Thursday November 24, 2016
Elections for Georgetown Mayor is nearing DEAR EDITOR, Within a couple of months, Patricia Chase Green’s term as Mayor will come to an end, and one will have to analyze when the history of Georgetown is written, what role she played, what contributions she made, and how effective she was as Chief Citizen. Of course all of her campaign promises of increasing accountability at City Hall, working collaboratively with all Councillors including the Deputy Mayor, of regularizing communities such as Sophia and Cummings Lodge, of consulting with various communities to ensure their development etc, have all gone through the window. But has she been doing things like progressive Mayors do? Such as ensuring that recreational facilities including gymnasiums, preschool sites, fitness studios, weight rooms, pools, arenas and meeting spaces are developed in Georgetown? Has the City Constabulary lowered the crime rate in the City under her watch? Has there been a positive change in the social atmosphere in the city since she has become Mayor? Has she ensured that the Georgetown Municipality
constructed the digital infrastructure of networks and data analytics to ensure the city’s systems and procedures are modernized? Has she revolutionized engagement between the citizens and the municipality, empowering people to report things such as potholes, lack of street lighting, illegal dumping? Or has she just been spending her time just jetting around the world with no tangible returns for the city? She drives around town aimlessly in her new SUV with a retinue of staff and security in tow, picking fights with her deputy, disallowing a forensic audit to be carried out on City Hall, implementing a draconian parking meter contract. She gives employment to friends and family, advocating for a huge increase in property taxes next year. bullying vendors across the city, punishing municipal workers every month since taking office by paying them late each month, encouraging a creeping dictatorship at the Georgetown City Council, failing to have consultation in the decision making process. She just might turn out to be the most useless, inept, unrefined and simple minded Mayor of all time. Nadine Jerrick
As Acting Commissioner, Mr. Ramnarine did well DEAR EDITOR, I am taking this opportunity in your newspaper column to voice my concern in the Police Commissioner versus the then Acting Police Commissioner Mr. David Ramnarine controversy. It is with utmost disgust that I read of the issue surrounding the then Acting Police Commissioner Mr. David Ramnarine. Mr. Seelall Persaud who is more senior in rank and service should have lead by example. This issue should have never come to the public domain: Mr. Seelall Persaud should have invited the Acting Police Commissioner to his office and have the matter dealt with in an appropriate manner. Mr. Ramnarine is entitled to a hearing regardless of the circumstances surrounding the issue; from all, indication the Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud deliberately set out to confront the
Acting Police Commission Mr. David Ramnarine and by doing so it sends a bad signal to the Guyana Police Force and the international community as a whole. Mr. Ramnarine must not be seen as a rubber stamp or a ‘yes man’. Mr. Ramnarine is highly respectful and set a high standard by his policy to rid all of the corrupt elements within the Guyana Police force He is a disciplinarian and plain spoken individual. He must not be condemned for the decision he took. He must be complimented for a job well done. Continue the good work Mr. Ramnarine. All the Divisional Commanders, Senior Officers, Inspectors, and Inspectors stand in support of your decision. I now call on the Honorable Minister of Public Security Mr. Khemraj Ranjattan to shed some light on this issue. Cylus Bates
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GUYSUCO’S CLOSURE WILL BE A RECIPE FOR ECONOMIC DIASTER DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space to comment on a shocking development. I am still in disbelief at the recent statement of the government regarding the condition of Skeldon Sugar Estate. Mr. Editor, it is nigh improbable that the state of the art processing facility is falling apart as we are led to believe. GUYSUCO’s annual reports show clearly that the estate is functioning and while not performing to full capacity is producing a significant percentage of GUYSUCO’s total output. It is baffling that a factory that produces such a large portion of the company’s output is on the brink of collapse. Mr. Editor, I am of the inflexible opinion that the estate may not be perfect but in very good condition. I also believe that the statement is part of a longterm con on the Guyanese people to perpetuate the stereotype that Guyana would be better off if GUYSUCO is dead. The gradual closure of GUYSUCO started immediately after the 2015 elections with Wales and LBI estates already ticked off. Not so long ago the Government had also
announced plans to close Canje estate. The reason the Skeldon estate was not closed immediately was because it remains the centrepiece of GUYSUCO and to date, remains the company’s most productive plant. When the government succeeds in closing Skeldon, we will see the final nail in GUYSUCO’s coffin. For this very reason, the Skeldon estate is as monumental a piece as it is symbolic. There is no evidence to suggest that the Skeldon estate itself is running at a loss. The overall profitability of the estate should be considered rather than just the inefficiencies highlighted. Additionally, Skeldon remains integral to the entire production process; the technology available at Skeldon is unavailable at other estates and would most certainly hinder not only the other estates but the total production overall. Mr. Editor, selling GUYSUCO’s estate to campaign donors was the plan from the very beginning. This is lucidly demonstrated by a gentleman who donated generously to the coalition’s campaign coffers; he is tipped to obtain Wales
estate for pennies on the dollar. All the while another campaign donor has eyes set on Skeldon; incidentally, one who gained billions of taxpayers’ money in a settlement immediately after the government came to power. If my above statement is speculative, the appointment of Clive Thomas as the head of GUYSUCO is proof that the incumbent had intentions of closing the industry from the very beginning. Why else would someone of sane mind appoint a man who has spent the latter half of his life lobbying to close the industry, to save it? The only logical explanation is that the government had every intention of closing the industry with Clive Thomas as the architect of the operation. One of the biggest issue that GUYSUCO faces is that the industry is not being analysed by critical, objective minds. Instead, many of those making decisions on the industry’s future are viewing the issue through ethnic lens. The economic effects of even a partial closure of GUYSUCO would be colossal. Fundamental macroeconomic logic could be used in observing the ‘negative multiplier effect’ that such a closure would have. The complete closure of the sugar in-
DEAR EDITOR, I am Minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and as such feel compelled to address the issue concerning the recent revelations of inappropriate sexual behavior by a self-proclaimed leader. These unfortunate revelations were publicized by local and social media and naturally have sent shockwaves throughout the religious community, nationally and further afield. This scandal has caused the name of the Lord to be spoken of in blasphemous terms, Ministers to be ridiculed by outraged individuals using the vilest of terms and the Church as a sacred institution to be frowned upon. Though my confidence rests in the ability of our Lord
to build His Church against which the gates of hell shall not prevail against, we as Followers of Christ, especially as leaders are called to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called”, and to live exemplary lives. Arguably, our exemplary lifestyle as Religious Leaders acts as a powerful witness to the world that we are indeed transformed by our Faith in God. Thus, it is understandable that many in our society and abroad, would express such concern about a religious minister involved in such conduct. Those of us, who promote the cause of Christ, are admonished by Scripture to let our light shine in this dark world. Christ stated” Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). It is true that none of us as mere men has the right to judge or condemn another for we are all vulnerable to the attacks of Satan the Adversary. However, we ought to restore, build up and encourage each other. Scripture further admonishes us: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Galatians 6:1). As leaders we all have an obligation to be an example to those we lead and yes, we do so at times even while we are bleeding. Finally, I remind that God’s
dustry would result in an economic slowdown with an impending collapse. Mr. Editor, 28,000 jobs are impossible to create for an economy under the direction, or lack thereof, from the APNU+AFC led-coalition. Apart from a call/service centre, an investment resulting in a few hundred jobs, what significant investment has this government garnered since coming to office? The answer Mr. Editor is clear for the public to see. Cognizant of this gross incompetence by the coalition, and their misguided economic logic, how would one create 28,000 jobs for the GUYSUCO workers upon closure? This task is highly improbably and, certainly impossible, under this government. In the new era of Globalization, with increased international capital flows, labourintensive production is harder to create in nations like Guyana where our labour cost is considerably higher and much scarcer than countries like China and other Asian giants with an abundance of labour. It is now common knowledge that many of the jobs created in those nations in the contemporary post-structural adjustment era were labour intensive and sought to utilise cheap labour. Given relative Continued on page 6
grace is always available to us when we falter and fail. This divine grace, however, is not an excuse to sin, rather, it enables us to live right and provides the opportunity for us to get back up and do right by God and the people we lead. 1 John 1:9 admonishes us: “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” It is my hope and fervent prayer that people everywhere know that the Church still stands uncompromised against sin. I remind that God is not surprised at the failings of us as men or women. God will continue to build His Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it! Bishop Joseph Inniss
Strong disapproval of what London did
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 24, 2016
In support of the pension The pension bill reveals intellectual bankruptcy for Hamilton Green
DEAR EDITOR, Allow me a few paragraphs to share my view on the responses by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and Transparency International Guyana Incorporated (TIGI) in relation to the “Hamilton Green Prime Ministerial Pension Bill” While I may have my own concerns and questions about this bill I can assure you that none of them are in any way to attack the person Mr. Green, but rather to get a sense of how we have arrived at this point and whether or not the administration is fair in its dealings. I am by no means a defender or supporter of either Mr. Hamilton Green or the PNC/R but the mere fact that Mr. Green held the office of Prime Minister it is my belief that he should be entitled to a pension. Lest we forget, the PPP/C in 2011 took a bill to Parliament to secure pensions and benefits for former presidents only and in 2012 Bills were proposed and passed by the then opposition to enable former Prime Ministers to also benefit from a pension. However, this Bill was not assented to by former President Donald Ramotar. The responses from
GHRA and TIGI outline a growing norm in society where our people respond to things from an emotional and judgmental standpoint, and what you get is a lot of bitterness and hatred in their reasoning. Both responses focused heavily on the person rather than the content of the actual Bill, basically saying his stint as Prime Minister has done the country more harm than good and that he is undeserving of any pension. It should also be noted that your qualification for pension stems not from your quality of service but rather the office that you held. If quality of service was a prerequisite a very strong case could be made and should have been made by the GHRA and TIGI as to why former Presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar should not be eligible. I believe that the responses by both organizations came from a deep place of hatred/ bitterness and are more so the personal views of some who are able to utilize the name of an organization to give their views merit. More so one would have to simply be ignorant or hasty to label this bill as “special provision” for Mr. Hamilton Green. Clayon F. Halley
DEAR EDITOR, Why did Desmond Hoyte separate himself from Hamilton Green? Because Hoyte, a man of class wanted to separate and segregate himself from “thuggism.” He wanted to construct a national force to contest the elections and wanted nothing to do with “thuggism.” and “rig-o-metrix”. He failed on this mission but history will always remember that he tried honorably. Why did Guyana’s most progressive and well known Pan-Africanist, Dr. Walter Rodney segregate himself from what Hammie represented? He took a stand against bigotry and did not compromise ever. He stood against ghetto attacks on our people because of their race and gender and religion and for that he paid a heavy price – his life. People like me will never let Walter’s
struggle die. We shall not let bigots advance – not then, not now, not ever. So those who think I am attacking Hammie, they are wrong, I am attacking bigotry, “ghettoism”, “thuggism” and political violence that are being rewarded today with a G$20 million per year pension. Let me share a dark part of our troubled history that even President Granger surreptitiously refuses to acknowledge. Only people who live in South Georgetown will know this history, which repeated itself again and again in the late 1970’s, in the 1990’s and again during the electoral riots in the 2001 elections that caused an NGO to issue a formal report to the world. In the past, marauding bands of thugs carved a swathe of violence driven fear across the city. Many of them operated out of the YMCA in
Albouystown. Does Hammie deny that he does not know who commanded people like “Coosi”, “Pointer”, “Booleegee”, “Whitee”, “Limpee”, “Tommy Borne”, “Smithee”, “Tinee Man”, “Sargeant”, and the “Marcus Brothers”? Does he deny not knowing the House of Israel thugs and being their “go to” person in the late 1970s? Does he deny his role in the postelection thuggery in 1992 the streets were filled with violent men who threw stones on the Elections Commission building on Croal Street? It is extremely disrespectful for the Granger Administration to ask the under 35 years old to bend their backs and toil so that they can pay Hammie a G$20 million pension every year. Is this a continuation of the defilement of the Order of Roraima which was rewarded to an intellec-
tual author of many of the country’s violent troubles? What next, the Order of Excellence for “FINE MAN” and “THE MARCUS BROTHERS” (posthumously) for long and dedicated service for high criminal activity? I shall fight this sort of bigotry every step of the way. This Pension Bill reveals a deep sort of intellectual bankruptcy and ideological corruption on the part of our ruling politicians. Are Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan also prepared to fight this sort of bigotry every step of the way? Or have they morphed into domestic cowards and willing accomplices in this immoral transgression? Are Nagamootoo and Ramjattan prepared to sell all of their principles for position, perks and Prados? Sasenarine Singh
Jagdeo’s role in the spiralling of crime when he... From page 4 leadership that the crime/security crisis of 2002 to 2008 did not drop from the skies. It was the result of the then regime’s policy that encouraged the Black Cloths/Tactical Service Unit to shoot and kill, particularly young Guyanese men of a certain type, without giving them the benefit of due process. Readers will also recall that in spite of several protest demonstrations and appeals by individuals and organizations to the rulers for a change in policy, Jagdeo ignored all those calls and continued his ‘shoot to kill policy’ and it went unabated. Jagdeo and his government refused to be guided by international protocols relating to crime fighting. It has often been demonstrated that once police/security forces adopt the policy of killing people willy-nilly it is only a matter of time before the brutalized organize in defense of themselves. This is what took place in Guyana. When the reality of their actions finally dawned on Jagdeo and “the shoot to kill
tactics” of the police became counterproductive, they further compounded the problem. Instead of returning to lawful and professional best practices, Jagdeo and the PPP/ C decided to strengthen their old alliance with elements in the criminal underworld by taking it to a new level, which saw criminals and political operatives of the regime partnering with the police in unleashing a reign of terror on Guyana, which saw more than 400 persons being killed. It was Jagdeo’s and the PPP/C’s actions which spawned the rise of phantom forces and their murderous/ killing spree, which in turn led to retaliatory counter killings. In 2002-2008 Guyana endured the worst crime fighting crisis in our modern history. Added to this was the negative effects of the PPP/C‘s economic and social polices of ethnic marginalization which created a new generation of criminals and would be criminals who are today, the product of the PPP/C rule. Many of these youngsters are now involved in committing criminal acts. The blame for our present crime dilemma must, in a large part, be laid at the door of the opposition PPP/C, not the present government. This is not to deny that the government has a responsibility to deal with this matter in the interest of the nation. President David Granger‘s position that he prefers to see less guns in the
hands of civilians, meaning both illegal and legal guns, was deliberately misrepresented by Jagdeo, who, very opportunistically, only addressed the latter aspect. In going that route Jagdeo, as is usually the case, was attempting to gain as much political mileage as he could out of the situation. Given our negative history in crime fighting and the relative ease in which some persons have over the last 20 years, been able to obtain firearms, legally and illegally and the corresponding rise in gun related crimes and murders, it is only natural that a responsible government will have to direct its attention to the gun phenomenon in the society. It would have been pru-
dent for the President and government to just implement the policy. Since we are not known to be a nation that deals rationally with the issue of crime and crime fighting, our political culture does not allow for a non - partisan and objective discussion on crime and crime fighting. As a result it must be noted that it is almost impossible in Guyana to have a mature discourse on crime and the best approaches to deal with it. I believe that the President’s position that he wants to see fewer guns in the hands of citizens is an enlightened policy and is in keeping with international best practice. Tacuma Ogunseye
GUYSUCO’S CLOSURE WILL... From page 5 labour scarcity, Guyana has no cheap labour for international capital to utilise. Significant advances in technology since the ICT revolution in the last three decades means that production now uses less human labour in what is becoming an increasingly capital-intensive world. The capital to labour ratio as is evident has dynamically changed/transformed. This knowledge makes the 28,000 jobs that GUYSUCO maintains gold dust! The importance of GUYSUCO is compounded by the fact that Guyana’s unemployment rate is estimated to be
upwards of 20% and youth employment significantly higher at approximately 40%. If Guyana’s labour force is an estimated 350,000 then GUYSUCO easily accounts for nearly 10% direct employment of the labour force and possibly another 5% or more indirect employment through spill over effects. It thus becomes imperative that GUYSUCO be rescued from the clutches of this government who, in their haste to affect any change, seem to not comprehend the magnitude of GUYSUCO to the sustenance of the Guyanese economy in a multi-dimensional structure. Mr Editor, I reiterate, any change in GUYSUCO’s employment would be nothing short of catastrophic. Stephen Kissoon Editor’s note; because of its length, we will have to continue Mr. Kissoon’s discussion in our Friday edition
Thursday November 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Edghill summoned to Privileges Committee By Kiana Wilburg It was on Monday that the political opposition tried its best hold the Government accountable for the financing of the multi-million-dollar Durban Park Project. And after a bruising debate, Opposition member, Bishop Juan Edghill received a letter the following day from the Clerk of the House, Sherlock Isaacs ,stating that he is to appear before the Committee of Privilege on Friday. Speaking with this newspaper last night, Isaacs said that the decision to have Edghill placed before the Committee was “just” and based on a motion that was brought before the House in May, by two Government MPs, Charrandas Persaud and Jermaine Figueira. The motion which was successfully passed at that time, recalled that on December 17, 2015, at the 18th Sitting of the National Assembly, Edghill made statements regarding the salary increases for Ministers of Government, Members of
Parliament and other Constitutional Office holders. Charrandas who read the motion said that during Edghill’s presentation, he said, “…I would, moderately, put to the people of Guyana that the salary increase does not include other benefits. It is just adding to the salary, moving it from before July 1, 2015 to what it is now. It is a minimum of an additional $18M per month which represents close to $200M per year, and in the term of office, it will represent almost $1B.” Charrandas noted that at the same sitting, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, called on Edghill to withdraw the statement after explaining that the correct and total annualized sum of salary increases would be $67.9M. Charrandas said that on December 28, 2015, the Government’s Chief Whip and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, wrote to the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland raising a complaint about the words used by Edghill. He stated that despite
PPP Parliamentarian, Bishop Juan Edghill repeated requests and demands, Edghill failed and/ or refused to recant his statements. The Parliamentarian said that the erroneous words spoken, together with Edghill’s subsequent actions violate the privilege of a Member of the National Assembly and the Standing Orders of the House. He said that Edghill’s actions also
brought the entire National Assembly into disrepute. On those grounds, Charrandas recommended that Edghill be referred to the Committee of Privileges for the matter to be considered and an appropriate response recommended. Asked to say why the matter only came to be dealt with now, Isaacs said, “It is not that the matter was out to rest or it was resolved. It was still ongoing but the Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland was very busy with other things. So it has now come up.” Edghill said that based on his calculations, he indicated in the House last year that it would cost almost $1B to fund the salary increase of the new expanded Cabinet. The Opposition member said, “It would appear that that has annoyed and caused some embarrassment to Government. So a motion was moved in May last to send me to the Privileges Committee.” He continued, “Now when I moved a motion on Monday on the Durban Park
CARICOM 17th CONSLE meeting…
Notion that crime and corruption is culture, must be eradicated - Ramjattan Guyana’s Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, on Monday last, zeroed in on the need to address the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) citizens’ perception of the security and law enforcement sector. The Minister was delivering remarks to the official opening of the Seventeenth Meeting of the Council for Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) at the CARICOM Secretariat in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. He said it was necessary to change the perception that “the security and law enforcement sector is populated purely for predatory purposes”. “We have to lead our people out of that negative habit which teaches that crime and corruption is culture…They are bad choices that must never be condoned and for which citizens must speak out against…” Ramjattan told the CARICOM Security Ministers. The Minister called on the Council to construct projects of hope and trust and to secure freedom from violence and fear. This he noted would provide an opportunity for our people to flourish and
thrive and to do so in peace. The one-day meeting being chaired by Barbados’ Attorney-General and Minister of Home Affairs, Adriel Brathwaite, will consider for approval the CARICOM Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Action Plan (CCSCAP). This plan provides a framework through which all initiatives of cyber security and cyber crime in the Region will be developed, implemented and managed. Member States Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIPS), including measures to ensure that national and regional security is not compromised by such
programmes; among other issues, will also engage the attention of the Region’s Ministers responsible for national security. CONSLE is responsible for the coordination of the multi-dimensional nature of security, to ensure a safe and stable community. Article 17a of the Revised Treaty states that the Council, which comprises Ministers designated by the Members of the Community, shall – among other things – promote the development and implementation of a common regional security strategy to complement the national security strategies of
Members of the Community; establish and promote measures designed to combat and eliminate threats to national and regional security; ensure the expeditious and efficient mobilisation and deployment of regional resources in order to manage and defuse national and regional security crises and to combat serious crimes in consultation with the relevant Member States; preserve the territorial integrity of the Member States; and gather, share and manage intelligence.
Project, I believe it was bruising and has caused significant embarrassment to the Government. Significantly, the Opposition was also able to get Minister of Health, Dr, George Norton before the Committee of Privileges due to his misleading and dishonest statements on the drug bond scandal. “Is it not suspicious that I would receive a letter the very next day to appear before the said Committee?” In spite of the intention of the summons, Edghill said that he will attend and defend his honour and his position on the matter. The Opposition Member said, “What we see here is a difference in opinion and this is just the government’s bold and brazen attempt to silence me but they will not be successful. Their best efforts to intimidate and drive fear will have no effect on me. I will continue to stand and represent the interest of the people of Guyana and perform my job as a parliamentarian without fear or favour.” The PPP Executive Member said that it is important for the public to note that he is going before a committee where the Government has a majority and is chaired by the Speaker of the House. The members of Government on the Privileges Committee include Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General Basil Williams; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan; and AFC Member of Parliament, Charrandas Persaud. Representing the Opposition are Members of Parliament, Clement Rohee, Mohabir Nandlall, Priya Manickchand and Adrian
Anamayah. Edghill said that he believes that there is already a predetermined outcome. The Parliamentarian said that the government is unashamed in its approach to settle scores and to practice their politics of vindictiveness and spite. In this regard, he said that wherever Government finds compliant partners, it uses them to facilitate its request. Edghill suspects that the Government is out to ensure that he does not participate in the upcoming 2017 budget debates. He maintains, nonetheless, that he will give the Committee a chance to hear his side, after which he will release his evidence. In a missive to the press last night, the Opposition said that there is ample evidence that the Coalition since it assumed office has been engaged in the practice of politics of oppression, vindictiveness, bullyism, intimidation and fear. The PPP said that while Bishop Edghill has been advised to attend the meeting, it is of the view that the Government along with a “Speaker who is yet to demonstrate impartiality” will ensure that the process is less-than fair. The Opposition said, “Bishop Edghill is not alone as all of his colleagues are in full support of him and join in rebuking the Government’s misuse of the parliamentary rules and procedures as well as its continued disregard for standing parliamentary norms and traditions.” The PPP also sought to put the Government on notice that its wrongs cannot be made right by the prosecution of parliamentarians or public servants who are defending the people’s interest, the public purse and good governance.
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Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Prevailing violence in public schools worrying to GTU - lack of security or able-body security guards at some schools a concern There has reportedly been an upsurge in violence in the public school system. This disclosure was recently made by President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mr. Mark Lyte. Lyte, at a recent press conference, disclosed that the union is alarmed by the many instances of violent acts perpetrated against teachers. And these acts, according to him, have manifested at the primary, secondary and even tertiary level institutions. “Teachers are at their wits’ end; they are being challenged by students. Added to this, many parents would go into school premises and assault our teachers and this is unfortunate. The very teachers who are expected to teach are being assaulted by their students and parents too,” Lyte underscored. The prevailing violent situation, the GTU President said, has been linked to limited or no security at some schools. Lyte related, “We did say many months ago that the
persons who are employed to secure those schools are not very able individuals. So when parents barge into those schools they cannot be stopped by those individuals.” “It is a problem that is affecting schools throughout Guyana. In some regions there are no day-security and so anything goes during the day; anybody could walk off the road and go into these schools. We have even had cases where teachers were robbed in school. We are appealing for something to be done urgently,” Lyte emphasized. The GTU President said that the Union is appealing to the Ministry of Education to address the violence issues forthwith since “many of our teachers are being injured. We are hearing about children slapping teachers, pelting them with objects, throwing bombs in the schools and nothing is being done to help resolve this matter.” According to Lyte, the Union is not only seeking the
intervention of the Minister of Education and his team but even the Government in such a troubling matter. But there have been reports of children being abused by teachers in the school system too. However, Lyte had little information of such acts occurring in the school system. He asserted that “those are allegations. We have been speaking to our teachers and we are not aware that teachers are in the habit of injuring children...We know that in many cases some of those children come from home with their injuries and that is blamed on the teachers.” Reflecting on an incident at a school recently, Lyte said that it took an investigation to reveal that a child believed to have been abused in the school system was instead abused elsewhere. “I think a lot of those cases, because of what goes on in the home, sometimes there are children who come with their injuries from home and teachers sometimes get the blame...”
Couple placed on bond for assaulting each other A matter of assault which saw a couple before the court yesterday got everyone paying keen attention and at times giggling. It started when Police Prosecutor Sean Blackman and Attorney Darren Wade engaged in battle with words as several objections were raised during the hearing on an assault matter between Emelvna Westmoreland, 24, and Alvin Cummings, 29. The court heard that on November 17 at Lot 182 Middle Road, La Penitence, Westmoreland and
Cummings assaulted each other so as to cause actually bodily harm. Westmoreland, a beautician, and Cummings, an electrician, pleaded guilty to the charge after it was read to them by Magistrate Brendon Glasford at a sitting of the Night Court in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Attorney Wade, who was late for the proceeding, entered an appearance on behalf of Westmoreland. During his address to the court, Wade requested that
the matter be held in-camera. However, Prosecutor Blackman opposed the request. He said that the lawyer did not outline any reasons or show cause why the case should be heard privately. But Wade did not give up the fight. A few minutes later he asked that the matter be held in-camera. This time Magistrate Glasford declined the request. Wade then informed the court that the parties no longer wished to offer evidence against each other and asked that the matter be dismissed. The lawyer explained that the couple share a three-yearold son and are living together. He told the court that they are seeking counselling to better their relationship. Prosecutor Blackman asked the Magistrate to send a warning to persons who insist on wasting judicial time by refusing to proceed with matters when they are brought before the courts. He stressed that there is no tolerance for domestic violence in society; while noting that the woman and man inflicted wounds on each other. Nevertheless, Magistrate Glasford ordered them to keep the peace for six months. He warned that any violation of the bond will result in them being sent to jail for four months.
GTU President, Mark Lyte said Lyte. He stressed that the Union has been doing its job to ensure that children are not abused. He disclosed that only head teachers have the authority to carry out corporal punishment in the school system, as he insisted that flogging has certainly not been abolished in the school system. Lyte however explained that head teachers have the authority to flog children in the school system or to instruct particular teachers to do so. “As far as I know,
teachers have been following the policy as it relates to corporal punishment,” Lyte as he underscored that there is no excuse for teachers being abused in the school system while conducting their duties.” Although there have been many calls for the abolition of corporal punishment, the GTU has been resolute in its stance for it to remain a feature in the public school system. “The union’s position remains the same on the issue. We are not supportive of corporal punishment being taken out of the schools, as the Ministry is yet to put alternatives in place to deal with aggressive children,” Lyte had earlier proclaimed. Lyte said that when various (proven) alternative measures have been put in place, only then will the union rethink its stance on corporal punishment. “Unless the Minister provides effective measures to deal with badlybehaved children, we as a union must say that this must remain.” GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, had opined that the abolition of corporal punishment may prove to be disastrous for
teachers as there are many hostile children found in their classrooms. Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, stated that “the ministry will not step back from the issue. We will try to persuade the GTU that this is the best way to go.” Dr. Roopnaraine said that he will try to get across to the GTU that “we have 21st century outlook on the enforcement of discipline.” Beating children, he said, is a “really medieval practice and we can’t encourage it.” “I don’t see it as a major obstacle, as their interest is to ensure they have an environment where they can teach and where children are not distracted. I don’t believe corporal punishment is the way to do this,” he said. Dr Roopnaraine, moreover, intimated that corporal punishment can often lead to psychological scarring as it is no different from physical abuse. Classrooms should not be a place of fear but rather, one of learning. It is for this reason that the Minister last year related that his Ministry will be looking to do away with the practice by adjusting relevant legislation in the future.
Ganja farmer gets 3 years jail The efforts of a 55-yearold man to build a new home for his family were thwarted after police swooped down on a farm near his home and destroyed over 400 cannabis sativa (marijuana) plants, during an early morning raid. The drug find led to the arrest of John Antonio, and his 53-year-old reputed wife Diane Daniels, both of Aruka, North West District. The couple was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday charged for cultivating a prohibited plant. Antonio, who was unrepresented by counsel, pleaded guilty to the charge. He was jailed for three years and fined $15,000. Daniels pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison until February 21, when she will appear in the Mabaruma Magistrate's Court. During his address to the court, Antonio admitted that he has been planting the prohibited drug. He told the court that his reputed wife was unaware that the plants had been growing on the plot of land. Further, he said that he resorted to farming marijuana as a means of earning cash to provide a better home for his family, since their house was destroyed by fire.
JAILED: John Antonio
REMANDED: Diane Daniels
Daniels, in a loud voice, told the Magistrate that she was unaware that her husband had been planting ganja. Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers related that on November 19, last, around 09:30hrs, a party of policemen went to the home of the couple and conducted a search on the premises in their presence. He said that during the search police found nothing. They then went to the farm
owned by the couple and conducted a search there, during which a quantity of cannabis sativa plants were found. According to Jeffers the plants were about 400 in number and four feet in height. Antonio and Daniels were told of the offence committed and samples of the plants were taken and photographed by ranks. The entire farm was later destroyed by fire.
Thursday November 24, 2016
Relatives of dead carpenter receive death threats - phone number linked to policing liaison officer As the killing of carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt continues to rivet the nation, with several persons already charged, the dead man’s relatives say they are being threatened. Relatives, including Narinedatt wife, Pooja Devi Pitam, revealed that threats were made to them via telephone owned by a Community Policing Laison Officer in Berbice. According to Pitam, on the day she returned back to Guyana, a few days after Narinedatt’s death, she received a phone call from a person (name given). During the call, Pitam stated that she was told “if meh only further this story about me husband, Marcus gon send he men fa kill me jus how dem kill me husband”. Meanwhile, a neighbour, 17-year-old Nafeeza Ally, told this publication that she was also threatened by the same person. “She ask me why I had to put up those things on Facebook and I tell she nothing. She respond and seh if I know who is she (name mentioned). She seh how she gon come and pick me up and lock me up if I continue putting up things.” Another relative also echoed similar claims after the said individual told her that she will have her locked up and brought to the police. The relative also stated that a few days later, she received a call from a Facebook caller that “I was next”. According to the woman
she is fearful since those threats were made. However, in an interview with the individual accused of making the threats, the woman told this publication that after the handing over ceremony where she received a sum of $2.5 Million in the form of a cheque from the Marcus Brian Bisram Foundation and Marcus Bisram himself to fund their community policing group activities, a dinner was provided to the CPG members and others present. She stated that she left with the CPG ranks to patrol the area and subsequently returned to Bisram’s home. According to her, the party which was in full swing included senior ranks of Guyana Police Force Berbice, CPG members, relatives and friends of Bisram. According to her she left just after midnight and the officers were still there. However, when Kaieteur News enquired about the threats the Laison Officer shrugged it off. “I never in my life called these people who are making these allegations, I don’t even know them, I never contacted any of them.” This publication has in its possession a snapshot of the 17-year-old Nafeeza Ally’s calls received, records which shows a call from a cell number the said day when she claimed she received the threats. Reporters while interviewing the woman dialed the said number and her husband’s cell rang. He was
Killed: Faiyaz Narinedatt present during the interview. Nervousness and confusion showed on the man’s face during the confrontation about the call records. The woman jumped up in defence and vehemently denied ever making calls using her husband’s phone to threaten the relatives of Faiyaz Narinedatt. “I never call these people; I want these people prove that”. Her husband also denied that calls were made from his phone by his wife to do the “dirty work”. This publication was also told that a knife was placed outside on the window sill of Narinedatt’s home where his relatives are staying. They saw it when they awoke yesterday morning. The relatives stated that the incident was reported to the Springlands Police Station. An investigation is underway.
Dem boys seh ...
Marlan costing poor people dem jobs Old people always seh that people shouldn’t tek a problem child and give him responsibility. That is wha Donald do when he mek Marlan de boss man fuh de Food and Drug Department. This man feel so powerful that if he get a chance he would crawl in all dem computer to see if de people really bringing in what dem got pun de paper. Importers start to bring in products from foreign. Dem know that dem had to get de labeling in English and de product had to state de contents. But Marlan got ee friends. When these people bringing in things dem don’t get a problem but when other people bring in things that gun threaten Marlon friends, these
things does get hold up. De man costing people dem jobs and he know how Soulja Bai feel bout creating jobs. He hear de government people talking bout job creation and he tekking it away. Dem boys seh that he behaving suh because he got friends in high places but yesterday when Soulja Bai call he people to find out why all dem businessmen protesting, everybody drop Marlan. And this is a man who married three weeks ago. Dem boys believe that things would get better because he got somebody to distract him but this is not de case. He get wuss since he married. And de thing is that he own people don’t even see him. While people looking
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Kaieteur News
for him Joe ShanLin wish people don’t see him. He open de Public Service College this week and he mek a nice speech. When he done dem reporters was waiting to talk to him. Dem boys seh that de man smart. He talk to de new students so dem reporters go downstairs to wait. Dem should a check out de place. Joe ShanLin time dem. De first sign dem get that he was disappearing was when a man holler that Joe going through de back door. By de time de reporters run to de door dem see Joe jumping over de back fence. And de man can run. But as dem boys seh, moon does run till day ketch am. Talk half and wait fuh Marlan get a kick.
What is going on in Guyana? We have a serious situation on our hands when businessmen have to take to picketing Government offices in order to have their grouses addressed. This is an indication that systems of review and oversight are not working and that businesses are forced out of desperation and frustration to take to the streets to take extreme action. No one should have to appeal to politicians in order to have redress over the administrative actions of any public official. When members of the business community have to suffer losses because of the alleged actions of public officials, then something is wrong with the system. When businesses claim that they have to lay off staff because of bureaucratic delays, then something is wrong. The system is simply not business-friendly. The system needs to be fixed. This fix has to take place urgently since it will affect investment. Guyana needs investment. Large companies look to see how small companies are operating before they make their decisions. If small companies are being frustrated, then the large companies are not going to take an interest in investing in Guyana. It is as simple as that. Major businesses are not going to come and invest in Guyana when they read stories about local businessmen having to protest in order for their concerns to be addressed. They are going to take their business elsewhere and Guyana and Guyanese will lose.
Instead of protesting the businesses can seek legal remedies. But everyone knows that the court system is slow and tedious. It is not fair for persons to go to the courts to have their matters resolved. By the time their cases are heard, they will be bankrupt. A few weeks ago, a businessman was complaining that he was being denied permission by the Central Housing and Planning Unit to continue construction on his building. He allegedly had permission from the Engineer’s Department of City Hall but his work was stopped by the CHPA on grounds that they were not sure whether the foundation could sustain an additional floor. Now this is a technical issue and it is one to be settled by technical people. If there is a dispute on a technical issue, the proper course would seem to be for both sides to agree on a name of an independent consultant and for an opinion to be had from that consultant. This is basic conflict resolution prescription. If it had been followed there would have been no need for the businessman to have to vent his frustration in public. A major company in Guyana also was forced to complain, recently, that its application for a building permit to establish some franchises were being held up because of bureaucratic delays. The authorities have to understand that for every building plan whose approval is delayed, we are talking about a minimum of thirty persons being out of a job. If
you have twenty like these, the impact can run into hundreds of jobs. The authorities have to understand that international franchises do not have tolerance for bureaucratic delays. They are not going to be willing to deal with local companies which are facing hurdles in obtaining basic permits. The government has to ensure that there are systems of checks and balances within the bureaucracy. The powers of bureaucrats must be of such that it cannot be abused or exercised in an arbitrary way. Bureaucrats may feel that they have powers which cannot be overturned by higher authorities. They should not delude themselves. The Court recently held that the exercise of administrative powers must be done in a fair and transparent way. The Guyana Teachers’ Union had taken the Teaching Service Commission to court over certain appointments. The Court did not dispute that it was not the sole prerogative of the Commission to make such appointments but found that the system was flawed and therefore the appointments have to be reviewed. The government should not force people to go to courts. It should act on complaints and ensure that a fair system exists because where there is no fairness, there will be corruption. What is the government doing to ensure that aggrieved persons have redress and fair redress. Nothing!
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Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Two shocking mysteries in the police force A businessman of La Penitence on June 17, lodged for safe keeping at the Brickdam police station, one .32 Taurus Semi-automatic pistol - number FUH83936, with one magazine and 10 rounds of .32 ammunition and a sidekick holster. The items were entered into the property book with the number PBP, ENT 536. On July 16, the gentleman went to uplift his stuff. The items could not be found and he was told to return. He has done that several times and the items have been declared missing. The gentleman is asking the press to publicize his plight. He has since contacted very senior officials of the government. An inquiry was ordered. A civilian security official has compiled a report which is now with the Ministry of Public Security A senior official in the
office of the Prime Minister left the country in May this year and lodged at the Brickdam police station his Taurus .32 semi-automatic gun, number FFY49197 with one magazine with eight .32 rounds of ammunition. He returned to Guyana in June, went to uplift his stuff only to be told to return since they cannot be located. He has journeyed to the Brickdam police station ten times since. The items have been declared missing. The same official has completed a report which is now with the Ministry of Public Security. But this Office of the Prime Minister staff was more fortunate than the La Penitence businessman. The Office of the Prime Minister is looking into his complaint. How did these guns go missing? Where are they? Could a paper trail determine who had access to the safe where they were stored,
meaning how many persons were authorized to go into the safe? Is footage from the surveillance tapes in the station still available? This is the tip of the iceberg. The tip of the iceberg is located at Brickdam. The body of the iceberg, similar to the one that sank the Titanic, is at Eve Leary. The second mystery relates to a national junior flyweight champion of Guyana, Richard Subratee. On Friday morning, while the weather in Georgetown was in Mediterranean mood, Subratee finished his training session at the gym and was jogging home when a police van picked him up. Subratee said he told the police who he was and that he was flying out to Barbados in days’ time to represent Guyana in a Caribbean competition. He said the police told him there would be no problem if he would just come into the van; it was
routine stuff for an identification parade. Subratee said on the way, the van hauled in ten more youths; all from depressed areas of Georgetown. They told the youths they just needed them to be part of an identification parade and it would just take some minutes. The van turned into Brickdam station. Subratee found himself in a jail cell. Subratee then realized that the police had another parade in mind not the identification one. As Friday wore on, Subratee’s mother contacted his trainer, Sebert Blake. Blake journeyed to Brickdam, made enquiries and was told Subratee would be out after the parade. The parade never took place. Subratee’s mother contacted the Office of the Prime Minister who put one of its most senior functionaries to talk to Commander Hicken. Hicken
told one of the most senior bureaucratic officials in the Office of the Prime Minister that it was a police matter and investigations are ongoing. Blake sought the help of boxing official Steve Ninvalle. Ninvalle contacted Hicken on Saturday morning. One Friday night, Subratee was moved from Brickdam to the holding cell at Prashad Nagar which was built to hold three persons. There were six others in the cell with Subratee who told me there wasn’t even room to stand up and he didn’t sleep on Friday night. Subratee was released on Saturday night. From Friday morning to Saturday night when Subratee was released, there was no identification parade. The mystery is why and for what purpose was Subratee picked up? I interviewed Hicken and Ninvalle for this column. Hicken said that he had no discussion with an official
Frederick Kissoon from the Office of the Prime Minister. If the public knows who this official is they may not believe Hicken. Hicken also told me that once Ninvalle contacted him the boxer was released. My investigation does not support Hicken’s timing. Ninvalle spoke to me at length on the Subratee case but does not want to be quoted except to say one emphatic thing - he is completely finished with politics. Ninvalle was a candidate for the PPP in two successive elections.
Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
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La Parfaite Harmonie to get Police Station In an all day session on November 22, 2016, a number of bids were opened for tenders and supply of goods at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Main Street, Georgetown. Tenders were opened for the construction of a Police Station at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), with the Ministry of Public Security as the procuring entity. The engineer’s estimate is $19.3M.
the construction of Eccles Health Center, Block “BB” Eccles Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, the engineer’s estimate is $22.3M.
Bids were open for the procurement of IT equipment, with the Ministry of Public Security as the procuring entity for the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service, Lots 1 to 3.
Bids were opened for renovation works to done Deeds and commercial registries Authority’s Sub-Registry at New Amsterdam, Berbice, the engineer’s estimate, is $1.1M. The procuring entity was listed as Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority.
Also, bids were opened for the procurement of new reconditioned vehicles, GPS, Ministry of Public Security was the procuring entity. The Ministry of Public Security was the procuring entity for the opening of bids for the supply of computers for the Guyana Police Force.
The Ministry of Public Security was also the procuring entity for tenders opened for the construction of living quarters for officers at the Mazaruni Prison. The engineer’s estimate is $43.1M.
Bids were yesterday opened for the procurement of Uniform material, Janitorial supplies, field material, medical supplies and stationery and office supplies, Lots 1 to 6 for the Guyana Police Force, with the Ministry of Public Security as the procuring entity.
Tenders were opened yesterday for the demolition of the concrete structure of the Mazaruni Prison. The engineer’s estimate, $14.8M, with the Ministry of Public Security as the procuring entity.
Bids were opened for the construction of living quarters, at Timehri, CANU. Engineer’s estimate, is $14.9M, with the Ministry of Public Security as the procuring entity.
Bids were opened for the Expression of Interest for housing development along the East Bank Demerara and the East Coast Demerara and Georgetown, Region 4. Interested companies are as follows. The Ministry of Communities was the procuring entity. The project includes three phases and the interested phases are shown on the table.
One bid was opened yesterday for the Parliament Office to be supplied with snacks and meals for sittings at the National Assembly and a meeting of Parliamentary Committees; the procuring entity was Parliament Office of Guyana. It was established $1.4M was the price per sitting at National Assembly
The Ministry of Natural Resources was listed as the procuring entity for the construction of a Plant Nursery Perimeter’s Fence Phase 1, Botanical Gardens. The engineer’s estimate is $2.4M
Also the Ministry of Natural Resources was the procuring entity of Painting and securing the eastern fence in the Botanical Gardens. The engineer’s estimate is $3.2M
The Ministry of Public Security procuring entity for consultation on the expansion of the Mazaruni Prison by tenders; C.B & Associates Incorporated - $8.4M, and a consortium with Vicas Guyana Limited, James Consultant Trinidad & Tobago Limited, Yoel Bradridge Association Architect Limited at $41.4M and S.R.K Engineering and Associates Limited in association with Dean and Partners at $29.6M. Regional Democratic Council, Region 4, was the procuring entity for opening of bids for
The Ministry of Business was listed as the procuring entity for the construction of the Lethem Industrial Estate, Infrastructure development works. Lot 1 of the project includes the development of roads, drains, structures, and water distribution network and retention ponds. The engineer’s estimate is $441.6M. (continued on page 23)
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Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Harbour Bridge commences night retractions to ease daytime congestion A vessel making its way through the opening in the Demerara Bridge
As Guyana awaits, impatiently, the construction of another Demerara River crossing, authorities appeared to be making significant progress in reducing congestion on the East and West Bank Demerara area. In the wee hours of this morning, the Demerara Harbour Bridge was scheduled to start allowing night retractions for oceangoing vessels. Shortly after 01:00 hours, a fuel boat was set to make its way upriver to Providence. The night retractions would come after decades of openings only during the day, a system that had overtime contributed to the growing congestion problem along the East Bank Demerara road, said to be the busiest in the country. According to Brion Singh, Traffic Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the night openings were made possible after months of preparation, including ensuring that river navigation lights have been repaired and operational. The bridge management
had to ensure that the cluster piles or buffers were in place. “We had also to service and clear the areas of several river navigational lights which over the years have not been in use.” The river navigational lights are located at Good Intent and Sisters’ Nursery School, West Bank Demerara and at the sugar terminals, Ruimveldt. “We took a little while as we wanted to ensure that risks are greatly minimized,” Singh explained. The bridge’s management had to consult with river pilots, agents, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and other stakeholders. “According to MARAD regulations all foreign vessels have to use local pilots to go through the bridge,” the official explained. Singh noted that it is the intention to ultimately bring down the average 90 minutes that the bridge opens during the day. One of the major problems saddling the bridge openings is that sometimes it spills over to peak periods, especially in
the afternoon, because of the timing of the tide. It is the intention to bring down the 90 minutes openings to about an hour. “We are not doing away with the daily openings. We are first starting with the ocean-going vessels in the night. We will not be allowing any barges because of delicate nature of piloting the vessels through the bridge,” the Traffic Manager disclosed. The aging Demerara Bridge, 38 years old, has been a major worry for consecutive administrations. It is the main link to the West Demerara and Essequibo Coast from the city. The bridge has recorded a sharp rise in traffic with
west-bound traffic showing almost 9,500 vehicles and motorcycles crossing daily. With an estimated 90 percent of those vehicles returning, it means that on an average 18,000 vehicles and
motorcycles are crossing the structure daily. The previous administration has started the process of building a new one with a number of proposals on the table, including a
similar floating one, as well as a fixed structure. A number of sites, including Houston, East Bank Demerara, are currently being considered, for possible locations.
Businesswoman secures injunction against partner over legal ownership of Superbet facility Businesswoman Norah Espinova, who is involved in a legal battle over the rightful ownership of the popular George’s and Son Sport Bar located at Vreed-en–Hoop,
West Coast Demerara, has secured an injunction against her former business colleague, Wayne Vieira. Kaieteur News understands that Espinova, a citizen of the Republic of Bolivia had entered a business agreement with the defendant, (Vieira), whom she met a few years ago. The woman explained that when she entered into a business arrangement with Vieira, he invested 25% but she was the principal investor. According to her, the agreement was towards establishing a Superbet (casino and entertainment facility) which will operate out of Vieira’s Lot 3 Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara, (WCD) premises. The businesswoman explained that the deal turned sour after she became suspicious of her partner’s dealings. “I began to do some investigation and found some things out. He was trying to put me out of my business. I am not a citizen of this country but I have an employment visa and proof that that is my investment,” Espinova stated. “He was telling people that the business (George and Son’s) belongs to him. He even gave another girl (name given) power of attorney to place a malicious advertisement in the newspapers to say that I had no connection to the business after I went to court and secured the injunction. The business is only housed at his premises; it does not belong to him,” the woman emphasized.
Businesswoman Norah Espinova
Given the strife between her and Vieira, Espinova moved to the Georgetown Supreme Court and secured an injunction against him. According to the order, the woman’s former businessman partner (Vieira), his servants or agents are prevented from managing or taking part in the operations of the betting shop called Superbets situated at Lot 3 Vreed -en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara until such time the court determines otherwise.
The document stated that the injunction was granted by Justice Diana Insanally on November 8, last. The businesswoman is therefore contending that the information outlined in the advertisement that she is no longer employed with George and Sons Sports Bar is false and should be disregarded. “It was a malicious act by this man to stain my name even after the court granted the order against him, “she added.
The advertisement that was placed in last Friday’s edition of Kaieteur News
Thursday November 24, 2016
College opens to train prospective public servants ... unprofessionalism in the Public Sector to be something of the past
The initial batch for the Cadet Programme at the newly launched Bertram Collins College for the Public Service. (MOTP Photo) The government, yesterday, ushered in a new component of the Public Services sector yesterday. This component is the President David Granger’s envisioned Public Service College. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who delivered the Feature Address, said that after the Coalition Party won the May 2015 General Elections, the President had raised several concerns over the state of the Public Service. A meeting was subsequently facilitated where Permanent Secretaries attached to several ministries were summoned. During the meeting, Harmon said, the President outlined his plan to have a college set up to craft recruits interested in getting into the Public Service. The Bertram Collins College of the Public Service – which was officially opened yesterday – was birthed and mandated with this responsibility. Harmon said that this was a testimony to the President’s passion to enhance the Public Sector. Harmon charged the recruits to be the ones that will make a difference in Guyana; those that will “change the face of the Public Service”. More than 60 young people aged between 17 and 20 years, are slated to benefit from training annually.The College will not only provide services to persons desirous of entering the Public Service but will also offer services for those already in the system. “We are depending on you. The entire vista of public service training is available to you,” Harmon told the new recruits. The Minister also made reference to the recently concluded Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Public Service.
He said that the CoI report consists of 89 recommendations which will be implemented in three phases: short term; medium term and long term. He asserted that the Government has already begun implementing the first phase. Senior Executive Director of the college, Retired Colonel Lawrence Paul, said that the one-year cadet programme is designed to ensure that entry level public servants have the “expert knowledge and a high level of intelligence that is needed to carry out their functions,” He informed the gathering also, that the Cadets will receive formal and informal training in 17 areas in preparation for public service. Paul said there will also be visits and attachments to public institutions as part of the training. “The visits and attachments are meant to better prepare the cadets to take up their assigned roles in public service and widen their understanding of the structure and function of public institutions. “More importantly they should be able to understand how Guyana works and should better appreciate why they should dispense their duties with integrity, impartiality and objectivity,” the retired Colonel added. The college will seek to become the transformative institution that can bring about fundamental improvement in the performance and behaviour of public servants, he added. Col. Paul is confident that in years to come, the college will churn out the future Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments. The physical college will
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Kaieteur News
eventually be established at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) headquarters in Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Paul said that construction works are still ongoing. The Permanent Secretary of the Department of Public Service, Reginald Brotherson, said that the opening of the college was an exciting time in the development of Guyana. He called for the eradication of “old ways” of doing things and spoke about the “loving, caring and understanding” Public Service that Guyana needs. Brotherson said that the new recruits now have the opportunity to make the first move to show older public servants what they have learnt and in time, transfer that knowledge. The college was named after Bertram Aggrey Collins, a Guyanese who contributed immensely to the Public Service. He was born on September 21, 1930 in Georgetown and attended the University of Guyana; the University of the West Indies, Jamaica (1950-1953) where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree; the University of Paris (19531954); the University of Oregon (circa 1955) where he obtained a Masters of Arts in Political Sciences. In 1957, he obtained a Doctorate in Philosophy. He was instrumental in reforming the Public Service and was amongst those that conducted the first CoI into the Public Service decades ago. Some of these systems in the Public Service came out of his recommendations. He wrote several books including one about racial imbalance in the Public Service. He died in 1997 at the age of 67.
Iran warns of retaliation if U.S. breaches nuclear deal (Reuters) - Extending U.S. sanctions on Iran for 10 years would breach the Iranian nuclear agreement, Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said yesterday, warning that Tehran would retaliate if the sanctions are approved. The U.S. House of Representatives re-authorized last week the Iran Sanctions Act, or ISA, for 10 years. The law was first adopted in 1996 to punish investments in Iran’s energy industry and deter Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. The Iran measure will expire at the end of 2016 if it is not renewed. The House bill must still be passed by the Senate and signed by President Barack Obama to become law. Iran and world powers concluded the nuclear agreement, also known as JCPOA, last year. It imposed curbs on Iran’s nuclear program in return for easing sanctions that have badly hurt its economy.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “The current U.S. government has breached the nuclear deal in many occasions,” Khamenei said, addressing a gathering of members of the Revolutionary Guards, according to his website. “The latest isp extension of sanctions for 10 years, that if it happens, would surely be against JCPOA, and the Islamic Republic would definitely react to it.” The U.S. lawmakers passed the bill one week after
Republican Donald Trump was elected U.S. president. Republicans in Congress unanimously opposed the agreement, along with about two dozen Democrats, and Trump has also criticized it. Lawmakers from both parties said they hoped bipartisan support for a tough line against Iran would continue under the new president. President-elect Trump once said during his campaign that he would “rip up” the agreement, drawing a harsh reaction from Khamenei, who said if that happens, Iran would “set fire” to the deal. The House of Representatives also passed a bill last week that would block the sale of commercial aircraft by Boeing and Airbus to Iran. The White House believes that the legislation would be a violation of the nuclear pact and has said Obama would veto the measure even if it did pass the Senate.
Venezuela opposition says Vatican-brokered talks ‘frozen’ (Reuters) - Venezuela’s opposition said yesterday talks with the government were “frozen” after officials failed to attend meetings, throwing cold water on Vatican-brokered attempts to bridge the country’s deep political crisis. Though the formal talks, which began last month, appeared to have led to the release of a handful of detained activists, hopes for real rapprochement were always slim. The two sides are fundamentally at loggerheads, with the opposition seeking the ouster of Socialist President Nicolas Maduro, while authorities vow he will not leave office before his term ends in 2019. “The government, in an irresponsible manner, froze the dialogue process by not showing up to two technical meetings last night,” opposition coalition leader Jesus Torrealba told Reuters. Opposition activists said authorities backed away after the National Assembly on Tuesday held a heated session in which they slammed Maduro over a drug scandal. Two nephews of Maduro’s wife were found guilty this month on U.S. charges that they tried to carry out a multimillion-dollar drug deal to help their family stay in power. “The government is using the debate as an excuse,” said two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, accusing authorities of not be-
Jesus Torrealba ing committed to talks. “The government has not complied with any of its promises. They promised to free political prisoners; there are more than 100 imprisoned. They promised (to open) a humanitarian channel; not a single medicine has come in.” Maduro acknowledged “difficulties” in the talks but said they were still on track. “The dialogue is advancing ... and by January, February or March, it will be strengthened,” he told reporters. It was not clear if the opposition would resume a more militant agenda, which before the talks included protests and putting Maduro on trial before the National Assembly. International figures trying to facilitate dialogue, in-
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro cluding Spain’s ex-Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and U.S. diplomat Thomas Shannon, were shuttling between both sides. Dialogue had divided the diverse opposition coalition, with some activists feeling the government was duping the opposition to buy time. The situation in oil-rich Venezuela has worsened in the last months, with a recession leaving millions unable to find or afford food amid shortages and spiraling inflation. The opposition blames Maduro, who is unpopular, and has been vying to remove him via a recall referendum. The former bus driver and union leader, however, has said the opposition is seeking a coup against him and has vowed to end his term.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repairs. Call: 601-0595; 220-4073; 220-5785 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 613-9181
VACANCY For male factory workers between the ages 18 and over. Must have police clearanceCall:223-0090 Work in Trinidad, 5yrs experienced welder/mason. Email: clinttrintent@gmail. com (great salary) Camp assistant for interior location. Job involves dishwashing, cleaning etc.Call: 618-2020 LORRY DRIVER, MINIMUM 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE, FACTORY ASSISTANT 266 5569 ACCOUNTS CLERK, MINIMUM qualification CXC Accounts Grades I/ II, familiar with QuickBooks POS & Accounts. Email: info@guygas.com Hairdressers and nail technicians @ the 2nd Floor City Mall. Call: 697-4328 Receptionist male, room attendant, desk staff. Call: 2250198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown. Administrative Assistant/ Internet service operative, computer literate, 2 references needed. Call: 644-2234/ 6494183, email: demcar.info@sky.com Vacancy for salesgirls, hair & nail station rental @ New Market Street. Call: 667-7409
EDUCATIONAL
FOR SALE
CXC Classes: day & evening classes, personal tutor, Grade 4 to 6, Form 1-5 Maths. Call Sir Jarvis: 690-5008/ 6934588/ 638-2359
Doberman and Rotweiler puppies, 8 weeks old. Fully vacinated. Tel: 678-2497
1-30 feet aluminum jet boat with spares. Call: 642-7898 FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Two bedroom apartment with toilet & bath @ Lot 19 Pigeon Island Chateau Margot, E.C.D. Call Nasmoon: 220- 6799/ 6039547 2 Salon Stations to rent & 1 nail tech ($5,000 per week each), persons to do massage & facials. Call: 2234238/602-7960 Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building- Ideal for commercial and office use- Call: 683-7954 One (1) Bedroom Residential Apartment, at Houston, East Bank Demerara. For more information. Contact: 6031620 Fully furnished apartment in South & 2 Bedrooms unfurnsihed apartment in Albouystown. Call: 689-5877 House for rent located at 696 Golden Grove, E.B.D. Call: 611-1963 for further details
Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Trinidad: Columbia 16 Block plant, fully automated, production 12,000 blocks per day-$600,000USD. Email: clinttrintent@gmail.com Elite 150 -$200,000. Call: 6716749
1 Driver for office in Eccles. Call: 233-2745
Learn how you can benefit from iridology Mon, Dec 5th - Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store: 226-9136
2 Experienced Carpenters and 1 Labourer. 266 4427 Giftland Mall: External , Security, Internal Security . $ 447 per Hour. Contact: 222-7334 – 63 1 Cosmetology, 1 security, 2 salesgirls. Call:265-3586 8am4pm
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 RD5 Honda CRV, immaculate condition, TV, reverse camera, CD, mags, alarm, etc, price -$2.850M. Call: 626-2884 1-DAF 75 Hauler GNN Series -$2.5M negotiable. Call: 6555117 One black pit-bull BTT 9621, in good condition, 1TR engine. Call: 277-3657 SALE! SALE!- 2010 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M, 2009 TOYOTA ARIUS $2.6M, 2 TON CANTER $2.4MCALL:642-7295 Bluebird for sale 2011 model, dark interior, reverse camera $2.7M negotiable, preorder any vehicle Call: 655-3400 1 Silver Nissan Dualis (PTT 3081) – PS, PW, AC, CD/DVD player, reverse camera, AW, ABS $3.2M Call: 695-9548 2009 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M IN ‘G’ SERIES, 3 TON OPEN BACK CANTER -$3.6M. CALL: 617-2891
Vigo GPP Series, 3RZ Engine, 4WD, immaculate conditionCall: 698-7807
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: SIENTA -$2.3M, RAUM $2.3M, RACTIS -$2.3M, FIELDER -$2.6M, NEVER R E G I S T E R VEHICLE.CALL: 617-2891
1 Enclosed Mitsubishi canter GNN series, 1 Fiber glass boat 140HP, outboard engine, 1 generator Kubota 1,000 watts. Call: 277-3230 669-9596
One (1) Nissan Escudo, good condition, owner leaving the country. Price $1.6M negotiable. Contact: 6683312/ 627-3609
Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954
Mackbook Pro 17 inch, Apple Ipad2, Samsung Galaxy Tab-4, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS Lite. Call: 6219604/694-1748
Honda CBR 929 for sale $800,000. Also Land for sale at Bushy Park E.B.E. Call: 6944609
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Cat 928F loader, 3406 Cat Engine, 3116 Cat Engine, 3208 Cat Engine. Contact #6500402 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
LAND FOR SALE Diamond 21st Street, can transfer $3.5M. Schoonard, WBD $2.5M, Land Of Canaan $5M per acre- Contact Shawn 231-2199,618-7483 Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M. Call: 690-9645 Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1M, $1.6M, Uitvlugt $2, Tuschen School Street $2M (terms available). Call: 604-6724/673-6300
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494
WANTED Live in/Live out domestic/ babysitter. Call: 223-7500 Mon-Fri 8:15-4:15pm 1 Female shop assistant to work in the interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565 Straight stitch, over edge machine operators, portersCall 222-2541 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri Experienced & Mature cashier & salesgirls. Apply with written application @ American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Street. Live in domestic must know to cook & bake, salary $80,000-$90,000 monthly 3050yrs, boarding & lodging free. Call: 222-4890 Two block makers. Call: 6895877 Live in waitresses to work in bar– Call:604-6606/692-4649 Experienced cahiers, curry cooks, cleaners. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with written application, 5 Commerce Street. Receptionist, apply with application at Millenium Manor Hotel, 43 Hadfield Street, W/Rust. One cleaner. Call: 629-6891 One experienced driver/ salesman, preferably living on West Coast & West Bank Demerara. Contact: 690-6622 or 628-6027 1- Male able body clerk. Call: 231-2029/ 616-5954 One cleaner. Call: 629-6891 Female bartender, live in/out, attractive waitresses, cooks needed at Eden’s Bar (East Bank). Call: 678-3616/email: edenbarandlounge@gmail.com
Marathon Moto, 7½ HP single phase & photocopy machine. Call: 233-2725/ 2332439
Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
HEALTH
Overseas based male seeks working female 30-33 years. Must be intelligent- call:6643119 (No Texts)
Salon equipment, under good conditions. Call: 697-4328 MX QSC 2000, 1500, 1000 watts, 4 Bass 4MID, 4 horn, 4 tweeter mixer, juggler, EQ, Speaker, Cable. Call: 6542732/ 253-3070
Apply in person: labourers, seafood processing plant workers & trainee operators. Call: 227-8176/227-8177
PEN PAL
Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
Land 60X110. Call: 614—2377
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
3 Bedrooms bottom flat @ Lamaha Gardens. Call: 2258084/ 689-6001
House lot for sale @ Blankenburg -3.5 & 4.5 M, Schoonord -6.5 M. Contact #650-0402 TO LET
2 Bedrooms apartments for rent @ Nandy Park -$70,000. Call: 641-3318
Couple to work on farm @ Yarrowkabra, ages 35-45yrs, must be experienced in farming. Call: 642-9191/ 2311408 8am-2pm One decent single female, to live in and cook for 2 between ages 42-52yrs, good salary. Call: 665-7996 Girls to model in fashionable clothing. Earn extra cash in your spare time. Call: 6262629/ 676-6312 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property @ Zeelugt, brand new, fenced, land: 60’X120’ -$8.5M, owner migrating, must sell! No reasonable refused! Reduced Price! Call: 684-4759 TO LET Fully furnished vacation home with all amenities Call during working hours 227-1218
Thursday November 24, 2016
New Supreme Court rules tabled in National Assembly
La Parfaite Harmonie to get Police ...
Bids were opened for the excavation of Joppa Outfall, Corentyne Berbice, Region 6 the engineer’s estimate, $12.5M Lot 2 of the project includes construction of Lethem Industrial Estate, and more development of roads, drains, structures, and water distribution network and retention ponds. The engineer’s estimate, the engineer’s estimate is $400.9M
Bids were opened for the provision of services for the maintenance of Perkins Generators; the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was the procuring entity.
Bids were opened yesterday for the procurement of a Trench cleaner (weed harvester) for NDIA.
Bids were opened for the Rehabilitation of the No.1 Pontoon Structure at Trafalgar, West Coast Berbice, the Ministry of Agriculture was listed as the procuring entity.
The Ministry of Agriculture –NAREI, was listed as the procuring entity for the upgrade and extension of laboratory facility, NAREI compound, Mon Repos, Region 4. The engineer’s estimate is $87.1M.
Also bids were opened for the excavation of Adventure Outfall, Corentyne, Berbice, Region 6, the engineer’s estimate is $8.8M
Villages briefed on Sustainable ... From page 14 to the Ministry and the REO in time to be placed into the Ministry and RDC's Annual Budgets.” More than 30 villages in Region Nine were engaged this time around. Simi-
New Civil Procedure Rules for the Supreme Court were tabled in the National Assembly on Monday. The rules were laid by Attorney General Basil Williams on behalf of the Rules Committee headed by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, and Chief Justice, Yonette CummingsEdwards. According to a Government statement, this is the first time since Guyana became independent that the High Court rules have been subjected to a major overhaul. The changes have brought the new rules in line with similar rules in the Caribbean. It is understood that
Attorney General, Basil Williams
consultants on the new rules would come from Canada shortly to conduct orientation sessions with lawyers and judicial officers. A team from the Caribbean Court of Justice is also expected to do Case Management sessions under the new rules. The new rules are intended to simplify the processes to enable the courts to deal with cases justly and speedily. The voluminous rules and legal forms span 187 pages and contain procedures for settling civil matters and making payments both into court and out of court. This will help to ease clogging of courts by matters that could be settled.
Magistrate recuses self from wounding matter
Bids were also opened for repair works to be done at the Parking Lot at GPHC, the engineer’s estimate, is $6.2M
Ministry of Agriculture NDIA was listed as the procuring entity for bids that were opened for the excavation of Eversham Outfall, Corentyne, Berbice, Region 6, the engineer’s estimate, is $12.8M
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Kaieteur News
lar exercises are scheduled for Parikwarinawa, St. Ignatius, Moco Moco, Nappi, Yupukari and Katoka shortly. Discussions will be held in Mainstay/Whyaka in Region Two next weekend.
Late last year the Ministry began formulating the Sustainable Development Framework Agreement which aims to create viable economies within villages and communities.
Magistrate Judy Latchman has recused herself from the matter in which murder accused, Calvin Bailey, is accused of wounding fellow prison inmate Dwain King, during an altercation at the Georgetown Prisons. The Magistrate made this pronouncement yesterday after she was told by Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves that she convicted the virtual complainant (VC) for trafficking narcotics. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan had transferred the matter to Latchman’s court for fixtures. Magistrate Latchman transferred the matter back to the Chief Magistrate for reassignment today. Bailey, who has denied the charge, was also served with statements yesterday. According to reports, Bailey was placed in isolation after stabbing King, 30, twice to the abdomen with an improvised weapon, during a clash in a section of the prison known as the ‘New Wing Division’ on November 6. Prison sources said that Bailey had alleged that King, a prison orderly convicted for narcotics trafficking, had been in
JAILED: Dwain King MURDER ACCUSED: Calvin Bailey contact with his girlfriend. Bailey, who hails from Linden, was charged in April 2007, for the murder of his 18month-old son Shaquan Nero, which occurred during an altercation with the child’s mother, Bernadette Nero. However, he was freed in March by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after a third hung jury trial. Based on reports, Bailey has repeatedly clashed with prison wardens and other inmates during his incarceration. In May 2014, he sustained injuries when he
set a mattress on fire and allegedly attacked a prison officer. Meanwhile, in September King was jailed for 60 months and fined $30,000 by Magistrate Latchman after she found him guilty of trafficking 2.9 kilograms of cocaine on November 20, 2015 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. King, 33, formerly of Lot 165 Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara had been accused by his United Kingdombased Guyanese girlfriend of setting her up with the cocaine found in rum bottles, she was trying to take out of the country.
Soesdyke man for trial over 2009 murder …after father acquitted in 2014 Steve Allicock, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, has been committed to stand trial at the High Court in Georgetown for the 2009 murder of Wendell Tappin, who was reportedly chopped and stabbed to death. The committal comes two years after his father, Leonard Allicock, was acquitted by Justice Diana Insanally before a 12-member mixed jury. It was reported that the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. However, Steve Allicock, 33, was captured last year
May by police who believed he was the prime suspect. He was hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and remanded to prison for the capital offence. It is alleged that on December 31, 2009 at Albouystown, he murdered Tappin. Wendell Tappin, formerly of Lot 88 James Street, Albouystown, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital on December 31, 2009, where he was pronounced dead. According to reports, the man was chopped and stabbed about
his body during an altercation with some men, over a cell phone battery. Yesterday, in the presence of his lawyer Euclin Gomes, Steve Allicock was informed that a Prima Facie case was made out against him for the offence charged by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the end of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI). He will go on trial at the next sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes. The state was represented by Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones. Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Steve Allicock in 2010.
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Thursday November 24, 2016
Jamaican cops terrorising inner city residents - Amnesty Int’l (Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amnesty International in a report yesterday said that Jamaican authorities and local police are promoting fear among women and families in marginalised communities to hide thousands of alleged police killings. In a new report titled ‘Waiting in Vain: Unlawful police killings and relatives’ long struggle for justice’, the international organisation said that the Jamaican police have used a number of illegal tactics to ensure that the families of victims of police killings do not pursue justice, truth and reparation for their loved ones. “Jamaica’s shocking culture of fear and violence is allowing police officers to get away with hundreds of unlawful killings every year,” Am-
Amnesty Director Erika Guevara Rosas nesty Director Erika Guevara Rosas said. “Unlawful killings of young men and terrorising their relatives into silence seem to be the alternative to proper investigations into crimes. Over the last two decades, Jamaica’s ‘fight violence with violence’ approach
to crime is not only shortsighted but has proven utterly ineffective in tackling the root causes of violence,” she added. Jamaica has long had one of the highest homicide rates in the world. In 2015 alone, there were 43 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. Eight per cent of these were at the hands of law enforcement officials, Amnesty International said. Since 2000, law enforcement officials in Jamaica have allegedly killed more than 3,000 people — mostly young men living in marginalised communities. Despite overwhelming evidence of police involvement in the crimes, to Amnesty International´s knowledge, only a handful of officers have been convicted of murder since then, the organisation added.
PETROTRIN LOSES $1.9B State oil company suffering amid low oil price
Petrotrin President Fitzroy Harewood
(Trinidad Express) State oil company Petrotrin—the country’s third highest taxpayer—has posted a fourth consecutive net loss before tax, this time of $1.95 billion. It has also recorded aftertax losses of $533 million, according to unaudited financial statements for the company’s 12 month-period ended September 30. Petrotrin is the only integrated oil and gas company
with a refinery and domestic monopoly over gasoline stations’ supply. Petrotrin president Fitzroy Harewood, on November 9, as exclusively reported in the Express, had signalled the loss was coming due to depressed oil prices, but did not at that time offer figures. The company’s loss before tax for fiscal 2015 was $1.7 billion, for 2014 $279.9 million, and for 2013 $108.8 million.
PM urges Grenadians to vote in today’s referendum ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has made an impassioned plea to Grenadians to vote in today’s referendum that will decide whether or not the 1974 Constitution which the island received on attaining political independence from Britain should be changed. In a radio and television broadcast on Tuesday night, Mitchell said that referenda like these do not happen regularly. “For my generation, and even the one after me, it might be the first and only opportunity that we get to have a direct say in amending a document that was handed down to us, even before we had colour television or access to the internet. “The world has changed a lot since 1974; and we continue to change with it. Even when struck down by hurricane or bitten by political upheaval, our people
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell have never feared the future. And we do not fear it now. “We can make a mark for the next generation of dreamers, who will continue to reach for the stars, because we had settled for solid ground on which they can plant their feet,” Mitchell said, noting that as head of the govern-
ment “I personally appeal to all Grenadians to go out and participate in the referendum on Thursday. “If you need further information and guidance, speak to your representatives, or your social and religious leaders.” “Whichever direction the vote goes, I am assured of one thing: Grenada will win on Thursday. I look forward to us waking up on Friday as a greater nation,” he said. Grenadians will vote on seven bills including those that will allow for the island replacing the London-based Privy Council with the Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Court of Justice as the final court. In addition, the bills also allow for term limits for the prime minister and change the name of the tri-island state. They also allow for the appointment of an Opposition Leader.
Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Appeal court reserves ruling in Warner extradition matter
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The Court of Appeal has reserved its ruling in a matter in which the United States government is appeal against a High Court ruling that Washington be excluded from being part of the judicial review claim brought by former FIFA vice president Jack Warner challenging his extradition to the United States on fraud related charges. Chief Justice Ivor Archie led a three-member panel hearing the arguments on Tuesday as Queen’s Counsel James Lewis said that as Warner’s prosecutor in the extradition proceedings, he should be heard by the judge hearing the judicial review claim against the Attorney General’s decision to sign an extradition request from the US, which Warner’s lawyers said was illegal. In his ruling in June this year, Justice James Aboud questioned the contribution Washington could have made to the proceedings before him, noting that to allow the US intervention would set a precedent which could see school principals and business people from having a say on the number of public holidays. Warner, 72, was released on TT$2.5 million (One TT dollar =US$0.16) bail when he made his first court appearance on May 27 last year. He is charged with 12 offences related to racketeering, corruption and money laundering allegedly committed in the jurisdiction of the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, dating as far back as 1990. Warner, in his claim, is questioning the procedure adopted by the Office of the Attorney General in signing off on the US’s request for his
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica has launched its first ever Youth Advisory Council with Prime Minister Andrew Holness saying the new group embodies the government’s commitment to treat youth as full and equal partners in the decision making process. The 16-member Council will serve for the 2016-2018 period and Prime Minister Holness said that the government wholeheartedly supports the development of the country’s youth and will place it as a key component in the national development strategy. “It is not just about talk-
Chief Justice Ivor Archie
Justice James Aboud
Former FIFA VP Jack Warner
Queen’s Counsel James Lewis
extradition made in May, last year, at the end of the US Department of Justice’s investigation into the world governing football body. Washington had sought to be an interest party in the hearing of the judicial review, claiming that it should be granted permission to be heard as it had sufficient interest in the proceedings to be heard. But Justice Aboud in his oral ruling asked: “What can it say differently from the AG? It cannot be to say the same thing differently. “Is the AG’s position different from the US? Does the AG want the US to say something he won’t say? It must be able to offer something more than repetition,” Justice Aboud added. During the three hour submission on Tuesday,
Chief Justice Archie asked the attorney representing the whether he trusted the Attorney General. “Well that’s one way of putting it,” he said, insisting that Washington could not abrogate its own position on the extradition challenge onto another party. “That’s why we’re here. It may be that his interests are informed by different factors, such as politics, we are entitled to make sure our interests are put forth,” Lewis said. “We have different interests than that of the Attorney General,” Lewis said. Warner claims the case against him is politically motivated and accuses the United States of seeking revenge because it lost to Qatar in its bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
ing; it is about actual results and having organizations such as the national youth advisory council,” he said, noting that young people represent a significant segment of the population, who will play a major role in Jamaica as it adapts to many of the challenges such as climate change and natural disasters. “We value the positive contributions of our youth. They are the change agents and need to play a direct role in shaping and influencing programmes and policies that will affect them. It is important that they are engaged and their voices
are heard.” Prime Minister Holness said that the Council will help to facilitate dialogue between young people and Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. For the period 2016-17, the focus will be on the achievement of its objectives in relation to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and its departments and agencies. The work of the Council will be subsequently expanded to consider other policies and programmes across government. The Youth Advisory Council is chaired by UWI graduate Aubrey Stewart.
Jamaica launches Youth Advisory Council
Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Venezuela refinery network operating at roughly a third: sources
Venezuela’s biggest refinery, 645,000-barrel-per-day Amuay refinery, was operating at only 260,000 bpd with two of its five crude distillation units out of service (Reuters) - Oil-rich Venezuela’s refinery network was operating at about a third of capacity, according to union sources and workers, as state oil company PDVSA struggles with equipment issues after years of underinvestment. Venezuela’s biggest refinery, 645,000-barrel-per-day Amuay refinery, was operating at only 260,000 bpd with two of its five crude distillation units out of service, union leader Ivan Freites told Reuters, citing an internal report. Its flexicoker remains down, Freites added. A worker, who asked to remain anonymous because he is not authorized to speak to media, confirmed the situation. Adjacent Cardon, with capacity of 310,000 bpd, was at 120,000 bpd, added Freites,
a fierce critic of PDVSA and the government of socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, the smaller refineries of El Palito and Puerto La Cruz, with capacities of 146,000 barrels per day and 187,000 bpd respectively, were barely refining any crude, according to a separate union leader and a worker. The El Palito refinery was halted in October for scheduled maintenance, according to PDVSA. Union leader Freddy Alvarado said on Wednesday that the complex remained shut. The catalytic cracking and alkylation units at Puerto la Cruz have been inoperative since the start of November, union leader Jose Bodas said earlier this month. Over the weekend, the refinery’s reformer unit for
octane 95 gasoline stopped operating, Bodas added on Wednesday. A worker at the refinery confirmed the issues. PDVSA did not immediately respond to a request for information. Venezuela’s refineries have been plagued with blackouts, equipment issues and stoppages for years. PDVSA often blames problems on “saboteurs” intent on bringing down socialist rule in Venezuela, and says its foes and hostile media try to exaggerate refinery issues. Critics say years of underinvestment and poor maintenance are the cause. U.S. refining firm Citgo Petroleum is sending more products to its parent company, PDVSA, to compensate for problems in the domestic network, according to sources and Reuters data.
Caribbean records decline in visitor arrivals from Canada TORONTO, Canada (CMC) – The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has admitted that the Canadian market is proving to be a challenge for the regional tourism sector, registering a decline this year over the period 2015. CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley, speaking at a CTO organised Media Day event here, said that last year the sector recorded a 4.5 per cent increase in visitor arrivals from Canada last year. “We are experiencing a decline this year. Our research department reports that during the first six months of 2016, the Caribbean welcomed approximately 2.1 million Canadians, down 3.7 per cent when compared to the same period last year,” he said, noting that this has been attributed to the depreciation
of the Canadian dollar with respect to the United States currency. “We saw the numbers fall during each of the first six months, with the exception of May which was flat. In the first quarter we recorded a decline of 3.9 per cent, and a slightly better performance in the second quarter, which recorded a drop of 3.3 per cent when compared to the same period in 2015.” Riley said that eight of the 24 reporting destinations recorded growth, with highs of 24.9 per cent in the Turks and Caicos Islands and 14.1 per cent in Suriname, while Barbados, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guyana, St. Maarten and St. Vincent & the Grenadines registered moderate growth. He told the event that as
far as the source Provinces are concerned, Ontario continues to be the number one market, producing 61 per cent of Canada’s visitors to the Caribbean, with Quebec a distant second at 11 per cent. Cuba remained the top Caribbean destination for Canadians during the first half of this year, receiving over 527,000 visitors, down 4.3 per cent when compared to last year. Overall, taking into account all markets, visitor arrivals to the Caribbean grew by 5.2 per cent during the first half of this year. Riley said in absolute terms, that’s 15.7 million tourist visits, more than 775,000 than in 2015 and that estimates showed that arrivals have increased in each month of the year.
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Thursday November 24, 2016
Trump names Haley, a foreign policy novice, as envoy to U.N. (Reuters) - Donald Trump yesterday named South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a former critic with little foreign policy experience, to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations at a time of uncertainty over America’s international role under his presidency. Haley, one of two women chosen for a job in Trump’s Cabinet, is “a proven dealmaker, and we look to be making plenty of deals. She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage,” the Republican president-elect said in a statement. The 44-year-old daughter of Indian immigrants, Haley represents what some Republicans hope could be the new face of their party: a younger, more diverse generation of leaders. Haley took Trump strongly to task during the presidential campaign over his harsh rhetoric about illegal immigration and for not speaking forcefully enough against white supremacists. Trump has chosen mostly male conservatives so far for senior positions as he shapes his administration following his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 election. Trump takes over from Democratic President Barack Obama on Jan. 20. Also on Wednesday, a spokesman for former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson said Trump had not offered the retired neurosurgeon the post of housing and urban development secretary, disputing a Wall Street Journal report. “Trump did not make an offer,” Carson spokesman Armstrong Williams told Reuters. “He asked him to consider HUD. Nothing has been offered and no decision has been made.” The Journal, citing two people familiar with the deliberations, also reported that Trump was expected to pick billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as commerce secretary.
Governor Nikki Haley (REUTERS Photo) The choice of Haley may be aimed at countering criticism of Trump’s divisive comments about immigrants and minorities, as well as accusations of sexism during his election campaign. Haley led a successful effort last year to remove the Confederate battle flag from the grounds of the South Carolina state capitol after the killing of nine black churchgoers in Charleston. The flag was carried by pro-slavery Confederate forces during the Civil War and is viewed by many as a racist emblem. Haley said she had accepted Trump’s offer and would remain governor pending her confirmation to the Cabinet-level post by the U.S. Senate. “When the president believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation’s standing in the world, that is a calling that is impor-
tant to heed,” she said in a statement. Haley’s job may include reassuring allies worried about some of Trump’s campaign rhetoric, including his pledge to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to curb illegal immigration, his promise to review trade agreements and his suggestion that he would push NATO partners to pay more for their own defense.Trump wants a better relationship with Russia, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. He has antagonized China, another major power at the United Nations, with his rhetoric on trade and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. AMERICA’S ROLE Trump, a New York real estate magnate who has never held public office, gave few clues about his world view during an extensive interview with The New York Times on Tuesday.
Thursday November 24, 2016
Linden tightens grip on athletics... From page 34 Chabrol who had 13.3 and 13.4 seconds for second and third respectively. Supporters from the East Bank of Demerara where the venue is located got something to cheer about when Odessa France sprinted to the Girls’ U-12 title in 13.5 seconds. Corentyne’s Shelda Jordan (13.6) was second and Essequibo Islands/West Demerara Keira Duncan (13.7) third in the race. West Coast Berbice took the U-10 Boys’ race via the efforts of Dwayneol McCammon in 13.9 seconds. Corentyne’s Ewell McDonald was second in 14.0 seconds while East Georgetown’s Gary Nedd (14.2) was third. Essequibo Islands/West Demerara’s Akayla Martindale took home the Girls’ gold medal in 15.0 seconds ahead of North Georgetown’s Athaliah Hinckson (15.1) and East Georgetown’s Tianna Springer (15.2) respectively. Corentyne’s Damian Tillakram won the Boys’ U-8 80m in 12.2 seconds ahead of
Essequibo Islands/West Demerara’s Jaheim Paul (12.3) and East Coast Demerara’s Anthony Sancho (12.4) in that order. West Coast Berbice Oshay Roberts won the Girls race in 12.5 seconds while North West’s Jada LaCruz (13.2) and East Bank’s Shekinah Wilson (13.4) was second and third. In the U-14 Girls’ 800m, Shaquka Tyrell handed Linden even more points with a win in 2:29.7 ahead of North West’s Leah Harris (2:39.7) and Essequibo Islands/West Demerara’s Keliza Smith (2:47.60). East Coast Demerara’s Joel Williams narrowly escaped the diving Tyrese Wharton from the Corentyne in the Boys’ race to win in 2:18.10. Wharton posted 2:18.20 for second with West Coast Berbice’s Mathew Gordon (2:20.50) third. Williams’ team-mate, Nicholas Daw won the Boys’ U-16 race in 2:10.30 ahead of Essequibo Islands/West Demerara’s Moses Best (2:12.50) and North West,
Daniel Henry (2:12.60). East Coast also took the female title through Kissanna Glen, who posted 2:31.00 with Aaliyah Moore from South Georgetown second in 2:40.20 and East Georgetown’s Jasminie Assannah (2:45.20) finishing third. U-18 Girls 800m: North Georgetown’s Claudrice McKoy (2:28.50); East Coast Demerara’s Latovja Moore (2:40.30) and North West Sophey David (2:43.00). U-18 Boys 800m: North Georgetown’s Samuel Lynch (2:02.20); West Coast Berbice’s Okemi Porter (2:04.70); Linden’s Nigel Gonsalves (2:06.80). U-20 Boys 800m: Corentyne’s Delroy Leitch (2:06.00); New Amsterdam’s Laurindo Prince (2:09.50); Linden’s Hosea Glen (2:10.20). U-20 Girls 800m: North Georgetown’s Maria Urquhart (2:28.6); Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara Kezra Murray (2:33.20); Linden’s Shontel Hinds (2:45.40). The competition continues today at 9am.
Thursday November 24, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't be too eager to start any debates. Don't volunteer private information about yourself unless you're prepared to be talked about behind your back. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Limitations at work might set you back. Do not invest in ventures that only appear to be lucrative. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence. Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position. CANCER (June 22-July 22) If you keep busy you won't feel the personal pressures you are going through. Do not yield to children or relatives when they really don't deserve it. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Catch up on any correspondence you've neglected. Use your creative abilities to come up with new ideas and directions. You have been stagnating for some time now and you need a change of pace. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your relationship is undergoing some changes. You can dazzle members of the opposite sex with your quick wit and aggressive charm. You will reap the benefits if you put money into upgrading your residence.
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Kaieteur News
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may find it difficult to discuss personal matters with family members. Money can be made if your are willing to take a chance. You will easily capture the interest of those you talk to. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) The answers can only come from within. Family outings or a quiet stroll through the park will lead to stimulating conversation and a closer bond. Don't settle for less than the best. SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Any renovation or decorating to your home should include the whole family. Don't put your professional reputation on the line. CAPRI. (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Loss is evident if you don't consider all the angles. Try to curb your bad habits. Plan a nice evening for two. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Don't let your jealousy be the reason for a decaying relationship. Stomach problems could prevail if you haven't been watching your diet. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You will be able to catch up on overdue paper work. Take that long overdue vacation if you can. You will be a real chatterbox today.
RHTY&SC, MS launches Youth... From page 25 Parade, the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Sports Award and the Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence among others. The magazine also features special articles on the current state of Guyana’s cricket, Suicide, the activities of the National Sports Commission and the role of youths in a Green Economy. The main objectives of the Magazine are to document the work of the RHTY&SC, to honour outstanding members of the Club, to acknowledge sponsors, to report to supporters of the Club on the activities they sponsored and to inspire other organisations to
Regal Sports T20 softball continues on Sunday The Regal Sports T20 Softball T20 tournament is set to continue on Sunday at Everest Cricket Club. In the Masters segment on pitch one, Regal will play Tropical Spring at 10:00hrs and Savage will take on Albion at 13:30 hrs. On pitch two, Ariel will take one HS Masters at 10:00hrs and Mike’s Wellman will play Wolf’s Warriors at 13:30hrs. In the open division on pitch three, Speed Boat will engage Success at 09:00hrs, Regal will battle Super Star at 11:00hrs, Pigeon XI will face Ariel at 13:00hrs and Mike’s Wellman will tackle Herstelling at 15:00hrs.
Lewis’s maiden century in vain... From page 30 Sulieman Benn sparked excitement in the Windies camp when he hit the second delivery of Pradeep’s over, over deep mid wicket and then holed out to sweeper cover with three needed from the final three deliveries. Holder, who then needed three from the final ball, managed a shot to cover for a single as Sri Lanka prevailed. Holder, who was not out on 45, also finished as the leading wicket taker for his side with three wickets for 57 runs. Earlier, two Sri Lankan batsmen missed out on centuries by exactly six runs after the home side recovered from the loss of Kusal Perera in the third over with the score on 18. Niroshan Dickwella 94, Kusal Mendis 94 and Dhananjaya de Silva 58 were the top scorers for Sri Lanka who lost to West Indies at the start of the series.
follow in the footsteps of the Club. The RHTY&SC first published the magazine in 2000 under the supervision of its Public Relations and Educational Committees. The 2016 edition of Youth Review is the 30th publication of the RHTY&SC as over the years it has also published six magazines for the Berbice Cricket Board, youth information bookl e t s a n d o n l y recently published a 40 pages booklet about the history of Guyana’s smallest township – Rose Hall Town. The RHTY&SC, Foster proudly stated, is the only youth and sports organisation in Guyana that has published an annual Magazine since 2000. The Management of the Club would like to express
gratitude to the numerous companies and organisations who contributed to the publication of the Magazine including the Guyana Tourism Authority, Ming’s Optical, Sterling Products, Scotia Bank, Busta, HA Snacks, DTV-8, Hand in Hand, BCCDA, Namilco, GWI, Ansa Mcal, DeSinco Trading, Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd, Anamayah Memorial Hospital, National Sports Commission, Guyana Cricket Board, Metro, GDF, Impression, Bakewell and Farfan and Mendes Ltd. Persons who would like to obtain a copy of the 2016 Youth Review Magazine can e m a i l foster_hilbert@yahoo.com or call the Club Office on 3374562.
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Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Karibee Rice supports GT Slammers Dominoes tourney
Lewis’s maiden century in vain as Sri Lanka clinch one run thriller
Evin Lewis battled cramps to raise his maiden ODI century, but could not take West Indies over the line © AFP Compton Sancho (left) presented the cheque to Monica Thomas. Karibee Rice of Corentyne Berbice have thrown their support behind GT Slammers for the hosting of their dominoes competition which will commence on Saturday at Dynasty Sports Club at 15:30 hrs. The entity’s representative Compton Sancho presented the second place prize
of $100,000 to Chairperson of GT Slammers Monica Thomas on Monday night at Dynasty SC. Thomas expressed gratitude to the Karibee Rice and wished the teams well, while Sancho said they are happy to be part of the competition. Entrance fee is $10,000 and the winning team will take
home a trophy and $150,000, runner up a trophy and $100,000 and third place a trophy and $70,000. The MVP in the final will receive $5,000. All GNDA rules will be in effect. The competition will continue on Sunday and conclude on Monday night at the said venue.
The Rising Sun Turf Club will come alive on Sunday when that entity in collaboration with the Alliance for Change holds a grand one day fundraising e meet at the Club’s entity Arima Park, Rising Sun, West Coast, Berbice. Eight races are listed for the day with over $5M in prize monies, trophies and other memorabilia at stake. The feature event is for horses classified D and lower with a winning purse of $800,000 and trophy over 1400M. The G class and lower animals will also be running over 1400M for a first prize of $400, 000 and trophy. There is a race
for animals classified H3 and lower also over 1400M for a winning pocket of $300,000 and trophy. The three-year-old 1100M event will be for West Indies bred maidens one year and lower open animals for a winning prize of $280,000 and trophy. Guyana Bred 2-years old animals will have an opportunity to perform over 1100M for a winning take of $260,000 and trophy. The J class race has a winning purse of $220,000 and trophy and is another 1100M event. The L class event is for a winner’s money of $180,000
and trophy in another 1100M race. There is a second L class event for which will cater for maiden horses over 1100M for a top prize of $140,000 and trophy. Already a number of horses have been entered for the day’s meet with a number of sponsors on board. Most of the big stables are busy preparing their charges for the day’s meet and from reports the animals are looking in excellent condition. Animals from the most of the major stables including the Sheriff Racing stable, Mahaicony, Mahaica, Habibulla, Jumbo Jet, Inshan Bacchus Hard Running, Elcock , Singh , Jagdeo, Bactowar and Crawford stables among others will be in action. Other incentives on offer will be for champion jockey, champion stable and champion trainer compliments of the Trophy Stall, Bourda Market and the organizers. Interested persons can contact Fazal Habibulla at Chester Fry Bush Lot, West Coast, Berbice on Telephone No 232-0232 or 657-7010. All proceeds go towards charity. Race time is 13:00hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Rising Sun Turf Club and Alliance for Change meet on Sunday
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, CMC – Evin Lewis struck his first ODI century but his knock was in vain as West Indies panicked in the death overs to hand Sri Lanka a nail biting one run win in the fifth game of the Tri-Nation Series at Queen’s Club here yesterday. Lewis scored an enterprising 148 to keep West Indies on course for victory, while cameos from Captain Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite brought the Caribbean side within striking distance. But with ten runs needed in the final over to successfully chase a 300 plus target for the first time in ODIs, the Windies were bogged won by deliveries at the death from Nuwan Pradeep in a thrilling finish. Sri Lanka’s win secures a spot in Sunday’s final, while West Indies and Zimbabwe meet tomorrow to decide which team advance. Victory Guarantees West Indies a place in the finals, while a tie or a no-result would knock Zimbabwe out. Lewis’s maiden ODI century contained 15 fours and four sixes as he kept West Indies in line with the asking rate for most of the chase. The Trinidad and Tobago batsman shared in two half century partnerships that powered
his side’s innings to 329 for nine after the home side amassed 330 for seven after they were sent in. He featured in an opening stand of 63 with Johnson Charles who scored 26 and 70 for the second wicket with Kraigg Brathwaite who got 16 and rode his luck several times during his backbone innings. Lewis was dropped on 26 and 41, survived an lbw decision on 53 as well as a run out chance on 114 before he was stranded midpitch as a result of a mix-up with Holder. He was one of three batsmen who went by way of the run out route, the others being Shai Hope for 25 and Jonathan carter. Lewis’s departure saw West Indies slipping to 262 for six with 69 needed from 57 balls until Holder and Brathwaite, who contributed 19, put together 45 runs for the seventh wicket to drag Windies within 24 runs shy of Sri Lanka’s score. Brathwaite was one of two victims of Nuwan Kulasekara who was Sri Lanka’s top bowler with two for 72. West Indies, who were cruising to the target for most of the game, found themselves needing 19 from ten balls, before ten runs were required from the final over. Continued on page 29
Thursday November 24, 2016
Inclement weather washes out BCCDA Inter-Agency Softball cricket competition Activity set for Sunday The inclement weather last Saturday caused the disruption of a number of outdoor events slated for that day. One such event was the seventh Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) Corporate Business in Sports (CBIS) Inter-Agency Softball cricket competition and fun day which was slated for the Rose Hall Community Centre in Canje. The rain flooded the ground making it impossible for the activity to be held. Meanwhile, the activity has been rescheduled for this Sunday (27th November) at the same venue and is expected to feature the same teams, beginning at 09:00 hrs. The fixture remains the same and will see –BBCI taking on Massy Industries followed by Oldendorff Carriers and Hand in Hand, then the match between Republic Bank New Amsterdam Branch and Ansa Mc AL Trading, while Massy Distributers will match skills with Permaul Trading in the final first round encounter. Republic Bank Rosignol Branch has drawn the bye. The Republic Bank Rosignol Branch will have to play the first match in the next round. Meanwhile, the winning team with the highest score in the first round will draw the bye to the second. If more than one team has the same score then the team
that lost the least wickets will advance. The teams are also expected to engage in 10/10 cricket, dominoes and other activities. The aim of the event is to promote unity and fostering better working relationships between entities and the public. Top stereos sounds will be in attendance. Children and other patrons will also be catered for with Merry go round and other tokens. Patrons will have an opportunity to walk away with gate prizes which will be up for grabs. Massy Industries has donated a gas package that includes a gas stove, bottle, fittings and other accessories, while Massy Distribution has donated two food hampers. All the funds raised from the project will go towards charity. The winning team is expected to pocket $40,000 plus a trophy and medals. Second place will take home $20,000 plus a trophy and medals. Third and fourth place finishers will receive $10,000 and $5,000 respectively plus a trophy and medals. The man of the match will get $5,000 plus a trophy. The defending champion is the Nand Persaud Group of Companies. However, they will not be participating this year. (Samuel Whyte)
St. Kitts & Nevis, Estonia play to draw Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis — St. Kitts & Nevis avoided defeat at the hands of European opposition for the second straight time, drawing 1-1 with visiting Estonia on last Saturday night. Last year, the Sugar Boys became the first Caribbean side to defeat a European team on its own soil, when they defeated Andorra, 1-0, on November 12, 2015. On this occasion, SKN welcomed the Estonians to its Warner Park Stadium home and took a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute, when 25-yearold forward Devaughn Elliot hit the back of the net with a free kick from 30-yards out. Estonia levelled in the 42nd minute through midfielder Rauno Sappinen’s first-ever international goal.
The host brought on 19-yearold forward Tahir Hanley – one of the stars of the side that recently qualified for the 2017 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship – in the second half, but he couldn’t solve Estonia’s Canada-born goalkeeper Andreas Vaikla. The match marked the third time SKN hosted a nonCONCACAF member in a friendly, also doing so against Chinese Taipei in 2002 (3-0 win) and Northern Ireland in 2004 (0-2 loss). It was the second meeting between SKN and Estonia in slightly more than a year. Estonia won 3-0 at home on November 17, 2015. Next for Estonia is another friendly at Antigua & Barbuda on November 22. (CONCACAF)
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Kaieteur News
Little Diamond National Martial Arts C/ship
Black Cobra and Iron Fist Karate Clubs rake in 36 medals At the just concluded Little Diamond National Martial Arts Championship which took place on November 1213 at the cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association (GMMAKA) represented by Black Cobra and Iron Fist Karate Club’s won a total of 36 medals. The 24 students from Black Cobra Karate Club located at La Parfait Harmony, West Bank Demerara and Iron Fist Karate Club of New Diamond/Grove Primary School collectively won 14 gold, 15 silver and seven bronze medals. Following is the breakdown of the medals won by the individuals: In the 6 & under category Traditional Kata - Mahendra Gorakh won silver and Rashad Allie, silver. In the 7 – 9 female category, Aasyah Bacchus won gold and Asiya Allie silver. In the male novice division, Altaf Singh took the bronz,e while in the Intermediate class; Mahendra Singh got silver and Adrian Rambaran bronze. In the 10 – 12 category, Chandrapaul Sukhu took silver and Zakariya Bacchus bronze, while in the 13 – 15 female division Alliyah Ramnarine was the gold medalist. In male category Zaid Bacchus also won gold and Mohan Sahadeo silver. Among the 16 – 19 year olds, Raul Joseph was unstoppable by taking gold and in the 20 – 25 year old Novice class; Roman Pollard was golden in his performance whilst Tueismar Peters took the silver medal. In the advanced category,
Members of the Black Cobra and Iron Fist Karate Clubs following their dominating performances. Steven Persaud was the silver medalist. In 26 & Over competition, Norlyne Paul won gold. In the 6 & Under category Weapon Form, Mahendra Gorakh was golden; in the 79 class, Mahendra Singh won silver and Adrian Rambaran, bronze. In the 10 – 12 year old category, Zafar Ramnarine topped his opponents to win the gold. Among the 13 – 15 yearolds, Mohan Sahadeo won silver. The 7 – 9 Category of Freestyle competition resulted in Jaffar Ramnarine copping the gold medal; in the 10 – 12, Zafar Ramnarine also won gold. In the 7 – 9 year-old Novice Sparring division, Altaf Singh won the gold medal
while in the Intimidate category; Asif Ramjohn won gold and Isaiah Busby silver with Mahendra Singh taking the bronze. Among the 10 – 12 yearolds, Chandrapaul Sukhu won silver and Tyrese Felix, bronze. In the 16 – 19 yearold class, Raul Joseph was the silver medalist. Steven Persaud led a clean sweep of the 20 – 25 category with the gold medal, Tueismar Peters got silver and Roman Pollard, bronze. Meanwhile, the GMMAKA informed that they had sent a team to Suriname last August where they bagged a total of 42 medals. Master Lloyd Ramnarine is encouraging youths to get involved in martial arts since
it is a disciplined game which helps youngsters to focus more whilst also helping them to balance their minds. It also serves to keep the youths away from bad company. Ramnarine is expressing gratitude to Professor Nazim Yasim who was responsible for upgrading his license which now allows him to examine and grade students. Persons desirous of joining any of above two named clubs can contact the President and Chief Instructor, Lloyd Ramnarine on 698 6727, General Secretary Ms Norlyne Paul on 683 6455, Assistant Secretary Julie Ramnarine on 675 7737 or 681 7062 or Treasurer Steven Persaud on 699 1875.
Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club event off again The word from the organisers of the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facilities (RCMTC&SF) meet is that it has been called off again. The event has suffered a number of postponements due to a number of different circumstances including a clash of dates and was rescheduled for this Sunday. However, due to the event organised by the AFC and The Rising Sun Turf Club, the event has suffered a further set back. According to organiser Marcel Crawford Jr the event will now be tentatively set for the 18th December at the club’s track at Alness Corentyne Berbice.
Over $3M in cash, trophies and other incentives are up for grabs with eight races listed on the day’s card. The events listed are the Alness open classic which will be contested over 600M for a first prize of $600,000 and trophy. There is expected to be a G and lower event which has a first prize of $300,000 and trophy over 1300M. The Guyana bred twoyear-old horses will compete for a winners money of $200,000 over 1100 M. The H and lower 1400M even will see the animals racing for a $200,000 winner’s money and trophy. The animals in the ‘J1’ class event will be competing for $140,000 winners money
over 1300M. The K and lower event will fetch a winning prize of $80,000 over 1100M. There is a race for L1 animals over 1100M for a first prize of $60,000 and trophy. The unclassified event will see the horses galloping over 1100M for take home money of $30,000. There will be trophies and other incentives for out-
standing individual performers including top Jockey, trainer and stable compliments of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and the RCMTC&SF. Persons with queries can call Marcel Crawford Jr on 678-5342 or Compton Sancho on 602-1567 for f u r t h e r d e tails. (Samuel Whyte)
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Thursday November 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Du Plessis denies cheating, says made ‘scapegoat’ (Reuters) South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said yesterday he had been made a ‘scapegoat’ by the International Cricket Council and denied any wrongdoing after being found guilty of balltampering during the second test against Australia. Du Plessis, who was sanctioned for the same offence in 2013, was charged last week after footage emerged from
Villiers, expressed regret that the case had taken away from his team’s series-winning triumph in Australia and said he had never intended to cheat. “I still completely disagree with (the verdict),” Du Plessis told a media conference in Adelaide in calm and measured tones. “I felt like I’ve done nothing wrong. “It’s not like I was trying
Smith’s half century helps Vikings to victory over Bulls
bate about this. “I am personally aware of the pervasiveness of this issue. I get stories told all the time.” South Africa wrapped up the series 2-0 by thrashing Australia by an innings and 80 runs in Hobart last week, with the touring side’s bowlers dominating. “I suppose the thing that’s most disappointed us
Dwayne Smith celebrates his half-century, Barisal Bulls v Chittagong Vikings, BPL 2016-17, Chittagong, ©BCB C H I T TA G O N G, Bangladesh, CMC-West Indies opener Dwayne Smith led a solid batting display to help Chittagong Vikings seal a 78-run win over Barisal Bulls in the 24th match of the Bangladesh Premier League on Tuesday. Smith top scored with 69 from 77 balls to power Vikings to 185 for five after they opted to bat at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium. He put on 43 in 5.4 overs
South Africa’s cricket captain Faf du Plessis arrives at a news conference before the third cricket test against Australia in Adelaide. (REUTERS/Jason Reed) the Hobart test of him applying saliva to the ball with a mint in his mouth. Cricketers in the field are permitted to, and routinely do, ‘shine’ one side of the ball by applying saliva with their fingers and rubbing it on their uniforms to encourage the ball to swing in the air when it is bowled. However, it is forbidden to use ‘artificial’ substances to work on the ball. After a marathon ICC hearing in Adelaide on Tuesday, the 32-year-old was fined his entire match fee but cleared to play in the series finale in Adelaide. The ICC verdict was defended by its South African Chief Executive David Richardson as a “line in the sand” but current and former players slammed the decision, saying every team shined the ball in the same way. Du Plessis, standing in for injured regular skipper AB de
to cheat or anything, I was shining the ball. “It’s something that all cricketers do. “Our mouths are always full of sugar, I think it’s such a grey area in the laws of cricket. “I just ask for that everyone gets treated the same way. I think that’s fair. “Obviously the ICC has taken a stance against me, to use me probably as a scapegoat now, but all you can ask for is that everyone gets treated the same.” BIG DEBATE Sitting beside Du Plessis, Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said he had asked the skipper to hold off from appealing the charge pending further information from the ICC. “We will pick up this topic with the ICC,” Lorgat, a former chief executive of the sport’s global governing body, said. “It’s a big academic de-
is that we’ve dominated and played exceptionally well,” said Du Plessis. “That’s taken all the shine away from that, excuse the pun,” he added, breaking into a wry smile as reporters chuckled. Du Plessis was backed by Australia captain Steve Smith, who denied his team had ever complained about the tactic. “I’ve seen Faf ’s comments in his press conference ... We along with every other team around the world shine the ball in the same way,” Smith told reporters. The charge laid by Richardson last week angered the South African camp, as did the close attention from local journalists, one of whom clashed with a team security guard at Adelaide Airport after the Proteas touched down on Monday. “Thanks for all the love last week,” Du Plessis said with irony to reporters. “What happened at the airport was pretty disappointing ... Because I was never really going to be able to give any answers (before the hearing). “I did feel there was a sense of (the media) looking for a reaction.”
for the first wicket with his captain Tamim Iqbal who struck a run-a-ball 19. Smith’s innings contained six fours and three sixes and was ended by Thisara Perera in the 16th over, caught at deep midwicket. Shoaib Malik ensured a strong finish for Vikings, losing his wicket off the final ball of the innings for a 30-ball 63. Mohammed Nabi led the bowling with three wickets for 16 runs from three overs, in-
cluding the openers in the second over of the chase, as Bulls collapsed for 107 in 18.4 overs. Number eight batsman Enamul Haque top scored with an unbeaten 42 as Bulls reeled at 12 for four before stumbling to 39 for seven. Trinidad and Tobago allrounder Rayad Emrit shared a fifth wicket stand of 25 with Mushfiqur Rahim for Bulls, after picking up a wicket for 41 runs.
FIFA’s Infantino wants video replays at 2018 World Cup ROISSY, FRANCE (Reuters) FIFA President Gianni Infantino is hoping video replays will be used at the 2018 World Cup in Russia to help referees avoid serious mistakes during the tournament. Speaking to reporters after the first executive summit of the world governing body yesterday, he said video replays could help with decisions on penalties, goals and red cards. “It will not answer all the questions a referee can have but it will help them not to make serious mistakes,” Infantino said at the regional gathering of FAs. “How? With a referee in front of a TV monitor who looks at the footage and in the space of two, three, four seconds can advise the field referee if he is asked or if he has not seen a serious mistake. “Once again, it would be for game-changing decisions - goals, penalties and red cards, that is essentially on these decisions that video replays can intervene.” Infantino, who was elected in February, believes it is about time referees were assisted by video replays. “We’ve been talking
FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures during an interview with Reuters at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland November 2, 2016. (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann) about this for 50 years and now we’re testing it,” he said, adding that further tests could be conducted at next month’s Club World Cup in Japan or at next year’s Confederations Cup in Russia. “We will be testing all this, we will experiment and make mistakes, but the first results are positive and I really hope that in 2018 we will be able to help the referees at the World Cup. “It is a paradox that the only one not seeing a serious mistake is the referee while all the spectators at the stadiums or with their phones or at home see it immediately, while
the referee cannot see it not because he does not want to but because he is not allowed to,” Infantino added. In March, IFAB approved a two-year trial of a system in which a so-called Video Assistant Referee (VAR), with access to replays, helps the match officials review key decisions. Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United States have all been conducting tests. The second and third of 11 FIFA executive summits will be held in Singapore from Dec. 6-8.