Kaieteur News

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September 04, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 36 - Price $80

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Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

NCN corruption debates …

Jagdeo acquired more wealth in office than any other - AFC Guyanese President Chairman re nt e c

These 40 and 20 foot containers, and Courida Park houses (top right) surround Jagdeo’s L-shaped palatial compound

NCN Criminal charges

scandal ... to be laid soon

p.

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- Goolsaran suspended for another eight weeks - Board member

Second suspect held in $80M p.6 house lot scam - victim secretly recorded gang

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Tuesday September 04, 2012

NCN scandal…

Criminal charges against two under-fire officials of the National Communications Network (NCN) are likely, a Board member has confirmed.

This latest development comes amidst news that Production Manager, Martin Goolsarran, has been suspended for another eight weeks.

Goolsarran was supposed to return to work last week but was handed another two months suspension as public pressure, especially by Parliamentary opposition parties, increased.

A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have called for criminal charges to be laid.

Board Chairman, Dr. Prem Misir, yesterday declined to speak on whether criminal charges were likely and asked this newspaper to direct questions to NCN’s Chief Executive Officer (ag).

Michael Gordon.

Over the weekend, Misir

Kaieteur News

Criminal charges to be laid soon Goolsarran suspended for another 8 weeks - Board member said that he was out of the country and would have to be briefed on the NCN situation.

Gordon yesterday said that he was in no position to speak and that he would have to consult with his superiors.

However, a board member yesterday indicated that the matter will be handed over to the police very soon and that charges are more than likely.

Following a damning report by specially-appointed auditor, accountant Harryram Parmesar, there has been a major shakeup at the stateowned NCN which controls the government’s radios and television stations, including 98.1 Hot FM and NCN Channel 11.

The company’s CEO, Mohamed ‘Fuzzy’ Sattaur, handed in his resignation in June following the submission of the report to the Board. Part of the major changes at the agency

included the reactivation of a special review committee, called the ‘Rates Committee’, and which includes senior department heads.

It has been the allegation that the committee was deliberately stifled for a number of years and that two senior officials unilaterally bargained with large advertising companies for lucrative low rates. In return for the low rates, senior officials of NCN reportedly took kickbacks.

The situation at the state agency has drawn widespread anger and is a major embarrassment for the new PPP/C administration.

A number of dissatisfied staffers leaked records that indicated a seemingly ‘wild west’ situation of advertisements being aired free, and of links between at least one senior staffer and a heavy equipment company.

NCN, during the Budget

Water, Electricity and Infrastructure sectors given major boost this year Government has spent over $400M of the $2B which was allocated for the water sector, within the last six months. This is according to Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh who was at the time addressing the media on the mid-year report on the economy.

The Minister disclosed that upgrades to the water supply in West Watooka and Christianburg are about 95 percent complete. Also, Singh said that upgrades were done to the Rose Hall and Fellowship/Pouderoyen Water Treatment Plant systems will be completed in the second half of the year.

The Minister said that contracts were awarded for the installment of 10 photovoltaic systems and for the upgrade of five existing water supply systems. Further contracts were given out for the construction of mediumdepth boreholes in the hinterland communities.

Meanwhile, in the area of infrastructure, government has spent over $2.5B on roads and $255 million on bridges in the first half of the year. Singh said that another $370M was expended for the asphalting of 16 kilometres of all-weather roads in the Black Bush Polder, East and West Canje, to improve access to over 18,500 acres of agricultural land.

According to the Minister, another $525 million was spent on preparatory works to

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- Mid-year Economic report accommodate the expansion of the four-lane access road to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the extension of the four-lane highway from Providence to Diamond and the widening of the highway from Better Hope to Golden Grove.

Further $1.5 billion was spent on the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of urban, rural, community and hinterland roads in all the Regions. Some $451 million was spent on the construction and rehabilitation of access roads from Mabura Hill Road to Amaila Falls.

Singh further disclosed that $228 million was expended on the commencement of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 20 critical structures from Belladrum to Rosignol. He said that it is expected that $270 million will be spent on the rehabilitation of pontoons and cluster piles supporting the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The Minister added that works to accommodate the operations of the two roll-on/ roll-off ferries progressed on Parika and Supenaam stellings and it is anticipated that following test runs in August, operations will commence this month. $950 million was spent for the rehabilitation and leveling of earthen embankments of sea and river defences in Regions two, three, four, five

and six.

Dr. Singh stated that the Guyana Power and Light Inc., continued to implement its loss reduction plan, including replacing 3,718 meters with prepaid meters and metering 3,794 new service connections with Itron meters.

He said that $349 million was spent to facilitate the implementation of the GPL Infrastructure Development Project where 1.8 kilometres of submarine cable was laid, linking Kingston and Vreed-enHoop, as well as preparatory work on the substations at Kingston, Vreed-en-Hoop and Edinburgh. Over 6,600 solar panels were distributed under the Hinterland Electrification Programme.

NCN Board Chairman, Dr. Prem Misir

Resigned: Mohamed ‘Fuzzy’ Sattaur

Suspended: Martin Goolsarran

debates earlier this year, admitted that it raked in more than $500M in revenues, raising eyebrows on why it would still need government allocations.

An angry opposition, upset with NCN’s ‘biased’ coverage to them, blocked a budgetary subsidy for NCN for over $65M. The opposition had called for more accountability and balanced coverage by the state agency.

The special probe at NCN was triggered when GT&T’s CEO, Yog Mahadeo, refused to pay Goolsarran when for a second time he presented an invoice for over $3M in his personal name, instead of NCN. GT&T had launched its own audit. Several senior officials of the telephone company were sent home, including the Chief Financial Officer.

The investigation was ordered by the Office of the President to probe allegations of financial irregularities that occurred between September 2011 and February 2012, regarding payments for the GT&T Jingle and Song Competition.

The Parmesar report made it clear that both the CEO and Goolsarran failed to carry out their duties diligently and professionally.

“They have knowingly breached the company’s

internal control procedures.

Their actions in dealing with the GT&T Jingle and Song Competition clearly demonstrated conflict of interest.” The report also recommended that the Board of Directors should take necessary actions, including legal ones, to recover loss of revenue for all amounts paid to any individual.

The two, according to the report, tried to pressure staff to backdate key records, in what was seen as an attempted cover-up.

There were also direct leaks of information from the board level to at least two companies, both advertising

firms, which benefited from contracts and rates.

Government had declined to release the report on the findings of the investigations.

But it was leaked to a parliamentarian.

The investigations revealed that no verification was done on another critical record, the Broadcast Log, to ensure “all billable broadcasts are being invoiced to the customer. This could result in loss of revenue to the NCN.” There have been accusations that the NCN situation is reflective of what is taking place at a number of stateowned semi-autonomous agencies.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

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

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

EDITORIAL

New school year, same old trends Schools reopened their doors yesterday with some 15,000 more entering the classrooms of primary schools.

These were the children who were attending nursery schools across the country. At the same time the staffing situation has undergone no significant improvement, despite the numbers graduating from the Cyril Potter College of Education.

This is not difficult to understand. Many teachers have reached the age of retirement; another large group has opted to migrate and even more have entered the private schools where they have been promised better remuneration. The teaching situation, then, is probably slightly worse than at the end of the last school year, because some of the more experienced teachers have left.

Indeed, some of the teachers coming from the training institution would be entering school with a lot of promise and enthusiasm. It is expected that the heads of schools would latch on to the enthusiasm and ensure that these teachers do not fall into the rut that so many others have.

These are the teachers who have to be hounded out of the staff rooms to conduct their classes.

At the other end of the spectrum are those children who will no longer be attending school. Many simply passed through and have entered the world of the adults with precious little in the way of life skills. These are the people who would be knocking on the doors of the various workplaces and business houses.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, in his half-year report, said that the economy grew by 2.8 per cent. This is extremely marginal.

When one considers that the growth was recorded in the gold and bauxite industry and even in the rice industries, then one can see that of the many seeking employment in the established places, only a few would be successful.

However, the reality is that for years the government has had a freeze on employment, with the result that the labour force in the public sector has either been stagnant or shrinking.

There are going to be many frustrated job seekers, most of them with the basic requirement sought by the public and private sector employers, but there will be only a handful of jobs. Depending on the employer, they will need qualifications other than the academic requirement, and this too will add to the frustration of the job seekers.

Meanwhile, for those entering the education system, and even for those returning, many things in the school system have remained unchanged. The method of teaching remains, as one educator said, analog in a digital world. A year ago the government began distributing laptops to families as part of a major programme. These laptops are expected to help children research programmes that would stand them well in school.

At the same time, various organizations have been donating computers to the education institutions for the benefit of teachers and pupils. We know that some institutions make very good use of the computers, but we are certain that there are others that remain nothing more than white elephants, because the schools have not been connected to the information superhighway.

The Distance Education programme touted by the Ministry of Education for almost a decade has not recorded much and in the end the government has curtailed spending in this area. The result is that those children entering school at this time can expect nothing more than their grandparents did decades ago. There is still going to be talk-and-chalk method which has long disappeared from progressive schools in other parts of the world.

Guyanese have long been known as copycats. Every style that hits North America reaches Guyana in short order.

This is seen in the clothes people wear, in the way they dress, and even in the construction industry and the vehicles they drive. However, we fail to copy those things that would stand us in good stead. We have not yet copied the presence of laptops on every child’s desk.

There are those who may say that this is expensive but if the truth be told, these days laptops are cheaper than some footwear.

Minister Nandlall’s defence of Jagdeo’s Pradoville 11 houselot is puzzling DEAR EDITOR, Please allocate me, temporarily, a plot of space in your letter pages to seek clarifications from the Honorable Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, on a question he posed Sunday evening to Nigel Hughes, Chairman of the Alliance For Change, during the fourth installment of the seven-part debate series, that centered on the “President’s Benefits and Other Facilities”, being hosted by the National Communications Network (NCN) on corruption in Guyana.

In the debate Mr. Nandlall asked Mr. Hughes what is wrong with former President Bharat Jagdeo selling his property (a house built on a houselot allocated to him by the Ministry of Housing) and thereafter getting another allocation of two acres (or a size approximating that) from the said Ministry.

In light of Mr. Nandlall’s question, Mr. Editor, and as a

potential applicant for a houselot from the subject Ministry, I would be thankful if Mr. Nandlall can clarify for all actual and potential land allottees the following: (1) Wasn’t former President Jagdeo treated preferentially when, unlike ordinary Guyanese, he was not prohibited from selling before the stipulated time (I think ten years after acquisition) a houselot allocated to him by the Ministry of Housing (MOH)?

(2) Wasn’t former President Jagdeo treated preferentially, yet again, when, based on Dr. Roger Luncheon’s High Court testimony, a call was made to the former Regional Chairman of Region 10 pertaining to a potential allocation of a houselot, far less than two acres, in Pradoville II? Mr. Editor, in light of my second concern, I would be intellectually indebted to Mr. Nandlall (who claimed that similarly to former President

Jagdeo, the other allottees of land in Pradoville II could have also gotten two acres if they had so desired, and that there is no empirical evidence to conclude otherwise), if he can clarify for me, and perhaps all Guyanese, whether the call made to the former Regional Chairman of Region 10, is not tantamount to the empirical evidence he sought from Mr. Hughes in support of the claim of preferential treatment given to former President Jagdeo.

Mr. Editor, does Mr. Nandlall wants Guyanese to believe that former President Jagdeo was the only “entitler” to land in Pradoville II who expressed the desire, and had the financial capacity, to purchase two acres at GY$5M per acre?

Or, Mr. Editor, is Mr. Nandlall saying to Guyanese that only former President Jagdeo was entitled to sell, before the stipulated time, a houselot allocated to him by the MOH and then be given

another shortly thereafter?

And therefore, none of the other “entitlers” to land in Pradoville II could have taken a loan, purchase as many acres as possible (since, according to Mr. Nandlall, it seems that “entitlers” could have purchase more than they did), and shortly thereafter, quickly resold at market value, and happily repay the loan.

However, Mr Editor, it seems to me that, contrary to Mr. Nandlall’s arguments, the allocation of land in Pradoville II was done not on the basis of market forces (demand and supply through the “invisible hand”), nor was it done on the basis of demand through the “visible hand” (the “entitlers” whom Mr. Nandalall seems to claim were not interested in having the same size of land as did former President Jagdeo), but rather on the basis of “preferential supply” through the “visible hand” (the caller/s).

Cindy Sookdeo

Guyanese are angry: a tourist story DEAR EDITOR, Three weeks ago, my four daughters, ages 10 through 15-years-old, visited Guyana.

Everywhere we went, my children heard people cursing each other. My children never heard so much cursing in their lifetime.

My family lives in a small town in America where most people still treat others with respect. So my children’s experiences in Guyana were new. My children were shocked to hear the frequent cursing.

It seems like most Guyanese are angry. I don’t know why. I asked several people why so many Guyanese are so angry. I was told that it was because of the Value Added Tax (VAT), lack of jobs, and inability to provide for family.

It seems like many Guyanese are so angry that they are like a time bomb waiting to go off. So the slightest thing you do to them they explode on you.

One example of this time bomb exploding took place on a minibus we were traveling on. The driver and a passenger got into an argument over where the passenger was dropped off.

The passenger wanted to be dropped off in front of Survival Supermarket. The bus driver said he can’t stop at Survival… he can only stop at the bus stop.

The passenger argued that the driver was willing to pick him up at a non-bus stop, but he wasn’t willing to drop him off at a non-bus stop. In front of my young children, the driver and passenger cursed each other out for

about five minutes. I tried to intervene to prevent my children from hearing the offensive language but was unsuccessful.

To me, the verbal argument had nothing to do with where the bus stopped.

It had everything to do with a bigger and hidden issue.

Where the bus stopped was the effect and not the cause of the argument. Arguing about where the bus stopped wasn’t the real issues. It was just the symptoms. The real issue that caused the argument is that people are angry. Where the bus stopped gave these men an opportunity to vent their anger and frustration out on each other.

There was a simple solution to this problem. The

driver could have said he was sorry, and kept driving and the argument would have been avoided, but he didn’t because he is so angry himself and needed to blow off some steam. This is why the argument escalated, and my innocent children and passengers were subjected to the offensive languages.

When people are angry like many Guyanese are, it is dangerous to be around them because you never know what might set them off. And when they are set off, you don’t know what they might do and even the innocent children may get hurt. My experience in Guyana and being around so many angry people taught me that

Guyana is a dangerous place to live.

As a child, I grew up in one of the toughest area in Guyana, Albouystown.

During those days, most people were angry and would curse out each other out daily.

Today, it seems like the old Albouystown people have extended to the whole of country and Guyana have become like Albouystown with a lot of angry people who like to curse out others.

I wished that my children didn’t have to experience the cursing during their vacation, and I hope and pray for the people of Guyana to be less angry and for them to be more happy. May God bless Guyana.

Anthony Pantlitz

Guyana’s abstention on UN’s vote against Syria DEAR EDITOR, The PNCR and Rupert Roopnaraine (I am not sure if Roopnaraine was speaking for the WPA or not) criticized the Government for its abstention from the vote at the UN on the motion to sanction the Syrian government in the conflict that is going on there.

Granger and Roopnaraine both attacked and condemned the government’s position.

I wish to support the stand taken by the administration, in fact the government should have gone further and voted against that motion.

The US has a tendency to use these resolution and then expand them to take military actions.

This was the case in Iraq and with Libya.

In both cases hundreds of thousands of people were brutally killed. The countries are in total disarray and complete mess. A look at most of the places where the US intervened would find that the situation has gotten worse when they stepped in. The US is also strangely silent of real government oppression that is taking place in Bahrain, where anti-government demonstrators

are mowed down by helicopter gunships. This is a mere footnote on BBC & CNN. In relation to Syria, it is important to note that from the beginning there was outside interference. It is not by chance that the “uprising” began in Syrian’s border town and from the inception was well armed.

It is now being reported (reports that are being suppressed by the main stream press in the US) that many foreign fighters are with the Syrian rebels, including Al Qaeda fighters.

Strange, US and Al Qaeda are on the same side.

The rebel group is so well informed that they were able to strike a serious blow to the Syrian government in which four top leaders of the Asad government were assassinated.

The opposition is shooting down Syrian airplanes from the skies.

Guyana should not have abstained; the better position would have been a vote against since the internal fighting seems to have been instigated, financed and armed from outside.

Riaz Mohamed

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

Only quality students can Is the sugar industry up for pass the nursing programme re-privatisation?

DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to KN’s Sunday, September 2, 2012 edition. On page 13 is published an article titled: “Only quality students can pass nursing programme”.

The opening paragraph of the article states: “Strict criterion currently governs the quality of students graduating from the country’s nursing school . . .”, even though two paragraphs below three such schools are identified.

As one reacts to the reported explanation by the Chief Medical Officer about the improvement in the quality of graduates, one can only seek clarification of what is meant by the use of the

generic ‘nursing student’.

According to published information there are several grades of nursing, so that is only fair that the public, and particularly patients, should be able to distinguish between the following: Patient Care Assistant; Nurse Aide; Nursing Assistant; Midwife; Nurse/ Midwife; Staff Nurse and Health Visitor.

It would also be helpful if the qualifications for each of the above grades were disclosed, along with the average intake, and the average number of graduates over, say, the past three years.

Needless to say, the duration of the respective courses would be important

and comforting not only to potential patients, but also to potential entrants into what was once described as the nursing profession.

Consistent with its professional environment, and in deference to the understanding of interested parties, the Ministry would do well to scotch the extant negative perception by also clearly setting out information regarding the manning levels in each category listed above. A table reflecting the following would be appropriate (see table below): Does the CMO agree that the public is entitled to such information?

E B John

DEAR EDITOR, Reports in the media on Friday, August 31st which quoted the President of GAWU, implied that initiatives are under considerations which might lead to the reprivatisation of the sugar industry in Guyana.

The reports added that the union membership should resist any such attempts since it is perceived that such a move will not be in the interest of the workers and other stakeholders.

Given the limping performance of the sugar industry under its ‘nationalised’ regime for so many decades, should we not seriously reconsider if re-privatisation or some other form of ownership and control is likely to bring better results for the numerous stakeholders (including, of course, the employees)?

Production figures do not lie (and we cannot escape the fact that successful production is the most critical factor in sustaining an industry).

The production figures available to this writer indicate that that in the 30+ years under the nationalized regime, there is an indication of an annual average of around 250,000 tons

sugar with several years of lows under 200,000 tons and only a few years of a little over 300,000 tons (mostly under the Booker-Tate management regime).

The latest estimate reportedly coming from the pen of the Minister of Finance put this year’s production at about 240,000 tons…very far below the days when I worked as a Personnel Manager with Bookers Sugar Estates Ltd. Besides the serious issues of faltering production, the incidence and severity of strikes and other expressions of discontent have added to a sense of continuing gloom in the industry; and despite the apparent improvements in workers’ compensation and benefits, there are reported shortages of labour, skills and attendance.

If a decision has not already been taken to re-privatise the sugar industry, is there not a good case for an independent Commission of Inquiry into the industry so that an objective determination can be made on how best the industry can be sustained and become progressively more viable?

Nowrang Persaud

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Second suspect held in $80M house lot scam Police have detained a second alleged member of the gang involved in a massive house lot scam. Investigators are also examining a secretly recorded conversation that a victim made of the alleged mastermind and his accomplices.

Kaieteur News understands that some victims have identified the 25year-old man, who was arrested yesterday, as the person who introduced them to the alleged ringleader. It is alleged that he also accompanied them when they met with a woman who posed as a Housing Ministry employee.

A source said that at least 16 people alleged that the suspect introduced them to

the ringleader as someone who could help them to acquire house lots.

Five people who handed over money to the fraudsters gave statements to investigators at the Brickdam Police Station yesterday after Kaieteur News broke the story about the scam.

One of the victims reportedly gave police a cell phone recording of the detained man and the alleged ringleader outlining the house lot deal.

More victims are expected to give similar statements today. Meanwhile, the female gang member who was arrested on Sunday at a popular highway resort remains in custody.

Investigators say that it was this woman who would

- victim secretly recorded gang pose as a Housing Ministry employee and present gullible clients with bogus documents. She is likely to be placed on an identification parade today.

But police and Housing Ministry officials were yesterday still unable to locate the ringleader, who fled from a Grove, East Bank Demerara house last Friday night. Housing Ministry officials subsequently placed a sign outside the building indicating that it was the Ministry’s property.

The property owner informed Kaieteur News yesterday that the suspect rented the house some four

Grove/Diamond NDC funds still not fully repaid - Info on outstanding amount not readily available

Ten months have elapsed since the date agreed on by former overseer of the Grove/ Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Balraj Budwah, to repay his debt to the Ministry of Local Government. However, to date, only a portion of the money has been repaid.

Government officials seem not to be effectively managing the repayment process as they were yesterday unable to provide information as to how much has been repaid so far.

While confirming that Budwah has begun repayment, the Minister of Local Government, Ganga Persaud, said that he is unaware of how much is still owed to the Ministry.

The former NDC overseer was sent on “administrative leave” to facilitate a probe launched into the financial discrepancies that existed within the council.

Initially, after discrepancies were unearthed within the council, residents of the Grove community began to point fingers at

Budwah.

After being sent on leave, Budwah tendered his resignation, although it was unclear if this was done before the investigation was completed.

A repayment agreement was met between the Ministry of Local Government and Budwah after it was confirmed that he was associated with the missing funds.

In a letter written to the Ministry dated September 26, 2011, Budwah had stated that “With reference to the investigation carried out between the Minister of Local Government and the Local Government Department of the Regional Democratic Council, Region #4, Please be informed that I am in agreement with the facts presented in the report. I will refund the sum of Two million, six hundred and fifteen thousand, one hundred and twenty-four dollars ($2, 615, 124) to the Council’s account on or before 26th October, 2011.”

Yesterday Persaud said

that because of the “clean and accurate” record-keeping, his Ministry has conceded that the situation was not a case of blatant fraud.

According to Persaud, Budwah had indicated that he had “difficulties” and made use of the money towards a “special circumstance” that affected him on a personal level.

However, “since its taxpayers money, due action had to be taken,” Persaud stated. The Minister asserted that Budwah was relieved of his duties and was expected to replace the missing funds in full. Yet, Persaud admitted that “we are not aware how much has been repaid but the matter will be looked into.”

This newspaper had repeatedly tried to obtain information on the monies already repaid by Budwah.

However, the Ministry had opted to remain silent on the matter.

Residents of the Grove/ Diamond area had expressed concerns that it seemed like the issue has been “swept under the carpet.”

months ago. The tenant, who gave his name as Prem Persaud, signed a contract with the home owner which stipulated that “no illicit or illegal” business would be conducted at the premises.

According to the property owner, ‘Prem Persaud’ called him from a blocked number on Saturday and stated that the Housing Ministry had placed a sign on his property. The home owner also said that ‘Prem Persaud’ denied the allegations that were being leveled against him and claimed that he was calling from Trinidad.

Yesterday, the property owner visited his residence and placed padlocks on the doors.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that the alleged mastermind, who also goes by the aliases ‘Prem Rampersaud’ and ‘Jeff’, had three separate gangs - on the East Coast of Demerara, East Bank of Demerara and the lower West Coast of Demerara.

Their main targets were

The property owner places locks on the house that he had rented to the suspect

people seeking house lots on the East Bank of Demerara.

The sums handed over for the documents varied from $250,000 ‘down-payments’ to

$500,000 and $1M. Kaieteur News was told that even prominent individuals, including one in (continued on page 16)

Three cops on $50,000 bail each for alleged corrupt transaction Three policemen who reportedly collected $360,000 in bribe money from a man seeking to avoid police custody were yesterday placed on $50,000 bail each when they faced Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The charge states that the ranks engaged in a corrupt transaction while being agents of the Government.

The accused are 33-yearold Tactical Services Unit (TSU) ranks, Colin McIntosh of 19 Middle Street Stewartville, and Glendon Sergeant, 25, of 224 Lamaha Springs, along with Damion Bynoe, 23, a Cadet Officer.

It is alleged that on July 12 at D’Urban Street Lodge, the ranks collected from Colin Rafael De Souza $360,000.

...complainant also charged The money was said to be a form of inducement or reward for the ranks not arresting De Souza who was reportedly found with a quantity of cannabis and a firearm in his possession.

The charge further states that the officers were employed by the Government and at the time were agents of the State. They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

A cross charge was also laid against the complainant, Colin De Souza. He was accused of engaging in corrupt transaction with agents at the said location on the same date.

According to the police, De Souza, 33, of 35 Middle Street, offered the police ranks $360,000 as a form of bribe so that they would not arrest him when he was reportedly found with prohibited articles in his possession.

The police officers were represented by Attorney-atlaw Patrice Henry, who gave the court his clients’ particulars before asking for reasonable bail. He said the complainant gave a statement where he was unwilling to continue the matter against the embattled ranks.

Attorney-at-law James Bond represented DeSouza.

He too informed the court that his client was unwilling to give evidence against the police.

He thus asked for reasonable

bail for De Souza.

Prosecutor Shavon Jupiter did not object to bail for either party. De Souza and the police officers were later placed on bail.

On the day in question, the policemen were conducting patrol duties in the D’Urban Street area, when they became suspicious of De Souza who was at the time driving a vehicle.

The prosecution’s facts are that De Souza was acting suspiciously and the ranks ordered him to stop his vehicle. A search on the defendant’s belongings revealed an illegal firearm and a quantity of cannabis.

De Souza reportedly offered the policemen $360,000 to let him go. It is alleged that the ranks collected the money from De Souza and took the firearm to the police station where they reported that the gun was found in an abandoned house.

The complainant however went to the police station and reported that the policemen had demanded money from him. The ranks were later arrested and told of the offence. They reportedly gave a story that De Souza was the one who offered them the money and they then added that the complainant had drugs in his possession.

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

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4 shot at South African Two killed as U.S. vehicle rammed gold mine in latest unrest by suicide bomber in Pakistan Johannesburg (AP) - South African police and security guards fired rubber bullets and tear gas Monday at sacked gold miners who were attacking colleagues to block them from working, the mine owner said.

Police said four people were wounded at the mine that used to be partially owned by the president’s nephew.

The clash at the Gold Fields mine east of Johannesburg, reported by police and Neal Froneman, the CEO of Gold One International, was the latest violence to hit South Africa’s mines in months of unrest.

Company spokesman Sven Lunsche said some 12,000 of the company’s workers “continue to engage in an unlawful and unprotected strike” that began Wednesday. He said it involved an internal dispute between local union leaders and members of the National Union of Mineworkers, the country’s largest union.

After apartheid ended in 1994, South Africa pressed to share the country’s vast mineral

wealth with its impoverished black majority.

But the hoped-for result has not occurred. A small black elite has become billionaires off mining while most South Africans continue to struggle against mounting unemployment, deeper poverty and a widening gap between rich and poor that makes the country one of the most unequal on Earth.

The mine where the violence took place Monday has previous business ties to relatives of Nelson Mandela and President Jacob Zuma — and was the site where firebrand politician Julius Malema, an avowed enemy of Zuma, pledged last week to make the nation’s mines ungovernable.

South Africa’s mining unrest reached a bloody climax on Aug. 16 when police shot 112 striking workers, killing 34 of them, at a platinum mine at Marikana, northwest of Johannesburg. The state violence was reminiscent of apartheid days and has seriously damaged the government’s image.

Mourners at the funeral of one of 34 striking miners shot dead by police two weeks ago.

Pakistani officials and rescue workers gather at the site of bombing in Peshawar, Pakistan on Monday.

Pakistan - A suicide bomber driving a car filled with more than 200 pounds of explosives rammed a vehicle owned by the U.S. Consulate in the Pakistani city of Peshawar on Monday, injuring two Americans and two Pakistani’s working for the Consulate, according to U.S. State Department officials.

There was confusion

about the extent and severity of injuries as a result of the blast.

Victoria Nuland, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, said “two U.S. personnel and two Pakistani staff of the Consulate were injured and are receiving medical treatment.”

No U.S. consular employees were killed, she said.

She said U.S. authorities

were “seeking further information about other victims of this heinous act.”

Nuland’s statement followed an assertion by local Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain that two Americans had died in the blast.

Pakistani police and health officials said two Pakistanis were killed and 25 people were wounded.

Beijing car crash opens door to another scandal in China Book on Navy SEAL’s raid that killed bin Laden selling like hot cakes New York (Reuters) : “No Easy Day,” the controversial book by a former U.S. Navy SEAL about the commando raid that killed Osama bin Laden, has stormed to the top of U.S. book sales on online retailer Amazon.com.

The unauthorized book, which has caused the U.S. Government to threaten legal action on the grounds of nondisclosure of government secrets, is already out-selling the hugely popular Fifty Shades erotica book series.

The hardcover edition of “No Easy Day” officially becomes available in the United States on Tuesday, September 4. Amazon.com’s best-seller list includes preorders.

“No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden,” is written by a Navy SEAL operative under the pseudonym Mark Owen.

His real name, Matt Bissonnette, was revealed shortly after news broke that the first-hand account of the daring operation on the al

Qaeda leader’s compound in Pakistan last year was to be published. Reuters obtained an advance copy of the book from the publisher, Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Group USA. The Pentagon has threatened legal action against Bissonnette for alleged violation of nondisclosure agreements because the manuscript was not submitted for a prepublication security review.

Bissonnette’s attorney responded that the subject matter of his book was not covered by non-disclosure agreements he has signed.

Bissonnette wrote that he

decided to do the book because details of the raid that were being leaked by others in government were wrong.

The controversy around “No Easy Day” will be further amplified by a follow-up ebook called “No Easy Op” coauthored by unidentified former Special Operations members from a group called Special Operations Forces Situation Report, or SOFREP. The book claims to provide analysis of the politics behind “No Easy Day” and to provide new insider information that has not previously been provided to the media.

Beijing (Los Angeles Times) — Before dawn on March 18, a black Ferrari slammed into a concrete barrier in Beijing, killing the young male driver, badly injuring two young women and setting off yet another episode in the soap opera that has become Chinese politics.

At the time, coverage of the fiery crash was quickly scrubbed from the media and microblogs, the identity of the driver merely the subject of rumor.

Now, Chinese-language media outside the mainland are reporting that he was the son of Ling Jihua, until recently head of the Communist Party’s general office of the central committee — in effect, chief of staff for President Hu Jintao.

One of Hu’s closest associates for two decades, Ling was demoted over the weekend in what might be fallout from the crash.

Ordinarily, the loss of a son would engender sympathy not censure, but the cost of the 458 Spider — reportedly worth about $700,000 — suggested a family with more disposable income than is befitting a public servant in a Communist country.

Moreover, a report Monday in the South China Morning Post identifying the driver as Ling Gu, believed to be in his 20s, said the young man was half-naked and one of the women completely naked, suggesting there was sexual activity in the car before the 4 a.m. crash.

After two five-year terms, Hu is due to be replaced as secretary-general of the Communist Party at the

upcoming 18th party congress, at which Vice President Xi Jinping is to be named as successor.

The Chinese State Press had announced late Saturday that Ling was being transferred to a largely symbolic job with Communist Party’s United Front work department.

Ling’s removal is reminiscent of the undignified spectacle surrounding Bo Xilai, the former Chongqing party secretary whose wife was convicted last month of murdering British businessman Neil Heywood.

Ling and Bo were reported to be rivals, both contending for one of the standing committee seats.

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Jamaican Minister: Fake CXC Antigua talks of passes will come to light decriminalising marijuana (Jamaica Gleaner) Education Minister Ronald Thwaites has described the sale of Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) passes as scandalous.

Thwaites, in reacting to the story broken in The Sunday Gleaner, said effort needs to be placed on being successful in the examinations rather than getting the results illegally.

“I wish we would put our energies towards passing the exam rather than faking the results,” the minister lamented while speaking with The Gleaner. “Every effort must be made by the Overseas Examination Commission to prevent any tampering with their security facilities as it demeans the entire process.”

The Sunday Gleaner reported that it had been able to obtain CXC passes available for sale on the streets of Kingston for up to $12,000 per subject, even if persons did not take the examination.

UWI CONNECTION

Education Minister Ronald Thwaites The documents provided by the scammers have name, date of birth, registration number and centre number.

The criminals behind the illegal operation, who also claimed they could provide fake degrees from the University of the West Indies (UWI), indicated that someone at the university assists in creating those fraudulent documents.

Thwaites said persons were only wasting their resources, as the bogus

certificates would not take them very far in the system.

“I think they will be quickly found out. The inability of those pretending to have passes will become quite apparent as they progress through whatever job or further education they are seeking,” he said. “So it is a futile effort that they are wasting their money on.”

Last night, Carroll Edwards, director, marketing and communications at the UWI, said she doubted anyone could breach the stringent procedures in place to ensure the authenticity of UWI degree certificates.

“Regarding the claim in the article, I’m aware of only one case (discovered a few years ago and currently in the courts) of someone charged with selling fake degrees,” Edwards said.

“Nonetheless, given what is possible due to technological advances, employers are urged to verify certificates with the institution before accepting them as genuine.”

Staatsolie to stop drilling in Suriname’s Commewijne Paramaribo - Staatsolie has decided to stop its drilling operations in Commewijne, as no usable oil has been found in the past four years. Representatives of the oil company held two sessions in the district Sunday to share the results of the exploration for oil with the local community. Staasolie will leave Commewijne for the time being, but will continue exploration activities at Weg naar Zee, Uitkijk, Coronie and Nickerie.

Oil has been found in Commewijne’s soil, but it cannot be pumped out of the ground with the technology currently used by Staatsolie, as the oil is too heavy. Explorations manager August Nelson says it is not interesting to determine the amount of reserves in the soil, as it will not be pumped for the time being. The company must develop another drilling method first to be able to pump the heavy oil.

Antigua is contemplating decriminalizing marijuana, similar moves by Belize.

St. John’s, Antigua (CMC) – The Antigua and Barbuda government is likely to follow Belize and allow for a debate on the decriminalisation of marijuana, National Security Minister Dr. Errol Cort has said.

Speaking on a local radio programme here on Monday, Cort said there were strong arguments in favour of changing the existing laws and would welcome a debate on the matter.

“I am aware however there is a push in various quarters to decriminalise marijuana. Persons have made the argument that there is medicinal usage from marijuana (and) others have said marijuana is part of a whole religious (entity) especially from the Rastafarian movement.

“Therefore from that

standpoint one should at least legalise or de-legalise use of marijuana by persons who are using it as part of their religion. So I am aware of those various arguments,” Cort told radio listeners.

He said another set of arguments indicate that notwithstanding the facts about marijuana, the illegal drugs trade continue to flourish.

“So there are very strong arguments in respect of this matter and I certainly have a very open mind and would say, I would be willing to listen to those various arguments.” But he warned that any change to the existing laws would only come following widespread public consultation.

“I do have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that the law is enforced and enforced at all times. Certainly

if one is going to change the position it would be a change in policy and that would be done byu the government after widespread consultations with various interest groups.

“So certainly those who are making the point in terms of de criminalising marijuana for medicinal purposes then certainly one would want to present the facts justifying the arguments and so forth and I am aware that is being decriminalised in a number of states in the United States but certainly one would want to look at the facts.

“I am concerned because i see many folks out there who are victims from the use of marijuana and other drugs. It concerns me moving along those lines we might be adding to a destruction of society rather than building society,” he added.

The Belize government is exploring the possibility of decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana by residents of this Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

A statement issued by the Ministry of National Security said that a special committee has been appointed to receive comments and suggestions from the general public, and to further inform government on proceeding to introduce legislation to parliament that relax Belize’s illicit drugs laws to would allow Belizeans to possess up to 10 grams of marijuana without being subjected to legal prosecution.

Currently, the laws of Belize make it illegal to possession marijuana in any amount, an offence punishable by a fine of up to BZ$50,000 (One Belize dollar=US$0.51 cents) and the possibility of being incarcerated for a period of up to three years.

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

DECENTRALIZATION IS THE WAY TO GO The decision to establish an Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Berbice is a welcome one, and is just t h e s o r t o f decentralization that needs to be undertaken and expanded. Such an office will allow for quicker decisions from that office and will help to improve the prosecution process.

Another positive, important development is the establishment of a commercial registry away from the Deeds Registry. This registry will allow for greater confidence to be reposed in the efficiency of the commercial court.

A major deterrent to foreign investment is the commercial dispute-

settlement mechanism. When international investors learn how long it can take for a normal matter to make its way through our court system, they will be disinclined to invest in Guyana.

No one wants to enter into a business venture and then to find that if one party does not fulfill his contractual obligation that it takes years for any legal challenge to be heard.

The establishment of a commercial court was a visionary move by the ruling administration to deal with this problem, and to allow for business-related disputes to have faster passage through the court system, thereby improving the business climate and providing greater

More cocaine intercepted at CJIA - Catering service, airline employees held The stringent security at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, has once again paid dividends, with the interception of another quantity of cocaine destined for the North America market.

One kilogram of the illegal drug was discovered yesterday morning among linen intended to be placed on a Delta Airlines flight bound for New York.

Police sources have indicated that two persons, an employee of Roraima Airways and another from a catering service have been arrested.

According to information reaching this newspaper, security personnel at the airport had observed the Roraima Airways employee acting in a suspicious manner,

in an authorized area.

An official of the local airways, which is contracted to Delta Airlines, told this newspaper that their security personnel usually accompany meals for the outgoing flight to New York.

But the source said that with the improved security status of the airport, one of its personnel was seen with a bag of linen in an area where he was not supposed to be.

A search of the bag unearthed the drug.

The Roraima Airways employee reportedly told investigators that he had collected the bag with the drug from the catering service employee. This led the investigators to detain the catering service employee who according to reports, denied any knowledge of the drug.

confidence to investors.

This confidence is going to be further boosted by the decision to migrate the commercial registry away from the Deeds Registry. What this means in practical terms is that commercial transactions no longer have to be bogged down in the Deeds Registry, and this will allow for speedier transactions and settlement of disputes.

Once the commercial court and its registry are physically separated from the existing registries, then commercial transactions are going to be processed more expeditiously.

In the past, the idea was that consolidation of services would achieve savings in cost. Under this belief, it was opined that it was best to lump services under one administrative umbrella.

Unfortunately, consolidation led to bloating, with the creation of many huge and inefficient administrative bureaucracies.

The new approach seems to be based on the idea that smaller units would be more flexible and lead to improved managerial and operational efficiency.

This model needs to be replicated throughout the system of public administration.

When complemented with decentralization, the results will mean that citizens would be better able to access government and other public services.

The real bugbears for persons living outside of Georgetown are obtaining birth certificates and passports. There is no reason these services cannot be provided within each of the counties.

A person living in Corriverton should not have

Interior airstrips to be upgraded; improved coastland-hinterland communication - President Ramotar Government plans to upgrade many of the interior airstrips and improve communication between the coastland and hinterland communities.

President Donald Ramotar made this disclosure at the 2012 Amerindian Heritage Month activities launched at the Sophia Exhibition Complex last Saturday evening.

The Head of State outlined government’s agenda towards the continued development of Amerindian hinterland communities through major projects, road networks, electrification and easier access into communities.

Ramotar said recently the government signed a disbursement agreement for a

total of US$6M to support economic projects in various villages, since economic advancement is particularly important for development.

This initiative, he explained, will see a $5M grant being awarded to assist villagers to fund one major project in each village. He urged Toshaos to develop a project that will be sustainable and to assist in lifting the quality of life in every Amerindian village.

Noting that 80% of proposals made so far are for agricultural projects - which is important since food security internationally is a major issue - the Head of State said that he has also been advised that the distribution of solar panels has been

substantially completed in regions one, two, three, four, five, six, nine, and is ongoing in regions seven and eight.

Ramotar opined that the programme will greatly benefit households, and more importantly, children, hence, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) programme for the hinterland areas will begin before the year concludes. “I am committed to ensuring that Amerindians benefit from this programme since it opens a whole range of opportunities for them in terms of the economy and social wellbeing.�

He however cautioned that preparatoryworkwilltakesometime and the schedule will most likely go into next year.

to leave home at four in the morning to travel to the city at great expense in order to obtain a passport. Yet this is exactly what happens daily.

Persons also have to leave home early in the morning and sometimes have to overnight in the city in order to obtain their birth certificates.

While a birth certificate can be obtained through the post, this takes a long time, and so many persons prefer to travel to the city and join a line in order to be able to get the record of their birth in a reasonable time.

Passports and birth certificates are the two things that almost every citizen would have to obtain, and therefore there is an urgent need to have these services more accessible - near to where people live.

With computerized systems there is no reason why this cannot happen before the end of the year. It does, however, require political will for the changes to be made. One can appreciate that the traditional manner of recording births is to enter the details into huge registers.

This is a manual system and therefore when someone applies for a birth certificate, these registers have to be taken down and the individual details confirmed. This limits the amount of certificates which can be issued in any one day.

However, if all the

registers were microfilmed and then placed on computer servers, it would mean that numerous applications for certificates can be verified at any one time.

This is something that needs to be done urgently.

Also, if the cost of a replacement birth certificate is increased to $1000, a great many persons would not lose their originals so easily, and therefore not have to encumber the system with replacement applications.

The passport system may equally require some form of manual checks of cards. Here, too, a system of computerizing the records would ensure that the relevant checks are done faster, thereby reducing the processing time and the number of applications which can be handled at any one time.

But this should not prevent the decentralizing of the process. What should happen is that persons should be allowed to submit their applications and have

their photographs taken electronically in the county where they reside. These applications should then be sent to the city under escort for processing.

The completed passport would then be sent back to the county for distribution. Or the entire process can be done electronically, thereby avoiding the physical movement of documents and passports. Surely this cannot be rocket science.

Decentralizing these services will save persons living outside of the city a great deal of time and a great deal of money.

It will make them also feel that government services are more accessible to them. This is the direction in which the government should be moving.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 04, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Back to square one: The Ramotar presidency Speaking at the launching of Amerindian Heritage Month, President Ramotar sounded like a PPP leader from twelve years ago. It was the voice of Bharrat Jagdeo with Mr. Ramotar as his ventriloquist.

Ramotar appealed for more conciliation and less confrontation in political engagements so as to avoid imperiling national development He advised all political parties to “act responsibly and disregard attempts at political grandstanding and obstructionism”.

One has to be careful with

these words because they may lie within the Luncheon framework. It was Luncheon who caused Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte to pull out of negotiations, after Luncheon exclaimed to the opposition delegates; “Comrades…you are talking to the ruling party.”

Hoyte was livid, because for him, it was two stakeholders across a table negotiating social peace and no one was superior to another.

Whenever these types of advocacies come out of the mouths of PPP leaders one

has to keep the Luncheon framework in mind. By “conciliatory tone,” “political maturity,” and similar concepts, PPP leaders have in mind opposition politics, not national politics in general.

There is no reason to assume that Ramotar means anything different. It is coming close to a year since Ramotar became President and one is yet to see the presidency used in modest, innovative, mature, responsible ways that would not engender social cohesion When Ramotar speaks of grandstanding and less confrontation, he does mean within the context of the exercise of State power.

Presumably he has in mind opposition rhetoric. This is the same President that has

not issued a presidential statement on the rabid and morbid racist editorial in the Chronicle.

This is the same President that has made the bold claim that the 2011 elections saw features of opposition rigging. This is the same President that is supported by the same journalism we see from the Chronicle and NCN as when Mr. Jagdeo was in power.

This is the same President under whose tenure the most senior stalwart of the PPP, Ralph Ramkarran, tendered his resignation about his party’s attitude to him over his calls for action against corruption.

Of course these are all things that have occurred over the past months. One should judge President Ramotar beginning from the time he made his exhortation.

He spoke on Saturday evening.

This column is being typed on Monday morning.

Since Saturday evening, I have not seen or heard any announcement from President Ramotar that he will take the first step in the pursuit of responsible, conciliatory politics. But of course things

move slowly at the office of the President, so two days or three days or two weeks may be too early. So instead of rushing Mr. Ramotar, we can suggest early responses in some problematic areas. We would like to believe that such directions will be in the interest of national development.

It should not take too much effort to persuade the opposition to restore funds to NCN if the board can be reorganized to incorporate the presence of not just the opposition, but other major stakeholders like women groups, labour etc. While this is being done, the report on NCN should be laid in Parliament when it reconvenes in October with a view of looking at police action. Isn’t this responsible politics?

It would seem that Guyana no longer has a shortage of skilled personnel.

In quick time, the Government found six persons, three to sit on the inquiry team to analyse the electricity rates in Linden, and three to be part of the commission into the police killing of three Linden protestors.

All it takes is the identification of a person to become the Ombudsman.

Surely, if the Government can

Frederick Kissoon find six experts in little time, it can find an Ombudsman candidate. A fallacy about the Ombudsman is that he/she has to be a retired judge or a lawyer. That is not so. There was an Ombudsman in New Zealand that was not trained in law.

What do I think about all this? Maybe I am an eternal pessimist, but the PPP has been in power for over twenty years and the excesses that even President Burnham would have avoided keep piling up. I saw nothing in the Jagdeo presidency that could have caused me to disregard my pessimism.

Eight months are not eight days. At the end of eight months, Donald Ramotar should have at least done one phenomenal thing, just one, that would have stirred the hopes of the Guyanese people. A leader that lacks imagination himself cannot arouse the imagination of his subjects.

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Treasured craft, Tuma Pot, wild meat offered at Amerindian Exhibition

By Rabindra Rooplall Upon visiting the arts and craft section of the Sophia Exhibition Centre at midday yesterday, various items were being placed on display and the culinary delights were evolving as the (pepperpot) “Tuma Pot” and fish was the most appealing item to go after at that time.

This year marks the 17th annual Amerindian Heritage Month, a period set aside for reflection of the Amerindians’ origin,

achievements and challenges.

Representatives from a number of regions displayed their creations such as straw craft, in the form of baskets, earrings, jewelry boxes, sweet bowls, placement mats, hammocks, floor mats, dolls, towel racks and other decorative items, as well as small canoes.

The representatives at the booths noted that the price of an item varies with the time (continued on page 18)

One of the many craft tables on display at the Exhibition

Page 11

Page 14

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Bus operators protest Bartica/Potaro Road conditions - Students affected on first day of school year

The drivers parked their buses and did not relent

Several students and parents contemplate their next move Minibus operators plying the Bartica /Potaro Road route yesterday engaged themselves in peaceful protest action against the deplorable state of the thoroughfare's surface from the One to Five Miles area.

The operators parked their vehicles at the designated bus park , located at First Avenue and Fifth Street, Bartica , and displayed placards on their wind screens depicting their concerns.

At around 9:12 hrs, a total of nine buses were seen there, and the signs read: "We need better Roads", "Respect our rights, develop Bartica ", "Now Showing : The Lost World , Potaro Road", " Pot holes a new addition to traffic control in the Potaro", " Millions Spent , where are the famous promises ", "Bartica is part of Guyana too ", "Mr Benn you need to straighten this , attention now" " Step 1 Better Roads , Step 2 Street lights ".

Students from the Three Miles Bartica Secondary School were

seen from as early as 07:30 hrs milling around the regular minibus pickup point at Second Avenue and Fifth Street , with others at the First Avenue Bus Park. Some students who were fortunate , had their parents paying as much as one thousand dollars for a taxi to take them to the school.

The said minibuses , however, on their way out of the Bus Park did pick up passengers who were then left abandoned on Bartica, contemplating what other means they would engage to return to their respective homes , located along the Potaro Road and in the Four Miles Housing Scheme, from Bartica. That was around 10:30 hrs yesterday .

On August 8, in the vicinity of Two Miles Primary School, there was also a protest as a result of the state of the road and the slow reaction towards addressing this issue by the local administration.

Minister Robert Persaud in his feature address at the opening ceremony of Bartica 's Pork Knocker Day 2012 had mentioned that engineers would be coming into Bartica to conduct the necessary assessments needed for the commencement of rehabilitation works to the road's surface.

However, it is clear that the process is taking too long, as the persons residing along the Bartica /Potaro Road and in the Four Miles Housing Schemes, are totally dissatisfied by the state of affairs surrounding this issue.

They say the strike action will last until tangible results are had in addressing this particular issue, together with the availability of a better quality water supply.

(Edward A. Persaud)

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

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4 Bedroom house next to new, A/C, Hot/Cold, large parking US$1,800 Monthly, Happy Acres ECD Call: 2317839 8am-4pm.

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School, First Federation Building Call: 225-4858, 6445166, 622-2872, 615-0964 Prudential Learning ‘Training to Pass’ automatic also stick/manual. Call: 6424827, 661-5028 ‘We’re # 1’

Toyota Starlet EP71 Call:6482075

Brandnew American made Crosely 10.5 cu ft Refridgerator for sale $75,000 Call: 697-5677

Granite, various colors, size 2x8 with backsplash, generators & cement mixers Call: 223-0943 Mon-Fri 9am4pm

1 Kitchen assistant, 1 cleaner to work in restaurant on W.C.DCall: 269-0045or686-8640 American Pool Table Call: 277-0578

Page 15

Spares for washer, microwaves, fridges, stove timers, gear boxes, pumps etc Call: 225-9032, 647-2943

1 Gas stove $45,000, 1 bed frame $15,000 Call: 615-7132 Male enhancer Viagra $4,000, 4 in pack Call: 638-1627 Sale!! Sale !! Jettoo’s Lumber yard & Sawmill, C o v e r d e n Public Road EBD, B & C Grade lumber.

Price negotiable.. Call: 261-5041, 261-5042 One Cargo vessel in working condition, 450 tons Call: 774-5463 or 678-6024 Household items, LG Refrigerator, LG stereo set, LG DVD Player & other items Call: 221-2737 275 Massey Ferguson tractor $2.8M, Four 3 dish plows stools, Scaffle $500,000 Call Julie @ 6699891 1 stall Stabroek Market Call: 638-7031, 644-6630 Dell computers complete with 17&19 inch LCD from $50,000 Future Tech 2312206

Bedford lorry-Model-M 4 Speed gearbox Call: 628-1756, 228-5655

19Ft Bass tracker, boat with trailer in excellent condition Call: 223-0943 Mon-Fri 9am4pm

STOCKS ARRIVED. PLAYSTATION2 Systems, games, controllers, memory cards etc, Great Bargains.

Max 609-8132

ORIGINAL GAMES FOR PSI, PS2, PS3, Xbox & Xbox360. Also Nintendo64 systems & controls 6098132 (Max)

L 15 HP Yamaha ( Long Foot), Tel: 689-5254/643-0332

Newly open Nokia Store, selling all types cell phones with all accessories in Vreeden-Hoop, Call: 661-4875

G-Touring Wagon PLL series price $ 1.280, call: 629-5727 Plant for Sale OAK ( Casuarina) Call: 638-5191/ 219-0604 Exotic Hibiscus, Roses, Mussaenda, B/Ville, Ficus, Marigold, Periwinkle, Petunia, Herbs, Vegetable seedlings, A.K Plant Shop.

Call: 260-0005 2-60-180 Leyland Daf dump truck lorry in working condition Call: 628-1756, 2285655 16" Bore pump, rice field type. Utility four wheel trailer Call: 227-1830

SALON Make up courses, artist trained & certified in Trinidad: 660-5257,647-1773 New Classes in Cosmetology, nails & makeup Call Abby 216-1950, 6665241, 619-7603 (Continued on page 20)

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Disabled persons have rights “Solomon has no right to to sexual reproductive form an IMC”- Ganga Persaud information – Health Official Minister of Local The notion that young persons with disability also have rights to sexual reproductive information and materials will be amplified when the Ministry of Health, through its Rehabilitation Services Department, spearheads a workshop slated for next week. This is according to Director of the Rehabilitation Services Department, Ms Barbara Lawrence, who revealed recently that the target audience will in fact be health workers, some of whom are convinced that persons with disabilities have no such rights.

Her conviction is premised on a rapid assessment conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) which revealed that young disabled persons are denied access to sexual reproductive information by health workers.

“We found the findings of this assessment very damning. A big one for us was the attitude of some of the health workers towards persons with disability, they felt that young persons with disability didn’t have rights to access condoms or to even talk about it,” Lawrence disclosed during a recent interview with this publication.

In light of this, recommendations were made

by UNFPA, among them the need for health workers to be trained to alter their mindset as it relates to persons with disability. According to Lawrence, the United Nations body has provided funding to facilitate the workshop which will be conducted over a threeday period (September 11 -13, 2012), at the National Library.

“They have actually provided us with manuals from Jamaica to deal with this issue. Jamaica is really quite good in dealing with disability

Ms Barbara Lawrence issues on the whole and in every aspect. They have not only developed manuals but also jingles and skits...They have everything to change people’s mindset towards persons with disabilities and we hope to do the same,” Lawrence added.

In Guyana, UNFPA has advocated for the integration of sexual and reproductive health issues into the National Policy on Disabilities. It has also supported qualitative and quantitative data collection on adolescents with disabilities, including the development of a comprehensiveinformationpackage on sexual and reproductive health of persons with disabilities.

However, UNFPA has underscored that there are many obstacles to the implementation of the GeneralAssembly resolutions, since legal and policy reform needs to be undertaken in a concerted manner.

Furthermore, genderneutral laws are not sufficient, as there is a belief that States should adopt laws and policies that are aimed at ensuring that women with disabilities enjoy de facto equality, including temporary measures such as affirmative

action, UNFPA has highlighted.

According to the body, too, “there is a lack of information and data on persons with disabilities – in particular, women with disabilities – which hampers interventions in their favour.”

As such, UNFPA has said that “it is imperative that efforts be made to ensure that there is enough information on persons with disabilities disaggregated by sex, age, ethnicity, rural/urban in order to reveal multiple discriminations and to adopt laws and policies accordingly.”

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides a basis for moving forward by finally lifting the barriers that have hindered persons with disabilities from enjoying their full and effective participation in society. For this reason, UNFPA states that “it is important to acknowledge that the international goal to achieve universal access to reproductive health in MDG5 cannot be fulfilled unless persons with disabilities are included in policies and programmes to improve sexual and reproductive health.”

For this reason, UNFPA notes that it will continue partnerships at the global, regional and country levels to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for persons with disabilities.

This action it said would be achieved through the implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, especially as they relate to the promotion and protection of women’s rights and reproductive rights.

Jagdeo acquired more wealth ...

From centre stated. But the Attorney General countered by declaring that he has done conveyances as a practitioner of law, whereby he sold residential properties for US$1M and over.

“I have done it in this country and I’m sure that Mr. Hughes has done so,” Nandlall argued.

Nandlall disclosed that after the sale another piece of land was made available for distribution to a certain quality of Guyanese office holders, a category into which the former President fell.

“The impression that is being given here, that the President embarked upon this conquest and acquired land by some improper way and improper procedure, is one that must be wholly rejected,” the Attorney

General stated emphatically.

According to Nandlall, many persons, including Ministers of the government, former Commissioners of Police and CARICOM Secretariat officials, were offered land for sale there, a move that he said was made public.

But Hughes countered that he like many other Guyanese was unaware that the State land at Pradoville 2, which “Jagdeo and his close associates” now occupy, was advertised for sale publicly.

“Can I ask…where was this land advertised? When did they advertise ocean front land?”

It was around that time that Labour Minister Nanda Gopaul made one of the more controversial contributions of the debate. He argued that there was nothing wrong with a President fortifying himself

financially while in office.

“What is wrong with a former President or a President seeking to ensure that he lives a comfortable life after his presidency?

Especially because we have term limits, knowing full well that you are going to demit office, you must ensure that you look for your future. We must not go from a President to rags,” Gopaul asserted.

He further argued that the assets of the former President can be scrutinised so that anyone can see how he has acquired his wealth.

At the conclusion of the debate, the AFC Chairman reiterated that there must be a cap on the former President’s benefits, since it would be unfair to the taxpayers for Jagdeo to build a palace and have them “foot the bill” for its upkeep.

Government Ganga Persaud yesterday affirmed that Regional Chairman of Region 10, Sharma Solomon, has no authority to pursue formation of an Interim Management Committee (IMC). However, when contacted, Solomon clarified that his intention has never been to form an IMC, but to encourage Kwakwani residents to formulate a body to represent their concerns to the NDC (Neighbourhood Democratic Council).

At a press conference yesterday, Persaud stated that while he is happy that critics of the IMC are seemingly now on board, “it is sad that persons in pursuit of its formulation have no authority to do so and any actions with regards to installment is illegal”.

Further, Persaud cautioned that “it is an infringement of the law and the force of the law will deal with such (installation)”.

Persaud was at the time responding to reports in sections of the media that essentially disclosed that polls were to be held to elect a committee of 15 persons to aid in expressing the needs of the community.

According to the Minister, persons sharing sympathy with the opposition

Minister of Local Government Ganga Persaud

Region 10 Chairman, Sharma Solomon

are contributors to the lawlessness existing in society. He stated that “never before has a Regional Chairman sought to, so blatantly evoke authority and power by illegal means”.

The Minister pointed out that it must be known that “the installed council in Kwakwani is the only legitimate council in that area.”

Persaud then asserted that he hopes Solomon is “adequately advised by the political party he represents.

I hope he listens to guidance so as to avoid further embarrassment to his party and self”.

However, what Solomon

explained to Kaieteur News yesterday was vastly different.

The Region 10 Chairman said what he did was to encourage the people of Kwakwani to elect 15 persons to form a body and represent their concerns to the NDC. “I never sought to form an IMC,” said Solomon categorically.

“As Chairman, I support the people of Kwakwani, and I encourage all others to do the same, rather than to threaten to challenge them legally for expressing their democratic right by electing a local representative.”

(Abena Rockliffe)

Second suspect held in $80M ...

From page 6 real estate, were fleeced. A Guyana Fire Service employee also fell victim.

According to information, the gang would lure their potential victims by pretending to have a ‘contact’ in the Housing Ministry.

The potential homeowner would then hand over an initial down-payment to have the Housing Ministry documents processed. The ringleader would then take the ‘client’ to a Justice of the Peace to get a statement of income.

The client would then be taken to a woman in the gang who posed as a Housing Ministry employee. This meeting would take place at a Camp Street location. After the ‘client’ had handed over the rest of the cash, the ‘Housing Ministry employee’ would give the ‘client’ bogus documents indicating that he or she was now in possession of a house lot. In other cases, some were given letters indicating that they were now approved to participate in the Housing Ministry’s ‘One Stop Shop’ programme, where house lots are given out to persons at locations such as the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Some of the ‘Housing Ministry documents’, which were shown to Kaieteur News, had what appeared to be the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) logo and had an illegible signature from an individual who appeared to have signed for the Chief Executive Officer of the CHPA. However, the letters also contained glaring errors that should have aroused some suspicion.

The Ministry of Housing and Water yesterday issued a statement advising the public to beware of similar scams.

“The Ministry of Housing and Water wishes to advise the general public that there are several scams which have been discovered by the Ministry, all of which are currently engaging the attention of the Courts. The most recent scam is currently engaging the attention of the Police.

“The Ministry wishes to categorically state that those members of the public who usually find themselves caught up in scams of this nature, are equally culpable, since they are willing to participate in activities which they must know could not be authentic, by the very nature of the modus operandi that is

used by the fraudsters,” the release added.

The statement made reference to several other press releases which the Ministry has issued warning persons to desist from entering into “transactions” which do not emanate from its offices.

“Members of the public are again reminded that the Central Housing and Planning Authority is the only authorized agency for the allocation and receipt of payments in respect of house lots purchased from the Authority, for which official receipts are issued; no one is authorized to collect money for house lots on behalf of the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

All transactions related to house lots are conducted at the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s offices. No official business with the Authority is conducted in the field or at private premises.

Transfer of any lot purchased from the Central Housing and Planning Authority must be approved, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement of Sale.

Unauthorized/illegal transactions will not be honoured by the CH&PA.

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 17

Quartet sentenced 44 Early Childhood Development to four years for Practitioners certified by UG $24M in stolen cloth

Kumar Kalladin

Dennis Ramkarran

The eight-year-old case against four men who plotted and stole $24M worth of cloth from Avinash Complex on Water Street came to an end yesterday when the men were sentenced to four years, eight months jail time.

Deoroop Sugrim of La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara, Dinesh Singh of Essequibo, Kumar Kalladin of Campbellville , and Dennis Ramkarran, of Kitty, faced Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court for the offence of larceny by clerk or servant.

The men were found guilty of the charge that between February 3 and February 24, 2004, at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara, they stole 1,549 bolts of cloth valued at $24,052,120 property of Avinash Complex, one of the many stores owned and operated by prominent businessman Malcolm Panday.

At the time of the theft, Sugrim was employed as a senior supervisor at the store; Kalladin and Ramkarran were senior persons in the store’s warehouse, while Singh was the driver.

The four men conspired amongst themselves to steal the material and to resell it; keeping the proceeds for themselves.

The information said that Sugrim, the most senior of the four men, stole keys from the business place’s main office and made duplicates of those used to open Avinash’s warehouse located at La Bonne Intention.

Sugrim returned the original keys and used the copies to enter the LBI bond. After removing the 1,549 bolts of cloth, the four men loaded the items onto a canter truck and transported it to the city. By the men’s own admission via caution statements, the

stolen articles were divided and transported to different locations.

Singh, Sugrim and Kalladin, the court heard, played a more integral part in the theft, while Ramkarran was fingered as the ‘lookout man’, ensuring that the coast was clear while they committed the act.

The men were however caught when a potential buyer made contact with Panday informing him that, ‘some men were selling large quantities of cloth and it was suspected that it was his property.” The store owner contacted the police and they made their way to Zeeburg where Kalladin was caught redhanded attempting to sell the items. He was arrested and after being grilled by investigators, his accomplices were soon caught.

The case was first called in 2004 and was thrown out on several occasions. At one point the matter was suspended by an order of the High Court.

The matter had been dragging along as attorneys for the accused sought several adjournments forcing the matter to be placed before various Magistrates.

Magistrate Latchman who presided over the matter called the actions of the accused “crafty, schemey and malicious.”

This was after Attorney-at-law Euclin Gomes pleaded for leniency for his clients. The lawyer asked the court to take into consideration the l1ength of time the matter was before the courts, that the men remained in the jurisdiction during the eight years, and that prior to the offence, they had unblemished records.

The court however found (continued on page 18)

Dinesh Singh

Deoroop Sugrim

Aimed at ensuring that Early Childhood Development (ECD) is given the crucial attention that it requires, some 44 individuals were this weekend certified as Early Childhood Development Practitioners by the University of Guyana.

This is the second year that the programme, which is sponsored by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), has been offered by the University.

The programme, according to UG’s Head of Foundation and Education Management, Mrs Godryne Wintz, is in keeping with the characteristics of an ideal Caribbean early childhood practitioner.

In fact, she explained that the design of the programme is grounded on CARICOM’s regulatory framework and training standards for promoting ECD in the Region.

As such, the mission of the programme is to provide a standardized education and training programme for practitioners in the early childhood service sector within the context of the CARICOM Regional Qualification Framework.

According to Mrs Wintz, “a successful graduate of this programme will be able to employ and promote childrearing practices which can positively shape children’s attitudes towards learning and influence their overall care and development”.

In this regard, she said that the aim of the programme is to develop the relevant knowledge, practical skills and attitudes, which will allow ECD practitioners to effectively carry out their duties.

Two levels of the programme are currently provided by the University, with Level One being designed to provide students with a broad base of foundation knowledge, practical skills, and attitudes which are required for obtaining or performing entry level jobs within the child care provision settings.

These foundational competencies, Mrs Wintz said, are also the bases on which higher level training programmes in the area of early childhood are built.

Students who successfully complete this programme are eligible for entry into the Level Two Programme.

The latter mentioned programme is designed to provide students with practical competencies and attitudes which demand greater involvement and complexity than Level One. Once equipped with the skills of this programme, Mrs

Some of the programme’s participants Wintz assured that persons awill have greater responsibility and autonomy for the children in their care.

She offered too that “this programme provides competencies needed for advancement into higher level training programmes in the area of early childhood.”

A total of 19 individuals participated in the Level Two Programme and 25 undertook the Level One segment. They were drawn from public and private Day Care Centres and Play Groups across the country, including the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and municipalities.

However, having considered that there are over 215 established child care facilities, Mrs Wintz pointed out that in measurable terms, this figure for the participating institutions remains minuscule.

She nonetheless noted that compared to last year’s figure of 13, this means that there has been an over 100 per cent increase since 27 (12.6 per cent) of the established child and institutional care facilities could now boast of having practitioners with the minimum qualification within CARICOM’s qualification framework.

The courses offered at Level One are: Introduction to Child Development, Health Education, Introduction to Child Care Curriculum, Parent Involvement, Child Care Profession and Child Care Practicum.

The Level Two programmes are just as diverse, including: Child Care Profession, Social Development of the Young Child, General Health Issues and Practice, Sensory and Motor Development, Cognition and Communication, Curriculum Planning and Evaluation and Child Care Practicum, which focused on the Caribbean Vocational qualification mode

of training.

Overall, 82 per cent of the 44 practitioners successfully completed the programme with the minimum grade point average of 2.0. Eight practitioners are yet to complete or participate in upgrading courses to meet the minimum level, Mrs Wintz said.

In keeping with the standard regulation of the programme, for a student to be awarded a certificate with the level of distinction he/she would have had to acquire an overall grade point average of at least 3.4, as well as a grade of B in the practicum component, and at least 2.7 for a Credit, and 2.0 for Pass.

The grading of certificates, according to Mrs Wintz, continues to provide the minimum class for matriculation to higher levels and also serves as an initiative to encourage practitioners to strive for excellence.

For the Level One programme, out of 25 practitioners, 10 attained the level of Distinction and six the level of Credit. Of the

19 participants who participated in the Level Tw o p r o g r a m m e , s i x attained distinctions and nine, the level of Credit.

They were all certified on Saturday at a ceremony held in the Education Lecture Theatre of the University.

In keeping with the philosophy of the 21st Century Learning Initiative, which assumes that education must help to sustain the values of society while also responding adequately to current and future rates of change, Mrs Wintz said that “our programme was modified during its second year to incorporate a module on Disaster Preparedness.”

This move, she said, was necessary due to the fact that over the past four years, the Caribbean region reported the second highest number of disasters in the world second only to Asia.

In the last four years, the region has been impacted by six significant hurricanes and three high magnitude earthquakes that have (continued on page 18)

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Education officials tour school facilities…

Lodge Secondary will soon be ‘A’ grade

The science laboratory at Lodge Secondary Lodge Secondary School will soon be named a Grade ‘A’ School as part of the Ministry of Education’s effort to raise the standard of the education institution.

Chief Education Officer, Mr Olato Sam, hinted at this development as he led a tour of school facilities yesterday which signaled the commencement of the school year. He along with Principal Education Officer of Georgetown, Mr Baydewan Rambaran, visited three city schools.

They were accompanied by media operatives.

In highlighting foreseen plans for Lodge Secondary, Sam revealed that the school is already equipped with facilities which no other school has. He said too that it is the only educational institution in the entire country that has a fullfledged Science and Arts Programme. This publication was told that every dimension of arts will be offered at the institution.

“We marry the Mathematics and English components, the facility here is one of the best that no one can find in other schools,” the CEO said.

He explained that officials at the Ministry of Education chose the Lodge Secondary School to implement this programme because the environment is spacious.

“They (Lodge Secondary School) had the resources, there was space and the school was underpopulated,” the CEO stated.

Kaieteur News understands that the school has a capacity to accommodate over 800 students but only a total of a little over 100 were attending as at last term.

It is the expectation of the CEO that the programmes offered at the school would serve to attract more students.

The two education officials also visited the Roxanne Burnham Nursery and the St. Pius Primary School yesterday. Pupils of the East Ruimveldt Nursery School, according to Sam, will from this school year have to attend the Roxanne Burnham Nursery. The decision to merge the schools was due to the unacceptable physical conditions at the East Ruimveldt facility and the fact that the Roxanne Burnham School had sufficient space

44 Early Childhood ...

From page 17 destabilised families and communities and have disproportionately and adversely impacted the lives of young children in early childhood (Regional Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response in Early Childhood in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2011).

In Guyana, the floods of 2005 and recent unrest have seen similar effect, Mrs Wintz noted.

“We are perpetually grateful to Mr Oronde Drakes, Environmental Hazards and Geographical Information

Systems Specialist, for developing and facilitating the module on disaster preparedness which provided our ECD practitioners with an understanding of environmental hazards and disaster preparedness as it relates to Early Childhood Education and their roles as custodians.”

Mrs Wintz regarded the move as a great achievement for the University, since examin a t i o n o f E C D programmes offered, both nationally and regionally, revealed that they are yet to introduce this component.

to meet the need of the displaced East Ruimveldt pupils. The decision has since received flak from some parents.

“There were a few concerns about the merging, but all have been worked out and I plan to meet with the entire community this afternoon (yesterday),” Sam said.

He also disclosed that the headmistress for the East Ruimveldt Nursery will be in charge of the Roxanne Burnham School while its former head-teacher will be placed in a Department at the Ministry of Education.

At the St. Pius School yesterday, the Principal Education Officer of Georgetown, Mr Rambaran, said that there were some rehabilitation works done over the August holiday, “we extended a part of the school because it was previously overcrowded. According to the CEO, St. Pius Primary is one of the schools with a growing population.

Currently the school has a population of 699 pupils.

Tuesday September 04, 2012

‘Self-help’ lends to steady development in Moraikobai Roads are among the developmental infrastructures that are currently lacking in Moraikobai, Region Five.

However, this measure may not be too long in coming given the self-help attitude that the villagers have assumed over the years. Their passion to develop their village has seen them acquiring facilities to provide both electricity and water.

At least this is the assertion of an elderly and respected villager, Ms. Dahana Adrian.

She has lived in the village all her life and has described its current state as “developing...we are not just waiting on Government to help us, we are helping ourselves,” she related during an interview yesterday.

Ms. Adrian, along with a group of women from the village, is currently participating in a craft exhibition at the Sophia Exhibition Site which comes as part of this year’s Amerindian Heritage Month activities. Residents from a number of other Amerindian villages are also participating in the craft exhibition.

Though Moraikobai still takes on the appearance of a regular Amerindian settlement, developmental measures have seen most residents moving away from pit latrines and washing and bathing in creeks to flush toilets and running tap water.

This move, according to Adrian, came as a result of villagers making a decision to pool their resources to acquire their needs. In the case of electricity, she vividly recalled that residents were able to access a generator, and the money that is paid monthly for the service provided is directed towards the purchase of gas.

Adrian explained that in order for the system to remain smooth, a Village Committee was appointed.

“All the monies are paid to the Committee and they are responsible for ensuring that we

keep getting the services and it is working well for us...we are developing fast.”

The senior villager revealed too that Government, in seeing their pro-activeness, had sought to provide and continues to provide technical assistance.

The village has also produced trained teachers and has its own medical personnel, Adrian said.

Situated some 90 miles up the Mahaicony River, Moraikobai residents are able to access the coastland mainly by engine boat or sometimes a launch. However, it is the expectation of Adrian that Government will soon designate a launch to specifically ply the Moraikobai/Mahaicony river route.

“Our population there has been increasing...we don’t live too close to each other, but the number of people living in Moraikobai keeps growing and we can’t do everything for ourselves to see development, but we are doing what we can.”

Income for these residents is usually realised from farming.

Adrian herself claims to be a farmer proficient in the ways of

planting and reaping provision and fruits. Making cassava bread and cassareep has also proven to be a major incomeearning activity there, with orders coming from as far as Georgetown and even overseas, she boasted.

However, no Amerindian Village would be the same without the handicraft of its people taking a focal point.

Tibisiri works (craft made from straw), in particular, have been a source of additional income, Adrian said, adding that the village of Moraikobai has formulated its own women’s group, dubbed the Self Skilled Association, which has been working together for a number of years to produce unique craftwork.

The group, headed by Adrian, made the tedious journey out of Moraikobai last Friday and is expected to remain at the Sophia Exhibition Site in hope of selling most, if not all of their craft. A percentage of the money raised from the sale will go towards further developing the group and by extension the village, Adrian said.

Quartet sentenced to four ...

From page 17 that beyond reasonable doubt, the men were guilty of the offence. She said that she refused to believe that threats, which the men claimed, were made against them by Panday.

She said the evidence showed that the men who had 47 years of service amongst them, carefully plotted and executed their plan to “thief” their boss’s items, while their employer obviously had certain levels of trust in them, thus placing some of the accused at senior levels in his firm.

When Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh closed the case about three weeks ago, he asked the court to find a Prima Facie case against the accused. He said that the defence had not discredited the evidence led against the accused.

The special prosecutor also condemned the request by Gomes for additional time to have witnesses for the defence show in court. The accused were given almost a month to present the numerous persons they said would have testified on their behalf. The men claimed yesterday that the witnesses were unwilling to testify, citing that the matter was several years old.

The accused thus asked for a further adjournment in the matter so that they could attempt to persuade their witnesses. The court however denied the request and sentenced Singh and Sugrim, the two accused who were present in court, to 56 months behind bars.

Presently, arrest warrants are out for the other two accused.

Treasured craft, Tuma Pot, wild meat...

From page 11 invested behind the creation of the product.

“We use our own initiative or sometimes when we see magazines and pictures, we use the patterns and try to make it that way. This is one of the only times we get our sales, at Heritage Month activities or whenever we have inter-regional craft exhibition,” Patricia Peters of Region 10 noted. Valentine Stoll, of Region Two, who is an exceptional sculptor, said he has been doing such work for the past five years. However, support and market for his creations are “very slow”, since there is no sculptor business that is done on a large scale that can purchase small scale sculptors’ work.

“I love art, especially birds, animals and various form of natural art. Most of

my work is done with Wamara logs, brown silverballi and purple heart wood, amongst other hardwood.”

The dishes offered to tantalize the taste buds at the event were Haimara and Wild Hog “Tuma Pot” with hard or soft cassava bread. There were also a variety of smoked meats and other savoury dishes.

Liquids available for consumption included piwari, casiri or fly - traditional beverages of Amerindians.

Representation at the event is by tribes of Wai Wai, Warraus, Akawaios, Wapishana, Patomonas, and Arawaks. Amerindian Heritage Month is used to highlight the developments of our indigenous people and to allow Amerindians to showcase their involvement in the devel-

opment process to the rest of society. Most of these activities are culture-based. They showcase, among other things, Amerindian dishes, dress, dances and art and craft.

The period has now become part of the National calendar of cultural events and Guyanese look forward to acquiring intricate pieces of art and craft produced through specialized Amerindian techniques.

Amerindians throughout the country have been clamouring for a national holiday in their honour, but although this was not achieved, the designation of Amerindian Heritage Day and Amerindian Heritage Month could be seen and marked as a major achievement.

The formal activities for Amerindian Heritage Month

are scheduled to conclude with a dinner at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street on Friday, September 28.

On Heritage Day, September 8, the Grand heritage village celebrations will take place at Micobie Village, Region 8, while the sports and fun weekend will take place in Georgetown at the Carifesta Sports Complex on September 15 and 16.

Amerindian Heritage Month 2012 is being celebrated under the theme, “Embracing our identity, celebrating our Culture.”

For the next 27 days, Guyanese of all ethnicities will join theirAmerindian brothers and sisters in remembering and paying tribute to the numerous contributions by indigenous people in the historical advancement of this country.

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 19

Municipal workers continue Grade Six students start industrial action in earnest year at new location - Maintain “Sooba must go” Burnt out Linden school...

By Abena Rockcliffe

The Grade Six pupils of the burnt out One Mile Primary school, in Wismar, Linden, yesterday commenced the new school year at a new venue - the Block 22 Multi-Purpose Hall.

One hundred and twenty nine (129) of the 141 students reported for classes, which is comparable to what pertains on any given first day of a new school term, Senior Mistress Candacie Plass said.

Plass pointed out that classes commenced promptly yesterday as all the cleaning and ‘fixing’ had been done over the weekend, and parents had turned up with their children from as early as 07:30 hrs for the commencement of classes at 08:00hrs.

Furniture was donated from the Wismar Hill, Kara Kara and St Aidans Primary Schools, she added. When this newspaper visited yesterday morning, the children, fresh-faced and excited in crisp new uniforms were already settled in, and classes were in session.

Four teachers, two male and two female, were busy engaging the students, most of whom were paying rapt attention to what was being taught.

The grade six students were the only children of the One Mile School who started classes yesterday.

Classes for the other students of the school, numbering more than 650 will commence on September 17.

Those students will be housed at the Wismar Hill Primary and One Mile Nursery schools.

According to reports, inadequate furniture to accommodate the children is the reason for the reopening date being postponed.

Senior Mistress Plass noted that in light of the tragedy of losing the school, teachers have rededicated themselves towards going the “extra mile” to ensure that “there is no retrogression” as regards the performance of the school.

She proudly pointed out that over the past five years the school has been doing “very well’ at the National Grade Six Assessments.

“We have seen much improvement in the assessments over this period, and we as teachers are certainly not going to become complacent, but we intend to work even harder.

However we are hoping that losing the school would not impact negatively on the students.

Meanwhile Plass noted that while she cannot complain about their present accommodation, she is anxious to have the new school rebuilt as early as possible. “You know there is no place like home”, she quipped.

The One Mile Primary School, which was reduced to rubble after arsonists reportedly set it on fire during the recent unrest in Linden, was the largest primary school in the mining town.

It housed more than 800 students.

Residents of Linden and their compatriots in the Diaspora have committed to rebuilding the school, “with or without the Government’s intervention”. (Enid Joaquin)

Tuesday September 04, 2012 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Although you may be a lot more comfortable with your public life, you need to spend more time on your private one. ************************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): It’s always been difficult you for you to venture out of your comfort zone, but try today. Let an older, more experienced person take you under their wing. ************************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Finances could be a little tight right now, which makes you tense. Rather than focusing on what you don’t have, concentrate on what you’ve got. ************************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Don’t be so quick to trust somebody who appeals to your soft side. While this person may be persuasive, she also might be a little flaky, too. ************************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): The responsibilities of daily life are starting to weigh you down. You’ve got to find a little relief. Yoga, meditation, or nature walks will keep stress at bay. Work looks promising, but a job is no substitute for a fulfilling personal life. ************************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): You’ve set ambitious goals, but you’re not sure if you can actually achieve them.

In the past, you’ve chosen the safe path. Now you’re eager for a little adventure.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Acquiring creature comforts has always been a big priority for you.

Recently, though, you’ve noticed expensive purchases haven’t dulled that emotional ache inside. ************************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): You may not have answers to questions that are being posed to you. This is incredibly embarrassing.

Instead of getting defensive, admit your ignorance. ************************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): As far as your sex life is concerned; it could be a lot better. You’ve always been a very physical person, and when you’re not able to act on your desires, you become irritable. ************************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): It feels as though you’re giving everything and getting nothing in return with a close relationship. Before you lash out at your partner, consider whether you’ve turned away from help in the past. ************************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Resist the urge to isolate from colleagues, especially if a project becomes fraught with complications. ************************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): Friends are putting a lot of pressure on you, and you’re not responding favourably. If you need a little more space, just say so.

For two consecutive months, municipal workers have been protesting against late payments, but those protests ended once cheques had been issued. However, yesterday workers continued industrial actions even though cheques have been issued as they claim “the many issues are overbearing.”

Several municipal entities were on go-slow yesterday while others were completely shut down as peeved workers took to the sidewalk outside the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Market gates were closed early yesterday morning, but as the day progressed some were opened, while day care and health centres controlled by the municipality remained closed.

Children were even sent home from Dorothy Bailey Health Centre on South Road Nursery Day Care as most staffers were absent.

The sections officially on strike include the health clinics, day care centres, mechanical workshop, markets, stone depot, public relations and cleansing department.

This newspaper understands that the staff of the Georgetown municipality will be part of the industrial action with the support of the two representing unions.

The general concerns expressed by demonstrators pertained to the issuing of their benefits such as meal and uniform allowances that have been stalled for quite some time and the removal of the acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba.

Placards erected indicated that the workers have “no faith” in Sooba’s ability to effectively manage the Town Clerk’s office in their interest. Some referred to Sooba as a “dictator” as she seems “not to have time with what we think or feel… She just telling you what to do.”

The Town Clerk’s appointment was initially met with much controversy as she was not on the list of

suggested replacements submitted to the Ministry of Local Government by M&CC. However, the Ministry has since remained firm in its decision of appointment.

As protesters yesterday questioned Sooba’s qualification to act as Town Clerk and the unions have echoed similar concerns, Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud has stated that they do not have the authority to question appointments made by his ministry.

He has since asked for anyone knowing the standard qualifications for the acting position of Town Clerk to come forward with such information.

“I am interested, anyone knowing the relevant qualification for the position of acting Town Clerk should come forward,” appealed Persaud.

Union representatives have informed that Sooba has continuously refused to meet with them to discuss concerns of workers, as some claim harassment.

The workers union and other members of the council have condemned Sooba for her move to send Public Relations Officer Royston King on leave.

This newspaper

understands that cheques were being issued since last Friday when the demonstration started.

Yesterday, workers also called for payment of overtime and protective gear for the various departments.

However, overtime payment has been an issue since addressed in Ramon Gaskin’s report. The report stated that the overtime claims seem “quite improbable.”

The report states “the situation with regard to overtime is nothing short of a racket perpetuated by workers and supervisors in certain departments. In one spectacular case, a worker was paid overtime (double pay) for 17 hours on each of four Sundays together with an additional 140 hours (at1 ½ times)- a total of 346 overtime hours one monthquite improbable…”

Chairman of the implementation committee, Keith Burrowes, had indicated that he is unaware why payments were stalled as he recently secured a $40M extension on a bank overdraft for City Hall. Burrowes stated that the money is enough to pay Council workers.

Some municipal services remained at a halt yesterday and the protest is set to continue today.

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Tradewind Tankers ‘True Champions’ V/ball Tournament...

(From page 15)

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Young Achievers were crowned Tradewind Tankers True Champions kings after bringing down the curtains with an emphatic display of dominance to capture the first prize for the third straight year when the competition ended on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium.

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(GTC1) by a slim margin of 19 - 21, they showed gradual improvement as the day progressed.

In their 4’s match-up, after losing the first of three sets 14 - 16, they managed to turn things around after falling victim to a bad call that ended the game. Captain Randy Adams speaking after the game said that “this motivated the team to play better”, and the results showed it, as they went on to win the next two sets; 15-7 and 15-12.

By the end of the 2’s and 4’s Young Achievers had already secured a 9-points advantage according to the tallying system of the tournament, but they went on to demonstrate that that was inconsequential, winning the 6’s in straight sets; 25-17, 25-

19 and 25-20.

In the third place matchup, hosts Castrol Strikers defeated Rollers without dropping a set. After a competitive 2’s match-up which Castrol ended up winning 21-18, Castrol turned up their game a few notches mainly through superior serving to make the 6’s a one sided affair.

They easily won the first set 25-15, before clinching the second and third sets; 25-23 and 25-23 to relegate Rollers into 4th place.

At the end of the exciting finals, dominated mainly by prolific spiking and serving

by Young Achievers Captain Adams, who once again showed why he is the best Volleyball player in Guyana, trophies were awarded for individual performances

along with trophies and monetary prizes for first, second and third placed teams, while fourth place received money alone.

The best blocker trophy went to Creston Rodney of GTC 1, while all the other individual prizes went to Young Achievers with setter Kevin Vieira copping best setter and Randy Adams sweeping the remaining awards; Best Spiker, Best Server and MVP. The tournament now moves on to the International Challenge which will see the two top finishers; Achievers and TC 1 along with hosts Castrol engage an overseas club team which is to be announced shortly. The International Challenge is scheduled for the end of October.

East Coast Cricket Board U-19 40-Overs competition underway Play in the East Coast Cricket Board U-19 40 Overs competition is currently underway with several matches starting from 11:00am.

In play scheduled for Saturday 8th September: Enmore vs. Golden Grove @ Enmore, Enterprise vs.

Plaisance @ Enterprise, Lusignan vs. L.B.I. @ Lusignan and Buxton vs.

Ogle @ Buxton.

The remaining fixtures for the competition are: Saturday 15th September 2012 Enmore vs. Plaisance @ Enmore Enterprise vs. Golden Grove @ Enterprise

Lusignan vs. Ogle @ Lusignan Buxton vs. L.B.I. @ Buxton Saturday 22nd September 2012 Ogle vs. L.B.I. @ C.P.C. Lusignan vs. Plaisance @ Lusignan Buxton vs. Golden Grove @ Buxton Enterprise vs. Enmore @ Enterprise Saturday 29th September 2012 Enmore vs. Ogle @ Enmore Buxton vs. Enterprise @ Buxton Lusignan vs. Golden Grove @ Lusignan Plaisance vs. L.B.I. @ C.P.C. Saturday 6th October 2012

Enterprise vs. Lusignan @ Buxton L.B.I. vs. Golden Grove @ Lusignan Enmore vs. Buxton @ Enmore Ogle vs. Plaisance @ C.P.C. Saturday 13th October 2012 Buxton vs. Plaisance @ Buxton Lusignan vs. Enmore @Lusignan Enterprise vs. L.B.I. @ Enterprise Saturday 20th October Buxton vs. Lusignan @ Buxton Ogle vs. Enterprise @ C.P.C. Enmore vs. L.B.I. @ Enmore Plaisance vs. Golden Grove @ Lusignan

Guyanese boxers experience fluctuating fortunes against Trinidadian opponents Stephney ‘Stepping Razor’ George suffered a close points decision loss when she engaged Trinidadian, Ria Ramnarine in the latter fighter’s hometown Saturday August 1 last, but the local fighter is adamant that she had done enough to earn the decision.

George had accepted the fight on late notice but according to reports, turned in a courageous performance.

The close scores were indicative of the intense battle as was evident. One judge scored the bout an even 5050 while the other two had it

Ria Ramnarine

45-47 and 37-36 in favour of the Trinidadian.

Meanwhile, several Guyanese boxers that also comprised the amateur segment of the card suffered mixed fortunes. Imran Khan and Jamal Thomas were on the losing end while Travis Hubbard and Joel Williamson turned back the challenges of their Trinidadian opponents.

Lennox Daniels accompanied George as her coach, while Terrence Poole travelled as the coach for the amateur boxers. The local contingent returned home yesterday afternoon.

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 21

RHTY&SC teams host personal Doman guides GCC to victory, Development Programme GNIC, DCC also record wins NBS, GCA 2nd DIVISION 40 OVER CRICKET...

Georgetown Cricket Club, Guyana National Industrial Corporation and Demerara Cricket Club recorded victories as the New Building Society \Georgetown Cricket Association second division 40 over competition continued on Sunday with a number of matches.

At YMCA, GCC defeated Vikings by 142 runs. GCC batted first and posted a respectable 233-6 after the game was reduced to 37 overs due to a late start. Eighteen year old Amando Doman hit six fours and one six in an attractive 83 and got support from Martin Pestano Belle who scored 38. Kenny Thomas captured 3-39 off 8 overs.

Vikings in reply were skittled out for a paltry 91 in 19.3 overs. Adrian Persaud 23 and Jaden Samuels 13 were the only batsmen that offered resistance as Doman, who bowls medium pace, returned to capture 5-12 off 4.3 overs and Keno Mckenzie took 2-15.

At G.Y.O ground G.N.I.C overcame Gandhi Youth Organisation by 93 runs.

G.N.I.C took first turn at the crease and scored 248 all out in 37 overs. Jason Melville led the scoring with 76(8x4,4x6) while Matthew Marks made 63(4x4,1x6), Premchand Sookdeo 37 and Orlando Kirten 22. Anand Goolsarran was the pick of the bowlers

Amando Doman for G.Y.O with 4-61 while there were two wickets apiece for Richard Hoyte and Mark Hamilton. The home team in response were bowled out for 155 in 23 overs. Lokesh Reid made 45, while Hoyte and Garfield Deroche supported with 28 and 21 respectively as Kirten showed his ability by taking 5-25.

At Everest D.C.C got the better of Malteenoes by 4 wickets. Malteenoes batted first and scored 183 before they were bowled out in 36 overs. Shaquille Williams was their leading run getter with 62 which included eight fours while D. Mc Ewan and N. Barker who put together 63 for the first wicket stand scored 31 and 21 respectively.

Dennis Squires, Omen Dhanram and L. Lyght claimed 2 wickets each. D.C.C then replied with 184-6 in 32

overs. Squires returned with the bat to stroke an unbeaten 85(6x6, 4x7), while Dhanram chipped in with 20. Steven Sankar 2-24, Karim Naughton 2-49 and J. Poole 2-39 were the wicket takers for Malteenoes.

Meanwhile, on Saturday Everest Cricket Club and Demerara Cricket Club recorded victories. At G.Y.O, Everest overcame the host by 7 wickets. G.Y.O batted first and were restricted to 171 all out in their allocation of 40 overs. Lokesh Reid 42, Yougeshwarlall Persaud 28 and Anand Goolsarran 21 were their principal scorers as Shaheed Mohamed picked up 3-21 off 8 overs. The visitors then responded with 175-3 in 21 overs. S. Rutherford led with 66 while R. Heralall supported with 64 and Mohamed 22. Goolsarran took 2-33 for G.Y.O. At Everest, Demerara Cricket Club got the better of Ace Warriors by 9 wickets.

Ace Warriors took first turn at the crease and were bowled out for 76 in 18 overs. Levar Douglas was the only batsman that reached double figures with 18 as Dennis Squires 3-11, Joel Brown 3-20 and Caval Reece 2-16 did the damage with the ball for D.C.C, who replied with 79-1 in 7 overs. Omen Dhanram made 29 not out while Squires returned to score an unbeaten 25. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Ellie Simmonds wins second gold of Games Ellie Simmonds

BBC Sport - Ellie Simmonds won her second gold of the Paralympics with a world record in the SM6 200m individual medley.

Simmonds, who defended her 400m freestyle title on Saturday, broke her own record set in the heats to win in three minutes 5.39 seconds.

Team-mate and 2004

Athens gold medallist Natalie Waddon was third behind Germany’s Verena Schott.

GB’s Sascha Kindred, the six-time Paralympic champion, took silver behind China’s Xu Qing in the men’s event.

Kindred, 34, who finished a disappointing fourth in the SB7 100m breastroke final on Saturday, qualified quickest

in two minutes 44.29 secs, but China’s Xu proved too tough in the final.

European champion Susie Rodgers and 100m backstroke Paralympic gold medallist Jonathan Fox progressed to their S7 100m freestyle finals after recording the second quickest times in their respective heats.

Pepsi Under-19 players Shailendra Shameer and Arif Chan pose with the missing fishermen families Various cricket teams under the umbrella of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club hosted their annual Personal Development Programme on Thursday last at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

They are Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division and the Metro females.

Items which included school supplies, hygiene kits and food were presented to the children of the missing fishermen Mahendra Ompertab and Kanhai Madramootoo of Rosignol, West Bank, Berbice. The teams also made a donation of office chairs to the Whim Police Station and a large volume of books and reading materials to Libraries based at Rose Hall Town and Port Mourant.

A press release from the club stated that the teams are mandated each year by Club Management to undertake at least three major projects that would make a difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

Collectively, the teams host at least thirty (30) programmes each year since 2001 and Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the presentation ceremony complemented the players, describing them as true Ambassadors of the club and positive role models to their peers.

He expressed pleasure that the teams were able to assist the missing fishermen families by contributing towards the four children, while expressing hope that the men would be found safe and alive. Foster also committed the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club to assisting the children in the future until they have completed their educational career.

West Indies player Shemaine Campbelle

RHTY&SC Asst.

Organising Secretary Ronston Lawson presents chairs to Inspector Persaud

and Captain of the Rose Hall Town Metro Female Team said that all the teams felt privileged to assist the families of the missing fishermen, the Guyana Police Force and the Libraries.

While informing that the members of Guyana’s leading Youth & Sports Club require discipline, commitment and willingness to serve others, Campbelle urged other cricket clubs and sport organisations to follow in the footsteps of her club and to make a difference in society.

She has committed all of her club mates, including West Indies players Assad Fudadin and Erva Giddings, National Under-19 Captain Shawn Pereira and National players Delbert Hicks and Rajiv Ivan, to continuing the programme.

Each of the recipients expressed gratitude to the Club for the assistance given. Wife of missing fisherman Kanhai Madramootoo tearfully thanked the Club and the teams for assisting her family at this very difficult time while wishing the team’s’ success on and off the field.

Each of the four children received supplies of educational items, including school bags, exercise books, hygiene kits and sanitary items, while both families received a supply of food items.

The Guyana Police Force received a donation of eight office chairs for the Officer in Charge of Whim Sub-District office, while the Rose Hall Town and Port Mourant Libraries received books valued at $80,000 each.

The cricket teams of the club are expressing profound gratitude to Imran Hamid, Bhirooj Poonai and Bobby’s Boutique of Rose Hall Town for their contribution to the programme.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

RHTY&SC Pepsi U-19 Team rewards teammates who excelled at CSEC The Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under-19 team on Thursday last rewarded two of their teammates, Shailendra Shameer and Arif Chan for their outstanding performances at the 2012 CSEC exams.

Shameer, the team’s Vice Captain, passed ten (10) subjects, five of them are grade one’s. Guyana Under17 teammate Arif Chan passed seven subjects with two grade ones.

The presentation was also co-sponsored by the Berbice Cricket Board Special Events Committee.

Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Hilbert Foster, extended congratulations to the duo on their achievements pointing out that the management of the Club and their club mates were delighted with their success.

Foster stressed that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club teaches all of its members the importance of education and the need to always be disciplined and committed.

Chan and Shameer, the Secretary/CEO disclosed, deserved all of their successes because they worked very hard for it and were dedicated to their studies. He urged them to further their education to a higher level while pledging the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club’s assistance in this regard.

The Veteran Club Secretary/CEO, in an emotional plea to the young members of the Club,

A proud RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster poses with Arif Chan and Shailendra Shameer encouraged them to follow in the footsteps of their teammates and to balance their time properly between education and sports.

Captain of the Pepsi Under-19 team and National Under-19 Captain, Shawn Pereira in an email message from Barbados where he was representing Guyana congratulated Shameer and Chan while urging them to continue being positive role models to their peers.

Organising Secretary Ravi Narine praised the duo for making the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club proud and advised them to continue to follow the Club’s proven formula for success in the future – honesty, hard work, faith in God, personal

discipline and dedication.

Shameer and Chan, who both have represented Guyana at the Under-15 and 17 level expressed gratitude to their teammates of the Pepsi Under-19 team for rewarding them. They stated that the membership of Guyana’s leading club inspired them to achieve success at the CSEC exams.

The grateful cricketers urged their team mates to follow in their footsteps and to make education a apriority in life as it is the key to success. Members of the Pepsi team presented Shameer and Chan with a Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Certificate of Excellence along with a special gift.

Pakistan upset at Ajmal’s omission from ICC awards (Reuters) - The Pakistan Cricket Board has conveyed its concern to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the omission of off-break bowler Saeed Ajmal from the shortlist of nominees for the annual ICC awards.

Having been named in the ICC’s test team of the year, Ajmal missed the shortlist of nominees for the international, test and oneday international player of the year awards.

The PCB said its concern was related to the test award.

“We have conveyed our concern to the ICC on the Ajmal issue and we hope they will reconsider his name for the final list of awards,” PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar said.

Ajmal, 34, was the leading wicket-taker in tests in the 12month award period, taking

Saeed Ajmal 74 wickets, and was also highly placed in the one-day international rankings.

He was reported in 2009 for having a suspect bowling action but cleared by the ICC. Sources on the Pakistan board said the PCB had sent a letter to the ICC indicating surprise Ajmal had missed out on the nominations.

“We have conveyed to the ICC that we believe that there must have been an oversight on part of the experts and a review is urgently required as Ajmal has been outstanding in all three formats of the game,” the source said.

Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander (South Africa), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) and Michael Clarke (Australia) were nominated for the test award.

Ajmal told a Pakistani television channel in Abu Dhabi during the ODI series against Australia that he was not dejected by his omission from the list of nominees and was privileged to be part of the ICC test team of the year.

The awards will be announced before the start of the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka on Sept. 15.

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kohli and Dhoni lead India to victory (Reuters) - Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni bailed India out with an unbroken 96-run stand that took the hosts to a five-wicket victory in the second and final test for a clean sweep in the series against New Zealand on Monday.

Off-spinner Jeetan Patel picked up three wickets and India were reduced to 166 for five at one stage, chasing 261 for victory, before Kohli (51 not out) and Dhoni (48 not out) came together to guide their team home. The 23-yearold Kohli, who made 103 in the first innings, defended resolutely at the start, became more fluent as his innings progressed and got to his half century with three boundaries in an over off paceman Tim Southee.

“It was a tricky situation when I went in to bat,” Kohli, voted man of the match, said during the presentation ceremony. “But we both decided that we will take it 10 runs at a time and try to see the team through and the plan worked for us. “My natural game is to be positive. But I need to control my shots every now and then. I thought throughout the test match that I need to be more patient and I need to apply myself more. “I had a plan in my mind and luckily it worked for me.”

Captain Dhoni was the more attacking of the two and finished the match with a boundary and a six in consecutive balls off Patel to spark the celebrations.

Patel looked the most dangerous of the New Zealand bowlers and extracted sharp turn and bounce off the pitch at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

India, who won the first test in Hyderabad by an innings and 115 runs, lost the wickets of Sachin Tendulkar (27), Cheteshwar Pujara (48) and Suresh Raina (0) after tea.

Youngster Pujara and veteran Tendulkar survived some nervy moments after the loss of openers Virender Sehwag

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli added 96 runs to take India home. (AFP) and Gautam Gambhir in quick succession and added 69 for the third wicket.

Tendulkar was once again bowled for the third time in as many innings in the series while Daniel Flynn ran backwards at short leg to pull off a superb bat-pad catch off Patel to dismiss Pujara.

Brendon McCullum, filling in for regular wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk who was hit on the forearm while batting on Sunday, missed an easy stumping opportunity to dismiss Pujara on 37 off Patel.

BRISK START “We had our chances... we always knew we were close,” New Zealand captain Ross Taylor said.

“But the way Kohli and Dhoni went out and batted was outstanding and they took the game away from us.

“We came here with some standards we wanted to maintain and we did that in patches.

“I am proud of the whole team of how they came back from a terrible test in Hyderabad and I am sure we will come out of this as a better team.”

Sehwag (38) and Gambhir (34) started India’s second innings with great purpose, swatting the New Zealand pacemen around the ground to bring up a 50 partnership in eight overs. The duo added

Runner dies of heart attack after Mexico City marathon (Reuters) - A runner died of a heart attack after collapsing at the finish of Sunday’s Mexico City marathon won by Kenyan Peter Lemayian Knaya.

Mexican Juan Pablo de la Mora asked for help when he felt ill after crossing the line and died in hospital later,

organizers said.

The first three in the men’s marathon were Kenyan runners, with Elisha Chumo second and Hillary Kipchirchir third.

Ethiopia’s Amare Shewarge Alene was first in the women’s race followed by Kenyan Truphena Tarus and Mexican Maritza Arenas.

77 for the opening wicket before Sehwag, who hit seven boundaries and a six, was bowled by Patel when he danced down the wicket to the off-spinner but swiped inside the line of the ball, which went on to hit his off stump.

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor was forced to introduce his spinner in the 12th over after the quick bowlers had made no impact, and the move immediately bore fruit. Sehwag greeted Patel with a six over long-off and hit another four before he fell trying to repeat the shot.

Left-hander Gambhir looked in fine touch and hit some expansive drives for seven boundaries before he edged left-arm seamer Trent Boult to Taylor at first slip.

Earlier, India needed little time to wrap up New Zealand’s second innings, taking the final wicket in the fifth over of the day to dismiss the visitors for 248.

New Zealand’s final pair of Patel (22) and Boult (unbeaten on four) added a crucial 26 runs for the 10th wicket to take the lead past the 250-run mark.

Resuming on their overnight score of 232-9, Patel was given caught behind off paceman Zaheer Khan but was clearly unhappy with the decision and television replays suggested he had missed the ball completely.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin finished with figures of 5-69 to register his third five-wicket haul in the last four innings against New Zealand.

Scores: India 353 and 262 for 5 (Kohli 51*, Dhoni 48*, Pujara 48) beat New Zealand 365 and 248 (Franklin 41, Ashwin 5-69) by 5 wickets.

Tuesday September 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Hussey, Maxwell lead Australia to series win over Pakistan AFP - SHARJAH: Michael Hussey and Glenn Maxwell hit fighting halfcenturies to help Australia beat Pakistan by three wickets in the third and final one-day international, taking the three-match series 2-1 here on Monday.

Hussey scored 65 for his 39th fifty and Maxwell hit a 38-ball 56 not out to round off a challenging chase of a target of 245 in 47 overs spoiling Pakistan’s chances of beating Australia for the first time since 2002.

Opener Mohammad Hafeez topscored with 78 in Pakistan’s fighting total of 244-7 after they were put into bat.

Hussey added an invaluable 51 for the fifth wicket with Matthew Wade (22) after Pakistani spinner

Saeed Ajmal (3-37) had threatened to wreck their rival’s batting as Australia were struggling at 108-4.

Australia won the first match by four wickets here last week before Pakistan levelled the series with a seven wicket win in the second match in Abu Dhabi on Friday. But the 37-yearold Hussey, regarded as one of the best finishers in limited overs cricket, kept his cool during a 72-ball knock. He hit seven fours and a six.

Even when Wade was bowled by Abdur Rehman, Hussey fought hard, adding 67 with Maxwell. When Hussey was bowled by Khan, Australia still needed 19 but Maxwell ensured the chase was successful, hitting four fours and three sixes.

Trophy Stall Doubles Tennis tourney starts Friday The Guyana Tennis Association in an e-mail has set tomorrow for the closing of entries for players to participate in the Annual Trophy Stall Doubles tennis tournament will start on Friday, at the Pegasus Hotel Hardcourts.

The tournament was originally slated to commence on August 30, but had to be postponed.

Meanwhile, an additional Novices category has been added whereby newcomers can team up and compete in a one set encounter. The other categories being contested are Men’s Doubles, Ladies Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Men’s 35 Doubles.

Interested persons can contact Tournament Coordinator Jeremy Miller on 643-4423 for more details.

Glenn Maxwell (AFP)

Michael Hussey (AFP) Australia got off to a rapid start with David Hussey putting on 44 by the ninth over with David Warner (21), both taking the attack to the Pakistanis from the outset. David Hussey hit three sixes during his 45-ball knock of 43.

But once Ajmal came on the Australian innings faltered as the off-spinner dismissed David (Hussey), Michael Clarke (32) and George Bailey in his first five-over spell but Hussey then foiled Ajmal in his second spell.

Pakistan were also sloppy in the field as they dropped four catches and their wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal spurned one stumping.

Earlier Hafeez’s 97-ball

knock – his first fifty against Australia in eight matches – helped Pakistan post a challenging total. Hafeez put on 129 for the opening wicket with Nasir Jamshed (48) and it looked as if Pakistan would post a big total but they were once again derailed by some sustained pace bowling by Mitchell Starc who finished with 4-51.

Jamshed, who hit 97 at Abu Dhabi, was again at his fluent best as he hit six boundaries during his 75ball knock. Once Hafeez

fell, trapped leg-before by Clarke in the 33rd over Pakistan were hard pressed for runs. Hafeez hit four boundaries and two sixes.

Starc, who took a career best 5-42 in the first match, then came into his own. The lanky left-arm paceman had Asad Shafiq (27) and Umar Akmal (nought) in the same over before ending skipper Misbah-ul Haq’s short 25 runs innings in the 47th over.

Azhar Ali made 27 not out to give fillip to Pakistan’s total.

Surprisingly, Australia –

considered weak against spin on the Asian pitches – have lost only one bilateral limited overs series in the sub-continent and Middle East in 20 years. They lost to India in a three-match series in 2010. Pakistan and Australia now play three Twenty20 internationals – all in Dubai – on September 5, 7 and 10.

Scores: Australia 250 for 7 (Hussey 65, Maxwell 56*, Ajmal 3-37) beat Pakistan 244 for 7 (Hafeez 78, Jamshed 48, Starc 4-51) by three wickets.

t r o Sp

Darren Bravo all smiles on Williams blanks return to Windies colours Hlavackova to reach The U.S. Open

Bridgetown, Barbados — Darren Bravo says he is back to his old self, feeling 100 percent fit, and West Indies cricket fans can expect to see him at his best during the upcoming International Cricket C o u n c i l ’s Wo r l d T 2 0 tournament in Sri Lanka.

The stylish left-hander was sidelined with an injury earlier this year but made a full recovery after c o m p l e t i n g h i s rehabilitation in Trinidad.

He arrived at the West Indies camp “healthy, strong and focused on the mission ahead”.

“It is a great feeling to be back and representing the West Indies. I’m fully fit. I am just looking forward to the Twenty20 World Cup and the rest of the season ahead this year,” the 23year-old said as the West Indies players had another full training session at the Sagicor High Performance Centre.

“The most important thing is to spend as much time out in the middle and try to understand my role and try to execute as best as possible in the practice matches, so that when it comes time for Sri Lanka I will be confident enough to go out there and represent the West Indies and make our people proud.”

Bravo has looked relaxed and at ease in every

Darren Bravo net session so far. He said he is eager to get padded up “have a good hit” in the two warm-up matches slated for the 3Ws Oval on Thursday.

He added that he is eagerly looking to head back to Sri Lanka where he made a good start to his Test career back in 2010.

“I will try to use those

two matches to get fully back into the groove. I played in the T20 tournament in Trinidad recently and I felt comfortable at the crease again. Thursday will provide another opportunity to see where I am with my comeback. It’s up to me to get out there and make it

count. I feel good and back to my old self, so time in the middle should do be fine,” Bravo said.

“I made a good start to my Test career in Sri Lanka a few years ago so it is a place that has good memories for me. I enjoy the conditions, the atmosphere and the overall environment there. I have done quite well in Asia in general so this World Cup is something that I’m looking forward to. The camp has gone well so far and we are gearing up nicely.

You just have to look around and you will see everyone is smiling as we all look ahead to the tournament.”

T h e Wo r l d T 2 0 tournament features the 12 best teams in the world and will be played from September 18 to October 7.

The West Indies have been drawn in Group B alongside Australia and Ireland. Both first round matches will be at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

West Indies open against the Aussies on Thursday, September 22 followed by a clash with the Irish on Monday, September 24.

quarter-finals

Serena Williams of the U.S. talks to Andrea Hlavackova of the Czech Republic after their women’s singles match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz (Reuters) - Serena Williams demolished unseeded Czech Andrea Hlavackova with a ‘double bagel’ 6-0 6-0 victory at the U.S. Open on Monday to set up a quarter-finals showdown with Serbian Ana Ivanovic.

The fourth-seeded American, who has dropped only 12 games though her first four matches at Flushing Meadows, needed just 57 minutes to book her spot in the round of eight against former world number one Ivanovic.

“Andrea played really well today even though it was love and love,” said Williams, who is riding a high from a London summer that brought her the Wimbledon title and the Olympic singles gold medal. “I think I played really well today. I haven’t played like that all tournament.”

The 12th-seeded Ivanovic, the 2008 French Open champion, beat Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria 6-0 6-4 in her fourth-round match.

Second seed Radwanska shocked at US Open

By Reuters | Eurosport – Polish second seed Agnieszka Radwanska became the highest seeded player to crash out of the US Open when she was upset 6-1 6-4 by Italy’s Roberta Vinci.

The 20th-seeded Vinci, who reached the third round of the US Open last year for her best Flushing Meadows result in BBC - World number one Roger Federer nine previous tries, took the unexpected made the US Open quarter-finals without step to the last eight with a forehand hitting a ball after opponent Mardy Fish passing shot winner. withdrew because of health reasons.

Vinci outplayed Radwanska with 29 Five-time champion Federer will face winners, and made just one unforced Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych for a place in error from the backhand side to improve the semi-finals.

Berdych beat Spaniard on her previous best grand slam Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 6-1. showing, a fourth-round result at this Britain’s third seed Andy Murray was year’s Wimbledon. down to play 15th seed Milos Raonic, while The world number 19 advanced to a 12th seed Marin Cilic was to face Martin quarter-finals showdown against Klizan. doubles partner and compatriot Sara Fish missed about two months earlier this Errani, who enjoyed an upset 7-6 6-3 season because of an accelerated heartbeat and win over sixth-seeded Angelique Roberta Vinci of Italy had a medical procedure in May. Kerber of Germany in her last 16 tilt on celebrates after defeating The 30-year-old American’s third-round Monday. “I’m happy to play against Agnieszka Radwanska match against Gilles Simon went five sets, her,” Vinci told the Armstrong Stadium of Poland (Reuters). lasting more than three hours and finishing crowd after her victory. “She’s my best after 1am on Sunday.

Roger Federer friend.”

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Roger Federer into US Open last eight after Mardy Fish pulls out