Kaieteur News

Online readership yesterday 126,106

October 16, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 42 - Price $80

Email: kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Online: http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Ricardo Rodrigues dies in hail of bullets

- three others nursing gunshot wounds A hysterical Fiona Rodrigues arrives at the scene minutes after the slaying of her husband

Dead: Ricardo Rodrigues

NDIA challenges audit report Police quell budding Agricola protest - passing vehicles damaged

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Police quell budding Agricola protest - Passing vehicles damaged With doors shut and houses locked, and a strong police presence on the road, Agricola was once again the focus of attention yesterday afternoon. But the planned protest was stymied in Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

The police acted quickly and averted any chance of the protest reaching the alarming proportions it did on Thursday.

Minutes later, police were seen extracting items that were intended to block the free flow of traffic on the road.

These items included tyres, lumber, cut trees, and heavy metal objects.

However, in the vicinity of Houston, East Bank Demerara protestors pelted vehicles damaging some windscreens and even injuring one young lad. A vehicle also reportedly received a gunshot to the rear

One of the many sections of Agricola had heavy police presence

One police vehicle that was used to extract items that would have been used to block off the roadway.

windscreen in Agricola.

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force are still conducting patrols in the community and along the East Bank Demerara Public Road.

The Opposition has been calling for Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee’s resignation following the execution of an Agricola youth, Shaquille Grant, by ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

On Thursday a protest which lasted several hours saw a standoff between the police and youths armed with stones, bottles, sticks and cutlasses. Protestors lit tyres and other obstacles which they used to block the carriageway. Thousands of commuters plying the route Thursday last were severely affected.

At 7:20PM the utility poles that supported light fixtures for the carriageway

were suddenly without electricity and darkness ensued, giving rise to a sense of unease in the area.

Traffic moved at a snail’s pace during the ordeal.

Nevertheless, there was a continuous flow as drivers appeared uneasy and frustrated.

There were also sounds of what sounded like fire crackers which contributed to speculations that they were gunshots.

Yesterday, in Agricola, police appeared serious and dedicated in their drive to maintain peace.

Cyclists were seen on the roadways monitoring the police and they appeared to be relaying messages to their cohorts in other parts of the village.

Persons were heard hurling derogatory remarks at the police, as they proceeded through the various streets within the Agricola village.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

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NDIA challenges audit report - describes it as inaccurate The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has deemed a recent Audit Report which recommended the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer Lionel Wordsworth and Senior Engineer, Aneel Chowbay, as mischievous, misleading and aimed at damaging the image of the Authority for personal gains and aspirations.

The audit on the NDIA fuel consumption and equipment operations and maintenance, was conducted between May and September.

It was completed and submitted to the Chairman of the NDIA Board of Directors on September 26, and carbon copied to President Donald Ramotar.

The report concluded that fraudulent acts were committed by Lionel Wordsworth and Senior Section Engineer (SSE) Mr. Aneel Chowbay, in breach of the Procurement Act 2003.

It speaks of conflict of interest and sole sourcing of services such as the supply of fuel and the awarding of contracts to relations of senior NDIA operatives, in breach of national

procurement procedures.

But in a press statement issued late last night, the Ministry of Agriculture chose to challenge the report and attack its own Field Auditor, claiming that in his capacity as the Field Auditor, he is not performing creditably.

The NDIA described the report as unsubstantiated by a person who has a personal agenda, and accused this newspaper of not checking the facts.

“The Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) wishes to make clear that the statements contained in the Kaieteur Newspaper article dated Sunday, October 14, 2012 titled “Audit Report recommends dismissal of NDIA boss Lionel Wordsworth and Senior Engineer Aneel Chowbay” are misleading and inaccurate and only represent the interest of someone with a personal agenda.” According to the Auditor’s statement, NDIA sole sourced contractors for the provision of transportation for fuel and lubricants.

But the NDIA denied this, explaining that there were 10 pre-qualified contractors for the

NDIA Boss: Lionel Wordsworth provision of transportation services arising out of a public procurement process.

“Previously, advertisements were placed in the daily newspapers on Sunday, November 27, 2011, Wednesday, November 30, 2011, Sunday, December 4, 2011, Wednesday, December 7, 2011, Sunday, December 11, 2011 and Sunday and December 18, 2011 inviting contractors to prequalify for provision of those services.

“The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) granted approval of 10 prequalified

contractors, whose services would be procured in especially emergency type situations.

It is to be noted that during the first half of the year, Guyana was experiencing heavy rainfall and prolonged flooding whereby transportation of fuel and lubricants from GUYOIL to numerous coastal and inland locations was essential for the efficient operation of pumps to provide relief to affected areas.”

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, from January to July, 2012 when quotations were required for the transportation of fuel and lubricants, out of 10 contractors who submitted quotations, Seeram Civil Engineering and Woodworking Establishment was the lowest, had the relevant documentation from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) to transport fuel and lubricants along with the required truck making him the most qualified contractor to provide these services.

In July, the NDIA noted, an invitation for public bids was placed in the newspapers for the transportation of fuel and lubricants of which Seeram Civil Engineering and Woodworking Establishment was the only responsive bidder.

This contract was awarded by NPTAB on August 13, 2012.

The Ministry said that the Field Auditor mischievously omitted this fact in his opinionated report.

NO BREAKDOWN OF INTERNAL CONTROL OVER THE FUEL SYSTEM With regard to the report stating that there was a major breakdown of internal control over the fuel system, the NDIA stated that there is an internal control mechanism in place to monitor the use of fuel at pump stations and other facilities.

This is monitored by the mechanical department of the NDIA who would collect the data and submit reports to eradicate any threat of fraudulent activity. The Mechanical Department is mandated to compare working hours of pumps against fuel consumed to ensure there is accountability and value for money. All records are then compiled and presented for audit purposes, the NDIA stated.

But reports reaching this newspaper have indicated that in the current dry weather the fuel bill is higher than that of the rainy season.

Additionally, farmers in Region Two and the

Mahaicony areas have observed that the amount of work being done by NDIA machinery is minimal in comparison to the fuel requisitioned.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST ISSUES With regard to the report’s claim that the Senior Section Engineer, Mr. Aneel Chowbay did not declare a conflict of interest and continued to prepare contract documents and certify payments, the NDIA stated that this is totally untrue as contracts for Mr. Kaydar Persaud are prepared by the Procurement Department only and payments are certified by the Head of the Engineering Section and the Head of the Mechanical Department, those persons not being Mr. Chowbay.

Further, Mr. Kaydar Persaud’s contract was awarded after public tendering was done.

“It would seem that the Field Auditor’s claims were based on his opinion rather than facts.”

The NDIA stated that there is no need for the CEO, NDIA to relinquish his functions as he has never usurped those functions.

The Procurement Department was in fact established by the CEO, NDIA during his tenure in office for this very purpose.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the 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

Discrediting a professional finding Guyana is a country of contradictions. On the one hand it talks about the rule of law and on the other hand it often ignores these laws. Each government department is allotted a sum of money from the national budget each year and in keeping with the principles of good governance the department must account for every cent spent.

Verification is often done by an internal audit with the auditor being someone approved by the government. The auditor is expected to examine every receipt which is then matched against the expenditure. In this manner, the nation is assured that its dollars are properly spent.

This time around the internal auditor conducts his analysis of the national Drainage and Irrigation Authority.

He then releases his findings. This becomes an issue because he does not submit his findings to the Minister of Agriculture, choosing instead to send it directly to the President.

Given the scope of corruption in Guyana and the distrust that people have for some of the people in authority causes many to bypass the established chain of command.

On many occasions reports have been submitted to the chain of command and disappeared.

There have been numerous cases of statements and files disappearing in the courts. Judges decisions have also disappeared and one is left to wonder at the level of corruption in the system. It may be for this reason that the auditor in the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority submitted his findings to the President.

Having seen the audit the President involved his Agriculture Minister under whose authority NDIA falls and it is here that the problems begin. Immediately the Minister not only faults the report, he also attacks the messenger.

He writes, “(It) only represent the interest of someone with a personal agenda.” How could this be when the audit deals with figures and procedures? Surely the figures are unchanging and reflect what actually was allocated to the project. But the Agriculture Minister ignores this fact. How could he fault the auditor? One particular finding of the auditor finds corrupt practices; it finds nepotism and a host of irregularities.

If the auditor finds these things then he did examine the records presented to him. However, the Agriculture Minister contends, “The NDIA wishes to make clear that the CEO, NDIA does not evaluate nor approve contracts. The CEO, NDIA cannot appoint himself as evaluator of projects as this is the work of NPTAB. All quotation matters are handled by the Procurement Department of the NDIA and all approval of contracts are (sic) handled by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).”

This should be the norm but in many cases it is not. Principles are breached and policies ignored. For the Minister to assert that the Chief Executive Officer does not evaluate tenders is to suggest that Ministers in Government do not make direct requisitions for funds from the Ministry of department.

Indeed, the Permanent Secretary must approve all expenditures but the records would show that in many instances even the Permanent Secretaries are unaware of requests by the Ministers.

And when they find out, these very Permanent Secretaries try to correct the anomaly.

The argument is that the auditor got it wrong. Was the auditor a victim of pique? Why would he want to target the Chief Executive Officer? Unless some relative was involved in an altercation with the Chief Executive Officer or there was some direct conflict between the auditor and the Chief Executive Officer then the audit must be accepted as a fair evaluation of what was examined.

What is clear is that any auditor would be afraid to execute his duties in keeping with the law and with established principles. One can also get a grasp of why the Auditor general has been made to act for seven years. In his acting capacity he is at the mercy of the administration; he could be dismissed from the post. If he is confirmed then he has tenure; he is independent of any authority.

The ball is in the President’s court. He must decide whether he would accept the findings of the auditor or listen to the voice of one of his Ministers who has not been a paragon of good governance.

Arrest the ringleaders, specifically the organizers DEAR EDITOR, It is with total disgust that I respond to an irresponsible article in the Demerara Waves: The “rumble” has begun. Round One: Agricola (Sunday, Oct. 14). No name was attributed to this highly inflammatory and provocative article published in this online medium.

Instead, it was written by someone using the pseudonym “realTalk”.

The opening paragraph reads, “The PPP government continues to show its unrivalled support for incompetence and demonstrate its blatant disregard for the safety and security of Guyanese, as it remains steadfast in retaining the services of the current Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Clement Rohee. Through its chief spokesperson Roger Luncheon, this PPP-led government has made it clear that it is prepared to “rumble” with the opposition over the removal of the Home Affairs Minister. The government’s unfortunate position with regard to this embattled minister is causing severe

tensions among sections of the Guyanese society that have all lost confidence in that minister’s ability, to efficiently and effectively handle the security affairs of this country.”

The operators of Demerara Waves should be aware of the blatant lies and misinformation spewed by these remarks. For it was not the government or members of the PPP/C that blocked the roads at Agricola; robbed innocent commuters going home from work and school; destroyed private property by burning and overturning vehicles; threw bottles and stones at the police, and threatened ranks with cutlasses. No, these criminal actions were perpetrated upon innocent Guyanese by the thugs who support the PNC/ APNU and the deceptively, despicable AFC. It was the AFC who instigated this unlawful “peaceful protest” after giving our President an ultimatum to fire Home Affairs Minister Rohee. It was the sycophant thugs of the joint opposition who endangered the safety and security of my

fellow Guyanese.

Minister Rohee was merely used as the whipping boy to stir up civil unrest. No consideration was given to the safety of school children stranded for over five hours while their parents were robbed of money, jewellery and cell phones despite the large police presence.

Minister Rohee’s “ability to efficiently and effectively handle the security affairs of this country” is being compromised and undermined by the reckless behaviour of the joint opposition, who use every opportunity to create civil unrest. The joint opposition are not interested in the security of the nation, for their objective is the demise of the PPP/C Administration by all means necessary, starting with the removal of the Home Affairs Minister.

And as faith would have it, two recent, innocent deaths caused by reckless police action, gave them just the excuse they needed to instigate an insurrection and to make the country unmanageable.

Let there be no doubt about this, the wrongful shooting death of 17-year-old Shaquille Grant of Agricola was tragic and should not have happened. And so too was the fatal shooting of Dameon Belgrave, by dumb cops who recklessly fired shots into a crowd outside White Castle Fish Shop on Hadfield Street. But despite what the opposition wants you to believe, there is absolutely no attempt by the PPP/C Administration or the Guyana Police Force to coverup evidence and deny justice to the families of the victims.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has advised the Guyana Police Force to institute murder charges against three of its ranks involved in the shooting death of the Agricola resident, and wanted bulletins have been issued for rogue cops Warren Blue and Jamal Lewis who went into hiding to avoid arrest. A third policeman, Special Constable Terrence Wallace was placed before the court, and was remanded to prison until his trial.

During a recent visit to relatives of Dameon Belgrave, Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell admitted that the ranks involved in his death acted unprofessionally, and assured them that a proper investigation will be done. There will be no coverup. Those guilty will be prosecuted.

This Administration is determined to serve and protect the interest of all Guyanese. But there are procedures that must be followed. Sometimes it takes a bit longer than we expect, but in the end, justice will prevail.

The article in Demerara Waves asked Guyanese to “understand the plight of the people of Agricola. They must not be quick to vilify the protesters of Agricola, Linden or any other depressed area significantly populated with Black people.” And then this threat: “The PPP government must also be aware that it has set the tone for a showdown with the majority of the citizens of this country who voted for the combined opposition. Round one took place at Agricola. One must wonder how many rounds Roger and his PPP camp are ready for.”

I have recently returned from Guyana where I spent over two weeks traveling to many regions, and visited several ministries, including Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs. What I’ve seen, is a resilient country on the Continued on page 6

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

Economic power is the only path to liberation for the masses

DEAR EDITOR, It seems that everywhere there is suffering; there is a call for a change of political power and control. Seldom is there an organized and sustained call and process for reallocating economic power; especially a call accompanied by specific plans and actions to empower citizens to move towards autonomous economic success. And so, the question becomes whether political power brings economic power for supporters of the party in question, or whether economic power should be the real priority of all citizens.

During the civil rights struggles in the 1960s, Black Americans were advised that political power would bring them economic power. The same could be said of the Suffragette movement of the late 1800s and the twentieth century. While political power brought economic power to the political elite, it never brought the promised economic success to the masses.

Similarly, supporters of the PPPC were advised that political power would bring them economic power. Still, after twenty years of PPP government, the lines for passports and immigrant visas remain long,

more people than ever are still leaving or planning to leave Guyana, and Indian Guyanese make up an ever increasing number of those in queue, desperate to flee the country governed by a party many Indian Guyanese support.

Economic power implies a better standard of living. The ability of families to afford a home, to send children to better private schools, or to pay for extra lessons so that students might benefit from a quality education at one of the elite public schools, to afford three or four nutritious meals daily, to afford to pay for the bars on the window and doors, to pay for the overhead tanks and pumps to get water to the home, to afford a computer and other necessary home electronics, maybe an automobile and most importantly, the security of having enough savings to take advantage of a business opportunity or to deal with emergency.

The question remains whether political power assumes economic power for any group other than the ruling political elite. In Guyana, citizens are aware of the rampant corruption, the impunity with which PPP/C politicians steal from the state,

the poor quality of schools, disrepair of roads, poor water, medical, and other services and one wonders whether Indian political power has translated into economic power for Indian citizens, or any other citizens who have voted for the PPP/C government. The answer is unquestionably no.

While political power has brought gains to the ruling elite, the cabal, it is economic independence that moves citizens from lives of poverty and hopelessness to prosperity. It is economic power that frees citizens from the shackles of beggardom to the freedom of giving and sharing excess. It is economic power that allows families to educate their children, to afford basic comforts, to provide for the family and community and to live with peace of mind and dignity.

A friend of mine recently reminded me that in the United States, Chinese, Japanese and Indian immigrants and their descendants rarely agitate for political power. Even though these groups are small, they still represent the ethnic groups with the highest average incomes in the United States. They still represent the ethnic groups with

the highest level of education in the United States, and they represent the ethnic groups with the highest levels of economic independence or small business ownership in the United States. They are economically independent, they are insulated or can more easily relocate away from the whims of the state, and they are able to focus on educating their children to attain positions which will assure dominance and success for many generations to come.

Clearly, the strong central government model has not worked in Guyana. In twenty years of leadership, the PPP/C ruling elite has ‘robbed the country blind’. Waiting for the PPP/C government to take action to increase investment in Guyana, which should lead to more and better paying jobs and the creation of a thriving middle class, is pure insanity.

By house, by street, by village, by region, citizens of Guyana must gain more economic power through education, training and entrepreneurship. While political power gives economic power to the ruling elite; economic power for the masses is the only route to true and lasting liberation.

Karen Abrams

Consider the National Park for GuyExpo 2013

DEAREDITOR, One of Guyana’s most regal sites is the green section of the National Park, which to my mind could be transformed into one of the most brilliant and unique expo villages ever for the annual GuyExpo national event.

Space allocation is more than enough and the surrounding sports grounds could be utilised for parking facilities.

Of course, a lot more funding might be required but in my opinion, it will be well worth the investment and I am almost certain that it will showcase the event with a much more improvised flair.

So, I say to the planning committee of the event and exhibitors that it might be worth considering, even for a one-time affair, in 2013.

That being said, I have to acknowledge the hard work of the volunteers and security personnel at the just concluded GuyExpo 2012.

The one disappointment was the location of the Tourism Village, which to my mind should have been at the forefront.It was also the very

first time for me visiting during the opening night and I have to admit that I was satisfied, and it goes for the other visits.

Because of space allocation and adhering to the policies of the dailies, I will not mention all the names I wanted to say that really impressed me, but I will say that I had a great time and to all exhibitors, I have gotten great reviews from my overseas counterparts with my production images and job well done to all.

I have to single out the two agencies that blew me away with their representation and they are as follows: The National Commission of Disability and the Guyana Prison Service.

Bravo to you both. Banks DIH: It was a knockout to witness that you incorporated the rum barrels in your concept display. DDL: Your concept display of a bar and the liquor items displayed, though built in glass showcases, was superb.

T. Pemberton

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 16, 2012

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

The disabled community can rest assured that their concerns will be addressed DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter by Ms. Lucilleanne Barry which appeared in the October 15, 2012 edition of Kaieteur News under the caption “Why was no access provided for the disabled at GuyExpo?”

At the outset, I proffer an apology to aggrieved members of the disabled community who may have concluded that the GuyExpo planners did not consider their needs due to the

absence of relevant facilities.

I also would like to assure them that their interests were not neglected by referencing these two points: 1) Early in the planning stages, Minister Irfaan Ali, who also functions as Cochair of the planning committee suggested that we explore the possibility of importing a golf-cart type vehicle to serve the disabled during GuyExpo.

We went online and

identified one that could seat approximately eight (8) persons, but were unable to put arrangements in place to purchase and procure the said vehicle in time for the event.

2) GuyExpo planners promptly responded to a request from the National Commission on Disability for space on the lawns to display a 20 x 20 core house for the disabled.

This space normally attracts a cost of a hundred

and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000).

In addition, a tent would have had to be acquired by the Commission to provide overhead protection for the exhibit.

The planning committee, being conscious of the need to embrace persons with disability, and in recognition of the provisions of the Disability Act 2010, proposed an 100% waiver of booth rental to Ms Beverly Pile of

the Commission for the said core house (which turned out to be 24x24 instead), to be erected on a prime spot within the Main Auditorium, immediately North of a large hardware manufacturing display to ensure that it attracted maximum attention from patrons.

By doing so GuyExpo 2012 gave up five hundred and forty thousand dollars ($540,000) which the spot would have attracted and in addition, facilitated an opportunity for more persons to be sensitized to issues affecting the disabled.

Further, in company of the Honourable Prime Minister and Mrs. Hinds on a tour of the exhibition on Saturday, September 29th, we made a

point of visiting the core house for the disabled and witnessed the demonstration by three physically challenged attendants on the friendly features of the design, in particular its entrance and exit, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom facilities.

The foregoing is testimony of the fact that GuyExpo’s planning committee is sensitive and compassionate to the needs of the disabled.

The disabled community can rest assured that additional steps will be put in place to make next year’s GuyExpo friendlier and more suited to their needs.

Derrick Cummings Co- Chair, GuyExpo Planning Committee

From page 4 verge of greatness. New roads; new hospitals; new schools; beautifully designed buildings replacing those old decrepit ones of the PNC era. A modern transformation of the entire landscape. Electricity where there was none, and running tap water replacing buckets of trench water in the country areas.

Hundreds of new homes under construction, many of the owners are beneficiaries of the PPP/C Administration’s aggressive housing program for low and middle income families.

Money is in circulation; lots of food and entertainment everywhere; the economy is on the rise.

Guyanese, especially those of African descent, must not allow themselves to be used as political pawns by the joint opposition to achieve what they failed to do in a free and fair election last November.

They must not allow themselves to be provoked to violence and destroy the country we all love. Guyanese of African descent are not discriminated against as David Granger, Nigel Hughes and Demerara Waves would want you to believe. Just take a look at some of the ministries I’ve visited, and you will agree that there are more Blacks than Indians gainfully employed there.

Where is the discrimination?

In most countries, even in the great United States, there are “depressed” communities.

Guyana is no exception. But the onus is on the residents of those communities to find jobs, support their families, and not depend on the government to do everything for them.

The daily newspapers are filled with employment opportunities for those interested.

The people of Bartica must be commended for ignoring a

recent call by a senior member of AFC to take to the streets and replicate the lawless actions of the “peaceful protestors” in Linden. This upstart group of AFC leaders is determined to impede progress and economic development by continuing the confrontational strategy they employ against the government.

But the real danger has more far reaching effects that are devastating to Guyana in the region and beyond. For in their absolute zeal to gain political recognition and support from the traditional PNC base (Linden and Georgetown/Agricola), they are destroying and destabilizing the country, making it very difficult for Guyana to attract foreign investors and develop a lucrative tourism market.

The AFC seems determined to scare away foreign investment needed to develop the Amaila Falls Hydro Project; the Marriott Hotel; a deep water harbour; and a bridge across the Corentyne River. Perhaps this is the opposition’s sinister plot to deny the PPP/C the opportunity to fulfill its campaign promise to the people.

If the opposition continues to promote these illegal protest actions under the guise of being “peaceful”, they must be held responsible for any lawlessness resulting in the continued destruction of the country’s infrastructure and private property.

Minister Rohee will have to take steps to “efficiently and effectively handle the security affairs of this country” by ordering the arrest of the ringleaders, specifically the organizers.

The way I see it, if Rohee is unjustly given a bad name by the opposition, he may as well do something to earn it.

Harry Gill

Arrest the ringleaders...

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

Luncheon’s “rumble” comment taken out of context DEAR EDITOR, While I agree with my friend Freddie Kissoon and PNC parliamentarian Mr. Mark Archer that Dr. Roger Luncheon’s “Let us rumble” comment was inappropriate (KN Oct 14) and it should never have been uttered, it was taken out of context and provided an opportunity for opponents to pounce on the government.

Provocateurs (and their sponsors) used the comment to attack innocent people beating and robbing them – it was thuggery and bullyism, reminiscent of what took place in 1992, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, and last July.

Statements can be easily misunderstood and taken out of context in a politically fragile nation.

Thus, Luncheon should have been more careful with his words. But his words were not sufficient for the opposition to promote mayhem and chaos in the country.

No amount of provocation is sufficient to stage protests and then use violence against

people to be followed by robberies. Also, it was inappropriate for Kissoon to demonize and denigrate Luncheon.

The man’s personal looks and character have no bearing on the controversy.

The opposition and critics like Kissoon know exactly what Luncheon meant by “let us rumble” – it was not for the government and opposition to engage in physical violence to create mayhem in the streets and beat and rob people based on racial motivation.

I should note that Messrs Archer and Kissoon and others condemned (and rightly so) the police for (certain) actions taken against violence in Linden, but they have not condemned the perpetrators of the beatings and robberies of persons on the East Bank.

People were targeted based on their race as the victims claimed and the media reported.

They have also not criticized the police for their inaction while these

innocent people were being beaten and robbed.

And while people were being beaten and robbed, neither Archer nor Kissoon or their party colleagues came out to defend the victims or call off the attackers.

The police took a hands-off approach on the East Bank (against the attackers) perhaps because of their heavy criticism for being tough on Linden.

The attackers posed a direct threat to the lives of people and the police and the security forces should have responded appropriately to protect the victims. If there was one time strong force was needed by the police, it was last Thursday.

If there was one lesson that Luncheon and the government should learn is don’t trust the opposition with off-the-cuff remarks.

And a major lesson people should learn is whenever the opposition calls a protest, stay far away – it is an opportunity for you to be beaten and robbed.

Vishnu Bisram

Shame on the organizers and those giving permission!

DEAR EDITOR, Last Sunday night, October 14, we the residents of Tuschen New Housing Scheme were victims of rather appalling discomfort and blatant disregard for our rights. The plot of land (Lot 689) has been designated to be used by the community for some productive purpose.

However, the past year has intermittently seen the ground being used to host loud, non-family-oriented, late night fiascos, otherwise advertised as ‘Fun Days.’

From around 7pm, the organizers of the event increased the bass of their outrageous speakers and our ordeal began. The vibrations shook our precious belongings off shelves, our children were in turmoil as they could not sleep, and were still expected to be up early for Monday morning school.

This continued, with the deafening noise driving us to deep frustration until about midnight, when calls were made to the Leonora Police Station. It took almost two hours for them to send an officer to ensure that the noise ceased. Finally at around 1:30am we got peace, but

awoke to face a new week tired from agony and frustration, some of us with migraines.

Similar concerns were recently raised (on October 8) in a letter by a resident of Windsor Forest in the your newspaper.

Since it appears to be a pattern, we are hereby collectively asking that an explanation be forthcoming as to why the night’s events were allowed to escalate to the point of torturing residents by denying us sleep and the right

to peaceably enjoy our homes.

Was permission given for this event? If yes, why were there no limits and monitoring implemented by the Police/ Regional Authorities? Shame on the organizers and those giving permission!

We demand an explanation and assurances that there will be future justice for us, should there sadly be a repeat of events.

Residents of Tuschen New Housing Scheme

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Kaieteur News

Linden Commission of Inquiry APNU Parliamentarian Vanessa Kissoon yesterday took to the witness box and was grilled about why she omitted a name of an officer whom she alleged shot at her on the night of July 18.

That officer implicated

by Kissoon’s testimony is Assistant Superintendent Walter Stanton. Stanton has testified to running away from the scene of the protest after he heard persons saying “Kill de officer, he deh alone”. He was rescued by a police patrol vehicle that was in the area.

Kissoon was asked by

Tuesday October 16, 2012

APNU’s Vanessa Kissoon takes witness stand - Says she was shot at by officer

Commissioner K.D, Knights, for how long had she known Stanton.

According to the witness she had known him some weeks before. She was then asked if she knew his name, and she responded in the affirmative.

Kissoon was asked if there was a particular reason why she didn’t identify him by his name, and according to her she was asked a series of questions by her lawyers and that wasn’t one.

Knights then asked

Kissoon if she had read any of the evidence given during the commission and she said yes. She was then asked if she had read any from Stanton’s testimony, and again Kissoon answered in the affirmative.

The witness was asked if she read that Stanton had fled the area and she responded in the affirmative.

Knights continued to ask Kissoon whether “fled” meant running away and she said yes.

Vanessa Kissoon

“Is it after reading Stanton’s testimony that you made the association to identify him today?”

Knights asked Kissoon.

The witness denied this suggestion by Knights and said that she was telling the truth.

Kissoon told the inquiry yesterday that the crowd was shouting that he (Stanton) had just shot a man as he was running past her. Kissoon said that as Stanton ran past her he fired a single shot from a handgun in her direction.

The woman said that she was shocked at the incident but later helped other protestors to get one the injured men to the hospital.

Lawyer for the Commission, Ganesh Hira, in questioning Kissoon asked if she knew if permission for the march was granted and she said yes. Kissoon was asked if she knew why the persons were protesting, and according to her they were protesting because of the electricity hike.

Kissoon spoke about what she did during the d a y a n d w h a t s h e s a w.

Lawyer for the police, Hukumchand, crossexamined Kissoon. The question was put to the witness that Stanton had not used his weapon.

According to the witness she was certain that it was Officer Stanton that fired in her direction and that she would be able to identify him.

He too brought up the fact that Kissoon did not mention Stanton in the statement she provided to the Commission.

DAMAGES Also yesterday, Attorney at law Latchmie Rahamat told

the Commission that she was representing persons who suffered damages as a result of the protest. According to the lawyer she is representing Compton Fraser who will talk on behalf of the caretaking of the PPPC building in Linden.

According to reports, the building suffered some “interior” damages. The other names she called were Nigel Dharamlall, from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Derrick John, Collin Croal also from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Joclyn Miken, Khurshid Sattaur from the Guyana Revenue Authority, Savitri Kokley, Carlton Mohan, Bachan Mangra, Mahendra Lalman and Sheldon Mustaphsa.

All the names provided according to the lawyer are persons who sustained damages.

Later in the afternoon session videographer Vladimir Glasgow took to the witness stand. He was the person who made a video recording of the incident on July 18. He told the Commission that he started filming shortly after noon.

He also said that he was shot at several times to the leg and arm. He showed the commissioners his hands where he was shot. The witness said that after the confusion started he was running to save himself.

He said that he was standing about 80 feet from the police. The video aired yesterday in the inquiry, showed graphic images of the persons who were injured. The witness was then asked why he didn’t hand over the tape to the police. He said that he was afraid that they would take away his video recording.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

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CLOSURE WOULD HAVE MEANT DEATH The idea that the government of Guyana supports the sugar industry simply because it is part of the constituency of the ruling party is a misplaced notion, and a dangerous one at that, and one capable of deepening the divisions within our society.

Ever since the World Trade Organization came into being in 1991, it was evident that the days of preferences for sugar prices were numbered. When the EU subsequently produced its White Paper on Sugar and later its Everything But Arms initiative, the writing was on the wall that Lome would be superseded and it was beginning with the Cotonou Agreement and now the Economic Partnership Agreement.

Guyana was keyed into these developments and knew that once major sugar producers such as Brazil, Thailand and Australia challenged the export subsidies that the EU applied to sugar, that it was only a matter of time before the EU

would be forced to end or reduce the preferences under the Sugar Protocol of the Lome Convention.

From as early as 1992, the writing was on the wall and from as late as twelve years ago, it was clear that the provisions of the Sugar Protocol, notwithstanding all the arguments made about a legally binding contract, were going to be challenged as being incompatible with new world trade rules.

As such the sugar industry in Guyana began to prepare for reform. To suggest or imply that the nature of this reform was influenced by the fact that the ruling party draws significant support from the sugar belt is misleading and can lead to misinterpretations that the government was supporting sugar simply for political reasons.

The government, when it assumed office in 1992, inherited a bauxite industry on life-support. The industry was bankrupt; it needed significant capitalization and investment. It faced a

downturn in prices and in international markets Guyana’s bauxite was facing increased competition from cheaper and more reliable suppliers.

The government did not however opt to close down the bauxite industry. Instead, the government continued to bail the bauxite industry out to the tune of billions of dollars just because it recognized the social costs closure would represent.

The bauxite industry has been the most subsidized industry in the history of independent Guyana, and were it not for the government injecting resources to float the industry and later to court foreign investments, the bauxite industry would have died a long time ago.

In the case of sugar, the government could have also decided to close the industry.

But how does one close an industry which at the time was run by the largest and richest corporation in Guyana? This corporation in turn was the largest foreign exchange earner and the largest single

Dem boys seh ...

Protest mek old man walk far Long before dem people in Agricola decide fuh start blocking the streets again, de whole country did know. Was like if somebody tell somebody and de word spread.

Before bird wife wake people calling to find out if people blocking de road at Agricola.

Nutten wasn’t happening suh some people think was just rumour people spreading. De police hear de same rumour and dem prepare demself. Dem boys seh that de protest wha some people plan was just a chance fuh rob people.

De last time dem who decide fuh rob people collect more cell phone than a store.

One man get ketch wid three. He tell de police how he buy dem. Police does do stupidness but dem ain’t stupid. One of dem call a number pun de phone and a lady answer. Was she friend phone de boy had.

But dem boys seh that what is play fuh li’l

boy is dead fuh crappo. De attempted protest nearly kill an old man who live in Agricola.

De old man been in a minibus and he beg de driver to stop at Agricola road head. De people in de bus accuse he of setting up de bus fuh he grandchildren rob de passengers.

De bus driver mek de man walk back from Eccles.

Dem boys want to know how come nobody from AFC, APNU or de government does get caught up in de traffic whenever Agricola decide to behave bad. Is like dem does get advance warning.

And while people talking bout protest another set talking bout how man killing woman. Another one kill he wife because she lef he and right away dem boys notice that de same thing happening at de same time in de US. Is three woman dead in two days.

Talk half and keep half fuh Agricola

employer in the country, employing thousands of Guyanese who depended on this industry for their and their families’ livelihood.

This country could not then nor can it now afford to absorb the social costs of closing the sugar industry.

Those who feel that the economy is now strong and therefore GuySuCo can be put out to pasture are underestimating the social costs of such an option.

It is easy for persons to suggest that the government is only bailing out GuySuCo because of political considerations.

Had they been in the same position, what would they have done? Would they have predicted that eventually the prices from Europe would have been chopped and therefore it was time to close the industry?

Such an option would have led to mass deprivations and social unrest. The sugar industry could not have been abandoned, and it is to the credit, the resolve and the courage of the ruling PPPC administration that it took the decision to continue in sugar by opting for reform rather than exit.

Reform was never going to be easy. Any sector whose income suddenly suffers a cut of over 37 per cent is going to be in a problem, and indeed GuySuCo was staggered by the cuts in the prices offered by the Europeans.

To overcome these cuts and still stay in sugar demanded reforms. The reforms undertaken by the government are intended to place the industry on a firmer

footing by reducing production costs. But to reduce production costs entails having economies of scale in the production process. This meant a larger factory, and the closure of inefficient ones.

It is true that the Skeldon Sugar Factory came three years late and this in itself was a costly mistake. It is also true that the problems that have afflicted the Skeldon factory have hurt the chances of recovery for the industry because by now the industry should have been producing 450,000 tonnes of sugar instead of the 250,000 that may be produced this year.

But the problems of falling production cannot be all shouldered by this new factory. In fact, it does seem that in the turnaround plan there may have been assumptions that were too optimistic, including the reliability of labour which can now no longer be guaranteed.

One of the difficulties of assessing just what assumptions went askew depends on the availability of the turnaround plan. This plan has however been guarded like a state secret and therefore it has enjoyed limited public discourse and analyses especially in relation to just what went wrong.

The performance of Skeldon is beginning to improve. This is a fact. But there are simply insufficient canes to improve production to the levels that would lead to a reduced overall cost of production. As such the problems go beyond the new factory.

What is needed are not cheap potshots by analysts.

What is needed are informed analyses of the present predicament facing the industry. And the faster the government recognizes that it needs to open up the problems of the industry to intellectual scrutiny, the better it would be.

The government must particularly see the wisdom of widening the discourse on the future of sugar and the future of Skeldon. As such, it should make available the turnaround plan so that much more informed analyses can result rather than the sniping that is taking place about political interests at work.

On this score, the government needs to debunk the idea that the funds offered by the European Union to the sugar industry constitute guilt money.

Ever since it was known that sugar prices would be cut in phased manner, the government of Guyana has always been insisting in negotiations with the Europeans on assistance to allow for adjustment assistance, and they have successfully negotiated such assistance.

What the Europeans are providing are not handouts based on any guilt complex, but funds which were painstakingly and diligently negotiated by the government in order to save the sugar industry.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 16, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Survival in a zero sum game The opposition parties must receive on a daily basis endless pieces of information as to how to shape their politics in confronting the PPP Government for the implementation of just policies and justice for the nation.

As an opinion-maker, this columnist would fall into this category of free consultancy.

For example, my advice to the AFC and APNU, not to contest the next general election because, if the PNC (whether as APNU or PNC or any other name) loses for the

sixth time, it is unlikely to survive as a political party.

What can APNU tell its supporters? That it must wait until 2021 and it will win then?

No voter is so stupid as to vote for a party that lost six times and believes some miracle will occur on the seventh occasion. Our ancient political culture concretized in the 1980 Constitution only allows for zero sum politics.

It means that when you lose in a general election you lose totally. If there are readers of this page who

believe that the PPP will lose the next election then I say to them the risk is suicidal for the opposition if the PPP wins.

What is the future of the opposition if the PPP wins?

The game is a zero sum one.

If after losing the Parliament in last year’s national contest, the PPP has not conceded an inch of democratic territory, what makes any human being on Planet Earth think that in 2016, a PPP victory will see democratic directions?

At the People’s Parliament last Saturday evening, Dr. Melissa Ifill of Operation

Rescue UG, told me that she did a doctoral thesis on multiracial countries and she knows of no recommendation from any book, scholar or organization that rejects democratic inclusiveness in ethnically divided territories (or call it power-sharing if you want) among the major adversaries as a step in eventual reconciliation.

She says the consensus among those who study and write about ethically divided society is that there must be some form of inclusive access to power. In Guyana, we have

gone through five national elections in which the ethnic numbers have played out with scientific precision thereby continuing the zero sum game thereby continuing the ethnic insecurities, thereby continuing the life of ethnic passions.

In what ways have five general elections dissolved ethnic domination or even made them dormant?

The answer is not even in the thinnest of ways. When I set out to do my research on ethnic discrimination under all the presidencies of Guyana (and which led to the Jagdeo libel case), I had not even in the remotest way any idea of what I would discover.

Academics say research is fun and in an ironically brutal way it is. You are researching some of a country’s most sensitive dimensions all of which are of utmost importance to its future yet you feel delighted and you are compelled to laugh a bit at what your fishing net caught.

As I went more and more into the research delving into scholarship awards, hierarchical structures of the public service, land distribution, and business concessions I was overwhelmed by what I was seeing in the documents I was given.

In one public institution, I saw the pyramid of leadership and could not believe what I was looking at on the list of the first sixteen positions in hierarchical order. My paper is 75 pages and titled’ “Ethnic Power and Ideological Racism:

Frederick Kissoon Comparing presidencies in Guyana, past and present.”

The people who have championed constitutional reform to weaken the monster of ethnic domination before any election should be contested were ACDA. Its advice was not taken and the PNC and AFC went into the poll and lost in 2006.

ACDA had become cynical and did not persist with the advice in 2011 probably saying to itself that the country and political parties know how it feels about the Constitution, the Westminster system and the holding of national elections without reforms of these things.

The AFC and PNC (yes PNC) went into the election again. For the fifth time the PNC lost; for the second time the AFC lost.

Are they going to play the game again in 2016? Some folks are going to say that if in 2016 the opposition abstains then the PPP will win. But the PPP won in 2006 and what did the opposition and their supporters get?

If the AFC and PNC go into the game in 2016, and lose, then what’s next for them? I am saying they will not survive politically. A snap poll may be on its way. Look out for it.

Berbice October criminal session to open today The October session of the Berbice Criminal Assizes is expected to get underway today with the traditional march past and opening ceremony before Justice Roxanne GeorgeWiltshire led by a female Berbice police contingent.

Some 38 persons, including an alarming 28 for murder, are in jail awaiting trial. This information was presented at the end of the June session of the Berbice High court. That report was

signed by Officer-in-charge of the New Amsterdam Prisons, Assistant Superintendent Kevin Pilgrim. It revealed that there is one woman awaiting trial for unlawful and malicious wounding.

The breakdown showed that for the males—murder numbered 28; Sexual Penetration, five; robbery under arms, one; possession of ammunition without licence, one; and malicious wounding, one.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

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Tuesday October 16, 2012

Ricardo Rodrigues dies in hail of bullets - three others nursing gunshot wounds Injured: Aubrey Henry

Dead: Ricardo Rodrigues

Rodrigues’s father hurries to the spot where his son’s body was lying in a pool of blood.

The execution-style killing of Ricardo Rodrigues, a well known associate of convicted drug dealer Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan, sent shockwaves through the city and its environs.

Rodrigues was riddled with bullets as he sat at a table

Rodrigues’s sister as she arrives at the scene

at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club compound on Albert Street around 15:00 hours yesterday.

His body bore wounds to the head, chest, hands and leg inflicted by a highpowered weapon. From all

indications he died instantly.

Three other persons who were at the club at the time were injured as the gunmen sprayed bullets indiscriminately.

Those injured are Aubrey Henry, 35, of Alberttown, who

was shot in both legs; Michael Hupchenson, 42, was hit on his right arm and right foot and Canadian Jean Le Blanc who was shot in his right hip. They are all receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Police say they have recovered several spent shells from the scene.

No motive for the killing has been established as yet but investigators are probing whether it is linked to the recent arms and ammunition find at Lethem.

Rodrigues was released last week on $100,000 bail after spending a night in police custody pending investigations into the discovery of three M-70 and four M-16 assault rifles, along

with a grenade and radio communicating equipment.

Yesterday eyewitnesses recalled seeing two men dressed in black firing automatic weapons at Rodrigues. There are reports that Rodrigues upon seeing the men, drew a handgun he was carrying in his waist but he never got the chance to fire it as the bullets tore into his body. The handgun was left lying on the ground next to his body.

“I see a banna run and fall down. He lie down about five minutes and then he get up and start limp and then fall down again,” one eyewitness stated.

He was referring to Henry who tried desperately

A photographer peers into the hearse for a glimpse of Rodrigues’s body.

to flee from the killers. It was obvious that the killers were not interested in him.

Rodrigues was their only target.

Henry, a physical trainer, said that he could not say much about what really transpired yesterday.

“I was upstairs training somebody and I heard gunshots and I just ran outside,” Henry told members of the media at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He said that all the other persons who were shot, including Rodrigues, were sitting outside the bar on the bottom flat of the sports club pavilion.

The injured were rushed to the hospital, while

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Rodrigues’s body was left lying where it fell.

Workers at the nearby Critchlow Labour College spoke of ducking for cover upon hearing the gunshots.

“It was constant; there was no lull in the gunshots, just rapid gunfire over a period of time, numerous shots, then it stop,” one of the employees recalled.

A bullet pierced one of the college’s exterior lights and fell in the compound.

“I couldn’t see anybody because I was in the building.

Whoever would have done the shooting would have already left. When I came outside all I see was people running, apparently to get away from the location where the shooting was taking place,” the employee explained.

As the reports spread, dozens of persons converged on the GMR&SC compound, many with the aim of confirming what to them was the unbelievable.

Family members were seen consoling each other while the police maintained a heavy presence at the scene until Rodrigues’s body was removed by undertakers from the Lyken Funeral Parlour.

Meanwhile, the main opposition party A Partnership for National Unity has expressed its concern over yet another execution.

The party described Rodrigues as a gun-running

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Police comb the scene for clues of the execution style killing.

suspect who has been a ‘person of interest’ to lawenforcement agencies for most of the past decade.

According to APNU, Rodrigues has been mentioned in connection with criminal activities and at

the time of his execution, Rodrigues surprisingly, had been placed on bail.

“A Par t n e r s h i p f o r National Unity would like to see due process in order to learn more about the crimes of gun-running and narco

trafficking. APNU feels that extra-judicial executions should not be allowed to replace legitimate lawenforcement measures if criminal cartels are to be discovered, dismantled and destroyed.”

APNU Leader Brigadier David Granger stated that Rodrigues’s execution exposes the weakness of public security under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic administration.

The party once again

called for the removal of Clement Rohee as the Minister of Home Affairs and his replacement by someone capable of suppressing crime, enforcing the law and preserving this country’s security.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Love affair allegation leads to Goedverwagting murder suspect hospitalised after ingesting poison chopping, two hospitalised Michael Collins and Deoraj Ramlall

Two Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) teenagers who were involved in a heated argument with some other teens late Sunday night are now at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) nursing chop wounds about their body.

At the root of the quarrel was an allegation that one of the injured teen was having an affair with his attacker’s wife.

Yesterday, Michael Collins, 18, and his friend, Deoraj Ramlall, 17, both of

Foulis were in the Male Surgical Ward narrating their experiences to their family members.

Collins said that he, Ramlall and two other friends were having a “drink” at a corner not far from where they live when they decided to leave and continue their “little gathering” at one of the guy’s house.

“We were drinking and then a girl and two boys come and they start argue with one of my friend about him (my friend) being with his attacker’s

wife,” Collins claimed.

Kaieteur News understands that the trio left and returned with a group of young men, along with the girl’s father, and started to fire several chops with a cutlass at the young men.

Collins, a carpenter, and Ramlall, a mason sustained the worst injuries while their other two friends escaped with minor wounds.

One man has reportedly been arrested and is at the Enmore Police Outpost assisting with investigations.

A man who stabbed his reputed wife to death and seriously wounded her sister remains handcuffed to a bed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after he reportedly ingested a poisonous substance.

The man swallowed the poison yesterday morning as he was being pursued by a policeman to whom he was pointed out by a relative of the woman he had killed hours earlier.

The man Alex Douglas, 42, had stabbed 41-year old Allison Bowen to death around 23:00 hours on Sunday following a heated argument at her Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara home.

Bowen's sister, Nicole King, is also a patient at the same hospital after she too was stabbed while trying to save her sister.

Yesterday, when this newspaper visited the hospital, the suspect denied taking a poisonous substance. He declined to say what had transpired on Sunday night.

This newspaper understands that Bowen had ended her relationship with the suspect earlier on Sunday after suffering constant physical abuse during the period she lived with him.

Later that evening the man barged into her home while she and her children were in the living room.

Dead: Allison Bowen This newspaper understands that Bowen desperately tried to contact the police on her cellular phone but failed initially.

A police source said that the woman had contacted the police earlier on Sunday, informing them that Douglas had threatened to kill her. One of the policemen gave her his cellular phone number and advised her to call him should the suspect turn up.

Bowen eventually managed to contact the police after she had fled to her sister's house to escape from her attacker. But as it turned out the police arrived after she was fatally stabbed.

Relatives informed that Douglas was locked up on several occasions for beating Bowen,

but he was never charged.

One of the dead woman's sons, Joshua Barton, told this newspaper that his mother was walking back to her house with the assurance that the police were on their way when Douglas launched his vicious attack.

“I see he coming with a bicycle and he had the knife in he waist. Auntie Nicole say, 'Why you don't stop knocking me sister?' She go in de way and he tek off he bag from he back, put down he bike and pull out de knife.

We tell she 'mommy run' and she run but he run behind mommy and lash she into Chinese bench and start jukking.

Mommy start hollering but he continue jukking. “After we auntie parting, he juk she too.

Me brother try fuh part too and he get juk on he hand,” the young Barton related.

He said that as his mother lay on the ground, the suspect ran away, while his wounded aunt urged him to get help for the mortally wounded Bowen.

But by the time neighbours ran to the scene, Bowen had already appeared dead.

Eventually a police patrol vehicle arrived and took both Bowen and her sister to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Bowen was pronounced dead.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

Duo in court for shooting incident Two men have been charged for discharging a loaded firearm at Romano Nurse with the intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm to him.

Deon Charles, of Middle Road La Penitence, and Kester King, of James Street, Albouystown, allegedly shot at Romano Nurse over an issue that took place in Albouystown on Sunday September 30.

Police information is that on September 30, the victim was shot at after he told another person that he saw Charles pick up a red bicycle and ride off with it.

Charles and King, obviously annoyed at Nurse for disclosing who took the cycle, later returned and shot at him, the police said. The police stated also that they are in possession of the spent shells.

The two men subsequently pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read to them by Chief Magistrate ( A g ) P r i y a Sewnarine- Beharry.

T h e i r A t t o r n e y Paul Fung-A-Fat argued that the police did not find a gun on

Deon Charles and Kester King as they leave the court house

either of the defendants.

Fung A fat argued that Nurse had been the aggressor in the case as he was demanding money from his clients.

The court learnt that one of the defendants, Charles, has matters pending in court and therefore both persons were remanded to prison until October 18.

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Tuesday October 16, 2012

Home burgled while businessman attends wake

The business place/ house that was broken into At least five persons, including a businessman, fell victim to a burglary over the weekend. The family has estimated its losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars after thieves entered their Lot 207 Yurbani Avenue, Eccles East Bank Demerara home.

According to reports, Ronney Jodha, the owner of Plus Printing, discovered around 23:00hours on Saturday last that persons had broken into his property and had stolen a quantity of documents and local and foreign currencies.

Kaieteur News was told that the family had recently travelled to Guyana to attend the funeral of a family member. According to the proprietor, the family had left their home on Saturday evening around 20:00hours.

When they returned to the house, Jodha said he noticed that the front door of his house was broken.

The man continued that he ventured further in the home and noticed that the bedroom doors of three other occupants were also broken.

On checking, the man said he noticed that the house was

ransacked. He said he immediately called the police and later went to the police station to make a report.

According to the businessman, Canadian passports, citizen cards, credit cards, bank cards, insurance cards and even health cards were stolen from the home.

Apart from that, at least US$1,500, C’dn $3,000 and $200,000 in local currency.

A quantity of cell phones and gold and diamond jewelry were also taken from the victims’ home.

The matter is currently with the police and investigations are ongoing.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Oh la la, Shreya!

Indian singer thrills thousands in “super duper” show

Shreya Ghoshal performs at the National Stadium Sunday evening.

A section of the crowd at the Shreya Ghoshal Concert.

Shreya Ghoshal’s hit song “Teri Meri Prem Kahani” depicts lovers struggling to define their love story, but for the thousands of Guyanese fans who turned out for her show Sunday evening, there was no definition needed. It was clear and simple, they were in love.

Why, she was their “fantasy” as well.

On landing in Guyana, she called the country “gorgeous” and “heavenly,” and after the show, she tweeted that it was “super duper.” Indeed it was.

Once she stepped on the stage at the National Stadium, there was no hesitation by the fans in confirming their love for an artiste who has been a constant feature in their homes since she lent her voice to Aishwarya Rai for the film, Devdas, in 2002.

Remarkably, Ghoshal, at just 16 years old then, won the Filmfare Award (India’s equivalent of the Oscars) for Best Female Playback singer, for the song “Dola Re Dola” in the film.

Since then, she has sung for some of the best names in Hindi cinema, and once it’s Bollywood, Guyana connects, from the Corentyne Coast to the Essequibo Coast.

Over the past decade, Ghoshal’s sojourn into Bollywood has produced some of the best collaborations with music producers and writers, and picked up award after award, catapulting her into a league of her own.

Shortly before getting on stage, with blow dryer to her hair, she pondered about what to wear. In the end, she stepped on stage with what the ladies called “jeggins,” a midriff top and jacket. It was simple, but not understated, still managing to maintain her reputation as a woman of elegance.

That was all the styling that was needed. Opening with “Teri Meri Prem Kahani” from the recent Salman Khan/ Kareen Kapoor blockbuster, Bodyguard, Ghoshal charmed the audience from the beginning.

What followed were songs that showed her

versatility as a singer, and the near perfection with which she undertakes her craft. At points it’s as if she rides off in haste to the precipice, without plunging over (Dola Re Dola) and at other times, you can feel the gentle breeze of a comforting whisper tingling at the back of your neck, moving across your face, enveloping you with a certain gentleness and warmth that is always to be longed for, as she does in Tere Meri Prem Kahani and Jadu Hai Nasha Hai, though the latter borders on the seductive.

Whether it is her skill in Indian classical music, dabbling in soulful melodies that she has come to perfect, or just having fun with the saucy item numbers of Hindi cinema, Ghoshal has come of age.

Bringing along a dancing troupe added to the magic of her voice, especially for songs like “Oh la la,” from The Dirty Picture, “Zoobi Doobi” from 3 Idiots and “Mashala Mashala” from Ek Tha Tiger.

Ghoshal brought along with her singers Prithvi

Gandharv and Jeffrey Iqbal, both of whom ably added to what was a spectacular event.

Among those at the concert were President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee, along with Reepu Daman Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, which put on the show.

The Sabha deserves credit for an event that was smoothly executed, and we

could hear no one complain about anything.

Before her final song, Mere Dholna Sun, from Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Ghoshal performed a medley of songs from Indian’s melody queen Lata Mageshkar, from whom she draws inspiration.

Among the favourites was Lag Ja Gale, lip-synched

by Sadhana in the 1964 film Woh Kaun Thi. We would want to think that the

audience agreed with the lyrics and joined in the chorus.

Indeed, the fans embraced Ghoshal as if they would never have such a beautiful night with her again, but her parting words, “See you soon!” told everyone that we might just see her again here, and by that time, she would have climbed higher on the ladder of success. (Neil Marks)

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Tuesday October 16, 2012

DDL challenged to compete with other subsidy- Dr Persaud tells shareholders based companies

By Leon Suseran Chief Executive Officer of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Dr Yesu Persaud, has stated that his company has to compete in a highly competitive world whereby many companies that produce wines and liquors receive subsidies from their governments. This is not the case in Guyana and has placed enormous challenges on the distillery.

He was speaking to the company’s shareholders at the Annual Shareholders’ Reception on the tarmac of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) at Tain, Corentyne on Sunday.

“We do not get subsidies; all the big companies get subsidies throughout, not through their parent companies, but from the countries in which they operate, because there is a ‘kick- back’ to the government”.

He said this is “not

possible for us in Guyana...You go and ask for subsidies, and you will be thrown out; so we have to stand on our own feet, something we have done and have been doing over the years… and we have done it very well and have reached the stage now where we are considered the Number One brand in the Caribbean, a unique, unique privilege to be in”.

Managing Director of DLL, Komal Samaroo, stated that while the company has been earning huge amounts of successes in various arenas, there are the challenges, one of which is mainly the subsidy issue.

He stated that in some parts of the world, rums that are being produced by other countries are heavily subsidized by those countries’ governments.

“Today, as we sit here, 92 per cent of the rums imported into the USA is subsidised

by the governments of the countries in which those rums are produced— 92 per cent!”

“We do not get subsidies; we have to compete side by side with the products that are heavily subsidised, and because of these challenges we face, we need to work together and go after every opportunity and we need your support in this market, through friends and families overseas, too”.

Dr Persaud added, “We produce the finest Vodka— Ivanoff— nothing but the best— nothing to beat that, and shortly, you will be getting it in a new package and we will be internationalising that product”.

Dr Persaud stated, too, that DDL has been able to spread out its products to new markets, whereby the company’s products are now in all the Canadian Provinces and trying to conquer the U.S. gradually, EU and UK.

A section of the shareholders

“We’re also selling in one of the coldest countries in the world, Russia, and it’s not easy to sell there, but we have done that, so we are here, there and everywhere so your company is moving from strength to

strength, but we need your support locally, to become the dominant player in the local market”.

The company’s shareholders, he said, stretch from Crabwood Creek to the Rupununi and even in the European Union, USA, Canada, Caribbean and the European Union (EU).

Diamond Liquors, Demerara Distillers and Guyana Distilleries were merged into the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). DDL is the only company which produces an international brand, ‘El Dorado’, out of Guyana. El Dorado has won the International Wines and Spirits Competition year after year, including 2012. DDL has 9,500 shareholders in its records.

The Demerara Distillers Limited has changed its strategy in trying to work closer with customers and its shareholders.

Samaroo told shareholders that meeting with them once per year is not enough, rather there needs to be an ongoing dialogue among stakeholders. He

announced a 24- hour hotline, 265-5000, for shareholders as well as customers.

“Don’t wait until we come up here, but call us at anytime and if you have complaints or suggestions or see an opportunity, call us and let us know”.

Samaroo added that the company has been making significant progress especially where it concerns marketing of its signature brand rums, the El Dorado rums, throughout the world.

The company is now marketing the Ocean Spray brand of fruit drinks in Guyana, and Samaroo noted that this is one of the new initiatives taken by the company in not only taking the best products to the world, but bringing the best products from the world, here.

A proud company managed 100 per cent by Guyanese “(DDL) gives opportunity to Guyanese; trains people in Guyana to manage the business in a manner that the best practices are achieved anywhere in the world and this must be a proud thing for all of us”.

Police are insisting that “unless they apprehend the suspect in the case of the 58year-old woman who was raped recently, they would not be able to positively identify a fingerprint.

The woman, formerly of Devonshire-Castle, on the Essequibo Coast, tearfully related that she was asleep when suddenly she was awakened by a scratching sound emanating from her house.

The woman added that at first she thought it was the sound of a rat but as she forced herself out of bed she was confronted by an intruder, who proceeded to ransack her house with the aid

of a torchlight.

The terrified woman who lives alone said that after the man, who was armed with two cutlasses and a knife was through ransacking her house; he then asked her for “wife”.

She said she told the man she was a “big woman” and he replied saying he was a” big man”. The woman said that the man then threatened her and proceeded to undress her before raping her.

She has since lodged a complaint at the Anna Regina Police Station and has also undergone a medical examination. The woman said that the rapist carted away $4,000 in the process.

Police hunt Essequibo rapist

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

Man rrefused efused bail ffor or wounding spouse Davendra Kumar, 44, of Cooper Street, Albouystown allegedly used a knife to inflict a laceration on his partner’s neck on October 10.

He was refused bail today.

He faced Chief Magistrate (Ag) Priya SewnarineBeharry on the unlawful wounding charge.

On Wednesday last, the defendant went home to his reputed wife, reportedly under the influence of alcohol and started to abuse her about her daughter. The couple had a fiery verbal dispute over the issue.

As a consequence the defendant took a knife from his wife, who was cooking at the time and slashed her neck leaving her unconscious. The complainant later received

medical attention and stitches to the injury she sustained.

While Kumar accepted what the police reports stated he claimed that the incident was “just an accident.”

He related that his spouse had been striking him in the back when “she slipped and fell on the knife” causing injuries. “Is just a slight cut my worship”.

The Magistrate requested a copy of the medical to ascertain if the defendant’s story was correct.

However, before the Magistrate could make a final decision on yesterday’s proceedings, Kumar revealed that he has previous infractions with the law for abusing his wife. He was refused bail until October 22.

Davendra Kumar

Ohio University seeks internships with local media Ohio University is seeking to further enhance its partnership with the University of Guyana (UG) through capacity building of lecturers and students.

A four-man delegation headed by Dr. Scott Tittsworth, Dean of Scripps College of Communication of Ohio University, is in Guyana to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two universities.

Dr Tittsworth is also a former CNN correspondent.

According to UG’s Director of the Centre of Communication Studies, Carolyn Walcott, this

renewed partnership could see lecturers benefitting from scholarships to study abroad.

In addition, there should be an injection of resources to purchase laboratory equipment.

She said that UG’s Centre of Communication Studies benefitted from a previous MoU with the University that recently ended.

Walcott was one of the privileged students to have pursued her Masters in Communication through the Ohio University.

While the Ohio University is helping to develop Guyana’s highest tertiary learning institution it

is reaching out to local media houses to provide internships for its final year students. Director, Institute for International Journalism, Dr. Yusuf Kalyango, is hoping that students from the Ohio University will be able to be interns at media houses in Guyana.

Both state-owned and privately-owned media houses are being targeted so that students will have an appreciation of practicing journalism in a developing country. The Ohio University has done similar stints in countries across the globe, including Zambia.

By Rehanna Ramsay A 35-year-old father of two has been charged with causing the death of a 12-yearold pedal cyclist as a result of dangerous driving.

Roderick Tappin of Lot 89 Sparendaam, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Friday October 12, at Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, he drove a motor lorry in a manner dangerous to the public and caused the death of Junior Cameron, who was 12 years old.

The case was called before Chief Magistrate (Ag) Priya Sewnarine- Beharry, yesterday, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

However, according to police facts Tappin was driving motor lorry GPP 6830 at an accelerated rate proceeding east along Joseph Pollydore Street when he came directly into Cameron’s path. The child was attempting to cross a junction. Tappin reportedly lost control of the “speeding” vehicle and collided with the pedal cyclist who was later

pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Further reports revealed that the defendant had breached the conditions of his insurance and was not licensed to drive a lorry at the time of the accident.

He has already pleaded guilty to the breaches of conditions. Attorneys- atLaw Paul Fung- A-Fat and George Thomas provided legal representation for the defendant.

In a request for bail, FungA-Fat refuted police claims that his client was speeding

and stated that it was the cyclist rather; who came into the path of the truck.

The lawyer also affirmed that his client has no previous antecedents with the law, poses no risk of flight and is prepared to lodge his passport if he’s granted bail.

Prosecutor Wynette Hubbard did not contest the lawyer’s request and as a result Tappin‘s bail was set at $300,000.

Bail is on condition that the defendant lodges his travel document and reports to the Brickdam Police Station once weekly.

Plaisance man charged for death of 12-year-old boy

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CJIA drug bust ...

Four of five American residents who were nabbed with cocaine last Friday were yesterday remanded to jail while the alleged mastermind was placed on $2M bail.

The four persons were slapped with separate charges of narcotic possession for trafficking, while the fifth accused was charged with procuring the said four to engage in the illegal act.

At the Providence Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Lesley Sobers heard that on October 12,

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Four Americans remanded, mastermind on $2M bail Gregory Hinds, 20, had 745 grams of cocaine for trafficking; Adrian Roberts,28, had 675 grams cocaine for the same purpose, so did Melissa Geriera, 25, who had 490 grams; and Taniqua Johnson, 19, who had 365 grams of cocaine.

Fifty- six year-old Don Sulkan, a nurse of Brooklyn New York was called on to answer the charge that on Friday October 12, last, she procured the four accused to engage in the trafficking of narcotics. She reportedly gave them one kilogram and

600 grams of cocaine to smuggle out of the country via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Hinds was represented by Attorney Neil Boston, who opted to bypass a bail application given the circumstances of his clients’ arrest and appealed for an early trial date.

He said that his client is Guyanese but resides in Jamaica, Queens, New York.

Hinds was asked to return to court October 29, before being remanded.

Roberts also resides in

Queens New York. He was represented by Attorney-atlaw Mark Waldron who said that his client had visited Guyana for a family wedding and was returning to New York. According to the attorney, Roberts is a diabetic and regularly needs his medication.

Apart from that, the lawyer explained that his client wished to make a personal address to the Court. The Magistrate allowed it and Roberts spoke of a plea bargain.

He said he was willing to

offer certain information if his matter ended favourably for himself. The accused was directed to the Director of Public Prosecution on that matter before getting November 5 to return to court for his trial.

Geriera and Johnson had the services of Lawyer George Thomas. Geriera of Queens, New York was said to be a nursing assistant while Johnson of Brooklyn, NY, attends the Dheoor Campus in Manhattan NY. For both females, Thomas said the women were tricked into signing documents by police ranks who promised the women plea bargains.

According to Thomas it is only the DPP who has that authority and it was as a result of trickery that the police obtained certain information from the accused.

He said that such methods by the ranks would affect the statements the women gave, placing them in a compromising position. The court acknowledged the lawyer’s information and gave November 7 and November 9 for Geriera and Johnson to return respectively.

Attorney Adrian Thompson represented Sulkan. He presented to the court that his client should be admitted bail since, as he was instructed, she was found with nothing on her person.

Thompson said that it is only

Dawn Sulkan the allegation of the other accused that has caused his client to become involved.

The lawyer said anyone could make an allegation and as such he would be going to the High Court to obtain bail.

The Magistrate however advised Thompson that would not be necessary since bail would be given in the sum of $2M. Thompson later asked for a reduction in the sum by half, but the Court alluded to past experience where persons had posted bail and never returned to court.

He said that the sum should be enough to ensure that Sulkan returns to court on November 20.

According to reports, the four accused were en-route to America via a Delta flight when they were pulled in for a routine search. That search allegedly unearthed cocaine in the underwear of all the accused. They in turn pointed out Sulkan as the one who reportedly recruited them for transporting the drugs.

Venezuelan ordered to pay fine for overstaying A 49-year-old Venezuelan male has been ordered to pay a $30,000 fine or alternatively serve a two-week prison sentence after he admitted to breaching the conditions of his stay in Guyana.

José Line Dias De Ollivierre appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday for failing to comply with conditions subject to which his permit to stay in Guyana was granted, given that he overstayed the three-week period which was

officially granted to him by immigration officials.

Ollivierre entered Guyana on March 30 and was scheduled to leave on April 21; he nevertheless left for a mining camp in the interior and attempted to gain access to Georgetown via Ogle airport when immigration authorities observed that his travel document had expired.

At the hearing, the foreigner explained that he came to Guyana to visit friends but decided to stay.

Gordian Rollins, a convicted prisoner at the New Amsterdam prisons, who was found with a quantity of drugs after returning from an errand outside the penal institution has been questioned by police and is expected to be charged soon.

Rollins, of Cumberland, Canje, Berbice, who is serving a one-year term on a charge of burglary was among a group of prisoners detailed to

work on a project outside of the prison last Thursday.

Upon their return they were checked and Rollins was found with a quantity of what appeared to be leaves, seeds and stems of marijuana concealed in a plastic bag in his crotch.

He was arrested and the contents were checked, weighted and found to be 24 grams of cannabis.

He is expected to be charged soon.

Prisoner found with drugs in crotch

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

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US$10M works for aged Georgetown Sewerage Massive works are expected to commence on the Georgetown sewerage system in a matter of weeks effectively signalling progress for the Georgetown Sanitisation Improvement project.

The project, which is being funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) to the tune of US$10 M, is set to have a duration of 30 months, with an 18-month execution and a 12-month defect liability period.

A financing agreement between the Government and the IDB was inked on December 8, 2010.

With S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Contracting Services along with Nabi and Sons Limited as the Contracting Firms, the project is geared at improving the state of the near centuryold sewerage system with a view of providing an improved sewage service to approximately 52,000 people in the capital city of Georgetown.

The project is also aimed at helping to eliminate the transmission of neglected tropical diseases around the city as well, a move which will be undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, according to Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) Director of Capital Investment and Planning, Ramchand Jailall.

The significance of the project was amplified, yesterday, when the GWI spearheaded a stakeholder consultation at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown.

Recently appointed Chief Executive, Shaik Baksh, said that it is necessary to engage with stakeholders, businesses and customers of GWI to ensure that they are

A section of the stakeholders at the Consultation forum yesterday

all on board. He alluded to the inevitability of inconveniences during the course of the project which will include the laying of pipelines and other activities.

“We want to ensure that on a continuous basis stakeholders are apprised.

This is just the beginning because we will be continuously communicating progress on the project so that it is a smooth project with very few ripples.”

In order to appease concerns that may arise, Baksh said that GWI has sought to put in place a dedicated telephone hotline so that any problems customers may encounter could be relayed and immediately addressed.

Stakeholders were also privy to a listing of all the streets, about 25, that will be affected by the project works, a state of affairs which echoed the need for collaboration

thus the need for the stakeholder forum, Baksh said.

“This is the Capital City and we know what can happen when different sections of the city come under the project and the lines are being dug up for replacement purposes,” he added.

A detailed video of the rehabilitation programme can be accessed on YouTube and according to Baksh “we will be monitoring what is taking place with this project over the next 18 months. We do have a consultancy firm (GITEC Consult in association wit h E & A Consultants INC.) that will be supervising the contractor.

We w i l l b e h a v i ng regular meetings apart from our own site visits to ensure that the project is moving within its completion time,” said Baksh as he referred to

the project as an important development for the city.

Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, disclosed that it was no easy task to bring the rehabilitation plans together since according to him “there is no blueprint, there is no underground map, there is no structure drawing and there is no base document from which they are working.”

Compounding the initial dilemma was the fact that a lot of the institutional knowledge in relation to the sewerage system has been lost, Ali opined.

In this regard, he said that the development of the sewerage system fell into a strategic plan of GWI which saw a number of consultations being engaged, even as he emphasised the importance of collaboration.

He too highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders. “We would

remain committed to the engagement necessary for the successful project implementation and delivery.”

The rehabilitative works, according to GWI’s Acting Project Manager, Orin Browne, will consist of rehabilitation of the sewerage system, including completion of pumping stations refurbishment.

Works will also entail the complete reconstruction of the entire hydraulic main (approximately 6km); the complete reconstruction of all delivery main (approximately 6km); construction of reinforced concrete chambers where the hydraulic main connects to the delivery mains and the construction of reinforced concrete washout chambers at each trench crossings.

The proposed project aims to improve the operational performance of the Georgetown sewerage

system through the reconstruction of its most critical components, including the complete replacement of the 5.5 Km sewerage ring main.

It is also intended to strengthen GWI’s operational and financial performance by improving asset management and decreasing energy consumption.

The works, once completed will also limit the transmission of the waterrelated diseases lymphatic filariasis and intestinal helminthiasis, through Mass Drug Administration activities according to Browne.

According to Director Jailall, the planning for the project was kicked into motion after Hydea Consulting, a firm in Italy, undertook pilot and condition assessments and provided a detailed model of the sewerage system.

It was from this undertaking the Director said that a master plan was done to facilitate priority works for the rehabilitation of the system. Jailall disclosed too that additional works will be done in subsequent years through the investigative works that have to be done under the priority works contract.

This, according to him, will entail the visiting of different zones with a view of examining streets and yard sewers to determine their condition.

Yesterday’s forum saw the attendance of representatives from a number of organisations including New Thriving Restaurant, the Environmental Protection Agency, Laparkan, , KFC, the Local Government M i n i s t r y, H o t e l To w e r, UNICEF and the Pan A m e r i can Health Organisation.

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Tuesday October 16, 2012

Tuesday October 16, 2012

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Peace envoy seeks Iranian help for Syria ceasefire (Reuters) - International peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi appealed to Iran to help arrange a ceasefire in Syria during the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha as rebels and government forces fought street by street and village by village yesterday.

Brahimi made the request in talks with Iranian leaders on Sunday in Tehran, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s closest regional ally in his campaign to crush a 19month-old uprising.

The veteran Algerian diplomat said the civil war in Syria was getting worse by the day and stressed the urgent need to stop the bloodshed, his spokesman said yesterday.

He suggested the truce be held during the Eid holiday, which starts around October 25 and lasts several days. It would “help create an environment that would allow a political process to develop”.

There was no immediate response from either side and

with fighting raging yesterday in several Syrian cities and in the countryside, it was not clear if they would want to put the brakes on any battlefield advantages.

A ceasefire brokered by Brahimi’s predecessor Kofi Annan in April fell apart after a few days and Annan later quit his job in frustration.

A senior United Nations political official, briefing the Security Council in New York, said that for any ceasefire to succeed, “this must be a collective effort by all inside Syria, in the region and beyond”.

The official, Jeffrey Feltman, said all governments should stop supplying weapons and giving military assistance to any side in the conflict.

“Human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, torture and summary executions continue unabated. The voices of the peaceful protests that emerged so proudly last year have receded in the tremor of

fighting,” he said.

The conflict has claimed more than 30,000 lives since March 2011, when demonstrations first broke out calling for an end to the Assad family’s dynastic rule.

The international community must show the "courage" to allow sanctions against Iran to work, UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said.

European foreign ministers have agreed financial and trade restrictions aimed at increasing pressure on Iran to halt its nuclear programme.

The PM said it was the right approach, adding he had advised Israel now was "not the time" to take military action.

But he said nothing was "off the table" if Iran made "the wrong choice".

The US and the EU have long suspected that Tehran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon, in contravention of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) But Iran has always denied any military motivation

for the programme, insisting it is for civilian purposes only and within the terms of the NPT.

when Iran's only real ally in Syria is losing his grip on power, a foreign military strike is exactly the chance the regime would look for to unite his people against a foreign enemy.

"We shouldn't give them that chance. We need the courage to give these sanctions time to work."

Last month, Mr Netanyahu warned the United Nations General Assembly that time was running out to prevent Iran acquiring sufficient enriched uranium to build a bomb.

However, Mr Cameron said "relentless sanctions" were having a greater-than-expected impact.

TURKEY GAME-CHANGER The “game-changer” could be Turkey, once an ally of Assad and now a leader in international calls for him to quit.

Turkey’s confrontation with Syria deepened in the past two weeks because of cross-border shelling and escalated on October 10 when Ankara forced down a Syrian airliner en route from Moscow, accusing it of carrying Russian munitions for Assad’s military.

Ankara said on Sunday it had closed Turkish air space to Syrian planes. Damascus also banned Turkish planes from flying over its territory.

Russia has said there were no weapons on the grounded plane and that it was carrying

Iran sanctions need time to work , David Cameron says 'LOSING GRIP' European Union ministers meeting in Luxembourg on Monday agreed a further tightening of existing financial, trade and energy sanctions.

In a speech to the United Jewish Israel Appeal in London, Mr Cameron said: "I have said to Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu that now is not the time for Israel to resort to military action.

"Beyond the unpredictable dangers inherent in any conflict, the other reason is this: at the very moment when the regime faces unprecedented pressure and the people are on the streets; and

'BANANA REPUBLIC' He said that as well as Continued on page 22

a non-legal cargo of radar. But it acted to cool friction with Ankara - Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the incident would not hurt “solid” relations.

After meeting mediator Brahimi, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Salehi said Iran was ready to work with him for peace and repeated Tehran’s call for an immediate ceasefire before reforms and elections to resolve the conflict.

“We all need to join hands so that this conflict comes to a halt and further bloodshed is stopped,” Salehi said.

Shi’ite Iran is the main ally in the region of Assad, who is a member of the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam.

The uprising has been led by the Sunni Muslim majority and is backed by Sunni-ruled Arab states and by Turkey, also led by a party with its roots in Sunni Islamist

politics.

Turkey’s disaster management agency said yesterday the number of Syrian refugees housed in camps in southern Turkey has exceeded 100,000, reaching the limits of its ability to cope.

Two other Syrian neighbours, Lebanon and Jordan, are sheltering 94,000 and 106,000 refugees respectively, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

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'Business as usual' as Hurricane Rafael closes in on Bermuda (CNN) -- If you think Bermuda is worried as a Category 1 hurricane closes in on the tiny Atlantic island, think again.

Schools and offices will remain open today. The island's ferry service will carry commuters back and forth in the morning on its usual schedule.

And its international airport doesn't plan to cancel or delay flights until Hurricane Rafael inches closer.

In short, expect business as usual, Bermuda's Emergency

Measures Organisation said.

"It's far enough away for our culture to not feel a threat yet," said resident John Manderson, a telecommunications consultant.

"We're so used to this, season after season.

Most people have their plywood in their garages at home, already pre-cut and labeled."

Rafael is expected to bring storm force winds and rough seas as it passes about 100 miles southeast of Bermuda, said Wayne Perinchief, chairman of Bermuda's Emergency Measures

Organisation.

"However, we are expecting the worst of the storm to pass to our east," he said.

Early today, Rafael, with 85 mph winds, was about 500 miles (805 kilometers) south of the island, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

The center of Rafael is expected to pass east of Bermuda this afternoon or evening, according to the center.

Forecasters said the island might see 2 to 4 inches of rain from the storm.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Obama keeps small lead on Romney, debate bleeding stemmed: poll (Reuters) - President Barack Obama retained a slim lead over Republican challenger Mitt Romney in the Reuters/Ipsos daily tracking poll yesterday, as he appeared to have stemmed the bleeding from his poor first debate.

Three weeks before the November 6 U.S. election, Obama leads Romney by 2 percentage points, with 47 percent support from likely voters in the national online poll, to 45 percent support for Romney.

The margin was small enough to be a virtual tie, but Obama’s slight edge broadened from Sunday, when he went ahead of Romney by 1 point after falling behind in the wake of Romney’s decisive victory in their first presidential debate on October 3.

“Romney received a bump from that first debate, but the very nature of a bump is it recedes again,” Ipsos vice president Julia Clark said.

“We’re now seeing Obama regaining a little bit of a foothold as we go into the second debate.

They go into the debate on equal footing.”

The two men meet again tonight at New York’s Hofstra University in a debate that Obama needs to win to grab back the campaign momentum.

The third debate is set for October 22 in Boca Raton, Florida.

Obama’s support in the new Reuters/Ipsos survey was particularly strong among the 10 percent of registered voters who have already cast their ballots.

Fifty-five percent said they voted for the Democrat, compared to 43 percent for his Republican challenger.

POLICY GAINS Romney and his fellow Republicans have been hitting Obama hard over his handling of diplomatic security, blaming his administration for attacks in Egypt and Libya on September 11. The U.S. ambassador and three other Americans were killed in Libya.

But the poll did not find a groundswell of condemnation for the White House. Forty-five percent of registered voters approved of

Obama’s handling of the situation in Libya and Egypt and 40 percent disapproved. Thirty-eight percent backed Romney on the issue, compared with 36 percent who did not.

The incumbent also regained ground in several policy areas since the first week after his bad debate.

Forty-two percent of registered voters said they thought Obama had a better plan for healthcare, compared with 35 percent who said the same of Romney. Obama’s rating was up 4 points from October 10.

Obama’s ratings on taxes also went up by four points, as did voters’ view of his plans for Social Security and Medicare by 3 points each.

Romney’s scores each went up by 3 points on how he would handle the war on terrorism and gay marriage, although Obama was still ahead on both.

Thirty-seven percent of registered voters picked Obama as having better policies for dealing with terrorism, compared with 32 percent for Romney. And 43 percent favored Obama on gay marriage, compared with Romney’s 25 percent.

Romney kept a big lead of 38 percent to 29 percent on who has a better plan for handling the deficit, and a small lead of 38-37 percent on who would better handle the U.S. economy.

Obama was just ahead, at 39 percent to 38 percent, on jobs and employment.

The precision of Reuters/Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points for registered voters and 2.6 for likely voters.

Iran sanctions need time...

From page 21 slowing the nuclear programme, oil exports had fallen by 45%, the value of the country's currency had fallen and inflation was soaring and could be as high as 50%.

Mr Cameron said: " M o s t s i g n i f i c a n t l y, there are signs that the Iranian people are beginning to question the regime's strategy with even pro-regime groups protesting at the actions of the government.

"It's mind boggling that the leaders of a nation so rich in oil have succeeded in turning their country into a banana republic desperately trying to

put rockets into space while their people suffer.

"The Iranian regime is under unprecedented pressure and faces an acute dilemma.

They are leading their people to global isolation and an economic collapse. And they know it."

The prime minister said Iran could end the pressure, adding: "In the long term, if Iran makes the wrong choice, nothing is off the table.

A nuclear armed Iran is a threat to Israel. And a threat to the world.

And this country will work unwaveringly to prevent that from happening."

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Monument erected to Cubana Air disaster victims

By Abena Rockcliffe The structure that stands monumental to represent 73 persons who lost their lives during the Cubana air disaster, was yesterday unveiled by President Donald Ramotar and Cuban Charge d’ Affaires and Economic and Cultural Affairs Officer Praxedes Nordet.

The bombs exploded eleven minutes after takeoff from the Grantley Adams Airport when the aircraft was at an altitude of 18000 feet.

The date was October 6, 1976.

Those who perished were 57 Cubans, five North Koreans and 11 Guyanese.

The Guyanese were Ann Nelson, Jacqueline Williams, Sabrina Harripaul who was seven at the time, Rita Thomas, Margaret Bradshaw, Violet Thomas, Rawle Thomas, Raymond Persaud, Harold Norton, Gordon Sobha, and Seshnarine Kumar.

Present yesterday were Carol Thomas who lost her 18-year-old brother Rawle Thomas- a Queen’s College graduate travelling to pursue medical studies; and Oscar Limerick who lost Rita Thomas, Violet Thomas and Sabrina Harripaul.

The Thomases had missed their original flight and were placed on Cubana de Aviacion.

Cubana de Aviacion ‘Flight 455 was a Cuban flight from Barbados to Jamaica that was brought down by a terrorist attack on October 6, 1976. Two bombs exploded on board ki l l i n g all 73 passengers on the Douglas DC-8 aircraft in what was then t h e m o s t d e a d l y terrorist airline attack in the western hemisphere.

The monument dubbed the ‘Cubana 455 Monument.’ now stands on the Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana in the vicinity of the pond east of the University’s library.

The task of building the monument was undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works and takes the form

Unveiling of the monument…From right: Minister of Public Works: Robeson Benn, Cuban Charge d’ Affairs and Economic & Cultural Affairs Officer Praxeda Nordel, President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Frank Anthony and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Carolyn Rodriques Birkett of a fountain; four elevated stairs and a plaque with the names of those who died as well as the flag of Guyana, Cuba, Korea and Barbados.

President Donald Ramotar said that the monument is erected appropriately since five of the Guyanese who perished were students going to study in Cuba. He said that the monument will serve as a reminder to Guyanese.

Ramotar expressed that he sees it necessary for Guyanese to understand that the disaster represents the use of terrorism in political

struggles.

“It was at the height of the cold war, a time where reason seemed to have taken flight; when the mentality that prevailed was that if you were not with me you are against me, therefore someone’s terrorist was another’s hero.”

Further, the President made known his view that no political objective can justify the bombing. “I firmly believe that we cannot aspire to lofty goals with dirty and bloody hands”.

“Since the cold war has ended I still cannot understand why one of the perpetrators of this crime is

still walking free.”

Ramotar said that the best way to honour the memories of those who were victims of terrorism is by working hard to improve the quality of life of all Guyanese so that what the martyrs did not live to see can still be achieved.

“Further, he said that the promotion of international peace will also serve as honouring those who died.”

The President extended sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.

Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn, said that no physical monument can be

fitting enough to assuage the hurt, the damage and feeling of lost that resulted from the disaster.

He too said that the attack marks a defining moment in the history of the Caribbean people as from then to now, countries have been freed from colonialism and imperialism.

Benn said that the Koreans, Cubans and Guyanese whose remains rest in Barbados’ water will not be honoured unless Guyanese continue to understand the nature of the sacrifice in the context in which it occurred.

The monument was

handed over to Minister of Culture Youth and SportFrank Anthony, who said that the structure that has been long awaited serves as memory of the pain inflicted as a nation, and hurt that loved ones of those deceased must have felt.

He said that the act which occurred 36 years ago cannot prevent progress as many Guyanese still travel to Cuba to study.

Praxedes Nordet, Economic and Commercial Counselor, said that Cuba will not rest until justice has been served.

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Tuesday October 16, 2012

Senegal manager says his country will accept riot punishment BBC Sport - Senegal manager Ferdinand Coly says there will be difficult times ahead for his country as they await punishment for their fans’ behaviour in Saturday’s abandoned game against Ivory Coast.

A riot caused the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier to be abandoned with Ivory Coast leading 2-0 (6-2 on aggregate).

“We are going to face some difficult days but Senegal will accept the sanctions,” said Coly.

“For the players, it was

traumatic - especially the young ones.”

Home fans started fires in the stands and threw objects on the pitch with about 15 minutes left to play in Dakar, shortly after former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba had converted a penalty.

Visiting supporters jumped down on the pitch to escape the violence, where they and the Ivorian players took refuge in the centre circle while the security forces used tear gas to quell the rioting fans.

Reports say about 10 people - including Senegalese Sports Minister Hadji Malick Gakou - were injured in the violence.

“We must apologise to Ivory Coast and make sure we do everything to avoid this happening again,” added Coly.

“I feel great sadness because this type of thing has no place on a football pitch or anywhere else.”

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) are yet to decide on any potential sanctions.

Tuesday October 16, 2012 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your goals will be in reach if you direct your energy wisely.

Socialize with friends, but don't overspend on lavish entertainment. Romance could be exciting if you are spontaneous.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Time is money and you must be ready to take action in order to reach your highest potential. Money can be made if your are willing to take a chance. Don't do something silly just to get back at your mate.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Spend some time with the one you love. Pleasure trips will be satisfying. Try to be as mellow as possible. Opportunities for love will develop while traveling or while attending religious functions.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Be careful; you may say something you'll regret later. You can expect your mate to get fed up and make the choices for you or back off completely. Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) If you address those in a position to grant you favors you should get the support you require. Do not overexpand if you have your own business.

Sit tight. You may find out that someone is trying to undermine you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can come into money that you don't necessarily work for.

You should be trying to clear up legal contracts that have been pending. The advice you get today may be based on false information.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Romance can develop; however, it will most probably be short-lived. You will have the getup and go to contribute a great deal to groups of interest. It would be in your best interest to stay away from any intimate involvement with a client or coworker.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Help an older member with a problem that faces them. Talk to the party involved and make sure that they are informed as to what actually happened. Romantic opportunities are evident if you get involved in large groups or organizations.

SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Stay away from social unpleasantness. Such over indulgence due to emotional upset will be your downfall.

You will get great satisfaction from your efforts.

CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your best efforts will come through making changes in your home.

You will find the excitement gratifying. You will feel so much better about yourself if you can control your addictions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

Make sure that you take time to remember those you love.

You can enjoy the company of others and come in contact with an ideal mate, if you get out and mingle. You will have an interest in foreigners and their cultures.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't let your personal partner hold you back. You may divulge private information without realizing it today. Secret affairs may be tempting.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

Bin Hammam appeals to CAS over provisional ban (Reuters) - Former FIFA presidential candidate and executive committee member Mohamed Bin Hammam has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over his provisional ban from football, the latest episode in a long-running saga.

Bin Hammam, who challenged Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency last year, was provisionally suspended by the sport’s world governing body on July 26, only one week after CAS had overturned his life ban from football. Bin Hamman’s lawyer Eugene Gulland said in a statement to Reuters that the former Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president had filed an appeal with CAS “challenging the provisional suspension ordered by FIFA.” In overturning Bin Hammam’s life ban in July, CAS said FIFA had provided insufficient evidence over allegations that he tried to bribe Caribbean officials in the run-up to last year’s election.

However, it said the decision was not “an affirmative finding of innocence” for Bin Hammam, and that the case could be re-opened with new

evidence. One week later, FIFA said Bin Hammam would be banned for 90 days while its ethics committee collected further evidence.

Bin Hammam was accused of trying to buy the votes of Caribbean officials by handing them $40,000 each in brown envelopes at a meeting in Port of Spain one month before the FIFA election.

He withdrew his candidacy for the FIFA elections and was subsequently suspended

pending an investigation.

Blatter was re-elected unopposed for a fourth term as FIFA president, while Bin Hammam was found guilty of breaking seven articles of FIFA’s ethics code, including one on bribery.

P r o c e e d i n g s against former CONCACAF president Jack Warner, also present at the meeting in Trinidad & Tobago, were dropped after he resigned his post.

BBC Sport - Britain’s Audley Harrison is mulling over his future after being knocked out by David Price in the first round of their heavyweight contest on Saturday.

The 2000 Olympic champion’s challenge for Price’s British and Commonwealth titles lasted only 82 seconds. Harrison, 40, stated: “I have said when I turn up to win, and lose to nothing other than ability, I will know my time is up, so this could be my last bout.

“I’ll take some time as I never want to come back once I’ve walked away.”

Harrison, who spent several minutes on the canvas receiving treatment following the defeat, was booed from the ring at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

He was magnanimous enough in defeat to praise his opponent but feels his age is now against him.

“I want to congratulate David Price and his team on executing his game-plan so effectively,” Harrison continued in a statement. “I said I had prepared very well for this bout and it showed. I was in great shape and went out there with no fear, believing I could win it.

From page 22 wicketkeeper in the Tests, but Ramdin, since making a comeback earlier this year, has scored a century against England.

He has been named the vice-captain for the Bangladesh series, and is keen to take the opportunity after scoring 18 runs in the two Tests against New Zealand recently.

“It (the tour of

Bangladesh) is an important one for me.

I did not get [many] runs against New Zealand in the home series, and I would like to go out there and capitalise [on the opportunity].

I was there last year but I did not get the opportunity to play, so hopefully I can play this time and get some runs up there,” he said.

The wicketkeeper, who is yet to play a Test against

Bangladesh, added that the team has the momentum after winning the World Twenty20 earlier this month in Sri Lanka.

“All the players (on the West Indies team) are on a high, and hopefully we can keep the momentum going and take that into the (pre-tour) camp in two weeks time, go up there and beat the home team,” Ramdin said.

From page 31 registering at last minute, which, he says, places added pressures on the Secretariat that has to also process the registration of international athletes.

Registration closes on Thursday. Meanwhile, the race coordinator, Mark Scott disclosed that the route has been marked and will be emboldened on Saturday so that it is clear for competitors. He believes that the 10th edition of the race will be one of the best in its history.

The route for this race will be: (Start) Police Sports Club, Eve Leary (one lap around the track) exit eastern gate into Military Road; south along Camp Road; west along

Lamaha Street; north along High Street; East along Seawall Road; south along Camp Road; east along Carifesta Avenue into Rupert Craig Highway's northern carriageway; turn at Conversation Tree then head into Rupert Craig Highway's southern car-

riageway into Kitty Public Road; south on Vlissingen Road; west on Thomas Lands; south on Camp Road into Military Road through the eastern gate at Eve Leary to finish on the ground in front of pavilion after completing a lap.

Audley Harrison ponders future after David Price defeat

‘Not taking Bangladesh...

International invasion...

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 16, 2012

GFF Super League – Preliminary Round

BV Triumph United & Uitvlugt qualify for main draw The 2012/2013 Guyana Football Federation Super League will see the debut of two teams in East Demerara's BV Triumph United and West Demerara's Uitvlugt; the two club's earned the right following wins in their home and away matches against Silver Shattas and New Amsterdam United, respectively.

BV Triumph United shattered the dreams of Upper Demerara's Silver Shattas

when they hammered them 82 in the return game at the GFC Ground on Sunday afternoon.

This follows the East Coast sides 2-1 win at the BV Ground one week before.

Leading the goal spree for BV was Reon Hopkinson who blasted the nets on three occasions (8, 11, 33), leading forward Delroy Deen converted twice (27, 29), veteran Shawn Daniels showed that he is still a force to be recon with by

netting a brace also (82, 86) with the other goal coming off the booth of Ian Dooker in the 59th minute.

Silver Shattas got their strikes off the boots of Robin Adams (22) and Calwin David three minutes to full time.

Up at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground, West Coast Demerara, the home team salvaged a 1-1 draw against New Amsterdam United to compliment their 3-

2 away win at Blairmont Ground one week earlier to secure their spot in the Super League, joining fellow West Demerara side, Den Amstel.

New Amsterdam United, conscious that they had to win by a big margin to cancel out Uitvlugt's advantage were on target early in the piece as they took the lead through an Adrian Adams 9th minute goal.

Similar efforts were re-

quired without Uitvlugt responding but the home team backed by their supporters tightened up in defence as they nullified all the efforts of the Berbice side.

With ten minutes to game time, Uitvlugt was able to cancel out New Amsterdam's advantage when Jamal Harvey hit the network.

Harvery's goal effectively sealed Uitvlugt's spot in the 10-team Super League which is set to kick off later this month.

The GFF will host a meeting with all the Super League Clubs today at their Dadanawa Stree, Section 'K' Campbellville Headquarters from 10:30hrs.

From back page month.

Complete Results: Schools Champions – Queens College (Briawna Gordon, Leroy Jack, Macaela Harding, Aliyah Gordon, Devon Scott, Shamar Mittelholzer) Runners-up – Christ Church (Kareem McKenzie, Shania Riley, Nyron Joseph, Daniel Hooper, Michael Crosse, Stephon Sprosta) Third Place - St. Stanislaus College (Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial, Ezekiel Springer, Ato Greene, Meshach Williams, Gordon Trotman) MVP Girl – Aliyah Gordon (QC) MVP Boy – Kareem McKenzie (Christ Church) Under 13 Champions – GCC All Stars (Daniel Hooper, Kareem Mc Kenzie, Samuel Woodroffe, Meshack Sargeant, Shania Riley) Runners-up – Marion Gangnam (Lorenzo Vanzo, Rosario Ramsammy, Jessie Newton, Makeda Harding, Eleomar Silva, Jada Gomes, Travis Whitehead) Third Place – Saints Sensations (Ezekiel Springer, Jonathan Persaud, Nicholas Nervais, Trelochanie Salvador) MVP Girl – Shania Riley (GCCAll Stars) MVP Boy – Rosario Ramsammy (Marion Gangnam) Under 16 Girls Champions – GCC (Jada Gomes, Shania Riley, Aliyah Gordon, Athena Seenanon) Runners-up – Hikers(Makeda Harding, Romichelle Brumell, Annesa Permal, Shameka Bhagwandin) MVP – Athena Seenanon(GCC) Under 16 Boys Champions – Hikers

(Aroydy Branford, Andre Stewart, Quesi Jordon, Shamar Nunes, Nyron Joseph, Shamar Williams) Runners-up – Old Fort (Stephon Sprosta, Shaquille Thomas, Omar Hopkinson, Rafol Robertson, Fitzroy Leitch, Julian Smith, Deheron Wilkinson) Third Place – Saints (Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial,Ato Greene, Ezekiel Springer, Gordon Trotman, Jonathan Persaud, Shemar Boston) MVP –Arody Branford (Hikers) Under 21 Girls Champions – GCC ( Samantha Fernandes, Ashley deGroot, Dacia Woodroffe, Sandy Roopnarine, Rebecca Xavier, Athena Seenanon, Briawna Gordon) Runners-up – Hikers (Macaela Harding, Rushelle Matthias, Latacia Chung, Makeda Harding Abigail Greaves, Annesa Permal, Romichelle Brumell, Ayeisha Boodie) MVP – Ashley deGroot(GCC) Under 21 Boys Champions – Hikers(Michael Harding, Arody Branford, Leon Bacchus, Andrew Stewart, Osafo Timmerman, Robert Brumell, Nyron Joseph, Shaquille Oneil) Runners-up – GCC(Keon Mc Kenzie, Antonio Seenanon, Meshach Pierre, Mark Sargeant, Michael Craige, Jonathan Singh, Lennox Carrol, Eric Hing, Medroy Scotland, Andrew Shaw) Third Place – Saints (Leroy Jack, Yonnick Peters, Kevin Edwards Devon Scott, Kwesie Lewis, Seon Sookhai, Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial, Ato Greene, Shamar Mittelholzer, Ezekiel Springer Meshach Williams) MVP – Arody Branford (Hikers)

Igloo Ice Cream Junior...

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

GABBFF Seniors 2012 – 'Rise of the Machines'

Subs & Salads on board

With excitement and anticipation building ahead of this weekend's Guyana Amateur Body Building & Fitness Federation (GABBFF) Senior National Championships, another business entity has joined hands with the governing body to ensure a successful competition.

The Sheriff Street based Subs & Salads made a contribution to the GABBFF for Saturday's event set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Accepting the donation

from Subs and Salads' representative was GABBFF Treasurer Jamie Mc Donald who thanked the entity for their contribution which he said will surely help to make the show a memorable one.

Saturdays show is set to get underway at 19:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Canadian National Heavyweight Female Masters Champion Tananarive McGowan has been confirmed as the Guest Poser while a male guest poser has

also been confirmed but will only be known on Saturday night.

Also on board as sponsors are Digital Technologies which will present a Flat Screen TV to the Overall winner while Fitness Express will present gift vouchers to the Overall winner apart from the 1st – 3rd place athletes in each category.

DeSinco Trading under their Degree brand is also on board. Over 30 athletes will be facing off on Saturday.

Karibee Cup KO Football Western Tigers needle Pele, advance to final; to face winner of Rosignol/Monedderlust City side BK Int. Western Tigers needled fierce rivals Pele on Friday evening at the GFC Ground to book their place in the final of the Karibee Cup knock-out football tournament which will be contested this Sunday at the same venue.

Playing in semifinal action, the Tigers clawed their way to a memorable win, compliments of a Ronsford Colridge 63rd minute goal.

The Tigers can count themselves lucky however after missing a penalty in the first half.

The battle was by no means easy for the eventual victor as they had to battle tooth and nail with a Pele side that always brings their ‘A’ game and were once known as the knock-out kings.

This time however, they fell short of the mark.

Western Tigers will await

Delburt Wilson

Cornel Taylor

the winner of the Rosignol United / Monedderlust semifinal which is set for Friday from 15:30hrs at the Blairmont Community Centre Ground, West Coast Berbice.

Pele will await the loser of that match whom they will engage in the third place play-

off also on Sunday at GFC. In their quarterfinal showdown, Rosignol United got past Cougars FC by a score line of 3-0.

Netting for Rosignol were Cornel Taylor with a double, Delburt Wilson scored the other.

Edward Skeete t\20 cricket – South E’bo

Half centuries for Rooplall, Adams Half centuries from Patrick Rooplall and Anthony Adams highlighted the latest round of matches in the Edward Skeete and family twenty\20 cricket competition which continued recently in South Essequibo.

At the New Opportunity Corps ground (10:00hrs), Rising Star defeated Zorg by 7 runs. Rising Star took to the crease first and made 121-4 after the game was reduced to 15 overs. Kayman Latchman 25, Royan Federicks 23 and Jagdesh Dindyal 22 were the principal scorers, while Ebrio Abrams took 2-19.

Zorg in reply scored 1147 off their allocation of overs.

Anthony Adams led the scoring with 75 (3x4, 6x6), and

got little support from the rest of the batting with only Shivnarine Narine getting 24 (2x4); Rohan Ramlall picked up 3-18.

At the same venue (02:00hrs), Zorg beat Invaders Masters by 2 runs.

Anthony Adams made 46 (2x4, 3x6) and Mark Gonsalves chipped in with 37 (2x4, 2x6) as Zorg posted 131-8 in 20 overs after batting first.

Ramnarine Devcharan bowled well to take 4-15, while Beesham Seepersaud had 232.

Invaders Masters in reply finished on 129-7 off their allocation of overs.

Devcharan returned to score an unbeaten 31(2x4, 1x6), while Linden Daniels offered support with 24 (2x4, 1x6).

Gonsalves and Shivnarine grabbed 2 wickets each.

At El Dorado Sports Club ground, Golden Fleece hammered the host by 67 runs.

Patrick Rooplall slammed six fours and five sixes in a robust 64 and received support from Raj Parbattie 42 (2x4, 2x6), and Aeknauth Persaud 27 (2x6) as the visitors piled up 194-6 in 20 overs. Tameshwar Deonarine claimed 2-42.

El Dorado were bowled out for 127 in 14.2 overs when they batted.

Deonarine was the only batsman that offered any resistance with 43 (4x4) as Deolall Rooplall captured 3-17 and Aeknauth Persaud took 2-20 for the winners.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Flex Night outreaches to Central Corentyne Gyms In the continuing build up to the Flex Night International Body Building and Fitness Show set for December at the National Cultural Centre, Flex Night Inc. on Sunday last held a successful outreach to gyms of the Central Corentyne area.

House of Pain Gym, Powerhouse Gym and Hardcore Fitness Gym participated in the outreach which was under the theme “Flex Night in partnership with Central Corentyne to strengthen Bodybuilding and Fitness.”

The area coordinator of the event was Mr. Kumar Sukhdeo, owner of House of the Pain Gym, and familiarly known as ‘Chicken Boy.’ The outreach was also a response to the superb performance of young Leon Mahadeo, also of House of Pain Gym, at the recently concluded Flex Night Berbice competition, a performance that spurred Flex Night to develop and strengthen the relationship with Central Corentyne.

In welcoming the team from Flex Night Inc., Kumar

Sukhdeo expressed his delight, on behalf of the members of gyms on the Central Corentyne, that Flex Night Inc. had made the effort to reach out to the Corentyne gyms to strengthen their commitment to the sport and to improve their performances at local, regional and national competitions.

Donald Sinclair, Managing Director of Flex Night Inc., led the Flex Night team that included David Gomes (Director of External Resources), Diane Sinclair (Director of Judging and Personnel) and Winston Clement (Regional Coordinator for Berbice).

Nadina Taharally of Interline Fitness gym did a brief posing demonstration before the appreciative audience.

Those in attendance interacted with the Flex Night team and received v a l u a b l e i nformation in relation to training, nutrition and competition.

Participants also took the following important

Donald Sinclair addresses section of Central Corentyne audience. decisions: - That in February 2013 a Flex Night – Cen t r a l Corentyne Flexout event would be held to coincide with the launching of the new House of Pain Gym at

Port Mourant, owned by Raheem Ali. - That a Central Corentyne Organising Committee would be formed to plan inter-gym competitions in the area and work closely with Flex Night

Inc. to host the Flex Night Berbice 2013 event in Central Corentyne.

- That 100 plus persons from the Central Corentyne would be in attendance at the Flex Night International and Health &

Fitness Expo on December 8 at the National Cultural Centre.

Souvenir Flex Night Tshirts and buttons were then presented to specially honour members of the audience.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

New WICB CEO congratulates Windies team on WT20 triumph - also recognizes Windies Women for achieving key target of finishing in top four of WT20 ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board Michael Muirhead has sent formal congratulations to the West Indies team on their recent triumph in the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

“I wish to congratulate Captain Darren Sammy, Head Coach Ottis Gibson and Team Manager Richie Richardson along with all the players and members of the Team Management on their historic triumph which has brought joy, pride and boundless excitement to the people of the Caribbean,” Mr. Muirhead said on his first official day of work in Antigua.

“The victory in the final was a thrilling one but it was achieved, clearly, on the back of rigorous preparation, astute planning and sustained and consistent performances when it mattered most,” Mr. Muirhead assessed.

“I am honoured to be entering West Indies cricket at a time when the region is enthused about the game and the prospects. I am thankful to the team and the WICB Board and Management which have all worked on ensuring that the fundamentals for this triumph were in place, even if ahead of the projected strategic target,” Mr. Muirhead added.

The WICB in its five year Strategic Plan 2011-2016 had set as a specific target winning the ICC World T20 Tournament in 2014.

“Now that through the outstanding work of the players and the Team Management we are ahead of our goals we will need to review and readjust and look to retain the title in 2014, even as we are cognizant that the other cricketing powerhouses will be leaving nothing to chance as they too prepare,” Muirhead outlined.

“I wish to also commend Captain Merissa Aguilleira and her team, Head Coach Sherwin Campbell and the members of the Team Management of the West Indies Women’s Team for their representation of the West Indies region in the Women’s World Twenty20,” Muirhead noted.

“While our Women’s team did not win the title, it is clear to all that they have made significant advancement in recent years and continue stridently on the development path,” Muirhead said.

“In fact the Windies Women achieved one of the stated WICB key strategic objectives – to finish in the top four of each of the Cricket World Cups and World Twenty20s held between 2011 and 2016,” Muirhead said.

WICB CEO Michael Muirhead - William Richards photo “The WICB has also set out as a key target for the Women’s team to win one of these tournaments by 2016 and we will continue to support them with training and resources toward this goal as they prepare for the next global engagement – the Women’s World Cup next year,” Muirhead said.

The West Indies Women’s team made the semifinal of the Women’s World Twenty20 but lost to Australia who went on the claim the title.

Mr. Muirhead shared his congratulations and commendations in letters to the two Captains and Team Managers.

‘Not taking Bangladesh lightly’ - Gayle

ESPNcricinfo - West Indies opener Chris Gayle has said that he wouldn’t take anything for granted in his team’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh. Even though West Indies have lost only an ODI and a Twenty20 each in Bangladesh, he described the hosts as “dangerous at home”.

The left-hand batsman was named in the 15-man Test squad which will arrive in Dhaka on November 3 to play two Tests. West Indies will also play five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international.

“It is going to be a very challenging [series]. We know how dangerous Bangladesh can be at home. It’s not a team where you want to go there and take lightly,” said Gayle.

“You’ve got to be mindful of the conditions and try and add up as quickly as possible and settle as much and

Chris Gayle whenever you get a chance, just try and maintain it and take it from there.”

Upon making his return to Test cricket, Gayle averaged 80 against New Zealand which includes a 150 in his comeback innings. He has

played four Tests against Bangladesh so far, in 2002 and 2004, and has an average of 69.40.

West Indies have toured Bangladesh for full series twice, in 2002 and 2011. Gayle wasn’t in the teams during last year’s tour and as a result it had brought the teams closer. But the likes of Marlon Samuels, Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo and Devendra Bishoo starred in the 1-0 and 2-1 wins in the Test and ODI series.

“Most of the guys have been there before in Test series and in ODIs so most of the guys have experience, so it should be an interesting series,” added Gayle.

Denesh Ramdin also toured Bangladesh in October last year, but played only in the ODI series and the solitary T20I. Carlton Baugh was the preferred Continued on page 20

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Tuesday October 16, 2012

“We end our campaign, with a desire to do our best” - National Coach Jamaal Shabazz San Jose, Costa Rica Guyana’s Golden Jaguars and Costa Rica ranked 122nd and 72nd in the FIFA world rankings respectively, face off in the final round of group B action, in the North, Central American and Caribbean Zone, third round 2014 World Cup qualifiers, at the Estadio National de Costa Rica, this evening from 7:00 pm (9:00pm Guyana time).

Costa Rica one of the big three historical giants of the CONCACAF Region along with Mexico and United States, enter this game on the back of an important 1-0, away victory versus El Salvador on Friday La Sele as they are commonly called, just need a victory versus the ‘Golden Jaguars’ to join Mexico in next year’s Hexagonal phase.

The ‘Golden Jaguars’ who earned the their chance to compete as this level by toppling Caribbean giants Trinidad and Tobago on a memorable November 11th, 2011 evening at Providence Stadium, made their debut into the major league of world football on June 8th 2012 in

front 80,000 intimidating Mexican fans at the world famous Estadio Azteca.

They now will end it and returning national Coach Jamaal Shabazz who was absent from the 5-0 loss against Mexico, reflected briefly on the journey.

“Tomorrow (today) we end our campaign with a desire to do our best. The entire journey has been eye opening and enlightening, it had its high and low moments. But we are determined to see it through to the end. We have seen we can compete, but to sustain our efforts we need more tactical discipline and focus on the task.” stated Shabazz.

While the make-up of the team will be decided by the coaching staff, after the ‘Golden Jaguars’ have their mandatory one-hour pregame training session. Team Captain Chris Nurse will miss the game after picking up his second yellow card of the qualifiers during the Mexico game.

Guyana squad - Ronson Williams and Derrick Carter

Guyana on the offensive against Mexico on Friday last at the BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas.

(Goal-Keepers); Charles Pollard, Walter Moore, Colin Nelson, Jamaal Smith (Defenders); Konata Mannings, Brandon Beresford, Nick Millington, Dwight Peters, Dwain Jacobs, Kester Jacobs, Ricky Shakes, Trayon Bobb (Mid-Fielders); Gregory Richardson, Vurlon Mills, Anthony Abrams,

Shawn Beveney, Daniel Wilson (Strikers).

Coach Jamaal Shabazz, Assistant Coach Wayne Dover, Trainer Americo Falopa, General M a n a g e r R a w l e Adams, Assistant M a n a g e r M a r k Xavier, Equipment Manager Earl Paul, Goal-

Keeper Coach Andrew Hazel, Physiotherapist Debita Harripersaud.

Costa Rica squad - Keylor Navas, Patrick Pemberton, Leonel Moreira (Goal-Keepers), Michael Umana, Roy Miller, Heiner Mora, Bryan Oviedo, Jhonny Acosta, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Pedro Leal, Christian Gamboa, Nestor Monga, Pablo

Salazar, (Defenders), Christian Bolanos, Celso Borges, Michael Barrantes, Jose Miguel Cubero, Rodney Wallace, Allen Guevara, Keilor Soto (Mid-Fielders), Alvaro Sobario, Bryan Ruiz, Randall Brenes, Joel Campbell, Christian Lagos (Strikers). Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 33

International invasion for th 10 SA 10km Road Race

By Edison Jefford The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has said that it expects an international invasion for the 10th Edition of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) South American (SA) 10km Road Race Classic that will be held on Sunday in Georgetown.

The AAG through its President, Colin Boyce and General Secretary Claude Blackmore made the revelation that it expects a plethora of South American and Caribbean athletes to compete for the coveted male and female titles and lucrative cash prizes at the calendar race.

The prizes include Open Male and Female International: US$1,000, US$600, US$400, US$300 and US$200 for first to fifth places respectively; Juniors: $40,000, $30,000, $20,000, $10,000 for first to fourth; Masters (Women 35 & above) and (Men 40-55): $30,000, $20,000, $10,000 up to third place; Masters (Men 55 & above): $25,000, $15,000 and $5,000.

Blackmore said that the association has received oral confirmation of the participation of athletes from Brazil, Trinidad, Tobago as an independent competitor, Barbados, Grenada and Panama; he noted that other South American countries were also encouraged to

compete.

“I am still working on confirming exactly how many international athletes we will have here, but I know that at the SA Congress (in Brazil recently) the South American countries that are closest to Guyana were encouraged to participate in the event,” Blackmore said.

Boyce had introduced Blackmore as the “man on the ground” who is acting as liaison between the AAG and countries interested in participating. Boyce stated that based on information he has received, the local athletes will be heavily challenged during the race.

“Based on all indication, we are expecting a heavy invasion of foreign athletes.

Our local athletes will have to up the ante at the race; this will be a very good test for our long distance athletes and measure of how competitive they can be over 10,000m,” Boyce indicated.

He disclosed that Guyana had broken the ice with Panama, being a participant in the third leg of the threestage race that is usually held there. However, he said he would be disappointed if they do not see it necessary to reciprocate Guyana's support of their stage.

The second stage is usually held in Suriname, but owed to an internal issue with the Surinamese athletic association and an IAAF ban established as a result, it was

Sanasie 40- over cricket in Leguan

Premnauth, Jattan slam half centuries in Young Warriors victory Half centuries from Tulsieram Premnauth and Muneshwar Jattan saw Young Warriors to a fighting 41 run victory over Maryville when action in the Anand Sanasie 40 over cricket competition continued last Sunday at Enterprise in Leguan.

The pair came together after the loss of a few early wickets and added 135 for the 3rd wicket stand after the game was reduced to 35 overs due to early morning rain.

Young Warriors managed 243 all out in 29.3 overs after batting first.

Premnauth scored 84 while Jattan made 68, and Tyrone Narine chipped in with 23.

Aseeb Khan claimed 3-27 from 6 overs and Paul Williams 3-16 off 4.

P a u l Wi l l i a m s a n d Chetram Rabindra revived Maryville hopes after three wickets fell quickly at the start of the innings, with a stand of 124, but once they were removed in quick succession for 70 and 64 respectively, the rest of the batting offered little support and Maryville were sent packing for 202 in 30.4 overs in reply.

Tyrone Narine 3-37and Marlon Narine 3-32 were the main wicket takers for the winners.

The competition continues on Sunday.

revealed that there will be no second stage of the SA 10km Classic in Suriname this year.

The AAG President urged local athletes to assist the association in ensuring that the registration process is smoothly administered by registering early. Boyce stated that the general tendency has been athletes Continued on page 27

AAG President, Colin Boyce and other AAG Officials pose with some of the athletes who will be competing at the South American 10km Road Race Classic on Sunday.

t r o Sp

Igloo Ice Cream Junior Hockey tourney ends The Igloo Ice Cream National Junior Hockey Championships came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday afternoon at the National Gymnasium when arch rivals Hikers and GCC treated the crowd to a memorable Under 21 Men's Final. The two day tournament which featured six categories was the highlight of the year for the 102 junior hockey players that represented their club and school teams. After GCC All Stars, GCC and Hikers took home the Under13, Under-16 Girls and U n d e r- 1 6 B o y s t i t l e s respectively on the opening day, Sunday was the schools and under-21 players turn to take center stage.

First up it was Marian A c a d e m y, S t . J o h n ' s College, St. Stanislaus College, Queens College and the surprise of the tournament Christ Church who produced some entertaining hockey in the morning session. Marian Academy finished the

preliminary rounds as the top team and faced the 4th seed Christ Church in the first semifinal, but it was the underdogs who produced the shock of the tournament when they came from behind to pull off 2-1 upset. The other semifinal featured St. Stanislaus College against longtime rivals Queen's College who exacted revenge for their shock defeat earlier in the year with a 5-0 demolition of the Brickdam School.

QC took their momentum into the finals and went past a proud Christ Church 3-0 to become the first National Schools Champion.

In the Under-21 Girls category the GCC girls once again proved that they were in a class of their own, completing a clean sweep of their matches with Ashley DeGroot leading the way for her team.

The Boys under-21 Final however was a close encounter between arch rivals Hikers and GCC. After

Under-21 male and female champs collect their awards at the presentation.

a frantic start the game settled before Hikers' Leon Bacchus caught the GCC defence napping in the third minute and stole the ball in

GABBFF Seniors 2012 – 'Rise of the Machines'

Subs & Salads on board

the D before slotting into the bottom left corner. GCC's Mark Sargeant responded almost immediately to tie up matters at 1-1. Both teams then squandered numerous opportunities before tournament stand out Aroydy Branford went on

one of his trademark runs to seal the game in the 16th minute.

At the presentation ceremony Guyana Hockey Board member Gail Harding thanked the sponsors Igloo Ice Cream for supporting the development of junior

hockey in Guyana. She also thanked the parents, coaches and players who made the tournament possible. Next up for the Board will be the National Senior Indoor Championships which is scheduled for later this Continued on page 28

GFF Super League – Preliminary Round

BV Triumph United & Uitvlugt qualify for main draw

GABBFF Treasurer Jamie Mc Donald (left) receives the cheque from Subs and Salads representative in the presence of General Secretary, Videsh Sookram.

Intense rivalry between BV Triumph United and Silver Shattas at the GFC Ground on Sunday.

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