Digicel renovates Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre
fridAY, october 31, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com
The Kaieteur News reporter embroiled in the illegal recording of a conversation with Attorney General Anil Nandlall has left the country under the guise of being suspended from the publication, even as his boss Glenn Lall has been dodging investigators, well placed sources, including the Police, have told this newspaper.
Senior Reporter
Leonard Gildharie is being sought by the Police as they investigate a complaint filed by Lall that Nandlall made threats to him in the recording.
Although he could be seen posting on Facebook statuses such as “Scared”, Police said that the reporter has been reluctant to give a statement in the case.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police said that with reference to Lall’s report, the Publisher has submitted three prepared statements as well as an audio recording and a transcript of that recording in relation to the report made.
The Police said investigators in this matter have identified a number of issues in the prepared statements that require clarification.
According to the Police, they have made several attempts to contact Lall in order to have this done, but their efforts have been futile.
“Yesterday, Wednesday, October 29, 2014, the Police Divisional Commander of ‘A’ Division wrote to Mr Glenn Lall, which was received at his office, advising that he subject himself to a Police interview in order to address the required clarification.
"However, unto the
time of this press release, Mr Glenn Lall has not presented himself for the interview, nor has he made contact with the Divisional Commander regarding the
letter,” the Police statement added.
Additionally, Police said they also made telephone contact with Gildharie in order to interview him concerning the matter. However, he has so far shown reluctance in meeting with the Police.
“The Guyana Police Force wishes to inform the public that without the clarification regarding the statements made by Mr Glenn Lall, it would be severely limited in pursuit of
this investigation.”
Observers believe that both Lall and Gildharie might be dodging the Police in light of the illegal recording. The Interception of Communications Act of 2008 prohibits the interception of communication unless a warrant is issued by a Judge based on an application.
Law is clear
The law is also clear that any recording or tapping of citizens’ private communication must be authorised by the Chiefof-Staff of the army, the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority.
However, these officers would first have to apply to a Judge for a 90day warrant to intercept
communication, which will be illegal otherwise.
According to the law, anyone found guilty of illegal wiretapping would be liable to a fine of $5 million and a jail term not exceeding three years.
A Judge, before granting the warrant, the law states must be satisfied that the information obtained would likely assist investigations. There is also a proviso vesting authority in the Minister of Home Affairs in the case of national emergency.
Additionally, personnel acting in good faith under the ambit of law would be immune from liability for their actions.
President Donald Ramotar on Wednesday maintained that Lall broke the law when he recorded the conversation without the knowledge of the Attorney General.
“It was illegal,” President Ramotar said referring to the recording.
“Clearly, what was done to the Attorney General was an illegal act to record him,” the President told reporters at the International Conference Centre.
The President said the conversation was not meant for the public's ears and that “this serious breach exemplifies that persons do not respect the laws of the country”.
Editor: Nigel Williams
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com
This newspaper has always maintained its support for the high levels of investment being made in transforming education delivery in Guyana. Education is certainly one of the main solutions to many problems countries face. It is one sure way of lifting families out of poverty and placing them in a situation where they could lead comfortable lives.
If persons are educated or have a good skill, they are in a better position to contribute to the development of themselves, their families, and their community as a whole.
It is no surprise that in a recent United Nations survey, education was ranked top of the list among major priorities that citizens of the world believe would make their lives better.
Over the past decade or so, the Education Ministry has taken a number of crucial steps geared towards improving the quality of education our nation’s children receive. Some of these initiatives are already bearing fruit, while others are still in their implementation stages.
The nation is currently reaping the benefits of those investments. We are seeing better results at all levels of the school system, including at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level. More students are attending school; more teachers are being trained and are attending university. There is more involvement of parents and the community as a whole in the management and delivery of education.
The excellent results our students are getting at various levels have proven many times that Guyanese students are among the best in the region. This year, Guyana has gained four regional awards for outstanding performance at CSEC. It should be mentioned that last year Guyana won five of the eight awards offered.
The students who will be awarded for their outstanding performance this year are Elisa Hamilton of Queen’s College (Overall Outstanding Achievement); Aliyyah Abdul Kadir, also of Queen’s College (Most Outstanding in Humanities); her colleague, Ryhan Chand (Most Outstanding in Business Studies); and Kishan Crichlow of New Amsterdam Multilateral School (Most Outstanding in Technical Vocational).
Every Guyanese should be proud of the achievements of these students. In spite of all the negativities that are being peddled by some sections of the media, these students have shown that there are also many positive and uplifting things that are taking place here and these stories need to be told.
This feat did not come easily. In addition to the extremely hard work and dedication shown by parents, teachers and the students themselves, these achievements were possible because of effective policy implementation along with the huge investments being made into the sector by the Government.
There is huge potential for any student, in spite of social or economic status, who aspires to become successful in any career path, as the necessary support systems are present. The Government is in the process of providing more financial assistance to parents in order to ensure that no one is left behind.
There is countrywide distribution of the $10,000 cash grant being offered to each student attending public school with the aim of easing the financial burden parents often complain about. This is perhaps the only country in the Region and one of few in the world that offer such support to its citizens. This grant is in addition to the many other initiatives being instituted to aid parents’ efforts to ensure their children receive a good education.
We have noted that more attention is being placed on integrating ICTs in the teaching and learning process than ever before. This is certainly a step in the right direction as the integration of technology and education could be viewed as a global approach to learning and communicating, and the computer in this context serves as a vital resource for students and teachers to boost education delivery.
This move is critical in the drive to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful citizens. These are all success stories that are worth telling.
I sought to import a damaged
Dear Editor,
I have noted in your newspaper, an article published on October 27, concerning a crashed Prado bought at an auction”, for which a similar article was previously carried by the Kaiereur News, “Auditor General should investigate Sattaur’s vehicle… GRA boss imports Prado for $1.5M”.
I wish to express my appreciation that you have carried such an article and thank you for doing same, since it has given greater exposure to the truth regarding my wrecked Toyota Prado motor vehicle acquired through an auction and for which tax exemption was obtained as a public officer.
The newspaper is suggesting that the value of the vehicle was grossly understated without knowing the facts.
In a recent article, it was reported that the Legal Affairs Minister imported one used 2010 Toyota Jeep Land Cruiser acquired at a cost of $7.2 million. It was also reported that an identical vehicle was imported by Kwame Gilbert, a Member of Parliament.
crashed
were carried out
The report stated that it was a 2011 model which was declared at a cost of $7.4 million while claiming that my vehicle (a 2010 model) had a declared value of just under $1.5 million. It was as a result of the publication of these articles that I wrote to clear the air on the gross inaccuracies.
It is ridiculous that a second newspaper would choose to take the same path of the other newspaper with its scandalous reporting. The calculation clearly explained the economic reason for purchasing a salvaged vehicle.
I wish to provide you with a photograph of my vehicle when same was purchased. I believe this photograph was not submitted to you previously but should aid in alleviating some of the damage both newspapers have already created and continue to create through scandalous reports.
It should be noted that before carrying such reports, you need to take into consideration the fact that Parliamentarians pay no taxes in their capacity and therefore have the liberty of importing any vehicle of their choice.
As it relates to re-migrants, these persons pay a 10 percent duty upon importation, while for for public officers, this varies depending on the year and engine capacity of the said vehicle. It is, therefore, unfair to make a comparison of the vehicles imported by these individuals without using this basis prior to comparison in the first place.
I sought to import the damaged vehicle because I could not afford a new, expensive vehicle and entered into the deal with Mr Danny Persaud who provided his response as well. It is mind boggling why it would be so difficult for some newspapers to understand this process.
I wish to thank you, however, for publishing the email from the auto dealer containing the details on the extent of the repairs carried out to make the vehicle road-worthy again. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the inaccuracies being reported.
Khurshid Sattaur CommissionerGeneral Guyana Revenue Authority
Dear Mr Editor,
I have read an article dated October 27, 2014, headlined, “Sattaur collected full retirement package in 2012”.
I wish to advise that I am employed by the
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which is a body corporate established by an Act of Parliament (Cap 79:04).
As a body corporate, the GRA employs all employees on agreed terms and conditions between the employee and the Authority. These terms and conditions are prescribed by the GRA Act and all relevant laws pertaining to employee/employer relationships.
I trust that in the future you would contact the GRA before issuing a statement based on conjecture.
Regards, Khurshid Sattaur CommissionerGeneral
Dear Editor, I read the Peeping Tom column on October 29 under the headline, “Safety comes first”. This column gives the impression that the Kaieteur News may have to close down because of some sort of threat on the life of its publisher and his staff by the state.
I reject this accusation on the basis of anti-Government sentiments expressed. In this regard, I am in total agreement with an AFC Councillor of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) that the “Kaieteur News has an open agenda to destabilise the PPP/C Government”.
But if Peeping Tom is claiming that the Kaieteur News may have to close its doors, this can very well be merely a hoax.
The problem with freedom of press and expression in Guyana is that they have been blooming since 1992 with the restoration of democracy under the PPP/C Government. This is obviously well-known, both nationally and internationally. Unfortunately, in Guyana the freedom of expression in the press is generally being abused by the anti-Government sections of the media.
And anything that is frequently abused like alcohol consumption has dangerous consequences to your health.
The abuse of the press in terms of not adhering to journalistic standards can have dangerous consequences as well, such as court actions for libel which any media house must seek to avoid, so as to be a credible media entity.
And court actions are just one of the indicators that measure that credibility in my opinion.
Peeping Tom said that “safety comes first” when he referred to the closing
down of the newspaper in his column. I do not think though that “safety comes first”, which has resulted in lots of libel actions against the newspaper.
Is Peeping Tom saying that the newspaper may force its own closure? But if this happens, the newspaper has absolutely no one to blame but itself.
It is important to be realistic and honest, Peeping Tom, and my only interpretation of your column is, “Oh judgment thou have fled to savage beasts”.
Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud
Dear Editor, No-Confidence Motions have been filed against the administrations of two states in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the electorates in these two countries are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the No-Confidence Motions, which will pave the way for early General Elections.
In Guyana, the small Opposition party, Alliance For Change (AFC) has filed a No-Confidence Motion against the Donald Ramotar Administration and is hoping to get the support of the main Opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
If all the members of APNU support the NoConfidence Motion, it could pass, since the combined Opposition has one more vote than the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), and will force the Government to call elections within 90 days of its passing.
The motion might be delayed, because there is a debate on if the Speaker, Raphael Trotman, has the authority to set a date for the reconvening of Parliament after a recess.
The Speaker is a senior member of the AFC, and he was advised by the Clerk of the National Assembly that he had no authority to do so. However, the former Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran, who has quit the PPP/C, feels that his successor has the power.
Despite the advice of the Clerk, the Speaker went ahead last Wednesday and instructed him (the Clerk) to reconvene Parliament for November 6. Meanwhile, the Government’s Chief Whip,
Gail Teixeira, said she has the authority to reconvene Parliament and she will do so following crucial discussions between President Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger, who is also the head of APNU.
Over in St Kitts and Nevis, a second NoConfidence Motion was filed against the Denzil Douglas Administration last week. The first, which was submitted two years ago, never came up for debate in Parliament, because it was stalled since legal proceedings were filed in the courts.
Prime Minister Denzil Douglas is facing stiff op-
position since his Deputy, Sam Condour, who was also Minister of Foreign Affairs, and another Minister, Dr Timothy Harris, who had held the portfolios of Agriculture and International Trade, resigned and moved over to the Opposition bench.
This means that there are now six elected members on the Opposition side, as opposed to five on the Government’s. However, there are two Government Senators and the Attorney General, who sit with Prime Minister Douglas.
Elections in both Guyana and St Kitts and Nevis are due next
Apparent uselessness of Cane Farming Committee needs to be investigated
Dear Editor,
Recently, I was invited as a cane farmer to attend a meeting of the National Cane Farming Committee (NCFC). Many things struck me about this meeting.
It was the first time I was so invited in the almost 20 years that I have been a cane farmer. I have previously attended occasional meetings of farmers who supply canes to Rose Hall Estate.
I was surprised by the preponderance of officials representing various GuySuCo functions from the Head Office and the Estates, plus the Ministry of Agriculture, Republic Bank and the Secretariat of the NCFC.
year, and polling in five other Caricom states: Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Suriname are also scheduled for 2015.
Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet
This was also the case in the previous meeting according to the minutes of that meeting which identified a total of 10 ex-officios and eight farmers, but, remarkably, the absentees were in the majority.
The foregoing bore little resemblance to provisions in the Cane Farming Act (understandably, the Act is
quite old; but my repeated attempts to get some clarification were fruitless).
The Action Sheet from the previous meeting of the NCFC identified 17 items of which only one was recorded as “completed”, while all the others were shown as “to be followed up”, that is, no action. The discussion of “current” items followed the same pattern of indifference, deflections, deferrals, and delays ad nauseam.
What was pellucid and disturbing was the diminishing output from private cane farmers as well as the complete discontinuation of cane farming by others while some are in the process of selling off their farms. Should we not examine the reasonableness of current expectations from cane farmers in particular, if not GuySuCo in general? In any event, I believe the apparent uselessness of the NCFC needs to be investigated.
Sincerely, Nowrang
Persaud
Education and awareness are vital tools to stopping the spread of Ebola. A robust public education programme, particularly in countries with challenged health-care system and porous borders, enables citizens to act as the eyes and ears of the authorities to pinpoint possible cases.
What can we do to keep ourselves safe from Ebola?
Ensure that family and friends are aware of exposure risks, signs and symptoms of Ebola and are prepared to follow these recommendations:
Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of any person, particularly someone who is sick.
Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids.
Do not touch the body of someone who has died from Ebola.
Do not touch bats and nonhuman primates or their blood and fluids and do not touch or eat raw meat prepared from these animals.
Avoid countries in West Africa where Ebola is prevalent.
Seek medical care immediately if you
develop fever, headache, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Limit your contact with other people until and when you go to the doctor. Do not travel anywhere else besides a healthcare facility.
What should I do if I have travelled to one of the countries where Ebola is present and fear I have been exposed to the disease?
If you were exposed to people who have Ebola, or their blood or body fluids or fear that you may have been, talk with a doctor even if you do not have symptoms. They will tell you what instructions you should follow. The doctor should evaluate your exposure level and symptoms if you have them and consult with public health authorities to determine if actions— such as medical evaluation and testing for Ebola, monitoring, or travel restrictions— are needed.
Instructions for monitoring your health if you fear you have been exposed:
Monitor your health for 21 days.
Take your temperature every morning and evening.
Watch for other Ebola symptoms: severe
headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising.
If your temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher or you have any other Ebola signs or symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
Call and tell the doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms before you go to the doctor’s office or hospital. Advance notice will help the doctor care for you and protect other people who may be in the doctor’s office or hospital.
Limit your contact with other people when you travel to the doctor; avoid public transportation. Do not travel anywhere except to the doctor’s office or hospital.
Limit your contact with other people if you are sick. Do not go to work, classes, or other activities until you have been medically evaluated.
If you get symptoms of Ebola, it is important to stay separated from other people and to call your doctor right away.
By Alexis Rodney
After being closed for over five months, Canadian businessman Mike Mosgrove on Thursday announced that he is the new owner of the Hotel Tower.
The hotel, located on Main Street, Georgetown was in a state of disrepute sometime in May of this year, when former employees mounted several protests in objection for not being paid.
The employees had taken to the streets in front of the establishment protesting the decision by the company to abruptly close its operations, and not paying them.
Those employees, it is reported have still not been paid. Mosgrove, who is also President of the Panther Recycling Corporation, said he is hoping to have the hotel reopened by December of this year.
At a press conference on Thursday to announce the new ownership, Mosgrove said although the initiative is his personal investment, it will soon be transferred to the Panther Recycling Corporation.
“With an investment of more than US$8 million of my money and an additional $1 million to $2 million of refurbishing, we can have one of the nicest hotels in downtown Georgetown,” Mosgrove told reporters in the boardroom of the Sleep-in Hotel, Brickdam.
He said his company is interested in the project for several reasons.
Among them is the fact that “it is a nice asset for us to have and provides jobs and gives a clean atmosphere to the downtown quarter which we like”.
The financers behind the project, Mosgrove said include Scotia Bank and Lenders Direct, Toronto, Canada.
Mosgrove, who has been active in Guyana over the last couple of years working on
the recycling project, said he has always had an eye on the hotel, which he said seemed as something that could be advantageous.
Other investment
Over the last two days, he said he had been making arrangements for the purchase of the hotel as well as 200 acres of land on the LindenSoesdyke Highway that the group could used to create a resort.
“It is a gorgeous area, its back into the wooded area and offers something to people that is coming, other than the demographic between the younger people and the older visitors who may want to come here to relax, we can make this more of a destination place for people, more than what exists.”
The company has also hooked up with three other hotels that it is working on in Ontario, Canada. All those things combined, he noted fall under the Panther Recycling Group, which has been separated in order to keep its assets in various groups.
The group today is worth somewhere between $150 million and continues to grow, Mosgrove said.
The building was bought from Salim Azeeze, whom Mosgrove said is still a shareholder in the hotel. Mosgrove explained that he is not buy-
ing the company which exists, since he does not want to be a part of the liabilities attached to Hotel Tower.
He said he is trying to keep the tower as part of the name change, since the Internet has been very “mean to that hotel and so if we want to take another life, we must look to incorporate the name Georgetown Tower or something that would reflect that”.
Mosgrove, speaking on the financial status of the former owner, said he is aware of the somewhat financial difficult position that prevailed.
But, he said as far as he knows now, Azeeze is still in reasonable standing with the bank.
Speaking on the liabilities attached to the hotel, Mosgrove said he is not interested in that aspect. The liabilities include the employees who lost their job during the period the hotel came into foreclosure.
He said it is his opinion that the company has the ability to pay off its debts and employees, especially after it has just recently received that large sum of money from the business transaction.
“If that money is being payed, then the former owners are in a position to pay its bills.”
Meanwhile, Mosgrove said he is sure that now is an excellent time for him or any other business person to get into the hotel business in Guyana, even though the competition seems to be mounting.
“It is a good time because the more hotels coming in, the more business it will draw. The more business options will be available for many. Whether you will stay at the Hilton or whether you will stay at the Pegasus, as long as you can get the amenities you want as long as you can afford. The more hotels, he reiterated open doors and opportunities for Guyana. That, he said will in no way hurt business in Guyana.”
The Kitty Health Centre which is currently operating from a rented building at Sandy Babb Street, Georgetown will be relocated to the Kitty’s Post Office in Pike and Alexander Streets, Georgetown.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon made this announcement at his postweekly Cabinet briefing at the Office of the President on Wednesday.
The Post Office will be dismantled and reconstructed to accommodate both units in the same building.
The project is expected to cost $60 million and will
commence before the end of 2014 and extend to 2015.
During the construction phase, Kitty residents will have their postal services temporarily available at the neighbouring Campbellville
Post Office.
The health centre was located on the top flat of the Kitty Market building; however, owing to the abandonment of the facility by the Georgetown City Council, it had to be moved to another location.
Since then, residents of the community had to seek these services at various locations.
According to Dr Luncheon, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran brought the matter of the relocation of the health centre to the Kitty Post Office for Cabinet’s consideration and received their full support.
While the Head of State repeatedly described the act as illegal, he said it is for the Police to take any legal action.
“The Police are supposed to take legal action,” Ramotar said when asked.
Ramotar registered strongly that the recording by Lall was illegal.
“You seem to be missing the point. It was illegal… That’s the first point we must deal with,” the President told reporters.
The embattled Lall in re-
cent months has been fingered in one alleged illegal criminal activity after another.
Lall, his wife Bhena Lall, and a remigrant couple are currently before the Georgetown Magistrates Court facing charges of tax evasion to the tune of some $100 million.
The charges allege that between June 18, 2013 and September 20, 2013, at Lot 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, they made and subscribed to false decla-
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rations on two Lexus LX 570 motor vehicles to be US$44,158 respectively, contrary to Section 217 (1a) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.
The Lalls are also before the court in another matter relating to allegedly evading paying some $5.7 million in property taxes to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for their property at 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, where the Kaieteur News is located.
Amid much fanfare at the National Cultural Centre, more than 34 students and four schools from across Guyana were given due recognition for their outstanding performance in 15 categories.
In the presence of President Donald Ramotar, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam and a packed audience, New Guyana School’s Jorrel De Santos, Aliah Mohamed of School of the Nations, and Ravi Singh from Westfield Prep were presented with trophies for outperforming their colleagues in the 2014 National Grade Six Assessment.
In the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) – Best Junior Secondary Performers Category, Bharti Bhoge who graduated with 17 grade ones from the Skeldon Linepath Secondary School received the top prize. Three other students received awards in
this category.
But it was Queen’s College student Elisa Hamilton who stole the spotlight. Hamilton gained 19 grade ones and one grade two in this year’s CSEC examinations. She led the batch of six students who were honoured as the country’s Best Senior Secondary School Performers. Additionally, she was deemed the Best CSEC Performer and the most outstanding performer.
Her colleague, Larissa Wiltshire, who was also among the best senior CSEC performers, was praised for being the best science performer. In addition to Hamilton, Special Awards went to Ryhand Chand of Queen’s College who gained 13 subjects in Business Education; Aliyyah Abdul Kadir who copped 15 subjects in the area of Humanities; and Kishan Crichlow of New Amsterdam Secondary with 12 subjects in the area of Technical–Vocational Education.
In the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) Best Performers Category, Deowattie Narine, Cecil Cox, Andy Sattan, Prashat Shivdas, Keleshwar Singh and Benedict Sukra, all of Queen’s College, were presented with trophies. However, it was Narine who received the Best CAPE Performer Award, after gaining six grade ones and one grade two.
Six students from the Carnegie School of Home Economics received awards. In the area of Garment Construction, Latonya Andrews walked away with the top prize. She was followed by Nashayia Bovell (Commercial Food Preparation); Royden Wilson (Catering and Hospitality); Leonna Kissoon (General Cosmetology); Kamalita Heralall (Garment Construction –Craft Production Design Division) and Makebia Thomas (Visual Arts – Craft
Production and Design Division). Another batch of six was honoured for their outstanding performance in the Guyana Technical Education Examination at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) while Sean Davis from the Linden Technical Institute copped the top spot at the regional level.
The Best Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) Award went to Duviena Badray from the Anna Regina Centre (Primary); while a special prize went to Rosemarie Ramitt who despite her blindness copped five grade ones.
Meanwhile, Rama Krishna Primary was identified as the most improved Primary School, while East Ruimveldt Secondary and Zeeburg Secondary received awards for being the most improved junior secondary schools. President’s College was deemed the most improved Senior Secondary School.
Canada-bound
AGuyanese was on Thursday morning nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with a quantity of cocaine in several pairs of shoes.
The arrest was made by
members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) at approximately 08:00h as the passenger was about to board a BW662 flight to Canada.
The man was seen acting in an apprehensive man-
ner as his bags were being scanned, rousing suspicions. A search was conducted of his suitcase and the cocaine was unearthed in the soles of shoes found therein.
After extraction, the cocaine was weighed and amounted to 2.2 kilograms. The man was escorted to CANU headquarters where he was grilled.
He is expected to make his first court appearance as
early as today and is to be charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
If he pleads guilty, he faces up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $30,000.
Increased surveillance at the ports of entry/exit, particularly the airport, has seen hundreds of kilograms of cocaine intercepted in the past year and many mules jailed.
...on phone tapping
While the Muckraker’s Mohan Lall is desperately trying to divert attention from his upcoming tax fraud case (less than a month away), he’s digging deeper holes for himself as far as the law’s concerned. Oh what a tangled web we weave....! Take the taping of the phone conversation between the AG and his senior reporter, Gildharie, over which he broke down and cried like the snivelling coward he is.
We’ve already talked about the illegality of the act itself – to tape a person when he hasn’t given permission – implicit or explicit. That’s the crime covered by the “Interception of Communications Act 2008, Section 3”. Lall has good reason to bawl because he’s looking at spending at least three years of quality time at 12 Camp Street.
But we want to talk at all the holes in the story Lall’s spinning – which, as we said, are just getting him into bigger holes. Let’s start with Lall’s claim that Gildharie warned the AG he was being taped. Even in the transcript Lall provided, Gildharie referred to the POSSIBILITY that the call might be taped JUST TO EVADE SAYING ANYTHING AGAINST LALL.
Every time the AG attempts to get Gildharie to offer some clear info on Lall, the fella wriggles out by hinting the call MIGHT be taped or bugged. Anybody who’s been living in Guyana would know that paranoia about “bugging” is alive and well ever since the revelations about Winston Felix and Basil Williams’ infamous conversation about “heading off” the Government from what went down in the Agricola massacre.
The AG was simply to assuage what he thought to be Gildharie’s paranoia. Little did he know. But then hindsight is always 20/20, no? This nullifies Lall’s flaccid defence of the AG’s implicit consent, but, more importantly, signals that Gildharie was knowingly part of what was clearly an entrapment set-up.
Gildharie must’ve run right back to Lall with the recording – rubbing his hands in glee – because he knows Lall pays extra for embarrassing titbits on others in his black book. The announcement that Gildharie’d been “suspended” by Lall – was just to muddy the “entrapment” waters. So when the Police tried to get in touch with Gildharie and discovered he’d absconded from the jurisdiction to NY – smart fly Lall ended up further in cow’s backside. This constitutes OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE....and automatically adds to the time Lall will be anguishing (not languishing!!) in 12 Camp Street!!
Speaker Trotman says we now have a “crisis” in the House. When this Eyewitness heard this he immediately thought, “Crisis?? What crisis.?? Maybe “crisis” in justice denied to Welshman...!!”
All the while, as even he and his soulmate Ramkarran admits, it was the Executive that set the date for Parliament to reconvene. Many times, that date was in November. So just because he wants to have his AFC buddies “no-confidence” motion kick in, we have a “crisis”?? This Trotman is such a drama Queen!!
If only he would read carefully. When the Standing Orders described “recess”, they merely say that “no sittings of the National Assembly shall be held between Aug 10th and Oct 10th”. Such a demarcation of dates is NOT EXHAUSTIVE. It merely sets a minimum period for the recess, which can only be disturbed for “special reasons”. And this is what’s been happening all along.
We do wish Trotman would remove the gag he’s placed in Welshman’s mouth so that a real crisis isn’t created. Even Trotman admitted that the young man was “troubled”. Welshman could have a breakdown.
...and selective outrage
Gruel Johnson’s outraged about matters raised in the conversation between the AG and the reporter, taped by Lall. Doesn’t care a whit about the illegality of the latter act. Lall’s nasty ends justify the means. Fascist!!
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretariat and the CPA North West Province will jointly hold the Sixth Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Mmabatho, South Africa, between November 2 and 8. The CYP is an annual event held in a different country of the Commonwealth each year. This year, Guyana will be sending two representatives, Brian Andre Smith and Dana King Waithe.
It is anticipated that some 80 to 90 young people from across the Commonwealth will participate in the event which will also be attended by a number of young Members of Parliament under age 35 from across the Commonwealth.
Guyana’s two representatives met today with Speaker Raphael Trotman, the two chief whips, Gail Teixeira and Amna Ally and Alliance For Changes’ Cathy
Hughes, who congratulated them on being selected and offered advice on how the representatives could make their trip productive and successful.
Smith says that he hopes this experience will help him to better understand the parliamentary process and is looking forward to interacting with young people from across the Commonwealth, with a view to returning home with information that will assist the National Assembly in creating its own Youth Parliament.
King Waithe disclosed that she is looking forward to participating in debates on issues relating to democracy, youth development and unemployment.
She said she is also eager to learn from the youth in other Commonwealth countries, best practices that can be used in Guyana.
The event will commence on November 2 and will end on November 7.
The overall goal of the Youth Parliament is to strengthen the democratic process in the Commonwealth by deepening understanding of parliame ntary democracy among the participants and providing a forum for them to express their ideas, concerns and expectations.
The Youth Parliament will mirror proceedings in Parliament with debates, question time and Committee Work. All participants will be expected to play an active part and must be confident in public speaking.
The purpose of the CYP is to provide an experience of the parliamentary process and to demonstrate how Parliaments are able to make legislation; to debate matters of national and international concern; to discuss legislation in committee; and to hold the Executive to account through parliamentary questions and in Parliamentary Committees.
Participants will have the chance to experience life in the parliamentary spotlight and at the same time show how the next generation might approach parliamentary politics.
Formal parliamentary practice adapted from several Commonwealth countries will be followed and the proceedings will take place under the watchful eyes of experienced parliamentary officials.
In addition, the young Members of Parliament will act as mentors for the young people participating in the CYP.
is enough,
Eve Ensler travelled to Guyana, upon the invitation of OBR Caribbean, as part of her recent One Billion Rising tour to be part of the launch of “Guyana’s Revolutionary Transformation: Ignite the Fire Within”.
The two-day visit began with the panel discussion on the theme: “State of Female Justice in Guyana: Social Justice with Love”.
The panel took on a holistic approach as voices were raised. A discussion with a live studio audience with many community women began to look at safeguarding the security of women in Guyana and dialogues were discussed in finding solutions.
On the second day, a cultural event was hosted by OBR Caribbean called “Let The Women Speak” featuring artistic performances by Ensler and by amazing local Guyana artists, with grassroots women’s groups and community women in attendance. The event was held at the Threatre Guild, Kingston, Georgetown.
Despite electricity going off during the event, Ensler performed to a highly energised audience, with OBR Caribbean Coordinator Dianne Madray doing a call for revolution at the end of the evening.
“Eve’s visit to Guyana ignited the fires within our women for transformation, especially within me. Change is beginning… many were moved by stories told or seen in the daily newspapers or on the television, and these
Rising has brought clarity and hope to my place of birth, and as Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean – I am renewing my personal commitment to stand with the women of Guyana to ensure that their voices get heard across the globe, and that we are able to connect with our other Caribbean sisters regionally and walk alongside our sisters internationally. Together, we are saying again, in and with full force: Enough is enough. I cannot bear to see another woman get killed, or disappear to feel so broken due to some form of violence – and we do nothing. Eve’s presence and our involvement in OBR sparked courage, and my voice has grown stronger, louder and has gone beyond myself.
programmes created an avenue in the hearts of Guyana to beat again for the loss of our mothers, daughters, sisters.”
She added: “One Billion
will
Asenior official of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) said he is confident despite the fears being generated by the Ebola virus, there will be an increase in cruise ship passengers to the region.
“It’s important that all of us, especially in the cruise sector as well, to be mindful of the potential and the harmful danger of the Ebola. But the cruise lines have had some experience in terms of these types of viruses,” CSA Cruise Committee Chairman Nathan Dundas told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
The shipping industry executive said when the cruise sector was confronted with the Norwalk and later N1N1 viruses in the past, industry stakeholders and medical officials gathered to devise a strategy for prevention and containment.
Dundas said the talks were also attended by officials from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
“They are doing something similar again with regards to Ebola. They rec-
ognise the danger, they recognise the potential that it has and its consequences and they’ve actually put out some information…” Dundas said.
In an effort to curb the
ing that no such individuals who actually have visited those countries (can board) and if they show any signs or symptoms, they are told that they are not going to be allowed on the cruise,” he
by the
spread of the disease and minimise exposure to passengers, cruise ships have suspended calls to West African nations that have been affected. Instead, cruise liners are focusing on preventative measures.
“Before any cruise passenger goes onboard right now, before a booking is made there is a screening process already taking place with respect to ensur-
said.
“If it so happens that they breach that arrangement, there’s also a quarantine arrangement onboard each of those cruise ships where those cruise ship passengers will be quarantined,” he added.
Dundas is also concerned that not enough is being done to educate people of the threat and spread of the Ebola virus and this
has further fuelled fears. He called for a stepped-up public education campaign to sensitise people on the spread of the disease.
“I see that as very important. In fact, the discussions have already started to take place, but among stake holders,” Dundas said. He explained that in Antigua and Barbuda, a task force has been formed to sensitise the public on the dangers of the Ebola virus.
“What hasn’t happened yet is going to the public more to explain from our side of things and the Ministry of Health is doing it from their end… but I think more needs to be done in terms of informing the public of what is being done and ensuring that they understand there are measures being put in place to ensure their safety,” he said.
To date, more than 10,000 people have been affected by the disease with the West African states of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia hardest hit. The disease is spread through contact with bodily fluids from affected people. Nearly half of those affected have died.
Caribbean Govts not being held accountable to campaign promises –
The heads of Executive branches of most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean lack sufficiently strong oversight, coordination and monitoring mechanisms to ensure campaign promises and other outputs are deliv-
ered effectively, a new study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) shows.
The study is the first of its kind in the region that looks at the capacities of these crucial agencies within administrations
– known as “strategic cores” or “centres of Government” – to coordinate the vast bureaucratic machinery of Government. These agencies are often part of the Offices of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and, at the subnational level, Governor and Mayors. Examples include the Office of Management and Budget at the White House, Casa Civil at the Brazilian Federal Government and the Office of the President in Mexico.
Performing these “centre of Government” functions is increasingly more critical for governments under pressure to deliver.
Issues such as social inclusion, job creation or citizen security are cross-cutting and need integrated, whole-of-Government policy responses. The growing demand from citizens for better public services has underscored the importance of strengthening the Governments’ capacity to deliver.
The report -- Governing to Deliver: Reinventing the Centre of Government in Latin America and the Caribbean – analyses the existing literature to establish performance benchmarks and used survey data from officials and experts in 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to determine how these coordinating functions work in practice.
In most instances, countries of Latin America and the Caribbean lag behind their more developed peers. Just over one in three countries in Latin America use their Centres of Government to systematically coordinate interministerial initiatives. This
ncle Rafeel is a big man. Uncle Rafeel got plenty big man friends. But one of Uncle Rafeel big man friend does cry easy. Uncle Rafeel cry baby friend run to de Pullice cryin de other day.
Uncle Rafeel cry baby friend even turn up wid a lawyer, who does always look like if he cryin. So no body ain’t sure if Uncle Rafeel cry baby friend was cryin because he get ketch, or because he friken Camp Street, or because he thought he lawyer was cryin.
Uncle Rafeel is a different big man. Uncle Rafeel believe cryin is not fuh big man. Only fuh lil boys. Uncle Rafeel fuhget that he was a lil boy one time. So now even when Uncle Rafeel feel like cry, he does laugh. He does even laugh at all dem lil boys who he mek cry.
When Uncle Rafeel pass orders, he does pass dem to lil boys. That is how he does mek lil boys cry. Uncle Rafeel pass a order pun a lil boy a number of years ago and de lil boy cryin up till now.
When Uncle Rafeel deh in chuch, it gotta lotta lil boys around he. When Uncle Rafeel was growin up, it had a lotta lil boys in he area. When Uncle Rafeel turn a lawyer, he had a lotta lil boy friends. When Uncle Rafeel turn Speaker, a lotta lil boys turn up to see he. Uncle Rafeel pass a order pun de Clerk de other day. De Clerk had done tell Uncle Rafeel not to pass orders to he, but Uncle Rafeel ain’t hear. That is because Uncle Rafeel accustom to gettin whah he order, especially when he orderin a lil boy.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, clearly Uncle Rafeel had tek de Clerk fuh a lil boy too. Now Uncle Rafeel know de Clerk can stand up fuh heself just like Uncle Rafeel. And that is whah Uncle Rafeel friken, although he ain’t a cry baby like he friend.
contrasts with OECD countries, where 97 per cent of its member countries use their strategic cores to coordinate the implementation of initiatives that involve several ministries.
The trend towards stronger Centres of Government has existed for some years in OECD countries, especially since the creation of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit in the United Kingdom in 2001.
Similar innovations have since then been replicated in other European and Asian countries, and, only more recently, in a few Latin American and Caribbean ones. The publication reviews and analyses the most relevant of these international experiences.
“Strategic cores tend to be politically strong in Latin America and the Caribbean because of their connections with the Presidencies or the Prime Ministers,” said Carlos Santiso, the division chief of the Institutional Capacity of the State Division of the IDB.
“Mostly, however, they are technically weak, lead-
ing to frustrations by Presidents, as well as by citizens who find Government services wanting. This book looks at ways political leaders can better plan, coordinate, monitor and then communicate their priorities,” Santiso added. The study includes a new self-assessment tool that looks at 21 indicators, from whether Government priorities are aligned with budgets to communications and accountability mechanisms. In an ideal scenario, the Centre of Government will have the institutionalised processes necessary to plan the priorities and strategies for the Chief Executive’s term in office, real power to ensure consistency and coordination in policy design and execution, and the organisations or advisors to negotiate and secure the approval of Government programmes. The publication was produced by the IDB’s Institutional Capacity of the State Division, which supports Latin American and Caribbean countries in their quest to achieve more effective, efficient and open Governments.
friDAY, october 31, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/Civic) on Thursday paid tribute to the late Navin Chandarpal who died at his home on Tuesday after losing his battle with cancer. He was aged 63.
The Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, noted that Chandarpal played a major role in the development of the PPP/C and that they have lost “a good soldier” who fought valiantly for the restoration of democracy to this country. Rohee said when the Party was going through rough times while in opposition, Chandarpal worked side by side with Dr Cheddi Jagan to ensure that members remain mobilised and did not lose sight of the mission. “Although it wasn’t an easy path; I watched Navin struggle, really struggle for the Party,” Rohee said.
General Secretary of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), Sheila Veerasammy broke down in tears as she delivered her tribute. Veerasammy reminisced on the time when Chandarpal vowed to always be there for her even though he knew his life was nearing an end. “I sat next to him on the stage and held his hands and asked if he knew what he meant to me and the WPO. He said “yes”. He said he will always be there… even though he already knew he was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” Veerasammy tearfully related.
The General Secretary of the WPO said she lost a mentor and the WPO lost
its greatest support, political guide and biggest critic. Chandarpal was a vibrant member of the PPP/C who served as Presidential Adviser for a number of years before being appointed Minister of Agriculture.
Selfless Director of Sports and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Neil Kumar, said Chandarpal was his dearest colleague from the Progressive Youth Organisation. He described his late friend as the kind of man who gave up his personal interest for the interest of the people in Guyana. Additionally, Seepaul Narine, Guyana Agricultural
and General Workers Union (GAWU) General Secretary, said Chandarpal was a humble soul. He said during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture, he paid special attention to the happenings in the sugar industry and met with many ordinary workers to get their ideas to solve problems which were facing the industry. “He believed in the ordinary working-class people,” Narine said, adding that Chandarpal’s association with GAWU started in the 1980s when he participated in their education Programme. “He led by example….he marched to protest for democracy all over Guyana. Navin was an ex-
emplary husband and father,” Narine noted. Also speaking was General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) Dharamkumar Seeraj who reflected that Chandarpal was not only a politician but a poet who was known for his favourite quote “If the child resembles you it’s biological and if it resembles your neighbour it’s environmental”.
He reiterated that the former Minister of Agriculture is the main reason the GRPA is standing
so firm. Also in attendance were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, other Ministers of Government, close relatives and friends.
Chandarpal had been battling stage four stomach cancer for two years. He was born on April 25, 1951 in Corentyne. He attended Massiah Primary School and then progressed to Berbice High School. He then studied at the University of Guyana where he became the President of the Student Society. Chandarpal had the opportunity to further his studies in London, but
he gave that up to stay and fight for the restoration of democratic rule in his nation. Chandarpal joined the PYO at an early age, rising to the post of the first Secretary of the organisation. He was actively involved in the fight for fair elections in Guyana. Because of his dedication to the political arena, he soon became a member of the Central and Executive Committees of the Party. At the time of his death, he was the Presidential Adviser on Science and Technology.
The Ptolemy Reid
Rehabilitation Centre was rehabilitated to the tune of in excess of $12 million and was officially handed over to the students and teachers of school on Wednesday.
The work was made possible by cellphone giant, Digicel. Marketing Manager Jacqueline James said for the past three years, the company has been involved in a number of projects involving persons with special needs across the country.
The Manager, highlighting some of the works undertaken by Digicel to make the centre more of an acceptable standard, she said an entire dining room
was renovated for the comfort of the students and their teachers.
She said too that a new wheelchair ramp was also built and the roof and floor of the building was completely renovated.
James disclosed that the company is currently working to open a state-of-theart rehabilitation centre for differently-able students in Linden.
She said they are hoping that works get underway before December so that the centre will be up and running by January.
Digicel Executive Director PJ Mara reiterated that the company focuses on giving back to persons with special needs and strongly
supports education.
Last December, the rehabilitation centre signed a memorandum of understanding with Digicel for works to be undertaken at the facility.
This collaborative effort came as a result of a request made by the centre.
Digicel said then that the initiative was major investment for Guyana’s future generation and promised their unwavering support in the future.
The works include refurbishing the access ramps, roof and other areas of the building
The ceremony ended on a melodious note with a piece from a student titled “Differently-able”
ocal Government
LMinister Norman Whittaker recently commissioned the first ever Community Learning Resource Centre under the Youth Empowerment, Inclusion and Reconciliation Project (YEIRP) in Bushlot Village, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
YEIRP is a human resource capacity-building programme funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented and managed by the Local Government Ministry.
The Youth Empowerment, Inclusion and Reconciliation Project is designed to boost the capacity of the Ministry with the aim of enhancing its effectiveness to address social
Minister Whittaker carefully articulated and married the cycle of development and the need for resources by stating, “Development is a continuous process. It is born out of the need of persons. Needs are satisfied by using the required resources (human, natural and capital resources) to be able to have this continuous development”.
He added: “In developing countries like Guyana with limited resources, collaborative efforts must be seen as something (opportunities) we should always explore.”
This project saw collaboration from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Local Government Ministry, the Regional Democratic Council
munity representatives “to encourage participation by inviting other community members to visit the centre and participate in its activities”.
According to Benn, apart from the centre which was commissioned in Essequibo last month, there are several more projects of this nature which will be commissioned in several areas, including Linden and New Amsterdam.
At the end of this project, the expected outcome is to enhance public trust and confidence of national institutions, communities and NGOs at the district, regional and national levels; to address the issues and challenges faced by vulnerable communities; and to enhance the capacity of youths
cohesion/conflicts, strengthen public trust and broad based approaches in good governance at the local authority level.
The Youth Development and Empowerment (Guyana and the Caricom) Commission on Youth Development Report suggests that ‘effective institutional, community-based and regional responses are needed to reinsert youths into the main portals of governance’.
The report recognises that ‘crime, violence (in particular domestic violence) and the threat of illicit drugs impose added challenges for youth and state’.
These challenges are also key constraints to Millennium Development Goal (MDG) achievement at the sub-national level.
Minister Whittaker in his address stated: “Imparting knowledge to young people should be a major consideration so they can take on the mantle of leadership, especially at the local authority level”.
(RDC), the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the Bushlot Women’s Progressive Group.
Improving capacity
The primary objectives of YIERP are to work with youths to improve the capacity of youth leaders at the community level; to increase the presence and participation of youth and policymakers to monitor policies and their implementation; and support mechanism for dispute resolution.
The Youth Empowerment, Inclusion and Reconciliation Project consists of three components which includes training of young potential leaders; use of social media and ICT platforms to facilitate youth interaction with policymakers, participation in decision-making, an internship programme; and development of community projects to apply the knowledge received from training sessions.
UNDP representative Trevor Benn urged the com-
in societies to be better equipped and ready to take up the necessary challenges hindering local and national development.
The newly-commissioned Learning Resource Centre is furnished with an Information Technology Centre at a cost of $999,940, and is housed in the building of the Women Progressive Organisation (which also benefited under other projects funded by the UNDP).
Minister Whittaker thanked the UNDP for facilitating the project. YEIRP was implemented in 2012 in six of the 10 administrative regions, namely Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 at a total cost of US$ 150,000 and will wrap up by the end of 2014.
Present at the commissioning ceremony at the Bushlot NDC were representatives of UNDP, the Local Government Ministry, the Regional Chairman, Regional Vice Chairman, Overseer and the Women’s Group and the project participants.
For many years in the Linden Upper Demerara Berbice, “touting” has been a popular pastime and a way of obtaining an income for many young men and women.
With aggressiveness and no prior experience or qualification needed, from as early as 06:00h, touts take up their positions at the various bus parks, be it Georgetown/Linden, Ituni, Kwakawani, Wisroc, Block 22 or Amelia’s Ward, competing to see who can load a minibus the fastest.
Many Lindeners have to travel to Georgetown, for reasons which include school, business or even pleasure. Lindeners from all walks of life have to use minibuses as a means of either getting to work or travelling within the mining town.
What is noticeable is that in the Georgetown and the Wisroc/Amelia’s Ward Bus Park, many of these touts are even prepared for the weather.
They store in the buses items such as umbrellas, which they use to not only shade themselves from the rain or sun, but also the many passengers who they try to persuade to travel
with them.
Many workers prefer to travel with cars because they say they are not harassed as when they travel in minibuses.
Even though touting is an honest way to make a living, it is noticeably that some touts are very aggressive as they play tug-andwar with passengers as they compete.
Many persons become annoyed since some of them even grab hold of personal items such as shopping bags and hand bags, just to name a few.
Passengers travelling to Georgetown or within Linden, be it to Amelia’s ward, Block 22 or even Wisroc have to face touts daily.
Some of the touts approach passengers telling them that they just need “two more” to complete the load for a vehicle and most times when the passenger enters the minibus, he or she is the first and have to wait until the bus is filled.
Aside from their aggressive behaviour, the touts deem themselves microentrepreneurs, vending bottles of water, catering for the hot sunny day.
It is indeed an honest way to make money, but
many persons prefer to get other means of transportation to avoid the shouting, pushing, and pulling.
Sometimes many of the touts who may have seen the passengers travelling daily, may even tell them that they know who they travel with even, and pretend to know the driver.
There have been many instances where in their fight for passengers, one tout will take the passenger to one bus while the other will take the person’s bag to another.
On many occasions, passengers became highly annoyed at the excessive shouting and abusive arguments, with some reacting angrily to the situation.
Many persons prefer to travel with taxi even though the bus fare is cheaper. In an effort to win passengers, some would even call passengers by their names and pretend to know them.
But when Police appear on the scene, they bolt, as passengers often lodge a swarm of complaints against them.
Passengers are hoping that these touts could be more courteous so that they can travel in whichever bus they choose.
LIAT Airlines has undertaken a review of the fares that were traditionally offered to customers and has increased the range from seven to 15.
The move, which will offer customers greater choice and flexibility when booking tickets with LIAT, came into effect at a minute past midnight on October 29.
According to a release, all fares are now available for booking and travel on LIAT services.
LIAT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Evans commented: “The increased number of fare classes means that custom-
ers will have more choice when making a booking as the increased classes now offer a variety of fare types and pricing levels.
“Additionally, the increase also allows LIAT to plan development of future special relationships and greater management of interline and groups, who will have dedicated booking classes.”
Each booking class has a new set of fare rules and revised levels of charges for changes before and after departure, cancellations and no shows.
On the LIAT website (liat.com), customers will be able to book Web Saver fares which offer the best price in the market.
The website will automatically pre-select the cheapest flight on the day for the customer.
However, if customers require a greater degree of flexibility with their booking, allowing for changes before or after departure, then they can select any other fare type, such as semi and fully-flexible fares, which will provide them with greater flexibility in their travel arrangements.
Burkina Faso’s military has announced emergency measures – including the formation of a transitional government – after a day of violent protests.
Demonstrators angered by President Blaise Compaore’s bid to extend his 27-year rule earlier set fire to Parliament and Government buildings.
Protesters in the capital, Ouagadougou, are calling for him to resign.
The emergency moves announced by Army Chief General Honore Traore did not say who would lead the interim administration. At a press conference, he declared the imposition of an overnight curfew, as well as the dissolution of Parliament.
Anurse who returned to the United States after treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone has defied a quarantine for health-care workers, leaving her home in Fort Kent, Maine, to go for an hour-long bike ride.
Kaci Hickox defied the quarantine on Thursday despite state officials saying on Wednesday that they would seek a court order to enforce the quarantine if she left her house before November 10.
“I’m free to go on a bike ride in my hometown,” the 33-year-old nurse told reporters as she arrived back at her home.
Hickox, who tested negative for the virus on her return, said she plans to take the issue to court if Maine does not lift the quarantine.
The 33-year-old previously blasted New Jersey Governor Chris Christie after she was taken from an airport and put in quarantine in a tent before being driven to her home in Maine to spend the rest of the 21-day quarantine.
Twenty-one days is the maximum incubation period for Ebola.
Hickox contends there is no need for quarantine and has called the measure “scientifically unsound”.
Ebola is spread through contact with bodily fluids from a person showing symptoms and is not airborne.
More than 13,700 people have contracted Ebola, with nearly 5000 killed by the virus, all but a few of them in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
General Traore announced that a “transitional body [would] be put in place in consultation with all parties”. “A return to the constitutional order is expected in no more than 12 months,” he said.
Earlier, President Compaore issued a statement, declaring the emergency and saying that the head of the armed forces
was in charge of implementing the decision.
The protests in the capital – the most serious yet against Compaore’s rule – forced Members of Parliament to abandon a vote aimed at allowing the President to seek re-election in 2015.
BBC West Africa correspondent Thomas Fessy says the people of Burkina Faso are still waiting to hear who will lead their country. As confusion prevails, he says, the violence may spread.
The main Opposition Leader, Zephirin Diabre, told a local radio station the state of emergency was unacceptable.
“We are calling on the people to show that they are against it,” he was quoted as saying. “The resignation of President Blaise Compaore is the only thing that can bring peace to the country.” (Excerpt from Reuters)
Aspokesman for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has described the closure of a disputed Jerusalem holy site as a “declaration of war”.
The move came amid tension and violence after the shooting of a Jewish activist. Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu urged calm, saying Abbas was stoking unrest.
The holy site will reopen today, Israel’s Economy Minister said. Yehuda Glick, a campaigner for greater Jewish prayer rights at the Temple Mount/al-Haram alSharif, was wounded.
Israeli Police later killed a Palestinian suspected of shooting him. Moataz Hejazi, 32, was shot after
opening fire when Police surrounded his home. Rabbi Glick is a wellknown US-born campaigner for the right of Jews to pray at the site, which is currently prohibited.
The compound – known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif – is the holiest site in Judaism, and contains the al-Aqsa Mosque – the third holiest site in Islam.
In other developments: Sweden became the first major Western European country to officially recognise Palestine as a state – Israel has recalled its ambassador to Sweden in response, according to an official quoted by AFP. (Excerpt from BBC News)
The Government of Jamaica is expected to make a pay increase offer to trade unions representing its employees when negotiations on a new three-year labour agreement start within two weeks.
Minister without Portfolio in the Finance and Planning Ministry Horace Dalley told the Jamaica Observer Wednesday that Cabinet has no intention of seeking another three-year wage freeze, as had been the case over the past six years, for public sector employees.
“We have just concluded work on the parameters of what we will be putting on the table to the unions and, as the chief negotia-
tor (for the Government), I am expecting the negotiations to commence within another two weeks,” the Minister said. “I am not preparing for another wage
Costa Rica has issued an emergency alert after ash from an erupting volcano reached the capital and beyond.
Turrialba volcano, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of San Jose, began rumbling and producing seismic activity on Wednesday night.
The authorities said they were evacuating nearby residents to temporary shelters as a precaution.
Eyewitnesses reported fi-
ery explosions and ash falling like snow over parts of central Costa Rica.
This is Turrialba’s largest eruption in more than a century.
The National Emergency Commission said volcanologists and other specialists were on site to assess the situation.
Costa Rica is home to dozens of volcanoes, but most of them are dormant. (Excerpt from BBC News)
The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard is searching off St Maarten for the co-pilot of a small US-based cargo plane that crashed into the sea on late Wednesday shortly af-
ter takeoff. Authorities say they have recovered the body of one of the two pilots who were on board the Skyway Enterprises plane when it went down about three miles from shore.
freeze. The Cabinet is not preparing for another wage freeze. Something will be on the table. It might not be as much as they would want, but something will
be on the table,” he committed.
Dalley was expected to canvass the response of the trade union leaders when he chairs Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Public Sector Monitoring Committee (PSMC) at his ministry.
He is expected to present them with an overview of the economy, which will seek to convince the trade unionists that the country’s economy is on the right trajectory, and that the Government’s intention to continue on its current path — influenced by its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — should be supported. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Colombia’s FARC admits civil war ‘impact’ on civilians
Colombia’s largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), has acknowledged its actions “have affected civilians” during 50 years of internal conflict.
“We are expressly responsible for all acts of war carried out by our units,” said Paul Atrato, a FARC leader.
In the first admission of its kind, he said the rebels were ready to take “responsibility” for these actions.
2013.
The talks in the capital, Havana, are aimed at getting the 8000-strong FARC to sign an agreement renouncing its armed struggle in order to join the legal political process.
The cause of the crash is unknown. The Coast Guard said in a statement that the twin-engine SH36 aircraft was en route to Puerto Rico. Skyway Enterprises is based in Kissimmee, Florida, and was operating under contract with FedEx.
Latin America’s longest running war has killed 220,000 people. More than five million others have been displaced.
Private volunteers and Netherlands Royal Marines are taking part in the search. (Caribbean360)
The Marxist rebel group joined negotiations in Cuba with the Colombian Government in November
“We explicitly recognise that our actions have affected civilians at different times and under different circumstances throughout the conflict,” Atrato said. He added the FARC would “assume the responsibility that concerns us,” but did not give any further details as to what responsibility they would take.
The FARC’s statement comes as both sides discuss the issue of victim reparations as part of the peace talks. (Excerpt from BBC News)
ThePegasus Poolside was filled with beauty, intelligence and style as those in attendance witnessed the crowning of Miss Guyana Universe 2014 Niketa Barker. From the women in the audience to the hostess, Feliz Robertson, to the judges, all looked stylish in their gowns and so did the delegates. However, there were some mixed reactions to the colours and designs of the delegates’ gowns.
On Saturday, November 1, Good Fellas Entertainment brings to you one of the most exciting concept parties, “Ghost – All White Party” billed for Club Monaco, Sheriff Street, Georgetown. The venue will be transformed with breathtaking decor and spectacular lighting effects to give partygoers the ultimate glow experience.
On entry, patrons will receive free glow sticks, shades, cups and bunny ears. Ladies in white will be free until 23:00h. Admission to the event is $1500, while entry to the elevated VIP area will cost $3000.
Music and entertainment will be provided by Entertainer Shizzle from Boom Radio. It is going to be an all-night party with the best vibes, bottle specials and dancing under confetti. Get your all-white outfit and follow the light in the sky to Club Monaco this Saturday for the “Ghost – All White Party’”!!!
The Calypso King, Mighty Sparrow will be performing live at Palm Court in the “‘A November to Remember” concert slated for Saturday, November 1.
and Dinah (Yankees Gone)”, epitomises his catchy, energetic yet thought-provoking style.
One of the most successful calypso artistes, with eight of Trinidad’s Carnival Road March titles to his name, he has performed all over the world, spreading his brand of calypso royalty.
‘Sparrow’ was born in the fishing village of Grand Roy, Grenada, on July 9, 1935. He moved to Trinidad with his mother, as his father re located there in 1937 and grew up in Port of Spain.
couple of years, he changed it to “Mighty Sparrow”.
On leaving school, he began working for the Government Control Board, but continued to perform calypso, which became the better paying of the two, and his residency at the Lotus er came in 1954 with “The Parrot and the Monkey”.
In 1955, Sparrow made his first recordings “Missing Baby (Ruby)”; “High Cost Of Living”; and “Race Track” for Vitadisc, which were included on the Royalties Of Calypso Kingdom compila-
General admission tickets to witness the Mighty Sparrow live cost $3500 and are available at Palm Court. The VIP tickets cost $5000 and are available at Gizmos and Gadgets. This event is powered by Golden Boy Entertainment, Gizmos and Gadgets, Corona Beer, Trio Stout, Princess Hotel Guyana, and HJ Boom FM.
After several weeks of gruelling competition, the 10 contenders for the Mr Guyana International crown are set for the finale on Sunday evening in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel.
The delegates recently participated in the runway challenge and swimwear contest held at the Duke Lodge as they showed off their physiques and creativity.
It was high drama at the event as the men took to the catwalk in the muchtalked about contest. In the first half of the show, which got started two hours behind schedule, the contenders had an opportunity to demonstrate what to wear and what NOT to wear to various events ranging from funerals to breast cancer awareness dinners.
After a 30 minutes-plus
The Mighty Sparrow
(Slinger Francisco) is a much-beloved musical icon in the Caribbean, appreciated for his saucy lyrics and social commentary. His entertaining lyrics are equally the source of amusement and sober reflection. His most famous song, truly a Caribbean classic, “Jean
This talented calypso singer began singing as a small child, but his love of calypso was discour aged while at Newton Boys Catholic School, where he sang in the choir. At the age of 14, he joined a steel band comprising neighbourhood boys, and performed with the band at Carnival.
He received the per forming name “Little Sparrow” early in his career, as a result of his energetic stage performances. After a
break, the contenders returned for the swimwear segment which can only be described as ‘tacky’.
The swimwear modelled by the delegates was designed by the director of the pageant, Paul Burnette and his close friend and associate, Olympic SmallSonaram.
The pageant has been creating some buzz, but so far, the turnout at their events has not been huge. Those who attended the swimwear segment were special invitees, with little evidence of the contenders’ family members and wellwishers present. From the inception, there have been mixed reactions about a male beauty pageant, with the contenders in particular under scrutiny.
As the competition winds down, the delegates participated in the talent segment at Gravity
Lounge on Wednesday followed by the intelligence segment on Thursday. Now the moment that they have been waiting for is set for Sunday evening.
One wonders who will be Guyana’s representative to the international pageant, which will see men from around the world competing for the title.
The contenders vying for the local title are Alexander Fiedtkou, Stowell Betham, Paul Charles, Kurt Walcott, Kevin Bhagrat, Colwyn Abrams, Christon Pollard, Kevin Smith, Raphael October, and Ryan Washington.
Tickets cost $3000, while VIP tickets are priced at $8000 and are available at the front desk of the Pegasus Hotel, and from committee members of Mr Guyana International and the contestants.
Jamaican dancehall artiste Tommy Lee, also called “Uncle Demon”, will be the headline act for the after-party of the Champion of Champions Football Knockout Competition slated for the National Park on November 8.
The artiste recently created a storm at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, which was applauded by his many fans that turned up. Come November 8 at the National Park Arena, he is expected to thrill his fans once more.
As usual, there will be strict security in and around the venue.
The football competition, which is being held for the second year, is being promoted by Trinity Promotions. The event will see eight teams competing for $150,000 as the first prize and $75,000
as the second prize. The teams will be placed into two groups. Group A comprises Tiger Bay, Leopold Street, West Front Road and Broad Street while Group B comprises Albouystown, Sparta Boss, Festival City and Back Circle. Teams have to pay a fee of $5000 to enter the competition.
Admission to the event cost $1500 and tickets are available at Vinu Shoe Box, German Restaurant and Chetson Clarks. Tickets will be available from Monday. Remember, it’s one night, eight teams and non-stop football action with a great dancehall artiste performing after the games.
The biggest car and bike show goes down this weekend as Westsiderz Entertainment presents Westside Auto Expo and Vehicle Sound Off 3 at the Parika Community Centre Ground on Saturday.
So far several teams have indicated their interest in the competition, which will see hundreds of thousands of dollars being given away in prizes and trophies. The teams include The Avengers, Team Wrecker, Team 18 Sound, Team Raj Audio, Team RX8, Team Alteeza Guy, Team Sonic Riderz, and Dr Love.
Each vehicle that will participate in the event could be registered now for a fee of
$5000. It will be a night where vehicles will be judged for the hardest and cleanest sound, and best graphic design; judges will also be looking for the best car, SUV, motorcycle, and minibus. In addition, there will be “maddd” entertainment from Big Life and Royalti Vybez at the show emceed by Golden Chyld.
Tickets for the third Westside Auto Expo and Vehicle Sound Off cost $1000 in advance and $1500 at the gate, with entry into the community centre for vehicles costing $2000. Tickets are available at Westside Entertainment Centre, Vreed-en-Hoop; AVON DVD Club, Uitvlugt; and Sunil
event, one lucky patron will win a Samsung Galaxy Phone. Gates open at 16:00h, but the competition kicks off at 22:00h.
The event is sponsored by Carib Beer, Monster Energy Drink, Sky Vodka, A and S Lumber Yard, Andy Auto Sales, A and A Travel Service, Star Cars Auto Sales, Vicks and Sons Wash Bay, Danvir Auto Paint, Deals on Electronics, Cell Phone Plaza, Mobile Solution, Leading Electronics, Trophy Stall, Play Boy Tint Shop, Westsite Taxi Service, Westsiderz Furniture Store, and Smart Choice Ent.
he place to be this evening is the hottest party spot in town –Palm Court as it celebrates Halloween under the theme “Witches and Warlocks”.
As darkness steps in, the witches take to the sky, hence the only safe place to be is the venue to be a part of the ‘wicked sins’.
Decked in all black and carrying broomsticks, the wicked witches will be spellbound by the excellent mix of music by Selector Carl and Selector Diamond from HJ Boom, from Soca to Chutney to Hip-hop and other genres of music. Remember the party goes till sunrise.
The venue will be transformed into a witches’ coven with several 12-foot ghosts hanging from the ceiling. Admission to the event cost
looked back.
He dominated the BMX (12-14) category, counting among his achievements, a secondplace finish in the road race in the Guyana National Championships and third place in the time trial. He also represented his country with honour at the Juvenile Caribbean Championships in Suriname, placing fourth in a field of 45. Other shining moments included winning the 2014 Macedo road race juvenile title and the 2014 Mohamed (GOLD RACE) juvenile crown.
However, Leung counts as his greatest accomplishment – completing the recentlyheld “Ride for Life” National Five-Stage cycling event. He was very thrilled about being the youngest rider among all the big guns.
He sees himself taking up professional riding and touring the world in the next five years, although he would like to become a mechanic also. Leung looks up to celebrated British rider Mark Cavendish, widely regarded as the fastest road cyclist today and one of the best ever as his greatest inspiration, and his father, a former cyclist, as his role model.
“I am proud to say that this man is my father, and more importantly I love him and would always have full respect for him and my mom,” the young man told Guyana Times Entertainment
A sociable sort with many friends, Leung’s favourite pastimes, apart from cycling, are playing football and listening to music. His favourite colours are black and red. As for his favourite dish, while he likes macaroni and chicken, he absolutely loves dhal and rice with ochroes on the side.
Best of luck to this young talented cyclist.
$2000 before midnight. As the witches come out to play, patrons will pay more.
This event is sponsored by Golden Boy
Princess Fun City and Movie Theatres will transform for the Largest Children Halloween Party in Guyana on Saturday.
Designed to enhance its young visitors’ experience, the attractions will include trick or treat, candy city, mascot and storytelling, face painting, and 7D HORROR HOUSE, Fun City said in a release. The event commences at 12:00h.
Management of the entity is inviting children of all ages
to “come out in your favourite costume and enter to win $ 50,000 for top three best costumes.” Patrons will also l receive free tickets and free candy complements of Beharry Group of Companies. According to management, there will also be face painting and Xclusive Photo Studio will be on hand to capture all the moments and provide cartoon characters such as Minion, spider man and others. The event is being sponsored by Smalta.
All tourism stakeholders will gather today at the Amerindian Village, located in the compound of the National Exhibition Centre, to usher in Tourism Awareness Month 2014.
The event will also herald the repositioning and rebranding of Guyana as a Tourism Destination, and the launch of Homecoming Guyana 2015.
The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Tourism Awareness Month (TAM) in November, and will be unveiling a series of activities over the next month to call attention to the importance of the theme “Tourism Entrepreneurs and Ambassadors Mobilised”.
Tourism Awareness
Month is an annual observance which fosters closer collaboration with the private and public sectors, in an effort to strengthen their working relationship.
This year’s theme was selected to highlight Tourism Entrepreneurs and Ambassadors who are regarded as the key vehicles for the creation of new enterprises, employment and the stimulation of competition in the sector.
They also educate and inspire their families, friends and colleagues to embrace tourism.
The objectives of the activities planned during this period are to raise the level of awareness of tourism in Guyana, encourage stakeholders within the Tourism Industry to participate in activities that will benefit their
operations and showcase their products to the wider population, boost the human resource capacity in the sector through training, strengthen the alliance between the private and public sectors, and to collaborate with sister agencies and ministries to highlight the vital role they play in developing the tourism industry.
Activities for TAM 2014 include the TAM Awards Ceremony, which will be held on November 21 at the Guyana International Conference Centre.
This event is hosted to recognise individuals and organisations in the Tourism Industry, who have made significant contributions to the sector throughout the year.
These will also be the launch of the Ambassador Programme, targeting a se-
lect group of well known Guyanese. This is set for November 21.
Selected ambassadors in the diverse areas of music, arts and sports will be introduced during the launch. There will also be a launch of Restaurant Week and the opening of a Visitor Centre at Lethem, among many other activities.
According to a release, activities will be held countrywide in the areas of training and education, public awareness, marketing and promotion.
In response to the call for strengthened partnerships and collaboration during this period, several tour operators and companies are offering “tour specials”. These include Dagron Tours, ASL, Hurukabra Resort and Old Fort Tours.
Tsaid that patients with high blood pressure or blood sugar were relieved after having their tests done, because they were now aware of their ailments and could now try and adopt better eating habits. Also, they were thankful for the medications, since most of them were in a lot of pain. According to the release from the organisers, individuals were also presented with food hampers by members of the Guyana Pandits’ Council.
The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Wednesday signed a twoyear wages/salaries agreement, paving the way for a six per cent increase across the board.
The inking of the agreement was witnessed and signed by the Chief Labour Occupational Safety and Health Officer Charles Ogle.
BBCI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Omadat Samaroo thanked the officials from the union for the good sprit displayed during the negotiations and the cordial relationship over the years.
ues are enhanced by continued training and development, inclusive of adequate recreational activities.
“The company has also engaged in an aggressive human resource management practices to capitalise on this asset. The other assets such as fixed and current are maintained to high standards to ensure continuity, availability, reliability, and most importantly efficiency, not forgetting safety which is our number priority,” he said.
He noted that on August 18, the BBCI received a letter from GAWU requesting the commencement of negotiations for the year 2014.
This, the company hopes will continue in the years to come.
he Guyana Pandits’ Council, Hindu Parishad, and Radha Krishna Mandir conducted their sixth medical outreach for 2014 on Sunday at the Farm/Herstelling Vishnu Mandir, East Bank Demerara. Under the guidance and leadership of Pandit Rudra Sharma – Spiritual Head of Radha Krishna Mandir, the team effectively dealt with over 170 patients despite the inclement weather.
The majority of the patients were aged 50 and over. They were all given ample time to sit and dis-
cuss their issues with the doctors before appropriate medications were prescribed. Most of them suffer from hypertension, with quite a few diabetic cases and patients showing symptoms of Chikungunya also present.
Organisers of the event
Organisers expressed special thanks to the Doctors: Anila Ramphal , Varun Budhram, Michael Perreia and Rupan Singh who worked tirelessly from 11:00h to 16:30h with the patients; the Pharmacists who played a significant part alongside the Doctors and members of the Guyana Pandits’ Council and Radha Krishna Mandir who rendered assistance in whatever way possible.
In line with the company’s mission statement, Samaroo said with rising cost in all areas of operation, the company still managed to facilitate salary increases of six per cent across the Board for 2014 and 2015, inclusive of allowances.
He also stressed the importance of human resources in the company, stating that the employees are viewed as an asset and if not the most important assets, whose val-
After three rounds of negotiations, both parties arrived at an agreement where the employees will be offered a six per cent across-theboard increase for 2014 (retro from January) and six per cent across the board increase for 2015, effective January 1, 2015.
He also stated that the company initially wanted a three-year agreement covering the years 2014, 2015 and 2016. However, GAWU had some reservation, and as such, both parties agreed on a two-year pack.
Chief Justice Ian Chang has dismissed a motion by Rambarran Broadcasting Systems Limited and its director, Jacob Rambarran to have the Broadcasting Act 2011 dismissed and the licence fees lowered. The Chief Justice said the motion was legally misconceived and awarded cost of $100,000 to the Government.
According to a release by the Attorney General Chambers, on June 12, Rambarran Broadcasting Systems Limited and Jacob Rambarran, the applicants, filed an action against the Attorney General for constitutional redress.
The company was granted a wireless telegraph licence for the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 for the establishment and operating of a television broadcasting station under the Post and Telegraph Act, Chapter 47:01, and the regulations made thereunder.
On July 28, 2011, the
National Assembly passed the Broadcasting Bill. That Bill was assented to by the President on September 27, 2011, and came into force on August 28, 2012. The applicants contended that Parliament enacted the Broadcasting Act 2011 in contravention of the Constitution and that the Act provided for a politically controlled Board, which was representative of the political party in control of the Executive but which was not representative of the people who exercise sovereignty by or through the National Assembly.
The applicants also contended that the Act was designed to deprive the National Assembly of control over the Executive. They further contended that the use of the spectrum for licensed broadcasting can be constitutionally valid only if the system of granting licences is exercised by an independent and autonomous body created or approved by the National Assembly and that the Act
was contrived to secure political party control over the spectrum and its use with potentiality for political partisanship and arbitrary governance. The applicants further submitted that, following the General Elections in November 2011, the Executive did not have the confidence of the National Assembly, because the Executive had no control over the majority of the elected representatives in the National Assembly.
According to the AG Chamber, Counsel for the applicants also submitted that the Broadcasting Act 2011 was in contravention of their freedom of expression under Article 146 (1) of the Constitution. Thus, the court expressed that the constitutional right not to be hindered in one’s enjoyment of expression is not absolute but is subject, inter alia, to restrictions imposed by laws. As such, a licensing system is a common means of regulating broad-
casting and thus legislation providing for such regulation cannot be assailed on the ground that it is not reasonably necessary for regulatory purposes.
In his Affidavit in Answer and submissions to the Court, the Attorney General stated that the Broadcasting Act No17 of 2011 is in force and that this Act established the Guyana Broadcasting Authority and governed the grant of licence to operate in the broadcasting sector. It was asserted by the Attorney General that the fees charged by the Authority are lawful, reasonable, and properly computed and promulgated.
Legally misconceived
On October 24, 2014, the Honourable Chief Justice in dismissing the applicants’ application stated in his judgment that, “…one must distinguish between National Assembly election which attracts proportional representation since the number of elected representatives be-
ing 65 is divisible into integers and presidential election which does not attract proportional representation, since a unitary figure of one is incapable of such a division.”
He also stated that based on Article 99 (1) and Article 99 (2), it can be seen that all executive authority is constitutionally vested in the President solely. He also noted that the National Assembly is not a supreme organ of democratic power even though it is a component part of Parliament.
The President in whom all executive authority resides is a supreme organ of democratic power and is also a component party of Parliament. Hence the National Assembly, not being a supreme organ of democratic power, cannot exercise democratic power superior to the elected President or Parliament.
The learned Chief Justice concluded that in respect to democratic power, the sub-
missions of the applicants have erroneously elevated the National Assembly above both Parliament and the President when the National Assembly has not been identified by the Constitution itself as a supreme organ.
Additionally, since the Government has not been defeated by a vote of the majority of all the elected members of the Nationally Assembly and the President and his Cabinet continue to executively govern, it cannot be assumed that, because the Government holds less than 50 per cent of the seats of the elected members of the Assembly, it does not enjoy the confidence of the National Assembly. The presumption of confidence can be rebutted only by a vote of the majority of all the members of the National Assembly. The court held that the motion is legally misconceived and, accordingly, must be dismissed. Also, the court ordered costs to the Attorney General in the sum of $100,000.
Guyana will be sending a contingent of 37 athletes to the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Veracruz, Mexico from November 14-30. This was revealed at a Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) press conference on Thursday at the association’s headquarters in Kingston.
The team will span nine sport disciplines in track and field, cycling, squash, table-tennis, swimming, judo, taekwondo, badminton and hockey.
President of the GOA KA Juman Yassin was hopeful for good performances out of the team while noting that the GOA was bearing the full cost to ensure the team participates in Mexico.
Various heads of associations were present for the media briefing with all expressing optimism of their various teams doing well at the event. Deion Nurse is the Chef-de-Mission for the team.
The teams are listed as follows:
Cycling: Coach Dwayne Gibbs, Riders: Geron
Williams and Raynauth
Jeffrey Squash: Coach Ramon Chan-A-Sue, Players: Ashley Khalil, Ashley DeGroot, Mary Fung-A-Fat, Jason Khalil, Alex Arjoon and Sunil Seth
Table Tennis: Coach Idi Lewis, Players: Chelsea Edghill, Natalie Cummings, Trenace Lowe and Akecia Nedd
Swimming: Official Isabel Couso Fals, Swimmers: Hannibal Gaskin and Brittany Van Lange
Track and Field: Coach
Mark Scott, Athletes: Winston George, Stephan James, Adam Harris and Jeremy Bascom
Swimming: Official Isabel Couso Fals, Swimmers: Hannibal
Gaskin and Brittany Van Lange
Judo: Coach, Athlete: Delroy Murphy
Taekwondo: Official: Ramjeet Ramphal, Athletes: Kenrick Lorrimer and Jibreel Malik
Badminton: Coach Gokarn Ramdhani, Players: Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangru
Dear Editor,
From a historical perspective within our nation’s football former president, Guyana Football Federation
Christopher Matthias will definitely have to be recorded as the only president ever of not completing his term of office on the two occasions he was elected to serve. In 2001 the individual had received a “vote of no-confidence for financial impropriety” as the President of the GFA. While in 2014 removed at the behest of FIFA, which in my estimation non – performance! That the “litany of woes administratively which was counter- productive to over all development; continued unabatedly. Whereas the previous path left by Matthias’ predecessors, in relation to competitions/ tournaments were virtually the same. The only difference was increasing the Premier League teams from
10- 16. The out dated interassociation tournament (s) continued sparingly and in similar fashion associations participating without coordinating a tournament for its affiliates.
Editor, it would be remiss of me not to mention that prior to Matthias being elected as President, in April 2014. I had penned a letter indicating among other issues:
i) Regionalizing the sport, whereby a four member committee (minimum) would overlook the clubs, coordinating competitions et.al within the ten administrative regions of Guyana. This in actuality would have replaced the associations’ structure. Thus enabling clubs to elect the executive of the GFF.
ii) Additionally club football would have ruled the roost, with club champions being decided at the under-11, U-13, U-15, U-17,
U-19, U-21, U-23 and seniors. This would have been after each region had successfully completed their respective competitions.
iii) In relation to the National League, each region would be represented by its champion club, and the best six runners-up, which are also applicable to all other divisions. However, the only difference would be apart from playing over two rounds (home and away). A national first division (reserve) league consisting of 20 teams would be played. The top 2 clubs will automatically be promoted to the National League, with the bottom two securing automatic relegation.
iv)A cohesive allegiance between the Ministries of Culture, Youth & Sports. Education and Local Government, remains the catalyst that can be utilized towards establishing clubs’ nurseries programme, with
Rubis Guyana, on Thursday confirmed its partnership with organisers of the Guyana Softball Cup 4, presenting its sponsorship package to representatives of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).
At a simple function at its Bel Air location, Retail Accounts Executive, Rhonda Johnson, handed over the entity’s contribution to the tournament to president of the GFSCA, Ramchand Ragbeer, under the TOTAL brand.
Johnson said Rubis Guyana is pleased to once again align itself with the country’s premier softball tournament, nothing that her establishment is look-
each club adopting/ at least 2 schools, for both male and female! Non-adherence simply means non-affiliation. The first 2 named ministries would be of significant assistance in this endeavour.
v) As it relates to the Local Government Ministry. The N.D.C’s and the R.D.C’s can assist with the rehabilitation, maintenance and upgrading of grounds and Community Centres. Since the relevant machinery in most instances are at their disposal.
vi) Constitutionality: With FIFA’s pronouncement of a 5 member Normalization Committee, for a period of 11 months until September, 2015. Automatically, all clubs, associations, affiliates and the GFF have ample time to have their respective constitutions in order. And definitely some teams will have to go, since “the days for carrying dead weight are over”!It would be bet-
ter in the long term to have less clubs that are effectively and professionally administered; properly structured and highly competitive, in addition to its own training ground.
In the final analysis regionalization of the sport will attract more sponsorship, competitions, competitiveness and the paying public. While sub-regions i.e. Region 4, due to its size will offer more qualifying slots for national competitions; in addition to other regions. With a complete metamorphosis that football definitely needs at this crucial juncture, towards an infusion of modernization. “Gone must be days when 5-6 teams, lists the National Park ground, as it training venue, and no proper meeting place. Also, 2 clubs emanating from the same village, rather than having 1highly competitive club”!
“Never again in the his-
ing forward to three days of competitive cricket, starting today.
Ragbeer said the GFSCA welcomes the kind gesture by corporate Guyana, adding that a tournament of the magnitude of Guyana Softball Cup requires the support of sponsors. He said Rubis Guyana is one of many businesses that have thrown their weight behind this year’s competition.
Guyana Softball Cup 4 will bowl off today and conclude on Sunday, with rivalry in the Men’s Open and Masters. A total of 24 teams from Guyana and North America are set to compete for lucrative prizes.
tory of local football, must the ill effects of democracy, allow any misfits to be elected by the will of the majority”. Moreover, when from the outset dishonesty prevails in the mindset of some presidential hopefuls along with their supporters, who are clueless, gutless, spineless and visionless, in relation to what development entails. Editor, for this simple reason after a period of 28 years (1982-2010) I severed ties with the sport’s administration at the club and association level!
In erstwhile I’m not rejoicing that FIFA’s intervention has removed Matthias. But rather the nation’s football has been rescued from the clutches of a rookie! Thank you FIFA, for your timely involvement.
Respectfully yours, Lester Sealey
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Talented all-rounder
Trevor Benn was the star on Wednesday with both bat and ball as he guided Guyana Police Force (GPF) to a16-run victory over Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in the final of the Joint Services T20 competition at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.
Benn first smashed 54 in Police’s total of 160-9 and then return with the ball to claimed 4-43 from four overs to help
restrict Fire Service to 144-8.
After decide to bat first, Police lost wickets on a regular basis before Benn and Kelvin Leitch revived the innings with a 91-run eight wicket stand.
Benn slammed three fours and a similar number of sixes while Leitch scored 37 with three fours and two maximums.
Brentnol Woolford was their next best batsman with
16 as medium pacer Greyson Paul captured 3-12 from four overs and Sheldon Phillips 2-19.
The GFS also lost wickets frequently, with only Malcolm Morris (21), Sheldon Phillips (20) and Stephon Adams (19) offered any meaningful contributions.
Left arm pacer Randolph Knights finished with 3-14 and Leitch 2-12. Benn was adjudged man-of-the-match.
Under the new system, each of the territorial boards was allowed to retain and contract 10 local players, with the rest of the region’s players going into a player draft, by which the teams completed their 15-man squads.
“Dear Player, I write to convey the West Indies Cricket Board’s sincere congratulations to you on being one of the elite cricketers in the West Indies who has been specially selected for participation in the inaugural and historic WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL),” Cameron wrote.
“We are especially pleased that the PCL will allow you to pursue your passion in a truly professional environment on a day-to-day basis with your franchise while providing a stable income for you and your family. The PCL is a revolutionary introduction into the West Indian cricketing landscape which the WICB an-
ticipates will transform West Indies first-class, List A and international cricket.”
According to the PCL’s salary structure, a player stands to earn an annual retainer between US $15,600 and $36,000, excluding match fees and prize money. The player will also stand to earn $13,000 for playing a full season of 10 matches in the regional fourday completion, and $4900 for seven matches in the NAGICO Super50 (the one-day competition). Thus he stands to make a potential annual income of $33,500-$53,900, depending on his seniority and performance.
“Naturally there are further opportunities for your annual earnings to be even further enhanced with participation in the Caribbean Premier League, selection to the West Indies A team and West Indies team,” Cameron noted. “We look forward to you further enhancing your skills
and credentials to allow you to exploit these game-changing economic opportunities for regional cricketers.”
Cameron also acknowledged the concerns raised by senior players during the WIPA AGM in February. According to the minutes of the AGM, senior Guyana and West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul had complained about the unsatisfactory conditions of the grounds and pitches for domestic cricket.
“We are aware of some concerns raised by your players’ association - WIPA - with regard to the standard of facilities for regional cricket and we offer our commitment to ensuring that all aspects of the PCL is truly reflective of its ‘professional’ status,” Cameron wrote. He also urged the players to show “continued professionalism and dedication with your franchise”. (Cricinfo)
Old Fort and GCC Men’s first division hockey teams put on an exhilarating show for those in attendance when the two age old rivals met on Wednesday evening in the pool round of the GT&T National Indoor Championships at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
National defender Aderemi “Dove” Simon was once again the standout of the match, although his heroics fell short of a wellrounded GCC side.
Simon stunned the defending champions by exploding down the floor on a counterattack in the seventh minute and completed the move with a fine finish to give Old Fort an early lead. After several attempts to equalise, GCC’s Orland Semple finally found a way past Old Fort goalkeeper Tony Cole to even the scores in the 11th minute.
The score zig-zagged its way through the majority of the match with Old Fort taking the lead two more times through John Abrams, while GCC’s Devin Hooper and Orland Semple were able to draw even on both occasions.
GCC’s Semple finally gave his club their first lead of the match with eight minutes remaining on the clock, but fortunes were reversed once more as Ascofu Simon equalised for Old Fort in the very next minute. With the match hanging in the balance, overlapping right back Steven Xavier sealed the 5-4 final result for GCC four minutes from full time by scoring a high shot off of a square pass to beat the diving goalkeeper Cole.
The Under-19 nationals edged past Saints in another evenly contested duel of the Men’s first division competition. With the Under-19s taking the early two-goal lead through
pulled his side back within one before the half.
With a halftime lead of 2-1, the Under-19s did not relent and Kareem McKenzie extended their lead by scoring in the 24th minute. With the Under19s firmly in control of the match, Saints’ efforts to stay in the game were rewarded by a penalty corner goal in the late minutes. The Under-19s would hold out to the end however, for a 3-2 victory.
In contrast to the Men’s first division matches, the Ladies division saw two blow-outs as the GCC Tigers crushed the Hikers 9-0, while Spice delivered a 7-0 beating on the Under-19 Minis.
National striker Kerensa Fernandes was in top form for the Tigers with a four-
goal haul in their demolition of the Hikers, while teammate Aliyah Gordon scored a hat-trick along with singles from Ulrica Sutherland and Ashley DeGroot.
Sonia Jardine was the top scorer for the entire evening as she drilled home five goals in Spice’s convincing 7-0 victory over the Minis. Dacia Woodroffe and Vanessa Pires were the other two players to score for Spice.
The Veterans competition saw GCC upset the Hickers 3-1, while the Men’s second division saw the junior Hikers earn a comfortable win over newcomers Kinston 6-1. Matches will continue from Friday to Sunday with the four finals set for Sunday from 17:00 hours.
Patterson had headed a committee on the governance of West Indies cricket that presented its extensive report, widely referred to as the Patterson Report, to the WICB in October, 2007. He has since complained that its most critical points have never been implemented.
Gonsalves also put himself forward “to assist in any appropriate capacity”, noting that there were other qualified persons in both the public and private sectors who could be called on.
He noted that he had been “centrally involved”, along with former Antigua and Barbuda prime minister Baldwin Spencer and Patterson, in resolving “the celebrated standoff” between the WICB and former captain Chris Gayle in 2012. Gayle was not picked for West Indies for 15 months because of the dispute.
Gonsalves suggested four main subjects for discussion between the WICB and his projected CARICOM group.
Two concern the specific issue of the abandonment of the India tour. They are the resolution of the current dispute between the WICB, the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and the players, and the settlement of the “many-sided tug-and-pull”
between the WICB and the BCCI.
Two are more general. They would concentrate on the sustainable funding of West Indies cricket and the renewal of dialogue between the WICB and CARICOM’s prime ministerial sub-committee on cricket on “further possible reforms in the management and administrative systems of WICB and West Indies cricket”.
Gonsalves expressed doubts that such “a huge and complicated matter” could be handled in an ad hoc manner or by the WICB alone.
“This is an extraordinary enterprise which takes us ‘beyond the boundary’,” he wrote. “The satisfactory and sustainable resolution of the composite problematic calls for exceptional leadership, a well-articulated strategic path and a bundle of wise and feasible tactical approaches.
“The ultimate goal is wrapped up in a process for the survival, consolidation and renaissance of West Indies cricket.”
West Indies cricket has been this way before.
CARICOM’s sub-committee on cricket, under prime minister Mitchell, brokered an end to a disagreement between the WICB and WIPA over players’ contracts when the
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Irish mobile phone company, Digicel, replaced Cable & Wireless, its main rival in the region, as sponsor. The row had threatened West Indies’ participation in a triangular ODI series in Australia in early 2005.
CARICOM again stepped in to secure a provisional agreement between the two sides that led to the 2009 strike for the home series against Bangladesh and the omission of the involved players from the subsequent Champions Trophy in South Africa. The accord allowed a full strength West Indies team to undertake a tour of three Tests and a triangular ODI series in Australia in 200910.
Caricom’s 32nd summit in St Kitts in 2011 mandated its cricket subcommittee to engage with WICB and WIPA while the two parties were involved in another one of their disputes.
In 2012, CARICOM was once more given the task of sorting out the controversy over the Guyana government’s replacement of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) with an Interim Management Committee. This issue has dragged on, causing scheduled Tests against Australia and New Zealand over the past three years to be shifted away from Guyana. (Cricinfo)
Founder of the Best of the Best Martial Arts School Quacuy Baveghems outperformed his competition at the Pan Caribbean International Martial Arts tournament in Trinidad earlier this month.
Baveghems is also a Grand Master and delivered the goods during the tournament that won him place honours in two categories. In the Grand Master traditional Kata category, Baveghems placed first in the Grand Master Kata category while winning the Grand Master Kumite (sparring) competition.
The diminutive Singh and Steven Jocobs the provided some stubborn resistance with an unbroken 50run partnership up until the interval.
Both Singh, who has 13 First-class games to his credit and Jacobs batted with commendable restraint to reach 36 and 27 respectively at the interval.
The pair batted through for most part of the final session with a mixture of aggression and watchful defence before Permaul broke the partnership with the wicket of Jacobs.
Singh continued to tick over the runs with his team requiring some 40 odd runs for a remarkable victory. However, soon after he recorded his hundred before Kemo Paul became Permaul’s fifth victim when he provided a regulation
catch to keeper Anthony Bramble.
Jason Sinclair joined Singh, but the latter innings came to an end when to give Permaul his sixth wicket.
Amie Khan and Sinclair were tasked with taking their team over the line with five runs off two overs which was achieved in the final over.
The second and final practice game is scheduled for November 4-7.
At the conclusion of that game the Guyana Jaguars team for the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Regional Four-Day Franchise Tournament which starts on November 14 will be selected.
The Regional four-day will be played on a home and away basis over 10 rounds from November 14, 2014 to
March 23, 2015.
The league format tournament will commence with three matches in the opening round in Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana. Each round will consist of three matches. Each team will play 10 matches, five at home and five away. The WICB Professional Cricket League comprises the Regional four-day tournament and the NAGICO Super50 Tournament which will be played in January 2015.
Guyana Jaguars will play their first three games at home, Leeward Islands Franchise from November 14-17, Windward Islands Volcanoes from November 21-24 and Barbados Franchise from November 28. All three matches will be played at the National Stadium.
While another member from Guyana, Trenton Coats was unable to place in the top three, Baveghems success is a direct result of his dedication at the sport.
Baveghems was grateful to the business community for their support in his success.
By Rajiv Bisnauth
Having been set an improbable target of 334 runs late on the penultimate day by Leon Johnson’s X1, survival would have been the key for Vishual Singh’s X1 batsman on the final day on Thursday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.
However, the skipper himself hit a brilliant hundred as his team pulled off a thrilling two-wicket win off the final over of the game.
Singh construct a commanding 109 off 242 balls with 11 fours and shared a 152-run stand with Steven
Jacobs for the sixth-wicket in order to complete the come from behind victory.
Singh’s X1 eventually reached 336-8 in 98.5 overs. Jacobs struck nine fours in his 68. Earlier Shemron Hetymer also contributed an even fifty to the winning total.
Resuming the final day on 29 without loss, Vishual Singh’s X1 were trailing the winning target of 334 by 305 runs.
Tagnarine Chanderpaul failed to add to his overnight score of 13, as he was bowled by left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul in the day’s third over. His fellow opener
In an attempt to gain the initiative in the standoff with its international players, WICB president Dave Cameron has sent a letter of reassurance to regional players, days before the domestic season starts.
Incidentally Cameron sent out the letter, which has been seen by ESPNcricinfo, the day before the WICB’s board of directors met to discuss the crisis arising out of West Indies players’ pullout from the India tour earlier this month over a paymentsstructure dispute.
It is clear that Cameron does not want the issue to impact the revamped first-class tournament, the Professional Cricket League (PCL), even as the international players, WICB and West Indies
Players Association (WIPA) start a fresh round of negotiations to resolve the deadlock.
Calling the PCL a “historic endeavour” in the two-page letter sent on October 20 to each of the 90 participating players, Cameron underlines one of the biggest benefits for the regional players is a guaranteed “stable” income including the scope for growth based on performance.
A part of the structural overhaul recommended earlier this year by WICB’s director of cricket Richard Pybus, the PCL will have six franchises - Barbados, Guyana Jaguars, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, and Windward Island Volcanoes - facing off between November 14 and March 23.
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Kandasammy Surujnarine found an able ally in Hetymer, adding 32 for the second wicket. But Surujnarine (35) was run out just as he was beginning to flourish.
The Berbician from Cumberland was joined by skipper Vishual Singh, and
collectively add 53 runs for the third wicket, with Hetymer been the assailant of the two, reaching his fifty off 50 balls.
He threaded the offside field well, taking every chance to pick up runs as his partner remained circumspect.
Hetymer slammed five fours and three sixes before he was removed three deliveries after reaching his fifty by Permaul, who was extracting bounce and turn in an extended spell in the prelunch session.
Singh was on 11 and new batsman Royston Crandon was yet to score when the session ended at 115-3. Crandon (3) was run out, along with Ricardo Adams (6), who surrendered his wicket to Permaul were both sent back to the dressing room soon after the interval.
As has become routine through its several crises over the past decade, the WICB has again been urged to seek the help of the inter-governmental Caribbean Community
(CARICOM) in resolving potentially its most destructive dilemma yet. In a letter to WICB president Dave Cameron, addressed to ‘Your Excellency’ and dated October 23, St
Vincent and the Grenadines prime minister Ralph Gonsalves specifies the “preemptory and premature termination” of the West Indies tour of India. While recognising the “sole judicia-
ry authority of the WICB to address the mountain of difficulties at hand”, he recommended the urgent assembling of a three-member CARICOM group to help in finding “satisfactory ways out of the many-sided impasse”.
Gonsalves proposed that the group comprise Antigua and Barbuda prime minister Gaston Browne, who is also the current chairman of Caricom, Grenada’s prime minister Keith Mitchell and former Jamaica prime minister PJ Patterson. He cited the “profound interest in West Indies cricket” of Mitchell, a former Grenada player who has previously arbitrated in disputes between the two organisations, and Patterson’s “heroic historic engagements with West Indies cricket and the WICB [that] are legendary and productive”.