets in the first ten overs to Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Sarfraz took singles off the first balls of a few overs only to see Yasir Shah and Ehsan Adil succumb to Southee’s tight lines. Sarfraz became wiser and shielded Zulfiqar Babar from most of the strike, but the left-arm spinner insisted on backing away and heaving at the fast bowlers. Sarfaz gave him one ball to negotiate in the 119th over, but Babar promptly nicked Boult behind. Southee and Boult rarely bowled a loose ball and 38 runs came in 13 overs in the first hour. Sarfraz had realised farming the strike alone won’t do, and he whipped and cut Boult for fours. Ish Sodhi and James Neesham came on after drinks, and Rahat dug in. Sarfraz would take a single off the fourth ball mostly and then Rahat would move across, cover the stumps, and defend from the crease. Sarfraz launched a flurry of boundaries against the offspinner Mark Craig and Sodhi. The field was spread out but Sarfraz found the gaps consistently. He lofted straight and over extra cover, and swept in front of and behind square. He took 25 off two overs from the spinners, moved to 96, and also brought up the fifty of the
Sarfraz Ahmed made his third Test century © Getty Images
partnership. New Zealand turned to Southee and Boult again, but Sarfraz was in complete command. He cut Southee for four to reach his century, and drove Boult for four more. Rahat played his role superbly, playing out a maiden to Southee and wearing a blow on his arm. He also edged Craig between the keeper and slip, but as lunch neared, he developed enough confidence to launch Sodhi to the straight boundary twice. Rahat stayed undefeated on 16, having lasted 49 deliveries. McCullum came out to bat eager to make up for lost time and cracked six fours in his 45, but New Zealand lost their best batsman of the series, Tom Latham, to a debatable decision. Latham was given caught by a diving Asad Shafiq at leg gully as he attempted to sweep Yasir on 9. He reviewed immediately, and there did not appear to be any visible contact with glove before the ball brushed his forearm. But without HotSpot or Snicko, there was no conclusive evidence for the third umpire to overturn the on-field decision. New Zealand slowed down as the spinners started to produce the edges, but there were no
real chances going into tea. They came in a rush during the final session though, as New Zealand lost 3 for 16 in the space of 17 balls. Kane Williamson had come out pretty positive after tea, and ended up driving Babar uppishly to short extra cover. McCullum went in Babar’s next over, Pakistan reviewing successfully for leg-before. Corey Anderson lasted four balls as Yasir spun a big legbreak out of the rough, through the gate, and onto the stumps. New Zealand had gone from 63 for 1 to 79 for 4, but Taylor was backing his instinct to cut, and had got going with boundaries through point off his first two balls. Taylor kept making room and cutting from the line of the stumps, scoring at a strike-rate in the eighties. Neesham hung around for a while, but Babar spun in another ripper out of the rough to bowl him. Play was called off with ten deliveries to go, but two balls before, Yasir made one kick at BJ Watling, who fended the nearly unplayable delivery to second slip. It was a reminder of how tricky the chase could be for Pakistan on day five. (ESPNcricinfo)
Friday November 21, 2014
Kaieteur News
National Schools’ Championships 2014 cancelled The 54th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming - owed to inclement weather and Track and Field Championships 2014 was called to a premature end yesterday after heavy overnight and morning rainfall had inundated the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground, Base Camp Ayanganna. An official release from the Ministry of Education yesterday stated that an emergency meeting was held to chart the course forward, and the best decision was to cancel the event owed to the persistent rainfall and absence of an alternative venue. “An emergency meeting was held this morning to determine whether or not the events could have been moved to another venue, but no suitable location could have been identified at the time,” the ministry said in a press release. “Given the prevailing weather conditions and the forecast for the next few days,
GDF Ground cannot be drained and prepared in a timely manner to facilitate the continuation of the 2014 Championships,” the release continued yesterday. This is the second time in the history of the Championships that rain forced an abandonment of the competition. In 1995, rain forced a cancellation at Anna Regina, Essequibo. The difference this time is that the cancellation occurred with two days left counter to 19 years ago when there was not an event held. On Tuesday, the swimming competition was completed with North Georgetown winning; there was also the 40km male cycle road race and 25km female cycle race. The 10km road races were also held on Tuesday. The Opening Ceremony along with all the 100 and 800m events was also hosted on Wednesday before the rains intervened.
Before yesterday’s cancellation, the event was set for a pulsating competition with the highlight being Tevin Garraway’s smashing the 22year-old 100m Under-20 record. That set the tone for a historical Championship being the first to be held at GDF Ground. “The Guyana Teachers’ Union and Ministry of Education wish to thank the students, teachers, sponsors and administrators for all their hard work in preparation for the well-anticipated annual Championships,” the ministry’s release continued. Administratively, schools along Woolford Avenue were closed to house athletes from competing 15 Districts across Guyana while the event would have incurred around $40M to host. Schools in Georgetown were also closed yesterday owed to severe flooding.
WICB Task Force commences work
Bridgetown, Barbados – The West Indies Cricket Board Task Force comprising Chairman Michael Gordon and members Sir Wes Hall and Sir Richard Cheltenham held its initial meeting in Barbados, on Monday November 17. The Task Force will continue its work and present its report to the Board of Directors on December 13 at their next meeting. Chairman Gordon said he is pleased that the Task Force has commenced its work. “While it is regrettable that the situation into which we are enquiring occurred, the Task Force recognizes the responsibility to West Indies cricket and is honoured to have been chosen for this assignment. We commit to pursuing the facts and circumstances in a fair and
unbiased manner and to allow for all the critical matters to be highlighted and ventilated,” Chairman Gordon said. The WICB Task Force was commissioned to enquire into the events which led to the premature end to the tour of India. Following is the full Terms of Reference of the Task Force. 1. Investigate the cause of the actions perpetuated by the players leading to the withdrawal of their services. Based on the facts which emerge, the Task Force will render their opinion of the degree of culpability attributed to the WICB, to the WIPA and to the players and whether the action of the players was justifiable or considered a reasonable course of action. 2. Examine the relationship between the West Indies
Players’Association (“WIPA”), West Indies Cricketers and the West Indies Cricket Board (“WICB”), with a view to making recommendations on the nature and structure of the relationship between WICB and the cricketers (separate and apart from the relationship between WICB and WIPA). 3. Design and propose a fast-track dispute resolution mechanism, which would apply to ongoing tours, and give the players an expedited process through which they could ventilate any issues, so as to mitigate against the risk of future tours ending prematurely as a result of player action. WICB Attorney, Alanna Medford is secretary to the Task Force. (WICB)
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Mackeson launches ‘King of the Rim’ 3x3 Basketball Challenge Ansa McAl, under its Mackeson Stout Brand, yesterday launched its ‘King of the Rim’ three-on-three (3x3) Basketball Challenge with the aim of continuing the proliferation of the sport and the purpose of unearthing basketball talent within communities. “We have been working with the federation (Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, GABF) to develop basketball in Guyana and we are proud to be associated with this sport for three years,” Mackeson Brand Manager, Jamaal Douglas told the media. The ‘King of the Rim’ 3x3 Basketball Challenge is expected to take communities by storm with the distribution giants doling out over $1M in cash and prizes to teams. The competition will be p l a y e d i n G e o r g e t own, Linden and on the East and West Coast. Douglas disclosed that the winning team will take
home $500,000 and the runnerup $300,000 in the competition while zone winners pocket $25,000 each. Trophies will accompany the incentive of cash with each team comprising four players. “One of the reasons that we support events like these is because people need to get their craft out and the best way to do so is through community-based sports; ‘King of the Rim’ is the way to get back into communities and that is what we have been doing with Mackeson,” Ansa McAl Public Relations Officer, Darshnie Yussuf indicated. According to Yussuf, the company is always looking for ways in which they can develop sports, and their track record speaks for itself. She stated that in the past their Mackeson Smooth Moves 3x3 tournament was very successful and they look forward to similar success. Sharing the moment with the two Ansa McAl
representatives was GABF President, Nigel Hinds, who lauded the effort and called on all enthusiasts to continue to support the competition; he said that such events hasten the advancement of the sport. “We recognise 3x3 as an integral part of our basketball. We see it as going into communities to get players who might not have had other opportunities to play,” Hinds stated, adding that FIBA (The International Basketball Federation) has endorsed the 3x3 format as one of the largest urban development programmes in the world. Hinds labelled Ansa McAl “the largest corporate supporter of basketball in Guyana”, and said he expects some national players to emerge from the community-based competition. To register, the interested players can uplift forms from select bars o r c a l l 6 0 0 3 6 0 6; the tournament jumps off in Albouystown next Sunday.
Top talent on show in Grand Coastal/ Lusignan Golf Club showdown The nation’s top golfers will be engaged in keen competition when officials of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) in association with the Grand Coastal Hotel and Restaurant, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, present a day of competitive action at the LGC tomorrow morning. The game will be played on the open medal play, rather than the flights system and trophies will be presented to the first three players with the best net position in the male category while the female with the best net will also receive a prize. There will also be prizes for the player with the overall best gross and nearest to the pin. Tee-off time is 12:15hrs. The organizers have given a brief of the intricacies of the sport in order that the uninitiated would be better informed. They explained that a handicap is the number of points the player gets as an advantage, and is subtracted from the player’s gross or total to determine his or her net score. This is the value used to evaluate how winners are placed. For example, should two players attain a handicap 10 and 20 and both score a gross of 80 strokes, then the 10 handicap player is given a net of 70 strokes, while the 20 handicap player is given a net
of 60 strokes. Another scenario presumes that two players with handicaps of 5 and 25 respectively each score a gross of 90. The former player accrues a net of 85, while the latter earns a net of 65. Further, the lower handicap is attributed to the more skillful player so that the straight handicap play is considered a disadvantage to better players. It is for this reason that the players are grouped in Flights. Meanwhile, Managing Director of Grand Coastal, Ramesh Taykoo said that his company is pleased to be associated with the tournament. He pointed out that his company has been rendering similar support for over 10 years and is pleased with the returns. He also said that he is optimistic that the weather will be good to the organizer. Representatives of the sponsors will be at the tournament venue for the
presentation ceremony at the end of the day’s play.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 21, 2014
‘Respect’ basketball game for charity set for December 13 The ‘Respect the Game’ basketball showdown set for December 13 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will witness for the first time in Guyana some of the biggest names in media, entertainment and the arts combined with National and Division I players for a night of keen challenges, ‘call-outs’ and rivalries. This is according to the organisers of the event, who congregated at the Gravity Lounge to usher in the event yesterday. They informed that players drafted from the media, entertainment and lots of other sectors will have seven Division I players on their side.Each team will comprise 15 players with seven Division I players and eight local celebrities from the named sectors. They joked that because of the stringent draft strategies between Team Toney and Team Bond, the two teams that will headline the night, they prefer to release the full teams at a later date. “Respect comes with the
appreciation of values and that is what we want to bring back… it’s a call to return respect to the game, whatever your game maybe. The term represents swag, hustle and ethics,” Bond said. According to the Attorneyat-Law, the event is aimed at generating the necessary response from all sectors of society to return respect to local sports and sportsmen and women. In addition, Bond disclosed that part proceeds will go to several charities that the various persons involved will identify. Proceeds will also go to charities of the celebrities’ choice as the aim is to spread cheer in the upcoming season. President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds was in full support of the event. Hinds believes that the event is necessary to bring about some change in how sports is treated locally and develop a place for enthusiasts to congregate. “We are pleased to
GABF President, Nigel Hinds (third, right) joins sponsors and The Respect Team, including the Respect Models and players at the Gravity Lounge for the launch of the December 13 showpiece at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. support this event, we think that this will expand our fan base and expand the facets of basketball… we think it will be an entertaining event,” Hinds, who is a former national player, and who might be drafted on one of the
teams, stated. Two of the sponsors present at the event, Footsteps and Buddy’s Pool Hall were both grateful to be a part of the inaugural mega event while pledging support for future events.
“The challenge is really about building camaraderie among the sports community,” Rawle Toney said while thanking the sponsors for their support in the venture. Meanwhile, the contest is
expected to feature two exhibition games before the main showdown. It will feature a High School contest and another big grudge game before the celebrities and first division players take the court in grand style.
Boxing Board gets tough; ejects errant boxer from ‘Rosehall Town Showdown’
By Michael Benjamin Up and coming Berbice pugilist, Kishawn Simon, initially scheduled to fight Mark Murray in the ‘Rosehall Town Showdown,’ slated for Saturday December 13, will now square off with Barbadian based Guyanese, former Lightweight champion, Revlon Lake, and that fight will now be an 8 rounds Jnr./Welterweight affair. This follows an unexpected development where Simon’s original opponent, Mark Murray, has been unceremoniously ejected from the three fight professional card. Murray’s issue makes for interesting reading; just three days after injudiciously leaving the signing ceremony and citing another pressing engagement, Murray who had arrived at the signing ceremony with a sanctimonious air of confidence and ‘nuff chat’ may find himself on the sideline and might even be forced to hang up his gloves. While the boxers awaited the official commencement of the signing ceremony Wednesday last , someone joshed that Murray was all mouth and even suggested that he was going to Berbice to ‘donate’ his usual two
Revlon Lake (right) throws a long right hand during recent sparring sessions with Clive Atwell. Kishawn Simon rounds before calling it quits. Murray vehemently protested claiming that he was well prepared and was out to spring a few surprises. While all this was happening, a few journalists started to complain of the late start and eventually a senior journalist of another media outfit left the venue while citing the tardiness of the organizers. Less than one minute later, Murray started to
complain saying that he also had other engagements and was eager to sign his contract so as to address those engagements. He then abruptly left the venue claiming that his time was precious and he could stay no longer. The promoters then went ahead with the ceremony and it was generally surmised that Murray would have returned to complete the signing rituals. Instead, one of the organizers confirmed yesterday the new developments.
Further investigations to ascertain the abruptness of the replacement revealed the real side of Murray’s decision to leave the forum. It seems as though the promoters had read out the riot act and informed him that they were not prepared to tolerate his lackluster performances. They told him that should he employ similar tactics in the impending bout he would have been severely sanctioned and might even have his purse withheld. Apparently, the GBBC stance contrasted with Murray’s pre-
conceived intentions and he chose the first opportunity to leave the signing ceremony under the pretext of ‘other commitments.’ Indeed, fans have been shortchanged after Murray would have either unjustifiably quitted on his stool or forced the referee to halt his bout way before the perspiration could have formed on his body. Just a few months ago, when he fought Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore in what was supposed to be a 6 rounds Catchweight affair on the
GBBC promoted ‘Night of the Contenders,’ Murray, without as much as breaking a sweat, decided that he had had enough and quitted on his stool at the end of round 2. Even a surreptitious glance at his record would reveal a dismal story; he commenced his professional career in February 1993 and lost to Robin Lall on points. Fifteen fights later, Murray is still to register a win and was stopped 8 times, most of them inside 3 rounds. It is therefore a miracle that officials have only now decided to pull the plug and Murray could count himself lucky that he has not been cited for collecting money under false pretense. Otherwise, the card remains unchanged and local middleweight champion, Dereck Richmond, will step up one division to square off with Romeo Norville over 6 rounds in a Super/ Middleweight fight while Richard Williamson and Dillon Allicock will clash over 12 rounds in a Super/ Bantamweight title fight. Sponsors to date are Castle Hotel of Chapel Street, New Amsterdam and Maximum Sports. Admission to the venue is $2000 for the VIP section while general admission is $1000.
Kaieteur News
Friday November 21, 2014
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GTA launches 5th Annual Trophy Stall Doubles Tournament Devi Sunich, wife of the proprietor of Trophy Stall handed over the sponsorship cheque and symbolic partner trophies to the Guyana Tennis Association President Grace McCalman for the hosting of the 5th annual Trophy Stall Doubles Tennis Tournament. The tournament will be conducted over three weekends starting from Saturday November 29th to Sunday December 14th. Matches will be played primarily at the National Racquet Centre on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs. Matches will also be played at the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club from 17:00hrs to 21:00hrs on weekends and some weekdays. The categories being contested are Ladies Open Doubles, Men’s Open Doubles, Men’s Over 35 Doubles, Men’s Over 45 Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Novice Medley Doubles. At the presentation, McCalman recognized the unwavering support of the Trophy Stall enterprise, not only to tennis but to sports in general and reminded Ms. Sunich that the launching of this tournament in 2010
recreated significant interest in competitive doubles. Players, both male and female, who were considered novice at that time, are now confidently venturing into the Open categories. McCalman expressed optimism about the expected quality of matches even though she lamented the loss of several competing veteran doubles players over the years as club facilities declined and players migrated. The majority of great doubles players generally emerge from active recreational clubs especially when there are lighted courts for extended play late in the evening. Despite this obvious limitation, there has been steady improvement in doubles among juniors and novices over the last few years as clubs continue to make efforts to rejuvenate their membership. In the highly anticipated M e n ’s O p e n D o u b l e s category, reigning GBTI Open doubles champions Jason Andrews/Anthony Downes are expected to lead the field, but there is word of a possible teaming up of top junior Daniel Lopes with former Men’s Champion
Ms Devi Sunich (right) presenting the symbolic trophies and sponsorship cheque to GTA President Ms. Grace McCalman.
ECB/Busta Festival postponed The 10th Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB)/Busta 50-over Festival which was scheduled to commence today has been postponed due to the inclement weather. Public Relations Officer of the ECB, Nazeer Mohamed told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that heavy rain fall has left the grounds waterlogged. “The players were looking forward to the competition and they are all disappointed, nevertheless, weather permitting, we are
hoping to run off the tournament before the year is out,” he added. Defending champions East Bank, Pomeroon, Wakenaam, Bartica, South Essequibo, Leguan, Central and North Essequibo are the teams that will battle for a first place prize of $75,000 and trophy with the runnerup taking home a trophy and $25,000. The best batsman, bowler and man-of-thematch in the final will also be rewarded.
Phillip Squires to create a potent force for net play. Other pairs are the veteran team of Leyland Leacock/Nicholas Fenty who were the finalist last year and the Glasgow brothers. These exciting match ups promise to make this 5th edition of the tournament, the most exciting and entertaining one yet. T h e To u r n a m e n t Coordinator Gavin Lewis can be reached at 656 3449.
Entrance forms which have been distributed at clubs are d u e l a t e s t We d n e s d a y
November 26th. All players are urged to participate and attend the Opening
Ceremony scheduled for 08:45hrs on Saturday November 29th.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 21, 2014
Jaguars aiming to roar against Volcanoes at Providence but rain threatens By Sean Devers Following a confidence boosting victory inside three days against the Leewards in their opening match at Providence in WICB fourday First Class cricket Franchise, the Guyana
Jaguars return to Providence today with the same 13-man squad and are aiming to roar against the Windward Islands Volcanoes in their second round contest. In a game which could be affected by adverse weather,
thunderstorms is forecast for today with the weather improving on Saturday and although Providence is one of the world’s fastest drying International cricket venues, accumulating early points could be the goal of both
teams. The sun was present yesterday afternoon and the ‘square’ was well covered while the ground was not affected by yesterday’s showers. Neither of the teams practiced yesterday.
The commencement time has been pulled forward by 30 minutes from the scheduled10:00hrs start because at this time of the year it gets dark sooner. In 34 matches between the two sides since they first met in 1983 at Windsor Park when Guyana won by 108 runs thanks to 143 from Faoud Bacchus and a fivewicket haul from Clyde Butts, Guyana have won 13 times and the Windwards seven with 14 of those matches ending in draws. The Jaguars lead the points table with 17, one ahead of Jamaica who beat t h e Vo l c a n o e s . T h e Windwards occupy the fifth spot with just three points and will hope for improvement after falling 14 runs short of their victory target against Jamaica. Esuan Crandon, the Jaguars’ Head Coach said it was good to win the first game, but stressed that the players can’t afford to get complacent. “We have played well as a team. It’s still early days as we have played just one game; there is lot of cricket left in this tournament. We still have nine games to go, but it is good to have a win under the belt,” said the 32 year-old Crandon. “It was a great all-round team performance. The batting was outstanding; especially Deonarine, and the bowlers all did a splendid job, so maintaining the momentum will be the main aim going forward.”
Assad Fudadin
concluded Crandon, who has 90 wickets from 38 FirstClass games. The last time these teams faced each other the match ended in a draw at Providence earlier this year despite a well played 114 by Sunil Ambris. Liam Sebastian scored 60 as the Windwards reached 307 in their first innings. Assad Fudadin got 82 as Guyana made 213 before left-arm spinner Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l grabbed 7-49 as the visitors collapsed for 114 in their second innings. Guyana were 171-7 when the game ended with Kenroy Peters picking up his second fourwicket haul of the game. Bajan left-arm allrounder Raymond Reifer bowled with good control in his first game for the Jaguars while Essequibian Ronsford Beaton bowled with genuine pace in his opening burst but his pace dipped when he returned to bowl later in the day. Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who captured seven wickets against the Leewards, Permaul, who took five wickets in the opening match and offspinner Narsingh Deonarine, should do the bulk of the bowling for the hosts and the spinners should again enjoy the Providence track. The Jaguars’ batting is strong especially since Deonarine made a ton in his last match and seems back to top form. Rajendra (Continued on page 36)
Devendra Bishoo
Kaieteur News
Friday November 21, 2014
GFA/Stag Beer 2014 Futsal Football tournament
Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United and Rhythm Squad FC battle for title Football buffs that trooped to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) over the past few weeks would admit that the action witnessed in the GFA/Stag Beer 2014 Futsal Football tournament was indeed enthralling. Activities have now climaxed to the best two teams. Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United FC faces off with Rhythm Squad FC for championship honours while Santos FC will tackle Western Tigers in the third place playoff. Rhythm Squad sealed the spot after defeating Santos 3-0 compliments of a brace by Stefon Ramsay while Sceyon Hope contributed one goal. Alpha advanced after steamrolling Western Tigers 5-1 with the stars being Dwight Peters (2 goals), with support from Christopher Camacho, Daniel Wilson and Paredes Aldair. Indeed the games were fast paced and tactical and one would be hard pressed to sift out a winner for the final encounter. What is certain is that it will be a fiercely fought affair. The ardent fans of both teams will mount arguments for their team’s success and with the form witnessed in the earlier matches they may just have enough justification for their choice. Fans will also be treated to top class entertainment with several exhibition matches. Among them is the highly anticipated duel
between the media team and the referees. The former squad prevailed with a 4-1 drubbing of the latter and the referees will be out to reverse their fortunes. There will also be match between the East All Stars against the West All Stars while Ansa McAl and Wartsila clash in a return game. Sparta Domino team will also oppose Phantom Domino team for bragging rights while a GT Masters team oppose their counterparts of Brazil to cap off the night of activities. Jumbie Jones will also p r o v i d e a d d e d entertainment. The tournament was fiercely contested and fans could expect a similar display of guts and skill in the championship game. Apart from bragging rights the winner carts off $400,000 with the loser pocketing half that amount. The winners of the third p l a c e p l a y o ff r e c e i v e $125,000 with the losers getting $75,000 respectively. Action gets underway at 18:30hrs.
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National Schools’ Championships 2014 cancelled
- owed to inclement weather P.39
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand (second, right) and Principal Assistant Secretary with the Ministry of Education, Glendon Fogenay (right) in discussion with GTU Officials (left) at the inundated GDF Base Camp Ayanganna Ground, yesterday morning.
Mackeson launches ‘King of the Jaguars aiming Rim’ 3x3 Basketball Challenge to roar against Volcanoes at Providence but rain threatens P.42
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WICB Task Force commences work GFA/Stag Beer 2014 Futsal Football tournament
Alpha ‘The Hammer’
United and Mackeson Brand Manager, Jamaal Douglas (left) and Ansa McAl PRO, Darshnie Yusuf along with GAPF President, Nigel Hinds brief the media yesterday at the official launch of Mackeson’s ‘King of the Rim’ 3x3 Basketball Challenge.
Rhythm Squad FC battle for title
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