Kaieteur News

Page 2

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Speaker chides Govt. media over ‘false story’ on Opposition MP Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman has threatened to consider allegations of contempt against two governmentaffiliated media houses over what he described as the deliberate alteration of the comments of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Keith Scott during his budget debate presentation last Tuesday.

The news items had to do with Scott’s comments during the debate on the National Budget 2013, regarding the impacts of mining in the interior of Guyana.

Scott had complained to the speaker about a violation of privilege, accusing the media outlets – I-News Guyana (an online news outfit) and the Guyana Chronicle - of disrespecting him by the falsity of the articles they carried, which caused him to be seen in a negative light.

Speaker Trotman described the news items as offensive to both Scott and the National Assembly.

He said that following Scott’s complaint, which was made minutes after I-News’ hasty publication, he has since been able to peruse the relevant sections of the verbatim transcript of the

- threatens appropriate sanctions

APNU MP Keith Scott

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

MP’s presentation and is satisfied that what was stated by him is “an extremely far cry” from that which was stated in the news items of the media in question.

According to Trotman, despite his pronouncements on the matter on the very evening that it was brought to him, the situation was compounded by the publication of the same story in the Guyana Chronicle the following day, which has led him to believe that the two media entities work in tandem.

In a written ruling that was distributed to members of the National Assembly handed

down yesterday the Speaker recapped the exact words spoken by Scott (as supplied by the Hansard Department), followed by the words of the news story.

MR. SCOTT’S PORTION ON MINING “Mr. Speaker, mining is one of the traditional pillars of our economy. The Minister gushes that gold production has reached unprecedented levels. More jobs he claims will be created. What he has not told us is the real cost of this money to the society as a whole. Go to internet and Google “Major General Ret’d Joe Singh”, the pictures you

will see of our rivers will show the unbelievable discoloration and damage to our river banks as a result of dredging and other mineral extraction in the interior. A few days ago we saw the deadly effect of the outbreak of water borne diseases in Region 1 as residents of Port Kaituma struggled to contend with polluted water from the river.

There is a quote, “only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, the last fish has been caught will we realize that we cannot eat money”.

Tell us then Mr. Minister since gold production was the highest in history, even 20.8 percent higher than last year, how much will we set aside from this wealth to clean up our rivers? How do you intend to restore our river banks and how do you plan to enhance the capacity of the environmental protection agency and other environmental forces so they can adequately police mining operations ensuring that best international safety practices are maintained so that the residents can live in a clean and safe environment? Show us how some of the wealth extracted will be used to help the small man enjoy a better standard of living.”

FROM THE I-NEWS STORY “The opposition A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Keith Scott today launched an attack on miners and other operators in the mining sector, accusing them of destroying Guyana and the lives and dwelling of Guyanese.

During his presentation on Budget 2013 Debate, Scott claimed that miners continue to rape Guyana of its natural resources, while destroying waterways, fishes and trees.

He has also demanded firmer action by the authorities against miners.

Scott also called for more resources for the EPA and other agencies to effectively carry out their mandate.

Meanwhile, the miner’s association representatives have reportedly taken the APNU MP to task, demanding an apology. The association reportedly intends to write APNU about the “unfounded accusations”.

STATEMENTS ALTERED According to the Speaker, it is pellucid that both the content and context of Scott’s statements have been altered.

“There is no reference to the words “destroy” and “rape” that are used in parenthesis by the publishers. Further, the alteration is so vast that the explanation of a grammatical slip, or misinterpretation, will be too incredulous and unbelievable to be acceptable. There is no doubt in my mind that the Honourable Member’s words were deliberately altered to create a negative impression of him. This, in my opinion, is offensive both to him, and to this august House,” Trotman declared.

He noted that as Speaker, he recognizes that the Press, as the proverbial “fourth estate” has a critical and irreplaceable role in guarding our democracy, and that in doing so, no fetters should be placed on its ability to discharge its responsibilities.

“I juxtapose this truism against the privileged rights and responsibilities of representative assemblies the world over. There is an obvious tension between the two – some may even say a “necessary tension;” with each acting as a countervailing force and check and balance on the other,” the Speaker stated.

However he pointed out

that in its zeal to bring information to the public, particularly of persons in public office, the press actions must still be circumscribed by laws, social norms and professional ethics.

Likewise, in its quest to provide full and unadulterated representation to constituents, Members of Parliament must be aware that this privilege must however not be abused or taken for granted and that they are, as elected officials, and representatives of the people, “fair game” in the eyes of the press, Trotman argued.

Therefore, he said, a balance has to be found between what is permissible in the context of free speech and the protection of the privileged rights of the National Assembly.

“I believe that Members of Parliament must not only be aware of the protections afforded them, but must be able to feel its protective cloak when needed. Guyana is by no means singular and unique as it grapples with this perennial issue, which issue has become exacerbated in the digital and technological age,” the Speaker said.

In concluding, the Speaker said that he found that the publishers of I-News and the Guyana Chronicle have violated the privileged rights of the opposition Member of Parliament.

He ordered a full and unqualified apology, and that a retraction of the story must be made at the same level and manner of publicity as was given to the “false story” by today.

“Should the publishers fail to abide by this ruling, the House will be moved at the earliest opportunity to consider allegations of contempt against the publishers and to recommend an appropriate sanction,” the Speaker said.

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 3

Two dead, one injured as car slams into utility pole Two young men were killed and a teenage girl injured at around 02:45 hrs yesterday when the car in which they were traveling slammed into a utility pole after swerving off the roadway near New Hope, East Bank Demerara.

The lifeless bodies of Denzil Thomas, 24, of Coverden, East Bank Demerara and Quincy David, 21, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, were retrieved from the rear seat of the vehicle, PFF 204, which had ended up in a yard after hitting the pole and ploughing through a concrete and metal fence.

Quincy David was employed at the Bounty Supermarket outlet at Grove, East Bank Demerara, while Thomas operated a shop at Coverden.

A third passenger, 16year-old Amanda Lloyd, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, sustained minor injuries and was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

A relative said that she was expected to be discharged shortly.

Kaieteur News understands that the driver of the vehicle, as well as a brother who was sitting next to him, in the front passenger seat, escaped with minor injuries.

According to reports, one of the siblings accompanied the injured Amanda Thomas to the GPHC, but subsequently disappeared.

He reportedly only turned up at the Grove Station after police had detained his brother. Both men are now in custody, though there are reports that the siblings have both denied being at the wheel at the time of the crash.

Kaieteur News confirmed that the men are cousins of one of the deceased passengers, Denzil Thomas.

The accident occurred near a turn where a resident, who had lived there since childhood, said some 20 fatalities have occurred over the past several years.

It is believed that the driver lost control as he was negotiating the same deadly turn while heading back from Georgetown.

A police release stated that the driver was allegedly proceeding at a fast rate, when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a utility pole and a concrete fence.

Kaieteur News was told that the siblings had picked up Thomas and David in the vicinity of the Timehri minibus park in Georgetown, some hours earlier. The young men, along with Amanda Lloyd, were heading back home when the driver veered off the roadway and crashed into a pole and a fence on the western side.

IMPACT SHOOK

- driver, brother detained The damaged car

Dead: Denzil Thomas

Dead: Quincy David The vehicle slammed into the base of the utility pole

The damaged fence

HOUSE New Hope resident Ramnaresh Rangasammy told Kaieteur News that he was awakened at around 02:45 hrs by a loud impact that shook his house. On looking outside he saw that a car had smashed down part of his fence. He said that he saw a male figure, whom he assumed was the driver, standing near the vehicle.

According to the resident, the man then assisted a male passenger, who was in the front seat, out of the car. Residents then arrived and removed the bodies of the two young men, later identified as Denzil Thomas and Quincy David, from the rear seat.

He said that a female passenger, who was moaning, was also lifted from the back seat.

A taxi driver, accompanied by one of the men from the wrecked car, took the young woman to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital. Kaieteur News understands that the girl was sitting between David and Thomas when the vehicle crashed.

She was subsequently transferred to the GPHC, while a hearse transported the bodies to the Lyken/Newburg Funeral Parlour.

Donna Peters, the mother of the detained men, said that she was informed via phone call that her sons had been involved in an accident.

Ms. Peters said that she immediately contacted the elder son, Curtis, on his mobile phone, and received confirmation about the mishap.

“I asked what happened and he said that Deion (his brother) hysterical and Curtis said that he (Curtis) get knocked in his face and that they were at Hope (East Bank Demerara). Then he say that two passengers on the ground and they look like they dead.” Ms. Peters said that she was unsure which of her sons was driving.

CALL FROM FEMALE FRIEND Kaieteur News was told that Quincy David had lived with an aunt, Beverly Marshall, ever since his mother passed away some eight years ago.

A distraught Ms. Marshall told Kaieteur News that her nephew received a call from a female at around 02:00 hrs yesterday, and then told her that he was going out. She gave him the house keys so he could let himself in when he returned.

At around 03:00 hrs,

someone called and informed Quincy’s aunt that he was involved in an accident.

“I went to the police station and they say that he at Diamond (the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital).”

She said that the hospital staffers did not allow her to see her nephew “but a girl who was with me went in…then she said ‘I don’t want you to cry, but Quincy dead.’” Ms. Marshall said she was then allowed inside and she saw the bodies of her nephew and his friend, Denzil Thomas. A c c o r d i n g t o information she received, Quincy David was waiting at the Timehri Park for a bus when he was offered a lift home in the car.

And a female relative of Denzil Thomas said that he had accompanied another relative to Georgetown at around 02:00 hrs.

Like Quincy David, they were reportedly awaiting transportation near the Timehri minibus park when Thomas’ cousins, Deion and Curtis Peters, offered them a lift in their car.

Kaieteur News understands that Thomas’ relative managed to board a minibus, while Thomas entered the car.

Page 4

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Whither the Truth Commission?

Even though all three Parliamentary parties unanimously expressed their strong opinion that Guyana needs a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission”, there have been no demands for allocations in the present budget to establish such an entity. This can only mean that the politicians were only mouthing words they felt the populace wanted to hear.

But those words express a sentiment that goes to the heart of the dilemma our country faces in our search for a road to even higher levels of sustainable growth that would enable the full potential of our people to flower. Such growth demands that all our people see the country as a joint venture and work together to develop it.

Our dilemma is that we have never truly moved away from the effects of the violent conflicts of our recent and not so recent past. In our case, we can appreciate William Faulkner’s aphorism that ‘our past isn’t even past.”

Consequently, we remain trapped in an infinitely regressive series of accusations as to ‘who did what to whom, and when?” In every single engagement between our politicians, whether it be the set pieces in Parliament, the tentative “Tripartite Talks” or the press conferences and interviews mediated through the media, the past inevitably rears its head, bares its fangs, and ensures that skittish minds become even more paranoid.

We can debate all we want about budgets in Parliament, but unless we alleviate the reflexive assumptions that each side is about “to do the other side in”, we will never achieve the double-digit growth rates that are necessary for us to catch up with even the rest of the region within a decade.

The question of politicians’ motives loom very large: even though the issue had been well ventilated in the media witness the Plaisance community’s assumption that the tower being erected for e-governance was not in their interest because they were not consulted.

As we have pointed out several times in the past decade, the experts have delineated four main goals of Truth Commissions (TCs), each of which is very apropos to our predicament. Firstly, TCs seek to contribute to a transitional period of lessened rancour by ‘creating an authoritative record of what happened’. Only this week, for instance, Mayor Hamilton Green and Dr. David Hinds were engaged in a debate as to what exactly did Mr. Eusi Kwayana call for in the sixties: ‘partition’ or ‘shared governance’.

Secondly, TCs provide a forum for victims to tell their stories and obtain some form of redress. As a result of the crime spree that transfixed the country and brought the East Coast of Demerara to its knees, whole villages feel victimised and harbour great resentment that their losses, material and psychic were never repaid. The police, for instance, have recently tried to initiate a structured relationship with the village of Buxton, but unless those villagers and the police have an opportunity to tell their stories without recrimination and sanctions, the suspicions will continue to colour the relationship.

Thirdly, TCs seek to recommend legislative, structural or other changes to avoid a repetition of past excesses and abuses. In the same period of violence alluded to above, we are sure that the residents want to be assured that their experience of arbitrary searches and arrests by elements of the police force are a ‘thing of the past’. The Minister of Home Affairs has recently announced an initiative that purports to address those concerns, but because they were initiated unilaterally - without the villagers’ expression of their fears - there will always remain suspicions as to whether the police have really been ‘reformed’.

Finally, TCs seek to establish responsibility and provide a measure of accountability for the perpetrators of excesses.

There are, for instance, numerous victims of the violence of the gunmen in the crime-wave who still harbour tremendous resentment for the attention paid to the violations of the latter’s ‘rights’ while they are ‘taken for granted’. They pressure their political representatives to be less ‘flexible’ and the cycle of distrust continues.

Let us introduce a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in this budget debate.

Friday April 05, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news

Do not misjudge the role of the TUC DEAR EDITOR, Response is made to letter, “Freddie, Lincoln and the grand promise of concession from a zero sum player” Kaieteur News, April 3, 2013. The letter under focus is that of a voice that has taken objection to the March 7 Guyana Trades Union Congress’ (TUC) engagement with Sam Hinds, in his capacity as Leader of Government business in the National Assembly.

It is instructive to note that the fixation of telling the TUC how to manage its interest does not: 1) address/ understand the constitutional role and social responsibility of the TUC, 2) offer alternative (s) to securing “the right and the duty to work” for Guyanese as it relates to contracts signed by the State, which are really signed on behalf of the People of Guyana, and come under the purview of the Executive arm of government, 3) come up with cogent reason (s) why the TUC must not talk with the government’s side in the National Assembly even as the opposition is presently engaging in said talks as evident in the Budget debates, and 4) attack the TUC for talking to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) who was also present at the meeting.

Notably, current effort to misrepresent and demonise the TUC efforts to secure the rights of the citizens is not dissimilar in nature, antics and authorship to the tactic used against Desmond Hoyte in his struggle to end

executive lawlessness. And while the TUC is not fazed and will relent from its pursuit, it needs to be said the TUC is not an outlaw organisation that is involved in guerilla warfare. It is an organisation that operates within the ambit of laws and universal principles and of which collective bargaining is crucial to the pursuant of its goals.

So to say to the TUC that it should not engage an employer or principal decision-maker is to take away a key instrument that gives meaning to the trade union existence on behalf of the people.

Those who have a problem with the TUC talks, the TUC is not averse to suggestion (s) to achieve the goal (the right and the duty to work), but such must be buttressed by universal principles and guided by the nation’s constitution.

This country faces myriad problems and it works to the people’s best interest when matters of national import seek to offer solutions built on universal principles and integrity.

Too many are looking for work and those who project themselves as caring about the national good have a moral and civic responsibility to avoid double standards or playing games with the people’s wellbeing.

If the efforts undertaken by the TUC to arrive at consensus in securing the nation’s sovereignty and the citizens’ rights are torpedoed, the proponents against talks must take responsibility for any excuse given by the

executive or their agent for the non-employment of Guyanese on projects the taxpayers are funding.

Clearly, these persons, by their very actions are giving the Executive the needed coverage to continue the utlisation of this discriminatory policy. For genuine commitment and interest in this matter would see persons coming together and demanding the citizens’ rights be respected and vow to hold those responsible so accountable.

Lest it be forgotten, it is the Executive and their agents that are entrusted the responsibility to sign contracts on behalf of the people. And even as the argument for nonengagement heats up, it is hoped the time is taken by persons to note and reflect on the news that the Executive is presently moving to contract China Railway First Group Co. Ltd (China Rail) to build the Amaila Falls.

Apart from this project subjecting taxpayers to grave financial burden and receiving criticisms for its viability, the citizens may have to confront another battle of being sidelined for employment. At best it is

hoped the outcries following the exclusion of our labour in the construction of the Marriott would serve as a deterrent to future acts of this nature.

And to the suggestions made as to what the TUC should have discussed at the meeting, many of the very issues were attended to and would have been evident were the joint press statement, news and recording of the meeting viewed andread.

On the University of Guyana, the TUC is ably represented at the Council by the Principal of the Critchlow Labour College, who is one voice among scores.

However, the advancement of this institution is not only the responsibility of the TUC, but each and every one of us, taking an interest in quality education as a prerequisite for nation building.

The same can be said of the Ethnic Relations Commission, as we are all involved and must equally carry out our civic duty.

Finally, the preservation of the nation’s sovereignty and the people’s rights are not the sole responsibility of the TUC; it is responsibility of every Guyanese.

Lincoln Lewis

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 5

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Dale Bisnauith, a gentleman and a patriot DEAR EDITOR, Gentleman and Former Minister Dale Bisnauth died (today) April 4, 2013. I received the sad news at 6:33 am from Khemraj Ramjattan, my party leader.

Guyana has once again lost another truly great son, author, reverend and patriot. Personally I have lost a father figure.

I had planned on my next visit to Guyana to seek an audience with him and to seek copies of his publications including “Cavorting with the Beast”.

We shared many a good time before and after the 1992 General and Regional Elections.

We discussed things and had many arguments over cricket and the administration of Sports in Guyana on the advent of the PPP/C Administration in 1992.

Dale used to thoroughly enjoy my wife’s bhoungal pork.

On coming to office Dale took me on many of his outreach tours and would, unannounced, ask me to speak on youth and sports matters. After my presentations he would pontificate and deliver his decisive messages with clarity which I enjoyed. There was always some measure of

banter in his presentations.

Little did I know that through this measure he was assessing my qualifications to be appointed as his Director Of Sports.

He offered me the position four times and I declined every time as I knew the position of the Party boys to have Neend Kumar appointed to the position and I did not want Dale to have to counter them. After he finally accepted my position he told me that he would then advertise the position which he did.

Dale was a tremendous Minister of Education, Sports and Culture in those epoch making period of the PPP/C coming to power. He stood out as a calm, educated bright and absolutely ready individual for the task of nation building and he managed to mix his religion with his practice of politics with clarity and love.

My sincerest condolences to his wife, Pat, and his offspring, family and friends. I know that this is a severe body blow to his nephew, Phulandar Kandhai.

May his grand soul rest in peace and here is a cricket ball Buddy! Peace!

Lionel Peters

Region Three Chairman responds to Kaieteur News Article DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me to respond to an article captioned “Opposition councilors give “disrespectful” Region Three Chairman silent treatment” published in the Kaieteur News’s April 4, 2013 edition.

The article states that “A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member, Kathlene Armstrong, was last month denied privilege to speak at meetings when she reportedly spoke to the chairman about his dismissive attitude towards opposition members.”

Editor, allow me to clarify that statement. Councilor Armstrong raised issues about me being disrespectful to fellow councilors and she had been asked to cite the instances but refused.

After she refused I had asked her to issue an apology for her derogatory statements but she further refused hence a motion was moved to debar her from speaking until she apologised for her behaviour.

A vote was then taken in

which 12 Peoples Progressive Party councilors voted in favor against 8 opposition councilors.

After the motion I subsequently held a meeting in the Boardroom of my office with the Opposition Member of Parliament, John Adams, and he had asked Ms. Armstrong to apologise but she stated she prefers to resign rather than apologise.

To date she has not apologised hence she was debarred and remains debarred from speaking at any meetings.

The article went on to say that opposition councilors concerns are not addressed but very often when they raise issues within the Region it is usually referred to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) or the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) deals with it based on funds remaining after the RDC would have completed its work programme.

In most of the cases raised, the opposition councilors are not giving

specific information on the issues presented. Other issues that were raised were related to the Sub-Committees that are a part of the RDC hence opposition members were advised to discuss it at that level where decisions will be taken and then presented at RDC meetings.

One example where councilors are misrepresenting the facts is at Aliki where the region built a ramp to accommodate residents but one Alliance For Change (AFC) Councilor Harry Narine Deokinandan reported that there was no ramp.

On many instances APNU and AFC councilors would stand up and make presentations that are not factual and when advised they continue to speak without allowing the me to make my presentation. I would have to resort to reminding them of the protocols of the meeting

which states under ACT 12 of 80 “that whenever the Chairman of the RDC stands up to make a presentation every other councilor ought to sit and make way for the chairman presentations.”

The opposition councilors are very rude and disrespectful at the meetings and being the Chairman I will not tolerate any councilor to disrupt my meetings.

Also allow me to address the part of the article which states that opposition councilors are not aware of the Region’s business.

I would just state that all opposition councilors are on the Sub-Committees and they are equally involved in the Region’s business.

In conclusion I would just say that the performance of the region for the year 2012 was 99.5 per cent and not poor as motioned by the opposition in the article.

Regional Chairman Julius Faerber

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.

Page 6

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Use of NICIL and the Constitution

DEAR EDITOR, The two topical issues the behaviour of NICIL and the extant deficiencies in and abuse of the constitution trigger this comment.

It has been established that NICIL was the creation of Mr. Carl Grennidge. Mr. Grennidge and the party he represents, in hindsight, appear to disagree with the manner in which the finances that fall under the responsibility of this private government company are being utilized by the company’s representative or

representatives.

The perceived loopholes in the constitution appear to have afforded those who were clothed with the mantle of the presidency to use all the privileges it seems to have afforded them. Thus far, they have been elusive in their accountability for their decisions.

Neither the designers of these instruments – the NICIL Act and the Constitution - nor those mandated to use their powers considered what it would have been like if the shoes were on the other feet.

That understanding was only recognized and vilified after the fact.

This comment seeks not to align or vilify neither the designers nor the users but simply to bring to the attention of the public some concepts though founded in the social sciences are applicable to life and political life in particular.

The concept of bounded rationality states that decision makers (irrespective of their level of intelligence) have to work under three unavoidable constraints:

1. only limited, often unreliable, information is available regarding possible alternatives and their consequences; 2. human mind has only limited capacity to evaluate and process the information that is available, and 3.only a limited amount of time is available to make a decision.

Therefore even individuals who intend to make rational choices are bound to make satisfying (rather than maximizing or optimizing) choices in

complex situations.

These limits (bounds) on rationality also make it nearly impossible to draw up contracts that cover every contingency and thus necessitate reliance on rules of thumb.

The second concept is what Murphy’s Law advocates and that is if anything can go wrong it will.

According to Jim Camp, whose work I refer to as the third concept is that

decisions are emotional, not logical.

Simply put, all decisions hold the possibility of producing unintended consequences and the decision maker/s must always consider potential positive and negative outcomes of their decisions especially if those decisions are made under the influence of a variety of emotional dispositions.

Hubert C. Roberts

The Honourable Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Hinds Wights Lane Kingston Georgetown

DEAR SIR, Reunion Manganese Inc. is in the process of selling off the scrap iron that is located at its Matthew’s Ridge and other sites, an operation I know you are aware of. Mrs. Glynnis Beaton, Office Manager/Site Administrator is in charge of this operation Information has surfaced that gross financial irregularities have taken place against the State and the people of Matthew’s Ridge.

A contract to purchase the scrap was secured by Mr. Stephen Persaud, owner of the “On the Go” Gas Station situated at Nismes, West Bank, Demerara.

A manager’s cheque for the sum of $37 million was sent to Mrs. Beaton in lieu of payment for the scrap iron.

The cheque was returned to Mr. Persaud (twice), instructing him to have the

cheque prepared in the name of one Joe Brown. However, Mr. Persaud told the sender that he can only prepare the cheque in the name of the Company.

Information has also been revealed that one member of the company has received from Mr. Persaud $500,000 as “kick back” money to facilitate the purchase of the scrap iron.

On December 31, 2012, a named individual collected from Mr. Persaud $100,000.

This matter should be thoroughly investigated; $37 million is a large sum of money which should be used for the development of the people of Matthew’s Ridge. There are other alleged financial irregularities going on at Reunion Manganese Inc. NB: During her tenure at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), it is alleged that a woman now associated with this manganese company was under serious investigation for financial irregularities.

Concerned Citizen

DEAR EDITOR, During last month a former President of Zambia, Rupiah Banda, was stripped of immunity from prosecution thus paving the way for investigations into allegations of his abuse of office, corrupt acquisition of public property and misappropriation of public funds.

During March as well, a former President of Guatemala, Rios Montt, who also had immunity, was being tried on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity

in relation to massacres of the civilian population in the Mayan heartland.

It is interesting to recall that Montt was supported by the US Government and that with regard to the a l l e g a t i o n s made then against Montt, President Reagan opined that Montt was receiving “a bum rap”.

But back to the prospects/ fate of a similar or related kind, of former Presidents; it is open to speculation as to which former President is next.

Rashleigh E. Jackson

A letter to the Prime Minister

Stripped of presidential immunity

Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out. - Stephen Covey

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

- says plea deal not likely, wants trial postponed again Embattled EZjet executive, Sonny Ramdeo, who is set to face fresh fraud charges, has asked that his trial be delayed further so that his lawyer can prepare.

Ramdeo, who was arrested in a Bronx, New York basement late last year by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after being on the run for months, was scheduled to face trial around April 22, according to court documents filed Tuesday by his lawyer, Valentin Rodriguez.

Settlement by a plea agreement is not likely at the moment, the court documents said.

Ramdeo, who is accused of stealing US$20M from his US employer, Promise Healthcare Inc., beginning in 2005, is likely to face more charges under additional indictments to be filed by prosecutors.

He had allegedly used some of the money to bolster the operations of EZjet, an airline he founded and launched late 2011 to operate the Timehri and New York route.

On Tuesday, Rodriguez in a motion filed asking for the April 22 date to be pushed back, said that his client has agreed to waive his rights to a speedy trial, paving the way for this development.

Ramdeo had initially appeared in a New York court where he agreed not to fight moves by prosecutors to have him transferred to Florida, another US state, to face fraud charges.

According to the court documents, Rodriguez, in arguing for more time to prepare for Ramdeo’s defence, said that the case is a complex one.

“While the charges involve only wire fraud, the genesis of this action revolves around the Defendant’s role as a payroll manager, his alleged ownership of a separate payroll tax service used by Promise Healthcare and its affiliates, and his ownership interest in a charter air service that was apparently receiving funds from the payroll tax service.”

The court documents also

Embattled EZjet executive, Sonny Ramdeo listed numerous bank records (from no less than a dozen bank accounts) that are still being reviewed.

Ramdeo’s lawyer also said he has hired a certified fraud examiner to assist in the process, and is still reviewing documents in the possession of the Government.

In asking for the trial date to be shifted further back, the lawyer also said that prosecutors have signaled intentions “to have prepared a superseding indictment, which may add different charges that require

Former Education Minister, Dr. Dale Bisnauth passes on

Reverend Dr. Dale Bisnauth, one of Guyana’s former Ministers of Education and Labour, Human Services and Social Security, died at around 02:00 hrs yesterday following a heart attack. At the time, the 76-year-old was a patient at the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI), having been admitted there just hours before.

Dr. Bisnauth, a father of seven, grandfather of 11 and two great grandchildren, had been suffering from a heart ailment over a prolonged period.

He served as Minister of Education from 1992-2001, and that Ministry via a press release yesterday said that “Dr. Dale Bisnauth served our country well. Guyana is grateful. The Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand and officers and Staff of the Ministry of Education, would like to express sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Dr. Dale Bisnauth, Former Minister of Education.”

The statement also noted that with the passing of Dr. Bisnauth who was also a writer, it is evident that Guyana has lost a good son “…one who lived his life in service and whose love for humanity manifested itself in tangible contributions to our

The late, Reverend Dr. Dale Bisnauth dear Guyana and her people.”

The Primary Education Improvement Project, the design and implementation of the Secondary School Reform Project, the initiative of the Basic Education Access to Management Support Programme, and the introduction of Board Management at the Cyril Potter College of EducationSenior Secondary Schools and Technical Institutions, were named as just a few of the successful initiatives undertaken by Dr. Bisnauth during his tenure as Minister of Education.

Following that, Dr. Bisnauth served as Labour, Human Services, and Social Security Minister between

2002 and 2004.

Dale Arlington Bisnauth was born in rural Guyana in 1936. His parents and grandparents were farmers.

He attended the Unity Theological College of the West Indies (Jamaica), where he was trained for the ministry of the Guyana Presbyterian Church, having been converted from his Hindu background to Christianity at age 15. Dr. Bisnauth was a minister of religion for more than three decades. He served in the regional and world ecumenical movements, and worked in Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados. He was also the secretary of the Caribbean Council of Churches.

He is the author of a book called “The Settlement of Indians in Guyana: 18901930”, in which he wrote history from the perspective of the working classes and focused on the contribution of those who came from the Indian lower castes to the making of a dynamic IndoGuyanese culture.

His other works include a short History of the Guyana Presbyterian Church in 1979 and the History of Religions in the Caribbean in 1989.

Bisnauth has been described as a man who has been strongly committed to social justice.

additional preparation for the defence.”

Accordingly, the Defendant would also then be entitled to a continuance to prepare the case for trial, and to file any pretrial motions in that regard.

“Settlement via a plea agreement, at this time, is not foreseeable,” the lawyer said in the motion for continuance.

EZjet fell into financial troubles late last year, and unable to pay its creditors, was suspended by authorities in Guyana, US, Canada and Trinidad in December.

Ramdeo himself had been facing accusations of fraud and was on the run for

Page 7

months from the FBI before agents nabbed him in a Queens, New York basement.

Ramdeo is accused of embezzling US$20M from Promise Healthcare Inc. and Success Healthcare Group, a US hospital chain where he worked as the payroll supervisor.

As the payroll supervisor for both companies, Ramdeo managed the payroll for more than 3,500 employees in hospitals nationwide.

Federal officials say Ramdeo incorporated PayServ Tax Inc., and told the hospital chains he would handle the transfer of local, state and federal payroll taxes to the proper agencies on

their behalf. Instead, authorities say, he kept the money. In October last year, Promise Healthcare filed a lawsuit accusing Ramdeo of embezzling more than US$5M to keep his airline afloat.

Ramdeo, 35, started EZjet in late 2011, as the cheaper alternative to fly on the New York to Guyana route.

However, from the onset there had been questions over the source of Ramdeo’s finances for the airline which at first glance seemed unable to maintain itself based on the low fares. Government had continuously defended EZjet’s presence, saying that the market was badly in need of such an airline.

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 9

ENGAGEMENT WITH CIVIL SOCIETY SHOULD NOT BE A ONE-OFF, ONCE-A-YEAR AFFAIR Civil society stakeholders need to demand some respect from the government. It was the PPP government that launched the National Stakeholders’ process, but this has turned out to be a very disappointing mechanism.

Meetings of the stakeholders seem to be only convened mainly when the government is in a bind and needs support. The best example of this was a few years ago when the Lusignan Massacre took place. A meeting of civil society stakeholders was hurriedly summoned and came out with a statement calling for support for efforts to end the shocking spate of crimes.

That served the government well, because they achieved at the meeting a national consensus condemning crime. After that meeting, which was also attended by the opposition, there were no regular engagements with the stakeholders.

Civil society in Guyana is weak and it is divided, but this does not mean that it should allow itself to be treated like a cloth of convenience by the government. The various stakeholders should demand greater respect and insist on a sustained process of interaction and involvement with the government.

These periodic meetings held at the behest of the government, and mainly

when the government needs support on some issue, is highly disrespectful to civil society.

The latest meeting was about the 2013 Budget and was held this week. It comes at a time when the opposition is threatening to institute cuts to the document. The alleged support which the Budget received from civil society stakeholders will no doubt be waved in front of the opposition to demonstrate that the opposition’s proposed actions are not in sync with the views of the country’s civil society.

But what happens after this meeting? Will civil society have to wait until another year before they are again summoned or will they have to wait until a crisis emerges?

There was great optimism when Donald Ramotar assumed the presidency. He was warmly congratulated from unexpected sources after his first meeting with national stakeholders. He was complimented as being a good listener. There comes a time when, of course, one has to both listen and act. Sadly there has been no sustained process that would have allowed for regular meetings with civil society stakeholders and for these stakeholders to be involved directly in national development.

It is not too late to rescue these expectations. Civil society wants to play a role in governance and there is an

Dem boys seh...

De government tun to obeah De government come prepare fuh de budget debate this year. Last year de opposition do fuh dem and cut certain vote suh that when people did expect money none was there.

That is how dem get fuh stop de billions of dollars that de Ministry of Health use to release to Barbie; that is how dem stop de money from disappearing inside de Specialty Hospital; that is how dem straighten up de Ethnic Relations Commission; and that is how dem manage to find out that some people in Hen See Hen use to thief like if dem didn’t have tomorrow.

Dem boys seh that de government didn’t tek chance this year. Dem travel to some serious place like Haiti and Suriname. Dem even bring de big man from Haiti. De government was tekking no chance wid de vote and de budget.

De fuss thing that happen is that one of de opposition members had to miss parliament. And this happen as soon as she skin up de radio licence situation. Up to now the woman still can’t come to parliament because she had to look after she sick husband.

If this lady remain absent then whenever dem get a vote pun any aspect of de budget somebody gun have to do de split but de government want to mek sure that dem ain’t tie no vote. Donald and Luncheon mek a long distance call to Haiti. Rob Earth call Suriname.

Right away de thing bear fruit. Another member collapse and had to get rush to hospital. This thing does only deal wid people heart. Nigel had heart problem and this other MP get heart problems. He in hospital.

Now all dem opposition people frighten; dem suh frighten that dem ain’t even want vote when is time fuh de budget pass.

important role. Civil society needs to be engaged and should be.

The government should therefore commit to meeting more regularly - say once every four months - in a plenary session with civil society leaders. But as part of this process there should be a continuous engagement between civil society and government that would see them working together on identified initiatives.

Four possible areas of cooperation spring to mind immediately: crime-fighting, dredging the Demerara harbour, improving the physical state of Georgetown and moving towards a living wage.

Civil society has an important contribution to

make in all four of these areas and the government should ask them to work with it to meet certain defined objectives in all three of these areas.

Crime is a real problem in Guyana.

It is costly to the economy; it affects Guyana’s international image and is therefore a problem that affects tourism and investment. There is no reason why civil society cannot contribute to reducing crime in the country.

The Demerara harbour must be dredged. It is costly to shipping lines to navigate our harbour at the moment.

This extra cost is passed on to consumers.

Having the harbour dredged will allow for bigger

vessels to come in and this will reduce shipping costs tremendously, which will mean cheaper goods. This is a major project that requires skilled expertise and the private sector has both an interest and the expertise to assist. Civil society should be involved here.

Georgetown is in a mess and government alone cannot shoulder the burden of putting it right.

If civil society agrees, there can be an effort to bring order to Georgetown.

Trade unions are an important part of civil society and they will support efforts for a progressive unification of the minimum wage with a living wage. For too long this issue has being neglected.

Real increases in wages have

been marginal over the years and this means that the earnings of ordinary workers are not sufficient.

The private sector also has an interest in a living wage because if it is set too high, it could mean the ruin of their businesses.

There is no reason why civil society cannot therefore come together and set a living wage and also make recommendations as to how to unify the minimum wage with this living wage.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Freddie Kissoon Column

A strange letter in the hands of Aubrey Norton During cross examination in the libel suit Bharrat Jagdeo brought against me, Roger Luncheon told the court that Region Ten Chairman, Mortimer Mingo, was offered a house lot by him, Dr. Luncheon, in Pradoville 2.

The revelation became a national scandal not only because Mingo was a part of the PNC’s leadership but as Region Ten Chairman, there was bound to be gossip about the motive for offering him a house lot. But in addition to these two dimensions, there was the sordid third one. Why would Luncheon offer and why would Mingo accept a house lot in Pradoville 2 that, with the exception of the army boss, Gary Best, consists of

the hierarchy of the PPP, including the Champion of God knows what?

That kind of information did hurt the PNC, but Mingo retains his position in the hierarchy of the PNC’s leadership. The Mingo thing was in 2010. Now in 2013, another Regional Chairman from the ranks of the PNC is about to walk into a controversy. On Wednesday morning while I was in the picket line with the Plaisance villagers demonstrating against the Government’s takeover of their community ground, Aubrey Norton showed me a letter. It was from the Office of the President addressed to the Region Four Chairman, Clement Corlette, informing

him on the construction of the towers for the e-governance project and requesting his support. Tacuma Ogunseye was standing next to me so he read the letter. Tacuma asked me what date was on the paper. I saw February 18, 2013. Aubrey said that Corlette told him he knew nothing of the project.

Corlette is quoted in both independent dailies as saying Region Four was not informed. How do you account for the letter?

Tacuma Ogunseye has a possible answer. He said that one explanation could be that the Office of the President did not send out the letter to Region Four, but now there is an irate Plaisance community on the road, the letter was

dispatched to Corlette.

So did Corlette receive the letter long before anger erupted in Plaisance or is Tacuma’s analysis the right one? I must admit there was a cynical tone in his voice when Tacuma spoke.

If Corlette knew before the community of Plaisance vented its frustration on Easter Monday, then Region Four has some explaining to do. There is no way the PNC and the Region Four administrators could placate the Guyanese people if Mr. Corlette knew that the Government of Guyana was going to take over the Plaisance Community Centre ground and he did not reject the venture, and accordingly advise the people of

Plaisance. The removal of a playfield would engender a confrontation in most countries around the world.

A community ground or a playfield is seen essentially as an outlet for aesthetic and psychological instincts.

Mothers want to go and play with their small kids.

Unemployed youths want to let off steam by using their machismo in football or cricket. After a hard day’s work, men want to drink and play dominoes. It is stupid, bordering on insanity, to stop a community from accessing their playfield which is situated in the heart of the village. Whoever came up with that idea is a fool but as all Guyanese know, fools are in charge.

What the protestors have told me is that since the completion of Pradoville 2, there have been consistent restrictions in the use of the community ground by the police, who the residents believe are acting on orders from the Government. If restrictions are in place already and there are no towers, then the Plaisance people fear that when the towers go up this will be the end to their community centre The protest is over. The protestors

told me that they are not waiting for the Government to come back and fill the monstrous hole the Chinese workers dug. I had suggested that the residents sign a petition and demand that the Office of the President send its workers to fill the hole. At the time of writing, some of the villagers are doing just that on their own time. One final point. Aubrey Norton, a resident of Plaisance told this newspaper that he expected support from APNU. I spent two full days on the picket line and apart from Norton and Tacuma Ogunseye, there was no presence from the political parties, pressure groups and other stakeholders.

Surely, we all should have been there to make our little contribution to the fight against dictatorship. In the end, the Plaisance people won their battle, and they did not lose the war either.

The relatives of a 49-yearold fisherman of Windsor Castle, Essequibo Coast, are calling on the police to carry out a thorough investigation into his death.

According to reports, the body of Calvert Paul was found somewhere in the Aruka River, Mabaruma, North West District, and was buried without any relative being notified.

The man’s reputed wife, Sandra Paul, told this publication that he left his sister’s Sophia residence to go to sea on March 25, last.

Paul said last Saturday morning she received a call from one of the man’s colleagues indicating that her husband had gone under water to check the boat’s propeller and never resurfaced. She added that the colleague told her that he would make further contact with her once her husband’s body was found.

To the woman’s surprise, when she called on Sunday at around noon, she was told that the remains had been found.

And while arrangements were being made for her to travel to the location, she said she was informed that the body had already been buried.

Mrs. Paul added that she contacted the Mabaruma Police Station, as she tried to get some information about her husband, but claimed that a rank there refused to give her information. The woman said he began questioning her about how she knew for a fact that the man who died was her husband. “The man just keep asking me how he could know for sure that I am the reputed wife and I told him that he (Calvert) has a tattoo with my name on his chest.”

According to Paul, even after pleading with the policeman, she was just callously told that her husband was already buried and nothing could be done.

The woman is now calling on the Force to carry out a thorough investigation as she would like to know what really happened leading up to her husband’s death. Paul added that she has not even heard from the owner of the vessel on which her husband worked, and neither have any of his personal belongings been handed over to her.

Further, she stated that from all indications the police at Eve Leary Headquarters have not been informed of the incident.

Frederick Kissoon

Relatives want thorough investigation into fisherman’s death

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

APNU bemoans lack of teachers in riverain areas With no specific programme of budgetary allocation to deal with schoolbased violence in place there remains a problem, which according to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Renis Morian, “has gone beyond and beyond” leaving officials within the Ministry of Education at their wits’ end.

The APNU’s Region 10 Representative’s remarks were forthcoming as he offered his contribution when the ongoing parliamentary debates on the 2013 budget continued Wednesday evening.

The budget provisions, according to Morian, are yet to address “the state of our teachers in the riverain areas. If you check the records in the month of December, teachers had to leave...roofs were blown off, steps collapsed, and a whole lot of things went wrong. There is nothing in the budget that speaks to improving the lack of teachers in the riverain areas”.

A passionate Morian insisted that the problem is an even greater one as he alluded to the importance of disaster preparedness.

He emphasised that the existing challenges cannot be fixed by political rhetoric, adding that “monies have to be spent; monies have to be committed to Regional Democratic Councils...to the people who are elected to serve the people who understand the nature of the problems.

We can’t stay in Georgetown and promote a budget with huge numbers but basically there is no output from such a budget,” said Morian as he questioned “Can I support a budget that speaks to my underdevelopment?”

However, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, as she rose to defend the 2013 budget

... while Minister stresses cooperation in nation’s forward thrust

APNU’s Region 10 Rep., Renis Morian

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

insisted that although there are evident challenges in the various sectors, there is need for “not the government alone, but for all of us to work together to build Guyana.

This is the Guyana that this 2013 budget will help us to advance.”

Taking a clever swipe at the parliamentary opposition, Manickchand insisted that highlighting shortcomings are a much easier task than working towards overcoming the prevailing challenges.

“I would be the first to tell you that if you want to find something wrong with a system come to the sector over which I have responsibility. When you are dealing with 10,000 teachers and 300,000 children in 1,000 schools you are bound to find something every single hour of every single day that is wrong in that structure. That is the way it is. That is what we are dealing with.”

The Minister said that it is for this reason that no attempt is ever made to resent constructive criticism, even as she added that there is always a crucial need for collaboration to overcome and move past challenges.

“First world countries will tell you that they have challenges...the United States of America... in some

places like Alabama they don’t have running water. But in recognising these challenges and in trying to overcome them it requires us to do more than ‘wax lyrical’ in this House.

We will have to put our shoulders to the wheel,” Manickchand firmly asserted.

She pointed out that much in the same way that Guyana will always remain below sea level “we will always have challenges of the kinds of needs if we are to become and sustain the status of a first world country.”

As such, she noted that the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, in his presentation of the budget, merely asked that “we overcome our challenges together and accelerate our gains for Guyana.”

Minister Manickchand affirmed that “I would be the first to say that if we were to combine our efforts – government and opposition – we could get more for the people than any one side by itself and so we call on the opposition in going forward.

There is time and there is space for this destructive behaviour that has gone hitherto to change.

There is space for us to hold hands and take all of Guyana’s peoples forward”.

Soesdyke children murder PI…

Reports to be submitted on April 29 The preliminary inquiry for John Blanchard was yesterday put off until April 29 when reports on the matter will be submitted.

The triple murder accused was told his new date by Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty after he made yet another appearance at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

Blanchard was told by Magistrate Mc Gusty that only a date was given since the previous Magistrate, Mr. Leslie Sobers, was no longer there. Blanchard is accused of killing his three children,

Joy, Belika and Daniel.

On October 11, 2011, Blanchard was detained for the chopping of his three young children which initially resulted in the death of two of t h e m i n o r s . B e l i k a Blanchard and her five-yearold brother Daniel Blanchard died instantly after reportedly being attacked by their father.

Six-year-old Joy Blanchard subsequently succumbed to her injuries.

The family resided at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

Meanwhile this

publication was informed that the previous Magistrate, Mr. Leslie Sobers, is no longer sitting on the bench at the Providence Magistrate’s Court as his time is up as a temporary Magistrate.

This publication was told that Magistrate Sobers was appointed a temporary Magistrate in 2010.

There has been no definitive word yet from the Judicial Service Commission on what will be next for Magistrate Sobers who was once into private practice as an attorney-at-law.

Page 11

Budget holds more incentives, concessions for tourism investment – Minister Ali Individuals and companies interested in investing in the tourism sector, either to erect an entertainment facility or provide transportation services, stand to benefit from additional incentives and concessions this year.

Tourism Minister and PPP Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali made this announcement to the National Assembly, on Tuesday, during his Budget 2013 Debate presentation, where he painted a picture of an optimistic future for the country’s emerging tourism sector.

He related that an Invest Guyana magazine will be prepared to provide a guide to those interested in doing business here. Additional research will be conducted on various aspects of the industry including trends, visitor flows, visitor expenditure, length of stay, and source markets. The findings will be shared with the private sector stakeholders that play an integral role in the industry.

Ali informed the Members of Parliament that his Ministry will put procedures and systems in place to facilitate and accelerate tourism development and expansion.

He noted, however, that for the industry to grow, the

necessary infrastructure such as transportation networks, energy, entertainment complexes, and Information, Communication and Technology should be available.

According to the Minister, his Ministry’s main agenda is to deliver Guyana as a destination that is a better place for a vacation, to invest, to do business, get a job, to retire and earn a living, for everyone. In the area of job creation, even at the Ministry level, additional specialist staff will be recruited in the areas of Social Media, Marketing, Proposal/ Grant Writing, Web Development, Researchers, and Product Development Specialists.

Cognizant that skills development and training are essential in the sector, in the absence of a hospitality institute, Ali said that a skills development programme is being coordinated in a fourpronged strategy.

He related that Guyana’s tourism brand is receiving more international attention with the country being positioned as a top eco- and sustainable tourism destination.

“Our Government is actively driving the establishment of a demandled, private sector-driven

economy, and in turn creating employment opportunities for the people of our country,” Ali said. It was noted that this year the Guyana Tourism Authority will focus on providing support to existing and emerging tourism businesses in accessing new and dynamic markets. There is strategic focus on North America, Caribbean South America and the BRICS countries.

The Minister noted that already, the first quarter of this year has recorded a number of accomplishments, including billions of dollars in international public relations; Raw TV is in Guyana filming an entire season of Gold Rush for Discovery Channel; and arrivals have increased by one percent despite exit of EasyJet and RedJet. He emphasized that Government is confident that this year Guyana will record over 20 percent increase in arrivals because for the first time all entries into the country through official border crossings and ports of entry will be registered.

It was noted that the Diaspora accounts for the largest share of visitors.

They play a critical role for tourism development and are the largest and most accessible target market.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

2013 Budget Debates…

Opposition slams unfair, “coordinated” attack by state media Opposition Leader, Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger, on Wednesday night urged House Speaker, Raphael Trotman, to write President Donald Ramotar on the issue of the manner of coverage of the 2013 budget debates by the state-owned Government Information Agency (GINA).

However, Government has refuted the allegations saying that the state’s television station, National Communications Network (NCN), has provided coverage of the debates which started on Tuesday.

The Speaker has since indicated that he will be talking to the editors of NCN. However, the combined opposition of the Alliance For

Change (AFC) and A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) are maintaining that it is not NCN alone that they are concerned about.

According to Opposition MPs, they have also been monitoring the continued “biased” coverage from government-affiliated media entities including GINA, NCN, GuyMedia, Inewsgy.com, MTV News Update, TVG Channel 28, Guyana Times and the Guyana Chronicle.

In most cases, the Opposition MPs said, these media houses have been carrying the government side.

Government also has at its disposal several radio

stations it issued to especially party’s members.

Last year during the 2012 National Budget deliberations, in protests of perceived biased coverage, the Opposition took away the subsidies of GINA and NCN. However, using its interpretation of a court ruling, government restored the monies.

GINA has several reporters working who filed stories and these in turn are disseminated via email to media houses across the country.

It is the content of these reports and the non-coverage that has Granger and the Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) displeased and dissatisfied.

They believed the stance by the government-affiliated media houses is part of a coordinated effort to sideline them.

Speaking shortly before the end of debates Wednesday night, Granger said that the Opposition is “quite disturbed” by the reports filed by GINA on the first day.

Both Housing Minister Irfaan Ali and APNU’s Shadow Finance Minister

Opposition Leader, David Granger

PPPC MP, Gail Teixeira

Carl Greenidge made presentations on Tuesday.

However, the Opposition said that while its MPs would have been covered, their presentations were only referred to in order to “criticize” or “denounce” particulars of their statements.

Granger made reference to coverage of the opposition

by GINA last year and in a dossier, “The Executive War on the Legislative Branch”, listed 90 cases of biased reporting in favour of the government.

APNU in the dossier complained that GINA was

causing tensions between Government and the Opposition.

On Wednesday evening, Granger said that the debates have national significance since it concerns the taxpayers’ monies and how it will be spent.

GINA’s coverage, he said, is a danger to democracy.

“The government news agency has been playing a dangerous game of disinformation. I will not accept this level of reporting because it is depriving the people of this country…”

He urged the National Assembly to “seek a

remedy to the travesty” and even called for a broadcasting mechanism to be established in order for the debates to be aired in their entirety.

He urged the Speaker to write President Ramotar, who is the Minister of Information, on the matter. If this cannot be done, MPs should then take more “decisive” actions, he said.

Chief Whip of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Gail Teixeira, in refuting the Opposition Leader’s complaints, said that NCN Channel 11 carried the reports of Tuesday’s sessions. Cautioning the National Assembly not to jump and take a decision, Teixeira called for an analysis to be done first.

She also said that it is a fact that government has restrained itself from complaining about coverage from the privately-owned newspapers and websites.

The Speaker, in urging that the reporting standards be lifted, pointed out that it is a fact that debates are being streamed live on the internet and can be viewed in their entirety.

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Opposition’s preparations to cut budget likened to a child with matches As the 2013 budget debates continued Wednesday evening, the parliamentary chambers came to life with deliberations from both sides of the house – the opposition seeking to highlight shortcomings and the government’s side insisting that the budget is yet another designed to be beneficial to the entire population.

Moreover, Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, in taking the spotlight sought to vocalise his convictions that an attempt to vote against the $208.8 billion budget in its current form could in fact have dire consequences.

He was at the time alluding to the deliberations of Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge, who according to him “...from the first gong has attempted to lay the foundation to vote against the budget or to cut it.”Dr. Ramsaran, in his contribution to the debate also asserted that “what was a bit more alarming in some other contributions, I recognised that some of the persons calling for cuts did not seem to understand the content of some of their own discussions.”

He made reference to moves by the parliamentary opposition to point accusatory fingers to projects such as the Specialty Hospital as well as retention monies for capital works in the health sector, adding “I shudder to think...it is like a child with a match; a match is a useful thing, but in the hands of a child unschooled and

unaccustomed to systems it can do damage.”

Shadow Minister of Health, Dr George Norton, an ophthalmologist attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, was among those seeking to emphasise the shortcomings of the budget, adding that “let it be known that we are prepared to act as we have done in the past year and are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to do more to represent the interests of our constituents and even the constituents of the People’s Progressive Party Civic ,who are increasingly finding themselves disillusioned by the Government they elected.” However, Minister Ramsaran in his deliberations did note that some of the contributions from some parliamentary opposition members were passionate and an indication that they were trying to grasp the material, but yet did not understand it.

“We need to recruit them because they have constituencies and the passion with which they approach their subject matter shows that we have made mistakes on this (government) side. We have not been able to get over to them for a year, because some of the said arguments that were raised are here again...”

As such he noted that in the coming week, when the budget will be examined line by line, more intense efforts should be made to bring clarity.

BUOYANT HEALTH

SECTOR The health sector in the 2013 budget has been allotted $19.2 billion - up from $17 billion in 2012 - and has thereby been classified as a “moderate increase” by Minister Ramsaran, who insisted Wednesday evening that “the Finance Minister and his team have recognised the good work that the Ministry of Health and the health sector has done...”

Although fraught with challenges such as “an outbreak here and a maternal death there” the Health Minister emphatically stated that “the health sector is buoyant. We are getting it right.”

According to him, the Health Ministry has continued to achieve in the face of significant challenges, adding that there have also been significant gains.

“Let’s speak about some of those and at the same time let’s take pause to reflect on the structure of the budget where I see not only in the health sector, but right across other sectors in the budget, that it is an all-inclusive budget,” trumpeted a confident Dr. Ramsaran.

He noted too that the moderate endorsement to the health sector is in fact a public recognition of the work done by the thousands of health care providers, who according to him, “we do not see on the front pages, we do not hear about, but whose work has done so well. I would like to recognise the work of this group of hard working Guyanese who are

incidentally, predominantly women, who represent a significant group of our workforce.”

As such the Minister made ‘no bones’ to express pride in the health sector’s workforce even as he pointed to the fact that they are the ones who protect the nation 24 hours each day. “They protect the nation to such an extent that we have continuously won

international accolades.

Guyana has the distinction of being among the countries with one of the highest coverages for routine vaccines and antigens – that protect our children, that create the future, and this is only possible from the hard work of the workers who oftentimes perform their functions in difficult, challenging conditions.”

Even as he sought to

commend the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and his team of technical workers who crafted the budget, Dr. Ramsaran amplified his belief to the National Assembly that the 2013 budget will allow all stakeholders to say “yes, this is my budget...Not only the Private Sector Commission can say that, my health sector workers, my patients, people needing Rehab services...it is all-inclusive.”

New GDF Warrant Officers decorated

Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best decorates WO1 Joseph Holligan with his new badge of rank.

Three Warrant Officers Class 1, and 10 Warrant Officers Class 2 were yesterday decorated with their new badges of rank in recognition of their elevation.

Among them was a lone female, Warrant Officer Class 2 Marcia Williams of the Medical Corps.

The new ranks were conferred on them by Chief of Staff (COS) Commodore Gary Best, by virtue of the power invested in him by Chapter 15:01 of the Constitution of Guyana.

This was the first ever Badging Ceremony held for Warrant Officers. Commodore

Best noted that the ceremony was important and was in recognition of their work as well as the confidence which the Senior Officer Corps attached to their contribution.

Describing the newly promoted WOs as being, “above the backbone” of the Force, the COS called on them to do their part in dealing with the challenges being posed by indiscipline among soldiers. “Discipline is the hallmark of regimentation.

We need to have a firmer hand in dealing with discipline. We cannot evade our responsibilities, you have to

embrace it” he told the WOs, while also urging that they be bold, upfront and visible in dealing with these issues.

He cautioned against the abuse of authority, urging the new WOs to instead “use it to promote the welfare of the Guyana Defence Force”.

Commodore Best told those gathered at the ceremony that his administration continues to have confidence in the Corps of Warrant Officers.

He also made clear his expectation that the Corps complies with and enforces the regulations, values and standards of the Force.

Infant ‘accidentally’ kicked by father - Suffers fractured skull A three-week-old baby suffered a fractured skull after being mistakenly kicked by his father late Wednesday night. The infant, Shemar Yankana was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) at around 10:30pm on Wednesday and was immediately taken for a CTScan where it was confirmed that the baby sustained a fractured skull and there was severe bleeding in and around the brain.

When the child was taken back to the hospital’s

emergency room after the CTScan was done, his mother, who was reportedly told by persons at the hospital that her husband would be charged, used another entrance at the health facility and left with the injured infant. There are reports that the couple was involved in an argument which later led to a brawl. During the brawl, little Shemar was allegedly kicked by his father.

Yesterday, Kaieteur News managed to contact the father of the child via telephone. He gave his name as Shawn

Anderson and requested the reporter to meet him at his home located at Quamina Street, Georgetown.

When the reporter showed up at the given address, it was revealed that the address housed a store, while the adjacent building was a privately owned clinic.

The man’s cellular phone was turned off up to press time. Meanwhile, this publication checked all the hospitals around Georgetown to locate the infant and his mother, but the child had not been admitted to any of them. Police are investigating.

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 15

APNU takes jab at “shady Marriott deal”

By Abena Rockcliffe As she sought to debunk the government’s claim that it is creating “a land of opportunity and prosperity for all,” A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Joan Baveghems rhetorically asked if that was the consideration when the government sealed the “shady Marriott (construction) deal” that provided not a single job opportunity for Guyanese youth.

Baveghems’ position was avowed as she delivered her contribution towards the budget debate in the latter part of yesterday afternoon.

The majority of her presentation was focused on the lack of provisions made in the budget for the elderly, poor and the youth.

According to the member,

the consensus related to her by society’s youth is that “there was nothing in the budget for them.”

Baveghems alluded to a section of Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh’s budget presentation where he declared that “Looking ahead to 2013 and beyond, our Government’s policy agenda continues to be aimed at building a Guyana that is truly a land of opportunity and prosperity for all, and we will remain undaunted and unfazed in our quest to realize this vision”. She dubbed the utterances fallacious.

The APNU MP said that the Minister’s statements are far from reality; as if it was indeed sincere, the situation where no Guyanese are employed at the Marriot would not have existed.

She said the contract between the government of Guyana and the Chinese

contactor was “shady” and added that it was signed “without consideration for the youth, yet the government says it cares.”

Baveghems said that “the entire situation” exists despite assurances by former president Bharrat Jagdeo that the Marriott would have created employment for “hundreds of Guyanese.”

She asked “how then will the youth of Guyana know that further incompetence will not continue and the government will not seal another lousy deal.”

After making those assertions, Baveghems, receiving tremendous support from the opposition side, moved to tackle “inadequate allocations to the elderly.” To effectively register the hardships that senior citizens suffer, the member sought to note the length of time they are

MP collapses during budget debate - rushed to hospital, condition stable

APNU MP Richard Allen (inset) being transported to a waiting ambulance as fellow parliamentarians Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran (C) and Dr. George Norton assist.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Richard Allen was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday after collapsing about an hour after the Budget debates resumed in the National Assembly.

APNU MP Volda Lawrence was about half an hour into her presentation when her colleague got up but subsequently fell to the floor.

Several in-house doctors, among them fellow parliamentarians Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and Dr. George Norton, swiftly moved to assist Allen who lay still on the floor.

Reporters were asked to exit the chambers as members worked feverishly to revive Allen.

An ambulance was further

summoned and Drs. Ramsaran and Norton escorted Allen to the GPHC. Allen left the House conscious, but was seen shaking while lying on a stretcher being transported to the ambulance in the compound.

APNU Leader David Granger said that Allen had complained about suffering from influenza for which he was taking over-the-counter medication.

There had been no diagnosis at the time the Opposition Leader made the comment, and he said they were awaiting word from the hospital on their colleague’s condition. Granger further thanked the doctors for their intervention and swift action.

Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman also

expressed gratitude to the doctors and opined that, “this is the way we should be living.”

He also reminded House members of the available spaces for persons feeling unwell and wanting to take a rest. He added that only recently reference was made to security and fire escapes, and more evidently, matters of medical assistance will have to be addressed.

Up to press time, Allen was a patient at the Caribbean Heart Institute where a number of tests were being carried out. Reliable sources confirmed that the MP’s condition was stable. It was disclosed that efforts were being made to regularise his blood pressure, which had been relatively high upon admission.

MP Joan Baveghems during her presentation usually made to wait in long lines to collect their monies in “inadequate conditions.”

She further noted that the elderly are met with similar conditions when they go to the hospital “they have to wait long hours at the hospital then they are prescribed “Ibuprofen and Chlorophan.”

She reminded the National Assembly that “these (senior citizens) are the people who served and helped to build this country.”

The APNU representative once again sought to refer to the budget speech where the Minister said that the government is creating a Guyana where the elderly can retire into a comfort zone, and asked if the pavement in front of parliament, La Penitence Market, and other spots across Guyana are deemed comfort zones. She also asked if the guard huts that some occupy after retirement is also a comfort zone in the

eyes of the government.

Baveghems then told the Finance Minister that if he plans to make increased allocations for pensioners as an amendment to the budget, he will have her support. With that, her fellow opposition members registered their resounding approval as they banged their hands on the desk. She also asked that care homes for senior citizens be installed in Regions two five and 10.

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

PPP’s take on the Guyanese dream is to get the education then leave

By Zena Henry Commencing with a poem from his “favourite” poet, William Butler Yeats, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member James Bond, yesterday delivered his address on the 2013 budget emphasising flaws in the Guyanese dream of which the government speaks.

He charged that the immortal words of the poem are a testament of past heroes such as former presidents Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, whom he said came from humble beginnings, going on to great things and working in favour of the poor.

Bond said when Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh speaks of strides made in judicial sector, “he neglects, whether deliberately or capriciously, to provide a barometer as to how far we have come based on the justice sector reform strategy”.

The main indicators, he said, are statistics in road activities, police shootings, serious crimes, percentage of crime against women, prosecuted cases and prisoners on remand, among other things.

The main issues that the 2013 budget should have focused on, Bond said, were

- APNU’s James Bond neglected.

“But if we slide out of the PPP rabbit hole, the majority of goals set have not been achieved and we have had seven years already to implement a five-year plan.”

Bond charged that the justice improvement programme has failed to deliver in key areas; upgrade and capacity building of staff, juvenile justice programme, comparative remuneration, training and provision of legal aid to members of both bench and bar, access to records and

data of registries and subregistries and judgments of Judges and Magistrates.

The lawyer, in his parliamentary capacity, said there is a marked absence of infrastructure that protects the victims of crime; there is a marked absence of a second chance policy that caters for post-released employability of adults and juveniles.

“I want to call a spade and spade and say that the Honourable Minister of Finance was bluffing at page 48 of his budget speech

APNU MP James Bond

PPP MP Nanda Gopaul

that more judges, better trained police prosecutors, increased capacity and expansion of the office of the DPP into the administrative regions and better sourced magisterial districts all have the potential of significantly improving the functioning of the criminal justice system in 2013.” Bond said the statement is “all hype” and has no substance.

The APNU MP dared the Finance minister to deny that it is the aim of the justice reform strategy to phase out police prosecution and to improve efficiency and competence in the criminal justice system, “clearly showing that the Honourable Minister recognizes some of the potentialities, but has he put adequate measures in place to realize these potentialities? I daresay he hasn’t” Bond said judges and magistrates are still writing their fingers off, while they are still without research assistants. He spoke of the unfortunate conditions of noise nuisance and cramming in the courts.

“That is no dream,” he stressed, further pointing to the high incidence of police brutality.

“That is no dream, that we have no Ombudsman to check the excesses of administrative bodies, even though last year we went through this….this is no dream.”

While highlighting the

employment rates, the migration rate, the percentage of persons living in poverty and the hardship of owning a home, Bond said the Guyanese dream is to, “Get the education then leave.”

Prior to Bond making his contribution, Labour Minister and PPP MP Nanda Gopaul gave his take on the budget.

He commented on the development of i n f r a s t r u c t u r e and the moving forward of the working sector.

He defended the ministry’s non intervention in the contentious RUSAL issue, answering the question posed by an opposition member.

The minister said while the ministry entered the GPL issue because it provides essential services, it is not the same with RUSAL, adding that the trade union has its right to take legal action for affected employees.

The minister also spoke of the shortage of locally skilled labour which in turn, contributes to overlapping projects.

He said he was disappointed at the generalisation of the 2013 budget which he believes is the most complete in recent times.

He concluded by asking AFC MPs Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo to “come back home to the PPP” where there is value in working together.

Barbershop shooting…

Ex-cop in ICU, barber stable Nandram Persaud, the expoliceman who was shot several times on Wednesday at a barbershop in what is believed to have been an attempted execution is now a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The second victim, Kinta Gobin, a barber who was shot to his right thigh, is a patient in the Male Surgical Ward.

Persaud, 34, of lot 78 La Grange, West Bank Demerara,

received multiple gunshot injuries and is said to be in a stable condition in the ICU. According to reports, at around 17:00 hours on Wednesday, two men pulled up on a CG motorcycle at “Professional Cuts” barber shop located at lot 3 Railway Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

One of the gunmen entered the barbershop and opened fire on the ex-cop.

It is believed that the barber was hit by a stray bullet.

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 17

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Budget 2013 is anti-poor

By Zena Henry Before the Budget debates resumed yesterday at Parliament Buildings, a moment of silence was held by the National Assembly to recognize the passing of former Minister of Education and Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Reverend Dr. Dale Bisnauth, who passed away yesterday morning.

After speaking highly about the former parliamentarian and his contributions to the education system and Guyana, the House got down to business, and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Volda Lawrence wasted no time in charging that the government’s 2013 budget is “anti-poor.”

Like many of her APNU colleagues, Lawrence was very critical when drawing reference to the varying areas where she claimed that the government failed to recognize the plight of those in need.

Lawrence said that the government in the 2012 budget made numerous promises and as usual spoke of significant growth in a variety of areas of the system.

She however said that another debate is being argued and the government has not yet fulfilled on promises of improvement,

- APNU’s Volda Lawrence

APNU member Volda Lawrence gives her take on the 2013 budget subsequent to making references to areas such as sugar production, despite the billions injected into the sector.

She applauded staffers of the Finance Ministry in the preparation of the 2013 budget, “As we are not responsible for the political blunders of this administration.” Lawrence stated that the budget failed to touch on areas of tax reduction and to address personal income tax “in a real way”.

She told the Finance Minister that he should,

“address the increasing disparity between the haves and the have -nots.”

Lawrence said that the Minister failed to address plans for job creation, the spiraling cost of living and VAT reduction.

As the member of the opposition, whose mandate it is to, “examine it (budget) with a critical eye, outline its deficiencies in meeting the needs of the people and where possible make proposals,” Lawrence stated categorically that after examining the budget she found it to be “anti-poor.”

The APNU member said that despite the ‘grow more food campaign,’ food prices are on the rise, although most of the food is grown locally.

“Plantains are now $100 to $200 per pound, eddoes are $120 to $160 per pound.”

Sweet potatoes, she said, are in excess of $100, while “chicken foot and chicken neck is $300 and $200 per pound respectively”.

House lot pricing, Lawrence indicated, also seem not to be in favour of the poor, with properties being sold from $300,000 to $1.2M. Requests of fifty percent, she said, are being asked to be paid, and while persons approach the banks for loans, they have to pay off the first loan before getting another while threatening letters are being sent to persons pertaining to them losing their lands.

The APNU member further pointed to an information centre which she said has not materialized by the Housing Ministry, to safe guard home builders against unscrupulous contractors and conmen. She said the budget spoke of no plans to build homes for the poor and for persons who can’t afford to build for themselves.

Additionally, Lawrence

touched on the Value Added Tax (VAT) which she claimed the government refused to reduce. According to her, the administration had made it clear that a reduction of the VAT would make no difference in assisting the poor. But in contrast, the APNU member charged that reduced VAT leaves space for additional disposable income, which raises their standard of living. “An increase in the spending power of the poor would improve their quality of life as well as that of their offspring. More money means more food available, more food available means children can concentrate in class.”

More money, Lawrence emphasised, means better school attendance, since money would be available for transportation. “This means a chance of acquiring an education which further means more employable persons, which results in an opportunity for the poor to get out of poverty.”

In relation to hope for senior citizens, Lawrence said that many have thanked APNU for encouraging a raise in their pension. However, she stressed that it is short of the $15,000 proposed by the opposition and charged that the Finance Minster reneged

on that promise. But Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh rose to say that he had made no such promise and that the APNU member was misrepresenting the facts and further misleading the nation.

Lawrence further spoke of the subsidies presented to assist senior citizens with their light bills and charged that of the 42,000 registered pensioners only about 29,500 of those persons are eligible for the benefit. She said it is hoped that the seniors would get the full $20,000 in this year, and not aggregated over the 12 months, thus getting only a portion for the next eight months.

Lawrence suggested that greater emphasis be placed on domestic violence, with an activation of the family court which she said remains a “white elephant.”

In conclusion, Lawrence argued about the lack of emphasis being placed on differently-able citizens, stating that enough resources are not being placed in this area, while attributing her comments to the David Rose School where these persons are most prevalent. She said the government should lead by example, while highlighting that legislation which demands relevant infrastructure to accommodate the differentlyable, is still to be addressed.

Friday April 05, 2013

DTV CHANNEL 8 08:25 hrs. Sign On 08:30 hrs. This Morning 09:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 10:00 hrs. Roseanne 11:00 hrs. The View 12:00 hrs. Prime News

Kaieteur News

12:30 hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00 hrs. The Talk 15:00 hrs. Cold Case 17:00 hrs. Charmed 18:00 hrs. World News

18:30 hrs. Nightly News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 21:00 hrs. Supernatural (New Episode) 21:45 hrs. Movie: Van Helsing 00:00 hrs. Sign Off

Guides are subjected to change without notice

Friday April 05, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): You are often enthusiastic in the pursuit of love and may be eager to push the envelope today. There is a high level of excitement in your life now as new ideas, experiences, and people tempt you to explore uncharted territory.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): Although you’re thinking about your role at work, there may be some confusion as to the best way to proceed in light of changing circumstances.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20): You can teach someone a thing or two about charm today, but you must be careful not to use your ability to influence others for your personal gain.

CANCER (June 21–July 22): You might be uncertain as to your next move because you cannot tell how others will react to your emotions now ... and the possible fallout seems a bit scary.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): This might be the day you were waiting for, but everything depends on how honest you are with what’s going on inside your heart.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): You are often misunderstood in the realm of romance because your actions can be easily misinterpreted by others. But you’re not necessarily aloof and cool just because you’re willing to wait until everything is perfect.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): This is a high-energy day of conflicting messages that can force you to seek harmony in the midst of confusion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): Your feelings are already intense, and they may continue to deepen over the next week or so. However, emotions that are often dark or obsessive become more pleasant and easier to experience for a while.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): Relationships may grow quite passionate this weekend. In fact, everything could become more colorful for the next couple of weeks as you express needs that have been kept secret until now.

CAPRICORN(Dec.22–Jan.19): Normally, you are uncomfortable with the possibilities of what might happen if your emotions sink into dark places.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): You may feel uneasy when situations pull you into places of intense feelings now that the evocative Moon is meandering through your sign.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): The practical side of your life is in the spotlight now that several planets are visiting your sensible 2nd House of Resources.

Page 19

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

St Lucia police deny civil Controversial T&T bill debate adjourned servants permission to march CASTRIES, St Lucia CMC - A planned protest march by Civil Servants failed to materialise yesterday, as organisers were not granted Police permission to take to the streets.

Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander said in planning their march the Civil Service Association did not conform with the Public Order Act, which requires that permission be sought three days ahead of a march.

He also said the organisers did not indicate in their letter the number of persons expected to participate in the march as required by the legislation.

“We wrote the CSA indicating what was required and we now await to hear from them,” the Acting Commissioner said.

CSA President Mary Issac, said the members agreed to abide with the requirement off the law and will now seek permission to stage their march on Monday.

Earlier this week, public officers agreed to step up their protest in effort to force government into meeting their demands for a 9.5 per

cent wage increase.

The workers are into week three of their strike and appear determined to obtain a better deal although the other five sister unions grouped under the Trade Union Federation (TUF) have accepted and signed up for the 4 per cent government offer.

Issac told CMC that while she was able to keep the workers indoors and away from the streets during the first two weeks of the dispute, the members all voted to step-up their protest to send a message of their determination to their employers.

“Now we believe it is time to let them have the march they have been asking for, as we have made no headway in persuading Government to offer the workers a better offer.

“We will also be demonstrating against the way the Government has handled the wage negotiations, with their divide and rule strategy: signing agreements with individual organisations when they are well aware they were negotiating with one umbrella body,” Issac said.

The decision of the other members of the TUF to break ranks with the CSA and sign the wage agreement with government may have permanently fractured the Federation, with the CSA this week appointing their own mediators to break the impasse with government.However the Government Negotiating team declined to hold any talks with the CSA team while the workers remained on strike.

The CSA President reiterated the fact that while the other five unions grouped under the Federation were able to negotiate allowances and other concessions in addition to the four per cent increase, the CSA did not have such access.

“The other members know what their situation is and they were able to accept the 4 per cent with their allowances, but for us we know that the 4 per cent is inadequate as for us allowances are not across the board, its only a salary increase that would redound to the benefit of all,” she said.

PORT OF SPAIN - CMC – A debate on the controversial bill to give soldiers wide ranging police powers was abruptly adjourned on Wednesday after all four Independent senators voiced concern about the legislation which requires the support of at least four Independents in order to be passed.

Leader of Government Business, Environment and Water Resources Minister Ganga Singh, who moved for the adjournment told the Trinidad Guardian that the Attorney General is looking at the concerns expressed in the debate and matters to be addressed in the review included the protocols, the regulations and standing orders.

He said the Government was committed to addressing the concerns expressed, “if we address the matters raised by the [four Independents] who had spoken, and the Opposition, we expect a safe passage of the bill.”

Leader of the Independent bench, Subhas Ramkhelawan, objected to the granting of police powers to

Ganga Singh soldiers and spoke out against a proposal to have the code of ethics for soldiers prepared by the Chief of Defence Staff.

On the issue of immunities and privileges for soldiers, he said it should not be confused with the power of arrest.

According to Ramkhelawan if the proposal to give soldiers the power of arrest were taken out of the legislation, he would be minded to give consideration to supporting the measure.

The respective authorities of

police and soldiers “must be clearly delineated,” he stressed.

During the debate, Opposition Senator FarisAl-Rawi pointed to what he saw as the legal pitfalls of the bill. He rebutted the argument advanced by the Attorney General that the bill was seeking to do what had been done in other jurisdictions.

Al-Rawi said contrary to the statements made by the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice, he could find no precedent for giving the military what Government was seeking to do in this legislation.

He pointed to laws in the UK, Northern Ireland, Italy, Australia, Singapore, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, stating that he found not a single case of the army having carte blanche police powers as contemplated under the bill.

Noting that Ramlogan suggested the laws of Jamaica gave soldiers the authority to arrest, Al-Rawi said Ramlogan never told the House that the Constable Force Act in Jamaica was amended to remove the power of arrests (originally) given to soldiers.

Church urged to break silence on issues affecting Jamaicans Jamaica Observer Deputy Island Bishop of the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) John K Hewitt has rallied that organisation to speak out on issues affecting Jamaicans whether it is “for good or for bad”.

Urging the body to “speak up and speak out”, Hewitt said the church must break its silence on “the pervasive homosexual agenda, child labour, kidnapping, women’s issues, indiscriminate labour laws and corruption in high and low places”.

Hewitt told congregants, during the opening ceremony of the 43rd Annual General Convocation in Kingston on Easter Monday, that as the organisation “we are w e l l a b l e to make our presence felt in the nation by being a voice; being vocal on the issues that run against the grain of righteousness.” This, he said is important, as righteousness still exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.

“Speak up in love, don’t accuse us of being homophobic. We are not saying stone anybody but we must speak out against that which runs counter to God’s original plan for man, woman and family,” Hewitt said. He

added further; “Give it whatever name you want, call it alternate lifestyle but that’s just an euphemism to sanitise what is reprehensible and wrong in God’s sight,” Driving home the message, in a rousing sermon, the deputy island bishop said the pervasive alternative lifestyle agenda and marriage equality being endorsed and embraced by presidents and men in high places are among the signs of the ending of the world.

He noted that there is a new normal, where what was abnormal and wrong in the past is now held up as

the new normal.

The world-wide increase in natural disasters and the toppling of economies across the globe, according to Hewitt, are a further witness that the world has run its course.

The church, he said, will continue to reach out to communities with effective social interventions.

“We are well able to impact the lives of those in communities where God has placed the church. We are strategically placed, no matter how rough the neighbourhood,” he said.

Doctors protest in Jamaica Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson has said the islandwide protest by doctors was triggered by an impending reclassification exercise to be undertaken during the 20132014 financial year.

Ferguson gave an update on the matter in the House of Representatives a short while ago after the opposition member Rudyard Spencer enquired about the impact of the protest on health services.

Ferguson said a standing protocol has been initiated and all mechanisms have

been put in place.

He said only emergency services are being offered at public hospitals and the usual consultants are on hand.

He said the ministry and the regional health authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure that minimum standards are maintained.

In the meantime, Ferguson says he hopes the Finance and Planning Ministry will deal with the reclassification issue swiftly to bring back normality to the public health service. (GoJamaica)

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Argentine politicians suffer as death toll hits 57 LA PLATA, Argentina (AP) — Argentine police and soldiers searched house to house, in creeks and culverts and even in trees for bodies yesterday after floods killed at least 57 people in the province and city of Buenos Aires.

As torrential rains stopped and the waters receded, the crisis shifted to guaranteeing public health and safety in this provincial capital of nearly 1 million people. Safe drinking water was in short supply, and more than a quarter-million people were without power, although authorities said most would get their lights back on overnight.

Many people barely escaped with their lives after seeing everything they own disappear under water reeking with sewage and fuel that rose more than six feet (nearly two meters) high inside some homes. The wreckage was overwhelming: piles of broken furniture, overturned cars, ruined food and other debris.

Their frustration was uncontainable as politicians arrived making promises.

President Cristina Fernandez, Gov. Daniel Scioli, Social Welfare Minister Alicia Kirchner and the mayors of Buenos Aires and La Plata were all booed when they tried to talk with victims. Many yelled “go away” and “you came too late.”

“I understand you, I understand you’re angry,”

A woman is comforted by a relative outside a club where the Red Cross set up a center to people affected by flooding in La Plata, in Argentina’s Buenos Aires province, yesterday. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Kirchner said before she and the governor fled in their motorcade from an angry crowd.

“There is no water, there is no electricity. We have nothing,” said Nelly Cerrado, who was looking for donated clothing at a local school.

“Terrible, terrible what we are going through. And no one comes. No one. Because here, it is neighbors who have to do everything.”

The nearby Ensenada refinery, Argentina’s largest, remained offline after flooding caused a fire that took hours to quench in the middle of the rainstorm, the

state-run YPF oil company said.

Scioli said the death toll had risen to 51 people in and around La Plata, following six deaths in the national capital from flooding two days earlier.

But he said nearly all of the missing had been accounted for.

The victims included a member of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo human rights group, Lucila Ahumada de Inama, who was found under nearly six feet (about 1.7 meters) of water inside her home. She died without having found her grandson, born in captivity after her

Jamaica will face challenges meeting revenue target - analyst

KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC - Ahead of yesterday’s presentation of the 2013/2013 Budget Debate, a local financial analyst is warning of major challenges on the horizon.

With the Budget being tabled against the background of a not yet signed deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), financial analyst, Dennis Chung, believes it will be difficult for the Government to meet its revenue target.

“My own feeling is that country might have gotten to a point where you getting declining returns from new tax measures. I think we are going to see a budget presented maybe about five per cent more in absolute terms.

“But going into September or maybe even before that, unless we start seeing some growth coming into the economy, we could see the budget having a little challenge, because it is really at best a stretch target that

Dennis Chung they are looking at,” Chung said.

On Wednesday the Jamaican dollar lost 8¢ against the United States dollar, trading for J$99.16 to US$1.

Chung said the government must move to address the devaluation which will cause inflation and increase the country’s debt

position.

He also said that the delay in finalising a deal with the IMF will lead to more speculation in the market and possibly more job losses.

Meanwhile, Dr. Adrian Stokes, another financial analyst is predicting a marginal increase in Government expenditure over the next 12 months.

“Well for the above the line expenditure….I’m expecting a slight increase over last year not accounting for debt amortisation or anything, just dealing with programmes, wages and capital expenditure, I’m expecting a slight increase over last year,” he said.

When the Estimates for 2012/13 were tabled on May 10 last year, it was projected that the Government would spend J$612.4 billion (One Jamaica dollar = US$0.01 cents).However, when the First Supplementary Estimates were presented on February 5, the figure was revised to J$602 billion.

pregnant daughter-in-law was kidnapped by Argentina’s dictatorship in 1977.

Some flooded residents were being lauded as heroes.

Alejandro Fernandez, a 44year-old policeman who was off-duty when the rains started, pulled out his rubber

boat and shuttled about 100 neighbors to higher ground.

His neighbor, Dr. Jose Alberto Avelar, turned his home into a clinic, treating dozens for hypothermia.

Fernandez “won’t say it because he’s too humble, but what he did was incredible,” Avelar said. “His action got everyone else helping as well.”

A store and an elementary school were looted, but police and troops were helping residents guard neighborhoods to prevent more crimes. In addition to 750 provincial police officers, the national government sent in army, coast guard, police and social welfare workers.

Mobile hospitals were activated after two major hospitals were flooded, and government workers were handing out donated water, canned food and clothing.

Provincial Health Minister Alejandro Collia said hepatitis shots were being given at 33 evacuation centers, and that spraying would kill mosquitoes that spread dengue fever.

“The humanitarian question comes first. The

material questions will be resolved in time,” said Scioli, who promised subsidies, loans and tax exemptions for the victims.

Scioli also thanked Pope Francis for sending a message of support. The governor said “this has to give us all the strength to accompany these families.”

Argentina’s weather service had warned of severe thunderstorms, but nothing like rainfall that fell this week.

More than 16 inches (400 millimeters) drenched La Plata in just a few hours late Tuesday and early Wednesday — more than has ever been recorded there for the entire month of April.

In both Buenos Aires and La Plata, sewage and storm drain systems were overwhelmed, and low-lying neighborhoods looked something like New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, with all but the upper parts of houses under water.

And in both cities, politicians sought to fix blame on their rivals as residents complained that government in general was ill-prepared and providing insufficient help.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

U.S. to send missile defences to Guam over North Korea threat

(Reuters) - The United States said it would soon send a missile defence system to Guam to defend it from North Korea, as the U.S. military adjusts to what Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel called a “real and clear danger” from Pyongyang.

Hours later, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said North Korea had moved what appeared to be a mid-range Musudan missile to its east coast. It was not clear if the North planned to fire the rocket or was just putting it on display as a show of force, one South Korean government source was quoted as saying.

North Korea also barred entry to a joint industrial complex it shares with the South for a second day yesterday and said it would shut the zone if Seoul continued to insult it.

Events on the Korean peninsula have begun to unnerve global financial markets long used to the rhetoric North Korea

routinely hurls at Seoul and Washington.

“The assumption remains that this is more bluster,” said Rob Ryan, a strategist with RBS in Singapore. “But from here, we’ve reached a level of tensions that say things can’t get too much worse without an actual exchange of fire.”

The broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.6 percent, dragged down by a 2 percent slump in South Korean shares, while the South Korean won slid 0.7 percent against the U.S. dollar.

U.S. stocks sank on Wednesday after Hagel’s comments and the Guam deployment news.

North Korea also repeated its threat to launch a nuclear attack on the United States. Pyongyang said it had ratified a potential strike because of U.S. military deployments around the Korean peninsula that it claimed were a prelude to a possible nuclear attack on the North. Washington had been

informed of the potential attack by North Korea, a spokesman for its army said in a statement carried by the English-language service of state news agency KCNA. It was unclear how such a warning was given since North Korea does not have diplomatic ties with Washington.

The report from KCNA appeared to re-state many of the month-long fusillade of threats emanating from Pyongyang.

Experts say North Korea is years away from being able to hit the continental United States with a nuclear weapon, despite having worked for decades to achieve nucleararms capability.

North Korea has previously threatened a nuclear strike on the United States and missile attacks on its Pacific bases, including in Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific.

Those threats followed new U.N. sanctions imposed on the North after it carried

out its third nuclear test in February.

“Some of the actions they’ve taken over the last few weeks present a real and clear danger,” Hagel told an audience at the National Defense University in Washington.

Despite the rhetoric, Pyongyang has not taken any military action and has shown no sign of preparing its 1.2 million-strong armed forces for war, the White House said on Monday.

That indicates its threats are partly intended for domestic consumption to bolster young leader Kim Jong-un ahead of celebrations marking the anniversary of the April 15 birthday of Kim Il-sung, the state’s founder and the younger Kim’s grandfather.

Caitlin Hayden,

Chuck Hagel spokeswoman for the White House National Security Council, criticised the latest North Korean statement.

“It is yet another offering in a long line of provocative statements that only serve to further isolate North Korea from the rest of the international community and undermine its goal of economic development,” Hayden said.

Hagel said he had to take the threats seriously,

language he has used in recent weeks as the United States has revamped its missile defence plans and positioned two guidedmissile destroyers in the western Pacific.

The United States has also flexed its muscles during annual military drills with South Korea, flying two radar-evading stealth bombers on a first-of-its-kind practice bombing run over South Korea.

Syria’s humanitarian crisis worsening rapidly - Red Cross BEIRUT (Reuters) - The humanitarian situation in Syria is worsening rapidly with some areas a landscape of “devastation and destruction”, the Red Cross said yesterday after a month which activists said was the bloodiest yet in the conflict.

About 70,000 people have been killed and millions displaced during the twoyear-old uprising, the United Nations says.

Civilians have been cut off from water, electricity and life-saving medical supplies, especially in rebel-held areas targeted by air strikes and ballistic missiles.

The Syrian government’s restrictions on aid convoys have meant most supplies are distributed in governmentheld areas.

Peter Maurer, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said

aid workers had been able to do make more trips into opposition-held areas in the past two weeks, indicating Damascus may be softening its stance on convoys into such territory.

He said the workers were “not pleasantly surprised” by what they found in areas accessible for the first time, with the need for food, sanitation, water and medicine increasing.

“We saw devastation and destruction,” he said.

“What we were able to achieve is not enough. The needs are growing exponentially while our ability to react is growing linearly,” he said.

Convoys and volunteers for the Syrian Arab Red Crescent - the ICRC’s partner in Syria - have been targeted during the civil war by both sides, who are suspicious of

the group’s neutrality.

Several volunteers have been jailed or killed.

Maurer called for aid groups to be respected.

“When we have a convoy on the road from Damascus to any part of Syria it is of the uttermost importance that this convoy is allowed to pass checkpoints and is not shot at,” he said at the end of a three-day visit to neighboring Lebanon, which has 400,000 Syrian refugees.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday that March was the bloodiest month yet in the conflict, with more than 6,000 people killed, a third of them civilians.

The group opposes Syrian President Bashar alAssad but has monitored human rights violations on both sides.

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

EU worried about Egypt’s civil society proposals CAIRO (Reuters) - The European Union’s envoy to Cairo urged Egypt’s Islamistled authorities yesterday not to rush through legislation on civil society and NGOs that could curb an embryonic democracy.

Civil society was heavily restricted under Hosni Mubarak’s rule, and many of those who overthrew him in 2011 are demanding guarantees of greater freedom for civic and political activity to help Egypt complete the transition to popular democracy that the Arab Spring seemed to promise.

But rights activists say a bill backed by President Mohamed Mursi’s allies in the Muslim Brotherhood’s political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party, is even more restrictive than the rules of the past.

“There is a great deal of concern on all sides that the time that is needed might not be taken,” James Moran, head of the EU delegation in Cairo, told Reuters in an interview.

“An essential part of what we consider to be deep democracy is a free, open,

transparent civil society,” he said. “And since civil society played such an important part in the revolution in this country ... we think that this is something that is worth spending some real quality time on.”

Despite Mubarak’s fall, restrictions on civil society have remained a source of friction with Western states that help to finance nongovernment organizations working on human rights and

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s foreign currency reserves dropped slightly again last month, the Egyptian central bank said yesterday, part of a two-year downward trend to a critical level that imperils imports of vital goods like food and fuel.

The $13.4 billion level at the end of March was just below the February figure of $13.5 billion, representing a smaller drop than previous months. The nation’s reserves have fallen sharply from $36 billion since the popular uprising in 2011 that ousted President Hosni Mubarak. Constant unrest since then, accompanied by frequent violence, has frightened off tourists and potential investors, cutting deeply into Egypt’s foreign currency income.

The Egyptian government is in talks with the International Monetary Fund to secure a $4.8 billion loan to bolster the country’s battered economy and help cover a widening budget deficit. The talks have dragged on for more than a year.

Egypt’s Planning Minister Ashraf el-Araby said yesterday that a final agreement with the IMF could be reached in the next two weeks.

El-Araby said the government has discussed adjustments it made to its economic and social plan with the visiting IMF delegation in meetings in Egypt since Tuesday.

He said Egypt has not asked for an increase in the size of the loan, the state news agency reported.

“The funding gap is being discussed. This gap will determine the value of the loan Egypt asks from the IMF,” al-Araby said in comments carried by the state news agency.

Negotiations with the IMF have stalled several times since early 2012, largely over expected austerity measures in a highly polarized political atmosphere.

It is considered difficult for Egypt’s leadership to introduce austerity measures likely to be unpopular among Egyptians, like cuts in subsidies for fuel and food that would create hardships for Egypt’s already beleaguered population.

More than 40 percent of Egyptians live near or under the international poverty line of $2 a day per person, according to the World Bank.

In another indication of the crumbling economy, the Egyptian pound has lost more than 10 percent of its

Mohamed Mursi

economic, social and political development.

Last year, under the temporary rule of the army generals who assumed power from Mubarak, a probe into the work of international NGOs, some of them U.S.-based, sparked a crisis in ties between the United States and Egypt.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said this week the Obama administration had “real concerns about the direction that Egypt appears to be moving in”, citing recent arrests, street violence and a “lack of inclusivity with respect to the opposition”.

The Freedom and Justice Party last year put forward a civil society bill that was praised by human rights activists. But that chamber, which it controlled, was dissolved in June.

The draft being discussed now in the new FJP-led parliament falls well short of activists’ aspirations, requiring prior approval for many NGO activities and restricting their financing, the Egyptian Organisation for Human Rights said in a statement.

Egypt’s foreign reserves decline to $13.4 billion

value to the dollar since late last year. That has put further pressure on the budget, as Egypt is the world’s largest importer of wheat and also brings in significant amounts of fuel.

Page 23

Iran’s Jalili vows stronger defense of nuclear policy ALMATY (Reuters) Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili sounded a defiant note ahead of a new round of talks with world powers in Kazakhstan, saying yesterday they had to recognize Iran’s right to enrich uranium to see any breakthrough.

The six powers - United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - will meet Iranian negotiators today and tomorrow in the Kazakh city of Almaty, hoping Tehran agrees to scale back its most sensitive atomic work that they suspect is aimed at achieving a nuclear weapons capability.

Iran has refused to do so during a decade of on-and-off negotiations, despite hardening economic sanctions, arguing its uranium enrichment has peaceful purposes only and therefore can continue under international law.

Jalili, speaking at a university in Almaty, said that stance would not change.

“We think our talks tomorrow can go forward with one word. That is the acceptance of the rights of Iran, particularly the right to enrichment,” he said.

World powers argue Iran has given up its right to enrich uranium under international rules because it has hidden nuclear work from United Nations inspectors in the past and has refused to open fully to their investigations.

Saeed Jalili Jalili said Iran would continue to defend its policy regardless of a June presidential election, which Western diplomats say complicates Tehran’s approach to talks.

“The impact of the election will be that ... our people will defend their right with more rigor,” Jalili said.

There is broad unity within the Iranian political establishment on pursuing the nuclear program and policy on the issue is closely overseen by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader who has the last word on all momentous matters.

In Almaty, their second meeting with Iran in Kazakhstan’s commercial center in five weeks, the powers want Iran to agree to suspend higher-grade uranium production in return for modest relief from economic sanctions.

Stakes are high in the

negotiations. Israel, widely assumed to be the Middle East’s only nuclear power, has said it would bomb Iran’s military installations if diplomacy and sanctions fail to curb nuclear progress.

That could in turn spark reprisals by Iran and its regional allies, engulfing the Middle East in a new war. Oil prices could jump and threaten the fragile global economy.

At the core of the international community’s concerns are Iran’s efforts to enrich uranium to 20 percent fissile purity, a level that closes an important technological gap en route to making weapons-grade material.

During the last meeting in Almaty in February world powers told Iran to stop producing such uranium and constrain the ability to quickly resume operations at the Fordow facility, buried deep in a mountain near the Iranian city of Qom. The EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said during a trip to Turkey on Wednesday that she was “cautiously optimistic” about prospects of a deal in Almaty.

“But I am also very clear that it is very important that we do get a response (from Iran),” she told reporters.

Iranian media quoted deputy negotiator Ali Bagheri as saying in Almaty that Tehran would suggest its own deal at talks.

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Macabre manslaughter case China readies to fight new bird flu; Japan, HK on guard stokes debate on welfare reform (Reuters) - The death toll from a new strain of bird flu rose to five in China yesterday as Beijing said it was mobilising resources nationwide to combat the virus, Japan and Hong Kong stepped up vigilance and Vietnam banned imports of Chinese poultry.

The H7N9 bird flu strain does not appear to be transmitted from human to human but authorities in Hong Kong raised a preliminary alert and said they were taking precautions at the airport.

In Japan, airports have put up posters at entry points warning all passengers from China to seek medical attention if they suspect they have bird flu.

A total of 14 people in China have been confirmed to have contracted H7N9, all in the east of the country. One of the cases was a four-yearold child, who was recovering, the official Xinhua news agency said.

Two people died on Thursday, both in Shanghai, bringing the number of

deaths to five, state media said. Four of the five have died in Shanghai, China’s booming financial hub.

Authorities in Shanghai also discovered the H7N9 virus in a pigeon sample taken from a traditional wholesale market, Xinhua added, believed to be the first time the virus has been discovered in an animal in China since the outbreak began. “(China) will strengthen its leadership in combating the virus ... and coordinate and deploy the entire nation’s health system to combat the virus,” the Health Ministry said in a statement late on Wednesday on its website (www.moh.gov.cn).

In Hong Kong, authorities activated the preliminary “Alert Response Level” under a preparedness plan for an influenza pandemic, which calls for close monitoring of chicken farms, vaccination, culling drills, and a suspension of imports of live birds from the mainland.

All passengers on flights

in and out of Hong Kong were being asked to notify flight attendants or airport staff if they were feeling unwell.

Vietnam said it had banned poultry imports from China, citing the risk from H7N9.

In Beijing, the Health Ministry said the government would swiftly communicate details of the new strain to the outside world and its own people, following complaints it had been too slow to report on the outbreak and suspicion of a cover-up.

Chinese internet users and some newspapers have questioned why it took so long for the government to announce the new cases, especially as two of the victims fell ill in February.

The government has said it needed time to correctly identify the virus.

In 2003, authorities initially tried to cover up an epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which emerged in China and killed about 10 percent of the 8,000 people it infected worldwide.

(Reuters) - By wading into the shocking case of a jobless man who killed six children in a botched revenge plot, Chancellor George Osborne upped the stakes in an impassioned row over whether the welfare system was affordable at a time of deep spending cuts.

Yesterday’s surprise comments by Osborne came just days after the government started to overhaul a welfare system that costs 200 billion pounds a year and is deemed by Osborne and his Conservative party as too expensive.

Osborne was asked whether Mick Philpott, a man living on benefits who killed six of his children in a house fire, was the “vile product” of the welfare system, a charge made by right-leaning media including the popular Daily Mail newspaper.

“Philpott is responsible for these absolutely horrendous crimes and these are crimes that have shocked

George Osborne the nation,” he replied in televised remarks during a visit to the town of Derby, where the tragedy took place in May last year.

“But I think there is a question for government and for society about the welfare state and the taxpayers who pay for the welfare state subsidising lifestyles like that, and I think that debate needs to be had,” said

Osborne, who is leading cuts to government spending.

The comments drew immediate criticism from the opposition Labour Party and anti-poverty charities, who said Osborne was seeking to score political points from a tragic case which had nothing to do with the wider issue of welfare.

The historic system aimed at improving health, education and social security is a source of pride for many Britons, but has polarised the political right and left especially since the government launched its austerity drive to bring down huge debt.

Britain’s right-wing press demonised Philpott, 56 and jobless since 1991, with the Mail calling him a “vile product of welfare UK” in a banner headline on its front page.

Philpott was sentenced to life in jailyesterday for setting fire to his own house in May 2012 when the six children were asleep upstairs.

Central African Republic leader OKs faster elections

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — CentralAfrican Republic’s self-declared president will hold elections within 18 months despite initially saying that he would rule until 2016, a spokesman said yesterday.

Michel Djotodia’s overthrow of the government nearly two weeks ago forced Francois Bozize, the country’s president of a decade, into exile and prompted fierce criticism from the United States, African Union and others.

A regional summit on Wednesday in neighboring Chad urged Djotodia to organize democratic elections within 18 months, and to establish a council that would lead the turbulent country during a transitional period until elections can be held.

“Djotodia has accepted the recommendations,” government

spokesman Crepin MboliGoumba said Thursday, following meetings between Djotodia and the foreign ministers from other countries in the region. Djotodia had dispatched his prime minister Nicolas Tiangaye to attend this week’s summit in Chad. The

African Union has suspended Central African Republic’s membership following the seizure of power and Djotodia faces AU travel restrictions. He has now agreed to the establishment of an interim leadership council, Mboli-Goumba said, though Djotodia himself could still seek the presidency under that arrangement.

The process of setting up the transitional body is now underway, Mboli-Goumba said.Djotodia’s rebel fighters seized control of the capital of Bangui on March 24, overthrowing Bozize, who had himself taken power after a rebellion a decade ago.

Djotodia first rose to prominence as a rebel leader in 2006 and was an integral part of the formation of Seleka, an alliance of several groups that joined together last December in an effort to oust Bozize.

(Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron reopened a rift in his coalition government over the future of Britain’s nuclear deterrent yesterday, saying potential threats from countries such as Iran and North Korea meant it could not be scaled back.

Cameron’s comments put him at odds with his Liberal Democrat coalition partners who want to find a cheaper alternative

to Britain’s multi-billion pound submarine-based Trident nuclear missile system to try to save money at a time when the nation’s finances are mired in debt.

Cameron, the leader of the Conservative Party, the senior member of the two-party coalition, said he had not seen any evidence there were cheaper ways of providing a credible alternative to the “ultimate weapon of defence”, saying the

nuclear threat had grown since the end of the Cold War. “Iran continues to defy the will of the international community in its attempts to develop its nuclear capabilities, while the highly unpredictable and aggressive regime in North Korea recently conducted its third nuclear test,” Cameron wrote in The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Michel Djotodia

Cameron in coalition rift over Trident nuclear system

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Jairam and Dhanpat win BVA ‘Tropical FIFA appoints goal-line technology Rhythms’ Beach Volleyball Classic provider for Brazil 2013 The winners posing with some of their supporters.

The pair of former national Under-19 Striker Noresh Jairam and his partner Rohan Dhanpat of 3 Doors Strikers Volleyball Club of D’Edward Village, West Berbice, played unbeaten last Monday (Easter Monday) at the No 63 Beach on the Corentyne to win the Inaugural Tropical Rhythms Beach Volleyball Classic 2 vs 2 Competition sponsored by Ansa McAl Trading Company and organized by the Berbice Volleyball Association.

Taking advantage of the absence of the star players of the Port Mourant Training Centre teams, who were engaged in an Invitational International Tournament in Trinidad, the pair of Jairam and Dhanpat from the west side defeated the pair of R. Jaggernauth and T. Jaggernauth of Falcons V/Ball Club of Canje 21-18.

The weather was favourable for the Easter Monday Beach Volleyball competition and with the gusty wind the condition was ideal. The competition attracted 15 male and 5 female teams with players being drawn from throughout Berbice stretching from as far as Crabwood Creek in the East to D’ Edward in the West with the matches being played on two courts that were set up for the competition, which was played on a “luck of the draw knock

out basis” with the winning team being the first to 21 points. The sand was of the finest texture and ideal for Beach Volleyball and players had no problem in diving to retrieve the balls that were hit with tremendous power.

The rallies in most of the matches were long and exciting much to the delight of the spectators surrounding the courts.

Earlier in the preliminary rounds, the Motiepersaud Brothers of Port Mourant Jaguars created a huge upset when they defeated the highly favoured team of former national captain Seon Glasgow and his partner Sohan Dhanpat in a hard fought match eventually winning 21-18. In the playoff for third place the pair of Errol Chase and Leven Butchey defeated S. Hussain and E. Bailey 21-17. In the female category, the Pooran Sisters; Vashti and Darshanie; had things their way playing unbeaten to come out winners defeating Melissa Marks and Tinesha Cort in the final. The rapidly raising high tide and the fading light prevented the presentation ceremony from being held.

The winners will receive their trophies and cash prizes on Monday, April 8th at a ceremony to be held at the Ansa McAl office in New Amsterdam.

The competition is tough...

From page 35 first tasks would be to create the environment where officials would be accountable and transparent.

“People want to see that their money is spent as initially agreed and I believe that once we could satisfy this criterion we could reignite that trust and confidence,” opined Mr. Persaud. He also plans to assume a bifurcated approach that incorporates the forward thrust of the sport over a short and long term period while examining the possibility of forming alliances with strong football nations. “I am examining the possibility of arranging friendly matches with our footballers and other international teams to foster improvement among local players,” intimated Persaud.

Those countries include

China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey among others and Mr. Persaud intends to commence negotiations with football bigwigs in the United Kingdom as soon as he is installed as President.

“The aim is to procure funds for the local coffers and when we attain a healthy financial standing we will be in a position to share our wealth among our affiliates while influencing additional support from the business community,” explained Mr. Persaud.

Amidst such grandiose plans and projections, Persaud, a former resident of Wismar, is aware that he must firstly impress the electorate.

Last Wednesday, accompanied by a team, he travelled to his former hometown to have open and frank discussions with the

General Council of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA). He said that he hopes to influence their support with his plans and projections.

He said he has faith in the elections commission comprising three attorneysat-law, Emily Dodson, Mark Waldron and Stephen Lewis.

He admits that his competitors’ involvement stem from their desire to see the development of the sport.

Notwithstanding this, he is confident of winning the presidential seat but assured that whichever way the election goes he will continue to support the sport he loves.

“When the campaign is over I stand prepared to continue along the lines of development for this beautiful game we all love,” he concluded.

The use of goal-line technology (GLT) at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 moved a step closer today, with FIFA confirming the appointment of Goal Control GmbH as the official GLT provider for the tournament.

The announcement follows a comprehensive tender process that began in February and involved bid presentations at the Home of FIFA in Zurich as well as site inspections in Brazil. As part of the tender, GoalControl GmbH is also set to be GLT provider for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ provided that the performance of the system during this year’s Festival of Champions meets all necessary FIFA requirements.

The Germany-based company, which uses 14 highspeed cameras around the pitch as part of its GoalControl-4D system, was selected ahead of the three other FIFA-licensed GLT providers who participated in the tender.

While all four companies had previously met the

stringent technical requirements of the FIFA Quality Programme, the final decision was based on criteria relating more specifically to the tournaments in Brazil, including the company’s ability to adapt to local conditions and the compatibility of each GLT system in relation to FIFA match operations.

The respective bids were also judged on cost and project management factors such as staffing and time schedules for installation.

Following a thorough analysis of the final proposals, FIFA appointed GoalControl GmbH as GLT provider on Tuesday, 2 April, and notified all participating companies of the decision.

The use of GoalControl4D in Brazil is subject to a final installation test at each stadium where the system will be installed, which is a standard procedure as part of the official certification process defined in the GLT Testing Manual. These tests will be conducted by an independent test institute.

Prior to the start of every match, the match officials will also carry out their own tests, in-line with the operational procedures first implemented at the FIFA Club World Cup 2012 in Japan.

FIFA will now liaise with GoalControl GmbH to define the timeline for installation leading up to the FIFA Confederations Cup. The tournament will mark the second time GLT has been used at a FIFA competition, after the successful implementation of the technology at last December’s FIFA Club World Cup. This followed the historic decision by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to approve the principle of using GLT during a special meeting on 5 July 2012.

A media event is scheduled to take place in Brazil prior to the event with a demonstration of the GoalControl-4D system.

Further details will be communicated to journalists in due course.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

New No Ball penalty for Chalmers conducts Kids Basketball Clinic limited over bowlers - at request of Pepsi Sonics The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a new playing condition for Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20s) that instructs the umpires to call ‘No ball’ whenever a bowler breaks the non-striker’s wicket during the act of delivery.

This playing condition will come into effect on 30 April, and the first international match to be played under the new regulation will be the first ODI between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in Bulawayo on Friday 3 May. ICC’s General ManagerCricket, Geoff Allardice, said: “The recent interpretation used in international matches to call ‘Dead ball’ when a bowler breaks the wicket during a delivery has not adequately dealt with this situation.”

“The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) recently decided

to address this issue by introducing a new ‘No ball’ Law from 1 October 2013. The ICC Cricket Committee noted the MCC’s decision, and recommended that an ICC playing condition, mirroring the new No ball Law, be introduced to international cricket as early as possible.”

The ICC Chief Executives Committee approved this recommendation at its March meeting in Dubai. Mr Allardice added: “The ICC has decided to introduce this playing condition five months prior to the MCC changing the ‘No ball’ Law because there is a lot of important cricket to be played before 1 October, including the ICC Champions Trophy in June.

“The introduction of this playing condition will now provide greater certainty for all involved when a bowler breaks the wickets during the act of delivery.” (ICC)

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Former national player, Aubrey Chalmers (left) and Merle Jordon (right, back row) pose with the young participants of the Kids Basketball Clinic yesterday at the National Gymnasium.

Canada-based former national guard, Aubrey Chalmers yesterday commenced a basketball twoday clinic for kids at the National Gymnasium after Pepsi Sonics made the request as part of its annual development programme.

Chalmers, who played for Guyana between 1973-1981, said that he is eager to impart the basic knowledge of the sport he had gathered over the years, especially from professionals in the sport in Canada.

“Basically, this is to impart the fundamental skills of basketball to these kids. A lot of people had invested their time and resources in me over the years, including professionals in Canada, I want to pass on what I learnt,” he said. Chalmers, who is involved in the Kids Basketball Clinics in Canada, played in the era of the late Stanislaus Hadmon and Mike Brusche. Perhaps his most memorable performance was 34 points he dropped against Cuba in 1978 at the Sports

Hall.

Guyana lost 76-78 in that Goodwill encounter.

Chalmers’ clinic was part of an annual feature of Pepsi Sonics. President of the Club that is currently sitting in second in the Division I League of Georgetown, Merle Jordon, extolled the programme.

“I have know him for quite some time, and I have been doing a lot for the sport over the years, so I thought it best that he come this year and help these kids develop proper fundamentals,”

Jordon said yesterday.

Jordon is a former national female basketball player. She said that after a time the game gets too monotonous, so it is imperative to continue to unearth new talents. Jordon believes that the skills of fundamentals must be thought to very young players.

Meanwhile, Chalmers donated a set of basketballs to the club that uses the court at the National Gymnasium as its base. (Edison Jefford)

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 33

DCB RELEASES TEAMS FOR ‘Lady Jag’ Mariam El-Masri seals Division 1 contract - signs with Danish side Boldklubben UNDER-19 TOURNEY 1921 Nykobing Falster The Demerara Cricket Board has now released the teams from the 4 areas, namely, West Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank & East Coast which are scheduled to participate in the Demerara Cricket Board

Under-19 tournament starting today and concluding on Monday.

No fixtures have been set for Sunday when the National team opposes the Jamaicans in the WICB Super 50 tournament which is expected

to attract a bumper crowd at the National Stadium, Providence.

The full squads with their standby players, captains, vice-captains, managers and coaches are listed hereunder:

West Demerara U-19 team Akshaya Persaud (Captain) Travis Persaud(ViceCaptain) Narendra Persaud Kevin Paul Chandrika Persaud Michael Mathura Shameer Khan Rajiv Balgobin Ravendra Rooplall Dhanraj Singh Rene Ronaldo Daniel Basdeo David Baird Shafeek Deen Standby Rickey Hinds Manager – Mohamed Khan Coach – Dhanpaul Georgetown U-19 Team Tagenarine Chanderpaul Martin Pestano Bell Andrew Gibson Sherfane Rutherford Kemol Savory Michael Shalim(Captain) Orlando Sturge Steven Sankar

Devon Lord(Vice-Captain) Dexter George Bernard Bailey Vishaul Narayan Keon Morris Yekini Favourite Standby Players Anthony Bhupdeo Kordell Mars Cleon McEwan Ravindralall Persaud Jamal Nathan Kavel Reece Ryan Shaun Sunil Singh Manager: Robert Adonis Coach: Gavin Nedd

Basant Persaud Bashkar Yadram Ramesh Atkinson Standby: Nandram Ganesh Camroul Hookumchand Alex Shoeprashad Manager: B. Ramkhelawan Coach: Adrian Persaud

East Coast Demerara Team Vishwanauth Ramlakhan Ranjeet Heeralall Navindra Boodhoo Rudolph Singh Vivian Albert Devindra Bisham Ravindra Beepat Kamesh Yadram (Captain) Brian Sattaur (Vice-captain) Navendra Seeraj Mark Hamilton

FIXTURES: Friday, April 5th - East Coast vs East Bank at Enmore – Umpires: Zaheer Mohamed & Ava Baker with Randolph RoseStandby

Allen with Huevel CunhaStandby Saturday, April 6th - East Coast vs West Demerara at Enmore – Umpires: Mario Nichols & Ava Baker with Randolph Rose-Standby

West Demerara vs Georgetown at Wales – Umpires: Cyril Garnath & Andrew

Georgetown vs East Bank at DCC – Umpires: Andrew Allen & Pretipaul George with Huevel Cunha-

East Bank Demerara Team Deonarine Seegobin(Captain) Shivram Persaud (Vicecaptain) Stephon Brown Alex Loncke Kevon Moore Ryan Shun Asif Ali Ameer Khan Vicash Rampersaud Ronaldo Fernandes Leon Persaud Decroy Williams Arshad Alli Kenny Lawrence Manager: Deonarine Debidyal Coach: O. Sandy Standby Monday, April 8th - West Demerara vs East Bank at Wales – Umpires: Cyril Garnett& Andrew Allen with Randolph Rose-Standby Georgetown vs East Coast at GCC – Umpires: Zaheer Mohamed & Mario Nichols with Huevel CunhaStandby

Falim, Sheik hit half centuries as Steve’s Jewellery beat GT Bannas Half centuries by Falim Mohamed and Sheik Mohamed enabled Steve’s Jewellery to overpower GT Bannas of Canada by 188 runs in a feature 25 over softball match contested last Thursday evening at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

Batting first after winning the toss Steve’s Jewellery piled up 300 for 2 in 25 overs.

Falim led with 77(9x4,

3x6) while Sheik made 67(5x4, 3x6) and Rajesh Singh 44 not out (2x4, 4x6).

GT Bannas in reply were bowled out for 112 with Mark Shaw scoring 39; Derrick Ramotar had 2 for 6 and Steve Narine 2 for 22.

Falim was given the manof-the-match award, while Mark Shaw received the best batsman prize and Ramotar the most outstanding bowler trophy. Yunus Yusuf of the

Banks DIH Ltd donates...

From page 37 venue at 9:00hrs and the first pawn would be pushed one hour later. The fee for players under 20 years is $300, while others would be required to pay $500 each. Members of the GCF would pay a reduced fee. The Swiss system competition consists of seven rounds and each player would be allotted 20 minutes on the clock during each of the seven matches.

Clocks would be provided by the Federation.

home team was also rewarded for taking a spectacular catch.

A cash donation was also presented to the Step by Step charitable foundation by the touring GT Bannas team.

Trophies for the game were sponsored by Steve’s Jewellery.

The action continues this tonight at the Everest Cricket Club ground where the GT Bannas team will come up against the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association.

Trophies for this game will be sponsored by Trophy Stall of Bourda market.

Ansa McAl and Heineken will also be on board with a promotion lasting the entire evening. Live music will be provided by Stylistic Wave.

Mariam El-Masri Guyana Women’s National Team player, ‘Lady Jag’ Mariam El-Masri has joined Danish 1. Division side, Boldklubben 1921 Nykøbing Falster.

The Scarborough, Ontario native, who won the 2012 Ontario Women Soccer

League with Gursikh Sabha United, arrived in Denmark on March 21st, immediately got into task by scoring the winner in her unofficial debut against BK Skjold reserves in a 1-0 win 3 days later.

The OCAA Soccer Athlete of the Week was thrilled over her move to Danish football.

“This move has been a good experience for me so far. The atmosphere is so different and it is a refreshing experience playing in wintry conditions.

Scoring the lone goal on my unofficial debut was a great way to show the team what I could deliver.

You could not tell that the team is currently lying at the bottom of the table because my teammates can move and pass the ball so well.

My target for this season is to help my team achieve at least a mid-table placing. I will like to thank my representatives, Trebol

Sports International for making this European dream come true!”

Mariam is the younger sister of S-League side, Courts Young Lions star, Sherif El-Masri. Sherif was happy over her sister’s European adventure, “It will be a good break for her. It’s something she is gifted in and loves doing. I am confident she can get far from here.”

The gifted forward has scored four goals in 10 appearances for the ‘Lady Jags’ and helped Guyana qualify for the CONCACAF Women’s Finals that was played in Cancun, Mexico in 2010 where she scored against the mighty Mexicans in that memorable 7-2 loss to the host team.

The Guyanese team, making their debut at that level, was a favourite of the Mexican crowd.

Mariam will make her official debut in an away game against Sønderjysk E on 6th April.

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

England hand Sunshine Girls second defeat Jamaica Observer ENGLAND’s third-ranked netballers beat Jamaica 50-45 in the second game of the Supreme Ventures Sunshine Series at the National Indoor Sports Centre (NISC) Wednesday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-test series.

The Jamaicans fought back from 15 goals down in the final quarter after an upand-down encounter.

Both teams made changes to the teams which started in Tuesday’s opener, with Shantal Slater in the goal

shooter’s spot for Jamaica and Kadeen Corbin (who is of Jamaican lineage) in the opposite end of the court for England.

The visitors were bouncing from the opening whistle and had gone up by seven goals to nothing before Sunshine Girls coach Oberon Pitterson-Nattie called a timeout to try to remedy the locals’ unforced errors.

Seven minutes had gone in the first quarter and England were eight up before the Jamaicans were finally able to hit the target. But the

English continued to dominate to the chagrin of the NISC crowd who yelled their hearts out every time Jamaica got possession and seemed ready to build on the momentum. The fans were left disappointed most of the time, however, as the shooters were unable to deliver, and the Roses eventually took the quarter 16-7.

It became even more painful to watch in the second quarter as the world number three- ranked England ran circles around the fourthrated Jamaicans. They had

more than doubled their score 33-16 at the half-time break.

The third quarter was turning into more of the same when the Sunshine Girls suddenly got the crowd back into the game with shouts of “defence! defence!” after an interception that led to a fourgoal streak led by Sabrina Spence in for Slater.

The English, however, had managed to regain some of their composure by the end of the quarter and led 41-31 entering the final 15 minutes.

They continued to add to their advantage in the final quarter

Jamaica’s skipper and goalkeeper Sasha-Gaye Lynch (left) and England’s goal shooter Rachel Dunn battle for the ball.

(PHOTO: GARFIELD ROBINSON) and, while the Jamaicans had another few moments of brilliance in the final quarter, the visitors went on to victory.

England captain Pamela Cookey top scored with 25

goals from 27 attempts, while Spence had 24 from 28 for Jamaica.

England won the first game 53-42, while the third match-up comes up tomorrow at the same venue.

Athletics road race and day of sprints carded for Berbice The newly formed Rose Hall Town Athletic Club is continuing with its quest to organise athletics activities in Berbice in its effort to revitalize the sport in the ancient county. The club, which has been running off monthly road races since its formation, will be taking it one step further by organising its monthly road race and a ‘Day of Sprints’ which is carded for Wednesday 1st May (Labour day) 2013.

The day’s event will begin at 07:30 hrs at the Ulverston bus shed with the road race and end with a lap around the Area H Ground in Rose Hall Town.

The day of sprints where

all sprinters will battle for over $150,000 in cash and prizes is expected to get underway at 09:00hrs. The athletes will battle over 100M, 200M, 400M and 4x100M relay events in the U-14, 16, 18, 20, 25 and over 25 categories and will feature both male and female athletes.

There will also be invitational races and athletes from throughout Guyana are expected to be a part of the day’s action. Athletes are asked to register by Monday 29th April and those interested can make contact with Godwyn Allicock on 6609048 or 337-4774 or Mr. Colin Bynoe Jr on 629-7613.

(Samuel Whyte)

NCN Under-15 Inter-zone Cricket Competition get cracking today in Berbice The 2013 National Communication Network Under-15 Inter-zone Cricket Competition organised by the Berbice Cricket Board starts today with the first of the two semi-finals.

For this competition, Berbice has been divided up into four geographical zones: Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/ Canje/East Bank combined and West Berbice.

The first semi-final will be played off today at the Blairmont Community Centre

ground between West Berbice and Lower Corentyne, while the defending champion New Amsterdam/Canje/East Bank will travel to Skeldon Community Centre ground tomorrow to take on Upper Corentyne.

The one-day-twoinnings matches are scheduled to start at 09.30 hours and conclude at 17.17 hours with the first innings of the teams limited to 40.

This is the fifth year of NCN’s sponsorship of this competition.

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 35

The competition is tough but Ivan Persaud remains confident of clinching GFF Presidency Presiding over the affairs of local footballers has been touted as a thankless job but as they say, someone has to do it. Ever since the cream of the nation’s ball weavers defected to the USA while en route to Mexico via Los Angeles for the 1987 World Cup Qualifiers in the mid eighties, football has taken a nose dive until recently when the Golden Jaguars created some ripples, albeit in an unsuccessful bid in another FIFA World Cup qualifiers tournament.

Colin Klass had taken over the mantle after the ignominious 1987 debacle but many felt that his rule was autocratic and to some extent, unproductive. Nevertheless, many attempts to destabilize him through the electorate failed and many were resigned to what seemed like Klass’ automatic life membership in the Presidential seat. Fate changed all of this and after found guilty of impropriety by the world ruling football body, Klass was sanctioned and banned for a specified period paving the way for fresh elections for the remaining 2 years of the aborted term.

On April 12 next, the GFF electorate will convene to

elect a Presidential candidate for the next two years as well as other executive positions for four years terms. While every position is important, much emphasis has been placed on the Presidency and four gentlemen, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, Christopher Matthias, Alfred King and Ivan Persaud, all with varying football experience and administrative skill, have submitted themselves for the prestigious position.

Most of these candidates have tabled grandiose projections and manifestos while sporting remarkable resumes but only one person will clinch the job. Ivan Persaud is confident that he has what it takes to fill the void and exudes confidence of winning the coveted prize.

He was nominated by the East Bank Football Association and seconded by the Coaches Association.

But one wonders what has inspired Mr. Persaud to contest the position and what gives him the confidence that he would come out victorious.

“My vast experience and love for the sport,” he confidently replied. His brows furrowed as he rolled out his resume that included a stint playing in such clubs as

Botofago FC, Western Tigers FC and the GDF FC at the amateur level. He said that he also competed professionally in Suriname in 1984 and finally moved over to Holland in 1986 for a stint in the Professional Leagues.

But even before his illustrious international career, Mr. Persaud had represented this country at both junior and senior levels shortly before he clinched a 5 years Government coaching scholarship award at the University of Sports, Cali Columbia in 1995. Five years later he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Football Coaching. Ivan returned and served within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports until 2004 when he migrated to the United Kingdom.

Ivan said that though he was physically removed from Guyana his heart was always in local football development.

He said that he continued to play an integral role in the development of the sport in several areas including technical innovations and fitness and nutrition. He said that he was also instrumental in facilitating the visit of a professional coach, William Librero, out of Cali Columbia,

Manchester City’s Yaya Toure signs new four-year deal

Manchester City’s Yaya Toure (left) being greeted by fellow team-mate David Silva after scoring one of his goals (BBC) BBC Sport - Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has signed a new four-year contract with the Premier League club.

The deal will keep the Ivory Coast international at the Etihad Stadium until 2017.

“This is where I want to be,” the 29-year-old told the club website. “I will never forget how I have been treated here by the fans, the club and the owners and nothing would

give me greater pleasure than to finish my career as a Manchester City player.”

Toure joined City from Barcelona for a reported £24m in 2010, having helped the Spanish giants win the Champions League title a year earlier. The box-to-box midfielder has since been an integral member of Roberto Mancini’s side, scoring the winning goal in the 2011 FA Cup final and a crucial double

against Newcastle United last May to keep the eventual Premier League champions in the title hunt.

Toure has scored eight goals this season as City have progressed to a Wembley FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Sunday 14 April, but his side made an early Champions League exit and are 15 points behind Manchester United in the league with only seven games remaining.

“Of course now it looks likely that we will not successfully defend the Premier League title and that is sad for all of us,” Toure added. “But we can still finish second and win the FA Cup for a second time in three years and that is still an achievement for a club that won nothing for a long time.

“We must try to finish on a high note and then start preparing to win more next season. Football is always a challenge and always a puzzle to solve and that is why we all love the game.

“You have to use your skill, intelligence and strength to constantly improve and that is what we at City intend to do.”

to conduct a seminar to enhance the knowledge and skills of local administrators who in turn passed on their knowledge to the players.

Mr. Persaud said that despite taking up residence in the United Kingdom he has represented Guyana at many forums as a player and had extended similar services to local ball weavers. During his illustrious career as an administrator he has travelled to more than 24 countries in the Caribbean, North America and many Spanish countries and has rendered coaching services to the Golden Jaguars in 2012 during their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup tournament. His travels have served him well and he speaks several languages including Spanish, French, Dutch and Portuguese among others. He is adamant that such skill could serve the local fraternity well during negotiations with officials and players in those territories.

All this time Mr. Persaud said that he had noted the many deficiencies that

seemed to curtail the development of the game and he had been somewhat concerned. Quizzed on his laissez-faire disposition to effect changes Persaud said, “I would have needed the clout and the mandate to facilitate positive action and had I the mandate of the president it would have been a less complicated task.” He said that people tend to listen to their leaders and he was not in the leadership seat and therefore lacked the clout.

“That is why I know that once I attain the Presidential position I could motivate my charges to appreciate my vision for the progression of the sport,” a confident Persaud exhorted.

Should he succeed in his presidential quest Persaud will be shackled with a huge debt incurred by the GFF that will obviously impinge on his plans to push the sport forward in a timely manner. “I am not certain what the debts of the GFF are but the last time I heard that we were in the red by millions of dollars,” revealed Persaud. He is

cognizant that it would be a tedious task to liquidate that debt while focusing on developmental factors. He said that executives would have to incorporate the input of all stakeholders and explore practical ways to liquidate the debt while attracting funding to the Federation. “We will obviously have to solicit support from the corporate community as well as the government if we are to grapple with debt issues,” confessed Persaud. He admitted that there is a level of apathy among members of the business community owing in part to the lack of accountability of the previous executives.

However, Mr. Persaud is confident that an executive led by him could reignite the trust of the corporate community. He said that those professionals would realize that the newly installed executives are not really responsible for the incurred debt. The aspiring President further said that among his (Continued on page 31)

Page 36

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Banks DIH Ltd donates hefty sum as Gayle, Kumar star in last-over thriller Ponting - opening together ESPNcricinfo - A from Virat Kohli.

Chess players battle at Tain Campus nerveless Gayle’s lone hand began for the first time - hit 50 runs final over from

Mr. Clayton McKenzie hands over the sponsorship cheque to Vishnu Rampersaud at Thirst Park The nation’s top chess players have been engaged in intense battle in several competitions that have netted the top three players beautiful trophies. Those players will now battle for real stakes when Banks DIH Ltd, under its Malta Supreme brand stages a one-day Rapid Chess Tournament at Tain Campus, Corentyne, Sunday April 7, next.

The players would be contesting for prizes in excess of one hundred thousand dollars put up by the beverage giants and on Wednesday afternoon last, Secretary of the GCF, Vishnu Rampersaud,

collected the sponsorship cheque from Clayton McKenzie, Brand Manager, non-alcoholic Malts (Banks DIH) at the company’s Thirst Park complex. The GCF official extended sincere gratitude to his benefactor.

Communications Manager of Banks DIH Ltd, Troy Peters was also at the forum and expressed delight on behalf of his company for being afforded an opportunity to contribute to the lives of the chess players.

“We anticipate an exciting and competitive tournament and urge Berbicians to support the venture,” said Mr.

Peters.

Mr. Nandalall thanked Banks DIH for the gift and said that the hefty package could serve as the catalyst for broader participation while intensifying the competitive spirit. “Chess is a mentally demanding sport, referred to as the “gymnasium of the mind,” he said. The GCF President said that the unselfish contribution of the beverage giants is a great motivating factor for players who would intensify the struggle for excellence. “In this regard, Banks DIH is proving beyond doubt that it is indeed “committed to excellence”, Nandalall concluded. Players from Berbice will join their Georgetown counterparts to compete for the big money prize. Among those expected to compete are National Junior Champion Anthony Drayton and his senior counterpart Taffin Khan, former national champion, also a resident of Berbice, Kriskal Persaud and a host of competent players.

Registration begins at the (Continued on page 33)

Vinay Kumar saw Royal Challengers Bangalore earn a dramatic two-run victory over Mumbai Indians at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, in the second match of IPL 2013.

Mumbai arrived in the 20th over only three wickets down, and needing 10 runs for victory, but a doublestrike from Kumar, early in the over, brought two new batsmen to the crease, and mounted substantial pressure on the visitors.

Kieron Pollard got on strike for the first time, with eight runs needed and only two balls remaining and though he struck his first ball for a four, which would have been a six, but for one inch, he could only dig out the perfect yorker Kumar delivered on the last ball as far as long-on.

Royal Challengers’ victory had been set up earlier in the match by a Chris Gayle IPL classic. His unbeaten 92 from 58 balls helped his side overcome a pedestrian start, and launched them to 156 for 5. After Gayle, the next highest Royal Challengers score was 24,

with uncharacteristic reticence, as the Mumbai seam bowlers, led by Mitchell Johnson, found bounce and movement on the grassy Chinnaswamy Stadium surface that had compelled Ricky Ponting to bowl first.

The six Powerplay overs saw the fall of two batsmen and yielded only 31 runs, with Gayle having made four of those, from 10 deliveries. In fact it was not until the ninth over that Gayle showed any aggressive intent, when he clipped Jasprit Bumrah through the leg side, before clearing his leg and drilling a full delivery into the sightscreen, next ball.

He rarely eased up thereafter though, hitting 11 fours and five sixes in his innings, as his teammates continued to flounder around him. Pollard came in for conspicuous punishment in the 11th over, disappearing for 15, never to see the bowling crease again, while Munaf Patel’s final over went for 16.

Mumbai’s reply was promising at the outset, as Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky

together in just over seven overs. But despite that solid foundation, Mumbai’s top order was unable to lower the asking rate for much of their innings. Mumbai had Pollard padded up in the dugout, and while Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu allowed the pressure to escalate through a meandering approach during the middle overs, Pollard was not promoted up the order to induce the dash Mumbai required to win the match.

Karthik finally hit out in the 17th over, hitting three consecutive sixes and a four, to plunder 24 runs off Daniel Christian.

Although that mini-surge and the ten-run over that followed tipped the match in favour of the visitors, who needed 17 from 12 balls, a terrific penultimate over from Jaydev Unadkat conceded only seven runs, yielding the floor to a thrilling finish.

Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 156 for 5 (Gayle 92*, Bumrah 332) beat Mumbai Indians 154 for 5 (Karthik 60, Kumar 3-27) by two runs.

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 37

::: Letter to the Sports Editor :::

SEALEY WAS NOT SO CLEVER AFTER ALL DEAR EDITOR, The clandestine attempt

by Lester Sealey to appear as though he was not carbon copying the earlier efforts made by Kashif and Shanghai to denigrate my character was not so cleverly done and all it did was validate the true nature of the characters who believe the exclusive rights to rule over local football belong to them.

Sealey, who opened by commenting about his admiration for my ‘balanced writings, impartiality and efficiency in relation to sporting events and by extension coverage of major issues affecting various sports disciplines’ then surreptitiously tries to deliver some ‘rabbit’ punches, perhaps hoping that he might catch me unaware. But lo and behold, being in this game for close to a decade has prepared me for such efforts by those who dread to face the criticism of oppressive officials.

Before I venture into what Sealey’s missive attempted to convey to the public, let me

say without delay that I am not surprised by his actions, since I have always seen him as duplicitous.

Just to ‘edify’ Sealey and his cohorts, I have been around the game of football longer than many of them starting in 1973 when Haiti visited and even though I concede that life is a continual learning process, (I wonder if they believe so as well) I usually keep myself informed about many aspects of the sport, locally, regionally and internationally, so to talk about edifying me will take some amount of doing.

Let me open by asking Sealey what really was the focus of his article, since it seemed to be more of a pathetic attempt to remain an acquaintance of mine, but at the same time act as an envoy for his friends.

Since Sealey has unlimited access to the media I assume it would not be difficult for him to acquire the space (which somehow happens to always be available to him) to tell me and the readership what ‘Intricate

issues in football administration are being overloooked’.

Is it because they are so complex that everyone seems to ignore them? I guess Sealey and those who he fervently represents have the answers.

If I may recall, it was Sealey who started the ‘mudslinging’ on one of the Presidential candidates, questioning his integrity and suitability for the post, and as soon as his preferred choice’s uprightness and suitability was queried by this writer, then the attack on my integrity commenced.

I will not be intimidated nor will I shirk from my responsibility to report accurately.

As Sealey stated in his opening paragraph, my professionalism is above board and it might help if he could forward same to Kashif and Shanghai for their edification. It should never be a one-sided affair.

Mr. Sealey, you must understand, I have a right in my capacity as a journalist to

Howell Hinds donates prizes for sports promotion during Linden Town Week Howell Hinds displays the trophies donated.

Managing Director of Howell Hinds Construction Company of Amelia’s Ward, Howell ‘Yellowman’ Hinds on Thursday made a donation of several trophies, medals and over $500,000 in cash incentives which will be used for several sports events which are set for Linden during its Annual Linden Town Week celebrations from April 26 through to May 6.

Speaking of his company’s investment in sports Hinds, who is based in the United States, but has always had a yearning to help promote sports in Linden, told those attending the handing over ceremony which was held at the Senior Supervisors Club (SSC), that his company is committed to spread the promotion of sports and has committed to this the second year of specific promotion when the town celebrates its anniversary.

He said this year there will be competition in

four ball billiards, chess among school children only, dominoes and gin-rommy and perhaps a ballroom dancing competition for this years’ celebrations. Recently Hinds was instrumental in having over $3M spent in the rehabilitation of the SSC and said he will continue to assist the club where all the activities will be contested.

He said, “Your presence here is well appreciated as we plan for what is the second annual promotion of the network of sports planned for Linden Town Week. I am not sure what to expect in the future but this I know, that my company will continue to invest its money on condition that all its competitions are for the benefit for Lindeners. This is only the beginning and I hope you all appreciate this gesture. We are doing this with the intention that Linden will rise again to top sports in the country as it were years ago.”

question anyone vying for national office and to present the facts to the public for their education and enlightenment.

If it is that the Presidential candidate of your choice is written about in a manner that makes you uncomfortable, then, as you’ve been doing all along, respond with facts that could counter any allegation (s) that in your opinion seek to besmirch the character of the individual.

However, when the facts are staring you in the face, then you must be magnanimous enough to accept them as the truth and not try to contort them for that individual’s benefit.

Instead of spending quality time trying to boost up an individual who has been a central figure during the most oppressive period of Guyana’s football and who even after repeated calls to have the Federation account for the monies derived from switching the Mexico game during the World Cup campaign has not budged, you should use your much

vaunted influence to advise either the candidate or the hierachy to do so.

This I believe will prove to be a major headache for your choice heading into the Electoral Congress on April 12.

Your obvious camouflage as to who you favour did not work, but then again, as they say, old habits die hard.

I, like you, am an ardent follower of the sport and I

know a lot about the inner workings of the sport’s administrations just like you do, the only difference is that I will never call a spade a fork; it is simply not in my nature.

As we head into the homestretch with the Congress being the finish line, let us strive to bring the facts about the respective candidates and their slate out in the open for public perusal.

Rawle Welch

ECB\ Igloo Ice Cream Inter Zone U-15 tourney

Williams slams half century for Zone A Mark Williams stroked a fine half century as Zone A claimed first innings points from Zone B in a drawn game when the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB)\ Igloo Ice Cream U15 Inter Zone tournament commenced recently at Affiance.

Zone A batted first and scored 164-6 after the overs were reduced to 37 overs due to rain. Williams top scored with 80 not out, while Mark Lewis chipped in with 29. Shamar Britton took 2-15 for Zone B who replied with 75 for 8 in 37 overs.

Rendell Reddy grabbed 3 for 11. Zone A with a lead of 89 posted 68 for 4 off their mandatory 15 overs in their second turn at the crease. Williams continued his fine form with 23.

Set 157 set to win, Zone B could only manage 28 for 7 in 15 overs; Reddy snared 2 for 7. The teams will meet again tomorrow.

Page 38

Kaieteur News

Friday April 05, 2013

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition...

Mini Bus, Half Mile/One Mile score impressive wins Mini Bus and Half Mile/ One Mile were emphatic winners when the Linden segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition continued on Wednesday evening, in the Mining Town. In the first game of the night, Min Bus defeated $100 Car 3-1 thanks to strikes from Godfrey Johnson (12th), Seon Brewley (14th) and Ronel Bristol (16th), while Andre Venture’s 13th minute effort had made the contest a l i t t l e interesting at one stage.

In the match that followed,

Half Mile/One Mile cruised past Goal Getters 3-0 with Steve Brewley (6th), Derrol Dantley (18th) and Beneakaman Smart (19th), the players on target.

Ateba Edmondson’s 5th minute strike was enough to give Coomacka a 1-0 triumph over The Amazings, while Unique Unknowns registered a similar margin of victory over Barsenal with Ryan Woes’ 6th minute effort separating the two teams.

Delon Carter then netted a brace in the 6th and 13th minutes to give Eagles a close

2-1 win over Attackers, whose solitary goal came off the boot of Allan Reece in the 14th minute.

Classic Six and Cherokee Park then played to a nil-all stalemate, while Speightland edged Rough and Rugged 10 with Ron Fiedtkou’s 4th minute goal, proving to be the game winner. Clifton Halley netted in the 16th minute to give Silver Bullets a 1-0 victory over Star Boys in the final game of the evening.

The competition resumes tomorrow night with eight more matches, at the Wisroc/

Scores and Standings Group A Team Name PokerburgCherokee ParkBlue-Berry HillClassic Six Group B Team Name Hard KnocksEaglesTrainline WarriorsAttackers Group C Team Name Silver BulletsStar Boys Street VibezHigh Stars Group D Team Name WisrocGoal GettersScheme 1 Mile/ ½ Mile Group E Team Name Coomacka UnitedExodus The AmazingsConstab Group F Team Name Silent Assassins BarsenalUnknownsRipping Bullets Group G Team Name Top ClassMini-BusAliku$ 100 Car Group H Team Name T.L.C Shipping RussiansRough and RuggedSouth StarsSpeightland United

Games Played 2222

Won 0101

Loss 1010

Draw 1111

GF 1113

GA 2040

points Part of the action in the Linden segment of the 1414 Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition.

Games Played 2222

Won 1110

Loss 0102

Draw 1010

GF 2311

GA 1303

points 4340

Games Played 2222

Won 2110

Loss 0112

Draw 0101

GF 1321

GA 0135

points 6330

Games Played 2222

Won 1002

Loss 0120

Draw 1100

GF 5136

GA 2472

points 4106

Games Played 2222

Won 2000

Loss 0110

Draw 0112

GF 4112

GA O422

points 6112

Games Played 2222

Won 2020

Loss 0202

Draw 0000

GF 5121

GA 2403

points 6060

Games Played 2222

Won 0211

Loss 2011

Draw 0000

GF 1732

GA 7113

points 0633

Games Played 2222

Won 2002

Loss 0220

Draw 0000

GF 5003

GA 0350

points 6006

Amelia’s Ward Bus Park.

In the fixtures: Top Class vs. $100 Car; Exodus vs. The Amazing; Wisroc vs. ½ Mile/ 1 Mile; Pokerburg vs. Classic

six; Attackers vs. Hard knocks; Street Vybz vs. Silver Bullets; Team 25 vs.

Unknowns and Speightland vs. TLC Russians.

Caribbean Table Tennis Championships

Guyana battle for U-18 semi place Trinidadians, Andreus Abraham-Pantin, Savresh Mungal and Arun Roopnarine beat Guyana 3-1 and Suriname 3-0 in the Under-18 teams’ competition when the Caribbean Junior Table Tennis Championships served off at Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain, Trinidad. In the other fixtures in the group, Curacao edged Suriname 3-2, but was whipped 3-0 by the Guyanese.

Title favourites, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico finished first and second respectively in Group B to book their places in the last four. Dominican Republic outclassed Barbados and T&T ‘B’ 3-0 and were 3-1

winners over the Puerto Ricans, who crushed both Barbados and T&T ‘B’ 3-0.

The girls’ equivalent draw is a straight round-robin with five teams. The other teams involved are Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Guyana. The under-15 girls’ event is also a straight roundrobin draw and also involved are Dominican Republic, Guyana, Puerto Rico and T&T ‘B.’ The boys’ under-15 competition served off Wednesday night and the team events concluded last night while the doubles will take place tomorrow and the singles will be contested on Saturday and Sunday.

EVEREST BEAT PYO MASTERS BY 8 WKTS

Everest Masters defeated the PYO Masters of Trinidad and Tobago by 8 wickets in a feature Twenty/20 game played on last Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Batting first after winning the toss, the PYO masters made 122 for 3 in 20 overs. Arif Ishack scored 66 and Captain Robert Pereira 21. Shaheed Mohamed picked up 3 for 10 from 4 overs for the host. Sheik Mohamed then top scored with 46 not out and got support from Basil Persaud 35 and Hemraj Garbarran 22 as Everest masters reached their target in 18 overs for the lost of two wickets in reply.

ISHACK WAS ADJUDGED MAN OF THE MATCH. At the presentation ceremony the PYO team donated a quantity of cricket gear to the Everest Cricket Club.

President of the club and captain of the Everest Masters Rajesh Singh, who received the equipment, thanked PYO for choosing Everest as a venue on their tour of Guyana 2013. He was also grateful for their generous donation, and stated that it will go a long way in developing cricket at the club.

He also expressed gratitude to Ansa Mc Al for making a number of contributions towards the club recently.

Trophies for the winning team and the man of the match were presented by the Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.

Friday April 05, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 39

t r o Sp

Deonarine hits half century as Guyana beat CCC by 3 wickets

By Zaheer Mohamed Left hander Narsingh Deonarine stroked a patient 51 as Guyana defeated the Combined Campuses and Colleges by three wickets in their West Indies Cricket Board Regional Super 50, Round Five game last evening at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Deonarine shared in a fourth wicket stand of 68 with Leon Johnson to steady the host run chase after they restricted the visitors to 175.

Opener Trevon Griffith got the Guyanese off to a flier; he dispatched the second ball of the innings from pacer Kesrick Williams for four through mid wicket. He then flicked and

punched Jason Dawes for boundaries the following over before Guyana lost experienced batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 2 when he played back to Nekoli Parris and was trapped lbw with the score on 39 in the 6th over.

Ramnaresh Sarwan (05) got off the mark with a boundary through extra cover before he was put down at first slip off Williams. He failed to capitalise and was taken at square leg in the same over essaying a pull shot. Griffith was then caught and bowled by Williams for 33 (5x4) as Guyana slipped to 50-3 before Deonarine and Johnson pulled the home team out of trouble with sensible batting in front of a small but vocal crowd.

Deonarine punched Parris through point for four, while Johnson cut Raymond Reifer to the cover boundary before he was caught and bowled by Parris for 37(2x4). Stephen Jacobs who was

dropped at mid wicket when on 3 was given out leg before to Akeem Dewar for 12 to leave Guyana in a spot of bother at 147-5.

Deonarine and Anthony Bramble added 19 for sixth wicket before Deonarine who sustained a minor injury while batting was caught and bowled by Austin for 51 which contained four fours. Austin then accounted for Veerasammy Permaul (00) who came in ahead of Paul Wintz. Bramble and Bishoo then saw Guyana home without further hiccups as they ended on 178-7 in 48 overs. Bramble finished unbeaten on 12, while Bishoo who pulled and swept Austin for boundaries to seal the issue for his team was not out on 9.

Parris was the pick of the bowlers for CCC with 2-34, while Williams took 2-35; Austin and Dewar had 1 each.

Earlier, CCC decided to bat but after winning the toss, recovered

from a poor start before they were bowled out in 48.3 overs. Anthony Alleyne was their leading scorer with 58 (3x4).

CCC lost the early wicket of Chadwick Walton to off spinner Steven Jacobs in the third over for 1, before Devendra Bishoo accounted for Kyle Corbin (00) and Shacaya Thomas (22) in the space of three balls to leave the score 43 for 3 in the 15th over.

Anthony Alleyne and Nekoli Parris added respectability to the batting as they steered CCC to triple figure mark.

However, pacer Paul Wintz struck two crucial blows by removing Nekoli Parris 31 and Floyd Reifer, who had his off stump knocked over for 14.

Poor communication between the wickets with Raymon Reifer and Anthony Alleyne resulted in the latter being run out 133 for 6.

CCC then lost their last four

Narsingh Deonarine wickets for 42 runs. Ronsford Beaton accounted for Raymon Reifer (18), while Akeem Dewar and Ryan Austin were run out for four and eight respectively; Kesrick Williams made three before he was stumped off Permaul.

Paul Wintz and Devendra Bishoo claimed 2 for 28 and 2 for 31 respectively while Jacobs, Beaton and Permaul had 1 each.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210