Kaieteur News

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Opposition leaders say…

BulIet-riddled body at Sparendaam…

Document “The Heist of Guyana”

Inquest begins into Gary De Florimonte’s death

Members of the Joint Opposition are urging the public to carefully file the series of articles that are being published in Kaieteur News called, “The Heist of Guyana.” The full-page column details in a sequential format how Guyana has been “parceled out and handed out to friends and cronies of former President Bharat Jagdeo.” The series unveils the “rampant corruption, preferential treatment and cronyism that characterized the second term of the Jagdeo administration.” It also explained that it will reveal how almost every major developmental decision was tied to the personal and selfish interests of Jagdeo and his friends and what we have today, is an economy that is controlled by a small group of influential persons with strong ties to the then Jagdeo administration. Members of the Joint Opposition have supported the cause and they are strongly suggesting that members of the public “keep these reports of unbelievably poignant and accurate accounts of the truth which bring to light - The Jagdeo deception.” Former Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Volda Lawrence, has said, “I believe that the team involved in this process at Kaieteur News is doing an exceptional job. The Publisher Glenn Lall is brave in stepping up to the plate to do this and it is an extremely commendable act and I look forward to it. However, we must not lose sight of what these articles mean. These articles on the heist of Guyana are not only informative, but

Carl Greenidge expose in no uncertain terms, how the Jagdeo regime is trying to control the economy and it is important for the people of Guyana not to be fooled by the structures being built all over. It is all a deception. It is upon this background, I am urging members of the public to keep these copies for reference so that they can be armed with the truth.” Carl Greenidge, the Shadow Minister of Finance for the coalition, A Partnership for National Unity, also believes that it is critical that citizens pay attention to the “Heist of Guyana” series. The Member of Parliament said, “It is natural for there to be comments on performance of any Government for they collect our monies and how they spend it, can adversely affect our lives.” “Guyana faces some serious problems of morality and state lawlessness and this makes it imperative that civil society and political parties address the problems which give rise to such behaviour.” “The press has a key role in this regard and as responsible citizens we have to recognize and protect them

in this pursuit.” Greenidge asserted that there has been a massive upsurge of corruption under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). He noted too, that the regime and its reaction to that development, “is special” because almost uniquely in this region, the Government instead of making an effort to bring it down; “works hand in hand with those very criminals once they are prepared to fund the PPP because it sees white and blue collar crime as acceptable just as it sees a Minister having a right to have his wife audit the books of the entities overseen by the Minister.” “Instead of fighting corruption, the Government viciously attacks those who dare to highlight the problem. One of the main features in Guyana which has allowed these phenomena to gain such a foothold is a weak civil society and a consequential inability to force Governments to live by an acceptable standard. Part of that weakness has been reflected in the fact that outcries and complaints about outrageous behavior are raised and quickly forgotten and patterns of behaviours are not traced or brought to the public’s attention in any systematic manner.” “However, the attempt by Kaieteur News to publish its perception of what is happening under the rubric of “Heist” is most welcomed for its continuity and persistence even in the face of unacceptable Government and PPP retaliation and defamation, and for its investigative work. I would encourage them to continue which is necessary in defense of our fundamental rights.”

The clump of bushes where De Florimonte was found An inquest has begun into the death of 27-year-old Gary De Florimonte whose decomposing body was found in a clump of bushes in February of this year. The bullet riddled corpse of the Lot 67 Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara resident was found behind a fence in a neighbour’s yard, a short distance from where he lived. Last Thursday, the De Florimonte family was summoned to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where they were informed that they would be needed to give evidence on November 18 and 19 for the commencement of the inquest into th e m a n ’s death. The matter will be heard by Magistrate Alex Moore. Villagers had blamed the police for De Florimonte’s death given that the two sides had a confrontation a day earlier and residents alleged that the police had shot the

Republic Bank’s Lethem branch opens for business today Lethem is now home to two commercial banks with the introduction of a Republic Bank branch. This private sector initiative is an indication that Region Nine is the most prosperous hinterland Region, even with gold mining activities in others. This is according to Ganga Persaud, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, who emphasized that the bank is a product of the economic hub that has been

developing in Lethem. The bank was commissioned on Saturday and would be open for business today. He said a number of things are happening in the Rupununi, highlighting the cross border trade between Guyanese and Brazilians; movement of people across borders; collaboration of governments; and value added products being made in the district. According to the Minister, Rupununi residents are moving their

development with diversifying their economic activities, particularly with the management of land space. He said savannahs which were once used for primarily ranching are now converted to farm lands. According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh said, “today we see a financial services sector that has proven that it is well-managed with sound, stable and strong institutions, and it is no

accident that at a time when the global and regional economy have been put to the most severe test in living memory, financial institutions operating in Guyana have withstood the regional and external developments, have remained strong and have been an outstanding example.” He said that Republic Bank is a regional leader in financial services across the Caribbean, and since its entry (Continued on page 9)

man more than once. They said that ranks had shot De Florimonte when he attempted to evade them, but they made no effort to find the man and render assistance. They said that five policemen came for De Florimonte with a man who reportedly had an altercation with the deceased. De Florimonte and several others were said to be “liming” at a variety shop at the time, when he was identified to the armed ranks. The residents said De Florimonte attempted to evade the ranks by jumping into a nearby gutter but the police shot at him and he surrendered. They added that he came out of the gutter and ‘braced’ a gate leading to the neighour’s house. They said as he leaned against the gate it opened and the police may have assumed that the he wanted to run away so another round was reportedly fired at De Florimonte. They said the Sparendaam

resident then ran into the neighbour’s yard and the ranks fired more gunshots at him. They said it was believed that the deceased had crossed over the trench behind the clump of bushes and onto another street in the area, but no one knew that De Florimonte had in fact remained wounded in the neighbour’s back yard. A search party was being mobilized for the deceased, when he was found two days later. Neighbours noticed a foul smell coming from their back yard and after checks were made, the decomposing body was discovered. Other witnesses including neighbours, friends and alleged eyewitnesses to the shooting are expected to give evidence come next month.

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Kaieteur News

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

Editorial

THE PLIGHT OF HOMOSEXUALS Homosexuality is viewed by many in Guyana and the wider world as a curse. The result is that there are many homophobic people around and these make life difficult for the people who, though no fault of their own, must suffer discrimination. And the hostility will never disappear because it is human nature to abhor what is perceived to be the abnormal. What is most revealing is that people who are believed to be among the intelligent hold such strong views. This is possible because there are the so-called experts who also add to the confusion with findings that actually hold no basis in truth and fiction. At present, in the United States, there is a legal battle against an organization that professed to cure homosexuality. Chief among the curers of homosexuality are the people who deem themselves to be Christian. And they have a platform. Apple, the computer and Iphone giant is providing a platform. Mail Online reports, “Computer firm Apple has approved an iPhone and iPad application which claims to ‘cure’ gay people. “The app, called Exodus International, is targeted at ‘homosexual strugglers’ and teaches them that gay people have a choice about their sexuality. “Its Christian makers claim the app gives them a chance of ‘freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus’. The free programme, which is available in Britain, was given four out of five stars by Apple, which means it is deemed to have ‘no objectionable content’. “But the computing giant is now under pressure after gay rights campaigners started a petition to have it withdrawn. “U.S. pressure group Change.org said that Exodus’ claims are ‘hateful and bigoted’ and send out an appalling message.” Then there is another practice called conversion therapy. Conversion therapy has been a source of intense controversy in the United States and other countries. The American Psychiatric Association has condemned “psychiatric treatment, such as reparative or conversion therapy which is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her sexual homosexual orientation.” But this is by no means the end of the drive to prove that homosexuals should not exist among us. Four gay men who underwent treatment designed to change their sexual orientation filed a lawsuit in New Jersey on Tuesday accusing their therapists of fraud, in what may be the first suit of its kind against conversion therapists. Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing (JONAH), a Jersey City-based non-profit organization, falsely claimed to be able to eliminate the four men’s homosexual desires through a scientifically proven process, according to a complaint filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey. JONAH clients would pay a minimum of $100 for weekly individual counseling sessions and another $60 for group therapy sessions. This matter is before the courts and there would be some interesting revelations. Doctors and other medical experts would be testifying and in the end there are going to be some interesting rulings which should also have far-reaching effects in Guyana where there is the widely held view that there should be no discrimination. Recently, a local group, SASOD, published the findings on the treatment of gays in the Caribbean. Guyana is featured prominently. Indeed, policemen have been known to take a course of action when the matter involves gays, sometimes in a manner that would make the most ardent jurist blush. But it is the action of the church that must come under scrutiny. To discriminate against gays is to do exactly what the Lord does not advocate. Church members believe that homosexuality is a new phenomenon when in fact it is as old as mankind. The church believes that homosexuals are wicked when scientists say that they are just another group of people in the human chain. And so it is that the national Assembly would be going to vote on the issue. This vote would not be along party lines. It would be a conscience vote. There would be demonstrations and all this would mean is that those who profess to be democratic would be seeking to impose their will on others.

Monday October 21, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news

Chris Ram and the Kaieteur News dishonestly misrepresented a conversation for their own narrow gains DEAR EDITOR, I notice Lallbachan Christopher Ram has called for the disbarment of my sister Jaya Manickchand for a Facebook post she made. Kaieteur News also, in an Editorial lacking in depth and proper analysis, hallmarks of good Editorials, was critical of what they represent to be her comments. Both Ram and Kaieteur News were grossly dishonest in presenting only part of what Jaya said and that is simply reprehensible. To put the matter in context, three young men were shot by the Police and killed. The Guyana Police says in a public official statement that these men are all on bail for various gun crimes and has produced guns and ammunition and wigs (which were carried as photographs in the newspapers and would have helped to inform views). The police further said that the men were going to use those guns and bullets in a planned robbery. The police said that they, the police, were under attack from the men who refused to surrender and in order to defend themselves and protect the victim of the planned robbery, they shot the men.

Some newspapers have reported that eyewitnesses, some of whom are relatives of the men, have said that the men are good young men, who do not get into anyone’s way and that they were merely going about their business that night, were not resisting arrest but were simply put to lie down and executed by the police. They say this was police brutality and extra judicial killings. There are some who choose to believe the eyewitness accounts and indeed they have that freedom, and will believe that the men were executed. They could, if they were malicious and/or have other ill motives, twist Jaya’s comments to mean that all persons suspected of crime should be killed by the police, thus ignoring the presumption of innocence upon which our jurisprudence is based. This is what Lallbachan Christopher Ram and the Editorial of the Kaieteur News have done. Those, on the other hand, who believe the police’s accounts, and indeed they too have that freedom, would find it easy to defend the police’s actions. The police have the human, fundamental

and constitutionally guaranteed right, and duty, to defend themselves and others by using reasonable force (and this would include lethal force). If, as the police said, these men were in the process of committing a robbery, the police were duty bound to stop that. If, in the process of stopping that, they came under fire from the men, then they are constitutionally entitled to return fire. The Kaieteur News Editorial vapidly and in a wanting analysis failed to make this point. Clearly, Jaya believed the Police’s version of the story and is entitled to hold the view that she held. Why do I say it is clear she held this view? On the same issue, in the much publicised ongoing conversations, here is what she publicly said “…Ok…., for argument’s sake. If someone enters your home with a gun pointing to you and you also have a gun, close enough to access, what will you do? Think about it and see if you will hold their hand and take them to the police station for the report to be taken for them to be taken to court... or worse, think if a bandit opens fire on your family and you have the

opportunity to call the police or access your firearm… defend yourself and family, what will you do?...” I find it amazing that Ram and his cohorts believe they have a right to believe one side of the account, and indeed they do have that right, but would deny the right of another to believe the other account of the story. Please note that Ram and the writer of the Kaieteur News Editorial, who are saying that she is flouting the rule of law and is celebrating extra judicial activity, have baptised themselves with the right to believe one version of accounts, the version that says the men were innocently executed. Yet they have want to wrest from Jaya the right to form her own and differing view. This is the democracy they would foist on us if they had that chance. To add more context to the Facebook post and to expose Ram’s dishonesty and the unbalanced nature of the Kaieteur News Editorial, on the same issue, Jaya publicly said in the SAME on-going conversations, the following: “I am AGAINST extra judicial killings ….. I am FOR Continued on page 6

Your Worship, In 1992 We Voted for Change not an Exchange DEAR EDITOR, In the Saturday October 19th edition of the Kaieteur News, His Worship the Mayor penned a letter that once again furnished the nation with the modus operandi of the PNC/APNU. This should serve to strengthen our resolve to ensure that the PNC/APNU never regain the reigns of political leadership in Guyana. Having been overwhelmingly defeated at that monumental October 5th 1992 polls after ensuring that Guyana was handed a most corrupt, inept and brutal period of dictatorship for twenty eight years, Hamilton Green wrote this, “When Cheddi Jagan and I spoke, I complimented him, for him and the PPP accepting the concept or notion of the shared governance. And said it would be noble of the PPP to put this policy in place in circumstances where they were victorious and not only where they were the losers. I told him that I would agree, provided the idea would apply to Boards,

Commissions, the Diplomatic service and even the cabinet. That was the end of our conversation.” The information above is quite revealing and is a clear manifestation that, regardless of the lexical metamorphosis they may have undergone, the PNC remains the same oppressive, authoritarian power-hungry entity as we know it. His Worship validates the position that the PPP/C has always been open to the concept of shared governance-this should not be equated with attaining power through the backdoor as the PNC/APNU outfit would like. Here we see that the Father of our Nation, the embodiment of magnanimity, Dr. Cheddi Jagan after having been deliberately removed and kept out of political office by the now vanquished PNC, made an offer for the rotation of Mayors for a three-year period – “First year GGG, Second year PNC and Third year PPP.” But this wasn’t enough for the power hungry

Hamilton Green who was trying to come to grips with losing political power. He wanted more; he wanted the same to be applied to Boards, Commissions, the Diplomatic Service and cabinet. We should bear in mind that when the PPP/C won the 1992 elections, Dr. Jagan adopted a policy of altruism vis-à-vis his presidency, thereby allowing Public Servants to remain in their positions though ninety five (95%) percent of them were affiliated to the PNC. These would include those on the State Boards, Commissions and the Diplomatic Service. We should be cognizant of the fact the under the PNC dictatorship, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the flagship Ministry of the despotic regime. Many within the Opposition are erudite enough to point out that during that time Guyana’s Foreign Service was the envy of the CARICOM countries. In fact a lot of prestige was given to those who were employed in the Foreign Service. During that period, only those sympathetic to the

regime were employed in the Foreign Service, in fact many of the staff who were at clerical level at that time have now become policy makers and are part of the decision making apparatus of the Ministry. Many of them were visible during Opposition campaigns in previous elections. In relation to the Cabinet positions, it is clear that the PNC was not prepared to cede power. They wanted to be placed in the corridors of power recklessly using the term shared governance. How could they have served in a PPP/C cabinet while being diametrically opposed to the social and economic policies of the PPP/C? They wanted a marriage without courtship. This would have been the trickery used by the PNC to continue to keep their hands on power. Dr. Jagan offered Hamilton Green a yard, he wanted a mile. Your Worship, we voted in 1992 for a change in Government, we voted for the PPP/C, not for an exchange. Baldeo Mathura

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

DR. JANGH BAHADUR SINGH’S ADVICE TO DR. CHEDDI JAGAN IN EARLY 1948

DEAR EDITOR, I first read Dr Cheddi Jagan’s, “ West on Trial,” when I was 14 years old and I was somewhat puzzled by Dr Jagan’s boast that he had put a shovel man named Fred Bowman to run against Dr Jangh Bahadur Singh in the 1953 elections and that Bowman had defeated Dr J B Singh. It was not until I read Dr Mohan Ragheer’s, “The Indelible Red Stain,” that I understood Dr Jagan’s motive. In an interview with Dr Ragheer in 1950 for Queens College’s Lictor newspaper, Dr Jagan still felt slighted by his first Georgetown host in mid 1930’s for making him cut grass for the goats, his second host for making him sleep on the floor, and resentment for Capt Nobbs, the QC Principal for placing him in First Form. It looked like Dr Jagan was prone to hold grudges, even imaginary ones, and he might have had one against Dr J B Singh. Dr J B Singh had in early 1948 imparted some advice to the two youngest Indian politicians, Dr Jagan and

Jainarain Singh. As regarded the electoral prospects, Dr J B Singh had this to say, “The biggest danger now is for Indians to push too hard, before the Blacks can be conditioned to accept an Indian victory in any future election. Anyone who can command the Indian vote when universal suffrage comes…anyone who gets the rural Indians to vote for him will win the next elections. It’s simple arithmetic. But you must get the Negro vote too, including their middle class; good politicians learn to put pragmatism over more intellectualisms.” Dr J B Singh on race relations, “So go easy; we can bring the Negroes to our side if we act smart..we have four maybe five years to bring them to our side; to do that we have to work smart, have the right platform to grab both Indians and Blacks so that they don’t fight one another, there’s enough in this land for everyone; let’s tell them that, and show them that; show them that we can

be ourselves, keep our cultures, yet work and grow together, just as we play cricket together, compete, win and lose and yet have a drink afterwards.” Dr J B Singh on courting the masses only, “True, the masses will make you win. But they won’t make you govern, not if you want to run a successful and prosperous country in which they too can have a fair chance to reach for the top. You need the educated, the men and women with brains and money, thinkers, planners, professionals, men of business…This country is too small to afford to lose even one good brain. So we need all talent on our side. We have to choose our language and ideology accordingly in order to get all races on our side; we must get the Negroes, at least half of them.” Dr J B Singh had some caustic words for Dr Jagan, “I know you left our Association in a huff, but that is your weakness, not the Association’s; the Association is people, many with conflicting views, all

legitimate; that’s democracy. It is possible to influence views and direction but you wished to do that by diktat, not reason and discourse; you wanted to manoeuvre a bulldozer as if it is a motorcycle; you wished us to accept overnight your blind belief that Communism answers all questions, and that alignment with Stalin who gets his way by murdering his opponents and dissenters will be superior to dealing democratically with the world. How naïve you are; no wonder thinking people feel you are a mere pawn in somebody else’s chess game!” Dr J B Singh was not done yet,” You’re are fond of using words like ‘imperialism’ ‘reactionary’, ‘struggle’, ‘militant’, ‘dialectic’ and so on , as if you invented them and the rest of us are ignorant. Think of them closely. Life is a series of compromises and adjustments that can go in any direction; so is politics…If we rush to overthrow and radicalize –

to use Communist rhetoricwe will win quick in the short term with communist promises of everything for free but that would be a disaster, because we don’t have the money to do that, not unless your superiors in Moscow pay you big to give them a footing here. But you must know that the Brits and Yanks will not tolerate a Communist state here.”

I guess Dr Jagan did get his revenge in 1953 when the shovel man defeated the Indian doyen of British Guiana politics but history had proven that Dr J B Singh was absolutely correct and that Dr Cheddi Jagan was dead wrong in his communist mantras and at what devastating consequences for Guyana even seventy five years later. Malcolm Harripaul

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Kaieteur News

Monday October 21, 2013

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

Is an emphasis on Portuguese in our long term benefit? DEAR EDITOR, The October 18th, 2013 issue of this newspaper featured an article titled ‘Portuguese launched as modem language in five secondary schools.’ The

article outlined efforts by the Ministry of Education to place greater emphasis on the Portuguese language in our schools. I understand the historical importance the Portuguese made towards

this land. I am in agreement that Guyana must be a part of the ‘Global Village’ the honourable Minister speaks about as globalization takes root; but perhaps there

should be greater pressure on our school systems to teach English proficiently, both the spoken and written word. Every Guyanese child deserves a sound understanding and ability in

Chris Ram and the Kaieteur News dishonestly... From page 4 any POLICE OR CITIZEN defending themselves from bandits and murderers….it matters not what race, religion and creed the bandits are from...” “..…I am not going to say ever that I condone all actions by the police because I do not. I will say however, The Police has EVERY DUTY and RIGHT to defend themselves and to protect innocent citizens... look, I can go on here but you people are bent on seeing this one way so you have expressed your views and I have expressed mine....” In the context of the above, and more that was published, when she said she

was glad that the men were dead, it is clear that she believes that the police were under attack and, in the shootout, the men were killed. If this is what happened, and what is important, is that she believed so when she made those statements and she is entitled to believe whichever account she chooses, this would not be a denial of anyone’s rights and would not in any way breach that sacred presumption of innocence rule. The constitution would have allowed the action taken by the police. It is interesting to note that Jaya was not the only lawyer commenting on that

issue who held these views that showed a belief in the police’s version of the story. Yet she was the only lawyer singled out as a subject of Ram’s vitriol and in his call for disbarment and in the Kaieteur News Editorial. I hope the picture is becoming clear to all. Ram and his friends call for the removal of Geetanjali Singh, wife of Ashni Singh. They call for the removal of Marcia Nadir, daughter of Manzoor Nadir. They now call for the disbarment of Jaya Manickchand, sister of Priya Manickchand. They are, however, conspicuously silent on the conflict of

interest to which (Nigel) Hughes has confessed. They are silent on the matter where a Court of competent jurisdiction has determined that there was an improper relationship enjoyed between a defence lawyer and the foreman of the jury in the trial for the Lusignan Massacre. No call for disbarment there! This pattern of targeting the family members of persons who have exercised their constitutional right to affiliate with a political party, to wit, the PPP/C, and to believe in and serve the people of Guyana through the PPP/C, is disgusting and must be rejected. Priya Manickchand

our mother tongue to facilitate equal opportunity. The implications of the Ministry are that teaching Portuguese is the natural course of action due to our proximity to Brazil. While Brazil has shown itself to be a friend of our country, binding ourselves to the periphery of Brazil is another issue altogether. We must not lose the distinctiveness we as an English speaking, Caribbean nation have on this continent. Guyana has the potential to play a leading role in greater regional integration for CARICOM. It is my belief that based on this potential the government should be doing more with regards to offering more to opportunities in diplomacy as well as translation and not decreasing studies in languages deemed less important. Emphasis must also be placed on Dutch, Spanish and yes French if we are to

truly benefit from our position in the region while maintaining our identity; something a Caribbean Union fosters. The argument against this will always be, where will we find people to teach such things? My answer to this is simple though it may seem arrogant; Is that not what the government is for? The efforts by the Ministry and Minister Manickchand have good intentions but more must be done to foster a better sense of self that Guyanese have towards their nationality, through the English language we speak and culture we possess. I do not believe the current emphasis publicized is necessarily the way to approach the necessity of regional alignment/ integration. However, it is possible while continuing towards a confederated Caribbean, which I believe, is where our future lies. Brandon Cheong

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Thomasina Benn is an enterprising and independent woman - a hobby that became a business Adding the finishing touches to one of her creations.

By Enid Joaquin Thomasina Benn is not your average senior citizen. Like good wine, this lady has simply mellowed with age, and gotten better at her craft, which is making and decorating cakes. Today at seventy plus, she is still very much the same enterprising and independent woman, that she was fifty years ago. Her focus these days however, is primarily on managing her internet and stationary business, and baking and icing cakes. And that is what makes Thomasina unique- her ability to manage two businesses at a time in her life, when most women her

age would be relaxing. But that is nothing strange, as Thomasina has always been involved in more than one economic ventures at a time. She began by making garments for family, friends and customers. Then she started making cakes and icing them. These two activities, she pointed out, greatly supplemented the family’s income. “I started sewing first, though, since I was in school. I used to sew doll’s clothes for my friends, and charged them a penny apiece. So you see I started to earn from an early age. Later, after I left school, I started to sew for myself and

later family and friends.” Thomasina proudly admits that she taught herself to sew, as well as bake and ice cakes. “I was living with my elder sister, who used to sew and bake and ice cakes, so I used to look at her, and I learnt just from looking. My first icing thimbles, I made them myself, using cardboard, which I cut out and shaped, because my sister never wanted me to use her thimbles.” She would practice with those cardboard thimbles, until she could afford her own. Today Thomasina has acquired all the paraphernalia that she needs. And boy, does she practice! Looking at her creations,

Struck by lightning, but alive and well by God’s grace These days, Lindie Mendonca views lightning and thunder with much more awe and some amount of trepidation. Now the fierce flashes of lightning, and ear splitting claps of thunder, that seem to have become more prevalent in this region will forever remind her of her near death experience, almost a year ago. The day had begun as usual, bright and sunny. So after completing some household chores, Lindie decided to do the family laundry. For this West Watooka woman, laundering meant taking the piles of dirty

clothes, down to the nearby riverside. After she had finished that task, the next step was of course to hang the laundry out to dry. Lindie was however never able to complete that chore. “I had just started to hang out (the clothing), when the clouds suddenly became dark, and all I see was this terrible blinding flash. At the time I was about to hang out another piece, but as soon as my hand touch the line, I was hit by a force I can’t describe.” Lindie was hurled off her feet, and fell crumpled to the ground, as she lost consciousness.

“When I regained consciousness, I was in the hospital, where my husband had taken me. My entire right side felt dead, like I was paralyzed-I couldn’t feel anything on that side.” She would spend several days in the hospital recuperating; then later had to join the physiotherapy department, where she had to learn to walk all over again. “I became like a baby ; my daughter had to everything for me- bathe me, dress me and everything. It was bad, I never thought I would walk again, and there Continued on page 18

I was simultaneously awestruck and humbled. Humbled because, I had always felt that I was some sort on authority on creativity; but now I had to admit, this lady certainly took the cake, when it came to creativity. Thomasina seems to breathe creativity, and over the years that preoccupation has translated into dollars. She is so creative that in 2003, her cake was adjudged the best at exhibition at Le Meridian, Pegasus in Georgetown. The exhibition

was organized by an internationl organization called the International Cake Exploration Society. “My cake won, because of my creativity and my neatness, the judges said. The piece I did was of a church on the top of a hill, and I got the inspiration for it while I was sitting at my sewing machine; so right away, I got up and started working on it. That exhibition would result in Thomasina joining the International Cake Exploration Society.

“My current passion is cake decorating and the making of sugar flowers. I don’t know where this journey will take me, but at the moment, I’m trying to get as much as I can out of this, and I’m enjoying every moment of it”. Presently, apart from enjoying her lifelong hobby, which also earns her some money, Thomasina is also the proud proprietor and Manager of “Ebusiness”, an internet, stationary and document Centre at 191 Wisroc, Linden.

Speeding biker loses hand in three-vehicle smash up - others injured

One of the damaged vehicles. A speeding motorcyclist suffered a severed right hand, while several other commuters were also injured during a four-vehicle smashup that occurred at around 20:00 hrs yesterday on the Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice Public Road. Travis Semple, 28, of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, had to undergo emergency surgery at the Fort Wellington Hospital to remove his mangled limb. He was subsequently transferred by ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, along with his friend, Abocy Lynch, 28, also of Hopetown, West Berbice, who suffered a broken right leg. At least four others were treated at the Fort Wellington Hospital. It is unclear which man was the pillion rider.

According to reports, Lynch and Semple were travelling at a fast rate on motorcycle CG 8402, and were attempting to overtake a line of cars heading east, when they collided with a car, PMM 4719. This resulted in the car veering out of its lane, and slamming into a black Premio, PMM 8207, which was heading in the same direction as the motorcyclists. The Premio is registered to Wesley Saunders of Barron Street, Republic Park, East Bank Demerara, and was being driven by his wife, Marisska. There were four other occupants, and they were all injured. As of press time, the extent of their injuries was not clear. The victims were rushed to the Fort Wellington

Hospital after which Lynch and Semple were transported to the Georgetown Public Health facility. Additionally, a wagon was also hit but the driver, along with his two children, wife, and brother-in-law escaped with minor injuries. The motorcycle was towed to the Fort Wellington Police Station compound.

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Monday October 21, 2013

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Insurers call for emergency meeting of Parliament over Money Laundering Law The Insurance Association of Guyana has called for the 65 Members of the National Assembly, to convene an emergency session to consider the amendments to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism. The body in a public missive yesterday said that in light of the immediacy of the

issue the Parliament should treat the matter as a national emergency, which must take precedence over any domestic or political issues given that failing to do so, “threatens the viability and integrity of our financial sector and the well being of this nation.” The Association in its plea said, “We hereby request an emergency convening of

…say Guyana totters on the brink of financial disaster the Parliament for the singular purpose of addressing the technical issues associated with the Bill to allow its urgent and immediate passage into law.” The amendments to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill are currently

Dem boys seh

De police got fuh get cuss De police can’t please some people and as old people always seh, de devil got a friend. When de criminals got people busy dem same people does cuss de police. When de police decide that dem gun get busy wid de criminals de people does cuss de police. Three young men who use to torment de police get shoot and kill; some people seh that de police right and some feel that de police wrang. De same police did run in to one of dem young men a time and de li’l boy did tek way he gun. Anyhow, is one big story because a lawyer seh that he agree wid de police fuh shooting dem. Dem boys seh that dem ain’t getting in de

story because dem know that win or lose de police gun get cuss. And talking bout cuss, a li’l boy drive a truck and kill four people. Dem boys want to know how this boy get a licence fuh drive a truck because he is only 19. Of course de police seh that de boy get he licence fair and square but it got to be that he didn’t do de test. If he did do de test he woulda never overtake unless de coast was clear. Is not that he was driving a left hand drive vehicle and couldn’t see in front of de other vehicle. De judge who feel that sentencing people to a hanging is a waste of time should get a partner in de magistrate court who gun jail

people who do stupidness pun de road. And de sentence got to be serious— so much year fuh this and suh much year fuh that and so on. None of de sentence must run concurrently. That is de kind of sentence some country gun impose pun Guyana fuh not having money laundering legislation. That is a serious thing because is no money from IDB, no money from World Bank and any money coming from China got to come through de back door. Dem boys seh that de money that come through de backdoor gun flow like how de water flowing right now down Amaila. Talk half and watch fuh more stupidness.

Republic Bank’s Lethem... Republic Bank Lethem branch

(From page 3) in Guyana, it has contributed in a very significant way to raising the standards in the country’s financial services sector, introducing new products, improving quality of service and improving access to services across the 10 administrative regions. He explained that the fact that the bank has been expanding in the manner in which it has in Guyana, speaks volumes of its confidence in the country’s economic future. Construction of the

$185M edifice commenced in November 2012, and it will be opened for business from October 21 with a staff complement of eight highlyskilled professionals. Republic Bank’s Managing Director, John Alves said that the decision to extend their services to the Region Nine community was guided by their strategic plan for continued expansion. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Bank’s Board of Directors, Nigel Baptiste spoke of the promise fulfilled and vision realised. He said that the

opening of the Lethem Branch is a clear demonstration of the bank’s continuing commitment as a partner in the economic and financial development of all corners of Guyana. “Our vision for expansion is strongly aligned with the trends shaping the local, regional and global economies. Among local developments are increased opportunities for home ownership and expanding small and medium businesses…” Baptiste pointed out.

before a Parliamentary Special Select Committee. That Committee is slated to meet today to continue consideration of the proposed amendments. The Insurance Association said that Guyana is currently on the verge of being blacklisted with the effects being immediately felt in the financial sector. The body said that should Guyana be blacklisted for failing to meet the requirements of the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF), “insurance and banking transactions will become nearly impossible.” It explained that “without the global acceptance of risk, a small country with limited insurance bearing capacity, such as Guyana, cannot effectively insure the country’s assets.” The Insurance Association explained too that should Guyana be blacklisted, “all commerce requiring life, health, motor, cargo, marine, aircraft, liability, accident, fire and

catastrophic loss insurance will be severely restricted.” The body said the issuance of all financial instruments will be impaired as a result of being blacklisted. “Bankers will be unable to effect simple letters of credit…Simple essentials of life will become scarce commodities,” the Insurance Association said and cited as example fuel. According to the body, all financial services will be severely affected as will every form of commerce supported by a healthy financial sector. The Association warned that “indeed, this process has already begun and the financial sector is replete with incidents of heavily increased global scrutiny of otherwise ordinary transactions.” “A heavy toll will be exacted from the people of our nation…Every man, woman and child will suffer.” The Insurance Association of Guyana in its plea to having the amendments to the legislation

enacted, said that there is nothing in the recommendations which threatens the sovereignty or integrity of the nation. “Yet it remains ungratified to date as our country totters on the brink of financial disaster which blacklisting will surely bring.” In presenting a background to the recommendations by the international body, the Association explained that the global phenomenon of the proceeds of criminality laundered through the established legitimate financial systems of the world and utilized to finance terrorism and other criminal activity, has long engaged the collective attention of the governments of the world. “These activities have threatened to destabilize the entire governments and have had devastating and debilitating impact globally costing economies of the world billions of dollars in terms of destruction of property, loss of life and Continued on page 16

Monday October 21, 2013

My mother send me to school, The teacher call me a fool, Put me behind a blind, And then I started to wine, Wine, wine, wine Wine like a ball of twine. The widespread belief that because ice and snow are extremely important to Eskimos they have about a hundred words for them (ice that has just formed, snow that has just fallen, cold ice, hard ice, ice-in-your-ice) has always struck me as being eminently sensible. Whether it is an urban myth or it is true, I admire the practical approach of the Inuit people to life and language almost as much as their practice of allowing guests to sleep with their wives because of the need for extra warmth, as well to break the ice, so to speak. Whether the iceman cometh or not does not matter in those frigid climes and climbs.

Kaieteur News

This is why I have always been surprised that although wine matters enormously to us and we recognise that there are different degrees and distinctions of excellence and variety, artistic prowess, variations in circularity and convolutedness, we just casually dismiss the entire field of glory with the expression “a wine is a wine.” We say a good wine needs no bush and the French and some fashionable ladies will agree. We talk about old wine in new bottles and that too is valid in this age of plastic surgery. However, we never had different words for the wide variety of Caribbean wines and I have always believed that we were missing something important in our lexicon. There have been many Carnivals in my life and I have seen a spectrum of wines that warrant classification, cataloguing and linguistic

exactitude. You look at the Byron Lee dancers and compare them with the Antiguans, Barbadians, Guyanese and other Caribbean people and it is easy to see they are not the same in either delivery or decorum. There were some things that Lord Kitchener’s Flag Woman could do that prompted a genuine wine of astonishment. Given the impurity of my thoughts I could be in Limbo in my afterlife but that would only evoke and conjure up the superior skills of Julia Edwards and her troupe. Now the Oxford Dictionary and Miley Cyrus have come up with a name and definition for at least one species of the genus “wine” that is very long overdue. It is “twerk”. If you Ask Oxford what is a “twerk” it will reply, “dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip

Repairs to Soesdyke Linden Highway soon

Soesdyke Linden Highway

Improvements along the Soesdyke Linden Highway are expected to commence shortly with repairs to the surface of the roadway and bridges and installation of street lights. Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon at his postCabinet press briefing on Thursday said Cabinet gave its no-objection to the award of contracts to improve the structure, which was constructed from 1966 to 1968 and has therefore been in use for 45 years. According to Dr. Luncheon, rehabilitation of sections of the Soesdyke Linden Highway covering Regions Four and Ten is expected to commence

shortly to tune of $67.9M. Meanwhile, in September last Cabinet also gave its noobjection to the rehabilitation of several sections of the highway to the tune of $57.5M. He stated that a contract for carrying out emergency repairs to five log bridges along the highway was also approved. Those works would be done to the tune of

$16.439M. Sections of the stretch would also be illuminated with the installation of street lights. The street lights installation is part of an initiative to illuminate the Abary Bridge and from Number 44 to Number 52 Villages along the Corentyne. The aggregate total for the street light contracts is $31.5M.

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movements and a low, squatting stance.” When we “wined down to the ground” during the Carnival parade or in a party, something that we have been doing since the Universe first shook and before the big bang, we were “twerking” and we did not know it. It takes an English Dictionary and a young American woman to enlighten us and she has done it with a gusto that takes wardrobe malfunctions in its stride or wine or whatever. Miley (Destiny Hope) Cyrus, born in 1992, used to be what Americans call a “teen idol” and sold a lot of merchandise as “Hannah Montana”. Now she is even hotter merchandise and has become one of Hollywood’s richest women. According to CNN, “Lady Gaga has taken the MTV Video Music Awards stage covered in (fake) blood; wearing a dress made of meat (Preview) and as her male alter-ego, Jo Calderone. But at the 2013 MTV VMAs, Miley Cyrus stole Gaga’s outrageous performance crown. While Gaga came equipped with multiple costume- and wigchanges on her side, Cyrus took over the stage with gigantic, dancing bears and

more twerking than viewers at home probably knew what to do with. The 20-year-old pop star stepped out onto the stage a ball of energy, wearing a fuzzy gray leotard, as her hit single, “We Can’t Stop,” played. An animated and uninhibited performer, Cyrus’ dance moves were a clear departure from her ‘Hannah Montana’ days. (Meaning, they involved a crotch grab or two.) When she reached the end of her song, the singer stripped down to a fleshtoned latex bra and matching underwear and began to perform “Blurred Lines” alongside Robin Thicke… ‘Miley better get a ... pregnancy test after all of that grinding,’ joked comedian Kevin Hart during the show.” While a lot of people were disappointed, angry and shocked, Paul McCartney said he did not understand what all the fuss was about. “C’mon, we’ve seen worse than that!” the former Beatle told Sky News. Worse than that came next and “Yahoo! OMG!” flashed

a piece from “The Juice”, “Miley Cyrus and the ultimate no knickers wardrobe malfunction, inadvertently flashes her foof on national TV.” The comment was, “There are some things you shouldn’t look at but just can’t help it and this is one of them. The poor lamb was twerking away as per on the Today Show (yes, as in it is on in the day) when the ultimate disaster happened. Her shorts gave way to reveal a rather stubbly inner thigh and what we think to be a hint of foof. It’s times like this we blimmin’ glad we aren’t a pop star who is quite literally photographed from every possible angle. However, saying that if we were to be photographed from every single angle we probably would wear slightly bigger shorts.” Or maybe a smaller foof, whatever that is. *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that until the Oxford Dictionary comes out with the meaning he is in the dark about what a foof is.

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Kaieteur News

Monday October 21, 2013

GPHC begins observance of Quality & Infection weeks simultaneously

GPHC’s Quality Improvement Manager, Yolanda Renville With a focus on improving quality care while at the same time boosting its capabilities in the area of infection prevention and control, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday commenced a week (October 20 - 26) of activities. Moreover, the week will be characterised by the commemoration of National Health Care Quality Week, which is being observed under the theme ‘Communicating Quality – The voice for health care improvement’, and Infection, Prevention and Control Week. The latter observance will

embrace the theme ‘Pass it on – Infection, prevention and control matters.” Both sets of activities will be held simultaneously, according to GPHC’s Quality Improvement Manager, Yolanda Renville, who disclosed that both areas fall under the umbrella of Quality Improvement. And in order to ensure that the commemorations have the desired impact, the public hospital will be collaborating with the Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). The planned activities, according to Renville, kicked off with a fitness walk yesterday which started at the Ministry of Health, headed to the GPHC and culminated at the National Park. Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran, along with representatives from PAHO and CDC, were among those accompanying top management and off-duty staffers of the public hospital during the walk. Members of the public were also invited to participate as well, Renville intimated. Details on the agenda of activities for this week are

The fitness walk to mark the start of the week of activities. media programmes to emphasise the importance of quality improvement, and infection, prevention and control which understandably extends to the importance of occupational safety and health, said the Quality Improvement Manager. Moreover, the media programmes, according to her,

will see presentations by officials from the Georgetown School of Nursing and the Chest Clinic. Renville pointed out that since the Chest Clinic has the technical role of tuberculosis prevention the intention is not only to

help persons who would have been infected but also those who are newly diagnosed with the communicable disease. “They (Chest Clinic) have to know how to treat those patients and at the same time enlighten employees who

Insurers call for... From page 9 human suffering…indeed proceeds of crime are now utilized in the promotion of armed conflict and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.” It is for this reason that in 1989 in Paris, France at the summit of the G7 nations, the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) was formed to combat the problem. The formation of the body led to the eventual formation of a number of recommendations to be adopted by governments globally. Failing to adopt the recommendations would see countries being placed on a FATF blacklist placing that country under intense financial pressure. “Essentially, global financial transactions of the blacklisted country are no longer accepted or accepted only after intense scrutiny by the rest of the world’s financial markets…Incomprehensively, Guyana is on the verge of being blacklisted.”

have to be in contact with them (patients) over and over on how to protect themselves,” explained Renville. The week of activities will also entail similar presentations at the GPHCoperated health centres at Kitty, Campbellville, Industry and the Enmore PolyClinic. According to the GPHC Manager, “if we prevent and control infections, the patients are safer and our staffers are safe as well...and the bigger goal is to deliver quality care.” And perhaps the grandest commemorative activity for the week will be an infection prevention and control awareness exhibition at the hospital’s East Street, Georgetown, car park. This activity, according to Renville, will not only allow members of the public to be vaccinated against various forms of infection but it will also showcase some of the work that is done at the GPHC in this regard Renville insisted that once efforts are made across the board to embrace and engage measures to improve both quality care and infection, prevention and control the GPHC will be in a better place in terms of its operation. “If we get those two right then what we are aiming for can be achieved,” said Renville, as she disclosed that “we have been trying in many areas and in many ways to improve our operation.” In fact she noted that moves have been made, for instance, to appoint a safety and health officer who is tasked with dealing directly with staffers with a view of e n s uring that they are properly attired for the job with personal protective gears which include: masks, gloves and gowns.

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Another young Berbician admitted to the Bar Monique Ramsaran of Shoe Lane, New Amsterdam was recently admitted to the Bar. The petition for the 23year- old lawyer was made by Attorney-at-Law, Ramesh Rajkumar to the Hon. Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Berbice Supreme Court of Judicature. She attended St. Aloysius Primary, after which she pursued secondary education at the President’s College, where she obtained nine passes at the CSEC Exams. She graduated with her Bachelor of Law Degree at the University of Guyana (UG) after which she obtained her Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School this past September. Becoming a lawyer, she said, “has always been a dream of mine, since I

was a little girl…I always used to tell my father that I wanted to become a lawyer and today I am living that dream.” Ramsaran said that she also has a lot of fun watching the legal dramas on television, including ‘Suits’ and ‘Criminal Minds.’ She stated that coping with the studies was “very interesting.” “You meet new people, and yes, there were struggles— everyone has their own financial struggles—and I must say that my parents worked very hard to support me.” The young lawyer said that she plans to specialize in dealing with civil cases. “At this point, I’m not sure, but I would like to give back to New Amsterdam, if the opportunity is presented; however, if the opportunity is not presented,

I will go to Georgetown.” Having so many women who have recently entered the judiciary, she said, “is a good thing…we need to empower women…to show that women are equally as capable as men!” Being fully aware of the state of Guyana’s judiciary, especially with the present back-log of cases, Ramsaran said that “I will try my best to uphold the ethics of the profession and to be guided by the Code of Conduct— that is my goal; to do the best I can and always be determined to get the job done.” For her successes, she thanked her grandmother, Ismay; Hilda Sulker as well as her parents, Brian and Gloria as well as her siblings and friends.

Monday October 21, 2013 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): That person who's been eyeing you from across the room? Don't you dare stare back, or even crack so much as a grin if you're not interested. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): That person who's been eyeing you from across the room? Don't you dare stare back, or even crack so much as a grin if you're not interested. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): This has been coming for a while, and you're not ashamed to say it. You've just about had it with your current situation, and you want out. Still, you're reluctant to make a move without something solid waiting for you. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Ever notice how you hear from someone you've been thinking about? Well, if you haven't noticed it before, you're definitely going to notice it now. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): Ordinarily, under circumstances like these, you'd probably feel a bit antsy -- no, actually, you'd feel really antsy. As if someone were trying to clip your wings. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): You've made your home a warm, comfortable and welcoming nest. So, of course, everyone always wants to be there with you. Unfortunately, you also love your privacy, and you probably haven't had much of it lately. ********************* LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): Okay, stop resisting and

buckle down already -- do what they want you to do. Why are you having such an issue with authority lately? Maybe it's because you just can't bring yourself to do anything that sounds like a direct order. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): An authority figure who seems to have been less than forthcoming lately is just about ready to come clean and tell you exactly what's been going on. But that's no reason to worry. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 Dec. 21): Think about it: Exactly how long have you been wishing, hoping and actually dreaming about taking off for parts unknown to everyone but you and one lucky companion? .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): As far as you're concerned, this kind of thing only happens in the movies. The war-weary hero or heroine heads home, pulls down the shades and disappears. Fade to black. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18): It's your favorite time -- that's right, party time! It's all about recreation, and it's all just waiting to happen. You have even more good reasons to be happy, too. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20):You've been playing around with a certain hobby for a while, and it's suddenly dawned on you that you really and truly might be able to make a full-time job of this -- or at least a part-time source of income.

Proud moment: The new lawyer with her parents at court after admission proceedings

DTV CHANNEL 8 08:25hrs. Sign On 08:30hrs. This Morning 09:00hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 10:00hrs. Sabrina 11:00hrs. The View 12:00hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:00hrs. World News 13:30hrs. Steve Harvey Show 14:00hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 15:00hrs. The Talk 16:00hrs. Criminal Minds 17:00hrs. Charmed 18:00hrs. World News 18:30hrs. Nightly News 19:00hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00hrs. Channel 8 News 20:30hrs. Dancing with the Stars 23:00hrs. Hostages (New Episode) 00:00hrs. Sign Off NCN CHANNEL 11 05:00hrs – Inspiration 05:30hrs – Newtown Gospel 06:30hrs – BBC 07:00hrs _ Guyana Today 08:00hrs _ Feature 09:00hrs – Stop the Suffering 09:30hrs _ Cartoons 10:00hrs _ Food Networks 11:00hrs _ History 12:00hrs _ CNN 12:30hrs _ NCN Newsbreak 13:35hrs _ Stop & Shop 14:00hrs _ NCN Newsbreak 14:05hrs _ 18 Degrees North (r/b) 15:00hrs _ Feature 16:00hrs _ NCN Newsbreak 16:05hrs _ Disney XD 17:00hrs _ OWN 18:00hrs – NCN News Magazine – Live 18:30hrs – Feature 19:00hrs _ Feature 20:00hrs – 3d/daily millions/ play de dream/lotto draw 20:10hrs _ Nipping it in the Bud - Live 21:05hrs – Feature

21:30hrs _ Stop & Shop 22:00hrs _ NCN Late Edition 22:35hrs – Caribbean

Newsline 23:00hrs _ Matrix.com 23:00hrs _ Movie

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Kaieteur News

Monday October 21, 2013

Specialty Hospital may suffer same fate as Skeldon and Amaila - Ramjattan (From page 19) WANTED GREENHEART AND PURPLE HEART LUMBER – TEL: 653-9752 NPIC now hiring experienced Telemarketing Agents, for full time & part time shifts – Tel: 3295/6 (Diamond - opposite school).

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FOR RENT Liquor Restaurant; 107 Middle Rd Lapenitence – Tel:225-7796. PRIME BUSINESS SPOT LOCATED AT 251 THOMAS STREET LOTS OF LAND SPACE PLUS BUILDINGTHEREON.TEL: 683-4803. House and shop to rent at 66 Broad Street Georgetown – Tel:225-8305,661-7527 Business spots to rent; Vr e e d - E n - H o o p P u b l i c Road – Tel:671-9035, 6701999 3 Hair station, 1 pedicure station, 1 nail station in fully furnished salon with AC @ Middle Rd La Penitence – call: 686-8223, 662-2938 Bouncy castles, inflatable pools, costume characters, gazebos, unbeatable prices – Tel:645-2580 Commercial office space – Contact:223-8479, 647-3768; www.spaceseek.gy Houses & apartments in Kitty, Ogle, Alberttown, Shamrock Gardens, Prashad Nagar, Queenstown etc – Contact:223-8479; 647-3768 www.spaceseek.gy

CAR RENTAL Premio, vitz call: 679-7139 Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 2257126/ 226-3693dollysautorental@yahoo.com/ www.dollysautorental.com

1 Handy Man, 1 Small Engine Mechanic 3yrs experiencecall: 233-2408. Office Clerk: CXC English/ Mathematics- Call:225-0188/ 225-6070 Two guards for a marine company; one manager for a mining company. Attractive salaries. Call 223-7165; 2268645; 223-5180 One domestic to work in the East Bank Area – Tel:6144358 One experienced attractive waitress – 18-25yrs. One experienced cook – 25-50yrs; boarding & lodging free, $50,000 monthly – Tel No :6105043 Experienced sales representatives: Wieting & Richter Ltd. Labourers & Porters: Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd. One general domestic to work EBD area ( Must have a Christian background) – Tel:695-3951 One full time gardener – Monday – Friday – 8:00-4:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday – 8:00-12:00 PM Tel: 621-6006 A Cosmetologist/helper is required – call:223-5451, 2274799 2 Night guards – Tel: 6667734; 611-2706 General Domestic for East Bank Location to work 3 times per week – Call:650-3680, 6432090 Cleaners, driver, canter, porter – must be from the West Coast Dem – Call: 684-8231 ( Preferably from W.C.D) General LABOURER, C A R P E N T E R S , GARDENER, security guards to CARE FOR DOGS, Land of Canaan location, 266-4427

Aidan’s Car Rental & PickupCall: 645-7981/ 698-7807 First Choice Car Rental: Cars as low as $5,000 per day- Call:668-0306/6947817/225-6337 Wings Car Rental- Call: 6874116

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

WANTED One domestic, live in & live out babysitter from 12pm8pm- Call:225-4492 Security guards to work with mining firm- Call:642-7963/ 226-9768 1 Plot of land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie – call:6757292 1 Plot of land to buy in Eccles & Herstelling - $3M offer – Call:675-7292 One domestic cleaner to work- 3 days a week call: 6130836; 10am-5pm, between Cove & John to Unity ECD. Hire car drivers to work in Gem’s Taxi Service Contact:627-9424/227-0638 One Mechanic must know to repair Cummings and Perkins engine – Contact: 681-6044 One experienced welder Contact: 681-6044 One gasoline mechanic must know to fix Rz Hilux, etc – Contact: 681-6044 2- Waitresses & 2 – Bartenders – call:698-0977/ 679-5112 Female to assort goods, apply to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. Experience hire car and minibus drivers, also contract vehicles – call:645-0025 Three Shop attendants; age18 to 30 (yrs) Phone:6984944 Live in waitress- Call:6439007/ 697-2978 Painters/Carpenters Work with Limited Supervision with own tools Tel: 225-0188/ 225-6070 Experienced dispatchers & drivers @ Princess HotelCall:265-7076/616-5419 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 Contract cars- Contact City Taxi Service- 660-1100/2267150 3 Barbers: Address: 1 Smyth & Durban St, Werk-en-Rust: Call: 674-8555 SECURITY GUARD WITH POLICE CLEARANCE AND EXPERIENCE WITH WEAPONS & WATCHMAN FOR NIGHTS. ALSO E X P E R I E N C E D SALESGIRL – TEL:2318529

The new Specialty Hospital that the government intends to build may end up being a Skeldon Sugar Factory that’s overpriced and faulty, according to Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjatan. Ramjatan told Kaieteur News yesterday that while he is not an expert on how Specialty Hospitals are priced, he knows that taking into consideration the corrupt disposition of the government and its propensity for profiting from kickbacks, the specialty hospital may very well be overpriced to cater for that. The contract for the construction and furnishing of the specialized equipment necessary for the hospital was given to Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited of India. According to Ramjatan, he knew of a reputable and legitimate consulting company from India that had built Specialty Hospitals before which submitted a bid for this Surgical Speciality Hospital at a lower price than the one Surendra Engineering provided. Ramjatan said that there is no evidence to date to show that this company ever built a specialty hospital. As such, he said that the company is now “begging” other companies to come on board to aid in the construction. He further posited that the project should be halted, since it mirrors the ‘Fip’ Motilall fiasco, where Motilall was given the contract for the access road and the licence for the construction of Amaila falls Hydro Project. This was despite revelations that Motilall had no knowledge of building Hydro projects. The contract document outlined that “the Contractor [Surendra Engineering] will be required to complete the facilities which will provide a complete range of services and operations including surgeries supported by the latest therapeutic, diagnostic and high end medical equipment with the following:

EDUCATIONAL Private tutor – teaching, reading, writing, grammar at home – Tel:696-7467 Institute Academic Supremacy; East Street, 4 building before Balwant Singh Hospital – Forms 1-5, CXC, adults/classes – Call:226-8468, 690-5008 Learn any language fast – Tel: 695-7595

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjatan outpatient/ inpatient service, preventive health care, 19 bed intensive care unit, 6 bed paediatric and neonatal intensive care unit,6 bed post-operative recovery beds, operation theatres inclusive of 2 gynaecology theatres,2 labour room and 1 post-labour room, advanced cardiac catheteriza t i o n lab. Endoscopy Unit, 24 - Hour Pharmacy, 24 - Hour MRI / CT scan and Digital X-ray

Services,24 - Hour pathology services, 24 - Hour Blood Bank and Component Therapy, 24 – Hour Ambulance Services and 24Hour Emergency/Casualty/ Trauma Centre.” It further outlined that “the contracted firm shall propose (and supply and install) state of the art equipment suitable for use in a super Specialty Hospital as defined above, which will comprise but not limited to the major medical equipment for the following services: MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Cath lab, C-Arm, EEG/EMG, Digital X-ray, Echo, ECG, TMT, Endoscope /Colonoscopy/ Laparoscope.” The AFC leader also likened the project to that of the Skeldon sugar factory which he said was built by somebody who never knew how to build a sugar factory hence the level of infrastructural and mechanical problems plaguing the institution.

Struck by lightning... From page 7 were times that I felt like giving up, and I thought that I would die.” But Lindie would survive, and after a few months of grueling therapy, she would walk again. “At first I felt like a baby taking its first steps, but I persevered and today I can walk again.” Lindie still experiences some pain on her right side, and can no longer walk long distances like she used to, but she is forever thankful to God, for sparing her life. “I think he spared my life because, a few years before my accident, I actually saved the lives of two persons. You remember when that boat capsized during that fun day at the Watooka Club? Well, I was the person that saved a woman and a teenager. That afternoon, as the fun day was in full swing, I was washing clothes by the river. I saw the boat when it took the people out for the ride, and then just as suddenly it turned over. “Without thinking, right away I jumped into my boat and paddle across, to try and assist. But by the time I reach, a few people had already gone down, but they had these two persons floundering in the water, and so I tell them to

hold on to the boat, and I paddled ashore with them. I didn’t put them in the boat, because the lady had a lot of weight, and I was afraid that she would overturn my boat; however I reached the shore safely, and put them ashore.” There were other persons that rendered assistance, and helped save the lives of a few persons. Their names were mentioned in the media. However there was no mention of Lindie Mendonca, the woman who had crossed from the other side of the river and by so doing, saved the lives of two persons. There were no accolades for her, as she had just quietly disappeared into the ensuing darkness, amidst the pandemonium, that had enveloped the Watooka Complex grounds, after news spread of the tragedy that claimed two other lives. But today Lindie is grateful for the greatest “accolade” that she could receive. “I think God saved my life because I had saved two, and I will forever be grateful for that. I give him praise and thanks, because despite some pain which I still feel on the side that was paralyzed, I’m alive and well. Now I know what it means to have a new lease on life- I cherish all the little things more.” (Enid Joaquin)

The Quest for Knowledge refreshes the mind, recreates the spirit, and motivates the body. It creates enthusiasm and desire to live an exciting and full day in spite of the routine.

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

SERVICES

VACANCY

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Profressional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115

24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistantCall: 663-1751/684-2838

19 Seater Pitbull. Bargain Price. Tel:641-8647 For sale, 212 PMM – Tel: 6442489

Fabric World – 140 Regent & Light St. for experienced cashier & salesgirls, apply in person with written application.

2007 Toyota ‘BB’ $2.5M, 2007 Rav4 $6.4M, Spacio $2.1M, Premio $2.5M. vehicles fully loaded- Call: 617-2891

Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:2259032,647-2943

ACCOUNTS CLERK, DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTS (ACCA), DACEASY EXPERIENCE AND RESIDING ON E.B.D. PREFERRED. Net Salary $60,000. Tel.: 602-0945

2- 2007 Toyota AvensisCall:698-0674

T-Shirt printing: need something printed on a tshirt? Well contact Custom Tees: 666-9107 or 2270557

Vacancy for driver – apply to Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek.

For a free Gospel package text your complete name & address to 675-7292

Sales girls: D. Singh and Son’s - Tel:226-0881, 2261316 Welders & fabricators , skilled machinists Apply: Technical Services Inc, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site, Eccles, EBD.

Professional and affordable landscaping and tree trimming services. Budram’s Landscaping ServicesCall:656-1326/678-0058

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar Christmas cleaning: Power washing for homes & commercial buildings – Tel: 648-1544

TO LET 2 bedroom concrete bottom flat – $35,000 – excellent condition call: 660-1251, 2190310 One 3 bedroom house at West Ruimveldt - $70,000 monthly – Tel:672-7194 Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: As low as $5000 per nightCall: 668-0306/ 602-8769/ 694-7817 Business place to rent @ Charlotte Street- Call:6911198 Fully secured concrete bond 87x31ft (private compound) @ Mc Doom public road back of Police OutpostCall:233-0570 Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 679-7139 Paradise -$45,000, Eccles $60,000, Atlantic Garden – US900, Providence – US1300; Diana:227-2256, 626-9382 Two bedrooms apartment in or around G/T- call:6010582 CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery, Call: 670-0798. Also Wedding dresses for sale

Cleaner’s, Diesel mechanics, Apply: Technical Services Inc, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site Eccles, E.B.D. Vacancy exist for one experienced cosmetologist on the EBD ( Grove) Contact: Ms Rashrie call:652-5800 One internal auditor 30-40 years – CAT Level “11” – Apply to: 147 Durbana Square Lamaha Gardens. Hire car driver – 611-1018, 2315554 NPIC now hiring Telemarketing Agents for full time & part time shifts – Tel:216-3295/6 (Diamond) (Opposite Secondary School) Trainee refrigeration/Ac technician – Tel:231-0655/6838734

LAND FOR SALE Prime business land for sale by owner – 120x40 – Contact:225-1831 Double lots located at 5 Rosetta, Canal #2, W.B.D. Price $10M neg- Call: 689-3413 Parfaite Harmonie - $1.2M – Call: 675-7292 Are you selling your land in Parfaite Harmonie? – Call:675-7292 1500 Acres of land – Contains rice & cane cultivation, machinery & a 4 storey house & cattle – Contact:223-8479; 647-3768; www.spaceseek.gy

1 AT192 - $650,000 – Tel:6897681

VEHICLE FOR SALE Ford F150, Extra Cab with back cover automatic – Contact: 645-5596. Toyota Premio $2.5M negotiable; Toyota Carina AT212, 2M negotiable, both fully loaded and unregistered – Tel:226-5473 (Must see!) Fully reconditioned stick gear and automatic pitbull and 1RZ Mini-buses. Tel: 6418647 2 Toyota Tundra F150, Suzuki sports car, Chevy express van- Call:227-8519/653-4287 (owner leaving) One Toyota minibus BJJ series-Call:678-5887, 6507354, 619-0007

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FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943 Potting Soil and quality cow mould- Call: 656-1326/678-0058

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1-2005 Toyota Avensis $2.2M. Looks and runs good- Call:686-4020

LG DP122 DVD player with USB recording $10,000 Call:600-3038, 611-3038

Kitty -$30M-$35M, Section K -$40M, Duncan Street $38M, AA Eccles - $60M Diana:227-2256/ 626-9382

Axio -$2.9M, Premio - $2.6M, Spacio registered PRR $2.2M; Trade- in available for Axio – Tel:697-0294

1 Gold land @ PotaroCall:628-7605

Property for sale- Call:6275416

Glanza V, Turbo, HKS super flow exhaust PPP series, manual – Contact: 638-8599. 1 Leyland DAF GNN 2131. Price $3.8M negotiableCall:259-1370/650-3447

One –Two storey business property (transported) @ Brickery public road, E.B.DCall: 660-8128 VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community- Call:592-6248704/592-684-9203

2002 Honda fit, 1 owner, pearl white, Areo, fogs, AC, CD, Remote Start - $1,950,000 – (negotiable) – Tel:613-4617

1 CBR 600cc 2004 model, excellent condition- Call:2663966/669-5401 Tundra ‘Woman Driven’ Tel:627-1983 Tierier pups and dogs for sale - Tel:649-4247 One circular sofa, one recliner, one toilet bowl, one fridge/freezer, one single metal bed frame – Call:6233231

Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, IST, Runx, FielderCall:652-3820/665-4529

Sorrels for sale; any quantity – Call:638-4879

Best Village, V/E/Hoop, WCD – 3 bedroom 2 storey wooden/concrete house on 300’x43’ Ft transported land, $9.5M negotiable – Tel:6270289

One unregistered NZE Corolla – call:652-3820; 6654529

753 Bobcat, cement mixer, 35KVA generator air compressor – Call:681-2761

NXR 150cc Dirt Bike for parts – Tel:695-7595

Prime 2-storey concrete building 80x23, 6 bedrooms, 2 master bedrooms @ Leonora next to Primary School – call: 652-0709, 268-3572 Two storey building 172 Parafield Leonara WCD – Call:227-7675, 619-3503 1 New 20x40 2 storey 3 bedrooms concrete house in La Parfaite Harmonie WBD $8 Million - Tel:638-5778 Diamond: 2nd Avenue -$7M, Mainroad -US$1M, North Ruimveldt $7.7M, Mon-repos Ring:231-2199, 618-7483

1 Toyota – IST, Fun cargo, AT192, AT212 Ceres, Hilux D4D pick up, Tundra Tel:6445096,697-1453

Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566

FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table - Call: 277-0578

SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773

1- Spacio PPP series; reasonable price, excellent condition – Call:652-0709, 268-3572 1 Suzuki Vitara Jeep; immaculate condition; fully Powered- Tel:694-6027 ( Price negotiable) HILUX SOLID DEF PICKUPS, unregistered, in excellent condition – Call:6912077

Original Games- Call:6722566 Energy saver bulbs/ power tools- Call:680-6374 New 06 Tacoma lights front/ rear- Call:641-1127 1 going sawmill with new equipment, customers, land space, ideal for exporting containers; side to Public Rd – Tel:624-8683 PS-2 gaming console and PS3 gaming console for sale – Tel: 644-6012

Tractors Spare Parts From Uk – we can supply any spare parts & service. For orders Tel:44+1513290780 , tractorspareparts@mail.com 1 Toyota Hilux single cab. Excellent condition, first owner- Call:657-3707 ALYEA’S AUTO SALE: PREMIO 2004/2003. ALL PRICES ARE NEG. 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK- TEL:2317284/622-3823

TOUR Suriname Diwali Tour 2nd – 5th November and 28th – 1st December –Tel: 644-0185, 6392663, 665-5171, 227-8290.

FOR SALE Ford F150 spare parts, new and used- Call:685-2584 Airless paint sprayer, generators, welding sets, air compressors, wet & dry vacuum, Robin grasscutterCall:227-8519/653-4287 Pitbull pups fully vaccinated - Call Johnny: 628-9884 2 power washers, tools, electric guitars, music sets & speakers (lots more items)Call:227-8519/653-4287 Pork wholesale only $300 per LB- Call:266-2711/6094594 WHOLE SALE PLUCK CHICKEN- CALL:6760931 Pure bred German Shepherd puppies, fully vaccinated and de-wormed- Call:6822148/655-8674 Honda welders; 270 amps – 15,000 watts generator – Tel:611-5114/220-4495 Live/pluck chicken-Call:6504421/220-9203 Diving Suits- Call:265-3449/ 613-5158 Tibetian terrior pups. Tel: 619-6086/699-7077 One Ford 8210, Tractor $4M – Contact: 648-9940 ONE KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-6-600 MOTORCYCLE - $700,000 NEGOTIABLE, ONE 9.9 YAMAHA FOUR STROKE OUT BOARD ENGINE CALL:699-1711 1 Isuza Canter truck – Tel: 666-7734; 611-2706 1 – Lincon generator welder – 220 amps, 1- heavy duty drill press, 1 jack hammer, contact: 612-8879; 678-2918 Houses and house lots starting from $10,000,000 upward – contact:223-8479, 647-3768 2 Ice machine, 1 smoothe machine, small fridges – Tel:231-0655, 683-8734. PS-2, PS-3 and PSP games for sale – Tel:644-6012 1 Pool table cloth, ball , cue stick, pokets, rubber , coins, shoot, chalk, springs, rocks call: 669-9927 Large Quantity of merchandise from 6 stalls in kitty market, plus some household furniture – Contact Rafman: 231-4678 (Continued on page 18)

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Kaieteur News

Monday October 21, 2013

Slain house thief left Guyana/ Venezuela border crisis not over home for R. Kelly show - Granger - sister

From the standpoint that the recent meeting between Guyana and Venezuela didn’t even address the core of the border dispute, Opposition Leader David Granger is calling for the establishment of a border and national security committee. Venezuela’s navy seized a research vessel, which was conducting a survey in the Roraima Block offshore Guyana, amid claims that the vessel was in the Spanishspeaking nation’s economic zone. The captain was subsequently charged and released on bail. At a recent meeting between Guyana and Venezuela, it was agreed that a technical team would meet within four months to explore mechanisms, within the context of international law, to address the issue of maritime delimitation. But Granger’s position is that the recent moves by Venezuela were designed to intimidate. He stressed that the crisis is not over and said that things would undesirably escalate if the Guyana government doesn’t show resolve. Also, Granger said that Guyana had the power to prevent the recent events. At an A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) press conference, held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Hadfield Street, Granger disclosed that his party has been silently working to help resolve the issue. He said that since the incident, he had twice written the President to suggest ways forward and had also written the Speaker on a proposed involvement of the parliament in the matter.

Granger ’s call is for President Donald Ramotar to convene a border and national security committee. The committee, Granger said, should immediately consider the implications of, and Guyana’s response to, the unprecedented seizure of an unarmed, scientific survey vessel by the Venezuelan Bolivarian Navy (Armada Bolivariana de Venez). Granger also reiterated his call for the establishment of a permanent ‘National Borders Commission’ within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Granger’s call is based on the June 2001 Report of a previous Border and National Security Committee of which he was co-Chairman. That committee was dissolved in 2001 after the report would have been submitted. The Report recommended, inter alia, that the highest level of consultations for discussion and resolution of issues pertaining to border and national security issues should take place between the President and Leader of the Opposition. This level of engagement represents the core of the bi-partisan approach. The Report recommended, also, that a Standing Committee of Parliament should be established to address, specifically, border and national security issues and that the engagements of minister(s) and shadow minister(s) responsible for border and national security matters should be formally established. The Report recommended, further, that

the bi-partisan process should be supported by a technical/academic component in the form of an Institute of Border Studies, a strengthened Frontiers Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the review or consolidation of existing institutions where there is overlap and duplication in functions or which, simply, are ineffective. Granger said he was astonished at the ‘Joint Statement’ issued after the meeting between Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Venezuela’s Minister for Foreign Relations, Elias Jaua Milano, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday 17th October. The ‘Joint Statement’ merely “agreed to explore mechanisms within the context of international law to address the issue of maritime delimitation.” It did not address the dangerous use, or threat of the use, of armed force by Venezuela against Guyana which is in contravention of Art. 2 (4) of the Charter of the United Nations. Granger expressed the opinion, further, that it has become evident that there is need to strengthen the role of the National Assembly, the capability of the Government of Guyana and the capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond to challenges to this country’s territorial integrity. Venezuela and Guyana have long argued about the status of the disputed Essequibo region, an area on the border and over rights to the ocean resources that lie offshore. Venezuela calls it a “reclamation zone.”

The Mahaicony house where last Friday’s burglary took place. The alleged house thief who was shot dead by the police on Friday at Dundee, Mahaicony has been identified as 29-year old Delon Hawker of Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The body was positively identified yesterday at the Lyken Funeral Parlour by his mother Rhonda. Kaieteur News understands that Hawker had left his home and was heading to Georgetown on Friday after telling his relatives that he was going to the R. Kelly show which took place on Saturday night at the National Stadium Providence. “They had a show, R. Kelly and he tell everybody dat he going, he and some friends,” the dead man’s sister, Carah Griffith, told Kaieteur News. She said that it was only yesterday that they received word of his demise. Hawker was shot dead by the police minutes after he fled from the home he and an accomplice raided at Good Faith, Mahaicony on Friday afternoon.

He received a bullet just below his chest. Another man believed to be his accomplice was reportedly captured an hour later. Hawker and another man had ransacked the home of minibus driver Veerapen Jebode, 58, and his wife Gangawattie around 13:30 and escaped with an undisclosed sum of cash and other valuables. But their escape was short-lived, thanks to the bravery of the minibus driver’s wife and a neighbor. That was boosted by the quick response from the police. A press release from the Police Public Relations Office said that after the couple found that their home was ransacked, they contacted the police. The police said that ranks from Mahaicony Police Station responded to the report and during the investigations they came under fire from two men who were in the area. “The police returned fire and one of the men was fatally

shot, while the other escaped into the backlands. A .32 snub-nose revolver and a 9mm. pistol were recovered at the scene by the police. A bag containing a pair of binoculars, a cell phone and a cap were also found.” The dead man’s sister said that she did not believe that her brother, whom she claimed is a farmer, would confront the police with a gun. “I don’t believe that my brother would see police and run,” Griffith said. Meanwhile, the man in custody, who gave his address as Lima Dam, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, has reportedly told police that he was going home from work at a construction site at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice when he was apprehended by the police in a mini bus a few miles from his home. He believes that he aroused suspicions because of his after work condition, especially since the police were on the hunt for the escaped thief. He is expected to be placed on an identification parade today.

Lad, 16, allegedly brutalized... (From page 2) too long so we had to take a taxi.” “I asked the police officer for a police medical form but she refused. At the hospital they wanted to admit him but I refuse.” At around 13:00 hrs yes-

terday, the detective who had allegedly beaten Handley visited the teen’s home to apologise to his family and offer compensation. One relative asked: “Is that the boots you kicked my son with?” to which the rank nervously replied, “yeeeaa.”

Asked if he knew what the outcome of his action could lead to, the detective said: “I know what I did was wrong and I could lose my job; that is why I am here to make a settlement because I don’t want to lose my job.” He then offered Handley’s family $200,000. He promised to pay $100,000 on Wednesday and the remaining balance on Friday. However, he then asked if the compensation could be reduced.

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 21

For Obama, a frustrating health care rollout WASHINGTON (AP) — Last week, President Barack Obama gathered some of his top advisers in the Oval Office to discuss the problemplagued rollout of his health care legislation. He told his team the administration had to own up to the fact that there were no excuses for not having the health care website ready to operate on Day One. The admonition from a frustrated president came amid the embarrassing start to sign-ups for the health care insurance exchanges. The president is expected to address the cascade of computer problems today during an event at the White House. Administration officials say more than 476,000 health insurance applications have been filed through federal and state exchanges. The figures mark the most detailed measure yet of the problemplagued rollout of the insurance market place. However, the officials continue to refuse to say how many people have actually enrolled in the insurance markets. And without enrollment figures, it’s unclear whether the program is on track to reach the 7 million people projected by the Congressional Budget Office

to gain coverage during the six-month sign-up period. The first three weeks of sign-ups have been marred by a cascade of computer problems, which the administration says it is working around the clock to correct. The rough rollout has been a black eye for Obama, who invested significant time and political capital in getting the law passed during his first term. The officials said technology experts from inside and outside the government are being brought in to work on the glitches, though they did not say how many workers were being added. Officials did say staffing has been increased at call centers by about 50 percent. As problems persist on the federally run website, the administration is encouraging more people to sign up for insurance over the phone. The officials would not discuss the health insurance rollout by name and were granted anonymity. Despite the widespread problems, the White House has yet to fully explain what went wrong with the online system consumers were supposed to use to sign up for coverage.

President Barack Obama Administration officials initially blamed a high volume of interest from ordinary Americans for the frozen screens that many people encountered. Since then, they have also acknowledged problems with software and some elements of the system’s design. Interest in the insurance markets appears to continue to be high. Officials said about 19 million people have visited HealthCare.gov as of Friday night. Of the 476,000 applications that have been started, just over half have been from the 36 states where the federal

Afghan special forces commander defects with guns to insurgents KUNAR, Afghanistan (Reuters) - An Afghan army special forces commander has defected to an insurgent group allied with the Taliban in a Humvee truck packed with his team’s guns and high-tech equipment, officials in the eastern Kunar province said yesterday. Monsif Khan, who raided the supplies of his 20-man team in Kunar ’s capital Asadabad over the Eid alAdha religious holiday, is the first special forces commander to switch sides, joining the Hezb-e-Islami organization. “He sent some of his comrades on leave and paid others to go out sightseeing, and then escaped with up to 30 guns, night-vision goggles, binoculars and a Humvee,” said Shuja ulMulkh Jalala, the governor of Kunar. Zubair Sediqi, a spokesman for Hezb-e-Islami, confirmed that Khan had joined the group, saying he had brought 15 guns and high-tech equipment. The NATO-led coalition is grappling with a rise in “insider attacks” by Afghan

soldiers who turn on their allies, undermining trust and efficiency. It has reported four lethal incidents over the past month taking the total number this year to 10, according to a Reuters tally. Kunar, like other provinces along the border with Pakistan, is among the more insecure and volatile parts of Afghanistan. Local security forces have started a manhunt for the commander and tribal elders have promised to help. “We are trying our best to use elders’ influence in that area to bring back all equipment,” Jalala said. A record number of insider attacks - accounting for about one in every five

coalition combat deaths last year prompted the coalition to briefly suspend all joint activities and take steps to curb interaction between foreign and Afghan troops. That has cut down the number of incidents, but some soldiers say the measures have further eroded the trust painstakingly nurtured between the allies over more than 12 years of war. All entrants to the Afghan National Security Force have to pass an eight step vetting process, which includes providing identification cards, letters of recommendation by village or district elders and undergoing tests.

government is taking the lead in running the markets. The rest of the applications have come from the 14 states running their own markets, along with Washington, D.C. Americans seeking health coverage through the Affordable Care Act must fill out applications before selecting a specific plan. The forms require personal information, including income figures that are used to calculate any subsidies the applicant may qualify for. More than one person can be included on an application. The White House says it plans to release the first enrollment totals from both the federal and state-run markets in mid-November. Obama will directly address the technical problems with the health care websites Monday morning during an event in the Rose Garden, according to the White House. Officials said the president finds the glitches unacceptable and will outline for the public steps the administration is taking to address the troubles.

Obama will be joined during the event by people who have already enrolled in insurance programs through the new exchanges. The administration has not said how many people have enrolled during the first three weeks of sign-ups. The Health and Human Services Department reported Sunday that it “is bringing in some of the best and brightest from both inside and outside government to .... help improve HealthCare.gov. We’re also putting in place tools and processes to aggressively monitor and identify parts of HealthCare.gov where individuals are encountering errors or having difficulty using the site, so we can prioritize and fix them.” An internal memo obtained by The Associated Press showed that the administration projected nearly a half million people would enroll for the insurance markets during the first month. Officials say they expect enrollments to be heavier

toward the end of the sixmonth sign up window. Problems with the rollout were largely overshadowed by Republican efforts to force changes to the health care law in exchange for funding the government. That effort failed and the government reopened last week with “Obamacare” intact. Some Republicans are now calling for the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The White House says it has complete confidence in her. House Republicans have scheduled a hearing next week to look into the rollout problems. White House allies say they’re confident the problems are being addressed. “There’s no question the marketplace website needs some improvement,” said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., one of the architects of the law. “The administration needs to fix the computer bugs and I’m confident that they’re working around the clock to fix the problems.”

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Monday October 21, 2013

Signs of rift between Israel and US over Iran JERUSALEM (AP) — Just days after the first round of global nuclear talks with Iran, a rift appears to be emerging between Israel and its closest ally, the United States. Israel’s prime minister yesterday called on the U.S. to step up the pressure on Iran, even as American officials hinted at the possibility of easing tough economic pressure. Meanwhile, a leading Israeli daily reported the outlines of what could be construed in the West as genuine Iranian compromises in the talks. The differing approaches could bode poorly for Israel as the talks between six global powers and Iran gain steam in the coming months. Negotiators were upbeat following last week’s talks, and the next round of negotiations is set to begin Nov. 7. Convinced Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes the Iranians are trying to trick the West into easing economic sanctions while still pushing forward with their nuclear

program. Iran insists its program is for peaceful purposes. “I think that in this situation as long as we do not see actions instead of words, the international pressure must continue to be applied and even increased,” Netanyahu told his Cabinet. “The greater the pressure, the greater the chance that there will be a genuine dismantling of the Iranian military nuclear program.” Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran a threat to its very survival, citing Iranian references to Israel’s destruction. Netanyahu says pressure must be maintained until Iran halts all enrichment of uranium, a key step in producing a nuclear weapon; removes its stockpile of enriched uranium from the country; closes suspicious enrichment facilities and shutters a facility that could produce plutonium, another potential gateway to nuclear arms. Despite Netanyahu’s warnings, there are growing signs that any international deal with Iran will fall short of

his demands. Over the weekend, U.S. officials said the White House was debating whether to offer Iran the chance to recoup billions of dollars in frozen assets if it scales back its nuclear program. The plan would stop short of lifting sanctions, but could nonetheless provide Iran some relief. In an interview broadcast yesterday on NBC, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said it was “premature” to talk of easing sanctions. But he stopped short of endorsing the tough Israeli line and suggested the U.S. would take a more incremental approach in response to concrete Iranian gestures. Asked whether he was worried the U.S. might ease the sanctions prematurely, Netanyahu urged against a “partial deal” with Iran. “I don’t advise doing that,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Details from last week’s talks in Geneva have remained tightly guarded, but short-range priorities have been made clear. The U.S. and allies seek to roll

Benjamin Netanyahu back Iran’s highest-level uranium enrichment. Iran wants the West to start easing sanctions. The Israeli daily Haaretz yesterday reported what it said were the key Iranian proposals last week. Citing an unidentified senior Israeli official who had been briefed by the Americans, the newspaper said that Iran is ready to halt all enrichment of 20 percent, limit lower-level enrichment of 5 percent and scale back the number of centrifuges it is operating for enrichment. It

also claimed that Iran expressed willingness to reduce the operations of its most controversial nuclear facilities, and perhaps open them to unannounced inspections. Netanyahu’s office declined comment on the report, though it confirmed the U.S. has kept it updated on the nuclear talks. The Yediot Ahronot daily newspaper said an “explosion” between Netanyahu and President Barack Obama appears to be inevitable. While Israeli officials are intrigued by the Iranian offer, it said “officials in the prime minister’s inner circle harbor a deep concern ... that the American president is going to be prepared to ease sanctions on Iran even before the talks have been completed.” Ephraim Asculai, a former official of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission and currently a research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, said it was too early to talk of a gap between Israel and the United States because the U.S. position on a compromise was not yet clear. He said the

most important thing is to prevent Iran from stalling while it moves forward with its weapons program. But Yoel Guzansky, an Iran expert at the institute and a former national security aide in the prime minister’s office, said there will always be a gap between the U.S. and Israel due to their different military capabilities and the level of threat they face. Guzansky said Israeli officials realize that they will not get everything they seek, and are pressing a maximalist view in hopes of getting as many concessions out of Iran as possible. “It appears that the Americans are interested in a scaled approach,” he said. “Israel is very concerned about this and it has good reason to. It’s afraid the deal will become a slippery slope,” he said. However, Guzansky said Israel has little choice but to rely on the U.S. If there is a deal, it will all but rule out the possibility of unilateral Israeli military action, he said. “Israel really only has one option,” he said. “The chance it will act alone after the Americans make a deal is miniscule.”

As ties warm, U.S. restarts security assistance to Pakistan WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - The United States has quietly restarted security assistance to Pakistan, U.S. officials said yesterday, after freezing much of that aid during a period of strained relations beginning with the 2011 Navy SEAL raid that killed al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. While the move to free up the aid has been underway for some months, it became public as President Barack Obama prepares for a White House meeting on Wednesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Relations between the two countries remain tense on major issues, including Pakistani opposition to U.S. drone strikes and Washington’s complaints about the ties of the Pakistani intelligence service to militant groups active in Afghanistan. But the bonds appear to be on the mend after a series of major setbacks in recent years, including the bin Laden raid, a NATO air strike that mistakenly killed Pakistani border guards and a January 2011 incident in which a CIA contractor killed two men on the streets of Lahore,

Nawaz Sharif Pakistan. Sharif is scheduled to meet with members of the U.S. Congress in Washington this week and aid will be one of the main issues, a congressional staff member said. The deterioration had led to freezing of some funding and to the U.S. Congress enacting additional restrictions on aid to Islamabad. “As part of our annual funding process, throughout the course of this past summer the State Department notified Congress of how it planned to program funds from several different

accounts for various programs in Pakistan,” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said. “While this is part of a long process of restarting security assistance cooperation after implementation was slowed during the bilateral challenges of 2011 and 2012, civilian assistance has continued uninterrupted throughout,” Harf said in an email. The Associated Press first reported on Saturday that the United States was releasing $1.6 billion in military and economic assistance to Pakistan that previously had been appropriated. Congressional aides said yesterday the assistance had been restarted over the past few months. For fiscal year 2014, which began on October 1, Obama has requested $1.162 billion for Pakistan, including $857 million in civilian assistance and $305 million in security assistance, Harf said. Much of U.S. security aid to Pakistan is intended to bolster the ability of its military to counter militants in the country’s semiautonomous tribal areas.

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Germany’s SPD backs coalition talks with Merkel, sets terms

Sigmar Gabriel

(Reuters) - Leaders of G e r m a n y ’s Social Democrats (SPD) won a green light from their party to start coalition talks with Angela Merkel yesterday, after promising to wring concessions from the chancellor on a minimum wage, equal pay and infrastructure investment. Discussions between Merkel and the centre-left SPD on forming a new government can now begin on Wednesday, a month after an election saw her conservatives emerge as the biggest political force but needing a partner to

form a majority. The SPD’s willingness to enter talks comes at a price. The party listed 10 demands it called “nonnegotiable”, including a minimum wage of 8.50 euros per hour, equal pay for men and women, greater investment in infrastructure and education, and a common strategy to boost euro zone growth. “We will negotiate hard so that in the end a workable government emerges. Compromises will be necessary. However the party considers the following

Britons’ pay shows rare pick-up, living costs still high – Poll (Reuters) - Britons’ incomes edged up for the first time in three months in October as the labour market strengthened, although pay growth still lagged far behind inflation, a survey showed today. An index measuring the change in income from employment compared with last month rose to 50.6 from 49.5 in September, just topping the neutral level of 50, according to the poll by financial data firm Markit. Unemployment in Britain has fallen in recent months as the economy has gained speed, and workers’ worries

about losing their jobs have eased. Markit’s job security index slipped only slightly to 46.0 in October from September, when it hit its highest since Markit began the survey in February 2009. Finance and business services professionals felt the most confident about their jobs, followed by construction workers. “Households reported another rise in workplace activity, suggesting that UK economic conditions continued to improve at the start of the fourth quarter,” said Markit economist Tim

Moore. “However, signs of an outright improvement in financial well-being are thin on the ground as incomes continue to lag behind living costs.” The index measuring current inflation perceptions reached its highest since July, while the gauge of expected living costs in 12 months’ time hit the highest since April. Both indicated much faster growth in prices than in incomes, coming in at 82.5 and 92.4 respectively. Some 1,500 people were interviewed for Markit from October 10 to October 14.

points non-negotiable,” the SPD declaration said, listing a minimum wage in first place. M e r k e l ’s C h r i s t i a n Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian allies the Christian Social Union (CSU), favour “wage floors” on a regional or sectoral basis, set by employers and unions. Volker Kauder, head of the CDU’s parliamentary group, said he was sure they could reach a deal. Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said any new regulation must not threaten jobs. G e r m a n y ’s l e a d i n g economic institutes warned on Thursday that the introduction of a minimum wage could lead to significant job losses in eastern Germany, where a quarter of workers earn less than the proposed new amount. The SPD also demanded equal pensions in the former West and East Germany, the ability to have dual citizenship, and measures to make it easier to combine work with family life. Of the 229 senior SPD

members to vote, 196 supported the talks, 31 objected and 2 abstained. “We aim to form a government by Christmas. That should be enough time,” SPD Chairman Sigmar Gabriel told reporters. The parties must thrash out policies and a cabinet line-up. The influential post of finance minister, now held by the CDU’s Schaeuble, is one prize. SPD members have refused to say publicly which posts they want, but media reports say they may seek at least six portfolios in the 15member cabinet. “In a difficult time for Europe we need the best person there is. Wolfgang Schaeuble is the best finance minister I can see out there,” Kauder said. German voters, international investors and Berlin’s European allies have mostly been expecting a “grand coalition” between the CDU/CSU and SPD, and few expect any partnership deal to greatly alter Merkel’s domestic and foreign policy agenda. No mention is made in the SPD document of tax

increases for the wealthiest, for which the SPD had campaigned during September’s election but which the chancellor has ruled out. The SPD wants to avoid a rerun of its 2005-2009 coalition with Merkel, from which it emerged with its worst election result since World War Two. Disgruntled SPD members protested outside the party’s Berlin headquarters during Sunday’s meeting. A grand coalition would enjoy an overwhelming majority in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, and find it easier to push legislation through the Bundesrat, the upper house where the governments of Germany’s 16 federal states are represented. Such a union began to appear all but inevitable after Merkel’s exploratory talks with the environmentalist Greens broke down last week, strengthening the SPD’s hand. The SPD will seek final approval of any coalition pact in a poll of its some 472,00 grassroots members.

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Kaieteur News

All set for tomorrow’s poll Trinidad Express - The red, green and yellow political curtains came down Saturday, bringing an end to weeks of intense and at times acrimonious campaigning, as the three main political parties battled for the 2013 local government elections today. One million, thirty-six thousand, seven hundred and twenty-one people are registered to vote in tomorrow’s elections, Chief Elections Officer Ramesh Nanan confirmed Saturday to the Sunday Express. In 2010, the voters’ list was 998,787. For the past two and a half months, the People’s National Movement (PNM), People’s Partnership comprising the United National Congress (UNC), Congress of the People and National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), and the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) have been heating up the campaign trail throughout the country, hoping to bring home the 14 regional corporations under their control. At times the fight turned bitter between the ILP and the UNC, with both sides “bussing marks” against each other, among them allegations of corruption. Interim leader of the ILP Jack Warner, a former Cabinet minister and close confidant of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, wasted no opportunity in casting aspersions against the ruling party and the “cabal” which he said has hijacked the UNC. Warner entered the local government elections fuelled by a resounding victory in the Chaguanas West byelection on July 29. PNM leader Dr Keith Rowley is also riding confidently, following a 12-nil victory over the coalition in the January 2013 Tobago House of Assembly

Ramesh Nanan elections. Following both defeats, the PP coalition is hoping to regain some control over the electorate in tomorrow’s elections. By midnight tomorrow, the wait will be over. Meanwhile, checks with the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) yesterday indicated the commission was putting the final preparations in place to ensure a smooth election day tomorrow. Nanan told the Sunday Express while most of the preparations were completed, the EBC was working on ensuring the differently abled could cast their votes comfortably. “For example, there are schools which we are using for polling stations that do not have facilities for the physically challenged. But as you would understand, we could not have done anything during school days so we are now in the final phases of supplying furniture to those stations.” There are 136 electoral districts and 2,080 polling stations throughout the country, Nanan said. Immediately following the July 29 Chaguanas West byelection, the EBC preparations went into high gear for the local elections, and activities will continue until the November 4 by-

election for the St Joseph constituency. Yesterday Nanan also reminded voters that admission to the polling stations was restricted to just a handful of people, including the candidates and their elections agents. A press advertisement from the EBC yesterday stipulated that the media are not allowed into the restricted 300-yard limit of the polling stations. The ad stated that those allowed include the polling agents of the respective polling stations, police officers on duty, companions of physically incapacitated, the Chief Election Officer, a registration supervisor, the returning officer, the election clerk, the deputy presiding officer and the poll clerks. It added, contrary to what is mistakenly claimed in some quarters as an unrestricted right to enter polling stations on polling day, the legal position is members of the media do not have such a right, nor does any person who is outside the exceptions specified. The EBC’s ad explained that the clear object of the rule is to ensure free, fair and orderly elections, and appealed to all citizens to cooperate with the efforts of the presiding officer to ensure that the law is duly observed. Nanan urged all registered voters to do their “civic duty, and to also follow the instructions of presiding office at respective polling stations when going to vote”. He also cautioned about the prohibition of cellphones and electronic devices in polling stations and advised electors to place such items in a receptacle before going to vote and retrieve them on the way out. Nanan reiterated there should be no campaigning and no assembling of people within the 300-yard limit of the polling stations. He said the EBC met with the police on October 4 to discuss security arrangements on polling day and had subsequently held several briefings.

Monday October 21, 2013

USAID launches new programme to help prevent hunger and malnutrition PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - CMC – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a fouryear food security programme to improve nutrition and access to locally produced foods for the most vulnerable households in Haiti. USAID said the project, the Kore Lavi Program, is part of the US Government’s global hunger and food security initiatives, “Feed the Future and Title II.” These programmes work

with USAID’s partner countries around the world to develop their agriculture sectors and reduce food insecurity. “Food production and the means to purchase sufficient food are two key factors that negatively impact the food security of Haitians,” said USAID, adding that solutions must include “effective mechanism to help identify and assist people suffering from food insecurity.” USAID said the Kore Lavi Program directly supports the Government of Haiti to

establish a voucher-based safety-net system to increase poor households’ access to food and prevent malnutrition in children under two years of age. The programme is expected to reach about 250,000 households by providing food vouchers, improving maternal and child health and nutrition knowledge, strengthening links between households and health systems, and improving the quality of health and nutrition services.

Jamaicans branded ‘serial sexual harassers’ - Govt. mum as farm workers are dissed in Canada Jamaica Gleaner - There has been a deafening silence from the Government more than one month after a Canadian mayor and several of his councillors disrespected Jamaican farm workers by labelling them serial sexual harassers. Instead of the Portia Simpson Miller administration defending the reputation of the Jamaicans, their fight has been taken up by the Canadian group, Justicia for Migrant Workers. Attempts by The Sunday Gleaner to get a comment from the Ministry of Labour about the vexing statements concerning the Jamaican workers have so far been unsuccessful. Minister of Labour Derrick Kellier has failed to respond to questions sent to him more than one week ago, while other officials in the ministry have also not commented. In August, CBC News in Canada reported that John Patterson, mayor of Leamington in Ontario, raised the issue of Jamaicans sexually harassing women at a police services board meeting. According to CBC, Paterson claimed Jamaican migrant workers have been making inappropriate comments to women and making them feel uncomfortable. “Not to be bigoted, not to be racist, not to be anything, it is directly related to some of the Jamaican migrant workers that are here,” Paterson reportedly said. The Leamington mayor also claimed that the

aggressive and unwanted sexual advances displayed by the Jamaican migrant workers towards the town’s women have been ongoing for years. While pointing out that he doesn’t want the workers to leave the town, the mayor suggested that perhaps that kind of deviant behaviour was acceptable in Jamaica. “Maybe it’s appropriate back in your hometown, but here, it’s not. So stop,” Patterson said, as he was supported by Councillor Larry Verbeke. “They’re different. They walk four or five abreast, they won’t get out of the way like the Mexicans do,” Verbeke said of Jamaican migrant workers. “It’s to the point where we need migrant workers, however, it’s hurting our downtown. Nobody wants to come downtown,” added Verbeke. However, the Ontario Provincial Police have said they had not received any harassment complaints about Jamaican migrant workers. This caused the allvolunteer advocacy group Justicia for Migrant Workers to rip into the mayor. In response to Sunday Gleaner questions last week, Chris Ramsaroop, organiser of Justicia for Migrant Workers, said the mayor has not recanted and the advocacy group has not altered its position on the mayor’s statements. “We believe that the mayor ’s comments are extremely insensitive at best, at worst has the potential to further accentuate tensions between the local community

Derrick Kellier and the migrant worker community. The question we have for the mayor is what steps is the local community taking to address their own racism towards migrant workers,” declared Ramsaroop. He added: “We believe that the mayor’s comments reflect a larger issue of the lack of inclusive practices by the local community towards the migrant workers. The comments are dangerous as they attack migrant workers and show how racial stereotypes are used to criminalise an entire community.” Ramsaroop also categorised the mayor’s comments as racial stereotypes “that are being played on by the mayor and the few councillors that support his claims”. “It is very dangerous how they are portraying migrant workers. They don’t feel welcomed in the community. Where was the mayor when migrant workers complained of sexual harassment? It sends a statement that migrant workers are not welcomed in the Leamington community,” said Ramsaroop, who added that the town of Leamington needed “to face its own racist problems”.

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

Cuba, Venezuela slammed on press freedoms Denver (AFP) Venezuelan journalists and a dissident Cuban blogger denounced press censorship and other forms of media control by their countries’ leftist governments, at a conference yesterday. Speaking on the second day of a meeting of the InterAmerican Press Association, award-winning Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez said Cuban President Raul Castro in the past year has stepped up government crackdowns on free speech. The crackdown has involved “violence carried out by pro-government mobs, intimidation, vandalism and the arrests of five (would-be) independent journalists,” she said. Cuban television, radio, newspapers and magazines are all state-run. On a positive note, Sanchez hailed Twitter as “a great tool to report human rights violations in places that are under repressive regimes.” But she said that while Castro has opened cyber-cafe services to which Cubans can get paid access, most in the Caribbean nation of 11 million — where the average salary is under $20 a month — cannot afford it. State media remains all that most Cubans have access to, since “it is prohibitive for anybody to

spend a third of their monthly salary on an hour of Internet time,” she said. Cuba does allow government members, scientists and educators Internet access at work but home service is not an option. Even the most influential non-state actor in Cuba, the Catholic church, has not been able to get its own schools and media in Cuba. Venezuelan journalists pointed to the close coordination between Cuba and Venezuela on its “revolutionary” state-run media, which has expanded while the privately owned media has withered under government pressure. Miguel Enrique Otero, editor of Venezuela’s independent El Nacional newspaper, complained in debates that Venezuela was subject to a “media hegemony ... born in and advised from Havana.” Otero cited the example of a newly created Strategic Center for the Protection and Security of the Homeland (CESPPA). The group, which reports to the president’s office, is supposed to censor at will any information deemed sensitive to national security. “Sadly, the two governments are mirroring each other on the worst things — in their failing to bring

Yoani Sanchez prosperity to their people, and in repressing freedoms,” Cuba’s Sanchez charged. The two governments became close allies under the late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, who extended a lifeline to Cuba’s cashstrapped communist government by providing it with cut-rate oil and hard currency. Cuba’s biggest hardcurrency export earner is the more than six billion dollars a year Caracas pays Havana for the services of thousands of Cuban doctors and other medical staff. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro — with six months in office — so far has held to Chavez’ line of extremely close cooperation with Cuba.

Suriname warned about heavy reliance on commodity exports WASHINGTON - CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Suriname about the country’s heavy reliance on commodity exports. The international lending agency says while it welcomes the country’s strong growth, supported by “sound policies and buoyant commodity prices,” the practice has exposed fiscal and external vulnerabilities. “Directors stressed the need to build up buffers, promote fiscal sustainability, strengthen the financial sector, and enhance competitiveness,” said the Washington-based financial institution after concluding the 2013 Article IV Consultation with Surinamese authorities. “Adjustment efforts should aim to streamline expenditure on goods and services, moderate public wages, improve the targeting of subsidies, and prioritize capital projects,” said IMF

officials. “It will also be important to ensure that the planned social security scheme is fiscally sustainable.” IMF directors commended the authorities’ plans to strengthen the fiscal framework, stating that the public financial management law, when completed, would provide a “sound basis for a fiscal anchor and mediumterm expenditure ceilings.” They also lauded efforts to establish a sovereign wealth fund and strengthen customs and tax administration, and recommended intensifying efforts to implement a properly designed valueadded tax. They, however, urged caution regarding plans to purchase minority stakes in two gold mining ventures financed by a sovereign bond issue. The directors supported monetary tightening in case fiscal measures prove inadequate to contain

demand pressures, and urged the authorities to press ahead with plans to establish open market operations. The IMF directors underscored the importance of prudent macroeconomic policies to support the fixed exchange rate, urging the Surinamese government to remove the remaining multiple currency practices when the opportunity arises. They also welcomed progress made in overhauling the banking sector regulatory framework and strengthening the Anti-Money Laundering /Combating the Financing of Terrorism regime. Plans by the Government of Suriname to upgrade the insurance sector regulatory framework, establish a credit bureau and a deposit insurance scheme, and reduce state ownership in the banking sector, were lauded by the IMF officials. The directors also urged officials in the country to continue efforts to reduce “dollarization.”

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TROY CADOGAN CAPTURES

Monday October 21, 2013

GFF/Banks Beer Premier League

Den Amstel, GDF El Dorado Classic Golf tourney register wins

Troy Cadogan (centre) along with Christine Sukhram (to his right) and other top finishers pose for a photo. Troy Cadogan upped the ante when it matters most to finish at the top, ahead of thirty one golfers Saturday capturing the El Dorado Classic Golf tourney played at the Lusignan Golf Club. In second place was Christine Sukhram with 80 gross, handicap 10 and net 70, while the third place went to

Brian Hackett gross 94 handicap 23 and net 71. Gavin Todd secured the fourth place with gross 88, handicap 17 and net 71 as. M. Dinanauth won best gross of 77 and V. Deo nearest to Pin. Next Sunday Safeway Security tourney will commence at 09:00am.

GFF\Banks Beer Premier League

Rosignol Utd thump Mahaica 4-1 on penalties, BV, Buxton in winners’ lane

Delroy Fraser scores his penalty kick for Rosignol yesterday. Rosignol United, Beterverwagting United and Buxton United registered victories when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)\ Banks Beer Premier League tournament continued yesterday. At Buxton ground, Rosignol United hammered Mahaica Denominator 4-1 after they were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Rosignol dominated possession from the onset and Delroy Fraser gave them the lead in the 7th minute before Azuma Roberts equalized in the 14th. Mahaica looked more purposeful after half time with

several players going forward as they tried desperately to take the lead, but several shots went wide of goal. Rosignol took the first penalty and Delroy Ferdinand wasted little time in giving his team the lead. Mahaica’s Celovis Wilson sent his shot wide before Clifford doubled the lead for Rosignol. Terry Caesar saw his shot saved while Christopher Clarkson found the back of the net for the Berbicians. Curt Roberts scored for Mahaica before Rosignol’s Delroy Fraser converted to give his team a hard fought victory.

In another fixture at the said venue, host Buxton United overcame New Amsterdam United 2-0. Both teams shared equal possession in the first half but went to the break 0-0. Buxton took advantage of the high wind and had more control in the second half. Mid fielder Devor Dennis gave them the lead in the 64th minute when he chipped a ball from about 40 yards outside the 18 yard box which New Amsterdam goalkeeper Omarie Bentham fumbled and eventually went into the net. Martin Stedmon doubled the advantage in

72nd minute when he glided past Bentham to seal the issue for his team. At Beterverwagting, the home team beat Pouderoyen Young Achievers 1-0. Young Achievers dominated the first half but wasted a number of scoring opportunities with shots going wide of the net. BV showed more fight in the second half and forward Romario Welcome put them ahead in the 75th minute. Akeem Curry had another opportunity to score for the host but saw his shot blocked by Young Achievers’ goalkeeper Quincy Ashley in the closing stages.

Den Amstel, who had to endure the humiliation of Grove Hi Tech coming into their backyard and beating them, were in no mood to suffer a similar fate at the hands of Linden’s Winners Connection, thrashing them 6-1 as play in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) / Banks Beer Premier League continued yesterday, at the Community Centre ground. Played before a fair-sized and partisan crowd, the West Demerara-based side were led to victory through a hat-trick from Delon Lanferman, who netted in the 9th, 51st and 90th minutes, while Dwayne Charles (21st) an own goal in the 25th and Jeffrey Perreira’s 38th minute strike accounted for the remaining goals. Winners Connection lone response was scored by Ezra Ashby in the 34th minute of play. In the curtain raiser, the Guyana Defence Force made it two wins in as many matches when they squeezed past a stubborn Grove Hi Tech 1-0 with the speedy Delwyn Fraser’s 88th minute strike separating the two teams. In the feature game, Lanferman started the rut very early when fired in from close

range and it took another twelve minutes, before Charles gave them a two-goal cushion with a beautiful solo effort. Urged on by the voluble band of supporters, Den Amstel continued their relentless pursuit for more goals and it was on one occasion of sustained attacking football that led to their third goal which came compliments of an own goal. Winners Connection, with no other alternative but to go on the offensive, managed to reduce the deficit in the 34th minute with Ashby netting. However, to emphasise their dominance the hosts netted once again to take a comfortable 4-1 lead into the break. Six minutes after the resumption, it was back to business for Den Amstel when Lanferman netted his second goal as they attacked with menace throughout the period and to round off an outstanding afternoon, he added one more to his tally on the stroke of full time. Even three minutes of extra time failed to improve Winners Connection scoreline as they slumped to a lop-sided loss.

All Saints Primary wins NA School Athletics Championship for third consecutive time All Saints Primary, for the third consecutive year, ran away winners of the New Amsterdam Branch that also includes schools from the East Bank and West Canje areas, of the annual Inter Primary School Athletics Championship at the All Saints Scott Church Ground on Thursday. In the end All Saints Primary was way ahead with 396 points. In second place was Edinburgh Primary with 247 points. In the third position was St Theresa Primary with 220 points, ahead of St Aloysius Primary on 159 and School of the Nations on 139 points. Overwinning Primary scored 48 points, Friends Primary 16 points with Lochaber Primary of West Canje bringing up the rear with 14 points. Among the top athletes on show were - The boys U-8 80 and 100M events was won by Trevon Williams of St Aloysius Primary with Shelema Semple taking the double among the girls. The boys U-10 100 metre

final was taken by Clifferin Williams of St Theresa Primary with Treselle Mathews of All Saints taking the girls race. Meanwhile, Notya Alexander of Edinburgh Primary took the boys U-10 150 metre and Racwana Williams of All Saints ran away with the girls’ event. Joshua Hercules of New Amsterdam Multilateral (NAMS) won the boys U-12100 and 200M events. Diyante DeMattos also of NAMS won the girls 100M with Khandi Griffith winning the 200M version. NAMS did not compete as a school but registered its U-12 athletes in order for them to get the opportunity to participate. The Inter Branch Competition, which will effectively be used to select the District teams to participate in the National school Athletics, Swimming and Cycling Championships, is expected to be held this week at a venue to be decided.

Monday October 21, 2013

Kaieteur News

Riveting football action heralds Mayor Hamilton Green golden birth anniversary Mayor Hamilton Green has been a true sports enthusiast since time eternal and during his tenure as Prime Minister, had contributed greatly to the local physical and infrastructural sports fraternity. He is now the Major of Georgetown and for over 32 years, former national football coach, Lennox Arthur has paid homage to those contributions through the successful staging of the Mayor ’s Cup Football tournament. ‘Hammy,’ as many has fondly come to know him, will be celebrating his 79thbirth anniversary on Saturday November 9 next and Mr Arthur will continue to pay homage to him with an Inter Ward, Village Street 7 a-side, one day football championship at the Tucville Ground, on Sunday November 10. Mr Arthur has been the man behind the yearly Mayor ’s Cup football tournament which has seen

the leading local teams battling for top honours, while carting off millions of dollars in cash and other lucrative prizes. He has promised similar excitement and said that more that 16 teams have already registered for participation with another 10 teams scheduled to register over the coming weeks. The organizer said that power teams such as Alberttown, South Sophia, Tiger Bay, Kitty and North Ruimveldt have already conformed to the registration process while several teams from the East and West Coast Demerara have signalled their intentions to participate and will register during the coming week. The winning and runner up teams will both receive beautiful trophies but the first place team will win $100,000 while the team finishing second will earn half that amount. Already, the organizers have received the support of

Mayor Hamilton Green Ricks and Sari and each member of the two top teams will receive large food hampers of Ricks and Sari Products. Other sponsors on board so far are McCorp, GT&T, Chris Fernandes, Winston Rambarran and the Guyana Lotto Company. Mr Arthur is appealing to the business community for support towards the success of this historic tournament.

Windies looking forward to India tour Barbados Advocate Bridgetown, Barbados - The West Indies may have not played Test cricket in recent times, but Coach Ottis Gibson says his team is looking forward to its upcoming Test match series against India. The team is on the island for a fitness and medical camp to make sure the players are in tip-top shape for what is going to be a long stint away from the Caribbean. The West Indies will contest two Test matches and three One-Day Internationals in India and will go straight to New Zealand for three Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals. The West Indies will not see the Caribbean until February next year and Gibson made the point that it was imperative that the players be not only in top physical condition, but be in great health as well. “Things have been going well; the doctors haven’t reported anything untoward to me as yet, so fingers crossed that everybody is fit to get on the plane,” said Gibson. Gibson was speaking at a press conference at the Accra Beach Hotel yesterday and he noted that while India is ahead of them in the rankings, they plan to fight hard and put on a good show for the Indian cricket fans. “We are not saying we

West Indies Head Coach Ottis Gibson cannot beat India, but we know it is going to be tough. The last time we went to India, we had a couple of inexperienced guys and we put up a good show. So hopefully this time with a bit more experience, we can go one better and win the series. There is no reason why we can’t,” said Gibson. The West Indies’ last Test match was since November of 2012 when it defeated Bangladesh and its other victories were against New Zealand in a home series in August of that year. Both teams are considered inferior by some West Indian fans and those wins are looked down on by some pundits. Gibson noted that the series against India will finally settle the question of where

the West Indies stand in Test cricket. “We have played great in Test cricket, having won the last six, but people have been poking fun at the opposition. This one in India gives us the opportunity to see where we are as a Test side. India are playing some very good OneDay cricket at the moment; they haven’t played Tests in a long time either, so it gives us an opportunity to go out there and test ourselves,” said Gibson. GIBSON NOT GOING ANYWHERE As for that rumour about him leaving the West Indies to take up the post of head coach at Glamorgan, Gibson emphatically stated he did not even receive so much as an e-mail from Glamorgan. “I suppose when you are doing a good job, every job that comes along is yours. But there is no truth in the rumour. I have not been in contact with anybody from Glamorgan. It is the club that I played for in England, but I have had absolutely no contact with them. I have just signed a new contract with the WICB and I am very happy with where we are,” said Gibson. The first Test against India is scheduled for November 6-10 in Kolkata at the Eden Gardens Cricket Ground.

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COLTS TRAMPLE

Suriname’s Yellowbirds By Edison Jefford Colts’ Basketball Club ran a set of successful offensive plays in the last of two 20-minute halves Saturday night against Suriname’s Yellowbirds Club that returned some pride to Guyana at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The touring six-man Yellowbirds had defeated Pepsi Sonics Friday night in their first of the two-game tour, but Colts constantly broke down the tiring Surinamese team with top pick and roll plays that opened up guards, Shelroy and Sheldon Thomas. The result was a 48-39 win for Colts in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) goodwill exchange fixture. Shelroy had 16 points while Dave Causway finished with 10 points and Sheldon nine points for Colts. Amil Cooman led the Surinamese with 15 points, while Jahmal Henar scored 14 points in the game that was reduced to two 20-minute halves owed to time constraints. Colts went for the up-tempo game from jump ball in a clear strategy to wear-down the Surinamese in the contest. The result was a 24-22 lead at the end of the first half for the Guyanese, even though

Cooman and Henar had combined for 18 points in the half, compliments of fundamental and otherwise basic power-plays in the paint. The second period was all Colts as a few classic offensive sets that opened up their back court led to easy points. On the defensive end, Colts ran back and pressed, which also led to fast-breaks that tired the six-man Surinamese team. Shelroy continuously broke down the Yellowbirds defence in the paint, while Causway nailed the big shots whenever the defence collapsed on either of the Thomas brothers. It was a pick-and-roll and fast break clinic for the Surinamese. The visitors were outscored 24-17 in the half and their shortage of resources on the bench was completely exposed. Shelroy scored 10 points in the last 10 minutes of the game that really sealed the deal for Colts and continued their march upwards. In the earlier female game, Suriname’s Yellowbirds made it 2-0 against Guyanese teams with a 39-24 win against Pepsi Sonics. Tricia Struiken scored 16 points and Chayenne Naarden contributed eight points in the win.

Letter to the Sports Editor

The Rapid castration that is presently taking over the horseracing entity DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, Readers, please take note, did it have to take some of my Trinidadian counterparts to come and tell us that we are heading down the wrong direction in the business of horseracing, when I said so in many of my previous articles. The people of our country continue to stumble down the wrong path. Suddenly no one listens to reasons, if your ideas do not coincide with their vision, so I am going to treat everyone as being right. The minister of sports, the honourable Frank Anthony is right to sit for the last six years with the legislation on his desk. The president and members of the so called Guyana Horse Racing Authority are right to dictate to the horse owners how races should be run and on what dates. The track administrations are fully within their rights to put out a racing programme without any consultation with the horse owners and trainers, likely to participate. The GRA is right to collect the government taxes without any legislation in place to govern the sport. The police administration and the E.P.A are right not to grant permission for races to run at certain tracks, based on the directive from the Guyana Horse Racing Authority in agreement with the minister. The turfites are right to encroach on the track on race day while races are being run for they paid their money to

bet on a horse on the track. The administrators of the only Public Racing Facility are right to dictate who and when Horse racing events could take place there. Readers please bear with me, the only thing that is wrong here are that these horses are owned and maintained by private individuals with very high upkeep costs and who continues to race at a great loss, while everyone is free to exercise their god given rights. Please note, only one horse could win the race, it’s like a raffle with high risks entry fees (10-12% of the first prize), Jockey fees (10-20 % of the placings earned) groom fees (3% of the said above)

there are transportation costs, veterinary bills, vitamins, horse feed and labour. So what is left for the owners that win? Not much. So you imagine, when the horse lose as the local saying goes ‘While the grass is growing, the horses are starving’. Well, my take on all this nonsense is that only a stupid person will continue to run a business that doesn’t make any sense, so Mr. Rights, I am out of this business, so too for a lot of other horse owners in order that you guys too, maintain your rights. Bye, Bye. Colin Elcock Horse Owner/ Trainer

W and D Hotel and Mall T\20 cricket – North E’bo

Dhanraj slams century as Young Achievers beat Charity Sunil Dhanraj belted an attacking century as Young Achievers defeated Charity by 59 runs when action in the W and D Hotel and Mall T\20 cricket competition continued in North Essequibo. At Charity, Young Achievers batted first and posted 2103 in 20 overs. Dhanraj reached the boundary seven times and cleared it on ten occasions in a top score of 100, while Sheildston Britton made 56 (4x4,5x6); Ezra MacKalmon captured 3-18. Charity replied with 157-7 in 20 overs with Ryan Tang scoring 41 (5x4,1x6) and Sanjeev Ramdeen 37 (7x4). Tameshwar Dhanpaul took 2-11. At the same venue in the afternoon match, the host overcame Eagles Sports by 10 wickets. Eagles took first strike and were skittled for 91 in 18.2 overs. Suraj Lall led with 50 (4x4,3x6) while Terrence Tulsieram grabbed 4-14, Devin Thakurdeen 2-16 and Ricardo Thakurdeen 2-25. Charity responded with 90 without lost in 6 overs with Tulsieram leading the way with 52 (7x4,3x6) and Keisho Rooplall 22 (2x4,1x6).

Page 30

Kaieteur News

All to play for in final U-19 ODI today at Everest

Shemron Hetymer

By Sean Devers With the series locked 3all it’s the moment of truth and all to play for in the final under-19 ODI between West Indies and Bangladesh which is scheduled to commence at 09:00hrs at the Everest ground on Camp Road. West Indies lost both of their 1998 and 2000 under-19 World Cup matches to Bangladesh and lost 2-1 in their only trip to Bangladesh

for an ODI series and are hoping to improve their ODI record of 12 matches, 5 wins and seven defeats, with a series winning victory today. This is Bangladesh’s inaugural under-19 tour to the West Indies and the first time that an entire series is being played in Guyana where conditions more favour the visiting team. Unlike at Albion where the last match ODI was

played, the home team should not have the atmosphere like Berbice where a large, vocal crowd urged them throughout the contest and the pitch offered far less turn for the spinners. The West Indies, led by a classy 65 from Guyanese lefthander Shemron Hetymer and an explosive unbeaten 50 towards the end of the innings from Fabian Allen, spearheaded the hosts to their first 200 total of the series as they capitalized on ideal conditions at a venue which hosted the first ever senior ODI in the West Indies. Today Bangladesh could again enjoy conditions at Everest where their spinners extracted prodigious turn and beat the bat almost at will but a fiercely contested battle should be anticipated due to confidence, and more importantly the lessons learned from the victory in Berbice where they used their feet a lot more to the spinners and played positive cricket. Just as the home team batsmen seem susceptible to spin the Bangladesh teenagers appear uncomfortable to short lifting deliveries, even on the slow track here on South American soil. Opener Leroy Lugg is

only one of four West Indians to score a halfcentury but his 69 was in the opening match and has endured a torrid time with the bat since then and is likely the lose his spot, especially if the talented Jeremy Solozano is passed fit to play. Tagenarine Chanderpaul batted intelligently for his 51 at Providence and if he reproduces that kind of approach and the others bat around him, the home team could make a challenging total today. Tristan Coleman, Nicholas Pooran, Tarryck Gabriel, Fabian Allen and Skipper Ramaal Lewis should offer batting support. Although the six fast bowlers in the squad are being rotated because of the size of the touring party, Vincentian Ray Jordon, the quickest bowler on both teams, should play today if winning the series is of any importance to the West Indies who are using this series as preparation for next year’s under-19 World Cup in Dubai. West Indies will participate in a reciprocal tour to Bangladesh from December 6 after which the World Cup squad will be picked while at least four

MOTOR RACING COMPETITORS ASSOCIATION FORMED Members of the Motor Racing fraternity in Guyana on Friday evening last formed as Association called the Motor Racing Competitors Association of Guyana (MRCAG) at a meeting held at the Everest Cricket Club. The meeting was attended by 55 competitors. The Association was formed to look after the interest of the competitors in Guyana since there was no one to represent their collective interest as well as to move the sport forward. Kaieteur Sport was made to understand that the competitors are dissatisfied with the current administration of local Motor Racing. One of the oldest members of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, Bryan McIntosh, who also served as a commentator, was elected chairman of the association, while Cyril Angoy was chosen as the vice chairman.

The secretary is Gavin Gayadin, Hansraj Singh the treasurer and Rupie Sewjattan the assistant secretary treasurer and technical advisor. The committee members are Danny Persaud, Harold Hopkinson, Carey Griffith, Maurice Menezes, Kamal Seebarran, Roshan Alli, Syed Hassan and Richie Singh. Chairman McIntosh, who has 30 years experience in Motor Racing, thanked the members for electing him as the head. He promised to do work feverishly for the development of the sport and urged the other members of the executive to work as a unit. He stated that he would like to see some changes in the sport before the November 24 meet and informed that the needs of the competitors should be properly represented, adding that the GMR&SC and the drivers are on a different level. “I’m extremely happy at the response that we received

from the competitors and it shows that they are concerned about the future of the sport, we are willing to take the necessary steps to ensure that systems are put in place and to ensure that the sport lives on for another fifty years,” he added. The next race meet is on November 24 at South Dakota and the MRCAG expects a more professional approach from the participants and more attention should be placed on the safety of spectators. McIntosh indicated that he plans to race under the “Team Xtreme Racing” banner along with teammate Gavin Gayadin at the November meet provided that everything goes as planned for the association. He pointed out that the association will be meeting twice monthly to iron out any difficulties the competitors may be facing and will be looking for ways to attract sponsors for the drivers and riders who are part of the

MRCAG. “We plan to host activities to raise funds for the members of the association and will be sending a letter to the GMR&SC shortly requesting a meeting with them to iron out some pressing issues pertaining to the future of the sport. We are concerned about the future of Motor Racing and want to play a key role in assisting the GMR&SC. We want to take the sport to another level,” said McIntosh. Committee member Harold Hopkinson stated that the turnout from the last meeting was poor so they decided to form this association so that they can help the sport get back on track. Meanwhile, McIntosh said that the Association will be registered under the Friendly Societies Act shortly. He expressed many thanks to the management of the Everest Cricket Club for accommodating them.

Monday October 21, 2013

Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Uddin Jashim (wicketkeeper) will both look to represent their teams well. (WICB)

players from this squad will not make the trip. Grenadian Left-arm speedster Preston McSween and the spinners, especially Guyanese Gudakesh MotieKamahi should do the bulk of the bowling for the home team in a game which is a virtual final. Bangladesh, one of the top teams at this level, will want a good foundation from Monir Jummon and the inform Sadman Anik while Emon Joyraj who batted with lots of confidence in Berbice during his 77, Mossadek Saikat, Uddin Jashim, Skipper Mehedi Miraj and Abu Rony will want to lend support with the bat. Abu Saeed and left-arm pacer Rony could share the new balls while the spinners,

leggie Likhon Zubair, who has the most wickets in the series with 17, Miraj, Saikat and left-arm spinner Javed Rahuttul should enjoy conditions at Everest.

Ray Jordan

Skeete Twenty\20 – South E’bo

Horilall slams half century in Golden Fleece victory A fine half century by Shivnarine Horilall enabled host Golden Fleece to beat New Opportunity Corps (NOC) Juniors by 30 runs when action in the Edward Skeete and family Twenty\20 tournament continued last Sunday in South Essequibo. Horilall top scored with 61 and got valuable support from Nigel Smith 33 as Golden Fleece rattled up 184-7 in 20 overs, batting first. Nealand Cadogan snared 3-16 and Beesham Dasrat 2-23. NOC Juniors replied with 154-8 in 20 overs. David Williams made 31, Fidel Smith 22 and Alex Etwaroo 16; Gewan Singh took 2-20. Meanwhile, NOC seniors defeated their junior counterparts by 41 runs on Saturday in a specially arranged T\20 match by Coach Forbes Daniels at the NOC ground. NOC Seniors took first strike and scored 178-8 in 20 overs. Anthony Adams led with 82 and Brandon Cabose made 21; Beesham Dasrat claimed 3-18, Nealand Cadogan 2-18 and Fidel Smith 2-18. The junior team were bowled out for 137 in reply. Cadogan scored 56, while Ryan Heyliger had 2-17. In another fixture at the said venue, NOC students went down to NOC U-15 by 3 wickets on Saturday. NOC students managed 106 all out in 19.3 overs, batting first. Alex Etwaroo 17 and Horris Series 15 were their main batsmen. NOC U-15 responded with 108-7 with Shakeem Sue scoring 19; Arnold Adams grabbed 2-7, Alex Etwaroo 2-11 and Steve Archer 2-15.