Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

Of drugs and money The lure of money is so great that people would ignore all odds. So great is the pull that people even risk death and many have died. At issue here is cocaine, the drug that has not only destroyed homes but has destroyed so many people that a country like Malaysia kill those who insist on drug trafficking. This is widely known but there must be something in the drug trade that would make people ignore the threat of death to smuggle drugs into that country. Guyana up until the 1970s was relatively drug free. There were the alcoholics and the tobacco smokers but the authorities considered these tolerable drugs. In any case, they were legal. Marijuana had been in Guyana from as far back as the days of indentureship. Back then people grew it for medicinal use and some even for recreational use. Those were the days when people even planted their own tobacco. The drug culture as we know it today developed at the same time some Guyanese embraced the Rastafari culture. Marijuana became the drug of choice. Its advent into Guyana was almost unnoticed but then people started to notice its potential for providing immense wealth. But even then the authorities were not unusually worried. In fact, arrests for marijuana were more for the purpose of entertainment. The people who smoked the drug were easily identifiable; they were bedraggled with knotted hair. Then came cocaine and the drug scene has changed irrevocably. The users were not the unkempt people associated with marijuana; they were the white collar people, the cream of the society and those who simply wanted an escape, no matter how brief, from the rigours of life. Before long, many had become addicted and there were others who recognized the potential to become filthy rich. While Guyana grows marijuana in extremely large quantities, it does not make cocaine. It does not even cultivate cocoa. The drug dealers in neighbouring South American countries were quick to spot the importance of Guyana as a transshipment point. Before long, cocaine was passing through Guyana by the tonnes. With the enterprising South American came the greedy Guyanese. For years the drug trade flourished because North America was not unduly worried about a few coke heads. When the gravity of the situation dawned there came a radical shift in the focus on cocaine coming out of Guyana. But by then cocaine trafficking in Guyana had become an enterprise which now seems indestructible. Traffickers recruit people from all over the world to come to Guyana to move cocaine. At the same time people develop ingenious means. We have had cocaine in stomachs and in any orifice in which drug could be hidden. People have attempted to smuggle drugs in just about every available container and object. Recently European authorities discovered cocaine in scrap iron. But some had tried to smuggle cocaine in molasses, in bottles of alcohol, in powdered milk, condiments and even seafood. With so many drug busts one would expect that drug smuggling would grind to a halt. Instead, far from it. Each day a new courier attempts to beat the system using one of the means that had been tried before. They are crowding the jails both at home and abroad. Guyanese women account for twelve per cent of the women in South African jails. One school of thought is that if young people are gainfully employed then there would be no need to smuggle drugs. The truth is something else. The money offered seems too much to let pass by. Some very academically qualified young people got caught in the trade. At the same time, many of the young drug mules are those who slipped through the cracks in the school system. There is no rehabilitation of drug mules. The addicts are ignored, discarded as the dregs of the society. At the other end of the spectrum are the gunmen who kill those that either hinder or disrupt the flow of drugs and consequently the money from the trade. There is no solution to the local drug problem.

Thursday September 17, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

Jagdeo is undermining the unity talks DEAR EDITOR, A week ago, the Granger/ Nagamootoo coalition government extended an invitation to the PPP to discuss unity and the formation of a national unity government. But before the statement was even finished, the Leader of the Opposition Bharat Jagdeo scoffed at the invitation and has given the most dishonest reason not to attend the talks. Jagdeo was quoted in the press as saying that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo does not have the authority to make such a proposal. How does he knows that? This is sheer political nonsense? The truth is, Jagdeo does not want unity among the people for three reasons. One, he is afraid that he will not be able to use the race card in the next election to tell East Indians that Afro-Guyanese cannot be trusted. Using race-bait politics is Jagdeo’s only message in any political campaign. Two, Jagdeo strongly believes that he and the PPP can defeat the APNU+AFC coalition in the next election. And three, he and his PPP colleagues also believe that they are omniscient and were ordained by the Creator to rule over the people of Guyana. Even a cynic would know that Moses Nagamootoo is the Prime Minister of all the people of Guyana and

has the unanimous support of President Granger and the full Cabinet to spearhead the unity talks. Those who know Moses Nagamootoo should also know that he is one of Guyana’s most patriotic sons and will speak with the devil if needs be to unite the two major ethnic groups-Afroand Indo-Guyanese. That is his passion, his sacred and patriotic duty and his raison-d’etre. This is what Moses Nagamootoo has lived for all his life. He will not settle for anything less. He is the leader among leaders. Those who have ears to hear, let them hear. As a former President and now Leader of the Opposition, Jagdeo’s infantile behavior speaks to his immaturity. And for him to use Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo as a scapegoat not to be involved in the unity talks shows his deep-rooted hatred for his opponents. Jagdeo is only interested in political power at all cost and will do everything to undermine all efforts by the government to improve the rotten image of the country, be it unity talks, a national front government or policies to develop the economy, improve the wellbeing of the people and move Guyana forward. He gloats whenever there are misunderstandings between the APNU and the AFC and criticizes the slightest mistake made by the

government.This over 50 year old man’s mind is contaminated and needs urgent cleansing. The APNU+AFC coalition should not abandon the unity talks; but must explore all possibilities to heal the nation. It is imperative because for too long the races have been divided. The coalition government should ignore or move past Jagdeo and invite the other leaders of the PPP to the talks. Jagdeo alone is not the PPP and the PPP is not Jagdeo either. So allowing Jagdeo alone to hold talks with President Granger in his office was a terrible mistake on the part of the President and the entire government. It should not have happened for the simple fact the government ought to know that Jagdeo wants to be seen as being relevant and he will seek every opportunity to make himself important. Therefore, the government should invite not only him but the other leaders of the PPP so as to take away the spotlight from Jagdeo and thus make him less relevant and less important. It is wise for the government to know the true character of the man it is dealing with, but it would also be unwise if they know and still give him that notoriety. Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh

Only autocratic and dictatorial rulers shun objective criticisms but befriend “yes-men” DEAR EDITOR, In 2006, then President Bush hired Tony Snow as his Press Secretary. Snow was an objective critic of Bush’s administration. When the President was asked why he would bring into his fold a known detractor, who publically criticized some of his policies, Bush gave two memorable remarks. He said, “I asked him (Tony) about those comments and he said, ‘you should have heard what I said about the other guy’.” And, “I like his perspective, I like the perspective he brings to the job and I think you’re going to like it too.” Bush was willing to work with those who were objectively critical of his policies. It is becoming more and more obvious that the last administration in Guyana allowed for no one in its fold with such qualities. Or if indeed they had, they did not make use of them.

The Sanata Textile Mills, the Marriot, the Berbice Bridge, the Amalia Falls, the Airport Expansion, the sole sourcing of drugs, the Specialty Hospital, the none Blacks as Ambassadors, etc., all suggest that there were no critical objective voices in the previous administration to guide them to more patriotic and transparent ways of investing the public’s money and engaging the citizenry. Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, Vice President Ramjattan and Prime Minister Nagamootoo all said they tried to be that critical objective voice and they claimed to have been sidelined and forced out. More recently, Mr. Urling said that he too observed the stifling of that objective thinking within their fold. Only autocratic and dictatorial rulers shun objective criticisms but befriend

“yes-men” and group-thinking cronies. Editor, I am not highlighting the matter with President Bush or that of the previous administration flippantly. I am making an appeal to the embryonic, current administration. Take note. Bush won his second term even with a badly damaged economy and a tumultuous Iraq War because it is believed he was prepared to bring into his bosom critical objectors of his policies. The PPP lost the Government because it is believed they alienated and ostracized such thinkers, which led to behaviours inimical to the total development of the country. It behooves this new administration to pay attention to the two stark realities and to determine which one will be its legacy. Pastor W. P. Jeffrey Practical Christianity Ministries

Reforms fail because real emphasis is placed on organizational change and individuals are left untouched DEAR EDITOR, Gone are the days when a policeman can rely on physical brawn to maintain the peace, and his political connections to keep the job. The days of handing a policeman a gun and a badge and put him on a beat are long gone. He needs to be trained and given the necessary tools to cope with the challenges of change. Sewell (2000) notes,”According to some futurists, changes in society occur in several major areas, directly affecting

law enforcement. These include changes in society itself, in technology, in the economy and the environment, as well as political changes.” This may be applicable to the Guyana Police Force. An attempt is being made to reform the GPF. It is all about change. Change involves alteration of attitudes and work behaviour as individuals, as team members and as members of the department. Change can occur in one or

two ways - changing individuals or organization structure, its goals and objectives. Most times reforms fail because real emphasis is placed on organizational change while the individuals are left untouched. This process concentrates on the agents of change while the victims of change are neglected. They are not given the tools to cope with the change. The people skills to enable them to (Continued on page 23)

Thursday September 17, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

PPP should support legislation TO EMPOWER LOCAL ORGANS DEAR EDITOR, Local Government Elections are some 21 years overdue and must be held at the earliest. However, before elections are held, both the APNU-AFC combined and the PPP must fulfill their manifesto promise to empower the local bodies. They committed to decentralizing power away from Georgetown and to the local organs. That promise must be fulfilled. Power belongs to the people and through the local bodies the people are in the best position to exercise power. The Central Government is “more distant” from the people than the local bodies which are in a better position to address the direct needs of the people bodies. Thus, the people through the local organs should be directly responsible for their own affairs and be entrusted with power over most community (local security, education, culture, etc.) and domestic affairs within their respective jurisdictions

(NDCs). The national government should be in charge over national (defense, emergency) and international affairs. In this way, people will exercise a greater interest in the governance of the country as is the case in the US, Canada, England, Australia, etc. Dr. Jagan had committed to shifting power from the Central Government to the Local Governments. But because of his untimely death, his commitment was not executed and his successors have not pursued his dreams to empower the people. Instead, they sought to further centralize power for their own self-interests. The PPP leadership should pressure the ruling coalition to enact legislation to transfer power to the local bodies – give them power to run their own community affairs (with their own budgets and power to tax, police, etc.) as happens in the US, Canada, India, England, etc. Countries that empower

their population through decentralization of power have made enormous progress and experience development. Peoples’ lives are transformed through local empowerment. Globally, Central Governments are not trusted and they tend to abuse their power. A Central Government with limited power is best for any nation. That should be the goal for Guyana. And the people have expressed such an interest over the last several decades, but politicians are unwilling to empower the people. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo served briefly as Local Government Minister after his law studies, and as such, is familiar with the issues confronting the Ministry as well as people’s needs. He should lead the charge to reform Local Government, giving powers to the people to manage their own affairs (with their own budget) through local organs. The PPP should support such legislation. Vishnu Bisram

Let the Local Gov’t. Elections season begin immediately after Christmas DEAR EDITOR, An Editorial of September 16th, 2015 claimed that the “newly elected APNU/AFC Government appears to be in a rush to hold Local Government Elections (LGE) this year come hell or high water”. I am glad they got one thing straight; the APNU/ AFC Government is not a defacto Government as the PPP General Secretary thinks, but an ELECTED ONE. But to the substance of the misguided point they made – after 18 years, don’t they think all of Guyana deserves LGE “come hell or high water?” Even if the laws are flawed, as they claimed (and I do not believe them), GECOM is the authority on the subject matter. It is

GECOM to pronounce on the issue and they have made their positions clear on the law and the timelines. So how dare the Editor of that newspaper to want to jeopardize democracy and dictate otherwise. As a newspaper, they have a patriotic duty to help all Guyanese to draw on these democratic dividends – LGE. It is time they help all Guyanese bury the Local Governments that died in 1997, once and for all. From all practical indications, there will be no LGE in 2015, because GECOM said so and I think it is their job to know the system. The Minister has a political duty to deliver on his political promises and for that

I commend him for pushing so hard. However on this one he will have to defer to GECOM. A three months deferral sounds reasonable to me as declared by GECOM. So let the elections season begin immediately after Christmas – “in-shal-lah”. These elections deserve the support of all media houses and anything else will expose their covert political axes. For me personally, I will be watching the outcome from these NDCs in Central Corentyne closely – WhimBloomfield, John-Port Mourant and HampshireKilcoy since they have much relevance for General Elections in 2020. Sase Singh

National consultation is not a privilege; it is a requirement of democracy DEAR EDITOR, The act by the government to establish a Ministry of Social Cohesion gives the impression this administration is prepared to advance universal charters, conventions and laws and put programmes in place to make meaningful this concept which strives for greater inclusiveness, more civic participation and creating opportunities for upward mobility. Social Cohesion as seen by the United Nations “is the glue that holds society together.” Its analysis, seen through three values speaks to: (i) social inclusion; (ii)social capital; and (iii) social mobility. I) Social inclusion is the degree to which all citizens can participate on equal footing in the economic, social and political life, including whether people are protected in times of need. Outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution, Guyanese are called on to “Celebrate our cultural and racial diversity and strengthen our unity by eliminating any and every form of discrimination.” In recognition of these diverse strains that weave the fabric of the nation and make us who we are, the citizens/ workers’ interests would be served when there is respect for and strengthening of Article 13 (inclusionary democracy); Article 38 (duty of trade union to develop economy); Article 147 (freedom of association and right to collective bargaining); Article 149 (protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, etc); and Article 149C (non-hindrance of the trade union in the management and decision-making processes of

the State). Social inclusion requires every group the opportunity to participate and be recognised as an integral part in decision-making on matters that affect the interests of members of the group. As international institutions (e.g. IDB, World Bank, UN) acknowledge the relevance of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Core Labour Standards in pursuing development, hence the importance of a specialised Ministry/ Secretary of Labour, observable in other developed and developing countries to effectively deal with, manage and address in a comprehensive manner, diverse issues relating to Labour, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) desires to see same in Guyana. The government’s position that Social Protection includes Labour, misses the strategic importance of Labour not as a core competence of Social Protection, but as the umbrella of the ILO’s four strategic objectives, namely: “promote and realise standards and fundamental principles and rights at work; create greater opportunities for women and men to decent employment and income; enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all; strengthen tripartism and social dialogue”. Guyana as a member of the ILO family and the nation’s Decent Work Agenda Programme shaped off the influence of the ILO objectives, the importance of Labour warrants separate focus and ministerial oversight. It is therefore expected that as this government settles in this is

an area that requires urgent review. II) Social capital pays attention to the trust between people and in institutions and the sense of belonging to a society. The GTUC is convinced more can be done to realise this stated objective as we harness the potential of our resources. In its participation at the two-day Social Cohesion Conference (3rd4th September), via President Leslie Gonsalves, GTUC submitted its Labour’s Platform for Guyana, which addresses three areas of competency, viz: (1) Program for an Economic Model of Sustainable Development, Decent jobs and full Employment; (2) Democracy and Governance with a gender perspective; and (3) Program for Social and Labour Rights. III) Social Mobility looks at equality of opportunity to get ahead and factors in migration, gender, fair tax system, and data management. As such examination of migration would give recognition that the issue, while having a strong pull factor, also has a strong push factor. Migration pull continues where people are not only going to join family but also seeking better opportunities. Exodus of university graduates and skilled professionals as a result of (Continued on page 23)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday September 17, 2015

Drug use higher in private schools By Desilon Daniels A survey taking a look into drug use in secondary schools in Guyana was launched yesterday. In light of its findings the need to craft national policies to curb drug use in teenagers was identified as a key approach. The Guyana Secondary School Drug Prevalence Survey Project was conducted by the Ministry of Public Security (formerly the Ministry of Home Affairs) with sponsorship from the Organization of American States (OAS) and the InterAmerican Drug Abuse Control Commission. Technical support was provided by the Inter American Drug Abuse Control Commission. This project, which takes a look into the prevalence of licit and illicit drugs in secondary schools in Guyana, was officially launched yesterday, more than two years after nationwide evaluation. The latest evaluation of secondary school students in Guyana was conducted in May and June 2013. During the launching ceremony at the Cara Lodge Hotel, emphasis was on the importance of using the survey’s findings to jumpstart strategies. OAS Representative Jean Ricot Dormeus said, “I wish I could report that substance abuse is not an issue in Guyana but that is only a

wish.” Dormeus emphasised that this survey highlighted the issues facing Guyana in relation to drug use and should therefore be used to craft the right policies and strategies. He said these will go a long way in tackling the issue. United States Charge d’Affaires, Bryan Hunt, said that the survey should be used to identify the root causes of drug use in teenagers, whether it is depression, family problems, or peer pressure. He said, too, that more must be done to shift the phenomenon and urged stakeholders to use the survey to develop newer approaches to reduce drug use. The US contributed funding towards the project and Hunt outlined steps by the US Government to stem the flow of drugs in Guyana. These steps include support to enforcement agencies such as the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in an effort to tighten up their security and monitoring capabilities. While others spoke on the need to implement strategies to tackle the findings of the survey, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, outlined several proposals to do so. According to Ramjattan, the survey tells a “worrying

…as findings of schools’ drug survey are revealed (left to right) US Embassy Charge D’Affaires Bryan Hunt, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Pierre Giroux, OAS Representative Jean Dormeus, and Coordinator Task Force on Narcotic Drugs and Illicit Weapons representative Michael Atherley listen carefully to Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan’s remarks (at podium)

story” but it is a story that nonetheless needs to be told. He admitted that he felt disheartened by the findings. “We need to do more,” he stressed. He further said that while a final strategy was yet to be worked out, a general approach is understood. He shared that the ultimate aim will be to reduce drug use in communities. He added shared that the approach will be “multipronged”. It will include a number of ministries and agencies that will focus on all levels of drug use— the demand, supply, treatment, and development of skilled workforce to deal with the

issue. He further said that the approach will focus on reducing the demand for drugs by creating alternative opportunities. Particularly in terms of youth, he said that activities such as sports and music must be looked at to allow young people to meaningfully occupy their time. He added that community support and positive parenting will be necessities going forward. Ramjattan expressed hope that there will be regional and international help to deal with the issue. Locally, he said, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Public Health will look towards improving their capacities to deal with drug use in young persons. In 2006, the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYANADIN), which the project falls under, was established within the Ministry of Home Affairs. FINDINGS 2013 was not the first time the survey would have been conducted; it was conducted two other times before in 2002 and 2007. The latest report is based on 28 schools in all of the administrative regions except Regions Seven and Eight. A total of 1890 questionnaires were administered resulting in 1,712 valid questionnaires. Of the valid questionnaires, 1,266 were from public schools and 446 were from private schools. The report, an 86-page document, focuses on licit drugs such as alcohol and tobacco as well as illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, and ecstasy. Among the key findings was the fact that private school students used drugs such as tobacco, marijuana and alcohol more often than public school students. The findings showed that alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana

remain the most commonly used drugs among the student population. Further, marijuana remains the most accessible illegal drug and cocaine the least accessible. The findings also showed that the first drug of choice for most students appears to be inhalants with an average age of first use of 10.8 years old. This is compared to alcohol’s first age of use which is 12 years old. Overall, students are aware of the dangers of drug use as more than 50 percent of them said that using any type of drug was detrimental to their health. Additionally, the survey indicated that students are not generally curious to try a drug even if given the opportunity to do so. More than 80 percent responded in the negative in this area. The survey further showed links between drug use and absenteeism, poor academic performance, confrontations at school, difficulties at home, and thoughts of suicide. There was also a link between drug use and sexual abuse. TRENDS There are increases in the average age of first time use for tobacco, alcohol, crack and ecstasy when compared to the results of the previous survey done in 2007. However, first time use for many drugs are being witnessed in preteens. Data shown indicated that the average age of first time use of alcohol now stands at 12.5 years from 12.2 years. The average age of first time use of tobacco moved up from 11.5 years to 11.7 years. Further, the average age of first time use for crack improved from 13.2 years to 14.5 years, and average age of first time use for ecstasy improved from13.5 years and 14.7 years. However, the average age

of first time use of marijuana declined from 13.3 years to 12.8 years, for cocaine from 13.0 years to 12.1 and for stimulants from 12.0 years to 11.7 years. These figures indicate that students are using these drugs at a younger age. In terms of prevalence of drug use, it was shown that alcohol was the mostly widely use drug, with 52.2 percent of the students reporting that they had consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime. 31.2 percent stated that they had consumed alcoholic drinks in the last 12 months while 16.0 percent said they had consumed alcoholic drinks in the last 30 days. Students from private schools showed a significantly higher lifetime prevalence rate for alcohol use than those from public schools. The lifetime prevalence rate for alcohol use by students from private schools was 61.8 percent while the lifetime prevalence rate for public schools was 51.4 percent. The data further indicated that 33.3 percent of the students who reported drinking alcohol stated that they drank alcohol at a sporting event, 22.9 percent drank at other social events, 18.1 percent drank at home, 8.2 percent at school, 4.4 percent at a friend’s home and 2.3 percent on the block. With regard to where the students got alcohol from, local shops was the most popular choice. Twenty-nine percent said they got alcohol from a shop while 26.7 percent said they got it from friends, and 10.8 percent said they got it from other relatives. The other licit drug, tobacco, was much less popular amongst Guyanese students; overall, 16.8 percent of the students reported that they had smoked cigarette at least once in their lifetime; 4.6 percent (continued on page 24)

Thursday September 17, 2015

Kaieteur News

Nigeria mulls Boko Haram prisoner amnesty for SCHOOLGIRLS’ return

Children designated ambassadors for the Chibok girls protest in the Nigerian capital Abuja, demanding the release of more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram militants (AFP Photo) Paris (AFP) - President Muhammadu Buhari told AFP Wednesday that Nigerian authorities were talking to Boko Haram prisoners in their custody and could offer them amnesty if the extremist group hands over more than 200 schoolgirls abducted last year. The Nigerian leader added that he was confident “conventional” attacks by the group would be rooted out by November but cautioned that deadly suicide attacks, some of them waged by children, were likely to continue. “The few (prisoners) we are holding, we are trying to see whether we can negotiate with them for the release of the Chibok girls,” Buhari said in an interview in Paris during a three-day visit to France. “If the Boko Haram leadership eventually agrees to turn over the Chibok girls to us - the complete number - then we may decide to give them (the prisoners) amnesty.” Boko Haram fighters stormed a school in the remote northeastern Nigerian town of Chibok on April 14 last year, seizing 276 girls who were preparing for end-of-year exams in an abduction that shocked the world. Fifty-seven escaped, but nothing has been heard of the 219 others since May last year, when about 100 of them appeared in a Boko Haram video, dressed in Muslim attire and reciting the Koran. Boko Haram leader

Abubakar Shekau has since said they have all converted to Islam and been “married off”. Buhari, who has promised to stamp out the group’s bloody six-year insurgency, said the government would not release any prisoners unless it was convinced it could “get the girls in reasonably healthy condition”. But he cautioned that negotiating with Boko Haram militants was fraught with difficulties. “We are trying to establish if they are bona fide, how useful they are in Boko Haram, have they reached a position of leadership where their absence is of relevance to the operation of Boko Haram?” he said. The insurgency, which has claimed more than 15,000 lives and forced 1.5 million others out of their homes, has intensified since Buhari came to power on May 29 on the back of a historic election win. While the extremist group has lost territory it once controlled in northeastern Nigeria, the group has nevertheless stepped up deadly ambushes in its traditional heartland and across the border in Cameroon and Chad. Suicide bombers have blown themselves up in bus stations, markets or at checkpoints, while improvised explosive devices have gone off in places like refugee camps, killing more than 1,100 people since Buhari’s inauguration, according to an AFP tally. Children have often been used as bombers.

Two polls show conflicting results ahead of Greek election Reuters - Two Greek opinion polls published yesterday differed ahead of Sunday’s national election, with one giving leftists a four percentage point lead over conservatives and the other putting the conservatives marginally ahead. The majority of surveys over the last two weeks have placed the two parties virtually neck and neck. In a ProRata poll, collated on Tuesday for the left-leaning Efimerida ton Syntakton newspaper, leftist Syriza received a 28.0 percent support rate, beating conservative New Democracy party on 24.0 percent. A second poll by the University of Macedonia for Skai TV showed New Democracy was set to win 30 percent of the vote, while Syriza would get 29.5 percent. It was only the fourth time in 22 polls this

month that New Democracy has led Syriza, and the second since Sept. 4. Both took full account of voter reactions to Monday’s final televised head-to-head debate between the parties’ leaders, ex-prime minister Alexis Tsipras of Syriza and Vangelis Meimarakis of New Democracy. The previous ProRata poll on Sept. 11 gave Syriza a lead of 5 percentage points. Yesterday’s surveys showed the far-right Golden Dawn ranking third followed by the Communist KKE party, the centre-left PASOK party and the centrist To Potami, all at around 5 percent. It put undecided voters at between 6 to 15 percent. The ProRata poll showed 33 percent of respondents believed Tsipras was more convincing in the debate, against 26 percent for Meimarakis.

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Thursday September 17, 2015

Thursday September 17, 2015

Kaieteur News

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OLD PEOPLE RUNNING THINGS IN GUYANA! While we are at it we might as well make the retirement age in the public service seventy-five. A great many retirees, not just from the army, but from all over are being broug h t o u t o f retirement to replace persons that are being recalled or axed by the new administration. How dothe young people in the public service feel when they see persons who have long retired and long been out of active service being brought back and handed top jobs within the public service and within the Foreign Service? How do these young people feel? Many of them

would have been in the public service for many years. They would have worked in the expectation that they could be elevated to the top. There may have been persons for example within the local Foreign Service who would have been hoping to be promoted to the position of an ambassador. How do you think they will feel to learn that someone who has already retired has to be brought back? Is there no confidence in the Foreign Service officers and others serving at the various missions in Guyana? Is there such a dearth of skills that the government has to

consistently bring back retirees to work? If this is the case then we should extend the working careers of all Guyanese and allow them to retire at age seventy-five rather than age fifty five as is now the case for public servants, and age 60 in other parts of the public sector. We heard a great deal from APNU and the AFC about opposition in this country, about young people not being given opportunities. APNU was very vocal about it. They were claiming that unemployment was a problem. Yet it is the very APNU that instead of offering more opportunities for young people are instead employing

A cane cutter is now in a serious but stable condition in the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was struck down by a car driven by an errant 15-year-old unlicensed driver. According to information the man Gurdat Keshwar called “Cokes”, a cane harvester of Gangaram Settlement; East Canje Berbice was cycling along the Betsy Ground, Public Road when he was struck down by the motor car PNN 5577. The accident is said t o have occurred around 08:30 hrs. Information revealed that

the owner of the car Pooran Rambarrat of Canefield, East Canje had taken the vehicle to a wash bay at Adelphi to be cleaned. The teen, Gurudat Chisolm, who it is understood works at the said wash bay, took the car and went for a drive towards Gangaram. He was on his way back and was said to be driving at a fast rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle on the Betsy Ground Public Road and collided with a lamp post before slamming into Rambarrat who was cycling on the road.

It is understood that after Rambarrat saw the speeding car coming at him he went down to the parapet, but was still struck and flung into a drain. The man was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital where it was revealed that his right leg was broken in two places, and that he had lacerations on other parts of his body including his head. He was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. T h e car was badly damaged. The driver remains in custody.

retirees. The talk around town is that “old people run things in this country.” At one time, it was said that Queen’s College was running the country. Now if you are an old soldier, the better. Retirees are running things in Guyana today. The AFC has in the Ministries its Ministers control tried to give young people a chance and therefore they need to impress upon APNU, the need to do the same. I am not saying that old soldiers and retirees should not get jobs. But what about the young people? Give them a chance and if no one suitable can be found, then

go to the retirees. There used to be a time in some countries where if a retiree had to be reemployed within the civil service, the union that represented the civil servants had to give its approval. I do not know whether that was ever the case in Guyana There was a logical reason for such thinking. There would have been persons within the civil service who would have an expectation of promotion and if you brought back a retiree you were frustrating that person’s chances of obtaining a promotion. In some cases it was more than just the promotion that was at stake. Someone within

Wash bay worker, 15, crashes car, injures cane cutter

Dem boys seh ...

Chanderpaul want special treatment Many things got to change in this country. Soulja Bai and his government got a lot of work to do. People answering phone in dem office when de public call and dem ah refuse to identify demself. Dem mek you believe that Guyana develop like America or Europe wheh machine does answer people. Yesterday, de Waterfalls boss man call 223-7521. That is de Ministry of Housing number. He did want some information about a house lot. Five times he call and de woman who answer de phone refuse to identify sheself. And every time de boss man call he identify heself. He eventually ask she if she tek somebody money fuh house lot and she hiding. He call another number and it tek bout five minutes trying to convince de man who answer de phone that he should identify heself. De man eventually seh that he is

Khan. He mek de boss man feel that he is Kan man. Nuff time when people call a government office people don’t identify youself. People does lef message fuh de supervisor of dem boss and many times de boss does see that dem never get de message. When dem ask who you talk to you can’t give a name because de people didn’t give you none. Dem boys see that it ain’t got nutten that does get you vex. Dem wukking fuh de people and de people have a right to know that when dem pick up de phone, who dem talking to. All public servants should be proud to identify demself. When people don’t want to identify demself, is two thing. Is either dem got something to hide or people gun know that dem probably forge dem certificate and should not have been there is de first place. This attitude got to

change. This come from Jagdeo time and now it get chronic. Dem boys want know what Chanderpaul got to seh bout this. He looking fuh fame and he want a diplomatic passport. He seh how some cricketer got. Dem boys seh he can print he own wan. He come in at de airport de other day and he vex because an immigration officer don’t know him. De officer did ask him if he is a Guyanese and he get upset. Another immigration officer see wha he vex about? When he talk people believe he is a Trini. And another one seh when you come in wid American passport if de immigration officer ain’t got a right to ask you if you is Guyanese.Dem boys see Chanderpaul suffering from de ‘Do you know who I am syndrome?’ Talk half and hope Soulja Bai give he a special passport.

Rambarrat awaiting treatment at the New Amsterdam hospital.

the civil service would have been hoping that when his or her turn came to retire, he or she could retire at a higher position and this gain a higher pension. Then there is the effect the reemployment will have on the morale of the civil service. Civil servants will feel that they are not likely to be promoted and this will affect their attitude to their work. But what about the young people? What message is being sent to them? If the government intends to persist with the policy of bringing back retirees to work within the public sector, it should do the right thing and extend the retirement age to seventy-five. In this way, the young people will at least feel that they eventually stand a chance of being promoted from age sixty onward.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 17, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

A brief class analysis of Guyanese political parties I previously wrote that I spoke at 24 public meetings in the election campaign earlier this year. But when I recollect carefully, it was 27. I was conscious through all those platform performances not to make promises to the electorate. I knew I had no influence and authority in the leadership of both AFC and APNU to demand changes once the APNU- AFC was in government. I carefully chose that attitude because I knew I could not make demands of governmental leaders once I was not their equal in the AFC and APNU respectively; I do

not hold a membership card in any political party. I threw myself into the 2015 election battle because I knew deep down in my soul that the leadership of the PPP after the death of Jagan had become a semi-fascist organism and I use that term with every ounce of intellectual seriousness. For me the PPP had become macabre, violent, evil and psychologically irrational. I had no choice. I had to contribute to the removal of the Jagdeo/ Ramotar madness. What do you call a government that would clean

a trench and leave untouched the part where a critic lives? Only word can describe that depravity – evil. What do you call a government that terminates a UG lecturer’s contract with just five months remaining on the contract– evil? So for me, there was no choice – the 2015 election was a question of do or die. But all through the campaign, there was no question in my mind that I had very little in common with the ideological essence of the two parties – APNU and AFC. I am philosophically committed to the expansion and growth of the labouring masses. I believe the economics of power should be devoted to the elevation of that class of citizens. I didn’t delude myself into thinking that such economics would be the essence of the APNU-AFC Government. I can recall I made one promise at a meeting in Bagotstown. There was a large attendance and when I was speaking some women shouted that they needed house lots. Over the mike, I

told them I would see that they get house lots once the opposition wins. I don’t know who they are, and would not be able to recognize them. There is a second reason, and perhaps the more fundamental of the two, I don’t think we have political parties in Guyana that are philosophically driven by deep working class empathy, therefore I know that whether it is PPP or WPA or AFC or PNC, there will be extensive concessions to the better off classes that will not be extended to the labouring masses. No post-colonial government has been a working class one except Cuba but Cuba mixed working class elevation with psychotic state violence and semi-fascist dictatorship. Ironically, the working classes in certain capitalist countries with liberal, right wing governments have fared far better than in the postcolonial Third World. Finland, Germany and all the Scandinavian countries come to mind. This is not to say that

overall the PNC, PPP, WPA, AFC and other parties will not devote money and resources to the betterment of the proletarian strata and poor peasantry, but I doubt that in 2015 onwards there will be a strategic alliance between the APNU-AFC administration and the classes at the lower tiers in the economy. Power certainly hasn’t been exercised in the favour of the masses in the Hoyte period, under Jagdeo and in the three years of Ramotar’s tenure. There is an annual Hoyte Memorial lecture. I haven’t attended any so far but would love to hear how the lecturer would look at Hoyte’s cruel anti-working class policies. If Hoyte had continued in office after 1992, there would have been a pattern opposite to what occurred in Cuba. The state would have been democratic and there would have been a plural structure of power unlike what took place under Castro. But unlike Cuba, Hoyte would have devastated the lower classes and particularly

Frederick Kissoon income-earners in the public service. It was under Bharrat Jagdeo that neo-liberal capitalism strangulated the working masses. Jagdeo was a frenetic supporter of trickle down economics. By the time he lost power in 2015 (yes, 2015 not 2011) Jagdeo had become the Third World’s biggest endorser of Reaganomics. In his fifteen years of power, Jagdeo aligned himself with the wealthy and superwealthy classes of Guyana and virtually gave Guyana over to them. The only thing that trickled down to the labouring classes under Jagdeo was misery and poverty. And to think over two hundred thousand people from that class voted for Jagdeo in 2015. People can vote for their own destruction.

Thursday September 17, 2015

Kaieteur News

Border controversy…

Page 11

Venezuela halts accreditation of new Guyanese ambassador

An angry Venezuela has suspended the accreditation process for a new Guyanese ambassador to that country, saying remarks made by Foreign Minister, Carl Greenidge, in Florida over the weekend were brutal attacks. This latest development would come amidst tense relations between the neighbours after an oil find in waters of Guyana. The new Government had admitted the recall of Ambassador Geoffrey da Silva. Former Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles, is now tipped for that position. She has served for 10 years as Ambassador to Brazil and Venezuela- the latter for seven years. She was the first female Director General of the Guyanese Foreign Ministry. According to a statement from Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry website published Tuesday, President Nicolas Maduro during his weekly televised programme said that he decided to suspend the negotiations to grant approval for a new Guyana ambassador in Venezuela. Maduro was incensed because Minister Greenidge allegedly used “epithets, adjectives and attacks against Venezuela” during the Florida trip where the Venezuela border controversy was

discussed. However, Minister Greenidge last evening made it clear that Guyana will not be silent. “I regret President Maduro’s fondness for broadcast diplomacy which Guyana will not follow. Guyana will not be silent where its rights under law continue to be denied. The path of peace is the path of law, and Guyana will continue to pursue it.” The Minister addressed the Florida Conference on Current Caribbean issues hosted by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) and the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce; a Town Hall meeting for Guyanese and friends of Guyana in South Florida hosted by the Guyana Honorary Consul; a meeting with a group of maritime lawyers; a lunch hosted by the Beacon Council; an interview with a team of senior editors at the Miami Herald; and a press brunch to clearly outline the historical and recent developments regarding Venezuela’s claim and recent threats against Guyana. In all his presentations, Minister Greenidge reportedly made it clear that the only option, to which Guyana would agree to decide whether there is any

Following the decision of Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro, to suspend the granting of agreement for a new Ambassador from Guyana, citing attacks by this country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Convenor of the Florida Conference on current Caribbean issues, Wesley Kirton, has cleared the air on what transpired at the Conference. Below is a statement from Mr. Kirton. I have read the Prensa Latina news report on the announced decision of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to suspend the granting of agreement to the posting of a new ambassador of Guyana to the Republic of Venezuela. The report cites the reason for this suspension as attacks on Venezuela by Guyana’s Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge during his recent visit to the United States. As Convenor of the Conference at which Minister Greenidge delivered the keynote address and led a

panel on the Guyana/ Venezuela controversy, I can attest that at no time did the Honorable Minister “attack” Venezuela. Further, I accompanied the Minister to all the meetings held in south Florida, including media interviews, and at no time, in my view, did anything said by the Minister constitute an attack on Venezuela. In fact, Minister Greenidge sought to “play down” the view expressed by former Grenada Ambassador to Venezuela, Matthew William, that “Maduro is a desperate man” capable of resorting to the use of force in pursuit of the Venezuelan claim and as a means towards bolstering his faltering approval rating amongst the Venezuelan population. In responding to Ambassador’s William’s contention, Minister Greenidge said that diplomacy remains the best mechanism for de-escalating tensions between the two countries and that it was

Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Venezuela reestablish relations of respect we had for years, which are the only relationships we want to have from Venezuela.”

BRUTALATTACK Maduro, in his statement Tuesday, said that he ordered

Chancellor Delcy Rodríguez, Foreign Minister of Venezuela, to halt the process of recognizing a new ambassador since it is “nonsense” to begin a process of diplomatic adjustment and suddenly go to Miami and launch a brutal attack. Maduro emphasized that Venezuela is a nation of peace and that the claims of his nation on Essequibo are being done by way of international law and truth. “They tried (the Government of Guyana) to disrupt and damage the relations in the Caribbean, but today our relations with that sister region enjoy good health, respect, cooperation and brotherhood.” The Venezuelan leader insisted that his government wants relations with the Government of Guyana but it should be one based on respect. He demanded the President of Guyana, David Granger, define its position on Venezuela. “If you want to go the way of respect, we are on the path of respect, through diplomatic channels…the only way to end.” Maduro urged support from all Caribbean governments to end the “attacks and offense” against Venezuela, “and that the

for Venezuela’s resolute pursuit of its claims at this time. President Maduro’s decision to suspend the granting of agreement for a new top envoy from its neighboring Republic based on alleged “attacks” on Venezuela by Foreign Minister Greenidge while on his visit to the United States is more the occasion than the cause for his action. He never intended to grant agreement at this time based on information provided me by usually reliable sources. This notwithstanding there is no doubt that President Maduro must have taken note of the overwhelming success of Guyana, through the presentations of Minister Greenidge, in positively articulating its position that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is legally binding and NOT null and void and to win the support of various key audiences and individuals. During one of the meetings a participant advised of receiving credible

information that President Madura is alleged to have told some of his Latin American colleagues that “President Granger don’t look like us.” This came from a Latin American. President Maduro may want to clarify this especially since this “rumor’ originates in Latin America and could hardly have been the result of poor translation. This reminds me of a statement made by a senior Venezuelan military officer during the Falklands War: “The British are tied up in the Falklands. Now is the time to move on Guyana. We will make easy work of them for after all, Guyana is a nation of only a few hundred thousand Hindus, Muslims and Blacks.” President Maduro must know that it is not only Venezuela that can traverse the world promoting its side of the story regarding the controversy. Guyana enjoys that right too especially since its position is not to revisit and/or flout international law

by unilaterally declaring an Arbitral Award null and void. Recently, Venezuela was with our “own regional family” in Jamaica at a meeting at which it reportedly “attacked” Guyana and had some its allies, including Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega “wax poetic” against the Guyana position on the Venezuelan claim. I don’t know that Guyana protested or took a decision to declare the Venezuelan top envoy to Guyana persona non grata. If President Maduro is really committed to deescalating tensions and ensuring the maintenance of a secure peace in our hemisphere, the least he could do at this point is to allow for the diplomatic engagement of the two countries by sending his ambassador back to Georgetown and granting agreement for the posting of Guyana’s new top envoy to Caracas. By this action he would be clearly demonstrating his expressed commitment to a peaceful resolution of the controversy.

Former Ambassador, Geoffrey da Silva merit to the claim, is judicial settlement via the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He said that it was now up to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon “to do his job and facilitate the process towards a judicial settlement of this claim”. However, Venezuela is opposing the judicial settlement option preferring to pursue the good offices mechanism, which Minister Greenidge said, has been tried for the past 23 years, yielding “little or no success”. “Guyana is of the firm belief that this controversy, arising out of the Venezuelan claim that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void can only be settled once and for all through the judicial

Tipped to be new ambassador: Cheryl Miles process. Before there could be any adjustment to the demarcations of our territorial and maritime boundaries the ICJ must first rule on whether the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void. It is Guyana’s firm view that that Award is legally binding and that the existing boundaries must remain intact,” Greenidge told a luncheon at the conference attended by diplomats, elected officials, business executives and community leaders.

WARNED Late last month, the Opposition warned Government to think twice about recalling its ambassador to Venezuela, Geoffrey da Silva. Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, herself a former acting Foreign Minister, warned that Da Silva’s recall might not be such a good idea, as there is no telling when Venezuela is likely to issue its agrément or approval of the person who has been chosen. A delay of that agrément is likely to have trade and other repercussions. The Venezuela ambassador would have been one of the toughest for the Foreign Affairs ministry, especially in light of the controversy that sparked by that neighbouring country’s claims on Guyana. Bilateral relations between the two countries took a turn for the worse after US-owned ExxonMobil announced in May that it had found oil in a concession offshore Guyana. Venezuela claimed that the (continued on page 24)

Venezuela never intended to accredit new Guyana Ambassador - Govt.

Wesley Kirton Guyana’s view that a peaceful resolution of the controversy is the only option, best pursued through the judicial settlement process via the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In responding to questions at several fora during his visit, Minister Greenidge did posit that the discovery of oil in Guyana’s waters off its Essequibo Coast is perhaps among the reasons

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday September 17, 2015

Barry Dataram drug trafficking case…

Magistrate fixes trial for October After several adjournments in his drug trafficking case, businessman Barry Dataram will finally go to trial on October 19. He is facing a drug trafficking charge in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. This October date was set by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore when the matter came up yesterday. Police Corporal, Bharrat Mangru, is representing the prosecution on behalf of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU). Mangru has informed the court that investigations into the matter are completed. Dataram, of 13 Vriesland, West Bank Demerara, is not facing the charge alone. His 19-year-old reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, of 79 Patentia, Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara and their friends Komal Charran, 20, of 265 Belle West, West Bank Demerara; and Trevor Gouveia of Best Village, West Coast Demerara were all slapped with the charge. They were also instructed to return to court on the adjourned date. On April 16, last, at 661

Fourth Avenue, Block X Diamond, East Bank Demerara, they allegedly had 129.23 kg of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking. The quartet had initially pleaded not guilty the charge before former Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry. The Magistrate had refused to grant them bail on their first court appearance even after a compelling bail application by their Attorney, Glenn Hanoman. However, after the bail refusal, Hanoman made another bail application in the High Court. The defendants were eventually granted bail. According to the Prosecutor, Dataram and Boodnarine share a common law relationship at the Diamond address. Charran and Gouveia claimed to be friends of the couple. On the day in question, ranks from CANU swooped down on the house and conducted a search in the presence of the defendants. During the search they unearthed the illicit drug. The defendants were then told of the offence, arrested and

Barry Dataram

Anjanie Boodnarine

Komal Charran

Trevor Gouveia

charged. On the contrary, Attorney Hanoman is attesting that the couple does not reside at the address. He is contending that the house in which CANU allegedly found the drug is accessible to numerous persons. Furthermore, Hanoman is of the opinion that his client (Barry Dataram) continues to be abused and is suffering at the hands of law enforcement officers who are trying to secure a conviction for him. He is of the belief that

they are trying to “sink his client.” As it relates to Boodnarine, the Attorney’s case is that the young woman “was at the wrong place at the wrong time.” In pursuant with Hanoman’s first bail application Boodnarine, who has a child with Dataram, had just arrived at the premises when the police conducted their raid. Boodnarine was at the time taking the child to see Dataram. On April 16, last, during an undercover operation, CANU ranks swooped down on the house at Diamond and unearthed the cocaine. According to reports,

some of the cocaine was stuffed in frozen seafood, while the remainder was found to be bricks of raw coke. As a result Barry Dataram, who was in the house at the time of the bust, his reputed wife and three other persons, were arrested. Dataram, a Guyana-born American, had successfully fought off efforts to extradite him to the United States to face drug smuggling charges. Between 2008 and 2010, Dataram was engaged in several successful legal maneuvers in Guyana’s High Court to avoid being sent to

the US for trial. The United States was unable t o s e c u r e h i s provisional arrest because the extradition treaty between Guyana and the US clashes with the provisions of the Fugitive Offenders Act, which says “no one shall be extradited or kept in custody for the purpose of extradition from Guyana to another country unless provision has been made by that Commonwealth or treaty-country for ensuring that they would not be extradited to a third country for trial of any offence without the consent of the Minister.”

President Granger heads to UN General Assembly Head of State David Granger will be heading a delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The assembly has already begun in New York. Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, is also expected to be a part of the delegation, which will deliver Guyana’s contribution towards the post-2015 development agenda. During his stay, in New York, President Granger will

engage other world leaders on bilateral matters and issues of mutual interest. Sustainable development, global security and efforts to diffuse ongoing conflicts, many of which have resulted in explosive global refugee crises, top the agenda of the 70th Anniversary UN General Assembly session. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) speech marathon will see more than 160 leaders in attendance.

The agenda, which will be adopted during a special conference, held between September 25 and September 27, consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets, aimed at addressing climate change, economic problems, health, energy, education, agriculture, gender equality and a whole host of other issues. On September 25, His Holiness Pope Francis will address the General Assembly.

Thursday September 17, 2015

One Month later… Somewhere out there is an armed robbery accused, who teamed up with another to break the New Amsterdam prison’s second-floor wall and used bed sheets to climb down to freedom. On August 12, last, Lennox Patterson, 26, of 369 Sister’s Village, East Bank Berbice, teamed up with another robbery accused, Ravindra Samaroo, to stage a daring escape from the 88year-old wooden prison facility at Penitentiary Walk, New Amsterdam. Samaroo, of Timmers Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, was captured the next day and has since been charged with escaping from lawful custody. He was captured about two miles from the facility, but one month after the daring escape, lawmen in the Ancient County are still searching for Patterson. Speaking to Kaieteur News yesterday, Head of ‘B’ Division (Ag), Commander Errol Watts said that ranks are still on high alert for the prisoner, even though all search attempts have been

Kaieteur News

Berbice prisoner still on the loose New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court late last month. The charges were instituted following a brazen robbery at the M. Ali Supermarket, at Pope and Main Streets, New

Prison Escapee: Lennox Patterson fruitless thus far. “We will get him,” said a confident Watts. He still asked members of the public to assist in any way that they can. At the time of his recent arrest, Patterson was reportedly busted with a firearm. He was already facing charges on two counts each of Robbery Under Arms and Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. Patterson was remanded after facing charges at the

Six charged with killing Guyanese man in Baltimore US (Baltimore Sun) - Six Baltimore men have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a Middle River man in August, Baltimore County police announced Monday. The victim, 26-year-old Sandeep Bhulai, was shot with three guns, police said. Investigators believe the suspects — who range in age from 18 to 20 — went to the neighborhood to steal a car. “It was an extremely brutal crime,” said Cpl. John Wachter, a police spokesman. Bhulai was found dead August 9, lying in a grassy area on Dark Head Road near Redthorn Road, where he lived. He left behind a five-yearold daughter, Kaylie Bhulai, said his girlfriend, Alicia Harrell, 26, the child’s mother. He had recently received his commercial driver’s license, Harrell said. Two weeks before his death, he started a job working for a dump-truck company in the White Marsh area. Bhulai emigrated to the U.S. as a child from Guyana, she said. He loved working on cars and had long wanted to become a truck driver. “He just loved working,” Harrell said. “Hopefully, justice will be served.” According to police, Bhulai had returned to his neighborhood and was sitting in his car when the men approached him. The suspects allegedly pulled him

Page 21

Shot dead: Guyanese born, Sandeep Bhulai out of the car and took his wallet and cell phone. The suspects then shot him, fled and left Bhulai’s car behind, police said. The suspects, all of Baltimore, are identified as: Keith Terrell Harrison, 18; Michael Anthony Jobes, 20; Hassan Emanuel Jones, 18; Christian Isaiha Lemel Tyson, 18; Ramart Emanuel Wilson, 19; and Kareem Raquan Riley, 19. All were arrested last week, Wachter said. Harrison, Jobes, Jones and Tyson are being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center, he said. Wilson has been released on $50,000 bail. Riley was arrested by U.S. marshals in Buffalo, N.Y., and is expected to be extradited to Maryland, Wachter said. None of the men has attorneys listed in online court records.

Amsterdam. He and accomplices reportedly made off with the owner’s firearm, cash and other items totaling $831,000. Reports are that the two

prisoners were occupying adjoining cells at the Penitentiary Walk facility. That night, the men acted in concert, knocking out a single 7-feet board from the prison’s

wooden walls. Leaving four companions behind, they reportedly squeezed their way through the hole in the wall, and (continued on page 24)

Page 22

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday September 17, 2015

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Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

Handyman, room attendant, security guard-male –Call: 225-0198 or 233 South Road, Lacytown

Affordable salon services: pedi, mani, wash & blowout facials, etc $2,500 each. Vogue @ kalyan Mall, Lamaha Street. Tel: 647-1773/ 660-5257

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Playstation 4 with 2 Controllers and Games, XBOX 360 250 GB with games and 2 controllers Call: 683-8386 Land at Schoonord (Next To Demerara Harbour Bridge), 45' X 100' $ 6 M, 60' X 100' $ 7.5M- Contact 650-0402 / 260-4988

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Mazda Axela, PTT series, low mileage, e x c e l l e n t condition -owner migrating Tel: 649-0956 Toyota Rush- Unregistered $3M negotiable; Honda CRV 2003 model PSS 2018- $3.1M negotiable, pre-order any vehicle. Call: 655-3400 1 Unregistered 2006 Toyota Rush -$2.8M negotiable , unregistered 2007 Mitsubishi Convertible, both fully loaded -$2.8M negotiableContact:629-2314 2-Unregistered new model Tacoma, Step, Crash Bar, Alarm, Bed covering, mag rims-Call: 695-6461 or 6397758 One Honda CRV Immaculate Condition 17" mags, CD, AC, price -$1,850,000 negotiable – Call: 626-2884 1AT 212 PTT Series for sale$1.4M negotiable -Tel: 6616156 or 650-3157 Kaw a s a k i N i n ja 650R, excellent condition, lime green $650,000 asking price Tel: 655-2561 Just arrived from UK brand new TM trucks. Good priceTel: 679-7587, 264-1582 Star Cars Auto Sale: Just Arrived: Rush, Allion, Pitbul, Bluebird, Alteeza, Benz, 06 Premio. Tel: 679-3140, 2683509 Star Cars Auto Sale: 04 Premio, Allion,06 Runx, 03 Runx, Axela, New Raum, IST, Vitz. Tel: 679-3140, 268-3509

Canadian made, white bath tub Jacuzzi - $275,000, baby food processor, stroller/car seat -$20,000-Call: 666-4634; 644-2646 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also. Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 1-New model Tacoma Complete cabin, headlights, taillights, alternator, startor, compressor, engine, transmission, suspension etc- Call: 695-6461 or 639-7758 Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Huskies for sale: Contact Frank:6645401, Elizabeth : 680-6426 One Pool Table for sale contact 223-5273/4 Reduced Prices: Dell/HP laptop & desktop computers complete, from $49,000, free games and educational software @ Future – Call: 231-2206 1 Two base music set for sale-Call: 669-9055; 674-1291 1 Complete six inch dredge inclusive of pick up and ATV- price 6,000,000Contact: 660-0422 1-45FT Fishing Boat with 800lb 5 inch Nylon Seine, 240 engine, Yamaha and 1 GPS for $4.8M-Call: 260-2591 4 Gold claims located in Mining District #5, Wanamu Calalu, area Barama River – Contact: 690-7932 FOR SALE/RENT American pool tables –Call: 277-0578

Venus Auto Sale: September Specials: 2004 Premio $2.350M, Pre-Order specials on IST -$1.9M –Call: 624-5617 BMW 320I –AT212, Raum, Tundra, Hilux 4-Runner & Pick-up, L-Touring Wagon, Nissan March & 4-Door Pick-up- Call: 644-5096; 697 1453 One 1.5 Ton Toyota Toyoace Canter, good working condition-Contact: 623-1202 Toyota Starlet Glanza Turbo, PPP series –price -$1.350M negotiable –Call: 624-7155

LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie 80X45 $1,250,000. Call: 683-0009 $1.2M & $1.5M Parfaite Harmonie-$2.8M (130ftX46ft) main road, corner lot Parfait Harmonie Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 Continued on page 23

Thursday September 17, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Letters... Where your views make the news

Shortage of National consultation... teachers in Leguan DEAR EDITOR, About a week and a half ago, I raised concerns about the extreme shortage of teachers in Leguan Primary Schools to the Minister of Education, Mr. Rupert Roopnarine. On Monday the 14th September 2015, some officials came from the Regional Education Department in Region 3 and basically said that it was not within their power to employ teachers. Instead of immediately correcting this desperate situation that is costing children their education, the situation is taking a turn for the worse. Today, it was brought to my attention by a concerned parent that the Success Primary School in Leguan was currently being run by the Headmistress of the Nursery School and the school cleaner. There were no teachers. Upon

receiving this complaint, I called the Headmistress who then told me that the Regional Education Officer for Region 3 had given permission for the Headmistress of the Nursery to run the school and she was indeed doing so with just the help of the school cleaner. Not only does this compromise the children’s education but also poses a very real threat to the health and safety of the children. The Minister of Education, Mr. Rupert Roopnarine needs to do the job he is being paid to do and do so immediately, otherwise step aside and let someone capable of doing a better job take over. The education of our children and their health and safety should always be the priority of any government. So, Mr. Rupert Roopnarine, what are you going to do? Dale Shaka Kalamazad

Reforms fail because real emphasis is placed on... From page 4 adapt or cope with the change are not addressed. The main focus is on technical skills and not people skills. Technical skills used to be the most important, however, now and the years ahead, people skills are most important. Woodward and Buchholz (1987) explain it this way: One way to visualize this tactical, people-oriented approach is with a bicycle. The two wheels of a bicycle have different purposes. The back wheel powers the bike; the front wheel steers it. Extending this analogy to an organization, the “back wheel” skills are technical and organizational skills needed for the organization to function. Front wheel skills are interpersonal people management skills. Corporations tend to rely on their back wheel; that is their technical skills. Typically, however, when

change comes, the response of the organization is primarily back wheel response - do what we know best. But the real need is front wheel skills; that is helping people understand and adapt to the changing environment. Wayne W.Benette and Karen M. Hess in their book Management and Supervision in Law Enforcement suggest, “Law enforcement managers must possess a combination of technical skills and people skills to successfully guide their department through the new millennium.” Leaders must pay attention to change in the environment. Scanning of the environment - both internal and external; analyzing; responding; and assessing (S.A.R.A.) are san qua non. Adapt or perish. Change is inevitable. View it as opportunity. Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner Of Police Retired

From page 5 factors, inclusive of poor wages, health services, education and desire for personal developmental opportunities should also be under review. Mobility has to factor in mechanism to harness this flow and make the country attractive to retain and return its human capital for development. With regards to gender which is defined by the United Nations as “the social attributes and opportunities associated with being male and female and the relationships between women and men and girls and boys, as well as the relations between women and those between men,” such is a factor in mobility and social cohesion. Political participation of women is seen as a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality. And given the statistics of women in education, there should be no excuse for finding women to fill major positions. Whereas the Constitution requires the minimum of at least one-third women on the List of Representatives, such ought not to be a limiting factor for placement in the National Assembly and public office. Since education is one of the pillars for mobility and girls are out-performing boys in all sectors, yet men outplaced women in decisionmaking positions of which women are qualified, there is a policy deficit in ensuring gender equality. The plight of males as noted in the reduction of proportional rates at examinations, graduation from high school and university is seen as a trend that requires urgent address so our future productive male population will not fall by the way side, and deny

opportunities for advancement. With regards to the nation’s data management systems, enhancement and upgrading (digital upgrade) would make it easier for storage, retrieval and use for analytical purposes. It helps for transparency to validate decisions made and politicians, administrators, government and decision-makers to be held accountable to decisionmaking premised on hard evidence. A census is also important to know the population demographics in order to debunk myths, expose propaganda and discrimination and engage in proper national planning. And with regards to taxation, we need to see the establishment of an effective and just tax system that will not allow the favoured/ privileged few to escape their contributions toward this nation’s national development. Summarily, Social Cohesion undergirds universal principles that would weld the nation together, wherein the environment is established that every citizen is assured equal opportunity, participation and justice. As such, national consultation is not a privilege; it is a requirement of democracy. And while the GTUC lauds the conference’s deliberation, it desires the benefit of this exercise not only seen in the consultative process but in the implementation and continued engagement. Lincoln Lewis General Secretary, GTUC

From page 22

TO LET Kitty 2 Self Contained Bedrooms apartment, cable TV, Internet, parking security cameras-$100,000 monthly – Call: 645-0247 Flat house, two bedroom with toilet and bath -$35,000 a month –Call: 684-8877 One bedroom apartment at Parfait Harmonie suitable for couple or Single Person, price $20,000 monthly-Call: 694-7817; 668-0306

EDUCATION Princeton College Forms 1-5 (5000) CXC adult classes $1,500 a subject, Phonics/ Grade 2,4,6,9 lessons Call: 231-1209, 690-5008,657-7398 I.A.E currently registering students for full time secondary school, lessons & evening CXC classes for adults- Call: 683-5742 Didn’t do well for CXC; let us help you- $2500 per subject @ Micrograhics, Vreed-En-Hoop. Call: 2643057 New Advanced Diploma in Computers office 2016, window 8/10, 9 courses @ Micrographics, Vreed-EnHoop-Call: 264-3057 Register now! 6 weeks course, pedicure & manicure-Call: 618-8536; 6962295 Lessons/Homework Centre, Primary, Secondary & Adults Students, class Teacher to student ratio 1:10 & 1-15Call: 690-9378 VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Ford 2005 F350 Pickup, extended cab, 4X4 Diesel, 35 inch tyre auto, 1 Chevy Van 2007 - Call: 610-5370

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Property @ Tuschen New Housing Scheme –Call: 6699055; 674-1291 Pearl: Well built 1,995 SF concrete building on 58X165 lot, formerly used at meeting halls-$13.5MTel: 649-1670 Furnished four bedroom house with all conveniences in Prashad Nagar, grilled, hot water, two driveways, tiled yard-Call: 649-1310 Property @ West Minister W.B.D, 3 Bedrooms, 1 bathroom & 2 Verandahs Property Vacant possession- Call: 660-9478; 672-0865, see T&T Realty on FaceBook. House & Land located @ Lot 17 Pike Street Kitty, location perfect for business & residence for more info call Anwar Rahaman on Tel: 6388513 or 600-8513 Business Property for sale @ Friendship Public Road – Call: 621-6878 2 Storey building with bond, fully grilled with modern amenities @ Tuschen. Owner leaving Country. Call: 614-1030 One-two storey house with four bedrooms at 160 Stewartville, land -50’X120’, building 24’X60’ – price $10.5M – Call: 220-9419; 6279794 Three bedrooms upstairs and downstairs concrete house, located at 204 Charlotte Street Lacytown, Georgetown-Call: 617-0384 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities - Call: 662-9335; 612-3244

TO LET VACANCY Computer legal clerk-Phone 258-0213; 624-7087 or 2264283 Male supervisor to work in Housekeeping Dept. Call: 225-0198 or 233 South Road Lacytown

One two bedroom apartment (near University of Guyana) free Wi-Fi available –Tel: 618-6544 or 695-8485 Three bedrooms executive concrete top flat in South Ruimveldt Gardens –Call: 218-1949

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Kaieteur News

Cook caught with stolen panty jailed

Prison escapee jailed Recaptured prison escapee, Ravindra Samaroo, called ‘Ravi’, 23, of Timmers Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice who had escaped from the New Amsterdam prison on August 12, last, was on Wednesday sentenced to 22 months in jail by Magistrate Shurdel Isaacs-Marcus. The man had appeared before her in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s

court on a charge of escaping from lawful custody. He pleaded guilty. He was also jailed for the same number of months on another charge of robbery under arms for which he was incarcerated when he escaped. He pleaded guilty to that charge also. Samaroo and fellow inmate, Lennox Patterson, 26, of 369 Sisters Village, East Bank, Berbice had escaped

from the New Amsterdam prison around 20:20 hrs on the night in question. Samaroo was recaptured one day after in a bushy area not too far away. On the night of the escape the two prisoners were occupying adjoining cells 38 and 39. The men reportedly knocked out a single 7-ft. board from the wooden walls. They then squeezed their way out of their cells and using

Thursday September 17, 2015

Jailed: Ravindra Samaroo bed sheets, climbed down the prison walls before scaling the prison fence and making good their escape. Patterson who is still at large was recently charged with possession of arms and ammunition and arm robbery committed on the A. Ali and Son Supermarket in New Amsterdam. He was found with a gun and live rounds after that incident. Samaroo was also charged with the offence of robbery under arms which was committed on December 13, last year at Heathburn, East Bank Berbice. He was accused of robbing Deodat Dowhan, a taxi driver of the Tripple S Taxi Service of a cell phone and a sum of money. The matter was reported and Samaroo was subsequently arrested.

Mark Peters, who admitted that he broke into the dwelling house of Susan Haley and stole red female underwear, was yesterday jailed for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to a charge of break and enter/simple larceny. Peters, a cook, who resides at Lot 40 DaSilva, Street, Newtown, Georgetown also confessed that he stole a blowdryer, curling iron, six pieces of cloth, a gas bottle, a pair of slippers among other items on September, 7, last, at Carmichael Street, Georgetown. The convict made his first court appearance before Magistrate Ann McLennan earlier this week and pleaded not guilty. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, told the court that on the day in question, Haley secured her Carmichael Street home and left for a funeral around 13:00hrs. He added that around 14:00hrs, the police who were on patrol in the area saw Peters leaving the woman’s house. He had a haversack on his back and a gas bottle in his hand. The Prosecutor pointed out that the man was stopped

and questioned by the police. Jones said that Peters told the police he was visiting his aunt, but the police did not believe his story. As a result the police made contact with Haley, who later arrived at her premises and denied knowing the man. She also confirmed that her home was broken into. This led to the lawmen conducting a search on Peters. Jones told the court that a quantity of items was found in his possession. This included red female underwear, which was found in his pants pocket. Haley subsequently identified the items as her belongings which led to Peters being apprehended and charged. When asked by the Magistrate if he had anything to say before sentencing, Peters replied in the negative. After Peters was informed of his prison term he thanked the Magistrate before leaving the courtroom. According to the Prosecutor, the items have been recovered. Before the matter concluded Magistrate McLennan instructed that the items be returned to Haley.

Drug use higher in private schools From page 6 reported that they had smoked cigarette in the last 12 months; and 2.2 percent reported smoking cigarette in the last 30 days. Private schools once again showed a significantly higher lifetime prevalence rates than public schools in regard to tobacco use; 23.0 percent in private schools compared to 16.3 percent in public ones. Private schools also showed a significantly higher lifetime prevalence rate for marijuana use than public schools. The lifetime prevalence rate for private

schools was 16.4 percent, while the lifetime prevalence rate for public schools was 5.8 percent. For marijuana use, there were overall improvements in all the prevalence indicators when 2013 results were compared with 2007 results. The data indicate that lifetime prevalence for marijuana was 6.6 percent in 2013 compared to 11.2 percent in the 2007 survey while the one year prevalence rate for marijuana was 3.8 percent and the one month prevalence rate was 2.2 percent. In 2007, the one-year

prevalence rate for marijuana use was 6.5 percent and the one month prevalence rate was 3.8 percent. Meanwhile, perceptions on the level of access students have to illicit drugs appeared low. Marijuana appeared to be the most accessible illicit drug for secondary school students with 16.3 percent of them indicating that it would be easy to access. According to officials, the full report will be made available through the Ministry of Public Security website.

Venezuela halts accreditation ... From page 11 waters belong to that nation, a claim that Guyana is vehemently denying. With Guyana also involved in a lucrative oil-for-

rice deal with Venezuela, and da Silva playing a critical role in the arrangements, the absence of an ambassador would complicate things. Already, Venezuela has

Berbice prisoner still ... From page 21 climbed down bed sheets they had lowered. The men managed to scale the facility’s high zinc fence, which has barbed wires on top. Officials surmised that they made their way across a poorly illuminated farm located behind the prison. By 20:20 that night, the two men were ‘free’. Police and prison officials were on high alert after the

jailbreak as they had cordoned off all access points in the ancient county, and were closely monitoring the town and surrounding areas since the incident. The lawmen are asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Patterson to contact them on telephone numbers 225- 8196, 225-6411, 333-2191, 333-2151, 911 or the nearest police station.

signaled intentions to stop taking rice from Guyana after November, placing pressure of the Granger administration to find new overseas markets. The rice deal has been ongoing for over five years now. This year, Guyana is facing a number increasing challenges, especially when it pertains to border issues, Greenidge explained to the House. Almost $4B has been allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to help Guyana defend itself on international scene against Venezuela’s claims among other things. Of the sum allocated to the Ministry, $2.6B covers foreign policy promotion.

Thursday September 17, 2015

Kaieteur News

Yemeni govt. returns to Aden after months in exile - spokesman Reuters - Yemeni Prime Minister Khaled Bahah returned to the southern port of Aden yesterday in a step towards restoring a government on home soil after months of working from exile with Gulf Arab allies to combat Houthi domination of the country. Government spokesman Rajeh Badi said Bahah, who is also vice president, was accompanied by seven ministers when he arrived in Aden, which loyalist fighters backed by Saudi-led troops recaptured from Iranianallied Houthi forces in July. “Khaled Bahah and the ministers who arrived with him are in Aden to stay permanently,” Badi said. Bahah’s return from Saudi Arabia follows that of several other Yemeni ministers who relocated to Aden from the kingdom in the weeks after the city was retaken. Bahah made a brief visit to Aden on Aug. 1. President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi fled Aden for the Saudi capital Riyadh in March as Houthi forces closed in. Since its recapture, loyalist forces supported by Saudi-led coalition air strikes have pushed northwards and driven back the Houthis. Gulf Arab ground forces and loyalists are now waging an offensive westwards through Marib province towards Sanaa in a campaign to eventually oust Houthi militia from the capital, which the movement seized in September 2014. At a news conference at Aden’s al-Qasr hotel yesterday, Badi said “the security file, reconstruction and incorporating the southern resistance into the army” topped the

government’s agenda, according to the local Aden al-Ghad news website. Aden, a city of one million people, had descended into chaos and lawlessness after the Houthis retreated. Local officials say some 300 local police officers have returned to work since July and some police stations have resumed operations with the help of advisers from the United Arab Emirates. But Aden residents complain that local authorities have been slow to restore basic services and clean up debris and garbage that accumulated on the streets amid heavy fighting. Residents also say that fighters from out of town, including some affiliated to al Qaeda, had been spotted on Aden’s streets, raising fears it was being taken over by Islamist militants. Last month, the city was rocked by a number of incidents, including an explosion next to the governor’s office. A Christian cemetery dating from British rule of Aden that ended nearly 50 years ago was also vandalised. In the latest attack, assailants set fire to the Church of Saint Joseph, completely torching its contents, a local official said. “The decision of the government to return to Aden has to be taken immediately before the collapse of the security situation and services,” said Lutfi Shatara, a leader of Herak — a local political coalition seeking to restore the former South Yemen, which merged with the northern part of the country in 1990.

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Thursday September 17, 2015

Syria’s Assad blames West for refugee crisis Reuters Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has blamed Europe’s refugee crisis on Western support for “terrorists”, as people fleeing his country’s civil war stream towards the European Union. In his first public comments on the mass migration, broadcast yesterday, Assad said Europe could expect more refugees. Countries including the United States, Turkey and Saudi Arabia want to see Assad gone from power and have supported the opposition to his rule during the four-year-old war, including some of the armed groups fighting him. Assad said Turkish support had been crucial to the growth of two of the biggest insurgent groups in Syria, Islamic State and the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, and aerial bombing by a U.S.led coalition had failed to stop Islamic State. Turkey denies the accusation. The Syrian president dismissed Western

suggestions that his government’s actions in the war had fuelled the spread of such groups. “As long as they follow this propaganda, they will have more refugees,” Assad said in an interview with Russian media. “If you are worried about them, stop supporting terrorists.” The Syrian government describes all the armed groups fighting it as terrorists. The insurgents in Syria range from the hardline Islamist Islamic State to nationalists viewed as moderate by the West. Assad has been buoyed in recent weeks by signs of increased military support from his ally Russia. In his comments he made no mention of reports of Russian military activity in Syria. The White House said on Tuesday it wanted to see Russia engage constructively with the international coalition fighting Islamic State, rather than build up its own military presence.

Moscow says the Syrian government should be part of a broad coalition to fight Islamic State. Assad said there was no coordination between his government and the United States, even indirectly, apparently backing away from comments earlier this year suggesting there had been some contact. “There’s not a single coordination or contact between the Syrian government and the United States government or between the Syrian army and the U.S. army ... Not even any third party including the Iraqis,” he said. He played down proposals for a peace initiative that Assad ally Iran has said it presented to Syrian officials. “There is currently no Iranian initiative, but rather there are ideas, or principles, for an Iranian initiative which are based principally on the subject of Syria’s sovereignty ... and are based on fighting terrorism,” Assad said.

Burkina Faso presidential guard seize president and PM Reuters - Soldiers fired warning shots to disperse hundreds of protesters outside Burkina Faso’s presidential palace yesterday after the presidential guard burst into a cabinet meeting and arrested the interim president, stirring fears of a military coup. The presidential guard gave no explanation for its move, which came less than a month before an election due to complete a transition back to democracy after a popular uprising toppled Burkina’s long-time ruler last year. The guard, known as the RSP, was a key pillar of former

President Blaise Compaore’s rule before he was ousted by demonstrators last October when he attempted to change the constitution to prolong his 27 years in office. Compaore, who seized power in a 1987 military coup in the poor, landlocked West African state, was a key ally of France and the United States in the fight against Islamists in the arid Sahel region. Moumina Cheriff Sy, the head of the transitional parliament, said the latest show of strength by the presidential guard was a danger to the Burkinabe nation itself.

“Members of the RSP burst into the room of the cabinet of ministers at around 1430 and took hostage the president of Burkina Faso Michel Kafando, the Prime Minister Yacouba Izaac Zida, the minister of public administration ... and the minister of housing,” he said in a statement. The apparent power-grab came just two days after a government commission recommended dismantling the well-equipped 1,200strong force, calling it an “army within an army”. In February, an attempt by the prime minister to reform the guard led to a political crisis as it attempted to force him to resign. In a joint statement, the United Nations, African Union and West African regional bloc ECOWAS called for the immediate liberation of the officials and said those responsible would be held to account. They also voiced support for Burkina Faso’s transition back to democracy at the Oct. 11 polls. A senior adviser to the head of the transitional parliament said that its members would march on the presidential palace to demand the release of the president and ministers. “I call on all patriots to mobilise and defend the motherland,” Sy said.

Thursday September 17, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Obama to take tough but Hungarian riot police detain tempered line with China’s Xi migrants, including ‘terrorist’

Migrants run as Hungarian riot police fires tear gas and water cannon at the border crossing with Serbia in Roszke, Hungary yesterday. (REUTERS/MARKO DJURICA TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) Tibetan, Chinese, Uighur and American activists rally outside the White House in Washington, yesterday. (REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE) Reuters - China’s economic powerhouse is slowing, destabilizing global markets. Beijing’s neighbors, unnerved over its pursuit of territorial claims, are increasingly cozying up to Washington. A threat of U.S. cyber sanctions looms over Chinese companies. It might seem an ideal time for U.S. President Barack Obama to take advantage of Beijing’s troubles and get tough when he hosts Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a state visit on Sept. 25. Obama is expected to press Xi on issues that have strained relations between the two countries, but his approach will be tempered because for better or worse the world’s two biggest economies are inextricably bound together. That will mean a difficult balancing act for Obama. He is under pressure to send a strong message to Xi over cyber spying, Chinese economic policies and South China Sea disputes, but he does not want to upend a summit that could set the tone for relations for his last 16 months in office. “The test for Obama is whether he can leave this very important relationship in better shape than he found it,” a senior U.S. diplomat said. “And the jury is still out.” Critics have said that Obama’s strategy of

alternately prodding and cajoling China to play by international rules has yielded little but defiance from Beijing. Calls for a harder line have echoed from Congress to Republicans campaigning for the 2016 presidential election. Yesterday, Obama sought to dispel any notion that he would be soft on Xi. Speaking to members of the Business Roundtable, Obama warned of “countervailing actions” if China persisted in cyber espionage, said it must not wield protectionism like a “Third World country” and urged China to stop “pushing around” its smaller neighbors. At the same time, with nationalistic sentiment rising at home, Xi can ill afford the appearance of an economically weakened China making concessions to America. “As long as Xi shows he defends China’s interests and does not surrender to U.S. pressure it will be perceived as successful (domestically),” said Jia Qingguo, dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University and an adviser to the Communist government. No policy breakthroughs are likely during Xi’s U.S. trip, which is due to begin with meetings with high-tech executives in Seattle early next week and end with a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 28.

Reuters - Hungary yesterday detained 29 people including a “terrorist” as migrants demanding to be let through the country’s newly shut EU frontier clashed with riot police firing water cannon and tear gas while refugees searched for new ways to enter the bloc. Hungary’s decision this week to shut the EU’s external border with Serbia was the most forceful attempt yet by a European country to reduce the flood of refugees and economic migrants overwhelming the bloc. As thousands of migrants scattered across the Balkan peninsula tried to reach the EU, Hungary’s prime minister said his country planned to put up a fence along parts of its border with Croatia and on the frontier with Romania to stem the flow. Helmeted riot police backed by armoured vehicles took up positions at the barricaded border crossing

with Serbia, where male migrant youths pelted them with stones, demanding entry. Hungary said it detained a “terrorist” among 29 migrants held during the clashes. At least 20 policemen and two children were injured, a Hungarian security official said. “Police also captured an identified terrorist,” Gyorgy Bakondi, a security adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, told state television M1. A government spokesman said the man was “in the database of security services”. “It is getting very ugly there,” said Ahmad, 58, a shopkeeper from Baghdad who went to the official

border crossing at Sid in Serbia but realised he may have a better chance of entering the EU via Serbia’s border with Croatia. “As soon as we heard about a route to Croatia we did not wait long. I want to go to Sweden to meet the rest of my family. I hope we will be treated better in Croatia,” he told Reuters. Serbia’s prime minister accused Hungary of “brutal” and “non-European” behaviour and urged the EU to respond. “I call on the European Union to react, for its members to behave in line with European values,” Aleksandar Vucic told Serbian state television during a visit to the United States.

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Kaieteur News

PC Banks scandal triggers takeover by Agricultural Credit Board…

$665 million of members’ deposits being unaccounted The Gleaner - The Registrar of the Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies has signalled its intent to cancel the registration of the National People’s Cooperative Bank (NPCB) unless it can be shown that the bank is conducting its financial affairs and management in accordance with its rules and Industrial and Provident Societies Act and Regulations. The Registrar, Errol A. Gallimore had issued a cancellation order published in the Jamaica Gazette, with an August 5, 2015. However, The Gleaner understands that Gallimore, has approved a three-month extension of the order. At the same time, in a letter dated August 26, to the chairman of the NPCB, Bernal Neil, chairman of the Agricultural Credit Board (ACB) Hugh Graham served notice that the Board has

exercised its powers vested under the Agricultural Credit Board Act to take over the management and control of the NPCB, beginning on August 27, 2015 and until further advised. In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Gleaner, the ACB advised that the notice was in keeping with the Section 17(2) of the Act. Citing reasons for the action, the ACB highlighted “reckless exposure of members saving” resulting in more than $665 million or 21 per cent of members’ deposits being unaccounted for. It also pointed to unacceptable financial performance as confirmed by the audited financial statements of the NPCB for 2014 and several years preceding. The ACB said it was not satisfied with the information regarding the affairs and assets of the NPCB. It said the findings of the final report of the special audit

on the NPCB dated August 5, 2015, and the numerous breaches indicated in the probe confirmed the high risks to members’ savings and stakeholders’ interests. In his letter to the NPCB chairman, Graham said the notice confirmed breaches and the lack of enforcement of the established credit and other policies and procedures of the NPCB. Additionally, Graham stated in his letter that the Development Bank of Jamaica had suspended lending to the NPCB as a result of the breaches by the bank to the loan agreements between the DBJ and the NPCB. “This too has implications for the financial sustainability of the NPCB,” Graham stated. He said the NPCB’s registration by the ACB to conduct business as an agricultural loan society expired on March 31, 2015 and was not immediately renewed by the ACB because of several concerns the Board brought to the attention of the NPCB. The ACB chairman charged that the Board was not satisfied that the risks to members’ savings and stakeholders’ interests have been substantially alleviated and it remained concerned about the governance, administration, accounts, accountability and proceedings of the NPCB.

Thursday September 17, 2015

Brian Lara tells Dominica more help coming from TRINIDAD Brian Lara, Special Envoy of new T&T Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley (right) meeting with Dominica Prime Minister Roosevely Skerrit.

ROSEAU, Dominica – Brian Lara, Special Envoy of new Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has told Dominicans they can expect more help from the twin-island republic as they recover from the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Erika. Lara met this week with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and toured some of the worst affected areas. The cricket icon visited the island this week for a first hand assessment of the devastation caused by the August 27 passage of Tropical Storm Erika. Lara said Prime Minister Rowley was very concerned about the situation in

Dominica and “he’s willing to give a lot more”. “I am going to go back and ensure I take the right message back,” he told Skerrit. Tropical Storm Erika caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in

damage and claimed about 30 lives when its heavy rains soaked the island. Infrastructure was severely damaged, with some road, bridges and building collapsing under the pressure of floods and landslides.

Nurses Protest For A Second Day, Hospitals Still In Emergency Mode The Gleaner - Hospitals across the country continue to operate in emergency mode as public sector nurses have stayed off the job for a second day. Information reaching our news centre is that protest action could go into a third day. The Ministry of Labour has called an emergency conciliation meeting with the Nurses’ Association of Jamaica (NAJ) and the ministries of health and Finance for 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile, president of the NAJ, Janet Farr, says nurses remain upset about the non-payment of monies owed to them and many have not turned up for work. Farr says the situation has further worsened at some hospitals since Tuesday as more nurses have stayed off the job. The protest action by public sector nurses was prompted by what the NAJ

says is the government’s protracted delay in paying retroactive money from the reclassification of the public health sector. The NAJ says the money has been outstanding since 2013. However, Farr says the association is going to yesterday afternoon’s meeting at the labour ministry with an open-mind. Our news centre tried to get an update from the Ministry of Health on the level of absenteeism now affecting hospitals, but was unsuccessful as calls to key communication personnel went unanswered. Tuesday, the South East Regional Health Authority advised that only emergency cases would be accommodated at the Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee Hospitals and Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston.

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Courts 10k to renew Morgan, Fawad Alam back in Pakistan Test... Josiah-Tanner rivalry Sunday Alika Morgan has been one of the most dominant female road race runners in Guyana, until US-based, Euleen Josiah-Tanner started coming home to compete. Since then, the women road race title has been a straight fight between Josiah-Tanner and Morgan. Tanner is the defending women’s champ at Courts’ 10km Road Race set for Sunday, but Morgan is always the one to beat and poses the biggest threat to Josiah-Tanner retaining her title. Morgan has already won the AINLIM 10k race in the absence of JosiahTanner. Josiah-Tanner won the AINLIM race last year but flight issues prevented her from competing in the race a few weeks ago. Last year, Morgan was in Indonesia and missed the Courts 10km Road Race, giving JosiahTanner an easy win. Morgan, who has won the prestigious CARICOM 10km Road Race and has placed second at the IAAF South American 10km Road Race on several occasions, is one of Guyana’s renowned and celebrated athletes. Josiah-Tanner has her accolades to boast as well. Kaieteur Sport understands that both

Morgan and Josiah-Tanner are registered for Sunday’s race and that means a renewal of the battle between Guyana’s top two female distance runners. It will, as expected, be a battle of attrition. Morgan had run out of competition in races previously over the years, which is not her fault. The 10k race is not an easy event to compete in and athletes like Morgan, who pounds the road for all its worth just makes it more difficult for the ambitions of unassuming athletes. Josiah-Tanner has provided the right competition for Morgan, and it is hoped that out of this new rivalry will emerge better times for both athletes; in that context, while one athlete loses, both are in a position to win with ever improving times consistently. The 10k road race will also feature a host of other top women competing for the cash prizes, and trophies, up for grabs. The winners in the male and female senior categories will run away with a whopping $100,000. The second place finisher gets $75,000; third place $50,000; fourth pockets $30,000 and $20,000 for fifth place. The race starts at 6am Sunday.

From page 29 announced the limited-overs squads for the Zimbabwe series from September 27. Batsman Sohaib Maqsood found a place in both the ODI and T20 squads after recovering from injury. Uncapped fast bowler Imran Khan jnr and allrounder Aamer Yamin received their maiden Pakistan call-ups, with Anwar Ali rested for the T20s to help him recover from a minor groin strain. Bilal Asif was another uncapped allrounder chosen for the shortest format, but he had already toured Sri Lanka with the Pakistan ODI side. Among the more familiar names, batsman Umar Akmal and left-arm quick Sohail Tanvir were for only the T20s. Sarfraz Ahmed will miss the T20s to perform Hajj, allowing Mohammad Rizwan to keep wicket. “We have rested Anwar to give another talented allrounder Yamin a chance as part of our rebuilding,”

Leading... Thursday September 17, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Communicate with relatives who may need advice in order to find solutions to their existing problems. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Take your time. You may find yourself in a predicament with family members. Minor fevers or infections will develop if you're over-stressed. GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) Don't rely on others to handle the workload. You will have to be careful not to let others find out about your intentions. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Put your thoughts into action. You will feel the limitations if you have been overdoing it. You may want to get involved in some kind of creative group. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts. You will have to be sure not to burn the candle at both ends. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Don't be too hard on your mate. Your mind will be on matters that deal with secret affairs. You will enjoy lavish forms of entertainment and should consider making arrangements early.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 OCT. 23) Let your lover know what your personal intentions are. Love relationships will flourish. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Discuss your problems and complaints if you wish to rectify them. Expressing yourself in novel ways should lead you down new avenues. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) If it can make you extra cash, it will be even better. Talk to your emotional partner about your intentions. You should be in business for yourself. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Spend some time on yourself. Partnerships could be tense. Don't push your luck. Do not jump to conclusions concerning your romantic partner. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset. Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence. PISCES (FEB. 20MAR. 20) You may want to talk to your boss about your future goals. Don't do something silly just to get back at your mate.

From page 30 Demerara Football Association as well as the Uitvlugt Football Club and footballer. He was also Manager of the Guyana Football Federation and Assistant coordinator of the Mayor’s Cup Organizing Committee before he passed away in September 2011. No entry fee is required but teams are asked to be at the venue at least one hour before the prescribed starting time. The tournament will be conducted under the auspices of the GFF and by extension FIFA and all relevant rules will apply.

Chelsea forget domestic woes... From page 28 Group F match on Wednesday. An Alex OxladeChamberlain own goal followed by a Junior Fernandes header put Dinamo in the driving seat before Theo Walcott pulled one back for the Premier League side, who had striker Olivier Giroud sent off in the first half. Having failed to advance past the group stage of Europe’s elite club competition in their previous four attempts, Dinamo produced a morale-boosting performance in the Maksimir stadium. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger blamed the defeat on bad luck although he might also question his side’s poor defending at set-pieces and a lack of creativity in midfield.

Rasheed said. “He played a couple of outstanding innings to show his ability and we would like to take him ahead with our plan. “We meant to reward the outstanding performers from the recently concluded T20 Cup. But at the same time we are (keeping) continuity in the rebuilding phase of the Pakistan team by retaining majority of players who were part of the successful last tour of Sri Lanka.” Test squad Ahmed Shehzad, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Rahat Ali, Junaid Khan ODI squad Azhar Ali (capt), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Rizwan, Imad

Wasim, Anwar Ali, Wahab Raiz, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan T20 squad Ahmed Shehzad, Mukhtar Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi (capt), Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Irfan, Bilal Asif, Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Imran Khan jnr Changes in Pakistan’s squads For Tests v England In: Fawad Alam Out: Ehsan Adil, Babar Azam For ODIs v Zimbabwe In: Sohaib Maqsood, Wahab Riaz Out: Bilal Asif, Ehsan Adil, Mukhtar Ahmed For T20s v Zimbabwe In: Sohaib Maqsood, Aamer Yamin, Bilal Asif, Imran Khan jnr Out: Sarfraz Ahmed, Ziaul-Haq, Nauman Anwar, Anwar Ali

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BCB/Berbice River Bridge 50-over cricket...

Albion arrest police in semi-final The mighty Albion reminded giant killers Police that they are arguably the best cricket club in Guyana by whipping them by seven wickets in their postponed semifinal encounter played at the picturesque Cumberland Cricket Ground in East Canje. After winning the toss, the lawmen chose to take first strike and enjoyed a good start of 40 through openers Norwayne Fredericks and Brentnol Wolford. Trouble started when they lost Woolford off former West Indies youth left arm spinner Gudakesh Moti for 11. Police never showed any more resistance from there on with Moti leading the destruction with 5 for 19 off 10 overs. He was supported by Sri Lanka bound West Indies legs spinner Devendra Bishoo

with 4 for 25. They were eventually bundled out for 88 off 27 overs. In reply, Albion stuttered a bit losing national U-17 batsman Adrian Sukhwa for 7 with the score on 9. Balchand Baldeo followed for 12 and national wicketkeeper batsman Anthony Bramble also fell cheaply. Promising former Berbice under-19 middle order batsman David Latchaya joined forces with Bishoo and took their team home comfortably at 91 for 3. Bishoo showed off his batting skill with an unbeaten 36 and Latchaya provided solid support with 24 N.O. The final is slated for Port Mourant on Sunday September 20 pending the outcome of a protest lodged by Port Mourant Cricket Club.

Top players to compete in G.D.A. monthly tournament The Guyana Darts Association (G.D.A.) will be holding its monthly tournament this Sunday, at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas Lands. According to a release from the GDA, the tournament is scheduled to start at 13.30 hrs and registration commences from 13.00 hrs. All registered members of the G.D.A. are invited. The male and female singles will be played on a league basis and the luck of the draw will be played on a knock out format. This tournament is being sponsored by the G.D.A. and lots of prizes and incentives will be up for grabs

Rosetta Hiralall and Sudesh Fitzgerald

Thursday September 17, 2015

Pacquiao is OK with no rematch with Mayweather MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Manny Pacquiao doubts he will have a rematch with Floyd Mayweather because the American says he’s retiring. And besides, boxing is not his priority these days. Mayweather beat Pacquiao in boxing’s richest fight in May, and after he defeated Andre Berto last week for the 49th win of his undefeated career, he said he will retire. ‘’Boxing is not my focus because I can only fight next year, to give my shoulder a rest,’’ Pacquiao told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Pacquiao was still rehabilitating the right rotator cuff that was injured before the fight, and had surgery for afterwards. As a congressman, he said he was focused on building homes for the homeless in his southern home province of Sarangani. ‘’I’m OK. Whether there is a second (bout with Mayweather), it’s not a problem,’’ he said. ‘’I heard he has retired, so it doesn’t matter.’’ For his next fight, he said he will take on any other contender, ‘’because I do not choose my opponents.’’

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao gestures as he answers questions from reporters during an interview in suburban Pasay, south of Manila, Philippines on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) Pacquiao also said he was waiting to see if U.S. boxing authorities will sanction Mayweather for taking an IV drip after the weigh-in for their fight in Las Vegas. Punishment seemed unlikely, as Mayweather has been supported by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, to which he disclosed the infusion beforehand. The USADA said it contained no prohibited substances. Pacquiao’s camp was critical of anti-doping authorities who did not allow him to take medication for his rotator cuff injury before the

fight. On Mayweather’s IV, he said: ‘’What I want to know and clarify is if he committed an offense, how will the rules be applied?’’ Regarding the Philippines general election in May 2016, Pacquiao refused to disclose his plans. He told reporters he will soon announce whether he will run for re-election or governor of his province, or seek a seat in the Senate. He is expected to make his announcement, and the presidential candidate he will support, before the Oct. 16 deadline for filing of candidacy papers.

East Coast Cricket Board / ELIZABETH STYLES competition continues Sunday The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) otherwise known as the East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA) / ELIZABETH STYLES Competition continues on Sunday with several matches. This forty (40) overs competition

commenced recently with several rounds completed. The Club winning the tournament will take away three hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) while there will be prizes and trophies for the second placed team and the player of

the final. Clubs listed below are asked to take note. In the scheduled fixtures: Enterprise ‘Busta’ Sports Club (A) vs Mon Repos (A) at Enterprise Community Centre, Golden Grove vs Mon Repos (B) at Buxton Community Centre, Lusignan Sports Club (B) vs Buxton ‘Carl Hooper” Sports Club at Lusignan Community Centre and Ogle (Blue) vsLusignan Sports Club (A) at Ogle Community Centre. Meanwhile, in the East Coast Cricket Board Trophy 2 nd Division semi-final between Better Hope Sports Club (B) and Perseverance Sports Club, that game will be played at Better Hope Community Centre also on Sunday also. Teams need to note that all matches will be played strictly in accordance with the rules and regulations of the ECCB (ECDCA) with regards to the preparation and availability of the host facilities. For further information contact can be made with Mr. Raymond Barton on 626-0223 or Mr. Davteerth Anandjit 617-8502.

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>>> Letter to the Sports Editor <<<

Kristian Jeffrey, Vieira dominate ECB hostel being held hostage respective categories at CMRC BY EXECUTIVE MEMBERS DEAR EDITOR, The Essequibo Cricket Board Hostel was built about eight years ago under the stewardship of former President Mr. Alvin Johnson, with funding mainly from the Guyana Cricket Board through the Stanford initiative. Its key purpose was to host teams arriving from distant areas including inter-county teams from Demerara and Berbice, hence minimizing the financial burden on the ECB. Additionally the Hostel was to provide a firm basis for the growth and development of the Essequibo players by way of encampment since the facility has provisions for practice and it is in close proximity to the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. Recently the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC) coordinated a 20/20 Cricket Tournament in the Pomeroon and had invited the Lusignan Sports Club from the East Coast of Demerara to participate. Given the distance at which the tournament had to be played as well as the team having to travel to Essequibo, the NECC formally sought the use of the Hostel to host the players. Contact was made to both the Secretary and President of the ECB, Mr. Brian Christiani and Mr. Fizul Bacchus respectively. They both vehemently refused permission to use the building without providing a valid reason. This has been the attitude of the ECB towards me and the NECC. The Hostel is currently not in use except that it is being occupied by an extended family, all of whom are related to the Secretary. The conditions under which they were allowed to occupy the hostel are unknown to the Constituent Members of the ECB. I am extremely disappointed as a former President of the Essequibo Cricket Board and who was instrumental in ensuring that the building was secured, maintained from being infested by bats and rats and even painted. As such the blatant refusal by the executives is a clear indication that they are committed to ruin the conscientious efforts

of the NEEC to promote cricket in the Region as well as to frustrate and deny the cricketers the legitimate right to have access to a sports facility that was intended to be readily accessible. This is totally unacceptable and therefore I am appealing for some decency and morality to be restored in the administration of the ECB. The Hostel must not be held hostage by any executive member while in contrast they use it at the whims and fancies of their wishes. Many times the facility is being used by certain executive members for their own purposes while in other instances chairs, mattresses, kitchen utensils are being unconditionally removed. There is no inventory. In one case some utensils were loaned for an executive’s wedding in Wakenaam. I later visited the member’s premises and was appalled in the manner in which the items were stored. They were placed on the ground and were in an insanitary condition. In other instances the Hostel is being rented to a number of organizations, yet there is no income to show for its usage. It continues to be mismanaged and can now be described as a White Elephant. Apparently it is not for cricketers anymore but for family members of the ECB instead. I hope that the relevant authorities will intervene and that the Hostel will be rescued from the unscrupulous manner in which it is being managed and returned to the cricketers. Prince Holder PRESIDENT NECC Editor’s note: According to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) the above mentioned tournament was a private one and was not sanctioned by the GCB. The Hostel at Anna Regina is jointly owned by the GCB and the ECB and could not be used unless the WICB approves any tournament and no such letter was sent seeking permission from the GCB or the WICB.

- Barbadian Bailey crowned champion driver

Despite outstanding performances from Guyana’s Stephen Vieira, who was crowned Champion Rider and fellow-countryman Kristian Jeffrey, the Group 4 Champion, Team Barbados was the big winner at the end of Round Three of the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship which was held over the weekend at Bushy Park in Barbados. Barbadian Adrian Bailey was crowned Champion Driver, but equally important was the fact that the host was able to haul itself from fifth to second in the Country Championship title chase, with one round to go. With no representation for the first time since the competition began, Jamaica slipped to fourth, having led the Country standings after round one in March; Trinidad & Tobago, which hosted the second round in June, remains at the head of the table with 658 points, but a huge score of 441 over the weekend has promoted Barbados (533) to second place, ahead of Guyana (511), Jamaica (369) and the Cayman Islands (138). Guyana presented a strong team in the CMRC Superstock Championship; combined with a growing number of bikers in

Barbados, a grid of 19 was the largest ever seen at Bushy Park. CMRC Champion in 2011, Roger Mayers kicked off the weekend in fine style in ‘De Focus’, claiming pole position on his home track in a time of 60.472 seconds, seventh-tenths quicker than last year, with reigning champion Kristian Jeffrey of Guyana (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) less than two-tenths adrift. Fastest two-wheel-drive runner Mark Maloney (Mazda RX-3) and T&T’s Kristian Boodoosingh (Evo 6.5) were on row two, Kevin Jeffrey (Evo IX) and Doug Maloney (Audi A4 quattro) on row three. When the first Group 4 race got under way after weather delays, Mayers took the lead into the Hammer off the rolling start, chased by a determined Jeffrey, these two edging away; initially, they were chased by Boodoosingh, until a transfer box issue caused his retirement, then by multiple local Champion Stuart Williams (Lotus Elise). After an enthralling battle, ‘De Focus’ began to look rather wayward - front diff failure later confirmed - and Jeffrey snatched victory on the last lap. Williams was third, with Barry Mayers (WR

Starlet), Jeffrey Snr and Mark Maloney the only remaining runners. A depleted field of five assembled for the second encounter, as mechanical issues had sidelined Roger Mayers, Doug and Mark Maloney for the rest of the day. Track conditions were less than ideal, the 4wd Evos of Kristian Jeffrey and Boodoosingh easing away in the early laps, as Williams and Jeffrey Snr enjoyed a battle for third. Boodoosingh dropped back towards the end of the race, Williams and Barry Mayers both moving ahead of Jeffrey Snr, who was very nearly lapped by his son. Regular visitor – lap record holder on Old Bushy Park and the redeveloped facility – Stephen Vieira (Kawasaki) continued his winning ways, taking the chequered flag in all three encounters, although the third win was lost to a 5secs penalty for a jump start. Cousins Elliott (Kawasaki) and Matthew (Triumph) and fellowcountryman Joel Neblette (Suzuki) were the other podium finishers, Elliott claiming a new bike lap record at 64.269s. The Championship concludes at South Dakota in Guyana on November 14/15.

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Thursday September 17, 2015

Chelsea forget domestic woes to Hamilton out to emulate see off Maccabi - Arsenal beaten SENNA IN SINGAPORE LONDON (Reuters) Chelsea forgot their Premier League woes and got their Champions League campaign off to a flying start with a 4-0 thrashing of Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv in their opening Group G match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Despite Eden Hazard blazing an early penalty high over the bar, Chelsea scored twice in the first half with Willian finding the net with a 30-metre free kick after 15 minutes and Oscar scoring from their second penalty with the last kick of the opening 45 minutes. Diego Costa, who replaced Willian after the Brazilian was injured after 20 minutes, brilliantly volleyed in Chelsea’s third after 58 minutes with Cesc Fabregas finishing off a breakaway for the fourth after 78. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho had not seen his team win since Aug. 23 with two successive league defeats in their last two matches but he told reporters afterwards: “I forgot what it was like to win, so it’s a good feeling. “The penalty we missed was a big test for us. When you start a game you have to win and after five minutes you

miss a penalty, it is an extra negative episode and our reaction was very good. I am very happy with the performance.” Maccabi, back in the competition proper for the first time in over a decade after coming through the qualifiers, went close through skipper Eran Zahavi and Nosakhare Igiebor, but Chelsea, 17th in the Premier League with one win from five matches, were never seriously troubled and could have scored seven or eight. SIX CHANGES Their manager Slavisa Jokanovic, a former Chelsea midfielder, conceded: “Welcome to the Champions League, it is not the Israeli Premier League. “They dominated us, but we will learn.” Mourinho made six changes to the side beaten 31 at Everton on Saturday with captain John Terry among those on the bench, although Fabregas, who has lacked his usual creative inspiration, retained his place and had a hand in the third as well as scoring for the first time since April. The lack of confidence and poor form that has blighted Chelsea’s start to the campaign was apparent when

Hazard blazed his penalty over the bar. German referee Felix Zwayer showed leniency to Maccabi’s Serbian keeper Predrag Rajkovic though, only giving him a yellow card for bringing down Willian — and the goalie did not have to move as Hazard fired high and wide. Willian avenged that foul in the 15th minute when his 30-metre free kick bounced once and flew past the slowmoving Rajkovic to give Chelsea a deserved lead. Chelsea dominated but had to wait until the last kick of stoppage time before doubling the lead when Oscar scored from the spot after former Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim scythed down substitute Costa. Costa volleyed Chelsea’s third on the turn just before the hour mark and Fabregas tapped in a fourth as Chelsea won their opening home Champions League match of the season under Mourinho for the first time, at the fourth attempt. Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb made a dream start to their Champions League campaign after a goal in each half gave them a 2-1 home win over 10-man Arsenal in their (Continued on page 25)

SINGAPORE (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton has always regarded Ayrton Senna as his Formula One idol and the reigning world champion has a golden opportunity to match the late Brazilian’s 41 race wins at this week’s Singapore Grand Prix. Should the Briton drive his dominant Mercedes to victory in his 161st start on Sunday, not only will he achieve the feat in exactly the same number of races, he will strengthen his bid for a Senna-equalling third world title. “I watched Senna as a child and it would be an honor to match him. Now I’m just one win away but I hope to do even better,” the 30-year-old said in a recent interview. “But we must not forget that if he were alive, he would have won a lot more,” he added of the driver who tragically lost his life following a crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Hamilton holds a 53-point lead over nearest challenger Nico Rosberg going into the 13th round of the season and it was at this race a year ago where the Briton ripped the momentum away from his German team mate. Last season, the title race ended up going all the way to the final round in Abu Dhabi as Hamilton’s reliability issues allowed Rosberg to remain within striking distance despite winning seven fewer grands prix. This year, however, Hamilton has secured 11 pole positions in 12 rounds, finished every single race and claimed his seventh victory of the season in Monza last time out as a late engine failure left Rosberg pointless. Hamilton knows what it takes to win in Singapore, having twice taken the chequered flag under the floodlights after 61 concentration-sapping laps around the Marina Bay Street Circuit, and the Briton is geared up for another tough race. “I’ve won there twice now, both times from pole, which shows you how important qualifying is too,” he said. “It won’t be easy to make it three... far from it. But I’m riding high right now and I’ll be pushing for that hat-trick.” SILVER BEAST Rosberg has admitted he is not a fan of the 23-turn circuit and after electrical issues forced an early retirement that allowed Hamilton to leapfrog him in the standings a year ago, the German admits he has nothing to lose this time around. “I know I’ve got the pace to win there, so I’m hoping for a clean weekend and a chance

Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain gestures as he celebrates his victory in the Italian F1 Grand Prix in Monza, northern Italy September 6, 2015. (Reuters/Max Rossi) to unleash the silver beast under the lights,” he said. A Hamilton win would also see him draw level with Sebastian Vettel with 41 career victories, although the German will be looking for his third win in his debut season for Ferrari at a circuit he also loves. Vettel stormed to three straight wins in Singapore with Red Bull from 2011 and with his car the best of the rest this season, the four times champion sits 21 points behind Rosberg. The tight track and regular safety car periods could work in his favor. Local organizers of the race have played down concerns about the cloud of haze hanging over the city, saying it was not expected to impact on the event. The city-state has been blanketed by thick smog for the past week, a result of farmers in neighboring Sumatra burning forests to clear their land for agriculture. Race officials said they were monitoring the situation but there were no plans to change any of the scheduled events over the race weekend, including the pop concerts held each night at the Marina Bay street circuit. “Based on the current PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) levels, there are no plans to amend the published racing and entertainment program,” Singapore GP said in a statement.

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Fawad Alam back in Michael Jordan now makes Pakistan Test squad more money each year than he Fawad Alam (Getty Images)

ESPNcricinfo – Fawad Alam could end a five-year hiatus from Test cricket after being named in the 15-man Pakistan squad to face England in the UAE from October. His last Test was against New Zealand in November 2009 but he has been a heavy scorer in firstclass cricket. Over the last 12 months, he had made two centuries - 201 and 164 - and five fifties in 14 innings. The man making way is 20-year old Babar Azam. Alam had almost made it to the squad for the Sri Lanka tour recently but his name was pulled out due to logistical reasons and Azam replaced him. “Our Test team has been an established team for years now and it is hard to make room for any new player,” Haroon Rasheed, Pakistan c h i e f s e l e c t o r, t o l d ESPNcricinfo. “Fawad

Alam was in our plan for months now after his performance and we know he had been knocking at the selectors’ door for years in fact. We have added him to the squad in a bid to get ourselves ready for the transition after Misbah as we obviously need to have guys like him when our seasoned players fade away.” Pakistan received a boost in the fast bowling department as well. Wahab Riaz has recovered from the hand injury he sustained in Sri Lanka and replaced Ehsan Adil. Left-arm quick Junaid Khan has kept his place in the Test squad as well despite seeming offcolour in Sri Lanka. Junaid did not play Pakistan’s last Test in Pallekele, but kept himself busy playing for English county Middlesex over the summer. According to

Rasheed, Wahab and Junaid might be suffering a dip in form but are among Pakistan’s major investments during the ongoing transition. “They are our investment and we would like to persist with them,” Rasheed said. “Both might have been low in confidence for some time now but we aren’t judging them on the basis of T20 performance. At the top level they will definitely come hard and with a different state of mind. We have named Junaid in the A team so that he can get ample time to get himself ready for the Test series.” Pakistan decided that Yasir Shah, the top-ranked spinner in the world, and Zulfiqar Babar were enough as far as slow-bowling resources were concerned. The two are vital replacements for Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman, who had been Pakistan’s major assets for years in the UAE. Haris Sohail, another long-term investment Pakistan have made since 2013, missed out due to his patellar tendinitis injury. He had been undergoing rehabilitation for the injury for over a month at the NCA but failed to get himself cleared by doctors. “He is definitely one of the players who makes an automatic selection but he has not recovered ahead of the Zimbabwe series,” Rasheed said. The PCB also (Continued on page 29)

did in his entire NBA career Michael Jordon (Jordan Brand/Getty Images)

Business Insider - Michael Jordan is still raking it in more than a decade after his last NBA game. Michael Jordan became a billionaire this year, thanks mostly to the image he created on the court and the business decisions he made off of it. That combination was so powerful that he is still one of the world’s highest-paid athletes more than a decade after playing in his last NBA game. With his income from endorsement deals and royalties from his namesake Jordan brand, a subsidiary of Nike, Jordan made $100 million in 2014, according to Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes. That is more than any other athlete, active or retired, makes in endorsements. It is also enough to rank Jordan as the third-highestpaid athlete in the world, behind only Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.

This also means, as pointed out by ESPN’s Patrick Dorsey, that Jordan now makes more in a single year than he did in his entire 15year NBA career, according to Basketball Reference. Things look a little different if we adjust Jordan’s earnings for inflation, as his career NBA earnings would translate to about $145 million in 2015. But in terms of sheer volume, Jordan is raking it in more than ever. Also, assuming his earnings don’t recede, Jordan will most likely ascend to the top of the list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, unless of course Mayweather and Pacquiao shock the world and agree to a rematch. Not bad for a 52-year-old. Michael Jordan’s 2015 endorsement earnings: ~$100 million Michael Jordan’s career earnings in the NBA: ~$94 million

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Thursday September 17, 2015

“NO INTER-COUNTY” OR TRIAL

Colin Stuart chats with Chairman of WICB Selectors Clive Lloyd

matches to be held’ Colin Stuart By Sean Devers Former West Indies Test pacer Colin Stuart and Guyana Cricket Board’s ( G C B ) Te r r i t o r i a l Development Officer (TDO) informed that there would no I n t e r- C o u n t y f o u r- d a y cricket tournament or no trials to pick Guyana’s team for the second edition of the W I C B ’s P r o f e s s i o n a l Cricket League (PCL) fourday First Class tournament which starts on November 6. “An Inter-County tournament was scheduled but we (GCB) were unable play it due to rain but we now have plans to run off an eight-team semiprofessional league from which we can gage the players outside the pool of 15 contracted players and the 12 who are on the Academy contracts,” said Stuart, who rejoined the new Board in 2013 after a stint in the same position during the period 2005 -2008. The former Malteenoes quickie is the direct liaison officer of the GCB with the WICB on all development programmes.

He disclosed this league will start from year end since the GCB is looking for sponsorship for it and planning a structure and format for such a competition which will involve players from all three counties in Guyana and hopefully players from overseas. The 41-year-old who took 30 wickets from six Tests between December 2000 and November 2001, says that anyone who is playing competitive cricket for any first division team and consistently does well is eligible for National consideration under the payper-play system which offers only a match fee for matches you play even if you are not contracted by the Board. Stuart agreed that it could be difficult to pick players outside of those contracted with no trials or Inter-County cricket being played but said the league system should correct this from next season. “We (GCB) planned an Inter-County competition but unfortunately that was washed out. As we get closer

to the tournament they are training sessions for all contracted players including the Academy guys. We also have two simulation games and next month we plan to play two practice games,” said Stuart who is mandated to deliver, jointly, with the GCB, development initiatives in line with the goals, strategies and objectives of the GCB for cricket in Guyana. Meanwhile, assistant coach of T&T, Kelvin Williams said on Tuesday that trial games to pick the T&T Franchise for the new season are still important. “After the last season there was a lot of discussion concerning what went wrong, and areas that we could improve on, therefore those are the areas that the coach is working on,” said the 56-year-old Williams who made four fifties and took 59 wickets from 27 First-Class matches for T&T. “We have 15 contracted players, out of which there are two from overseas,” he pointed out. This leaves us with 13 and we cannot have

Speed Boat rewarded for winning Forbes Burnham Memorial softball

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he organisers of the recently concluded Forbes Burnham Memorial softball competition yesterday presented the first prize to Speed Boat XI at a simple ceremony held at Georgetown Softball Cricket league Inc (GSCL Inc) office in Seaforth Street. Assistant organising secretary of the GSCL Inc Russel Jadbeer congratulated the victorious Speed Boat team and said the tournament was a successful one. The competition was played in several Regions; Speed Boat defeated Regal in the final by seven wickets at the Ministry of Education ground. Regal managed 98 batting first with Safraz Esau scoring 33. Wazir Hussain claimed 3-16 and Greg Singh 2-9 for Speed Boat who responded with 104-3. Singh scored 48 and Hussain 40. The competition was played to commemorate the 30th death anniversary of the

Organising secretary of the GSCL Inc Russel Jadbeer (right) presents the cheque to manager of the Speed Boat XI Davendra Koblall. late President of Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and was organised the People’s National

Congress Reform in collaboration with the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc.

practice matches with that number; we need extra players to play. “What the coach (Gus Logie) decided to do is to invite a lot of people who he

believes have the potential to represent TT. So at this present time, with the 13 players that we have, we still have another 13 who will be on the fringe, to see how they

perform in the trials,” Williams informed. The first T&T trial game was washed out this week and it is hoped that another game could start tomorrow.

Leading Westside footballers on show for Sydroy Nedd 7-a-aside tournament

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number of the leading players on the Westside will be in action from Sunday when the Mayor’s Cup Organizing Committee and the family of the late Sydroy Nedd, led by Nedd’s younger brother Superintendent of Police Nigel Hoppie, stage an Inter Ward/Village 7-aaside knockout football tournament to coincide with what should have been Nedd’s 60th birth anniversary. The tournament is fixed for the Den Amstel Community Centre ground with action starting at 14:00hrs with eight matches. Tuschen will battle with Grove just before Sara Lodge take on Agricola. Goed Fortuin will then oppose Mocha moments before Stewartville throw down the gauntlet on Sophia. In other action, Crane will oppose Wales, Pouderoyen tackle Dekindren, Uitvulgt play Bagotville, while Den Amstel and Kuru Kururu will bring the curtains down on that day’s activities. The tournament will conclude on Thursday September 24 at the same venue with the respective winners being matched against each other with the two top teams battling for the championship trophy. The teams will battle for a first prize of $100,000, second $50,000, third $30,000 and fourth $20,000. Among the leading

Marvin Josiah Westside players expected to turn out for their respective teams are; Marvin Josiah, Detroy Adams, Deon Te r r e n c e a n d N a t h a n Allicock for Pouderoyen. Den Amstel will depend on Delon Lanferman, Jeffrey Perriera, Kester Dundas and Dwayne Wilson. Uitvlugt will have national player Trayon Bobb, Charles Stoby, Jamaal Petty and Marlon Brandis. Goed Fortuin have the Harding boys, Anthony and Ashley, leading their charge, while Grove have another sibling duo to head their challenge in Clive and Lloyd Matthews. Mocha have the Stewart brothers, Clive and Orville carrying their attack, while Kuru Kururu will feature Cordel Johnson, Deon

Orville Stewart

Trayon Bobb DeHaart and Dellon Roberts and Bagotville will be led by Dellon Wayne and Kerywn Wrights. Nedd was a former President of the West (Continued on page 29)

Thursday September 17, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 35

>>> PCL simulation game <<<

Barnwell, Reifer hit

fifties on day two Raymond Reifer, who bowls to Kemo Paul, used the overcast conditions excellently yesterday.

Robin Bacchus watches as Shemron Hetmyer hits Joshua Wade to mid-on before he had scored yesterday. By Sean Devers Chris Barnwell (67*) and Raymond Reifer (57*) shared in a century fifth wicket partnership at Bourda yesterday on day two of a three-day simulation match for the Guyana team preparing for the 2015/2016 WICB’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-Day First Class Franchise which starts on November 6. When rain stopped play a responsible unbeaten 45 from Skipper Vishaul Singh had led his team to 64-3 in reply to the 229 all out made by Assad Fudadin’s X1. Barnwell, who began the day on 59, was kept on a tight

rein by some quality fast bowling by Keon Joseph while the left-handed Reifer, who hit a patient 24 by the close on Tuesday, was more aggressive yesterday before both batsmen were asked to ‘retire out’. Barnwell struck eight fours and a six in his well constructed innings while Reifer, one of two overseas players from Barbados in the Guyana Franchise, reached the boundary five times in a responsible half-century. Resuming on their overnight score of 157-4, Fudadin’s X1 added 72 runs to their total as left-arm spinner Anthony Adams captured 4-37 from 9.3overs. Singh’s X1 started their

reply in horrendous fashion when Test opener Rajendra Chandrika was bowled for a second ball duck when he got an inside edge to a full ball from pacer Ronsford Beaton without a run on the board. Things got progressively worse when West Indies under-19 left-hander Shemron Hetmyer tried to force a ball from pacer Joshua Wade and spooned a catch to mid-on before he had scored. Robin Bacchus was just beginning to look settled when he got a ball from Refier, who utilized the overcast conditions perfectly, that moved late off the seam and was taken by

Vishaul Singh tucks Joshua Wade off his legs during his unbeaten 45 at Bourda yesterday.

HBFC Inter-Ward tapeball cricket set for Saturday

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he Holy Bible Family Club (HBFC) will be hosting their annual inter-ward schoolboys tapeball competition on Saturday at the National Cultural Centre tarmac from 08:30 hrs. This year’s competition has been dubbed ‘lets play tapeball cricket for Jesus’ and among the teams that have entered so far are Sophia, Cummings Lodge, Better Hope,

Good Hope, Friendship, Covent Garden and West Dem Glory. For more information teams can contact Colin Jacobs on 628-1656. At stake are trophies, medals and cash incentives sponsored by Trophy Stall and the churches. There would also be a reading competition for the players during the matches.

Kevin Boodie in the slip cordon. His 15 took 31 balls and his demise brought Kemo Paul to the crease to join the diminutive Singh. Singh stroked Reifer delightfully back past his ankles for four when he pitched up and swiveled to pull the pacer disdainfully to

the mid-wicket boundary off the next ball when the Bajan pounded it in short. Singh looked in top form and elegantly caressed the lively Raun Johnson through the covers for four before leaning back to give himself room to majestically backcut for consecutive

boundaries behind point. Singh reached the boundary six times from the 48 balls he faced and was five short of his half century when heavy rain sent the players scurrying off the field. Paul (5*) was the other batsman at the crease. Today is the final day.

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