Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 25, 2016

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

EDITORIAL EMPOWERING VICTIMS OF CRIME Some news is more shattering than others, but sometimes one cannot believe the news one hears from the television or what one reads in the newspapers. Some news stories are amazing; others such as rape and sexual abuse of innocent children baffle and infuriate the rational mind, especially when the issue involves family members. The mindset behind any rape of a human being is unsettling. Sexual assault against children is not new. It is centuries old and it exists in almost every country. Children as young as five years old are preyed upon by sexual predators. No child should be robbed of its innocence or childhood in this manner. Children are the most precious gift to parents and to society but for some advantage is being taken on them by evil men. Single mothers of children, especially girls should be very careful of allowing their male friends into their homes and leaving them alone with their children. The trend of male friends raping and destroying the innocence of children of their female partners is common in Guyana. However, the reality is that many single mothers cannot survive living alone; they need help to take care of their children. But in the haste to have a male partner, they give little or no thought as to whether the person is fit to have a future with them, which may include caring for their children. They should be aware that when they form a relationship, their children would become part of it as well, because every decision would affect the children. Unfortunately, some mothers are irresponsible in that they tend to place their male friends’ interest ahead of those of their children. In Guyana, counselling, which is considered victim support in cases of crime, is a vital function in society but it is often underestimated and underappreciated. Counselling should be sought in cases of divorce, juvenile delinquency, but more importantly, in rape or sexual molestation of children. In the latter case, counsellors should be the contact persons to bring the matter to the attention of the police who will arrange for medical examination of the child. They should also help the victims recover and heal. Victim support is defined as helping persons deal with the consequences of crimes. It entails providing emotional and practical support needed to overcome the trauma inflicted on people by criminals. It also involves psychological counselling and comforting the victims. Victim support is essential in helping persons report the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. Victims of sex crimes rarely report their ordeal to the police out of fear or shame, or when it involves a family member. Sexual abuse of children is further compounded by the children’s dependence on adults to report to the police. Data from the US Justice Department, National Crime Victimization Survey shows that between 2002 and 2008, only two percent of rapists have served a day in prison and 68 percent of assaults are not reported to the police.While no comparable data is available for Guyana, we can only surmise that as an underdeveloped nation, the statistics may be worse. To help solve this problem, the government should establish a Victim Support Unit to address this issue and provide support to victims of all types of crimes, not just sexual offences. It must be fully staffed with counsellors, psychologists and support personnel to ensure that each victim of crime, especially rape and sexual abuse of children, receives individual attention. Such a support system is essential to help victims of crime, especially children recover from their trauma, and to empower them to prosecute their abusers. The old saying, “All that is necessary for evil to succeed in society is for good men to stand by and do nothing” is so apt.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Let the public not Sherod Duncan be the judge Dear Editor; I refer to Sherod Duncan’s statement that: “... all the Town Clerk’s actions led to chaos...” (KN, Oct. 19, letter pages). Respectfully, I would let the public be the judge of that. I will make no further comment on that strange expression expect to say that, the city of Georgetown is cleaner, more organised and more efficient today than it was one year ago under another administration. Our canals and water ways are clean and flowing, our parapets are clean, streets are no longer littered with garbage, citizens do not have to navigate piles of rotten garbage in the streets to carry out their daily chores, new green spaces and recreational facilities for our children and seniors have been created, avenues are properly kept, bridges are being repaired in many local communities, our markets and vending activities are better organised. Again, about 5000 local residents benefitted from small contracts to the tune of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000.00) to clean up their neighbourhoods. We had the twin benefit of employment for our citizens including women many of whom are single parents and a massive clean-up in our local communities in all areas of the city. Citizens’ participation proved extremely effective in

cleaning Georgetown. Also, we have reduced crime in the city, particularly around the Stabroek Market area. Reports from the constabulary revealed that over the last eight months the number of crimes committed around Stabroek Market has been reduced by 85%. We are still dealing with crimes committed especially at nights in that area but we are making steady progress. As a result, some stall holders are reporting a steady increase in sales in that facility as more people feel safe to do business there. This is impacting on our revenues and our image and reputation as a city. The Kitty Market is being restored with additional space for new vendors, the City Engineer’s Building has been restored; it is no longer a public eye sore, our public health clinics are being refurbished, the constabulary is better equipped and more mobile to police and enforce the by¬laws and there has been a general significant improvement in the aesthetics of our national capital. At the moment, council is considering a number of options to accommodate vendors and young entrepreneurs in proper market facilities with the appropriate amenities. Also, council is contemplating reforming and reorganising the city transportation system with a view to

making the city much more efficient. All these were sustainably achieved under this new administration at City Hall, with a very narrow revenue base and extremely limited financial and other resources. These changes are gathering pace as more citizens see and appreciate the need to do their part to assist the council. But our modest achievements do not hide our imperfections and frailties. We have not gotten it all right; no public or private corporation has ever made perfection not even the companies Jim Collins called “Great”. But we are on a path that will facilitate the sustainable development of the City and the revitalization of local communities. The constant suggestion, apparently reflective of a deep desire, by Mr. Duncan that the Town Clerk should be removed is a very simplistic way of attempting to resolve very serious and fundamental issues affecting the development and progress of the city. Many of these issues have their genesis in actions and decisions taken by previous administrations and inherent systemic weaknesses in the municipality. The myriad of challenges facing not only the Georgetown City Council but all local authorities in finance, public and community health, environment, drainage and irrigation, infrastructure,

markets and security, are very complex and intricately woven deep in the social, environmental, cultural, economic and political systems of our society, particularly in circumstances where prior to the last local government elections in 2015, we have not had renewal of local democracy for more than two decades. Therefore, solutions and resolutions to these challenges require l e a d e r s h i p n o t showmanship; substance not paraphernalia; responsibility not casting blame; critical thinking not criticisms; and commitment to serve [servant leadership] not merely the furtherance of personal, political or other ambition. Council has an implicit contract with its citizens: that the council will enforce it’s by-laws, be positively and appropriately sensitive and responsive to the felt needs of local communities and sustainably improve the health and well-being of all citizens. Beyond that, we remain grateful to all stakeholders and citizens for their confidence in our intention so aptly and visibly demonstrated to improve conditions and their commitment to our collective effort to restore Georgetown and to make it comparable with the great cities of the world. Royston King Town Clerk

Finance Minister puts Guyana in a dangerous position Dear Editor; The 2015 Auditor General Report continues to inform the nation of some critical developments. One can find in that Report a write-up on the state of the Consolidated Funds (the socalled Official Treasury). The Consolidated Fund is reported to have declined by G$12,737 million over 2015, yet the Minister found it fit to have kept G$22,099 million in the Parallel Treasury at the end of 2015 and outside of the scope of the Parliament. T h i s i s a n ILLEGALITY, especially when the Constitution clearly states in Article 216 that all “revenues and other moneys raised or received by Guyana …. be paid into and form part of the Consolidated Fund”. This is

a very dangerous position for a nation to find itself, where one person and only one person, who claims he is “not answerable to the Auditor General” is exclusively in charge of G$22 billion of the people’s money. As an example, this one person can “willy nilly” peel away at his pleasure G$650 million to build a parade ground, without any proper justification or economic feasibility. That is just one example of how this G$22 billion can be squandered away on Ponzi scheme projects that do not provide any wealth creative opportunities for the people and without the approval of the Parliament. Where is Khemraj Ramjattan? Is he comfortable with all these acts of financial

skullduggery all of a sudden? It was Candidate Granger, Candidate Nagamootoo and Candidate Ramjattan who collectively told the people in Whim Village that they shall shut down the Parallel Treasury? Where is the integrity in the tried and tested aphorism that goes like this “what I say, I shall do and if I cannot do, I shall explain why I am deviating”? Where is the explanation for the nondelivery on yet another broken promise? Not formulating public policy to enrich the people is one thing, but using the dark art of financial deceit, subterfuge and dishonesty by secretly keeping the Parallel Treasury in place today, when you hypocritically promised the

youth that you shall not, is nothing short of criminal. This sort of crookishness has no place in the financial management of a country and must be rejected. I, therefore by this letter, am using the Fourth Estate to draw this matter to the attention of President David Arthur Granger. Presidential actions to defund this Parallel Treasury by transferring these funds to the Consolidated Funds are imperative, if the people are to trust his government as agents against financial transgression. President Granger promised the youth that he would deconstruct the Parallel Treasury forthwith, over 18 months ago and he has not. I am just highlighting this fact. Sase Singh

Tuesday October 25, 2016

There are so many things that are wrong about this country DEAR EDITOR, The sudden rise of crime in our country is now a concern for all Guyanese citizens and the re-introduction of long hours of daily blackouts makes it easier for thieves and criminals to escape very easily from the police and citizens. People have now become victims of crime; they are not only beaten and robbed they are killed too. How do we deal with this blackout situation? If we cannot deal with blackouts after 50 years of independence then it’s not possible for us to properly govern and administrate this Nation. In this modern era after 50 years of recent independence celebrations with lots of exuberance, we are still a backward nation when compared to our Caribbean, South America and Latin America Neighbours. I have travelled to many places but never seen so much blackout, internet failure, pot holes, thieves, murders, suicides etc. like Guyana. We have really fallen morally, spiritually, academically and racially; we are a failed state but we are too brain- washed by impudent politicians to accept a fact that we are a deceived people, fooled by eloquent politicians

by bombastic words of false promises and illusions. It’s very clear from the recent Awards Ceremony that all the Awardees were politically nominated to be given a National Award. Most of these awardees are also PNC acolytes; it’s sad that we linked everything in this country to politics based on being a ‘’Yes Man & Yes Woman’’ even if we have to starve. I believe National Awards should be given to everyone from all political parties and to those who don’t even belong to any political party based on their achievement in a particular field of learning. Thieves are all over our country from the city of Georgetown to Berbice and Essequibo. Our new government failed to implement a very efficient police force and better technology to catch thieves and criminals. Our laws in the courts cannot protect our citizens because some clever lawyers are representing criminals, thus they are set free very easily. Too many high profile criminals are set free on bail and are winning their cases because prominent lawyers represent them. All over I see sellers more than buyers and unemployment has become the order of the day that has helped to

fuel crime and drug dealings. I seldom asked the question what is the purpose of the Guyana Defence Force? Are they defending the rights of our citizens? Are they working to protect our citizens? Or are they just sleeping, playing dominoes and getting fat? Since the police cannot handle criminals, why aren’t the soldiers out assisting the police? It seems as if our President is very much afraid to authorise the soldiers in Guyana to get out of their slumber and work for their salaries. If the GDF cannot protect this nation they should all be fired. What plans does our new existing administration have to tackle this crime situation in Guyana? Our President needs to address the nation on the crime and blackouts fiascoes. Crime has now become a national issue. A few days ago a man who came here on vacation from the USA, was robbed of everything and his brother killed. None of our Ministers have addressed that issue as yet. And now the blackouts help to facilitate more crimes and rogue elements. What we need is a clean police force and soldiers to protect our citizens everyday. Who will (Continued on page 6)

Brief notes on the definition of crime DEAR EDITOR, Many Guyanese have developed a rather distorted and one-sided conception of crime. They see crime as something that is intrinsically evil, as something that threatens individual rights, civil liberties and perhaps the very foundations of society. They seek to protect themselves by locking their doors and windows, insuring their possessions and avoiding dangerous places and situations. They think of crime as something alien, something that exists outside of organised society. In actuality crime goes well beyond the street crime, violence, and theft portrayed in the popular media. Moreover, the volume and rates differ considerably from what conventional wisdom suggests. Although violence and theft may appear to be the most typical forms of law breaking; crime includes thousands of different types of offences and the majority rarely come to our attention. White collar crime for example is associated with the illegal activities of business people

that take place alongside the legitimate day to day activities of their business or profession. It involves billions of dollars annually in price fixing, embezzlement, restraint of trade, stock manipulation, misrepresentation, bribery, false advertising and consumer fraud. The economic toll from white collar crime exceeds the dollar losses from all known robberies, burglaries and other thefts, yet it is rarely considered. Also significant is the fact that many activities are considered crimes in some jurisdictions but not in others, and in some nations but not in others. There are activities that once were viewed as crimes but are no longer considered as such and some types of behaviour that many people consider normal and common are nevertheless defined as criminal under the law. What then is crime? Crime has been subject to a variety of definitions and interpretations. For the scholar, crime can be drama, a conflict between good and evil like those portrayed in the Greek tragedies, Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Dostoyevsky’s Crime and

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Punishment. To the moralist and reformer, crime is a manifestation of spiritual depravity. It is a pestering disease of the soul that must be eradicated by the powers of restraint and virtue. Crime has also been equated with sin, with violations of natural law, the Ten Commandments or the proscriptions embodied in the Bible, the Quran, and the Talmud. For others, crime has different meanings. To the reporter it is news; to the detective, it means work; to the thief it is business and to the victim, it suggests fear and loss. But to most individuals, crime is no more than the violation of a generally accepted set of rules that are backed by the power and authority of the state. While these and many other conceptions of crime may be important for particular purposes, they are of little help at arriving at an explicit definition of crime. Nevertheless the notion of crime as sin suggests a standing point for the evolution of criminal definitions, linked to historical images of right and wrong and the precepts of natural law. Allan. R. Gates

Persons are deliberately setting fires in the Botanical Gardens DEAR EDITOR, On June 17th, 2016 around 4:50 pm, I took my dogs, Angel and Coco, for a walk in the Botanical Gardens. I parked the vehicle by the roundabout and was about to walk the dogs when I saw thick black smoke blanketing a huge part of the back end of the gardens. I quickly went to the office and spoke with the Manager, Mr. Sertima. I asked him if anyone had reported a fire. He said no. I told him what I saw. He quickly called the fire department and informed them of the urgency of the situation. Mr. Sertima and his assistant Ryan went to the scene and were shocked to see what someone had done. This, of course, affected Georgetown’s bird population since hundreds of them were returning “home” for the night only to find their trees filled with smoke.

The firemen arrived within 20 minutes and immediately went into action. By the time they put out the fire, it was dark. When I looked towards the back of the gardens I saw someone had started another fire. I informed Mr. Sertima and the firemen and drove to where the fire was set. A man was standing there so I asked him why he set the fire. He said he sleeps at the back of a tree and it was dirty so he decided to clean up the area and burn the garbage. Editor, I spoke to the homeless man and the firemen about why it was important not to start fires, especially in the Botanical Gardens. I stressed that the Botanical Gardens is home to a variety of amazing trees and birds and some of the birds might have babies nesting. Just imagine the damage that one match and one

uncontrolled fire could do to our wildlife and natural resources. The Botanical Gardens is a public recreation area enjoyed by hundreds of Guyanese families and tourists (especially bird watchers) every day of the week. Every Guyanese should become the eyes and ears of this wonderful park. If you see a fire, a broken water pipe, a suffering manatee, or something else out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to inform management. There is also the Presidential Guard’s Office near the main entrance; they are always willing to render assistance when asked. A special thanks to the firemen at the Campbellville Fire Department for their efficient handling of the matter; also to Mr. Sertima and Ryan of the Guyana Zoo. Syeada Manbodh

Berbice police need to act urgently were from poverty the Bush Lot Secondary on this theft whom stricken homes. This pro- School and a report was DEAR EDITOR; I write to highlight a recent occurrence that happened in my community of B u s h L o t , We s t C o a s t Berbice. During the recent August holidays, a Cricket Academy (2 weeks duration) was held by the Bush Lot United Sports Club / Bush Lot Rising Stars First Division Cricket Team. This Academy attracted twenty students, my son included, with an age range of 8 — 16 years; many of

gram was run free of cost to the participants. Editor, this program was run under the supervision of one Mr Saywack a stalwart in young people development. However, the point I want to make is the lack of support from the Police in these ventures. Mr Saywack was using a “Cricket Net” in his program and this net was stolen one night from under the eyes of the security at

made to the Fort Wellington Police Station and to date no action has been taken. Further a letter was sent to the Commander Mr L. Amsterdam on this issue (letter attached) yet no action was taken, hence my letter to the media. It is my hope that this letter will attract the attention of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ramnarine and then maybe some action will be taken. Concerned Parent.

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President Granger needs to start the inquiry into this period ASAP DEAR EDITOR, We are hearing that the Hon. President David Granger, has reiterated his intention to have a motion passed in Parliament to appoint a commission of inquiry, which would probe the large numbers of wild-west killings during the tenure of former President Bharat Jagdeo; from the year 20002008 which rightly should be from 2000-2010. As a very concerned citizen and having my country at heart, every minute I would ask myself if the President’s idea of a COI for the Guyanese people is not just another empty promise that would never become reality but talk and more talk. Millions of our tax payers’ dollars were spent to Investigate corruption at all levels. This was done. Evidence of wrong doing was blatant, and yet no one was charged and placed before the courts,

with the exception of a former minister and her secretary. The leader of the opposition party and other party members are all over the place writing in the media and on television challenging the government to bring the evidence of wrong doings against them, (the former PPP/C Government). To date that is not done. What is evident with this government is talk and more talk. The Hon President Mr. Granger is talking again. He told the reporters that though the motion was unsuccessful in the Tenth Parliament, he still wanted to reopen the issue. Mr. Editor, I honestly believe that behind the scene something conspiratorial is going on and I am also sure that the APNU/AFC Government has all the evidence in their hands. Why not charge them? I have my own opinion on that. Ta l k a n d m o r e t a l k ;

that’s all it is. When a government minister brings computers to intercept people’s mobile phones; young men are shot in the back of their head with their hands ties; Sash Sawh assassinated but no inquest, Lusignan massacre, Bartica and Lindo Creek killings and yes all the other murderous acts, coupled with the extra judicial killing by members of the Police Force and other forms of criminals, violence/activities by people in high places. These are the kinds of things the President mentioned in his speech in Parliament recently Talk and more talk nothing more but talk. I am sure the President knows that there’s a chapter in the Constitution which gives him the right/authority to appoint one or more commissions to inquire into any matter. Haslyn Clark Peters

Move the Office of the President to The pavilions, Durban Park and Durban Park ofsaidourarealatesthasarchitecture. enough room for the National Park, be used. DEAR EDITOR; In an effort to promote Guyana as a modern state I think the Office of the President should be removed from New Garden Street to the eastern end of Durban Park. The new edifice should be a modern four-story building comparable to any

parking, police barracks, drive-through for guests, a small flower garden and so many other facilities. The remaining projected developmental works for our 50th anniversary, which have not yet began, can be transferred to the Botanical Gardens. For the Mash parade I wish to suggest that both

The parade can begin on Camp Road, go through the National Park, along Vlissengen Road and finish at Durban Park. The reverse route is also a possibility. With two large viewing galleries, our many visitors will be more than comfortably accommodated. Leonard Marks

Brief notes on the definition... From page 5 come to invest here when we can’t see the roads while driving at nights? Who will come to invest here to be killed and robbed by bandits? Who will return to live here when we have no jobs to offer them. What jobs do we have for students who passed 20 subjects and our degree holders who sell at the markets and on the pavement? We need spiritual vision and economic commonsense to govern and administrate this nation properly. We can’t save money here we always end up in debt; very soon the banks will have to be closed. It’s very weird that we earn less that $2000 a day and have to buy a chicken for $3000; it’s funny when our light

and water bills exceeds our salaries; and it’s more than ridiculous to increase the pensioners money by $5000 but remove their water and light bills subsidy. So we give the pensioner $17,000 monthly but his light and water bills are $45,000 after removing their subsidies. I wonder who taught these people who prepared the budget, mathematics and economics From Demico House, Stabroek Market, coming back to Water Street, to ‘Tiger Bay’ back to Main Street, Robb and Regent Streets are loaded with thieves and robbers. It’s about time our soldiers be placed to guard government buildings, banks and

patrol the nation around the clock like Suriname. We must accept one fact that after 50 years of independence we have become a failed nation, failing to protect the rights and dignity of our citizens. What have we really achieved after 50 years of bad administration? The soldiers need to go out and patrol this Nation daily, be posted to guard all government buildings and banks. V.S Naipaul wrote a book called: ‘’An Area of Darkness’’ that’s a prophecy for Guyana because we have become a Nation of Darkness. Our citizens need better wages, protection and living conditions; we are a nation too young to die from ignorance. Rev. Gideon Cecil

Tuesday October 25, 2016

PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS AND THE PREDICAMENT OF PARENTS DEAR EDITOR; Sir, it is with deep concern that I pen this letter to you hoping that the relevant authorities would take note and try to assist parents with respect to placement for schools, especially for those children who will be eligible to attend primary school in the next term. My understanding is that placement is done for a school in the area where the child lives and I think this is good since it will be less burdensome for the child especially if their parents are at home or works close to that area. However, some consideration should be given to those children who live out of town but their parents work in Georgetown. Those parents are faced with undue pressure to collect their children at the end of the school day. The requirements for placement of

children are putting parents under pressure e.g they have to produce proof of address via a utility bill, Tin Certificate etc. In the case of a parent recently relocating to another address and there is no proof of address available for that location, what happens? Parents who work in the vicinity of a school where they would like their child to attend, but live out of that area, are faced with rebuff. They are told the child has to be placed where he/she lives. This is nonsense. Why can’t a parent show proof of their employment so as to be able to collect their children when school ends at 2:30 PM? It is difficult and worrisome when you have no one to collect your children. Safety should also be a first priority for these children since there are predators who could take advantage of them, when they are

left unattended to wait long hours until their parents get to them. Some parents are forced to lie about their address by producing a utility bill for someone else to prove that they live at that address. There is a case I know of presently where this young lady, a single mother lives at La Parfait- Harmony but works in Kitty. She requested a school in the vicinity of Kitty but was told that the child will be placed in the area where she lives. No one is there to collect this child at 2:30 so it is as I said before he has to be in the school compound until she gets past all that traffic when she leaves work to pick him up. It is a sad situation, and I think the Ministry of Education should look into matters like this one, so parents can get some relief. Oslin Andrews

Guyana ignoring National Forest Policy and National Forest Plan DEAR EDITOR; May I respond to the query from Carlos DeBarros (Snr) in his letter ‘The worst performance of the forestry sector in 20 years’ (KN, 22 October 2016)? Snr DeBarros calls for A PLAN. There is a plan, and indeed the national forest policy has backed the plan since 1997, then discussed and approved by the National Assembly. Unfortunately, the policy and plan have not been put into action during the nearly 20 years since 1997. Why not? It is a fair question for the GFC Boards of Directors appointed annually by the responsible Minister. Readers may remember that I have been trying since 2007 to bring the not- sostraightforward Chinese transnational, Bai Shan Lin into line, in letters and articles in this and other newspapers. The company and its subsidiaries have repeatedly broken the laws of Guyana. In a few instances, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has

imposed penalties. Mostly, however, the GFC and the Guyana Revenue Authority colluded in the law breaking, and allowed the transnational, partly owned by the Government of China, to build up relatively large unpaid debts and yet at the same time receive large tax benefits from the Guyanese tax payer through the GRA. Only with great delay has the GFC finally rescinded the logging concessions acquired and held illegally by Bai Shan Lin, and the pre-logging concessions held legally but not operated according to law. Mr DeBarros (Snr) should be asking: What are the responsible government officials doing to recover the debts? What are the responsible government officials doing about the repeated and massive Customs frauds? What of the documentary evidence and the signatures of those responsible for the two decades of wrongdoing?

All excised from the files? Mr DeBarros (Snr) may suppose that the current state of the forest sector is a new and unexpected situation. It is not. The decline of the sector has been concealed only by repeated law-breaking, ignoring policy, and unsustainable logging, including of the iconic greenheart. There is no point in producing yet more policies and plans if the GFC is allowed to continue its two decades of not putting into action both policy and plan. A Forest Ranger might be expected to understand the reasons for forest management, why the need for species-specific harvesting rules and the need to maximise the returns from Nature’s Bounty by wood processing industries. If a Forest Ranger does not understand, then he will be serially disappointed by the continuing localised extinction of Guyana’s iconic species and our much-degraded forest. Janette Bulkan

Crime on the rise in Lamaha Gardens DEAR EDITOR; Residents of Lamaha Gardens are deeply concerned over the escalating crime situation that has been plaguing the community over the last few months. It is believed that criminals scout the residential community during the day and mark their targets to hit in the night. The alleged criminal moves

around with a variety of tools and is believed to be armed. As recent as three nights ago, police responded to a call for an attempted break in at a home in Kamoa Street, but unfortunately were unable to apprehend the suspect. A bag of tools and a bicycle were however taken into custody by the police. Video surveillance from several residents shows that it is the same person doing the robberies that takes place mostly during midnight to

wee hours in the morning. Photos of this person are now showing up in a Bel Air Park break in or attempted break in. Ashton Chase is one of the latest victims. Residents have decided to take all necessary action to ensure the sanctity of their once quiet and safe community is restored and are in the process of engaging the relevant authorities to get support for the action they intend to take. Raquel Thomas-Caesar

Tuesday October 25, 2016

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Babita Sarjou murder PI… One of Lusignan prison Cops testify to putting escapees recaptured allegations to accused

Quick action by ranks in ‘C’ Division has led to the arrest of one of the two suspects who escaped from the Lusignan Prison more than a month ago. Fayouse Shakir, 27, of Lot 65 Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was apprehended around 09:15 hrs yesterday while in a minibus at Kitty. He was allegedly heading to the city. Shakir along with 22year-old Rajendra Deonarine of Essequibo escaped from the prison on September 19, last. They allegedly used the Lusignan Golf course as their route of escape. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that acting on information, ranks intercepted a public transportation vehicle in the vicinity of the Kitty Service Station and extracted the convict, who at first denied that he was the person who escaped from the prison. However, the convict retracted his statement when prison officers positively identified him as one of the escapees, who was serving a two-year sentence for Break and Enter and Larceny.

Rearrested: Fayouse Shakir

On the run: Rajendra Deonarine

A police source from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) informed this newspaper that the suspect was arrested after someone called into a police station and informed ranks that Shakir was heading to Georgetown in a minibus. Apparently, the caller was in the same vehicle but cut their journey short upon recognising the convict. The person also provided the police with the number plate and description of the bus. Having received this in-

formation, ranks from both Georgetown and the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) went into action. Eventually, the bus was spotted at the gas station where the 27-year-old was rearrested. He will soon face an Escape from Lawful Custody charge before returning to continue his period of incarceration. The other escapee, Rajendra Deonarine, who was serving a two-year sentence for possession of cocaine, is still at large.

Diarrhea in Kamarang contained – Health Minister

GWI’s chief, Dr. Richard Van West Charles distributing some of filter tanks over the weekend. The Ministry of Public Health has reported that doctors in Kamarang have been able to contain what seemed to be a sudden upsurge in the number of persons suffering from diarrhea. A team of health officials visited the hinterland community during last week. Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, yesterday told the Government Information Agency (GINA), that the health team and the Guyana

Water Incorporated (GWI) were able to put measures in place to handle the situation. The minister reported that about 25 persons had shown signs of active diarrhea but the medical team was able to control the situation and treat the patients. “At this point there is no person who has active diarrhea. We had the medications on board, we had whatever was needed-- medical sup-

plies-- and the doctors were on top of it,” Norton said. Maternal and Child Health Officer, Ertenesia Hamilton, said that 14 of the 25 cases diagnosed were children and those cases have subsided and are under surveillance. Meanwhile, Norton opined that a limited supply of potable water that forced residents to use water from a nearby river for drinking and (Continued on page 8)

MURDERED: Babita Sarjou

Murder Accused: Darrel Pronton

Murder Accused: Sharnandand Naraine

Two detectives attached to the Major Crimes Investigations Unit testified to putting allegations of murder to the ex-husband of Babita Sarjou and his friend, Darrel Pronton called ‘Yankee’, who are both on remand for the capital offence, when the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) continued yesterday. It is alleged that Sarjou’s exspouse, Sharnandand Naraine, called ‘Anand’ of Lot 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, and Darrel Pronton called ‘Yankee’ of Lot 54 Broad Street, Charlestown committed the offence. Detective Inspector Suraj Singh and Detective Lance Corporal Jermaine Laundry were called to the stand by Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers. During their testimonies, both policemen testified to interviewing the accused at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary,

Georgetown. According to the witnesses, the accused were told of the allegation against them and cautioned according to the judge’s rule. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan adjourned the PI until Friday when Nigel Hughes, Attorney for Pronton is scheduled to cross examine the witnesses. Also expected to be cross examined is Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mitchell Caesar, the Officer in Charge of the Major Crimes Investigations Unit. Assistant Superintendent Caesar testified last week. He was called as the final witness in the Voir Dire (trial within a trial). The Voir Dire was conducted to inquire into the circumstances. An alleged caution statement was given to detectives by Pronton. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum and his team of detectives were able to crack

the case on May 22, after they spent over five hours digging up a site at Naraine’s Lot 51Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown home, where they believed Sarjou’s body was buried. After digging the site, detectives recovered skeletal remains; they suspect, are those of the woman. However to confirm, police have since sent DNA samples overseas for testing, According to reports, Sarjou had left her home to go to the Diwali motorcade on the eve of November 4, 2010 with Naraine who had called her. He reportedly picked her up in his car and while she was sitting in the front passenger seat she was strangled by Pronton who was reportedly seated at the back of the car. Sarjou’s lifeless body was allegedly transported to Naraine’s house where he resided with his wife and children. Reports had indicated that Naraine had dug her grave two days before she was killed.

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Tuesday October 25, 2016

Kaieteur News

President should address serious issues relating to economy, crime - Former speaker - says nation frustrated with the increasing hardship and impatience is rising In his latest blog on the matters of the nation’s politics and Parliament, former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, was highly critical of President David Granger’s opening address to the last Parliamentary session. Earlier this month, President Granger, delivered an address to the members of Parliament, outlining his administration’s legislative agenda. These pieces of legislation address not only good governance and national development but crime and security, the recovery of stolen state assets and the pursuit of a ‘green’ agenda. However, the former Speaker said that the President utilised the platform to make a political speech rather than address the issues affecting the nation. According to him, there was a small amount of work on the legislative agenda. “On the whole it was a political speech, long on political partisanship and short on the solutions to the grave problems facing the nation... Whoever caused the serious problems facing the Guyanese people, relating to the economy, crime, to name a few, the Government now has ownership of them.”

Former speaker, Ralph Ramkarran “It is commendable that the President has commenced the process of addressing the National Assembly at the beginning of every session. “It should trigger advanced planning for a legislative agenda, the initiation of which the Parliamentary Management Committee had encouraged in times past, without much success.” “But the temptation must be resisted to use the occasion to score political points. There are numerous opportunities to do so. And in fact a legislative agenda itself is an opportunity to make political statements by the quality of the legislative plans advanced by the Government. For this, the President can go high and still achieve a political objective,” he added The former speaker emphasised that the Guyanese

people are looking to the Government to solve these problems, not excuses as to why they cannot be solved. “They are frustrated at the increasing hardship and impatience is rising,” he added According to Ramkarran, there is no evidence that the Government has attached any importance to itself investing in Guyana’s economy or encouraging others to do so. “The Government announced at the end of August that’s ‘almost nine months into the year, less that 50 percent of the 2016 National Budget has thus far been spent.’” No serious explanation was given for this ‘unfavourable’ and ‘embarrassing’ situation. Since it does not appear to have happened before, the question arises as to whether the trained and competent staff under the past administration that had responsibility are still in place or have been removed or hounded out or have left of their own accord.” While Government investment is slowing down, he said further that the last Government left projects on the table about which little is now being heard, or have been abandoned, or postponed. The biggest was Amaila. In opposing Amaila when in opposition, the former House Speaker said that the President promised two or three smaller hydro projects. “After fifteen months we have not heard a word about them.”

Seaman jailed for 4 years, fined $16M for ganja When Troy Van Doimen appeared yesterday before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer the charge of possession of narcotics, he told the court, “Your worship I don’t want to waste the court’s time. I plead guilty. I never had any problems with the law before and I am asking for bail. He was however jailed for four years. It is alleged that on October 22, at Lot 51 Fifth Street Avenue, Bartica, he had in his possession 14.61 kilograms of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by the Chief Magistrate. According to Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers, on

Troy Van Doimen the day in question, police acting on information went to the defendant’s home where a search was conducted. They found bags containing what was suspected to be

leaves, seeds and stem under a chair in the defendant’s house. The police brought the discovery to the defendant’s attention. They told him of the offence and cautioned him; he then admitted to being the owner of the narcotics. Doimen was then arrested and taken to the Bartica Police Station. The items were weighed and turned out to be 14 kilograms 61 grams of cannabis, and the accused was charged for the offence. When the magistrate asked Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers what was the street value of the narcotics, he told her $5,624,400. She imposed a fine equivalent to three times the street value of the drugs.

Teachers revolving housing fund still in limbo – AG Report reveals Although funds were long set aside for it, a housing revolving fund for teachers within the public education system remains in limbo. Based on an audit carried out by the Audit Office of Guyana and contained in the 2015 Auditor General’s (AG) Report which was laid before the National Assembly about two weeks ago, despite measures that were agreed upon to have the fund operational, these have still not been implemented. According to the AG Report, in 2011, approval was given for the establishment of a Housing Revolving Fund. It was noted too that on January 5, 2012 three cheques worth $200M were drawn on and deposited into a special bank account – No. 0162600406002 – held at the Bank of Guyana. However, on April 30, 2015 an agreement was signed for

a joint account to be set up between the Ministry and the Guyana Teacher ’s Union (GTU). It was pointed out in the report that “at the time of reporting in September 2016, the Ministry had not established the joint account and no disbursements were made from the special bank account.” A response from the Ministry of Education which is contained in the Report stated that “the Head of Budget Agency has indicated that the Ministry is seeking guidance from the Finance Secretary on the way forward.” But the Audit Office has recommended that the Ministry continues to engage the Finance Secretary with regards to the present position in this matter. Among the ardent advocates for the realisation of the fund has been the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU). In fact

this was one of the issues that the Union had brought to the attention of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, when its executive members met with him in early February. McDonald had, however, intimated that Harmon had noted that there isn’t much that Government can do to fast track the implementation of the revolving fund project. McDonald, in explaining the funding initiative, said that it is one that should have seen money being collected each year from Government in order to disperse to 20 teachers, $2 million each, annually. This would have amounted to $40 million being dispersed per year and was intended to serve as a form of assistance to teachers to build theirownhomes. But the GTU General Secretary lamented that “this project is not yet off of (Continued on page 21)

Diarrhea in Kamarang contained... From page 7 other domestic purposes may have contributed to the illness. “We suspected its water borne because the water is very low and the villagers tend to use the water for domestic purposes. We understand that the well that was supposed to be in that particular area was not completed,” Norton said. According to the minister, his ministry is in communication with the Guyana Water Authority; which was visiting Kamarang, to determine how early the well would be completed. Norton said tanks with filters attached to the nozzle were distributed. “After filling

Health Minister, Dr. George Norton the tank with water and you drain it through that nozzle it should be properly filtered

and pure for human consumption,” Norton said. The Ministry of Public Health and the Guyana Water Inc. are implementing preventative measures which would decrease the chances of a reoccurrence of the outbreak. The health team has collected water samples that will be tested t o c o n f i r m whether the water from the river caused the diarrhea. Another health team will remain in the area to carry out surveillance. Additionally, a team from the Ministry of Public Health is expected to visit Kamarang to carry out further investigations, Norton said.

Tuesday October 25, 2016

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Kaieteur News

The promise which has not delivered APNU/AFC owes its victory at the May 11, 2015 elections to the fact that there were thousands of supporters of the PPP/C who either stayed away from the polls or voted for the coalition because they genuine felt that APNU/AFC was the only grouping which could assure human safety in Guyana. The crime fighting record of the coalition government over the past eighteen months has not met the expectations of those whose votes allowed the APNU/AFC to win the 2015 elections. Guyanese did not feel safe under the PPP/C government. The PPP transformed Guyana economically. No one can deny the economic success of the PPP/C. But it has always failed in the area of crime and security. It has

never been able to bring crime under control. The supporters of the PPP felt unsafe and sufficient numbers of them were willing to give the APNU/AFC a chance to make things right. They have not made things right. They have failed to do so. Crime has reached frightening levels in our country. The statistics, however, do not say so. Statistics do not lie. It is the interpretation of these statistics which lie. The statistics say that serious crime is on the decrease. Yet, each day people are being shot, robbed and murdered in this country. People are not feeling safe in Guyana. You are in your home and not sure if some bandits are going to attack you. When you leave the

bank, you are not sure what is happening. Businesses are fearful of the next attack. People are being molested in public places. Guyana is going to shut down unless this crime wave that is taking place is brought to an end. There are too many persons out there with guns who are robbing and shooting persons. The gun amnesty has not worked. The police force has been boasting about the reduction in serious crime. The statistics that it had bandied around has provided no comfort for a frightened populace. The statistics say that serious crime is down. People are saying that the statistics are not painting the full picture of what is taking place. You cannot develop a country when a person leav-

Dem boys seh

Doctors like use dem tongue Nuff people is doctor. Some of dem get dem doctorate just from visiting a foreign country. Bharrat get he own like that and Moses get he own like that. De last time dem boys talk bout Babbie doctorate de man sue. But that is another story because he tell de whole world that de doctorate wha Jagdeo get ain’t nutten to shout about; that he Babbie own is de real thing. That is how dem boys hear bout de old man who walk up to this doctor. He had a small bottle and a teaspoon in he hand. He pour from de small bottle into de teaspoon and ask de doctor if he gun tek a taste. Dem boys hear de doctor ask de old man if is poison and de old man seh “No”. That is how de doctor decide to tek a taste. When he done he ask de old man wha de experiment was about. De old man seh that he doctor ask him to get somebody to test he urine to see if he got sugar. But was a foreign doctor suh de word test come out like taste.

Dem got other case like that and if people want to know why Guyana still poor all dem got to do is find out how de politicians use to operate overseas. Rohee go in New York and walk into a White Castle joint and ask de waitress how much pieces does deh in a five piece box of chicken. He was de same Minister who did want to buy a cap wid de peak tun backwards. But dem had some smart ones too. Dem is de ones that

have business in other countries but as dem boys seh, wha happen to de smart fly gun happen to dem. A man running behind dem wid a trap and Uncle Sam helping him spread de net. Dem boys surprise to see how things get. Papa Cheddi use to talk bout Russia but none of he followers who does preach de gospel according to communism even got a cent in that country. Talk half and watch wid de tasting.

ing the bank with what is, by today’s standards, a small sum of money, is trailed and robbed. You cannot develop a country when people do not feel safe in their homes. You cannot develop a country when so many businesses and their customers are being robbed. The police say that they are solving crimes in Guyana. A great many of the murders which they claim to be solving have involved confessions. The number of confessions is extremely high. They are high enough to warrant serious examination. How is it that so many criminals are

suddenly confessing to crimes? It is something which needs to be examined closely. Good detective work requires more than simply confession statements. It requires building a case starting with the circumstantial evidence. The statistics of the police are not providing any comfort to the public. When so many persons are being robbed when leaving banks, it is a source of great concern in the country. When persons are being robbed and brutalized every day, it is deeply worrying. The APNU/AFC has

failed to provide security for the citizens of Guyana. The coalition when it was campaigning did promise to make Guyana safe again. It has not delivered on that promise and it is time that the public demand serious action to arrest the frightening crime situation in the country.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 25, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

SOCU is dancing to Soca and smoking Conga pump It has been seventeen months since the APNU/ AFC Coalition came into power and SOCU could only come up with a middle range state manager to charge for criminal misconduct during the reign of the PPP. It is not only laughable, it is dangerously deceptive. The contention here is not to dispute the a l l e g a t i o n a g a i n s t M r. Nizam Hassan when he was general-manager of Guyana Marketing Corporation. My query is if this is all SOCU could come up with since the Coalition prom-

ised anti-corruption investigations into the criminal behaviour of former big wigs in government? Didn’t we have a few dozen forensic audits that revealed some shockingly disturbing stuff against many of these big wigs? Is SOCU telling the people of this country they could find no evidence so far to bring charges against the people who pioneered Pradoville 2? Whether they are white-collar workers or labourers or teachers or clerks or cashiers, the people of this country are not that foolish to believe that after dozens of forensic audits only the former GMC manager the net hauled in. Let me be pellucid; I don’t believe that; I don’t accept it and I urge the

Guyanese people not to accept it. A cursory reading of the forensic audits reveals criminal behaviour. Enter Khemraj Ramjatan. Minister Ramjattan told the nation that prosecution from discoveries from the forensic audits is a formidable task because getting witnesses to testify is problematic. So who is going to testify against Hassan? Does SOCU have witnesses that will give testimony in court? If the answer is yes, then it is logical to assert that there must be witnesses in other situations of criminal conduct. If the answer is no then we have entered the realm of deception. I say deception because it is not possible to have witnesses testify against Jenni-

fer Westford, Carvil Duncan, and Hassan if he is charged but not the other persons named in the forensic audits. I am asserting my opinion that this is surreptitious and conspiratorial. For this reason I am being cynical. SOCU is dancing to Soca music and smoking Conga pump rather than doing professional police work. I stand by my cynicism. The government of Guyana has requested Interpol’s help in locating a Guyanese who was charged for fraud at GPL when he was an Assistant Manager. If he is returned to Guyana, it is absolutely certain he will be charged. His alleged crime is that he awarded himself $27 million in back pay. Does the State have witnesses to testify against him? If yes, then why not against all those Ministers, including the N I C I L h e a d , Wi n s t o n Brassington. Can SOCU state if it has evidence of criminal wrong-doing against people like Brassington and former Ministers? If the investigations are ongoing and SOCU officials cannot answer then can SOCU say if they have ma-

terials to work with from the forensic audits that could see charges against officials of the former administration? When I read that charges have been recommended against Mr. Hassan, I thought of Hamlet and perhaps one of the most popular quotes ever of Shakespeare, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” Something conspiratorially rotten is taking place in the state of Guyana and it involves the reluctance of PNC and AFC leaders to pursue persons in the former PPP Government that have committed criminal violations involving state funds. President Granger should be careful what he says on the subject. He told Parliament that persons who stole state property will be brought to justice. The word to note is “those.” The President never referenced “PPP leaders” or “former Ministers.” He said “those.” So “those” plausibly include low level state managers. My feeling is that the Hassan thing is the beginning of a game where SOCO and SARU will proceed to prosecute officials when the PPP ruled corruptly but the PPP’s

Frederick Kissoon kings and queens will be spared. This columnist is saying with pellucid assertiveness, we will not see charges against Pradoville 2 beneficiaries. We will not see any indictments against Winston Brassington. There will be no governmental allegations against Bharrat Jagdeo and his Ministers. One of Jagdeo’s Ministers sold his radio station to a Trinidad company and collected about $90 million. But we picked on Carvil for less than a million dollars. Carvil’s matter is in front the courts so I cannot comment. But this I can say; I cannot accept charging Duncan for $900,000 while others get away with hundreds of millions of dollars. Something is not only rotten in the state of Guyana. It has always been a rotten state in Guyana.

Tuesday October 25, 2016

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Kaieteur News

11 to face High Court trial for murder, attempted murder and narcotics

Nabadingi Gobin

Edward Skeete

Orpheus Johnson

Shemroy Robertson

By Feona Morrison The completion of nine preliminary inquiries (PI) in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, for the periods May 25 to October 21, resulted in 11 men being committed to stand trial at the High Court in Georgetown, for indictable offences ranging from murder, attempted murder and narcotics trafficking. This is according to information compiled by Kaieteur News. The Magistrates presiding over these PIs found that Prima Facie cases were made against the accused based on evidence led by the prosecution. Murder Nicholas Hercules, 20, of Lot 44 Princes Street, Georgetown will face a judge and jury for fatally stabbing a relative during an argument. It is alleged that on April 1, at Princes Street, Georgetown, Hercules murdered Carlos Solomon. Based on reports, the parties were involved in a heated argument when the situation escalated. It was reported that the accused pulled out a knife and stabbed Solomon to the armpit. Hercules was nabbed at the Alberttown Police Station after he went to report the matter. The police were forced to chase the accused after he sprinted from officers when he learnt of Solomon’s demise. Rayon Jones, 21, of Lot 212 Fourth Avenue, Bartica will stand High Court trial for allegedly murdering Pooran

Baljit, a 25-year-old mechanic of Madewini, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. The offence occurred on June 9. It was reported that Baljit was stabbed to death right next to the room his parents were sleeping in at their home located at the aforementioned address. He was discovered with his head hanging out of his bedroom window with blood flowing from the stab wounds he received to his shoulder and stomach. Orpheus Johnson, 29, of Second Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara will go on trial before a judge and jury for the murder of Gladsone George, who was killed while aboard a minibus at Public Road Agricola. George, called ‘Brother’, 32, of Brutus Street, Agricola, was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), minutes after he received two bullets to the head while he was sitting in the minibus on April 22, 2015. The man had just joined the bus and from all indications, his killer was trailing him and waited for the opportunity to strike. Johnson, a pork knocker, is currently facing another PI

into the murder of Travis Rudder. Gunmen firing semi-automatic pistols through a bedroom window pumped 12 bullets into Rudder and a few more rounds into his wife and baby son, as they slept in the bedroom of their Lot 130 Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara home on June 21, 2015. The attack left Rudder’s son and fiancée injured. Edward Skeete of Lot 309 Independence Boulevard and Nabadingi Gobin will face trial for a fatal shooting committed on a man at Tucville, last year. The duo is accused of murdering Mocha, East Bank Demerara resident, Ryan Clementson on July 14, 2015. Clementson and a female friend were shot in the vicinity of Turning Point Snackette. The man, who was shot in the thigh, succumbed almost two weeks later from a cardiac arrest after undergoing surgery. Attempted Murder Keon Hall was on October 11, last, committed to stand trial in the High Court for attempting to murder his reputed wife Michelle Drennon. It was reported that on April 21, Drennon, a 25-year-

old waitress had been stabbed at least four times about her body allegedly by Hall, who had barged into her Lot 1607 Cadet Lane, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown home. Stafarei Hopkinson, 33, of Laing Avenue Georgetown, was on October 11, committed to stand High Court trial for allegedly discharging a loaded firearm at taxi driver, Curtis Thom, with intent to commit murder. According to reports, Thom, a 48 year-old taxi driver of Lot 138 Laing Avenue was shot to the chest and right side shoulder by two men, one of whom is believed to be Hopkinson on March 23, 2015. Kaieteur News understands that Thom’s shooters are known to him, and the shooting was an execution attempt on his life. Hopkinson is currently on remand for the murder of Linden businesswoman, Shevon Gordon, who was shot by a group of armed men on April 4, 2015 at Lot 125 One Mile Linden. It was reported that the men confronted Gordon when she disembarked a Canter truck and demanded she hand over a bag she was carrying. The woman was shot while struggling to maintain possession of her bag.

MURDERED: Pooran Baljit

MURDERED: Travis Rudder

MURDERED: Ryan Clementson

Rayon Jones

On September 7, Curtis Vasconcellos of Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Orwyn Peters of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara and George Dover were also committed to stand trial for attempted murder. It is alleged that on June 6, 2015 at Grove, East Bank Demerara, Vasconcellos and Peters discharged a loaded firearm at businessman Neezam Khan, with intent to commit murder. According to reports, the businessman and his colleagues were outside a snackette for which Khan is the proprietor, when four young men, two of whom are believed to be Vasconcellos and Peters rode up on motorcycles. It was reported that one of the men who was

armed with a handgun, held up Khan and relieved him of jewellery before shooting him to the left arm. However, before the bandits could have escaped with the loot, Khan opened fire on them, killing their accomplice Michael Grant, also of Agricola. Also committed to stand trial for this offence was George Dover. He is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Kevin Yamster, with intent to commit murder. It was reported that Yamster of Eccles, East Bank Demerara was stabbed to the upper left side chest and side by Dover on April 10, 2015, as a result of a longstanding dispute between them. Yamster was just 15 years (Continued on page 12)

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Tuesday October 25, 2016

Kaieteur News

Safety tips from the experts…

Police commanders, CCTV specialist advises on how to protect your property Almost every time you open the daily newspapers, there is always news of bandits carrying out brazen attacks on someone’s home or business place. In some cases, the situation results in serious injuries and even death. Take for instance, just last Thursday a 44-year-old man was shot and killed when five armed bandits pounced on his family at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD). For a little money and jewellery, it seems as though these persons are willing to do anything. If you check the news, you will see that every day bandits pounce on unsuspecting victims, and while some persons are lucky to escape unhurt, others are not that fortunate. At a security forum on Friday, former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Retired Brigadier General, Mark Phillips, said that the incidence of gun-related crime in the country is at its highest. He told the gathering, “No one is safe from violent crimes and criminal activities.” He said that it is only a matter of time before the criminals “attack anyone of us.” In order to keep these bandits away from your loved ones and to safeguard your homes and businesses, there are certain security measures you must take to keep these people away. Police Commanders,

Clifton Hicken

Marlon Chapman

Leslie James

Kevin Adonis

Clifton Hicken of ‘A’ Division; Leslie James of ‘D’ Division; Marlon Chapman of ‘C’ Division; and Kevin Adonis of ‘G’ Division offered some professional advice to home and business owners. An interview was also done with Somal Sharma, one of the directors from Innovative IT Solutions (IITS). Mr. Sharma, who is specialised in closed-circuit television (CCTV) installation, offered some tips for persons, who want to safeguard their premises. Commanders In an exclusive interview, Commander Adonis said that security is everyone’s asset. “You are responsible for yourself and if you don’t have it (security of any form) then you don’t respect your own self and your business.” Adonis said that you find

cases where people have CCTV on their homes but those who own businesses do not have any form of security—”they are not thinking.” He stressed that in order to protect personal assets; CCTV can be used to scare off bandits who fear that their identity might be exposed. Also, for businesses, alarms can be installed and security guards can be hired for protection purposes. Next to share his views on the safety and security of one’s assets was Commander Chapman. Chapman said that many times people withdraw large amounts of money from the bank and move around with no form of security. “This should be prohibited because you have persons tracking people from the

bank and then robbing them. If you have to make these withdrawals, then it should be done under security. People can contact private security firms to carry out their transaction,” the commander opined. As it relates to break and enter of homes, Chapman said that persons should inform their neighbours when they will be absent from their residence, so that these neighbours can look out for any suspicious or strange

activities. “People should also form themselves in community policing groups to look out for each other.” He also said that the security camera is another way of protecting your place. Meanwhile, Leslie James said that security should be around the clock. “You are the owner of the business and it is in your interest to protect it.” James said that when investing in businesses or when constructing a house, a part

of the investment should speak to the security aspect of the building or business. “When you are dealing with the planning of the business, think about security guards, cameras and alarms. You must protect your property,” James pointed out. Clifton Hicken, who leads the busiest division in the country—‘A’ Division, said that CCTV is just the first stage of the planning process. He said that networking is the second and most important part of the security process. “You must ensure that you look out for each other. When things happen, call each other and call the police, call the commander.” Hicken said that networking with each other in the community is important. Tips on CCTV When installing security cameras on your property, make sure whatever footage is recorded can be clearly seen and is not blurred. Sometimes, persons install cameras but when an incident occurs, it is difficult to recognise what was recorded. That is because the quality (Continued on page 23)

11 to face High Court trial... From page 11 of age at the time of the stabbing. Trafficking in Narcotics On May 25, Shemroy Robertson, 31, of 101 Mandela Avenue was committed for allegedly having 1.156 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for trafficking on January 15, at Princes Street, Georgetown. He was charged along with Odinga Chase of East Ruimveldt Georgetown. However, the charge was dismissed against Chase after the Magistrate found there was insufficient evidence against him to prove the elements of the offence. According to court facts,

Custom Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) ranks were carrying out an operation when Chase surrendered to ranks having exited a motorcar. It was reported that Robertson drove off and a rank drove up beside him on Bent Street, Werk en-Rust. The rank told Robertson to pull over, but he did not comply and a bag was soon after thrown out of the vehicle. While evading the CANU ranks, Robertson became involved in an accident and was later found hiding in a house at Mandela Avenue. For the period January to April, this year, three men

were also committed to stand High Court trial for the capital offence of murder. These were businessman, Lawrence Wayne for murder committed on Dexter Lindo between August 23 and August 24, 2014 at Alberttown, Georgetown; Ron ‘Andel’ Forde, 43, of Lot 31 Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) for murder committed on transgender sex worker, Nephi Noel on July 27, 2015 at Quamina and Carmichael Streets, and Delon ‘Nasty Man’ Henry, 25, of Houston, EBD for murder committed on Dexter Griffith on September 29, 2015 at East Ruimveldt.

Tuesday October 25, 2016

France clears “Jungle” migrant camp in Calais, children in limbo

Migrants with their belongings queue near buses at the start of their evacuation and transfer to reception centres in France, and the dismantlement of the camp called the ‘Jungle’ in Calais, France, yesterday. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol (Reuters) - France began clearing the sprawling “Jungle” camp yesterday as many migrants who have camped for months or years among sand dunes near Calais gave up on their dreams of reaching Britain, a tantalisingly short sea crossing away. Following sporadic outbreaks of unrest overnight, the migrants chose instead with calm resignation to be relocated in France while their asylum requests are considered. By the evening, 2,318 camp residents - more than a third of the total - had left the squalid shanty-town outside the northern port by bus and were being rehoused at reception centres across the country, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said. French officials celebrated the peaceful start to the attempt to dismantle the camp, which has become a symbol of Europe’s failure to respond to the migration crisis as member states squabble over who should take in those fleeing war and poverty. But some aid workers warned that the trouble overnight, when some migrants burned toilet blocks and threw stones at riot police in protest at the camp’s closure, indicated tensions could escalate. The migrants from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria and Eritrea had wanted to reach Britain, which is visible from Calais on a clear day. Some had wished to join relatives already there and most had planned to seek work, believing that jobs are more plentiful than in France. Some migrants said they were reluctant to leave. “My brother is in London. I want to go and live with him,” said Khaled Oryakhil, in his 20s, from Kabul. However, he

added: “I don’t have any choice. I will go on the bus if they force us.” The Socialist government says it is closing the camp, home to 6,500 migrants, on humanitarian grounds. It plans to relocate them to 450 centres across France. Britain is barring most of the migrants on the basis of European Union rules requiring them to seek asylum in the first member states they set foot in. DESTINATION UNKNOWN Even as the process began, the fate of about 1,300 unaccompanied child migrants remained uncertain. Cazeneuve urged Britain last week to step up efforts to identify and resettle child migrants. London has given priority to children with family ties and discussions are underway with Paris over who should take in minors with no connections. His British counterpart Amber Rudd said 800 children from the camp had already been interviewed. “We hope to reach the figure of a few hundred more over the next two to three weeks while the camp is being cleared,” she told parliament in London. “Then we will have done our commitment to the French which we hope will be (to take in) approximately half of the children who were there.” RAZING THE CAMP Armed police had fanned out across the Jungle as the operation got underway. Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said that authorities had not needed to use force and the police presence was just for security. Aid workers went from tent to tent, urging migrants to leave before heavy machinery is rolled in to start the

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Kaieteur News

demolition. The hundreds who volunteered yesterday to move on were each given two destinations to chose from before being bussed to the reception centres. There they will receive medical checks and if they have not already done so, decide whether to apply for asylum. The far-right National Front party said the government plan would create miniCalais camps across France. About 60 buses left the camp yesterday and the government predicts the evacuation will take at least a week. Many tents and makeshift structures that had housed cafes, bakeries and kiosks lay abandoned. On the side of one wooden shack a message to British Prime Minister Theresa May had been scrawled in spray-paint: “UK government! Nobody is illegal!” Despite the calm, charity workers expect hundreds will try to stay and cautioned that the mood could change later in the week when work begins on razing the camp. “There’s a risk that tensions increase in the week because at some point the bulldozers are going to have to come in,” said Fabrice Durieux from the charity Salam. Others warned that many migrants who remained determined to reach Britain would simply scatter into the surrounding countryside, only to regroup in Calais at a later date. “Each time they dismantle part of the camp it’s the same thing. You’re going to see them go into hiding and then come back. The battles will continue,” said Christian Salome, president of nonprofit group Auberge des Migrants.

Special Miracles Ministries hosts 21st Anniversary celebration Special Miracles Ministries Royalty Centre Church (SMMRC) is marking another year of God’s goodness. The Church, which was established 21 years ago, is hosting a Grand Anniversary service on Sunday at its main location at Lot 203 Freeman Street, East La Penitence. The event will feature several speakers including Founder and Leader of Special Miracles Ministries, Archbishop Wingrove David Babb, Bishop Henry Browne, Bishop Terrence Esseboom and Bishop Nathaniel Lamazon. The celebration which starts at 3:00 pm will also feature a worship segment and a showcase of talent includ-

ing dance, singing, poetry and other performances. According to Archbishop Babb, over the years the church has hosted a number of activities to observe its anniversary. This year, SMMRC is hosting the grand thanksgiving service under the theme “Rebuilding and Rewarding.” “We believe God honours those who labour in household of faith because God honors faith…It is therefore the goal of the Ministry to equip men and women to fulfill their Kingdom assignment on the earth,” Archbishop Babb added. Special Miracles Ministries started in August 1994

with Archbishop Babb and a few brethren. The Pentecostal movement has since been expanding its reach to the communities of East La Penitence, Alexander Village and Cummings Lodge East Coast Demerara. The Ministry currently functions under the leadership of Archbishop Babb and his wife, Bishop Amy Kumarie Babb. Last year the Church was artistically rebranded Special Miracles Ministries Royalty Centre Church, which Archbishop Babb says speaks volumes to his ministry and the mission the church is seeking to accomplish in the nation.

At odds over Brexit, UK nations hold ‘frustrating’ talks on common stance (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to persuade the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland yesterday to work with her government on a common Brexit negotiating position, but the Scottish leader dismissed the meeting as “deeply frustrating”. May says that while the devolved governments of the UK’s three smaller nations should give their views on what the terms of Brexit should be, they must not undermine the UK’s strategy by seeking separate settlements with the EU. “I don’t know what the UK’s negotiating position is because they can’t tell us,” Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said after

talks at May’s Downing Street office. “I can’t undermine something that doesn’t exist, it doesn’t appear to me at the moment that there is a UK negotiating strategy,” she told Sky News television. While England and Wales voted for Brexit in a June referendum, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU, setting the devolved governments in Edinburgh and Belfast on a collision course with the UK’s central government in London. This could lead to a constitutional crisis, and potentially to Scottish independence and renewed political tensions in Northern Ireland. At the meeting with Sturgeon and the Welsh and

Northern Irish leaders, May proposed setting up a new body to give the three devolved governments, which have varying degrees of autonomy from London, a formal avenue to express their views. “Working together, the nations of the United Kingdom will make a success of leaving the European Union — and we will further strengthen our unique and enduring union as we do so,” May said in a statement after the talks. But Sturgeon struck a very different tone as she emerged. “What I’m not prepared to do ... is stand back and watch Scotland driven off a hard Brexit cliff edge because

Teachers revolving housing fund... From page 8 the ground. We have not been able to get a financial agency, one of the commercial banks, to carry through with it for us.” This is due to the fact, McDonald said, that attempts were made to ask teachers to pay interest on the $2 million offered. “We are saying that we cannot accept that because rather than our teachers taking $2 million and having to pay interest as if they

were taking $10 million we might as well send them to take a $10 million loan…,” McDonald pointed out. ”On that issue Minister Harmon said that he couldn’t decide which agency we should use. He said what we should do is try to seek out other agencies to see if they are willing to take the project on,” said McDonald who disclosed that the Union was anticipating the support of the Ministry of Finance.

But according to Harmon, McDonald said, “The Ministry of Finance is having its own issues so it couldn’t take on the project. As it is right now the money is in the bank and we are just waiting for an agency which will be willing to roll out this project.” The Union is however hopeful that it could eventually solicit the involvement of Coop Societies to help bring the project to fruition.

Guyana, Chile signs direct flights... From page 15 Guyana. She said that the visit by President Granger is important in furthering the relationship with the Caribbean and Latin America. Raising the issue of regional safety and security, President Bachelet said that countries in the region must work together to develop responses to the challenges of narcotics trafficking, the reduction of violence and the impact of climate change. She

added that Chile is focused on advancing such themes as democracy, promotion of human rights, promotion and defence of human rights. President Granger met with the Chilean President after participating in a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument of the Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins. He placed a wreath made in the likeness of the Golden Arrowhead and designed with fresh flowers at the monument,

which honours Bernardo O’Higgins, a Chilean Independence leader, who is credited with helping to free Chile from Spanish rule in the Chilean War of Independence. Following the bilateral talks and the signing of the agreements, the President delivered a lecture at the Andres Bello Diplomatic Academy of Chile to 80 Chilean and international students titled, ‘The Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace’.

PAGE 22

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 6159295 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more @ New Market Street. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Austin Powers Repairs & Services: repairs done on all domestic appliances, house wiring, etc, located in Bagotstown. Call: 685-2588/ 613-1711 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral arrangement, and cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty. Call: 670-2653/ 638-8449

VACANCY

PROPERTY FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

One experienced dispatcher – Call: 231-5784/ 231-4000

Lot 704 House & Land at Zeelugt, Brother Dam W.C.D -$7M negotiable. Call: 616-5606/ 277-0281

Oswin J’s Auto Imports: New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Axio, Rush, X-Trail. Free full coverage insurance. Call: 609-2815

EDUCATIONAL

Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880/670-8893

IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742

Experienced pharmacy assistant to work in reputable pharmacy, interested persons can call: 227-0630

Career Training: care for the elderly/care for children/first aid & CPR. Guyana Training College. Call: 227-4881

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

Tuesday October 25, 2016

Kaieteur News

International Opportunity: support worker/caregiver Training to live & work in Canada. Guyana Training College. Call: 227-4881 Spanish lessons for CXC students & beginners (Form 1, 2, 3) on Saturdays, location at Croal & Light Street. Call: 611-5562

Truck Driver must have lorry licence contact 223-5273/4

House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc: 223-6035/ 227-8274

Accounts clerk to work in Charity Essequibo contact 223-5273/4

Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

Supervisor/Manager for Xenon hotel in Charity Essequibo contact 223-5273/4

Property @ Lot 172 Zohora Street, Market Street Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 220-1583/667-6066

One Nanny for young child contact 223-5273/4 Bartender, Security, DJ, waitress to work nights & secretary 18-25yrs, Cleaners. Call: 638-5303 Work from home; earn $5,000$20, 000 daily. Call: 643-8212/ 6 2 2 - 1 9 5 7 / email:jobfairworldwide.com

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One bedroom bottom flat, fully furnished house $65,000. Call: 641-0959 2 Bedroom fully furnished house with hot & cold shower, Wi-Fi, security cameras, A/C, all amenities $850USD. Call: 641-0959 Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building- Ideal for commercial and office useCall: 683-7954 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, Free Wi-Fi, recently renovated. Call: 227-5194 One bedroom apartment, self contained- Call: 644- 2634/ 687-1966/222-0618

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: 4WD PICKUP,. CHEAPEST RATE & SPECIAL RATE FOR LONG TERM . CALL: 698-7807

1 Church building in front and 2 story building at the back (W30X6120) @ 180 Charolotte Street Bourda. Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/2265183

Waiters, waitresses, cooks, cashier to work in Trinidad. Call: 643-8212/ 622-1957/ email:jobfairworldwide.com Marketing Reps -$300,000 monthly. Call: 643-8212/ 6221957 Exist for 1 P.O.B , O.A and Accounts teacher at I.P.E, Grove. Call: 643-0777/ 2653996 Experienced salesgirls ages 2035, apply at Christine’s Fashion & Variety Store, 25 Lombard Street, Werk-enRust. Call: 227-8529/ 233-7356 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP R E AT E S , S P E C I A L OFFERFOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494

Property with extra large land well built with 2 storey house @ Back Street BetterHope, E.C.D Won’t last. Call: 2201583/667-6066 Property at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Call: 695-1737 Super Deal: 3 apartments, 7 bedrooms, upper flat, fully furnished @ Eccles, includes Mazda Tribute Vehicle. $29.5M. Call: 618-2603 ( owner migrating) 2 Storey concrete house @ 55 Section B, Non Pariel (first street from main road)- $14M negotiable. Call: 657-8561 immediately. Seven bedroom property with huge land space at Ruimveldt Public Road. Call: 609-7766 Property at South Ruimveldt Park -$39.5M, 6 Bedrooms & 2 & half bathrooms. Call: 6162871/699-6161 Stanford Soloman. One transported 2 flat 6 bedrooms concrete building in Strathspey, large land space $14M. Call: 689-5103/ 231-0631

TO LET 1-3 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment, semi-furnished, full bathroom, good neighbourhood at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 220-1583/ 667-6066 1-2 Bedrooms apartment fully furnished; 1-2 Bedrooms apartment unfurnished. Call: 667-2536 2 Bedroom Apartment in exclusive residential Airport, close to Ogle Airport , with all modern amenities. Call for appointment 622-5725.

1 Isuzu truck,6 cylinder engine. Contact # 650-0402 Special Sale: 2009 Belta $2.1M, 2009 Airwave -$2.4M. Call: 617-2891 2009 Raum- $2.4M, 2009 Sienta -$2.4M, 2009 Axio $2.8M, 2009 Fielder -$2.6M. Call: 617-2891 One jaguar XJ6 Motor Car Sedan, four doors, executive blue, very good condition, must be seen, prices to sell. Call: 227-8448/ 612-8319 Yamaha R1 CG609, Toyota AT212, AT192, L-Touring Wagon, Tundra, Tacoma, Nissan Pickup. Call: 6445096; 697-1453 1 New unregistered Toyota Allion 2004 Model, low mileage, TV, navigation, music, remote start with alarm system, etc. Call: 649-0956 Unregistered Axela 2011, dark interior, Corolla Fielder 2002 rims, dark interior $1.950M @ Prestige Auto Sale. Call: 617-5536 1 Toyota Verossa, excellent condition, PTT series. Call: 618-1395/ 220-6380 Auto pitbull bus in good working condition, BTT series, fully alarm, -$2.7M negotiable. Call: 609-2159/ 612-3456/691-8272 Pitbull bus, BPP 8496. Call: 691-0789/ 649-1952 1 Landcruiser Prado, excellent condition. Call: 625-4196 or 656-0565

WANTED Entertainment Manager to work in the Essequibo Coast: must have experienced in promotions, events & hotel managements. Call: 226-9768 Sales Clerk, must be able bodied ages 18-30yrs. Call: 643-7193 1 Male or female shop assistant to work in the Interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565 1 Male to work on vehicle in the interior. Call: 678-0565 Live in waitress. Call: 6439007 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Carpenters, masons, labourer, preferably from Georgetown area. Call: 690-7316 between 9:00am4:00pm Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellvile (Best Buy Food Supplies) 1 Live in domestic. Call: 6741767/ 659-2708 1 Truck Driver, 1 Welder. Call: 218-1455 One domestic to work in Trinidad. Call 1868- 683-1528 Live in maid wanted ages 45 & older @ Robb Street. Call: 226-0450 or 627-3205 One maid needed. Call: 6399449 Experienced welders, must be able to weld ships and barges. Call: 226-1100, 2265380

Toyota Vigo pickup, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep. Immaculate Condition. Call: 609-7766

Live in domestic, must know to cook, boarding & lodging free, salary $80,000 monthly. Call: 610-3974

PRR Series, Toyota IST, PMM series Toyota Carina, TL Bedford 330, Bedford 330, 330 Space parts. Call: 2563405/ 663-2450

Live in waitress with secondary education, boarding & lodging free, salary $70,000 monthly. Call: 610-5043

One Truck, excellent working condition, worked for one year, Model M. Call Lawerence: 615-7506 LAND FOR SALE

One live in housekeeper. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605

Diamond -$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie $950,000, 50X100 -$3M; Cummings Lodge -$7M, Enterprise Public Road 157X200 -$30M, Schoonard 1st Street. Call: 231-2199/ 618-7483

Female bartender, live in/out, attractive waitresses needed at Eden’s Bar (East Bank). Call: 678-3616 Straight Stitch & over edge machine operators, porters. Call: 222-2541 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri

La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M negotiable. Call: 690-9645

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic-Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15am4:15pm

Eccles and Diamond reasonably priced. Call: 609-7766

Continued on page 23

Tuesday October 25, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Pesticide Board launches countrywide pesticide sensitization initiative - 10 billboards to be errected countrywide

The Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) is observing its annual pesticides awareness week, October 23 to October 29 with a series of activities under the theme “Manage Pesticides Responsibly: adapt to Climate Change”. Key highlights of the week of activities include the launch of a national programme that will see the erection of 10 billboards across Guyana. These billboards will be emblazoned on both sides with messages relative to safe handling of pesticides and related issues. The launch took place yesterday, with the first billboard being erected on the southern corner of the Turkeyen Main Road, East Coast Demerara. Chairman of the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, Dr. Leslie Munroe, said that the Board decided to erect billboards around the country to educate persons on the responsible management of pesticides and toxic chemicals. “Pesticides are used by almost everyone. This initiative aims to get the message across that pesticides are most effective if used properly, but we must not stray away from the fact that they are hazardous if used incorrectly.” Dr. Munroe said. The Board and by extension the Ministry of Agriculture, recognises the need for proper management of pests such as insects and rodents in order to preserve human health and wellness in addition to ensuring the livelihood of farmers, by protecting their crops from attacks and infestation by pest. Registrar of the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, Mrs. Trecia David Garnath, said that one of the key functions of the Board is to ensure enough information is disseminated to the general public on pesticides and the hazards they pose to human health and the environment. “One of the key mandates of the Board is public awareness. This year we are celebrating Pesticide Awareness Week throughout the region and one of the activities we

From page 22

Staff of the PTCCB stand under the newly erected board

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1 45" Complete cabin Cruiser, trout seine, excellent condition. Call: 654-2817/ 657-0044/625-8522 Organic Potting Soil -$900, Lawn Grass -$1,400, Ficus 4 @$1,000, Exora 4 @ $1,000, also Palms & Flowers. Call: 626-1044 1- CAT 320 BL Excavators, 1 CAT 930 Front End Loader. 1-55 Leyland DAF Truck, 1 CAT D4H Bulldozer. Call: 275-0538/ 683-7225 are having as part of our initiative is expanding our public awareness. The messages on the billboard were designed to let people know what they need to familiarise themselves with and what they should be careful of in terms of managing the use of pesticides and toxic chemicals.” Mrs. Garnath said. Agriculture Minister, Noel

Holder, said that Pesticide Awareness Week is geared to improve the management of pesticides not only in Guyana but also in other Caribbean countries. “Many adverse effects of pesticides can be prevented through responsible use. Regulatory framework for the management of pesticides is essential in order to set minimum standards for their

sound management; however, this cannot replace the education of pesticide users. “Responsible use and recommended application rates limit potential pesticide residues in crops and the environment. These also help avoid pest resurgence, resistance and reduce impacts to human health,” Minister Holder said Areas earmarked

for the erection of billboards are Helena, Mahaica, Linden, Charity, Essequibo, Parika, Garden of Eden and Crab Island, Berbice. Over the coming days the Board will also host a graduation ceremony for pest control operators, and the finalists of national secondary schools pesticide awareness competition.

Decrease in fatal accidents this year during Operation Safeway - Police Statistics released by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) shows that there has been a decline in fatal accidents for the period September 15 to October 20, as compared to the same period last year. According to Operation Safeway figures, seven fatal accidents were recorded for the period this year, as compared to 12 for the same period last year. There were 25 serious accidents this year, in comparison to 37 last year for the same period. Thirty-five minor accidents were confirmed for the period this year in compari-

son to 44 in 2015. There were 42 damage accidents confirmed this year, compared to 56 the previous year. For the period January 1, to October 20, 2016, a total of 31 accidents were recorded in Police ‘A’ Division which resulted in 33 deaths of which two were children. Before Operation Safeway in this same Police Division (January 1 to September 14) there was a total of 29 accidents resulting in 30 deaths of which two were children. After Operation Safeway (September 15 to October 20) two accidents were recorded.

Three persons died as a result; there were no deaths of children. A total of 97 accidents have been recorded so far for this year. These resulted in 104 deaths, nine of whom were children. Last year, there were 80 accidents which resulted in the death of 94 persons12 of whom were children. The GPF has recorded 7,417 cases since September 15. A whopping 4,125 drivers were randomly tested for alcohol. Of that 3,696 of these tests were conducted during the night of which 570 were found to be above the legal limit. In addition, 58 per-

sons were found to be above the legal limit by day. They were all charged with 329 of them being fined. Their licences were endorsed and a notable number suspended. The GPF also recorded driving under the influence cases. Eight hundred and twenty-one persons were charged with the following offences, tinted vehicles 176; unlicensed driver 92; private hire 67; using cell phones while driving 66; failing to wear seat belts 354; failing to wear safety helmets 54; and breach of traffic light signals 97.

Police commanders, CCTV specialist advises... From page 12 of the cameras is very low. “You can get a complete 16 channel camera system for a few hundred bucks online but those systems are not effective as advertised,” Sharma said. He added that he experienced many cases where businesses installed low quality cameras and when a robbery

occurred, it was difficult to recognise the bandits’ faces or the number plate of the getaway car. “Those situations are difficult on businesses because what these people lose is more than what it would have cost them to install proper devices,” the businessman, who has been in this field for more than 15 years, pointed out.

He said that as someone who installs these surveillance system, sometimes he has no choice but to install what the customers want, even though he knows it is just a waste of money and time. This newspaper was told that investing in security cameras is not just an investment but a wise one.

He advised that if home and business owners are thinking about purchasing cameras, they should seek advice from their IT person before making a purchase. Also, to prevent being exploited, customers should request a demonstration of the system. “Many times you would read in the news that the ban-

dits escaped with their victims DVRs but there is a way you can outsmart these people, so when they think they have the footage, they don’t because, it is stored elsewhere,” Sharma revealed. IITS is a company specialised in computer repairs, security cameras, solar panel, networking and point of sale.

Muscovy Ducklings and eggs (white & brown). Call: 602-7203 Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras – Tel: 621-4740 Double Steel Wheeled Roller, 1 Mack Concrete mixer truck. Call: 275-0538/ 683-7225 Mixed Breed puppies, eight (8) weeks old. Breed: Pekingese and Dachshund. Call: 644-1972 Land @ Zeelugt -$1.8M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M, $1.2M & (1) 2 Bedrooms flat concrete house located @ Tuschen -$3.5M. Call: 6421252 1-5HP Yamaha Engine, like new. Call: 670-3912

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 25, 2016

Venezuela, opposition announce dialogue as protests brew (Reuters) - Venezuela’s socialist government and opposition yesterday announced surprise talks for the weekend to deal with a worsening political standoff since the suspension of a referendum drive to remove unpopular President Nicolas Maduro. The two sides will meet on the Caribbean island of Margarita on Sunday, mediated by the Vatican, regional bloc Unasur, and three former heads of state. “At last we are installing a dialogue between the opposition and the legitimate government,” Maduro said from Rome, after a meeting with Pope Francis who urged him to alleviate Venezuelans’ suffering during a brutal economic crisis. Past conversations between the bitterly polarized sides have led to little progress. The opposition says Maduro is an inept autocrat who must leave office before the crisis worsens while the former bus driver and union leader vows not to be pushed out by what he calls a power-hungry elite

seeking a coup. Opposition coalition head Jesus Torrealba was cautious about the talks. “Dialogue cannot mean a government strategy to win time.... It’s a space to fight for a better country for all,” he said after meeting a Vatican envoy in Caracas. News of talks seemed to take some members of the opposition by surprise, potentially re-awakening divisions within the diverse coalition and irritating activists who feel Maduro is not seriously committed to dialogue. “Today at 7 p.m.... we will talk about the news we’ve found out about on television,” tweeted two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles. “WE WANT FREEDOM!” The opposition is calling nationwide protests for tomorrow as Venezuela’s third year of recession has many skipping meals due to widespread food shortages and spiraling prices. No official agenda of the talks was announced, but the opposition is bound to bring up complaints about the fail-

Demonstrators clash with riot police during a rally to demand a referendum to remove Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in San Cristobal, Venezuela yesterday. REUTERS/Carlos Eduardo Ramirez ure of its referendum bid to remove Maduro and sidelining of the National Assembly, while the government will likely detail charges that its foes are guilty of fraud, violence and coup plans. During a protest yesterday, student leaders said 27 demonstrators were injured in clashes with security forces in

the volatile border city of San Cristobal near Colombia. “We want freedom!” chanted the several hundred protesters, who barricaded roads with burning rubble. A hotbed of anti-Maduro sentiment, San Cristobal was the site of the worst violence during protests two years ago that led to 43 deaths around the

nation. Students also held scattered protests in other places, including the capital Caracas, but most were holding fire for tomorrow’s rallies dubbed “The Takeover of Venezuela.” Foes say Maduro, 53, has veered into dictatorship by sidelining the opposition-led congress, jailing critics and

then leaning on compliant judicial and electoral authorities to stop the referendum. Many of Venezuela’s 30 million people fear the standoff will create more unrest in a nation already exhausted by political confrontation, a plunging economy, and rampant crime.

Tuesday October 25, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday October 25, 2016

Tuesday October 25, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Prince Ali says FIFA needs to speed up reforms AMMAN (Reuters) Former FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan is concerned about the pace of reform in world soccer’s governing body and says new president Gianni Infantino has “no time to lose” in bringing transparency to the organization. Infantino was elected in February with the task of leading FIFA into calmer waters after a series of corruption scandals plunged the governing body into its worst crisis. Prince Ali told Reuters in

an interview that Infantino should focus on implementing reforms rather than issues such as proposals to expand the World Cup. “I can only speculate as a new president he first has to look at his own administration and see what’s going on in there,” he told Reuters in Jordan, which is currently hosting the Women’s Under-17 World Cup. The tournament is the first FIFA organized female World Cup in the Middle East and is considered a significant milestone for women in the region, long constrained by

cultural and religious conservatism. “Everybody is looking at FIFA and the direction it is going and again it’s critical time, there no time to lose.” Soccer’s global governing body is attempting to recover from the worst graft scandal in its history which has seen 42 people, including former FIFA executive committee members, indicted in the United States since May last year. Criminal investigations are also under way in Switzerland, where FIFA has its headquarters.

Tuesday October 25, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You need to enjoy the company of those who enjoy the same pastimes. Make plans to mix business with pleasure. Dinner with clients or business associates should be successful. Don't be too eager to start any debates. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Keep your mind on your work and stay away from situations that could ruin your reputation. Refuse to let others make unrealistic demands of you. Try not to push your philosophies on others. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You will have to be careful not to let infatuations with colleagues get out of hand. You will back yourself into a corner if you are baited and your stubbornness will only make matters worse. Avoid any confrontations with colleagues. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Lending and borrowing may be a problem. This is a great day to spend with family. Someone may not be thinking of your best interests. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some of that extra energy you have stored up might just be put to good use. Don't be afraid to pursue unfamiliar grounds. Anger could lead to problems. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Get on with your life. Female members of your family may be difficult to deal with. Try to calm down emotionally about personal financial matters.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Travel will be fun, but expect it to cost you. You should consider getting into self improvement endeavors. Losses are likely if you get involved with uncertain individuals. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can continue to make gains if you call a few people who can help you close an important deal. Take care of yourself or you can expect to suffer from minor illness. New relationships could evolve through group activities. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Be sure that you have all the facts before you take action. Hide your cards and learn to say no. You will want to take off and have some recreation. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Overexertion and negligence will be your worst enemies. Don't let children or elders put demands on your time. Move forward if you want to turn your life around. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You don't owe anyone an explanation. Do your own thing, you need time to yourself. Entertainment should include your whole family. Look for something entertaining to do. You've got that competitive edge. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Do a little shopping. You're likely to find a real bargain. A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. Get involved in activities that will bring you knowledge about foreign land, philosophies, or cultures.

An investigation was also opened into FIFA’s decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 t o u r n a m e n t t o Q a t a r, a small, wealthy desert country with no real soccer tradition. Prince Ali said that as someone who had “stuck to my guns in terms of really supporting football and having a clean organization”, he knew how urgent it was to speed up investigations and tackle improper business practices. “You really need to have a clean FIFA to be able to trickle down to our national associations” said Prince Ali, highlighting ongoing problems such as matchfixing. “.. the reality is putting aside the big ideas in the World Cup, the real issue is the organization and cleaning it up for me I wish it will be more streamlined, more open and that’s what I am hoping will take place,” he added. ‘SHAME ON THE GAME’ Prince Ali said the proposal to enlarge the World Cup could backfire if not properly planned out, citing problems that faced in Brazil

Golden Jaguars... (From page 27) unturned for coaches to attend advanced courses overseas. Brazil, offers one of such that is FIFA accredited, with the late Ashton Taylor being the only beneficiary to date, which also occurred under the stewardship of former President, Colin Klass. From 2 matches resulting in 240 minutes of football, along with injury time, what explanations can be offered for being pointless, winless, conceding 7 goals, scoring 4 for a goal difference of -3? Editor, apparently no lesson was learnt from the previous 2-5 loss to Curacao, in Round 2. Scientifically, our coaching staff is sadly lacking and so too is the sport’s administration. Respectfully Yours, Lester Sealey

and South Africa. “When it comes to FIFA, at the moment there are other priorities really ... my only concern is that it’s maybe more political and about pleasing people than what is best for the game,” he said. There are concerns that enlarging the World Cup beyond the current 32 teams would make tournaments less manageable and result in a drop in quality. Prince Ali again criticized FIFA’s decision to dissolve its anti-racism task force. FIFA wrote to members in September to say it was disbanding the task force set up

by then boss Sepp Blatter in 2013, and declaring that it had “completely fulfilled its temporary mission”. “To say the work is done and to move on is not the case ...racism and discrimination is everywhere and really needs to be a staple part of FIFA mission for the future,” he added. “I see racism and discrimination is prevalent in a lot of places and that’s a shame on the game and FIFA has a responsibility to tackle it in every way it can ... “Combating it is not about slogans it’s about real work...,” he added.

Good Hope Golden Star Y&SC special meeting set for Tomorrow The Good Hope Golden Star Youth and Sports Club of East Coast Demerara has scheduled its special meeting for 18:00hrs today at Two Sisters Car Rental residence. Residents are asked to make a special effort to attend and among the items on the agenda are President’s report and election of office bearers.

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Tuesday October 25, 2016

Regal are Wolf’s Challenge Open and Masters’ champs By Zaheer Mohamed Regal issued a strong warning to its rivals in the upcoming Guyana Softball Cup when they were crowned champions of the Open and Masters’ category, while Mike’s Wellwoman won the Female title as the Wolf’s Challenge Softball tournament concluded in front of a fair-sized crowd on Sunday night at the Demerara Cricket Club. Led by a fine half century from Patrick Rooplall and a four-wicket haul by Privnauth Motilall, Regal defeated Speedboat by 35 runs in the Open final. Rooplall was ruthless at the top of the order as he struck one four and six maximums in a rapid 55 to give Regal a fine start. Safraz Esau contributed 26 and skipper Fazal Rafiek made 25 as Regal posted 205-6 off their allocation of 20 overs. Extras assisted with 61. Wazir Hussain claimed 2-16 and Kishore Smith 2-19. Lennox Marks and Shazim Hussain got Speedboat reply off to a fine start as they added 45 for the opening stand before Hussain

Wellwoman take female title

The winning Mike’s Wellwoman team. was dismissed for 20. Marks timed the ball well hitting two fours and six sixes before he went for 55. However, a steady spell from Motilall restricted Speedboat as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Beepaul Bandoo struck two fours and one six

to remain unbeaten on 27 as they were bowled out for 170 in 19.5 overs to hand Regal yet another title following their success in the Guyana Cup 2015 and New York Cup 2016. Motilall grabbed 4-23 off four overs while Tyrone Sanasie had 1-41.

Regal Masters added another prize to their collection with a five-wicket v i c t o r y o v e r M i k e ’s Wellman. Wellman managed 132 all out in 20 overs, batting first. Greg De Franca and Nandram Samlall added 43 for the first wicket before De Franca went for 25. After Samlall was dismissed for 21, Wellman lost some quick wickets to be reduced to 69-5. But Latchman Kallicharran who made 27 and Eon Lovell 19 propped up the total somewhat; David Harper captured 3-18, Raymond Harper 2-10 and Saheed Mohamed 2-31. Regal top order batsmen got useful knocks as they responded with 133-5 in 18.2 overs. Raymond Harper, who played some handsome shots, struck four fours and

one six in scoring 32 off 22 balls. Captain Mahendra Arjune cracked two fours and one six in 25, Eric Thomas got 22 (4x4,1x6) and Mahase Chunilall 21 as Khemchand Dindyal snared 2-20 and Motielall Chumandatt 2-28. M i k e ’s We l l w o m a n overcame Trophy Stall Angels by 11 runs in the Female final. Batting first, Wellwoman got 111-6 in 15 overs with Latoya Smith scoring 51, while Sheneta Grimmond made 30 and Shenika Campbell 14. Smith, who faced 38 balls and hit two fours and one six, added 54 for the sixth-wicket with Campbell to steady the innings fairly after they lost some early wickets. Nicola Leacock had 2-13. Trophy Stall Angels threatened somewhat before they fell for

100 in 15 overs in reply. Odessa O Neil made 21 while Akela Castello got 19, Anisa Persaud 13. Zola Telford captured 3-15 and Haseena Mohamed 2-23. In the semifinals, Trophy Stall Angels beat Blue Divas by seven wickets. Blue Divas got 95-7 in 15 overs taking first strike. Akma McKenzie made 19 and Michelly Taitt 16; Jenelle Nero and Anisa Persaud had one wicket each. Trophy Stall Angels replied with 97-3 with Heema Singh scoring 46 and Roxanne De Monick 21; Sangeeta Sawh took 2-16. Wellwoman got the better of 4R Lioness by eight wickets. 4R Lioness batted first and managed 99-7 in 15 overs. Temika Wilson made 27 and Abigail Scott 22; Shemella Chichester picked up 3-14 and Telford 3-21. Wellwoman scored 100-2 in 11.3 overs in response. Joan Vansertima struck 36, Abena Parker 23 and Telford 15. Rooplall and Raymond Harper were given the manof-the-match in the open and masters segment respectively. Superior Woods captain Mohamed Rafeek who scored 309 runs including 106 not out against Savage and 101 versus Floodlight was the Masters MVP, while Lennox Marks who got 125 runs with his best being 77 vs Wolf’s Warriors was named MVP in the Open category. Telford with 182 runs and 12 wickets was the female MVP. The competition was sponsored by Imran Husain of Wolf’s Furniture store of Leonora in memory of his late father Emam Hussain and was organised by the GFSCA.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 25, 2016

PAGE 29

Spit Fire burns them up again as Shariff stable continues supremacy

Banks DIH Outdoor events Manager Mortimer Stewart (left) presents the winning trophy and prize for Spit Fire’s win in the feature race.

Connections of the Bacchus Stable receives the Jumbo Jet trophy for one of their triumphs. It was another fascinating day of horseracing on Sunday when the Rising Sun Turf Club in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales held a grand one day horserace meet at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast, Berbice. In the end it was the Shariff stable with the red hot Spit Fire leading the way that once again showed that they have the mettle to rule the arena with another dominating performance, winning the feature E and lower 1400M event and champion stable honour. Spit Fire just off a recent win showed its resolve as it took top honours in the feature event. With the crafty Trinidadian jockey Nicholas Patrick in the saddle, the animal along with the up and coming Media Day of The Elcock stable had to play catch up, by the time they were into the first turn the horses also had some trouble negotiating the turn before they could steady themselves up on the back stretch some distance off. By that time the race was going at a searing pace with Release the Beast and the others being let loose with fearsome speed as the front runners were eating up the track. The race was going at a blistering gallop by the time Spit Fire and Media Day settled in. However, with the experienced Patrick assessing the situation beautifully the animal began

to make its move. Then it began to happen with Spit Fire picking up speed as they entered the far turn with P a t r i c k u rg i n g i t o n . Sprinting on the outside, Spit Fire turned on the heat, blazing past rival runners one after the other. By the time the horses hit the homestretch, Spit Fire was firing on all cylinders, distancing itself with every passing stride to take the winning prize of $600,000 and trophy compliments of Banks DIH Limited. Release the Beast was tamed for second with It’s My Choice third and Media Day running in for fourth. Keep on Swinging of the Jumbo Jet Stable with Trinidadian Padmore, took charge from the half way stage as it romped to an easy victory from Precise Gold, Red Rocket and Rosetta in the G and lower event for the prize package of $800,000 and trophy over 1400M. The H2 and lower event saw Big Man Bass of the Habibulla stable with Colin Ross on the hunch running like a boss to demolish the field finishing ahead of Isn’t She Charming, Campador a n d R o s e t t a . The two years old Guyana bred event saw Seven Dust of the James stable with Ross again the jockey dusting its opponents to win the 1100M race with Awesome Cash, Miss Olympic and Royal Jet rounding out the placings. Jumbo’s Gift of the Inshan Bacchus Stable with Junior Sookhan riding had

some work to do before taking over for an easy victory ahead of Liquid Lion and She In Control in the event for animals classified three year old West Indies Maidens that have not earned over $100,000, three year old Guyana Bred Horses and those classified “I” and lower over 1100M. There was a one two for the

Baker stable as Liquid Lion with Wills came hard to edge past Red Region with Richmond in the K and lower event in one of the most competitive events of the day, with Party Time and Red Jet the others that placed. There were no confusion in the L and lower race. Flow Joe had an early flow before

Confusion of the Amarnauth Stable again with Ross took over to sort things out with a good run down the homestretch to win from Flow Joe, Easy Lion and Affinity. The champion jockey was Colin Ross with the champion stable award going to the Shariff, while Fazal Habibulla was

adjudged the top trainer. They were presented with trophies compliments of the Tr o p h y S t a l l a n d t h e organisers. The day’s event was incident free with the police contingent led by Deputy Superintendent Karl Wilson being commended for doing a good job. (Samuel Whyte)

Letter to the Sports Editor

Golden Jaguars (In) Glorious Exit Dear Sports Editor, In the real and developed world, when a senior national team is ousted from a Premier Championship/Tournament, more so, at a preliminary stage, based upon what the contract entails, the coaching/technical staff submits its resignation and is not told to do so. But of course it’s only applicable providing are sides are equal. I.e. encampment, training sessions, practice matches/friendly internationals, et.al. However, locally in our beloved “Oh Beautiful Guyana, my lovely native land” it’s extremely the opposite. Whereby the absence/no commencement, of the 2016-2017 Elite League deprived approximately 200 footballers from 8 clubs, to meaningfully prepare for the nation’s Premier Football Competition. That by extension would have enabled them to vie competitively for selection, ahead for national r e p r e s e n t a t i o n . Wi t h i n t h i s c o n t e x t c a n t h e coaching/Technical staff and players be blamed for this sad predicament? Absolutely not! Editor, given the fact that Bro: Shabbazz is associated with local national football for almost a decade, during which time the best ever FIFA ranking of 86 was achieved, almost 6 years ago. With a current placing of 118, it would only be prudent after Jamaica’s match, which the visitors won by 2 clear goals. The goodly Trinidadian has bowed out gracefully with his head held high. It must be taken into serious consideration that the nation’s administrators have failed the Golden Jaguars preparation this time around. That apart from a lack of physical fitness compliments of absolutely no domestic football, compounded by some of the overseas players, which bring me to the pertinent point in question. Does the GFF have within its database, information

pertaining to the overseas based players’ weekly training, matches played as a starter/substitute and the level of football? Can the latter be ascertained to be higher than the Elite League? Is it prudent to invest scarce dollars to bring players i.e. airfare, internal transportation, accommodation, meals, stipends, etc and at the end of the day, they are not fit? In the final analysis, four (4) full time sessions could have never sufficed against Suriname and Jamaica; Moreover, when the matches had to produce a winner, entailing 30 minutes of “extra time” and the possibility of penalty kicks. Thank the Heavenly Father it didn’t reach to that stage. Until and unless a properly structured development 4 year plan, the minimum is in place, time wastage would continue to aid the sport’s own self-destruction; albeit participating in a Gold Cup Tournament, would remain an illusion to be pursued but never attained! It’s my sincere desire that with the acquisition of a new Technical Director, a new vision for development would be on the horizon. Sadly, since the ousting of former GFF president, Colin Klass at the behest of FIFA, via a suspension, the other occupants following thereafter, in the presidential chair haven’t to date delivered the qualities of leadership, in averting national embarrassments on the field of play and administratively. The Elite League scenario is one of such, along with poor documentation for an overseas born player and overage. Additionally, players in their mid-thirties or there about, must call it a day in national representation, along with the other members of the coaching staff, that the lack of advanced certification in the relevant areas remains a hindrance for development. With this in mind the GFF, must leave no stone (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday October 25, 2016

Letter to the Sports Editor

Rosberg blocks out reliability Continued mismanagement of youth cricketers by inept fears as ‘match point’ looms GCB cause for concern Dear Sports Editor, Recent articles by Mr. Prince Holder, President of North Essequibo Cricket Association, and Mr. Sean Devers, Kaieteur News Sports journalist, vividly highlight the glaring injustices of the current group calling itself the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). The GCB’s mistreatment and irresponsible handling of our young cricketers have characterized the inept nature of their administration resulting in the present situation where Guyana has little or no representation on current WI teams. Cronyism, victimization a n d w i d e s p r e a d discrimination feature prominently in their modus operandi and their many transgressions include: 1. The appointment of managers, coaches and other officials who are friends and family members or who could deliver votes to them at the elections of Cricket Boards/Associations. These convenient appointees lack the necessary skills and the ability to transition our talented youngsters from the local to the regional and international levels. 2. The abandonment of U-15 Berbician cricketer Sylus Tyndall at the airport because the manager forgot Tyndall’s passport at the Board Office. The youngster was brought down to Georgetown by a kindhearted person who observed that he was left stranded. 3. The failure of the U19 manager to assist in securing a visa for cricketer, Kevin St Clair to tour England with the WI team because the administration did not follow the correct procedure to secure the requisite visa, resulting in the youngster missing the tour. 4. T h e o n g o i n g controversy where U-19 manager David Black failed to discharge his responsibility to injured player Travis

Persaud. It was the same David Black who was manager when another youngster Ricardo Adams was badly managed and this a d v e r s e l y a ff e c t e d h i s cricketing career. It is quite evident that the current GCB administration has no interest in the cricketing and personal development of our young players. As a result their obvious talents are left unfulfilled and their dreams and aspirations shattered. Sadly the current incompetent group seems only concerned with actions that would perpetuate their continued existence in office regardless of how the cricket is affected. It is of great concern that, having regard to the importance of cricket to our culture, successive Governments of Guyana have not confronted the illegality and chicanery of the selfservicing GCB. Under the present d e s p o t i c G C B administration, many talented players have had their careers either derailed or retarded because of a lack of proper preparation, effective coaching, a mentoring system and a structured developmental programme. The many players include Jonathon Foo, Richard Ramdeen, Brandon Bess, Ronsford Beaton, Leon Johnson, Verasammy Permaul and Davendra Bishoo, while our star cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan had his career terminated for reasons many believe were not connected to his great cricketing ability. The self-serving and vindictive approach of the GCB in running the nation’s cricket affairs are evident in the following: 1. Nine (9) of the thirteen (13) original clubs of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) have been dumped, because they did not support the clandestine operations of the current incompetent West Demerara C r i c k e t Association. 2 . Similarly eight (8) of the eleven (11) original clubs of the East Bank C r i c k e t

Association (EBCA) were cast aside. 3. The North Essequibo Cricket Association has been sidelined from Essequibo cricket for not toeing the line, and because they pose a threat to the incompetent Executive Body. 4. Mr. Fizul Bacchus who lives on the Essequibo Coast has been forcibly installed as President of the Pomeroon Cricket Association despite protests from bona fide Pomeroon Club members, for the sole purpose for him to retain the Presidency of the Essequibo Cricket Board. 5. Dissidents of the Georgetown Cricket Association who are also members of the illegal GCB have filed injunctions against t h a t R o g e r H a r p e r- l e d Association in order to disrupt their progressive cricket programmes. 6. The continued ostracism of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (Linden) from participating in any form of organized cricket, greatly affecting the opportunities for youngsters in that region. 7. The continuous attempts to destabilize the Berbice Cricket Board’s operations with injunctions and other subversive actions despite the fact that Berbice Cricket Board is mainly responsible for producing cricketers for Guyana and the West Indies. I could go on and on listing the many intransigencies of this current GCB administration which has reduced our cricket to the present state of confusion and despondency. Since 2009 when they hijacked the GCB, they have not been able to produce or develop a single cricketer of their own. All our national talented cricketers have come from Berbice, Georgetown and East Coast, the three areas that were thrown out of the administration of Guyana Cricket. Meanwhile, our talented youngsters are still suffering; the cricket is in shambles and apparently nobody seems to care. It is time for legal elections, accountability, transparency and an effective programme for development of our national game. W. G. Boston

AUSTIN, TEXAS (Reuters) Formula One championship leader Nico Rosberg is refusing to be rattled by reliability concerns as he prepares for his first ‘match point’ of the season in Mexico this weekend. “That’s not within my control so I completely block that out,” the Mercedes driver told reporters after finishing second to team mate Lewis Hamilton in Sunday’s U.S. Grand Prix. Rosberg leaves Austin 26 points clear of triple world champion Hamilton, meaning that the last three races in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi all loom as potential title deciders. A victory in Mexico City on Sunday, coupled with Hamilton failing to score, would leave the German enjoying an unassailable lead of 51 points. “Of course I’m aware of that, it’s an obvious calculation which everybody is telling me and it’s great...but for me the approach is keep it simple,” said Rosberg. “So just look for the race win and concentrate on what’s at hand for the weekend.” While Rosberg, who won the last three races of 2015 including Mexico, has enjoyed a remarkably trouble-free campaign, Hamilton has been plagued by reliability issues.

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg (6) of Germany waves to the crowd after he comes in second place during the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) The Briton said on Sunday that he had been on tenterhooks every lap, haunted by the possibility of another engine failure like the one that robbed him of 25 points in Malaysia. “In the cockpit all I could think about was the car making it to the end,” said the Briton. “Every single lap I was thinking something might happen.” Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff saw “very stressful” weeks ahead with the team praying that the drivers could fight for the title without mechanical problems playing a part. “The scare is there,” he told Reuters. “After what happened in Malaysia...there is a bit of trauma that stays within you. We don’t want to

interfere in their fight.” Wolff said Mercedes had decided against introducing a further engine upgrade and believed the battle would go all the way to Abu Dhabi. Hamilton had a difficult weekend in Japan, the race before Austin, with his track performance overshadowed by a media spat, but the Briton was back to his best at the Circuit of the Americas. Wolff saw more swings of the pendulum ahead. “It has been changing from weekend to weekend,” he said. “In Singapore it was Nico’s weekend, then Malaysia was Lewis’s and he was awesome, and it was again Nico’s weekend in Suzuka and here it is Lewis. “It keeps bouncing every single weekend.”

Malaysia mulls scrapping Formula One race amid falling ticket sales, viewership (Reuters) Malaysia is considering halting the annual Formula One Grand Prix race after its contract ends in 2018 due to declining ticket sales and TV viewership. The government and race organizers are expected to meet on Thursday to decide whether the country should continue to host the race, state news agency Bernama reported yesterday. In a series of posts on his official Twitter account, the sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the costs of holding the race were too high, while the returns were limited. “When we first hosted the F1 it was a big deal. First

in Asia outside Japan. Now so many venues. No first mover advantage. Not a novelty.” “F1 ticket sales declining, TV viewership down. Foreign visitors down b/c (because) can choose Singapore, China, Middle East. Returns are not as big,” he said. State oil and gas firm Petronas are the title sponsors for the F1 race in Kuala Lumpur. The company has been hit hard in recent times by the tumble in oil prices. The chief executive of the Sepang International Circuit (SIP), where the races are held, said ticket sales for the race had dropped since 2014 and initial reports showed this year’s TV viewership in

Malaysia were the lowest in history. Razlan Razali told state news agency Bernama that although the venue had a ‘watertight agreement’ with license holders until 2018, a “temporary withdrawal from F1 could be beneficial for the country to take a break”. The Malaysian Grand Prix was last held earlier this month, when Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo claimed his maiden win of the season. The event was marred by controversy after nine Australians were arrested at the circuit for stripping down to swim wear printed with the Malaysian flag, angering locals who called the act a sign of disrespect.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 25, 2016

PAGE 31

GCB/MOE Secondary Schools cricket

School of the Nations beat RISS join Chase Academy, St John’s & C/Church in semis By Sean Devers Mark Ramsammy scored an entertaining 57 and got support from Christopher Baljeet who made 20 and took 4-5, to lead School of the Nations to a five-run win over Richard Ishmael Secondary (RISS) at the GINC ground as action in the GCB/MOE National Secondary School’s 30 overs cricket competition continued yesterday. The win propelled School of the Nations to tomorrow semi-finals of the North Zone where they will join favorites Chase Academy, St John’s College and Christ Church Secondary in the Zone semis. The School of the Nations face-off with Christ Church at Bourda, while Chase Academy battle St John’s at DCC. At GNIC, Ramsammy, a right-handed opener who plays for TSC in local club cricket, played an array of lovely shots; reaching the boundary three times and

Shadrach Bacon is square driven by Diquan Bamfield during his unbeaten 33 at Bourda. (Sean Devers photo) cleared it five times and along with Baljeet, took their school to 135 as Brian Bowen, who removed Ramsammy, finished with 4-21. Bowen got support from Brandon Ramnarine (2-18) and Skipper Juspice Jones (218). Orlando Giddings top scored with 27 but only Joshua Gardener (15) offered any resistance as

Rajendra Singh (3-10) backed up the versatile Baljeet. In the other match yesterday, played at Bourda, East Ruimveldt Secondary beat North Ruimveldt Multilateral by four wickets after North Ruimveldt, despite being aided by 19 wides in 25 extras, were bowled out for 54 in 14.2

Bheem Hardyal is clean bowled by Jasper Rose at GNIC yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

overs. Only Shakeem Dunn (10) reached double figures. Rashidi Benjamin (3-5), Brian Fredricks (3-4) and Manowar Khan (2-14) did the damage with the ball for East Ruimveldt, who reached 55-6 to beat their neighbors from the other side of Mandela Avenue. DCC batsman Diquan Bamfield called on his club

cricket experience to finish unbeaten on 33, decorated with four fours despite Adrian Hinds (3-10) and Dunn (3-21) bowling well. The match between Ascension Community High and Carmel Community High was awarded to Ascension since Carmel, for the second time failed to turn up at DCC claiming that they

did not have enough players to field a team. Today will see action at the Bourda, DCC, MYO, GNIC and Everest, where Diamond Secondary will play Soesdyke in the East Bank semi-final. Friendship Secondary will play the winner of today’s match in the East Bank final on Thursday.

Fundraising with Schoolnews

S/ Ruimveldt Park Primary first to benefit According to its founder Robert Sam, the South Ruimveldt Park Primary School is the first school to benefit from the recently launched “Fundraising with SCHOOLNEWS”. This programme offers primary schools across Guyana the opportunity to receive 25% of the price of SCHOOLNEWS products (test papers) as fundraising to help develop their extremely valuable but highly neglected Sports and Music programmes. Because of the copies of SCHOOLNEWS being purchased by the South Ruimveldt Primary, the commissions (cash back) being received is helping them to begin refurbishing their playfield which has been unusable for more than two years. Instead of purchasing SCHOOLNEWS from stores, parents are advised to buy the Test papers through their children’s Schools/PTA’s. This enables the schools to enjoy the following three-way benefit: (1) The academic quality of the Test papers (2) Cash back (commissions) as fundraising (3) Better trained Teachers in Sports and Music. Last June, SCHOOLNEWS, through the MOE assisted the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) in conducting a beginners coaching course for 31 teachers. In August, seven persons from the group attended a Level-One International Volleyball course at which two of them were successful. It is the intention of SCHOOLNEWS to continue working with the MOE and the respective National sports and Music associations to assist primary school teachers to be trained in every sport and music across Guyana, thus empowering them to better serve the children. For further information from Sam kindly make contact with SCHOOLNEWS via telephone numbers: 231-3080, 618-6137, 694-9296, 226-3389 or email:samenews@hotmail.com.

Robert Sam makes presentation to Coach/Teacher Mr Roydon.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday October 25, 2016

Tough final day beckons as defeat looms large for Windies

Fast bowler Miguel Cummins (second from right) celebrates West Indies’ only wicket of the fourth day of the second Test.(Photo courtesy WICB Media)

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – West Indies were left needing a miracle to save the second Test and avoid yet another series loss to Pakistan, after their batting again let them down on the penultimate day of the second Test here yesterday. Set a mammoth 456 for victory, West Indies lost their top four to end on 171 for four, still requiring a further 285 on Tuesday’s final day to pull off an unlikely win at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite stroked 67 and Jermaine Blackwood was unbeaten on 41 at the close but the sound start which the

Opener Kraigg Brathwaite gathers runs through the offside during his top score of 67 on the fourth day of the second Test against Pakistan on Monday. (Photo courtesy WICB Media)

Caribbean side needed in order to stave off a second defeat in the three-Test series never materialised. West Indies were 112 for two but lost Marlon Samuels for 23 and then Brathwaite in the space of four overs, to slip to 124 for four. Blackwood then combined with Roston Chase, unbeaten on 17, in a crucial 47-run, unbroken fifth wicket stand which propped up the Windies innings. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah has so far led the Pakistan attack with two for 60. Earlier, the hosts piled up 227 for two before declaring their second innings at lunch, leaving West Indies

with five sessions to conjure up a record run chase in order to win the Test. Resuming on 114 for one, Pakistan flourished as opener Azhar Ali extended his unbeaten 52 to a topscore of 79 while overnight partner Asad Shafiq, on five at the start, stroked an unbeaten 58 to complete his second half-century of the game and third in his last four innings. The pair put on 71 for the second wicket, busily acquiring runs instead of going on all-out attack from the start. Azhar had faced 137 balls and struck five fours when he perished on the stroke of the hour-mark,

edging a drive at a wide delivery from Miguel Cummins to captain Jason Holder at slip, to give the right-arm seamer his only wicket of the match. However, Azhar proved the only casualty of the session as the in-form Shafiq combined with first innings c e n t u r y - m a k e r Yo u n i s Khan, to add a further 63 in an unbroken, fourth wicket stand. While Shafiq faced 103 deliveries and counted three fours, Younis consumed 54 balls for his unbeaten 29, which included a single boundary. Starting their run chase on resumption from lunch, West Indies were set back in the eighth over when they lost Leon Johnson for nine with the score on 28, bowled by Yasir after botching a sweep. Brathwaite and lefthander Darren Bravo then put on 35 in a promising second wicket stand, which saw West Indies to the drinks break on 60 for one. Three overs after the resumption, however, Bravo gifted his wicket for 13, smashing a loose, wide delivery from left-arm seamer Rahat Ali to Mohammad Nawaz at point. In dire need of a sound partnership to steady the run chase, Brathwaite and Samuels came together in a 49-run, third wicket stand which steered the visitors to tea at 86 for two. Brathwaite, without a significant score in the series, batted positively from the outset as he gathered boundaries off

seamer Sohail Khan and Yasir, early in his innings. He deposited left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar over the ropes at long on to power into the 30s and raised his 11th Test fifty, half-hour before the interval, when he worked Rahat through the on-side and ran three. With him unbeaten on 55 at tea with Samuels on nine, West Indies looked to be finding their stride as they pushed on purposely after the break. But Samuels fell to Yasir 45 minutes into the session, coming down, finding himself deceived in flight and chipping a catch back to

the bowler at 112 for three. Nineteen balls later, Brathwaite followed, lbw to left-arm spinner Nawaz on the backfoot. He was initially given not out but the decision was overturned on review. All told, he faced 133 deliveries and struck six fours and six. With the innings in danger of collapse, Blackwood spearheaded a strong partnership with Chase, which saw West Indies safely to the close without further loss. The right-handed Blackwood has so far faced 63 balls and struck three fours.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 25, 2016

PAGE 33

Sasha Cells National Junior Chess Championship 2016

Saeed Ali assumes lead in hotly contested duels Saeed Ali scored 2 ½ points, just ½ point difference from Roberto Neto (2), to assume a slim lead when the second and third rounds of the Sasha Cells National Junior Chess Championship 2016 concluded at the Ocean Spray Hotel, Stanley Place and Rupert Craig Highway on Sunday evening. One day earlier, Ali had engaged Neto in a thrilling encounter that eventually ended in a draw. This was a truly brain testing encounter and Ali played with the Black pieces. Neto once more turned to his queens’ gambit and Saeed defended with the semi Slav variation. Neto was first to blunder, pushing for space advantage with C5 only to lose a pawn at the end of the variation. His shrewdness came to the fore when he managed a hold on

Roberto Neto Saeed Ali to a draw. In round 3, Saeed showcased his experience and knowledge playing the queens gambit, this time with the white pieces, against Nellisha Johnson.

Johnson counteracted with the tactical chigorin defence but Ali resorted to shrewd tactics and eventually outplayed her. Wo m a n C a n d i d a t e Master (WCM), Sheriff’s

Ali has also demonstrated a competitive spirit when she finished Sunday’s session on 2 points. One day earlier she had played former QC student Aravinda Singh and the two

battled to a draw after a wonderful display of wits. Neto attempted to rebound from the drawn game against Ali but experienced a similar setback against Sherifa Ali.

The latter player also registered another draw this time against Aravinda Singh. Joshua Gopaul lost to Jaden Taylor after surrendering his queens to a simple knight fork before immediately resigning. Gopaul also conceded a draw to Aravinda Singh. Other games saw Nellisha Johnson winning a possible drawn game on time against Ghansham Allijohn in a game that lasted for 70 plus moves. Allijohn then made amends with a victory over his club mate, Jaden Taylor in round 3. The other point standings are Joshua Gopaul (1 ½), Aravinda Singh (1), Ghansham Alijohn (1), Jaden Taylor and Nellisha Johnson (1 each). The players convene for rounds four and five next Saturday at the same venue.

Stokes strikes to foil GDF puts ‘Ammo’ against Bangladesh fairytale Terrence Alli National Open

Republican `AK47’ The Guyana Defence Force has found an appropriate way of responding to arch rival the Republican Gym leading up to this weekend’s Terrence Alli National Open boxing tournament. Since the Republican will be led by a heavyweight Jason Barker who carriers the moniker of ‘AK 47’, the GDF response is to have light heavyweight Desmond Amsterdam AKA ‘Ammo’ take the reigning Champion Gym into battle. Amsterdam is a rugged and hard hitting Lance Corporal who in his last National Opening outing punished gym member Markember ‘Violence’ Pierre to win by TKO at two minutes and 29 seconds of the second round. The 24-year-old soldier and national champion has only been defeated once in 16 fights. His only blemish was at the hands of Colombian Juan Carlos Carrillo during the Olympic Qualifier staged in Argentina last March. ‘Ammo’ won a gold medal in the 2015 Caribbean Development Tournament after defeating St Lucian Marvin Anthony in the finals. His attempt at

Desmond ‘Ammo’ Amsterdam returning the champion gym trophy to Camp Ayangana would be supported by Clairmont ‘Kartel’ Gibson, the national bantamweight champion. Gibson took the title after defeating Delon Charles at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym last year.

More recently, the dapper boxer travelled to Barbados and won the Best Boxer award at a Tri Nation tournament. T h e Te r r e n c e A l l i National Open punches off on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium and concludes on Sunday.

(Reuters) Paceman Ben Stokes picked up the last two wickets in three balls to give England a thrilling 22-run victory over Bangladesh in the first test at Chittagong yesterday, as the tourists maintained their perfect record against the South Asian side. It was England’s ninth straight test win over Bangladesh but the hosts also had the chance to record a famous victory, requiring 33 runs when they resumed on 253 for eight on the final morning. “It was a really good test match, I didn’t think we will be here on day five looking at that wicket,” England captain Alastair Cook said. “Such a tight game and credit to both sides. “Actually batters played pretty well on that kind of wicket. I am really happy that we showed our character and held our nerve towards the end.” Bangladesh debutant Sabbir Rahman (64 not out) and Taijul Islam (16) negotiated the first three overs safely, taking 10 runs off their target. However, Stokes trapped Taijul in front and Cook successfully reviewed the umpire’s not out decision to end the dogged ninth-wicket stand of 25. Bangladesh wanted Sabbir back on strike but Stokes needed only two

Ben Stokes bellows an appeal, Bangladesh v England, 1st Test, Chittagong, 5th day, ©Associated Press more deliveries to dismiss number 11 Shafiul Islam leg before. The batsman’s attempt to review and overturn the decision proved futile and Bangladesh were all out for 263. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim was proud that his team had competed so well despite this being their first test in 15 months. “The boys really showed their character, they fought really hard over the last five days,” he. “I am really happy that after 15 months we played a test like this. “Hopefully we’ll carry a bit of momentum forward from this test.” Mushfiqur said the loss of their last six wickets for 27 runs in the first innings had proved crucial, and pointed to the 127-run sixth-wicket stand of Stokes and Jonny

Bairstow in England’s second innings as another key factor. Stokes (2-20) was man of the match for his 85 in the second innings and four wickets in the first. Off-spinner Gareth Batty picked up three wickets for the touring side in the second innings. “Not just with ball in hand but the way he batted, he balances the side,” Cook said of Stokes. “Those cricketers don’t come around very often and he’s got an enormous heart as well. He’s a seriously good cricketer.” The second and final test will be played in Dhaka from Friday. Scores: England 293 and 240 (Stokes 85, Bairstow 47, Shakib 5-85) beat Bangladesh 248 and 263 (Sabbir 64*) by 22 runs.

t r o Sp

Regal are Wolf’s Challenge Open and Masters’ champs Wellwoman take female title

Champs once again. Members of the victorious Regal Open and Masters teams with representatives of the sponsors.

Spit Fire burns them up again as Shariff stable continues supremacy

Spit Fire with Trinidadian Nicholas Patrick burns up the track to win the main event.

Tough final day beckons as defeat looms large for Windies Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210