Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Green was against free and fair elections in 1992 DEAR EDITOR, Former PNC strongman Mayor Hamilton Green in his letter, “Proposed rotation of mayorship has to be seen in context of PPP obsession with political control of Georgetown,” (SN 10-21-13), stated that he was expelled from the PNC because he had serious disagreement with PNC leader Desmond Hoyte over “the political management of the party machinery.” I seemed to recall that immediately after the 1992 elections Mr Green went on a campaign to PNC groups telling them that Mr Hoyte was “foolish for holding free and fair elections.” Mr Green was certainly against free and fair elections and did all that he could do to derail the 1992 elections. I recall that on elections day Mr Green personally went around with his supporters and tried to engage in multiple voting. He showed up at a polling station in Queenstown, Georgetown, with a score of persons and demanded that they be allowed to vote although their fingers were already stained and their names were not on the voters list. I was the Presiding Officer and off course he was shown out of the building. He got the same treatment at Campbellville Primary School later that day by another Presiding Officer, Mr Ramotar Roopsind.
At the end of poll that day Mr Green took his supporters to the Elections Commission building, sent the police away, and proceeded to stone the building. Riots were fomented in other parts of the Georgetown, all in an effort to sabotage the elections. Fortunately Mr Hoyte would have none of it and ordered the GDF and Police to restore law and order and protect the electoral process. It was his efforts to stop the process of restoring democracy and bad mouthing Mr Hoyte that caused Mr Hoyte to expel him. Mr Green in his letter also referred to the secret power sharing talks between Burnham and Jagan in the early 1980’s, “.. Burnham and Jagan and just a few of us had held secret meetings in an effort to forge a political unity (or a modus vivendi). Things were near fruition when Burnham died, my witness being Elvin Mc David. After Burnham’s death Hoyte had a strong hostility towards Dr. Jagan, which I did not share. Hoyte was not aware of the secret Burnham/ Jagan talks. I recall inviting Cheddi Jagan to my home to revive those talks. Hoyte was upset, my witness to this being Dr. Joey Jagan.” I hope PPP supporters, especially the younger ones read and understand this statement. Here was Mr Green, just after the 1980 rigged elections, holding power
sharing talks with Dr Jagan. After the 1985 rigged elections Mr Green summoned Dr Jagan and his son Joey to his home to resume power sharing talks. Mr Hoyte was hostile towards Dr Jagan. Mr Hoyte terminated the power sharing talks. But it was the same Mr Hoyte who held free and fair elections in 1992, although he knew it might give power to Dr Jagan. And it was the same Mr Green who tried to stop free and fair elections. So Mr Green was willing to hold onto power by rigged elections and share some crumbs with Dr Jagan and Joey. What is the point I am making. That Jagan and Green were peas of the same pod. Mr Hoyte was different. He was a man of principle,
integrity, honour, and dignity. He was committed to restoring democracy even if it meant him losing power. This is a man young people must look to as a role model and try to emulate. When Mr Green was expelled he was left like the proverbial beggar on the street. The once powerful and feared strongman was suddenly a nobody on the streets. But the PPP soon rescued him, helped him set up his Good and Green Party, and released his associates Rabbi Washington and Errol
Butcher who were jailed by Hoyte. The “PPP intellectuals” who usually gathered outside Freedom House on Saturday mornings whispered that Green would split the PNC and gave PPP victory in Georgetown in the 1994 local government elections. However Mr Green won the largest bloc of votes and Dr Jagan called him in for “power sharing talks,” but Mr Green off course preferred to eat the whole cake. Mr Green gave as his excuse, “With my experience
of the PPP I knew that the plan would be to support the third year PPP Mayor with Government resources so that their Mayor would look good and therefore influence voters for the next election.” So Mr Green knew he would not get resources to get the job done but he has held on to it for 19 years. I suppose when you depend on politics to earn a living it does not matter whether you get the job done or not. What matters is the paycheck the job gets you. Malcolm Harripaul
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
THE EDUCATION SYSTEM MUST EMBRACE CHANGE IF GUYANA IS TO PROGRESS DEAR EDITOR, One would have expected that the Minister of Education, who was present at the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of UG, to have apprehended the implications of the President’s remarks on embracing change for the practice of education in Guyana. But, after reading two recent articles: KN 13/10/13: “Resolute to perfect the education sphere…Priya Manickchand is a ‘Special Person’; and, KN 19/10/13, “Education sector defies criticism in quest to improve”, it would appear that the implications have escaped her.
It is evident from the content of the reports that she is still unaware of the crucial change needed for the delivery of quality education. Given the context of Guyana’s social and economic realities/ dilemmas, a shift in emphasis from the narrow academic outcome of “the best exam results”, to the more encompassing and enduring educational outcome – human/ character development, has been an imperative for quite some time. The Minister must understand that the issue of quality education is not simply a question of
efficiency, but more importantly, an issue of effectiveness: “How can the education system be made more effective in meeting various needs that exist within the Guyanese environment? This involves numerous questions about purposes/ goals, structure/ restructuring, organization/ reorganization, management/ leadership, and capacity/ capacity enhancement. Answe r s to these questions can be provided only by serious study, not by rhetoric or exhortation, and not by backslapping or photo-ops. The Minister needs to realize that in addition to
meeting the needs of some individuals, education policies need to be informed by prominent social and economic phenomena that are occurring within the wider environment, especially those that pose serious threats to our economic and social health. It saddens me to say, but some of the social and economic phenomena that are gaining increasing prominence in the wider Guyanese environment and that require our urgent attention are: 1) degradation of the environments - urban, rural, hinterland; 2) general erosion of respect for law and order; 3) corruption; 4)
poverty; 5) criminal activity by youth – male and female; 6) loss of respect for life and limb; 7) alcohol and drug abuse by youth; 8) abuse of females of all ages by males of all ages; 9) youth unemployment; 10) rising inequalities; 11) shortage of higher level technical skills in the workforce; 12) decrease in local manufacture. These phenomena are all aspects of behaviour by the graduates of our education system that d i m i n i s h t h e n a t i o n ’s patrimony, drain the public purse, but contribute n o t h i n g t o t h e n a t i o n ’s wealth. Earlier this year a former Minister of Education revealed that half of the 18,000 who leave school annually are functionally illiterate? Has this phenomenon been researched? Will we continue to blame (and criminalize, and eventually execute?) the victims because they happened to have been born to the wrong parents? Or blame parents who themselves were failed by the same education system some generations before? Or, blame the teachers who have not been adequately prepared for today’s
classrooms? “What are the needed educational outcomes that are not being generated by the system? “What structural, organizational, and managerial/leadership changes are needed in order to achieve greater congruence between educational outcomes and environmental needs? Actually, it is an act of extreme courtesy to describe whatever took place between the Minister and KN as an interview. The Minister was allowed to “strut her stuff” as if she were a major KN shareholder She was not challenged to provide any explanations, or details. For example: what does the Minister mean by “always looking for results”? Why limit success to “academic success”? Please tell us about the research unit at MOE, and the research that has been done, and is currently being done? Are research reports published on MOE’s website? Do students in underserved, and underprivileged areas benefit from dental and medical check-ups? What is being done to recruit and retain higher qualified and competent professionals for our classrooms? Why do you feel you must have a hands-on approach to see that education policy is being carried out in schools? Isn’t that the function of the “good team” of professionals within the ministry? Could not your time be more profitably spent developing needed policies and strategies? Clarence O. Perry
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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West criticizes, China defends Rowley wants general election now Express - This is now. “HOW sweet it is!” election human rights record at U.N. howTrinidad Dr Keith Rowley Rowley said the PNM was G E N E VA / B E I J I N G (Reuters) - Western countries accused China yesterday of arresting activists, curbing Internet use and suppressing ethnic minorities, as the United Nations formally reviewed its rights record for the first time since Xi Jinping became president. The United Nations Human Rights Council, which reviews all U.N. members every four years, convened in Geneva, where sharply opposing views of China’s human rights record were exposed. Uzra Zeya, acting assistant secretary in the U.S. State Department’s bureau of democracy, human rights and labor, said China should cease using harassment, detention and arrest to silence human rights activists and their families and friends. “We’re concerned that China suppresses freedoms of assembly, association, religion and expression..., harasses, detains and punishes activists..., targets rights defenders’ family members and friends and implements policies that undermine the human rights of ethnic minorities,” Zeya said. China’s special envoy Wu Hailong, who led Beijing’s delegation in Geneva, said
Xi Jinping talks with other countries in Geneva had been “open, candid... and cooperative.” But he added that some of the accusations leveled at China had been “based on misunderstandings and prejudices.” Hours before the session began, Tibetan activists scaled the building and unfurled a banner reading: “China fails human rights in Tibet - U.N. stand up for Tibet”. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said it was willing to work with other countries on human rights as long as it was in a spirit of mutual
respect. “But we firmly oppose those kinds of biased and malicious criticisms,” she added, referring to the Tibetan protest. U.N. security detained the four activists from Denmark and Britain for several hours, and a spokeswoman for Students for a Free Tibet later said they had not been charged and were expected to return to their home countries. China faces criticism from some Western countries including the United States for what they say is the religious repression of ethnic minorities, including Tibetans and Muslim Uighurs in the vast western Xinjiang region. China has responded to unrest in both regions by intensifying a crackdown by security forces, and Xi, who took office in March, has showed no sign of easing harsh policies. Echoing concerns voiced by Germany and Switzerland, British ambassador Karen Pierce called on China to further reduce the number of crimes carrying the death penalty. delegation’s responses that ‘objective and frank’ meant no criticism, or at least no criticism that they didn’t control.”
Syrian opposition resists calls to commit to peace talks LONDON (Reuters) Syria’s opposition in exile resisted calls from Western and Arab countries yesterday to commit to attending peace talks, saying they would not take part if there was any chance President Bashar al-Assad could cling to power. Eleven countries meeting in London pressed the opposition National Coalition to join talks to end a conflict that has killed over 100,000 people, but the group listed conditions and said it would decide in the coming weeks whether to attend. “There will not be any negotiations at all without making sure that the
Geneva 2 meeting is basically for the transitional period and for Assad to go,” National Coalition chief Ahmed Jarba told a news conference after the London meeting. “We are not going to sit and negotiate with Assad possibly being there,” he said. “Our people would not accept that. They will consider us as traitors if we came here to sell our people.” However, Jarba did not explicitly rule out joining the talks and said his group would meet soon, possibly in Istanbul on November 1, to vote on whether to attend Geneva 2. The United States and
Russia said in May they would convene a “Geneva 2” peace conference in which both sides would agree a transitional political set-up to end the war, but it faces huge obstacles and no firm date has been set. A communiqué from Monday’s meeting said Geneva 2 would aim to establish a transitional government by which time “Assad and his close associates with blood on their hands will have no role in Syria”. In the latest indication that Assad feels his position is tenable, he said on Monday he saw no reason why he should not run for re-election next year.
Monday night described his leading o f t h e P e o p l e ’s National Movement (PNM) in its first victory in Trinidad since becoming the party’s political leader. Rowley’s first election as PNM political leader w a s i n t h e 2 0 1 0 l o c al government elections. The party only got three out of 14 corporations in that election. Rowley said the party was “broken but not defeated” by that loss. “The PNM has been accustomed to being in adverse conditions but we don’t stay there,” Rowley said Monday night. “Within a three-year period we were able to pick
ourselves up from a significant defeat.” Rowley said the party did some introspection before and dealt with its internal issues and then represented itself to the electorate. The PNM claimed victory in nine of the 14 regional corporations at stake in Monday’s local government elections. He said this loss sustained by the ruling People’s Partnership after such a resounding victory three years ago means the Government “has collapsed”. He called on Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar to call a general
able to make its presence felt in “every corporation”. “Only corporation in which we have not won a seat is Penal/Debe Regional Corporation,” he said. “We won all the seats in Diego Martin and Port of Spain. We have taken back Arima, Sangre Grande. We won handsomely in San Fernando and we have lost very narrowly in Siparia,” Rowley said. He said “most interestingly and most satisfying” to the PNM was that it polled the highest number of votes in the Chaguanas Borough Corporation which has been “traditionally difficult”.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Anti-money laundering legislation deadlock….
Common ground difficult to establish Guyana’s inability so far to address the concerns associated with the passage of the Anti Money Laundering Legislation has become a cause for worry in many sections of society. With the populace wanting to know what is being done by the Government and the opposition to find consensus. The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in clamping down on the Government to implement the Anti Money Laundering Law, lead to the Government advancing the Bill in the National Assembly, but it was not passed after the combined opposition of the AFC and APNU cited their own concerns and conditionalities which were needed before they assented to the passage of the legislation. APNU wanted more clarity while the AFC called for the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission (PPC), before they give their consent. The Government is now calling on the opposition to support the legislation in the National Assembly so as to avoid the country being blacklisted for non compliance, the consequences of which will be extremely serious. Clement Rohee the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic in a recently held press conference at Freedom House, attributed his statements to the combined opposition when he said “we remind them that this is Guyana’s last chance to avoid sanctions being imposed, worldwide, against commerce in and emanating from Guyana. The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force has already prepared a draft
PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee
AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan
report on Guyana, which will be adopted at its Plenary Meeting, scheduled to be held on the 18th of November in the Bahamas. That draft report in its conclusion states that Guyana has not implemented the requisite recommendations and the Guyana Anti Money Laundering Bill, which embodies those recommendations, is still languishing in the Guyana Parliament.” According to Rohee “We say, categorically, that unless that Bill in the Parliament is passed, before the 18th of November 2013, Guyana will be unable to prevent that draft report from being adopted. The consequences will indeed be dire and draconian on the Guyanese economy. Indeed, every facet of life will be affected as a result. The opposition must be held responsible if these horrendous consequences materialize.” Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall in speaking to the conditions that the
Opposition had placed before them (more specifically AFC) for a Public Procurement Commission before they can get the support for the legislation to be passed, said that “The Alliance For Change position that a PPC must be established before they support the money laundering bill is a position that simply makes no sense. There is absolutely no connection or nexus whatsoever between the PPC and the Money Laundering Bill.” He then said that “the important thing is that the Government is committed to the establishment of a PPC, it is this Government that has passed the laws to make that possible, we have amended the constitution to establish a commission and therefore we are interested in setting up a PPC, however we have some concerns and we would like them to be resolved.” According to Nandlall “the Money Laundering Bill however is a completely different matter it will affect commerce in this country and
it will have consequences that will affect every single Guyanese citizen including the AFC supporters. They are not coming to the parliament to do anything in relation to the Bill so they don’t even care what type of bill they want. At least the Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has a position that they want a good bill though they are not putting forward any proposal in writing in relation to getting a ‘good’ bill passed. The AFC on the other hand is completely absent from the committee.” The Anti Money Laundering Bill is time bound “we have to pass it before the eighteenth of November, but the PPC, we have time for that, the President and the leader of the Opposition are speaking on that matter” Nandlall said. Leader of the AFC Khemraj Ramjattan in an invited comment over the opposition’s conditionality before the passing of the Anti Money Laundering Bill in the Parliament elucidated that “this Government knew that this Anti Money Laundering Bill and the recommendations therein for amendments to that Bill as provided by CFTAF, were very important even when it had the majority in Parliament in the year 2010, but it was always escaping the obligations it had by not doing it then because it had the majority. It wanted largely to take advantage, with the transactions of a very corrupt nature being passed as a result of not implementing the recommendations.” “They now want to pass the buck and the blame and put propaganda spin on the opposition as being the
people who are the culprits here,” Ramjattan said. Ramjattan in speaking to the importance of a Procurement Commission, established that “the constitution commandeered the Government of the day to establish the Procurement Commission since 2001. The Constitution ordered the Government, there shall be established a procurement commission. The PPC was supposed to be that constitutional body which will supervise and monitor procurement matters, all manner of procurement matters. So the corruption that flows from these small contracts and huge contracts like the Marriott and so on, it could’ve been supervised and monitored and this could’ve been happening since 2001.” He then said that “This government deliberately did not set it up and the people out there must ask the question why is the Government is not setting up the PPC? The intention of the PPC was to take away cabinet’s role from procurement matters, because we know that the Cabinet can be corrupt in giving its friends, family and their favourites these big contracts for big kickbacks.” This, he says, was the reason why the Government does not want the PPC implemented since they will no longer have control over contracts coming in. He further stated that the Government wants to amend the PPC Act to give Ministers the power to procure projects so that they can continue with corruption by providing kickbacks for themselves,
since no scrutiny would be attributed to them. The AFC Leader in providing an example said that “they [Government] made an NIS building at Skeldon for some $60M, its worth about $9-10M, this could have been supervised and monitored by the PPC and the independent minds that could have headed it as commissioners, and it could have halted this huge amount of monies going to quarters not entitled to them. As a result of that there has been a massive loss in tax payers’ money.” According to Ramjattan “in the new good governance architecture that we want for this country a Procurement Commission would be helpful in relation to Anti Money Laundering and since it was the Constitution that commands the Government to establish it, we have to be suspicious of the motive of this Government in not wanting it established… We are saying that if this Government loves the financial architecture that it talks so much about, then it must implement the commands of the constitution for a PPC.” He said in conclusion that “the AFC’s argument is that if you clip the corruption that flows as a result of the non establishment of the PPC and you also have the Anti Money Laundering Act, we would be killing two birds with one stone. We would be having these two institutions that hit at corruption on two levels. It is not a situation where one has to be done as against the other; we are not arguing that they are separate things.”
Chinese oil firms, Europe’s giants win Brazil auction
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) China’s CNOOC and CNPC, Anglo-Dutch giant Royal Dutch Shell and France’s Total joined Brazilian state operator Petrobras in winning production rights to the huge “Libra” Atlantic oilfield. The five firms won 35year concessions, with Petrobras taking a 40 percent stake, more than the minimum required by the terms of Brazil’s offer, which has been controversial at home. Shell and Total both earned a 20 percent stake, with CNOOC and CNPC securing 10 percent each. Their consortium was the only bid to offer the Brazilian state the minimum 41.65 percent of oil to be extracted from the site, which holds an estimated eight to 12 billion barrels of oil. To put that into context,
Brazil currently has 15.3 billion barrels of proven reserves and is already the second-largest in South America after Venezuela. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff hailed the auction’s outcome, calling it a “success” that would bring about a “small revolution” in the country. Finance Minister Guido Mantega, meanwhile, said the government was “very satisfied.” “We are talking about ... 41 percent of a very big cake — so we are very satisfied with this stake,” he added. The auction attracted 10 participants, but none from the United States. US firms saw too many strings attached, including major state intervention via Petrobras, which will enjoy sole operator status.
Activists protest in front of the hotel where Brazil’s National Petroleum Agency auctioned drilling rights to one of the world’s largest offshore oil discoveries, in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. AFP Photo A further concern was the creation of a new state company, PPSA, to oversee
offshore exploration. Spain’s Repsol pulled out just ahead of a decision,
unveiled at a hotel in Rio. Analysts had expected China National Petroleum
Corporation (CNPC) and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to land the lion’s share of the deal. Instead, they each had to settle for less than their Anglo-Dutch and French partners. Even so, with Libra holding the equivalent of around three years worth of ever rising Chinese consumption, China’s state firms were keen to come aboard. Brazilian Energy Minister Edison Lobao indicated Libra will transform the country’s energy scene and “more than duplicate its reserves inventory of proven oil reserves.” Magda Chambriard, head of oil regulator ANP, said that Libra would produce “300 billion reais ($150 billion) in royalties” alone.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 9
Taking shade during peak hour traffic There is an interesting story about a driver who was once stopped by one of our zealous traffic ranks. A driver was speeding in a 35 mile per hour zone when a local police officer pulled her over and walked up to the car. The officer also happened to be female and she asked for the driver’s licence. The driver searched frantically in her purse for a
while and finally said to the policewoman, “What does a driver’s licence look like?” Irritated, the cop said, “You dummy, it’s got your picture on it!” The driver frantically searched her purse again and found a small, rectangular mirror down at the bottom. She held it up to her face and said, “Aha! This must be my driver’s licence” and handed
it to the policewoman. The cop looked in the mirror, handed it back to the driver and said, “You’re free to go. And, if I had known you were a police officer too, we could have avoided all of this.” There are a great many infractions committed each day by ranks of the Guyana Police Force. At times, it seems as if once someone is assigned to drive a police vehicle,
Dem boys seh
Dem giving wuk to nuff pagalee people Things got to be bad in this country because de other day dem boys see some people painting a set of street signs and is only one thing stop dem from coming to de conclusion that dem who was painting de sign was some sort of pagalee people. Normally is either de police or Robeson people does paint de street sign, but dem boys see a set that look like if dem come from de school for de handicapped and from de blind institute. And is not that dem boys got anything against de disabled. When dem boys find out dem hear that is likker fall in de paint and de painter get drunk. Just check de wuk by de Harbour Bridge.
De set that paint de arrow to indicate a turn decide to turn all dem motorists into de nearest drain. Then de set that paint de median—that is de line that does separate one lane from de other—well dem paint dem line suh twist that dem look like a fence that fall down after a squall. But one set tek de cake. Dem paint de same middle line then dem realize that it ain’t deh in de centre of de road suh dem paint another middle line. De result is that dem got a special lane in de middle of de road. Dem boys seh that de lane is fuh when de Bees going fuh a stroll on a busy day. Just like wha does happen in dem cartoon. And talking ‘bout cartoon dem boys got to talk
‘bout Hen See Hen. Is like dem want to embarrass Donald pun he birthday. Dem and all pagalee. All dem children gone to school and who ain’t gone to school gone to day care, but Hen See Hen showing cartoon at nine o’clock in de morning. When dem boys check, dem find out that Hen See Hen was showing anything just to keep Rohee news from airing suh that de man can cuss de private media. Now Donald got to do something about that. People got to hear Rohee news. Dem can’t depend pun de private media. And dem deh showing cartoon. Talk half and help dem pagalee people.
then that person does not have to comply with the law. There is hardly a known case of a cop pulling over another cop to charge that person for violating a traffic law. And yet each day there are countless cases of persons in police uniforms violating the laws. Sometimes, they run traffic lights. They do this with impunity because they know that they are not likely to be pulled over by their own colleagues and also because they can always claim that they were on an exercise and thus this justified them running the traffic signals. Yesterday during peak hours, a traffic rank was assigned duties at a certain location in the city. The rank arrived there on a motorcycle. It was during peak hours and the traffic was all congested at the junction. Yet the rank made no effort whatsoever when he arrived to try to ease the situation by moving quickly to direct traffic. In fact, to the utter consternation of motorists who were wrestling with each other to get across the busy intersection, the rank simply stood under a shaded awning nearby. Each day the traffic headquarters in Georgetown deploys police ranks to specified locations to help direct traffic. Yet there are times when these ranks simply stand at the side of the roadways near to where they were supposed to be
stationed, and watch as chaos reigns. The traffic authorities must be commended for trying their best to ensure that ranks are deployed to certain locations. But what is missing, it seems, is the presence of supervisory staff to ensure that these ranks begin their work as soon as they arrive and do not, as many do, stand aside and allow chaos to reign. This is a habit of some traffic ranks that defeats the purpose of sending them out to direct traffic. It is also a sign of indiscipline and something that should not be entertained in the Disciplined Services. On one occasion, a senior officer going to work at the same time had to upbraid some junior officers who were taking shade under a tree while all around them traffic was being held up, because there was no one to direct its flow and also because the traffic lights at that area had been deactivated.
It is hard work to be out in the sun for hours directing traffic. But hard work has never killed anyone, and in any event, in most instances the ranks are usually sent out to work for only a short period, such as during peak hours. Is it too much to ask that they be punctual when they are posted and that they go right to their jobs as soon as they arrive on the scene? What these problems indicate is that there is a need for the superior officers to move around during peak hours to monitor the actions of the staff that they deploy to various locations. If these superior officers take the time to supervise their staff, then situations would not develop in which police officers can be seen taking shade from the sun when they should be directing traffic.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Two bidders vie to provide lab equipment for GNBS Under Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, two (2) bids were opened yesterday for the procurement of accessories for lab equipment for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) Ministry of Finance, Main Street. The bids received were:
The Ministry of Public Works received bids for the supply and delivery of armour rocks (boulders) and upper layer rocks (gabion stones) at Cane Garden, Leguan, Region Three.
Bids were also received for the general repairs to band corps stores for the GDF.
Still within the GDF, bids were opened for the construction of a reinforced concrete bridge at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara.
In addition, bids were also tendered for the construction of a greenheart revetment at number 67 Village, Corentyne, Region Six. In addition, bids were received under the GDF for the construction of a mess hall, kitchen and canteen at the Air Corps.
Still under the GDF, bids were opened for petrol, oil and lubricant storage upgrades. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health received bids for the supply and delivery of anti malaria supplies.
Still within the sector, bids were opened for the procurement of office furniture and equipment.
In conclusion, bids were opened for the supply and installation of street lights - Base Camp Stephenson (Lot-1) in addition (Lot 2) entailed the supply and delivery of auto changeover switch for Base Camp Ayanganna.
The Office of the President received bids for the provision of security services at EGovernance LTE Sites. The bids were divided into seven lots.
Also in the health sector, bids were opened for the procurement of medical and physiotherapy equipment.
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) retendered for the provision of security services lots 1-4.
A lone bid was also submitted within the health sector for the procurement of a new clinical bus.
Finally, the health Ministry received bids for the procurement of equipment.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) received bids for the rehabilitation of the medical corps building.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport received bids for the extension of an annex bond, Middle Street Georgetown.
>>> Continued on page 12 <<<
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 23, 2013
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The Guyanese money men and the betrayal of their country I can hardly think of anything in recent months both in Guyana and the world, and I say the world, even though I was revolted at the Tea Party’s madness in the shutdown of the US Government, than the shamelessly unprincipled behaviour of the Private Sector Commission (PSC). The PSC ran a full page advertisement that irresponsibly called upon the opposition to pass the AntiMoney Laundering Bill in whatever form. Let’s quote the very last line of this unpatriotic, infamous advertisement; “the private
sector urges Parliament to approve the measure in whatever form…” This egregious advocacy was followed by another full page placement, this time by the Insurance Association of Guyana. Here is the most offensive section of this advertisement; “Member companies urge …our Parliament that this is an issue of national emergency that takes precedence over any domestic or national issue.” This second advocacy seems to be more sickening and barefaced than the first. Here is my advice to the opposition parties. Take a section of last Sunday’s interview by Fareed Zakaria with the President of Chile and demand that the individual units of the insurance body read it. Asked by Zakaria how Chile came out of its bad past
to achieve the distinction of being the best economy in Latin America, he stressed that democracy and freedom were indispensable features in Chile’s development thrust. What the PSC and the insurance companies are saying is so sickening that it tortures the mind to repeat it. It is best to offer an analogy. A village is without a police chief. The village council identifies a candidate but he is a rogue with a sordid past of sexual harassment and bribe-taking. Up comes the poultry association and demands that the candidate be employed because it is losing fowls to thieves. In plain language what the poultry association is saying is that it doesn’t care how flawed the candidate is and how obsessed he is with harassing women and taking bribes, the
village must have a police chief. It is only concerned with its narrow interest. The identical argument applies to the PSC and the insurance companies. Democracy and freedom are lesser values on the national agenda; Guyana’s business climate is more important. Now here is the biggest flaw in the anti-money laundering legislation that the business folks are aware of, but have no nationalist blood in their veins to care about. Who is going to watch the watchman? Who is to select the anti-corruption tsar who will investigate the laundering of drug money and other ill-gotten finance in Guyana? Surely, it cannot be the friend of the traffickers and launderers themselves. This is where the disgust with the request of the money people lies. These people don’t even have the decency to show an ounce of nationalism by calling on the parliamentary parties to offer compromise and concessions. This was the first thought that came
out of the mouth of President Obama after the shutdown was lifted. The Obama words are the words of a nationalist. He is not the only politician to think this way. They are all over the world. When adversaries in a Parliament are strong, you save the nation by give and take. What the Guyanese money men have done and are doing is reducing themselves to cheap profit-seekers. I can well imagine in many developed societies, radically partisan commentators would call them political whores. The opposition parties must have lost respect for them since the 2011 election results. If you examine the utterances of the money men, they are just not interested in acting as go-betweens to save Guyana. They just parrot what they are instructed to do and they do so willingly. But more importantly, why do the money people think the AFC and APNU leaders are that stupid to win a parliamentary majority and hand it over to the PPP? Is
Frederick Kissoon this the way the money people behave with their profits? Why do the money people believe that APNU and the AFC can deliver to the PPP whatever the PPP requests of them? Didn’t the AFC suffer a little bruising when one of their Berbice stars, Charrandas Persaud, resigned because he said he is not being consulted by policy changes in the AFC? Didn’t the AFC experience some fallout when some of their stalwarts in the diaspora rebelled over the Amaila Hydro affair? Didn’t Dr. David Hinds publicly award APNU an F grade for poor post-electoral performance? Don’t APNU and AFC have to consult their constituencies? Can’t the money men demand that the President sign the local government Bills? They need to.
SMD staff ‘comfortable working with police’
- Team Leader denies resignation Team Leader of the Strategic Management Department (SMD) that is overlooking the implementation of the reform of the Guyana Police Force, Rosanne Purnwasie, is denying reports that she has resigned her position. Purnwasie is referring to an article carried by this newspaper last week Wednesday that she was among three civilians who resigned from the SMD. In a letter to this newspaper, the SMD Team Leader stated “Rosanne Purnwasie did not resign from the Strategic Management Department (SMD).” This newspaper has been reliably informed that Purnwasie had proceeded on maternity leave just three months after taking up the one-year contract on the SMD. The source who had
provided the initial information admitted that she was of the opinion that Purnwasie had quit the job, since it was unusual for a contract employee to be granted maternity leave just two months into their contract. This newspaper did try to contact the head of the SMD, Patrick Mentore, and unlike other occasions, he was very difficult to be reached. Purnwasie in her letter pointed out that the reason given in the Kaieteur News article for the resignations of the other employees was mere hearsay. The article had stated that there might be two reasons for the resignations; one being better remuneration elsewhere and the other being the apparent discomfort of the civilians in a police environment. But according to Purnwasie, “All 10 members
SMD Team Leader, Rosanne Purnwasie of the SMD felt very comfortable with being part of the Guyana Police Force. The Interview Panel consisted of a wide range of high profile individuals from both the public and private sectors and they chose 10 strong individuals who are/were very capable of working with the police.”
Two bidders vie to provide lab... >>> From page 11 <<< In the same sector, a lone bid was opened for the construction of Enmore Martyrs compound fence.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 13
APNU believes security situation can Doctors avert leg only be solved if it is in Govt. - Nandlall amputation of crash victim As he addressed the Darke, Dr. Walter Rodney, the spate in crime at a recent People’s Progressive Party (PPP) press conference, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall asserted that, “it is clear based on the thinking of the Opposition, that the security situation in our country can only be solved with APNU in Government.” He said that the PPP came to that realization based on the position historically taken by the main opposition on the issue of crime and security since the PPP was elected to office in 1992. He noted too that both the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) agreed on the importance of the Firearms Amendment Bill to provide security forces with support in their anti-crime efforts, but refused to support the Bill in the National Assembly purely on the basis of having no confidence in Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee. According to Nandlall, “Their (the Opposition’s) long list of centrally directed attacks has not only targeted Mr. Rohee, but every single Home Affairs Minister the PPP has appointed”. The Minister opined that that apart, when taking the main Opposition’s much
Attorney General Anil Nandlall vaunted position about security, it would be instructive to look at the brand of security, APNU leader, David Granger and the PNC offered when they were in Government. “It is clear that the best thing the PNC, now disguised as APNU, ever learnt when they were in Government in the area of security, was how to oppress and suppress the Opposition. We recall the fate of many Opposition activists at the hands of the PNC Government - under Burnham and then Hoyte, which Mr. Granger was a senior figure of and the party which he now leads - including Michael Forde, Arnold Rampersaud, the ballot box martyr, Father
humiliation suffered by Manzoor Nadir at the Square of the Revolution and scores of PPP and other Opposition activists including Dr. Cheddi Jagan and other PPP leaders.” Nandlall further stated: “What is instructive from this is the fact that the PPP, which suffered the brunt of Mr. Granger’s brand of effective security when his party was in Government and we were in the Opposition, has now created an environment of freedom in which the PNC/ APNU enjoys, and can fully express themselves. This is a basic right which Mr. Granger and his party never, ever allowed our people in this country to enjoy when they were in Government…But let’s not only look at when they were in Government, the nation still vividly remembers in the year 2000 when the PNC draped the coffin of notorious criminal Linden ‘Blackie’ London with the national flag at the Square of the Revolution. The nation remembers the ‘slow fyaah, mo fyaah’ campaigns by the PNC during this period. Mr. Granger and his party owe this nation an answer as to how their historic position on the issue of security has contributed to the stability and anti-crime efforts to protect our people.”
Gun-toting bandits invade Nabaclis couple’s home For years, the little East Coast Demerara village of Nabaclis was dubbed as one of the safest communities, but bandits put paid to that tag on Monday night when they invaded the home of a young couple and robbed them of cash and jewellery at gunpoint. Minibus operator Orin Harper and his wife Eleise were made to lie on the floor and then locked in a bedroom as two gun-toting intruders rummaged through their Nabaclis Line Top home. It was just before 19:00 hours and Orin Harper was about to close his door after fetching up a bucket of water when the two men ran up his steps and pointed their guns at him and his wife. “I heard like somebody running up the steps and before I knew it, these two men point their guns at we and said, ‘don’t run. Wheh de gold and money deh?’” Eleise Harper recalled. She said that the men immediately took off her husband’s wedding band, and kept demanding more
jewellery since they did not see hers on her finger. She explained that she had taken off her wedding band while she was washing earlier. One of the bandits held her at gunpoint while she was lying face down on the floor and the other kept brandishing his weapon menacingly at her husband. “I said, ‘Ow, don’t kill me, y’all tek wah y’all want’,” the woman said. One of the bandits assured her that if they cooperated with them, no one would be hurt. All this time, none of their neighbours had a clue of what was taking place, although Harper was deliberately speaking in a manner to alert them. Eventually the men forced the couple into a bedroom and still holding them at gunpoint, rummaged through several drawers for valuables. “De black one tellin de red one, ‘Banna yuh wasting time, yuh wasting time’,” Harper recalled. The men then locked the husband and wife in the room and went to another bedroom which they also ransacked
before fleeing the house. “I start getting bad feelings and when I come outside, I see that they went into my bedroom and empty two drawers. When I push my hand and feel among the clothes, all me jewellery gone. When I check my working bag, the money I had inside…gone. They carry away two cell phones too,” Harper told Kaieteur News. “I run out and I holler, fuh ‘Thief! Murder! Thief!’ and dey run to the back. My husband call 911 and they (Police) come,” Harper added. She believes that the bandits, whom she is certain are not from the area, were brought by residents of her community. “This is a set up!” she declared. She said that it was a wake-up call to many villagers who for years had grown accustomed to the safety of their neighbourhood. “We does leave we door open and go over by the neighbour sometimes,” Harper said. Harper said that she is thankful that the bandits did not harm them physically.
Travis Semple Relatives of 28-year-old Travis Semple, who lost his right hand on Sunday night following a smash-up on the Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice Public Road, are counting their blessings that doctors have managed to save the man’s leg.
According to the man’s sister yesterday, doctors were contemplating amputating Semple’s right leg as a method of stopping severe internal bleeding. However, surgeons of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) managed
to stem the bleeding without having to undertake the drastic procedure. Semple, a resident of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice underwent emergency surgery at the Fort Wellington Hospital shortly after the accident to remove his mangled hand. At around 21:00hrs on Sunday, Semple, and his friend Abocy Lynch, also 28 years old and a resident of Hopetown, were rushed to the GPHC after their motorcycle collided head-on with a car. Kaieteur News was told that Lynch and Semple were on motorcycle CG 8402, travelling at a fast rate, and were attempting to overtake a line of vehicles 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. Lynch, who suffered a broken right leg, and several other injured persons, have been discharged from the hospital.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Authorities still mum American woman can leave Guyana on NCN fraud report with baby…once cleared by doctor It has been well over a year since fraud allegations within the National Communications Network (NCN) have been made public. However, President Donald Ramotar, who made promises to deal with the issue in its entirety, has seemingly forgotten the assurances he made to the nation. NCN, like the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) early last year June, found itself being probed for financial irregularities. On the part of NCN, one area of irregularity was traced back to GT&T and involved millions of dollars in advertisements and production costs. The specific terms of reference of the NCN’s probe which was requested by the board of directors were to “specifically investigate allegations of financial irregularity occurring from September 2011 to February 2012 and with regards to the account for the GT&T Jingle and song Competition”. NCN’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohamed ‘Fuzzy’ Sattaur resigned later the very month. The company’s Programme Manager, Martin Goolsarran who had admitted that he had deposited the payment cheque from (GT&T) into his personal account, was suspended. Sattaur and Goolsarran had been granted 72 hours to respond to some of the observations contained in the report, to which they did. The auditors’ probe was handed to NCN’s Board of
Programme Manager, Martin Goolsarran Directors headed by Dr. Prem Misir which in turn did its own follow up investigation and handed its report to the Minister of Information, who in this case is Head of State, Donald Ramotar. That probe had similar findings to the initial one and included the fact that there were severe managerial problems at the state-owned company hence, the recommendations, which included severing ties with Sattaur. Since those developments, President Ramotar had several promises to make public the Board’s report and take other necessary action; but nothing has been forthcoming Meanwhile, there has been no new appointment as Michael Gordon has been acting as CEO and Wendy Hermonstine is the acting Production Manager. However, Kaieteur News has learnt that Goolsaran has been officially taken off of NCN’s payroll.
An American woman will soon be able to leave Guyana with her newborn baby once she is given the green light by the psychiatrist who is treating her at the Georgetown Hospital’s Observation Ward. The woman, Delliccia Honore, 37, was admitted to the ward last Thursday, two days after her baby was taken from her by social workers from the Child Care Protection Agency of the Ministry of Human Services. The woman who hails from Louisiana, USA, and who has a history of mental illness, delivered a baby boy at the New Amsterdam Hospital, a little over a week ago. This was after arriving in Guyana on September 27 in an advanced stage of pregnancy. “She is making progress. She’s a bit more responsive,” said Ann Green, Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency. According to Green, the woman’s baby, who is now two weeks old, is being taken care of and seems to be in good health. She could not say when the woman would be reunited with her baby. “Not just yet. Seeing the baby, the doctor has to clear that,” Green told this newspaper. Honore came into focus after she was found wandering with her newborn outside the American Embassy in Kingston. Kaieteur News understands that social workers had observed that the woman appeared to be mentally challenged and
since she was endangering her newborn baby’s health, they decided to intervene. Initially the woman refused assistance from the social workers who confronted her outside the Embassy and had to be coerced into being taken to the Georgetown Hospital for a medical check-up for her herself and the baby. She refused to allow the child to be admitted to the hospital and eventually the social workers had to forcibly take the baby. “It was a five hour standoff. We have our mandate and we were able to rescue the child and provide support for the child,” the Child Care Protection Agency Head said. After the child was taken away, Honore refused an offer to remain in the hospital with the baby, opting instead to stay on the road until she too was rescued by Social Activist Mark Benschop who arranged for her to stay in a city hotel. Eventually, the Welfare Department of the Ministry of Human Services was able to obtain an order to commit Honore to the Psychiatric Ward, where she remains until today. Green explained that in the absence of a family member, a social worker can intervene and obtain an order to commit a person to the Observation Ward. “There is always a possibility that the woman will be able to leave (Guyana) with the child, but she has to be fit. We can’t just give her the child. That will call for some serious (psychiatric)
- CCPA Head
Dellicia Honore evaluation,” Green said. Honore’s grandmother was contacted by social activist Mark Benschop via telephone and she informed that they have no links at all to Guyana. She was surprised that Honore ended up in Guyana. She disclosed that Honore was a teacher who was pursuing a Master’s Degree before she suffered a mental breakdown. The grandmother, who lives in Louisiana, told Benschop that she last saw Honore about nine years ago. A Haitian-American who goes by the name Jean, claimed that he was a roommate of Honore in New York. He said that she spent a few months in his apartment before disappearing. According to Jean, he later heard from Honore while she was in the Bahamas. She had called him for money claiming that she was
stranded. At first he sent her money, but stopped after her requests continued. He too was surprised to learn that Honore ended up in Guyana. “I knew she was in the Bahamas, then Florida, then Puerto Rico, back to the Bahamas. And now Guyana?” Meanwhile, Benschop had praised Green, whom he said has done a terrific job in rescuing the woman’s baby. However, he had urged that the same attention should be given to the countless Guyanese women who are on the streets with their babies, begging. “Let this not be an isolated incident, just because she is an American citizen that we are making it appear as though we are doing our job. Let us do the same job for the dozens of Guyanese mothers who are on the streets with their babies,” Benschop said. But according to Green, her agency has not treated the American woman differently from any Guyanese mother. She maintained that the agency has over the years of its existence rescued scores of children. “It’s damned if you do and damned if you don’t. We act for any child in Guyana. If a report comes to us that any child is in distress, we have a mandate to respond. Do you know how many children we have rescued? Our people have had to endure all sorts of abuse. We’ve had to dodge spit and our officers get very little praise,” Green said.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Budget cuts delay hinterland development The long standing issue of land titling in the hinterland regions could soon see a resolution with the inking of a US$10.7 Million contract by the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The signing took place during the Seventh Annual meeting of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) at Liliendaal on Monday. The five-day forum is the highest at which Amerindians’ concerns are ventilated. Among the topics that are usually discussed at the high level sessions are the progress of community development projects (CDPs), presidential grants, and land titling. This year’s conference is being held under the theme, ‘Culture of Good Governance for Sustained Village Economies.” President Donald Ramotar noted that the signing of the Amerindian Land Titling agreement is critical to complete the titling of 13 Amerindian communities, as well as the demarcation of 33 villages, which is to be carried out in the next three years. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, reiterated that the initiative will give Amerindians control over the
- President Ramotar
From left: NTC Chairman Derrick John, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and UNDP Country Representative Khadija Musa lands that belong to them. He said that the project will also facilitate the titling and demarcation of village extensions. Referring to the progress made in Amerindian development projects, the President noted that the Government of Guyana has “come a long way,” despite the fact that “some forces” attempted to stop the project. “There is a very important role for the opposition in a democracy, and their role is indispensible; but not to obstruct progress in our
society,” the President said, alluding to the budget cuts that were orchestrated by the opposition in 2012 and 2013. He spoke about the rejection by the Opposition of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant. He expressed dismay over the collapse of the Amaila Project which could have afforded Guyana some savings and could have made an enormous contribution to the infrastructure development in the interior. The Head of State said that had the Opposition not cut $18.4 billion from the 2012
‘Picture Boy’ case continues with police evidence A Voir Dire (trial within a trial) will continue today in the double-murder re-trial of Cyon Collier. Collier, called ‘Picture Boy’ is accused of the 2006 murder of East Coast Demerara brothers Ray Walcott called ‘Sugar’ and Carl Andrews called ‘Alo’. He is facing his second trial for the matter which concluded in a hung jury last December. Yesterday’s Voir Dire saw two police officers - Assistant Superintendent of Police Lyndon Lord and Deputy
Superintendent of Police Michael Kingston - giving evidence on behalf of the prosecution. The Voir Dire is being conducted in the absence of the 12-member jury since the trial is to determine the admissibility of statements. The case is being heard by High Court Judge Navindra Singh, while Senior State Prosecutor Judith GildharieMursalin is representing the state. Collier has retained Attorney-at-law Lyndon Amsterdam as his lawyer.
Cyon Collier called ‘Picture Boy’
budget, the land titling would have started a year ago. He also made reference to the Community Development Plans (CDPs) noting that significant progress has been made in that regard. He said that 23 Amerindian communities are on track with their projects which include cattle rearing, farming and aquaculture. The President said that soon 139 more villages will
receive their grants to begin their CDP. Commenting on the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project reaching the hinterland, President Ramotar said that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has indentified 50 villages to be among the first that will benefit. The procurement of the final batch of computers and financing of the hubs are being catered for. Minister of Amerindian
Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, commented on the developments that have reached the hinterland communities since 1992. She encouraged the community leaders to participate fully in the ‘discourses’ and to speak on behalf of their villages. She said that the NTC meeting allows for the leaders to take a national approach in formulating and integrating their activities and examining strategies and plans that target poverty reduction, access to health and education, water and improved infrastructure among others. While urging the leaders to lead by example and maximize the resources made available to the communities, the Minister also reminded of the need to practice good governance even at the community level. Moreover, NTC Chairman Derrick John joined in the admonitions when he urged his fellow Toshaos to “create a legacy so that others can follow and remember us when we’re gone.”
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Kaieteur News
First batch of Lethem Public Management students graduate The skills of 32 Region Nine residents were recently enhanced with the successful completion of a 120-contacthour course in Public Management. The group graduated on Saturday, marking the first time the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE), extension arm of the University of Guyana, took Public Management to Lethem. This is according to Ganga Persaud, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, who emphasized that Public Management is actually Government Management. He said most of the graduates are public servants while others are gainfully employed in the private sector. The Minister said the teachings and certificate would allow the individuals to perform better at their work; be better managers and supervisors; and create the opportunity for promotion. Providing an insight into the programme, Persaud said the courses were done on weekends starting on Friday
evenings. The final exam was done in August and a few students had to rewrite the final exams in September. He noted that the students financed their own graduation and were required to give back to the Arapaima Primary School, where the classes were held. They designed and constructed a bicycle shed. Persaud said the lecturers were drawn from the City and quite a number of them were Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and other young qualified professionals. The course cost a little over $10,500 because the facilitators lectured pro bono. According to Persaud, similar programmes are being done across the country. Currently a programme is being executed in Region Five at the Cotton Tree Primary School on Saturdays. To be part of the programme, the applicants must either be part of the public sector or meet the minimum requirement to be admitted to the University of Guyana.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
House lot holders evicted from Charity scheme - claim plots paid for through official channels
The houses said to be on state reserves
Disparity in the distribution of house lots was recently amplified with the issuance of eviction notices to a specific group of residents of the Charity Extension Housing Scheme, Region Two. Though their lots are neatly placed within the layout of the growing, posh housing scheme, the residents, who reside in modest structures, were told they are on state reserves. A Partnership for National
Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian Christopher Jones, who visited the residents on Monday, does not believe that the residents are living on reserves owing to the position of their lots. He strongly believes the residents are being evicted because their “humble abodes” are contrasting the grand housing establishment that is being developed. He stressed that the entire situation “appears fishy” and needs to be properly investigated. According to a female resident, the Housing Officer in Region Two spray-painted the letter “X” onto four houses, including hers, and slipped eviction notices under the doors. They were given seven days to
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
evacuate. The resident said the lands are paid for and have been occupied for numerous years. She claims that she paid $90,000 initially for her plot and was asked to pay $210,000 additionally, at a One Stop Shop exercise, for the same land. Another resident, Malika English, said that December last year she paid a Housing Officer $50,000 for her plot and was required to pay $50,000 more to conclude payments. Following the issuance of the eviction notice on 26 September, 2013, she went to the Housing Officer to pay the remaining amount, but he refused to collect the money. Meanwhile, Quacy Hector, also a resident, pointed out if the residents were squatting on reserves how it was that the eviction letters issued have lot numbers. Hector said he is willing to pay for the land if given the opportunity. According to Jones, the Housing Officer told him via a telephone conversation that the residents would have to
wait until Officials from the Ministry of Housing visit the area for a decision to be made on the matter. Jones emphasized that the residents are poor Guyanese trying to provide a shelter for their families. They are residing within a housing scheme and are being told they are on reserves. “This is unacceptable, since wealthy so-called housing developers are being given acres of land by government to build posh houses to retail at high cost to make huge profits. The prices are beyond the reach of Guyanese public servants such as nurses, teachers, and ranks of the Guyana Police Force.” “Also, many cash crop farmers, single parents, and fishermen cannot even begin to dream of owning such grand houses. Now, their humble abodes are being targeted for demolition. They toil for many backbreaking years to get money to pay for their lands and building materials to build their houses,” he said.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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City Hall worries about imminent garbage escalation By Zena Henry With increased economic activities expected as the Christmas season approaches, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has expressed grave concern over a possible garbage crisis, given the current situation which has escalated as a result of the dismissal of Cevons Waste Management, one the country’s largest waste management organizations. The services of Cevons and partnership company Dartmouth Skips Rental were terminated by the City Council’s Town Clerk effective October 16. The acting Town Clerk Ms. Carol Sooba told Kaieteur News that Cevons’ services were terminated as a result of poor performance and unsatisfactory work being produced at the city’s two major markets where Cevons is responsible for waste management. She said that the company was being paid millions of dollars to service the market areas but their poor performance has seen the Council receiving blame for excess garbage. Other executive members of the Council have however distanced themselves from the decision made by the Town Clerk. Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green told Kaieteur News yesterday that the decision to fire
One of the heaps outside the Stabroek Market
Cevons was entirely the Town Clerk’s. She said that there was no meeting, and later, decision by the elected members of the Council , to dismiss the company. ChaseGreen said that Council members only knew that Cevons’ services were being terminated after the Chief Executive Officer Morris Archer brought a termination letter to the Council’s attention.
The Town Clerk had told Kaieteur News that Cevons’ termination would not have affected the collection of garbage and thus cause, “another garbage takeover”. She said that the Council had acquired two compactor trucks because of Cevons’ poor performance, and that would have eased the gap that the termination would bring. The garbage situation at
MV Kimbia back in service North West residents are breathing sighs of relief that the region’s leading passenger/transport vessel MV Kimbia, has returned to its regular service. The MV Kimbia docked at Guyana National Industrial Corporation’s (GNIC) waterfront in January, after the Transport and Harbours Department, (TH&D) entered into a contract with the engineering company for the complete restoration of the vessel. The docking of the ferry left North West passengers with no other alternative than to rely on the smaller vessel, the Lady Northcote for several months. In addition, a number of persons paid a much higher price to privately-owned ferries, to transport their cargo to the area. Speaking with this newspaper yesterday, General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department, (TH&D) Marcellene Merchant disclosed that following a successful trial run in midSeptember, the vessel started its regular operation on October 8.
“The Kimbia has already completed a trip to the North West region, the vessel is currently docked at the Kingston wharf, where it is being loaded for another trip scheduled for October 27. Ms Merchant notes that the vessel has been revamped to provide an improved service, “The vessel is in good shape to ply the route now given the prior hiccups and delays… the Kimbia is likely to serve until the department procures another vessel.” The MV Kimbia underwent a painstaking repair process. The release of the ferry was delayed several times, due to incomplete maintenance works. A d d i t i o n a l l y, maintenance workers met with a series of problems as it relates to essential mechanical and structural aspects of the boat. Following the mooring of the MV Kimbia at GNIC dockyard, a contention developed between TH&D and the engineering company. The two entities entered into an agreement on November 5, 2012, for docking of the boat and the
facilitation of maintenance works at a contract sum of $118M. However, GNIC demanded a $79 million variation cost for additional maintenance works on the vessel. TH&D had deemed the extra works as unauthorized, but the engineering company argued that the repairs were necessary to secure the seaworthiness of the boat. TH&D was willing to pay only $10.8 million worth of the variation cost but later agreed to $25 million worth of the payment for repairs done to the most ‘critical’ parts of the vessel. The MV Kimbia is almost 40 years old. In March, Minister of Public Works and Transport, Robeson Benn, noted that concerns had been raised about the age of the boat. Benn said that coupled with the vessel’s age and the severe marine conditions encountered by TH&D ferries along the North West route, the MV Kimbia may have to be replaced. TH&D had already taken steps to procure another vessel. The price for a ferry of this type would cost approximately US$10 million.
the Stabroek and Bourda Markets has however been different. Several mounds of garbage are now piling up at the two facilities, forcing the Council to “strain” itself to meet the demands of cleaning the market. Currently, one of the Council’s compactors is based at the Bourda market, but this encountered difficulty several weeks ago when attempts were made to transport it on an ordinary truck. With Cevons’ dismissal and the Council not having the right equipment to move the compactor, it fell off the ordinary truck and spilled its contents. The other compactor for the Stabroek Market has no base and the electricity to work the compactor has not been set up, while the compactor is still stationed at the Council’s headquarters. The Deputy Mayor said that the Council’s resources
are being strained since to fill in for the Cevons’ termination, trucks working in groups seven and eight (East and West Ruimveldt and La Penitence areas) have to be rerouted to the markets, leaving residential areas unattended. Still, she said, garbage is piling up at the markets. “If we are incapable of dealing with this situation now, we are very concerned about what will happen when the Christmas season starts,” Chase-Greene said. “The compactor right now cannot be filled to capacity to be taken to Haags Bosch.” She added that the Council’s Market and Public Health Committee, which is chaired by Councilor Ranwell Jordan, was not consulted before the changes to the garbage collection system were made, nor were financial assessments made to
ascertain the strain on the Council’s already dwindling coffers. As it relates to the Cevons issue, the Council maintains that the termination was an independent decision by the Town Clerk and “from those giving the orders.” Chase-Green further mentioned that with all hands on deck (Council resources, Puran’s company and Cevons); the Council is still unable to be 100 percent effective in garbage collection. When asked what power the Council has to reverse the situation, Kaieteur News was told that the Council’s committees would present a matter and the Council, after consultations, would make recommendations to be carried out by the Town Clerk, but if the Town Clerk does not carry out the recommendations, “then that is just what they remain, recommendations.” Cevons has defended itself by stating that the Town Clerk has asked the company to perform work which it is not being paid to do and which is not stipulated in the work contract. The company’s CEO told Kaieteur News that according to the work contract, Dartmouth Skips Rental has to provide the compactor for storing the garbage at Bourda. He said Cevons workers are responsible for the cleaning and garbage collection aspect. At Stabroek Market, Dartmouth Skips Rentals is also responsible for the compactor which stores the garbage. The Stabroek Market contract does not include any cleaning or garbage collection for that area, council workers are responsible for cleaning and garbage collection, while the company is responsible for storage and dumping.
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Kaieteur News
Dead Haslington toddler…
PM to be performed today As police continue to investigate the suspicious death of a two-year-old girl of Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD), relatives are hinting to investigators that the child may have died from bird flu. But a police source attached to the Cove and John Police Station yesterday told Kaieteur News that they are not prepared to “buy” what the relatives are claiming. Little Kimanie Watson of Lot 46 South Haslington was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Monday, hours after she was seen playing in their yard with her cousins. Medical practitioners are of the view that the child was sexually molested. Her 15year-old uncle in whose care she was left prior to her death has been detained. “We cannot make a conclusion as yet. We are waiting on the results of the Post Mortem to take our investigation to the next level. We have detained the uncle, but he is not cooperating,” a police source told this newspaper. Yesterday, during a telephone interview, the child’s grandmother, Dianne Graham, who is also the mother of the teenager in custody, said that she is thinking about hiring a lawyer. “I don’t know why they lock up my son so long. He didn’t do anything. He didn’t
touch that child and she was never raped, because I does always be with her,” the woman stressed. Graham had explained to this newspaper that the child was left in her care, but on Monday, she left the little girl at home with her son to run an errand. “After my daughter left home, I left to go collect money and I leave her (Kimanie) with my son,” a devastated Graham noted. She explained that she was informed that her granddaughter was playing in the yard with her cousins. “She went playing and like she mess up and the girls call him (her son) to clean her.” The woman explained that her son told her that he took the child to the bathroom and bathed her, but he noticed that she was having continuous bowel movements. “He told me that he took her upstairs and give her tea, but she fainted, and he call a relative and they carry her to the health centre, then to the hospital,” the mother said. Yesterday, the woman said that she is positive her son is innocent. “They didn’t even check if the child had bird flu, but they arrested my son for rape. Even my daughter (the dead child’s mother) wants her brother to come out the lock up,” Graham told Kaieteur News. This newspaper was informed that the child was a victim of consistent child abuse.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Tour guides trained for Kaieteur Falls
Participants pose with their certificates in front of the Visitor Centre, Kaieteur National Park, with PAC Commissioner, Damian Fernandes (standing far left); Trainer Paul Waldron (back) and PAC Deputy Commissioner, Denise Fraser (far right). Nineteen persons last Sunday successfully completed an initial training course on tour guiding at Kaieteur National Park. The training, which was funded by WWF Guianas, was the result of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and WWF, and geared
towards developing a pool of persons capable of conducting guided tours at Kaieteur National Park. Most of the participants were from Amerindian villages and communities from Region 8, including Chenapau, Karisparu, Paramakatoi and Mahdia. Two staff members of the Kaieteur National Park also participated in the training course, which included tour-
guiding techniques and communication skills; conservation and protected areas; botany; geology; wildlife and tourism at Kaieteur Top as well as history, folklore and people of the Kaieteur area. On the final two days of the course, trainees were able to participate in guiding actual tourists who were visiting the National Park. This training is part of a
larger effort initiated by the Ministry, through the PAC, to improve the services at the Kaieteur National Park and the upgrade of accommodation for both visitors and staff. The commission is also working with WWF to finalize Kaieteur’s first ever management plan, which will provide a logical framework for the development and conservation of the area.
Bandits waylay, rob Annandale family An East Bank Demerara family is now traumatized after being ambushed and robbed by bandits several hours after arriving in the country. Nanda Ally, her thirteen year-old daughter and aunt Rajmatie Budram were robbed of a quantity of local and United States currency, jewellery, and other valuables, including their passports. The incident occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday morning mere seconds after arriving at their lot 12 Courbane, Park, Annandale home, from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. “My husband came out the car after collecting us from
the airport, and we walked in the yard towards the door to open it…then there were these two young men in the yard wearing dark clothing,” Ally related to Ka i e t e u r News. “One of them put a knife to my daughter’s neck, and the other man had a gun to Budhram’s neck and they start cuss and waving the gun, and I gave them all my jewellery and valuables…They started to grab all of our six bags which contained our five passports, US$3,400 of which people gave me to give their relatives here, and GUY$20,000 and electrical items.” Rajmatie Budhram said
Rajmatie Budram (left) and Nanda Ally
even though she was scared, she refused to surrender her handbag which contained her passport and other valuables to the bandits. This apparently angered them. “I started to fight with the one with the gun and he was like, give me the f…ing bag now. I told him please don’t take this bag it has my passport. I kept fighting him and he said he would shoot me and he pointed the gun in my face. He then raised the gun and shot it in the air and I smelt the gunpowder, but I still didn’t let go of the bag, I don’t know what was wrong with me. He then chucked me away after my grip got loose and he and the other bandit fled on foot towards the public road where they disappeared.” Budhram recounted. Budhram said that Ally’s husband is a licenced firearm holder, but his weapon was locked away in the house. She
added that the men were chased but managed to escape. The family pointed out that the bandits had to have been privy to the fact that they were returning to the country and therefore waited patiently in the dark to execute the robbery. The matter was reported to the Vigilance Police Station. The traumatized victims are offering a reward for the return of the five passports that were stolen. “These boys don’t look like they are above 21 years old,” Budhram noted. Meanwhile, police officials divulged that similar instances of robbery were reported recently, and as such, CJIA early morning flights would be monitored. The police also revealed to Kaieteur News, plans of increasing patrols across the country as the Christmas season approaches.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
Letters... Where your views make the news
Amerindian development preceded 1992 DEAR EDITOR, With reference to your article, ‘Amerindian development began long before 1992,’ in the Sunday edition of 2013-09-08 I too would like to add my bit of information. Coming out of the Toshaos’ conference February to March 1969, in September of that same year, Karrau Creek in the Lower Mazaruni River whose workers were Amerindians were also able to begin offering All-age education to the children of the workers who had hailed from as far as Wakapoa in the Pomeroon. They used a building donated by one Mr. Lorrimer and staffed by a coastlander (Malcolm Hope). Those were the days when people wanted to aid in the developmental thrust of this nation. Representation was made be one Eugene Cornelius who because of his foresight was able to effectively petition so that three years later in 1972 a spanking new building 405(60' was constructed and commissioned. This building still stands, catering to the ‘Hotmeal programme’ and houses the Nursery school. It was also before 1992 that Terrence Cornelius a
product of that school received a scholarship to Canada and the school was able to have its first Amerindian Headmaster. On November 16,1991 the Health Post built in 1990 by villagers and local and international volunteers from YCI (international) was commissioned by former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte. Kartabu another Amerindian community opposite Fort Kyk-over-Al also had school before1992. So what was not done by the PNC was done by the churches during its administration. I say ‘Let us not blow our own trumpet.’ There are
numerous other areas that can boast and persons who had benefitted. What about our children who went to Cuba and other countries to pursue various disciplines under the former administration and came back before 1992? What about our first Amerindian Pilot Ovid Williams? David James would have gone to school and to Teachers’ Training College before that period and others too numerous to mention. So, may God bless Guyana and us as we stop delving into the past and make a meaningful contribution to the developmental thrust of our children and nation. SAM
Four die in minibus/ truck smash-up DEAR EDITOR, This serves to inform the people of this country why cases of murder, etc. remain unsolved and this is due to slackness on behalf of the Guyana Police Force when it comes to executing their duties. A truck driver killed four people by careless driving. When asked by the police how he acquired his driver’s licence, he replied “I don’t have anything to say, I am in pain.” ( 10 words spoken in 10 seconds), and the investigating team found that to be satisfactory. The entire investigating team should be charged with negligence of duty. What extent of pain could that driver be experiencing in comparison to the families that lost their loved ones? John Rose Campbellville
APNU can solve the county’s... From page 4 during the same period. The PPP regime greatest success has been the building of the Berbice Bridge, the National Stadium, the incomplete Marriott Hotel, the UG campus at Tain, on the Corentyne and the widening of the East Bank Demerara Public road. In the midst of this, there were major economic and financial failures such as the white elephant sugar factory at Skeldon that has cost the taxpayers over US$230 million and the idle sugar packaging plant at Enmore. The PPP has made no significant progress to corral the country’s main problems such as the collapsing education and health care systems, the constant blackouts by GPL, increased corruption and crime and a growing drug trade, where the drug barons are in control of the regime. They have built mansions at Pradoville one and two for themselves and wealthy friends and have created a new and dynamic system of how to use the state resources for personal gains while the poor and the working class continue to suffer. This regime is considered the most corrupt
in the Caribbean. It is an indisputable fact that the PNC is responsible for the construction of the Demerara Harbor Bridge, the Canje Bridge, the SoesdykeLynden highway, the Corentyne highway, the widening of the East Coast highway to Plaisance (Rupert Craig highway) the UG Campus at Turkeyen, the President’s College, Critchlow Labor College, Guyana School of Agriculture, the National Cultural Center, the National Park, and the Presidential Complex among others.
The PNC also provided free university education at UG and established the Caribbean regional examCXC, the National Service, and four new municipalities at Corriverton, Rose Hall Town, Linden, and Anna Regina. The trump card of the PNC achievements was the establishment of CARIFTA in 1973, the forerunner of CARICOM. No one in his right mind can deny the success of the PNC. Dr. Asquith Rose and Chandra Deollal, Esq.
SUPPORT TOP... From page 4 avoid the fears that are being insinuated? Given the concerns being expressed, it is perhaps time that Guyana, recognizing its limited human resources in this specialized field, and given the changing times in which we live, as well as the technological developments available to us, seeks to review its thinking on this matter, rather than just concentrate on removing a very competent and well qualified woman from a position in which she is contributing to national development. The Women’s Affairs Bureau strongly supports the right of every woman to work especially in areas in which she is qualified or where she possesses the required competence. While WAB does not wish to pronounce on any perceived conflict to interest with Ms. Geetanjalie Singh’s position as Audit Director, it urges public support for women across Guyana to enjoy the basic freedom to pursue the vocation of their choice and for which they are eminently qualified. Women’s Affairs Bureau Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security
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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
Professional and affordable landscaping and tree trimming services. Budram’s Landscaping ServicesCall:656-1326/678-0058 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:2259032,647-2943 For a free Gospel package text your complete name & address to 675-7292 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar Christmas cleaning: Power washing for homes & commercial buildings – Tel: 648-1544 Colour Printing Business Cards 250 - $7000, 500 - $9500 Postcard Flyers 2500 $35,000, 5000 - $50,000Tel:225-7560, 680-8218 Back/Front Colour Printing: BBQ Tickets 500 - $14,000, 1000 - $18,500. Tri-Fold Brochures 5000 - $75,000Tel:225-7560, 680-8218 Cyrex: Computer repairs, installation of software, security camera/ dvr broadcast, networking, cell phones unlocking – Tel: 2265017/677-9938/628-3045. Kashmir make-up studio & spa: Specialized airbrush artist/ esthetician for an exceptional lookContact:665-5979/698-0114
Fabric World – 140 Regent & Light St. for experienced cashier & salesgirls, apply in person with written application. 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 Trainee refrigeration/Ac technician – Tel:231-0655/6838734 1 Qualified cook – Requirements: Carnegie Certificate; in cooking & baking; food handlers certificate – Contact:223-0595 1 Handy man; police clearance & 2 passport photos - $18,000 weekly – Contact: 223-0595 Secretary – Written application to Shakoor’s Seafoods, 80 Industrial Site, Eccles EBD. Receptionist – must be computer literate and have one year experience in similar capacity – Contact: 231-0320 for information. Wanted security guards & drivers to work nights – Please contact: 223-3534 or send CV to Lot 1 Chapes Street.
We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699 Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964
TO LET
TOUR
Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: As low as $5000 per nightCall: 668-0306/ 602-8769/ 694-7817 Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 679-7139
Shiba Kaleto Resort (Rock Stone) – Welcome you to come and enjoy your camping for Fish Festival – Call:618-4499 th
Fish Festival Day Trip – 26 & 27th October – return $4,000 Call:644-0185; 639-2663; 6655171; 227-8290
2- 2007 Toyota AvensisCall:698-0674 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Audi, BNN RZ mini buses, AT170, Marino. Cash or terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 One Madza Axela PPP series – Price negotiable – Contact:668-4135/771-5403 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 One registered NZE Corolla – call:652-3820; 665-4529
East Coast - $40,000, Kitty $120,000, Atlantic Gardens – US900, Providence –US1300 – Call Diana – 227-2256; 6269382 Fully furnished Vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours- 2271218 One bedroom unfurnished apartment Grove New Housing Scheme EBD – Call:642-1956 ( After 6PM)
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Premio $2.5M negotiable; Toyota Carina AT212, 2M negotiable, both fully loaded and unregistered – Tel:226-5473 (Must see!) MRR Autos: Unregistered fully loaded; 2004 Toyota Raum - $2.250M – Tel: 6571796; 626-9590 Toyota Premio; PPP series, HID Lights, DVD, Deck, reverse camera - $2.3M Negotiable – Calll:687-7017; 625-9111 1 Honda Fitt PMM 4223; with rims and CD player; Immaculate Condition - $1.3M Negotiable – Tel:610-1818, 618-5140 1 Super costom mini bus GPP 4462; with rims & CD player; Immaculate Condition - $2.3M Negotiable Tel:610-1818, 6185140 One Skid Steer Thomas with Japanese Kabota Engine – Call:259-1370, 650-3447 Two Toyota Tacoma 2006 unregistered: 4wd $3.9M & 2wd $3.1M- Call:662-1396/ 678-0573 Crash Toyota Vios. Asking $750,000 as is- Call:617-7113 HILUX SOLID DEF PICKUPS, unregistered, in excellent condition – Call:6912077
NXR 150cc Dirt Bike for parts – Tel:695-7595 1 Toyota – IST, Fun cargo, AT192, AT212 Ceres, Hilux D4D pick up, Tundra Tel:6445096,697-1453 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)
LEARN TO DRIVE
Suriname Diwali Tour 2nd – 5th November and 28th – 1st December –Tel: 644-0185, 6392663, 665-5171, 227-8290.
For sale, 212 PMM – Tel: 6442489 Fully reconditioned stick gear and automatic pitbull and 1RZ Mini-buses. Tel: 6418647 Ford F150, Extra Cab with back cover automatic – Contact: 645-5596.
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 2002 Honda fit, 1 owner, pearl white, Areo, fogs, AC, CD, Remote Start - $1,950,000 – (negotiable) – Tel:613-4617 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, IST, Runx, FielderCall:652-3820/665-4529 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 Axio -$2.9M, Premio - $2.6M, Spacio registered PRR $2.2M; Trade- in available for Axio – Tel:697-0294
Wednesday October 23, 2013
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 LG DP122 DVD player with USB recording $10,000 Call:600-3038, 611-3038 1 CBR 600cc 2004 model, excellent condition- Call:2663966/669-5401 Tundra ‘Woman Driven’ Tel:627-1983 6 weeks pitbull pups; dewormed & fully vaccinated – Tel:642-4164 One Ford 8210, Tractor $4M – Contact: 648-9940 Sorrels for sale; any quantity – Call:638-4879 753 Bobcat, cement mixer, 35KVA generator air compressor – Call:681-2761 Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566 Original Games- Call:6722566
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 10 Acres land at Long Creek – Contact:699-3723 Business land for sale Soesdyke Linden HighwayPlease Call:678-7355 At Blankenburg public road, W.C.D. 38x150 & 39x150 $16M each- Call:666-3619 Land for sale @ Lot 144 Stewart Ville West Coast Demerara – – Street Contact:610-8674, 621-8005 or 862-218-5078
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
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 Pitbull puppies 8 weeks old; de-wormed and fully vaccinated – Tel:624-7991 Massey, Yanmar Ford 5000 Logging/ Agriculture Tractors, parts, Loader & Ford Truck- Call:615-1578/ 694-3595: Tools & Chainsaw668-2831 One popcorn machineCall:639-2410
10 weeks white/blue gray pitbull pups fully vaccinated – call:616-8131 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. Large Quantity of merchandise from 6 stalls in kitty market, plus some household furniture – Contact Rafman: 231-4678
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 CXC/CAPE classes for students and adults. Highly qualified teachers & CXC examiners – Call:683-3887 (Continued on page 29)
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Castello Housing Scheme fire leaves six homeless - Arson suspected
Fire fighters spraying water on the gutted structure
(From page 28) FOR RENT PRIME BUSINESS SPOT LOCATED AT 251 THOMAS STREET LOTS OF LAND SPACE PLUS BUILDINGTHEREON.TEL: 683-4803. WANTED One three bedrooms house to rent- Call:617-4055 Porters to work in Grocery stall, Stabroek marketTel:226-9800/683-9500
By Javone Vickerie A fire suspected to be the work of an arsonist, ravaged a two-storey house located in Castello Housing Scheme, West La Penitence yesterday, leaving a family of six homeless. According to neighbours, at around 15:00 hrs (3:00 pm), smoke was seen billowing from the middle section of the upper flat before the entire top flat became engulfed with intense flames. “I been sittin’ down over the corner with some boys and all I see is the black smoke in the air so we run over and go fuh go in the house fuh see if we could save anything, but the house start ketch quick because the top is wood,” an eyewitness said. The eyewitness said that although the fire service acted promptly and was able to save nearby houses, the flames had already ripped through the top flat. “We didn’t get to save much from the top flat because dem flames de hot bad, but we get to take out some a dem things wuh been downstairs in another apartment,” a neighbour explained. Pandemonium broke out when some of the occupants arrived at the scene only to be met with debris scattered all over the yard. “Oh God man yuh serious buddy, who coulda do this buddy, all me ting dem gone man. Up to just now I lef’ hey and this place been, suh who coulda do this budday? One of occupants asked.
Leslyn Greene, a relative who resides next door to the destroyed house said that she believes that the house was “willfully” set on fire by a cousin who lived at the home. “I been home and I smell smoke and when I look outside I see the house on fire, so I tell me daughter them see if de lil children dem deh in the house and they run and bring the children,” the woman said. Greene added that the lot 50 Castello Housing Scheme, house was recently put up for sale by a Power of Attorney who resides in the United States. She told Kaieteur News that no one was home at the time of the fire, although the two children were unattended in the yard. Another occupant Cary Fanfair said that his elder brother was at home one hour before he (Cary) left the house to pick up some medication. “When I go and pick up the medication and come back people saying that the fire start from me room. Me brother been up stairs in the house and a girl been downstairs watching over me two nephew dem,” Fanfair recounted. He added that about one week ago, workers from the Guyana Power and Light disconnected power from the house and removed the meter and line. This, he said, was reason to rule out that the fire was caused electrically. An investigation has been launched.
1 Handy Man, 1 Small Engine Mechanic 3yrs experiencecall: 233-2408. Office Clerk: CXC English/ Mathematics- Call:225-0188/ 225-6070
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773
Two guards for a marine company; one manager for a mining company. Attractive salaries. Call 223-7165; 2268645; 223-5180 One gardener; contact M. Vieira Houston Estate or call: 623-1202 A Cosmetologist/helper is required – call:223-5451, 2274799 2 Night guards – Tel: 6667734; 611-2706
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale- Call:6275416 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 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 One (1) 2- storey 5 bedrooms recently built house, $25M; Mon Repos E.C.D ( Transported) – Tel:6179316,220-0818, 651-0744 Kitty - $30M, Section K $39M, Queenstown -$23M, Duncan Street -$38M – Call Diana: 227-2256; 626-9382
General Domestic for East Bank Location to work 3 times per week – Call:650-3680, 6432090 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 GREENHEART AND PURPLE HEART LUMBER – TEL: 653-9752 1 – Domestic to work 3 days per week, preferably from East Bank; Age: 45-50 – Tel: 689-6965 One female general worker for shift system (8hrs)- Call:2256337 East Bank Sawmill needs Labourers immediately; good salary – Accommodation provided – call:683-5759, 6098727 TRUCK DRIVER FOR DELIVERIES, LABOURERS WITH EXPERIENCE BUILDING MATERIALS, SALES WOMAN AND CASHIER WITH EXPERIENCE – TEL:2318529 One working male to share 2 bedrooms apartment Call:662-1414/231-0494
House to rent/ Property for sale – Tel:687-3017
Night watchman 7pm to 7am for Sheriff Street store. Mature old male preferredpermanent job- Tel:604-2164
Prime Property for sale – Light Street, Alberttown – Contact:639-3619, 619-7299
MASSAGE American Style massage services- Call:678-7499
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 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary education- Call:612-1595 One Mechanic must know to repair Cummings and Perkins engine – Contact: 681-6044 One experienced welder Contact: 681-6044
House and shop to rent at 66 Broad Street Georgetown – Tel:225-8305,661-7527 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
One gasoline mechanic must know to fix Rz Hilux, etc – Contact: 681-6044
Fully furnished apartment in Nandy Park, suitable for a single person or couple- Call: 619-4824 for further information.
2- Waitresses & 2 – Bartenders – call:698-0977/ 679-5112
Short term furnished apartment – Tel:687-3017
One welder – age 18-25yrs; gas & Arc welding 21 Broad Street Charlestown GT – Call:225-2835, 643-9125 Live in waitress- Call:6439007/ 697-2978 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 Attractive live in waitress Call:228-5129 One domestic; age 30-45 – Call: 614-2312. Preferably East Bank Demerara. ( Call between 8:00am-4:00pm) One general domestic to work EBD area ( Must have a Christian background) – Tel:695-3951 Cleaners, driver, canter, porter – must be from the West Coast Dem – Call: 684-8231 ( Preferably from W.C.D)
Two bedrooms furnished upper flat in Diamond N/ Scheme, EBD – Tel:216-0644; 668-8403 Ogle sea side - 3000US$; Diamond – 800US$, 5 Bedroom – Ring:231-2199/ 618-7483
LAND FOR SALE Agriculture Road: 2 Storey 3 bedrooms house; land 600x36Ft - $17.5M – Tel:6122522
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Miners unhappy over wait for promised concessions Miners, worried by high fuel costs and falling prices for gold, are again pressing home their demands for a slashing of tax on imported fuel. They are unhappy over what they say is a delay in the granting of a number of concessions promised by Government, last August, including a request for at least half of monies by the Guyana Gold Board to be paid in foreign currency. Representatives of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), back in August, had met with President Donald Ramotar; Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud. At that meeting, the mining body argued that falling gold prices have been placing pressure on operators in the industry. They also wanted concessions on four-wheel drive pickups being imported. However, there have not been any major movements in the concessions, senior officials of GGDMA disclosed yesterday. Recently, the association requested another meeting, writing the Ministry of Natural Resources. One has since been set for Monday with the Finance Minister. In August, GGDMA had also asked for Government to seriously consider speeding up the process for work permits for foreigners, and
- want action on fuel relief, payments in foreign currency
Miners are to meet the Finance Minister on Monday to discuss a number of concessions to ease the challenges facing the industry.
gun licences, in light of the high incidence of crime in the interior. Regarding the fuel subsidy, GGDMA is proposing that Government accept a five per cent rate on the excise tax charged. With fuel accounting for 25% – 30% cost of production, this would significantly reduce the overheads for operations. Miners are also worrying about problems to transport fuel as rivers run low in the hot weather. Several dredges have reportedly closed operations. The cost of running dredges has increased as more fuel is being used for operations. Making its case for a waiver of taxes on the importation of open-back 4x4s, GGDMA had argued that currently, these are still being deemed as luxury items/ vehicles and attract heavy
import duties. The mining body also said it is concerned about the lack of foreign currency at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), which is affecting its capacity to buy spares and other items overseas. The association said that while previously it was paid in foreign currency, this changed in November 2011 when the GGB informed miners that there was none available. “GGDMA is urgently requesting that foreign exchange be made available to assist the small and medium scale miners, during this crisis of falling gold prices, for them to import much-needed spares and machinery, since some companies are taking advantage of the miners. Also, the availability of foreign currency has encouraged miners to sell their
gold to GGB.” Gold became the biggest foreign exchange earner for Guyana in the last couple of years, as world prices rose and bankers bet their money
on the shiny metal. But prices plunged this year to US$1,100 per ounce from a high of US$1,900 last year. Yesterday it remained steady at US$1,340.
This year, a massive 460,000 ounces is expected, which would represent the highest gold declaration, surpassing OMAI and local combined declaration in 2001 of 456,000 ounces. So far, with four months left in the year, declarations are standing at 300,000 ounces. Small and medium scale gold and diamond mining employs about 15,000 persons with up to 150,000 persons benefitting indirectly. Several companies including MACORP, GenEquip and Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM) have reportedly been experiencing heavy sales of machinery and spares, with the airline companies also benefitting from increased traffic. Gold, in the last few years, has become the biggest contributor to the economy, ahead of sugar and rice. “The development of Guyana’s hinterland is directly entwined with the development and prosperity of the mining industry, which provides opportunities for Guyanese,” the GGDMA had stated in August.
Black Bush man on trial for murder of 14-year-old girl
DEAD: Indranie Basdeo
Satrohan Mannaru (left) being escorted to the court. The trial of 23-year-old Satrohan Mannaru, who is accused of murdering his 14year-old ex-girlfriend two years ago, began on Tuesday in the Berbice High Court before Justice Dawn Gregory and a mixed jury. Indranie Basdeo, of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, was stabbed to death at the Mibicuri School Ground, in October 2011, where school sports were being held. She received the fatal wound under her left breast. The victim was an exstudent of the school. The accused is being represented by attorneys-atlaw Bernard De Santos SC
and Pamela De Santos. In her opening address to the jury, state Prosecutor Renita Singh stated that on the day in question, Basdeo had made arrangements with her sister, Tulseidai, and brother-in-law, Arnold Reddy, to attend the school sports. According to the prosecutor, the girl’s sister and brother in law were at the school sports when they noticed the accused grab Basdeo. By the time they ran to the accused and the teen, Basdeo was on the ground and the accused was over her. Mannaru had a knife in his hand and the deceased was seen bleeding. Basdeo’s
brother-in-law pulled the accused away from her and the knife was taken away. Indranie Basdeo was rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The state called five witnesses, including the slain teen’s father, Mahase Basdeo, who testified to identifying the body at the post mortem examination. Detective Corporal Ward testified to going to the scene and noticing blood. Police Constable Maxton Semple also testified to being at the venue and receiving a report of a wounding incident. He told the court that he went to the scene where he arrested the accused. He subsequently retrieved the alleged murder weapon which was a Black Continued on page 31
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Six Guyanese participate in Youth Ambassadors Programme
US Ambassador D. Brent Hardt (centre) with the YAP participants. Six young Guyanese have been privileged to embark on a three-week undertaking in the United States initiated under the Youth Ambassadors Programme (YAP). Five students and one mentor representing several regions left Guyana for Denver, Colorado on Sunday, October 6. The group will travel to Washington D.C. before the exchange programme concludes on October 29, 2013. Kadeem Gordon, Kaya Dover, Larrex McAllister, Blossom Dublin, Kayshell
Jennings, and Mentor Ryan Hoppie are the second group of Youth Ambassadors to represent Guyana for the 2013-2014 period of YAP in the Caribbean. According to a release from the US Embassy in Georgetown, the recently selected participants met with U.S. Ambassador D. Brent Hardt, prior to their departure. The US Ambassador congratulated the team and pointed out that YAP provides a rare opportunity for young people in Caribbean to see how young people in the United States
are using creative ways to effect change. The Ambassador gave the students a preview of what to expect during their visit and emphasized the value for both countries to participate in the cultural exchange programme. The participants similarly shared their backgrounds and personal interests as well as their expectations of the programme. The Ambassador further told the participants that he expects that the experience will have a positive impact on their lives and communities.
Truck driver accused of causing death on $350,000 bail Dev Harkinshun of Lot 1 ‘A’ Pump, Road Lillendaal appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown’s Magistrates’ Court yesterday to answer the charge of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving. The 22-year-old truck driver faced the indictable charge ,which alleged that on October 19, on the Southern Carriage Way of the Rupert Craig Highway, he drove Motor Lorry GRR5801 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Stanley Roach. According to the report given by Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue in
open court, at about 11:20hrs, the defendant drove and parked the said lorry close to the parapet, and went into a business place located nearby The prosecutor reported that upon Harkinshun’s return, he boarded the lorry, started the engine and began reversing. However, in so doing, the rear of the lorry collided with Roach who was standing behind the vehicle. Consequently, Roach fell onto the road and the left rear wheel of the lorry ran over the deceased who lived at 60 Evans Street, Charlestown. The court heard that the 77-year-old man was taken to
the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The matter was reported to the Kitty Police station and investigations led to the defendant being arrested and charged. Attorney-at-Law Sase Gunraj applied for bail on the grounds, stating that his client is not a flight risk and is gainfully employed with a private entity. Magistrate Fabayo Azore set bail at $350,000 under the condition that Harkinshun lodges his passport with the court. The matter was adjourned to November 11.
Black Bush man on trial for... From page 30 and Cream handle stainless steel knife. He testified that there was a red substance, which appeared to be blood, on the blade. The knife was subsequently lodged and taken to the analyzed. Constable Semple also witnessed the post mortem which was conducted at the New Amsterdam Hospital and the burial. The post mortem report was tendered as evidence,
but the witness testified to not being able to locate the knife which was lodged at the Whim Police Station. Also on the witness stand was the victim’s sister, Tulseidai Basdeo, who testified to being at the school with her husband and noticing the accused grab her sister and inflict wounds on her. She said that she ran towards her sister who had fallen and was bleeding, and her husband managed to pull
the accused away from her sister and relieve him of the weapon. The sister said that she lost consciousness during the ordeal. All the witnesses were grilled extensively by Senior Counsel De Santos, especially Constable Semple and Tulseidai Basdeo. The post mortem examination conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan found that the teen died from a puncture of the heart and hemorrhage.
The group also met with, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony prior to their departure. Minister Anthony congratulated the participants and encouraged them to work on specific programmes to address issues and concerns
relating to young people such as health, fitness, education and social behaviour. The YAP programme, which includes participants from the Bahamas, Grenada, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, focuses on civic education, youth empowerment, environmental issues, social entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and food security. Through experiential activities, discussions, site visits, training modules, and home stays, participants are given the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes, intellectual skills, and practical competencies to effectively lead efforts for positive social change in their home countries. The Youth Ambassadors Programme gives students and adult leaders an opportunity to develop leadership and problemsolving skills that enable them to act as community leaders. The project aims to sharpen
participants’ sense of civic responsibility and foster civic activism. While in the United States, the participants can increase their understanding of American institutions, while engaging in civic life in the United States. Participants also explore facets unique to each country’s history and identity, and engage in discussions and educational activities that promote learning on an academic and a personal level. Youth Ambassadors are required to implement followon activities upon their return home that will help the participants stay in touch with each other, reflect on their experiences, and integrate that learning into their lives. A core goal of the programme is for the student leaders, once empowered, to bring their experience to bear in helping encourage and guide other student leaders through community-oriented service projects.
Bus driver lands $100,000 bail on assault charge Dexter Haynes of 86 Durban Street, Werken-Rust, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday faced with an assault charge. It is alleged that on October 18, on Durban Street, Haynes unlawfully assaulted Colin Benjamin causing actual bodily harm. The defendant pleaded guilty with explanation. Haynes, who said he is employed as a bus driver for Splashmin’s Resort, attempted to enlighten the court of the situation surrounding the charge. Haynes stated that on the day in question, Benjamin accused his 17-year-old son of stealing a gold chain and proceeded to thrash
the lad. The father explained that in an effort to protect his son, he became involved in the brawl which subsequently led to him being arrested. The Magistrate then entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. According to the report given by Prosecutor, the ‘cuffs’ which were dealt to Benjamin resulted in contusions to his left side chest and minor abrasions to the right posterior aspect of the chest. The magistrate thereafter placed Haynes on $100,000 bail and adjourned the matter to October 29. A summons was issued for the absent Benjamin to be present at the next hearing.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
Disputed Range Rover heads back to UK Trinidad Guardian - As the Range Rover controversy makes headlines in the United Kingdom, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan says within a week or two, he will make arrangements to have the stolen vehicle shipped back to the UK owners. However, before doing so, Ramlogan said, he will give ILP deputy political leader Anna Deonarine an opportunity to explain how she ended up buying the stolen Range Rover. A report headlined “Paradise island leader bought Range Rover stolen in Birmingham” was carried online on the Birmingham Mail’s Web site— www.birminghammail.co.uk— on Friday. The story said the Range Rover was snatched from Birmingham on May 15, 2008, by someone who had hired it using false personal details. It was taken from Lombard Vehicle Management and sent abroad in December of that year. Lombard is trying to get it back from the T&T authorities and has hired Barry Hancock, a specialist in investigating
the international trafficking of stolen vehicles. The report quoted a source who said, “Local authorities were unco-operative from day one.” But in a telephone interview yesterday, Ramlogan revealed he had been in contact with Hancock. Asked why the vehicle has not yet been handed over, Ramlogan said, “We cannot just give back the vehicle just so. We have to do our investigations.” He said Hancock gave the T&T authorities a file containing details of the transaction. Hancock came to Trinidad two months ago to try to retrieve the vehicle. “We have the relevant information. Hancock has provided a detailed statement and we have the relevant information from the side of the UK owners. What we do not have is any statement from Deonarine,” Ramlogan said. He added, “The expose carried in Monday’s Guardian has fortified the concerns about the suspicious circumstances surrounding this transaction, as it would appear that Deonarine-
Rampersad’s statement that she did not import this vehicle is at odds with the documentary evidence, which show not one but two import licences were granted to her company for the importation of two Range Rovers. “The second licence was granted in a breathtaking record-breaking space of one day, after a handwritten note was submitted asking for the first licence to be amended to facilitate the importation of this second Range Rover, which turned out to be a stolen vehicle.” Asked when the vehicle will be shipped back, Ramlogan said, “I will give Deonarine an opportunity to respond to the letter from Karl Hudson-Phillips’ chambers. She should be given an opportunity to present her case and thus far, she has not done so. “I do not know if she intends to dispute the claim made by the original owners of the vehicle at the time that it was stolen from the United Kingdom.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Saudi spy chief says Riyadh to ‘shift away from U.S.’ over Syria, Iran DOHA (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief has said the kingdom will make a “major shift” in relations with the United States in protest at its perceived inaction over the Syria war and its overtures to Iran, a source close to Saudi policy said yesterday. Prince Bandar bin Sultan told European diplomats that Washington had failed to act effectively on the Syrian crisis and the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, was growing closer to Tehran, and had failed to back Saudi support for Bahrain when it crushed an anti-government revolt in 2011, the source said. It was not immediately clear if Prince Bandar ’s reported statements had the full backing of King Abdullah. “The shift away from the U.S. is a major one,” the source close to Saudi policy said. “Saudi doesn’t want to find itself any longer in a situation where it is dependent.” The United States and Saudi Arabia have been allies since the kingdom was declared in 1932, giving Riyadh a powerful military protector and Washington secure oil supplies.
The prince’s initiative follows a surprise Saudi decision on Friday to reject a coveted two-year term on the U.N. Security Council in protest at “double standards” at the United Nations. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he had discussed Riyadh’s concerns when he met Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal in Paris on Monday. Kerry said he had told the Saudi minister that no deal with Iran was better than a bad deal. “I have great confidence that the United States and Saudi Arabia will continue to be the close and important friends and allies that we have been,” he told reporters in London. Prince Bandar, who was Saudi ambassador to Washington for 22 years, is seen as a foreign policy hawk, especially on Iran. The Sunni Muslim kingdom’s rivalry with Shi’ite Iran, an ally of Syria, has amplified sectarian tensions across the Middle East. A son of the late defense minister and crown prince, Prince Sultan, and a protégé of the late King Fahd, he fell from favor with King Abdullah after clashing on foreign policy in 2005.
But he was called in from the cold last year with a mandate to bring down President Bashar al-Assad, diplomats in the Gulf say. Over the past year he has led Saudi efforts to bring arms and other aid to Syrian rebels while his cousin, Foreign Minister Prince Saud alFaisal, worked the diplomatic corridors. “Prince Bandar told diplomats that he plans to limit interaction with the U.S.,” the source close to Saudi policy said. “This happens after the U.S. failed to take any effective action on Syria and Palestine. “Relations with the U.S. have been deteriorating for a while, as Saudi feels that the U.S. is growing closer with Iran and the U.S. also failed to support Saudi during the Bahrain uprising.” The source declined to provide more details of Bandar ’s talks with the diplomats, which took place in the past few days. But he suggested that the planned change in ties between the energy superpower and its traditional U.S. ally would have wideranging consequences, including on arms purchases and oil sales. aligned groups.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday October 23, 2013
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Kaieteur News
LABA to hold meeting with clubs The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) has invited its eight affiliate clubs: K i n g s , A m e l i a ’s w a r d J e t s , Vi c t o r y Va l l e y Royals, Retrieve Raiders, Half Mile Bulls, Wismar Pistons, Block 22 Flames and Bankers Trust Falcons to a Special Meeting tomorrow where it will address its Guyana Amateur Basketball
- to address GABF suspension Federation suspension. A release from LABA Secretary, Joe Chapman said that the meeting will start at 7pm and will deal with matters relating to the suspension of Retrieve Raiders forward Dwayne ‘Sugar’ Roberts and other issues that led to his reinstatement. “The LABA informed
that it has noted the public disclosures of the g o v e r n i n g b o d y, w h i c h included its indefinite suspension of the LABA, and will deal with those issues as they are among others,” the release stated, asking clubs to send two bona-fide representatives to the meeting.
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Foreign athletes depleted for SA 10k Classic Foreign athletes’ participation for Sunday’s International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)/Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) South American 10km Road Race Classic will be at an all time low with notable countries not registering. Officials from the AAG, including President, Aubrey Hutson, had encouraged local athletes to get involve in the event at the launch and also expressed hope that the usual foreign participants will register on or before the
- Only Suriname has registered October 18 deadline. However, a check yesterday at the Guyana Olympic Association Headquarters where the Admin office for the AAG is also located revealed that none of the expected strong foreign participating countries have confirmed participation in the 2013 race. Only Suriname, which usually poses little or no challenge, has registered. The South American 10km Classic race usually attracts
Aubrey Hutson
Wednesday October 23, 2013 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Your inbox is probably crammed with party invitations. There's no such thing as a simple RSVP for you. Every call to accept or decline results in a lengthy conversation as you catch up with relatives and old friends. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): The planetary energies today are emphasizing family. This may be a good time to do some research, delving more deeply into your roots. Have you picked your grandmother's brain about her mother and grandmother? ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Your hard work is finally paying off. You can expect to receive acknowledgement and advancement, along with a possible salary increase or substantial bonus. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): This is a day for good news, particularly regarding the home. It's likely that some positive changes are occurring or are about to occur. You may be considering a move or a major renovation. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): Good news from distant lands could have you feeling good about your life and eagerly anticipating the future. Your thinking is sharp and clear. This is a good day to make plans, particularly if they involve travel or education. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): When you give your imagination free rein, you have a creative way of expressing yourself. Today you might feel like doing some public speaking or creative writing.
LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): Your mental acuity is high today. A recent innovation of yours could bring you some much-deserved recognition. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): Today you'll feel inspired to express yourself in fun, creative ways. Don't be afraid to let loose with your wild sense of humor. You could play a prank on a friend that makes him or her laugh and creates good feelings. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Expect a visitor to put you in touch with people who could make a real difference in your life. Changes are manifesting more quickly than you realize. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Today's celestial configuration may leave you feeling more spiritually inclined than usual. As your thoughts turn to more positive horizons, you'll be optimistic about your future and the future of humanity. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18):This is bound to be an interesting day as you meet some new people who have fascinating ideas about esoteric subjects. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): It's time to admit that your hectic lifestyle is catching up with you. Today you must start to get organized. Waiting until the last minute to take care of important tasks only causes anxiety. Make a list of everything you need to get done and prioritize it.
participation from several Caribbean countries with Trinidad and Tobago sending large contingents along with Brazil. The race has in the past attracted the participation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Pamenos Ballantyne, who is also a top Caribbean distance athlete. Distance runners from the United States and other regional countries were also represented in the past. However, this year it seems as though the race will just be a local contest, which will undermine its very name as a South American race. As of yesterday too, only 51 local athletes were named to registration forms, which was far fewer than the locallyorchestrated Courts and Ainlim 10km Road Races a few weeks ago.
Berbice Cricket Board to hold raffle The Berbice Cricket Board recently launched a fundraising raffle to assist with its development programmes. Over the years, the board has been proactive in preparing county teams to participate in inter county tournament. However, this has come at a significant cost and the BCB wants to make sure that the preparations of the teams are not hampered because of lack of finance. Prizes to be won include a flat screen television, one washing machine, one microwave oven and one gas cooker. The board is pleading to the public for their support. Tickets are available at the board office, New Amsterdam, executives and member clubs.
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Wednesday October 23, 2013
Guyana Football Federation Banks Beer National Premier - but result null and void League 2013/14 – Points Standing
Kings reign in win over Jets Usually the team that controls the ‘boards’, wins the game, but that was not the case as the defending champions, Kings were outrebounded, but amended that disadvantage through their outside marksmanship from Steve Neils (Jr.) to win the Trophy Stall Regulation Open Basketball title against Jets. Centre/forward, Omally Sampson later named the Most Valuable Player, helped Neils shoot their way to a 6660 win, and in the process maintained their status as the top-ranked club in the Mining Town of Linden. However, that result became null and void after the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation had suspended the Linden Amateur Basketball Federation on that very day. “Please note that all LABA basketball activities are also suspended (including any now unsanctioned tournaments in process), and any player, referee or official who participates in any LABA activities will themselves be subject to sanctions,” the GABF suspension letter noted. Nevertheless, Neils was the team’s top scorer with 21 points and also ‘dished’ nine assists while Orin Rose and Marvin Hartman punished Jets with only their captain, Kevin Joseph being able to answer to the outside game of the Kings duo. Sampson had 13 points and 11 rebounds, which proved his worth to this team. Rose started the damage and
Steve Neils (Jr.)
Omally Sampson
ended with 15 points while Hartman got 12 points with seven rebounds. Shooting guard, Kevin Joseph with 18 points and Shane Webster, who was the Best Defensive Player of the final, pulled down eight rebounds with three blocked shots and six assists along with his 13 points. Allister Webster dumped in 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Kings entered the final with three losses and only qualified because they had beaten Half Mile Bulls, who finished with a similar record. They were up against the Jets who had inflicted one of those losses and with the title on the line, Kings rose to the occasion. Kings’ snipers launched their missiles and tore down Jets’ ‘big man’ game, which resided in the Webster brothers, Shane and Allister. Even though they raked in their share of ‘boards’ and also scored, Jets
team effort did not add up to supplant Kings. Jets ran out of fuel and eventually Abdullah Hamid and Neils were given four free-throw shots, which they made to give the Kings the cushion needed in crunchtime to come away with a clear win to retain their crown. The Half Mile Bulls beat Bankers Trust Falcons 64-51 in the game which preceded the final but this was arranged owed to the fact that Falcons had already secured the third position. The Retriever Raiders forfeited their semifinal game last week against the Jets after refusing to omit the previously suspended Dwayne Roberts, who the GABF vindicated following a disciplinary hearing. However the LABA refused to adhere to the decision of the hearing which resulted in the GABF suspending the Linden sub-association.
ECCCC/GT&T 35-over competition…
Ferrier powers Duchfour to semi-final spot An excellent all-round performance from ex-national player Deon Ferrier propelled Duchfour to a comfortable sixwicket victory over Perseverance in the last quarterfinal game of the inaugural Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC)/GT&T 35over cricket competition last weekend. Playing at the Enmore Community Centre ground, Duchfour romped to victory with nine overs to spare, in the process booking a semi-final fixture with hosts Enmore. Batting first, Perseverance posted what seemed like a challenging 183-9 off their allotted overs with M. Nicholson top scoring with 54, while R. Persaud supported with 29 and D. Solomon 28. Off-spinner Ferrier returned excellent figures of 4-24 from seven
Deon Ferrier testing overs for Duchfour, who made light work of the target, racing to 187-4 from 26 overs. The right-handed Ferrier crowned an amazing day by leading the run-chase with an convincing 76, with support coming from C. Pellew (39) and T. Gilbert (20). D. Butts (2-36) and O. Ross (1-14) were
the wicket-takers for Perseverance. The competition will continue on Sunday at the Enmore Community Centre ground with the first semifinal featuring Helena and Fairfield. Semi-final two between Enmore and Duchfour will take place on Monday, November 4 at the Enmore Community Centre ground. The grand final is tentatively set for November 10 at the Enmore Community Centre ground. All matches will bowl off at 11:00 hours. The competition, which has being organised by the ECCCC, is aimed at giving clubs from Enmore to Mahaica much needed competitive exposure. The champion team will receive $30,000 and trophy and the runner up $20,000 and a trophy. Among the individual awards are trophies for the Man-of-theMatch in the final, most runs, most wickets and most catches.
Meanwhile, below are the fixtures for Sunday, October 27.
2nd Annual Payless Variety Store Cycle Race pedals off Saturday at National Park Always committed to the development of local cyclists, National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohamed MS, has organized the 2nd Annual Payless Variety Store Cycle Race Programme slated for the inner circuit of the National Park Saturday, October 26, next and several of the nation’s young riders will battle for honours and lucrative prizes. Activities get underway at 09:00hrs with the boys and girls 12-14 yrs event over 3 laps. Subsequently, there will be several other events including BMX Boys 12-14 yrs, BMX boys 9-12 yrs,
BMX Boys 6-9 yrs BMX Boys Open, the BMX Boys Open over 3 Laps and the mountain bikers’ race over 5 laps. Later on, cycling fans will be treated to the race between the veteran U-50yrs over 5 laps, the veteran over50yrs over a similar distance, the veteran over-60yrs (5 laps) and the juveniles’ 10 laps event. Then there is the feature race, the school boys and invitation races over 35 Laps. The riders will attempt to eclipse several records established at last year’s event including the 35 laps – school boys and invitation race won by Robin Persaud
in a time of 1:18:42.19secs. Then there is the record held by Raul Leal for the 10 Laps Juveniles event, completed in 20:48.45secs. Other records that will be targeted include the 5 Laps, veteran U 50 yrs held by Junior Niles in 13:11.05secs, the 5 Laps – mountain biker event won by Nigel Jacobs in 13:04secs and the boys and girls 3 laps race dominated by Alfie Soonaram in 7:11secs. Activities are sponsored by Payless Variety Store and a representative of that entity will assist in the distribution of prizes at the end of the meet.
Skeete T\20 cricket – South E’bo
Dusraj guides Rising Star to victory, Jaguars beat NOC seniors An unbeaten 64 from Rovin Dusraj guided Rising Star to an emphatic victory over Aurora when action in the Edward Skeete and family T\20 tournament continued last Sunday in South Essequibo. At Pomona, Aurora batted first and managed 151 all out in 19.4 overs with Anand Maniram and Timur and scoring 24 each. Jagdesh Dindyal snared 3-16, Insaaf Latchman and Dusraj took 218 apiece and Navindra Dindyal 2-21. Rising Star replied with 154-4
in 16 overs with Dusraj spearheading the chase with three fours and five sixes. He received support from Kurt Jones 30 not out and Rohan Ramdass 20. Reshad Ali took 2-24. At Pomona, New Opportunity Corps seniors went down to Jaguars by 1 wicket. NOC took first strike and scored 131 before they were bowled in 19.3 overs. Sase Narine led with 27 (4x4), Mark Gonsalves made 20 and Joshua Paul 19. Shazaad Ali and Jerome Ramnauth picked up 2 wickets each. Jaguars
replied with 132-9 in 19.5 overs. Sherkhan Khan was their leading batman with 41 (2x4,3x6) and Husbard Thomas 18; Orian Heyliger grabbed 2-22 and Anthony Adams 2-23. El Dorado got the better of NOC juniors by 36 runs at NOC. Eldorado rattled up 134 all out in 20 overs after taking first strike then restricted NOC juniors to 98-8 in 20 overs. Meanwhile, Jaguars and Rising Star of zone B and El Dorado of zone A have qualified for the semi finals.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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GT&T Indoor Hockey Championships Cheddi Jagan ‘A’ reigns supreme Hikers’ teams sweep in Air Traffic Control Officers opposition on opening night dominoes tournament, Fire Service dominates table tennis (CJIA A) team amassed 83 games to take top honours in the dominoes segment, while the Guyana Fire Service led by Warren Hackshaw, who ended unbeaten, carted off the honours in the table tennis department when the Guyana Association of Air Traffic Control Officers (GAATCO) hosted its inaugural table tennis and dominoes tournament at the Banks DIH Sports Club, Thirst Park, Sunday October 20 last. Cheddi Jagan ‘B’ scored 76 games to finish second in the dominoes competition, while Timehri Control Tower finished in the cellar with 58 games. The table tennis tournament was overseen by former national player Paul Meusa and saw some spirited individual performances, most notably by Kwasi Angus of the Control Tower, but when the dust settled it was the Fire Service led by the unbeaten run of the eventual MVP, Warren Hackshaw, that emerged victorious. Control Tower finished second and CAMS third. In the distaff department, Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services (CAMS) representative, Shawna Gentle, finished ahead of Control Tower’s
Shawna Gentle of the CAMS Hanger receiving her award from GCAA Manager, Rickford Samaroo Peola DaSilva and Safina Lutchman respectively. Meanwhile, CJIA A representative, Omesh Narine, was adjudged the MVP while Mr. G. Henry of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) recorded the first love of the tournament; the GCAA also received a special prize for having the team with the most females. Director of Air Navigation Services of the GCAA Ms.
Chaitrani Heeralall assisted in the presentation process with assistance from Manager of Air Traffic Operations at the Timehri Control Tower, Mr. Rickford Samaroo and Head of the GCAA Training School, Mr. Courtney Frank. President of GAATCO, Trevor Daly, delivered brief remarks at the end of the tournaments and hailed the event as a success. He also expressed hopes that the event is staged annually.
It was a clean sweep for the Hikers hockey club as all of their teams managed wins on the first night of action in the GT&T National Indoor Championships which opened on Monday evening, at the National Gymnasium. In the feature match of the night which was a clash of men’s first division giants, the Hikers men managed to squeeze past defending champions GCC 3-2. Captain Robert France opened the Hikers account with a brilliant steal just two minutes into the match to nail his shot in the GCC net and then repeated the feat ten minutes later to give the Hikers a 2-0 lead. GCC managed to regain their footing with a goal just before the half when Kevin Spencer dragged goalkeeper Azad DeAbreu to his right, before sliding the ball between his legs for the goal. Randy Hope extended the Hikers lead with a blinding shot four minutes into the second half and although Orland Semple manage one more for GCC, the Hikers held on for the win. The Hikers Divas
managed to upstage the young GCC Spartans in their ladies division clash with former nationals Amanda Garnett and Avonda James netting one each in their 2-1 victory. The Spartans secured a penalty stroke in the opening minutes of the game which was converted by Captain and national striker Gabriella Xavier, but failed to get past goalkeeper Jonelle Webster for the remainder of the match. Hikers Revelation scored their largest victory ever in their short existence by destroying the Old Fort Heats 9-0 in the other ladies fixture of the evening. The Heats are competing in their first competition and found it difficult against Revelation as leading Revelation striker Latacia Chung scored a hat-trick along with teammate Tekesha Deleon. Charlyn Elliot managed to score a double, while Nicole Eastman rounded out the score sheet for Revelation with a single. The men’s second division saw Old Fort B crush Saints 5-1 with Shaquille Thomas and Timothy Baker leading the charge with doubles, while
teammate Richard Thomas added one more for the victors. Saints lone goal was scored by Parmanand Dindial. The Hikers Recruits routed GCC 8-3 in the other second division fixture with Aroydy Branford scoring a hat-trick en route to victory. Travon Younge, Leon Bacchus, Jamarj Assanah, Reginald Harper and Michael Harding scored one each to complete the Hikers list. Eric Hing, Kareem McKenzie and Steven Xavier were the goal scorers for GCC. In the lone veterans’ fixture of the evening, the Hikers defeated Old Fort 5-3 with Devin Munroe leading the charge for the Hikers with a hat-trick. Sheldon Corlette and Brian Asregado scored the other two for the victors. Old Fort’s goals came through the efforts of Dwayne Allen, Ian Nicholson and Dexter Wyles. Matches continue every evening at the National gymnasium until Sunday when the finals for all four divisions will be contested from 16:00 hours.
Greene places third at US Pro Cup - seeking local sponsor as he aims for Mr. Universe & World’s in 2014 US based bodybuilder Rawle Greene placed third in the recently held US Pro Bodybuilding Cup competition. The former Guyanese sprint king, who is a dedicated bodybuilder now, says he is working towards the Mr. Universe and World competitions next year but is seeking a local sponsor to partner with him.
The winner of the Heavyweight division in which Greene c o m p e t e d was Shevon Cunningham, Hashim E v a n s w a s s e c ond with Greene third, followed by Gerry Ruck and Sean Young in that order. Ten athletes competed in this category and Greene said that he was satisfied with his performance.
“It was a great show and I am happy with my placing after being beaten by Gerry Ruck at the Na t u r a l M r. Universe in June this year in Barbados and S e a n Yo u n g w h o a l s o beat me in 2012, it was nice to turn the tables on them.” Greene is contemplating competing at the World championship next month but is not certain. He is extending gratitude to his Coach and mother for their support.
Time to develop a sustainable...
Representatives of Fire Service is ecstatic after clinching the table tennis championships
From page 44 government would have made in developing facilities throughout the island, especially after hurricane Ivan had devastated, recognising the importance it plays in the improvement of the lives of young people. “I believe that this generation of youths in Cayman has a lot to be thankful for given the vision of people the likes of Jeff Webb and a commitment of government to restore facilities which now have international standards.” Working together he said would bring the necessary transformation that would
improve society both socially and economically. McLaughlin also zoomed in on Sports Tourism which he said is a 600 Billion industry in the world and it was time for the Cayman Islands and indeed the members of CONCACAF move in that direction, noting that it was a new unchartered sea of opportunity. The unlimited opportunities that comes with it was cited in the example of the Cayman Islands hosting the CONCACAF Under-15 championships as well as the inaugural CONCACAF Sports Summit. This, McLaughlin said puts his country on the
world map. The many sessions that were held where prominent world figures including former national players, were well accepted, participants also had the opportunity to interact with the panelists and were given the opportunity to ask questions. Speakers included FIFA President Joseph Blatter, General Secretary Jerome Valke, former players Cobi Jones (USA), Dwight Yorke and Shaka Hislop (T&T), Honorable Randolph Horton – current Speaker of the House of Assembly of Bermuda, The Most Honorable Portia Simpson-Miller – Prime Minister of Jamaica.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Bermine upstage West Berbice to take Universal DVD /BCB First Division T20 title Bermine Cricket Club defeated West Berbice by 24 runs to capture the inaugural Universal DVD\Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) first division T\20 title last Sunday at the Albion Community Centre Ground. Bermine batted first in front of a fair size crowd after winning the toss and were reduced to 18-2 before Devon Clements, who stroked three fours in a top score of 56 and Jomal La Fleur 20, took the score to 81 before La Fleur departed. Bermine then lost Romario Shepherd for 05 before Clements added 34 for the fifth wicket stand with Keon De Jesus; De Jesus went for 23 (1x4,1x6) as Bermine posted 138-6 off their allotted overs. Keon Joseph picked up two wickets while there was one apiece for Krishundat Ramoo, Keon Fraser and off spinner Andrew Dutchin. West Berbice lost the early wicket of Sherwin Mc Pherson (09) but Raffel Estriado who top scored with 42 (5x4,1x6) and Arthley Bailey (08) added 39 for the second wicket to steady the chase somewhat. But Pacer Niall Smith made inroads into the West
The winning Bermine team displays their silverware as they pose with the sponsor his family and staff members. Berbice batting as they were reduced 83-9 in the 15th over. A last wicket stand 29 between Quacy Mc Person27 not out (1x6, 1x4) and Joseph (07) gave them some hope, but Vantull accounted for Joseph to send West Berbice packing for 112 off 18.4 overs. Smith ended with 4-12 from 4 overs, while man of the match Clements picked up 3-
29, Vantull had 2 and La Fleur 1. Earlier in the third place play off, Albion whipped Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTG&G) by eight wickets. RHTG&G batted first and scored 102-8 in their 20 over with Clinton Pestano scoring 28 and Assad Fudadin 17. Off spinners Veerapen Permaul and Sharaz
Ramcharran took three wickets while Jonathan Foo claimed 2. Albion replied with 106 -2 with man of the match Kandasammy Surujnarine top scoring with 58 (1x6, 6x4) not out and Foo chipped in with an unbeaten 20. At the presentation ceremony Mr. Vickram Seebarran of the Universal DVD and Solutions lauded
the BCB for a well organized tournament and promised to continue with his sponsorship. He congratulated all participating teams and had special commendation for Bermine adding that one of the aims of the competition was to unearth new talent. President of the BCB Keith Foster thanked Seebarran for coming on
Board and congratulated Bermine for winning the tournament, he also urged West Berbice players to continue working hard on their game. The winning team received 200,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up, third and fourth place teams received trophies and cash prizes. (Samuel Whyte)
Officials commit to assistance as Taurus Women’s Club launched The recent launching of the Taurus Women’s Club in Melanie Damishana, ECD, is hailed as developmental and officials of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security joined those from the Region 4, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and pledged to work with the group in acquiring the requisite skills needed for the country’s development as well as the establishment of economic ventures. This much was revealed by several speakers that attended the official opening ceremony a t t h e c l u b ’s M a i n R d , Melanie Damishana, headquarters Saturday October 12 last. Among them was Parliamentarian, Indra Chandrapal who assured the members that Government is committed to the development of Guyanese. She said that naturally those of the Melanie Damishana were also included. Region 4 Regional Chairman, Clement Corlette, was also at the function and assured the gathering that the RDC is
Region 4 Regional Chairman, Clement Corlette (extreme left) and Parliamentarian, Indra Chandrapal (2nd R) join executives of the Taurus club shortly after the launching ceremony. committed to assisting women in the region. He further pledged to assist the club in its planned programmes and projects. Mr. Corlette noted that the new Guyana Women must be educated, committed and developed so they can be role models for the coming generation. Ms We n d y
DeFlorimonte represented the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and she assured that soon her Ministry will introduce skills-training services for the women of the Melanie Damishana community. She said that the initiative will begin in various areas for the women of Melanie
Damishana. She also disclosed the Ministry will offer assistance to those persons involved in business activities as well as agricultural activities. The Taurus Women’s Club has also embarked on a skills training and literacy programmes and has launched an initiative dubbed ‘Know more about Guyana.’ The club will also
engage in several tours to various parts of the country in an effort to sensitize its membership on the geography of the country. Several members of the club are also ardent race walkers and executives would be presenting the sport as a means to a healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, Andrew
Wilson, a Guyanese based in the USA has recently donated several pieces of equipment and other accessories to the club. The donation will facilitate educational and other activities planned by the club. A former resident of the village and also a former member of the Guyana Defense Force, Mr. Wilson, said that he is committed to ensure that women, youth and children are qualified with academics and skills needed for the development of their community and the nation. Indeed, this is not the first a c t o f c h i v a l r y a s M r. Wilson has donated books and school supplies to the villagers and has hosted Christmas parties for the children of the community. He has since promised to increase the donation this year. In return, the club has endorsed the former soldier as Patron. Consequently, M r. Wi l s o n e x p r e s s e d gratitude to the Government as well as officials of the RDC for earlier commitment to assist in the development of the club.
Wednesday October 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
Bridge Company donates trophies to Draughts Association The Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) donated two trophies to the President of Guyana Draughts Association towards the association’s Annual National Championship Draughts tournament on October 19th, 20th, and 27th, 2013. The Company, in a statement, said it was privileged to have the opportunity to make a donation towards the Guyana Draughts Association. “The Company will continue to sponsor other events subjected to the availability of funds at that time and is looking at a wider cross section of sports and other charitable, non – charitable, Government, Non – Government and inclusive of Entertainments,” the statement read.
Mrs. Bibi F. Alli (left), Administrative Assistant, BBCI handing Over Two Trophies to Ms. Rawattie Tandool Member of the Guyana Draughts Association.
Windies legend back on county duty Portsmouth - Portsmouth, United Kingdom - Hampshire legend Gordon Greenidge was the star attraction as he opened a new learning facility at the Ageas Bowl. The former West Indies opening batsman was on hand to unveil The Orbit – the Hampshire Cricket Community Trust Study Centre. And the man who scored more than 7,500 Test runs and enjoyed a long-standing association with the county that stretched between 1970 and 1987, still has great affinity with Hampshire. Greenidge, who is now 62 years old, said: ‘I was invited to come over and perform the opening of the centre and it
Gordon Greenidge was an honour to do it. ‘I am the patron of the Gordon Greenidge Primary School. ‘And the project I’ve embarked upon is to develop
a library and a learning centre. ‘We’ve filled two big 40foot containers with books and things but we’re hoping to get some computers now.’ In the suite, pictures of West Indies and Hampshire legends are on display as part of Black History Month with Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall and Greenidge among those featured. ‘Northlands Road held a lot of dear things in my heart and I’m hoping this new venue will give recognition to those great players who contributed to Hampshire,’ said Greenidge. ‘It’s always fantastic to come back to visit the county where I have so many fond memories.’
Lewandowski strike beats Arsenal BBC Sport - Robert Lewandowski’s late winner for Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates ended Arsenal’s flawless start to their Champions League campaign and threw Group F wide open. Arsenal were more than a match for last season’s beaten finalists for long spells but Lewandowski demonstrated the ruthless streak that was missing when his Poland team faced England in last week’s decisive World Cup qualifier at Wembley with a clinical finish eight minutes from time. The pain of defeat was increased as Arsenal will surely feel Lewandowski was lucky to still be on the pitch following an earlier elbow on Laurent Koscielny. He was fortunate only to be booked
by Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson as a red card would also have ruled him out of Arsenal’s forthcoming visit to Dortmund. Henrikh Mkhitaryan gave Dortmund an early lead but Arsenal showed real character to battle back into contention and equalise through Olivier Giroud before half-time. Group F was always touted as the closest in the Champions League and one glance at the table confirms this is the case, with Arsenal, Dortmund and Napoli now all on six points, with the Gunners top courtesy of their head to head record. It made it an unhappy 64th birthday for Arsenal manager Arsenal Wenger. The Gunners still face hazardous
trips to Dortmund and Napoli - but they can also take great heart from many aspects of their performance. Arsenal were without midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who suffered concussion against Norwich City, and they missed him as Dortmund’s pressing game held sway in the opening moments. It is the hallmark of Jurgen Klopp’s side, allied to plenty of natural talent, and Arsenal found it impossible to control midfield and play the passing game that has swept them to the top of the Premier League. Dortmund’s relentless pressure on the ball paid off after 16 minutes when Aaron Ramsey, outstanding so far this season, was caught in possession and when
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Serena Williams races to win over Kerber at WTA Championships BBC Sport - Serena Williams powered past Angelique Kerber in her opening match at the WTA Championships in Istanbul. The world number one broke the German’s serve at the first opportunity in each set on the way to a 6-3 6-1 success. Second seed Victoria Azarenka was made to work hard for a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 victory over Italian world number seven Sara Errani. Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, seeded third, lost 64 6-4 to the Czech Republic’s fifth seed Petra Kvitova. American Williams, already guaranteed to end the season on top of the world rankings, is aiming to become the first player to successfully defend the season-ending title since Justine Henin in 2007 and win a fourth crown overall. She was simply too strong for world number nine Kerber, conjuring 31 winners, but also mixing her game to win the point on each of the 14 occasions that she ventured to the net. “I feel really good,” said Williams. “She’s beaten me before so I was a little nervous and really focused. “I never usually say I’m happy about a match, but I am now and I’m excited about that. “It’s such a tough
Serena Williams (Getty Images) tournament. Every match you have to be focused. I’m happy, but I have to get focused again.” Williams’s dominance was in contrast to the earlier struggles of Azarenka, who was 5-2 down to Errani in the first set before fighting back to take it on a tie-break in an hour and 28 minutes. Only when Errani called the trainer for treatment on a calf injury did matters become simpler for the Belarusian, with the two-time Australian Open champion winning the final four games to complete victory. Meanwhile, British number three Heather
Watson claimed only a second win in two months with a hard-fought success over American Christina McHale at the ITF tournament in Poitiers, France. Watson, who reached a career-high ranking of 39 in February, has struggled since returning from a bout of glandular fever at the French Open in May and has slipped to 133. Dropping down from the WTA Tour to play one of the bigger events on the second tier, Watson lost the first set and, after fighting back, trailed 4-2 in the decider. But she won four successive games to come through 2-6 7-5 6-4.
Parika are Roberts Gas Station Twenty\20 champs Parika defeated High Park by 48 runs to win the Roberts Gas Station Twenty\20 round robin competition when action in the final preliminary round continued last Sunday in East Bank Essequibo. Playing at Parika Salem ground, the host rattled up 124-9 off their allocation of 20 overs after taking first strike. Sase Narine top scored with 26 (1x4,2x6) while Jason Heyliger made 13 (2x4); Extras contributed 26. Rafeek Mohamed claimed 3-14 and
Inshan Mohamed 2-32. High Park were routed for 76 in 18.1 overs in reply. Dhanraj Champalall scored 14 (2x4) while Nandram Lallaram made 12 (1x4,1x6) and extras contributed 12. Trevor Benn captured 3-27, Narine 2-5 and Hemchand Persaud 2-18. At Hydronie, the host overcame Philadelphia by 34 runs. Led by a fine century from Ashmead Bacchus Hydronie posted 210-4 after the game was reduced to 17 overs, batting first. Bacchus smashed fourteen fours and
eight sixes in scoring 125 and got support from Shivindra Hemraj with 27 (3x4). Philadelphia responded with 176-6 in 17 overs with Michael Goberdhan leading the way with 90 (10x4,5x6) while Gowkarran Debi made 28 (2x4,3x6). Ajit Seodat picked up 3-25. The presentation ceremony will be done at a date to be announced. Meanwhile, the Kayo Super Centre and variety store 40 over tournament is expected to commence shortly.
From page 42 the second ball of his following over when he trapped Peter Fulton with a straighter delivery. The batsman thrust his pad out and with Shakib hardly getting the ball to turn, it was a very easy decision for the umpire. After lunch, Taylor and Kane Williamson showed some resistance. The pair were severe on Abdur Razzak after lunch, scoring 7, 8, 5 and 13 in consecutive overs. Williamson, however, was stopped in his tracks, quite literally, by Razzak’s
replacement at the Media Centre end. Rubel Hossain bowled a short one to the New Zealand No.3 who ducked too soon and was hit on the side of his face. He keeled over, and was taken off by the physio. Brendon McCullum joined Taylor but New Zealand had lost their rhythm. He batted for half an hour before holing to deep square leg where Rubel took a tumbling catch. He hurt his back in the process as he fell awkwardly. He was back on
the field the next over, and a short while later, rain struck. There was nevertheless enough time for a brief look at Bangladesh’s latest Test debutant, Al-Amin Hossain. The tall seamer - a rarity even for Bangladeshi pace bowlers - opened the bowling, gave away 13 runs in his only spell of six overs, and was struck for two boundaries. Scores: New Zealand 107 for 3 (Taylor 37*, Williamson 28*, Shakib 3-25) trail Bangladesh 282 (Tamim 95, Wagner 5-64) by 175 runs.
Rain interrupts as...
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 23, 2013
BCCI confirms two Tests, three ODIs in South Africa ESPNcricinfo - India’s tour of South Africa later this year has been confirmed by the BCCI, which on Tuesday announced a series of two Tests and three ODIs. The dates and venues for the matches, however, are yet to be announced.* Responding to the BCCI statement, Cricket South Africa said that the venues were being worked out. “Since the confirmation about the fixtures only came this morning, the cricket ops team will work on this now. At this stage we can’t put a date to when the fixtures will be confirmed, but will advise as soon as that process is complete.” The tour’s confirmation came after an assurance from CSA that it would suspend its CEO, Haroon Lorgat, from dealing with matters related to India and the ICC pending an inquiry by the world body into allegations against him. The allegations relate to Lorgat’s role in the statement issued by David Becker, formerly the ICC’s legal head, that the BCCI’s flouting of the FTP could have legal implications. In his statement, released to the media last week, Becker had said it was “improper” to allow a member body to
There will be an inquiry against Haroon Lorgat © Getty Images “blatantly disregard an ICC resolution”. The issue was touched upon during the ICC Executive Board meeting in London over the weekend and the BCCI’s demand for an ethics committee inquiry against Becker and Lorgat gained a lot of support. Many ICC Full Members are believed to have expressed their reservations over Lorgat being a part of ICC
proceedings. The BCCI, in its release announcing the series, said the ICC “is now considering its legal options” in respect to Becker’s comments. The two boards also said that they have agreed to continue discussions “about the possibility of agreeing further bilateral arrangements ... between the two teams, taking into account any scheduling imbalances from
previous years”. For now, though, the shortened tour - the original schedule announced by CSA in July had three Tests, seven ODIs and two T20s pencilled in - means a big loss in revenue for the South African board: it stands to lose R200 million (approx. US$ 20m). Also, it is is very likely that the smaller venues, where matches are usually played to sell-out crowds, will miss out on international cricket this year; the ODIs against India was the only international cricket scheduled this season in East London and Bloemfontein. The window for the series also indicates that CSA cannot host a N e w Ye a r ’s Te s t - t h a t m e a n s n o I n d i a Te s t a t Newlands, or possibly no traditional Boxing Day Test in Durban with a change of venues being an option. South Africa captain Graeme Smith said his team would be disappointed if the New Year’s Test indeed does not happen. “There is a natural disappointment but we don’t have enough information. We haven’t had any information given to us as a team about the fixtures,” Smith said on the eve of
second Test against Pakistan, in the UAE. “As far as a New Year ’s Test goes, its our marque event of the summer and as a team we were hopeful that would happen but we’ve just got to wait.” Lorgat has been suspended from two of the most important responsibilities in his job profile, but will continue to take care of all the domestic affairs at CSA as well as deal with other ICC members. CSA is yet to appoint a replacement to oversee the India tour in Lorgat’s absence. The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) also expressed its disappointment at the shortened series. “Everyone is now deprived of a meaningful series, especially in the Test format between the world’s top two cricket nations,” SACA’s chief executive, Tony Irish, said. “I don’t see how this can possibly be in the interests of either cricket in this country or of the global game. Cricket is the loser, plain and simple. In addition CSA will suffer massive financial losses which will affect players, cricket programmes and cricket development at all
levels in our country. “The only positive to emerge today is the stated commitment of both CSA and the BCCI to continue with good faith discussions over the possibility of agreeing further scheduled fixtures between the two teams. At very least the players and the fans of bo t h c o u n t r i e s deserve that and should be entitled to hold the two boards to this commitment.” The announcement of the tour ends a story that has been playing out for several months and severely tested the relations between the BCCI and CSA, which have been on best terms since the end of apartheid in the early 1990s. The origin of the issue was the schedule for India’s tour of South Africa, which was announced by CSA on July 8. However, it immediately fell into problems because the schedule had not been endorsed by the BCCI. And though there was no official statement, the sticking point seemed to be CSA’s appointment of Lorgat as its chief executive despite a series of run-ins between Lorgat and the BCCI during his tenure as ICC chief.
Bangladesh v NZ, 2nd Test, Mirpur, 2nd day
Rain interrupts as Shakib chips away ESPNcricinfo - The fall of eight wickets during the 53.3 overs possible, particularly New Zealand’s three, had kept the contest on an even keel before the afternoon rain forced an early end for the second day in succession. Earlier it was Neil Wagner’s maiden five-wicket haul that handed the tourists the advantage. Bangladesh’s 282 was nowhere near a decent first innings total in Mirpur, but New Zealand conceded some of that advantage, losing three wickets for 107 in 33.3 overs. At 1:44pm local time, the players walked off as the drizzle turned into an outright downpour. Shakib Al Hasan did much of the damage, picking up all three wickets to fall. The home side had a poor morning session, losing their last five wickets for just 54 runs in 20.1 overs. The captain Mushfiqur Rahim was drawn to an awayswinging delivery by Wagner and was caught at a second gully position. It was his first shot of intent, having remained subdued till the dismissal. Nasir Hossain followed three overs later
Neil Wagner finished with 5 for 64, helping bowl Bangladesh out for 282 © AFP
Shakib Al Hasan picked up three wickets on the second day to leave New Zealand at 107 for 3 before rain ended proceedings early, again © AFP when an excellent delivery from Ish Sodhi took the edge to Ross Taylor who took a simple catch at slip. Bangladesh’s last
recognised batting pair had contributed 18 and 19 respectively, but their target of around 400 evaporated quickly. Sohag Gazi, who
scored a century in the first Test, struck a four and a six in his 21-ball 14, before he became Wagner ’s fourth victim, also caught at gully.
Rubel Hossain edged behind to give the Pretoria-born leftarm fast bowler his fifth wicket and when Sodhi bowled Abdur Razzak, New Zealand’s morning work was done. But Bangladesh responded swiftly. In the 13th over of the visitors’ reply, Shakib, in his first over, had
Hamish Rutherford poking at a ball that popped to shortleg where Mominul Haque juggled once before holding on to it. Rutherford hardly looked comfortable against spin, toeing and top-edging deliveries around fielders on occasions. Shakib struck again off (Continued on page 41)