Kaieteur News
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Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
THE LAW MUST BE FAIR TO ALL
No matter how one looks at it, most would agree that Guyana is a divided country. The divisions are to be found in almost all areas. They range from the very bottom rung of the economic ladder in terms of poverty and wealth, to the elite in terms of power, to the political parties in terms of race-based voting and to the legal system in terms of different laws for the rich and poor. Our focus is on the latter, which has become a serious threat to society, as there is the persistent claim by a large portion of the population that there is one law for the rich and another for the poor. In Guyana like in many other countries, the rule of law is the foundation on which democracy is built. The nation must be assured that the admonition in the American Constitution that all are created equal is, in fact, true. The failure to make this a reality in Guyana is troubling. There were officials in the last administration who committed atrocious acts against the citizens but were not charged because they were deemed to be above the law due to their status. A case in point: a senior government official had caused a traffic accident and left the scene. It was alleged that the official was under the influence of alcohol. After the case was examined, it was determined that there was not enough evidence to file charges. Had that been an ordinary citizen, he/she would more likely than not have been charged with a felony - for leaving the scene of an accident and for driving under the influence. The abovementioned illustrates the perceptible inequality in the justice system. It also suggests that the dictates of the last administration were overwhelming. While the average citizen was always at the mercy of the courts, in terms of being jailed for petty crimes, the rich and powerful who committed atrocious acts were not even investigated much less charged. In the traffic accident mentioned above, a special investigator was appointed to investigate the matter, not the Traffic Department. It was reported that the injured parties were not interviewed but were told by the investigator that the official would take care of them. There was no furtherance of the case. This is the how the justice system functioned under the previous administration. Since taking office, the incumbent has done very little to change the system to make it even appear fairer to the average citizen. Independent bodies that have the authority to intervene in criminal matters have done so selectively over the years. In light of the fact that the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) discovered that the country’s best ocean front land at Sparendaam was sold at below the market value to members and friends of the PPP, civil charges were recommended. It may be perfectly legal, but for some reason it does not pass the smell test. Had it been ordinary citizens, one wonders whether criminal charges would have been filed against them, as was called for by SARU. This is a pertinent observation in the grand scheme of things. The justice system remains unconvincing to those who do not have the means to enjoy its good graces. It must not be left to jurists to restore its reliability. The government and other relevant entities must make sure that the law is applied fairly across the board. This will probably put an end to the allegations that the judiciary is biased against the poor. In most instances, the sentences handed down to the poor are much harsher than what the wealthy receive for the same offence. That is wrong. The law must be fair to all.
Moses, Joe, Raphael; Guyana’s three stooges Dear Editor; Every day that passes under the Granger administration, it is becoming more obvious that there is one set of standards for “George Norton and his Cabinet colleagues” and one for everyone else. Was it not Minister Ramjattan who at the AFC Conference in 2014 who said “he shall fire, fry and jail the corrupt…”? So what has he done with the corrupt PNC officials today? In a truly hypocritical style, we hear some first class twaddle when he suggested “we are human, not a cabinet of angels, we will make mistakes”. What malarkey! Another one bites the dust! What a hypocrite? This corrupt “Norton-PharmaBond Gate” deal reveals that many laws were broken. But what no one seems to be getting, is that Minister Norton could not have executed this deal alone without overarching certification from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Jordan. It was Minister Jordan who had to approve the emergency expenditure from the Contingency Fund without just cause, to fund the purchase of this private building with public funds. It was Minister Jordan who is aware that this deal cost 4 times more than the old New GPC deal, per square foot, but still went ahead and sanctioned this corrupt deal. It was Minister Jordan who had to guide Cabinet on the financial angle to justify why they should sole source this contract that is valued at $450 million over three years, totally ignoring the competitive tendering process. It was
Minister Jordan who had to approve the payment to the contractor on this crooked deal and continues to sign the check on more millions for this contractor every month. Although the three stooges, Raphael, Moses and Joe did their very best to rubber stamp this corrupt contract by finding some of the most irresponsible excuses we have heard in a very long time, such as “it is not safe to store the drug in one location” and “the location at Diamond can affect the supply chain”, everyone knew their actions were similar to the “RED Indians” (no offence intended please!) circling the burning wagons. The Guyanese people know that these funds are not being used properly and have already concluded that public theft has happened. But why? Was this money used to support their just concluded Congress? Is this money being used to support the upcoming AFC Conference? How many politicians’ pockets were fattened by chunks of the cash from this deal? Compare the answers to those questions with commonsense and we can easily conclude that essentially the entire Cabinet are co-conspirators in this corrupt deal. So until this corrupt contract is rescinded, President David Arthur Granger has to be held accountable for this massive act of corruption and that kind of mud will not wipe away easily. Now I ask the question, where is this signed contract? When I raised this question with a
senior official in the Ministry of Health he smirked that it was “packaged and shipped off to the Vatican Secret Archives” because not even people in the Ministry of Health have seen this contract. But every month the Finance Office in the Ministry is being asked to prepare payment vouchers for this contractor worth millions. I wonder why the Office of the Auditor General has not launched a Special Audit Investigation into this open act of corruption by the Granger administration. I also wonder why Professor Clive Thomas and his SARA outfit, has not launched a criminal enquiry into the lost state assets because of this “Norton-PharmaBond Gate” deal. Lastly, isn’t this money laundering? So I wonder why SOCU remains dormant on this corrupt transaction? Why have they not asked for the bank records of Larry Singh and George Norton and the entire Cabinet including the President? I am calling on the US Ambassador and the UK High Commissioner to ensure that this entire episode of corruption is logged with Washington (especially at the IDB HQ) and London respectively so that when future aid and financial support are under consideration for Guyana, one of the covenants of any future agreement has to be a heavy dose of measures to strengthen our systems to enhance good governance because the nation cannot trust the Granger Government anymore. Jai (Harry) Lall
Is GuySuCo a Friend or a Foe to its Employees? Dear Editor; As one reads the article titled ‘Chand says cooperation needed to resist any bid to reprivatize sugar’ that was published in the Stabroek News on Sunday August 28, 2016, one gets the impression that Mr. Komal Chand is saying some of the right things but in the wrong context. The theme for the recently concluded Guyana Agricultural And General Workers Union (GAWU)Congress was, ‘United Struggles for Workers’ Rights, Democracy and a Secure Future’. The nine resolutions which were approved by the Congress included, ‘
safeguarding and defending workers’ gains in the sugar industry, rejecting reprivatization and closure of the sugar industry, education and training, unity of the working class, wage/salary improvements and Annual Production Incentives, and solidarity with the workers of Wales Estate’; these were the resolutions which are specific to GuySuCo. While the militancy of GAWU is commendable, the challenge with the resolutions relevant to GuySuCo and the tone of the Congress from a GuySuCo perspective is, contextual. The impression one gets, is that GAWU
perceives GuySuCo as a foe and not a friend; hence the very design of the theme and the resolutions is aimed at fighting this foe. GAWU’s approach might have been more appropriate in 1832 but definitely not in a dynamic and changing environment in 2016. GuySuCo would like to encourage GAWU to be militant and inspire our workers to support their Union; however, this militancy has to be in the right context. The resistance is against what and against whom? Against a Corporation that provides free medical benefits to them and their families? Or (Continued on page 5)
Friday September 02, 2016
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Kaieteur News
How much we ever got People expect their leaders to from foreign companies? show them love and respect DEAR EDITOR; The year 2016 makes it 100 years of bauxite mining in Guyana and what does Guyana have to show for it? Basically nothing! For some time in the beginning, bauxite mining was being done by the Canadians under a firm ‘Alcan’ and they did so much for Canada like, building a city named (Kittymac) also dealings in a shipping
company by the name of Sagunay. We then nationalised the company in the 70’s. What did we achieve personally from them? A gold company came and opened in our country after a several years they could have boasted that they have mined over 1,000,000 ounces of gold from our country what did Guyana benefit from such
exploits? We presently have two gold mining firms and a huge logging firm (company) and we finally struck oil. Are we going to continue on the same trend of firms exploiting our resources and in the end have nothing to show for it? Guyanese please don’t encourage such nonsense; we’re worth far more than just crumbs. Derick Bacchus
Is GuySuCo a Friend or a... From page 4 one that is struggling to keep 17,000 employees on its payroll and needs its employees to channel their energies into making it as efficient as possible; so that they can contribute towards securing future employment for themselves and their colleagues? Against a Corporation that provides them with the necessary tools and safety gears to do their jobs in a safe environment? A Corporation that provides transportation to take them to and from work every day in keeping with agreements? A Corporation that pays wages and salaries, and also increases on same even though it is not making a profit? Resistance against an Interim Management Committee that is one year old and is trying to find solutions to a problem that was not created by them; but nevertheless has taken responsibility to lead GuySuCo through these tough times, and craft a strategy for a prosperous future? One would have thought that with the level of awareness that Mr. Chand and GAWU have of the challenges facing the sugar industry, the focus of this year’s Congress would have been to motivate and inspire our workers to develop a greater sense of ownership which is fundamental for the successful turn-around of the Corporation, and to support the five pathways which the Corporation has developed to achieve the goals and objectives in its strategic plan.
These pathways include; mobilization (financial, human, etc.), developing skills and expertise, encouraging flexibility and adaptability, improving the industrial relations climate and becoming a highly disciplined business entity. The call was made by GAWU for workers to stand up and defend their rights. This is no doubt a noble call. However, GuySuCo wishes to remind GAWU that the ‘rights’ message has to be disseminated to workers in the context that ‘rights have responsibilities’. As a matter of fact, rights are only made valid based on the responsibilities which are attached to them. An analysis of the outcomes from the Congress indicates that it fell short on the responsibilities component of the message to our workers. GuySuCo would only be as successful as the sum of its parts and the employees are a key part of the whole. Another point is that, while some of our employees are members of GAWU and the Union focuses on the rights of these members, there is need for balance in this engagement, since the members of GAWU also have a responsibility to ensure that the rights of other employees who are not members of the Union are upheld. On the point of reprivatization, GAWU would add much value to the process of ensuring the sustainability of GuySuCo by encouraging our workers - its
members, to instead of channeling their energies and resources towards fighting the Corporation; their focus could be on increasing production and productivity. Turning out to work on their estates and going the extra mile, being flexible and adapting to the changes and contributing towards the development of a highly disciplined workforce, confirming to appropriate work standards which are imperative for a successful business. It is obvious that GuySuCo and GAWU have different motives and motivations. The Corporation is of the view that the leadership of GAWU needs a paradigm shift, this will pave the way for more positive and progressive engagements with the Corporation and its employees and would contribute significantly towards accelerating the growth and development of the sugar industry. Finally, while GuySuCo does not expect its stakeholders, for example GAWU, to adapt readily and rapidly to all of the changes taking place in the industry, there is a reasonable expectation that the Union would understand that the Corpor a t i o n r u n s a business and has to manage it that w a y. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Corporation is open to engage GAWU when the Union settles down and is ready to discuss its realities and possibilities. Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer
DEAR EDITOR, As I understand it, an opposition force is of vital importance, a main component in any genuine democracy, which would be poorer in the absence of one. This is what every Guyanese admirer of the USA believes in, craves for and would like to have here at home continuously. An opposition as I know it is like a watchdog which keeps the government on its P’s and Q’s, ensuring that things/business are done in the proper manner – legally, constitutionally, above board, transparently, etc., as they are paid as opposition to do on behalf of the people and just who voted for them. Thus they are expected to be perpetually alert and aware following and objectively analysing the government’s handling of the people’s/ country’s affairs, seeing to it not only what must be done but also what is not being done as is their responsibility and duty. As have been observed over time, many of our oppositions are often in recess, dormant and only come alive when elections are around the bend. Then they become agitated and fever pitch, ready to address and bring to the fore those many age-old problems/issues the people have been complaining about.
Editor, we have a sound recorded history of ruling parties after losing the seat of government, disappearing in thin air, hardly a former minister, representative, activist – both at local and national levels – to be seen, don’t even pay a visit to update members/supporters on the way forward or familiarise themselves on what’s taking place within the scheme of things. Certainly this is one sure way of a party losing support. Make no mistake about it; people, no matter their episodic peculiar behaviour always appreciate being thought about, being paid attention to, being taken care, being represented. From such actions spring a sense of belonging and maybe not in a big way, but at least a modicum of assurance that our party is active and is looking out for us. Revolutionary leaders need to keep in mind that when a movement fails, it is the leaders who fail and not the people. This came back to me some days ago, whilst having a discussion with a known PPP activist in reply to my question; “what happen, alyuh office shut down, ya’ll don’t have meeting no moe?”, He went on: “meetings yuh ain’t see wha going on, party done, dem who deh put in position,
whey dehdeh?” And this is my point; the top echelons in the movement need to work to keep it afloat as the hierarchy within the party – except they are hanging up their gloves – have a mandate, to do more so now than ever, being the opposition, to see to it that they remain grounded with an eye to the future. And this is the way of an opposition force, if it must be considered a force. Opposition parties cannot behave like fair weather friends, they have to be on board with the people through thick and thin; smooth and rough sailings, no matter how broken hearted they be, “bird can’t vex with tree”. The ordinary everyday people – fickle minded as they are, have a peculiar way of observing and style of judging, and are not that always simple as some overzealous ambitious politicians feel. Though they are often taken for a ride, they know how to trick you with a “smile”. That chant that the WPA was noted for in their heyday remains as relevant as ever today; forever ever green: “See with the eyes of the people, hear with the ears of the people, speak with the voice of the people.” Frank Fyffe
Basil Williams is not a fool but makes himself a fool sometimes DEAR EDITOR; The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln once said, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt.” Kaieteur News article of 1st. September quotes Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Hon. Basil Williams as saying, “Nandlall will be placed before Privileges Committee” for “lying” in the National Assembly. It is unclear whether the learned Attorney General is
oblivious to the mounting pressure to send one of his own colleagues to the Committee of Privileges for a much more serious offense, or he is under the illusion that he can use this utterance as a threat to deter and dissuade the PPP/C from pursuing their demands that Minister of Public Health, the Honorable Dr. George Norton be sanctioned by the National Assembly over the Bondgate fiasco. Editor, I’m not implying here that Minister Basil Williams is a fool, far from it.
But he does make a fool of himself sometimes when it is clear that, as Attorney General, he appears to not always understand certain sections of the law, and is often the recipient of a classroom lecture by the former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall during debates in Parliament and in the media. So whether he’s aware of it or not, the Attorney General now makes it difficult for himself, the Speaker of the National Assembly and his Parliamentary colleagues to (Continued on page 6)
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 02, 2016
President Granger needs to act quickly Digicel football rules need consistent enforcing
DEAR EDITOR; It was my firm belief from the inception that two persons will bring disrepute to the new government – Mr. Harmon and Mr. Basil Williams (now joined by Dr. Norton). I do not know these men personally nor have had any interaction with either, but by observing their general attitude in the media over the years, I instinctively felt that they do not have what it takes to be ‘public servants’. They come across as arrogant and impulsive individuals. Mr. Granger needs to wake up and do the ‘Kamla Persaud thing’ before it becomes too late. It is better to lose the next election with integrity rather than be labeled as a ‘lame duck’ president and still lose the election. Which Minister of Legal Affairs, in their right mind, would interfere with the decision of a duly constituted constitutional body, especially if his power to interfere is open to interpretation? The PPP, with their mountain of faults, nevertheless used to run to Ian Chang for any least thing! This would’ve been the proper avenue if the Minister felt that the JSC had erred in their appointment of the Deputy Registrar. It is of necessity that I
should now be worried about a long awaited decision of the Court of Appeal in the U.G. and Cox’s matter, in which I have a vested interest because from 2003 to present Clairmont Cox, Ras Marcus and I have been battling that institution obtain law results for exams written in 2003, thirteen years ago! Final arguments in the said case were heard on 07 March 2016 and reported in the Chronicle on 08 March 2016 that a reserved decision will be given. A decision in Mr. Cox’s favour will be a serious indictment of Mr. Vincent Alexander. It is already making its way into the public domain that the independence of the Judiciary is under siege (Peeping Tom, Sunday KNews 21 August 2016). It is for President Granger to speak out firmly against interference of the Judiciary and for the judges and magistrates to bear in mind the boldness of former Justice Keith Messiah in the Teemal case. I am not to be taken as accusing the Honourable Minister of being likely to tamper with the said Court of Appeal decision aforementioned, but with this new found penchant for interference, I am beginning to get the jitters! Sheik Mustapha
Here is my definition of culture DEAREDITOR; I’m penning this letter in rela t i o n t o a n a r t i c l e captioned “Heritage month interfaith service marred by c o n t r o v e r s i a l presentation.” Firstly, I wish to offer an apology to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the Hon. Mr Sydney Allicock MP, and the indigenous people for this rather unfortunate turn of event because the essence of my presentation a l t h o u g h it may seem controversial was misrepresented by sections of the media. Therefore, my presentation was in no way meant to discredit our indigenous people and their way of life or anyone, but was geared to promote mutual respect for our indigenous culture whatever they may be despite some (if true) may conflict with our constitution because in my presentation, I spoke to CULTURE that was part of the theme “our culture, Earth’s people,” (save the environment, live the indigenous way)which states ‘ culture is the behavior patterns, beliefs, a n d o t h e r products of a particular group of people, such as values, work patterns,
music, dress, diet and ceremonies, that are passed on from generation to generation. A cultural group can be either large or small, but whatever its size, the group culture influences the identity, learning and social behavior of its members.” However, on the theme “save the environment” I did not accuse Exxon mobil of robbing earth as was reported by sections of the media, but I used Exxon mobil as a classic example to say, that we’re taking from the earth what we did not put in; therefore, we should live the indigenous
way by living in harmony with our environment and to take from the earth what we need and not selfishly take from it. Finally, I’m convinced that I’m living in a neurotic society and this neurosis is so common it is almost like walking on egg shells, where you have to measure your thoughts and weigh your words but notwithstanding this; while, I firmly support press freedom, I wish to remind the media that press freedom comes at the expense of responsibly and objective reporting. PanditDeodattTillack
Incompetent contractors should be prosecuted DEAR EDITOR; Contractors that cut corners for profit should be criminally negligible for injuries and fatalities caused by substandard work. Moreover, those involve such as safety inspectors, bribery and responsible for criminal behavior should also be criminally prosecuted. It is unimaginable to think that kids would fall through concrete floors at a newly constructed school.
Separately, every contractor should be bonded and insured. Moreover, the bank or government entity should engage a construction monitor to approve payments after achieving certain milestones. Lastly, a whistleblower protection law should be passed to reward and protect whistle-blowing. Such a law will allow for the sharing of fines resulting from convictions. Keith Bernard
DEAR EDITOR; The dust has settled and the final whistle has been blown bringing an end to the Digicel’s Football Competition for this year. A new champion has been crowned and now has bragging rights for the next year as the school that copped two championships in one year. Congratulations to Chases’ Academic Foundation, more so their star player Job Caesar for delivering the painstaking goal that sent the team from the mining town packing. Last year’s south zone’s
initial winners Sir Leon Lessons delivered a dreadful carnage on Dolphin Secondary to claim the title. This victory was short lived as Dolphin Secondary protested and was eventually crowned the winners of the zone. Digicel first rule clearly indicates the specific day, month and year of which a player can be for entry into the competition. Further, rule five states ‘schools found violating rule one will be disqualified from the competition and shall be debarred from the competition for two years...’ I am quite certain that the officials at Digicel were aware of this
fiasco from last year. Despite this situation a certain school was invited and allowed to participate in this year ’s competition. I congratulate the players of a certain school for meeting so close to the finals and had the taste of victory in their mouths only to have to spit it out and settle for third. I am therefore left to believe that the officials at Digicel forgot the rule which they created, probably for their own personal reasons. I hope the coordinator of this event can indicate why the rules were not enforced barring a certain school from entering this year’s competition? Trevor Chapman
Basil Williams is not a fool but... From page 5 not support a PPP/C resolution to place Dr. Norton before the Committee of Privileges when Parliament resumes. To do otherwise would be seen by all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora, as hypocritical at best. According to Williams, the PPP/C Member of Parliament, Anil Nandall “lied” in the National Assembly when he informed the House that “Former President, Donald Ramotar had met with the wife of Walter Rodney, in the United States, and that she had requested the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into her husband’s death be held without the involvement of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).” The PPP/C Motion to adopt the recommendations of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry was debated in the National Assembly on Thursday, 4 August where Nandlall is alleged to have made the statement quoted above. The Attorney General had an opportunity and the required votes during the following sitting of the House on Monday, 8 August, to send Nandlall to the Committee of Privileges if indeed he was convinced and had evidence to prove Nandlall “lied”. He chose not to do so. And so, his desire to sanction Nandlall at a time when Dr.Norton is called upon to account for misleading the National Assembly, must be seen as a childish ‘tit for tat’
reaction in support of his APNU colleague, and indeed a smoke screen designed to shift the daily outrage aimed at the APNU+AFC Administration vis-a-vis the pharmaceutical storage bond fiasco and other scandalous revelations. Considering the AG is so anxious of sending a PPP Parliamentarian to be sanctioned by the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges, was he not lying to the nation when he insisted in a Kaieteur News article dated 22 August, that on April 8, 2016, “Government had not yet finalized a settlement with BK”, knowing fully well that according to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, the US$5.7m settlement was hammered out since the year before? And shouldn’t Williams himself go before the Committee for deliberately lying to Parliament by insisting that the US$5.7 million given to Brian Tiwarie in relation to the Haags Bosch dumpsite was to settle a US$10 million lawsuit which Williams knew was never part of any court action? Shouldn’t the Finance Minister, the Hon. Winston Jordon be sent to the Committee of Privileges for denying rice farmers the $23B he claimed had been set aside in his 2015 National Budget presentation to pay rice farmers following disclosures that the PetroCaribe Fund was empty? Wasn’t this lying to the National Assembly? And shouldn’t Minister
Raphael Trotman and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo also face the Committee for misleading the House when they accused the former administration of mismanaging the nation’s forest reserves? And who should face the Committee of Privileges for misleading the nation on the Durban Park 50th Anniversary project when we were first told that it would not cost taxpayers a single cent, then subsequently the public was told it would cost $150 million, and when the supplementary budget was recently tabled in Parliament, we now know that it cost the Guyanese taxpayers $400 million to construct the Durban Park project. Editor, while I am no lawyer, after reading the merits of his contention I am left to wonder whether the Attorney General was present in New York during the discussion that former President Donald Ramotar had with the Rodney Family. How could he have known what Ms Rodney said to President Ramotar regardless of whether she may have given evidence to the COI to the contrary. Is he prepared to bring Ms Rodney to Guyana to testify before the Parliamentary Committee? Basil Williams is ourAttorney General, but Basil Williams is no Anil Nandall. I fear if he pursues this vindictive course of action, he will only present yet another opportunity for Nandlall to embarrass him as he does almost weekly in the media. HARRY GILL, MP.
Friday September 02, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Alleged serial bandit also remanded for shooting at cops Shemroy Hackett, who lawmen describe as a serial bandit, was yesterday remanded to prison for allegedly shooting at two policemen and for a series of robberies allegedly committed between July and last month, on the East Coast of Demerara Hackett, 27, of 134 Bare Root, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul in the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court after he reportedly confessed to being a member of a gang. This newspaper was also told that H a c k e t t w a s positively identified during several identification parades conducted on We d n e s d a y. The unrepresented man was charged with six counts of robbery underarms, two counts of discharging a loaded firearm with intent, and one count each of possession of arms and ammunition. H a c k e t t was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that he discharged a loaded firearm at Police Lance Corporal Hilton Benjamin and Constable Marvin Richards, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause them grievous bodily. The peace officers were at the time acting in consort on their duties at Bachelors Adventure, East Coast Demerara on August 29. It is alleged that on the same day, at Enmore, East
Alleged serial bandit Shemroy Hackett being escorted by a police officer Coast Demerara, while armed with a shotgun, Hackett robbed Hamid Ramlagan of $3,000,000, a . 3 2 Ta u r u s p i s t o l , 1 5 rounds of .32 ammunition, a quantity of gold jewellery and a DVR system - all totaling $5, 383,00 0 property of Maimoon Ramlagan. According to reports, at around 17:00hrs on the day in question, five a r m e d men stormed an Enmore grocery store and after g r a b b i n g an undisclosed amount of cash and other valuables, escaped from the scene by hijacking a Toyota Raum motor car. The police were informed and roadblocks were immediately set up which resulted in a shootout between the police and bandits. The shootout reportedly started in Enmore and ended at Bare Root and
resulted in the arrest of one of the bandits. It is also alleged that on July 1, while in the company of others and armed with a shotgun, Hackett robbed Xie-Thi-Fang of an iPhone 6, a quantity of Digicel phone cards and $120,000all totaling $380,000. Further, it is alleged that on July 7, Hackett robbed ChenBi-Fen of items valuing $180,000 at Coldingen, East
Coast Demerara. Hackett is accused of robbing Elizabeth Lindy at gunpoint of her cell phone and $360,000 property of ChoFei. He is also accused of robbing Kizzian Windsor of a cell phone valued $50,000 and Sherman Persaud of a mobile phone worth $29,000. Also, Hackett was charged with one count of possession of an illegal 9mm pistol and one count of being in possession of twelve matching rounds of ammunition, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. To these two charges, he pleaded not guilty. Police Prosecutor, Sherlock King opposed bail for Hackett on the ground that some of the offences were committed since July. He said that there is a likelihood if Hackett is released on bail he would
commit other offences. According to the prosecutor, investigations into the matters are still ongoing. Magistrate AllySeepaul transferred some of the matter to courts in their respective jurisdictions. Some of the
matters were transferred to the Sparendaam M a g i s t r a t e ’s C o u r t f o r October 13 and the Cove a n d J o h n M a g i s t r a t e ’s Court for October 19. The cases fixed for the Vi g i l a n c e M a g i s t r a t e ’s Court were adjourned until September 30.
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Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
GWI terminates services of twice-convicted manager A week after sending him on administrative leave, the Board of Directors of the state-owned, Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), yesterday announced that it has decided to terminate the services of a senior manager. In a statement, the entity disclosed that the Board of Directors, following a specially convened meeting yesterday, decided to terminate the services of Lear Goring, the Debt Recovery Manager. “Mr. Goring was sent on
…says “he is unqualified for the position’ administrative leave pending investigations into reports that he was not qualified for the position of Debt Recovery Manager,” GWI explained. “The decision comes following a review of Mr. Goring’s credentials, which do not satisfy the requirements outlined for the position. It should also be noted that the decision taken was based solely on a review of
his qualification for the job. The Chairman, Board of Directors and Management of GWI wish Mr. Goring all the best in his future endeavors,” the statement said. Goring’s presence at GWI had sparked debate after it became known recently that in the 1990s, he served time twice for two separate drug trafficking convictions. In both cases, he was deported
to Guyana. Critics and sympathizers were heavily divided whether he should be given a second chance. He apparently submitted a clean police record when he got the job last year. Goring came to the spotlight recently when it became known that he and GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, were sitting as directors on a
Terminated: Lear Goring GWI’s head, Dr. Richard Van West Charles
GWI’s Chairman, Nigel Hinds
company, Atlantic Fuels Inc., which benefitted from fuel import and storage licences in November. With questions over the licences, Guyana learnt that both men became directors just a few weeks after the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections. The application was made late September, days before Van West Charles took up office as Chief Executive at GWI. The licences were granted a few weeks later in November. It was around the same time that the licences were issued by the Guyana Energy Agency that Van-West Charles, the son-in-law of
former President Forbes Burnham, hired Goring as Manager of the Debt Recovery Unit. The unit had been disbanded since 2010 by the administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. Last week Monday, hours after Kaieteur News broke the story that Goring’s background was questionable for such a critical position as debt collection, GWI took a decision to send him on administration leave pending a probe by the board. Van-West Charles, who was said to be Goring’s friend, was asked by the Board to submit a report on the circumstances how the manager was hired.
Friday September 02, 2016
The company which was originally selected to build the Specialty Hospital ended up being indebted to both the government and a private construction firm, BK International Incorporated. The government was owed money advanced to the company for work which was never done. BK International Incorporated was owed for works done, but for which it allegedly did not receive payment. The government subsequently seized a shipment of steel which was consigned to the company. The basis of this seizure is questionable. It is not clear whether the government had a legal instrument from the Courts to effect the seizure. There needs to be an investigation as to the legal basis of the seizure
and if the Guyana Revenue Authority may have allowed the then government to seize the steel without proper legal authorization. The fact remains, however, whether lawfully or unlawfully, that the steel ended up in the possession of the state. Possession, however, is not ownership. The steel would have ended up in the hands of the state in any event, because the company constructing the specialty hospital had abandoned local operations and was no longer present in the jurisdiction. As such, the contents would have been seized by the state unless some other entity had filed a lien on these goods. It needs to be determined whether prior to the seizure by the state, BK International
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Kaieteur News
Incorporated had received an authorization from the courts to place a lien or to levy on the steel imports. The fact that the government was reportedly in possession of the steel would seem to suggest that at the time the government effected the seizure of the steel, there was no legal authorization from the courts for BK International Incorporated to levy on the steel. But this fact needs to be confirmed What was interesting is how in the end BK International Incorporated got possession of the entire shipment of steel. If BK International had been issued authorization by the courts to levy on the steel, it could only have levied to the extent of the judgment it had received. There has been a sugges-
tion in the media that the value of the steel that BK International Incorporated levied on was greater than the sum it was owed. The sum it was owed is immaterial. What is important is what the courts have authorized. If the courts authorized that the entire shipment be levied on, then the value of the steel BK International Incorporated levied on is immaterial. It is hardly likely though that the courts would authorize the levying on an entire shipment worth multiple times more than the indebtedness of the company to BK International Incorporated. What is baffling is the role of the state. Assuming that BK International Incorporated did have authorization from the Courts to levy on
that specific shipment of steel, why did the government not move for a stay of execution on the grounds that the state had assumed possession of the steel, and therefore the shipment cannot be considered the property of the firm that was building the specialty hospital. In other words, why did the government not challenge the levying on the steel by BK International Incorporated on the grounds that the steel was now the property of the government? The issue of the propriety of the seizure of the steel by the government and the circumstances under which the steel ended up in the possession of BK International Incorporated requires an investigation, so that the true facts can be determined.
If Cabinet did not authorize the delivery of the steel to BK International Incorporated, then perhaps Cabinet would not be in a conflict of interest to have a three-man committee of members of Cabinet prepare another forty-eight hours report on the matter, as was the case with the bond which was rented by the Ministry of Health. But given the legal issues involved, it is best if the President appoints a retired judge to prepare a report into this matter. It will not go away so long as there are unanswered questions.
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Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Examples of President Granger falling down Guyanese icon, Yesu Persaud told me a story when Cheddi Jagan was President of Guyana. The time was 1993. President Jagan was in the
Republic Park home of his PPP colleague, medical doctor, Moti Lall. The occasion was President Jagan’s informal chat
with a group of businessmen. Mr. Persaud recalled that the request was made to President Jagan about his urgent attention in relation to
changing the constitution. Mr. Persaud said he was taken by complete surprise by the answer of Jagan. Jagan told the gathering, “why is that urgent, can you see me becoming a dictator?” Yesu Persaud repeated that story on his television programme, “Eye on the Issue,” when he interviewed Moses Nagamootoo in 2013. Incidentally, I watched the interview at the Kaieteur News. Dr. Jagan had to know that structures were more important that people. This was Aristotle’s famous critique of his teacher, Plato. Aristotle’s main contention against Plato’s breathtaking book, ‘The Republic’, was that people can change, so it is best to let laws do the talking rather than people. This particular insight of Aristotle is regarded as one of the seminal contributions in philosophy. Written more than two thousand years ago, Aristotle’s point has influenced all subsequent generations. One can trace the concept of “conflict of interest” directly to Aristotle’s adumbration of the power of laws over the feelings of rulers. People can do all sorts of unpredictable things, so it is best to have a structure that people are subordinated to rather than leave it up to the desires of leaders. There can be no accusation against a judge if he recuses himself from a business trial in which his wife has shares in the company. There can be no accusation against a bank’s CEO if he removes himself from deciding on a tender if the applying company is closely associated with his son. I hon-
estly believe Jagan knew all these things, but he now had power and he wanted what the constitution put at his disposal. This column is not a comment on the pharmaceutical bond fiasco. It is about instances where President Granger fell down. The bond issue is what I will start with. President Granger cannot say that he does not know what conflict of interest is. I would not accept that from an educated person like President Granger. Instantaneously, Mr. Granger should have gone outside of the Cabinet. I doubt the Vice-Chancellor or the Registrar of UG would have refused his request to investigate. I doubt our former judges would have turned down the President. I doubt retired head teachers would have said no to the President. If Mr. Granger never thought that in appointing a Cabinet sub-committee to investigate, it would not have been seen as conflict of interest, I hope he pulls himself up long before 2020. Next we go way back to May 2015. If Mr. Granger did not generate the thought himself, when the proposal came to him, he should have instantly rejected it. I would like to be part of an intellectual exchange with the President to hear him analyse the decision for dissolving the Ministry of Youth. I am saying that explanation cannot be strong enough to stand up in the contextual argument of Guyana’s needs. Next is the scrapping of the Ministry of Labour and the creation of a Ministry of Business. The juxtaposition is so stark that it appears sur-
Frederick Kissoon real. The working people of this country had their ministry reduced to a department, while the business community has a ministry that tends to their interests. But here is the thing. It doesn’t have to be one against the other. I support a ministry of business, though I would not have named it that. But I also support a ministry of labour. My question to President Granger is why he chose not to have a ministry of labour and if it doesn’t send a bad signal to trade unions and workers that their ministry is abolished or reduced to a department within another ministry, yet he has a ministry of business. It would be interesting to all Guyanese to hear his intellectualizing on these two abolitions - youth and labour. Finally, has President discussed with his ministers the meticulous awareness at all times not to play into the hands of the PPP? It is one of the many leadership factors and is referred to in the textbook as “Situational Sensitivity.” With the controversy that enveloped BK Tiwarie and Joe Harmon why did Mr. Harmon go to the Eugene Correia Airport to turn the sod of a project by Tiwarie and not the Minister of Business or the two Public Infrastructure Ministers?
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo give Babbie nuff things When dem boys talk that Jagdeo do nuff things in secret dem didn’t know half de story. Dem did find out that Jagdeo sell de Sanata complex to he best friend in secret, but that was only after dem find out that Jagdeo use Brassington to do everything. Of course Brassington see jail and he run. He living in Florida today. Now when GWI find de well in Sanata complex dem hear that Jagdeo did sell de well too. Of course people didn’t know bout de well, but that well was to provide water to de 9,000 people in West Ruimveldt, de Scheme, and all dem nearby community. And when dem advertise Sanata dem didn’t advertise de well. De GWI people go to Sanata to check pun de well and de board chairman call Dicky West and tell him to call off de men till he check. He even get de fat crook Brassington to call to seh that he sell de well wid de complex. Is like going to a farm to buy ochro and bora and getting de land too. De situation suh bad because dem boys
feel as though dem get sodomised and dem can’t sit down. Babbie get de complex and Jagdeo give him de well. It mean that Babbie was doing de people in West Ruimveldt a favour by giving dem de water that dem was getting even before he get de complex. But dem was paying GWI fuh de water and GWI was paying de light bill fuh Babbie well. Dem boys want to know if Babbie use to write GWI fuh de money. Dem boys want to know how this could happen. That was bareface scampishness. Is a wonder Babbie didn’t seh that is he dig de well. Now Babbie never pay light bill fuh de well and dem boys want to know what else he didn’t pay GPL for. Dem might find out that Babbie actually get a power station, in secret. That ain’t all. In some other property he own he never use to pay fuh water. GPL should check to see if he pay fuh lights. GRA must check to see if he don’t own de tax office and think that he don’t have to pay taxes. Talk half and wait to see Babbie tax returns.
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Granger’s words have no weight - Opposition Leader
President David Granger
Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop “The President is becoming increasingly ceremonial. Imagine he says release the contracts, we have nothing to hide, and nobody pays attention to him. Not even his own government.” This dismissive declaration was made yesterday by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. He was at the time speaking at his party’s weekly press conference. Continuing in the same vein, Jagdeo pointed out that it was Granger who had said that the Judicial Service Commission should determine the appointments of officials in the Supreme Court Registry. Jagdeo said that in a clear act of defiance of the President’s statement, Attorney General Basil Williams reportedly interfered in the appointment of Zanna Frank as the Deputy Registrar in the Deeds Registry. After his demeaning remarks about Granger, the Opposition Leader then turned his attention the controversial well located in the Sanata Complex. His explanation of the privatization agreement between his government and Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. (QAII) was barely believable. He said that even though the GWI well in the Sanata Complex was privatized, the well “still” continues to provide the 9,000 surrounding residents of the Ruimveldt area - including D’Aguiar Park, Alexander Village, Meadow Bank and West Ruimveldt - with water. While the Opposition Leader made this statement, he failed completely to remind the nation that the well was, and still is, being fully maintained and operated by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) personnel. The maintenance and electrical bills
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo cost GWI a whopping $3M monthly. He did not comment on the fact that the people were billed by GWI for the water supplied. Jagdeo brazenly stated, “One thing was clear throughout all of this...the 9,000 people who are benefitting from the water, they will continue to benefit from that. GWI didn’t have to pay Queens Atlantic for the water. The well, although located in the Sanata (complex), continued to serve West Ruimveldt and the 9,000 people.” The Opposition Leader also revealed that there is a document showing the process taken to privatize the various assets. “In that document it will show the process that we went through in privatizing everything, including the Sanata (Complex.)” This document however was never made public in the past. In fact, the entire Sanata Complex deal was essentially a state secret. The well was never included in the sale of the Sanata complex, a fact that Jagdeo hid from the nation. To this day the nation is unaware if the well had a special price. In reality the well should cost almost as much as the sum Dr Ramroop paid for the entire complex. The controversy surrounding this issue initially arose when GWI technicians attempted to conduct checks of a water connection attached to the buildings within the Sanata Complex. The complex which is located in the Ruimveldt area was privatized some years ago under the Jagdeo administration. Jagdeo’s best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop subsequently benefitted from a sweetheart deal
on the complex. During a “tit-for-tat” between the GWI technicians and Ramroop’s management, the technicians were subsequently asked to stand off and suspend all investigations until further notice. It is this that caused Dr Ramroop’s newspaper to fire back at GWI about the employment of Lear Goring. Goring was fired yesterday. Chairman of the GWI Board, Nigel Hinds later confirmed that ownership of the well was in question and GWI needed to probe this. GWI subsequently issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that the well is no longer under its control. According to a statement by the company, the investigations were to ascertain in whose name the well located in the compound of Sanata complex, was registered. Following this disclosure, it was agreed between Ramroop and the utility company that “GWI will continue to service the well, which also supplies water to residents within its environs.” But it will be servicing a private well with taxpayers’ money. Members on the GWI board now say that Ramroop should repay the $3 million monthly bill to GWI. Jagdeo did not address this issue. GWI said that Dr. Ramroop indicated that he had bought the entire complex which included the well but “inherited the daily checks of the well by GWI. He assured GWI that he will not interfere with this arrangement.” Observers say that while he would not interfere with this arrangement he should be prepared to foot the maintenance costs. GPL should insist on some cost recovery, they added.
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Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Berbice businessman murder PI…
More arrest warrants issued for witnesses Arrest warrants have been issued for two witnesses involved in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of businessman, Shameer Ali Mursalin. Mursalin, called ‘Kazac,’ a trader, of Grant 1805 Weld Tank Dam, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, was fatally shot to the head on October 24, 2015. Fellow Berbice businessman Dennis Veerasammy and two of his employees, Basheer Harrinauth and Delroy Fraser, are before the court for the murder. The matter is continuing before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court, East Berbice-
Corentyne. The matter was briefly heard yesterday as two of the witnesses, Rocky Profitt and Jagdeo Ramdass, were not present. Bishram Deodat and Police Corporal Christopher Ebert were the only witnesses to take the stand and provide evidence in the PI. Police Prosecutor Bernard Brown provided the court with an update on the status of the main witness (Profitt). Profitt had provided evidence earlier in the trial. Magistrate Singh had adjourned the matter without allowing the witness to review or sign his deposition. He has not returned to court ever since. Amidst public debate over Profitt‘s uncertified evi-
dence (deposition), Magistrate Singh had issued a warrant for his arrest. Prosecutor Brown told the court yesterday, that he was informed that Mr. Profitt had been seeking medical attention at a city hospital. According to Brown, the witness is unable to attend court due to issues related to his health. The Magistrate then reminded the court that a warrant is still out for Profitt’s arrest. He also issued an arrest warrant for Ramdass. Ramdass was set to be cross-examined by Defence Attorney Chandra Sohan. When Ramdass testified at the last hearing, the attorney was absent. Sohan, who is representing, the number one
Murdered: Shameer Ali Mursalin
Attorney, Chandra Sohan
Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh entering the courthouse at Springlands, Berbice
accused (Veersammy) had indicated he is “not sure,” if he will be providing further representation for the accused in the matter. Sohan, who is also a former Magistrate, had indicated that he was not pleased with the negative publicity that the trial is generating. He emphatically stated that he never had any knowledge of any wrongdoing in the trial. The matter has been producing a fair share of controversy. In addition to complaints about the aforementioned unsigned deposition and questionable adjournments, the General Manager of a city hotel was remanded to prison for allegedly offering $400,000 as a bribe to a detective attached to the Major Crime Investigation Unit, Eve Leary, Georgetown, for him to suppress evidence
in the case. Veersammy Narine, 52, of Robb and Alexander Streets, Bourda, Georgetown, has since been remanded on the bribery charge. Narine is a relative of Veersammy, one of the three accused. Following yesterday’s hearing, attorney Sohan again expressed concerns over the reports published in Kaieteur News. He approached a female reporter, who was present at the hearing and expressed concerns over what he believes is one –sided coverage of the case. Questioned about his position on the matter, Sohan said that he decided against withdrawing his services after his client’s relatives reassured him that they had no connection to the hotel owner who was arrested for allegedly bribing the detectives to suppress evidence.
Friday September 02, 2016
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Kaieteur News
GuySuCo in US$410M debt, selling 2,000 acres to raise cash - CEO Errol Hanoman As sugar continues to struggle, the state-owned corporation has embarked on a number of cost-cutting measures and other initiatives to right the faltering industry. This week, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) announced plans to release over 2,000 acres of lands on the East Coast of Demerara. GuySuCo is hoping that the proceeds of the sale of the lands would help to dent a massive $82B (US$410M) in debt that the corporation has racked up to suppliers, banks, and other creditors. That debt would represent a third of the country’s annual budget. While the industry managed to meet its target of over 227,000 tonnes of sugar last year, the cash situation has continued to show a dismal trend over the past decade. With over 17,000 workers depending on the industry, the David Granger administration which took office last year inherited the same problem facing its predecessor, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) - that is, how to cut losses without causing untold harm to the workers and the country. None of the political parties have been willing to
GuySuCo’s Chief, Errol Hanoman anger the workers who traditionally have largely been voting for the PPP/C. Foreign exchange earned from sugar exports has been among the top three for the country for over a decade now, along with gold and rice, something that Guyana can ill-afford to dispense with. Speaking with Kaieteur News on Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Errol Hanoman, who was brought back last year to steady the corporation, explained that advertisements this week in the Guyana Chronicle asking for proposals for the land, is part of the re-organisation process. According to the ad,
Some of Ogle cane lands that will be up for sale.
GuySuCo is asking for Expressions of Interest for portions of transported lands at Industry, Ogle, Goedverwagting and Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara. GuySuCo wants to sell the land in no less than plots of one acres. According to the GuySuCo’s chief, the proposals will have to conform to the overall plan for the development of the country. This means that proper zoning will be factored in. GuySuCo is also selling several plots of lands for
Man accused of having sex with neighbour, 11, arrested The police have arrested an Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara man after receiving information that he may have been having sex with his 11-year-old neighbour. Police sources confirmed that a medical examination was performed on the child and showed signs of sexual activities. The man is said to be in his late 40s. According to information received, neighbours observed the child entering the man’s home Wednesday night and after
suspecting that something was wrong, they called the police. When ranks from the Leonora Police Station went to the house, they found the child in the man’s home. He was subsequently taken into custody and the child was taken for a medical examination. This newspaper was told that the minor was a frequent visitor to the man’s home. Investigations are ongoing.
housing in areas including Mandela Avenue and along Liliendaal and Ogle, on the East Coast of Demerara. According to Hanoman, the 2,000-plus acres are in essence the remaining sections from the integration process of cane lands in the East Demerara estates. He explained that GuySuCo is finalizing the process of ensuring that operations are efficient. Already, GuySuCo has started preparations to remove its headquarters from Ogle to LBI, an estate a few miles that has been merged with Enmore. The Ogle headquarters is slated to become a training school for public servants. Works have begun to refurbish the Ogle buildings, the official said. The move to LBI is expected by January. A number of departments which were scattered around, will now be centralized, allowing for costs to be reduced further. “We are experiencing a serious situation at the moment with our debts. The measures to centralize our operations at LBI and the
completion of the merging of LBI and Enmore are all part of the process,” Hanoman explained. But for the measures, it may take a while for GuySuCo to turn a corner. Its first crop for this year fell short by almost 30 percent to almost 57,000 tonnes. GuySuCo has targeted 240,000 tonnes this year. The company has already received from Government in
excess of $21B for this year, thus far, to help in restructuring and to pay expenses. At the current trends, GuySuCo will need an annual subvention in excess of $10B, Hanoman has said. The forecast is not looking so good this year. A late start to the second crop coupled with strikes, drought and now rains, have been proving a challenge.
Supermarket owner claims... From page 3 will send a patrol, but up to now, nothing was done.” The proprietor is offering a $1M reward for any information leading to the arrest of the three suspects. Recalling what transpired on the night of the robbery, the businessman said that they were just about to close the supermarket when two customers went in and requested to purchase a few items. It was while the two staffers were attending to the customers that the three suspects rushed into the supermarket and demanded that everyone lie on the floor. The men made off with an undisclosed sum of cash from the supermarket along with valuables from the staffers and customers. While no one was harmed, the men did threaten to return and “kill a few people” if they called the police. The businessman believes that the robbery might have been plotted by someone whom he had a confrontation with sometime last month. He is calling on the police to conduct a thorough investigation.
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Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Schoolgirl battles for life after accident Eleven-year-old Hema Singh is clinging to life, attached to a machine at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after she was struck down by a car on
the Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara Public Road last Saturday. Singh also called “Amesha” of 19 Tenez Ferne, Canal Number One, West
Bank Demerara, suffered a broken left leg and head injuries. Her condition has been listed as critical. She is a patient in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
The accident occurred around 09:45 hrs on Saturday. The driver has been released on station bail. According to information received, Singh was crossing the Canal Number One Public Road, when she was struck down by a car bearing registration number PPP 5344. The child’s mother, Nalini Sukhu said that she sent her daughter to buy garlic from a grocery van that was passing on the public road when the accident occurred. “I was sewing and when I see she (Hema) stopped the van, I continued sewing and all I hear was ‘blam’ and when I look up, I see a child in the air,” Sukhu recalled. She said that when she rushed out, a neighbour had already removed her daughter from in front of the vehicle and soaked her head with water. “The driver came out of the vehicle and was arguing
with some boys who were asking him if he didn’t see the child,” the woman said. The driver took Singh and her mother to the West Demerara Regional Hospital before she was eventually transferred to the GPHC. Sukhu explained that at the scene of the accident she was informed by the driver of the grocery van, that her daughter needed more money to purchase the garlic, hence, she was returning home for the rest of the money when she was struck down. The driver, according to Sukhu, claimed that the child was walking over the road, instead of running. However, the mother was informed by eyewitnesses that the driver was not paying attention. At the hospital yesterday, the woman said that doctors have informed her that her daughter is stable but her condition is listed as critical. “The doctor said that her
Hema Singh brain is bleeding in several places and they have to wait until the swelling on her brain go down before they do any surgery,” the woman alleged. She explained that the little girl would have started at Patentia Secondary School on Monday, but now she is hospitalized, and cannot even breathe on her own.
Door opens for further negotiations on Public Service wage increase Despite concerns over Government’s recent proposals for salary increases for public servants, President David Granger has insisted that the APNU –AFC administration has not closed the door on the Union on future discussions on the matter. The President’s views were captured in the recently aired weekly televised programme “the Public Interest.” According to President Granger, the Government will continue to hold discourse with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) in an effort to create a more efficient public service. “I am not saying that the public servants do not deserve more. We did everything that is possible and entered the negotiations in good faith. We have not discontinued negotiations, but that is the final offer (for now). Because of the preparations for next year’s budget, we need to tidy up this business before the last quarter,” the Head of State explained. The President said that based on the country’s current indebtedness, the 10% offer is the most feasible. “It is not unjust. It is perhaps what can be afforded at the moment.” He admits that when APNU–AFC Government went into office “we did not anticipate the volume of indebtedness of the Guyana Sugar Corporation and the fall in prices of other national commodities such as bauxite, gold and timber.
- Pres. Granger
President David Granger He noted too that the social sector has taken quite a bit of the country’s revenue. The President said, however that the Government will continue to engage the GPSU towards providing an efficient public service. “There are a number of other initiatives on the table,” he added. In a recent statement, the government made a final offer of a 10 percent increase in salaries for public servants working earning below $99,000, and has made an offer of 1-6% for other categories of workers. According to a statement issued, the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) concluded discussions on Wages and Salaries for Public Servants within the Bargaining Unit for 2016. The negotiations were conducted in the spirit of cordiality and mutual respect, and were consistent with the obligations of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Guyana Public Service Union and the Public Service Ministry for the
Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes. The negotiations were conducted within a twomonth period from June 22, 2016 to August 24, 2016, during which period both the GoG and the GPSU presented proposals. The government has made a final offer of a 10 percent increase in salaries for public servants. The initial proposal of the GPSU was for a 40% across-the-board increase for public servants. The union had also requested that allowances be included in the negotiations. The GoG’s proposal took into consideration the fundamental need for a restructured Public Service which included the adjustment of scales for wages and salaries; the implementation of a merit increment system; and a resolution of the issue of bunching. It was pointed out to the union, that each of these would entail an additional cost to Government and result in increased earnings for Public Servants. However the GOG’s proposal was rejected by the union. It was pointed out to the GPSU that the GoG’s final offer for wage and salary increases for Public Servants had taken into consideration the current socio-economic environment; the difficulty in agreeing to increases that would entail having to raise additional revenue and the unsustainability of any (Continued on page 27)
Friday September 02, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Ramotar Cabinet illegally transferred $600M from GGMC to EPA - Goolsarran Flagrant breaches of Guyana’s Constitution and strict financial laws by the former Cabinet have surfaced once again. This time, it has been highlighted in a forensic audit report on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This report was prepared by Chartered Accountant Anand Goolsarran. In his report, the former Auditor General said that in early 2015, under the direction from the then Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Agency tendered for “Consultancy Services for the Reorientation of the Environmental Protection Agency.” This was done to address the organizational changes needed to strengthen and improve efficiency. The auditor said that funding of US$240,000 was provided from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) based on a Cabinet decision on September 9, 2014. This amount was placed in the Agency’s account at a
Former President, Donald Ramotar commercial bank. Goolsarran said that after two attempts, no bids were received for the project, and no expenditure was incurred as of 31 May 2015. The auditor said that the troubling part of this arrangement comes into play when the EPA received an additional amount of $600 million from the GGMC, consequent upon a Cabinet decision of January 15, 2015. Of this amount, Goolsarran discovered that $500 million was to be
transferred to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to execute works in Regions One, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. This was part of the “Pick-It-Up” campaign. Goolsarran noted, nonetheless, that no transfers were made to the NDIA, as a Memorandum of Understanding for the execution of the works had not been finalized. As of May 2015, the balance on this account was $515.718 million. The forensic auditor said however that it should be emphasized that it is not within the authority of GGMC to transfer funds to other government agencies to incur expenditure, especially if such expenditure is unrelated to its activities. He said that this practice not only undermines the role
of Parliament in approving public expenditure, as provided for under Article 217 of the Constitution, but also Section 16 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) Act 2003. Goolsarran said that if the GGMC has funds that are surplus to its requirements, it would be entirely appropriate for transfers to be made to the Consolidated Fund to allow for the Legislature to reallocate funds to other areas of Government operations that are in need of them. In addition to this, the Chartered Accountant stated that since the transfers are not captured in the National Estimates, the related expenditure will not be reflected in the public accounts of the country, and hence there will be an under-
Forensic Auditor, Anand Goolsarran reporting of public expenditure. Of significance,
Goolsarran said, is the fact that the former Cabinet also acted improperly in approving these two transfers. He stressed that the former Cabinet’s actions and/ or decisions violated both the Constitution and the FMA Act. Management has since commented that the EPA board considered these two matters and accepted the recommendation contained in the main report that the two amounts be transferred to the Consolidated Fund. At the time of reporting, the Agency was awaiting concurrence from the subject Minister before proceeding further.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 02, 2016
President orders joint M&CC, private sector committee to be established
President David Granger yesterday convened a meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency with representatives from Central Government, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council and the Private Sector, where following discussions, he mandated the establishment of a Joint Committee. This has to happen within the next seven days, the ministry said yesterday. The body will be supported and facilitated by Central Government through the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, and is expected to ensure greater cooperation and collaboration among these stakeholders, on matters affecting the City. Present at the meeting were Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia ChaseGreen; Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Oscar Clarke; Councillor Alfred Mentore; former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Persaud; Vice President of the Georgetown
President David Granger (centre) and the team from the Private Sector Commission and the M&CC. Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vishnu Doerga and Christopher Fernandes, former Chief Executive Officer of John Fernandes Limited. The President made it clear during the meeting, that while he will not dictate to the Council, it is important that
these agencies work together for the good of the capital city as they all have a vested interest in its development. “I believe we all want a safe city. We want a sanitary city and we want a city that is efficiently administered; one that can attract business,
attract tourists and one that is safe for its own residents,” he said. The President has mandated that Minister Bulkan coordinate and arrange the setting up and meeting of the committee. “The Minister said that
the administration welcomes the efforts and interest of the Private Sector to collaborate with the municipality and central Government, given that Georgetown is not an ordinary City but is the Capital City and as such, places a responsibility and obligation on all stakeholders and partners to work together for the common good,” the ministry said. “Money is important and whatever revenue garnering measures are being contemplated and anticipated, will require significant involvement at the level of Central Government, both in terms of identification as well as i n s t i t u t ing and implementing, so I think that today’s meeting is very important in the sense that it signals agreement and acceptance of these, the major stakeholders, but what is required, is a collaborative and cooperative approach as opposed to any confrontation, and it is only in that way that we can ensure that the level of efficiency that is needed to manage the city. It requires the efforts and inputs of all of us,” he said. Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen, in an invited comment, said that the decision by the President will help to put the relationship between the Council and the private sector on a more stable footing. “I am happy that the meeting was held this morning with the President to iron out some of the issues that we have concerning the City of Georgetown. The Committee that will be set up is one more or less that the President has put the concrete in because the
Council and Private Sector Commission have been meeting before. We have been trying to work together and of course, it will take some time for us to get to that one common understanding...but the Committee that will be set up will work hand in hand, all for the better of the community,” she said. Persaud, too, expressed thanks to the President for convening the meeting and for endorsing the need for dialogue between the business community and the Mayor and City Councilors of Georgetown. “We believe that it is important for us to modernise the city of Georgetown and all our other towns with regard to the services provided to businesses. Local government organs are very, very important with regard to the competiveness of business. We are an important stakeholder in accessing the services of the city. We do understand that the city needs revenue to accomplish their vision. We believe that the vision for a modern city requires such revenue. “I believe that the committee that has just been convened will facilitate such dialogue; such input. It will ensure that the business community understand what is taking place within the City Council and that the City Council understands the implications of some of the decisions on business, the price of our products, the consumer impacts and so forth so we believe that the committee will have the o p p o r t u n i t y t o h a ve dialogue and we will work together towards a modern city,” he said.
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Friday September 02, 2016
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Nursing fraternity calls on Govt. to address critical issues ...as 310 graduate The nursing fraternity is calling on the government to meaningfully address a number of critical issues which the Georgetown Nursing School currently has to deal with. Delivering the School’s Report at a graduation ceremony held yesterday at the National Cultural Centre was Principal Cleopatra Barkoye who raised several matters which the institution and the nursing fraternity at large wish to see fixed as soon as possible. She said that presently the library at the institution is unsuitable to adequately serve the needs of the students and tutors of the school. The midwifery nurses are affected from making their 25 deliveries quota since they have to compete with the medical students who also have their quota to make. In addition, Barkoye said that the evening students are forced to pay additional costs to use the services of the learning lab. She explained that the safety of nurses at night is also a matter of concern. The capacity of the school is stymied by the lack of maintenance of computers which are consequently left in disrepair. Further, the institution continues to suffer
from disruption in water supply and an unreliable internet supply for tutors and students. Barkoye said that this tremendously affects research, which needs to be done. Barkoye appealed to the Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, who was in attendance, that “it is imperative to get it right from the beginning.” The Principal made a few recommendations to improve the functioning of the institution. These include rigid interviewing of persons interested in attending the school so as to reduce the attrition rate. She also called on the Ministry to work on providing a healthy environment for students and teachers, and to increase the cadre of full-time tutors. Currently the full-time teaching staff stands at 16. Barkoye also called on government to recognize the contributions made by the tutors to the country’s human resources and in so doing, to grant duty free concessions for the academic staff. “Like teachers, we are also eligible for duty concessions, we are patriots, why not help us to feel proud of our achievements?” According to the
A section of the nurses who graduated yesterday Principal, she does not expect these changes overnight, but she called on something to be done to help both the staff and students. This year the school made history as it recorded its highest number of graduates - 187 nurses graduated as Registered Nurses, 48 as Midwives and 75 as Nursing Assistants. In addition, a total of 21 awards were distributed. Director of Health Wilton Benn during his remarks told the students that they are on a long journey and their numbers is a reflection of progress. “Nurses do make that difference whether someone is alive or dead,” said Minister of Public Health, Dr.
George Norton in his address. Norton urged the students to work hard at building a stronger health care system through meaningful collaboration.
He encouraged them to speak with their supervisors, sisters of the ward, and to relay with their matron and chief nurses which they will come into contact with. The
Minister informed that nurses are expected to care more about patients than self and as a result, blessings given to patients will be returned tenfold.
Minister stresses importance... (From page 20) available to society as human resource with the capacity to contribute to societal development,” the Education Minister said. The educators on the other hand, he asserted, are the knowledge-sharers and the facilitators of learning. He informed the gathering that educators are seen as essential partners in the process and without them, there will be no exposure to learning opportunities – which is the very objective of the education system. He added that educators' involvement in the system provides them with an opportunity of a livelihood, thus providing the means for the sustenance and enhancement of their lives. “The parents on the other hand, are engaged in the process of self reproduction and embrace the education system as a key vehicle in that process, since it provides offspring with the tools to access and utilise the human patrimony in their quest to sustain and enhance human development,” the Minister said. The system also provides employers with the human resource that they can put to work in pursuit of their productive and service-oriented activities, hence enabling their own beneficial engagement while simultaneously enabling human survival through the provision of tangible and intangible necessities, he added. It is in this vein that the Minister explained that because all stakeholders are beneficiaries of the education system, they should have an interest in the state of the system and its ongoing growth; its development and its impact on society.
Hence this year, the focus is on reiterating to the stakeholder how important the system has been and continues to be, to their very existence, growth and development as individuals, and the development of society at large, Dr. Roopnaraine stated. He continued that the Ministry of Education, while continuing its routine to provide education as the vital social service, has launched some specific initiatives. One of these initiatives, he outlined, was the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education system. “It is that process that will allow all of the stakeholders to express their relative, their reflective and prospective views about the system thus allowing them to help fashion a system both as its beneficiaries and equally important – as its benefactors.” He said that the Ministry also recently made two appointments and is forging ahead with the establishment of comprehensive systems and programmes. APPOINTMENT OF COORDINATORS OF PTA, PRIVATE SCHOOLS The appointments are those of a Coordinator of Parent/Teacher Associations (PTA) and the Coordinator of Private Schools. Both appointments are intended to regulate the involvement of two essential stakeholders and give them an opportunity to make a structured contribution to the management and enhancement of the system. “It is essential that parents engage their children and the system that provides a foundational service to them. Without the parents in active
and fertile collaboration with their teachers, we are not going to succeed. The education of the child is too important to be left only to parents or only to teachers. Education cannot be delivered in a vacuum. The act of parenting is complementary to the system and the enhancement of the skill of parenting, in as much as it provides an opportunity for the parents to be engaged in the governance of the schools while supplementing the delivery of the curriculum at home,” Dr. Roopnaraine asserted. The Education Minister said that more and more Private Schools are entering the education sector given the quintessential role that education plays in human and societal development. He added that given Government's mandate to regulate the affairs of the society, the Ministry will ensure that private schools are facilitated in the delivery of education and they are regulated to assure quality service. In concluding, the Minister said that he truly believes that if stakeholders are to inspire children; if they are to provide them with the necessary energy and the necessary skills to make themselves productive and whole human beings, a lot of work needs to be done. “I keep stressing, it is going to be best done if we forge active partnerships between the schools and the home. Without the parents, we will not succeed, without the teachers we will not succeed. It is really in their joint activities, their active collaboration that we will produce the children that we in fact, aspire to produce – the Citizens of the New Guyana.”
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Kaieteur News
EBD road expansion project deadline now September month-end
East Bank Demerara (EBD) commuters had expected to breathe a sigh of relief after it was announced that the Road Expansion Project was going to be completed at the end of last month. However these commuters will have to endure headaches for another month since it was confirmed yesterday that works will be completed by this month-end. According to previous reports, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI)’s Chief Works Officer, Geoffrey Vaughn, had stated that the contractors were pushing for the August deadline; however some time would be given back to the contractors because of the unavailability of bitumen in the country. Lack of this material was the only major challenge Vaughn had stated. It was confirmed yesterday that the time will be given back to the contractors. The EBD Four-lane Expansion Project - funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-
East Bank road expansion project in progress (FILE PHOTO)
was rolled out in 2011 by the former administration. The works were divided into three lots. Lot One, Providence to Covent Garden, with a length
of 2.65km – which is currently under construction – was initially awarded to Dipcon Engineering Services at a price of US$8M. The company had only completed
West Demerara Sec. wins National Library debating competition
59 percent of the contract when all works were “effectively ceased” in May 2015 – two years after the project was scheduled for a completion date of April, 30, 2013. Following discussions with the contractor and the Ministry, an “agreeable settlement” was reached and on August 16, 2015, and the
contract was terminated. The works were then placed into the hands of Gaico Construction and BK International Incorporated. Lot two – from Vreed-enRust to Prospect – with a length of 1.55km was awarded to GEM Ltd. & Gaico Construction to the amount of approximately US$5.8M. Works were completed in
May 2015. Lot three – Prospect to Great Diamond, with a length of 1.20km, was completed in June 2015 by BK International Inc. to the tune of US$3.5M. All three contracts were signed on October 3, 2011 with a commencement date of November 1, 2011 and completion date of April 30, 2013.
Pomeroon man dies in boat collision - detained operator was under the influence - Police
From left: Alecia Leander, Head Teacher Harrinarine, Renado Mars and Shadelle Washington. West Demerara Secondary School recently won the National Library and Guyana Publication Inc.’s Annual Inter-Secondary School debating competition beating North Georgetown Secondary in the final round. Visiting Kaieteur News yesterday, the students expressed their elation at the achievement, describing it as both challenging and thrilling. First Speaker Shadelle Washington said that her toughest task was constructing the rebuttal after the initial arguments were over. Second Speaker, Renado Mars, who was adjudged best speaker in the
preliminaries and semi-final rounds, said that he enjoyed the journey and that he took pride in memorizing his argument. Alecia Leander, the third speaker, said that participating in the event was challenging since she had to balance her time to both prepare for the competition and end of year examinations. The final moot topic focused on the death penalty and the students were required to put forward arguments in support of imposing the penalty. Head Teacher of the school, Harrinarine said that he was extremely proud of his students’ performance. He
said the school has been doing well in debates and other extra-curricular activities, including athletics. Additionally, he said that the school is improving its performance at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations. Two of the top students in the Region came from the school. They were Diana Dookhan and Dudnauth Jodhan who both achieved eight grade ones. The students said that they would not h a v e achieved their success if it were not for the hard work and research done by Ms. Stephanie Paul, their English teacher.
Six days after two small children died in a boat crash in the Waini River, another boat mishap has claimed the life of a Lower Pomeroon man. Rayan De Freitas, 29, perished at around 19.35 hrs on Wednesday after a metal boat collided with his vessel in the Lower Pomeroon River. According to reports, De Freitas, accompanied by his cousin, Felix de Freitas, and Ray Marks, 14, was traversing the Lower Pomeroon River near Grant Burn Bush, when another vessel, manned by a 34-yearold boat builder, who was transporting his wife,
Afeeza Bibi Amin and their three- year-old daughter, collided with De Freitas’ craft. De Freitas sustained head injuries and succumbed shortly after. Police stated that the other boat operator, who has been detained, failed a breathalyser test. Meanwhile, police at Port Kaituma are investigating another boat collision which occurred between 13.00 hrs and 14.00 hrs on Wednesday. Police said that some passengers in one of the vessels were injured. Last week Thursday, Lisa Da Silva, 7, and Davenand Da Silva, six, perished after a
Rayan De Freitas boat, whose owner is still unidentified, slammed into the vessel in which the two children, their parents and a 10-year-old sibling were travelling. Their mother, Ophelia James, 47, remains hospitalised with a broken shoulder, fractured ribs and other injuries.
Door opens for further negotiations... (From page 14) further addition to its offer with regard to the current and future budgets. The GoG therefore reiterated to the union that its members were also the Government’s employees and that the Government was equally mindful of the need for financial relief for the
workers under consideration. The union was also reminded of the relief measures that were granted to public servants since the ascension of the new administration to office in May 2015. Those measures included an increase of the minimum wage to $50,000; a 5% across-the-board plus
$5000 increase, all within the 2015 National Budget, and, a one-off bonus of $50,000 for Public Servants earning below $500,000 per month in December 2015. The GPSU agreed to consider the Government’s final offer and indicated that a response will be forthcoming after a meeting of its General Council.
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Brazil’s ousted President Rousseff appeals to Supreme Court Reuters - Brazil’s ousted President Dilma Rousseff appealed to the Supreme Court yesterday to overturn the Senate’s decision to remove her from office for breaking budgetary rules. The Senate voted 61-20 on Wednesday to dismiss the leftist leader, confirming her conservative Vice President Michel Temer as president for the remainder of her term through 2018. Rousseff’s lawyer, Jose Eduardo Cardozo, sought the injunction on grounds that lawyers for her accusers had made changes to their case that violated the right to due process, after they argued the president should also be judged for an economic crisis and sprawling corruption scandal in Brazil. In the unlikely event the Supreme Court approved an injunction, Temer would return to being interim president while the Senate trial was repeated. Cardozo also asked the court to change the 1950 budget law on which her opponents based their charges that Rousseff had manipulated government accounts by using money from state banks to boost public spending during her 2014 re-election campaign.
Brazil’s former President Dilma Rousseff, who was removed by the Brazilian Senate from office earlier, speaks at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia, Brazil Wednesday. REUTERS/Bruno Kelly So far, all requests made by Rousseff’s defence on the merits of the impeachment process against her have been rejected by the Supreme Court, whose Chief Justice Ricardo Lewandowski presided over her impeachment trial. “This is a predictable request, but its chances of being successful are very, very remote,” said Thiago de Aragao, a political analyst and partner at Brasilia-based consultancy Arko Advice. Millions took to the streets this year to
demand Rousseff’s removal, less than two years after she was re-elected, as Brazil slid into its deepest recession in decades and a graft scandal at state oil company Petrobras (PETR4.SA) tarnished her coalition. Rousseff ’s opponents hailed her removal as clearing the way for a change of fortunes in Brazil, but Temer inherits a bitterly divided nation with voters in no mood for the austerity measures he has promised to heal public finances.
Trinidad Court Freezes Funds of 80 Terrorist Individuals and Entities PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The High Court in Trinidad and Tobago has granted orders that categorize 78 entities and individuals as terrorists, preventing them from accessing any of their money. And more could be added to that list. But the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, which says the list includes both locals and internationals, is mum on their identities. The ministry issued a statement Wednesday saying that the day before, Attorney General Faris AlRawi was successful in seven applications filed in the court under the AntiTerrorism Act, in respect of 75 entities and three individuals, declaring each to be a listed entity and freezing its funds. These orders bring the total number of local and international individuals and entities currently listed as terrorist entities to 80, following the first successful application in October last year. “The Ministry is
Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi diligently advancing further listings which are expected to be before the courts shortly, as we continue to work with our local, regional and international partners in furtherance of this shared objective,” the statement said, adding that managing the issue of terrorism is multidimensional, involving legislative, intelligence, investigative, operational and judicial elements.
“The successes of the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs in implementing the provisions of the Act, together with its work to strengthen the legislative basis, are components of Government’s comprehensive strategy to squarely address the threat of terrorism. The Ministry and Government will continue to press forward with strengthening and enforcing the law in defence of our citizens and in keeping with our commitment to the international community,” it continued. The development comes as authorities in the twinisland republic await word on nine Trinidad and Tobago nationals who were detained in Turkey on July 27, after the police nabbed a Syrian man suspected of attempting to smuggle them into Syria to join terrorist group ISIS. National Security Minister Edmund Dillon confirmed in mid-August that the Trinidadians were still being processed by Turkish authorities.
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and other electronic items. Abdul Electronics. Call: 2250391 RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS) FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WINGS CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494
LAND FOR SALE
FOR RENT
La Parfaite Harmonie-$2.3M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$2M (Corner Lot), Zeelugt -$2.3M, Herstelling 4th Bridge -$4M. Call: 642-1252
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Tuschen Front (Phase 1) $3.5M, Tuschen (Phase 2) $2M with foundation, Uitvlugt Main Road -$2.3M. Call: 642-1252 85.6 Acres titled farm land with timber/water access, located @ Loo Creek E.B.D River. Call: 625-8589; (518) 859-5313 Land at Friendship, E.B.D $2.5M per lot. Call: 692-8513/ 617-0465
PROPERTY FOR SALE One (2) plus storey house, 3 self contained bedrooms, fully carpet. Price negotiable. Residential scheme, W.C.DCall: 275-0582, 650-6723 Tuschen, Light St, upfront, 1-2 storey concrete house $23M negotiable, Non-Pariel E.C.D - 1 two storey concrete house 56X36. Call: 642-1252 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 1 Church building in front and 2 story building at the back 30X120, vacant possession, 180 Charolotte Street Bourda. Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183 One two stories concrete building- 45ftX30ft; land 5,606 sq ft, 2nd Bridge Grove New Scheme, E.B.D- Call: 6393450 House and land for sale in Sharpe Street Leonora, price negotiable. Call: 686-3512
TAXI SERVICE
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
One new two storey house (50ftby25ft) in Phase 1, Good Hope. Call: 220-3185
3 Bedrooms house; top and bottom property at Canal No.2 Polder -$35,000 monthly. Call: 613-1860 House located @ 696 Section C, Grove Housing Scheme. Please call 611-1963 for further inquiries 3 Bedrooms top flat for rent at Cross Street, Alexander Village . Call: 688-1647
5 Acres coconut and other fruit bearing, no chemical, lease or sale – Demerara River across Timehri docks. Call: 261-2988
Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: office, church, storage bond lessons, internet, stationery & photocopy shop, other place -$20,000 per month. Call: 603-6400
Land at Tuschen Housing Scheme, near school, 3 minutes away from main road. Call: 261-2988
2 Apartments @ 62 Victoria Avenue Eccles. Call: 6672536; 628-0016
60X115 @ 3rd Avenue Diamond (transported), price $5M negotiable. Call: 6456498 Tuschen -$3M, Uitvlugt $2M, La Parfaite Harmonie $3.5M, $1.9M, $1.6M, $1M, V/Hoop-$27M. Call: 604-6724 LAND IN 11 STREET DIAMOND. CALL: 2253234 Prime business spot for sale located in Independence Street La Grange -$10M negotiable. Call: 684-7853/ 619-2388 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M, $1.6M, Uitvlugt -$2M, 100ftX50ft, Farm $3.2M (55ftX100ft), one mining claim -$1.5M. Call: 658-5897; 6732692
One bottom flat at 353 Herstelling, Third Street, E.B.D Call: 265-3538 House for rent in Golden Grove, EBD. Call: 692-8513/ 617-0465 Newly built 2 bedroom apartments in Industry E.C.D. Call: 614-3278/ 6237500 2 Bedrooms house, bottom flat at 64 William Street Kitty. Call Rawle: 600-8373 2 Bedrooms upstairs at Enterprise Garden -$25,000 per month. Free water & light. Call: 647-8621 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, E.B.D, 2 bedrooms. Call: 227-5194
WANTED Mature experience couple to live in and work at Resort at Parika. Call 231-0363 between Monday-Friday 8:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30pm 1 live-in domestic to work in Kitty area & handyman for G/T & Interior location. Call 231-0363 between Mon-Fri 8:3011:30 & 1:30-4:30pm Female shop worker for interior. Call 231-0363 between Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30pm Office Clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics, computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 Experienced dispatcher and taxi driver at Ramada Princess Hotel. Call: 616-5419; 265-7075; 265-7076 1 Able Bodied Clerk. Call: 616-5954 1 Canter driver & 1 salesman from WBD area ( La Parfaite Harmonie), must be able bodied & have sound secondary education. Call: 618-4257 One painter. Call: 609-3650 Labourers & experienced garbage truck drivers. Kindly contact: 670-7920 1 Live in general domestic 20-40yrs boarding & lodging free -$80,000 monthly. Call: 610- 3974
PEN PAL Male 30yrs old is seeking female for friendship. Call: 685-3022
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: 4WD PICKUP. CALL: 6987807
EDUCATIONAL IAE: Register for full time school (Grades 7-11) CSEC lessons; adults and school leavers CXC classes. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742 Register your child for our after school program for slow learners in Maths, Reading, Spelling Etc. Call: 675-4379 9 Courses; Diploma in Computers -$35,000, Computerize Accounting; 4 courses -$35,000, PC repairs/ graphics courses, Micrographics Technology, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 264-3057
9 Courses; Diploma in computers -$35,000, Computerized Accounting 4 courses -$35,000 @ Cybertron Technology, Parika. Call: 260-4850 Dynamic Training Institute; USA standard, Diploma Course: Human Resource Management, Customer Service Relation. Call: 6165204 to register WANTED Drivers for canter trucks $25,000 weekly, porter to fetch sand & mud - $5,000 daily. Call: 684-8231
Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 We l d e r / F a b r i c a t o r f o r interior location. Applicants must be experienced with verifiable references. Call: 618-2020 Receptionist between 25-35 years apply within 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 5 Waitress $16,000 weekly, 1 female bartender -$20,000 weekly to work at sports bar E.B.D –Call: 661-5099/ whatsapp: 661-8802 FULL TIME WAITER/ WAITRESS AT AAGMAN INDIAN RESTAURANT, SHERIFF STREET, EXPERIENCED PREFERRED. CALL: 2190158 1 Qualified pharmacist to work at True Value Pharmacy. Call: 618-4027 between 8am4pm, attractive salary offer. Male and female workers to work in Bakery on W.C.D preferably from WCD. Call: 254-1399/ 627-2515 Hauler tractor driver. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.
Welder to work in workshop on the West Coast on a percentage basis. Call: 684-1247
1 General domestic must able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, G/Town Ferry Stelling.
Experienced Welder Fabricator. Must be Creative. Attractive Salary. Call Gansham’s General Construction: 641-1291.
Captains with valid certificate of competence as Master of a Power Driven Vessel. Call: 226-1100; 2265380
One bartender. Call: 668-8332/ 638-5303 EDUCATIONAL Study in US/Canada, deal for 2016 CXC, students $500 Canadian, VISA processing Centre, Parika. Call: 260-4850/ 649-3073
VACANCY 1 Mechanic/Welder for interior, must have knowledge of Doosan excavator & engine at least 5yrs experienced. Call: 6859028 (8-3pm)
One female cleaner for office in Eccles –Call: 233-2745 Male/female to work in printery, offset operator, ages 18-25, call 226-9337 between 10:0am-04:00pm. Apply @ 21 Seaforth St., Campbellville G/ T Experienced electrician with knowledge in Elevator wiring. Call: 227-1830 One part time domestic from East Bank area. Call:216-2502 One part time driver, age 50 and older. Call: 216-5202 Dispatcher at Gem’s Taxi to work 11:00pm-7:00am. Call: 622-6413; 227-0638 Experienced salesman & driver to work with a baker shop. Call:618-0698
Groundsman & Security guard: bring resume & updated CV @ Georgetown Cricket Club, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda, Georgetown. Now hiring front desk agents, housekeepers, cooks. Please email resume to info@parkvuehotel.com Porters, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. Exist for one experienced dispatcher at confidential cabs. Call: 231-5784/ 2314000 Kitchen Assistant: 2 males &female, experienced a plus, must be able to work weekends. Call Mr.Khan: 695-6550; 656-9313 Cleaner/ helper to work for salon/spa. Call: 227-4799/ 231-0734 (Continued page 31)
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Kaieteur News
Gunmen strike twice within hours at Vreed-en-Hoop businesses From page 28
Popular hangout spot Palm Castle
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954
Gunmen struck at two New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara businesses yesterday within the space of just a few hours. The two businesses are also near each other. The bandits first struck at a Shoppers Choice at around 10:00 hrs. Three men, one armed with a handgun, in-
vaded the supermarket and held customers and staff at gunpoint. They relieved the customers of cash and valuables then proceeded to empty the cash registers. After robbing the victims, the gang locked everyone in a room at the back of the building. A delivery truck
driver who walked in when the robbery was in progress shared the same fate. The robbers then escaped in a waiting car. A few hours later, two gunmen robbed the customers and employees of the popular hangout spot Palm Castle just a few doors away. According to the propri-
etor, the bandits put a gun to the waitress’s head and emptied the bar drawer of cash before relieving the customers, one of whom claimed he lost some $80,000. The bandits were apparently thirsty as they rummaged through the coolers. They then sped off in a waiting car.
Man riddled with bullets in North Ruimveldt
Mark Anthony, called ‘Q Q,’ was gunned down in North Ruimveldt shortly after 20.15 hrs last night. According to reports, Anthony, 22, of North Ruimveldt, was sitting on a bench when two men approached him and drew handguns. Anthony fled through a shortcut, pursued by the gunmen who caught up with him and riddled him before escaping. Anthony was reportedly pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Kaieteur News understands that Anthony was freed just last April on firearm and ammunition charges. Anthony, Andrew Davis Hescott, 35, of Middle Road La Penitence and 27-year-old Ryan Hescott had the charges against them dismissed after
the prosecution had failed to tender the firearms to the court on several occasions. The first charge had alleged that on December 5, last, at Robb Street, Georgetown, they had in their possession seven rounds of ammunition without being the holders of firearm licences. It was further alleged that the men had two firearms in their possession, when they were not holders of licences. The three men, along with now-dead Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Aaron Eastman, were jointly charged with the offences. Lance Corporal Eastman who had 10 years of service in GDF died on March 3, after he was burnt to death during the Camp Street Prison fire, which claimed the lives of 17 inmates. According to reports, on December 5, 2015
police ranks during ‘Operation Dragnet’ stopped a motorcar on Robb Street, after observing its occupants acting in a suspicious manner. They conducted a search of the vehicle, which was reported to be bearing an obscure number plate. The lawmen allegedly unearthed the guns and ammunition hidden in various parts of the car. It was reported that concerned citizens saw the defendants in a motor car on Robb Street, acting in a suspicious manner. Police were sum-
moned and cornered the vehicle, driven by the soldier. At the time the GDF rank was reportedly wearing a black ‘hoodie’. The vehicle was searched and the police reportedly found a .32 revolver with matching rounds under the front passenger’s seat and a 12 gauge sawn-off shot gun from under the driver’s seat. When the quartet made their first court appearance on September 8, 2015, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan had remanded them to prison on the ground of ensuring the public’s safety and the need to prevent them from committing another offence.
1-Hyster Forklift With 1000 Series, Perkins Engine$1.2M, 1-CAT DP-40 3-Ton Forklift-$2.9M. Contact#6500402 One heavy duty Kenmore clothes dryer. Call: 265-3538 Muscovy ducklings. Call: 602-7203 Roxie’s Fashion, School uniforms, final weekend! Hurry! Limited stocks! @ 301 Church Street. 1 Business mobile meat centre; size 8ftX12ft steel plated, 1 3Y mini bus, 2-5’ freezers, 1- electric meat saw, 3 coolers- $1.8M. Call: 663-2882 33.6 Acres farm land @ Kuru Kururu, Linden Soesdyke Highway.Call:679-1151;619-0673 XBOX 360 playstation 3, La Pafaite Harmonie land for sale, right near the new Road (Cheap). Call: 689-3170
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PAGE 32
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Venezuelan opposition floods Caracas in vast anti - Maduro protest
Opposition supporters take part in a rally to demand a referendum to remove Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, yesterday. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins Reuters - Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro flooded Venezuela’s capital yesterday in one of the biggest mass protests against socialist rule for more than a decade. Dressed in white and chanting “this government will fall,” hundreds of thousands rallied across Caracas to demand a recall referendum against Maduro and decry a deep economic crisis in the South American OPEC nation. The opposition Democratic Unity coalition estimated at least 1 million people took part after protesters streamed into
Caracas from the Amazon jungle to the western Andes. The opposition hoped its protests would prove they are the majority and heap pressure on Maduro and the national election board to allow a plebiscite on his rule, as allowed by the constitution half-way through a presidential term. But with the election board dragging its feet over the process and the government swearing the referendum will not happen this year, the opposition has no way to force it no matter how many people it brings onto the streets.
The timing is all-important because if a plebiscite were held in 2017 and Maduro lost, his handpicked vice president would take over for the ruling Socialist Party, rather than triggering a new presidential election. In power since Hugo Chavez’s presidency from 1999, the socialists have hit a low ebb as falling oil prices and a failing state-led economy have left the country in turmoil. Triple-digit inflation, a third year of recession, shortages of basics, and long lines at shops have exasperated many of Venezuela’s 30 million people.
PNP Corruption Scandal…
JCF Official Says Probe Could Be Launched The Gleaner - A member of the hierarchy of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says an investigation could be launched into the People’s National Party (PNP) campaign money scandal. There have been allegations of corruption with claims that Chinese firms doing business here usually pay an agent fee to persons appointed by government ministers to receive kickbacks. Yesterday morning, a high-ranking cop told The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre that an investigation could be launched if the corruption allegations are credible. The senior cop also said the police have the power to initiate any investigation
without being invited to do so. The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre understands that already there have been discussions within the force and they could continue when Commissioner of Police Dr Carl Williams returns to the island today. Deputy Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds who is acting commissioner could not be reached for a comment. Contacted yesterday morning, the head of the Police Corporate Communication Unit, Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, reserved comment. She said while the police typically have to receive a complaint to do investigation, only senior cops in the High Command usually authorise probes without receiving a complaint.
Meanwhile, up to late Wednesday, the Police Fraud Squad had not opened an investigation into allegations that senior members of the PNP who collected millions of dollars to finance the party’s election campaign have failed to turn over the money. The Fraud Squad said no one from the PNP had come forward and make a report to the police. It noted that fraud investigations are only initiated after a complainant comes forward to report an allegation. The Office of the Contractor General is yet to respond to questions as to whether it will be probing certain allegations while the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency has reportedly said it is monitoring the scandal.
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
After sweeping into northern Syria, Turkey faces hard choices JARABLUS, Syria (Reuters) - Flashing victory signs and firing in the air, the young rebels who took this Syrian town from Islamic State a week ago may be jubilant, but their ability to hold territory will hinge on Turkey’s appetite for keeping its forces inside Syria. Sweeping in to Jarablus may have been the easy part. Backed by Turkish tanks, jets and special forces, Arab and Turkmen fighters under the loose banner of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) drove out Islamic State in a matter of hours last Wednesday. It could prove more difficult for the rebels, who number only around 1,500 fighters, to push west and secure the 90 km (56-mile) stretch of Islamic State-held border territory that Ankara has touted as a potential buffer zone. They face not only the challenge of displacing the ultra-hardline Islamist group but of preventing Kurdish militia fighters, backed by the United States but viewed as a hostile force by Turkey, from filling the void. Turkey has revealed little about the strategy behind its first major incursion into Syria, beyond saying it wants to drive Islamic State and Kurdish fighters away from the border. “Operation Euphrates Shield” has drawn criticism from NATO ally Washington, which has called on Turkey to avoid confrontation with Kurdishaligned forces and stay focused instead on the joint
A member of Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) is pictured in the border town of Jarablus, Syria. REUTERS/Umit Bektas battle against Islamic State. The United States sees the Syrian Kurdish YPG as its strongest ally against the Sunni radicals. Turkey views them as a terrorist group and is worried that their advance in northern Syria will embolden a Kurdish insurgency at home. It has said no one can tell it which terrorist group it should fight. Yesterday, the Turkish military said it had taken three more villages around 20 km (12 miles) west of Jarablus and hit 15 militant targets with howitzers and four more in air strikes. It gave no details on
the targets, but the villages were in an area still held by Islamic State. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, confirmed the takeover of 3 villages near the border. Jarablus had been under Islamic State rule for three years and its black and white murals can still be seen on the walls. The town is slowly coming back to life. Women walk the streets, their faces uncovered. One man told Reuters one of his first acts when the group fled was to trim his beard.
Brexit minister says UK ideally seeking tariff-free access to EU single market Reuters - Britain is ideally seeking tariff-free access to the European Union’s single market combined with curbs on immigration, the minister in charge of negotiating the country’s exit from the bloc said yesterday. Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday she was seeking a unique relationship with the European Union, in an apparent rejection of suggestions from other EU states that Britain must choose between free trade and migration limits. “With respect to access to the single market, what we will seek to do is ideally have a tariff-free access but this is a matter of negotiation,” David Davis told reporters in Northern Ireland. “We will be negotiating over an issue I suspect is in the interest of other members of the EU and others to get a good trading relationship in the long run,” he said. Davis said he agreed with the priorities May had put forward at a Cabinet meeting o n We d n e s d a y, i n c l u d i n g l i m i t s o n immigration.
“ We h a v e t o t a k e c o n t r o l o f o u r borders and have to be able to control the number of people Coming into UK,” he added. Britain’s Telegraph newspaper earlier this week cited senior government sources as saying Davis believed Britain could only curb immigration if the country leaves the single market. Supporters of Brexit received a boost on Thursday when a survey showed British manufacturing staging one of its sharpest rebounds on record in August, prompting the pound to soar by more than a cent against the dollar. Finance Minister Philip Hammond said post-Brexit Britain would be an “outwardlooking country” that would seek to attract companies to invest and grow. May is to tell world leaders at a G20 summit of leaders in China later this week that Britain is “open for business”, and will seek to forge relationship with new markets and make the most of the opportunity of leaving the bloc, her office said.
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Merkel, under pressure, stresses need to deport failed asylum-seekers Reuters - In a sharp change of tone, Chancellor Angela Merkel wants German authorities to accelerate the deportation of foreigners who are denied asylum, in response to growing public fears over the soaring numbers of migrants, members of parliament told Reuters yesterday. Facing criticism from the public and within her own conservatives for allowing around a million migrants and refugees to enter the country last year, Merkel told her party’s lawmakers that many foreigners were staying on even after their asylum applications had been denied. “The most important thing in the coming months is repatriation, repatriation and once more, repatriation,” Merkel told the conservative members of parliament, sources told Reuters. It was a significant shift of emphasis for Merkel, who has previously stuck to the mantra “We can do it!” and steadfastly refused demands to introduce limits on the number of refugees.
Angela Merkel Contemplating a bid for a fourth term, Merkel could alleviate some of the pressure on her by deporting many of the 215,000 migrants who have so far been denied rights of residency — either forcibly or by providing financial enticements. Many come from countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Ghana and Senegal. They
have been turned down on the grounds that they would not be in danger if they returned, unlike most of those from places like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. A Syrian man whose application for asylum was denied killed himself in a bungled suicide attack in Ansbach last month. He had managed to fight off efforts to deport him to Bulgaria, where he first entered the European Union. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday that 21,000 people had been repatriated last year and 35,000 in the first seven months of this year. He wants to repatriate at least 100,000 this year. Merkel, in office for 11 years and considering running again next year, has seen her approval ratings sink to a five-year low of 45 percent from 67 percent a year ago. Her conservatives are polling just 33 percent support, down from 41 percent a year ago, according to an Infratest Dimap poll by ARD TV.
U.S. imposes sanctions on ‘Putin’s bridge’ to Crimea Reuters - Companies building a multi-billion dollar bridge to link the Russian mainland with annexed Crimea, a project close to the heart President Vladimir Putin, were targeted by the United States in an updated sanctions blacklist yesterday. The U.S. Department of the Treasury added dozens of people and companies to the list, first introduced after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and expanded over its support for separatist rebels in the east of the country. As well as multiple subsidiaries of Russian gas giant Gazprom and 11 Crimean officials, the Treasury named seven companies directly involved in the construction
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Vladimir Putin of the 19 km (11.8 miles) roadand-rail connection across the Kerch Strait, dubbed
“Putin’s bridge” by some Russians. Chief among those were SGM-Most, a subsidiary of lead contractor Stroygazmontazh which is already under U.S. sanctions, and sub-contractor Mostotrest, one of Russia’s biggest bridge builders. “Treasury stands with our partners in condemning Russia’s violation of international law, and we will continue to sanction those who threaten Ukraine’s peace, security and sovereignty,” said John Smith, acting director of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, which levies sanctions. The Russian Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment, but Moscow has previously said sanctions levied over its actions in Ukraine undermine efforts to resolve the conflict. Set to be the longest dualpurpose span in Europe when completed, the Kremlin sees its 212-billion rouble ($3.2 billion) bridge as vital to integrating Crimea into Russia, both symbolically and as an economic lifeline for the region. Putin has called the undertaking an historic mission.
Hispanic backers sour on Trump after immigration speech Reuters - Some of Donald Trump’s Hispanic backers distanced themselves from the Republican nominee yesterday for standing by a hardline approach to illegal immigration in a key speech after indicating for weeks that he may soften his approach. Trump tried to clarify confusion about immigration, his signature policy issue, in a speech on Wednesday. He said the only way undocumented foreigners could live in the United States legally if he is elected on Nov. 8 would be to leave the country and apply for re-entry. But the businessman, trailing Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in opinion polls, did back away from earlier promises to deport immediately the 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally and said he would prioritize those with criminal records. While polls show a large majority of Hispanic voters oppose Trump, the withdrawal of support from among his small group of Latino backers underscores how difficult it is for Trump to broaden his support with minorities and moderate voters. A l f o n s o A g u i l a r, w h o recently organised a support letter on behalf of Trump, said he felt “disappointed and misled” by the fiery speech and withdrew his backing. “For the last two months he said he was not going to deport people without criminal records. He actually said that he was going to treat
Donald Trump
undocumented immigrants without criminal records in a humane and compassionate w a y, ” Aguilar told CNN. He is the president of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles group. Trump used his Wednesday appearance in Phoenix to clarify his stance on illegal immigration. But instead of moderating his message as many expected, Trump returned to the hardline rhetoric that powered him to victory in the Republican presidential nomination r a c e o v e r 16 rivals, heartening conservatives drawn to Trump by the issue. Some members of a council Trump formed last month to advise him on Hispanic issues expressed reservations about or cut ties to the New York real estate d e v e l o p e r ’s candidacy after the Phoenix speech. Jacob Monty, a Texas attorney and member of the group, said he was withdrawing his support and would not vote in the election.
“There was nothing pro-business in that speech,” Monty told MSNBC. “We were hoping for some glimmer of the Donald Trump that we met with a week and half ago, but it never came.” Panel member Ramiro Pena, a Baptist pastor in Texas who spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, wrote in an email to party leaders that he believed Trump would lose the election and that the advisory panel was a “scam.”But other Latino advisers, including Florida pastor Mario Bramnick and Kentucky State Senator Ralph Alvardo, said they would continue working with the Trump campaign. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus downplayed the fallout f r o m Tr u m p ’s s p e e c h , telling CNN that the nominee made clear he first wants to build the border wall and deal with criminal elements, then have a “humane conversation” about other illegal immigrants.
Over 1,000 arrested as post-election riots rage in Gabon Reuters - Three people were killed and up to 1,100 were arrested in Gabon yesterday, the government said, in a second day of rioting over the announcement of President Ali Bongo’s reelection and his main rival’s accusation that the vote was rigged. Opposition challenger Jean Ping accused the elections commission of inflating Bongo’s score to hand him a slim victory and extend his family’s nearly halfcentury rule in the oilproducing Central African country for another seven years. Violent protests raged in at least nine
neighbourhoods of the capital Libreville, two witnesses and a police source said on Thursday, a day after demonstrators set fire to the parliament building following the results announcement. “We want everyone to see, to tour the city, to witness the level of devastation, destruction, violence organised by certain politicians who do not want to recognise their defeat,” Interior Minister Pacome Moubelet Boubeya said. He told a news conference that several television stations, supermarkets, shops, and private homes had been looted in Libreville and the
city hall was targeted by arsonists. Violence erupted in several other cities and provinces as well, he said. Moubelet Boubeya said protesters had used grenades and police had seized AK-47 assault rifles, an accusation an opposition spokesman rejected. Ping told Reuters in an interview that two people were killed and others wounded when the presidential guard assaulted his party headquarters overnight. He called for international assistance to protect the population against what he described as “a rogue state”.
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Cuban stripped of Beijing silver AFP - Cuban discus thrower Yarelys Barrios has been stripped of her Olympic silver medal from the 2008 Beijing Games after failing a retroactive drug test, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said yesterday. Barrios, 33, and Qatari track and field athlete Samuel Adelebari Francis, 29, both tested positive for banned substances in tests originally taken at Beijing 2008. Barrios, 33, won silver in the discus in Beijing. She tested positive for the diuretic and masking agent acetazolamide, and has now been ordered to return her medal. She also won bronze in London 2012.
Nigeria-born Francis, who now represents Qatar, finised 16th in the 100m event. The former Asian 100m champion tested positive for the banned substance stanozolol. “The IAAF is requested to modify the results ... accordingly and to consider any further action within its own competence,” the IOC said in a statement. Ukrainian Olena Antonova won the discus bronze medal in Beijing behind Barrios, with China’s Song Aimin finishing fourth. Several hundred samples taken from athletes in Beijing 2008 and London 2012 have been retested at the request of the IOC. Of those 98 tested positive including 60 for Beijing.
All-or-nothing time... (From page 35) four games. Although the Ticos, who reached the quarter-finals of Brazil 2014, have yet to lose a game, they will be up against a physically robust challenge in Port-auPrince with Haitian fans expecting their team to fight, if only for pride. Group C is surprisingly still wide open. A youthful and zesty Trinidad and To-
Friday August 12, 2016
Kaieteur News
bago are on top with ten points. Those Soca Warriors face third-place Guatemala in Port of Spain with hopes of securing a place in the final round with a game to go. USA, only one point ahead of the Guatemalans in second, are expected to beat hapless underdogs St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the road. (FIFA)
U.S. women’s star O’Reilly announces retirement Chicago - Heather O’Reilly, one of the most successful players in United States women’s national team history, announced yesterday her retirement from international soccer. The 31-yearold will close the curtain on her 15-year international career on September 15, when the U.S. hosts Thailand in an international friendly Columbus, Ohio. ”Heather has been a vitally important part of our program for many years and has continued to set a standard for professionalism and work ethic,” said U.S. head coach Jill Ellis. “She’s been right in the thick of things for most of our big moments over the past 15 years and has always been the ultimate team player and a world-class person. She should be incredibly proud of the indelible impact she’s made on this team and on women’s soccer.” O’Reilly, who will continue playing club soccer, began her career as one of the youngest players to debut for the USA over the past 15 years, playing her first international match on the senior level at 17-years-old during the Algarve Cup against Sweden on March 1, 2002. She currently has 230 caps, the seventh most in U.S. women’s history. Her 46 goals are good for 12th on the
WDFA/Stag... (From page 39) Vegae Boys. On Sunday at the same times, Golden Warriors will first take on Wales United to be followed by a clash between Stewartville and Uitvlugt.
Beach ballers to commence... (From page 37) Ethan Sparman Kuru Kururu Warriors Shane Luckie Royal Youths Shaquille Fraser Royal Youths Marvin Sullivan Royal Youths Tshekedri Whitehead Royal Youths Tony Gilbert Silver Bullets Gishawn FreemanSilver Bullets Kellon Major Silver Bullets Michael Wilson Silver Bullets Deshawn Joseph NC Sheldon Shepherd Sparta Boss Randolph Wagner Alexander Village
USA’s all-time scoring list. ”I have spent nearly half my life in a U.S. Soccer uniform, so making the decision to retire from international play was incredibly hard and emotional,” said O’Reilly. “But quite simply, after 230 caps, thousands of practices, many trips around the world, and having played in three World Cups, and three Olympics, it just feels like the right time. ”I’ve had an incredibly complete career playing for my country and it has been an absolute honor to represent the USWNT for the last 15 years. I’m leaving this team with a lot happiness in my heart and pride for what we’ve accomplished. I truly love this
game and it will be in my life forever.” O’Reilly finishes as one of just four three-time women’s soccer Olympic gold medalists and a 2015 Women’s World Cup champion. She was also a leader on the U.S. team that won the 2002 FIFA Under-19 Women’s World Cup, making her one of the few players in history to win an Olympics, a senior World Cup and a youth World Cup. O’Reilly retires having played in three Women’s World Cup tournaments (2007, 2011, 2015) and likely would have been on the USA’s 2003 Women’s World Cup Team as well were it not for a broken leg suffered against Ireland in June of that
year. She played in three Olympic Games, winning three gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012) O’Reilly began her professional club career with Sky Blue FC in WPS, playing there from 2009-11 and helping the team to the league title in 2009, scoring the gamewinner in the championship game en route to being named the championship game MVP. She played with the Boston Breakers in the WPSL and NWSL from 2012-14 before joining FC Kansas City for the 2015 season where she helped the club to the league title, assisting on Amy Rodriguez’ match-winner. (CONCACAF)
Friday September 02, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Attend seminars that will bring you in contact with the right people. You can make excellent investments if you are in the right place at the right time. Don't hesitate to sign up for lectures or seminars that will enlighten you. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) If you're looking to do something worthwhile, consider volunteer work. Your doubt could lead to insecurity. You may be emotionally unstable if you let someone you care about get away with verbal abuse. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You should get involved in competitive sports today. You need to look into ways to change your self-image. Social activity should be on your agenda today. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Disruptions may set you back, but you're strong, and in the end the choices you make will be favorable. Take care of any medical problems if they've been troubling you. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money. You can't live your life for others. Romance can develop; however, it will most probably be short-lived. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Help elders with their concerns. You can get your point across if you don't beat around the bush. Do your own
research and be prepared. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You might want to spend some time by yourself in order to decide exactly how you feel. Be cautious when dealing with foreigners. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't hesitate to sign up for lectures or seminars that will enlighten you. Don't be too hard on yourself. Read between the lines when signing contracts. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Caustic language may cause you to want to get out of the house. Avoid getting involved with married individuals. Uncertainties regarding relatives will make situations uncomfortable if you attend a family function. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Try to do your job and then leave. Don't let domestic problems interfere with your objectives. Don't forget that your budget is limited right now. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Be careful not to take on other people's problems. You may find yourself in a financial bind. Your suggestions for fund raising events will be well received. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Creative pursuits should payoff. Put some energy into getting back into shape. Listen to reason. If you're single, get out there and you'll meet someone new.
Kaieteur News
Friday September 02, 2016
Nand Persaud Co. Ltd and Kris Jagdeo Construction Ltd support Family Recreational Park The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and the ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force would be teaming up once again to make a positive difference in the lives of families. The two organisations would construct a family Recreational Park as part of the 46th Anniversary celebrations of Rose Hall being granted the status of Township. The Park would be officially opened on Friday September 23rd. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is spearheading the project informed that the playfield would include of a benab, slides, swings, seesaws, flower garden and tourist seats among other items. It would also be branded with messages of the organisations. Plans for the Family Playfield received a massive boost when popular businessman Kris Jagdeo of Jagdeo Construction Firm and Mohindra Persaud of Nand Persaud Co. Ltd of No. 36 Village made financial
contributions towards the construction of the slides, swings and seesaws. Foster hailed the contribution of Jagdeo and Persaud and described them both as real friends of the RHTY&SC. Foster, disclosed that the objectives of the Family Recreational Park are to promote the importance of sports, to provide clean relaxation for children, to allow families to bond together, to promote s oc ia l c oh e si on and to promote the Say No to Suicide, Drugs, Crime and Yes to Life, Sports and Education Message. Construction of the Park would be undertaken by members of the RHTY&SC eight cricket teams and its Over-35 section. The Club and the Police Force on completion of the project would officially hand it over to the Rose Hall Town Council, which would then be responsible for its upkeep. Foster expressed amazement at the amount of projects/programmes the
club undertakes each year and expressed profound disappointment that other sports clubs were not playing any role in assisting less fortunate children. He expressed gratitude to Kris Jagdeo Construction Firm and Nand Persaud Co. Ltd for their timely contribution and reassured them that the project would fulfill all of its objectives. Police Commander Ian Amsterdam explained that ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force fully supports the project as it would play a major role in fostering stronger family bonds. He joined Foster in expressing gratitude to the two donors for their contributions. The cricket teams involved in the construction of the Family Recreation Park are RHT Farfan and Mendes Under15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.
Gabriel Jesus bags debut brace with Neymar scoring from the spot
Gabriel Jesus became a serious force late on and was the catalyst for Brazil’s win Neymar helped ensure new Brazil boss Tite began his reign with a victory as his penalty set the visitors on their way to victory over Ecuador - the Selecao’s first away win in qualifying for the World Cup in 2018. With the match held at 10,000 feet above sea level, it was not always pretty but Manchester City-bound forward Gabriel Jesus came to the fore after a scoreless first half. Brazil finally
shrugged off their blunt start and made the breakthrough when Jesus was felled in the box following a Mina’s defensive error just before t h e h o u r . Neymar stepped up to net from the spot and as the game neared its conclusion, Jesus - who will join City in January - scored a couple of brilliant - yet vastly different strikes - to make sure of the t h r e e p o i n t s . It capped an impressive
second half from the away side, who were able to leave Quito with their first win in Ecuador in more than 30 years. The top four teams in the group will qualify automatically for Russia and the fifth-placed side goes into an intercontinental play o f f . Bolivia beat Peru 2-0 earlier on Thursday while Colombia beat Venezuela by the same scoreline. (MailOnline)
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Japan stunned as quintet triumph at home
United Arab Emirates celebrate a goal against Japan. In what proved a mixed opening match day for Asia’s heavyweights in the continent’s third qualifying round for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, Japan fell 2-1 at home to an impressive United Arab Emirates side while fellow Brazil 2014 participants Australia, Korea Republic and Iran all prevailed at home against Iraq, China PR and Qatar respectively. Elsewhere, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia also got off to winning starts with 1-0 victories over Syria and Thailand. United Arab Emirates produced the biggest surprise of the opening matchday, coming from behind to stun hosts Japan. Captain Ahmed Khalil emerged the hero for the visitors, scoring in each half as they inflicted another defeat on the Samurai Blue having triumphed against the same opponents in last year’s AFC Asian Cup quarter-final meeting. The spirited victory provides Mahdi Ali’s outfit with plenty food for thought when they entertain Australia in their next outing. Vahid Halilhodzic’s Japan, meanwhile, have to put their disappointment behind them as they head to Thailand for their forthcoming away game. Featuring as many as eight European-based stars, the Japanese had the better of the early stages through possession. The home side took an early lead through Keisuke Honda when the AC Milan midfielder headed home a Hiroshi Kiyotake free-kick. UAE responded quickly, though, Khalil equalising with a sublimelyexecuted free-kick. With growing confidence and determination, the West Asians hit back after the restart as they sought a matchwinner. The opportunity finally came when Ismail Al Hammadi was brought down
inside the area. From the resulting spot-kick, Khalil kept his cool to seal the three points with a panenka, ending the hosts’ undefeated run in this campaign. Hosts Korea Republic continued their dominant record against China by edging the visitors 3-2. Taking a comfortable threegoal lead with 24 minutes left, Uli Stielike’s side had to survive a late scare as they hung on against the Chinese. Son Heungmin’s dipping free-kick was deflected home by Zheng Zhi for an own-goal as the hosts took a 1-0 first-half lead. They made it to 3-0 after the restart courtesy of quick-fire goals by Lee Chung-yong and Koo Jacheol. The Chinese exploded into life thereafter, though, with Yu Hai pulling one back before Hao Junmin made it 3-2 four minutes later with a free-kick to put the game on a knife’s edge. Indeed, Gao Hongbo’s side even had opportunities to rescue a point in the closing stages but with Ren Hang denied by goalkeeper Jung Sungryong, Team Dragon returned home empty-handed. Elsewhere, two secondhalf goals from Massimo Luongo and Tomi Juric gave Australia an opening victory against Iraq. Spurred on by their home supporters, the Socceroos dominated throughout but they had to wait until 58 minutes to break the deadlock against a determined Iraq. After a goalless first half, the game burst into life after the interval and it was the hosts that saw their efforts pay dividends. Having missed a tap-in, Juric quickly made amends by setting up Luongo to open the scoring. The provider would turn scorer just seven minutes later when he sealed the victory with a goal from close range. Second-half substitute Alexandr Geynrikh scored
the only goal against Syria as Uzbekistan got off to the result they had expected. Debutants Syria maintained their resilient play, reducing the hosts to few opportunities throughout the first half. The Uzbeks piled the pressure on the visitors after the interval with Igor Sergeev coming close. But the breakthrough didn’t come until 74 minutes when Odil Akhmedov forced Syria custodian Ibrahim Almeh into a save. From the rebound, Geynrikh was on hand to open the scoring, sending the home crowd into the raptures. Iran clinched a hardfought 2-0 victory over Qatar courtesy of stoppagetime strikes from Reza Ghoochannejad and Alireza Jahanbaksh. Both sides fashioned out chances of their own but with neither team able to find the back of the net in the regular time, the game was decided in dramatic fashion when Ghoochannejad put Team Melli ahead four minutes into the injury time before Jahan Bakhsh sealed the triumph. Saudi Arabia had to leave it late to down visiting Thailand with Nawaf Al Abed scoring the only goal with a spot-kick on 86 minutes. The valiant Thais did threaten through their pace and fluid play, with topstriker Teerasil Dangda coming close only to see his goal-bound header saved. But it was the hosts that carved out better opportunities and notably, Naif Hazazi saw his close-range effort denied. The tightly-contested match ended in heartbreak for the visitors, though, when Fahad Al Muwallad was brought down in the area. From the consequent penalty, Al Abed gave the Thailand keeper no chance as the Saudis scraped through. (FIFA)
Kaieteur News
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Frankies capture Turbo Dominoes crown F r a n k i e s o f We s t Demerara emerged winners of the Turbo nationwide Dominoes competition which concluded on Sunday night at the National Gymnasium. Frankies chalked up 73 games to beat F & H with 67 and Providence on 63. Terrence Boyce who copped the MVP prize led the scoring for Frankies with the maximum 18 games while Courtney Fredericks got 14, Godfrey Samuels and Rabby Grovensor 11 each and Terrence Pollard 10. Allan Hinds and Nigel Edwards scored the utmost 18 games apiece for F & H while Charles Dopson and Keith Maloney got 11 each. Providence, one of the most consistent teams of recent were led by Andrew Mendonca and Vernon Jordon with 14 each while Junior Smith and Sean Davis had 10 apiece. Medals and trophies were presented to the first, second and third place teams, Frankies ($500,000), F & H ($200,000) and Providence received $100,000 at the presentation
Terrence Boyce collects his MVP prize from GDA head Faye Joseph ceremony which was attended by General Manager of the Guyana Beverage Inc. distributors of Turbo drink, Mark Telting and Caribbean Brand Manager for Fruta and Turbo, Andrea Noel on We d n e s d a y n i g h t a t Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. President of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) Faye Joseph expressed gratitude to the sponsors and said her wish is for the sponsor to
continue partnering with the GDA. Joseph also lauded the finalists whilst commending the players for the high level of discipline exhibited. Noel congratulated the GDA on a well organised tournament adding that despite some challenges the tournament was successful. He stated that he was impressed by the number of teams which participated in the tournament and pledged their continued support. (Zaheer Mohamed).
RHTYSC Town Week – 2016
Ansa McAl (Guy) Ltd on board as Official Sponsor One of Guyana and the C a r i b b e a n ’s l e a d i n g corporate entities, Ansa McAl is now the official sponsor of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) organised Town Week in observance of the 46th anniversary celebrations of Rose Hall Town as a Township. Rose Hall, the smallest town in Guyana was granted the status of Township on the 20th of September, 1970 and Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation was granted the approval from the Mayor and Town Council to organise a series of activities in observance of this milestone between September 14 - 25. The Ansa McAl sponsorship package includes entertainment at the various public events, trophies for sports and educational competitions, operating a booth at the Career and Business Fair on the 22nd and two City based artistes for the grand public concert scheduled for the
25th which will end almost two weeks of celebrations. Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster said he is delighted that the long-standing sponsor of the club has come on board as an official sponsor of the Town Week which would be the best ever organised in Guyana. A n s a M c A l ’s h u g e sponsorship was the final puzzle to fall into place and Foster expressed gratitude to Marketing Director Troy Cadogan for approving the club’s request. The Town Week would be organised by the club’s eight cricket teams and its Over-35 section. The almost two weeks of celebration is expected to commence with a March Past and Opening Ceremony on September 14 while activities would conclude on September 25 with the hosting of the Historic Rose H a l l To w n C u i s i n e Competition and Public Concert. Among the other programmes planned are a
Television Documentary on t h e To w n s h i p , P u b l i c Exhibition, Tourism Posters, Honouring of Top Students, Medical Outreach, Educational Competitions, Steel Band Concert and Dancing Competitions, Launching of a 40-page Booklet, Career and Business Fair, Opening of Family Recreational Park and the honouring of residents over the age of 85 years. President David Granger, the RHTY&SC Patron has been invited to take the salute at the March Past and deliver the feature address at the Opening Ceremony. The eight cricket teams – RHT Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under17 and Second Division, Metro Females, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate and Gizmos & Gadgets First Division are urging all local and overseas based residents of Rose Hall Town to get involved in all the planned activities.
Friday September 02, 2016
Queen Serena downs King, blasting 13 aces indoors After 17 trips to Flushing Meadows and six U.S. Open titles Serena Williams did something yesterday she had never done before — win a match indoors. With the new high-tech retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium slammed shut because of persistent rain, Williams swept past American compatriot Vania King 6-3 6-3 in a tidy 65 minutes to ease into the third round. ”It was a little different playing with Ashe closed but it still feels great,” said Wi l l i a m s . I n d o o r s o r outdoors, night or day, rain or shine, it has made little difference to Williams at the U.S. Open, the 34-year-old having now racked up 86 victories at Flushing Meadows. Wi l l i a m s ’s v i c t o r y against an over-matched King may have been one of her easiest, the world number one in complete control from the outset, looking like a champion who never had to shift out of first gear. Williams arrived at the
year’s final grand slam with concerns swirling around a sore shoulder that hampered her at the Rio Olympics and forced her to pull out of a tournament in Cincinnati. But she put any doubts about her fitness to rest, blasting 13 aces past King while hitting 38 winners to just four by her opponent. Elsewhere, Romanian fifth seed Simona Halep also advanced to the third round with a 6-3 6-4 win over Lucie Safarova in the first full match played under a closed roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium. ”It was a little bit (of an adjustment),” Halep said about playing under the roof. “But I had the chance to warm up in the morning before the match. “I don’t want to say anything bad because it wasn’t bad. Had a nice feeling. “It was a great experience to be there. I didn’t have to wait for the rain, so that’s a good thing.” The roof, which has been a huge source of fascination for the Flushing Meadows crowds, was first used on
Wednesday when it was put into action in the middle of Rafa Nadal’s second-round victory over Andreas Seppi. Halep needed 88 minutes to dismiss an error-prone Safarova, a two-time grand slam doubles champion, who committed a whopping 44 unforced errors. Sixthseeded Venus Williams stayed on track for a possible semi-finals clash with sister Serena by sprinting past German Julia Goerges to reach the third round yesterday. Williams, 36, relied on her big serve when pressed in posting a 6-2 6-3 victory under the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium, turning away four of five break points held by the 64th-ranked Goerges. Williams, the U.S. Open winner of 2000 and 2001, was runner-up to top seed Martina Hingis as an unseeded player in the inaugural year of Ashe Stadium and 19 years later finished the first U.S. Open day session played entirely under a roof.
CONCACAF leadership visits Central American Member Associations FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President, Victor Montagliani and General Secretary, Philippe Moggio, are conducting a five-day tour in Central America that started on Monday in Guatemala and includes visits to El Salvador and Honduras. This is the first official Member Association visit of Montagliani since he w a s e l e c t e d a s CONCACAF President in May in Mexico. The trip provides the Confederation’s leadership with an opportunity to discuss with Member Association officials cooperation across a range of priorities and challenges to further develop football within the region. CONCACAF officials commended the excellent work of the Normalization Committees of the Federación Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala and the Federación Nacional Autónoma de Fútbol de Honduras to implement reforms. ”These visits are a significant opportunity to reinvigorate our dialogue on
CONCACAF President, Victor Montagliani (left), CONCACAF General Secretary, Philippe Moggio, and UNCACF President, Rafael Tinoco (right). the needs and challenges of CONCACAF’s Member Associations based on the interests of the game, as we continue working closely to provide assistance and tailor-made support on their reform processes,” said Montagliani. “Cooperation along our federations is crucial to achieve stability in our region, while ensuring the long-term growth of football.” In El Salvador, Montagliani and Moggio held meetings with Executive Committee members of the Federación Salvadoreña de Fútbol. CONCACAF Council Member, Pedro Chaluja and
UNCAF President, Rafael Tinoco, accompanied the Confederation’s delegation during their visit to Guatemala and El Salvador. In Honduras, Montagliani and Moggio held a private audience with the President of the country, Juan Orlando Hernandez, who also r e c o g n i z e d t h e achievements and contributions of the Normalization Committee on and off the field. President Montagliani will travel to Antigua and Barbuda on September 10 to meet with the CFU leadership during their first Executive Committee meeting. (CONCACAF)
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Andre ‘Padlock’ Green pedals to another win in 30-miler Andre ‘Padlock’ Green has continued his winning ways in the cycling arena in Berbice when he outsprinted Andrew Hicks in a close finish to take the top spot in a 30-mile race held on the Corentyne Highway on Sunday last. The race which was organized by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) in collaboration with overseas based Guyanese Franco Crawford pedaled off at the No. 51 Police Station and ended at Main and Alexander Streets, New Amsterdam; 11 cyclists completed the event. It was Green’s third consecutive win since returning to competitive racing following an accident. Crawford, who is
still a member of FACC rolled back the years by being a competitor in the event and was third to cross the line. Fourth was Brian Harris followed by Syborne Fernandez and Curtis Dey. Green won four of the 10 sprint prizes with Hicks taking three, Ralph Seenarine two and Rokeel G o r d e n , t h e o t h e r. Shivnarine Bhowandin was the only BMX competitor. The winner and other top performers were presented with cash incentives and spare parts while all the riders who finished the race received a complete cycling outfit. Crawford, a former leading cyclist in his heyday, now resides in the UK where
he continues to compete on the European and North American circuits. He has been returning home on a regular basis where he assists his countrymen so that they can have an opportunity to improve their skills and better themselves in whatever they do. He is motivated to assist because he feels happy to be able to give back to his home country and community. He remembered his early upbringing when he hadn’t a proper bike and gear to participate. Crawford does not only assist cycling, but gives to other sports and community activities as well. The event was coordinated by Coach Randolph Roberts. (Samuel Whyte)
All-or-nothing time in CONCACAF It will be all to play for in the CONCACAF zone over the last two matchdays of semi-final qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. With only highflying Mexico guaranteed a spot in the final round, the remaining five berths for the Hexagonal are there for the taking. Central American powers Costa Rica have been in fine form and are nearly sure of a place among the last six, but struggling USA, Honduras, Panama, Jamaica, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago all face stern tests, and tests of nerve, with everything on the line. FIFA.com takes a closer look at Friday’s penultimate semi-final clashes. The Big G a m e Panama-Jamaica. Third-place in Group B, Jamaica’s hopes are fading. They go into today’s contest needing a result on the road in Panama, against an inform Canalero team three points ahead of them. The Reggae Boyz we have seen in qualifying are a far cry from the side that shocked the region a year ago by reaching the CONCACAF Gold Cup final for the first time in their history. But bolstered by Leicester City captain Wes Morgan, Winfried Schaefer’s men are keeping the faith. “It would be a
Overseas-based forward Giles Barnes. mistake for anyone to look at us and see a simple problem,” said the German coach whose side narrowly avoided elimination at the hands of tiny Nicaragua in the previous round. Adding to Jamaica’s woes will be Panama’s desperation not to let this big moment slip away. Facing a powerful Costa Rica side on the road in their final game, Los Canaleros want to take care of business against the Caribbean islanders on home soil. Panama have a chequered history in games where everything is on the line, and their fans at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez are hoping coach Hernan Dario Gomez can keep a cool head, something he is noted for. ”We need to make that small step because sometimes we get
everything right and then we go and trip up right at the end,” said the Colombian coach. “We have to win these types of matches to change our history.” Over in Group A, Canada travel to Honduras in a rematch of a Brazil 2014 qualifier that still gives many of the players in the side from up north nightmares. In the section’s other game, bottom dwellers El Salvador host a Mexican team already qualified for the final round and perhaps with their mind on other tests to come. The right set of results could still see the Salvadorans slip into one of the top-two spots. Costa Rica will want to guarantee their place in the Hexagonal with a win over Group B whipping boys Haiti, who have only one point from their previous (Continued on page 32)
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Pieces Dominoes team tourney starts on Sunday
Members of the Pieces Dominoes team with the trophies up for grabs. Pieces Dominoes team tournament is set to get underway on Sunday at Pieces Place 111 Friendship, East Coast Demerara. Entrance fee is $12,000 and the winning team will take
home a trophy and $150,000, runner-up a trophy and $75,000 and third place a trophy and $45,000. The finals will be played on September 5 at Dynasty Sports Bar. Among the
sponsors on board are Rohit’s Lumber Yard of 7 Public Road, Good Hope, ECD, Swansea, Buxton4life and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.
Nand Persaud Co. Ltd and Kris Jagdeo Construction Ltd support Family Recreational Park The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and the ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force would be teaming up once again to make a positive difference in the lives of families. The two organisations would construct a family Recreational Park as part of the 46th Anniversary celebrations of Rose Hall being granted the status of Township. The Park would be officially opened on Friday September 23rd. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is spearheading the project informed that the playfield would include of a benab, slides, swings, see-saws, flower garden and tourist seats among other items. It would also be branded with messages of the organisations. Plans for the Family Playfield received a massive boost when popular businessman Kris Jagdeo of Jagdeo Construction Firm and Mohindra Persaud of Nand Persaud Co. Ltd of No. 36 Village made financial contributions towards the construction of the slides, swings and seesaws. Foster hailed the contribution of Jagdeo and Persaud and described them both as real friends of the RHTY&SC. Foster,
disclosed that the objectives of the Family Recreational Park are to promote the importance of sports, to provide clean relaxation for children, to allow families to bond together, to promote social cohesion and to promote the Say No to Suicide, Drugs, Crime and Yes to Life, Sports and Education Message. Construction of the Park would be undertaken by members of the RHTY&SC eight cricket teams and its Over-35 section. The Club and the Police Force on completion of the project would officially hand it over to the Rose Hall To w n C o u n c i l , w h i c h would then be responsible for its upkeep. Foster expressed amazement at the amount of projects/programmes the club undertakes each year and expressed profound disappointment that other sports clubs were not playing
any role in assisting less fortunate children. He expressed gratitude to Kris Jagdeo Construction Firm and Nand Persaud Co. Ltd for their timely contribution and reassured them that the project would fulfill all of its objectives. Police Commander Ian Amsterdam explained that ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force fully supports the project as it would play a major role in fostering stronger family bonds. He joined Foster in expressing gratitude to the two donors for their contributions. The cricket teams involved in the construction of the Family Recreation Park are RHT Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell U n d e r- 1 7 a n d S e c o n d Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.
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Friday September 02, 2016
Troy Doris place 2nd in Triple Jump AFP - Guyana’s Troy Doris has continues his fine form this season after finishing 7th at the Rio Olympics. In his second Diamond League Meeting since Rio, the US based Guyanese finished 2nd to USA’s and Olympic Gold medalist Christian Taylor whose winning leap was 17.80 at yesterday’s Zurich’s Diamond League meet. Doris’ second place leap was 17.01, another US athlete; Chris Carter was third with a leap of 16.75. Jamaican and double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson smashed the Diamond League 200 metres record as she beat Dutch queen Dafne Schippers. Thompson was timed 21.85 a stellar race, maintaining her form right through to the end to pip Dutch world champion Dafne Schippers by just 0.01sec. American three-time world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medallist Allyson Felix was third (22.02). “I came out a winner and I’m happy!” said Thompson. “This is a blast. I came out to execute well. ”It’s been a long season, my last stop will be in Brussels next week. I haven’t been home since Rio and I’m longing to get back to Jamaica.” Schippers was left content with her time, her second fastest ever. “This year, I had quite a few struggles. I hope to come back stronger next year,” she said. “For the world championships in 2017, I will have to work on everything in the 200: start, curve, execution, speed and finish.” The last world record set in Zurich dated back to 2009 when Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva raised the bar to 5.06 metres in the women’s pole vault. Expectations were high for another after Kenyan-
Thompson, Semenya rule in Zurich
Elaine Thompson (left) pips Dafne Schippers Caster Semenya © Action Images born Bahraini Ruth Jebet obliterated the 3000m steeplechase world record last week in Paris. But a flagging Jebet, whose Olympic gold was the first-ever for the Gulf state, had to content herself with a race victory in 9min 07.00sec, more than 14sec off her record mark. There were high-quality match-ups throughout the deep fields at the 25, 000 sell-out at the Letzigrund Stadium in perfect conditions. F r a n c e ’s R e n a u d Lavillenie got a measure of revenge over surprise Olympic pole vault gold medallist Thiago Braz of Brazil. The Frenchman, famously reduced to tears by jeering from the host nation’s partisan, Brazbacking fans, finished equal first with American Sam Hendricks with a best of 5.90 metres, with nothing to differentiate the duo on countback. Braz was third, deciding to retire after having cleared 5.84m. The victory topped a
remarkable seventh consecutive Diamond Race victory for Lavillenie, who like 15 other winners will leave Switzerland $40, 000 better off as one of the 16 discipline winners on the night. The 16 others will be decided at a second final next week in Brussels. The Olympic podium was also repeated in the women’s 800m, this time in the right order as South African Caster Semenya clocked 1min 56.44sec to win comfortably ahead of B u r u n d i ’s F r a n c i n e Niyonsaba and Kenyan Margaret Wambui. ”I am a bit tired and it was a little bit hard!” said Semenya, long touted as the runner to finally beat Czech Jarmila Kratochvilova’s world record of 1:53.28 set back in 1983, a full 2sec quicker than the South African’s personal best. “I was not ready for the world record this year,” Semenya said. “But I couldn’t ask for more, this has been an excellent year for me.” None of the US team that led a sweep in the women’s 100m hurdles in Rio were on show, but to no avail, as one American who should have been there but botched the cut-throat US Olympic trials triumphed. Kendra Harrison, who rebounded from her trials disappointment to set a new world record at last month’s Diamond League meet in London, won in 12.63sec ahead of US-born Briton Cindy Ofili and 2008 Olympic champion Dawn Harper-Nelson.
In the field, New Zealand’s Olympic bronze medallist Tom Walsh threw 22.20 metres for a new Oceania record and Croatia’s double Olympic champion Sandra Perkovic brought an unbeaten season to an end with discus victory (68.44m) for a fifth consecutive Diamond Race title. And Jamaican Asafa Powell dipped under the 10sec barrier for a record 98th time to time 9.94sec to win the 100m and snatch the Diamond Race from Ivorian Ben Youssef Meite. Importantly for Powell in the highly-competitive world of Jamaican sprinting, the overall Diamond Race title guarantees him a wildcard entry for next year’s world championships in London. RESULTS Men’s 400m 1. LaShawn Merritt (U.S.) 44.64 2. Bralon Taplin (Grenada) 44.70 3. Nery Brenes (Costa Rica) 45.18 Men’s 5000m 1. Hagos Gebrhiwet (Ethiopia) 13:14.82 2. Paul Kipkemoi Chelimo (U.S.) 13:16.51 3. Evan Jager (U.S.) 13:16.86 Men’s Pole Vault 1. Sam Kendricks (U.S.) 5.90 1. Renaud Lavillenie (France) 5.90 3. Thiago Braz da Silva (Brazil) 5.84 Men’s Shot Put 1. Tomas Walsh (New Zealand) 22.20
2. Ryan Crouser (U.S.) 22.00 3. Joe Kovacs (U.S.) 21.20 Women’s 200m 1. Elaine Thompson (Jamaica) 21.85 2. Dafne Schippers (Netherlands) 21.86 3. Allyson Felix (U.S.) 22.02 Women’s 800m 1. Caster Semenya (South Africa) 1:56.44 2. Francine Niyonsaba (Burundi) 1:56.76 3. Margaret Wambui (Kenya) 1:57.04 Women’s 1500m 1. Shannon Rowbury (U.S.) 3:57.78 2. Laura Muir (Britain) 3:57.85 3. Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) 3:58.43 Women’s 100m Hurdles 1. Kendra Harrison (U.S.) 12.63 2. Cindy Ofili (Britain) 12.70 3. Dawn Harper-Nelson
(U.S.) 12.73 Women’s 400m Hurdles 1. Shamier Little (U.S.) 53.97 2. Sara Slott Petersen (Denmark) 54.22 3. Eilidh Doyle (Britain) 54.55 Women’s High Jump 1. Ruth Beitia (Spain) 1.96 2. Inika McPherson (U.S.) 1.93 2. Sofie Skoog (Sweden) 1.93 2. Kamila Licwinko (Poland) 1.93 Women’s Long Jump 1. Brittney Reese (U.S.) 6.95 2. Ivana Spanovic (Serbia) 6.93 3. Darya Klishina (Russia) 6.63 Women’s Discus Throw 1. Sandra Perkovic (Croatia) 68.44 2. Melina Robert-Michon (France) 63.91 3. Denia Caballero (Cuba) 62.80
Star-studded line-up for Trophy Stall Darts Caribbean and national champion Sudesh ‘Kerry’ Fitzgerald is among a host of leading darters scheduled to participate in the Guyana Darts Association (GDA)sanctioned Tournament sponsored by Trophy Stall. The tournament which is open to all registered members of the GDA will be played today at the Malteenoes Sports Club commencing from 19:30hrs, but registration starts at 19:00hrs. The tournament will comprise Male and Female Singles and Luck of the Draw Doubles and prizes will be awarded to the top three performers in each category. Among the other players listed to compete are Luis Ramirez-Merlano, Sherwyn Greene, Lalchand Rambharose, Melissa Smarrt, Shondell Hyles, Bryan James, Christine Fulton, Mary Correia, Terry Joseph, R. Hiralall and Edward Richmond.
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Beach ballers to commence trials for CONCACAF Beach Soccer WCQ
PAGE 41
GFF/GBFA release 25-man list
Flashback! Kuru Kururu Warriors Cordel Johnson (ball at feet) takes the attack to Attention Family in March 2016 at the Kuru Kururu Beach Soccer ground in the inaugural Beach Soccer League.
The Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) in association with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has called up twenty-five (25) that will contest trials on September 11 with a view of making the Guyana team for the CONCACAF Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifiers set for next January 29 to February 5 in the USA. Following is the list of players shortlisted:
Name Club Michael Peters Hi Stars Leonard Peters Hi Stars Trevorn Archabol Attention Family Jamal Haynes Attention Family Jashawn Moore Attention Family Jermaine Grandison Cool Runnings Keon Sears Cool Runnings Deon Charter Cool Runnings Kennard Simon Cool Runnings Travis Bess Cool Runnings Rodwyn Fraser Cool Runnings Ryan Scott Kuru Kururu Warriors Cordel Johnson Kuru Kururu Warriors (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 42
Friday September 02, 2016
GCB’s Jaguars 3-day Franchise League
GT battles L/C’tyne at Albion in match of the round By Sean Devers G e o r g e t o w n , straightened by the return of West Indies opener Leon Johnson, travels to Albion to face leaders Lower Corentyne in what should be the highlight as the second round of the GCB’s eightteam Jaguars three-day League bowls off today at
four venues. Lower Corentyne destroyed Essequibo, without Shiv Chanderpaul and Kemo Paul, at Tuschen in the first round, while Georgetown had to settle for a draw after rain washed out the final day at Everest when they o p p o s e d E a s t Bank Demerara.
At Everest, Georgetown reached 186 in reply to 192 made by East Bank, who were 68-5 in their second innings when rain washed out the last day. At Tuschen Essequibo made 101 & 159 as Lower Corentyne, who made 382, won by an innings and 122 runs. Host, East Coast, fresh
off their victory over West Demerara at Lusignan, battles Upper Corentyne at Enterprise. Essequibo plays West Berbice at the Young Warriors ground in East B e r b i c e w h i l e We s t Demerara and East Bank clash at Everest in the other two games set for today. Lower Corentyne took an
early 4.2 point lead (19.4) ahead of East Coast Demerara who sits on second place with 15.2 points. Both Lower Corentyne and East Coast registered two-day wins in the opening round which finished last Saturday while on the final day the other two games ended in draws when they were washed at Everest and at Young Warriors in Berbice. Lower Corentyne made the highest total in the competition so far when Jonathon Foo’s destructive 152 and half-centuries from David Latchaya and Gajanand Singh pushed them to 382 on one of the better grounds and pitches in local cricket. Foo’s ton is the only three-figure score so far while Lower Corentyne’s West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has the most five-wicket hauls (2) and the only 10-wickethaul (10-80). So impressed were the fans at Tuschen which hosted its first ever ‘big’ game that the daughter of proprietor of A&S Lumber Yard presented $20,000 each to Foo and Permaul for their achievements. Spinners Gudakesh Motie, Ameer Khan and
Akenie Adams along leftarm pacer Raymon Reifer each took 5 wicket-hauls in the opening round of the League which has replaced the senior 4-day InterCounty competition. Like in the Regional four-day First-Class Franchise, teams can earn up to five batting points for scoring from 200-to 400 in 110 overs with one point being awarded for each bloke of 50 runs. In an effort to encourage fast bowling the GCB’s playing conditions of the League says .1 of a point is awarded for each wicket taken by a pacer. Each player is paid $5,000 per day and those non-contracted players who participate in the League are eligible for National selection on a pay-for-play basis while it is understood that players traveling to Berbice from Demerara for the three-day matches, will have to journey to and from Berbice each day. A team is awarded 12 points for a win and three for a draw while there are no first innings points available. Points table: L/C’tyne (19.4), East Coast (15.2), W/B’ce (7), E/Bank (6.4), U/C’tyne (6.4), GT (6.3), W/Dem (3.8), E’bo (3).
Leon Johnson
Friday September 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
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GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U-17 League
WDFA action resume this weekend; Dartmouth and Mahaicony post wins Matches on the West Demerara in the inaugural G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League are set to restart this weekend after weeks off due to consistent rain and a damaged outfield. Tomorrow, Slingerz FC will match skills with Beavers FC from 12:00hrs while at the same time on Sunday, Eagles United will oppose Wales United.
B e r b i c e F A Mahaicony took full advantage of home turf to turn back the challenge of Monedderlust with a solid 30 whipping of their West Berbice challengers.
WDFA/Stag Senior League resumes this weekend The Stag sponsored West Demerara Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( W D FA ) Senior League is slated to restart this weekend with double headers tomorrow and Sunday at the Den Amstel Community Centre
ground. To m o r r o w, f r o m 14:00hrs, Eagles FC is down to Jetty Gunners while in the feature match at 16:00hrs brings together Young Achievers and (Continued on page 32)
Leading the victory bid was Shane McKenzie who hammered in a second half brace after they were sent on their way compliments of a Nathan Johnny 28th minute strike. McKenzie found shooting range in the 65th and 68th minute and made no mistake in converting both chances to seal full points for Mahaicony. Rivalry was set to continue yesterday at the same venue when Litchfield Nuggets took on Paradise Invaders. Essequibo FA On Saturday last at the Queenstown ground, Dartmouth Dominators mauled Good Hope 7-0 on the back of a helmet-trick off the boot of Terrence Marks. S u n d a y ’s m a t c h s a w Henrietta winning via the walk over route from Queenstown United.
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Frankies capture Turbo Dominoes crown
Members of the victorious Frankies team with Turbo and Fruta Brand Manager Andre Noel (left), Guyana Beverage Inc. General Manager Mark Telting (3rd right) and GDA President Faye Joseph (right).
Troy Doris place 2nd in Triple Ansa McAl (Guy) Ltd on board as Official Sponsor Jump RHTYSC Town Week – 2016
Thompson, Semenya rule in Zurich
Troy Doris
Ansa McAl Trade Marketing Manager Ms Darshanie Yusuf and RHTY&SC Executive Member Mark Papannah seals the deal. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210