Kaieteur News

Saturday Edition

Online readership yesterday 96,010

November 30, 2013 - Vol. 7 No. 47 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Bobby Ramroop makes bid to takeover GCC, GFC - plans to build US$30M stadium

Bourda Cricket Ground in its glory days

Govt. preparing to sell off Customs House Ramsammy Bandits shoot Chinese national after trailing says pumps here, him from bank

Luncheon says no

Govt. to return anti-money laundering Bill to Parliament

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Saturday November 30, 2013

Saturday November 30, 2013

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Kaieteur News

Health workers continue to reject five percent increase - Questions whether President Ramotar is asleep

The protestors yesterday. There is the belief that only protest action will get the government to fulfill its mandate to citizens. Hence, health care workers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) have vowed to continue their peaceful protest until their voices are heard. The workers have also threatened to 'down tools' if the government does not pay attention to them. “What can you do with five percent? Are these people serious? It is time for Ramotar to wake up,” the staffers posited

yesterday. Workers at the health institution, including security guards, laboratory technicians, nurses and maids started protesting two Fridays ago outside the Accident and Emergency compound to register their disapproval of the five percent pay hike public servants have been offered for this year. The announcement of the increase was made by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon. Nurses' representative of the Guyana Public Service

Union (GPSU), Kempton Alexander yesterday told Kaieteur News that it was decided by staffers at an internal meeting held at the hospital last Thursday that the protest will go on until their demands are met. If the government continues to neglect public servants, Alexander said that the health care workers will down tools. “The staff at the hospital will be protesting for two hours every day instead of one. Those who are on lunch break from 11-12:00hrs will

come out and support us while the ones who get their break from 12-1:00hrs will join us later,” Alexander stressed. Dave Parasram, an orthopedic technician at GPHC said, “Five percent is nothing. When you collect your salary, pay your rent and bills you have nothing

left and when they give you the five percent they take back three percent in tax.” Another staff member at the health institution told Kaieteur News that it is time the President do something for his people. “Did we make a mistake by selecting Ramotar as our leader? Is he sleeping? Who really is

running this country,” the protestors queried. Some of the placards read, “Stop wasting millions on expired drugs and gave us a decent wage”, “Public servants need better pay”, “Highway robbery, where is public servants money?”, “How long must we suffer for an increase?.”

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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

Restore the canals in Georgetown The rains came on Wednesday and within hours the city was literally under water. This was the second occasion within a decade that so much water had lodged in the city streets to the extent that schools could not open their doors. When things like these happen one must either believe in global warming because over the decades that people had been living in and around Georgetown they could not recall flooding to such an extent. The weather patterns must be changing so that more water comes from the skies. There are those who point to the prolonged hot spells with temperatures reaching record levels and say that the place is hotter than it ever was. On the other hand there are those who talk about cyclical behaviour. These are the people who say that there were such temperatures in the past but actual recording of weather patterns back then was unheard of. However, in Guyana, the most likely reason for the floods is poor engineering and even worse development planning. Our leaders inherited a city that was crisscrossed with drains and waterways. The capital had some large drains and canals that were deep to the point where people named then ‘Forty-foot’. All of these canals led to either larger canals or to the Demerara River. Prolonged rainfall meant nothing to the city but some inconvenience. The water would be collected by the inter lot drains which would flow into the canals and other waterways which actually served as reservoirs when the tide was high. At the fall of the tide the kokers would open and the water would flow into the Demerara River. On East Coast and West Coast Demerara these canals flowed into the Atlantic Ocean. In the past the government through the village councils and ensured that these were always cleared. Flooding was almost unheard of. Today, flooding is as common as taking a taxi to some location in the city. As soon as it rains there is this accumulation of water on the streets. Homes are not immune and for the visitors to the country who queried the type of construction that saw the houses on stilts they can now understand. Houses built according to the North American standards are often flooded. Because of the collapse of the City Council— and the view is that the government is encouraging the collapse by starving the municipality of funds—the small inter lot drains are no longer cleared to the extent that they have become useless. Even the small waterways are clogged. Development in the form of Styrofoam and plastic has not helped. There is a view that the city fathers may wish to reconsider reintroducing the large canals that they had closed some years ago to cater for the growing population and traffic. Where those canals once existed are now car parks and malls. In some cases roads have been built there. People must now decide whether they are prepared to live among fish or whether they will sacrifice some of the roads in the city. In any case, some of these roads are impassable because the city council simply cannot repair and maintain them. There is another aspect to this situation. Dr. Roger Luncheon, the government’s chief spokesman blames the flood on the squatting along the reserves. Many people resorted to squatting along the canals and pretty soon there was no passage for the heavy equipment to clear these canals when they became desilted. In recent memory, one still remembers the hostility on the part of some people who were squatting along a canal in La Penitence when the government tried to move them to clear the outfall channel. People behaved as though that was their birthright. To this day the outfall was never properly cleaned. Those areas are relatively new housing areas when compared to Georgetown proper where the canals existed and to their credit they do have wide outfalls. So the real problem is in the heart of the city. It is there that we need to restore the wide canals.

Saturday November 30, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news

Is the Amaila Falls Project the best solution for Guyana? DEAR EDITOR, Every Guyanese looks forward to cheaper and more reliable electricity. Many of us want the source of this cheaper and more reliable electricity to be hydropower. With the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP) we would need to retain present diesel generation and further invest in generation as our demand increases. The run-of-the-river design proposed for the AFHEP with its less than one month of storage and recent low flow rates are the main reasons for this. Imagine not being able to supply electricity to the nation! If we aspire to meet our electricity needs with hydropower, we would be unable to rapidly respond to increases in demand by developing other hydro sites. We would have to be close to paying off for the AFHEP. We must be careful with the timing of the project. In order to reap the full benefits of the AFHEP (or any energy source) we must continue to minimize power company transmission and distribution losses. Reduced losses mean lower electricity prices and increased capacity. Look at it this way: Suppose you are a middleman selling milk. You buy a 100 gallon tank of milk for $100. Your tank has a known leak (that you ignore) and during your journey to

the marketplace, half of the milk is lost. How much do you charge the market for the half tank of milk? Any sensible businessman would charge $100 or more. Let’s say you were not interested in a profit or a loss. Then, you would charge $100 for 50 gallons of milk. So, you bought the milk for $1 per gallon and sold it for $2 per gallon in order for your business to remain viable. If you had patched the hole you could have sold at $1 per gallon. Moreover, you would be able to supply double the amount of milk per trip! F o r t u n a t e l y, G P L’s Development and Expansion Plan 2013-2017 includes a US$50M investment in loss reduction. The company forecasts a reduction in losses from about 32% in 2012 to about 23% in 2017. The AFHEP will come with its own transmission line losses. If these losses are 15% then total losses could be close to 50% if GPL’s 2012 losses are not reduced. We still do not know the enduser price for the AFHEP’s electricity. Decision-making is complex at the government level. When choosing among energy sources, leaders need to compare power density, energy density, cost and scale. The AFHEP and hydropower may be the right thing for Guyana some day,

but diesel generation wins when we consider power density, energy density, scale and cost. Recently, a new 26MW HFO-fired plant cost GPL US$32M; compare this t o A m a i l a ’s c o s t o f US$700M for 150MW. It is recommended that: In the short term we concentrate on reducing transmission and distribution losses to 20% or even 15%. By doing this, we can increase our capacity without any further investment in generation, relax the price of electricity, and increase the profitability of GPL. Capacity can then be added in response to demand increases. In the medium term, we concentrate on modernizing our grid (we can even aspire towards a smart grid). This will open the door to private investment in electricity production. It would even be possible for citizens to connect their buildings to GPL and to solar pv panels (fitted with microinverters) with any excess energy being sold to the grid. We can also look into the use of fiberglass and other materials for power line poles. In the long term we can encourage private investment in power production via any source. We can consider small modular nuclear reactors. These reactors are being developed by a number of companies around the world.

Power outputs will be below 300 MW. Facilities will be small and some of these reactors can work for 10 years without refueling and will be extremely safe. They are competitive in terms of power density, energy density and scale. We all have a Utopian dream of Guyana as an industrial powerhouse. Industrial powerhouses require Gigawatt scale electricity supplies. The state of Florida has more than 25 GW of installed electricity supply. Compare this to our supply. The AFHEP surely won’t take us to the Promised Land. We ought to approach our development like a chess grandmaster and not like a chess novice. The grandmaster can see up to 20 moves ahead and the novice only a few. There are many other hydropower sites in Guyana with larger capacities than the AFHEP. Private investment in a variety of energy sources (nuclear, solar, diesel, etc.) and private investment in transmission and distribution seem more realistic if sustainable development is our goal. We must ensure that future generations have equal or better opportunities. One People, One Nation, One Destiny. Let’s work towards making that Destiny is a good one. Marlon Chung

FREDDIE, CARTER’S CONCLUSION IS AN OPINION, NOT A FACT DEAR EDITOR, I write to applaud my friend Freddie Kissoon for being a believer now on the power of “sources and stats to support on argument” (KN Nov 21). Having made numerous claims without supporting evidence, Freddie says he is “now convinced that a priceless value in life is when knowledge is based on research that removes fiction and fallacy (sic)”. Anyone who studies at a tertiary institution learns that basic instructive lesson. Freddie was making a conclusion, citing the work of English writer Ben Carter, that Sachin Tendulkar “is not the greatest cricketer in the modern era”. Freddie says readers should not take his word for coming to that

conclusion, since he is known to make up evidence, but to read Carter’s work. Freddie says he borrows it from Carter. He says Carter quotes from ICC statistics, a research tool Fredde is not familiar with but is learning it now. Freddie says “Carter didn’t arrive at this judgement as his opinion but relied on sources”. In other words, Freddie says Carter states “a fact” that Sachin is not the greatest cricketer. Freddie does not know the difference between a fact and an opinion. An opinion is a view supported with sound, logical arguments and reliable sources. A fact is a verifiable truth (actually exists) – the opposite of an opinion. Anyone who studies in

graduate school knows the difference in a mandatory methodology course. Carter states an opinion, not a fact. Comments about who is the best batsman or bowler or best politician fall under term “opinion”. You taught at a university Freddie. You

ought to know that. Freddie, when are you going to use stats (authentic ones, not those that you manufacture) and reliable sources (not your personal writings) to support your arguments? Vishnu Bisram

Blatant disregard for every type of protocol DEAR EDITOR, How is it that the Pensions Officer is distributing Old Age Pension Books out of the PPP office at Kumaka, Mabaruma? Is this legal? Or is the PPP office an annex to the Administration Office and we were not told? Could someone enlighten us please? We know that many of the positions in the Region are held by PPP insiders, but they should at least have the decency to place the desk at the Admin Office. This is blatant disregard for every type of protocol. Pensioner

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Ignoring the Procurement Commission laws for selfish reasons DEAR EDITOR, As most Guyanese know, Government procurement is based on Principles, Government Rules of Sourcing (where they apply to the National Tender Board as controlled by the Ministry of Finance), the supervisory role of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), and good practice guidance. Collectively these provide a broad framework that supports accountability, transparency, sound practice and successful procurement results. Nowhere in that collection of procurement principles is there a role for the Cabinet of the PPP Government - other than for the Minister of Finance to advise them of what procurement projects have followed the procurement law and what contracts are signed by the respective Permanent Secretaries. There is no law that stipulates that the Cabinet must review the work of the National Procurement and Tender Board, constitutionally that is the role of the Public Procurement Commission, a role that was hijacked by the PPP Cabinet for devious reasons. There can be no more

clarity than Section 212 of the Guyana Constitution which clearly states that the PPC is to “monitor public procurement and the procedures therefore in order to ensure that the procurement of goods, services and execution of works are conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective manner according to law and such policy guidelines as may be determined by the National Assembly.” The PPP is fully aware of this, but continues to bamboozle the people with propaganda, distortions and untruths. These actions are contemptuous to say the least. These power grabbers will stop at nothing, they want everything for themselves. Thus the comments from Minister Nandlall that the AFC’s position on the role of the cabinet in the awarding of public contracts is “incongruous and wrong both in principle and constitutionality” are an unfortunate disclosure from someone who was trained to know much better. Not because one calls himself lawyer, means he/she

has the right to twist the interpretation of the law to suit a particular end to the detriment of the people, common principle and common sense. We want the PPP cabal to know that this is no hearsay about the role of the PPC, it is the law. The PPC’s role is firmly enshrined in the Constitution and not because the PPP says the constitutional functionality of the PPC cannot be obtained means that the PPC must not be established. The PPP is not Guyana, and the earlier the minority PPP regime gets accustomed to that fact, the better it will be for the nation and the people. The PPP ought to know that it was not given a mandate to dictate to the people, but to govern democratically and in the interests of all, and not just for a privileged few who are their friends and relatives. We humbly advise the Minister of Legal Affairs to seriously take note that the AFC leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan’s public pronouncement on the PPC is solidly grounded in

constitutionality, in principle and facts that are indisputable and not hearsay. Since 2004, the PPP has been peddling the gross untruth that the party remains committed to the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission, but a decade later there is still none, and Guyanese are yet to see the fruits of that commitment. There is no primary flaw in the Procurement Laws; that is a figment of the PPP’s imagination. The law was established and passed in Parliament with the full support of the PPP to bring greater independence to the procurement process, but now that some greedy and corrupt ones in the regime realize their gravy train will be under the spotlight, with independent voices interrogating the procurement deals in dispute, they have reneged on their promise. The PPP cabal knows that they are cornered and their deceptions are constantly being exposed. Any first year law student will tell Mr. Nandlall that his convoluted interpretation of the procurement law is outright baloney.

Our humble advice to the leaders of the majority opposition, Mr. David Granger and Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, is if they fail to secure the full establishment of the Public Procurement Commission now, they will be harshly judged by the people, since the PPP is totally committed to castrating the PPC. They cannot allow the minority regime to deny them the right to secure better value for money for all the people of Guyana and if they have to use any and every legal means necessary to achieve their goal, then so be it. Now is the time for the combined opposition to teach the PPP a stern lesson on morality and on how to govern as a minority. This corrupt cabal must not be allowed to bulldoze their way in or outside of Parliament. In Guyanese parlance, they must be taught manners. They must be told in no uncertain terms by the opposition that they are the servants of the people and therefore their first duty is to protect the interests of the people and not squander the taxpayers’ money on crooked projects designed to benefit

themselves, relatives and friends. Remember who those multiple radio frequencies were given to. Now is the time for the majority opposition to show their mettle and set the political tone and direction of the country. Now is the time for the opposition to tell the PPP cabal-No more awarding of contracts without the Procurement Commission, no more granting of medical contracts to one entity alone to import three billion dollars in drugs for the hospitals, no more control of NICIL finances by one individual, no more raping of the treasury, no more squandering of the taxpayers’ money on white elephants like the Skeldon Sugar Factory, the idle Enmore Sugar Packaging Plant, the collapsing Supenaam Stelling, the driedup Amalia Falls, and the unfinished Marriott Hotel. If these corrupt practices continue, then something urgently needs to be done. People, stand up for your rights, do not allow this regime to destroy our beautiful Guyana any further. Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh

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Cops seek ‘Big Foot’ for murder of South Central proprietor Police are trying to locate 19-year-old Brian Leitch, called “Big Foot,” in connection with the murder of South Central proprietor Joseph Jagdeo, whose bound, gagged and strangled body was discovered in a room at his South Road premises three Thursdays ago. A police release stated that Leitch is of African ancestry, medium build, and that his last known address is Lot 2118 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Anyone with information that may lead to his arrest is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-8196, 2267065, 227-1149, 225-6941, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence. An employee of the slain proprietor had told Kaieteur News that an individual known as ‘Big Foot’ had rented a room at the guest house at the time that Jagdeo was murdered. He is said to be the boyfriend of a woman who frequented the hotel. The man is believed to have stolen two cell phones from Jagdeo and Kaieteur News was told that police recovered one of the phones from a woman who resides in Kitty. The woman reportedly identified the former hotel guest as the individual who gave her

WANTED: Brian Leitch, called ‘Big Foot’ the phone. Jagdeo, 62, was found under a bed in Room Ten at around 08:00 hrs on Thursday, November 14, after some employees who had not seen him since the previous day, became concerned about his whereabouts. The cause of death was given as asphyxia due to manual strangulation.

‘Romel’ and ‘Ratta’, wanted for Brazilian businessman’s murder Rayon Anthony Gilford, called “Romel” and another man known as “Ratta” are wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the murder of Brazilian businessman Vanderlei Keinen, who was robbed and stabbed to death at his 111Miles, Mahdia premises on November 20. Police stated that Gilford is of African ancestry and medium build. A release gave his last known address as Lot 18 Belladrum Village, West Coast Berbice. The other suspect, known as ‘Ratta’, is also of African ancestry and of medium build. He is known to have resided at No. 5 Village, West Coast Berbice. Persons with information about the whereabouts of the

Rayon Anthony Gilford, called “Romel” suspects are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-2722, 225-8196, 226-1333, 911 or the nearest police station. The 48-year-old Brazilian is believed to have been slain after unwittingly letting three

“Ratta” men into his premises. One of the suspects has already been charged. Police said that the killers made off with millions of dollars in cash and gold which were taken from a safe. Kaieteur News understands that footage from a surveillance camera showed three men standing outside Kienen’s business place shortly before the murder. It reportedly then showed the Brazilian opening his front door for the men. According to reports, the businessman is seen opening another door leading to an area where he does his transactions. The same men are later seen leaving the slain man’s property.

Saturday November 30, 2013

Manufacturing companies reject GEA’s audit offer Mr. Clement Duncan, one of the directors of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is saying that its members are opposed to any energy audit the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) wishes to carry out. This comment was made on Thursday at a key seminar targeted specifically at Chief Executive Officers, senior managers in decision making positions. The forum was held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House) in Kingston, Georgetown. The landmark Energy Efficiency Management Project is being conducted by the GMSA and is approaching the end of its initial stages. According to Duncan, this project in particular, is critical to the development of enterprises in Guyana. It directly addresses the often contentious issue of high energy costs, and is aimed at sensitizing companies to the best means of measuring and managing their energy distribution equipment and consumption. The workshop had many focal points. Those in attendance were able to voice their concerns with regard to energy management and discuss the findings and recommendations of Energy Management specialist Dr. Carl Duncan. Dr. Duncan had conducted a study on several local companies representing the food processing, manufacturing and services sectors. He is a member of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and of other prestigious international institutions. He said that energy monitoring is the first step towards careful management of consumption. At the forum, the issue of not having companies that supply metering equipment to measure and better manage energy consumption came up. These are not available in Guyana. It was also strongly suggested that moves be made to implement such a system to reduce the amount of expensive equipment that would have to be imported. Dr. Mahender Sharma, the

Dr. Mahender Sharma, CEO of GEA (left) and Mr. Clement Duncan, one of the directors of the GMSA having a brief discussion Chief Executive Officer of the GEA, also said that his organization carries out audits for companies to help them better manage their energy consumption thereby saving millions of dollars in the long run. He said that his organization would be more than happy to help the manufacturing sector and other institutions manage their consumption. However, this comment was met with immediate rejection as those in attendance expressed that they were not too keen on being audited by a Government owned company. Dr. Sharma then pointed to the fact that he believes that people see the word “audit” and think that it means that everything about them will be checked or reviewed under a microscope when in fact that is entirely untrue as it relates to an energy audit. He said that an energy audit will only seek to help the companies to benefit in the

grand scheme of things. He added that he is unsure why companies would be opposed to an audit unless they are doing something illegal. It was here that Mr. Duncan said that it’s normal for companies not to be too fond of being audited by a government controlled agency. He said, “Anything Government owned is government controlled and even members of the GMSA would not be open to audits by the GEA, because they fear that certain sensitive information will be leaked to certain government officials. It’s as simple as that. And in order for any audit to take place it is preferred that it be done by an independent body.” Nevertheless, the project designer said that the data accumulated throughout the project will be placed into a national business model applicable to the wide spectrum of enterprises on the Guyanese business landscape.

Bandits shoot Chinese national after trailing victim from bank Bandits on a motorcycle shot a Chinese national and escaped with some $3M after trailing the victim from a city bank around 11:15 hrs yesterday. Police said that the victim, Gao Yun Xu, was shot twice in the back outside the office of the Jailing Forestry Industry, Courida Park, East Coast Demerara, where he is employed. Kaieteur News understands that the victim visited a city commercial bank earlier in the day and withdrew some $3M. Another Chinese

national then drove with Yun Xu to the Jailing Forestry Industry, Courida Park. A source said that the man had just dropped off Yun Xu when he heard two gunshots. He then saw his countryman lying on the ground and two men on a motorcycle racing away from the scene. The cash that the victim had uplifted was missing. The wounded man was rushed to a private hospital where he underwent surgery. No one has been arrested.

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CPCE students protest over Trio remanded for receiving stolen property meals, building conditions Three men were indicted at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday for the indictable charges of receiving stolen property. The charges stemmed from a recent Lusignan car theft. Conmen posed as customers at an Auto Sales company, tied up the salesman, and made off with two cars. Randy Garrett, 19, Ryan Jones, 25 and Adrian DaSouza, 40, were all named on separate indictments and remanded to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman during their first court appearance, yesterday. The Prosecution claimed that between November 15 and November 27, Garrett, a North Ruimveldt mechanic, and Jones, of Vreed-en-Hoop, received one Toyota Premio valued at $3,3 million whilst DaSouza, a Happy Acres mechanic shop owner, was the recipient of one Toyota Premio motor car engine valued at $800,000, one transmission $200,000 and one computer box valued at $200,000, knowing the articles to be stolen or unlawfully obtained. The accused were not required to plead. The prosecution maintained that the trio received the property which belonged to Rabeena Khan, proprietor of S and K Auto Sales. Representing the Prosecution was Sergeant Vishnu Hunt who informed the court that Khan’s business is located at Lusignan, East Coast of Demerara. Hunte told the court that on November 15 two males entered the entity, pretending to be customers. He stated that the men used force and tied up the

Adrian DaSouza, mechanic shop owner who received stolen car parts sales representative on duty before escaping with two of the company’s motor cars. One of the vehicles was abandoned on the Railway Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara, while Garrett transported the other car to Jones who subsequently stripped it and sold the parts to DaSouza. According to the Prosecution, the matter was reported, the accused were arrested and the articles recovered. Attorney at law Jerome Khan made an application on behalf of Da Souza for bail to be granted in a reasonable sum.He refuted that his client whom he says has been cooperating with the police, is a flight risk. He added that his client has several persons under his employ who are currently unable to work since De

Souza has been in custody. Khan opined that the person who brought the car parts should be blamed rather than his client, who was merely the mechanic. Representing Jones and Garrett was Paul Fung-a-Fat who made an application for reasonable bail. He stated that Jones was merely asked to transport the car to a mechanic whilst Garrett is the mechanic who received payment for stripping the car. He said that neither of his clients bore any knowledge of the car being stolen property. Fung-a-Fat told the court that Jones is also currently charged with Robbery under Arms for the Bel Air Heist committed on Malcolm Panday and his family two years ago. He told the court that he is presently on $300,000 bail, has been attending court regularly, and is therefore not a flight risk. The lawyer said that his client aided the police in its investigations and further assisted them in retrieving the stolen car parts which are currently at the Brickdam Police Station. However, the Prosecution objected to bail for the trio on account of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. He focused on the penalty attached to such an offence and opined that if granted bail the accused may not return to court to face the charges. Sergeant Hunt contended that Jones committed the offence while still embroiled in a similar one. Magistrate Latchman upheld the objections of the Prosecution and refused the trio bail. They will make their next court appearance on December 5 for report.

While concerns have been raised about meal allowance and infrastructure of the Cyril Potter College of Education, (CPCE) officials of the Ministry of Education, (MOE) are working to address the issues. Protest action was initiated, yesterday, by teachers attached to the CPCE, yesterday. Calls were made for immediate repairs to the deteriorating sections of the college and decrease of the meals being served to trainees. However, Chief Education Officer (CEO), Olato Sam, explained that efforts are underway by the Ministry of Education to address the issues. “We have had some difficulties and some concerns with the meals programme and quantity of food that are available to trainees. We are in the process of addressing them … “No one said anything to me. I had never heard of this issue before this morning. However, I have said to my trainee teachers that they need to set the example if there is an issue. “We just don’t go and protest; there’s a process to have issues addressed but I assure that we will have a meeting to have those issues sorted out,” Sam added. While the CEO did not give details into the circumstances of the protest, this newspaper was reliably told that sections of the school leaks during periods of heavy rainfall and that the quantity of food and meals

This is what breakfast looks like for teachers CPCE served to students has reduced significantly. “The meals have diminished significantly. From three meals per day to merely breakfast.” a source told Kaieteur News. This newspaper also understands that even as approximately 240 teachers are accommodated at CPCE Turkeyen Campus, at least 600 teachers attend classes at the college every day. Meanwhile, speaking at the occasion of a CPCE seminar initiated to boost the level of professionalism of teachers Education, Minister Priya Manickchand explained

that there are over trained teachers within the local education sector. “There is a call, regionally, for advanced levels of education at different sectors …This session is a discussion about the region standardizing guidelines in the teaching sector, professionalizing the teacher force by creating guidelines, rules and standards by which teachers all across the region can be measured.” “We’re looking holistically at how we can improve the education system thereby, adding to the (Continued on page 8)

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APNU HAS CONFIDENCE IN CITY HALL Even as it prepares for local government elections, APNU is calling for centralization of management within the country. This would seem to be in direct contradiction with the movement towards devolving and decentralizing power away from the centre. A few weeks ago, APNU issued a statement in which is examined what it deemed to be deficiencies in public infrastructure. It stated that deteriorating infrastructure is impeding national development. Interestingly, instead of urging that more public works be delegated, it called for a national plan to coordinate and consolidate the resources of the various state agencies involved in infrastructural projects. This was essentially a call for increased centralization because any such coordination and consolidation would involve establishing a mechanism to be responsible for infrastructural projects. The flaw with this suggestion by APNU for a coherent plan to coordinate the various projects being undertaken by various ministries of the government is that it fails to appreciate that public infrastructure is only public in terms of ownership. From conceptualization, to construction to monitoring and supervision, public works are privatized. The designs are tendered; the

supervision is contracted out. The construction is undertaken by private firms and the financing inevitably comes from some external source. APNU’s call therefore for a plan to coordinate public infrastructure misses the nature of how public projects are created and implemented. What is needed is improved capacity within the various ministries and agencies, not consolidations and coordination. APNU also misses the fact that the RegionalAdministrations are responsible for a great deal of public infrastructure and therefore when it attributes blame for the poor state of infrastructure it should not exculpate the regional administrations from responsibility for the deterioration. APNU itself is in charge of many regional administrations and if its wants increased coordination and consolidation, this can be interpreted to mean that it wants some of the responsibilities that are presently devolved or delegated to local authorities to be centralized. APNU, of course, is not into the business of blaming those regional administrations over which it has control. Why blame them when the government can be flogged? APNU equally does not wish to blame the Georgetown City Council which is controlled by the PNCR. Instead of demanding that the

Dem boys seh...

BOBBY RAMROOP TEKKING OVER GCC AND GFC Just when dem boys believe that nutten can shock dem, dem wake up and find that Bobby Ramroop got plans fuh buy over de whole of Bourda. When dem boys hear de news right away dem think that de man buying Bourda market, and all dem house wha deh in de area. Is when dem see de letter wha he write that dem realize that de man moving fuh tek over Georgetown Cricket Club and Georgetown Football Club. Dem boys know that GCC was wheh dem use to play test cricket and at GFC dem use to play international football. Is not by accident that GCC and GFC decline. Is not by accident that people had to break down some stalls at GCC. This was part of a plan that was in de making since 2005. De government decide to build de stadium and right away GCC tun a dog pen. Nobody was coming to play any big cricket there. De same thing happen to football. Everything start to play at de stadium at Providence. Even de club members ease up going to de GCC club fuh a drink suh de pavilion start fuh deteriorate. Dem did stop going to GFC a long time ago. Bobby Ramroop see this and he put out a plan to cripple de stadium. Already de stadium got some white elephant. De canteens wha dem mek ain’t wukking. That is why Ramroop now seh that he gun build a stadium wid an international bar and world class restaurant and things like that. Wha people ain’t see coming is that he gun shut down a section of North Road. He gun get that fuh free after he tek over Bourda ground. He got de money and dem boys don’t have to wonder wheh he get it. One thing is certain, by de time anti-money laundering Bill pass he gun be in a powerful position. Talk half and watch how GCC and GFC gun disappear.

City Council take responsibility for what took place on Tuesday when floodwaters led to millions of dollars in losses, APNU instead calls for the government to appoint a Ministerial Task Force to coordinate drainage and irrigation. It is hard to imagine what the Task Force would have done given the rains that descend upon the city last Tuesday. This Task Force of course does not address the root of the problem which is the failure of the City Council

to maintain the drainage systems in the capital and to ensure that all the pumps are working. APNU will call for all manner of things but it will not call for the one thing that will perhaps give residents of the city hope that last Wednesday will not reoccur. APNU will not call for the replacement of the City Council. It will not even support a non- political Interim Management Committee to take command. But it will demand that government

assume responsibility for cleaning up the mess that the PNCR and the GGG’s policies have inflicted on the city over the years. The government will have to be crazy to put money into the hands of the present Council This Council has failed and failed abysmally and needs to go. The private sector is not going to put resources into cleaning the city because the private sector has also lost confidence in City Hall. It is only APNU that is

keeping the faith in City Hall. But if they are so confident in City Hall why call on the government to form a Ministerial Task Force? Why not simply call on City Hall to ensure that there is improved drainage in the city?

Guyana remains profitable for Digicel Total group revenues at Digicel, the mobile phone company owned by businessman Denis O’Brien, fell by US$7 million to US$691 million in the three months to the end of September, according to financial statements sent to the company’s bondholders. Despite underlying growth of 2 per cent, the company blamed a fall against the dollar in the currencies of Haiti, Papua New Guinea and Jamaica for the dip in sales. Its performance dipped sharply in Haiti, the impoverished country that is one of Digicel’s main markets. Its subscriber numbers there fell by six per cent, while sales fell by 11 per cent to US$126 million, with a nine per cent reduction when the effects of

currency are stripped out. It blamed “weaker economic conditions” in Haiti and new price plans, which it said were designed to “grow our market share”. Digicel already has a 75 per cent market share in Haiti, which was devastated by an earthquake in 2010. In Jamaica, another of its main markets, revenues fell by 9 per cent to US$107 million. Digicel said its underlying revenues had grown by one per cent. The Jamaican dollar had fallen by 12 per cent. Its operations in El Salvador were also hit by a weak economy, with revenues

there falling by US$3 million to US$28 million, although subscriber numbers increased by 7 per cent. Digicel said it plans to launch 4G services in El Salvador in the current quarter. Its revenues in Papua New Guinea, another of its major markets, were flat at US$116 million, while sales in Trinidad & Tobago grew by 13 per cent to $64 million. Sales in “other markets”, including British Virgin Islands, Guyana and Suriname, increased by between four per cent to US$170 million. While overall revenues

fell slightly, it was an improved performance on the previous three months to the end of June, when Digicel made a net loss of about $11 million. The company paid interest charges of US$104 million on loan notes and project finance debts of US$5.675 billion, according to the accounts. The company also gave an update on its operation in Myanmar, formerly Burma, where it lost out on a mobile licence earlier this year. It said it had “capitalised” costs of US$25 million in relation to a network of mobile masts it had assembled during the bidding. “We continue to explore ancillary opportunities in Myanmar and are evaluating these on an ongoing basis,” it said. (theirishtimes)

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Courtney Benn to outsource to meet deadline Hope/Dochfour Canal...

Courtney Benn Contracting Services has heeded the advice of Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, to hire additional workers, so as to ensure that the Hope/Dochfour Canal meets its looming December 31, 2013 deadline. The project which commenced in February 2011 has three contractors -BK International, which is responsible for the Head Regulator, DIPCON Engineering, tasked with completing the Hope Bridge, and Courtney Benn Contracting Services which is working on the eight-gated sluice. According to the Minister, while the hard part of the work is completed and Courtney Benn workers are capable of completing the rest of the work, it is essential for additional contractors to come on board, so as to ensure that the work does not continue into the next year. Dr. Ramsammy recently recommended that Courtney Benn outsource the construction of some of the doors for the eight-gated sluice, to other contractors, and has assured that he has been getting the desired response from the company, as it has agreed to follow the suggestion. He noted however, that that a formal plan has not yet been submitted. The hiring of additional workers would be done at a cost to Courtney Benn Contracting Services. The Minister explained that Courtney Benn Contracting Services will also have to get more equipment.

Hope/ Dochfour Canal is more than a year behind schedule, and earlier this month, Minister Ramsammy said that the Guyana Government is finally prepared to impose the penalty clause on contractors, should the Hope/Dochfour Canal not be completed by the agreed date. Ramsammy noted that his Ministry has been quite patient with the three contracted companies, especially as it relates to accommodating extensions of proposed deadlines. The construction of the $3B Hope/Dochfour Northern Relief Channel was undertaken by former Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, who estimated an 18-month completion, when construction commenced in February 2011. Late last year Dr. Ramsammy, in his capacity as Agriculture Minister, announced an extended completion date June 2013. This was subsequently extended to August 31, and later to December-January 2013. One of the largest infrastructure initiatives in Guyana’s history, overall works on the Hope/Dochfour Canal is approximately 80 percent completed. It has been purported that the relief channel would have the capacity to withstand floods greater than that which occurred in 2005, and with the current threats of a recurrence, the completion of this project is critical. So far, the three-gated Head Regulatorthe component assigned to BK

The eight-gated sluice, a critical structure of the Hope Canal project

International is nearing completion. The excavation of the 10.3km long earthen channel, which is being carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, is about 90 percent complete. The process of shaping the dam is currently ongoing, with 30 percent already done. Ultimately, the delay on the sluice will stall the entire project operation, since each structure is dependent on the other. The channel is being constructed to ease the pressure of water on the East Demerara Water Conservancy at times when it reaches its maximum capacity, releasing it into the Atlantic Ocean, via the Sluice. Meanwhile, the bridge, sited on the East Coast Public Road, is about 80 percent complete. Dr. Ramsammy said that the process of building an incline road to the bridge is also currently ongoing. Ramsammy did not disclose what the penalty

would be, should the contractors not meet the projected deadline. The Minister said however, that the contractors have been working under strenuous circumstances, but a substantial amount of work has been completed so far. “Even people close to me had said that this project would be impossible, but today, for us to be talking about a deadline, is a major accomplishment,” Dr. Ramsammy said, adding that he is hopeful that none of the contractors would let him down by failing to meet the December deadline. Earlier, in July, a Parliamentary committee visited the multibillion dollar

relief channel. Opposition Members of Parliament Joseph Harmon and Rupert Roopnaraine said that they were generally impressed with the works. Roopnaraine had said that even though he was skeptical at the outset about the project and its significant cost, it is commendable that the local engineers and their subordinates were able to overcome the many technical challenges and complete a considerable portion of the overall project. He said however that initially, he was for the upgrading the East Bank Demerara outlets, rather than the major investment in the Hope Canal. “I think that whenever it’s

completed, the Hope Canal will serve its purpose. I think the work that these engineers were able to complete, with all the technical challenges, is impressive,” A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Roopnaraine added. Joseph Harmon had told Kaieteur News that the works being carried out by the local engineers are testament to the fact that “We don’t need so much of the Chinese and other foreign contractors.” The project is being spearheaded by Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Lionel Wordsworth, and supervised by Raymond Latchman Singh and Dr. Ramsammy.

Guyana to host CXC governance meetings, awards ceremony Guyana will be hosting the annual governance meetings of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and an awards ceremony for the regional top performers. Several events are scheduled to be held over five days from December 2 when the other awardees and officials will be in the country. The meeting of the Schools Examinations Committee (SEC) will be held on December 5 and the 45th meeting of Council, CXC’s highest decision-making body, will be held on December 6. Among the major items on the agenda at the Council meeting are the report on the administration of the 2013 examinations, the Registrar’s report to Council, the 2014 budget, and CXC Strategic Plan and Priorities 2014 - 2020. The presentation ceremony for the most outstanding candidates in the May/June 2013 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) will be held at 7:00pm on

December 5 at the National Cultural Centre. During the ceremony, which also marks the official opening of the Council meeting, awards will be presented to 18 students from across the region, ten for outstanding performance at CAPE and eight for outstanding performance at CSEC. The awardees come from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. President Donald Ramotar will deliver the feature address at the ceremony and declare the Council meeting open. Professor Nigel Harris, Chairman of CXC; Dr. Didacus Jules, Registrar of CXC and Miss Yogeeta Persaud of Anna Regina Secondary School, Guyana, the Most Outstanding CSEC Candidate Overall will also address the ceremony. Professor Harris, Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies will present scholarship letters to the eight CSEC awardees from UWI. The awardees will be able to take up the scholarships after completion of CAPE or an associate degree.

During the ceremony, Mrs. Sheena Daley, Caribbean Regional Director for Pearson Education will present the first Pearson CAPE Humanities Award to Ms. Tasanique Henry of Hampton High School, Jamaica. The Regional Top Awardees and a CXC delegation will pay courtesy calls on President Donald Ramotar; Prime Minister Sam Hinds; Education Minister Priya Manickchand; and Opposition Leader Brigadier (retired) David Granger. The awardees will also have opportunities to interact with students from schools in Guyana and visit places of interest including: Kaieteur Falls, Baganara Resort, Fort Island and Parika. The Council comprises representatives of 16 participating countries, The University of the West Indies, University of Guyana and the teaching profession. The Council deals with finance and administrative issues, while the SEC deals with technical and examination issues. (Education Ministry)

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Capacity being built for free Govt to return anti money kidney transplant at GPHC laundering Bill to Parliament Renal failure patients undergoing dialysis at the Doobay Renal Centre

The offering of free kidney transplants at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is on the horizon. However, preceding this ambitious objective is the fostering of strategic partnerships and the imperative training of local personnel. This development was recently emphasised by Director of the Institute of Health Science Education at GPHC, Dr Madan Rambaran, during an interview with this publication. He is optimistic that measures could be put in place to facilitate kidney transplants at the public hospital in the New Year. “I think within the next year we should have most of the recommendations in place and we can start the first transplant.” Among the recommendations that must be put in place ahead of such operations is the capacity to undertake tests to ascertain whether a donor’s kidney is compatible with the recipient. The GPHC will also have to build capacity to discern kidney rejection. “We have to have those measures in place before we embark on actual transplant,” Dr. Rambaran explained. Currently, the main renal causative factors are diabetes and hypertension and there are some patients, the GPHC Director said, who may develop the disease because of some form of infection. Already the GPHC has in place a registry for renal patients and has the capacity to undertake intervening measures such as the insertion of catheters, even as efforts are being made to master the establishment of fistulas to do dialysis. However, full dialysis can be accessed at the 5 G Dialysis Centre, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown and the Doobay Renal Centre, East Coast Demerara. However, Dr. Rambaran asserted that the impact of renal disease requires, at

some point, renal replacement therapy, in some shape or form, which may require transplantation and not just dialysis alone. Moreover, the GPHC has been collaborating with the University of Calgary in Canada and the Doobay Renal Centre at Annandale, East Coast Demerara. The latter facility, which is a notfor-profit entity, has been partnering with other medical facilities in Canada such as the McMaster University that are willing to support the free kidney transplant venture. This collaboration, according to Dr. Rambaran, will not only cater to the facilitation of the initial kidney operations but also a great deal to the educational aspect of local medical personnel. In this regard, a few doctors from the public hospital have been identified for training in nephrology at the McMaster University. “This will be part of their postgraduate training...they will get two months rotation at McMaster and we are hoping to start from next year; more or less that is in place. We will

have at least three people over the year going for two months sessions,” Dr. Rambaran disclosed. Added to this, he said that the GPHC, through its collaborations, currently has a graduate of the local Post Graduate Surgical programme undergoing a fellowship in Transplant surgery to deal with nephrology at the University of Calgary. Other graduates, on completion of an Internal Medicine programme with the University of McMaster, will also be expected to commence fellowships in nephrology. “So we are starting to build our local capacity so that the transplant programme we are planning will be sustainable by having our own people trained in the physician and surgeon stream of dealing with renal failure,” noted the GPHC Director. In the interim, he revealed that the GPHC will continue to benefit from visiting medical experts including doctors, nurses and technicians who will facilitate training.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, has announced that Government is prepared to return the rejected Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill to Parliament in an attempt to have it enacted. This, he said, is in an effort to ensure that the nation complies with the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF) recommendations and to seek to have Guyana cleared from its blacklisted status. He was at the time hosting his weekly press engagement at Office of the President. He was reluctant to speculate on whether government would lend support to having the Bill re-committed once again to a Special Select Committee. “At this point, a commitment to take the Bill to Parliament is what the administration is pursuing. What happens there is of course a matter that cannot be a matter of speculation.” Dr. Luncheon maintained that Government’s interest is and continues to be, the enactment of the amendments to the anti money laundering bill. He said that it is the failure on the part of the Parliament to approve the Bill that provided the “basis for our blacklisting.” That Bill, he said, represents as much as 98 per cent of the outstanding recommendations that the mutual evaluation mechanism had thrown up. “We will commit as we have done, to have a CFATF endorsed amendment Bill enacted during the 10th

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon Parliament.” Dr Luncheon said that when Cabinet met on Tuesday, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, apprised the council of ministers on what would have transpired during the November 18 to November 21, 2013 CFATF plenary in the Bahamas. Nandlall and Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Paul Geer, represented Guyana at the review. Dr Luncheon said that the AG pointed out to Cabinet, the significant presence of extra regional interests’ and stakeholders who are involved in Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) international circles “which cover the entire globe and significantly, extra regional participation at this CFATF plenary.” Nandlall reported on the basis for the decision taken by CFATF.

Importantly, he pointed out that the form of sanctions that could be taken against Guyana would reside in the participating member countries. As a result, he said that the Government of Guyana’s reaction to the conclusion of the plenary of CFATF is that there is little option but to return the rejected anti money laundering amendment Bill to Parliament at an early opportunity. Confronted with one of the opposition’s concerns that in part caused it to withhold support, namely the inadequacies of the FIU, Dr. Luncheon was asked to explain what happened to the 807 reports of suspicious transactions sent to that unit last year. He said that the FIU would assess the reports and determine which of these warranted investigation by the DPP. He was unable to say definitively what if anything happened with the 807 reports. According to Dr. Luncheon, “The old Act saw the DPP being vested with the responsibility to investigate… we will now need to investigate whether the 807 referrals from the FIU got to the DPP for investigation by that office.” He announced however, that with the setting up of a Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), this body will be exclusively vested with the investigation of the suspicious transactions that the FIU would have decided to refer to it. SOCU is to be established and operationalised under the Commissioner of Police.

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Fire Advisory Board wants new electrical, building code Chairman of the Fire Advisory Board, Rajendra Singh is calling for the creation and implementation of a new electrical and building code, as well as the removal of dilapidated buildings in and around Georgetown. Singh was at the time addressing a gathering of business people, during a training session last week at the Everest Cricket Club

Pavilion. He said that faulty and outdated electrical wiring, overloaded electrical systems, poor storage arrangements, noncompliance with building codes, increased fire loads and insufficient fire protection systems as being the most common causes of fires. The training was held in collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service, Hand in Hand, and the Georgetown

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Hand in Hand representative, Matthew Kissoon, said that while the physical loss is measurable, the emotional scars and lifelong agony of relatives and friends of those who have perished cannot be calculated. Kissoon said that many fires could have been prevented. They were caused

by carelessness, recklessness and in some cases lack of common sense. He added that many times children are left unattended, electricity is used in an unsafe manner; and in some cases properties are destroyed by the malicious use of fire by persons -arson. President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Clinton Urling, said that while Guyana cannot afford the waste of

HEALTH MINISTRY: 15 maternal deaths for year; two in November The Ministry of Health remains consistent in its monitoring of Goal No 5 of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. It is working on ensuring that all maternal deaths are reported, investigated and appropriate actions implemented to prevent recurrence. On Thursday, a 39-year old mother from Warapoka, Region One, who was advised to deliver her baby at the Kwebanna Health Centre, but instead delivered at her home, died from haemorrhage. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud told the Government Information Agency that by the time the woman arrived at Kwebanna she had already died. The Health Ministry has ordered a post mortem and an investigation into the

death. The CMO also reported that on November 23, another death occurred at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The mother who was a 43-year-old known hypertensive patient, collapsed in the labour room and died shortly after. She had an aortic aneurysm that ruptured. Investigations are ongoing and necessary actions are to be implemented, he stated. Thus far for 2013, fifteen maternal deaths were reported, nine of which were due directly to maternal causes. Two are yet to be classified, while four are related to other causes- two caused by the contraction of malaria during pregnancy and two due to high blood pressure not related to pregnancy. The deaths which

occurred due to direct maternal causes are: from post partum haemorrhaging, pregnancy induced hypertension; and from

Septicaemia (infection). The age groups of the mothers were above 40 years (three), above 30 years (four) and one eighteen year old. Dr. Persaud observed that the majority of cases of maternal death now occur with older women where it previously used to be younger women Giving a regional break down, the CMO said there were five deaths from Region Four, three from Region One, one each from Regions Three, Five, Six, Seven and Eight, and two from Region Two. Ten of the deaths occurred at the Georgetown Public Hospital, six of which were cases referred from other regions. One death each occurred at the New Amsterdam, Suddie, Balwant Singh and Diamond Hospitals and one occurred at home.

human and other resources, the very brutal fact remains that every time a fire gets out of control, people face the very real danger of serious injuries or death. He noted that the capacity of the Guyana Fire Service needs to be enhanced. Urling believes that although the process of inspection of buildings can be time consuming, policy makers have a substantial role to play in the process. Mr. Urling said that private companies have a major role to play in the entire process of fire prevention, by ensuring they fully comply with electrical and building regulations. It was also reiterated that The Mayor and City Council needs to efficiently identify and remove derelict buildings in and around the city, because if simple fire prevention measures are adopted, they will shape the future of fire safety. The Chamber is calling for full compliance by all businesses with respect to adhering to the building and fire codes, observing the maximum occupancy of buildings, maintaining proper fire exits and exit signage, placing and maintaining fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in easily accessible places, and maintaining fire alarm systems for detection and warning of fires. In addition, training occupants of buildings on the proper use of the

equipment and conducting regular fire drills is also vital. Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, is of the view that greater vigilance from all Guyanese is needed to ensure fire safety. He said that public education is the strongest pillar of fire prevention. The Guyana Fire Service and The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry strongly agree that fire safety is everyone’s business. To this end, the Guyana Fire Service is continuing its expansion programme with a new training facility currently being constructed at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. The Hinterland Community Fire Prevention Programme is underway. Eight new “fully manned” stations are also expected to be constructed in 2014, to serve several areas. Gentle promised that the Guyana Fire Service will receive additional tenders and water tankers to boost its current fleet, with increased water-carrying capacity for areas where such resources are limited. At the training, Gentle indicated the fire service’s willingness to work with the business community, so as to ensure that all fire prevention measures are identified and complied with. Gentle also reiterated its readiness to conduct inspections of premises free of cost in accordance with the Fire Prevention Act.

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

City flood ...

Govt. admits Hydromet failed, blames Opposition

W

h i l s t admitting that the Guyana Hydrometeorological Office failed to provide warning, Government is still blaming the Opposition-led City Council for the floods that occurred in and around Georgetown last Wednesday. According to Cabinet S e c r e t a r y, D r. R o g e r Luncheon, at the Office of the President, “Flooding will always be with us…Our ability to discharge water from the land could at any time be exceeded by its accumulation. “For authorities, for citizens, what matters are warnings preparedness and responses in the extant situation of November 26 and onwards. Hydromet failed us.” He admitted that warnings were not provided in a “timely way”. Guyana Hydrometeorological Office is a constituent of the preparation of the national disaster preparedness strategy that is currently being compiled. A c c o r d i n g t o D r. L u n c h e o n , t h e Hydrometeorological office gets information from the satellite system and capital investments made by Government to improve forecasting. He added that the office's information is predictive and feeds into the early warning system located at the Civil Defence Commission. The Cabinet Secretary said that it was unfortunate that for November 26 rains no information was fed into the early warning system. He said the possibility exists that hydromet received information and did not feed

it into the early warning system or no information was received. A c c o r d i n g t o D r. Luncheon, investigations are ongoing to ascertain what caused the information not to be available. Dr. Luncheon also took a swipe at the City Council's preparedness for the recent rainfall that flooded the City on November 26. He said the City Council also failed and a report on their preparedness for this rainy season should be demanded. “The focus for the report would be drains and pumps and kokers…The solutions are obvious and well known; the drainage in the City needs to be fixed, desilted, (there must be) access to canals whose reserves and borders have been let by the APNU-led City Council for squatting and housing that have made South Georgetown a virtual lake during the flood periods,” he said. The situation needs to be fixed, he said. Hinting at the possibility of Local Government Elections, Dr Luncheon said that any incoming City Council needs to make a commitment to residents of S o u t h G e o rg e t o w n t o address the issue of desilting those main canals. He said that desilting the canals was prevented by the “age long APNU, PNC-led opposition Council as permitted, orchestrated and encouraged over the decades.” A c c o r d i n g t o D r. Luncheon, increased mechanical drainage capacity with more enhanced and bigger pumps is needed to deal with similar situations.

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Justice Desiree Bernard meets London Lawyers Madame Justice Desiree Bernard was the guest speaker at a forum organised by the Guyana Law Association of the United Kingdom. The focus of her lecture was 'The Caribbean Court of Justice'. Here Justice Bernard, third from left, with executive members of the Guyana Law Association and Guyana Ambassador to the UK, Laleshwar KN Singh, third from right.

Govt. preparing to sell off Customs House Government is gearing to sell the Main Street building owned by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) located next to Palm Court. That property formerly housed the GRA's 'Customs House' This was confirmed by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon who said too that there was no intention of putting it to use for any government purpose. “Real estate,” he called and said that “it is not intended to house public offices.” At the same time, Dr. Luncheon announced that Cabinet had granted a 'no objection' for a $19.1M contract for the rehabilitation of the GRA property on East and Lamaha Streets. The rehabilitation of the now unoccupied GRA

building will lead to the transfer of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. Dr. Luncheon said that this will be done in a phased manner. He said that the intention is to have a phased evacuation of the Ministry of Labour and Human Services and Social Security from the Cornhill street location. Dr. Luncheon did say that Government will not abandon that location. While Dr. Luncheon did not elaborate, he said that Government has a grand design for the Cornhill Street property. He explained that work is also being done on a Brickdam location to relocate the Ministry of Labour, while those at the Ministry of Human Services will move to the East and Lamaha Street location.

Port Mourant victim was strangled, cops seek suspect Police have questioned two individuals and are looking for a third man in connection with the murder of 34-year-old Nandkumar 'Champa' Poonwassie, whose body was found last Tuesday on Day Clean Street, Port Mourant. Kaieteur News understands that a postmortem revealed that Poonwassie was strangled, although it was first suspected that he was clubbed to death. A close relative reported that the body bore a gaping wound to the head, and that his hands were bound.

Poonwassie, of Lot 132 Tain, Port Mourant, was found dead around 06:00 hrs by persons who were on their way to work. A female villager who lives in proximity to where the body was found told Kaieteur News that she saw a number of persons on the street and when she enquired she was told that a body was on the street and that “it was Darshanie”. According to sources, Poonwassie may have been involved in a confrontation with a man on a bicycle who was reportedly seen chasing the victim last Monday.

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

City Council and Govt. to be blamed for floods - Engineers - citizens urged to prepare for more floods

A

s more heavy rains are expected, the Ministry of Public Works has started a one week operation to unclog and clean some of the major trenches in Central Georgetown. The project commenced yesterday and was led by Project Engineer, Mr. Khiraj Bisesar The engineer noted that whilst this operation falls directly under the leadership of the Mayor and City Council, the Ministry of Public Works found it necessary to respond to this problem as the Council is failing to carry out its basic duties. He said, “The rainfall we had on Wednesday last was the most intense shower we ever had in a six-hour period. Based on this, the Ministry of Public Works has decided that immediate works on the drains need to be done. It is high time the drains are cleaned because heavy showers are expected over the next couple of days. This work is being done to bring relief to certain areas and outfall channels within South Ruimveldt, Lodge, Albouystown, Charlestown, Central Georgetown and Queenstown are listed for cleaning.” The engineer added that some drains were literally covered with garbage and he was appalled by the fact that City Hall has made no effort thus far to bring relief to certain areas. While excessive amounts of garbage were removed from the drains yesterday, Bisesar said that

quite a number of outfalls are heavily silted, especially those at Princes Street, Ruimveldt and Laing Avenue and that special work programmes will be launched to address these challenging areas. He said, “We came in with a dredge and we had to end up changing our methodology because the cutter blades of the dredge were being clogged up with old tyres and pieces of wood and iron that were in the outfalls. So we had to bring in excavators to help cart away the debris.” “We were also unable to properly desilt the Ruimveldt outfall because we discovered that one of the silt gates was not working.” Meanwhile, other engineers on site expressed that the work is long overdue and that both Government and City Hall are to be blamed for the floods at this time. One engineer who spoke with this publication said, “There are other important drains which require immediate cleaning and they are not listed under this project which has started. How much sense does it make to clean one trench and not clean another important one? You are cleaning the Ruimveldt drain but not the one at Sussex Street? Why is it that the Government always wait until this time of the year to put engineers under the pressure of fixing and cleaning drains and fixing pumps because they fail to take the precautionary methods? Why must we face (continued on page 23)

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Saturday November 30, 2013

Bobby Ramroop makes bid to - plans to build takeover GCC, GFC US$30M stadium

T

he best friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Dr. Ranjisinghi 'Bobby' Ramroop, has made a bid to acquire the world-renowned Georgetown Cricket Ground and the nearby Georgetown F o o t b a l l C lu b ( G F C ) , Bourda. He says that he plans to build a modern stadium, investing US$30M ($6B). But the battle lines have been drawn as GCC executives and the football clubs have raised objections. New GPC, a company that Ramroop heads, is proposing that the new facilities will rival or offer the same facilities as the state-owned Guyana National Stadium, Providence. He plans to have Test cricket, One Day internationals, T20 cricket and international football matches played there. Ramroop is also hoping to attract the many local and international entertainment shows that the Providence stadium has been hosting to raise much-needed revenues. It is the plan that national events and ceremonies will also be held there. Both the Bourda and GFC ground are located in one of the city's most expensive real estate-between Regent Road and North Road. The two

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo grounds stretch an entire block between the Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and Vlissengen Road. The New GPC proposal which was signed by Ramroop, and dated November 12, 2013 was addressed to Dr. Lionel Jaikaran, President of the Georgetown Cricket Club. The document was yesterday leaked by angry members of the GCC…a club which is housed in the Bourda ground. The members fear the loss of two historic sporting grounds which have unforgettable memories of some of the biggest clashes between local and international cricket and football teams. The Bourda cricket ground was built since the

New GPC's Chairman, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop 1850's. It is the home ground of cricketing greats such as Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Lance Gibbs, the Christiani brothers, Clive Lloyd and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Roy Fredericks, Carl Hooper and Colin Croft. Indicating that the proposal for the takeover was well thought out, Ramroop made it clear that his company is very much aware that the land is owned by the Government and has been leased to the two clubs and that there is nothing stopping his proposal from being favorably considered. “The company further understands that there are no encumbrances or legal issues surrounding this real estate.” Among other things,

Ramroop is proposing that a cricket/football academy with all amenities be established; construction of new stands and pavilions; designs that will see the entire stadium covered in later years; installation of permanent floodlights; construction of hospitality boxes for corporate businesses and new club houses maintaining the current architecture. New GPC is also proposing to raise the level of the grounds and improve drainage; extend the playing areas in keeping with new regulations to accommodate cricket, football, athletics and other sports; construct a world class restaurant, entertainment and reception facilities and a bigger parking area. Ramroop is also proposing to call the facilities the Limacol Bourda Stadium. Making a case for his c o m p a n y ' s c a p a c i t y, Ramroop argued that earlier this year, New GPC and its flagship, Limacol, became the title sponsor of the Limacol CPLT20. New GPC has also acquired the franchise for the national cricket team, the Guyana Amazon Warriors. “…and together these two entities control the administration of CPL Cricket in Guyana.” Ramroop, who has been

fingered in a number of questionable deals dating back to the Jagdeo administration, made it clear that the Bourda ground has fallen into disrepair. So, too, has the nearby GFC ground. The proposal said that New GPC envisions merging the two clubs to make it more economically feasible to offer more activities. “The proposed Limacol Bourda and Sports Academy will see a merger of both clubs. The layout envisages maintaining separate areas but with facilities that overlap and features to serve both cricket and football.” The stadium, Ramroop promises, will seat 20,000plus for cricket. To facilitate the takeover, Ramroop plans to set up a new company to operate and manage the facilities; transfer and extend the leases of GFC and Bourda ground to this company and transfer all existing members to the new company under a new fee structure which will come into place when the new facilities are built. Ramroop also offered both GFC and GCC shares and board representation in the new company. Copies of the letters were submitted to the GFC and GCC simultaneously. The proposal by Ramroop is sure to ignite a

storm of protests from especially members of the two clubs and already there are objections. Additionally, Ramroop's questionable dealings and how he may have unfairly received several concessions; was granted radio and television licences and the fact that he is poised to even be granted permission to take a piece in the telephone industry, will all be brought to the fore. In addition to being controversially granted almost exclusive rights to supply drugs to Government, he has been receiving orders for hardware supplies and even awarded printing contracts. His newspaper, Guyana Times, and television station, TVG, has been receiving state ads, ahead of the older and more established Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Capitol News, CNS Channel 6 and RBS 13. Parliamentarians have been expressing increasing worry of the growing control of Ramroop's tentacles, with the help of the administration, in the various industries. It was only about five years ago that Ramroop and New GPC's parent company, Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. (QAII) burst into the spotlight.

The iconic Bourda Cricket ground

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday November 30, 2013

Eversham nonagenarian abandoned in old house The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and Government talks a lot about care for the elderly. But talk has done little for a retired school teacher who is currently—to put it bluntly—abandoned and suffering alone in an old derelict building at Lot 16 Eversham, Corentyne. A public-spirited resident, Hubert Newtown, summoned this newspaper to the scene yesterday. When Kaieteur News arrived, the

94-year-old woman was lying on a mattress on the upper flat of the wooden structure, leaning on one side. She was awake and asked if we had brought her anything to eat. She said that her name is Mary Lyte, nee Albert. Her husband, Augustus Lyte, died a few years ago. She added that she does not have children or other close relatives who are around. One of her cousins, Lucy,

“brings food for me from time to time.” Mr. Newton added, “She doesn't have anything except her pension book. She is getting senile.” He tried several times to get the woman help through the Social Services Ministry branch at Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam, but claims that he feels frustrated since he is not getting the cooperation of the staff there. “They are not giving me any satisfaction. They even put the phone down…,” he stated. “I phoned the Ministry [of Human Services and Social Security] in Georgetown and they said they will investigate.” Something has got to be

done soon to help this senior citizen. The locks on the door of the house have always got to be on, since it is feared that she can attempt to walk down the dilapidated steps and fall to her death or suffer serious injury. (Leon Suseran)

Mrs. Lyte was very hungry

Saturday November 30, 2013

Page 19

Kaieteur News

$5000 note not linked to inflation

W

hile some welcome the $5000 note with open arms, others seem to be quite skeptical when they consider its possible implications on the economy. The new note comes into circulation on December 9. Many are of the belief that the new note is too large and that it is in response to inflation or probably will lead to inflation. But Chartered Accountant and lawyer, Christopher Ram, said that the denomination is simply too high. “We need a whole rearrangement of currency, especially of the smaller notes.” “I would not have gone for such a high note. Instead, I would have gone for a $2000 note. In a society where you are trying to move away from cash, this sends the wrong signal …I fail to see the rationale and the economic logic of the $5000 note.” On the flipside to Ram's comments, Financial Analyst, Ramon Gaskin, however, is in full support of the new note. He said, “It is a small amount which in essence translates to US$25

but we also need a $2000 note. I would also call for a $10,000 note. Guyana is culturally, a cash-oriented economy and I think the introduction of those other notes would be helpful.” A Partnership for National Unity's (APNU) Shadow Minister on Public W o r k s a n d Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Joseph Harmon, believes that there is both good and bad in introducing the note. “The new note simply shows that we have too much of a heavy reliance on cash and not becoming as sophisticated as other countries. Large sums of cash just continue to make us easier targets for robberies. We should also consider having more banking facilities in the interior region. The bigger notes make it easier to carry around but we need to seriously examine ways in which our system can become more plastic oriented and more facilities constructed to facilitate this.” Carl Greenidge, APNU's financial point man firmly asserts that the new note will only serve to be beneficial

The $5000 note for the national economy. There is no reason for one to worry about the circulation of the new note, he added. “While it is expected of the Opposition to be critical of what the Government is doing and demand justification for its actions, this time around with regard to the new note, the general public has nothing to worry about. The purpose of the higher denomination is to make transactions easier. It cannot be convenient to have

to purchase something that requires a large volume of money.” As it relates to the issue of counterfeiting, the Member of Parliament said that it would be very difficult to do so as the note has seven security features that are internationally recognized and are there to protect its

integrity. This contention was also supported by the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga. INFLATION Inflation is the process by which the value of goods and services rise over time. If the value is rising

overtime, then the currency in which goods and services are traded, will lose their purchasing power and a motor car which costs $100, will cost $120 over time. Greenidge said, “As new notes come, old ones will be retired, so a set of old thousand dollar bills will be removed from circulation and the $5000 note will be added to the system.” “I wish to reiterate that the new note is not in response to inflation, it is in response to something that has been called for a long time now and that is; you have to carry around too much money to pay for a normal transaction and I would call for an even bigger note.” The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) has also expressed its support for the new denomination. However, the Chamber expect that prices on the local market would increase because of the new (continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Page 20

Saturday November 30, 2013

Ramsammy says pumps here, Luncheon says no

One of the pumps in full flow at Montrose, East Coast Demerara

Just one day after Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy confirmed that all 14 pumps from Surendra Engineering have arrived in Guyana, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger

Luncheon has refuted this. According to Dr Luncheon a meeting was held and some of the pumps are expected to be in Guyana in December contrary to what Minister Ramsammy

said. With Dr. Luncheon's statement now, it is unclear whether the “pumps” which were procured at the cost of US$4 million are really in Guyana. Efforts last night to

contact the Minister proved futile. Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy on Thursday said that all 14 pumps which the Ministry had bought from India-based Company Surendra Engineering in 2011 have been delivered. According to Dr Ramsammy, some of the pumps are already in operation while others are being installed. Ramsammy told Kaieteur News that pumps are currently being installed at Patentia, Bagotstown, at Number 19 Village in Berbice, Windsor Forest, Pine Grove, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and Albion, Corentyne, Berbice. The Minister said that one is being shipped to Lima on the Essequibo Coast. The Minister further indicated

that pumps at Canje, Rose Hall, Bengal, Crabwood Creek, and Black Bush Polder have been completed and are working. Engineers from Guyana were sent to India to inspect the drainage pumps. The issue has been a controversial one ever since the government handed Surendra Engineering a US$4 million contract two years ago. The pumps were bought through an Indian line of credit. The government described the equipment as being “critical to meeting medium and long term plans to manage the effects of climate change, which over time have been threatening the country”. Ramsammy noted that

each pump will have the capacity of discharging up to 200 cubic metres of water per second. Current pumps have the capacity of 150 cubic metres per second capacity. Surendra Engineering, in addition to supplying the pumps, is responsible for the provision of technical support and training. The pumps were to be initially delivered since December 2011, and an extension was granted to September 2012. Together with the assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the country would be boasting a capacity of almost 100 pumps, inclusive of both fixed and mobile, officials of the Agriculture Ministry had said last year.

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Man falls to his death Detectives attached to the Anna Regina Police Station were summoned to a residence aback of the Anna Regina old market, where the lifeless body of a young man was discovered on the concrete of the bottom flat with only his underwear on. The man had fallen from an upper floor. A female market vendor noticed the lifeless body and alerted the dead man’s relatives who are prominent business folks, operating in the said market. The dead man, 30-yearold Timore Rambarran, a/k “Timmy”, formerly of Parika

and Anna Regina was discovered lying face down on the concrete of the bottom flat. Blood was oozing from cuts he sustained from the fall to his head and nose. A crowd had subsequently emerged to get a glimpse of the dead man and people said that Rambarran may have fallen to his death sometime during Thursday night. According to reports the father of two returned to the Essequibo Coast on Thursday from Parika to overlook a property that was bought by his father and is under construction with

IMMIGRATION INFO: Immigration News For Our Community Attorney Gail S. Seeram Through this “Question & Answer” column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions. We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email: Gail@GailLaw.com. Question #1: I was in removal proceedings in the U.S. and took voluntary departure but never left the U.S. I am currently married to a U.S. citizen, can I apply for a green card? Answer #1: The answer to your question depends on when your voluntary departure order was issued. However, in general, if you agree to voluntary departure and do not leave the U.S. within the specified time, then the voluntary departure order automatically turns into a removal order. You will not be eligible for adjustment of status or to apply for a green card in the U.S. once the removal order is active. A possible option is filing a motion to reopen your prior case and rescinding the removal order. Question #2: I lost my wallet with my green card, driver’s license and social security card. How do I apply for a new green card? Answer #2: It is good practice to copy your green card (front and back) and keep it in a safe deposit box. It is the law to carry your green card with you at all times so don’t think about leaving it at home or in a safe deposit box. Once you have your alien number, you can apply for a replacement green card. The process can take 3-6 months and the filing fee is $450. Question #3: I am a green card holder and every time I enter the U.S. the officer takes me into a room

Gail S. Seeram for secondary inspection where they ask me questions and look at the computer? Answer #3: S e c o n d inspection is conducted when the U.S. Custom and Border Protection officer sees something in your alien file that indicates that you may be inadmissible into the U.S. or the officer has questions about a note in your file. If you believe there is an error in your alien file and you would like it corrected then file a redress claim by visiting www.dhs.gov/trip. Question #4: I am married and living with a U.S. citizen and he has not filed a sponsorship petition for me? We have 2 children together who are U.S. citizens. I entered the U.S. with a visitor visa but overstayed and have no status. My husband is verbally and physically abusive to me and the children. Do I have any options to selfpetition on my own? Answer #4: Yes, under the Violence Against Women Act, an abusive spouse can self-petition for a green card. Note, you will be required to provide the abuse and submit evidence to document the abuse. It is not required that you have a petition pending or that your spouse filed a sponsorship petition for you. Contact our office for a consultation.

works scheduled to be completed in time for the Christmas season. Rambarran may have fallen from his veranda. He may have been lying for hours in water which had risen and had entered the bottom flat of the building. The dead man was known for his alcoholism was described by friends as a dependable individual. His wife is said to be expecting a baby anytime. Several months prior, a Hampton Court rice farmer fell to his death while he was walking up the stairs of his two-flat house. The man sustained massive internal bleeding due to the fall.

The building from which Timore Rambarran fell

Page 22

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Kaieteur News

LAND FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

House lot for sale on the West Bank of Demerara Harbour bridge in Harbourville contact # 6500402

Buy vehicles direct from Japan authentically – Call:647-1773 (Before 9am & after 5:pm)

10 Acres land at Long Creek - Tel: 699-3723

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One general worker - Tel: 225-6337 Excavator / Dozer operator seeking employment in interior. Have 5yrs experience. Tel:652-9180; 696-3367

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Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call:612-1607

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One domestic, live in & live out babysitter from 12pm8pm- Call:225-4492 Need 1 Plot of land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292 Person to slaughter and clean pigs at new Hope, E.B.D. call: 266-2711, 609-4594 Experienced Roti/Puri cooks, curry cooks, pastry makers, cleaners & handyboys – Apply @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce Street. Dishwasher, kitchen assistant - Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St, New Market. Salesgirls & porters: Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies: Lot 1E Middleton & Dennis Street Campbleville One live in attractive waitress 18-25yrs Boarding & lodging free - Salary $50,000 monthly - Tel:6105043 Driver wanted urgently for ice-cream van between ages 40-45yrs – Tel:218-3021 Two joiners and one upholder to work in workshop – Contact:2191342 or 610-7005

General workers (Male & Female) Operators Apply in person to: B.M. Enterprise Inc. GFL Wharf Houston EBD Tel: 592-2278176/7 Male & Female workers 18yrs - 25yrs - Factory Eccles Applicant living – East Bank Demerara. Please call Mr. Beepat - Cell #600-5253 One babysitter for 8hrs daily, Monday to Friday- Tel: 6111981 Space for gym in Georgetown or immediate environment – Tel:647-4587; 615-5315 Urgently! Live-in / Live out general domestic, must be able to cook well & 1 cook. Attractive salary - Tel: 2261877; 624-7436 Handyboys to work – 16yrs and over. Live-in accommodation and meal free! Telephone:228-5655; 628-1756 Wanted: contract cars & dispatcher @ West Site Taxi - Tel: 613-0419; 600-0688 Celebrity Looks. Stations to rent Hair-$6,500 & Nail$4,000. 144 Regent Street Contact Leoita-602-2337

Scrap metal – Tel:658-9045; 658-9044

Live in domestic 30-40 Years, couple for caretaking duties and van driver - Tel: 610-2978

Barbers – Tel:683-1534; 6094983

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Saturday November 30, 2013

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Rav-4, IST, NZE Corolla, Fun Cargo, AT 212, AT192, AT170, Tacoma, Caldina Wagon – Tel:6445096; 697-1453

2 - 2007 Toyota Avensis - Tel: 698-0674

Tractor from Canada: 285MF $2.5M, 265MF $2M, 165MF $1.8M, 135MF $1.3M, Ford Ranger pickup $1.5M- Call: 682-5230/628-9596

ALYEA’S AUTO SALE: PREMIO 2003/2004. ALL PRICES ARE NEG. 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK- TEL: 2317284/ 622-3823

1 Toyota IST, recently sprayed over, chrome rims, excellent condition - $1.9M negotiable – Contact Alisa: 267-1551; 652-4703

Must See!!! 2002&2003 Premio - $2.5M, 2001 Carina 212 - $2.1M. All cars fully loaded & clean. Tel: 226-5473

Nissan pathfinder Suv PEE services, owner driver in excellent condition Contact: 654-0533

5 Head & 7 Head Moulders, 150Kw Genset, CC Saw, Resaw – Tel:626-0024; 6165595; 665-3676

Mitsubishi Galant Car, fully loaded – Tel: 227-7544; 6122542, 614-6011.

F150, Chevy Cargo Van, Suzuki Sports, Tundra- Tel: 227-8519

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1.5 & 2 Tonne open back canter, power gate $2.4M, unregistered - Tel: 617-2891

1 Nissan Canter, need repair - Tel: 228-5655;628-1756

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F 350 Diesel (fully loaded, excellent)- Tel: 227-8519 1-G Touring wagon with rims, excellent condition Call: 622-7831 New ATVs: Introductory price $1,199,000 (Duty Free)Call: 691-0234 New 2013 Isuzu: D-Max single & double cabs- Call: 691-0234

Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, Nissan Tittan, Ford F150 Parts in a hurry! - Tel:226-5473 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Corrola Axio -$2,850,000 , Spacio PRR Series -$2.1M, CRV PJJ - $1.7M – Tel: 697-0294 PPP 3361 Runx – Tel:6414684 ($2,350,000) 1-AT 212 Carina mag rims, remote start alarm - $9750,000 - Tel: 611-6632 1 Suzuki GSX–R 600cc, 1 Toyota Hilux Pickup 4X4- Tel: 644-5096, 697-1453 2004 Unregistered Toyota Sienta with mags, PD, fog lamps – Tel:617-5536 One 1995 Toyota Tacoma stick gear 4 wheel drive 3 RZ engine. Price:$1,650,000 negotiable -625-2516

TO LET Furnished 2-bedrooms top flat & 2 bedroom bottom flat apartment for overseas guests @ Bent St, Wortmanville - Phone: 2222778/ 640-4130/ 226-3309 Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: As low as $5000 per nightCall: 668-0306/602-8769/ 694-7817 Short term rental (fully furnished 2 bedroom apartments - Tel: 222-7891; 609-9202. Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call:6797139 One bedroom unfurnished apartment Grove New Housing Scheme, EBD $35,000 Call:642-1956.

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Enclose truck secure your goods – Tel:694-5460; 2665771 – Perfect for moving.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

One Honda CRV Model 2002, PMM series, leather interior, sun roof mag rims – Price:$2.2M – Call:622-6060

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Baby chicks available weekly Mr. D.Lallbeharry, Craig Public Road E.B.D, delivering to East & West Coast Demerara – Tel:626-9589 WHOLESALE PLUCK CHICKEN AND PARTS – TEL:676-0931 Massey, Yanmar Ford 5000 Logging/ Agriculture Tractors, parts, Loader & Ford Truck- Call:615-1578/ 694-3595: Tools & Chainsaw668-2831 Houses @ Mon-Repos $23,000,000/$20,000,000, Diamond -$34,000,000, Ogle$65,000,000, East Ruimveldt - $10,000,000 - Contact: 2238479; 647-3768 or www. spaceseek.gy Closing Down Sale! Imported antique furniture, bed sets & centre table & consoles – Tel:622-3587 Massey Ferguson 6140 4X4 Turbo – Call:688-6274/6913851 One pools table - Tel: 686-7180 Honda ATV 500 4X4 DBL shocks - Tel: 688-6274; 6913851 270 Amps, portable welders Telephone: 611-5114

Potting soil, top soil and quality cow mould - Call: 656-1326; 678-0058 1 Complete 6" dredge, 1 – 6" Lavadore – Tel:677-2281 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943 Searay boat fiberglass white leather interior, inboard engine with trailer. Price US$10,000. Email: lpersaud2002@ gmail.comTel: 1 2014483565 (overseas) One windows 8 laptop & Ipad all in one, One Eureka vacuum cleaner & one 7piece dinner table – Call:6111566 Rosetta stone language software – Tel:695-7595 150cc Dirt Bike for parts – Tel:695-7595 Lumber for sale hard wood 140 per Bm, greenheart 220 per Bm – Tel:680-3154 Ducks & Pigs – Tel:688-7291 1-320 Cl excavator excellent condition - Tel: 699-3992 Live/pluck chicken call:6504421, 220-9203 Fluffy Dachshund pups – Tel: 642-6664 Cheapest iphones!!! - Tel: 626-2771 Cheapest Online Vehicles!!! – Tel:626-2771 One Toyota Tacoma 3400cc PJJ series - $2,000,000 – Contact:223-8479; 647-3768

Stereo set (LG speakers)- Tel: 227-8519 Heavy duty concrete drill, Air less paint sprayer (for houses), Industrial vacuum cleaners (wet & dry)- Tel: 227-8519 1 Complete dredge for sale (2 engines, pump, hoses, complete beded) owner migrating – Contact:649-4435 One 8000 Ford Tractor one Ford 450 2005 towing truck contact:694-5599; 689-1864 Three foot KU off set satellite dishes – Price $22,000 – Tel:683-7167, 609-7363 AZ – Evoxl satellite receiver boxes FTA, Price: $22,000 Tel: 683-7167; 609-7363

PENPAL Businessman in Trinidad seeks Guyanese woman for friendship & marriage between ages 30-40; email:ramphal mahadeo@ live.com – Tel:0011-868-7243155; 0011-868-4681075 Overseas based Indian male is seeking a female age 29 & up. No texting! Call:661-3299 (Continued on page 23)

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

Letters... Where your views make the news

Page 23

(From page 22)

Political opportunism while an industry collapses DEAR EDITOR, Tony Vieira and E.B. John have done a commendable job putting statistics and cold hard facts about GuySuCo into the public sphere. They have both highlighted the outlandish wage costs of the sugar industry as a serious part of the problem, but they have not delved into why this tragedy persists. It is actually very simple. It has its roots in racial politics and ethno-political machinations. It is the PPP using taxpayers’ money to buy and retain its voter pool in the sugar belt. The majority of those who work for GuySuCo are PPP supporters. Instead of trying to fix the industry and drive down costs by mechanizing, even in the face of a departing and vanishing workforce no longer interested in slaving in sugar, the PPP has been throwing more and more money at those who remain. Incidentally, that remaining workforce has become lazier, with turnout and productivity at its lowest levels. So, the PPP is fattening a slothful problem. In addition, the reckless throwing of taxpayers’ money into sugar has created a fat cat class of bloodsucking executives who are living the

hog off of taxpayers. These reported benefits of these executives remind us most tellingly of how utterly mangled GuySuCo has become. So, here we have it cheap PPP political opportunism practiced solely to hold onto a group of supporters/voters while ignoring the deadly and catastrophic economic tsunami facing the sugar industry. The misguided minds at Freedom House are only concerned with holding onto power at any cost, and will continue to throw taxpayers’ money at this white elephant. If we think things are bad now, wait until the EU erases all subsidies for Guyana’s sugar in 2016. The PPP’s response would likely be to throw even more money from taxpayers into propping up its supporters in the sugar belt with economically unsustainable and fiscally unwarranted jobs, just so these people will vote for them. This is as grand a Ponzi scheme as it gets, and come 2016 when the EU drives their nail in the sugar industry’s coffin, some of those same individuals who will vote for the PPP will lose the shirts on their backs. GuySuCo has become the bauxite industry during the PNC times, when taxpayers’

money was blindly thrown at that industry to prop up jobs for PNC supporters while the industry rotted away and eventually derailed after the PNC lost power. That said, the bauxite industry never faced a looming catastrophe like the end of the EU preferential price for Guyana’s sugar. When that goes, the entire sugar industry will have to find markets on its own and to compete with lower pricing from countries that have massively increased their production levels in the past 21 years. Because the JagdeoRamotar cabal will not do it due to political exploitation and opportunism, the PPP supporters in the sugar belt have to start asking serious questions of the PPP leadership, because things are going to be economically devastating in the sugar belt come 2016. In fact, the EU preferential pricing cessation and its profound impact in the sugar industry could see the PPP lose power in 2016 due to disillusionment and economic hardship from its own sugar belt supporters and mass migration by these supporters from a collapsed sugar industry to foreign pastures. M. Maxwell

PROPERTY FOR SALE VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community - Call:592-624-8704/ 592-6849203 Property for sale- Call:6275416 2 flat new building (down town) suitable for business or offices- Tel: 227-8519 Prime 2- storey concrete building dimensions 80x23, 6 bedrooms, 2 master bedrooms @ Leonora opposite to Primary School Tel: 652-0709; 268-3572 4 bedroom top & bottom business place wood & Concrete@ Dairy Parfaite Harmonie; V/Hoop -$4M each – Tel:678-7355 LAND FOR SALE Promising Gold and Diamond mining lands in various areas - Tel: 699-3992 FOR SALE / FOR RENT American pool table – Tel: 277-0578 SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773

City Council and Govt. to be... From page 15 the heat and be placed under pressure?” “It is time that the government and City Hall stop this foolishness and slack behavior and deal with the drainage problem once and for all. If we don't we will only be experiencing this problem year after year. ” Meanwhile the Ministry of Agriculture has informed that the Hydromet Office has recorded

rains of intensity between 12 to 20 mm per hour over the Atlantic and if this persists, the flooding that occurred on Wednesday last may occur again. According to the Ministry, the intensity of the rainfall remains highly abnormal and they are cautioning all citizens, especially those along the coast and Georgetown to take the necessary measures to guard against possible floods.

$5000 note not linked to inflation From page 19 note since the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Lawrence Williams at a seminar in 2012 guaranteed that the new note is only intended to shift the heavy reliance from the $1000 to the $5000 note. Mr. Williams had also informed from an historical context that inflation decreased when larger notes were introduced into the economy. The Governor added that significant savings will be made when the new note goes into circulation. He said that it costs the central bank between $600 million and $700 million to print current notes. The new $5,000 would reduce the volume of notes being printed. However, the only disadvantage the new note seemingly brings with it is the use of the $5000 notes to carry out

small transactions that would require vendors offering goods to provide many smaller notes as “change.” As it relates to the electronic purse, Greenidge said

that the reason why large businesses like to deal with cash is so that they can evade taxes. The issue of the new dollar note was not meant to solve that problem.

SERVICES

VACANCY

Professional and affordable landscaping and tree trimming services. BUDRAM’S LANDSCAPING SERVICES - Call: 6561326; 678-0058

24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call: 6910894/684-2838

Christmas cleaning! Power washing for residential & commercial properties – Call:648-1544 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:225-9032,647-2943 We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick)

One mature pharmacy Technician/Assistant. Must Have at least 5 years working experienced – Tel:661-3124; 675-8790 Office worker needed. Must be computer literate, good at customer care and have pleasant personality - Tel: 642-2028 Salesman for Cooking Gas in Georgetown store, physically fit, completed high school. 676-6700. Experience cashiers & Salespersons needed to work in supermarket/ cosmetics department @ East Coast, age 25-50yrs, call: 220-2128 / 642-1141

HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000- CALL: 6949843/227-2766

Cashier at Shell Service Station Providence, E.B.D. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm)Call:265-7305

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar

One receptionist to work in Georgetown - Tel: 644-7574

Children’s Party Service: Let’s make it fun – Call:6471773 Masons Seeks daily or Job work – Tel:619-3296 FOR RENT Furnished top flat house, Queenstown, generator, A/ C, Grille & parking -Tel:2271218 or kpthomas7@gmail. com Rooms – Call:225-9223 Immediate Rental: Newly open concept 3 bedrooms apartment, plumbing, fully grilled, parking & pre-paid meter @ ‘D’ Non Pariel Contact:654-0533

Technicians available for appliance repairs – washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, deep fryers, etc – Tel:6190793; 218-0050 We repair L.C.D, Plasma, Led TV, Microwave, Washer & Dryer, Amp etc. Call:6472276/693-3277 FOR SALE / FOR RENT American Slate pool table Tel: 616-8328

CAR RENTAL

One shop Merriman Mall to rent, from January 1st Call: 642-6381; Home: 223-6862 after 6PM. Newly constructed three bedrooms concrete property - $38,000 per month @ Melanie North E.C.D – Phone :688-8827; 220-2520 Bottom flat 3 bedroom @ ‘B’ Field Sophia - $50,000 - Tel: 223-1273 Executive Houses & apartments. Contact:2238479; 647-3768; www.spaceseek.gy

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964

First Choice Car Rental: Cars as low as $5,000 per dayCall: 668-0306 / 694-7817/ 225-6337 MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Let beautiful sophisticated masseuse pamper you: New masseuse available- Call: 657-5979 American Style massage services- Call:678-7499 Massage therapy service call:674-8147

Wings Car Rental- Call: 643-1131 A i d a n ’s C a r R e n t a l & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 2257126/226-3693- dollysauto rental@yahoo.com/ www.dollysautorental.com Premio, Vitz call:679-7139

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 30, 2013

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

No urgency in helping those PROTECTOR OF THE REALM affected by gender-based violence DEAR EDITOR, Many of your readers must be intrigued by the exchanges (however erudite) between Senior Counsel on the one hand, and the AG on the other, as published in the press recently. The insistence by the latter as being constitutionally empowered to protect the interest of all Guyanese, at least titillates expectations that all citizens can appeal to that office for protection, and yet we all would be more comforted if we can be assured that those who voted for the majority, and their Parliamentary representatives, are equally entitled to such all-embracing protection. There is just that nuance of the ‘goose and gander’ syndrome in the particular postulation. But as a matter of related interest, under Title 1 of the Constitution’s “Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedom of the Individual” the following are included: 138. Protection of right to life. 139. Protection of right to personal liberty. 140. Protection from slavery

and forced labour. 141. Protection from inhuman treatment. 142. Protection from deprivation of property. 143. Protection against arbitrary search or entry. 144. Provisions to secure protection of law. 145. Protection of freedom of conscience. 146. Protection of freedom of expression. 147. Protection of freedom of assembly, association and demonstration. 148. Protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, etc. 149A. Right to work. 149B. Right to pension and gratuity. 149C. Right to participate in decision-making process of the State. 149D. Equality of persons before the law. 149E. Equality of status. 149F. Equality for women. 149G. Indigenous people’s right. 149H. Right to free education. 149I. Right to establish private schools. 149J. The environment. Clearly we are safe! E.B. John

DEAR EDITOR, The statement issued by the Minister of Human Services for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was woefully lacking in any commitment on her part to do anything. It is horrifying how the Government continues to seem to want to continue the work that was done from the passing of the Domestic Violence Act until the launch of the National Domestic Violence Policy in 2008. Non-governmental organisations and other nonstate actors are doing their part. However, when the State fails to honour its obligations, gender-based violence will continue to be a problem. The Guyana Association of Women Lawyers has called for implementation of the National Domestic Violence policy. Help & Shelter and the Guyana Human Rights

Association have called for the implementation of the mechanisms which are required for monitoring of the laws and the policies. How on earth can the Minister not know her obligations and why is she not addressing these concerns? In a letter to the editor of Kaieteur News on 21 August, 2013, the Ministry of Human Services said that “The Ministry is currently

reviewing, reshaping and retooling all its efforts, and will shortly introduce new initiatives all aimed at addressing Violence within our Society.” While shortly in the Minister’s world might be

years, it is sad that the Minister sees no urgency in building the institutions which would help the State to meet its obligations to the people who are affected by gender-based violence. Vidyaratha Kissoon

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 30, 2013

U.S. extends Iran oil sanctions waivers to China, India, South Korea (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department extended sixmonth Iran sanctions waivers yesterday to China, India, South Korea and other countries in exchange for their reducing purchases of Iranian crude oil earlier this year. The waivers had been expected. Under a law governing sanctions imposed on Iran’s disputed nuclear program by the United States, the State Department is required to determine whether the Islamic Republic’s oil consumers have reduced their purchases. The decision comes even after the United States and five other global powers, known as the P5+1, agreed in Geneva this month to ease Iran’s access to about $4.2 billion in foreign currency reserves for six months in exchange for Tehran’s taking steps to curb its nuclear program. The waivers, which the State Department calls exceptions, mean that banks in the consuming countries will not face being cut off from the U.S. financial system for the next six months.

John Kerry “We will continue to aggressively enforce our sanctions over the next six months , a s w e w o r k t o determine whether there is a comprehensive solution that gives us confidence that the Iranian nuclear program is for exclusively peaceful purposes,” Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. Since the beginning of the sanctions regime in 2012, all 20 of Iran’s oil

customers have qualified for the periodic waivers. But despite the Geneva agreement, the United States reserves the right to sanction any oil consuming country should it suddenly increase its purchases. Officials from the Departments of State, Treasury and Commerce have worked with Iran’s buyers since 2012 in an effort to find alternative sources of crude, including oil from Saudi Arabia. Under the Geneva accord, the P5+1 agreed to pause efforts to further reduce Iran’s crude oil sales, allowing consuming countries to continue buying their “current average amounts of crude oil.” T h e i n t e r i m agreement is meant to build confidence for a final agreement on the nuclear program. Under that agreement, Iran’s oil exports will be held to about 1 million barrels per day, the level its sales have averaged this year. Iran’s oil shipments were about 2.5 million bpd in the beginning of 2012, before U.S. and European sanctions took effect.

US forces operating ‘normally’ in China air zone Washington (AFP) - The Pentagon said yesterday that American forces will continue normal operations despite China scrambling fighter jets to monitor US and Japanese aircraft in Beijing’s newly declared air defense zone. China’s announcement last weekend it was extending an air defense identification zone over islands disputed by

China and Japan was disregarded by several nations, and US B-52 bombers entered the area. The United States, South Korea, Japan and other countries have accused Beijing of increasing regional tensions with the air defense zone. But the scrambling of “several combat aircraft” by

China, including at least two fighter jets, according to the state news agency Xinhua, threatens to escalate the situation. “We’ll continue to partner with our allies in the region and operate as normal,” Lieutenant-Colonel Erik Brine, a Pentagon spokesman, told AFP yesteriday, without elaborating.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration said yesterday that it was maintaining tough oil-related sanctions against Iran even though the U.S. and five other world powers have signed an initial deal with Tehran to curb its nuclear program and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. President Barack Obama has forcefully defended the interim agreement and has asked Congress not to impose new sanctions on Iran while a final, more comprehensive agreement can be negotiated. While pleading with Congress not to “close the door on diplomacy,” Obama has emphasized that crippling

economic sanctions imposed on Iran have not been eased. The White House said in a statement that there appears to be a sufficient supply of non-Iranian oil to permit foreign countries to keep cutting back purchases of Iranian oil. In response, the State Department said in a statement that it had extended — for another six months — waivers of U.S. sanctions granted to China, India, South Korea, Turkey and Taiwan for reducing their imports of oil from Iran. The exemptions mean that banks and other financial institutions based in those places will not be hit with penalties under U.S. law

enacted as a way of pressuring Iran to come clean about its nuclear program. Additiona l l y, M a l a y s i a , South Africa, Singapore and Sri Lanka also have qualified again for the waivers because they no longer purchase crude oil from Iran. Secretary of State John Kerry said the determination was evidence that the U.S. will continue to enforce its oil sanctions during the next six months as it works to reach a comprehensive agreement that would prove the Iranian nuclear program is being used for peaceful purposes.

US: Tough sanctions on Iran remain despite deal

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

CPCE students protest over meals, building conditions From page 7 speedier development of Guyana. By doing that we have to integrate every sector—teachers, parents, students, environment whatever resources we have available to us… Teachers are the backbone of the system; we have to look gently but firmly at how we can get the best teachers that we can get, and how we can

make those we have the best they can be, that they can be inspired to grasp those opportunities, thereby developing themselves professionally.” The key speakers of yesterday’s event included Head of the Program Management and Human Development Programme at CARICOM, Dr. Morella Joseph, President of the

Guyana Teacher’s Union, Mr. Colin Bynoe and Dr. Leyland Thompson, Head of Graduate Studies at the University of Guyana. Dr. Joseph said that there have been calls for the links between the teachers, students, schools and communities to be reinforced. She suggested to teachers that their involvement in community projects can assist in the development of their teaching skills and ideals. CPCE is derived from the Teachers’ Training Centre (TTC), Guyana’s first teachers’ training college, established in 1928. The college was renamed in 1976 in honor of Cyril Robert Gladstone Potter, the first Guyanese principal of the institution.

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Trinidad and Jamaica to discuss immigration matters on Monday KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Jamaica and Trinidad will hold discussions on Monday in a bid to ease the concerns that have arisen over the decision by Port of Spain to deport at least 13 Jamaicans earlier this month. Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister Winston Dookeran will lead his country’s delegation to the talks in Jamaica after accepting the invitation of counterpart AJ Nicholson. A statement from the T&T Minister of Foreign Affairs said the discussions would include hassle-free travel, as stipulated in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas; implications of the CCJ ruling in the Shanique Myrie case as well as treatment of Jamaicans by immigration officials and conditions under which Jamaicans are accommodated. The two

delegations will also discuss access to consular representation; the appeals process and the movement of skilled Jamaicans into Trinidad and Tobago. “I am confident that these discussions will help to bring clarity once again and will demonstrate that the challenges that will arise from time to time in any integration movement must be met with temperance and maturity,” Nicholson said. Media reports had indicated that the 13 Jamaicans were denied entry into Port of Spain on Tuesday last week and deported to their homeland the following day after being detained. The CCJ earlier this year ruled that Barbados had breached the right of Myrie when she sought entry into

the country in 2011, but stopped short of awarding the one million Barbados dollars in compensation she had sought. Myrie, 25, had been granted leave by the CCJ to file the action, alleged that when she travelled to Barbados on March 14, 2011 she was discriminated against because of her nationality, subjected to a body cavity search, detained overnight in a cell and deported to Jamaica the following day. Jamaica said it was urging nationals who believe their rights under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) regime have been breached, to make a report to the nearest Jamaican High Commission or the Ministry.

CARICOM cannot afford a trade war right now, says Hyman Jamaica Gleaner Financial Analyst Ralston Hyman says the Caribbean Community cannot afford a trade war at this time. H i s c omments follow threats from some Jamaicans to boycott products from Trinidad and Tobago. He says a ban or boycott of products from Trinidad and Tobago could affect how international trading

partners view Jamaica. He believes the government should move to improve J a m a i c a ’s business environment as part of efforts to boost the country’s competitiveness. Hyman is insisting that the government must expedite plans to roll out the 360 megawatt plant which will reduce the demand for crude oil from Trinidad and Tobago.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 30, 2013

Venezuela’s Maduro vows Honduran leftist presidential stricter business inspections candidate to unveil ‘fraud’ CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro said a stricter wave of inspections for suspected price-gouging would begin today in an aggressive preelection “economic offensive” aimed at taming the highest inflation in the Americas. “We’re not joking, we’re defending the rights of the majority, their economic freedom,” Maduro said yesterday, alleging price irregularities were found in nearly 99 percent of 1,705 businesses inspected so far this month. Maduro, who has staked his presidency on preserving the legacy of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, launched a theatrical - and often televised - wave of inspections this month to force companies to reduce prices. He says “ c a p i t a l i s t parasites” are trying to wreck Ve n e z u e l a ’s economy and force him from office. Opponents scoff at the measures as cheap and shortterm populism that is hiding

Nicolas Maduro the failure of Venezuela’s socialist economic model and intended to win votes at an upcoming poll. Economic problems, including inflation running at an annual 54 percent and shortages of basic products, have been Maduro’s biggest challenge since taking office in April. “The inspections are continuing daily and have let us see into the under-world of capitalism,” Maduro said in his latest speech to the nation, warning of severe sanctions from Saturday against businesses

maintaining unjustifiably high prices. Government officials say companies have been marking up prices by as much as 1,000 percent over cost, though many retailers say they have been forced to hike prices sharply due to lack of access to foreign currency at the official rate. The government has given a plethora of different figures on the inspections, with Maduro saying 100 retailers have been arrested but his chief prosecutor putting that at around 30. Maduro also announced on Friday a new decree to limit monthly rents for commercial properties, to 250 bolivars ($40) per square meter, in a bid to reduce costs passed to consumers. The leader of Venezuela’s main business group Fedecamaras, Jorge Roig, said this week the government’s erroneous economic policies and excessive controls risk setting up the nation for a dire 2014 of shortages and stagnation.

Tegucigalpa (AFP) Honduran leftist presidential candidate Xiomara Castro vowed yesterday to deliver proof of the fraud she claims cheated her out of the presidency. The electoral authorities called Sunday’s election in favor of her conservative rival Juan Orlando Hernandez. “We all know that in this process, there were major irregularities, that fraud was committed,” said Castro. She is the wife of former president Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted in a militarybacked coup just four years ago after his politics veered to the left. Castro’s campaign earlier charged that electoral authorities unfairly gave a 19 percent advantage to Hernandez, cheating Castro out of a win that would make her the first woman president of Honduras.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has said that with 88 percent of polling stations reporting, Hernandez earned 36.56 percent of the vote to Castro’s 28.85 “The people elected us. And it is necessary to deliver proof decisively,” Castro said, promising to rally supporters to flood the country’s streets starting today in protest at the alleged fraud. Her top rival tweeted that “more than one million votes and a 7.7 percent gap made (Hernandez) the clear winner of the race.” TSE chief David Matamoros told local media that “the data show that the winner of the general elections is Juan Orlando Hernandez.” European Union and Organization of American States observers had called the elections transparent. So did the US-based Carter

Center. But renowned Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon, who witnessed the voting, said there was in fact electoral fraud using various means and methods. “There was voter ID buying, attempted votepurchasing at balloting stations and other types of fraud that are in the report that we presented in Honduras,” he told AFP. And an Austrian official with the EU observers said that while the preliminary EU report may have concluded the elections were transparent, many did not agree. “There is a large group, which is a majority in meetings (of the EU monitoring mission), that does not agree with the title and content of the preliminary (EU monitors’) report,” said election observer Leo Gabriel.

Jamaica’s PM joins call for more women political leaders BRUSSELS, Belgium — Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has joined the call by global leaders for more women to become political leaders. Simpson Miller, who was addressing Wednesday’s opening of the Women In Parliament Global Forum, held here at the European Parliament, noted that as of January 2013 the average share of women in Parliaments globally stood at only 20.4 per cent. This, she said, was a far cry from the 40 per cent advocated by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

for women’s roles and rights to be considered as decision makers in the formal economy and development. Simpson Miller argued that if women are not at the decision-making table, their long-term impact is negligible, so the first task therefore, is to get more women to the table. “... We must avoid some of the traditional mistakes of political leadership,” she said, pointing out that despite the tough economical times it was important to balance the books, while balancing people’s lives.

Jamaica, she said, has made significant strides over the years in improving the status and involvement of women in all spheres, including economic and political empowerment. She further noted that through successive policies over decades, a number of injustices and inequities faced by women have been addressed. “As Jamaica’s first female prime minister, I see myself as opening a door, smashing that proverbial glass ceiling in order to let many of my younger sisters through,” she said. Jamaica, she added, can proudly showcase women in key leadership positions such as the chief justice, the director of public prosecutions, as well as in the education and health sectors and in business. She also honoured women, such as Dame Eugenia Charles, late former Prime Minister of Dominica, who she said blazed the trail, “often at great personal cost, to create a world in which female political leadership would not continue to be an exception but a valid expectation”. Simpson Miller, using the words of poet Jean Small, ‘No More Smalling Up Of Me’, urged the women, some of whom still had no female representation in their Parliaments, to be courageous and strong in their endeavours.

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

Rain forces delay of GSCL/Digimax tourney Persistent showers which have been plaguing the Capital City over the past 72 hours, affecting several outdoor events in the process, has forced the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) to postpone the semi finals and finals of Digimax sponsored Male

Open and Master’s Over-40 tournament. The semi finals were scheduled to bowl off today at the Softball Ground on Carifesta Avenue, with Regal playing Ogle and Savage taking on Success in the Master’s Category, while in the Open division, Regal was set to oppose Farm XI

and Wolf Warriors facing Trophy Stall, with the finals being played tomorrow at the same venue. According to the GSCL, the semi finals will now be contested next Saturday and the finals on Sunday at the said venue, weather permitting, with the fixtures remaining the same.

Saturday November 30, 2013 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Instead of dragging on with something old, tired, and worn out, why not start something new? If you refuse to give up on a project that's doomed to fail, you'll be in for a long, frustrating road ahead. *************************** TAURUS (APR 20 MAY 20): Social engagements will be your saving grace. Without them, you may be confused and sad about issues that are reaching a climax. In some form or another, you're being asked to make some major transformations. *************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 JUN 20): The intensity should increase around an issue regarding love and romance. Friction is building. Unfortunately, this tension may be unavoidable. *************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Let your heart shine. Love surrounds you like a beautiful pink cloud, and you can't help but attract people to you. Take romance to a higher level with someone really special tonight. You'll find that whatever you give will come back to you tenfold. Your aura glows brightly with emotion, so let it light your way. *************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): There's a great deal of transforming energy in the air that you should harness and capitalize on. " When tomorrow comes and there's a huge meal of pizza, soda, and fries, suddenly the diet once again starts "tomorrow." Use the powerful energy of today to break out of this habit and make a real change in your life. ************************ VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): You may experience writer's block in every sense of the phrase. Even if you don't consider yourself a writer, for some reason it may be difficult to get even the simplest words down on paper.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Action should be your main priority, especially when it comes to love and romance. You may not be too concerned about what sort of action you take. *************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): A surprise in love and romance is on its way to you. Things are coming full circle, and the investment you made in this realm is finally paying off. *************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): Getting along with others may prove challenging today, Sagittarius. The planetary aspects can have you isolating yourself. You might feel impatient and easily annoyed. If this is so, stay solo if you can. *************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Know what you're getting yourself into, especially if it has to do with love and romance. You may be like a fly on a tree branch, carefully inspecting the beautiful spider web at your feet. *************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Your heart may be hurt by misfortunes that have befallen you. Thinking about times past is just pulling up buckets of tears from a well. Don't keep doing this to yourself. It's time to move forward. *************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): You're filled with joy! There's a tremendous wave of love coming your way. Everything involving romance could be taken to extremes. An extreme in the direction of love and boundless creativity means that at some time there will be a dramatic swing in the opposite direction.

Page 29

Fistic Fury as boxing returns..

From page 34 while Cassius Matthews squares off with Kishawn Simon in a 6 rounds jnr/welterweight fight. Park and Gibson have clashed twice so far and each holds a victory over the other. Admittedly, they were out of the ring for sometime but both have exuded confidence of winning the bout. The former boxer said that she has been engaged in other matters pertaining to her life and took a sabbatical from the sport. She said that she has since refocused her attention to the sport and will give Lindeners their money’s worth. Gibson also promised to give of her best and said that she was informed of this bout about three weeks ago and immediately started training; she practices at the Andrew Lewis Boxing gym,

Albouystown under the tutelage of Lennox ‘Cappell’ Daniels while her opponent trains at the Young Lion’s Boxing Gym in Linden. Richmond trains out of Berbice and he is bubbling with confidence one fight after sending Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) middleweight champion, Edmond DeClou to the hospital with a broken jaw. He also nurtures winning ambitions but Walcott has made it clear that he is a ‘different kettle of fish.’ “I am no DeClou and there is no way Richmond could beat me much less break my jaw,” Walcott adamantly stated. Matthews is an old veteran with lots of tricks up his sleeve while Simon is a young enthusiastic fighter with lots of ambition. He also trains in Berbice and has promised to resume his winning ways as

of his last fight which he won unanimously. Meanwhile, Mr. Goulding assures that his group has the boxers’ interest at heart. A former resident of Linden, Mr. Golden has also disclosed that his aim is to develop the sport in his community with a strong focus on Linden boxers. He said that his dad, a former boxer of the late seventies, had enjoyed a fruitful career back in those days while fighting among such pugilists as Terrence Ali and Walter Smith among others. The younger Goulding further said that the card is his father’s initiative since he wanted to encourage local fighters in the achievement of their goals. He also said that his group intends to stage regular cards of this nature with another planned to collaborate with the annual Town Day activities in the Mining Town. The amateur bouts are still to be finalized but the promoters have bandied such names as Ejad Alli, Joshua Corbin, Monthel Johnson and Akeem Alexander, all exciting boxers that could enhance the card. The promoters have had discussions with Regional Chairman (Upper Demerara), Sharma Solomon and they said that he has given the venture his blessings.

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Kaieteur News

Letter to the Sports Editor

Kennard responds to Colin Elcock’s letter and KN article DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the recent letter of Mr. Colin Elcock and the article written by Mr. Samuel Whyte on Horseracing. I wish to clarify certain points on the issues mentioned. The Guyana Horse Racing Authority held a meeting on Sunday 13th January last at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club. All the horse racing clubs were invited to that meeting to send three representatives. Each club did send representatives. The race club with which Mr. Elcock is associated did send two representatives. Mr. Elcock did not attend that meeting. Elections were duly held and office bearers for the year 2013 were elected, including Horse Owners and Trainers representatives. When it came to fixing of race dates, each club submitted their dates and these were agreed upon. The Guyana Horse Racing Authority did not fix race dates for any of the clubs. They selected their dates and these were later published in the press. The dates fixed for November 2013 to January 5th 2014 were as follows:24th November Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club 15th December Port Mourant Turf Club 26th December (Boxing Day Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club January 5th 2014 Rising Turf Club Norman Singh Memorial which selected two racing dates, that is to say July 21st

and October 20th, did not run off any race meeting for this year. As a matter of fact the last race meeting organised by that club was in July 2012. I have seen in the press that there is a meeting planned for the Norman Singh Memorial for December 29, which is a mere three days after the Boxing Day race meeting of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club and seven days before the meeting of the Rising Sun Turf Club. This meeting has not been approved by the Guyana Horse Racing Authority and is totally unauthorized. Mr. Elcock’s Club had planned a race meeting for the 24th of November. This was later changed to 1st December and then to 15th December. Please tell me who is confusing the horse owners. The present executive of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority has been spending a lot of time to regularize horseracing, but instead of being commended for our efforts we are being nailed to the cross. The proposed Guyana Horse Racing Authority Legislation makes provision for the inclusion of five independent persons one of whom must be a lawyer. Apart from those persons there will be representatives from various clubs, horse owners and Trainers representatives, a Jockeys representative and representative from the Ministry of Sports. Mr. Elcock is suggesting the Guyana Horse Racing

Authority should have independent persons on the Committee. I have no problem with that as the proposed legislation makes provision for that. Mr. Elcock instead of assisting the Authority in its work is trying to create confusion. I must remind Mr. Elcock that he is a signatory to a legal document which was prepared by Senior Council Mr. Marcel Crawford. That document has been registered with Deeds Registry and is in full effect. Guyana Horse Racing Authority is certainly not a legal non-entity. I am asking both Mr. Elcock and Mr. Samuel Whyte where the problem lies, certainly not with the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. There is some concern that the Rising Sun Turf Club will not run off a race meeting on January 5th 2014. I have recently spoken to Mr. Fazal Habibulla and he has assured me that his meeting will be run off on the scheduled date. However, should his race track be affected by rain he is prepared to shift his race meeting to Port Mourant Turf Club. I am hoping that the race meeting fixed for Port Mourant Race Club for December 15th will come off. If not Mr. Elcock and the other organizers will have to give a good explanation to the horse owners, the trainers and the turfites. Please Mr. Elcock let us cooperate with each other as life is short. Sincerely yours, Cecil C. Kennard President

UCCA 20/20 floodlight cricket festival on today The No. 69 Vikings ground, Upper Corentyne will come alive this today in what is expected to be the biggest cricketing event of the year in the Upper Corentyne area. The day’s activity, which is being organized by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) with assistance from the Berbice Cricket Board, will see the four zonal senior teams in Berbice - namely New Amsterdam/ Canje, West Berbice, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne go at each other for top honours in the one day 20/20 knockout cricket competition with the final set to be played under flood lights. The first game starts at 10:00hrs with Upper Corentyne taking on New

Amsterdam/Canje in what is expected to be a matchup between two evenly match teams. The second game is set to begin at 14:00hrs and will pit the firepower of West Berbice against a star studded Lower Corentyne line up. The final will start at 18:30hrs under lights with Slow Fire sounds providing the entertainment. There will also be games for the kids and those who are young at heart. Gate prize will be available, which will be drawn during the interval of the final. Meanwhile, the UCCA has expressed thanks to several persons/businesses for their contribution in making the event possible. Among them are: Sukhpaul gas Station Services and Business

Enterprise with business throughout Berbice ,4R Bearings, Vishnu’s Super Store, Sarfraz Photo Studio and recording centre, La Grill Hotel Restaurant and bar, Ram’s stationery store, A.H & L Kissoon, Hand in Hand Mutual fire Insurance Co. Ltd, New Building Society Ltd, Republic Bank, Mr. H. N. Sugrim, Deckers, No.69 Vikings cricket club, Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Regional Chairman, Region Six David Armogan, Geddes Grant, Countryside TV-19 , Venue Shopping Centre (Avon Store) and Ansa McAl Guyana Limited. All proceeds from this event will go towards cricket development in the Upper Corentyne. (Samuel Whyte)

Saturday November 30, 2013

Courtland All Stars humble Albion Community Centre to take Raffik & Sons 20-Over title Courtland All Stars are the 2013 Raffik & sons Construction Services Second Division 20-Over Cricket Champions in the Lower/Central Corentyne area. In the final played at the Chesney Ground, they outplayed the youthful Albion Community Centre, soundly enough to beat them by 8 wickets with 9-Overs to spare. Albion Community Centre won the toss and took first strike, their two most established batsmen - former Guyana-19 batsman Kandasammy Surujnarine and Berbice Under-17 allrounder Balchan Baldeo gave Albion Community Centre 14 runs in the first over off pacer Keon Sinclair. They only got 2 off the second over off offspinner Troy Matheson and then in Sinclair’s 2nd and 3rd Overs he removed both of them, Baldeo for 15 and Surujnarine for 5 to have them 25 for 2 after 4.2 Overs. However, the young batsmen try as they might, could not challenge the

bowling of Matheson, offspinner Travis Williams, pacer Michael Cummings and medium pacer John Percival. It took some perseverance from Berbice Under-17 cricketer Ritesh Umrow, who made 20 N.O., to help Albion reach 94 for 6 off their 20 Overs. Bowling for Courtland, Keon Sinclair ended with 2 for 31 from 4 Overs, Troy Matheson 1 for 4 from 4 Overs, Michael Cummings 15from 4 Overs, Travis Williams 0 for 17 from 4 Overs and John Percival 0 for 17 from 3 Overs. When Courtland All Stars replied, their opener, former Berbice pacer Eon Gibson and Troy Matheson hit offspinner Balchan Baldeo for 13 runs in the first over, setting the stage for an onslaught. Baldeo however had Matheson caught for 11 in his second over to have them at 18 for 1 in 2.2 overs. Michael Cummings joined Eon Gibson and the mayhem resumed with the two of them putting on 51 between them in 7.2

Overs before Cummings went for 21 (2 sixes and 1 four). Sinclair joined Gibson at 69 for 2 in 9.4 Overs and it took just 8 more balls to take Courtland All Stars home to 98 for 2 in 11 Overs with Eon Gibson 34 N.O and Keon Sinclair 11 N.O. Eon Gibson was adjudged Man-of-the-Match, Courtland All Stars received the winning trophy and $20,000, while Albion Community Centre uplifted $10,000. Meanwhile, Fyrish ended in the third position in the competition after they defeated Port Mourant by 50 runs in the 3rd and 4th place play-off. Fyrish sent in to take first strike made 165 for 5 in their 20 Overs with Monilall Shivdyal 40, Yudindra Chainaen 20 and Javed Mohamed 20. Port Mourant replied with 115 all out in 19.4 Overs with Rudrunauth Lauchman 23. Bowling for Fyrish Monilall Shivdyal 3 for 22 and Hassan Hussain 2 for 26.

Bahrain F1 Grand Prix to become night race in 2014

Bahrain F1 Grand Prix to join Singapore in becoming a night race. (AFP) BBC Sport - The Bahrain Grand Prix will be a night race in 2014. The Gulf state is trialling a newly-installed light system at this weekend’s final round of the World Endurance Championship. “There can be no better way for us to mark our 10th anniversary in F1,” said Bahrain’s chief executive, Sheikh Salman bin Isa AlKhalida. Bahrain will be F1’s second night race - Singapore has been held after dark since its inception in 2008. Abu Dhabi is a twilight race - starting in late afternoon and ending after nightfall. Bahrain is likely to be the third event of the season on 6 April, when the final

calendar is announced next week. Governing body the FIA will reveal the definitive calendar following a meeting of its world council at its annual general assembly, which runs from 2-6 December, culminating in its 2013 prize-giving ceremony, at which Sebastian Vettel will be officially crowned the F1 world champion. The schedule is expected to be cut to 19 races from the 22 that were listed on the first version of the calendar at the end of September. A new calendar was circulated to the teams earlier this month, from which the proposed races in New Jersey in the USA, Mexico and Korea were all missing. The schedule started in Australia on 16 March and ended in Abu Dhabi on 16

November. Bahrain’s Grand Prix has had a troubled recent history as a result of civil unrest in the country. The race was called off in 2011 following the violent suppression of protests in the capital Manama amid allegations of human rights abuses, including torture, summary execution and wrongful arrest. The race took place in 2012 despite concerns over safety, which were exacerbated when a Force India team bus was caught in a stand-off between rioters and police on the way back from the track and narrowly missed being hit by a petrol bomb. Last year’s race took place without incident in the midst of a high level of security in the Gulf state.

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal football competition

South Sophia’s Frank scores fastest goal in loss Despite scoring the fastest goal in this year’s competition to date, South Sophia’s Stayon Frank still had to withstand the agony of seeing his team go down to Guyana’s representatine team at the Caribbean Tournament Back Circle 3-2 on penalty kicks as play in this year’s sixth annual Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal football competition continued last Thursday night, at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. Also recording victories were North East La Penitence, California Square, Alexander Village, West Front Road, East Front Road, Albouystown ‘B’ and Queen Street-Tiger Bay, over Festival City, Kingston, D’Urban Street, Cross Street –Tiger Bay, Island All Star, Tucville and Albouystown ‘A’ respectively. The piercing sound of the

..Queen Street Tiger Bay shock Albouystown ‘A referee’s whistle was dying away in the still of the night, when Keavan Frank, the elder brother of Stayon Frank, found his sibling who fired a first time shot which rocked the net five seconds into the contest against 2011 champions Back Circle. Andy Duke was presented with a ‘golden opportunity’ to score the equalizer for Back Circle, after a player from South Sophia controlled the ball in the red zone, but the ensuing penalty kick was missed by Duke in the 12th minute. Two minutes later, Wayne Wilson made amends on behalf of Duke when he scored from the penalty spot to neutralize the game just before the half, following an intense battle which followed Stayon Frank’s goal and

Duke’s missed penalty kick. As both teams went in search of the go ahead goal in the second half, it was Back Circle who lost to defending champions Leopold Street in last year’s final, who seized the initiative when Duke found an unmarked Leon Murray lurking in front of South Sophia’s goal area, for which his teammate made no mistake in the 25th minute. However, Back Circle’s celebration was short-lived, when Keavan Frank eased the ball through the legs of Seon McKenzie in defence for Back Circle two minutes later, sending the game to penalty kicks, wherein Back Circle came out on top 3-2. In the night’s opening encounter, a composed looking North East LaPenitence lineup inflicted a

DMW International Hockey Indoor Festival

Barbados YMCA almost stuns Hikers - GCC Vets make it two in a row Hockey fans got their first glimpse of international competition on the second night of action in the Diamond Mineral Water (DMW) International Indoor Festival which continued on Thursday evening, at the National Gymnasium. In action were the YMCA men from Barbados, Fatima of Trinidad and the Trinidad Police Force, who all made their debuts for 2013. The YMCA, despite having to settle for a draw against defending champions Hikers after blowing a 5-1 half time lead still managed to produce the performance of the night in their pulsating 66 tie. Barbados superstar Rohan ‘Teno’ Thomas was off the mark in the second minute of the match using his blistering pace to overlap up the right side and slam his shot home for YMCA. Thomas then added a second two minutes later and although Hikers striker Robert France pulled his team back within one in the seventh minute, Thomas completed his hat-trick five minutes later to give YMCA a 3-1 lead. The Hikers produced moments of brilliance, but outstanding goalkeeping from Azad DeAbreu for the YMCA kept them scoreless for the rest of the half. YMCA put the game seemingly beyond the Hikers by half time as Sean Harewood and Ryan Cowie drilled in one apiece

before the break. However, the Hikers in typical manner held their nerve in the second half and did not disappoint their large gathering of fans. Young Aroydy Branford led the charge with a double strike, but this was after failing to convert two penalty strokes in the opening period, while Devin Munroe, Jamarj Assanah and Captain France, with his second of the match, each marked their names on the score sheet. Tony Cole managed to score the lone goal for YMCA in the second half, leaving the final score at 6-6. In the other men’s match of the evening, GCC put on a clinical display of hockey by demolishing Old Fort 7-1. Led by an inspiring burst of play by striker Leonard George, which included a delicate reverse stick deflection, the Bourda Boys took control from the outset. Midfield playmaker Kevin Spencer was first to score for GCC in the fifth minute, but Old Fort managed to keep the game scoreless for the ensuing ten minutes until substitute George upon entering the game immediately made his presence felt with two goals in quick succession to give GCC the 3-0 lead. Mark Sargeant managed to take the half time score to 4-0 with an accurate finish in the final minute of the first half.

Although Old Fort’s inspirational leader, Aderemi ‘Dove’ Simon was able to score a single for Old Fort in the second half, three more goals from Stuart Gonsalves, Spencer and Sargeant closed out the match for GCC at 7-1. The GCC vets looked unstoppable as they chalked up their second easy victory of the competition with a 6-2 defeat of Trinidad’s Fatima. The tireless Alan Fernandes proved too much for the Fatima defence as the midfielder tallied a helmet trick for the match and that was accompanied by singles from Philip Fernandes and Damon Woodroffe. Nicholas Wren put in a spirited performance for Fatima, but his two goals fell shy of the requirement, leaving GCC the runaway victors at 6-2. The Trinidad Police suffered some flight complications and paid a heavy price for having to field a diminished side against the Hikers in the other Carib vets’ division clash. The Hikers ended with a resounding 13-0 victory, with a five goal haul from striker George Melville, a hat-trick from Amanda Garnett, a double from Devin Munroe and singles from Robert Fernandes, James Mentore and Brian Asregado. The competition was set to continue last evening until Sunday, at the same venue when the three finals will be played beginning at 17:00 hrs. Admission is free to all games.

2-1 defeat on Festival City in a fast paced and exciting encounter that drew the attention of the spectators who braved the overcast conditions overhead, to witness the night’s action. Festival City’s Daniel Favorite had some good shots to goal blocked by the opposition lineup, who tried feverishly to get the ball to their key player in Bevon Moseley on several occasions, and when they did in the 16th minute, he sent them in the lead with a scorcher. Favorite equalized one minute later for Festival City, but a never-say-die North East LaPenitence lineup, continued to take the fight to the much fancied Festival City unit and were rewarded in the 22nd minute, when Colin Moore recorded the winning goal to hand them a 2-1 victory. Back in the days, Kingston were known to be a force to reckon with in this type of football, but the way they were outplayed and out maneuvered by California Square who romped away with a 4-0 win last Thursday night, left much to be desired. Mark Anthony and Mark Canterbury scored in the 8th and 19th minute for the victors, who sealed the win with a double strike from Allan Spencer, whose goals were scored in the 25th and 27th minutes r e s p e c t i v e l y, w i t h t h e second being scored from just inside his own half. After Spencer’s double was completed, California Square missed four easy chances to come away with a convincing win, with two of

those opportunities resulted in the ball hitting the uprights of an open goal. Alexander Village and Durban Street treated the spectators which had build up in anticipation of the bigger guns’ contest to follow, to some exciting football with Shem Porter of Alexander Village missing a penalty kick that was awarded in the first minute of play. Both sides missed several chances to go ahead, before Christopher Galloway set tongues wagging with a first time left footed volley that rocked the goal in the ninth minute, after his first shot was blocked and rebounded into his path. A one touch play between three of Alexander Village’s key players in Leon Yaw, who headed the ball to Quincy Bourne, whose first touch was deft and straight to Dwayne Layne, saw the last player completing a beautiful take and turn drill, to rock the box goal in the 14th minute. Porter made amends for his miss when he sent Yaw a beautiful pass, which the player who is known as “Zamboolie’ made no mistake in scoring in the 19th minute, after which Porter sealed the game from midway inside Durban Street’s half in the 27th minute for Alexander Village who won 3-1. A s t a r s t u d d e d We s t Front Road lineup, who had the slogan ‘Gold is Money’ emblazoned on the back of their tops, completed a hard fought but clinical 32 victory over Cross Street –Tiger Bay, with Michael Oie (13th), Michael Pedro (14th) and Randolph Wagner (28th) scoring for the victors, even as Sherwin Dover and

Shalomo Hunte scored in the 25th and 27th minutes respectively for the losers. East Front Road must thank their lucky stars, after seeing Island All Star ’s Alpha McPhoy being denied four times in a 45 seconds period, by either the woodwork or the legs of a defence player, which enabled the game to be drawn 0-0, for which they (East Front Road) came out on top 3-1 via penalty kicks. Roy Casou scored a brace one minute apart, (27th and 28th minutes) for Albouystown ‘B’, who with goals from Melvon Ross (4th) and Marvin Nedd (17th) defeated Tucville 4-0, before Albouystown’s ‘A’ team were handed a shocking 20 defeat at the hands of Queen Street- Tiger Bay, whose goals were scored by Deon Alfred (23rd) and Leon Fredericks (30th). Thirty-two teams from across the City are playing for the top prize of $500,000, with the second, third and fourth placed teams taking home $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively along with trophies. Along with the above mentioned prizes, teams can pocket an additional $25,000, $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 each, according to their placing at the end of the preliminary round. The top two finishers of this tournament which continues next Tuesday at the same venue will go onto represent Georgetown in the national playoffs, with the winner representing Guyana in the regional Guinness Street Football Competition to be held in Trinidad and Tobago next year.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 30, 2013

‘Make a Wish’ Programme for All set for RCBG night of Youths unveiled by RHTY&SC boxing in Berbice tonight

What is being described as another major programme, “Make A Wish”, was unveiled on Wednesday last by the various cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC). This initiative according to the club would allow less fortunate youths and children to fulfill their dreams and wishes. The “Make A Wish” Programme has been undertaken by the Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets First Division teams. The first student benefitting under the programme was a New Amsterdam Secondary School (NASS) student whose wish of graduating with his classmates at the school’s Annual Graduation Ceremony was fulfilled. The Administration of the school had requested the RHTY&SC’s assistance to enable the less fortunate student to graduate. West Indies female cricketer and club member Shemaine Campbelle willingly donated an undisclosed sum that was presented to the young student.

Hilbert Foster (left) hands over the contribution to Shalom Vanderstoop CEO and Club Secretary Hilbert Foster who handed over the assistance stated that under the Club’s “Make a Wish” project a total of twelve (12) youths (one per month) would be able to fulfill a wish with the assistance from the cricketers of Guyana’s leading youth and sports club. Foster stated that due to poverty, too many youths are unable to fulfill their dreams in sports, culture or education and the RHTY&SC was

Jeff Roberts with his three champion boxers Joel Williamson, Travis Fraser and Michael April.

committed to making positive differences. Each month, one less fortunate youth would be selected by the cricket teams to make their wish and dream come true. NASS Sports Master, Mr. Shalom Vanderstoop who received the contribution on behalf of the student expressed gratitude to the Club and its cricketers, especially Ms. Shemaine Campbelle for the love extended to the youth through their assistance.

Kidd fined for spilling drink NEW YORK — Jason Kidd dropped more than a soda in an attempt to delay a game. He ended up dropping $50,000 for the stunt. The NBA fined the Brooklyn Nets coach on Thursday, saying he intentionally spilled his drink on the court as an unusual stall tactic. Kidd bumped into Brooklyn reserve Tyshawn Taylor with 8.3 seconds left in the Nets’ 99-94 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday, causing his drink to spill. A video of the fumble showed Kidd appearing to tell Taylor to “hit me” as the guard walked toward the bench, and the resulting delay while the floor was being cleaned allowed the Nets, who were out of timeouts, to diagram a play. Kidd denied any intent after the game, joking that he had “sweaty palms” and was “never good with the ball.” LONDON — The NBA is returning to British television. BT Sport secured exclusive U.K. broadcast rights to NBA games in a multi-year deal announced Thursday. Terms were not disclosed.

Roberts with some of his charges during a training session.

Nets head coach Jason Kidd gives instructions against the Los Angeles Lakers at Barclays Center on November 27, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Coverage starts Sunday with the game between the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers. The agreement covers up to 200 games throughout the

season, including seven live games per week. NBA games were broadcast last season in Britain by Sky Sports and ESPN.

Preparations have been completed and all roads lead to the Matthew Allen Road (Stelling Road) in New Amsterdam Berbice, tonight for the anticipated night of fistic fury expected to unfold as boxing return to Berbice, when former national amateur and professional boxing champion Jeff Roberts and his newly formed Roberts Champion Boxing Gym (RCBG) stages their first ever fight night beginning at 18:00 hrs. There are 12 bouts slated to be contested on the night’s card which is expected to exhort plenty of fireworks as a number of top amateur boxers are expected to be in action. Apart from boxers of the RCBG and the Rose Hall Jammers boxing gym of Corentyne, who will be taking the pride of Berbice with them, the night’s action is also expected to feature fighters from the county of Essequibo where trainer Clifton Moore has expressed confidence that is charges will make full use of their trip to Berbice and

come out champions. The Forgotten Youth Foundation of Albouystown under the guidance of coach Joseph Murray will be looking to put on an unforgettable performance, while the Harpy Eagle (HE) Gym also of Albouystown, under the tutelage of James Walcott, will represent in the ‘Berbice verses the rest’ named event. Among the boxers on show are Flyweight Michael April, Junior Middleweight Travis Fraser and Bantamweight Joel Williamson all fighting under the banner of the RCBG. Among other top notch boxers expected are Jamal Eastman, Tyrone Lashley, Keon Williams and Albert Thomas. The former champion is exuding confidence that his charges will put on a good exhibition of boxing and the night’s card will be a success. The RCBG has over 20 young boxers who are all aiming to make it big and are eager to showcase their skills. The training base is the People National Congress

(PNC) building at Strand and St Magdalene Street in New Amsterdam. Regional Chairman David Armogan, Mayor Claude Henry and former Mayor and boxing buff Errol Alphonso are expected to be at ring side. According to coordinator Roberts, he is hoping to make it the activity an annual affair, while seeking to promote other cards as often as possible at different locations so as to keep the boxers active and interested. He said that he will gauge his next activity at the conclusion of this card. Roberts said, “If we don’t keep activity for these boxers then, we run the risk of them losing some of what they are being thought.” He would like to express thanks to Hand in Hand Insurance, Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger for allowing them the use of the building, Courts Guyana Limited, Berbice Bridge Company and Giftland Office Max among others. (Samuel Whyte)

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

Crawford retained as GCU&SA President

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David Warner crossed the line - Steve Waugh

David Warner (Getty Images)

Members of the GCU&SA executive standing from right are Zaheer Mohamed, Javed Persaud, Nolan Hawke, Heuvel Cunha, Ryan Banwari and Montgomery Chester. Sitting from left are Eddie Nicholls, Arleigh Rutherford, Shannon Crawford and Nigel Duguid. Shannon Crawford was unanimously retained as President of the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCU&SA) when the body held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday evening at the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union in Quamina Street. International television

umpire Nigel Duguid returned unopposed as the Vice President while Arleigh Rutherford who was also unchallenged will serve as Secretary for another term. Former international umpire Eddie Nicholls and Montgomery Chester were retained as Treasurer and Assistant Secretary Treasurer respectively.

Zaheer Mohamed was elected as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) while the committee members are Heuvel Cunha, Ry a n B a n w a r i , J a v e d Persaud and Nolan Hawke. Speaking after the elections, Crawford thanked the members for re-electing him and urged the young umpires to continue training

for their remaining exams. PRO Mohamed urged his fellow executive members to work collectively towards the development of the game and to maintain a high level of umpiring. Ronald Williams performed the duties of the returning officer and was ably assisted by Malcolm Peters.

Heaven hits Henry for six in JCA presidential race Jamaica Observer WILLIAM ‘Billy’ Heaven will be the man to guide Jamaica’s cricket for the next two years. Some were predicting a close battle but Heaven ran away with victory in style. Heaven, the CHASE Fund chief executive officer, resoundingly beat Milton Henry 71-25 in the presidential battle near the end of the association’s annual general meeting at the Jamaica Conference Centre Thursday. The president-elect told reporters after the announcement that the delegates were clear. “I think the result reflects the sense we were getting on the ground. We presented the way forward and our strategic planning, and the delegates bought into that,” Heaven said. He added that the new Jamaica Cricket Association

President-elect of the Jamaica Cricket Association Billy Heaven (right) and former cricket great Ambassador Courtney Walsh leave the Jamaica Conference Centre Thursday after the former defeated Milton Henry for local cricket’s top post. (PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON) administration has “housekeeping matters to deal with” before moving cricket forward. Crucial on the agenda, he says, is the task of bringing floodlights to Sabina Park to facilitate night cricket. Henry, the first vicepresident to former boss

Lyndel Wright since May 2011, speaking in a soft tone, was humble and gracious in defeat. “Let me congratulate Team Heaven. The delegates decided that way. You could not run (in an election and lose) and not be disappointed but we have to accept the

results,” he told the Jamaica Observer. Heaven’s entire slate was also successful. Dr Donovan Bennett, who was second vicepresident under Wright’s administration, beat Major Radcliffe Daley 69-28 for the job of first vicepresident. Heaven’s slate maintained its landslide operation when former fast bowling great Courtney Walsh defeated South West St Ann member of parliament Keith Walford 80-17 for second vicepresident. Fritz Harris beat Junior Stewart 75-21 for secretary; Clinton Clarke won 69-24 against Major Marlon Kennedy for assistant secretary; Wayne Sutherland defeated Nigel Logan 64-29 for treasurer; and Hopeton Morrison beat Mark Hill 6726 for assistant treasurer.

BBC Sport - David Warner “crossed the line” with his comments about England batsman Jonathan Trott during the first Ashes Test, according to former Australia captain Steve Waugh. Australia opener Warner, 2 7 , d e s c r i b e d Tr o t t ’s performance in the first Ashes Test as “pretty poor and pretty weak”, and the England batsman has since flown home with a stressrelated condition. “I don’t believe you should comment on someone else personally on the opposition,” said Waugh, who added that such comments are “out of order”. During his 19-year Test career, Waugh championed “mental disintegration” - the tactic of using verbal abuse on their field to unsettle an opponent. However he was c r i t i c a l o f Wa r n e r ’ s comments, which were made

in a close-of-play news conference after a struggling Trott had been dismissed for nine by Mitchell Johnson. “He can make a generic comment, but I think when you get personal like that, you cross the line on how players treat each other, and the respect they should have,” said Waugh, who played 168 Tests between 1985 and 2004. “So I didn’t agree with Dave’s comments. Having said that, he probably did smell a bit of fear in the England opposition players. “Unfortunately for Jonathan Trott, it was a personal issue, and you don’t want to keep going on about that. You just want him to get better and get well. England have scared eyes - Warner “So I think that hopefully has been put behind in that last Test match, and won’t be brought up again.”

English football matchfixing accused in court BBC Sport - Two men have appeared in court charged over alleged matchfixing in English football. Singapore national Chann Sankaran, 33, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, 43, who has dual UK and Singapore nationality, are charged with conspiracy to defraud. The pair appeared before magistrates in Cannock, Staffordshire, accused of being part of an illegal betting syndicate based in Singapore. They were remanded to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 13 December.

Mr Ganeshan, from Singapore, and Mr Sankaran, 33, from Hastings, East Sussex, are accused of conspiring together and with others to “defraud bookmakers by influencing the course of football matches and placing bets thereon” between 1 November and 26 November this year. The maximum sentence for this offence is 10 years in prison, the National Crime Agency said. Four other people arrested earlier this week were bailed on Thursday pending further enquiries.

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Kaieteur News

Slingerz FC will beat Alpha United in the Banks Beer Cup – Walter Moore To be the best, you have to beat the best; it’s one of the most common saying in sports and according to famed National Player Walter Moore, Slingerz Football Club can easily beat the best Football team in Guyana – Alpha United. For the past five years, Alpha ‘the Hammer’ United is ‘the’ team to beat. Having some of the best players Guyana has to offer, the team owned by Presidential Adviser on Yo u t h E m p o w e r m e n t Odinga Lumumba, is Guyana’s most successful club, being the only team from these shores to ever play at the CONCACAF Champions League; the pinnacle of club championship in the North American, Central America and Caribbean peninsula. Added to that, the club have won basically every trophy for every tournament ever played in Guyana and this year they are hoping to claim their second Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Banks Beer Cup title, but so too are the new kids on the block – Slingerz FC. A Businessman from the West Demerara area who also happens to be a lover of sports, was influenced by many to put together a team of elite players with one simple task which is to be the best team in Guyana. Unfortunately for Slingerz FC, that cap belongs to Alpha United and on two occasions that

Pastor Maldonado: Lotus snap up ex-Williams driver for 2014 season

Walter Moore (right) in action against Mexico.

Pastor Maldonado

ironically turned out to be two finals (Mayors Cup and Goal for Gold tournament), they (Slingerz) felt the weight of the ‘Hammer’. “That was then, this is now” Moore explained, adding “things are different now because I’m here and the team got stronger as well.” This is Moore’s first stint with Slingerz, having only this month returned home from playing the Kazakhstan Premier League. “We have to be honest and give Alpha United the respect because they helped put footballers out there and put this country on the map because they reached far in the sport. They have a very good coach in (Wayne) Dover and I enjoyed playing with them,” Moore Said. The former Caledonia AIA standout however stated that Slingerz FC seems a bit more professional,

something he said is not prevalent in newly formed clubs. “I’m actually feeling right at home with them. I just returned from professional club in Kazakhstan and believe me, Slingerz’s operation is not far off based on how they do business. The owner of the team as well, he tries his best to make sure that the players are happy and has everything they need and sometimes I wish if all the clubs in Guyana were like Slingerz and Alpha,” said Moore. He further added that, “What I know for sure is that we are going to win this championships and honestly, Alpha United is the only team that would stand in our way. What I also know is that the players are all focused and we’ll take it one game at a time.” Moore said he feels right at home playing with

Slingerz since some of his teams mates from Caledonia AIA and the Golden Jaguars are part of the team that is now coached by former National Captain Charles Pollard. “It’s nice knowing that some of the people I played with over the years are on the team. It makes fitting in very easy. Pollard, who was my captain on the National team, is my coach now so he knows every players weakness and strengths which is a plus for us,” Moore pointed out. According to the Fixtures for the tournament, Slingerz will play their first game of the tournament on December 7 in Berbice against Cougars, while Alpha United are down to face off against Grove HiTeach on a date to be announced by the organisers. The winners of this year’s Banks Beer Cup will pocket $4M.

Fistic Fury as boxing returns to the Mining Town on Boxing Night By Michael Benjamin Together, Shawndell Park and Shelly ‘The Boom’ Gibson weighs over 450lbs and on Boxing Night, December 26 next, every ounce of them will go after each other in a super heavyweight non title clash in what has been dubbed ‘The battle of the Big Mamas’ when Nation’s Promotions stage 26 rounds of fistic fury at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Boxing Day, December 26 next. At least four amateur bouts will also comprise a part of the card and those boxers will be named soon. Carl Goulding (jnr) is the man behind the card and

Saturday November 30, 2013

Over 200 pounds of dynamite will explode in Linden on boxing night yesterday afternoon he hosted a press conference at the Avenue of the Republic office of Abdool and Abdools Insurance Brokers to inform the media of plans and preparations for the

fistic encounter. In all, there will be 4 bouts; the main attraction will be between James Wa l c o t t a n d D e r i c k Richmond in a 12 rounds clash for the local

Carl Goulding (jnr) super/middleweight title. Kelsey George will attempt to chalk up his first win since stripping his shirt when he opposes Romeo Norville in a 4 rounds middleweight clash (Continued on page 29)

BBC Sport - Pastor Maldonado will join Romain Grosjean at Lotus in 2014. Maldonado replaces Kimi Raikkonen, who will drive for Ferrari next season, and has won his seat largely because the team need an injection of funds. A planned investment deal with the US-Middle Eastern consortium Quantum has so far failed to materialise. That meant Lotus could not sign their preferred d r i v e r, G e r m a n N i c o Hulkenberg, who has only limited personal backing. Maldonado comes with significant funds from the Ve n e z u e l a n s t a t e o i l company PDVSA, which has paid £30m a year for him to drive at Williams since 2011. “It is a fantastic opportunity for me,” said Maldonado. “It’s no secret that I have wanted a change of scene and the Lotus F1 team offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season. “The regulations and cars will change significantly so it is a very good time for a fresh start.” Lotus team principal Eric Boullier said: “It is clear that Pastor has pace and potential, demonstrated by his 2010 GP2 Series title success and strong races throughout his career at Williams. “We are convinced we will be able to provide the correct environment to enable him to flourish regularly.” Lotus, who finished fourth in the constructors’ championship, have made no

secret of the fact they have had cashflow problems this season - Raikkonen quit the team two races before the end of the season because he had not been paid all year. The team owe him 17.15m euros (£14.5m) because of a salary of eight million euros and a bonus scheme worth 50,000 euros a point. Hulkenberg will now drive for Force India, where sources say his deal has been done. He is expected to be joined by Mexican former McLaren driver Sergio Perez, who is on the verge of concluding his own deal with Force India. Hulkenberg’s Sauber seat will be taken by German Adrian Sutil, whose contract is also said by sources to be secured but has not yet been announced. The identity of the Swiss team’s second driver is not yet known, but they are likely to stick with Mexican Esteban Gutierrez for a second season. This year’s other Force India driver, Scot Paul Di Resta, will lose his place in F1 and is hoping to land a seat in US-based IndyCar racing. Lotus is a major step up for 28-year-old Maldonado, who won one race for Williams in Spain in 2012 but whose driving has often been erratic. He has made it clear that he felt Williams had held him back this season, while the team were also happy to part company. Williams have signed ex-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa to join promising Finn Valtteri Bottas.

Saturday November 30, 2013

Kaieteur News

Lojo Brazilian Electronics supports Chico K&S tourney

Page 35

La Belle Sports Club Dominoes set for December 9 The La Belle Sports Club open Dominoes competition is set to start on December 9 at Dynasty Sports Bar. Among the teams set to battle for the top prize of $150,000 and a trophy are Rage, Mix Up, West Side, TNT and C7. The runner up will receive a trophy and $75,000 and third place $35,000. The man of the match in the final and the player that share the first love will take home $5,000 each. Speaking at the launching of the tournament yesterday at La Belle Sports Bar and Hotel Norton Street, Lodge Senior organising secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) Mark Wiltshire said the tournament is expected to be keenly contested adding that a number of teams are eager to prove their worth. Upon handing over the second place prize to Wiltshire, representative of the sponsor Seizana Elliot

La Belle Dominoes-Seizana Elliot (left) of La Belle Sports Club presents the second place prize to Mark Wiltshire. said they are happy to be associated with dominoes a n d w i s h e d t h e participating teams well.

The finals will be played at La Belle Sports Bar and Hotel on December 14 and 15.

Braithwaite leads GNRA handgun shooting c/ships

Proprietor of Lojo Brazilian Electronics Ann Pinmcino (left) presents the uniforms and balls to Kashif & Shanghai Director Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major. Lojo Brazilian Electronics, which is situated in Mark Interior Communications Building Light Street, Bourda has thrown their support behind the inaugural Chico Kashif and Shanghai schools football tournament which is set to commence next month with twenty four teams battling for superiority. Ann Pinmcino of Lojo Brazilian Electronics yesterday handed over a quantity of uniforms and balls to the organisers. She said they are pleased to be associated with the tournament, while K and S Director Aubrey Shanghai Major thanked the entity for their support. The teams which are being drawn from across Guyana will battle in the

“knockout” tournament that starts on December 8 and concludes on January 1 at the Guyana National Stadium. The schools were selected based on their performance in the annual Digicel Schools Football tournament and the prizes will mirror that of the previous senior Kashif and Shanghai competitions. The winning school will receive $1.2M, 75% of which must go towards a sports oriented project identified by the school. The runner up will collect $750,000, third place $500,000 and fourth place $250,000; 25% of it must go to a project of the school’s choice. The Most Valuable player (MVP) will took home a Laptop and will also

get the opportunity to have a one month stint with a team in the Trinidad and Tobago Professional League. The participating teams are: Linden-Christianburg Wismar Secondary, Wisburg Secondary, New Silver City and McKenzie High School. West Demerara–Leonora, Stewartville, Uitvlugt and P a t e n i a S e c o n d a r y. Georgetown – St George’s, Lodge, East Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Queens College, Dolphin, Christ Church and Queenstown Secondary. East Coast – Bladen Hall, President College, Ann’s Grove and A n n a d a l e S e c o n d a r y. Berbice – Ash Education Trust. East Bank – Covent Garden and Friendship Secondary. Region#7 – Waramadong Secondary.

Vidushi Persaud

Hemant Narine

Lennox Braithwaite

Reigning Caribbean Fullbore Shooting champion Lennox Braithwaite took his winning ways to the shorter ranges, emerging as the leader in the G uyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) Handgun section End of Year competition after the first round of competition at the Tactical Services Unit Ranges (TSUR) at Eve Leary. The Fullbore marksman, who finished fourth in the just concluded National

Senior Rifle Shooting Championships, racked up 293 points in the .22 Precision Pistol event last weekend at the TSUR and will start the second stage with a six-point advantage over experienced hand gunner Hemant Narine, who recorded 287 points in a fiercely fought first round of competition. Female shooter Vidushi Persaud is holding down the third position on 277 points. The shooters will now focus their attention on the

Practical Pistol Shoot set for the Timehri Ranges tomorrow firing off at 09:00hrs. The third and final leg of the competition is set for December 7 and will be the Action Pistol contest back at the TSUR, Eve Leary. The presentation of prizes for the Handgun and Fullbore Championships will be held during the GNRA Annual Presentation Ceremony to be held during December at a date and venue to be confirmed.

t r o Sp Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal football competition

South Sophia’s Frank scores fastest goal in loss ..Queen Street Tiger Bay shock Albouystown ‘A P.31

Action in the clash between West Front Raod and Tiger Bay’s Cross Street which the former scraped home 3-2.

All set for RCBG Barbados YMCA almost stuns Hikers night of boxing in -GCC Vets make it two in a row Berbice tonight Slingerz FC will beat Alpha United in the Banks Beer Cup – Walter Moore DMW International Hockey Indoor Festival

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Alan Fernandes

Hikers Captain Robert France (with ball) seen attacking the YMCA defence in their clash which ended in a dramatic draw on Thursday evening at the National Gymnasium

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