Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday September 07, 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

A dramatic downfall It wasn’t supposed to happen in the world’s fifth largest country, but it did. Yes, Brazil, our neighbour to the South impeached Dilma Rousseff, its first female President on September 1, 2016. The impeachment put an end to 13 years in power of the left-wing Workers Party. It brought to power, the centre-right Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) led by Michel Temer who was officially sworn in as president. The impeachment of Ms. Rousseff has caused a rift between Brazil and the three left-wing South American governments of Bolivia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, which have not only criticized the impeachment process but also recalled their ambassadors. Amidst anti-government demonstrations in many cities including Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio, a defiant Dilma Rousseff told her supporters that the process is flawed and she is innocent and would appeal the Brazilian Senate’s decision to illegally remove her from office. Her supporters claimed that her removal was illegal and could threaten the nation’s democracy, whereas, her rivals have contended that she was a dictator. The impeachment process began in 2015 after the Brazilian Supreme Court rejected her appeal to be reinstated as President. Although the impeachment hovered over the Rio Olympics, the games went on without any problems, political or otherwise. Ever since she returned to power in 2014, the leftist leader had constantly fought off efforts from her right-wing rivals on allegations of dereliction of duties, administrative misconduct and violation of the budget laws and the Fiscal responsibility Law, cited in articles 85 and 36 respectively, of the Brazilian Constitution. Ms. Rousseff was accused of issuing budget decrees on spending and moving funds from the budgets to plug deficit holes in popular social programmes to boost her re-election chances in 2014—all of which her opponents claimed were illegal under Brazilian law. Beyond the violations of the budget laws, Ms. Rousseff and her government were implicated in corruption allegations of the government-owned oil company, Petrobras. It was reported that hundreds of millions of dollars were siphoned from Petrobras and placed into private offashore accounts. However, there was no evidence that Ms. Rousseff herself was involved in the Petrobras scandal. And although scholars have found that her actions on budgetary spending did not amount to criminality or impeachment, yet she was suspended from the Presidency in May 2016 after the Brazilian Senate voted to go ahead with the impeachment process against her. The scholars have argued that what she did was to reallocate budgetary funds to social programmes and this was done by other presidents, and no criminal or impeachment charges were levelled against them. Ms. Rousseff, who had never lost an election since coming to power in 2010, was praised for expanding poverty relief programmes which benefited almost 14 million poor Brazilians throughout the country. However, by mid-2015, her support among the public and in Congress diminished as a result of a sharp decline in the economy. From then on, it was downhill for Ms. Rousseff, as her government was rocked by a massive bribery scandal that paralyzed the country. Thousands flocked to the streets all across the country to protest the economic hardships and called for the removal of President Rousseff. Her impeachment marks a dramatic downfall of a woman who was once one of the world’s most popular politicians with approval ratings of 85%. But her struggles with her right-wing rivals in Congress and a dire economic and financial climate eroded her popularity and led to a loss of confidence among the people. Her impeachment was destined because some of the country’s political elites, including the right-wing Vice President Michel Temer could not bear her being the president of Brazil for a second term. Ms. Rousseff’s removal from office less than halfway through her mandate could have broader implications for Brazil. While she is not the first Brazilian president to be impeached, her impeachment reinforced the impression that the political class seems to be uncomfortable with democracy. The question is being asked whether Brazil could eventually return to authoritarian military dictatorship; a state of affairs which ended a little more than three decades ago.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Vic Puran’s daughter says he was murdered DEAR EDITOR; I refer to a letter by the 17 year old son of Vic Puran, Mikel Puran in yesterday’s KN (September 6) accusing me of vilifying the name of his dead father. As someone much older than this young man, I ought to understand the misplaced passion of youth. I will not be harsh on him for the utter lack of research that went into his letter. But I am sure as a law student his professors must be wondering about his prospects. It is unpardonable in the year 2016 for someone to write on topical issues in the news and not use Google. Google is perhaps used billions of times each day. If Milkel Puran had Googled his father’s name, he would see right in this and other newspaper that his sister, Mikhaila Puran is asking the police to investigate her father’s death because she knows he was tortured and murdered. I would suggest he talk immediately to his sister and together pursue the matter with the police. I really don’t know why he would want a stranger (me) to give the police information on his father’s death when his sister wrote that she knows who killed him and who stood to benefit from his death. Is it possible that young Puran read what his sister wrote but is scared to face the reality of who his sister is pointing to?

If Mikel Puran had gone to Google he would have seen that his father wrote a letter in the newspaper in response to my comments and he mentioned that it was a family purchase of the Foreman shoe repair building and 28 (yes, 28) family members joined in. He never mentioned anything about brother-inlaw. I would suggest to young Puran, he speak with AFC Parliamentarian, Michael Carrington on his father’s ownership of the Foreman building, because at the time of purchase Carrington was the tenant. Carrington will enlighten Puran on the ownership. If Miken Puran had used Google, he would see the accusations I made against his father when his father was alive in several columns and letters. He would have also seen the times I came to his father’s rescue as a media operative. I am simply baffled why he did do a simple Google click. That simply Google click would have revealed that the prosecutor left the treason case and Puran was invited to prosecute. I will not reveal at this time the circumstances as to how Vic Puran became the prosecutor, but I will do so later. Finally, young Puran sounds scary when he wrote in his letter that a prosecutor does not look at the circumstances surrounding evidence in a prosecution case. That is what

professional lawyers do. Prosecutors do not prosecute based on non-existent evidence. If the evidence is not there, it is the morally and legally decent thing to do and not to go ahead with prosecution. The three treason accused were freed because the evidence was not flimsy or opaque; it was non-existent. Vic Puran had no moral conscience when he took that case to send three persons to their death on fictional evidence. I will forgive young Puran for his research paucity because he is still young but if he continues to ignore the cardinal rules in making analysis and disregard research, he may not graduate. Why should he? Finally, I will overlook a son’s exuberance of his farther. After all, Mikel Puran was just twelve when his father was murdered. And his father fathered him when he was in his middle fifties, so Mikel Puran would have missed out on knowing the details of his father’s long career in politics and law. But a child should not be forgiven for glossing over the heinous and repugnant things their parents committed against others. If your dad sent you to university, bought the best jewels and cars for you, that does not wash away the people he killed when he was in power. I hope Mikel Puran learns that vital lesson of life. Frederick Kissoon

Taxes, tolls and discrimination DEAR EDITOR; The Coalition Government continues to pursue the flawed fiscal policy of supplementing the shortfall of revenue by increasing taxation. This lazy and unscientific approach is preferred rather than one which energizes and invigorates the productive sectors, expands the traditional base of the economy and creates an atmosphere and environment that conduces and encourages the growth and proliferation of local and foreign investments. The grand plan appears to be to augment revenue by taxing the population to its hilt, while waiting on the oil revenues to flourish. This Government appears oblivious to the stark economic truth that no country ever accumulated its wealth by taxing its people. Thus far, this Government has produced neither a plan nor a policy that would lend to job creation, increase the size of the economy, attract and generate local or foreign investments, sourcing new markets for our produce, addressing the astronomical cost of energy or deliver social justice – all of which are so vital to economic growth and the social elevation of our people. Theirs is a vision that sees taxation as our national economic panacea. So, thus far, we have witnessed astronomical increases, in some instances, as high as 1200% in 140 public licenses fees; imposition of VAT on heavy duty equipment in the

agricultural, mining, forestry and construction industries which were hitherto VAT-free; the imposition of taxes on imported raw materials for the manufacturing industry; the imposition of higher import duties and taxes on motor vehicles by banning the importation of vehicles that are 8 years and older; the imposition of higher taxes on steel; the imposition of a tax on container; the routine subjecting of almost every container imported to almost 100% inspection by Customs which invariably leads to increase in Customs and Excise Duties; increase parking fees for parking at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by 400%; the impending implementation of parking meters within the City of Georgetown; the increase in application fees for State lands from $5,000 to $55,000; the proposal to increase rates and taxes on properties throughout the country; the proposal to increase drainage and irrigation charges by MMA/ADA from $2,500 per acre to $6,000 per acre annually; the proposal to increase fees at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, inter alia. This avalanche of increase tax measures have been imposed in an environment of no commensurate increase in wages, no new investments and no job-creation opportunities. To compound the plight of the ordinary Guyanese, these economic disincentives are complemented by and coupled with a plethora of similarly oppressive and anti-business policies

imposed by the Government. The result has been gross economic decline, commercial stagnation and fiscal inertia. Indeed, anyone unfamiliar with the realities of Guyana, reading the vast and varying compendium of tax measures to which I have alluded, would never believe that that regime of tax measures were imposed over a period of merely 7 months, that is, March to August, 2016. However, it does not end there. The 20th of August, 2016, publication of the Official Gazette, publishes a series of By-Laws, made under the Municipal and District Council Act by the Linden Town Council and approved by the Minister of Local Government. These By-Laws, in essence, impose toll charges on vehicles travelling through the Municipality of Linden. Significantly, the By-Laws provide that these tolls do not apply to vehicles which are registered in the names of a person living in Linden. It provides that these persons are to pay a toll to be determined by the Council twice a year in January and July. Presumably, the toll that would be fixed for Lindeners would be, appreciatively, lower. I set out hereunder the Toll Charges fixed by the By-Laws: CATEGORY OF VEHICLE TOLL CHARGE Car with Goods for Sale $2,000.00 Mini Buses with Goods for Sale $2,800.00 (Continued on page 5)

Wednesday September 07, 2016

The Chairman of Region 3 must apologise to the REO DEAR EDITOR; I have read in the Stabroek News dated Thursday, September 1, 2016 on page 17 an article bearing the caption, “REO, APNU+AFC councillors walked out from Region Three meeting” and I am deeply disturbed by it. It is my humble opinion that the reporter erroneously carried a story without practising investigative journalism. Had he or she done that then the story would have been written differently since the reporter didn’t, permit me to offer my rebuttal on what was reported because I was there from the beginning. To begin with, the first paragraph stated that the REO walked out of the council’s statutory meeting along with nine councillors of the APNU+AFC coalition after the Regional Chairman asked for a report. Editor, the reporter was inaccurate. Present at the meeting were seven councillors of the APNU+AFC and when the Regional Chairman had reached the agenda item“Matters Arising,” he turned to the REO and in a loud tone aggressively asked what is the update from the Minister. The REO in his attempt to answer was disrupted and spoken to again by the

Chairman in an even louder tone of voice. At this point like any right minded individual, the REO packed his books up and said boldly that he is excusing himself from the meeting. As he walked out, nine councillors followed behind him of which seven were APNU+AFC. I don’t need to say which side the other two are from. Editor at no time did the REO ever said that he had no report to give to anybody. Secondly, it was reported in the fourth paragraph of the article that Mr. Faerber told Stabroek News that as Clerk of Council, Mr. Jaikarran was supposed to produce the report at the meeting. Editor, this particular part of the article I cannot comprehend, since the Minister not only wrote but spoke ad nauseum on the reasons why the plantain chip factory at Wakenaam cannot come into operation and councillors of the PPP would have acknowledged receipt of the Minister’s address on the matter, but as outlined above the REO was not given a proper chance to answer. Thirdly, in the fifth paragraph SN reported that Faerber is contending that Jaikaran’s behaviour cannot be accepted and he has to

apologise before he returns to the next meeting. This I consider extremely unscrupulous and unacceptable since the REO is the Head of the Regional Administration and excluding him is excluding all program heads and even the minute taker. Given what has been reported and considering what I would have observed, it is the Regional Chairman who wants to create mayhem in Region 3 and this should not be allowed. Notwithstanding the above, I firmly don’t believe the REO has to apologise for anything. It was grossly unethical, unprofessional and by far uncouth of the Regional Chairman to believe that he can speak to the Regional Executive Officer the way he did, and further if at anytime an apology should be offered, it should come from the Regional Chairman. Lastly, I would have recognised that in the said article a councillor reported that the REO said no money is available to clean the school compounds. Editor the best way to dispel public misperception is to deal with it directly. The Education Committee informed council on that very day that school compounds (Continued on page 6)

Taxes, tolls and discrimination From page 4 Small Canters with Goods for Sale $3,000.00 Large Canters with Goods for Sale $4,000.00 Lumber Trucks with Boards $4,000.00 20’ Container $5,000.00 Pickups and 4x4s with Materials $3,000.00 Trailers with Boards $4,000.00 Trucks with Scrap Iron $5,000.00 Timber Trucks with Logs $5,000.00 Trailers with Logs $5,000.00 Bedford Trucks $4,800.00 40’ Container $7,000.00 Trucks with Road Building Materials $5,000.00 Trucks with Fuel$5,000.00 Fuel Tankers $5,800.00 Haulers $5,000.00 Haulers with Machine $7,000.00 Article 149 (1) (a) and (b) of the Constitution provides: (a) “no law shall make any provision that is discrimi-

natory either of itself or in its effect”; and (b) “no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any written law or in the performance of the functions of any public office or any public authority.” Article 8 of the Constitution provides as follows: “This Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana and, if any other law is inconsistent with it, that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void”. Applying these constitutional provisions to those By-Laws, every first year law student would conclude that those By-Laws are discriminatory and incon-

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sistent with Article 149 and therefore, are null and void by virtue of Article 8 of the Constitution. I must presume that those By-Laws would have enjoyed legal scrutiny, as well as, the approval of Cabinet. I cannot help but express my bewilderment, as I have often done, at how such elementary legal mistakes can survive the scrutiny of a Cabinet comprising of an Attorney General and four other lawyers. I have advised the Leader of the Opposition to hire a full time lawyer for his office. A successful law suit can be filed against this government every week. Anil Nandlal Attorney-at-Law

Trinidadian humiliation of Guyanese doesn’t stop DEAR EDITOR, On a recent travel to North America something happened that caused me to reflect deeply on the Guyana we are leaving for the next generation. I was on a Caribbean Airlines flight bound for North America. The route was Guyana to Trinidad and Tobago and then to North America. While we were on the flight in Trinidad, something very normal happened; the security came on board and conducted checks. There were layers of security; the first came and checked our travel documents (passports), the second layer came and did another check but it was the third layer of security checks that really registered and made me emotional. The third layer of security was required to check the physical seats; and by the way, there was also a fourth layer. A few of us

jokingly remarked; is this going to end at some point. I also asked one of the security personnel if this was done for persons travelling from all other Caribbean countries or only for the flights leaving Guyana. I cannot recall whether there was a response. Editor, the role of the third layer of security touched me. It required that the security person conducted checks on the physical seats. As I watched the personnel lifting the seats and pulling out the backs while conducting the checks, my pride as a Guyanese was hurt. I remarked to the security personnel, that we still have decent and honest Guyanese living in Guyana. I was just venting my frustration, had little to do with the security personnel who was just doing their job. A few of us, who were in

the vicinity where I was seated, started talking about how we got to this reduced state as a people. One person commented that ‘we can’t do anything about it, so we just have to live with it’. I then asked two questions - ‘is this the Guyana that we want to leave for the next generation? And what can we do to rebuild trust and confidence in us as a people? Ever since that incident, I have been laboring over those questions. I spent the past few weeks pondering on how did we get here? How did we get to a stage as a people where the seats that we sit in on an aircraft have to be checked? You see life is about stimulus and response, so the question is, what have we done to stimulate this response from other countries? Since behaviour is (Continued on page 6)

Government hard-balling public servants and their union DEAR EDITOR: Whether engaged in consultations or in fullfledged collective bargaining, the good faith of the parties must be assured. This is reflected in international norms. I must confess that now that we have a number of 10% after a long and arduous process, I was a bit excited. Finally, the workers will get a “small piece”. But it is not to be and the question is why? Well GPSU wants to go to arbitration. But that does not necessarily mean a delay in this 10% payout for those at the bottom of the ladder. But as part of their tactics to hardball the workers and their union, the Granger administration has decided not to release the 10% to those at the bottom of the ladder I have been advised. Unconscionable, uncaring and heartless was by immediate reaction to this decision. But it exposes a great bit of hypocrisy. After taking 50% for yourself, we continue to play politics with the

people’s 10%? It matters not if the GPSU rejects this 10% position, the political and economic opportunity must be sought from these negotiations. Rationally this ought to be seen as a twotracked process. One - release the recommended payout now. Two - commence the arbitration process to validate whether the recommendation was a fair deal and why not more cannot be afforded. In the final analysis, however long the arbitration process takes at least the workers can say they got something. But the happening on the ground clearly exposes that all along the Granger administration was not negotiating in good faith. What has happened in reality is at great divergence to the promises in the APNU/AFC Manifesto which said on

Page 25 that “as a prelude to the restoration of Collective Bargaining throughout the Public Service, the APNUAFC will increase the salaries of all government workers, on a graduated basis, with the lowest paid receiving a 10% rise”. So we did not need the Collective Bargaining Process (CBP) to pay out this 10% all along. And there was enough cash in the parallel Treasury (the para-statal organization like GGMC, etc) left by Team Ramotar which at last count was reported holding some G$22 billion in excess cash. Guyana can learn much from New Zealand, which has enacted a “Code of Good Faith in Collective Bargaining” under the auspices of their Employment Relations Act, 2000. This (Continued on page 6)

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Outburst by Pandit Tillack was ridiculous DEAR EDITOR; The outburst by Pandit Tillack at the Annual Prayer ceremony during the commencement of Amerindian Heritage Month, was ridiculous and without merit. It has brought great pain to the undersigned, and, in my opinion, to the Government, the Inter Religious Organization of Guyana, and the entire Nation. It was most humiliating to Guyana’s First Peoples; our Indigenous brothers and sisters, men and women of great repute, social standing and patriotism, for them to face such molestation by someone who considers themselve to be a Pandit. APandit is supposed to be a wise man; a learned man; a scholarly person; an educated person; a person that serves as an example and leader in the community. To have uttered such nonsense to these honoured citizens of this country in the presence of no other that his Excellency, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the First Lady, the Diplomats and the citizens, truly was a moment of shame on his behalf. To the elegant Non-Governmental Organizations to which Pandit Tillack belongs, he has placed them in a negative

light, and therefore in my opinion, should not carry any portfolio or appointment of dignity. I believe these institutions of service and unity should create internal tribunals or trial committees for persons committing such infractions to state their cases, be suspended, terminated, or provided the chance to withdraw honourably or apologise depending on the severity of the matter. I wish to state also, that the fact he would make ludicrous comments on a matter of great excitement, such as the discovery of vast deposits of oil and gas in our country is unacceptable. It is known that this discovery will lead to the upliftment of the standard of living of our peoples and our country, and providing international recognition. To the opinion of this writer, his remarks displayed a lack of intelligence and wisdom that is expected from a Pandit. It is my personal opinion that such individuals need to be prevented from representing multi-faith organisations and peace institutions of this country. Once again as a citizen of this country, a patriot who loves dearly, all peoples and all religions, I offer a humble apology to the administrators of the

Indigenous Organisations, and to the Indigenous brothers and sisters of our country and all persons who felt offended. It would appear to me personally that this was a calculated move to humiliate the President and Government; Exxon Mobil and the Amerindians of Guyana. I wish to state from my experience with Pandit Tillack, he likes to discomfort his hosts at their various functions. I have seen him abuse open minded Christians at their churches. At one church, where I sat and made a presentation, I used the opportunity to bolster and encourage the great works of that Christian Organization and Church. I saw him do similar, more than once at an Islamic function. He always quotes an unknown temple and organization, using them to represent a national multi-faith institution and at times, a major Peace Institution in Guyana. Such persons with such cantankerous personalities should not be allowed to speak or pray at any event. It is my opinion that if such persons are representing a Muslim, Christian or Hindu organization, the prayer or message should be vetted by the senior member of such organisations. My heart bleeds! Haji Roshan Khan

Thanks to Linden Hospital Complex of my wife. After eternally thankful to the and others recovery spending eight days in the hospital and especially Dr. DEAR EDITOR; It is imperative that I extend my gratitude to the nurses of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Linden H o s p i t a l C o m p l e x , D r. Couchman, staff of the Lolita Health Centre, members of the SDA church and other persons who were praying for the

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Kaieteur News

ICU of one of Guyana’s best hospitals in Georgetown, she was discharged. Three weeks after, she was admitted to the hospital in Linden in a critical state and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit. One would not have thought that she would have survived after spending 19 days in a semiconscious state but the hospital did its work. I am

Payne who attended to her with great care and is still providing excellent follow up treatment. D r. P a y n e w a s w e l l supported by two ICU nurses who exhibited a high degree of professionalism and the commitment to seeing my wife‘s health restored to normalcy. Once again thank you Ashton Benjamin

Government hard-balling... From page 5 includes a requirement that the parties are responsive and communicative and do not do anything likely to mislead or deceive each other. Overwhelmingly more and more workers are arriving at the conclusion that the

Ministry of Finance is out to deceive them. It is important that President Granger steps into this situation and do right by the workers to recover lost ground. It is time to address the trust deficit that is alive and well today between the workers and the Government. Let us put back some good faith into the process. Please pay the workers what you recommended and let us move on. Sase Singh

Trinidadian humiliation of... From page 5 also linked to results, what kind of behaviour have we displayed which is producing these results? Should we just accept this response or these results or should we do something about them? What can we do about this situation? It is my view that we can do something about it; we can rebuild trust and confidence in our people and country. However, for this to happen, we have to focus on three levels, the individual, the institution and the society. At the individual level, one of the areas we have to focus on; is our desire. Becoming involved in illegal activities, such as drugs, money laundering, e t c . , o n e ’s d e s i r e f o r something must be so great that they are willing to do anything to get it. This could be a desire for power, wealth, status or other. Hence at the individual level, as we seek to redirect the course of our country, we need to examine our desire. We need to reflect on at what point did we became a people who are willing to do anything to achieve the things we desire. Another key aspect to be examined in the drive to improve the image of our country, are our institutions. The recent incident involving billions of dollars in relation to one individual and seemingly condoned by the banking institutions; does not help our image. As a matter of fact any country where the banking system accepts billions from an individual under these circumstances would definitely come under scrutiny and it affects all of us negatively. Recently, I was at a certain place where a national from another country was going to apply for visa with a Guyanese passport and the person could not even speak or understand English. Almost every day the press

reports on corruption some at ridiculous levels in our society; it is almost as if criminal behaviour has become the norm at all levels. However, at some point we have to say enough is enough. We have to seriously start thinking about how we will change the course of our nation. How can we rebuild trust and confidence in our people? How can we leave a Guyana for future generations where they will be treated with the respect that they deserve? Our fore parents fought for our freedom; our role is to fight to keep that freedom but instead, we are surrendering it with our corrupt and criminal behaviour. What’s the point in having all of the money in the world and we are not free to go anywhere and enjoy it. Money is very important but quality of life is even more important. We must once again put a higher value on freedom and dignity and integrity at the individual, institutional and societal levels. This characterization of us as a highly corrupt and prone to criminality has to change. Actually, there are four dimensions to our existence as human beings: The physical, intellectual/mental, social/emotional and spiritual. Drug dealing, money laundering and other criminal and corrupt practices are mainly for the fulfillment of desires at a very physical level. Generally, the focus is on achieving power, wealth and or status at fundamentally a physical level. Hence, changing the course of our country would require that we become a people with more balance – that we develop our physical, intellectual/ mental, social/emotional and spiritual sides. It is almost as though we have lost the soul of the nation a n d o u r h i s t o r y s h o u ld have taught us that we cannot build or sustain a nation,

without a soul. Our leaders have a solemn responsibility to redesign and lead a Guyana that promotes honesty, integrity and dignity, at the individual, institutional and societal levels. To reconstruct and nurture a Guyana where its people will be respected and treated with that respect. Must we achieve wealth, power or status or must we build at all cost? To the general Guyanese population, it is obvious from my experience on the Caribbean Airlines flight that some countries have put systems in place to protect their countries. We can decide to continue to be a country that nurtures criminal activities and we will be treated accordingly or we can decide to leave a better country for our future generations. I have started talking to a few friends and colleagues about running a public campaign called ‘Leave A Better Guyana’, the theme will be ‘I am taking responsibility for the future of Guyana’. More on this campaign will be p u b l i s h e d s h o r t l y. The overall focus will be to rebuild trust and confidence in our people and country, at the individual, institutional and societal levels. For further information please contact email address iam_guyana@yahoo.com . It is not intended for this letter to provoke discussions on the Caribbean Airlines security or the North American country but rather for us to do some serious introspection about changing our individual, institutional and societal behaviour as it relates to crime and criminality. Further, I wish to open a public discussion on the topic ‘How can we restore trust and confidence in our people and country? Citizen Audreyanna Thomas

The Chairman of Region 3 must... From page 5 would be cleaned before school reopens. At the time of writing this missive, 95 percent of schools are cleaned and the NDCs and the REO were instrumental in getting the schools up and ready. Editor, in closing let me like others say that the REO is a noble gentleman that is seen as a God in this region. He is a disciplined and courteous young man that has an open door policy of which the poorest of individual can

meet. Denis Jaikaran is working for the development of this region and if the Regional Chairman does not recognise that the tide has changed and that he needs to respect and operate within the confines of the law, the REO and him will at all times be at loggerheads. The REO is a law abiding citizen. Julius Faerber should get on board. Parmeshwar Ramdiol Citizen of Region 3 - La Jalousie.

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City Hall and Bourda vendors Duo charged with attempted murder of E’bo barber at loggerheads once again Dozens of vendors in the Bourda Market area were up in arms yesterday after they were barred from vending on Robb Street, between Alexander and Bourda Streets. When Kaieteur News arrived on scene, the street was completely cleared, with ranks from the City Constabulary enforcing the cordon. Vendors and transporters with canters filled with produce were parked in Alexander Street, contemplating their next move. Christopher Sharples, President of the Guyana Market Vendors Union said at around 2 am, members of the City Hall enforcement unit came and erected barricades, while other officials from City Hall, informed vendors that vending would not be permitted in the area without any advanced warning. Sharples said it is his view that City Hall’s aim was to heighten tensions between the vendors and the municipality. However he added that neither the union nor its members would be baited. The Union President went on to say that the Town Clerk, Royston King, has not responded to letters

dispatched to him from the Union. However Sharples said the union will continue to try and engage the Council for an amicable solution. Contact was made with Debra Lewis, Public Relations Officer (ag), Mayor and City Council who said, the situation at the corner of Robb and Alexander Streets in front of “Mike’s Pharmacy” was very ugly. This she added was a serious problem, which required urgent attention. She also disclosed that vendors were advised by the Chief Constable and Revenue Collectors to deposit their waste in receptacles provided for them on Orange Walk. However, they continued to dump the waste, particularly at nights As a result the area between Alexander and Bourda Streets has been closed off to all vending activities with immediate effect, to allow the area to be sanitized and allow dialogue between Council and the vendors operating in the area The official also disclosed that the Council is expending more than three million dollars per day to collect and dispose

of the City’s waste. Council is appealing, once again, to all those persons, who do vending in designated areas to honour their agreement with the Council. This includes the following: • Vendors should not block entrances and exits of legitimate businesses. • Vendors should have garbage receptacles that are environment friendly. • Vendors should bring out their goods in manageable amounts. • Leave pavements, thoroughfares and parapets clear for citizens to use to do their various activities. • No goods should be hung overhead or placed over pavements, in particular, and other thoroughfares, in the city. • Vendors must not leave their boxes, trays, barrels or any other thing on city pavements; they should be removed at the end of every business day. Council would remove any such encumbrances found after 7:00 p.m., on any street parapets, pavements or thoroughfares, in the City of Georgetown.

Mark Rafino, 23, a labourer, of Queenstown and also of Wakenaam, and a 16year-old of Adventure on the Essequibo Coast were jointly charged yesterday with attempted murder. The duo are implicated in the shooting and wounding of 43 -year-old barber, Dale Troy Hercules, who was shot to his body three times last Saturday morning in front of his home. The two accused appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court before magistrate Sunil Scarce and were refused bail, due to the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the victim is still hospitalized. The teenager will however be kept at the Sophia Juvenile Centre while Rafino will be kept at the Camp Street Prison until the commencement of the trial on September 27. The police stated on September 3, at Henrietta Village, Rafino and the teenager, armed with a gun, robbed Hercules of a q u a n t i t y o f jewellery before shooting him to his chest, stomach and leg. One of the accused was subsequently arrested while attempting to board a

Dale Troy Hercules

speedboat at Supenaam, while the other was arrested at the Parika Stelling. The two men have accused the police of placing black plastic bags on their heads and beating them. The teenager claimed that the police placed two black plastic bags on his head and slapped him some three hundred times. Magistrate Sunil Scarce ordered that the two accused be examined immediately by a medical practitioner before they are placed in confinement. The 16-year-old was

charged before with larceny and was placed in the custody of his aunt. The police said the teenager stole a gold chain worth $80,000 from a child’s neck. The police are preparing additional charges against the duo. Meanwhile, Dale Hercules is said to be responding well. The well known Essequibo barber remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Suddie Public Hospital. He is scheduled to be discharged before the end of the week.

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GPSU wants Govt. to honour ruling of Armstrong Tribunal …says PPP/C reneged on its commitment for over 18 years As the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) continues its bid to secure a liveable wage for the public servants of Guyana, the workers’ union is calling on the Government of Guyana to honour the 1999 decision of the Armstrong Tribunal. According to letters which were sent to the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Public Service, Reginald Brotherson, by the GPSU, the 1999 decision had resolved the issues of de-bunching and payment of increments. These are issues which the union had registered as being critical to reaching an agreement on an acceptable wage scheme for public servants. The GPSU explained to Brotherson that the union and the then government had agreed that the judgement of the Tribunal were final and binding. Additionally, the Union informed the permanent secretary that the People’s Progressive Party Civic administration had reneged on its commitment to honour rulings

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

of the Arbitration Tribunal for the past 18 years. The Union explained that the refusal by the PPP/C to respect the agreement resulted in economic suffering and deprivation of enhanced crucial aspects of the welfare needs of families, due to displayed executive lawlessness and abuse of power. The Government was reminded that the issue of increments was also supported by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU-AFC) coalition, while in opposition and since coming into office, and commitments were given to resolve the matter. Based on these premises the Union is calling on the Government to expeditiously agree to a formula for debunching and for a process of reintroducing annual increments so that these matters can be urgently addressed and implemented. On Friday last, the GPSU’s Executive Council and the Union’s negotiating Team had been instructed by its

General Council to observe the rules of the legally binding Agreement between the Government and the Union for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes and return to the bargaining table after the Union had expressed its dissatisfaction with the state’s ‘final offer’. The government had made a 10% to 1% differentiated salary increase which it described as its final offer. The Union made public the details of the proposed offer calling it an absurdity. According to the government, the differentiated approach sought to provide the greatest relief to public servants within the lower salary bands of the Public Service Wages and Salaries Structure. The Union, however, had proposed for salary increases spread across a three-year period. It also took into consideration inflation and therefore proposed that for the three years there shall be an additional increase as determined by the Bureau of Statistics.

Cummings Lodge murder…

Woman killed over ganja-suspect says The detained 22-yearold relative of murder victim Anita Mohan has told police that he and a friend accidentally killed Mohan during a disagreement over payment for drugs. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect claims that he and an associate, who is still at large, had gone to Mohan’s home earlier in the afternoon to purchase marijuana. They returned later in the evening for more of the weed, but a quarrel reportedly ensued between them and Mohan over payment. One of the men reportedly struck 48-yearold Mohan on the head with a ‘belna’ (rolling pin). Kaieteur News understands that the relative claimed that they had merely intended to render their victim unconscious. H o w e v e r, Mohan succumbed to her injuries,

Murdered: Anita Mohan and the relative reportedly made off with a small sum of cash from the premises. Police recovered the bloody rolling pin from the scene. Initial reports had indicated that Mohan was stabbed and chopped. An autopsy is likely to be performed today. Police are still to locate the alleged accomplice, who resides in the same

neighbourhood as the victim. The relative, known as ‘Chucky’, was detained almost immediately after Mohan’s body was found in her kitchen last Sunday. Detectives had observed that he was acting strangely. When the ranks arrived, the relative reportedly had a knife and claimed that he was going to look for the ‘killer.’ They reportedly learnt that he had bought the knife that same day. He also appeared to be the last person to have seen Mohan alive, but was giving conflicting statements about his whereabouts at the time of the murder. In a brief statement on Monday, police said that homicide detectives assigned to the case “are already in the process of seeking legal advice in the matter.” “A suspect has confessed to the crime and has given vital information of an accomplice, who investigators are making diligent efforts to apprehend.” The body of Anita Mohan was found in the kitchen of her two-storey home at 315 South East Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, by her 27year-old son. Intiaz Khan said he discovered his mother ’s body around 16:45 hrs when he arrived home.

Wednesday September 07, 2016

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GO POKÉMON GO! Every afternoon there is a gaggle of young men and women who can be seen outside the Umana Yana. They are not liming. They are engaged in a major sport Pokémon Go. A reporter in a recent interview with the President asked him whether he knew about this new craze that is sweeping the world, including having grown men running all over the place trying to catch various Pokémon. Many people thought that it was a stupid thing for the young reporter to do. I disagreed. I thought it was insightful of the young man to recognize and to point out

to the President the benefits which can result from various sites in the country being designated as Pokestops. I think it is novel way in which tourism can be promoted in Guyana because there are certain places where only certain Pokémon can be found. The President recognized this and even said that he hoped that Iwokrama could be a place where the visitors could come to. Who knows, if the company that is promoting this worldwide game can designate some area species of Pokémon which can be found only at Iwokrama, then that location could become a major tourist

attraction, because people will come from all corners of the globe to catch a particular Pokémon Go. Video game addicts take these games seriously. Pokémon Go has many benefits. It has been proven to be good for business. After all, if you go to a location to catch some Pokémon, and if there is a shop around there, it is likely that people will make some purchases. It is also good for health. Pokémon Go is moving video game players from out of the comfort of their rooms, couches and bed and into the outdoors. Couch potatoes are getting more exercise since it is a game in which you have

Dem boys seh...

SOULJA BAI GET SLAP BEHIND HE HEAD Nuff people might have to give back de money BaiShanLin give dem fuh favours. One man who was a Minister and who now live in Florida did tek a big paper bag of money. Dem boys know because de bag burst when de rain wet it and de money fall to de ground. Was Uncle Sam dollars. That was only part of de deal. Jagdeo get gift from de company and other people get free trip to China. De people in de Home Affairs Ministry mek money from dem Chinee because dem sell work permit. Things was such that de Chinese Embassy actually support BaiShanLin. Now de Ambassador shame. Joe ShanLin go to China and even get a private jet to fly him around to meetings

wid a company that was coming to replace BaiShanLin. He come back wid de news that this company was coming in July. Dem boys seh that July come and gone and no company ain’t come. This week somebody tap Soulja Bai behind he head. At de Cabinet meeting he tek a decision to tek back all de concessions that BaiShanLin got. He hear bout de human trafficking and de gold smuggling and de timber smuggling and he get vex. He want to know why Jagdeo didn’t stop these things. Gail and Anil did deny that dem give away all de forest lands. Dem don’t have to argue no more because Guyana get back 618,000 hectares. When dem boys look at de map is then dem

realize how much land BaiShanLin had. Soulja Bai did stop BaiShanLin from exporting timber. Now all that timber is Guyana own. At last de people gun get something from BaiShanLin. Dem boys want to know now that de land get tek way, wha gun happen to all dem Chinee who BaiShanLin bring. Dem ain’t gone back home because nobody never see a crowd of dem at de airport flying out. But dem boys ain’t even seeing dem in Guyana. One time dem see a local pilot fly a batch of dem to de North West to join a boat to Venezuela. Talk Half and seh farewell to BaiShanLin.

to be constantly on the go. So it’s good for relaxation, it is good for exercise, it is good for business, it is good for tourism. Against this backdrop, it is hard to understand why some persons would have had a problem with a young reporter asking the President if he ever heard about Pokémon Go. Everyone has a right to their own opinion and if their opinion is that it was a foolish question, then that is their opinion. It should be respected. I find it hard to understand how someone can face sanctions for questioning the questioner. I find it befuddling that a comment on social media about the question can constitute an indiscretion. I am refusing to believe that this contributed to someone being sent on leave. What is happening at NCN is part of a wider problem facing the local media. The

organizational structure of a media entity has to be different from the organizational structure of other organizations. It has to be different for the simple reason that we are dealing with the right to free speech and therefore media workers are usually not managed by administrative heads. Media organizations, particularly those that report on news, usually have what is known as an Editorial Board. The Editorial Board sets the editorial policy. The editorial policy is used to guide the work of the reporters and journalists. The editorial staff is headed by an editor. It is the editor who has to pronounce on the indiscretions of staff, not the administrative manager. It is the editor who is supposed to be in charge and who reports to the Editorial Board and it is for the Editorial Board to determine whether any reporter should be

sanctioned. It is for the Editor or Editorial Board to make a recommendation to the management about this. A reporter facing an allegation has to be given due process. He or she has to be told about the offence, allowed to lead a defence, and be given the opportunity to respond to any adverse findings. Even before sanctions are applied, the accused has to be given the chance to show why he or she should not be punished. NCN should, if it does not already have this, put an Editorial Board in place, so as to avoid decisions relating to media workers being taken by administrative personnel. If it has to take Pokémon Go to make a company realize this, then all the better for this latest craze that is sweeping the world.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 07, 2016

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...

Guyana: Beyond the incredibility of absurdity Recently, there has emerged a trend in the letter sections of the newspapers where citizens are showing increasing pessimism about the preservation of the moral and

Man, 71, charged with raping girl, 11 A 71-year-old Supenaam resident was yesterday charged with the rape of an 11year-old girl and appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce to answer to that charge. The case was called up in camera and the accused was advised not to enter a plea. According to the police, it is alleged that sometime during the month of August, the man raped the child, who also lives at Supenaam. The police stated that the accused, who lives alone, was involved in a relationship with the girl’s aunt, and was a frequent visitor to their home. It was sometime during the aforementioned period, that the man is said to have had sex with the child. He was arrested after a complaint was leveled against him. He was subsequently released, and later rearrested, and eventually charged after the police sought legal advice. Bail was refused and the matter will be called again on the 16th of September at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court. It was noted by the police that the child still lives in the Supenaam community with her guardian.

ontological fulcrums of Guyana. The centre of attention seems to include not only governmental inertia and mediocrity, but the emotional and psychological inertia and resignation of the average Guyanese. Those letter-writers are right. The average Guyanese of late has been exhibiting tendencies of insensitivity, harness towards their fellow humans and a nonchalant approach to living. It is not a pleasant sight to behold and it is being written about, as I wrote above, with increasing frequency in the letter pages of the newspapers. What you are about to read in the paragraphs below is not a story that will irritate you, but make you sad, because it shows the deepening level of nihilism among the Guyanese people. What I am about to describe has absolutely nothing to do with the Government of Guyana itself or its Ministers. This is the story of how the average Guyanese behaves. There are folks out there that I know will find it hard to believe, but deep down in their hearts they know that the incident happened. Here it is. Schools have been in recess since July. Schools reopened on Monday, September 5. On Monday at around 3.30 p.m., I was driving east on South Road. As I approached Shiv Chanderpaul Drive where the Office of the President is located, the line of cars had stopped. And it was a long line. The line got longer as the minutes ticked away. Would you believe what was taking place at South Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive? Workmen were painting lane signs and pedestrian crossings. They had their pumpkin

coloured, plastic cones all over the streets. I was about the fifteenth car in the queue. I reckoned that most of the drivers had their children they had just picked up from school. At least I saw about four cars with school children. One lady was furious and it seems her anger was becoming uncontrollable. It was the most horrible time of the day to paint signs on the roads. It was the rush hour on the first day of the school term. Who could be so moronic and asinine to do that? Why at that particular time on that particular day? What happened to dead Sunday the day before? The day before, Sunday that is, I drove west on Homestretch Avenue with my dog in the car at 11 a.m. and crossed over into Croal Street. Frederick So I passed the junction of South Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive. There was absolutely no traffic. It is unbelievable how this country has become a barren land without thinking humans. Those signs could have been painted the day before and the workmen would have had full control of the streets. The sign painting could have been done the Saturday. But no! Someone who is a congenital fool made the decision for a crew to go out at rush hour on the first day of the re-opening of school and stop the traffic. Now mind you; not stop the traffic at 10 a.m. when the children are in school and their

parents are at work and the minibuses are waiting for school to finish, but at 3 p.m. when the roadways become clogged with traffic. When it was my turn to move, as I passed them I said, “Good God, at rush hour! One of them shouted back, “Alright! Alright!” When I reached the Railway Embankment, I pulled over and called Carlyle Goring of the Prime Minister’s Office to go out and ascertain for me where these workmen came from – City Hall or the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Goring called back to say when he went out there, they were gone. My bet is that they came from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. I don’t believe for a moment Minister David Patterson had anything to do with this idiocy. Someone in David Kissoon Patterson’s Ministry is a blatant fool. I consider myself one of the world’s most liberal humans, but I am asking the Minister through this column to identify the person who made that decision and suspend him/her. How can any human be so recklessly stupid? At rush time on the first day of school, at the hour when classes are finished for the day, workmen brought rush hour traffic to a halt in blazingly tropical heat to paint signs on the road. If there is a God, why is he not helping this country by infusing commonsense into its people? Or has God given up on this land?

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Water treatment facilities attract $B bids - Companies from three other countries submit; BK joins with T&T establishment Four foreign companies have submitted bids for the design, supply and installation of Water Treatment facilities and Upgrade of Reticulation at Uitvlugt, Diamond and Sheet Anchor. In total, five companies submitted bids for the project which were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). The Guyana Water Incorporated was listed as the procuring entity and the project has been divided into two lots. The Engineer’s Estimate for Lot One was announced as $2,083,653,268, while Lot 2 is estimated to cost $1,741,358,752 taking the total sum of the project to $3,825,012,030.

The Ministry of Communities was also a procuring entity, and bids were opened for the Lusignan Sanitary Landfill Operation Service. The Engineer’s estimate was announced as $40,000,000.

Under the Ministry of Public Security there is to be the construction of an upper flat to the Brickdam Lockups. The Engineer’s estimate was announced as $19,994,769.

In addition, bids were opened for the provision of security services to the Regional Democratic Council of Region Three. This undertaking attracted eight bids, all of which were above half a billion dollars.

To address the deteriorating Liliendaal Bridge on the East Coast of Demerara Railway Embankment, bids were opened yesterday, whereby 12 companies are competing to rehabilitate the 100-feet panel bridge. The engineer’s estimate for the project is $126,373,403.

The Ministry of Public Security was also a procuring entity yesterday whereby it received bids for the construction of Lethem Fire Station. The project attracted nine bids and the Engineer’s Estimate totalled $11,369,119.

Bids were also opened for the Procurement of Laboratory Materials for the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory. The procuring entity is the Ministry of Public Security. Seven companies submitted bids, with one being based in Trinidad and Tobago.

And bids were opened for the Completion of a Call Centre at Enmore, East Coast Demerara. The procuring entity was announced as the Ministry of Business.

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Wednesday September 07, 2016

PRIVATE CITIZEN THREATENS LEGAL ACTION OVER DRUGS BOND DEAL Weeks after a controversial drug storage bond deal made the news, a private citizen is threatening litigation, if the contract is not rescinded. According to documents seen by Kaieteur News, Majeed Hussain, a resident of 118 Avenue A, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, has promised to take the matter to Court if the deal is not annulled. In a lawyer ’s letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health yesterday, Hussain in his capacity as a

citizen and a taxpayer of Guyana vowed to file legal proceedings against the State if the deal is not rescinded within seven days. “If you fail to do so, I have firm instructions to institute legal proceedings challenging the legality of the said agreement without further notice.” Hussain’s contention surrounds a deal inked by the Government and local businessman Lawrence Singh. Singh, the principal of Linden Holdings Incorporated had entered an agreement with the

government via Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton, for the rental of a storage bond located at Sussex Street, Albouystown. However, last month when Minister Norton sought to defend the deal, he was unable to give a plausible explanation to the Parliamentary Opposition. Norton had claimed that the agreement was in the interest of cost effectiveness. He had explained that the company was selected to store drugs and other pharmaceuticals for the

Ministry of Public Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation instead of New GPC, which is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi (Bobby) Ramroop, because the latter’s rental fees per month was $19.2M while the other entity, Linden Holding Inc. would cost the government $12.5M. But New GPC, in a subsequent statement, debunked Norton’s claims. The company said it has been storing pharmaceuticals at its warehouse without charges to the Government for more than a decade.

It was also pointed out that there was no need for the added storage space since Government has an equipped storage bond facility at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. The Public Health Minister has since issued a public apology for “misleading the nation”. However, the government via a three member subcommittee inclusive of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo defended the need for the Sussex Street bond. The Ministers claimed that it is not safe to have all of the nation’s drugs and medical supplies in one facility, in case of a fire or some natural disaster that can have calamitous consequences to the national health care system. The sub-committee members also said that the location of the Diamond warehouse can affect distribution of medical supplies, given traffic congestion issues that are associated with the East Bank thoroughfare. But Hussain is not buying the Government’s explanation for keeping the agreement. In the legal letter to the State Agency, he outlined that there are a number of defects with the deal. Based on a review of the deal, Hussain said that he observed among other things that the building is rented for the purpose of “a professional office.’’ “I am aware that the Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, informed the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly on the 8th day of August, 2016, that the said premises were rented as bond for the storage of drugs and pharmaceuticals purchased and procured for the public health system of Guyana. But no clause in the said tenancy agreement refers to the (rented) premises being used for the purpose identified by the Minister.” Additionally, Hussain noted that the Minister further confirmed in the Committee of Supply that the procurement of the leased premises was not done in accordance with the Procurement Act, Chapter 73:05. “I am to also inform you that the procurement of this premises was done in absolute disregard and in violation of the Procurement Act, Chapter 73:05, and therefore the said rental agreement is ultra vires, unreasonable, irrational, whimsical, arbitrary, capricious, constitutes a fraud

Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton

Minster of State, Joseph Harmon

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo upon public funds, is unlawful, null, void and of no effect.” The document drafted by Attorneys at Nandlall and Associates further described the monthly rental agreed upon as unreasonable, irrational, excessive, arbitrary, and capricious. According to the letter, the deal constitutes a fraud upon public funds, is unlawful, null, void and of no effect. “I am to further inform you that the leased premises is absolutely unfit and unsuitable for the purpose of storing drugs and pharmaceuticals for the public health system of Guyana and therefore, the decision to rent the said demised premises for that purpose, is unreasonable, irrational, whimsical, arbitrary, capricious, constitutes a fraud upon public funds, is unlawful, null, void and of no effect,” he outlined.

Wednesday September 07, 2016

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Kaieteur News

“Medical School” Administrator in hot water again over fraud allegations Medical School Administrator, Nanda Kissoon, has once again found herself in hot water, after scores of students and parents descended upon her institution yesterday, demanding refunds following damning revelations of her involvement in school frauds

spanning back almost a decade. The institution, which goes by the name, “North Shore”, is located at 218 Lamaha Street Georgetown, and has approximately 120 students attending. One parent, Mrs. Bascom (only name given), said that

she learnt of the courses being offered at the school during a popular weekly television programme. She subsequently enrolled her son some weeks later and claims she has already paid in excess of $120,000 to Kissoon. SUSPICION

However, it was brought to her attention that the administrator was fingered in various Medical School scams within the last decade. Mrs. Bascom said that she became concerned and began conducting a series of investigations – all of which led to Kissoon being the same woman that was accused of fraudulently obtaining money in exchange of phony medical certificates that are not excepted anywhere in Guyana. The disgruntled woman said that she tried to make contact with Kissoon, but to no avail. It was after she visited the school yesterday with her son that she realised – she was not the only one suspicious of Kissoon. In fact, there were scores of parents and students standing outside the building requesting an audience with Kissoon, who refused to meet with them. Kissoon had locked the doors and remained inside with the few students who were unaware of what was going on. While some of the parents departed for the Alberttown Police Station to lodge their complaints, others returned home with their children. However, some students remained on the premises in hopes of confronting the woman when she came down at the end of the morning’s session. LOCKED IN These students subsequently texted their classmates still in the building

Police ranks utilising a ladder to gain entry into the North Shore Medical School, on Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

with Kissoon, informing them of what was going on. It was then that the students began exiting the building with the exception of two. Concerns were raised by students after they found out that their two colleagues were still upstairs. The duo was messaged by a friend, who

was later informed that they could not leave since Kissoon had padlocked the grills. When this publication arrived at the institution, it was being announced by students and a parent, that the two students were being Continued on page 29

Some of the students contemplating their next move.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Probe launched into accident that killed key witness in Freddie Kissoon assault trial ….as hire car driver granted $1M bail on causing death charge Jamar Norville, the hire car driver, who was allegedly intoxicated when he fatally struck down the key witness in the Freddie Kissoon assault case has given police three different stories recounting what transpired. This is according to Police Prosecutor David Goodridge who indicated that Norville told police that someone placed a gun to his head and demanded him to hit Osmond Griffith, 41, of D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown, among others. In light of his claims, Goodridge told the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court that the Commissioner of Police has ordered that not only traffic ranks but also the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe the case - as they await further advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Norville, 27, of 427 Schoonord Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on September 2, at Industry Railway Embankment, East Coast

Demerara, he drove motorcar HC 4399 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Griffith. He was also charged for driving when his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit. It is alleged that he drove the motorcar when he had 0.77 micrograms breath alcohol content. This charge was also laid indictable. However, the accused was granted bail to the tune of $50,000. According to reports, Griffith, the key witness in the matter was killed when the accident occurred around 02:00hrs. Griffith and two of his friends were reportedly returning home after a hang out at Plaisance line top. Reports are that the car, in which the father of 15 was a passenger, had pulled over and stopped at the side of the public road for some of the occupants to urinate when he was killed. It was reported that Griffith was standing next to the car and was in the process of zipping up his pants when a speeding motorcar, heading towards

KILLED: Osmond Griffith the city, crashed into him, flinging him into the air and onto the roadway. Police in a statement had said that the driver claimed he was imbibing alcohol at the Plaisance line top. During his address to the court, Attorney Adrian Thompson asked for his client to be released on bail. The lawyer contended that Norville was kept in police custody beyond the 72 hours period. According to Thompson, Norville had

been in custody since last Saturday. Thompson told the court that there were several suspicious activities after the fatality. He said that the now dead man was among three persons urinating at the side of the road, when he was struck and killed. In fact, Thompson argued that his client’s vehicle did not hit Griffith. Nevertheless, he told the Magistrate that his client is willing to comply with any conditions attached to bail. However, Prosecutor Goodridge opposed bail for the accused. Goodridge said that Norville told police that someone placed a gun to his head and demanded him to hit the man with his vehicle. According to the prosecutor, Griffith made good his escape after the accident and was later found by police hiding in a house at University of Guyana (UG) Road, East Coast Demerara. The prosecutor stated that the accused also told police that he hit Griffith, while he was urinating. Goodridge informed the court that Norville provided police with

CHARGED: Jamar Norville being escorted from the courtroom. three different stories during his time in custody. In addition, Goodridge opposed bail citing the prevalence of the offence and the fact that the accused was driving under the influence. He also added that there is a possibility the accused might not return to court for trial since he provided the police and court with conflicting addresses. In response to these contentions, Thompson claimed that Norville fled the

scene in a bid to save his life, since he was attacked by eyewitnesses. He said that police were later summoned to the home by his client’s friend. But Prosecutor Goodridge made it clear that no one attacked the accused, based on statements given to police by two persons who were in his car. During a summary of the facts, the court heard that Norville was imbibing alcohol with friends at the ‘Guinness Continued on page 30

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Water well in Sanata Complex compound… Bartica faces scheduled blackouts after engines go down Former Auditor General questions true ownership

Residents of Bartica are facing days of blackouts after two of the community’s power engines went down. According to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the situation has led to the generating capacity at Bartica being severely affected as a result. GPL disclosed that the unavailability of two of the three generating sets was due to the fact that one unit is undergoing major overhaul while the second unit experienced a major engine failure on Sunday. The major overhaul at that Region Seven riverain area is scheduled to be completed by September 17, but arrangements are being made for urgent relocation of a unit to Bartica, GPL said. In the meantime, GPL is forced to conduct scheduled outages. “A subsequent update will be issued confirming the arrival of this unit and its expected operational time frame. Due to the shortfall in generation the following loadshedding guide will be in effect.” The outages will continue until the second generating set is installed.

Also, it is envisaged that electricity will be supplied to the entire town from 00:00 to 08:00hrs. “For updates, residents are advised to check our website at www.gplinc.net, GPL Facebook page which can be found by searching for “GPL Inc.” from their individual Facebook accounts and the TARZIE Television Station. Our Company seeks the patience

of the Bartica residents while we work assiduously towards restoring the situation to normalcy. We extend our sincerest apologies to our valued customers of Bartica,” GPL indicated in a statement Government has announced that it is moving to build a new power station for Bartica. It has invited tenders for proposals for various forms of renewable energy.

The former Auditor General of Guyana, Anand Goolsarran said that it “baffles” him how a Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) well could be sold or given to Dr. Bobby Ramroop. This is in light of revelations that Ramroop is the owner of such a well, located in the Sanata Complex compound, and that supplies some 9,000 residents of West Ruimveldt, D’Aguiar Park, Alexander Village and Meadow Bank Goolsarran further pointed out that there is a need for the public to see the agreement of sale to ascertain whether the well was included in the sale price of the Sanata Complex. He also questioned whether or not the 9,000 residents of West Ruimveldt are paying the new owners for water usage, or if the state entity, GWI, is collecting payment for the water. He further declared that the well can only be owned by the new owners if it is included in the sale agreement and was an asset in the Continued on page 30

Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Guyana secures quota at Hugh Wooding Law School Guyana once again recorded a victory on the issue of 25 Guyanese Law students being guaranteed a place at the Hugh Wooding Law School for the next three academic years. The Guyana Bar Association expressed great appreciation for the relentless efforts made by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams. Guyana’s delegation consisted of the Minister, who is a member of the Executive Council, the Chief Justice (ag) the Honourable Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards; Gem SanfordJohnson, President of the Guyana Bar Association, Excellence Dazzell, Secretary of the Guyana Bar Association and Barbara Reynolds, Deputy Vice Chancellor, who represented

the University of Guyana. The old agreement, signed in November 2009, which guaranteed 25 students a place at the Law School expired in November 2012. The draft Collaborative Agreement referred to, first came up for consideration at a Council of Legal Education meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago in September 2014, but no consensus was reached. Eventually a revised draft was presented for consideration at this year’s meeting in Antigua. The agreement however contained a particular clause which, if signed by the University of Guyana, would have placed the students in a sea of uncertainty. At the General meeting, it was indicated by the Principal

(ag) of the Hugh Wooding Law School that there was a problem with available space at Hugh Wooding and there was the option of students taking up places at the Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas. However Attorney General Williams quickly pointed out and submitted, that Regulation 4 (3) of the Council of Legal Education Professional Law School Regulations, provides that Application for entry to the Hugh Wooding Law School shall be made by persons ordinarily resident in: Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. Adding if “space availability” is applied to Guyana, it should be

applicable to all the other jurisdictions zoned to Hugh Wooding. If not, it would be discriminatory. He further noted that Guyanese students always excelled at exams at the Hugh Wooding Law School and some appear on the Principal’s Roll of Honor. The Honourable Chief Justice (ag.) Justice Cummings-Edwards added emphasis in her presentation, on the economic hardship it would cause students of the University of Guyana if they are forced to attend the out

of zone Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas to obtain their Legal Education Certificate (LEC). After much deliberation and with some support coming from the representative of the University of the West Indies, the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education decided to put the issue of the proposed change in the clause to a vote, and Guyana succeeded by garnering the support of 20 members of the Council with six against. The Admission

Committee showed leniency in applications for re-entry by any student who was required to withdraw from the Hugh Wooding Law School for having failed the said Course within the past two academic years. It turned out to be a very successful meeting for Guyanese Law Students who are now asked to keep up the high standards expected of them. In the Course of Ethics, students from all other jurisdictions zoned to Hugh Wooding Law School shared in this success.

Establish Procurement Commission, Integrity Body swiftly - essential to mitigating perceptions of corruption-Private Sector The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is calling on the coalition administration for the swift establishment of various bodies. These include the Public Procurement Commission, the Integrity Commission and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The body stressed that it is important for the government to act quickly in order to operationalize those institutions, so as to mitigate perceptions of corruption and the furtherance of the evolution of a truly democratic society. The PSC said that failure to so do will create an all-time lack of interest by the society in national politics. Referring to the Procurement Commission and the Integrity Commission, the

Private Sector said that these are not political institutions but entities which are meant to add to transparency and accountability. It stressed that good civil society members, regardless of how they are regarded p o l i t i c a l l y, s h o u l d b e placed on these Commissions. The Commission said, “We believe that the time has come for a n e n d t o t h e procrastination on these matters and for the president to give effect to the commitment they have made to the nation on the setting up of these Commissions.” It added, “We believe that the failure to establish these entities poses a threat to legitimate business activities, creates unfair

business to business competition and indeed is the reason why some legitimate businesses cannot stand up to new competition.” The Private Sector Commission also urged for the Government to fully operationalize the Financial Intelligence Unit and to equip the entity with the necessary personnel to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. T h e B o d y said that money laundering is a scourge all over the world that cannot be ignored in Guyana. “It creates unfair advantages for legitimate companies by the lowering of prices beyond cost. It eliminates legitimate competition and feeds into the drug trade,” the PSC expressed. The Commission appealed for the nation’s politicians to put Guyana and its legitimate taxpayers first.

Wednesday September 07, 2016

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Kaieteur News

$60M bridge to link Lethem, Tabatinga Ammunition found dumped in bushes

A new bridge will be built to connect the town of Lethem and the community of Tabatinga, Region Nine, to allow for easier access of goods and services, and movement of people. Mayor of Lethem, Carlton Beckles, explained that currently there is one major road that caters for both ingress and egress in Tabatinga. The new structure will not only bridge the gap between the housing scheme and Lethem, but will also ease traffic congestion. The bridge is expected to be completed by year-end, and will cost $60M. The Mayor said that it is envisaged that in years to come, the population of Lethem and its surrounding areas will increase, and traffic congestion will become an issue. “… On forward planning, there should be another entrance, because Lethem is developing and there is a lot of vehicles traversing and there will be years to come that there will be traffic jams... so you w i l l n o t o n l y h a ve one entrance coming out of Tabatinga, we would have another entrance,” Beckles told the Government Information Agency. This bridge, he noted, is

Mayor of Lethem, Carlton Beckles

Ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department are currently conducting investigations after the discovery of a quantity of ammunition in New Amsterdam area. According to information reaching Kaieteur News, on Monday last, a Rural Constable assigned to the Caracas/ Mai-Mai dam, Angoy’s Avenue area was on patrol when

he stumbled upon a burgundy pouch. Upon checking, it was revealed that the bag contained 18 live rounds of ammunition, calibreunknown, which was collected, sealed in an envelope and taken to the Central Police Station. According to police sources, no arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.

Men attempt to steal ornaments, cooler from house - Court hears

just one of several projects to prepare for the major developments in the town. Lethem has two branches of commercial banks Republic Bank and the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI). It has an upgraded airstrip, and there are regular flights to and from the border town. Persons can also travel to the town, which is close to Brazil, by bus, through the Linden–Lethem road. Located in Central Rupununi, Tabatinga was established and further developed by the Central Housing and Planning

Authority in 2003. The community is home to over 1000 people. Through Government’s support, Tabatinga has benefitted from major infrastructural development including roads and electricity. Recently, the Guyana Water Inc., (GWI) expanded the water services in the scheme with the refurbishing of elevated storage tanks. The Regional Democratic Council has also opened tenders for the construction of a new nursery school and teachers’ quarters in the community.

Two men were yesterday released on $50,000 bail each, after they denied a charge of attempting to commit a felony, when they made an appearance before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Terry Persaud, 28, of Section B, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, and Dolchan Bisnauth, 40, of 1 8 9 0 S e c t i o n C , Te n t h Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara are accused of attempting to steal an ice cooler and ornaments among other items - all valued $429,000 - property o f Sunita Nawbatt on

September 1, at Triumph , East Coast Demerara. Police Prosecutor David Goodridge had no objections to the unrepresented men being released on bail. The prosecutor told the court that the men went into a yard located at the village mentioned in the charge and removed the items from one house and placed them in another house located in the said yard. Persaud, during his address, denied that he

attempted to steal the items. He claimed that he was given permission from his in-law to remove the items. When asked by the Magistrate if he was ever charged before, Bisnauth told the Magistrate that he was convicted seven years ago on a narcotic charge. He said that he spent three years in jail for that offence. Magistrate Ally-Seepaul ordered the defendants to return to court on October 11, for reports.

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Wednesday September 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Jamaica to develop national health insurance scheme KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The National Health Fund (NHF) has been tasked with the responsibility of developing a national health insurance scheme to fund the public healthcare system in Jamaica. NHF chairman, Christopher Zacca, said that the mandate was given by minister of health, Dr Christopher Tufton. “A national health scheme is a solution to address the need to adequately fund the health sector, and the significance to the public is that they will have a better healthcare system,” he noted. Zacca said the work to develop the scheme has just started. “What shape and form it will take; it is early to speak of. It’s a very complex process and it requires a lot of stakeholder consultations. The minister will determine the timeline, but it is not a process that will take months.

Christopher Zacca It will be more than a year and possibly two,” he said. The NHF was established by the government to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on the population by subsidising the cost of medication for 16 chronic illnesses. These include breast

cancer, prostate cancer, hypertension, heart disease, rheumatic fever, high cholesterol, vascular disease, diabetes, epilepsy, major depression, glaucoma, psychosis, asthma, arthritis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. (Caribbean News)

Several Protest Outside Jamaican High Commission In London …Hoping To Stop Deportation Of Several Persons The Gleaner - A group of demonstrators in the United Kingdom have gathered in front of the Jamaican High Commission in London to protest the planned deportation of some 50 persons to Jamaica today. The demonstrators are said to be family members and friends of the persons set to be sent back to Jamaica on a specially chartered flight. They are calling for the Jamaican High Commission to prevent the deportation of the

Jamaicans, some of whom have been in the UK since they were children. Our correspondent in the United Kingdom says many of those to be deported had not taken steps to get naturalised and are therefore considered illegal immigrants. One demonstrator Tanesha Morgan told The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre that she is protesting the deportation of her brother who served in the British army and has been in the UK for 12 years.

Brazilian police clash with protesters rejecting new leader SAO PAULO (AP) — Police in Brazil’s biggest city clashed with protesters who marched to reject the new president last weekend, five days after Dilma Rousseff was ousted as leader of South America’s biggest nation. Sao Paulo authorities said they were forced to use tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons to stop vandalism after an “initially peaceful” demonstration against President Michel Temer. In a statement, the public safety department said a group became violent at a subway station, destroying turnstiles and throwing rocks at anti-riot police after the demonstration ended. Earlier in the day, people gathered on the Copacabana promenade in Rio de Janeiro

Michel Temer to demand Temer’s removal and call for new elections. Rousseff has vowed to form a strong opposition

against Temer, who was her vice president. She is appealing her impeachment to Brazil’s Supreme Court, but legal experts say it is unlikely to succeed as several appeals during the months-long impeachment process were rejected. In comments with foreign media Friday, Rousseff said she would raise her voice if Temer’s administration tried to suppress protests. In the days leading up to her ouster and afterward, a handful of small anti-Temer demonstrations were broken up by police.At a news conference during the Group of 20 meeting in China before the Sao Paulo protest, Temer said demonstrators who damaged property would be punished.

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

After insult, U.S. and Clinton call for Duterte to show respect Reuters - The U.S. State Department and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton yesterday stressed the need for ties with the Philippines to be based on mutual respect, after Manila’s new leader raised worries about the future of the key alliance by calling President Barack Obama a “son of a bitch.” Despite U.S. dismay over Duterte’s remarks, though, current and former U.S. officials played down the impact, saying they did not expect any serious damage to ties at a time of high tensions over China’s extensive territorial claims in Asia. The State Department said a planned first meeting between Obama and his counterpart Rodrigo Duterte on the sidelines of a regional summit in Laos yesterday was canceled because the tone of the Philippine leader’s rhetoric raised questions about the chances of productive talks. “Words matter, and we want to see an atmosphere that is cordial and open to strong cooperation,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner told a regular news briefing in Washington. Clinton, who as secretary of state was an architect of Obama’s policy of emphasizing the importance

Barack Obama and Rodrigo Duterte of the Asia Pacific to U.S. interests in the face of a rising China, said Obama was right to cancel the meeting. “When the president of the Philippines insulted our president, it was appropriate and a very lowkey way to say: sorry, no meeting,” she told reporters on her campaign plane. “We have a lot of ties between the United States and the Philippines. And I think it’s very important that we have a relationship, but there has to be a certain level of respect that is expected on both sides,” Clinton said. Duterte made the remark about Obama while explaining that he would not be lectured

over extrajudicial killings in the war against drugs he has launched since taking two months ago and which has killed about 2,400 people. He has previously called the pope a “son of a whore” and the U.S. ambassador a “gay son of whore.” The Philippines voiced regret for Duterte’s comments after Obama canceled a formal bilateral meeting. The White House then said Obama might speak with Duterte informally. Duterte’s volatile nature threatens to complicate Washington’s ties with its closest ally in Southeast Asia as it tries to forge a united front in the region in response to China’s extensive claims in the strategic South China Sea.

Scotland’s Sturgeon says to prepare independence legislation Reuters - The Scottish government will start preparing the legislation required for a new referendum on independence from the United Kingdom in case it is needed, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish parliament yesterday. Last week Sturgeon said her party would start a survey to test support for secession, questioning at least two million Scots just as Britain negotiates its exit from the European Union. The bill would then be ready for “immediate” introduction if it becomes clear that there was voter support for Scottish independence, Sturgeon said, without giving a timeframe. Polls indicate that a slim majority still prefer remaining a part of the United Kingdom, although many Scots are unhappy about leaving the EU because Scotland itself voted to stay in. “We will consult on a draft referendum Bill so that it is ready for immediate

Nicola Sturgeon

introduction if we conclude that independence is the best or only way to protect Scotland,” she told parliament. Sturgeon argues that Britain’s June vote to leave the EU, dragging Scotland with it, had shifted the debate dramatically just two years after Scots voted by 10 percentage points to reject independence. She has pledged to honour Scotland’s vote to

retain EU membership by whatever means possible, including via a possible new independence vote. Scottish Conservatives’ leader Ruth Davidson accused Sturgeon and her party of lacking the vision to take Scotland forward. “The Scottish National Party cupboard is bare, except for the only idea they ever had, to split up the UK,” she said.

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Kaieteur News

LAND FOR SALE

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

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

SALE @ STAR CARS: PREMIO, RUNX, IST, AXELA, RZ BUS, SPACIO, FIELDER. CALL: 679-3140

LAND IN 11 STREET DIAMOND. CALL: 225-3234

Nissan Bluebird 2011 Model, Nissan Tiida Latio 2010 model (reverse camera). Call: 655-3400

Dispatcher at Gem’s Taxi to work 11:00pm-7:00am. Call: 622-6413; 227-0638

Prime business spot for sale located in Independence Street La Grange -$10M negotiable. Call: 684-7853/ 619-2388

RX8 Mazda, price $1.5M. Call: 602-6024

Experienced salesman & driver to work with a baker shop. Call:618-0698

30 Acres at Yarrowkabra Linden, Soesdyke Highway. Creek available. Call: 6635524/ 661-5033

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 A&T TRAVEL AGENCY INC: TICKETS GOING VERY CHEAP!! OFFICE IN USA. CALL: 223-1332/ 6137542/EMAIL:OMKAR LILIAH@GMAIL.COM Need a building contractor? House plan to be drawn or just an Estimate? Then call: 216-0671/ 692-8464/622-0267 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377

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

One RZ minibus, good condition -$900,000 and 1 Nissan Bluebird 2009 series. Call: 645-9921/ 265-0204 2002 Verossa, PPP 5997$2.3M- Call: 660-3004 2004 IST, PPP 3461 -$1.5M. Call: 660-3004

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages)

TO LET Three bedrooms concrete bottom flat in South Ruimveldt Gardens-$75,000. Call: 218-1949 One 3 bedrooms top flat, one 2 bedrooms bottom flat @ La Grange Public Road & 1- 2 bedrooms @ Cummings Lodge, E.C.D –Call:679-1151; 619-0673 Business place located on Robb Street next to Bourda Market. Call:623-7731; 6290636 Modern two bedrooms, one flat apartment in Bel-Air Park, access to public transportation & supermarkets. Call: 669-6932 HEALTH Improve your health with Herbal Supplements. Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store. Call: 226-9136

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

WANTED Office Clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics, computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500

85.6 Acres titled farm land with timber/water access, located @ Loo Creek E.B.D River. Call: 625-8589; (518) 859-5313 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Unregistered Corolla Fielder 2009, Axela 2011, dark interior, rims, TV, navigator, rear spoiler. Call: 617-5536 FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Oswin J’s Auto Imports New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Axio, Fielder, Rush, five comprehensive insurance for 6 months. Call: 609-2815

House located @ 696 Section C, Grove Housing Scheme. Please call 611-1963 for further inquiries Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: office, church, storage bond lessons, internet, stationery & photocopy shop, other place -$20,000 per month. Call: 603-6400 2 Apartments @ 62 Victoria Avenue Eccles. Call: 6672536; 628-0016 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, E.B.D, 2 bedrooms -$70,000 -Call: 2275194 3 Bedrooms apartment for rent. Call: 267-1446/674-6080 2 Bedrooms apartment with toilet & bath @ Lot Q19 Pigeon Island, Chateau Margot E.C.D. Call Bibi: 2206799/ 603-9547 1 New & spacious 2 bedrooms apartment 5th Avenue Diamond, New Scheme. Call: 610-0652/ 6878113 Restaurant/Bar or doctor’s office, business place, at Lot ‘C’ Hydronie Parika –Call: 664-9245; 665-6138 Bottom flat supermarket located @ First Bridge Diamond E.B.D- Call: 6017749; 216-3069; 626-7064; 691-4808 One room to rent to single female, aged 20-50. Call: 6928613. FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

Waitress, live in or live out. Call: 664-1804; 681-4653 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 We l d e r / F a b r i c a t o r, Machinist, Mechanic with technical background Apply in person @ Technical Services , 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site. Contract cars and taxi drivers. Call: 231-0002; 2310316 Live in waitresses to work in Bar - Call:692-4649 Indian, age 47 and older, we are looking for an couple (husband & wife) to work in Suriname- Contact: 3225442 / 6516666 Waitress, between ages 1825 years. Call: 638-6669/ 6890113

EDUCATIONAL Dynamic Training Institute; USA standard, Diploma Course: Human Resource Management, Customer Service Relation. Call: 6165204 to register IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742 Study in US/Canada, deal for 2016 CXC, students $500 Canadian, VISA processing Centre, Parika. Call: 260-4850/ 649-3073

Experienced Drivers, cashiers, Roti/Puri cook, cleaners. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with written application, 5 Commerce Street. 1 Salesgirl & 3 Labourers. Apply with police clearance & reference. Alpes Variety Store, 74 Robb St. G/town. CARPENTERS & MASON. CALL: 225-3234 One female cleaner for Office in Eccles. Call: 233-2745

G R TA X I S E RV I C E . CALL: 219-5000; 2271982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

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: 2250198 FULL TIME WAITER/ WAITRESS AT AAGMAN INDIAN RESTAURANT, SHERIFF STREET, EXPERIENCEDPREFERRED. CALL: 219-0158 1 Qualified pharmacist to w o r k a t Tr u e Va l u e Pharmacy. Call: 618-4027 between 8am-4pm, attractive salary offer. 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 Experienced bartenders and cleaners. Call: 225-8572 between 7am -9am Cashiers & sales clerk apply in person with written application at Nirva Supermarket. Call: 227-5771 One general domestic & one gardener. Apply @ R.Sookraj & Sons, 108 Regent Street opposite GBTI. 1 Cleaner for growing business, must have excellent recommendations. Call: 655-1560 from 08:00hrs15: 00hrs Mon-Fri. One legal computer clerk. Phone: 624-7087; 226-4283/ e m a i l : husainsaphier@yahoo.com

9 Courses Diploma in computers -$35,000, Computerized Accounting 4 courses -$35,000 @ Cybertron Technology, Parika. Call: 260-4850 9 Courses; Diploma in Computers -$35,000, Computerize Accounting; 4 courses -$35,000, PC repairs/ graphics courses, Micrographics Technology, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057 Register your child for our after school program for slow learners in Maths, Reading, Spelling Etc. Call: 675-4379 TAXI SERVICE

VACANCY Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020

Delivery Riders – Call: 2235273/4 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House and land for sale in Sharpe Street Leonora, price negotiable. Call: 686-3512 One end lot, concrete structure 24X40 – Contact Nirmala Singh: 265-3769/ 6533381 Brand new property @ Craig E.B.D 3 rooms, 1 self contained, House: 28X45ft land: 90X50ft -Call: 679-8091 or 718-213-6496

One handyman between ages 30-40. Contact:2235273/4 Continue page 29

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

“Medical School” Administrator in hot water...

Nanda Kissoon (left) being escorted out of the compound yesterday afternoon. From page 13 held against their will by the administrator. Kissoon could be seen from beyond the security grill where she was asked specifically if there were any students in the building with her. She responded with a nod, “No”. Kissoon retreated further into the building avoiding the cameras and questions from the media, with a perplexed look on her face. Meanwhile, tensions were running high downstairs. Students were contemplating whether they should break the locks or not since the police – after being contacted an hour earlier – had failed to show up. POLICEARRIVAL Media operatives who were on the scene began making calls to the Commander of the ‘D’ Division, Marlon Chapman, requesting that he look into the matter since students were beginning to grow impatient and worried. The duo had stopped replying to their colleagues. The Commander said that ranks would be arriving from the Alberttown Police Station to the location shortly. Two hours later and the police were nowhere in sight. Members of the Media fraternity then went down to the Alberttown Police Station to inquire what was causing the delay. The journalists were told that there were no

ranks available. Upon departing the station, a senior rank made contact with the reporters informing them that a team would be sent to the institution. A four-man team arrived shortly after. The team made efforts to engage Kissoon but to no avail. The two students were then seen exiting the building, however Kissoon remained inside the premises despite calls being made by the police for her to exit. This triggered the frustration amongst the students and parents who insisted that the ranks break down the door and arrest Kissoon. The police refused to, saying that they were not authorised to do so. The owner of the property who lives next door, subsequently gave permission to break the locks, but the police still did not budge. MODE OF ENTRY: LADDER After an hour of deliberation, a vehicle carrying a ladder pulled up. The ladder was used by the police, in the presence of the building owner, to gain access to the building via the windows on the northern side. Even as tension amongst the gathering escalated, persons were still showing up to the institution to be registered. The enthusiastic looks on the aspiring medical students’ faces transformed

into looks of disbelief and anger. Many remained at the location to get a glimpse of Kissoon who was at the time, being escorted out of the building. She was welcomed by a chorus of “fraud, fraud”. Passersby, who stopped to inquire what was going on, shook their heads in disgust after learning that Kissoon is once again, involved in what appears to be a scam. She was taken away by the ranks. The police are currently investigating the matter. As previously stated, this is not the first time that Kissoon is being accused of fraud. In fact, back in 2009, Kissoon, who goes by several aliases including: Gita Kissoon, Johanna Gray, Juan Singh, Juan Craig, Nanda Kissoon and Nandranie Kissoon, was arrested. She was released on $100,000 bail. In 2013, Kissoon opened the “Inter-American Nursing Schoo l a n d l a t e r t h e Guyana Health Care Education Institute. Both schools were closed due to t h e t h e n G o v e r n m e n t ’s intervention after fraud was unearthed. In 2014, Kissoon had reopened the Inter-American Nursing School but by then, word of the woman’s knack for being involved in scams had spread. The school was closed down sometime after because of pressure she was receiving from her students.

PAGE 29

Court commences hearing appeal to... (From page 3) he made a finding and determination with respect to Article 163 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana and its relationship with Section 42 of the National Assembly Validity of Election Act Cap. 1:04 without affording the Appellant an opportunity of responding to the said finding.” At the full court hearing presided over by Justice Roxanne George and Justice Franklyn Holder yesterday, Attorney Forde was granted 21 days to supply written submissions in the matter. Attorney Latchmie Rahamat who entered an appearance on behalf of Attorney Anil Nandlall, lawyer for the opposition party, also made a request for 21 days to respond to the submissions. The Petition filed on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party Civic, (PPP/C) seeks to challenge the validity of the outcome of the 2015 General and Regional Elections. The applicant – Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganga Persaud – who was appointed Elections agent on the list of candidates for the PPP/C, had claimed that the elections were “unlawfully conducted” and that the result of the elections were affected or might have been affected by unlawful acts or omissions. Following the outcome of May 2015 elections, PPP/C Member of Parliament Ganga Persaud underscored that the entire electoral process was flawed; that it contained many procedural errors and instances of fraudulent and/or suspicious actions. “Unrest, fake Statements of Poll (SOPs) and multiple voting were among several causes cited when the PPP/C filed its elections petition.” The presence of “huge mobs” at several polling stations and other strategic places, particularly in Region Four, were also cited by the party as another cause for intimidation and fear which in turn “rendered it impossible for polling, counting agents and duly appointed candidates to carry out their duties and functions properly.”

New drug shipments... (From page 23) fact that these persons were trained and they should know how to do it. It is not rocket science, I can’t see why is it that if they were asked to send certain data to help with the fitting up of these CRIVs why it is not being done. I get the impression that things have been left unmonitored for a very long time, and it’s going to take an uphill task for us to get in place.” In an effort to begin the drug distribution, Minister Norton and a team of health officials visited a number of health facilities in Region One over the past weekend, delivering drugs and other medical supplies to those areas that had reported shortages.

From page 28

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1-Hyster Forklift With 1000 Series, Perkins Engine$1.2M, 1-CAT DP-40 3-Ton Forklift-$2.9M. Contact#6500402 33.6 Acres farm land @ Kuru Kururu, Linden Soesdyke Highway. Call: 679-1151; 6190673 2 Tug boat (ocean going), 12000 HP, 1-2200 HP. Call: 6630633 1 Gas station in Cotton Tree Village Berbice. Call: 6630633 57 Acres transported land before Soesdyke Junction also power tools. Call: 2654180; 615-3054 Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954 Carpets, water tank, printer, stereo & speakers, tea cups & saucers, plants & plant pots, massage oil, baby strollers. Call: 231-1284/2239719 Household, Restaurant & hotel Items: 3pcs living room set, ceiling fans, 4X3ft glass sliding doors, clothing. Call: 231-1284/223-9719 Elevator (good condition) Diesel Generator (23KVA, 110/220V). Call: 231-1284/ 223-9719 Text Books: My Lady Cosmetology, Barbering, Taber’s Medical Dictionary, Clinical Procedures @ Anointed Christian Bookstore, 59 Robb St. 1-4 Piece Stereo set, 1 bass box -$65,000. Call: 665-4944 Pit bull pups for sale, already vaccinated. Call: 625-0356

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THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS...

HOW MUCH WORSE CAN IT GET? By Sase Singh

INTRODUCTION An economy is about people, it is not some abstract concept in the sky. In the impartial court of conscience, politicians are elected by the people as temporary custodians of an economy to execute a clear mandate, one of which is growing the economy for all. But clearly, this bit of wisdom continues to evade the policy makers in the Granger administration. All I have been hearing from our Ministers of Government is more lame excuses of why the path to the “good life” has to be deferred. The latest one is that the police cannot get a salary increase, but they must be expected to curb their enthusiasm to peddle their corruption. This phenomenon of “collective executive failure” need not be, but it is alive and kicking in 2016. The “Norton BondGate Scandal” is another episode in this selfish form of politics that has been practiced in Guyana for years, only this time those who were calling for it to end before May 2015, are now the expert practitioners of this art form of wholesale squandermania, and impotent policy-making. What a shame that so much hope was vanquished by so few, so quickly! The only outcome from this selfish path is economic implosion and political self-destruction. CONSUMER SPENDING CONTINUES TO PLUMMET

Domestic consumer spending for the first happened in the early 1980s. six months of 2016 has declined, and this Love or dislike the PPP, the workers could position is being supported by all the have expected programmed 5% increases at economic proxies that contribute to the every Christmas that was retroactive to measurement of consumer spending. January, come rain or sun. Thus people First and foremost let us observe income planned their lives around this pittance by for the workers. spending all of it in their mind before they Income drives consumer even received it. spending which positively The aggregate influence of stimulates the economy. That’s this heavy expenditure at why we in the analyst Christmas was a constructive community pay so much impact on the business attention to this indicator. If we community, which then fed into continue to starve the workers, an uptick in annual economic as is being transmitted by the growth. Coalition and the GPSU Over the last 14 months leadership, with their under the Granger unnecessary Commissions and administration, those who have vacillating Omissions, then earned between G$50,000consumer spending will $100,000 have truly experienced continue to dive. This may be a “hard guava” season. But to good business for the compound their misery, a politicians but this is no good “High-Tech” scheme of delays for the people. and deception has been With an environment of launched against them by the Sase Singh weak consumer confidence, we Granger administration. can expect the investment This situation contributes pipeline will run dry and we are already seeing adversely to economic growth and only a the fruits of such a strategy; or lack of a certified dunce will not decipher the adverse strategy to be more accurate. Other than the political and economic impact of this reality. two big gold mines incubated under the PPP, This undue delay in releasing the people’s Guyana is today almost an investment desert. 10% exposes the intellectual capacity of many The end results, very little new jobs will be in the government and in the GPSU. As a created and the economy will implode as collective, they clearly do not know what they are doing when it comes to modeling and managing the economy. Income is everything and “a bird in a hand is worth two in the bush”. But if the GPSU leadership continues to “shilly-shally” on this decision, then it will have to be blamed for the workers not getting their money on time. The GPSU will have to be blamed for actively contributing to the starvation of the workers and this by direct extension will lead to a further decline in the economic prospects of our people. Such an act is unpardonable. I truly wished

the GPSU had taken the 10% now and closed off 2016, but immediately commence the struggle for a better wage in the 2017 Budget cycle. This will give the union and the workers the ability to regenerate themselves and the opportunity to refocus their struggle. Secondly, the distribution of wealth drives consumer spending. It makes no sense paying one contractor and a few politicians $450 million over three years for an uncertified bond that is unnecessary when we can use that same money to pay 60,000 workers $2,500 extra each year over three years. CONCLUSION Readers, I have ventured on to a new path in my academic and professional life this September that will not allow me to share myself with you the way I would have liked in the near future but it is all temporary. I am humbled by the fact that Mr. Glenn Lall, Mr. Adam Harris, and their hardworking team have willingly granted me unfettered access to the newspapers as an advocate for the poor and the working class, but it is time to prioritize to become more empowered. Therefore I may not be able to make this a weekly contribution. I am however, truly excited by the fact that I am seeing more letters from young Guyanese who are based in the homeland and were not there in 2011. I am using this forum to call upon more of them to express themselves in a true Rodneyite tradition, even if you have to ask the media to withhold your identity to protect yourself from petty politicians. I thank the editor of Kaieteur News in particular and its sister organization the Stabroek News for leading in this struggle to bring good governance to Guyana. But when you think that “Norton BondGate Scandal” was the last, we are now being advised that there is an even bigger scandal happening today under Team Granger. The Cabinet of Guyana is costing the people some $1,012 million in 2016 for their upkeep. That is over a billion dollars. How much worse can it get?

Former Auditor General... From page 15 balance sheet of Sanata Textile Limited. The other question he posed was whether the well was reflected as an asset in the balance sheet of GWI. He stated that if it is so, the well belongs to GWI and could not have been sold in the privatisation of the Sanata Complex. This he noted is because the Sanata Complex is a separate legal entity and so is the GWI. “You simply cannot take an asset that belongs to GWI and sell as part of the sale of Sanata.” The former Auditor

General stressed for the need of establishing “conclusively” whose well it is. The controversy surrounding the well issue first came to light when a GWI technical team attempted to conduct inspection of a water connection attached to buildings within the Sanata Complex. The GWI technicians and Ramroop’s management subsequently had a confrontation. Following the confrontation, the technicians were later asked to stand off and suspend all investigations until further notice by management at the

Probe launched into... From page 14 Bar’ located on Plaisance line top. Norville was driving the car proceeding west along the southern side of the Industry Public Road at a fast rate of speed when he collided with another car parked on the southern side of the said road. As a result of the collision, Griffith was hit causing him to fall onto the roadway. He was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. As a condition of bail, Norville was instructed to lodge his passport and report to the Sparendaam Police Station, every Friday until the completion of the matter. This matter has been adjourned until September 30, for reports.

utility company. After questions by this newspaper to GWI officials, it was later confirmed that the ownership of the well was in question and GWI needed to do investigations. GWI subsequently issued a statement on August 31, confirming that the well was 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. After this was disclosed, 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.” This is however highly questionable, as GWI will be servicing what is now a private well with taxpayers’ money. GWI further said that Ramroop indicated that he had bought the entire complex which included the well, but “inherited the daily checks of the well by GWI”.

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

OCG probes PNP scandal Jamaica Observer - The Office of the Contractor General (OCG) is now investigating the campaign money scandal rocking the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), the party confirmed Monday night. The OCG started the probe after allegations surfaced last week that Chinese firms operating in Jamaica were asked to pay an agent’s fee. A release from the PNP said the party has since asked its Integrity Commission to suspend plans to start its probe into the scandal in light of the investigation by the OCG. “The party will also be making no further comment on this particular matter,” the release said. PNP Treasurer Norman Horne, in a report to the July meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), alleged that money collected to fund the party’s February 25, 2016 General Election campaign was not turned over to the party’s treasury but was instead kept by senior members. The report was leaked to the media in August, further dividing the party which had entered the election bruised from a number of constituency challenges. The organisation suffered a further setback when it was handed a shock one-seat defeat by the Jamaica Labour Party at the polls. Since then,

Dr Omar Davies there have been calls for renewal, including for a change of leadership at the top. Last week, the PNP suffered its biggest fallout when former Transport and Works Minister Dr Omar Davies called on General Secretary Paul Burke to come forward with information on the alleged missing money, especially relating to the payment of an agent’s fee, the matter to which the OCG will be giving its attention. Dr Davies, in a letter to Burke calling on him to clarify the matter, said: “I have the right to make this demand of you as my own integrity is being questioned as a result of your unsubstantiated

utterances.” Dr Davies said that several Comrades had reported to him that at a meeting of the NEC held a few months ago, Burke stated that the party’s efforts in the general election were hampered by inadequate financing, as some senior members had not passed on funds from donors to the central treasury. “I was informed that you went on to state explicitly that you had learnt that it is an established practice for large Chinese firms to pay an ‘agent’s fee’, ranging from one per cent to 1.5 per cent of the total project cost. You claimed that it was customary that the ‘agent’ would be named by the minister with portfolio responsibility for the relevant sector.” Davies said that while Burke gave no names, “many persons left the meeting with the clear impression that, within the construct which you had outlined, I was the minister who had recommended the agent to the Chinese firm”. Said Davis: “Against that background, I wish to make the following definitive and unambiguous statements: “(1) I have never been approached by any firm, Chinese, or otherwise, with respect to an ‘agent’s fee’ (or any payment of that nature), nor to recommend anyone to act as their agent on any construction project.

Third shipment of goods for Venezuela NEWSDAY - A third shipment of locallymanufactured goods is due to be sent to Venezuela later this month, following the visit to this country by a delegation from the South American nation. The update on the US$50 million revolving fund that’s being used by Venezuela to pay for basic food items and manufactured goods from TT was provided Monday morning by Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee- Scoon. “Following the initial shipments in July 2016, discussions have been ongoing between Venezuela’s procurement company Corpovex and TT, in preparation for a third shipment of goods,” GopeeScoon said. “Just last week, a Venezuelan team returned to Port-of-Spain to negotiate a second three-month contract for the purchase of locally manufactured goods.” The minister said these items include food and personal hygiene products, previously

Paula Gopee- Scoon negotiated, which will now be expanded to include a few new products as well as new suppliers following negotiations and factory site visits. “This shipment is expected to take place by midSeptember. We are very pleased with the collaboration with our partners from Venezuela and the trading arrangement

which has progressed to the benefit of both sides; this resulting from firm commitments made between Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, during the latter’s visit to TT in May this year,” she said. Gopee-Scoon noted that her ministry, together with and the TT Manufacturers Association, will continue to have oversight of the arrangement and provide support during the process. “It is expected, however, that the Government’s involvement in the business negotiations and logistics will be reduced as the parties adopt more traditional private sector trading arrangements.” Gopee-Scoon spoke about the TT-Venezuela trade deal while delivering remarks at the launch of the Oxford Business Group’s second annual economic review of this country, The Report: Trinidad and Tobago 2016, at the Hyatt Regency, Port-ofSpain.

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UK radical Choudary jailed for encouraging support for Islamic State Reuters Anjem Choudary, Britain’s bestknown Islamist preacher, was jailed yesterday for five years and six months for encouraging support for Islamic State, ending years of frustration for police who had struggled to pin charges on him. Choudary, 49, and close associate Mizanur Rahman, 33, who received the same sentence, had been convicted by a jury in July of using the Internet to urge followers to back the banned group, which controls large areas of Syria and Iraq. “These men have stayed just within the law for many years and there has been frustration for both law enforcement agencies and communities as they spread hate,” said Dean Haydon, head of counter-terrorism at London’s Metropolitan Police. “We have watched Choudary developing a media career as spokesman for the extremists, saying the most distasteful of comments, but

Anjem Choudary without crossing the criminal threshold,” Haydon said in a statement. Long denounced by the press in Britain as a hate preacher, Choudary is also well-known abroad, making regular TV appearances in the wake of attacks by Islamist militants to blame Western foreign policy for targeting Muslims. His trial heard that in postings on social media, Choudary and Rahman had

pledged allegiance to the “caliphate” declared by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and said Muslims had a duty to obey or provide support to him. “Their recent speeches and the oath of allegiance were a turning point for the police - at last we had the evidence that they had stepped over the line and we could prove they were actively encouraging support of ISIS,” said Haydon. Both men had denied the terrorism charges and said the case against them was politically motivated. They were convicted after a fourweek trial at London’s Old Bailey criminal court, where they were sentenced by a judge yesterday. Choudary, the former head of the now banned organisation al-Muhajiroun, first drew widespread attention for praising the men behind the 9/11 attacks on the United States and for saying he wanted to convert Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth’s official London residence, into a mosque.

Gabon leader under scrutiny as EU questions election win Reuters - Gabon’s reelected President Ali Bongo came under international scrutiny yesterday, as a European Union mission questioned the validity of his narrow win, France recommended a recount and the African Union said it would send mediators. At least six people have died in riots in Libreville and other cities since the result of the Aug. 27 election was announced last Wednesday, giving Bongo victory by around 5,000 votes. Authorities appeared to have restored order in the capital yesterday, as election monitors focused on the southeastern Haut-Ogooue province, a Bongo stronghold where industry ministry figures showed he won 95.46 percent of the vote on a 99.9 percent turnout.

Ali Bongo Opposition leader Jean Ping says the election was stolen, with the number of votes cast in Haut-Ogooue inflated to give victory to Bongo, whose family has ruled the central African oilproducing country for almost

half a century. The EU observer mission said the number of non-voters and blank or invalid ballots were at variance with the reported participation rate, adding turnout in other regions was around 48 percent. “The integrity of the provisional results for this province is consequently put into question,” said Mariya Gabriel, the EU’s chief observer of the polls. The African Union said it would send a delegation to Gabon likely to be led by Chad’s Idriss Deby, one of Africa’s longest-ruling presidents and the current chair of the pan-African body. “I expect the high-level delegation to be dispatched very soon,” African Union spokesman Jacob Enoh Eben said.

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Grenada wooing Bajans BRIDGETOWN – Grenada has launched a campaign to woo Barbadians to the Spice Isle, as part of an initiative to increase its visitor arrivals from the Caribbean. Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) Rudy Grant is leading a delegation here that will hold talks with travel agents this week. He told a news conference that in just over a decade, the Caribbean had become Grenada’s third largest source market. “When I went to Grenada in January of 2014 the Caribbean was the fourth largest source market for Grenada. It is now the third largest source market. It has been growing and it is just around 19 per cent as well. The UK market is just about that but in terms of actual numbers the UK market is still our second largest market but the Caribbean has been growing.

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Rudy Grant

“Of course during special activities you will see that there is greater Caribbean travel. During Spice Mas, I can report to you for example that during Spice Mas we would have seen a good increase, an increase of over 8 000 additional visitors coming into our Spice Mas,” Grant said. He said that the GTA has also held a similar promotion drive in Trinidad, which has proven to be successful, and they are now targeting the Barbados market, which has the potential for significant growth. “Let me say that one of the things we do at the tourism authority is to ensure that we use a scientific approach to the development of our industry. We do not depend on luck and chance. We do not depend on serendipity. We do not hope for good things. We actually plan our success,” Grant told reporters He said Grenada has done “a remarkable job” of enhancing its tourism industry since the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, which decimated the island’s

housing stock and agriculture industry. GTA’s Marketing Manager Francine Stewart outlined some of the new product offerings, including the Grenada Sailing Festival, the Pure Grenada Music Festival, the annual Chocolate Festival, and Spice Mas. She said that given the number of events as well as scenic attractions, the triisland state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique is an alternative to Miami, which is a preferred destination for many Caribbean travellers. “We believe that now is the time to come over and start … engaging the travel trade and the different tour operators, and giving them all the reasons why when a client walks in the door (they should) help them choose Grenada. “Grenada is an ideal and excellent destination to experience something different because we recognise that Barbados doesn’t necessarily have the topography and the options that Grenada has,” Stewart said. (CMC)

Spanish ex-minister linked to Panama Papers renounces World Bank job Reuters - Spain’s former industry minister, who resigned after coming under scrutiny over his links to a company that appeared in the Panama Papers, has withdrawn his application for a senior job at the World Bank, a government source said on Tuesday. Jose Manuel Soria could not be contacted for comment yesterday, but newspaper El Mundo reported he had told the economy ministry in a letter he was withdrawing after being asked to by the government and because of how his application was being used politically. Soria’s nomination as his country’s representative at the World Bank, announced on Friday by the acting centre-right government, sparked public outrage in Spain and drew criticism from

Jose Manuel Soria across the political spectrum. The news came at a sensitive time in Spanish politics, where bickering between parties is edging the country towards its third election in a year.

He stepped down as minister in April after reports surfaced of his alleged links to an offshore company on the British island of Jersey, saying he was resigning to limit any damage to the caretaker government. Soria has denied any wrongdoing. The conservative People’s Party (PP) has governed in an acting capacity since losing its majority in an inconclusive election in December following a string of corruption scandals. The PP again won the most votes in a second ballot in June, but still fell short of a majority in another hung parliament. Parties have yet to find a way out of the impasse, and PP leader Mariano Rajoy has struggled to get enough rivals to back him for a second term in office.

Suspected Aleppo chlorine attack chokes dozens - rescue workers, monitors say Reuters - A suspected chlorine gas attack on an opposition-held neighbourhood in the Syrian city of Aleppo caused dozens of cases of suffocation yesterday, rescue workers and a monitoring group said. The Syrian Civil Defence, a rescue workers’ organisation that operates in rebel-held areas, said government helicopters had dropped barrel bombs containing chlorine on the Sukari neighbourhood in eastern Aleppo. The Syrian government has denied previous accusations it used chemical weapons during the fiveyear-old civil war. The Syrian army could not be immediately

reached for comment on the latest allegations. The Civil Defence said on its Facebook page that 80 people had suffocated. It reported no deaths. It posted a video showing wheezing children doused in water using oxygen masks to breathe. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks Syrian violence using sources on the ground, said medical sources had reported 70 cases of suffocation. A United Nations and Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons inquiry seen by Reuters last month found that Syrian government forces

were responsible for two toxic gas attacks in 2014 and 2015 involving chlorine. The Civil Defence accused the government of two other suspected chlorine gas attacks in August. The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria said it was investigating an August incident. “Unimaginable crimes are occurring in Aleppo ... progovernment aerial bombardments cause mass civilian casualties,” Commission Chairman Paulo Pinheiro told reporters in Geneva. “In government-held areas, indiscriminate ground shelling (by) armed groups ... is also killing scores of civilians,” he added.

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Portugal stunned by Swiss in World Cup qualifier BASEL (Reuters) Switzerland struck twice in quick succession to stun Euro 2016 champions Portugal 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday and hand them a first competitive defeat in two years under coach Fernando Santos. Ninteeen-year-old Breel Embolo headed Switzerland ahead in the 23rd minute and Admir Mehmedi doubled the lead six minutes later as Portugal’s defence, almost impregnable in France in June, dramatically unravelled. Portugal, missing talis-

manic forward and record scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, regained their composure and dominated the rest of the game but were hopelessly ineffective in attack. Nani was the biggest culprit when he headed Ricardo Quaresma’s cross against the post from close range in the 82nd minute. The Portuguese had 27 attempts on goal to Switzerland’s eight but only four were on target. They had 12 efforts blocked and 11 went wide while they also won 11 corners to one for the hosts. Santos was appointed

Switzerland’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer, Gelson Fernandes, Johan Djourou and Fabian Schaer celebrate after defeating Portugal. (REUTERS/Ruben Sprich) coach in September 2014 and had not lost in 14 competi-

Wednesday September 07, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your input into their activities will help bring you closer together. Your own small business on the side could ease your financial stress. Take time to deal with the concerns of children. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Don't be too confident that coworkers are on your side. Don't be shy to promote your own interests. Don't get involved in secret affairs or underhanded involvements. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may find it difficult to communicate with someone at work. If you have to deal with large institutions, be careful not to make waves. Your irritability may drive your loved ones crazy. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Romance is likely if you participate in unusual forms of entertainment. Your lack of interest in your partner is a problem. Don't be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will find your vitality is lowered. Some of the best opportunities will crop up if you keep an open mind. Family responsibilities are mounting. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Dead end projects could plague you. You may be uncertain about some of your coworkers and your boss. Don't let someone you work with put words in your mouth. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Difficulties at an emotional

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Kaieteur News

level may be likely. Try to avoid being extravagant today. Don't overspend to impress someone who interests you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your unique contribution to the organization will enhance your reputation. Try not to spend too much on children or entertainment. Leave things as they are for the moment and focus on reaching your highest potential at work. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Opportunities to get together with friends will be enlightening and entertaining. You'll be able to break bad habits if you put your mind to it. You will accomplish the most through orderly activities. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Lay your cards on the table regarding your personal direction. Get together with friends and do something entertaining but not too expensive. Problems with in-laws may cause friction in your personal relationship. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't be too hard on your mate. Visitors may be likely to drop by. You'll meet new friends if you try new activities. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Use your obvious talent to work with detail and you can come up with something great. Plan to get out and do a bit of travel. Self-deception regarding your own worth may lead you down the wrong path.

tive games, seven in Euro 2016 qualifiers and seven in the tournament itself. Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time as tempers flared. In addition to Ronaldo, still recovering from the injury he suffered in the Euro 2106 final, Portugal were missing key midfielder Renato Sanches while the Swiss were without their top forward, Xherdan Shaqiri. The visitors looked comfortable until Switzerland won a free kick in the 23rd minute. Ricardo Rodriguez produced a fierce effort which goalkeeper Rui Patricio could only parry and Cameroonborn Embolo nipped in to score from the rebound. Portugal were still recovering from that shock when Haris Seferovic got free on the right six minutes later and cut the ball back into the middle of the area where Mehmedi, unmarked, placed his shot into the far corner. Portugal brought on Joao Mario and Andre Silva at halftime and continued to press forward but a series of shots went either over the bar and were fired at Swiss defenders. Bernardo Silva had a scuffed shot easily saved by Yann Sommer and Raphael Guerreiro sent another over. Portugal continued to dominate until the end when Quaresma had a shot deflected over the crossbar and Joao Mario fired into the side netting.

Kaepernick jersey... (From page 35) Dallas Cowboys. Kaepernick is the 49er’s No. 2 quarterback, behind Blaine Gabbert, who was named the team’s starter for its home opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday. Since Kaepernick began his protest, many fans have said on social media that they want to purchase his jersey as a sign of solidarity. “I’ve never watched a football game but I’ve just bought a Colin Kaepernick jersey that I will proudly wear,” tweeted Twitter user Sean on Friday. “I need a Colin

Kaepernick jersey asap,” tweeted Oliver Ellison on Tuesday. “(It’s) iconic now.” Sales of Kaepernick’s jersey have soared since the 49ers quarterback began his protest, according to an ESPN report over the weekend that cited “a source with knowledge of sales numbers.” The 49ers on Tuesday said they had no immediate comment about the sales of Kaepernick’s jerseys, while Nike Inc, maker of the N F L’s j e r s e y s , s a i d o n Tuesday it does not comment on the sales of individual products. The NFL could not immediately be reached for comment.

World Cup 2018... (From page 32) player.” Hill said the offer was allegedly made by an El Salvadorian who knew some of the players, but who wanted to aid the Honduras national team. The BBC has approached the Honduras football association for comment. A Fifa spokesman said it is “aware of the claims” and that “in co-operation with the respective organisations and

authorities, Fifa is looking into this matter”. Canada, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico are members of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf). Three Concacaf nations will automatically qualify for the 2018 World Cup, which is being staged in Russia, with a fourth entering a play-off against a team from the Asian Football Confederation.

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New faces eager to shine as league enters post-Peyton era (Reuters) The loss of some star power to retirement and a suspension to one of the NFL’s greatest players has done little to dampen excitement for North America’s favorite game ahead of a season that will mark the league’s return to Los Angeles. When the reigning champion Denver Broncos host the Carolina Panthers in a Super Bowl rematch on Thursday, it will kick off an NFL season unlike any seen in decades, where the only sure bet is that the league will enjoy its usual ratings bonanza. Gone are Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson, Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson and Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch as the quartet, who have a comb i n e d 5 4 s e a s o n s between them, led a parade of big-name players who hung up their cleats in 2016. As for Tom Brady, one of only three quarterbacks with four Super Bowl wins, he is serving a fourgame ban as part of the “Deflategate” scandal that will force him to miss the first quarter of the regular season. The absence of such talent leaves big shoes to fill

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass the ball during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium. (Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports) and there are many eager to take their place, including flamboyant Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and dynamic Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown, both of whose teams are among the favorites to reach February’s Super Bowl in Houston. Even a number of firstyear players are expected to show their worth, most notably Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is a popular pick to be the offensive rookie of the year despite not yet playing a down in the regular season. Elliott will need to excel starting in Week One if the

Cowboys, who at $4 billion top Forbes’ list of the world’s most valuable sports teams, are to overcome the loss of Tony Romo and erase memories of a dreadful 2015 season. Romo, the lifeblood of the Cowboys, suffered a broken bone in his back during the preseason and could be out of the lineup until November. The injury thrusts rookie quarterback Dak Prescott into the starting role. CHAMPIONSHIPCALIBER TEAM No team has won backto-back Super Bowls since the Patriots did it in 2004 and 2005 and while Denver will be without future Hall of

Famer Manning, they are still a championship-caliber team powered by one of the NFL’s best defences.

The Seahawks, who came within one pass of repeating as Super Bowl champions in 2015, have been perennial contenders over the last four seasons and, despite the loss of powerhouse Lynch, will boast a team stacked with talent on offense and defense. While losing a player of Brady’s caliber would be a blow to most teams, the talented Patriots remain favorites to win the AFC East division title for an eighth consecutive year. One team who could not withstand the loss of their starting quarterback were the Indianapolis Colts, who missed the playoffs last season as Andrew Luck sat out the second half of the 2015 campaign with various injuries.

But Luck, coming off the worst season of his career, is back to full health and will be determined to remind any doubters why he is considered one of the game’s best quarterbacks. The Arizona Cardinals hope to build on a franchiserecord 13-win season that ended a victory shy of a trip to the Super Bowl. With most of the team’s key players back, led by quarterback Carson Palmer, Arizona look poised for another deep playoff run. There is also plenty of excitement on the West Coast since North America’s biggest sport is back in the country’s second-largest TV market. After 21 seasons in St. Louis, the NFL’s Rams are back in Los Angeles, where they played from 1946 to 1994.

World Cup 2018 qualifying: El Salvador ‘refuse bribe to fix match’

GMR&SC International Drag Race Meet

‘Dragz War 2’ set for Oct 2 at South Dakota Circuit Following their convincing display in neighbouring Suriname recently, local dragsters will now turn their attention to the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) October 2 International Meet scheduled to be staged, at the South Dakota Circuit. According to President of the GMR&SC Raj Boodhoo, the Guyanese contingent that competed in the Dutch territory recently performed outstandingly and the upcoming event set up

nicely for a scintillating duel against the Surinamese who will no doubt be aiming for revenge. Team Guyana that was represented by Sanjay Persaud, Peter and Rondel Daby, Sean Persaud and Azrudeen Mohamed proved too fast for their Dutch counterparts, winning most of the titles on offer. Sanjay Persaud and Peter Daby in their Mazda RX 7 machines reached the semifinals in their category, while

Sean Persaud driving a Toyota wagon won the 11 seconds Class. Rondell Daby behind the wheels of a Toyota Supra captured the 10 seconds class and is now considered to be amongst the fastest cars in the Caribbean. The event is dubbed ‘Dragz War 2’. The price of admission is children $500 and adults $1000 and the event is Sponsored by GTT, Fly Jamaica and Ansa Mcal.

El Salvador cannot qualify for the 2018 World Cup. (Getty Images) BBC Sport El Salvador’s national football team say they have refused a bribe to fix Tuesday’s World Cup 2018 qualifying game against Canada. At a news conference, team members played an audio recording of the person allegedly offering various incentives. Canada must beat El Salvador - who cannot

qualify - in Vancouver, and hope Mexico defeat Honduras in the final round of Group A games to stand a chance of progressing. Fifa confirmed it is investigating. “It’s the most dramatic thing in football I’ve seen for some time” investigative journalist Declan Hill told the BBC World Service. “The entire team came in with their coaches and said

they had been approached on Saturday. “They played an 11minute conversation with the attempted match-fixer. He was offering each player a variety of money per minute depending on the result they could get. The most they would have got for allegedly fixing the match would have been about $3,000 per (Continued on page 31)

Wednesday September 07, 2016

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GCB Jaguars 3-day Franchise

Ashraf ‘River Conqueror’ Key players to miss third Ali swims the Essequibo round from tomorrow By Sean Devers

Off he goes on his historic swim of the mighty Essequibo River.

By Samuel Whyte Overseas based Guyanese, Ashraf the ‘River Conqueror’ Ali, the 70 year old former school teacher of Canefield East Canje, Berbice, Guyana, on Monday defied the odds an undertook the rigid task of swimming the Essequibo River. A task he easily accomplished despite a number of obstacles. At 70 a lot of persons would be at home retired in a rocking chair or caring for grands or great grands. However, Ali who wears many hats including being a preacher in the Christadelphian Church is on another mission, which is to swim the three main rivers in Guyana within a few weeks. Having already swam the Berbice and Demerara Rivers on more than one occasion. His main trust this time was to conquer the Mighty and Majestic Essequibo River. As a warm up he swam the Berbice River for the third time on Saturday which he did in 40 minutes. One of his main aims to undertake the feat was in observance of the Guyana celebrating its Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary and Berbice High School, his Alma Mata, Centenary Anniversary. He also timed his swim in the Essequibo on the day that BHS was celebrating its Centenary. Ali and his team made up of Manager Leon Farrier, assistant Kim Forde, his nephew Roshan Ali who

flew in from Texas, a few supporters and family set out on the over 150 miles journey to Rockstone on Sunday. Arriving in Linden in the dead of Night, the team stayed over in the mining town before undertaking the bumpy ride into Rockstone early on Monday morning. Although the accommodation and atmosphere at the resort was not too welcoming, Ali stuck it out in order to accomplish his mission. He began his almost two miles swim in the hot midday sun around 13:10 hrs and completed the mission in 1hr: 10 minutes. Members of his management team joined him in the Essequibo River as he completed his task. It was minutes after the adventure was done that the rain came in full force. Ali has been busy since arriving in Guyana. He met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Nicolette Henry on Friday. He will continue to be busy as he aims to swim the Demerara River in a few days. He hopes to meet with his Excellency President David Granger before returning to the USA. Speaking on the swim, he said it was simple. He was not troubled at all. The river current and temperature would change at times. The current would pull you away from your intended destination and you would have to battle to get back in line. “The only scary part was before the swim where people say the river is dangerous to swim in.

People talk about the river being full of reptiles and other dangerous creatures such as Anacondas, Electric Ells, Sting Rays, Caimans, Piranhas and Alligators and I should swim with protective gear. There was no danger no treat. It was a simple swim.” Among Ali’s achievements since leaving Guyana are graduating from the DeVry University in the USA with a degree in Electronics and Computer Technology. He got an A in Television repairs. He is also a qualified Television Producer and produces a popular Television programme in the Queens area called “The Best Things in Life are F r e e . ” Ali graduated from BHS in 1967. A trained teacher, he taught Science and mathematics at a number of Secondary and Primary Schools in the Berbice area. He also lectured at The New A m s t e r d a m Te c h n i c a l Institute. He was also head of the Science Department of the Canje Secondary. He started swimming over the Canje River as a youth. He first swam the Berbice River in 1979. In 1998 he swam the Suriname River, swimming from Skeldon to Stratt in Nickerie, Suriname. In 1999 he swam the Demerara River. He has also swum Lake Mainstay twice. He stated that by the will of God, he plans to swim the Berbice River every year and undertake to swim into the Atlantic Ocean as far out as possible. He says that he has a passion for swimming.

Due to the Muslim holiday which was set for Sunday, the third round of the GCB Jaguars three-day Franchise League will commence tomorrow at two venues in the City and two in East Berbice. Eleven key players will miss tomorrow’s round due to them leaving on Saturday for a West Indies training Camp in Barbados. The Camp is in preparation for the senior team’s tour to the UAE where they face Pakistan in a T20, ODI and Test series and the ‘A’ team’s tour to Sri Lanka. No Guyanese has been selected for the t20 slated from September 23-27 or ODI series which runs from September 30 to October 5. Lower Corentyne with wins over Essequibo at Tuschen and Georgetown at Albion lead the point standings with 36.5, while East Coast with wins over West Demerara at Lusignan and Upper Corentyne at Enterprise are on 31.5 points in second position. Both L/C’tyne and East Coast have 6 bowling points but the Berbice side, which made the highest total in the competition when Jonathon Foo’s destructive 152 and

half-centuries from David Latchaya and Gajanand Singh pushed them to 382, have 6 batting points to East Coast’s one. Both teams have .5 of a point earned by pacers taking five of the wickets to fall. West Demerara, who beat East Bank at Everest are third on 21.5 points, while Essequibo, who rebounded from their first loss to beat West Berbice at the Young Warriors ground in Canje are fourth on 18.1 points. East Bank are fifth with 10.1 points, Georgetown are on 10.1 points, while U/C’tyne on 9.7 points are at the bottom of the points table in the eighth-team League after two rounds. From tomorrow, West Berbice play West Demerara at the Young Warriors ground and in an all Berbice a ff a i r, L / C ’t y n e a n d U/C’tyne face-off at Port Mourant in the two games in Berbice. G/Town and East Coast clash at Bourda and Essequibo battle East Bank at Everest in the games in the City. Foo has been in sublime form and has two tons and is the only batsman to reach 300 with scores of 152, 127 & 26 not out. Essequibo’s Kevin Boodie (102) is the only other batsman to reach

three-figures. L/C’tyne’s left-arm s p i n n e r Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul has three fivewicket hauls, the only 10wicket haul (10-80 vs E’bo) and the most wickets (19) after two rounds. Spinners Gudakesh Motie, Ameer Khan and Akenie Adams along leftarm pacer Raymon Reifer each took 5 wicket-hauls in the opening round, while off-spinner Ershad Ali’s 762 in the second round is the best figures in the League. Anthony Adams (5-25), Permaul (5-39), Romario Shepherd (5-23) and Kamesh Yadram (5-34) are the other bowlers to capture five-wicket hauls in the last round. Permaul will be badly missed by L/C’tyne, while Assad Fudadin and Devendra Bishoo will not play for U/C’tyne. Ronsford Beaton and Kemo Paul will be unavailable for E’bo, while Rajendra Chandrika and Paul Wintz will not play for East Coast. West Berbice loses Keon Joseph, Shemron Hetymer and Gudakesh Motie and Georgetown will have to do without Guyana Captain Leon Johnson due to Camp in Barbados. All matches are scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs.

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Wednesday September 07, 2016

Jamaican Government recognises Wes Morgan for role with Leicester City Jamaica Observer Reggae Boyz central defender Westley Morgan was on Sunday recognised for his role in captaining Leicester City to the coveted English Premier League title last season during a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Sport Minister Olivia Grange at Jamaica Pegasus. The 32-year-old, who has captained Jamaica at the international level, was also awarded the Gold Medal of Service of the City of Kingston. Wes Morgan, born in Nottingham, England, is the first black man to captain an English team to the Premier League title. He remarkably played every minute of Leicester’s 38 league games. Holness said Morgan, who was eligible to play for Jamaica through grandparents from both his parent’s side of the family, has shown the penchant for b r i l l i a n c e , t h e determination, and the winning qualities typical of many Jamaicans.

“We embrace you and we celebrate with you your success,” said the prime minister, while he encouraged the player to give back to young people from his boyhood neighbourhood in England as well as his grandparents’ roots in Clarendon. Grange, also the minister in charge of culture, gender and entertainment, hailed Morgan’s “impossible” achievement with Leicester City, who were staggering 5000-1 outsiders to win the league at the start of the 2015-16 campaign. “ E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, something remarkable happened. It was supposed to be impossible, yet it happened anyway. At the centre of this impossible victory was one Wes Morgan of Jamaican roots,” she said. Morgan, who was also treated to a performance by Popcaan, his favourite dancehall entertainer, was humble in accepting the plaudits. “It’s fantastic to be recognised by the prime

Reggae Boy Westley Morgan (left) accepts a token from Prime Minister Andrew Holness (second right) during Sunday’s luncheon to acknowledge the player’s achievement with English Premier League champions Leicester City at Jamaica Pegasus. Looking on (from second left) are Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister Derrick Smith, Minister of Sport Olivia Grange and Jamaica Football Federation boss Captain Horace Burrell. (Garfield Robinson) m i n i s t e r, t h e J a m a i c a Football Federation and everyone in this room for what I’ve achieved for Leicester City. I hope what

I’ve achieved can inspire young people to work hard and try to achieve their dreams... thank you very much guys,” he said.

JFF President Captain Horace Burrell, back in the spotlight after laying low with illness since April, was pleased to see the gesture

from the Government and used the opportunity to ask for continued financial support, especially after their elimination from 2018 World Cup qualifying. “Thank you, Mr Prime Minister for having initiated this function because in these times when things are not going very well, people in authority would want to walk away. This is indeed a good sign because when the chips are down is the time you need the support. “Thanks to Minister [Grange] because having been eliminated funds are going to be really hard to come by. This is the reality,” said the local football boss. In response, Grange insisted the Government will not end its support. She said the monthly subvention of $3.5 million provided through the Sports Development Foundation to help run JFF’s development programmes will continue. She added that “if the pot and the kitty gets bigger” an increase would be considered.

Radwanska falls to teenager Konjuh at U.S. Open NEW YORK (Reuters) Croatian teen Ana Konjuh avenged a Wimbledon loss with a stunning 6-4 6-4 upset of fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska on Monday to claim the last women’s quarter-final spot at the U.S. Open. The 18-year-old, who won the 2013 U.S. Open juniors title after claiming the Australian Open juniors crown, lost her first service game but did not yield serve again in an overpowering performance that belied her world ranking of 92. She cracked 38 winners, including six aces, against the Pole, who has never gone beyond the round of 16 in five attempts at Flushing Meadows. The power-hitting teenager, who became the first Croatian woman to reach the quarter-finals at a U.S. Open, was spurred on by a second-round loss to Radwanska at Wimbledon, where she held three match points before falling 9-7 in

the third set. “It’s been an incredible night,” Konjuh said in an oncourt interview. “This time I got revenge, so I’m really happy.” Radwanska accepted she had been outplayed by her opponent. “Sometimes it is difficult when the ball is going really big from the other side. It’s hard to control, really put the ball where you want,” said Radwanska. Konjuh said she used the Wimbledon loss as motivation. “Last night I was replaying the match in my head,” she told reporters. “I had match points and I missed forehands on all of them. I just didn’t go for it.” The Croat refused to make that mistake again, earning the only break of the second set with a backhand winner in the ninth game to lead 5-4 and serving for a quarter-finals berth. At 15-0, she tossed the ball for her serve as an

electronic shriek of feedback noise filled Arthur Ashe Stadium. She gasped in surprise, calmly collected herself and carried on to victory when Radwanska could not return her final serve. “I’m real excited about my performance tonight,” said Konjuh, who dealt with back and ankle injuries this season that sidelined her for a couple of months. “This time I took opportunities. I was just going for it.” Hitting with heavy power from both flanks and registering as high as 118 mph with her serve, Konjuh was too strong for Radwanska, who was only able to answer with nine winners of her own. The victory lifted Konjuh to a last eight match against 1 0 t h - s e e d e d Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, who overcame sixth-seeded A m e r i c a n Ve n u s Williams 4-6 6-4 7-6(3) to advance.

Ana Konjuh of Croatia celebrates after recording match point against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland. (Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports)

Wednesday September 07, 2016

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FIFA says ethics committee ‘Bionic’ woman faces opens proceedings Great North Run challenge against Qatari official (Reuters) Global football governing body FIFA said on Tuesday its ethics watchdog had opened proceedings against highranking Qatari football official Saoud AlMohannadi. “The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee, under its chairman Hans-Joachim Eckert, has opened formal adjudicatory proceedings against the Vice-President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and former General Secretary of t h e Q FA , S a o u d A l Mohannadi, based on the final report submitted by the investigatory chamber,” Zurich-based FIFA said in a statement.

A FIFA sign is seen outside the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland December 17, 2015. (REUTERS/Ruben Sprich )

In August, a FIFA investigator recommended Mohannadi be banned from the game for at least 2 1/2 years over allegations of non-cooperation with an inquiry. The recommendation did not give details on the inquiry. The FIFA watchdog

only said the inquiry was not linked to the awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar - one of the cases at the centre of wider investigations and allegations that have rocked the football organisation since last year.

Kaepernick jersey becomes NFL best seller after anthem protest

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks into the tunnel after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. (Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports) NEW YORK (Reuters) Jerseys bearing the name and number of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick were the top-selling jersey on the National Football League’s official online store on Tuesday, after he protested racial injustice and police

brutality in the United States. Kaepernick declined to stand during the playing of the national anthem ahead of a pre-season game late last month and a game last week, prompting both outrage and support from NFL players and fans.

On a list of all jerseys available on NFLShop.com, Kaepernick’s was first when arranged by “Top Sellers,” surpassing the jerseys for high-profile rookie players C a r s o n We n t z o f t h e Philadelphia Eagles and Ezekiel Elliott of the (Continued on page 31)

Claire Lomas completed the London Marathon in 2012 wearing a robotic suit. (BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION) BBC Sport - A paralysed woman who completed the London Marathon in a “bionic” suit has set her sights on completing the Great North Run. Claire Lomas, from Leicestershire, will be the first person to take on the Great North Run using a robotic suit. She will begin the event today, five days before the run starts, and complete the final mile on Sunday. Mrs Lomas, a former event rider, was paralysed from the chest down in a riding accident in 2007. She broke her neck, back and ribs and punctured a lung when her horse threw her off as she took part in the Osberton Horse Trials in Nottinghamshire. She said: “Training has been challenging so I am

actually just ready to give it a go now.” The 36-year-old will begin her 13.1-mile challenge from Claremont Road in Newcastle, adjacent to the official Great North Run start line, and finish at South Shields, with the aim of completing three miles a day. In 2012, Mrs Lomas completed the London Marathon in last place, but inspired many people with her courage and determination. Writing in a blog she said: “My accident was an eventing accident. Horses take up your life. I’d just got to the highest level in the sport about eight months before and it was such a big loss for me. “But as much as I loved it, it stopped me doing other things so since then life has

opened new doors for me. “I always wanted to do the Great North Run because it looks amazing, with a brilliant atmosphere.” During her five days on Tyneside, she will be talking to children at school assemblies along the route, who will also join her for sections of the walk from Newcastle to South Shields. Great North Run chief executive, Mark Hollinshead, said: “Claire is an inspiration and we are absolutely delighted to welcome her. Her enthusiasm, positivity and ‘can do’ attitude is both uplifting and infectious.” Mrs Lomas is raising money for the Nicholls S p i n a l I n j u r y Foundation which funds research into treating paralysis caused by spinal cord injury.

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Wednesday September 07, 2016

De Arend’s only loss was to the Eagles in 1984 Suriname’s top basketball club De Arend only loss on their 1984 tour of Guyana was to the Mike Brusche coached Eagles Basketball Club. De Arend d e f e a t e d G e o rg e t o w n , Linden and Berbice under25 teams informs Statistician Charwayne Walker. All matches were contested at the National Sports Hall, Guyana premiere hoop venue. The Dutchmen started their 1984 tour on a disappointed note losing by two points to Eagles at the National Sports Hall. The star studded Eagles had to pull all stops to squeeze out a 66 to 64 victory. For the victors, Hewley Harry, Caricom All-star Selectee, who was then National Centre and Captain top

scored with 16 pts, fellow National Merton Fitzalbert 12 pts, and guest player Leon Christian 13 pts and 11 rebounds. For De Arend, veteran guard Gerald PangA-Tjok top scored 13 pts, J. Rysell scored 11 pts. The tourist rebounded from their opening loss by beating Georgetown under25 57 to 50 at the National Sports Hall. J. Vry top scored for De Arend with 17 pts, J. Rysell 12 pts and G. Ons 9 pts. For Georgetown under25, Richard Watson top scored with 15 pts, Leon Christian 10 pts, 10 rebounds, Heinrid David 8 pts, 5 steals and 5 assists. After humbling Georgetown, De Arend thrashed Berbice under-25 at the National Sports Hall 95

to 68. J. Rysell had a game high 27 pts for De Arend, J. Vry 14 pts, R. Griffith 12 pts, G. Ons 12 pts, R. Lieveld 10 pts. For Berbice under-25, Denville Pieters had a monster game with 26 pts and 10 assist, Cecil Melville 13 pts and 7 assist, E. Henry 11 pts. The Dutchmen wrapped up their 1984 Guyana’s mission by silencing Linden under-25 67 to 59 at the National Sports Hall in front of 2000 fans. R. Lieveld was De Arend’s leading scorer with 16 pts, J. Vry 14 pts and J. Rysell 12 pts. For Linden under-25 National Player and Caricom All Star Selectee James Brusche top scored with 16 pts, Neil Caines 12 pts and Auric Tappin 11 pts offered support.

Action in the game between De Arend and Eagles back in 1984.

South Africa pick Phehlukwayo for Australia ODIs ESPNCRICINFO Uncapped fast bowler Andile Phehlukwayo has been named in the South Africa squad which will host Australia for five ODIs from September 30. Captain AB de Villiers, who missed South Africa’s last series the Tests against New Zealand - due to an elbow injury, is back. The world’s No. 1 bowler in Test cricket, Dale Steyn, also returns to the 50overs format after being rested for South Africa’s previous ODI assignment, the tri-series against West Indies and Australia in the Caribbean. Fast bowler Morne Morkel and batsman Rilee Rossouw, who hurt his shoulder during that triseries, were not considered for selection due to injury. Morkel had injured himself during the Caribbean Premier League. While Steyn’s presence covers for the absence of Morkel,David Miller was brought in to replace Rossouw. Miller was South Africa A’s top scorer in the justconcluded quadrangular series in Australia, where he top-scored for his team with 3 3 2 r u n s a t 11 0 . 6 6 . Phehlukwayo was the side’s

Twenty-year-old fast bowler Andile Phehlukwayo has earned a maiden call-up for South Africa © BCCI

leading wicket-taker in the quadrangular, with nine wickets at 25.77 and an economy rate of 4.98. “Andile was our leading wicket-taker for South

Africa A in the quadrangular series and he has been knocking on the door for some time following his strong performances in last season’s Momentum One-

Day Cup,” CSA selection committee convener Linda Zondi said. “It remains our practice to reward players who do well at franchise and South Africa A level.”

Zondi said Rossouw was fit to bat again, but the selectors decided against playing him since fielding would still prove difficult for him. “Rilee Rossouw played two practices matches for the VKB Knights at the weekend, when he batted freely, but still had issues with his throwing and it will be beneficial for him to start his comeback in the Sunfoil Series four-day competition which starts early next month.” In all, nine of the 16 players named for the Australia series are players of colour, of which three are black African. This is significant given the selection targets announced earlier this month after CSA’s AGM. As per the targets, the team must field a minimum average of six players of colour in the XI, of which at least two must be black African, effective immediately. Leading into the five matches against Australia, South Africa are scheduled to play a one-off ODI against Ireland on September 25. CSA named the squad for that match as well, comprising 13 players. Batsman Temba Bavuma,

who has played 11 Tests but is yet to debut in ODIs, and the uncapped Dwaine Pretorius are the new faces in that squad. Of the players named for the Australia series, Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi and Steyn were not named for the Ireland game. The squad to play Ireland includes seven players of colour, of which three are black African. SA squad for Australia series AB de Villiers (capt), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn In: David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn Out: Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, Rilee Rossouw Squad for Ireland ODI AB de Villiers (capt), Temba Bavuma, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, C h r i s M o r r i s , Wa y n e Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada

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Mayor’s Cup finalists decided, Infantino says 40-team World game set for Tucville Sunday The finalists of this year’s edition of the Mayor’s Cup football championship and Aruwai first prize of $700,000 have been decided and the teams will collide on Sunday at the Tucville ground in the championship contest and third place playoff. Giant Killer Police turned back the challenge of the Linden outfit, Federal Winners Connection 3-1, while Western Tigers brushed aside Ann’s Grove 4-1 in semifinal action on Sunday last at the Victoria ground. This Sunday’s programme takes the form of a mini football extravaganza starting from as early as 3:00pm and has been sponsored by the Sparta Family. The early segment will feature a 7-aside Inter Ward/Village competition for the Sparta Family trophy and $50,000 involving several teams. The fixtures for the 7-a-side will see Sophia facing Golden Grove in the opening match, at 3:30pm Kingston battle Uitvlugt, Albouystown clash with Grove at 4:00pm and North East La Penitence challenge Buxton at 4:30pm. The winners advance for the chance to play for the cash prize. The third place game for the Mayor’s Cup featuring Federal Winners

Connection against Ann’s Grove will kick off at 7:00pm, while the feature contest at 9:00pm pits Police against Western Tigers for the main prize. The final winner will claim the top prize of $700,000 and a trophy donated by Aruwai Resort. The second place team pockets $300,000 and the Ansa

McAl trophy, while the third place team carts off $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy. The fourth place finishers will receive $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy. Ricks and Sari has also donated hampers which will go to the winning team, while tournament’s top goal scorer will get a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Furniture Store. Top Brandz of Broad and High Streets, distributors of Interstate vehicle batteries, is among the key sponsors on board assisting the tournament. Apart from Aruwai Resort and Top Brandz, others on board include: Ansa McAl, Minister of State Joe Harmon and his ministry, John Fernandes, Ricks and Sari and AH&L Kissoon. Coordinator Lennox Arthur has expressed thanks to his sponsors, nothing that their support have been the lifeline. He thanked CEO Top Brandz, Wayne James for his assistance. The lead goalscorer is Dwayne McClennon with 6, Randolph Wagner has 4 and Dellon Kelly 3, all representing Western Tigers. Quincy Holder of Police also has 3 goals, as these players have a chance to claim the top scorer prize.

Dhoni complains about rained out Windies T20 MUMBAI, India, CMC — India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has lodged a formal complaint with the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) over the late start of t h e s e c o n d Tw e n t y 2 0 International against West Indies in Florida last month. The game at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium was delayed by 50 minutes due to a technical failure on the part of Sunset and Vine, a production company charged with uplinking the signal to host broadcasters, Star Sports. Dhoni apparently argued at the time that the reason for the delay did not fall under any of the International Cricket Council’s criteria for delays, namely rain, poor light and an unfit playing surface. “Dhoni’s argument — based on ICC match guidelines — was that the match should start and not wait for the satellite signals,” media reports quoted a source with knowledge of the situation, as saying. “But the production house and, in turn, the host

India captain MS Dhoni (left) discusses the abandoned T20 International with West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite and match officials. (Photo courtesy WICB Media) broadcaster, had a contrarian point of view.” Dhoni was said to be miffed by the decision to delay the start, contending that such incidences had the potential to impact the outcome of matches. The game was eventually rained off and finished in a no-result, after inclement weather halted India’s pursuit of 144 for victory at

15 without loss after two overs. India lost the series 1-0 following their one-run defeat in the opening game. Following the abandonment of the game, the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room was said to be “gloomy.” “Dhoni’s argument was simple. He wanted to know if it was within the rules to

delay the match because of a satellite failure,” the source said. “He wanted to know what happens to those who are in the ground, and had bought expensive tickets for the match.” The ICC is expected to discuss the abandonment at their annual workshop for match officials next month.

Cup not a certainty

FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino in Abuja, Nigeria, July 25, 2016. (REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde) GENEVA (Reuters) FIFA president Gianni Infantino is not yet certain that the 2026 World Cup finals would feature 40 teams even though he personally favours an expanded tournament, he said on Tuesday. Infantino also said he would be happy for several countries to share the hosting of the World Cup, describing it as much a “social event for the whole world” as a global sporting competition. Infantino made a 40team World Cup a key part of his campaign before his election in February but admitted it was not entirely up to him to decide whether the 2026 finals should be increased from the tournament’s current 32team format. “My opinion has not changed on the 40 teams, but that’s my opinion. We will have to discuss it and see what’s the best for football,” he told reporters from international news agencies on Tuesday. FIFA expects to make decisions by October on the number of teams, the format for the tournament and the continents that will be eligible to stage the tournament.

The latter would be a key decision as it would determine whether countries from Asia, where Qatar is staging the 2022 World Cup, can bid to be hosts. The final decision on the host nation will be made in May 2020. “For the moment, everything is open, but there is a question of who can and cannot bid...we will see,” Infantino said. “CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean) didn’t have a World Cup for a long time. “Nothing is definite. I believe in the 40 teams because I think it is positive for the development of football and we have seen that again at the Euro 2016 in France with eight more teams. “We need to realise that these kinds of events, like the World Cup or European Championship, are more than just a competition, they are really social events for the whole world.” Speaking about the number of countries who could potentially share a tournament, he said there were “no limits to whatever is good for football.” “What is important is that the whole process is done in a correct way, a transparent way,” he added.

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Wednesday September 07, 2016

Kaieteur Sports raps GFF Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz on preparations

Some of the Golden Jaguars which faced Canada who will be in contention for a spot in the Squad for next month

Jamaal Shabazz By Franklin Wilson With Guyana set to take on the might of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at the Guyana National Stadium Providence and old nemesis Suriname in crucial third

r o u n d fixtures of the CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup in just over 4-weeks time, Kaieteur Sport reached out to Guyana Football Federation Head Coach for an update on plans.

KS - When are you as Head Coach going to be naming your team to commence preparations ahead of next month’s crucial qualifiers? JS - We plan to assemble

the squad of players by the weekend to begin training. However, several of the top locals are in the USA presently so we will start with a younger crew. KS - Given the high level of competition expected, which players will constitute the make-up of the team? JS - We want to select our best possible team which will be punctuated by who are our most active and match ready players. Local clubs have been off to a slow start and this will certainly have a negative effect on the locally based players. I am not seeing everyone being on the same page at the moment therefore when it comes to naming our best possible team that worries me. KS - In the recent past, lots of the local based players were given an opportunity to stake a claim for selection as a direct result of the Stag Elite League. With quite a long layoff from this league and its re-start, would you be going a similar route? JS - The locally based players are slow in learning the lessons of keeping a good fitness base in the offseason. A couple players have been doing some work but most of them need to push themselves harder. The lay off from the Elite League has to do with issues of funding and logistics. In football the players have a responsibility to keep a good physical base. KS - What are your views on the level of opposition in terms of the two teams you would be

facing at home and then away? JS - We are playing two formidable opponents and it will really be an uphill task especially if our preparations don’t step up. Suriname will always be an arch rival as our border neighbours, while Jamaica is a very active team with tremendous international experience. KS - Are you satisfied with the time that the team would have to prepare ahead of these all important matches? JS - Time is the most precious commodity in international football. It is the big difference between coaching at the club and the nationa l t e a m level. I am one who complies and then complains. At the moment I feel like we have been given a fork to fight Goliath who possesses nuclear armaments. But then again the battle between David and Goliath was not won based on superiority in weaponry. These are difficult times but we must accept that there must be no excuse for committing ourselves to the task at hand. KS - Any word on the foreign based players? JS - We have good and also challenging news on the foreign based players. We are hearing good things about Adrian Butters, Shaquille Agard, Julian Edwards in the Canadian League. Plus Kadell Daniel and Marcel Barrington have grabbed our attention in the UK.

We want to reach back out to skipper Chris Nurse; Sam Cox has found a club, while Walter Moore is on fire in Finland. However, Briggs, Emery Welshman and Neil Danns may all be out due to injury. KS - Rumours are circulating that you may consider quitting can you shed some light? JS - I am not a quitter but I am seriously looking at my future after this tournament. I hope to sit with the GFF next week and determine how necessary if at all, I am in the equation going forward. I have given 10 years of my life to Guyana football in 3 overall stints. Maybe there is an opportunity for both the GFF and I to do something different with our football lives after these two very important matches. At the moment I am very focused on preparing for the two matches against Suriname and Jamaica. KS - What are your predictions for the matches against Jamaica and Suriname? JS - In football you cannot predict the future but you know the importance of good preparation. Things are not ideal but I am prepared to give 100% despite the challenges and would push the team to do same. In 2001 Trinidad and Tobago had a superior preparation to us but it came down to who wanted it more on the day. I would not bet against the Golden Jaguars despite the challenges that we face.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 07, 2016

Republicans aiming to dethrone GDF in GBA Intermediate boxing

Carl Graham The Guyana Defence Force chances of retaining the Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate boxing title just became tougher as nemesis the Republican Gym announced that a team of 20 fighters would be representing the Guyana Prisons when the tournament punches off on Friday at the National Gymnasium. The team from Camp and Durban Streets would be led by middleweight Geraldo Phillips and is coached by

Geraldo Phillips Adrian Thomas and Dexter Marques. Included is Joshua Joseph who won Best Boxer in the July’s Andrew Lewis National Novice Championship. The prisoners won the title in 2014 after surprising the Guyana Defence Force at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre Ground (California Square). The Republicans were then coached by Wincell ‘Nacker ’ Thomas and literally roughed up the

soldiers in every department inside the ring to earn the coveted title. However, the GDF, coached by Guyana’s first AIBA certified Three Star Coach Terrence ‘Cool’ Poole was able to wrestle the title back last year. Wo r d f r o m t h e Republican Camp state unequivocally that it would be a return to California Square days and GDF would be dethroned. The Republicans have been turning in excellent

performances which many have attributed to the support given by Prison Director Carl Graham. The National Intermediate is scheduled to have over eight gyms from across the country participating. The three-day tournament, organised by the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association would see over 70 boxers in action. It concludes on Sunday and precedes the Terrence Alli National Open, to be held in November.

Allicock and Narine may just have to square off once again to determine the better boxer. referee’s clear and distinct instruction to stop the action.” The release further explains that, “A subsequent review of the recording of the fight has yielded that Mr. Allicock’s illegal blow was in response

JAMAICA Press Association blasts Schaefer for media interference

Joshua Joseph

GBBC officials rescind controversial Keeve Allicock/Anthony Narine decision When Keeve Allicock faced off with debutant, Anthony Narine in one of the preliminary bouts of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) boxing card at the Giftland Mall on Saturday 27th August, the latter pugilist was awarded the bout after the former was deemed to have contravened the rules. A disgruntled Allicock had exited the ring and complained bitterly of being ‘done in.’ Nevertheless, the GBBC officials explained that they were simply applying the rules. However, despite not being in receipt of a complaint by the affected boxer, officials have decided to have a second look at the bout in an effort to review the decision and have discovered that Narine was also in the wrong. A release from the GBBC explained that, “Mr. Allicock has been disqualified by the referee for an illegal blow thrown following the

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to one delivered by Mr. Narine, also thrown after the referee had called a halt to the action and which in consequence, was also illegal.” The release further exp l a i n s t h a t s i n c e

Allicock suffered disqualification for his infraction, Narine has been penalized similarly and the bout, initially awarded to Narine, is officially deemed a ‘No Contest.’

The PAJ said it received reports and has video footage to confirm Schaefer unplugged the cable. KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has criticized the head coach of the Reggae Boyz, Winfried Schaefer, over his handling of a cameraman while conducting an interview with the team’s manager at the Norman Manley International Airport on Sunday. PAJ has written to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) complaining that Schaefer unplugged the cable of the TV J cameraman while the interview was in progress. The PAJ said it received reports and has video footage to confirm the incident which reportedly occurred after Schaefer declined an interview with the cameraman. The PAJ , Jamaica’s media watchdog known for

speaking out in support of the press, has blasted the interference with the work of a media professional as “unjustifiable and quite frankly, totally out of order”. The PAJ wants the JFF to address the matter and to spell-out to the federation’s coaches what constitutes acceptable behaviour with the press. “Interfering with a media worker’s equipment in any way, especially during an ongoing interview, is way over the line,” the PAJ said. “ T h e PA J w o u l d , however, like to point out that we have never before seen this type of behaviour from any JFF coach, and therefore we trust this is an anomaly, which we will not see repeated.”

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Ali during his swim of the Essequibo River Monday.

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Ali about to enter the water of the Essequibo River.

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Part of the action at a previous Drag Meet that featured the Daby siblings Rondel and Peter, at the South Dakota Circuit. Kevin Boodie 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