Kaieteur News
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Saturday September 17, 2016
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
SUICIDE IN GUYANA The recent suicidal death of Yougram Bladesh of Blairmont, West Berbice was tragic. It was heartbreaking for many in the country to hear about another suicide. While it may never be known why the teenager took his own life, it should remind all of us of the seriousness of suicide. With tears in her eyes, his grieving mother, Sadit Persaud, told the media that her son was intoxicated and was not acting normal on the day he committed suicide, but she did not know what to do. Guyana has experienced some serious problems over the years, but nothing could be worse than the loss of life of youths due to suicide. It has stunned the nation and is eating away at the fabric of society. Suicide is a national epidemic; it affects everyone in society directly or indirectly. Suicide is not only about the loss of a life of one individual, it is also a tragedy for society and for relatives and friends who are left to grieve. It has far reaching consequences for the nation. It is a very serious social problem in Guyana which has the highest suicide rate in the world per capita. Data on suicide in Guyana is limited, as the country’s health department is focused mainly on infectious tropical and mosquito-borne diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2014, Guyana had a suicide rate of 44.2 per 100,000 person and that for every female suicide, there were 3.2 male suicides. By comparison, neighbouring Suriname had a suicide rate of 27.8 per 100,000. Venezuela’s rate of 2.6 per 100,000 is the lowest in the region. East Indians accounted for the majority of suicides in the country by the end of last year.About 40 percent of people who commit suicide in Guyana consume agricultural pesticides. Most are youths between the ages of 16 years and 30 years old. In terms of population, Guyana is too small to have such high suicide rate. With fewer than ten full-time psychiatrists, a shortage of psychologists and trained social workers in the country and a dysfunctional crisis hotline, there are limited options for those contemplating suicide to seek help. There is no single reason that can explain the shockingly high rate of suicides in Guyana, but health workers have pointed to the deep poverty in the rural areas, the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse, rejection in a love affair, family pressures to marry young, arranged marriages and culture, among others. Suicides have provided a dose of reality for all to grapple with. Studies show that the onset of mental health-related issues including sadness, hopelessness, despair, low selfesteem, and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety could lead to alcohol and substance abuse, and ultimately suicide. But every problem, no matter how unsolvable it may seem, has a solution. In Guyana, suicide remains a taboo subject, and even though some have linked it to witchcraft, the unnerving silence has done nothing to solve it. Stigma and misconceptions have contributed to a lack of constructive conversations; but the nation can no longer cower, because deaths by suicide could be seen as an indictment on the nation and the government’s failure to address it. Like other disquieting issues such as child abuse and domestic violence, public awareness and conversations could stimulate action to help reduce suicide. Regrettably, recent attempts by the government to address the issue of suicide have been stymied by political wrangling which has taken precedent over suicidal issues. In July of this year, a bill to amend the country’s laws to decriminalize suicide, implement a five-year National Suicide Prevention Plan and allocated funds to treat mental health and suicidal issues as national priorities was voted down in Parliament by the government. The government has argued that the manner in which the legislation was framed by the opposition has politicized and trivialized the issue of suicide. This type of political gamesmanship and lack of compassion by the authority is unacceptable. It is time to end the political rhetoric and address the suicidal issue.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
K. Juman Yassin will face formidable contenders Dear Editor; Attorneys-at-law Roysdale Forde, Nigel Hughes, David Fernandes and Vidushi Persaud are names mentioned by Mr.Rawle Welch (Sports Reporter) who he believes, possess the credentials to serve as President of the GOA (Guyana Olympic Association) in his published KN report dated Sept.14, 2016. That was brilliant of the writer to pen his choices and as I see it, the current President of the GOA is in for some serious challenge/s during the
next elections. Those names are indeed serious contenders. The possibility now exists that the guard will sooner or later be changed and I sincerely wish everyone well. Hopefully, Guyana will be represented on the podium at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. To the athletes from Region 1 to 10, whatever comes out of the next GOA’s elections, respect the decision and keep working hard towards international stardom.
It comes with major sacrifices, funding, discipline etc. In the event I might not be available to pen a correspondence or have to be out of town, I take this moment to extend my gratitude to the current members of the GOA for their consideration in acknowledging my little contribution over the years in the fields. If any of the names mentioned above should lead the GOA in the near future, it’s a big ship with major responsibilities. Captain that ship well... T.Pemberton
Councilor Marks must be admired for her action Dear Editor; The treatment meted out to the vendors by Town Clerk Royston King, who unashamedly seeks to justify a conduct that can be described as being bovine, must be condemned by all right thinking Guyanese. In the Georgetown City Council they are by-laws that guide the conduct of business and these have their genesis in establishing and maintaining good human relations within society. King has responsibility as Chief Executive Officer for the day-to-day business of the Council but this cannot be discharged based on his gut feelings. The discharge of his duties must be consistent with application of the national laws, city by-laws and acceptable human conduct. Respect for these tenets will inform that the town clerk does not have the prerogative to walk around the town, observe activities and perceived violations, and order action be taken without due consideration for the consequences. In the specific case of the vendors at Bourda Market one has to be careful
when dealing with a collective as against an individual. For in the case of the collective it is totally wrong for actions to be taken against the collective on the perceived violation of a few. The engagement with vendors by the town clerk, though he is fully well aware that this group has established a union that represents their interest, indicates that the Council has no intention of conducting its business consistent with laws and to bring order to vending. The position taken by Councillor Andrea Marks at Tuesday statutory meeting reminds the nation that some persons placed in elected office are prepared to handle issues guided by universal acceptable principles and precedence. It must be recalled that Ms. Marks, not then a councillor, was out there vociferously protesting the excesses of the administration of Town Clerk Carol Sooba. Today that Ms. Marks is using her elected office, as representative of the people, to speak out against the excesses of the incumbent
town clerk reflects a glimmer of hope that the wrongs of the past administration will not be supported in the present administration. This is a progressive step by Ms. Marks and the society needs to see more of if we, as a people, are going to have political growth. When one accepts that laws are put in place to guide the conduct of man in society, the city mothers and fathers need to take note that these laws cannot be applied in the manner that violate the fundamental rights of vendors and citizens. Pronouncement that the town clerk is the Chief Executive Officer and has to discharge his duty is not doubted. What those who so remind us of are falling short of is reminding themselves that the town clerk has a responsibility to respect the rights of the vendors and uphold the laws, buttressed with a high level of civility. The pronouncements by Mayor Chase-Green as reported in the media raise concerns as to what her tenure will be like when it comes to treating with people and demonstrating
regards for their fundamental rights and freedoms. As mayor of the city, she was elected by the people to be in service to the people, and being in service to the people requires treating them with respect and dignity. She is u rg e d t o r e t h i n k a n d understand the role she ought to be playing and giving leadership to. The vendors are an economic group in this society. They provide a service, livelihood for themselves and family, and contribute to the revenue intake of city and national governments. In an economy where opportunities are limited these persons could have sat on their laurels, migrated, or turned to a life of crime. That they chose to stay here and engage in productive endeavours and their legitimacy cemented by their payment of stall rental to the council are enough to see them being treated with deserving respect. The City Council must rein King in given that his conduct will be seen as a reflection of the city mothers and fathers. Lincoln Lewis.
The people at SARU do not know what they
are about Dear Editor: Strong sets of rules of law are necessary for any country to be safe. Now that there is enough irrefutable evidence that both the past PPP and the current Granger led APNU/AFC are irresponsible with finance it is vital for Guyana to have an effective State Assets
Recovery Unit (SARU). But one of the central tenets for the SARU to function effectively and efficiently is the personnel in its leadership. Clearly there are things wrong in SARU. That agency is packed with little men with little minds who all have a vindictive ambition. What they continue to overlook is that less than 5 percent of the East Indians of Guyana are considered as Guyana dollars millionaires.
The facts of the matter will show that over one-third of the East Indians, like onethird of the African and more than 60% of the Amerindians are living below the poverty line.S o t h i s t a r g e t i n g specifically of PPP supported businessmen by the SARU will undermine every single case that they are working on. All of the senior personnel chosen to function in SARU are unqualified in the relevant
field to really find the white collar criminals. If one looks at Clive Thomas, Desmond Trotman, Aubrey Retmyer, and the worst of them all Eric Phillips, none of these men are certified forensic examiners, much less whitecollar fraud investigators. They are political appointees who do not have a clue what they are doing at SARU. All they are doing every day is going on a wild goose chase. Jai (Harry) Lall
Saturday September 17, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Government stifling local government democracy DEAR EDITOR; While in opposition, President Granger was a passionate campaigner for local democracy. Both in and out of Parliament, he emphasized the need to allow local leaders at the level of the villages to take charge and manage the affairs of their local communities. In opposition, his party pressed relentlessly for the enactment of the four Local Government Bills. In the Select Committees, their contributions had a common thread. They canvassed for a reduction of ministerial power and influence over local democratic organs, while at the same time, advocating for greater financial independence and functional autonomy for these organs. They argued for the urgent establishment of a bi-partisan local government commission, in which is to be vested, a plethora of power, which the Minister now enjoys. They were so aggressive on these matters that it was clear to many at the time, that they never expected to be the next
government. In this equation, one cannot exclude their sudden and emphatic advocacy for the holding of local government elections, the postponement of which, they supported in the National Assembly for the past 15 years, immediately prior. After 2011, local government elections suddenly became a major priority. While in Government, during the campaign for the 2016 Local Government Elections, the posture of the President and his Government remained the same. They advocated for the empowerment of local leaders; they argued that these leaders must be allowed to determine and govern their affairs at the level of the local democratic organs and that Central Government’s input must be minimal; they advocated for the newly elected local democratic organs to enjoy financial independence and functional autonomy Then came the Local Government Elections on the 18th of March, 2016. There is no doubt that its results
flabbergasted the President and his Government. The APNU was devastated at those elections. That they were in Government for a year and their die hard- supporters still in a state of euphoria, after the 2015 General and Regional Elections “victory”, it was a terrible blow to their political psyche and ego. The PPP won landslide victories in 48 of the 71 Local Authority Areas. In 6 of the remaining areas, the PPP tied with the APNU. In the remaining areas, the APNU was forced to share the spoils with independent groups, including, in areas where they boast great political strength. In short, the APNU was thrashed at those elections. Since the local government election results, one has witnessed an absolute change in the approach of the Government to the newly elected local organs. The rhetoric that we heard prior to those elections; local leaders taking charge of their affairs; they must be allowed to do so without interference from Central Government; that they must be functionally autonomous
Praise and admiration for the Acting Commissioner of Police DEAR EDITOR; I like the Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine very much; I think that he augurs well for Guyana and the future of the country. All societies are constructed therefore they can be deconstructed and reconstructed. I firmly believe that we are at a stage where we need to do some structural deconstruction, and reconstruct a different society. However, what is needed are some ‘societal demolition experts’ who will form a critical mass or a corps of persons who are not afraid to take a stand and establish and uphold the principles and values upon which Guyana will be built for the long term. Organisations and institutions are living entities. Let’s use the analogy of the human being as a living creature. The health of the body is primarily dependent on the functionality of its organs which is the reason why some of them are called vital organs. Similarly the health of organizations and institutions is dependent on the functionality of the systems, structures, principles and the values upon which they are built. Let’s go beyond the institutions and examine a
country, in this case Guyana. Guyana will only be as successful or in this context, as healthy, as the organs which make up the country. These organs are the, justice system, public sector, parliament, family, community, etc.; therefore the more dysfunctional these organs are; it is the more dysfunctional the society will be. The application of principles in an organization serves a similar purpose as vegetables to the body, we may not like them or always want to eat them but they are good for our health. Similarly, applying and respecting the principles might be difficult, changing the direction of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) might be a huge challenge but it is critical for the future of Guyana. Respect for the Rule of Law would continue to be elusive until we fix critical organizations and institutions such as, the Guyana Police Force and the Justice system. When we have reached a stage where members of our GPF are calling citizens to ask them to put G$200 credit in their telephones, something is seriously wrong. It says a lot about values. Law enforcement plays a key role in developing and
maintaining shared values. As I am on the point of shared values, this is where leadership is critical in any country. While the government is not expected to solve the problems of a country, what it does, is to bring a level of leadership that should set the ‘valuesstandard’ for citizens to follow. One of the worrying factors in our society is the prevalence of leaders; doctors, among other professionals being allegedly associated with corrupt other similar practices. Now how can someone study medicine for 7 years, or pursue an education for four, six or more years and sacrifice all of that for a few dollars? Nothing could be and must be more valuable than our freedoms! No amount of money! How can our leaders get to the pinnacle of their careers and then risk everything that they would have worked for, for a few dollars? It comes right back to values. Why do they think that this is the quality of leadership that we deserve as a people? And I would just like to indicate that people are talking, after all there is no honour among thieves. There are five stages in a change process and the first stage is (Continued on page 6)
and financially independentall quickly vanished. This rhetoric was quickly replaced with exactly the opposite in actions. The Government has since been pursuing a policy flagrantly designed to denude these newly elected organs of all autonomy and independence and when there is resistance, to frustrate and stifle these organs in the discharge of their functions by withholding monies and constructing bureaucratic red tapes - all in an effort to make these organs politically beholden to Central Government. This is nothing short of an onslaught upon local democracy and a callous flouting of the will of the electorate as expressed at
the local government elections. I will demonstrate my point with a few examples. 1. Perhaps the most conspicuous example of this Government’s authoritarian attempt at thwarting local democracy is the vulgar and manifestly unlawful act of Minister Bulkan’s handpicking of chairpersons in the five tied NDCs and handpicking the Mayor for the municipality of Mabaruma, in a shameless violation of the relevant statutory provisions. The clumsy strategy of the Attorney General to delay the hearing and determination of the cases filed challenging Bulkan’s actions and the contrivance of frivolous and vexatious legal arguments, attempting to justify those
actions, only compound this anti- democratic perversity. 2. Another example of the attempt to control these local government organs, is the use of the Town Clerks, in the case of municipalities, Regional Executive Officers in the case of RDCs and Overseers at the level of the NDCs- all servants/ agents of the Minister, to micro-manage, frustrate and torpedo the work of these elected bodies. Only recently, their own Dr. Ramayya, resigned as REO of Region 6, citing pervasive corruption and the controlling power of the Minister, who criticized him for not approving works done by contractors, although according to Dr. Ramayya, these works were (Continued on page 6)
Warning to Town Clerk, Royston King DEAR EDITOR; Ever since Ms. Carol Sooba assumed the office of Town Clerk, my interest in the affairs was significantly renewed. Her frequent clashes with the mayor and deputy, though very serious was more like a Circus show. It was top class entertaining. But my anger would rise with questions as to the person of the town clerk. Her contempt for the council knew no boundaries. This woman was a one man show. And while she displayed attitude unbecoming of a hireling, her subject minister et al seem pleased with her performance. She got “spounce’. Her miscalculation was to forget
that “you can’t keep what you can lose.” While Carol displayed arrogance towards council, she was hired to serve her audience, the people. Mr. King anticipated her demise, and his subsequent elevation, “to the throne’. Legal proceedings failed. However, thanks to the vendors, and citizens of GT, May 11, 2015 signaled D Day for Carol, and “ the day that the Lord has made” for Mr. King. But that was 17 months ago Mr King has shown and is showing” dem boys, who he truly is”. Mr King’s arrogance towards, and contempt for the very people responsible for his coronation, is nauseating. I
am as angry now as when Carol was “Sitira Gal” in City Hall. He seems to have too soon forgotten the following; 1. Hired servants who behave like bosses get fired. 2. You d o n ’ t m a k e e n e m i e s of people who don’t hate you or want your job. 3. Why Carol got booted. My brother I advise you, “get out de the line quick if you dont want City Hall to see yuh back, and the vendors your face. Remember the day Carol lost her office, bodyguard, driver and “Prado”. Dem people dey hey since before yuh mother mek you. You or dem gun move. But not dem. Ovid Schultz
Unbearable unsanitary situation at West Minister, WBD DEAR EDITOR; It has been one year since I have been a resident of West Minister, West Bank Demerara( Parafaith Harmony H/Scheme). Since living here I am forced to deal with a neighbour who refuses to build a toilet facility on his property. It is a family of seven, which includes five children with the eldest being about thirteen and the youngest being about one year old. I have made several complaints to the Region 3
NDC and also to the Region 3 RDC and they so far have been no help. The situation is sickening and unbearable having to deal with the stench of urine and feces on a daily basis, since, the back yard is one of the frequent disposal areas. I would like to know why the authorities are so reluctant to address this matter since most of the residents who have to live or pass this property are at risk of some form of exposure to whatever disease/diseases
would arise from these deliberate acts. Mr. Editor, our President is at the moment advocating for a clean, green environment. Can you please help remind the local governing body of the motto. Rovina Campbell
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Saturday September 17, 2016
Diaspora is necessary for Guyana’s Development DEAREDITOR; Editor’s note; this is the conclusion of Mr. Saul’s letter originally carried in our Thursday’s edition Guyana’s Finance Minister Winston Jordan just recently also announced that, for the first half of 2016, the South American CARICOM state’s economy grew 2%. And, with a small but steady growth rate, President Granger has stated that the country is doing “quite well”. He
argues that the growth is quite sustainable, and things will get better in the coming year. The President’s optimism is not shared by all in Guyana…especially the “small man and woman who are struggling to be real people”. Vendors at the market places are being harassed and prevented from earning legal means of livelihood; users of small amounts of ganja are still being targeted, charged and sentenced
to jail time; crime seems to be taking more deadly turns, despite statistics that say otherwise and there is a general disquiet in the society that “money nah run”. Maybe, it’s because the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is in town and drug barons have to keep their heads down. Money laundering is drying up as “high rollers” stash their cash or find means and ways to spirit “the grangers and the benjamins” out of the country.
These are my ideas I would like to share DEAREDITOR; As a citizen of this country we all know that the economy has slowed down. The lower and middle class citizens are the individuals who struggle to provide for their household; we all are depending on government to provide jobs and income. I have a couple of ideas that I would like to share. The police force has so many vehicles not working and would be parked at various mechanic shops or the police stations. If the police force has mechanics to do maintenance, but has a shortage of work force, why not recruit the school dropouts to work with the police force mechanics, they can assist in the spraying (bodywork) of crashed vehicles, also the repairs of these vehicles. By doing this the youths would be learning a trade in auto mechanic and auto body repairs. This would help tremendously in crime fighting. Government or GRA should manufacture motor vehicle number plates. The number plates should be permanently registered for a car(s) owner(s), the number plate (s) would be a lifetime property of the vehicle owner. Jobs can be created by manufacturing the number plates. To simplify it the plates would be the same as PNN 1345, registered to V. Ishwaridin of 56 area H Ogle If I sell my car I have to take off the plate, when I
obtain or buy a next car I would notify GRA that my plate would be registered for the car I obtained or bought . The person that bought my car, if never owned a car has to request a registration number. This would be the plate for new owner’s car. The number plates have to be made of metal or aluminum, and the letters and numbers must be stamped on the plate The parking meters in the city are a great idea; about the cost and the percentage to be paid to city council, that I have NO idea how or what that should be done. But they will ease the traffic congestion and provide an income to maintain the city. Citizens will complain that they bought the vehicle for their comfort, that’s understandable. Council can provide free parking out of the city. The Railway Embankment from Vlissengen Road to Parade Street, can be paved and made a parking lot for citizens, there are many access and exit points on the Railway Embankment where citizens can access public transportation to enter the city. The money earned from the parking meters can provide for security and lighting for the free parking lots. USAID did a survey on what does the public think about the police force. It said the citizens have NO confidence in the law or the police. Citizens see the police as the worse individuals to deal with. The traffic police are so authoritarian when doing traffic stops. Drivers have so
much fear of these traffic officers that knowing if anything is wrong that they can face being locked up. The way the police solve crimes are by torture (beating suspects to confess to a crime), when the suspect appear in court, they would tell the magistrate they were beaten. I have no political affiliation to any party and I have no financial influence. Should this be the reason why government or politicians can’t use or listen to my ideas? I have written many times to both government past and present, on the installation of Fire Sprinklers in commercial buildings. The Fire Chief has to review and past all building permits; it is known that commercial buildings are more at risk of fire. Why not instruct them that by law and the Fire Chief’s recommendation that for the safety of our citizens, they must have sprinklers? This is how our country laws and system operate. Laws are broken and because somebody knows somebody we are unable to have justice. From all sections of society we see this happening. If we don’t stand and make a change how can we better our country and our living standards? Are we building a better Guyana. I am a patriot of our great country and I want to do better; I want our country to do better Vishul Ishwaridin
Praise and admiration for... From page 5 to accept that we have a problem. Back to the Guyana Police Force, some citizens are interested in supporting members of the police force but not in an illegal way. I would therefore like to suggest that the GPF establish a ‘Citizens Police Fund’, just a suggested name. Every police station or outpost could establish an account at a bank or put in place a similar structured facility and residents from the communities where these stations or outpost are located can contribute annually towards this fund and at the end of the year, the finance could be distributed equally
among the ranks whose wages and salaries are below a certain amount. This will institutionalize a process for citizens to support the work of the GPF financially while not illegally. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Traffic Policeman who works outside of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Camp Street, one morning I was observing him and he was doing his job in an admirable and very professional manner. Finally, I have been having discussions with a few of my colleagues about a public
campaign, ‘Leave A Better Guyana”; the theme will be ‘I am taking responsibility for the future of Guyana’. More on this campaign will be published shortly. The overall focus will be to rebuild trust and con f i d e n c e i n o u r people and country, at the individual, institutional and societal levels. For further information please contact email address iam_guyana@yahoo.com. To the Acting Commissioner, “Lets’ Leave A Better Guyana” by taking responsibility for the future. Audreyanna Thomas
Then, there is the PPP Opposition leader – former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s call to his sycophants to create “economic sabotage” by withholding investments and financial undertakings that would benefit Guyana. Apart from that, the wily and serpentine rabble rouser has been playing the role of “defender of the masses’ interests” with an ethnically divisive rhetoric at home and abroad! When all is said and done, many Guyanese breathed a sigh of relief when, in its first major strike to stamp out lawlessness and regain control of the forestry sector, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) last week announced that it is moving to repossess over 600,000 hectares from BaiShanLin International Forest Development Inc., a Chinese logging company that has been under fire for its operations in Guyana. According to GFC, the decision was taken after the cashstrapped BaiShanLin failed to deliver on agreed actions to introduce investors to the commission and failing despite being given time to prove that it had an acceptable plan to clear an approximately $80M debt. It was announced earlier this year that BaiShanLin’s partner, Long Jiang Forest Industries Group, was set to take over management of the company in Guyana after it became clear that monies had dried up for the company that had over-extended itself in too many sectors. The announcement came after Minister of State Joseph Harmon had returned from an extended visit to China and meeting with officials of Long Jiang Forest Industries Group.
The company has been heavily pushed by the Chinese government with tax and other concessions granted to it in China. BaiShanLin was not only involved in logging and export. It had also branched off to gold mining, housing, river transportation, ship building and even property acquisition. Several of the ventures, including its unfinished luxury homes and a mall, would tell a stark tale of an investment that went all too wrong…all too quickly. The company was even accused of burning down a large swath of forest up the Berbice River and never reporting it. It owes the government of Guyana hundreds of millions of dollars for properties it bought, including the Cacique Banquet Hall behind Ramada Princess Casino, in Providence. It was taken to court by BK International, a local contractor for hundreds of millions of dollars owed for housing lands at Providence. Last year, Government halted log exports for the company after it became clear that a US$70M wood processing facility in Linden was not going to happen. That plant was key to BaiShanLin being granted billions of dollars in duty free concessions from since 2006 when it first appeared on the Guyana scene. GFC, in explaining its decision to repossess the 618,000 hectares which BaiShanLin has managed to snap up, some under questionable means, made it clear that it has been engaging the company since April 8, 2016 to provide an update on its plans to clear the $80M debts. BaiShanLin’s presence in Guyana had been an extremely uncomfortable one for especially
the last administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), under President Donald Ramotar, after it became known that the company was virtually given a “blank cheque” to carry out operations here. It was allowed to bring in hundreds of Chinese workers without much attention paid by local authorities to ensure that they returned home after their contract ended. The situation was so bad that British and German immigration authorities were convinced that BaiShanLin had stretched its tentacles to human trafficking. The company even attempted to bring women in on flights from China but a number of them were detained, with immigration authorities saying they did not fit the profile of being logging workers. There are indications, too, from correspondence to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that certain officials of the Clement Rohee-led Ministry of Home Affairs may have been bribed to facilitate visas for BaiShanLin. In Guyana, BaiShanLin was the third largest holder of state forests behind Barama Company Limited, a Malaysian company, and the Indian-owned Vaitarna Holdings. In 2011, it was granted 52,896 hectares up the Berbice River through a company named Haimorakabra Logging Company Inc. At the end of the day, what is evident is that more attention has to be paid towards encouraging individuals, companies and corporations from the Diaspora to invest in Guyana and to contribute in whatever way to the development of the “cooperative” Republic of Guyana. Budget 2017, here we come! Ras Leon Saul
Government stifling local... From page 5 substandard. NDC Councilors, countrywide, with whom I spoke, informed me that decisions of the council are not being carried out by the Overseers unless they receive the approval of the Minister. I have been told that no money can be spent without the prior approval of someone authorized by the Minister. I am aware that the NDCs received their statutory subventions almost four months late and that their budgets were only approved within the last two weeks. These are deliberate strategies employed by the Minister to undermine the functioning of these elected bodies. 3. Six months after the local government elections, this Government is still to submit its nominees to the Local Government
Commission. As a result, this much touted Commission remains on paper only. The Government is deliberately delaying the establishment of this Commission, because once it becomes operational, the Minister and by extension the government, loses a tremendous amount of power. To the authoritarian, the loss of power is like the loss of life itself. 4. The democratic line demarcating the Georgetown City Council from the Government has become so blurred that the Council is operating almost like a department of Government. The Government gives policy directions to the Council with seamless ease; Cabinet reviews Council’s decisions without anyone batting an eyelid; the Attorney General, nonchalantly, reviews
contracts entered into by Council and renders to the Council, legal advice in relation thereto. In this incestuous matrix, all seem blind to the assault being committed upon local democracy. Sadly, in the milieu, there is no proverbial one eye man to take the throne. The cumulative impact of this all is that democracy is under siege at the level of the local democratic organs, as it is in the Parliament and elsewhere. But alas, what can one expect from a Government whose leader, two weeks ago, reiterated his idolatrous admiration of and strong commitment to the politics, ideas and ideals of Forbes Burnham – a politician whose lack of democratic credentials equals none in the English speaking Caribbean. Anil Nandlall
Saturday September 17, 2016
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Cops arrest owner of pit-bulls Improved power supply for Bartica by Sunday
Police have arrested Marceline Small, the woman, who owns the four pit-bulls that mauled a man to death and attacked two other persons at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Thursday morning. Acting Divisional Commander, Leslie James, when contacted confirmed that the woman is in police custody. He said that the investigation is ongoing. Small is wife of Jarvis Barry Small, who was sentenced to 96 years in prison for the 2010 murder of Neesa Gopaul. Up to yesterday afternoon, the four pit-bulls were still at the woman’s yard. The victims were attacked some time between 03:00 hrs and 06:00 hrs on Thursday. The body of the dead man was discovered shortly after 06:00 hrs with bite marks. Villagers identified the dead man as “Boxers,” a vagrant who would roam the streets. They believed that he was killed while sleeping on the streets, a couple of houses from Small’s residence. The injured persons have been identified as Wilmark
Adams, a GUYSUCO worker of Cornelia Ida; and Ramanand Bhikam, a security guard of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD). Both men were bitten on the legs. According to Adams, he was riding to work when the four dogs rushed out of the yard and attacked him, forcing him to defend himself for more than an hour, armed with only a piece of wood. Adams said that the wood did not scare the dogs away. He said that he screamed for help but no one came to his rescue. “I see (the owner) had a window open and I screaming but no one came. After an hour, a car came and the dogs run back into the yard,” the estate worker said. Adams was taken to the hospital where he then made a report. Meanwhile, around 05:00 hrs, Bhikam was returning home from work when three of the four dogs attacked him. “I see the dogs in the streets but dogs does normally be in that area so I continued and when I reached close, the dogs attacked me. They bite up my food and I pulled a cutlass and
chop them,” the guard said. While the dogs were injured, none of them died. According to Bhikam, when the dogs ran back into the yard, he called out for the owner but no one answered. He then made a report to the police at Leonora before heading to the Cottage Hospital there. It was there that he learnt that he was not the only person attacked by the vicious animals. It was while there that both men later learnt that the police picked up a body not far from where they were attacked. One resident identified as Mohan, said that neighbours have made numerous reports about the dogs, since it was not the first time the dogs attacked persons. Neighbours said that after the police removed the body, Small got into her vehicle and drove away. Shortly after, her brother went to the house and was eventually taken into custody. When the police left, neighbours claimed that the woman’s father visited the house and washed the blood off the dogs and then penned them.
Man chops wife, daughter, drinks poison A Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) man succumbed to poison on Thursday, hours after he chopped his wife and daughter at their Lot 116 Leonora home. Dead is Seewsana Rookmin. The man’s wife,
Rookmin (only name given) and their daughter, Salicreen Rookmin were chopped about their bodies. According to information, the trio was involved in an argument during which Seewsana Rookmin armed himself with a cutlass and chopped his wife and daughter. They were immediately
rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where they remained in a stable condition. Kaieteur News understands that a few hours after the incident, Seewsana was found under the house with a green substance coming from his mouth. He was taken to the hospital where he succumbed.
Govt.’s 10 percent increase for Public Servants can be sustained –Finance Minister While Government may desire to pay Public Servants a rather generous wage increase, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, said, yesterday, that at the end of the day, it has to be pragmatic. He insists that Government has to make increases that can be sustained. The current 10 percent offer on the table he says, is the embodiment of that principle. The economist was meeting with the press yesterday at his Main Street Office. He was asked to say what impact the proposed increase would have on his wage bill. The Finance Minister noted however, that he was not in a position to provide hard figures to that effect. The Finance Minister said that the “final offer” to the public servants is based on Government’s projections of incoming revenues. Jordan took the
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan opportunity to address certain aspersions being spread by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. He recalled that the former President had said that Government is in a position to pay the public servants more than the proposed 10 percent increase. Jagdeo
made this assertion on the basis that when the APNU+AFC Party came to power, it combed through various systems and found a number of accounts which held millions of dollars. Jordan said that indeed those monies have been transferred to the Consolidated Fund. He revealed, too, that some of the monies were used to make the “one-off” payments to public servants toward the end of last year. That one-off pay hike could not have been sustained. The Finance Minister said, “Suppose you employ someone and you are making $50 annually. While you were away, the person spots your bank account and found $200. They now say ‘Listen, I know you can pay me ok. So that 10 percent increase you paying me, I don’t want it. I want 50 percent.’ “Now let’s say after all that (Continued on page 12)
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) in Bartica, Region Seven. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, during a press conference at his Ministry in Kingston, Georgetown on Thursday, stated that the former mining town of Bartica will receive improved power supply by Sunday. Minister Patterson said that a generator set from the Onverwagt power station in West Berbice, will arrive in Bartica to boost power generation in the Region Seven community over the weekend. Recently, the Bartica To w n s h i p w a s p l a g u e d with frequent power outages due to damage caused to two of the three power engines serving the town and its environs. This had resulted in the Bartica Guyana Power and Light (GPL) conducting scheduled outages. Patterson said that he apologises to Bartica for
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. the spate of blackouts and made assurances that the Ministry is doing all it can to remedy the situation. The Minister explained that the town has three aged units. During an overhaul
process, one was taken out. Almost immediately the others developed major faults. A second had to be removed. The Minister explained that there is a challenge with the availability of land to house the generators. In the end the government was forced to rent a plot nearby. Minister Patterson said, “There is a piece of land opposite the market which we have to rent for $1.5M monthly, and even though it is not economical, we had no other option because we cannot allow the community to suffer anymore. I hope we find the alternative as soon as possible.” Meanwhile, Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall has urged the need to have the GPL facility relocated so there is no pollution in the commercial zone.
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Kaieteur News
Region Nine boat operators benefit from training
Other participants who benefitted from the training programme The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) collaborated with the Guyana Tourism Autho r i t y ( G TA ) a n d Conservation International –Guyana to conduct a Boat Captain training and certification programme for boat operators at Caiman House in Yupukari Village –Region Nine, recently. Tw e n t y - e i g h t boat
operators were awarded with a Certificate of Competency to operate as boat Captains under the L i c e nsing of Ships Regulation 2001. They are now appropriately equipped to operate safely on the rivers within the region. Participants were drawn from Yupukari, Massara, Tokavillages, Karanambo
Eco-lodge, and the Protected Areas Commission in Central Rupununi. The training is one of the initiatives undertaken by MARAD with support partners to expand the
Some of the participants of the Boat Captain Training and certification programme outreach where maritime services are needed, but very difficult to access financially and logistically. The GTA continues to lend support to MARAD as their standard operating
procedure is to improve the saf e t y and professional standard of river tours offered by various operators, based o n G u y a n a ’s g r o w i n g nature-based tourism
products, also to ensure operators are licensed to operate on the rivers. Training in this aspect was conducted previously in July 2014, in Annai where 21 boat operators benefitted similarly.
Commonwealth Judges and Magistrates conference opens on Monday The Commonwealth Judges and Magistrates’ Association, a London-based organisation, in collaboration with the Supreme Court of Guyana, will host a conference at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown from Monday. The conference which has as its theme “The Judiciary as guarantors of the rule of law”, has recorded intended participation from judges and
magistrates from a wide spread of countries across the Commonwealth, from as far as Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zeeland, Europe, Canada and from the Caribbean region. Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag.) Justice Carl Singh has indicated that one of the conference guests of honour will be the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,
Anthony Carmona, who is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech to the conference. The conference has attracted a distinguished array of speakers on a diverse spread of topics on the Rule of Law, the provision of resources for the courts, anti-terrorism legislation and human rights, Environmental Law and Sustainable development. The conference aims to promote better understanding among judicial officers of all ranks and from all parts of the Commonwealth, of judicial independence issues and to explore the approach to those
issues in different parts of the Commonwealth. The conference also seeks to promote greater awareness among the magistrates and judges of the Commonwealth, of international treaties and law relating to the development and access to justice and to consider the practical application of that body of law and enhancing networking within the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association on judicial developments. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo will deliver a keynote address to the conference delegates and special invitees on the opening day of the conference. The activities will end on Wednesday.
Saturday September 17, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Another report in the making! The government is saying that it does not have the money to pay higher than the 1-10% increase in wages to public servants. The GPSU, the union repre1d o n h o s t i n g t h e Golden Jubilee, expenditure which will not have to be repeated next year as being s o u r c e s o f financing increases for public servants. They can point to the fact that the government has so far failed to spend more than half of the sum budgeted for this year. They can even ask the government to stop bailing out sugar workers and to remove entirely the subsidy on electricity in Linden and using those resources to finance wage increases for the government. Or it can ask
for a forensic audit of the new government to see how many ‘bond’ –type contracts can be rescinded. It can even ask the government to remove the ‘fat cats’ who are being paid salaries commensurate with that which was paid under the PPPC. Government says it cannot find the money to sustain salary increases above what is being offered to p u b l i c s e r v a n t s . Ye t government is finding or sourcing $1.6 billion to pay for a management consultancy for the Guyana Power and Light Inc. Are we serious in this country? A report on the media has indicated that Cabinet, yes Cabinet, has approved a contract for the provision of consultancy services for the implementation of a Management Strengthening
programme for the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL). Why is there a need to be spending all this money to have some consultants come here and write a report on how the management of GPL can be strengthened? Why the need for such a massive consultancy when the country already has workable model for the management of its energy sector? The reason given is that the consultancy would allow for a significant reduction in line losses. Really? Since when can fixing line losses involve granting a billion dollar contract or strengthening the management at GPL? Line losses at GPL are of two forms, technical and
Man who dies on flight was returning for daughter’s birthday Joseph Glasgow, who died while on a Caribbean Airline flight to Guyana on We d n e s d a y, w a s r e t u r n i n g h o m e t o celebrate his daughter’s birthday. His wife, June Glasgow, said that she was on her way to the Cheddi Jagan Airport to pick up her husband when someone from the airline called and informed her that Glasgow had collapsed on the plane and that he was not responding to treatment. The woman said that she immediately called her son, who is a soldier based at Timehri, and informed him of what had happened. She said that she requested that he go to the airport with an ambulance to pick up his father. “My son said when he got onto the plane and tried to lift him, he was already dead so it look like he died in midair,” Mrs. Glasgow said.
Her husband was a technician at the G u y a n a Te l e p h o n e a n d Te l e g r a p h Company and never complained of any illness. The woman said that it is being reported that her husband died from what is believed to be a heart attack but he never complained about any heart-related illnesses or he was not a diabetic patient. “This is very upsetting. He was coming home all excited to spend time with our daughter because it was her birthday and she is the last child,” Mrs. Glasgow said. A Post Mortem examination is expected to be conducted on Monday to determine the cause of death. Ms Glasgow said that she was still to get a call from her husband’s employers. She said that she herself had once worked with the phone company and was therefore no stranger to the telephone company.
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo spend and de people pay All dem people who pay tax had to get a big band and strap dem waist because some woulda get de thing Jamaicans call ‘bosun’ and Guyana does call Soongu. Country people does call it goadie. Is more than $5 billion dem had to fork out fuh mek up fuh money that Jagdeo tell Geeta Knight and she friends at Clico to ship out to de Bahamas. De NIS had money and it had to invest de money suh it put de money in Clico because de interest was high. It had to get money to pay dem people who contribute all dem life. When something is not you own you don’t care it and that is wha Jagdeo and he friends do. De money
was NIS own and not dem own suh dem do stupidness. Dem boys seh de next thing dem know is Clico collapse. Even de couple buildings dem had in Guyana couldn’t mek up fuh what dem do to NIS. Now is de people got to put back de money. And is dem same people want raise in pay. Dem boys ain’t hear de people calling pun Jagdeo fuh get dem money but dem calling pun Soulja Bai to raise dem pay. De money that dem never get from Sanata Complex wha Babbie own coulda pay back NIS. De money that de government put in some of dem unusual project woulda do more than pay back. Imagine dem spend US$50 million to build a US$15 million hydro road that ain’t
serving no purpose now. That money could pay back NIS instead of de taxpayer having to push dem hand in dem pocket. NIS got money in+ de Marriott and is like de man who throw he coins in de fountain. He ain’t got nutten to get. It got money in de Berbice Bridge and is de same thing. Babbie even get people to tell NIS that it can’t get dividend. Now dem boys understand wha people mean when dem seh that de government give wid one hand and tek wid de other. De Lord giveth and he taketh; Jagdeo and he government only taketh . Talk half and cry fuh dem who paying taxes and can’t collect NIS.
non-technical. Technical losses can only be reduced by increased investment in replacing inefficient lines and machinery. You do not need a consultancy to tell you that. There is already a plan in place to reduce technical losses by increased investment. The non- technical losses must also be addressed through improved technologies. Investment too is needed to help reduce electricity theft, one of the major causes of non-technical losses. You do not need to pay consultants billions of dollars to help fix these problems. You need to apply to billions of dollars to the solutions which are already being put in place. One had expected better from the APNU+AFC government. One had expected that the days of these multi-million dollar consultancies - which produce right sounding and well-reasoned reports
but little physical progress – would have been scrapped. If after sixteen months this is the best that the APNU+ AFC can come up with, then the government is a greater disappointment that even its fiercest critics will allow. The energy sector has a good management model. Energy is being generated by both the GPL and private companies such as Wartsilla. The private companies manage their own plants and sell power at a predetermined price to GPL. The GPL should get out of generating electricity. It should be buying electricity from private suppliers through negotiated power pu r c h a s e a g r e e m e n t s . GPL should get out of the business of g e n e r a t i n g p o w e r. I t should concentrate on supplying electricity to citizens and on d e v e l o p i n g p l ans for expanding the national grid. Guyana does not need
any consultants to advise us that this is the best model that is needed for Guyana’s electricity sector. This fact has long been known. Yet we are paying 1.6 billion dollars to provide the technical analysis and rationale to confirm what is already done. Where are we going in this country? One of the arguments in favour of such consultancies is that unless these reports are done donor agencies will not fund future investment. But why does Guyana have to go these donor agencies. Is there not something called public– private partnerships which, in the case of Wartsilla, have been a God-send for Guyana?
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Saturday September 17, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The WPA: A kind of dismissive analysis There have been reactions from Dr. David Hinds and Tacuma Ogunseye on my recent reflections of the WPA over the past three weeks. David wrote; “My friend, Freddie Kissoon, and I have, over the last few years, had many heated discussions about the WPA—its fate, role, its stances on issues and the political conduct of some of its leaders. “Freddie was once a WPA member who became disillusioned with the party and left. He is not singular in that regard—some leading
members of the party left for varying reasons. Most of them have, however, remained part of what I normally refer to as the “WPA family.” Freddie is not part of that family—at least not actively. “Freddie has a strange attitude to the WPA, perhaps because of his boundless independence. On the one hand, he credits the WPA with lifting the politics of Guyana to a positively new level, but on the other hand, he sees the current party as irrelevant. In a real sense I think he believes the WPA’s
time has come and gone—a view on which we disagree.” Here is what Tacuma wrote; “This is not the first time nor will it be the last occasion that Mr. Kissoon has questioned and will question the WPA’s politics and our political judgment on how to best influence political developments in the country. “Additionally, on several occasions in the past Kissoon had deemed the party to be dead and buried. It seems to me that he is so haunted by the ‘ghost’ of this organization that he has tremendous difficulty in finding a final resting place for its carcass. That is why his position as regards to the WPA is so contradictory. “On the one hand he sees the WPA as dead, and on the
other hand he has high expectations of this dead entity. Someone should help him to make up his mind as to whether the WPA is really dead and buried or, is in fact alive. What I find somewhat surprising is the accusation in his article of the WPA as being “dishonest and barefaced”. There are too many answers to be given here thus space will not allow for it. I never for a moment will doubt David and Tacuma’s nationalistic embrace of Guyana. We have been friends when we were very, very young. We remain good, personal friends but I went in a different political direction a long time ago. I would say a crucial factor differentiates me from David and Tacuma and David
recognized it when he made mention of my independent mind. I feel I am obligated to history more than to any political party or country or even friend. Whereas David and Tacuma are driven by the sentiments of the once great WPA, I have no such sentiments. Therefore, I cannot see the WPA the way they do. Loyalty to party does not come into the picture at all. For me, the WPA exists in name rather than in substance. I cannot be insulting to my praxis and my life as an academic to seriously deny what I see in front of me. What I have seen over the decades has caused me to see the WPA as limping along rather than a party that is made of flesh and bones. In another column, I will describe my feelings that caused me to divorce myself from the WPA. David refers to people who have left but remains a part of something he calls a “WPA family” and he doesn’t think I am part of that family. I am not, and I don’t think I know or recognize a construct or a formation known as the “WPA family” in Guyana. Why many WPA stalwarts still talk about the
Frederick Kissoon WPA party is because of psychology. The sentiments are there. They cannot let go. But on both a political and scientific level, there are characteristics that constitute a political formation. If David and Tacuma want to point to a party office and a number of persons and say that is the WPA then I believe they are right. But you are being technical more than realistic. A party is about activism. I honesty do not see the activism of the WPA not even in ways that the WPA stalwarts claim that it is there. Surely the WPA cannot think that people are so naïve to believe them. I will end with a brief example. For years now, only three persons appear on the WPA weekly television programme. Where are the leaders? More in forthcoming columns.
Saturday September 17, 2016
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Kaieteur News
THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
ARE WE CONDEMNING GUYANA TO AN EMPTY RICE POT?
By: Sase Singh Introduction Every time I pick up my pen, it is because I feel a sense of commitment to a certain social group – the poor and the working class. It is what drives me ideologically. As I pick my pen up today I recognize again that the path to the quickest economic upliftment of the poor and the working class is cheap and reliable energy. Yet the Granger administration has done very little on this front either because it is impotent to act or that the deal to keep the current model of gas-guzzling generators at GPL is paying off for the closed group that is controlling decisions in the public sector today. The International Energy Agency estimated that total onshore wind farm capacity will reach 546 GW by 2020 with a further 175 GW offshore. By 2020, wind energy will support 7.3% of the global energy needs up from 1.6% in 2011. Although Guyana boasts more wind capacity than many other countries in the Caribbean, we continue to lag behind. Jamaica is already ahead of the curve, walking away from the USCaribbean Energy Summit held in 2015 with US$90 million in capital injection, to build a 34 MW wind farm that turned on its power switches in August 2016. Up comes billionaire Sir Richard Branson, who then immediately bought out the
entire project in Jamaica at a premium cost. Do you know what it is to have Sir Richard touching down in your country every so often to check out his investments and catching a game of golf at the same time? It is called billiondollar access. Jamaican entrepreneurs now have access in positioning bankable ideas in front of Sir Richard. Some will convert to new projects, new wealth, and new jobs. This did not happen by magic, it took careful planning and skillfully packaging and marketing of the investable opportunities offered by Jamaica by their authorities. Kudos to them! Did a Goat bite Guyana? In his inaugural address to the Parliament as Head of State, President David Granger said, “Your Government will introduce an energy policy that utilizes our wind, water, and solar power to provide cheap, renewable electricity to more Guyanese in our urban, rural, riverain and hinterland communities.” My reaction? Time’s awasting; 15 months gone and very little has been accomplished by your Minister on the green energy front, Mr. President. Guyana has a bankable project ripe for implementation called the Hope Beach Wind Farm, but it is on ice in the Minister’s office. It was Minister Patterson who said he was “close to clinging a deal” in
Couple placed on bond for chopping each other Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday placed a couple on bonds to keep the peace for 12 months or in default six months imprisonment, after they declined to offer evidence against each other on a wounding charge. Janet Gravesande, 35, of Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, and Erico Joseph of Lot 347 South Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, were charged for unlawfully and maliciously wounding each other on September 13, last, at Aranka Landing. The court was told that the couple share a common law relationship. Gravesande and Joseph were involved in a heated argument on the day in question, after Joseph did not approve of her travelling to Georgetown. The prosecutor said that the man became angry and chopped the woman on her right index finger. In retaliation, Gravesande armed herself with an offensive weapon and chopped the man to his forehead and head. During his address to the court, Joseph said that he and Gravesande own a business
Joseph in the interior. He claimed that their shop is currently unattended.
October 2015, in reference to this project. But that was almost a year ago. It is clear that the good Minister has no respect for time. Guyanese continue to overpay for unreliable electricity supply and there seems to be no respite in their misery. Can you imagine the fact that Guyana has a private sector deal that is fully funded and all that is needed to progress this deal toward implementation is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) from GPL? A decade from now, the Guyana Wind Farm Inc. saga may be remembered as the labor pain that helped birth a new industry or will it be remembered as the project that never got incubate because of the gross inefficiency of the decisionmaking process in the Minister’s office. What better can the Granger administration ask for? The private investor is bearing all the risks, the private investor will put up all the money needed for this investment, the private investor will build the plant and the private investor will deliver a turnkey project. GPL only has to commit to paying for what is delivered from the wind farm into the national grid by way of this PPA. What is really going on in GT? The icing on this deal is that Lloyd Singh, in his submission to the EPA, committed to selling power to GPL at a cost of 10.5 US cents, which is a discount of more than 50% on the cost of the present gas-guzzling operations at GPL today. But yet
this deal is on ice in the Minister’s office. Talk about gross incompetence; squared. These are the kind of deals that President Granger should have personally put his hand on and ask for independent advice to conducting the forensic interrogation as to why this deal has not been done to date. If Minister Patterson fails to deliver for Guyana, the responsibility for this underperformance will land solely on the President’s desk since all Ministers are creatures of the Presidency. A Minister failure to act means the President is failing to act. The Investors are ready; is Guyana ready? Investors are getting on board across the world on this renewable energy front in increasing numbers. Search engine giant Google announced plans to be part of a deal to finance a $5 billion, 350-mile underwater transmission line to support multiple wind farms in four mid-Atlantic states, from New Jersey to Virginia. Turbine manufacturers are doing their part to scale the fledgling sector, targeting bigger designs and deeper installations. And that is just in the USA. The rest of the world has been on this renewable energy highway for years now. But no investor is going to wait on some Minister, in a country that is just a dot on the world map when it comes to global influence, to streamline their portfolio of new investable projects. If the Minister fails to
get his act together on this wind farm, we must not be surprised when the investor moves his idea to Suriname or Barbados in the near future. Serious businessmen like to work with serious decision makers; not “lompey-pompey” ones. What will a wind farm do for Guyana? Building a wind farm in Guyana will translate into actual industrial growth. Our path out of poverty is industrialization but it will never happen without cheap and reliable power. Further, this cheap and reliable power supply can help to spur technology improvements and new jobs. This Hope Wind Farm project can also stimulate the private-public financing of an industrial site at Hope Village, which can galvanize investments into projects that we are great at, such as low-cost plantain chips and banana chips that are cooked, hygienically packaged and exported to the Caribbean market. Package coconut water, with peeled, chopped, washed and packaged fresh vegetables are all for export. And this is just the tip of the iceberg because a light manufacturing industry can take off behind these agroprocessing projects. But none of this will happen on a grand scale until and unless the Granger administration gets its act together. Conclusion Our electricity market reform has to be made technology
Sase Singh, M.Sc. Finance, ACCA neutral. Given the huge amount of investment that we need in low carbon electricity it would be unwise to restrict oneself to only one type of renewable technology. So while we progress the wind, we have to focus on the others especially hydro, alongside a huge push for energy efficiency. Therefore, we must use the momentum from this Wind Farm to stimulate the market interest in Amaila Falls again by making sure major international players are made aware of our ambitions with a road show to the main capitals of the world. Together, investments in all these technologies will bring hundreds of new green jobs, drive our average energy price down and provide the kind of long-term energy security that Guyana can leverage. Can we do it? YES, WE CAN! So why not? BEAT ME, ask Minister David Patterson! Please share your feedback atsasesin1@yahoo.com .
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Saturday September 17, 2016
Family bids farewell to schoolgirl killed in Canal accident Relatives and friends of 11-year-old Hema Singh, who died two weeks after being involved in an accident at Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara (WBD), said their final goodbyes on Thursday as she was laid to rest. Singh died last Saturday, three days after doctors informed her relatives that she was brain dead. The girl was a patient in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit where she was placed on a life support machine throughout her time at the facility. The child had sustained multiple injuries when she was struck down by a car while crossing the Canal Number One Public Road. Her injuries included broken limbs, punctured lungs and bleeding in the brain. The accident occurred on August 27, last, a short distance from the child’s Lot 19 Tenez Ferme, Canal Number One home. Her mother, Nalini Sukhu, said that she had sent her daughter to buy garlic from a grocery van that was passing on the public road when the
Dead: Hema Singh accident occurred. “I was sewing and when I see she (Hema) stopped the van, I continued sewing and all I hear was ‘blam’ and when I look up, I see a child in the air,” Sukhu recalled. At that time she had no idea it was her daughter who was involved in the accident. The woman said that it was when a relative shouted her daughter’s name that she rushed out to see whether it was her child. When Sukhu reached out on the public road, she
spotted her daughter lying in a pool of blood – by then a neighbour had already removed Singh from in front of the vehicle and soaked her head and face with water. Sukhu claimed that instead of being supportive, the driver whose car had struck down her daughter, came out of the vehicle and started arguing with a few residents who had asked if he didn’t see the child crossing the public road. He subsequently took Singh and her mother to the West Demerara Regional Hospital from where she was transferred to GPHC. Sukhu explained that at the scene of the accident she was informed by the driver of the grocery van, that her daughter needed more money to purchase the item she came for, hence, she was returning home for the rest of the money when she was struck down. The driver, according to Sukhu, claimed that the child was walking across the road, instead of running. However, the mother was informed by eyewitnesses that the driver was inattentive.
Govt.’s 10 percent increase for Public... From page 7 you are forced to pay the individual that 50 percent increase, how will you sustain that in the future?” Jordan said that citizens must understand that every increase that Government makes is one
that has to be seen as not only being paid for today but for the next year and beyond that. The Finance Minister stressed that sustainable payments whi c h h a v e implications for pensions and so forth have to come
from growth in revenues. J o r d a n s aid, “We recognize that public servants need the kind of payment that is being bandied about, but that can only happen if the cake grows larger and larger.” (KIANA WILBURG)
Saturday September 17, 2016
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China trip: Guyana engages Huawei in expanding “big time” ICT programme By Abena- RockcliffeCampbell “We have to change the focus and identify our own priorities as a nation. This is the time for Guyana to think big but act in a manner reflecting our small country.” That is the enthusiasm that characterized the mood of Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, as she spoke about her recent trip to China. Two weeks ago, a delegation from the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the Citizens Security Programme—which falls under the Ministry of Public Security—visited China on what Hughes described, yesterday, as an exceptionally successful “fact finding mission.” She spoke about this “mission” at a press conference hosted at her Camp Street office. Hughes told the media that she got a firsthand view of the most advanced, stateof-the-art technologies in the field of ICT. Accompanying Hughes on the trip and at yesterday’s press conference were Head of the E-Government Unit,
Floyd Levi, and Manager of the Citizen Security Strengthening Project, Clement Henry. The team visited Chinese technology giant, Huawei Technologies, the company that built Guyana’s Coastal fibre optic network. Hughes said that the visit afforded opportunities for her and her team to meet with the key officials of Huawei; discuss all aspects of the ongoing maintenance and expansion of Guyana’s US$32M EGovernment network and explore opportunities for training – creating new skills (e.g. Guyanese ICT engineers) and upgrading existing technological talent. Hughes said that the team had fruitful meetings with Huawei’s principals on possible areas of cooperation at their Shenzhen headquarters; toured their factories, universities and installations in Shanghai and Beijing. The Minister said that the team participated in “Huawei Connect 2016”, a three-day global integrated technology conference in Shanghai, which attracted some 20,000 ICT leaders and experts from over 120 countries, and which provided a platform for the leaders in the ICT indus-
try around the world to view the latest technological developments in action, to attend information workshops on cutting-edge solutions such as Cloud Computing and big-data management. Hughes said that the visit allowed her team, especially the E-Government unit, to explore new directions, and create new strategies that can propel the development of a green, smart, informationdriven Guyana. The Minister said, “It’s about implementing strategies to bridge the digital/technological and economic gaps we have today. And it is about creating smart cities, safe cities and a Smart nation – A Smart Guyana.” She said, “It is clear to me today that we cannot solve Guyana’s problems in the traditional way. What’s exciting is that with the use of existing technologies, we have the capacity and many opportunities to truly connect, transform and innovate.” The Minister continued, “Here we are talking about establishing an interconnected digital platform that will provide Government services to citizens in an efficient, cost effective and time
From right: Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, Head of E-Government Unit, Floyd Levi and Project Manager of Citizen Security Strengthening Programme, Clement Henry saving manner. It is about establishing 21st Century systems that can manage all government and private sector data in a safe and secure manner … no more collecting and disposal of mountains of paper after a flood … no more loss of important information that was only available on paper.” Hughes said that increasing bandwidth and improving levels of internet accessibility. It is about better telephone and other communications services among all of our citi-
Bandits terrorize Edinburgh pensioner, daughter -escape with $3M in cash, jewelry The home that was invaded by bandits.
Robbed, beaten: Andrew DosRamos
A pensioner and his 45year-old daughter were on Friday evening beaten and robbed by three unmasked bandits sporting guns and a knife at their Lot 5 Edinburgh home, East Bank Berbice. According to reports, the bandits gained entry by prizing a window at the lower flat of the home while 66-year-old Andrew DosRamos and his daughter 45-year-old Kamlawattie DosRamos were in their beds upstairs. The incident occurred around 1:00 am. Andrew DosRamos re-
layed to Kaieteur Mews that the bandits entered his room and began beating him after which they duct-taped his hands and feet. A plastic bag was also stuffed into his mouth to gag him and then he was wrapped with the mosquito net. “Me know was three of the dem but me nah see dem face good and them come in and start beat meh all over on me hand and face. And me trying fah holler ‘thief’ but them put plastic in me mouth and tape it and me couldn’t breathe.” Meanwhile, Kamlawattie
DosRamos told Kaieteur News that she awoke to the sound of her father screaming. She said that upon checking, she was grabbed by one of the bandits who placed duck tape on her hands and mouth. “One of them had long hair and he snatch me when I was going to Daddy and he seh don’t scream or else he gone kill me. Then he tek de tape and put it pon me mouth and meh hand and seh dem want de gun and a million dollar. Me seh dat we ain’t get them kind of money duh and dem start
beat me”. According to the distraught woman, the bandits ransacked the home and escaped with $3M in cash and jewellery, one laptop, an Ipad and three cellphones. Food, several cans of paint and other valuables were also taken away. Ammunition is also missing from the house. The bandits entered the yard by cutting a hole in the fence. According to a source close to the investigation, police found a pack of cigarettes, and a dhal puri in a ziplock plastic bag at the scene. Investigations are ongoing.
zens. It is an undisputed fact all over the world that improved bandwidth access by citizens has a corresponding positive effect in their rate of development, their level of education and the country’s per capita income. She said that interconnectivity is the foundation upon which Guyana will build this integrated cross-sectoral platform. “What does that platform look like? It offers citizens the benefits of tele-medicine, i.e. having a doctor at a hospital in Georgetown connect with a patient in Mabaruma or Nappi Vilage, seeing and communicating with the patient and healthcare worker in real time and recommending treatment options,” said Hughes. In the area of tele-education the Minister said that the initiative will allow lessons delivered in a high school in Georgetown to be received in an interactive format in far flung hinterland regions where teachers are limited. “It’s about the use of ebooks to reduce the imbalance between those who can and those who cannot purchase textbooks. “ Hughes said that there is also the “exciting” opportu-
nity for E-Commerce. She said that as previously reported, the use of digital technology will impact how you apply for a passport or driver’s license. “It will impact business – imports, exports, industry, finance, social services, and tourism. It will also develop a new green energy sector and implement new, innovative ways for Agricultural endeavors. The technology already exists to make this change.” Meanwhile, Head of the Government’s E Governance Project, Floyd Levi said that since the project was rolled out in 2010 with the US$32M provided through a loan from China’s Exim Bank, several shortcomings have been identified. The visit to the company in China provided the opportunity to request assistance in resolving and addressing these deficiencies. Clement Henry, Project Manager of the Citizens Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) under the Ministry of Public Security, explained that the trip provided insight for the effective execution of the Smart City, Safe City Programme and the establishment of Information and Integrated System. The latter is a work in progress.
Blythe Blasts PNP Leadership Over Conference Cancellation The Gleaner - People’s National Party (PNP) presidential hopeful Dr Karl Blythe has blasted the leadership of the party for its decision to cancel yesterday’s private session of the party’s 78th annual conference. The PNP had initially scheduled a three-day conference, to begin yesterday, but two days ago, it announced that yesterday’s session had been cancelled and blamed the decision on financial problems. However, this has not gone down well with Blythe who argues that it is unacceptable and unreasonable for delegates to be asked to vote today without first getting a chance to question the candidates. According to him, delegates should have had an opportunity to hear from the candidates as they make up their minds on who to vote for. A similar concern was raised Thursday by PNP stalwart John Junor. Meanwhile, Blythe says despite the challenges he’s confident of victory over party president, Portia Simpson Miller, because a large number of comrades accept that she should go.
PAGE 22
LAND FOR SALE 85.6 Acres titled farm land with timber/water access, located @ Loo Creek E.B.D River. Call: 625-8589; (518) 859-5313 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295 A&TTRAVELAGENCYINC: TICKETS GOING VERY CHEAP!! OFFICE IN USA. CALL: 223-1332/ 613-7542/ +1-347-617-7582/EMAIL :OMKARLILIAH@GMAIL. COM Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377
SALON
LAND IN 11 STREET DIAMOND. CALL: 2253234
- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
35 Acres of land located at plot 5, Eight miles, Port Kaituma. Call: 619-5173 for more information.
TO LET
Tuschen School Street $3M, Uitvlugt -$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$3M, $1.6M, $1.3M, $1.7M, V/Hoop $27M, Providence -$5M. Call: 604-6724 1 Empty land at Zeeburg (transported) -$4M, 1 empty land in La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M- Call: 642-1252
Furnished apartments & rooms for long term and short rental. Call: 668-0306/2181400/694-7817 One bedroom bottom flat located in Great Diamond, E.B.D, single or couple $35,000- Call: 216-0146/ 6858513
VACANCY Cashiers for supermarketCall: 624-0033, salesgirls – Call: 624-0033, Pump attendants –Call: 680-3863 Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic to work @ mining site, age 25-45, 3 yrs experienced. Apply @ Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site Welder/fabricators to work @ mining site, age 25-45, 3 yrs experienced. Apply @ Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site Site, safety & electrical engineer- experienced need, age 25-45, very good salary & conditions. Call: 261-2280; 261-2280; 697-4344
Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
Improve your health with Herbal Supplements. Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store. Call: 226-9136
Salesgirl/cashier @ New Market Street- Call: 638-1106
Stop suffering from Diabetes, Hypertension and other sickness, follow me sexual enhancers for men. Call: 645-9528
Business man seeking female for serious relationship, preferably, single mother, no texting & no restricted number. Call: 670-0711
PEN PAL
FOR RENT
Nissan Bluebird 2011 Model, Nissan Tiida Latio 2010 model (reverse camera). Call: 655-3400
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: office, church, storage bond lessons, internet, stationery & photocopy shop, other place -$20,000 per month. Call: 603-6400
Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954
3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, like new 37,000km, all duties paid. Call: 689-2356
Unregistered vehicle; Toyota Spacio 2004. Call: 227-5950/681-5470 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
Brand new property @ Craig E.B.D 3 rooms, 1 self contained, House: 28X45ft land: 90X50ft -Call: 679-8091 or 718-213-6496 New Road, WCD: Land 177’X40’, building 15’X36’. Call: 226-9788 La Parfaite Harmonie, 124 Recht Door Zee, WBD: 2 storey house, 3 bedrooms upstairs, toilet & bath upstairs & downstairs & a guess room. Call: 623-5566 2 (2) Story house in Tuschen (front) - 1 for $23M negotiable, the other one for $20M negotiable. Call: 6421252
Toyota Allion PTT series $1.6M- Call: 592-676-4051 Mitsubishi Colt plus –Call: 610- 3746/ 603-5367 One flat tray Nissan Pickup in good condition. Call: 6623997/610-4879 A4 Audi -$3.9M, IST-$2.1M, 318i BMW-$2.9M, Fielder$2.1M, Spacio-$2.1M, Forklift-$1.2M. Contact#6500402 EDUCATIONAL IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742 Register your child for our after school program for slow learners in Maths, Reading, Spelling Etc. Call: 675-4379 Register your child at Hidden Treasures Play School and after class in Reading and much more. Call: 675-4379
Newly renovated three bedrooms top flat @ Pike Street, Blygezight. Telephone and Parking- Call: 601-3268/ 227-2543 Michelle’s Touch of class beauty salon station to rent. Call:226-4388/ 661-0946 Bachelor’s Apartment to rent. Call: 233-0327 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm 2 Bedroom Apartment in exclusive residential Airport, close to Ogle Airport , with all modern amenities. Call for appointment 622-5725.
Gas/stove range GEAmerican made, stand up freezer, hot dog machine, supermarket mirror. Call: 680-3863 Toyota Premio 2008 PSS series with chrome mag rims and remote start, alarm $1.9M. Call: 658-5897/6732692 Brand new fridge, Ashley Furniture, Norditruck Treadmill, washer, dryer, swing and more for one big deal. Call:673-2692/ 658-5897 One “45” feet comp l e t e cabin cruiser, trout seines, excellent condition. Call: 654-2817/648-6815
Prime business spot ideal for night club/bar/ restaurant @ Georgetown. Call: 694-7266
One new 1000W generator $30,000- Call: 676-1697 Junior Din
2 Bedrooms lower flat @ 2nd Bridge Diamond Housing Scheme -$40,000 negotiable. Call: 647-4195/ 603-4539 One snackette @ Stabroek Market. Call: 687-8783 1-3 Bedrooms house in Grove Housing Scheme, modern convenience, semifurnished. Call: 266-2911/6722121 Hair station for rental, convenient location, discounted price for new customers. Call: 638-1106 Upper flat for rent: furnished or unfurnished located in Eccles- Call: 602-8703
1 55ft Fishing boat, 2 Engines, GPS, Compass & 2000 lb seine, price -$4.5M. Call: 676-1363/ 652-5184 Muscovy Ducklings –Call: 602-7203 Baby Chicks for sale – any amount. Berbice-$140, Essequibo- $170, East Bank Demerara-$135. Call:6269589 1 5L Hilux pickup, 1 transported property at Covent Garden E.B.D –Call: 265-3586 1 Flat bottom boat 8HP Yamaha, Banga Mary net, cat guts net -$800,000 negotiable. Call: 600-9770/ 225-9693 2- 250 HP Yamaha outboard engine, 2 Jet Ski boat, 9.9 HP Yamaha outboard engine. Call: 600-9770/ 225-9693
One house and land in La Parfaite Harmonie -$3M. Call: 642-1252
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages)
Aluminum heat resistant paint, 2 USA made, 37 KVA transformer, 120-240V, S.Q.D – $350,000 each. Call: 2653541/ 6163411
Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park; 2 bedrooms $70,000. Call: 227-5194
One transported land with small house in Tuschen (front) - $3.4M – Call: 6421252
Double lot of land with building @ Festival City Entrance-$30M negotiable. Call: 665-3622/ 610-5437/2256485
FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
1 Honda Fit -$1M, 212 Car$1M, Vios 1.4M, RZ bus. Call: 604-6724
High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$14M negotiable. Call: 265-4338
One female office/sale clerk to work in Vreed-en-Hoop (W.B.D), email application to roytech@gmail.com
HEALTH
Saturday September 17, 2016
Kaieteur News
CAR RENTAL CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: 4WD PICKUP, CHEAPEST RATE & SPECIAL RATE FOR LONG TERM. CALL: 698-7807
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WINGS CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494
Reusable train line iron and H beam. Call Sherwin: 6887256/ 662-2078 XBOX one with Kinect and 3 games also Xbox 360 games- Call: 683-8386 Pups for sale: Huskies, German shepherd and Pitbulls. Call: 664-4666 Genuine Yamaha parts for sale from 2HP to 250HP. Call: 670-4056/629-8522 Continue page 23
Saturday September 17, 2016
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
Drug dealer gets second four-year jail term Sheldon Simon, the man who was nabbed on Wednesday in a minibus on the Corentyne, with a quantity of narcotics, got his second four years in jail within the period of a year. Simon, 45, who had given his address as Sheet Anchor, East Canje Berbice, and Lot 3 Ferry Street, New Amsterdam, had been jailed in May in his absence after he had skipped court on another ganja charge. Simon appeared before Magistrate Charlene Artiga in the No51 Magistrate Court where he pleaded guilty to
the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The man who is a known drug pusher was arrested for the second time within a year in a minibus with a quantity of narcotics. The drugs were found in his possession at a roadblock mounted by police in the vicinity of the Number 51 Police station, on the Corentyne. The police had stopped minibus BVV 2700 which was heading further up the Corentyne, searched the vehicle, and found a black haversack which contained a
plastic bag under a seat containing three wrapped parcels. Simon was reportedly the lone passenger in the bus. The parcels when opened in his presence contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The substance was tested and weighed in his presence and amounted to 1,680 grams (3.7lbs) of cannabis sativa. Simon was also nabbed with a large quantity of compress marijuana in September 2015. A female police officer was on her way to work when
she boarded a No 63 minibus which was heading further up the Corentyne. The man was observed in the bus with the black haversack on his lap. The police officer subsequently ordered the bus to drive into the Springlands Police Station compound. The haversack contained six black scotch tape plastic bags containing 5.47kg of compressed marijuana. He was subsequently granted bail. He was tried in absentia and sentenced to four years in jail.
From page 22
WANTED Land to buy in Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, Tuschen and La Parfaite Harmonie. Best price offered! Call: 642-1252
Venezuelans sisters fined for illegal entry Two remorseful Venezuelan nationals were yesterday fine $20,000 each by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for entering Guyana illegally. It is alleged that on July 23, last, the Venezuelan nationals, at Charity Essequibo, entered Guyana by sea and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer. The duo pleaded guilty to the allegation after it was read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. According to facts the women entered Guyana with a small boat and were staying at Linden. It was alleged that on September 13, last, one of the sisters visited the Mackenzie Police Station to report an alleged abuse committed on her sister. It was
then that police discovered that the women did not possess the correct documentation to be in Guyana. They were later transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, where they admitted to the offences. When given a chance to address the court one of the sisters’ apologized to the Magistrate and asked for leniency. They spoke to the court through the aid of a Spanish interpreter, who was facilitated by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) The Magistrate ordered that the sisters be escorted to the nearest port of exit upon paying the fine, or on completion of a four- week jail term.
WANTED Experienced Drivers, cashiers, Roti/Puri cook, cleaners. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with written application, 5 Commerce Street. Factory workers from 18yrs and older with working experienced for more information. Call: 223-0090
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
Receptionist, desk staffs (male) between 25-45yrs apply within 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 Straight Stitch/over edge sewing machine operators – Call: 222-2541 8:00am4:00pm, Mon-Fri
FOR SALE Reconditioned appliances: double door fridge -$45,000 up, washer & dryer -$30,000 up -3 months warranty – Call: 661-5099
We buy land @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen, Uitvlugt, Eccles, Providence & other places we pay best price & cash. Call: 604-6724 We buy A&B grade hardwood, we accept the best offers. Call: 658-5897/ 673-2692 1 Female cleaner for offices in Eccles. Call: 233-2745 Cashiers, Cooks & Cleaners; call 226-9000 or 225-6255 for more info. We buy land in La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Providence, Herstelling & Farm. (title only). Call: 6585897/673-2692 1 Male able bodied clerk. Call: 616-5954
The sisters at their court hearing yesterday
Driver & Security wantedCall: 225-7417 Live in waitresses to work in bar– Call:692-4649/604-6606 Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literateTel: 622-5518 1 Entertainment manager to work at Hotel in Charity, experience will be asset- Call: 226-9768/ 698-7083 1 Bartender, 1 waitress, 1 maid, 1 snackette attendant to work at Hotel in Charity, preferably from Essequibo – Call: 226-9768/ 698-7083 Driver/ expeditor to work with mining firm in Georgetown, must have car/van and lorry license- Call: 226-9768/6987083 Driver & Porter must have lorry license to deliver water at Nimbus Water System. Tel # 231-7002/ 622-0445
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Kaieteur News
Iran’s Rouhani heads for Venezuela, Cuba Tehran (AFP) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani set off yesterday for a tour of Venezuela and Cuba before heading to New York for next week’s UN General Assembly, official media reported. Rouhani will take part in a summit of Non-Aligned Movement countries and hold separate talks with Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, the IRNA news agency said. The 120-nation group was founded more than 50 years ago to represent countries resentful of being squeezed in the power-struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. Rouhani’s trip comes amid a global oil glut that has seen
prices fall dramatically in recent years. Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves and has been hit hard by the price slump. Iran — which has nearly doubled oil and gas exports in the past year — has so far resisted pressure from fellow members of the OPEC oil cartel to back a production freeze. Speaking to journalists before leaving Tehran, Rouhani described Cuba as a “friendly and revolutionary country” and said he would meet President Raul Castro, and his brother and revolutionary leader, Fidel. “For us, peace and noninterference in domestic affairs of other countries, their na-
tional sovereignty, consultation and coordination on issues of the developing and entire world are important,” Rouhani said. World leaders will convene in New York starting Monday for the 71st UN General Assembly, with the global refugee crisis and the Syria war likely to top the agenda. Iran is a key backer of Syrian President Bashar alAssad, and is currently engaged in a war of words with regional rival Saudi Arabia. Iran and world powers signed a landmark deal last year to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of punishing economic sanctions.
New Venezuela protests after anti-Maduro recall delayed
Caracas (AFP) - Banging empty pots, protesters in crisis-stricken Venezuela vented anger at the authorities yesterday after a new delay in the process of calling a referendum on removing President Nicolas Maduro from power. Hundreds of protesters marched down Liberator Avenue in central Caracas behind a giant banner reading “We won’t take it” after the electoral authorities indefinitely postponed announc-
ing dates for the final stage in the referendum process. Maduro’s opponents, who blame the leftist leader for a crushing recession and severe food shortages, must collect four million signatures in three days to trigger a recall referendum. The National Electoral Council (CNE) had been due to announce the timeline yesterday. But late Thursday it said the announcement — which had already been pushed back from Tuesday — would
have to wait because opposition protests were threatening the safety of its staff. The speaker of the opposition-majority legislature, Henry Ramos Allup, accused the authorities of “sabotaging” the referendum. Hundreds of Maduro supporters also took to the streets of Caracas, marching to the CNE’s headquarters, where motorcyclists clad in the red of the president’s socialist party paraded in a show of force.
Guyana needs 'A' students... From page 3 children will be able to fulfil their responsibilities to themselves, their families, their communities and to the nation as a whole, is if every single citizen embraces this mandate. “Each one of you is important… there are 250,000 of you and each one of you is an individual each of you matters, each one of you has a right to education. Education under our Constitution is an entitlement and we want to make sure that every child in Guyana goes to primary school and goes to secondary school and has a full education,” President Granger said. The President noted that the state too has a responsibility to ensure that each student is provided with a place in school and that each school is equipped with the resources and facilities to ensure the delivery of quality education. “As far as possible we want to provide not just more schools, but better schools, more teachers, but better teachers. We want to ensure that the school becomes an attractive and a pleasant place. We want children to
want to go to school,” he said. The Head of State also called on students and teachers to embrace the Government's 'green' agenda. He explained that he wants schools to generate electricity using renewable energy, participate in sustainable development and practice responsible solid waste management. As it relates to academic performance, the President told the students that success is the result of a process that first starts with a commitment to working hard. He also reminded of the high school dropout rate and the high percentage of children who are failing at the primary level. “Schooling is not a matter of spoon-feeding children. You have to want to learn to read, you have to want to go to school, you have to want to succeed and you cannot succeed unless you have, in your own mind, the desire to do so. We will help you, but you need to want to help yourself,” he said. Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, said, “We believe that it is extremely important that we get education right...if we fail to get education right then noth-
ing will be right. Education is at the centre of everything we do.” He also lauded the nation's teachers whose work is often underestimated since they are charged with the responsibility of educating and moulding the Guyanese of the future, Granger said. The Minister also echoed a call for the strengthening of the Parent Teachers' Associations (PTAs) to ensure that there is synergy between the home and the classroom to achieve education goals. Chief Education Officer (ag), Marcel Hutson, said that this rally is symbolic of the Ministry's desire to forge collaboration among all stakeholders for the enhancement of education. He said that the time has come for Guyanese to focus on education not as an event confined to a month, but as a movement. “Events come and go, but a movement speaks of a drive, a passion and it focuses on continuity. Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education…Education has the ability to propel the individual and the nation out of a state of economic and moral decadence,” he said.
Saturday September 17, 2016
Divided European leaders struggle with post-Brexit vision
Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat (L), Hungary’s Prime Minister Victor Orban (2nd L), Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel and Austria’s Chancellor Christian Kern (R) arrive to pose for a family photo during the European Union summit, in Bratislava, Slovakia, yesterday. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger Reuters - European leaders, struggling to overcome an historic crisis following Britain’s vote to leave the EU, agreed yesterday to explore closer defence cooperation and boost security at their external borders, but could not hide deep divisions over refugees and economic policy. Meeting in the Slovak capital with the British conspicuously absent, the 27 other EU members unveiled a six-month “road map” of measures designed to restore public confidence in Europe’s ailing common project. But several leaders, including Italy’s Matteo Renzi and Hungary’s Viktor Orban,
shattered the facade of unity as soon as the meeting ended, underscoring how divided the bloc remains after years of economic crisis, a record influx of migrants and a series of deadly attacks by Islamist militants. “I’m not satisfied with the (summit) conclusions on growth or on immigration,” said Renzi, apparently miffed at being excluded from a joint news conference given by Germany’s Angela Merkel and France’s Francois Hollande at the end of the summit. “To define as a step forward today’s document on migrants would require a form of fantasy, a verbal high-wire act,” the Italian prime minis-
ter added. Orban criticised Merkel for refusing to agree to a ceiling on the number of migrants entering Europe, calling her welcoming stance towards refugees “self-destructive and naive”. Until the policy was corrected, the Hungarian premier said, a “suction effect” would continue to draw masses to Europe. People who were in the summit room said that neither Orban nor Renzi had raised serious complaints with other leaders during the talks, which were described as cordial. “This is clearly about domestic politics,” one senior official said.
Indian activists welcome ban on ‘sterilization camps’ after women’s deaths NEW DELHI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) Women’s health activists yesterday cheered a ruling by India’s top court ordering the government to shut down “sterilization camps” within three years following the deaths of hundreds of largely poor rural women across the country. In a judgment on Wednesday, the Supreme
Court said 363 women died between 2010 and 2013 during or after surgery in sterilization camps due poor management by local authorities which included doctors using dirty equipment and expired drugs. It called on the federal government to ensure the country’s 29 states and seven union territories halt the
camps, provide adequate compensation for victims and their families, and hold negligent doctors accountable. Activists have long campaigned for better regulation of sterilization camps - where women are gathered for mass surgeries to sever or seal their fallopian tubes - and more investment in alternative forms of contraception.
Taxpayers bail out NIS... From page 3 explained that the way forward includes a number of steps such as the disposal of all remaining assets by way of sale. The Government would also seek to recover moneys owed to CLICO through the courts and other processes. This includes confidential out of court discussions with various entities including the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago with respect to securing at least half of the moneys owed
by Bosai group of Companies to Clico Investment Bank. The Finance Minister explained that CLICO Guyana has caused approximately $4B to be paid into an escrow account pending resolution of court proceedings. He said that collecting payments from agencies that have not yet concluded doing so, including sale of CRL's property at Houston, East Bank Demerara. Dr. Gobind Ganga said that moves would be made to encourage policyholders to
uplift the 2,881 unprocessed cheques valued $132,739,438 as at July 31, 2016. It will also pay the remaining outstanding balances with respect to all policyholders. Even though it was a happy day for NIS, the Finance Minister remarked that it was a sad one for taxpayers who would have to bear the burden of the payments. Jordan hopes that the NIS has learnt its lesson when it comes to reckless financial investments.
Saturday September 17, 2016
Rowley Visit Cost Jamaica Almost $5 M The Gleaner - It cost taxpayers $4.6 million for a four-day visit to Jamaica in July by Dr Keith Rowley, the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago. The expenditure, which was released to The Gleaner by the Office of the Prime Minister under an Access to Information request, showed that approximately $1 million was spent on dinner and drinks at Vale Royal, the official residence of Jamaica’s prime minister. Rowley was in Jamaica from July 17-21 on an invitation from Prime Minister Andrew Holness as the relationship between the two Caribbean Community countries soured over the treatment of Jamaicans by Trinidadian immigration officials and a growing call by Jamaican businesses for boycotts over alleged unfair trade practices. While here, Rowley, accompanied by a delegation including his wife, met with members of civil society and the private sector and participated in bilateral talks with government officials on issues such as security, air and sea transportation, energy, immigration, trade, as well as strengthening the Caribbean
Community. A breakdown of the cost of the visit showed that food and drink amounted to $1.4 million, most of which ($1.1 million) went to paying for dinner and the bar for a reception at Vale Royal. It cost $870,000 for accommodation and about $1.6 million for “other goods and services”, which included buying phone cards for protocol staff, tents, fuel, and the washing of cars. Public affairs commentator Martin Henry has said that the cost should be of no major concern and citizens must expect to pay for visits involving heads of government, which, he argues, are part of the normal business of government. “I am not at all distressed. Not by this case and by most of the others, which were raised in the Portia Simpson Miller administration. I’m all in favour of careful expenditure, avoidance of waste and corruption, but I am not joining the dollar chase,” Martin said, adding that “a visit is quite in order, especially given the stresses and strains” between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago over the years.
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Russia, U.S. seek to prolong Syria truce but aid blocked, violence spreads Reuters - The United States and Russia said yesterday they wanted to extend the four-day-old ceasefire in Syria they have co-sponsored, although the agreement looked increasingly shaky, undermined by increasing violence and a failure to deliver aid. The second attempt this year by the Cold War-era superpower foes to halt the conflict has succeeded so far in curbing the fighting, but it
remains a risky gamble in a war that has made a mockery of all previous peace efforts. Washington and Moscow, which support opposite sides in the war between President Bashar al-Assad and insurgents, have agreed to share targeting information against jihadist fighters that are their common enemies, if the truce holds. Although the details of the pact remain secret, that
could see them wage war on the same side for the first time since World War 2. But such unprecedented cooperation would come at a time of deep mistrust between the two countries, whose relations are at their worst for decades. On the ground, the ceasefire has been reluctantly accepted by rebels who call it skewed in favour of Assad but say they have no choice because of the desperate humanitarian
condition of civilians in besieged areas. Assad’s government, which holds its strongest position on the battlefield since the early days of the war, is also in no hurry to compromise. Moscow, which holds the key to delivering the cooperation of its ally Assad, said it was ready to extend the truce by 72 hours and called on Washington to press rebels to abide by it.
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Saturday September 17, 2016
Saturday September 17, 2016
Kaieteur News
Clinton leads Trump as Americans shrug off her pneumonia scare -Reuters/Ipsos
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Reuters - Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton leads Republican rival Donald Trump by 4 percentage points, and her recent bout with pneumonia doesn’t appear to have scared away her supporters, according to a new Reuters/ Ipsos opinion poll. The Sept. 9-15 tracking poll showed that 42 percent of likely voters supported Clinton while 38 percent backed Trump. Clinton, who has mostly led Trump in the poll since the Democratic and Republican national conventions ended in July, regained the advantage this week after her lead briefly faded in late August. Clinton has an advantage among minorities, women, people who make more than $75,000 a year, and those with moderate political leanings. Trump has an advantage with whites, men, avid churchgoers, and people who are nearing retirement age.
Overall, Americans appear to be relatively uninspired by their choices for president with less than eight weeks to go before the election. One out of every five likely voters said they do not support Clinton or Trump for president. In comparison, about one out of every 10 likely voters wouldn’t support Obama or Republican challenger Mitt Romney at a similar point in the 2012 presidential campaign. Respondents took the survey after video surfaced of Clinton nearly collapsing at a Sept. 11 memorial in New York on Sunday. Her campaign later said she had a non-contagious, bacterial form of pneumonia. The video sparked a renewed discussion about the health of both candidates. Trump, 70, would be the oldest president to take office, while Clinton, 68, would be the second oldest. Clinton and Trump candidates have since released
details of their personal health. Clinton’s doctors said her physical exam was normal, apart from the pneumonia, and that she was in excellent mental condition. Trump released a note from his doctor saying that he was in “excellent physical health.” Americans do not appear to be overly concerned with the health of either candidate. According to a separate Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted this week, most American adults said the issue would make “no difference” to how they voted. A negligible percentage of Clinton supporters said concerns about her health made them “less likely” to vote for her. Clinton led all candidates in a four-way poll of likely voters that included Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party and Jill Stein of the Green Party. Seven percent of respondents supported Johnson, and 2 percent backed Stein.
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Saturday September 17, 2016
Riots erupt in Congo opposition stronghold –report Reuters - P r o t e s t e r s calling for Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila to resign and hold elections burned tires yesterday in the streets of the opposition stronghold of Lubumbashi, and police fired tear gas to disperse them, U.N.-backed Radio Okapi reported. The radio station reported that police had tried to break up the evening demonstration by local members of the UDPS, the Central African country’s main opposition party, led by newly returned exile Etienne Tshisekedi. Elections were scheduled for November but the electoral commission said last month that C o n g o ’s v o t e r r e g i s t r y will not even be complete until July 2017. K a b i l a ’s o p p o n e n t s accuse him of stalling the v o t e t o c l i n g t o p o w e r, though his supporters deny the charge. However, donors and
Joseph Kabila We s t e r n p o w e r s h a v e pressured Kabila not to remain in power beyond when his mandate runs out on Dec. 19. Lubumbashi lies in the heart of the copper belt of Africa’s leading exporter of the yellow metal. Kabila won disputed elections in 2006 and 2011 after succeeding his assassinated f a t h e r, Laurent, in 2001. The constitution limits him to two elected terms, but t h e c o u n t r y ’s h i g h e s t court has ruled he can
remain in power until the election takes place, even if that falls beyond the end of his mandate in December. If he d o e s s o , h o w ever, many analysts fear it could push Congo to the brink of a n o t h e r c i v i l w a r, l i k e the one that killed millions of people and s u c k e d i n half a dozen countries in the region between 1996-2003. Dozens were killed in January 2015 in protests over a proposed revision of the electoral law.
Saturday September 17, 2016
Stunning Henderson strike helps Liverpool beat Chelsea LONDON (Reuters) A stunning strike from Jordan Henderson helped Liverpool secure a comfortable 2-1 win at Chelsea on Friday that ended the London club’s unbeaten start to the season and underlined the growing potential of Juergen Klopp’s side. Liverpool largely dominated the encounter and took a 2-0 lead after Dejan Lovren was left unmarked to steer home the opener and Henderson bent the ball into the top corner from 30 metres to put the visitors in command at halftime. Chelsea fought back after the break when Diego Costa sidefooted home from close range after 61 minutes but there was little further goalmouth action as Liverpool comfortably held on.
The win moved Liverpool level with Chelsea on 10 points after five games and prevented the Londoners from going top of the table. “We played football like hell,” said Klopp, whose side have now played Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea away from home in their opening fixtures. “It was really nice to watch. In the second half it was a bit more difficult. After their goal, we managed it well.” Liverpool were sharper from the start than Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, who seemed content to sit deep and invite pressure from the visitors, who happily set up camp in the hosts’ half in the opening stages. Daniel Sturridge threatened after only two minutes,
curling a shot from the edge of the area that slipped from keeper Thibaut Courtois’s grasp and almost trickled over the line, but it was not long before Liverpool grabbed the lead. Typically of a sluggish Chelsea performance, Liverpool opened the scoring by catching the hosts napping at the back. A free kick found its way to Philippe Coutinho and his deep cross found four Liverpool players unmarked at the far post, with Lovren applying a cool side-footed finish past Courtois. Rather than prompt a Chelsea response, the hosts seemed to retreat further into their shell, making sporadic forays upfield but rarely threatening Liverpool’s goal.
Saturday September 17, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are apparent. You can make it up to them later. You will have a problem holding on to your cash today. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You should be making plans to spend some time with the ones you love. Take time to talk things over. Travel for business or pleasure. Take time to deal with the concerns of children. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) New romantic relationships will develop through group activity related to sports events. Think twice before you pursue an unrealistic endeavor. Make changes that will enhance your appearance. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Outbursts of passion may cause arguments with your mate. Get together with friends who like to participate in indoor sports. You won't be able to keep a secret. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will be highly entertaining when in contact with your lover. You will be popular and will easily attract members of the opposite sex. You are going through a period of questioning. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You are best to avoid joint ventures, and whatever you do, don't lend to friends or relatives. You can expect to feel confused about your personal prospects. You will be
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erratic and quite likely to make personal mistakes. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Look into some personal changes. Get back to basics and reevaluate what is important in life. Socializing will be more than just entertaining. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Travel for business or pleasure. Partnerships with creative people could lead to financial gains. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Verbal abuse could lead to carelessness. Sudden changes at home will affect family members more than you anticipated. You should want to feel good about yourself and your goals. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Take a second look; another person's philosophy may be extremely different from yours. Travel if it's needed to start the ball rolling. Don't forget that your budget is limited right now. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Ideas may sound good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts. Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool if someone backs you into a corner. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Evasion is likely if you aren't direct about your feelings. Don't allow someone to do a job that was designated specifically for you. You are best not to confide in anyone right now.
Best of the Best President’s Cup Horserace meet set for 2nd October at Port Mourant The Port Mourant Turf Club in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and The KP Jagdeo Construction Company has organised a grand one day horserace meet dubbed best of the best President’s Cup. With the President’s Cup and Real President’s Cup horses race meets already being held across Guyana the two horseracing entities, which are major players in the horseracing fraternity in terms of sponsorship and pa r t i c i p a t i o n , have decided to come up big with another meet which they called the ‘Best of the Best President Cup’s’. The event is set for Sunday 2nd October at the Port Mourant Turf Club, situated at Port Mourant Corentyne Berbice, already a hefty sum $8M is at stake including cash, trophies and other incentives. A total of eight races are on the cards. The feature event for animals classified A and lower will see the winner cantering of with a lucrative $1.5M along with the Best of the Best President Cup’s from a total package of $3M over 1550M. The event for D3 maiden
Soca Warriors... (From page 27) return home some overseas based players will be joining them. They will leave in early October for two more warmup matches in Panama before making their way to Curacao. Their final match is set for tomorrow at the same venue from 19:00hrs when they will face an Elite-AllStar side.
GFC unveil... (From page 29) he can give his best which can see GFC winning the championship. Beaton also gave thanks to God for the opportunity and to GFC for extending the invitation to sign him. ”I look forward for a wonderful season; I am looking forward to helping my team both on and off the field. I am just looking to do my best and I hope that we can finish on top of the table.” It was also announced that the club has been able to garner sponsorship from Axe Sports Apparel and DeSinco Trading. (Franklin Wilson)
animals also includes E and lower horses over 1200M for a take home money of $800,000 and trophy. The 3 year old event is for Guyana Bred horses over 1200M for a pole position taking of $400,000 and trophy. The G1 and Lower event will be run over 1700M. The winning prize is $400,000 and trophy. There is a race for animals classified H3 maiden and I and lower which will be going for 1300M for a $260,000 first prize and trophy. The two years old Guyana and West Indies Bred horses will have an opportunity to clash for the $260,000 first prize and trophy over 1100M. An event has been organised for horses classified I3 and J and lower
with the winner is set to collect $200,000 and trophy over 1500M. The race for animals classified L and lower will be over 1100M and will see the winner riding home with $140,000 and trophy. The outstanding jockey, trainer and stable will be awarded with incentives compliments of Trophy Stall and The organisers. Entries close on September 23 and those interested can make contact with Kris Jagdeo on numbers 624-6123 or 322-0369, Rajendra (Jim-Jo) Jagdeo on 618-7278 or Chandu Ramkissoon on 232-0633 or 6 24-9063. Race time is 12:30hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Wolf’s Challenge Cup continues on tomorrow The Wolf ’s Challenge Softball Cup is set to continue tomorrow at the Malteenoes Sports Club. On pitch one, HS Masters will face Fisherman at 10:00hrs and Mike’s
Wellman will play Parika Defenders at 13:00hrs. On pitch two, Albion will take on Savage at 10:00hrs and Tropical Springs will battle Savage at 13:00hrs.
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Saturday September 17, 2016
N and K Persaud make Toby Radford returns as West Indies batting coach donation to SS Jaguars ESPNcricinfo - Former Middlesex and Sussex batsman Toby Radford has been hired by the WICB as the batting coach for the UAE tour. Radford will join the West Indies squad, which has already reached the UAE, where they will play three T20Is, three ODIs, and three Test matches against Pakistan from September 23. “He has been contracted just for this series,” WICB CEO Michael Muirhead said. “He knows the youngsters well and had
done well especially with them”. Asked whether Radford could retain a longterm position, Muirhead said: “Highly unlikely. We’ll engage as and when we need him.” Radford’s appointment is a surprising development considering earlier this week the Welshman had quit as manager of the national academy in Ireland citing “family reasons”. Incidentally Radford had taken the role at Cricket Ireland only in July, having left his job as head coach at
Glamorgan last December with one year remaining in his contract. Radford is well acquainted with West Indies cricket and most of its players having worked as assistant coach (batting) during Ottis Gibson’s tenure as coach when West Indies won the World T20 for the first time in 2012. Radford will assist Henderson Springer, who has been appointed caretaker coach after the WICB sacked Phil Simmons earlier this week.
Hemraj, Yadram boost ECD, Butts grabs 5
Natasha Persaud presents one of the jerseys to Sans Souci Jaguars wicket-keeper Rashaad Rasheed in the presence of Krishna Persaud (left) and SS Jaguars vice captain Safraz Mohamed. The Sans Souci Jaguars Sports Club of Wakenaam recently benefited from a timely donation by overseas based Guyanese Natahsa Persaud and Krishna
Collis Butts Chanderpaul Hemraj and Kamesh Yadram struck half centuries as East Coast Demerara (ECD) reached 294-6 against West Berbice when play was halted on day one of the fourth round Guyana Cricket Board Jaguars three-day league which commenced yesterday. Hemraj and Yadram batted with authority as they frustrated their opponents with an 83-run third-wicket stand following the demise of Gavin Boodwah and Bhaskar Yadram after ECD were inserted at Enterprise. The start of play was delayed due to a wet area on the bowlers run-up, and when the contest finally got underway at 10:45hrs
Chanderpaul Hemraj (right) and Kamesh Yadram Boodwah and Bhaskar Yadram added 30 for the opening stand before Boodwah missed a straight ball from off-spinner Collis Butts and was bowled for 13. Yadram timed the ball well and pulled pacer Keyron Fraser for a four and a six, but after looking set for a half century, he attempted an illadvised single and was run out for 48. Hemraj was then joined by Kamesh Yadram and the duo batted sensibly as they laid the foundation for a huge ECD total. Hemraj was quick to take advantage of anything wayward; he took boundaries off Fraser before smashing leg spinner Kevin Jawahir over the ropes, while Yadram was content to rotate the strike. Fraser w a s impressive in his second spell, but although he failed to provide his team with the breakthrough he caused
some hiccups for Yadram with some decent pace on a flat pitch. Yadram however grew in confidence as he continued to accumulate runs on both sides of the pitch. Hemraj maintained his tempo after reaching his fifty and smashed Butts for a four and six, but the off-spinner had him caught for 81 the very next delivery as he attempted another big shot. Hemraj faced 97 balls and batted for 199 minutes hitting nine fours and four sixes. Just after reaching his half century, Yadram played across to Butts and was bowled for 53 after hitting four fours and one six. Ramnarine Chatura looked solid before he pulled Butts into the hands of short midwicket when on 34, leaving the score on 252-5. Butts, the only successful bowler for the day then sent back Vishwanauth Ramlakhan for 15 before Amir Khan and Vivian Albert batted to the close. Khan is on 39 and Albert on three. Butts has 5-75. Play is set to start at 09:00hrs today.
Persaud. The couple presented a quantity of cricket gears and uniforms to the club at a simple held in Sans Souci. Club Captain Siddiq
Mohamed expressed gratitude to the duo, while Krishna Persaud urged the youths to remain committed to their Education and take the game seriously.
Bush Lot United SC and Bush Lot Rising Stars Annual Cricket Academy ends The 7th edition of the Bush Lot United Sports Club / Bush Lot Rising Stars Annual Cricket Academy 2016 came to an end recently. The training sessions were held on the basketball court of the Bush Lot Secondary School courtesy of the Ministry of Education Region 5. The Academy closed in grand style with an awards ceremony which was held in the halls of the Lachmansingh Primary School Annex, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice where branded “T “ shirts , Certificates of Participation and Trophies were presented to the participants. Among those in attendance were by representatives of the sponsors, parents, the organisers and wellwishers. The outstanding participants at the ceremony were presented with awards. Among the awardees wereClayton Grant who was adjudged the most improved bowler, 9 year old Brandon Arjune emerging batsman, 9
year old Joel Lall most p r o s p e c t i v e c r i c k e t e r, Devak Singh –the emerging All-rounder. Nivendra Prasad was awarded the Rockaway Roti Shop /Taxi S e r v i c e Aw a r d o f Excellence for his selection on the National U15 team 2015. They were presented with trophies and certificates compliments of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, the Hugo Chavez Rehabilitation Center and the Shop Smart Supermarket. In his presentation, Club P r e s i d e n t M r. R o b b y Saywack thanked the parents for their unwavering support and confidence in the two clubs and for allowing their children to participate in the programme. M r. S a y w a c k a l s o impressed on the participants to continue to practice and make good use of the knowledge gained in order to become better persons and build a better community. He also committed to working with the youths in
the community and to assist them in realizing their dreams and achieving their goals. He urged them to stay in school get and an education and stay away from Drugs and Crime. Mr. Saywack implored on the parents, Private and Corporate Businesses to come on board and support these programmes to build better and stronger communities. The organisers would like to express their appreciation to -The New Building Society Rosignol Branch, Feroze Isahawk of Feroze Service Station and Hi - Powa Sounds, Mr. Perry Gossai -Attorney - at - Law, The Union - Naarstigheid N e i g h b o u r h o o d Democratic Council, Hugo Chavez Center for Rehabilitation and ReIntegration, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and Shop Smart Super Market for their support in making this venture a success, and look forward to their continued support in the future. (Samuel Whyte)
Saturday September 17, 2016
Kaieteur News
Holder reprimanded, will retain captaincy-report P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad, CMC- Jason Holder is expected to retain his position as captain of the West Indies Test team for the upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, according to media reports in Trinidad. However, Holder has been reprimanded and given notice that he could be stripped of his position if he continues to underperform, a report in the Trinidad Guardian has suggested. There was widespread speculation that the Barbadian all rounder would lose his job in the days leading up to last weekend’s meeting of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in Dominica. However, the Guardian, without citing sources, has reported that Holder was
given “a serious dressing down” by chairman of selectors Courtney Browne. The Guardian has reported that a note was passed to the board of directors during the weekend meeting, stating that the selection chairman had a “frank talk” with Holder, concerning his form in the longer format of the game and whether he warrants selection outside of being captain. The Guardian has reported that the selection panel is not yet convinced that Holder should be removed as leader of the Test team and that he runs the risk of being removed as captain if he fails to produce during the Pakistan series. Holder, who replaced wicketkeeper Denesh
Ramdin a year ago, became the second youngest Test captain of all time for the West Indies and the 15th youngest of all time for any Test nation. However he is yet to lead West Indies in a winning series, losing two nil to Sri Lanka, two-nil to Australia and by a similar margin to India. Holder, 24, has captained the team for nine matches, winning none, losing six, with three ending in draws. West Indies start their tour with a warm-up game against Emirates Cricket Board XI at the ICC Academy next Tuesday before meeting Pakistan in the opening T20 International three days later at the Dubai International Stadium.
Soca Warriors U-20s edge Alpha United By Franklin Wilson Competing in their first practice match of their 10day Training Camp in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 Scoca Warriors edged Guyana’s #2 Club side Alpha United 2-1 at the Leonora Track and Field Football Field, yesterday afternoon. The well manicured and lush green field which is expected to be used for Guyana’s Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup 2016 clash against Jamaica’s Reaggae Boyz on October 11 next, once the CFU inspection team gives the thumps up, saw the young Soca side displaying a solid game from start to finish, to notch up the win. The Trinis took the lead from a well placed shot in the 8th minute off the boot of their Captain, Jabari Mitchell. Alpha United, playing in their second preseason warm up match following a 4-4 draw with the Guyana Defence Force still displayed signs of ring rust as the visitors moved the ball around well in keeping possession. As the match progressed and subs were made Alpha United enjoyed a few good moments with the likes of Pernel Schultz and veteran Anthony Abrams on the
pitch. The local side was able to, on the end of a good run of play, notch in the equalizer in the 77th minute when Daniel Wilson’s shot to goal eased into the back of the nets off the inner side of the left upright. The young Trinidadians never let up and kept taking the fight to Alpha which brought the go ahead goal once again with two minutes to full time. Doing the honours of netting the winner was Moses Jaikeren in the 88th minute. T&T Head Coach Brian Williams speaking with Kaieteur Sport after the match said that it was a decent game for his charges, while noting that they have been struggling to get decent warm up match back in the Twin Island Republic which prompted the 10-camp in Guyana. ”What I saw in the game was the enthusiasm of all the players; they continue to fight through the entire 90 minutes. We are looking forward to continue a successful training camp here in Guyana, Sunday we play another game, tomorrow (today) we are back out to training but again I must say I was pleased with the performance of the team this afternoon.” Alpha United’s Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’
Dover in summing up his side’s performance stated that they have improved since the 4-4 draw with the Army as they have been working on extensively on defensive organization. ”I think we were very horrible against the Army, we conceded four goals but today (yesterday) despite not playing 100% to what we would expect we still saw some improvements defensively on a collective scale.” Dover noted that the young T&T side is a fit unit that moved the ball well and have a good system of play where the forward line players were coming into the pocket and looking for the ball while making some good plays and shooting to target. ”We saw an intention to score goals and dominate us but we stood a bit resolute. We were not that focused on the scoreline but much more on how we played collectively.” The young Warriors are preparing for the Caribbean Football Union Under-20 Finals to be hosted in Curacao from October 21 – 30, next. Coach Williams informed that he would be announcing his final 23-man team at the end of this training camp and on their (Continued on pag e 25)
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Putin says WADA leaks raise a lot of questions MOSCOW (Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) records leaked by hackers raised a lot of questions with healthy athletes seemingly taking banned substances, TASS news agency reported. “It raises a lot of questions,” Putin said. “It seems as if healthy athletes are taking drugs legally that are prohibited for others, and people who are clearly suffering from serious illnesses, major disabilities, are suspected of taking some kind of substances and banned from the Paralympic Games.” “What they did, cannot fail to be interesting to the international community, the sporting community first of all,” Putin said. His comments came just hours before hackers released a third batch of drugs test data involving 11 more athletes. As recently as Wednesday WADA had confirmed athlete data had been leaked by a Russian cyber espionage group with hackers releasing information on 25 athletes from the United States, Germany, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Poland, Romania, and Russia. The hacking group, known as APT28 and Fancy Bear by U.S. cyber-security researchers, was also blamed by WADA on Tuesday for posting medical data about U.S. athletes Simone Biles, Elena Delle Donne, and Serena and Venus Williams. The group on Friday posted further doping test results of athletes from Britain, Spain, Australia, Germany and Denmark. Among them were several Rio Games champions including Britain’s cycling gold medalist Laura Trott and boxing champion Nicola Adams as well as Australian
Vladimir Putin looks on during a meeting with Dmitry Medvedev on Lipno Island. (Sputnik/Kremlin/Alexei Druzhinin/via REUTERS) rowers Kimberly Brennan, who won gold, and silver medalist Alexander Belonogoff. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) called the release of the data an “outrageous” breach of confidentiality and offered t o a s s i s t WA D A i n communicating with Russian authorities over the matter. “This is an unacceptable and outrageous breach of medical confidentiality that attempts to smear innocent athletes who have not committed any doping offence,” IOC President Thomas Bach said on Friday. “In some cases, it is also a breach of confidentiality for athletes whose cases have not yet been finalised.” WADA considers the attacks are being carried out as retaliation for the agency’s investigations that exposed state-sponsored doping in Russia and led to virtually the entire track and field team being banned from last month’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Russia was also banned from sending a team to the Paralympic Games. “The IOC fully support the actions taken by WADA to deal with the leak, including the measures that are being taken t o bring this activity to
a n e n d w i t h the help of IT experts and in requesting assistance from the Russian authorities,” Bach said in his statement. “I have informed the WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie, that the IOC will also assist WADA in any way required, including communicating with the Russian authorities, to underline the seriousness of the issue and request all possible assistance to stop the hackers.” WADA has said it believes the hackers gained access to its anti-doping administration and management system (ADAMS) via an IOCcreated account for the Rio Games. According to WADA, the account includes confidential medical data such as Therapeutic Use Exemptions, which are issued by sports federations and national anti-doping organizations to allow athletes to take certain substances. T h e a g e n c y ’s independent McLaren report, released in July, said that Russians had swapped positive doping samples for clean ones during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, with the support of the Russian secret service.
NBS 40-over cricket continues this weekend The Georgetown Cricket Association New Building Society second division 40over tournament continues today with three matches. Police will host Everest at Eve Leary (UmpiresMatthew Kissoon and
Leyland Liverpool), GNIC SC will journey to Malteenoes SC (Cyril Garnath and Andre Hurry) a n d G a n d h i Yo u t h Organisation will entertain Transport Sports Club (Joseph Jeffery and Randy
Latif). On Sunday, Sophia will travel to Eve Leary to face Police (Matthew Kissoon and Aslyn Lambert) and Ace Warriors will travel to GYO (Delvin Austin and Linden Matthews).
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Saturday September 17, 2016
I still had cricket in me when I was dropped –Sarwan
Where it all started! Stella Maris Primary School U-12 winners at Police ground in 1990.
Sarwan cuts his retirement cake with his image on it with Crystal Spencer at Stella Maris on Thursday. Ramnaresh Sarwan has played 87 tests and scored 15 centuries at average of 40.1 in a career that lasted from 2000 to 2011. The charismatic righthander who is still the youngest West Indian to play First-Class cricket, also played 181 ODIs and averages 42.67 in that format. Thursday at the Stella Marris Primary School, the Wakenaam born batsman announced his retirement from cricket and interacted with the Media.
Sarwan feels he still had a lot of cricket in him when he was dropped. He last represented West Indies in ODIs in June 2013 in England after he had played his last Test was against India in Barbados three years before. Since then, this Guyanese cricketer has been overlooked by the WICB. The 36-year-old Sarwan, who is married with three children, spoke about the highs and lows of his career and said his most memorable innings were the 105 against
Warriors take out Jammers 40-34 The New Amsterdam Warriors Basketball club continued their winning ways when they defeated the Rose Hall Town Jammers Basket Club with a come from behind 40-34 win when play continued in the A. Ally and Sons First division Basketball competition for teams in Berbice with one game. In the game played last Sunday at the Rose Hall Town Basketball Court, Wa r r i o r s p l a y i n g i n unfamiliar surroundings, took some time to settle. The game, which was a top of the table encounter, saw the Jammers dominating play early to end the first stanza with the score at 10-2. During the second period Warriors began to settle in as they scored nine points to the Jammers eight as the first half ended 18-11in the host favour. With an entire half completed the Warriors had
acclimatized themselves enough and came out to war in the third quarter as they scored 15 points to the Jammers 11 to end that segment two points down at 29-27. The Warriors showed true fighting spirit as they battled in the last quarter to take the lead for the first time by scoring 13 points to their opponents 5 for the final score of 40-34. Quesi Mickle with 13 points and Shamar France 10 were again the leading scorers for the New Amsterdam Warriors. For t h e R o s e H a l l To w n Jammers, Michael King with 8 and Kedon Emanuel 6 were the top scorers. The competition is expected to continue tomorrow with New A m s t e r d a m Wa r r i o r s playing Ithaca Hardliners at the New Amsterdam Basketball Court. Tip-off is 16:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Australia when West Indies hunted down 418 in Antigua, his debut innings in Barbados when he made an unbeaten 84 against Pakistan and his 291 in against England. Sarwan, only behind Shiv Chanderpaul (30) and Clive Lloyd (19) in the number of Test tons by a Guyanese and level on 15 with Rohan Kanhai, said a low point in his career was when he only managed three runs in five innings in Australia but said that tour helped to make him mentally
tougher. “When I came back to the West Indies I scored about 600 runs in about six or seven matches since that was a long regional season. In 2009 when I topped the Averages in England I was just beginning to mature and I felt I still had a lot to offer when I was dropped,” Sarwan informed. When asked if he had any thoughts of running for an administrative position on the GCB Sarwan took a while to answer but said he was inclined to help
youngsters and was a very ambitious person so he would not rule out him doing so in the future. He said he wanted to be remembered as a ‘team man’ who played to win and not as someone who is selfish and bats for records. His partnership in Sri Lanka with Brain Lara and his partnership with Shiv Chanderpaul, especially the double century one which helped West Indies register the highest ever successful run chase are memorable for Sarwan.
“Brain and Shiv are different when I batted with Brain who is in a class by himself I learnt a lot from him about trying to be positive and going for wins. With Shiv it was more of playing safely, I leant about being patient from him but sooner or later I would go back to my natural game which was to bat in an entertaining manner. It cost me my wicket at times but I scored plenty of runs with that style,” Sarwan said. (Sean Devers)
Former Windies pacer questions the timing of Simmons’ sacking ST.JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC- Former West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose has questioned the dismissal of Phil Simmons as head coach on the eve of the t e a m ’s s e r i e s a g a i n s t Pakistan in all formats. Ambrose, who was fired as bowling consultant under the advice of Simmons in May this year, has criticized the timing as poor. Simmons, a former West Indies allrounder, was fired hours before the players boarded a flight for the United Arab Emirates to play Pakistan in three T20s, T h r e e O n e D a y Internationals and the same number of Test matches. “The timing is wrong, to be quite blunt,” declared Ambrose. “This happened when we went to Sri Lanka last year as well when Simmons made a statement about interference in team selection and, about two or three days before we
left for Sri Lanka, they suspended him, which was wrong”. Simmons’ sacking has triggered angry responses from an increasing number of cricketers and officials who have condemned the decision. They include cricketers, Kieron Pollard and Darren Sammy, the former T20 captain who was also sacked after leading Windies to two T20 World titles as well as commentator Fazeer Mohammed, and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell. “If you weren’t happy with the things he said, why pull a coach off a [tour] two or three days before?,” questioned Ambrose. “All they had to do was maybe send him some correspondence saying they were not happy and they would deal with it when he gets back and now this time around, it’s the same thing.”
We s t I n d i e s f a c e Pakistan next Friday in their first T20. Ambrose believes the firing of Simmons by the WICB represents a threat to team morale. “The morale of the team can’t be good because when you would have at least had a camp and then you learn one or two days before departure that your coach isn’t going to be around because he’s been fired, it must send the wrong message,” he said. In an interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), Mohammed, said Simmons was dismissed for exposing conflict in West Indies team selection while Prime Minister Mitchell said the dismissal was motivated by “spite and vendetta”. The Grenadian leader, who has been spearheading efforts to restructure the WICB as Chairman of
Caricom’s sub-committee on cricket governance, has described the WICB as “inflexible and autocratic”. The WICB said its decision to fire Simmons was based on public pronouncements of the coach as well as differences in culture and strategic approach. “If you look back at the last 10 or 12 years or so, we had quite a few coaches who came and went and the performances have been the same, so I am not so sure if the coaching or the coach is the problem,” said Ambrose. “We need to look at the players themselves and ask a few questions. Are these players good enough to compete with the top teams in the world?” The team is under the supervision of former West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner along with assistant coaches Henderson Springer and Roddy Estwick.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday September 17, 2016
GFC unveils new first-team Head Coach, Brazilian Fabiano Agripino Stating that his primary aim would be to be competitive whilst focusing on the development of players; Brazilian Fabiano Agripino was yesterday officially introduced to the media and public as the new first team Head Coach of Elite League side, Georgetown Football Club. General Secretary and General Manager of the GFC team, Faizal Khan in brief remarks stated that it was a historic moment not only for GFC but for the Stag Elite League (SEL) and clubs throughout Guyana. ”Today we are officially welcoming our new head coach as we go into a new dawn at club football here in G u y a n a . M r. F a b i a n o Agripino on behalf of everyone here at GFC we welcome you sir, we look forward to joining us throughout our first team endeavours. Our soon to announce reserve or development team
GFC’s new Head Coach Fabiano Agripino (3rd left) makes a point during his presentation yesterday in the presence of from right, Denzil Hernandez, Eon DeViera, Kevin Beaton, Faizal Khan Ms Lisa Ahmad, Renato and Ms Diangelly Gabriella. endeavours, our under-17s, U-15’s, U-13’s and our U11s.” Agrippino who hails from Sao Paulo in Brazil started his playing career at Club Athletico Penapolense in Brazil in 1993/94 before moving on to Monterrey in
Mexico (95/95). His playing career would also take him to Trinidad and Tobago’s Joe Public (96/98 – 2005/06); Spartak Trnava in Slovakia (98/99); W. Connection in T&T (2000/04) and Hellas Kagran Fc in Austria in 2006/07.
Sprint queen Thompson not focused on breaking Flo-Jo’s 100 metre world record, just yet
Elaine Thompson KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC-Jamaica’s new sprint super star, Elaine Thompson, has conceded that she is not focused on breaking the women’s 100 metre world record since it is currently beyond her reach at the moment. Thompson, who copped the sprint double in her first Olympics as well as relay silver, was speaking at a ceremony this week for Olympians, coaches and the
support team of her track club. The 24 year old sprinter says she is comfortable making her mark on the global stage with her own fast times. The women’s world record of 10.49 seconds was set by American Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988. “That record is really far f r o m m e r i g h t n o w, ” Thompson told the media. “So I think that also
contributes to the reasons why we don’t get that much respect because we don’t run a lot of world records or fast times”. Thompson has personal bests of 10.70, which is also a Jamaican national record, and 21.66 over 200 metres. She swept the 100m gold from training partner and former champion ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce, while outclassing Dutch athlete Dafne Schippers for the 200m gold in Rio. “But I mean, 10.70 and 10.60 is also a good time for a female,” Thompson pointed out. “But looking at 10.49, it’s unbelievable and way out of our lines, so I think the times have something to do with it as well”. Thompson ended a brilliant season with a 10.72second victory in the 100m to win the Diamond Trophy in Brussels last Friday while raking in US 100,000 to finish as one of the league’s top ten money earners.
His coaching career commenced in 2008/09 as Assistant Head Coach with T&T’s Ma Pau and later West Side superstars also in the Twin Island Republic from 2010/2012 as Head Coach. Khan noted that GFC has signed the right person to aid in their continued development thrust. Agrippino in response first thanked God for the opportunity to be in Guyana at the helm of the GFC
promising that the team would be competitive. He did not want to focus on how the GFC did in the first full SEL season, he however said that his focus would be on developing the players into a competitive unit and he would not be intimidated by any other team in this quest. Golden Jaguar forward Kevin Beaton, Nigel Codrington, younger brother of former golden Jaguar Nigel ‘Powers’ Codrington
and Brazilian Free Agent, forward Renato are some of the new signings GFC would have made in order to strengthen their bid to be a much more competitive unit when the SEL gets underway. Renato in a few remarks through his translator Ms Diangelly Gabriella said that he was thankful to God for the opportunity to play hare and he was happy with the people of Guyana and hopes (Continued on page 25)
GBA and Bristol support Republican Joshua Joseph
GBA president Steve Ninvalle hands over the equipment to Joshua Joseph in the presence of (from left) Prison Officer Adrian Thomas, GBA Technical Director Terrence ‘Cool’ Poole and Superintendent of Prisons Pilgrim. Yesterday the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), on behalf of USA based promoter and administrator Seon Bristol, handed over a pair of boxing boots...trunks and gloves to Republican
Boxer Joshua ‘JJ’ Joseph. The tenacious Joseph won the welterweight title at the recently concluded Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate competition and was rewarded for his
courage, skill and discipline. GBA president Steve Ninvalle said Bristol were impressed after receiving news of Joseph’s exploits and promptly indicated his intention to reward him.
Kaieteur News
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Saturday September 17, 2016
Dorado Speed Swim Club continues to live up to its Motto ”Winning is our Attitude” On August 15th Dorado welcomed home our third Olympian, Hannibal Gaskin, from Rio, where he followed in the footsteps of Dorado members Niall Roberts (Beijing 2008; London 2012) and Britany van Lange (London 2012), a release from the club informed. We c o n g r a t u l a t e Hannibal on attaining a personal best time of 58.57 seconds in the 100m Butterfly, erasing the previously accepted record of 1:00.02 set by Niall Roberts in 2009. While, we await official ratification of this record by the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association, Dorado is confident that, with the necessary support, Hannibal can be the first Guyanese swimmer to obtain an
Olympic qualifying time. As part of the Club’s development plan, a “Pentathlon” was held on Saturday, September 3rd at the National Aquatic Centre. This event encourages young swimmers to compete in all of the basic strokes by rewarding them for competing in the four strokes plus an individual medley. The times are then totaled with the winner having the lowest total time. Thirty nine (39) swimmers competed in the 12-&-under and 13-&-over age groupings. The winners were: Girls 12-&-under Lian Winter; Boys 12-&Under - Ethan Gonsalves; Girls 13-&-over - Soroya Simmons and Boys 13-&over - Daniel Scott.
Daniel Scott (left), Alex Winter and Soroya Simmons just after completing the Sawaki Open Water River Swim in Bartica. On Sunday, September 11th, Dorado swimmers Soroya Simmons, Daniel Scott and Alex Winter entered the Sawaki Barticato-Riversview Open Water Swim. These brave, strong
young athletes brought home the top prizes with Daniel finishing first, Soroya second and Alex third. Encouraged by their success on the mighty
Essequibo, Scott, Simmons and Winter will head to Trinidad this weekend for the Subway Maracas Bay Open Water Swim. Alex and Daniel, on their first attempt at swimming in such an
event in sea conditions, will be in the men’s 2,650m event. Soroya who placed third last year in the 2,650m swim, will try the 5k. Congratulations to our swimmers.
GAPF Raw Nationals set for tomorrow Sponsorship garnered from Fitness Express and Trophy Stall Fitness Express and Trophy Stall have stepped in to show their support for the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) Raw Nationals set for tomorrow at the Critchlow Labour College A u d i t o r i u m , Wo o l f o r d Avenue. M a n a g i n g Director/Owner of Fitness Express, Mr. Jamie Mc Donald has once again come to the aid of the sport, continuing his pivotal role in the development of powerlifting by sponsoring individual athletes and competitions hosted by the federation throughout the year. Trophy Stall, has also continued its relationship with the GAPF by donating trophies, this is the entity’s second donation for the year. Tomorrow’s competition is anticipated to be one of the largest the federation has hosted for some time with some 45 athletes registered including 8 females who are all eager and ready to showcase their power competing Unequipped in various categories. These include male and female sub-junior, male and female junior, male and female open and male and female masters. Several seasoned national lifters have put
GAPF’s Tyrone Eusibio (right) receives one of the trophies from Trophy Stall’s Sales Rep. aside their knee wraps and squat suits to test their might in this more modest form of lifting. Fans will be treated to what is expected to be an exciting day of lifting as ‘Big’ John Edwards returns to the platform after a three year hiatus from competition and will be challenged by Berbice Strongmen Farouk Abdool and Roshan Ali. There will also be other keenly contested divisions as Romario Gonsalves of Life Gym seeks to dominate the Over 59kg open and junior
categories. Gonsalves will be rivaled by in the open division by seasoned campaigners the likes of Kevin Bridglall, Sohail Hussain and Navendra Tamasar. This division is anticipated to be the most keenly contested weight class with a total of 9 lifters registered. In the open division, Vijai Rahim will seek to make his mark in this form of powerlifting, having achieved total dominance within the past years in the
Equipped Division. The 74kg division will see Dr. Osmond Mack coming up against junior lifters Donnel Perry and the 2015 Senior Nationals 74kg Champion, Demetri Chan who will also be contesting in the junior category. The 83kg class will see 2015 Senior Nationals Best Lifter Hardat Tarson who will be making his Raw debut against the likes of Paul Adams, Phillip Romalho and Dike Utoh. Carlos Peterson (93kg junior and open division winner)
will be seeking to also dominate the Raw class as he has done thus far for 2016 in the Equipped. Peterson will first need to dispatch his competition in the form of Errol “Rugged” Henry and other seasoned Raw athletes in his bid for supremacy. There will be a Masters Division which will see a clash of the “matured” lifters including Henry, Edwards, Joseph Stoll, Budhram, Abdool, Martin Webster among others who will take the platform to show what athletes 40 years and above are capable of achieving. On the distaff side which is expected to be equally exciting, Nadina Taharaly will be seeking to establish dominance once again as she d i d a t t h e Intermediate/Masters competition back in June 2016 against other seasoned lifters the likes of Nessa Bha g w a n d i n , J a c k e l y n To n e y, C h i t t r a Ramlochan, Lisa Oudit and youngsters Tineisha Toney and Britney Mack who will also be contesting against each other in the sub junior division. Athletes are reminded t h a t w e i g h - i n commences 08:00hrs tomorrow and ends at
09:30hrs, no later. Those who arrive after the close off time will not be allowed to compete. Athletes are also asked to take note that the GAPF’s relaxed dress code which allows the use of tights in the absence of a lifting singlet, lifting belts from all manufacturers are allowed and neoprene knee sleeves of any brand are also allowed. Lifters may use wrist wraps, flats or Lifting shoes. No supportive gear such as groove briefs or erector shirts will be allowed. Knee high lifting socks are required for the deadlift. Plain round neck t-shirts or tshirts bearing the logo of a competition sponsor or gym being represented may also be worn. Strict adherence to these regulations is recommended since any unauthorized equipment will be disallowed at the competition. Tickets are $500 and entrance fee at the door remains the same. Food and drinks will be on sale. The GAPF expresses thanks to sponsors, Fitness Express, Buddy’s Gym a n d Tr o p h y S t a l l f o r playing such important roles in the development in the sport.
Kaieteur News
Saturday September 17, 2016
PAGE 35
GCB Jaguars 3-day cricket
First day of 4th Rd washed out at Tuschen
The music set just beyond the boundary lush green outfield at Tucshen yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)
Wet areas on the pitch caused by seepage. (Sean Devers photo) The opening day of the GCB Jaguars 3-day cricket Franchise League between Upper Corentyne and West Demerara at Tuschen East Bank Essequibo was washed out yesterday without a ball being bowled and the match
is scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs today. Heavy rain accompanied by lightning and thunder which began at 04:30 hrs and continued for just under an hour battered the ground which stood up to the
pou n d i n g b u t s e e p a g e under the covers and a soggy area where t h e w a t e r d r a i n e d off close to the northern boundary ropes delayed play. An early Lunch was
taken before another lighter but longer shower which began around 13:00hrs forced the Umpires abandon the day’s play at 13:35hrs. The well kept Tuschen ground, for the time in as
many matches, enjoyed the presence of a music system making it the only venue used for the League with that entertainment facility. At Bourda, where hosts Georgetown were set to
battle East Coast, play for the day was called off at 13:39hrs due to a wet outfield as the unseasonal adverse weather pattern continues to wreck havoc with the tournament. (Sean Devers)
Go there and express yourselves, Faye Joseph / Wiltshire Brathwaite tells newcomers host Domino Tournament ESPNCRICINFO West Indies T20I captain Carlos Brathwaite has urged newcomers Rovman Powell and Nicholas Pooran to play their natural game ahead of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. Both Powell and Pooran had promising performances in CPL 2016. Powell, the 23year old batsman from Jamaica, scored 228 runs in 13 matches for Tallawahs. Pooran, the 20-year old wicketkeeper-batsman from Trinidad, played for the Barbados Tridents and belted 217 runs in 10 matches at 27.12 and a strike rate of 197.27. Pooran also effected eight dismissals behind the stumps. “Go there, express yourselves, continue to be exciting and eventually win games for the West Indies. It’s a big task to represent the West Indies, and away from home is probably a little easier because you don’t have family in the stands with that extra pressure,” Brathwaite advised. “You’re just surrounded by your team-mates and it’s a good team to be in at the moment, so it’s just about going there and continuing to do the
Nicholas Pooran earned a place in West Indies’ T20 squad after a strong show in CPL 2016 © CPL/Sportsfile things that they did to get themselves here and do it for longer periods - it’s a higher stage, more pressure, but I’m sure they can continue with it and do well.” Brathwaite also credited the selectors for ensuring that youngsters got the best exposure possible. “The selectors were very big in ensuring that some young players are blooded and rubbed shoulders with some of the best T20 players in the
world so we can continue our legacy of being dominant in this format, and those were two of the guys who fit the bill at this point in time,” he said. West Indies were in Dubai earlier this year when they held a preparatory camp ahead of the 2016 World T20, which they went on to win, so while they might know a bit about what to expect from the surfaces, Brathwaite acknowledged
that the weather at this time of the year was a lot harsher. “It wasn’t as hot early in the year, but, apparently, we’re smack dab in the middle of their summer, so it can get very, very hot,” he said. “It’s for the players to prepare well, manage themselves well off the field, rehydration-wise, get enough rest, and each and every one of us is a professional and we know what our body needs to be an optimal thing to perform, so it’s just about us doing things we do off the field, planning well, preparing well, and evidently performing well when the games come.” The first T20I will take place in Dubai on September 23. The T20Is will be followed by a three-match ODI series, before the tour concludes with three Tests. This is the first series for West Indies after the WICB sacked coach Phil Simmons earlier this week. The team will be under the supervision of former West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner for this tour, along with assistant coaches Henderson Springer and Roddy Estwick.
starting today
Faye Joseph Faye Joseph and Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire will be hosting a Grand Slam D o m i n o To u r n a m e n t starting this evening at 1223 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. The event which will conclude tomorrow is open to all teams and according to the organisers, every team will be entered free before 16:00 hrs. Teams wishing to enter the tournament will have to pay an entrance fee of $6,000 should they arrive after 16:00 hrs, while reentry is $9,000. The winning team will
Mark Wiltshire receive $120,000, while 2nd and 3rd placed teams take home $50,000 and $20,000 respectively. The organisers insisted that dress code and no indiscipline rules are in effect. The competition will be run under the rules of the Guyana National Dominoes Association and all prizes are guaranteed. Teams are asked to walk with a good pack of dominoes. For more information teams could contact Wiltshire on tele#665-5855.
t r o Sp
Soca Warriors U-20s edge Alpha United
T&T’s National Under-20s on the offensive against Alpha United yesterday. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Former Windies pacer questions the timing of Simmons’ sacking
Curtly Ambrose
Jason Holder
Holder reprimanded, will retain captaincy-report
Toby Radford returns as West Indies batting coach
Toby Radford (left) served as Glamorgan head coach for two seasons © Getty Images
GAPF Raw Nationals set for tomorrow Sponsorship garnered from Fitness Express and Trophy Stall Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210