Kaieteur News

Sunday September 01, 2013

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Brassington embarrassed over Amaila revelations Financial Analyst Christopher Ram has accused Guyana’s lead negotiator on the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, Winston Brassington, of being embarrassed by the revelation of the amateurism he and his team displayed in negotiations with Sithe Global. Brassington on Wednesday last sought to respond to the assertions being made by Ram, by firstly lamenting that he (Ram) circulated confidential information. Ram says he is not surprised that Brassington took almost two weeks “to make up a response.” “I recall my own discomfort for him (Brassington) that on the critical issue of repayment of Sithe’s capital, he was unaware of what Sithe had inserted in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and had to be corrected by one of his advisors,” Ram asserted. This publication reported during the past week that Government had agreed to pay Sithe Global interest on money already repaid. Ram had explained that the arrangement is akin to depositing $100,000 in a bank, withdrawing $90,000, but the bank continues to pay you interest for twenty years on the initial deposit of $100,000. CHEAP SHOTS Brassington in his response to Ram on

…was unaware of Sithe Global repayment arrangement

Financial Analyst Christopher Ram Wednesday last, had said the Financial Analyst agreed there would be no public debt as a result of Amaila. Ram retorted that this was among the many “cheap shots thrown at me by Brassington that can be easily dispatched”. Ram denied saying that he conceded no public debt and reminded that what he did in fact say was, “by going to the National Assembly, the Government acknowledged the debt implications of the project.” The financial analyst said that “perhaps Brassington could tell the public whose debt it would be, if for any reason GPL is unable to meet its monthly obligations under the PPA which Sithe (Global) was planning to impose and which he and his advisors meekly accepted.”

Brassington had also indicated that Ram accepted the government’s view that with Amaila the subsidy paid to GPL would be eliminated. Ram says that the reason for this is simple, given that under the arrangement with Sithe Global any subsidies to the power company would have served as a breach of contract. This means that the power company would have to adjust its tariffs annually in order to make its payments and meet its expenditure, without any subsidy from government. “No Guyanese, let alone

in March 2010 by an Argentina-based entity and “ducked for more than three years.” The Financial Analyst said that during his meeting with Brassington and his team, they agreed that Sithe Global would recover substantially, which would effectively reduce its “equity” commitment of US$150M. Ram said that Sithe Global was geared to recover unlimited fees and expenses of counsel and other consultants; unlimited out-ofpocket costs including travel and fees and expenses of

“Can he tell the public whose debt it would be, if for any reason GPL is unable to meet its monthly payments to Sithe Global” - Chris Ram Ram, could have any opinion or option on subsidies postAmaila: Brassington’s negotiation friends at Sithe (Global) put paid to that.” PADDED COSTS Ram said too that Brassington, the lead negotiator for Guyana on the Amaila project, seemed entirely unaware that Sithe Global or its Special Purpose Vehicle Company was going to be reimbursed for, or credited with seemingly padded costs and fees. Ram pointed out that this information can be had in the feasibility report for the project, which was submitted

firms or organizations hired by the company; unlimited costs and expenses incurred for the procurement of the construction and related contracts. Ram said that the company would have also recovered all costs incurred prior to the commencement date of the project, including US$12M, to pay Makeswhar Fip Motilall, who had failed to meet even the most basic condition of the Interim Licence. WOEFULLYUNAWARE Given the revelations, Ram opines that Brassington and his team seemed woefully

unaware of aspects of the Hydro-Electric Power Regulations. Ram charged that, “Brassington’s leadership of the negotiations stood out for its dangerous unfamiliarity with the law governing hydroelectric power…Worse, he agreed to a billion-dollar legal bill that appears to have served all but the interest of the Guyanese taxpayer and consumer.” Ram said too that in seeking to prove that electricity rates will decrease, through the Amaila Hydro Project, Brassington, “entertains himself in fantasies about the exchange rate, dramatic system loss reductions, the end of private generation of power, a competently managed GPL and full rates charged in Linden for power.” In his blistering response,

Lead negotiator on Amaila, Winston Brassington Ram concluded that, “it is of course worth noting that Brassington has not addressed the fatal flaws of the project identified by Kaehne Consulting Ltd. of Canada or Mercados of Argentina, whose reports he misrepresents, particularly about Amaila’s hydrology and the cost to be paid by GPL for power to be purchased from Amaila.”

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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210

Editorial

Venezuelan friendship Yesterday’s visit by President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela is a tangible reminder of the growing friendship between his country and ours. Ever since Venezuela had raised its claims to Essequibo in the UN in 1962, our relationship had been dominated by that controversy. It was part of then John F. Kennedy US administration’s strategy to oust the PPP administration, because of its fears of Guyana becoming an ally of the USSR. But for Venezuelans, it was an emotive issue harking back to their historic collective feeling of colonial abuse. The Venezuelans invaded and occupied our half of Ankoko Island in 1969 and in the late 1970’s that country’s objections to the World Bank killed the Upper Mazaruni Hydro Project, initiated by the then PNC administration of Forbes Burnham. Purely by coincidence, a sign of the changing times and Venezuela’s diplomatic posture has been its studied silence during the discussions of the IDB’s participation in the Amaila Falls Hydro-Electric Project (AFHEP). The volte face is due entirely to the vision of Maduro’s predecessor President Hugo Chavez, who was determined to improve his country’s relations with its neighbours through acts of friendship. The lessening of tensions over the Venezuelan border claim (which is being addressed by the UN Secretary General Good Offices Process, presently in the person of Professor Norman Girvan) was noticeable in Venezuela’s acceptance of our application last year for the extension of our continental shelf which, if approved, would allow for our country to extend our search for oil and other resources. The Chavez administration was criticized by some Venezuelan Opposition figures; a reminder that Guyana cannot remain completely sanguine on the matter. Since the claim is incorporated in the Venezuelan Constitution, it remains a mobilization point that can be exploited by ambitious Venezuelan politicians. Presently, in addition to downplaying the border claim, the most tangible sign of the improved relations is the PetroCaribe Initiative, in which we purchase half our petroleum needs from Venezuela. The terms are most generous: if crude prices are higher than US$100 (which it is presently) we pay 40 per cent of the bill and the other 60 per cent will be paid in 25 years with an annual interest rate of 1%. An additional feature that was negotiated is the shipment of local paddy and rice to Venezuela at very attractive prices, and our government being allowed to pay farmers in Guyana dollars which are applied to the PetroCaribe account. This feature is of great significance in our efforts to expand our rice production, even as the old European market becomes less attractive from a price standpoint. Because of endemic food shortages in Venezuela and rice being a staple of Venezuelan diet, this market should remain strong in the immediate future. The food shortage is only one of the challenges that President Maduro faces in Venezuela, in the post-Chavez transition. The economy this year is expected not to grow by more than 2% as opposed to the 5% achieved in Chavez’s last year. Quite troubling has been a stubborn rise in inflation, which is now above 20%. Maduro is being blamed for these problems because he has continued with programmes benefiting the poor. For instance, minimum wages were promised to be raised by 40%, which while moderating the effect of inflation on the poor, will also exacerbate the phenomenon. The “Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration” at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, funded in part by the Venezuelan Government to the tune of US$2 million, is an example of the social spending undertaken by the Venezuelan regime at home. Because of the wafer-thin 1.6% majority through which Maduro assumed the Presidency, the elections are being challenged by the Opposition in the courts. The US has supported the Opposition’s call for a recount and this has continued the strain in US-Venezuelan relations that flared up during the Chavez regime. We hope that President Maduro would be given the space to continue building bridges in the region, in general, and with Guyana in particular.

Sunday September 01, 2013

Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Unfair criticism of our educational system DEAR EDITOR, I have been following with interest the numerous letters and articles in the various newspapers commenting on Guyana’ education system. Some letter writers make it seem as if the Ministry of Education does not have professional officers who understand what is required to improve the education system. The letter written by Annan Boodram identifies theories of learning and strategies that could be used. Nothing is new there. Guyanese educators are familiar with those strategies and are using them. Unfortunately, the results in Mathematics do not meet the expectations of the Ministry. While this is a cause for concern and the Ministry

admits it, it does not mean that the education system is in crisis. Mr. Annan lives in America and should know that even in that great country students are experiencing difficulties in Mathematics and Governments have to invest heavily in after school and summer programmes to help students “catch up”. This is true for Canada as well. Even so, a great majority fail to meet the standards. These countries do not condemn the entire education system but look at the performance of individual schools for further intervention or action. The most outrageous comments came from David Hinds who suggest and I quote “And that class polarization in some instances, though not across

the board, has an ethnic look to it. We have developed a kind of social apartheid in education that is reflected in the results.” It is the first time that such a comment has been made and I am wondering if it had anything to do with the ethnicity of the students who were top performers this year. This is such a shame and this is what will lead to polarization of the population. The Ministry of Education has no control over all the variables which affect learning and performance and these include poverty, the effect of technological gadgets which mostly the rich have, the health and well being of students and involvement of parents in their children’s education but whatever

interventions are made and whatever resources are provided, are distributed equitably. To appreciate this, one has to look at the results of other examinations, not only at the school level but at the tertiary level and postsecondary institutions, as well as other areas of learning and participation. I conclude by congratulating all the top performers. You have done yourself, your school, your community and all Guyana proud. I wish to encourage the Minister of Education to continue working towards the improvement of the Education system and not to be disheartened by those who do not make constructive criticisms. Observer

Sunday September 01, 2013

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THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION IDENTIFYING THE CAUSE OF UG’S DISASTER NEEDS TO WAKE UP, OR BOW OUT DEAR EDITOR, To simply sit and watch you, Minister Priya Manickchand, steal the show and grab the headlines whenever our young people excel in their examinations, is tantamount to fraud. The truth is, your government has neglected our schools and only university. There’s no need to remind the general public about the deplorable state of Guyana’s only university (UG) and the fact that your government has refused to invest our tax dollars in ensuring that students have proper computer labs, libraries, modern classrooms, qualified lecturers etc. Madam Minister, the list of your government’s neglect of our schools is very long. So, I’m just going to ask you to either pull your stockings up or take a final bow as our country’s Minister of Education. In reading about the conditions of dozens of primary and secondary schools around Guyana, it makes me question your

competence as the relevant minister. Or, is it that politics will continue to take center stage in our schools? If the latter is so, then the conclusion is obvious that the PPP regime is out to destroy anything with a PNC stamps, ie: President’s College and dozens of Multilateral Schools. I wish to remind you of your promise to the nation (on behalf of your boss, President Ramotar) that your government would present laptop computers to the top 1% students who wrote the 2013 National Grade Six Examinations. At a press conference you said that the president, “was extremely pleased and extremely proud of our children and said that each child falling in the top one percent will be given a laptop.” Please, don’t tell us that 173 students have to wait another six months before receiving their computers. What a shame that they did not receive it during their August break, as they’re now preparing to return to school.

Further, reading your response to concerns expressed by opposition elements over the high failure rate in English and Math was like a deja vu experience with state officials in places like Alabama and Mississippi as they responded to civil rights activists with language infused with hubristic arrogance. Imagine the person who supposedly is responsible for ensuring that every kid in Guyana receive a good education, do well in school, provide adequate resources and counseling so that improvements and results are mirrored across all segments of the population, making snide remarks that implies that the constituents of the opposition did not value education. One does not need an interpreter to discern a racist jibe, and we should not allow diplomatic protocol to deter us from calling it for what it is. Yes, admittedly there is a problem that require the intervention of all concerned with the development of (Continued on page 8)

DEAR EDITOR, One of the persons I admired in politics during the period 2005 -2011 was Mr. Raphael Trotman. During the period 2004 to the birth of the Alliance for Change, I was accused by many persons of using my column to push for the formation of a party by Mr. Trotman and Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan. In 2011, I thought the PPP’s rule was so horrible that it surpassed the excesses of President Burnham beyond belief that I felt I should contribute to the election campaign I did give my time and resources to the AFC during the 2011 campaign. I was on the trail in Region Ten with Mr. Trotman himself. Since then Mr. Trotman’s politics in my opinion has declined and badly so. And I am compelled to reply to him over remarks he made last Tuesday about UG that was extremely poor judgement. I feel it borders on dishonesty and was a personal insult to me Of UG this is what he said;

“There is a lack of vision of where we are and where we need to be, the problem is just not the politicians, it is our problem.” How Mr. Trotman can utter such a statement is unbelievable. Countless people in and out of Guyana have a relevant vision for UG and some of our top scholars have outlined this vision. The problem is the politicians. Can Mr. Trotman say which university in the world has on its governing council six parliamentarians from the ruling party and among those six is the presidential advisor on governance and another two though not parliamentarians hold membership in the ruling party? And the ProChancellor is the Chief of Communication in the Office of the President. How is UG our problem when the students and staff have absolutely no input in policy-making? I end with my another question to Mr. Trotman. At which university a lecturer’s contract could be terminated by the governing council

without prior notice and without any complaint from any section of the university and without even a hearing? That happened to my contract on Jan 18, 2012 In an email string where all the major AFC players are on, I did say to Mr. Trotman that he was the only AFC leader that said not a word on how my contract was terminated. Many AFC leaders turned up at the daily demonstrations at UG. When I was in the television studio waiting to be interviewed, he was leaving and he did say in the presence of Mr. Christopher Ram that (Continued on page 8)

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ACDA is in solidarity with User of chemical weapons the Guyana Women Miners must be punished Organisation and its leader DEAR EDITOR, At a meeting on Wednesday, August 28, the members of ACDA decided to give support to the Guyana Women Miners Organisation and more especially its leader, Ms Simona Broomes, as they continue to expose the prevalence of Trafficing in Persons (TIP) within Guyana’s hinterland. We note with a high degree of concern the recent attempt by those engaged in the corrupt practice of TIP to malign the good name of a sister, who has taken the mantle to protect vulnerable women and children, while bringing to the fore the incompetence that festered within of the Department of

Social Service over the years under poor leadership from Indra Chandrapal, Bibi Shaddick, Prya Manikchand and now Jennifer Webster. The fact that these female Ministers of the Government over the years have been in denial of the existence of this scourge, and Ms Brooms and other valiant members of the GWMA have in the past year exposed the dirty underbelly of their reign in the Social Services sector, is disquieting, hence what happened during the past week to Ms Broomes was anticipated. It is obvious that beyond exposing the existence of TIP, what Ms Broomes and her associates are doing is protecting Womanhood,

ensuring values (inclusive of family values) which have been allowed to slip in recent times under the direction of those mandated to protect the vulnerable and uphold family and community values. The meeting also reflected on pronouncements coming from the GWMA about the non-cooperation, and outright opposition at times from figures in authority. Such acts we condemn and we are urging that a public enquiry be held on TIP at the earliest possible time. Barrington Braithwaite Elton McRae Penda Guyan Rudi Guyan Executive Members of ACDA

If you block development and progress you will end up with unemployment! DEAR EDITOR, I often wonder whether the leaders of APNU think that everyone in Guyana is gullible. I really was astonished to see their recent statements on youth unemployment. It boggles my mind that APNU pulled the plug on the Amaila Falls hydro project, Guyana’s largest development project, which would have generated countless jobs in so many areas of construction, engineering,

accounting, legal, environmental, hospitality and paving the way for this country to grow and prosper! Today they have the audacity to speak about unemployment.... yes...APNU....if you block development and progress at every step you will end up with a stagnated economy and unemployment! Stop pursuing selfish political goals and work to develop our country. Tony W. Atchin

DEAR EDITOR, Regarding the news report (Aug 29) on the PPP government calling on the US and West to exercise restraint attacking Syrian installations, the government should side on the cause of human rights and protection of the innocents. We should back freedom against oppressive rule and peoples’ right to democratic governance considering our own struggle against a dictatorship. Any government or organization that uses weapons of mass destruction (WMD) killinginnocent people (children in particular) must be punished to discourage future use of such abominable weapons. Action against deterrence is critical. Our government is right that it is not absolutely determined as yet whether the Syrian government used WMD. And UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has asked for more time to determine whether WMD was used and who used it. It is not easy to determine who used WMD in Syria given that several warring factions can or has access to WMD. However, if the Bashar al-Assad regime uses WMD, the world should and must come together to punish it. And our governnment should back actions against the syrian regime. Use of WMD is against international law and perpetrators must be punished to send a clear message to those who use such weapons aginst its own citizens or even against enemies. The world body should decide what is the right punishment against Assad if it is determined it used WMD. The Obama

administration is convinced, from its intelligence sources, that the Assad government was responsible for the most recent chemical weapons attack near Damascus, which Syrian opposition forces and human rights groups allege killed hundreds of civilians. The Syrian government denies using nerve agents on its own people and has allowed U.N. weapons inspectors into the country to investigate. In previous chemical attacks against civilians, it was not certain that Assad’s forces used chemical weapons. It was reported that the opposition may have used the weapons to make it appear that Assad used chemical weapons in order to draw the West into the conflict. But this time around, the US and Western allies believe the Syrian government was complicit in using nerve gas even though Prime Minister Cameron of UK is not absolutely certain the Assad regime used WMD. However, Cameron feels actions are needed though the parliament voted against British involvement. U.S Secretary of State John Kerry called the chemical attack a “moral obscenity” vowing to take tough actions against Assad though how and when is being debated with Western allies. The use of cruise missiles is being contemplated against Syrian military targets. President Obama says he is weighing his options. China, Russia and the Arab League are against military strikes and prefer diplomatic sanctions. Obama would prefer not to attack Syria fearing the immediate fall of

Assad and the alternative is not any better. But unlike in the past when the US facilitated dictators to kill political opponents because it was in its interest, the US can’t ignore the use of nerve gas to kill people – the regime must be punished. There are no great policy options in Syria because the US does not really want to remove Assad unless there is a secular alternative. The US is reminded that all of the regimes that changed hands in the region over the last three years, radical Islamists took over denying people fundamental rights. Several Stanford university scholars, according to an AP report, believe actions will destabilize the Assad regime so badly as to strengthen Al Qaeda terrorists operating inside Syria as well as attract outside recruits to the terrorist group to fight forces tied to the US. A new post-Assad regime that will be friendly to the United States. Also, as one scholar remind the public, “the Obama administration said several times that ‘stability’ in Syria – even if that means a continuing, limited civil war – is more important than a decisive victory over –Assad”. The US and the West are caught in a tough situation on Syria. Any dictator who is on a mass killing spree must be punished and the Guyana government should not be opposed to punishing a dictator who used WMD. However, first it must be established that the Syrian regime was behind the use of deadly chemical attacks against civilians before actions are pursued Vishnu Bisram

Sunday September 01, 2013

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Kaieteur M@ilbox THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION... From page 5 education in Guyana, but when the Minister responsible for Education proceed to use what is undeniably a racist stereotypical jibe to explain away these failures, yes, it is deja vu Alabama circa 1960 all over again. The constituents you crassly and prejudicially use one the most popular and profane stereotypical implications to insult have a history of producing some of the best minds this nation has produced. From their midst emerged the first pioneering local educators who traveled to the homes of parents back in the day to encourage them to send their kids to school, because they recognize the importance of Education in a developing Guyana. How dare you, Ms. Manickchand? Concerned Guyanese interpreted your comment as a wake up call for African Guyanese to take control of

development in their communities. I agree with them, but I also believe that it represents a microcosm of your Party’s Administrative Policy, whether in the rule and administration of justice, social welfare or economic opportunity. What it shouts loudly to the population segment in question is that you do not feel that you have any responsibility to them. That they have no rights or concerns which you are duty bound to recognize, respect and empathize with. Finally, as the parent of a

teenage boy attending Queens College (QC) who is about to enter the 3rd Form, I find it to be particularly troubling that to date he and many other students are not in receipt of their book list. This is their third year, and the incompetence is odious. Imagine school reopens this coming Monday, and no word from the school. Mind you, I’ve been reliably informed that it’s not just at QC that this problem continue to affect the education of our children. Again, I say shame on your ministry and your government. Mark A. Benschop

IDENTIFYING...

From page 5 he knew of a situation at UWI in Barbados where the student population rose up in anger over the dismissal of a lecturer. In that same e-mail exchange, he wrote that he

couldn’t see the need for a committee to investigate my situation because what happened to me was so wrong and everybody knows that. I did ask in that very mail for him to go public but he never did Finally, I would like to put in print my eternal gratitude to the Stabroek News for a Sunday editorial that looked at the egregious way the Council operated in terminating my contract. I really did appreciate that commentary and I thank the Stabroek News once again for its open, independent position on my dismissal. I would also like here and now to thank the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News for their coverage of the daily demonstrations that were directed at the Council over its crass, illegal behaviour. If any legacy I have left at UG in the 26 years I served that institution is that I don’t believe now, in the immediate and distant future, we will see the Council of the University terminating a lecturer’s contract without any form of complaint from any section of the University and without a hearing to the staff member and that is all because of the courage of those students and lecturers who rejected the depraved way the UG Council acted Frederick Kissoon

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

Guyana, Venezuela agree to direct air link

Presidents Donald Ramotar and Nicolas Maduro Moros receive a Ceremonial salute at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport yesterday. Guyana and its western neighbour, Venezuela, have agreed to establish a direct air link between the two countries, twice weekly, via CONVIASA airline, which has the capacity to transport 70 passengers. Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A (CONVIASA) is the flag carrier and largest airline of Venezuela that targets domestic, Caribbean and South American markets.

This initiative forms part of the declaration signed between Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar and Venezuelan President Nicolas Marudo Moros, yesterday at the Guyana International Conference Centre. It marked the end of a twoday meeting, touted as being successful, between the Guyanese and Venezuelan delegations. President Ramotar, like his Venezuelan counterpart, did not attend the Friday’s discussions.

According to the Guyanese leader, because of the Petrocaribe agreement (rice and energy) Guyana already shares a strong trade relationship with Venezuela. This bond is expected to further strengthen, with new commitments for air transport

and the mulling of marine movement. The signed declaration is expected to consolidate the airline sector. Venezuela has offered Guyana capacity building in the area of training of technicians and flight operations impetus.

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Dem boys seh

Whisky mek Prakash see gold De other day Donald cuss de Big Market paper and de Waterfalls paper. He claim how de Big Market paper represent a set of people who use to go to Georgetown Club and mek decision over whisky. Well de other day dem had cricket in Guyana and de same Donald sit down in de Presidential box drinking whisky. Dem boys seh that liquor does mek people do strange things. It does attract people who love de stuff and don’t think when dem drinking. Prakash end up drinking wid Donald in de Presidential box at de cricket. De whisky flow like water that when de cricket done neither Donald nor Prakash know who win. Ah Kneel been deh too and dem mek sure Prakash glass always full. And that was when dem start fuh talk ‘bout Amaila. During de conversation all people see is Prakash drinking and skinning he teeth. Then Donald tell he to look at de Amaila project and see how good it is. Anything does look good when a man drunk. Some of dem pick up some ugly woman and think she nice. When Parliament meet a few days later Prakash vote fuh de Amaila project and he claim how he understand that de project good fuh Guyana. De liquor wear off now and he telling people how he sorry. But de story ain’t done deh. Dem boys want to know how much money he get because dem know that he had to collect. De project had more spare money than some car got spare parts. De same Prakash run to defend Nigel when de nation find out that he was de company secretary fuh Sithe Global. He tek he drink then he claim how Nigel ain’t do nutten wrang when he didn’t see de conflict of interest. Nigel ain’t saying nutten because he know better. He know that de whole Amaila thing had loophole fuh people mek money. Everybody woulda mek money—de Chinee, de IDB, Sithe Global and all dem Guyanese who help plan it. Talk half and keep whisky when you talking to Prakash.

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Poor sugar performance Mother of two needs urgent leads to economic downturn brain surgery, pleads for help - 2013 growth projection revised from 5.3% to 4.8% An extremely poor performance in the local sugar industry has led to Guyana having to revise its economic growth projections downward. This was reported by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, who on Friday last made the disclosure that Guyana’s economy only grew by 3.9 per cent in the first half of this year. As a result, he said that Guyana has had to revise its projections for the year down to 4.8 per cent. Dr Singh had originally projected the local economy to grow this year by 5.3 per cent. According to the Finance Minister, the sugar industry realized a dismal 48,038 tonnes, which translates into a 32.5 per cent decline over the corresponding period last year. Sugar is now projected to realize just about 190,000 tonnes for the year. Dr Singh blamed the poor performance by the sugar industry on its continued struggle to grapple with “technical and operational challenges.” He did not specifically mention the Skeldon Sugar Factory which has practically done no grinding for the year. The rice sector, however, performed far better, with a bumper first crop of 263,228 tonnes, representing a 25 percent increase over the corresponding period last year. According to Dr Singh, barring any “unforeseen adverse developments, the original projection of 440,106 tonnes for the full year will be surpassed.” He said that rice production is now projected to grow by 15.9 per cent. Dr Singh said that for the year, thus far, Guyana has earned US$83.3M from its rice exports. The Minister also reported gold declarations increasing significantly, up 27 per cent over the corresponding period. He said that for the first six months of 2013, just about 234,498 ounces were reported. Guyana earned US$301M from its exports for the period. The Finance Minister did point out that while there was

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

a decrease in prices on the world market for gold, there was a significant expansion in the volume of the mineral exported, hence the healthy returns. While there was a significant surge in the production of livestock during the first half of 2012, there was not a repeat of that this year. The industry grew by 1.9 and according to Dr Singh, overall growth for the year is now projected at 3 per cent. Meanwhile, for overall exports across the sectors Guyana earned US$589.5M in the first half of 2013, in comparison to the US$582.5M received a year ago over the same period. Central Government raked in a total $71.7B in revenue for the first half of this year. This represents a 10.5 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2012. The increase was mainly due to robust performance across several tax revenue categories. Tax revenue amounted to $65B, with non-tax collections increasing by 8.6 percent to $6.8B. According to Dr Singh’s midyear report, internal revenue collections amounted to $28.9B which is 11.7 per cent more than the corresponding period last year. He attributed this upturn to a $2.3B increase in corporation tax collected from private sector companies. This, he said, reflects “the underlying growth in the economy and improved profit performances in several sectors.” Dr Singh also said that personal income tax

collections under the system of Pay As You Earn (PAYE), reduced by $582.1M. He said that this is as a result of the reduction in the PAYE rate from 33S! per cent to 30 per cent as announced in the 2013 Budget. Customs and trade tax collections amounted to $5.9B, an increase of $186.5M over the same period last year, and according to Dr Singh, this increase is due primarily to increased import duties. Value Added Tax (VAT) collections have for the seventh consecutive year increased, with government collecting in the first six months of this year some $17B. This represents a 5.6 per cent increase over the same period last year, and Dr Singh said this increase was driven by a 13.6 percent increase in collections from imports. He said that collections from the domestic supply of goods and services reduced by 3.8 percent.

By Sean Devers There is a saying ‘he who knows it feels it’ and not many people will understand the despair and frustration of 40year-old single parent Dawn DaSilva. The Berbician is in urgent need of surgery to remove a growing brain tumour. The mother of two put on a brave face for the public to disguise the pain during TV programmes aimed at assisting in raising funds for her operation in Cuba next month. But she admits to being scared of the unknown. “My daughter is eight and my son is 12 and they are my main reasons I have to make it. Who will look after them if I am gone?” she wondered. Dawn grew up in Corentyne, Berbice, before moving to New Amsterdam. She has now been living in Georgetown for the past 15 years and is presently employed by Eureka Labs. “I first realized something was wrong when I started getting this strange numbness on the side of my face about a year ago, but I did not make much of it until I started getting severe migraine headaches a little after that,” she explained with a worried look on her face. Although Dawn was feeling more and more unwell, she quietly carried out her Secretarial duties. In August last year, she was advised to do a CT scan before doing an MRI exam. The tests confirmed that she

Dawn DaSilva had a tumour. The tumour is now affecting her vision which has rapidly deteriorated. She also has problems with her memory, since the growth is located in her mid-brain. “I am now getting tremors in my hands and I get tired easily and feel very sleepy most of the time. I get emotional when my kids want me to play with them and I have to say to them mummy is too tired now,” she related sadly. Those who have experienced the heartwrenching emotions as they prepare for a life-threatening surgery fully understand what must be going through Dawn’s mind as her condition gets worse. Time is critical to her survival and she is lucky that presently her tumour is not cancerous. But there is no guarantee that it will remain that way for much longer.

Dawn DaSilva is supposed to celebrate her birthday next month and she says her best gift would be a successful surgery, which should be done (if all tests go well) on September 22. The cost of the surgery is US$10,500 and this does not include airfare, accommodation, meals or the cost of medication during her recovery. Donations can be made by kind-hearted Berbicans at the New Amsterdam branch of Eureka Labs while those in Demerara are being encouraged to help save Dawn’s life by donating to her fund raising effort at the Eureka Labs branch in the city. “I truly believe that God would not bring me this far to leave me and I know he will guide the doctor’s hands and heal me. I also pray for a good husband who will love me and I know God will answer my prayers,” Dawn added. “I heard Cuba is among the best in the Caribbean for surgeries. My only problem there could be the language barrier,” she opined. Having a positive mindset is key to Dawn’s recovery and seeing her children again is a huge inspiration. Her ‘church family’ at the Church of the Nazarene in Meadow Brook, including her Pastor, Rajkumar Outar, have been towers of strength in her time of need. She is thankful to all those who have contributed in any way, especially the TV hosts who assisted fund raising drive for what should surely be a life-changing trip to Cuba.

Noel Sinclair appointed to top UN post Ambassador Noel Sinclair, who recently completed his tour of duty as CARICOM Permanent Observer to the United Nations, on August 26 assumed the function of Deputy Chef de Cabinet to the President of the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador John Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda. In this new role, Sinclair will be one of a small group of diplomatic and other personnel selected to work as close advisors to the President of the General Assembly. This appointment comes at a high point in the long and distinguished Foreign Service career of Ambassador Sinclair; a career that spans different continents and includes diplomatic postings and high level responsibilities in national, regional and international organizations. Sinclair is a past Director

General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held diplomatic positions in the Guyana Embassies in Washington and Caracas; at the Guyana High Commission in Lusaka and in New York where he served as Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN Mission. It is as part of this latter responsibility that he discharged duties as President of the UN Security Council. He also acted as President of the United Nations Council for Namibia, promoting expanded recognition of the Council by the international community as the legal administering body for the territory of Namibia, then under illegal occupation by South Africa. Immediately before becoming CARICOM’s Permanent Observer, he was Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, where he presided over the peace talks

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon greets Ambassador Noel Sinclair and the weapons disposal process among the former antagonists in their 10-year civil war. Ambassador Sinclair also served as Deputy Permanent Secretary of SELA (the Latin American Economic System) at its headquarters in Caracas. Sinclair’s appointment as Deputy Chef de Cabinet to the President of the United Nations General Assembly

provides an opportunity for him to advise on decisionmaking for the effective management of the work of the Assembly as it confronts its 167-item Agenda. This includes a number of items of special interest to CARICOM states, including the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be held in Samoa in 2014.

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Bond blaze leads firemen to businesswoman’s body in house - Surveillance tape disappears, entire upstairs doused with diesel By Romila Boodram In what appears to be a robbery/murder, police and firefighters yesterday stumbled upon the body of a businesswoman, minutes after they went to investigate a fire that had broken out in her storage bond at Lot 2430 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. The victim who was

identified as Pavita Singh, 48, also known as Sirmattie Ramnaress, was found lying face down in her garage around 08:30 hours. The garage is separated from her house by a glass door. Singh’s body bore two stab wounds - one to the neck and another to the hip. Bloodstains on the floor indicated that the mother of one was attacked somewhere

in her living room and was then dragged by her feet to the garage. From all indications, the woman put up a fierce fight with her attacker(s). “The house was ransacked and it would appear as if whoever did this, attempted to set the house on fire. The whole place had what appears to be diesel,” a police source told this

Undertakers fetching out Singh’s body from the house.

newspaper. The source suggested that the perpetrators were desperate to destroy all evidence of their work, since the surveillance footage which would have been recorded when Singh’s attacker entered and exited the building, disappeared. Her motor car, which was missing, was later found abandoned on the Liliendaal

Pavita Singh also known as Sirmattie Ramnaress. Public Road, ECD, a few hours after the gruesome discovery. Nothing was stolen from the car, but detectives have indicated that they were able to lift several fingerprints from the vehicle. Police in a statement said that the body of Sirmattie Ramnaress was found in her home at Diamond with injuries to her head and left hip. The release further stated that the woman’s house was ransacked and drenched with flammable liquid and a storage bond at the rear of the building was destroyed by fire. Singh lived alone in the house and her nearest neighbour occupies a small shack at the back portion of

the lot next door. Investigators are convinced that the perpetrators had managed to disarm the alarm system of the property and gained entry by prizing open a door at the back. “The back door had what appeared to be a breach,” the source said. Yesterday, as fire fighters desperately tried to put out the fire and police were busy searching for evidence, scores of onlookers gathered at the scene. Singh’s relatives were tight-lipped about the shocking development, but they were heard crying and saying “is only Monday she celebrate her 48th birthday.” Her partner for over the Continued on page 56

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No one will come between us

ImmigrationINFO (Immigration News For Our Community)

- Venezuelan leader tells Guyana

NEW On-line Immigrant Visa Application Requirements By Attorney Gail Seeram

President Donald Ramotar holds aloft a portrait of Simon Bolivar presented to him by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, yesterday, at the International Conference Centre. Guyana and Venezuela have recommitted to stronger ties and increased cooperation in areas of transportation and trade. In his first official visit since becoming leader of neighbouring Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro Moros also joined President Donald Ramotar in opposing possible military strikes by the US against war-torn Syria. The Venezuelan leader said that nothing gives US the right to be the judge and decide the future of another country. Yesterday, US President Barack Obama held off decisions on ordering a strike, saying he wanted Congress’ approval first. Maduro’s visit comes at a time when Guyana would want reassurance about the PetroCaribe agreement - an oil-for-rice deal that was forged by former Venezuela leader, Hugo Chavez. Under that deal, Guyana buys oil under concessional terms from Venezuela and provides rice in return. Local farmers have been happy over the stability offered by that market. Also raised during the meeting was the issue of Venezuela’s claim on a part of Essequibo which Maduro

committed to have addressed under a United Nations process. Jamaican, Norman Girvan, has been appointed since 2010 as the “Good Officer” to deal with the claim. The visit also cements Maduro’s intent to carry on the legacy of Chavez ,who wanted a strong regional integration. Venezuela has an age-old claim on a significant part of Essequibo, a claim that Maduro insisted was fostered by oligarchs of his country. A Maduro administration, he stressed, wants none of that, and will follow the path laid by former President Chavez, who believed in the integration of South America. Guyana, currently pushing to find oil, would be more than glad for the reassurance, as it has applied to the United Nations for an extension of its continental shelf. The extension would take Guyana’s territory into what Venezuelans considers as theirs. Maduro was elected President in April following the death of Chavez the previous month. He was previously the Vice-President of Venezuela and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs under Chávez. A former bus driver,

Maduro rose to become a trade union leader, before being elected to the National Assembly in 2000. He was appointed to a number of positions within the Venezuelan Government under Chavez, ultimately being made Foreign Minister in 2006. He played a key role in the PetroCaribe deal. Prior to President Maduro’s arrival yesterday, a Venezuela team met with Government and other stakeholders to hammer out new trade and other agreements. Also in the country was Ascobal Chavez, Vice Minister of Oil and Mining and Secretary General of PetroCaribe. The PetroCaribe arrangement, which has a special developmental fund, has also seen benefits for Guyana in areas of agriculture, politics, transport and education. Guyana had used some of the funds to buy engines for Wartsila. Several Government Ministers, including Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, were also present during the meetings yesterday at the Guyana International Conference Centre. According to President Ramotar, Venezuela’s

cooperation has been critical to Guyana’s development. But he admitted that there is still room for improvement. Maduro made it clear that his government was intent on improving food security for his country and the region, a message that Guyana can play a critical role and benefit. He regretted findings contained in declassified US documents which spoke of a plot by the Americans to divide Guyana and Venezuela at one time, with the intention of even causing war. That division is all part of the past and the countries will now strive to create a new “brotherhood”, Maduro told reporters through an interpreter. Venezuela and China’s increased trade cooperation with Guyana and the region have been seen as a major shift from dependence on the US.The Chinese, especially, have been pouring monies into a number of large-scale projects in Guyana. Maduro, who was also accompanied by his wife, Cilia, had lunch at State House with President Ramotar being ending his visit. Security was tight for the visit with several city streets closed off.

Starting September 3, 2013, the Department of State will transition to an online immigrant visa application. Immigrant visa applicants will apply online using Form DS260 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration) – formerly Form DS-230. Applicants will choose their agent online using Form DS-261 (Choice of Address and Agent) – formerly Form DS-3032. Applicants will access both forms on the web at ceac.state.gov. These forms replace the paper DS-230 and DS-3032 filed with the National Visa Center in anticipation of processing for an available visa at the U.S. Embassy. The National Visa Center (NVC) may instruct some applicants who previously submitted Form DS-230 to submit Form DS-260 on-line. Only Diversity Visa and Cuban Family Reunification Parole applicants will continue to use the paper forms. The implementation of Forms DS-260 and DS-261 is the next step in the Department of State’s creation of a secure and efficient online immigrant visa application experience. CASES PENDING AT NATIONAL VISA CENTER (NVC) For those immigrant visa applicants who have a case pending with NVC already, NVC may instruct some applicants who previously submitted Form DS-230 on paper to submit Form DS-260 online. ACCESSING FORM DS-260 ON-LINE All answers, except as specially provided, must be in English, using English c h a r a c t e r s only. Applications submitted in any language other than English may be rejected, and you will be required to log back into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and provide English answers. You may save your partially completed DS-260 at any time by clicking on the “Save” button at the bottom of every page. If you need to step away, simply click the “Save” button to save your progress, and click on “Sign Out” in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. All data that you entered up to the point of clicking on “Save” will be stored until you are

Gail S. Seeram ready to continue completing the form. Once you submit your application, by clicking the “Sign and Submit Application” button on the “Sign and Submit” page, you will be unable to access your application again. PROS AND CONS The negative drawback of implementing a completely on-line filing of the Immigrant Visa Application is that most immigrants abroad do not have access to a computer and are not computer literate. This means that the immigrant would have to probably pay a service provider to complete the required DS-260 and DS261 on-line, whereas in the past the immigrant could have completed these forms by hand. The positive implications are that the Department of State is trying to save money and reduce cost associated with paper filings and handling all the papers mailed to their office. I’m assuming with the new on-line requirement that the information will be uploaded directly into their database and reduce time and costs to input the information by hand. CONCLUSION The Immigrant Visa Application (formerly Form DS-230) now called Form DS260 is required to be completed by every traveling immigrant seeking an immigrant visa from the U.S. Embassy. It contains biographical questions about the immigrant’s employment history, education background, marital background, and where the immigrant wants his/her social security card and lawful permanent resident card to be mailed. Lastly, it is the petitioner who usually receives the request from the National Visa Center for completion of the DS-260 (formerly DS-230) along with requests for police clearance, civil documents and affidavit of support.

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THE TING-A-KEE MURDERS:

Recurring misfortune on a God-fearing clan By Michael Jordan George Ting-A-Kee comes from a strong Christian background, so he surely must wonder why violence has visited his God-fearing clan for close to two decades; and why this violence came to his very doorstep two years ago. The name Ting-A-Kee sticks in the memories of veterans like me, who still wonder exactly what happened in that colonialstyle family house in Cummings Street, some 18 years ago. Here’s the version that we gleaned from residents and the police. On the last day of August in 1995, at around 2:50 a.m., residents of Cummings Street, Alberttown heard two muffled explosions. Some of them thought that someone was throwing cans about. But then they heard shouts of “thief, thief.” The commotion came from the home of Ralph TingA-Kee, a private tutor of English, Mathematics and Physics, who lived on the premises with his reputed wife, his 14-year-old daughter, Lalita, and a stepson. Suspecting that the household was being preyed upon by robbers, some of the neighbours rushed over to the residence. There they found 14-year-old Lalita lying motionless on the floor of the bottom flat of the house. She had apparently been shot. The neighbours then entered the top flat. The body of 59-year-old Ralph Ting-AKee was in his bedroom. He had been shot once in the head. Policemen who arrived at the scene some 30 minutes later, believed that Lalita was still alive, and rushed her to the Georgetown Hospital. However, doctors declared her dead, and it was

Nothing ever changes. The fires and the accidents continue unabated. To add to the chaos will be another murder along the eastern corridor. This one will be sparked by the unexpected return home of a goldminer. For one he would be surprised at what he finds and his reaction would lead to murder. ** There was a time when Guyanese feared the people deported from North

The house in which Ralph Ting-A-Kee and his daughter, Lalita were slain

Yiu Ting-A-Kee

later discovered that she had been strangled. Investigators at the scene were told that the killers had broken into the house. They were also told that Ting-AKee’s reputed wife had fainted after the first shot was fired. She was admitted to a private hospital in an apparent state of shock. But even after a careful check of the property, the detectives could find no sign of forced entry. By now, they were certain that bandits had not slain the tutor and his daughter, and the theory they came up with was a disturbing one. Mr. Ting-A-Kee, a retired surveyor, was the holder of a licenced firearm. But that firearm was missing. Police were certain that someone had killed Ting-AKee with his own firearm. The detectives also recovered a bullet in the yard. According to reports, Mr. Ting-A-Kee had made his daughter the sole beneficiary of a recently drawn-up will. Detectives received reports that some persons close to the tutor were

incensed by this development. The investigators suspected that these same individuals had plotted his murder. According to reports, a post mortem by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Leslie Mootoo indicated that the teen had had sex shortly before her death. Jealousy, the investigators suspected, might also have been a motive. Almost a week after the double-murder, police arrested Ralph Ting-A-Kee’s reputed wife and her teenage stepson. It was alleged that the two had slept at the house at the time of the murder. Police alleged that after the murder, the tutor’s reputed wife had entered a private hospital, but had then left the institution around the same time that hospital officials had indicated that she was well enough to be questioned. According to the investigators, the woman had checked into a hotel and had refused to speak to the police. She had then turned up at a police station accompanied by an attorney and was taken

America. However, one of them is going to come to the aid of a hapless individual. The robbery might have been well planned, but

sometimes even the best plan can go awry. It will turn out that a member of an organization designed to protect the populace would be behind the planning. ** The weekend is almost over but it would leave in its wake another accident that was unavoidable as all the rest. Some young people never learn that alcohol does not go well with driving.

into custody. The two were released, but were subsequently rearrested and charged with the murders of Ralph and Lalita Ting-A-Kee. But the case collapsed during the Preliminary Inquiry. I remember the female accused smiling at me and saying “no comment” before leaving the court. One of the investigators later told me that they had come close to cracking the case when a woman who was preparing to spill the beans suddenly stopped cooperating with them. Mr. George Ting-A-Kee, who is a cousin of the victims, identified the persons that he believed killed Ralph and Lalita Ting-A-Kee. He suggested that one of them was a young man who was under the influence of a woman. He disclosed that a few years later, another bizarre incident occurred at the same Alberttown property. This time, the victim was one of his uncles. According to reports, Cuthbert Ting-A-Kee, a former chief sanitary inspector, was taking his garbage across the road at around 6:00 am when he was struck down and killed by a motorcyclist. The sole eyewitness, who was standing several yards away from the scene, could only tell police that the motorcyclist was riding “a big bike.” But police believed that Cuthbert Ting-A-Kee’s death was no mere hit-andrun accident. According to George Ting-A-Kee, the police suspected that one of the dead man’s sons had arranged for him to be killed to gain control of his father’s assets.

“They said he was the only one who had a motive to kill his father, and then they learned that he (the victim) had a whole lot of kids overseas.” The case was subsequently dismissed. Some 16 years after the unsolved murders of Ralph and Lalita Ting-A Kee, tragedy came to George TingA-Kee under equally mysterious circumstances. This time the victim was his son. On Friday, September 2, 2011, Yiu Ting-A-Kee, a 21year-old University of Guyana student, was sitting in his car near the Texaco Gas Station in Bel Air with a female friend when he was fatally shot. It is alleged that one of the men shot the student in the chest and leg and fled with his accomplice in Ting-AKee’s car after relieving the victim of his valuables.The car was recovered in Lamaha Park later that evening while police recovered six .38 rounds at the murder scene. But George Ting-A-Kee is certain that his son’s killers had a motive other than robbery. According to him, his son never wore gold jewellery while going out. He added that there was money in his son’s wallet when police recovered it in his car. Mr. Ting-A-Kee also pointed to the fact that the ‘robbers’ had not stripped his son’s vehicle. He added that contrary to some reports, his son and the young woman he was with were sitting in the passenger side of the car, and not on the seawall. “I heard her (the young woman) say that they (the bandits) jumped over the wall and demanded money and cell phones, (but) it doesn’t appear as if her cell phone was stolen,” he told me.

“She was not touched; she was not slapped. She said that he pushed her behind him to protect her. There are too many things that don’t mesh.” Mr. Ting-A-Kee says that he is also puzzled that there was just a small spot of blood at the murder scene, even though his son was shot in the chest and left leg. The 21-year-old woman was taken into custody briefly, but was subsequently released. She has repeatedly declined to speak about the matter. One relative speculated that the killers might have been ‘amateurs’ who panicked and shot Ting-A-Kee while attempting to rob him. George Ting-A Kee hopes that this does not become yet another ‘cold case’. Does he find it strange that his family is being dogged by violence? “We are not a family that has been violent in any way,” he said. “We can never think that this thing is following us. We are Christians, and we must always believe that the Lord knows best. In this time when there is so much talk about the end of the world…if this is so, He will be seeking those who are good, righteous and pure-hearted to join His band of angels. You have to believe that He knows, and He is the judge.” If you have any information about these or any other unusual cases, please contact us by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office. Our numbers are 2258465, 22-58458 and 2258452. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address: mjdragon@ hotmail.com

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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Martin Luther King Jr., Walter Rodney and Guyanese East Indians The week just gone has marked the 50th anniversary of the famous speech of Martin Luther King Jr. that has been given the title, “I Have a Dream.” The world got to see the video as the US celebrated the 50th anniversary of the march and speech. What was clear for all eyes to see was the multi-racial attendance when King spoke. There were lots of white folks in attendance. Part of the problem Martin Luther King Jr. had with the Black Panther Party was over that same issue. He never gave up hope that white folks would come around one day to accepting that there was white racism in America and the US must confront it as a united people. In multi-racial nations, groups discriminated against run the risk of alienating large sections of the population if they succumb to the dogma that it is their struggle and their struggle is best left for them to see it through. This is where we enter a

polemic on the current role of East Indians. African Guyanese activists who feel that their ethnic community is being discriminated against endure psychological moments that sometimes take an inelegant shape. They see their race group being discriminated against in 21st century Guyana, and they point to Black activists against the Burnham Government who weakened the PNC administration, that eventually led to the loss of power by the PNC party which was predominantly African. In the midst of East Indian silenc e , they then transform their frustration onto a generation of African radicals from the seventies and say; “you are to be blamed,” And the person that they point to is an internationally respected expert on African civilization, Walter Rodney. Much of the bitter bickering against Walter Rodney by a section of the African Guyanese movement is that it was the

participation of Rodney and the WPA in an Indian resistance bandwagon, led by Indianized groups like the PPP, GAWU, GADM, DLM etc., that undermined the rule of the PNC from the seventies until the end of the Hoyte presidency. When looking at the present state of African marginalization, these sections of the African human rights movement return to history and see Walter Rodney and the WPA as the blame. The complex question that enters the polemic is would this blame game and return to history have been possible if the East Indians would have been supportive in large numbers of the grievances that African Guyanese are constantly adumbrating? One feels that the answer is no. One would like to think that if the African movement in Guyana today that speaks of racial discrimination would be joined by other ethnic constituencies, there may not have been these acidic condemnations of Rodney

as witnessed by a young activist in Linden two weeks ago that found extreme dissatisfaction in well known Linden citizen, Frank Fyffe, to the point that Fyffe had to write a public letter expressing his disagreement. Nat i o n a l l y k n o w n African activist, Ras Tom Dalgetty remains the only one so far from the African Guyanese community to publicly state in a letter to the press that it is his belief that Walter Rodney should not have confronted the Burnham Government. Moses Bhagwan, in a long letter published on September 10, 2006 in this newspaper and the Stabroek News, best conveyed to Guyana the context of the politics of Martin Luther King Jr. It is titled, “On Being Indian in

Guyana.” It is a masterpiece in the study of the problematic of race relations in Guyana. It is one of the finest pieces of scholarly analysis to come out of post-1992 Guyana. It ought to be read by every East Indian who has an interest in seeing Guyana into the future. Please contact me for a copy or maybe the author directly. It was written by a Guyanese activist who has given more than forty years of his life to this country. Bhagwan argues that in Guyanese sociology you cannot neatly have a compartmentalized existence of the Africans and Indians. It is that the dialectics in Guyana make the freedom of each of these two ethnic communities intricately intertwined. In other words, Bhagwan is telling East

Frederick Kissoon Indians in Guyana what King Jr. told white people when he made his speech. If Indians had accepted the core argument of Moses Bhagwan, then the Rodney versus Burnham controversy may not have arisen. That still leaves the question as to if it was wrong for Africans to have participated in a struggle in the seventies and eighties that was essentially an East Indian problem. The answer is no. And Bhagwan would say that now is the time for Guyanese Indians to emulate the call of Martin Luther King Jr.

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MY COLUMN

There are some strange diseases, indeed When Muhammad Ali began to shake, there were those who contended that he was suffering from the effects of the all too numerous punches he took during his days in the boxing ring. I had grown up hearing the term ‘punch drunk’, and for a while I attached that term to Muhammad Ali. Then I met Terrence Alli, one of the few Guyanese boxers to actually put this country on the map. He was pretty in the ring and he narrowly lost out at becoming the first Guyanese to win a world boxing title. Then he came home and became lost somewhere in the mass of forgotten Guyanese. From reports he too seemed to have suffered the effects of too many punches in the ring. His speech was slurred and before long he seemed hard pressed to distinguish between fiction and reality. It would seem that he never got to enjoy the few cents he made in the ring and must now be living on the edge of poverty. These thoughts simply flooded my mind when I went to visit a cousin recently. He is 54 years old and was at one time a livewire. He worked hard with a major construction

firm in New York; supervised dozens and employed even more, always keeping an eye out for the hap l e s s Guyanese. Whenever I visited New York, or even New Jersey, he would be one of those who would pick me up and take me to some interesting places. In New Jersey there were the Go-Go bars, which he loved. I never found them enticing since for me sex was never a spectator s p o r t . T h a t i s w h y my friends cannot understand why I am not enamoured with the idea of going to Red Dragon or Baroom Bar or the many places that offer flesh for public viewing and perhaps more. So there it was that my sister was interested in me meeting my cousin this year. I had seen him last year and the year before. I knew something was wrong with him because he could barely walk. This was a young man who would not hesitate to go for a beer. The last time he went to Guyana just over a year ago, he was in his bed by seven. This time when I saw him he looked like 80. He could barely walk; his speech was slurred and one eye seemed

to be pulping out of his head. That was when I heard for the first time about an affliction named Myasthenia gravis. I was forced to research it and the revelation was stunning. The business with the eye is just one of the signs. In simple language it is a disorder in which certain things in the body block the transmission of messages between the nerves and the muscles. The muscles become weak. Sometimes this disease could be congenitalpass from parent to child. This one does not respond to treatment. The other type does. I shared this information with a friend and learnt that there was at least one such diagnosis in Guyana and that the person has since died. The disease even weakens the respiratory muscles so that the person has difficulty breathing. That there was a local doctor who could have made such a diagnosis speaks volumes for the strides the country has made in the medical field. The records show that this ailment is difficult to diagnose, like so many others. Then I began to think about the number of undiagnosed cases of

ailments and diseases in Guyana. For example, I hear that there are certain cancers that are only diagnosed when they are in the terminal stages. I hear about treatable diseases that are left untreated, whether because of missed diagnosis or because the patient simply stayed away from the doctor out of an unexplained fear for doctors. I am not a hypochondriac, but I began to wonder whether I had some hidden or undiagnosed disorder. Perhaps I do, because I exhibit a tremendous amount of patience. Then I ran into a story about some local doctors preying on people. There are some who say that some people in the government prey on the country, so the doctors were merely following example. But many of the people on whom the doctors would capitalize would be poor people. Indeed, there are those who sacrificed diet and so many things, merely to

acquire wealth, and these are the people who would now be visiting the doctors. But there are many who would be hard pressed to find two coins to run together. My sister, a teacher at a city school, recounted a story to me about a student of hers who fell and sustained a fracture. She said that the child’s parents took him to a doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital who redirected them to him at a private hospital where they would have to pay $1.5 million because the GPHC could not offer the service. According to my sister, the parents returned to her with tears and she advised them to seek the assistance of the Minister of Health. They did and were referred to the same doctor who denied that he had ever given them the initial diagnosis. He was most hostile but he did what he had to do. This is just one example of what happens in the system. And when the

Adam Harris situation does not involve the unscrupulous doctors it involves uncaring nurses, who, for the record, are poorly trained and are not among the most literate. I am not sure that we readily diagnose autism, because I see so many cases on the streets. Some of them are the gunmen who torment the society. Others are the repeat offenders who are treated like normal people. However, I do feel good at the strides in the field of medical diagnosis. I see we are once more offering open heart surgery, at little cost to the patient.

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Interesting Creatures...

The Venezuelan Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus)

T

he red howler ( A l o u a t t a seniculus) is a South American species of howler monkey, a type of New World monkey, found in the western Amazon Basin in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. The population in the Santa Cruz Department in

Bolivia was split off as a separate species, the Bolivian red howler, in 1985, and more recently, splitting off the population in north eastern South America and Trinidad as the Guianas red howler has been recommended. All howler monkeys belong to the family Atelidae and the infra-order Platyrrhini (New

World monkeys). Sexual dimorphism in this species is small; males range from 49–72 cm and females from 46–57 cm long. The males weigh 5.4-9 kg, while females weigh 4.2–7 kg. It has a long prehensile tail of 49–75 cm. The tail is covered with fur except for the last third of the

underside, which allows it to grab branches. The colour of both males and females is a deep reddish-brown, and the colour shade changes with age. Their faces are surrounded by fur and they have stubby noses. The jawbone of the red howler monkey is large, especially the body of the

mandible. The position of the foramen magnum is very posterior to make way for the expanded jaw and enlarged hyoid bone. Howler monkeys also have an inflated bulla, which is the bony encasement of the middle ear. This makes them an exception among other New World monkeys. The diurnal Alouatta seniculus is an arboreal primate, so it spends much of its time high in the canopy. Its preferred method of locomotion is quadrupedal walking with minimal leaping. Its long, prehensile tail also assists it by providing both support and grasping abilities. In addition, its hands and feet have a grasping pattern that allows it to better move about in the trees. This can be seen by the wide separation of the second and third digits of the hand. It lives in groups of three to nine individuals (usually five to seven). The groups are polygynous, with only one or two males and the rest females and their offspring. One male is the usually dominant monkey of the group, the alpha male, and he is responsible for leading them to new food sites and defending them. The females of the group are in charge of the offspring. Venezuelan red howlers are most active in the morning, when the group is on the move to find another feeding spot. These howlers are famous for their “dawn chorus”. These roaring and howling calls are performed mostly by the males in the group. The roars can be heard up to five km away in the forest, and make their presence known in the area. This is also used to prevent confrontations between groups, which will prevent energy loss by avoiding physical fighting. Because of their low-sugar diets, conservation of energy is key. The calls also help in the scattering of the groups and lessen the competition over food. These monkeys are

folivores, which means their diets mainly consist of leaves, but they also rely on nuts, small animals, fruits, seeds, and flowers for important nutrients. These foods provide sugar necessary for growth and energy. The most important part of their diets is leaves, which they cannot live without for more than a week. They eat both older and younger leaves; however, the older leaves provide more nutrition. These howler monkeys are able to eat the fibrous leaves due to the structural aspects of their dentition. Narrow incisors aid in the ingestion of the leaves, and molars with sharp, shearing crests help them to better chew their food. In addition, they have complex stomachs to aid in the digestive process. Their hindguts and large intestines also help with digestion. The hindgut contains bacteria that digest leaves and makes up a third of the Venezuelan red howler's total body volume. Like other New World monkeys, the Venezuelan red howler's dental formula (maxilla and mandible) is two incisors, one canine, three premolars, and three molars. The fierce sexual competition between males is due to an unbalanced sex ratio. A female attracts males by moving her tongue around to initiate mating. If the male does not respond, she moves on to another mate. The average gestation period is 190 days. The infant will stay with the mother for 18–24 months. After males reach sexual maturity, they are expelled from their natal group. The male must then invade a foreign group. There, the male kills off the other leader and whatever offspring the first leader sired. By doing this, the male is killing any possible competition. Less than 25 per cent of offspring survive male invasions. (Source: Wikipedia -The Free Online Encyclopedia)

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 51

Lawyer, politician and international statesman…

Sir Shridath Ramphal is a ‘Special Person’ By Leonard Gildarie While attending primary school at Grove, East Bank Demerara, in the late 1980s, my Common Entrance teacher, June Appiah, during the months leading up to the exams, was intent on ensuring we were well aware who the President and his ministers were. She was short in stature but was a giant with her “wild cane”. Being one of the smallest, too, in terms of size, in the class, I was in constant terror because of the cane… Not that I fell victim too often. I avoided it at all cost. But somehow I still managed to always mix up the names of the SecretaryGeneral of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). That was when I first heard the name of Shridath Ramphal. Known as ‘Sonny’ to those close to him, Sir Shridath is perhaps this country’s and region’s most remarkable and revered diplomat, rubbing shoulders over the years with powerful world leaders, including the likes of former US President Jimmy Carter, Germany’s Willy Brandt, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, India’s Indira Gandhi and Britain’s ‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher. In his years as a Minister under former President Forbes Burnham and at the Commonwealth Secretariat as the chief executive, he has doggedly used diplomacy, political canny and outward thinking to blaze a path for the cause of developing countries. He was a key figure in the fight to free Mandela from jail and to end apartheid in South Africa. A writer, a diplomat, a lawyer, statesman, international public servant and a go-to man for advice, his efforts to build integration in the Caribbean region and to smooth tensions around the globe have made him a legend. MARITIME RULING Best known for his stint as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations between 1975 and 1990, Sir Shridath was also the lead lawyer for Guyana in the maritime dispute between this

British Guiana’s youngest “Silk” – Sir Shridath at age 37

Posing with the Commonwealth Lifetime Achievement Award that he received in June. country and neighbouring Suriname, in which an historic ruling was handed down in 2007. In favour of Guyana, the award was delivered on the eve of Ramphal’s 79th birthday. He hailed it as victory for the rule of law. The ruling paved the way for CGX to restart drilling after being ejected from its exploration site in Guyana territorial waters near the Suriname border. Now almost 85, Sir Shridath received the Commonwealth Life Time Achievement Award in London last June. It is one of many such awards that he has received over the years. I counted over 20 international awards, including two Knighthoods and the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development. He has also published over 25 works, receiving several honorary degrees along the way from prestigious Universities such as Oxford in Britain and Yale in the US, among others. To mark his 80th Birthday, several international diplomats and scholars produced a 206-page book on his work, his achievements and his contribution to global peace and development. Impressive and daunting, I thought. There is no other person I know of who has a book of their life’s work specially compiled for them on their 80th birthday. I was taken aback somewhat as well. How does one, in a few hundred words, describe the life of such an accomplished person? His extraordinary list of achievements and awards coupled with the admiration in which he is held, is almost impossible to capture in a few pages. STATESMAN ‘Sonny’ was born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, Berbice. He was the eldest of James and Grace Ramphal’s five children. His father, and grandfather, Daniel, were both teachers, with the former running one of the most prestigious private secondary schools in Georgetown. He attended that school which was founded by his father. He was also educated at the Modern Educational Institute, which also

was run by his dad. A Queen’s College boy, Shridath left Georgetown in 1947 to study law and was called to the bar from Gray’s Inn in 1951, earning his Master’s Degree at King’s College, London, in 1952. He returned to Guyana later in 1953, and at the age of just 25, was appointed Crown Counsel and Assistant Attorney-General. He was appointed as Solicitor General in 1959. Ramphal liked the idea of Caribbean integration. He was a proponent of the Federation of the West Indies, serving as its Assistant Attorney-General between 1961 and 1962. However, the Federation, designed to bring together Caribbean countries, crumbled after Jamaica rejected it in a referendum, and the government of Trinidad and Tobago decided to quit the grouping. A disappointed ‘Sonny’, left the region for Harvard University on a

coveted Guggenheim scholarship before moving to Jamaica to practice law. It was from there that Guyana’s then Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, invited him to take up the post of Attorney General in 1965 and to draft the country’s independence Constitution. In the years that followed, he took on the post of Minister of State in the Foreign Ministry and in that role he became an architect of, and advocate for, CARIFTA and then CARICOM. He also headed a team of gifted diplomats in carving-out a respected place for Guyana in the international community. Between 1972 and 1975, he held the dual post of Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Justice, helping to create the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group. He was the Caribbean’s negotiator in the ACP group on trade matters with the European Community, fighting for long-term access on preferential terms for sugar, rum, bananas and other commodities, enshrined in the Lome Conventions that lasted for over 20 years. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies. He has served as Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, the University of Warwick and the University of Guyana. Between 2000 and 2002, Sir Shridath was the facilitator of the Belize/Guatemala border dispute even as he served out his term as Chief Negotiator for the Caribbean on External Economic Relations. Other positions he held were Special Advisor to the UN Conference on Environment and Development and Chairman of the West Indian Commission, a body charged with charting the course for CARICOM into the new century. A SPECIAL MAN

Sir Shridath Ramphal In looking at his involvement in events around the world, from the Rhodesia/Zimbabwe independence fight to his role at the Commonwealth in helping to free Mandela to his stints as Chancellor of several top universities, one is almost dizzied by his range and capacity. Former Assistant SecretaryGeneral of the Commonwealth, Moni Malhoutra, writing in “Shridath Ramphal – The Commonwealth and the World” said that while in New York back in 1975, the statesman showed that he was human, preparing breakfast for his underling, a strange situation in which the boss could actually do such a menial task. “He was that rare public figure from the developing world, a man without pomposity, stuffiness, or sense of self-importance.” Malhoutra, like others, described Ramphal’s eloquence as being in a class of its own. “He was media savvy, even if on occasion a trifle wordy. He was a skilled negotiator, with a sharp legal mind.” His views on the dangers of the environment were well ahead of their time. Ramphal was one of the first people to recognise – and to warn of - the dangers of global warming. He told the IDB back in 2000 that global warming exposes the Caribbean to more frequent and more intensive storm surges and sea level rises. Vincent Cable, now Britain’s Minister for International Business, Continued on page 55

Presiding over the UN Security Council in 1975, as Foreign Minister of Guyana.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday September 01, 2013

Confidential document reveals hydro project surpasses US$1B - GPL needs another US$90M to prepare for Amaila Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), is looking to spend some US$90M in Capital

Works in order to prepare itself for the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project.

This money was to be in addition to the US$36M that it would have deposited in an account to service its ‘Senior Debt’ to the Amaila Project for the purchase of electricity. This would also be in addition to the US$157.2M that Government had committed to Hydro Project. This brought the total financial commitments on the part of GPL and Government to a whopping US$1,041M or just over US$1B. Only three weeks ago the government had maintained that the overall cost of the Amaila Hydro Project would be US$858M The additional US$90M expenditure would have been undertaken under its Development and Expansion Plan for 2013 to 2017. The Amaila Project has seen the power company committing to spend US$31M in works by the end of this year, US$25M next year, US$12.1M in 2015, another

US$13.8 in 2016. The final US$8.3M would be spent in 2017, when the hydro project was slated to come online. While the power company was projected to spend US$90M over the coming five year period, it should also be noted that US$46M would have been disbursed on the transmission, substation and generation sub-projects by December 2012. This brings the overall investment in preparation for the Amaila Falls Hydro Project to US$136.14M. While over US$10M has been expended on nontechnical loss reduction since 2006, this has only resulted in a reduction of losses by nine per cent. The strategic plan for the power company also acknowledged that the pace of progress over the last two years slowed considerably, suggesting that new approaches needed to be employed. The US$36M to service its ‘Senior Debt to Amaila, would have seen Government having to transfer this money to the power company. Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran this past

week said that Government would have had to make the transfer given GPL’s financial status. Goolsarran explained that while there is a Government Guarantee in place should GPL fail to make its payments to the Hydro Plant for electricity, this is only a last resort. He explained that the power company would have to tap into its reserve account first, should it have a shortfall in revenue to make the payments. Should this money not be enough to meet any shortfall, then the Government Guarantee would kick in. Goolsarran said that while there was expected to be some savings by purchasing electricity from the Hydro Power Plant, this would not have been enough to compensate all of the expenditure that will be required by the power company. Based on public pronouncements thus far, GPL was required to pay some US$122M to Amaila Falls Hydro Inc. each year, for the first 13 years of its operation. This US$122M figure,

however, is not the total amount of money that GPL was required to rake in through its sale of electricity, given that it would still have had to keep a significant portion of its current generation plant online as well as other capital and administrative expenses. Under the arrangement with Sithe Global for the purchase of electricity from the Amaila Hydro Project, all debt currently owned by GPL would have had to take the back burner. Payments to Amaila Hydro Inc. would have become GPL’s ‘Senior Debt.’ This meant that the power company would have had to treat as a priority, its payment to Amaila Hydro Inc., ahead of all other outstanding debt. US-based Sithe Global had also demanded that the Guyana Government ensured that GPL remains a monopoly for the sale of electricity and a majority governmentcontrolled enterprise. Under Guyana’s law, monopolies are unlawful and this imposition by Sithe Global might not have been able to stand up in court.

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 53

Houston Secondary Dino Bouterse enters not guilty plea duo shines at CSEC … to return to court on September 9 Daniel Cordis and Roshana Barnes, Houston Secondary School’s CSEC standouts

By Keeran Danny Like a diamond in the rough, Houston Secondary School, formerly regarded as a Community High, produced two outstanding students at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Eighteen-year-old Daniel Cordis is the school’s top performer with five Grades Ones inclusive of three distinctions and two Grades Twos. Because the school does not have a streaming system, Cordis chose the subjects he wanted to write. He obtained a distinction in Mathematics and a Grade Two in English A - the subject areas he took extra lessons for. But his Grades Ones in Integrated Science and Social Studies, distinctions in Human and Social Biology and Agriculture Science, and Grade Two in Principle of Business, were all lessons taught in the classroom. Cordis, a transferred student from Antigua, started Houston Secondary School during the last term of Third Form. He had missed the Ministry of Education’s entrance examinations and had to choose between schools located at Soesdyke and Houston Secondary School. His mother made the choice and the rest as they say is history. According to the teen, the pace of teaching was slow compared to what he was accustomed to, but the teachers were very dedicated and tried their best. Resources were available to carry out experiments, and text books were accessible. However, he would have liked it if the school offered Chemistry, Physics and Biology. During his short period at Houston Secondary, the “No Child Left Behind Policy” was very contentious. This he said contributed to the laziness of many students who wanted to “duck” the system. Cordis was usually at the top of his

class and appreciated the efforts made by the teachers. The young man attributed his success to his parents and teachers, who were dedicated enough to have informative class sessions and provided guidance in completing School Based Assessments. He is currently enrolled at the University of Guyana, pursuing studies in Environmental Studies. Cordis believes that with the implementation of Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy there will many green jobs available in the future. Meanwhile, his classmate, Roshana Barnes was surprised with her success in obtaining six Grades Two, one Grade Three, and one Grade Four. Like many of her colleagues who wrote CSEC this year, Mathematics and English A, which she got Grades Four and Three respectively, were her challenging subjects. She received Grades Twos in Home Economic Management, Human and Social Biology, Agriculture Science, Social Studies, Integrated Science and Principles of Business. After writing the National Grade Six Assessment, Barnes was awarded Houston Community High School. Within her five-year tenure there, not only did the name of the school change, but Barnes had a more stable family life, providing her the opportunity to be more focused. In fact, she attended no extra lessons and depended solely on her teachers. According to Barnes, she attended various primary schools and never got the chance to settle and find her footing. But high school was her time to shine. Clueless as to what she wants to study at the University of Guyana, the young lady is currently exploring various computer courses.

Dino Bouterse, the son of sitting Surinamese President, Desi Bouterse, has been charged with drug trafficking in the United States of America. Bouterse was arrested Thursday in Panama by local authorities and turned over to US agents. He has been indicted in Manhattan, New York, but pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared before Judge, James C. Francis Derek Maltz, one of the agents involved in the arrest of the President’s son, told Associated Press that the suspect is considered a “significant drugs trafficker.” The case will resume with hearings on September 9. Bouterse’s lawyer, Christopher Flood, refused any comment. Bouterse is suspected of smuggling cocaine into the US with, Edmund Muntslag, another Surinamese citizen. Trinidadian authorities

arrested Muntslag. The two men are alleged to have been smuggling cocaine into the US since 2011. The indictment says Bouterse was involved in smuggling a suitcase filled with 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of cocaine aboard a commercial flight from Suriname to the Caribbean in late July. It is obvious that Bouterse and Muntslag have been shadowed for some time and have most likely been lured into a trap. Both men were arrested simultaneously. Panamanian authorities did not heed the fact that Bouterse was carrying a diplomatic passport. Immediately after his arrest he was flown to the US. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has since denied any involvement in the arrest of Bouterse. Dutch officials issued an official statement after rumours

surfaced in Suriname accusing the Netherlands of involvement. A spokesman confirmed the Dutch authorities are aware of the arrest, but they consider it a matter between Suriname and the US. International media say the matter is not very welcome right now, especially since President Bouterse is host to the meeting of the Union of South American States (UNASUR) meeting this weekend. The UNASUR meeting was delayed several hours, suggesting the arrest of Bouterse Jr. was the main reason. The younger Bouterse was mentioned in the famous Wikileaks cables as having criminal ties to Guyana. In 2006, former US Ambassador to Guyana, Roland Bullen, in a confidential cable to his superiors in Washington DC, US, said that he may have been involved in moving

Dino Bouterse weapons to the village of Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara, at the time known to be a hotbed of criminal activities. “Desi Bouterse’s son Dino organized a Surinamese soccer team’s trip to Buxton a few years ago. It is believed that the team bus carried weapons to Buxton,” the cable said. That particular cable examined the relationship between convicted Guyanese drug kingpin Roger Khan and President Bouterse, and the fallout from the former’s arrest shortly before.

Page 54

SERVICES Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool. Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 We repair LCD, Plasma, LED TV, Microwave, Washer & Dryer, Amp etc. Call:6472677/693-3277 TransponderTV: No Monthly Fees, No Hidden Fees, No Additional Charges: 250 Channels + 50 HD Channels- Call: 675-3201 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Profressional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Repairs to Refrigerators, Washing machines, Gas Stoves & A/C Units- Call Lindon 641-1086/694-2202 House Plans, estimates and construction- Contact T.Boodhoo 625-9883/ 6759296 Need general construction works to be done? Carpentry, painting etc. Call:629-4724/604-6973 Green’s Electrical Contracting Services: Phone & Date, CCTV, Security Systems etc. Residential, industrial & commercial installation- Call:223-0973/ 618-3075 Taitt Plumbing & Plumbing Consultant Limited: We specialize in all types of European, American etc.Contact:225-1371/604-6498 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) Computer repairs in homesCall: 675-7292 Pandit Chrishna Persaud Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits & Marriage Officer- Call:225-6344/6425165 Brian Moe @642-3543: Computer Technician: Home and Office visits at your comfort!! FB:brianmoe.165

Kaieteur News

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One flock of black belly sheep with flock RamCall:617-6348

Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 644-5166, 622-2872, 615-0964

Apple iTunes cards $3,500, cell phones ZTE $14,000 and home speakers- Call Ray 6950734

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Sunday September 01, 2013

VEHICLE FOR SALE ALYEA’S AUTO SALE: PREMIO 2002/2003, AXIO 2008. ALL PRICES ARE NEG. 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK- TEL:2317284/622-3823 1 Honda CRV 4x4, excellent condition $1.7M- Call: 6397551/220-6380 1 Toyota Raum excellent condition (recently sprayed over) $1.2M Neg: Contact Lisa @652-4703/267-1551 One Mitsubishi Canter; late GPP series – Call:662-8743 1 Leyland DAF 60 single axle & dump- Call:216-1315/6136615 Toyota Altezza, PNN, tiptronic- Call:622-0108 1 Toyota Carina 212 new model. In immaculate condition, 15" magrims. Car in Essequibo- Call:642-6240 Ford F150 Spare Parts: 2004-2010 models: Breaks Pads, spark plugs, mirrors, doors, deff etc- Call:685-2584 Two Tundra, F150 truck, Suzuki sports car and one Chevrolet cargo van (2500cc)- Call: 227-8519/ 616-5784 New 2013 Isuzu: D-Max single & double cabsCall:691-0234 L-Touring Wagon HB $750,000- Call:674-8982 1 AT 212 new model- Call:6464796 New RX8 (red) rotary 7 speed engine: new rims, tyres, music (kickers), lambo doors- Call:627-8786 Spacio: Fully insured, drop suspension, alloy racing rims, fog lamps, body kit, alarm, DVD/ TV- Call: 647-4620 1 Toyota AT192, AT212, Vitz, Rav4, Tacoma, AE91 Sprinter, Hilux Pickup Solid DEF- Call: 644-5096/697-1453 2008 Tacoma 4x4 automatic, excellent condition. Off road tyres with lift kit & access cab- Call: 610-5370 New ATVs: Introductory price $1,450,000 (Duty Free)Call:691-0234 Sprinter 110 admirable Vintage, enjoyable rideCall:644-4990

FOR SALE 1 Cabin cruise boat (31 ft) 450LB nylon seine and engine (15 Yamaha)- Call:2593155/649-0045

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VEHICLE FOR SALE Cheapest - Premio, Spacio, Hilux, Stick Gear Buses- Call: 616-7635 Quantum Auto: Spacio, Premio & new model raum with Alloy wheel & dark interior: Excellent conditionCall:624-7684/617-2378 (Continued on page 56)

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

Sir Shridath Ramphal is... From page 51 was a Special Adviser on Economic Affairs at the Commonwealth Secretariat under Ramphal. He said that, in a succession of books and speeches, and in his work for the Rockefeller Foundation, Ramphal has made a continuing contribution to understanding and promoting the concept of sustainable development. Sir Shridath is described in tributes for his 80th birthday as a leading spokesman of the free, independent developing world in the last quarter of the 20th century. Areas of his unique style are his capacity for leadership and his skill in negotiating behind the scenes. In international trade and development issues, he brought together experts, from different countries and backgrounds, to provide analysis and solutions to take the global community forward while addressing the needs of developing countries. Between 1977 and 1987, the little man from Guyana with his suave voice, managed to convene 11 such Groups of Experts on critical issues confronting the world. The work of those groups, responding to his call, provided material that helped to advance and change the attitude of International Financial Institutions on matters such as third-world debt, fair trade, the vulnerability

Sir Shridath played a critical role in pressing the South African Government to free Nelson Mandela. of small states, and the world economic order. Professor Bishnodat Persaud, former Director of Economic Affairs at the Commonwealth Secretariat, who worked with Ramphal for 10 of the 15 years that the Guyanese spent at the helm of that body, noted even though his tenure as Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral has a central place in his career, his contributions outside of it to the world are equally important. These include his activity in economic discussion and negotiations and membership of major international economically-oriented

Commissions such as the Brandt, Palme, Brundtland and South commissions on disarmament, development, global governance and environment. Married to Lois, Sir Shridath has two daughters and two sons. While, it is impossible to capture the contributions of the Sir Shridath Ramphal to Guyana, the region and the rest of the world in these few words, Kaieteur News would like to put in its two cents to hail a treasured son of the soil who has answered his call in the most meaningful of ways. He is indeed a special person to us.

During the course of his duties at the Commonwealth, Sir Shridath was comfortable rubbing shoulders with world leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday September 01, 2013

Bond blaze... (From page 54)

WANTED Need one live in domestic preferably from country areaCall:649-1105 or 622-7956

WANTED Gardener with references to work in Durban BacklandsCall:226-0240

Female 35-45 years to train for Ice Cream employmentCall: 610-2978

One part-time personal tutor for Nursery level & above. Must be qualified & have a pleasant personality- Call: 663-4866

Two men to manage wash bay ages 20-25. Must be able to work without supervision- Call:227-5169 One general domestic (3 days a week)- Call:623-3231 Live in attractive waitress, boarding and lodging free $50,000 monthly- Call:6105043 One live-in or live out maidcall:668-3985/264-3355/6837936 Hire car drivers & dispatchers to work in Gem’s Taxi ServiceCall:227-0638 or 627-9424 Male & female to work in Electronic store: Guyana Variety store & Nut Centre 38 Cummings Street, Alberttown TV technician must be able to repair projection & regular TVs. Full time/ part time @ Cummings & Middle- Call: 225-5239 Driver looking for contract car to work $20,000 weeklyCall:682-5798/ BB Pin 235E9E02 1 Administrative Assistant: Experience with Word, Excel, QuickBooks & Typing. Send resume @ Unit#7, 162-163 Lamaha St Cummingsburg, G/T. before 13/09/2013

MASSAGE American Style massage services- Call:678-7499

CAR RENTAL A i d a n ’s C a r R e n t a l & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Premio, vitz call: 679-7139 Car Rental- Call: 643-1131/ 225-3234

Dish washer, apply to Shanta’s 225 Camp and New market street Georgetown CONTRACT CARS @ CITY TAXI SERVICE CALL: 660-1100 Widowed/divorced live in domestic, labourer, car/van driver- Call:610-2978 Boys to work in kitchen, puri cooks, pastry makers & servers @ Hack’s Halaal Restaurant 5 Commerce street, G/Town One attractive waitressCall:678-1481 Laboures for wood concession, accommodation provided $5,000 per dayCall:612-1082 Law Tutor wanted- Call:6840347 Urgently needed 1 plot of land to buy in Parfaite Harmony- Call:675-7292 1 Whole day maid for East Bank area- Call:614-4358 Wanted experienced Taxi drivers & experience Dispatcher @ Princess Hotel- Call:265-7076/6165419 1 Maid to work on the E.B.D (Monday- Saturday)- Call: 626-7040 Cleaner- Call:225-3234 One live in maid must know to cook & clean, preferably from country side or interiorCall:666-6836 One experienced driver to work in interior to drive bus & lorry- Call:666-6836 Salesman with own vehicle to distribute food products. Motivated drivers can apply (good commission)Call:666-5676 Wanted to buy: Small living trench fishes (all types) Patwa, Hassar etc.- Call:6448381 One experienced hire car driver from West Bank or West Coast- call:616-0111 Wanted contract cars @ Atlas Taxi Service: South Ruimveldt gardens, VHF radio network- Call:661-3043

VACANCY Vacancy exists for experience security and welder. Apply at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Vacancy exists for driver/ salesman & security guard: please apply at Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd. Tel:225-7864/227-8607 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call:663-1751/6842838 Opportunity to work from home, online business. Must have internet connection. Small Investment. For details call:686-1422 Stores Supervisor: Maths & English Grade 1-3 CXC: F & H Printing Establishment 9092 John street, Campbellville Georgetown Driver: License for motor vehicles (car, truck & forklifts) F & H Printing Establishment 90-92 John st, Campbellville Georgetown Male sales person for Plant Shop 18yrs-25yrs, must have secondary education- call 648-1821 (between 8:00am4:00pm) For Cook or Kitchen Assistant @ Abbie’s Creole Snackette lot 6 public road Mc Doom- Call:233-1589 Pump Attendant @ Shell Service Station Providence, E.B.D: Must be able to work shift-Tel:265-7305 Email: shellramsburg@gmail.com Sales girl $10,000 weekly. Apply in person @ Dian’s Deli opposite Kitty Market Live in maid- Call:233-2725 C a s h i e r, p o r t e r, s a l e s clerks: Apply with written application @ 2J’s General Store 148-149 Regent road Bourda, G/Town- Call: 2252350

LAND FOR SALE 41 Acres at Silver Hill/ Moblissa Linden Highway $18M Neg- Call:223-7181/ 627-4900 2369.664 Sq/ft of land @ Victoria village, E.C.DCall:225-2626/225-3068 32 Acres for sale, Lot 5 Content Mahaicony, E.C.D: US$175,000: Call:813-3194219: rpooran@ tampabay.rr.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE

FOR RENT

Property for sale in Enterprise E. C. Demerara Call: 627-5416/611-7437

Coolers and ScaffoldCall:657-0424

Lodge, corner property with business- Call:223-7181/6274900 Furnished building in the interior, fully equipped along with six rooms- Call:604-6999 Property for sale by owner located at Regent Street, Georgetown- Call:225-1831 VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community- Call:592-6248704/ 592-684-9203 Property for Contact:699-9926

sale-

1 Large 5 bedrooms house with Business @ DiamondCall:627-3902

House to rent in Eccles scheme, block ‘CC’- Contact number:696-0573/683-5591 PUBLIC ROAD BUSINESS PROPERTY, W.C.D, suitable for food/ liquor restaurant, supermarket etc. Call:609-8132/672-8569 (Max) 385 SQ.FT SALON SPACE @ V/HOOP, W.C.D: ATTRACTIVE BUSINESS FRONT, BABER SHOP NEXT SIDE- CALL:626-8051 1 Two bedrooms apartment to rent at 111 Collings Wood Avenue Nandy park, E.B.DCall:660-2324/616-9775 2 bedrooms apartment at Diamond for rent $30,000Call:626-8441

Prime Business Property at East Coast- Tel:222-2014/ Cell:622-8004 1 Three bedrooms house in Parfaite Hamonie, W.B.DCall:658-5803/622-1782 Eccles $6M, West $5M, Charlestown $15M, Prospect $15M- Call Diana @ 2272256/626-9382 For sale by owner: House and Land @ D’Edward, W.C.B.- Call: 689-2973/6983703 South Ruimveldt $14.5M, Uitvlught Oceanview $4.3M, Bel-Air Park $45M, Prashad Nagar $60M- Call:231-2200/ 618-7483 Wharf Land, Ruimveldt, S u p p l y, Soesdyke 200’x300’ $45M, Lombard Street-Call:231-2200/6187483 Paradise, E.C.D: Concrete modern 2 bedrooms, front and rear verandah. Concrete fenced large lot- call:2252626/ 225-3068 Haslington, E.C.D: Building ‘A’, concrete/ timber modern 2 storeys, 7 bedrooms, grilled & fenced. Building ‘B’, 3 apartments, fenced- call:2252626/ 225-3068 Paradise, E.C.D: Concrete modern 2 storeys, 4 bedrooms- 2 masters. Concrete fenced large lotcall:225-2626/ 225-3068 2 Storey business premises: 94 Campbell Avenue, C/Ville- Call:6808857/647-300-4294 Two storey house, six bedrooms & two kitchen @ block ‘8’ Tushen, E.B.ECall:650-2982 2 Storey transported property at 311 Herstelling, E.C.D- Call Sonalall @ 718843-1691 or Datsy @231-2284

EDUCATIONAL I.A.E (Camp street): Register for full- time, lessons & adults CXC classes: Maths, English, Business & ScienceCall: 223-0604/ 683-5742 Electronic Course- Practical, 12 persons per class. Register early. Beginning 4th September @ Abdul Electronics - Call: 226-6551 or 225-0391 Lessons Classes: Phonics, Reading (A Beka System), Language & Mathematics (412 years) @ 197 Roxanne Burnham Gardens- Call: 6194355/218-2076 Register for courses in English, Math, Social Studies, Masonry, Electricity, Cosmetology & Computer Studies @ AEA Centre Diamond- Call:668-1908 Institute of Academic Supremacy: Form 1-5 CXC adults/ lesson classes. CXC Maths, Engilsh, HSB & Business- Call:690-5008 Personalized teaching for CAPE sociology and Caribbean studies - Call:6041840

From page 11 past five years, Police Sergeant Collin Bailey who is attached to the Vigilance Police Station on the East Coast Demerara, arrived hours after the discovery was made and assisted with investigations. He is convinced that Singh was attacked after 11:30 pm on Friday. According to Bailey, one of Singh’s business associates informed him that he had texted her at 11:30pm Friday and she responded by saying that she had fallen asleep in the chair. “That would have been the last time we know that she was alive,” Bailey told family members. Bailey, who was about to perform escort duties for the visiting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Moros when he was informed about Singh’s death, told investigators that he last visited the Diamond house on Monday. A close friend of the dead woman disclosed that she had dropped her home at about 9pm on Friday. Police have their work cut out, since neighbours spoke of seeing Singh sweeping her yard early yesterday morning, but no one mentioned hearing any noises from within the house. “It has to be someone she knows, because she has a code for the gate and only who knows it can enter and no one can climb that fence, and the house is heavily grilled,” one neighbour remarked.

LAND FOR SALE Wa i a k a b r a , Linden Highway: 1,409’ x 403’ or 13.73 acres. Concrete house thereon. West of Highway- Call:619-4152 Parfaite Harmonie $1M, $1.3M $1.6M- Call:628-9156.

LAND FOR SALE House lot for sale: Friendship, Diamond EBD & drafting of house plans call:2230733, 223-0730, 692-8513 Land @ Marudi Creek 35 acres. Suitable for farming/ sand pit- Call:664-9701/642-6056

Transported corner lot 58’x30’ at Garnett and Republic streets, NewtownCall:601-6000 100ft x 50ft $2M @ Parfaite Harmony- Call:218-5591 House lot E.B.D 100’x50’ $4M- Call:610-0051

Sunday September 01, 2013

SUNDAY SPECIAL ALMOST ONE MONTH AFTER…CHILDRENKILLER FOUND HANGING FROM TREE Almost one month after he hacked his two children to death and maimed his wife, 26-year-old Richard Lord’s badly decomposed body was discovered hanging from a tree on the Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo foreshore last week Saturday. The discovery was made a little after 12:30hrs by a group of fishermen who were catching crabs in the area. Given the advanced state of decomposition, it is believed that Lord hanged himself shortly after he killed his children. On August 1, last, Lord went berserk and slaughtered his five-year-old daughter, Kimberley Houston and twoyear-old son, Tarif Lord. His wife, 21-year-old Bibi Nazarena Houston’s right hand was severed and three fingers from her left hand were cut off. GOVT. REFUSED TO MAKE FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES – APNU The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is willing to kill the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project rather than make full disclosures on the related financial arrangements. This is firm view of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Joseph Harmon. “A real look into the financial arrangements inked under the guise of transformational projects would reveal clearly where all the thieving is going on. They don’t want to give us all of the arrangements,” said Harmon, who has also questioned the pronouncements that the project is dead. MONDAY EDITION GOVT.AGREED TO PAY SITHE GLOBAL INTEREST ON MONEY ALREADY REPAID – CHRIS RAM “Can you imagine any bank in which you deposit $100,000 and then withdraw $90,000 continuing to pay your interest for twenty years on the $100,000?” According to Financial Analyst, Christopher Ram, this is exactly what the Guyana Government signed onto with Sithe Global for the Hydro Project. Ram, says too, despite the public statements, when all the transactions are taken into account, “it becomes clear that Sithe planned to invest considerably less in the project than US$150M but would be paid interest as if it did.”

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He said it was surprising enough to learn that Sithe Global would be receiving a tax-free, 19 per cent return on its investment. What is worse, according to Ram, was learning that the 19 per cent is paid each year, calculated on the original US$158M sum deemed to have been invested, rather than the reducing balance after each repayment. He calculated that in the last five years of the project when Sithe’s investment would have been substantially repaid, it would

be paid and this is included in the overall price tag. It was unearthed during an assessment of the project documents, that Sithe Global included its legal fees which amounts to a whopping US$5M. The information is reflected in the Mercados Energeticos Consultores, Evaluation and Financial report for the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project. The Argentina-based Company was hired by Sithe Global and the Guyana Government in 2009 to

objective and complete information for consideration of its national report, which will be adopted by the MESICIC, in March 2014. In addition, the Commission will be meeting with civil society organizations in Guyana on the issues being reviewed. The meetings will also focus on areas such as conflicts of interest, the reporting of acts of corruption, and systems for registering income, assets and liabilities. To date, similar visits have been made by the MESICIC to Brazil, El Salvador, Mexico, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Costa

receive interest on the balance of its investment at rates ranging from 76 per cent in year 16, to 380 per cent in year 20.

undertake a viability study for the project. Under the cost analysis breakdown of the project, it was pointed out that US$2M out of the US$5M has been set aside for the Bank’s Legal Fees.

Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Panama, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia and Guatemala.

CHILDREN, 11 AND 8, PERISH IN LODGE FIRE Two children were burnt to death at around 04:00 hrs, last Sunday, after a fire of unknown origin destroyed their Lot 17 Joseph Pollydore Street home. Adam Marshall, 11, and his eight-year-old sister, Shania Marshall were reportedly trapped in the bottom flat of their heavilygrilled apartment, despite efforts by residents to rescue them. Their mother, Odessa Thomas, 36, and their 13-yearold brother Harold Marshal both suffered burns to their hands and were admitted to the Burn Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital. Fire officials believe that the blaze started at the bottom flat of the old, two-storey wooden building. The premises reportedly had no electricity and some residents speculated that a lighted candle could have caused the blaze. TUESDAY EDITION CONTROVERSIAL AMAILA HYDRO..LEGAL FEES SET AT WHOPPING US$5M Sithe Global, the company contracted to develop the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, has embedded in its agreement with the Guyana Government, its legal fees to

WEDNESDAYEDITION

OAS TEAM TO CONDUCT ANTI-CORRUPTION REVIEW OF GUYANA

MONTHSAFTER US$ 902M HYDROPLANTKICKS IN…UGANDAFORCEDTO INCREASEELECTRICITY TARIFF

A team from the Organization of American States (OAS) will conduct a review of Guyana’s anticorruption measures in October. According to the 35member grouping, the Commission from the OAS Mechanism for Follow-Up on the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against C o r r u ption (MESICIC) will conduct the review from October 8th to 10th. The visit is part of an ongoing process agreed on between members of the OAS. The Commission will be made up of representatives from Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as from the Department of Legal Cooperation of the Secretariat for Legal Affairs of the OAS. According to OAS, during the visits, meetings are to take place with representatives from oversight bodies responsible for preventing, detecting and punishing corruption. The idea is to review the manner in which the InterAmerican Convention against Corruption is being implemented in Guyana and to provide “first hand,

Sithe Global, the developer for the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, also built the US$902M, 250MW Hydro Plant in Bujagali, Uganda, and the power company in the African nation is once again being forced to ask for an increase in electricity tariff. The request comes just months after that Hydro Electric Plant would have been commissioned. In April this year it was reported in the international news that the Uganda Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)’s board of directors was considering a power tariff increase. That increase in electricity is being considered just after huge increments of 69 per cent and 36 per cent for large scale and domestic consumers respectively early last year. The Ugandan ERA was seeking a further increase of between five and 15 per cent this year. The Plant was commissioned last year. The increase requested in Uganda is the second such request this year to raise the prices paid for electricity in that nation. Consumers under the Uganda Electricity Users Association

have gone to court to protest. TIP VICTIMS, GWMO MEMBERS SUPPORT BROOMES Trafficking In Persons (TIP) victims rescued from sexual slavery thanks to selfless work of the Guyana Women Miners’ Organization (GWMO) have come out in support of Simona Broomes, who has been accused of assaulting a woman remanded for human trafficking. Broomes, President of GWMO, was questioned on Monday at the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, Eve Leary, in connection with an allegation that she assaulted a Bartica businesswoman whilst rescuing four young women from the sex trade. The girls were involved in the sex trade in Tiger Creek and the confrontation occurred in Puruni at the Mines Office. Broomes was detained for about four hours before being released on $10,000 station bail and was instructed to return to Eve Leary on September 6. Surrounded by members of the GWMO and TIP victims, Broomes was back at her desk arranging to make more trips into Guyana’s “gold bush”. THURSDAYEDITION AMAILAHYDRO PROJECT…PRICE JUMPS TO US$915M …ADDITIONAL US$57.2 UNEARTHEDINPROJECT DOCUMENT The Guyana Government has committed US$157.2 to the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, US$57.2M more than the US$100M that it has been

Joseph Harmon maintaining all along. This was contained in the ‘Confidential Project Document’ leaked to this publication. This means that the revised price tag is now in excess of US$915M. According to the project document for the Hydro Electric Plant, in 2014 and 2015 the Government has under its ‘financial commitment’ to the project,

committed US$21M to be paid each year from its Fund for Special Operations (FSO). The Fund for Special Operations has been set up by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and extended to several countries, including Guyana, which sees the bank making concessionary loans. FLYJAMAICALIKELYTO COMMENCESERVICE NEXTMONTH - INSPECTIONS FOR OPERATIONSCOMPLETED The services of much anticipated partnership carrier Fly Jamaica Airways (FJ) will soon be available to Guyanese as optimism over the airline’s commencement of regular flights to and from Canada and the United States of America by late next month heightens. Moves towards this reality are even more evident as overseas safety officials completed inspections of the airline’s local base on Tuesday. A four-member team, headed by Captain Egbert Field of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority departed Guyana early Wednesday morning after completing indepth inspections on general facilities that FJ would be using while servicing Guyana. In an interview with Kaieteur News on Tuesday evening, Field related that from the surface, FJ seems ready to add Guyana to its flight paths. He said, so far, nothing has come up that would prohibit FJ servicing Guyana, but after a perusal of notes and data, a formal announcement would be made. FRIDAY EDITION GPL HAS TO CREATE US$36M DEBT RESERVE ACCOUNT Under the ‘Financial Commitments’ made for the proposed Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) would have to set aside US$36M in a debt reserve account. This information is embedded in the leaked ‘confidential project document,’ which has already raised eyebrows over the fact that the Guyana Government committed US$157.2M to the project and not US$100M as it had claimed. This means Guyana’s investment commitment now stands at US$193.2M which will take the project price to a total of US$951.2M. The US$36M GPL account is to be set aside to ensure payments to Amaila Falls Hydro Inc. This is in addition to the Assignment of Receivables arrangement under which all the income of GPL will be controlled by (Continued on page 59)

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Sunday September 01, 2013

Parliament no longer a ‘rubber stamp’ for Government By Dominic Gaskin Those capable of blissfully ignoring the entire spectrum of colours, as well as multiple shades of grey, will inevitably see all things as either black or white. This limited perspective clearly cannot depict the range of options available to those with full vision. It is within this range of options, absent in the black-and-white politics of Guyana for so many decades, that the unbiased realities of this country will someday have to be seen – sooner rather than later. This, of course, represents dangerous thinking to those accustomed to using stark, simple and incomplete portrayals of complex matters in order to maintain sufficient levels of distrust between Guyana’s two major ethnic communities. The solid sixfigure support bases must never be softened by the hues and shades of moderation that might provide the basis for better understanding. So, for nearly five decades, the nation’s development has been subordinated to the objective of defending either constituency from political domination by the other. Keeping this threat alive and well presents an easy platform

for political leaders who lack the capacity to improve the lives of their constituents, but wish to remain relevant. Change is not always an overnight process, but fortunately there are a number of factors which are slowly emerging, that provide a glimmer of hope for the future of our country. Our periodic elections, though not perfect, do largely reflect the wishes of those who bother to vote. It is not insignificant, therefore, that the party which has held power for over two decades has experienced a steady decline in electoral votes since 2001. With a total of 209,031 votes in those elections, it slipped to 183,887 in 2006, and further to 166,340 in 2011. This pattern of decline is consistent in every region of the country except in Region 9 (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), where it would appear the PPP-C managed to swing some former TUF voters in 2011. Notwithstanding reductions in voter turnout and registered voters, in 2006 and 2011 respectively, the numbers do show a dwindling support for the ruling party. Given their huge advantage over the opposition in terms of resources and access to constituents, the PPP-C cannot help but acknowledge

Dominic Gaskin the sizable rejection this represents. This rejection ought to signal to them that the days of blind race voting are numbered, and they can expect to pay heavily for their continued corrupt and inept governance. We are witnessing a shift towards performance-based assessments at the polls, and this is a welcome sign. Then there are the, somewhat dated, population census results, which show the Indo-Guyanese population diminishing from 52% in 1980 to 43% in 2002, with the ‘mixed race’ and Amerindian populations picking up the slack, and AfroGuyanese unchanged at 30% of our population at both

counts. The results of the last census have not yet been released, but the likelihood of further increases in the Amerindian and mixed race populations is strong, and if this comes at the expense of our Indo-Guyanese more than our Afro-Guyanese population levels, then this is where its political impact will be felt. What hope would this provide for Guyana? A strong argument can be made that such a shift in our demography would help to level the ethnic playing field, thereby reducing reliance on race as a means of winning elections, and placing greater emphasis on performance. It would also reduce the “shoein” syndrome, and add meaning to our elections with the real possibility of a change of government every five years – an essential feature of any modern democracy. A third factor is youth. With each new generation, Guyanese voters are another step removed from the memories of those who have seen bad days, and feel obliged to prepare their descendants for another round of troubles. Our youth apparently do not wish to be burdened with the bitterness of past conflicts. And why should they? Incomplete tales are no substitute for proper education. Younger Guyanese are less prone than before to buy into the lopsided versions of our country’s history, designed to keep them divided. They have more in common these days; including, unfortunately, a determination to leave Guyana forever. Who can blame them? In any event,

their votes can no longer be taken for granted by any party, and with thirty percent of eligible voters under the age of thirty, our politicians will have to find newer ways of appealing to this large section of our population. Their realities need to be addressed and this cannot be done in a black-and-white setting. The Alliance For Change, having joined the political fray with its 28,000 and 35,000 votes in the 2006 and 2011 national elections respectively, is also a contributor to the slow change that is unfolding. The presence of a credible third party is a healthy development in our national politics. The National Assembly is no longer a rubber stamp for any majority government inevitably resulting from two-party contests. The current unprecedented levels of disclosure of government business emerging from discussions in the National Assembly must surely be a positive thing for a country accustomed to having very little available information. Guyanese are now faced with an alternative to the blackand-white political discussions, where an emphatic yes is confronted by an equally emphatic no, and in the ensuing gridlock the nation loses. Sensible compromises can now be reached and, more importantly, showcased to the public as a new way of getting things done. This may take some getting used to, since compromise has not often featured in our politics. In fact, it has become something we are only able to achieve with the aid of high-paid foreign mediators.

This ought not to be, and if we cannot find home-grown solutions to home-grown problems then we are in a state of failed independence. The AFC has faced an uphill battle in seeking to establish itself permanently on Guyana’s political scene, and this will most likely continue for some time. As mentioned earlier, anything that challenges the binary thinking of our political behemoths will not sit well in certain circles, and no effort will be spared in cloaking these alternatives with suspicion and negativity. The party will therefore have to rely on the public to understand and embrace our enhanced parliamentary arrangement, and the opportunities it presents for checks and balances, as well as political compromise. The AFC believes that the silent majority of the Guyanese public is capable of separating rhetoric from results, as well as understanding the party’s positions and rationale. The challenge, as with any political party, will be to get the message out. This challenge is compounded by the need to modify positions in the face of new developments and information – a need superfluous to parties whose intransigence on most issues is not affected by changes in circumstances. There will always be instances when the Party’s message will be drowned out by louder and more frequent voices. However, in its actions the AFC will continue to prioritize long-term national interests over short-term political interests, and will prove itself over time to be a reliable partner of the people of Guyana.

Sunday September 01, 2013

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From pae 57 someone employed by Amaila to secure the monthly tariff payment. The US$36M is to be placed in an “Amaila Debt Reserve Account provided by GPL. RAMOTAR MUST COME CLEAN ONAMAILA SPENDING – HARMON “This is a Bharrat Jagdeo project and the fact that US$57M was hidden away as money comm i t t e d t o b e spent on the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project by the Guyana Government, clearly shows why the administration does not want to reveal the financial arrangements.” This was the reaction by Shado w Minister with responsibility for Public Works, Joseph Harmon, to the startling revelation that Government had in fact committed to spend US$157M on the Amaila Project. “President Donald Ramotar must now come out and defend this,” said Harmon, “given that it is he who has been peddling across the country that Guyana will only be putting US$100M in the project.” Harmon said that the ruling administration has been deliberately withholding the financial arrangements for “these large deals because they don’t want trained eyes looking at the figures.” According to the APNU parliamentarian, such a startling revelation would not immediately jump out at an untrained eye. He said that should the Government be willing to make available, the financial arrangements for the many projects, including Amaila, “then we would get a peek into the Jagdeo

kingdom….We would be able to see how it is these Ministers have become so rich and are building all these fancy mansions.” SATURDAY EDITION ESTATE WORKER, 17, DIES AFTER STRUCK BY LIGHTNING A 17-year-old sugar worker died yesterday at the West Demerara Regional Hospital after being struck by lightning shortly after midday. Dead is Klein Roberts who was attached to the rodent control gang at the Wales Sugar Estate West Bank Demerara. According to reports, Roberts was carrying out a rat-baiting exercise when tragedy struck. SOLDIER, COP HELD IN LINDENAFTER ROBBERY AND ABDUCTION Detectives at Linden have detained a policeman and a Guyana Defence Force

Marriott, Amaila would h a ve been “burdening consumers and taxpayers with a flawed project costing.” Gaskin said that this would have been backed by a 20-year guarantee “that if as consumers Guyanese cannot meet the payments to the promoters, then as taxpayers they will be forced to do so through taxes.” According to Gaskin, it

corporal, who allegedly abducted and robbed two female employees of a fast food outlet and stole $1M in jewellery from a male teacher after snatching him from a night club. The bizarre robberies occurred at midnight and at around 02:30 hrs Friday at Blueberry Hill, Wismar, and in Co-op Crescent, Mackenzie. AMAILA HYDRO WAS STRUCTURED ASA GIGANTIC RIP-OFF – GASKIN “Were it not for the insistence of the InterAmerica n Development

Bank (IDB) that obtain Govern m e n t parliamentary approval for two peripheral pieces of legislation relating to Amaila, no information would have been made available to the parliamentary parties.” This was the contention of Financial Analyst, Ramon Gaskin, who in his most recent addition to the raging debate over the

Ramon Gaskin Amaila Falls Hydro Electric project, said that had the information not come out the project would have gone the route of the Marriott. He said that like the

did not escape the critics’ eyes that the returns on funds provided were set at the exorbitant and usurious rates of 19 per cent for Sithe Global, 9.5 per cent for the IDB and 8.5 per cent for China Bank. All these would have been passed to the taxpayers through Winston Brassington’s Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP) The same loan would normally have been made to the Guyana Government at a rate of interest of no more than two per cent. All these costs would have ultimately found their way into the tariffs, according to Gaskin. He said, “As far as the critics are concerned, other than the romantic notion of hydro, there is nothing redeeming about this particular project given the way it is conceived, planned, architectured, structured and owned.” He said that many saw this as a gigantic rip-off in the making. The colonial mechanism of placing an agent in the GPL to

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Sunday September 01, 2013

Guyana is sitting on a time bomb of youth unemployment A Partnership for National Unity is warning the People’s Progressive Party Civic administration that this country is sitting on a ‘time bomb’ of youth unemployment. The government’s delay in dealing with the jobs crisis and its disregard for measures to defuse the jobs crisis could cause a social explosion which could have dangerous consequences. The National Employment Report published by the International Labour Organisation, estimated that, based on Guyana’s Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) which was last undertaken over a decade ago, about 44 per cent of the population of working age are “not economically active.” The fact is that, in addition to persons said to be ‘unemployed’, many who would like to work do not actively seek jobs simply because they have abandoned hope of finding suitable occupations. Others, though nominally ‘employed’, earn wages that condemn them to living

beneath the poverty line. The Report also indicated that young people suffer the most, owing to the fact that school-leavers are inexperienced and have a long wait before they find their first job. The report of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development – Eye on the Future: Invest in Youth Now for the Community Tomorrow – noted, among other things, that the primary education dropout rate was “at a staggering height.” Joblessness among young people in the Caribbean Community, at an average of 23 per cent, was higher than many other developed and developing countries. Guyana, if its young people are to lead successful lives, must reduce the dropout rate, increase the matriculation rate and provide new economic opportunities for schoolleavers. The People’s Progressive Party Civic administration, despite these facts, continues to pay scant attention to the real issues affecting youth, preferring instead to prescribe

a series of palliative remedies which do not cure the disease. Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, soon after he was appointed in 2006, publicly announced that the National Youth Policy – which had been promulgated in 1994 – would be reviewed. That was seven years ago! Anthony later admitted to the National Assembly that the PPPC Administration still does not have a functional National Youth Policy. Anthony also chairs the National Youth Commission (NYC), established in March 2002. He claims to have had consultations for a five-year action plan for Youth Development and Empowerment Programme (YDEP). That is still to be seen. This country’s unemployed young people feel that they are in an employment cul-de-sac. The ILO Report also stated that 77 per cent of educated persons of working age migrate because of the lack of employment opportunities. They feel that they have

become entangled in a web of bureaucratic programmes which generate lots of certificates and diplomas but provide few jobs. Youths find themselves facing a grave employment crisis which has been made worse by the crisis in the public education system and the failure of the PPPC administration to promulgate and pursue a coherent and comprehensive national youth policy. APNU believes that Guyana should be a nation of youth and for youth. Nearly seven out of every ten citizens are classified as ‘young.’ Youths (15-24 years) and dependent children (0-14 years) constituted 69 per cent (264,096 persons) of the national population in the last census. APNU believes, also, that unemployment is the central issue affecting young people in Guyana. The PPPC administration’s unplanned, eclectic responses to the youth unemployment crisis – the President’s Youth Choice Initiative and the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana, copied from the British Duke of Edinburgh International Award for Young People, never provided employment. Five government

ministries – Ministry of Amerindian Affairs; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Labour – continue to jostle each other to offer a variety of glamorous, short-term, ad hoc, training courses for young people. They all promise but do not provide, the long-term careers that youths desperately seek. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, for example, earlier this year launched $200M Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneur Programme (YAEP). The programme, actually a six-month attachment, targetted youths to be trained in culture, education, governance, health and sports. The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport conducts the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme for out-of-school, unskilled and unemployed youths that seeks to prepare participants for entry into other institutions of learning, employment and selfemployment. The Ministry of Home Affairs offers training in what it calls “life skills” and vocational pursuits under its Citizen Security Programme

(CSP). The Ministry of Labour, through its Board of Industrial Training (BIT) conducts a two-year apprenticeship programme now called the National Training Project for Youth, Empowerment (NTPYE) for youths who have not completed high school. The United States embassy, not to be outdone, plunged into the youth training labyrinth. The Embassy last year, in March 2012 launched a three-week cultural and leadership exchange programme called the Youth Ambassador Programme (YAP) sponsored by the US Department of State, focused on youth citizen diplomacy, service and volunteerism. The tragedy is that, despite the ferment – CSP; NTPYE; PYCI; PYARG; YAEP; YAP; YDEP and YEST – there has been little employment. Too many Guyanese youths still leave school unskilled, enter the workforce for the first time and are obliged to resort to the informal sector for employment in low-paying occupations. Four out of every ten youths face a jobless future and the PPPC administration is still to announce a plan to deal with this crisis!

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Sunday September 01, 2013

Heritage Month festivities kick off with Inter-Faith service Jamaica to host important WIPO conferences Members of the Amerindian community joined together, last evening, with several religious organisations to usher in Amerindian Heritage Month 2013 with prayer and thanksgiving. The prayers were offered at the Umana Yana during the inter-faith service held annually by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. The service marked the first on the list of activities planned to commemorate this year’s Heritage Month, celebrated under the theme, “Honouring our Culture; Advancing our Future”. Among those in attendance were members of the Diplomatic Corps; Project Coordinator of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Jude DaSilva, and Community Development Officer, Deon Johnson, who offered the welcoming remarks of the ceremony in the native language Akawaio. Unfortunately, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs was unable to witness the opening of the inter-faith service due to having attended the welcoming ceremony of Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro. The inter-faith service, however, went on with representation in prayers, hymns and sermons from the

various religious denominations and organisations. The Hallelujah group, an Amerindian-based religious group, out of Region Seven also participated, with the sacred chants in their native language resounding into the environs. Deon Johnson, who translated the chants for the benefit of the audience, noted that those recited were of a biblical background, with reference often made to ‘God’ or ‘Christ’. The Amerindian community was urged that with the coming of Heritage Month this year, they should strive to ‘advance their future’ through transformation, by re-examining their values and goals for themselves and ultimately for the nation. It was noted that the living conditions in many Amerindian villages have improved, while education is widespread and is “making a great difference.” At the same time, crime, particularly domestic violence, and “other evils that still exist” were identified as areas of much needed improvement. The festivities for Amerindian Heritage Month 2013 will continue with the official launch this evening at the Amerindian Village, Sophia Exhibition Complex, to be followed by other activities including the Food and Craft Exhibition, the Cultural Nights, Heritage Village celebrations and the Heritage Pageant.

Jamaica has been selected by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to host the Intellectual Property and Creative Industry conference in mid-November, at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. Biennially, various countries bid to become the

host country of the conference and this year, the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) bid was deemed successful. “Jamaica is highly regarded by WIPO as they see the potential here and the work by JIPO,” Copyright and Related Rights Manager at JIPO, Marissa Longsworth,

J’can pastor fighting deportation from UK … Says he is being treated like a criminal Jamaica Gleaner London, England: A Jamaican pastor, gospel artiste and gospel-festival winner, Elder Oliver Ashley, who arrived in Britain 13 years ago to be with his wife, is now in a detention centre facing deportation next Wednesday. Speaking from Dover Immigration Removal Centre, Ashley said he was taken from his matrimonial home and was being treated like a criminal. Ashley, who won the Jamaica Gospel Song Contest in 1991 with Come Down, Jesus, said he tried on many occasions to get permanentresident status without success, and he was eventually picked up by UK Border Agency three months ago and has been booked to be deported on September 4. “I don’t see myself as a criminal. I have been taken away from my matrimonial home. I have applied to get my stay here two years ago, since my wife got indefinite leave to remain,” he said. Ashley highlighted that his dilemma began after he

arrived in Britain in 2001 on a visitor ’s permit, and not knowing how to legalise his status, he overstayed, while his wife worked as a nurse. “I first applied to get my immigration status regularised as an artiste and a songwriter and it was turned down with an offer to appeal. I applied again as a spouse, and it was turned down without an offer of appeal. I have been signing on since then; trying to do what they ask me to do. I went to sign on and they then brought me to this place (Dover detention centre). It’s a prison! I don’t eat the food here. I asked them to give me some vegetables and that was ignored. I have to buy noodles and other things from the tuck shop. I am a victim of the ‘Go Home or Be Arrested’ programme,” the pastor lamented. The 53-year-old said the Human Rights Court has turned down his case and he has now appealed to the High Court to be able to remain with his wife.

told JIS News. She added that Jamaica has been pushing for its national laws and policies regarding intellectual property, to be developed in order to enhance its business environment. In terms of attendance at the upcoming conference, Ms. Longsworth outlined that Latin American nations, all the English and Spanish speaking Caribbean countries as well as Haiti are expected to participate. “It will definitely benefit us (Jamaica) to have such a collection of experts and knowledgeable persons who can contribute ideas and concepts that can create the environment necessary for a successful creative industry and IP usage, especially with the birth of animation in

Jamaica,” she said. WIPO, she noted, will provide the speakers, experts and sponsor some of the delegates from the various IP organizations in the Caribbean, which will attend the conference. The conference, which will last for three days, will facilitate discussions and sessions on various IPrelated issues, including Valuation and Collateralization of Intellectual Property, Choreography & Intellectual Property and Benefits of IP. Jamaica will also host the Ministerial Conference in November 2014, with representatives from the various WIPO nations converging to discuss pertinent IP issues. (JIS)

Govt. urges parents to report schools which turn away pupils for unpaid fees Jamaica Gleaner Minister of Education, Ronald Thwaites is adamant that no child should be denied access to school resources or entry because of nonpayment of auxiliary fees. “Every child must go to school and receive the appropriate textbooks because the Government has paid these fees,” Thwaites said. Several parents have expressed uncertainty over whether their children will be allowed in classes at the opening of schools tomorrow morning. Many secondary schools’ have refused to issue textbooks for rental or admit students without auxiliary fees being paid. While Thwaites has made it clear that parents must make

Ronald Thwaites some contribution towards their children’s education, he insists that no child should be turned away. The education minister is encouraging parents to contact the regional offices of the ministry and report schools that refuse to grant students textbooks or permission to enter.

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

Obama will hold off on Syria strike until Congress has its say

Joe Biden and Barack Obama (Reuters) - President Barack Obama yesterday backed away from an imminent military strike against Syria to seek the approval of the U.S. Congress, in a decision that likely delays U.S. action for at least 10 days. Obama, in a stern statement from the White House Rose Garden, said he had authorized the use of military force to punish Syria for a chemical weapons attack August 21 that U.S. officials say killed 1,429 people. Military assets to carry out a strike are in place and ready to move on his order, he said. But in an acknowledgement of protests from U.S. lawmakers and concerns from war-weary Americans, Obama added an important caveat: he wants Congress to approve. “We should have this debate, because the issues are too big for business as usual,” he said. Congress is in recess and not scheduled to return to work until September 9. It is unclear which way any vote would go. “Today I’m asking Congress to send a message to the world that we are ready to move as one nation,” Obama said. Obama’s decision was a high-stakes gamble that he can gain approval from Congress for a limited strike against Syria to safeguard an international ban on chemical weapons usage, defend U.S. national security interests and protect regional allies like Turkey, Jordan and Israel. “I have long believed that our power is rooted not just in our military might, but in our example as a government of the people, by the people,

and for the people,” Obama said. His decision was also a significant shift away from what was perceived to be preparations for a speedy strike against Syrian targets. He had made clear he was prepared to act unilaterally after the British parliament refused to go along with American plans. Protracted and expensive wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have left Americans reluctant to get involved in Middle Eastern conflicts. Most Americans do not want the United States to intervene in Syria. A Reuters/ Ipsos poll taken this week showed only 20 percent believe the United States should take action, but that was up from 9 percent last week. A debate has raged for days among members of the U.S. Congress over whether, or how quickly, Obama should take action. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, the top U.S. Republican, welcomed the move, which he said is a response to “serious, substantive questions” being raised about the ability of the president to launch a military move on his own. “In consultation with the president, we expect the House to consider a measure the week of September 9. This provides the president time to make his case to Congress and the American people,” he said. Obama, who only on Friday had said nobody was more war-weary than he is, has nonetheless been appalled by searing video images of Syrians who fell under the chemical weapons onslaught.

In his Saturday speech, he left no doubt that he feels action must be taken and is confident that a strike would deter this kind of behavior and degrade Syria’s ability to carry out similar attacks. But his decision may well lead to criticism that he conceivably is stepping away again from a “red line” he established against Syrian use of chemical weapons. “President Obama is abdicating his responsibility as commander in chief and undermining the authority of future presidents. The president does not need Congress to authorize a strike on Syria,” said Republican Representative Peter King. Obama’s decision was announced after he met his national security team at the White House. Top aides were to brief senators later in the day and members of the House of representatives are to receive a classified briefing from administration officials today. The objective is to show the intelligence U.S. officials say is solid proof that the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad launched a large chemical weapons assault in Damascus suburbs that left among the dead 426 children. Obama has broad legal powers to take military action, and he insisted he felt he had the authority to launch a strike on his own. Now, he has to launch a major effort to convince Congress. “Here’s my question for every member of Congress and every member of the global community: What message will we send if a dictator can gas hundreds of children to death in plain sight and pay no price?” he said.

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Sunday September 01, 2013

Yemen PM escapes unhurt after gunmen shoot at motorcade SANAA (Reuters) Gunmen opened fire on the motorcade of Yemen’s prime minister yesterday, but Salem Basindwa escaped unhurt, an aide said. Ali al-Sarari, an adviser to Basindwa, said the attack happened in the evening in Sanaa while Basindwa was returning home from his office. Sarari said Basindwa’s guards identified the licence plates of the car used in the attack and security forces were trying to track it down after the assailants fled the scene. U.S. allied Yemen is grappling with a host of challenges, foremost of

Mohammed Salem Basindwa which an al Qaeda threat, as it tries to restore state control over the country after months of turmoil in 2011 that saw

long-serving President Ali Abdullah Saleh step down. Basindwa was appointed prime minister after Saleh quit under a Gulf brokered power transfer deal that saw his deputy, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, take his place. Home to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), considered one of the most aggressive branches of the global militant organization, Yemen shares a long border with Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally and the world’s top oil exporter. The U.S. government supports Yemeni forces with funds and logistical support.

Leader of Egypt’s Brotherhood in good health in jail CAIRO (Reuters) Egypt’s Interior Ministry said yesterday the top leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie, was in good health and denied reports that he had died from a heart attack in prison. Any severe deterioration in Badie’s health in prison would certainly deepen hostilities between the organization and the armybacked government that deposed the Brotherhoodbacked president, Mohamed Mursi, in July. Egypt is enduring the worst internal strife in its modern history, with about 900 people killed, including 100 police and soldiers, after security forces broke up protest camps by Mursi’s supporters in the capital on August 14. The Interior Ministry’s Facebook page said Badie, the Brotherhood’s general guide, was “enjoying good health”. State-run al-Ahram newspaper reported earlier that he suffered a heart attack while in jail but his condition had since stabilized. It was not clear whether the Interior Ministry was denying just the death or the

death and the heart attack. State-run news agency MENA earlier denied a report by the private al-Nahar website that the 70-year-old Badie had died. Badie and many other leaders have been arrested in recent weeks in one of the toughest crackdowns the Islamist group has faced. Badie was charged in July with incitement to murder in connection with protests before Mursi was ousted. He was due to be questioned on August 28 but prison authorities delayed the session because of Badie’s poor health. Brotherhood spokesman Gehad el-Haddad said he had no information on Badie’s health when asked to respond to reports that he had died in prison. A medical team was sent to Torah prison on the outskirts of Cairo to assess Badie’s medical condition yesterday, a security source told al-Ahram. The source said his condition has stabilized and that the heart attack resulted from the “bad psychological state that he is going through”. The Brotherhood has

Mohamed Badie been calling on Egyptians to stage mass protests to demand the reinstatement of Mursi, who was ousted following widespread protests against his rule a year after he was elected. The government has accused the Brotherhood of terrorism and seems determined to wipe out the group. The Brotherhood, in turn, accuses the authorities of trying to rehabilitate the old, repressive administration led by President Hosni Mubarak before he was toppled by a popular uprising in 2011. However, the arrests of Badie and others have made it difficult for the group to get large numbers on the streets. Founded in 1928, the Islamist group used its organizational muscle to secure victory for Mursi in last year ’s presidential election. The whereabouts of many senior Brotherhood politicians are unknown. Those who had been posting frequently on social media have stopped. Arrests have extended beyond Cairo, also netting provincial leaders of the movement. One of Badie’s sons was killed during protests against the army-backed government.

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

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“Caribbean successes going north!” Colin E. H. Croft If you worked at Guyana’s Timehri International Airport, now renamed Dr Cheddi Jagan International Airport, late 1970’s early 1990’s, as I did; 1973 to 1981; as Assistant Air Traffic Control Officer, even as I played cricket for West Indies, you must have heard these words, loud and clear, from those gathered: “Ahwe bhay ah guh narth, tuh Tarantah and ‘Mericah, suh dat he cud look fuh he futuah!” Entire villages, every inhabitant, from as far east as Crabwood Creek and Skeldon, which, for the uninformed, is on the very border between Guyana and Suriname, would travel by busses, a one-way trip of at least seven hours, to get to the international airport, to see just one young man or young woman, mostly young men, leaving Guyana for supposedly better things in Canada or United States of America. This happened religiously every Sunday morning for the years I was

there! Pan American, BWIA (Caribbean Airlines), BOAC (British Airways), Antillean Airlines (KLM), even Cubana Airlines, always left Runway 05, now 06, so laden that their pilots had to use every metre to get the lumbering giants airborne! Incidentally, most of the then departed did make exceptionally “good futures”, educationally and economically, and are now returning to Guyana in droves, these last several years, bringing enterprise and severe monies back to the very present of the “Land of Rivers and Plains”. How else can it be suggested that Guyanese, travelling in any direction, provide at least one-third of Caribbean Airlines’ overall income? That is not far from the truth! But this is not about those who had gone “in the cold’ or even relative warmth of Florida back then. This is about recent successes of almost everything West Indies, evolving north

Stefanie Taylor

Chris Gayle

to…………...Jamaica! Timing is normally everything for major successes, that vital key, but without even minute insularity, which I never am, the gradual change must have been noticed. So far, to be honest, everything has come up trumps since the metamorphosis has taken roots. The always warring factions of the past that were

West Indies Players Association and West Indies Cricket Board are now very close personal friends, even producing, recently, the first “joint” awards ceremony. The earlier 2013 tours of the Caribbean by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were massive successes, financially and logistically, while the recently concluded Limacol Caribbean Premier League far outshone all expectations, even, hopefully, bringing back some extremely long lost unity to all Caribbean people. The wand of control and progress of West Indies cricket, on the field of play, is slowly, definitely, deliberately, shifting northwards, to that country that produced the incomparable Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley, Norman and Michael Manley, Paul Bogle, and Usain Bolt, all of whom nothing more can be said! Even Trinidad & Tobago’s Attorney General, Anand Ramlogan, commenting on the recent crime wave that seems to be eating away at the very soul and fabric of

Hilbert “Bumpy” Ali 79th Birth Anniversary Dominoes

Callender 6 take top honours

Manny ‘Packer’ Shew hands over the winning trophy to the captain of the victorious team, Ron Callender with Birthday boy Hilbert Ali extreme right and Chief Stewart Orin Boston extreme left and members of the victorious Callender 6 team. Callender 6 led by skipper Ron ‘Maestro’ Callender tallied 79 games on Tuesday last at the Everest Cricket Club Pavilion to come out victorious in Hilbert ‘Bumpy 79th Birth Anniversary Dominoes competition, Hilbert Ali is the oldest member of International 6 Dominoes team. Coming second was Ali’s 6, which compiled 76 games, while Shew’s 6, which was in a comfortable second place at the end of the fifth sitting, blundered by attacking Callendar’s 6 instead of maintaining their position to bring up the rear with 75 games. Top scorers in the match were Buddy Prettipaul, Ron Callender with 16 games

and Raj Sukhai with 14 games for the winners. Intikhab Ali and Edmund Sammy marked 16 and 14 games respectively for the second placed team, while Terrence Damon and Manniram Shew contributed 17 and 16 games in a losing cause. Taking a lonely walk down lover’s lane was Mr. Roderick Harry who said that him being loved was strategic since his team ended up being victorious. Ali’s 6 was captained by Hilbert Ali, Shew’s 6 was led by Manny ‘Packer’ Shew, while Ron Callender was in charge of the winners. The names of eighteen players were placed in a bag and were pulled at random to be placed on the respective teams.

Shews’s six came from Mahase ‘Mugga’ Sanawan, Shawn ‘Wild Card’ Trotman, Orin ‘Super Cool’ Boston, Terrence ‘Stiff Card’Damon and David ‘MP’ Patterson. Ali’s 6 comprised of Junior ‘Bomb Base’ Ramchurjee, Intikhab ‘Cry Out’ Ali, Jermaine ‘Tek This’Jackson, Edmund ‘Musca’ Sammy and James ‘AC’ Shew while Callender 6 saw the likes of Buddy ‘Slam Down’ Prettipaul, Raj ‘Spoon’ Sukhai, Eon ‘Hard Card’ Stewart, Kedar ‘Stitched’ Seopaul and Roderick ‘Day Clean’Harry. The match was organised by dominoes enthusiast Mannie Shew as a surprise for Hilbert Ali who was given a token for being the longest serving member of International 6.

T&T, engineered a suggestion that, maybe, T&T should be like Jamaica, and at least consider re-introducing hanging, so prevalent has crime become! The running of West Indies cricket, off the field, has already been removed from the south, when especially Trinidad & Tobago, even Barbados and Windward Islands, controlled fully. West Indies Players Association, for so long not only led, but almost singlehandedly managed, by T&T’s Dinanath Ramnarine, is now led by the former West Indies opener Wavell Hinds. The President of West Indies Cricket Board is Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron. WICB’s Chief Executive Officer is Michael Muirhead. They are all undoubtedly, wholly West Indians, but also, initially, and always too, Jamaicans! Yes, cricket-wise, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana have been the only Caribbean representatives at Champions League T-20s. Indeed, reconvened “Red Force” has just named its final squad for 2013 CLT20. Also, T&T has won both Under-15 and Under-17 tournaments this year. But, look out, Jamaica won the West Indies Under19 tournament, a tournament that, I believe, that is much more useful at identifying and focusing on the very future of our international players. After all, anyone could have known that players like Brian Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shiv Chanderpaul, Joel Garner and Michael Holding, to name a few, would have all played for senior West Indies, based on

Colin E. H. Croft performances as “Youth” cricketers. Lo and behold, the Jamaican Ladies have also won West Indies Women’s main Tournament for the very first time, defeating their normal nemeses, Trinidad & Tobago. The Stefanie Taylor-led team have gone where no other Jamaican Women’s Cricket team has ever gone before, continuing the swinging trend! Additional mention of Jamaica’s female track successes would be superfluous! Then, to confirm and make things concrete, the magnificent all-around opener, Christopher Henry Gayle, who, cricket-wise, must be on par with compatriot “Usain” – no last name necessary these days – led an enterprising team to win the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League. Look out too for players like Andre Russell making tremendous re-emergences, to be, again, on par, and included in reckonings, with Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy or Kieron Pollard. Sometimes, run of the green works. From the north, it runs black, green and gold! Enjoy!

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Sunday September 01, 2013

Letter to the Sports Editor

DEMERARA CRICKET BOARD STRONGLY REFUTES BOSTON WITH HIS PROPAGANDA DEAR EDITOR, Boston’s article should be headlined “Boston exhibits his propaganda skills” as this is what is artfully displayed by this writer and is the hallmark of his inimitable style. Throw in a few facts and jumble it up with some half-truths and innuendoes and you have the perfect recipe for propaganda. It is important that the media display some level of journalistic ethics before committing its paper to publish such barefaced lies and deception against decent citizens. The DCB will not tolerate such gross insubordination and ad hominen attacks on its officials through this wanton disregard for the truth with not an iota of evidence presented to support his wild and reckless statements. 1. DCB duly held its AGM of 2011 at Wales and Mr. Raj Singh and his Officers were elected to serve the Board. At no time have Mr. Boston and his group of detractors ever made reference to the blatant disregard and illegal actions of Bissoondyal Singh, Claude Raphael, Roger Harper & Ronald Williams made against a Special Resolution passed by the Executive Committee of the DCB on January 17th 2011.This entire meeting was videotaped for posterity and has been presented to the Court and will be aired again soon so that the public can fully understand the facts. Justice Bovell Drakes is an esteemed and honorable Judge and the Bostons of this

world should not quote such persons when reeling off their diatribe. It would serve Mr. Boston well to secure a copy of the injunction granted in the matter Krishnchand Mangal Vs Bissoondyal Singh, Roger Harper, Claude Raphael, Ronald Williams and the remainder of their group that prohibits those persons from functioning as the DCB and also have someone explain the legalities to him. The Defendants had reproached the Courts and the Judge then included Mr. Mangal alone in his Order. A copy of the Judge’s Order is with the major newspapers but some journalists seem to pay very casual attention to this detail thus allowing persons of the Boston ilk to continue spreading misinformation in the public domain. 2. At the AGM of the GCB which was held at the GCC in July 2011, and not January as stated by Boston, there were a total of 22 delegates present out of the full allocation of 27 delegates of the GCB. The 9 delegates of the DCB were duly seated at the meeting but since the quorum of 12 delegates was then exceeded by 10 delegates with their presence and in an effort to avoid any potential legal controversies, the DCB led by Mr. Raj Singh made a conscious and prudent decision not to participate in the AGM and left the meeting venue. Simple mathematics would then have us deduce that 13 delegates remained in the meeting. If Boston was present at that AGM he

obviously does not know to count nor does he know who the delegates of the Berbice Board are. The handwritten delegates list was submitted by the President of the Berbice Board, Keith Foster, directly to the Secretary of the GCB. A copy of this list could also be made available to Boston. Bissoondyal and a few of his confederates, in a most hooliganistic manner, then started an argument and attempted to rewrite the constitution of the GCB to make the quorum 14 delegates in a vain attempt to break up the meeting. This entire meeting is on videotape! 3. After the AGM of the GCB in July 2011, the Angela Haniff matter was then initiated and was duly thrown out by the Chief Justice after looking at the video recording and listening to the legal arguments of the GCB’s counsel. The assets of the GCB are owned by DEB Essentials Inc. and not by any individuals. The Berbice Board has, since its court matter, kept away from further meetings of the GCB but has wisely allowed and selected their players to participate in the cricket competitions of the Board. Obviously, Bissoondyal & Harper did not get the memo in this regard. 4.The Haniff matter created the IMC and the Cricket Bill which evolved into the works of the Select Committee through a suggestion made by the Chief Justice when he threw out that matter as ill conceived. The

From page 60 creating a series of first-half opportunities they went on to squander, letting City and Pellegrini off the hook. Aluko had the best of them, dancing delightfully beyond the ponderous Joleon Lescott only to roll his shot just wide of the right-hand post with only Hart to beat. Robert Koren drilled a low volley narrowly wide, while Danny Graham had a goal correctly ruled out for offside. With their captain Vincent Kompany watching from the stands because of a groin injury, City once again looked vulnerable defensively and short of ideas in possession. Toure headed over, Aguero and Aleksander Kolarov forced goalkeeper Allan McGregor into action

but the hosts lacked control, creativity and class. Five years ago, this fixture made the headlines when a furious Phil Brown, then boss of the Tigers, infamously delivered his half-time teamtalk on the pitch. This was a very different story, though, with any half-time dressing down far more likely to have taken taken place in the home dressing room. Hull continued to threaten after the break, Graham firing over after more confusion in the City defence, but the introduction of Negredo did give City a cutting edge. Within minutes of his introduction he had headed wide with only McGregor to beat. Jesus Navas then volleyed wide as City began to show signs of life and Hull

began to feel the pace after an hour of incessant chasing and total commitment. There was now more fluidity to City’s passing and a move more incisive than any they had produced during the opening 45 minutes produced the breakthrough. Aguero combined with Navas wide on the right flank and Negredo rose highest to head in Pablo Zabaleta’s cross from close range. The relief was palpable, both for Pellegrini and the City fans, but there was still work to do. Hull continued to push and it was not until Toure strode forward in the 89th minute to curl a wonderful free-kick up and over the wall and beyond McGregor that they finally relaxed.

Man City edge to win...

suggestion was for the Minister to transform the GCB into a legal entity but the Minister obviously had other intentions and ambitions. The DCB has been scrutinizing the Cricket Bill and, very shortly, will be issuing a formal detailed statement on this Bill outlining its position. The remainder of Boston letter is full of the usual garbage and personal

attacks that emanates from this group and is not worthy of any responses. This would also be our final correspondence with Boston and trust that the journalistic fraternity will pay more attention to facts and details before rushing to print these wholesale lies and fabrications. DEMERARACRICKET

BOARD Editor’s note: We would like to thank our letter writers for their input on the various issues relating to our beloved cricket. However, Kaieteur Sport has decided to bring an end to the back and forth relating to the issue targeted above. We still welcome your input, but rather on the way forward.

Letter to the Sports Editor

Conveniently Stephney avoids the major issues in the Bill DEAR EDITOR, I read with agony Mr. Stephney’s feeble attempt to discredit Mr. Bacchus on his position with the ill-fated Cricket Bill. Even though he claimed to have read the Bill, he obviously does not understand its implications. I do respect Mr. Stephney as a cricketer and his views sometimes are not as jaundiced and caustic as the ones contained in this letter which literally attempts to unjustly blast Mr. Bacchus to pieces. In such circumstances, I am compelled to throw in my 2 cents. I did notice in the comments section in SN that a blogger did respond pertinently to Elroy about Governments involvement in Sports. Regarding his first and second points, this Bill seeks to empower the Minister to execute certain functions regarding the administration of cricket in Guyana. That in itself runs counter to the position of the ICC and its members with the intervention of politics into the game of cricket. That should not happen and his further suggestion that the Minister has consultative positions with the WICB on 2 actions does not make the political involvement of the Sports Minister legal and proper. All international sporting entities specifically ban the involvement of politicians in the respective sports and this Bill is reflective of the Government’s attitude to international rules and regulations governing such organizations. Has Mr. Stephney ever scrutinized the way the GOG consults and what the word consult means or connotes? Elroy, pay attention!

Mr. Stephney should be aware that the GCB did not remove Mr. King from his job but Mr. Reon King abandoned his job and aligned himself with the IMC and may have even been paid by the Sports Ministry and the IMC, but it now seems that Mr. King has been abandoned by them both and now seems to be unemployed. The GCB holds no grudges against Mr. King judging from the fact that they have just appointed him to attend a WICB sponsored coaching programme to be held in Jamaica. Quite possibly, no other sporting organization or for that matter any private or government entity in the entire world has had to withstand as much financial and forensic scrutiny as the GCB has done in the past 3 years and has passed all with flying colours: The GCB’s financial statements are audited annually by a professional auditing Firm for over 20 years now and has continued to be done so every year; in 2011, Design & Consultants Engineering Services, appointed by the Sports Minister and invoiced to the GCB, completed a forensic financial audit of the 2 hostels built by GCB’s own funds; in 2011 again, the Registrar of the Friendly Societies appointed Mr. Rupert Foster to conduct a thorough investigation of the entire operations of the GCB, this report which essentially cleared the GCB has never been released by the then Friendly Societies Minister Manzoor Nadir. Another official from the Friendly Societies, whose name I cannot remember, also conducted a financial investigation of the GCB but

could find nothing. Four audits in less than 4 months, Whew! Of note is that the Government has never given a blind cent to any of the cricket Boards and now wants to control the Board on how its monies should be spent. Financial irregularity is usually the easiest accusation to make against anyone and sell to the gullible public, but the hardest to have dispelled and persons should be cautious when casting such aspersions without any evidence to back up their claims. Mr. Stephney’s colleagues in the IMC with whom he sat literally, thrashed the accounts of the DCB in 2010 to the tune of $800,000 resulting in the auditor of the DCB at the time, another member of the infamous IMC, to issue a qualified opinion against those accounts in 2011. How can Mr. Stephney reconcile himself sitting with such unprincipled, dishonest and disgruntled persons? Mr. Stephney studiously avoided making any comments about the $400,000 from the Essequibo Board funds that were misused and abused by the IMC and his friends during their several time wasting IMC soirees and could not play a youth cricket tournament. Mr. Stephney is knowledgeable enough to know that you do not need to hold a bat to be able to administer cricket and he should not allow himself to be brainwashed by an unashamed group of disgruntled persons. Whenever someone tells you something you should always take it with a grain of salt and use your intelligence to assimilate the information received after analyzing the motivations of each person. Intikab Sankar

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

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ALEX HALES INSPIRES ENGLAND TO TWENTY20 WIN OVER AUSTRALIA BBC Sport - Alex Hales scored a blistering 94 as England beat Australia by 27 runs to draw their Twenty20 series 1-1. Hales and his Nottinghamshire team-mate Michael Lumb (43) put on 111 for the first wicket to help propel England to 195-5, with Fawad Ahmed taking 3-25. Opener David Warner’s 52 off 43 balls kept Australia in contention well into their run chase. But Jade Dernbach took three wickets as the tourists collapsed from 111-3 to end well short on 168-9. Dernbach finished with figures of 3-23 to back up his impressive return of 334 in the first match on T h u r s d a y, w h e n A a r o n F i n c h ’s record 156 catapulted Australia to a 39-run victory. “These two games Jade has bowled fantastically well for us,” said England captain Stuart Broad. “He has shown his skill in Twenty20 cricket on two pretty good batting surfaces. The rest of our bowlers can

Alex Hales again fell short of registering England’s first Twenty20 hundred © AFP look at that - something different skill-wise. “His figures over the two games have been superb and hopefully that form can

continue until the World Cup [in Bangladesh next year].” England’s openers made light of losing the toss to set the hosts on course for an

imposing total. Hales and Lumb, under pressure for their places from Hampshire’s in-form Michael Carberry, peppered the

boundary and found the gaps in the large Chester-le-Street outfield to keep the scoreboard moving apace. After Lumb’s dismissal, Luke Wright (30) and Eoin Morgan (20) ensured England remained on course for a big score, only for three wickets in the last seven balls to keep the hosts in range for Australia. Hales, who scored 99 against West Indies last year, fell six short of that elusive century when he slapped James Faulkner to long-on. Ahmed then removed Jos Buttler and Morgan in the last over of the innings, which yielded only eight runs. England captain Stuart Broad dismissed Finch in Australia’s second over and Morgan’s direct hit ran out Shane Watson in the third to leave the tourists in difficulty on 15-2. Warner countered with three sixes and five fours before slicing Dernbach to Hales at deep cover to initiate a dramatic slump. First Hampshire left-arm

spinner Briggs removed George Bailey and Matthew Wade, and when Dernbach dismissed Glenn Maxwell (27) and James Faulkner from successive balls, the game was up. Captain Bailey drew positives from the promising performance of Pakistan-born leg-spinner Ahmed in only his second international appearance. “He’s pretty passionate. It meant a lot to him and would have meant a lot to all the people who have supported him,” Bailey said. “It was fantastic for him. We saw he has good control and good skills. He is someone who can have a lot of success.” England play a one-day international against Ireland in Dublin on Tuesday, while the Australians take on Scotland in Edinburgh. The Ashes rivals will then contest a five-match one-day series, starting at Headingley on Friday. Scores: England 195 for 5 (Hales 94, Ahmed 3-25) beat Australia 168 for 9 (Warner 53, Dernbach 3-23) by 27 runs.

All-round Pakistan hit back to take series ESPNcricinfo - A lot of expectations were heaped on Zimbabwe as they sat on the threshold of a rare series win against a top side, but they couldn’t summon the temperament to beat Pakistan, who came from behind to win the series 2-1. While Zimbabwe’s bowlers did well to restrict Pakistan to a par score of 260, the batsmen failed to put up a fight. Pakistan, in the process got a bogey off their backs by winning their first bilateral series in ten years after the series was leveled (either 1-1 or 2-2) going in to the decider. The match took place on the backdrop of a payments dispute that threatened a Zimbabwe boycott. The players put the distraction aside to take the field, but the batsmen were nowhere close to competitive despite encouraging signs even in Thursday’s defeat. Brendan Taylor stuck by his faith that his side was better at chasing by putting Pakistan in to bat. The Pakistan openers, Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad, put on their best stand of the series - 66 - to set the platform for another big score. Pakistan suffered a blow when their in-form

batsman, Mohammad Hafeez, hobbled off with a hamstring pull on 12. Hafeez had been Pakistan’s attacking option at the top, but with him unavailable, it was down to Misbah-ul-Haq to shoulder the responsibility. Shehzad couldn’t replicate the fluency from the two T20s but rather than hit his way into form, chose to play a steady knock. Jamshed’s dismissal impacted the run-rate as Pakistan struggled to find momentum in the middle overs. The boundaries had dried up and in the 32nd over, Shehzad broke a drought that lasted close to ten overs when he cut Sean Williams past the keeper. Shehzad consumed 81 balls for his fifty, showing the control the bowlers had over him. He perished trying to push on, lofting the part-timer Hamilton Masakadza straight to long-off. Umar Amin batted positively in the batting Powerplay, taken after 35 overs, cutting and flicking Tendai Chatara for two boundaries in an over. He used his feet to Prosper Utseya, flicking him stylishly against the turn to deep midwicket and then over extra

Misbah-ul-Haq guided Pakistan to a competitive total with a half-century © AFP cover before the bowler struck back with a sharp return catch. Amin’s 25-ball 33 infused some life into the innings that was craving for acceleration. Misbah had plodded to 8 off 35 balls when he finally opened up, slogging Williams

to deep midwicket to pick up his first boundary. He started to find the boundary regularly after the 43rd over, shuffling across his crease and punishing the length deliveries. With Sarfraz Ahmed showing some urgency, Pakistan scored their

last fifty in just 28 balls. Misbah fell to a skier to deep midwicket after scoring his 11th half-century of the year. Hafeez returned in the penultimate over to salvage as many runs as possible and, fortunately for Pakistan, was swift between the wickets after resting his hamstring. A total of 261 was competitive but Pakistan couldn’t afford to relax, having failed to defend 245 in the first ODI. They introduced spin as early as the second over and Hafeez struck when Vusi Sibanda slogged him to deep midwicket where Amin took a running catch. Masakadza, like he did in the second ODI, showed a lot of promise with a couple of jaw-dropping boundaries off the seamers. Using the crease, he effortlessly lofted Junaid Khan over his head and the following ball pulled a six over deep square leg. Seeing Mazakadza’s confidence against pace, Misbah brought on Abdur Rehman’s spin the next over and he had immediate success, beating Masakadza in both flight and turn, and having him stumped. Zimbabwe struggled to get back the momentum gained

via the Masakadza-Taylor stand. Taylor had his moments where he swept the spinners and found the gaps, and had it not been for the calling, Zimbabwe would have had a mainstay at the crease to put up a fight. Sikandar Raza dropped the ball towards cover and set off, hesitated on seeing Misbah attack the ball but carried on. Taylor was struggling amid the confusion and was dismissed via a direct hit. Misbah was in action once again when he underarmed the ball to the keeper Sarfraz who broke the bails before Williams - who was ballwatching - could make his ground. It was a close call but nevertheless, a single that should never have been attempted. It was a period in which Zimbabwe lost four wickets for 21 runs and by the halfway mark, lost six. Malcolm Waller, the only specialist batsman around, played the lone hand with 48 as Pakistan wrapped it up with ten overs to spare. Scores: Pakistan 260 for 6 (Misbah 67, Shehzad 54, Chatara 3-48) beat Zimbabwe 152 (Waller 48, Ajmal 2-15, Rehman 2-23) by 108 runs.

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It’s 2013 but GCB lags Could Leon Johnson way behind the time join illustrious company Even as Trinidad beat Guyana in T20 opener By Sean Devers It’s the year 2013, but from what transpired at the Guyana National Stadium last Friday night one g e t s t h e impression that the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is lagging way behind the cricketing World when it comes to organizing matches involving International players and providing a high-standard event for the paying public. One would have thought that mere weeks after Guyana magnificently hosted the Limacol CPL the GCB would have learnt something from that splendid event. Two matches involving Guyana and Trinidad &Tobago were promoted for the weekend. Two supporting matches, which also included Suriname, was also promoted on TV by the GCB in what was supposed to be an exhilarating spectacle, expected to attract a near capacity crowd. However, even before ball was bowled in the first match the GCB showed their incompetence (or maybe it is a total disregard for the public and media) by sending no press updates on changes to teams, starting time, location of ticket sales and several other bits of important information like Albion replacing the

Berbice Titans to face DCC on Friday. Last night’s game was switched from 20:00hrs to 19:00hrs but no official GCB release was done informing the public of this. Things got worse on match day when I waited for over 30 minutes for someone to unlock the door to the Media Centre before realizing that the afternoon match had already commenced. When I enquired why the Media Centre was not opened I was told that arrangements were only made for the state-owned NCN Radio team. When I plugged the internet line into my computer I was told that the ‘net’ was not activated. In addition, there was no scorer for the Media as is usually the case for a game of this magnitude. Spectators in the Party Stand could not know what was happening on the field since the Western Scoreboard was not working and the GCB did not hire an announcer to tell the spectators in the ground the score and who was batting and bowling. I was one of the journalists who would be the first to compromise because of my duty to the readers and listeners (when I was on Radio) and my almost obsessive love for cricket. But it is funny what a year off from the job due to a Brain

Correction

In yesterday’s (August 31) edition, back page story, we inadvertently mentioned that former President Vishok Persaud was the president of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC). However, Mr. Johnny Carpenter is in fact the President of the GMR&SC. We apologise for this blunder.

Surgery can do to the way I now look at life. I still love my job but no longer will I get stressed out or worry when people don’t do their j o b i n a professional manner. My life and those I love are far too important for that. I will continue to humbly offer constructive criticism and hope the powers that be see the need to improve standards for the betterment of cricket, but I will no longer be consumed with the burdens of stress due the cricket, although I will also continue to do my job without fear or favour. Meanwhile, Albion and T&T’s Red Force registered victories in Friday’s action in the GCB T20 Show down at Providence. In the main attraction which was played between T&T and Guyana from 20:00hrs the hosts restricted the visitors to 134-7 before reaching 122 to lose by 12 runs. Lendl Simmons led the way with 34 for T&T, while 17-year-old Nicholas Pooran (33) and Evin Lewis (26) offered support. Bowling for the home leftarm pacer Krishmar Santokie had 2-28 and Veerasammy Permaul 2-20. When Guyana batted the left-handed Leon Johnson top scored with 41 and Chris Barnwell made 22. Man-of the-Match Rayad Emrit captured 3-10 and Samuel Badree 2-14. In the supporting game, Albion made 160-7 with Jonathan Foo’s explosive 59 and Sewnarine Chattergoon’s 39 leading the way. DCC were all out for 102 in 19.3 overs.

Statistician Charwayne Walker as usual provides thought provoking questions and today he enquires about Leon Johnson, who is due to tour with the West Indies ‘A’ Team shortly. When the GCC Flambouyant left hander Leon L. J. Johnson arrives in India with the West Indies (A) team the only word on his mind will be (consistency). The former West Indies under-19 Captain is on a Mission. Johnson will join several compatriots who toured with the West Indies (A) or (B) team but failed to win a test Cap. The former St. Rose’s standout was not born when Club mate Timur Mohamed toured Zimbabwe with the West Indies (B) team in 1981. Strange enough that was the first (A) or (B) team tour. Johnson, who is the only Guyanese with a double century at the Regional under-19 level, is cognisant of his fellow Guyanese who toured with the West Indies (A) or (B) teams but failed to gain a Test Cap.

- looking to go beyond A Team tour tag

Leon Johnson The Guyanese who toured for WI second string teams are: Timur Mohamed GCC West Indies (B) to Zimbabwe 1981 Timur Mohamed GCC West Indies (B) to Zimbabwe 1983 Deryck Kallicharran Everest West Indies (B) to Zimbabwe to Zimbabwe 1983 Leslain Lambert GDF West Indies (B) to Zimbabwe 1983

Andrew Lyght DCC (deceased) West Indies (B) to Zimbabwe 1983 Andrew Jackman GCC West Indies (B) to Zimbabwe 1986 Sudesh Dhaniram Port Mourant West Indies (B) to Zimbabwe 1989 Lynden Joseph DCC West Indies (B) to Zimbabwe 1989 Andre Percival Port Mourant West Indies (A) to Canada 1994 Keith Semple DCC West Indies A to India and Bangladesh 1998 Leon Johnson GCC West Indies (A) to India 2013 So the million dollar question being asked by cricket fans is whether L.J will remain on the list mentioned above or will he become St. Rose’s first test cricketer, only time will tell. The last time the West Indies (A) toured India was 1998 and GCC was represented by Ramnaresh Sarwan, Neil McGarrell and Reon King and all three went on to play Test Cricket after that tour. (Charwayne Walker)

Two capable teams; two million... From page 73 over Western Tigers Wednesday evening last, his skill and dexterity contributed in large part to his team’s success. Devon Millington is another dangerous striker that could upset Alpha’s plans but one suspects that ‘The Hammers,’ being cognizant of his ability, will place him under the spotlight for special attention. Western Tigers employed similar strategies but the ploy backfired after a void was created in several crucial areas. Dangerous players, the likes of Jason McAulay, Tichard Joseph and Jacobs were left virtually unmarked to press home the advantage. It would be interesting to see how Alpha will employ their strategy to shut down the quintessential Millington while controlling the movements of the other key players. Alpha is also laden with stars the likes of Dwight Peters, Anthony ‘Awo’Abrams and the two Quincys, Adams and Madramootoo, Kelvin McKenzie and Chris Camacho, all competent players with the skill and determination to take their team to victory. The team has shown the ability to work as a unit with deft passes coupled with a strong defensive line up. The goalkeeper is an important player and is oft times the man to make the difference in closely contested matches that require penalty kicks to determine the winners. While Alpha boasts

the services of Richie Richards who has been tried and tested, Slingerz depends on the skills of 16 years old, Simon Emmanuel. Indeed, the youngster proved his worth in the match against the Western Tigers when he averted many pinpoint offerings to support his colleagues’ victory. Then there are Verlon Mills in the midfield, supported by strikers Devon Millington and Jason McAulay. Indeed, a scorching encounter is on the cards. The two coaches will be shouting orders from touch, interchanging their players while strategizing during intermission. It will be the wits of Charles ‘Lily; Pollard against the experience and cunning of Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover. Those in the know would have already predicted the winner but the die-hard football fan will be extremely cautious at premature speculations. With two teams laden with stars all determined to cart off the 2 million dollars first prize, predictions might just be rendered meaningless and it would just boil down to the team that wants it bad enough. This is a ‘don’t you dare miss it’ affair that has all the trimmings of a world title clash. The women’s title will also be decided when Georgetown clash with Bartica in the opening match. Both teams have won their preliminary encounters in convincing fash-

ion with Bartica defeating their West Coast counterparts 4-0 compliments of a double strike from Olivia O’Selmo with support from Kerry Thomas and Candida Ambrose. These three players will be out to replicate that feat, but will need to remember the clinical 9-0 demolition of Georgetown against Berbice where the spoils were shared among Althea Holligan, Kendra Thomas, Andrea Lashley, Nashana Costello and Collette Hope. Should these lasses retain their form then one could anticipate a tactical and bruising affair. The winners take home $250,000. Meanwhile, Berbice defeated West Demerara on penalty kicks to take the third place Friday evening last. The match ended at a 1-1 stalemate in regulation and extra time after Abioce Heywood (14) scored for the former team and Sasha Loo (18) for West Demerara. The separation occurred during penalty when Berbice triumphed 4-3. The third place playoff between Western Tigers and Camptown in the men’s competition ended in a 2-0 win for the former team. Solomon Austin (24th) and Hubert Pedro (27th) were the players on target for the winners. The victory was sweet for Western Tigers whose last victory over their nemesis occurred some five years ago.

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Young American legacy of Williams sisters emerges NEW YORK (Reuters) The legacy of the championship years of the Williams sisters is beginning to emerge, with 10 American women now ranked in the top 100 and members of the younger set beginning to knock on the door of grand slam success. Tennis great Chris Evert sees major hardware within reach, while U.S. Tennis Association chief of player development Patrick McEnroe and U.S. Fed Cup captain Mary Joe Fernandez agree that U.S. women’s tennis is once again very much on the rise. On Friday, 20-year-old Sloane Stephens beat Jamie Hampton in a third-round U.S. Open clash between Fed Cup team mates that put a spotlight on American talent bursting to prominence. “The ceiling is high. This is a great group, starting with Sloane, who has had the most success,” McEnroe, the former U.S. Davis Cup captain, told Reuters at Flushing Meadows. Stephens won international attention this year with a quarter-final upset of Serena at the Australia Open and followed that with a run to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. Earlier this week, 17-yearold Victoria Duval shocked 2011 U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur in a firstround upset, while the likes of Madison Keys and Sachia Vickery are also showing promise. “What I’m really pleased about is not only do we have girls right behind Sloane like Keys and Sachia and Vickie Duval, but we have girls behind them,” said McEnroe. Evert, who like McEnroe and Fernandez is part of the ESPN broadcast team at the year’s final grand slam, called the group “very promising”. “It is very encouraging to American tennis,” she told Reuters. “This generation is emerging. In two years time we can see four or five young Americans in the top 20.” Evert, who won 18 grand slam singles titles, did not stop there, predicting major success around the corner. “I think Sloane can win a major in a few years. I think Madison Keys could win a major,” she added. “It’s not like, ‘oh they’re nice players, they can make the top 20'. These young players have weapons. They are winning points, not waiting to lose points from the veterans. They are being aggressive, which I like.” PACK LEADER Fernandez, the U.S. Fed Cup captain, also ranked Stephens as the leader of the

Sachia Vickery pack - for now. “She’s shown how tough she is under pressure, especially at the majors,” Fernandez told Reuters. “She beat Serena and Maria (Sharapova) this year. She’s got the complete package. “She’s got the speed, got the power. She comes forward well, when she wants to. She still has a lot of room to improve.” Fernandez cautioned about short-changing 18year-old Keys. “Madison Keys seems to have a ton of potential because she’s powerful, has a huge serve, really belts the ball from the ground. She needs to get quicker.” McEnroe said the sheer number of emerging talents was what gave him such optimism for the future. “I don’t know if you can create a grand slam champion, but if you get the numbers then you have that group effect and you have a better chance that the extraordinary ones will get to the top,” he said. All three agreed that the current rise of U.S. women was tied to the impact made by Serena and Venus Williams, who have won a total of 23 grand slam singles titles between them. “Seeing them dominating and the great lives they are having and the champions that they are, that inspires them to develop their game even more,” said Evert, pointing to the African American girls among the crop like Stephens, Keys, Duval, Taylor Townsend and Sachia Vickery. “And it’s not just African Americans. The influence is starting to show.” McEnroe said there was no doubting the influence of the Williams sisters. “We see a lot more diversity in girls’ tennis than in boys. We need to work on that on the men’s side,” he

said. “Absolutely seeing that this generation has been inspired by them.” The Williams sisters followed a chain of U.S. champions stretching from Evert to naturalized Americans Martina Navratilova and Monica Seles. But the possible successors to 31-year-old Serena and 33-year-old Venus have only just recently emerged. NEW CROP The last American women not named Williams to enjoy success at the four grand slam tournaments respectively were Lindsay Davenport

(1998 U.S. Open and 1999 Wimbledon) and Jennifer Capriati (2001 French Open and 2002 Australian Open). This new crop of talent grew up watching the Williams sisters. Serena won her first slam at the 1999 U.S. Open and Venus followed the next year at Wimbledon. “They’ve been great role models on many levels,” said Fernandez. “We’re finally getting to see the young ones who looked up to them 10, 15 years ago making a move now.” Fernandez said the Williams sisters have been mentoring some of the

Sloane Stephens of the U.S. reacts after hitting a ball into the crowd after her win over compatriot Jamie Hampton at the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York August 30, 2013. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz youngsters. “I’ve had Venus and Serena on a few teams now,” she said. “They offer advice, they ask questions, they practice with the girls.” Venus Williams, after losing her second-round match, was asked about the up-and-coming U.S. girls. “I think that is definitely something that makes me happy, to see young people doing positive things with

their life,” she said. “I love seeing young girls come through. “Tennis has done so much for me and my life and my family. What I do on the court has been able to touch a lot of people. “It makes me motivated to do more, and also makes me happy that a whole new set of people and demographics all over the world are being introduced to this game.”

Hailed as resounding success by Mohamed; Eastman wins Juvenile...

From page 70 ‘Steely’ Newton the third to sixth placed finishers. The chasing pack had connected on lap 18, but mere seconds after they did, Greaves and Jeffrey separated themselves and were never

caught. Persaud was not able to complete the race due to an accident. Junior Niles was once again triumphant in the veteran’s 5-lap Under50 year’s race which he won in 12 Minutes 32.68 Seconds; Maurice Fagundes was the lone Over-60 competitor.

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Sunday September 01, 2013

Noise no problem as Andy Murray reaches third round

NEW YORK (Reuters) Andy Murray entered the U.S. Open determined to enjoy every moment but there were times in his secondround triumph over Leonardo Mayer on Friday when all the old frustrations, aggravations and self-admonishment returned. The defending champion dropped a set but still lodged a 7-5 6-1 3-6 6-1 victory over the Argentine slugger, finishing strongly in a typically electrifying atmosphere at a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium. Britain’s number three seed has become such a drawcard at Flushing Meadows that the queue for his clash stretched hundreds of meters back to Arthur Ashe Stadium. Mayer’s aggression paid dividends in the third set before Murray knuckled down in a blistering fourth set to close out the win in two hours and 41 minutes. “I was a bit frustrated at points in the match because I was doing quite a lot of the running,” Murray said. “I wasn’t getting much depth on my returns. I served a low percentage today. You don’t feel like you’re dictating the match. It can be frustrating,

Andy Murray of Britain celebrates a point against Leonardo Mayer of Argentina at the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York, August 30, 2013. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine but I finished the match well. “I played well when I needed to. That’s a good sign. I want to keep improving as the tournament goes on. You don’t want to play your best right at the beginning.” Murray’s first serve was poor. He landed a mere 57 per cent of his first deliveries but his renowned fitness and defensive capabilities kept Mayer at bay in an arena that descended into organized chaos at times. Spectators were late to their seats and

called out between points on a court that has been home to numerous close struggles for Murray in recent years. “It’s a court I haven’t played my best tennis on, that’s for sure,” he said. “I’ve had some tough matches there in the past, and today was the same. “But I’m happy to play on any court. It doesn’t really make a huge, huge difference. We got a great crowd out there. “It was a really good atmosphere from pretty much

the first point through to the last. Whether or not I play well on that court, it’s always a really good atmosphere.” Frenetic crowd activity is a hallmark of the U.S. Open and Murray said he would never complain about the noise of the fans because he reveled in the different atmospheres at the four major championships. “At this tournament, on all of the big courts, it’s very different to Wimbledon, for example,” he said. “It’s something you need to enjoy about the tournament. It’s quite loud. There’s always noise during the points. There’s a constant kind of murmur you hear whereas at Wimbledon, it’s pretty much silence. “It’s a different atmosphere, and one that I enjoyed when I came here the first time as a kid, playing the juniors. “You just have to get used to it each time you come back. All of the slams have very, very different atmospheres.” His next match will be against another Mayer, Germany’s unconventional Florian. They have met twice, on European clay, and Murray has prevailed on both occasions.

British Grand Prix: Marc Marquez pips Jorge Lorenzo for pole BBC Sport - Marc Marquez continued his recent domination of the MotoGP world championship by snatching pole position for the British Grand Prix. His fellow Spaniard, defending champion Jorge Lorenzo, appeared to have taken top spot after smashing the Silverstone lap record aboard his factory Yamaha. But Marquez then found even m o r e s p e e d i n a stunning lap on his Repsol Honda to take his fifth pole of the season. Briton Cal Crutchlow, who crashed twice in Saturday practice, took third place. Germany’s Stefan Bradl w a s f o u r t h , M a r q u e z ’s team-mate Dani Pedrosa fifth and multiple world champion Valentino Rossi sixth. In his debut season, 20year-old Marquez has won the last four races and is 26 points clear at the top of the standings. He will be odds-on favourite to make it five out of five on Sunday after edging Lorenzo in a frenetic session.

Marc Marquez

Lorenzo, 26, took half a second off the previous lap record in his first lap of the final session, only for Marquez to immediately better it. Lorenzo then lowered his mark again to dip under the two minutes and one second barrier, but again Marquez responded, clocking 2:00.691. Lorenzo said: “I thought I had pole position. I am disappointed because it was

one of the best laps of my career and it was not enough. “But it is a long race on Sunday and I hope to fight for victory.” Crutchlow’s front-row start looked unlikely when he crashed heavily at his home race for the third year in a row in Saturday’s morning practice. But he recovered to take third with a late, fast lap. His team-mate Bradley Smith will

start the race in 10th spot, while Northern Ireland’s Michael Laverty is in 19th place. In the Moto2 class, Britain’s championship leader Scott Redding - who this week signed a deal to move up to MotoGP from next season qualified second for Sunday’s race behind Takaaki Nakagami. And in the Moto3 class, Maverick Vinales was fastest.

37th NSC Teach Them Young Coaching Programme

Hailed as resounding success by Mohamed; Eastman wins Juvenile, Greaves takes feature

Greaves receives the winning trophy and prize from NSC Official Arnold Sookraj. By Franklin Wilson The 37th annual National Sports Commission sponsored Teach Them Young Cycling Coaching Programme officially ended yesterday with the staging of an 11-Race Meet at the National Park where the programme started in 1977. This year’s programme has been hailed as a resounding success by National Coach Hassan Mohamed MS who has been associated with it from its inception. Mohamed in brief remarks before the presentation stated that the 67 registered riders was the largest field ever in the history of the programme, which has been the foundation of Guyana’s cycling. On the track the eager riders give it their all on a sunny day. Emerging as the top rider among the juveniles was Hamza Eastman who won the 10-lap contest in 22 Minutes 55.53 Seconds. Shaquille Agard and Mario

King closed out the top three positions in that order. The feature race of the day which attracted as usual, the cream of the crop in Guyana, 22 in number, saw Alonzo Greaves, arguably the best sprinter in Guyana, taking the top podium spot in One Hour 17 Minutes 12.79 Seconds from Raynauth Jeffrey in a two way battle. The pace of the race in the first ten laps and the reaction by the majority of riders suggested that something special was in the making. As it turned out, by lap 13, twelve (12) of the riders were lapped by Greaves, Jeffrey, Robin Persaud and Shaquille Agard, the quartet had established a commanding lead and at one point looked like they were going to emulate that achievement with the chasing pack. Averting being lapped were Warren ‘Forty’ Mc Kay, Hamza Eastman, Alex Mendes and Raymond (Continued on page 69)

Former national footballer Barton passes Former national Footballer Albert Barton passed away Monday last at the age of 81 in Georgetown after returning home on vacation from Canada where he resided. Barton who lived at Bent Street in Georgetown before migrating to North America and was referred to as T’berts in his playing days, represented Guyana in the late 50s and early 60s as a right centre back. He also played for Victoria FC, YMCA FC and Juicy FC and was employed at John Fernandes Ltd. Kaieteur Sport joins the football fraternity in extending condolences to the relatives and friends of Albert ‘T’berts’ Barton.

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday September 01, 2013

Sunday September 01, 2013

Kaieteur News

Slingerz / Women’s Football Goal for Gold C/ships

Two capable teams; two million dollars; just one championship; who will cart off the spoils?

Devon Millington

Collette Hope

Andrea Lashley

By Michael Benjamin Two weeks of pulsating action will come to a delectable climax as Slingerz FC and Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United go head to head for championship honours when the curtains come down on the Slingerz Football Club/National Association of Women’s Football Goal for Gold football championships at

the Georgetown Football Club Ground tonight. Indeed, the two teams have distinguished themselves as the best of the lot but, unfortunately, only one will cart off the spoils coupled with bragging rights. Both units have swept aside their respective foes in the run up to tonight’s encounter and while football buffs are touting ‘The

Hammers’ as the best side locally, that team will be wary of the grit and determination displayed by its foes in the earlier matches. Captain of the Slingerz FC, Dwayne Jacobs, is a hard worker and marshals the left flank and though he did not contribute to his team’s 3-2 victory (Continued on page 68)

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t r o Sp 37th NSC Teach Them Young Coaching Programme

Hailed as resounding success by Mohamed; Eastman wins Juvenile, Greaves takes feature

It’s 2013 but GCB lags way behind the time Even as Trinidad beat Guyana in T20 opener Brian Sattaur hits out

Man of the match Rayad Emrit in action

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