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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
SAVING OUR YOUTHS All over Guyana youths are bored. They are rebelling against the status quo. Many are unemployed and have become frustrated and despondent with the system that has ignored their plight. The APNU+AFC government ought to know that youths are impatient and will not wait forever on the government to address their problems. Every adult was once a youth and like the youths of today the adults, too, were impatient and have made some terrible mistakes, so all is not lost with the youths. The nation must not give up on the youths but must always strive to help them. Criticizing the youths, especially in light of their criminal activities and shootings that have ended tragically for some, and the concern voiced generally about the high level of crime will not help, but saving them will and should be the focus of the nation and the government. Allowing them to go astray is not an option. There are still many assertive youths in the country who are doing everything possible to make a meaningful contribution to society. For example, many have and continue to make a positive difference in their lives and are hoping for an end to the crime wave. Others are seeking to further their education at tertiary institutions. And there are those who are taking matters into their own hands and not waiting for handouts from the Government. And yes, some have turned to drugs and crime, but this should inspire the nation to do more to save them.The government must do all it can to help youths who did not one day just wake up and turn to drugs and criminal activities.. Many were being groomed to become criminals when they were much younger due to the lack of rules, proper structure, role models, morals, discipline and parental upbringing—all of which have contributed significantly to their current state. The justice system, especially the prison, is also a contributor to the criminality of youths. Years of incarceration among hard-core criminals have served to make them tougher and their mindsets worse. While Guyanese continue to voice their concerns about the daily reports of violent crimes and murders in the country, they ought to know that these criminal activities were always there. All that occurred recently is more youths are involved, thus causing crimes to multiply and spread throughout the country. But the crime situation in Guyana is no different to that of other countries. Every criminal act produces pain, disappointment and suffering, but if the people should look beyond the surface, they would realize that such acts also provide opportunities to help save the youths. It is like a recurring cancer that will get worse if treated with the same ineffective medicine. Saving the youths is in everyone’s best interest, but no one organization or institution can do it. The government, the justice system, schools, churches, societal organizations, media and families must work together to save the youths. Each of these institutions has the power needed to stimulate and turn them away from drugs and crimes. They need a moral foundation on which to build their lives, therefore, the church must continue to reach out to them especially the hopeless youths who do not see a bright future for themselves. The education system has also contributed to their antisocial behaviour. In fact, studies have shown that there is a causal connection between high school dropouts and crime. School dropouts would find it difficult to get a decent job, yet they will want the finer things in life and would do what is necessary to obtain those, including committing crimes. Some youths believe that they are being forced into a school system whose curriculum is not relevant to their surroundings, upbringing and background. The nation has created the problem and it has to find the solution. The pressure is building up and if the government does not step-up and provide an outlet for the pressure to escape, there will be dire consequences. Saving our youths should be the government’s highest priority.
Tuesday Sept 01, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
The Great Mythical Progress of GPL DEAR EDITOR, In a KN letter of Aug 26, Samuel Hinds, former Prime Minister (PM) and Minister responsible for Energy and Electricity in the previous PPP Govt., gave insights of the discord which plagued Guyana Power and Light (GPL) during his tenure until he was relieved of his duties earlier this year. It was clear from his missive that the newly elected APNU/AFC Govt. took over a utility that was dysfunctional and in disarray as PM Hinds, who lacked transformational leadership with both vision and expertise, failed in his attempts to successfully address the management, operational and financial problems which had plagued GPL over the years. Significant of his many failures as Prime Minister was the Vreed-en-Hoop Generating Station Project (VGSP). He claimed that when the GPL Board presented VGSP for construction, he had to make a quick decision to have it built in a hurry as it was badly wanted and needed by the PPP Govt. His approval for construction to start was based on his best judgment
of what turned out to be questionable cost estimates, a dubious completion date and no detail design of the structure and its foundation. The foreshore site PM Hinds authorized for construction of VGSP was at the mouth of the Demerara River, NW of the Vreed-enHoop Ferry Stelling on a patch of land with poor soil characteristics to build anything on. No load test was carried out to determine the bearing capacity of the piles for the foundation of VGSP and as construction progressed, the Engineer noted that as a result of the poor soil conditions encountered during pile driving, longer piles were required to support the load of the generating plant. Accordingly, design changes were made, resulting in the slow delivery and increased driving time for longer wooden piles which adversely affected construction progress. To get VGSP back on its completion deadline, Wartsila, the Power Plant manufacturer, was asked whether concrete piles could be substituted for wooden piles to speed up construction. The answer given was no, as there could
be no substituting, as was reported by PM Hinds. Any change to the design of VGSP had to be approved in the first instance by the Design Engineer, and not Wartsila. Also, there was no conceivable reason why concrete piles could not have been substituted for timber piles for the foundation of this structure, since they are better suited to withstand the harsh environment where VGSP was built and a mixture of pile types to support the given loading was not technically challenging to construct. It is incomprehensible, therefore, that Wartsila, a reputable manufacturing Company, could have given GPL such an opinion, in light of the fact that concrete piles were used extensively to support the loads of many important structures in Guyana. PM Hinds claims that in his view there was no wasting of time and money in the construction of VGSP although the Project experienced large time and cost overruns which, as he conceded, were due to the lack of knowledge and experience of GPL personnel to execute large complex projects. He further failed to have
understood that expediency was no excuse for GPL to have undertaken projects for which it did not have the competent staff to execute, and in the process caused the Utility to chalk-up large time and cost overruns, since constructing a complex project without first satisfying clearly outlined procedures for project execution was a recipe for disaster. Therefore GPL made no great progress during his ministerial oversight, which he so proudly extolled, since the investments he approved to make the Utility reliable and cost effective were wasted on costly undertakings for system improvements which never materialized, as the high cost for power, black-outs and brown-outs still existed when he exited. It is expected that the newly installed management of GPL by the APNU/AFC Govt. will make a difference, provided that the existing incompetent incumbents are replaced by qualified and competent personnel working as a team to achieve the set objectives of the Utility. Charles Sohan New York City, USA
I concur with the amentations of Mr. Gildarie DEAR EDITOR, I read with bated breath and longing anxiety the story written by Leonard Gildarie, titled “Are we guilty of creating criminals?” (Kaieteur News, Sunday August 30, 2015) I noted how Mr. Gildarie allowed his readers a glimpse into his private life by sharing a little of his emotional past. He spoke of the death of his dad and mom, one at a tender age of
his life. What was very subtle, yet profoundly enlightening, was the connection he made between the possibility of him becoming a deviant statistic and the notorious manner in which our young, first-time offenders are treated. His argument is that we need to have programmes that focus more on rehabilitation rather than mere punishment. He went on to quote US criminal-
justice statistics, to show that the general approach towards incarceration has produced policies that have failed to rehabilitate prisoners and have made many inmates worse on release than before incarceration. Growing up in the ghetto of Laing Avenue (across from Albouystown) to a single parent and being designated as a “troubled youth” and then having
worked with the Indiana Department of Corrections (USA), both as a criminologist and prison chaplain, have allowed me to witness firsthand, both sides of the realities of which Mr. Gildarie wrote. It was not uncommon to see a youngster enter the prison system accused with a minor offence, only to be released and then rearrested for a worse crime. And the (Continued on page 5)
Is Govt. culpable for the high number of road accidents? DEAR EDITOR, Visiting the subject of road users, I would like to know: is the government culpable for the high number of road accidents? The government if it wishes to enforce the penalties as it relates to improper road usage must first implement some basic
requirements for road users and if it does not do so, it will also be culpable for the carnage by association. The following things must be put in place before the handing down of jail terms by the state: 1. Marked pedestrian crossings with adequate lighting and signs to identify same.
2. Provide pedestrian and cyclist use areas separate from roadways 3. Adequately lit roads 4. A programme that teaches both adults and children to use the roadways 5. All motorised vehicles, cycles and donkey carts should carry mirrors, lights and horns. These are just some of
the requirements, and if the government does not do this as is done just next door in Suriname, it should be held to account for each and every road accident in this country. However, like with everything else in Guyana, no one ever accepts responsibility. Rafeek Ferouz
Tuesday September 01,2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Who is in charge of monitoring child safety at the activity area of the Georgetown seawall? DEAR EDITOR, I am writing to highlight some serious safety issues that I observed this past Sunday at the Georgetown Seawall, specifically the area by the Bandstand that has been set aside as a play area for children. There are numerous activities for children in this area, which is great, but worryingly, little to no adult supervision at many of them. Two things in particular stood out - the large inflatable slide and the trampolines. I observed several big children and even adults jumping on several of the trampolines, sometimes with younger children. This is dangerous for these trampolines could very easily flip over; they are not anchored in any way - the ‘feet’ are just on the concrete. In other places where I have seen these, there is usually a size requirement - too
small and too large children/ adults are not allowed because they could get hurt. A similar problem was observed at the large inflatable slide. In one instance, a very young child, barely over a year old in my estimation, was allowed to climb the very high steps by herself and then held by an older child on the slide down. While the children’s parents were present, there was no ‘supervisor’ for the slide - just a man collecting money and moving between several of the inflatable objects. Again, this is a tragedy just waiting to happen. This slide is very high and very young children should not be allowed to go on it. There should also be some kind of rubber or shock absorbent mat at the base to cushion the children when they reach the bottom. While it’s great that there
are activities for children, attention also needs to be paid to ensure that adequate safety guidelines are in place so that no child gets hurt. This cannot just be left up to the business people running the activities or even the parents - the authorities need to get involved.I raise these issues not as a grump who doesn’t want the children to have fun or people to make money, but as someone concerned about health and safety. Also, to reiterate, in other places where these toys and equipment are used, there are child safety guidelines regulating their use. Guyana should be no exception. As the saying goes - “It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye.” Let us not wait until someone’s child gets hurt before we do the right thing. S. Nageer
I concur with the amentations of ... From page 4 story is always the same. “I learned other criminal behaviours while I was in prison the last time.” Mr. Gildarie sought answers as it relates to the availability of statistics to help us forge our crime-fighting policies, here in Guyana. The hard truth is that there are not many of those statistical data available. However, according to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) Strategic Plan 2010 -2015 “…more youth are involved in crime” and “more youths are coming into the prisons for a number of offences including those of violence in one form or another.” The Prison Strategic Plan goes on to note that “these youths are invariably, functionally illiterate, and in many instances, school drop-outs from predominantly single parent families.” This was exactly my problem! (Someday, like Mr. Gildarie, I will tell my story.) What Mr. Gildarie suspected and which is confirmed in the GPS Strategic Plan is that “The present systems and structures…, are inadequate to effectively respond to the rehabilitation needs of offenders…” Ever since 2001 this strategic plan was commissioned and funded. It was published in 2011, yet in 2015 the citizenry awaits a single implementation of any aspect of a post-release rehabilitative programme, as highlighted and recommended in that report. A precursory observation of the prison system in Guyana will find that greater than 60% of the current 1,960 inmates are repeat offenders. And according to the report, “The majority of the inmates - 68% - are within the age group 16 – 35,” or classified as youths. This shows that our youths are going in and out of prison with absolutely no stop-gap methods in place to reduce their re-incarceration. In reviewing these published statistics and troubling reality, it becomes obvious why President David Granger would take upon himself the humanitarian and conscionable task of reducing the incarceration time of a select group of these offenders. For decades now, the system has failed these troubled youths. Editor, what is also noteworthy about the Prison Strategic Plan, is that it highlights that “…within the time frame (2001-2010), recidivism has increased by over 100%.” Yes, you read right. 100% of those released from prison
between 2001 and 2010 were rearrested and again sentenced to prison. This caused the compilers of the report to remark that, “These trends suggest that the GPS Strategic Plan needs to analyze profiles of recidivists as well as conducting a comprehensive review of its rehabilitation programmes.” The framers of the report also promised that the plan would “contribute to the reduction of recidivism by 50% by the end of 2015,” by “more aggressive rehabilitation programmes.” What we know anecdotally is that since 2010 both crime and recidivism have increased. In January 2010 the prison population was 2,100. If the plans of the report were implemented, Guyana should have been seeing a precipitous reduction in the total number of inmates, which would have brought the numbers down to about 1,100 at the end of 2015. However, as of June this year, the figure stands at 1,962. If the 40-60 who were released by the President were added to the current figure, it would show that there have been no noticeable changes in the prison population over the last fivenyears. It is not very likely that the new Minister of Public Security would have had time to analyze in any extensive way this 35-page report, however, there must be folks whom the Minister trusts to provide him with these kinds of sensitive and timely information, even as he seeks to structure a comprehensive crime reduction plan. Mr. Gildarie ended his passionate article by noting that, “maybe we need some ‘halfway’ facilities for non-violent prisoners. There needs to be a holistic approach in fighting crime…” Ever since 2009, I have been suggesting that Guyana needs a post-release rehabilitation centre. A facility geared at providing a formal transitioning of the inmate, from prison back into society. The facility would be a self-sustaining outfit that provides housing, academic tutelage, drug rehabilitation, job training and placement and spiritual formation. It would be Guyana’s first post-releasecentre. I therefore concur with the lamentations of Mr. Gildarie, and it would have been a travesty of emotional empathy for me to not let him know that I share hispain. Pastor W. P. Jeffrey
The Co-operative movement has great potential to develop as a viable sector
DEAR EDITOR, Most recently, Mr. Lincoln Lewis, the General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, made a case for the new Government to give some attention to the Co-operative sector. He contends that the Guyana economy is trisectoral. Therefore, the Government must take that into account, as they plan the way forward in this new dispensation. In support of the call made by Mr. Lewis, being a Co-operator myself, I believe the time is now to help that sector, a sector with abundant potential for people’s development. On the ideological front, it is true that the Co-operative Socialist Republic of Guyana derived its name from the Co-operatives. The Co-operative sector was seen then as the vehicle to move Guyana from a colonial structured economy to a socialist one. Therefore, it was the intention of the Government at the time to allow the ‘small man’ to be engaged in the economy by pooling their resources for the purpose of engaging in business as entrepreneurs. As a matter of fact, it was said that the Co-ops would allow for large masses of people to be involved in the economy as both workers and owners. However, based on my knowledge, the transition period is when the process attempts to bring the entire economy under state control. In the Soviet Union the Co-ops refused ‘take over’ by the state because it was more profitable and the Co-operators were in charge. Thus, up to the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was a mixed economy. It was expected that the movement would develop in size, thereby increasing its assets and being in a position
to compete with the private sector; it was also expected that employment would have been generated in large numbers, increasing production and simultaneously increasing the wealth of the country by helping in the area of poverty reduction. What must be noted is that Co-ops are not a Government entity but a people’s one. The Government of the day did not start the movement; it was in existence since the colonial days. Many will argue that at the end of slavery, the freed slaves showcased the Coop’s spirit when they put their money together, purchased land and created villages. In its attempt to move along the Socialist road, the Government encouraged the Co-ops’ growth, and in the seventies it reached great heights . Many of these Co-ops were dependent on the Government for business, so when the oil crisis came and Government had to cut back on its spending, many of the Co-ops folded. What was recognized is that the Co-ops were too dependent on the Government. It was this closeness with the Government which caused the now opposition to label the Co-ops a PNC thing, while still arguing it was a Government failure. In addition, this view of the now opposition when in power neglected the movement so that it may have died a natural death. But the death of the movement did not take place, and there are many Co-ops still standing as good examples: the fisherman Co-ops, cane farming Co-ops, Rice farming Co-ops and the most outstanding being the Co-op Rice mill at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo. Further, it is important that the movement recognize that a Co-op is a business and must be run like a business, independent of the Govern-
ment. I believe those in the movement will have to come to the understanding that the movement belongs to them and the responsibility is theirs to shoulder. The Government’s involvement is to help the movement to get on its feet, unlocking great economic potential by helping to engage people in their own development. This is what is being done for GuySuCo, the rice farmers, and many other entities, so helping the Co-ops become normal. What can the Government do to give the Co-ops a push to rekindle the spirit of such a movement? The National Co-operative Union must be reconstituted as an interim body, which is done by the Chief Co-operative Development Officer, while the representatives must be chosen by the region themselves. Further, the Union must be tasked in conjunction with the Co-op Department, to visit all existing Co-ops and to come up with a report and a Strategic Development Plan for the movement for the next three to five years. The Union should also be given a subvention to adequately carry out its function, while working in collaboration with the Co-op Department; to mobilize, train, reestablish links with the ILO, specialize guidance in preparation of projects and project management, marketing, capacity building and institutional strengthening. I believe the Co-operative movement has great potential to develop as a viable sector that will be able to mobilize resources, both human and financial. On the other hand, it will help to increase household income, reduce poverty and help our people to live the good life. Pastor Norman Dalrymple
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Berbice bridge owners Anti-money laundering measures… Review body lauds want 55% toll increase Guyana’s strides - Govt. rejects proposal - Jordan
New GPC’s owner, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, yesterday expressed “grave concern” about the inaccuracies contained in a press release issued by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI), on the tolls charged by the Company. He also noted that the Berbice Bridge Company, is seeking to impose a further 55% increase in tolls on an “already suffering population.” Commenting on the BCCI statement, the Minister noted that “there is no toll reduction to the Company.” He said that the company will continue to receive the full amount of the existing toll; if there is a reduction the company would receive the difference from the Government. Therefore the Bridge Company would not lose a cent. Jordan also raised concerns about BCCI reporting on a statement he allegedly made at the meeting on August 12, last. BBCI has stated that Jordan “accepted that ‘the company would like further discussions to take place on the proposal and an extension in the concession period from 21 years to 40 years: or for the Government to give consideration to an
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo
Director Keith Evelyn
application for an increase in toll made to the PPP/C Government on March 15, 2015.” But, the Minister said that contrary to that assertion, his record of the meeting indicates that he restated the intention of the Government to facilitate lower tolls for users of the Bridge to bring some relief to the people of
increase.” The Minister stated yesterday that he was given false hope by the “spirit in which both meetings of August 12 were conducted. It gave hope of an expeditious conclusion of this matter.” “Alas, there now appears to be other forces who want to use the Government as a compensatory mechanism for
“Alas, there now appears to be other forces who want to use the Government as a compensatory mechanism for a faulty investment model of the Berbice Bridge.” – Minister of Finance Winston Jordan Regions Five and Six. “I further indicated that the Company would not suffer any loss.” Minister Jordan said that he was prepared to enter into a series of discussions on matters of mutual interest, “beginning with the reductions announced in the Budget Speech. “It was with Mr. (Christopher) Ram, and not with me, that the Company indicated that it would like discussions to take place on extending the Concession period from twenty-one years to forty years, or for the Government to consider its letter to the PPP/C as an application to this Government for a toll
a faulty investment model of the Berbice Bridge, one that seeks to impose a further 55% increase in tolls on an already suffering population. “Such an unreasonable charge will not be countenanced by our Government.” Jordan also noted that it is now approaching three weeks since his meeting with the officials of BBCI. He said that meanwhile, the public is being inconvenienced and “I hope that the Company will move swiftly to demonstrate its commitment to achieving the objective of reducing the burden on the people of Guyana caused by (continued on page 8)
Guyana has been commended for its strides to implement legislations and other measures to combat money laundering. Attorney General (AG), Basil Williams, and Legal Advisor of the Finance Intelligent Unit (FIU), Alicia Williams, were part of a teleconference with representatives of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Representatives of the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) on Thursday, August 27, last. The foreign officials were in Quito, Ecuador. Due to the Parliamentary debate on the National Budget, the AG had requested that Guyana participate via teleconferencing. This teleconference came on the heels of the just concluded CFATF Ministerial meeting in Miami, Florida. “An agreed action plan between FATF and Guyana was addressed at the teleconference. Guyana was congratulated on its effort and commitment in addressing the majority of the deficiencies identified after the review by the ARRG,” Government said in a statement. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2015 which was passed in Parliament and assented into law, were sent
Guyana has been commended on its work to introduce laws and measures to combat money laundering. to ARRG along with the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Regulation 2015. “These pieces of legislation have ensured that Guyana is now fully compliant with the FATF requirements,” the statement from Government said yesterday. The tele-conference with FATF and ARRG CoChairpersons on Thursday saw participants from Mexico, Spain, Canada, the US Treasury Department and Canada. In November 2013, after the country failed to pass the law changes, the regional regulators, Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) warned other CARICOM member countries to take measures to protect themselves from the risks coming from Guyana. Neither Government nor the Opposition budged and
the issue has been worrying bankers and other stakeholders of the implications. Under the legislations banks, insurance companies, cooperatives, pawnbrokers, cambios, money transfers and a host of other agencies have to submit reports and raise red flags of suspicious transactions to a local body called the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The law changes will allow measures to be taken for the seizure of monies and property acquired from illegal activities and proceeds. All agencies named have to adopt controls that will mandate customers to produce proper identification. Guyana’s non-passage of the Bill has seen pressure from civil organizations and business bodies. With several Caribbean nations’ part of the CFATF, any blacklisting would have implications.
Trinidad replaces Venezuela as Guyana’s fuel supplier Guyana has increased its acquisition of oil from Trinidad and Tobago, a senior Government official confirmed yesterday. The increase would come amidst a claim by Venezuela on Guyana’s waters and lands, following the discovery of oil offshore Georgetown by US-owned ExxonMobil earlier this year. According to Government officials yesterday, supplies of oil from Venezuela’s refinery in Curacao had shown signs of becoming unreliable. No shipments have been made from Venezuela since
late July. A chartered oil tanker that went to Curacao in July but was unable to collect fuel left Guyana facing possible shortages. With demurrage and other charter charges rising, the tanker was diverted to Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister of the TwinIsland Republic, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, had offered Guyana to help meet its energy needs. Guyana has been depending largely on Venezuela and to a lesser extent, Trinidad and Tobago, to meet its oil needs. The Government official
insisted that Guyana has not stopped taking oil from Venezuela which was provided under what was known as the PetroCaribe arrangement, a deal that was introduced a decade ago by former President, Hugo Chavez. That deal, which allowed Guyana to delay payments for up to 20 years, saw the country shipping rice in exchange. The rice deal is set to expire in November with Venezuela unlikely to renew it. The Guyana Oil Company was taking the majority of an estimated 1.3 barrels of oil annually from Venezuela. The shipments had been coming from Venezuela fortnightly, depending on the stocks held by GuyOil. In 2013, GuyOil’s acquisition of oil was a significant $44B. Oil imports account for the biggest chunk of Guyana’s foreign exchange spending.
Tuesday September 01,2015
Kaieteur News
Berbice bridge owners want 55% toll increase From page 6 prohibitively high tolls.” It was recently revealed that the current contractual arrangements allow for two entities to control 50 percent of the company: The New GPC and Hand In Hand Trust Corporation. New GPC, a company owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s best friend and, according to an article on chrisram.net some time ago, that company has two Directors on the Board. The structure of the company allows equity shareholders whose investment is less than five percent ($400 million) of the total funds of the company to exercise controlling interest over the company. Of the $400 million, the Ramroop Group owns 40 percent and the Hand-in-Hand Group owns 10 percent. The contract also provides for the equity shareholders to receive 23 percent on their investments. The coalition government, in the lead up to the May 11,
New GPC director, Ravi Ramcharitar 2015 elections, had accused the previous administration of hijacking the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI), deliberately structuring operations in a manner that allowed investors and their close friends with disproportionately small investment to control the company. To ease the burden on users of the bridge, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, pursued the reduction of the tolls in a phased manner. The first phase sees the toll
reduction for cars, from $2,200 to $1,900. This was announced during the budget presentation. It was set for implementation today (September 1). Jordan had also indicated a 10 percent reduction on other categories of vehicles. But, the Finance Minister at a recent post Cabinet press briefing revealed that the implementation of the reduction seems to be in limbo at the moment. He disclosed that the prescribed toll reduction was in limbo because BBCI’s Directors decided to take that matter to its shareholders. The current Directors of the Company are said to be Keith Evelyn, Ravi Ramcharitar, Avalon Jagnandan, Gillian Burton, Egbert Carter, Paul Cheong, Cecil Kennard, and Maurice Solomon. Jagnandan and Ramcharitar are both Directors in New GPC. Government’s lead negotiator in the toll increase is Attorney-at-Law, Chris Ram, while for the BBCI, Ravi Dev, is representing New GPC on the Board.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 01,2015
OVER 2,300 JAMAICANS IN PRISON OVERSEAS At least 2,309 Jamaicans are in lock-ups in 10 countries across four regions of the world, posing a dilemma for the Government as to how much effort, time and taxpayers’ money it must expend to represent them. The issue of the incarceration of Jamaicans overseas was dramatised by the controversy surrounding pilot Paul Andrew Stephens who returned home last Thursday, after nearly four years in prison in Qatar for the alleged rape of a teenager who claimed she lost her virginity during the alleged assault one night when Stephens was left by her mother to watch over the children in her absence. Stephens who stepped off
a plane at the Norman Manley Airport and hurried directly to a media briefing at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston, has strenuously maintained his innocence, countering that he had consensual sex with the 16year-old girl, and suggested that she initiated the act. In Jamaica the age of consent is 16 years old. But the Qatari courts, unimpressed with his pleadings and subsequent appeal, sentenced Stephens to five years in prison, to be followed by deportation, on the evidence of witnesses including the teenager’s mother, a neighbour and school authorities to whom the girl reported the alleged
assault in November 2008. He was granted a pardon last month, after the of the intervention
Jamaican Government, with prodding from family and friends. The case was brought to light here by Opposition spokesman on foreign affairs, Edmund Bartlett who dogged A J Nicholson’s Foreign Ministry to provide support for Stephens, while he languished in the prison for a crime the 39-year-old Qatar Airlines pilot insisted he had not committed. Bartlett was supplied with information by J ustice of the Peace Judie O’Sullivan, a tireless advocate for his release.
“The nonchalance and tardiness that have characterised the Paul Stephens case following his pardon, are unworthy of Jamaica’s foreign services and the minister himself, whose main objective should be the protection of the rights and interests of Jamaican citizens regardless of the circumstances in which they find themselves,” said Bartlett in a party news release prior to Stephens’ return home. Nicholson struck back that his ministry had done everything it could to stand
Paul Andrew Stephens by the pilot and was only constrained by the necessity to respect the laws of the Persian Gulf state, protect bilateral relations between the two countries and ensure its actions did not put in jeopardy law-abiding Jamaicans who live and work in Qatar. “The Qatari Ministry of Interior has advised that the real impediment to the individual’s release and deportation is due to a ban because of an outstanding obligation which must be
honoured before he can be released. Many persons in the detention centre in Qatar awaiting deportation have bans against them for outstanding debts and until these bans are lifted, deportation will not be finalised,” Nicholson offered in a Ministry news release. Figures provided by the Diaspora and Consular Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry, at the Jamaica Observer’s request, showed that at October 14,
2014, some 2,309 Jamaican nationals were incarcerated abroad - convicted, on remand or in detention awaiting deportation.The number included 1,424 in the United States based on statistics provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); 619 in the United Kingdom; 133 in Canada; 43 in Trinidad and Tobago; 40 in Barbados; 23 in Antigua and Barbuda; 12 in Cuba; 10 in Curacao; four in St Lucia and one in Mexico.
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
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WHERE WILL THE GOVT. PUT THE RIVER? There is the small quarrel between the Berbice River Bridge Company and the govt. Apparently the govt felt that it had an agreement for the reduction in tolls. That agreement is now in jeopardy. The date for the reduction in the tolls was supposed to be today. But that deadline is not going to be met because there seems to have been differences between the govt and the Bridge Company as to what was achieved. The Bridge Company wants to speak with their shareholders before agreeing to anything. They also want certain things that had requested in the past, which
incidentally includes an increase in tariffs, to be put in place. The request to speak with the shareholders is understandable. The directors do not wish to make a decision that could imperil the fortunes of the company without gaining the approval of the shareholders to whom they are ultimately accountable. Other than that they may simply be stalling for time. The govt finds itself in this problem because it opted for a small decrease in tolls which it has to subsidize. This reduction is not costing the Bridge Company a cent because the govt will pay a
subsidy in return which should cover the aggregate reductions in tolls. The Bridge Company therefore has nothing to lose but it is using the deadline for implementing the reduction to press for concessions from the govt. The govt has to decide whether it will play along. There is a danger in doing so. The govt will come across as being weak. No govt should be seen as weak. People will take advantage of the weak. The govt has found itself with its back against the wall because it has failed to address the issue of control over the Bridge. The State, through a number of
I cannot speak for Jagdeo’s wealth General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Clement Rohee, yesterday held a press conference at which he was faced with questions he just could not answer. The former Home Affairs Minister read three statements, and spoke extensively on other issues, but when faced with questions on Bharrat Jagdeo’s accumulated wealth, he became stumped. On numerous occasions,
- Rohee Jagdeo, who is now the Opposition leader, promised the nation that he would have divulged information about his source of funding for his seaside mansion; but never did. However, recently Jagdeo renewed his vows to the cause of transparency and accountability. He told the nation that he will be the
watchdog of corruption. Rohee was asked, if on that basis, Jagdeo and others in the PPP alike are likely to come clean and answer all the question the nation has on their wealth. He said, “You have to ask Jagdeo;, he spoke about this before, but Stabroek News (he meant Kaieteur News) don’t want to drop this issue…I cannot speak for Jagdeo or any other Minister, I can speak about myself.”
Dem boys seh...
De driver full out Rohee bank loan application De govt young but it got a lot of old people inside. It done start to look like if Alzheimer’s step in on a lot of dem. Dem done forget fuh remember plenty things. Dem promise to put people before de court on every corrupt transaction dem find. GRA ketch Irfaat wid two vehicle in he name. He didn’t pay duty pun one. Dem boys seh he suppose to done deh before de court but it look like all of dem get Alzheimer ’s and don’t remember de campaign message. If dem think dem gun continue forgetting like this, dem lie. De people done vex already and dem talking all over de country that wha Soulja Bai and Moses promise dem not delivering. Dem did promise big changes in de media. Instead, dem thief a li’l man who use to wuk wid de devil. He name Nigel de Willie. Dem boys seh when he been at de Big Market paper he was a journalist. Then de devil cast a spell over him and for a few dollars, he sell he soul and gone wid de devil. In de devil newspaper he
proppa cuss Soulja Bai, and Rum Jattan when dem all been in de opposition. Now that govt change, dem boys seh he change too. Dem boys got dem eyes open wide to read when he gun dig some cuss in dem same people who was he paymaster yesterday. Dem boys seh Nigel de Willie should thank de Creatah that overnight dem old people get Alzheimer’s disease so that he can get hire at de govt paper. Rohee got Alzheimer’s too. Yesterday he tell de reporter when she ask him when Jagdeo will tell de nation wheh he get he get money to build de mansion. He always promise to talk about but he ducking. He seh he can’t answer fuh Jagdeo. He can only talk fuh heself. Dem boys ask him how he build he house at Pradoville2. He look round de room as if he paglee. He was buying time to think of an answer then he seh that he tek a loan. De story get sweetah when dem boys ask ee wheh he get de loan from. He couldn’t remember. He stammer, then he call Zulfie, de executive secretary to de
party, who was sitting down next to him at de press conference. Zulfie seh, “What you asking me? Is nah you driver full out de loan form fuh you?” Talk half and think about a man who can’t remember which bank he borrow money from fuh build he house.
agencies, has invested the majority of funds in the Bridge. But because of the financing arrangement, the govt has a minority presence on the Board. This anomaly is what the govt should have confronted. It should have devised a strategy to assume majority control. The only way this can happen is if the govt converts its loans and bonds in the Bridge to equity shares. The govt has to do this. Alternatively, seeing that the Bridge is not earning money, it should buy-out the private shareholders and then it should assume majority control of the Bridge. Nationalization is not an option. This will send chills down the spine of the
business community. It will frighten investors. It will also require the govt, under the law, having to pay compensation to those affected. It will be much cheaper and more convenient for the govt to buy out the private investors. Seeing that they are not gaining any returns on their investment, there should be no problem in them wanting to sell once the price is right. Once the govt assumes control of the Bridge it can then remove all tolls for vehicular traffic or charge the same tolls that are charged on the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The govt believes that its options are not closed. It does not state just what these options are. But it was suggested that while the
Bridge Company owns the Bridge, it does not own the river. So perhaps we can now expect that if the Bridge Company does not reach an agreement with the govt, the govt will withdraw the river and financially cripple the Bridge company which supposedly receives a great deal of its revenues from the movement of ships and boats. But if the govt picks up the river where is it going to put it? After all, this river is still needed to cross from one bank to the other bank.
Arsonist attempts to torch Social worker's car A social worker living on the East Coast Demerara is thanking her lucky stars that her neighbour responded in a timely manner and extinguished a fire that would have certainly destroyed her car. F orty-seven-year-old Parbattie Dowlatram, of 178 Tract A, Coldingen is convinced that the car was deliberately set alight while she was fast asleep. The suspect was believed to be another resident of the community with whom she i s h a v i n g a n o n g o i ng feud. But fortunately for her she only had to replace a burnt tyre and would need a slight paint job to repair the damage done to the Toyota Allion motorcar which has been in her possession for the past four years. Speaking to this newspaper yesterday, Dowlatram said that she
A part of the car that was set on fire.
returned home from Masjid about 22:00 hours and secured
her car which is usually (continued on page 11)
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 01, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Lawyers and military men in politics throughout Guyanese history In an editorial of July 26, 2015, the Stabroek News (SN) used the following words; “The political congnoscenti (sic) – not to mention the opposition, of course – have been watching very closely to see if the incumbents with military backgrounds are really adapting to the sometimes messy democratic culture of civilian life.” SN obviously meant the number of former soldiers who are in governmental authority. It is a bewildering observation because one is at a loss to understand why former military men who reverted to civilian life and are now in politics have to be
watched closely to see if they can adjust to the complexities and difficulties of democratic governance. This article will conclude without any reference to the American political system because it is public knowledge throughout the world that the American presidency and Senate have been filled by many former military officers. What is so curious about former soldiers that we must monitor them when they retire and become politicians? Why must we have reservations because they once wore military fatigues? Why solders? Why not other professions? The American
presidency and Senate have been filled with businessmen or moneyed people. Do people with money have to be closely looked at when they become governmental leaders? What about lawyers? Very few, if any, historians or scholars in political behaviour that currently studies Guyanese politics, would refuse to admit that Guyana has been a tragic postcolonial failure. Early last year, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent wrote a learned opinion titled “The Idea of Barbados.” In it he asserted that in the British West Indies, Barbados stands out as the region’s most positive landmark. In assessing the independent territories of the British West Indies, in that article, Guyana had less positive ratings than the other Big Two – Jamaica
and Trinidad. When you look at the role lawyers have played in pre-and postcolonial Guyana and our failure to sustain national development then based on the facts should we not carefully monitor lawyers who are in control of the Guyanese state? Anti- colonial politics in Guyana at the start of the second half of the 20th century had a strong presence of lawyers – Daniel Debidin, Ashton Chase, Forbes Burnham, Llewellyn John, Jai Narine Singh. After the PPP split in the first half of the fifties, lawyers became even more influential; John Carter teamed up with Forbes Burnham, and Balram Singh Rai joined Cheddi Jagan. Interesting to note that the first serious challenge to Jagan’s leadership came from a lawyer Balram Singh Rai and
for Burnham, it was another lawyer, Llewellyn John. After President Burnham died, he was succeeded by another lawyer, Desmond Hoyte. When President Hoyte died, the new leader of the PNC was yet another lawyer, Robert Corbin. The main challenge to Corbin for the presidential candidacy for the 2005 election came from yet another lawyer, Winston Murray. Two lawyers formed the Alliance For Change – Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman. The four top names in the Alliance For Change are all lawyers – Nigel Hughes, Khemraj Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo and Raphael Trotman. The two most influential persons in the AFC based on de jure authority after the President are two lawyers – Joseph Harmon and Moses
Frederick Kissoon Nagamootoo. One of the four founding fathers of the Working People’s Alliance was a lawyer, Moses Bhagwan. How has Guyana done with this profusion of attorneys after fifty years of Independence? I think the record is hardly impressive. So why must we select former soldiers for close supervision when they get elected to office? Surely, they would have been out of fatigues a long, long time. Mark Archer retired from the GDF many moons ago and worked as a civilian in the US. Joseph Harmon became a lawyer years ago. But it is David Granger who needs special mention. If he is 70, it means that he left the army a long time ago. After leaving army life, Granger got a history degree then went on to a higher degree in International Relations. He started up a monthly social/political interest magazine titled “Guyana Review.” He authored and edited several scholarly books. Mr. Granger was a fixture on the symposium circuit of the Guyana Historical and Research Society. Each year he turned up at the annual conference of that organization. If I had to classify Granger before he became President, I would put him down as a practicing academic. The perspective that sees the many former soldiers in the present government as military men who haven’t lost their earlier regimentation is very questionable. That is an unfair assessment. What is wrong with lawyers and former soldiers in government?
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Summons filed to have PPP/C Rice Producers call on Govt. to Elections Petition thrown out come clean on $23B allocation Attorney- at- law, Roysdale Forde, has filed a summons in the High Court, requesting that the petition which seeks to challenge the outcome of the recently held General and Regional elections, be struck out. The elections petition was filed on behalf of PPP/C member, Ganga Persaud, on June 23 last. According to the document, Persaud and members of the former government are questioning the validity of the May 11 polls which declared the APNU+AFC Government winners. Persaud named the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, and leaders of the eight political parties, which contested in the last elections as respondents, in the matter. In the petition, Persaud, who was appointed Election Agent of the List of Candidates for the PPP/C, claimed that the elections were “unlawfully conducted” and the result of the elections was affected or might have been affected by unlawful acts or omissions. He underscored that the elections were not held in conformity with the Constitution of Guyana and the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03. As such, opposition essentially requested a recount of all ballot boxes for the last elections and fresh elections were also called for. However, in a summons filed on behalf of Chief Elections Officer, last month, Attorneyat-law Roysdale Forde requested that the elections petition be struck out, on the grounds that sections of the petition failed to disclose reasonable cause of action and are frivolous and vexatious. The summons followed a request by Attorneys representing respondents in
the matter, for further and better particulars specified in paragraphs 8 subparagraphs 1- 15, of the petition. According to the document, those paragraphs must be struck as they are in breach of sections 140 (2) of the representation of the People’s Act Cap: 1:03. The summons also outlined that the claims in paragraphs 8 subparagraphs 1- 15, of the petition failed to provide facts to support the claims that the elections was rigged. The PPP/C had claimed that the entire electoral process was flawed. It contained many procedural errors and instances of fraudulent and/or suspicious actions. “Unrest, fake statements of polls (SOPs) and multiple voting were among several causes cited when the PPP/C filed its elections petition.” The presence of “huge mobs” at several polling stations and other strategic places, particularly in Region Four, were also cited by the party as another cause for intimidation and fear which in turn “rendered it impossible for polling and counting agents, duly appointed candidates to carry out their duties and functions properly. However, based on a request by the party for further and better particulars, Attorney -at –law, Anil Nandlall, filed an affidavit in response. Nandlall is representing Persaud and the PPP/C in the matter. In the affidavit, the attorney asserted that the particulars provided in the election petition were sufficient for the respondents to ascertain the case against them. “I am unable to provide any further details without an examination of the elections papers and documents which are, by law, in the possession of the Chief Elections Officer. I request
PPP/C member Ganga Persaud this Honourable Court that it conducts a scrutiny of votes cast,”the document stated. Nandlall in a subsequent summons requested an order directed to the Chief Election Officer. He requested that Lowenfield produces for inspection and examination for the purpose of the Election Petition, the parcels of all election papers and documents, including those he received from the returning officer of each electoral division under section 102 of the Representation of the Peoples Act . This, the document stated, includes all the electoral list containing the names of the persons entitled to vote , all issued a ballots , all unused ballots , all votes cast by electors , all statement of poll issued at specified polling divisions; all certificates of counting issued in respect to the votes cast at each and every polling division, and all polling books used at each and every polling station . While there has been no mention of which Judge will preside over the hearing, all parties concerned in the matter are scheduled to convene at the Georgetown High Court, on September 24, for reports into the matter.
Following accusations from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Members of Parliament that in excess of $23B promised in the government’s budget for 7,000 plus rice farmers was left out of the budget estimates, there has still been no official explanation from the Government. PPP/C MP and General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj, and Co-Chairman of the Rice Producers Association/ Action Committee (RPA/AC) Jinnah Rahaman, called for more openness and transparency on the issue, stating that it was something that must be cleared up. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan on Friday last, declined to comment on the situation. He said that the matter had already been discussed. A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) side of the house was first confronted with the issue during last week’s sitting of the National Assembly, but did not offer any explanation. Seeraj stated that contributions to local agricultural organizations, including Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), were observed in the estimates, but there was nothing under the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). Nor, Seeraj observed, were the allocations under the Ministry of Agriculture. In view of this, the Parliamentarian noted that the Government should lay its cards on the table as it is. According to the General Secretary, GRPA was not a budget agency and the money was for paying rice farmers. He also stated that
- money was expected to go towards paying rice farmers there were expectations that the money might fulfill the APNU+AFC campaign promises to rice farmers of at least $6000 per bag of paddy. During the examination of the budget estimates, allegations had also been leveled by the Opposition that no money had been allocated for University of Guyana student loans. On that occasion, however, the Finance Minister had defended the omission. He had explained that for the first time since its inception, the agency’s revolving fund had accumulated enough money to cover the University payments; hence, there was no need for the Government to allocate cash in the estimates. Over the past few years, there has been a growing outcry from rice farmers, who would have sold tonnes of paddy to millers, but in many cases have been forced to wait in excess of the 42 days prescribed under the Rice Factories (Amendment) Act.
Under the Act, it is illegal for millers to withhold payments to rice farmers in excess of 42 days after delivery of the produce. Failing to do so makes the miller liable by law to pay farmers interest that is two per cent higher than the going interest rate of the Bank of Guyana. However, there has been much controversy within the industry, the latest being a directive issued by the Government to millers to take back nearly 300 containers of rice and paddy originally destined for Venezuela, after Venezuelan rice officials ordered a halt to shipments. The millers were also instructed to sell the rice on alternative markets. This directive was said to have been issued after Guyana exceeded the shipping patterns to the oil producing country. However, the situation did not go down well with millers and has since led to a lawsuit being filed against the GRDB by a private miller.
Arsonist attempts to torch Social worker's car From page 9 was aroused from her sleep by the barking of dogs; then her cell phone rang. It was her neighbour, who informed her that her car was on fire. “I rush out and I saw the neighbour’s husband trying to put out the fire,” Dowlatram said. “He told me that he got up to make tea for his baby when he saw the fire. He said he saw a fine, dark skin, tall person on a bicycle ride up
the road and look back,” Dowlatram added. According to the woman, she suspects a resident who had threatened her recently. The police were summoned to the scene but Dowlatram said that although they examined the scene they left behind a bottle which was believed to have contained a flammable liquid used to set the fire. However, police have assured that they are investigating the matter.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 01, 2015
COI launched into Cops forced to abort Service exhumation of slain Jamaican Public Commission
Rough terrain and an almost dry creek forced police to abort plans to exhume the remains of Jamaican, Michael Dillon, who was slain in an alleged marijuana dispute near Kimbia, Berbice, three months ago. Police sources said that detectives were to have accompanied Government pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh to the area since May, but no transportation was available because of the upcoming May 11 General Elections. Last Saturday, Dr. Nehaul Singh and a police team set out for the area. However, after the long trip to Kimbia, the team discovered that the water in the Kimbia Creek was too low for their vessel to transport them to the scene. “Even after some of the team came out of the boat the water was still too low,” a source said. Once the water rises, ranks will make another attempt to reach the scene and exhume Dillon’s remains. Michael Dillon, a Jamaican, was said to have been shot dead on April 25. Police had his decomposing body buried at the same spot with the intention of exhuming it later.
- T o operate during To thr ee-month period three-month
Rayburn Anthony Shivander (left) and Quacy Walker Meanwhile, two men, Quacy Walker, 24, a miner from Sir David Street, Rose Hall Town; and Quacy Walker, 25, a farmer from Kimbia, were arrested in connection with Dillon’s murder. They appeared in court for the first time on August 25 and were remanded. An attorney for Walker alleged that his client had been severely beaten and only had medical treatment after being taken to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. The attorney appealed to Magistrate Ann
McLennan for Walker to access private medical treatment. The matter has been
transferred to the Kwakwani Magistrates Court, where the men are set to appear on September 18.
Another Commission of Inquiry (COI) has been established, this time into the Public Service, in a bid to determine measures for improving aspects of the welfare of Public Servants. Wages and salaries, wage structure for different levels of Public Servants and the age of retirement will form part of the Commission of Inquiry. The directive to bring the COI on board was issued by President David Granger. The Commission will consist of Professor Harold Lutchman as the Chairman, with Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsarran
Another 12 months jail for phone thief Self-confessed cell phone thief, Shane Thompson, has added yet another conviction to his rap sheet. The unemployed teenager, who has an eye for popular brand name cell phones, was yesterday jailed for 12 months after he was found guilty of committing an armed robbery. The jail term was handed down yesterday by Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. On July 13, last, Thompson, while armed with an ice pick, robbed Kasi Nelson of a Samsung Galaxy S5 valued $100,000, and $5200 cash. During the trial Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Neville Jeffers called several witnesses.
After informing the court of her verdict, the Magistrate told Thompson that she hopes he is rehabilitated in prison, since he is a young man with a functional brain. Thompson is currently serving a 12-month jail term for a similar offence. He was jailed last month by Magistrate Mc Lennan. At his first court hearing he admitted that on July 13, at Sheriff and Garnett Streets, Campbellville, Georgetown he stole a Samsung Galaxy S5 from Amifah Mentore. According to reports, on the day in question, Thompson and Mentore were passengers in a route 40 minibus when it stopped at the junction of Sheriff and Garnett Streets. They both
disembarked at the same location, when Thompson accosted Mentore and demanded that she hand over her cell phone. After Mentore refused to comply with the convict’s request, he grabbed the phone and ran. This proved unfortunate for Thompson. Mentore raised an alarm and public spirited citizens came to her defence, chasing him all the way to John Street where he was apprehended. The phone was found on his person. He was taken to the Kitty Police Station, investigations were carried out and the charge was laid. Under caution he admitted to stealing the phone. The prison terms will run concurrently.
as the other Commissioners. According to the Legal Advisor to the Ministry of the Presidency, Geeta ChandanEdmond, the response to the notice has been overwhelming. The general public has been calling in and emailing the Secretariat with statements of their experiences in the Public Service. As the persons making submissions will be drawn from the public, she pointed out; the process would be guaranteed impartiality. The terms of reference of the COI state that it is to inquire into, report on, and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration and conditions of service for Public Servants. The Commission is also expected to determine measures to improve how efficiently Public Servants discharge their duties and classification of Public Servants is done. There will also be a detailed examination of how the salaries and wages are determined. The Commission is expected to have a life of three months, with the possibility of re-applying should the Commissioners feel the need for more time. The tentative start date for the COI is September 18 and the Public hearings, which the general public can attend and make oral submissions to the Commissioners for improvements of the Service, will be conducted at the Secretariat Building of the Public Service Ministry on Waterloo Street. The Commission secretariat has also put out notices asking for these submissions to be emailed to publicservantscommission@gmail.com or forwarded to the Secretariat’s address. Granger had promised the establishment of the COI into the Public Service on June 8, last, during the 92nd anniversary of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU). Noting that the present Government will set a higher standard for Public Servants to meet, the President had also announced the commencement of a Public Service Staff College (PSSC) through which all potential recruits will have to pass. He had also promised that while this was being done, the current training division of the Public Service Ministry (continued on page 23)
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Father pours gasoline, lights son afire A 21-year-old man had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) two Mondays ago after he was set on fire by his father. The incident occurred at their Helena, Mahaica home. The burnt man has been identified as Andy Thomas, a father of one of Lot 112 Helena, Mahaica. He is a patient at the GPHC Burns Care Unit, having sustained burns to his face, back, waist and his head. Thomas’s father is in police custody. According to reports, Thomas asked his father, who was at the time under the influence of alcohol, to avoid making noise since his onemonth-old baby was asleep. The suspect was
annoyed by this, according to the wounded man’s sister, Donna Allen, so he reportedly threw a bowl containing gasoline at his son and lit him afire. “My brother was walking up the step and my father took the bowl of gasoline and throw it on him and then light the match and fling it on him and there was a big flare,” Allen said. She added, “He (Thomas) then jump down the step and he sprained his foot…he run to the bathroom and throw water on himself.” Thomas was then rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where he was then transferred to the GPHC. He underwent surgery yesterday and is said to be in a stable condition.
President David Granger, during a recent visit to Pomeroon, Region Two, challenged the farmers to overcome their perennial problem of markets for their produce. The Pomeroon farmers are now encouraged to venture into Agroprocessing. The President’s visit culminated with the donation of a 25-foot boat to the students along the Pomeroon River. The boat which is named “David G” was a fulfillment of a promise Granger made to the people of the Pomeroon River when he campaigned for the 2015 Regional and General elections. Granger reminded farmers that Guyana should not be tied to the idea of only
exporting raw materials”. They should place attention on exporting more local produce. The Head of State called on Pomeroon farmers not to become complacent but rather energized and place more emphasis on getting their produce packaged to an acceptable standard, allowing for exportation. Residents who continue to struggle to find adequate markets for their local produce in the Pomeroon River have echoed calls for the resuscitation of the collapsed Guyana Marketing Agency to be re-established, at Charity. Pomeroon farmers usually utilized the Charity wharf to sell their produce. (Yannason Duncan)
Granger sells agro-processing to Pomeroon farmers
Gang fight on first day of school lands teenage ... From page 6 “way back” from primary school but became enemies over an incident which occurred sometime back. He did not state what the issue was about. The two teenagers reside in the same street. Hinds explained that he went home from school to have lunch when his mother asked him to take lunch for his sister who attends the same school with Prince. “When I drop my sister lunch and was leaving, I see he (Prince) and he come to me and knock off my hat. He push me and I push him back and then he cuff me and I cuff he back and one of his friend cuff me in my back and I burst a bottle and stab him (Prince),” Hinds stressed.
Meanwhile, Prince, who was treated at the GPHC and sent away, said that when he saw Hinds yesterday, he approached him to ask how he was doing. “I just went to him and ask how he doing but he was vicious. He tell me, 'Boy don't talk to me…I ain't in a good mood' and then he push me and I push him back, and he cuff me and I cuff him back,” Prince stated. He added, “The guard came and part us and I walk away and then he (Hinds) walk up to me and stabbed me.” The teenagers were rushed to the hospital by a teacher from St. George's Secondary School. The matter is being investigated by social workers.
Page 21
Social Cohesion not new to Guyana - experts
(From L to R) International Facilitator of the Social Cohesion Roundtable Chris Spies, British High Commissioner James Quinn, Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally, Local Facilitator of the Roundtable Lawrence Latchmansingh While the Ministry of Social Cohesion may be relatively new to some, experts have said that the concept of ‘social cohesion’ is in no way foreign to the Guyanese society, having gained momentum 12 years ago. Lawrence Latchmansingh and Chris Spies, who both worked on the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Social Cohesion Programme in 2003, have, in fact, explained that the efforts of the very project brought about a change in political thinking those days. They also led to Guyana having its first non-violent elections in 2006. In May, when recently appointed President David Granger introduced the Ministry of Social Cohesion, his decision was met with many questions, the most frequently asked being “What is social cohesion?” But Lawrence Latchmansingh, the local facilitator of the Social Cohesion Roundtable slated to begin on Thursday, said, “Guyana is close to being a trendsetter in the world because we sort of helped to originate the whole term ‘Social Cohesion’ over 12 years ago, thanks to the work of UNDP.” At the time, Latchmansingh
was the manager of the Social Cohesion Programme. During a press conference held at the Ministry of the Presidency, yesterday, he explained that it is a long-term agenda but one which almost starts from scratch every time one attempts to explain “Social Cohesion”. “Among the many important tasks that we have ahead of us in Guyana is to clarify what we mean by that (Social Cohesion) and I think that is a good challenge,” he said. Latchmansingh said that a copious amount of work in the area of social cohesion was already done 12 years ago. “We have a lot to be grateful for those investments which occurred thanks to the leadership that occurred on all sides of the fence back in 2003 when we began.” Latchmansingh said that with the support came not only from the UNDP, but the British through the Department for International Development (DfID) as well as the Canadians, among others. The Local Facilitator lauded the work of Roxanne Meyers, who reviewed the experiences and documented reports and evaluations on the social cohesion project.
“The experience as Guyanese of working on social cohesion in the past has been supremely encouraging. We ought to be, and I think justifiably, very optimistic about finding solutions to any incohesion that we are trying to fix. There are a lot of great people out there with great ideas,” Latchmansingh said. He added that while the Ministry has the immediate challenge of structuring its own role, the success relies on how the people work as an effective coalition together. The glass is half-full, according to Latchmansingh. International Facilitator, Chris Spies, then the UNDP Peace and Development Advisor, said that it is a privilege to be in Guyana again to see that the seeds that were planted years ago, still kept growing. He recalled that the programme was one that brought political parties together in a conflict-transformation setting and also saw to the establishment of multistakeholders forum. Reflected on the words of Rolf Myers, a negotiator on the project, Spies said “When things get tough, and where there are many challenges we tend to draw
back into competitive spaces, so we try to push our points and defend our positions. “He (Myers) said that is normal, that is how politics works but if the only space you have is a competitive space then you are in trouble. He (Myers) encouraged Guyanese to also meet in parallel spaces where the ground rules are completely different and instead of focusing on competition, you focus on collaboration.” Spies explained being together in a space where the questions are different and the thought shifts to what the future requires and how “as one people, one nation, one destiny” can get to the point where the issues that can take the country forward will be focused on. The UNDP official reflected on the very conflict resolution workshop where members of the then leading political parties, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC), the two leading parties at the time, and trade union representatives convened. “After one day, people said to one another, why don’t we do this as Guyanese more often? Why do we allow ourselves to (continued on page 24)
Bajan remanded for overstaying After leaving his homeland almost two years ago, a Barbadian found himself on the other side of the law with Guyanese law enforcement, after it was discovered that he has been residing in Guyana unlawfully. Kelvin Pilgrim, 36, of Lot 8 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo was yesterday remanded to prison after he pleaded not guilty to overstaying his time in Guyana, when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He denied that between October 11, 2012 and August 27, 2015 at Parika, he failed to comply with the conditions of his permit. The defendant was granted a permit to stay in Guyana from April 10, 2012 to October 4, 2012, but
overstayed his time. Pilgrim will make his next court appearance on Wednesday, at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, told the court that the police acting on information went to a gas station at Parika. The defendant, who was in the company of others, was approached by the police. It was later found that he was an illegitimate inhabitant. In a lengthy bail application Attorney, Melvin Duke told Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan that his client entered the Guyana legally in 2012. He explained that the defendant had sought legal status through the then Ministry of Home Affairs and is still awaiting word on his application. Further, the attorney, said
that months after his client received no response from the Ministry, he submitted another application to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), under the Commonwealth Act. He also stressed that Pilgrim is the holder of a Guyanese Tax Payer Identification Number (TIN). Moreover, Duke requested that his client be released on reasonable bail because he is not a flight risk. He assured the court that his client will return to face the charge leveled against him. Duke pleaded for the Magistrate to grant his client pre-trial liberty pending a response from the Ministry of Public Security. In addition, the lawyer informed the court that Pilgrim’s fiancée, a Guyanese national is two months’ pregnant.
After listening to the Attorney’s submission, the Magistrate inquired from the prosecutor if he had any objections to bail. He replied in the affirmative citing that the defendant did not comply with the laws of Guyana. The prosecutor told the court that the police are in possession of Pilgrim’s passport. At this point, the Magistrate requested that documents be shown to confirm that the defendant had applied for the permits. The attorney failed to produce the confirmation and indicated that the documents are in tenure of the Ministry. This led to the Magistrate approving a short date for continuation and ordering the defendant held.
Page 22
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. PARTY DECORATING: balloon creation, back drops etc. for weddings, birthdays, anniversary etc. Make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES,AIR-CONDITIONERS, WASHINGMACHINES,TVS, MICROWAVES,FREEZERSCALL: 629-4946 OR 225-4822 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Floor sanding & Lacquering House plans, Estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission - Call: 650-4362 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Eagle’s fridge re-gas @ 99100 New Market Street $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 223-5818 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC – TEL: 600-4212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Licensed Custom Broker/tax consultant: tax compliance certificates, assistance with customs documentationsCall: 660-9478 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall : 225-6496, 662-6045 Welding & fabricating, grill & Boat work –Call: 666-2101 Looking for a good plumber? Contact: 675-6466, specialized in pressure pumps, water heaters and filter systems. LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 6895997
Kaieteur News
SALON
VEHICLE FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
1 Mazda Axela, PTT series, low mileage, e x c e l l e n t condition -owner migrating Tel: 649-0956
FOR RENT
Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Carina 212, Bluebird - Call: 652-3820; 665-4529 In Stock @ First Class Auto: 08 Premio, Allion, Runx, Axio, Bluebird, Sienta, Fielder, Rush –Tel: 609-8188, 638-3045
Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Republic Park Phase 1- $48M, Prashad Nagar -$49M, 4 bedrooms -Call:609-2302, 645-2580, 609-6516,
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
One Rav4 Good Condition $1.3 negotiable, One 5000 watt Honda generator $230,000 good condition Call: 609-6310, 641-7401, 2161948
Furnished salon to rent on East Bank, interested persons please call: 698-6075
1 Toyota Landcrusier Prado, PMM Series – Call: 223-7500 (Monday – Friday) (8:154:15pm), Saturday 8:151:115pm) For Sales: Bus BRR 2501, 19 Seater pit-bull – Contact: 6893173 or 614-3947
WANTED Handy boys to work. Free live in accommodation and meals provide. Call: 628-1756; 228-5655 Experienced Driver Apply @ Hack’s Halaal Restaurant with written application, 5 Commerce Street Domestic from G/Town 2-3 day per week age: 30-45yrs Call: 641-3687 Contract Cars & Drivers Call: 227-1720, 227-1721 or 660-6102 Waitress to work on E.C.D, live in – Call: 220-1842 or 691-5518 Office assistant to keep records-Call: 660-9478 from 9am -4pm Live in maid/assistant salesgirl, E.C.D- Call: 6035416; 644-9802 Young couple looking to purchase property $12M Max within Georgetown/East Coast Demerara up to Lusignan –Tel: 622-6710 2yrs Experienced Seamstress – knowledge: flat/ over lockers/ Serger machines, meeting of deadlines/target a must- Contact: 270-1332 6am-6pm & 645-5533 6pm-? One male to provide assistance for refilling bottle on the East Coast-Call: 6242391 or 222-5990 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 One cook to cook for family in the interior –Contact: 6778484. Part time handy man at Tudor’s Business, Linden, age 18-22 years –Call: 4445883 One maid - Call: 691-7271 1 Live in waitteress, must be honest and courteous, secondary education required. Salary $60,000 monthly -Call: 6103974 One live in maid must know to cook – Contact: 677-8484 Gasoline Mechanic neededCall: 623-0318 Experienced wash bay attendants living in G/Town, attractive salary-Call: 6468748 Security to work at a mining firm must have military experienced –Contact: 2269768; 661-5307 FOR SALE/RENT American pool tables - Call: 277-0578
Tuesday September 01,2015
Commercial Space for rent at Lot 12 North Road – Call: 6628715, 680-1198 Hair Motion’s Salon: Nails & Hair Stations to rent -$6,000 Tel: 670-4644 Business Spot located on Public Road en route to East Bank Public Road-Contact: 613-0448; 672-8625 One bedroom apartment well secured, preferably working couple or single person Call: 638-8858 Bottom Flat @ Lot 166 DaSilva Street Newtown, Georgetown. Preferably for Daycare centre or private dwelling-Call: 227-3578; 6232342 Furnished 3 bedrooms flat @ Supply E.B.D –Call: 648-5149; 678-3826
EDUCATION I.A.E currently registering students for full time secondary school, lessons & evening CXC classes for adults- Call: 683-5742 Computerized Accounting Courses: Quickbooks, Peachtree, POS, FREE Job Training MicroGraphics 264-305 Didn’t Well for CXC 2015: We Can Help Join Now$2,500 per subject: MicroGraphics- Vreed-EnHoop: 264-3057 Big Discount for 2015 CXC students, 9 Course Diploma In, Computer Studies $30,000.00- MicroGraphics: 264-3057 Princeton College Forms 1-5 (5000) CXC adult classes $1,500 a subject, Phonics/ Grade 2,4,6,9 lessons Call: 231-1209, 690-5008,657-7398
SALE! SALE! SALE! 2008 TOYOTA PREMIO-$3.3M, 2006 TOYOTA ALLION$2.3M, ALL VEHICLES FULLY LOADED & UNREGISTERED- CALL: 642-7295 2000 Freightliner hauler, C12 Engine –Tel: 609-7257; 689-9041 EP 82 Starlet, AC 4 Doors, working standard rims, lady driven – good condition $550,000 – serious inquiries only - Call: 662-5052 1 Model M Truck with winch, big tire- Call: 692-9577; 6192406 Toyota RAV 4, excellent condition, leather interior, manual gear # PHH 2748 – Call: 684-6794; 621-4976 One fully loaded Toyota Raum with double sunroof, CD/MP3 player, full flair kit, etc - $1.4M negotiable – Tel: 610-4980 6X6 TM with 4,500 GLS fuel tank, free maintenance schedule -$6M- Call: 6706521/ 685-0166 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, excellent condition, lime green $650,000 asking price Tel: 655-2561
House for sale @ Lot 180 Block 8 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, Price $25M negotiable –Call: 266-0309; 626-6555 Property for sale, business place at Kuru kururu, New Town on High Way- Call: 261-6282 or 676-4787 Pearl: Well built 1,995 SF concrete building on 58X165 lot, formerly used at meeting halls-$13.5M-Tel: 649-1670 Flat house 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, double garage, 2160 sq ft on 0.2 acres land in Parfaite Harmony Tel: 652-2409 Liquor Restaurant going business with 2 pools table, 2 fridges, 1 freezer, 107 Middle Road La Penitence, price $18.5M –Call Lovin: 225-7796 Transported concrete, Block “8” Mon Repos E.C.D, top flat 2 bedrooms, bottom flat 2 bedrooms- $18M. Call: 6251514 office hours 231-7255 Property for sale, East La Penetance Arapaima Street $17M negotiable –Call: 6484420, 662-6173 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities - $45M –Call: 6629335; 612-3244 Four Bedroom House No73 Public Road, Corentyne Berbice- Suitable For Private Residence or Commercial UseContact 335-3347 / 626-6245 Are you interested in selling your home? Call T &T Realty: 660-9478; 6720865 North Ruimveldt- 2 Storey Wo o d e n a n d C o n c r e t e house –price $9M-Call: 653-8082 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue,E.B.D- Call: 629-4017
Toyota Runx PMM Series, female driver, price -$1.8M negotiable, owner leaving country. Call: 692-4076 or 679-5048 One Leyland Daf LF with 6 ton Hiab 2002 GTT series (New) price $5 million Call: 622-6746 One Fuso canter truck with 3 ton crane GTT series, price $4 Million Call: 622-6746 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive-price $1.2M negotiable - Tel: 668-8431 1 RZ minibus BJJ series – Call: 678-5887 or 677-3177
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. One 318 BMW never registered for $ 3M down payment $500,000 contact # 650-0402 or 616-0429 One welding machine- Call: 687-7725 250 Rebel Motorcycle, one 250 nighthawk motorcycle, one Toyota 4X4 pickup for more information contact: 662-8715; 680-1198; 7715388-87 Fertilizer! 100% soluble fertilizer: potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate 20:20:220, also plant seed and soil. info@shigam.cm /Tel 6968538 One Honda D15-B Engine & Transmission –Contact: 645-8518 for info Galvanized nail platesContact: 645-8518 1 Complete six inch dredge inclusive of pick up and ATV- price 6,000,000Contact: 660-0422 One grocery stall @ Stabroek Market, Farm Land @ Kuru Kuru Linden Soesdyke H/Way, Garden Teiler - Call: 679-1151; 225-7794 Back to School Sale: Dell/ HP laptop & desktop computers complete, from $55,000, free games and educational software @ Future – Call: 231-2206 One male and female pure bred German shepherd dogs Contact: 654-6355 52ft complete cabin cruiser. In excellent condition- Tel: 592-654-2817, 592-622-2958. 1 Toyota Marino, PHH Series. Call: 675-7667 House and land at Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.D – Price $7.5M –Call: 687-9107 Steel Fuel tank (holds 90 drums fuel) 6X6 TM Chassis- Call: 670-6521; 685-0166 1 Imported pools table for sale-Call: 223-5273/4 32 feet boat, 4’’ and 5’’ catguts seine, 15 Yamaha engine Tel: 668-9077 1 Back Cabin Boat 38ft, 7ft width, 8ft depth, 800 lb Nylon & 1- 15 HP outboard engine all excellent condition. Call: 260-2022, 646-1743
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Rav4 2008 yr, dark blue PLL series, fully loaded, no accident excellent condition Tel: 652-2409 Toyota Hilux extra cab 2003 yr gasoline GTT series, fully loaded, excellent condition Tel: 652-2409
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 1 Shop, 1 block, 9 Claims, located at Imbamdai- Call: 218-0471 Continued on page 23
Tuesday September 01,2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Chinese loan officer failed to monitor US$70M Baishanlin - source From page 22
TO LET Three bedrooms house at Dennis Street Sophia $85,000 - Call: 621-7366 2-Two bedroom apartment for rent Mon Repos North, East Coast Demerara, price $60,000 - Call: 689-0123, 6886005
Construction in Baishanlin’s housing development, Providence. Questions are being asked how a Chinese logging company that received almost US$70M for a wood processing plant was allowed to divert the monies into other projects, including gold mining and housing. The monies were received from China Development Bank (CDB) which appointed a special official to ensure the monies were spent properly by Baishanlin International Forest Development Inc. on the factory in Linden.As part of his responsibilities, the official would have been submitting periodical reports how the monies were being spent. The loan was released to the logging company since around 2011. Baishanlin never made it known that it had received funding. As a matter of fact, a while ago the company claimed that it was experiencing problems accessing finance for the plant which would have provided jobs for Lindeners. The plant is reportedly a critical component of the company’s investment agreement in Guyana. On the basis of construction of that plant, among other things,
GFC Commissioner, James Singh
Baishanlin’s local boss, Chu Hongbo
Baishanlin was granted hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks. It also received concessions on vehicles and lands.It was granted concessions in the Upper Berbice area, Region Ten, and snapped up other lands throughout Essequibo, in questionable joint venture arrangements. In so doing, Baishanlin became the second largest holder of logging concessions in the country, after Barama Company Limited.The Chinese loans officer, according to well-
placed forestry and Chinese sources, yesterday, was stationed at the Chinese Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Councillors Office, Brickdam.The Chinese Embassy has been, as part of its duties, pushing investments of its country in Guyana. Calls to the embassy offices on Brickdam for a comment were not answered yesterday.This latest development over the Baishanlin issue would continue to raise worrying questions over monitoring of the numerous projects that are under Chinese development in Guyana.China’s government has been cracking down on corruption with a number of officials given harsh sentences and even sentenced to death. Baishanlin’s activities in Guyana have been under sharp scrutiny after the company was accused of moving aggressively with its logging. A flyover had found a huge log pond in Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River. Baishanlin had presented impressive plans of an exhibition centre for Chinese products and upscale gated community at Providence,
COI launched into Public Service ... From page 12 would be upgraded. However it is understood that Critchlow Labour College, on Woolford Avenue, will house the PSSC. Chairman of the Commission, Professor Emeritus Harold Lutchman, is a former Vice- Chancellor of the University of Guyana and was recently chosen to head the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) list of
Candidates heading into the General and Regional elections. Besides Lutchman, the Commission is also made up of Samuel Goolsarran and Sandra Jones. Jones is no stranger to Commissions, as she has been a Commissioner on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) since 2012. She is a Human Resource Management and Organizational Development Specialist.
East Bank Demerara. Both projects appear to be a standstill.The company, in addition to lands off the Soesdyke/Linden highway for the wood processing plant, also has areas allocated for ship building. The company last year acquired significant gold mining lands. It has reportedly been able to use its equipment, granted under concession, unfairly and quite probably illegally in the gold fields. Baishanlin has also been aggressively competing in the local market using its trucks to fetch logs for operators and barges to transport stones and other commodities for hardware suppliers to bolster its apparently dwindling revenues. The Baishanlin issue had raised startling questions also about the previous administration’s monitoring of company’s activities especially as Guyana had been moving to reduce log exports. Over the last year, log exports have increased dramatically, although the Guyana Forestry Commission has insisted that harvesting has remained below the allowable amounts. Baishanlin has been in Guyana for almost a decade.
LAND FOR SALE Land for sale at Farm E.B.D – Tel: 219-5526 15 Acres land situated at Naamryck East Bank Essequibo-Call: 655-9227 We buy & sell land: Farm, Herstelling, Eccles, Grove, Parfaite Harmonie, Stewartville, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, from $1.2M- Call: 611-7223, 604-2207
FOR SALE One 928F Caterpillar Wheel Loader $8M contact # 6500402/ 260-4988. 2 Canters going cheap, owner migrating –Call: 6281756, 228-5655
VACANCY Tudor ’s Business Enterprise, Linden has vacancy for 3 sales attendants; age 25yrs & above-Tel: 444-5883 Bartenders & Waitress for Sports bar in V/Hoop- Contact: 684-5688 for more info Confidential Cabs have vacancy for a experienced dispatcher-Call: 231-4000 or 231-8601 Carnegie trained assistant chef/cook. Call: 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff Street Male Supervisor for housekeeping Dept. Male Security guard - Call:2250198 or 233 South Raod Lacytown. Supervisor to work at Xenon Hotel in Charity, send application to rtilak@ adamantiumholdings.com Office clerk, porters, apply at Survival Wholesale Depot, Lot 10 Vlissengen Road Bond clerk, office clerk, security officers, chef/cook, kitchen assistant, waiter/ waitress, secretary & operator/driver – Call: 6034094 Exist in growing organization, for one experienced seamstress, must have experienced with industrial machines. Call: 225-8831
Ford Escape 2004 model Contact No: 641-4952/6621991 1 Bobcat 753 tyre machine cement mixer air compressor tank Call: 694-0335 German shepherd and pit bull (mix) puppies -$40,000 each – Tel: 269-0711 or 621-7842
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/WWW. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
EDUCATION Daycare & Nursery, Grade 1, Full Day Education Program. Enroll now at Rising Star Academy – Cummings Street. Call: 690-9378
Page 24
Kaieteur News
President Granger engages Jagdeo ...
Govt., Opposition team up to resolve Venezuela controversy
A GOOD SIGN: President David Granger (r) meeting with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency. In what would be considered as a major political development, President David Granger, yesterday met with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, to discuss a number of pressing issues. Key on the agenda was the ongoing territorial and maritime claims by neighbouring Venezuela. With Government and the Opposition unable to agree on quite a number of issues, even when they were in Opposition before the May 11th General and Regional Elections, the agreement yesterday that the Venezuela issue is important enough to see collaboration was a major improvements to what entailed before. Below is the full statement as issued by the Ministry of the Presidency: Guyanese can look forward to the current administration doing its part to ensure inclusive governance. This was the sentiment expressed by President David Granger following a meeting
with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, at the Ministry of the Presidency, (yesterday). President Granger said, in an invited comment, following the meeting that his administration is prepared to work with the Opposition for the benefit of the people of Guyana. He added that there is the urgent threat to Guyana’s territorial integrity that must be addressed. President Granger said that the Opposition Leader has agreed to work with the administration to deal with the Venezuela territorial issue. Also discussed at the meeting, as a matter of national interest, was the establishment of the five bipartisan committees. These bodies are the Agriculture Committee, Budget Committee, Border Committee, National Unity Committee and a Security Committee. “Once Mr. Jagdeo was elected Leader of the Opposition, I wrote him
inviting him to talks, because as Leader of the Opposition he has certain Constitutional obligations,” President Granger said. The Head of State added that, there is important work that has to be completed on the packed roster of the Eleventh Parliament, which includes the 2016 Budget and support for the agriculture sector, particularly the rice and sugar industry. Given the magnitude of these and other matters, the President said, he is pleased that the meeting happened, as it is important to start the process of addressing matters of national interest.
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Warlock vendetta claims second victim…
Youth shot dead Just hours before a gun amnesty began for the turning in of illegal firearms, gunmen walked into a yard in East Ruimveldt and riddled a 23year-old man. Kellon Hinds, called ‘Baje,’ of Phase Two, East Ruimveldt, was shot in the throat, chest, abdomen, right shoulder and left hand around 22.00 hrs yesterday. Hinds, who had survived a previous attempt on his life, was reportedly in a yard in East Ruimveldt when the men entered and fired several shots at him before fleeing. Hinds died a few minutes later at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Eyewitnesses allege that one of the gunmen is a relative of another East Ruimveldt man, who was gunned down last May in ‘Warlock’, East
period last year. Hind’s murder came just hours before the beginning of Government’s one-month amnesty aimed at reducing the number of illegal firearms from the streets. Under the amnesty, persons are offered the opportunity to surrender any firearm, ammunition or explosive to the Commissioner of Police at listed police stations or to any police officer during the period September 1 to September 30. Between January and last July, police recovered 74 illegal firearms, including a sub-machine gun, 43 pistols, 18 revolvers, five shotguns, six rifles and a pen-gun. This compares to 46 illegal firearms that were recovered unto this time last year.
Bell loader pins worker to death Tragedy struck last evening when Rose Hall Estate loader, Mohamed Iftekar Oosman, 30, was pinned by the machine he was working on. Oosman, of 73 East Street, Canefield Settlement, East Canje, Berbice, lost his life around 19:30hrs after he was trapped in the canal, under the Bell Loader. Sister of the deceased, Bebi Shafeah Oosman, said that her brother left home at approximately 16:00 hrs for his normal days’ work. In tears, she disclosed
Police still to charge ... From page 20 not the end of her troubles. “When I go to the station, the response was not nice; like they cook up the story,” Walcott said. In fact the police appeared to be taking their precious time
Ruimveldt. He is believed to have been the victim of an ongoing gang feud. Last June, the same man shot Shellon Hinds in the stomach during a dispute. The alleged gunman was charged with attempted murder, discharging a loaded firearm and armed robbery, allegedly committed against Hinds and another man in Agricola. However, the case against him was dismissed after Hinds and the other victim declined to give evidence. The execution-style killing has pushed this year’s homicide to 103 in eight months. It is the seventeenth such murder. Police had reported a 100 percent increase in execution killings up to the end of last July, in comparison with the same
with the “simple” investigation. They only collected the woman's medical from the hospital three months after the incident. The woman said that despite appealing to several senior police officials, including Commander Clifton Hicken, the person who wounded her is still to be charged nine months later. She told this newspaper that one of the police ranks, who is supposed to be investigating the matter, even suggested that she agree to a financial settlement. “So far I give them three statements because they always losing it. Up to now the matter ain't reach the court. I lose money on a fight in Trinidad and I couldn't even work for a month. I am a sports personality and this is the way the police are treating me,” the boxer, who may be retiring soon, lamented.
that he was driving the Bell Loader across a bridge when the machine toppled into the canal pinning her brother. Two loaders who were working at the time believed that the bridge was slippery due to the weather and became weak, resulting in the machine toppling with Oosman. According to the grieving
sister, other operators had toppled before but managed to save themselves. However, it was not her brother’s night. It is believed that the sugar worker drowned after being pinned in the canal. He leaves to mourn his two children, ages three and one and his wife. He was the eldest of three.
Social Cohesion not new ... From page 21 get stuck and not talk face-toface about real issues? That is a shining example of what could happen,” the expert pointed out. Spies, who has been working in conflict-ridden areas like South Sudan, Kenya and Myanmar, said, “The perpetual problem that countries are facing is that they are getting stuck because they don’t create their spaces to talk and the Guyanese are leading the way by saying let’s bring people around the roundtable.” Guyanese, he explained, are at an advantage having had trained facilitators and politicians who understand that dialogue is necessary. Social Cohesion is not a new concept. In Europe, for example, it is considered to be the flagship concept which reminds people to be collectively attentive to and aware of any kind of discrimination, inequality, marginality or exclusion. Social Cohesion is a complex cultural, psychological and social phenomenon which demands a broad-based approach which includes stakeholders at all levels. The Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, said in the National Assembly last week that there is an obvious nexus between Social Cohesion and nation building.
Also, in his address to the ceremonial opening of the 11th Parliament, David Granger said, “Government will introduce measures to promote social cohesion and protect vulnerable groups. We s h a l l w o r k t o w a r d s healing the rifts between social groups in the country. “We shall re-establish cordial relationships with civil society, religious organisations and trade unions. We have the responsibility to restore the integrity and viability of working people’s and nongovernmental organisations which have been gravely undermined. “Guyana cannot become “One Nation” if gross disparities persist between the hinterland and the coastland, between the educated few and the semiliterate mass, between the very rich and very poor. We shall foster growth in a united Nation in which cooperation prevails over confrontation.” Being cognizant of the societal ills and having regard for the establishment of this key Social Cohesion Ministry and with its objectives in mind, a five-year strategic plan will be implemented after the roundtable meeting at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Georgetown.
Tuesday September 01,2015
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 01,2015
Obama considering array of options for closing Guantanamo prison : White House
The exterior of Camp Delta is seen at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, in this file photo taken March 6, 2013. (REUTERS/BOB STRONG/FILES) The White House is considering a “wide array” of options for closing the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, spokesman Josh Earnest said yesterday, declining to rule out executive action as an option. Earnest said the best route for closing the prison would be winning Congressional approval to do so. The White House said last month that it would soon be sending a plan to Congress to close the prison, which President Barack Obama has
made a priority. Asked if Obama would consider taking executive action to close the prison if Congress blocks him, Earnest said, “The president and his team are always considering a wide array of options. “But the fact is the best way for us to do this is for members of Congress of both parties to work effectively with the administration,” Earnest said. Closing the prison is likely to involve transferring some detainees to prisons within
the United States. Republicans have barred those transfers and already have begun to push back against suggestions floated by the administration as possible host sites. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Aug. 20 that a U.S. army delegation had visited a potential facility in Leavenworth, Kansas, and would soon tour the U.S. Naval Consolidated Brig at Charleston, South Carolina. In response, Republican South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said at a news conference, “We are not going to allow any terrorists” to be housed in Charleston.
Tuesday September 01,2015
Kaieteur News
BLAZE ERUPTS AT GUYOIL BOND …millions lost in lubricants
The bond after the fire was contained By Desilon Daniels What could have quickly become a dangerous situation turned out to be a destroyed bond after firemen extinguished a blaze that had erupted at a GuyOil gas station in Providence, East Bank Demerara. The heavy smell of smoke, the flashing lights of fire trucks and the heat of flames set the backdrop for the arduous work executed by the more than a dozen firemen who responded to the fire. The blaze commenced around 20:00 hours and quickly engulfed the gas station bond which was located right behind the main compound. In fact, the bond was in very close proximity to about 20 gas cylinders that had been stored and awaiting sale. According to reports, the bond housed millions of dollars worth of lubricants and was always kept secured. Frank Profitt, one of the security guards on duty at the time, was the first to notice that something was wrong. He said that he was at the main gate when he was jolted by the sound of an alarm. Warily, he made a check of the surroundings and noticed smoke emanating from the bond. He sprang into action. After futilely calling the chief security officer he made a call to the Guyana Fire Service. “The same time me and two other guards started to use the water pump to render assistance until the water tender come,” Profitt said, they were ordered by the managing director to cut off the electricity-powered pump. “After that the smoke became a blaze and that was that,” Profitt relayed. “The person who has access to the bond, we tried to make con-
tact with him but we didn’t get through to him…Up to now nobody ain’t get in the bond.” The GuyOil employees were forced to simply stand by as the fire spread throughout the building. Profitt added that the bond had contained electric outlets. All the while, curious onlookers – cameras at the ready – gathered at the scene as the sound of sirens heralded the arrival of three fire trucks. The Fire Service arrived less than 20 minutes after the fire began and the firemen quickly went about their jobs. They managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to the nearby gas cylinders and the GuyOil mart. Some onlookers expressed shock at the entire incident while others expressed the belief that the fire had been intentional. Most persons kept their distance for fear of a possible explosion. “This is what we’re trained for” Fire Chief Marlon Gentle eventually arrived on the scene of the fire. In an interview with Kaieteur News, he shared that he was pleased with the operations and how the firefighters had handled the situation. Noting that the men had not only arrived quickly on the scene but had promptly contained the fire, Gentle emphasised, “This is what we
are trained for.” He further indicated that the immediate goal was to prevent the fire from spreading. He said that the proximity of the gas station to a major roadway along with its proximity to an industrial business. Anyway spreading of the fire, therefore, would have been extremely disastrous, he said. He further shared that even though the fire was contained, the firemen did not immediately stop operating their fire hoses. “We had to keep cooling before we penetrate; we just couldn’t penetrate until it’s safe because we have to ensure the safety of our men; that’s paramount,” he stressed. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) played its role by controlling the heavy East Bank traffic. As the firefighters worked to contain the blaze, police officers worked to ensure that traffic flowed smoothly. The eastern carriageway was turned into a two-way while, for maximum safety, the entire western carriageway was blocked off except to the disciplined forces. The roadway was eventually opened after the blaze was contained.
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Cayman Islands police looking into ‘Just call me Boss’ pilots Shariff Stables... soccer association, govt. halts funding The Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA), until recently headed by arrested FIFA official Jeffrey Webb, is facing an investigation from police on the Caribbean island in the latest probe linked to corruption in the sport. The Cayman Islands’ Anti Corruption Commission said on Monday that an issue relating to CIFA was reported to them. “The Anti-Corruption Commission can confirm that a matter involving the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) has been brought to the Commission’s attention. This matter is being reviewed and no further information will be released at this time,” a spokesperson for the body told Reuters via email. Local media reported that CIFA’s auditors had reported “suspicious transactions” to the authority. The auditors Rankin Berkower did not respond to requests for comment. CIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CIFA, which under Webb became a key player in CONCACAF, the soccer confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean, has also had its government funding withdrawn. Sports Minister Osbourne Bodden moved to cut CIFA’s funding last week after the organization refused to accept the nomination
of two new members to its executive committee. Renard Moxam and Sharon Roulstone were told their nomination papers were not in order and CIFA on Saturday re-elected Bruce Blake as its vice president. Webb, who is facing trial in the United States on a series of corruption related charges, is currently suspended so Blake will continue as acting CIFA president. “In the light of all that has happened in the recent past with FIFA, CONCACAF and by extension CIFA, one would have thought we could have gotten past this to allow some possible changes,” Bodden said in a statement. “As a government we have therefore decided that regrettably we cannot financially support CIFA any further under the current circumstances,” Bodden added. Webb, once tipped as a future FIFA president, has pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges of racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering. He has been released on a $10 million bond co-signed by family members. The former CONCACAF president is also facing charges in his homeland related to a healthcare fraud case which involved former CIFA Treasurer Canover Watson, previously a member of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee. (Reuters)
Tuesday September 01, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21-APRIL 20) Use your creative talent in order to accomplish your goals. Travel for business or pleasure will be enlightening. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Relatives will want to get together. Opportunities for new friendships are apparent. Don't forget that you've only heard one side of the story. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Get involved in activities that will bring you knowledge about foreign land, philosophies, or cultures. Be up front if you don't want to be embarrassed. Jealous attitudes may lead you astray. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You should teach children some of your unique creative talents. The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Don't force your opinions on friends or relatives unless you are prepared to lose their favor. Social events may lead to a romantic interlude. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Go over your finances and figure out a solid budget. Look into any educational activities involving the whole family. You can get ready to celebrate your new direction.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You are best to do something energetic with friends instead. Be careful not to confuse issues when discussing the matters at hand. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Work quietly on your own and you will forge ahead. You may find yourself in the limelight for the wrong reasons. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Use discrimination and play hard to get. Romance can surface if you get into some of those fitness programs you've been putting off. Expect to pay more than anticipated for entertainment or other purchases. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) However, you may not attract the kind of interest you had in mind. Acknowledge your lover's needs. Talk to peers who you trust in order to get sound advice. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) You must make them stand on their own two feet regardless of how much you want to make things better for them. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) The great outdoors will allow you to teach youngsters some of the things you learned when growing up.
From page 32 Lower race and carted off the $ 350,000 and trophy while Campador, Release the Beast and Cassie finished in that order. Witchipoo of the Shariff Stable also crossed the line first in the event for Guyana and West Indies bred two year old horses to canter off with the $350,000 first prize and trophy from 2nd and 3rd place finishers, The Girl In Mine and Maid Of The Cat. Goldikova also chalked up a win for the Shariff stable after defeating Cassie, Sweet Return and She So Special in the G3 and lower 1100M event to cart off the $300,000 and trophy.
Cat Messiah of the Ghansham Singh Stable also blazed the trail for an easy win over Mary Ann and Slim Shady respectively, in the ‘I and Lower’ over 1100M and won $260,000 and trophy. Other winners include Red Jet in the J and lower event and Regina, of the Cheefoon stable, in the K and lower race while the Shariff stable rode away will the Champion stable prize for the second consecutive time. Colin Ross was again adjudged the champion jockey while Mohammed ‘Nankoo’ Shariff copped the top trainer award. They all received trophies compliment
Foo’s 61 N.O sees Albion... From page 33 Edinburgh by 7 wickets. Edinburgh, choosing to bat first made 112 all out in 42.3 overs; Jeeraish De Jees 22, Jerome Andrews 20, off-spinner Sharaz Ramcharran 2-41 from 10 overs, off-spinner Daniel Lewis 2-2 from 3 balls and Guyana Inder-19 offspinner Balchand Baldeo 213 from 10. Albion Community Centre 114-3 from 18 overs; Joanthan Foo 61*, Adrian Sukhwa 36, Shafiek Khan 2-4 from 2 overs. At Port Mourant - Port Mourant hammered Skeldon Community Centre by 9 wickets. Skeldon Community Centre 91 in 23 overs; Loyydel Lewis 4-11,Avishkar Sewkarran 4-18. Port Mourant 93-1 in 13 overs; Loyydel Lewis 42*. At Cumberland - Young Warriors got past Tucber Park by 6 wickets. Tucber Park 90 in 72.4 overs; Devon Clements 25, Visha; Mohabir 3-28, Kevin Ramdeen 2-15 from 1.4 overs, Suresh Dhanai 2-19 from 5 overs. Young Warriors 95-4 in 28.2 overs; Maxie De Jonge
Basketball’s... From page 34 emerging teams. Turner’s return to Bulls reflected on the stats sheet. He, along with obviously the team’s leader, Terron Welch, is a major reason why they are in the final. Welch, a national junior guard/forward, who made his senior debut this year, dropped 35 points on Pacesetters to put his team in contention. Welch gave the federation the fodder in needed to move on from the customarily old faces it relied on in the last decade. Whether or not Colts will get their leader, point guard, Dave Causway in the Mining Town this weekend, the GABF inaugural Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham Memorial title will be purely contested with a non-traditional team emerging Champions.
40*, Kevin Ramdeen 24. At Edinburgh - Police beat West Berbice by 46 runs. Police 133 all out in 31 overs; Martin Singh 44, Clifton Lindee 23, Krishnadat Ramoo 4-14. West Berbice 87 in 23 overs; Kwesi Mickle 3-18, Michael Campbell 3-21. Matches will continue on Saturday when Young Warriors and Police clash at Cumberland while on Sunday, Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets play Port Mourant at Rose Hall Town; Albion Community Centre will be at home to Blairmont Community Centre.
of Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall Bourda Market. Meanwhile, Ministers, Harmon and Ferguson congratulated the winners and lauded the organizer for their shrewd organizational skills. They further pledged government’s continued support for the horse racing fraternity while highlighting government’s drive towards the improvement of sports and facilities across the country.
EOIN... From page 30 England’s highest T20 runscorer. But when he was caught on the boundary rope by Shane Watson attempting to send Nathan Coulter-Nile for a maximum England managed just 29 runs off the final 22 balls. When Australia batted, the recalled Watson was dismissed in bizarre fashion as he defended a good length delivery from Steven Finn but with the ball heading towards the stumps, the 34-year-old failed to kick clear and was bowled. Smith shared a stand of 112 with the dangerous Glenn Maxwell, who was brilliantly caught in the deep by Ben Stokes off man-of-the-match Moeen’s first ball. (BBCsport)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 01, 2015
India, South Africa to play Opinions from Great Thinkers Gandhi-Mandela series = = = Letter to the Sports Editor = = =
of the Ages & Basketball DEAR EDITOR, Marcus Aurelius once wrote: Everything that happens happens as it should, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so”. It is a belief that comforts me in challenging times. I decided to submit this note after watching a basketball game where HalfMile Bulls of Linden defeated Pacesetters in a hard fought semi-final at the Cliff Anderson National Sports Hall. The game straddled two days and ended in the very early morning of Sunday, August 30, 2015. It was a marvelous victory for the young Bulls from Linden over the highly ranked Pacesetters team from Georgetown. As Anaïs Nin noted: “Life shrinks and expands in proportion to ones courage” this courage was exemplified by the Bulls. From Seneca we have: “The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today…. Live immediately”. The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) arranged to host the Inaugural Forbes Burnham Memorial Basketball Championship from August 22-30, 2015 as evidenced from August 18, by our media and public advertisements that included banners, posters, flyers, tickets, along with radio, television and social media ads and interviews with the press. As I write this letter, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has contracted out for a fee; use of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on August 30 th to Petra Organization for a few of Petra’s preliminary futsal games in the Sports Hall that was built primarily for basketball; in the late1970s,
when Forbes Burnham was Prime Minister of Guyana. T. Boone Pickens on leadership: “Be willing to make decisions. That’s the most important quality as a leader”. A wrong decision is better than no decision; mistakes are the father of leadership and innovation. Seneca: “Many things have fallen only to rise even higher”. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham played a colossal role in the development of our nation. The analysis, paralysis from some office holders was “puzzling”; then add the absolute disdain from the promoter organization, with the self-righteous promoter gripping a penalty free contract from the NSC, like the scorpion’s grip on the frog’s back. Alice Walker, the great American author and activist expressed the view that: “The most common way people give up power is by thinking they don’t have any.” We have to believe in our ability to get the job done and act accordingly. We have too many lackeys and flunkies from a bygone era; who now act as paragons of virtue and advice-givers. When in fact they have no credibility, no integrity and should not be trusted with holding high office. The problem is some
of our new leaders listen to them, and some even seek the lackey’s guidance. Coming from Thomas Paine, one of the founding fathers of the United States: “These are the times that try men souls”. Charles Dickens expanded this thought, thus: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity…, it was the spring of hope…” The irony of it all is that GABF will now host the Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham Memorial Basketball Championship finals in Linden on September 5, 2015. Things have a way of happening exactly as they should; it is an unalterable fact. Howard Zinn, an American historian and social activist with a passion for civil rights, endowed us with this inspirational script: “The future is a great succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.” Linden did indeed achieve a marvelous victory both in substance and spirit. I close with Sophocles: “Fortune is not on the side of the faint hearted”. Yours Faithfully, Nigel Hinds
HAROON LORGAT: “For the people of both our countries there is no greater duty than to uphold the ideals of both Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela” © Associated Press All future bilateral series between India and South Africa, including South Africa’s forthcoming tour of India, will be called the Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela series, the two boards have announced. The Test series, the BCCI and Cricket South Africa said, will be played for the Freedom Trophy. “BCCI, on behalf of every citizen of our country, is able to pay tribute to these great leaders by naming the series after them, and appeals to each and every citizen of our country to imbibe their ideals and follow the path advised by them,” BCCI
secretary Anurag Thakur said in a statement. CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, said that naming the series after Gandhi and Mandela was “eternal news for our people and cricketers”. “For the people of both our countries there is no greater duty than to uphold the ideals of both Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela,” he said. “As cricket-loving people we must fight hard to win on the field of play but never forget to do battle in the spirit of these two great men.” Gandhi was the leader of India’s non-violent freedom struggle, and had a South
African connection as well, having practised law in the country. Mandela spearheaded the antiapartheid movement in South Africa, and was the country’s President from 1994 to 1999. The announcement is significant in the context of ICC Chief Executive David Richardson’s recent concerns over the relevance of bilateral series that don’t have an “iconic, traditional status”. India will host South Africa for three T20Is, five ODIs and four Test matches between October and December this year. (ESPNcricinfo)
Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic win US Open 2015
Novak Djokovic. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Five seeds in Serena Williams’ half of the draw lost on the opening day. Serena Williams began her bid to make history at the US Open in bizarre fashion as her opponent Vitalia Diatchenko retired after 30 minutes. The world number one dropped just five points against a clearly injured opponent at Flushing Meadows. Williams, 33, is hoping to complete the first tennis calendar Grand Slam in 27 years. Men’s top seed Novak Djokovic made swift progress, but fourth seed Kei Nishikori was beaten. The Japanese player, last year’s
runner-up, went down 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to Frenchman Benoit Paire. Djokovic swept past Brazil’s Joao Souza 6-1 6-1 61 to reach round two, but there were a host of upsets in the women’s draw. Ivanovic, the seventh seed, was beaten 6-3 3-6 6-3 by Dominika Ciblukova of Slovakia, and she was followed out of the tournament by five more seeds. Serena Williams was generous in her praise for Diatchenko after a workout
that last just 37 points, with the American winning 32. “I told her I was proud of her for coming out and making this effort, knowing she was injured,” said Williams. “That’s a great effort.” Her chances of reaching the women’s final were boosted even before the world number began her title defence as seeds tumbled to leave the American with no other top-10 player in her half of the draw. As well as Ivanovic,
eighth seed Karolina Pliskova - who lost 6-2 6-1 to Anna Tatishvili - and 10th seed Carla Suarez Navarro failed to progress, while Maria Sharapova withdrew on the eve of the tournament because of injury. Former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, seeded 30th, and former finalist Jelena Jankovic, seeded 21st, also exited on day one. Williams’ sister Venus, the two-time champion, did advance to the second round, beating Monica Puig - only her second victory since
losing in the last 16 at Wimbledon. Mardy Fish delayed his farewell by at least two days with a stirring 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-1 6-3 win over Italy’s Marco Cecchinalo on Grandstand. The 33-year-old American will retire after the tournament having suffered with an anxiety disorder for the last three years. His last visit to Flushing Meadows in 2012 ended with Fish unable to take to the court against Roger Federer as he suffered a severe panic attack. (BBCsport)
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
CAREBACO INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS...
Priyanna (3) and Narayan Ramdhani and Tyrese Jeffrey claim 5 silver medals The Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Individual Championships concluded on Saturday at Club Los Prados, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic with Guyana’s four-member team, the smallest contingent, carting off five (5) bronze medals in the seven (7) country competition. The young Guyanese players were not intimidated by the large contingent of players fielded by the other countries numbering 25 to 40 in some cases, as they stuck to the task reaching the quarter finals and semi finals in varying categories of a very competitive championship. Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) President Gokarn Ramdhani who was also the Team Coach said that he was pleased with the performances of the players noting that due to a storm that hit the host country, play was postponed on Friday which meant that the players had to double up on Saturday playing as much as six matches which would have taken a toll, physically, on his charges. Nonetheless, the players persevered and came away with their heads high and the Golden Arrowhead aloft. Priyanna Ramdhani who competed in the Girls Under15 Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles won bronze in all three events. Tyrese Jeffrey won bronze in the Under-15 Mixed Doubles while Guyana’s leading player, Narayan Ramdhani who competed in the Boys Under-19 also took
bronze. Following are the Quarter and Semi Finals results: Under-19 Boys Singles: Narayan Ramdhani defeated Palmer Shaquille (Jamaica) 2114, 21-16. Under-19 Boys Doubles: Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra lost to Joel Angus and Palmer Shaquille (Jamaica) 16-21, 19-21. Under-19 Mixed Doubles: Narayan Ramdhani (Guyana) and Anjali Paragsingh (Trinidad) lost to Argenis Marinez and Arisleyda Frias (Dominican Republic) 14-21, 17-21. Under-15 Girls Singles: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Mileiki Acosta (Dominican Republic) 21-18, 13-21, 16-21. Under-15 Mixed Doubles: Priyanna Ramdhani and Tyrese Jeffrey defeated Jaison Marte and Kaina Lucero (Dominican Republic) 21-13, 21-11. Under-15 Boys Doubles:
Tyrese Jeffrey (Guyana) and Samuel Rosado (Dominican Republic) lost to Daniel Acosta and Edison Ramirez (Dominican Republic) 6-21, 7-21. Semi-Finals Matches: Under-19 Boys Singles: Narayan Ramdhani lost to No.1 Seed Soren Opti (Suriname) 16-21, 15-21. Under-15 Girls Singles: Priyanna Ramdhani lost to Lisbeth Ortiz (Dominican Republic) 15-21, 8-21. Under-15 Girls Doubles: Priyanna Ramdhani (Guyana) and Erisa Bleau (Suriname) lost to Lisbeth Ortiz and Mileiki Acosta (Dominican Republic) 12-21, 12-21. Under-15 Mixed Doubles: Priyanna Ramdhani and Tyrese Jeffrey lost to Daniel Acosta and Lisbeth Ortiz (Dominican Republic) 14-21, 17-21. The seven competing countries were the host Dominican Republic, Barbados, Panama, Trinidad, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Guyana.
Eoin Morgan inspires England T20 win over Australia England Captain Eoin Morgan struck seven sixes in a thrilling 74 as his team beat Australia by five runs in a tense one-off Twenty20 at Cardiff yesterday. Morgan and Moeen Ali (72 not out) shared a third-wicket partnership of 135 in 75 deliveries as the hosts smashed their way to 182-5. However, in reply Australia looked to be
coasting home as Captain Steve Smith hit an imperious 90 from 53 balls. But he was caught with 18 still needed as Australia lost 5-16 in 14 balls. A total beyond 200 looked likely with Morgan in full flow, and in his first innings for 30 days following a break from the game the Dublin-born lefthander passed Kevin Pietersen to become (Continued on page 29)
Third Annual Foxy Ladies football tournament...
LITTLE DIVAS DEFEAT WEST SIDE CONQUERORS; EAGLES UNITED IN WINNERS’ ROW Following their drawn encounter against Foxy Ladies FC, Little Divas FC turned in a much improved performance to inflict a 3-0 drubbing on West Side Conquerors when action in the Third Annual Foxy Ladies football tournament continued at the Tucville Ground last Sunday evening. The win has taken them to 4 points to lead the points standing in Group A with Foxy Ladies at number two with just 1 point and Westside Conquerors in the cellar without a point. Eagles United are the frontrunners in Group B with 3 points, one point more than Demerara Queens while Kuru Kururu is yet to score a point. Abioce Haywood opened the winners’ account for Little Divas in the 5th minute while Troyann Barton and Yaniera Kenswil sealed
the deal with successes in the 30th and 33rd minute respectively. The match between Eagles United and West Side Conquerors was a one sided affair with the former team humiliating the latter 130. Andrea Lashley and Nicola Leacock were the leading scorers with 4 goals each. Lashley breached the goal in the 5th, 9th, 15th and 28th minute while Leacock netted in the 6th, 38th, 55th and 58th minute. Collette Hope contributed a hat-trick in the 22nd 45th and 50th minute while Neshana Costello (25) and Lakeisha Pearson (37) sealed the deal. The tournament continues at the same venue next Saturday when Foxy Ladies take on West Side Conquerors one match before Eagles United tackles Demerara Queens of Linden.
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Trophy Stall Dominoes slated for Sunday in Wakenaam Dominoes teams in Wakenaam will renew their rivalry this weekend when the Trophy Stall sponsored tournament takes place at Amit Ramnarine Sports Bar, Good Success. The tournament which will be run under the auspices of the Wakenaam Dominoes Association (WDA) will get underway at 09:30hrs and among the teams set to battle for supremacy are Underdog, Allstar, Seawall Boys, Rugged and Melville. The winning and runner up teams as well as the most valuable player will receive trophies and cash prizes. Entrance fee is $6,000. In an invited comment, Malenee Narine of Trophy Stall Bourda Market said they are pleased to be associated with the sport on the island adding that it is their way of giving back to the society. She stated that sport helps to unite and develop communities. Meanwhile, Allstar won the Amit Ramnarine competition which was contested on Sunday last. Allstar tallied 74 games to finish ahead of Bad Boys on 58 and Underdog 54. Vijay Persaud chalked up 15 games while Mohamed Kalam Zafrull made 13 for the winners.
Zaheer Mohamed (left) accepts the first place trophy from Trophy Stall’s Malenee Narine on behalf of the Wakenaam Dominoes Association.
Women’s Ashes...
England beat Australia in final T20 at Cardiff Natalie Sciver starred with bat and ball as England won the final Twenty20 international of the Women’s Ashes against Australia by five wickets. Having taken a career-best 4-15 with the ball, the all-rounder hit her highest score in T20s for England. Chasing just 112 to win, England were reduced to 22-3 before Sciver (47) stepped up. The Southern Stars wrapped up the multiformat series with victory at Hove on Friday. Anya Shrubsole claimed the first four Australia wickets to fall to reduce the visitors to 25-4, before Sciver’s career-best 4-15 saw the visitors bowled out for just 111. England’s batting has come under scrutiny
after consistently poor performances this summer and Danielle Wyatt - promoted to the top of the batting order with Lauren Winfield having been dropped - went for a golden duck as she chopped on to Ellyse Perry. Captain Charlotte Edwards and Sarah Taylor also failed but Sciver struck 47, including two fours and a huge six, to ensure England ended the series on a high with a consolation win. Australia 111 (20 overs): Blackwell 24, Harris 24; Shrubsole 4-11, Sciver 4-15. England 114-5 (19.1 overs): Sciver 47, Farrell 2-10. England won by five wickets; Australia win series 10-6. (BBCsport)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Rising Sun President’s Cup Horse Race Meet...
‘Just call me Boss’ pilots Shariff Stables to top honours
Goldikova of The Shariff Stable with Champion Jockey Colin Ross about to win a close race in the G 3 and lower event.
Mr. Ghansham Singh receives the I Class trophy for Cat Messiah’s win.
Amidst mild controversy ‘Just call me Boss’ competing out of the Jagdeo Stables with Trinidadian, Nela Mohammed, in saddle ran a
well calculated race to upset a star studded line up including the fast finishing favourite ‘C.P Got Even’ to win the feature event in the
Real President Cup Horse Race Meet at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice last Sunday afternoon. Over 85 horses
participated in the day’s event for over $7.5M in cash, trophies and other incentives. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon joined Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson and other senior government officials and witnessed a well organized and incident free day at the tracks. The feature event, the ‘C Class & Lower over a
distance of 1600M attracted 10 horses and was a gem. As the animals took flight ‘Just call Me Boss,’ the four year old thoroughbred, imported from Trinidad, sounded its intentions with an early surge to the lead. The pack hit the first turn and into the back stretch bunched together and jostling for the lead with ‘Just Call Me Boss’ maintaining its
Josiah, Phillips win GMAA 5km Road Race Larry Josiah and Cyrleen Phillips won the male and female masters’ categories overall when the Guyana Masters’ Athletics Association (GMAA) held another of its 5km Road Race on Sunday at the National Park. Josiah, who apart from winning overall, won the 3539 years old category ahead of former national cyclist, Tyrone Hamilton. Phillips beat June Joseph in the 45-49 years old category. In the Open Category, Jonathan Fagundes won ahead of Calvin Thomas and Fazaad Bacchus in the male competition while Alika Morgan defeated Nikita Wilson and Selman Rahaman in the female competition. In other results, Joseph Jardine won the male 40-44 years category ahead of S. Gakul while Lindon Harrison won the male 45-49 years with Charles Losse second. Gary Fagundes won the male 5054 years competition. In seemingly the most competitive age category, Llewellyn Gardener was victorious in the 55-59 years
Larry Josiah old category ahead of Kenneth Prescott and Clifton Scotland. Debidyal Harold won the 60-64 age group with Franklin Archer claiming the 65-69 years old title. Organiser of the event, George Barry, who is the Assistant Secretary and Treasurer of GMAA, yesterday thanked Tyrone Hamilton, Professional Key Shop and William ‘Panter’ Abrams for sponsoring the event.
position among the front runners. The excitement grew as C.P Got Even, Spit Fire and Jack in My Style got into the act, moving into position as the animals continued their gallop on the fast track. The bunch hit the homestretch with ‘Just Call Me Boss’ responding to the urges of the jockey, Nela Mohammed and staying up front. It was around that time that ‘C.P Got Even’ of the Elcock/ Poonai stable, with Jockey Michael Semple on the hunch, surged ahead of the pack. As the thoroughbred raced to the finish the animals veered into each other disrupting his rhythmic flow while ‘Just Call me Boss’ held its nerves and galloped over the line to take the 1.2M first prize and the President’s Cup, compliments of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. C.P Got Even finished second with Three D and Spit Fire ending in that order. ‘Keep On Swinging’ represented the Jagdeo Stable with Paul Delph in mount and rode away with the race honours among the three year olds over 1400M and the $500,000 first prize that accompanied it. Settling Star and Its My Choice finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. Plum Plum of the Shariff Stable won the event for four year old West Indies bred horses with a strong finish ahead of Rosetta, Captain Crook and Goodwill Boy respectively. The win was worth $500,000 and trophy. ‘Appealing Harvest’ with Paul Ramnauth in saddle, made it two wins for the Jumbo Jet stable in the F and (Continued on page 29)
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Everest Masters overcome Oral Experts of T&T H
ost Everest Masters defeated Oral Experts of Trinidad and Tobago by 35 runs in a 25-over fixture on Saturday. Led by a fine 84 from Hemraj Garbarran, the host posted a respectable 193 all out in 19.2 overs after they elected to bat. Garbarran added 77 for the second wicket with Sahadeo Hardaiow (17) after opener Shaheed Mohamed went for eight with the score on 13. Garbarran stroked the ball nicely on both sides of the pitch, hitting twelve fours and one six before he was bowled by guest player Ramnaresh Sarwan towards the later stages of his team innings. Sunil Dyal struck three fours and fours maximums in a robust 45 while extras assisted with 32. Sarwan picked up some quick wickets in his second spell to finish with 4-12 from 4.2 overs while Rajiv Soomarie claimed 2-20. Skipper Devindra Maharaj and guest player Bhaskar Yadram gave the visitors a rousing start as they added 35 for the first wicket before Yadram was caught and bowled by Rakesh Gangaram for 13. Maharaj was then joined by Sarwan who showed glimpses of his class, adding 67 for the second wicket with his captain. Sarwan clobbered five fours and two sixes before he was smartly caught at the wicket by Joseph Perry off Johnny Azeez for an even half century while Maharaj who reached the boundary nine times was needlessly run out for 49. Offspinner Anwar Rahaman and Azeez then combined to restrict the scoring as Oral Experts finished on 158-8 in 25 overs. Rahaman grabbed 3-21 and Azeez 3-40. Garbarran was given the man-of-the-match award; Everest received a trophy The victorious Everest Masters team compliments of Trophy Stall while both teams exchanged tokens after the game. (Zaheer Mohamed)
BBC Inc. 1st Div. 50-Over knock-out...
Foo’s 61 N.O sees Albion into round 2
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l b i o n Community Centre, Young Warriors, Port Mourant, Police and Blairmont Community Centre have joined Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets as teams advancing to the second round of the Berbice Bridge Company first division 50-over knockout cricket competition in Berbice. Jonathan Foo slammed and unbeaten 61 (6x4 2x6) to lead Albion Community Centre to a comfortable 7wicket victory over Edinburgh. Foo and Guyana Under-17 batsman Adrian Sukhwa (36) added 75 for the second wicket. Winning even more comfortably was Port Mourant; bowling first Loyydel Lewis (4 for 11) and medium pacer Avishkar Sewkarran with 4 for 18 from 7 overs each knocked over Skeldon Community Centre for 91. Lewis came back with the bat to score 42* to lead them to a 9wicket win. Young Warriors did well, exploiting home advantage on a pitch that had preparation moisture to bowl out Tucber Park for 90; m e d i u m p a c e r Vi s h a l Mohabir picked up 3 for 28 from 10 consecutive overs.
In response, Young Warriors had slipped to 33 for 3 before former Berbice batsmen Maxie De Jonge (40*) steered them home.
Berbice off-spsinner Krishnadat Ramoo took 4-14 from 7 overs to help West Berbice restrict Police to 133. But with their off-
spinner Kwesi Mickle taking 3-18 from 5 overs and medium pacer Michael Campbell 3-21 from 7, Police rebounded to bowl
out West Berbice for 87. Blairmont Community Centre for their part advanced after Bush Lot Rising Star had to withdraw
from their first round match. Summarized scores: At Albion - Albion Community Centre beat (Continued on page 29)
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Kaieteur News
GFF seeks government’s support for Elite League
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Basketball’s changing of the guard
Minister of State Joseph Harmon (left) during his meeting with the GFF yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency.
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hairman of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling has approached the Government of Guyana for support of the Federation’s Elite League. Urling and a team including GFF Technical Director Claude Bolton, GFF Normalisation Committee Member Dr. Karen Pilgrim and GFF Assistant General Secretary Deidre Davis yesterday met with Minister of State Joseph Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency. The Chairman explained that the GFF is preparing to launch its ‘Elite League’. He says “it’s an 8 month league for our highest level of football
in the country; it’s also historical because for the first time we will be paying players to participate in a tournament.” Urling added that it would require enormous resources to pull off the league in a professional manner, noting that even though the GFF and FIFA are “putting a lot” into ensuring that the league starts, government’s support is also needed to make the league a reality. Urling also noted that the meeting with Harmon was to “discuss the mechanics of the league and to solicit government’s support financially or otherwise in making the league a reality and a success.” M e a n w h i l e , G F F Te c h n i c a l Director Claude Bolton believes that football must be recognized as a tool for
social development. He says such a league has further ramifications and can trickle down so that even those under ten years old will be able to benefit. The Minister of State pledged government’s support for the sport in Guyana. He is however adamant that the sport and its managers must give back to society and players. The Minister indicated that he would like to see “a clear tangible programme that says we are going to pay attention to these young men and women who play football.” H armon added that government’s contribution must mean something to players and they all must benefit. Urling and his team will soon meet with the Ministry of Education.
By Edison Jefford The timing of this weekend’s Colts vs Half Mile Bulls Basketball Final for the Forbes Burnham Memorial title could not have been more appropriate for a sport that is in desperate need for the emergence of not only new talents, but other competitive and successful teams. The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) brought together the top eight clubs from across Guyana in a knockout competition over the past two weeks at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. O n e o f G u y a n a ’s foremost clubs for some time, Dyna’s Ravens was the first major causality on the opening weekend, losing to Linden’s Victory Valley Royals. Colts won on that weekend to also advance to the semi-final stage of the tournament. Ravens were National Champions last year and represented about 50 percent of the players called to the National Team that went to the Caribbean Championships in the British Virgin Islands this year. National Coach, Darcel Harris is also Ravens’ Coach. That was to add perspective to the dominance of Ravens and how importantly it was positioned in the national basketball framework. Ravens being booted in the first round of the major tournament represent the beginning of a changing of the guard in local basketball. This phenomenon was further confirmed last weekend when underdogs
Half Mile Bulls trampled current National Champions, Pacesetters in a semi-final game. Colts defeated Royals in the other semi-final to also advance. In what can be called an unprecedented development, there will be no Ravens, Pacesetters, Jets or Royals winning a major basketball t i t l e i n G u y a n a . Tw o emerging teams in Linden and Georgetown will play for honours Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Hard Court. Pacesetters and Royals will play for third place; the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) affiliated Colts and Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) allied Bulls Finale reflects a shift in dynamics for the selfproclaimed dynasties. For one, the movement of players like Michael Turner from Pacesetters to his origin, Bulls should be applauded and encouraged at the level of the federation, even in policy. It serves as a lesson to educate the GABF on its player-trade policy, if one exists. To o m a n y p l a y e r s weaken their foundation or home teams through ad hoc trade processes that have a negative effect on the overall development of the club, and by extension, the sport. There should be amendments to the Constitution of the federation, which ensures that the best players from weaker clubs play there for a particular time to develop the team. The bouncing around of top players from club to club has an adverse effect on (Continued on page 29)
Tuesday September 01, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 35
GT Beer / Petra Organisation Futsal Competition...
Sparta stays unbeaten after 4-3 win over
Albouystown; Queen Street eliminated
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a t i o n a l G u i n n e s s champions Sparta Boss maintained their unbeaten run after handing Albouystown their first defeat, surviving 4-3 in a fiercely fought contest as play in the inaugural GT Beer / Petra Organisation Futsal Competition continued Sunday night, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Dennis Edwards opened the scoring for Sparta Boss in the sixth minute after racing on to a loose ball, before easing it into an empty goal. Two minutes later, Eusi Phillips made it 20 when he delivered a stinging shot into the roof of the net following a slick pass from a free kick taken on the left flank. When the skilful Deon Alfred made it 3-0 in the 10th minute from a volley that beat the goalkeeper all ends up it seemed as though Albouystown were going to be routed as the two teams went to the break with Sparta Boss enjoying a comfortable lead. The final period commenced with Albouystown looking more purposeful, but Sparta Boss backline holding firm until the diminutive Devon Dooker found a little space to deliver a fierce rightfooter into the goal after twenty-one minutes as they trailed 1-3. However, Alfred would have none of it as he unleashed a crushing leftfooter in the 26th minute of play to restore Sparta’s three-goal cushion. Marlon Nedd, who was being kept quiet all night suddenly burst into life as he evaded one
tackle, before firing past the goalkeeper one minute later. With time running out, Albouystown got another consolation goal on the stroke of full time through goalkeeper Devon Cassius, who had advanced deep out of his goal to intercept a pass and smashed his effort into the opposing goal just as the final whistle sounded. Despite a 5-4 win over Agricola in their final group stage encounter, Queen Street of Tiger Bay failed to make it to the next phase by virtue of an inferior goal difference. With Festival City beating Kitty Weavers 5-3 in their final group-A clash, Queen Street Tiger Bay needed to win by at least two goals to stand a chance of advancing, but they failed to do so and will have to wait until next year. Agricola needed only to draw to advance to the next round and made a disastrous start in the match as Darren Harris found the back of the net from a counterattack after three minutes. Two minutes later Jason Fredericks made it 2-0 with a right-footer that beat the goalkeeper, before he returned in the second period to make it 3-0, sliding the ball past the keeper in the 18th minute. Travis Welch scored in the 21st minute with a right sided shot into the centre of the goal to open Agricola’s account, before their talisman Kacy John scored one minute later, blasting his effort from the left side of the field. Anthony Rollins 24th minute strike made matters worse for Queen Street as their lead evaporated in no time and chances of qualifying even more
Sparta Boss’s Deon Alfred (orange bib) chases after a player from Albouystown in their bruising encounter Sunday night. difficult. Queen Street with no other choice but to attack was compensated in the 27th minute when Harris scored. Their fortunes seemed to be changing when Alpha Fletchman netted one minute later to leave them in with a chance with two minutes to play. However, Rollins’ 29th minute lucky strike dented their hopes of progressing further as the final whistle sounded. With the win, Queen Street finished on three points and a goal difference
of -2 while Agricola finished on three points and a goal differential of -4. On the other hand, Kitty Weavers finished with three points and a goal difference of -2. However, Kitty Weavers claimed their spot in the knockout round due to the head-to-head regulation after defeating Queen Street 5-4 in their earlier group meeting. In the other result, Festival City downed Kitty We a v e r s 5 - 3 . D a n i e l Favourite netted a double in
RDE Vibes/Sparta Boss football continues tonight
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ction in the inaugural RDE Vibes/Sparta Boss King of the Streets football tournament continues tonight from 19:00hrs at the Sparta Boss Tarmac East La Penitence with eight matches. In the 30-minute matches set for tonight, Alberttown play Globe Yard, Show-Stoppers B face-off with Samaroo Dam, Jetty come up against Festival City, Alexander Village battle Show-Stoppers A, Broad Street take on Mocca, Agricola oppose Tiger Bay, Leopold Street collided with Albouystown and North East compete with Gold is Money (West Front Road).
the 12th and 28th minutes while Dwayne Lawrence recorded the fastest goal of the event in the 18 second, Eon Alleyne scored in the second and Solomon Austin
netted in the 18th minute. Nigel Denny netted in the 11th and 21st minutes, while an own goal completed the tally for Kitty Weavers. Alexander Village cruised past Globe Yard 7-2 to earn their first win. A pair of goals each from Shem Porter in the second and 28th, Leon Yaw in the 12th and 29th and Delon Williams in the 24th and 26th led the assault, while Jermin Junor 20th minute strike completed their tally. Kevon Gibbs and Lionel Grimes in the fourth and 15th minutes respectively netted for Globe Yard. Action continues tomorrow night at the same venue with the final group fixtures. Winner of the event will receive $500,000 and trophy, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will collect $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.
t r o Sp CAREBACO Individual Championships
GFF seeks Priyanna (3) and Narayan Ramdhani government’s and Tyrese Jeffrey claim 5 silver medals support for Elite League
The Guyana team to the CAREBACO Individual Championships from right Tryese Jeffrey, Gokarn Ramdhani, Priyanna Ramdhani, Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra.
India, South Africa to play Gandhi-Mandela series
Rising Sun President’s Cup Horse Race Meet...
‘JUST CALL ME BOSS’ PILOTS Shariff Stables to top honours
Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister within the Ministry of Infrastructure Annette Ferguson among other officials presenting the Trophy Stall prize to Owner of Just Call Me Boss, Chris Jagdeo.
The exciting finish between winner, Just Call Me Boss piloted by Jockey Mohamed and CP Got Even and Jockey Michael Semplein the feature event for the President’s Cup.
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