Kaieteur News

Saturday Edition

Online readership yesterday 72,109

September 01, 2012 - Vol. 6 No. 33 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Con-man sells Int’l members of $80M in bogus Commission of Inquiry p.

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house lots

- jumps through window as cops close in

due next Wednesday

Inter-faith service ushers in Amerindian Heritage Month p.

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The Hallelujah Group of Tassarene, Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven chanting at the Inter-Faith Service (GINA photo)

Cane harvester Guyana explains fatally struck by motorcycle abstention

Vote on UN Resolution on Syria…

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p. 3

- Doesn’t agree with call for Al-Assad to step down

Dead: Seerdat Deepoo

Kaieteur News

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Moleson Creek Primary is permanently closed Moleson Creek Primary School, Region Six, is now permanently closed owing to the inadequate student population in the area it served for over a decade.

The two school-aged children residing in the community are registered to attend Crabwood Creek

Saturday September 01, 2012

Permanently closed: Moleson Creek Primary School

- Education official Primary School from this term. This is according to Regional Education Officer, Shafiran Bhajan, who is tasked with ensuring those two students attend their new school. This move may also impact the living arrangements of their family members.

It was duly noted that in addition to the distance, the dam leading from the Moleson Creek area to Crabwood Creek is impassable. Bhajan said that she may have to discuss the allocation of house lots for the two families with the regional authorities.

However, some residents within the Moleson Creek area are displeased with the closure of the school. They are adamant that there are other school-aged children living within the community and by next year the number will increase.

But, Bhajan assured that a survey was conducted recently to ascertain the number of school-aged children within the community, and only two

were discovered. She added that when the school was in existence the attendance level was poor.

Dismissing claims by residents that the school building was rehabilitated earlier this year, Bhajan said that the Region was forced to replace 47 zinc sheets which were stolen from the edifice and several from a washroom. She added that 'Tuff tanks' were also stolen and were subsequently replaced by the Region.

Commenting on the future of the structure, Bhajan said it may be used as a community centre.

Residents may have to pool their resources to fix the dam, which is the main access road.

Bhajan stated that on Thursday some employees of the Region went to rehabilitate the road but were forced to halt works because of the dam's poor condition. She lamented that any improvements to the stretch would have to be conducted during the dry season.

The deplorable dam residents are forced to traverse

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Vote on UN Resolution on Syria…

Guyana explains abstention - Doesn’t agree with call for Al-Assad to step down The Government of Guyana did not vote on the United Nations Resolution on Syria because it did not agree with the call for President Bashar Al-Assad to step down, and also it did not agree for there to be cohesion among the Syrian opposition, the Foreign Affairs Ministry revealed in a statement yesterday.

The United Nations estimates that nearly 20,000 people have been killed in Syria since the uprising against Assad began in March 2011, but Syrian opposition groups say the death figure is much higher.

The Foreign Ministry said that it found “unacceptable” the call for Al-Assad to step down, “since this was outside the accepted international norms of democratic governance processes.”

Further, the Ministry said that “the resolution also encourages cohesion among the opposition, many of whom are unknown to the international community, and some of whom are identified

by the UN Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry with the perpetration of human rights violations, and with contributing to the escalation of the conflict. Guyana could not blindly support opposition elements under such circumstances.”

Earlier this week, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, a leading Member of the Opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), said that the government seems fixated with the opposition, and assigning blame.

The government has been blistered for abstaining on the UN resolution.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Guyana has followed “with grave concern” the unfolding situation in Syria and “the increasingly heavy toll” it is taking on the people of that country.

The Ministry referred to United Nations reports as noting that there have been

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad “serious violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law” that have been perpetrated by all sides to the conflict.

The Government of Guyana had on two previous occasions supported resolutions of the General Assembly strongly condemning violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law

by the Syrian authorities, even though the said resolutions paid scant attention to the actions of other parties, the Ministry stated.

The most recent of these votes was for the appointment of the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League.

The Ministry said that Guyana’s abstention vote on August 3 has to be seen in the context of the evolving situation on the ground, the urgent need for a political settlement and for an efficacious response by the international community within the framework of the United Nations Charter and international law.

A number of changes have taken place on the ground, which have led to a reconsideration of Guyana’s position, the Ministry stated.

These are that the situation has become increasingly militarised and the presence of terrorist elements has been recognised as contributing to the intensification of the conflict,

Re-opening of several schools delayed Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, in a statement issued yesterday afternoon informed that due to various unforeseen circumstances, the re-opening of some schools will be delayed.

The statement also confirmed that the St Joseph High School will open on Monday September 10, pointing out that this is required to facilitate ongoing sanitisation of the building and compound as a result of completed rehabilitative works.

Like St Joseph High, Covent Garden Primary will reopen on September 10 to facilitate the completion of critical rehabilitative work.

It was also noted that due

to the contractors’ inability to transport the necessary material to Region 8, as a result of the closure of roads in Region 10, the scheduled rehabilitative works to the dormitories at Mahdia and Paramakatoi Secondary schools have been delayed.

As a result, the dorms will be opened on Sunday, September 16, 2012. However, both schools will reopen on Monday, the statement added.

Alternative arrangements for pupils of One Mile Primary School, which was recently gutted, were also outlined in the statement, which alluded to delays in the construction of furniture that was reportedly caused by the

period of protest in Linden.

Pupils of Grade Six, it was noted, will be required to report for classes at the Block 22 Multi-Purpose Hall on Monday at 07:50 hours.

Grade One pupils on the other hand are expected to head to the O n e M i l e Nursery School on September 17, 2012, while p u p i l s o f G r a d e s Tw o , Three, Four and Five will commence at Wismar Hill Primary on the same day.

Pupils of Grades One and Five will be required to work an extra half-hour everyday for the first two terms of the school year to make up for lost time, the statement outlined, adding that teachers of all the affected schools are required

to report to the Department of Education in their respective areas on Monday.

Meanwhile, pupils of East La Penitence Nursery will from Monday be required to attend the Liana Nursery School, while pupils of East Ruimveldt will have to head to the Roxanne Burnham Nursery.

This move, according to the CEO, comes as part of a decision to merge the schools to allow for more efficiency in the delivery of lessons.

and that the international community has grown more divided, resulting in the inability of the Security Council to agree on an appropriate response.

The government here noted that the outgoing Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League has observed that the challenges within Syria have been compounded by the lack of unity on the part of the international community.

“The Government of Guyana is of the view that the interests of the Syrian people will be served by an immediate end to the violence and bloodshed by all parties and the provision of the necessary humanitarian and other support as envisaged in the six-point plan endorsed by the Security Council,” the

Ministry stated.

It added that the focus of attention has to be on the search for a viable political solution, and for there to be success; the international community needs to be united and to adopt a comprehensive approach addressing all sides to the conflict.

“The mere singling out of one party will not suffice,” the statement indicated.

The government said the situation in Syria is a complex one, exacerbated by differing interests of the many actors on the ground that has seen the people of Syria being the greatest casualties.

“As a concerned member of the international community, Guyana continues to urge a peaceful resolution in accordance with the principles of international law.’

Doctor’s decomposed body found at home The decomposed body of Dr. Charles Clarence Validen was discovered early yesterday morning by police at his Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

The 76-year-old Specialist Obstetrician/Gynaecologist was positively identified by his maid.

According to information received, the doctor’s maid arrived at the property yesterday to do her usual work but to her surprise, everything was as she left it on Wednesday last. The doctor’s room was still locked.

She called for him several times and after receiving no response, she decided to call the police, who arrived swiftly at the scene, at around 09:30 hrs. They broke the door to gain access to the bedroom.

Upon entering the room, they found the doctor ’s decomposed body lying on the bed.

The maid revealed that she works at the doctor’s home every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. She claimed that he was okay on Monday last, but when she revisited the home on Wednesday, she found his bedroom door locked.

After calling a few times, she left, given that the doctor had requested that she not wake him whenever he worked late.

Kaieteur News understands that the doctor lived alone. His wife and two sons reside abroad. The body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour. A post mortem examination will be done some time next week.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday September 01, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

It takes longer in Guyana One of the things that never cease to amaze the professionals in the society is the length of time it takes to complete even the simplest task. To acquire a birth certificate is a gargantuan task. People travel miles to the office of the Registrar General and would have to leave without the document.

This is not to say that the clerks are sluggish. Rather, it is the fact that they need to check the records, given the extent of forgery in the society.

It is the same with the passport. Each day, despite the various measures that the authorities have put in place, the Passport Office is full of people. One is left to wonder why is it that a country with less than a million people appears to be incapable of producing enough of the travel document.

Again, forgery is one of the root causes. People would go to the United States Embassy in Georgetown seeking a visa and would be denied. They would leave the embassy with the denial stamped in the passport and proceed to destroy the document. Having destroyed the document they would then seek a new one under the pretext that the previous document was lost.

However, these are minor compared to the other things that take a long time to be fashioned or completed. More than a year ago, the Ministry of Works issued a tender for the rehabilitation of the ferry stellings at Parika and Supenaam. The project should have been completed within four weeks; it took more than a year.

The ferries that came as a gift from China and forced the modification of the stellings at Parika and Supenaam were rehabilitated, and it took longer than usual before they too could have become operational.

It is not that Guyana is without skills; rather it is a case of Guyanese having grown accustomed to working at a pedantic rate. Unless they are driven, the workers will do the barest minimum in a given day. But in this world today, people should produce to the optimum.

At present the nation is undertaking a host of major projects. There is the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, being done by some Chinese contractors. One clause in the contract is that the Chinese be provided with at least ten hours of working conditions per day. Guyanese have grown accustomed to working no more than eight hours. Any extra hour is deemed overtime.

Then there is the work on the Marriott Hotel. Again the Chinese are going to demand extended hours of work. They are accustomed to working round-the-clock, splitting the labour force into shifts. The Guyanese employed on these projects are going to find themselves exposed to a new work ethic. But there is often resistance to change, and one will certainly see multiple approaches to the trades unions and the possibility of strikes, over what the Guyanese would describe as harsh work conditions.

Then there are the works on the four-lane highways being constructed in Guyana. These have been ongoing for a very long time. Motorists would often find stalled works because the work day ends shortly after 16:00 hours.

Guyana therefore has the unique distinction of working on a major thoroughfare within the same schedule as the office worker. In any other country the work on the roads, given their importance, would have progressed round-theclock. This would have been necessary to ease the very congestion that sparked the road expansion programme.

Instead, for two or more years, Guyana has massive excavations alongside its main thoroughfares. These excavations are to accommodate road works, but these are going nowhere. True to tradition, everything in Guyana does take an inordinately long time to get done.

However, there are examples of real Guyanese determination and ingenuity. When the Demerara Harbour Bridge collapsed recently, workers worked night and day to effect the repairs. It would have been interesting if they had opted to work like those who insist on an eight-hour workday. Even those who insist on working eight hours per day would have vented their spleen.

Disclaimer by Major General (retd) Joseph Singh DEAR EDITOR, I shall be most grateful if the following Disclaimer can be published on the contents of a book written by John Gimlette and titled: The Wild Coast. The book contains what I consider to be the very unprincipled and subjective descriptions and embellishments, of Gimlette’s brief interview with me a few years ago.

Following is my Disclaimer: “In his book: The Wild Coast, the author, John Gimlette, refers to his brief interview with me (conducted in a public place at the Pegasus Pool-side) and then proceeds without my knowledge or sanction to embellish the scenarios, using his author’s licence. This has caused me much annoyance and distress as it could be misinterpreted by readers, especially my former colleagues from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), that Gimlette was my appointed interlocutor and was representing my points of view.

This is furthest from the

truth.

The Ministry of Tourism and John Gimlette contacted me sometime in 2009 and asked if I could grant him an interview as he was a travel writer and wished to be advised of some routes and places in the hinterland of Guyana which could help to promote Guyana as a destination for persons from overseas. He had obviously spoken with other Guyanese before seeing me because he seemed well briefed. He mentioned that he had heard of my military service and of my involvement in the Rupununi Uprising in 1969 (I had written on this subject as the Archives of Stabroek News would reveal, in refuting allegations of GDF troops being involved in the massacre of Amerindians and speculations that there were unmarked graves in the Rupununi) and in the aftermath of the Jonestown tragedy of 1978. He had also spoken with a former Commissioner of Police about the transition from the PNCled Government to the PPP-

led government in 1992 and of the role of the GPF and GDF in that transition.

Clearly, in his book, Gimlette used these bits of information to embellish my role, much to my embarrassment. What I find particularly offensive and distasteful is the subjective reference to me in my capacity as Chief of Staff, as an officer of Indian descent commanding a force comprising a high percentage of Afro-Guyanese.

Those of my colleagues who have served alongside me in the GDF would know that I am a very private person, unwilling to beat his drum in public or to score cheap points at the expense of others. In all of my writings, reports and public utterances, including at my farewell parade in 2000 as Chief of Staff, I have always emphasised the team approach, the importance of demonstrating unselfish leadership by the Officer Corps, the Officers’ professional and interpersonal relationships with the Warrant Officers,

NCOs and soldiers, and the debt we all owe to the rank and file whom we command.

I therefore wish to unequivocally and unreservedly dissociate myself from the references made by Gimlette to his perception of my role in operations and in command and especially so, where these diminish the significance of the contributions and involvement of my former comrades-in -arms. I cannot direct what someone writes but I can certainly seek to clarify and to dissociate myself, as I hereby do, from utterances or writings which border on racism or denigration of the quality of service and performances of co-workers and especially of my former colleagues and comrades-in -arms.

I extend my best wishes and high regards to all Officers and Ranks who served in the Guyana Defence force and in those particular operations referred to in Gimlette’s book”.

Joseph G Singh Major General (retd)

OAS has to do the decent thing and hear from the Linden leaders DEAR EDITOR, In the opinion of the International Committee in Continuing Defense of Linden, the statement of the Guyana Government through its Ambassador to the Organisation of American States (OAS) delivered on

August 22 2012, instead of reciting the sequence of events, went out of its way to accuse the government’s critics of incitement to racial disaffection.

In the face of this highly partisan and one-sided presentation, the OAS must

The late Edgar Mittelholzer deserves an award too DEAR EDITOR, Please permit some space in your daily newspaper to express my sentiments regarding Mr. Edward R. Braithwaite, author of “To Sir with Love”.

I first wish to commend the Government of Guyana for bestowing the nation’s third highest National Award, the Cacique Crown of Honour to Mr. Braithwaite. This caused me to reflect deeply on how much I have enjoyed watching the movie, To Sir with Love, which was an adaptation of the novel.

I must also say that I have read all of Mr. Braithwaite’s books and have enjoyed them thoroughly.

On this note, I would like the Ministry of Culture to propose to the relevant authority to issue a national award to the late Edgar

Mittelholzer, whose books many Guyanese would have read and enjoyed before his tragic and untimely death. His writings were not enjoyable, but they contributed significantly to the students of the English Literature programme. I do believe that we must not only pay attention to the living, but we must remember and honour those who would have passed on but made sterling contributions to the development of this beautiful country- in every respect.

At this point, I also wish to challenge the Minister of Culture to develop a center in New Amsterdam, the birth place of many great writers, where students can visit- a center similar to what the English did for the late Sir William Shakespeare.

D. Melville

now open itself to hearing the voice of those able to dispute the “single story” to which the meeting was exposed.

“The Chairman of the OAS Permanent Council, Ambassador Stephen Vasciannie, of Jamaica, assured Ambassador Karran that the Council has taken note of the information presented and urged him to keep the Council abreast of further developments,” reported one Guyanese newspaper.

This request, directed by the presiding official at the August 22 meeting to the

representative of the Government of Guyana when the very representative said that it was an adversarial situation in which important parties were involved, seems to signify that the OAS will rely on one side and one side only for its evaluation of the situation.

This official posture of the OAS is disappointing and prejudicial to the interests of citizens whose representatives hold office as a result of democratic elections.

It is this Committee’s view (Continued on page 5)

Of toilet tissues and govt facilities DEAR EDITOR, I pondered considerably on whether I should write this letter or not. But this problem (no toilet tissue in many government ministries and some hospitals) has become so naggingly inconvenient that I was forced to pen these lines.

It is no secret that when people are on business at these entities and would like to use the toilet, there is often no tissue.

That person would then have to exercise intestinal or bowel control until he/she goes to a convenient place, such as the public washrooms at Bourda Market or Stabroek Market.

And if one sipped or even guzzled a lofty glass of rich milk shake earlier?

In this situation “nature would have to obey necessity”, as Shakespeare said.

It was said that members of the public use to carry away the tissue after having used the washrooms. Therefore, tissues were no longer placed in lavatories.

I wish to conclude by calling for the authorities to rethink the return of tissues and also to appeal to users to desist from the inconsiderate practice of taking it away.

George Carrington

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

The income gap The Opposition is embarrassed by Ambassador Karran’s disclosures

DEAR EDITOR, According to a recent World Bank Report, deep structural reforms are needed to close the income gap between the rich and the poor in Latin America and the Caribbean which is regarded as one of the regions of the world with the greatest inequality.

This income inequality, according to the report, has worsened with the richest one-tenth of the population earning 48% of its total income while the poorest tenth earns a paltry 1.6%.

One consequence of this has been high levels of social and economic marginalization among an increasing number of the region’s population who are pushed further into the backwaters of human development.

This inequality slows the pace of poverty reduction in the region and undermines the process of development itself, according to the bank.

The income gap is much more pronounced in some countries in the region such as Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Venezuela. Race and ethnicity were identified as key factors in determining the opportunities and welfare available to people in the region. According to the report, indigenous and Afrodescended people are at considerable disadvantage with respect to whites, with the latter earning the highest wages in the region.

For example, the report found men and women of African-descent earn about 45% of their white counterparts even though there had been some improvements in Mexico and Brazil where the economy has become healthier.

One positive development has been the relative closing of the gender gap with girls and young women overtaking their male counterparts in the field of education.

To overcome the inequality that undermines their chances to get out of poverty, the Bank recommends that poor people must gain influence within political and social institutions, including educational, health and public service institutions.

In the United States of America, there has been rising concern over the skewed income distribution which has resulted in the marginalization of not only the poor but the middle income group as well. A recent poll found that most Americans believe that the rich is not paying their fair share of taxes and that the tax burden is falling disproportionately on the low and middle-income earners.

This is likely to be a major challenge for the Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney who is seeking to unseat incumbent President Barack Obama in the November Presidential elections. So far the polls are indicating a tight race with President Obama enjoying a slight lead in the polls. His major problem is high unemployment rates and sluggish economic growth which is not showing signs of any recovery.

The issue of better income distribution and greater social justice is one that has been at the centre of the current PPP/C administration programmatic and policy interventions. This is manifested in the increasing share of the national budget in the social sectors more particularly in education and health both of which are central to the physical and cultural advancement of the Guyanese people. This is particularly true for the hinterland and Amerindian communities which historically were marginalized by the colonial administration and subsequently by the PNC regime. The income gap between the coastland communities and hinterland communities has narrowed even though significant levels of income disparities still continue to persist.

Overall the rate of poverty in the country has been reduced significantly since the assumption to office of the PPP/C. This resulted largely from the several policy interventions by the PPP/C administration over the years.

It is no exaggeration to say that the quality of life of the Guyanese people has improved continuously over the past years as reflected in the expansion of the entertainment and services industry. The number of Guyanese who are today the proud owners of their own homes and vehicles have increased dramatically, not to mention the increase in consumer spending. Today, the range of consumer items on display at stores and supermarkets compares favourably to those of the developed world, an indication of a growing prosperity and more sophisticated consumer taste.

No objective and unbiased individual can deny the fact that the quality of life today has improved markedly over the past decade or so.

Of course, we all would like to see a bigger basket of goods and services from our income but this can only be realized as the economic pie gets larger. Paying wages and salaries beyond the capacity of the economy would only fuel inflation and a deterioration of the purchasing power of the Guyana currency.

Hydar Ally

DEAR EDITOR, The Opposition and some union members claim that Mr. Bayney Karran made statements to the OAS that were “one sided” and “abysmal” and the remarks should be withdrawn.

There is no way any of the statements made should be withdrawn. The Opposition and critics cannot say what statements they are objecting to. We find that certain sections of the press and TV

make statements daily without any basis but their comments are born out of speculation and conjecture.

There is a particular writer who continues to destroy people’s character and reputation by making statements without any proof.

He sometimes admit he cannot prove certain things but he believes what he is saying is true. The regret is that Guyanese love a gossip and they tend to accept as gospel what is

OAS has to do...

From page 4 that this issue is separate and apart from the proposed Commission of Inquiry. An example of the injustice of the OAS’ posture is the fact that the Ambassador ’s brief as recorded by the OAS did not reveal the attitude of the Government of Guyana to parliamentary democracy although it ventured into parliamentary affairs. It did not reveal that the National Assembly of Guyana carried a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Home Affairs, who has continued to hold office.

If the OAS had been alert about fairness and justice it would have invited the Regional representatives of Linden to be present in time for the Ambassador’s briefing. It now has no decent alternative but to invite them without delay.

The Chairman of Region 10 has already signaled in a letter to Ambassador Karran that his “presentation contained a number of inaccuracies and misrepresentations.”

Not to hear directly from regional representatives would amount to a refusal to correct its blunder.

Nigel Westmaas

(Coordinator) International Committee in Continuing Defence of Linden

written in the press.

Karran allegedly spoke about the “precarious situation” in Guyana. Is this situation not true? Look at what is happening in Parliament. Do you think the politicians care a pig’s foot for the concern and welfare of Guyanese? It is sickening to see Members of Parliament reading their speeches, which is against the rule of the House, but neither the Speaker nor anyone seems concerned. It is a pity that the TV stations give publicity to them when they read.

The Opposition goes on to speak of the violation of human rights in Linden. Is this not a laugh? Karran also spoke to the promotion of

“ethnic hatred”.

We cannot forget that David Granger had agreed with the government concerning the rates for electricity for Linden. Then Khemraj Ramjattan went up there and told the people that the Government was increasing their tariff. Was not that the start of the problems in Linden?

The Opposition is embarrassed by Karran’s disclosures and cannot find fault. They should indentify what are not factual in the statements made by Karran and then call on him to respond.

I hope this letter will see the light of day in our newspapers.

Altaf Husain

Mr. Archie Cordis is wrong DEAR EDITOR, I am compelled to respond to Mr. Archie Cordis constant griping on the contents of my television programme in Region 2, “Let’s Talk Essequibo”.

This individual who is an AFC Regional Councilor is seemingly desperate to be featured on the very television programme where in a previous letter to the press he was critical of the presence of no other than the Regional Chairman.

In fact, Cordis seeks to justify his desperation for attention by indicating that he knows the arithmetic of Region 2 better than myself.

Yet, in this latest letter attacking my programme he mentions everything else except the concerns highlighted by the people of Region 2. So much for his ‘genuine’ interest in addressing issues affecting the people in that region.

Even more surprising for a man who claims to have the

people of Region 2 at heart is the fact this AFC councilor publicly stated that he is against the Regional Chairman, Mr. Parmanand Persaud, interacting with certain residents in Essequibo because he is of the opinion that their problems are minor.

Well I have a message for this AFC Councillor. Let’s Talk Essequibo will continue to engage all the people of Region 2 irrespective of if their concerns are minor or major, with a view of highlighting their experiences to have them addressed.

The dishonesty of this AFC Councilor is even more revealing as despite all his griping he has not admitted that he is allowed to call in and air his views, however,

jaundiced as he has done in the past.

Let me now deal with the issue of Linden as he seeks to draw comparisons with the Linden protests and the Arab spring uprising which is totally flawed.

Mr. Cordis exposes himself once again by stating that he has followed the Arab Spring uprising and no journalist would think of asking the protestors if they were or will be better off. Well, the truth of the matter is that I am not sure what Mr. Cordis has been following but he is completely wrong once again.

This is one of the most common questions and in fact it was even a topic on the Doha Debates.

Romel Roopnarine

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Kaieteur News

NOC Board of Inquiry named Former Judge and Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, Prem Persaud, will head a fivemember Board of Inquiry that will investigate the circumstances that led to the recent breakout and arson at the New Opportunity Corps, Onderneeming.

The other members are Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King; Senior Superintendent and Divisional Commander of ‘D’ Division, Christopher Griffith; Senior Probation Officer of Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Trenetta Scott and Mr. Maydha Persaud, a retired headmaster and member of the Teaching Service Commission.

A release from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport stated that the Board will commence immediately to enquire into the events prior to and during the breakdown

- final report expected by month-end in order at the facility.

The Tribunal’s Terms of Reference will include all pertinent matters prior to, during, and after the escape on the 22nd August 2012; all pertinent matters prior to, during and after the fire on the 23rd August 2012; culpability of the person or persons involved in the escape; culpability of the person or persons involved in the fire and recommendations regarding appropriate disciplinary actions to be taken against those found culpable; the reviewing of existing arrangements at the facility and recommendations to prevent any such reoccurrences.

According to the release, also included in the terms of reference will be “such matter(s) as may in the opinion of the Board be

considered relevant for the purpose of the inquiry”. It said that the Board can, if necessary, co-opt other skills and expertise that in its view will aid in the inquiry.

The Board is expected to meet early next week to plan its work schedule.

“The Board will invite submissions from all relevant stakeholders who are interested in contributing to its work. All logistical and other relevant support will be provided by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, with the Board’s Final Report expected by 30th September 2012,” the release said.

Asked on Thursday about allegations of abuse of some juveniles, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony had indicated that disciplinary action would be taken if the reports are verified

by the Board of Inquiry.

Dr. Anthony said that even before the passing in 2010 of the Juvenile Offenders Amendment Act and the Training School Amendment Acts which prohibit corporal punishment, “there was a policy not to allow corporal punishment at the NOC.” Kaieteur News has been told that some of the escapees alleged that they were physically abused, though a senior Ministry of Culture official said that none of the juveniles made such allegations to the team that visited the detention centre.

During his recent visit to the facility, Dr. Anthony had told reporters that from initial statements of NOC staffers, it was suggested that inmates of the facility had become hard to control since the banning of corporal punishment.

DPP office for Berbice - Attorney General With the aim of further strengthening the judicial system, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has disclosed that a new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office will be opened in New Amsterdam, Berbice. The AG made this disclosure during a recent interview, in which he spoke about several aspects of the Justice Reform Project.

Nandlall told Kaieteur News that the project is currently in its final stages. He said that

government was given a brief extension by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the facilitation of several projects one of them being a DPP office in Berbice. He explained that a building has already been identified. Nandlall further explained that there has already been a budgetary allocation for the repairs and fixtures for the building.

“The building will be affixed with all the modern fixtures”, the

AG stated. He noted that the building in Georgetown is currently undergoing major repairs, which would be completed within a few weeks.

The DPP’s Chamber is currently located opposite the Bahai Center in Charlotte Street.

The Justice Sector Reform Strategy will pave the way for strengthened linkages between judicial institutions.

“In the civil justice system, for example, even if the courts are working well in delivering judgments in a timely and efficient manner, for the user, justice is only delivered once that judgment is enforced,” the document states.

The approach is to strengthen linkages between justice institutions from the “top, down” and from the “bottom, up”. Interventions will be concerned with sector-wide policy, planning and resource allocation. Additionally, there is scope for enhanced communication, coordination and cooperation between the institutions in the justice sector at the operational/local level.

This includes improving coordination between the Police,

Attorney General Anil Nandlall Magistrates and Prison Service, to ensure that cases are ready for trial before they are listed, and that all necessary parties are present.

Also, it would allow for better sharing of resources, such as Police boats, to assist magistrates in accessing remote courts; coordination between judicial officers, the Mediation Centre, attorneys and users to ensure understanding of mediation and full preparation for each case.

Saturday September 01, 2012

Euclid Da Silva released on $3M bail Embattled businessman Euclid Da Silva made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday to answer charges of illegal entry to Guyana, conspiracy to commit a felony and uttering a forged document.

Da Silva appeared before Magistrate Hazel OctiveHamilton and was granted bail totaling $3,085,000.

The first charge stated that Da Silva entered Guyana illegally on August 10, last, and failed to present himself to an immigration officer. To that charge, the accused pleaded not guilty. He was granted $85,000 bail.

Another charge read that in 2007 he conspired with other(s) to commit a felony, by obtaining a forged Guyana birth certificate. It is also alleged that during the same year he uttered a forged birth certificate to obtain a Guyana passport.

Those charges were indictable, hence, Da Silva was not required to plea. A fourth charge read that he obtained a Guyana passport using a forged document. For the last three charges, Da Silva was granted bail to the tune of $1M each.

Da Silva was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Peter Hugh who told the court that his client’s family is fearful as their home was ransacked by heavily-armed police ranks.

The court was told that Da Silva was held at a house in La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara, on an allegation that he had threatened a patron at a city night club.

Meanwhile the Magistrate enquired from the police prosecutor if any advice was sought on the matter. In response, the court was told that oral advice was given from the office of the Director

Euclid Da Silva of Public Prosecutions. Da Silva is to make his next court appearance on October 5.

Also, the Attorney General has asked for 10 days to enter an answer to an application for an order of prohibition which was filed in the High Court on Da Silva’s behalf.

The application was filed last week, and is seeking to prevent local law enforcement official from handing Da Silva over to Brazilian officials.

Back in August 2010 Da Silva was arrested and subsequently released on $100,000 station bail. Having learnt of the police’s intention to extradite him to Brazil, Da Silva’s lawyer had moved to the High Court to block the expulsion.

However despite a ruling

by Chief Justice Ian Chang to block his expulsion, the local law enforcement authorities released h i m i n t o t h e custody of the Brazilian Federal Police.

Further while all this was being done, relatives had produced documentation which supported that Da Silva is a citizen of Guyana, by birth.

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Caribbean countries could lose out on EU bilateral aid RAROTONGA, Cook Islands - The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States has voiced concerns over the inclusion of a differentiated approach towards aid in the European Commission’s Agenda for Change.

The proposed policy seeks to deliver EU development assistance more efficiently by focusing on key priority areas and targeting resources towards Least Developed Countries, while cutting national allocations to High Income and Upper Middle Income Countries.

“The inclusion of the element of graduation, linked to a differentiated approach with respect to access to resources, in our view is not within the spirit of the Second Revision of Cotonou [ACPEU Partnership Agreement],” stated ACP secretary general Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, while addressing the Pacific ACP leaders in Rarotonga, Cook Islands this week.

“We believe that ACP countries that have achieved favourable economic performance should be supported to transition into a more stable and sustainable growth path. Countries

should not be unduly punished because they have been able to ensure growth and prosperity through discipline, sound governance and prudent economic policies.”

Countries have argued that specific vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States are not reflected in the economic classification of countries. Caribbean countries are most likely to face exclusion from EU bilateral aid under the new policy, as well as several countries from Africa and the Pacific. The ACP Group called on the European Union to refrain from taking any unilateral measures that would modify the legal framework of the 2010 revised Cotonou Agreement. “The dialogue on this issue is continuing in Brussels and we hope that a mutually acceptable solution can be found soon,” concluded the secretary general.

The European Union remains the largest donor of development aid worldwide, allocating more than •22 billion to African, Caribbean and Pacific nations within the 10th European Development Fund framework covering 2008 to 2013.

Russia “optimistic” on U.S. trade vote, officials say WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - The Russian government remains hopeful the U.S. Congress will approve a bill to upgrade bilateral trade relations, despite a potentially tough political climate heading into U.S. elections in November, Russian officials said yesterday.

“We are optimistic. We need to be optimistic,” Alexey Drobinin, senior counselor at the Russian Embassy in Washington, told reporters.

“We think that expanding trade relations is a good way to broaden our overall

relationship.”

Congress is under pressure to lift a Cold War provision known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment and approve “permanent normal trade relations,” or PNTR, with Russia to ensure U.S. companies share in the full marketopening benefit of Moscow’s entry into the World Trade Organisation last week.

Drobinin discussed the issue during a briefing on Russia’s hopes for next week’s meeting of the 21member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum,

which it is hosting this year in Vladivostok.

U.S. business groups hope the House of Representatives and Senate will pass the PNTR legislation in September, before lawmakers return home to campaign. But with concerns in Congress about Moscow’s support for Iran and Syria, the timing of a vote remains unclear.

Page 7

U.N. chief defends Iran visit, says pushed for change DUBAI (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has defended his controversial visit to Iran, saying yesterday that he had used this week’s trip to push hard for human rights and transparency from Tehran over its nuclear programme.

“I believe in the power of diplomacy and I believe in dialogues and I believe in engagement. This is exactly what I did during my visit to Tehran,” Ban told Reuters on a stopover in Dubai before flying back to U.N. headquarters in New York.

While conceding he had not always been satisfied with the responses of Iranian leaders he spoke to this week, he rejected accusations by the United States and Israel that he had been playing into Tehran’s hands by attending an international summit which Iran used to raise its

diplomatic profile.

“I think that it should not have been controversial,” he said. “As a secretary-general of the United Nations, I have a mandate to engage with all the member states of the United Nations.” Making the first visit by a U.N. chief to Iran since his predecessor traveled there six years ago, Ban attended the summit of the NonAligned Movement, a group of 120 mostly developing nations. Among these were senior ministers from Syria’s embattled government who, he said, agreed to consider his request for greater access for international aid workers.

Isolated by international economic sanctions imposed over its nuclear programme, and unpopular among many states for its support of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s civil war, Iran used the NAM summit to present an image of diplomatic power to its own people, as well as the rest of the world.

Before the summit, Washington made clear that it wanted Ban to boycott the event. “Iran is going to manipulate this opportunity and the attendees to try to deflect attention from its own failings,” a State Department spokeswoman said.

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Saturday September 01, 2012

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

NO NEED FOR EXCUSES OVER SYRIA The government of Guyana should not be making excuses about its abstention on a UN General Assembly Resolution concerning the situation in Syria.

Guyana did the right thing by abstaining from that onesided, pro-Western resolution which forms part of the game plan of the European and North American powers to shift China and Russia’s opposition to the use of international force to bring about a solution to the crisis in Syria.

The Russians are not going to allow a repeat of what took place in Libya, when the West aided and abetted rebels to topple the Gaddafi regime.

The war in Libya was presented in the same light as is today being portrayed about Syria: innocent civilians being bombed by the heartless and ruthless government.

The truth is different.

What occurred in Libya was not innocent protesters being subject to aircraft and tank fire from the Gaddafi regime.

What took place in Libya was quite unlike what took place in Tunisia and Egypt, where people took to the streets in masses in order to topple a regime. The uprising in Libya was not an Arab Spring. It was an insurrection encouraged and later aided and abetted by the West through the supply of weapons, training, and later recognition by western countries and their proxies of the rebel army, and the

territory they held before the fall of Tripoli.

The West wanted Gaddafi out because they were after his oil. As such they supported the insurrectionists.

These insurrectionists were not peaceful protesters. They began their protests by storming a police station, obtaining weapons and the using these weapons to launch a mutiny against the State.

The Libyan government, faced with an insurrection, was obligated to take action to put down the mutiny. The Libyan government may have used disproportionate force against the insurrectionists, and this was clearly wrong, but these rebels were eventually openly supported by the West, to the extent that NATO effectively crippled the ability of Gaddafi to defend his people against the rebels, by creating a no-fly zone over Libya and by bombing Gaddafi’s military.

Unfortunately, China and Russia fell victim to the western propaganda and opted to not veto the UN Security Resolution which called for a no-fly zone and which allowed NATO planes to bomb government targets, including the compound of Gaddafi in Libya.

The same plot is being attempted in Syria. The West is trying to do the same thing against the Assad regime in Syria. They are projecting him as a dictator that has declared war against his own people, a tyrant that murders innocent

Int’l members of Commission of Inquiry due next Wednesday The International members of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry will be arriving in Guyana next Wednesday, September 5, 2012, to take the Oath of Office before President Donald Ramotar, after which they would meet to establish the rules of procedures for hearings by the Commission.

They will subsequently meet and inform the Guyanese public on Thursday, September 6, 2012, before leaving on Friday, September 7, 2012.

The government and the opposition reached agreement less than two weeks ago on the commissioners for the inquiry into the deaths of three Linden protestors on July 18.

The International members are two distinguished Jamaican judges and a law professor of Trinidad, all of whom were nominated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

They are Justice Lensley Wolfe O.J., Mr. K.D. Knight

S.C and Ms. Dana Seetahal S.C. Former Court of Appeal Judge Claudette Singh and former Chancellor and current chairman of the Police Complaints Authority Cecil Kennard, are the local members of the Commission.

The Government of Guyana had invited CARICOM to recommend persons who could sit on the Commission of Inquiry. As a result, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque after consultations, recommended the three CARICOM nationals.

Justice Wolfe is a distinguished jurist and former Chief Justice of Jamaica. He is currently Chairman of the Public Service Commission of Jamaica and also served as chairman of the Police Public Complaints Authority of Jamaica.

Mr. Knight, a practicing attorney, has been a Senior (continued on page 16)

civilians, including children.

Each day the western media projects images of the bombing and shelling of civilian areas by Syrian government forces, but they carry very little of the destruction and death that is being caused by the actions of the rebels themselves. This is a rehash of Libya.

Syria is strategic to the Americans. Once Syria falls, Israel is the winner. Israel’s enemies will disappear once Syria falls. Iran will be next.

The Palestinian cause will be undermined, because they will lack a formidable ally which has always resisted Israel. The Arab Spring is being used as a springboard to further Israel’s interest in the Middle East. This is what the war in Syria is about.

This is a trophy that the Americans are playing for.

Syria is the trophy which is being sought for Israel. And the two nations that are resisting this imperial project are Russia and China. These nations made a huge mistake with Libya, but they have learnt from that mistake and they are not going to easily repeat that error by giving the West a licence to intervene militarily in Syria, as was done through NATO in Libya.

Having failed to get their own way in the Security Council, the West’s strategy was to force pressure on the Chinese and Russians by railroading the passage of yet another resolution - this one more one-sided than ever - through the General Assembly.

This resolution does not enhance the prospects of peace. It is a condemnation of all violence and the agents of such violence, but it is heavily

slanted in favour of the rebels operating in Syria. How does such a resolution help the situation in Syria? How will it promote a resolution of the conflict when it is so one-sided?

On these grounds alone, Guyana was in order when it abstained on the resolution in the General Assembly.

Guyana abstained; it did not vote against the resolution. In this way, Guyana was signaling that while it may not be opposed to the condemnation of the violence in Syria, the resolution did not go far enough in seeking a ceasefire or in furthering a negotiated end to the conflict.

Guyana therefore does not need to be disingenuous by claiming that its vote was based on changing situations on the ground. How more ridiculous can one get than to claim that the situation on the

ground is changing? If it is, it is not c h a n g i n g f o r t h e better but for the worse.

Guyana should have simply said that they abstained because the resolution needed to be amended to be more balanced and to advance the prospects of peace.

Guyana could not have been expected to vote in favour of such a one-sided resolution.

Neither could it have been insensitive to vote against the resolution which called attention to the terrible atrocities being committed in Syria. It had no choice but to abstain in the circumstances.

Guyana working towards improving nurse to patient ratio Premised on a need to address the nurse to patient ratio, the local Ministry of Health has for the past few years been seeking to increase its intake of students at the country’s nursing schools.

Currently Guyana’s nurse to patient ratio stands at about 11 to 10,000, according to Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud.

“Nurses are quite a critical part of any health system, and the ratio that we have right now is really not very good.

In most other countries the ratio is beyond what we have...they certainly have beyond 200, and in some cases even up to 500 nurses per 10,000 population.”

Dr. Persaud explained that the Ministry has recognised the need to “strike a balance” when it comes to training health professionals, even as he pointed out that adequate

health services are dependent on trained health professionals being in place.

“Unless you have the trained health professionals, it is sometimes very difficult to really ensure that you are getting the kind of messages and services out there,” he asserted.

Against this background, the CMO revealed that the Ministry had for some years been working tirelessly to increase its quota of health professionals, particularly nurses.

This move, he said, was evident by Government’s investment in the expansion and addition of a number of health facilities and services across the country, which was designed to ensure equity in health care delivery.

As such the need for more health professionals had become a glaring requirement.

“We found that we really didn’t have the manpower to run our facilities with the rate of nurses that were being produced by our country’s nursing schools. In the past we were hovering over about 40 to 50 nurses per year.”

Over the past few years there has been a marked increase in the numbers produced by the country’s nursing schools – the Georgetown School of Nursing, the New Amsterdam School of Nursing and the Charles Roza School of Nursing. The privately-operated St Joseph Mercy Hospital also facilitates a nursing programme of its own.

According to Dr. Persaud, “the efforts toward developing the training capacity has been one that is really noble in the sense that we really want to bring it to a stage where we can provide all the services.”

He did however acknowledge that there are limits to capacities, which by extension could have curtailed the number of applicants accepted for training. In light of this, he said additional classroom spaces have been acquired, among them the former Guyana Water Incorporated head office at Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

This location now complements that of the Georgetown School of Nursing situated at East Street. Further, Dr. Persaud disclosed that nursing schools at New Amsterdam and Linden have additional resources in place, thus they now have a greater capacity to train more nurses.

MORE TUTORS An increase in nursing students has expectedly (continued on page 17)

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Saturday September 01, 2012

West Dem. Hospital ‘wastage’…

Health officials are claiming that more than 150 boxes of expired hand sanitisers that were to be dumped by the West Demerara Regional Hospital were donated by Food For The Poor Incorporated, earlier this year.

A photo of the stacked boxes was printed in the front page of Kaieteur News on Wednesday, last (August 29) raising the question whether taxpayers’ money had been well spent.

The photograph was part of an article on the deplorable conditions of the hospital which has been the subject of much criticism in recent times.

Yesterday, apparently the Regional Health S e r vices held a press conference to clear the air but Kaieteur News, in what seems to be an increasing trend by a number of government agencies, was not invited, and as such questions could not be asked. Rather, a government release was

- officials issued of the press conference.

The health officials, including Director, Regional Health Services (Ag.), Dr. Irv Chand, claimed in the release that the items were donated

by Food for The Poor Inc., and were not received and stored by the institution prior to meeting expiration date, “hence taxpayers’ money was not involved”.

According to the officials, the Purell Hand Sanitisers were donated in March 2012 along with a stock of Nyquil which has not yet expired.

There are currently 30 remaining boxes of hand sanitisers and 124 cases of Nyquil suspension, the release said.

In the front page photo printed by Kaieteur News, there were more than 100 boxes.

Chand noted that the hand sanitisers were donated

for the purpose of aiding the promotion of proper handwashing practices by staff and the extended community. He explained that the hand sanitisers are not a threat to the staff and patients of the institution since they are for external use.

He insisted that the purpose of an expiratory date is to restrict the use of an item.

Chand explained that while the hand sanitisers were not a hazard, other consumable items can be harmful, and as such, the Health Ministry is not advocating that the hospital’s administration or health centres use items that are expired.

According to the statement, the Health Ministry has already established, for donated items, a period that it should be in the country before it can be used, and that is a six-month shelf life, as this

File photo: The boxes of expired hand sanitisers at the West Demerara Regional Hospital which health officials claimed were donated by Food For The Poor Inc.

allows adequate time for the items to be distributed and utilised.

Chand stated that the Ministry has a policy that should be enforced more strictly, whereby due process must be applied with respect

to donations coming from external organisations.

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Ravi Persaud, indicated that the hand sanitisers were stored originally in the drug bond, but were removed to the shedded

corridor to facilitate storage of other drugs.

He argued that there has been an upward trend in hand sanitising which has resulted in the reduction of infections throughout health facilities in Region Three.

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Hinterland communities receive three more fire tenders

I

n response to the demand made by residents of hinterland communities, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, yesterday commissioned three firefighting vehicles and a quantity of related equipment.

The ceremonial handing over took place at the National Park tarmac, with Fire Chief Marlon Gentle receiving the keys.

The Minister cited last year's fire at Mahdia that resulted in the total destruction of 23 buildings and damaged seven others, leaving 74 persons homeless, and said that his Ministry found it urgent to put measures in place so as to not leave that and other communities vulnerable.

This newspaper understands that the fleet and related equipment cost the government some $47M. Rohee said that with the rapid expansion of Lethem and other hinterland communities, his ministry recognized the need to make necessary interventions with regards to the budget allocation to ensure that the Guyana Fire Service is “properly equipped.”

Acknowledging customary accusations made against the Fire Service, Rohee said that though he finds it “very unlikely that a fire service acting in a professional manner would allow a truck to proceed to a scene without water”, his ministry is working on ensuring that such accusations can no longer be made. He said that in the near future, each truck, when going on a scene, will be followed by a Bowser “those big tanks that are seen racing behind a fire truck.”

Noting the mission statement, that reads; “the Guyana Fire Service is committed to the protection of life and property from destruction by fire, attending to other disaster-related emergencies and the

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle receiving the keys to the tenders from Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee at the National Park tarmac yesterday rendering of humanitarian services in collaboration with other relevant agencies”, Rohee said that the fire service not only has a duty to extinguish a fire, but has been mandated a humanitarian duty.

In that regard, the Minister said that he plans to reintroduce an ambulance service within the Guyana Fire Service, so that it will have appropriate means to transport an injured person.

Also, his ministry is moving in the direction of having a Marine firefighting division.

Rohee disclosed that the fire service has 507 members, while Cabinet has approved the recruitment of 84 ranks The Minister disclosed that in 1992, the Fire Service was equipped with two tenders and one pick-up as opposed to now, with 37 fire tenders, five pick-ups, three minibuses and one canter truck.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Saturday September 01, 2012

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Page 15

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TEL: 683-3161 (Continued on page 20)

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Visual arts community gearing for competition and exhibition Geared to stimulate the highest standard of artwork

by Guyanese visual artists, Government yesterday launched the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition.

This competition comes 18 years after the last National Exhibition of Visual Arts was held.

The first competition will be judged during the week of December 8-15, and will be immediately followed by the exhibition of the entries and winners. The judging panel is not yet finalised but the judges will be persons highly qualified and experienced in this area.

The competition will be held biennially (every two years), with artwork produced within the two-year span being eligible for each competition.

However, for this year’s competition, works produced over the last five years will be eligible for entry.

The Government agency responsible for the competition is the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. At the launching ceremony held at the Office of the President, yesterday, Minister Frank Anthony said he believes that Guyana is one of the leading countries in the area of arts.

He based his assertion on art pieces local artists showcased at Carifesta in 2008 and the recently held Inter-Guianas Cultural Festival.

The competition seeks to recognise creative minds and discover new artists.

Anthony related that during the week of the competition several lectures and workshops will be held to the benefit of artists.

Emphasising President Donald Ramotar’s part in making this competition a reality, he said that previous presidents also made significant contributions in

the area of arts, particularly in literature.

Anthony related that the late President Desmond Hoyte established the Guyana Prize for Literature and former President Bharrat Jagdeo invested time and energy in the Guyana Classics and created a Presidential Grant to develop the area of film.

President Ramotar, who officially launched the competition, said that while artists earn a living from art, it provides great satisfaction to admire such beauty for the consuming public. He expressed hope that the competition will help improve the quality of work produced by artists and attract those who have not yet made their talents known.

Ramotar, who oftentimes expresses his love for Guyana’s hinterland, asserted that raw materials are available locally for artists to produce high quality work.

He stressed that in addition to Guyana’s multicultural background, the interior has many beautiful landscapes that could be captured in artwork.

The competition will be judged in six categories including painting, drawing, sculpture and ceramics.

Works submitted will be based on any theme of the artists’ choice and executed in any style they choose.

Cash prizes of $500,000; $300,000; and $200,000 will be awarded for the first, second and third places in each category respectively. There is also a prize of $200,000 for the winner of the Promise Award.

Persons could obtain copies of the registration forms and the rules and regulations of the competition from the E. R. Burrowes School of Art, Carifesta Avenue, from Monday, September 3 or online at www.mcys.gov.gy.

Armed robber sentenced to 56 months A man who is no stranger to the court for robbery under arms matters will spend the next 56 months in prison after being found guilty of such an offence.

Marlon Persaud, 25, of West Ruimveldt Front Road was sentenced yesterday when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that on Saturday, May 5, at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Melissa Samuels and Rovin Harry were walking when Persaud held them up with an ice pick. Harry was relieved of

her BlackBerry cell phone valued at $100,000, a gold chain worth $16,000 and a $3,000 hand bag. Samuels was also relieved of a $100,000 BlackBerry.

Persaud made his first appearance on May 11 before the Chief Magistrate and the matter was transferred to Court 3 where the trial commenced.

The court was told that immediately after the incident the victims reported the matter to the police, who visited Persaud’s home.

The suspect was arrested after admitting to the allegations put to him.

Saturday September 01, 2012

City workers down tools over delayed payments

Some of the striking workers as they awaited word on their payment While the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) remains under police investigation, some of its workers yesterday downed tools and gathered at City Hall as they voiced concerns of yet another month of delayed payments.

As acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba was making her way to office yesterday morning, she was confronted by several of the disgruntled workers, and she informed them that cheques were being prepared so that they could be paid by the end of the day.

However, the demonstrators remained unmoved.

This newspaper understands that workers from the health clinics, day care centres, mechanical workshop and cleansing department were all on strike yesterday.Sooba, whose appointment as acting Town Clerk was met by much

controversy, advised the employees to return to their work stations.

“We will not move until we receive we cheques,” the workers shouted in unison.

Sooba’s reaction at this point was “don’t get me mad, y’all know I trying. I sent messages that y’all will get pay today, so wait!”Making her way up the staircase, she turned back to respond to one employee who asserted that “the council over doing de do”. “Y’all know I am not a stuck-up Town Clerk.

Don’t push it. We signing cheques today.”

This is the second consecutive month that workers have downed tools in protest of late payments.Last month, Sooba explained that payments were delayed as no “proper” handing over was done by the officials sent on leave.

However, this month, this

Mason on three charges granted pre-trial liberty A mason from North Ruimveldt was placed on $35,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to three different charges yesterday.

Jeremy Stuffle is accused of assaulting the mother of his child Michelle Bollers with the intention of causing her actual bodily harm on Wednesday August 29 and on the same day he allegedly used indecent language and behaved disorderly while he was in vicinity of the North Ruimveldt police outpost.

Stuffle pleaded not guilty to all the charges after which his lawyer, Paul Fung A Fat requested bail.

The virtual complainant, who was eager to tell her side

of the story, claimed that the defendant is a presumptuous person while adding that several reports were made to the police about the abuse she was facing at the hands of the defendant but got no results.

The woman said that during the last incident the defendant shaved her head.

The prosecution did not object to Stuffle being granted bail but asked that the accused and the virtual complainant stay away from each other for the remainder of the trial.

Both parties agreed and Magistrate Hazel OctiveHamilton ordered them to return to court on October 3 for the next hearing.

newspaper understands, her claims are that the process has been delayed due to an exercise to eliminate dummy employees from the payroll.

Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Keith Burrowes, had disclosed that the system is to issue identification cards to each employee for it to be presented upon receipt of pay

cheques.Reports are that the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) and the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) decided to call out workers.

The unions say that the situation was over bearing and could not be tolerated especially at a time when school is about to reopen.

(Abena Rockcliffe) .

No bail for robbery under arms A 28-year-old unemployed man from West Ruimveldt who was arraigned for robbery under arms was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Orin Accra is accused of robbing a woman of a quantity of items.

He was not required to plead to the charge which was read to him by Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton.

The charge read that on Thursday August 30, 2012 at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Accra, armed with a knife,

robbed Wilma Sukdeo of a lipstick, a lady’s handbag and umbrella among items worth $17,000.

Subsequently, after the allegation was presented to the accused, he asked for bail.

However the prosecutor Shivonne Jupiter asked that Accra remain in custody given that he admitted to the offence in the caution statement he gave to the investigating rank.

The magistrate ruled that Accra be remanded to prison until October 5 after the prosecution gave a suitable reason for bail denial.

Int’l members of ...

From page 9 Counsel since 1995 and has had a distinguished career in politics and law in Jamaica. He held positions in the cabinet of Jamaica including the portfolios of National Security and Foreign Affairs.

Ms. Seetahal, also a practicing attorney, has been a Senior Counsel since 2006 and is a former Independent Senator in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament and a former lecturer at the Hugh

Wooding Law School in that country.

A little over six weeks ago, 24-year-old Shemroy Bouyea, 46-year-old Allan Lewis, and 17-year-old Ron Somerset were killed on the first day of a planned-five day protest by Lindeners.

The deaths stretched the protest for a month, as Lindeners pressed for a full investigation and opposition parties called for an international inquiry.

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Executed taxi driver owed money for ‘backtrack,’ other deals - police Detectives checking into the background of executed taxi driver Sean De Freitas Sookdeo are unearthing details pointing to a shady lifestyle that included a number of fraudulent deals that may have caused his brutal end.

Kaieteur News understands that investigations have revealed that Sookdeo had recently taken $500,000 from at least one individual whom he promised to assist in leaving Guyana illegally. That deal never came through.

There is also a fraudulent transaction involving a car that Sookdeo drove. The vehicle was reportedly brought from Suriname and Sookdeo allegedly sold the vehicle twice. One man allegedly made a $200,000 down-payment for the vehicle but never got it.

“He apparently robbed a whole lot of people. He apparently did everything that was bad,” a police source said.

Kaieteur News understands that a post mortem examination performed yesterday by Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh revealed that the 25-year-old was shot six times. At least two of the bullets were at close range to the head.

Sources believed that the killer used a .38 revolver.

But police officials

Sean De Freitas Sookdeo admitted yesterday that they are still to identify a suspect in his murder, despite having a number of motives as to why he was killed.

Kaieteur News was told that detectives have begun checking the numbers in the mobile phone of the slain taxi driver in the hope that those last calls he made or received may help identify the persons who dumped his bulletriddled body at Thomas Lands.

His wife, Alicia Sookdeo, has refuted reports about his alleged debts for cars. She told Kaieteur News that while her husband did have debts for clothing he took while running a boutique, but she

did not believe that that was the reason for his execution.

There are reports that about a month ago, a man had called Sookdeo’s wife, demanding a vehicle or money, and had made threatening remarks.

However, Alicia Sookdeo was adamant that her husband did not owe anyone but the bank for his vehicle.

The report also stated that investigators had learnt that the now dead man had owed amounts of G$500,000 and G$300,000.

While the dead man’s wife acknowledged the sums owed, she explained that they were as a result of their boutique business running bankrupt in May this year.

Sean Sookdeo’s bulletriddled body was discovered at Thomas Lands early Tuesday morning.

According to sources close to the investigation, the victim, who hailed from Block CC Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara, appeared to have been tortured also.

The source said that there were what appeared to be burns to his neck and abdomen.

A police source on the East Coast of Demerara had told Kaieteur News that although Sookdeo is known to them, he was never charged with any criminal offence.

Robbers invade home of elderly US-based Guyanese Two robbers fled virtually empty-handed but left an elderly US-based Guyanese traumatized after invading a Fourth Street, La Penitence residence last evening.

Seventy-one-year-old Frederick Danney told Kaieteur News that he was preparing to brew some tea at around 20:45 hrs when he heard a rapping at his door.

“I answered and said ‘who is it’ and the persons said something inaudible and the third time the person said ‘is the person who look after the

steps today.’”

And indeed, someone had been repairing Mr. Danney’s steps earlier in the day.

Although the elderly man felt that it was unusual for the carpenter to visit at that late hour he decided to check on his visitor.

“With some reluctance, I opened the door, and a gun was (pointed) in my face,” he said. The gunman and an accomplice then entered the house. While the accomplice, who was unarmed, held Mr. Danney down in a chair, the

one with the firearm began to search his rooms. Mr. Danney recalled shouting to attract his neighbours, but no one came.

Eventually, the robbers fled with a bag and other items, which Mr. Danney said had very little value.

“They left with almost nothing, except that they left me traumatized.”

The man said that he arrived in Guyana last May. He was scheduled to return in July, but was forced to stay longer after his sister passed away unexpectedly.

Page 17

Cane harvester fatally struck by motorcycle

The motorcycle next to the bloody area where Seerdat Deepoo (inset) was picked up.

A speeding motorcyclist last evening claimed the life of 36-year-old Seerdat Deepoo, a resident of Adelphi Village, East Canje Berbice. The accident occurred on the Adelphi Public Road around 18:15hrs.

Eyewitnesses reported that the motorcycle, bearing number plates CG 3359, struck Deepoo from behind as they both headed in a northern direction.

The deceased, also known

as “Krishna” or “Cook”, bled profusely. The victim was said to have just left his house and turned out of his street with a birdcage in his hand.

This newspaper understands that both the unidentified motorcyclist and Deepoo were subsequently taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where the latter was pronounced dead on arrival.

Kaieteur News has learnt that the man was employed at

GuySuCo’s Rosehall Estate as a cane harvester. He was said to be a popular cricketer in the village. He was the eldest of six children – four boys and two girls. Apart from his five siblings, he leaves to mourn his mother, as well as his wife, Asha.

Reports are that the motorcyclist, after being examined by a doctor, was taken into custody at the Central Police Station.

Victims in ‘after concert’ Mahaica accident discharged Jamal Rahaman, the front seat passenger of the pick-up truck which toppled on the Mahaica public road injuring nine persons in the wee hours of last Monday, is the last of nine persons to be discharged from the hospital.

The nine young men were all believed to be under the influence of alcohol during the time of the accident which occurred at around 03:00hrs.

The men were returning from a chutney show which had just ended.

According to initial reports, Julian Jones, the driver of the pick-up truck bearing licence plate number GHH 3697 was attempting to overtake a minibus when the same minibus swerved outward, coming into his path.

Jones reportedly made an instinctive swerve, resulting

in the vehicle toppling several times before slamming into a mesh fence.

The men, most in their teens, suffered varying lacerations, but it was only the driver, Jones, and the front seat passenger, Rahaman, who were immediately rushed via an ambulance, to the Georgetown Hospital.

Rahaman reportedly lost a finger.

From page 9 raised the question of the need for more tutors, Dr. Persaud noted, even as he insisted that “unless you are placed in an environment where you can actually teach, you really wouldn’t be able to develop your skills. So what comes first? Do we stop everything and train tutors slowly?”

According to the CMO, over the past few years the Ministry has trained several tutors, but the number of students at that time did not require the service of

an increased number of tutors.

In essence, he said that the Ministry at the time was promoting out-migration, which has also been affecting the nursing population.

However, with the increased intake of students, he revealed that there is currently a demand for tutors, adding that suitably qualified persons have been coming forward.

“It is now a demanddriven service...Some (tutors) start by simply teaching a few

special courses and then they become stimulated to move on and expand their range...so what we had with this tutor/ students situation has really been a bit of a chicken and egg situation.”

Among those providing the tutoring service are doctors who, according to Dr. Persaud, have special modules within the nursing school curricula.

He emphasised that the increased quota of students in no way affects the existing tutoring capability.

Narcotics accused remanded Guyana working towards ...

Brian Nicholas who is accused of being in possession of 5.9 grams of cocaine and 2.5 grams cannabis intended for trafficking was yesterday remanded to prison. Nicholas pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton.

Reports are that on Thursday, August 30, police ranks acting upon information visited the Grove Housing Scheme area where they saw Nicholas acting in a suspicious manner. When the

suspect made eye contact with the ranks he ran, the police chased him and he was apprehended. A search was conducted on the suspect and the cocaine and marijuana were discovered in a haversack that he was carrying.

The unrepresented accused asked for bail but was denied after prosecutor

Wynette Hubbard opposed the application.

The prosecutor asked that Nicholas be denied bail based on the seriousness of the offence.

Nicholas will remain in police custody until November 12 when his case will be presented to another magistrate at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday September 01, 2012

Inter-faith service ushers in Con-man sells $80M Amerindian Heritage Month in bogus house lots The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs last evening hosted its annual inter-faith service to usher in Amerindian Heritage Month 2012 which is being celebrated under the theme, “Embracing our identity, Celebrating our Culture.”

The event which was hosted at the Umana Yana in Kingston was attended by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and other Cabinet Ministers, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and a good representation of the different religious faiths of Guyana.

Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Rastafarian leaders including those from the Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventist, the Bahai’ Community, the Islamic Organisation, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the

New Life Anointed Ministries and the Roman Catholic Church were among those briefly addressing the gathering.

They offered prayers, readings, hymns, exhortations and sermons for the successful unfolding of the month’s activities.

They also asked blessings for the Amerindian people, that they remain resilient and strong, and that they grow to accept their responsibilities for the wellbeing of their communities and the nation and carve out their mark on the country with regards to development.

Prayers were also offered for the Government and the Leaders of the nation that wisdom, grace and understanding be their guide in the execution of their duties.

Some aspects of the programme were delivered in Amerindian dialect. This included the National Pledge that was recited in Akawio by staff of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and Co-Chairperson of the night’s event, Deon James.

A prayer in Wapishana was also recited by Father John Persaud of the Roman Catholic Church.

Activities for Amerindian Heritage month 2012 continues with the Grand Opening at the Amerindian Village at the National Exhibition Complex, Sophia this evening.

The list of activities for the month continues until September 28 and features such activities as Craft and Food Exhibitions, Heritage Walk, Heritage Day, Sports and Family Fun Day and Mural Painting. (GINA)

Man accused of forging his way to $2M in food, drinks at Palm Court A 37-year-old caretaker and father of four, who allegedly stole cheques and subsequently presented several of them to obtain more than $2M in food and drinks at Palm Court, was yesterday placed on $3 million bail when he appeared before Magistrate Hazel OctiveHamilton at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, on several fraud-related charges.

The allegation is that during the month of July this year, 37-year-old Steve King of Premniranjan Street, Prashad Nagar, forged a number of GBTI cheques and used the falsified documents to obtain food and beverages worth in excess of two million dollars from Palm Court.

King was not required to plead to the eighteen indictable charges that were read to him.

According to police reports, King presented the bogus cheques to Aiyisha Wong, on six different dates, as a method of purchasing food and beverages from Palm Court - $249,000 on July 7; $316,000 (July 13); $257,300 (July 14); $115,400 (July 20) $433,000 (July 25) and $689,500 on July 27, a total of $2,060,200.

Attorney at law James Bond who appeared on behalf of the accused told the court that his client is innocent, and requested bail.

The lawyer asked that the court take into consideration that the defendant is of meagre means and set bail at realistic sum.

Bond told the court that King is not a flight risk since he is well known to police and hails from a good family

- jumps through window as cops close in A slippery confidence trickster narrowly escaped last night from police and Housing Ministry investigators who have unearthed an $80M scam involving the sale of bogus house lots in the Diamond Housing Scheme.

Police officials said that the man, who was residing at a Grove New Scheme, East Bank Demerara residence, jumped through a window and fled just as police ranks were preparing to arrest him.

Kaieteur News understands that investigators from the Ministry of Housing have posted up a sign at the house indicating that the property now belongs to the Ministry.

Police sources said that

background. The lawyer also stated that his client is guaranteed to attend court given that he is eager to clear his name.

Police prosecutor Kerry Bostwick did not object to the accused being granted bail, but asked that he report to the Criminal Investigation

Department (CID) headquarters every Friday morning.

The Magistrate then granted bail and ordered that the man report to the police headquarters on Friday mornings. King is scheduled to make his next court appearance on October 5.

sources said that the fraudster has been living large, and has bought three Dodge Rams.

One of the vehicles is reportedly registered in the name of one of the women suspected to be involved in the scam.

Kaieteur News understands that investigators learned that the fraudster, who is said to be a deportee, had been residing at Grove, East Bank Demerara three months ago.

At around 19:00 hrs last night, an investigator from the Housing Ministry and police ranks converged at the home.

It was reportedly at that point that the suspect clambered through a back window and fled.

Immigration TALK: Questions & Answers By: Attorney Gail S. Seeram Through this “Question & Answer” column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions. Many of you have questions on backlog time and eligibility – we seek to clarify these issues and more.

We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email: Gail@GailLaw.com.

Steve King (centre, being held by policeman) is accompanied by his lawyer James Bond

the fraudster, who goes by the aliases ‘Prem Persaud’, ‘Prem Rampersaud’ and ‘Jeff’, has been luring his victims with promises of providing them with transports and house lots, particularly in the Diamond Housing Scheme.

Two women and a male employee from a prominent business firm are reportedly the man’s accomplices.

Kaieteur News was told that the male accomplice helps to locate potential clients.

One of the non-existent lots was given as Lot 193 Little Diamond. Another was given as Lot 204 Little Diamond.

Investigations indicated that t h e s u s p e c t h a s defrauded at least 150 victims and the scheme has raked in about $80M. Police

Question #1: My daughter recently left Guyana with her dad and stepmom. Her step-mom was the petitioner who sponsored her dad and her. Her dad left Guyana in Dec. 2010 and my daughter left in Jan. 2012. I am told that she got her green card; however, she cannot leave the US within 2 years.

Or if she leaves, only her step-mom can accompany her. My question is: Is this possible and true? I have never heard anyone saying this before.

And why does she have to be accompanied if I want her to return home this summer for vacation with me? I can only afford her ticket and not two tickets.

Answer #1: This is incorrect. It sounds like your daughter has a two-year conditional green card based on fact that maybe her dad was married less than two years to the step-mom at the time of visa approval.

She can travel immediately after receiving a green card (even if it is a two-year green

card) - there is no two-year waiting period.

If she is a minor (under age 21),she can also travel unaccompanied (without an adult) but arrangements need to be made with the airline.

Question #2: In Feb. 1992, I was arrested in Puerto Rico going to U.S.A. with somebody else’s name. I spent six months in jail and was deported on Sept. 6, 1992.

The judge banned me for two years.

I am a farmer. In 2006, I was chosen to go to a trade fair in California. When I paid someone to fill up my visitor visa application form I told him about the issue. He told me not to worry, that it was a long time ago and did not list my prior deportation.

It was the first time I ever went in the U.S.A. embassy in Guyana.

They took my fingerprints and my file came up. They refused the visa and said that I lied to them. In 2008 I wrote an apology letter to them.

They replied to me and said that it will be left to their discretion.

Answer #2: Once you lie to an immigration officer to gain an immigration benefit then this is a ground for denial of a visitor visa and immigrant visa. Also, if you were deported in the past, depending on the grounds for the deportation, this may also be a bar to obtaining a visitor visa and immigrant visa.

Question #3: What is the procedure for a US citizen’s

Gail S. Seeram husband to file for his newly married wife and her two children (not his) who are over age 26 and married?

Answer #3: He can file for his wife but not her children. Processing time is about one year. Since his wife’s children are married, his wife would have to become a U.S. citizen before she can file for her children.

Question #4: My grandmother is a US citizen and she had sponsored my father and family case preference category F3 Married sons and daughter of US citizen.

I am 23 years old. I wrote to the visa center since I was 20 for child s t a t u s protection, but never got a reply from them.

My brother is 20. Will he be able to go with my parents and how much longer must my family have to wait?

Answer #4: For F-3 visas, married child of a U.S. citizen, visas being issued for petitions filed on or before May 2002. Note: child status protection cannot be determined until the visa is available.

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Pakistan level one-day series PA Sport – Nasir Jamshed’s quick-fire 97 paved the way for a comfortable win for Pakistan as they beat Australia by seven wickets in the second one-day international in Abu Dhabi.

A typically gritty 61 from Mike Hussey underpinned Australia’s total of 248 as Saeed Ajmal (four for 32) did the damage.

However, Jamshed’s 98-ball innings and Azhar Ali’s unbeaten 59 were the bedrock of Pakistan’s response as they cruised to victory with 38 balls to spare.

George Bailey’s 39 and 37 from captain Michael Clarke offered ample support as the Australians stepped up the pace in the second half of their innings having only made 87 by the midway point.

Knowing a win would secure the series with a game to spare, Clarke challenged his openers to post a big score but they both let him down with Matthew Wade (eight) chopping on to Junaid Khan and David Warner getting trapped in front

by Saeed Ajmal for 24. Clarke was then pinned by

Mohammad Hafeez and, when David Hussey was tied up by Ajmal, a score of 87 for four did not look too healthy, but Mike Hussey and Bailey added 66 for the fifth wicket, with the former hanging around to add 58 with Glenn Maxwell after Bailey chipped a return catch to Abdur Rehman.

In reply, Pakistan started strongly, losing their first wicket on 66 when Mohammad Hafeez fell to Christian for 23. Jamshed and Ali kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely before the former was caught by Starc off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson.

Asad Shafiq was then bowled by James Pattinson for nine but captain Misbah-ul-Haq (35 not out) provided the perfect foil for the steady Ali. Australia were forced to spread the bowling, with eight players used in a bid to break down Pakistan’s solid partnerships, but it proved to be a thankless task.

Scores: Pakistan 249 for 3 (Jamshed 97, Azhar 59*) beat Australia 248 for 9 (M Hussey 61, Ajmal 4-32, Junaid 3-52) by 7 wickets.

Saturday September 01, 2012 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): A business associate or romantic partner helps you to achieve distinction through education or travel. Be sure to follow this person’s suggestions, as they will expand your horizons in exciting ways. *********************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): You’ve risen above intense challenges, which has caused your confidence to soar. Your self-assurance is extremely attractive; don’t be surprised if several people express romantic interest in you. *********************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Trust your intuition when it comes to dealing with your love life. This person wants to impress you with their charm and sophistication, but all you really care about is their intellect. Money could be a bit tight right now. *********************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): You can salvage a depressing work environment by adding cosy touches to your surroundings. Family photographs, thriving plants, and soft lighting can soothe your nerves and boost your productivity. *********************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): A creative breakthrough is imminent, provided you discuss your ideas with anyone who will listen. An innocent remark will help you see this project in a whole new light. You may be hesitant to explore a taboo subject. *********************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): A love of nature could prompt you to transform a drab outdoor spot into the Garden of Eden. This project is a perfect expression of all you hold dear.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Normally, you’re content to take the middle ground in the interests of preserving harmony. Today you have very strong opinions about sex, death and money. Don’t hesitate to speak your mind to a neighbour or close relative. *********************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): You’re incredibly resourceful when it comes to making and saving money.

Keeping a low profile helps you to avoid temptation. Resist going out to expensive restaurants with friends, and avoid going window-shopping to fill time. *********************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): You’re a virtual miracle worker when it comes to rallying the troops. Take this opportunity to uplift and encourage people who are engaged in a seemingly endless project. Under your guidance, the team could finish the project in record time. *********************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Trust your sixth sense, especially when it comes to advancing your career. An authority figure admires your humble attitude, and may reward you for it in the near future. *********************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Your leadership qualities come out in full force today, when you prompt certain members of the group to work harder. Some people need gentle encouragement, while others require stern lectures. *********************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): A strong drive to succeed could prompt you to draw upon hidden resources.

Normally, you are hesitant to express your creativity at work.

Page 19

England level ODI series with win at Oval PA Sport | Eurosport – Having lost the Test series 2-0 and fallen 1-0 behind after two matches of the one-day leg, England turned the tide at the Kia Oval courtesy of Morgan’s fluent 73 and a stoic 71 from Trott.

The bowlers earlier played their part by dismissing the tourists for 211, Ravi Bopara miserly with one wicket for 31 runs in 10 overs and James Anderson polishing off the tail to close with four for 44. England briefly looked in bother on 64 for three but Trott played the anchor role in a dogged 125ball innings, while Morgan added the flair with seven fours and two sixes.

Ian Bell wasted no time getting England’s chase going but, after crashing three boundaries in Lonwabo Tsotsobe’s first over, he was pinned leg before wicket by Dale Steyn.

His opening partner Alastair Cook took 18 balls to get off the mark but did so by turning Tsotsobe off his hips for four.

Cook was particularly sedate and went for a laboured 20 with a tame shot to Robin Peterson.

Bopara then fell for a disputed duck, given caught behind off Morkel. He immediately reviewed the verdict but the technology was inconclusive and he was forced to depart, albeit reluctantly.

At 69 for three from 20 overs, England had plenty of work to do.

Morgan’s arrival added much-needed impetus - not to mention boundaries - as he raced past 30 at better than a run-a-ball. A wide from Dean Elgar took England’s target below 100 and Morgan thrashed the spinner for the first six of the day in the 32nd over.

All the while, Trott was compiling slowly but surely and reached 50 from 86 deliveries.

Morgan’s own halfcentury came off a breezier 54 balls and he overtook his partner with a flowing four over extra-cover. A second six followed to the same area off

Tsotsobe and his seventh four, off Morkel, brought up the century stand.

Morgan’s game-changing knock ended with a looping caught-and-bowled to Peterson and 40 still needed.

Craig Kieswetter cleared the ropes once before being run out for 14, leaving Trott to shepherd England within five runs of victory.

The impressive Parnell accounted for the number three, via the outside edge, but Samit Patel was on hand to hit the winning boundary.

His partner, Graeme Smith, had 18 of the first 50 runs before he was bowled by Anderson to an ugly stroke.

Cook turned to Bopara and his nagging medium pace soon after and he successfully strangled the scoring. It was Jade Dernbach who made the key breakthrough, though, swinging a full delivery past Amla’s bat and removing leg stump for 43.

The bowling powerplay boosted England, costing just 21 runs and yielding that prize scalp.

Elgar and AB de Villiers

were in danger of getting stuck until they took 13 off a single James Tredwell over, although the off-spinner exacted his revenge at his next visit. De Villiers was the man out, chipping to Bell at longoff for 28.

Bopara got a deserved wicket when he bowled Faf du Plessis for one and Elgar went for a less-than-fluent 42 when he missed a trademark Dernbach slower ball.

Number seven Parnell had a frenetic eight-ball stay, hitting one authentic four through midwicket and two edged boundaries before Dernbach had him caught behind. That left JP Duminy to repair the innings and he made a diligent 33 before holing out off the bowling of Tredwell looking to up the rate. Anderson made light work of the lower order, removing Steyn, Morkel and Tsotsobe in the space of eight deliveries.

Scores: England 212 for 6 (Morgan 73, Trott 71) beat South Africa 211 (Amla 43, Elgar 42, Anderson 4-44, Dernbach 3-44) by four wickets.

Page 20

Kaieteur News

(From page 15)

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Saturday September 01, 2012

GFSCA Nationwide Male/Female Softball continues tomorrow The Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) tournament sponsored

by Mike’s Pharmacy, Ariel Enterprise, Trophy Stall, Survival, Ramchand Auto Spares, Motor Trend, and Petama Enterprise, continues tomorrow with several matches.

Fixtures are as follows: Demerara: Cyril Potter College ground: Pitch 1: 9:30amFloodlights vs Park Rangers. 12:30pmHerstelling vs Gaza Boyz. 2:30pm-Shortman X1 vs L.B.I. Top Gun. Pitch 2: 9:30am-Princess Hotel All Stars vs Farm. 11:30am-Tornado vs Young Guns. 1:30pm-Rockaway vs Jaguars.

Pitch 3: 9:30am-Wellwoman vs Regal Champs. 11:00am-Trophy Stall Angels vs Fazal Kayume Angels. 12:30pm-Lady Jaguars vs Enterprise Stars. 2:00pm-4R Lioness vs

Gonsalves, Adams, Parbattie hit 50s as SECD clinic concludes Opener Mark Gonsalves and middle order batsmen Acquacy Adams and Raj Parbattie slammed half centuries as the South Essequibo Cricket Development Committee Coaching Clinic ended with a one-day two innings match between Gonsalves X1 and Javed Azeez X1 at the Zorg Cricket Ground on the Essequibo Coast.

Watched by a fair sized crowd, Gonsalves X1 won the toss and elected to bat on a track suitable for batting.

Gonsalves and fellow opener Keyon Davis ensured that Azeez X1 did not pick up a single wicket in their first innings which lasted for 20 overs.

Gonsalves timed the ball sweetly striking five fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 67 while Davis ended on 40.

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Gonsalves who batted for 65 minutes and faced 70 deliveries reached his fifty with a boundary through extra cover. Davis hit four fours and one six as their team scored 185. Azeez X1in their reply ended on 139-8 when their 20 overs ran out.

Acquacy Adams led the scoring with a fine 52, while Joshua Paul made 36. The pair came together after Azeez X1 lost two early wickets and featured in an enterprising 3rd wicket partnership of 68 before they were both removed in quick succession

by Gonsalves who ended with 2-12 off 4 overs.

Adams hit six fours and Paul three; Davis also claimed 2-29 for Gonsalves X1. Batting a second time Gonsalves X1 were 141-2 off 28 overs when the umpires decided to call off play; the game ending in a draw.

Raj Parbattie stroked an unbeaten 70 (8x4), while Gonsalves continued his fine

form with 49 (6x4) not out.

Randy Rooplall took both wickets to fall.

Meanwhile, Coach Forbes Daniels told Kaieteur Sport that he was pleased with the turn out at the Coaching Clinic. He said the youngsters showed the willingness to learn and thanked their parents for their support.

During the Under-19 clinic the youngsters were thought about the key points of batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping as well as game sense, how to play spin bowling and building partnerships (batting).

They were also exposed to lectures on topics which included HIV\Aids, Discipline, Importance of Education, Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle.

Daniels also said he wants to organise a tour to the East Coast of Demerara as a reward for the players.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Jaguars on show in CONCACAF Djokovic, Ferrer Champions League advance at US Open Golden Jaguars players such as national captain Chris Nurse, striker Gregory “Jackie-Chan” Richardson, full-backs Walter Moore and Aubrey David and winger Trayon Bobb; have been involved in intense CONCACAF Champions League action in recent weeks, as they prepare to join up with the national team ahead of next Friday’s World Cup qualifier in El Salvador.

This tournament is the Caribbean version of the Europe’s well publicized and established UEFA Champions League.

In the competitions’ 49 year history, Mexican clubs have been crowned champions on 28 occasions.

In the first match-up Moore, David and Bobb playing for Trinidad Pro League side Caledonia AIA versus Major League Soccer (MLS) team Seattle Sounders in two legged encounters played on August 2nd and 29th r e s p e c t i v e l y, l o s t b o t h matches 3-1.

While Nurse and Richardson playing for North American Soccer League (NASL) team Puerto Rico Islanders, locked horns versus MLS powerhouses LA Galaxy who have established global football stars such as David Beckham, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan and Salvadoran team Isidro Metapan over two legs also on August 1st and 29th and suffered 4-0 and 3-1 loses.

Both of the games that were played a few days ago on the 29th, was notably televised live on the cable television sports network Fox Soccer Channel.

SHABAZZ ECHOES THOUGHTS

With most of the established foreign based players not participating in the ongoing national camp in Guyana, playing in such high level club matches before they tackle El Salvador, national coach Jamaal Shabazz, who was coaching Caledonia AIA during these games, gave his assessment on it, reasoning it was very good exposure for the players involved.

“For Guyana players it’s a good exposure, since apart from the qualifiers, the CONCACAF Champions league is highest level of football in the region. Along with some of the experienced guys, youngsters such as Colin Edwards, Sheldon Holder and Colin Nelson are also being exposed to the atmosphere of these matches and this can only benefit the country and the individuals’ development”, stated Shabazz.

He continued in a speculative tone on the future of the national team: “However too much emphasis is placed on competition, we need more emphasis on development, we have got to answer the question where is our next generation going to come from and put things in place to ensure they get the necessary exposure, that would equip them to play at CONCACAF level more often in the future.

“Our youth teams have never qualified for CONCACAF level and although our senior team is there now, based on the results versus these higher level teams, we see that a huge gap still exists, between us and the best teams at senior level.”

Shabazz concluded his thoughts on the matter, with

Windies Women...

From back page without world-leading allrounder Stafanie Taylor for the first half of the series in England. The 21-year-old, who won the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award last year, has remained in Jamaica to complete exams. She is expected to join the team after the second match.

FULL SQUAD: Merissa

Aguilleira (Captain/wicketkeeper), Stafanie Taylor (Vice Captain), Shemaine Campbelle, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Stacy-Ann King, Kycia Knight (Wicketkeeper), Anisa Mohammed, Subrina Munroe, Juliana Nero, Shaquana Quintyne, Shakera Selman and Tremayne Smartt.

his usual call for the fans to continue to support the team and for the Government to recognize how they can use football to be a unification tool in Guyana.

“The challenge is to bridge the gap and this can only be done on a collective basis. The fans have a role to play in continuing to support the team through victory and defeat, the government must do much more and recognize the role that sports can play, especially football in the unification of a country divided on racial and political lines. The other stakeholders also in football fraternity must come together and embrace this challenge.

Once this is done, I see a bright future for Guyana’s team”.

Football fans are reminded that the Guyana Football Federation will be allowing free parking at the National Stadium up to 19:00hrs or 7pm for the home game against El Salvador on September 11.

Thus national football fans are once more being encouraged to be at the Stadium an hour before kickoff to set the perfect atmosphere for the home team and inversely an intimidating atmosphere for visiting Salvadorans.

Tickets for that fixture are currently available at Ashmin’s, High Street at $3,000 each. For Private Boxes persons can contact the Guyana Football Federation on 2252906 or 2278758.

Reuters | Eurosport – The Serb was a class above the 28-year-old Brazilian as he stormed to victory in one hour, 39 minutes.

Second seed Djokovic dropped just two games in his opening-round win and Dutra Silva managed only three more as the Serb ripped his game apart. Djokovic made just 14 unforced errors as he cruised through to a meeting with France’s Julien Benneteau or American wildcard Dennis Novikov.

David Ferrer also advanced with ease earlier in the day with a 6-2 6-3 7-6 victory over Dutch qualifier

Igor Sijsling. The 30-yearold Spaniard sped through the first two sets and though he was tested hard in the third, he was always in control and clinched a convincing victory in two hours, seven minutes.

Ferrer, who reached the fourth round at Flushing Meadows a year ago, ran Sijsling ragged from the baseline as he raced to a twosets lead in little over an hour.

World number 78 Sijsling raised his game in the third set and saved five match points but Ferrer won the tiebreak 14-12 to set up a match with former champion Lleyton

Novak Djokovic Hewitt of Australia or Gilles Muller of Luxembourg.

In other scores: Gasquet beat Klahn 6-3,6-3,6-1, Johnson beat Gulbis 6-7,7-6,63,6-4,3-7,7-5, Mayer-Robredo 6-1,6-4,4-6,7-5, Federer beat Phau 6-2,6-3,6-2 and Blake beat Granollers 6-1,6-4,6-2.

Robson shocks Li at US Open to set up Stosur clash Reuters | Eurosport – The former French Open champion was outplayed by the 18-year-old, and said after the match: “I was feeling that I still had a chance but I was making a lot of mistakes the whole match. “That gave her a lot of confidence and gave her free points, made her feel like she could win.”

Former Wimbledon junior champion Robson had sent three-time champion Clijsters into retirement in round two and followed up with another nerveless display full of strong serving and huge hitting, especially on her forehand.

Li lifted her game to snatch the tie-break 7-5 and force a decider but Robson continued to attack at every opportunity. At 2-2 in the third set, Robson thought she had broken serve but umpire Louise Engzell ruled that the point should be replayed, even though Li had missed with her reply. But Robson kept her head, breaking twice to lead 5-2 and then serving out the match to set up a meeting with defending

champion Samantha Stosur.

“I knew if I kept sticking with her and playing my shots it might pay off and it did,” Robson said in a television interview. “I had a few break points early on and I gave them up with average returning, so when I got a chance I knew I had to go for it. “She’s a great hitter so knew I had to go for it. I’m going to go back to the gym and try to recover for the next match.”

Stosur, seeded seven at Flushing Meadows, came through the first real test of her title defence as she beat American Varvara Lepchenko 7-6 6-2.

The first set was a dogfight but the seventh seed took the tie-break and then lifted her game to romp through the second set.

Stosur was broken in the

Laura Robson opening game of the match, setting the tone for a gruelling first set, which lasted 59 minutes. But the Australian snatched it 7-5 to move ahead and with the pressure off, she ran through the second to reach the last 16.

In other action Kvitová defeated Parmentier 6-4,6-4 and Bartoli overcame Mladenovic 6-2,6-4.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Saturday September 01, 2012

Rugby officials cite inadequate funds and preparation for loss of NACRA accolade There is a belief that most local sport teams attending international competitions are devoid of international competence and do so merely on a participatory level.

The local rugby team has defied this perception and distinguished itself among other world beaters after clinching the prestigious North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) title 6 times in a row.

Attempts to emulate the feat for the 7th time failed when the squad travelled to Ottawa, Canada over the past weekend and returned home stripped of that accolade after surrendering their respective games. Rugby administrators have cited inadequate funds and by extension, substandard preparations as the cause.

The ‘ruggers’ have since returned home and yesterday afternoon the team of officials that were on national duty in

Canada held a press briefing at the Olympic House, High Street, Kingston, where they related the circumstances that contributed to their losing performance.

The representing officials were President of the Union, Col. John Lewis, Director of Sevens Mike McCormack, Head Coach Theodore Henry and Captain Ryan Gonsalves.

The Director apologized for the team’s failure, while admitting retaining the championship trophy was really an uphill task.

He pointed to several variables that contributed to the team’s substandard performance including the adverse weather conditions.

Further, Mr. McCormack said that the players, scattered in several countries, were unable to practice together which would have affected their game plans.

A paucity of adequate funds was cited as the principal reason for this

anomaly.

Mr. McCormack drew reference to several Caribbean countries that had arrived at the venue in reasonable time to accommodate the acclimatization process.

They included Barbados, Cayman Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. The Guyanese contingent travelled apart with two key players arriving in the country merely one day prior to the game. “We were also unable to take along Kevin McKenzie, a key player in the squad and this greatly reduced our chances of retaining the accolade,” admitted McCormack. He that McKenzie’s absence was due to the Union’s inability to finance his travel from Australia to Canada.

Quizzed on suggestions to better the team’s fortunes in succeeding meets Mr. McCormack posited that the private sector may need to adapt a more proactive role.

GCA’s David Persaud Investments U-19 cricket...

All DCC final set for September 9 It will be an all DCC affair at a venue to be announced soon on Sunday September 9 in the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) David Persaud under-19 cricket competition after the DCC ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams emerged victorious in their respective semi-finals on Thursday.

DCC ‘A’ beat zone ‘A’ winners MSC by five runs at the Malteenoes ground, while the DCC ‘B’ team got past GCC by four wickets at Bourda.

Scores in the matches: At MSC, Demerara CC “A” batting first made 160 all out in 45 overs. Andrew Gibson made 33 runs, Yekini Favourite 21 and David Mohamed 19. Bowling for Malteenoes SC: Steven

Orlando Sturge Sankar had figures of 10 overs, 2 maidens, 22 runs, 3 wickets and Kareem Naughton had figures of 8-1-30-3.

In reply Malteenoes SC scored 155 all out in 39 overs.

Jamal Norton made 47 runs

and Nichosie Barker made 32.

Bowling for Demerara CC “A”: Orlando Sturge had figures of 10 overs, 0 maidens, 32 runs, 4 wickets. Omesh Danram bowled – 2-1-23-2.

At Bourda Georgetown CC batting first made 101 all out in 41.4 overs. Samuel McKenzie made 22 runs.

Bowling for Demerara CC “B”: Rajiv Balgobin had figures of 5 overs, 2 maidens, 13 runs, 3 wickets. Travis Persaud had figures of 5.4 overs, 1 maiden, 14 runs, 3 wickets.

In reply Demerara CC “B” scored 102 for 6 wickets in 35 overs. Carlton Jacques made 29 not out and Malcolm Howard made 20. Bowling for Georgetown CC: Tariq Dharamlall had figures of 10 overs, 1 maiden, 21 runs, 1 wicket.

He further opined that this entity may be constricted by the absence of a viable policy that mobilizes the energy and resources of the key stakeholders.”We will attempt to mobilize our resources over the next year,” assured Mr. McCormack.

Mr. Henry echoed the sentiments of Mr. McCormack but felt that the team performed credibly under the circumstances.

He also lamented the fact that the lack of adequate finance had robbed the

management team of fielding its full potential. Coupled with that, Mr. Henry is adamant that the lack of international exposure during their practice sessions would have had a negative impact on the team’s performance.

He cited Mexico, a team that the Guyanese felt confident of prevailing over.

However, he admitted that the Spanish speakers had prepared thoroughly for the event. This fact, supported by adequate funds saw a revitalized Mexico coming to

the championships.

The officials were also loud in praise for members of the Guyanese Diaspora who supported their fund raising efforts to the tune of more than Can$1500.

In response to the question of the future of the team Mr. McCormack exhorted that sports must be taken seriously for its true function and there must be proper organization of events if the Guyanese sports ambassadors are to truly make an international impact.

Sports Ministry looks ahead to Guyana’s Road to 2016 Olympics The London Olympic has gone. Much has been said – Speculation, opinions, views and thoughts. However, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has no intention of wasting time with idle talk.

Instead, it will walk the walk, they indicated in a release.

The release informed that, “Director of Sport (Neil Kumar) has, over the past three weeks, held serious discussions and formal meetings with the executives of National Sports Associations including Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, Guyana Amateur Swimming Association and the Athletic Association of Guyana. It is the intention to also have monthly meetings with the associations. It must be noted too, that the Guyana Boxing Board of Control which was headed by its president, Mr. Peter Abdool was invited to and attended one of the meetings held with the GABA to specifically address the issue of amateur boxers turning professionals.”

The meetings agreed that the associations will prepare and submit to the Ministry of

Neil Kumar Culture, Youth and Sport comprehensive plans and programmes entitled “From Now To Brazil.”

“The principal purpose of this initiative is to direct our attention and endeavors towards the achievement of not merely commendable, but spectacular performances at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. Dismal performances must now be relegated to our history,” the release informed.

It was stated that strategies were discussed and decisions made, including: - Maximum utilization of available facilities.

- Areas of development at the facilities to be put in place e.g. extension of bleachers, improving lighting system, establishing of fitness gym and training swim bench at the National Aquatic Centre.

- Converting the floor at Six Head Lewis Gym to wood and redesigning Six Head Lewis Gym for better comfort.

- Specific attention to be paid to athletes living in the interior of Guyana.

- Identifying athletes living in the interior who have potential of becoming top class and arranging for them to relocate to Georgetown.

Special attention to be paid to their education and welfare.

- Immediately identifying

athletes and coaches for specialized training.

- Associations to, as a priority, participate in regional and international meets during the preparations for 2016 Olympic – Goodwill Games, CARIFTA, ALBA, South American Championships, PANAM, Commonwealth Games, CISC, CAS, South America U23, CAC, World Games, Junior Carifta, World Juniors, World Seniors and other competitions with international recognition.

- Proper and adequate encampment for athletes.

- Making equipment readily available.

- Arrangements for qualified local and high level foreign coaches and officials to be involved in preparation of athletes.

“With cohesion, proper planning, commitment, dedication, co-ordination and the will and passion for success, Guyana, at the 2016 Olympic Games, will definitely match strides with the rest of the Caribbean and the world.”

“There is unlimited talent in Guyana. We must identify, nurture and develop these athletes for Guyana’s success in the future. This will materialize only if the National Sports Associations, the Government of Guyana and possibly a functioning and interested GOA can unite to nurture and guide our precious young athletes,” the release stated.

It concluded by stating that, “United we stand.

Divided we fall.

The Government of Guyana will continue to push forward with its mandate to effectively play its role in the development of sports and sportsmen and sportswomen in Guyana.”

Saturday September 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 23

AinLim 10k to start at Diamond - route already mapped out

T

he Neal and Massy Group’s commonly known AinLim 10km Road Race will start at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara and finish outside the company’s Ruimveldt office while the 3km Fitness Walk/Jog is expected to start at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The Road Race that is in its second edition will be staged next Sunday starting 6am, and is likely to attract the crème de le crème of distance running in Guyana given the prizes up for grabs.

The event promises a nationwide expansion next year for the third edition.

The road race will dole out a top prize of $75,000 with second place taking home $60,000, third place $40,000, fourth place $15,000 and fifth place $10,000 in the male and

female open groups, with a trophy accompanying each cash prize. The top three prizes for the Masters 35 years and above and 40-55 years are $40,000, $20,000 and $15,000 while the Masters 55 years and above take home $25,000, $15,000 and $7,500. Juniors take home $50,000, $30,000, $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively for both male and female categories.

Alika Morgan and Cleveland Forde are the defending female and male champions respectively in the race, with challenges coming from Dennis Horatio, Cleveland Thomas and Nathaniel Giddings in the male race. Morgan is expected to face Jevina Straker among others in the female race.

Registration closes on Monday at ‘Olympic House’, Kingston.

Kirani James arrives in Grenada to big welcome

Kirani James ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada (AP) — A few thousand revelers wearing Grenada’s red, green and yellow flag crowded outside the tiny Caribbean island’s airport Thursday night to welcome back a young athlete who won the nation’s first Olympic medal.

Kirani James arrived on a jet chartered by the government. Crews quickly rolled out a red carpet for the 400-meter champ. Decked out in a green blazer, the 19-yearold runner nicknamed “The Jaguar” hugged his parents and shook hands with politicians and dignitaries on the tarmac before mingling with the crowd of excited fans outside.

“It’s very humbling to see everybody here. I’m just looking forward to a weekend of celebration,” James said.

Tillman Thomas, prime minister of the nation of just over 100,000, told James that his return was a “very proud moment for all of us as Grenadians.”

At the London Olympics, James gave Grenada its first Olympic medal when he took the lead at the halfway point and ran hard to the finish. He won in 43.94 seconds.

James became the first non-U.S. athlete to run the 400 in less than 44 seconds, and added the Olympic title to his world championship gold. He also was the first non-U.S. winner of the race since the 1980 Games in Moscow.

Cleveland Forde

Nathaniel Giddings

Alika Morgan

Jevina Straker

t r o Sp Three in a row!

DCC take Brain Street U-15 title

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n sweltering heat on the small GYO ground, DCC yesterday captured their third Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) under-15 cricket title in as many years with an emphatic 155-run victory against Transport Sports Club (TSC) in the final of the Brain Street 50-over competition.

On a day blessed with brilliant sunshine, DCC won the toss and led by halfcenturies from talented 15year-old Tevin Imlach (73) and Clintus Johnson (62) rattled up 249-5 off their allotted 50 overs on a placid, straw colored track.

Man-of-the-Match, Essequibian pacer Keno Paul then snatched 6-29 off 7.5 overs and got support from seamer Devon Crandon 3-12 off five overs, as they combined in a demolition job to bowl out for TSC for 94 in 26.5 overs.

DCC, like they did last year completed the ‘double’ with their knock out win yesterday after taking earlier the league title to continue their dominance in the city at this level.

It was an auspicious day for the enthusiastic youngsters as former West Indies Skipper Clive Lloyd celebrated his 68th birthday by being a part of the small but vocal crowd which also included several parents.

Imlach who has played in D C C ’s c h a m p i o n s h i p winning teams since 2010, played an array of audacious shots as he reached the boundary five times and cleared it on five more occasions in his 152-ball 73 and added 65 for the first wicket with Nomechandra

The successful DCC U-15 team along with officials celebrate their triumph after the match.

Persaud (23) who was eventually bowled by Avinash Vickram in the 11th

over. Paul was then stumped off Travis Persaud for a duck at 68-2 and when Joshua

Ram removed Imlach at 903, TSC seemed on course to restricting the Queenstown

lads to a small total.

However, Johnson and Keann Harry, who struck

four fours and three sixes in a pugnacious unbeaten 36, repaired the damage before Ewart Samuels bowled Johnson at 201-5.

Daniel Basdeo chipped in with 12 not out in the unfinished 48-run sixth wicket partnership as DCC fell one short of the 250 mark.

Reon Sumair (17), Joshua Wilson (13) and Kevin Marks (11) were the only TSC batsmen to reach double figures as the Thomas Lands unit never threatened the victory target.

Imlach took the prize for the batsman with the most runs in the final, while the lanky Paul received the prize for the most wickets in the final in addition to his Manof-the-Match award.

National under-15 lefthanded batsman Sherfane Rutherford copped the Most Valuable Player award in the league stage of the competition. (Sean Devers)

Windies Women target England series win, then World T20 title Bridgetown, Barbados — West Indies Women’s team departed from the Caribbean yesterday for their Twenty20 tour of England. The Windies will play five matches against England before moving on to Sri Lanka for the International Cricket Council’s T20 World Cup. Speaking ahead of their departure, captain Merissa Aguilleira was confident her side could handle the

challenge of facing a tough England team in their home conditions.

“It’s good to be back in West Indies colours and it feels great to be leading the team on this tour in England and onto the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. We believe we can win the series in England and we will plan well and look to execute. We know conditions in England will be quite different from those we experience at

home, but we are capable of adapting quickly and we will give England a strong challenge,” said the 26-yearold wicket-keeper.

“We will have training sessions and warm-ups (matches) before we play against England, so that should be ideal preparation for the bigger matches. We played against India and Sri Lanka at home earlier this year and did really well, so we hope to continue the good

year with a win against England, which would be the right tonic as we head to Sri Lanka.”

The two teams will start with the first two games at the Durham ICG and Old Trafford, on September 8 a n d 1 0 r e s p e c t i v e l y, scheduled directly before England men take on South Africa in T20 Internationals and broadcast live on Sky Sports. The other matches will be played at the County Ground, Northampton (September 13), County Ground, Hove (September 15) and at the Arundel Cricket Club in Sussex (September 16).

“The World T20 in Sri Lanka is the ‘big’ prize. It is what every team wants and we want it. We know that to win it we will have to be at our best and go out there and take it – no one is going to hand it to you on a platter – so we are mentally and physically up to the challenge. We have some of the best players in the world in our team and we are also have some younger players

Merissa Aguilleira (Getty Images) waiting for their opportunity to break onto the world stage,” Aguilleira said.

The West Indies will be (Continued on page 21)

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