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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 The Police Force must expose those accountable for its failings The Guyana Police Force (GPF) needs to take stock of its inability to solve many serious crimes, and then move quickly, forcefully and publicly to root out the underlying causes. In recent years, the Force has exhibited abundant weaknesses, but none so glaring as the failure to capture several of the most brazen and dangerous criminals in our midst. Very often, the perpetrators of serious crimes cannot even be identified, which makes it impossible to apprehend them and bring them to justice. This has significantly destabilised the security of our society and is severely undermining the public’s confidence in the police. Of all serious crimes (which have seen a 6% rise as at the end of August), murder is one of the most reprehensible in the public’s consciousness. The people of Guyana are anxious about the soaring murder rate and they expect the police to curtail this. But what they find even more alarming is the astounding number of unsolved murders. Police records for the first eight months of this year show that eighty-five (85) murders were recorded (a 4% increase when compared to last year), and of course, last month saw many more lives being snuffed out. We reiterate that it is the unsolved murders that slowly erode the confidence of the citizens in law enforcement. The obvious failure rate is totally unacceptable, especially because it is common knowledge that the passage of time increases the difficulty of solving crimes. It is quite startling to know that so many unknown killers are walking around free, putting us all at risk. This situation points to severe weaknesses in every aspect of police operations, which must be addressed immediately and effectively. The Police Force is the primary line of protection and security for Guyanese citizens. We cannot expect the Force to perform well if it continues to be understaffed, is poorly equipped, and the ranks are inadequately trained. The police deserve the full support and cooperation of the government and of all citizens in the execution of their responsibilities. This clearly requires a no-holds-barred approach to upgrading the institution. The relative slothfulness of the campaign to upgrade and modernise the GPF, has negatively affected the current relationship between a number of vulnerable communities and the police. Common problems in the relationship include; a lack of trust, racial and cultural differences, and high levels of anger, fear and hostility against the police. This hostile relationship discourages open communication between police and communities, which impedes investigations, and invariably leads to a high number of unsolved crimes. Undoubtedly, the latter breeds further frustration and bitterness on the part of both the police and communities. In this negative relationship, public order is unnecessarily threatened, along with the safety of officers and citizens. The police cannot improve their methods or record, unless the government and citizens give them the scope to upgrade their operations. This means increasing the number of police recruits, upgrading and expanding police training and retraining programmes. This also means providing upgraded training, locally and internationally, for junior and senior police officers in vital areas like criminal investigation, forensic, ballistic and crime scene investigation techniques. It has been nine months since Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee unveiled the new security reform plan. There has been a lot of fanfare and boasting about the successful progress of the Security Sector Strategic Plan 2013-2017. But unfortunately, it all makes an about turn, as the systems do not seem designed to cater for the existing conditions. A simple look, for instance, at the exterior of the Brickdam Station’s Barrack Room, tells a story of total disrespect for our men and women in those uniforms. And then there is the stifling of qualified ranks. What about the meagre salaries? As the Guyana Police Force limps along, arguably without the means to work properly, perhaps the Home Affairs Minister, Police Commissioner and senior ranks, should frankly explain why it is taking so long for the upgrade and modernisation of the Force to take any significant effect. We humbly suggest that the best way to root out the underlying causes may be to faithfully and diligently, without fear of or favour to any person, expose those who are accountable for the failings.
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Doing a big man’s work DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the Attorney General’s letter, “The President has untrammeled freedom to assent to and withhold assent from Bills” (SN, 30th September, 2013). At a glance one may conclude the content of named letter represents unbridled ignorance as to how society operates. However, on recognition that this letter emanates from the Leader of the Bar, who at the same time is flouting the law by refusing to possess the certificate as one of the prerequisites for him to continue to ply his profession, presents a worrisome picture. In that the Attorney General (AG) has the audacity to lecture the society about the constitution and laws, when clearly he doesn’t understand them or has no respect for them, must not pass without rebuttal. First, the AG must be
called upon to satisfy the fundamental requirement to practice in this society before he continues to operate in this office. In modern society where the rule of law, rules, rights and ethics are paramount in governance he would have been called on to resign forthwith. Second, what is dishonest about the AG’s letter as he attempts to ascribe to the president “an undoubted and untrammeled freedom to assent to, and to withhold his assent from, Bills presented to him” he ignores a critical element of an article he highlights, namely, Article 170(3) which expressly states: “Where the President withholds his assent to a Bill, he returns it to the Speaker within twenty-one days of the date when it was presented to him for assent with a message stating the reasons why he has withheld his assent.” Implicit in the identified article, while linked to others
he refers to, makes clear to this society the president is not above the constitution or above the people. He has an accounting responsibility and in this instance a specific time line to give reason should he withhold assent. Therefore given the stated, for the AG to claim “untrammeled freedom …,” demonstrates sitting in public office are persons who are incapable of manning the people’s business for they know not what they ought to do even when spelt out. Further, to tell the nation the shenanigans being applied for not having the outstanding Bills on the president’s desk constitute “convention” without acceding to public outcries again presents a picture this official has no interest in justice (one of the office’s primary responsibility) but hiding behind a claimed ‘convention’ to stymie the will of the people in pursuit of political dominance.
As servant of the people, the AG must not be allowed to hide behind something he claims to have happened in the past when he is enlightened that such past action is inappropriate. He has a responsibility to act in accordance with what is appropriate. By the same token he is also communicating to groups if ‘convention’ treated them as second class citizens or subhuman, in as much as such practices are today deemed unjust and inappropriate, he will continue with same. This society must not remain silent or be shackled by any claim to any ‘convention’ that undermines their will or deny us what’s rightly ours. And while the AG flaunts what he considers his role, from his actions he would cause recollection of our village elders’ saying that “dis is a li’l boy put to do big man wuk.” For evidently this Continued on page 23
Crime is worse under the PPP DEAR EDITOR, I note with utter disgust an article in the independent media that was attributable to the Minister of Legal Affairs and captioned “PPP blames opposition for crime”. What is clear is that the PPP operators are extremely dishonest people when it comes to their accountability and performance in the “fight against crime”. The historical records will reveal that since the death of Monica Reece in 1993, Guyana has never been the same again; we are a nation at war with ourselves. During this entire war, the hopelessly incompetent leadership from the PPP in the security sector has failed to offer any serious solutions. Since the murder of Monica Reece, over nine (9) incidents of serious crime are reported per day and it all happened under an avalanche of failed PPP Ministers starting with Feroze Mohamed, Gail Teixeira, Ronald Gajraj and now the worst of this failed bunch – Clement Rohee. Judge them on their record! How dare Clement Rohee and his PPP reactionaries lecture the nation on the PPP’s failure to “confronting crime” by trying to pin the tail on people who do not have the executive authority over the crime fighting machinery of the state? Do these PPP failures have any modicum of dignity to propagate such an “ugly untruth”? The crime situation is so bad under the PPP that even the family members of many
PPP big-wigs are paying US$1 million to become economic migrants to Canada and other countries. By their actions, are the family members of the PPP big-wigs telling the rest of the nation something? Then there is that elementary Budget mistake that occurred in April 2013 where one of the opposition parties committed “political befuddlement” by claiming that the explanation given by the Minister was “sufficient” to provide them reason enough to vote G$1.1 billion to fund the Ministerial Secretariat of Clement Rohee. This “political befuddlement” must be contextualized against a background that only nine months before that Budget vote in favour of Rohee, those same MPs of that political party raised their hands and voted for a “Motion of No-
confidence against the said Rohee”. This issue has bothered me for months and I continued to comforted myself that it was a political oversight even though one politicians tried to bamboozle me with the excuse that “we cannot cut policemen salary” which is a deliberate attempt to confuse the facts. The truth remains the funds for the Ministerial Secretariat has nothing to do with the Guyana Police Force. I trust we all will practice “politics of principle” in the 2014 Budget by stick to the principle that the majority in the opposition has lost CONFIDENCE in Mr. Rohee as the Minister of Home Affairs and thus his Secretariat cannot be funded. For clarity sake, the Office of the Minister of Home Affairs (Ministerial Secretariat) is distinct and
separate from the Budget Line item for the police and other Departments in the Ministry of Home Affairs. There remain over 500 unsolved murders in Guyana since the death of Monica Reece in 1993. With such a track record, the PPP leaders have no moral authority to lecture anyone. All of it happened under their watch but they were too busy plundering the Treasury to have any time to concern themselves with the most significant developmental retardant in the nation. It is only a “political retard” who will not get it that Rohee is an absolute failure in the fight against crime and thus he should not be the beneficiary of any taxpayers’ funds once he continue to sit in that Chair in the Ministerial Secretariat at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Sasenarine Singh
Another storm in a teacup DEAR EDITOR, Your newspaper has been and continues to be a major source of inspiration and encouragement for the Guyanese people. It has promoted democracy by simply bringing the news to the Guyanese population. Unfortunately, there are individuals among our population who have sought to take advantage of the situation. They have sought to undermine the ethics and standards of journalism by publishing articles without the common decency of
identifying themselves. Why would someone be ashamed of his own opinion? Fortunately, I have the answer. Any citizen of Guyana ought to be ashamed to write the things which appeared in “Another storm in a Teacup,” in the September 19, 2013 edition of your newspaper. These were some of the points articulated: 1. The Venezuelans went for “a little sightseeing.” 2. “To claim that there is no dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over territory
is ridiculous.” 3. “Relations between Guyana and Venezuela continue to be excellent.” 4. “A little excursion” into Guyana. This article is very troubling because it seeks to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty. It is every offensive. I particularly resent the fact that this so called “writer” continues to insult the intelligence of the Guyanese people and seek protection by claiming anonymity. Winston Felix
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Where was the jury in An unconscious discrimination in blood donations the coastguard trial?
DEAR EDITOR, ‘I am the judge, jury and the sentencing officer in this voir dire (trial within a trial) so I have the final say,’ were the words used by a trial judge who presided over the recent High Court Case involving the three former Guyana Defense Force Coast Guards who were sentenced to be hanged earlier this year. Trial by jury is a legal concept in which a jury either makes a decision or makes findings of fact, which are then applied by a judge. Clearly, this did not occur during the coast guards trial. I attended the proceedings from day one; the trial lasted 32 days. This was mainly because the Suddie High Court traditionally only sits three days week. From the outset of the trial the defense team Attorneys-at-law Peter Hugh and Latchmie Rahamat had the stack against them. But what got me more concerned over whether the jury had any role to play in case was the manner of which the trial judge summarized the case. The judge told the jury that the law must be applied to the case and circumstantial evidence is important to note. The judge spent just under five hours presenting the prosecution’s case, contrary to the fifty-five minutes spent in presenting the main points posited by the defense team and the three accused in their unsworn statements. But what was equally shocking is that after the more than six hours of the judges’ summary, the jury returned with their verdicts in less than half an hour of deliberations. With this, a casual observer like me is left to draw several inferences from the speedy unanimous verdict. Was the jury properly instructed? Did the trail judge explain the law to the jury? Did he draw correlations between the law and the fact? What weight did the trial judge instruct the
jury to place on the credibility of the witnesses statements given under cross-examination? As an attorney in training, I am somewhat confused over the exact role of the jury in this particular trial. I was told by a now retired judge that while a judge is in charge of his/her court room he/she must not manage the courtroom as if to intimidate the jury or anyone that is before them. The families of the convicted men have appealed the conviction on the grounds that the trial was not a fair trial and that the judge failed to direct the jury on the law and also on several critical factors posited by the defense team. I recalled the pathologist saying that he cannot say decisively when the young man died. He accepted the defence lawyer suggestion that it was possible that he died on November 21, 2009 The lawyer said that the burden was on the prosecutor to prove that he died for certain on the 20th November 2009, while the doctor said it is possible he could have died on November 21, which
means that there was an equal rational inference of innocence that could be drawn and ought to have been pointed out to the jury. This was not done by the trial judge. This of course is a brilliant ground for an appeal. Because if it’s possible he died on November 21 when the three accused persons were already in police custody, then it would mean logically that they didn’t kill him. This, according to the defence lawyer, the jury ought to have been instructed by the Trial Judge to return a verdict of not guilty. While the appeal process is ensuing, a team of high profile lawyers are planning to challenge the legality of the death sentence in Guyana. According to a senior counsel, who has shown an avid interest in the sentencing to death of the accused by hanging by Judge Franklyn Holder, in the last criminal assizes, the death penalty issue should be settled once and for all. Frank DaSilva Grad Student (University of East Anglia)
DEAR EDITOR, It has been reported that President Jammeh of Gambia addressed the UN on 26th September and said that “homosexuality, greed and obsession with world domination “are more deadly than all natural disasters put together”. This lament that promotion of equality for LGBT people means an end to the human race, or a ‘threat to human existence’ is often expressed in different ways. Homosexuals are not only seen as threats because they ‘will not procreate’ but also because they have been labelled as ‘the cause of AIDS’. While some might ignore President Jammeh, it is regrettable that the Government of Guyana seems to believe that LGBT people are not suitable as blood donors because they ‘threaten’ the lives the of those who receive blood. With all of the knowledge about HIV/AIDS and how it is transmitted through risky behaviours regardless of whether a person is gay or
straight, the question is asked by the blood bank; What is your Sexual Preference?. Women and men who imply that they are not heterosexual are not allowed to donate. Does the Government believe that a heterosexual person who might had risky sexual behaviour with one person is more suitable to be a ‘hero’ than a gay or lesbian person who has been practising the Abstinence Be Faithful Condomise practice? Does the Government believe that as President Jammeh does, that LGBT people are potential threats to the existence recipients of blood donation regardless of their sexual practices and behaviour? Spain, Australia, Italy, Mexico, Uruguay do not discriminate in their acceptance of blood donors. Russia ironically had lifted its ban years ago , but its recent homopobic idealogues have been calling for a return. There are calls in the United States and other places to end the ban on
accepting donations from gay men since there is no justification for the ban. Guyana seems to be one of the few countries which do not accept from lesbians (or women who have sex with women.) There are many who do not believe in blood transfusions as a good thing. The Government and supporters of blood donations do encourage blood donation as a public service and identify blood donors as heroes who save lives. The Government’s refusal to accept donations from lesbians, gays and bisexuals is not consistent with its own policies of not promoting stigma and discrimination in its health services. While no President of Guyana has yet called for the heads of LGBT people as President Jammeh did in 2008, the discriminatory policies reinforced by the Government contribute to the environment which nurtures the hatred and contempt for LGBT Guyanese. Vidyaratha Kissoon
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Life in Guyana is so much better now
DEAR EDITOR, To be compared to the fictitious character, Don Quixote is not as bad as Barrington Braithwaite suggests by the sensational caption of his letter, “Harry Gill, the obsolete Don Quixote” (Kaieteur News, Sept 29). For even today, the views of an obsolete Don Quixote are as noble as the character’s intent when he first appeared in the 1605 novel by Miguel de Cervantes. I left Guyana in 1976, a dark and ugly period in our history that the likes of Barrington Braithwaite and David Granger would prefer buried and not known to the younger generation. This was the era of the infamous “kick down the door bandits” when most Guyanese lived in fear, and the reign of the racist criminal David Hill (aka Rabbi
Edward Washington), whose House of Israel members served as ruthless thugs for the Forbes Burnham PNC government. These PNC loyalists were reputed for breaking up political meetings of the PPP and WPA, and beating up political activists in the process. Here is how the wellrespected Guyanese patriot, Eusi Kwayana, described the lawlessness that existed then with the approval of the PNC government. “A squad of uniformed policemen, including Rabbi Washington’s men dressed in police uniform and carrying no regulation numbers, attacked the meeting which they claimed was illegal. “It was a total assault with batons on the crowd of peaceful citizens by a crowd of well armed policemen of the
Tactical Service Unit (Riot Squad)… Scores of people were beaten by the police. They were on fire with venom not noticed before. This was due to the House of Israel.” A month earlier, Catholic Priest, Father Darke, was stabbed to death by these PNC thugs in July 1979. I left Guyana because it became intolerable to survive in a depressed country where long lines to buy a loaf of bread, a pint of cooking oil and a roll of toilet paper were typical in those days. And now, I have returned because I see my homeland filled with opportunities for those who want to work. I see a government working hard to bring prosperity for all Guyanese regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or religious beliefs. And I write because I see Continued on page 23
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
Teacher succumbs days after falling at sports Students and teachers of Tutorial Academy Secondary School (TASS) in Berbice are now in mourning after a female teacher died on Monday evening at the New Amsterdam Hospital after being admitted to the institution earlier that day. Shabiki Joseph, 36, a mother of one, of the Mayor and Town Council Housing Scheme was the form teacher of Form 5A and taught Information Technology (IT) and Food and Nutrition. According to reports reaching this publication, the teacher had taken part in the annual Inter House sports held on Friday at the Edinburgh Ground, East Bank Berbice. Sources say that Joseph was advised not to run having delivered a baby only 14 weeks earlier. Kaieteur News understands that
DEAD: Shabiki Joseph during the race a teacher fell and Miss Joseph jumped over the teacher and also fell. She did not get up. It was soon learnt that she was experiencing difficulties in moving. She was helped into the stands,
Berbice doctor’s death…
Truck driver arrested Police in Berbice arrested a truck driver of Number Two Village, East Canje yesterday, in connection with the death of prominent Physician/Surgeon, 69-year-old Phyzul Azeem Sattaur, of Lot 5-7 LFS Burnham Street, New Amsterdam. Sattaur was driving a Toyota Mark II PJJ 6228 making his way home from a cricket match at the Albion Cricket Ground in the vicinity of Farm, Number 11 Village, Corentyne, when he slammed into the back of a truck GPP 251 which was heading in the same direction. He was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital and later died from several broken ribs and multiple head injuries. The truck driver was heading home for the day after transporting paddy to and from Black Bush Polder. “Me just hear ‘bram’!” he said on Sunday evening to this newspaper. “The impact push me in a corner,” he stated. He claimed that he was “driving at the regular speed”. The doctor’s wife had claimed that the truck driver stated that he was going to make a stop. “The truck driver said that he was going to stop…I believe he stopped and did not have on any rear lights!”The man denied the accusation, but was nevertheless arrested, and is likely to be charged.
before being placed into a taxi and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital. It was determined that she suffered a fractured leg. However she was asked to return the following day to have her leg placed in a cast. After this was done her discomfort continued. On Monday she started to experience severe abdominal pains and suffered bouts of ‘blackouts’. She was then admitted as a patient and remained there until she succumbed. It was a somber mood at the school all day yesterday as students and teachers tried to come to grips with the loss of a beloved teacher and colleague. Before going to TASS, Joseph, a graduate of the University of Guyana, worked at St. Therese’s Primary School and School of the Nations. Headteacher Fenlon Fraser told the media that Joseph who started to work at the school in September 2012 was one of his better teachers who would be sorely missed. “She loved a challenged and took one of the worst classes in the school and now it is considered as one of the best. She was one of the most committed teachers I have ever known. Sometimes the boys from her class will wait on her downstairs and as she arrives they will take her bag and find out about her evening… the baby, etc. Her entire class loved her.” Miss Joseph was married last year. She leaves to mourn a husband and three-monthold baby. An autopsy is expected to be performed shortly.
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Wednesday October 02, 2013
US denies CAL, Fly Jamaica requests to fly direct GT/NY route Fly Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines have been denied permission to operate direct flights between Guyana and the US.
The US Government has denied applications by Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) and Fly Jamaica Limited to conduct direct flights between Georgetown and New York. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) in an order made Monday denying the two airlines, said that both companies failed to justify that the operations would serve the public good, one of the criteria used in assessing applications. With a large number of Guyanese living in the US, Guyana had badly wanted the direct flights. Currently, CAL has to pass through Trinidad, while Fly Jamaica, partially owned by Guyanese pilot Ronald Reece has to in-transit in Jamaica. Guyana is one of more profitable routes for CAL, which is owned by the Trinidad Government. Air fares have been
climbing in recent months, forcing Government to summon CAL to explain. The ruling by US would be a hard blow for the airlines, especially Fly Jamaica, which started flights to Guyana last week. However, the airline has to fly from New York to Guyana to Jamaica. In July, the US airline industry and its largest pilots’ union, on behalf of Delta and other carriers, moved to block the two airlines in their application to the DOT, claiming unfair competition, including fuel subsidies from CAL, among the reasons. According to papers filed by Airlines for America (A4A) and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the two carriers — Caribbean Airlines and Fly Jamaica — are not entitled to serve a route between the U.S. and Guyana because they are based in third countries — Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica,
respectively. Airlines for America, in its filings, argued that the two applications raise “serious and troubling issues for consumers” and for the industry, which traditionally takes a bilateral approach to international routes. That means the traffic right between Country A and Country B is generally reserved for the airlines of those countries rather than carriers from third countries. Airlines for America said Caribbean Airlines’ thirdcountry operations are responsible for “forcing the cancellation” of Delta’s Guyana service and added that so-called “doing business issues” such as fuel subsidies from Trinidad and Tobago and “excessive taxes” in some countries make it difficult for U.S. carriers to compete. In such an environment, A4A said the Transportation Department should be working on “clearing away” these impediments rather than granting special favours to the region’s carriers. In the same vein, ALPA said neither of the Caribbean carriers “can point to any compelling U.S. public interest that would be served” by their proposed operations, especially since “a U.S. carrier has just surrendered its service in the market.” According to the US
decision Monday, the DOT has historically viewed such requests as extraordinary and has granted such authority only when the circumstances presented on the record in individual cases show compelling public interest considerations. Among other things, the applicant will have to show a need for the service; that there would be a negligible impact on U.S. flag carriers, and the proposed operation is limited in scope. “Against that background, we have reviewed the applications of
CAL and Fly Jamaica and determined that we cannot make the necessary public interest finding.” Regarding concerns of ALPA and A4A that fuel subsidies to CAL; the US authority said it has been advised through diplomatic channels that these subsidies have already ceased “or will soon cease. We will continue to monitor this situation. There is nothing to stop CAL from continuing its current services over Port of Spain-Georgetown-New York and Georgetown-Port of
Spain-New York routings, nor will this action preclude Fly Jamaica from continuing its Georgetown-Kingston-New York services.” Last year, two low-cost airlines- Redjet and EZjet folded - leaving only CAL and Delta to ply that route. In February, Delta announced that it was pulling out in May, leaving only the Trinidadowned CAL. This was after almost five years in Guyana. The announcement had taken Guyana by surprise. The Government later granted the airline flag-carrier status.
Role of Parliaments to be examined at Commonwealth conference Guyana will be hosting the 16th Biennial Conference of Presiding Officers and Clerks of the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Under the theme “The role of Parliaments as they meet the challenges in evolving Democracies”, the conference will be held from October 27 to 31 at the International Conference Centre. According to Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, the conference will bring together delegates, observers and
- Guyana to host confab special invitees from over 14 Caribbean territories, Canada and the United Kingdom, to discuss topical issues. During the plenary sessions, delegates will deliberate on several topics including Parliamentary Procedures; Inter-parliamentary initiatives for Regional co-operation; and the role of the Speaker in changing parliaments. Trotman said among the proposed activities for the conference is a dinner to be jointly hosted by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and a dinner hosted by the Head of State, President Donald Ramotar.
The theme of the conference can be deemed relevant to Guyana’s present political situation where for the first time in the National Assembly, the Opposition has a majority. This reality has seen a tug-of-war setting in the House with political development in Guyana seemingly at a standstill. Opposition Bills approved in the National Assembly have not yet been assented to by the President, while the Opposition has not been accommodating in the passage of pertinent Bills presented by Government.
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
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THE PROTESTS AT SCHOOLS Politically-inspired protests have a strong stench. No matter how legitimate is the grouse that leads to protest action, it is not too hard to determine which protests enjoy political backing or are politically orchestrated. The spate of protests over conditions at various schools stinks of political orchestration. When school after school begins to protest conditions, without hardly any resort to other means of resolving the source of ire, it can only mean that there are politicians behind the scene pulling the strings. The problem with conditions at schools is nothing new. What is surprising is the spate of
protests coming one after the other. And the suspicion grows when these protests follow closely on the heels of claims by the opposition that there is a crisis in education in the country and that education will be one of its priorities; high on its demands for the next Budget. Is it then coincidental that suddenly protests have emerged at various schools across the country and that parents are closing down schools without resorting to discussions with the Ministry of Education over grouses? If you have lived long enough in Guyana or are familiar with the nature of politics in the country, the answer to that question would not be speculative.
Dem boys seh
Blame Bharrat fuh all de troubles Guyana does do some things that does come back to hurt de people. And these things is wha de government does do when it get vex wid dem foreign powers. When Jagdeo get vex wid de Americans he dilly-dally wid de Drug Enforcement Agency so that to this day de DEA can’t come to Guyana. Then to spite de Americans de government start fuh talk wid dem Chinee and tek nuff money from de Chinee. De man behind all of this was Jagdeo. He decide to put pressure pun de telephone company. He claim how he gun break up de monopoly suh he move to parliament. De Americans give he a warning and to this day he leffing de telephone company. Then he go and try to get a plane to hurt de American plane which was flying in an out of Guyana. But every plane he bring collapse and lef people in Guyana. But dem American plane continue wukkin. De next thing Bharrat do is to bring in Sonny and Easy Come and Easy Go. Dem boys seh that Sonny heading to jail just like some of Bharrat other friends. Ed Ahmad and Bernard Kerik going to jail too and all of dem was Bharrat friend. He got some of dem in Guyana who woulda been in jail if dem was living anywhere else. That was de straw that chase de American plane out. When de plane lef is then Guyanese begin to suffer. Everybody treat dem bad. De Trinidad people treat dem bad and charge dem a jewel and a crown just to cross de border. Dem Americans did warn Bharrat bout troubling any American company in Guyana but he didn’t hear. He trouble Tony Yassin and Guyana Stores, he trouble Badal and Pegasus and he trouble Delta. Well de Americans decide to trouble all dem plane that Guyana mek flag carrier. None of dem can fly direct from GT to New York. All who traveling to de States got to do a tour of de World before dem can reach New York and all because Bharrat trouble dem Americans. Talk half and lef dem Yankee. Dem does sting hot.
Parents have no right to be padlocking the gates to any school. There is a right to protest, but if there are other parents and students who are willing to attend school, they should not be prevented. Condign action needs to be taken against any parent guilty of such unlawful acts. They should be arrested and charged. It is time that such unlawful and lawless behaviour is stamped out, regardless. This is not suggesting that the grouses should not be addressed. They should be. However a serious examination of these grouses would yield very interesting results. In one case in the city, the parents of a school took to protest action over overcrowding and demanded that improved accommodation be provided. What the Ministry of Education should immediately do in that instance is to undertake a survey of all the registered students at that particular school to see how many of them reside outside of the catchment area. Checks should be made at the addresses provided to verify that the children live within
the catchment area and therefore are eligible to attend that school. Secondly, the Ministry of Education needs to make an on-the-spot visit to all schools and record the names of students therein, since it is known that there are many schools in which backdoor admissions take place. After the Ministry would have placed students at schools, there are some parents who are able to inveigle school officials to accept their child without a placement letter for that school from the Ministry. The Ministry of Education need not worry about finding persons to undertake these surveys. They can ask high school students to undertake this research as part of their training for school-based assessments. These children are going to do an honest job and it would allow for the ministry to rationalize school placements, eradicate backdoor admissions, and expose the fact that many parents are going to great ends to have their children admitted to certain schools. The Ministry of Education must acknowledge that there is an administration
problem within the school system. A centralized Ministry cannot implement systems to ensure that all schools are always in a state of readiness for the school year. The regional administrations also lack the capacity to do this. Therefore what is needed is a plan to strengthen the administrations within schools, through a partnership between parentteacher associations (PTAs), old student associations and the Ministry, so as to ensure that schools are equipped and fit to conduct classes. These bodies will be able to raise the requisite resources and since they will be on the ground, they are best positioned to ensure that many of the grouses that are being complained about are fixed. The biggest mistake that was made in education was when former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, indicated to parents that the payment of contingency fees was not compulsory. In Guyana, if you tell parents that a fee that is necessary to ensure the dayto-day expenses of schools are met is not compulsory, the
majority of these parents will not contribute a dime, but will still expect the toilets to be spotless and running water to be provided. The Ministry of Education may have the resources to fund such things, but they do not have the management to make them happen and therefore it devolves on the schools themselves to fix these problems. As such, contingency fees should be made compulsory, because once it is voluntary, the school is going to be starved of funds to undertake maintenance, sanitation and other services which account for most of the complaints which lead to protest action. Reintroduce reasonable contingency fees. One thousand dollars per term will not bankrupt even the poorest of parents. Reintroduce these fees in partnership with PTAs, the old student associations and the government, and many of the existing grouses will be fixed.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 02, 2013
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
President Ramotar sang an old, old, old song If some Third World leaders had their way, they would let a select set of countries aid and feed the developing world while they do absolutely nothing to propel development in their own poor economies. If you research the UN speeches of Third World leaders the past forty years, they centered around a recurring theme – we need the understanding and assistance from the developed world; we are small and poor and more assistance is needed. Back home, these leaders did not show to their subjects the kind of understanding and generosity that they demanded from the developed world. They ran their economies into the
ground, development was stultified, the future disappeared. Nothing has changed in these leaders since Independence came. Of course there have been outstanding exceptions like South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and even our own Trinidad. Here is what President Ramotar told the UN in September 2013; “While it appears that the latter two regions (Europe and the US) are emerging from these crises, in the Caribbean, the effects are still devastating.” Mr. Ramotar was referring to the enormous financial collapse of the US economy in 2008-9 that pulled the major world economies down. The Kaieteur News went on to state that Mr. Ramotar called
on the international community to revise “how it treats with countries such as Guyana … when it comes to accessing financing.” Sounds like the usual begging bowl mentality. In relation to Guyana, it must be recalled that President Jagdeo (and repeated by Mr. Ramotar since he became President) publicly stated that Guyana was one of the countries that did not feel the shock of the world’s financial disaster. On occasions too numerous to mention, Mr. Jagdeo said that when compared internationally, Guyana experienced better growth rates than most nations during the global recession. The question is (and this comes from the mouth of Mr. Ramotar) why the US and Europe are recovering and why isn’t Guyana? Why if Guyana withstood the lava of the American meltdown, do we still need better terms of financing? Why aren’t we on our way of climbing further up the index of countries that are doing well? Most of all, Mr. Ramotar and Mr. Jagdeo (trained economists) need to explain to the Guyanese people why the US has
survived the worst economic recession since the Great Depression and has rebounded, Europe has recovered too, but Guyana still goes begging in international forums? Could one of the answers be genetics? The superiority of the white man? Well, it can’t be. Singapore, Japan, China, Trinidad, South Korea, etc., are doing well, and the white man is not in charge there. The answer is in sociology and the political economy of Guyana. Mr. Ramotar called on the developed states to be more understanding while he and his party show no similar empathy to the Guyanese people. Where are the creative and innovative changes in Guyana, one of the Third World’s potentially rich lands, that as a matter of exigency we must have if we are to stop out begging habits? While in Northern Ireland, bitter enemies have put aside
more than sixty years of fighting each other, Guyana’s great divide is expanding. Belgium has a power-sharing government. Even Mugabe conceded such a formula. If you travel the globe, you see ancient hotspots are healing, but not in Guyana. We go to the UN in 2013 and ask for consideration by countries that have their own problems while we refuse to solve our own self-destructive dilemmas. Why should any developed country help Guyana when Guyana refuses to embark on pathways to progress that are so urgent? Why should rich economies help us when four hours of rain inundates the capital city, with tremendous financial losses to citizens, and we do nothing about it? Why should any large state pour money into Guyana while we continue a sixty-year-old battle between Indians and Africans and PPP and PNC? Mr. Ramotar may have
Frederick Kissoon returned to Guyana. I don’t know at the time of writing. But once he is back, the battle that is so old will continue – them versus us. And development, progress and the future of Guyana continue as casualties. We will endure the hardship, the country will get poorer, pessimism and angst will continue to grow, but as September 2014 is reached the President of Guyana will return to the United Nations once more and he will sing an old, old, old song. And by that time, Greece which has become poorer than us in 2013 will leap past us by billions of miles. In other words, the world moves on, not Guyana though.
Gun found on teen not used in Kitty bar killing Ballistic tests have revealed that the submachine gun that police recovered from a teenager was not fired at the scene of Sunday’s execution-style killing in Barr Street, Kitty. Kaieteur News was told that none of the 9mm shells and warheads the investigators recovered matched those that ballistic experts fired from the submachine gun while conducting their tests. Some investigators suggest that this was the weapon that reportedly jammed when one of the gunmen tried to shoot a former murder accused who was sitting with Shelliza Basir-Lall and her husband. Police are also trying to ascertain whether the weapon was used in any other recent killing. The youth was nabbed in
- police source a taxi shortly after the attack at Mambo’s Beer Garden. Police officials say that he has given investigators conflicting accounts about how he came into possession of the weapon. “He’s saying that he found the gun two days (prior to the murder) and three weeks ago,” an official said. Another source said that the youth even tried to implicate the taxi driver in whose car he was travelling when he was detained. Shelliza Basir-Lall, also called Shelly Lall of Charity, Essequibo, was shot at least four times as she sat with her husband and about six other people at a table at the Kitty establishment. She died while receiving treatment at the
Balwant Singh Hospital. Her husband, Raymond Lall, 36, who runs a trucking company and operates a speedboat service, was shot five times. He underwent surgery at a private hospital in the city. Sources said that his injuries are not lifethreatening. Also injured were Parmanad Persaud of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and Babatunde Nedd of Parika, West Coast Demerara. A police official said that the attack appeared to be drug-related, and indications are that the gunmen had also intended to kill a former murder accused who was sitting with the victims. The man has reportedly gone into hiding.
Pedestrian killed after running into car at Parika The country’s road fatality figure went up by one yesterday with the death of 69- year-old pedestrian, Omar Hussain, of no fixed place of abode.
Hussain was struck down on the Parika Public Road, East Bank Essequibo, at about 06:15 hours. Police say their investigations have so far revealed that the driver of
motor car HC 664 was proceeding south along the roadway, when it is alleged that Hussain ran into the right front of the vehicle and was struck down. He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the motor car is in police custody and charges will be laid shortly.
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
Public Works Ministry retenders for Region Five street rehab The Ministry of Public Works yesterday retendered for the rehabilitation of Esau and Jacob Street, Mora Point, Region Five, at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Main Street.
Two bids were also submitted within the same sector for the rehabilitation/repair of five log bridges at Siparuni junction -Kurupukari.
Meanwhile, under the Ministry of Local Government, bids were opened for the construction of a health post at Marlborough, Pomeroon River, Region Two.
The Ministry of Home Affairs received bids for the procurement of equipment.
In addition, bids were also received for the procurement of vehicles for the Guyana Police Force. The bids were divided into four lots.
And the Ministry of Tourism and Commerce received a financial proposal for the consultancy to conduct a study of Guyana’s Tourism Brand.
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GuyExpo 2013…
GMSA to host business forum to up export levels While the aim of GuyExpo over the years has been to provide a platform for businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase their products in order to attract a wider investment base, President of the Guyana Manufacturers & Services Association (GMSA) Clinton Williams has admitted that there has not been much gain in the area. To this effect, he has announced that GSMA will be hosting a Business Forum at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) tomorrow, the opening day of GuyExpo. According to the GSMA President, the forum is intended to identify areas to enhance production and export in Guyana. He said that the aim of the forum would be to “re-emphasize the business concept.” It was informed that delegations from Brazil, Barbados, China and USA are slated to give presentations at the event, while a large contingent of the 85 international exhibitors scheduled to participate in GuyExpo 2013 will attend. The GMSA President specified that the need for such an intervention was aroused as a result of the lack of a quantitative development
report showing what new investments have sprung from the annual trade fair. Williams said that since the trade fair and the meeting of the international business people will be held on the same day, there will be encouragement for the foreign buyers and investors to source and utilise products from Guyana which will be on exhibition. He added that the forum will explore the prospects of acquiring inputs from overseas based suppliers that would add value to and expand the country’s production capacity. Reference was made to the fact that packaging and the appearance of local products affect the capacity to export. He identified that one of the options available to remedy this shortfall would be to “get the investors to provide packaging material.” Williams noted also that in the past, while foreign investors would have shown interest in a product, local producers had “backed off”
because of a lack of equipment and raw materials, resulting in a loss of an opportunity to export. As such, he said that the forum will be stressing the need to establish partnerships between local and foreign investors, so as to meet midway in the endeavours. Williams stated that the provision of raw materials from foreign-based companies to local producers will boost production and aid in expansion. Also to be discussed at the forum will be ways in which to increase the range and value of arts and craft products. “We believe that such a forum will ensure that we see something at the end of the day; whether its new business opportunities, new markets, more trade or more joint ventures,” Williams said. He added that this year, the Association will be measuring and comparing the level of activities this year as opposed to previous years, so as to ensure that the aim of GuyExpo is being met.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Opposition says Government protecting Brassington Opposition members jumped on the defensive in response to statements made by Financial Analyst, Christopher Ram about their role in justice and accountability, but stated that their hands are tied when it comes to some government cronies. This newspaper’s Monday’s edition carried an article that spoke about the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL)’s Chairman, Winston Brassington’s perceived transgressions as it relates to the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI). In that piece, Ram was quoted saying, “…if the Opposition allows Brassington to continue this lawlessness then we as a country must stop the pretence that we have financial laws and cease speaking ever again of accountability.” Ram spoke of Brassington’s disregard for the public revenues and said that it should not go without
strong sanction. The accountant added that “It is clearly overdue that Brassington should be summoned before the relevant authorities to answer for his flagrant disregard of the law.” In response to Ram’s statements, both parliamentary opposition parties are saying that the fate of Guyana shouldn’t rest solely in the hands of the opposition. “What is he (Ram) saying we should do exactly? They’re all beating up on the Opposition but I don’t know what we can do with this guy Brassington, he is all over the place. Also, how can we capture him when government has immunized him from any criminal process?” a frustrated AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan asked. Ramjattan said that the Opposition has been “defending the people of Guyana by virtue of its parliamentary work, while the government has been
NICIL’s Chairman, Winston Brassington
AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan
APNU Member of Parliament, Joseph Harmon
suffering the people by stalling the formation of the p r o c u r e m e n t commission…also to protect him (Brassington)”. He said that it is necessary for the citizens to understand, speak up, and not allow the government to trample upon them. He added “the opposition is trying but we cannot do everything on our own.” Ramjattan had indeed taken a motion before the
House which sought to stop Government from injecting state funds into the construction of the Marriottbranded Hotel in Kingston. The motion, was one to ensure that no further expenditure be incurred by NICIL or its subsidiary Atlantic Hotels Incorporated (AHI) on the Marriott Hotel project, without the authorization and approval of the National Assembly. A section of the Motion stated “Government is using NICIL as an instrument, whether directly or indirectly through its subsidiary Atlantic Hotels Incorporated, to unlawfully acquire public lands and then to lease such lands, and also to spend billions of dollars of public monies into the Marriott Hotel Project, so as to avoid and evade authorization and
approval of the National Assembly.” Ramjattan based the motion on the fact that the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, had failed to “fully comply” with the terms of a motion approved by the National Assembly on June 27. The motion cited by Ramjattan had sought to hold the responsible Minister to, among things, provide the National Assembly, “as early as possible” with: a detailed report on the disposal by sale or otherwise of all state assets entrusted to NICIL and the Privatization Unit, the terms of which they were disposed of and the criteria used and the outstanding bi-annual reports and annual audited accounts required of NICIL and the privatization Unit under the relevant legislation. Further, the motion
requested that the Finance Minister make financial provision for the “urgent” commencement of an “independent financial audit of the operations of NICIL.” Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Joseph Harmon told Kaieteur News that anybody who discovers a crime can report it to the “relevant authorities.” Harmon was adamant that “this struggle is not about the opposition, it is about a country that is being raped of its resources.” He said that were he to make a report to the relevant authorities, he wouldn’t know exactly what to report on. The politician confessed that he doesn’t quite understand accounting procedures and in many cases doesn’t know what to look for. “Politicians don’t know everything; we often need professionals to highlight certain things. He (Ram) is the accountant and he made these discoveries …Why doesn’t he make a report?” Harmon contended that the opposition has been doing its part to “deal with Brassington”. In that regard, Harmon referred to the Motion his colleague, Carl Greenidge, had taken before the National Assembly. That Motion was one that called for a full audit into the affairs of NICIL.
Defaulting TV, radio stations given month-end deadline to straighten out - new applications to be considered next month Authorities have issued a month-end deadline to eight broadcasters including the state-owned NCN Channel 11 and NTN Channel 69, to streamline operations or face possible actions. Chairman of the Governing Board of Directors of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Bibi Shadick, yesterday also disclosed that the entity will start considerations of some 29 new applications for new services in the coming weeks. Last week, the board sent off letters to the broadcasters who have over the past months been engaged in meetings to regularise under new regulations. Warning letters have also been sent to STVS Channel 2; the government-owned Guyana Learning Channel; RBS Channel 13; WRHM; Tarzee of Bartica and the New Guyana Company. In addition to outstanding paperwork including information on board of directors, the broadcasters
GNBA Chairman, Bibi Shadick will have to pay frequency and broadcasting fees. The GNBA was established last year, following the passage of the Broadcast Act in 2011. Under new regulations, broadcasters have to pay a $2.5M fee or 3% of their gross revenues for the previous year. According to Shadick, the law is clear with regard to noncompliance, and broadcasting without a
licence will definitely have repercussions. Six licences are ready but cannot be issued by GNBA until they are officially published in the National Gazette. Those with licences ready are TVG, GWTV Channel 2; Pinnacle Communications (owned by businessman, Alfro Alphonso); MTV Channel 65; Telcor Broadcasting, and Radio Guyana Inc. Regarding new applications, the official said that the board has received 29 new applications for new services, including seven for television; 17 for radio; three for cable and two for IPTV. With a decision to be taken how to deal with IPTV, the new applications are to be considered as early as November, Shadick said. Of course, new licences will have to take into account the availability of spectrum with priority given to whether there are specific circumstances like religious broadcasting and Continued on page 25
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Reflections of UG take centre stage at ‘Genesis 1’ Although there has been some talk about the increasing of tuition fee at the University of Guyana, President Donald Ramotar yesterday alluded to the fact that the institution was in fact one that was envisaged many years ago to offer quality but cheap education. This, according to him, was the vision of now deceased President and founder of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Cheddi Jagan. “Having known him all my life he was a man that used to feel the edges of the dollar so he obviously must have been thinking to get quality, but cheap as possible...” said President Ramotar. The President’s assertions were forthcoming even as he delivered remarks at a forum held at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre yesterday to mark the 50th anniversary of the University. He told the gathering at the forum titled “Genesis 1” that the University was in fact established when Guyana was experiencing a difficult time in its history. He expounded that the period was in fact
The reflective panel discussion in session. characterised by struggles in terms of local politics by the then opposition as well as with Caribbean leaders. In fact, he noted that the move to establish the local University was visualised to ensure that Guyana was not subjected to the tenets of
being a subsidiary of the University of the West Indies (UWI) but rather, an independent institution. “When in fact Dr Jagan got his first idea of establishing the University is not very clear, but it must have probably been flickering
UG and government go hand in hand for development - Rohee The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) yesterday congratulated the University of Guyana (UG) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its establishment. The party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, disclosed that Cabinet had been discussing the issues facing the university. He did not, however, state if or what the PPP has in store for the entity on this occasion that would aid in alleviating some of its burden. Rohee acknowledged that the anniversary marks a historic milestone in the life of the university which was established in October 1963. He said that the University and the government have roles that go hand in hand in relation to the development of Guyana. According to him, continuous efforts are being
made to ensure that the courses at the university correspond with the country’s developmental thrust. That statement was backed up by PPP member Indranie Chandarpal, who is a former Member of UG Board Council. She said that since her time, such development was a priority. Rohee also stated yesterday that the PPP is proud of the fact that UG was established by the PPP government and was the brainchild of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan. As he highlighted the progress made, Rohee said that “the University of Guyana started out on the modest location of Queen’s College compound with a limited number of students, but grew both in terms of student population and the range of disciplines offered as
the years progressed. Today the Campus sits on the sprawling lawns of the Turkeyen Campus and has now expanded its offerings to the county of Berbice, again under the current PPP/C administration”. “Undoubtedly the University has made, over the years, and continues to make, a significant contribution to the human resource development of the country by providing a wide range of skills, including technical and managerial. More recently, the University has also trained medical doctors and lawyers, an indication of the extent to which the University has advanced over the years.” The Party wished the university success “in the realization of its mandate as the premier learning and research institution in Guyana.”
in his mind...but (it) took shape after August 21, 1961....after the general elections,” President Ramotar reflected. He pointed out that Dr Jagan not only made it his mission to find the appropriate people for the institution, but was determined to only have persons attached to it who saw the development of country as much more important than their own personal development. It was for this very reason the President asserted that “UWI would not have served the purpose.” Also giving credence to the role of Dr Jagan in the establishment of the lone national University, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, emphasised that it was his vision to ensure that every child, even those in far-flung areas have an opportunity to reach the highest position in the land.
She said that it was Dr Jagan’s view that “the highest positions in our society must no longer be the preserves of the rich and the well born...by bringing university education within the reach of everyone we have laid the foundation for the establishment of democracy.” According to Manickchand, “Dr Cheddi Jagan was a visionary and laid out a plan and a commitment for this university. The party he formed is in Government presently and we re-state our commitment to making the university education what it was first envisioned.” And even as the Government officials recognised Dr Jagan as the visionary behind the university, Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, yesterday gave emphasis to the fact that “very few national universities could say that they have produced
a president, and we have produced a president.” Professor Opadeyi was at the time alluding to President Ramotar who studied at the local University. Professor Opadeyi noted that the university will soon be looking to embrace a practice by UWI to have a gallery which displays the names of Prime Ministers who make up its alumni. “We have to have a nice gallery like that with the names of persons who have accomplished... who are graduates of this university...and Mr President your name will be in that gallery.” However, the various reflective remarks were certainly not the highlight of the forum which was held under the theme “Honouring the Past, Moulding the Present, Transforming the Future.” A special panel discussion, which saw the likes of Messrs Phillip Allsopp, Joseph Holder and Navin Chandarpal along with Sister Noel Menezes and Ms Yvonne Stephenson, gave insight to the initial planning stages of the university. Each of the panellists shared intriguing reflections with the gathering about the role they played in helping to make the institution what it is today. The panel discussion, which was moderated by Sherod Duncan, a student of the Department of Law and Sara Bharat, a student of the English Department, represents the first in a series that will be held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the university. The ongoing commemoration activities are being coordinated by Dr Paloma Mohamed who holds the position of Chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 02, 2013
RUBIS resumes fuel supply to Ogle “ASL was trying to make a mountain out of molehill” - Kit Nascimento Worry from Air Services Limited (ASL) that it may have to temporarily shut down operations at the Ogle International Airport because of the interruption of fuel supply by its supplier RUBIS was dismissed yesterday by Ogle Airport Incorporated. Public Relations Consultant of Ogle Airport Inc., Kit Nascimento, in explaining the fuel situation at Ogle said that ASL was “trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill.” ASL had informed that its operations were threatened when RUBIS announced on Monday that it was suspending its supply of fuel to the Ogle Airport after it discovered that its product was being comingled with another product that was sourced by the Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services (CAMS), a company which ASL is accusing of holding an unfair monopoly on the fuel supply at Ogle. ASL had also stated that it would not buy fuel from CAMS, a company with which it does not enjoy a good relation. Yesterday, Nascimento said that RUBIS, a supplier of fuel at Ogle, wanted to ensure that the procedures
for the loading of fuel from the other fuel supplier to the airport, met international standards. That has now been clarified, and RUBIS is satisfied with the findings, and as such, fuel was supplied to ASL yesterday, as has been the established practice for over two years, he added. Nascimento said that ASL seemed to have panicked unnecessarily. “The comingling of fuel is nothing new in the aviation industry,” he declared. According to John Isaacs, Maintenance Officer of CAMS, this is not the first time his entity has sourced fuel from other suppliers. Anthony Mekdeci, Chief Executive Officer of Ogle Airport Inc, stated that comingling occurs all the time. He is of the belief that RUBIS was concerned about its market share and that fuel was being sourced from a local competitor rather than from overseas. As such, RUBIS out of caution, decided to check the fuel and procedures, he added. Nascimento added there is nothing surprising about the operations. He accepted that communication between
CAMS and RUBIS could have been more efficient. However, CAMS informed ASL that RUBIS was satisfying itself on the safety of the fuel and it immediately offered to supply ASL with fuel that had not been comingled. But as was previously mentioned, ASL refused the offer. “In the past their prices were exorbitant, were continuously rising, and they were never open to negotiation, despite collective lobbying by ASL, Wings Aviation and Roraima Airways at that time. Additionally, and more importantly, they also interrupted our fuel supply in August 2011,” ASL General Manager Annette ArjoonMartins had explained. “We do not want to go back to the same company that cut off our fuel supply in 2011. That is the whole reason why we had our fuel farm investment in the first place, to become independent of having any supplier hold us to ransom,” she added. Yesterday, Nascimento further stated that in 2011, ASL attempted to bring fuel onto the airport to supply their own aircraft which did not conform to international
From left: John Isaacs, Maintenance Officer of CAMS; Kit Nascimento, Public Relations Consultant and Anthony Mekdeci, Chief Executive Officer of Ogle Airport Inc. standards and they were stopped from doing so. And Government finally intervened and told ASL that it must comply with those standards, resulting in the company wanting to build its own fuel farm. This venture was assisted by the airport, which sought international consultancies and brought the expertise to Guyana. That expertise was hired and paid
for by ASL, he said. Nascimento emphasized that construction of the fuel farm has been completed and sits on the airport unused. Taking this into consideration and the fact that ASL purchases fuel directly from RUBIS, there is no monopoly of marketing of fuel on the airport, Nascimento said. He said the basis for the fuss seems to be that ASL has
not yet put its fuel farm into operation, but ASL does not want to pay for the fuel licence and make the cost for the liability insurance, which is very costly. Meanwhile Mrs. ArjoonMartins announced late yesterday that ASL was informed by RUBIS that the fuel supply would resume immediately, averting a potential crisis.
Handyman’s body to be exhumed Relatives of a 33-year-old handyman who was buried by police on Monday last have sought to have his body exhumed so that an autopsy could be performed. They are also concerned with the actions of the police, in “taking the body and burying it somewhere” in Bush Lot, Berbice. The body of Orin Anastace, originally from the North West District, was discovered floating in the Abary Creek, Berbice, early Sunday, by one of his friends. The friend, who is also a handyman on a ranch just a stone’s throw away from the farm where the dead man was employed, is in police custody along with two other ranch workers. However, relatives of the dead man as well as associates of the men
- Relatives wish for autopsy granted in custody have expressed concern as to why the three men were arrested without a post mortem examination being conducted. According to information received, the three men were the last persons to see Anastace alive on Saturday last, the day before his body was found floating in the creek with a suspected knifewound to the neck. A source told Kaieteur News that when the discovery was made, Anastace’s employer went to the police station to make a report but failed to get assistance. “When the boss went to the police station to make a report, the police told him they were having a ‘sport’
and that he (boss) should pull in the body in a corner and leave it until Monday,” the source stressed. This publication was informed that the ranch owner then instructed his workers to “pull in the body and place it between two boats so that it wouldn’t float away.” Yesterday, Abiola Ross, one of the dead man’s relatives, said that she was at home when Anastace’s employer called and informed her of his demise. “He called and asked me to go there (Abary) the following day to identify the body. When I went I notice that there was a mark on his neck with blood around it and when I asked, his friends (the ones in custody) told me that it was fish bites, but that is not true,” the woman stressed. She explained that the persons in custody told her that Anastace was consuming alcohol with them on Saturday night. “The men told me that they were all drinking late Saturday and then they drop him over to his camp in a boat after the drinking session. Something is not adding up. They drop him at his camp and early the next morning his body was floating,” Ross stressed. Kaieteur News was informed by a police source that the body will be exhumed today.
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
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‘Youth Voice’ being considered as revised national policy is crafted A revised national youth policy is currently in the making even as moves are made to recognise and take into consideration the views of young persons in order to better cater to their needs. According to Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King, moves towards redesigning the national youth policy were premised on the fact that the existing one is rather dated and does not necessarily meet the needs of young people today. He intimated that in some cases some sections of the policy are not quite relevant. “We recognise the importance of redesigning, and of course, considering the ‘youth voice’, to ensure that we remain relevant as it relates to discharging our mandate and responsibility.” King, who was at the time speaking at a recent national youth forum spearheaded by the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, noted that such a collaborative move could be deemed crucial in plotting the way forward in terms of formulating the national youth policy. “We consider our involvement in health as a key stakeholder, because we
We are life savers, you should be one too! Donate blood today!!!
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King rather suspect that the outcome here would of course influence what we design, what we consider, and what we include in our policy as it relates to health.” Elaborating on the Ministry’s work as it relates to youth and youth development, the Permanent Secretary explained that the focus is mainly on young boys and girls, between the ages of 14 and 25. However, he noted that the concept of youth could vary from agency to agency. For instance, he explained that the United Nations’ policy considers persons as being young even up to the age of 30, while in some other cases the status could relate to persons as old as 35. “I am not so sure that the age thing should really define youth, but that debate is ongoing,” said King who disclosed that “we believe
from the Ministry’s perspective that our definition, while it has a boundary by age limit, is more based on the characteristics and traits that you will find in young people.” King said the Ministry’s mission is to “take the confused, not so certain, adventurous young person who may not be so stable and transition that person into young adulthood, where he/ she can make a meaningful impact and be productive.” The latter objective, he said, is the Ministry’s major concern, thus, in defining the new national policy, efforts must be made to cater to growth participation and active engagement in national pursuits for young people. King disclosed that the Ministry’s top priority is compatible with concepts embraced by the health sector which speaks to education as the fundamental factor to foster growth, development and impact of young people on any community. And given the population of youth in any society, which according to him translates to close to two-thirds sometimes, “you can imagine that if you have an uneducated population what you would be heading to in terms of the next generation and the next generation’s keepers.” He asserted that if the youthful two-thirds of the population are well educated then it can be projected that life is going to be a little bit better because of informed choices. This, according to him, will inevitably lend to risk reduction, good health outcomes, good citizenship, generally, and people who would be most productive and who will be able to better transition going through those stages.”
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Guyanese killed in vehicular accident in Barbados A Guyanese living in Barbados for the past ten years died in a vehicular accident on Monday last. He was identified as 29-year-old Govind ‘Andy’ Bhagwandat of Harrow Land, St Philip. According to Barbados’ Nation News, Bhagwandat’s aunt, Esther, and cousin, Ricky, were trying to piece together the little information given by police. Both relatives saw him on Sunday, and Ricky said they exchanged a few words before parting. The relatives admitted that they did not communicate as regularly since he moved out. “Andy wasn’t a bad
Dead: Govind ‘Andy’ Bhagwandat person, yuh know. . . . I was shocked when I hear [of his death] that morning,” Esther
said, adding that she and her nephew did not speak to each other on Sunday. Ricky said his cousin was a church-going person and was out in the field with the Jehovah’s Witnesses on Sunday. He said they would hang out and party together and have a few drinks, but that changed since Bhagwandat started going to church. Relatives revealed that ‘Andy’ was studying the Bible and trying to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The relatives said the farm worker had two younger brothers, one in Guyana and the other in New York with their mother.
Chain snatcher gets 18 months Twenty- year-old, Jerome Smartt, was yesterday sentenced to eighteen months in prison after he pleaded guilty to snatching a gold chain. Smartt answered to the robbery charge when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the
Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The court heard that on September 29, 2013, in Georgetown, Smartt attacked and robbed Orlando Chand. According to the prosecution’s facts, on Sunday last, at around 10:45 am, the virtual complainant, was walking on the street,
when the defendant came from behind and snatched his chain. The complainant raised an alarm and the assailant was apprehended and taken into police custody. The stolen chain valued at $50,000 - was recovered on Smartt’s person.
Charity man arrested with unlicenced revolver A man said to be of unsound mind was on Monday evening arrested by police at a famous Charity night club with an unlicenced .38 revolver gun and three live rounds. The man was identified as 30 year-old Michael Benn of Charity, Essequibo. According to the police, at about 19:55 hrs, officers on patrol at Charity, Essequibo Coast, arrested Benn who had in his possession one Taurus .38 revolver and three live rounds along with one spent
shell. The police further stated that at the time of the arrest and seizure Benn was on the Charity Public Road, in front of Xenon Disco with the gun in his hand, discharging rounds in the air. Meanwhile, a reliable source told this publication that Benn was seen pacing in the vicinity of the night spot, acting in a suspicious manner. The source added that the man then pointed the gun in the direction of the night spot and began discharging a number of rounds, which had scores of party goers scattering for cover. The source further added that when Benn was intercepted by police officers he was placed on the ground and the weapon was found in his waist. The source further
Michael Benn claimed that while in custody the man told police that he was going into the night spot to shoot two men whom he claimed were involved in the death of his brother two years ago. Benn is currently in police custody and is expected to be charged shortly.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Fire side, Barbeque grill and hand truck- Call:627-7835 Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
One stall at La Penitence market. Price $600,000 negotiable- Call:695-4062
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses - Call:680-3154
Seven weeks old Pitbull pups. Ideal for breeding, security and show purposesCall Krishna 622-5717
New ATVs: Introductory price $1,450,000 (Duty Free)Call:691-0234
Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943
Mining operation for sale, 20 claims, 1 excavator (2011 model) and one 6inch dredgeCall:625-1796. Owner migrating
Original Games- Call:6722566
(1) Chevy cargo express van year 2009 & one motorcycle Lifan LF150– Call:227-8519 or 653-4287
1 New Samsung LCD 51" TV $195,000, 1 new Westing house LCD 46" TV $180,000- Call:696-9702/6727194 Pork wholesale only $300 per LB- Call:266-2711/6094594 Generator sets: Husky 5000 watts, Honda 6000 watts, Power left, etc. Call:2278519/653-4287 Cellphone accessories at Halema’s Fashion 104 Regent street next door to the Multicomplex MallCall:622-7740/696-4008 Pure bred German Shepherd puppies, fully vaccinated and de-wormed- Call:6822148/655-8674 Air brush machine, nail station, hood dryer, single cupboard, stove iron set, hair & nail productsCall:625-8522
ALL-IN-ONE PRINTER/ SCANNER/ FAX/ COPIER $22,000 EACH- CALL:6509999 1 German Roller & 1 Hauler Truck (Low bed)Contact:681-2995 1 Honda ATV 450 bikeCall:626-3817 Video recording spy pen $6,500- Call:671-6177 Premium and slightly damaged corrugated zinc sheet- Call Tel: 226-7054 (2) Toyota Tundra, year 2003 & 2006. (1) F150 year 1997 & (1) Suzuki E90- Call:227-8519/ 653-4287
Dell laptops & desktops complete computers from $45,000 Futuretech call: 2312206 One new model Tacoma, one 12ft Aluminum boat & one 14ft Aluminum boatCall:220-1981/641-6162 (1) Music set with (3) power amps with a total of 5,500 watts etc. Price negotiable. For information Call:682-3481 Hifi Sound Connection: Car Audio, Pro Audio, complete sound system powered boxesCall:610-1230/673-5828
Outboard engines, Mercury 150, Force 75HP- Call:2278519/653-4287
One Honda ATV 500 2010 model, foreign used. Going cheap & duties already paidCall:642-1537 1 CAT standby 3306, 194 KVA 3 phase 60 cycleCall:641-8472 2- M132 Lavarda Combine, 122RB Dragline, 3- Pressure pump 4x3 for gold field, 12640MF tractor 4WD, 1385MF tractor- Call:627-0447
Portable arch and welding sets, air compressors, vacuum cleaners & Power washers- Call:227-8519/6534287 Hand tools, drills, saws, car ruffen, house holder speakers and lots more itemsCall:227-8519/653-4287 Energy saver bulbs - Call: 680-6374
1 Leyland DAF 60 single axle & dump- Call:216-1315/ 613-6615 1- AA60 Carina- Call:6895254/643-0332 (2) AT 170 Carina and Corona both EFI automatic, fully powered $580,000 eachCall:619-1047
Potting Soil and quality cow mould- Call:656-1326/6780058
Ice machine, smoothie machine & small fridgesCall:231-0655/683-8734
Playstation games $3,000 each-Call:223-1719 Diving Suits- Call:265-3449/ 613-5158
Pumpet and Tibetian Terrior pup. Call: 619-6086/699-7077
X-box 360 $55,000- Call:2231719
1 RZ Rotor 6,000, 192 Drum 4,500, 192 Fender, Trunk, door- Call:654-6394
Weeding machines $35,000Call:223-1719
For sale: ladies clothes, sewing machine, stroller, play pen & novels- Call:699-6342
New 2013 Isuzu: D-Max single & double cabsCall:691-0234
Sand truck for sale- Call:6861616 or 255-0690 PROPERTY FOR SALE Kitty $30M, Queenstown $26M, Robb Street $125M, Prashad Nagar $39M- Call Diana 227-2256/626-9382 VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, g e n e r a t o r, beautiful landscape, gated community- Call: 592-6248704/ 592-684-9203
One Toyota Minibus BJJ series, price $650,000 negotiable- Call:682-9003/ 621-0161 Mitsubishi Galant $1.1MCall:645-3605 1 Low Bed (hauler & trailer), 1 Freight Liner Hauler, 1-48ft trailer- Call:613-6979 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, IST, Runx, FielderCall:652-3820/665-4529
One Charlestown property with business potential- Call: 673-5882
Best 2007 Nissan Titan flair, trunk cover, 22" mags, air brush $3.5M- call:674-9593
‘BB’ Eccles- Concrete house 3 bedrooms upstairs, downstairs 2 self contained apartments, 2 bedrooms each toilet & bath $28M- Call:2278409/660-4764
AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Audi, BNN RZ mini buses, AT170, Marino. Cash or terms- Call:680-3154
Prime property with business potential close to Leonora Primary School public road- Call:652-0709/ 268-3572 CAKES & PASTRIES Baking & sewing courses @ W.C.D- Call:276-4018/6936335
Live/pluck chicken-Call:6504421/220-9203 Honda, Ridgid, grass cutter, Stihl, Robin etc. Call:227-8519 or 653-4287
SALON
1 Gold land @ PotaroCall:628-7605
Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773
Plastic fuel drums (55 gal)Contact Nicky:226-7948/6466000
One RZ minibus for saleCall:601-2144 1 White 2004 Premio 38,000km, PPP series, chrome rims, music set & all accessories$3.2M neg- Call: 6616793 (Owner migrating) ALYEA’S AUTO SALE: PREMIO 2002/2003, AXIO 2008. ALL PRICES ARE NEG. 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK- TEL:2317284/622-3823 Green Toyota Allion, PNN series $1.9M- Call:669-2650/ 677-5559 2007 Toyota ‘BB’ $2.5M, 2007 Rav4 $6.4M, Spacio $2.1M, Premio $2.5M. vehicles fully loaded- Call:617-2891 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table - Call: 277-0578
Wednesday October 02, 2013
WANTED One experience hairdresser to work at P&P Beauty Salon, Eccles. Contact: 645-3010, 639-7672, 619-0007. Experience Taxi driversCall:667-9013/627-9424 Experienced Dispatcher, contract cars & drivers- Call: 613-0419. Contract Cars @ Gem’s TaxiCall:667-9013/627-9424 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call:612-1595 Boys to learn mechanical trade, attractive salary. Preferably from the W.C.D and W.B.D- Call:697-3756/ 616-6007
Net work printer & copier. HP colour laser jet 4700Call:223-1719
TOUR
1- 5705 John Deere tractor, 1Rome plough 20 dish, 1- 1630 Bedford truck articulated with 2 trailer- Call:693-4596
Suriname return trip 12-16 October. Shopping site-seeing lots of fun- Call:644-0185/ 639-2663/227-8290/665-5171
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964
One room mate to share apartment. Preferably working person- Call:6825798 Looking for contract car preferably Wagon, Raum or Fielder- Call:682-5798 Experience Graphic ArtistCall:225-1445/225-1478 Labourer to work on concession. Accommodation provided $5,000 per day. Also chainsaw operator (Call 9am-4pm)-Tel:612-1082 Cook/ counter Call:223-1719
help-
1 Motor Rewinder. Must have knowledge of rewinding three phase motor- Contact Latchman Singh Rewinding Service 622-3940
Contract cars @ Atlas Taxi Service, South Ruimveldt Gardens- Call:661-3043
Urgently needed live-in waitresses to work in Bar reasonable salary offeredCall:259-0574
Attractive live in WaitressCall:228-5129
Bill writers and porters to work in Grocery stall, Stabroek market- Tel:2269800/683-9500 1 Office assistant with own transportation & 1 Security Guard. Apply with written application @ Comfortsleep 49 Eccles Industrial, E.B.D Porter age 18-30 apply in person to Hardware Emporium 78 Church Street, Georgetown. Between (National Library & GT&T)
50 5D engine- Call:642-6664
Live-in domestic must know to cook and live in waitress $50,000 monthly- Call:6105043 One experience driver to work in interior age 25 and up- Call:681-6044 One experience mechanic to work in interior must know to repair minibus & solid DEF vehicle- Call:681-6044 One live in maid age 24-45Call:697-2129
Live in waitress- Call:6439007/ 697-2978 Live In Live Out Babysitter Domestic- Call:225-6070 One live in & one live out babysitter from 12-8pmCall:225-6070 Sales Representative. Apply in person with written application @ Rite Price Wireless stall 13&14 ‘A’ Bourda Market Minibus driver living in Georgetown for contractCall:675-3093 One maid age 35-40 preferably country side. Attractive salary- Tel:2314815, Cell:699-9380
Pit Bull puppies for sale, parents from TrinidadCall:624-7991
WANTED Urgently needed 1 plot of land to buy in Parfaite Harmony, Eccles & Herstelling- Call:675-7295/ 218-5591
One experience sales girl & one porter for a grocery shop, age 30 to 35 @ Diamond New Scheme- Call:691-9212 or 2161420
CAR RENTAL Wings Car Rental- Call:6431131 Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 6987807 Premio, vitz call: 679-7139 Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693dollysautorental@yahoo.com/ www.dollysautorental.com First Choice Car Rental: Cars as low as $5,000 per day- Call:668-0306/6947817/225-6337 (Continued on page 23)
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
Life in Guyana is so much... From page 6 the injustice of a destructive Joint Opposition that is bent on retarding progress at all cost for selfish and political gains. Throughout his rantings, Barrington Braithwaite has yet to identify one solitary project that Opposition Leader David Granger has brought to any of his constituencies. And please do not insult my intelligence by insinuating that it is government’s responsibility only to do so. A vindictive administration can punish constituencies who voted for the opposition, and reward only those who put them in office. We’ve seen this behavior during the PNC reign when lots of villages in Berbice and Essequibo had no electricity or potable water, and a citizen had to produce a PNC Party Card to get a job in the public sector. But today, we have a government that keeps trying to provide equal opportunities for all, despite relentless, mostly unwarranted attacks on their credibility and motives; a
government that is constantly under attack for projects initiated by a long gone Jagdeo Administration. Mr. Braithwaite suggested in his letter that I “tell this nation why Bharrat Jagdeo should not be at the Hague on charges of presiding over numerous extra judicial murders, some randomly committed by Narco-organised crime Militias and rogue police empowered by his Government.” I will respond this way: If Barrington Brathwaite, members of the opposition, members of the media or any member of the public have any documentation, hard evidence, facts that cannot be disputed in a court of law, that could indict the former President, I would be willing to facilitate the exposure of such evidence. But they must be documented facts, not allegations, not hear-say evidence, not “I believe he did that because I read an article in the newspapers”, and certainly not gossip
Doing a big man’s... From page 4 official is out of his depth on matters pertaining to laws and how they ought to impact on governance. Certification does not automatically translate to competence, it identifies one would have satisfied certain classroom requirements and is so certificated based on examination. For laws are made to govern societal behaviours and they are dead at heart unless activated by the people and such activation must be consistent with the desires of the people, underpinned by universal principles. This is what the
AG must be able to grasp. In this era of public accountability those resisting change must hear from us. The Bills in question seek to strengthen the inalienable right to self-determination, a universal principle which underpinned our struggles and achievements for political independence and republican status. This was extended to the devolution of power to the region, town, and village. And since rights are nonnegotiable, the AG must either act consistent with the responsibility of his office or vacate same. Lincoln Lewis
designed to destroy a man’s character. The same goes for Winston Brassington. My personal opinion of Bharrat Jagdeo holds him in high esteem. He is almost single-handedly responsible for making the tough decisions that took Guyana from a state of near bankruptcy to the economic prosperity we see today. His management style and choice of words may have been abrasive to some, but none can honestly deny that Guyana and Guyanese have prospered under his Administration. But back to David Granger. Smart politicians in the opposition the world over, work with governments to get things done for their communities and the people they represent. Schools, bridges, hospitals and factories have all been built in communities friendly to the opposition in many countries, because their elected representatives were able to broker deals with the ruling party that are beneficial to both. But with Granger shooting down every initiative the government comes up with, PNC/APNU supporters can thank their lucky stars that the PPP/C is not a vindictive government. As I’ve said before, issues like Local Government Bills, the Procurement Commission and the Office of Ombudsman are important constitutional matters, but that does not put food on the table and money in the pockets of the working class. Most Guyanese are concerned with getting good paying jobs; free quality healthcare and education, and a safe environment to live and raise a family. David Granger would be wise to keep this in mind. Harry Gill
FOR RENT (1)- One bedroom apartment @ ‘B’ Field Sophia $40,000Call:661-3801 Lessons or storage bond @ Vreed-en-Hoop junctionCall: 680-9905 2 bedrooms cottage @ 526 11th Street Dazzel H/S, E.C.D. $40,000 per month, preferably person with transportation Call:614-1723 To rent 2 Bedrooms fully furnished Short term apartment- Call:222-7891/ 609-9202 One 2 bedrooms apartment at Middle road La Penitence $45,000- Call:226-6374/6669534
LAND FOR SALE
(From page 22)
One land located on Princess street, Georgetown for sale- Call:601-2144 Parfaite Harmony $1.2MCall:675-7292 50x200 riverside Land for sale @ 46 Friendship, E.B.DCall: 216-2654/ 1-917-6225810 2 Medium scale mining properties in Frenchman (843 acres) and Mahdia Potaro (79 acres)- Call:2591264 Monogomery Stuart Waiakabra, Linden Highway: 1,409’x403’ or 13.73 acres. Concrete house thereon. 1,100 feet from Highway- Call:619-4152 Gold land at EkeurkuCall:223-1719/info at iksservices.com Bel-Air 40x20 $28MCall:223-1719
VACANCY One professional seamstress & one frame builder- Call: 610-7005/ 2191342 Car wash attendantCall:694-4148 or 225-6296 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistantCall: 663-1751/684-2838 1 Female Clerk- Call:231-5171 1 Whole day Domestic- Call: 667-5717/ 650-4761 (between 7am to 6pm) Jump Start your Career!!! Phone: 220-0401-3 or 220-3488 to schedule your Interview Or Email:recruitment_guyana@ qualfon.com Albion Truck DriverCall:330-2399/623-5920
EDUCATIONAL I.A.E (Camp street): Forms 1-5, lessons & adult CXC classes: Maths, English, Business & Science- Call :223-0604/ 683-5742 Electronic Course- hands on training. Starting 2nd October. Abdul electronicsCall:226-655/225-0391 Institute of Academic Supremacy East Street forms 1-5. Adult CXC classes: Maths, English A, Science & BusinessCall:226-8468/ 690-5008 Enroll Now! Critchlow Labour College: Industrial & Social Studies, care for the Elderly & CommunicationCall:226-2483 Master mathematics now! Mathematics classes for 3rd, 4th, 5th form students & adults- Call:686-9454
FOR RENT Rooms- Call:225-9223
Evening Salesgirls (1:15pm10:30pm), Cashiers & cleaners. Send application & passport sized photograph @ Survival Shopping Complex 173 Sheriff St. Call:227-5286-89 Pump Attendant & Cashier @Shell Service Station Providence, E.B.D. Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm)- Call:265-7305 Secretary/ assistant @ Berbice-Call:622-6355 (1) Customs Clerk (3) subjects CXC (English, Mathematics & must be computer literate). Due 1110-13. Contact 669-6874/6823481/ windsortechhomes @gmail.com 4- Semi skilled labourers & 1 diesel mechanic. Apply in person @ Technical Services Inc. Eccles Industrial Site 2 Cashiers/ office clerks (computer literate) & 2 porters. Apply with written application @ May’s Shopping Centre, 98 Regent St. Georgetown Trainee refrigeration & AC technician- Call:231-0655/ 683-8734 TO LET 1 Upstairs for business or offices- Call:223-9727/673-0373
Upper flat apartment and shop below for rental at 66 Broad Street CharlestownCall:225-8305/661-7527
Newly built apartmentCall:698-6496
Fully furnished apartment in Nandy Park, suitable for a single person or coupleCall:619-4824 for further information.
Campbellville $100,000, BelAir $80,000, Lamaha Gardens US$1200, Atlantic Gardens US$900- Call Diana 227-2256/ 626-9382
SERVICES Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Profressional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Professional and affordable landscaping and tree trimming services. Budram’s Landscaping ServicesCall:656-1326/678-0058 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:225-9032,647-2943 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 Cellphone repairs at Halema’s Fashion 104 Regent street next door to the Multicomplex MallCall:622-7740/696-4008 Tattoo & body piercing @ Halema’s Fashion 104 Regent street next door to the Multicomplex MallCall:622-7740/696-4008 We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 6831312,627-3206 (Nick) Pandit Chrishna Persaud Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits & Marriage Officer- Call: 225-6344/6425165
TO LET Fully furnished Vacation home with all amenitiesCall during working hours227-1218 Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 679-7139 Secret Villa apartment, fully furnished apartments Landof-Canaan E.B.D- Call:2665243/266-5245 Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: As low as $5000 per nightCall: 668-0306/602-8769/ 694-7817
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Removing Rohee is not solution to IDB opens leading event on crime situation - GCCI President Microenterprise in C’bean “…police officers should get double salary increase” President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Clinton Urling is of the opinion that removing the current Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee from office is not the solution to the crime situation, but reiterated the call of some others, for the raise in the salary of officers of the Guyana Police Force. He stressed “a double increase,” noting that he was shocked to know that a Senior Superintendent works for a salary of only $70,000 per month. Urling explained that having Rohee demit office would not see “criminals shaking in their boots.” He recommended that the agencies responsible for executing security policies, such as the Guyana Police Force (GPF), be looked at closely. Urling was at the time
addressing a gathering of local businessmen and women, including several politicians, during the launching of the second edition of the Business Directory Magazine last Friday evening at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. There, he said that the Home Affairs Ministry, and by extension the Government of Guyana, need to “stop talking the talk, and start walking the walk,” urging, particularly the politicians, to “fix and not fight”. The GCCI President also called for the swift and full implementation of the Procurement Commission and the Anti Money Laundering Act, as well as the appointment of an Ombudsman. Urling also cited the need for the provision of more opportunities for training. In explaining the features of the 68-page magazine,
GCCI President Clinton Urling Urling said that that comes like a free advertisement for paying members of the GCCI. The publication highlights the products and services offered by the Chamber’s member businesses to both local and overseas consumers. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the oldest private sector representative body in Guyana. It was established in 1889.
Guyana to host Caribbean Week of Agriculture With the objective of generating wealth by linking regional food security to trade development via agriculture, the annual Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) will be hosted for the second time in Guyana, from October 4-12. Minister of Agriculture, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, told reporters recently that CWA is a significant event on the Regional calendar. “Guyana is proud to be hosting the twelfth Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA). The eleventh was held in Antigua and Barbuda. In 2003, Guyana hosted the CWA, so this marks the second time that we are privileged to host the event.” Minister Ramsammy explained that the activity brings together regional stakeholders for a week of activities to promote agriculture via policy, dialoguing, learning sessions, and an exhibition showcasing the products of the sector. Of great significance, Ramsammy says, is a Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) meeting, which will be held during CWA. This meeting will include Ministers of Agriculture from across the Region. “There will be various ministerial meetings like the ministerial meetings for the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) which will be held at CARICOM headquarters…. “ “We are hoping to sign a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding
- Improved food security and trade relations at centre of observance for agriculture, including an agreement with the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) … Earlier this year, the European Union and IICA received a grant of $11 million Euros to implement a capacity strengthening programme in the Caribbean Region, in relation to sanitary and unsanitary standards. Guyana is one of the countries in which the project will be implemented.” Dr Ramsammy said that various workshops, seminars and sessions will be held during the nine -day event. “There will also be a number of field events and inviting the technical personnel Ministers and guests to join the at various field sites.” Among the places to be visited are: GuySuCo’s Enmore Estate and Packaging Facility, the Hope/Dochfour Canal, the Burma Research Centre, Guyana School of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Centre, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute and Mangrove Tour, Hydromet’s Doppler Radar Tower and the Santa Fe Farm. The visit to the Guyana School of Agriculture will be of special significance during CWA as the entity celebrates its 50th anniversary. The discussions to be held during the CWAobservance, will
focus on; Monitoring and Managing Pest Populations Under a Changing Climate, Development of the Coconut Industry in the Caribbean, Implementation and Mainstreaming of Regional Fisheries Policies, as well as the Cost of Production, and Livestock. The workshops will be sponsored in part by members of the CWA committee, which comprises representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, CARICOM, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and IICA. Senior Analyst Natasha Beerjit of the Guyana Marketing Cooperation will coordinate the plans and implementations for CWA. The event which also coincides with this year’s Agriculture Month observance will feature a three-day agricultural exhibition which will see the participation of groups from the Caribbean and Canada. The official opening of the CWA will take place on Wednesday , October 9, 2013 at the International Convention Centre, Liliendaal Regional Ministers of Agriculture as well as technical personnel from various agricultural organizations will attend the opening ceremony. The theme for CWA 2013 is “Linking the Caribbean for Regional Food and Nutrition Security and Rural Development.”
Under the theme “The productivity challenge: financing dynamic entrepreneurship,” the region’s top event for supporting and financing the sector in the Caribbean and Latin America began yesterday with 1,800 participants from 50 countries. Opened by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and the President of the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), Luis Alberto Moreno, among other officials, the 16th edition of the forum began with a call for enhancing support for microenterprises and small- and medium-sized companies so as to boost job creation and the economies of the countries of the region. “The theme addressed this year by Foromic, “The productivity challenge: financing dynamic entrepreneurship, coincides fully with the cross-cutting targets of this government and is part of the National Development Plan,” said Peña Nieto. “Today, 15 years after the first Foromic, which coincidentally was also held in Mexico, the microfinancing industry has matured,” said the IDB President. “At that time there were fewer than 200 microfinancing entities
serving around one million clients. Today there are more than one million active institutions that serve nearly 20 million micro-credit customers.” Organized by the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the IDB group, in collaboration with the Government of Mexico, Foromic is attended by investors, representatives of microfinancing institutions, development agencies, consulting companies and governmental authorities. The IDB president signed four cooperation agreements for projects financed by the MIF. With a total contribution of $2 million, the first project will be carried out by Banco Nacional de México, S.A (Banamex) and aims to strengthen 45,000 small- and medium-size companies in the areas of energy efficiency and “green” credit products for small and medium sized companies to invest in energy efficient equipment. The second project will include financing of $1.35 million and will be carried out by Mercy Corps Guatemala. Its goal is to promote the growth and development of microenterprises and smalland medium-size companies
by helping them gain access to new networks and markets in Guatemala. The project will also address the challenges of broadening access to efficient business consulting services through the online platform MicroMentor. A cooperation agreement was also be signed for a $797,720 project administered by the municipal government of Tequila, which will seek to develop a public-private partnership model to provide basic services to low-income families that reside there. Finally, the Insurance Corporation of Belize(ICB) will seek to increase formal insurance coverage for lowincome persons in that country via a $1million project that will offer affordable property insurance for members of credit cooperatives who live in rural areas and work in the country´s farm sector. Among the main issues to be addressed in the Foromic agenda are innovation in products and services to achieve financial inclusion; financial education of young people; the development of microenterprises and small companies; green financing; micro-insurance; savings and remittances; responsible financing and dynamic financing of companies.
Defaulting TV, radio stations given... From page 12 geographical considerations. Two applications, from Inspire Inc. and an interreligious group, have been submitted. While Kaieteur News has applied for radio and TV licences, Shadick noted that Stabroek News, Capitol News and Mark Benschop, who has links to an internet radio operation, have not submitted applications. While there are applications for TV and radio operations in Linden, Region 10, there has not been any from the regional administration which has been clamouring for permission. Regarding the operations of the GNBA, Shadick said that the authority itself is not established as yet, although the board has been operating, meeting 26 times this year. Soon, the body will be advertising for technical and other support staffers. Shadick made it clear that while approval may be granted for broadcasting, it does not necessarily mean that is automatic permission to broadcast. A number of criteria, including fees and the allocation of frequencies by the National Frequency and Management Unit (NFMU), still have to be met. Responding to questions whether the board of GNBA
can force new, approved broadcasters to operate, the official said that it would not be unreasonable for the licencees to be given time to import their equipment and get their act together. However, the Board may consider at some time, measures to ensure that some timeline is introduced to guide the process. The issue of broadcasting has been a contentious one in the last two years after several persons, most with close links to Government, were approved for new radio licences. The granting was days before former President Bharrat Jagdeo was due to end his term in office in November 2011. Among those granted multiple frequencies were Jagdeo’s best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’
Ramroop; the PPP’s party newspaper; and Telcor Broadcasting, a company owned by an overseas-based sister of Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud. A number of other individuals including singer Rudy Grant and Wireless Connections, a company facing financial difficulties, were granted one frequency each. The Opposition has been questioning the allocations by Jagdeo, saying that he breached a decade-old agreement in which no new broadcasters could be given permission until there are new regulations and the establishment of a governing body. The Opposition has called for the scrapping of the licences. The issue had sparked protest actions and a court case.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Netanyahu at U.N.: Don’t trust Rouhani, Iran’s overtures a ruse UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday dismissed a charm offensive by Iran’s new president as a ruse concocted by a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” and declared that Israel was ready to stand alone to deny Tehran an atomic weapon. In a combative address to the U.N. General Assembly, Netanyahu assailed the trustworthiness of Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s centrist president who has made diplomatic overtures to the United States and spoke by telephone last week with President Barack Obama. “Rouhani doesn’t sound like Ahmadinejad,” Netanyahu said, referring to Rouhani’s hardline predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose annual U.N. addresses were stridently anti-Western and anti-Israel. “But when it comes to Iran’s nuclear weapons program, the only difference between them is this: Ahmadinejad was a wolf in wolf’s clothing, Rouhani is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a
wolf who thinks he can pull the wool over the eyes of the international community,” Netanyahu said. “This is a ruse,” Netanyahu added. “It’s a ploy.” Netanyahu’s address, the last at this year’s gathering of world leaders in New York, reflected Israeli worries that the emerging signs of what could become a U.S.-Iranian rapprochement might lead to a premature easing of international sanctions and military threats designed to deny Iran the means to make a bomb. “Don’t let up the pressure,” Netanyahu said, adding that the only deal that could be made with Rouhani was one that “fully dismantles Iran’s nuclear weapons program.” The United States, Israel and other countries accuse Iran of using its nuclear program to try to develop the capability to produce weapons. Iran says the program is for peaceful energy purposes only. During his General Assembly speech last week, Rouhani said nuclear weapons “have no
place in Iran’s security and defense doctrine, and contradict our fundamental religious and ethical convictions. The Israeli leader referred to Rouhani’s 1989-2003 tenure as the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, a time when he said Iranian “henchmen” killed opposition leaders in Berlin, 85 people at a Jewish center in Buenos Aires and 19 U.S. soldiers in a bomb attack on the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. “Are we to believe that Rouhani, the national security adviser of Iran at the time, knew nothing about these attacks?” Netanyahu said. “Of course he did, just as 30 years ago Iran’s security chiefs knew about the bombings in Beirut that killed 241 American Marines and 58 French paratroopers.” Netanyahu made clear that Israel, believed to possess the Middle East’s only atomic arsenal, was prepared to resort to unilateral military action against Iran if it deems diplomacy a dead end. “I want there to be no
Benjamin Netanyahu confusion on this point. Israel will not allow Iran to get nuclear weapons. If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone. Yet in standing alone, Israel will know that we will be defending many, many others,” Netanyahu said. The bulk of his speech was about Iran, but he also touched on the IsraeliPalestinian peace process, saying the Jewish state was prepared to make a “historic compromise.” He faulted Palestinian leaders for not reciprocating enough. Rouhani, who took office last month after being elected in June, projected a more moderate tone from Iran at the world forum last week, with long-term adversaries Iran and the United States now preparing for renewed nuclear talks. Later this month, Iran will meet with the five permanent U.N. Security Council members and Germany in Geneva to pick up from last week’s discussions in New York that included Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and U.S. Secretary
of State John Kerry. Iran has made clear it wants a swift deal that would lift the crippling international sanctions against it and put an end to the decade-long standoff over its nuclear ambitions. In a response to Netanyahu’s speech, Khodadad Seifi, a representative of the Iranian U.N. delegation, rejected Israel’s allegations and told the 193-nation General Assembly Iran was “fully committed” to its nuclear nonproliferation obligations. He warned Israel that Iran is able to respond to any Israeli attack, saying: “The Israeli prime minister had better not even think about attacking Iran, let alone planning for that.” Netanyahu said Iran’s nuclear program had continued at a “vast and feverish” pace since the election of Rouhani. “Like everyone else, I wish we could believe Rouhani’s words, but we must focus on Iran’s action,” Netanyahu said, adding that sanctions should be tightened if the Iranians pursue nuclear projects while negotiating with world powers. If there are any changes taking place in Iran, Netanyahu said, it was the result of pressure on the Islamic Republic. “I have argued for many years, including on this podium, that the only way to peacefully prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons is to combine tough sanctions with a credible military threat. And that policy today is bearing fruit.” Referring to the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran,
Netanyahu said, “Since that time, presidents of Iran have come and gone. Some presidents were considered moderates, others hardliners.” “But they have all served that same unforgiving creed, that same unforgiving regime, that creed that is espoused and enforced by the real power in Iran, the dictator known as the supreme leader, first Ayatollah (Ruholla) Khomeini and now Ayatollah (Ali) Khamenei,” he said. “President Rouhani, like the presidents who came before him, is a loyal servant of the regime,” Netanyahu added. Netanyahu also noted the thousands of years of Persian-Jewish amity that ceased with the fierce antiIsrael hostility ushered in by the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. At last year’s U.N. General Assembly, Netanyahu made headlines when he used a marker to draw Israel’s “red line” across a cartoonish bomb he displayed as a visual aid during his speech to illustrate advances in Iranian uranium enrichment. Though Iran did not cross that threshold, the Israelis worry that it has improved its technologies and is now capable of dashing toward a first bomb within weeks. On Tuesday, Netanyahu noted the Iranian heavy water plant Arak that, he said, could produce plutonium - another potential fuel for nuclear weapons. After meeting with Netanyahu on Monday, Obama reiterated his determination to prevent Iran from getting nuclear arms. Both leaders said their countries were cooperating on the issue.
Former BBC radio host faces two further sex charges (Reuters) - One of Britain’s best-known radio presenters from the 1970s and 1980s, who counted Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi among his fans, was charged with two further sex offences yesterday on top of 12 other sex charges. Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Dave Lee Travis, 68, now stands accused of 13 counts of indecent assault and one sexual assault. The incidents are alleged to have occurred between 1977 and 2007 and involved women and girls, with the youngest aged 15. The two new charges against Travis, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, relate to indecent assault on a woman aged over 16 between January 1992 and
Dave Lee Travis December 1993. Accused under his real name David Patrick Griffin, he is due to appear at
Westminster Magistrates Court on October 3. He previously appeared at the Old Bailey on September 6 and was bailed to appear at an undecided court on October 21. Travis, who was first arrested last November, is one of 14 ageing celebrities and show business figures to be accused of sex offences in an investigation sparked by revelations that the late BBC TV host Jimmy Savile was a prolific child sex abuser. Savile was one of Britain’s biggest stars in the 1970s and 1980s but since his 2011 death, police have discovered he committed sex crimes on an unprecedented scale.
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Berlusconi faces revolt over Italy confidence vote ROME (Reuters) - Senior party figures in Silvio Berlusconi’s fractious centerright movement urged Italian lawmakers yesterday to defy the billionaire media tycoon and back Prime Minister Enrico Letta in a confidence motion expected today. Berlusconi’s People of Freedom (PDL) party has come close to breaking apart after he pulled his ministers out of the ruling coalition at the weekend and called for new elections following growing tension over his conviction for tax fraud. Divisions between hardline “hawks” and more moderate “doves” have widened sharply as opposition has grown to Berlusconi’s call to bring down Letta’s coalition, five months after it was formed in the wake of deadlocked elections in February. Italy, the euro zone’s thirdlargest economy, has been in political turmoil for the past week, and even if Letta’s government survives the vote, there is no certainty that his administration will be strong enough to enact effective reforms to confront its longest postwar recession.
However, the breakdown of unity in Berlusconi’s party is a watershed moment for the man who has been the undisputed leader of Italy’s center-right for two decades and opens an unpredictable new chapter in Italian politics. Party secretary and Interior Minister Angelino Alfano and Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi, who handed in their resignations on Berlusconi’s orders on Saturday, called on the party to back Letta in the vote expected in the Senate on Wednesday. “I remain firmly convinced that our entire party should support Letta in a confidence vote,” Alfano told reporters. Letta rejected the resignations of Alfano and Lupi and the three other PDL ministers on Tuesday, a signal that he valued their public backing. Berlusconi appeared to confirm an impending party split when he decided, after a meeting with his advisers, that he will ask his lawmakers to withdraw their support for Letta on Wednesday, Alessandro Sallusti, editor-inchief of the party newspaper,
said on RAI state TV. Sources in Letta’s centerleft Democratic Party said he had not yet decided whether to call a formal vote of confidence in parliament today and was waiting to see what emerged from a frantic round of meetings yesterday. If it does not appear that he has enough support from PDL rebels, he would hand in his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano before a confidence vote. He could then be re-appointed to try to form a new coalition in parliament, setting off a new round of negotiations. Letta’s Democratic Party (PD) has a strong majority in the lower house, but in the Senate he would need to win support from the PDL or others such as the antiestablishment 5-Star Movement, which has said it will vote against the government. The parliamentary arithmetic is complicated and deceptive, but to be sure of winning, Letta, who can count on 138 votes from the PD and centrist parties, would need at least 20 more votes for a majority in the 315 seat Senate.
Italy’s Prime Minister Enrico Letta (R) looks on next to Interior Minister Angelino Alfano during a vote session at the Senate in Rome. REUTERS About 30 PDL senators are willing to continue supporting Letta, one PDL source said. However, the premier has made it clear that scraping through a confidence motion with a handful of votes will not be enough to be able to implement reforms and control public finances. PDL moderates have called for a new direction in the center-right and the removal of the ultra-hardliners who have gained increasing influence over Berlusconi in recent weeks. But it is not clear whether Berlusconi, a billionaire media tycoon who has dominated the center-right for 20 years, will be able to persuade potential rebels to return or whether the breakdown in his party is final. As the countdown to the vote began, official figures showed youth unemployment had hit a record of 40.1 percent in August, underlining the dire state of the Italian economy, now in its second year of recession. President Giorgio Napolitano said in a statement that Letta would seek backing
for a “stable commitment for continuing government action from the most immediate deadlines to objectives to be pursued in 2014”. Even if Letta survives a confidence vote, he may not have enough support to pass the kind of deep reforms or painful tax and budget measures needed to reverse a decade of economic stagnation and cut its 2 trillion euro public debt. But with memories still fresh of the chaos that brought the eurozone to the brink of collapse when the last Berlusconi government fell in 2011, the turmoil in Italy has been closely watched by Rome’s international partners. “The impact of what happens in Italy does not end at the country’s borders. It is felt throughout Europe,” European Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn told reporters in Paris. Financial markets have also watched closely, and Italy’s borrowing costs have risen markedly, though with the European Central Bank pledging to support euro zone bonds, there has been no sign of the panic seen at earlier
crisis points. The main barometer of market concern, the premium investors demand to hold Italian 10-year government bonds over AAA-rated German Bunds has actually fallen from more than 300 basis points at the start of the week to 266 points on Tuesday. “In the end if Letta is able to get a short-term agreement, if he is able to postpone elections for a few months, then that is a positive result for him and there would be a positive reaction by the markets,” said Leonardo Morlino, professor of political science at LUISS University in Rome. Letta’s unwieldy coalition of left and right has struggled ever since it was formed in the wake of last February’s deadlocked elections, which left no party able to govern alone. With Italy’s complicated voting system widely expected to produce another stalemate if snap elections were held now, Napolitano has repeatedly said he does not want to dissolve parliament and call a new ballot.
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White House rejects latest Republican offer to end shutdown (Reuters) - The White House rejected a Republican plan to reopen portions of the U.S. government yesterday as the first shutdown in 17 years closed landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and threw hundreds of thousands of federal employees out of work. The back and forth offered no sign that President Barack Obama and Republicans can soon end a standoff over health care that has sidelined everything from trade negotiations to medical research and raised new concerns about Congress’s ability to perform its most basic duties. The Republican plan would restore funding for national parks, veterans services, and the District of Columbia. Other government services would remain unfunded. While the selective funding approach appeared to unite conservative and moderate Republicans for now, the White House said Obama would veto it. Democrats who control the Senate said they would reject it before it reached Obama’s desk. Republicans who control the House of Representatives said Obama could not complain about the impact of the shutdown while refusing to negotiate. “The White House position is unsustainably hypocritical,” said Michael Steel, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner. An even bigger battle looms in coming weeks, when Congress must raise the debt limit or risk a U.S. default that could roil global markets. “This is a mess. A royal screwup,” said Democratic Representative Louise Slaughter of New York. Obama accused Republicans of taking the government hostage in order to sabotage his signature health care law, the most ambitious U.S. social program in five decades. “They’ve shut down the government over an ideological crusade to deny affordable health insurance to millions of Americans,” Obama said in the White House Rose Garden. Republicans in the House view the Affordable Care Act as a dangerous extension of government power and have coupled their efforts to undermine it with continued government funding. The Democratic-controlled Senate has repeatedly rejected those efforts. Spending authority for much of the government expired at midnight on Monday (0400 GMT), but that
did not prevent the Obama administration from opening yesterday the healthinsurance exchanges that form the centerpiece of the law. Republicans said their latest proposal would help elderly veterans who earlier in the day pushed past barricades at the National World War II Memorial to get into the shuttered site. “They’re coming here because they want to visit their memorial, the World War II memorial. But no, the Obama administration has put barricades around it,” said Republican Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho. Democrats said Republicans were resorting to gimmicks to avoid a vote that would restore funding to the entire government because they were afraid it would pass. “That’s important - a park? How about the kids who need daycare?” said Democratic Representative Sander Levin of Michigan. “You have to let all the hostages go. Every single one of them.” The veterans in question had gotten in to the memorial with help from several Republican lawmakers. But they didn’t seem particularly interested in taking sides. “It’s just like a bunch of little kids fighting over candy,” said George, Atkinson, an 82-year-old Coast Guard veteran of the Korean War. “The whole group ought to be replaced, top man down.” The plan appeared to temporarily unite Republicans, heading off a split between Tea Party conservatives who pushed for the government funding confrontation and moderates who appear to be losing stomach for the fight. Before a meeting of House Republicans, Representative Peter King, a New York moderate, estimated that more than 100 of the chamber’s 232 Republicans would back Obama’s demand to restore all government funding without conditions. That would be enough to easily pass the House with the support of the chamber’s 200 Democrats. The shutdown closed landmarks like the Grand Canyon and pared the government’s spy agencies by 70 percent. In Washington, the National Zoo shut off a popular “panda cam” that allowed visitors to view its newborn panda cub online. In Pennsylvania, white supremacists had to cancel a planned rally at Gettysburg National Military Park. Whether the shutdown
President Barack Obama represents another bump in the road for a Congress increasingly plagued by dysfunction or is a sign of a more alarming breakdown in the political process could be determined by the reaction among voters and on Wall Street. Stock investors appeared to be taking the news in stride with investors confident a deal could be reached quickly. The S&P 500 closed up 0.8 percent and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.2 percent. But the U.S. Treasury was
forced to pay the highest interest rate in about 10 months on its short-term debt as many investors avoided bonds that would be due later this month, when the government is due to exhaust its borrowing capacity. If Congress can agree to a new funding bill soon, the shutdown would have little impact on the world’s largest economy. A week-long shutdown would slow U.S. economic growth by about 0.3 percentage points, according to Goldman Sachs, but a longer disruption could weigh on the economy more heavily as furloughed workers scale back personal spending. The last shutdown in 1995 and 1996 cost taxpayers $1.4 billion, according to congressional researchers. The political crisis raised fresh concern about whether Congress can meet a crucial mid-October deadline to raise the government’s $16.7 trillion debt ceiling. Some Republicans see that vote as another opportunity to undercut Obama’s healthcare law.
Failure to raise the debt limit would force the country to default on its obligations, dealing a blow to the economy and sending shockwaves around global markets. A 2011 standoff over the debt ceiling hammered consumer confidence and prompted a first-ever downgrade of the United States’ credit rating. Analysts say this time it could be worse. Lawmakers back then were fighting over how best to reduce trilliondollar budget deficits, but this time they are at loggerheads over an issue that does not lend itself to compromise as easily: an expansion of government-supported health benefits to millions of uninsured Americans. Republicans have voted more than 40 times to repeal or delay “Obamacare,” but they failed to block the launch of its online insurance marketplaces yesterday. The program had a rocky start as government websites struggled to cope with heavy online traffic. “What I’m hearing from my constituents at home is if
this is the only way to stop the runaway train called the federal government, then we’re willing to try it,” said Texas Senator John Cornyn, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 24 percent of Americans would blame Republicans, while 19 percent would blame Obama or Democrats. Another 46 percent said everyone would be to blame. The shutdown battles of the 1990s didn’t substantially affect public’s opinion of then-Democratic President Bill Clinton or his Republican adversaries, the Gallup polling organization said. Republicans and Democrats traded blame for the shutdown, but many seemed deeply embarrassed for the institution as a whole. Several said they planned to donate their salaries to charity or forego pay altogether. “This is a black eye on our government at all levels,” said Republican Representative Michael Grimm of New York. “I think it’s a low point for us.”
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World Bank pledges more funds Egypt army chief calls for for poor in troubled states quick transition to election (Reuters) - World Bank President Jim Yong Kim laid out a new strategy for the global development lender yesterday that includes a sharp increase in funds to help poor people in nations scarred by conflict and a pledge to partner with the private sector. He also warned that a partial government shutdown in a politically divided Washington could have farreaching consequences for the poor given the troubling signal it sends about the world’s largest economy. U.S. fiscal uncertainty “combined with other sources of volatility in the global economy could do great damage to emerging markets and developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that have lifted millions of people out of poverty in recent years,” he said. Kim has sought to energize the bank around a poverty-eradication goal since he assumed his post last year and has launched a major reorganization to make the institution more nimble and useful, especially to middle-income countries. Inequality and limited opportunities for the poorest people in each country can drive instability and breed conflict, Kim said, pointing to developments in the Middle East, where a wave of protests drove decades-old rulers from power. “This is what happens when prosperity is reserved for a select few,” he said. “All of those left out feel deeply the burn of inequity.” In April, Kim committed the bank to twin goals of
Jim Yong Kim eliminating extreme poverty by 2030 and boosting the incomes of the poorest 40 percent of the population in each country. To meet its goals amid greater competition for development funds and a tight budget, the World Bank must focus on “bold” projects and technical solutions to countries, Kim added. That will involve working with the bank’s private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), to encourage businesses to create jobs in poorer countries. “Embracing the private sector and their role in development is not about whether you like the private sector or you have warm feelings about (it),” he said, adding that it would be impossible to eliminate poverty and meet the infrastructure needs of poor countries with public money alone. Aid from the official sector totals about $125 billion (77.15 billion pounds) a year, but India alone is likely
to need $1 trillion for infrastructure in the next few years. Meeting its goals will also require the World Bank to focus on so-called fragile states, those either in conflict or vulnerable to it, which will house most of the world’s poor people in the next five years. Kim said the bank’s fund for the poorest will plan to increase its funding to fragile states by 50 percent over the next three years, as would the IFC. According to a draft strategy paper presented to the bank’s board last month, and seen by Reuters, the new focus will require cutbacks in other programs as the bank seeks to become more selective in its lending. Kim made no mention of cuts in his speech ahead of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank annual meetings next week. In comments to reporters afterwards, Kim said the bank’s comparative advantage lies in large-scale, “transformational” projects that can impact many people and address big problems, rather than focusing on small pilot projects. He pointed to the example of $340 million the bank approved in August to finance a hydropower plant in central Africa’s Great Lakes region to bring electricity to the power grids of three countries. But the bank’s increased support for such projects could put it in conflict with some aid groups, who contend big projects are more likely to disrupt the environment and displace people.
(Reuters) - Egypt’s army chief called yesterday for a quick transition to elections in order to restore stability to the country, while supporters of the Islamist president he ousted, Mohamed Mursi, staged daring protests urging an end to “military government”. Egypt has been gripped by turmoil since the army removed Mursi on July 3 following mass protests against his rule. Political tensions and a sharp rise in attacks by Islamist militants have decimated tourism and investment in Egypt, the most populous Arab state, which depends heavily on U.S. aid. Speaking to soldiers and police officers at a seminar, army chief Abdel Fattah alSisi “called on everyone to be truly aware of the size of the problems facing society, and which necessitate speeding up the end of the transitional phase,” the army spokesman’s official Facebook page said. In a reference to Mursi’s year in power, Sisi condemned what he said were attempts to distort “a ruling experience that failed to meet the demands of the Egyptian people” and portray it as a “religious battle and a war on Islam.” After toppling Mursi, the military installed an interim government and announced a “road map” for a transition to a new election. The Muslim Brotherhood accused the military of staging a coup that removed Egypt’s first freely elected president. Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy said last week that the transitional phase of government should end “by
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi next spring.” Since Mursi’s downfall, security forces have killed hundreds of pro-Mursi protesters, and senior members of his Muslim Brotherhood have been arrested, actions that drastically reduced the size of protests. Mursi supporters protested in Cairo’s Tahrir Square yesterday for the first time since the army forced him from office in July, risking the wrath of security forces who had been keeping a close eye on the area. About 100 protesters gathered in the square, chanting, “Down with the military government!” “We are a country not a military camp,” the Mursi supporters shouted in Tahrir, which was the rallying point in 2011 for hundreds of thousands of people against former President Hosni Mubarak. “We want freedom!” they said. Shortly after arriving in Tahrir, passersby attacked them with rocks. Riot police then moved in and dispersed
the crowd. At talks this week, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton will encourage reconciliation between the government and the Brotherhood, a European diplomatic source said. “She is coming to explore the possibilities for a return to a transition in which all sides can participate,” the European diplomat said in Cairo. Ashton arrived yesterday. “Things are still not completely black and white, although the situation is extremely difficult and reconciliation is becoming a difficult word in Egypt.” Getting the army-backed government and the Brotherhood to compromise may be an impossible mission for Ashton, who failed on a previous visit, as did several Western envoys, to persuade the military to avoid using force against Mursi’s supporters. Security forces crushed pro-Mursi protest camps on August 14, killing hundreds of people. The Brotherhood’s leaders were arrested in a bid to decapitate the movement, which won every election in post-Mubarak Egypt. A court has now banned the movement and ordered its assets frozen. The European diplomat said Ashton would meet government leaders, Sisi and Muslim Brotherhood politicians Amr Darrag and Mohamed Ali Bishr, who both served as negotiators for the movement in talks with U.S. and EU envoys that failed to prevent the bloody raids on protest camps. Most Brotherhood leaders are in jail, including Mursi. A security source said Ashton would likely encourage the Egyptian government to overturn a court ruling that outlawed the Brotherhood and gradually release its leaders from prison on condition they acknowledge that popular protests ultimately removed Mursi, not a coup. Ashton is expected to explore whether there is still room for an initiative that Deputy Prime Minister Ziad Bahaa el-Din, a liberal, put to the Cabinet in August. The proposal called for an immediate end to the state of emergency, political participation for all parties and guarantees of human rights, including free assembly. “This is one of the possibilities that should be explored,” the diplomat said.
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T&T Govt. warns of “diplomatic mess” U.S. defends diplomats following opposition legislators’ expelled from Venezuela statement regarding Canadian diplomat CARACAS (Reuters) Trinidad Express Communications Minister Gerald Hadeed said Monday that Opposition MP Colm Imbert had “created a diplomatic mess with farreaching negative repercussions for our country” when he personally attacked Canadian High Commissioner Gerard Latulippe in Parliament last Friday. In a release from the ministry, Hadeed said Imbert’s accusations were “unwarranted, unjustified and inaccurate”. “I agree with the High Commissioner that freedom of expression even under parliamentary immunity bears responsibility and respect for human rights. What is worse is that many of our people living in Canada have been calling to say that I m b e r t ’s irresponsibility could cost this country the support of the Canadian government and other governments who, seeing what has happened to the Canadian representative, may feel that the same or worse could happen to them,” he said. He added that this kind of irresponsibility has always caused problems, and “this wanton disregard for the truth” is also affecting the negotiations for the LoranManatee gas field that
straddles the international maritime border with Venezuela. “(Imbert) and his colleagues don’t seem to realise that in trying to discredit us they are doing immeasurable damage to our country, its allies and our international reputation,” he said. In response to Hadeed’s statement, Imbert said the government should not be challenging the constitutional rights of an elected MP to raise matters of national importance in the Parliament, and taking the side of a foreign diplomat with respect to a matter of national importance. Imbert said: “What is particularly surprising about his statements is that the government supported me and cancelled the contract with SNC-Lavalin. So quite apart from the fact that the government concurred with my request about all contractual arrangements with SNC. In addition, (Hadeed) is challenging my constitutional right as an MP to express myself in the Parliament on a matter of national importance. “It is obvious that (he) is very inexperienced and has not held any ministerial positions before and has no understanding of the concept of freedom of speech in
Gerard Latulippe Parliament. “If he were not a novice, he would know that many of his colleagues have shared similar sentiments about contracts involving foreign governments in the past in Parliament and have exercised their constitutional rights in Parliament as I did.” He said he had noted Latulippe’s comments in the paper about leaving politics and, “for the record the gentlemen contested the election as a candidate for the Canadian Alliance Party in Canada in 2000—13 years after 1987; he was not successful”. “Rather than (Hadeed) jumping guns and attacking an elected member of Parliament, he would be far better off investigating why all three opposition parties (in
Canada) objected to the appointment of this gentleman to be president of the Rights and Democracy agency in Canada in 2010,” Imbert said. Imbert added the meeting to which he was invited by Latulippe last Thursday was not only with Latulippe and the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), but also with a vice president of SNCLavalin. “The invitation came 8 a.m. last Thursday and it was public knowledge that my motion was to be debated the next day (Friday) in Parliament. I found it very strange that knowing this, this gentleman wanted me to meet with him and the contractor,” Imbert said. Monday, the Express reported that Latulippe was “deeply offended” by Imbert’s remarks during a speech in Parliament on his motion calling for the government to terminate all contractual arrangements with the controversial Canadian construction company, SNC-Lavalin, for the Penal Hospital. Latulippe, in a text message to the Express yesterday, reiterated that he had not served as a parliamentarian since 1989. He added that he had said all he had to on the issue and will make no further comment.
PM urges citizens not to panic over HINI flu KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – CMC - Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has sought to assure nationals that there is no reason to panic as six cases of swine flu have been confirmed here. “I have been asked to
assure everyone that matters are under control. We have the antiviral treatment in the country, 3,000 tablets and we can source additional stock from PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) and that stock is available to us to get very quickly,” said Gonsalves,
who is acting Minister of Health. “Not everyone will meet the criteria of treatment but it depends on the clinical criteria of the physician in relation to this particular matter,” Gonsalves said. He said reports from the Ministry of Health show that of 51 cases of the suspected illness, only six cases have been confirmed as H1N1, commonly called swine flu. Gonsalves said an initial 11 swabs were sent to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CAPHA) last month and the results received confirmed six chases of H1n1. He said St. Vincent and the Grenadines had informed PAHO of the results and it responded on September 25. “There was a routine surveillance meeting on September 27 and it highlighted a need to develop and implement a national public relations strategy to raise public awareness,” Gonsalves said, adding “there is a document which
The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela yesterday defended three diplomats expelled by President Nicolas Maduro, rejecting charges they were involved in espionage and accusations Washington is trying to destabilize the OPEC nation. In the latest spat between the ideological foes, Maduro on Monday ordered out three U.S. diplomats including Kelly Keiderling, temporarily in charge of the mission. He alleged they had been meeting with “right wing” opposition leaders and encouraging acts of sabotage against the South American nation’s electricity grid and economy. “We completely reject the Venezuelan government’s allegations of U.S. government involvement in any type of conspiracy to destabilize the Venezuelan government,” the embassy said in a statement. “We likewise reject the specific claims against the three members of our embassy.” The U.S. government is still evaluating how it will respond and may take reciprocal action in accordance with the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, the statement said. Venezuelan state TV, to a backdrop of dramatic music, showed images of diplomatic vehicles and a flight manifest with the names of the U.S. officials that commentators said was proof they met with the opposition in the southeast of the nation. “The three people were in Bolivar state conducting normal diplomatic engagement,” the U.S.
Nicolas Maduro Embassy statement said. “We maintain regular contacts across the Venezuelan political spectrum ... This is what diplomats do.” The expulsions throw a wrench into cautious efforts this year to restore full diplomatic ties that were frayed for most of the 14-year rule of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez. Maduro, Chavez’s successor, named a new acting head of Venezuela’s U.S. diplomatic mission shortly after his April election in what many took as a sign of warming relations. That official may now face expulsion in the tit-for-tat style retaliation that has characterized similar incidents in the past. Chavez in 2008 expelled Ambassador Patrick Duddy over what he called Washington’s involvement in violent protests in Bolivia. In 2010, he blocked the nomination of diplomat Larry Palmer over comments that there were “clear ties” between members of Chavez’s government and leftist Colombian rebels.
OECS environmental ministers to meet in Anguilla next week Dr. Ralph Gonsalves they have sent to me as the acting minister, outlining what they are doing as from today so that people don’t have to panic about this matter”. “Over the weekend, there were only two suspected cases reported, hence as of today, as I speak to you, there were a total of 51 cases reported but only six were confirmed as H1N1. Since then, more samples have been taken and sent and we are awaiting the results.”
Caribbean Journal - Ministers of Environment and Sustainable Development from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States will meet in Anguilla next week. The meeting is the seventeenth annual conference of Environment Ministers from the region. Bentley Browne, director of social and sustainable development at the OECS Secretariat and Jerome Roberts, Anguilla’s recently-appointed Minister of Home Affairs and Natural Resources will address the event. Roberts will also act as chair. “This is important for the people of Anguilla, as it provides an opportunity for us to share environmental concerns and achievements in sustainable development, habitat mapping, and results of our recently conducted eco-system assessments,” Anguilla’s Department of Environment said in a statement. OECS officials said all Member States will be represented at this year’s meeting.
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Ozil stars as Arsenal cruise past Napoli
Mesut Ozil (centre) inspired his team to victory. (Reuters)
Wednesday October 02, 2013 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Things are apt to remain quite orderly for you, Aries. Even though your heart may want to soar into the clouds, you'll find that there's a stable side to the equation that's working to keep things in perspective. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): The engagements in your social calendar are likely stacking up to the point of absurdity, Taurus. Make sure you schedule some time for yourself somewhere in there. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20):Just because your heart is feeling extra generous now doesn't mean that you need to send flowers to everyone you know, Gemini. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You may be confused by your heart, Cancer. It may be extremely frustrating when you can't keep a tight rein on your emotions. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): Your mind gives you a great deal of security, Leo, which allows you to explore other worlds. You have your satellite outpost operating smoothly, and you can now take trips into the frontier knowing that you have a secure facility to fall back on. Find new ways to bring love into your life. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): This is a good time to get more serious about your art, Virgo. You were probably born with talent, but perhaps you don't treat it with as much respect as someone endowed with only a fraction of your natural ability.
LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): Don't assume that the person you're trying to reach is getting your messages, Libra. Perhaps you've been waiting for a reply, thinking that this person has blown you off. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): You feel reprimanded because of the way you reacted to a situation that came out differently than you'd hoped. Trust that you acted in the best, calmest, and most understanding way possible. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 Dec. 21): Something unusual could put a smile on your face today, Sagittarius. Look for beauty and love in the simplest things. If you can't see it, then work on adjusting your attitude. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): It's time to step up to the plate and take responsibility for the things you want to have happen, Capricorn. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18):The warm, loving feeling that you've been happily nurturing is calling for a bit of practicality in order to make your romantic life work out the way you want it to. Remember that less is more, Aquarius. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): You might feel a bit reserved when it comes to issues of love and romance, Pisces. Other people might consider this rather strange when they see that suddenly your courageous forward motion comes to a dramatic halt.
From page 35 Champions League runnersup Borussia Dortmund in their opening group game. Arsenal produced the perfect follow-up performance to their win in Marseille and they now head a group that looked littered with hazards when the draw was made. In the night’s other game, Dortmund beat Marseille 3-0 to join Napoli on three points. In Ozil, Arsenal have acquired a game-changing talent whose presence and quality has lifted the levels and confidence of his colleagues.
Aaron Ramsey also produced another highlyaccomplished performance, setting up Ozil’s goal and continuing the outstanding form that has been a hallmark of Arsenal’s opening to the season. As manager Arsene Wenger’s name rang around The Emirates in the closing moments, the acrimony that followed the opening day home defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League seemed an age away. This is now a buoyant club. The midfield strength that is currently on offer to Wenger was
illustrated by the fact that, even with Santi Cazorla injured, he had enough at his disposal to relegate Jack Wilshere to the bench. It left Ozil and Ramsey to carry the weight of creative responsibility - and they did it brilliantly as Arsenal took a measure of control from the first whistle that they never looked like relinquishing. Ozil has swiftly become the darling of Arsenal’s support and it was easy to see why as he was the central figure in the opening phase that settled the game. Arsenal’s opening goal after eight minutes was a thing of beauty, the sort of goal that adds an extra layer of pleasure for the purist Wenger. Giroud released Ramsey with a subtle flick and when his cross picked out Ozil he completed a difficult finish with the deceptive ease of a world-class player, sidefooting superbly past Napoli keeper Pepe Reina with his left foot. Ozil was the creator seven minutes later as he ran into the area before a deft flick of his left foot gave Giroud the opportunity for a simple finish. Benitez has made his reputation with his expertise in the Champions League but Napoli, especially without the injured former Arsenal transfer target Gonzalo Higuain, were unable to make any impact in attack and found the Gunners’ pace and passing too much for their defence. Former Liverpool keeper Reina could not be blamed for either goal and he was in action to prevent a third goal for Arsenal with 14 minutes left, blocking from Laurent Koscielny from close range after Mikel Arteta had flicked on. All that was left was for Arsenal to close out another important Champions League victory, which the did without alarms.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Fans-friendly card as Clive Atwell Ramotar and First Lady tackles Jamaican powerhouse compliment 1SAYG athletes
GBBC officials, Michael Fung (extreme left standing) and Clairmont DeSouza (2nd left standing) observe as the boxers sign their respective contracts By Michael Benjamin The action returns to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Sunday October 30 next when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control presents the 30th edition of Guyana Fight Night. Notably, the event has been shifted to the customary Sunday night fixture as the recently installed officials of the GBBC remain staunch that this ploy can aid in the return of the large crowds to the venue. The boast that the card will be entertaining is noted after organizers managed to secure the services of top Jamaican boxer, Glenroy Augustus Beckford in an eight rounds lightweight affair. Atwell has destroyed all in his path but the promoters have warned him against complacency as his Jamaican foe has heard about him and is preparing ardently for a tough fight. It must also be noted that Beckford has been plying his trade in ‘The Contender,’ the Jamaica’s version of the Guyana Fight Night and is ready to throw down the gauntlet on his foe. The strategy to reposition the card to Sunday nights is regarded as wise since Guyanese have grown accustomed to the traditional Sunday night card and is more wont to render support. This was one of the revelations made by those officials when some of the pugilists convened at the Avenue of the Republic office of Abdool
and Abdools Insurance Brokers at 14:00hrs yesterday afternoon for the official signing ceremony. Michael Fung is well known for his skillful marketing strategies and his recent appointment to this department after the conclusion of the GBBC Annual General Meeting was meant to give a fillip to the flagging fortunes experienced by administrators in the promotional and organizational structure. He said that already several corporate entities have bought in to new ploys meant to attract patrons to the venue. As such, patrons will now contest for incentives including lucrative gate prizes. Mr. Fung also hinted that GBBC executives are mulling suggestions to engage the boxers in discussions so that they may fully understand their supportive roles towards the success of cards. Meanwhile, those pugilists that affixed their signatures to their contracts yesterday are all spouting confidence of carting off the spoils. Richard Williamson will engage Dexter ‘The Kid’ Marques in the toughest fight of his fledgling career in the bantamweight division over eight rounds. The two boxers uncharacteristically demonstrated respect for each other yet each boasted of having the relevant tools to win the bout. Caribbean Boxing
Federation (CABOFE) middleweight champion, Edmond DeClou will square off with Derick Richmond in an 8 rounds middleweight contest and the former boxer said that he was really training for a bout against Howard Eastman. Nevertheless, he said that he has already made the mental adjustment and will be going after Richmond with a vengeance. Richmond is no slouch; he will best be remembered for his brave effort that saw him slugging it out with Syrian boxer ‘The Dentist’ Mahmoud in a fight that ended in a draw. Richmond also defied the odds to register a 3rd round knockout over Romeo Norville when they clashed last year August. He packs a punch and is a determined fighter whose late round rallies have stood him in good stead. Richmond is honing his skills at the Pocket Rocket Boxing gym in Berbice under the tutelage of former champion, Jeff Roberts. Otherwise, welterweight pugilists, Kishawn Simon and David Thomas go after each other in a 4 rounds welterweight scrap and the former boxer appeared at the press conference full of confidence of repairing his debut loss to Patrick Boston. The boxers appearing on the amateur segment of the card would soon be announced as officials of the Guyana Boxing Association mull over the best pairs for the card. Admission to the venue remains at $1,000 for adults with children paying half that amount. Already, the sparks are flying and Kaieteur Sport will be on hand to report on the training sessions of the boxers and the eventual inferno on fight night.
By Franklin Wilson His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar have offered their congratulations to the athletes and management which represented Guyana successfully at the inaugural South American Youth Games that ended in Lima, Peru on Sunday last. President and Mrs. Ramotar met up with Team Guyana at the Piarco International Airport on Monday night en-route to Guyana. The President said he wishes to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Guyanese youngsters who represented the Land of Many waters with pride in
Peru. “I would like to say that I am very happy with the collective performances of these young athletes. They did our nation proud and I would like to let them know that we are very happy with their exploits.” Guyana ended the 9-day competition which attracted youths between the ages of 14 – 19 years in 19 disciplines with 9 medals (1 gold 1 silver 7 bronze). Despite the cold conditions, the young Guyanese sought to do their best among their peers at the inaugural Games which formed part of the sports programme by the South American Sports
Organization (ODESUR) for the Region which had the same range of ages as the Youth Olympic Games. It was also held to strengthen the bonds of friendship, fair competition, ethical and other values. Guyana was represented by 23 athletes and eight officials. The athletes participated in athletics (1 gold 2 bronze), boxing (1silver 3 bronze), badminton (2 bronze), table tennis, swimming, weightlifting and cycling. Canoeing, kayaking, diving, fencing, gymnastics, judo, wrestling, rowing, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, beach volleyball and sailing were also contested.
Heat head to Bahamas to start NBA title defence PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — For the grind of training camp, the Miami Heat headed to paradise. Literally, that’s what it’s called — Paradise Island, a tiny fleck of land not far from Nassau, the largest city in the Bahamas. It’s a vacation destination for people from all over the world, even luring LeBron James for a few days of rest and relaxation not long after he made his infamous decision in 2010 to sign with the Heat. James is back here this week, sun and sand not among his priorities this time around. The two-time defending NBA champions open training camp Tuesday at the Atlantis Resort, with two practices scheduled for opening day. The team arrived on the island Monday night, only a few days after most players learned that camp wouldn’t be in Miami after all. “It was a pleasant surprise,” Heat forward Chris Bosh said. “It’s a chance for the team to kind of bond and get on the same page and really start the journey, so to speak. One thing about us, once we get together and have an atmosphere, everything is great. I know a lot of people are sidetracked because it’s the Bahamas. Well, training camp is training camp. Please believe we’re going to get our work in. We’re just forced to have it in a nice place.” Coach Erik Spoelstra said the trip serves as a bit of a “mental reward” after back-toback championship seasons. “The work part is not going to be missing,”
Dwayne Wade and Lebron James Spoelstra said Monday before the team departed. “We’re going to go down there and get to work and start to build the habits, put our hard hats on, also get away from distractions and have a chance to spend a lot of time around each other.” The team considered taking a trip to the Bahamas d u r i n g l a s t s e a s o n ’s playoffs, since there was more than a week of down time between the end of the first-round series against Milwaukee and the Eastern Conference semifinal series against Chicago. Bahamian tourism officials have wanted the Heat to make an official visit of sorts for some time, and things finally came together in time for this camp. “Cool,” Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. “We’re not the first team to do it. We won’t be the last. I t h ink it’s great that our organisation, they understand the kind of guys that we have and they understand that we work. They also understand that before we get to this nine-
month season, hopefully, we need to build our bond together away from everyone and enjoy ourselves a little bit.” The flight to the Bahamas only took about 30 minutes. And it’s not like it’s all that different on Paradise Island than Miami; the forecast for the Atlantis this week calls for a bit of breeze, high temperatures in the upper 80s each day and a chance of rain — the same forecast as expected in nearby South Florida. “We’re not a prima donna team,” Wade said. “We’re going to work our butts off when we have to work. Ain’t nothing wrong with it, at the end of the day, going and hanging out together, maybe swim a little bit, whatever. I like the move.” The Los Angeles Lakers have held several training camps in Hawaii, the San Antonio Spurs went to the US Virgin Islands — Tim Duncan’s birthplace — a few years ago, and at least four other franchises have held camp in Florida (other than the Heat and Orlando Magic).
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
Fudadin - We batted & bowled better CricBuzz - Shimoga, India - India A’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss against West Indies A in Mysore had surprised many, including West Indies A skipper Kirk Edwards and particularly Assad Fudadin, who felt the Indians should have done some homework. Cheteshwar Pujara, the India A captain and Lalchand Rajput, the coach were believed to have been guided by what they had heard of conditions in Mysore. The think tank supposed that their seamers would get some kind of assistance from the pitch at the Gangotri Glades but as it turned out, the game belonged to the spinners, with each of the three specialist slow bowlers taking a five-wicket haul apiece. That two of them, Veerasammy Permaul and Nikita Miller, belonged to the West Indies, proved to be the decisive factor in the end, with the visitors storming to a 162-run victory. Fudadin, the left-handed batsman from Guyana, who last played a Test match for the West Indies in 2012 against New Zealand felt the Indians missed a trick when they fielded three mediumpacers and inserted the Caribbean islanders in to bat. “India A fought very well and we had to work really hard for the win. But at the end of the day, we batted better, bowled better and fielded better, so we obviously deserved to win. We outplayed them but they tried hard,” Fudadin told Cricbuzz in an exclusive chat. The southpaw however felt that the hosts should have been better prepared than they appeared to be in the course of the four days at the picturesque ground in Mysore. “We came prepared and knew that there would be a lot of spin waiting for us. India A should have done their homework and maybe had one extra spinner,” Fudadin said. The 28-year-old middle-
Assad Fudadin
order batsman served a timely notice to the selectors, with the West Indies scheduled to tour India in November, scoring an unbeaten 86 and holding up the lower order. The highlight of his innings was his footwork against the spinners, especially Parvez Rasool and his ability to bat with the tail. But Fudadin is not willing to get too far ahead of himself by thinking of a return trip to India, which would see the Calypso men play against Sachin Tendulkar in his historic 200th Test. “I am taking everything step by step. My job is to score runs and the selection panel will do their job. If you score runs, the selectors will notice. I am working my way back and fighting hard to regain my place in the West Indies team.” Fudadin, besides playing for the West Indies, had harboured dreams of travelling to India to play cricket and impressed with his first ever knock on Indian soil, attracting attention immediately with his solid technique and quick footwork on a two-paced pitch. But the invariable bounce on the 22-yard strip was not the only problem the stylish left-hander had to deal with. “It was a challenge coping with the time difference between the West Indies and here. When it was cricket time here, it was sleeping time there. So I took time to get acclimatised. “It was certainly not easy
batting on that Mysore track; some balls would skid through, some would keep low and the bounce was uneven, so yes, I am happy with the way I settled in and played,” Fudadin said. Fudadin belongs to the generation of West Indian cricketers, which is growing up playing on slow, turning pitches against quality spinners, so he would have come prepared adequately for Indian conditions: “Most of the players of this generation back home learn to bat against spin. First class cricket there is dominated by slow bowlers and you have to be patient because there are less bad balls and no matter what, you have to take your time and settle down because the pitches break pretty fast,” said Fudadin, explaining the West Indies’ ability to negotiate spinners more confidently than ever. India A would be bolstered by the addition of three senior players, waiting to return to the senior side; Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Zaheer Khan will join the side in Shimoga for the second game starting from October 2 and Rajput would be hoping that their experience would work to the hosts’ advantage against a visibly spirited West Indian outfit. India’s tactics were questioned in Mysore but there will be little room for errors for a bunch of players looking to send out strong messages to the selectors.
Ozil stars as Arsenal cruise past Napoli BBC Sport - Arsenal’s impressive start to their Champions League campaign continued as Mesut Ozil inspired them to victory over Rafael Benitez’s Napoli at Emirates Stadium. The £42m deadline day signing from Real Madrid scored his first goal for Arsenal with a brilliant finish,
and then set up a second for Olivier Giroud as this Group F meeting was effectively decided within the first 15 minutes. Arsenal’s domination ensured the rest of the game was little more than a formality as Napoli, riding high in Serie A, never threatened to upset the optimism that has swept
around Arsenal and also taken them to the top of the Premier League. At the heart of it all was Ozil, the German combining natural grace with deadly contributions that proved too much for Napoli, who had proved their own pedigree by beating last season’s (Continued on page 33)
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Guyana’s Bobb excels in Martial Arts C\ships in T&T Sensei Troy Bobb of the Guyana Harpy Eagle Martial Arts Academy took Gold in the recently concluded T A K, Classic of Classics Best of the Best Karate Championships which was held on September 28 and 29 in Trinidad and Tobago. Bobb won the Open Kata and Open Weapons category, while club mate Phillips placed third in the Open Kata and Sparring. They would like to thank the residents of Beterverwagting, Agriculture Road, Block CC and the embers of the Guyana Police Force for their support.
Sensei Bobb and Phillips Sensei Bobb and Phillips display the trophies won.
Imam Bacchus SC take PYO T\20 title in E’bo Imam Bacchus Sports Club defeated Rising Star by 66 runs to win the final of the Progressive Youth Organization (PYO) Twenty\20 cricket competition last Sunday on the Essequibo Coast. Host Imam Bacchus batted first posted a respectable 199 before restricting Rising Star for 133 in 16.2 overs. Imam Bacchus won the toss and elected to take first strike in front of a fair size crowd at Affiance, but suffered an early set back when medium pacer Rovin Dusraj trapped opener Samad Baksh (00) leg before with the score on 16. Latchman Rohit and Navindra Persaud added 53 for the second wicket before Persaud was dismissed for 27 (5x4,1x6). Rohit and Keron Sewnarine put together 68 for the fourth wicket with aggressive batting. Rohit smashed four fours and one six in scoring 35 while
Sewnarine top scored with 42 inclusive of three fours and two sixes. Navindra Persaud 27 (5x4,1x6) and Kasim Bacchus 25 (2x4,1x6) beefed up the total towards the end of the innings before their team was bowled out in 19.5 overs. Dusraj, O. Roberts, J. Dindyal. R. Ramdass and I. Latchman picked up 2 wickets each for Rising Star who yielded 35 extras. The visitors lost an early wicket in reply when D. Dindyal was caught and bowled by Rohit for 07 with the score on 19 in the third over. C. Jones (05) was then caught by Ganesh Mangal at 25-2 before Ricardo Peters and P. Dindyal kept their team in the hunt with a third wicket partnership of 73 with level headed batting. Left arm spinner Yougeshwar Lall ended their stand by uprooting the stumps of Peters for 41 which contained six fours and one six; Dindyal soon followed for
41 (3x4,2x6). The rest of the batting failed to fire handing Imam Bacchus a resounding victory. Mangal grabbed 417, Lall 3-27 and Sewnarine 214. Mangal received the man of the match and the tournament’s best bowler awards while both teams received trophies. Peters was the competition best batsman. Thirteen year old Tamesh Persaud received a prize for being the youngest player in the tournament, while fifty nine year old Samad Baksh took home an award for being the oldest player. Speaking at the presentation ceremony Parmeshwar Persaud of PYO congratulated the winning team, while Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony urged the players to take the game seriously. Dharam Raj, Blue Spring Water, Vishnu Hollow Block were the other sponsors.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Ramdyhan defeats Gentle for 5th edition of the Referees’ Assistance Programme Courts Junior Lawn Tennis title Sports Minister charges football - Beaton, Lopes also capture titles
The various prize winners from the Courts Junior Lawn Tennis competition pose with Director of Marketing at Courts, Molly Hassan (left) and other Courts and GLTA Executives following the prize giving ceremony. In its inaugural year of sponsorship of Lawn Tennis, Courts had something to cheer about last Saturday when the level of competition among junior tennis players lived up to all expectations. Top Juniors Daniel Lopes, Nicola Ramdyhan and Jordan Beaton all walked away victorious when the curtains came down on the 2013 Courts Junior Lawn Tennis Tournament. Guyana top Under-18 female player, Nicola Ramdyhan defeated the favorite and regional Under14 Champion, Afruica Gentle in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to maintain her title of Junior Girls Champion at the National Racquet Centre. Ramdyhan showed more grit and determination to beat her young rival, who has been creating a buzz on the local tennis scene. She served strategically and played the critical points well, which wore down the young Gentle despite her athleticism. After the win, Nicola Ramdyhan congratulated her opponent. “She is a tough contender who always brings out my ‘A’ game. The tournament overall was good for me,” she stated. Watched by a crowd of players, parents and Courts representatives, Daniel Lopes edged out his close friend and doubles partner,
Gavin Lewis in a hard fought three-set match 4-6, 6-3, 10-4 at the highpoint of the afternoon sun. It was the great disparity in confidence and not tennis that determined the winner. Deep into the third set super tie breaker, Lewis visibly lacked the mental toughness to go for shots and Lopes capitalised on this to close out the match and take the coveted title of Junior Boys Champion. Earlier, one of Guyana’s bright young prospects 11year-old, Jordan Beaton pulled off the tournament greatest upset against the 14year-old, Keshon Reece 1-4, 4-2 and 10-4. Reece has been the U-14 Champion for the last two years. Tournament Coordinator and National Coach, Shelly Ramdyhan implored on all the players that fitness is the key to playing in these conditions. She noted that it is now top priority in the junior development as the fitness regime is being revised. She also noted that the turn out for this tournament was large, which reflects an increase in interest in the sport. “Some 61 participants played in the tournament with a total of 116 matches over the past three weekends in five categories and this spells good for junior tennis in Guyana. It is great to see that
the parents are taking the sport of Lawn Tennis seriously,” Ramdyhan said. First Vice-President of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association, Grace McCalman reiterated that the sport of tennis in Guyana is not where it should be, but that sponsorship and parental support are key components for its growth. “Courts have always been a partner in local tennis through support for coaches’ development and now we have two primary junior coaches Shelly DalyRamdyhan and Leyland Leacock. But now that Courts have become the second annual sponsor on the junior tournament calendar, this is very significant for the GLTA’s ambitions,” McCalman said. Courts Marketing Director, Molly Hassan expressed strong sentiments about her company’s support for tennis and was impressed at the way the matches in the tournament were organised efficiently. She recounted learning to play tennis at the same facility many years ago and was elated at the large number of youths, who are now involved in the sport. Courts’ Public Relations Officer, Kester Abrams also plays tennis. Hassan praised the GLTA for their professionalism and commitment to revive a dying sport and pledged annual support for the tournament. She charged the young players to aim high and to make her company proud by aiming for recognition regionally and possibly internationally. This tournament is one of two competitions, which serve as a qualifier and a warm up for the Inter Guyana Games for tennis later this month in French Guiana.
referees to strive for high ideals
Thirty football referees were yesterday given a charge to diligently apply themselves to their tasks in order to achieve optimum results when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in collaboration with the World Governing Football Body, FIFA, and the Guyana Football Referees’ Council (GFRC) held the opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the Referees’ Assistance Programme at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street Georgetown, yesterday morning. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Frank Anthony was among a large group of officials which included, President of the GFF Christopher Matthias, FIFA representative, Peter Prendergast, GFF Vice President, Ivan Persaud, facilitator, Costa Rican Brown and Troy Peters who was the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Anthony delivered the keynote address and expressed appreciation to the organizing principals for their input in the organization of the function. He pointed out that such sessions are considered developmental in nature and aids in the sustenance in the
skill mix. He urged the officiating group to take their training seriously while rising above biases and impartiality. Minister Anthony belaboured the fitness theory while exhorting the referees to pay strict attention to this aspect of their training. “Fitness is not an optional issue but should embrace a key aspect of your lifestyle,” exhorted the Sports Minister. He likened exercise activities unto participating in daily meals, “Just as we set aside time foe breakfast, lunch and dinner, so to must we realize the importance of setting aside special time for exercise activities,” urged Mr. Anthony. He further urged the referees to spread the word of the benefits derived from exercise activities. He urged them to continue reaching for excellence, “I really like what I have seen and heard here today but I urge you not to rest on your laurels but continue working hard,” said Mr. Anthony. Earlier, Mr. Matthias reminded the officials that their roles are important to the development of the sport while reminding them to be prin-
cipled and professional when making decisions and rulings. He also advised them to keep close tabs on their behaviour on and off the field. He also assured the officials that his executive will be there to support their objectives. Mr. Prendergast thanked Mr. Anthony for gracing the forum and expressed delight that the top government official felt obliged to grace the function. He also urged the officials to work hard and cautioned them that the course will be more challenging with more sophisticated adaptations. “You will be required to open your minds to a fresh way of thinking during these sessions,” cautioned Mr. Prendergast. He also told the referees that they will be required to endured two grueling sessions on a daily basis. Consequently, several affiliates were issued with special identification cards that will enable them to enter any activity under the aegis of the GFF. They include national coach, Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover, former national player, Earl O’Neil and top former referee, now instructor, Roy McArthur.
Djokovic, Nadal kick off race to top ranking with easy wins (Reuters) - World number one Novak Djokovic and the man who can dislodge him from the top spot by next week, Rafa Nadal, kicked off their China Open campaign with straight set victories yesterday. Defending champion Djokovic needed just 54 minutes to crush his Czech opponent Lukas Rosol 6-0 63 without hitting a single double fault in a dominant first round display. The Serb, aiming for his fourth China Open title in five years after missing the 2011 tournament through injury, improved his perfect tournament record to 15-0 after converting four of his eight break points against Rosol. “I didn’t want to under-estimate my opponent knowing that he had few big wins in his career and he has a big serve,”DjokovictoldtheATP website (www.atpworldtour.com) referring to his opponent who had caused one of the biggest upsets in the sport when he beat Nadal at Wimbledon 15 months ago. “I needed to be very fresh from the start and try to bring that intensity, positive intensity to the court, and
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns a shot during his match against Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing October 1, 2013. REUTERS/Petar Kujundzic that’s what happened. “I really feel special in China in relation to the fans, because I don’t get to see that often. The fans basically wait for you every single day and night in the hotel,” said Djokovic who takes on Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the second round. Nadal had to work longer to subdue Colombian qualifier Santiago Giraldo 6-2
6-4 in 90 minutes at Beijing’s National Tennis Stadium. The Spaniard, who needs to reach the final in Beijing to reclaim the number one ranking, had no problem bagging the first set but Giraldo put up a stiffer resistance in the second before going down. Nadal meets Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany next.
Wednesday October 02, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Australia returns to CONCACAF host Inaugural Sports Summit Highlighting Development through Football challenge for America’s Cup Miami - The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announces the first 2013 Sports Summit, to be hosted on October 22nd in the Cayman Islands. The principal objective of the Sports Summit is to enrich the vital partnership between governments and football federations in order to further growth and develop the sport within the region. The theme of the summit, “Transformation through Partnership”, outlines and encourages social and economic development as well as sports tourism opportunities. “CONCACAF is fostering this dialogue as a moment to contemplate and set strategies of collaboration for the future development and growth of our region. The Confederation will assemble all stakeholders to better understand and maximize the potential for strong partnership and cooperation between government authorities and federations,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb.
Among other VIP guests, the summit features the participation of Ministers of Sport and Presidents of all 41 Member Associations from the CONCACAF region, who will be part of a day-long agenda featuring keynote s p e a k e r s s u c h a s F I FA President Joseph Blatter and the Honorable Randolph Horton. Other panelists include former Manchester United and Trinidad & Tobago National Team forward, Dwight Yorke; UNAIDS Senior Advisor to the Executive Director, Dr. Djibril Diallo; CEO of the Supreme Committee, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Hassan Abdullah AlThawadi; and CEO of the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010, Dr. Danny Jordaan. “We are honoured to have gathered such distinguished speakers to offer their unique contribution on the power of football as a tool for social, cultural and economic development,” added Webb. “We are certain this inaugural Sports Summit will enhance the discussion towards an
improved strategy for building bridges of collaboration for the future of sports in the region.” All stakeholders, together with famed soccer figures from around the world, will exchange their experience and knowledge on topics including: • The profound impact of football on societies (including health, education, and crime prevention); • The economic legacies of football (sports tourism, hosting events, etc.); • Creating successful cross-sector and public/private partnerships; • Players’ and coaches’ perspectives on how the game has changed their lives, and can change those of others. The Sports Summit serves to emphasize CONCACAF’s deep process of reform by empowering all federations through development across the region to establish a strong foundation that will grow the sport from grassroots to world-class competition levels.
Chelsea’s Fernando Torres to face no further punishment BBC Sport - Chelsea striker Fernando Torres will not face retrospective action for scratching Jan Vertonghen’s face during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham. The Football Association reviewed the incident after the Spaniard was captured on TV scratching the defender. But a match official had already seen the players collide which means, under FA rules, no action can be taken. The 29-year-old will serve a one-match ban after being sent off in the 82nd minute for two bookable offences. Torres faced the prospect of his one-match ban being extended to four if he was found guilty of violent conduct. The FA is trialling a new disciplinary system this season, which sees a panel of three former referees reviewing an incident and deciding whether charges should be made. Under the old system, action was only taken if a referee viewed the footage and judged whether a player should have been sent off. But, under both systems, the FA cannot take further action if a match official witnesses part of the incident.
Fernando Torres will not face retrospective action for scratching Jan Vertonghen’s face during Saturday’s game. (Getty Images) The FA said in a statement: “One of the match officials saw the coming together of the two players, albeit not in its entirety. “In these particular circumstances, in line with the FA’s policy on when retrospective action may be taken, reviewed this summer by the game’s stakeholders, no action may be taken.” Torres received his first caution in the 50th minute for tripping Vertonghen and then dug his fingernails into the defender’s face and neck. The striker was then sent off following an aerial clash with the Belgian. On Saturday, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho called Vertonghen “a
disgrace” for his role in Torres’s dismissal. However, former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel drew comparison with an incident in April when Luis Suarez was banned for 10 matches for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic. Schmeichel told BBC Match of the Day 2 Extra: “If Suarez had done that people would have cried for another 10-game suspension. “I see no difference in biting a player and scratching a player. You cannot raise your hands in modern day football.” Torres will be unavailable for Sunday’s Premier League match with Norwich at Carrow Road.
MELBOURNE (Reuters) Australian wine magnate Bob Oatley’s Hamilton Island Yacht Club has been confirmed as the Challenger of Record for the 35th America’s Cup, organizers said yesterday. Oatley and his son Sandy issued the challenge to the Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) minutes after Larry Ellison’s Oracle Team USA beat Team New Zealand in a winner-takes-all race on San Francisco Bay last week. “We’re very proud. We’ve been watching the 34th America’s Cup and watching the catamarans racing around San Francisco Bay and seeing some of our fellow Australian sailors participating and seeing what a shame it is that Australia doesn’t have a team to compete in this arena,” Sandy Oatley told Reuters by phone. “It’s always been on every sailor’s wish-list to compete in the America’s Cup. “Dad always wanted to do it, we just went last week to the 30th anniversary of Australia II winning the America’s Cup from Liberty and so it’s sort of been building for a while.” The GGYC confirmed Hamilton Island Yacht Club’s (HIYC) challenge late on Monday, two days after Reuters reported that an employee of the Oatleys had delivered the challenge seconds after Oracle crossed the line to seal victory on Wednesday. As the Challenger of Record, the club will help shape the rules for the 35th America’s Cup along with the defender. Additional challengers are expected to emerge as the next competition takes shape in the coming years. SAILING PEDIGREE Bob Oatley made a fortune first as a coffee trader and then as a vintner, and bought Hamilton Island, an idyllic resort in Queensland state’s Great Barrier Reef, in 2003. A
long-time competitive sailing enthusiast, Oatley’s series of super-maxi yachts, all named ‘Wild Oats’, have won multiple times one of the world’s most challenging offshore challenges - the Sydney-to-Hobart longdistance ocean race. “We are delighted to have Hamilton Island Yacht Club and the Oatleys leading Australia back into the America’s Cup for the first time since 2000,” GGYC Vice Commodore and America’s Cup liaison Tom Ehman said in a statement. “Hamilton Island’s challenge was filed on the day Australia was celebrating the 30th anniversary of Australia II’s historic win in the 1983 Americas Cup off Newport, Rhode Island, which ended New York Yacht Club’s 132year reign as the Cup’s defender.” Ehman said both parties would work together to establish the protocols for the next regatta, while the GGYC would choose the next venue with the details finalized by early 2014. “Both clubs are keen to have multiple challengers, as has been the norm since 1970, and to cut campaign costs for all teams,” Ehman added.
The 34th America’s Cup had only three challengers, with the costs of the campaign, which was raced in high-tech, super-fast AC72 catamarans, put in excess of $100 million and cited as the main reason why so few teams went to San Francisco. SPONSORS POSITIVE Forbes ranked Oatley as Australia’s 25th richest with just under $1 billion. Ellison is the world’s fifth richest man with $43 billion. Sandy Oatley said the team was yet to confirm sponsorship arrangements for what has become an exorbitant undertaking but had received “very positive feedback” from potential Australian backers. “We’re looking for a great Australian challenge with some Australian corporates and some great Australian sailors. “I think it’s more getting Australia back in the arena and I think they’re all welcoming the fact of trying to contain the costs.” The 35th America’s Cup will be the first time that Australia has had an entry since Oracle captain James Spithill skippered ‘Young Australia’ in the 30th edition in Auckland in 2000, despite the country’s strong sailing tradition. Yachting Australia (YA) hailed the challenge, coming after the 30th anniversary of Australia II’s win with an innovative winged keel, one of the nation’s proudest sporting moments. “We look forward to working with the club to create a pathway for Australia’s young sailors to compete at the top level,” YA CEO Phil Jones said in a statement. “This challenge will help to inspire Australia’s next group of champion sailors as the dream of racing for the America’s Cup on a boat with an Australian flag will now be within reach.”
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) Argentina’s 2002 Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian announced on Tuesday that he will quit tennis next month citing physical problems that have sidelined him for most of the year. “It’s not easy what’s happening to me now, my shoulder is not helping me to train as I should for the circuit,” the 31-year-old told a news conference.
“It’s a tough day to (have to) announce my retirement today,” said Nalbandian, winner of 11 ATP Tour titles including the season-ending ATP Championship in Shanghai in 2005. The former world number three, who had shoulder surgery in May, said he would quit tennis after playing an exhibition match against Spanish world number two Rafael Nadal in November.
David Nalbandian of Argentina. REUTERS/ Danny Moloshok
Bob Oatley is believed to be behind the next Australian bid for the American Cup. (Brett Costello)
Argentina’s Nalbandian announces retirement