Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Youth involvement in crime Youth involvement in crime has reached unprecedented proportions. In fact, just about every country in the English-speaking Caribbean seems to be grappling with this problem. Of course, young people have always been credited with impetuosity and hostility for the greater part. Many young people try to grab attention as they seek to make a name for themselves. The search for identity is crucial for young people; it leads them to form groups and stage so-called initiations. Sometimes the initiation can be horrendous—go kill a man or burn a house. The need to belong can override the sense of righteousness instilled in everyone; such is the power of peer pressure. Having established oneself there is now the perception that the individual hopes to create. In every society young people seek role models, but these days the role models are mostly of the violent types. They are the rich and powerful. The money is made from nefarious activities and the fame is often created by anti-social measures. So it is that drug dealers with their armies are often the role models and the more gruesome their operations the more sought after is the image. Unfortunately, in the wider world the role models are the high profile stage performers, prominent sportsmen, and of course the drug dealer who flaunts large and impressive bits of jewellery which in modern parlance is called bling. In Guyana, the incidence of poverty and the absence of an adequate number of male teachers have led to many boys leaving school before they are actually ready to enter the world of work. The result is that they have no jobs and they need money to live like their role models, the big spenders. The result is that they steal. In Guyana we have on many occasions commented on the open borders and about the things that can cross these borders. That there seems to be a proliferation of guns; just about every young man who commits a crime does so with a gun. While it is not unheard of, teenagers are being shot and killed while attempting to commit robberies. At their ages, most boys were doing childish things. We have been exposed over the past few years to the range of teenage and other youth criminals. Several months ago two teenagers were nabbed while transporting an M-16 rifle, grenades and some sixty rounds of ammunition. They are now behind bars. Then there were the young men who made life for taxi drivers a nightmare. So far, there is no evidence to suggest that the men who kidnapped and killed some hire car drivers before taking their cars were older than eighteen. During the crime wave that spread from 2002 to 2006, and even in the years after, the nation got used to teenage gunmen. Survivors of the Lusignan Massacre spoke of children carrying high-powered rifles and using them with deadly effect. Many of the out-of-school teenage boys have become drug couriers because the pay is good and the work is nothing compared to the manual labour of the skilled personnel. And each year an increasing number of young uneducated men join the ranks of the criminals. The Caribbean governments are devising plans to curb this trend of the young men rushing to swell the ranks of the criminal world. They are considering measures that are rooted in job

Thursday October 16, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

The PPP has fallen in popularity all across the country DEAR EDITOR, In Guyana like in many other countries, life has many good things for one to enjoy. The problem is that most of these good things can be acquired only by sacrificing other good things. Most Guyanese have recognized this in their daily lives. But it is only in the PPP that this simple, commonsense fact is routinely ignored. The plunge of the President and the PPP’s popularity as illustrated throughout the country has confirmed what has been widely known for several months now. Indeed, the news of the PPP’s fall from grace is discussed in the markets, banks, barbershops, supermarkets, and in other diverse places where ordinary Guyanese have unscripted and unvarnished conversations about their worsening financial state and deplorable living standards. The level of despair across the country is profound. Thousands, especially they youths are out of work, many for years, and are surviving by the goodwill of family who are only marginally better off economically than

themselves. A large section of the population is marginalized by the PPP and thousands, who have no economic alternatives, constantly check their cellphones with an obsessive-like expectation for a message to confirm that a US$20 or a US$50 has been sent by a relative or a friend in the Diaspora to buy food or send their children to school for a few more days. The fact that 65 per cent of Guyanese are saying that unemployment is their most pressing problem takes no great leap of imagination to digest. They see it and feel it every day; the social malaise that is the natural consequence of high unemployment in Guyana is there for all to see - except, of course, the blind political gang at Freedom House whose noses are tightly fastened in the trough. While some of the PPP spin doctors blame poor communication for the precipitous plunge in popularity of the president and the PPP, they seem not to understand a single reality. That is, they cannot continue to communicate pie in the sky and achieve the political result of fooling all the people all the time. Most people, especially

supporters of the PPP, will ultimately believe what they feel in their pockets and see in their dinner plates more than the PPP propaganda. While the PPP cabal speaks glowingly of the net international reserves and the economy being in good shape, the poor are starving and others are dying at the public hospitals due to a shortage of qualified and experienced doctors and a crumbling health care system. Thousands are struggling to pay their electric bills, not because of ‘wutlessness’ but because the minority PPP regime seems preoccupied with four things: kick-backs, propaganda, distortions and untruths. People by the thousands are beginning to ask: How can we benefit from all the sacrifices we have made? When will we begin to see improvements in our own personal lives? What has happened to the 10,000 jobs promised by Mr. Ramotar during the 2011 election campaign? And several students are wondering whether they have wasted their time and their parents’ money at UG. Applications are being sent by the hundreds, only to be told that the position has

been taken. Is this the ‘New Guyana’ that Jagdeo built? The people are desperate for real opportunities, real jobs where they can earn near decent salaries to afford a decent standard of living for themselves and their families. But cronyism and nepotism have infected all the institutions, with few if any exceptions. This type of politics determines who gets what, when and where-the cushy jobs, the best contracts, government favours and the economic and financial connections. The current economic policies being vigorously pursued by the PPP regime are flawed, in that they have not enabled people to escape their poverty. The PPP has so far demonstrated little in the way of ability to take Guyana forward. Its inability to collect garbage in Georgetown and across the country, provide decent and timely medical care, provide proper education, offer security and protection for the most vulnerable of its citizens, and create an environment that facilitates the pursuit of happiness, confirms its utter failure. (Continued on page 23)

A touching story to remind us that our desires don’t always come as we expect DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space in your daily to share a touching story which will remind us that not everything we desire may appear as we expect. A friend sent me a short story and I felt compelled to share it. It says that a young man getting ready to graduate from college was for months admiring a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom. Knowing that his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day

approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study; told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and how much he loved him. The father handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leatherbound Bible, with his name embossed in gold. Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said,

creation. Guyana for its part piloted a programme called ‘Hope For All’, an initiative involving skills training and computer learning. It is believed that once armed with a skill the youth would pursue honest labour. But this would only be a reality if the young men and young girls are also targeted by other social organizations. This is where the Ministries of Education, Home Affairs and Culture, Youth and Sport can make their presence felt. Yet this may only be wishful thinking, because the nation is experiencing an unremitting wave of crime.

“With all your money you give me a Bible?” The son stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible behind. Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family. His father was very old by then and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen his father since that graduation day, but before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to him. The son needed to go home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father’s house, sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search t h r o u g h h i s f a t h e r ’s important documents and saw the Bible, new, just as he had left it years ago. With

tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11,”And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?” As the son read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired and on the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL. The question therefore is how many times do we miss God’s blessings because they are not packaged as we expected? Many times the things that are for us are lost because we are quick to judge as a result of what we perceive. Regular reader

Thursday October 16, 2014

Kaieteur News

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

US Gov’t should investigate Ed I shall miss Rafiq Ahmad Khan Ahmad to see if he breached the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act DEAR EDITOR, Has the US government investigated whether Ed Ahmad’s actions and the actions of those connected to him in Guyana breached any provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act? The US Department of Justice’s website states as follows on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA): “Since 1977, the antibribery provisions of the FCPA have applied to all U.S. persons and certain foreign issuers of securities. With the enactment of certain amendments in 1998, the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA now also apply to foreign firms and persons who cause, directly or through agents, an act in furtherance of such a corrupt payment to take place within the territory of the United States.” The overview on the Department of Justice website also states “Specifically, the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA prohibit the willful use of the mails or any means of instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of any offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment of money or anything of value to any person, while knowing that all or a portion of such money or thing of value will be offered, given or promised, directly or indirectly, to a foreign official to influence the foreign official in his or her official capacity, induce the foreign official to do or omit to do an act in violation of his or her lawful duty, or to secure any improper advantage in order to assist in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any person.” Ed Ahmad is leased prime real estate belonging to the PPP’s Mirror newspaper office at Ruimveldt at what appears to be a lower than market rate or value, not to mention access to lands that the Jagans would never have allowed. Then there were questions surrounding the

below market value acquisition of real estate holdings acquired by Ahmad on the West Coast Demerara. It is public knowledge that some in Guyana received goods from Ed Ahmad. Ed Ahmad is now under investigation for fraud in the USA. Clearly, he was on the US authorities’ radar. In light of these questions, many of which were publicly canvassed and raised, the US Embassy would be derelict in its duties to not refer these matters to the US Department of Justice for that department to determine whether any breaches of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act occurred. Specifically, the US Embassy and the US Department of Justice should be assessing whether any of Ahmad’s actions are corrupt under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and whether any foreigners caused an act in furtherance of any corrupt payment to occur within US territory. This could simply be a telephone conversation between Ahmad and a foreigner in which the foreigner demands certain favours in return for providing an advantage to Ahmad. It could be an amount paid to an agent of the foreigner such as a family member or friend by Ahmad. Ed Ahmad is in plea bargaining with the US Government. This is as good a time for these questions to be raised with him. It is shallow and hypocritical for the US Embassy to demand local government elections in defence of democracy, a perfectly reasonable demand, when there are areas of

inquiry in this country that require equal pursuit by the long arm of the US justice system. To demand democracy without shaking the foundations that underpin the despotism utilizing the tools available to it, becomes a pointless exercise. The USA cannot want a cessation of drug trafficking in Guyana to directly protect its citizens, a noble desire, and yet not fully explore every avenue to attack and confront the officialdom of Guyana that either actively encourages this scourge or adopts a wilful blindness to it. If nothing else, ISIS has exposed the problem of tiptoeing around a problem when direct and merciless confrontation of it is required. Failed state Guyana is not only a haven for drug traffickers, it will be for radicals seeking safe havens to hide when the might of US pressure bears down on them. There are tools available to the ABC countries that can be used to bring immense pressure on a regime that directly harms the lives of their citizenry with a brazen laxness to drug trafficking. Use them! Stop the pussyfooting! It is not interference for the US government to investigate Ed Ahmad under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. It is perfectly within its (Continued on page 23)

DEAR EDITOR, My wife Lorna and I were shocked and dismayed when we came home last Friday evening to receive a message on our machine that Rafiq had died on Friday morning. The day before I was cleaning out my ‘in mail’ box and came across Rafiq’s email two years ago advising of the death of his dear wife after 61 years of marriage. He asked me to distribute that sad news to mutual friends which I did. I emailed him immediately, an email that he probably did not receive. Rafiq and I were in the same Form at St. Stanislaus College from September 1947 to June 1949. I had entered Saints in September 1944 as an 11-year-old. I was a less than average student and came up through the ‘B’ Forms. Rafiq was older and entered Saints a year or so later, but he was brilliant and came up through the ‘A’ forms. He caught up with me in Upper Four A in 1947. At that time I was about middle of the class in Term Tests. Rafiq was one of the people who changed my approach to study. We were preparing for the Oxford & Cambridge G.C.E. (Ordinary Level) Exam in June 1949. Rafiq entered the form never having placed any other than 1st in Term Tests. I decided to challenge him. I remember well the five Term Tests before that exam. In the first three Term Tests, the order of the first four boys was: Rafiq Khan 1st; Jerome Bacchus 2nd; Marcellus Fielden Singh 3rd; and Vibert Lampkin 4th. In the

fourth Term Test before the exam, the order changed - it was Rafiq Khan 1st; Jerome Bacchus 2nd; and Vibert Lampkin 3rd. In the last Term Test before the exam, the order changed again. It was Rafiq Khan 1st; Vibert Lampkin 2nd. Rafiq Khan retained his remarkable standard throughout his high school days. He was not a great mathematician and you would be better in Math and Physics, but he would bury you in the other subjects English Composition & Literature; Latin; French; Geography; Scripture. When the results of the exam were published, there was no big surprise. Twenty-five boys wrote the exam. Sixteen of us got distinctions in Scripture and nine got credits. Three boys of the twenty-five got two distinctions - Rafiq Khan and Vibert Lampkin got distinctions in Latin and Scripture (and Rafiq was not even a Christian), and Jerome Bacchus got distinctions in Scripture and Physics with Chemistry. Those were not the days of multiple distinctions. We parted company after the examination, as Rafiq went on to a full-time job at British Guiana Broadcasting Corporation, later Radio Demerara - indeed he had started reading the News there during his last months at high school. But my then girlfriend Lorna McArthur, now my wife, worked at the Government Information Services and she became closely associated with Rafiq

because she was the Schools Broadcast Officer and had to use the premises of Radio Demerara. We migrated to Canada in 1967 and lost contact with Rafiq. Indeed I had not met Rafiq face to face after high school while I was still in Guyana. I made contact with Rafiq when someone sent me his Tribute to Hugh Cholmondeley who died in August 2012. That gave me his email address and we started corresponding. I had not even known that after he left Radio Demerara, he was at the United Nations coordinating broadcasting in the Caribbean. Rafiq visited Canada in September 2013 and I picked him up from his sister’s home in Brampton. It was a warm and emotional meeting - we had not met face to face since June 1949, more than 64 years. He, Lorna and I spent a most delightful day. Then he returned in September 2014. Joe and Anne Castanheiro had him in for lunch with us and a few other friends. He told us he was going to Ottawa for a few days and would call when he got back, but he did not until the day before he was about to leave when he spoke to Lorna and said: “See you next year”. I shall miss Rafiq. He will forever remain for me the most brilliant student that I rubbed shoulders with in high school and the one who caused me to pull my socks up and condition myself to working hard. Requiescat in pace. Vibert Lampkin

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Thursday October 16, 2014

Overseas Guyanese launch Environmental group at Palmyra By Leon Suseran Overseas-based Guyanese and Environmental Activist, Maureen Regan, recently launched a group that aims to be environmentally friendly and execute projects that can sustain a greener environment. The group, “Green Urban Visionaries” (GUV), was launched at Palmyra, East Canje, by Region Six Chairman, David Armogan, and Vice Chairman, Bhupaul Jhagroo along with other officials. Regan is the Founder and President of “Green Earth Urban Gardens Inc”. based in New York, USA. She pursued studies in Horticultural Therapy at the New York Botanical Garden in 2007. There, she learned how to rehabilitate patients by involving them in a wide range of therapeutic gardening activities. Regan founded Green Earth Urban Gardens Inc., a

nonprofit organization whose mandate is to promote social and environmental solutions through urban farming, to benefit the diverse ethnic community including special needs, underprivileged youths, and the aged populations. “I have had several meetings with the youth group and although newly formed, they are already working a slew of projects that will benefit the area: planting nut trees along the cane field side of the public road, start a garbage collection and clean-up of the village, while teaching the villagers how to recycle, collaborate with Region 6 office to plant over 200 trees along the Bridge Road and clean up Palmyra turn from all the public dumping that is going on there,” she stated. Although she initiated the formation of the group and will act as mentor and facilitator, the young people, she stated, are quite enthusiastic

Officials, Regan (centre) and group members of Green Urban Visionaries (GUV) after the launch about their community, “and I feel they will work well together to show leadership on environmental issues.” Future plans to develop the Palmyra, East Canje site would be the construction of a community centre. Regan currently works part-time at the Queens Botanical Garden as a Green Jobs instructor, and as a volunteer

instructor for two special needs classes at the Lowell School, an accredited nonprofit institution in Queens, where she imparts life skills to the students. She continues her studies in horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, Master Composter at Queens Botanical Garden, Bee keeping at the Voelker Orth Museum in Flushing, and

Chinese Language studies at the China Institute in Manhattan, NYC. Regan is the recipient of numerous civic and community awards for her ardent dedication to sustainable farming, fostering cross-cultural relationships, and teaching entrepreneurial skills. “My goal is to give back to my community that helped

shape me to who I am today. I know that this group will be a great example for other communities as the passion is very evident when they are together,” she added. Region Six Chairman, Mr. Armogan praised Regan for forming the group. He called on her to continue to develop their community and enhance the environment.

Senior Bartica police rank helping to combat underage drinking The Ministry of Health is currently waging an all-out war on chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which has been claiming the lives of far too many citizens. This phenomenon which is not unique to Guyana is brought on mainly by dietary and behavioural risk factors. Moreover, four risk factors that are gaining close attention by health sectors across the world are: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. NCDs, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is known to kill more than 36 million people each year and these can manifest in four main forms: cardiovas-

Just say no

cular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes. And even as moves are made to raise awareness

about dietary intake, there has been no less attention paid to the importance of behavioural changes that can help safeguard people from NCDs. And perhaps it was in an attempt to embrace the Ministry's effort to tackle

NCDs that an unprecedented move was undertaken by Officer in Charge (OC) of the Bartica Police Station,Assistant Superintendent Randolph Banwarie, to halt a session of under-age alcohol consumption. It was during the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Bartica Branch's hosting of its annual inter-school championship sports, which was venued at the Bartica Secondary School ground on October 10 last that the OC observed that alcoholic beverages were being sold to school-aged children. He therefore put measures in place to swiftly remove the alcohol selling vendors seen at the school sports event. The move by the OC was

in fact witnessed by officials of the Bartica Interim Management Committee/ Neighbourhood Democratic Council (IMC/NDC) who have since lauded the tactical intervention. According to a statement issued by the IMC/NDC in this regard, “this move and effort by the police is highly commendable...the efforts by the police to minimise the level of alcohol use by the young people and helping to bring to our attention (to the fact) that there is still need to have alcohol free zones.” Moreover, the statement added that the “IMC/NDC thanks the police for their efforts in helping to make our community a better place.” It was also noted by the IMC/NDC that the police in the Region Seven locale have been realising continued successes in their efforts to provide safety and security.

It was also pointed out in the statement that while the police force is doing its part to “protect and serve” there is also a crucial need for residents, particularly parents and guardians, to support these efforts. Such a strategic collaboration, it was noted, will undoubtedly help to minimise what the IMC/NDC described as “lawlessness” characterised by the sale of alcohol to minors in the community. “In keeping with our open door policy the IMC/NDC stands ready and willing to partner with civil, religious, youth group associations and committees, to work together and build bridges of hope for the further development of Bartica and its residents,” the statement added. Meanwhile, the IMC/NDC also lauded the coordinating efforts of the Bartica GTU Branch for spearheading an incident-free sporting event.

Thursday October 16, 2014

Kaieteur News

U.S.-led air strikes intensify as Syria conflict destabilizes Turkey

A U.S.-led coalition aircraft flying over Kobanii, as seen from near the Mursitpinar border crossing on the Turkish-Syrian border. CREDIT: REUTERS/KAI PFAFFENBACH (Reuters) - American-led forces have sharply intensified air strikes in the past two days against Islamic State fighters threatening Kurds on Syria’s Turkish border after the jihadists’ advance began to destabilize Turkey. The coalition had conducted 21 attacks on the militants near the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani over Monday and Tuesday and appeared to have slowed Islamic State advances there, the U.S. military said, but cautioned the situation remained fluid. U.S. President Barack Obama voiced deep concern on Tuesday about the situation in Kobani as well as in Iraq’s Anbar province, which U.S. troops fought to secure during the Iraq war and is now at risk of being seized by Islamic State militants. “Coalition air strikes will continue in both of these areas,” Obama told military leaders from coalition partners including Turkey, Arab states and Western allies during a meeting outside Washington. The fight against Islamic

State was among the items on the agenda when Obama held a video conference yesterday with British, French, German and Italian leaders, the White House said.

War on the militants in Syria is threatening to unravel a delicate peace in neighboring Turkey where Kurds are furious with Ankara over its refusal to help protect their kin in Syria. The plight of the Syrian Kurds in Kobani provoked riots among Turkey’s 15 million Kurds last week in which at least 35 people were killed. Turkish warplanes were reported to have attacked Kurdish rebel targets in southeast Turkey after the army said it had been attacked by the banned PKK Kurdish militant group, risking reigniting a threedecade conflict that killed 40,000 people before a ceasefire was declared two years ago. Kurds inside Kobani said the U.S.-led strikes on Islamic State had helped, but that the militants, who have besieged the town for weeks, were still on the attack.

Trinidad’s Yasin Abu Bakr arrested at Norman Manley Airport KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities yesterday arrested Trinidad’s Jamaat al Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the crime portfolio, Glenmore Hinds, yesterday afternoon confirmed Abu Bakr’s arrest. “Yes he has been arrested. I don’t know all the details as it could be an immigration matter,” Hinds told OBSERVER ONLINE. In 1990, 114 members of the Jamaat al Muslimeen attempted to stage a coup against the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The insurgents stormed the Red House, the seat of Parliament, and took then Prime Minister ANR Robinson and most of his cabinet hostage, while 72 of their accomplices attacked the offices of Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT), and the Trinidad Broadcasting Company. Yasin Abu Bakr appeared on television and announced that the Government had been overthrown and that he was negotiating with the army. Robinson was beaten and shot when he tried to order the army to attack the militants. The Muslims eventually surrendered after six days of negotiation and were later freed by an Appeals Court, which upheld an amnesty offered to them if they surrendered.

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HAS THE OBJECTIVITY OF THE GRA BEEN COMPROMISED? The litmus test for a conflict of interest was established in the Pinochet Case. In that case, it was discovered that the presiding judge had once been a member of Amnesty International, an international human rights group. Amnesty International was opposed to the atrocities of the Pinochet regime. While no evidence was adduced that the judge in question had been part of any anti- Pinochet campaign, by mere virtue of the fact that he was once part of a grouping that had at one time opposed human rights excesses in Chile was sufficient to raise the likelihood of bias. This was the basis for the challenge against the judge who was being accused of being in a conflict of interest by presiding over the case. It has become the litmus test of conflict of interest. There is no need to establish actual bias, simply the likelihood of bias is sufficient for there to be a conflict of interest. I raise this principle in relation to the emails that were purportedly written by the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority. It is necessary that there be a commission of inquiry into this matter because if those

emails did emanate from the Commissioner General, then the issue becomes not just one of a breach of confidentiality. The main concern is not just the threat in one of the emails to “pursue” Glenn Lall. If in fact those emails came from the Commissioner General, then the main issue is whether he has not compromised his objectivity by the statements that he had made in them. I will explain. It is the Commissioner General who is required under law to make assessments of taxpayers’ liabilities. In making such assessments, the Commissioner General is required to be objective. However, if you read the contents of the mails, it is clear that the author is not too enamored by Glenn Lall and Kaieteur News. In fact, very caustic language is used to describe Lall and the newspaper. These views are not just views that are privately held by the author. They have, through the emails, been put down in black and write electronically. They are part of a record. If they did emanate from the Commissioner General, they represent his views of Glenn Lall and the Kaieteur News

Dem boys seh ...

Dem gat three types of scamps Donald seh he know that dem gat three kind of people There are those that are scamps; those that aspire to be scamps; and those that mek demself an ass by being a scamp. Jagdeo in de first group, Anil in de second and guess who is de last one. Dem boys hear that since Cee fuh Satar come back from SPANE, he extremely quiet. Nobody hearing a word. And what is even more strange de man ain’t jumping up, he not kicking floor and not knocking window. Dem also hear that he stop reading he morning prayer at home. He don’t come out pun he verandah no more. Dem boys hear that de day before he lef he give Cee fuh Ceelee instructions. He tell him to “loss away an officer in one of dem interior location.” De Chapwoman tell dem boys that she hear when Cee fuh Ceelee tell Cee fuh Satar,”You create a monster; tame it youself.” Cee fuh Satar was leffing de country de next day suh he couldn’t argue. He come back and like he get dumb. De boys not certain if is because he officers ignoring he or because he see heself alone pun a runaway train. Dem boys seh that before all this trouble he announce wid pride to he padnahs in crime. “Remember that we are all in this thing together.” Well de sh*t hit de fan and he padnahs in crime rip out de brakes and jump off de runaway train wid he alone inside. Dem boys hear that he padnahs now turn back pun him and seh that he got to go. Dem boys see de BBM message that seh suh. Dem also seh that he really put de party in a bad spotlight. No politician like to have anything negative especially when election around de corner. So smell de coffee Cee fuh Satar. Pack you suitcase; don’t pack bags. Talk half and nevah try to mek youself an ass.

and can be used to challenge the objectivity of any assessment done by the Commissioner General on Lall or Kaieteur News. By virtue of these emails, if authenticated, the Kaieteur News and Glenn Lall can contend that there is a likelihood of bias should the Commissioner General be asked to pronounce on any assessment done on them. In other words, they can say they if the emails are genuine, then this disqualifies the Commissioner General from making any assessments on either Lall or Kaieteur News. This is why I am insisting

that a commission of inquiry needs to be launched into these emails. It needs to be launched to inquire whether the emails did emanate from the Commissioner General. Secondly to determine whether there was any breaches of the law in relation to the information shared in the emails. Thirdly, whether there was any breach of the oath of confidentiality and secrecy. Fourthly, whether the emails suggest any political pr personal vendetta being pursued; and fifthly whether any public office holders have compromised their positions by their participation in these

emails. If the government is serious about having an independent and professional tax administration it would not wish to have these five major concerns swirling indefinitely around the Guyana Revenue Authority. It would be interested in addressing them. It makes little sense now for the international donor community to be funding reforms within tax agencies, unless concerns about the independence and impartiality of the tax administration are addressed. The government is not going to address these

concerns unless this is demanded by the international community. The government is also being accused of being in “this thing together”. As such it is for the international community to put on pause any assistance to the country’s tax agencies until such time as the concerns over the impartiality and independence of the tax agency are addressed through a commission of inquiry.

Better Hope man found guilty of killing girlfriend in deadly 2011 fire Accused killer, Dellon Gordon was yesterday found guilty of a crime he committed almost three years ago at his Better Hope, Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara home. On July 4, 2011 Gordon reportedly set his residence on fire, causing the death of his girlfriend Natasha Johnson. The incident took place during a verbal dispute at the couple’s home. Johnson, a mother of four, was burnt extensively and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC) where she later succumbed to her injuries. Days later, her lover was charged with the offence. He was on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed twelve-member jury. After spending two hours deliberating on the outcome of the case, yesterday the jury returned a guilty verdict. When asked if he had

Murdered: Natasha Johnson anything to say after the announcement, Gordon stood in the dock and declared that he is innocent. Gordon then whispered something in the ear of one of his attorneys, who in turn asked the court to allow him

to sit since he had indicated that he was feeling faint. In light of the guilty verdict, State Prosecutor Judith Gildharie Mursalin asked the court to consider the overwhelming evidence against the accused and horrific circumstance in which the victim -a mother of four met her demise and also that the case involved domestic violence before sentencing. Attorney -at -Law, Dawn Holder -Alert, who represented the accused in association with her colleague, Raymond Alli, subsequently stood up and requested a probation report on behalf of her client. Taking this request into consideration, Justice Singh suspended sentencing until November 3. On Monday, while leading his defence, the Better Hope Squatting area resident told the court that he is innocent

of the charge. However, neighbours and relatives testifying during the trial recalled the abusive relationship which the couple shared before the woman eventually met her death in 2011. In her evidence, Melissa Johnson who lived a few houses away from the couple recalled that “Dellon never want Natasha to talk to anybody and when she did he would beat her.” In addition, the victim’s nine year-old son told the court that he witnessed the accused set his mother on fire. The boy recalled that his mother and stepfather had been arguing on the night of the incident. He said that his stepfather had left the house to purchase bread but when he returned his mother had locked the doors. The lad said that his stepfather gained (continued on page 21)

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 16, 2014

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The self-destructive people that attended Jagdeo’s dinner Even Sigmund Freud admitted it was impossible to capture a full understanding of human beings. If Freud was alive one wonders how obsessive he would have been trying to figure out the nature of a group of people named Guyanese. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo was the guest speaker at a dinner of the Guyana Manufacturing Association, last Friday. Mr. Jagdeo was his usual self – a man desperately running from conversations about his time when he was President in Guyana. Mr. Jagdeo never faced such a circumstance in

his entire twelve years of power expansion. He succeeded in his infamous game of evasion because he shaped the turf on which he operated. He did it again at the dinner. He told his hosts that the question period must be confined to his topic of climate change. And his meek and sheepish guests robotically adhered to the dictate of their benefactor. There was one exception. Someone got up and asked a question outside Mr. Jagdeo’s comfort zone. The questioner wanted to know if Mr. Jagdeo is interested in a third term. It was a wrong question given all the atrocities Mr. Jagdeo committed against Guyana but I suppose the questioner felt that was important.

No one felt the moral and nationalist compulsion to ask Mr. Jagdeo why Guyana needs a Marriott Hotel and not a university? The people who refused to submit such a curiosity are self-destructive. Civilization has survived and the human mind has invented tools that have kept civilization alive because of education. Countries have become great because of their emphasis on education. Countries will become great if they put national priority on education. Our only university that was so great (my unapologetic description) of which this columnist is a beneficiary, is dying. The consensus among most people associated with UG is that unless there is a united Guyana behind it with vast input of resources, it will

not survive another five years. With a moribund university in our midst, Jagdeo was bold enough to extol the virtues of his pet project, Marriot. He cited the abundance of hotels in Trinidad and Barbados yet those two nations built a Marriott. What the fools who were listening to Jagdeo didn’t know or care to know, is that Barbados has UWI and Trinidad has three universities including UWI and all four universities are billions of miles (make that trillions) ahead of our dying UG. If you think people are barefaced and if you think some human beings are stupid, then read further to hear what Jagdeo told his audience. The former President who led an entire country to believe he had a legally married wife said that he believes rulers must have the input from the population when they make policies. When Jagdeo said that,

every decent guest should have left. Only three groups should have remained- the diplomats who had to stay; the business people who had to attend because they have been the recipient of Jagdeo’s immoral giveaway of Guyana’s resources; and those who love to eat and would not have missed the food for the world. Any physical investigation of those guests who have revealed that all of them, without exception, have traveled to more than six modern territories in the world and have seen the physical environment of these countries and have made a comparison with Guyana, this country would be a virtual pig sty. Yet they spent two hours listening to Mr. Jagdeo ramble about climate change and the environment. In common talk around the place Mr. Jagdeo is jokingly called the “Champion of Dirt” after he received the UN Award – Champion of the Earth. This

Frederick Kissoon cynicism permeated this country because of the garbage, miasma, bushes, faeces and filth that overrun most of the ten regions of Guyana during the twelve years of Mr. Jagdeo’s rule. How do the people at this dinner feel when they go home and see their spouses and children? What goes through their minds when they know that family members can easily pick up a deadly disease in Guyana just walking through a street in downtown Georgetown, a situation created by the very man that they rose from their seats to clap? We must be afraid at this moment of the danger of Ebola. Ebola makes the AIDS virus look like a joke. I return to an observation I made in a column last week. No human should wish illness and death to another. But could you sympathize with people who are so cruel that they court their own death and that of their family for thirty pieces of silver? Is Ebola coming to Guyana?

Thursday October 16, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Govt. obsessed with controlling private the nation the impression that it is treasonable media - Opposition - “Ittogives question it on transparency and accountability. Leader of the political opposition, David Granger has emphasized the importance of ensuring a good relationship between the National Assembly and the media. Describing it as crucial, he noted that it is an essential partnership that should serve as an instrument in ensuring democracy and sparking national discourse on public issues. However, when the media is threatened to “limitless extents” for exposing corruption by the government, the political opposition leader is of the belief that this is tantamount to “trampling on democracy.” He is also of the belief that government’s “obsession with having control over the

private media” is not only frightening but clearly indicates that the current Administration does not want the public to be aware of all the facts so that it can be in a better position to make informed decisions. In an interview with this publication, Granger made the point that the media is fundamental in ensuring that the public is apprised of all the facts, so that it can be in a better position to make certain assessments as the electorate on both government and the opposition. He said too, that the media also plays a role in ensuring that democracy is achieved. Elaborating on his leader’s points, Shadow

GAVI observes White Cane Safety Day In observance of “White Cane Safety Day” held yesterday, The Guyana Association for the Visually Impaired (GAVI) conducted a walking exercise from the Georgetown Public Hospital to the Promenade Gardens, in an effort to raise awareness on the importance of the cane as a symbol of independence for persons who have lost their sight. According to former President and senior member of GAVI, Leon Amsterdam, members of the association visited the patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital's Eye Clinic, to educate them on the “importance and history of the white cane.” This was followed by the walking exercise, which was facilitated by the Guyana Police Force. Giving a brief history of the white cane, Amsterdam said that a man named James Biggs claimed to have invented it in 1921. After an accident claimed his sight, Amsterdam said that the artist had to readjust to his environment. Feeling threatened by increased motor vehicle traffic around his home, Biggs decided to paint his walking stick white to make himself more visible to motorists. Amsterdam noted that it

was not until ten years later that the white cane established its presence in society as a tool and symbol for the blind. The senior GAVI member highlighted the need for government's involvement in GAVI's activities and said the organisation hopes to have interaction with schools to sensitize children about taking care of their eyes. He said that GAVI aims to expand its membership and make others aware that “not because one is visually impaired means one cannot function.”

Finance Minister of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Carl Greenidge stated, that government’s “sickening control of the state media and its now disturbing attempts to manipulate the private media” clearly shows that there is a plan by the government to control the public debate on controversial matters. “They are looking to have the media captive. For the PPP coverage, the media must tell half stories in its defense, lies or sworn songs of the PPP. If it does not, then the current Administration would seek to crucify you. Its actions are inconsistent with the right to democracy of which it would speak of so often.” The APNU Parliamentarian also asserted that citizens are expected to be a large part of national dialogue, not only by way of letters in the newspapers, but through presentations and analysis. The former finance minister said that through this method, politicians will get a better understanding of how to improve on polices which will have a more hard hitting impact on their lives. While the media plays an important role in disseminating information for public consumption, Greenidge reiterated that the government tries to stifle the media because it wants to prevent the people from making informed choices. “The government gives the nation the impression that it is treasonable to question

This behaviour erodes democracy,” Greenidge

House Speaker, Raphael Trotman

Opposition Leader, David Granger

them on transparency and accountability. This erodes democracy. At the heart of some of these difficulties is government’s attitude towards freedom of expression,” he added. In this vein, House Speaker, Raphael Trotman, also opined that the media is an indispensable component in the democracy and good governance wheel. He said that any attempts to stifle private media or to promote the interests of state media over and above private media is an affront to the principle of free choice which he said

is the “linchpin of democracy.” In further support of his comments, Alliance For Change (AFC) General Secretary, David Patterson said that the media is indeed an indispensable part of the democracy process, and any attempt to restrict it should be strongly resisted by all. The AFC General Secretary said that sadly, attempts have been made to so do. To cement this line of argument, he reminded of cases where CNS Channel 6, Stabroek News and Kaieteur News were threatened

because of their coverage on certain national issues. He added, “During the Ninth Parliament, a motion was moved to request that the National Communications Network (NCN) carry live coverage of all parliamentary sittings. However, this was rejected by the then majority PPP government. We still feel that it is particularly important in this modern age so that the people can judge the performances of their elected leaders in order to hold them accountable. He said a true test of press freedom will be the upcoming No-Confidence motion. It is doubted that the government will allow NCN to carry these debates live, since it will be a damning account of their management of the country in general. For the country to start achieving some level of press freedom and universal access to media, the Broadcasting Board has to be revised so that it is more representative of the society, the parliamentarian said. “These are core policies which will be on the front burner, within the first 100 days of any future AFC government.”

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 16, 2014

Medication concerns at Leonora diagnostic Centre gaining RDC’s attention If the disclosures emanating from the most recent Region Three Health Committee meeting are to be accepted as gospel, the Leonora Diagnostic Centre is in dire straits. But although the minutes of the meeting were circulated at a recent statutory meeting of the Region’s Regional Democratic Council (RDC), revealing a number of concerns at the health facility in question, these were certainly not on the agenda for discussion. At least this was the instruction of Regional Chairman, Mr Julius Faerber, during the October 1, 2014, RDC meeting. This however, did not prevent Alliance for Change (AFC) Regional Councillor, Harry Narine Deokinanan, from highlighting his displeasure in what he classified as “lawlessness of

the highest order” at the health facility. Among the troubling revelations made of the Leonora Diagnostic Centre is that, while adequate medication is procured to facilitate the treatment of patients at the public health facility; there are occasions when these are not readily available to address the needs of patients. In fact, reports coming out of the meeting suggest that there is an existing rift between the administrator of the facility and the doctor in charge, whereby both have reportedly been struggling to maintain control of the medications procured. According to Deokinanan, while the doctor in charge of the health facility has accused the administration of removing medications without permission, the administrator on the other hand has claimed

Richard Ishmael student stabbed by classmate A 15-year-old student of the Richard Ishmael Secondary School was stabbed to his lower left abdomen by a classmate yesterday afternoon, reportedly after the two had attended “lessons” conducted by a teacher at a nearby school. Wounded is Akmaney McKenzie, of 152 D Field Sophia, who was reportedly stabbed with a pair of scissors by his 15-year-old classmate,

Neroy Douglas, minutes after their “after school lessons” had ended around 17 :00 hours. Reports reaching this publication indicated that the incident was witnessed by patrolling police in the area, who rushed McKenzie to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and placed the assailant in police custody, at the Brickdam Police Station. McKenzie’s condition is listed as stable.

that he was forced, on occasion, to buy medications to enable the proper treatment of patients as there was no access to the hospital’s store room. The administrator, Deokinanan has linked this state of affairs to the fact that the keys to the store room housing the medications are not readily made available to those medical officials attending to patients. At any health facility the dispensing of drugs should be undertaken by a pharmacist (or a health worker directed by a pharmacist) and the Leonora Diagnostic Centre was recently outfitted with a Cuban pharmacist who was recently replaced by another. Currently the health facility also has in place 10 interns and four Government Medical Officers. But according to the minutes of the Health Committee meeting, the doctor in charge when questioned about the medication status of the health

facility disclosed that the administrator on the evening of Monday September 1, removed medications from the hospital’s Pharmacy without authorisation. According to Deokinanan, not only does the situation reflect a daunting state of infighting at the health facility, but it further raises suspicions that something corrupt might very well be transpiring there. “If drugs are being removed and not accounted for, this means there is corruption and corruption to the max, and we need to investigate this situation quickly,” said Deokinanan as he sought to highlight the possibility of medications procured for the hospital being resold. “We don’t know if that is happening...whether person or persons are colluding to resell these drugs purchased by Government to pharmacies...I’m sure there is no special mark to say whether this is so or not but an investigation could

By Nicholas Peters

members, friends and supporters, including her parents Compton and Kunti Persaud. Persaud‘s petition was presented by Attorney-atLaw, Edward Luckhoo (S.C), at who’s law firm she completed part of her in service training. The experienced lawyer acknowledged the academic and personal achievements of the young lawyer. Luckhoo remarked that the 24 year old attended Queens College and School of the Nations before attending the University of Guyana and subsequently Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago. He noted that Persaud did notably well in her studies. Apart from academia, Persaud, according to Luckhoo, was always an active animal rights advocate and had two of her articles published in the Trinidadian newspapers. She is also a certified chess trainer, a skill which she acquired from her father – a former national chess champion – and has attended many International chess competitions in cities such as Paris, France. The Chief Justice encouraged the newly appointed lawyer to “show respect and honour to the practice” as she continues her work in the law profession. In his acceptance

definitely help us understand what is really going on,” asserted Deokinanan as he emphasised that any medication being used outside for the purpose of treating patients, is in essence an act of blatant corruption. Meanwhile, another issue of concern that has been gaining the attention of the RDC, after being brought to the fore by Deokinanan, is that of the non-utilisation of an x-ray facility at the Parika, East Bank Essequibo, Health Centre. About two years ago, Government invested a sizeable sum of money to construct a building dedicated for x-rays at the Parika facility. However, the multimillion dollar structure, which was reportedly constructed by a contractor affiliated to the ruling Administration, has never been used. And at the recent health committee meeting it was revealed by the Region’s Regional Health Officer, Dr. Nadia Coleman, that the x-ray

AFC Regional Councillor, Harry Narine Deokinanan facility can only become operational after it is certified by the Ministry of Health. Moreover, it was revealed that a letter was sent to the Ministry through the Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Donald Gajraj. But Deokinanan is adamant that “such a process should not have taken so long given the millions that were invested into the x-ray facility.”

Two more lawyers sworn into the Bar Association of Guyana

Yolander Persaud of Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, is one of the most recent attorneys to become part of the Bar Association of Guyana. She was admitted to the bar on Tuesday before Chief Justice Ian Chan, before a courtroom of family

Yolander Persaud in the presence of Attorney-at-Law, Edward Luckhoo (S.C) after taking the oath. of Persaud’s petition, the Chief Justice advised her to “apply wisdom and knowledge in her practice.” He reminded of the importance of preparation, imparting to the young lawyer that she should “thoroughly prepare all her cases, since “failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” “I promise to keep abreast with the Law and to ensure that I am well read and well prepared for all of my cases”, the young lawyer responded. She added that she intends to hold firm to her promise of upholding the integrity and nobility of the legal profession. She will be

continuing her practice in a corporate law firm in Trinidad and Tobago. On Monday, another budding attorney was admitted to the bar before Justice Navindra Singh. Sasha Mahadeo, a resident of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara. She is a former student of Queens College, who excelled in her academic studies. Her petition was presented by Attorney General Anil Nandlall. The young attorney also vowed to uphold the traditions of the Bar and to be an ornament and example to all members of the profession.

Thursday October 16, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

‘Million Man March’ 19th Anniversary comes to the Caribbean …HBTV to provide live streaming The annual observances of the historic ‘Million Man March’ of October 16, 1995, will for the first time be held outside of the United States Jamaica will today host the annual event which started with nearly two million black men answering the call of Honourable Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam, to display a different image of the African male. The Black Consciousness Movement (Guyana), in collaboration with the Nation of Islam (Guyana) will make live streaming of the program possible through HBTV Channel Nine at 15:00 hours. The event will be held at the National Arena in Kingston, Jamaica. Scores are expected to attend the event which will feature prominent speakers from the US, other Caribbean nations, the United Kingdom, Canada, South and Central America. A contingent from Guyana is expected to make the trip to Jamaica, Chairperson of the Black Consciousness Movement, Gerald Perreira told Kaieteur News. He said that this year ’s event is geared at reaching out to African males within the Caribbean and the Americas. The ‘Million Man March’ was a gathering of almost two million African males who sought the attention of the political arena to place “black issues” on the political agenda. It was felt that the issues affecting African Americans were placed on the back burner while the nation focused on other areas despite the circumstances under which they lived. It was for this reason that the Nation of Islam, the National African American Leadership Summit, and a leading group of civil rights activists working in conjunction with scores of civil rights organizations, including many local chapters of the National

Association for the Advancement of Colored People, formed the Million Man March Organizing Committee. This year’s event seeks however, to address youth development, poverty eradiation, political selfdetermination, education, family reorganization and national progress within the Caribbean region. The continued restrain on people of colour continues to be an issue within Black communities around the world, Perreira told the newspaper. He said despite some Caribbean countries celebrating 50 years of independence and having their own flags and national anthem among other things, they are still facing economic, cultural and social problems; many of which originate from the sanctions and say of the international community. Perreira, a Pan Africanist writer, pointed out that the control of some international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provide policies and sanctions that directly affect the growth and development of Third World countries. Many Caribbean countries, he highlighted are

influenced by neocolonialism. He said that despite being ruled by “our own” whether Indian or African governments, many decisions are influenced by the policies of the international community. He said that such policies might not be the best for developing countries. At the time of the march in 1995, some African American leaders felt that the social and economic issues facing the black community

fell by the wayside of policy debates following the Republican Party’s victory in the 1994 Congressional election. It was said that march organizers believed that politicians were failing the black community by “papering over the most vital dimensions of the crisis in international capitalism” and blaming urban blacks for “domestic economic woes that threatened to produce record deficits, massive unemployment, and

uncontrolled inflation.” African Americans, at the time, faced unemployment rates nearly twice that of white Americans; a poverty rate of more than 40 percent and a median family income that was about 58percent. Between the ages 16-19 the number of unemployed had climbed to over 50 percent. One of the prominent Black speakers, Reverend Jesse Jackson had said in his speech that the United States House of Representatives

had reduced funding to some of the programs that played an integral role in urban Americans’ lives; cutting $1.1 billion from the nation’s poorest public schools and denying 45,000 preschoolers from a crucial early education program. Today’s program will be re-broadcast on a big screen at the Mackenzie Market square, Linden, at 18:30 hours. Minister Farrakhan will be amongst the prominent speakers.

Casreep remanded on murder charge, son still on the run A man who along with his son ambushed and brutally murdered another man before escaping, and being on the run has been captured and remanded to jail. Harrynarine Mathura, called Casreep, 49, of Haswell, Port Mourant, Corentyne, on Tuesday appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Albion Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder.

Avon commits to sustaining breast cancer awareness From page 19 “the pink ribbons and attire are a symbol of your commitment to raising the awareness of breast cancer and lending support to the patients diagnosed with the disease.” Among the activities will be an educational symposium at 17:00 hours on Wednesday October 22, at the Pegasus Hotel, while an awareness walk will be slated for October 25 at 06:00 hours that will start and culminate at the Middle Street, Georgetown, Parade Ground. DaCosta dis-

The 1995 Million Man March influenced countries around the world to their own movement in recognition of Black males

closed too that the efforts of ACHF are keen on raising awareness since “women survive breast cancer every day through early detection and treatment and it is with this hope that we continue our fight against breast cancer.” Moreover, she noted that the body will “continue our public outreach programme to raise the awareness of this disease among women in Guyana and promote the use of breast self examination as a method for early detection.”

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge. According to Prosecutor Sergeant Philip Shariff the accused, on October 5, last, at Well Tank Dam, Miss Phoebe Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, killed Rajeshwar Ramdhani called ‘Suraj’, 20, of Tain Settlement, Corentyne Berbice. The man was unrepresented and was remanded until November 10, next, when the matter is expected to continue in the Whim Magistrate’s court. Mathura was arrested and taken into police custody on Thursday last after investigators got word of his

hideout. His son is still on the run. Ramdhani, was fatally stabbed to his chest shortly after midnight on October 5, last, allegedly by the man and his son. A post mortem examination performed on the body by Dr. Nehaul Singh had given the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to stab wounds to his chest. R a m d h ani and his brother had left home earlier during the evening to go to a wake house in the village. Sometime during the night, they left and went to another house where a

The deceased Rajeshwar Ramdhani Accused ‘Casreep’ Harrynarine Mathura wedding celebration was taking place. It was there that

Better Hope man found guilty ... From page 9 entry into the house through a window. The child recalled that his stepfather had emptied kerosene from a stove into a container and threw it on his mother before using a yellow lighter to set her on fire. He recalled that the house became engulfed in flames and his mother was

screaming. The child said that he escaped with his two other siblings. He recalled that his mother had rushed outside the house to a drum which contained water, crying and soaking her skin. That was the last time he saw his mother. A Post Mortem examination revealed that Johnson had suffered from a

dislocated nasogastric tube, brain haemorrhage and congested kidneys with heavy lungs that oozed a bloody liquid. These injuries led to Johnson suffering from Adult Distress Respiratory Syndrome (ADRS) which was brought on as a result of trauma from the burns, eventually leading to her death.

an altercation broke out. As the man and his brother were heading home along Well Tank Dam, they were attacked by Mathura and his son who were waiting in ambush at a dark and lonely spot. One of the attackers pulled out a knife and plunged it into Ramdhani’s chest. They had also attacked his brother, Daniel, who had to run for his life and hid by lying flat on a dark and lonely parapet. Ramdhani, was picked up and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Page 22

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 16, 2014

VACANCY

WANTED

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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Earn $5,000-$20,000 – Daily, working from home (free training) jobfairworld wide.com or Tel: 233-6517/ 622-1957 One Experienced hair dresser/nail technician to work in a reputable salon – Call: 225-6492, 623-7953 One Trainee refrigeration technician – Call: 231-0655, 683-8734 One Live in Caregiver to look after toddler – Tel: 697-8797 One night security, apply in writing with a valid police clearance to GCC Ground, Bourda. Pharmacy assistants and part time pharmacist to work at Pharma Choice Pharmacy on Durban Street – Call: 6758790, 661-3124 Day guard: apply @ Technical Service Inc, 18-23 Eccles industrial Site. One Accounts Clerk – Call: 614-4358 International Cruiseline Purser officer, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionist, storekeeper, cleaners, electrician, carpenter, plumber, musicians etc – Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880

Cashiers, salesgirl, porters and a domestic maid, Apply to 1E Dennis & Middleton Streets Campbellville Contract cars & experienced dispatcher @ West Site Taxi Service - Tel:600-0680 or 613-0419 Live in maid to work in town Call: 669-6030 One cook to cook in kitchen in the interior – Call:681-6044 Over edge and straight stitch operator to work at Garment Factory Call:222-2541 (Monday – Friday) Live out domestic, Live in / live out babysitter- Call: 2195354, Monday – Friday between 8:15-4:15PM. One part time or full time gardener/ handyman – Call Between Monday – Saturday: 219-5354 Experienced Drivers, cashier, counter staff, roti cook, pastry maker @ Hacks Halaal, Commerce Street. Drivers - $30,000 per week, Porters $21,000 per week, to work on W.C.D – Call: 6848231, 629-4236 Experienced hire car & mini bus driver & dispatcher @ Providence – Tel:265-7076, 616-5419 Welder, mechanic, Accounts Clerk, Trainee Machinist, Day Security, apply in person: Technical Service, Lot 18-23 Industrial Estate E.B.D One nail technician (air brush an asset) @ Nalini Beauty Salon, Vreed En Hoop Junction – Call:604-2900, 6581200, 625-3899

LAND FOR SALE Diamond/Grove New Scheme, First Bridge, Corner lot with foundation and post - $7M - Tel:603-9700 One land Located at Cornelia Ida W.C.D, Phone, water & light – Contact: 6520709; 276-0556 Parfaite Harmonie, Phoenix Park $4M, $1.3M (Dairy), Eccles - $4.5M, Providence $4M, Herstelling -$4M, Schoon’Ord - $3.5M – Tel:675-7292

Bartender needed – Call: 2251821

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

Mitsubishi Hyab canter GPP series- Tel:622-3468 FOR SALE/FOR RENT American pool table – 2770578 One American Slate Pool table – Call:679-8534

CATERING Roxy’s Catering: We offer a 10% discount, Holiday Special – Call: 223-0092 or 223-0095, one snackette attendant needed!

Business place for rent @ West Coast Demerara – 3000 SQ.FT – Call: 690-1740 Restaurant & Bar with roof garden @ Bar Street Kitty – Call: 623-4700 Furnished apartment to rent, perfect for students, single or working couple @ Industry E.C.D – Tel: 222-6001; 6192388; 684-7853 Building for rent by flats Lot 93 Hadfeild Street, We r k E n R u s t – Te l Winston: 660-6446 Two bedrooms apartment for rent : 7 Durban Street Lodge –Call: 687-5324 One two bedroom apartment at Lot 72 Samantha Point, East Bank Demerara – Tel:613-7596, 226-8643 Two bedroom apartment, to rent at Lot 72 West Ruimveldt - $40,000 per month – Tel:6927377, 672-7194 Bond located on Broad Street 9000 Sq – Contact: 223-8479, 647-3768 Building on Lombard Street, Three floors high, Contact: 223-8479, 647-3768 Apartment for rent at Lot 37 Independence Street La Grange – Tel: 667-8896

We buy land in Parfait Harmonie, Schoon’Ord, Eccles, Providence, Herstelling and Phoenix Park– Tel: 675-7292 Live in couple, wife: domestic duties, husband driving , Arc/ Acetylene welder, good accommodation and ratesTel:227-1830 1 diesel vehicle to buy $200,000 call:662-8884

One Toyota Spacio $1.8, one AE 100 Corolla Wagon $750,000- Tel:611-6632/ 6643488 PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 - 2storey wooden & Concrete house with 5 bedrooms upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $30M - Tel: 642-7898

GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) AND MORE, SAWS & DRILLS -$10,000 - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 Space Designed for barber shop, located on Public Road – Call: 613-0448/6728625

SALON Salon Stations @ 51 Robb & Albert Streets to rent, must have clients – Call:2314010, 627-8277, 669-6110

EDUCATION Classes in Mathematic s, Physics, Chemistry & Biology for High School to University Students –Call: 642-3300 CXC Adults/Students Day & Evening Classes, all Business and Science Subjects, 3 Street Alberttown Call: 231-5678, 690-5008 MASSAGE American Style massage services- Call: 678-7499 FOR HIRE Trucks for interior locationsCall: 662-8884 (Continued page 23)

Thursday October 16, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Young lawyer thanks Glenn Lall, ‘Shell’... From page 16 young lady and her attitude was very positive,” Lall reflected. He pledged to fund the other half of the young lady’s tuition fees. The Publisher’s work didn’t end there. The new lawyer said that Lall called up a few friends in Trinidad to ensure that every month she would receive groceries for her upkeep. Fast forward to September 2014. Glen graduated from the

Hugh Wooding Law School. Yesterday as she stood before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, who heard her petition in the High Court, Glen thanked her many supporters, family, friends and the two businessmen. Both sponsors, Lall and Mohamed, were in court with her mother, siblings and other relatives and friends. Attorney at Law Khemraj Ramjattan described Glen as a “young asset to the profes-

sion”. He said that she had managed to conquer many obstacles to get where she is. He said that the support which was provided by the two businessmen was very noteworthy. Justice Harnanan urged Glen to evolve in her practice as a lawyer. He said that she should remain untarnished and hold herself in high esteem. “Do proper work; challenge the court and colleagues if you have to.”

Justice Harnanan cautioned the young lawyer that while earning is good, she should seek to be true to the profession. Glen, in responding to the Judge, pledged that his words of advice would not fall on deaf ears. She made the commitment to always work hard. She described her level of support as tremendous. Glen will join the chambers of Ramjattan.

Letters... Where your views make the news

Shame on the Gov’t and Sattaur! DEAR EDITOR, Your article exposes this evil plot of the Government and the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, to destroy Kaieteur News, and its owner, Mr. Glenn Lall. (Kaieteur News /22/9/14¯Sattaur addresses issue of plot to destroy Kaieteur News... Newspaper provides the evidence) Historically, media have always won out against governments because they have enormous power to influence the public in ways governments cannot even begin to imagine. In fact, it is said that media

can make or break a government. Perhaps, this is what is motivating the government and their cohorts to strike against Kaieteur News and Stabroek News. The evil attempts by this desperate regime will fall by the wayside, and the plotters of those nasty schemes will be ensnared by their own cunning devices. However, this latest attempt brings to the fore the fact that the government is willing and ready to do anything to prevent further exposure of their corruption because it is affecting their chances of staying in power. As a result, critics of the PPP government used to be

very careful because there appears to be a wider plan by the group at Freedom House, to not only tarnish the character of those who are fighting for good governance, and democracy and exposing the government, but also to drive fear in them to prevent them from continuing to expose the corruption and its attendant evil visited upon this nation by the PPP government. This corruption seen in their mega projects has placed a very heavy burden on us and our children, for decades to come. Long after we would have departed this life, our children will be saddled with repaying monies which this

government took in the form of loans. Nevertheless, Kaieteur News must continue to do its work, and to be the guardian of the state, to hold the government accountable to the people, and to keep the public informed. Guyanese will always be grateful to Kaieteur News and particularly Mr. Lall for the good job he is doing for all citizens of Guyana. I wonder how those involved felt when they saw the published email messages. Shame on the Commissioner General, shame on Bharrat Jagdeo, shame on the Attorney General and shame on the PPP Government! Michael Bobb

Pragmatic approach needed to rid the world of Ebola DEAR EDITOR, No one is certain of the specific reasons countries are allowing people in from West Africa, but it probably has to

do with maintaining international trade and diplomatic relations. Although these things are certainly

The PPP has fallen in... From page 4 If Guyana is to emerge from the doldrums in which it finds itself because of the PPP, it needs a new government; one that is capable to build and grow the economy, create jobs, reduce crime and corruption, restore hope and confidence among the people and radically change the constitutional arrangements that are in place. The facts speak for themselves. The goal is not only

to save the country, but also to save the lives of the men and women who toil very hard every day and who bear the cost of the Government. Every dollar that is spent carelessly means that their lives will be so much more impoverished. But every dollar saved and spent prudently means that their lives will be so much more abundant. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh

US Gov’t should... From page 5 right - just as it is normal for ABC countries to suspend the visas of the PPP regime to send a powerful message to it. Or to investigate those dual citizens and residents within the regime who may be committing crimes or

engaged in actions that are in breach of laws in the ABC countries, to see if their citizenship or residency should be revoked or they should face prosecution in those ABC countries. M. Maxwell

important in maintaining s t a b i l i t y, i t h a s t o b e seen now that Ebola is moving faster than efforts to contain it. If we do not manage t o stamp it out soon, we could be left battling it forever like HIV and AIDS. Just pause for a second and imagine a world where we are under constant threat of contracting this virus - rather like one of those apocalyptic movies. The world, the US, and

especially our very own, sweet Guyana, needs to shift priority and stop all flights from areas with outbreaks, and those with connections there as well. The airline industry will obviously be disrupted, but we cannot eradicate this virus if we continually allow it to spread to other parts of the world. Besides, who will be flying after everyone is dead from Ebola? Rajiv Doobay

(From page 22)

TO LET Alberttown (apartment $60,000) Contact Diana: 2272256, 626-9382 1-1 Bedroom apartment at Uitvlugt Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara – Tel: 680-4990 One fully furnished 2 bedrooms apartment: TV, Air Conditioned, hot & cold, cable (South), 1 Bedroom apartment @ Bent St. Call: 689-5877 One two bedroom apartment – Call: 617-3001 One two bedroom apartment for rent in Diamond New Scheme – Price$40,000, preferable no children – Call: 216-2339, 604-2431 Alberttown (new)- $80,000, Bel-Air- US650, Camp StreetUS1300- Contact Diana: 2272256, 626-9382

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Kaieteur News

Chile to open embassy in Guyana Non-resident Chilean Ambassador, Fernando Scmith yesterday presented his Letters of Credence to President Donald Ramotar, at the Presidential Complex. H i s a p p o intment was welcomed by the President who noted Chile’s stance on democracy and human rights. The decision of the South American na t i o n to establish an embassy locally was also welcomed by President Ramotar who noted that since the establishment of formal ties

in 1971, relations have always been warm and cordial. The fact that both countries recognise the value of “South South” cooperation was noted by the President. “Our two countries are also as one with respect to the firm adherence to the value of democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and the sanctity of treaties”. Given the shared positions and interest of the two countries, President Ramotar added that together much more can be done

towards achieving an “enduring dynamic partnership”. The decision of his government to open its first embassy locally was described as a turning point in relations between the two nations, by Chile’s new ambassador. This is consistent with his country’s pro-active approach to enhancing its ties throughout the region, he noted as he cited an “Open skies” agreement and a memorandum of understanding in mining, two

of several areas being worked on. He also made mention of the forum organised by the Chilean Cooperation Agency, intended to promote SouthSouth ties. Ambassador Scmith said that given the possibility that he may be the last nonresident ambassador from Chile, “speaks categorically about the will of my country and government to upgrade the level of exchange between us to benefit a more coherent and united continent.”

Chilean Ambassador, Fernando Scmith, presenting his Letters of Credence to President Donald Ramotar yesterday.

Importers angry after scores of Toyota ... From page 3 the vehicles to enter and be registered either as a bus (B series) or goods vans (G series). Both the 'B' and 'G' series only attract around $500,000 in taxes, while for the 'P' series (private cars), the duties can go more than $2M for the same vehicle. But police, after a while, started clamping down on the Spacio and now the Noah, saying that leg-room space was too cramped and that they had received complaints from passengers. In addition, the regulations are clear about the amount of space required between the seats. The Spacio and Noah working as taxis and buses are in breach of these regulations.

Shipping officials said that around 80 Noah model vehicles were imported in recent months but cannot be registered in the 'B' series under which buses are allowed to operate as passenger vehicles. According to the shipping officials, the importers, including dealers and individuals, would have been expecting to pay around $500,000 in taxes. Many of them would have borrowed from the banks. However, they are now being told to pay over $2M in taxes, before the vehicle can be registered. Many of the importers are now complaining that because of growing storage and bank fees, they will be unable to pay meet the

$2M-plus in taxes. Yesterday, the police public relations department, when asked for a clarification, referred the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry in turn asked the newspaper to make contact with GRA. Yesterday, Senior Manager of GRA's Tax Exemption and Processing Verification Unit, Gavin Lowe, admitted that indeed, the matter has been brought to his attention. He was unable to say how many vehicles were left in limbo. GRA was considering a “phasing out” period where vehicles already in the country would be processed. However, the details will still have to be worked out. According to Lowe, GRA

Injunction against Trotman’s accuser ... From page 20 further stated that it was unacceptable behaviour on Trotman’s part to continue to continually attack the reporter of an alleged sexual assault, especially Welshman who is now restrained from publishing any material in relation to those allegations. The lawyer contended that this seems to be attacks on someone who cannot

respond, reply or defend himself. He had also chided Non-Governmental Organizations and groups which, despite claims to represent and champion human rights have remained silent throughout this ordeal. He argues that justice must never be premised or appear to be premised on who is the alleged perpetrator of an offence, regardless of their

station, position, office or affiliations. “Every citizen must be equal before the law. All alleged victims of domestic, transgender and sexual violence must be afforded equal access to justice and equal protection of the law regardless of their socio economic, racial or gender differences,” the lawyer had said.

has been accommodating the registration because police would have been allowing them to operate as buses. However, with the police now insisting the vehicles were too cramped with their modified seats, GRA has no choice but to comply. The GRA manager said that his officials had even conducted the measurements of the space between the seats of the vehicles in questions and found that indeed, they were not in compliance with the police requirements. “We are addressing the issue and hopefully will be issuing a statement on it shortly,” Lowe said. The official also noted owners have been abusing the vehicles' usage. The Noah model because of its extra seats and space is one becoming popular for families. While it carries a price tag of over $3M for one registered in the “P” series, persons have been circumventing this by registering the Noah in “B” or “G”, pay a fraction of the $2M-plus tax that it would normally attract. However, GRA has been discovering cases where the owners would be utilizing the vehicles for family outings, and other personal usage.

Thursday October 16, 2014

Part-time taxi driver loses new car in hijacking The police are investigating an armed robbery and hijacking which occurred around 18:45 hrs on Monday evening, which left the car owner hospitalized with a broken jaw. According to reports Tej Budhram called ‘Anil’ 34, of 24 Main Street, Cumberland, and a sales man at Ansa Mc Al Trading Limited, was driving his Silver-Grey Toyota ist motor car PSS 8775 which he acquired about two weeks ago. He was working his vehicle as a taxi at the time of the incident. According to relatives, the man was in the vicinity of Palmyra Village when he noticed a man with an infant standing on the road. He stopped to render assistance but three others appeared and jumped into the car. He was told by the men that they are going up the Corentyne coast. Whilst on the journey he stopped at the

Guyoil Gas station at Palmyra to fuel up. While heading further up the Corentyne coast on the dark and lonely East Coast Berbice (No19) area he was cuffed to his right side jaw. The blow rendered him helpless and one of the bandits took command of the car. He was tied up using his own clothing and bundled into the trunk. The men continued to drive further up the Corentyne. In the vicinity of the Fyrish-Courtland area he was bundled out of the vehicle thrown in a trench; as the men drove away. The hapless man in tears managed to make his way to the Albion Police Station where a report was made. He was then escorted to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was admitted suffering from a broken jaw. It was reported that he had borrowed money from the bank to purchase the car.

4th National Drama Festival opens... From page 15 leadership in drama in the Caribbean. He illustrated that the 'Link Show' is an important aspect that represents that position of leadership. Creighton noted the festival in itself is unique because of its structure and developmental component. He added that such festivals are rare in the Caribbean except for Jamaica and Guyana. With regards to the developmental component of the drama festival, Creighton pointed out that through the NDF there

has been a surge of new plays which contributes to the continued life of drama in Guyana. As such the festival should not be taken lightly. Some of the participants in this year's festival include the Horizon Arts production, Surmounting Thespians, Center Stage Productions, Mabaruma Heritage Community, Mahaica Youth in Progress, and several secondary schools such as Berbice High School, Annandale Secondary and President's College.

GECOM swears in Assistant Commissioner of National ... From page 13 GECOM press statement, has both the experience and the qualifications for the position of ACNR to which he has been appointed. The commission has been accused by the ruling People's Progressive Party of being biased in its recruitment process. The party had openly voiced concern over GECOM's appointment of Public Relations specialist Richard Francios as their new PRO.

Jervis' appointment as Assistant Commissioner National Registration followed the rigorous and transparent recruitment and selection process employed by GECOM, which commenced with the vacancy being advertised in the media, followed by the receipt of applications as well as the shortlisting of candidates. Interviews were conducted by a panel comprising members of the Commission, the Chairman and the Chief Election Officer.

Thursday October 16, 2014

Kaieteur News

St Vincent nationals banned from three West African States due to Ebola scare KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - CMC – St. Vincent and the Grenadines has placed a ban on nationals from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Guinea entering the island, as Caribbean countries continue to put in place measures to deal with a possible outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the region. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that the measure was taken given the lack of infrastructure on the island to deal with the Ebola virus for which there is no known cure. Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Guinea are the three West African countries most affected by the Ebola virus. “Because we didn’t consider that we had the infrastructure, necessarily, to deal with an onrush of people if they were to come from any of those West African countries which we have named specifically,” Gonsalves said. On Tuesday, the Grenada government said it was considering suspending travel visas to nationals from the West African countries, noting that with the mortality rates climbing in the affected countries and the potential of spread becoming more and more eminent, the move to suspend the visa could soon be taken. “Amidst tougher immigration and border control restrictions currently being employed in some countries and contemplated

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves by others, the Government has decided to adapt this measure in the best interest of safeguarding the Public Health of the country.” Health ministers from the sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are meeting here over the next two days to discuss strategies to deal with the viruses. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gonsalves said he would be leading a threemember delegation to the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA) summit to be held in Cuba on Monday, where the Ebola virus, which has claimed over 4,500 lives in West Africa will be discussed. “What they want to do is to have us share our experiences and to have us have a discussion on the issues professionally - the

professionals will advise and we’ll take some decisions as heads in ALBA as to how can we address this issue nationally, regionally and globally, because it is a national problem, it’s a regional problem, it’s a global problem,” he said. “That’s an important area in which we have to get involved — how we are doing the training, what a practical facility would be like,” he said, adding that he had asked the Chief Medical Officer to prepare a document to present at the summit outlining the measures so far undertaken by the island to deal with a possible Ebola case. Gonsalves said he had also spoken to the DirectorGeneral of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Dr. Didacus Jules to ensure that the sub-region represented at the summit. Gonsalves said the OECS is looking to have an appropriate Cuban professional headquartered at the St. Lucia-based organisation to help coordinate training and other arrangements. “And I know that the risk factor in relation o Ebola for the Caribbean is very low, so too is it for Europe and North America, yet we see the kind of a scare and even hysteria that can be generated, even in a large country like the US of A, so we have to make preparations,” Gonsalves said.

St Augustine UWI students worry as T&T immigration workers continue strike Jamaica Gleaner Jamaican students at the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) St Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago say they’re concerned about their status in the country. According to the Guild of Students, an ongoing dispute between the Trinidadian government and that county’s immigration workers have left them unable to regularise their stay in the Twin Island Republic. On entering the country, the students are granted stay in the country temporarily after which, they are required to make contact with immigration to extend their stay. The Jamaicans say the problem is affecting not only them but the majority of regional and international students in the country. In a release, the guild called on the country’s Foreign Affairs, Tertiary Education, and National Security minister to intervene.

And according to the Guild Council as Trinidad and Tobago is a host nation to the UWI, it is embarrassing that contingency plans cannot be put in place to ensure the students are sheltered from the effects of such industrial action. President of the Guild of Students at the UWI’s

Mona campus Lerone Laing says his counterparts in St Augustine were given verbal assurance that once they had their school identification cards and their acceptance letters, they would not be deported. However, he says they remain concerned and want this information verified.

ST LUCIA BARS WEST AFRICAN VISITORS KINGSTON (AP) - The prime minister of the Caribbean island of St Lucia has given an order to bar entry to anyone coming from three West African nations struggling with Ebola epidemics. Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony announced yesterday that visitors from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone may not enter St Lucia until further notice. Anthony says the travel ban is necessary because St.

Lucia is a poor, small country that does not have the capacity “to manage any crisis that lands on our doorstep.” He says passengers from another African nation, Nigeria, will be required to present a “recent medical certificate” clearing them of the virus. Specifics of how this might work were not immediately provided. It can take up to 21 days before a person infected with Ebola starts to show symptoms.

Page 25

Minister: Serious decisions to make on Trini ‘terrorists’ Trinidad Express - If there is clear evidence people have gone abroad and involved themselves in terrorist activity, then the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will have to make “very serious decisions” with respect to how to treat with such people if and when they attempt to return home, National Security Minister Gary Griffith told the Express Tuesday. He was responding to questions on what policy the Government had toward people who were fighting alongside supporters of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. Griffith said it was a very technical issue. “Some countries have adopted a policy of having such persons debarred from reentering on the basis that they are a danger to national security. It is a matter which we have to discuss at the level of the National Security Council,” he said. He added: “If it is clear that individuals have gone and involved themselves in terrorist activity, obviously we will have to make some very serious decisions because the security of the country is of paramount importance.” Over the past week, there have been increasing media reports, including video clips of nationals allegedly fighting for terrorist group ISIS in Syria. Griffith, speaking on a radio programme, said there were “seve-ral nationals now linked to the group” and that the label terrorist has been changing and the Government has to treat with this. Two nationals have already been identified as fighters with ISIS, with the mother of one of the men confirming her son was indeed fighting on behalf of the group. Joan Crawford told the Sunday Express at the

Gary Griffith weekend her son, Shane, 29, had gone to Syria to fight on behalf of ISIS, prompted by the inadequacy of what his life had become in Trinidad and the need to find a greater purpose. “He is fighting. He does not believe in raping women and killing children. It is those crimes which were being committed in Syria which prompted him to go and fight. He life is better. He has purpose. He has his family and he is not coming back here,” she said. Griffith, during his radio interview, suggested there are more Trinidadian nationals supporting terrorist groups. “It is no longer the case where 20 years ago what we saw as a terrorist... was just someone with explosives around his waist and you pull a pin. The concept of terrorism has now moved to different ele-ments. It is just not the actual terrorist, but it also

involves persons who may become sleeper cells... then there will be others who will be sympathisers to terrorist activity, then there will be others who will be training persons to be involved in terrorist activity.” Griffith said steps were being taken to monitor these nationals, particularly those who may want to return to Trinidad and Tobago. “There are certain countries, now they have pinpointed individuals who are citizens of their own country and they have gone to Syria, they have been trained... and they are trying to get back into their country and they are prevented from getting back in their own country. If I decide to do that, then God help me. But again I am not saying that is what we intend to do in Trinidad and Tobago. We have to be very clear between intelligence and evidence,” he told radio listeners. Trinidad and Tobago last month cosponsored a United States resolution at the United Nations outlawing terrorism and Griffith said Port of Spain, which was one of two Caribbean countries to sign on to the US resolution, was right in doing so. “Co-sponsoring that UN resolution, what it has allowed is that it will ensure that the real-time intelligence from other countries can now be brought into your own country as quickly as possible,” he said, adding “even the information of the individuals that we speak about, it is because of that resolution”.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 16, 2014

Nigeria’s ex-military ruler Buhari declares presidential bid

Former Nigerian military ruler Muhammadu Buhari. CREDIT: REUTERS/JOE PENNY (Reuters) - Nigeria’s former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari declared he would run for president on Wednesday, criticizing President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration for corruption and failing to tackle the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency. His bid for the opposition ticket, if accepted, would pit him against Jonathan for a second time. Addressing thousands of cheering supporters in a white traditional robe, dark glasses and a green skullcap, Buhari berated the government for failing to stamp out insecurity. “Nearly all are in fear of their lives ... due to insurgency by the godless movement called Boko Haram, by armed robbers on the highways, by kidnappers who have put whole communities to flight,” he said in his bid in the capital Abuja for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket. Thousands have died in Boko Haram’s increasingly bloody campaign to carve an Islamist state out of the religiously-mixed country, Africa’s biggest economic power and oil producer. J o n a t h a n , a C h r i s t i a n

southerner, has yet to officially declare his intention to run, but is widely assumed to b e g o i n g f o r a n o t h e r t e r m . Abuja is festooned in smiling campaign posters touting his achievements and calling for “continuity”. “I ... present myself before you ... and before God seeking to be elected as APC’s Presidential candidate,” said Buhari, a Muslim northerner. Buhari won a rare reputation as a fighter against corruption during his timing ruling Nigeria from 1983-85. Most Nigerians agree he did not use the presidency to enrich himself and his backers. His iron-fisted administration jailed several politicians on graft charges. He had been expected to run and faces exvice president Atiku Abubakar in the primaries on Dec. 2. Abubakar declared his intention to run late last month. Jonathan’s assumed intention to run has been welcomed by elites from his powerbase in the largely Christian south but has upset many in the mostly Muslim north, who argue he tore up an unwritten rule that power rotates between north and south every two terms, when he ran in 2011.

Texas Ebola patient flew on night before symptoms appeared, CDC Says The second Texas healthcare worker to be diagnosed with Ebola flew from Dallas to Cleveland and back in the days before she reported symptoms, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday. The woman flew on Frontier Airlines flight 1142

from Dallas-Fort Worth airport to Cleveland on Oct. 10, the CDC said. She then flew back to Dallas on Frontier flight 1143 on Oct. 13, landing at 8:16 p.m. local time on Monday, the CDC said. The patient began exhibiting symptoms on Tuesday morning, at which point she

was isolated, the CDC said. Ebola patients are only contagious when exhibiting symptoms of the virus, health officials say, and crew on the Oct. 13 flight observed no signs of the illness, according to the CDC. Still, the agency and Frontier Airlines are asking all passengers from those flights to contact the CDC. The CDC said public health professionals will begin calling passengers to interview them and answer their questions. “Individuals who are determined to be at any potential risk will be actively monitored,” the agency said. CDC Director Tom Frieden told reporters yesterday that the agency instructed individuals being monitored because of potential contact with Ebola to only travel via “controlled movement,” such as a car or a chartered plane.

Thursday October 16, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Secrecy the sticking point as ICC falls out with testing... From page 28 provided at the time by UWA, which stated: “It is the view of the UWA biomechanics testing team that Mr. Samuels should not be permitted to bowl until he has undertaken remedial work to address excessive elbow extension, specifically in deliveries where ball speeds exceed 80 km/h.” One of the key areas of mistrust concerns the methodology used to place markers on the bowlers’ bodies to determine whether a delivery is illegal. Alderson states that

individuals conducting the testing are not fully aware of the influence that marker placement - or misplacement - might have on the result. “Indeed, the black box approach [software tests where the method of evaluation is not revealed to the testers] being rolled out means the testers can have no real understanding of how their actions might influence the results,” she claimed. “These are important issues concerning the level of confidence that can be placed in the data coming out of these facilities.” Alderson

argues that concerns will be heightened once Dr Andrea Cutti, tasked with developing the ICC’s new model, and a colleague abandon the ‘initial training programme’ they have undertaken, being present at all the tests so far. Not so, says the ICC, which insists its biomechanists are suitably qualified and will be perfectly capable of independent assessments. The governing body added: “An extensive accreditation procedure and detailed documentation on marker placement has been developed by the ICC and

Thursday October 16, 2014 ARIES (MARCH 21 APRIL 19): You will tend to have rather intense encounters with other people for a few days. They may not be confrontations in the sense of a flare-up. But no one seems willing to give way or co-operate as much as you had hoped. ********************************* TAURUS (APRIL 20 MAY 20): Maybe flaws and inadequacies in one relationship either at home or at work are beginning to show up. This will not make you feel comfortable, but at least what you know cannot cause so many problems. ********************************* GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20): Influences around today have a habit of making you dig down into the depths of every situation because you want to know exactly how it works. But that can make you see only the difficult side of life. ********************************* CANCER (JUNE 21 JULY 22): Maybe you are feeling down because you think things aren't going to hold together. Just remember you are almost certainly magnifying things out of all proportion. ********************************* LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22): Whatever has become confused or delayed around you needs a sensible strategy to get it rolling again. You may feel puzzled initially about how best to tackle it all but keep persevering and the answers will come. ********************************* VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22): You've got to tackle everything with thoroughness now, leave no stone unturned. On the other hand don't get too obsessive.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22): Cut your losses, clear out what needs to be got rid of, but do understand that your life is moving in a healthy and positive direction. Out of your experiences at the moment which may be a little stressed, you will emerge as a stronger personality, with better relationships. ********************************* SCORPIO (OCT. 23 NOV. 21): You will see the benefits of standing your ground in one situation. The evidence may not come through for a few days but you will be glad that you rose to the challenge and did not lose your cool. ********************************* SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21): If you feel you are wading through treacle and that a great deal of perspiration seems only to be bringing minimal results, then blame it all on Pluto. ********************************* CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 JAN. 19): If there are sulks or broody silences around at home or at work, don't give in to them. The silent treatment can be very effective but only if you allow it to continue. ********************************* AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 FEB. 18): It may not be obvious at the moment but soon you will become aware that you have made strides ahead. There will be positive changes in your immediate environment, maybe at work or maybe with close partners. ********************************* PISCES (FEB. 19 MARCH 20): Turning your back on certain situations or burying your head in the sand ostrich fashion will not work. You have to get yourself into reforming mood.

now forms part of the accreditation of Brisbane and Chennai.” The seeds of the current issue were sown long ago. After a disagreement between academics over the most effective testing process - the UWA had one belief; academics in Loughborough, in England, which is currently seeking ICC accreditation status, another - both groups were asked to nominate independent examiners to decide which testing protocol

the ICC should implement. According to ESPNcricinfo sources, a majority of nominated experts favoured the UWA method, largely due to the more extensive published research they were able to demonstrate, and, between 2010 and March 2014, testing was conducted exclusively using the UWA approach. The ICC was concerned, however, that the only testing centre was in Perth, Australia, which is geographically

Hinds bends the truth... From page 32 no pay drop for the senior team and that the other being salary be raised to compensate the loss of the sponsorship fee. “He agreed that first class players need the raise and the retainer; he made the point that it was long overdue. He said he hoped the first class (cricketers) understood what WIPA was trying to do and that all players stand together as one. He wanted WIPA to speak to the board on the issue of relocation for the WICB retained players and the pay grade structure being raised.” The West Indies’ players are arguing that WIPA did not have a mandate to sign the CBA/MOU on their behalf and are asking the WICB to revert to their old agreement until a new one can be negotiated in good faith. At present, Cameron’s body will pay a total of US$395,900 ($TT2.5 million) to the cricketers for the India series. Under the old agreement, the WICB would have paid US$683,581 (TT$4.3 million) more or a total of US$1,079,481 (TT$6.8 million). Thus far, the regional cricket board has not responded to the players’ request or suggested it willingness to concede the additional US$683,581 to the players. Hinds denied an accusation from the West Indies cricketers that conflicts of interest between WIPA directors and the WICB led to their inadequate representation of the players. West Indies players versus West Indies Players Association in numbers US$5,750 (TT$36,300) = What cricketers will earn per Test under WIPA’s new agreement; US$18,460 (TT$116,600) = What WI cricketers earned per Test under the old WIPA agreement; US$683,581 (TT$4.3 million) = What the WICB will take from its players for this series; and what the

cricketers want to recover. (Wired868.com is a Trinidad and Tobagobased online newspaper)

isolated and where the testing was reliant on the skills of one academic. It was also keen that the UWA adopt a few recommendations - believed to relate to testing protocol from the expert panel. Eventually, frustrated by the failure of UWA to adopt such recommendations, it privately resolved in a medical committee meeting in May 2013 to open more centres. It hired the independent assessor nominated by UWA, Cutti, an Italian biomechanist with no previous cricket experience, and he was tasked with creating the “new model”. (ESPNcricinfo)

Berbice coaches confident... From page 33 Carrington is equally optimistic of victory, “Although they have the psychological home advantage and a more seasoned unit we are confident of a win.” “Our preparations have been going as well as can be expected so far and the general feeling in the camp is good. I am hopeful that this atmosphere can be transferred to the field of play come Sat-

urday,” Carrington disclosed. “The squad is pretty young in age and inexperienced, but very hungry for success. Once we execute our game plan we will succeed,” the former national goalkeeper indicated. The New Amsterdambased Cougars FC will meet with the defending Champions and host, Monedderlust FC at 18:00hrs in the opener on Saturday.

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Thursday October 16, 2014

8th MCYS Ride for Life Cycle Ferdinand charged Road Race set to pedal off today for Twitter misconduct - grueling duels anticipated over the 5-stages By Franklin Wilson When the 8th annual Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport (MCYS) Ride for Life, 5-stage cycle road race pedals off in Corriverton, Berbice today at 07:30hrs, riders will have at the back of their minds that it’s the beginning of what is anticipated to be a demanding event which has attracted 65-starters. Defending champion, Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey of Team Coco’s will headline a star studded lineup of local cyclists that will once again hope to keep the top prize in the Land of Many Waters. Jeffrey’s team is one of only two teams that have registered according to race officials, the other being a 4member unit from neighboring Suriname. Reigning Road Race champion Geron Williams will also be one of the riders to watch in this event which will see the riders being sent on their way by Regional Chairman Mr. David Armogan. The first stage will end in New Amsterdam with the second stage also set for today from Rosignol to Carifesta Avenue. While the senior riders might hold a slight advantage in being the top contenders, the junior brigade led by Michael Anthony and 2014 Junior Caribbean bronze medalist Alanzo Ambrose will certainly be having other ideas as they seek to upset their more accomplished rivals. The talent is there, no doubt about that, but the execution will certainly take some doing as the youngsters will have to ride a strategic race over the five stages. One challenge that will be there for all the competitors will be the sun which has been unrelenting for some time now. There will be no room for any bluffs and only time will tell how this year’s event, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport for the second year running, will on fold. Apart from Anthony and Ambrose, the other juniors in contention are the Crawford cousins, Jeban and Romello, Shaquelle Agard, Akeem Arthur and Silvio Inniss. The juvenile (youth) category has attracted the two riders that also represented Guyana at this year ’s Junior Caribbean Championships in Suriname,

Scott Savory

Rio Ferdinand has until October 21 to respond to the charge

provoked the tweet that appears to have landed Ferdinand in hot water by sending him a teasing message on transfer deadline day that said: “Maybe QPR will sign a good CB (centreback) they need one.” Ferdinand replied: “get ya mum in, plays the field well son! sket.”

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand, who won 81 caps for England, is a member of a commission set up by FA chairman Greg Dyke to investigate how to improve English football. He has over 5.9 million followers on Twitter and is a prolific user of the social networking website.

Mercedes oppose move to free up engine development

GOLDEN BITE! Michael Anthony bites the ounce of gold he won on Sunday last. national champion, Andrew Hicks and Raphael ‘Sniper’ Leung. This battle is anticipated to be exciting and here’s hoping that they can go the full course. No females have registered for the event but assurances have been given by the President of the Guyana Cycling Federation and organisers of the Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness race next week that females will face starter’s orders. The Surinamese team is made up of Oliver Ridarch (Netherlands), Ruiz Ceder (Suriname) and the French Guiana duo of Christoph Grizola and Gzla Hardenbol. Robin Persaud, Alanzo Greaves, Orville Hinds, Paul De Nobrega, Stephen Fernandes, Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams and USA based Scott Savory are some of the other local contenders to watch out for. Team Coco’s has registered a 13-man strong

LONDON, England (AFP) — Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand has been charged with misconduct over a comment he made on Twitter, the Football Association announced Tuesday. The FA did not identify the posting in question, but reports suggested it concerned a tweet in which Ferdinand had referred to the mother of another Twitter user as a “sket” - a derogatory slang term for a promiscuous woman. “Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand has been charged by The FA for misconduct in relation to a comment he made via social media,” the FA said in a statement on its website. “It is alleged the comment posted on his Twitter account was abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper. It is further alleged that this breach is aggravated pursuant to FA Rule E3(2) as it included a reference to gender.” Ferdinand, 35, has until October 21 to respond to the charge. A Twitter user

contingent and it is expected that they will sizzle on the roadways. The local members are Jeffrey, Junior Niles, Christopher Holder, Stephano Husbands, Hamza Eastman and Jamal John while the USA based riders are Cubans, Yusmani Pol, Ruben Campanioni, Camilo Ulloa, Johann Robayo and Carlos Ostino. Trinidad and Tobago’s Verion Miraj and Barbados’ Darren Matthews are the other members. Fans in Berbice, Demerara and the Cinderella County of Essequibo are being urged to come out in the numbers to cheer on the riders as they battle for supremacy over the next four days. Stage three tomorrow is from the Wales Police Station to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo; stage four is set for Essequibo on Saturday with the final stage on Sunday from the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden to the capital city.

LONDON (Reuters) Dominant Mercedes plan to block an attempt by Formula One rivals to relax the rules and allow engine development during the course of next season. The engine rules are currently ‘frozen’ in-season to keep costs down after the introduction of costly new V6 turbo hybrid power units this year. Renault-powered rivals Red Bull, dethroned by Mercedes as constructors’ champions last weekend, and Ferrari want the rules relaxed to allow in-season development that might give them a chance to close the gap. Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff told reporters in Russia last weekend that his team had already voted against the proposal in a strategy group meeting and would do so again when the matter goes to a Formula One commission meeting. To be incorporated into the 2015 rules, there must be unanimous agreement. “I don’t think we will change our mind in the next month, whenever the commission meeting is going to take place,” said Wolff, who added that any relaxation would only increase costs.

Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain speeds during the first Russian Grand Prix in Sochi October 12, 2014. REUTERS/Maxim He said there was also every chance the performance gap would remain the same, if not grow larger, with Mercedes also pushing hard to improve their engine. Mercedes have won 13 of 16 races so far, with nine onetwo finishes. They will be supplying three teams next year in addition to their own. “We were asked to guarantee supply of engines at the same specification, at the same time for all the customers at the same price,” said Wolff. “And we can’t supply them at the same time if we are having in-season development. “It’s different for Honda, which has one customer only,

it’s different to Ferrari and different for Renault again. “You are spending considerably more and every other argument is just because they (rival manufacturers) don’t think they are where they should be.” TRUE PERFORMANCE To emphasize the domination of the Mercedes engine, Germany’s Nico Rosberg went from last to second in Sunday’s race at Sochi while the top five cars were all Mercedes-powered. “Mercedes’ true performance is they can drive through the field, and I think it’s too out of kilter,” commented Red Bull principal Christian Horner.

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‘Dead-heat’ heading T&T Coach Logie into final day of ISAAC Sarwan still relevant By Edison Jefford The battle-lines heading into the final day of the InterServices Annual Athletics Championships (ISAAC) could not have been more clearly drawn, with merely one point separating the Soldiers from the Police in what has been an intense competition. Heading into yesterday’s second day with an eightpoint lead over the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force managed to maintain an advantage, albeit reduced to one-point, ahead of the final day of the competition tomorrow at the Base Camp Ayangana Ground. The Soldiers are on 295 points with the Police on 294 points, which set up a dingdong battle for the coveted title tomorrow. The Guyana Fire Service is on 38 points with City Constabulary with 37 points and the Guyana Prison Service 26 points. Police got the right start on the second day when 800m dynamo, Kevin Bayley ran a personal best 1:54.7 ahead of team-mate, Trevor Scotland, who had 1:55.3 and Defence Force’s, Ornesto Thomas (1:56.4). Bayley’s previous best was 1:55.0 two years ago. Janella Jonas

- Soldiers hang on to one-point lead added more points to the Police when she won the female 800m race in 2:22.04, following her 3000m victory on the first day. Defence Force’s Carlissa Atkinson was second and Police’s Dellie Williams third with 2:26.2 and 2:29.8 respectively. Police continued its ascendancy with Natasha Alder winning the Javelin Women with a throw of 33.91m ahead of Defence Force’s Andrella Abraham (32.40m) and team-mate, Stacey Wilson (30:32m). However, the Soldiers remained spirited with points from Men’s Triple Jump and Javelin Throw, which Leslain Baird won. Baird surprised his rivals with a fourth attempt leap of 14.54m to win the Triple Jump ahead of team-mate, Laurex Stewart (14.10m) and Police’s, Yoel Benjamin (13.96m) respectively. Baird then threw 57.77m to win the Javelin with another Defence Force athlete, Troy Lewis in second with 55.27m. Police’s Clarence Greene threw 50.96m for third. Police’s Joan King-Brown won the Female Shot Put with 9.80m with team-mate, Kristy

Roberts (9.47m) second and Defence Force’s Ashanti Carrington (9.33m) third. Police, Julio Sinclair got the better of his opponents in the Male Shot Put; he won with 13.98m ahead of Defence Force’s, Cupido Pablino (13.58m) and Police, Ronald Payne (12.90m). Some excitement ensued at the venue in the Female 800m Medley race when Police’s Tiffany Carto launched an attack on Defence Force’s Tiffany Smith on the final 400m leg after collecting the baton 10m behind Smith. Carto dug deep to draw level on the final back straight, but Smith held her form to bring the Soldiers home, igniting loud celebrations from the Soldiers. The order was, however, reversed in the Men’s 1500m Medley with the Police winning comfortably. Earlier in the day, Defence Force’s Davin Fraser sent tongues wagging when he blistered 20.7 seconds in his 200m heat to come away faster than Police’s Winston George (20.9). Myles ran 24.4 to win her heat, while Carto had 24.6 seconds.

Brisbane Heat sign specialist Badree Brisbane Heat Brisbane, Australia - The Brisbane Heat has signed the world’s number one international T20 bowler for this summer’s KFC T20 Big Bash League. West Indian leg-spinner Samuel Badree will join New Zealand legend Daniel Vettori as the Heat’s slow bowling options for BBL|04. Badree is currently the number one ranked bowler on the ICC’s official Player Rankings, a position he has occupied since starring for the West Indies at this year’s World T20 championships in Bangladesh. The 33-year-old Physical Education teacher from Trinidad & Tobago claimed the Windies best ever T20 figures of 4-15 from four overs on the way to finishing with 11 wickets at 10.27 with an economy rate of 5.65. Badree, a T20 specialist who has played more than 100 Twenty20 matches and taken more than 100 wickets in his career, was a member of the victorious Chennai Super Kings squad at this month’s Champions League T20

tournament. It was his efforts for the T&T Red Steel at last year’s’ CLT20 when they were in the same pool as the Brisbane Heat which sowed the seeds for coach Stuart Law. “Samuel bowled really well against us and throughout the Champions League, so we kept an eye on him after that,’’ he said. “He’s a different sort of leg spin bowler but very effective.” “We know we will have two world class spinners for the majority of the tournament and we believe Samuel will bring to the table with us what he has done around the world with such success.” “You look up his record with the West Indies and the domestic teams he has played for and it is first rate. We’re sure he is going to be keen to tick the same box with us.” Law said the Heat hoped the Trinidadian would be available for the entire BBL series. Badree and his family will join Brisbane in December ahead of the opening BBL|04 match against the Sydney Thunder at ANZ Stadium on

Samuel Badree 21 December and the Heat’s first home game against Kevin Pietersen’s Melbourne Stars at the Gabba on 28 December. The Heat have now signed 17 of their 18 players for BBL|04, with the signing deadline to complete their roster by 5 December. The 2014-15 Heat squad is now: Samuel Badree (Int), Joe Burns, Daniel Christian, Ben Cutting, Ryan Duffield, Peter Forrest, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Lynn, Alister McDermott, Dan Vettori (Int), Shane Watson, Nathan Reardon, Cameron Gannon, Mark Steketee, Nick Buchanan, James Peirson.

Gus Logie

Ramnaresh Sarwan Barbados Nation Bridgetown, Barbados Ramnaresh Sarwan is far from washed up and can still feature in future West Indies’ Test teams. That’s the belief of Gus Logie, who last week drafted the stylish out-of-favour Guyana and West Indies middle order batsman into the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force side for the upcoming Professional Cricket League (PCL) in the Caribbean. “I believe so. You never say never. At 34 years old, once you are hungry enough. Once you are willing to put the work in, I have no doubt his talent will come to the fore once again,” Logie said when asked in an interview following last Monday’s draft at the Accra Beach Hotel whether Sarwan can force his way back in the regional team. “Once he produces the scores, I think it is up to the West Indies selectors to give him an opportunity but at this point in time, I think he knows he is going to be here and he will want prove his critics wrong,” noted Logie, who will coach the Red Force when the PCL bowls off on November 14 with the first round of fourday first-class matches. “I am looking forward to that motivation for him to come out there and prove everybody wrong that he’s quality player and that he can produce the goods at the highest level,” added Logie. The former West Indies batsman and coach also hinted that Sarwan would

provide leadership to the team in terms of his experience as a captain of many teams. “He has captained national and county teams. He comes with a wealth of experience [but] I think his general work ethic is what we are looking for him bringing and I am certain the players will warm to him.” Logie also reckons that Sarwan could be the catalyst for Trinidadian spectators returning to watch regional cricket. “Apart from that, you look at even the commercial side of it. Having Sarwan in a country like Trinidad, where there is so much support for Guyana cricket and for Guyanese players of that sort, I think it will be a great fillip for the people to come out and see someone of his class play for Trinidad and Tobago,” noted Logie. Logie said Barbadian fast bowler Fidel Edwards, who wasn’t drafted by any of the six franchise teams, was also considered for selection. “I was also tempted to pick Fidel Edwards because Fidel again brings to the table the experience. I think what we want is players who have proven records at that level and I think people like Fidel and Sarwan have proven records at that level. “But I think the negating factor was that we still have a lot of players available to us, especially our seam attack in a play-for-pay situation. We have [Ravi] Rampaul, Kevon Cooper, so that makes it a little

bit more difficult,” Logie said. Meanwhile, Logie confessed he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of coaching the West Indies team again. “Well, you never say never but I think that my focus right now is to make sure the Trinidad and Tobago franchise benefits from my experience and my expertise and the players themselves respond in a more positive way,” he said. But Logie said he has not applied for the West Indies’ head coach job, vacated by the departure of Ottis Gibson. “I have to talk to my agent and my family first,” Logie said with a laugh. “Well, like everything else, if you are a coach, you aspire. Just like you tell players, you want them to aspire to play for the West Indies when they do their national duties, as coaches, we want to aspire to coach at the highest level and to also bring a level of success, and expertise to whatever position it is. “Some of us have been there and we’ve done that but at the end of the day, if the opportunity does present itself again, I will just take it in stride,” Logie said. Logie, who coached the regional team to the Champions Trophy title in England in 2004 but quit soon afterward, said he has put that issue behind him. “Like everything else in life, you have ups and downs. You win some, you lose some. I think I’ve had a good run like everybody else. “Even after the Champions Trophy, if I was involved with the West Indies, I wouldn’t have gone to Bermuda and achieved what I did with some of the Bermudian players and the Bermudan cricket landscape. You leave legacies wherever you go. It’s been good so if the time comes again to come back, that’s how it is,” he said.

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Secrecy the sticking point as Football organisers coming out of pupation for year-end enrichment ICC falls out with testing centre By Rawle Welch It is the time of the year when many purporting to have the interest of our country’s footballers come out of pupation or what is termed dormancy or diapause. They wait in a cocoon all year and then burst into life at year end to deceive our footballers into believing that they have their best interest at heart even after the absence of organised football activities throughout the preceding period leading up to Christmas. It is nothing strange to hear the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) inundated with applications from all quarters soliciting permission to host tournaments with the Organisers/Promoters primary intent to enrich themselves at the expense of the players and fans. No consideration is given to the standard of play that will be on show or even the plethora of tournaments that the players have to endure in a short space of time, the only focus is usually how much money will be accrued on New Year’s Day. Year end activities in football is usually hectic with most associations and private promoters jostling each other for the best dates to host matches, all this with little or no consideration given for recovery time for the players and coaches, ultimately diminishing the quality of play. While many may feel that our footballers deserve a little extra cash like everyone else at Christmas, the hypocritical actions of those who profess to be genuinely concerned about the state of the sport and its lack of development must be highlighted. Our footballers, many of who come from

depressed communities, are facing a real challenge to make the sport a career choice since those vested with the power to chart a course that could instigate change and create a new image for the sport are too busy trying to enrich themselves. There is no genuine approach to holistic development because if that was the case then the state of football would have been far better than it is presently and no deliberation is needed to establish whether this outlook is fact or fiction. It is even being suggested in many quarters that the Georgetown Football Association recommencement of its League is merely a pretext to fool the football public who they expect will be duped into exchanging their hard earned cash to witness substandard football and this is no disrespect to the players it is simply not their fault. In the absence of well organised programmes all year round, players would not have the sharpness and cohesion required to exhibit quality football. It is as plain as that. All year round none of them took the pain to keep our ballweavers busy and well oiled so that they could dazzle us with their skills, but now they call on them to showcase their talent for a few weeks, before they (Organisers/Promoters) slide back into their cocoon which will last until next Christmas. Football fans are at liberty to make a statement once and for all, any position contrary to venting their frustration at the gate will only allow the uncaring officials to persist with their exploitive policies and Guyana’s football will remain apathetic. It is all about the dollars at year end.

The ICC’s recent concerted campaign against illegal actions has brought it into a position of significant professional disagreement with the agency long involved in its tests. Experts at the University of Western Australia (UWA), whom the ICC relied upon for the last 20 years to develop models and protocols to test illegal bowling actions, have criticised what they call the “ridiculous” secrecy surrounding the new procedures and say they have raised doubts over the reliability of the recent tests that have seen several bowlers suspended from various levels of the game. The dispute provides a disturbing backdrop to the sudden toughened approach towards the monitoring of potentially illegal actions by the ICC only a few months before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Leading offspinners such as Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal and Sri Lanka’s Sachithra Senanayake have been called in international cricket, while West Indies’ Sunil Narine was reported in the Champions League T20. As new ICC testing centres are rolled out in Brisbane, Cardiff and Chennai, UWA biomechanists have branded the ICC’s approach as “extraordinary” and have expressed concerns that the testing could be carried out by relatively inexperienced staff with limited training. The result, they fear, is that the recent tests may be based on unreliable evidence. Jacqueline Alderson, an associate professor in biomechanics at UWA, suggests that her team is “astounded” by the limited opportunities for peer-to-peer reviews of the model used to measure elbow extensions, and by a general lack of information provided to the home boards or the testing centres carrying out the work. The ICC, however, insists that a clean-up of bowling actions is both necessary and justifiable, and that it now has a system in place that is more scientifically advanced than the previous methods. It says it is utilising some of the best qualified biomechanists in the world to review its procedures and that the UWA has only been excluded due to the deteriorating relationship between the parties. It also privately justifies taking the testing process “inhouse” as an attempt to develop testing centres with

The University of Western Australia had been developing models and protocols to test bowling actions for the ICC for the last 20 years © Getty a consistent approach around the world and to end a system of over-reliance on one provider. Most of all, it insists that the adapted process is more accurate and, while empowering umpires, also allows bowlers the opportunity to remediate and return to the game. On the charge of secrecy, the ICC says that testing protocol has been provided to “a number of institutions”. The belief at the Perth centre, which was for so long the ICC’s only resource in the fight against illegal bowling actions, that their methods have been unsatisfactorily adopted and adjusted is also officially rejected by the ICC, which states that “the new protocol is based on research, know-how and available literature”. What is undisputed is that the disagreement has brought about a breakdown in relationships between UWA and the ICC to the extent that lawyers have been involved. As a result, UWA voluntarily withdrew its testing services to the ICC the break is believed to have taken place in March this year. “We have withdrawn our services,” Alderson told ESPNcricinfo. “We were initially aggrieved by the ICC leveraging our research without our knowledge or permission. However that is now compounded by the lack of transparency surrounding the current testing.” The UWA team also states that the ICC is throwing its support behind replicating already existing methods that rely on rolling out “old technology”, and lacks “vision” with respect to the “holy grail of quantifying illegal actions during match play”. In search of that “holy grail”, Alderson is

researching the potential to compare 3D footage in laboratory tests with 3D footage in matches - although the current relationship with the ICC makes it improbable that such research will be utilised. Biomechanists at UWA insist that they strongly support a clampdown on illegal bowling actions - to the extent that they freely contend that the ICC’s laxer approach in recent years had been a contributory factor in recent events as they seek to make amends for years of relative inaction. Specifically, UWA expressed concerns about the monitoring of Ajmal’s action after it had cleared the bowler in a previous assessment in 2009 - including comments it made to Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s general manager of cricket, earlier this year. The ICC, however, does not regard it as appropriate for a testing centre to pass comment on monitoring procedures, which it regards as outside its jurisdiction. Marlon Samuels is another player whose action has been an issue. He was cleared by the ICC to bowl deliveries falling under a certain speed, a decision the UWA now presents as flawed. As one academic told ESPNcricinfo, “We did not think his report was valid as he, in our view, appeared to not replicate his match action in the lab testing. But the ICC didn’t act. We found it ridiculous that he was cleared to bowl deliveries under a particular speed given the error associated with measuring speed via speed guns during a match.” The ICC defends the decision to concentrate on Samuels’ quicker deliveries by quoting from the report (Continued on page 27)

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East Coast CC 50-over tourney...

WJ Enterprise onboard with Guyana Softball Cup Waldron guides Impressed by what transpired during the finals of the 2013 tournament, businessman Heralall Narine has aligned himself with the Guyana Softball Cup Four through the Croxley Copier paper and his entity WJ Enterprise. During a simple ceremony at his business’ location on Regent Street on We d n e s d a y, N a r i n e presented a cheque for an undisclosed amount to Surendra Nauth of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) to assist with expenses associated with the October 31 to November 2 competition. On hand to witness the symbolic handing over c e r e m o n y w e r e Vi c e president of the GFSCA, Ricky Deonarain, and Secretary Lalta Gainda. Narine said, he was enthused by the success of the 2013 competition and the impact the tournament has on the tourism sector. He lauded the GFSCA for including foreign teams, noting that it will lift the standard of the competition. Nauth expressed gratitude to Narine for coming onboard, noting that sponsorship is critical to the success of a tournament of the magnitude of the Guyana Softball Cup. Deonarain said all plans are falling into place for the country’s premier softball tournament, adding that the GFSCA welcomes the addition of WJ Enterprise to its list of sponsors. The Guyana Softball Cup commenced in 2011 and instantly became a hit with players and fans alike, attracting massive crowds and also putting some hard earned cash in the pockets of those who entertain with bat and ball on the field. This year promises to be even better, as the GFSCA is aiming to surpass the achievements of the previous three years in terms of spectators’ involvement and the handsome rewards at stake for the players. As was the case in previous editions of the tournament, there will be two categories-one for teams contesting the Men’s Open and the other for the Masters players, aged 45 and over. The champion team in the Men’s Open is guaranteed a whopping $800,000 first

Unity to victory

Managing Director of WJ Enterprise, Heralall Narine (left), presents the sponsorship cheque to Surendra Nauth of the GFSCA prize and a huge trophy, while the losing finalist will have to settle for $200,000 and a trophy. In the Masters’ division, the winning team will pocket $600,000 with the runner-up assured of $150,000. The Man-of-theMatch in both finals will receive a trophy. As has been the case in the past, the Most Valuable Player of each category will become the proud owner of a softball bracelet, made of gold with diamond studs, compliments of Steve’s Jewellery. On the day of the final, there will be lots of hampers and giveaways for spectators. Additionally, two spectators can win return tickets from Survival Travel Agency to the beautiful island of Aruba. All the spectators need to do is retain their half tickets and listen for their numbers to be called over the Public Address system during the final. Two dozen teams will compete in this year’s event, with 12 from Guyana, seven from New York, three from Florida and two from Canada. During the threeday championship, there will be a total of 36 preliminary games, followed by four semi-finals and two finals. In an effort to expand the reach of the competition and ensure maximum participation from spectators, the organizers have increased the number of venues this year. Grounds earmarked to host games are

Police Sports Club, Everest Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Gandhi Youth Organisation, Muslim Youth O rg a n i s a t i o n , E n m o r e Community Centre and Enterprise Busta Sports Club. Trophy Stall and New Yo r k B e t t e r a r e t h e defending champions of the Open and Masters categories respectively, while the previous champions were NYSCL New York (Open) and Savage Masters in 2012 and Cotton Field Wild Oats (Open) and Regal Seniors (Masters) in 2011. A c c o r d i n g t o information emanating from the GFSCA, this year’s tournament has an estimated budget of around $10 million.

All-rounder Damion Waldron grabbed four wickets before returning with the bat to score a half century as Unity defeated Randy XI by six wickets when the East Coast Cricket Committee (ECCC) 50-over tournament continued last weekend. Playing at Unity, Randy XI batted first and were bowled out for 155 in 34.1 overs. Asif Rai struck 43, Waldron ended with 4-37 and Dellon Ross 2-23. Unity replied with 158-4 in 30.1 overs. Waldron slammed 51 and Deon Ferrier 48 not out. At Enmore, Bravados overcame the home team by two runs in a match which was reduced to 20 overs due to rain. Bravados batted first and posted 115 all out in 19.4 overs. Kellon Carmichael stroked 46; Yuvraj Dyal snared 3-18 and Gavin Moriah 3-20. The host mustered for 113-6 in 20 overs in reply. Vishwanauth Ramlakhan cracked 63 not

Brian Sattaur given) picked up two wickets apiece. Ogle responded with 224-9 in 50 overs. Brian Sukram made 55 and Sahadeo Ramkhellawan 44. Rajendra Naikbaran claimed 3-24 and Sattaur 2-52. At Enmore, the home team thumped Mahaica by 183 runs. Enmore posted 277-8 in 50 overs, taking first strike. Christopher Surat slammed 62 and Yuvraj Dyal 43. S. Singh took 3-29 and N. Shaw 2-19. The visitors were skittled for 94 in reply. Nandram Ganesh bagged 625.

Carib Beer 1st Div. T20

Albion and Rose Hall Town through to playoffs A third consecutive half century from Guyana wicketkeeper-batsman Anthony Bramble powered Albion Community Centre into the play-offs of the 2014 Carib Beer First Division T20 cricket competition in Berbice. In their Corentyne zone preliminary match the first of a double header at No. 69 on

Mohamed 40-over cricket- EBE...

Supreme overcome Vergenoegen by 86 runs

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out, Eon Gilkes claimed 223. On Saturday, the game between host Enmore and Cummings Lodge was rained out after Enmore took first strike and rattled up 239-9 in 40 overs. Ramlakhan scored 40; D. Thomas captured 3-50 and A. Persaud 2-30. P r e v i o u s l y, G o l d e n Grove got the better of Unity by 45 runs. Golden Grove managed 245-9 in 50 overs, batting first at Unity ground. Lallchan Harrichand led with 47 and Orin Nelson made 40. K. Farouk and L. Persaud bagged three wickets each. Unity were sent packing for 170 in 25 overs in response. T. Hassan scored 58 and R. Persaud 44. Wesley Henry bagged 5-17 and Quacy Cummings 2-17. At Ogle, Lusignan hammered the home team by 88 runs. Lusignan took first knock and piled up 312-7 in 50 overs. Steve Ramdass smashed 107, Brian Sattaur 90 and Steve Allick 55. Irfan Ali and Sanichar (only name

upreme got the better of host Vergenoegen by 84 runs when action in the Mohamed Memorial 40over cricket competition continued on Sunday last on the East Bank of Essequibo. Batting first, Supreme posted 164 before they were bowled out in 27.2 overs. Rajiv Balgobin led with 38 and Javed Shafeek made 30. Medium pacer Amir Bissoondyal grabbed 4-44, Royden Hendricks 2-11 and Dwayne Stevens 2-19. The home team were bundled out for 78 in 19 overs in reply. Ian Boodwah and Stephon John were the only batsmen that showed fight with 19 each; medium pacer Safraz Ally bagged 4-14 while Sheldon Alexander and Shafeek had one each. The competition continues on Sunday.

Sunday last, Omesh Kumar slammed 51 to steer Guytrac Upper Corentyne to 131-8 in their 20 overs against Albion. West Indies Under-19 left arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took 3-11 from 4 overs before teammate Bramble blasted 77* (8x4 3x6) to lead Albion to an easy 6 wicket victory with 4 overs to spare, their third consecutive win which sealed their spot in the last six play-offs. In that same zone, Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets also registered their third successive victory to seal a place in the play-offs. F o l l o w i n g a re t h e summarized scores: At No. 69 - Albion Community Centre trounced Guytrac Upper Corentyne by 6 wickets. Guytrac Upper Corentyne 131-8 in 20 overs; Omesh Kumar 51, Fiaz Mohamed 25, Victor Pedro 22, Gudakesh Motie 3 for 11 from 4 overs. Albion Community Centre 132-4 from 16 overs; Anthony Bramble 77*, Narsingh Deonarine 21; Omesh Kumar 2 for 25 from 3 overs.

At Skeldon - Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets hammered Skeldon Community Centre by 7 wickets. Skeldon Community Centre 85 in 18.2 overs; Simion Lawson 4-11 from 4 overs, Keon Sinclair 2-10 from 4 overs, Clinton Pestano 2-21 from 4 overs. Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets 90-3 in 16.1 overs; Delbert Hicks 20, Ashkay Homraj 20*, Parmanand Narine 2-19 from 4 overs. At No. 69 - The match between Guytrac Upper Corentyne and Port Mourant ended in a tie. Upper Corentyne 113-7 in 20 overs; Latchman Roopchand 40, Lakeram Latchman 26, Avinash Wajib 2-23 from 4 overs. Port Mourant 113-7 in 20 overs; Devindra Thakoordeen 39, Loyydel Lewis 30, Victor Pedro 2-18 from 4 overs. In the super over, Port M o u r a n t e m e rg e d t h e winner, scoring 16 runs and then restricting Upper Corentyne to just 4.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 16, 2014

WICB refuses to renegotiate Hinds bends the truth; WI with West Indies cricket team players could lose US$52,000

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has refused to reopen negotiations with its cricket team over their new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)/ Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a decision that is likely to deepen resentment between players and administrators during the ongoing India series. The following is the full letter from WICB president Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron that was sent to West Indies ODI captain Dwayne Bravo a n d c o p i e d t o W I PA president Wavell Hinds: 10th October 2014 Mr. Dwayne Bravo ODI Captain West Indies Cricket Team Dear Mr. Bravo, Thank you for your email. The WICB Board has learned of certain views expressed by the members of the current WI Team in India, by virtue of news articles as well as certain correspondence between yourself and your collective representative on which I as President of WICB, have been copied. While we recognise that we may certainly be able to play a role in mediating the apparent issues between yourselves and WIPA – and are willing if invited, to do so; we must make it clear to you that we recognise and respect the principles set out in the MOU/CBA signed by ourselves and WIPA on September 19, 2014 and any involvement on our part could only be in accordance with that agreement. The document is explicit in that the West Indies Players’ Association is the sole and exclusive collective bargaining representative

Dave Cameron recognised by the WICB for all Cricketers i.e. all persons contracted by the WICB to play for a West Indies Team. What this effectively means is that we will only engage in discussions relating to the welfare, working conditions and remuneration of Cricketers with WIPA. For the record, I would point out to you our view that the new MOU/CBA creates a clear, sustainable, long-term compensation structure, so that we avoid the uncertainties and confusion associated with previous one-off negotiations on a case by case basis and the loose, informal arrangements of the past. One of the major benefits of this structure is that players’ compensation is based on players earning a percentage of WICB revenue; so that we are engaged in a true partnership – where WICB benefits financially, the players will also benefit. The agreement also creates the framework for WICB and WIPA to comprehensively address the use of players’ image

rights – so that both WICB and the players may benefit in relation to such usage. Further, it creates the opportunity for players to earn substantial amounts based on merit – by implementing financial rewards for on-field performances. I would also advise you that strike action by the players only hurts West Indies cricket in the long run – it affects our ability to attract sponsors, it affects our credibility with other ICC Full Members and in the end, only hurts WICB – and by extension West Indies Cricket and the players – both financially and otherwise. I will take this opportunity to again thank the team for agreeing to take the field for the first ODI on October 8 and also to congratulate you on an excellent performance. Following from this, I would encourage you and the team to focus your attention at this time to the immediate task at hand – to successfully complete a series – and to deal with your grievances at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner as provided for by the rules of your Association. As the governing body for West Indies cricket, the WICB has every interest in seeing this matter successfully resolved, and we look forward to hearing from WIPA on the proposed way forward. You will note that I have copied in the WIPA President, Mr. Hinds, for his information and involvement in the discussion. Sincerely, WEST INDIES CRICKET BOARD INC Dave Cameron, President

NBA to experiment with shorter 44-minute game Reuters - The Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics will experiment with a 44-minute preseason game on Sunday, four minutes shorter than a standard game, the NBA said yesterday. The teams will play four 11minutes quarters at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, one minute shorter than the normal, while mandatory timeouts will be reduced, the NBA said in a statement. “At our recent coaches’ meeting, we had a discussion about the length of our games, and it was suggested that we consider experimenting with a shorter format,” NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn

said in a statement. “After consulting with our Competition Committee, we agreed to allow the Nets and Celtics to play a 44-minute preseason game in order to give us some preliminary data that will help us to further analyze game-time lengths.” During Sunday’s game, there will be two mandatory timeouts per quarter. In a typical 48-minute NBA game, the second and fourth quarters have three mandatory timeouts. “When this idea came up at the coaches’ meeting, I thought it was a unique experiment that was worth participating in,” said Nets head coach Lionel Hollins.

Wired868 - West Indies cricketers representing the region in all three formats of the game stand to lose over US$52,000 (TT$330,000) in compensation for the ongoing India series, which represents a startling 64 percent drop in earnings. Even more eye-raising is the fact that this loss in earnings was agreed to by the cricketers’ union, the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), which is headed by former West Indies and Jamaica batsman Wavell Hinds. In WIPA Annual General Meeting 2014 Minutes in Trinidad on Saturday 1 February 2014, which was leaked to Wired868, WIPA director Michael Hall urged the players to be “agents of change” by giving up daily sponsorship fees. However, the players’ union did not reveal what their new earnings would be and failed to meet a directive from West Indies’ One Day International (ODI) captain, Dwayne Bravo, that any financial shortfall from the loss of their sponsorship money should be compensated via other revenue streams. In a letter from the West Indies team, which was signed by Bravo, the players complained about a 75 percent loss in revenue. This only slightly overstated their deficit. A player representing the West Indies in all formats of the game, according to WIPA documents, would have earned US$83,000 (TT$526,000) from match fees and sponsorship money for the current India series, which comprises of five ODIs, three Tests and one T20 match. Instead, that player will take home US$30,475 (TT$193,000), which represents a loss of just over US$52,000. West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron and Hinds have said this recouped money will go towards the professionalization through the payment of staff and monthly contracts to 60 players in six territories. The complete figures suggest that Hinds was being economical with the truth when he revealed the increase in the players’ match fees without showing the loss in sponsorship

West Indies Players Association (WIPA) President Wavell Hinds. (Courtesy WIPA)

T&T and West Indies ODI Captain Dwayne Bravo.

revenues. Hinds focused on the fact that match fees rose from US$5,000 (TT$31,600) to US$5,750 (TT$36,300) for Tests. But he did not say the sponsorship money they lost was worth US$13,460 (TT$85,000) for each five day Test match. Already cricket sources suggest that the financial loss could make Test cricket unviable to players who earn millions in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and might think it irresponsible to risk their health for such a significantly smaller sum. During WIPA’s last AGM, veteran cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul noted that West Indies was already on the low end of the scale in Test salaries. His assertion, according to the minutes, went unchallenged by WIPA directors. Hinds claimed the minutes showed that the players give up their sponsorship fees by a “majority vote of the members present on the floor.” However, Wired868 can confirm that the AGM’s minutes show that no resolution was taken. Last week, Hinds was contradictory in his defence of the new Collective

B a rg a i n i n g A g r e e m e n t (CBA)/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In his letter to the players, which was published on Wired868, Hinds claimed that Bravo expressed “100% support for this initiative.” However, in the next paragraph, he conceded that this support was conditional: “The minutes also reflect the only qualification to your support, which was to ask that the current WIPA executive make every effort to ensure that the shortfall in revenue accruing from the reallocation, be made up in other areas of player remuneration.” And Hinds went on to concede that WIPA did not meet Bravo’s conditions: “While I am willing to concede that best practices may not have been observed by not sharing the document with any but a small group of our members…” Bravo’s response to WIPA’s suggestion that the players concede their sponsorship fees was recorded in the minutes as: “Mr. Dwayne Bravo then stated the he support 100% the proposal but certain conditions must be discussed, one of them being (Continued on page 27)

Thursday October 16, 2014

Kaieteur News

Andrew ‘Padlock’ Green returns to winning ways

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romising young Berbice junior cyclist Andrew ‘Padlock’ Green returned to winning ways on Sunday when he rode away with the latest cycle race held in Berbice. The 50 mile event was sponsored by the ‘Home Line Furnishing and organized by the Flying Ace Cycle Club. The event, which began in front of the Home Lime business premises at Rose Hall Town Corentyne, saw the riders pedaling to No. 62 before turning back to finish at its point of origin. Green, who earlier this year was unstoppable on the roads in Berbice was out of the limelight for a while. He chose the right time to return to form, a few days before the prestigious five stage cycle event. Riding in the race which was dubbed the 5-stage warm up, Green was out early along with Andrew Hicks and Romello Crawford. Green and Hicks then opened a lead on the chasing bunch as they battled for dominance early. They hit the turn back almost in tandem and headed for the finishing point. The chasing bunch, which included Ray Millington, Wilber Benjamin, Elijah Brijadder, Samuel Mootoo, Romello and Juban Crawford tried desperately to catch the leaders, but were not successful. Meanwhile, Romello Crawford and Millington then made a move as they broke away from the bunch, but try as they may they could not catch the leaders. Meanwhile, Green led his Trojan teammate Hicks across the finish line as Crawford outsprinted Millington for third with Millington fourth. Veteran Wilbur Benjamin led the sprint home to cop fifth ahead of Juban Crawford with Brijadder losing out of the top six. Green rode away with six sprint point prizes with Hicks taking two and Romello Crawford one. The duo of Green and Hicks also copped the two top prizes in the junior category with Juban Crawford third. The juveniles and females had their race from Adventure to the finish line and saw Kemo Logan riding

Page 33

Caribbean Cargo DC Office donates computers for top two Linden football playing schools Pledge support for Kashif and Shanghai tourneys

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Ayube Hamid presenting the winning trophy to Andrew ‘Padlock’ Green. in first with David Sampson second. The female race was won by Marica Dick with Christine Matherson and Whitney Poyer occupying the other two spots. The event was to mark the third anniversary of the company in Rose Hall Town and twenty-fifth anniversary of the company’s existence. CEO of Home Line Furnishing Ayube Hamid and Manager David Hamid both spoke at the event. They thanked the participants for taking part in the race and congratulated the winners. They promised to make the event an annual affair. Meanwhile, CEO Ayube Hamid used the opportunity to call on other businesses to come forward and support sports and community activities.

The event was coordinated by cycling coach Randolph Roberts who thanked the Home Line Furnishing Company for coming forward to assist. He urged others to do likewise. Roberts also used the opportunity to call on the authorities to make sure that the roads are not used for all kind of odd activities. His call came after one of the cyclists crashed into a heap of sand that was dumped carelessly on the road. Roberts also asked the cyclists to be careful and lookout for obstacles. During the event, female rider Crystal Lambert crashed into the sand then fell on some stalls that usually line the Rose Hall thoroughfare. She had to be treated at the hospital for bruises about her body.

Winston Murray Memorial Over-40 softball to start Oct. 26

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he Winston Murray Memorial Over-40 softball cricket competition is set to commence on October 26. The tournament will be sponsored by Digimax and preliminary matches will be contested at the Georgetown Cricket Club and GNIC grounds. The final will be played at GNIC on November 22. Among the teams expected to battle for a top prize of a trophy and $100,000 are Regal, Sundee Masters, Frontline and Industry Superkings. The runner up will take home a trophy and $40,000 and man of the series a trophy and $10,000. For more information teams can contact Samuel Kingston on 6149536. The competition will be played in memory of the late Winston Murray, a former chairman of the People’s National Congress.

he Washington DC Office of the Caribbean Cargo S h i p p i n g Company recently donated two computers for the top two football playing schools coming out of the Mining Town of Linden. The items were handed over recently to Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation in New York. The two computers will be presented sometime this week to the Mackenzie High School and the Wismar Christianburg Secondary School by the K&S Organisation. The two schools have been outstanding in all football activities both on a national and area level in recent years. Manager of Caribbean Cargo DC office, Terrence DeSouza, presented the computers to Major. He pledged his company’s support for the K&S organisation tournament, both at the Senior and Junior

Terrence DeSouza (right) hands over the computers to Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major for the top football playing schools in Linden. levels. The shipping company has been one of the sponsors over the years that

have thrown their weight behind the yearend activities of the K&S Org.

GT Beer/Berbice Cup 2014...

Berbice coaches confident AHEAD OF SEMI-FINAL The GT Beer/Berbice Cup KO football Tournament organized and hosted by the Monedderlust FC in tandem with Starlight Generation is heading for a grand climax as preparations among the last four remaining teams intensified during the last week. The semi-finals slated for this coming Saturday (October 18th) will guarantee a Championship showdown the following Saturday between a team from Berbice and one from East Coast for the first prize of four hundred thousand dollars and the Champion’s trophy. Judging from the comments made by both coaches of the first semifinal – Cougars FC versus Monedderlust FC – fans can expect a close encounter. “We really worked hard at training sessions with a lot of emphasis on finishing since I thought that was an area of weakness and

concern. I think the team now fully understands what is expected of them. Team spirits are high and the players are determined to give an improved performance from the opening game of the Tournament”, stated Coach Raul ‘Jug-head’ Huntley. The Monedderlust Coach added that although he is confident of advancing to the final he is not taking Cougars lightly, “We never take any

team for granted and despite Cougars being in a rebuilding stage Coach Carrington has done a wonderful job and must be complimented. I honestly expect a good challenge.” “Our keys to winning must be converting our chances and of course our home support. This is our turf and we are ready to defend it”, Huntley advised. His opposite, Phillip (Continued on page 25)

RAFMAN ALI 15/15 softball to start Sunday Farm, Good Hope, Accomplishment, Success and Top Gun are some of the teams that will be in action in the Open category when the Rafman Ali 15/15 softball tournament commences on Sunday with matches on the East Coast of Demerara and GNIC. Entrance fee is $10,000. The winner of the Open division will take home a trophy and $100,000 and the runner up a trophy and $50,000. The winning team in the Over-35 segment will pocket a trophy and $50,000 and the second place a trophy and $25,000. Teams can contact Rafman Ali on 680-1805 or 654-2233 for more information.

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8th MCYS Ride for Life Cycle Road Race set to pedal off today - GRUELING DUELS ANTICIPATED OVER THE 5-STAGES

Raynauth Jeffrey

Team Coco’s will be the team to watch.

‘DEAD-HEAT’ HEADING INTO - Soldiers FINAL DAY OF ISAAC hang on to one-point lead

Kevin Bayley eases across the finish line yesterday at the Base Camp Ayangana Ground after he brought ‘ home the bacon’ in the final 800m leg of the Men’s 1500m Medley Race. The GDF Quartet, from left, Neisa Allen, Letitia Myles, Aniqua Prowley and Tiffany Smith, who held off a surging Guyana Police Force team on the final leg of the 800m Female Medley Race pose for a photo opportunity.

WICB refuses to renegotiate with West Indies cricket team Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210