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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
Another death IN CUSTODY Just when the Guyanese people were about to breathe a quiet sigh of relief that perhaps the Guyana Police Force would stay out of the negative limelight, we hear claims of a man dying from a beating he is alleged to have received at the hands of the police. And if that is not all, the deceased suffered his injuries while in police custody. Again, not surprisingly, the police were quick to lay the blame for the man’s demise at the feet of unnamed persons who were themselves detained in the lockups at the same time. It has reached a stage where the Guyanese people can perhaps empathise with the protests in Ferguson, Missouri in the matter of Ron Brown’s slaying at the hands of police officer Darren Wilson. Why are we as a people allowing investigations into these allegations to founder with no prospect of the aggrieved parties getting justice? In their effort not to look bad the police ignore blatant acts of wrongdoing to the detriment of the image of the force. We are not prejudging this particular matter, but as the saying goes there is no smoke without fire. Because of the myriad complaints about such occurrences and the fact that nothing much seems to be done about them people are wont to come forward and make similar claims, even if they are untrue. But a look at what Soorsattie Chandrapaul had to say will shed some light on the veracity or otherwise of utterances. Soorsattie told this newspaper that when she visited her husband the very next day at the Leonora Station lockups he was battered and his face was swollen with what was later diagnosed as a broken jaw. When she enquired about Rahim’s condition she was told by the police that his injuries were as a result of being beaten by other prisoners. Her husband told her that the police beat him; this was Saturday. On Monday, two days later, she again visited the station where she had to request to take Rahim to the hospital under police guard. After being pushed around at two hospitals Soorsattie ended up taking her husband to the GPHC. The situation gets worse because on Wednesday Rahim called his wife and asked to be taken home since he had not received any treatment for his injuries at the hospital. He was taken home on Thursday where he died after relating to his relatives that the police beat him and stomped him. There are several things which should be considered in this whole disgraceful mess that the police have again found themselves. Firstly, it did not have to take Soorsattie’s intervention for the police to seek medical attention for Rahim; this should have been done when they discovered that (as they claim) that he had been assaulted while in their custody. The police have a responsibility for the safety of all prisoners in their charge. Secondly, all persons in the lockups at the time should have been interrogated to determine and the police charge the offender(s) if indeed that animal(s) exists. Thirdly, the fact that the police waited until Monday before taking the injured Rahim for medical treatment at the behest of Soorsattie speaks volumes about policy compliance when it comes to the care and custody of prisoners. Fourth and most significantly, Rahim, it is claimed acknowledged that he was going to die and again reiterated that the police were the culprits. If the boot was on the other foot the police would have fallen over themselves to institute a murder charge because those utterances would have been interpreted to what is known as a dying declaration. Several things are wrong and there must be a comprehensive overhaul of the police force if the Guyanese people are to take the rhetoric about police reform seriously. Thus far, the public is being fed doses of hot air with no idea of what the police force will look like in terms of its operations and in its dealings with the people. People are understandably fed up that their expectations are being thwarted by stonewalling and the maintenance of a shaky blue wall lacking credibility.
Saturday November 29, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
Providing clarity on the highly contentious issue of frequencies DEAR EDITOR, Since I see some confusion regarding the allocation of frequencies and the way they should be obtained, I would like to offer some observations to the public which hopefully will bring the situation more clearly into focus. I have to start with an article in the Kaieteur News which was captioned “Limited US airwaves fetch US $34 billion and counting”. When one reads the article one sees that the frequencies under consideration are the 1695-1710 MHz band of which two blocks were sold along with four paired sets of frequencies located at 1755-1780 MHz and 21552180 MHz. The KN article rightly explains that in the US these frequencies are being allocated to assist in the congestion caused by cellular phone services, especially smart phones. Apparently the explosion in the use of smart phones etc. has created a burning need for more bandwidth, hence the monstrous return of 34 billion US dollars for these frequencies. In our situation these facts are more relevant to Digicel and GT&T, and those companies which intend to use these frequencies to operate a cell phone system. And they will surely have to bid for this
bandwidth even here in little Guyana. In these matters, the frequency to be used is very important, and the higher the frequency the more difficult they are to propagate, hence the need to bid for the lower frequencies. In Guyana there is already an example which shows the confusion which can arise when the authorities don’t care about the international treaties they signed, and are prepared to break any agreement they are signatories to, and allow their friends to break them as well. The 1996 Final Acts of the International Telecommunication Union [ITU] set out frequencies for the use of specific services of all countries, including Guyana, which signed the agreement in 1996. It was intended to regulate the frequencies used by all countries to minimise interference between countries. The Kaieteur article correctly brought two companies which are providing cable services, ENetworks and Quark Communications, into focus, since it is true that these operations were given licences to operate wireless cable by Jagdeo without it being advertised to the public to attract competitive offers for obtaining the rights to do so. So at one fell swoop, Jagdeo endowed two companies with a virtual
monopoly to operate wireless cable countrywide, without first alerting the public that these frequencies were being offered for wireless cable and inviting bids from interested parties. In total secrecy - since these were not considered by him as national assets but his personal property - the two companies were awarded the frequency to conduct Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) without the public being informed how these national assets would be disposed of, by whom, and what price they paid for the rights. These cable services at over $9500 per subscriber per month, earn more in one month what the private broadcasters earn in one year. To add insult to injury, this illiterate government has put these two cable entities to be regulated by the Broadcasting Authority, when in fact they are more like public utilities. I have written on this before, these cable systems are not broadcasting since they are subscriber-based and therefore operate like a public utility. Their rates should be set by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and there should be public hearings on their operations, since I believe that they are overcharging for the inferior service they provide.
I have myself disconnected from one of these services I was using. Mr. Ramjattan’s words that it’s “the dirtiest, most corrupt act of our time,” now becomes relevant. But the situation gets worse; the MMDS band, formerly known as Broadband Radio Service (BRS) and also known as Wireless Cable, is located in the 2500MHz to 2700MHz band. One of these operators, E-Networks unable to get the penetration they wanted at 2500-2700 MHz, the band internationally set aside for this type of service, is using lower frequencies, which usually comprise the UHF Broadcast band, since channels 14 through 83 occupy frequencies between 470MHz to 890 MHz, to conduct MMDS cable services, thereby probably depriving broadcasters of bandwidth, especially since Shadick has already announced that there are no frequencies left in the UHF band for Georgetown. In April this year, the Jamaican government announced that they had auctioned the 700 MHz frequency for US$25 million to Digicel for allocating them this frequency in the UHF broadcast band to deliver data, Internet applications, and video (Continued on page 31)
Saturday November 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The decline of education in Guyana has been a decades-old concern DEAR EDITOR, The decline of education in Guyana since the 1980s until today has been a major concern for every educated Guyanese citizen living and working here. As our political and economic conditions deteriorated, many of our qualified teachers left the country seeking better jobs with better pay and better job incentives. When teachers are poorly paid, the education system cannot attract and keep qualified teachers. The effect of these conditions on student performance is
reflected in failures at the primary, secondary and university level. Education is the eternal foundation of a nation’s development, but there has been a greater decline of education in Guyana as we have entered into this modern era of technology. The absence of trained, qualified teachers created more under-qualified teachers teaching in our schools today as a result of ‘children teaching children’. Performances at the common entrance exams (National Grade Six Assessment) as well as CXC
and GCE are very disappointing. Failures at the University of Guyana have now become a major concern for the business sector as well as the Government institutions. Graduating dysfunctional illiterates – some with GPAs as low as 1.6 - has created a monster in this nation. Students who are qualified with 6-8 subjects and even university graduates cannot function properly on a job. Many of them cannot write a report, a proper job application letter, they cannot do basic arithmetic, yet they are given
Identifying the ‘real’ reasons for increased violence in schools DEAR EDITOR, I read your editorial (Violence in Schools, Nov 28th) and I was captivated, with great sadness, by your opening sentence, “The intensity and frequency of violence in schools have turned the prevailing thinking regarding corporal punishment on its head.” This statement suggests we are losing faith in the conversations for changing a system that is historic and culturally embedded in our school system. The debate surrounding the concerns of corporal punishment, whether right or wrong, is receiving attention at the highest level of our legislative bodies, and I am very hopeful of change. Nonetheless, I was extremely pleased that your editorial did address and identify some of the key reasons for violence in our schools, including a range of strategies and approaches to tackle the problem. What you failed to do in the editorial was to clearly identify the ‘real’ reasons for increased violence in schools and more importantly, where in the educational system the problem is endemic and to
what extent. Violence in schools is wrong on every level, but unless we confront key contributory factors such as; family dynamics (domestic violence, inadequate parenting skills, stressful living environment, modelling of appropriate behaviour), economics (poverty, high unemployment, low income, inadequate support services, involvement in crime), community deterioration (substandard schools, housing and play facilities), media (portrayals of violent behaviour as a common and appropriate way to solve problems), poor academic performance, lack of respect, unstructured free time and delinquent peers, violence in schools will become cancerous. In addition to the possible and workable solutions in the editorial, I would like to add a couple. Firstly, the government has to recognise that the key
to tackling pupil aggression in schools is ‘support for parents’. It is not surprising to see that poor behaviour is often attributed to problems at home. Finally, teachers need to work with parents to encourage good behaviour and parents should be acting as good role models by supporting staff and helping them create a more positive learning environment for their children. Sometimes we have to tell the story like it is for the message to resonate with our leaders. It is worth pointing out that the problem of violence in schools is global. The UK and USA, as developed as they are, suffer similar problems in state schools, colleges and universities. Brendon Mounter
a certificate as a very qualified academic. I know of a student who passed eight subjects including Maths, but cannot recite his seven times tables and do simple multiplication and fractions. The true foundation of education is reading. Today students are seen with iPods, BlackBerry phones, and all sorts of technical equipment attached to their ear, but a good book for them is something obsolete. My visit to several libraries has proven this fact, because I haven’t seen a great number of students reading and doing research. Television and DVD, also vulgar music, have taken a toll on our young generation, creating more and more dunces, school dropouts, drug addicts, prostitutes, street vendors etc. We are just one generation away from complete illiteracy. Just recently I performed a marriage for some very rich people; to my amazement the bride who was just nineteen cannot sign her name properly or read, even those signing as witnesses couldn’t spell their names without looking on their ID cards. A lot of our Guyanese folks go after businesses and getting money but fail to realize that a good education is needed for their children’s future. I discovered even within churches a great amount of illiterates and functional illiterates. The school discipline that was in the Ministry of Education 30 years ago is now thrown out the window. The removal of corporal punishment from our schools
created more disobedient pupils and students. Teachers are unable to deal with indisciplined students, thus the teachers are now afraid of some students and their parents. A child without a proper education and great moral upbringing will be another nuisance in society. Most of the problems we have seen such as domestic violence, drug addiction, prostitution, stealing etc. is the direct result of illiteracy and poor parental guidance. In over 50% of our homes in Guyana, reading and writing have been problems. A survey among the religious community also depicted that over 60% of families attending churches cannot read or write at a very competent level. As a legal marriage officer I discovered that a great many of our young Guyanese citizens will spell their own names wrong when they write it, while some will write a ‘call name’ but cannot spell out their real names on their birth certificates. While I am not against it, I believe this age of technology has helped to create more illiterates. Our education system has failed since the late L.F.S Burnham introduced free education from nursery to secondary schools. This free system of education failed, because our schools cannot produce text books for students writing CXC, thus their parents are pushed to buy thousands of dollars worth of photocopied books from corrupt store owners. Where have we failed in our education system? First the free education
that was advocated by Burnham since the 1970s did not push our system of education to be competitive with our Caribbean neighbours. Our country failed to produce better graduates than Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica etc. and the wider Caribbean. The Caribbean is a very small space of about 6.5 million people; our people are very far behind that small space. In many of our institutions, lots of nonGuyanese are working for higher salaries because our people are under-qualified to do the job; and those who are qualified have to pay bribes and have ‘lines’ to acquire a good job. For us to better equip our people academically we will have to return to the old colonial system of education - back to basics such as Grammar, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Spelling, English, Reading, Dictation, Geography, History etc. Today even some wellqualified teachers cannot teach proper grammar to a child. Many students have told me that teachers are not taking time off to correct their (Continued on page 31)
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Kaieteur News
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MAGISTRATE SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT The Judicial Service Commission has taken a decision to suspend controversial Magistrate Alex Moore, as they investigate allegations of inappropriate behavior made by an East Coast Demerara businesswoman. The decision to suspend the controversial Magistrate was taken yesterday and took immediate effect, leaving a huge void in the Magistracy, since Moore was described as one of the more efficient Magistrates. The decision to suspend the Magistrate came as no real surprise, since he has been involved in a number of controversial rulings recently. Moore, who has been dispensing a number of cases at the busy Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, has been in the news recently for a few controversial matters he presided over. A few days ago he was accused by the businesswoman of improper conduct during a hearing at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on November 12. The 47-year-old East Coast Demerara businesswoman, Seerojanie Singh has written to the Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), Justice Carl Singh over the “torment” she claimed to have endured at the hands of Magistrate Moore. Singh who resides and operates her business at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, told Kaieteur News that she feels very uncomfortable to appear before Moore, as his
behaviour towards her earlier this month was one she found very disrespectful. She is hoping to have her case transferred to another court. The mother of nine explained to this publication that on November 12 last, she promptly presented herself at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where she was cross charged with a man for using abusive language. When the charges were read to both parties and they pleaded not guilty, the matter took an unconventional turn. According to the woman, the Magistrate asked both parties whether she had indeed used abusive language towards the man and they replied “No.” The Magistrate, she said, asked why she was charged and dismissed the case against her. The businesswoman explained that at that point, Magistrate Moore was informed by the man through his lawyer, Gwendolyn Bristol, that it was her son who abused him. He then asked if she wanted to drop the matter but she declined stating that her son was not there at the time of the incident. “Who tell me fuh tell the Magistrate suh? If you hear this Magistrate behaviour…In history me never hear one Magistrate behave suh,” the woman reported. Her husband was also there. The mother of nine recapped that the Magistrate, with the file before him, confronted her about each of
the alleged abusive words which stemmed from the encounter. She explained that he questioned both the defendants about the documented profanities and degrading demand for sexual favours. “After he (Magistrate Moore) dismiss me case, is sheer ‘eff’ and ‘ess’ out he mouth. He asked the man and me, if he (the defendant) ask me to suck he c**k and b****r.” According to the woman, he again asked her if she wanted to drop the case, but she said no. Things took another turn, Singh said. Afterwards, the Magistrate resorted to asking her who “told her to come to court” to which she responded “the police.” “You know what the Magistrate turned and ask me? If the police tell me to take off my jewel and give them, if I would do that? Me seh ‘no sir’. He turn and tell the police (court orderly) to ask me to give him the jewel and he did. I seh ‘sir you didn’t buy this and give me so I won’t take it off and give you.” “He (Magistrate) turn and ask me if the police ask me for sex me if me go give in and me nah answer right, because me shame and if you see how this man ah lash down on this desk for me to answer the question. Then me tell he no.” The businesswoman went on to say “How he could ask me that? He tell the police to turn and ask me and the police turn and ask me. Me nah answer the police right and if you see how this man behave and then I turn and tell the
police ‘no’.” “Then he said that if I can’t drop the case, he gun prosecute me the next calling. Why he gun prosecute me? Wha me do? Me nah go open me mouth and answer this man, just say ‘no’ and ‘yes’. The whole courtroom did full,” she said. According to the woman and her husband, the court was packed with civilians, other lawyers and police ranks. The businesswoman explained to this publication that the Magistrate’s behaviour that day is the reason she approached the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and wrote to the Chancellor of the Judiciary as well as Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore. Magistrate Moore also featured prominently in the news a few weeks ago when he handed down an unprecedented suspended five year sentence to a man who pleaded guilty to trafficking in more than 60 kilograms of cocaine worth $300M. The man, Leonard Bacchus was also given a slap on the wrist suspended sentence of two years for being in unlawful possession of 125, 12-guade cartridges and 115, .32 rounds of ammunition, which also stemmed from the raid on his block 20 Enmore/Haslington Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara home on August 16, 2001. The Magistrate’s decision highlighted the
Magistrate Alex Moore disparity in sentencing, where other sections of society are sentenced to draconian time in prison for far lesser amounts of cocaine or offences. The Director of Public Prosecutions has signaled her decision to appeal Magistrate Moore’s sentence, since there is no provision in the laws of Guyana for non-custodial sentence for persons found guilty of drug trafficking. The Magistrate reportedly defended his decision, by pointing to the length of time and resources the defendant expended on the case which took three years to be completed. However, his decision did not go down well with
President of the Guyana Bar Association Ronald BurchSmith, who described it as highly unusual. “It is highly unusual. I don’t know what he heard or what the situation is exactly, but in the normal course of things, this (the suspended sentence) would not happen.” “The section specifies and would have at least made way for some jail time and the fine is mandatory – here the sentence is highly unusual…Mr. Moore seems to be breaking new ground here,” the Attorney-at-Law commented. Moore’s suspension is indefinite since he will be afforded a Hearing with the Judicial Service Commission.
Music cart vendor kills co-worker in row over hammock A row between two music cart operators, reportedly over who should sleep in a hammock, ended with one man stabbing the other to death shortly after 02.30 hrs yesterday at the City Electronics and Recording Bar at Lot 9 Camp Street. However, it went unnoticed until about 6:30 hours when a resident of the premises spotted the suspect, identified as Qunicy Massay, washing blood from the concrete in the yard and he admitted that he was washing away some blood. Police said that the 25year-old suspect, who has a history of mental illness, stabbed his colleague in the stomach. The victim, reportedly also 25, and known only as ‘Fine Man’, fled to the back of the premises where he collapsed. Massay had recently completed a stint in the Camp Street jail and was invited to the music cart operation by
the man he later killed. He reportedly told the police that he killed Fine Man. He made no attempt to escape and was taken into custody at the scene. Police also retrieved a large knife from the suspect. A police release stated that the deceased appears to be in his early twenties, of dark complexion, and about five feet seven inches in height and had his hair in plaits. None of the occupants who lived in the upper flat knew what had transpired until one of the residents came downstairs and saw the suspect attempting to sweep the blood away. Kaieteur News understands that the music cart operator then explained that he had killed his colleague. Residents found the victim’s body near a fence at the back of the building. Kaieteur News understands that the detained man told
The hammock that allegedly caused the dispute police that he stabbed his colleague after the victim attacked him with an ice pick. He also reportedly complained that the other push cart vendor did not want him to sleep in a hammock on the premises. The owner of the City Electronics and Recording
Bar explained that the killer and victim would operate their push-carts by day and sleep on the premises at night. Kaieteur News was told that the men would normally take turns sleeping in the hammock, which is reportedly owned by the victim. A resident recalled passing the
two men at around midnight and seeing the suspect sleeping in the hammock while the other man was sleeping on the ground. Both men had only recently begun working at the Camp Street establishment. Police said that the suspect claimed that he was
sleeping on a piece of tarpaulin he had spread on the ground when the other employee began to curse him and attacked him with an icepick. He reportedly told investigators that he retaliated by stabbing his assailant in the stomach. “He claimed that if he had a phone he would have called for help because he felt sorry for the other man,” a source said. Kaieteur News was told that the suspect lived on the streets and was often picked up by the police. The owner of the establishment said both men were quiet individuals. He said that the suspect was an excellent worker who could be trusted with financial transactions, but who also occasionally showed signs of mental illness. The owner said that he recently took away a cutlass from the worker and saw him with a large knife a few days later.
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Kaieteur News
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Following IACHR directive to Govt
Blue Caps says Nandlall has no place in our society Youth advocate group, Blue Caps, has joined calls for the resignation or removal of Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, in wake of an order from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) that Government provides information on the steps it intends to take to protect Kaieteur News and its staff. The IACHR’s order stemmed from a report made by Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram, following the release of the telephone recording between Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Kaieteur News senior reporter, Leonard Gildarie. By way of public statement yesterday, Blue Caps said that it is surprised that despite broad condemnation from all sections of civil society, Nandlall is still allowed to perform the duties of Attorney General. The group says that inaction by Government sends a troubling message that senior state officials are exempted from due course under the law. “He (Nandlall) should step down or be asked to resign by President Ramotar.” Blue Caps stated “The contents expressed by Minister Nandlall in the recording have no place in o u r s o c i e t y, a n d t h e y clearly violate the laws of Guyana and should be treated as a criminal matter and investigated by the Guyana Police Force.” The non-governmental organisation said that it has taken notice and endorses the recommended precautionary measures from the IACHR, regarding the circumstances surrounding the taping of
the telephone conversation. The IACHR had ruled that the lives and personal integrity of Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall, E d i t o r- i n - C h i e f A d a m Harris and the reporter, were in danger after they were threatened for publishing reports of serious wrongdoing by the government. The government has 15 days to provide the journalists with concrete protection to investigate t h e m a t t e r, a n d r e p o r t periodically to the IACHR on actions that it will be taking on both matters. In explaining the basis of its decision, the IACHR said that the local daily newspaper had published articles of involvement by senior government officials in secret deals, the sale of public assets and bribery. However, the last straw was contained in the recorded conversation in which the official threatened the journalist and demanded he stop working or otherwise, he and his newspaper would suffer the consequences. The IACHR noted that f o l l o w i n g t h e p a p e r ’s formal complaint to the authorities, neither the AG nor the government denied the facts nor was the report investigated or any protection given to the journalists. In its findings the human rights body said, “After analyzing the factual and legal arguments put forth by (Christopher Ram), the commission considers that the information presented demonstrates prima facie that the members of Kaieteur News are in a
serious and urgent situation, since their lives and personal integrity face an imminent risk of irreparable harm.” “In the present situation, the Commission considers that the requirement of seriousness is met, in light of the alleged threat expressed against the lives and personal integrity of the Kaieteur News personnel, within the framework of their right to freedom of expression.” The commission noted, “In p a r t i c u l a r, the information presented suggests that the purported threat was oriented toward preventing the members of Kaieteur News from freely exercising their role as journalists, related to a series of reports on corruption cases, among other issues, which allegedly affected high ranking officials within the Government. The youth advocate groups has also urged the government to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency and execute the precautionary measures as outlined by the IACHR. “These include adopting the necessary measures to protect the lives and personal integrity of the three identified members of Kaieteur News; agreeing on the measures to be adopted with the proper beneficiaries and their representatives; reporting on the actions taken to investigate the alleged facts that compelled the IACHR to make these recommendations so that such events would not be repeated; and providing
Cameron tells EU - let us curb migrant welfare, or risk UK leaving (Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron could campaign for Britain to leave the European Union if it stops him restricting EU migrants’ access to his country’s welfare system, he hinted yesterday, but said he was confident it wouldn’t come to that. In a speech designed to breathe new life into his campaign to be re-elected in May, Cameron set out a blueprint for restricting EU migrants’ access to welfare benefits but stopped short of proposing quotas on numbers or demanding Britain be allowed to halt inflows if it felt too many people were coming. Cameron’s aides have
floated such ideas in the press in recent months, but have seen them decisively shot down by German Chancellor Angela Merkel who has made clear she w o n ’t a l l o w t h e E U ’s freedom of movement of worker rules to be diluted. Instead, he said he wanted employed EU migrants to wait four years before being allowed to access welfare benefits, and for unemployed EU migrants not to be eligible for any help. Cameron said his plans w o u l d need EU treaty change, a step other EU leaders have baulked at, but it wasn’t immediately clear why treaty change would
be needed. The speech drew a distinctly calm reaction from EU powers who were relieved Britain had shelved plans to tinker with freedom of movement. Wi t h polls showing immigration is voters’ top concern, Cameron is under pressure to get tough on the issue. Many of his Conservative lawmakers fear the rise in popularity of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP), which this month won its second seat in parliament, threatens their re-election chances. If re-elected, Cameron has promised to renegotiate Britain’s ties with the EU before holding a membership referendum in 2017.
Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall
Head of Blue Caps, Clinton Urling
Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall
information relating to the matter within the specified timeframe so as to allow for the IACHR to review its decision,” Blue Caps noted. The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) has also welcomed the measures issued by the IACHR in favour of Kaieteur News staff. On Wednesday, IAPA President Gustavo Mohme, Editor of the Lima, Peru, Newspaper La República, expressed pleasure at the IACHR decision. “This is an important message. The action helps to safeguard the
journalists, but more than that, it protects the people’s right to receive information of great public interest.” Claudio Paolillo, Chairman of the IAPA’s Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, and Editor of the M o n t e v i d e o , U r u g u a y, weekly Búsqueda, also stressed the “great preventive character” of the precautionary measures “necessary in a country and in a continent, where there should be more political will and action on the part of governments to
investigate murders of journalists and break the vicious circle, where violence and impunity are nourished.” T h e I A PA s a y s i t s attention to the case is due to the background of violence against Kaieteur News. The media body reminded that five employees of the paper died following a gun attack on the pressroom on August 8, 2006, an incident that at the time was linked to the political climate in the run-up to an election.
Second injured bandit from botched CG robbery succumbs Te n d a y s a f t e r h i s accomplice suffered a similar fate, the second bandit from the November 18 botched robbery at La Bonne Intention has succumbed from injuries he sustained while escaping on a CG motorcycle. Kevin David, 26, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday in the Male Surgical Ward. His alleged accomplice, 28year-old Trillon Munroe of
Cummings Lodge, died shortly after the robbery attempt. It is alleged that at around 13:30hrs on November 18, Munroe and David held 37-year-old Jasadai Persaud at gunpoint at her home at Cherry Field, LBI. The bandits relieved Persaud of cash she had withdrawn earlier in the day from a city bank. While leaving, they were confronted by the victim’s husband, who retreated
after a shot was discharged in his direction. The perpetrators fled the scene on the motor cycle, but a relative of the victim pursued them in a car. Police said that during the chase, the suspects crashed and both men sustained severe injuries. Munroe succumbed shortly after. Police recovered an unlicensed .32 revolver with four rounds and a spent shell, along with some of the stolen cash.
Rahaman’s tree light up ushers in festive season Last Evening the East Bank Demerara Publi c Road was the scene of much fanfare and bright lights, as Rahaman’s Park ushered in the Christmas season with their eighth annual Christmas Tree Light Up. The ceremony was the scene of excited children along with performances from dancers and carolers alike. Santa Claus and his elves also surprised the attendees with a visit. The newly lit tree measures 54 feet, a full four
feet higher than last year’s. This is in keeping with the Rahaman family’s goal of creating the tallest artificial Christmas tree in the world. The event was chaired by Michella Abraham-Ali, who managed to garner audience participation with Christmas carols in some sections of the event. The event began with a rousing display of skills from the Linden Masquerade Band. It was followed by an interpretive Christmas dance from the
Eccles Assembly of God members. Carolers included those from Bishop’s High School, the Success Elementary School and the Brickdam Cathedral Choir. The carolers even included President Donald Ramotar, who joined in the merriment with the crowds of excited children. Traditional Christmas songs included “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Deck the Halls”, and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” among others.
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Child stealing should carry stronger penalties, says Children’s Advocate KINGSTON, Jamaica - Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, wants stronger penalties for persons who steal children. Gordon Harrison says the current sanction is inadequate. She argues that there should be no restrictions on the definition of child stealing. Appearing before a joint select committee reviewing the Sexual Offences Act and other related legislation on Wednesday, the Children’s Advocate pointed out that the offence of child stealing only applies if the victim is below age 14. She says persons convicted for the
offence can face a maximum penalty of seven years. However, Gordon Harrison suggested that the penalty is weak when compared to the offence of kidnapping, which applies to persons 14 and older who are taken and a ransom is demanded for their return. A person convicted of kidnapping can receive a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with or without hard labour. The Children’s Advocate argued that given the serious issue of children going missing in Jamaica, this gap in the legislation must be corrected.
Trinidad police hunt for road rage killer PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Police are searching a motorist who shot and killed another driver following a vehicular accident early yesterday morning. Police said that the body of Dennison Rodney, 42, was found on the road near his car, at around 4.30 am (local time). Rodney was heading west along the Diego Martin highway, west of here, when his car
collided with another. Eyewitnesses said that both vehicles pulled to the shoulder of the highway where the drivers became involved in an argument. According to the Trinidad Express, “it is suspected that he was followed back to his car and shot”. Rodney, who was on his way to work at the Diamond Vale Industrial Estate.
Kublalsingh in court Trinidad Express - Dr Wayne Kublalsingh, who was on yesterday 74 of his hunger strike, came to the Siparia Magistrates’ Court yesterday in a wheelchair, and was lifted into the courtroom for the hearing in which he is charged with a series of offences linked to his highway protest. Kublalsingh was accompanied by two members of the Highway Re Route Movement. He was taken before Magistrate Ejenny Espinet, defended by attorney Lennox Sankersingh. Kublalsingh is charged several offences of obstruction, assault, and resisting arrest related to an incident at the Mon Desir interchange site in September 2013. The case was adjourned to March 27, 2015. As he was leaving, Kublalsingh said he was in good spirits but felt that his body “was relenting”.
...brought in wheelchair
Dr Wayne Kublalsingh being taken from the Siparia Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Photo: Trevor Watson
Ramlogan elected to Task Force SAN SALVADOR – Attorney General, Anand Ramlogan has been elected deputy chair of the influential Caribbean F i n a n c i a l A c t i o n Ta s k F o r c e ( C FAT F ) a t t h e plenary session in El Salvador. On We d n e s d a y, Attorney General Martinez Gonzalez of El Salvador assumed the Chairmanship
of the organisation at the meeting and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Ramlogan on the leadership of the organisation. Ramlogan was unanimously elected and will take over the reins of leadership as Chairman in November 2015. The CFATF plays a critical role in promoting
regional compliance with the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. The organisation comprises 27 countries from South and Central America and the Caribbean, with a total population of approximately 80 million persons. These countries
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THE UNFULFILLED PROMISE OF THE 10TH PARLIAMENT All manner of arguments are being made about the constitutionality of prorogation. Yet it seems to have escaped attention of those arguing such a line, that prorogation is itself a creature of the Constitution. The source of prorogation is the Constitution. The Constitution, in turn, places no conditions on the exercise of the power of prorogation. And so some folks have decided to theorize about the inherent constraints to the exercise of prorogation. They have made an intellectual mess of it. Their starting point is that sovereignty resides with the people. From this they proceed to argue that it is the
Constitution that vests sovereignty in the people and that the people have determined in elections in 2011 that the opposition should have a majority in parliament. Therefore, they continue that to prorogue parliament is unconstitutional. How does one move from saying that the opposition enjoys a majority to saying that the decision to prorogue is unconstitutional? It is not even a circuitous argument. It is disjointed. To fill that void, the argument is introduced that what the opposition wants is what the people wants because the opposition with their majority is the embodiment of the will
of the people. This is the sort of illogical tripe that is being pedaled. The will of the people is not reflected by the election of opposition parliamentarians alone or even by virtue of the fact that the opposition parties hold a majority in the National Assembly. The opposition is not the only embodiment of the will of the people. To say this is to say that only fifty one per cent of the people reflect the embodiment of the people. This is an untenable position. The opposition is not the only reflection of the will of the people. The government is also an embodiment of the will of the people. The will of the people
Dem boys seh...
Wha go round does come around Ole people does always seh dat de longest rope gat an end. Well the Pee- Pee-Pee (Piss Pon People) get a laang rope and dem been trying fuh wrap it round de nation fuh years. Now de same rope tightening round deh neck and everybody know that people does flock fuh see or hear bout a good hanging. Some of dem feeling de rope already and dem hollering bout blood in de Demerara River. Wha go round gaffa come round back, cause de world is a circle, just like de noose that deh round dem neck. De Piss Pon People party try haard fun put good, hanest, hard wukking people in jail fuh no reason. De party get people fuh trump up all kinda charge. Some had plans fuh jail the Waterfalls boss man just because he exposing dem corruption. Dem boys been in de court when de Magistrate who was to try de Waterfalls boss man tell de boss man that he had luck because Cee fuh Satar decide fuh drop de charge. Now is wha message de magistrate was sending? Wha you sow you does reap. De week ain’t even done and de Judicial
Service Commission sweep de magistrate off de bench. De Hay Hef Cee gat plans fuh change de kanstitushan and pelt all ah dem corrupt backside in jail. But dem boys seh that de Pee Pee Pee top men know jail time coming dem. Some get nervous. Dem try fuh move some money from overseas but that is another story. De Americans was watching it all de time. Dem tek all and some people crying. At one time dem boys didn’t believe that Donald woulda get ketch wid de jail crowd. Some still got doubts but then he start fuh lose weight. Dem boys hear that de real reason Donald ‘Lamatar’ Duck start fuh lose he weight is because he planning fuh grease he skin and slip thru de jail bars. Well if he could do that he deserve to escape but that is another story. De fat crook can’t even think about slipping out through de jail door. He pawn de Marriott to Republic Bank without de people permission. That is enough fuh send he to jail. Talk half and listen fuh de jail door banging shut pon dem scamps
is reflected in the overall composition of the parliament and therefore the government is also a reflection of the will of the people. How is this will determined? The will of the people is determined by rules set by the Constitution. In the case of Guyana those rules allow for the party that wins the most votes, that is a plurality of the total votes cast, to assume the Executive and the Presidency. The will of the people is not just about parliament; it is also about how the government is formed. The fact that the opposition parties have a majority in parliament is just one aspect of the will of the people. There is also the will of the people in respect to who holds the Presidency. But it seems that the critics of prorogation do not wish to accept the fact that the President is also a reflection of the will of the people. He is, because the Constitution provides that when someone votes for a party he or she also votes for the Presidential candidate of that party. And the rules of game, as determined by the supreme instrument of sovereignty, the Constitution, dictate that the person who wins the most votes is elected as President. The critics of prorogation however wish to contend that it is only the opposition parties with their one seat majority who are a reflection of the will of the people and not the President who won the most votes of all the Presidential candidates. The power of prorogation is not a democratic power. It is a reserve power assigned
to the President and which he can use at his discretion. Such is the nature of reserve powers. The President has used his reserve power of prorogation. He could have alternatively used his reserve powers to dissolve parliament. The opposition wanted to dissolve parliament. This is why they went ahead with the noconfidence motion. Now, if they had done this, they would have argued that they had a right to do so since the Constitution allows them to recall the government through a no-confidence motion. But when the President prorogues parliament as is also allowed by the Constitution it is argued that the President is acting unconstitutionally. The bottom line is that the opposition has been embarrassed. The opposition members wanted to humble the President by forcing his government to resign. They did not even have the decency to state reasons in their motion for the vote of no-confidence. What they wanted to foist on the 10th parliament was a degutted motion, one without any basis. They wanted a debate
to spring from a degutted motion, one that stated no basis for the removal of the government. Yet they are crying foul when the President pulled the rug from under them and decided that he would, as is his right to do, prorogue parliament. The people have for three years witnessed nothing but non-stop tribulations in the National Assembly. The tenth parliament was one that should have been characterized by political cooperation. Instead the people saw how difficult it is for a minority government to work. Minority governments have not worked. The people are not likely to want another three years or more of that experiment. The opposition may have some justification in believing that the people are fed up with the PPP. But I can tell you they are more fed up with an intransigent opposition which has failed to fulfill the promise of the tenth parliament.
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Private jet, private money, private space in a drug country The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is a strange outfit. Only God can actually tell a Guyanese how the DEA operates with regard to its surveillance in Guyana. There are times you want to believe that Guyana is not on the DEA radar at all, or that the DEA has little interest in extirpating drug trafficking and money laundering in this country. It could be that the DEA is not the formidable and competent organization that the world thinks it is. In Guyana, the average limer across a “110th Street” (a term in local lingo, taken from the famous Anthony
Quinn movie on police racism and drug trafficking in the ghetto titled, across 110th Street), the inner core of Georgetown, knows who the drug traffickers and money launderers are. Some of the “boys” across a “110th street” are sometimes picked up by the drug traffickers to do dirty work, like one of them who set fire to a building that the champion’s friend needed to be erased so he could have the land to build. Days after, the arsonist was murdered. Dead men tell no tales. It is not only the boys across a “110th street” who know who the drug traffickers
are but the average journalist and the average Guyanese too. Some of these people do not hide their activities because they know they are protected not only by powerful politicians but state bureaucrats. Most Georgetown people know about costly humongous buildings in the centre of the city being put up by one person who from all appearances lacks a history of capitalist accumulation. It is possible that the DEA does not know these details, facts and stories? If the answer is ‘yes’ then the DEA, based in the US Embassy, is not interested. The facts are out there. How come the DEA doesn’t have them? Does the DEA know that a very top man in CANU was (maybe is) one of Roger Khan’s best friends and shared a
Queenstown residence with Khan? Did the DEA know that a private jet, owned by a private citizen had private space at the Timehri airport? It turned out that the owner of that jet would fly in and out of that hanger bypassing airport security, customs and immigration. That is a paradisiacal avenue for drug trafficking, moneylaundering and back track operations. It is simply incredible the depth to which this country has fallen that a private citizen can fly an aircraft in and out of the country with absolutely no check from any of the state security agencies. What is disturbing is that there wasn’t an official from CANU, immigration, airport security and customs that saw the nationalist obligation of leaking that information to the press and opposition parties. The obvious question is; has Mr. Lall been doing his cash transfers before prior to when he was caught this week? Now that he has been arrested, state employees are
sharing information about Lall, an obligation they neglected to do before. For example, this columnist was told by a most reliable source that Lall flew a certain controversial Minister and the owner of a hotel, a close friend of Mr. Ramotar to Suriname last July on that very jet. Lall, it appears, is a buddy friend of some very powerful politicians. This same hotel owner is nearing his completion of a large hotel in north Georgetown and the casino, it is alleged, would be the jurisdiction of Lall. Interestingly, only four casinos are allowed in the legislation and they have been allotted already. It means there will have to be amendment to the law to allow a fifth licence. And it appears that Lall hobnobs with the right Cabinet personnel that will facilitate him. Is it Lall’s money that US authorities found? My opinion is it isn’t Lall’s money, that Lall may be a front for others. The Lall arrest could
Frederick Kissoon see dominoes falling here depending on how the US authorities deal with Lall. If the US suspects moneylaundering, then Lall could hold the key as to who are the main players in Guyana. If Lall is offered a deal like Roger Khan, like Captain Clark, he could talk. But to the Guyanese people, will it make a difference? Roger Khan confessed. But no dramatic arrest in Guyana followed. Captain Clarke did not only confess to the District Attorney, but the information he shared earned him refugee status so he was allowed to stay in the US with his family. If Lall is jailed, life in Guyana will go on with private people with private jets owning private space on public land being protected by public officials.
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Ombudsman refutes Luncheon, DPP’s criticisms of damning NBS report …Says Govt. officials were apprised of the process Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore, yesterday addressed what he described as a number of misconceptions and unfair criticisms leveled against his report on a complaint brought by former Chief Executive Officer and two former members of the New Building Society. Moore told media operatives that what he finds most baffling is the fact that the very persons making the criticisms about the report, never made any objections when he updated and made contact with them during the
preparation of the document. The Ombudsman said that some of the comments being peddled in the media in relation to published excerpts of his report were as a result of persons not thoroughly reading the document. The report by the Ombudsman concluded that police wrongfully charged the former NBS boss, Maurice Arjoon, and two of his managers for a massive $69M fraud at the New Building Society, in 2006. The report, which was released this month, was based
on complaints by Arjoon on January 16 last, which claimed that he was framed after he refused to illegally endorse the lending of $2B for an investment into the Berbice River Bridge in 2006. Arjoon’s said that his decision to only lend $350M in keeping with the country’s financial laws angered former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who allegedly threatened via Nanda Gopaul, to “deal with the CEO.” Fraud charges were laid against the former CEO who served the company for over
30 years along with his two senior managers, Kent Vincent and Kissoon Baldeo. In briefly examining some of the details of the correspondence with certain officials, Ombudsman Moore related that upon receipt of Arjoon’s complaint, he wrote a letter to Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, and attached unedited copies of the complaint among other relevant data. In his letter to Dr. Luncheon, Moore stated that he required certain information to further determine whether a basis existed to conduct an inquiry; whether Minister of Labour , Dr. Nanda Gopaul, did make a call to Arjoon and the content of the conversation. He said he also asked the Cabinet Secretary to bring the said allegations to the attention of Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh who was also implicated in the matter. Dr. Luncheon subsequently told Moore that he was still to receive the response from both Ministers with regard to the allegation. After writing to the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, the Ombudsman also wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack in April. He had asked her, based on his observations, to reopen the case and examine it with a fresh mind. He also sent all the information at his disposal. He said that the DPP replied that while she was willing to grant his request, she was of the view that the current findings are not enough to warrant the reopening of the case. Ombudsman Moore emphasized that the reason for his provision of the brief details of the correspondence with the government officials was to show that he dealt with them openly. No one raised any issues with regard to jurisdiction or the matter being sub judice (meaning that the matter is currently before the court and
Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon
Ombudsman Winston Moore
Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack
Minister of Labour, Nanda Gopaul
it is therefore prohibited from public discussion), he said. “All the while, no one said ‘mind your own business, you’re trespassing and stay out of my territory,’” Moore said. He added that he had no knowledge of how the report got leaked to the media fraternity but nonetheless, was surprised when he saw some of the comments from certain officials, including Dr. Luncheon, the DPP and Minister Gopaul. After excerpts of the report were published in the media, Dr. Luncheon had said that while he does not lend much credence to the contents of the report, he was surprised that a former judge would make utterances on a matter that is before the court and as such felt that it showed disregard for sub judice. The DPP then sought
to question the Ombudsman’s authority to deal with such a criminal matter and expressed that she felt such a case was out of his jurisdiction. Gopaul also questioned whether the Ombudsman had the power to look into the matter and had denied ever issuing any threat to Arjoon on Jagdeo’s behalf for not approving funds as requested. Ombudsman Moore refuted the three contentions. He reminded that while there is a civil matter before the court in relation to the wrongful dismissal of the former NBS Chief Executive Officer, his concern was the criminal complaint against the public officials. He said that considering the matter with which he was dealing, he did not see how it disregarded the sub judice law or would even conflict with the current matter before the court. As for jurisdiction, the Ombudsman said that he was not sharing all of his cards and that he will for the moment, “talk half and lef half.” He said that the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman is covered by probably the largest section in the Constitution which details the functions and limitations of his post. Ombudsman Moore stated that after his examination of what was before him, he found no evidence to suggest that the complainant was guilty of fraud, or even had intent to do so.
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Gunman jailed for 170 TAXI DRIVER WARNS months, to serve 108 months AGAINST CON ARTIST Ronley Rampersaud, one of the two men, who was detained during a confrontation on November 14, between police and slain robbery suspect, Royston Waldron, was imprisoned on five criminal charges, yesterday. He was sentenced to 36 months on each charge. However the first two will run concurrently; the second two will also run concurrently but consecutively to the first two. This means that he will spend 72 months in jail on the four. He will serve a further 36 months on the fifth charge, taking his total jail time to 108 months. According to the police, Rampersaud was arrested and charged for robbery under arms, discharging a loaded firearm and attempting to commit a felony. At his first court appearance it was alleged that on November 10, last, he conspired to commit a felony, and on the same day at Sherriff Street Georgetown, armed with a gun robbed Leoni Sanmoogan of $20,000, property of Wang Chan Ton. He was jailed for 36 months
on conviction. It is also alleged that on November 11, last, at King Street, Georgetown, while armed with a gun, he allegedly attempted to rob Rakeema Ali. He was jailed for another 36 months which will run concurrently with the first sentence. On the same day Rampersaud, with a person unknown at King Street, Georgetown, allegedly discharged a loaded firearm towards Inshan Ali, with intent to maim, harm and disfigure him. In addition, on October 22, at Robb Street, Georgetown, being armed with a gun, Rampersaud robbed Savitri Harrichand of one handbag, cash, one Samsung cellular phone and documents together valued $43,000. These two charges earned him a further 36 months each which will be served concurrently. However, the sentences would begin after the first two. On the same day on Robb Street, Georgetown, Rampersaud discharged a loaded firearm at Savitri Harrichand with intent to maim, harm and disfigure.
Harrichand was in the court yesterday and said that her wounds are slowly healing. He was jailed for a further 36 months. Rampersaud pleaded guilty to four of the allegations, but maintained his innocence in regards to the conspiracy charge for which he faced a trial. An unrepresented Rampersaud, told the court that he is a 28-year-old DVD salesman who resides at Lot 124 Middle Road, East La Penitence. At a previous court appearance, Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that Rampersaud, who is also a father of one, was previously convicted for a similar offence. Yesterday, Magistrate Judy Latchman said that the sentence is based on the seriousness, prevalence of the offence and the fact that a weapon was used. Magistrate Latchman said that Rampersaud needed to be made an example of, to prevent others from committing similar offences and sentenced him to a total of 108 months in prison.
A taxi driver who was scammed out of his day’s pay is on a quest to expose the perpetrator of the crime and to warn fellow members of the profession to be on the lookout for con artists, especially during this busy Christmas Season. Abrahim Ramon, a father of three from Breda Street, Werk- en- Rust, Georgetown, is requesting that persons, especially those providing public transportation to be on the lookout for a man whom he claims cheated him of almost $20,000 for his services. According to Ramon, a stranger came to his snackette at around noon yesterday to request a taxi. “A tall fair skinned man with tattoos and gold teeth he looked mixed…I didn’t suspect anything because he seemed genuine,” Ramon said He explained that the man requested several drops, including a trip to the Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. “He said that he wanted to go to Mahaica, around Georgetown and Parika so I told him the price and he agreed.” The taxi driver said that the passenger appeared
genuine throughout the journey. “All de time he talking with me and calling people name that I know because I am a Muslim…He said that his truck broke down in Lethem and he was going to Mahaica to look for spare parts. He even claimed that his family was in town and he had to meet them”, the man explained. Ramon said that he took the trickster to several spots on the East Coast before returning to Georgetown. “He even asked me to lend him $5000 and I lend some of the money to him
because he appeared genuine but when we arrived in town the man jump out the car and tell me he coming back. He never turned up.” Ramon said that he later learnt that the trickster had been a regular offender. “When I told my story to other drivers they tell me that de man is a regular, like he does do this thing steady. Some may say it’s frivolous matter but that is the reason we continue to be scammed by these con artist,” the man said. He noted that the matter has already been reported to the Brickdam Police Station.
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Saturday November 29, 2014
Alleged beating death of prisoner...
Two cops under close arrest -victim reportedly told police other prisoner had assaulted him Two constables from the Leonora Police Station are under close arrest as investigations continue into the death of Meten-MeerZorg resident Asif Rahim Khatoon, whose relatives claimed that he was badly beaten while in police custody. A senior police official said that the ranks were being questioned because they were with Khatoon when he was arrested last Saturday. However, Kaieteur News was told that there is no evidence so far to implicate them in the 38-year-old fisherman’s demise. According to the official, investigators have also received reports that Khatoon was assaulted by another prisoner while the two were handcuffed together and sitting on a bench. The prisoner was later released on bail and investigators are trying to locate him. The Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has taken over the investigation and a post mortem examination is
Asif Rahim Khatoon expected to be conducted on the victim on Monday. A police release stated that Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Ian Amsterdam, accompanied by Pastor Winston Assannah and Pastor Deryck Anderson of the Cops and Faith Community Network and other ranks of the Division, yesterday visited the victim’s reputed wife, Sursattie Chandrapaul, children and other relatives. “The Divisional Commander sympathised
with the family while expressing concern over the allegations surrounding Asif Rahim Khatoon’s demise, and assured the family and relatives that every effort will be made to ensure that the investigations are completed as early as is practicable, while the religious leaders offered words of comfort to them,” the release stated. In another release issued on Thursday, police stated that Khatoon was arrested at around 00:25 hrs on Saturday, November 22, 2014, following investigations into a report that he had assaulted his reputed wife, Sursattie Chandrapaul. “During efforts to arrest him, Asif Rahim Khatoon resisted, but was eventually subdued and taken to the Leonora Police Station. At the station he made no complaints against the arresting ranks. At the Leonora Station, Asif was kept on the bench handcuffed to another man in custody whom he later reported had allegedly assaulted him,” the release stated. “Asif was subsequently
Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Ian Amsterdam expresses condolences to Sursattie Chandrapaul and other relatives taken to the Parika Police Station later that Saturday where he was kept in the lockups. He was charged with assault and brought to the Leonora Police Station on Monday November 24, 2014, to attend the Magistrate’s Court.” The release stated that while at Leonora, the prisoner ’s reputed wife reported that he was beaten by the police and as a consequence, he was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was referred to the West Demerara Hospital. He was later released and was scheduled to appear in Court on Wednesday November 26, 2014. “An investigation into the allegation made against the police had been initiated within the Police Division, but
has now been taken over by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility.” Khatoon, also known as ‘Catches,’ died at his home at around 13.00 hrs on Thursday, five days after he was allegedly beaten. He was briefly hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), allegedly with a broken jaw and multiple contusions. His wife, Sursattie Chandrapaul, recalled that her husband was arrested two Friday nights ago after he came home drunk and began to curse her. She said that although she had not called the police, a party of five “black clothes” ranks arrived, handcuffed her husband and placed him to lie in the back of the police van. The woman claimed that at one point, her husband attempted to sit up but one of the policemen “tek one of the long gun and stomp he on he back”. Contrary to the police release, the woman denied that her husband had resisted
arrest. Chandrapaul said that when she visited her husband at the station the following day, she found him in a battered state, with his face badly swollen. After inquiring from the police about her husband’s condition, they told her that he had been beaten by other prisoners. However, Chandrapaul said her husband insisted that police ranks had inflicted the injuries. On her return on Monday, she reportedly informed one “Officer Johnson” of what transpired and permission was granted for her to take him to the hospital under police guard. After being referred by officials of two West Coast Demerara hospitals, the mother of four said that she took her husband to the GPHC, where she was informed that his jaw was broken and he would need to undergo surgery. She said he was referred to the ‘Dental Clinic’, and then sent back to the GPHC for admittance. According to Chandrapaul, her husband was admitted last Wednesday, but called her on Thursday and begged her to have him discharged, since he claimed he had received no medical treatment at the hospital. She then took her husband home, where he succumbed. “I feel upset about this. My husband is not a criminal. It’s just cussing he get arrested for, he is not a criminal. He is a very hard working man, now is me alone and dem children.” The couple has three daughters, aged 19, 17 and eight and a 14-year-old son. “Prisoners can’t beat he like that…if it was so where they (police) went when that happen? Prisoner can never beat he so…. and even the doctors seh they believe he was beaten by the police.”
Saturday November 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
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More students gravitating to the Sciences - Manickchand A deliberate move by the Ministry of Education to foster interest in the sciences has resulted in more children across the country expressing interest in the single sciences, and science subjects as a whole. In fact, over the last two years there has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of entrants for science subjects at the level of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination. At least this was the disclosure of Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who yesterday said that “you would think that with the increase you would see a drop in the grades, well we haven’t had a drop...We have practically maintained our good grades; the number of students that are passing Grades One to Three – acceptable pass marks – and that my friends, is something we can celebrate and we should celebrate.” The Minister was at the time preparing to officially launch the 2014 leg of the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge which kicked off yesterday at the Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The event, which is spearheaded by Sagicor Life Inc., is being held in collaboration with the Caribbean Science Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. In continuing her deliberation on the performance of students in the sciences, the Minister asserted that “ it didn’t happen by magic; getting an increased number of children able to enter and write the exams, including all the practicals and so on, came
from conscientious thoughts, strategic planning and heavy investments...” As part of the Ministry’ strategic tactic, was the introduction of Inquiry Based Science at the level of the primary schools. This, Manickchand noted, has allowed very young children to be exposed to science and science subjects by inquiring practically. This move has seen them “going out into the fields, into the gutter looking at frogs, looking at how leaves rot when they fall into a drain...so we have more children from a very young age being exposed to this through Inquiry Based Science Education programme.” It is because of this, Manickchand noted, that students’ interests were steered towards the sciences. But according to her, being interested and wanting to do science is certainly not enough. “We have to make sure in the Government that we have environments, schools and labs where children can actually enter and write those subjects,” said Minister Manickchand as she revealed that the Education Ministry, in collaboration with UNESCO, has embarked on a programme to make available to schools micro-science kits. These kits, according to the Minister, practically puts a laboratory in every school “Those are some of the little things we have done to make sure that we can see results.” Speaking to the promotion of science on a global scale, the Minister noted too that “we are absolutely sure in the world that the only way that we can progress speedily and sustain
- development linked to programmes designed to spur interest that progression and development, is if we harness the tools and resources we have in persons like you (students), in making sure we can sustain whatever development our various countries can see.” As such, the Minister stressed the need for countries, with the support of various stakeholders, including the private sector, to encourage and promote the abilities and talents of young people. “Our job as a State, our job as a community...is to provide an environment where you can thrive, where your innovations can be given life, where you can create, where you can think outside of the box, and have those thoughts made into something that can help sustain the world’s development.” Manickchand therefore, amplified the importance of activities such as the Sagicor Visionary Challenges which serves to promote the use of not only science but all STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. According to her, “throwing down an exhibition once a year or joining Sagicor once a year to pull off a Challenge once a year would not be enough...We would need to do more, we would need to make sure that we provide an environment where you would’ve been exposed from young to the ability to think for yourselves and put those thoughts down into projects...” an undertaking that Government is fully embracing.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand
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West Canje shooting death...
Defence no case submission overruled The defendant in the Caracas house demolition shooting death case has been called upon to lead a defence, after no case submissions in the preliminary inquiry were overruled. The preliminary inquiry is being conducted in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. On trial is New Amsterdam businessman, Charles Henry, called ‘Charles Bristol’ or ‘Wheels’, 52, of Main and Lad Lane, New Amsterdam. Bristol is on trial for the shooting to death of Errol Lindo, called ‘Son Son’, 51, on April 21, last, at High Dam, Caracas, West Canje. When the matter was called again before Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus, the final two civilian witnesses, Indranie Nandalall and Rookmin Deolall, who had warrants issued for their arrest were present in court and gave their testimonies. Also testifying was Police Ballistic expert, Corporal Floyd Hosanna, who was also
unavoidably absent on the last occasion. He was present in court and testified to the rounds, spent shell and firearm tendered as evidence. As the matter continued, both the prosecution and defence made their respective submissions. The prosecution, led by Sergeant Godfrey Playter, submitted that there was enough evidence for a prima facie case to be made. The defence led by Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes in association with Attorneys-at-Law Mortimer Coddett and Horatio Edmonson, submitted that there was no case for the defence to answer and urged the Magistrate to discharge the matter. There was some back and forth as both sides stood their ground, with regard to certain evidence offered during the trial which was not challenged during the main trial, but was challenged when the defence made their no case submission. The Magistrate, after
listening to both sides and perusing the evidence, overruled the defence no case submission and ordered the defendant to lead a defence. The defence plans to call four witnesses. A number of other witnesses have testified so far in the matter, among them Detective Corporals Phillip Walters, Darmendra Inderpaul and Ryan Caesar. Two other civilian witnesses, Travis Crandon and Cassandra Arthur, also gave evidence. The incident allegedly stemmed from an ongoing feud between the businessman and some residents in the area over the illegal occupation of his land. On the day in question, Bristol and some workmen were in the process of dismantling a house which allegedly belonged to Lindo. It is alleged that Lindo was shot after he ran into the yard and attacked the businessman with an axe. He (Lindo) was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed around 20:45 hrs. Henry and his workmen were subsequently confronted by a hostile crowd that had gathered at the scene. The men fled and Henry took refuge in a nearby residence. His Toyota Carina 192 bearing registration number PGG 4048 was burnt and overturned. He had to be rescued by the police who had to fire warning shots in the air to thwart off the angry crowd. Residents in the area staged a protest through the streets of New Amsterdam the following day. The matter is set for continuation on December 4.
Saturday November 29, 2014
Sun and Sand Hotel to sit on 10.5 acres …to be granted 50-year lease at $250,000 per annum
Bhushan Chandna
Doorga Persaud
Cheta Lavanie
The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) is only now drawing up a lease agreement for the Sun and Sand Hotel and Casino Project, some five months after the extravagant sodturning ceremony. That agreement, when finalized, would grant the company a 50-year lease for a 10.5 acres plot of land at a cost of $250, 000 a year, Lands Commissioner Doorga Persaud has told Kaieteur News. The company had pledged to commence work in August, but to date, all that is on the Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara site, is a parked excavator and loader. The hotel developers have sought to blame the Lands and Surveys Commission for the delay in construction, but Persaud said the GLSC had to ensure due process was followed. Bhushan Chandna, Director of Sun and Sand, told Kaieteur News that the project was delayed because
the company has not been granted the amount of land it wanted. “We have to give (our designers) new plans. They will have to correct. I have to change my whole layout,” he said in an interview with Kaieteur News at a Georgetown café where he was contacted after missing prior commitments for an interview. The company was promised some 12.5 acres of land in an agreement with the Guyana Office for Investment. But that agreement was inked before the actual survey was done. The Lands and Surveys Commission found that the amount of land promised to the company could not be granted, because the land promised includes space for a reserve and a trench. As such, the lease that is being finalized has been reduced to 10.5 acres. The Commission, only last Thursday, approved the company’s lease application,
Land Administration Manager Michael Hutson stated. “What do you think? We were sleeping?” asked Chetan Lavania, Director of Sun and Sand asked Kaieteur News when he was asked about the delay in the project. Lavania has studied geology. In fact, Hutson said that company only submitted its official application three months ago. Further, he said that along with the application for lease, the company needed a cadastral survey and it was told that it could hire private surveyors or use the Commission’s surveyors. The company chose to use the commission’s surveyors. That survey has now been completed and will define the exact boundaries within which the company would operate. Hutson said that while the 50-year lease is being prepared, the company will have an option to buy the land once it meets its investment proposal. He said the lease amount of $250,000 is subject to review as the years go by. Mr Persaud said that in order to approve the application, the Land and Surveys Commission needed other approvals. He said a NoObjection was received from the Environmental Protection Agency to proceed with processing of the application. The hotel developers have hired Environmental Management Consultants under Shyam Nokta to carry out an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. “It’s a huge project, it is not a one day job; and it’s a five star hotel and casino,” added Chandna. The company had planned a 290,000 square foot hotel with 163 rooms, a casino, restaurants, commercial block and Club House.
Saturday November 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
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CRIP road programme improves No. 64 village
Jaswah Ramlall stands on the newly constructed road NDC Chairman, Reshram Moti, in discussion with residents After sheltering from the heavy downpour, 73-yearold, JaswahRamlall, stood proudly on the newly constructed Double Bitumen Surface Treatment (DBST) road at No.64 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. All the previous rainy seasons known to her, standing on “Third Street,” was an unwelcomed scenario. Prior to construction, Third Street, a mud dam, was slushy. There were puddles during the wet weather. Even with favourable weather conditions, drivers opted not to traverse the dam. This made life difficult for residents, particularly the elderly like Ramlall, children, and the lone shopkeeper in the street. Last June, the Ministry of Housing and Water through the Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP), inked a $74M contract
with K.P Jagdeo General Contractor to upgrade the roads in No.64Village. This was the first time any works would be executed on the mud dam. While the other roads were upgraded from either crusher run to DBST surface or from DBST to asphaltic concrete, Third Street was constructed with a DBST surface. The project’s aims of providing residents with better access to places of worship, health, educational and other socio-economic facilities, and opening up of opportunities for the private sector are already being realized. Another resident, Sookdai Bhola, is elated with the construction of the road. “Whenever it rain, dem children have to roll up dem uniform, hold dem shoes and socks in dem hand and walk out in the mud…When dem
Truck hits woman on pedestrian crossing A 62-year-old janitor is currently in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after she was struck by a truck, while walking on the pedestrian crossing in front of the Agricola Primary School, East Bank Demerara, yesterday. Reports indicated that Fatimah Jamal, of 101 Ceasar Street, Agricola, had just finished her janitorial duties at the Alpha Hotel (opposite Agricola Primary School) and was crossing the road to get home. According to her daughter, Amani Jamal, her mother was knocked down around 7:15 hours yesterday, by a speeding truck whose driver appeared to have lost control. The janitor was rushed to the GPHC by public spirited citizens. The matter was reported at the Ruimveldt Police Station and the driver of the truck is in police custody assisting with investigations. Jamal is unresponsive in GPHC’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with broken limbs and several abrasions about her body.
Fatimah Jamal
reach road den dem a wash dem foot and put on their footwear to go to school,” she said. “Vehicles never used to come in here. When you have a sick you have to fetch that person till you reach the good road. I’m really happy we get dis road. Is since I born and grow here now we get a road,” Bhola added. According to a shopkeeper, residents of Third Street were somewhat separated from the rest of the community. Vans transporting goods to supply small businesses were reluctant to traverse the mud dam. “When dem van come my husband does have to tek the bicycle and ride go buy goods…sometimes he have to make six trips just to stock up the shop. Now with the road dem van a come till to de shop,” the shopkeeper lamented.
Amidst their excitement, residents are faced with the worries of protecting the structure from heavy duty agricultural machinery. Farming is a major economic activity in their community and prohibiting agricultural machinery from entering the community would put many residents at a disadvantage. To protect the new road the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and residents have placed road barriers effectively preventing
tractors with cage wheels from using the road. “We never had road now we get road we have to care it. We can’t let dem use dem machine and destroy our road. It have other place dem can drive to come in here; is a residential area. Dem can park dem machine out of the community,” the shopkeeper stressed. According to No.52/74 NDC Chairman, Reshram Moti, the NDC is satisfied
with the standard of works provided by the contractor and the level of oversight/ monitoring provided by the Project Management Unit of CRIP. Maintaining the integrity of the structure is a priority of the NDC and residents. He noted that the NDC is thankful to the Government for upgrading the structures since the NDC does not have the financial and technical capabilities to undertake such tasks.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday November 29, 2014
Saturday November 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 27
Porter critical after Rohee must bear responsibility being hit overboard for police misconduct - APNU
A porter employed at Muneshwer’s Limited is currently critical at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was hit overboard by a container that was being moved at the company’s wharf, Thursday afternoon. Brian Gordon, 55, is nursing severe head injuries at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors are in the process of removing some water that seeped into his lungs. According to his common-law wife, Earla DeSantos, the incident occurred around 14:00 hours when the “electromagnetic crane operator” swung the machine in Gordon’s direction, while a container was attached to it.
Brian Gordon Gordon was knocked overboard by the container. He was rescued shortly after by his fellow employees, who rushed him to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
Given the public security situation and its deterioration since Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee’s appointment as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) last year, A Partnership for National Unity, (APNU) is holding Rohee responsible for police misconduct. In a public missive, the Party outlined that the violent police conduct has increased since the Minister’s assumption to the office as PPP/C General Secretary and Elections Campaign Manager. According to APNU, Rohee was previously asked by the media, about whether he would retain his portfolio as Minister of Home Affairs
as well as General Secretary of the PPP, given the demands of the public security sector. He responded “that is something that we will obviously have to look at some time down the road.” “The entire country is now “down the road” as far as violent crime and police misconduct are concerned,” APNU noted. The Party noted that the Guyana Police Force, for which Rohee has ministerial responsibility, is facing serious challenges. Its need is not only to reduce crime in the country but, also, to suppress crime within its ranks. The APNU suggests that “Mr. Rohee, if he cannot do two jobs – public security and
New changes for traffic flow in Queenstown The Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Public Works have instituted changes in the flow of traffic in the Queenstown area, effective from December 1, 2014. According to an advisory released yesterday, the bridges on Vlissengen Road, Crown Street and Lance Gibbs Street will be targeted.
Starting Monday, the Vlissengen Road Bridge at Crown Street will only be used one way for east bound traffic. Additionally, the Vlissengen Road Bridge at Lance Gibbs Street will be a one way heading west bound. Thus, traffic heading southbound on Vlissengen Road wishing to access
Queenstown will be able to do so at the Lance Gibbs Bridge. The Crown Street Bridge will be prohibited to traffic heading westbound, that is, into Queenstown. Likewise, north bound traffic (heading toward the seawall) wishing to go east to access Bel Air, can no longer do so at the Lance Gibbs Street Bridge.
To ensure that motorists adhere to these changes, measures to reduce congestion, conflicts and delays will be put in place at Crown Street and Lance Gibbs bridges. Motorists are also asked to be vigilant and look out for “No Entry” and “No Right Turn Signs” at the necessary roadways.
political campaigning – should do one, preferably the latter.” According to APNU, the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) at one time was receiving about 364 complaints every year or, on average, one complaint a day, against members of the Guyana Police Force. The opposition coalition says it has also taken into consideration that several policemen have had to be charged for criminal behaviour before the civil courts. Others have faced moderate, internal disciplinary sanctions as a result of misdemeanours reported to the PCA and OPR. Complaints of offences range from attempting to pervert the course of justice, illegal possession of arms and ammunition, inflicting grievous bodily harm, larceny, murder, rape and trafficking in persons. The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigates allegations of misconduct against members of the Force. It is staffed by uniformed policemen who conduct investigations only into such matters as are referred to it by the
Commissioner. Other complaints against the Police, made particularly to the PCA, have been about policemen acting in a manner likely to bring discredit to a member of the Force; corrupt transactions; illegal searches; lack of civility to a member of the public; neglect of duty unlawful arrest; the use of unnecessary force and, most gravely, unlawful killings. Noting that Rohee usually seems to have much to say about correcting the list of electors and criticising the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at the PPP’s weekly press conferences, the APNU suggested that Rohee seems to have put his party’s elections prospects before human safety and public security. “It is no surprise, therefore, that there has been an alarming deterioration in police morale and behaviour and an escalation in the rate of violent crime.Armed robbery, murder, suicide, rape, road and river deaths, piracy and other forms of inter-personal violence are rampant,” the statement added.
A labourer stood before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, charged with the offence of break and enter and larceny. It is alleged that between November 24 and 25 at James Street, Albouystown, Imran Rahaman broke and entered the storeroom of his nephew Ahamad Rahaman and stole one tool kit, three vehicle shacks, one socket kit, one racing car tyre, one scale and 14 saw blades valuing a total of $51,700 . The charge was indictable and thus the accused was not required to plead. Police Prosecutor Dinero
Jones provided the court with particulars of the accused, who had no legal representation in court yesterday. Jones told the court that Rahaman is forty years old, a labourer by profession and has had no previous brushes with the law. Prosecutor Jones objected to bail due to the fact, that Imran Rahaman did not provide the police with a proper address and therefore may not return to court. The Magistrate upheld the Prosecutor’s objection to bail and the accused was remanded. The matter has been transferred to Court 3 for December 4.
Labourer remanded on ‘break and enter’ charge
18 year old pleads guilty to simple larceny and gets 48 months An eighteen- year old farmer from West Ruimveldt was charged with two counts of simple larceny yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It is alleged that on November 18 at Leopold Street Charlestown, Georgetown, Joshua Joseph stole one stereo set valued $150,000, property of Jermaine Peters. It is also alleged that on October 16, also at Leopold St Georgetown he stole one DVD player worth $20,000 also the property of Peters. Joseph pleaded guilty to both charges.
Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that the defendant lives at the home of Joshua Joseph at 69 Leopold Street. The court heard that on November 18, Joseph returned home and discovered the DVD player missing and asked the defendant about its whereabouts. The accused said he took the missing DVD player to be repaired. Peters reported the matter to the police and Joseph was arrested and charged. Magistrate Ann McLennan sentenced the accused to 24 months on each count.
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Kaieteur News
Couple ‘disappointed’ over ‘premium’ residential community home After last week’s rainfall caused flooding in the homes of many Georgetown residents, it appears that persons are still having issues with water in their homes. This time the issue stems from plumbing problems faced by Lionel and Amina Peters, a couple who recently moved into Windsor Estates, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The couple, who has been living in their new home for two months, told Kaieteur News that they were disappointed with the quality of the home they were expected to live in. The two had retired from Canada to escape the harsh winter season hoping that tropical life in Guyana would be easier. Windsor Estates is a housing development project, accessible through the Eccles industrial road. It offers a “premium residential community” which parallels the elegance of gated communities in North America.
On Tuesday evening, they went out and returned to find the downstairs of their home covered in approximately three inches of water. The water came from the malfunctioning pump that was used to distribute water throughout the home. Most of the furniture, housekeeping equipment and electrical appliances were soaking wet. Lionel Peters said that his situation was made even worse as many of the home’s components were imported from overseas and were not unpacked when the water damaged them. The homeowner explained that he had issues with the pump in the past, and that he notified operators of the housing scheme in the process. Peters said that he had reported the matter several times to the relevant personnel. “We had a plumber visit us about seven times before,” said Peters, “but when he came and ‘fixed’ the plumbing,
it was like nothing changed.” The retiree continued to say that the plumbing problem was one of many other issues he noticed “wrong” with the house. According to Peters, issues range from uneven roofing to chipped tiling amongst others. Other homeowners, the couple says, have also claimed to have similar problems. The couple lamented that when they invested in the $27 million home, they didn’t expect that they would incur such a “stressful situation.” Windsor Estates said that it is aware of the Peters’ plumbing problem. An official from the company, who wished to be unnamed, explained that the water pump in question was damaged as a result of overheating. The official said that the overheating was as a result of materials bracing on the pump. This interfered with its (continued on page 29)
Saturday November 29, 2014
US congress reps hear of Ramotar’s “creeping dictatorship” The Guyana delegation with members of congress
By Abena Rockcliffe President Donald Ramotar was labeled a “creeping dictator” as United States (US) based members and supporters of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) sought international intervention into the state of affairs in Guyana. The Guyanese delegation met on Tuesday in New York with United States Members of Congress Yvette Clarke and Hakeem Jeffries, to discuss the “fast deteriorating political situation in Guyana.” The delegation was made up of members and supporters of APNU, AFC and New York Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) and not only AFC representatives as was previously reported. That article was based on a statement delivered at an official press briefing held by AFC on Thursday. Kaieteur News was subsequently informed that the meeting was arranged by President of CGID Rickford Burke who is affiliated with APNU and that it was he who invited AFC representatives. Burke however confirmed that the delegation indeed decried President Ramotar’s November 10th prorogation of Parliament which many believed was done to stop the passage of the no-confidence motion against his “Marxist, People’s Progressive (PPP) regime.” Kaieteur News understands that the Guyanese delegation warned the US politicians that President Ramotar is a burgeoning dictator who has imposed a one party PPP rule in Guyana, and stressed that the US and the international community must not harbor another dangerous, Marxist dictatorship in the Western
Hemisphere. The delegation reportedly gave reasons for such a harsh description of the Guyana government and why the noconfidence motion was laid. The evidence and justification for the noconfidence motion, which the delegation presented this newspaper was told, “read like an indictment bill of particulars.” Burning issues such as government’s “unlawful transfer of billions of public funds into secret bank accounts, malicious issuance of all television and radio licenses exclusively to friends and family members of government officials and party supporters and abuse of the state media and other state resources” were highlighted. Also highlighted was the leaking of constitutionally protected tax information and the refusal to investigate or interdict Guyana’s Attorney General, Anand Nandlall, who was recorded in a conversation saying that “innocent lives” of those who work at Kaieteur News will be taken because of the newspaper’s stance on certain issues. Representatives pointed out that masked gunmen previously invaded the Kaieteur newspapers office and murdered five employees. Kaieteur News was informed that Burke told the US officials that President Ramotar conspired to depose the Parliament ever since his party lost its majority in 2011. He said that Ramotar and his Cabinet have lost legitimacy and must therefore call General Elections within three months, in accordance with the Constitution. Burke called on the US government to pressure President Ramotar to call elections and to impose severe sanctions
on the government if he fails to do so. Burke was the one who described Ramotar as a “creeping dictator” who engineered the current “constitutional crisis so that he can later declare a state of emergency and dissolve the Parliament. He said Ramotar plans to use the state of emergency as a subterfuge to invoke Article 70 (5) of the constitution to recall the dissolved Parliament and circumvent General Elections.” The CGID head contended that Article 70 (5) can be invoked repeatedly at twelve month intervals for up to five years, during which time Ramotar plans to govern singularly by dictator’s decree. Derrick Arjune of the Center for Social Justice & Development observed that President Ramotar effectively aborted the democratic process and silenced the majority of the electorate who in 2011, give the political opposition 52% of the vote. He argued that the suspension of Parliament also prevented debate on, and possible punishment of, the Attorney General as well as the Minister of Finance for flagrant violations of the law. Anita Jaikaran and Ewart Marshall from the AFC elucidated the rationale for the no-confidence motion. While APNU and PNCR representatives Terrence Simon and Morris Wilson chronicled their parties fight for local government elections since 1994. Wilson said the PPP regime has for twenty-years refused to hold local elections and has been supplanting elected municipal councils with PPP management committees against the will of the people. Kaieteur News (continued on page 29)
Saturday November 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
2014 Sagicor Visionaries Challenge champ to be named today
Education officials with other stakeholders and judges of the 2014 Sagicor Visionaries Challenge Today will be the day of reckoning when the designated judges decide which single science project is worthy to be named the entrant to compete at the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge regional competition. The local aspect of the competition commenced yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, with some 70 projects from schools across the country vying for the most outstanding placement. The Challenge is one that is done among students region-wide and according to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, Guyana this year has presented the most projects of a high quality when compared to the other participating territories. But as she spoke to the participating students ahead of the unveiling of some of their projects yesterday, Minister Manickchand reminded them that “there is only one team that will win because that is what happens when you have a competition.” The Minister accompanied by senior Ministry of Education officials, along with other stakeholders, and the judges of the competition were able to view the projects following a brief opening ceremony. Ranging from projects designed to address the garbage situation in the capital city to a remedy to ward off the Chikungunya virus, and the ever recurring
water filtration system, students from the various schools across the country proudly stood alongside their projects prepared to showcase and amplify why their projects could perhaps be better than the next. Using specified criteria, the judges of the competition yesterday commenced their unenviable task to ascertain whether the projects were as comprehensive as they were being touted to be whereby they could be applicable to help solve actual problems in the environment. Last year it was a project from the Zeeburg Secondary School that was able to secure the winning place and went on to compete at the regional level. It however did not place there. According to Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, the challenge is one that help uncovers the tremendous “almost untapped” potentials across the length and breadth of the land. It is in fact Sam’s conviction that “we in Guyana are ideally poised, I feel, to meet our mark in regard to this particular component of the education system and set ourselves, as we have, apart from our regional counterparts. I certainly expect that this year we will win the regional component of the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge; and I certainly challenge all of you here to do exactly,” Sam urged those participating in the competition. Speaking of the importance of the Science,
US congress reps hear of Ramotar’s “creeping ... From page 28 understands that the Members of Congress expressed dismay at this constitutional breakdown. Representatives Clarke and Jeffries expressed concern about the breakdown of democracy and the
constitution in Guyana. They pledged to remain engaged, and to work with other Members of Congress and the Obama Administration to ensure a restoration of the democratic process and constitutional governance in Guyana
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, Sagicor’s Manager, Ms Marlene Chin, noted that it is her hope and that of Sagicor Visionaries Challenge that efforts will be directed towards ensuring a more sustainable Caribbean. Even as she alluded to flooding situations right here in Guyana recently, Chin said “visionaries, your community needs you and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics can play a big part in the rehabilitation of the affected areas.” Chin disclosed too that next year Sagicor will be celebrating 175 years of its operation and according to her, “we look forward to seeing the creative ways in which you will seek to positively influence the future for all of us.” The Sagicor Visionaries Challenge is a competition that is intended to target secondary level schools as well as home schooled students between the ages of 11 and 16 who are encouraged to identify a challenge facing their respective school or school of choice. Having identified the challenge, students are tasked with using the STEM subjects to develop effective, innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenge identified. Also addressing the opening ceremony yesterday was Barbados-based Assistant Director of the Caribbean Science Foundation, Ms Lois Oliver. She too emphasised the need to utilise the talent of “bright” students to help address challenges facing the individual communities in the Caribbean. “I congratulate you all for the amazingly hard work that you have put into this programme; I congratulate your teachers for supporting and guiding you,” said Oliver as she spoke of the projects on display yesterday which she did not hesitate to commend.
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Seized jet with stashed cash…
Govt. says state paid for Ramotar’s private jet trips Initial queries about the President’s use of the jet that was seized by Puerto Rican officials did not yield answers. However, the government, through its information agency, sent out a statement yesterday to the effect that all uses of the jet service were for official purposes and were paid for. Government Information Agency (GINA) said that the Guyana Government has noted with interest, recent media reports pointing to alleged breaches of Federal Customs regulations of the United States of America, by the Exec Jet Club Guyana which operates out of the Kaylee Service Station, East Bank Demerara. GINA indicated that the company’s services were procured on three occasions by the government for transporting delegations led by President Donald Ramotar himself on official State business overseas. In was noted that on all such occasions, payments were rendered for the charter of an aircraft operated by the Exec Jet Club, Guyana. Initial reports were that Ramotar travelled on official state trips to Brazil and Puerto Rico. He also used the jet to travel to Suriname. Guyanese pilot Khamraj Lall was recently detained in Puerto Rico for failing to declare thousands of United States dollars stashed in
Pilot: Khemraj Lall different sections of his private jet. US Customs and Border Protection agents carried out a routine search of the executive craft and found sums totalling US$620,000 hidden under seats and near the engine. Lall was the co-pilot on the flight. He was travelling with his father and the pilot when he took sole responsibility for the hidden cash. The three occupants declared certain sums of money, far less than what was found by the customs agents. Lall was permitted to build a private hangar at the country’s largest airport to conduct executive flight services and medical evacuation (Medivac). Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon when asked about the President’s travel had said that he was not privy
to information about how much those trips cost the Guyana Government. Dr. Luncheon said that he suspected that state funds might not have been involved in the trips, but will make the necessary checks from his records to confirm the information. Lall has a private hanger at CJIA. The entrance to Lall’s hangar is some distance away from that of CJIA arrival and departure lounges. The area is very much secluded and is accessed by another road which takes one to the southern end of the airport tarmac. To access the hangar, instead of turning left on public road leading to the airport, one has to turn right onto “Khali Road” and drive to the facility which has one private security booth ahead of the main building. No airport security is visible there. It has been stated by airport staff that given the hangar’s location, persons could access the facility day or night without anyone ever knowing. They said, “While it (hangar) is at the (CJIA) airport, you cannot see it or access it from the main building.” Kaieteur News is still to ascertain whether former President Bharrat Jagdeo would have at any time been a passenger on the executive luxury carrier. Lall is expected to attend a bail hearing in Puerto Rico next week.
Couple ‘disappointed’ over ‘premium’ ... From page 28 operations, thus causing it to overheat. He said that the estate’s plumber, advised the couple to remove the materials that were bracing on the pump. However, the plumber later told the official that the couple did not take his advice.
The company was willing to relocate the water pump to a separate, more convenient room so that it would not cause a hindrance to the Peters household. However, the official said that the couple refused their offer. In addressing the other problems the family had with
Aftermath of water in Peters’ residence
the home, the Windsor official related that those were “minor issues” which the company made their best effort to address and correct. He stated that the housing scheme is equipped with over 200 able-bodied personnel capable of making every residence livable.
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Kaieteur News
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WANTED One live in maid & Live in nanny – Call: 675-5256 1 Experienced cook (Interior Restaurant); Ages 30-45, 1 Female Bartender for Interior Location; Ages 20-30. Attractive Salary! Tel:6812997, 680-1323 Live in waitress to work in Liquor Restaurant – Call:6863116 Cook, waitress to work at New Bar in Agriculture Road Call: 612-2522 Male/female kitchen attendant, roti/pastry cooks @ Hack’s Halaal Restaurant, Commerce Street. One live in waitress/cashier, must be good at Maths. Salary $50,000-$60,000 monthly, boarding & Lodging free. Tel:610-5043 Experienced dispatcher & taxi drivers at Princess Hotel Providence – Tel: 616-5419, 265-7076 Diesel Mechanic to work in Georgetown – Call: 218-5105 Drivers for TM Trucks- Call: 683-3480, 684-0172. Marack & Jet men to work in the Interior – Call: 602-9469 Urgently needed two low income house lots to buy in La Parfaite Harmonie. Call:652-2018 One manager to work at an out of town Hotel – Contact: 642-7963, 226-9768 Experienced wash bay attendants – Call: 646-8748
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) AND MORE, SAWS & DRILLS -$10,000 - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System Call: 661-8908, 335-3590
Relief Minibus Driver for Sundays – Call: 602-8143 Minibus drivers for contract – Call: 602-8143 Live in waitress to work in bar- Tel: 604-6606 Live in domestic, light duties, good rates- Tel: 227-1830 One Masseuse @ Grove Time Square Mall – Call: 6694390, 216-3174 Phonics Teacher for evening classes – Call: 675-4379
Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 662-6045
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Glamazon Beauty Salon and Cosmetology School, Located 28 Sheriff Street C/ Ville, Visit us or Call for an appointment. Tel:225-5360, 687-7566, 625-7844
VACANCY
Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 647-2943
Counter Staff, Cashiers and Kitchen assistants. Bring written application to Bettencourt’s Dinner at 22 ZZ Durban Street W/Ville.
FOR LOW COST: REPAIRS TO FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/ C UNIT, MICROWAVES, TV & WASHING MACHINE CALL: 629-4946 OR 2254822
Salesgirls apply @ D. Singh & Sons, 95 King Street. Tel: 226-0881
Earn a Certificate in Cosmetology or nails alone. Tel:225-5360, 687-7566, 6257844 Pre- Christmas Give away $20,000 OFF 9 Course Computer Diploma. Promotion ends this week! Micrographics, Vreed- EnHoop. Call: 264-3057 Qualified personal tutor for CSEC Chemistry/Biology, very limited places available. Call: 622-7983 Christmas Giveaway Off, 4 course computerized accounting certificate, MicroGraphics @ Vreed-EnHoop – Call:264-3057
HEALTH PEN PAL
LEARN TO DRIVE
Indian Male from USA is seeking female age 30/33 with good personality. Call:6653246 (no texting)
Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
2003 Toyota Premio - $2.3M, New Model Spacio $2.150M, fully loaded, unregistered. Call: 617-2891 1 PKK automatic mini-bus, good condition- Call:6520709, 276-0556
1-Honda-600RR, Toyota Raum, AT212, AT192, EP71 Starlet, Fun cargo, Bubble Tray Tundra - $2.5M - Call: 644-5096, 697-1453 Ford F150 - $1.1M, GX90 Mark 2 - $1.1M, enclosed pitbull with refrigeration, never registered, reasonable offer accepted- Call: 610-6066
IT Technician to install outdoor antenna, must have driver ’s licence. Send application to jobs@awngy.com.
2002 Toyota Premio $2.450M, 2003 Toyota Spacio (new model) $2.150M – Tel:681-7117, 227-5950
1-Night Security – Tel:6675717, 650-4761 or 629-2912
Series: PRR 9216, White Premio. Call: 265-3053, 6273139
Nail Technician, barber, hairdresser. Tel:225-5360, 687-7566, 625-7844
2003 Toyota Fielder PRR Series - $1.750 – Call: 6628665, 677-1745
CANTER DRIVER/ SALESMAN and Factory Assistant living on E.B.D, free accommodation also available. 266 4427
Silver Mitsubishi Lancer Car; PKK 4953, $900,000 negotiable - Call: 683-0150
Sales girls & boys @ Avinash & Ravina’s Stores Call: 226-3361, 227-7828 EDUCATIONAL
Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403
AT192 Toyota - $800,000 – Call: 696-5424 Minibus (pitbull) sliding glass - $15,000- Contact:6280909
Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 6273206
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar:2310655,683-8734 Tera Tech: Computer repairs, cell phone unlocking and accessories, website development, 21 First Street Alberttown. Call: 677-9938, 673-6566
VEHICLE FOR SALE
1 Toyota Raum - $850,000 – Call:628-6066, 698-2042
Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.
One bedroom apartment in Grove E.B.D – Call: 687-7376 Hazel Herbal Store for genuine herbal supplements. Iridology Evaluations on Monday December 8th 2014. Call: 226-9136
Saturday November 29, 2014
International Cruiseline Purser officers, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionists, storekeepers, cleaners, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, musicians etc – Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 One domestic helper, aged 30-40, Monday-Saturday: 8am to 4pm – Tel: 615-2483
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL-$4,000&UPPERDAYCALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807
Unregistered Premio with Rims - $2.250 – Call: 657-1796 AT 192 Carina, in excellent condition - $900,000 negotiable – Call: 641-4192, 229-6515 Honda CRV PKK Series, excellent condition –Call: 615-2007, 666-4327, 644-7000 Allion PSS Series – 1700cc engine - $2.8M negotiable – Call: 604-0883 or 660-4904 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 Toyota Fun Cargo - $1.2M negotiable – Call: 604-0883, 660-4904 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Toyota Hilux, 4X4 single cab, diesel, turbo, pick-up registration GRR, no reasonable offer refusedContact: 616-0427/689-3612 One Toyota Rav4 PMM Series, in excellent condition, owner leaving country, price $3Million. Call: 231-6278 Toyota Forerunner, 4X4, automatic, power steering, A/ C, bargain price negotiableContact: 616-0427/ 689-3612
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Plants! Plants! Orchids, Poinsettia, roses Etc. Outside St Roses High School, Saturday 29th November 2014 - Call: 652-8322. One 14 inch dredge / draga Call: 663-0742 WASHINGMACHINEAND REFRIGERATOR – TEL: 644-5151 AE170 Carina, as scrap 5- A Engine plus reasonable, 5A Engine & transmission – Call: 645-4088 1-16"/14" Bore pump on trailer, 1-4 Wheeler utility trailer – reduced price! – Call: 227-1830 Complete sawmill operation with lots of equipment, customers & suppliers and large land space – Contact Swamee: 614-1466; 672-4438 Gasoline Generator – 110/ 220V, 60hz.25Kw, price to sell- Contact: 616-0427/ 6893612 Excellent quality used salon equipment & AC units. Owner leaving country. Call: 664-5401. Imported German Shepherd and Huskies pure bred pups. Call: 664-5401. Pure Bred Rottweiler pups, 9 weeks old, de-wormed, vaccinated certified – Tel: 265-7193 Home Hardware item: Fast Efficient & Courteous Service, Discount for “small time” contractors @ Sheriff Street. Phone: 227-1363 Grand Yard Sales @ 19 Garnett Street, C/Ville, Floral, gifts, herbal, clothes & craft – 50% off all items – Call: 225-2681, 684-5868 Baby Sesame Street Walker & Car Seat, Projector (Epson) Power Wash, Grill, Stove Hood Dishes, grass weeder. Call: 669-0366 1 -33FT Flat bottom boat, 400lb 5" cat guts seine, 1-40 Yamaha engine. Contact: 220-7655, 695-9860, 2200410 Pools table cloth, balls, pocket cuestick, rubber, coinshute tips, chalk spring, chalk holder, coins – Call: 669-9927 DJ Amplifier 2 Crest Audio CA12, DBX Drive rack – Call:685-9189 (Continued on page 31)
Saturday November 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views
FLOODING WAS NEVER AS FREQUENT AND EXTENSIVE AS IT IS TODAY DEAR EDITOR, It appeared that the Nov’14 - Jan’15 rainy season commenced on Nov 19, arriving with a vengeance as it dumped over five inches of rainfall on Georgetown and much of the low-lying coastland during a 24 hour period, causing widespread flooding and extensive damages to properties. Unfortunately, this is a yearly ritual and it was expected that those living in vulnerable areas would have taken steps such as raising/ empoldering their properties above expected flood levels to prevent recurring damages. Instead, they placed their hopes on the Government to provide them with the protection necessary from annual flooding, but which has never been done in a planned and organized way to achieve the desired results. The Government is fully aware of the effects of global warming, climate change, ocean level rise, El Nina and their adverse effects on the existing drainage system but lack of strategic planning, incompetence, poor and
muddled management have all contributed in one way or another to failure of the coastal drainage system to cope with large volumes of flood waters to prevent flooding of low-lying properties because of silted canals, broken sluices, clogged outfalls and downed pumps. In Georgetown, shifting blame for the flooding and plenty of excuses to do nothing have been the order of the day as no cares or seems to take responsibility for anything. The dysfunctional NDC’s just drift along waiting for the NDIA to show up with the pumps to assist the sluices. The evidence suggests there was confusion everywhere as no one agency was in-charge to coordinate the national effort as the media showed the President and his Ministers travelling to selected flooded areas making spurious excuses for the flooding and re-assuring stunned residents that help was on the way to remove the flood waters from their communities. Minister Benn, in offering his excuse for
doing nothing, was quick to state that the drainage system in the flooded areas could only handle 1.5 inches of rainfall in 24 hours, so there was little that could have been done to prevent flooding and much of the same could be expected during the next round of heavy downpour. He has failed to assure the people that anything substantive has and will be done to improve their drainage system to handle larger volumes of flood water without overtopping onto their properties. As was evident, the Government did little or nothing before the start of the current rainy season to clear the silted inland drains and sluices’ outfall channels nor repair the broken pumps and rotted revetments constricting flows. However, once the extent of the flooding became evident some pumps and excavators were deployed helter-skelter here and there with little effect to remedy the situation as the damage was already done. Georgetown and Guyana’s low-lying coastland
have complex gravity drainage systems (inland drains, sluices, outfall channels, etc.) working in tandem and for them to function effectively all elements have to be in fully working condition. If a sluice and its inland canals are in tip top condition but its outfall channel is silted the flood water to be discharged is going nowhere and vice versa. Therefore, the drainage system cannot be expected to operate efficiently in a piece meal fashion. The devolution of drainage responsibilities to the M&CC and NDCs’ is not working and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) which seems to be always dispensing resources/taking action in crises situations rather than before has failed to execute its mandate because of micromanagement by the Minister of Agriculture to satisfy political imperatives. It is time that the Govt look for an alternative management organisation capable of providing effective
Providing clarity on the highly contentious issue... From page 4 streaming at higher speeds. We are not aware that E-Networks were required to pay anything for the use of the UHF Broadcast frequency they are using, probably in this same 700 MHz range. These are limited national resources; we can’t be giving them away like this. The Kaieteur News article was not on target regarding the methods which we as nation have decided to use in the allocation of radio and television broadcast frequencies. After the 2001 elections Desmond Hoyte and Jagdeo, then President, signed what later became known as “the Dialog” there was never any question of auctioning the broadcast spectrum. And it
happened this way. As a result of this Dialog, there was set up a Bipartisan Board on Broadcasting chaired by Gail Teixeira and Deryck Bernard as co-chairpersons, with equal power; and in their final submission/ recommendation it was agreed by both the government and the opposition that all frequencies should be frozen until the establishment of an independent and autonomous Broadcasting Authority [BA] and that broadcasting licences, radio and television, will be given with a special condition, whereby the owners must reflect the ethnic composition of the areas to be served. That way everyone will be served, both owners and operators, in this racially
divided country of ours, not to be bought through auctions by those who have money. And we know who they are; they fly around in private jets with US$620K in cash tucked under seats. As has now become a hallmark of Jagdeo’s administration, he violated his undertaking in writing to both Hoyte in the Dialog and Corbin in the Communiqué to allow the Broadcasting Authority, when formed, to give out broadcast licences according to the recommendations of the Bipartisan Board on Broadcasting. He just allocated a bunch of radio frequencies to his pals and supporters, totally violating his legal obligation to consult the opposition before he did so.
This breach of contract has never been legally challenged by the opposition. On this basis, I again challenge the legality of all the radio licences which were given out to date and they will have to stop broadcasting when this matter sees the light of day. Reporting that the frequencies for broadcasting should be auctioned off is completely contrary to the spirit of the agreements between the government of this country and the opposition since 2001, in both the Dialog and the Communiqué, and is a totally different matter than what happened in the US with the auction of frequencies for cellular service. Tony Vieira
The decline of education in Guyana has been... From page 5 assignments. So how will that child recognise his/her mistakes? Many of the subjects that are offered at High School level are mostly business subjects and not some real tough subjects to improve the students’ intellect and thinking power. The teaching of classical literature from Shakespeare to Homer should be reintroduced. The study of Latin, Ethics, Logics, Poetics, Literature & Criticism,
Astronomy, Political Science, Jurisprudence and Religion should be in our academic curriculum. All of these subjects will give our students a very lucid and comprehensive understanding about education. The value of a nation’s wealth and prosperity comes from the value of her educated citizens. Rome ruled and governed the world once because of her supreme intellectual aptitude and power. We cannot compete
with a modern civilized world without a classical education. What the University of Guyana as well as the Ministry of Education need is a new constitution of our academic progress in the twenty-first century. What we need are dedicated teachers who will work for their salaries and not collect the Government’s money by false pretence. The economic progress of this nation comes from education - that is the key to our GDP and prosperity.
We also need moral education (including religious education) in our schools and universities to build and improve the character of students. The value of our nation will be the value of her people with good character that will involve honesty, integrity, and a belief in God. Ultimately, we must not forget our Creator who gives us wealth, knowledge, and wisdom, and who is the source of our existence. Rev. Gideon Cecil
drainage for the Coastland and the City. During the Colonial Administration of Guyana, Engineers managed the drainage systems in districts established along the coastland under the central responsibility of a Drainage and Irrigation Department and flooding at that time was never as frequent and extensive as they are today. Charles Sohan PROPERTY FOR SALE House & Land @ Cemetery Rd. Helena No.1 Mahaica E.C.D. Land (65FTX150FT) $13M - Tel: 689-0820, 6743902 MASSAGE Miracle Touch Gents Spa with professional masseuses Candy & Summer for appointments – Call: 6889286 Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! – 6684554
(From page 30)
VEHICLE FOR SALE Nissan- 200SX sport car, turbo, automatic, like new, price to sell- Contact: 6160427/ 689-3612 1 Toyota Celica PDD 346, Stick Gear, good condition, price negotiable – Tel: 2672929 Unregistered Spacio 2004, camera, rims, body kit, Fielder 2003, black interior, fully loaded. Call: 617-5536 One Raum for sale – Call:264-2954, 642-1305 One Honda Vigor, price $650,000 negotiable – Contact: 671-4687 “Giveaway! BMW 318ti 2 door sports car, PRR. Low milage-32,000 miles. Super engine performance. Woman driven.” Tel: 6815125, 615-0397
TO LET Store to rent in Lethem Commercial Zone, prime location – Call: 664-5401 Apartment, bottom flat, 3 bedrooms, car parking space, telephone –Call: 6160427, 220-8770, 689-3612
PROPERTY FOR SALE Diamond Section “A”, 274 Great Diamond, E.B.D, 56’ by 40’ building on 111’ by 60’ land- $17.5 Million- Call: 233-2546, 233-5859 Six acres prime roadside land and metal workshop in Corriverton, can be sold with or without workshop. Call: 626-6245
TAXI SERVICES City Taxi Service (since 1968), 8 Vlissengen Road, Newtown -24hrs service – Call: 225-8600, 226-1088, 2271101, 226-7150 Eddie’s Taxi Service, 6 Vlissengen Road, Newtown. 24hrs service Call: 226-0606, 225-1513 Contract Cars Call City Taxi Service; lot 8 Vlissengen Road, Tel: 660-1100 ACCOMODATION SIGNATURE INN: Luxury Suites & Apartments. Free Wi-Fi & Breakfast; AC & Self Contained Rooms @ 83 Laluni Street Queenstown. Tel: 592-226-2145 Harmony Inn: Furnished apartments (A/C, Hot & Cold, refrigeration, microwave, etc) $5,000-$8,000. Your luxury hide away. Tel: 668-0306, 694-7817
Flat concrete house newly built, all utilities located @ Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice -$7M negotiable Call: 648-5012, 686-9514 2 Storey building , 8 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, hot & cold water, Lot 11 Coghlan Dam, W.B.D, Just off main Road - Tel: 264-1582, 679-7587 3 Bedroom 2 bath, bar restaurant, pools hall 2 kitchen, private dining room, 1 bedroom apartment @ Mon-Repos-Tel:669-0366 Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26)– Call:660-1353,216-4338 1 Massive 2- story concrete house & land @ Public Road, Vreed-En-Hoop, can be used for business or residence - Call:626-2237, 602-3294
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Kaieteur News
Saturday November 29, 2014
Saturday November 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
U.N. watchdog urges Venezuela to investigate torture allegations (Reuters) - The United Nations’ torture watchdog yesterday expressed “alarm” at reports of torture and abuse by Venezuelan authorities during months of opposition protests this year and urged the country to fully investigate the incidents. The Committee Against Torture said complaints included reports of beatings, burnings and electric shocks in efforts to obtain confessions. It added that prosecutors have filed charges in only five of 185 investigations of such incidents. Venezuela should “guarantee that all complaints and all cases of torture and abuse of detainees are
investigated in a prompt, independent and exhaustive manner,” the report said. The country’s information ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. More than 40 people, including demonstrators, government supporters and security officials, were killed in violence around protests in which opposition sympathizers demanded President Nicolas Maduro’s resignation. Maduro called the oftenviolent protests a Washington-backed effort to force him from office and blamed protesters for the majority of the deaths. He vowed to investigate any
instances of abuse by security forces. Opposition groups and human rights activists say troops and police systematically detained protesters involved in peaceful demonstrations, arrested innocent bystanders and held detainees without due process or access to lawyers. The U.N. committee also urged Venezuela to investigate reports of arbitrary detention and repeated calls for the release of protest leader Leopoldo Lopez and former opposition mayor Daniel Ceballos. The government has in the past ruled out such requests.
Pope condemns ‘barbaric violence’ of Islamic State (Reuters) - Pope Francis said yesterday fighting hunger and poverty, rather than military intervention alone, were key to stopping Islamist militants carrying out “barbaric violence” in Syria and Iraq. In a speech to Turkey’s top cleric, Francis said “an extremist and fundamentalist group” had subjected entire communities in Turkey’s southern neighbors to “barbaric violence simply because of their ethnic and religious identity.” Islamic State insurgents have persecuted Shi’ite Muslims, Christians and others who do not share their ultra-radical brand of Sunni Islam as they carved a selfdeclared caliphate out of swathes of Syria and Iraq. After meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan the pope said it was lawful to stop an unjust aggressor but urged a concerted commitment to devote resources “not to weaponry, but to the other noble battles worthy of man — the fight against hunger and sickness”. The leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics called for inter-religious dialogue to end of all forms of fundamentalism and terrorism, and stressed the importance of freedom of religion and of expression. “It is essential that all citizens - Muslim, Jewish and Christian - both in the provision and practice of the law, enjoy the same rights and respect the same duties,” he said. Francis faces a delicate
Pope Francis
mission in Turkey, a majority Muslim but constitutionally secular state, in strengthening ties with religious leaders while condemning violence against Christians and other minorities in the Middle East. Turkey is sheltering nearly 2 million refugees from
Syria, thousands of Christians among them. Christians made up around 10 percent of Syria’s 22 million population before its civil war began in 2011, while Iraq’s Christian population has fallen by nearly 70 percent since the start of its 2003 war.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday November 29, 2014
WICB Four-Day Franchise Cricket
Bramble’s 73 keeps Jaguars ahead despite Hinds’ 4-50 By Sean Devers Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble stroked a responsible half-century to orchestrate a late afternoon recovery for Guyana Jaguars against the Barbados Pride despite a fourwicket-haul from left-arm spinner Ryan Hinds on the opening day of their third round WICB Four-Day FirstClass Cricket Franchise at Providence yesterday. Replying the 260 made by the Jaguars, the visitors were four without loss from two overs when bails were lifted with Kyle Corbin and Skipper Carlos Braithwaite, who opened the batting in a place of Omar Phillips (struck on his
body at short-leg from a vicious pull from Rajendra Chandrika) the not out batsmen. Phillips is expected to bat today. The Bajan won the toss and asked Guyana, who left out Keon Joseph and Taignarine Chanderpaul, to bat on a straw coloured track which is already offering prodigious turn for the spinners. They lost Trevon Griffith (15) at 21-1 after the left-hander, in his first match for the season, was just beginning to flow with a couple of scintillating boundaries when Braithwaite knocked out his off stump. Chandrika, who was
bowled twice without playing a shot in the last match, looked compact yesterday and played some glorious shots in his stylish 34 from 103 minutes and 83 balls and reached the boundary four times before he played across one from Dwayne Smith that he could have on-drove and was LBW after adding 53 with Shemron Hetmyer for the second wicket. From 74-1 half-way through the first session, the Jaguars slipped to 83-3 by Lunch as Guyana’s leading run-scorer Narsingh Deonarine (2) was deceived by a ball that ‘stopped’ on him, lobbed a catch to square-
Saturday November 29, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You have a very dynamic day ahead of you, Aries. You may feel the need to put all your energy into a group project. You will want to roll up your sleeves and get to work. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Have you ever thought of yourself as a CEO or any o t h e r k i n d o f l e a d e r, Taurus? Today is a great day to begin a project involving other people. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) There's a lot of tension in the air today, Gemini. Perhaps you feel like no one is listening to you, and that people are draining your energy. CANCER (June 21–July 22) As a Cancer, you have an innate gift for healing and calming other people in crisis situations. If this isn't what you do for a living, you should think about doing something with this natural talent. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You seem to be a specialist at relationships, and you're very sensitive to the ups and downs in your own. But today you may wonder if people love you less than they did before. question. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're usually full of energy, Virgo, but today you may not feel so vivacious. There's nothing to worry about.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may have had a hard time lately reaching your objectives. Unfortunately for you, today will be no different. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your sense of responsibility is probably the catalyst for most of your motivation. But what happens when events are beyond your control and you're powerless to do anything about them? SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you could put a stop to your activities for a little while. You may take a good, hard look at things and realize that the climate of trust you need in order to be productive and creative is missing at the moment. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) What are you after in life? Deep down, does the kind of work you do satisfy your most intimate desires? The little problems you encounter in your professional life over the next week could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's possible that you're trying to do too much. If look at the days you spend working, you may realize that too much of your energy goes to some very meager results. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It's possible that you could be in conflict with people of the opposite sex today. You may feel as if they put obstacles in front of you and slow you down.
leg where substitute Royston Chase took the top-edged offering to leave the hosts 763. Hetmyer, unbeaten on 28 at the interval, looked rock solid and displayed excellent temperament and shot selection, traits that were previously missing from his game a few months ago. After Lunch, the West Indies under-19 left-hander continued to look enterprising as Hetmyer, in only his second match at this level, survived a very confident appeal by the Bajans for a catch when he seemed to glove one to shortleg off Jomel Warrican. However, two balls later, Hetmyer pushed forward to one that pitched way outside the off-stump and looked shocked when Umpire Nandkumar Shivsankar adjudged him out LBW at 105-4. His 47 lasted 103 minutes, 98 balls and was decorated with six fours. Skipper Vishaul Singh, in his first game for the season, cleverly accumulated runs by working the balls into the gaps and seemed set for a big score after batting for 77 minutes and facing 50 balls when Hinds got one to dip at the end of its flight. The diminutive left-hander got himself into a mighty tangle and overbalanced as he played around the ball and
Corriverton, D’Edward to... From page 33 119 at 200 for 8. His knock included 9 fours and 11 sixes. Cotton Tree Die Hard went on to make a pretty decent 216 all out in 36.5 overs. Bowling for Corriverton, Faoud Bacchus took 3 for 14 and Jermain Reid 2 for 41. When Corriverton responded, they were given a start of 32 runs by Jeremy Moore and Errol Byass (6) and after Byass left, Moore put another 30 from the 2nd wicket with Imran Jabbar (8). Two quick wickets fell and they were 63 for 3. They further slipped to 97 for 5 at which Moore had to retire hurt. After Jermain Reid and Amzad Applesammy put on 61 for the 6th wicket, Applesammy fell for 25 and Moore returned and he and Reid put on a further 66 for the 7th wicket after which Reid fell for 49 at 197 for 7. Moore carried on to see Corriverton to 220 for 7 in 32.5 overs. Moore was on 98 not out at the end, a knock which included 11 fours and 5 sixes.
was trapped LBW as the Jaguars slumped to 136-5. Reifer was willing to use his feet to stroke Hinds with consummate ease through cover before he played over a perfectly pitched yorker from the experienced left-arm spinner and was bowled for 15 at 139-6. Hinds, back in the Barbados team for the first time in two years and holder of the record for best bowling figures in Regional cricket, was in the middle of an excellent display after offspinner Ashley Nurse had bowled too short in a disappointing spell yesterday. Guyana one-day Captain Chris Barnwell (24) looked positive and favoured the sweep before his 28-run stand with Bramble was broken just before Tea when Barnwell ‘nicked’ a catch to wicket keeper Shane Dowrich to give Warrican his second wicket as Tea was taken at 167-7. Veerasammy Permaul (3) was trapped LBW to Hinds at 174-8 before Bramble, playing
one of his better innings, was joined by Devendra Bishoo (15) in crucial 59-run for the ninth wicket as Bramble reached his second fifty at this level from 106 minutes and 89 balls with five fours and a six off Hinds. Bramble, curbed his natural aggression and showed an airtight defence but galloped past his previous best score at this level of 64 by launching a brutal attack on Hinds lifting him for six over mid-wicket before two dismissive fours in the over reached the boundary like scud missiles. Bishoo offered great support to Bramble as the Albion pair took their team past 200 before Bishoo was bowled by Miguel Cummins who struggled on the sluggish pitch in sultry conditions to leave Guyana on 233-9. Bramble changed gear as he and Ronsford Beaton (3*) took the score to 260 before the 33-year-old Hinds ended the innings at 260. Warrican (2-52) and Smith (2-26) supported Hinds with the ball.
Saturday November 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
Lions, Eagles and Seahawks beat rivals on Thanksgiving Day (Reuters) The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions both served up U.S. Thanksgiving Day routs to move atop their divisions while the Seattle Seahawks boosted their playoff hopes with a commanding win on Thursday. Football is as much a Thanksgiving Day tradition as turkey and pumpkin pie and the Lions served up the day’s first course by mauling the Chicago Bears 34-17 before the Eagles thumped the Dallas Cowboys 33-10. The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks (84) capped the tasty tripleheader with a 19-3 win over San Francisco to move within a game of the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals and leave the 49ers in danger of falling out of the playoff chase. As expected the game between the two West Coast rivals was a bruising battle from the start that featured two of the league’s hardest hitting teams. The Seahawks’ top-ranked defense lived up to its fierce reputation by limiting the 49ers to 164 total yards of offence and a 40yard Phil Dawson field goal. An interception by Seattle’s All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman set up the game’s only touchdown, Russell Wilson hitting Robert Turbin with 13-yard strike while Steven Hauschka handled the rest of scoring with four field goals. “It’s a huge game to win, on their turf it is pretty tough to do,” said Wilson, who completed 15 passes for 236 yards. “One game at a time, we know there are a lot of great teams to play, NFC is not easy to win against, we are excited about the opportunity, championship mindset we’ll see what happens.” Dallas and Philadelphia came into the game as coleaders of the NFC East but when time expired it was the Eagles alone atop the division after quarterback Mark
Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Detroit won 34-17. (Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports) Sanchez ran for a touchdown and threw for another while LeSean McCoy rumbled for 159 yards and a score. The Eagles took control early with Sanchez diving in from two yards out to cap an impressive opening drive before hooking up with Jordan Matthews on a 27yard touchdown strike on their next possession for a 140 first quarter lead. DeMarco Murray, the NFL’s leading rusher, put Dallas on the scoreboard when he dove over from the one early in the second but the Eagles would answer with three Cody Parkey field goals to take a 23-7 advantage into the intermission. Dallas converted a LeSean McCoy fumble into a short Dan Bailey field goal early in the third quarter but on the next possession McCoy made up for his drop by racing 38 yards for a touchdown to put Eagles up 30-10. “It is a team win, that’s all it’s about,” said McCoy, praising his offensive line.
“We’ve been criticized all year, all the doubters, but no matter who is in there they give 110 percent and that’s what it is about. “It doesn’t matter what a n y b o d y s a y s , i t ’s a l l about what goes on in the locker room.” The Lions (8-4), who entered their game tied with the Seahawks and 49ers for the final NFC Conference playoff berth, are now joint top in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 34 of 45 passes for 390 yards and two touchdown passes to Calvin Johnson to put the Lions in position to secure their first playoff berth since the NFL’s 2011 season. Trailing 14-3 after the first quarter, Stafford threw two second-quarter touchdowns to Calvin Johnson sandwiched around a one-yard run from Joique Bell, his first of two scores on the day, that gave Detroit the lead for good.
Williams appoint Susie Wolff as test driver LONDON (Reuters) Susie Wolff will take part in two grand prix practice sessions next season in a new role of official test driver for Williams, the Formula One team said yesterday. Wolff, the British wife of Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff, has been development driver for the team for the past three
seasons. The team said the 31year-old Scot would also be taking part in two test days in 2015 as well as doing work in the factory simulator. Wolff drove in two free practice sessions this year, becoming the first female driver to take part in a grand prix weekend in 22 years. “This is another step in the right direction for me,”
said Wolff, who will work with race drivers Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas. Williams finished third overall this season, their best performance since 2003. Brazilian Felipe Nasr, who was test and reserve driver this season, has left to join Sauber. Williams did not say who the new reserve would be.
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Regional players pay tribute to Hughes
Players and officials at the Providence Stadium remembering the fallen Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. (WICB) WICB - ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Regional players yesterday honoured the memory of Australia batsman Philip Hughes following his passing. Hughes died in hospital Thursday in Australia three days short of his 26th birthday, after he suffered an injury during a first-class match earlier this week at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Heeding a request from the WICB to pay tribute to Hughes and show solidarity
with all those involved with the game in Australia, regional players and officials responded. They observed a minute’s silence before the start of all matches in the third round of the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4Day Tournament and are wearing black ribbons throughout the weekend. Players also lined their bats outside their teams’ dressing rooms with their playing caps on the handles,
a tribute that has taken root around the globe. In the third round of matches which began yesterday, Guyana Jaguars host long-standing rivals and regional double-crown champions Barbados Pride at the Guyana National Stadium, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force met the Jamaica Franchise at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain and Windward Islands Volcanoes faced Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Grenada National Stadium.
Brendon McCullum scores fastest New Zealand Test century BBC Sport - Brendon McCullum has hit the fastest Test century ever by a New Zealander in the third Test against Pakistan. McCullum’s ton came off 78 balls, eclipsing Ross Taylor’s 81-ball century against Australia in 2010. The rapid innings helped New Zealand to a strong position on the second day in Sharjah, reaching 164-1 at tea in response to Pakistan’s 351. Thursday’s scheduled second day’s play was postponed following the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes. And McCullum paid tribute to Hughes, playing with the initials PH written on his shirt beneath the New Zealand emblem. Earlier, spinner Mark Craig had taken career best bowling figures of 7-94 as the hosts subsided from 281-3 overnight. Scores: New Zealand 249 for 1 (McCullum 153*, Williamson 76*) trail Pakistan 351 (Hafeez 197, Craig 7-94) by 102 runs.
Brendon McCullum’s 78-ball century was the fastest by a New Zealand batsman © Getty Images
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Kaieteur News
Letter to the Sports Editor
Permaul’s experience should have gained him the captaincy DEAR EDITOR, Prolific left arm leg spinner Veerasammy Permaul would have been a better choice to replace Leon Johnson as the Guyana Jaguar’s captain. Instead the selectors have chosen a replacement player, Vishal Singh to lead the team following the departure of Johnson, Chanderpaul and Fudadin for West Indies duties. Vishal Singh did not even played in the first two games that the Jaguars won outright and historically he has never commanded a regular place through-out his brief career. His elevation to the captaincy therefore is neither compelling nor convincing. With the team brimming with confidence and gelling; a stabled and results oriented choice for captain would have
been the more logical option. In such a case, Veerasammy Permaul whose experience having captained the team before, including at the level of West Indies’ A’, makes him the ideal candidate at this time. His outstanding performance so far would have also induced further confidence in the team since leadership demands security and inspiration from the holder. I am not convinced therefore that Vishal Singh can quickly assert himself with those qualities since he will first have to cement his place in the team. While I am not questioning his ability, since he has potential as a batsman; the high expectations and tough responsibilities may just
overwhelm his fragile shoulders. The team has temporarily erased the wretched memories of not winning a single match during last year’s tournament, but they have now begun exposing the true stripes of the Jaguar, with convincing victories against the Leeward and Windward Islands. The season will get tougher tough especially when they have to play abroad. Leadership therefore, will be crucial for the team going forward successfully and a proven Jaguar needed to be at the helm. It is early days yet and while the verdict has been given, the hope is that the team will remain focused and determined in executing their game plan. Yours Faithfully, Elroy Stephney
Sylvan Gardner getting ready for Flex Night Competed at Fitness America 25th anniversary in Las Vegas Seasoned bodybuilder and one of Guyana’s most successful in the sport, Sylvan Gardner is set to compete at next weekend’s Flex Night Show at the National Cultural Centre, Sunday December 7. Known as a fierce competitor, the multiple Central American & Caribbean gold medalist who turned Pro in 2008 recently returned from the USA where he competed at the Musclemania Fitness America Weekend 25th anniversary, November 21-22 in Las Vegas. Gardner, who won CAC Bantamweight gold medals in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 with bronze in 2005, informed that the Las Vegas show was the toughest to date that he competed at stating that he was not able to make the top 15 given that there were 35 professional athletes vying. He now has his sights set on competing at Flex Night in the Under-165 category where he would come up against some of the best athletes in Guyana and is confident that his experience would see him go all the way. He is expressing gratitude to the following entities for their support in making his Las Vegas trip possible: IPA, Buddy’s, Farfan & Mendes, Wartsila, New GPC, Courts, RRT, Cultronics, Friends of the Gym, Ray Auto Spares, Ansa McAl, Hamson, Julius Variety, Fitness Express and Vishaul Auto Spares.
Sylvan Gardner
Saturday November 29, 2014
Guyana squash team claim a second CAC medal Veracruz, Mexico - The Guyana women’s squash team yesterday claimed Guyana’s second medal at the CAC Games here. The ladies clinched a spot in the semi-finals against Mexico and are assured of at least a bronze medal, but the ladies were hoping to do better than that last night. Yesterday morning the ladies finished off their pool play against arch rival Barbados with a spot in the medal round on the line. Wi t h t h e o r d e r o f p l a y being 1, 3, 2, it meant that Ashley Khalil was first on to face reigning Caribbean Champion Karen Meakins. Khalil put up a valiant fight before going down to the experienced Meakins by a three games to one score. Ashley DeGroot was next on court, looking to tie things up, and after a nervous start, she went on to beat Alex Jordan in three straight games to level the tie at one match each. It was then left up to the US College player from Drexel University, Mary Fung A Fat to take Guyana to their second medal of these games. She did that is convincing fashion by whipping Nadia McCarthy in three games to send the Guyana team to the podium. T h e M e n ’s s q u a s h team also completed their pool play beating the British Virgin Islands (BVI) two matches to one. Guyana’s lone loss was by Alex Arjoon to touring professional Joe Chapman in three tight games. Sunil Seth and Jason Ray Khalil won their matches in convincing fashion to send the team to the top of their pool. They have drawn a strong Jamaican Team in the quarterfinals of the knock out stage. Should they win this tie, they will s e c u r e G u y a n a ’s t h i r d medal.
Meanwhile, Guyana started its campaign in the team events with a bronze medal in the Ladies Doubles on Wednesday. The Guyanese women who are grouped in Pool B with #2 seeds Columbia, Jamaica and Barbados, were first in action against Jamaica. On court first was Ashley Khalil against Caribbean U17 Champion Alyssa Mullings and after overcoming a slow start, won in three games. Mary Fung-A-Fat followed her on court to play Tracy Binnie who she quickly dispatched in methodical fashion. With Guyana already clinching the tie, bronze medallist Ashley DeGroot looked to finish off the Jamaicans in style. However, her opponent Mary Jo Mahfood had other ideas. DeGroot, feeling the effects of her second full week of competition after competing with the National Hockey team earlier in these games, dug in and managed to pull the win in five games, giving Guyana the sweep. With a two and half hour break the ladies were again on court, against Columbia. Columbia, whose line up boasts the Silver and Bronze medal winners from the individual event, was always going to be a challenge for the ladies from the land of many waters. Despite a valiant effort by all three ladies, they went down by a three love score. They take on Barbados in their final pool match which can be considered a virtual medal match as the winner will be guaranteed at least a bronze medal. (Top two in each pool advance to the medal round) The Guyanese men’s squash team started off the team event of the CAC Games with a clean sweep o f St . Vi n c e n t a n d t h e
Grenadines. It was not very easy facing a determined St. Vincent team but it was a welcome result after they had created a minor upset of British Virgin Islands in the morning session. Full results: Women’s Team Event Guyana VS. Barbados Ashley Khalil (GUY) vs. Karen Meakins (BAR) 1-3 (11/6, 5/11, 6/11, 5/ 11) Ashley DeGroot (GUY) vs. Alex Jordan (BAR) 3-0 (11/5, 11/9, 11/9) Mary Fung-A-Fatt (GUY) vs Nadia McCarthy 3-0 ( 11/4, 11/7,11/5) Men’s Team Event Guyana vs. BVI Sunil Seth vs. Joe Kniepp 3-0 ( Default) Jason Ray Khalil vs. Michael Adamson 3-0 ( 11/2,11/3,11/7) Alex Arjoon vs. Joe Chapman 0-3 (8/11, 9/11, 6/11) Earlier results: Women’s Team Results Guyana vs. Jamaica Ashley Khalil beat Alyssa Mullings 3-0 (11/8,11/8,11/6) Mary Fung- a-Fatt beat Tracy Binnie 3-0 (11/ 4,11/4,11/6) Ashley DeGroot beat Mary Jo Mahfood 3-2 (11/9,3/11,11/9, 8/11,11/ 5) Guyana Vs. Columbia Ashley Khalil vs. Catalina Pelez 0-3 (8/ 11, 2/11,8/11) Mary Fung-a-Fatt vs. Laura Tovar 0-3 (4/ 11,7/11,7/11) Ashley DeGroot vs. Karol Gonzalez 0-3 (2/11,5/ 11,8/11) Men’s Team Event Guyana vs St. Vincent and Grenadines Sunil Seth vs. Jules Snagg 3-0 (11/1, 11/4, 11/4) Alex Arjoon vs. Kevin Hannaway 3-1 (7/11, 11/7,11/3,11/6) Jason Ray Khalil vs. Kevin Bailey 3-2 (11/6, 11/5,8/117/11,12/10)
LABA invites clubs to discuss Christmas championship at MSC Pavilion today Plans for the staging of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association’s Open Challenge Christmas championship are to be disclosed when the organizers hold an emergency meeting with club representatives, referees and table officials at 6:00 pm today
at the Mackenzie Sports Club pavilion. In a release, an official from the LABA said that the association is fine tuning its plans for a Christmas tournament and among the matters that will be discussed is the format of the tournament which will
involve the eight affiliated clubs with the association. Additionally, clubs will discuss the repairs needed at the MSC hard court ahead of this year end’s tournament. The championship should run from next Friday December 5 through to January 3, 2015.
Saturday November 29, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 37
Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal Competition
Sparta Boss show superiority - Two teams booted from tournament Sparta Boss made three wins from as many matches to top their Group as play in the Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal Competition continued on Thursday evening, at the National Cultural Centre tarmac. The ‘Bosses’ were in full command in their clash against Costello Housing Scheme, beating them 2-1 to join a number of the pretournament favourites who remain unbeaten. Also winning were former champions Leopold Street, South Ruimveldt, Cross Street, Festival City Street Fighters, North Ruimveldt and Albouystown ‘B’. The clash between North East La Penitenceand Broad Street Bullies was abandoned after both teams engaged in un-sportsmanlike behaviour which subsequently resulted in their disqualification from the tournament. The competition continues tomorrow evening at the Demerara Park. The night’s full results and points standing are seen below:
Medicare Pharmacy lends Crawford retained as GSU&SA President support to Flex Night Event
Members of the GCU&SA executive share a moment after the AGM. Missing is Nigel Duguid. Shannon Crawford returned unopposed as President of the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCU&SA) when the body held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday night last at Clerical and Commercial Workers Union, Quamina Street. Members present voted in favour of the entire
past executive returning enbloc and those retaining their positions are Vice President Nigel Duguid, Secretary Arleigh Rutherford, Treasurer Edward Nicholls, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer M. Yosef Yisrael and Public Relations Officer Zaheer Mohamed. The committee members are Ryan Banwarie, Nolan Hawke,
Javed Persaud and Heuvel Cunha. Speaking after the elections, Crawford thanked the members for their continued support and urged the executive to work diligently towards the development of the association. He also thanked returning officer Ronald Williams and his assistant Malcolm Peters.
Pharmaceutical giant Medicare Pharmacy has become the second local pharmacy to commit sponsorship to the December 7 Flex Night event. Pharmagen Enterprises and Medicare Pharmacy have a long association with Flex Night and bodybuilding events in general that goes as far back as the decade of the 1990s. Traditionally associated with the Weider brand of bodybuilding and nutrition supplements, Medicare now offers a wide range of sports nutrition products that should command the attention of the physically active individual. Medicare Pharmacy, in the light of its position in the market for bodybuilding and nutrition supplements, vitamins and general body care products, is happy to be associated with the Flex Night event and to make a contribution towards the Flex Night Inc. mission of raising
both awareness of the healthy lifestyle and the standard of bodybuilding and fitness events in Guyana. Persons attending the Flex Night 2014 on Sunday
December 7 may also visit the displays of products in the Cultural Centre lobby, which a number of companies will be having in tandem with the main event.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday November 29, 2014
National Powerlifting C/ships was a success – Green President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) Peter Green has described the just concluded National Championships a great success despite the fact fewer lifters than attracted previous years. A few of the prominent lifters including 2014 Caribbean gold medalist Germaine Snagg and six-time Caribbean gold medalist Randolph ‘The Accomplisher’ Morgan were not present, but the quality of the competition was not compromised with Berbician Vijai Rahim of Hardcore Gym successfully defending his Overall Title. Rahim’s gym, located at Rosignol was also named the top gym of the championship, while the Female Overall winner was Chloe Hunter of Life Gym. Rahim competed in the 66kg division which he won by achieving a best squat of 262.5kgs, bench press 147.5kgs and deadlift of 272.5kgs for a total of 682.5kgs. Hunter won the 57kgs class with a total of 312.5kgs (115kgs squat; 62.5kgs bench press; 135kgs deadlift). Green shared the view that the overall performances by the majority of the lifters has given the federation encouragement to continue
to foster the growth of the sport in Guyana as new faces and talent have come to the fore to continue the legacy that began when just two lifters represented the Nation in 2008 as compared to the present. At seniors, outstanding performances were recorded by Under-18 lifter Kevin Bridgelall returning to competitive action after a brief absence to capture the Open 59kgs class. Former Sub-Junior, Junior and Open 59kg champion now campaigning in the 66kg class, Vijai Rahim recorded an astonishing total of 682.5kgs which has bettered the current winner of this year’s World junior Championships total of 670 as well as bettered the current Commonwealth record total of 562.5kgs. Green informed that Rahim’s final year as a junior is 2015 and will need the support of the Country in his quest to become a World Junior champion as well as Commonwealth champion and record holder. “There is literally no opposition to him in his category at the Caribbean and Pan American levels. The federation has approached CRADO and Government representative Mr. Alfred King for assistance in carrying out stringent testing
Peter Green to Rahim and two others to be identified as it strives to prevent a costly repeat of the Shewdas incident. This year’s Caribbean gold medalists Marino Jeffrey and Osmond Mack proved their performances were not a fluke in repelling challenges mounted.”Green shared his views on the female segment of the competition which attracted three competitors. “The female segment despite being less in numbers than before was highly entertaining with not much separating the two gifted and technically correct lifters in the 57kg class Chloe Hunter
East Bank Masters and Central Sports collide today East Bank Masters will meet Central Sports of Trinidad and Tobago in a T20 fixture today at Everest Cricket Club . Action gets underway at 10:00hrs and a keen contest is anticipated. Meanwhile the game between the visitors and Everest Masters that was scheduled for yesterday at the same venue was called off due to seepage on the pitch. The East Bank side will be led by Johnny Azeez while the visiting team will be spearheaded by Rajendra Mangalie. Teams- East Bank; Johnny
Azeez (Capt.), Rohan Sarjoo, Rak e s h Gangaram, Sahadeo Hardaiow, Ronald Jaisingh, Sanjeev Datadin, Charles Ramson Jnr, K. Takenauth, S. Kallicharran, L. Mohabir, Hemraj Garbarran and Daniel Singh. Central Sports; Rajendra Mangalie (capt.), Narine Bidheshi, Deonarine Deyal, Dean Ali, Amardeo Lutchman, Jodhan Manohar, Abraham Sammy, Leslie Rampersaud, Hafiz Mohamed, Navin Mungroo, Mukesh Persad, Lochan Bhagraj and Rohan Sookdeo.
and Andrea Smith. Natoya Robinson in the 84+kg Heavyweight category had to battle her own total in racking up an impressive total of 452.5kgs which was similar to that of NAPF Regional and Caribbean Champion / Sportswoman of the year Dawn Barker when she took to the stage three years ago. It is only a matter of time before these lifters achieve similar greatness once prepared to work hard.” Like many of the other sports, female participation continues to be a challenge, Green stated that the GAPF is cognizant of this fact and will be putting measures in place to change this around. “We will be organizing more awareness and introductory programs for the females with a view to encouraging wider participation. Gyms are also being encouraged to place more emphasis on female participation. Raw/Classic Powerlifting (unequipped) will be making its debut in 2015 for both male and female along with single lifts such as bench pressing. With the hosting of the 2015 Caribbean championships right here in Guyana and the federation will be giving those female lifters who missed this year’s seniors an opportunity to make the female open team by guest lifting at the 2015 Novices and Junior championships on January 25.” Given that the senior championship was the final competition for the GAPF this
year, Green sought to briefly summarize the sports performance. “This year proved to be an extremely challenging and conservative one for us. Locally, we continued to maintain our goals of providing healthy competition for the lifters at all ages by hosting and attracting reasonable entry numbers to the Novices (First timers), Sub Juniors (18 and under), Juniors (23 and Under), Masters (40 and over) and Open (All ages). Internationally the Federation assisted selfsponsored lifters to attend the 2014 Caribbean Championships where we lost the team title to arch rivals Puerto Rico which fielded a full strength team as compared to the mainly development team led by senior national Karel Mars that we sent. All six lifters were able to medal with gold achieved by Osmond Mack 74kg, Germaine Snagg 83kg and Marino Jeffrey 93kg. Silver medals came from Paul Adams 74kg and Karel Mars 105kg and solitary bronze medal from Erlyn Smith 83kg.” Financially, Green shared that the federation has managed to dig itself out of the deep hole created by the fine of $2,500 EUROS imposed on National lifter Gumendra Shewdas of Berbice who contributed towards the repayment. “While still not clear of all debts, we expect that the federation would be solvent in time for the 2015 Caribbean Championships.”
Looking ahead top 2015, Green gave an insight to some of the competitions that are on the cards. Local competitions: 1. Raw/Classic (Unequipped) competitions to be introduced. 2. Single lifts/Double lifts competitions to be introduced (i.e. Bench press single, Deadlift and Bench press combined). 3. Visually Impaired Powerlifting with a view to competing at Special Olympics (a group of visually impaired or totally blind). Interested members from the Blind Society have already been interviewed and will shortly commence training under the watchful eyes of experienced volunteer lifters and members of the National team. International: 1. Caribbean Championships – Georgetown Guyana March 19th – 22nd. 2. Pan American and South American Championships – Ribeirao Brazil September 3rd – 6th. 3. Commonwealth Championships – Vancouver Canada November 30th – December 6th. World championships: 1. World Junior Championships - Prague Czech Republic August 31st - September 6th where Vijai Rahim will represent Guyana. 2. World Masters Championships – Aurora Denver USA September 28th – October 4th where Winston Stoby will represent.
TNT cop Gittens Dominoes title
Ramchand/Rohan Auto Spares Softball finals rescheduled to December 7th The Ramchand/Rohan Auto Spares Softball Cricket finals have been postponed due to the current inclement weather pattern and now will be played on Sunday December 7th at the DCC ground, Lance Gibbs Street in Queenstown. If bad weather continues to persist, the finals will then shift to 1st February 2015. This softball tournament is also sponsored by Mike’s Pharmacy, Trophy Stall, Ariel Enterprise, Bel Air Rubis, Motor Trend, Nauth Motor Spares and Romeo’s Oil Seal.The competition, which started on August 10th, will see seven games played on the
finals day which will be a day/ night affair starting 10:00am. Schedule for Sunday December 7th: 10:00am - Female 10/10 semi-finals; Pitch 1: Mike’s Wellwoman vs Karibee Girls. Pitch 2: Trophy Stall Angels vs Blue Divas. 11:15am - Third place Male play-off. Pitch 1: Parika Defenders vs Slingers (15/15). Pitch 2: Farm vs Ariel Uprisers (15/15). 1:30pm - Female finals (10/ 10). 2:45pm - Masters finals (20/20) Floodlights vs Mike’s Wellman.
6:00pm - Open final (20/ 20) Wolf Warriors vs Regal. Admission is $200. Parking in the ground will be provided for $500 per vehicle. The winning prize for both male finals is $100,000 + trophy; Runner-up $50,000 + trophy. Female $50,000 + trophy, Runner-up $25,000 + trophy. MVP in finals will receive $10,000 + trophy. There will also be prizes for centuries and 5 wicket hauls made in the tournament. The tournament started on September 5th, 2014.
Winners TNT pose for a photo after their victory. TNT marked 85 games to win the Lyall Gittens Dominoes competition when the final was contested on Sunday night last at August Beverage Company Norton Street. Providence placed second with 75 followed by Pacers on 58. Trevor Smith and Stephon Duncan made
the maximum of 18 games each while while T. Ambrose supported with 16 and Sean Morgan 14 for the winners. Michael Beaton scored 17and Sean Davis 13 for the runner up team while Stephen Thompson made 12, Clairmont Gibson, Tyron Brummel and Orin Boston 11 apiece for Pacers.
Kaieteur News
Saturday November 29, 2014
Page 39
Berbice boxers confident ahead of December 13 fight night They are honing their skills in Berbice, miles away from their main fan base in Georgetown but the three boxers preparing for the Rose Hall Town Showdown, scheduled for Saturday December 13 at the Rose Hall Ground, Berbice, are diligently addressing their tasks with fervour, intent on turning in their best performances. Berbician, Kishawn Simon, faces of with former lightweight champion, Revlon Lake in an eight round jnr/welterweight encounter that has caught the imagination of pundits, while another Berbician, Derick Richmond, will tackle Romeo Norville over 6 r o u n d s i n a super/middleweight bout. The main bout is scheduled for 12 rounds between Berbician, Richard Williamson and Dilan Allicock and the winner will be crowned the new
Kishawn Simon hits the overhead ball during a workout Thursday. super/bantamweight champion of Guyana. Fans will also be entertained with several other amateur bouts that will comprise a part of the card. The names of those boxers will be announced soon. Kaieteur Sport paid an impromptu visit to the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym, at the junctions of St
Magdaline Street and Strand New Amsterdam, Thursday afternoon last and found the trio engaged in diligent training. The boxers are preparing under the guidance of former European middleweight champion, Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman but in his absence that day, received expert advice from
Local Ruggers wing out for Mexico
National Sevens Rugby team before the left for Mexico. The national Sevens rugby squad and its Management departed yesterday to participate in the NACRA Championship being played in Mexico. Guyana is in Group C along with defending champions Mexico, Cayman Islands and St. Vincent and
the Grenadines and will open their campaign for top honours when they face the host. The full team is: Vallon Adams, Dwayne Schroeder, Avery Corbin, Richard Staglon (Vice-Captain), Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Leon Greaves, Peabo
Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Kevin McKenzie, Claudius Butts, Isiejah Allen and Patrick King, while the Manager is Ret. Col. John Lewis, Head CoachTheodore Henry and Strength and Conditioning Trainer/ PhysiotherapistBarrington Browne.
Richard Williamson (left) and Derrick Richmond spar during a session at the Pocket Rocket Gym in New Amsterdam. former bantamweight champion, Jeff Roberts. Wi l l i a m s o n d o n n e d gloves with Richmond and the two turned in several solid rounds that really was an indication of what fans could expect on fight night. Simon was also in action and boxed for several rounds before turning his attention to the speed ball, the heavy bag and then the skipping rope. Richmond and Richardson also complimented the sparring session with heavy bag work, pads work and more than 15 minutes on with the jump rope. All three Berbicians are spouting confidence and in the case of Richmond, who has scored a knockout over Norville when they clashed last year, he went further to offer a prediction. “The last time I stopped Norville in round three but this time I am in not in generous mood so I’ll finish it earlier,” he warned. Indeed, the last time the two pugilists squared off, Richmond had launched a two fisted attack that had
Norville drifting from one corner to the next until he sought refuge on the canvass for the full count. Norville had clamoured for a return and now that he has been granted his wish it would indeed be interesting to see if he will indeed grab it with both hands (no pun intended). Richmond has a balanced sheet of 3 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw while Norville had started his professional career with a victory but lost his way afterwards with 2 losses and 1 draw. He is training at the Harpy Eagles Boxing gym in Albouystown under James Wa l c o t t . H e h a s t h e advantage since his trainer has felt the power of Richmond after being knocked out in the third round and would be better able to tutor him in counteracting strategies. Williamson is a promising boxer but will require more than home advantage to get past Allicock, a young professional but a seasoned boxer. The Berbician displayed
good techniques in his sparring sessions while over at the Forgotten Youth Foundation, Allicock is hard at work with victory on his mind. “I do my talking in the ring,” he blurted when asked for a prediction. In the meantime his work ethic is commendable and suggests that Williamson is in for a tough fight. Simon has chalked up a record of 2 wins with a similar amount of losses. If there is anything that could be said of him it’s that he is super confident. He sparred a few rounds but it was on the overhead speed bag that he really accelerated. His timings are on cue and he appears fully fit. However, he is up against a wily foe in Lake and would do well to be extremely cautious. Yes, Lake has lost quite a few of his bouts but he packs a punch, something that Mark Austin discovered only after he had been flattened by a wicked left hook. Lake has just surrendered a fight by knockout to Trinidadian Prince Lee Isidore in Trinidad but is still a dangerous customer and Simon would do well to tread carefully in the imminent bout. An action packed duel is envisioned. The fight will be an extra special holiday treat for the Berbicians since they have not witnessed a classical boxing card for quite some time. Admission is $2000 for the VIP section while general admission is $1000. Sponsors are Castle Hotel of New Amsterdam and Luxury Flats and Apartments, Fifth Street Alberttown, Georgetown.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday November 29, 2014
Umada Cup 2014 Chess Championships
Wendell Meusa, Kriskal Persaud lead Guyana’s points tally at end of Day two By Michael Benjamin National Senior Chess Champion, Wendell Meusa clinched a draw against his more highly rated opponent and only senior Women’s International Master in the English speaking Caribbean, Debra Richards, and distinguished himself as a worthwhile foe when action in the second day of the Umada Cup 2014 Chess Championships continued at the Sleep Inn Hotel, Brickdam, Stabroek, yesterday morning. Moments after the completion of the game, Ms Richards congratulated Meusa but explained that she miscalculated the time of the resumption and lost more than 30 minutes on her clock. “I’m generally a slow player and to have conceded so much time was a great setback,” she explained. Nonetheless, she feels that Meusa is a good player and a worthwhile opponent. Earlier in the morning, Meusa had outplayed his Surinamese opponent, Joel Frijde and has so far accumulated 2 ½ points after defeating his countryman, Roberto Neto on the inaugural day of the championships. Former national champion, Kriskal Persaud, also played remarkably and won all three of his games so far. On the inaugural day he defeated Malgie Avikaar (Sur) and followed up
yesterday with victories over his countryman, CM Anthony Drayton and CM Esan Wiltshire of Trinidad and Tobago. Former National Junior Champion and Candidate Master, Anthony Drayton, did not do so well after losing to Persaud yesterday morning. He then scored an impressive victory over Surinamese, Joel Frijde. In other results yesterday, CM Ronuel Greenidge lost to Esan Wiltshire of Trinidad and Tobago but rebounded with a victory over Surinamese, WCM Reyna Frijde. Maria Varona Thomas won from Frank Lo Kim Lin (Sur) before defeating National Junior Champion, Haifeng Su. Haifeng also conceded his first game yesterday to Jamaican, Andrew Mellace, currently the highest rated player in the Challenger’s category. David Khan (Guy) experienced some measure of difficulty against Suriname’s U-14 players Alisha Jaipersaud and Calvin Finkie and did well to concede draws in both games. Errol Tiwari drew his first game yesterday against Calvin Finkie (Sur) and then lost to his countryman, Roberto Neto. The later player also conceded a draw against Rashad Hussain. Hussain then rebounded
Wendell Meusa (left) studies his next move while Debra Richards plots her response.
with a win over Alisha Jaipersaud. Loris Nathoo was absent on the inaugural day but returned yesterday morning to defeat his countryman, Trenton Bennett but lost to Avikar Malgie (Sur) in the final game of the day. Former Senior Champion, Taffin Khan, is the sole local player in the
Open Category and secured a draw in his first game yesterday morning against former Suriname National Champion, FM Roger Mattoewi before replicating the result against Dominican, Christo Guzman. Glenford Corlette lost to Surinamese, Avikar Malgie and Gyren DosRamos.
The tournament is being played under the auspices of President of FIDE, the world governing body for chess, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. The players are competing for sizeable monetary awards amounting to more than US$16,000. The winner of the Open Category receives US$2,500, while the second
place finisher will get US$1,500 with the third place receiving US$1,000. The winner of the Challenger Section receives US$1,500, with the runnerup and third place taking home US$1,000US and $750 respectively. In the case of a tie, the sum at stake will be equally divided. Activities continue today.
Sponsorship rolls in for December boxing card When Richard Williamson and Dilan Allicock step into the ring on Saturday December 13 they will be battling over 12
rounds but only one of them w i l l w i n t h e super/bantamweight title of Guyana. However, both will receive lucrative purses and
Primary Schools Girls Football Comp etition resumes today The Ministry of Health/Health 2000Inc/Ministry of Education/Ansa McAl Girls Schools Football Competition, which is being organised by the Petra Organisation, is scheduled to resume today with six matches, at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. In the fixtures: 10:00 hrs
West Ruimveldt versus North Georgetown 10:45 hrs East Lapentance v/s St. Stephen’s 11:30 hrs Tucville v/s Smith Memorial 12:15 hrs F.E Pollard v/s Stella Marris 13:00 hrs South Ruimveldt v/s St. Pius 13:45 hrs Enterprise v/s St Margaret’s
yesterday afternoon, the proprietor of Luxury Flats and Apartment, Fifth Street Alberttown, agreed to pay the purses of these two boxers in what the promoter Mark Thom, described as a magnanimous gesture. Mr. Thom was at the business place where a r e p r e s e n t a t i v e , Wa y n e Christiani, confirmed the decision of his bosses before handing over the requisite cheque. He said that his firm is extremely delighted to support the card which was merely giving back to a society that has similarly supported the business. Mr. Thom was extremely delighted and relayed those sentiments to his benefactor.
He admitted that the acquisition of corporate support has been extremely challenging yet he persevered since Berbicians are thirsting for good boxing cards. He assured Mr. Christiani that the benevolent gesture would go a far way in offsetting the expense associated with the promotion. Castle Hotel of New Amsterdam has also sponsored a part of the card and Mr. Thom is beseeching the intervention of other business enterprises. He can be reached at tel # 698-6174. Admission is $2000 for the VIP section while general admission is $1000.
Mark Thom (left) receives the sponsorship package from Wayne Christiani Thursday.
Kaieteur News
Saturday November 29, 2014
Page 41
Corriverton, D’Edward to clash in BCB/NBS 40-Over cricket final tomorrow at No. 69 The 2014 New Building Society Second Division 40Over Cricket Competition, after months of intense battles involving nearly one hundred teams from across Berbice has now reached its climax with the final between Corriverton and D’Edward scheduled for tomorrow at the No. 69 Vikings Ground on the Upper Corentyne. With both teams unbeaten so far in the competition, it’s anyone’s guess which will emerge as this year ’s champions. D’Edward have a formidable batting line up including four hard hitting batsmen in former Berbice all-rounder Eon Abel, Heeralall Bridgelall, Lakeraj Sookra and Jaipaul Heeralall who Corriverton will have to rein in early. They will be backed up by former Berbice Under19 all-rounder Kevon Jawahir, Devendra Lalsa and
Mahadeo Persaud. Their two opening medium pacers Christian France and Navin Rampersaud have proven to be very difficult to score off and at the same time, wicket takers. Also crucial are right arm leg-spinner Kevon Jawahir and off spinners Abel and Sookra. Devendra Singh and Bridgelall will lend support with their medium pacers. The Corriverton batting will be spearheaded by opening batsman Jeremy Moore who recently scored a match winning 98 against Cotton Tree Die Hard in their semi-final as well as Claven Beresford, Anthony Seeraj, Errol Byass, Jermain Reid and Imran Jabbar. Their opening pacers Jermain Reid and Victor Pedro have been consistently lethal in this competition but it was the off spin of Eric Phillips that destroyed many
Eon Abel
Eric Phillips
Heeralall Bridgelall
Jeremy Moore
teams so far. Backing up would be left arm spinner Farad Bacchus and medium pacers Beresford, Byass and Amzad Alpplesammy. Representatives from the New Building Society Limited will be there to meet the players and officials before the game. The umpires nominated are Augustus Outar and
Moses Ramphal with Omadat Samaroo the standby. The match is scheduled to s tart at 11:00am tomorrow. Meanwhile in the last semi-final, Corriverton completed a successful run chase of what seemed like a challenging target to beat Cotton Tree Die Hard by 3
wickets to earn their place in the final. At the Cotton Tree Grand in West Berbice, the game was reduced to 37 overs a side because of a late start due to rain. Cotton Tree Die Hard soon found themselves 19 for 3. Permaul Singh and Abdul Subhan staged a recovery of sorts by putting on 33 for the 4th wicket but
with both of them falling shortly after that, it became 56 for 5 and then 76 for 6. Romain Boodram, who had scored an even 100 not out against Chesney in the play-off, took charge putting on 53 for the 7th wicket with Ishwar Singh (7) and 71 for the 8th wicket with Nashad Gafoor (16) before he fell for (Continued on page 25)
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WICB Four-Day Franchise Cricket Guyana squash Bramble’s 73 keeps Jaguars team claim a second CAC medal ahead despite Hinds’ 4-50 P.25 P.26
Ashley Khalil and Ashley DeGroot display their bronze medals.
Anthony Bramble goes after Ryan Hinds during his 73.
Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal Competition
Sparta Boss show superiority Two teams booted from tournament P.27
Part of the action in the Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal Competition. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210