Monday November 25, 2013
Kaieteur News
Letters... Where your views make the news
Where is the public outrage over this decision? DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the recent letter “Are justice and morality broken in Guyana?” By Selwin Asafa George in your issue of November 23rd 2013, and like the writer, I wondered at the lack of publicity and open outrage at the magistrate’s decision. The media, the politicians and the protestors seemed stunned that they could not find their voices to speak up, nor their legs to walk in protest. Where is the GHRA?
Is everybody away or on leave? Here in Region 11, I had my own discussions over drinks and camaraderie with my old timers, and all of us are in utter amazement at this event. We concluded that: a) a lot must have gone on behind the scenes and (b) the code of silence has to be kept out of great fear. Editor, I feel that I should pose some questions to you and that hopefully you could get the answers from your
legal personnel and append it to my letter. The questions are: (1) Could a charge be laid by the police against the shooter for discharging a gun in a public place? (2) Could the shooter be required to surrender the gun? (3) Could the gun permit be revoked due to the act of discharging the gun in a public place? (4) Could the video be used to support the above? Carl Veecock
Exploitation of Linden supermarket employees DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space in your newspaper to highlight the grave exploitation that some vulnerable employees are suffering at the hands of their Employer here in Linden. The employees who work at a particular Supermarket work from eight a.m to eight p.m Monday to Friday. But on some Fridays and Saturdays they work until nine or nine thirty in the evenings. They labor all those hours for a paltry $8 to $9000 per week. Editor, I would like to
know if the national minimum wage does not apply to this particular supermarket. The proprietor of the establishment even orders her employees to work on some holidays, and if they don’t, they are suspended for three days. In frustration some employees move on, but others with no alternative remain. There are also reports that employees NIS records are not up to date. This can be verified. My understanding is that the minimum wage that was stipulated by Government,
Convening of a... From page 4 trained personnel to address an increasing mental health problem and a targeted approach to reducing the alcohol consumption and illicit drug use particularly prevalent among our nation’s youth. Help & Shelter acknowledges and compliments the efforts of the many organisations, media entities, radio and television personalities and individuals who have been doing their part in raising awareness of the destructiveness of domestic violence. But our talk must be translated into meaningful and noticeable actions; we must thoroughly examine our cultural practices and beliefs, socialisation methods, societal norms and expectations that endorse violent behaviors and be determined to make the necessary changes that will contribute to a transformation in our attitudes towards the use of violence and the elimination of this scourge from our society. The reduction/elimination of VAW in particular and violence in general is not easily achieved; it requires
substantial financial support, greater collaborations and cooperation among governmental, nongovernmental and international organizations. We therefore call for the immediate convening of the National Domestic Violence Oversight Committee and Sexual Offences Task Force, two multi-sectoral bodies that are mandated to develop and monitor national plans of action for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual offences in Guyana. In addition, specialised units within the Guyana Police Force are needed to address the complexity and severity of domestic and sexual violence offences, which show no indication of being reduced. Finally, while we recognise the need for greater resources and interventions, we are reminded that we have ultimate responsibility for our own safety and protection and for protecting the vulnerable amongst us. Let us be each other’s keeper. Kevin Massiah Danuta Radzik Denise Dias Parbattie Ranglall Josephine Whitehead for Help & Shelter
and was implemented on July 1st 2013 is across the board and for all and sundry. It stipulated that no employee should be paid less than $202 per hour or $1, 616 per day and $8,080 per forty hour week, or the sum of of $35,000 per month. It was also specified that a working day should not exceed forty hours, and a working week five days. There are penalties for any employer who fails to comply with the aforementioned. The first offence carries a $35,000 fine and$70,000 and one month imprisonment for the second offence. Now I’m wondering if the employer in this case is unaware of these stipulations, or is just blatantly ignoring them, because of the high rate of employment in Linden. I certainly hope that the relevant authorities, would look into this matter, and that the employer in question here, comply with the National Minimum wage forthwith, and make the necessary payments, for the employees to the NIS in a timely manner. Concerned Lindener
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 25, 2013
Anti-Money Laundering Legislation…
Money laundering poses risks for lawyers - export By: Kiana Wilburg Certified anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Toussant Boyce, has said that it is of paramount importance that Guyanese Lawyers pay attention to the risks money laundering poses to their profession. Boyce expressed this view during his lecture held at the Conference Room of the High Court on Friday. This presentation, which highlighted the obligations of lawyers as gate keepers, was organized by the Guyana Bar Association and delivered by Boyce, who is also a member of the local Bar. It also comes in light of the fact that Guyana has failed to implement the recommendations made by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism
- urges Guyana to seek “super compliance” (AML/CFT) Act 2009 by the November 18 deadline. The Guyanese scholar began by defining the role of lawyers as gatekeepers within the global anti-money laundering architecture and local legislation for AML/CFT. Boyce noted that Attorneys-at-Law fall within the group known as Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs). This being the focal point of his discourse, he firstly pointed to a number of risks and vulnerabilities (danger signs) that lawyers should be aware of, particularly when engaging in certain types of transactions. Those transactions include the buying and selling of real estate; managing of client money, securities and other assets; management of
bank, savings and securities accounts; organization of contributions for the creation, operation or management of companies; and involvement in the creation, operation or management of legal persons or arrangements, and buying and selling of business entities. Among the many risks that lawyers were made aware of, is the need to understand the risk profile related to the practice of the profession in Guyana (including the diversity and number of lawyers) so that the applicable AML/CFT laws can be appropriately designed. Other risks include those arising from the need to balance rights related to the use of privileged information and privileged documents; risks related to managing client confidentiality; managing constitutional and ethical obligations to clients; risks in managing uncertainties arising from the collision of their obligations as gatekeepers with their oath and obligations to clients; risks arising from managing tensions between client expectations and their need to conduct client due diligence and report suspicious transactions; risks
related to their AML/CFT obligations versus their role as members of an independent Bar; the risk of litigation related to their AML/ CFT obligations; the risks that tainted fees, that is, fees paid from the proceeds of crime which can attract criminal prosecution and criminal or civil forfeiture; risks related to compliance costs and time; and reputational and integrity risks. Boyce noted that lawyers are walking a tightrope because their services can be sought for the same reasons by criminals with illegitimate means and also used by clients with legitimate means. A number of vulnerabilities or danger signs were also noted and discussed. Boyce noted that a robust AML/CFT regime contributes to a healthy economy, and a country’s reputation is important.
He said that, “the waves on the sea of international efforts to combat AML-CFT, corruption and fraud are too powerful for the little boats of hope and political partisanships that plague small countries like ours.” Boyce pointed out that global AML-CFT “is for real” and that “it bites just as badly as it barks” but we cannot be pessimistic. He explained that we must aim to pass the legislation currently on the table to meet our FATF compliance objectives but also aim “not just for ‘compliance’ but “work towards a form of ‘super-compliance’ in some respects because FATF is adopting new standards in 2014 that will focus not only on technical compliance but also on effectiveness assessments. He urged that Guyana use the time ahead to examine its own peculiar local socioeconomic circumstances and aim for a ‘gold plating’ of some key legislative provisions for local financial
Certified Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Specialist, Toussant Boyce regulation, particularly, a robust AML/CFT infrastructure in a way that is anticipatory and exceeds the minimum requirements, while fully and carefully tailored to current conditions.
NIS takes Brazilians to court Two Brazilian businesswomen appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday to answer to charges filed against them by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). Maria Dos Santos, proprietor of Fatima Models Boutique Trading and Cheyenne Dos Santos, proprietor of Hotel Marion, whose businesses coexist at 71 Robb Street, Bourda, both pleaded not guilty to the separate charges which alleged that between January – August they failed to produce wages’ records and contribution schedules to the National Insurance Scheme office when instructed to do so by an NIS inspector.
The accused were both unrepresented by counsel and their submissions were interpreted by William Harris, who is attached to the Brazilian Embassy. The Boutique owner stated that over the past few months, she had made a trip to Brazil and entrusted her entity of someone who did not have any knowledge on the handlings of NIS procedures or requirements. She told the court that she currently has the documents for April to August and was unaware of the fact that she was required to present both sets of documents. Meanwhile, the Hotel owner explained that her business has been having continuous staff turn around. According to her “they keep coming and going.”
The business woman further told the court that she was oblivious to the seriousness attached to failing to keep records and presenting them to NIS. The women, who are related by marriage, told the court that they have no prior convictions or pending charges and they reside at 71 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty. The Chief Magistrate emphasised that innocence of the law is not an excuse whereas Prosecutor Bharat Mangru who stood in the matter on behalf of NIS, offered no objection to bail. Thus, M a g i strate Beharry allowed the businesswomen bail in the sum of $75,000 each and the matter will be called again on December 16.
GTI performance drops by 14 percent With students of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) achieving a mere 58% pass rate this year, lecturers have been charged to make a difference in enhancing the competencies of those they teach. This charge was made by Norman McLean, Chairman of GTI Board of Governors at the institution’s graduation ceremony, on Friday last, at the National Cultural Centre. According to McLean, “If we look at our results this
year, we have witnessed a decline in our pass rate, now at 58% from a high of 72%, a reduction of 14%...soon it would be a relevant issue and the real measure would be how competent is the student in this particular area of technical vocational training.” He emphasized that focus needs to be placed on practical knowledge as well as academic delivery. McLean stated that the State needs to make
investment in Lecturers so that they could produce competent and marketable students. Quoting a line from a recent report coming out of GTI, “We can make a difference”, he said that that should be lecturer’s mantra. In addition, GTI is moving in a new era where it is collaborating with foreign institutes to enhance the abilities of Lecturers and by extension the students. “We are facing the (Continued on page 7)
Monday November 25, 2013
Kaieteur News
Pit bulls maul woman Neighbours, aided by police ranks, were forced to slaughter several pit bulls, after two of the animals mauled their female owner at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, yesterday morning. Rochelle Callender, 32, was bitten on the back, arms and limbs after two of the dogs escaped from wooden pens in which they were housed. She was saved from further injury when neighbours, armed with cutlasses and sticks, beat and chopped the animals. They also vented their anger on several other dogs, which were still penned. Video footage posted on a website showed the irate neighbours clubbing and hacking the dogs. Some were also reportedly shot by police
- neighbours, police forced to slaughter dogs ranks who were alerted about the attack. Kaieteur News understands that the woman’s husband has been rearing the animals for several years and would sell the pups. According to reports, Ms. Callender was washing in her yard at around 07:00 hrs yesterday when two of the dogs, which had escaped from their pen, pounced on her. A neighbour told Kaieteur News that he heard Ms. Callender’s screams and then saw the animals attacking her as she lay on
the ground. “She was trying to escape but they were clinging to her feet,” he recalled. The animals only released their victim after several neighbours, armed with sticks and sharp implements, scaled the fence and began to club and chop them. The injured woman was rushed to a city hospital where she was treated and discharged. Residents believe that the attack would have been fatal had neighbours not rushed immediately to Ms. Callender’s aid.
Cops nab man who set stepsister alight - attempted murder charge likely
Police have nabbed the Sophia cobbler who allegedly set his stepsister alight following a dispute over a pair of stolen slippers. A source said that the suspect was arrested in Sophia yesterday. He is likely to be charged with attempted murder. Samantha Schwartz, 38, of Section D, South Sophia, sustained burns to the upper body and right arm last Thursday after her stepbrother allegedly doused her with a flammable substance and set her alight as she stood on her front steps. A sister of the victim told Kaieteur News that the incident stemmed from a dispute over a pair of slippers that a female friend of Schwartz’s had allegedly stolen from the suspect. Kaieteur News was told that the other woman, who has the reputation of stealing from her neighbours, had removed the footwear from the cobbler’s stand. The sister said that Schwartz’s step-brother went to her home and asked her about the slippers that her
friend had stolen. According to a cousin who lives nearby, Schwartz said, “I don’t know about any slippers”, and the stepbrother then threw a l i q u i d o n h e r. H e t h e n
reportedly placed a cigarette lighter near to his fueldrenched stepsister. He then fled the scene, while the victim was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
GTI performance drops... (From page 6) problem with competency with Mathematics. This is happening everywhere, not just GTI. We have to focus in the Ministry of Education, in our school system to ensure that people coming out of the system are competent with Mathematics,” he said. He recalled that about three years ago, GTI had introduced a remedial programme to bring weak entrants up to speed with Mathematics. It appears that the institute would have to reintroduce the programmed, he added. According to McLean, Guyana is poised for growth in the various sectors including mining, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and surveying. Even before students graduate they are offered jobs which are available because of major construction on roads and houses.
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 25, 2013
Monday November 25, 2013
Kaieteur News
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N/A Hospital maternal death…
Nurses say baby was strangled by - but family says negligence! umbilical cord A 26- year- old mother of Fort Ordnance Housing Scheme, East Canje, is accusing the nurses attached to Ward Nine (Maternity Ward) of the New Amsterdam Public Hospital of negligence for the death of her newborn baby. The explanation apparently given to the woman and her family was that the baby died of strangulation from the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck. However, Shonnelle Kendell, 26, is adamant that her baby’s death could have
been avoided and she is currently in terrible pain, both physical and emotional. The woman explained that she was admitted to the hospital after 01:00hr on Friday with labour pains. “I started to feel some pains and it intensified and I told the nurses [that] I was there and they didn’t tend to me—two of them!” All of this, she claimed, took place in the labour room. “I was calling them but it was like my voice was not coming out,” she claimed. The woman, speaking
from her hospital bed on Saturday, claimed that she was trying to get the nurses’ attention to inform them that she was having immense difficulty breathing “and I was telling them that the baby was coming but they didn’t tend to me—until the other nurse came in and then they were ready to check.” By then, she believed it was too late. “The pain was coming and I couldn’t do anything about it and the nurses were telling me not to push and it appears that by the time she [the
Monday November 25, 2013 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Today you will have a great chance to turn up the heat in your romantic relationship and make things sizzle like they have never sizzled before! ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): It's time for you to flex your muscles and insert yourself into a long-standing conflict between coworkers or friends. Two people you like have been going through a power struggle that will do nothing but drain their energy and waste a lot of time. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Your mind is still ready to learn a lot more about the world, and you are feeling eager to hear different points of view. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You've got to keep your options open and be ready for anything right now -- even a quiet night in might turn into a crazy adventure if you open your mind wide enough to see an opportunity when it lands in your lap. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): If you get into a disagreement today, you can get out of it pretty easily. Just use your charm and creativity. You can come up with a funny or amusing way to switch the focus away from what you two disagree about -- and toward the places where you have common ground. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): You typically stick to your plans no matter what -but today makes that impossible. *********************
LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): The more confidence you have in yourself, the less other people will doubt you. You've been looking for that big break, and today you're finally in the position to get it. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): You may find it hard to handle a work or school situation -- but you need to make sure that you do so anyway. It's especially important that you keep things quiet and respectable as much as you can. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 Dec. 21): Your terrific energy is making life fun for those around you. Expect to see more smiles than usual around you, if for no other reason than that you're radiating positivity. Keep it up! .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): This is kind of a hard day for you -- but it's through adversity that you can find meaning in life. Push through whatever obstacles you may run into, then keep pushing 'til you hit it big! ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18): You stumble onto something big -- but it may be too big for you to take it all in at once. Try your best to focus on the aspects of this situation that best fit with pre-existing plans. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): Someone in power is causing some problems today -- but all you can really do is placate them. It's easier than you may realize, but it could take a long time. Get to work early!
delivery nurse] had the baby out—I don’t know what really happened—I was in and out of consciousness…” Kendell informed that the nurses left her and were attending to the baby with a lot of anxiety. “Like 15 minutes after (10:30 hrs), they came back and told me that the baby died, and the cord was wrapped around its neck like about three times.” Kendall stated that she saw her dead baby for a brief while “until they were ready to move the baby to the mortuary.” The young mother said that the nurses “could have paid a little more attention to me and they would have been able to save the baby.” Kendall’s mother, Maria Murray, was furious about the whole matter. She claimed to have spoken with the Nurse, who performed the delivery. “And she said that the cord was wrapped around two times around her neck and when she clipped and cut one, the other one was tightly around the neck, so I told her that she could have unraveled it because it’s a norm for babies’ cords to be wrapped around and then she said she called for back-up and they tried and tried and that the baby had a minimal heartbeat and they tried to bring back it to a normal beat but the baby was dead after.” The family is claiming that the child was a healthy one prior to the delivery. “We have records from the ultra sound and all of a sudden she said that the baby’s cord wrapped around two times and then she said three times later—you know, she is not consistent with her explanation,” Murray lamented. “We need to know what is going on! My daughter was
going in and out of consciousness—she was panting for breath—calling them and they were not moving. If they (the nurses) had moved speedily when she was calling them, they could have saved that baby!” The girl’s husband, Stephen, also vented his frustration. “I think it’s their fault
because they didn’t even want us to see the baby until hours later.” The family is planning to take the matter to higher authorities. Efforts to contact the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA), Michael Itwaru, proved futile. A post- mortem is to be performed on the baby today.
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Kaieteur News
Shootout suspect arrested at GPHC while receiving treatment
(From page 18)
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A would be bandit had his freedom cut short when he attempted to seek treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for a gunshot injury he sustained during an exchange of gunfire with a plainclothes policeman on Saturday night. The man, identified as Jamal Cromwell, 20 years, of Tucville, Georgetown went to the hospital two hours after the confrontation with the cop,
probably thinking that no one would suspect that he was a bandit. H o w e v e r, his explanation of how he received the wound did not add up and police officials stationed at GPHC outpost immediately became suspicious. They reported the matter to their central operations who had already been on the alert for any report of a wounded criminal suspect.
Earlier at about 18:30 hours on Saturday, the plain clothes police rank observed the man walking behind a couple in the vicinity of Anira and Irving Streets, Queenstown. The policeman, suspecting that a robbery was about to take place, intervened and challenged the suspicious character, who pulled out a firearm and opened fire on the policeman. According to a press
release from Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, the policeman returned fire but the suspect managed to escape on a motor cycle ridden by a waiting accomplice. Later, at about 20:30 hours, the suspect went to the GPHC for treatment to a gunshot injury to a finger on his left hand. The police were informed and he is under guard at the hospital.
Port Mourant NDC accused of destroying private property
A retired school teacher, who is residing in Georgetown at present, is accusing the Johns/Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of going on a rampage and destroying his Berbice property.
...Armogan to investigate
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Monday November 25, 2013
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Mr. Narine with the broken pipes. The man Sohan Narine turned up to his Lot 17, Second Street, Tain, Port Mourant house yesterday and saw immense infrastructural damage to his bridge, his pipelines ripped out and his security fencing badly damaged. Narine, Principal of Sir Sohan’s Educational Institute at Lusignan, ECD, stated that he purchased the property with his retirement savings, with the intention of relocating to the ancient county in the near future. He added that he received permission from the NDC to run pipes under the bridge and “subsequently I got a report yesterday [Saturday] that they came and destroyed the whole place—destroyed my bridge, destroyed all the fencing at the top there and destroyed all my pipes.” The man claimed that he had spoken to Minister of Local Government, Norman Whittaker, “and a senior officer, who said that the Local Authority [NDC] here is supposed to write me, informing me before they do the damages…They [are] supposed to give me prior notice before they did it but
they went ahead and did all these things behind my back!” the man complained. Narine purchased the house and land two years ago, “and I have never ever done anything wrong—I built and worked according to the regulations because many years I used to work with the sugar industry so I know the rules and know the law.” Narine stated that he spoke with the Assistant Overseer of the NDC but has not been getting any favourable responses. He also claimed to have spoken with the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six. “They said for me to write them, and they can’t say anything—they didn’t give me any satisfaction!” “All I am saying is that they should have written [to] me, giving me a deadline— you can’t go behind people’s back and do all these kinds of damages…these things are very, very costly! This is bad because as far as I am concerned, this whole thing is political! I can’t understand why they are doing this. They can’t go and break people’s things like that without
informing them.” “They said that they are not replacing any damage…These people think they are so powerful. Everybody accusing me of not being a PPP supporter— and I believe this is political—they taking out spite on me!” A concrete bridge of another resident in the area was also allegedly destroyed by an excavator belonging to the NDC. When contacted, Region Six Chairman, Mr. David Armogan said, “I had a look at it and spoke to Narine and will talk to the Overseer. If it is something that they did willfully, they will have to replace the pipe… if he might have broken the law by building an illegal structure they should at least send a notice or warning to him and ask him to correct the structure before breaking it. They can’t be doing damages to people’s stuff. One of the warnings we gave them is that they should not be destroying people’s things. That is not right. But we will not allow people to obstruct the drainage system either,” the Regional Chairman said.
Monday November 25, 2013
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Kaieteur News
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Salesgirls & porters: Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies: Lot 1E Middleton & Dennis Street Campbleville One experienced Nail technician, specialized nail art design, air brush and hair extension – Tel:231-6000 Furniture store wanted one experienced production manager are one Auto cad / draft person - Contact: 6571414 One cook for the interior to cook in a home- Tel:6816044;666-6836 1 land to buy in Linden – Tel: 697-0054; 686-2201. Preferably Amelia’s Ward
2008 Fielder – $2.7M, Premio$2.5M, Spacio $2.1M, Unregistered – Tel: 617-2891
White 2008 Tacoma 4x4 lift kit, off road tyres. Excellent condition- Call: 610-5370 1 Toyota 212, 1-Toyota AT212, 1- 91 Corrola, 1 Corrola Axio 4WD (new model) never registered call: 259-0836, 621-7838
WANTED Scrap metal – Tel:658-9045; 658-9044 Chain saw operator with own saw – Tel: 618-0487. Barbers – Tel:683-1534; 6094983 Driver wanted urgently for ice-cream van between ages 40-45yrs – Tel:218-3021 1 Live-in maid to work in Diamond – Tel:664-5199 Looking for 1 female to work in the interior in a shop – Tel:664-5199 CHICKEN FARMWORKER NEEDED IN TRINIDAD, FREE HOUSING , SALARY TT$800 WEEKLY. CALL KELVIN: 868-318-1748 / 868-373-0877 / 718-6411252
PROPERTY FOR SALE
110 Corrola, Toyota Vitz – Tel: 679-7139 AE100 Corrola @ $975,000, 212 Carina @ $975,000 – Tel: 611-6632 2002 Rav 4. In excellent condition. $3.2M Neg. Serious enquiries only. Call 6236868 6809981
1 Suzuki 600 GS X – R , 1 Toyota RAW- 4 & CERESTel: 644-5096, 697-1453 Unregistered Toyota Spacio 2003 model & Toyota Sienta 2004 - Tel: 617-5536 One registered NZE Corolla - Call: 652-3820; 665-4529
FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
5 acre fruit bearing organic farm with small cottage to lease or purchase. Leases $120,000; purchase US $ 145,000 – Call 261-2988
Cheapest Online Vehicles!!! – Tel:626-2771
NISSAN WINGROAD PRR SERIES - TEL: 695-4785
Property for sale- Call:6275416
1-320 Cl excavator excellent condition – Tel:699-3992
House & land @ Lot 35 Middle St. Mc Doom; minor repairs. $8.5m negotiableTel: 601-0803, 664-5985
1 New ASCO automatic change over switch, 200 amps Tel: 694-7817; 612-1351
Durban Backlands: Squatting houses. Selling price $1M – Tel:231-2199; 618-7483 House & Land for sale W.C.B - Contact:698-3703; 689-2973 Meadowbrook - $9.5M, East Coast – $11M , Alberttown $31M, Highway (28acres) @400,000 per acres – Call Diana - 227-2256; 626-9382
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 6471773 Professional & affordable salon service: Hair care, nail & skin care – Contact Amrita: 680-2609
Corrola Axio -$2,850,000 , Spacio PRR Series -$2.1M, CRV PJJ - $1.7M – Tel: 697-0294 1 Toyota Caldina & Fielder Wagon, IST, NZE Corolla, Fun Cargo, AT212, AT192, Hilux pick up 4x4- Tel: 6445096, 697-1453
FOR SALE
VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community- Call:592-6248704/592-684-9203
One Toyota Tacoma Extra Cab GMM Series - $1.2M & One AT192 Toyota Carina PLL Series - $1M –Tel: 678-2298 1 Toyota Allion – PNN 736 Series – Tel: 225-0709; 6828876
Live in domestic. Must know to cook Indian dishes, live in waitress, salary $50,000 Tel: 610-3974 Labourers for wood concession. Accommodation Provided, $5,000 per day Tel: 618-0487
2005 Tacoma 1995 V6 4x4 Tacoma – Tel: 651-8870
1 Datsun Pick-up with Canopey. As is where is! – Tel: 226-5199; 628-8553
PENPAL
Toyota Fortuna for sale. Excellent condition, very low mileage – Contact:600-3320
2 - 2007 Toyota Avensis - Tel: 698-0674 ALYEA’S AUTO SALE: PREMIO 2003/2004. ALL PRICES ARE NEG. 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK- TEL: 2317284/ 622-3823
One live in domestic Contact: 658-9495; 6272550
Page 19
EDUCATIONAL Nehemiah Comprehensive School; evening classes: Integrated Science, Human and Social Biology Call:226-0847 for more details. CXC/CAPE classes for students and adults. Highly qualified teachers & CXC examiners – Call:683-3887
5 Head & 7 Head Moulders, 150Kw Genset, CC Saw, Resaw – Tel:626-0024; 6165595; 665-3676
WHOLESALE PLUCK CHICKEN AND PARTS – TEL:676-0931 Massey, Yanmar Ford 5000 Logging/ Agriculture Tractors, parts, Loader & Ford Truck- Call:615-1578/ 694-3595: Tools & Chainsaw668-2831 Closing Down Sale! Imported antique furniture, bed sets & centre table & consoles – Tel:622-3587 XP1500,1500 Watts, Sell$40,000 (Neg.) Contact: GlobeSpan Technology Tel: 269-0140 or 269-0141 or 2690142 Xantrex Trace Inverter/ Charger TR3624 3600 Watts Sell- $250,000 (Neg.) Contact: GlobeSpan Technology 269-0140, 269014, 269-0142 RABBITS @ $2000 EACH TELEPHONE:600-0814 1 Raum PMM - $1.4M, 2006 Hyundai Tuscon Jeep $2.9M, negotiable – Tel:6716051
Potting soil, top soil and quality cow mould - Call: 656-1326; 678-0058 Laptops, 4GB from $85,000Tel: 611-3038 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943 Almost new Honda 6500 watts generator on wheels only 18 hours $ 445,000 – Call: 261-2988 1 New Model Tacoma, 1 12" Aluminum Boat, 1 14" Aluminum Boat. Contact:220-1981; 690-1945 Live and pluck chicken - Tel: 220-9203; 650-4421 Sears 42" riding mower excellent condition. Kholer engine $280,000, 1- double door refrigerator (large) – Call: 261-2988 Available - Fresh Coconut Biscuits - Call to Order/ Inquire 267-2355 or 622-2290 Barber shop blow out sale: 3 chairs, mirrors, Tv, air condition, one hair brush & one hair skink - Tel:609-6952 One pure bred female Rottweiler pup - Call: 2206879 Live/pluck chicken call:6504421, 220-9203 Curtains and carpet for sale - Call: 219-3732 after 6PM Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566 Original Games- Call:6722566
Hi / low HID kits (crystal lights) cheapest in GT – Call: 601-4640; 216-3214
Fluffy Dachshund pups – Tel: 642-6664
270 Amps, portable welders - Telephone: 611-5114
1 Nissan Canter, need repair - Tel: 228-5655;628-1756
One pools table - Tel: 686-7180
Dog Food! 13lbs &50lbs bags wholesale & retail – Tel: 222-7891; 609-9202
Pit-bull - 18months red nose male. Impressive structure with 22" head and growing. Excellent Quality - Call: 6769101 F150, Chevy Cargo Van, Suzuki Sports, Tundra- Tel: 227-8519 Pure bred german shepherd pups & 1 female Rottweiler (5months old) – Contact:2202277; 220-8904; 626-0910
Heavy duty concrete drill, Air less paint sprayer (for houses), Industrial vacuum cleaners (wet & dry)- Tel: 227-8519 350 Diesel (fully loaded, excellent)- Tel: 227-8519 Stereo set (LG speakers)- Tel: 227-8519 (Continued on page 18)
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 25, 2013
Five percent increase of wages and salaries for Public Servants…
Only the ‘Fat Cats’ will see big benefits - GPSU The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has disclosed that it views the “illegal” five percent imposition of salaries and wages for Public Sector Workers as insensitive, disrespectful and ruthless. An official statement released by the Union blasted
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Roger for his utterances on the meager increase. At the most recent post Cabinet briefing, Luncheon boasted about the impending 5% increase, saying that “it will come just in time to supplement the Christmas
shopping”, while indicating that “he too was looking forward to receiving the retroactive increase.” GPSU in responding to his utterances stated, “Certainly the ‘Fat Cats’, who are paid significantly more, would enjoy five percent of their millions to satisfy their Christmas fantasies, without having to touch or deplete savings towards that end. The rest of the labour force, whose percent realizes the bare minimum, finds this payout as a meager aid towards defraying some of the outstanding debt that had piled on their shoulders over more than a year of neglect by an uncaring employer. Christmas then is but a name
to many, but truly enjoyed by a few.” GPSU signaled its intention to begin engaging in a series of activities to heighten awareness about the plight of the Public Servants, as well as calling on all members to challenge this abuse of authority which can no longer be tolerated. According to the statement, President Donald Ramotar at a meeting with the GPSU in January 2013, asked for a multi-year proposal for wages and salaries, while giving assurances that the annual impositions would cease. Kaieteur News understands that GPSU
submitted its multi-year proposals for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. But, to date, after several reminders on the matter, the Office of the President has not furnished any official response. GPSU now asks, “Is this an acceptable attitude for a self proclaimed working class Government? Is this the desired attitude that we as a nation would like to inculcate in future leaders? Is this representative of our nation’s professionalism?” The Union, in the statement, noted that “the Appropriation Act reflected an allocation of G$29,130B to meet expenditure for Wages and Salaries and a further $4.404B for the Revision of Wages and Salaries…A basic Arithmetical calculation represents the provision for the revision of wages and salaries as 15.12 percent of the provision for wages and salaries.” The release said that while it is noteworthy that Dr. Luncheon has acknowledged that this amount was passed in the 2103 National Budget in April, 2013, it is incongruous that a declaration of only five
percent could be realistically made to Public Sector Workers. “Could Dr. Luncheon say what does Government intend to do with the remaining 10 percent of the approved provision? The Opposition should also question Government’s departure from the Parliament approved intention of at least a 15.12 percent payout in 2013.” The GPSU stated. It was disclosed that GPSU wrote the Public Service Ministry in March of this year requesting an interim payout of the allocated sum, until settlement through negotiations. But Kaieteur News learnt that there was no response to this request and to date Government has failed to meet for negotiations. The Ministry of Labour was invited to conciliate between the two parties, but to date this has not materialized. According to the GPSU the imposition at this time is callous and a display of contempt for Public Workers, both with the amount being proposed and the manner in which the hand out is being attempted.
Monday November 25, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 21
World powers, Iran clinch ‘historic’ nuclear deal
Barack Obama (left) and Ban Ki-moon
Geneva (AFP) - World leaders hailed yesterday a “historic” nuclear deal with Iran as a triumph for diplomacy, but cautioned the hard work was just starting to keep Tehran from building a bomb. Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme for the next six months in exchange for limited sanctions relief, in a preliminary accord meant to lay the foundations for a comprehensive agreement later this year. The deal was reached in marathon talks in Geneva that ended yesterday b e f o r e dawn after long tractions between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. Tehran’s arch-foe Israel
Afghan President delays signing US deal KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — President Hamid Karzai cast fresh doubt on the future presence of thousands of American and allied forces yesterday by rejecting a recommendation by an Afghan assembly of dignitaries to quickly sign a long-delayed security pact with the United States. Although the mercurial leader did not fully spell out his reasons for deferring its signature until after the April 5 elections, the move was a slap in the face to U.S. officials who had repeatedly asked for a deal by the end of the year. The U.S. administration has insisted the deal be finalized by the end of next month, warning that planning for a post-2014 military presence may be jeopardized if it is not approved. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel both asked last week that it be signed by the end of the year. Failure to do so could be the final blow to the Bilateral Security Agreement, leaving the Americans without a legal basis to keep forces in the country for up to a decade to train and mentor Afghan troops who remain illprepared to face a persistent Taliban insurgency. The U.S. has said it will pull all its forces out of Afghanistan without it, as it did when Iraq failed to sign a similar agreement. Most of America’s allies have also said they will pull out their troops in without the deal, a withdrawal that could put at risk more than $8 billion a year pledged by the international community for Afghan security forces and the country’s development. After negotiators
Afghan President Hamid Karzai attends the last day of the national consultative council yesterday. (AP) hammered out compromises on several issues, Karzai had called the 2,500 tribal elders and regional leaders to the capital to debate the draft deal in a consultative assembly known as a Loya Jirga. The four-day assembly had the option of asking for changes or rejecting the agreement. Instead Karzai added a new wrinkle by announcing on the opening day Thursday that he wanted delegates to endorse the deal but he would not sign it. He repeated that stance yesterday despite the panel’s recommendation that he sign before the end of 2013, laying down a series of ill-defined conditions and promising to continue negotiations with the U.S. in a rambling speech that lasted nearly an hour. “We want security, peace and we want a proper election. You have asked me that I should sign it within a month. Do you think that peace will come within a month?” he asked the
assembly. “I want an implementation period for peace to come, if peace won’t come, this agreement will cause disaster to Afghanistan.” He did not elaborate, but his spokesman Aimal Faizi said: “Not before elections. He was clear enough.” Normally, following the Loya Jirga, Karzai or his designee would have signed the document and then parliament would have ratified it. Then Karzai would have to again sign the agreement to make it law. It is now unclear if the deal will even go to parliament if the Afghan leader doesn’t change his mind. The U.S. thanked the Loya Jirga for its endorsement but did not comment on Karzai’s remarks. “We are studying President Karzai’s speech. We continue to believe that concluding the BSA as quickly as possible is to the benefit of both nations,” U.S. Embassy spokesman Robert Hilton said.
slammed the deal as a “historic mistake” that left open the capability for the Islamic republic to develop a nuclear arsenal. But the six powers involved hailed it as a key first step that for now warded off the prospect of military escalation — a geopolitical breakthrough that would have been unthinkable only months ago. “ To d a y, t h e U n i t e d States together with our close allies and partners took an important first step toward a comprehensive solution that addresses our concerns with the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear programme,” US President Barack Obama said in Washington. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the deal “could turn out to be the beginnings of a historic agreement” for the Middle East. Tehran boasted at home that the accord recognised its “right” to enrich uranium — which it says is for peaceful purposes — but Western leaders said the deal made no such reference. Under the deal, Tehran will limit uranium enrichment — the area that raises most
suspicions over Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons drive — to low levels that can only be used for civilian energy purposes. It will neutralise its stockpile of uranium enriched to higher 20-percent purity — very close to weapons-grade — within six months, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in Geneva after clinching the deal. Iran will not add to its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, nor install more centrifuges or commission the Arak heavy-water reactor, which could produce plutonium fissile material. UN atomic inspectors will also have additional, “unprecedented” access, Kerry said, including daily site inspections at the two enrichment facilities of Fordo and Natanz. In exchange, the Islamic republic will receive some $7 billion (5.2 billion euros) in sanctions relief and the powers promised to impose no new embargo measures for
six months if Tehran sticks to the accord. But the vast raft of international sanctions that have badly hobbled the Iranian economy remain untouched. The interim sanctions relief was “limited, temporary, targeted, and reversible,” the White House said, stressing that “the vast bulk of our sanctions, including the oil, finance, and banking sanctions architecture” will stay in place. Right to uranium enrichment? Hassan Rouhani, whose election as Iran’s president in June raised hopes of a thaw with the West, insisted “Iran’s right to uranium enrichment on its soil was accepted in this nuclear deal by world powers”.
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 25, 2013
Illegal vending raises concerns once again AJ rejects calls to ban imports
Even as the capital city continues to be plagued by illegal vending, Mayor Hamilton Greene maintains that the Council has always attempted to uphold order in the streets of Georgetown. Speaking with this newspaper recently, Mayor Greene reaffirmed that the issue is a complex one. “I have always attempted to eradicate illegal vending and bring some form of order. However, my fundamental position is that in 1999 the government failed to implement the recommendations made by Professor Akbar Khan under the Georgetown Development Plan, which is intended to relieve congestion in the city. Lands that were supposed to be used for the purposes of vending and car parks under the plan had been sold by the government.” “This issue is complex in that it requires more than just
removal of these vendors as it affects their social and economic welfare. There are a lot of single mothers on the streets trying to earn an honest living. These people need an alternative space to ply their trade.” Greene added. At an earlier press conference, Town Clerk (Ag) Carol Ann Sooba criticized the actions of the Mayor in handling the issue of illegal vending. “There is evidence whereby City Constabulary ranks were out in the city trying to enforce the laws and the Mayor appeared on the scene and instructed the irate vendors that they should not remove. Officers trying to do work but then we have Mayor Greene and some of the Councilors obstructing the efforts.” Selling along the pavements in Georgetown had become a tradition for illegal vendors. At present,
vendors are positioning themselves in passages alongside stores and in some instances almost in alleyways. There have been reports that the illegal vendors are granted permission by store owners to operate in the constricted spaces and there are others who position themselves much to the displeasure of the legal businesses. Concerns have been particularly raised by the Fire Chief in regards to, vending in “very narrow spaces.” He emphasized the fact, that due to the new vending strategy, there is now no separation between buildings in some sections of Georgetown. The Mayor and City Council have repeatedly warned against the hazards of illegal vending. Several discussions were held by the Council to find an alternative solution to the illegal practice.
from Trinidad and Tobago Jamaica Observer Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister AJ Nicholson has rejected suggestions that Jamaica ban imports from Trinidad and Tobago as a retaliatory strike against the summary denial of entry to Jamaicans into that country. On Tuesday, 13 Jamaicans, including an 11year-old girl and a man who is married to a Trinidadian woman, were denied entry upon arrival at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain and were sent back to Jamaica the following morning. Immigration officials at the airport seized the Jamaicans’ passports and ordered them to sit on a hard bench all night before shipping them out of the country, despite the fact that the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) allows for free travel between countries by Caribbean Community nationals. The move by the Trinidadians is also a direct breach of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and defies a recent ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which handed down a judgement in favour of Jamaican Shanique Myrie who had sued the Barbados Government. Myrie was refused entry into Barbados on March 14, 2011, was detained, subjected to a dehumanising cavity search, and deported to Jamaica the following day. The CCJ, in its ruling on
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
October 4, 2013, said that evidence Myrie presented about an illegal cavity search and detention in an unsanitary cell at the Grantley Adams International Airport and subsequent deportation was powerful enough for the court to award her BD$2,240 in pecuniary damages and BD$75,000 in non-pecuniary damages. Last week, businessman William Mahfood, who was on the same return flight as the Jamaicans denied entry into Trinidad, called on the Government to reject Trinidadian goods at local ports if Jamaicans are not allowed free travel and to access gainful employment in that country. But Nicholson cited the rules of the treaty as tying the hands of the Jamaican Government in blocking imports of Trinidadian goods. He said the ministry is investigating the circumstances surrounding the return of Jamaicans from Trinidad and Tobago. “The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishes a regime where goods that are classified as being of Caricom origin are entitled to duty-free treatment on entry into each Caricom member state, unless a member state has invoked a particular exception under the treaty. It would be a breach of Jamaica’s obligations under the treaty to block the entry of goods from Trinidad and Tobago, which qualify as being of Caricom origin, as a result of the allegations of unjustified denials of entry,” Nicholson told the Sunday Observer. He said as a member state of Caricom, Jamaica can pursue other avenues of
AJ Nicholson recourse to seek justice for the unjustified denial of entry of its citizens. He said the country can engage in direct consultations with the relevant government and pointed out that that is presently being undertaken by his ministry. Nicholson also said Jamaica can utilise legal remedies through the CCJ. Jamaica’s trade deficit with Trinidad is more than US$100 million. However, while Nicholson chose the diplomatic route, Jamaican George Lopez said Jamaicans can use their purchasing power to hit the Trinidadians where it hurts most. “The only thing that works is the economic embargo. Don’t buy their goods, don’t give their children jobs. The Government won’t do it, so the people must,” said Lopez. “I am going to remove my money from any financial institution that has ties to the eastern Caribbean. I have long boycotted them, my family and friends also, from the 1970s. They are racist,” he charged.
Monday November 25, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 23
AG mum on Ranger Rover payment Trinidad Express Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has not re-sponded to a question on whether the luxury Range Rover TDV Vogue was pur-chased by businessman Dev Debideen. Continued Sunday Express investigations have revealed it was Debideen (Sr) and not Ramlogan who paid for the luxury vehicle. Attempts by the Sun-day Express to get a response from Ramlogan on the payment for the black Range Rover TDV Vogue, PCR 2, have been un-successful as he has refused to answer direct questions e-mailed to him relating to the purchase of the million-dollar vehicle. However, an informed source told the Sunday Express it was only recently, a pay-ment transaction occurred between both men, with Ramlogan re-pay-ing Debideen (Sr) for the Range Rover. This is because the pur-chase of the Range Rover TDV Vogue by
Debideen (Sr) could be deemed to be a gift to Ramlogan under the Integrity in Public Life Act. Under the act, persons in public life are required to declare all gifts received in excess of $5,000. A person to whom the act ap-plies shall not accept a fee, gift or per-sonal benefit, except compensation authorised by law that is connected direct-ly or indirectly with the performance of the duties of his office. Section (3) of the act states: “Where a gift or personal benefit referred to in sub-sec-tion (2) exceeds $5,000 in value or where the total val--ue received directly or indirectly from one source in any 12-month period exceeds $5,000, a person in public life shall file with his declaration a statement indicating the nature of the gift or benefit, its source and the circumstances under which it was given or accepted.” The informed source told
the Sunday Express the transaction between Ramlogan and Debideen (Sr) is likely to form a key part in the investigation being conducted by the Inte-grity Commission. As reported by the Sun-day Express previously in this exclusive series, a deal was brokered be-tween Ramlogan and Debideen (Sr) in 2010 for the businessman to purchase both the Range Rover TDV Vogue and the Range Rover Autobiography. However, the informed source told the Sunday Express while the Range Rovers were imported by Ramlogan, they were intended for Debideen (Sr). The Range Rover TDV Vogue was selected and customised to the liking of Debideen by his son Varun, who was at the time studying in London, England. Debideen (Jr) is one of the attor-neys working alongside attorney Gerald Ramdeen from a law office on Cornelio Street, Woodbrook. Both attorneys are handling
Sparman still wants Bayview Barbados Nation Cardiologist Dr Alfred Sparman is not giving up on his quest to purchase Bayview Hospital. Well-informed sources told the SUNDAY SUN that Sparman had again signalled his interest in buying the i s l a n d ’s o n l y p r i v a t e hospital, despite the collapse of earlier negotiations with Bayview’s board of management. When contacted, board
chairman Dr William Duguid refused to comment on the latest development. However, sources have indicated Sparman’s renewed interest was being considered by Bayview’s owners. It is understood the cardiologist has put a new offer on the table, which reportedly included a previous half-million dollar downpayment that had become the centre of controversy.
Dr Alfred Sparman
Violence against women contributing to Jamaica’s HIV infection rate Jamaica Gleaner Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) says physical and sexual violence against women remains a significant contributor to the prevalence of HIV in Jamaica. In a release to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which will be observed today, JASL says females 13 to 19 years old remained the most vulnerable to infection. The organisation says, however, that approximately 40,000 Jamaicans are living with HIV/AIDS or 1.5 per cent of the population, a significant reduction since the disease emerged in the 1980s. JASL says inequality in
sexual relationships continues to affect females’ ability to negotiate condom use. And, they say the situation is still being compounded by the culture of multiple partners among males. Pointing to a study it conducted with the European Commission, the JASL says
many females report being infected after being raped and notes that statistics show an increase in reports of rape. The organisation says many females also reported being abused by relatives and members of the community. JASL says empowering women will assist in reducing the rate of HIV infection in Jamaica.
Anand Ramlogan several matters for the State. Similarly, the white Range Rover Autobiography was also customised for Debideen (Sr), allowing him to take advantage of the tax exemptions afforded to Ramlogan. A search conducted on the website historic@jaguar-landrover.com on the chassis numbers of the Range Rover TDV Vogue and the Range Rover Autobiography show both vehicles were purchased in Mayfair, London. Both Range
Rovers were imported from London for Ramlogan by Navarro’s Brokerage Ltd. And up to yesterday, Ramlogan did not explain how some two years after the Range Rover TDV Vogue was registered in 2010, the exemption form is dated 2012. Permanent secretary Sim-eon Yearwood, who was attached to the Office of the Attorney General at the time, told the Sunday Express, in a November 2 interview, he did not sign the exemption form for the Range Rover TDV Vogue. However, the signature of permanent secretary Mar-lene Juman, who replaced Yearwood, is affixed to the exem-p-tion document which is not dated. The Sunday Express under-stands queries are now being raised as to whether Juman did in fact sign the exemption document or if her signature was forged. Ramlogan has also not answered who exactly ap-proved the exemption for the Range Rover Autobiography, given Juman
would have been unable to do so as the exemption document bearing her signature is dated 2012. Ramlogan, along with other Members of Parliament, are exempt from paying motor vehicle tax (MVT), value added tax (VAT) and Cus-toms duties on new or used vehicles imported every two years u n - d e r t h e Salaries Review Commission (SRC), However, the vehicle is not to be sold du-ring the two-year period or half of the taxes are to be repaid. Ramlogan has also of-fered no explanation as to who exact-ly is responsible for Debideen (Sr) being wrong-ly extended the courtesies and concessions afforded to Members of Parliament as the Range Rover TDV Vogue remains in the name of the Attorney General, even though it was sold to the businessman last year. Debideen (Sr) has also not responded to questions sent to him on the matter.
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Kaieteur News
Opposition leader to step up poverty fight KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Leader of the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Andrew Holness has pledged to intensify his fight against poverty. Holness who held onto the post of party leader in the recent leadership challenge, said he will use the mandate from his victory to focus on the development of the country. “A result of my retaining then leadership of the party, you will see the party move with greater alignment with the philosophical beliefs of the unions; you will see the Jamaica Labour Party move with greater alignment with the working class of this country,”said Holness at the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union’s (BITU) conference in Kingston.
Andrew Holness He said the move comes as he realised in the recent challenge to his leadership of the JLP, was more about differences of opinion on the development of the country. The Opposition Leader, who said the JLP is best suited to a partnership
between labour and capital, added that the refocus also comes from talking to young people who are frustrated with the economy. According to Holness, the country must return to a sense that things will get better, but added, that the government is not engendering any hope and that may have far reaching implications for a key variable in the deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “The policies of the government so far do not inspire me that we will be seeing any sustained growth in the near future, and I’m certain that in a few years it is going to become very difficult without growth to maintain the wage freeze agreement,” he said.
Monday November 25, 2013
Hart case goes cold Trinidad Guardian - The State’s half-a-billion-dollar case against Calder Hart has run cold for the last eight months, while a judgeimposed gag order keeps all details of the protracted case hush-hush even though it has been in limbo since March. Hart, the former executive chairman at Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (Udecott) is the subject of both criminal and civil suits, but to date he has not been called to face either one. The Sunday Guardian understands that the last submissions for the case were made before Justice Andre des Vignes back in March. Since then, two subsequent case management hearings— July 17 and July 26—have both been cancelled, with no date set for the next submissions. This means that Hart, who was supposed to be in the country on the date of the first cancelled case management hearing — July 17 —now has no reason to return to the country, as there is no date set for his case. Though Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has been spearheading the call for Hart to return to the country to face the charges, he has since admitted that the matter is out of his hands. “I have been literally begging for this matter to be given some priority by the judiciary,” Ramlogan said in a telephone interview yesterday. Senior members of Udecott’s legal team also expressed frustration over
the months-long drag on this matter. One attorney involved in the case said the matter has been “vacated” twice, meaning that it was cancelled without lawyers from either side having to face the judge. “We got calls and notes, we weren’t even given a chance to speak with the judge on the matter so that we could ask any questions,” the source said. The legal minds said they found it “very strange” that the judiciary could “simply lose eight months” on such an urgent matter. The Sunday Guardian understands that if the case management hearings were held when they were set, Hart may have had to face the courts by January 2014. But with the no-warning cancellations, the matter could continue to “limp along” indefinitely. Hart is also facing criminal charges including perjury for his submissions during the Uff inquiry. That file, it was reported, had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) by the Integrity Commission back in August. One of Hart’s attorney’s, Stewart Young, in a brief interview yesterday, said all attorneys involved in the case were under a courtimposed gag order and as such he was unable to discuss the case. The gag order, Young said, was imposed “very early,” at the beginning of the matter. Despite the stalled case against Hart, recent court rulings against similar cases breathed a breath of fresh air into civil matters of this sort. Last month Justice Devindra
Calder Hart Rampersad cleared the way for a legal case against eTecK and eight directors, including former chairman Ken Julien, University of the West Indies Brian Copeland, former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam. Ramlogan had then described that ruling as a “landmark” one because it opened the door to several civil lawsuits against malfunctioning state boards, including his civil case against Hart. That suit also includes cases against former deputy chairman, businessman Krishna Bahadoorsingh; former financial manager, Ricardo O’Brien; and former corporate secretary, Neelanda Rampaul. The Sunday Guardian received a chronology of the matter dating back to its inception in 2011 when the first pre-action protocol letter was sent to Hart, Bahadoorsingh, O’Brien and Rampaul. By 2013 applications were made to sell off Hart’s local property to recover cost. This failed to stir Hart, who to date has not appeared in the country.
Monday November 25, 2013
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Egypt’s government bans Mass rallies in Ukraine against protests without police approval government U-turn on EU CAIRO (Reuters) Egypt’s president passed a law yesterday making it illegal to hold demonstrations without the approval of the police and banning protests in places of worship, a move rights groups condemned as a blow to political freedom. As the law was being announced by state media, thousands of antigovernment protesters were on streets in Cairo and other cities, as they have been regularly in the nearly three years since a popular uprising ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak. The number of protests and the scale of political violence have grown since July when the army removed elected Islamist President Mohamed Mursi following mass protests against his rule. The bill signed into law by interim President Adli Mansour requires people to secure police permission for protests at least three days in advance, said presidential spokesman Ehab Badawi. It allows security forces to disperse illegal protests with water cannon, tear gas and birdshot. It imposes jail sentences of up to seven years and fines of up to 300,000 Egyptian pounds ($43,600) upon protesters who carry weapons, explosives, ammunition or fireworks, wear masks or block roads, Badawi said. People who organise protests without permission will be fined between 10,000 and 30,000 Egyptian pounds. “This law is not against peaceful protests, as the state welcomes peaceful protesting and is keen to secure those who do it,” said Badawi. Organisers of gatherings for the purposes of elections would need police permission 24 hours’ in advance, said Badawi. The law came as a 50-
Adli Mansour member committee prepared to vote on an amended constitution that will be put to a referendum expected in coming months. Parliamentary and presidential elections are due next year. “This is quite dangerous ahead of elections - in normal times also, but (particularly) ahead of elections,” said Ziad Abdel Tawab of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights, adding it could disrupt public meetings including debates and rallies. Rights groups and Islamists had urged Mansour to reject the draft presented to him by the cabinet installed after the army overthrew Mursi. “The law gives a legal cover for suppression,” said Talaat Marzouk, the Nour Islamist party’s deputy head for legal affairs. A joint statement issued on Friday by 19 Egyptian rights organisations said the law sought to criminalise all forms of peaceful assembly and gave the state free hand to disperse peaceful gatherings by force. “The goal of this (law) is to ban protests in the streets which is something Egyptians have earned by their effort and blood,” activist and lawyer Gamal Eid
Congo arrests senior opposition member on ICC warrant KINSHASA (Reuters) - The Democratic Republic of Congo arrested a senior opposition politician yesterday after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant accusing him of trying to influence the war crimes trial of former presidential candidate Jean-Pierre Bemba. The ICC said in a statement that Fidèle Babala Wandu’s arrest was part of a wider operation to bring other Bemba associates based in Europe into custody for allegedly influencing witnesses in his case. Bemba faces trial at the ICC for crimes against humanity and war crimes because of actions allegedly committed by his rebel group in neighbouring Central African Republic in 2002 and 2003. The ICC said that Judge Cuno Tarfusser had issued arrest warrants for Wandu, deputy secretary of Bemba’s opposition MLC party, two members of Bemba’s defence team - Aimé Kilolo Musamba and Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo - and defence witness Narcisse Arido.
said. He said the law was unconstitutional and contravened an international convention for civil and political rights. “In addition to that, there is no law or power or tank that can stop the anger of the Egyptian people in the streets as long as the demands of the revolution are not met,” said Eid. Thousands of supporters of Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood demonstrated in Cairo and in several other cities, marking 100 days since security forces crushed two pro-Mursi sit-ins in Cairo, killing hundreds. The Brotherhood has faced a harsh security crackdown since Mursi’s removal. Thousands have been arrested and its senior leaders jailed. Police fired teargas to disperse some of the demonstrations on Sunday. “What they fear most is peaceful protests, people’s opinions and in particular the opinions of students, so it’s only natural that they will try to restrict these opinions from being heard with a repressive law such as (this),” said a student taking part in a Brotherhood demonstration at Cairo University. But many Egyptians are weary of the political turmoil that has driven away tourists, blocked roads and hammered investment. In downtown Cairo, a man embraced the rhetoric of the government, saying that “blocking streets and damaging property” is “not expressing an opinion, it’s terrorism.”
(Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Ukrainians marched to President Viktor Yanukovich’s office on Sunday, denouncing a U-turn away from Europe and towards Russia in the biggest street demonstrations since the Orange Revolution nine years ago. Riot police and an angry group of demonstrators clashed in front of government headquarters, spraying each other with pepper gas and fighting with batons, days after the surprise decision by Yanukovich’s prime minister Mykola Azarov to walk away from a trade pact with the European Union. As demonstrators chanted “Down with the Gang!”, opposition leaders told the crowds through loud-hailers they would start moves to impeach the president unless he signed a major trade pact with the EU on November 29 as originally planned. The signing of the association agreement was to be the centre-piece of an EU summit in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, next Friday and mark a historic swing westwards away from Russia, Ukraine’s old Soviet master. The Kremlin had threatened trade retaliation, arousing fears of cut-offs in supplies of Russian gas to Ukraine and through it to the West. Opposition leaders say Yanukovich had never intended to sign in Vilnius and had used protracted negotiations as a screen while
bargaining with Russia to secure a lucrative deal which would also ensure his re-election in 2015. “They were lying all along,” world boxing champion-turned politician Vitaly Klitschko said on a TV talk show on Friday night. The demonstrators, some of whom carried a huge blue flag by its side and corners that bore the Ukrainian national emblem within the traditional EU ring of yellow stars, marched two kms from Kiev’s central Taras Shevchenko park to the city’s European Square, half a mile (one km) from Yanukovich’s office. There they set up a tent city as their headquarters and vowed to stay there until at least November 29. Jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, whose release EU envoys had been trying to negotiate, said the deal was for Ukraine “a roadmap for a normal life, a quantum leap from the deep wilderness of dictatorship to a civilised future.” “We must force them to sign this agreement on November 29 and in Vilnius, otherwise they will never sign,” she added, in a message read out to the crowd by her daughter. “Yanukovich should fly to Vilnius and fulfil the will of the people and sign the agreement,” declared former economy minister Arseny Yatsenyuk, another opposition leader.
Italy President says Berlusconi must obey law, can’t pardon him (Reuters) - Italy’s president yesterday rejected Silvio Berlusconi’s call for a pardon over his conviction for tax fraud and told the centre-right leader he must stay within the law in his protests if he is expelled from parliament this week. A statement from President Giorgio Napolitano’s office said the four times prime minister had not only failed to behave in a way that might have made a pardon possible, but had “expressed judgments and intentions of extreme gravity.” On Wednesday the Senate will vote on whether the 77-year-old Berlusconi should lose his seat, after he was found guilty in August
of masterminding a complex and illegal system to reduce the tax bill of his media company Mediaset. Napolitano was responding to a demand by Berlusconi on Saturday that the head of state should grant him a pardon without him even formally having to ask for one. Napolitano appealed to Berlusconi “not to conduct protests which go outside the limits of respect for the institutions and for normal, necessary legality,” the statement said. On Saturday Berlusconi told an assembly of supporters of his Forza Italia (Go Italy!) party that his expulsion from parliament
Silvio Berlusconi would be a “coup d’etat”. The party plans street protests on the day of the vote, which is expected to go against the billionaire media
tycoon who has always protested his innocence. Prime Minister Enrico Letta’s Democratic Party and the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement are both in favour of his expulsion, and together they have a clear Senate majority. In early August a Milan court sentenced Berlusconi to four years in prison, commuted to a year under house arrest or in community service. Berlusconi is expected to withdraw his party from the ruling coalition if he is expelled from parliament, but Letta is virtually sure to maintain a majority thanks to a breakaway centre-right group which has defected from Berlusconi’s ranks.
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Monday November 25, 2013
Scores killed as rebels battle to break siege of Damascus suburbs BEIRUT (Reuters) Fierce fighting to the east of Damascus has killed more than 160 people in the past two days as Syrian rebels struggle to break a monthslong blockade by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, activists said yesterday. It began on Friday when rebel units attacked a string of military checkpoints encircling the opposition-held suburbs in an area known as Eastern Ghouta, which has been under siege for more than six months. Local and international aid workers say Assad’s forces appeared to be trying to starve out residents indiscriminately affecting civilians as much as rebel fighters. The blockade has cut off rebels’ weapons supplies and helped turn the tide of fighting around the capital in Assad’s favor. The battle has also drawn in hundreds of foreign fighters on both sides, underlining how Syria’s civil war has stirred Sunni-Shi’ite sectarian tensions across the region. “It is a ferocious fight between the two sides because it’s a struggle over our ultimate fate here,” said Bara Abdelrahman, a media
Fighters, who support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. REUTERS activist with the rebel Islam Army brigades in the area. The conflict in Syria has killed more than 100,000 people, according to the United Nations, and is also destabilizing Syria’s neighbors. Foreign powers are trying to bring the warring sides together for a peace conference in Switzerland before the end of the year, dubbed ‘Geneva 2’. Yesterday, Syria’s peace
envoy Lakhdar Brahimi met with members of the opposition to discuss the talks, which many rebel groups have rejected without a clear guarantee that Assad will step down. Assad’s government says it welcomes talks but will not accept any preconditions. Meanwhile, Assad’s forces, emboldened by gains in central Syria in recent months, have been seizing
back towns in the rebels’ northern stronghold. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said rebels had advanced in Eastern Ghouta in recent fighting, seizing some small villages and the once governmentheld town of Deir Attiya. Assad’s forces
responded with three air raids, it said. The mainly Sunni Muslim rebels have drawn support from radical Sunni groups such as al Qaeda and other foreign militants. Shi’ite governments and militias have thrown their weight behind Assad, who is from Syria’s minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shi’ism. Rebels say Lebanon’s Shi’ite guerrilla movement Hezbollah has joined the Eastern Ghouta battle on Assad’s side, as has the Abu Fadl al-Abbas Brigade, a militia that includes Shi’ite fighters from around the Middle East. The Britain-based Observatory, a proopposition group with a network of activists across Syria, said it had documented about 100 deaths on the rebel side on Friday and Saturday in Eastern Ghouta, and more than 60 among forces fighting for Assad. But it said there were likely to be more deaths that had not been documented. “This battle has been one of incredible human losses,”
said Rami Abdelrahman, head of the Observatory. “The fighting is spreading all over the eastern suburbs.” There was no comment on casualty figures from government spokesmen. The United States, which backs the opposition, and Russia, Assad’s main arms supplier, have been pushing for peace talks but a major sticking point has been the role of Shi’ite power Iran, Assad’s main ally. Opposition forces fear a deal curbing Tehran’s nuclear program will lead Washington to ease pressure on Iran and Assad in Syria. Brahimi held separate talks with Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva in the past two days but did not meet U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry as expected. The envoy is to host talks in Geneva on Monday between U.S. Under Secretary Wendy Sherman and Russia’s deputy foreign ministers, Mikhail Bogdanov and Gennady Gatilov.
Scotland names Independence Day for first time: March 24, 2016 (Reuters) - Scotland will become independent of the United Kingdom on March 24, 2016 if a majority of Scots vote to end their 306-year-old union next year, the Scottish government said yesterday, naming its “date with destiny” for the first time. Scotland’s devolved government, which is controlled by the Scottish National Party (SNP), made the announcement as it prepared to release tomorrow what it said would be the most detailed blueprint for an independent country yet. Trailing in the independence debate by about 10 percentage points, the SNP hopes to seize the political initiative with the publication of the prospectus, which it says will shift the dynamic and the momentum of the debate in its favour. Naming a precise date is part of a plan to try to make the idea of a breakaway more tangible in voters’ minds. “We have previously said that we would aim for Scotland to be independent in March 2016 and in the white paper we go further than that and name the date of the 24th of March,” Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, told BBC TV. The blueprint for independence would set out the economic, social and democratic case for
Alistair Carmichael independence, she said. “It demonstrates Scotland’s financial strengths and details how we will become independent - the negotiations, preparations and agreements.” Alistair Carmichael, Britain’s Secretary of State for Scotland and a prominent campaigner against independence, criticised the decision to unveil an independence date, saying the SNP was highlighting something less important than serious policy issues. “We’re not hearing any of these questions answered today,” he said. “The one question they’re answering is one which actually tactically is maybe not very clever for them to do in negotiation and that is to tell us the end game in it all.”
Polls show most Scots oppose independence, but that a large number of voters remain undecided, meaning that next year’s independence referendum on September 18 remains wide open. A poll for Britain’s Sunday Times newspaper showed yesterday that 38 percent of Scots backed independence, with 47 percent opposing it and 15 percent undecided. The SNP says an independent Scotland would be more prosperous and be able to formulate fairer, more tailor-made policies for its 5 million people, while shaking off what it regards as centuries of patronising influence from London. But Britain’s three main UK-wide political parties argue that Scotland would be worse off economically, and would be unable to defend itself or project power on the global stage as well as it can as part of the UK. March 24 was the date of the signing of the Acts of Union between Scotland and England in 1707, a day nationalists regard as one of infamy. But the Scottish government suggested in a news release that was purely coincidental, saying it just “happens to be the anniversary”.
Monday November 25, 2013
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Iran nuclear deal fuels anger, jitters in Mideast JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s prime minister harshly condemned the international community’s nuclear deal with Iran yesterday while Saudi Arabia remained conspicuously quiet, reflecting the jitters felt throughout the Middle East over Iran’s acceptance on the global stage. Elsewhere, many welcomed the agreement as an important first step toward curbing Iran’s suspect nuclear program. Israel and Western-allied Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia have formed an unlikely alliance in their opposition to Sunday’s deal, joined together by shared concerns about a nucleararmed Iran and the Tehran’s growing regional influence. While most Gulf countries remained silent in the first hours after the deal was reached in Geneva, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasted little time in criticizing it, calling it a “historic mistake” and saying he was not bound by the agreement. Speaking to his Cabinet, Netanyahu said the world had become a “more dangerous place” as a result of the deal. He reiterated a long-standing threat to use military action against Iran if needed, declaring that Israel “has the right and the duty to defend itself by itself.” Sunday’s agreement is just the first stage of what is hoped to bring about a final deal ensuring that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. Under the deal, Iran will curb many of its nuclear activities for six months in exchange for limited and gradual relief from painful economic sanctions. The sixmonth period will give diplomats time to negotiate a more sweeping agreement. The package includes freezing Iran’s ability to enrich uranium at a maximum 5 percent level, which is well below the threshold for weapons-grade material and is aimed at easing Western concerns that Tehran could one day seek nuclear arms. International monitors will oversee Iran’s compliance. For Iran, keeping the enrichment program active was a critical goal. Iran’s leaders view the country’s ability to make nuclear fuel as a source of national pride and an essential part of nuclear self-sufficiency. But Israel views any enrichment as unacceptable, saying making low-level enriched uranium weapons grade is relatively simple. It
demands all enrichment be halted, and that Iran’s abilities to produce uranium be rolled back. Netanyahu had also called for economic sanctions to be increased. Israel fears that Iran will use the diplomatic process as cover to trick the international community, much the way North Korea did in its march toward a nuclear bomb. “Today the world became a much more dangerous place,” Netanyahu said. Israeli officials acknowledged they would have to turn their focus toward affecting the outcome of the final negotiations. Israel is not part of the Geneva talks but remains in close touch with the U.S. and other participants. Israel feels especially threatened by Iran, given Tehran’s repeated references to destroying Israel, its support for hostile militant groups on Israel’s borders and its development of longrange missiles. Israeli President Shimon Peres, a Nobel Peace laureate, expressed cautious optimism that Sunday’s deal could change the region. “I would like to say to the Iranian people: You are not our enemies and we are not yours. There is a possibility to solve this issue diplomatically. It is in your hands. Reject terrorism. Stop the nuclear program. Stop the development of long-range missiles,” he said. Another Nobel peace laureate, Mohammed ElBaradei, Egypt’s prodemocracy leader and former director of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency, welcomed the deal. In a tweet on his official account, he wrote: “After decade of failed policies, world better off w/ Iran deal. Equity, trust building, respect & dialogue R key to any conflict resolution.” The muted response in the Gulf came after the rulers of Qatar and Kuwait met Saudi King Abdullah over the weekend to discuss regional issues, foremost Iran. Saudi Arabia and Iran’s regional enmity increasingly has played out as a proxy war in Syria with both countries providing lethal support for the warring sides. Saudi Arabia also accuses Iran of backing Shiite unrest across the region. Bucking the trend, the tiny Gulf countries of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates praised the agreement. Hamas called the deal a sign of Iran’s rising power and prominence. “We welcome this
Benjamin Netanyahu agreement if it will the end of the fear of any weapons of mass destruction in the region,” Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told reporters in Manama. The National Council of Resistance of Iran, an outspoken opposition group based in the suburbs of Paris,
issued a statement welcoming the deal and calling it a “forced retreat” by the country’s clerical government. Across Europe, countries welcomed the deal. Britain and France, which both participated in the negotiations, said they were committed to seeing the deal succeed, while Spain, Norway and Sweden expressed hope for a broader solution. “The agreement represents an important step toward the normalization of relations between the international community and Iran, and toward a general agreement that promotes stability and security in the region,” Spain said. Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council, called it an important step toward “providing assurances that guarantee
the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose government also participated in the talks, said the agreement vindicated Russia’s calls for a diplomatic solution. “The result of Geneva is a win for all, showing once again that by working collectively and with mutual respect it is possible to find answers to current international challenges and threats,” Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin. Iran’s eastern neighbor Pakistan, a declared nuclear power, said the deal “should augur well for peace and security in our region and the world at large.” Turkey, which borders Iran to the west, called it a “new start.” Turkish President Abdullah Gul also welcomed
the deal. “This is a major step forward. I hope it’ll be sealed with a final agreement soon,” he said. Pakistan’s rival India, another nuclear power, also welcomed the deal. Iran’s allies, meanwhile, lined up behind the deal. Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Moussawi called it a “step forward in order to solve other regional problems.” The Syrian government, which relies on Iran’s support in its battle against rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad, also said it was proof that negotiations were the best way to resolve a conflict. The Western-backed Syrian opposition, the Syrian National Council, said they feared the deal would give Iran “legitimacy” to keep up its support of Assad’s forces in Syria.
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Continental on board for Sunburst Linden Sec. Schools U-17 b/ball C/ship The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) has concluded arrangements of sponsorship for its inaugural ‘Sunburst’ Linden Secondary Schools Under-17 basketball championships, which bounces off today at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court starting at 3:00pm. Secretary of the LABA Joseph Chapman in a release disclosed that through the Continental Group of Companies, the required sponsorship for trophies, replicas and medals were received for the tournament, which will see six secondary schools in: Linden, Mackenzie High, Wisburg Secondary, Christianburg Wismar Secondary, New Silvercity Secondary, Linden Foundation Secondary and Harmony Secondary Schools contest the ten day championship at the
Opening ceremony on today, Wisburg play Christianburg Wismar in first match Mackenzie Sports Club hard Court in Linden. A representative team from the association led by its president Haslyn Graham, Secretary Joseph Chapman and Organisation Secretary Ashton Angel (Jr.) visited the offices of the Continental Group of Companies where it met Corporate Secretary Percival Boyce (Jr.) to discuss plans of the event and the sponsorship package. President Haslyn Graham said, the aim was to have basketball played at all levels through the association and this follows the staging of the Under-19 Schools championship earlier in the year. Boyce noted that the association had previously applied for sponsorship in
2011 but they were not successful. However, this time the company, through its Sunburst Orange Juice Brand acceded to the request to be involved with the association in bringing off this tournament. Today’s opening will see a march past at 3:00pm of the six participating schools, which will be followed by the lone fixture of the day at 4:00pm where Christianburg Wismar Secondary are down to play Wisburg in the opening game. Tomorrow, a double header is planned for the tournament venue, the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court, which will involve the other four competing schools as play continues every day of the week up to Friday..
Monday November 25, 2013
Johnson to lead Demerara in GCB Inter-County tourney Knights, Patandin only new caps included Leon Johnson will lead the Demerara team in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) four-day Inter-County cricket tournament against the President’s X1 at Enmore from Thursday and he will have as his deputy Chris Barnwell. Test batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has been included in the 14-man squad in which Police fast bowler Randy Knights and Everest batsman Chris Patandin are the only new caps selected. The squad will be coached by Orin Bailey and Managed by Sherlock Atwell, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the 17-year-old son of prolific Test batsman Shivnarine
Chanderpaul was not considered since he would be away with the West Indies under-19 squad. The full squad read: Leon Johnson (Captain), Christopher Barnwell (ViceCaptain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Trevon Griffith, Rajendra Chandrika, Chris Pattadin, Derwin Christian, Steven Jacobs, Ameer Khan, Totaram Bishun, Trevon Garraway, Randy Knights, Zaheer Mohamed & Paul Wintz. The standbys are: Ryan Ramdass, Vishal Singh, Robin Bacchus, Kellon Carmichael, Joseph Perry, Shemroy Barrington, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Andre Stoll, Jeetendra Sookdeo & Shaquille Williams.
Pacquiao’s win brings cheers in typhoon-hit Philippines (Reuters) - Filipinos at temporary shelters in typhoon-ravaged central Philippines erupted in jubilation after boxing hero Manny Pacquiao thumped American Brandon Rios to clinch the WBO welterweight crown in Macau on Sunday. Displaced families, aid workers and soldiers jumped from their seats and broke into thunderous applause as Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions, comprehensively beat his younger and taller opponent. “I am so very, very happy. Manny gave us something to cheer about in these times of despair,” Sonia Reyes, 35, whose house was severely
damaged by the surge brought by typhoon Haiyan two weeks ago, told Reuters. “Manny’s victory is an inspiration for us to get back on our feet again. Like our ‘national fist’, Tacloban City will rise again,” she added, referring to Pacquiao’s local moniker. Typhoon Haiyan, the most powerful storm to make landfall this year, struck the central Philippines on November 8, killing more than 5,200 people, displacing 4.4 million and destroying an estimated 12 billion pesos ($274 million) worth of crops and infrastructure. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma issued a statement
congratulating Pacquiao for winning another title, saying “the victory will serve as a fountain spring of strength and inspiration for the country after the typhoon devastation”. Pacquiao, a second-term congressman and an army lieutenant-colonel in the reserve force, dominated all 12 rounds with superior hand speed and footwork, leaving Rios’ eyes swollen and bloodied. “From the start to finish, Manny showed his champion form. For a moment, I forgot the miseries around me. Manny helped pull a painful thorn on our side,” Vicente Olang, 66, a retired village watchman, said.
Defending champions Sunburst... From page 29 Collie Hercules and the defenders. Hoping to make up for his glaring miss earlier, Benjamin almost found the back of the net in the 75th minute with a thunderous effort just over the crossbar from the left side of the field. Pele almost doubled their advantage in the 83rd minute through a Kurwyn Benjamin right footed strike from just outside the centre of the box that fizzed just wide of sneaking in the left upright. Turning back the hands of time, the evergreen Hercules almost levelled the score line in the 90th minute with a sublime attempt. Pouncing on a botched Shemroy Arthur clearance from a Travis Waterton lobbed through pass, Hercules upon racing into the centre of the area crashed his powerful lobbed right footed effort off the crossbar in a one on one situation with the Pele custodian.
Sunburst Camptown began their title defence in emphatic fashion, crushing Essequibo 10-0 in the opening encounter of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/Banks Beer Knockout Cup on Saturday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda. Devon Forde, Most Valuable Player of the previous tournament netted the first goal of the event in the 14th minute with a simple tap in inside the penalty area, after collecting a squared pass from winger Runnel Gordon inside the left of the six yard box. Jahaal Greaves then doubled the lead three minutes later with an exquisite lobbed shot from inside the right side of the six yard box over the onrushing goalkeeper. Forde doubled his tally in the 44th minute with an easy finish to the lower right hand corner after collecting a
lobbed pass from Daniel Favourite. It quickly became 4-0 as Favourite etched his name on the scorer’s sheet in the 45th+1 minute with a powerful finish to the back of the net. The goals continued to flow in the second period as Forde completed his hat trick in the 50th minute with a strike to the bottom right hand corner. Greaves would bag his brace four minutes later with a strike to the lower left hand side from within the right side of the box. Greaves would complete his deserved hat trick with a 60th minute strike as the score line ballooned to 6-0. Not to be outdone, Forde registered the event’s first helmet trick with a 71st minute conversion from inside the penalty box to the bottom of the net. The lopsided encounter would be sealed as Stephon McPherson and Favourite scored further goals in the 88th and 90th+1 minute respectively.