Kaieteur News

Monday Edition

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April 15, 2013 - Vol. 5 No. 15

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Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

16-year-old miner killed as pit collapses

Dead: Dennis Barker

Commuters are taking great chances when crossing the Tiger Creek Bridge located about two hours drive from Mahdia Region Eight.

Two senior UG officials Cop kills sent on leave - pending special audit

Crashed aircraft engine for machete examination in USA - GCAA attacker

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Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

Crashed aircraft engine for examination in USA - GCAA Remains of the crashed twin-engine Piper Aztec aircraft will be transported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States of America for examinations shortly.

This is according to Paula Mc Adam, Director, Aviation Safety Regulation of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), who was monitoring the clearing of the rubble at the crash site in Sparendaam yesterday.

She said that by today the area should be completely cleared and in the meantime, the remains, including the engines, will be stored at Air Services Limited bond at La Bonne Intention until all paper work is completed before they are sent o the USA. According to the GCAA official the engines will be thoroughly examined by the NTSB to ascertain what caused them to shut down.

The clearing team comprised labourers of Air Services Limited and Ogle Airport Incorporated. They were seen separating the debris to ensure parts concerning the aircraft were properly gathered.

O n S a t u r d a y, a n American registered aircraft, a twin-engine Piper Aztec with registration number N27-FT that was on a technical survey mission for the Amaila Falls Access Road, came crashing down on a Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara house just after taking off from the Ogle International Airport.

Two persons, an American pilot and a Canadian Engineer, the only persons on board, perished in the mishap.

Their unrecognisable remains were removed from the site on Saturday.

The lone occupant of the house at the time, Florence Ty n d a l l , m i r a c u l o u s l y escaped without a scratch.

Attempts to contact the families of the deceased are being done through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Zulfikar Mohamed said. He was also at the crash site yesterday overlooking the proceedings. According to Transport Minister Robeson Benn, Government would only be offering support to those affected by the plane crash. But, in terms of

Labourers clearing the area to facilitate the start of investigations into the plane crash.

compensation, the insurer of the aircraft would be responsible for that.

Meanwhile, Tyndall's children who live abroad are expected to arrive in Guyana soon. The elderly woman is currently staying at a neighbour's house and hopes that whoever is responsible rebuilds her house quickly.

A disturbed Tyndall related that on Saturday she was unable to cry but early yesterday morning as she looked at the rubble, tears flowed uncontrollably and it

dawned on her how lucky she was.

The 69 year old woman had told reporters that she was fortunate to be at the back of the house preparing for church when the plane landed on the front of the building.

The woman who was in obvious shock when she spoke to this newspaper said that she heard what sounded like gunshots. “I say 'Desiree (neighbour), is who shooting?' Then I feel the house shake and then I see

f i r e , ” M r s . Ty n d a l l explained.

At that time she was not aware that an aircraft had landed on her house. It was not until she exited the burning building that she realized the magnitude of what had happened. The plane had landed on the front western side of the house.

She said that neighbours subsequently came and started pulling out a few household appliances from the house. She said that she did hear sounds of an aircraft

having engine problems but did not pay it much attention, since according to her that was a normal occurrence.

“Is not till I hear something go 'plax!' again, I say 'well wait, is land de plane land?'” Tyndall stated.

She explained that from time to time she would hear aircraft engines shutting down, only to restart and proceed on their way to the Ogle airport which is located about a mile away.

She is grateful to God for saving her life.

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

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We will fix the mistakes at Skeldon factory - Ramotar President Donald Ramotar has assured Private Sector representatives in Berbice that the government is working assiduously to “correct the mistakes at the Skeldon Sugar Factory”.

In March, Cabinet Secretary D r. R o g e r Luncheon announced that the US$200M Skeldon Sugar Factory, which was built as part of G o v e r n m e n t ’s p l a n t o reverse the sorrowful state o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s s u g a r industry was a “letdown”.

The Skeldon Sugar Factory is operating at just over 50 per cent of its capacity, and it was announced by the government in December last

that millions of dollars being spent to modify the factory will still not bring it to its full operational capacity.

The Skeldon Estate was designed to produce 110,000 tonnes of sugar per annum.

In 2010, production was 33,237 tonnes and in 2011, production was 29,410 tonnes. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo had vowed to see the factory up to its full capacity.

Mr. Ramotar told the Berbice private sector over the weekend that the government had hoped that Skeldon would have performed much better, “but unfortunately it didn’t, but we are moving to correct those mistakes and I have every

President Donald Ramotar

confidence that it will realize its full potential in the not too distant future.”

Mr. Ramotar is hoping that by the next out- of- crop, all of the remaining work left

Bullet removed from bus driver’s head - following intervention of senior government official The bullet which was lodged in the scalp of the bus driver who was shot after midnight on Friday has been removed, according to a statement from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Kaieteur News understands that the decision by the hospital to remove the bullet from the man’s scalp was taken only after the intervention of the Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon and other senior government officials.

Desmond Marcus of Louisa Row, Wortmanville was shot in the vicinity of National and Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt by a passenger who refused to pay him the bus fare.

Immediately after the shooting, the 59-year-old man drove himself to the GPHC but was treated by a senior doctor at the health institute who subsequently sent him away with the bullet stuck in his scalp. The father of three was given Ibuprofen, a tetanus injection and antibiotics.

When he went home, Marcus began suffering from severe headaches and his family took him back to the hospital on Saturday morning. However, he was again sent away after being told that his injury is not life threatening and admission was not required. He was asked to return to the facility today to have the bullet removed.

Marcus’ sister, who is a doctor in the United States of America made contact with Dr. Luncheon, who then telephoned the Head of the GPHC to enquire what had

transpired.

“I was at home resting and I was getting headaches and the hospital call my family and told them to carry me back, so I went and I do a CTScan and they removed the bullet yesterday (Saturday),” Marcus said while lying on a hospital bed.

The hospital in a statement issued yesterday said that the matter was brought to the attention of the institution’s management and instructions were immediately given for the patient to be returned for the adequate procedures to be performed.

“The bullet has been removed and the patient is recovering,” the GPHC statement said.

Marcus is likely to be discharged from the facility today. Meanwhile, a private doctor attached to the Woodlands Hospital told Kaieteur News that the doctor who treated Marcus erred terribly. He stated that the

Marcus, on Saturday, just after he was sent away by the hospital for the second time. patient should have been admitted for observation even if his condition is not life threatening.

GPHC said that it has launched an investigation into the matter.

to be done on the factory will be completed.

Addressing the deficiencies at the modern sugar factory is South African firm, Bosch. However, critical works such as modification to the punt dumper design and replacement of the structure was not catered for in the

Bosch contract.

The defects which will be fixed in the Bosch redesign works are those related to the bagasse feeding system and the cane conveyor system.

Installing a condensate tank and obtaining a clean water supply to the factory are also on the cards.

President Ramotar believes the other sugar factories across the country can do well with more cogeneration plants like the one at Skeldon.

Guyana’s energy (electricity) needs will [continue to] rise in the years to come, even with the operation of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power project.

“We would have been using up all the power that the plant [Amaila] produces….

Sugar has a big role to play, [so] we must not see sugar as

just sugar anymore, but we have to start seeing sugar as a complex,” the President stated.

Sugar, he said, “has not been performing as well as we wanted to”…but he believes that it has a great future, hence government’s continued investment in the sector.

“The industry has to move to do things differently, and in any type of transition in this nature with such a huge industry, it creates some levels of difficulty.”

The President noted too, that it is only a matter of time that all of the fields in GuySuCO will have to be redone to “make them more machine friendly.”

The industry, he stated, must be made more capital intensive and [must] move away from the labour intensive mode in which it currently operates.

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Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

Editorial

Last Chance

We are pleased that the three political parties in Parliament will be meeting this morning in an attempt to reach consensus on Budget 2013. The process is as important as the outcome in a polity as divided as ours.

If the leaders of the three parties can be convinced that each is concerned about the best path forward for the country, then even if they disagree on specific allocations when their MP’s constitute themselves into the Committee of Supply, the road ahead will be less rocky.

We should never have come to this type of standoff to begin with. Now is not the time to be looking back in anger or pointing fingers as to which party “started it”. Surely, this is the only governing party in the world that has a minority in the Legislature and cannot concede that it would have to make some concessions to pass its budget.

Guyana is probably unique in that a party commanding only a plurality of the seats in the House, can automatically form the government through the stipulation in the Constitution (Art 177-2). In a similar situation in other parliaments there are other traditions.

That party with the plurality may invite another party to form a coalition that would give them a majority to pass its bills and budgets in the House (as happened in Britain after their last elections).

The party initiating the coalition talks would obviously understand and accept that it would have to make some concessions to the prospective partner. Or else, what would be the incentive for the latter to come aboard?

In a small number of cases, especially in Canada and New Zealand, the party with the plurality was asked to form the government but did not secure a coalition majority.

They accepted however, that there had to be constant negotiations with the other parties in Parliament to form majorities to pass bills or budgets.

While, as we mentioned, there is the uniqueness of our Constitutional stipulation, we believe that it does not relieve the government with a minority from the need to seek consensus with other parties to secure a majority in Parliament.

The legitimacy of laws and constitutions, including our Article 177 (2) ultimately rests on the ‘consent of the governed’. Surely the government must concede that with an absolute majority (over 50 % of the votes) being the standard for ‘democratic’ legitimacy ever since democracy made its comeback a couple of hundred of years ago, it is depending on the quirk of a regime that was widely accepted as illegitimate to buttress its credentials. Some acknowledgement must be given to numbers if we hark to the ideal of “we, the people”.

But on the other hand the Opposition must acknowledge the existential reality of the constitution that allocated the Executive to the PPP. We all stand or fall by this document, which is the contract between the state and the people.

We ‘cherry-pick’ its articles at our peril if it is done outside the ambit of the procedures laid down for their alteration. Until Article 177(2) is revised by Parliament, the government must be given leeway in the area of policy formulation.

It is for this reason we have advised that when it comes specifically to the consideration of the estimates of the budget, the Opposition cannot introduce new policy measures but rather seek to amend the quantum of financing sought by the Executive.

But here, the Opposition is caught in a bind presented by the provisional decision of the Chief Justice that the Opposition cannot make cuts to the budget.

It is our position that this decision reduces the National Assembly to a veritable rubber stamp, which therefore vitiates the very essence of consent in democratic governance.

The Chief Justice must be exhorted to deliver his final judgement from which the Opposition can make the appeal that it has already signaled.

We hope that this morning, the Opposition will not insist on policy changes and that the President will not insist on refusing some cuts to the budget.

Monday April 15, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news

Put the people first, thank you!

DEAR EDITOR, In recent days, there has been much talk coming from some circles about the AFC being in collaboration with the APNU. This untruth must be rejected. It is the practice of many who are thinking about the future of the AFC, when faced with such cross road moments, that we return to the original writings of the late Ms. Sheila Holder, the mother of the party.

On June 26th, 2011, Ms. Holder co-authored an article with Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan captioned the “AFC – the Right Choice for Guyana.”

What they said in that article remains one of the party’s valued treasures. They said “… it is in the best interest of the party as well as the Guyanese people that it (AFC) refrains from joining a coalition of convenience (APNU, then called JOPP)”.

Very telling words from two Guyanese patriots debunking the unfettered propaganda of those who are comfortable with dividing the people along racial lines.

The last time I checked, the AFC is not in politics for any coalitions of convenience but to institute revolutionary changes in the way we govern ourselves and in the art of national development.

Please permit me to fast forward to 2013, as the AFC engages the APNU on a professional, arms-length basis on a particular issue of national importance – the Budget. Working on this issue of common interest, does not provide sufficient logical or valid political reasons for the AFC to form

any political union with the APNU, or any other party for that matter.

The AFC core identity remains the “construction and administering of a just society within a framework of meaningful participation by all” and it is my considered view that because of their ethnic politics, neither the PPP nor the APNU can provide the opportunities the AFC is seek; one Guyana.

Therefore, the pure and naked propaganda emanating from the PPP media houses as they run into overdrive broadcasting their political playbook of fear politics, is only undermining the political work of the Government of the day.

This grand design by desperate politicians to divide the Guyanese minds into racial silos has one objective in mind; the opportunistic preservation of the PPP’s squander-maniac hegemony over other people’s money, with no regard for the political, economic and social harm such an archaic political strategy can unleash on the people.

Why the AFC must work with the APNU and the PPP on this 2013 Budget 1. To bring reason to the nation’s public expenditures; (meaning rationalize the Public Sector Investment Program by spending within our means and enticing more private sector investments in the capital project, and boost public operational efficiency to better serve the people); 2.

To influence corrective measures in an environment where the PPP

has exposed the population to the biggest Budget Deficit ever and the largest Guyana dollar Debt ever (misallocations of elements of the capital budget that offers inadequate returns for loans borrowed in the names of the Guyanese children must be disallowed); 3. To charter a more evolved human development course that will benefit all Guyanese; not just the newly evolved haute couture class.

The AFC does not have any personal vendetta against any Government or any political party or their operatives. As a political party that represents the interests of all classes of people, it is in the best interest of the AFC that it stands ready to negotiate with reason with any political party; be it the PPP or APNU, once the outcome is GOOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GUYANA. To this end, the leaders of the AFC have advised that the 2013 National Budget is not GOOD FOR GUYANA in the form originally presented by the Minister of Finance. It was Mr. Ramjattan who acknowledged that there are some good things in the 2013 Budget and I might venture to add that I am impressed with the Women of Worth Project; efforts to construct the synthetic Athletic Track at Leonora and the warm-up pool at Liliandaal, among others.

But likewise, many in the AFC found that there are too many “pork barrel” projects and unsatisfactory job creation measures to bring economic relief to the poor and the vulnerable. Since the

bill for the developmental antics found in the 2013 Budget will be laid squarely at the feet of the taxpayers, it remains a deep national concern.

Projects like the Airport Expansion Project just do not pass the economic sanity test and is rich evidence of a case of throwing away good taxpayers money behind a badly conceived project. Yes, we are all for extending the runway and parking aprons, but why destroy the billions spent a few years ago to refurbish and expand the terminal?

If we want to transform Guyana, could this money not be better spent starting works on the MMA Phase II Project, releasing more land so we can feed the Caribbean? This is our competitive advantage – large scale modern agriculture using modern technology; have we abandoned it?

A great starting point to return to our core values is to update the National Development Strategy; a request made by Ms. Holder.

This was not a thoughtless request; it was designed to secure the buy-in of all stakeholders into cultivating a common strategy supported by all that will overcome the developmental challenges facing the nation.

The Marriot will not save Guyana, the farmers, miners and the emerging technologies will! It is clear from their public policy that the PPP alone does not have a monopoly on the cutting edge ideas of how to develop Guyana and likewise the majority opposition. But a Continued on page 6

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

One can only marvel at the astounding incompetence of this entity DEAR EDITOR, Once again the power supply in Berbice has descended to an absolutely horrific and atrocious level.

This past week, there have been so many blackouts that I’ve lost count.

On Monday, we had blackout for several hours.

What’s going on in Berbice with GPL’s operations? One can only marvel at the astounding incompetence and inability of this entity to fix a system that has b e e n b r o k e n f o r m a n y, many year.

Likewise, one can only marvel at the callous, don’tcare attitude of the PPP, which, although being in power for over twenty years, has done nothing to remedy the unreliable power supply and bring relief to the people of this county.

The PPP has, instead, chosen to demonize opposition members, dole out super-salaries, contracts, and radio stations to its friends and other “fat cats,” and fight for the rights of the rich, all at the expense of the

majority of Guyanese who struggle to make a decent living, and who are frustrated at every turn by the regular blackouts that occur.

So here’s the solution.

Call for a snap election and let’s vote the PPP out of office, and simultaneously get rid of the senior management at GPL that earns millions of dollars for doing nothing to tangibly improve the power supply. Nothing else will do.

And at the forefront of the wave to drive the PPP out of power will be the former sleeping Berbicians, who have finally awoken and realized that all the promises made by the PPP are false and unattainable under the current pack of jokers leading this country.

Berbice will rise, and the same slave songs that drove Cuffy to rebel against the oppressors of his day will guide us all as we go to the polls and choose a better future under the APNU/AFC government for our children and grandchildren.

Frustrated Berbician

The Barbados PM’s comment on CARICOM is questionable

DEAR EDITOR, The comment made by Barbados Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart that “the regional integration movement is alive and well “ has raised eyebrows and one wonders why a head of government could make such a statement when instead of CARICOM moving forward it is either stalled or moving backwards.

Several commentators and heads of government have voiced their concern about the pace of CARICOM. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, who for decades has been involved in regional integration, has recently expressed grave concern about CARICOM. In fact he wrote CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin La Roque and his fellow Prime Ministers expressing grave concern about the regional movement. In his letter he stated that CARICOM is on pause and referred to the decision taken in Guyana in 2011 to put the Single Market and Economy on pause. Dr Gonsalves said in his letter

that “surely times demand that we move beyond minimalism which inexorably leads to regression, and added that pausing is but a euphemism for standing still which in a dynamic world is sliding backwards” Stuart made the comment to Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell who paid a courtesy call to the Barbados leader shortly after he was returned to office as Head of the Spice Isle.

The Bajan Head of Government said that critics of the pace of CARICOM only look at the single market and single economy (CSME) and not at success in other areas. One wonders what area of success the Prime Minister was referring to when there have been criticisms that decisions taken by Heads of Government were not being implemented by the Secretariat, the problem of freedom of movement in the region; and Barbados has been identified as the main country which harassed CARICOM nationals.

In fact not long ago a dozens of Guyanese who were living in Barbados for

several years were booted out; not to mention the attitude of immigration officers at the Grantley Adams International Airport. In fact the Caribbean Court of Justice is now hearing a matter brought by a Jamaican woman who complained of being humiliated.

This is the 40th year of CARICOM, and instead of more co-operation among the member states there have been more rift and conflicts; one coming from Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister when she stated that her country would no longer be a ATM machine for other CARICOM countries and the failure of countries to remove the Privy Council as the final Court and accept the CCJ. This is very unfortunate since only three countries Guyana, Barbados and Belize have done so although the regional court was inaugurated six long years ago. It is disturbing that although Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were in the forefront towards the establishment, and they gained independence 50 years ago, they still hold on

to the coat tails of the Privy Council.

Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Sir Shridath Ramphal, who is known as the Caribbean man since he started the regional integration movement having served as the first Head of the West Indian Commission, and was UWI Chancellor for 14 years, is very worried about the future of CARICOM and time and time again spoke out against “slow down” and pause.

He also made the point that the future of CARICOM rests on the CCJ and had pleaded for years for other countries to join the Appellate division of the regional court.

Another Caribbean leader P.J. Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, who has been advocating for regional integration for decades said in Guyana earlier this year that there was urgent need for CARICOM to implement long outstanding decisions and stressed that “some decisive steps are urgently required to rescue CARICOM or else life support will come too late to prevent a coma.”

Oscar Ramjeet

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Kaieteur News

Monday April 15, 2013

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

The Minister of Agriculture only spent 30 percent of funds he got for the Hope Canal Project in 2012 DEAR EDITOR, It is clear the PPP could not meet the AFC on the weekend because they needed the time to do what they are best at propaganda. We read in the Chronicle of Lies an article captioned “Hundreds of jobs on the line …”. Such an untruth! Not one job was lost in 2012 as a result of the Budget cuts but they continue to peddle the same untruth like a broken record.

Buried in that article are some comments from the Minister who allegedly refused to recognize his signature on the Roger Khan spy-equipment documents.

These comments must be answered to preserve the truth for history.

Mr. Leslie Ramsammy called the proposed budget cuts “wicked and unacceptable” but to whom?

All the AFC is asking for is a

full accountability on these projects. This reasoned position came about as a result of the poor performance of Mr. Ramsammy on this project in 2012. In 2012 Mr. Ramsammy asked for and got G$2 billion for this Project but barely spent 30% of those funds.

Talk about competence in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture!

He comes again in 2013 and asks for G$1.4 billion on this Project but the AFC has clearly told him, “hold your horses buster, what is the financial basis for this number since your past record shows you are incapable of spend G$1.4 billion”. Show us the expenditure plan and for now we shall approve the same G$0.6 billion you spent last year. We ask the reading public, is Mr. Ramjattan and his team being unreasonable

to ask the Minister who continues to under-perform, to show just reason why he needs all this extra money?

If the Minister and his team struggled to spend G$0.6 billion in 2012; how on earth can they reasonably spend 140% above what they struggled to spend in 2012?

It is clear the PPP has gone “buck wild crazy Las Vegas style” with the people’s money over the last five years by running the biggest budget deficit ever (all new loans). These actions by the PPP translates into High Officials of the PPP becoming filthy rich in a short space of time with one example being a Minister “across the river” building a pool that cost more than the house of a middle class family. How was it paid for again?

Further, the NDIA is the centre of a mega fraud that is under investigation by the

Office of the Auditor General; so why in such an environment should the Parliament pour hundreds of millions into such an unaccountable organization?

Thank you AFC for weeding out the fat from the 2013 Budget.

So Mr. Ramsammy, do not be repulsed. Welcome the new dispensation and era of accountability; the dawn of the new era – not “gandnam” style but Cheddi Jagan style.

The AFC demands the Official Project Documents including the Project Feasibility Study and the Progress Report to see if you have met your project milestones and have spent the people’s money in a responsible manner in 2012.

When you “tighten up, we shall lighten up”, quoting Mr. Ramjattan.

Dr Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh

Guyana seems to be usually remembered and mentioned for the wrong reasons DEAR EDITOR, I had just read your News item under the heading ‘The hijacking of radio and cable in Guyana’, and thought the communications field in Guyana seems well and truly sewn up within a certain group and what that implied for the country as a whole. A situation that a former boss of mine might describe as “worse than the first wife’s time”.

The late Margaret Thatcher was associated closely with the world of business and saw the damage done to that world whenever the union representing the employees of the public utility responsible for telecommunications called a strike.

The regular lightning strikes affected the delivery of mail and obstructed transactions that involved telephone service.

When she came to power the mail and telecommunications business was the first to be privatised. Guyana may be in a very vulnerable position unless appropriate steps are taken to prevent it.

I next turned my attention to the local (UK) press and there was a report with the banner headline proclaiming “Inside North Korea: No ads, no planes, no internet, no mobiles, no 21st Century... A rare dispatch from deep within the lunatic rogue state enslaved by Zombie and Sons”.

The report mentions that ‘.....Almost 400ft below the surface, it’s hard not to feel that we’re trapped inside a doomsday cult like the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas, or Jim Jones’s Peoples Temple in Guyana...............’

How’s that for a (sinister) coincidence.

Geralda Dennison

Put the people first...

From page 4 combination of the forces and the meeting of the minds will move mountains.

Thus the mature advice of Cde Moses Nagamootoo behind the formation of a temporary National Front Government to write a new Constitution as advanced by Mr. Nigel Hughes. These are practical and serious proposals that can advance the Guyanese cause, but it will entail a revolution in how we do business going forward. That is why all this propaganda has to be peddled. The optimal option is look down on all of us but the powerful have chosen instead to continue to get fat off the taxpayers following an unsustainable development model of “tax and spend”.

It is not my place to tell you the readers how to think, you will read and decide whether the call from Ms. Holder, Mr. Ramjattan, Cde. Nagamootoo and Mr. Hughes are just and patriotic and then make your decision in the next General Elections.

The AFC business at this time is to offer reasoned counter-proposals and this is exactly what the party has done with the recommendations for the rationalization of the 2013 Budget. If the Government can present reasoned explanations on the issues highlighted by the AFC, then there is no reason for the PPP to have any political paranoia.

So this irresponsible behavior resonating from the political operatives within the PPP to paint the AFC as unreasonable and in

collaboration with the APNU is most dishonest and unfortunate since it denies the Government that golden opportunity to lead and engage in National Development.

The AFC is answerable first to the cane cutters, mine workers, nurses, teachers, public servants, the unemployed mothers and housewives. Thus the AFC will do nothing to hurt these people and thus our reason to continue to dialogue with the Government and the APNU to reach common ground in the best interest of the people.

That is why the AFC has no other choice but to support the $1 billion for Guysuco and the temporary billions for Linden electricity since both the sugar and bauxite belt can be aptly described as poverty zones as a result of the “Poor Public Policy” unleashed on these industries by the Government.

As the sugar and bauxite belt sinks, we cannot continue to offer our best friend 80% of the medical supplies contracts on a noncompetitive basis with a price tag of $3.4 billion per year, only to find out that the same drugs can be bought at Latchmansingh Drug Store at one sixth of the price the taxpayers are being asked to pay. We cannot deny Stabroek News, Kaiteur News and Enrico Woolford, all seasoned media professionals – radio licences but offer media novices five radio frequencies each with their sole qualification being “is me’ friend”, “is me’ family”, “is me’ party”.

These attributes are characteristics of a political crab. Such persons should be banished to an Ashram to seek the true meaning of “services to the people”. The cause of the political war in Guyana is principally as a result of these abuses of power and they must be resolved to the benefit of ALL the Guyanese people.

It is time these dialogues evolve to the pertinent issues such as: · A new Constitution; · Reduction of the national debt; saving our children from a dishonorable future; · Re-establishment of good governance; starting with the IMMEDIATE establishment of the Public Procurement Commission; · Greater accountability on the “lumpy”, mega project by regularizing all of them in PARLIAMENT; · Returning Guyana to an environment that respects the rule of law by safeguarding the independence of the JUDICIARY, the DPP Chambers and the POLICE from the EXECUTIVE; · Re-establishing an environment where commerce can thrive but with a conscience and the art of politics can be practiced with principles; · A review of the oppressive TAX REGIME by the Clifford Reis Commission to make it more broad based, equitable and efficient; thus bringing greater relief to the working poor.

This is my personal appeal to all those around the table.

Put Guyana first.

Sasenarine Singh

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

Why was this information not published in the ‘private print media’, when ‘Public’ monies are involved?

DEAR EDITOR, The Sunday Chronicle earlier in March carried the following Notices, Vacancies and Advisories:

Is there a legitimate query as to why the above Publications do not appear in what is described as the ‘private print media’, when ‘Public’ monies are involved?

If reference to a website is the answer then it controverts the need for circulation in all print media?

E B John

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Kaieteur News

Monday April 15, 2013

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 9

The National Assembly has no power to cut the budget The National Assembly of Guyana cannot disregard or flout the ruling of the court regardless if that ruling is a preliminary one.

It is incumbent on the National Assembly to respect the ruling of the court in so far as interpretations of the Constitution of Guyana are concerned or in so far as the court is being asked to determine whether actions are ultra vires of the Constitution.

In July of last year, the Chief Justice of Guyana in a cogent judgment ruled that the National Assembly may approve or disapprove the estimates of expenditure of the Budget but cannot cut such estimates as presented by the Executive.

The ruling was sound and followed a line of reasoning and which can be summarized as follows: 1. It is the executive who has the constitutional responsibility for managing the affairs of the country and thus for preparing the Budget estimates.

2. It is the Minister of Finance (or a designated minister) who bears the responsibility for preparing and laying the estimates before the House.

3. Article 218(2) of the Constitution gives the

National Assembly the power to approve the estimates of expenditure only. (The approval of the National Assembly is not required for the estimates or revenue.)

There is an inherent corollary to disapprove.

4. Article 218(2) was drafted on the assumption that approval of the estimates would eventually occur. Final non- approval is not an option contemplated by the constitution.

5. If the estimates of expenditure are disapproved, it is for the Minister of Finance to go back to the drawing Board and revise the estimates of expenditure. It is not for the National Assembly to cut or reduce the estimates of expenditure.

6. If the National Assembly were to disapprove the estimates, the Minister of Finance must have the option to present amended estimates.

7. If the National Assembly were to cut the estimates, it would mean that it is the National Assembly that is both determining and approving the estimates rather than the Minister determining and the National Assembly approving.

8. For the National Assembly to both determine and approve the estimates

Dem boys seh

Leslie complaining bout pumping Imagine Leslie seh that if dem cut de budget dem gun mek Guyana ain’t getting dem pump that does help de coast when rain fall. Well is two year now de same Leslie arrange fuh de government buy de pump.

Dem put out de pump to tender and a company from India win de tender. Dem give de money to de company but dem didn’t get de pump.

When dem boys talk dem hear that de pump is a special pump and de company got to mek every one to specification.

But de same government never tell anybody bout specific pump.

What dem boys know is that pump is pump and all this talk about special pump is just to explain that de company disappear wid de money fuh keep fuh some of dem.

Anyhow Leslie seh that when dem cut de budget dem cutting de pump. He ain’t telling people that he already pay.

But dem got something else. De rain ain’t been falling suh dem got to explain wha dem do wid dem pump dem get as gift from Venezuela.

And dem got to talk bout de

money dem spend fuh prepare fuh de rains last year when dem barely get some sprinkle to keep dem kitchen garden happy.

And dem got to talk bout dem other pump wha dem had all de time. Dem boys seh that it look like dem is use and throw away pump.

And in any case, Leslie too big fuh concentrate pun pump and pumping. When was Rob Earth dem boys coulda understand. But not Leslie.

Dem boys want to know why all this worry bout budget cut. If dem can explain de money then dem alright but dem got some things that dem can’t explain.

How come Donald get twice de money he get last year? Some people seh that is because he tek on more contract worker. But de truth is that he decide fuh pay Kwame and Gail and all de rest more.

Wha dem do except cuss de opposition? It look like Donald like people who does cuss round he. Well dem boys gun cut that extra money.

Talk half and watch how de knife gun wuk this week.

would be in violation of the separation of powers.

9. Further, if the drafters of the Constitution had wanted to grant to the National Assembly the right to determine the Budget, they would have conferred such powers on it in expressed terms as is the case in other jurisdictions.

The opposition in attempting to counter these arguments has sought refuge in the concept of parliamentary sovereignty.

However, they seem not to realize that in Guyana it is the Constitution that is supreme and not Parliament as is the

case in England.

The Constitution of Guyana of course affords the National Assembly, the right to regulate its own procedures but this control over its own procedures does not extend to the power to cut the Budget.

In this judgment, Justice Chang had this to state on this issue: “It is true that Article 165(1) enables the National Assembly to regulate its own procedure and to make rules and regulation of its o w n a ff a i r s . H o w e v e r, Article 165(1) has conferred no power in the

National Assembly to expand or enlarge the scope of its substantive powers under the Constitution.

The power to cut or reduce the ministerial estimates of expenditure cannot be created under the guise of making procedural rules of selfregulation. Like the power to approve or not to approve the estimates of expenditure, the power to effect a reduction thereto is a substantive not a procedural p o w e r.

Therefore the National Assembly, under the guise of making procedural rules

of self regulation cannot confer on itself substantive powers to reduce such estimates.”

The opposition parties therefore have no power to cut anything from the Budget.

What they can do is to withhold consent.

This would force the Minister of Finance to revise his estimates until agreement can be reached for approval, failing which of course, there is no option but elections.

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Kaieteur News

Urling re-elected as head of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Businessman, Clinton Urling, has been handed another term as President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Urling, whose family owns the popular German’s Restaurant, was one of five persons elected Friday by the business body’s new 21member Council.

Brainstreet Group’s Lance Hinds is the new Senior Vice President; Vishnu Doerga of Doerga Business Enterprises, the Junior Vice President, while Ansa McAl’s Padmawattie Prashad has been elected as the Secretary. Eon Grant from Republic Bank is the Treasurer.

This new Executive Management Committee will head the business body for the year 2013/2014.

Two Fridays ago, 21 representatives from businesses were elected to a new GCCI Council.

On March 26th, Urling during GCCI’s Annual General Meeting disclosed that the body has convened an advocacy committee and would be in full support of activities such as Local Government Elections, while

Clinton Urling insisting on a politically stable economy for the benefit of the business communities.

Urling, an outspoken business advocate, also said that the GCCI will be stepping up the pressure for tax reform.

On the issue of corruption, he (continued on page 15)

Monday April 15, 2013

Plaisance residents vow to reclaim their community Rehana Ashley Ahamad The residents of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara are taking a new approach towards ensuring that they remain in control of their Community Centre Ground.

This “new” approach involves the resuscitation of the area’s Community Development Group, which was legally established on May 23, 2011, but was never actively involved in community development.

The group would now actively cater for areas such as Plaisance, Sparendaam, and Goedverwagting.

This comes weeks after the Government of Guyana decided to erect a transmission tower on the Plaisance Community Centre Ground, which was vehemently objected to, resulting in the temporary shelving of that plan.

During a specially arranged meeting yesterday, residents agreed that they should prove to the government and the country as a whole, that the people of Plaisance are serious about progress.

Education, Agriculture, Economics, Health, Culture/

Social, and Sports, are some of the major areas that the group plans to focus on and their main objective is to create a better community for future generations.

And in order to fulfill its mandate, the association outlined plans to seek assistance from the government in fulfilling certain aspects of the community’s enhancement.

They noted that as far as agriculture in the community goes, it is their plan to have residents become more active in farming. The government’s assistance in this regard would be needed for the community’s upgrade of the poor drainage system.

The residents said that the tower fiasco was an eyeopener to the fact that they, the people of Plaisance, needed to take back their community, and ensure that whatever goes on in the area is in their best interest.

They maintained that placing such a tower on their playfield will only cause grief to especially the youngsters of the community who utilise the facility on a daily basis.

The residents made it clear that despite their objection to the tower on

their playfield, they have no problem with the egovernance programme.

“We have no problem with the e-governance programme. Our problem is that the tower can be put anywhere else in Plaisance. It doesn’t have to be the playfield that we positively utilise on a daily basis,” Member of Parliament, Aubrey Norton posited yesterday.

Presently, Plaisance is administered by an Interim Management Committee, which has replaced its Neighbourhood Democratic Council. This body is being seen as an illegal one which has been forced upon the community by the Ministry of Local Government.

Following three days of intense protest by villagers, there were indications that the e-governance transmission tower would have been sited elsewhere.

However, at a subsequent post Cabinet briefing, Dr. Roger Luncheon announced that the government has no intention of changing its mind. Nonetheless, Plaisance residents say that they will not allow this to happen, as the Plaisance Community Centre Ground has always

been positively utilised by both the young and old, since the 1960s.

In addition to the sporting activities, the ground also facilitates family reunions and senior citizens’ meetings.

The proposed tower is being pushed for as part of the E-governance programme, one that will facilitate the linking of government’s fibre-optic cable that has been laid from Lethem to Linden, to the coastline, to enable internet access.

The construction of the tower is being done by a Chinese contracting firm named Huawei, in collaboration with local subcontractors, and the blessing of the government of Guyana.

It will be one of 54 towers that will be erected in densely populated areas along the coast. As of now, the materials that were left scattered on the playfield have since been removed, and persons continue to play on the ground, despite the fact that there is also a huge hole left from where the foundation was being laid a few feet away from the actual building.

Monday April 15, 2013

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Kaieteur News

Coldingen road contractor to be penalised for missing deadline

A

road building contractor could face liquidation damage to the tune of millions of dollars following his failure to complete the Coldingen Access Road on the East Coast of Demerara on the stipulated deadline.

Work on the road which commenced in February this year was to have been completed on April 9th last.

The work involved the resurfacing of the main access road leading into the village of Enterprise, which was almost impassable.

Initially, the contractor had filled some of the craters with crusher-run, a move which was objected to a few weeks later by residents who insisted that there should have been some excavation before the material was laid.

This led to the intervention of Minister of Works, Robeson Benn who maintained that the contractor must follow the design set out by his engineers.

Since then there has been no more work on the road and with the rains already

A section of the deteriorating Coldingen Road.

setting in, the road is showing signs of further decay, which could lead to an increase in the initial contract sum of $33M. “From the time he stop working on this road to now, the road deteriorate worse than it was before,” one irate resident told this newspaper

on Friday last.

Kaieteur News understands that the same contractor is carrying out road works at broken water land, east of the Mahaicony Creek, further up the East Coast of Demerara.

There are also concerns that he is not working to the

engineer's design on that road also.

A source at the Region Four Democratic Council disclosed that the contractor was sent several letters regarding the non-compliance with the road's stipulated design.

“He was warned that if he did not complete the

Coldingen road by the April 9th deadline, the Ministry will impose the liquidation damage…he has no excuse for not completing it, all the materials are on site,” the Region Four source explained.

The source informed that the availability of asphalt as

well as the weather cannot be used as an excuse by the contractor.

“The contractor is operating as if there is no due date for this road to be completed.

He had dry weather that he could have taken advantage of to finish this road,” the resident reasoned.

The residents said that they have the support of Minister Juan Edghill who had visited the community and had listened to their complaints about the road a few weeks ago.

“When we raised the matter with Edghill, he condemned the work that he saw the contractor was doing,” one resident revealed.

He argued that even though residents may not be qualified engineers, they are intelligent enough to know when a contractor is doing shoddy work.

“Why is it residents don't have a copy of the contract so that they can be effective watchdogs for government projects in their communities?” the resident asked.

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Kaieteur News

Monday April 15, 2013

Monday April 15, 2013

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Kaieteur News

16-year-old miner killed as pit collapses

By Abena Rockcliffe A 16 year old E a s t Ruimveldt boy is the latest victim of a collapsed mining pit in Guyana's gold fields.

Dennis Anthony Barker o f Wa r l o c k A l l y w a s pronounced dead at the Madhia Hospital where he was rushed after he was pulled from under tons of gravel in a mining pit at Pamela, Madhia around 15:40 hrs on Saturday.

Reports are that Backer and another youth identified as Scotland Pluck, 20 were the only persons in the pit at the time of the cave in.

The two were removed from the collapsed area and were rushed to the Madhia Hospital where Barker was pronounced dead on arrival, while Pluck who suffered injuries, was admitted to the institution for medical treatment.

This Newspaper understands that Pluck sustained broken limbs but is listed as stable. Barker's relatives were inconsolable yesterday at the Lyken Funeral Parlour as they got a view of his remains.

Barker's mother, Derise DaSilva, was trying her utmost to brave the

Relatives mourn outside the funeral parlour after seeing Barker's body. emotional pain of her loss when she eventually viewed her son's body which was brought to the city yesterday.

“Is by he (Barker) de so fine mek he dead,” she said.

While the family initially waited for the body to be removed from the trunk of a car that brought it down, they conversed about Backer's cause of death and the life he lived; all sad faces, but no tears.

However, when the body

was about to be taken out of the car, family members noticed that a spare wheel was on top, leaving a dent in his chest, and loud screaming began.

“Look he condition, look” and “Ow, he is only 16.

Why he had to go like duh?” were some of the utterances of his mother.

The teen's mother told Kaieteur News “I hearing so much different story that I ain't know which one to

believe.”

A tearful DaSilva disclosed that during the last conversation she had with her son, he told her that “you ain't gon see or hear from me in a long time and he tell me that he and dem up deh got problems.”

She said that they had an argument over her wanting him to come out the interior and go back to school but he wanted his sister to join him in the interior.”

Dennis Barker “We had a deal, I got pregnant and couldn't work anymore because I was real sick and he said that he would a go up and work until I could start back. Now I catch me self and telling he come he didn't want to come.

He wanted his sister to go up there with he and work too and when I told him that that is no place for her he get vex with me,” the dead teen's mother said.

Faye Boodoo, Backer's grandmother with whom he spent most of his life,

described him as “a child like many others, but when I tell ya loving, this boy was really loving.”

Backer had been in the interior for several months.

There have been several mining pit deaths so far this year.

In January, 44-year-old Mark Wilson lost his life in a mining pit at Puruni. The father of five was pinned under tons of rubble.

T h e n i n F e b r u a r y, another miner, Errol Bennett 38 of Port Kaituma was killed after the walls of the mining pit he was working in at Arakaka caved in on him.

Later that week, Thycuf Xavier, 18, lost his life at Mazda Mountain, Marudi, South Rupununi, when a tunnel he was working in caved in and trapped him u n d e r n e a t h .

In October of last year, in what can be described as one of the worst mining pit accidents in Guyana, three miners 25-year-old Deonarine Singh called 'Chubby', and cousins Elson Singh called 'Papa Johnny', 47 and Devon Barry, 22 were buried alive in a Cuyuni mining pit. Last year a total of six persons died as a result of mining pit accidents.

Page 14

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

Cop kills machete attacker A well-known criminal offender in Berbice was yesterday shot dead when he reportedly attacked a police officer with a knife and machete yesterday.

Marlon shepherd, 29 of 49 Smythfield, New Amsterdam, was shot in his chest when he attacked the officer who was trying to apprehend him shortly after midnight Saturday.

Police in a statement yesterday said that an Assistant Superintendent of Police who acted on a reported robbery at Matthew Allen and Strand Road, New Amsterdam, pursued the suspect who was riding a bicycle, after he was pointed out by the victim.

When the police officer caught up with the assailant at Republic Road and Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam, he made all efforts to arrest Shepherd but was confronted with his threatening behaviour. The police officer claimed that in spite of his appeals for the suspect to desist, Shepherd continued to advance towards him with a machete and a knife, and he was subsequently forced to discharge a live round to his

Marlon Shepherd chest.

Kaieteur News was informed that the mother of the deceased, Joanna Shepherd, was contacted by the police around 06: 30 hours yesterday to go to the hospital to identify her son’s body. The dead man’s relatives are not too pleased with the way he met his death.

They claimed that Shepherd was “killed out of ignorance by a senior officer.”

Family members explained that Shepherd called “Critters” was

employed at Rainbow Bar, Republic and Charles Place, New Amsterdam.

They told this newspaper that on Saturday night, he left his workplace intoxicated and was heading home on his bicycle when he was confronted by the police officer.

Although he had several minor brushes with the law involving two jail terms for possession of illegal drugs, relatives stressed that “he does not thief.” A cousin of the deceased said, “he like smoke he lil weed but he don’t interfere with anyone.”

Relatives are demanding a thorough investigation into the killing, since they claimed that efforts to get a report from officials at the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam proved futile.

Kaieteur News understands that Shepherd was before the courts on a charge of robbery under arms. This resulted from investigations into a report where on February 12, 2013, while armed with a cutlass, he attacked Daryl Edwards, 18, of Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, and took away his cell phone and jewellery.

The irate woman berates her abuser after tying him to her verandah.

Woman subdues drunken abuser The straw that broke the camel’s back forced a frustrated woman to physically subdue a drunken, abusive neighbour who claims to have powerful connections.

The man who is known to be verbally abusive and a constant spectacle in the neighbourhood was subdued and tied to a veranda until

police arrived after he entered the woman’s yard at Third Street, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, yesterday.

The man, who was identified as Anil Roberts and was heavily under the influence of alcohol, first pelted the woman’s house and then entered her yard in a rage to attack her.

The frustrated woman decided to take matters into her own hands after repeated calls for police assistance initially proved futile.

Yesterday while the man was hurling abuses at her, she grabbed him and tied him up, a move that cooled him off until the cops arrived to take him into police custody at the Timehri Police Station.

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 15

SLAP-HAPPY OPPOSITION The cinema in my home village was big on Westerns, Tarzan and comedies – especially the “slapstick” comedy of the Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin, Abbot and Costello and the Three Stooges.

Now slapstick has entered the realm of politics in Trinidad, and from comedy it has degenerated into farce or what Trinis call “too dam farce”.

According to the Trinidad Express, a Member of Parliament for the Opposition People’s National Movement was so moved by remarks made by a male local Government candidate that she slapped him.

Appropriately enough, it took place at a “screening”.

It seems that Kwesi Antoine, a councillor on one of the local government bodies or regional corporations that help to delay the delivery of government services in the country, had opposed the Member of Parliament, Donna Cox, and had cast “aspirations” on her fitness for high political office.

During his “screening”, a process for determining the suitability of a candidate and not merely whether he is photogenic, Antoine had given the impression to the Political Leader of his party, Dr. Keith Rowley, that Cox did not want him as a candidate despite his track record of service.

What seemed to have happened, according to one of my journalist buddies, is that a Mad Donna slapped Antoine. “For a moment there,” he said, “you could not tell who was Kwesi or who was just mad.”

What is interesting is the almost total silence that followed the initial report on the matter.

One is forced to assume that Ms. Cox may not have been guilty of actually slapping Mr. Antoine and that the media report was inaccurate, or that Ms. Cox may have received a mere slap on the wrist for her conduct and that Antoine may have been given a slap on the back congratulating him on being

chosen to represent his party and for not proceeding any further with his matter.

Fortunately, in the marketplace of public opinion, the event did not meet the same fate.

One of my colleagues wrote, “I thought they only have water at the screening but from what I hear Antoine get so much tap he was punch drunk.”

“Nah,” another buddy wrote, “she just jump straight up and slap him. It was spring water.”

A third wrote, “You ever hear the term ‘slap-happy’? It means ‘dazed, silly, or incoherent from or as if from blows to the head’. All the time I thought it was people who are so belligerent that they always want to slap somebody.”

Another one commented, “There is a law in Trinidad against cock-fighting.

Maybe they should amend it to include ‘Cox-fighting’!”

My favourite was, “That is a really slapdash way of running a political party.”

It was when the term “Bitch-slap” came into the online conversation that I had to protest.

“Folks,” I wrote, “I don’t want to get into any kind of sexist stuff here or to use language like this to describe a Member of Parliament, despite what she is reputed to have done, or any woman.”

I was corrected by almost everyone who said that there is nothing specifically sexist in the term.

According to the Urban Dictionary, “bitch slap” means, “To open handedly slap someone or denote disrespect for the person being bitch slapped as they are not worthy of a man sized punch, suggests the slap was met with little resistance and much whining.” The example used was, “Keith owed me that $20 for weeks and I had to bitch slap (him) to get it back.”

Then I found out that there is something called a “pimp” slap as distinct from a “bitch-slap”. Again, to quote the Urban Dictionary, “A ‘pimp slap’…is regularly delivered without announcement and

Urling re-elected as head of Georgetown Chamber ...

From page 10 said that it is not only bad for the Private Sector, but it affects the wider community.

“We are putting the issue of corruption high on the agenda and we have talked about the need for effective institutes and the establishment and implementation of these institutes to ensure the corruption is minimised.”

In terms of the issuance of radio licences, Urling said, “Our position has been clear on this.

We’ve called on all the policy makers of the government, the institutions that are tasked with the issuing and granting of licences to be transparent and to adopt an approach which is centered and based on fairness and access to all.”

oftentimes over breakfast at an IHOP, on a subway platform, or numerous other indiscriminately chosen venues.

The blow is always, always struck with the back of one’s hand as to do otherwise is bad form.”

Whether Ms. Cox delivered a slap at all or whether it was “bitch” or “pimp”, what matters to me is the extent to which it broadened my education and if it did the same to Mr. Antoine’s face it is up to him to use it wisely.

In trying to understand the situation better I

encountered the “KappaSlappa” (people who dress in the Kappa brand of outdoor wear) and NikeyPikeys or those who just do it in Nikes.

I would advise against calling Ms. Cox a “slapper” whether she did slap Mr. Antoine or not since this is a term used in Britain to mean a “woman of loose morals”.

I also got a “slap” joke. A young Marine and his commanding officer were on a train sitting next to a young woman and her grandmother when it went through a tunnel.

There was the sound of a passionate kiss followed by

the sound of a stinging slap.

When the train emerged from the tunnel, the four sat there with o u t s a y i n g a word. The grandmother thought to herself: “It was very brash for that young soldier to kiss my granddaughter, and I’m glad she slapped him.”

The commanding officer sat there thinking: “I figured he’d try to steal a kiss, but I sure wish she hadn’t missed him when she slapped and hit me!” The young woman was sitting and thinking: “I’m glad

the soldier kissed me, but I wish my grandmother had not slapped him!” The young Marine sat there with a satisfied smile on his face. He thought to himself: “Life is good.

When does a fellow have the chance to kiss a beautiful girl and slap his commanding officer all at the same time!” *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that Rowley should make sure there is no blackout during the next screening session.

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Kaieteur News

Monday April 15, 2013

Guyana accused of foot-dragging on ‘Fly Jamaica’ air services Officials of the newly launched Fly Jamaica (FJ) are baffled as to why Guyana is apparently dragging its feet on granting permission for the internationally certified airline to render its services here.

Airline authorities say that despite moves to integrate Guyana on the aircraft’s routes, local authorities are seemingly skeptical about giving the go ahead and have resorted to questioning the legitimacy of the airline.

An official who requested anonymity told Kaieteur News that, “Fly Jamaica has already applied for entry into Canada and is receiving serious attention from Canadian Authorities. This is a lot more than they are receiving from Guyana.”

Already, he noted, FJ has been certified by Jamaica and the United States.

It was highlighted that the reason for Guyana’s addition, is to offer assistance to alleviate the aviation problem facing the country.

In a letter, Guyanese born Lt. Col. (Capt.) Egbert Fields stated that, “(Guyana) it is one of the few destinations within the region where passengers are held hostage by its country’s Flag carrier.”

“Why Guyana is dragging its feet and asking for information which the other countries have not asked for, I will direct to the principals of Fly Jamaica,” the source told this newspaper.

Officials have informed that FJ is a scheduled carrier with an Air Operators Certificate from Jamaica where its operations are based.

“This is an airline in the true sense of the word with operational control over all aspects of its activity. The personnel, who are all

experienced aviators, reside within the structure of the organization and own their aircraft.”

“This is unlike EZ Jet, which was a ticket office of non aviators and non professionals, chartering an aircraft from an American company - Swift Air. EZ Jet had no oversight by the Civil Aviation Authority because they were not a certified entity; Swift Air had the oversight by the US as it was the certified entity.”

“Therefore when the Government wanted to give EZ Jet flag carrier status just before they collapsed, it was a big joke to the aviation professionals in the region. It is against the Standard and Recommended procedures of the International Civil Aviation Organisation to certify an entity which does not have an airline structure or owns an aircraft, for an Air Operators Certificate.”

The official continued that, “In order to certify an airline with the type of aircraft flown by Fly Jamaica, for an Operators certificate, a team of inspectors can spend between one to two years or more.”

The Fly Jamaica official said that Guyana has a viable option. “It is a pity that they allow personal bias to dictate how they make decisions rather than the professional approach based on sound technical advice and knowledge.”

Egbert Fields, who is the Manager of Flight Operations Oversight, Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority in his letter last Wednesday, expressed delight in the Minister of Tourism, Industry a n d Commerce pronouncement

that,” a few proactive moves in the local airline industry” would be made in dealing with the situation of airlift into and out of the country.

In his letter, Field emphasized to the Tourism Minister that “as the saying goes, charity begins at home, but I would say business begins at home. Hon. Minster, I believe that the Government and People of Guyana have an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their appreciation towards a son of Guyana’s soil by you extending an invitation to this first Jamaica/Guyana aviation venture – Fly Jamaica.”

He explained that FJ completed a full certification which was issued with an Air Operators Certificate and associated Operations Specifications by the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA).

Field further highlighted that FJ’s was also issued their Operations Specifications by the Federal Aviation Administration (US) and License approval by the Department of Transport (US).

The airline operates a 200 passenger Boeing 757 (same type of aircraft operated by Guyana Airways and GA2000), which it owns. It commenced scheduled operations into New York on February 14, 2013.

FJ is said to be heavily supported by the Jamaican Government and people, while the CEO is Guyanese aviation entrepreneur Captain Ronald Reece, who is the owner of Air Guyana (Wings Av i a t i o n ) , w h i c h i s attached to the thriving Domestic Air operation located on the Ogle International Aerodrome.

Two senior University of Guyana officials sent on leave - pending special audit University of Guyana Bursar John Seeram and its Chief Accountant Hazel Bentinck have both been sent on leave with immediate effect.

The two, according to Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana Dr. Prem Misir have been sent on leave so as to accommodate a special audit.

According to Misir, the two officials have not been accused of any wrongdoing. Misir told Kaieteur News yesterday that the move to send them on leave pending the audit is customary and “one should not run away with the wrong idea.”

He explained that this audit was necessary since the University has a large deficit.

According to the Pro Chancellor, UG is a large organization and it must look at various ways to cut costs.

He further added that “we should not want to be ‘bailed out’.”

Misir further explained that with the ‘special audit’ in place, the persons in charge have to be out of the way so that the process would be transparent.

He added that the process does not have a time span. “It could be done in a few days or longer…there’s no time span,” Misir stated.

He said that someone

John Seeram would hold the position temporarily until the audit is completed.

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Monday April 15, 2013

Guyana to export 200,000 tons of rice to Venezuela Government is hoping to export 200,000 tons of rice to Venezuela this year, mirroring what was exported to the Spanish state in 2012, according to Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

Ramsammy said that the agreement for the sale of rice to Venezuela has been concluded but is yet to be signed. He enlightened that the week after Venezuela’s National Elections, a team from Guyana will be going to the neighboring republic.

Dr. Ramsammy said that while the agreement ensures that no less than 200,000 tons of rice is exported, it does not have a ceiling as to how much more could be added to that amount.

The exportation of Guyana’s rice to Venezuela comes under the PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement. It sees Guyana buying fuel from and selling rice to Venezuela.

Keeping the price agreed upon for the rice away from

the spotlight, the Minister said it is the same as last year’s and the farmers are aware of the price. He added that Guyana gets a favourable price from Venezuela.

In an interview with General Manager of Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Jagnarine Singh last month, he related that GRDB has been in the forefront negotiating the price for Government.

These negotiations result in farmers being paid US$520 per metric ton, up from US$330 per metric ton at the start of the agreement.

Last year, Guyana produced 422,000 tons of rice.

Two-thirds of that amount was exported to Venezuela under this agreement. The GRDB expects rice production for this year to surpass the 2012 figure.

Explaining how the PetroCaribe Agreement works for the two countries, Dr. Ramsammy said that it is not a case where the transaction involves the trade of rice and

fuel. He stated that there is a particular agency that sells oil to Guyana and another agency that buys Guyana’s rice on behalf of the Venezuelan Government.

The company that purchases Guyana’s rice makes an agreement with the Government of Guyana to pay the Venezuelan Government.

The money is then discounted at the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry then gives GRDB money to pay the millers from whom the rice is purchased locally.

Dr. Ramsammy, who could not provide too much information on the fuel aspect of the transactions, said that Guyana probably gets a supply of fuel every two weeks.

“Every year we spend like US$600M in oil. We may sell Venezuela US$200M worth of rice so we would still owe them.

Two separate transactions…we reconcile two or three times per year with the discounts,” he added.

Guyanese nurse collapses and dies at London nursing home A British based Guyanese nurse died on Saturday after she collapsed at a Nursing Care Home, in London where she was employed. Sandra Nicholson, a trained Guyanese nurse migrated to London, England just about nine years ago, where she continued her career.

Nicholson died in an ambulance, while being taken

to a nearby hospital after she had collapsed. She reportedly died while being treated by paramedics, who frantically tried to revive her.

While, details of her passing are sketchy, a source close to the family disclosed that the woman has never suffered from any serious ailments. Nicholson, is one of a number of locally trained

nurses who migrated at a time when their services were in great demand in the developed countries.

Kaieteur news understands that Nicholson worked in Linden and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation before she migrated.

She leaves to mourn a daughter and other relatives.

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FBI/IRS trace Fifa funds to Africa Trinidad Guardian Ongoing investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have so far uncovered evidence showing the diversion of funds from one of Fifa’s main sponsors into the offshore accounts of a former senior Fifa official.

One of the accounts has been traced to an African country. Investigations, sources say, have also unearthed the inappropriate use of a credit card by a relative of the former official.

The relative was held, questioned and subsequently released by US law enforcement in April last year, about to board a flight from

- US$5m transfer to Trinis probed Miami to Trinidad. Sources say the individual was questioned at length over several suspicious credit card transactions.

Explaining that large sums of money were placed on the cards, which bypassed the cards’ limits, the sources said several items were then purchased and, in some cases, cheques were made out to withdraw money from the credit card accounts and dispersed elsewhere. This sort of activity raised alarm bells from US officials, as the money placed on the cards could not be accounted for.

Sunday Guardian also

learnt that another aspect of the case being investigated involved the handing-over of close to US$5 million to two Trinidadians by the representative of a contractor at a casino/hotel in Las Vegas.

Both parties, sources say, met at the popular hotel and casino, where the money was handed over in return for favourable consideration in a major construction project here in Trinidad.

Sources said the manner in which the transaction was made drew the FBI/IRS’ attention to it. Both parties reportedly met at a game table and the representative of the

construction firm reportedly purchased some gambling chits, placed a few bets at the table, then left the remaining chits with the Trinidadians and left the casino. The Trinidadians then cashed in the chits, which amounted to close to US$5 million, and deposited the money at a bank on the casino compound. The money was then wired to another account.

Since the transaction took place on US soil, FBI/IRS investigators have deemed it as a form of moneylaundering. Both the FBI and IRS are investigating moneylaundering, tax evasion and

fraud matters. Earlier this month, international news agency Reuters reported that Daryan Warner, son of National Security Minister Jack Warner, was assisting the FBI and the IRS with an ongoing probe in the United States.

The article was written by Mark Hosenball and noted that “while the exact scope of the investigation is not clear, among the matters under scrutiny are two previously reported allegations involving Jack Warner.

The deepening of the probe indicates that a succession of corruption scandals involving Fifa and other international soccer bodies in the past few years may continue to cast a cloud over the sport for some time.

Warner formerly headed Concacaf and was previously one of the vice-presidents of Fifa, soccer ’s global governing body.” Following the report by Reuters, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar instructed Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran to enquire from the US authorities about the report.

Ramlogan has indicated that he has written to US Attorney

Anand Ramlogan General Eric Holder but is yet to receive a response.

There have been calls for Warner’s removal in the wake of the report. However, Persad-Bissessar, in a media release, has indicated that she will not act until such time as she can verify the authenticity of the Reuters report.

US REMAINS MUM Contacted on the matter, the US Department of Justice, which has responsibility for entertaining queries regarding the Office of theAttorney General Eric Holder, asked that the questions be e-mailed. Sunday Guardian complied but was subsequently informed there was no comment to be made.

Govt. allocates nearly half billion to help small businesses Jamaica Gleaner - The Government has set aside some $439 million for the Micro, Small and MediumSized Enterprises (MSMEs) in this fiscal year to facilitate growth and development in the productive sector.

The announcement was made by Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Anthony Hylton, who says 57 per cent of the funds have been earmarked for the Credit Enhancement Fund to provide loan support to MSMEs. The funds are to be

allocated through the Development Bank of Jamaica.

Speaking at a forum hosted by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation in Kingston last week, Mr Hylton said MSMEs make up the bulk of the businesses in Jamaica and therefore form a central part of the government’s growth plan He says $49 million have been provided in this year’s allocation to continue the provision of technical support and institutional.

PM to speak at UN today Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar is scheduled to speak today at United Nations Headquarters in New York on “The UN and Global Economic Governance”.

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister stated Persad-Bissessar, who leaves for the United States today, will offer her own perspective through the sharing of her concerns, views and experiences as a leader within the Caribbean Basin.

“The ongoing discussions about how to

improve global economic governance are growing in significance since the outbreak of the international economic and financial debt crisis.

The Prime Minister’s contribution will address this trend, while focusing on the role of informal groups, such as the G20,” said the release.

Persad-Bissessar is also expected to offer insight into how countries can help enhance communications between international financial institutions, the G20 and the rest of the world.

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A Maduro win won’t keep Adjournment of case involving PetroCaribe intact - Hughes former prime minister

Jamaica Observer - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jamaica’s PetroCaribe Development Fund (PDF) Dr Wesley Hughes has said that even a facile victory by Nicolas Maduro in yesterday’s Venezuelan elections will not prevent changes to the concessionary nature of the oil agreement.”Even if the current (acting) president is re-elected, there is every likelihood that the agreement could be changed,” Dr Hughes said Thursday night.

The former financial secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning and career civil servant, who took over as CEO of the PDF in February, was speaking at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Trafalgar-New Heights, at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston.

Hughes seemed to blame the tardiness of several of the other Caribbean nations benefiting from the facility in meeting the provisions of the agreement, for Venezuela’s proposal to modify the arrangement as its economy becomes burdened by the

Dr Wesley Hughes deal.

“I think that we need, as a country to be prepared for all these eventualities,” Hughes said. “One (candidate) may be more favourable to a continuation, but is it not going to a be continuation in the form that the agreement was structured. So, whatever happens Sunday, we have to be prepared for some changes.”

He pointed out that since the inception of the facility in 2005, Jamaica has benefited to the tune of US$2.4 billion, and

has paid back US$150 million.

However, he said that Jamaica was the only beneficiary which had established a fund, which insulated from the temptation to consume the benefits in current expenditure, and had invested it in a way to ensure that the country would be able to meet the payments when they become due.

“We have been servicing the debt, and we will be in a position to continue servicing the debts as they become due, which is very important, because it puts us in a position where even with the negotiations to modify the agreement, Jamaica could argue, with some credibility, that we should be treated as a special case,” he said.

“I am hopeful, but I am also very clear in my mind that we should, as a country, be prepared for the changes and adjustments,” Dr Hughes said.

He also explained that discussions on the issues were being pursued at the financial as well as the political and diplomatic levels, and should become more transparent after the presidential election.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Lawyers for former prime minister Basdeo Panday will return to court on June 14 seeking to strike out a lawsuit filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard challenging a m a g i s t r a t e ’s decision to dismiss the charges of failing to declare a London bank account under the Integrity in Public Life Act. Leave for judicial review against Magistrate Marcia Murray’s decision was granted by Justice James Aboud on September 26, who on Friday expressed disappointment that he could not proceed with the hearing as the attorney representing the DPP, Ian Benjamin, was unavailable.

The attorney was representing the DPP in another court matter. .

In acquitting Panday, who served as prime minister here from 1995-2001, Magistrate Murray ruled on that the Integrity Commission had failed to comply with the provisions of the Integrity in

Public Life Act. She said the Commission had failed to advise the President to appoint a tribunal to enquire into Panday’s declarations and that the former prime minister who was acquited in June last year, was no t g i v e n t h e opportunity, to which he was entitled, to be heard by a properly-constituted tribunal.

Panday was charged in September 2002 under the Integrity in Public Life Act of 1987 with failing to declare the assets of the account, amounting to approximately TT$1.6 million (One TT dollar = US$0.16 cemts).

The account was held at National Westminster Bank at Wimbledon Hill Road, London, for the years ending 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Basdeo Panday Two days before the expiration of the three-month deadline, Gaspard filed a lawsuit challenging the decision of Magistrate Marcia Murray to acquit Panday.

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Egypt stalls on IMF terms, no deal seen – diplomats (Reuters) - Egypt is stalling on the terms of a $4.8 billion International Monetary Fund loan to help it fight a deepening economic crisis, and no deal is likely while an IMF team is in Cairo, diplomats said yesterday.

The IMF mission is set to leave tomorrow after nearly two weeks of talks, and negotiations may continue on the sidelines of this week’s IMF ministerial meetings in Washington, they said.

An IMF programme could help stabilise Egypt’s economy in the rocky transition to democracy since the 2011 overthrow of former President Hosni Mubarak, unlocking up to $15 billion in aid and investment to improve a dismal business climate.

But diplomats and politicians say Islamist President Mohamed Mursi had yet to endorse required tax increases and subsidy cuts that prompted him to halt implementation of an earlier IMF deal in December, two weeks after it was agreed in principle.

“The mission said it is waiting until now for the government to present some

of the roadmap related to reforming the economic system,” Abdullah Badran of the hardline Islamist Nour party told Reuters after meeting the IMF team.

A spokesman for the president’s office declined comment on whether Mursi had given the green light for an agreement.

One Western diplomat said that after securing $5 billion in stopgap finance from Qatar and Libya last week, Egypt no longer felt the same sense of urgency to conclude the IMF negotiations.

“That seemed to be the way things were moving since the Libyan and Qatari announcements. You can imagine them reaching that conclusion; that they have reached a short-term fix, it means they are not that beholden to the IMF,” he said.

Egypt’s economy has deteriorated significantly since the November IMF agreement stalled. Tourism and investment have dwindled due to political turmoil in the Arab world’s most populous country, where 40 percent of the 84 million citizens live on less

Mohamed Mursi than $2 a day.

The projected budget deficit has risen to around 11 percent in the fiscal year ending in June, foreign currency reserves have shrunk to less than needed to cover three months’ imports, and the country is suffering fuel shortages.

The IMF delegation has been holding talks in Cairo since April 4 on a revised economic programme that includes a gradual reform of costly fuel subsidies that swallow 21 percent of the budget or 12 percent of gross domestic product, and an extension of sales tax to

fewer items than previously planned.

The country’s finance minister and central bank governor have told local media the talks were going well but diplomats said the IMF had not received clear answers on some issues.

“The IMF and the international community want to help but are really frustrated that Egypt isn’t doing as much as it should to help itself,” said Angus Blair, chairman of the Signet Institute, an economic thinktank for the Middle East and North Africa region. “I expect there is significant frustration.”

Diplomats said the ruling Muslim Brotherhood was reluctant to impose unpopular tax and fuel price increases before parliamentary elections provisionally due to start in October.

Nevertheless the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party is pushing through parliament new tax laws apparently linked to the IMF deal. Opposition politicians accuse the government of trying to impose its will without

dialogue.

Planning Minister Ashraf El-Araby warned last week that Egyptians would face worse austerity without an IMF deal. Ministers fear a long, hot summer of power cuts and possible fuel and food shortages that could spark unrest.

An Egyptian delegation including the central bank governor and the finance and planning ministers will be in Washington this week for the annual IMF/World Bank spring meetings and may hold further talks on the loan deal, officials said.

The IMF mission, headed

by Andreas B a u e r, h a s spent the last few days meeting government and opposition political leaders to seek broad backing for implementation of the reform programme.

Politicians who have participated in those sessions said there was wide acceptance of the need for a loan but less willingness to accept even relatively mild conditions attached.

“We heard the IMF’s view, and it became clear to us that they are asking for some reforms to the tax

system, and their view is that there must be a review of subsidies,” said Badran, the Nour party’s parliamentary floor leader. “This, in our view, will increase the burdens on the poor.”

Leftist Popular Current party leader Hamdeen Sabahi said his group would support an unconditional loan that supported the Egyptian economy, but it must not be on terms that put extra burdens on the poor, farmers, workers and the middle class, or that dictate how the government spends the money.

Diplomats said the IMF had softened its conditions compared with many other adjustment programmes, partly because the United States and European Union countries that are the Fund’s biggest shareholders were determined to support Egypt.

IMF studies show that most fuel subsidies benefit wealthier Egyptians rather than the poor, few of whom have cars.

That may explain why the subsidies are so hard to reform, with powerful interest groups keen to preserve their advantages.

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As US talks up diplomacy, North Korea takes hard line TOKYO (AP) — The United States and Japan opened the door yesterday to new nuclear talks with North Korea if the saber-rattling country lowered tensions and honored past agreements, even as it rejected South Korea’s latest offer of dialogue as a “crafty trick.”

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters in Tokyo that North Korea would find “ready partners” in the United States if it began abandoning its nuclear program.

Japan’s foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, also demanded a resolution to a dispute concerning Japanese citizens abducted decades ago by North Korean officials. The diplomats seemed to point the way for a possible revival of the sixnation talks that have been suspended for four years.

China long pushed has for the process to resume without conditions. But the U.S. and allies South Korea and Japan fear rewarding North Korea for its belligerence and endless repetition of a cycle of tensions and failed talks that have prolonged the crisis.

Kerry’s message of openness to diplomacy was clear, however unlikely the chances appeared that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s government would meet the American’s conditions.

Tensions have run high on the Korean Peninsula for months, with North Korea testing a nuclear device and its intercontinental ballistic missile technology.

The reclusive communist state hasn’t stopped there. It has issued almost daily threats that have included possible nuclear strikes against the United States.

Analysts and foreign officials say that is still beyond the North Koreans’ capability.

While many threats have been dismissed as bluster, U.S. and South Korean say they believe the North in the coming days may test a midrange missile designed to reach as far as Guam, the U.S. territory in the Pacific where the Pentagon is deploying a land-based missile-defense system.

Japan is the last stop on a 10-day trip overseas for Kerry, who visited Seoul and Beijing as well in recent days.

In South Korea, he

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, is greeted by Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida prior to their meeting at Foreign Ministry’s Iikura Guesthouse in Tokyo yesterday.

(AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi) strongly warned North Korea not to launch a missile and he reaffirmed U.S. defense of its allies in the region. In China, he secured a public pledge from Beijing, the lone government with significant influence over North Korea, to rid the North of nuclear weapons.

Before returning to the United States, Kerry planned a speech Monday in Japan on the Obama administration’s Asia policy.

So far, Republican lawmakers in the U.S. have largely backed the administration’s efforts on North Korea. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told CBS’ “Face the Nation” that he was encouraged by Kerry’s China visit and that he hoped “we can get the Chinese to care more about this issue.

U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona suggested on CNN’s “State of the Union” that the U.S. make a counter-threat by using missile interceptors to

hit any North Korean missile that is test-fired.

At each stop along his trip, Kerry stressed that the United States wanted a peaceful resolution of the North Korea situation six decades after a cease-fire ended the Korean War. But North Korea on Sunday served a reminder of the difficult task ahead. Its Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea said the government had no intention of talking with Seoul unless the South abandons its confrontational posture, as the North called it.

Seoul had pressed North Korea to discuss restarting operations at a joint factory park on the border and President Park Geun-hye has stressed peace opportunities after taking power from her more hard-line predecessor, Lee Myung-bak. The presidency expressed regret with North Korea’s rebuttal Sunday.

At a news conference in Tokyo, Kerry stressed that gaining China’s commitment to a denuclearized North Korea was no small matter given its historically strong military and economic ties to North Korea.

But he refused to say what the Chinese were offering to do concretely to pressure the North into abiding by some of the conditions it agreed to in a 2005 deal that required it to abandon its nuclear program.

In remarks to U.S. journalists, Kerry said that under the right circumstances, he even would consider making a grand overture to North Korea’s leader, such as an offer of direct talks with the U.S. Given their proximity and decades of hostility and distrust, Japan and South Korea have the most to fear from the North’s unpredictable actions. Kerry clarified a statement he made Saturday in Beijing, when he told reporters the U.S. could scale back its missile-defense posture in the region if North Korea goes nuclear-free.

It appeared to be a sweetener to coax tougher action from a Chinese government which has eyed the increased U.S. military presence in its backyard warily, but which has done little over the years to snuff out funding and support for North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction program.

Pope Francis says hypocrisy undermines Church’s credibility

ROME (Reuters) - Pope Francis yesterday said clergy and Christians must not betray the word of God with their actions or they undermine the credibility of the Catholic Church.

Francis, elected a month ago, inherited a Church struggling to restore credibility after a series of scandals, including the sexual abuse of children by priests.

The pope spoke at the Papal Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, where he celebrated Mass. He also greeted pilgrims and local Church members earlier in St. Peter’s square.

“Inconsistency on the part of pastors and the faithful between what they say and what they do, between word and manner of life, is undermining the Church’s credibility,” the pontiff said in his homily.

“Those who listen to us and observe us must be able to see in our actions what they hear from our lips, and so give glory to God!” In his first major decision on Saturday, Francis set up an advisory board of cardinals to help him govern the Church and reform its troubled central administration, which was riddled by infighting and alleged corruption under Pope Benedict.

Benedict left a secret report for Francis on the problems in the administration, known as the Curia, which came to light when sensitive documents were stolen from the pope’s desk and leaked by his butler in what became known as the “Vatileaks” scandal.

Since his election as the first nonEuropean pope in nearly 1,300 years, Francis has been laying out a clear moral path for the 1.2-billion-member Church. He has favored humility and simplicity over pomp and grandeur.

Francis has preferred to live in simple quarters in the Vatican instead of moving into

Pope Francis looks on as he leads a solemn mass at Saint Paul’s Basilica in Rome yesterday. REUTERS/Max Ross the regal papal apartments, and he has said he wants “a poor Church, and for the poor”.

In the Sunday afternoon service at St. Paul’s, Francis said that each Christian can be a saint, which he defined as “middle class holiness”.

“There are the saints of every day, the ‘hidden’ saints, a sort of ‘middle class of holiness’... to which we can all belong.”

The pope celebrated Mass together with the Benedictine monks to whom the basilica and the adjoining monastery are entrusted.

St. Paul’s is one of Rome’s four major basilicas and the second largest after St. Peter’s.

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16 killed in attack on Somali Supreme Court

Survivors are helped to escape from a window at Mogadishu’s court complex in Mogadishu, Somalia, yesterday. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — A barrage of bullets and two car bomb blasts rattled Mogadishu yesterday when nine al-Shabab Islamic extremists stormed Somalia’s main court complex, officials said, in a two-hour attack that shows the country’s most dangerous militant group may be down but not defeated.

A preliminary death toll stood at 16, including all nine attackers. The government didn’t immediately publicize the number of security forces, government employees and civilians who died during the attack.

The assault was the most serious in Mogadishu since al-Shabab was forced out of the capital in August 2011. AlShabab controls far less territory today than in recent years, and its influence appears to be on the decline, but Sunday’s attack proved the extremists are still capable of pulling off well-planned, audacious assaults.

The top U.N. official for Somalia, Augustine P. Mahiga, said he was shocked and outraged by the attack.

Mahiga said the total number of dead wasn’t clear, but that reports indicated that “many innocent civilians were killed including women and at least one child.”

The attack on the Supreme Court complex began at around 12:30 p.m., sparking running battles with police and army forces. One car bomb detonated outside the court, and gunmen were seen on the roof of a court building firing shots, an Associated Press reporter at

the scene said. Police officer Hassan Abdulahi said he saw five dead bodies lying at the entrance to the court.

The militants took an unknown number of hostages during the siege. Many other government workers and civilians in the court complex — a confusing labyrinth of buildings and rooms — hid while fearing for their lives.

Western officials knew militants had been planning a major violent incident. The British Foreign Office on Friday released a travel warning for Somalia that warned of a high threat of terrorism. “We continue to believe that terrorists are in the final stages of planning attacks in Mogadishu,” it said.

The complex and sustained nature of the assault on the court system suggested the extremists hoped to inflict severe casualties. Later, a suicide car bomber rammed a vehicle carrying Turkish citizens, killing two.

On a Twitter feed believed

to belong to the militants, alShabab appeared to take credit for the attack. A posting said five militants from the “Martyrdom Brigade” took part in the “daring” attack.

“Such brazen attacks, on a broad daylight and in the heart of Mogadishu, are a clear testament to the influence of HSM forces in the capital,” one posting said.

HSM is an abbreviation for al-Shabab.

Nine militants attacked the court complex, and that six of them detonated suicide vests, said Interior Minister Abdikarim Hussein Guled.

The three others were shot and killed during the assault, he said. Guled said he couldn’t immediately provide an overall death toll.

Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon dismissed the attack as a “pointless and pathetic act” that he said would have no effect on the government’s commitment to progress.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia is moving forward but the

enemy of Somalia and “of all mankind” is trying to prevent the country from prospering.

“I want the terrorist to know that our country, Somalia, is moving and will keep moving forward and will not be prevented to achieve the ultimate noble goal, a peaceful and stable Somalia, by a few desperate terrorists,” Mohamud said.

Ugandan troops stationed in Mogadishu as part of the African Union force arrived at the scene once the attack started and began taking up sniper positions on rooftops.

The Supreme Court was in session and the court’s chief justice may have been the target of the assault, said a Western official who had been speaking to Somali officials. The official spoke on condition he wasn’t identified because he wasn’t authorized to release the information.

Somali security forces have moved outside of the city to confront al-Shabab militants on Mogadishu’s outskirts, but that deployment has left somewhat of a security

vacuum in the city itself, a vacuum that the militants exploited on Sunday, the official said.

The gunmen took hostages in the complex’s main courtroom and forced their way into other rooms in the complex, said another police officer, Abdinasir Nor. The court complex is a confusing maze of buildings and rooms, allowing for plenty of places to hide but also for many places for gunmen to take hostages.

The armed men forced their way inside the complex and immediately set off an explosion, said Yusuf Abdi, who was near the court when the attack happened.

About two hours after the assault began, survivors of the attack began coming out of the court complex. Some were crying and others held their heads in their hands.

“I never expected to make it out alive today,” said Halima Geddi, who fled the court complex about two hours after the attack. She said she had taken cover behind an outer wall. “There is no peace.

No one protects us. I came to see my boy who was

supposed to be tried here.”

At about 3 p.m. a suicide car bomber rammed his vehicle into a car carrying Turkish citizens to the airport, said Mohamed Anjeh, a police commander.

Mogadishu’s main government center is heavily guarded with multiple security checks. However, the security at the court complex is not nearly as strong. The Ugandan troops who arrived on scene began pushing back on-lookers shortly after the attack began.

Most militant attacks in Mogadishu are blamed on fighters from al-Shabab, the al-Qaida-linked Islamic extremist rebel group in Somalia.

Al-Shabab ruled Mogadishu from roughly 2006 until August 2011, when African Union and Somali forces pushed them out of the city. Since then the al-Shabab extremists have launched suicide bombings on the capital city every few weeks.

Despite those intermittent attacks, Mogadishu is generally considered more peaceful today than most of the previous seven years.

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Al Qaeda adds urgency to international search for Syrian peace

Lawmakers pitch immigration plan with strong border control

AMMAN (Reuters) - International powers will search for a peaceful settlement to Syria’s civil war with fresh urgency at an Istanbul meeting after a rebel faction aligned itself with al Qaeda, diplomats and opposition sources said yesterday.

Saturday’s meeting of 11 countries from the Friends of Syria alliance will come after the al-Nusra Front, among the strongest formations seeking to topple President Bashar al-Assad, pledged allegiance to al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri on April 10.

“We will be meeting under the shadow of the advances of Nusra and other militants.

The recent al Qaeda statements have injected a new urgency for the international community to push to end the conflict,” said an official who will attend the meeting on the conflict that has killed more than 70,000 people.

Western powers, which want to see the end of the Assad family’s 43-year rule but do not want to intervene militarily in Syria, have been alarmed by the advance of groups like the Nusra Front in a conflict which has deepened the Middle East’s sectarian divide.

Among those invited to Istanbul will be Moaz Alkhatib, a moderate cleric from Damascus, who said he was resigning as head of the Syrian National Coalition in March after other members of the main opposition group attacked his proposal for negotiating with Assad, the sources said.

Envoys representing most of the 11 Friends of Syria countries met in Cairo this month to press Alkhatib to stay on as leader

WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - Tighter border security must be one goal of immigration reform if the measure is to pass Congress, lawmakers who support the plan said yesterday as they tried to build support for a proposal that should be outlined in coming days.

The plan expected later this week envisions toughening border security to discourage new immigrants, while detailing clear steps that aspiring citizens can take if they are already in the country.

Senator Marco Rubio, a leader on immigration reform, said the reform plan will confront the sensitive question of how to treat those who have already entered the country illegally.

“This is not a theory.

They are actually here,” the Republican said on CBS’ Face the Nation, of an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Proposals to round up and deport undocumented residents are impractical, Rubio said, and existing immigration rules are being abused.

“What we have in place today is not good for anyone except human traffickers and people who are hiring illegal aliens and paying them less than American workers,” he said on Fox News Sunday.

“This is an issue that needs to be solved.”

Rubio, a CubanAmerican, is a leader of the so-called Gang of Eight,

of Coalition, a 60-member opposition umbrella group backed by the West and Gulf Arab states, the sources said.

The Istanbul meeting, whose full agenda has not been finalised, will also discuss how to pressure Assad, who has been backed by Iran and Russia, into accepting a negotiated settlement, the diplomats said.

“The international powers are inclined to call Assad’s bluff and see if he is ready to accept a peaceful solution,” another diplomat said, adding that Russia might also favour such a move.

The conflict, which pits the Sunni Muslim majority against Assad’s supporters among his Alawite sect, has prompted both Sunni and Shi’ite militants from elsewhere in the Middle East to fight in Syria. The Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam.

Sectors of the opposition want to force a U.S.- and Russian-backed settlement on both Assad and hardline groups like the Nusra Front, but Russia has first to be won over, a senior opposition source said.

“There is a growing realisation that a peaceful settlement has to be imposed on Assad and on the jihadists,” the opposition source said.

In February, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem said in Moscow that Assad’s government was ready for talks with rebels. But fighting intensified and rebels made gains particularly in Syria’s east, which accounts for all the country’s oil output and most of its grains production.

Marco Rubio which has four Democrat and four Republican senators trying to address concerns of domestic industry, labor and other interests who want a voice in the immigration debate.

The first-term senator from Florida was a guest on several yesterday morning political talk shows pushing the immigration reform message.

“Part of my job is to explain to people what it is we’ve worked on, try to justify it and hopefully gain their support,” Rubio said o n C N N ’s St a t e of the Union.

The immigration proposal could come as soon tomorrow with details still being finalized, Rubio said, but the plan would put citizenship on hold while officials tighten borders and prepare undocumented workers for the tax rolls.

Lawmakers have different

views on how much more border security would be required before undocumented residents could seek citizenship but discouraging future illegal immigration was seen as a key to building broad support for the measure.

“Every Republican at the table said we’ve got to start with border security,” Richard Durbin, an Illinois Democrat and another member of the Gang of Eight said on Fox News Sunday.

The questions of immigration reform and gun control will likely consume the senate in coming weeks and help shape the debate in the U.S. House of Representatives, which would have to pass its own version of reform before any measure could become law.

And while labor and industry groups have blessed a key proposal dealing with itinerant workers, many lawmakers are expected to loudly oppose a plan they say does too little to guarantee public safety.

Senator Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican, wants the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to have a direct voice in setting benchmarks for who gets to stay in the country.

“When the Gang of Eight first got together, they said enforcement would come first, before legalization,” Sessions said on Sunday.

“This proposal will not stand up to scrutiny.”

Egypt to try Brotherhood members accused of torture (Reuters) - Two Muslim Brotherhood members in northern Egypt have been ordered to stand trial on charges of detaining and torturing students during a protest against the president the group propelled to power.

The charges are a rare acknowledgement of the alleged role that some of the president’s supporters have had in attacks on his opponents.

The U.S. State Department suggested this month that Egypt was selectively prosecuting those accused of insulting the government while ignoring or

playing down attacks on antigovernment demonstrators.

Opponents of Mursi also accuse him of trying to dominate state institutions such as the judiciary. The president has said he is working to rid the government of corrupt remnants from the era of Hosni Mubarak, ousted by a popular uprising in 2011.

The prosecutor’s office in Damanhour said yesterday the men were accused of detaining and beating the students in November at the Brotherhood office in the Nile Delta city during clashes between opponents of Mursi

When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take threeminute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise.

Take time out to feel the peace of silence.

and his Islamist supporters.

The clashes in Damanhour were part of a wave of protests and violence set off by Mursi’s decree in November to temporarily expand his powers and prevent court challenges to his decisions.

The crisis triggered by Mursi’s decree deepened the divisions in Egyptian society, mainly between the increasingly empowered Brotherhood and its allies and other groups that fear what they see as autocratic tendencies of the Islamist group.

The prosecutor’s office referred to case to trial on Saturday, court officials said.

It was not immediately clear when the trial would take place.

Brotherhood officials in Cairo were not immediately available for comment.

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

MTV CHANNEL 14/ CABLE 65 Sign 06:00 Islamic Perspective 06:30 The Diary 07:00 DAY BREAK (live) 08:00 Dabi’s Musical Hour 08:30 Avon Video & DVD music hour 09:00 Current affairs 09:15 Top Notch Music Break 09:30 Caribbean Temptation music break 10:00 Amanda’s music break 10:30 Future Vision Music Break 11:00 Comfort Sleep musical 11:30 Salvation Message with Pastor Kelvin 11:45 CNN News 12:00 Village Talk 12: 30 The Young and The Restless 13:30 Days of our lives 14:00 General Hospital 15:00 Katie Couric Show 16:00 The Bold and the Beautiful

Monday April 15, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will do well in social settings, and new and interesting individuals may spark a romantic curiosity. Your fight for those less fortunate is not likely to end in sweet victory. You will have excellent ideas for changing or renovating your home.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Use your inventiveness to find solutions. Overindulgence could lead to problems with digestion. Escapist tendencies may lead to overindulgence.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Try not to take others for granted. Tempers could get out of hand today. You are best to work at home, clearing up overdue projects.

Dream a little today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Do not sign contracts or get involved in any uncertain financial deals. Conflicts over joint finances are likely. You may find travel to be most rewarding.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Do what you can to help them but don't neglect your own family. Work quietly behind the scenes for best results. Spend time getting to know each other.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept.

23) Involvement in fitness clubs will be conducive to engaging romantic connections.

Try not to get backed into corners. Rethink your motives and make the necessary changes to yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) New interests are preoccupying your time. They didn't fully understand what was expected. Erratic behavior may confuse others, and mood swings may result in isolation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Get involved in physical activities that will stimulate you. You will be extremely sensual; take precautions and don't take any risks. A day at the beach may satisfy the whole family.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 Dec. 21) Consider applying for a job in another part of the world. Deal with the needs of children and get into groups that deal with self awareness.

Get help to finish a project if you need it.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.Jan. 20) Do not overspend on entertainment. Travel will be exciting. Try to deal with the problems of those less fortunate; however, don't allow them to make unreasonable demands.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Go out with friends and avoid the situation on the home front. You may feel a need to make changes to your legal documents. However, you must not neglect your family.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Opportunities to meet new lovers will come through pleasure trips or social events.

Unexpected bills will leave you a little short.

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Page 27

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16:00 hrs. Criminal Minds 17:00 hrs. Charmed 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. Nightly News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Channel 8 News 20:30 hrs. Rules of Engagement 21:00 hrs. 2 Broke Girls 21:30 hrs. Mike & Molly 22:00 hrs. Hawaii Five-0 (New Episode) 23:00 hrs. Sign Off

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Monday April 15, 2013

Overseas-based man and lover Berbice gears to open brutally chopped by jealous man school of music

The injured Jameel Inayet in hospital A woman is in serious condition in the Georgetown Public Hospital while her suspected overseas-based Guyanese lover is a patient in the New Amsterdam Hospital following the brutal chopping of the two on Friday at their Bloomfield Corentyne home.

The assailant is suspected to be a spurned lover. A man subsequently gave himself up and is in

custody. Charges are likely shortly as investigation continues into the incident.

Injured are overseasbased Guyanese Jameel Inayet, and his partner, Shairah Bacchus.

The two were first rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they underwent emergency treatment.

Bacchus was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital in a critical condition while Jameel Inayet who lived in the U.S.A. for more than a decade, remains warded at the New Amsterdam hospital.

According to information Inayet returned to the country about five weeks ago and started to cohabit with Bacchus.

They were at her Bloomfield, Corentyne home about 06:00 hrs went the woman went outside. A few minutes after she started to holler as she was attacked and was being brutally chopped by the intruder.

The woman was wounded on her hands, legs, shoulder and back. Inayet upon hearing her cry went to her assistance and was also attacked. He was chopped across the back and other parts of his body.

The attacker then scaled the fence and ran away. The man subsequently gave himself up at the Whim Police Station.

Ambassador Hardt, Mr. Foster, Miss Benjamin and a prospective student try their hands on the brass instruments.

All is not lost for those interested in learning to play music in Berbice. Known as the Ancient County for many reasons, more so for its architecture, efforts have been advanced for the establishment of a full fledged music school.

Leading the way are two of Guyana’s leading NGOSFood For the Poor Guyana Inc and the St. Francis Community Developers.

Recently, FFP handed over several items to St. Francis Community Developers that will fast track the establishment of the Music School which will be established at the organisation’s headquarters at Portuguese Quarters, Corentyne, Berbice.

Among the items handed over were a marching band and two pianos.

The equipment was sourced from Food for the Poor head office in the United States and presented to the SFCD for the start up of the music school.

United States Ambassador Mr. D. Brent Hardt was on hand for the ceremony and assisted with the presentation by Senior Project Manager of T h e F F P, M s A n d r e a Benjamin.

Ambassador Hardt stated that he is happy to be a part of such activities. He added that he is even more pleased to be associated with activities involving his county. Playing and making music is a lovely adventure, he asserted, and would be happy to see the venture to fruition.

Ms Benjamin stated that Food for the Poor is pleased to be working with the SFCD in trying to bring back a past time. She expressed her confidence in the SFCD to be successful in establishing the music school.

More equipment will be

brought into the country and handed over to the SFCD in a few weeks. She noted the penchant and drive of SFCD head, Alex Foster, in getting things done and she is assured that the project will be a hit.

Foster stated that music is lovely and the SFCD always wanted to be associated in making music.

He said that the venture is also one of the new areas that the SFCD is undertaking.

The SFCD has already contacted the Guyana Police Force who will be part of the barrage of experts conducting classes at the Music school.

Also handed over to the SFCD were one mechanical agricultural tiller, one gasoline water pump, a quantity of tiles and 8 garden tool sets.

The tiles will be used for ongoing work at the SFCD complex while the tiller and gasoline water pump will be used to augment the development of the organisation’s agricultural activities.

German national killed, wife injured in Lethem trail crash A German national was killed and his wife injured when their vehicle overturned on the Lethem trail at around 11:45 hrs yesterday.

Police identified the victims as Holmutt Federick Ottmann, 74, and Margaret Ottmann, 73.

A police press release stated that Mr. Ottmanm was driving along the trail at Metezere, Lethem, when he lost control of the vehicle which overturned and pinned him.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Lethem Hospital, while Ingrid Ottmann was admitted.

This mishap comes in the wake of two horrific accidents last week.

Two Saturdays ago, four persons perished and several others were injured when a truck that was taking passengers to the interior overturned at Buck Hall, Essequibo.

Then, last Tuesday, 35-year-old miner Angela Lawrence was killed after the truck in which she was traveling overturned at Big Creek, North West District.

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

NSM 2nd Div. 20 over comp. - West Berbice

Rainbow Generation, Achievers & Cotton Tree record wins The Norman Singh Memorial Second Division 20-over competition for teams in West Berbice continued recently with Rainbow Generation of Seafield, Achievers of Lovely Lass and Cotton Tree Die Hard all recording wins to advance to the next round of the competition.

Also winning was D’Edward Warriors who defeated Bush Lot United New Generation but that match is the subject of a protest by Bush Lot who is claiming that D’Edward played someone who was not on their team list.

Medium pacer Chris Clarkson took 5 for 14 from 2 overs to help Rainbow Generation restrict Exhowa to 104 runs in 18 overs. In response, Rainbow’s opening batsman Dunstan Cummings slammed an unbeaten 50 (5x4 2x6) to guide them to a comfortable 8wicket triumph.

Roshan Gafoor’s 2 for 10 from 4 overs and 35 spearheaded Cotton Tree Die Hard to a 7-wicket win over No. 3. Keyron Fraser’s 41 for Bush Lot United New Generation were not enough to stop his team going down to D’Edward Warriors by 6 runs.

Collated scores from

matches played: At Seafield - Rainbow Generation defeated Exhowa by 8 wickets. Exhowa 104 in 18 overs; Vishal Bejai 40, Chris Clarkson 5 for 14, Tyson Carmichael 2 for 18 and Keno Gravesande 2 for 25. Rainbow Generation 108 for 2 in 14 overs with Dunstan Cummings 50 not out.

At Cotton Tree - Cotton Tree Die Hard beat No.3 by 7 wickets. No.3 89 in 17 overs; Arif Inshan 28, Roshan Gafoor 2 for 10. Cotton Tree Die Hard 93 for 3 in 10 overs; Roshan Gafoor 35, Jagdeo Persaud 26 and Alan Johnson 2 for 26.

At Bush Lot - D’Edward Warriors squeezed past Bush Lot United New Generation by 6 runs. D’Edward Warriors 110 for 5 in 17 overs; Balram Gobin 23 and Bramdat Singh 2 for 12. D’Edward Warriors United New Generation 104 for 5 in 17 overs; Keyron Fraser 41.

At No.5 – This match between No.5 and Achievers ended in a tie but Achievers were adjudged the winner due to their superior run rate. No.5 106 in 17 overs; Gladwin Johnson 28, Renel Frank 26, Derwin Nelson 3 for 16 and Eon Abel Jnr. 2 for 26.

Achievers 87 for 5 in 14 overs with Kurd Griffith 30 and Travis Perry 2 for 8.

Shabazz sends open letter of congrats, gives counsel to new GFF President DEAR MR. MATTHIAS, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to you on your ascension to the position of President of the Guyana Football Federation. The election was a hard fought one and the voting fraternity of Guyana has given you and the other successful candidates the mandate to take leadership of the Guyana Federation at a most crucial time.

Despite the fact that I supported another candidate I wish you all the best in your endeavors as President and I remain a friend of Guyana’s football, not to return as Coach but will continue to help in whatever way that I can.

I urge you also to let the election battle lay down its burdens and I trust that you will embrace the football fraternity as the national leader that the position demands of you.

I counsel you to hold consultation with the players, the Executive, the Sub Associations and all the stake holders but be a strong and decisive leader when you have to act.

Resist the temptation to walk the path of divisiveness because you are now the President not of a slate but of an entire Federation; Those who voted for you and those who voted against you.

Accept when I say that you are not the President of the Government Federation, the Opposition Federation, the Indian Federation or the African, Amerindian or Portuguese Federation. Indeed you are now President of an entity that represents an interest greater than all those, you are the President of the GUYANA Football Federation.

Encourage discussion and entertain diverse viewpoints on key subject matters for this is what will aid you in making final decisions.

Again with the utmost of humility and with great respect I wish you and the entire new Executive good will and Almighty God’s guidance and blessings.

Jamaal Shabazz

Page 29

Man City book place in FA Cup final

Samir Nasri (right) fires from close up to score for City. (Getty Images) Manchester City will meet Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final after winning an enthralling Wembley encounter with Chelsea.

The 2011 winners looked on course for a comfortable victory as goals either side of half-time from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero gave them the lead their dominance deserved. Chelsea, to their great credit given their recent arduous schedule, somehow summoned up reserves of strength and resilience after Demba Ba’s stunning goal set up a grandstand finish that could have forced extra time.

The rejuvenated holders pressed for an equaliser that seemed unlikely for long periods and it took some key interventions from Joe Hart’s deputy Costel Pantilimon, particularly from Ba, to assure City of a return to Wembley next month. And substitute Fernando Torres was furious when referee Chris Foy refused his claims for a penalty in the closing moments when City captain Vincent Kompany pulled his shirt as he raced into the area.

Roberto Mancini’s side may be on the brink of losing their Premier League title to Manchester United - but the prospect of silverware for a third successive season keeps their campaign very much alive and they delivered a real show of power for the first hour.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez will now turn his attention back to the main business of finishing in the top four to ensure Champions League football next season, as well as attempting to win the Europa League.

This was a clash of two of the Premier League’s heavyweights and they traded blows to such an extent that many of the players had run themselves to

a standstill by the final whistle.

As expected Benitez left the experienced duo of John Terry and Frank Lampard on the bench following their Europa League endeavours against Rubin Kazan in Moscow on Thursday.

And Chelsea’s punishing programme appeared to make an impact with a slow start that allowed Manchester City to build instant momentum.

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech had to show quick reflexes to turn away Aguero’s effort after he touched on Yaya Toure’s shot and was also in action to turn away Carlos Tevez’s angled effort at his near post. It was all hands to the pump for Chelsea as City pressed, with both Branislav Ivanovic and Ryan Bertrand pressed into action to make crucial blocks.

City manager Mancini maintained his FA Cup policy of preferring Pantilimon to England keeper Hart - and he was grateful to captain

Kompany for a headed clearance off the line as Eden Hazard’s shot broke the shackles on Chelsea.

The goal City merited duly arrived 10 minutes before half-time. Chelsea had not been able to cope with Yaya Toure’s forceful surges from midfield. He set up another opportunity for Aguero and when his effort bounced invitingly off Cesar Azpilicueta for Nasri, he made no mistake.

City should have doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time when they broke with five against three in their favour. James Milner’s cross was poor but Cech’s punch still found Kompany, who should have done better than shoot off target.

It was not to prove an expensive miss as City did get their second two minutes after half-time. A quick free-kick ended with Gareth Barry crossing for Aguero, who showed the superb natural movement and instincts that come naturally to world-class

strikers, to rise and head in off the post past the motionless Cech.

As the minutes ticked away Benitez introduced Torres. A goal came within seconds of his arrival but it came from Ba, with the swivelling acrobatic finish that is becoming his trademark as he escaped from Kompany to hook his finish beyond Pantilimon.

The keeper was then forced to dive at Juan Mata’s feet amid panic in the City penalty area before reacting well to turn away Ba’s shot as Chelsea were suddenly, improbably, resurgent.

In a chaotic final phase, Aguero appeared to trample of David Luiz after bringing him down, which brought some instant retribution from the fired-up Torres.

And Torres was involved in the final contentious moment when his shirt was pulled by Kompany - but referee Foy was unmoved and City survived.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Monday April 15, 2013

GDF is the top gym, FYF finish 2nd as Nat’l Novices Boxing championships concludes

By Michael Benjamin The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) scored 11 points and were duly declared champion gym when the curtains were drawn on the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) National Novices Boxing championships on the tarmac of the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, Saturday evening last.

The Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Boxing Gym amassed 5 points and finished second while the Republican Boxing Gym clinched the 3rd place after accruing 4 points, while its representative, Septon Barton, won both of his bouts by knockout and was duly declared best boxer.

However, on Saturday night, with just 3 bouts

remaining, the rains interrupted and forced an abrupt end to the night’s proceeding. As such, 6 boxers had to return to the venue yesterday afternoon to complete the card.

When the boxers returned yesterday afternoon, Desmond Amsterdam (GDF) and Colin Martin (REP) thrilled the small crowd with a no holds barred contest that

was worthy of a bigger stage.

Both fighters started the bout as though they had an old grouse and were determined to settle it there and then.

The first round was a thriller as both pugilists went after each other with venom.

The punches were unorthodox but when they landed the effects were apparent. Both boxers enjoyed great moments in

this round and set the stage for the second stanza.

As expected, punches rained as both pugilists attempted to grab the initiative. As the round came to a close Amsterdam connected with a vicious left hook that buckled Martin but fortune was on his side as the bell sounded soon afterwards.

The rivalry resumed as soon as the bell sounded for the 3rd round and Martin, who appeared reinvigorated, lashed out with several crunching blows. He then got careless and dropped his guards a mite for Amsterdam to land a crunching right which forced the referee to institute the mandatory 8 count.

Martin rebounded with several salvoes and one of them sent his opponent’s mouthpiece flying.

Thereafter, fortunes fluctuated with first Martin and then Amsterdam surging ahead.

The small crowd went into a frenzy as the two gladiators punched away at each other’s body and head until the bell sounded. It was a courageous battle worthy of mention and it was a pity that one of them had to lose. In the end the judges ruled in favour of Amsterdam.

The final bout yesterday afternoon dampened the spirits of the crowd when GDF representative, Oswald Dash turned in a lukewarm performance against his gym mate, Sean Phillips and after two light punches decided he had had enough. The referee waved the bout off approximately one minute of the fight.

Meanwhile, Saturday night’s proceeding started on a sour note for Kerriann Cumberbatch of Rose Hall Jammers (RHJ) when she suffered a TKO at the hands of Ann Mullen who needed just 32secs to finish the job.

Another Berbician, Jamal Eastman of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG), continued to impress when he pounded out a majority verdict over Roy Adams of

the Harpy Eagles (HE) to win the 80—84lbs category. The Pocket Rocket representative, as usual, demonstrated a level of class that belied his experience.

The nephew of Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman, Jamal was a joy to behold as he compiled stiff jabs and accurate combinations. His timings were superb as he clearly out-boxed Adams.

The latter boxer attempted to get out of the way of some sharp punches but in the process ducked below the belt and was twice warned for the infringement. His indiscretions only served to widen the gap of the defeat and he lost by a majority verdict.

Three fights earlier, Jaime Kellman of the Young Achievers engaged his Harpy Eagles counterpart, Jackeel Cadogan, in a slugfest in the 70-74lbs class and came out triumphant after 3 rounds of leathers.

Steve Sukaloo of the Rose Hall Jammers turned in a courageous display but his efforts proved insufficient and he surrendered by points to Kevin Mulling while Ansol Wolfe proved to be too good for Shaquaille Simon and took their 75-79lbs bout. Moses Oxford (HE) also won convincingly when he forced the referee to halt his 50-54lbs bout against Quancy Wright in just 30secs of the first stanza while Kenrick Amsterdam pounded out a majority verdict over Kevon Mulling (HE).

Elijah Insanally (HE) won out from his Pocket Rocket counterpart while Stephon Green (HE) lost out to Julius Kesney (PR).

In the Open Elite category, Arthur Scipio (GDF) lost to Tyronne Lashley (RHJ) while Candacie Benjamin (GDF) lost to Akesia Arokium (RHJ).

Wincel Thomas (GDF) then defeated Farouk Ali (FYF) moments before Kellon King triumphed over Kurt Kendall (REP). Just before the rains came; Linden Daniels (GDF) forced the referee to halt his bout in the 2nd round against his gym mate, Jermaine Pollard.

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Seamers set up Gambhir, Morgan set up comfortable win for Royals big win for Kolkata

ESPNcricinfo - Days after he kicked up a storm on Twitter, Sreesanth brought about another, on the field, in a state known for its colourful storms.

This storm was of the more desirable variety for everyone involved, except of course the opposition, Kings XI Punjab, who failed to play out their 20 overs for the second game in a row. For the second game in a row, David Hussey top-scored with 41, and for the second time in a row his side was beaten comprehensively.

After the Sreesanth storm - two wickets in his first over and a maiden to follow - there were persistent showers all around. James Faulkner, Siddharth Trivedi and Kevon Cooper got two each, snubbing every little rising from Kings XI. Their second wickets gave Cooper the purple cap and Trivedi lead over Shane Warne as the most successful Rajasthan Royals bowler. All this meant a below-par total to chase, which Royals did with ease.

A bowlers’ captain, Rahul Dravid has stacked his side up with seamers and has played his home games on green tracks this season.

This game was no different, and he won the toss too. A surprise was in the offing as the non-turning tall offspinner Ajit Chandila bowled the first over, but the game was damaged irrevocably in the second.

Sreesanth bowled fast and accurate, and there was enough movement around for him to become dangerous. Adam Gilchrist drove in front of his body and failed to keep the ball down, offering mid-off an easy catch.

Off the last ball of that over, the talented Punjab batsman Mandeep Singh was done in by movement away and edged a cut to third man.

Arguably, Sreesanth’s second over was better than the first, when he swung the ball away consistently, and the pressure resulted in a risky single, and a direct hit from James Faulkner at the only stump visible to him.

After that maiden, Kings XI were 10 for 3 after four overs, and sides don’t come back from that in Twenty20s.

Well, except in World Cup finals.

And there was no Marlon Samuels around. Hussey tried his best, though, cutting and running hard, but he was desperately lonely in the fight.

Trivedi came and immediately began to bowl

Sreesanth was the perfect storm for Rajasthan Royals. (BCCI) short of a length and just outside off. The pitch provided him enough seam movement to make it seem monstrous in Twenty20.

Gurkeerat Singh went first.

R Sathish followed to a similar delivery from Faulkner. The big wicket came soon enough for Royals when Hussey failed to keep a slower one down, and Dravid took it on second attempt at midoff. Kings XI were 75 for 6 in the 13th.

There was an odd swing from Azhar Mahmood and Praveen Kumar, but 124 was going

to hardly test Royals. That total lost any such testing ambitions when the returning Shane Watson came and thumped the ball all around to score 32 off 19.

That innings left Royals enough cushion for Ajinkya Rahane to absorb the middle-overs blows and take the team to a comfortable win with an equally important 34 off 42.

Scores: Rajasthan Royals 126 for 4 (Rahane 34*, Praveen 2-10) beat Kings XI Punjab 124 (Hussey 41, Sreesanth 2-20, Trivedi 221) by 6 wickets.

ESPNcricinfo - Gautam Gambhir’s 18th IPL halfcentury - now a record - set up the perfect platform for Eoin Morgan to exploit while Jacques Kallis coolly sat back and kept alternating the strike.

With Kolkata Knight Riders’ big three taking them to 180 on a pitch that had prompted both sides to pick an extra spinner each, their bowlers defended the total without a threat from Sunrisers Hyderabad.

After Gambhir won the toss, Manvinder Bisla got the Kolkata innings going by getting stuck into the parttime offspin of Hanuma Vihari in the second over. Gambhir let Bisla take the risks as he himself went solidly in the Powerplay, but the sight of legspin, and the ball turning into him, was an invitation he didn’t refuse.

In Amit Mishra’s first over, Gambhir took two boundaries down the ground, and even though the other legspinner Karan Sharma got Bisla, Gambhir kept going strong in those middle overs.

In the next two overs, Gambhir took a four and a six off the legspinners, taking Kolkata to 76 for 1 after 10.

Kallis had begun to shake off his slow start by the time Gambhir finally fell to Ashish Reddy in the 14th over, but it was Morgan who provided them the real impetus. He got going with a bit of a mis-hit off Mishra, which carried over long-on. The last 28 balls, including that six, yielded 70 runs.

Thisara Perera bore most of the brunt of the Morgan assault when 22 came off the 18th over bowled by him. It contained two flat pulls and a cut for fours, a straight six, and one wide to boot.

Gautam Gambhir led from the front. (BCCI) Morgan was run out in the 19th over, but Kallis finished off well, registering an almost inconspicuous 41 off 27.

Morgan looted 47 off 21.

Sunrisers have surprised many so far in the tournament, but they have done so chasing lowish totals. They have always seemed light at the top, and it was reiterated despite the promotion of Cameron White to open the innings. All it took Kolkata was to remain steady and straight with the ball, and even into the seventh over, the openers were struggling with a strike rate of under a run a ball.

If it were the spinners - IPL

debutant Sachithra Senananayake and Sunil Narine - that built the pressure at the top, Kallis the allrounder bothered Parthiv Patel with bowling short and straight.

It finally produced the wickets of the openers, and the 113 required to get in 9.3 overs were always going to be too many on the slowish track. And so it proved to be, giving Kolkata their biggest win at home.

Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 180 for 4 (Gambhir 53, Morgan 47, Kallis 41) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 132 for 7 (Kallis 3-13) by 48 runs.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Khan returned as Lusignan Golf Club President Attorney-at-Law Jerome Khan was re-elected unopposed as President of the Lusignan Golf Club at its Annual General Meeting held Saturday at the Club House in Lusignan Village, East Coast Demerara.

Khan thanked members of the Club for showing faith in him and expressed gratitude to members who served in the executive committee for their hard work and dedication during the past year.

“The Club must move forward and we intend to do so with this new executive committee which features a

few new faces, but I am confident this new committee has officers with the knowledge and resources to get the work done,” he added.

David Mohamed who served as Secretary last year was elected Vice President after a run off with William Walker for the position.

Mohamed won by 17 votes to nine.

Former Chief Executive Officer of GT&T, Yog Mahadeo, was elected as the new Secretary, while Mark Lashley was returned unopposed as Treasurer.

The new assistant Secretary/Treasurer is Haresh Tewari. Two former executive members battled for the position for Club Captain, but Chatterpaul Deo who served as assistant treasurer in the previous administration was elected ahead of Brian Glasford, a former Club Captain.

Mike Gayadin was retained as Grounds Superintendent, while Troy Peters was also returned a Public Relations Officer.

Maurice Solomon Accounting Company was retained as Auditors.

Monday April 15, 2013

9th Linden Secondary Schools U-19 Basketball championship begins today Schools receive uniforms ahead of colourful march past

Kayla Brusche (left) of New Silvercity Secondary School receives uniforms for her school from Ashton Angel (Jr.) Organising Secretary of the LABA while other team reps look on.

Members of the new executive seated (from left) Yog Mahadeo, Jerome Khan, David Mohamed and Troy Peters. Standing Chatterpaul Deo, Mark Lashley, Haresh Tewari and Mike Gayadin.

A colourful spectacle is anticipated at this afternoon’s opening ceremony of the 9th annual Linden Secondary Schools Under-19 basketball championships, where the Linmine Drum Corps will lead off the parade of the six contesting schools including defending champions Linden Technical Institute, Christianburg Wismar Secondary ‘Multi’, Mackenzie High, Linden Foundation Secondary, New Silvercity Secondary and Wisburg Secondary this afternoon at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

Organising the event this year will be the Linden Amateur Basketball Association which up to Saturday last staged a ‘crash course’ for table officials and statisticians drawn from the schools, to ensure there is enough competent officials throughout the championship, bearing in mind that some of its

personnel will be unavailable due to work commitment when the matches are played during the early afternoon hours.

The Secretary of the Association Joseph Chapman made the point that due to circumstances beyond their control the uniforms for the schools had to be sought locally as against what was obtained overseas over the years and that delay pushed back the start on the tournament.

Nevertheless, he said, after Two Brothers Gas Station and Slingerz Family accepted a request to sponsor the uniforms, which they were able to distribute over the weekend the tournament will now bounce off as anticipated, with pomp and ceremony.

Chapman admitted that the first week will be extremely important to the conclusion of the championship as the schools will be hard pressed playing

from today through to Friday beginning at 2:30pm with the first game and the second at 4:00pm.

This afternoon’s lone opening game will start at 4:00pm after the march past at 3:00pm where the Linmine Drum Corps will lead off the parade of the players of the participating schools and officials to be taken by Regional Chairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) Sharma Solomon, Linden Interim Management Committee Chairman Orin Gordon and Linden Town Week Committee Chairman Eon Halls and senior Physical Education Officer Lindie Langhorne and LABA President Haslyn Graham.

Chapman said that the tournament will be completed during the annual Linden Town Week celebrations with the final set for May 1.

He said the association was pleased that that Two Brothers Gas Station came on board with a huge contribution to fund the costs for the uniforms for the various schools and was hopeful that other sponsors in Linden would step up to the plate even as the tournament bounces off this afternoon with the lone game.

Several trophies, replicas and medals are at stake for this year’s tournament and among those assisting are United States based Euron Equipment Repairs, Maxi Stephens, Marlon Josiah, Orin Louison, and Linden ‘Sancho’ Alphonso all based in the United States of America along with Two Brothers Gas Station and Slingerz Family of West Demerara and local beverage giants Banks DIH Limited.

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Kaieteur News

Adam Scott beats Angel Cabrera in play-off

Adam Scott collects the first major of his career BBC Sport - Adam Scott clinched his maiden major title and became the first Australian winner of the Masters with victory against former champion Angel Cabrera in a sudden death play-off at Augusta.

Scott, 32, holed a 15ft birdie putt in virtual darkness across the 10th green on the second extra hole to deprive Argentina’s 2009 winner after both players birdied the 18th in regulation to reach nine under on a dank, drizzly day.

Australian Jason Day, runner up with Scott in 2011, was third at seven under with Tiger Woods (70) and another Australian Marc Leishman (70) tied for fourth at five under.

“It fell my way today, there was some luck there but it’s incredible to be in this position. I’m honoured,” said Scott, who squandered a four-shot lead with four to play to lose the Open to Ernie Els last year.

Scott’s long birdie putt on the 18th gave him a round of 69 and a one-shot lead over Cabrera, who was waiting back down the fairway in the final group. The Argentine kept his focus despite the roars from the green and hit his approach to a few feet

before making his birdie for a 70 to join Scott.

Both came up slightly short of the 18th green on the first extra hole and Cabrera, playing first, almost holed his chip and tapped in from a foot for a four.

Scott left his chip three feet shy but holed it and they went back down the 10th.

They both hit good approaches to the heart of the green but Cabrera, who won a play-off against Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry three years ago, missed his putt before Scott made his.

Cabrera, the joint overnight leader with Brandt Snedeker, held a two-shot lead at nine under during the first nine but on the way home he shared the lead with Scott and Day, who was two in front with three to play before bogeys at 16 and 17.

Woods was four behind at the start of the day after being penalised two shots for an illegal drop on Friday, but struggled to ignite his round and carded a two-under 70 for a seventh top four in his last eight Masters following his last win in 2005.

The 14-time major champion, chasing his fifth Green Jacket and first major title since 2008, said his

putting cost him.

American Snedeker slumped to a 75 for four under with Danish debutant Thorbjorn Olesen, who finished with a 68 after opening with a 78 on Thursday.

England’s Lee Westwood once again led the British challenge and got to four under at the seventh before finishing three under with a 71. The 39-year-old, who was second in 2010 and third last year, is still chasing his first major at the 60th attempt.

Sergio Garcia (70) and Matt Kuchar (73) also finished three under, while Open champion Ernie Els and Friday’s halfway leader Fred Couples, 53, ended in a group on one under.

World number two Rory McIlroy improved on his third round by 10 shots with a 69 to end on two over.

England’s Luke Donald (72) and Justin Rose (74) also ended also ended two over along with two-time former champion Bernhard Langer, 55, who enjoyed a little cameo with three straight birdies to start before running out of steam and ended with a 76.

“It was fun while it lasted, just didn’t last long enough in the end,” said the German.

Defending champion Bubba Watson took a 10 at the short 12th in a round of 77 to end seven over.

Scotland’s Paul Lawrie ended four over after a 72, English debutant David Lynn finished with a 71 for five over and Sandy Lyle, 25 years after winning the Green Jacket, finished nine over alongside three-time champion Phil Mickelson.

Chinese 14-year-old amateur Guan Tianlang finished with a 75 for 12 over on his remarkable debut that saw him become the youngest Masters competitor and youngest player to make the cut at a major, and winner of the low amateur prize.

Monday April 15, 2013

Classy Fernando Alonso takes China victory for Ferrari Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso produced a dominant performance to win the Chinese Grand Prix.

The Spaniard was in control as Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton fought off a late challenge from Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel.

McLaren’s Jenson Button, making one stop fewer than his leading rivals, was fifth.

Vettel’s title lead over Raikkonen was cut to three points, with Alonso now up to third, a further six behind.

Hamilton is a further three points adrift of Alonso and 10 ahead of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa.

The race was dominated by tyre strategy but it was clear from relatively early on that Alonso would be tough to beat.

“Definitely it was a fantastic race for us from the start to the end,” said A l o n s o . “ We h a d n o problems with the car, the tyre degradation was better than expected.

“It feels fantastic. After the retirement in Malaysia we were under pressure to finish but of the two races we have finished we have been second and first so it is looking good and we are very optimistic.”

Having qualified third, Alonso started on the fragile ‘soft’ tyre, like the other cars in the top seven on the grid.

He passed Raikkonen at the start to trail pole position winner Hamilton in the first few laps, before taking the lead from the Mercedes at the start of lap five.

Alonso made his first stop for tyres two laps later, dropping back behind the drivers who had started the race on the more

Fernando Alonso

durable ‘medium’ tyres, w h i l e S a u b e r ’s N i c o Hulkenberg led the race from Vettel and Button.

But Alonso made rapid progress back up through the field and took the lead from Button after Vettel had made his first stop for tyres by passing him into Turn One on lap 21.

That dropped Alonso to third behind Vettel and Hulkenberg, but the Ferrari driver passed both within six laps and when Vettel made his second stop the Spaniard led Hamilton by more than 10 seconds.

Wi t h e v e r y o ne needing to make one more stop and Vettel still to fit the ‘soft’ tyres, it was clear Alonso was in total control of the race at this stage and indeed he extended his lead to nearly 13 seconds before his final stop on lap 41.

He rejoined right behind Vettel and passed him into Turn One with 13 laps to go, with the world champion still needing to make a final stop.

Behind him, Vettel tried to build a big enough lead over Raikkonen and Hamilton to ensure he had a chance of racing them for a podium position in the closing laps.

Raikkonen had trailed Hamilton until he leapfrogged the Mercedes by

making his final stop three laps earlier and the Finn controlled his pace to stay ahead to the end.

Raikkonen lost about 0.15secs a lap in performance through a damaged nose and righthand part of the front wing that was caused by a clash with McLaren’s Sergio Perez. Vettel made his final pit stop with five laps to go and went flat out to try to close the 11-second gap to Raikkonen and Hamilton ahead.

He closed right in on Hamilton at the start of the last lap but the Englishman just managed to hold on, helped by Vettel starting to slide in the corners before the long back straight as his tyres began to lose grip.

B u t t o n ’s was an impressively controlled drive to make one fewer pit stop than his rivals in an uncompetitive car, passing Massa for fifth soon after emerging from the pits from his final stop.

Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo converted his excellent seventh place on the grid into the same position at the finish, while Force India’s Paul di Resta used the same strategy as Button to take eighth ahead of Lotus’s Romain Grosjean and Hulkenberg.

Lewis Hamilton holds off Sebastian Vettel for third

Monday April 15, 2013

Kaieteur News

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