Online readership yesterday 118,532
November 26, 2013 - Vol. 6 No. 46 - Price $80
Email: kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Online: http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Bibi Shadick makes special radio licence
p. 3
rules for American citizen River Confusion reigns accident claims two lives p. 6
Traffic lights are intended to prevent confusion. Surely this cannot be the case here
Recycling MoU….
Minister's daughter resigns from company p. 6
Guyana rejects $2.6B USAID project p. 13
$3B missing from public servants' salary increase? p. 10
…House votes $4.4B but only $1.5B being paid
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Tuesday November 26, 2013
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Kaieteur News
Bibi Shadick makes special radio licence rules for American citizen Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, days before he demitted Office in 2011, allocated a number of radio frequencies to friends, family and party, including a company owned exclusively by an American citizen. This occurred despite the fact that Chairperson of the Guyana National Broadcast Authority (GNBA), Bibi Shadick, had said this could not be done.
In fact she had told operators that companies that have 50 per cent or more ownership, by a nonGuyanese, would be ineligible to receive licences. Shadick in November last year, called in all operators and told them that they would have to re-apply for licences, be it radio or TV. She informed the operators that they would have to ensure that their companies are
incorporated, thus making them shareholding companies with a minimum two directors. This posed a problem for at least one operator who had applied and had as a partner, a Guyanese who was a US citizen and was listed as the 50 per cent owner of the company. According to Michael Bess, owner of Atlantic Cable Network (ACN), he had in the
Pit bull attack…
Victim's husband upset at slaughter of animals An Ogle, East Coast Demerara man has described the pit bulls that mauled his wife as “loving” animals and believes that neighbours and police overreacted when they slaughtered all his dogs. Rochelle Callender, 32, was bitten on the back, arms and limbs at around 07:00 hrs on Sunday after two of the dogs broke out from their wooden pens. Neighbours, armed with cutlasses and sticks, as well as armed police ranks, slaughtered the two animals, along with about four others that were still penned. Video footage seen by Kaieteur News showed civilians hacking and clobbering the howling animals. It also showed at least one police rank in plainclothes shooting into a pen. While expressing gratitude to the neighbours who rescued his wife, the owner said he was upset that even the animals that did not participate in the attack were slaughtered. He said that he observed gunshot injuries on most of his dogs. “I thank everybody (who was involved in the rescue), but what upset me is that the rest of the dogs were in the pen and the police shot them…the ones that attacked were also shot,” he alleged. While he was not at home when the attack occurred, the man, who declined to be identified, said that the presence of a stray cat in his
yard triggered the dogs' frenzy. One of the “fully mature” animals broke out of its pen and attempted to attack the cat. When Ms. Callender “hollered on him to go back in his pen,” the pit bull turned on her, the man said. Another animal then escaped and joined in the attack. A neighbour said that he heard Ms. Callender's screams and then saw the animals gnawing at her arms and legs 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 the neighbours and police intervened. The injured woman was treated at a private hospital and sent away. Some neighbours accused the owner of failing to ensure that the animals were properly secured and claimed that the fence
around the property was not high enough. However, the owner alleged that the fence was over six feet high. In addition, he said the pens were constructed of greenheart. He was at a loss to say how the animals managed to escape. “My children would be downstairs with them…they are loving dogs,” he said. According to the man, he has been breeding pit bulls for about 15 years without any mishap. He blamed the presence of stray cats in the neighbourhood for constantly enraging the dogs, which he kept chained at night. The dog owner has since dismantled all the pens and does not plan to breed any other dogs.
past worked with a Guyanese associate, who later migrated to the US and subsequently gained US citizenship. According to Bess, he had set up a company and named his associate, who by this time re-migrated to Guyana, as 50 per cent owner of that company. Shadick objected, and on those grounds the company was refused a licence. The same, however, did not seem to apply to Telcor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc which is owned 100 per cent by an American citizen. This company was incorporated by Attorney-atLaw, Jaya Manickchand, the sister of Government Minister, Priya Manickchand, in 2009. The Articles of Incorporation, part of the public records, list as a Director for the Company, Kamini Persaud, the wife of then Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud. Kamini Persaud, is also the niece of Jagdeo. The other director was listed as Ruth Baljit, the sister of Minister Persaud with her listed address as 1106, Virginia Avenue, New York, US. The company was incorporated with 500,000 shares and each annual return filed, lists Baljit, a US citizen as the sole shareholder. This means that the company Telcor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc. is on paper, owned exclusively by a US Citizen. Kaieteur News understands, too, that the company was struck off the
Registrar's Companies List for failing to file annual returns. It was restored to the Companies List in October, days before Jagdeo would have approved it for five radio frequencies. Dharamchand Depoo, the Company Secretary uplifted the Licence for Baljit who lives in the United States. Jagdeo's gifting of Guyana's national resources, the airwaves, to certain close friends, family and his political party, has come under increasing scrutiny following the forced disclosure by the Prime Minister in the National Assembly earlier this year. The bending of the rules to allow a non-Guyanese approval for the operation of new radio stations to especially close friends of Jagdeo and the ruling party, would be significant as there had been strong objections from existing media houses. Several prominent, independent media entities including Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, CNS 6, WRHM 7, RBS 13, Capitol News, HBTV 9 and GWTV 2
were all bypassed by Jagdeo. Yet, Jagdeo also gave to Dr. Ranjisinghi 'Bobby' Ramroop, his close friend, his party's newspaper, the Mirror, five frequencies each. He approved frequencies to a number of others but only allowed them one frequency each, limiting them in their coverage. The former President has also come under criticisms for granting cable television licences to two companies –E-Networks Inc. and Quark Communications. Both companies have Directors and shareholders with close links to him. Both companies along with Global Technology, on which Ramroop, his close friend, sits as a Director, are now set to receive Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s licences. These will pave the way for a small group of friends, all close friends of Jagdeo, to control the media and telecommunications industry – an industry worth billions of dollars and which was virtually handed to them for free.
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Did the PPP gamble and lose? It would seem that Guyana despite all the goodwill that the international community, particularly India and China bestowed on Guyana, the country’s economy is in dire straits. The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force has blacklisted the country simply because its laws are not stringent enough to thwart money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Indeed Guyana has been talking about legislation to combat money-laundering and for more than a decade the then President Bharrat Jagdeo identified the former banker, Paul Geer, to head what he called the Financial Investigation Unit. But Geer was just a picket. He had nothing to do because no one was reporting anything to him. Such was the state of affairs that the commercial banks were not reporting illegal transactions out of fear for their safety—the reporting system is considered porous. Paul Geer simply reported that there were no suspicious transactions and the authorities had no reason to doubt him. But there was more to the situation. The government had developed a level of complacency and disrespect for others in the society that today, we now learn that the punishment that has visited us was more than a decade in the making. Indeed the warning came just as Guyana was gearing for the General ad Regional Elections. These elections were held in November and the warning from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force was sent to Guyana that same month. It must have been the arrogance because neither the then President Bharrat Jagdeo nor his successor Donald Ramotar said anything. The belief is that the administration would have waited until the last minute, run to the National Assembly, and use the expected parliamentary majority to run the Bill through the House. It turned out that the ruling party did not gain the parliamentary majority so there was to be no rushing of the Bill through the House. There should have been some form of negotiation with the parliamentary opposition but this was not to be. Already there are those who feel that Guyana has precious little respect for any authority. It slighted the British when it was time to implement the British sponsored security development plan. It told the Americans to mind their own business when a diplomat dared to criticize the manner in which the radio frequencies were distributed; and when the Canadians dared to talk about human trafficking, the Guyana Government issued a caustic retort. It must be this arrogance and disrespect that caused the government to believe that with one month to the deadline it could take the amendments to the National Assembly and the rest would be plain sailing. But the Parliamentary Opposition did not take kindly to being slighted so the end result is that neither side budged and the country is blacklisted. Sometimes the society is led to believe that the government does not want the anti-money laundering Bill at this time. If that is the case then the Opposition played right into the hands of the government. Whatever the case, the business community is now in a quandary. No one is certain about the extent of harassment when one seeks to import or to export goods and services. Having started severe punishment in the face, the government is now prepared to take the legislation back to the parliament. It is going to ask the Speaker of the National Assembly to waive the Standing Orders. Then it is going to court one or both of the opposition parties. The big issue is why is this happening so late in the game? Courting the opposition should have been one of the earliest moves by the government. What is clear is that both the government and the opposition know that Guyana is in dire straits. They know that it cannot be business as usual. They know that they must pass the required legislation within two months or be doomed.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Withdrawal of the Recycling Plant Memorandum of Understanding DEAR EDITOR, Over the past two weeks, a significant amount of negative press has been generated around the signing of a memorandum of understanding between our company, Natural Globe Resource Guyana Inc. and the Ministry of Local Government. Subsequent speculation and misinformation by certain members of the fifth estate in this country has resulted in the ministry retracting this memorandum. At the outset, it must be understood that this was exactly as stated, a Memorandum of Understanding, and as such contained no contractual commitment on the part of either of the parties. Rather it was a document clearly stating the terms and conditions necessary to affect a mutual agreement between the two parties and the time line to complete an end agreement. Natural Globe, along with eight other entities, was asked to submit proposals for consideration to mitigate what is universally accepted as a serious waste disposal issue. All the proposals were duly investigated and our proposal was chosen based entirely on its merit, and, presumably, by the fact that the Natural Globe proposal was the only one studied that had no financial impact on the taxpayers. The proposal is predicated on the ability to be entirely self-sufficient. At no time during this process was any value received by neither any of the officials of the Ministry nor any political party members to assure an advantage or acceptance of our proposal. Throughout this process, allegations were made that the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer
Webster, was somehow involved with Natural Globe and had a hand in the acceptance of our proposal. By her own admission and her statement to the press, this is clearly not the case. Her daughter, Andriana Webster, currently working in Canada, has worked with us in her capacity of an IT specialist. Ms. Webster is exceptionally good at what she does and as such, is a valued associate. Ms. Webster was a director of Natural Globe Guyana Inc. but was not a shareholder nor had she any financial involvement in the company. Ms. Webster has subsequently resigned from the company. The speculation that her involvement had any impact on the granting of the Memorandum or that she had access to the kind of investment needed is absurd. By virtue of the emerging technologies around waste disposal and the conversion of such to saleable product, would dictate that any proposal of this nature must include a nondisclosure agreement between the parties involved. The competitive nature of the industry is such that any agreement and disclosure of the technology be available only to those parties to this non-disclosure agreement. This is only sound business practise. It is reasonable to assume that one entity does not have the needed resources to complete a project of this magnitude on their own. Natural Globe indeed has assembled this proposal based upon the collaborative efforts of many, some of which are coming to the table with proprietary technologies. Over the past few days, we have been given
permission to publicly disclose who these partners are. It should be mentioned at this juncture that we take keen exception to the perceived need to take this action. We were asked to submit a proposal, through normal channels, and have done so lawfully with no malice of intent or expectation of unlawful gain. Additionally, we have provided the Government Agencies with everything they have asked for to allow them to do their due diligence around full disclosure under the umbrella of a nondisclosure agreement. In other words, we have followed the rules and still we are in the position of justifying our proposal, and our integrity, in a public forum. We are doing this under protest, but feel it is necessary to put an end to the rampant and predatory speculation that is currently being published. For our endeavour to succeed, we will need the public’s support and assistance in remedying an intractable issue around waste management. It must be a collaborative effort with input from all who are affected. It is our intention to involve the public at all stages in this project. Any waste management project, regardless of the methodology utilized, is predicated on public support or it is doomed to failure. We truly believe we have a solution to the seemingly insurmountable problems surrounding this issue and we are doing it in an environmentally responsible manner and with no direct financial input from the taxpayer. This project is entirely selfsufficient and will derive revenue from (Continued on page 23)
The increasingly curious ways of management of GuySuCo DEAR EDITOR, Curioser and curioser are the ways of management (or risk-management) of the state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Those who have participated in better management models, including that of the predecessor organisation Booker Sugar Estates, are not allowed to be weary of wondering about the convoluted devices constructed by the various levels of the current underinformed decision-makers in the industry, of recognising the repetition of their errors, the predictability of the failed outcomes, and the decreasing performance, both in production and productivity. The persistent evidence of the refusal to come to grips with the chronic organisational corrosion, culminates in a disposition towards obfuscating the facts, in the vain attempt at deluding the public; notwithstanding the existence of many who know the sugar industry better than the current ‘players’. It is against this background that, earlier the South Africans, and now r e p o r t e d l y Ta t e a n d Ly l e , representations are projected as
shadowy actors. One insinuation must be the determined reluctance to engage local expertise most relevant to retrieving the sinking prospects of the titanic disaster that is the Skeldon project (both field and factory). Several names have ever since been submitted to the respective Ministers of Agriculture, albeit without acknowledgement. It takes no rocket science to appreciate that no one stranger can heal Skeldon’s afflictions, without the requisite skilled support - a conditionality which, from the beginning, never appeared readily satisfied. The extant approach could be nothing more than a pretence; while, on the other hand, common sense (as well as best practices) would point to the advantages to be derived from a coordinated team effort. Such a relevantly expert team is immediately available. In the meantime, one continues to w o n d e r w h e t h e r t h e p u b l i c ’s inaccessibility to basic production and productivity indices, e.g., the average yields of cane harvested, as well as those standing; factory sugar processing per tonne per hour, is in fact a reflection of
the mis-confidence felt by those who prefer spin. Here again, a simple example – rainfall is too often mentioned as influencing production, without ever any reference to actual volumes or trends. One critically important statistic would be the cost of production – a target factor that would normally influence the construct of any strategic plan. From what one recalls from published commentaries on the latest plan, it is uncertain whether the plan took account of the recent 4% pay-rise offered to GAWU categories of workers, the possible spill-over impact of the increase on the pay levels of their NAACIE counterparts – particularly in the new dispensation of a 40-hour week, restricted to Mondays–Fridays. By any unbiased standard the wage bill in the industry is disproportionate to its other costs – ranging over 60%. One is forced to ask: to what extent is the wage hike related to the announced intention to seek more billions of funding for the sugar industry? Were these billions also anticipated in GuySuCo’s 2013-2017 Strategic Plan? E.B. John
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
When we assume postures and speak, we must ensure the records support us
DEAR EDITOR, In Tony Vieira’s recent letter featured in the Kaieteur News, is he really asking the public to decide who the dinosaur is? I found his question to be distinctly rhetorical and selfabasing on his part. Even so, the tone of Vieira’s letter is deeply shocking, because he has the boldness to recite a court ruling and history. If I may, Guyanese would recall Tony Vieira was a member of a political outfit that was and still is dictatorial. Tony Vieira advocated the People National Congress (PNC) that has a record of dismal governance which tyrannically suppressed the freedom of expression and media rights. In history, no other commonwealth of the Caribbean has stifled and usurped this fundamental entitlement of freedom of expression. Furthermore, no member that is associated with the PNC regime such as Tony Vieira should dare to speak about freedom of expression.
I think it is also right of me to reminisce on the events that transpired throughout the PNC era to monopolize and prohibit freedom of expression. As this was the autocratic political platform Vieira’s allied with. I would recount the PNC government had banned Dr. Cheddi Jagan the privileges of speaking in the National Assembly and barred him from any media rights. Frontally, why did Vieira elude citing this eventful disregard for freedom of expression action against Dr. Jagan? Meanwhile, during this time, many journalists were murdered and imprisoned simply because they were critical of the PNC government. The self-empowered PNC administration that Vieira supported painstakingly did everything to control the media and freedom of expression. In such a manner, between 1971 and 1972, Mr. Burnham issued two trade orders which prohibited the importation of newsprint,
book binding and printing equipment. These orders alone undermined the guaranteed constitutional right of freedom of expression article 146. Mr. Burnham also seized the licencing and prevented newsprint of Mirror Newspaper. The Mirror Newspaper was eventually forced to halt its publication. Is this the form of change and fair media rights Vieira wishes to revive? I am undoubtedly sure that Justice Lennox Deyalsingh who ruled in the 1985 Trinidad and Tobago proceedings that Vieira extracted, would also find the PNC’s dictatorial position in breach of the constitution. The Catholic Standard was another media the PNC regime inflicted repressive actions against when the state-run Guyana National Printers Limited refused to continue printing the paper. This was followed by the assassination of Father Bernard Darke, who was murdered by thugs. The murder of Father Darke
illustrated PNC’s callous measures to maintain exclusive media control. On June 13, 1980, a dark day in Guyana’s history realized the assassination of world renowned scholar and historian Dr. Walter Rodney. Dr. Rodney’s death also amplified the autocratic stance the empowered regime exercised over freedom of expression. Simply because Dr. Rodney who was a member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), worked publicly and collaboratively with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to organize referendums against the PNC government. These unforgettable occurrences are well entrenched in our history. Vieira should have been more cautious about how he tapped into the context of history. These were the PNC’s draconian attempts to stifle freedom of expression and press. Hence Vieira, a person that associated himself with these immoral principles,
should be the last person on planet earth to preach of freedom of expression. It was the PPP’s government from the advent of office in 1992 that broke the twenty-eight years of monopolized control that hung over free press and expression. In particular, the PPP administration led the challenge against PNC’s decision of the 1970s to restrict newsprint. The PPP advocated freedom of press and stood in solidarity with all journalists to restore their constitutional entitlements. Under the PPP’s government, the environment for free expression and free press flourished. It was in the newly created forum, Guyana saw the establishment of two privately-operated daily newspapers and the creation of television outlets that covered the three counties of Guyana. The distribution of radio licences to both public entities and individual were granted to launch radio broadcasting hubs in
Georgetown, Linden, Berbice and Essequibo. So for Vieira to utter, “it’s part of “the PPP’s agenda from day one to exclude the opposition from any participation in the stateowned media” is a blatant misconception. All media entities, including state-owned outlets, have operated freely without any suppressive (Continued on page 23)
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Kaieteur News
Recycling MoU ...
Minister’s daughter resigns from company Natural Globe Inc yesterday announced that the daughter of the Human Services Minister Jennifer Webster, Andrianna, has resigned from the company. The Minster’s daughter, according to the President of the company, Mohamed Osman, had alleged that the Minister’s daughter was the investor bringing some US$15million to the project which cost US$30million. The Minister and her daughter both denied Osman’s claim. Yesterday the company said that subsequent to the speculation and misinformation by certain members of the fourth estate in this country, it resulted in the ministry retracting this memorandum. The company noted that at the outset, it must be understood that this was exactly as stated, a Memorandum of Understanding, and as such contained no contractual commitment on the part of either of the parties. They said that it was more like a document clearly stating the terms and conditions necessary to effect a mutual agreement between the two parties and the time line to complete an end agreement. According to the company, it had submitted its proposal along with eight other companies. Natural Globe Inc. said that all proposals were duly investigated and its proposal was chosen based entirely on “its merit”, and, presumably, by the fact that the Natural Globe proposal was the only one studied that had no financial impact on the taxpayers. The company stressed that no time during this
process was any value received by any of the officials of the Ministry or any political party members to assure an advantage or acceptance of our proposal. “Throughout this process, allegations were made that the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, was somehow involved with Natural Globe and had a hand in the acceptance of our proposal. By her own admission and her statement to the press, this is clearly not the case” the company said. The company said that Andrianna Webster was however legally registered as a director of the company. “Webster is exceptionally good at what she does and as such, is a valued associate…Webster was a director of Natural Globe Guyana Inc. but was not a shareholder nor had she any financial involvement in the company.” The speculation that her involvement had any impact on the granting of the Memorandum or that she had access to the kind of investment needed is absurd. The company said that subsequent to the speculation and misinformation by certain members of the fourth estate in this country, it resulted in the ministry retracting this memorandum. “The project will be financed internally through a private equity investment programme. We are not asking, nor do we expect, any contributions from the public purse. This is purely a business opportunity with normal expectations of profitability.” Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) said
yesterday that it welcomed the government’s decision to rescind the Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a solid waste recycling plant amid certain concerns raised by the media. According to the group it was refreshing to learn that the Government has accepted perhaps for the first time that it has erred in its decision on the matter. Moreover, TIGI said that this is also an indication that the Government is acknowledging that it no longer considers itself to have possessed the only reservoir of knowledge to make decisions that affect the citizens of the country. “The episode highlights the need for involvement of various interest groups before important decisions are made” TIGI stressed. It also highlights the deficiencies of current processes in relation to procurement and reinforces the need for operationalising the constitutionallymandated Public Procurement Commission.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
River accident claims two lives A horrific accident involving two boats in the Demerara River on Sunday night claimed the lives of two men. The men, Dale Duggin, 23, of Parapee, a community about 25 miles upriver from Linden and Williamson Felix, 37, a St. Lucian, were reportedly on their way to Duggin’s house, around 21:30 hours on Sunday when the boats collided. According to reports Duggin had minutes earlier left his mother’s house, which is located a short distance away from where he was constructing his own home. He was accompanied by his friend Felix who was contracted to build the house. ‘It was like split seconds after he left home that they meet with this accident. The boat that run over them was returning from Linden. It run straight over them, licking the engine clean off the boat,” a relative of Dale Duggin reported. According to the woman, Felix who was the only other person in the boat with Duggin, suffered severe injuries including a broken neck and died in the boat, but Duggin was hurled out of the boat, along with the engine. The boat that ran over the
Dale Duggin men was reportedly captained by one Telford Lim, a resident of Malali, a community further up the river. There were two other persons in Lim’s boat, according to reports. They escaped with minimal injuries. Duggin’s body was retrieved from the Demerara River, shortly before noon yesterday in the vicinity of Major’s Boat Landing at Wismar, almost 25 miles from where the accident occurred up River. A few relatives, who were at the Linden Hospital Complex, when Duggin’s body was brought in, cried openly as they viewed the man’s face which was
Williamson Felix damaged almost beyond recognition. Blood was still oozing from his head and his clenched lacerated hands. Later, other relatives travelled to Linden, to identify his body. One of his aunts appeared severely disoriented and had to be taken for immediate medical attention. His mother, Melvina Duggin, was reportedly too distraught to make the trip to Linden. Telford Lim, the Captain of the boat that ran over the men is currently assisting police with investigations. (Enid Joaquin)
Doobay Renal Centre gets $1 million Although the Doobay Renal Centre is not yet ready to include kidney transplants in its list of services offered to the public, it certainly offers a near impeccable dialysis service. Visiting Nephrologist, Dr. Alistair Ingram, from the McMaster University in Canada, described the service as “excellent”. “Certainly the vascular aspect and the technical performance of the dialysis service need no improvement.” However, he noted that the frequency of dialysis could be improved. At the moment 48 renal failure patients access the service of the Dialysis Centre; but unfortunately some are not able to do so for the ideal three times per week. Dr. Ingram, during a media briefing yesterday, said that some patients are perhaps limited by their ability to travel to the East Coast Demerara facility more often even. “While no one is turned away based on the ability to pay...we have people driving for several hours to get here and when you ask them to do that three times a week, while they are also taking care of children and have jobs, that could become very difficult.” He speculated that it was for this reason that Founder and President of the facility
- expected to help take renal service to other areas
Rajin Balgobin (second from left) hands over the $1M cheque to the Doobay Renal Centre Directors. Dr. Bhudeshwar Doobay has been considering taking the service to other parts of the country. “He is twisting people’s arms to do that now, but right now we are limited by geography and people’s ability to come. So I would say that is a bit of a shortcoming but certainly they are doing the best that they can to accommodate people,” assured Dr. Ingram.
This is Dr. Ingram’s third visit to Guyana to oversee the operation and to attend to renal failure patients at the Renal Centre, as part of efforts to support the medical work of the not-for-profit organisation. His visit, and that of other specialists from both the McMaster’s and Humber River Regional Hospital Universities in Toronto,
Canada, represents a robust partnership aimed at offering technical and other dialysis support here. However, the expansion of the dialysis service to other areas may be on the horizon as funding is continually forthcoming to support this cause, even as the moves are being made to expand the East Coast Demerara (continued on page 9)
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Criminals are not only killing innocent people, but the country as well DEAR EDITOR, In Guyana, criminals are not only killing innocent people, they are also killing the country. A recent report has disclosed that businesses are more hampered by crime and theft than anything else. This is a most startling revelation which has seemingly slipped below the PPP’s radar as the country grapples with the myriad problems facing it, including the struggling economy, crime and massive corruption. This was the pronouncement of the Leader of the opposition, David Granger, who hit the nail on the head when he opined that: “If Guyana is to become the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business, then crime must be eliminated and corruption must be aggressively pursued.” The minority PPP regime cannot allow crime to continue to stifle business and put the citizens’ lives in jeopardy because of a few unscrupulous individuals, an unprofessional and corrupt police force and an ineffectual Minister of Home Affairs. Crime has and continues
to cripple the country and the inept administration does not have the wherewithal to deal with the issue. We call on the government to activate the systems to catch and punish the criminals and those involved in corruption, whoever they are and wherever they are. It should not matter if they belong to the PPP, because bribery and corruption are crimes committed against the state and the people. Despite the public cry for help against crime, the PPP’s slothful pace in tackling this scourge shows that it is still not a priority. We do believe that the Minister of Home Affairs should spend more time discussing and implementing workable strategies to arrest crime. And this should not be the stage-managed face-toface encounters with glaring cameras and media hounds looking for a sound bite. It should be done in private with no-holds-barred, because too often ministers, in their ivory towers, are disconnected from the everyday problems facing the poor and the working class. They do not have a clue
as to the daily struggles encountered by the masses to feed and house their families. We believe that Mr. Rohee should resign as the Minister of Home Affairs after accepting the position of General Secretary of the PPP because he obviously cannot handle both positions effectively. We are taking a strong stance on these two issues because they go to the heart of effective governance in this country, which is still sadly lacking in many ways. Government must not only be responsible, but responsive to crimes, corruption and all other illegal acts. It is time for the PPP administration to take drastic action to reduce crime because it is burning up the country and killing innocent law-abiding citizens. Almost every day, someone is being killed by armed bandits in Guyana and most are businessmen, women or farmers. The recent killing of two police officers and two civilians by a drug addict highlights the importance and the need to review how firearm licences are given to citizens and to get illegal weapons off the
street. From the abovementioned utterances from the Opposition Leader, it is clear that there is consensus to fight crime and end corruption, so why the pussyfooting from the Minister? If Guyana is to succeed in combatting crime and reducing corruption, there must be a bipartisan approach from the political parties, bolstered by full and constructive support from civil society, the private sector and the citizens. But herein lies the problem; most crimes are solved by information provided by the people to the police but a number of crimes have not been solved because the people do not trust the police force to give them information. Unfortunately, Guyanese continue to have a nightmarish experience from crime, especially when armed bandits are involved. Minister Rohee, who spoke at length about this problem in his budget speech this year must now walk the talk and lead from in front with respect to this pressing issue. Circumventing laws or
conventional practices will not be enough. What is needed is an end to political interference and a change in the culture in the police force to make it professional, efficient and trustworthy. It is incumbent upon Mr. Rohee to begin the task of
transforming the force now. The nation must hold the Minister accountable for his lack of action to end crime and safeguard the right of every citizen to live without fear in their homes or at their place of business. Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
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AG reports from CFATF meeting ...
Guyana is indeed blacklisted Attorney General Anil Nandlall reporting on his recent meeting with the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in Bahamas confirmed that Guyana is blacklisted. According to Nandlall, Guyana has been identified along with Belize as countries withAnti Money Laundering and Countering of Financing (AML/CFT) deficiencies and which have not made the necessary advancement to address or comply with the “action plan” developed with the CFATF to curb the established deficiencies. As such Nandlall said that CFATF had called on its members to implement counter measures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing AML/CFT “risks emanating from Guyana.” The Attorney General, at a press briefing held yesterday at Freedom House, said that he has observed the “debate” in the
press as to whether Guyana is blacklisted and added that the term “blacklisting” is not the official dictionary language used by CFATF but is an expression that is used by countries that have been deficient with the regulations and guidelines circulated by CFATF. “What sanctions are going to be imposed on Guyana I am not sure. You would observe from the language of the statement used, countries are invited to impose whatever counter measures they may deem fit to protect themselves from the risks that Guyana now poses” said Nandlall. The CFATF meeting in the Bahamas attracted over 100 persons representing 29 countries that fall under CFATF jurisdiction. They included every country in the Caribbean as well as every country in Central America. He said that the meeting also saw representatives of the International Monetary
Dem boys seh ...
USAID didn’t mek enough allowance Children don’t hear till dem feel. Some does got to get sting by marabunta before dem learn to lef wha ain’t trouble dem. Some does got to get burn wid fire wood. De people who know Guyana good does plan programme fuh help de poor people because Bharrat, when he was president, mek a big announcement that Guyana loss all its skills. USAID decide that since Guyana ain’t got skills it gun plan de project, put in de money and give de government everything pun a platter. That was de big mistake. Dem boys seh that USAID had to make allowance fuh some thiefing. It didn’t cater fuh that. It had to mek allowance fuh bribe; it didn’t do that. Then it had to mek allowance fuh certain Ministers get a cut; it didn’t do that. Don’t ask wha happen when de project reach Cabinet. De first thing that a Minister ask is wheh de bribe money deh. Then two of dem ask about de cut. But is when a certain big ask one ask about de extras. He seh that USAID must know that it can’t plan a project exact. Dem boys hear when Donald ask, “Those in favour say aye; those against say nay.” Dem boys hear de loud nay but dem didn’t know was a vote against USAID. Is de same thing did happen when de British come wid de security plan. De British plan to de last dollar and Bharrat get vex. Dem boys seh that de Chinee people know how to plan to suit Guyana. Is that kind of planning mek de Amaila Falls project get suh expensive and lef nuff people vex. Some did get money. People like Fip happy suh till he got a permanent smile. Dem boys seh that de government pelt a bluff that it gone to court against Fip but up to now de case can’t call and Fip enjoying life in Florida. Talk half and watch wha more dem gun reject.
Fund (IMF), the World Bank, Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and Interpol. Representatives from the American, British, Canadian, Spanish, and French Governments were represented at the meeting. According to Nandlall, “What is important, though, is that Guyana has been effectively blacklisted by the CFATF along with Belize. “If the requisite amendments are not passed in the National Assembly and other identified deficiencies not rectified on or before May 2014 which is the next plenary meeting of the CFATF, the task force has said that it will pass Guyana over to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for an International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) review to begin in respect of the identified deficiency.” Nandlall said that if Guyana gets subjected to this process it will take several years to effectively go through the motions and all the while will remain blacklisted. He added that Guyana will also be written to by CFATF indicating some of the consequences that Guyana will “have to face because of its current deficient status.” “Another important factor that I must point out is the FATF is scheduled to meet in February of 2014 and quite apart from any recommendations that CFATF may make at its plenary meeting in May, the FATF can independently and on its own accord, identify Guyana for a review to begin and that can take place as early as February. “The emphatic point that must be made is that the amendments which have been rejected by the Opposition in the Assembly ought to be tasked even before February so that Guyana will no longer be a country with those identified
deficiencies,” Nandlall articulated. According to Nandlall, it is too early to gauge what the consequences are going to be. However, if the Bill is passed before February or May then Guyana will be able remove itself from the blacklist and be restored to “some level of normalcy”. But if that does not happen and Guyana passes the other deadline then it will be handed over to the FATF which is the head body located in France to take charge of Guyana since at that stage the country would have gone to a very advanced stage in failing to comply with the requirements and policies of the regulatory body. Nandlall did say that before the statement came out that Guyana was blacklisted, Trinidad, thinking that Guyana was blacklisted a month before sent a circular out to their commercial institutions advising them to deal with Guyana “with some degree of circumspection and drawing their attention to the fact that Guyana has been declared to be non complaint by
FATF.” He said that he is aware that a commercial Bank operating in the United States that shared a relationship with a Bank in Guyana has terminated that relationship. He added that Belize is in the same position with Guyana with a US bank, Wells Fargo, writing to the Belizean Central Bank indicating that it will “withdraw” from Belize. Speaking on the way forward Nandlall said that the government on its own volition cannot table the bill back in Parliament, “because tabling the Bill back in Parliament requires a consensual position between the government and at least one of the two main opposition parties.” “The entire standing order will be suspended to allow the Bill to go back. If you’re not putting the Bill back without receiving the support, then we would be putting ourselves in greater difficulty.” According to Nandlall, “The government accepts no responsibility whatsoever for the rejection of the Bill by the National Assembly of Guyana. The government tabled the Bill,
Attorney General Anil Nandlall the government sought every opportunity available to secure the support of the Opposition and all government’s efforts were rejected. The bill was voted down by the joint Opposition.” According to the Attorney General, “What we have to understand is that there is a world out there that cares very little about the internal politics of Guyana. The issue was raised about our internal problems and I was told quite frankly and candidly that it is a jurisdictional responsibility. Organizations like CFATF and FATF are unconcerned about the internal politics of a country. So they care less about our little problem that we have.”
Doobay Renal Centre gets ... From page 6 infrastructure. Yesterday the Directors of the facility were in receipt of a cheque for $1 million which was presented by Pandit Rajin Balgobind of the Hindu Society of Berbice and the Sri Krishna Mandir of New Amsterdam. Pandit Balgobin noted that the religious body is prepared to support any laudable cause such as the Doobay Renal Centre. He said that he felt the need to spearhead a fundraiser after being offered a tour of the Renal Centre
complex. It was at this point, he disclosed, that he learnt from Dr. Doobay that most of the funds to sustain the operations were realised through fundraisers by the Vishnu Mandir of Toronto, Canada. “I asked myself the question why should the Vishnu Mandir alone bear the responsibility of covering the additional expenses of the Doobay Renal Clinic...I think all religious organisations could contribute to facilities like these that come to the aid
of our people to provide a much necessary service,” asserted Balgobin. An 11-day event was streamlined in Crabwood Creek during which an Arti Collection (financial contribution) was picked up which amounted to the total donated yesterday. And it is the expectation of Pandit Balgobind that the finances would help to take the work of the Renal Centre to other parts of the country. “It is my fervent hope that one such facility will be established in Berbice for the Berbicians.”
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Kaieteur News
CEBO hosts first community-based workshop in Guyana The regional Creativity for Employment and Business Opportunity (CEBO) is a direct result of the recommendations of the report of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development which identified entrepreneurship development as a priority in countering youth unemployment. This was made clear by Programme Manager, Culture Community Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Dr. Hilary Brown at an opening ceremony yesterday for an entrepreneurial workshop under the CEBO at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Georgetown, Guyana. Dr. Brown said that the programme was important to CARICOM because it follows up on commitments in the Declaration of Paramaribo on the Future of Youth in CARICOM, which was issued by the Heads of Government in January 2010. Guyanese youths interested in starting their own businesses are benefitting from workshops in the wake of two training of trainers (ToT) seminars that were held recently by the CARICOM Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Guyana.
Dr. Hilary Brown Dr. Brown explained that CEBO was an intense six-day training programme that was developed to engage, motivate and inspire entrepreneurial interest and action among youth 15 to 29 years old. She said during the workshop participants would set up and staff simulated companies, develop a basic business plan as well as create, market and sell products using seed money provided by the programme. She said at the end of the workshop, companies were expected to prepare profit and loss statements and analyse (continued on page 24)
Tuesday November 26, 2013
$3B missing from public servants’ salary increase? …House votes $4.4B but only $1.5B being paid A five percent increase for public servants by Government has sparked anger by the Guyana Public Service Union. It also has an Opposition party now wondering whether $3B budgeted for workers may be missing. Last week, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, said that a five percent increase for public servants and public sector workers was most likely in keeping with tradition. He said that the funds were budgeted for. “That matter is hallowed. It is not likely to exceed the planned five percent that is in the budget,” Dr Luncheon stated. This increase, he said in his weekly press conference last Wednesday, is retroactive to January 2013. An announcement of the formal approval is expected to be made shortly, a Government statement confirmed of his press conference. It is his statement that has the main bargaining body, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), and now the Alliance For Change (AFC) hopping mad. Earlier, this year the National Assembly voted $29.129B in wages for public servants. It also voted $4.4B to cater for salary increases. G o v e r n m e n t ’s announcement of the five percent will cost around $1.5B. “So where is the rest of almost $3B? When we voted
The Opposition is questioning the salary increase announced by Government last week.
for over $4.4B it worked out about a 15 percent increase. This is nonsense,” says AFC’s leader, Khemraj Ramjattan. His party controls seven of the 33 seats in the Opposition-controlled National Assembly. The party is now planning to raise the issue there. It was the same complaint raised by GPSU. The announcement has been meeting with growing unhappiness with protests already coming from the workers of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Linden Hospital, the West Demerara Hospital, the Guyana Post Office Corporation and the Guyana Geology and Mines
Commission. Over the weekend, GPSU blasted Government saying that the announced increase is insensitive, disrespectful and ruthless. The union said that it will be the big salaried ‘Fat Cats’, who are paid significantly more, who would benefit while the rest of the labour force, whose percent realizes the bare minimum, finds this payout a meager aid. GPSU has been complaining that it has been bypassed for several years with Government not negotiating with them for increased benefits, as is stipulated by regulations. Rather, for the last few years, Government has been announcing an average a five percent increase in December. To make matters worse, in January, the union said that it met with President Donald Ramotar where it was agreed that a multi-year proposal for wages and salaries will have to be submitted. GPSU said that it complied but nothing has since been done by Government. “Is this an acceptable attitude for a self proclaimed
AFC’s Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan 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?” Yesterday, members of the Government said that the government has no monies to pay more as the Opposition had made cuts to the national budget. Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, blamed the $32B budget cut and economy downturn for the five percent.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Doobay Medical Centre reduces dialysis to $6,000 - longstanding patients to benefit Longstanding patients of the Doobay Renal Centre are set to be the first to benefit from arguably the cheapest dialysis ever offered in Guyana. Renal failure patients are best served if they undergo dialysis about three times per week and this reduced cost will translate to $6,000 per dialysis session. An official announcement to this effect was made yesterday by Founder and President of the Renal Centre, Dr. Budhendra Doobay, during a media briefing at the entity’s Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara headquarters. The recent inking of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and the Renal Centre was instrumental in allowing for the reduction of dialysis from $9,000. It is even expected to pave the way for increased collaboration with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, perhaps even in the quest to offer free kidney
transplants. Among the patients who are expected to immediately benefit from the offer are those who opted to have their weekly dialysis at the Centre soon after it opened its doors on September 15, 2011. Moreover, the Renal Centre has ever since been making an impressive impact in the society, particularly among renal failure patients, by first reducing its dialysis cost to $9,000. The cost was previously $15,000 which even then was, at least two times, cheaper than that obtained at any other local facilities offering dialysis service. But as if that was not stimulating enough, Dr. Doobay, in the company of the entity’s B o a r d o f Directors, including Mr. Vic Oditt, Mrs. Dawn Oditt, Ms. Ameena Gafoor and Mr. Mohammed Najab, said that while the newest reduction will apply to certain patients, he is optimistic that there will be a further reduction.
Officials of the Doobay Renal Centre. From left: Mr. Mohammed Najab, Mrs. Dawn Oditt, Dr. Budhendra Doobay, Mr. Vic Oditt and Ms. Ameena Gafoor. The patients eligible for the $6,000 dialysis will be those who are currently accessing their dialysis without financial aid from any individual or organisation. According to Dr Doobay, “I hope that one day I can be able to come and tell you that we will be reducing it further,”
The move to reduce the cost of dialysis comes even as the Renal Centre embraces plans to expand its service which sees it working towards widening its infrastructure while at the same time, fostering collaborations with strategic partners. According to Dr Doobay
it is anticipated that in the New Year, the facility will be offering free eye clinic to the population which will be facilitated by two visiting ophthalmologists and a Retinal Surgeon from Toronto, Canada. The specialists are expected to screen patients
Domestic violence more deadly than any STD Today, domestic violence has been classified as being more deadly than any sexually transmitted disease (STDS). This is according to Navindradatt Liliah, one of the managers of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). His comment was made yesterday at the closing ceremony of the “Intimate Partner Violence Workshop” which was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the hospital. The workshop started on March 12, last, with approximately 200 persons. Speaking with this publication was the Employee Assistance Officer, Ms. Peggy Benjamin. She said that the seminar was the brainchild of the Chief Executive Officer of the public hospital Mr. Michael Khan.
- GPHC Manager Mr. Khan, she said, introduced the programme based on the number of women that have died in the beginning of the year because they were trapped in an abusive relationship. Gender-based Violence Coordinator, Joy Gravesande, then gave the audience a vivid view of the current state of Domestic Violence which she believes needs to be taken more seriously, and given stronger approaches so that it can be arrested. Ms. Gravesande said, “This workshop sought to do many things, and what I wish to have people understand, is that we have to do more. The number of killings that we read about everyday in the
local newspaper is tangible proof that more needs to be done, and this workshop was an excellent way to start.” While Intimate Partnership Violence refers to the escalating pattern of violence or intimidation by a current or former lover, we must bear in mind that this illness does not have a face. According to research, one out of every three women in Guyana is abused by her partner. And this is disturbing. “Health practitioners are often the first to see abused patients and we must understand that it is important for us to create an environment where they feel safe with us. It is our
responsibility to care for our patients in the best way. She said that the social ill has increased to an all time high and that, we need to work together in order to bring about significant results.” The Director pointed to several instances where women were killed for the simplest issues. She highlighted a case which left most at a loss for words. “Just imagine a woman was killed because she went to get a packet of milk for her son and when she returned to the home, her husband believed that another man had given her the milk. “An argument ensued and then he told her to hold a lamp and just threw kerosene on her. She suffered severe burns and later succumbed to her injuries, leaving four young
Mr. Odo Best, during his presentation at the closing of the Intimate Partner Violence Workshop
children behind.” Gravesande said that when women are killed over such issues, it says a lot and it means that a lot needs to be paid attention to, especially as it relates to the psyche of our men. Also commenting on the issue was Director of the Nursing Services, Ms. Audrey Corry. Ms. Corry who gave her full support for the programme also expressed her disappointment that persons had to be begged or reminded to attend the workshop. She said, “As I sit here at the closing of this (continued on page 21)
with glaucoma, cataracts as well as retinal challenges with a view of streamlining operations for those so in need. All anticipated operations will be conducted at the East Coast Demerara Centre. And as part of its further collaborating efforts, moves have also been made to partner with the Beacon Foundation which offers an auspice service to scores of people across the country suffering from cancer. According to Mr Oditt, who also functions as a Beacon Foundation Director, “We (Doobay Renal Centre) are proud to be working with them to ensure that people who are on auspice care in the last days of their lives are properly looked after.” Representing another strategic partnership is the move by the Renal Centre to join the National HIV/AIDS fight by offering its New Market Street, Georgetown, office, as free testing facility site.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 26, 2013
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The Government must have a conscience The President, his Cabinet and Government supporters probably celebrated way into the night when they read the news that the travel magazine of the National Geographic Society has recommended Guyana as one of the countries to visit in 2014. But one would hope that on reading the entire article they would have noted the comments of the magazine on the capital city. The news could have a negative implication for Guyana based on the attitude of the leaders of the Government. It could erase any bit of conscience the
Government has in that the PPP leaders could say that despite all that its critics say about the dirt, garbage and mud that have canopied Georgetown, an internationally respected travel magazine praised Guyana so why bother with the condition of Georgetown. One has to fear this type of mentality of the PPP leaders because if one is thinking like that then Georgetown is going to become even more frightening. On the other hand, it could go in the opposite direction. The government must have a conscience to know
that Georgetown is unlike any other capital in the world and may act now. I see television coverage of many secondary cities of poor Third World states and they are not a quarter as dirty as Georgetown. PPP leaders must know that the political game with the City Council has taken on a deadly dimension – the dirty city of Georgetown is beyond description. The longer the PPP basks in its cynicism that we aren’t cleaning it because that is the City Council”s domain, the quicker the capital is going down. Perhaps the crucial person here is former President Bharrat Jagdeo. Mr. Jagdeo sits on a number of international committees dealing with climate and the environment. He was awarded the Champion of the Earth title by
the UN Environment Committee. The TIME magazine also referred to him as a hero of the earth. But look at that part of the earth where Mr. Jagdeo lives. One can seriously question if Mr. Jagdeo has a conscience. To have those accolades bestowed on him yet know what the condition of his capital city was in and did nothing about it puts Mr. Jagdeo in a special category of cruel leaders. The silence of the Guyanese Diaspora and the lack of opposition activism with regard to those accolades tell a tragic story of Guyana. The UN is in New York City where hundreds of thousands of Guyanese reside. If pictures of rotting Georgetown were delivered to the UN Environment Committee maybe it would have embarrassed Mr. Jagdeo who was President at the time and probably would have stirred him to act. Secondly, TIME magazine is headquartered in New York City too. If photographs of the mountains of garbage all over Georgetown were sent to the editors it may have had the
same effect. The opposition parties have activists living and working in New York City. Why could they not have contacted the magazine to show them what Mr. Jagdeo presided over? I seriously doubt that if a Latin American or European president was awarded those titles that Mr. Jagdeo received from the UN and TIME, and their capital city was as incredibly dirty as Georgetown is, those institutions would have received the photographs I referred to. What happened then is that Mr. Jagdeo basked in his glory. Nothing happened to shame Mr. Jagdeo so he went out of office leaving Georgetown as the dirtiest capital on Planet Earth. Let me make it clear to my readers that when I use the words “in the entire world” when I refer to the garbage situation in Guyana, I mean it literally. What I would like my readers to do is to e-mail me at Kaieteur News and send me pictures of another capital city that is dirtier. One must remember that when we talk about the mess
Frederick Kissoon in Georgetown it is not only the clogged drainage system with the garbage forming a crown at the top of the mud. I am also describing a situation where the streets and parapets are littered with tons of garbage. Go to Regent and Albert Streets and you will see the pavement is covered with garbage. Go to Thomas Street from Lamaha to Middle Streets, especially at New Market Street and you see heaps and heaps of garbage strewn all over the parapets and on the streets themselves. Don’t see how this thing cannot send a jolt of pessimism about Guyana to every citizen in this country. Tell me, please, which other capital city in this world looks like and is as dirty as Georgetown.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
Guyana rejects $2.6B USAID project Guyana has pulled out of the 2012 United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project due to the agreement document being flawed. Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, during his postCabinet media briefing last week, said that the project proposal presented to Guyana did not reflect bilateral input of the Government of Guyana and USAID, and on that basis considerable reservations were expressed by the administration. He explained that the design was considered by Cabinet and both project and design were rejected, a Government statement yesterday. “The project that habitually and conventionally is an engagement between
Guyana and its development partner USAID, this one in 2012 departed from that convention. Firstly, we were presented with an agreement to sign over which we had zero contribution. Secondly, when we officially got the design, there was considerable objection, as far as the administration was concerned, this design would have never ever been provided for in any bilateral relationship, as a consequence it was rejected.” Dr. Luncheon added that the design allowed for the involvement of the USAID in the national life and politics of Guyana. The US$13.1M bilateral agreement was to advance development in health, economic growth and democracy and governance.
Suspect in murder of Brazilian miner remanded
Murder suspect The case of a robbery which escalated into the murder of a Brazilian miner was yesterday called before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. When 37-year-old Robert Paul appeared before Magistrate Latchman, he was told that he was charged with murder and would not be required to plead to the indictable offence. On November 20, the accused allegedly attacked and robbed Brazilian Miner Venderleir Kienen of $17M cash at 111 Miles, Mahdia. Kienen reportedly died as a result of the attack. Police Prosecutor Lance Corporal Renetta Bentham, in open court stated that the deceased was a business owner who conducted money transfers and also sold and purchased gold. According to Prosecutor Bentham, at about 18:45 on the date in question, Paul and
Venderleir Kienen two other men went into the businessman’s home, and were confronted by him. The court heard that the men then attacked and dealt Kienen several stabs about his body. She said that Kienen was then rushed to the hospital where he died shortly after. The two accomplices allegedly carted off the cash through the back door of the (continued on page 25)
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Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
Garnett Street murder/suicide…
My mother was not a money grabber - says dead woman's daughter Relatives of 42-year-old Siromani Lokhnauth are convinced that her husband, Ramdat, carefully planned the murder/suicide and lured the woman back to Guyana. The woman's relatives also slammed reports that suggested that she was a “money grabber”. Lokhnauth's daughter, Renuka Chattergoon, who flew into Guyana from the
United States of America immediately after her mother's death, told this newspaper that from all indications her stepfather premeditated his act. “He premeditated... because two days before, you make your will and then, apart from that, from what I understand…he even told his son that he had a grey suit and if anything should
happen to him, he wanted to be buried in that. “I hear it around the wake and I wouldn't put that past my stepdad because, that's the type of person he is. He sits, he plans and then he executes,” Chattergoon said. The woman's family only learnt about the will when an attorney who was representing Lokhnauth's husband, informed them
Renuka Chattergoon (left) with her mother Siromani and brother after his death. Ramdat Lookhnauth, called 'Moses' used his licenced pistol to kill his wife while she was apparently asleep at their Garnett Street, Campbellville home and then turned the weapon on himself. It was the second murder suicide in Georgetown for the month. There was a similar incident on November 11 when 21-yearold Kenroy Crandon slit his lover Bibi Sharriza's throat, before taking his own life. Renuka Chattergoon said that she is convinced that her stepfather was very possessive, judging from the extreme measure he took after his wife apparently refused to make up with him. “That was not a heroic thing he did. Think about it; you shoot two kids' mom and then, do you have the stomach to watch them in the face and say 'I took your mom'? I believe the reason he shot himself is not because he wanted to be dead the same time she's dead; it is because maybe reality hit him. I don't know if his demons started raising and it was talking to him, because he had a lot of demons,” the dead woman's daughter said. She was very upset by the picture that was painted of her mother, claiming that it was irresponsible for persons to publish false details about her mother's relationship with her husband. “My mom wasn't fighting for $75 million or a whole lot of money. My stepfather was the one who asked for a divorce because he said she was running down the business and all of that. But my mom was the brains of the business.” “In the newspaper they said that my mother walked out on my dad; that's not true.” This newspaper had
reported that friends of the now dead businessman said that he had worked his way up from a shop in the market. “I sense this boy Moses was provoked. She was just evil. Money fly to she head. She just vicious,” a friend had claimed. However, Chattergoon refuted this. “Everybody's assumption was that she was leaving for money. People feel money is always the reason, but not in everybody's case. My mom's reason for leaving is because she thought that she deserved better.” She said that her mother was even settling for less than she deserved in the divorce settlement with her husband. A c c o r d i n g t o Chattergoon, her mother was supposed to be given half of the assets that she and her husband owned. But the husband had claimed that he did not have the resources to give her her share of the assets. Siromani Lokhnauth, called Nadia, eventually settled for quarter. “Everything in that house was built to her specification…without her it wouldn't have been there. Yet she was walking away. She thought it was the smartest thing to do because of the many threats that she got,” Chattergoon stated. The woman explained that after her stepfather's loan application was turned down at one bank, he sought her mother's help to secure it from another bank. She said that the man even begged her to convince her mother to help him. “My stepfather called us in the States no less than fifteen times a day, so you can tell that he was possessive…but my mother would tell him, 'Moses, there is no love left in me for you and I believe that got to him,” Chattergoon told (continued on page 21)
Tuesday November 26, 2013
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Kaieteur News
Five per cent increase …
West Dem. Hospital employees mount protest
P
ublic servants attached to the West Demerara Regional Hospital yesterday mounted a protest outside the medical facility in rejection to the five per cent increase on the wages and salaries of all public workers. The demonstrators were not significant in number, but the small gathering had representatives from most departments in the hospital. Nurses, maids, laboratory technicians, porters, dental staff and clerks stood in the midday sun and called for measures to be implemented so that they can realize a better standard of living. They echoed chants like “five per cent cant wuk, no money, no wuk and public servants are not Christmas ponies.” Nurses well dressed in their professional attire and even one who was dressed casually because she is on the night shift, told Kaieteur News that they are already working under inhumane conditions and a meager five percent increase, which when given retroactively will reflect “a lil” $25,000, just cannot suffice. Those assembled called for a 25 per cent increase. The group highlighted the fact that the National 2013 Budget provided for a 15 per cent increase and asked “why they can’t even give we that at least?” Reference was also made to the tax break that government promised to public servants who have mortgages under $30M. H o w e v e r, t h e n u r s e s contended “give us a better salary so that we can pay our own interest on mortgages ourselves… we d o n ’t w a n t t h e supplement.” Region Three representative of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Monica Walters told Kaieteur News that the protest will continue. Walters, who was part of the protest action yesterday, said that the GPSU is not sure how long it will take to make a change but “we will continue to rally workers we represent and demand a liveable salary.” She said that it is plain eye pass for the past 10 years for the government to just “dash” a five per cent increase in the face of public servants. She noted that it cannot and will not be taken lightly
this time “even though some are afraid, because the REO (Regional Executive Officer) D o n a l d G a j r a j threatened.” According to Walters, the REO told the nurses in plain language that those who strike or take protest action will be sanctioned. She stated that the REO must take note that the time which is being used to mount the protest action is the allocated lunch hour given to the workers. Walters added that the GPSU is advising a ‘go slow’ and is encouraging every member to stand up for their rights since “change must come.” During the protest action, a doctor reportedly “violated” one of the nurses involved in the protest. Nicola Doobay told Kaieteur News that the d o c t o r, w h o r e c e n t l y returned from Cuba, passed and ‘jammed’ her with his Toyota Tundra vehicle while she was part of the protest action. According to the nurse, she started to tap the vehicle to solicit the doctor ’s attention following his action and he immediately stopped, came out and asked “wam, wam why you hit the vehicle?” She said she brought to his attention the fact that he had hit her and he jumped back into his vehicle and drove off in a speed. Another nurse told Kaieteur News that the doctor came out of the vehicle “like he wanted to fight …but we would not have allowed him to take advantage.” Among other problems, the nurses lamented the shortage of running water at the facility. They said that they are sometimes forced to wash their hands with saline solution and fetch water to flush the toilets. The nurses reflected that it is very strenuous in the maternity unit to have to constantly fetch water to flush the toilets. They also complained about the poor lighting in the area and pointed out that two nurses were attacked while on their way to the night shift. Yasmin Henry, a nurse for 23 years, said that the poor conditions are becoming overbearing. She said that she is willing to continue protesting until things change for the better.
The demonstration yesterday
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Footsteps Mega Store expands business outlet
T
he Footsteps Mega Store extended its reach after the opening of another location at Croal and Longden Streets, Georgetown. The business will be opened to the public today. According to Marketing Director, Michael Alleyne, the store which is centrally located within the city will be ready in time for the Christmas holidays. Alleyne said that the leased facility will be home to all brands of footwear, clothing and accessories. “In the near future, it will be linked to an onsite food court which will be home to both
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
The new Footsteps outlet at Croal and Longden Streets, Georgetown.
an existing and a new food franchise. We feel that this central location will better able to serve our customers' needs. We hope that they are able to fully utilise the facilities and it makes their shopping as hassle free as possible.” The multimillion-dollar project, Alleyne said, was in response to overwhelming support by customers. The present extension will cater for 40 full-time employees and as the season progresses more will be employed to serve both flats of the store. “This will add to the 200-plus employees we have working for the company.”
Man jailed for one year for smoking weed Donald Pitman, a 21year-old miner, will spend the next year behind the unwelcoming walls of prison after he was convicted by Magistrate Judy Latchman for smoking weed.’ Yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Pitman pleaded guilty
to the charge which stated that on November 22, at DaSilva Street, Newtown Kitty, he was smoking cannabis. Pitman was caught by the police smoking the illicit substance at the back of his yard at about 10:30hrs when, acting on information
received, the police went into the yard to search for narcotics. Police Prosecutor Lance Corporal Renetta Bentham told the court that the man admitted to habitually smoking cannabis after he was cautioned by the officer. He was subsequently arrested
and charged. Magistrate Judy Latchman then told the man that for this offence the law permits a fine of $3000 to $5000 as well as a prison sentence. She thereafter fined him $3000 and sentenced him to one year imprisonment.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Page 17
Kaieteur News
Greenwich Park homeowners may take legal action against developer When the Greenwich Park residential scheme was established five years ago, it promised potential homeowners modernized buildings, complete with titled lands, great roads, water and electricity. However, the reality today is a far cry from this, according to homeowners of the housing scheme. The disgruntled persons say bad roads, poor drainage and lack of a potable water supply are just some of the problems faced by them. The residential area located on the East Bank of Essequibo, is developed by a private real estate investor Parmanand 'Krishna' Samlall, who residents say has chosen to ignore their plight despite e ff o r t s t o e n g a g e t h e authorities in the matter. “We live here for four years and nothing has happened. No road and no water which is essential to making any housing area livable …since we are trying to get the intervention of the relevant authorities it has become worse. We are subject to victimization by the housing developer. He is demanding $25,000 from every
homeowner for the installation of pipelines, even after he got a waiver of over $6 million from GWI for water distribution in the scheme, and when /if we pay that money he refuses to issue receipts” One resident explained. The residents say they are now considering taking legal action against the developer since repeated calls for government intervention seem to have fallen on deaf ears. Several months ago, this newspaper highlighted the plight of the residents who had complained about the reluctance of the housing developer to fulfill his obligations, years after persons moved into the area. The area consists of 119 house lots which were sold to residents with the promise that key facilities needed to make the community 'livable' would be implemented. However, more than four years later, the situation at Greenwich Park has worsened, according to Angela Arana, a teacher who lives in the scheme. “Because of the deplorable state of the roads, garbage contractors refuse to
A section of the roadway in the Greenwich Park residential scheme
send trucks to our community, so we have to dispose of our garbage elsewhere. We are depending on the rain for potable water; if the rain does not fall then we don't have water. There are approximately 45 home owners here who paid money to occupy what is supposed to be a residential housing scheme and we have no water, no road, and no proper drainage or sanitation
facilities.” Arana claimed that the group of persons calling for change in the community has b e e n t a rg e t e d b y t h e businessman. “Only some of the persons are being offered the deal for their pipelines to be hooked up …we are frustrated with the whole situation. Works to the road, which started a few months back has come to an abrupt halt.” We want to know what is happening, because he
met with the government officials and different persons in authority but no one seems to be able to give us positive answers…. Some of them say they can't do anything because it's a private housing development project” In a telephone interview with this newspaper when the issue was first highlighted months ago, Mr. Samlall promised that works were underway to rectify the water
and road situation. He said that his intention was not to provide substandard facilities. In addition, Samlall claimed that residents would need to pay “a sum of money” for the networking of the pipelines by t h e G u y a n a Wa t e r Incorporated (GWI) after which the 'water main' will be connected. Recent attempts to contact Mr Samlall, for a comment proved futile.
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Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
“Jonestown could be restored”- Port Kaituma ... visitors still come every residents say year to the 'bushed out' ruins By Zena Henry Being classed among the largest mass suicides in the history of the world, the events of Jonestown, where more than 900 people lost their lives at one time is no minor matter. In fact, Guyana became known to many outsiders for the tragedy of the former Port Kaituma settlement. That is why some are saying that Jonestown could be saved, restored and “despite the disaster of it, Jonestown is a part of Guyana's history and should be preserved.” Captain Rodwell Astil Paul, one of those spared on that dark November 18, 1978 day, introduced the idea of revitalizing the potential historical site, and the people of Port Kaituma have seconded it. In a visit to the North West District last week,
residents expressed their support to have the area restored. They said that not only will it be good for their community, but it will also be beneficial to the country, since annually, Jonestown guarantees a number of visits, especially from large church congregations. This, they continued, is despite the overgrowth of bushes and difficulty in accessing the area. Stephanie Miguel said that she was about nineyears-old when the events of Jonestown unfolded. Now a miner, Miguel has been living in Port Kaituma all her life. For her, Jonestown could never be forgotten and she hopes that one day some sort of life could be restored to the area. Miguel said she lost a cousin, Renrick Dawson; a follower of the People's Temple church, led by American, self proclaimed
Port Kaituma resident Stephanie Miguel preacher, Jim Jones. Miguel said that as a little girl she used to go into Jonestown for medication. “It was a place where we also went to do our shopping. My aunt worked there as a labourer and there was a school and other institutions.” “I used to live about a
The entrance of the 20-min drive to Jonestown off the populated edge of Port Kaituma mile away from Jonestown and it's just as if I used to be opposite, so I used to be in there regularly. When I needed something to buy or needed medical attention that is where I went.” Miguel added that Jonestown to date, still sees its share of visitors. “People come every year to get to Jonestown. I don't think anyone is allowed to go in there, but when they come they jump on the bike or whatever and they gone. When they go inside there I don't think the police go with them.” “The plane would wait for them, and they visit.” “Sometimes when people come and want to visit, I would take them with my pick up and they get a chance to see some things. I would show them the container that was used to mix the poison.”
Miguel added that mostly churches come in large groups, “and I carry them because they want to see where Jonestown is.” One gentleman, Miguel recalled, who lived in Jonestown came some time back on the Church of Christ medical team, “and so we knew him from being in there as a medical person.” Another resident, who did not give a name, said that it would be wonderful if Jonestown was restored. She said that it is unfortunate that people do not see the value in restoring the site instead of making claims about capitalizing on a tragedy. Commentators have noted their concern that the country should not take advantage of such a terrible mishap. It was noted too that revenue, whether local or foreign, should not be on the
agenda when speaking of Jonestown. The resident charged, however, that Port Kaituma is only being viewed for its gold producing potential, while consideration is not being placed on the environment. While the resident said she supports the restoration idea, she is not optimistic about a response. Captain Paul maintains however that Jonestown will remain in Guyana's history, and while so much of the country's history is under threat by modernization, there are some fundamentals that should remain. Some 918 people died after consuming the poisonous concoction fed to them by their 'self professed Messiah,' “that should be kept no secret,” the newspaper was told.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 19
GDF Coastal Battalion gets new Commanding Officer Major Collin Henry is th e n ew Co mman d in g Officer of the Guyana Defence Force's Coastal Battalion. Command of the battalion today passed to Major Henry from its first Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Jaswick Williams, who had been at the helm since March 2011. In parting remarks, Lt Col Williams who is also proceeding on preretirement leave, reflected on what he deemed a challenging but rewarding journey. “When I joined the Guyana Defence Force, there was a military presence on the Essequibo Coast, and in fact, Suddie was my first deployment. Today we have a Battalion headquartered at Anna Regina with specific responsibility for Coastal Operations,” he said. Noting that the battalion was the GDF's newest Unit, he lauded its professionalism over the past 33 months of its
existence. “This battalion is in a fortunate position for its continuing development and is consistent with the transformation taking place in the GDF, with respect to its operations, training, administration and logistics. Guyana is evolving and so too must the military if we are to remain relevant in today's society. But, as we continue to evolve, as we continue our transformation process, I stand here today, proud that we have remained a professional and stable band, of which the rest of our society can be justifiably proud.” Lt Col Williams thanked the leadership of the GDF for having faith in his ability to not only command, but also to build the battalion. He also thanked his wife who supported him throughout his career and all the officers and ranks whom he had the privilege to command. The regional administration and
the civil society organisations along the Essequibo Coast, which supported the battalion and aided it with the conduct of its mandate, also came in for praise from Lt Col Williams. The Change of Command occurred yesterday, at a simple yet significant ceremony at the compound of Guyana Fire Service's Anna Regina compound, on the Essequibo Coast. Major Henry previously served and supported Williams as the battalion's second in command for the past two years. On hand to witness the Change of Command Parade were Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips, Deputy Chief of Staff and Colonel General Staff Colonel Kemraj Persaud, other senior Officers of the Force, Regional Chairman, Region 2, Mr. Parmanand Persaud and other officers of government agencies in Anna Regina.
Outgoing Commanding Officer, Coastal Battalion, Lt Col. Jaswick Williams hands over the colours to new CO Major Collin Henry.
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Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
Windsor Estate launches model homes One of the homes launched at Windsor Estate
Operations Manager Graeme Ali Navigant Builders Inc. who is the developer of Windsor Estate officially launched its suburban living quarters yesterday at their Eccles Industrial Road, East Bank Demerara location. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds officially launched the Model Homes. In attendance were foreign and local parties that were interested in the private scheme. The cost of the homes starts at $21M; this is a bungalow on a 50 x 100 foot piece of land. Interested persons can also facilitate loans through the bank. The
first half of the scheme will comprise of 71 home. O p e r a t i o n s M a n a g e r, Graeme Ali, said that Windsor Estates is a unique blend of exclusive suburban living and sophistication, offering residents a rewarding life style of elegance. “While each home has its own luxurious features, both communities, Esplanade and North Haven, offer 24-hour security, CCTV cameras, street lighting, two recreation parks with children's play area, professional landscaping with palm trees,
flowers, plants, and lush green lawns with automatic sprinklers to maintain the greenery all year round. Also in the offer will be a clubhouse with a swimming pool, lounge, movie room, game room, and roof top bar. There will be an added level of security with a state of the art infra red security system, mounted on top the entire perimeter fence.” He said. There will be a warranty on all the homes built at no
additional costs against structural, material and equipment defects. “Our primary objective is to introduce a new quality of living in Guyana. Windsor Estates Development is envisioned to be a futuristic premium residential community, providing a superior living environment parallel to the elegance of any other residential gated community in North America,” Ali explained
It was explained that the best quality materials and finishes will be used in homes. Other than materials manufactured locally, like concrete blocks, wood and PVC pipes, almost all other materials will be imported from the US--all electrical wiring and fixtures, sheet rock, compound, tiles, sound insulation, bathroom and kitchen fixtures and appliances. “We have a very strict
quality control procedure to ensure that there will be no shortcuts or skimping to compromise quality and at the same time, produce the highest quality of finishes.” Navigant Builders, the developers of Windsor Estates is located at 133 Church Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown and is a subsidiary of Stonewall Contracting Corporation in College Point New York.
Overseas Muslims visit to observe Islamic New Year Representatives of several overseas Muslim organizations have confirmed their attendance for programmes in Guyana featuring one of the world's most renowned and respected Muslim scholars, His Eminence, Maulana S h a y k h D r. H i s h a m Kabbani, as the Muslim community of Guyana, through the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex and The Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman will be associated
with a series of programs in observance of the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1435AH. The distinguished scholar will visit Guyana from tomorrow and will be associated with four programs here. Al Haj Yacoob Ally, President General of the Anjuman Sunnatul Jamaat Association Inc. of Trinidad and Tobago (ASJA) will represent the twin-island Republic while Al Haj
Basheer Khodabux of Hedayatul Islam, Suriname will lead a delegation from that country to Guyana. From Canada, Secretary of the International Muslim Organization (IMO) of Toronto, Canada, Ameer Ali, will attend the programmes while several other leaders from USA, Holland, United Kingdom etc are expected to indicate their attendance shortly. Internationally recognized and award
winning journalist, Torontobased Guyanese Nazim Baksh, who has been responsible for the visit of this great Scholar to Guyana, is also expected to attend the programmes and activities. Also coming as part of Shaukh Hisham's delegation is internationally acclaimed Nasheed singer, Ali Elsayed. For the very first time the people of Guyana will get the opportunity to meet Shaykh Hisham and listen to his words of love, wisdom and sincerity. The main programme will be held on Friday at 18.30 hrs at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex, West Coast Demerara. His Eminence will deliver the Friday Juma Sermon at the Queenstown Jama Masjid the same day. Other programmes are slated for Peter's Hall Jama Masjid, East Bank Demerara, Mon Repos Masjid, both programmes commencing at 18:30 hours. The delegation will be paying courtesy calls on several government functionaries, Opposition Leader and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
His Eminence, Maulana Shaykh Dr. Hisham Kabbani ACIC has served as the hub for the International cooperation of Muslims in Guyana, with those overseas since early 2000's and provides the programs and facilities to allow this cooperation. Sadr Anjuman is the oldest existing Islamic organization in Guyana, enacted by an Act of
Parliament in the 1960's. It was formed in the 1940's and provided leadership to the Muslim community over many decades. The leaders of these Muslim organizations of the various countries will also meet to discuss the expansion of their cooperation in other areas.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
Homeless, drunk Guyanese charged with Harlem’s subway attack Harlem, US (New York Daily News) - A grandfather critically injured in an attack by a homeless drunk on a Harlem subway platform is a churchgoing family man targeted for no apparent reason, cops and friends said Saturday. Shou Kuan Lin, 72, remained unconscious with a skull fracture and broken collarbone 24 hours after he was shoved to the A train’s tracks as his wife watched helplessly, cops said. “The whole family is extremely upset,” said the Chinese immigrant’s red-eyed daughter-in-law as her husband kept a bedside vigil with his sister and mother at St. Luke’s Hospital. Lin, a retired garment factory worker, fought for his life as cops on Saturday charged his white-bearded assailant with attempted murder and felony assault in the chilling Friday attack. Suspect Rudralall Baldeo, 57, a Guyanese, had no address and no previous arrests by the NYPD, cops said. “He’s a homeless person who pushed a stranger onto the subway tracks with no prior provocation,” Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Christopher Lin said as Baldeo was ordered held
Rudralall Baldeo
without bail late Saturday. “The probability of death in this case is high.” Defense attorney Edda Ness said prosecutors “don’t actually have a witness who saw (Baldeo) push the victim onto the tracks” and that the homeless man does have “community contacts” that include two sons and a wife living in the city. Police said Lin’s stunned wife pointed Baldeo out to cops, who arrested the alleged attacker on the platform. Lin and his wife, Yumei Li Lin, were taking the subway from Chinatown to their
Essequibo traffic campaign nabs 28 Traffic ranks at the Anna Regina Police Station prosecuted 28 Essequibo drivers who failed to stop their vehicles upon being signaled by the police siren. A campaign began two weeks and remains in effect. Defaulters were charged for failing to stop at the sound of an approaching siren. At the time traffic ranks were escorting cyclists who participated in the “Ride for life” race on the Essequibo Coast. Offenders who were found guilty were subjected to fines ranging from $5000 to $10,000. The majority of those
drivers however, claimed that they didn’t hear the police siren, since it was not loud. Two said that they failed to heed the siren because of the congested traffic at the roadside so they could not park. Magistrate Sunil Scarce reprimanded and discharged some of the drivers who contended that they were not given enough time to park due to the congestion. There are still some offenders who will have their day in court to challenge the police who have to prove their case against those alleged defaulters.
Amsterdam Ave. home when they apparently stopped to switch trains at the 145th St. and St. Nicholas Ave. station. As the couple stood on the uptown platform, Baldeo slammed into Lin — sending the elderly man falling to the tracks below, cops said. Good Samaritans rescued Lin from the trough before the train arrived. “He is not out of danger,” said Eliyah Shira, pastor of the couple’s Chinatown church. “He is in the process of recovering, but he’s not really out of danger.” Police sources said Baldeo professed his
Gunmen shoot Corriverton businessman Upper Corentyne businessman and Former Chairman of the Upper Corentyne Fishermen’s Co-op Society, Kumar Doodnauth, proprietor of Doodnauth’s Hardware Store of Number 79 Village, Corriverton was shot twice by two gunmen last Friday evening. The incident occurred around 20:30 hrs, while Doodnauth on returning home, had padlocked his gates, parked his car and was about to enter his home. “I just come in the yard and was parking my vehicle [and] I walked towards the back to check the yard when two guys just jumped me. One had
My mother was not a money grabber From page 14 Kaieteur News. But why did her mother trust her stepfather so much as to go out with him, have lunch and dinner with him and then go home with him, when in fact she was scheduled to stay at a relative on the East Coast of Demerara during her stay in Guyana. “She probably did that because he was going to everyone, asking them to beg her to take him back. It probably
placed her on a guilt trip and she let her guard down.” Another thing that upset Chattergoon was the report that her mother had received flowers from another man whom her husband suspected was her lover. “I don't know where they cooked that up from, but I can tell you that the person that they may have believed that she was seeing is none other than a pastor that was helping us find an
innocence and claimed Lin fell onto the tracks as he walked by. Baldeo even said “excuse me” as he passed Lin, the source said. A small group of congregants from the Church of Grace joined Lin’s family in prayer at the hospital. Lin‘s daughter-in-law said her relatives were too upset Saturday to discuss the case. In addition to his two adult children, Lin is the grandfather of a young girl, friends said. “They’re really friendly, nice people,” said Xinen Huang, 33, whose father was once the Lin family’s landlord in Brooklyn. “I’m so sorry to hear what happened,” he told the Daily News. “He has a good personality.” The family lived in Brooklyn for about a decade before moving out last year, said Huang. Lin is originally from the Fujian province on the southeast coastal region of China. Lin is the sixth person to be shoved or thrown onto city subway tracks since the start of 2012, according to a count by The News. The number includes the deaths of Ki-Suk Han, 58, and Sunando Sen, 46, who were both hit by trains in December 2012 after being assaulted by unhinged straphangers.
apartment in the States,” Chattergoon explained. “This guy, he is very old. You can't put my mom with him. He's like a father figure. My stepfather knew this man as well,” she added. She admitted that the murder of her mother and her stepfather's suicide did surprise her although there were signs that the man was volatile and was potentially violent.
a gun,” he related. The men were not masked. As soon as his wife, Baity Doodnauth, was about to open the door for him, “one of them told my wife to shut the door, and one shoot me on my right knee.” “I asked them what they want. I told them I got some money and I gave it to them. Then one of them told the other that they should leave, but when the other bandit heard my wife hollering thief, he shoot me on my right hand and then they jumped the fence and gone.” Doodnauth related that he bled profusely after the shots. “It lasted ten minutes. I bleed out two pints [of] blood in the yard and my wife was hollering and no one was coming out. She bawled till she lost her voice, but nobody came out.” The Springlands Police Station, located two minutes away, was notified and police arrived promptly. Doodnauth was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where he received medical attention. He praised the doctors and nurses at the hospital. He sought further treatment at Woodlands Hospital. Investigations are continuing.
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Cool Square murder trial commences at the High Court The murder trial of Junior Bourne commenced yesterday at the Georgetown Supreme Court before Justice James Bovell Drakes. Bourne is indicted for the murder of Canada-based Guyanese, Rawle Harding, on March 3, 2010. Attorney at Law Hukumchand is representing the accused. The prosecution called two witnesses, both relatives of the deceased to testify in the matter. Corlette Friday and Burton Harding testified to identifying the body of their relative and witnessing the post mortem examination. Attorney at Law Natasha Backer is representing the State in the case. In her opening statement, Backer told the court that Harding, a Canada-based Guyanese was seated at Cool Square Bar, West Ruimveldt, when he was robbed and shot in the abdomen. Harding later succumbed as a result of his
injuries. According to reports, the murder/robbery at the Cool Square bar on March 3, 2010 was recorded on surveillance cameras. Police investigators had suggested that Harding was shot while resisting the robbery. The incident occurred around 11.20 pm, while Harding, his cousin Clarence Roberts, 56, and a taxi driver were at the bar. Two men later entered the bar, pretending to be costumers and purchased beverages. The men subsequently pulled out guns and confronted Harding and his cousin. One of them held on to a gold chain that Harding was wearing. When Harding resisted, he was shot in the abdomen. The gunmen proceeded to rob the injured man and his associates before fleeing the scene. Harding was later rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed while receiving medical attention.
Police vehicle crushes elderly woman’s leg - after ranks arrest suspect in Stabroek Market Doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation are monitoring a 68-year-old woman who was struck by a police vehicle outside the Stabroek Market around 15:30 hrs yesterday. Dhanmattie Ramdass, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, was admitted to the GPHC with severe injuries to her right leg. Eyewitnesses said that the police ranks were driving away from the area with a man they had arrested inside the market when the mishap occurred. According to reports, police had apprehended the man and had frisked him, when he attempted to flee. Eyewitnesses alleged that the ranks caught the fleeing man
and one of them struck him in the face with a handgun. Kaieteur News was told that several civilians intervened, and after a scuffle that lasted for several minutes, police reportedly placed the man in a vehicle. They were reportedly racing away from the scene when the vehicle ran over Ms. Ramdass’ leg. The same ranks then took the injured woman to the GPHC. She was still undergoing treatment in the Accident and Emergency Unit up to late yesterday evening. A daughter of the victim said that Ms. Ramdass was returning home after visiting a relative when the mishap occurred.
Domestic violence ... From page 11 seminar, I am no longer comfortable. We have a crisis on our hands and we need to educate our women who take a slap from their partner for granted. When your partner abuses you and he comes back with a crying sound in his voice and says to you, ‘Baby you know since you leff I ain’t eat ya know. I am sorry babe,’ that’s where we get soft but we need to be strong. We need to fight and realize our worth.” Chief Executive Officer of the Movement of Civil Union (MCU), Mr. Odo Best, stressed that for too long the nation has been dealing with domestic violence from the
wrong angle. He said, “We need to stop waiting for bad things to happen before we deal with an issue. Dealing with it when it gets to this point is not the answer. We must educate our people. Start from the foundation and stress on repairing the moral fabric of our country.” Best added, “While we are losing our women, we are also losing our men who can still make positive contributions to our society. We lose our men to the prisons without trying to help them. They are in trouble and we should strive to give both sides the best possible assistance that we have to offer.”
Page 22
WANTED Contract cars- Contact City Taxi Service- 660-1100 / 2267150 Experienced driver & dispatcher @ Princess hotel – Tel:265-7075; 265-7076; 616-5419 Seeking employment of a excavator / Dozer operator in interior? 5yrs experience – Tel:652-9180; 696-3367 2 Chainsaw operators – Tel:677-2281 Husband / wife live in caretaking duties. Drivers: Car/Van licensed 30-45yrs. Live in domestic – Tel:2271830; 613-3091 One general worker – Tel:225-6337 Handyboys to work – 16yrs and over. Live-in accommodation and meal free! Telephone:228-5655; 628-1756 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call:612-1607 Office Clerk: CXC English/ Mathematics- Call:225-0188/ 225-6070 Space for gym in Georgetown or immediate environment – Tel: 615-5315, 647-4587.
Kaieteur News
TO LET Furnished 2-bedrooms top flat & 2 bedroom bottom flat apartment for overseas guests @ Bent St, Wortmanville - Phone: 2222778/ 640-4130/ 226-3309 Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: As low as $5000 per nightCall: 668-0306/602-8769/ 694-7817 Short term rental (fully furnished 2 bedroom apartments - Tel: 222-7891; 609-9202.
Person to slaughter and clean pigs at new Hope, E.B.D. call: 266-2711,6094594 1 Live-in maid to work in Diamond – Tel:664-5199 Labourers for wood concession. Accommodation Provided, $5,000 per day Tel: 618-0487 Salesgirls & porters: Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies: Lot 1E Middleton & Dennis Street Campbleville
CHICKENFARMWORKER NEEDED IN TRINIDAD, FREE HOUSING , SALARY TT$800 WEEKLY. CALL KELVIN: 868-318-1748 / 868-373-0877 / 718-6411252 1 land to buy in Linden – Tel: 697-0054; 686-2201. Preferably Amelia’s Ward
17ft fiberglass boat with 175 Yamaha Seadoo jet ski - Tel: 651-8870 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
AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & cheap RZ buses, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 1- F150 6CYL, fully loaded $3M Negotiable – Tel:6895254; 256-0504 PPP 3361 Runx – Tel:6414684 ($2,350,000)
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
One Whirlpool Chest freezer (New) – Price: $135,000 – Tel:601-3140, 2292179; 622-8564
Live and pluck chicken - Tel: 220-9203; 650-4421
1 Bedroom apartment @ Uitvlugt Housing Scheme West Coast Demerara – Tel: 680-4990
5 Head & 7 Head Moulders, 150Kw Genset, CC Saw, Resaw – Tel:626-0024; 6165595; 665-3676
Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call:6797139
Mitsubishi Galant Car, fully loaded – Tel: 227-7544; 6122542, 614-6011.
NISSAN WINGROAD PRR SERIES - TEL: 695-4785
Kitty - $65,000, Atlanic Gardens - US900, Providence - US1250- Call Diana: 2272256; 626-9382
1.5 & 2 Tonne open back canter, power gate $2.4M, unregistered - Tel: 617-2891
House to rent in Friendship EBD – Tel:266-0163 Kingstown- 2 office spaces available for immediate rental – Tel:226-1308 or 6471481
CAR RENTAL First Choice Car Rental: Cars as low as $5,000 per dayCall: 668-0306 / 694-7817/ 225-6337 Wings Car Rental- Call: 643-1131 A i d a n ’s C a r R e n t a l & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 2257126/226-3693- dollysauto rental@yahoo.com/ www.dollysautorental.com Premio, Vitz call:679-7139
One experienced Nail technician, specialized nail art design, air brush and hair extension – Tel:231-6000 Driver wanted urgently for ice-cream van between ages 40-45yrs – Tel:218-3021
Dump Canters, Long & Short Canters, Pitbull & RZ minibuses, Sienta, Voxy, Liteace Tel: 259-3178; 650-5657
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, Nissan Tittan, Ford F150 Parts in a hurry! - Tel:226-5473
Must See!!! 2002&2003 Premio - $2.5M, 2001 Carina 212 - $2.1M. All cars fully loaded & clean. Tel: 226-5473
One domestic, live in & live out babysitter from 12pm8pm- Call:225-4492 Need 1 Plot of land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Tuesday November 26, 2013
2005 Tacoma 1995 V6 4x4 Tacoma – Tel: 651-8870 2008 Fielder – $2.7M, Premio$2.5M, Spacio $2.1M, Unregistered – Tel: 617-2891 1 Datsun Pick-up with Canopey. As is where is! – Tel: 226-5199; 628-8553
PROPERTY FOR SALE VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community- Call:592-6248704/592-684-9203 Property for sale- Call:6275416 Durban Backlands: Squatting houses. Selling price $1M – Tel:231-2199; 618-7483
1 - 5L Diesel Toyota Hilux, ready for the interior, in excellent condition – Tel:667-2703 or 662-5570
House & Land for sale W.C.B - Contact:698-3703; 689-2973
1 Toyota 212, 1-Toyota AT212, 1- 91 Corrola, 1 Corrola Axio 4WD (new model) never registered call: 259-0836, 621-7838
Meadowbrook - $9.5M, East Coast – $11M , Alberttown $31M, Highway (28acres) @400,000 per acres – Call Diana - 227-2256; 626-9382
One Toyota Tacoma Extra Cab GMM Series - $1.2M & One AT192 Toyota Carina PLL Series - $1M –Tel: 678-2298
AE100 Corrola @ $975,000, 212 Carina @ $975,000 – Tel: 611-6632
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 6471773
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154
Professional & affordable salon service: Hair care, nail & skin care – Contact Amrita: 680-2609
Corrola Axio -$2,850,000 , Spacio PRR Series -$2.1M, CRVPJJ - $1.7M – Tel: 697-0294 WANTED Scrap metal – Tel:658-9045; 658-9044 Chain saw operator with own saw – Tel: 618-0487.
1 Toyota Caldina & Fielder Wagon, IST, NZE Corolla, Fun Cargo, AT212, AT192, Hilux pick up 4x4- Tel: 6445096, 697-1453
Barbers – Tel:683-1534; 6094983
1 Suzuki 600 GS X – R , 1 Toyota RAW- 4 & CERESTel: 644-5096, 697-1453
Looking for 1 female to work in the interior in a shop – Tel:664-5199
Unregistered Toyota Spacio 2003 model & Toyota Sienta 2004 - Tel: 617-5536
1 New ASCO automatic change over switch, 200 amps Tel: 694-7817; 612-1351 WHOLESALE PLUCK CHICKEN AND PARTS – TEL:676-0931
Businessman in Trinidad seeks Guyanese woman for friendship & marriage between ages 30-40; email:ramphal mahadeo@ live.com – Tel:0011-868-7243155; 0011-868-4681075
Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943 Searay boat fiberglass white leather interior, in board engine with trailer. Price US$10,000. Email:lpersaud2002@ gmail.comTe l : 1 2014483565 (overseas) 1 New Model Tacoma, 1 12" Aluminum Boat, 1 14" Aluminum Boat. Contact:220-1981; 690-1945 Rosetta stone language software – Tel:695-7595
Closing Down Sale! Imported antique furniture, bed sets & centre table & consoles – Tel:622-3587
Lumber for sale hard wood 140 per Bm, greenheart 220 per Bm – Tel:680-3154
XP1500,1500 Watts, Sell$40,000 (Neg.) Contact: GlobeSpan Technology Tel: 269-0140 or 269-0141 or 2690142
One pure bred female Rottweiler pup - Call: 2206879
RABBITS @ $2000 EACH TELEPHONE:600-0814 1 Raum PMM - $1.4M, 2006 Hyundai Tuscon Jeep $2.9M, negotiable – Tel:6716051 Hi / low HID kits (crystal lights) cheapest in GT – Call: 601-4640; 216-3214 270 Amps, portable welders - Telephone: 611-5114 One pools table - Tel: 686-7180
PENPAL
1 Complete 6" dredge, 1 – 6" Lavadore – Tel:677-2281
Massey, Yanmar Ford 5000 Logging/ Agriculture Tractors, parts, Loader & Ford Truck- Call:615-1578/ 694-3595: Tools & Chainsaw668-2831
Xantrex Trace Inverter/ Charger TR3624 3600 Watts Sell- $250,000 (Neg.) Contact: GlobeSpan Technology 269-0140, 269014, 269-0142
1 Toyota Allion – PNN 736 Series – Tel: 225-0709; 6828876 110 Corrola, Toyota Vitz – Tel: 679-7139
1-320 Cl excavator excellent condition – Tel:699-3992
Potting soil, top soil and quality cow mould - Call: 656-1326; 678-0058
Heavy duty concrete drill, Air less paint sprayer (for houses), Industrial vacuum cleaners (wet & dry)- Tel: 227-8519 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
150cc Dirt Bike for parts – Tel:695-7595
Ducks & Pigs – Tel:688-7291
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 Fluffy Dachshund pups – Tel: 642-6664 1 Nissan Canter, need repair - Tel: 228-5655;628-1756 Dog Food! 13lbs &50lbs bags wholesale & retail – Tel: 222-7891; 609-9202 350 Diesel (fully loaded, excellent)- Tel: 227-8519 Stereo set (LG speakers)- Tel: 227-8519 FOR HIRE Enclose truck secure your goods – Tel:694-5460; 2665771 – Perfect for moving. FOR SALE / FOR RENT American pool table – Tel: 277-0578 (Continued on page 23)
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
Letters... Where your views make the news
Page 23
(From page 22)
Criminals are not only killing innocent people... From page 4 the recycling of waste into saleable products. Not only does the project create jobs directly, but additional employment will be created through local manufacturing facilities set up to process this recycled material. The project will be financed internally through a private equity investment program. We are not asking, nor do we expect, any contributions from the public purse. This is purely a business opportunity with normal expectations of profitability. The following companies and individuals will partner directly with Natural Globe Resource Guyana Inc. on this project:
The Anavitas Group Inc.: An innovative company dedicated to Energy Conservation and Alternative Energy technologies. Anavitas is heavily involved in research and development around environmentally responsible “Waste to By-Product” and “Waste to Energy” technologies with collaborations with the University of Guelph and Sir Wilfred Laurier University. Seberras Engineering Inc.: A Canadian engineering firm with solid experience in large industrial applications and innovative production facility designs. Mogford Enterprises Inc.: A Canadian business consultancy company that
has experience in Tire recycling operations and establishing business operating systems. Dan Dorey: A former Managing Partner for Envirotherm Manufacturing that built and installed separating systems for waste streams. The waste was processed through fiberizers, pelletizers and a working model for a pyrolysis energy from waste system was also developed. In addition to the above, we have established working relationships and affiliations with the following: Tadger Group International Inc InnovationBrant Corporation Anavitas Brant Inc Natural Globe (Guyana) Inc.
When we assume postures and speak, we must... From page 5 interference by the PPP government. Even the forums that are critical of the government still enjoy the rights of free expression and free press. I would also recall the debate series aired on National Communications Network (NCN) at many times, when the opposition was invited for public dialogue. However, the opposition absented themselves. The debate series was overseen by Mr. Al Creighton to discuss various issues. The Honourable Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall on countless occasions invited the opposition for open debates on NCN but they disregarded those invitations. Honourable Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh also explicitly expressed several invitations for the opposition to discuss budgetary and finance affairs but they also ignored those media time. His Excellency Donald Ramotar extended requests for collective discussions with
the oppositions but they also avoided those. Therefore, Vieira’s claims about the opposition parties not receiving fair media time to exercise freedom of expression are a blatant lie. I am still optimistic that one day the opposition will accept these requests and engage in public discussions. Nevertheless, the principal purposes for government information services and media outlets are to convey government ideas. This fundamental principle is applicable in all parts of the world. Vieira also made two statements in this pathetic writing and I quote, “…force the PPP to comply with their [opposition] demand” and “…to hold the government to ransom for concessions…” Any civilized nation would find such statements treasonous. Is this the democratic view he endorses? I think Vieira is also challenging your journalistic judgment to label a letter published under your approval as illiterate.
Vieira is solely attempting to discredit my writings by all means and hypocritically stated, “[I] must learn to live with freedom of expression,” perhaps he should. Vieira also has the audacity to call me an illiterate without having any clue of my academic accomplishments. Even so, to make matters worse, he strenuously invested his time responding to letters he coined foolish and illiterate. I would venture to say he is totally confused and beyond illiteracy. When we assume postures and speak, we must ensure the records support us. In his letter he explicitly advocates Guyana being blacklisted for noncompliance of the AntiMoney Laundering and Combating the Finance of Terrorism legislation. I am even more convinced now that Vieira has lost his marbles. Moreover, he is in fact the dinosaur of a bygone era and the sooner society realizes he is extinct, the better for Guyana. Mahendra Hariraj
VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call: 691-0894/6842838 Wanted Security ages 35-55. Address application to Manager Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Anira Street , Queenstown One mature pharmacy Technician/Assistant. Must Have at least 5 years working experienced – Tel:661-3124; 675-8790 Vacancy exists for experienced cashier & salesgirls. Apply in person @ Fabric World, 140 Regent & Light Street. An Industrial Electrician with qualification & Experienced. Apply to Technical Services Inc 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles, E.B.D. Office worker needed. Must be computer literate, good at customer care and have pleasant personality – Tel:642-2028 Salesman for Cooking Gas in Georgetown store, physically fit, completed high school. 676-6700. Experience cashiers & Salespersons needed to work in supermarket/cosmetics department @ East Coast, age 25-50yrs, call: 220-2128 / 6421141
SERVICES
LAND FOR SALE
Professional and affordable landscaping and tree trimming services. BUDRAM’S LANDSCAPING SERVICES - Call: 6561326; 678-0058
House lot for sale on the West Bank of Demerara Harbour bridge in Harbourville contact # 6500402
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:225-9032,647-2943 We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699
Non- Pariel, Eccles, Herstelling 100ftX60Ft $4M-$5M – Tel: 218-5591; 675-7592 Promising Gold and Diamond mining lands in various areas – Tel:6993992 110 Acres @ Mahaicony Tel: 225-3070; 686-4994 10 Acres land at Long Creek - Tel: 699-3723 Parafaite Harmonie & Schonard - $2.2M & $2.6M – Tel:675-7292
Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING F O R O N LY $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 CALL: 694-9843/2272766 Technicians available for appliance repairs – washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, deep fryers, etc – Tel:6190793; 218-0050 Children’s Party Service: Let’s make it fun – Call:6471773 Do you live out of town and need a care giver for your child? – Tel:694-0689 Masons Seeks daily or Job work – Tel:619-3296
FOR RENT Furnished top flat house, Queenstown, generator, A/ C, Grille & parking -Tel:2271218 or kpthomas7@gmail. com Ground Floor Office space, Queenstown, generator, A/ C, grille & parking - Tel:2271218 or kpthomas7@gmail.com Furnished apartments $70,000 monthly - Tel: 687-3017 2 flat new building (down town) suitable for business or offices- Tel: 227-8519 One bedroom apartment @ Soesdyke – Phone:604-7022
LEARN TO DRIVE B & C Driving School: Lot 5 Hadfield streer Lodgecall: 225-0150,229-7258, 680-6826 Ultravoilet Driving School Tel: 226-0765; 602-2583 (Gwenette)
1 Bedroom apartment in Eccles self contained with toilet & bathroom, large living room - $30,000 a month – Tel:684-3763 Rooms – Call:225-9223 Property rentals at different price- Tel: 231-2199, 618-7483
MASSAGE
MASSAGE
American Style massage services- Call:678-7499
T h e G e n t ’s S p a : L e t beautiful sophisticated masseuse pamper you: New masseuse availableCall: 657-5979
Massage therapy service call:674-8147
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Man imprisoned for Children on trial for murdering stepfather stealing from US Embassy - Witness admits to being given $US700 to kill man - invests the money instead of carrying out deed By Latoya Giles The trial of four persons accused of murdering Motielall Singh, a US based Guyanese back in 2009 commenced yesterday before Justice Navindra Singh. The persons on trial are Singh’s stepchildren; Bibi Farida Khan called ‘Pum’, Shamiza Khan called ‘Sham’, Hoosman Khan called ‘Strongman’ as well as Bissoondial Mahadeo, a labourer, called ‘Weedman’. A fifth man, Ayube Hamid called ‘Little’ was also charged but died in prison. Senior State Prosecutor Judith Gildharie Mursalin is presenting the case, while attorneys at law Bernard De Santos SC and Glen Hanoman are representing the four persons. The first witness to take the stand yesterday was Keith Boodram also known as “Tall man” or “Ravi” who is a former police officer. According to Boodram, he was approached by Khan’s two daughters and asked to kill him (Singh). According to the witness, he had known the two women prior to 2009. Boodram told the court that he had received a telephone call from “Pum”. The witness said he later met the two ladies on which occasion the offer was made. “They tell me that their stepfather in de country and they want me kill him….and I tell them I don’t deh in them things” Boodram told the court. The witness further stated that after he declined the offer, “Pum” threw a quantity of money into the bus he was driving and told him to think about it. Boodram said when he arrived home he checked the money and it was $US700. The witness said that instead of carrying out the murderous deed “Pum” had asked him to do; he invested the money into his business. He said that sometime later the police came to his home and he was arrested. The man told the court that he was taken to the Leonora Police Station where he saw the defendants. Under cross examination by Attorney at Law Glen Hanoman, Boodram was questioned about the money
he allegedly received. The witness was asked whether the money paid to him was to kill Singh and he said yes. He was then asked if he had given a statement to this effect to the police to which he answered in the affirmative. The witness was questioned about his relationship with the lead investigating rank, Deputy Superintendant of Police (DSP), Terrace Paul. He denied suggestions that he knew Paul personally. Senior counsel De Santos in cross examining Boodram questioned whether he had reported the incident to the police. Boodram said he did not do so. “So you kept the money to create the impression that you were going to do the work” De Santos suggested to the witness, who promptly denied it. The witness was then asked why he did not return the money, to which he said that he did not know. The lawyer suggested to the witness that none of the women offered or gave Boodram any money and ‘that story’ was conjured by him and DSP Paul. Boodram however, maintained that he was given the money by the women and that he had told the police everything he knows. The next witness to be called was Ganesh Kissoon who is the nephew of the deceased. Kissoon told the court that Singh was his mother’s brother. He said that he recalled on September 9, 2009 around 08:00hrs he was at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary. Kissoon said that he identified his uncle’s body and received a death certificate. He also told the court that his uncle was buried the following day. The third witness was Deputy Superintendent of Police Terrace Paul. Paul told the court that during the month of September 2009, he was stationed at the Leonora Police Station as the Officer in Charge of crime. He said that he had conducted the investigations into the matter. He told the court that it was around 06:20hrs on
September 8, 2009 when, acting on information he went to the home of Hoosman Khan. Paul said he told the man that it was alleged that he along with others on the same date murdered his stepfather. He said Khan was cautioned and said nothing. DSP Paul further told the court that it was 09:00hrs on the same day that he went to the home of Bissoondial Mahadeo and put the allegation to him. A third arrest was made on the same day around 10:30hrs, and this time, the Khan Sisters’ who lived at Lot 38 Windsor Forest, were taken into custody. Later on, Paul said he went back to the same address and arrested Ayube Hamid. Hamid died in prison sometime after being charged. Under cross examination, DSP Paul denied that the information he received was from a “phantom witness”. Paul said he could not remember whether the police had obtained a statement from anyone who had witnessed the crime. He was asked whether the police had reasonable suspicion when they arrested Bissoondial Mahadeo. Paul admitted that they had not received a written statement implicating Mahadeo when he was arrested. Hanoman continued to cross examine the witness up until the end of yesterday’s proceedings. The matter is expected to continue today. On the day in question, police were summoned to the West Coast Demerara village where they found Singh’s body underneath a tiny bridge at Windsor Forest. Acting on information, the police had initially detained three of the accused, one of whom eventually confessed to the crime, leading to the arrest of two others, one of whom had gone into hiding. There are reports that Singh’s relatives had paid another person $180,000 to murder him. However, it was revealed that the ‘hit-man’ made off with the fee without harming Singh. The relatives then allegedly paid others to commit the crime. A post mortem examination revealed that Singh sustained 20 stab wounds about his body. He died of shock and haemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds. Singh had returned to Guyana some three weeks prior to his death to attend his brother’s funeral.
One of the two persons accused of breaking and entering a storage bond and stealing $813,400 worth of property belonging to the Embassy of the United States of America, was sent to prison yesterday when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. Appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court were 34-year-old Albert Rajaran and 22-year-old Ryan Waddle. It is alleged that between November 19 and 20, at Timerhi, East Bank Demerara they broke into Amerjet bond which housed the said property belonging to the US Embassy and stole several electronic items. To the accusations, Rajaran pleaded guilty whilst Waddle pleaded not guilty. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharat Mangru told the court that about 16:30hrs on November 19, the Assistant Manager, Ms. Ceres, secured the storage bond at Timehri leaving the items therein. The court heard, however, that at about 11:30hrs on November 20, Ms. Ceres received ‘certain information’ and returned to the storage bond where she discovered that someone had broken into the bond. The court heard that further checks revealed the articles missing. Mangru said that Rajaran was then contacted, told of the allegations and cautioned. According to Mangru, the accused admitted to committing the offence and led the police to two separate locations where the loot was stored and also handed over his portion of the booty. The Prosecution stated that when Waddle was subsequently contacted, under caution he admitted to committing the offence and led the police to the place
Ryan Waddle (left) and Albert Rajaran where he claimed to have kept his portion but none of the items were recovered. The court was told that four of the seven stolen items were recovered. The unrepresented Rajaran told the court that “I was under the influence of alcohol and I jumped over the fence of the company. There was an entry through the bathroom door and I took the stuff. When the police arrest me I took them and give them the stuff because when I hear is the Embassy stuff, I din want to give the police any problems.” “Ma worship I’m kindly asking you to be light cause I am not wasting the court time. I’m begging yuh.” Meanwhile, Waddle who pleaded not guilty told the court that he is a “seaman” who has no antecedents and resides at the “Timerhi Bones Area.” Waddle said “Your honour when they (the police) hold me they started to beat me and I keep telling them that I didn’t do anything. They put two wet plastic bags on my face and I get blackout. When I was revived, Officer Lowe was asking me about my family. I was beaten with an iron file too. I don’t know nothing about this story.”
The Prosecution objected to bail for Waddle on account of the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. Prosecutor Mangru told the court that more charges are pending for a similar offence and if granted bail, Waddle may not return to court. Corporal Mangru informed the court that Rajaran was previously convicted for a similar offence. In response to the guilty plea entered by Rajaran, the Chief Magistrate stated that she took into consideration the serious nature and prevalence of the offence committed, as well as his age and the fact that he was under the influence when he committed the act. She also focused on the amount stolen and the fact that he cooperated with the police and saved the court’s time. She however noted that he was previously convicted and sentenced Rajaran to three years imprisonment. Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry thereafter refused bail to Waddle. He was remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance at the Providence Magistrates’ Court for report and fixtures on November 29.
CEBO hosts first community-based ... From page 10 their successes and mistakes. She also expressed that it was anticipated that the Government of Guyana and other local partners would be inspired and committed to continue to mount CEBO workshops across the country. “We look forward to seeing the programme implemented in all regions in Guyana,” Dr. Brown said. Dr. Brown used the opportunity to thank the Government of Guyana, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and all the partners associated with CEBO such as the Japanese Government, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the UNDP
Youth Innovation Project for their support. Acting Director at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Guyana, Gillian Frank said, there were many expectations of the young people participating in the workshop. She encouraged them to ensure that they learn from the information to be equipped with the relevant tools to make them successful business men and women. She said it was expected that there would also be behavioral change within participants that would foster discipline, sacrifice and capacity building. She also reminded participants that goal setting, strategy, conflict resolution and communication capacity,
were important in building businesses. She told the participants that they should not allow the opportunity to go to waste. “A few years from today I hope that we will be invited to attend a workshop like this coordinated by you. Young people you are given the opportunity to change your lives and improve your community. Let it happen” she said. CEBO training workshops and pilot projects have been implemented in five Caribbean countries so far including Jamaica, Belize, St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica and The Bahamas. CEBO was developed by the CARICOM Secretariat with input from Regional stakeholders.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
JAMAICA’S CJ URGES media to be resolute but fair - Opposition says persevere in face of adversity
Jamaica’s Chief Justice Zaila McCalla
(Jamaica Observer) Jamaica’s Chief Justice Zaila McCalla, while acknowledging the need for more transparency and accountability in the justice system, on Sunday appealed to members of the press to tread softly in pursuing truth. “It is evident that the country has come into an age of information and technology. The judiciary understands all too well and must answer the call in raising the bar by increasing transparency and accountability in the delivery of justice. Whilst the judiciary traverses this path I implore our friends of the press to be mindful of the delicate nature and sensitive environment in which the process of justice must be allowed to take its course,” Justice McCalla told members of the media during a church service at the Wildman Street United Pentecostal Church in Kingston to kick off activities for National Journalism Week. Noting that the media, as a group, is an essential stakeholder in the justice system, Justice McCalla urged practitioners to not only actively report on the cases in the Courts, but also to report on the positive initiatives being undertaken by the Courts in collaboration with other stakeholders in order to improve the administration of justice in the country. “As we seek to uphold the fundamental principles of
our democracy we are also duty bound to protect the rights of every Jamaican who seeks redress in our Courts, especially the most vulnerable groups including our children. It is my hope that we will move forward in a spirit of partnership and goodwill and seek ways to collaborate in addressing many of the issues of concern in our nation,” she said. “I encourage you to be resolute and fearless, but fair and accurate in the gathering, processing and dissemination of information for the benefit of our people. Continue to be a voice for the voiceless and a protector for the weak. It is one of the greatest contributions you could ever make to the advancement of the human race,” the Chief Justice continued. In the meantime, Opposition Spokesperson on Information Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, who also represented Opposition Leader Andrew Holness, in noting the existence of “challenges” which she said were evidenced by “recent events”, urged the press to “continue to persevere in the face of adversity”. “We stand with journalists who seek answers to issues that affect the nation and reject any attempt to restrict these efforts. But, in doing so, we ask for mutual respect, we ask for mutual honesty, we ask for mutual accessibility to information and to individuals, and we ask that in carrying out your
duties you show respect and demand respect,” she said. Grange’s remarks come in the wake of an incident in which a reporter attempting to interview Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller last week about issues related to the reinstatement of transport and works junior minister Richard Azan was reportedly shoved by members of her security detail and shunned by the prime minister. For her part President of the Press Association of Jamaica Jenni Campbell said journalists had no intention of backing down in pursuing truth. “Journalists have always made it their duty to hold public officials to account very seriously, and this current generation of professionals function in a technologically advanced era and are far less tolerant of any lack or shade of transparency,” she said. “Where there is no transparency, our journalists will press and press hard, respectfully though, for information; persevering in the face of adversity. It is our responsibility to get the information and take it to the people, and we will do that and continue to do that regardless,” the PAJ president said to applause.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Cobbler remanded for allegedly setting stepsister alight Brian Haywood, who allegedly set his stepsister alight during a row over a pair of stolen slippers, will spend the Christmas holidays in prison on an attempted murder charge. The 30-year-old ‘D’ Field Sophia cobbler was remanded yesterday after he appeared
in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. He is to return to court on January 20, next. It is alleged that Haywood’s stepsister, Samantha Schwartz, 38, of Section D, South Sophia, was at home last Thursday when the accused asked her about a pair of slippers that was
allegedly stolen from his stall. He reportedly then doused her with a flammable substance before setting her alight. Schwartz sustained burns to her upper body and is still hospitalised. Haywood allegedly fled the scene but was apprehended on Sunday.
SYRIA PEACE TALKS SET FOR JAN. 22 IN GENEVA (Reuters) An international peace conference aimed at ending Syria’s civil war will be held on January 22, the first faceto-face talks between the government of President Bashar al-Assad and rebels seeking to overthrow him, the United Nations said yesterday. The United Nations is hoping for a peaceful transition in Syria, building on an agreement between world powers reached in June last year in Geneva. “We have a clear goal,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters in New York. That was the “full implementation of the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012” including the establishment of a transitional governing body with full executive powers, including over military and security entities. Ban said nothing about who had been invited to the talks and took no questions from reporters. The participation of Syria’s ally Iran in the peace conference has been a major stumbling block as Washington has opposed it, while Russia has backed Tehran’s attendance. The United States and European governments have said Iran could only attend the so-called “Geneva 2” talks in January if it embraces the outcome of the June 2012
conference, which called for a transitional government to replace Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s cabinet. Ban’s special envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, told a news conference in Geneva that Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has armed Assad’s enemies, could both take part but he said the list of participants in the conference had yet to be drawn up. The announcement of fresh talks came as Brahimi met senior U.S. and Russian officials in the Swiss city in his latest effort to get negotiations on track to end a war, now in its third year, that has killed more than 100,000 people. Brahimi has been trying to convene a peace conference since May. He said he would meet U.S. and Russian representatives again on December 20 and hoped the Syrian parties could name their delegations by the end of the year. While urging both sides to calm the conflict, Brahimi added it was not “realistic” to expect a ceasefire before the talks. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said it was not yet agreed whether Iran should be invited, Interfax news agency reported. Separately, Western diplomats agreed. World powers including the United States clinched a deal on curtailing Iran’s nuclear program at the
weekend, in a sign of easing tensions between the longtime foes. GENEVACOMMUNIQUÉ A senior European Union diplomat involved in issues relating to Iran and Syria said that after Sunday’s deal: “I cannot imagine Washington continuing to object to an Iranian presence”. Other diplomatic sources, however, said there was no assumption that Iran would come to Geneva 2 simply because a nuclear deal was achieved. Following the announcement of talks, Britain and France made clear they were still insisting that Iran must accept the June 2012 agreement before it can be invited to Geneva 2. “Until Iran publicly endorses the Geneva communiqué, and therefore makes clear that it supports the purpose of the Geneva 2 conference, it is hard to see how it can play a constructive role in finding a political solution to the conflict,” a spokeswoman for the British Foreign Office said. British Foreign Secretary William Hague said “a political transition would mean that Assad can have no future role in Syria”. A French diplomat said Iran would have to accept the terms of the June 2012 agreement before it could attend. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov blamed the Syrian opposition for delays in convening the conference, saying it had repeatedly set out conditions for participation, including Assad’s exit, which Moscow says cannot be a precondition for a peace process. Lavrov, speaking in Rome during a trip with President Vladimir Putin, said: “It could have been held much earlier if the opposition had felt responsibility for its country and had not put forward preconditions when we met in September, October, November,” state-run Russian news agency RIA reported. A U.S. official said Secretary of State John Kerry would attend the January talks.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 27
Murder suspect of Umpires named for GCB/GT&T Brazilian...
senior 4 day inter county tourney The Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) has released the names of the umpires to officiate in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Guyana Telephone and
Telegraph (GT&T) senior 4- day inter county tournament which is schedule to start on Thursday. The fixtures and umpires are as follows.
Is horseracing descending... From page 26 few benefit, including the many lawless gamblers, who reap the brunt of the profits. While some have
stated that they will not b e r a c i n g during the festive season, others say that they are contemplating giving up on the sport if nothing
tangible is thrown up fast, while others say they will be going for a holiday during the period. It is left to be seen how things will pan out.
PM Hinds praises corporate community as he declares open GFA/Banks Beer... From page 33 football needs a lot of teams and called on the corporate community to support the sport, adding that by doing so it simply gives a lot of the youths in the society an opportunity to escape crime and other social ills.
Lumumba said each club has around 30-40 players and if the sport do not receive the necessary funding to enable the clubs to sustain themselves them it leaves the players with not many other options, but to become involved
in deviant activities which are unhelpful for the society. Dolphin Secondary School Steel Orchestra provided some sweet renditions of Christmas carols, while Lisa Punch as usual was a hit with the national Anthem.
D’ANDRADE WINS...
From page 26 was not prepared for the 2013 event, but still managed to hold off the eventual winner for three-quarters of the race. “I didn’t prepare much. It was a last minute thing, but I am still satisfied. I ran with the
winner for a long time and I know I didn’t put much work in, so I relaxed and settled for second in the race,” Morgan told this newspaper yesterday. The local distance ace thanked Prime Minister,
Samuel Hinds, Minister Jennifer Westford and Trans Guyana Airways for their support. Morgan had also placed second in the South American 10km Road Race Classic in Guyana a few weeks ago.
Barath in superb form in.. From page 31 competition as LIME crushed Ince Transport MTW by 108 runs in a rescheduled fifth round match at Wildey to finish second in Zone ‘A’ where the quarter-finalists had been known a week ago. Tall and strong, Nurse made 100 not out off 106 deliveries including four fours and the same number of sixes in a total of 232 for seven off 50 overs. In the quarter-finals, title holders Sagicor Life UWI will oppose record eight-time champions Super Centre Spartan at 3Ws Oval, LIME meet BDFSP at Wildey, YMPC clash with ICBL Empire at Beckles Road and Republic Bank St. Catherine entertain last year’s losing finalists CGI Maple at Bayfield. With three places up for grabs going into the final round of the very competitive Zone ‘B’ today, there was always the likelihood of some intrigue. YMPC became the sixth team to book their position with a swift six-wicket win at Beckles Road over hapless Police, who suffered significantly by the early wet conditions. It might be hard to believe but the first
five matches for Police resulted in no-decisions and even more painfully, only three overs (against BDFSP at Weymouth in Series 5) were bowled. Guardian General Barbados Youth, who competed in Zone ‘A’, were the only other team with so many no-decisions. Then following BDFSP’s triumph, the interest for the last position turned to Bayfield where fortunes were fluctuating and tensions rose on and off the field between St. Catherine, who had already qualified going into the round, and Spartan. Chasing 194 to win, Spartan lost by 20 runs, thus giving Banks Wildey an opportunity to claim the last place in their battle at the SJPP ground, Pine/Wildey, with CounterPoint Wanderers who were out of the race. But Banks Wildey could not handle the assignment even though their chances had been helped by a slow over-rate for which Wanderers were penalised six overs (36 runs were added to their target) after bowling the home side out for 173. Wanderers duly won by five wickets with 15 balls to spare and Spartan slipped in.
From page 13 premises, while the accused escaped through the front door. The Prosecution stated that the matter was reported and the accused was subsequently arrested and charged. Representing the accused was Attorney at Law James Bond who told the court that his client resides at Stone Creek, Mahdia and is a miner in Region One, who operates his own business entity. The lawyer stated that his client was threatened to give a caution statement, since according to him Paul was told “he will be shot and killed if he did not sign.” Bond disputed that his client is a flight risk and said that Paul was seen many times by the police after the miner met his demise. Magistrate Latchman however, denied the lawyer’s bail application and the defendant was remanded to prison. He is set to make his next court appearance today in the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry.
Tuesday November 26, 2013 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): This could be the most romantic weekend of the entire year for you. If you’re single, you’ll have your pick of love interests at a rollicking party. ********************* TAURUS (APR 20 MAY 20): If you’re thinking of moving, selling a piece of property, or renovating your home, now is the time. ********************* GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): You may be presented with papers to sign, but hold off until the second half of the month. Although you’ll feel sorely tempted to jump while the iron is hot, you can negotiate even better terms. ********************* CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): If you’re long overdue for a raise, put in a request for more pay; you may not get an immediate answer, but it’s best to speak up now. ********************* LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): You’re ready to make a fresh start, but some pieces of the puzzle have yet to fall into place. ********************* VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): Your energy has been running low these past few weeks; stop telling yourself your friends and colleagues can’t live without you.
LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): A party or social gathering turns out to be more fun than you imagined. For one thing, all eyes will be focused on you. ************************ SCORPIO (OCT 23 - NOV 21): Career opportunities have never been bigger or brighter. If you’ve been thinking about switching industries, now is the time to send out job applications. ************************ SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): If you want to further your education, focus on studying for entrance exams and filling out applications. ************************ CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Good news about your finances put a spring in your step. Unfortunately, an authority figure may impose some restrictions on this new source of income. ************************ AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Commitment issues come to the forefront this weekend. If you’ve been dating someone special, you may get engaged or decide to move in together. ************************ PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): There’s never been a better time to begin a fitness program. Granted, some of elements of your routine could change over the next two weeks.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Is horseracing descending D’Andrade wins Suriname Marathon into anarchy in Guyana? - Morgan places second among women Lionel D’Andrade and Alika Morgan pose for a Kaieteur Sport photo opportunity yesterday after they returned from competing in the Suriname Marathon.
Guyana’s distance athletes continued to do well overseas when on Saturday, Lionel D’Andrade regained the Suriname Marathon title that he lost last year to the Kenyans. D’Andrade won with a time of 2:45.19 ahead of another Guyanese, Kelvin Johnson. Johnson finished his race in 2:49.35 ahead of Suriname’s, Guillermo
Udenhout, who was third in 2:50.20; D’Andrade and Johnson have been consistent for Guyana in the region in distance. They are both based in Trinidad and Tobago where they compete regularly. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, D’Andrade said that he continues to focus on the longer distance. He said that he will compete
in a Cross Country race in Trinidad this weekend. He also named Builders Lumber Yard and the Guinness Bar at Plaisance Line-top as his sponsors for this weekend’s race in Trinidad. Meanwhile, Alika Morgan placed second at the Suriname Marathon with 3:50. Morgan is a two-time winner of the race. She said that she (Continued on page 27)
The Area ‘H’ Community Centre in Rose Hall Town is set to be in a healthier state to host major cricket matches with major restoration works being undertaken. The pavilion, which was built in 1991 through self help by members of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club with funding from the Government of Guyana, was in a state of despair for the past five years after the Mayor and Town Council failed to undertake any repairs. The Management of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation is expressing profound gratitude to President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Sports Dr. Frank Anthony for the restoration work being done through a Government subvention of over $2.3M. Executives of the Club had
visited President Ramotar last year and he committed his Government to assisting in the restoring of the pavilion. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who headed the delegation said the commencement of works is good news for the club in 2013 as it would now be able to host major matches including finals at the venue. Other organisations including schools, churches and NGOs would also be able to host events without worrying about proper accommodation for spectators. The Area ‘H’ ground, with three pavilions, would now be able to seat at least one thousand spectators. Foster expressed gratitude also to Minister Anthony, Regional Chairman Permaul Armogan and PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar
Mustapha for their roles in assisting the club to obtain the funding. The Area ‘H’ ground which was once a swamp land has produced a Test player Assad Fudadin, one West Indies ODI Player Royston Crandon, six national senior players, twenty-three national junior players, two West Indies Female players and over 80 for Berbice at all levels. Meanwhile, one of the Club’s official sponsors, Bakewell has donated $100,000 for the Club’s Office signboard. The signboard welcomes visitors to the Club’s Area ‘H’ ground and Foster complimented the Management of Bakewell especially General Manager Rajin Ganga for the role they continue to play in the development of youths
By Samuel Whyte
With the sloth of the Guyana Government through the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport (MCYS) in passing the necessary horseracing legislation, the sport is left to the mercy of those who are willing to do as they please and is presently on the cusp of descending into anarchy. There are four horserace meets set to be stage within a three week period - 15th December to January 05th and with no one seem to be interested in letting up, one can only see chaos and confusion and possible losers at the end of the day. The race meets planned are the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facilities (RCMTC&SF) and the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) and the Shariff Business Enterprise and Racing Stable one day met set for Sunday 15th December at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Kennard Memorial Turf Club annual Boxing Day (26th December) meet, the Norman Singh memorial Turf Club in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet horserace meet set for the 29th December and the Rising Sun Turf Club one day horse race meet set for Sunday 5th of January. The PMTC, KMTC and RSTC are traditional dates and whilst the PMTC is more than two weeks before the next meet and does not affect the programme, the concern is that this particular meet should have been held today a traditional date for the RCMTC. However its postponement for various reasons is another point. The main concern at this moment is the other three dates. Whilst many reasons are being presented for the seeming disarray, one cannot escape the lack of proper legislation for the ongoing confusion. Without legislation persons are allowed to do as they feel and cannot be sanctioned. Horse owners also say that they are being taken for granted and not being consulted by the GHRA, clubs and promoters before making programmes and they are not prepared to continue being treated
with this type of disrespect. The horse owners are calling on the various clubs and promoters to sit down and plan proper programmes. They say that they are the ones who are losing and stand to lose further and they are prepared to take a stand. They informed that they spend millions of dollars in purchasing, clearing, grooming and preparing their horses and they want guarantees that races will be held. They want the clubs to cooperate, if the meet could not be held at one location, another or a promoter could take up the slack. But at the moment person at various spectrums are only interested in the personal gains and do not want to cooperate, much to the determent of the sport. According to the legislation presented, there is something for everyone, yet one cannot understand why there are persons placing themselves into conflict of interest positions. Senior Counsel and Horse Racing pioneer Marcel Crawford, who drafted a Legislation a long time ago and presented it to the Minister for the necessary action, has in the past and continues to blame the Government for the impending predicament in the horseracing fraternity. He still cannot understand despite the Minister’s ramblings the sloth. According to some parts of the legislation, persons involved in the sport should not be a part of the authority. Mr. Crawford has also put forward names of imminent persons who can help and are willing to administer the sport like Senior Council Bernard De Santos, Vic Oudit and John Quail, but are being ignored. Despite words of assurance from the Minister that efforts are being made to pass the necessary legislation, many disagree, given the time since the first draft was presented. One is forced to ask if the relevant authorities are playing politics with such an important activity. Some horse owners have stated that the present state of the sport offers little or no guarantees for anyone and only a (Continued on page 27)
Area ‘H’ Pavilion under repairs compliments of President Ramotar and Minister Anthony
The pavilion currently under repairs, while the signboard that will be done over. through their investment/ partnership in the club. Foster also disclosed that
he is currently in discussion with the Company to provide signboards for the Berbice
Cricket Board, St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church and some other cricket clubs.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Renovation work completed Sudesh Fitzgerald retains title; Rosetta on Albion Community Centre National Darts Championships...
Hiralall upsets Hemwattie Amyan Sudesh Fitzgerald
Sudesh Fitzgerald turned in a masterful performance and defeated Anil Lachhman 5-2 to retain the Men’s Singles title when the Guyana Darts Association (GDA) held its National championships at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, Sunday evening last. Hemwattie Amyan was not so fortunate and lost her national title to her younger sister, Rosetta Hiralall in one of the major upsets of the championship. The latter player won the first 2 games before the defending champion drew level after winning games 3 and 4. The younger Amyan then went on attain an unassailable lead after winning the other two games to dethrone her sibling and cart off the national title 5-2 and the Safari Inn trophy that went with it. Fitzgerald, a previous competitor at the world level,
dominated his game from the onset when he surged ahead in the first 4 games. His opponent then won two in a row before the national champion regained his composure and easily captured the final game to retain the national accolade and the Ramdial Trophy sponsored by former National Champion, Bholanauth Ramdial. The losing semi-finalists, Lallchand Rambharose and Sherwyn Greene then won the third and fourth places respectively after competing in a best of 7 duel. Anil Lachhman and Colin France teamed up to take the Men’s Doubles from Sherwyn Greene and Lallchand Rambharose which earned them the 3rd place slot and the GDA trophy. Hemwattie Amyan’s poor showing continued in the Women’s Doubles for the Dr. Terrence Joseph Trophy
when she teamed up with Rosetta Hiralal and lost to Mary Correia and Jean DeSouza. Sudesh Fitzgerald completed a game, throwing the least number of darts. He also achieved the highest check-out to finish a game and was awarded incentive prizes and trophies donated by Apex Insurance Brokers while Nicholas Seetaram won a prize for throwing the most 180s. The list of sponsors were extensive and included Trophy Stall, Guyana National Newspapers Ltd, D Y Rock Construction Co, Dr. Terrence Joseph, Safari Inn, Apex Insurance Brokers and businessman, Bholanauth Ramdial. President of the GDA, Grantley Culbard expressed deep appreciation to his many benefactors even as he complimented the players on their respective performances. Mr. Culbard said that in his many years of association with the sport he has never witnessed so many upsets. He further noted that despite competing at this level for the first time, the players of the Bank of Guyana team were consistent and participated in all of the upsets. “This certainly augurs well for the development of darts, considered a minority sport in Guyana,” said the darts President even as he intimated that the sport enjoys wide acclaim in other countries.
Singh to lead President’s XI in GCB/GT&T 4-day inter county tournament
Ryan Ramdass
Georgetown Cricket Club middle order batsman Vishal Singh will captain the President’s XI in the Guyana Cricket Board/Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) 4-day senior inter county tournament
which is schedule to start on Thursday. The squad includes opener Shemroy Barrington who will serve as Singh’s deputy, Robin Bacchus, Ryan Ramdass, Romario Shepherd and Seon Hetymer. Off-
The Albion Community Centre commentary booth and sight screen that was recently spruced up. The Albion Community Centre received a face lift with rehabilitation work being done to the once prestigious sport facility which was once touted among the best in the country. Renovation work has been completed on the Commentators Booth and the two sight screens to make them more spacious and habitable in anticipation for the influx of cricketing and other sporting activities planned to take place at the centre. The work was undertaken as a joint venture project between the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), the Albion Estate which provided the labour and popular Corentyne Businessman Shane Balram of the Balram Shane Store in Rose Hall, Corentyne. The businessman, who
also organises a yearly fund raising cricket venture, uses most of the funds raised to pour back into the rehabilitation of the venue. The Community Centre has of recent times been neglected with some of the structures around the ground in need of repairs. As such the CCCC took the initiative to spearhead the rehabilitation venture. The world famous Albion Sports Complex, as it is also known, was the venue for the first ever one day international cricket match in the West Indies which was played on the 16 th March, 1977 between West Indies and Pakistan. The venue which was one of the premiere cricketing venues in Guyana in tandem with Bourda, has hosted a number of one-day games, but it’s been more than two decades
now that an international game has not been played there. The venue boosts a number of stands and pavilions and can accommodate over 15,000 spectators. The community center will soon see the installation of permanent lights at the venue which will enhance its night activities. The lights, which will be similar to those installed at the National Stadium, are expected to bring back the international flair to the venue. This work is set to commence shortly. In the past, the Berbice Cricket Board, the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA), Republic Bank in Berbice along with the CCCC and a number of other organisations have contributed to the upkeep of the venue. (Samuel Whyte)
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ G/town Zone...
Defending champs open up against Costello Housing Scheme Robin Bacchus
Vishal Singh
- permanent lights next major projects
spinner Collins Butts and leg spinner Steven Sankar are also included. The full squad reads; Vishal Singh (Capt.), Shemroy Barrington (v.capt.) Robin Bacchus, Ryan Ramdass, Seon Hetmyer, Shaquille Williams, Jason Sinclair (wk), Romario Shepherd, Collis Butts, Steven Sankar, Kellon Carmichael, Andre Stoll, Dominique Rikhi and Seon Daniels The Coach is Esuan Crandon and the Manager is Robert Adonis.
It is one of the more exciting formats of football and when the Georgetown segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets; Futsal Competition opens tonight at Demerara Park, Ruimveldt, fans affectionately attached to the sport will no doubt be eager to witness the eight matches scheduled for the evening, starting at 19:00 hrs. In the opening fixture, defending champions Leopold Street commence the defence of their title with a clash against Costello Housing Scheme and that will be followed by North- Last Entrance versus Norton Street from 19:30 hrs. Stevedore Housing
Scheme then take on Berlin Massive in what should be an enthralling encounter at 20:00 hrs and this game precedes the clash between Festival City and North East La Penitence at 20:30 hrs. A break is scheduled before South Ruimveldt and Bent Street square off at 21:00 hrs and that will be followed
by the appearance of national champions Back Circle, who open up against North Sophia at 21:30 hrs with Hope Street of Tiger Bay taking on California Square in the penultimate game of the night. East La Penitence and South Sophia then bring the curtains down in the final game of the evening at 22:30 hrs.
THE FULL FIXTURES ARE SEEN BELOW 19:00 hrs Leopold Street vs Costello Housing Scheme 19:30 hrs North - Last Entrance vs. Norton Street West 20:00 hrs Stevedore Housing Scheme vs. Berlin Massive 20:30 hrs Festival City vs. North East La Penitence Break Break Break 21:00 hrs South Ruimveldt vs. Bent Street 21:30 hrs Back Circle vs. North Sophia 22:00 hrs Hope Street- Tiger Bay vs. California Square 22:30 hrs East La Penitence vs. South Sophia
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Kaieteur News
GCA’s Noble House Seafood cricket...
Tuesday November 26, 2013
WD’s Hotel and Mall t/20 cricket- North E’bo...
Alkins grabs 10-wkt Tulsieram century propels haul, Latiff slams 79 Charity Sports to huge win By Sean Devers UG took first innings points from MYO in their GCA Noble House Seafood second division two-day cricket competition at the MYO ground Sunday. A 10-wicket match haul from UG’s Royston Alkins give UG the impetus for victory until the last three overs while a blistering second innings 79 from Softball cricket star Richard Latiff orchestrated a MYO fight-back. The match began at 14:30hrs on Saturday and by time play ended on the opening day UG were 15-2 in reply the MYO’s paltry 81 all out as the 23-year-old Alkins, who represented Guyana at the under-19 level in 2008 in the Barbados and 2009 in Jamaica, grabbed 5-36 and got support from Dennis Haywood who took 3-35. Only Naved Ali (24) and Skipper Chien Gittens (18) reached double figures for the hosts. In very overcast conditions, play began on time yesterday and UG progressed from their overnight score to 146 all-out with Alkins leading the way with 42 and 20-year-old Berbician Ritesh Bridgelall contributing with 37. Off-spinner Shaffik Ishmael captured 4-38, while Imran Ayube had 2-10 for MYO, who were 54-3 in their second innings by Lunch on the small ground with a sluggish outfield. Zulfikar Ali (19) and Chabiraj Ramcharran (18) wasted good starts before Gittens, who left his team when they fielded to participate in a Softball tournament at the GNIC ground just across the Road from MYO, fell for 13 at 60-4. The 33-year-old Latiff, who also deserted his side to play softball cricket, had to bat until number eight in the order, just after Gittens, who
MYO’s Richard Latiff on the go against UG Sunday could not bat before over number seven because of their transgressions. Latiff got off the mark with a boundary and then smashed Alkins for three consecutive fours as he hammed 14 fours and two sixes in his pugnacious knock and added 84 with Ayube. The 26-year-old Ayube batted for two hours and 25 minutes for his 10 and his innings was as exciting as watching paint dry. However his prolonged occupation of the crease provided excellent Support for the explosive Latiff. Latiff was removed at 1668 by Alkins who finished with 5-69 and match figures of 10104, the third time he had taken a 10-wicket haul for UG. Darrell Douglas took 3-34. Set 102 in 12 overs for victory in fading light, the UG students were ahead of the run rate after six overs after Frederick Pestano, who played in the Canadian Leagues this season, was trapped LBW for a duck by Gittens with just a single on the board. After Leon Williams (5) departed at 7-2, Bridgelall who hit a cameo 31 and Royston Douglas (19) kept
Royston Alkins UG’s hopes alive with 50-run stand but once they fell in the space of 10 runs, UG found themselves hanging on for dear life as they lost seven wickets and could only manage a single run off the last three overs to struggle to 66-7 off 12 overs when the game concluded in a slight drizzle. Latiff, an outstanding performer for the Regal Softball team, showed his versatility by claiming 3-17 with his uncomplicated off breaks. Ishmael had 3-29 to support Latiff who managed to play in two competitions on the same day.
Cabose XI overcome Gonsalves XI by 7 wkts
Brandon Cabose XI defeated Mark Gonsalves XI by 7 wickets when the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) Sports Club cricket development programme continued on Saturday at the NOC ground on the Essequibo Coast. Gonsalves XI batted first and scored 63-9 off their allocation of 20 overs. Gonsalves scored 24 (2x4,2x6), whileAnthonyAdams claimed 3-12, Orin Heyliger and Joshua Paul took 2 each. Cabose XI responded with 90-5 in 20
overs. Raj Parbattie scored 24 and Anthony Adams 20. Akieni Adams captured 3 wickets. Trailing by 27 runs, Gonsalves reached 753 off their quota of 15 overs, batting a second time. Horace Ceres stroked 33 (4x4) and Alex Etwaroo 25 (3x4). Set 45 to win in 15 overs, Cabose XI achieve their target in 14.2 overs ending on 45-3. Cabose XI received a trophy, compliments of the club’s president Thakur Persaud.
Terrence Tulsieram stroked an attacking century as Charity Sports defeated Lima by 90 runs when the W D’s Hotel and Mall T/20 cricket competition continued recently in North Essequibo. Playing at Lima, Charity rattled up 196-4 taking first strike after the game was reduced to 15 overs. Tulsiram belted five fours and ten sixes in scoring 102 and got support from Kaisho Rooplall with an unbeaten 76 (7x6). Roopnarine Ramnarine claimed 2-23. Lima were bowled out for 106 in 14.4 overs in reply. A. Latchman made 31 (2x6,3x4) as Ryan Tang snared 2-9, Tulsieram 2-16, Devin Thakurdeen and Roy Thomas 2 -20 each. Gunners lost to Charity by 4 runs. Charity managed 110 before they were bowled out in 18 overs. Tulsieram scored 35 (5x4,1x6); Hemant Beharry bagged 4-6 and Siddique Mohamed 2-18. Gunners were restricted for 106-9 in 18 overs in reply. Navin Singh and Alex Lawry offered resistance with 18 and 17 respectively. Mahindra Singh and Tulsieram picked up 2 wickets apiece.
At Walton Hall, the host overcame Sparwin by 5 wickets. Sparwin took first strike and scored 131-5 in a match which was reduced to16 overs. Shane Paul top scored with 76 (7x4,6x6), while Kishan Narine contributed 32 (3x4,2x4); Uvindra Balgobin grabbed 3-34. Walton Hall responded with 137-5 in 15 overs. Suresh Persaud scored 28 (6x4) and Vishwanauth Lall 25 (3x6). Vishal Rambarran took 2-14 and Lakeram Harrinarine 2-19. Young Achievers got the better of Lima by 3 wickets. Lima scored 183-6 off their allotted 15 overs with Abdool Salim top scoring with 45 (2x6,6x4) while Roopnarine Ramnarine made 38 (6x6) and Nimran Bahadur 36(4x4,2x6). Young Achievers replied with 184-7 in 14.5 overs. Carlos Yhap led with 63 (6x6); Andy Latchman picked up 2-15 and Rajeev Manichand 2-36. The game was reduced to 15 overs. Gunners defeated Eagles by 48 runs. Gunners posted 184-7 after the overs were reduced to 18. Grayson Paul was their leading batsman with 58 (3x6,8x4) and Alex Lawry supported with 57
(4x6,6x4). Bharat Jaipaul claimed 2-31 for Eagles who were sent packing for 136 in 17.4 overs in response. Bharat Heeralall scored 31 (2x4,2x6), Suraj Lake 27 (6x4) and Jaipaul 22 (1x6,2x4). Prince Holder was the main destroyer with 4-16 while Paul had 3-18. Charity thumped the host by 8 wickets. Walton Hall scored 140-9 in 17 overs, batting first. Suresh Persaud cracked 43(4x6,3x4) and Tameshwar Ramesh made 32 not out (3x6,2x6) as Terrence Tulsieram grabbed 4-19 and Roy Thomas 3-22. Charity replied with 143-2 in 15 overs. Tulsieram led with 54 (2x6,5x4) and Sanjeev Ramdeen 38 (2x6,2x4). At Charity, the home team beat Yakishuru by 11 runs. Charity made 117-5 in 12 overs, taking first strike. Terrence Tulsieram smashed 63 (3x6,7x4), while Kaisho Rooplall chipped in with 30 (1x6,2x4); Jermin Smith claimed 2-19. The visitors mustered 106-7 in 12 overs in reply. Peabo Mc Donald with 42 (5x4,1x6) and Xavier Mc Donald 20 (2x6,1x4) were their leading batsmen. Ryan Tang captured 3-19.
Martial artists strike ‘Eldorado’ in the World Championships in T&T
The martial arts practitioners pose ominously following their sterling performances in the World Championships tournament Guyanese martial arts practitioners out of the Guyana Harpy Eagles Martial Arts Academy turned in commendable performances when they participated in the World Championships tournament in Trinidad and Tobago, November 8-9 last. Dion Bobb copped first places in the open kata,
sparring and weapons, while Sensei Troy Bobb emulated his achievement in similar categories, but in a higher division. Bobb also excelled in the open kata, weapons and stick fighting, clinching first place in both categories. Trevor Smith missed out on the top spots in the open kata and sparring, ending in the
2nd place in both events. Meanwhile, Mr. Bobb said that he is pleased with the returns of the team. He said that they could not have achieved those accolades devoid of the input of the residents of Beterverwagting, those of Agriculture road, Block CC, Mon Repos and La Bonne Intention ECD.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
NBA roundup:
Kaieteur News
Ashes 2013-14: Clippers rout Rose-less Bulls Michael Clarke fined for ‘BROKEN ARM’ comment
Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng, left, drives around Los Angeles Clippers forward Jared Dudley (9) as Bulls’ Taj Gibson looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
A
ssociated Press Jared Dudley scored a seasonhigh 21 points, Chris Paul added 16 points and 17 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers jumped all over the Chicago Bulls in Derrick Rose’s absence for a 121-82 victory Sunday at Staples Center. J.J. Redick scored 19 points and Blake Griffin had 15 points and 12 rebounds in the Pacific Division-leading Clippers’ seventh win in nine games. Los Angeles finished strong in a stretch of four games in five days, posting the biggest margin of victory over Chicago in franchise history. Luol Deng scored 22 points as the Bulls got off to a rough start to their latest stretch without Rose, who tore cartilage in his right knee Friday night in Portland. The 2011 NBA MVP headed home to Chicago to
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prepare for surgery on Monday, when Chicago should find out how long he’ll be sidelined. Kirk Hinrich had nine points and seven assists while starting in place of Rose, who missed last season while recovering from surgery on his left knee. Thunder 95, Jazz 73 — At Oklahoma City: Kevin Durant scored 19 points and Serge Ibaka had 17 points and 11 rebounds to help Oklahoma City extend its best season-opening start at home with a win over struggling Utah. The Thunder (9-3) played without All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook, who sat out to rest his surgically repaired right knee. Pistons 109, Nets 97 — At New York: Reserve Rodney Stuckey scored a season-high 27 points and
Detroit sent Brooklyn to a fifth straight loss and sole possession of last place in the Atlantic Division. The Nets, with their enormous payroll and enormous expectations, fell to 3-10, a half-game behind the New York Knicks, and were hearing boos at Barclays Center in the second half. Suns 104, Magic 96 — At Orlando, Fla.: Goran Dragic scored 23 points and Gerald Green added 20 to lead Phoenix over Orlando. Two days after stopping a four-game losing streak at Charlotte, the Suns took the lead early in the first quarter and never lost it. Lakers 100, Kings 86 — At Los Angeles: Reserve forward Xavier Henry scored 12 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, and Pau Gasol had 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead Los Angeles.
BBC Sport - Australia captain Michael Clarke has been fined 20% of his match fee for warning England’s James Anderson to expect a broken arm. He was found guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct for using language or a gesture that is obscene or insulting. Clarke, 32, used an obscenity which was picked up by the stump microphone. It was one of several flash points in a bad-tempered first Test as the hosts recorded a 381-run victory in Brisbane. Anderson was preparing to face fast bowler Mitchell Johnson when Clarke made the comments. Australia coach Darren Lehmann said: “I like our boys being aggressive as long as they don’t cross the line - I certainly like to play hard cricket. I’ve no problems with that at all. “It’s always going to be hard-fought between Australia and England. It certainly was in England; that’s not changing here.” Clarke, who was also found to have made inappropriate gestures to Anderson, defended his sledging after the game, dismissing it as “banter”. He said: “Through my career, there has always been banter on the cricket field and I cop as much as I give, that’s for sure. “All the England players know we certainly respect them. I’ve heard a lot worse said on a cricket field than what the Australia players or the England players said throughout this Test match.”
Michael Clarke (left) and James Anderson exchange words. (Getty Images)
In addition to Clarke’s comments to Anderson, opener David Warner was criticised for being “disrespectful” by England captain Alastair Cook. Warner upset England with comments about batsman Jonathan Trott, whose dismissal in the second innings in Brisbane he described as “poor and weak”. “David Warner has the X-factor,” said 43-year-old Lehmann. “He has an opinion. If he has crossed the line, the ICC will deal with it.”
Lehmann was full of praise for Johnson, who was named man of the match after taking nine wickets. “Mitchell bowled beautifully here. He was aggressive, he had bounce, he had confidence coming in, so I was really impressed,” said Lehmann. “He’s always going to be occasionally wayward. You accept that. I think that’s the key - you don’t worry about that. You know when he’s good, he’s good and exciting, like he was in this Test match.”
Barath in superb form in Barbados
Ashley Nurse
Adrian Barath
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Two wellknown names in regional cricket – Adrian Barath and Ashley Nurse – slammed unbeaten centuries in the decisive ninth and final round of the BCA Sagicor General Super Cup championship as gripping interest was sustained down to the last qualifying match. Their wonderful display on a bright, sunny day not only led to big wins for their teams but also by sheer co-incidence, set up a clash in the quarter-finals next Sunday. Barath, a diminutive 23-year-old Trinidad & Tobago opener who has already represented West Indies in 15 Tests, 14 OneDay and two Twenty20 Internationals, hit his first century in local domestic cricket for Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme (BDFSP), who recorded the only 300-run
total of the 2013 tournament before “shooting down” beleaguered BRC BCL by 127 runs at Paragon in Zone ‘B’. A member of the Barbados-based Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre (HPC), Barath’s 126 not out off 140 balls with five fours and one six in a total of 301 for five off 50 overs was also the highest score of the championship, which was severely affected by wet conditions in the first five rounds with a whopping 25 of 39 matches ending in nodecisions. The 24-year-old Nurse, a current Barbados and West Indies ‘A’ team offspinning all-rounder with a couple T20 Internationals to his name, also lashed his first hundred in the island’s top limited overs (Continued on page 27)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 26, 2013
SECOND INT. INVITATIONAL CLUB FESTIVAL...
BIG SEPOS are male Kings following epic battle; YELYCO sweep female Goodwill series By Franklin Wilson The second edition of the G u y a n a Vo l l e y b a l l Federation (GVF) Invitational International Club Festival ended in breathtaking fashion on Sunday evening at the National Gymnasium with Trinidad and Tobago’s Big Sepos crowned male kings, staving off a spirited challenge from Suriname’s Yelyco to win the four set thriller, 3-1. It was the perfect climax to three days of riveting volleyball, which saw five male clubs including three from Guyana along with two
female sides (Suriname and Guyana) battling for supremacy. The fact that there were no cash incentives at stake didn’t in no way compromise the intensity and professional manner in which matches were contested, from start to end. On the distaff side, while the Surinamese side Yelyco swept the series, the Guyanese ladies, Vanguard (recently formed club), kept improving with every game and this was evident as they almost won the final set of their third and final game, going down 25-22 having lost the first two in the best of
five contest, 25-11, 25-10. Captain Nikita Samaroo in some inspired setting kept the Guyanese within striking distance in the third set. Vanguard were 3-0 up at the start of the set before Yelyco clawed their way back, took the lead but Vanguard, through some inspired play took the lead again at 17-16 but were not able to hold on to win the set. Prior to Sunday’s final game, Vanguard lost the previous two matches at 17, 16 and 10 and 12. Suriname took away all the individual prizes, copping the Best Receiver and Most Valuable Player trophies was
BRAVO attributes victory to teamwork VISAKHAPATNAM, India (CMC) — West Indies Captain Dwayne Bravo said Sunday’s victory against India in the second One-Day International was as a result of team effort and their hunger to win. West Indies beat India by two wickets, their first win on tour, and to keep their hopes alive in the threematch ODI series. Chasing 289, West Indies reached the target for eight wickets in 49.3 overs. Earlier, India scored 288 for seven in 50 overs. Bravo said the aim was for the main batsmen to score runs and, despite losing wickets, they were able to maintain focus. “Great team effort. Holder and Rampaul gave us a good effort, can’t forget young Permaul. Once we got the Indians under 300, we backed ourselves to chase,” he said. “We planned very well. It was a must-win game for us. We communicated well on the field. The bowlers executed, bowling to MS. The best player in the world is always difficult. Well done to young Powell, Simmons and Darren Sammy; Myself getting out at a crucial time. Our aim was for one of the top five batters to bat through the innings. We had four half-centuries today, so that was good.” However, Mahendra Dhoni blames excessive dew
West Indies One-Day Captain Dwayne Bravo (right) embraces his Test counterpart after the latter inspired the Caribbean side to victory over India in the second ODI Sunday. (PHOTO: WICB) for his team’s performance, especially in the bowling. “There was a lot of dew, [it] was difficult for bowlers to even grip the ball, let alone putting it in right areas. Toss was crucial, and to take it to the last over was a superb bowling effort. When we went into bowl, there was plenty of dew and it kept getting worse,” said the Indian captain. West Indies’ Lendl Simmons featured in two crucial partnerships to give life to his side’s resurgence in the series.
Simmons and Darren Bravo scored 100 in a thirdwicket stance and then Sammy added 82 with Simmons for the sixth wicket. “Just knock it around, keep rotating the strike, build a partnership, and bat till the end,” said Simmons, reacting to what he and Sammy were thinking in the middle. “Sammy batted well. We stuck to our game plan and executed it well.” Sammy was named Man-of-the-Match for his unbeaten 63 off 45 balls.
Sigourney Kame with the Best Spiker trophy awarded to Chagnaz Frankel. But the game of the night was undoubtedly the final. When the two sides met in the preliminary stage of the competition, when all the games were three setters, Big Sepos had prevailed, both teams ending that stage with ten points each to advance to the semis. The other two teams were local club sides, Port Mourant Training Centre ( P M T C ) a n d Yo u n g Achievers, the former met Yelyco, while the latter faced Big Sepos. While Big Sepos ran away 3-0 winners over Achievers 25-23, 25-18, 2826; Yelyco had a tougher time getting past PMTC. The Berbice based side after losing the first set 2518, rebounded to take the second set 29-27 in a close battle. In a bid to repeat the second set performance, the Berbicians faltered as they lost back to back sets 25-19, 25-15. So the stage was set for a grand finale and the teams didn’t disappoint. Fellow teammates and supporters in the stands added much life to the action with their chanting and applauding. The players too, were energetic in their play, neither side letting up. Neither side allowed the other to rack up any significant lead, underscoring the closeness of the battle, the first set ending 25-22 in favour of Big Sepos. Yelyco were in no mood to be swept three set straight and their attitude at the beginning of the second set confirmed that position. They ran ahead 5-0 and despite Big Sepos drawing close 11-10 and even leveling at 13, Yelyco went on to win 25-18. The best was yet to come, by now, both sides were well warm to the task and the game was well and truly on. Fighting to gain the advantage, some exciting exchanges ensued with all the stops being pulled out by the sides. It was the team from the Land of Soca that went on to win another breathtaking set, 30-28. By now, one would have thought that three days of intense battles in a hot arena would have drained
MVP David Camacho
MVP and Best Receiver Sigourney of Yelyco
the players but that certainly wasn’t the case. In a marathon and riveting fourth set which ended up being the decider, the lead changed hands regularly and coming down to the end, the play was entertaining as neither team were prepared to give up much space. But there had to be a winner and it was Big Sepos
that prevailed 34-32, the organisers - GVF and the local clubs in a joint effort could not ask for more; the fans were truly satisfied. Big Sepos’ David Camacho was named the Most Valuable Player of the Festival with his Captain, Nolan Task taking the Best Spiker accolade. Yelyco’s F. Belle was named Best Receiver.
Tuesday November 26, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 33
PM Hinds praises corporate community as he declares open GFA/Banks Beer KO Cup
rd left) seen amuel Hinds (3 anks Beer S r te is in M e Prim A/B cials at the GF with other offi g Ceremony on Saturday. in KO Cup Open
A
fter declaring how delighted he was to be part of the Opening Ceremony of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/Banks Beer Knockout Cup, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds immediately commended the work being done by the Body and the Guyana
Football Federation (GFF) in helping to promote and develop the sport. According to the PM the Government has been paying close attention to the development of the Sport and cited the construction of venues such as the National Stadium, National Aquatic Centre and the soon to be concluded Synthetic track at
Leonora as testimony to the Administration’s commitment to Sport. Hinds, who along with Director of Sport Neil Kumar, GFF President Christopher Matthias, Banks Beer Brand Manager Brian Choo-Hen and Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters joined GFA President Vernon Burnett,
General Secretary Odinga Lumumba at the t o u r n a m e n t ’s o p e n i n g ceremony on Saturday at the GFC ground, also lauded the assistance being offered by the corporate community and urged fans and supporters of the thirty-two teams in the competition to come out and contribute to the further development of
APNU Region 9 stages preholiday cycle race for youths
The participants assemble at the Tabatinga Sports Complex ground.
A
Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Region Nine on Sunday last held a pre-holiday cycle race for youths in the area under the theme ‘First of a kind with youth in mind’ around the Lethem community. The event saw some 30 youths in two category taking part. The categories 9 to 11 years and 12 to 15 years, saw the riders
starting the 4km race in front of the Multipurpose Complex, taking in a course along the Road to the International crossing, Barrack Retreat, Takatu Drive, ParkAvenue to end at the Tabatinga Sport Complex. Prizes were awarded to the first to third place finishers in each category. The 9 to 11 years race resulted in a win form Christopher Andrews over Lenny Biretto and Trese Singh third, while in
the 12 to 15 years Michael Farias was the winner, beating Lucas Rodrigues and Levi Andries respectively. They were all presented with trophies and medals, while the lone female competitor, Ayana Wilson received a medal. APNU plans to stage more of these events in the future and would like to thank all those who supported the event.
Members of the Dolphin Secondary School Steel Orchestra entertains the fans with a rendition of a Christmas carol on Saturday. the sport. The PM later kicked off the ball to signal the start of the tournament which has teams from seven associations participating for prize monies in excess of $13million. Kumar in his remarks said that the GFA seems to be an entity with principle and informed that they are always willing and encouraged to work with such entities, especially when they have a genuine interest in sports development. The Director revealed that the Commission and the Ministry of Sport has been working very close with the new executive of the GFF to get a home for football and he is optimistic that very soon that will be realised. “It is indeed good to see thirty-two teams from across the country in the competition and for this the GFA needs to be applauded and I’m once again going the optimistic route by saying that one day Guyana will field a team at the World Cup,” Kumar said. Matthias immediately issued commendation to the GFA for working together with the other associations to secure thirty-two teams for this year’s competition and this he said was ample evidence of an association working with others for the good of the game. “The GFF is fully behind the initiative and fully behind football development and we as the executive will always be fully supportive of
such ventures providing that it is done in conformity with our rules of governance,” Matthias stated. Shortly after thanking Banks DIH for leading the way and issuing an invitation to other corporate entities to join forces with the sport, he wished the clubs, coaches, referees and fans a good tournament. Peters, who represented the platinum sponsor, said t h a t t h e C o m p a n y ’s involvement in the yearend tournament and many other initiatives unambiguously demonstrates its commitment to the development of young people and even recognised the growth of the tournament which now has thirty-two teams vying for the prize monies and bragging rights. He said it was a wonderful Christmas gift for the teams and the fans and they are happy to be part of it, especially since Banks Beer is Guyana’s beer and this is Banks country. Burnett said the GFA was extremely happy that the other associations have joined with them to make the tournament a great one, before wishing the teams, fans and associations well during the competition. Lumumba, who made the opening remarks pointed to the importance of partnerships and commended Banks DIH for remaining on board, informing that the Company has been a good and vibrant partner in football. He said the success of (Continued on page 27)
t r o Sp SECOND INT. INVITATIONAL CLUB FESTIVAL...
D’Andrade BIG SEPOS are male Kings wins Suriname following epic battle; YELYCO Marathon sweep female Goodwill series
WE ARE #1! The triumphant Big Sepos Volleyball Club enjoy a Kodak moment with supporters and officials.
- Morgan places second among women
Lionel D’Andrade crosses the finish line unchallenged on Saturday to win the Suriname Marathon for a third time.
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ G/town Zone
Defending champs open up against Costello Housing Scheme
The jubilant Yelyco Female Volleyball Club following the presentation of prizes.
National Darts Championships
Sudesh Fitzgerald retains title; Rosetta Hiralall upsets Hemwattie Amyan
(FLASHBACK) Part of the action in the national playoffs last year.
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