Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
“I did not know Carolan Lynch worked for me” - Gerry Gouveia Proprietor of Arrowpoint Resort, Gerry Gouveia, has denied any knowledge of wanted woman Carolan Lynch being an employee of his, prior to revelation last week. Speaking briefly with this newspaper yesterday, Gouveia, a former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), said that persons are interviewed and employed by his Human Resources Manager, and that he does not usually know about every new member of staff. He however disclosed that following media reports, he made an enquiry, and was told that Lynch was only a part-time worker at his nature resort which is located on the west bank of the Demerara River. Gouveia said that Lynch had been working with his company on contract for about a month. Lynch was arrested in 2007, following the death of her husband Farouk Razac, who owned the Swiss House Cambio. In 2008, then Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys had discharged the murder charge. However, the former beauty queen was rearrested almost immediately after for the same murder, and the charge was reinstituted. In 2010, after she failed to
Owner of Arrowpoint Resort, Gerry Gouveia appear before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry on several occasions, an arrest warrant was issued, followed by a wanted bulletin. After evading the law for a long time, police learnt a few days ago, that Lynch was working as a manager at Gouveia’s Arrowpoint Resort. By the time police got there, the woman had already disappeared. The police suspect that Lynch had been tipped off. Another wanted bulletin was issued for her last week. Razac’s dead body was found on the floor of his Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, house, where he and Lynch lived. An autopsy had established that the man died
WANTED: Carolan Lynch
DEAD: Farouk Razac of strangulation. Investigations are now underway to ascertain whether Gouveia knowingly employed Lynch, a fugitive from justice.
Medical Council finds unregistered doctors working in public health facility The Guyana Medical Council, (GMC) is accusing the Ministry of Health (MOH) of breaching legal health protocol, with specific reference to the practice of doctors locally. Kaieteur News understands that speculations were confirmed, when on Thursday a visiting Medical Council team stumbled upon an unlicensed doctor practicing at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The unlicensed practitioner belonged to a batch of recently Cuban-trained graduates. On Tuesday, Chairperson of the Guyana Medical Council, Dr. Vivienne Mitchell, revealed that several Cuban-trained doctors who returned to Guyana are still to receive their certificates and transcripts, which will allow them to be registered to practice locally. The GMC is also accusing the Chief Medical Officer, (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud of violating criminal laws on the subject. This newspaper understands, that Dr. Persaud had agreed to have the recent graduates registered but failed to provide the Council with the necessary documents. He instead approved the employment of the unregistered doctors to Regional Hospitals.
Neighbourhood thief caught and beaten
The teenage thief After being stabbed by his neighbour for attempting to steal a motorcycle, a teenage boy thought he would try his luck again. But this time, he was tied to an engine block and beaten after he was caught trying to steal a set of tools from another neighbour’s yard. At about 2:00 am yesterday, while in the
comfort of his Lot 53 Durban Street home, Brindley Taylor, a mechanic, heard a suspicious noise but he paid it no mind since he figured it was his son who had returned home. After noticing that five minutes had elapsed and his son had not stepped through the door, he then called out his name.
Moments later, his son shouted, “Dad come quick ah catch a thief in de yard.” Taylor hurried down his steps and noticed that his son had captured the teen in their unfenced yard. They then tied him to an engine block and checked the bag he had in his possession. The thief had already placed some of Taylor’s most expensive tools into the bag. His son, Curinth Taylor, told this publication that when he had entered the yard, he was on his cell phone but noticed some strange movements. “After I realized that someone was in the yard, I placed my phone to my chest to prevent the light on the phone screen from giving
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away my position. I walked slowly and I saw him trying to break the chain on my father’s motorbike. I then held onto him and we had a little fight but I eventually managed to tie him up.” The courageous man related, “After we caught him, we called the police and took pictures of him. He is a regular thief. He had two other boys with him but they run away. He was the mastermind behind this entire thing. But we taught him a lesson with some good blows. “ While all the articles were recovered, the men related that they will certainly be very vigilant and they hope it serves an example for those who feel brave enough to enter their premises.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud
Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran
The revelation came 24 hours after Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, announced that 70 of the latest Cuban trained doctors have commenced the documentation and orientation process for deployment to the Regional Public Health facilities. On Monday last, Minister Ramsaran said that a batch of 30 doctors will be employed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC), while 14 doctors will work at the New Amsterdam Hospital facility. Eight were distributed to Suddie Hospital in Region Two, and an additional eight will work at the Linden Hospital Complex in Region Ten, while West Demerara Regional Hospital will receive 10 new doctors. Kaieteur News, in an effort to find clarity into the issue, made several calls and even visited the CMO’s office, all of which proved futile. Approximately 400 doctors, including 100 foreign volunteers and a number of foreign nationals are registered to practice in the local health system. At present, the Council is involved in countrywide visits to hospitals to ensure
that there are appropriate training and supervision mechanisms available to junior doctors. Dr. Mitchell had stated that the Council will be meeting with the Public Service Ministry again to sort out the problem. She explained that the Cuban-trained Guyanese usually receive their certificates and transcripts before leaving Cuba but must be registered by the Council before starting their practice. She underscored that “to be recognized as a doctor you (have to) come with certificates from your medical school. If you are a recent graduate, we ask for a transcript, or if you practicing for a number of years we ask for a certificate of good standing from the Medical Council of the country in which you last practiced. And we want to know that you are not a criminal, so we ask for letters of reference and curriculum vitae so we can know what you have been doing over the last six years.” The Guyana Medical Council has been seeking the assistance of the Foreign Ministry and the Public Service Ministry.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Editorial
Synergies with Brazil At the commemoration of the 191st anniversary of the independence of Brazil, both President Ramotar and Brazilian Ambassador Luiz Seixas DeAndrade emphasised the mutual benefits of improving the transportation linkages between our two countries. We have products such as rice that can be exported to northern Brazil, while the Brazilians have for decades been stressing their desire for an overland passage to the North Atlantic for their goods produced in Manaus and other northern locales. Such benefits have long been recognized as having positive implications for trade and commerce within a far wider circle, and indeed, encompassing all South America. Back in late 2000, as a matter of fact, at a meeting of UNASUR (Union of South American Nations), President Bharat Jagdeo was one of 12 South American Heads of State that launched the “Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America” (IIRSA). This unprecedented multinational, multi-sectoral, and multi-disciplinary initiative’s main objective, as the name suggests, was to develop the region’s infrastructure. Because of the contingency of historical happenstance, the geographical reality on the ground as far as resources are concerned, is definitely not in sync with the geopolitical and socio-economic realities of the continent. The Heads of state agreed to the organization of South American space “in multinational strips that concentrate populations, present and potential regional production and commercial flow that would gradually converge towards common quality standard of infrastructure services in transportation, energy and telecommunications.” These multinational strips were given the name Integration and Development Axes (EID). We were included in the Guyana Shield Axis (Venezuela-Brazil-Guyana-Suriname), of which the northsouth Guyana-Brazil linkages were always seen as most feasible. The second component is a link from Caracas to their border and through Region 8 to Linden, continuing and connecting Suriname and then French Guiana. As early as 2003, on an official visit to Brazil, then Presidents Jagdeo and Lula reiterated their commitment to the heavy duty road linking Georgetown and Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima; the construction of a deep water harbour; a hydro-electricity facility in Guyana and the development of an industrial area in Boa Vista-as part of the Guyana Shield Axis initiative under IIRSA. Lula kept their side of the bargain and six years later, the Bridge across the Takatu was formally opened. But for reasons that have never been made clear, the initiative has not moved from the border since then, even though during his visit to Guyana in 2007, Lula had reiterated the urgency of the project to Brazil. For Guyana, the benefits were enormous: fees for goods passing through to the Coast; harbour and storage fees etc. and even possibly assembly of products from components bulkshipped from Brazil. The financing of the project does not appear to pose a major hurdle. Apart from government sourced funding there are the multilateral funding institutions like IDB, CAF, and FONPLATA that have been integrally involved with IIRSA. For the Brazil-Guyana linkages and infrastructural development, Brazil has always indicated they were willing to play a major role in funding. After President Lula’s visit to Guyana, the proposal for the construction of a hydroelectric facility that would supply electricity far in excess of Guyana’s needs with the surplus exported to Northern Brazil was floated. With Brazil also signing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the hydro-facility, the funding should not face the hurdles confronting Amaila Hydro. Since last December, pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a bilateral working group collaborated on the modalities for the Highway, deep water harbour and the Hydro Project. This was presented to the Presidents of Brazil and Guyana last month and according to the Brazilian Ambassador, a Joint Commission was established and is scheduled to meet later this month. The scuttling of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project adds a special urgency to the other components of the initiative that have been dragging on for decades. We hope that the matter is given the greatest urgency.
Monday September 09, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news Good private sector investment, but is present management addressing problems affecting the entity? DEAR EDITOR, I was an employee of Qualfon when the entity employed just over 200 (two hundred) agents at a supervisory level. My entry in this organization was as a result of my understanding and appreciation of the role this new organization could play in making a contribution towards development and at the same time addressing one of the ills of our society: Youth unemployment. My stint was short lived because the organization that held so much hope has proved to be a disappointment to me and many other young people primarily because of poor pay, unclear systems of management and an administration that was out of touch with proper industrial relations practices and good business management and
administration. Should a study be done, I am sure it will show that Qualfon, since its introduction in the country has the highest attrition rate amongst private sector entities. Many then and today feel that the presence of union representation could be the answer to many of the things faced by the workers. Local Vendors: electrician plumbers and many food vendors that sell outside the establishment, canteen service providers, transportation service providers etc have all had at varying levels have had a taste of one official’s ignorance in dealing with them over the years. Is this the way one should treat people? As I understand it, one vendor in the area of transportation is seeking redress in the Court after years of service and the way
Complaints ignored about this noisy church DEAR EDITOR, Noise nuisance continues to be a major problem country wide, even though it would require minimum effort to curtail it. It therefore reflects poorly on the performance of the relevant minister and law enforcement officers. Just why appropriate action isn’t taken is unpardonable indeed and it reflects carelessness. With respect to the “Foundation of Life” Church in Betsy Ground , East Canje , Berbice, letters to the press and numerous reports at
Reliance Police Station have not restrained the assault on residents’ peace and quietness as no action is being taken. However, the police are quick to harass residents when the church reports anyone playing music during their church activities. Further, the tranquility of Betsy Ground has been trampled upon by their insensitivity. Residents are appealing to the relevant authorities to enforce the noise nuisance law and get these polluters to tone down. Concerned resident
Security Guards Being “ROBBED” With Violence DEAR EDITOR, By Order 23 of 2012, dated May 4, 201 2 and signed by the Hon Minister of Labour Nanda Gopaul, government has increased the minimum wages / salaries for security guards from one hundred dollars per hour to one hundred and forty dollars per hour effective from the 1st of June 2012, When Tenders were out for security companies to apply for contracts to provide security service in the ten administrative Regions of Guyana for the year March 1, 201 3 to 28th of February 2014, it was clearly stated, “Duly note that the new minimum wages for security guards is now $ 140. per hour...” Again in May 2013, a new order was published sand igned again by the said Minister of Labour, Hon
Nanda Gopaul, whereby the new National Minimum wage was passed and that security guards are to receive the sum of two hundred and two dollars per hour effective July 1, 2013. Lo and behold, we the security guards working at a particular institution are still being paid one hundred and twenty dollars per hour and nothing is being done by the Minister or any government officials to correct this malpractice, We feel strongly that some big ones are receiving a hefty sum this firm and so all are turning a blind eye to our plight, despite several letters of complaint in the newspapers. Hoping some action will be taken so that we can receive what we work for. Thank you. Security guard
in which his service came to an end. At present, I understand, Mexico has acted and has placed someone above this official. I hope this development will result in an approach that will address the aforementioned issues. As a young person, my aim was and still is to work in an environment that will contribute to the realization of my full potential; but what obtains at Qualfon is certainly not such an environment. Unions should be invited
to discuss with workers the possibility of representation. Further, in the interest of the Company, contracts entered into during the period of this official’s stewardship, including rental should be investigated with a view to determining if there was acts of nepotism and conflict of interest. Mr. Editor, the aforementioned, if addressed, would certainly bring about real chance for the betterment at Qualfon. Former employee
Help us stop this noise nuisance, Mr. Police Commissioner DEAR EDITOR, We the residents of North Coverden on the East Bank of Demerara, would like to send this open letter to the Commissioner of Police (ag). SIR, For the last six months we have been bombarded with very loud music emanating from a Service Station every Sunday afternoon and continuing way into Monday mornings. We raised our concerns with the management of the gas station but to no avail. We even sent out letters to all the relevant agencies including your office. Sir, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Fire Service and Environmental Protection Agency but again to no avail for the noise continues unabated. This noise was at first being played from customers’ cars and SUV’s which was very loud but from the past two months the music has been coming from one of those large music systems
and even though the barbeque and lime is now held at a new location, the noise is more devastating for those large speakers are turned in our directions which makes it unbearable to stay in our homes. On Sunday June 16th the noise commenced at 6pm and continued until 2:30am. On the 20th of June it was from 5pm until 2:30am. On the 24th of August a car and bike show was held. The music started at 4:30pm but the actual show started at 1:00am and concluded at 3:30am. Then on the 25th of August to add insult to injury the music started from 4:30pm and concluded at 1:50am and this was a result of having to make several calls to the Timehri Police. Mr. Commissioner, we would like to make it abundantly clear, in that we bear no ill will or grudge (as is being touted) against anyone’s business and all we are asking is that we be Continued on page 5
Why was Brigadier Lovell overlooked again? DEAR EDITOR, Why does the Government keep doing this to the top ranking military officers of the Guyana Defence Force. I feel it for Brigadier J B Lovell. He was senior then to Commodore G A R Best (who was recently promoted to Rear Admiral) but was put aside by the then President Jagdeo and the Chief of staff appointment was given to Best, who was actually out of the military for a while studying law. Now again Lovell was put aside by President Ramator and the Chief of Staff appointment given to Phillips who was junior to him. Only in Guyana these things happen. If Lovell has 20 more months, then let him serve as
Chief of Staff and then let Phillips take over, I do not have a problem with Phillips, but let him wait his turn, this utter nonsense must stop. Lovell deserves it he came through the rank and file of the Guyana Defence Force and waited his turn and did the Chief of Staff course, also other qualifying courses and is the senior man. Then the President tried to hood wink people by promoting Phillips first. I am so upset, words cannot express my feelings. Politics must be kept out of the military, it is destroying the very fabric of this organization. Shame, shame, shame. What goes around comes around. Concerned Ex Soldier
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Eccles execution-style murder…
Where is Kurt David’s killer? - Top Cop says police know suspect’s identity, will issue bulletin
Kurt David (right) and his alleged killer toast in happier times.
Some of the slain biker’s associates at last night’s vigil. Relatives and close friends of 31-year-old Kurt David yesterday held a candlelight vigil for the slain biker, even as police have received reports that the alleged killer may have fled the country. Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell told Kaieteur News that police are certain of the perpetrator’s identity and are preparing to issue a wanted bulletin for him. Brumell stated that the suspect, who is said to be a city businessman, disappeared on the very night that David was gunned down. “We have heard that he
has gone into the interior; we have heard that he has gone to Suriname,” Brumell said. The Commissioner also said that he had no information to suggest that the alleged shooter was licensed to carry a firearm. The shooter has been identified as Chris Jagdeo, who was once a close friend of the victim. Indications are that investigators will soon have further evidence to link the suspect to a woman who was shot at the scene, when ballistic tests are done this week. Yesterday, David’s relatives and several
members of the biking fraternity held a candlelight vigil at the Square of the Revolution for the murdered man. David was riddled with at least 15 bullets at around 21:00 hrs last Tuesday during a brief confrontation outside his Seventh Street, Eccles, East Bank Demerara residence. Police said that David was killed over an affair that he was having with the shooter’s wife. It is alleged that David and the man’s wife had met two Saturdays ago at a city night club and that some associates of the suspect had sent him photos of David
Letters... Where your views make the news
Help us stop this noise nuisance... From page 4 allowed to enjoy the peace and tranquility of our homes and this includes the sick, the elderly and our school children. It would be appreciated if a survey can be carried out during one of these sessions so that a firsthand experience can be realized in order for the way forward to be determined. We would also appreciate the Disc Jockey could refrain from vulgarity, for we do have women and children living here. These people operate with impunity as if we don’t
even exist, when we have lived here all our lives and we should not be asked to put our lives on hold every Sunday. Many of us have already started to have ear problems as a result of being exposed to the constant banging for hours on end, when all that is needed to be done is re-
arrange those speakers away from us for even the zinc sheets on our homes rattle, causing us more discomfort. Then the DJ shouts and screams, you’ll believe he’s on a beach in the middle of nowhere. Pleased Mr. Commissioner, let Sanity and Peace prevail. Frustrated Residents
kissing his spouse. According to sources, the suspect was further infuriated on Tuesday after seeing a text message that David had sent to his wife. It is alleged that at around 21:00 hrs on Tuesday, the businessman, reportedly accompanied by his wife,
drove to David’s Seventh Street, Eccles home. He reportedly tooted his horn, and David, who had just had a bath, came outside and went to the car. The two men reportedly had a brief confrontation before the businessman opened fire. Sources said that the shooter’s wife screamed out “— (name given) you can’t do that.” After the first bullets hit David, the wounded man reportedly tried to run back inside his house, but collapsed after more bullets struck him in the back. There are reports that the suspect then stood over David and
pumped several more bullets into the fallen man. During the shooting, one of the bullets struck his female companion in the foot. She has been hospitalized under police guard. Kaieteur News understands that the woman is claiming that she suffered the wound during a robbery around the same time that David was shot. However that robbery was not reported to the police who only learnt about the woman’s shooting by chance. There are also reports that the woman was shot when a relative’s gun went off accidentally. That relative has also not been located.
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Kaieteur News
Monday September 09, 2013
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
Mathematics teachers plan to improve results of students at next CSEC sitting While Mathematics may not be a “Love-at-first-sight” experience for some students, teachers of the subject at various Secondary Schools across the country are determined to improve student performance at the next sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations by using more effective teaching strategies. As the first week of school ended on Friday last, teachers have told this publication that they have already started implementing new teaching strategies. One Mathematics teacher from a junior high school noted, “Often we take for granted that a student is supposed to know the basics which would have been taught at the primary level and even in First and Second Form. But I strongly advocate a revision course before starting the Fifth Form Mathematics syllabus. I have never done it before, but this year, after evaluating the individual performances of my students, who recently wrote Math, most of them, this round, earned either a Grade 4 or 5 and that is not satisfactory. It invariably reflects upon my ability to teach. This year, I insisted that each student write on a piece of paper, all the topics that they have problems with and I plan to examine each topic carefully in this coming week.” He added, “It is time that we understand how important it is to tend to the cracks in the foundation.” Another teacher at one of the leading High Schools stated, “While being in this profession for about 32 years, most of my students have always done well but it is time
to pay attention to those that are not doing well. We should not give students the impression that, if they get a grade 4 or 5 it’s fine. More importantly, I have heard students complain that they can’t stand the way a teacher approaches a subject. Some have even said that the teacher makes him or her feel as though they are simply dumb and doomed to failure if they don’t get the grasp of a topic from the first explanation.” “The perception a student has of a subject lies within our hands and we must not take this for granted. It can affect the relationship the student has with the teacher as well. So it is our responsibility to ensure first of all that we have created a comfort zone in the classroom. We must also bear in mind that not every child learns the same way and especially in this subject area, I cannot begin to stress how important it is to be armed with numerous approaches in teaching a topic. Mathematics is without a doubt fun, but when a student tells you that the subject reminds them of eating bricks, it is something to pay attention to.” The teacher said, “It is for this very reason I plan to focus this year on a one-onone approach. I plan to devote more of my time to those students who have a difficulty with certain topics by talking to them privately and teaching them separately. Students will also be rewarded for voicing their concerns, especially as it relates to not understanding any aspect of a topic that is being taught to them.” A Private School teacher of the fifth form level opined that, “A strategy that I plan
to use is what I refer to as becoming the student. After teaching a topic, the very next session, I plan to ask most of my students, if not all, to teach me what they have learnt from the last lesson. I believe giving the student the chalk and asking them to explain along the way will help you to identify step-by-step where the faults are.” In addition, “Making the subject as relatable as possible has proven to be very successful,” expressed a retired Mathematics teacher who has taught at Queens College and St. Joseph’s High School. He explained that some teachers of the subject area can be very, “robotic.” He said that, “Most teachers make the mistake of sounding like a voice recorded text book.” “The subject should as often as possible be related to everyday life. It makes a huge difference. Ease the autocratic approach and converse with your students. Change the dynamics of your classroom. Being a music teacher as well, I have found a very tactful way of incorporating relationship issues and popular hip hop and dancehall music into my approaches so as to help students remember some basic theories. Believe it or not, it works like a charm. We must also empower each student by letting them understand that they have the potential to be extremely proficient in the area if they practice.” The educators also suggested that the Minister of Education include in her programme for Education Month, a seminar aimed at providing information on how to teach the subject area more effectively.
Lightning responsible for spate of blackouts - GPL’s CEO The recent spate of blackouts that residents, particularly on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara have been experiencing is as a result of network related problems. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated, Bharrat Dindyal explained that the two transmission lines leading from Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara to Sophia, Georgetown were designed in the 1970s and as such, are not equipped to withstand the elevated level of lightning activity seen in recent weeks. Recognising this problem, the power company has already imported surge
protecting equipment, and installation is set to commence shortly. The new transmission lines that are now being installed on the other hand are equipped with continuous lightning protection. Dindyal explained that on the East Coast, the circuit that has been serving consumers from Success to Coldingen was overloaded during the airing of the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament. Actions have since been taken to offload that circuit and as a temporary solution, another circuit has been extended to take off some of the load. The operationalisation of the new sub-station at Good Hope,
East Coast Demerara will offer a more permanent solution to this problem. “Consumers from Bel Air to Mahaica should see an improvement to their service with the operation of this new substation,” the CEO said. The Good Hope substation is expected to go into commercial operation later this month. It is only one component of the company’s multimillion dollar Infrastructure Development Project, which is a collaborative effort among the Government of Guyana, GPL and the People’s Republic of China through a concessionary loan of US$38.96M from the China Export – Import Bank (Eximbank). (GINA)
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Mabaruma man credits GPHC for saving his life By Romila Boodram Imagine waking up in an electronics store and you realized that there are a lot of deals to be made. So you start ordering a computer monitor, a battery back-up system, cables, and then the counter assistant, all dressed in white, like a nurse, tells you to go back to sleep. So you go back to sleep and when you are awake again, you realized you are in a hospital and there was never an electronic store but the equipment you were seeing are all tubes, cardiac monitors, ventilators, feeding and suction tubes, which played a part in keeping you alive when you were in a coma. This was the experience of 63-year-old Earl Inniss of Mabaruma, Region One, who underwent two surgeries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)-one for the removal of a blockage in his intestine and the other one for the removal of his (ruptured) appendix. The dual surgery landed him in a coma and he was hospitalized at the health institution for almost two weeks. In a recent interview with Inniss, he related his life and death experience, while at the same time thanking the doctors and the nurses of the GPHC, who he said were by his side throughout his entire ordeal. According to Inniss, it all started on August 09 last while he was at home in Mabaruma. “My belly started hurting me bad and I couldn’t bear the pain so I went to the Mabaruma Hospital and they gave me some pain killers and sent me home.” Inniss added that as soon as he reached home, the pain “attacked” him again, so he revisited the hospital and he was admitted there for a few days. He related that when he was hospitalized at the Mabaruma Hospital, he kept crying out for severe belly pain but an X-ray was never administered to him to determine what was causing his discomfort, even though the facility has an X-ray machine. “They keep giving me pain killers and they didn’t try to ascertain what was causing the pain and they have an Xray machine and they have electricity so I don’t know what they are doing there.” He added, “When I went home from the hospital for the second time and after talking to some friends, I decided to come to Georgetown to seek further assistance. So I booked my ticket and I travel
Earl Inniss
to the city,” Inniss said, while adding that he was a bit skeptical to go the GPHC because of the negative comments he heard from different people. He stressed that after landing at the Ogle Airport, he made his way to the hospital where he was seen by a doctor, and after taking an X-ray, he was advised that he had a blockage in his intestine which in future, can cause slow poisoning. “They prepare me for surgery and after surgery then they realized I had a ruptured appendix and I had to do another surgery,” Inniss revealed. Following the second surgery Inniss developed a breathing problem, and subsequently fell into an unconscious state. It was then he was taken to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, the ward where patients are all connected to machines. Inniss was not responding for approximately six days and after regaining full consciousness, he was transferred to the facility’s High Dependency Unit. He spent a total of two weeks in the hospital. The elderly man explained that while in the ICU, his only means of communication with his loved ones was through his
tears. “I couldn’t move but I knew that people were around me and I knew they were crying but I couldn’t react. I could only cry.” “I could tell that there were persons in front of me but I didn’t know anyone and I can remember hearing them telling me that everything is going to be alright and I was just crying.” He added that on the sixth day, when he first regained full consciousness, he thought he was in an electronics store, shopping for various items. “I can remember opening my eyes and seeing all the batteries and so in front of me and then I was ordering things and the nurse came to me and tell me to go back and sleep.” According to the Mabaruma man, hearing the words “everything is going to be ok” was the biggest joy in his life. He could not stop thanking the doctors and nurses at the facility. “I want to thank Dr. Amir and all the doctors and nurses for being by my side every moment. There was not a time when I raise my hand and someone didn’t come to me.” Inniss is now recuperating at his sister’s home in Georgetown and is due for one final check up before he returns to Mabaruma.
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Kaieteur News
Monday September 09, 2013
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
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The housing bubble will burst Right now there is a housing bubble. And when it does burst, there will be tragic consequences. Real estate prices are hitting the roof in Guyana. The high cost of real estate is being exacerbated by a most distasteful policy on the part of the government to sell state lands to private developers who in turn are making a killing in the real estate market by tapping in to those who can afford to pay the astronomical prices that these developers are demanding for land. The government itself has now raised the base price
of house lots, thus further pushing up the price of land on the open market. The government itself is now scandalously shifting its emphasis away from working class homes to feeding the hunger by the middle class for opportunities to invest their monies. This has led to the mushrooming of gated communities which are now creating an elite grouping in the real estate market in Guyana. In addition, the sky-high prices are being fueled by speculative activities from elements in the private sector
and from massive tax evasion and tax avoidance, the proceeds of which are being ploughed into real estate. There are many persons, who instead of paying their fair share of taxes, are creaming off what should rightly go to the tax man. This money is then being invested in real estate, further driving up the price. Real estate at the moment is at its highest ever and will get higher because the economy is pushing these prices upwards by generating increased demand. The gold boom has also helped to drive up the demand for real estate
Dem boys seh
Dem Bees tun de new rascals People does call crook all kind of names. Dem have people who does call dem bandits but these days bandits is people who does pick up gun and rob people in dem own homes. Guyana got nuff of those. Just de other night a group of dem go in a house in Wakenaam and rob de household. Dem even shoot a man. Dem had another set who go into a man store and thief cell phone and other electronic things. Dem get away but de man decide to track dem down and he ketch one of dem by de Big Market. Dem boys seh that people shouldn’t ask. De bandit get a bullet and he in hospital denying like if he is some saint.
Then you got de regular thieves. Dem is de people who does wait till you back tun and dem does tek wha you got. De other day some of dem enter a man store and thief couple things. Then dem was brave enough to sell de things like if is dem own. Dem boys seh that dem also got de scamps. Dem is de people who does forge things like power of attorney and signatures. Dem is de ones who does present demself as somebody else and try to claim wha dem mother never put down. Then we have de rascals. Dem is de government people who dem boys use to call de Bees. Dem thiefing people money and collecting bribes and getting state property like land, and dem friends in
power does actually get de title to whatever dem collect. These rascals is de people who now got de most housing scheme. Dem get de land fuh nutten and dem now getting millions. Dem is de rascals who never pay one cent tax but spending taxpayers money. Dem is de people who plan big projects like Skeldon and Amaila and de Airport project because dem know that dem gun get kickback. Normally, de benefits would come to de people but wid de rascals, de only benefit is wha dem get fuh add to de millions that dem thief. Nobody can call dem de young rascals because dem been in de business long. Talk half and call dem same Bees de new rascals.
but a protracted gold boom will have the reverse effect. A prolonged gold boom will eventually result in greater investments being ploughed into sectors closer to the mining areas with the interior in particular being opened up. This has been the case in many countries in which there has been a gold boom. With thousands of house lots distributed by the government and with many of these housing lots becoming eligible for sale by owners, this will place these lots in competition with the private lots and gated communities, which are now fetching runaway prices. In short, the high priced housing and land bubble is going to burst and when it does a great many persons are going to be left in tears. It is inconceivable that the government should have distributed in excess of fifty thousand house lots, most at rock bottom prices and most of which have been developed over the years and these will be left at the bottom plank of the real estate market. Demand that is driven by economic activities will eventually plateau out. Whichever way you look at
it, the internal market in Guyana is small and there are limits to the size of that market and consequently to the proceeds which it is capable of generating. As such, demand will eventually fall here too and this will cause the present real estate bubble to burst. Those with the vision to see the housing bubble burst are selling now that the prices are high and are refraining from buying at the moment. But too many others are caught up in the fever of the demand for land and housing and are investing in the hope of realizing their dreams. Many of them have entered into long term loans. But one has to question what will be the value of their properties by the time they would have paid off for their homes. By then the bubble would have long burst. They may be hoping for a second bubble but that is big gamble to take. In the eighties in Guyana there was a similar housing bubble to the one that now
exists and many Guyanese who now reside abroad benefitted enormously by obtaining high prices for the properties they held locally. But those who bought these high price properties found that the value of their properties quickly shrunk after that bubble burst and contracted even more when the PPPC came to power and launched its massive housing programme, which further depressed housing prices. Those who forget the lessons of the past will repeat it again. The country’s economic bubble may not burst for sometime but as sure as day follows night the present high prices for real estate cannot be sustained for much longer. When the present bubble bursts, a great many persons are going to be left wondering where the high value of their properties disappeared to.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Kaieteur News
10,000 acres Guyana land for T&T farmers NEWSDAY - Finance Minister Larry Howai is today poised to announce in the Budget presentation that 10,000 acres of land in Guyana will be made available for use by local farmers under the terms of a new facility to be administered by the Ministry of Food Production. The facility is the result of the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guyana which, sources last week told Sunday Newsday, Howai is to announce. Under the facility, investors will be able to apply to the Ministry of Food Production for licence to use the lands in Guyana. These applications are to be made in the form of business proposals which will be evaluated by the ministry. The land must be used for the purposes of food production and to address demand for food locally. It is expected that the initial amount of land to be made available will be 10,000 acres but this could be increased to 100,000 acres. In the 2013 Budget, Howai had noted that steps were being taken to establish such a facility. “The Ministry of Food Production, with agricultural land becoming less and less available in Trinidad and Tobago, is moving to establish a Food Security Facility with the Government of Guyana,” Howai said. “The Facility would commit both Governments to expanding agricultural production in Guyana through the establishment of commercial
Larry Howai relationships for funding the establishment of several large agricultural estates in Guyana.” The announcement of the new facility is likely to trigger debate on the question of local land-use and the accessibility of land. Howai is also expected to note that the agriculture sector has recorded, for the first time in years, two successive periods of growth, and to underline efforts to encourage economic diversification. It is also understood that the 2014 Budget will once more focus on the vexed issue of the fuel subsidy. Though incentives to encourage CNG fuel use did not appear to take off or make much of a dent on the overall fuel subsidy, the Government is set to once more announce incentives to encourage CNG use as part of its strategy to cushion the taxpayer from the billiondollar subsidy. The Budget is to contain more aggressive attempts to encourage changes in consumption habits, with the introduction
of “CNG credits” to off-set the cost of conversion to the alternative fuel. One high-ranking Cabinet source last week refused to rule out any changes to the fuel subsidy regime, which was adjusted last year with the subsidy on premium fuel being reduced, making that class of fuel more expensive. The source said, however, that in the 2014 Budget the underlying principle will not result in any increased prices at the pump for the consumer, an indication that Howai could be set to maintain the status quo or introduce a marginal adjustment. The budget will be the second for Howai, who has already hinted that the issue of pensions reform will be addressed in his presentation due at the International Waterfront Centre, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain at 1.30pm. Government Whip Dr Roodal Moonilal on Friday agreed to defer all Parliament questions due to be answered for the day, as per the convention on Budget day. With concerns over deficit financing levels, Howai is expected to underline how revenue levels exceeded expectations while expenditure levels were not as high as expected, meaning the planned deficit ($7.6 billion) was not as large as projected. It is expected that another deficit budget could be unveiled, as the Government seeks to maintain signs of growth in the economy. In the last few years, the trend has also been for budgets to be larger than the last. Last year’s budget was pitched at $58.4 billion.
Monday September 09, 2013
Heritage village Karasabai welcomes President Ramotar
Mr. President, this is how ‘Karasabaians’ make cassava bread, which is part of our daily diet, this woman seems to be saying to President Donald Ramotar As Amerindian Heritage month activities continue, President Donald Ramotar travelled to Karasabai on Saturday, one of the largest communities in South Pakaraimas that has been designated the 2013 Heritage village, to join in the celebrations. A traditional welcome awaited the President and his delegation including First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Minister of Amerindian affairs Pauline Sukhai, Toshaos and Region Nine officials. Outriders on horseback, children adorned in traditional Amerindian headdresses, and outfits made of plant materials, escorted the visiting delegation from the airstrip to the area prepared for the celebration. Delegates of the Miss Amerindian Heritage pageant were also introduced. The President was given a military salute standing under the Golden Arrowhead and as the packed agenda of speeches and cultural performances started, the unique way in which it was done was noteworthy. Karasabai is occupied by the Macushi tribe with a population of 1600, and as they reflected on the theme for this year’s heritage celebration, “Honouring our culture; advancing our future,” introductory remarks, prayers, songs and even the National Anthem were done in Macushi. Chairman of Region Nine, Wilson Lorentio brought greetings on behalf of the regional administration, doing so fluently in Macushi. The President conveyed his great admiration for the people’s way of life, firstly as custodians of the forests whose practices have left
little or no footprint, and as preservers of a unique culture. “Nations in the Amerindian communities have a lot to offer in promoting culture in our society. That is why our government is paying a lot of attention to preserving the various languages of the Amerindian nations,” President Ramotar said. Language, an important component of the Amerindian culture is the priority of a five- year strategic plan by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs that will seek to promote the languages spoken by the nine Amerindian tribes of Guyana. Minister Sukhai told the gathering at Karasabai, that a language session for children in Lake Capoey, Region Two will be launched on September 19, marking the beginning of a venture to revive the dying languages of a few of the tribes. “There is hardly any of the Arawak, Carib or Warrau population speaking their languages and therefore, in the other regions like Region Seven and Region Eight and Region Nine, we stand tall and proud that our people continue to maintain their language,” she said. Other aspects of the Amerindian culture like cassava bread making were on display when President Ramotar toured the village. He sampled a few of the cuisines and visited booths on display while the First Lady took interest in the farming aspect of which she is quite fond. Sustained livelihood practices in Amerindian communities have been boosted since the creation of an Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) which has aided
in economic viability of villages. Karasabai has benefitted from tremendous development to the extent that it is now considered one of the most developed hinterland communities. Presidential Grants have funded the construction of a village shop while capital projects saw the purchase of mobile equipment and the construction of a village market building. The village is also equipped with a modern nursery and primary school, teachers’ quarters, health center, two health posts, Regional Democratic Council administrative building, police station, guest house, village office, churches and an airstrip. Taking into consideration the situation that prevailed in the past, when there were few schools, today there is success in hinterland education as investments by the PPPC Government are bearing fruit. President Ramotar made reference to Paramakatoi and Kato, Region Eight where there are secondary schools with dormitories and commendable performances of students at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). “Two years ago, the top student at President’s College was a young lady from the North West District, an Amerindian girl and this year… another Amerindian from Tapakuma in Region Two, she wrote 19 subjects and she passed all of them, so we are beginning to see that investment in our people is beginning to pay off,” President Ramotar said. It is the Head of State’s view that an educated (Continued on page 23)
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Kaieteur News
Local and Foreign officials meet this week on Fly Jamaica take off The countdown on the arrival of the tag team charter Fly Jamaica (FJ) is winding down as local aviation and top brass FJ officials gear for a special meeting this week to discuss a launch date for the much anticipated air carrier. It was highlighted that the Jamaican based airline will commence its services out of Guyana with an inaugural flight to Toronto, Canada. Hopes are high that by midweek FJ’s executives would make an announcement as to a takeoff date, which could be before month end. This week’s discussions could also highlight the airline’s acquisition of another aircraft by November; a more sophisticated 767, since the
company currently uses a 757 Boeing. Kaieteur News was told that the airline has since acquired 18 flight attendants who were recruited locally and who have had advanced aviation training. Added to FJ’s preparations was the local inspections done by the Jamaican aviation authorities, which dealt with the airline’s local preparedness for operations. Clerical and administrative staff is already in place, senior officials say, and it is now for a date to be set for FJ to depart Guyana to Canada. On the other hand, fingers are still crossed over FJ acquiring permission from the American Department of Transportation (DOT) to fly non-stop from Guyana to the United States. The decision lies with the US State Department to allow FJ and Trinidadian carrier, CAL to fly non-stop Guyana originating flights to the US. Guyana’s market is said to be one of the most lucrative ones, with non-stop flights on the Guyana/New York route said to be extremely profitable. This they said could bring stiff competition, capable of presenting huge challenges
for other airlines wanting to ply the GT/NY route. While CAL dominates the GT/NY route, FJ is seeking to get in on the action. It was noted therefore that although it may cost more, the Jamaican carrier could take Guyanese to NY, but they would have to go to Jamaica first. It was suggested that FJ’s management would have to do the study and determine the feasibility of traveling intransit, Kingston, Jamaica. One thing is certain however, stakeholders have expressed the need for competition on the GT/NY route. Talks are ongoing about the CAL monopoly and the company’s heavy price structure, which has seen apprehension by local travelers and condemnation by the government on both airfares and service provision. FJ is partly owned by Guyanese Captain Ronald Reece who has partnered with three Jamaican shareholders, two of whom are Captain Lloyd Tai, and Manager of In-flight Services, Christine Steele. The airline has been making waves in Jamaica, with even the Jamaican government giving its full support.
Monday September 09, 2013
Wallaba poles shortage affecting electricity infrastructure in new housing schemes
- GPL moves to import A shortage of power poles has severely dented Government’s electrification program in new housing schemes across the country, affecting a US$38M project to run transmission lines along the Coastland. The situation now has the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) defending itself before the regulator, Public Utilities Commission (PUC). On Friday, the stateowned company, during a mandatory public session at Duke Lodge, to talk about its 2012 and 2013’s first half operational and financial performance, announced that the Housing Ministry has since approved the importation of hundreds of pine poles to facilitate Guyana‘s expanding housing programme. A shortage of piles has also affected GPL’s construction of a 26 megawatts Wartsila power plant at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Demerara, which had to be pushed back by several months. Under regulations, GPL has to meet certain deadlines and stipulations regarding the provision of services, including new connections and reconnections.
With officials of the PUC present at the public presentation, GPL disclosed it had been unable to meet targets set by the regulator because of, among other things, the shortage of the poles. GPL and suppliers have been battling over prices with the latter asking for more money as the demand for the wallaba poles rose. Suppliers have been claiming that they have to go further into the forests for the wallaba posts, increasing their costs, as a result. In recent years, thanks to an aggressive housing program, several new schemes have gone up, hence the need for additional electricity infrastructure. Wallaba posts, because of its resilience, have been a popular choice for GPL and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Companies over the years. Chief Executive Officer of the GPL, Bharat Dindyal, disclosed that 600 pine poles had to be imported from the US to meet the demands of the US$40M transmission lines program that is currently underway. With the Chinese contractor reaching as far as
GPL’s CEO, Bharat Dindyal Mahaica, GPL is more than worried about delays as a result of the shortage. According to the official, the Central Housing and Planning Authority has given its no objections for the importation of another 900 poles to meet urgent infrastructure works in Regions Three, Five and Six. Immediately, another 1,000 is needed by GPL for critical maintenance. But Dindyal said GPL is not standing still and is not willing to continue being at the mercy of suppliers. In addition to seriously looking at options of steel poles and other alternatives, the power company is in talks with a number of importers to meet current demands.
Georgetown Magistrates Court’s rehabilitation final cost is $160M New figures which have now been provided to Kaieteur News show that the total cost for the recently renovated Georgetown Magistrate’s Court is $160M and not the initial $130M which was earlier reported. Kaieteur News understands that a breakdown of the funds allocated for the project revealed that $56, 518, 576 was budgeted for the extension and additions to the court; another $19,319, 475 was earmarked for the rehabilitation for the five courts that were already in the building, while $13, 348,911 was plugged into the project,
to cater for an increase in the price of materials for the additional courts which were being built. For additional works, which included individual walkways for each magistrate, plumbing system and public outdoor washroom, $20,026,871 was added. A further $24,721,587 was for the purchase and installation of AC units for the building; another $6, 231, 650 went towards the procurement and purchase of a transformer. Construction of two more courtrooms bringing the number to 11, along with revetments and parking lots to the southern
and northern sides of the building came up to $22,772,296. There was also the supervisory service that costs $1,568,000. On Wednesday Junior Finance Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill said that there is light at the end of the tunnel as he referred to the newly completed Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. He said that they have expanded the building to accommodate eleven courts up from five. He said that all the Georgetown Magisterial courts will be housed in the same new building at Brickdam. Edghill said that this brings an end to renting the building at Middle Street. He had told Kaieteur News that all of the courtrooms and offices are airconditioned and sound proof. Edghill further told Kaieteur News that there is parking for all of the Magistrates on the northern and southern sides of the building. He said that the police outposts along with both the female and male holding cells have been rehabilitated. All the Magistrates will have their private chambers and individual walkways leading up to the courtroom.
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Monday September 09, 2013
A popular American television series on the ABC network “Switched at Birth” tells the story of two teenage girls who discover they were accidentally switched as newborns in the hospital. Bay Kennish grew up in a wealthy family with two parents and a brother. Meanwhile, Daphne Vasquez, who contracted meningitis and became deaf at an early age, grew up with a single mother in a workingclass neighborhood. Incredible isn’t it? Not really since there are many cases of children switched at birth. In fact, it is estimated that about 28,000 babies get switched in US hospitals every year, temporarily or permanently, out of four million births. Globally it is believed that annually between 100,000 to 500,000 babies (or 1 in 12 babies per day) are given to the wrong parents. A few days ago, the Trinidad Express reported a case of babies being switched at birth. According to the Express, it started six months ago when two women went to the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital to deliver their babies via Caesarean section. The Tobago mother and her husband are of Afro-
Kaieteur News
Trinidadian ethnicity while the Central mother and her husband are of Indian ethnicity. After their surgeries, both mothers were placed on the same ward, in beds next to each other. They both had baby girls who were tagged and placed in cots next to the patients believed to be their biological mothers. The two mothers were discharged from the hospital, each taking home a stranger’s baby. For some five months the two families took care of the babies as their own, including breast-feeding, but the parents were confused that their babies did not look like them and seemed to not be of the same race. It is easy to imagine what the mothers and families went through during that time. Imagine a father seeing that his child is of a completely different ethnicity and his feelings and views made even worse by the family and community sniping. Only in jokes are women able to get away with it. There is a story about the woman whose husband asked, “Darling, how come this baby is white and the two of us are black?” She replied, “That is because of all the Milk of Magnesia I had to
drink during the pregnancy.” He was not to be deterred. “But darling, why the baby eyes blue and ours are both black?” She responded quickly, “That is from the Milk of Magnesia bottle.” Life for those two mothers must have been hell. Fathers can be very, very angry and may say and do things that they later regret. There is a story about a person of Chinese descent who was so happy that his wife was giving birth to a son that he was present at the delivery. When he saw to his horror that the baby boy was darkskinned, he started to mumble angrily, “Something wong! Someting Wong.” The attending physician, on hearing this, said, “You know sir, in our culture it is customary to also give the child a middle name.” To which the not-so-proud daddy started shouting, “Something Effing Wong!” Fortunately the Trinidad family decided that something was indeed wrong and got private DNA tests costing about US$3,000 which determined that the baby was not theirs. They went to the Minister of Health, Dr. Fuad Khan, who took charge of the matter and on August 10th the babies
were returned to their biological parents. However, all’s not well that ends well. The grandmother of the Tobago baby told the Express that her daughter, understandably, her daughter-in-law was still not coping well with the entire situation and was in need of counselling and care as she was in a state of depression. Both families sent legal letters to the Minister of Health asking for about US$1million each in compensation. The Minister’s response was, “I am going to let the courts decide, the court will establish whether this was indeed a genuine mix-up or otherwise.” Two cases, one recent, are also shockingly similar. On Wednesday, December 5, 2012, a baby from Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Apple Valley, Minnesota was sent to the wrong mother. Despite the woman insisting the blonde child was not hers, she was reassured that she was “just tired”. By the time the baby’s ID bracelet was checked and the mix-up was revealed, the baby, named Cody, had already been breastfed by the wrong mother. The mistake caused both mothers and child to
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require HIV and hepatitis testing. Two couples from the town of Trebic, Czech Republic brought home and raised a baby that was not theirs. One of the couples is experiencing huge problems and they are practically inches away from a divorce. This entire scandal started when pub-and-beer buddies of one of the fathers had made fun of him that his baby girl looked nothing like him and that he was not the father. And so he went and took a secret DNA test. Minister Khan’s response leads to the question, “Is a
‘genuine mix-up’ in the case of babies being switched at birth less damaging to the parents and the children than an ‘otherwise’?” So far there has been no word from the Minister on what he has put in place to prevent other mixups and otherwise from happening and to deal with the Hospital and staff who messed up the lives of the parents concerned. It continues to be a case of catch as catch Khan. *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that Dr. Khan is a urologist and perhaps that explains the piss-poor attitude.
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Kaieteur News
Monday September 09, 2013
E’bo top CSEC performers PSC Executive has qualms about National Accreditation Council receive Kaieteur trip The two students from Essequibo who excelled at this year’s Caribbean Secondary School Examinations (CSEC) were rewarded by one of the Cinderella County’s prominent business enterprise, Farouk & B.A. Amin Filling Station. The two students Zimeena Azealia Rasheed and Yogeeta Persaud, both of Anna Regina Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast received an all expenses paid trip each to the majestic Kaieteur Falls. Their parents will accompany them. Secretary/Managing Director of the Firm, Bibi Aneesa Amin & Director Farouk Amin congratulated the two students for their outstanding performances and urged them to continue to excel in their future endeavors. Zimeena Rasheed secured passes in 20 subjects; 18 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos,
while Yogeeta Persaud, copped the second position with 18 Grade Ones. According to Bibi Amin, the firm, which has a large enterprise at Adventure, Essequibo, with head office at Meadow Bank, Georgetown, was ecstatic upon hearing of the achievements of the two Essequibo students, and decided to reward them with the trip to Kaieteur Falls. She also congratulated the parents of the two children as well as the teachers of the Anna Regina Secondary School for the great part they would have played in their success. The students, along with their parents were also given a guided tour of the Operations at the Ogle Airport, while awaiting their flight to Kaieteur Falls, compliments of Air Services Limited.
From left: Yogeeta Persaud with her mother; Zimeena Azealia Rasheed with her father and businessman Farouk Amin.
From left: PSC’s Kit Nascimento and Texila University’s Ashok Kumar. Some educational institutions in Guyana are reportedly at a disadvantage, since they have been faced with some level of difficulty in securing an accredited status from the National Accreditation Council. And this state of affairs has been linked to reports that the Council has not been operating optimally. In fact, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) Sub-committee on Communications, Kit Nascimento, recently disclosed that “there are a number of education organisations in this country that have been seeking accreditation and the National Accreditation Council has some catching up to do.” Nascimento revealed too that “from experience elsewhere, the Council has
not been, until recently, functioning, and I am not altogether certain if it is even functioning fully yet.” He intimated too that there are a lot of applications with the Council and “it is indeed a significant process from registration to accreditation.” Nascimento’s remarks were forthcoming even as this publication sought to enquire of the accreditation status of the Texila American University, which recently became a member of the PSC. According to the University’s Director of International Operations, Ashok Kumar, while the medical institution has been registered, it is yet to be accredited. The private institution was registered since 2010 and offers mainly medical programmes including Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing.
It was just a few months ago that Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, disclosed that moves were being made to amend the Accreditation Act with a view of allowing the Accreditation Council to not only have the authority to accredit individual programmes but also entire institutions. And the plan to amend the local Accreditation Act is not unique to Guyana, since according to the Minister, it is supported by the Caribbean with moves already being made to accredit institutions. Manickchand noted that “we are amending the Act to give additional power to the Accreditation Council to deal with entire institutions rather than programmes alone.” “This makes sense…If we Continued on page 18
GMRA pleased with restricted scrap metal trade The Guyana Metal Recyclers’ Association (GMRA) is not in favour of the full reopening of the scrap metal trade. The Association believes Government’s current restriction on the trade allows the sector to progress smoothly without destruction of companies and individuals’ properties. This is according to Desmond Sears, Head of GMRA, who said that since the restriction, exporters of scrap metal have been trying to put their businesses in order to meet the rules and regulations of Government. Moreover, they have been making responsible purchases to ensure the limited opening of the trade is not disrupted again. In April 2011, Government banned the local scrap metal trade, citing vandalism as the main reason. And, in October 2011 former President Bharrat Jagdeo allowed metal dealers to export their stored metals, while prohibiting the purchasing of additional
metal. In February 2012, Sears had expressed the hope that the scrap metal trade would have been reopened, with necessary safeguards in place, including a partnership with the Guyana Police Force to curb vandalism. However, utilizing the restricted opening, operators in the industry have been purchasing and exporting scrap metal under tight Government supervision from the Ministry of Housing’s Scrap Metal Unit and the Prime Minister’s Office. According to Sears, Government’s restriction is helping exporters incorporate best practices of the trade in their businesses. And, everybody has been cooperating because no one wants the sector to be closed again, he added. Sears believes if the sector is reopened, scavengers would destroy properties such as metal gates and tombs. He noted that exporters are opting to
purchase from large companies that sometimes advertise for bids. He enlightened that on the international market, the scrap metal trade has slowed and the price is dropping. He pointed to the slowing down of the economies of countries such as Bangladesh and India, which previously purchased large quantities of scrap metal, as one of the main reasons for the limited demand of the item on the local market. On a monthly basis about 30 to 40 containers totaling about 1,000 tons of scrap metal, leave Guyana. This is done prior to a rigorous process of requesting permission to ship metal and checks by the Unit to ensure the metals being exported are legitimate and the sources are authentic, sears explained. According to Sears, the copper trade has been banned. But, if it were to be traded, permission has to be sought possibly from the Office of the President.
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Monday September 09, 2013
Mason shot dead by police in house (From page 19)
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A 44-year-old mason of Sophia was shot dead during a confrontation with heavily armed ranks of a police mobile patrol unit at his home last night. The man, Kampta Persaud called Krishna, received a bullet to his head from a police rifle after the ranks opened fire in an attempt to arrest him. He died five minutes after arriving at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation around 20:15 hours. Police claimed that the man had earlier attacked one of the ranks, chopping him on his hand with a cutlass. Reports reaching this newspaper stated that the police went to the area to investigate a report that Persaud had threatened his neighbour The police claimed that
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Kampta Persaud called Krishna the victim at the back of his head. The ranks then entered the house and found Persaud lying in a pool of blood almost dead. Evidence in the house revealed that the badly
wounded man was dragged out of his house and placed into the police vehicle and taken to the hospital. “He came in gasping for breath and five minutes later he died,” a porter at the hospital told Kaieteur News. But as usual eyewitness accounts differ from the police version of what transpired. This newspaper was told that when Persaud saw the police he ran into his house and locked the door to prevent them from entering. One eyewitness said that the police then kicked open his door and then gunshots were heard, after which the ranks were seen hurriedly dragging Persaud out of his house. “We hear about four gunshots,” the eyewitness said.
Identity of GEA directors, a matter of secrecy - Ram “Because nothing about governance shocks anyone anymore in Guyana, it would not be strange to learn that the GEA (Guyana Energy Agency) has been operating without Directors for any length of time.” Those are the words of Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram in his online article about GEA. Ram made his inference
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2 Carpenters with own tools & 2 mason with own toolsPlease call:265-3586
upon confronting Persaud, the man refused an invitation to go with them to the Sparendaam Police Station. “He came out the door and say, ‘I ain’t going nowhere with y’all. Ah gon kill alyuh’. He run back inside fuh a cutlass and start fire chop,” a police rank told kaieteur News. He said that after one of the chops struck the unit leader, Corporal Ramdat who was standing just outside the front door of the house, on his hand, Persaud then ran back into his house and secured himself. According to the police, a few warning shots were fired in an attempt to get Persaud to surrender and when he did not, the ranks fired a round which pierced the wooden wall of the house and struck
Transported corner lot 58’x30’ at Garnett and Republic streets, NewtownCall:601-6000 46 House lots residential area between Charles & Peter Sts. Parika, E.B.ECall:622-6971
as he disclosed that there is some amount of secrecy surrounding the Board of Directors of GEA. The Accountant explained that over the past week, he tried obtaining copies of the annual reports and financial statements of the Guyana Energy Agency and the names of the Directors from the entity’s Legal Officer. According to Ram, GEA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mahender Sharma, to whom his mail was referred, would only say, in relation to the Directors, that “we are awaiting the finalization of one more Director from the Private Sector. When we have the complete list, the names can be made available to you.” During a telephone interview yesterday, Ram told
Kaieteur News that he doesn’t know exactly what is meant by the response given by Sharma. He said that it can very well mean that the life of the last Board has expired. However, it is not known how long that could have been the case. In his article, Ram hinted that there could indeed be an absence of a board at GEA, noting that after all, the term “Directors” is used only once in the GEA’s 2012-2016 Strategic Plan, while the term “governance” is missing completely. Ram stated that “the same is true of the document titled 2012 Activities where the term “Directors” is used once – in a narrative on the law.” Ram noted that the GEA Act requires both an Annual Report and financial
statements of the Agency to be tabled in the National Assembly. However, no report has ever been tabled. According to the Analyst, it seems as if GEA has a natural hangover from former President Bharrat Jagdeo. “There are clearly severe gaps in the Agency’s governance arrangements with the identities of the Directors a matter of secrecy. Our National Assembly seems to have no idea of what should be tabled or does anything about the inadequacies of what is tabled. The Assembly for 15 years voted subventions for this body without once asking about how those subventions were being spent. The Public Accounts Committee was equally not alert to the omission.”
PSC Executive has qualms about... From page 16 are to accredit programme by programme then the kind of resources necessary would be very, very burdensome for offshore type universities,” said the Education Minister. The amendment, she disclosed, will be made to Section 4(3) (c) of the National Accreditation Council Act Number 12 whereby it grants the Accreditation Council the power to do institutional accreditation. Already regulations have been drafted under the Accreditation Act, which the Minister had said in May was being reviewed before being sent to the National Assembly. However, before reaching to the National Assembly, the draft regulation was expected to be sent to the Chambers of the Attorney General to be finalised. Although this publication was unable to solicit a
comment from members of the Council, Nascimento is among those who are convinced that the Accreditation Council has a great deal of work to do in terms of its accreditation role. But even without accreditation, the Texila University has been able to acquire two local campuses, one located at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, and another at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, which cater to both foreign and local students. Local students account for just over 20 per cent of the university’s population, which according to Kumar, is made up of approximately 300 students. According to Nascimento, the PSC made the bold decision to embrace the University in light of the importance of education. He expressed his conviction that “we are at the moment in great difficulty in Guyana, in that all too often our best students
leave and don’t return.” This state of affairs, he said, has contributed to a difficulty in realising efficient, well trained and well educated middle management personnel with a general knowledge of the country and of world affairs in which businesses are required to function and compete. Moreover, he noted that anything that increases the level of knowledge or any activity that increases the level of education is absolutely vital to development. Against this backdrop, Nascimento said “we should welcome any significant and serious investment in broadening the educational opportunity in this country.” “I do not know what the policy of Texila is but I hope that part of it is to encourage the students they qualify to return and serve their country from which they came,” added an optimistic Nascimento.
Monday September 09, 2013
SERVICES Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool. Call: 225-9032, 647-2943 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Profressional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,6626045,223-8115 Providing Financing & debt write off etc & counseling. Theophilus M.F Ferguson Maraj building 185 Charlotte & King St. G/T- Call:6802198/625-4282 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) House Plans, estimates and constructionContact T.Boodhoo 625-9883/ 6759296
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
500 Ton Cargo Ship with Contract- call: 687-6174
LARGE QUANTITIES O F HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICKSILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $15,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Ducks $500 per lb, ducklings $500-$700 each, Creole fowl $500 each, fowl cock $1500 each- Call: 265-3586
ALYEA’S AUTO SALE: PREMIO 2002/2003, AXIO 2008. ALL PRICES ARE NEG. 40 CROAL STREET STABROEK- TEL:2317284/622-3823
For sale 2 used Dihatsu Feroza parts- Call:647-2943/ 225-9032
1 Stihl FS160 weeding machine & 1 cooler (Coleman 100Qts/94.6L)Call:646-1032
One Mitsubishi Canter; late GPP series – Call:662-8743
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943
Original Games- Call:6722566
House & Land situated at lot 95 La Penitence Street, Albouystown. Land 7,933 Sq.Ft- Call:687-5851/1-604589-1852 (1) Crown amp Macro-tech 5002VZ. Price negotiableCall: 674-8992/665-1575
Construction materials: Ply, Tee Shores. Used. CheapCall:227-1830 Mix breed puppies for sales plus one nine month femaleContact:253-3114 or 692-0126 Honda welder 270 amp with 15,000 watts generator, 1 Mig Welder & 02 Tundra- Call: 220-4495/ 611-5114 Fluffy Dashund pups- Call: 226-9548/ 670-2653 Pure Rottweiler- Call:2206879 Pure bred American Akita puppies for sale $200,000Call:639-8924 or 227-4674 Live/pluck chicken-Call:6504421/220-9203
CAR RENTAL A i d a n ’s C a r R e n t a l & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Wings Car Rental- Call:6431131 Premio, vitz call: 679-7139
EDUCATIONAL Institute of Academic Supremacy: Form 1-5 CXC adults/ lesson classes. CXC Maths, Engilsh, HSB & Business- Call:690-5008 I.A.E (Camp street): Forms 15, lessons & adult CXC classes: Maths, English, Business & ScienceCall:223-0604/683-5742 Wr i t i n g C X C M a t h s / English, Business subjects, Social-St/HSB, Biology. Jan/June, 2014. Forms 1-2 inclusive- Call Mr. Lee 231-2076 Alliance Francaise French Classes commencing Monday September 9, 2013. Levels: Elementary 1 & 2 conversation (intermediate)Call:226-0854/682-7943/2181108/226-1897
100 Watts Blitz amplifier and subwoofer- Call:622-0108 Excellent Gold land priced to sell owner leaving country, lucrative investmentCall:682-0365/614-1669 Video recording Spy Pen $6,500- Call:671-6177 Tibetan Terrier puppies mix with Pekinese- Call:227-0945/ 623-8811 BLACK PLASTIC BAGS W/S- CALL: 695-4785/6137437 30KVA Waker Neuson super silent generator on wheels, 2012. 5630 Skid steer BobcatCall:662-7388 15-15-15 Fertilizer in damaged bags- Call:266-2711/609-4594 Tools: Air Tool, socket, wrenches, scanner, 2 tool box, testers for engines etc.Call: 601-0706/ 225-0024 Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call: 672-2566 (1) One 320CL excavator excellent working condition, located in Mahaica. Owner leaving country- Call:6820365/614-1669 Dell laptops & desktops complete computers from $45,000 Futuretech call: 2312206 German Shepherd pups. Tel: 619-6086/699-7077.
BLACK PLASTIC BAGS W/S- CALL:695-4785/6137437 30KVA Waker Neuson super silent generator on wheels, 2012. 5630 Skid steer BobcatCall:662-7388
PROPERTY FOR SALE
1 RX8 Mazda: A/C, stick gear, wheel, lights, fog lamps, fully powered, PPP series, low mileage- Call:653-2477
1 Leyland DAF 60 single axle & dump- Call:216-1315/6136615 Toyota Altezza, PNN, tiptronic- Call:622-0108 1 Leyland DAF single axle hauler truck with 40ft Trailer Call:683-0632 EuroLuxAutos: 2011 Mercedes Benz C250 AMG Sport from Germany. 8,000 miles, like new $11MCall:667-1051/604-7806 (1) JL150T-3 motorcycle new, recently crashed- Call:2232812/661-1717/645-6413 Leyland DAF 150-45 21ft tray length. GNN seriesCall:673-9996/255-0618 (first owner)
‘BB’ Eccles- Concrete house 3 bedrooms upstairs, downstairs 2 self contained apartments, 2 bedrooms each toilet & bath $28M- Call:2278409/660-4764
New RX8 (red) rotary 7 speed engine: new rims, tyres, music (kickers), lambo doors- Call:627-8786
2 storey concrete 3 bedrooms at Somerset Court- Call:2657223/662-4540
1 Hilux pickup solid DEF, 2 ton winch, crash bar etc. Call:644-5096/697-1453
West Ruimveldt $5M, Eccles $6M-$60M, Diamond $35M, Section ‘K’ $40M- Call Diana @227-2256/626-9382
2006 BMW 320i unregistered- Call:660-6799
VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, self-contained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community- Call:592624-8704/ 592-684-9203
Female driven Honda CRV 2003: Leather seats, Tv/Nav Immaculate condition $3.1M - Call:622-4107
1 Large 5 bedrooms house with Business @ DiamondCall:627-3902 Property for saleContact:699-9926 South Ruimveldt $14.5M, Uitvlught Oceanview $4.3M, Bel-Air Park $45M, Prashad Nagar $60M- Call:231-2200/ 618-7483 Wharf Land, Ruimveldt, Supply, Soesdyke 200’x300’ $45M, Lombard streetCall:231-2200/618-7483
2008 Toyota Premio- call: 615-4114
A.V.S Auto Sale: 2009 Ford F150 newly registered $6.6M negotiable, like brand newCall:688-9078/227-3728 1 Low Bed (hauler & trailer), 1 Freight Liner Hauler, 1-48ft trailer- Call:613-6979 First Class Auto: Allion, Verossa, Axio, 212- Call:6098188/602-6307
1 Barber, Salon chair nail station $5,000. LG space for office etc. $2,500- Call: 6027960
NOTICE URGENTLY REQUIRED removal of 3 stands at the GCC Ground, BourdaCall:226-3130 for more information FOR SALE/RENT VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Premio PRR series $2.2M- Call:642-3185
1 Leyland GNN 2131 reconditioned $4M- Call:2591370/650-3447
1- Unregistered 2003 Toyota Tundra fully accessorized, step, crash bar, CD player, mag rims. Price $2.975MCall:601-0706/225-0024
American Pool Table - Call: 277-0578
EuroLuxAutos: 2009 UK made Vauxhall Tigra 2 doors convertible, 12,000 miles $4M- Call:667-1051/604-7806 EuroLuxAutos: 2010 Nissan Pixo Hatchback 1300 miles. Excellent condition $1.8MCall:667-1051 or 604-7806 One Mitsubishi canter. Latest series, 15ft trayCall:254-0247/613-2150 One Tractor Ford driven 600 HRS. Excellent condition price $3 million negotiable- contact Junior:261-5304/261-5030/ 665-4611 One Nissan 4x4 4 doors pick up, excellent condition price $3 million negotiable- contact Junior:261-5304/261-5030/ 665-4611 To y o t a S p a c i o P M M series: Music, rims etc. excellent conditionCall:604-0000 1- New Model 212. First owner, PNN series. Excellent condition, alloy wheels, alarm. Price $1.5M negCall:601-0706/225-0024 One Toyota Raum PKK series, A/C, remote start, excellent condition $1.275 Neg- Call:612-6693 Bedford Model M 4 speed gearbox- Call:228-5655/6281756 1 Jailing Scooter CF74 first owner- Call:268-3468/6667908 TOUR
TO LET Fully furnished Vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours- 227-1218 Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 6797139 Refurbished three bedrooms house Freeman Street $60,000 monthly- call: 695-2631 Diamond $35,000, Paradise $40,000, Kingston US$900, Kitty$65,000- Call Diana @227-2256/626-9382 3 Furnished apartments located in Industry, E.C.DCall:222-6001 Short term apartment available- Call:687-3017 Apartment/houses for rent from US$400 and commercial rentals. Phone: 621-6888, 652-4492 Harmony Inn: Apartments fully furnished, airconditioned apartments: $5000 per night- Call:6680306/602-8769/694-7817 Two bedrooms furnished apartment- Call:665-2548 Furnished 2 bedroom apartment in Linden for short term local & overseas guests- Call:614-4415/4444704
Suriname return trip 12-16 October. Shopping siteseeing lots of fun- Call: 6440185/ 639-2663/ 227-8290/ 665-5171 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School @First Federation Building- Call:225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964
1 Toyota- AT212, AT192, Ceres, EP71 Starlet, Tundra, E24 Nissan van- Call: 6445096/697-1453
Toyota 110 Sprinter. Top condition $1.1M negotiableCall:611-3210/690-9168/ BBpin-27017D39 FOR RENT
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SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Natural beauty salon & spa: Grove Market Street EBD tele:265-4138,6525800 specialized in everything for women & children
MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Let beautiful sophisticated masseuse pamper you: New masseuse available- Call:657-5979 (Continued on page 18)
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Kaieteur News
Monday September 09, 2013
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
T&T Energy Chamber calls on govt. to maintain or increase oil and gas production PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad- CMC - The Energy Chamber, one of the most powerful groups in the country, has called on the Government to ensure that oil and gas production is maintained or increased each year. The appeal was made as Finance Minister Larry Howai prepares to deliver the national budget in Parliament today. In a release sent to the Trinidad Express newspaper on the weekend, the Energy Chamber said “One of the key questions on the public’s mind during discussions about the national budget is whether or not the country receives value for money from its oil and gas resources. It is well known that oil and gas taxation is the major contributor to overall Government revenue.” According to the Energy Chamber, while the overall revenue figures are impressive, a key question for the public is, “Does the Government collect a fair
portion of the overall revenue generated by the industry?” The Chamber pointed to International comparisons of oil and tax regimes which strongly suggest that Trinidad & Tobago’s oil and gas sector operates within a high tax environment while the rest of the economy has a relatively low tax burden. “Oil and gas companies have many levels of control to ensure all revenues due to the Government are paid, ranging from internal company procedures to international stock exchange regulation. Companies listed on major stock exchanges are also governed by the laws of the respective country where the company’s stock is traded, which also requires full compliance of the laws of the land in the countries where they operate” the statement added. The Energy Chamber noted that oil and gas companies are aware that their businesses rely upon extracting resources that
ultimately belong to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. “They are therefore comfortable with the idea that they need to be transparent with the citizens about how much tax they pay. For this reason oil and gas companies have been strong supporters of the Trinidad & Tobago Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (T&T EITI), playing an active role in the Multi-stakeholder Steering Committee and providing full data to the administrator hired to reconcile Government and company accounts and produce a report on oil and gas taxation.” The Energy Chamber said it is convinced that Government revenue from the oil and gas sector is fairly set and fairly collected. “If we wish to continue to receive this revenue we have to ensure that our oil and gas production is maintained or increased and this requires continued investment every year.”
Cuba proposes direct mail service talks with US MIAMI - CMC – Cuba has proposed that a United States government delegation should visit Havana this month for a second round of talks on resuming direct postal services. Mail service between the United States and Cuba was cancelled in 1963 as Washington tightened economic sanctions on Havana, as a result, letters and packages now go through third countries, such as Mexico, Canada or Panama. According to a report in the Miami Herald, Cuba proposed the talks be held September 16 in Havana. Talks on reopening the postal service took place in
2009 in Havana, but the Obama administration cancelled the contacts after US government subcontractor Alan P. Gross was sentenced to 15 years in a Havana jail for delivering s o p h i s t i c a t e d communications equipment to Cuba’s tiny Jewish community. The Cuban government claimed that Gross was involved in espionage and sought to destabilize the revolution. The mail talks however, resumed in Washington from June 17-18. The following month, both sides also renewed talks on migration issues, considered far more important to the bilateral relations. After the June talks, the
Cuban government declared that those meetings had been satisfactory and helpful even though the issue of direct mail service was subject to unspecified “obstacles” because of the US embargo on the Spanish-speaking Caribbean island, the Herald said. Cuba presented an analysis of its international mail services at the talks, according to the declaration published in the governmentcontrolled Cubadebate web site, and “agreed to continue the conversations in the coming months.” But the US Department of State said the mail talks were purely technical in nature and did not reflect any change in the US policy toward Cuba.
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Save the jobs! Barbados Nation - Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has directed heads of Government departments and permanent secretaries not to send home a single temporary worker unless every other option is explored. Not only has he advised them to do some juggling of their accounts to keep people employed, but he promised that Government was moving urgently to correct the recurring problem of temporary workers waiting for
their pay for months. Stuart made those disclosures yesterday as he addressed the second day of the Barbados Workers’ Union’s (BWU) 72nd annual delegates’ conference at Solidarity House. He also responded to questions from members about the 2013 Budget, including the proposed $30 million reduction in the allocation in the Estimates for temporary posts/ employees.
Freundel Stuart
Bermuda’s youngest ever murderer jailed indefinitely HAMILTON, Bermuda CMC — A teenager who was just 15 at the time — and said to be the Bermuda’s youngest ever convicted murderer — has been jailed indefinitely by a Supreme Court judge for stabbing his 18-year-old friend to death. Rashaun Codrington, now 17, has been imprisoned “at the court’s pleasure” for the murder of Malcolm Outerbridge. Codrington must spend a minimum of seven years in jail before he is eligible to request parole. Described by prosecutor Carrington Mahoney as “the
youngest convicted murderer in the history of Bermuda”, Codrington was 15 years old and legally a child when he stabbed Outerbridge to death on October 28, 2011. Following the attack on the old railway trail near his home, Codrington dragged his dying victim into nearby bushes. The court heard that an unknown person helped him try to conceal the crime. “Malcolm Outerbridge was an exceptional young man, and a friend of yours,” Puisne Judge Stephen Hellman told him before sentencing. “You murdered Malcolm
Outerbridge, and here you are — what a wicked, stupid and senseless act.” Noting the “ferocity of the assault”, Justice Hellman said the victim had been stabbed 27 times, three of which were mortal injuries. From the dock, Codrington rose to address the Outerbridge family, saying he was sorry for the pain he had caused them. “If I could change what happened that day, I would,” he added, prompting the victim’s father to rise and demand why he had murdered his son. There was no reply.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
Bermuda’s youngest ever murderer jailed indefinitely HAMILTON, Bermuda CMC — A teenager who was just 15 at the time — and said to be the Bermuda’s youngest ever convicted murderer — has been jailed indefinitely by a Supreme Court judge for stabbing his 18-year-old friend to death. Rashaun Codrington, now 17, has been imprisoned “at the court’s pleasure” for the murder of Malcolm Outerbridge. Codrington must spend a minimum of seven years in jail before he is eligible to request parole. Described by prosecutor Carrington Mahoney as “the
youngest convicted murderer in the history of Bermuda”, Codrington was 15 years old and legally a child when he stabbed Outerbridge to death on October 28, 2011. Following the attack on the old railway trail near his home, Codrington dragged his dying victim into nearby bushes. The court heard that an unknown person helped him try to conceal the crime. “Malcolm Outerbridge was an exceptional young man, and a friend of yours,” Puisne Judge Stephen Hellman told him before sentencing. “You murdered Malcolm
Outerbridge, and here you are — what a wicked, stupid and senseless act.” Noting the “ferocity of the assault”, Justice Hellman said the victim had been stabbed 27 times, three of which were mortal injuries. From the dock, Codrington rose to address the Outerbridge family, saying he was sorry for the pain he had caused them. “If I could change what happened that day, I would,” he added, prompting the victim’s father to rise and demand why he had murdered his son. There was no reply.
Monday September 09, 2013
U.S. government spied on Brazil’s Petrobras oil firm - Globo TV SAO PAULO (Reuters) The U.S. government allegedly spied on Brazilian state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA (SAO:PETR4), known as Petrobras, according to the web site of Globo, Brazil’s biggest television network. The network, which a week ago aired a report alleging that the U.S. National Security Agency intercepted communications by the presidents of Brazil and Mexico, said its information again came from Glenn Greenwald, an American activist who has worked with fugitive former NSA analyst Edward Snowden to expose the extent of U.S. spying at home and abroad. Promotional teasers from the network said it gave details of the spying last night, again on its “Fantastico” program. Greenwald, a blogger and civil liberties activist who lives in Rio de Janeiro, declined to discuss the Petrobras allegations until
Dilma Rousseff after the program airs. Petrobras officials could not be reached for comment. New revelations of U.S. spying could complicate a diplomatic row between the United States and Brazil sparked by the allegations of NSA spying on the private phone calls and emails of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. Brazil has demanded a formal apology and Rousseff
aides have said the issue could derail a state visit she is due to make to the United States in October. The tensions last week led to an impromptu meeting between Rousseff and U.S. President Barack Obama on the margins of the G20 meeting in Russia. Obama said he would investigate the allegations. Any spying on Petrobras, which has discovered some of the world’s biggest offshore oil reserves in recent years, is sure to raise hackles in Brazil, a country that has long been suspicious of foreign designs on its abundant natural resources. Brazil’s so-called sub-salt polygon, where many of the new finds have been discovered, may contain as much as 100 billion barrels of oil, according to Rio de Janeiro State University. One find alone, the giant Libra field, has estimated reserves of up to 12 billion barrels of oil, or enough to supply all U.S. oil needs for nearly two years.
ECCU predicts marginal economic growth in 2013 CASTRIES, St Lucia CMC – Countries within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) will record marginal economic growth this year, according to St Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony. Anthony, who has taken over chairmanship of the ECCU, said that the subregion would record economic growth of 1.5 per cent this year and 2.2 per cent in 2014. The economic performance of the region continues to be hampered by the global recession and is linked largely to growth in the economies of major source markets like the United States and Europe. Anthony said it was imperative that ECCU member countries – Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands – adopt effective strategies to stimulate growth of at least 3.5 per cent between now and 2015 and at least eight per cent in the following years.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
“We are conscious of the need to stimulate growth as this is linked to the achievement of financial stability, fiscal and debt sustainability and ultimately sustainable employment for our citizens. “In this environment we must pursue efforts to return our economies on a path of growth by carefully selected investment initiatives,” Anthony said. In recognition of the need to aggressively address the region’s debt situation, the St. Kitts-based Eastern Caribbean Development Bank (ECCB) is collaborating with the Centre For Latin American Monetary Studies to develop a proposal to address the peculiar circumstances of small, middle income and highly vulnerable countries. Anthony said that member states were also receiving assistance to strengthen their technical capacities to actively manage their debt portfolios. “The challenges in the 2013/2014 financial year are expected to be similar to those experienced over the last three years, but I am confident that the Monetary Council will rise above these challenges and the exchange rate arrangement and stability
Dr Kenny Anthony of the banking system will be maintained. “Unquestionably the times have been difficult for our people, our government and our financial institutions but we have survived,” he said. The ECCU chairman said despite the challenging environment Eastern Caribbean states have and would continue to be proactive in developing an effective approach to address the impacts of the financial crisis. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that growth in the ECCU, which remained subdued in 2010, recovered “only slowly” in 2011.
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
Monday September 09, 2013 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Today, avoid people who are hostile to authority, because their message is definitely not going to be worth hearing. They'll feed into your insecurities and fears, which is not going to help you get to where you want to go. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): It's odd, but the compliments a stranger gives you will mean so much more than what friends or loved ones say about you, today. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Big personalities are arriving on the scene today, and they might try to crowd you out of the action. The best approach for these kinds of people is to just let them have the stage. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You can make a fresh start with someone you've been arguing with today -- all you have to do is put in all the work required. You also have to humble yourself and admit where you went wrong. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): Try as they might, no one will be able to get anything over on you today! You're in a very strong intuitive phase right now, which means you can smell baloney a mile away. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): You can choose the path to take today -- even if it feels like you need to follow instructions or just go along with the crowd, you need to remember that you always
have a voice, and you always can use it. ********************* LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): It's important for you to remind yourself of the value of money, right now. Stop using so much plastic and get back to a cash-based economy. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): Your social circle suddenly has more of a magnetic pull for you, but you should be wary of spending all of your time with others -no matter how much you adore them. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 Dec. 21): Safety should be your top concern today, so shy away from anything that is emotionally or physically dangerous. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): It's all well and good to talk about what your hopes are for the future -- but is talking about them going to help them come to fruition? ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18): The already-thin line between your family and your career is getting even thinner right now -- but you don't have to stress out about it. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): A friend or coworker can't stop talking about a trendy new project or hobby they've discovered -they talk a good talk, and your interest has been stirred up to a near-fever pitch.
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DTV CHANNEL 8 08:25 hrs. Sign On 08:30 hrs. This Morning 09:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 10:00 hrs. Roseanne 11:00 hrs. The View 12:00 hrs. World News 12:30 hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00 hrs. The Talk 15:00 hrs. Criminal Minds 17:00 hrs. Charmed 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. Nightly News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Channel 8 News 21:00 hrs. 2 Broke Girls 21:30 hrs. Mike & Molly 22:00 hrs. Under the Dome 23:00 hrs. Sign Off
Heritage village Karasabai... (From page 10) population in the hinterland is a sure way of promoting economic development. As a child growing up in a tranquil Amerindian village along the Essequibo River, Karia Karia, President Ramotar spoke of the tyranny that the Amerindian people suffered in the era of colonialism and the window
of opportunities that was provided when the People’s Progressive Party Civic took office in 1992. The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) recently hailed the Guyana Government’s efforts at promoting the development of the indigenous people, as member countries met for the 5th meeting of high
authorities on indigenous affairs. Meanwhile, other activities including an evening of reflection on Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian Parliamentarian, sports activities and a pageant are on the agenda to be observed for Amerindian Heritage Month 2013. (GINA)
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Kaieteur News
Monday September 09, 2013
Sinai Islamists claim responsibility for attack on Egypt minister (Reuters) - The Sinaibased Islamist militant group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis claimed responsibility yesterday for an attempt last week to kill the Egyptian interior minister in Cairo, and promised more attacks in revenge for a crackdown on Egypt’s Islamists. Islamist militancy has risen sharply in the relatively lawless region adjoining Israel and the Gaza Strip and elsewhere in Egypt since the army deposed Islamist president Mohamed Mursi two months ago, following mass protests. Thursday’s daylight attack was easily the most spectacular so far, as a suicide car bomber blew himself up next to Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim’s convoy as he left his Cairo home for work in an armoured limousine. The bomber, a passer-by and an unidentified person were killed and more than 20 wounded. “God allowed us to break the security system of the minister of interior ... through a suicide operation
committed by one of Egypt’s lions that made the interior butcher see death with his eyes, and what is to come will be worse,” the group said on Sunday in a statement posted on a jihadist website. Last year the same group, whose name means “Supporters of Jerusalem”, claimed responsibility for rocket attacks launched on Israel from Sinai. It has also claimed at least 10 attacks in the past two years on a gas pipeline linking Egypt, Israel and Jordan. On Saturday the Egyptian army launched an offensive against Islamist militants near Sheikh Zuweid in North Sinai. The troops deployed dozens of tanks as well as armoured vehicles and attack helicopters, killing at least nine militants and arresting nine suspects, security officials said. The army said nine militants had been arrested. Sinai’s eastern border with Israel and Gaza is a particularly sensitive one, and Israel made its concerns known when jihadist groups expanded into a security
vacuum left by the fall of Egypt’s veteran autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Many of Mursi’s critics accused him of helping the jihadists by releasing militants with links to Sinai shortly after he took office in June 2012. Mursi argued that all those set free had either completed their terms or failed to receive due process because they had been tried by special military courts. Attacks on Egyptian security forces in Sinai have become a near-daily occurrence, and around 50 have been killed since Mursi was deposed. A week ago, militants fired rocket-propelled grenades at a ship passing through the Suez Canal on the Sinai’s western edge, vital to world trade as well as Egypt’s depleted state finances. A video was released linking them to the al-Furqan group. Since the army toppled Mursi on July 3, and especially since security forces killed hundreds of Islamists when they smashed protest camps in Cairo on August 14, there have been
Mohamed Ibrahim online calls from radicals to abandon attempts to achieve Islamist rule by democracy, and instead step up violence. Fears have grown in
Egypt of a return to the Islamist insurgency of the 1980s and 90s. In its statement, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis promised “revenge for Muslims against whoever helped in killing or assaulting them, and the first of these are (army chief General Abdel Fattah al)Sisi and Mohamed Ibrahim”. It added: “We are ready to die for the sake of establishing the religion of God on Earth ... and we refuse to take the path of the atheist democracy.” In addition to mounting military operations in Sinai, Egypt’s army and has closed tunnels that it believed were being used to smuggle arms to and from the Gaza Strip, run by the Islamist Hamas group, an offshoot of Mursi’s
Muslim Brotherhood. Amid speculation that Egypt and Israel are actively cooperating on security in the peninsula, Ansar Bayt alMaqdis said last month that four of its members had been killed by an Israeli drone strike in North Sinai. The Egyptian army denied Israeli involvement and Israel declined to comment. On Sunday, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz told a security conference near Tel Aviv: “Today’s Egyptian campaign in Sinai is of the utmost importance, to them of course, but also to us in terms of keeping the quiet in the south and preserving the peace between Israel and Egypt.”
Conservative Solberg expected to win Norway election
(Reuters) - Norway’s centre-right opposition, promising tax cuts, privatisation and a smaller government, is set for a sweeping election win yesterday, ousting a Labour-led government accused of wasting a once-in-a-lifetime economic boom. The only electoral risk facing the likely next prime minister, Conservative Erna Solberg, is an anti-immigration party whose participation in her coalition could repulse other potential allies and deprive her of a full majority. Norwegians look likely to punish Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, seen by some as having failed to use the best of times to prepare for life after oil. “For a country claiming to be one of the richest in the world, our health system is quite awful and the roads are terrible,” Oslo office clerk Marcus Holm said. “After eight years it’s just enough (of Stoltenberg).” With a flourishing offshore oil sector filling state coffers and boosting per capita GDP to $100,000 (63,971.34 pounds), Norway has enjoyed rare economic success even during Europe’s crisis. But that will not save Stoltenberg, even if, as polls show, his Labour party still ends up with the biggest share of the vote, at 30 percent. Four opposition parties are on course for around 100 seats in parliament, 15 more than needed for a majority. “We need more legs to stand on in the economy, not just oil,” said Solberg, 52, who cast her vote in Bergen yesterday. “We are a liberal-conservative party, we do not make revolutions ... This will be a road of small steps.” The anti-immigration and anti-tax Progress Party is set to finish second among the opposition groups and will likely hold the balance of power. Although Progress has toned down its rhetoric, it is seen by some as too radical for government and once had among its members Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in 2011 in a gun and bomb attack targeting Labour. The small Christian Democrats and Liberals, whose votes may also be needed for a majority, have made it clear they are not keen on teaming up with Progress, objecting to its policies on immigration and spending, raising the prospect Solberg would have to
Conservative Erna Solberg rule in a minority. “A majority government isn’t necessarily the norm in Norway and it’s slightly more likely we’ll get a minority,” Elisabeth Ivarsflaten, a political science professor at the University of Bergen said. “Norway has had many minority governments and they tend to work.” Bringing Progress into government will likely force Solberg to compromise on several issues and she is expected to make some concessions on spending, taxes and perhaps even a symbolic gesture on immigrations, but any shift is likely to be moderate. “We expect some tax cuts and spending increases, as well as a friendlier attitude towards private providers of public services, but no major shifts,” Handelsbanken economist Knut Anton Mork said. “All the major parties have made big promises in terms of spending increases and/ or tax cuts, so fiscal policy is likely to turn somewhat more expansionary regardless of the election outcome,” he added. Polls close at 8 p.m. British time, when several exit polls - which have proved accurate in the past - will be published. Indicative results are expected around 11 p.m. British time.
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Syria’s Assad denies chemical weapons use WA S H I N G T O N / LONDON (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad denied that he was behind a chemical weapons attack on the Syrian people, as the White House yesterday pressed ahead with the uphill effort of persuading Congress to approve a military strike to punish Assad. The Obama administration faces a crucial test vote set for Wednesday in the U.S. Senate and White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough made the rounds of five yesterday talk shows to argue for a resolution authorizing a limited strike on Syria. In Paris, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry did not rule out France’s suggestion that it go to the U.N. Security Council for an authorization of a possible military strike once U.N. inspectors complete their report on the August 21 attack near Damascus in which more than 1,400 people were killed. Russia and China, vetowielding members of the U.N. Security Council, have blocked previous efforts to punish the Syrian government. The United States and France hold that Assad was behind the attack and should be deterred from using chemical weapons again. Assad denied involvement the attack and said if the United States has evidence, Washington should produce it, CBS reported on Sunday on its news program “Face the Nation. “There has been no evidence that I used chemical weapons against my own people,” CBS reported Assad said in an interview conducted in Damascus. The report was a summary of the interview and did not contain any audio or video of Assad. Assad said he feared an attack might degrade the Syrian military and tip the balance in the 2-1/2-year-old civil war, CBS reported. The Syrian president also warned that if there was a military strike by the United States, there would be retaliation by those aligned with Syria, CBS said. In London, Kerry countered Assad, saying “The evidence speaks for itself.” President Barack Obama faces an uphill climb to persuade U.S. lawmakers returning from a summer recess to vote for military action. During the break, their constituents voiced strong objections to the action, worrying that it would drag
the country into another costly, and broader, Middle East conflict. Opinion polls show most Americans oppose a strike. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll said 56 percent of Americans believed the United States should not intervene in Syria; 19 percent backed action. McDonough, the White House chief of staff, led the administration’s lobbying effort yesterart of an intensive push for support that will continue today when Obama sits for six network television interviews and culminate with an address to the country tomorrow night. “Are there consequences for a dictator who would have used those weapons to gas to death hundreds of children? The answer to that question ... will be followed closely in Damascus, but will also be followed closely in Tehran, among Lebanese Hezbollah, and others. So this is a very important week,” McDonough said on the “Fox News Sunday” program. While Mike Rogers, Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, is a supporter of the strikes, he said Obama had made “a hash” of his argument to punish Assad. “It’s very clear he’s lost support in the last week,”
Rogers said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” He said Obama should have called Congress back from its summer break for classified briefings on the proposed strikes, and the administration needed to “regroup.””The president hasn’t made the case,” Rogers said. Representative Jim McGovern, a Democrat from Massachusetts, said that “if I were the president, I would withdraw my request. I don’t believe the support is there in Congress.” He spoke on CNN’s “State of the Union” Congressional surveys make it clear Obama has a difficult task. A Washington Post vote count showed 223 House members either against or leaning against authorizing the use of military force in Syria. That is more than the 217 needed to block the resolution. The White House has said the president could go ahead with a military strike without congressional authorization, but has not said he would do so. French President Francois Hollande, increasingly under pressure at home and among European partners to seek a U.N. mandate before any military intervention in Syria, on Saturday suggested he could
Bashar al-Assad seek a U.N. resolution despite previous Russian and Chinese vetoes. U.N. inspectors are likely to hand in their report later this week roughly at the same time as the U.S. Congress votes on military action. The United Nations has said the inspectors will only determine whether gas was used, not who was responsible for its use. “On President Hollande’s comments with respect to the U.N., the president (Obama), and all of us, are listening carefully to all of our
friends,” Kerry told a news conference in Paris earlier Sunday. “No decision has been made by the president.” Later, a U.S. official said Washington was not seeking a U.N. vote at this time. Kerry said key Arab countries were leaning towards supporting a G20 statement - already signed by 12 countries - that called for a strong international response. The top U.S. diplomat met in Paris with Arab ministers, including from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, following talks in Lithuania with European foreign ministers, who blamed the attack in Syria on Assad but refused to endorse military action. Iran’s new foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, warned the United States that it would ignite a fire across the Middle East if it attacks Syria. “We are concerned about warmongering in this region,” Zarif told a news conference while on a visit to Iraq. “Those who are shortsighted and are beating the drums of war are starting a fire
that will burn everyone.” Underscoring the dangers of the Syrian conflict spreading beyond its borders, an Israeli official said on Sunday the United States would notify Israel hours in advance of an attack on Syria. While formally on the sidelines of the Syrian crisis, Israel fears coming under reprisals from its northern foe should the United States launch strikes to punish Damascus. A German newspaper, citing German intelligence, reported that Assad may not have personally given permission for the August 21 attack. Syrian brigade and division commanders had been asking the Presidential Palace to allow them to use chemical weapons for the last 4-1/2 months, according to radio messages intercepted by German spies, but permission had always been denied, the newspaper Bild am Sonntag said. This could mean Assad may not have personally approved the attack, intelligence officers suggested.
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Monday September 09, 2013
Osborne hails growing economy, slams ‘disastrous’ Labour plans (Reuters) - Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne will declare today that an accelerating economy vindicates his austerity programme and accuse his political opponents of promising a “disastrous” change of course. Breaking his silence on the signs of a revival, Osborne will argue that a run of strong figures suggests the government has won the economic argument, having ignored opposition Labour calls to cut more slowly. With an eye on the next election in 2015, Osborne will acknowledge the challenge of reviving living standards - an issue taken up by Labour while stressing that the
recovery could slide “back to square one” if Britain borrowed more. “Amazingly, even with the evidence we now have, there are still those calling for the government to abandon its economic plan in order to spend and borrow more. But to do so would be disastrous,” Osborne will say, according to extracts of a planned speech on the British economy released by his office in advance. Labour dismissed Osborne’s comments as an attempt to “rewrite history” and said his policies had stifled growth for three years. Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives came to power in 2010 in a
Gunmen kill at least 11 people in Guatemala (Reuters) - Gunmen shot dead at least 11 people and injured 15 others in a series of attacks on bars in a village near Guatemala City on Sunday, the Interior Ministry said. The suspects opened fire in three bars owned by the same person in San Jose Nacahuil, about 23 km (14 miles) north of the capital, police said. Interior Minister Mauricio Lopez Bonilla blamed the attacks on gunmen linked to local street gangs
coalition with the Lib Dems, promising to cut public spending, reduce a record budget deficit and rebuild an economy battered by the global financial crisis. Osborne’s policies came under intense pressure as Britain’s economy struggled for three years and he faced calls in April from the International Monetary Fund to speed up spending. But a surprisingly strong run of business surveys and data in recent weeks suggests Britain’s economy is “turning the corner”, Osborne will say, although fixing the budget is far from done. “More tough choices will be required after the next election to find many billions of further savings and anyone who thinks those decisions can be ducked is not fit for government.” Labour has a narrow lead over Cameron’s Conservatives in most polls. However, Labour leader Ed Miliband and his would-be Chancellor Ed Balls trail Cameron and Osborne when voters are asked who they trust to handle the economy. Centre-left Labour, which
George Osborne held power from 1997 to 2010, saw its economic credibility undermined by the financial crisis.
In his speech, Osborne will argue that Britain’s slow growth since the financial crisis was not due to his policies and will seek to press his advantage over Labour by declaring that “those in favour of a Plan B have lost the argument”. He will also reject claims that Britain is seeing “the wrong sort of growth”, based on unsustainable debt. “The evidence suggests tentative signs of a balanced, broad-based and sustainable recovery,” Osborne will say, adding that he would be vigilant to risks, including a premature tightening of financial conditions as market interest rates rise. Labour finance spokesman Chris Leslie
accused Osborne of presiding over “three years of flatlining” that hurt families. “This desperate attempt to rewrite history will not wash when, on every test he set himself, this chancellor’s plan A has badly failed - on living standards, growth and the deficit,” he said. As the parties prepare for their annual conferences later this month, Labour’s attacks on Cameron’s Conservatives will centre on the charge that the recovery has left behind people who are less well off. “This is a recovery for the few. This is an unfair recovery. This is an unequal recovery,” Miliband will say in a speech tomorrow.
Italy coalition faces risk as Senate panel meets on Berlusconi (Reuters) - A special committee of the Italian Senate meets today to consider expelling Silvio Berlusconi following his conviction for tax fraud, a decision that could shatter the fragile ruling coalition and plunge Italy into fresh political crisis. Senior figures in Berlusconi’s centre-right People of Freedom (PDL) party have threatened to pull out of Prime Minister Enrico Letta’s government if Berlusconi is stripped of his seat in the Senate The process that could lead to at least temporary political exile for the 76year-old billionaire may take weeks. With tensions high between partners in the governing coalition, open conflict at today’s meeting could trigger a crisis. The 23-member panel, with representatives from the main parties, is dominated by Berlusconi adversaries. At least 14 lawmakers are likely to vote in favour of expulsion. Financial markets have been increasingly on edge as political tensions have escalated ahead of the meeting, driving up government borrowing costs. With Italy struggling with a 2 trillion euro public debt and mired in its longest recession since World War Two, business leaders warned that political turmoil could snuff out the first glimmers of a turnaround. “Political stability is a pre-condition for economic recovery, and if there were to be a crisis, the recovery would be at risk”, Federico
Silvio Berlusconi Ghizzoni, chief executive of Unicredit, Italy’s largest bank by assets, said at the weekend. So far, Letta’s centre-left Democratic Party (PD) has insisted that Berlusconi cannot remain in parliament after Italy’s top court convicted him of being at the centre of a vast tax fraud scheme at his Mediaset television empire. The PDL says Berlusconi, sentenced to four years in jail, has been targeted unfairly by left-wing magistrates and accuses the PD of using judicial tactics to eliminate a rival it has been unable to defeat politically. The complicated committee rules may avert an immediate showdown between the centre-left PD and Berlusconi’s centre-right PDL, which were forced together in an unwilling coalition after deadlocked elections in February. The committee is due to meet at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT) with proposals from PDL member Andrea Augello on how to organize the proceedings, which may
make clear whether or not there is any margin for a compromise. Berlusconi’s lawyers argue that the “Severino law”, under which convicted politicians are ineligible for parliament, cannot apply in Berlusconi’s case because it was passed last year. Berlusconi’s lawyers have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights. They want the Senate committee to postpone proceedings until the European Court decides or Italy’s constitutional court rules on whether the law is valid. That possibility has been rejected by the PD, which accuses the PDL of trying to waste time with groundless appeals. As the manoeuvres continue, President Giorgio Napolitano, who has played a decisive behind-the-scenes role in Italian politics since the Berlusconi crisis erupted, may play a significant part again. He has made it clear that he would be unwilling to call new elections and may seek to shepherd in a new coalition government if the centre-right withdraws support for Letta. Whatever the outcome of the committee meeting, Berlusconi faces months in the political wilderness, which could prevent him from standing in any election if the government falls. His four-year jail term, commuted to one year because of his age, would also prevent his participation in national politics if elections are called this year.
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
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U.S. leaves door open to new U.N. vote on Syria (Reuters) - The United States left the door open yesterday to seeking a United Nations Security Council resolution that could endorse punishing Syria for a chemical weapons attack last month and indicated Arab countries were seeking a tough response. Speaking to reporters after meeting Arab foreign ministers, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said many were leaning toward supporting a G20 statement already signed by 12 nations, including Saudi Arabia - that called for a strong international response following an August 21 chemical attack in Syria. Washington and Paris say forces loyal to President
Bashar al-Assad were behind the attack in which more than 1,400 are estimated to have been killed, and they are considering air strikes to try to deter him from using such weapons again. Kerry told a news conference that Saudi Arabia, which has been one of Assad’s most vocal opponents and diplomats say is one of the main suppliers of arms to the Syrian rebels, “supported the strike and they support taking action.” French President Francois Hollande, increasingly under pressure at home and among European partners to seek a U.N. mandate before any military intervention in Syria,
suggested on Saturday he could seek a resolution at the Security Council despite previous Russian and Chinese vetoes. French officials say a draft resolution presented jointly by Britain and France at the end of August was not even read by Russia and China, let alone discussed. U.N. inspectors are likely to hand in their report later this week as the U.S. Congress debates whether to allow limited strikes on Syria. “On President Hollande’s comments with respect to the U.N., the president (Obama), and all of us, are listening carefully to all of our friends,” Kerry said. “No decision has been made by
John Kerry the president.” After the news conference, a U.S. official said Washington was not seeking
a Security Council vote at the moment. “We have always supported working through the U.N. but have been clear there is not a path forward there and we are not currently considering proposing another vote,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Kerry’s meeting with Arab ministers, including from Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, followed talks in Lithuania with European foreign ministers, who blamed the attack in Syria on Assad but urged waiting for the U.N. inspectors to report before any action. “All of us agreed - not one dissenter - that Assad’s
deplorable use of chemical weapons ... crosses an international, global red line,” Kerry said alongside his Qatari counterpart Khaled alAttiya. “A number of countries immediately signed on to the G20 agreement that was reached by now 12 countries on the side of the G20 meeting and they will make their own announcements in the next 24 hours about that.” Qatar has strongly backed the Syrian opposition. “As for Syria and what Qatar is willing to provide, Qatar is currently studying with its friends and the United Nations what it could provide in order to protect the Syrian people,” Attiya said without elaborating.
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Kaieteur News
Amateur Coaches successfully complete training seminar Urged to share newly acquired knowledge
The coaches show off their certificates in the presence of Steve Ninvalle (4th right), Francisco Roldon Hernandez and Terrence Poole (extreme right front and back row respectively). After several intense training sessions that comprised practical and theoretical applications, 12 amateur boxing coaches from an initial 15, received their instruments after successfully completing a Level One Coaching Course under the auspices of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), yesterday afternoon. The course commenced on June 20 and was conducted during the weekends, where 15 coaches were tutored in the intricacies of the profession, and eventually culminated yesterday with 12 of the participants receiving certificates. President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, delivered short inspirational words to the successful coaches shortly after congratulating them. He further urged them to utilize their newly acquired knowledge for the development of the sport even as he voiced the hope of improvement in the quality of the boxers produced. Mr. Ninvalle also expressed optimism that the number of coaches would increase when the next course is planned. Mr. Terrence Poole was also heartened by the performances of the coaches who were tested by way of theoretical and practical examinations; all performed exceptionally. Poole also comprised a part of the three member training staff, which included National Coach, Wensel Thomas and Cuban Coach, Francisco Roldon Hernandez. He echoed the
words of his President and urged the coaches to return to their respective institutions and dispense their newly acquired knowledge. Señor Roldon had assisted in the training sessions and yesterday, he completed his tasks with a short theoretical session where the officials were quizzed on several technical aspects of their profession. He was also awarded a certificate in commendation of his input in the course. Wensel Thomas received a similar commendation. Thomas was further lauded for his recent accomplishment of installing a new gym in the Mahaica/Unity ECD area. One of the participants in the coaches’ course, Andre Chowbay, was drawn from the newly inaugurated institution and will use his skill to tutor pugilists from that community. Additionally, two women, former professional pugilist, Pamela London and GBA referee/judge, Paulette Nurse, completed the course and were complimented for their performances. The course also saw the inclusion of two former boxing Champions, Joseph Murray (Fecarbox) and Wayne Harris (world rater), while Sebert Blake will enhance his knowledge when he leaves for Hungary later this month to participate in a high performance course. The other successful coaches are Kurt Kendall, Adrian Thomas, Clairmont Gibson and Clifton Moore.
Monday September 09, 2013
Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club rehabilitates sanitary facilities at school, playground The Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club of New Amsterdam is not only about football. The club, which at the moment is celebrating 21 years in existence, was established with the sole purpose of developing and promoting football among the youths in the New Amsterdam/Canje Community and also serves to provide an alternative for footballers, who would have pass their prime and still wants to be a part of the football happenings. The club presently is undertaking the arduous task of refurbished the sanitary block at the Scott’s Church ground in New Amsterdam. The club has undertaken the $300,000 project, which will see a once condemned facility being transformed into a modern washroom. Coordinator of the Club, Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey, is spearheading the project. Speaking to the media Humphrey stated that the club continues to do whatever is possible to transform the environment and provide comfort for those visiting the nearby All Saints’ Primary School as well as those attending activities at the venue. It recently with the help of some public spirited citizens set up lights at the venue making it the only venue in Berbice with permanent lights and capable of hosting Night football. It has also assisted in fencing the ground and building a number of stands around the ground. He stated that, the school has internal facilities and the members of the club saw it fit to assist in refurbishing the
Neil Humphrey ready with construction materials outside of the facility for the start of the rehabilitation work. facility which is situated outside of the school for the benefit of everyone. He said they will also maintain the facility when the repairs are finished. The sanitary block will consist of male and female sections which will be tiled, while mirrors and face sinks will be installed upon completion. Water tanks will also be installed to provide a regular supply of water. The Club is being assisted by inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison and the work is expected to be completed within a week. He said that the prison authorities have always given them their full support and they are grateful for their assistance being given in refurbishing the facility, which will also see developmental work being undertaken around the playfield and schoolyard. The Hearts of Oak Masters
Football club is presently the leading organizer of Youth Football in Berbice and as part of its objective of promoting and developing football among the youths, the club annually organises about eight youth tournaments in addition to an ‘Annual Summer Camp and Teach them Young football programme.’ The club, which presently has a number of former nation players in its lineup also organised and hosted a number of tournaments. The Club uses the New Amsterdam Prison Officers club and the Scot’s Church Ground as its meeting places, while the Scot’s Church Ground it is training base. Several of the club members are also involved in doing voluntary coaching in the secondary schools and teaching football as part of the schools Physical Education Curriculum. (Samuel Whyte)
Monday September 09, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Serena Williams cops Jeffrey warms up to the 5th U.S. Open crown GMR&SC ‘Race of Champions’ Meet
task ahead of CMRC
A disappointingly low turnout combined with intermittent rain failed to dampen a day that witnessed some exciting racing with former Group 4 champion Kevin Jeffrey and Superbiker Joel Neblett headlining the list of outstanding performances as the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) 2nd ‘Race of Champions’ Meet ended yesterday, at the South Dakota Circuit. Jeffrey driving a Mitsubishi Evolution VIII piloted the car to two victories and a second place from three starts, while Neblett, also registered two wins to crown an impressive showing for the day. The event, which served as a precursor for Guyana’s leg of the CMRC in November, saw Jeffrey and Andrew King treat the small but appreciative band of spectators to the kind of daredevilry that has typified the two combatants over the years as they raced almost neck to neck over the three events with the former displaying more power in the straightaway, while King threatened every time in the gooseneck and clubhouse turn. In the opening Group 4
- Neblett also impressive event, Jeffrey, who started on pole, was quick to the first turn and even though King fought gallantly to pull back the lead with some brutal driving on all the turns and gooseneck, Jeffrey was too powerful on the back and clubhouse straights that made his advantage a decisive one in the end. Paul Vieira out of Canada, try as he may, simply did not have the horse power to rein in the top two drivers and had to settle for third place. Having seen Jeffrey’s tactics in the opening event, King approached the start of the second race more aggressively, but the end result was just a carbon copy of the initial race as Jeffrey took his second chequered flag ahead of King and Vieira again. In the final event however, King turned the tables on Jeffrey and piloted his Mazda RX-7 to victory. King jumped from the post and never relinquished his lead. But with three laps to go, the fans were treated to some excitement as Jeffrey
applied the pressure on King but the experienced driver kept his composure to reign over his arch rival. “The car and the engine performed well today” said Jeffrey. “Two wins and a second I will take that any day of the week.” Speaking of November, Jeffrey said that he will up the ante and is looking forward to defending home turf with King and champion driver Mark Vieira who did not compete yesterday. Neblett was in sublime form as he stormed to two impressive wins, while young Nikhil Seereram took the other race with reigning champion Stephen Vieira occupying second place in the final event after Seereram fell around the gooseneck following challenge from Vieira. Hemant Boodram riding in the 125cc was also impressive. Some major sponsors included GT&T, Banks DIH Limited, Beharry Automotive Limited, Rent a Tent and The Trophy Stall. The full results will be made known in the next issue.
Guyana lose 1-4 to T&T in C’bean Badminton C/ships 2013 team tournament
Members of the Guyana team at the Junior Badminton tournament. The Team Event started yesterday at the Caribbean International Junior Badminton Championships (CAREBACO) which is being held in San Juan, Puerto Rico September 8-15, 2013. Guyana is in Group B with Dominican Republic & Trinidad. Six Countries are taking part in this Team event. Group A consist of Suriname, Puerto Rico and Barbados. Although the Team Events in the Juniors are in the Under-19 category, Guyana’s young players still performed their best and lost to Trinidad 4-1 with some close matches. Winning their match was Narayan & Priyanna Ramdhani in the Mix Doubles Event. Boys Singles: Narayan Ramdhani lost to Jason Ramjass (TRI): in a three setter with Narayan winning the first 21:13 and lost the
remaining two: 22-24, 15-21 Girls Singles: 11 year old Priyanna Ramdhani lost to Jada Renales (TRI): in a three setter with Priyanna losing the first: 2114, won the second: 21-17 and lost the third: 21-18 Boys Doubles: Jonathan Mangra & Noel Shewjattan lost to Naim Mohammed & Johan la Bastide (TRI): 21-8, 21-14 Girls Doubles: Nadine Jairam & Meshonn Persaud lost to Jada Renales & Brittney Mohammed (TRI): 21-13, 21-14 Mixed Doubles: Narayan & Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Jason Ramdjass & Tiffany Rampersaud (TRI): 21-19, 21-5 The Team tournament continues today with Guyana playing Dominican Republic.
NEW YORK — Serena Williams spent most of the U.S. Open making everything look simple, cruising through her first six matches and dropping just 16 games total. She was broken just twice. In yesterday’s final against a scrappy Victoria Azarenka, nothing came easy. Williams eventually won 7-6, 6-7 (6-8), 6-1. First, there was the wind, blustering and swirling all evening, even blowing Williams’dress around at times when she was trying to serve. Her groundstrokes were inconsistent at times, missing by feet when she typically misses by inches (if at all). Whether it was the weather or nerves, Williams appeared rattled. Most important — and for the first time all tournament — Williams looked beatable. Azarenka certainly thought so, never relenting at any point in the match, even when she was down a set. Even when she was down a set and two breaks. And Azarenka did, evening the
match at a set apiece in a second set tiebreak. Williams twice served for the match in that second set, at 5-4 and 6-5, and both times the owner of the best serve in women’s tennis history was broken. During those service games and in the subsequent tiebreak, Williams complained about the wind. Her shots would go long, and she would throw her hands up. Down 64 in the tiebreak, Williams threw her racquet to the ground, partly frustrated by the wind and partly flabbergasted that she hadn’t won the match yet. The third set — Williams’ first three-setter of the entire tournament — proved easier. Williams broke Azarenka’s serve twice, and she successfully served out the match. The win caps off one of the best years of Williams’ career, in which she went 674 and won nine tournaments. She won the 2013 French Open as well; with the U.S. Open title, she now has 17
Serena Williams Grand Slam singles championships, one behind Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova on the all-time list. Yesterday’s final was a rematch of last year’s final, one Williams won, 2-6, 6-2, 75 – another three-set instant classic. The men will be in action today and Second seed Rafael Nadal will tackle world number one Novak Djokovic to decide who wears their crown.
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Kaieteur News
Mackeson/TGH Pacesetters Inter-Ward Basketball Championships
Albouystown/Charlestown begin 2013 campaign with win
Monday September 09, 2013
NBS 40-overs cricket
GCC beat UG by 31 runs Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) beat University-ofGuyana (UG) by 31 runs yesterday at Bourda in latest action in the NBS 40-over second division cricket tournament. Martin Pestano-Belle continued his good form over the weekend by following up his 78 on Saturday with 38 as GCC scored 199-8 off their allotted 40 overs. Pacer Bernard Bailey (4-37) and Winston Forrester (3-32) conspired to dismiss UG for 168 in 37.5 overs. Played in brilliant sunshine on a slow track and lush green outfield, GCC were off to a solid start with Pestano-Belle and Alex Ramalho, who made 17, putting together 53 for the first wicket. Forrester (37) and Gavon
Royston Alkins
Bernard Bailey
Charles (14) also reached double figures for the Bourda Blues as former National under-19 all-rounder Royston Alkins picking up 4-26 with his off-spin. Dennis Haywood supported with 223 for UG.
Dwayne Dodson led the fight for the students with a well played 39, while Kumar Bridgelall (29), Clevon Hyman (26), Leon Williams (20) and Alkins (18) kept the UG hopes alive briefly. (Sean Devers)
Brazil 6 Australia 0:
Neymar and Ramires lead rout over hapless Socceroos in Brasilia HEAVY TRAFFIC? NO PROBLEM! Albouystown/Charlestown’s guard, Sheldon Thomas has absolutely no problem dissecting Lodge/Meadowbrook’s entire defence to finish two of his 22 points Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. By Edison Jefford Defending champions of the now Mackesonsponsored Trinity Grid Holdings (TGH) Pacesetters Inter-Ward Basketball Championships, Albouystown/Charlestown began their 2013 campaign for a historic back-to-back title with a hard-fought win Saturday night. Albouystown/ Charlestown, the only team with an energetic and patriotic following on the night, defeated Lodge/ Meadowbrook 51-45 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall after a late fourth quarter slump that eventually failed to put them in any threat of losing. Albouystown/ Charlestown last won the Inter-Ward title in 2010. Guard, Sheldon Thomas added quickness, energy and even Showtime to the team for 22 points. Thomas relegated veteran guard, Trevor McCleod to the bench in an inspiring display of basketball. His fellow Kwakwaniborn team-mate, Dave Causway had 13 points, five steals and nine boards, while Sheldon Frank scored nine points. Each team in the 2013
competition is allowed two guest players. Albouystown/ Charlestown went for Thomas and Causway in an obvious attempt to strengthen their backcourt offence. Notwithstanding their significant advantage in size and body, Lodge/ Meadowbrook buckled after a dominant first period. Mortimer Williams was their top scorer with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Drumson McCullay had 11 points and 11 rebounds and Ryan Wilson 10 points in the game. Lodge/Meadowbrook had led 16-7 at the end of the first quarter and looked set to dominate the game as Thomas misfired his missiles from downtown for Albouystown/Charlestown. However, all that changed in the second quarter, unfortunately, for Lodge/ Meadowbrook. Down 11-16, Causway landed two huge three-point jumpers to put his team up 17-16, but Lodge went to work inside again after establishing their height advantage, which launched an offensive exchange between the two sides five minutes before halftime. But Thomas warmed up
for a later offensive blitz with a penetration in the paint. He wasn’t done there; he drained a huge three-point jump shot, completed a floater off the glass in the lane before draining another jumper from downtown to deflate Lodge in a minute and a half 10-point scoring spree. Albouystown led 27-20 midway through the game, outscoring Lodge 20-4 in the second quarter. When the game resumed, a high three-two zone from Lodge/Meadowbrook early in third forced some turnovers that they converted for 28-29 deficit. But Thomas stepped up again and landed another huge three-point jumper to maintain their grip on the game. The two teams exchanged offence with Albouystown holding on to a one point 3837 point lead at the end of the third quarter. Causway’s skilful penetrations and Nicko Fraser’s defence in the paint, including a huge block at the northern end of the court, breathed crunch time life into Albouystown/Charlestown, which ensured that they live on in the tournament following an opening win.
Daily Mail - Barcelona star Neymar and Chelsea midfielder Ramires both hit the target as Brazil smashed Australia for six in a one-sided international friendly in Brasilia. The Confederations Cup winners netted three goals in either half as they were rarely tested by a 46th-ranked Australia side who have qualified for next summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil. Striker Jo scored twice while Neymar - who was influential throughout Ramires, Alexandre Pato and Luis Gustavo added their name to a scoreline that did not flatter the hosts. The only sour note for Brazil was a left hamstring injury to Real Madrid leftback Marcelo, which forced him to miss the second half. Brazil will be expecting a far tougher test when they travel to Boston for a friendly against Portugal - who will be without Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday. Jo began the rout, on Brazil’s Independence day, after eight minutes following clever work by Neymar down the left flank. The Barcelona forward tricked his way into space and while Bernard volleyed his cross against the post the ball rebounded kindly for Jo to tab in from six yards. Australia briefly threatened with three consecutive corners but their failure to keep hold of the ball
Barcelona forward Neymar slotted past Mark Schwarzer to add Brazil’s third goal. (Getty Images) for any sustained period was exposed by an incisive Brazil counter-attack. Brett Holman carelessly played the ball wide to space on halfway and Brazil broke at pace before Bernard’s cross was athletically steered in by an unmarked Jo at full speed. It was 3-0 moments later when Neymar’s run from deep was not tracked and he latched on to a through-ball before sliding an angled shot across the exposed Mark Schwarzer. Brazil were now already coasting and Schwarzer did well to deny Neymar as he easily found another way through the Socceroos defence. Marcelo was forced off with his hamstring injury, to prompt the half-time whistle, and while he did not reappear
Brazil’s total dominance did. A Thiago Silva header was ruled out for the merest of contact from a corner before Ramires outjumped Matt McKay at the back post on 58 minutes for a rare header, planting the ball past his Chelsea team-mate Schwarzer. Ramires then saw a 20yard shot bounce back off the post. Neymar was involved for Brazil’s fifth as Australia again failed to follow his forward burst allowing him to pull the back for substitute Pato to force in at the near post. Luis Gustavo smashed in the goal of the night seven minutes from the end when he played a one-two with Neymar before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 25 yards.