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Ramotar attends inauguration of Venezuelan President President Donald Ramotar yesterday headed to the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the Latin American country’s new President, Nicolás Maduro. He was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Heads of Government from CARICOM, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and other countries are expected to attend. The President will be returning this weekend. It will be the second trip for Mr. Ramotar to Venezuela in two months, the first of which was in March for the funeral of Hugo Chavez and the swearing in of Maduro as interim President. Maduro in his speech acknowledged the presence
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
President : Donald Ramotar
of President Ramotar and the bonds of friendship that the two countries perpetuated under the stewardship of the late Venezuelan President. Maduro, who served for several years as Chavez’s
deputy, described President Ramotar as an extraordinary man of the Caribbean, from a country others were hopeful would become an enemy with the Bolivarian Republic. Diplomatic relations
between the two countries have strengthened trade and the resolve of the two countries to address contentious issues in an atmosphere of cordiality. Guyana is also a beneficiary of the Petrocaribe initiative conceptualised by President Chavez, that allowed signatory nations to benefit from subisdised Venezuelan fuel. On March 8, Maduro became Venezuela’s acting president, following the death of Chavez, who lost a twoyear-long battle with cancer on March 5. Maduro has promised to continue the socialist policies of the former leader. Nicolás Maduro is set to be proclaimed president of Venezuela, despite opposition demands for a recount after the closest vote in the country’s recent history.
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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
Spectrum Steal We continue with the discussion of the implications of the cable spectrum arbitrarily issued by former President Jagdeo to two of his close associates, Vishok Persaud, son of the late PPP long timer Reepu Daman Persaud, and to Brian Yong. In our Wednesday’s editorial “Spectrum Distribution”, we used as the basis of our critique, a paper from the US Congressional Service: Spectrum Policy in the Age of Broadband, to ensure impartiality. The US, of course, has been in the forefront of dealing with technological innovations and has vast experience in government regulation of national resources, of which the broadcasting spectrum has become a most valuable one. We pointed out that it is now standard practice to use the bidding process in the allocation of broadcast spectrum. This ensures a level playing field to all those that may desire to enter the field and simultaneously ensures that the state is compensated for the use of the resource. It is to be noted that the purchaser does not own the frequency, but simply a licence to use it based on conditions set out in the auction. The licence can be revoked if the conditions are violated as occurred in India with their bid process on the 2G frequency, when bribes were accepted from bidders. We should revisit the process in which the former President awarded the cable frequencies to E-Networks Inc. (Vishok Persaud) and Quark Communications Inc. (Brian Yong). Apropos to the situation that is unfolding in Guyana, the US Congressional briefing paper also detailed what was termed “barriers to entry” in this new and lucrative technology and to the overwhelming advantages accruing to early entrants, such as Persaud and Yong. The first barrier, of course, is access to spectrum which was handed on a platter to the two individuals. There were other operators in the area who were not even considered in the black-box style allocation process handled solely by the former President as Minister of Information. Based on auctions of broadcasting spectrum in comparable jurisdictions, the licences handed out are worth billions of dollars. The two individuals obviously were aware that they were going to be awarded the licences, because they went into operation immediately upon acquisition of those licences in December 2010. Through this strategy they have secured a tremendous advantage over others who may now wish to enter the field, through brand recognition, knowledge of the market and of early monopoly profits. These monopoly profits offer the early entrants the wherewithal to overcome the second barrier to entry - “large sunk costs”. There are huge costs involved in the deployment of the cable, and subsequently in the transmission towers that will deliver the signals wirelessly into the homes of the subscribers. But in the case of one of the beneficiaries of the free cable licence, Vishok Persaud, there is an even more perverse angle that will make him into the dominant cable operator into the foreseeable future. When the government made its surprising decision to bring in a fibre-optic cable from Brazil - even though GT&T had already announced their cable would be capable of taking care of all of our needs, including e-governance - it chose the controversial Chinese company Huawei. The US $35 million cable is almost twice of the cost of GT&T’s and the simultaneous announcement that Huawei will also be the company that would install Vishok Persaud’s WI-Max technology for his broadband transmission leads to the inevitable conclusion that there is a connection between the two deals. Is the installation of Persaud’s network being subsidised by the government’s e-governance contract? Then there are the 90,000 laptops that are to be distributed ‘free’ by the government, but which provide a ready-made market for the early-entry cable licencees. Through these measures, the two cable awardees, but especially Vishok Persaud’s E-Networks, have hit the trifecta, as they say in horse racing: first-mover advantages, large sunk costs, and access to spectrum. This has given them an insurmountable lead in this horse race that has been ‘fixed’ from the beginning.
Friday April 19, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Supporting a Jagdeo contention without reason DEAR EDITOR, In the wake of former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s claims that there has been a recent upsurge in anti-Indian racism, we’ve had two PPP government officials come out in support of these statements. The first is Clement Rohee who made it clear that the PPP was not distancing itself from them. Then followed President Donald Ramotar himself who is reported to have said that he saw nothing wrong with what was said. There has been speculation that Jagdeo’s utterances were specifically intended as a political tactic, as blatant as it was. This view may be true, but this in no way negates the sincerity with which it was communicated, particularly his view that part of that upsurge represented a colonial attitude towards Indian education. “What is the message,” asked Jagdeo, “to people of East Indian origin? If you’re PPP or PNC, if you are Christian, Hindu or Muslim, if you’re a sugar worker or a professional, once you’re of Indian origin, you should keep your children home, don’t send them to school. The same colonial message! Because, if, heaven forbids, they become qualified and they get a job and the PPP is in office, then it has not to be because of our merit but rather our race.” Multiple honorary
doctorates notwithstanding, the former President’s career has been one that has been characterized by such marked intellectual dishonesty and insecurity, manifested again and again. We have seen it in the banning of journalist Gordon Moseley from Office of the President and State House, the domination of the state media, the controversial pronouncements on Government policy reserved for overseas trips or exclusive PPP fora, the disinclination towards electoral campaign debate, and – as Nigel Hughes has highlighted – the refusal to testify in a libel trial that he himself brought to suit. This anti-intellectualism is something that has run through the recent history of Freedom House, notably since the death of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, after which there has been a gradual divesting of the party’s already scarce intellectual assets. Dr. Dale Bisnauth slunk into the shadows, Dr. Henry Jeffrey left and both men were from the Civic component of the PPP/C. Even Dr. Prem Misir, thankfully, has eased off on his public slinging of statistics and questionable analyses. The closest the PPP has had to a reputable public intellectual in the past ten years is Ralph Ramkarran, the bulk of whose published socio-political analysis has come in the past year, after his alienation and eventual
departure from the PPP. Much of it has been critical of the party in its present avatar. The governing party has no equivalent of a Dr. Rishi Thakur, Dr. Clive Thomas, Dr. Alissa Trotz, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, or Dr. Arif Bulkan, whether in its leadership or offering it critical support. The party will have no reputable scholar or academic coming to its defence – none would risk their reputation or academic standing, which necessarily has to expand beyond this place to be sustained. The last one who tried, Dr. Randy Persaud, quickly fell from grace and into ignominy and obscurity. It is perhaps a good thing that President Ramotar would support Mr. Jagdeo’s statements, because now Rohee’s dubious assertion that the pronouncements were that of a private citizen and hence not answerable
has been rendered null; there can be no claim that Ramotar is a private citizen. Now to interrogate Jagdeo/Ramotar’s position. Firstly, any categorical statement as to a “resurgence of anti-Indian racism” has to have been discerned from a baseline from which there is an upward deviation. This means that there should be empirical sources that inform whatever methodology Jagdeo has used to determine this upsurge, and which cannot be simply anecdotal and misattributed reference to testimony in a libel case that he initiated but has refused to testify in; and it should be simple for both men to provide such evidence. Failure to do so would be particularly hypocritical, considering the Jagdeo administration’s rabid reaction to UNCommissioned McDougall Continued on page 6
Poor pensioners DEAR EDITOR, I write this letter in relation to the 2013 Budget and pensioners’ increase. My question is for the Donald Ramotar Administration. Is the 2013 Budget a twelve or eight-month budget? The point I want to make is that pensioners were awarded an increase from May instead of January (retroactive). I am saying that regardless the budget was
presented in March, the expenditures and estimates are supposed to be retroactive to January. I witnessed Mr. Ashni Singh saying estimates and expenditures for 2013 (12 months). So please Mr. Minister, please Mr. President. A.P.N.U and A.F.C please take note. Samuel Saul Pensioner
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Protesting the sowing of discord DEAR EDITOR, Under the caption ((Is Jagdeo pandering to racist sentiments ) of your edition of 14 th April, 2013, I was appalled at the statement coming from a former head of state of this our beloved nation. I, sir, wish to congratulate the writer, Mr Frederick Kissoon, publicly for bringing this article to the attention of this nation. If a former head of state can publicly say to the nation and foreign dignitaries at the funeral service of one of Guyana most beloved and prominent Hindu priests and a founder member of the People’s Progressive Party that there is a resurgence of anti -East Indian resentment in Guyana, what is he calling on our Indo brothers and sisters to do to the other races here in this country? Mr Editor I wonder if the
non-Indian brothers and sisters of the PPP /C are taking note of the statement made by their party leader—- Prime Minister Sam Hinds , the Mr Robeson Benn , Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, Kwame Mc Coy and all the other non-Indian members and supporters of the party? Don’t they realize that what he is doing? It seems to me that this undignified and provocative statement should be condemned by one and all, especially the chambers of commerce , the Catholic church ,The Anglican church, the Guyana Trade Union Congress ,The Federation of Independent Trade Union of Guyana, etc . Does he think that we are not educated enough to see through the P P P/ C scheme and plan of things? Although they have stopped free
Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out. - Stephen Covey
education from primary to university, we are still a people of some intellectual understanding and dignity. I call upon all Guyana, we the people, to condemn the statement and call upon him to make a public apology to all Guyanese at home and abroad . As I see it, he is setting the seed of hatred and discord. I, David Noel , was born to an Indian mother and an African father. As a small boy I used to go to my mother’s relatives place of business at Regent and Hincks Street , near to Guyana Stores Sports department to clean potatoes and onions every Saturday. After that , my brothers and I would step over to Mr B L Crombie and he would give us the history of sports . I call upon all and every Guyanese to desist from anything that would harm your brothers and sisters. David Noel, A concerned Citizen & Former General Secretary General Workers Union
The horrors of GPL DEAR EDITOR, Guyana Power and Light (G.P.L) had assured consumers that disconnection would be done after either 1 PM or 2 PM and that consumers would be notified of disconnection unless bills are paid before disconnection. This was practical for only a short while. The disconnection continues anytime, anyhow despite the inconvenience and hardship encountered by those affected. Let me simply ask again, why are those who are paying the maximum and subsidising others who are paying very little, and many who are stealing, being harassed and penalized? Why not go after those shortchanging G.P.L? I once called on the President and am doing so again to show care and concern for the poor who are mostly suffering. This is unfair and is stark discrimination. Stop it. Let me just highlight once instance where bullying and heartlessness prevails. A cane cutter (I. Sham) came to my shop late, almost night, on Monday, 15 th March, 2013
pleading with me to sell a lamp on credit as G.P.L (the man using several expletives) had just ‘cut out’ his electricity even though he does not owe. He lamented that he has to wake at 2 AM to cook to catch the Guysuco lorry at 5 AM. Maybe he should have kept a flambeau like centuries ago. He cooks since his wife is ill. This individual’s discomfort was not limited to the G.P.L’s disconnection. A fight ensued between him and his wife as to the G.P.L bill’s payment and his wife has left the home. God knows how it
will culminate. Surely these occurrences cannot reflect a working class government and will further deplete votes for the government unless drastic action is taken to eliminate such disgusting acts. Please have mercy on a suffering majority as these are unnecessary and avoidable misery. Lo and behold the Government has once again subsidised Linden and Kwakwani electricity by over two billion dollars. What rank discrimination is applied here, eh? A.Sookraj
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Friday April 19, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The NIS lifeline is abused DEAR EDITOR, I have been a silent onlooker with the recent developments at the National Insurance Scheme (N.I.S). Drawing conclusion from the recent announcement by the Government that there is a one percent increase in the NIS ceiling could only mean one thing, the NIS is in serious turmoil maybe on the brink of a financial break down or collapse. It is unfair and unreasonable on the part of the Government to impose an increase on the NIS contributors when it is this
same Government that took contributors money and invested it without any proper consultations from contributors in some shady investments, primarily the now bankrupt CLICO. Now that things have gone sour instead of exploring avenues to try to recover some if not all the monies the Administration is literally imposing a one percent increase. This might be a minimal sum for some of our big wigs at Office of the President but what about the small man? The bold and blatant
ignorance of the Administration never ceases to amaze me. They took the NIS money that was placed there by the people in the event of their illness, and old age, and invested it in the Berbice Bridge. Now they are asking those same persons to pay some astronomical charges to cross the same bridge that these persons’ monies made. Sir “eye pass” is the ideal word to be used to describe this scenario. What I would love for the opposition parties to find out is if it is indeed
true that the NIS monies that were invested in CLICO were indeed lost because word on the road is that the monies were withdrawn and placed in some people’s pockets after word got out that CLICO was on the verge of a major catastrophe. Let us not forget that just before the public announcement that CLICO was experiencing financial difficulties, Government officials and their families who had monies in CLICO withdrew and closed their accounts. Randy Persaud
A dig at the leading newspaper DEAR EDITOR, I write in regard to the “AFC uncovers “secret” US$25M bank account” in the Sunday edition of Kaieteur News dated April 14, 2013. It is beyond reason and comprehension how the Kaieteur News can publish an article without engaging in any fact checking in its Sunday edition and two d a y s l a t e r, p u b l i s h a completely contradictory article! Worse, is that the “News” paper did not even bother to issue an equal apology of any kind to the individuals whose
characters would have been tainted by the “news” published, even after GBTI clarified the matter! I am aware that Kaieteur “News” is in the business of publishing “hear-say” and not news, so I suggest the editorial team change the name of the publication to “Kaieteur Seh.” As this publication does not subscribe to any of the Journalistic Code of Ethics, it should rescind its title as a “news” entity so as not to mislead the public, in and out of Guyana. R. Paul
From page 4 Report (2008), which – instead of using to initiate an honest and open discussion on race relations – Jagdeo instead chose to discredit, both openly, and clandestinely through the ministrations of the New Media Unit run out of the Office of the President. If President Ramotar sees his predecessor ’s pronouncements as valid, then he would do well to open up a national dialogue on race by revisiting the McDougall Report, but also by releasing the UNDP-commissioned Latchmansingh Report (2010) which Jagdeo conspired with the then ERC Chairman and now PPP Minister, Juan Edghill, to keep put out of the public domain. He also should release the names of those who have received Government scholarships over the duration of Mr. Jagdeo’s tenure, information the
Jagdeo administration kept rabidly close to its chest. This is not an issue that the public should gloss over. The independent press has a duty to interrogate further. Since it is the position of two successive PPP presidents that there is a surge of antiIndian racism in Guyana, then every individual in the entire PPP Cabinet should be confronted and made to state whether this is their position as well, and to provide the evidence of such. Havel once addressed the Czechoslovakian people stating, “The worse thing is that we live in a contaminated moral environment. We fell morally ill because we became used to saying something different from what we thought.” This illness has completely overcome Freedom House and if unchecked it will envelope this entire society. Ruel Johnson
Supporting a Jagdeo...
Friday April 19, 2013
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Friday April 19, 2013
Enmore contractor defies Minister’s instructions Residents of Enmore are almost convinced that the words of Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Norman Whittaker, have no weight. Six weeks ago, the Minister had instructed that a contractor, Narendra Latchman, remove his equipment from a playfield at Logwood. The minister had issued the instruction following the publication of an article in this newspaper ‘Contractor takes over playfield’. The investigation which followed on the heels of the article had in fact revealed that not only did the contractor illegally occupy a playground, but there are a number of individuals who have similarly transgressed the area. “We ourselves visited Enmore; myself and a team including Regional Officials. We engaged the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), we engaged the contractor himself at the site and there were 10 squatters at the site. I determined, and we all agreed, that they were all there illegally,” the Minister had told members of the media shortly after his visit to the community in early March. The contractor was
There is still heavy duty machinery on the playfield at Logwood, Enmore
instructed to remove his machinery by March 17, but to date he has not done so and children in the area are still without their playfield. “Obviously, Minister Whittaker’s instruction was
just talk and the Enmore/Hope NDC has made no attempt to enforce the instruction. Residents are firm in their belief that the contractor is “in bed” with certain senior members of the NDC. His
refusal to move from the playfield only strengthens that belief,” one irate resident of Enmore told this newspaper yesterday. According to the resident, squatting is a major problem in some NDCs which sho w marked unwillingness to discourage such acts. Minister Whittaker had noted that the contractor had indicated that he has another site not far from the area where he is squatting. “We have asked him to relocate as early as possible to that alternative site,”
Whittaker said. This newspaper was reliably informed that there was a private transaction between a s e n i o r N D C official and the contractor for a plot of land on the Foulis Embankment, and many had speculated that the NDC was turning a blind eye to the contractor’s occupation of land and roadways in Logwood. Minister Whittaker had noted too that the squatter dwellers have been offered assistance, by way of appointments, for them to apply for legitimate lands and
“it should be noted also that some of the persons who were squatting were in fact given house lots by the Central Housing and Planning Authority.” According to Minister Whittaker, in one instance the house lot was sold and in two other instances they were leased or rented. Kaieteur News understands that several councillors of the NDC’s Interim Body had tendered their resignations over the failure of the NDC to take action against breaches by members of the council.
T&HD lifts ban…
Driver submits apology, fined $20,000 for ferry service protest Blacklisted truck driver Mahendra Persaud can once again use the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) ferry service. But he was slapped with a fine and forced to hand in a written apology to officials over his involvement in an April 4 protest over the irregular service on the Wakenaam to Parika route. T&HD General Manager Marclene Merchant confirmed to Kaieteur News that the ban had been lifted and that Persaud had presented a written apology and paid a $20,000 fine to the Department. Asked why Persaud was singled out despite his not being the sole protestor, Ms. Merchant explained that he was the only one who had blocked the boarding area, thus preventing other vehicles from entering the
ferry. The official said that to her knowledge, this is the first time that such an incident has occurred. Persaud told Kaieteur News yesterday that he handed in his apology on Monday at the Battery Road, Kingston Head Office and also paid his fine there on Wednesday. He said he was subsequently told that he could travel on the ferries. The Wakenaam resident said officials gave him a statement which claimed that he had delayed the ferry service for two hours after he had blocked other vehicles from boarding the MV Malali. T&HD had blacklisted Persaud after he had joined a number of other truck drivers in a protest at the Wakenaam Stelling. They were voicing their concern that the ferries plying the Wakenaam/Parika route were operating every other day, rather than daily.
Persaud had told Kaieteur News that he was at the head of the line and, at the urging of his colleagues, had parked on the ramp, thus blocking other vehicles from entering the ferry. The driver said that he was attempted to board the MV Malali at Parika two days later when a T&HD clerk informed him that he had been banned from travelling on the ferry. At the time, Persaud was preparing to be ferried back home with items that were laden on a Canter truck, which he drives for his grandfather. He said that the items on the truck included perishables. Persaud said he was forced to leave the stillloaded vehicle near the Parika stelling over that weekend. The family eventually hired a boat, reportedly at considerable cost, to take their goods to Wakenaam.
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Kaieteur News
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GUYANA FACES A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS The opposition parties should continue to have their fun. Their recent “cuts” of funding for the proposed specialty hospital is, however, of mere academic importance, because these “cuts” are going to be eventually overturned by the judiciary. The local judiciary is not going to sit idly by and allow for any agency, be it the executive or the legislature, to flout its rulings. The court is the defender of the Constitution and it is court, not the parliament, which pronounces on the constitutionality of legislation and legislative actions. The court has done so in the past. It has overturned legislation that was deemed inconsistent with the Constitution, forcing the then government to make amendments to ensure compatibility. Just recently, it overturned a decision of the legislature to cut funding for the Ethnic Relations Commission and orders were given to restore the funding to that body. Coercive orders unfortunately could not have been granted with respect to the other “cuts” for two reasons. For one, the government signed into effect an Appropriation Act which legalised the cuts. As such, it
was outside of the remit of the court to issue coercive orders. Secondly, in keeping with the convention of comity that should exist between the judiciary and the other arms of the State, the court tends to restrain itself from issuing such orders, relying instead on the belief that the legislature would, of its own volition, respect the court’s authority to review the constitutionality of both legislative and administrative actions. That restraint is likely to change because the legislature is misleading itself into believing that it enjoys supremacy and therefore is not bound by the findings of the court. In Guyana, it is the Constitution that is supreme and the legislature enjoys sovereignty over its own procedures but cannot, as Justice Chang ruled, use these procedures as the basis for enlarging the scope of its constitutionally-decreed powers. This issue of parliamentary supremacy/ sovereignty was decided a long time ago in the foundational constitutional law case, Collymore v Attorney General (1967) where the court ruled that the issue of parliamentary
Dem boys seh...
De money pumping in dem pocket Sam Hinds jump up and tell de nation that dem can expect more blackout. Dem boys seh that he got to be joking or he got to be talking ‘bout black pot. Guyana nevah out of blackout. In fact when people get light, dem does be surprised. Ask Freddie. Dem boys seh de situation suh bad it can’t get worse. Fuh de last fourteen years since de Rat time, this country been pumping billions upon billions into GPL by holding de nation to ransom. He use to tell de people that if he nah put de money is blackout in dem tail. But nutten nevah use to change and blackout nevah stop. Dem announce how dem buying Wartsila fuh how much million dollar. Dem do it secretly and when dem boys find out dem announce how de people fly in de Sunday and dem had to sign de same Sunday because de people had to fly out de Monday morning. That is why dem didn’t invite de press. Dem seh that dem had to hurry because de Euro dollar was going up DE SAME MONDAY. But to this day de Euro dollar nevah go up or down. That is de con de Rat use to pull pun de people. He seh he pump money into drainage FUH STOP FLOODING but flooding nevah stop and Rob Earth know good ‘bout that and de pumping. De money use to go through he hand and swing back. De same thing wid dem road and de Skeldon factory. Dem boys still waiting fuh de Skeldon produce sugar and nuff paisa dem seh pump in deh. De same thing dem seh bout koker and only de other day one bruck down and flood out Donald. It miss de Rat because he run out from he hole. Every time dem seh dem pumping money people got to know that de situation gun only get worse. And all because dem pumping de money into dem pocket. And if yuh got one ounce of brain in yuh head you gun know dem boys telling you de haanest truth. Talk half and don’t let dem pump yuh out!
sovereignty did not arise, and in which it was clearly outlined that any sovereignty that parliament possesses is limited by the Constitution. “No one, not even Parliament, can disobey the Constitution with impunity.” Guyana is going down a slippery slope and can find itself headed into the welcoming arms of anarchy, unless clarity and comity is restored to the relationship between the judiciary and parliament. It is disconcerting and dangerous, if not unheard of in Guyana’s political history, for the legislature to go against a ruling of the court on a constitutional question. Even if the legislature feels that the ruling is flawed, it has the right
to challenge such a ruling in the appropriate forum, a court of appeal. The second area of confusion is the idea that it is for parliament to interpret the Constitution. It is the court that is the defender of the Constitution, a fact that has been publicly recognised by top parliamentary officials. It is not for the legislature to pronounce on the constitutionality of matters, but for the courts to do so, and once the courts do so, then a certain course is supposed to be followed in keeping with the comity that is supposed to exist between these arms of the State. We have a serious crisis in our country, except that this crisis is being superseded by
a more deeply ingrained one which will force the former into the background. That ingrained crisis is the crisis of division, which allows persons to support measures because of whose interest they serve. So what we have is supporters of the government dismayed by the recent ruling in parliament and supporters of the opposition overjoyed. In this process, important principles become victims to this desire of either side to win at all costs. By now, one would have expected that members of the local Bar would have been so concerned about what took place in the legislature that there would have been public protests. But what is likely to
happen is that the same divisions which allow for principles to become secondary to interests, will divide the local Bar and mute any dissension over what is perhaps the most serious constitutional crisis this country has ever faced and which leaves the principle of constitutionalism in a very perilous state.
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Friday April 19, 2013
Freddie Kissoon Column
From sugar to oil: Begging as a way of life When the EU subsidy on Guyana sugar exports was to be removed, there was a mad scramble to beg the British Government to help. The British Government was unmoved. A little bit of generosity came from the EU – it agreed to provide some assistance for the loss of income. When the Government of Guyana lost out on the sugar subsidy, my column on the issue remarked that even though Guyana will lose billions, it will not affect the financial waste and extravagant spending that characterize the way power is used in Guyana. Nothing has changed since Guyana suffered the loss of those billions. In fact it has got
worse. The State’s gas bill has tripled (not doubled but tripled). If you look at the way money was spent by the Guyana Government before the stoppage of the subsidy and after, nothing has changed. It is called postcolonial mendicancy, which has its origin in the psychological destruction that colonialism brought to the Third World. Describing this permanent habit of begging, the British High Commissioner to Kenya referred to it by saying; “They vomit on our shoes.” With regards to Guyana specifically, then Jamaican PM, Bruce Golding said that Guyana is an embarrassment to CARICOM because of its
panhandling ways. From begging the British, the PPP Government has moved to the Chinese and Venezuelans. It was an act of insensitivity when Ministers, including President Ramotar himself, expressed concern about the future of Petrocaribe while President Chavez was on his death bed. There is a mad scramble again. This time not for sugar money, but oil funds. The result will be the same as for sugar. Petrocaribe will not continue under any future president in Venezuela, including the current president-elect Any preliminary reading of the Venezuelan economy will reveal that is it situated on top of an angry volcano. It came about because of
fourteen years of misplaced policies by Hugo Chavez. Populist leadership is essentially marked by personality cultism and Chavez was a graphic example of it. He ignored the fundamental principle of helping the poor. Do not buy fish for a poor villager. Buy a net for him, spend money to teach him to fish and he will never go hungry. Chavez put oil money into the hands of the poor. The first Venezuelan president to do so. But he did so literally. He didn’t follow the path of setting up a bag factory in the village so they could make their own bags so school children won‘t have to buy them. Chavez bought the bags for them. When the
money ran out, there was no more to give. It is certain that had he remained president, he would have cut back on the billions he was giving away. Petrocaribe would have been a casualty of his foreign aid reduction. Petrocaribe is doomed. But do you think it will affect the way the Guyana Government spends money? In a country that begs for financial assistance, young white volunteers working on the LCDS programme based in the Office of the President received a monthly salary that they would not have earned from the American Government or any EU government. Three million Guyana dollars is the equivalent of $15,000 American. Which young consultant gets that from any government in the developed world? The trade union NAACIE revealed the details of the actual salary of the head of GPL plus other benefits. His counterparts in the EU and Canada and the US do not collect that sum. APNU parliamentarian Rupert Roopnaraine disclosed in Parliament two weeks ago the sum that will be paid to the incoming CEO of GuySuCo and it far exceeds what his counterpart will get from any other government in the
Frederick Kissoon world, including the oil-rich states. If you are living in Guyana, ask your friends in the US and Europe the types of cars the Ministers drive and you will find out that the Guyanese power-wielders drive the same models. Yet these Third World high-flyers, when begging, vomit on the shoes of the rulers of the developed countries.This is the same government that is hoping and praying that the new Venezuelan President does not abolish Petrocaribe. I will leave you with a fantastic story. A friend who once worked at New Thriving told me one evening the Champion of God knows what and a number of his intimates rented the special, reserved room. After hours of expensive drinks and unlimited food including lavish seafood, the bill was $900,000. That is almost $5000 American. Did they vomit the next day on the shoes of the ABC ambassadors?
Woman heading to funeral killed in truck crash - several injured A 28-year-old woman was killed and 20 others injured after a speeding truck transporting several passengers to a funeral overturned at Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast at around 12:30 hrs yesterday. Eyewitnesses said that Banmattie Persaud, also called Samantha, of 47 Bella Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, was pinned beneath the truck. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Suddie Hospital. Police said that the driver, identified as Hassan Ally, and a female passenger, Parbattie Sukhai, 41, of Parika, East Bank Demerara, were admitted to the same hospital, while the others were treated and sent away. However, Kaieteur News was told that two women were admitted in a critical condition. Sources identified some of the other injured as
Basmattie Sookram, Manoj Lall, Nermala Ally and Youshada Sookram. According to a police release, the driver of truck, GDD 7614, was allegedly proceeding at a fast rate, with 20 persons in the tray of the vehicle and who were on their way to a funeral. While negotiating a turn the driver lost control of the vehicle which toppled over. All the occupants received injuries and were taken to the Suddie Hospital where Banmattie Persaud was pronounced dead on arrival. Police had recently issued a warning to drivers about transporting passengers in the trays of their vehicles. There has been a spate of fatal accidents involving trucks in recent weeks. Earlier this month, four people perished when a truck transporting passengers to the interior overturned at Buck Hall, Essequibo. A few days later, a woman miner was killed when another truck overturned at Big Creek, North West District.
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Robber bery Regional Education Officers need to Rob ber y lands‘Bonnie yde’ couple in cour Clyde’ courtt improve performances – GTU President and Cl “They are not supposed to be desk officers” While maintaining that the Education sector has seen some amount of improvement, President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Colin Bynoe, during an interview with this newspaper on Wednesday last, voiced his disapproval with Regional Education Officers (REdOs) operating as though they are “desk officers”, and hardly leaving their offices to conduct groundwork in the various schools. Bynoe said that since each officer is responsible for just a few schools in their district, they should be actively involved with what has been happening at these institutions. He explained that what most of the REdOs do is send reports to the Ministry of Education which would essentially give the impression that everything is going smoothly in the schools. He however stated that all might not be going well in these schools, and while formal reports of the issues affecting both teachers
GTU President Colin Bynoe and students have not been made, the GTU is aware of some them. One of the main issues is teachers not receiving adequate supplies to conduct their lessons. There are also cases where the efficiency of the teachers needs to be assessed and monitored in order to ensure that they too are performing as they should. “This is the only way
that things can move forward. These individuals are in the system so that they can mould future generations, so we need to be very thorough in this regard,” Bynoe said. In addition to this, the GTU president mentioned several other areas where the Regional Education Officers can help to improve, if only they “stop being desk officers and get down to some real work”. He said that apart from reports to the Ministry, the role of a Regional Education Officer is to give guidance to teachers and ensure that they too are performing as they should. “The GTU wants the Ministry of Education to assess the role of these individuals (Regional Education Officers) and come up with strategies that would ensure that they perform efficiently. If they do the right thing… and do what they are supposed to do, the delivery of education in this country would become simple,” Bynoe said.
A couple who may have seen the movie ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ one too many times thought they could match the infamous couple when they targeted an unsuspecting woman who went into the Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) community to visit a friend. Rachel Totaram and her reputed husband Danny Thompson, of Lot C Truck Line, Grove, EBD, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Providence Magistrate’s Court where they were charged with robbery under arms. It is alleged that on Monday, April 15, at Post Office and Back Streets, Grove, being in the company of another and being armed with an offensive weapon - an ice-pick – the two robbed Indira Singh of $120,000 in cash, a cellular phone valued $25,000 and a leather handbag worth $4,000. To the charge the accused pleaded not guilty and they were each placed on $100,000 bail. Court Prosecutor Shellon Daniels in presenting the facts to the court stated that on the day in question the virtual complainant (VC) went to
Grove to visit a friend, however when she got to the friend’s house no one was at home. The court was told that when the virtual complainant was about to leave the location she was befriended by Totaram and another female. They were then joined by Thompson and another male. Soon after the other male called Thompson away and whispered something in his ears. Thompson then called Totaram away and also spoke quietly to her. Further the court was informed that Thompson and the other male then disappeared from the location without the VC’s knowledge. According to the prosecution’s case, the virtual complainant then decided to leave the area and while she was walking through an alleyway she was help up by Thompson and another male who relieved her of the aforementioned articles and made good their escape on a bicycle. The matter was reported and on the following day, Totaram and Thompson were caught by police while in a route 42 minibus. They were placed on an identification
parade and were positively identified by the victual complainant. The couple is expected to return to court on May 21. However, Totaram will have to report to the Grove Police Station for the next week after being sentenced to 7 days of community service for possession of cannabis. The charge stated that on April 16 at the Grove Police Station she had in her possession two grams of cannabis. Totaram pleaded guilty and was fined $10,000 and ordered to perform community service. The court was told that on the day in question, Totaram was arrested on an allegation of robbery under arms. While in custody, a search was conducted on a shoulder bag she was carrying and the police found two tiny pieces of silver foil paper wrapped up and three cigarette-looking objects wrapped with stems, seeds and leaves. It was subsequently found that the items were packed with cannabis. The suspect was told of the offence and admitted that it was for her personal use.
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Investigations should be launched before GPL and GuySuCo get budget allocations - NAACIE By Zena Henry Now that the Parliamentary Opposition has a meaningful say in budget allocations, the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) is hoping that investigations would be launched into the management and functioning of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), before any more funds are pumped into the two entities. NAACIE’s General Secretary Kenneth Joseph is in fact insisting that although more money is needed to facilitate effective production, both companies need immediate reform and thorough reviews of their management systems. Joseph told media operatives that, “It is our firm belief that these two companies would need to have more funds injected. But along with those funds and even before, there needs to be serious investigations into the way these companies, which are governmentowned, are being conducted.” He said that during
discussions with managers of these companies, “It is noticeable that senior managers are lost. According to them, it appears that they have to wait on instructions, so decisions that are to be made take a long time, while some are not made at all.” “That is similar to what’s going on with wages, where there are mandates. Development of the companies seems to be directed.” This, he said, has been the observation for years by “union workers on the ground,” and despite forums, suggestions and engagements pertaining to the issue, “this is as far as it goes.” “Human Resources Departments in especially those two companies are hurting, because decisions cannot be made by managers as they would like. It is not good for business,” Joseph stressed. “There must be proper investigation before the money comes. By far, GPL is the worse of the two companies and regardless of how the sugar industry is working, GPL is very unsafe and we now have to look out for deaths.” He claimed this is frequent amongst GPL field workers. Joseph said with GuySuCo “the only thing left
NAACIE’s General Secretary Kenneth Joseph to do is to produce more cane”, as there is a lot of idle time. This information he said has already been related to the union as supervisors in the field would express what is taking place and identify the locations where more work is needed. Joseph reiterated that there needs to be better management of both companies and monies allocated would therefore be better spent with improved production being the likely outcome. “This is not to encourage non-acceptance by the opposition of current budget proposals, but the nation…the parliament needs to be part of the investigations
into these two public companies. “There is nothing else to be done. It’s no use we pump money and next year we have to pump more money and we keep pumping, because workers are not benefiting and the consumers are not benefitting.” Joseph said that there needs to be more collaboration between workers, unions, company management and stakeholders for better accountability and transparency. Subsequent to Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman’s ruling last Wednesday that the Parliamentary opposition can make cuts to budget allocations, indications were that funds would be taken away from the ailing electricity and sugarproducing companies. For some time, both GPL and GuySuCo have been facing major financial difficulties, with the government on several occasions facilitating bailouts. However Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has defended the $814M allocated to his ministry. He was able to convince the House that the sums were needed and would be used for significant upgrades.
Man jailed for six weeks after assaulting matter was reported and Providence National Stadium. 73-year-old mother The he was charged. The court was told that A man will spend the next six weeks in prison for assaulting his 73-year-old mother. Surujpaul Ramashar appeared at the Providence Magistrates’ Court where he was charged with assaulting Rajkumarie Jaikarran and using threatening language. The charge stated that on Monday April 15 he assaulted his mother and used a knife to threaten her. The matter was heard by Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty. To both charges he pleaded guilty and told the court that his mother was making noise and disturbing him, so he had a confrontation with her, but he did not use a knife. He was jailed for 6
weeks for the assault and fined $10,000 or an alternative of two weeks imprisonment for the threatening language. The prosecution’s facts stated the man and his mother occupy the same building - he resides in the bottom flat while his mother occupies the top flat. The court was told that on the day in question the woman was sitting on her back step along with some relatives. During a conversation with her daughter and granddaughter, the accused came out of his apartment and told them to stop making noise. He then pushed his mother causing her to fall, further it is alleged that he used a knife to threaten her.
Also at the Providence Court, Caesar Gonsalves was charged with the unlawful and malicious wounding. It is alleged that on Sunday August 26, last, at the National Stadium, Providence, Gonsalves wounded Estwick Northe with intent to disable, disfigure, maim or cause grievous bodily harm. The charge was indictable and the accused was not required to enter a plea. He was nevertheless placed on $200,000 bail. The charge stated that on the day in question the accused and his reputed wife, Alisha Rambarran were at the Hits and Jams International night concert at the
Rambarran told Gonsalves that the virtual complainant (Northe) was dancing and hitting her, so she asked him to desist. However, instead the virtual complainant grabbed Rambarran by her waist and “started to wine” on her. He then held her in an appropriate way. Rambarran told Gonsalves what transpired and he confronted Northe, which led to an altercation, resulting in Gonslaves hitting Northe to the head with a heavy object. The matter was reported and charges were recommended for both the accused and the virtual complainant. Gonsalves is expected to make his next court appearance on May 21.
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Jagdeo promotes Vishok Persaud, Brian Yong ahead of Cable TV pioneers Several cable television operators are now crying foul after being overlooked for broadcasting licences. As a matter of fact, one company which says it pioneered cable TV, introducing the popular Zee TV to Guyana, believes it is being given a raw deal and stifled from expansion. According to Michael Bess, Managing Director of Atlantic Cable TV Network, his company was part of a group of cable operators that had ongoing meetings with former President Bharrat Jagdeo and government officials, starting in 2008, over licencing. Yet, weeks before Jagdeo stepped down, none of the established cable television operators were considered. Rather, two newcomers, ENetworks Inc. and Quark Communications Inc., were both granted permission to broadcast cable TV over the 2.5GHz frequency band. E-Networks is controlled by Vishok Persaud, son of former PPP Parliamentarian, Reepu Daman Persaud, while Quark Communications is owned by Brian Yong, a candidate for the ruling party in the 2011 General and Regional Elections. Both are close friends of Jagdeo. Several radio licences were also controversially issued to mainly close party supporters and Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, the best friend of the former President. The manner in which the radio licences were issued has sparked condemnation from both the local and regional media associations, with sustained protests held by owners of independent media houses who felt government was being vindictive to private media who have been
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop
Atlantic Cable has invested over $1B in its operations since starting in 1999, its owner says.
E-Networks Inc. owner, Vishok Persaud
Quark Communication Inc. owner, Brian Yong
office in 2011, Bess said it was during a visit to Trinidad in 1993 that he got the idea to introduce cable TV to Guyana. He had worked with Anthony ‘Tony’ Vieira who operated a scramble system with the television station he owned. Bess said he floated the idea to government officials who “thought I was mad”. However, a determined Bess badgered the then administration and in 1999 applied for a licence to bring cable TV to Guyana. There
(TVRO) commercial icence. He took the matter to the media and government allowed him to operate, but not expand beyond the Eccles to Providence boundaries. Despite not turning a profit to this day and forced to sell two properties to meeting his loan obligations, Bess persevered. Things became tense in 2008 when the government ordered all Cable TVcompanies to cease operations. According to Bess, after facing losses, he
government to not operate in Alexander Village. That umbrella body comprised operators from Port Kaituma, Region One; Bartica, Region Seven; Linden, Region 10, Lethem,
A CABLE LICENCE ALLOWS THE APPLICANT TO PROVIDE WIRELESS INTERNET, CABLE TV, TELEPHONE SERVICES AS WELL AS RADIO AND TV CHANNELS. critical of rampant corruption practices and a number of shady and/or illogical multibillion-dollar projects. Regarding the issuing of the cable TV licences, Atlantic Cable said it has been in existence for 12 years. The company borrowed heavily from the banks, investing over $1B since starting operations in December 1999. It strung up cables between Eccles and Providence providing the service but was not allowed to expand. Breaking his silence on the raging debate over Jagdeo’s decision to issue the licences days before he left
were no provisions in the legislation for cable TV. Bess was granted permission and after paying hundreds of thousands of dollars, in December 1999, the company started operations from his home in Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara. His office remains at Demerara Harbour Bridge Mall to this day. However, in early 2000, months after he started, Bess was written to by government to cease operations. But the businessman protested, stating that he had already been issued a licence –a Television Receiver Only
had taken the decision to expand to Alexander Village, just about a mile from Eccles. His local partner pulled out in frustration. But Bess plodded on, investing heavily. Facing massive losses over the cease operations order by government, cable TV companies staged a protest in Bartica. Bess explained that government agreed to meet on the issue and about seven companies in 2008 met with Jagdeo. However, Bess was thrown out of that meeting because his company had not complied with orders from
Region Nine and Corentyne, Region Six. The operators were allowed to continue their operations, but told that they were limited to their specific geographic location. Atlantic Cable was allowed to expand to Mahaica and Timehri. The businessman claimed that it was quite a surprise to learn that Jagdeo went ahead and issued cable licences to operate on wireless frequencies to two companies without the other players even knowing. While E-Networks Inc. was part of the body that was lobbying to government for
regularization, Bess was unclear whether Yong was included. “We are all under the same body, yet no others received but those two.” In the meantime, the cable TV operators have not yet been issued licences and have to reapply afresh to the newly established Guyana National Broadcasting Authority. “I had submitted all my documents. We are being asked to do so again,” Bess said. The problem that Atlantic Cable has also is the fact that any new licence which is being looked at by the Broadcast Authority may not include being able to offer wireless service. “We are using wired cable and limited to radius. My operations could stretch to Timehri and Mahaica, but it will be costly. We have to invest in poles and cable.” Bess also disclosed that his company was advised by government to approach the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to use their poles. To his surprise, in the midst of negotiations, the power
company granted E-Networks permission. “I can’t give up on this investment. This is my love and passion. But we have questions.” Bess has several staffers carrying on his operations at his home in Buddy’s Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. The issue of the frequencies to E-Networks Inc. and Quark communications Inc., is even more significant following revelations this week by the Jamaica government that it was auctioning its frequencies for millions of US dollars to improve Internet penetration there. The Jamaican government wants to raise US$80M in investments from just auctioning those frequencies. Frequencies are limited resources under strict monitoring by governments worldwide. The cable licences granted to Brian Yong and Vishok Persaud are capable of providing wireless internet for smartphone and tablets, telephone and radio service and television channels.
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Vote against $1.2B for Specialty Hospital...
A troubling and incomprehensible act - Cabinet Secretary Adjectives like troubling and incomprehensible were uttered by Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon yesterday when he spoke of Wednesday night’s vote by the parliamentary opposition against the $1.25 billion allocated for the Specialty Hospital in the 2013 National Budget. Dr Luncheon was at the time hosting his weekly postCabinet press briefing at the Office of the President. He said that it was Government’s belief that with adequate explanations forthcoming, the opposition was prepared to support the budget for the agencies that were examined over the first two days of the considerations of estimates. Over the period of Tuesday and Wednesday the estimates for the Ministries of Legal Affairs, Amerindian Affairs, Agriculture, Education and Health were examined, all of which were untouched by the
opposition, with the exception of the allocation for the Specialty Hospital which falls under the Health Ministry. Despite desperate attempts by the Government side to defend the allocation, it was slashed to zero, effectively marking the first attempt by the opposition to take advantage of its majority hold in the National Assembly during the ongoing debates. According to Dr Luncheon, the earlier moves by the opposition to approve and authorise all preceding estimates on the basis of the provision of adequate information, had in fact given the Government the impression that it was in fact “a principled opposition”. However he noted that this intuition was soon dashed when the Alliance for Change (AFC)-engineered cut, which was supported by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), occurred. Describing the move as “a
Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon most inexplicable event and one that is most troubling,” Dr Luncheon said that “this Specialty Hospital matter is not going to end here.” According to him, in 2012 the Specialty Hospital was supported unanimously by the opposition and on the basis of that support, contractual obligations were ensued which today seem repudiable by the opposition.
E-governance tower impasse…
Luncheon bemoans “venom” over usage of “small plot of land” According to Head of Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon, a decision on the erection of a contentious E-governance telecommunication tower on the Plaisance Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara, has not yet been confirmed, but Government will more than likely use another site given the “venom that has been cultivated about the usage of the small plot of land”. He added that the rejection advises Government that it might be nonproductive in trying to convince the residents that they should relook at their objections. Luncheon, who was adamant that the tower must be built on the playground, even after objections from residents, yesterday indicated Government’s inclination to relocate the tower to another site. It was he who had said, “Government will not allow
this project to be hijacked and to be treated so irresponsibly”. On March 31, residents of Plaisance began protests against the erection of the tower, citing lack of consultations and possible health risks. Their protest actions were halted when Alexei Ramotar, Project Manager of the E-governance Unit, said Government would find an alternative location for the tower. And, Chinese contracting firm, Huawei, in collaboration with local subcontractors, had temporarily halted works. In fact, the declaration by Dr. Luncheon had dismissed earlier assurance by the Project Manager that Government would find an alternative site. And residents vowed to stand their ground. Though, he did not reveal the alternative site, Ramotar said that Government was eyeing Plaisance’s neighbouring community,
Industry, to erect the tower. According to him, placing the tower in Industry will see an increase in the cost of the project – a development that was not anticipated. He said that the E-governance Unit will now have to run the fibre optic cable from Industry to the Sparendaam Police Station. That cost could have been avoided, he said, because the Police Station is in proximity to the Plaisance Community Centre. In addition, rental will have to be paid to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. for running the cable along the utility poles. Ramotar also explained that having the tower in Industry would not fully satisfy its purpose, because the signal will not be strong in Plaisance. He pointed out that the community of Industry will be serviced by the telecommunication tower erected in the University of Guyana’s compound.
The opposition’s action, he said, had “reared up the ugly head of capriciousness to cause significant uncertainty to be inserted into what we had seen, what we had projected as an evolving approach (or) a sensible approach by the opposition to the consideration of the estimates of the budget agencies.” Moreover, the Cabinet Secretary noted that Government will now seek to be more wary, since more attention would have to be paid to the remaining days and to the debates on the estimates for the other agencies, particularly those of the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance. “These agencies have had their estimates drawn to the attention of the House in motions that identified the opposition’s intentions to cut,” Dr Luncheon said. NEED FOR REVISION Pointing to his belief that enough effort had not been spent so far in advising the opposition of how inexplicable its slashing act was, Dr Luncheon likened the Specialty Hospital Project to a diver having already left a high board “...I don’t think he
can turn and go back up.” “The opposition has an opportunity to review and revise its action before we come to the Appropriation Bill when this matter for all intents and purposes for the House is deliberated on finally. We have some time for commonsense to prevail; for contract law to be given effect to, and our anticipation is, sober thinking would descend on those who were responsible for this incomprehensible decision and that it would be corrected at some appropriate time,” stated Dr Luncheon.
He also disclosed that if the opposition fails to rescind its decision it could see Government having to endure a great deal of damage, something that it would have to start contemplating. “The project cannot help but be off...and I’m acting on the assumption that...no intervention reverses what a decision on the cut led to. The administration, Government and the people of Guyana will be denied and they will have to step up to remedy the consequences of this act,” the Cabinet Secretary warned.
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Learning Channel designed to be equitable - Dr. Luncheon
This trailer, laden with paddy, buckled under pressure shortly after crossing the Harbour Bridge from West Demerara last evening. According to an eyewitness, the trailer’s right wheel gave way and it tilted precariously bringing the tractor to a halt.
To make the Learning Channel accessible to the entire country, former Education Minister Shaik Baksh was mandated by Bharrat Jagdeo’s Cabinet to redesign the project to ensure equitable distribution, taking into consideration connectivity and accessibility in the far-flung communities. Redoing the design meant that contents of the Learning Channel would be broadcasted terrestrially (on the ground) and via satellite. The terrestrial aspect is done by the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) on the coast, and TVG (owned by Jagdeo’s best friend Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop) is being contracted to put it on air via satellite, to benefit those far-flung communities. This disclosure was made by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon during his post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday at the Office of the President. He was at the time responding to queries about revelations in the National Assembly that Ramroop is being paid $3.6M monthly to air the Guyana Learning Channel, that came into being in April 2011. Luncheon claimed to not be precisely familiar with the contractual arrangement and as to why TVG was chosen above other entities.
“What I do know is that we needed the satellite to get signals into those communities, where it was not possible to be done elsewhere. Why the decision was made not to go to other entities as opposed to TVG is something we have to be advised about,” he said. According to Dr. Luncheon, when the issue of the Learning Channel was presented to Cabinet by Baksh certain considerations were raised, including whether Government would continue to provide for the maintenance of this divide; making the benefits of the Learning Channel accessible; and movement of information and broadcast. “And, he (Baksh) was sent back to do a design that ensured that there was equitable distribution And, this is the basis for the satellite uplink, because those signals to get into hinterland regions, to get into the far-flung regions, terrestrially, couldn’t be done. We don’t have the facilities on the ground.” “And so terrestrial plus satellite linkages have indeed answered the question that was put to Minister Baksh, to ensure that the Learning Channel didn’t foster inequalities in the distribution of the public good”, Dr. Luncheon said. Ramroop’s arrangement with the Jagdeo regime was
revealed in the National Assembly by current Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, who was responding to a question posed by A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament Jaipaul Sharma. “The Guyana Learning Channel has the use of a teleport that was created at the time of its set-up since there was no other teleport capable of uplinking video signals in existence in Guyana, before or since,” Manickchand said. She said that for the channel to send its signal to the satellite, it would have had to put commensurate service that would have required an initial capital outlay of US$150,000 plus monthly recurring costs of over $4M in bandwidth rental and associated services. The Minister added that because the Learning Channel’s bandwidth is bundled with the bandwidth of TVG, they are able to negotiate better rates from the satellite operators. Dr. Luncheon, when asked why Government did not invest in the relevant technology for NCN to provide the service instead of contracting TVG, said “…we would need to go find from the records why NCN wasn’t given, like say, the whole hog...Why didn’t you have the satellite component also?”
Fire damages Mocha house
Grace Ford, whose apartment was damaged, checking some of the items which were saved. The lower section of a property located at 313 First Street Mocha, East Bank Demerara, was severely damaged after fire broke out in the lower flat of the building. Grace Ford, who occupies the bottom flat with her son, said no one was at home when the fire started in her apartment. Forde said she secured the building at around 11:15 hours yesterday and went to a nearby shop.
The woman said that while there someone called out to her and informed her that the house was on fire. By that time, a neighbour had already called the Guyana Fire Service which arrived promptly and was able to save the building. However most of the household articles were burnt while others were damaged by water. Ms. Ford said many residents came out to offer
assistance but the items which were removed from the house were badly damaged. She estimates her losses to be quite significant but is thankful that the entire structure was not gutted. The woman speculated that the fire started where her main switch is located but noted that she has never had electrical problem in her apartment. Investigations are ongoing.
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Opposition axe falls on GPL, NCN and GINA estimates By Abena Rockcliffe Even after grilling the government on the nitty-gritty in relation to the affairs of numerous agencies, the opposition, not satisfied with the answers given, yesterday moved to slash estimates allocated to three stateowned agencies: GPL, NCN and GINA. Just like last year, the allocations set aside in 2013 for the National Communications Network (NCN) -$81,337,000 and Government Information Agency (GINA) $135,858,000, were reduced to $1 each. However, the capital
funding remains as provided for by the government with NCN having $65M and GINA $13M. Allocations set aside for Guyana Power and Light Inc.(GPL) have been cut almost directly in half, as the Minister of Finance had provided 10.2B and that was reduced by 5.2B, leaving a subvention of $5B for the company. As a result, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds hinted that Guyanese should brace themselves for more blackouts. He stated that with the cut in effect, GPL would be having a hole of about 20 per cent in what it requires to
sustain itself. Hinds explained that that will most likely result in reduced purchases of fuel and transformers. The Prime Minister told the house that the cost at which electricity is provided in Guyana is mostly as a result of the “situation”, which he explained, is the cost of petroleum. In an attempt to point out that Guyana’s situation, as it relates to electricity rates, isn’t unique, Hinds compared it to those of Caribbean islands. He said that most Guyanese may see it as an irregular comparison since the earnings of an average person in Guyana is not the
same as those in countries like Barbados, but he told the House that “the fact is, when we go to buy things we pay the same price as anybody else”. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge, told the Prime Minister that his party wants to be assured that GPL is addressing the issue of tariff levels and that it is addressed seriously. He said that APNU would like to see a plan which seriously addresses the capacity of the company to deliver tariffs in line “with our capacity to pay.” Alliance For Change
(AFC) Vice- Chairman Moses Nagamootoo noted that even though his party was trying hard to understand the explanations given, they just weren’t clear enough, neither were they good enough. Hence both opposition parties voted for the hefty reduction in allocations for GPL. In the case of NCN and GINA, the opposition was adamant that the entities are not being administered professionally, especially as it relates to equal coverage for both the government and opposition.In addition, the absence of the investigative report on the financial irregularities of NCN played a major role in the decision to cut its subventions. Greenidge said that the opposition had sought to engage the government in an exercise intended to extract, from the agency, a commitment to survey its work with a view to making it more professional and by way of an audit, look into its finances. However, according to Greenidge, those attempts were failed ones. The Prime Minister sought to point out that just the night before Greenidge’s presentation was aired on NCN, which was an indication that progress is being made. Alliance For Change MP Catherine Hughes told the house that since March 2012, the AFC wrote to NCN’s
Chief Executive Officer with specific requests regarding the party’s right to reply to arguments put forward by the government that were aired on NCN, as well as equitable coverage. She said that as recent as a month ago, the AFC wrote requesting availability of time and had indicated a willingness to pay. She said that up to last night, the party had still not received a response. APNU member Basil Williams sought to support Hughes’s point and noted that “when the Honourable Attorney General chooses to go on NCN and rant and rave, we should get a chance to respond.” As the grilling continued, AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan questioned NCN’s income and so did Hughes. In response to both, Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill informed the house that NCN made a total of $557M last year; stating that advertisements alone raked in some $288.9M APNU’s Joseph Harmon then asked what became of the investigation and if any action is being or will be taken against those found to be involved in fraud, to which Edghill responded that a commitment was made that the report and a conclusion of its review will be released by the end of this month.
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South America rushes to back Maduro as U.S. casts doubt on Venezuela vote LIMA (Reuters) - South American leaders will make a collective show of support for Venezuelan President-elect Nicolas Maduro yesterday in Lima, officials said, as the United States and his opponents call for a recount of the disputed vote. Maduro will attend the last-minute meeting of the regional group Unasur in Peru a day before he is to be sworn today. He was named by late President Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer in March, as his chosen successor. Protests erupted in Venezuela after Maduro won Sunday’s election by a narrow margin of about 2 percentage points, and at least eight people have been killed in violent clashes. Before boarding a plane to Lima, Maduro said in a televised speech: “In Venezuela we don’t have an opposition, we have a permanent conspiracy cheered on by the United States.” Leftist Bolivian President Evo Morales said Washington had no right to
question Maduro’s victory because George W. Bush won the presidency by a similarly narrow margin in 2004. “This is clearly meddling,” Morales said in La Paz. “We condemn this and repudiate it. We won’t permit that Bolivia or Latin America be treated as the U.S. government’s backyard.” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday told lawmakers he favored a recount because of possible voting irregularities. Maduro’s supporters have defended the legitimacy of his narrow win with repeated references to the 2000 U.S. election dispute, when the U.S. Supreme Court halted a recount in Florida and Bush was declared the winner in the state by just 537 votes. Although moderate South American leaders were expected to voice support for Maduro, it appeared unlikely that they would criticize Washington as openly as Morales. The governments of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador,
Colombia, Bolivia and Argentina, among others, have already recognized Maduro’s victory, but Washington has not. The European Union has said it is “concerned by the growing polarization of Venezuelan society” and suggested Venezuelan authorities consider an audit of the vote. Peru holds the rotating presidency of Unasur and the group’s election monitors have said Maduro’s win was legitimate. “We all thought we needed to get together before Maduro’s swearing in to show a unified bloc in response to statements from outside of the region and some from within that question the legitimacy of the election,” Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman said on radio. Most of the leaders, including President Dilma Rousseff of regional heavyweight Brazil, will head to Venezuela for the swearingin ceremony after the meeting in Lima. The outcome of Sunday’s
vote has been rejected by Maduro’s rival, Henrique Capriles, who has alleged thousands of irregularities at polling centers and wants a full audit of the ballots. Maduro’s allies have said a recount is unnecessary because the electoral council had already carried out a partial audit. But Jorge Rodriguez, a
Jack Warner
Trinidad Guardian Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley has filed a motion in Parliament for National Security Minister Jack Warner to answer questions as it relates to his former role as adviser to the T&T Football Federation (TTFF) and the allocation of funds for the 2006 World Cup football campaign. As he addressed a public meeting at Embacadere, San Fernando, on Tuesday night, Rowley recalled he was on a committee appointed by then prime minister Patrick Manning to entertain a request for assistance from Warner when the local team qualified for the World Cup. He said he was shocked about the revenue and expenditure in the budget
presented by the football body and recalled: “My jaws dropped when I saw the published figures for what the receipts were from the sponsors.” Rowley said with numerous audits now taking place, “the chickens are coming home to roost.” The PNM leader, who has added to the calls for Warner to step down in light of several allegations during his involvement in football, said: “The presence of Jack Warner in the Cabinet of T&T and as acting Prime Minister and confidant of the Prime Minister is damaging the interest of the people of T&T.” Rowley said with all of the controversies surrounding Warner, he has gone on the attack, attacking everybody,
including the media, yet Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has failed to deal with the situation. “Today, the journalist profession in T&T has been declared public enemy number one by the Minister of National Security but I am not going to lead this PNM and take that silently,” he added. Rowley said the private motion, which is to be debated in the House on April 26, “is also asking the Parliament to reject the Prime Minister’s behaviour in not treating with Jack Warner and his issues that are embarrassing and damaging the people of T&T.” He cautioned the Government that its “time was running out,” as it had just 24 months again before the next election was due.
Venezuela’s President-elect Nicolas Maduro holds up a photograph of Jose Luis Ponce, a supporter killed on Monday’s post-election street violence, after attending his funeral at La Limonera neighbourhood in Miranda state, in this picture provided by Miraflores Palace Wednesday. REUTERS/Marcelo Garcia/Miraflores Palace/Handout
Rowley seeking TTFF answers from Warner
top Maduro ally, said on Wednesday the ruling Socialist Party would not oppose a complete audit of the electronic voting system. “We are in agreement with any audit, whatever they want,” he said. “They can even verify if there are flying saucers that took their (poll station) witnesses to Mars.” The National Electoral Council had audited 54 percent of the votes. Rodriguez said the party
would not oppose auditing the remaining 46 percent. While that is not the manual recount that Capriles has asked for, it could constitute a concession to the opposition that may pave the way for a negotiated settlement of the standoff. The opposition leader pointedly said, via Twitter, that he was considering going to Lima and had spoken to various heads of state who were “receptive” to the idea of a vote recount.
St Lucia civil servants accept wage freeze CASTRIES, St Lucia – CMC - Civil Servants in St Lucia have ended their battle with government for a 9.5 per cent wage increase, with a stunning decision to settle for a wage freeze. After a heated extraordinary meeting Wednesday most of the over 400 members of the Civil Service Association (CSA) voted in favour of a 0.00 per cent wage proposal. The decision to forgo the increase followed the President’s report that the
Government’s Negotiating Team (GNT) was sticking to four per cent as its final wage offer, in addition to refusing the requested allowances. CSA President Mary Issac said her members were clear that if government insists that it could not afford anything more than four per cent then Government could keep its percentage wage increase, and the CSA would only accept the attached conditions proposed by the GNT.
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More than 4,000 vacant World Bank urges Caribbean to ‘propel domestic engines of growth’ public sector posts to be cut WASHINGTON - CMC – The World Bank has urged Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to “propel domestic engines of growth”, stating that the “formidable global tailwinds” that facilitated robust economic growth and social inclusion in the region over the past decade are receding. In its latest semiannual report, “Latin America and the Caribbean as Tailwinds Recede: In Search of Higher Growth,” the World Bank’s Office of the Chief Economist for the region, said on Wednesday that a new global context of excess liquidity, slower growth in China, and sluggish economic activity and high public debt in the developed world, points to the need for the region to do more on its own “in order to go back to growth rates similar to those enjoyed in the past decade.” The Washington-based financial institution said LAC is already expected to grow by 3.5 percent, an improvement from last year’s 3 percent, “but still below the 5 percent average before the
2008/09 crisis or the 6 percent in 2010.” It said rates range from as low as 0.1 and 1.0 percent for Venezuela and Jamaica respectively, to 6 percent for Peru, nearly 9 percent for Panama, and above 11 percent for Paraguay. Augusto de la Torre, the World Bank’s chief economist for the region, said while these growth rates are “good,” they are still “insufficient to sustain the recent pace of social progress” that the region experienced in the last decade. “ A c c o r d i n g l y, the policy emphasis is shifting from external to domestic engines of growth, and from macro and financial stability concerns to growth-enhancing reforms,” he said. De la Torre said as global tailwinds subside, the ability of regional countries to grow above 3.5 percent “depends critically on themselves.” The report says that answering the question of how can the region propel its domestic engines of growth
starts with understanding the specificities of LAC’s growth pattern, its limitations, and its strengths. It says that while much is said about South East Asia’s growth model – based on manufacturing exports, high savings, and competitive exchange rates – the region’s circumstances “stand already in sharp contrast with that.” According to De la Torre the quest for export competiveness, based on cheap labor and undervalued exchange rates, “looks politically unfeasible and economically suboptimal. “If competiveness beyond natural resourceintensive goods is to be developed, without sacrificing living standards, productivity is the name of the game,” he said. The World Bank’s chief economist for the region noted that achievements in the 2000s have been “significant, including macroeconomic stability, solid growth, poverty reduction, and a fairer income distribution.”
Jamaica Gleaner - The Finance Minister, Dr Peter Phillips also revealed that the government is to eliminate a further 4,200 jobs from the public sector. Phillips said the jobs are vacant posts, which are to be removed from the civil service. He said 3,200 posts are to be eliminated early this fiscal year. The finance minister said an additional 1,000 posts are to become vacant from natural attrition and will not be filled. Some 3,000 posts were removed from the public service last September.
The government has been on a thrust to cut the size of the civil service and bring down the wage bill. The government is to spend $157.2 billion in wages and salaries this financial year. The government and the majority of unions representing public sector workers signed a deal in February which saw civil servants foregoing an increase in wages and salaries. The wage restrained is to last until 2015. It was one of the prior actions for securing a deal with the International Monetary Fund.
Dr Peter Phillips
Trinidad - CMC – An American Airlines plane was forced to return to Piarco International Airport yesterday following reports of a “strange” packet on board the plane. “The flight had just taken off when the airport security received an anonymous call that there was a package on board that should not be there. As a measure of precaution,
a message was sent to the crew to return to the gate. The passengers were removed from the aircraft to allow security checks,” chairman of the stateowned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) Rabindra Moonan, told the Trinidad Express newspaper. Moonan said the aircraft, which left here at 7 a.m. (local time) was now being searched.
“I don’t have further details, as it is an American Airline plane. But the security is investigating the matter thoroughly before the passengers are allowed to board again and leave for their destination,” he said. Neither American Airlines nor the Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT) have commented as yet on the incident.
American Airline plane returns to Piarco International PORT OF SPAIN,
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Pakistan’s Musharraf flees court after judges order his arrest ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Former President Pervez Musharraf fled a courtroom yesterday after judges ordered his arrest to answer allegations he committed treason in 2007, an ignominious retreat for a man who once dominated Pakistan and had hoped to revive his political fortunes. Pakistani television broadcast footage of Musharraf dashing from Islamabad High Court in a black SUV as several lawyers made half-hearted attempts to pursue his vehicle - a scene that would have been unthinkable when Musharraf was at the height of his powers. It was another blow to his hopes of resurrecting his political career after election officers barred him from standing at next month’s general elections, in part due to the various legal challenges he faces. The bid had garnered widespread popular scorn. Musharraf retreated to a farm in an exclusive residential estate on the outskirts of Islamabad where police set up a cordon restricting access to the area. It was unclear
whether the officers were preparing to detain him. As police moved to seal off access, Mohammad Amjad, Musharraf ’s spokesman, called a news conference to announce that his lawyers would petition the Supreme Court today to withdraw the order. “We will file an appeal against the arrest order in the Supreme Court tomorrow,” Amjad said. He added that Musharraf was “composed and in good spirits”. The high court’s order pushed Pakistan’s increasingly audacious judiciary into uncharted territory, challenging a longstanding, unwritten rule that the top ranks of the army, which ruled Pakistan for decades, are untouchable. Despite Taliban death threats and a host of legal challenges, Musharraf returned from almost four years of self-imposed exile in London and Dubai last month in the hope of winning a seat in the National Assembly at the May 11 polls. But his arrival has placed him at the mercy of judges whose memories are still raw of the showdown in 2007
Pervez Musharraf when he sacked the chief justice, placed his colleagues under house arrest, and lawyers fought running battles with police. On Thursday, a judge ordered his arrest in connection with allegations he committed treason when he declared emergency rule during his 2007 confrontation with the judges, a move his opponents believe violated the constitution.
Judges piled more pressure on Musharraf yesterday when they summoned the head of Islamabad police to explain how he was able to flee the court without being detained. Some commentators
believe that it is unlikely Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 coup and resigned in 2008, will be arrested since the military would be unlikely to tolerate such a humiliating spectacle for a retired chief. “I don’t think the military establishment would support any move against him,” said Mehdi Hasan, a newspaper columnist. The military made no immediate comment on the arrest order. Although Musharraf ’s legal battles have provided an electrifying sideshow in the election race, he commands scant popular support and the outcome of the drama is unlikely to have much impact on the final results. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the man Musharraf ousted in a coup in 1999, is seen as the frontrunner to become prime minister. Pakistan’s military has ruled the nation for more than half of its 66-year history, through coups or from
behind the scenes. It sets foreign and security policy even when civilian administrations are in power. Pakistan’s judiciary has, however, taken an increasingly assertive stance in recent years in confrontations with both the government and the army, and the arrest order against a former army chief is sure to rankle some in the military. Musharraf’s decision to return has mystified many Pakistanis, with commentators questioning whether he misjudged the degree of popular support he might be able to muster. Musharraf faces charges of failing to provide adequate security for former prime minister Benazir Bhutto before she was assassinated in late 2007. He also faces accusations in connection with the death of a separatist leader in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. He denies any wrongdoing.
Senators unveil sweeping immigration bill
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. take questions during a news conference on immigration reform legislation, yesterday. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) WASHINGTON (AP) — Four Democratic and four Republican senators formally unveiled a sweeping immigration bill yesterday at a news conference attended by traditional opponents from big business and labor, and conservative and liberal groups. The lawmakers argued that this time, thanks to that broad-based support, immigration legislation can succeed in Congress. “Powerful outside forces have helped defeat certain other initiatives in Washington, but on immigration, the opposite is proving true,” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said a day after senators under intense
lobbying pressure blocked a major gun control package. “I am confident this issue will not fall victim to the usual partisan deadlock.” Support for the bill is already being put to the test as conservatives grow more vocal in opposition. Two Republican senators held a dueling news conference, with law enforcement officials bashing the bill’s border security provisions and other measures, and several conservative bloggers seized on one provision of the legislation to falsely claim that it would allow people here illegally to get free cellphones. The 844-page bill is
designed to secure the border, allow tens of thousands of new high- and low-skilled workers into the country while requiring employers to verify their legal status, and put 11 million people here illegally on a path to citizenship, as long as certain border security goals are met first. In addition to Schumer and McCain, the members of the so-called Gang of Eight are: Democrats Dick Durbin of Illinois, Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Michael Bennet of Colorado, along with Republicans Marco Rubio of Florida, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Jeff Flake of Arizona.
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United Nations says Syria conflict Italian parliament fails to elect state president in slap to Bersani a humanitarian catastrophe
Valerie Amos (C), Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), speaks to media during her visit at a refugee camp named “Container City” on the Turkish-Syrian border in Oncupinar in Kilis province, southern Turkey. REUTERS/Orhan Cicek/Pool UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Syrian families have been burned in their homes, people bombed waiting for bread, children tortured, raped and murdered and cities reduced to rubble in Syria’s two-year-old war that has sparked a humanitarian catastrophe, the United Nations said yesterday. A quarter of Syria’s 22 million people are displaced within the country and 1.3 million have fled to other states in the Middle East and North Africa, U.N. aid chief Valerie Amos and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres told the U.N. Security Council. It was a rare public briefing of the Security Council on the conflict in Syria, which was called for by Australia, and Amos pleaded for the 15 council members to “take the action necessary to end this brutal conflict.” “The situation in Syria is
a humanitarian catastrophe with ordinary people paying the price for the failure to end the conflict,” Amos said. “I do not have an answer for those Syrians I have spoken to who asked me why the world has abandoned them.” The Security Council has been deadlocked on how to end the conflict. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s close ally Russia, with the aid of China, has used its veto power to block any condemnations or attempts to sanction Assad’s government. The United Nations says the war in Syria, which began as peaceful protests that turned violent when Assad tried to crush the revolt, has claimed more than 70,000 lives. “Children are among the ones who suffer most,” Amos said. “Children have been murdered, tortured and subjected to sexual violence. Many do not have enough food to eat. Millions have
been traumatized by the horrors ... This brutal conflict is not only shattering Syria’s present, it is destroying its future.” U.N. envoy on sexual violence in conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, and U.N. envoy on children and armed conflict, Leila Zerrougui, also briefed the council on the Syrian conflict. Syria’s U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari blamed terrorism and sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United States and others for the plight of its people and accused neighboring countries of preventing refugees from returning to Syria. “Syrian people will not forgive facilitating the movement of thousands of European and Western terrorists and jihadists, sponsored by well-known intelligence agencies ... to the Turkish, Lebanese and Jordanian borders with Syria,” he said.
ROME (Reuters) - Italy’s parliament failed to elect a new state president in the first two votes yesterday with a centerleft rebellion against leader Pier Luigi Bersani torpedoing his official candidate and prolonging a political stalemate. Until the new president is elected, the paralysis hobbling attempts to form a government since February’s inconclusive general election will continue, and a chaotic day of voting showed how fractured the political landscape remains. Italy’s economy, the euro zone’s third largest, has contracted for six straight quarters and the political disarray has compounded uncertainty in a country that came close to financial meltdown in 2011. Bersani’s candidate Franco Marini, a former Senate speaker, fell far short of the required two-thirds majority of the 1,007 electors in the first vote. In the second, he won no votes at all, with many members of both centerleft and center-right blocs casting blank ballots. Political sources said the casting of blank ballots was intended to protect Marini from further humiliation after a center-left rebellion against his candidacy made it impossible to win the twothirds majority of electors from both houses of parliament plus regional representatives. Marini’s failure, in a vote needed to fill a government vacuum since the deadlocked general election in February, was a slap in the face for Bersani. He badly split his party by nominating Marini in a deal with center-right boss Silvio Berlusconi.
Pier Luigi Bersani Bersani told reporters he would meet the center-left electors to decide their next move ahead of a third vote on Friday morning. After that vote, a simple majority is required to elect a new president. Parliamentary sources told Reuters that Bersani’s Democratic Party (PD) has asked for a fourth vote to be delayed, possibly until Saturday, to give it more time to consider its strategy. The request will be examined by a meeting of parliamentary leaders today morning. The heads of Berlusconi’s party in the lower house and Senate said in a statement later yesterday they were opposed to any delay. Bersani said he needed to accept that the election had entered “a new phase”, indicating Marini, 80, would be dropped as a deeply divisive candidate. The center-left would make a new proposal for the presidential election, he said. Many rebellious centerleft parliamentarians voted in the secret ballot for academic Stefano Rodota, candidate of the populist 5-Star
Movement of former comic Beppe Grillo. Nichi Vendola, head of Bersani’s leftist ally SEL, said nominating Marini was a mistake. “Marini was a candidate who united the center-right, not the centerleft,” he said. He said that unless things changed, his 46 representatives would keep voting for Rodota. Marini’s failure could wreck Bersani’s deal with Berlusconi aimed at helping him form a minority government. Bersani has repeatedly rejected Berlusconi’s demands that they form a broad coalition together. But it is widely believed he wants an agreement on the presidency to encourage the center-right to support a minority center-left government. The vote for a successor to President Giorgio Napolitano, whose term ends on May 15, is a crucial step towards resolving the stalemate since an election in February which left no party with enough support to form a government. However, the choice of Marini provoked fury in Bersani’s PD and open revolt by his rival, Matteo Renzi, the 38-year-old mayor of Florence. Renzi had described Marini as “a candidate from the last century” without charisma or international standing, adding that he was only chosen because he was acceptable to Berlusconi. Dozens of traditional PD supporters rallied outside parliament yesterday in protest against the deal with Berlusconi. One woman tried to burn her party membership card.
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U.S., UK want financial services as part of trade pact (Reuters) - The United States and the UK aim to include financial services in a proposed free-trade agreement between America and the 27-nation European Union, the British ambassador to the United States said yesterday. The accord would aim to smooth out regulatory differences that have stunted U.S.-EU trade in areas such as agriculture, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and autos. The EU is already the largest U.S. trading partner.
“We are pretty keen, pretty clear, that as the owners of the two most significant international financial centres, on either side of the Atlantic ... that we would both like to see financial services covered by these negotiations,” the UK ambassador to the U.S. Peter Westmacott said. He was speaking during an event at the National Foreign Trade Council, a U.S.based business group. EU financial services chief Michel Barnier has also come
out in favour of the move, a spokeswoman for the bloc said. U.S. officials were not immediately available for comment. Finding common ground on regulatory and market access issues could encourage banks and insurers to expand across the Atlantic instead of moving to other parts of the world. The agreement would likely address issues such as what percentage of people on the board of a foreign bank need to be U.S. citizens, and
what stake foreign banks can hold in U.S. financial institutions, another UK diplomat said. Thornier problems would have to be dealt with separately, this person said, such as derivatives regulation and the challenge of “too big to fail” banks. The White House formally notified Congress in March of its plan to negotiate a comprehensive trade and investment agreement with the EU. That letter outlined the
administration’s desire to negotiate new market openings for U.S. services companies and to improve regulatory cooperation across the Atlantic. It did not specifically mention financial services sectors such as banking or insurance. But working groups from the U.S.-EU business coalition are already looking at market access barriers and regulatory issues related to insurers and banks and considering comments from companies, a U.S. business
official said. Talks on the free-trade pact are expected to begin in July, although no dates have been announced yet. Britain hopes the upcoming Group of Eight summit meeting in Northern Ireland in June could help set the stage. “We think it might be sensible drawing the world’s attention to the importance of (the trade pact) before, during or after the G8 summit ... that might be a good time to get it all going,” Westmacott said.
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea offered the United States and South Korea a list of conditions yesterday for talks, including the lifting of U.N. sanctions, signaling a possible end to weeks of warlike hostility on the Korean peninsula. The North Korea’s top military body also said in a statement the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula would begin when the United States removed nuclear weapons that the isolated state says Washington has deployed in the region. The move was likely a sop to the North’s only major backer, China, which has signaled its growing unease over the escalation of threats, and which said yesterday that talks were the only correct way to end the tension. “Dialogue and war cannot co-exist,” the North’s National Defence Commission said in the statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. “If the United States and the puppet South have the slightest desire to avoid the sledge-hammer blow of our army and the people ... and truly wish dialogue and negotiations, they must make the resolute decision,” it said. The United States has offered talks, but on the precondition that they lead to
North Korea abandoning its nuclear weapons ambitions. North Korea deems its nuclear arms a “treasured sword” and has vowed never to give them up. Nevertheless, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who ended a trip to the region early this week that was dominated by concern about North Korea, stressed his interest in a diplomatic solution. South Korea which is conducting military exercises with U.S. forces to the anger of North Korea, has also proposed talks, a move that Pyongyang rejected as insincere. North Korea stepped up its defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions in December when it launched a rocket that it said put a scientific satellite in orbit. Critics said the launch was aimed at nurturing the kind of technology needed to deliver a nuclear warhead mounted on a long-range missile. That was followed in February by its third test of a nuclear weapon. That triggered new U.N. sanctions in March, sharply toughening existing measures, which in turn led to a dramatic intensification of North Korean threats of nuclear strikes against South Korea and the United States.
North Korea demands end of sanctions if U.S. wants dialogue
Suicide bomber kills at least 27 in Baghdad café BAGHDAD (Reuters) At least 27 people were killed and dozens more wounded yesterday when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a Baghdad cafe popular with teenagers using the Internet, police and hospital officials said. Police and witnesses said emergency workers were still pulling out victims trapped when the blast collapsed part of the building in the west of the Iraqi capital. No one immediately
claimed responsibility for the bombing, but Iraq’s al Qaeda wing has stepped up suicide attacks since the start of the year in a campaign to provoke confrontation between the country’s Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims. More than 30 people were killed in a series of bombings across Iraq on Monday, less than a week before provincial elections that will be a test of political stability more than a year after U.S. troops left.
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Friday April 19, 2013 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): You have much more creativity than you think you do -- especially today, when the universe is sending you a bright can-do attitude. Good thing, too, because you will be thrust into a situation that forces you to think on your feet and come up with some quick answers. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Usually you can be tolerant of just about anything, but today your sensitivity level is high -- and your temper is short. So if you want to keep from blowing your top, you should do whatever you can to avoid all the people who have pushed you near the breaking point in the past. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): People who disagree with you might be annoying and troublesome, but they do have a right to their own opinions -- no matter how wrong they are! ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Planned expenses are fine, but acting on impulse at the shopping mall or at your favorite online store is not advised right now. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): Make an effort today -- to talk to that person who no one else will talk to, to solve that problem that has been plaguing you for so long, to fix that household repair item once and for all, whatever. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): Today, be flexible and you will be more powerful. Being too rigid about life closes you off to too many things. ********************* LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): Hope is the word to hold on to today -- no matter how
unlikely success might seem from where you are standing now, amazing things can happen. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): Take things slowly today and give yourself time to be able to focus on saying the right things to the right people -- especially in a delicate negotiation with someone. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 Dec. 21): You can't always be as generous as you would like to be with your friends. When you don't have the time, you don't have the time -- trying to convince yourself otherwise is only going to make you resent them for forcing you to squeeze your already tight schedule even tighter. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): Your business schedule might be causing problems with your social schedule -- be prepared to make a difficult decision about whether to show up at a work event or take time to spend an evening with a special someone. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18): Your energy is not going to be easily integrated into anyone else's today, so it's not a very good idea for you to get involved with a lot of different people. You are feeling so strong and independent that you don't want to compromise, and that could rub people the wrong way. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): Taking another look at your health and diet will be interesting today. Things have changed more than you realized, and it will either be time for a celebration -- or time for a complete overhaul.
Friday April 19, 2013
Kaieteur News
Bucks surge past Thunder 95-89 in finale Oklahoma City (AP) - With the Milwaukee Bucks locked into a playoff spot and starting center Larry Sanders nursing a troublesome back, rookie John Henson used the final stretch of the regular season as a big chance to prove himself. What the first-round draft pick has shown is plenty of potential. Henson scored a career-high 28 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, Brandon Jennings had 17 points and the Bucks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 95-89 Wednesday night in a regular-season finale lacking any postseason implications. Henson, the 14th pick in last year’s draft, came up with another huge game after getting 17 points, 25 rebounds and seven blocks in an overtime loss at Orlando a week earlier. Needing to score 70 points to surpass New York’s Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant conceded the NBA scoring title and joined starting center Kendrick Perkins and key reserves Kevin Martin and Nick Collison in suits on the Thunder bench. Russell Westbrook extended the NBA’s longest active consecutive games played streak to 394 by playing the first 7 minutes, helping the Thunder score the game’s first seven points and build a 20-9 lead. The Bucks didn’t pull ahead until Henson’s two-handed slam early in the fourth quarter, during a 27-6 run. He logged 44 minutes and made 11 of 19 shots, showing off a hook shot, and collecting eight offensive rebounds. Henson hit a jumper and a pair of free throws to start an 11-0 run that ended with Ish Smith’s 3-pointer from the top of the key to tie it at 68 with 32.2 seconds left in the third quarter. Milwaukee kept going in the final period, as the Thunder missed nine of their first 10 shots, and led by as much as 14.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks center Ekpe Udoh Reggie Jackson led Oklahoma City with a career-best 23 points. The Thunder were already locked into the top seed in the Western Conference and will open the playoffs at home Sunday against Houston and James Harden, who was traded away before the season. Oklahoma City dropped to 34-7 at home and ended the season with 60 wins, the fourthbest total in franchise history. The Bucks, who were assured of the East’s No. 8 seed, rested Sanders and fellow starter Ersan Ilyasova (wrist). They will play Sunday at defending champion Miami. Jennings gave the Bucks a scare, twisting his ankle and hobbling off the court in the first quarter. But he was able to return early in the second quarter and made five of his first six 3-point attempts.
Mayweather says Guerrero is a hypocrite Floyd Mayweather during the Media workout.
During yesterday’s Media Day at the Mayweather Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather had some harsh comments about his May 4 PPV opponent Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero’s recent arrest on a gun charge in New York City. “A lot of times you see guys that are hypocrites,” stated Mayweather. “Like you got a guy who’s always preaching like he’s a preacher, like he loves God more than anyone else, and I feel that we’re all equal when it’s all said and done. You got this guy that’s going
to the 700 Club, acting like he’s a pastor, but he got caught with a gun and he’s got Marilyn Monroe on his wall at his house, so like I said before, these guys are hypocrites. Like I said, you live, you learn, that’s not really my focus, you know what I’m saying? When a guy presents himself like Robert Guerrero was doing with myself. They were joking about me doing time. They say what goes around comes around, so a week after the fight it’s time for him to do his time!”
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Friday April 19, 2013
Lakers hold off Rockets, take West’s 7th seed Los Angeles (AP) Dwight Howard had a simple message for the Lakers after Chandler Parsons’ 34-foot, line-drive 3-pointer at the regulation buzzer added five more minutes to the final game of Los Angeles’ already exhausting regular season. Nothing has been easy for the Lakers all year long, Howard told his teammates. Why should the finale be any different? With five more minutes of perseverance, the Lakers ended up with quite a reward. After getting up Wednesday morning with no guarantee their season wouldn’t end that night, they surged into the seventh playoff spot in the West with a 99-95 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets. Steve Blake scored 24 points and Pau Gasol added his seventh career tripledouble for the Lakers (45-37), who only clinched a postseason berth about 10 minutes before tipoff. Despite Parsons’ improbable tying basket, Los Angeles won again without Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, earning a first-round date with second-seeded San Antonio. Gasol had 17 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists in his second triple-double in three games for the Lakers, who avoided the embarrassment of missing the playoffs for
Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol, left, of Spain, tries to block a shot by Houston Rockets’ Greg Smith during the first half just the second time in Bryant’s 17-year career. Howard had 16 points and 18 rebounds for the Lakers, and the All-Star center blocked James Harden’s shot in the final seconds of overtime to finish up the Lakers’ fifth straight win, their eighth in nine games. Antawn Jamison added 16 points as the Lakers won their second straight without Bryant, who tore his Achilles tendon last Friday and watched another game from his home in Orange County. Nash hasn’t played in eight games with a hamstring injury, but the Lakers finished the regular season with a gritty comeback win despite Chandler’s heroics. Parsons hit a tying 3pointer from three steps behind the line at the regulation buzzer for the Rockets (45-37), who will face top-seeded Oklahoma City after losing four of six to end the regular season. Harden scored 30 points and Parsons had 23 for the Rockets, who already knew they were back in the postseason after a three-year absence, but could have ended up in three seedings depending on Wednesday’s results. Houston had a shot at the No. 6 spot before Golden State beat Portland earlier, but Los Angeles holds the tiebreaker on the Rockets. Houston led for most of the night before the Lakers went ahead with 6 1/2 minutes to play, but both teams struggled offensively in the final minutes before Parsons
ended up alone with the ball near midcourt in the final seconds after a broken-play scramble. His desperate 3pointer had almost no arch, but dropped in to force overtime. Neither team made a shot in overtime until Gasol’s jumper with 2:26 left, ending a field-goal drought of more than eight minutes for the Lakers. After Jodie Meeks drove the baseline and dunked in the final minute, Howard stepped in front of Harden and blocked the Houston star’s drive with 20 seconds left. Blake and Meeks hit free throws in the final seconds to wrap it up. The Lakers nursed a small lead over the Jazz (4339) down the stretch of their tumultuous season, but Utah held the tiebreaker. The Lakers were aware that the Jazz’s 8670 loss in Memphis had clinched Los Angeles’ eighth straight postseason berth, but the Lakers still had ample reason to play hard against the Rockets, given their likely preference for facing San Antonio instead of Oklahoma City, which easily ousted the Lakers in last season’s second round. Houston stayed ahead for most of the first 3 1/2 quarters with steady offense from Harden and Parsons, particularly in transition. Houston built its lead up to 11 points in the third quarter, but Los Angeles chipped away steadily in the fourth, going ahead 81-79 on Blake’s fourth 3-pointer with 6:36 to play.
Friday April 19, 2013
Kaieteur News
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition...
Silver Bullets, Coomacka United, T.L.C Russians play unbeaten Organisers of the Linden segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition have released the final points standing at the end of the round-robin phase
which ended on Saturday, at the Wisroc / Amelia’s ward Bus Park. Below is the tabulated table of the respective groups:
BRB 1st Div. 50 over KO begins on Sunday The inaugural Berbice River Bridge (BRB) first division 50-over knock-out cricket competition organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will commence on Sunday with six first round matches. A total of thirteen (13) teams, including last year’s Ramcharitar knock-out champions Young Warriors Universal DVD are down to participate. D’Edward opted out due to their involvement in earlier organised activities. Sunday’s first round fixtures: Port Mourant Karibee Rice vs Police at Port Mourant
Skeldon Community Centre vs Upper Corentyne at Skeldon Rose Hall Town Gizmos & gadgets vs Cotton Tree Die Hard at Rose Hall Town Albion Community Centre vs Bermine at Albion Edinburgh vs Blairmont Community Centre at Edinburgh Bush Lot United Rising Star vs West Berbice at Bush Lot in West Berbice Young Warriors Universal DVD drew the bye All matches are scheduled to start at 09:30hrs.
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Friday April 19, 2013
Clinical Super Kings thump Delhi In the school of Chennai Super Kings cricket, they swear by a formula. Ten times six plus ten times 10 equals a winning total on a slow pitch. The corollary is, ten times six often begets ten times ten. On Thursday, Super Kings followed that formula like front-benching geeks. They reached 60 for 1 in 10 overs, then flicked some switch one somewhere and scored 109 in the last 10 with Michael Hussey and MS Dhoni turning it on like only they can. The chase was killed by the time Virender Sehwag joined David Warner and Mahela Jayawardene back in the dugout. Delhi Daredevils have lost all of their six matches in this year’s IPL. It was an all too familiar sight with Hussey back in the side and Super Kings biding their time at the start of the match, sizing up their prey. Suresh Raina seemed to struggle to find his touch a bit, but they reached that preliminary 60 in 10 without much drama. Just like that Raina drove Umesh Yadav over cover in the 11th over, and Super Kings were on their way. In the next over, when Hussey pulled Ajit Agarkar over midwicket for a six, his strike rate finally crossed a run a ball. Despite Raina’s wicket, the five overs immediately after the 10th went for 9, 14, 11, 10 and 12. A bit of it had to do with Dhoni, who not only finally came out to bat at four, but came with the switch flicked on that told him he didn’t need to block at the start of the innings. The first ball Dhoni faced he pulled disdainfully through midwicket for four, and you knew bad things were going to happen to bowlers. And then, horror of horrors, Agarkar, one of the best fielders among Indian quicks, dropped him at long-off. Dhoni would have gone for 17 off 10 had it been taken. That was also a period when Daredevils
Michael Hussey
were trying to play games with that formula of ten times 10. That Yadav over brought only seven, and in the next over Irfan Pathan conceded just four of the first five balls. Hussey, though, drilled the last one through long-off to reopen the flood gates. He went from 24 off 27 to 65 not out off 50. And Dhoni, by the time he played a dot ball he had reached 32 off 15, and would go one to add 12 off eight more. The thing with Daredevils, though, is you can’t count them out lest one of their big three has a crazy day with the bat. Haryana quick Mohit Sharma, coming back like Hussey, put quick paid to that. First he got a bottom edge from Warner, and then had Sehwag holing out to deep midwicket. In between, Chris Morris got Jayawardene lbw. After that Dwayne Bravo kept taking changes and danced into the night. (ESPNcricinfo)
Lance Armstrong’s samples showed steroids in 1999: UCI (Reuters) - Lance Armstrong returned four samples with traces of banned corticosteroids in the 1999 Tour de France, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Wednesday, although the governing body added it did not handle them as positive tests. On Tuesday the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad published a copy of an alleged internal UCI memo which said a lawyer for the sport’s ruling body had said the American’s samples from the 1999 showed traces of corticosteroids on four occasions. Armstrong, who has been banned for life and admitted to doping his way to seven consecutive Tour titles from 1999-2005, had already admitted to using corticosteroids for a saddle sore in 1999 although he
produced a back-dated TherApeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to justify the use of a banned substance. “During the Tour, Armstrong was tested 15 times. In the four samples indicated below traces of triamcinolone, a corticosteroid, were found. No other prohibited substances were found,” the UCI said, adding that the samples in question were collected on July 4, 14, 15 and 21. The governing body said the French Ministry of Sports also ruled that no doping offence had been committed. “The samples taken during the 1999 Tour de France were analysed by the French National Anti-Doping Laboratory in ChâtenayMalabry,” the UCI said. “The French Ministry came to the conclusion that there had been no anti-
doping rule violation. In a conversation with the UCI’s Dr Schattenberg at the time, the French Ministry doctor confirmed that the presence of traces of corticosteroids found in samples taken from Armstrong was compatible with the use of a skin cream; that the use of a skin cream was accepted as proven by the French Ministry; and that there was therefore no antidoping rule violation. “If the corticosteroids had been used systemically (ie. injected or taken orally), the consecutive test results would have all been positive.” The UCI agreed and said that “both the French Ministry and the UCI Antidoping Commission found that there was conclusive evidence that no anti-doping rule violation had taken place”.
Friday April 19, 2013
GCA weekend fixtures
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he Georgetown C r i c k e t Association (GCA) Hadi’s World Inc. first-division 2-day competition continues this weekend with one match. Police will travel to Malteenoes with Hortence Isaacs and Cyril Garnath officiating. The New Building Society second-division 40over competition will commence tomorrow with four matches. Zone A GCC vs Sophia at GNIC – Umpires, Ashok Brijcoomar and Khemraj Sookdeo GNIC vs UG at UG – Umpires, Joseph Jeffery and Randolph Rose Zone B DCC vs Everest at GYO – Umpires, Shannon Crawford and Jogeshwar Goberdhan GYO vs MYO at MYO – Umpires, Linden Mathew and Surendra Oudit
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WICB announces Women T20 Tri Series with England & New Zealand St John’s, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board yesterday announced a Women Tri Series which will include the home side, England Women and New Zealand Women. The series which consists o f s e v e n Tw e n t y 2 0 Internationals will be played at the Kensington Oval in Barbados in October and will be preceded and followed by two One Day International Series scheduled for Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Prior to the T20 Tri Series, West Indies Women and New Zealand Women will contest three ODIs at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Following the Tri Series West Indies Women will host three ODIs against England Women at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago. “This Tri Series is an important component of our continued development programme for Women’s Cricket. It will allow our
Windies Women’s to compete in the two most prominent formats of women’s cricket against quality international sides,” WICB Cricket Operations Manager Roland Holder said. “It is somewhat of a coup that we were able to have such highly ranked sides as New Zealand Women and England Women tour simultaneously and it is a rare opportunity outside of world tournaments for our team which has been rising steadily to test their skills against these two formidable sides,” Holder added. “This is a very exciting series for us which will conclude our international cricket season in the Caribbean for 2013 and we look forward to creditable and, of course, winning performances from our regional side,” Holder concluded FULL SCHEDULE Windies Women v New Zealand Women ODI Series
– Sabina Park Sunday October 6 – First ODI Tuesday October 8 – Second ODI Thursday October 10 – Third ODI T20 Tri Series Windies Women/New Zealand Women/England Women – Kensington Oval Monday October 14 – West Roland Indies v New Zealand Holder Wednesday October 16 – New - WICB Zealand v England Cricket Friday October 18 – West Operations Indies v England Manager Sunday October 20 – West Indies v New Zealand Tuesday October 22 – New Zealand v England Thursday October 24 – West Indies v England Saturday October 26 – Final – Top 2 teams from preliminary round Windies Women v England Women ODI Series Queen’s Park Oval Tuesday October 29 - First ODI FridayNovember1-SecondODI Sunday Number 3 – Third ODI
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Friday April 19, 2013
Hikers inaugural Hockey Festival promises excitement T
he cream of the country’s male and female players are expected to participate in this weekend’s Hikers 7-a-side Hockey Festival which will be played, at the St. Stanislaus Ground, Carifesta Avenue. Yesterday, the club held a press briefing at Antonio’s Grille where all the details pertaining to the tournament were released by President Devin Munroe. Munroe, who was accompanied by club member Alana McCullock and Brand Manager of Stag Beer John Maikoo, in his remarks, said that the event which has the blessings of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) was planned to raise funds for the club. In giving a brief background of the club, Munroe disclosed that ever since they moved from Everest Cricket Club which
President of the Hikers Hockey Club Devin Munroe (centre), Stag Beer Brand Manager John Maikoo and club member Alana McCullock (left) pose with players who’re displaying the sponsors brand, at yesterday’s press briefing. had accommodated them previously, they’ve made steady progress and has become one of the most vibrant clubs in the country. Commenting on the Festival, the President stated that it is an innovative concept, one that is
relatively new to Guyana and fans could expect a day of exciting action, especially since all nine teams that have individual sponsors will be mixed with a balance of male and female players. He added that all the
clubs in Guyana will be represented and he is expecting a competitive Festival and one that will definitely foster camaraderie among the hockey fraternity. He urged that fans of the sport and those who’ve never witnessed the sport
come out and have a day of fun and interaction with the players. The nine teams will be divided into two groups and play in a round robin segment, before the knockout phase where the two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, before the two winners square off in the final. Each team will be required to pay an entrance fee of $1000, while the winning team collects $50,000 and runner-up $30,000. Both teams will also be given medals. Munroe extended thanks to the following entities for their support towards the Festival and they are: Stag Beer, Antonio’s Grille, Diamond Mineral Water, Colours Boutique, EMTEC, G e r m a n ’s R e s t a u r a n t , Global Technology, Jai Signs & Designs, Pepsi and
Woodpecker Products. McCullock in her remarks said the Festival presents a good opportunity for the young players to be exposed, while serving as another part of the national Ladies team preparations for their Pan Am Cup challenge slated for later this year in Argentina. Maikoo whose Company is among the main sponsors expressed delight at being on board, while reminding that they are always willing to support sports , especially when youth development is paramount. He promised future support for the Festival which according to Munroe will be an annual event. In closing, Munroe extended thanks to the Headmistress and the Board of Directors of St. Stanislaus College for their support of the club, while the role of the GHB was also recognised.
Friday April 19, 2013
Kaieteur News
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GCB responds to RHTY&SC T
he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) would like to clear the air on the allegations made by Mr. Hilbert Foster regarding permission for a Twenty20 cricket competition he dubs “Champion of Champions”. Following is the full text of the GCB’s press release. “On Friday 5th April 2013 Mr. Hilbert Foster, the PRO and head of the BCB Special Events Committee launched his club’s (Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club) T20 tournament without the requisite permission. This launching was brought to the attention of the relevant authorities through various newspaper articles. Mr. Hilbert Foster then wrote to the WICB on the April 9th 2013, copying the GCB (application provided), seeking permission for the staging of his cricket tournament, days
Ansa McAl Senior Easter Squash Tourney...
Khalil, deGroot & Downes ease to wins on night one
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he Guyana S q u a s h Association (GSA) served off the Ansa McAl sponsored Senior Easter tournament on Wednesday evening with Ashley Khalil, Allan Downes and Ashley deGroot securing dominant wins in their respective encounters at the Georgetown Club Squash facility. The 20-year-old Khalil, who will be competing in both the male and female categories of the competition, comfortably claimed her first win of the tournament against former junior national team campaigner Alysa Xavier. Xavier, who is currently a national hockey player had no problem running after shots but Khalil’s superior shot selection trumped X a v i e r ’s m o b i l i t y. C o n s e q u e n t l y, K h a l i l prevailed in straight games 11/4, 11/2, 11/4. Ashley deGroot was businesslike against emerging junior campaigner Taylor Fernandes during her straight sets victory 11/5, 11/0, 11/1. Allan Downes overcame Matthew Phang in straight games 11/2, 11/7, 11/4 while Alec Melville defeated Avinash Odit 11/7, 11/6, 6/11, 11/3 and Medhi Ramdhani also eased past Alexander Cheeks 11/3, 11/3, 11/6. Other top athletes that will be in competition during this competition include Reagan Pollard, Nicholas Narain, Jason Ray Khalil,
Ashley Khalil
Ashley deGroot Steven Xavier, and Nyron Joseph. Wednesday night’s results: Ashley Khalil defeated Alysa Xavier 11/4, 11/2, 11/4 Ashley deGroot beat Taylor Fernandes 11/5, 11/0, 11/1 Alec Melville got past Avinash Odit 11/7, 11/6, 6/11, 11/3 Medhi Ramdhani took care of Alexander Cheeks 11/3, 11/3, 11/6 Allan Downes thumped Matthew Phang 11/2, 11/7, 11/4
after officially launching same. Mr. Hilbert Foster never sought permission from the GCB for his cricket tournament. In fact, it was the WICB that requested the GCB to indicate if there existed any “issues” before the application can be “processed”. Obviously, the GCB indicated to the WICB what those issues were and the WICB remains the sole authority to grant permission for any cricket not on our pre-approved list. The GCB has been inundated with requests from individuals, clubs, private groups and corporate entities for permission to stage T20 cricket tournaments. We advise all interested parties to visit the WICB website at windiescricket.com and click on “rules and regulation” then on “approved cricket”, this site will provide a guide of the list of approved cricket and also the procedure to apply for
permission to stage any cricket competition not listed. This site also provides guidance on penalties for participating in disapproved cricket. Most recently, in another case of delinquency, the BCB has engaged in facilitating an event in May that does not have the required approval. All players, officials, clubs and members of the GCB are reminded of their obligations to abide with the rules and regulations that govern our sport. The GCB reiterates that while we are willing to work closely with our members, clubs, individuals and the corporate sector, this must be done with strict adherence to the pre-approved rules and regulations. We will not allow anyone to exploit our cricketers, or the systems we have in place, for personal gains or to the detriment of the very product we were tasked to protect and develop”.
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Linden Secondary Schools U-19 Basketball C/ships...
‘Multi’ embarrass LFS; LTI secure first win
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he Christianburg/ W i s m a r Multilateral S c h o o l embarrassed Linden Foundation Secondary (LFS), recording another blowout win while defending champs, Linden Technical Institute (LTI) secured their first win against New Silvercity Secondary. Multi thrashed LFS 8810 while LTI beat New Silvercity 29-25 on Wednesday when the Linden Secondary Schools Under1 9 B a s k e t b a l l Championships continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Hard Court. Engineering the victory f o r t h e C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r Secondary were Terron Welch who had a top score of 38 points while Travin Dryden accounted for 22
Alleyne hammers 99 as CCC neutralises Red Force by 140 runs
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Travin Dryden points and Afernee Deally 10 points for the winners who led 40-4 at halftime. In the other game, Marlon Alexander led LTI with a top score of 16 points while Keison Butters had 12 points for New Silvercity Secondary. The tournament continued yesterday afternoon with two more games MSC Hard Court.
Friday April 19, 2013
ombined Colleges and Colleges (CCC) hammered Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by 140 runs to win the first semi final of the Regional Super 50 competition last evening at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The defending champions lost the toss to their lesser known opponents CCC; the latter decided to take first strike and were led to a competitive 232-7 from their 50 overs guided by a well played 99 from the bat of opener Anthony Alleyne who featured in an opening stand of 45 with Chadwick Walton who was the first to go for 25 (4x4) off 21 balls. Alleyne, who was the sixth batsman to fall with the score on 215 in the 47th over, went lbw to spinner Sherwin Ganga just one short of what would have been a well deserved hundred. But he had already laid a solid foundation for his side with a well composed innings that was decoradted with eight fours from 139 balls.
Nekoli Parris backed up with 43 (3x4, 1x6), Raymond Reifer 16 (1x4) not out and Kyle Corbin 14. Yannick Ottley was the pick of the bowlers for the Red Force with 3-37 from 10 overs while Imran Khan took 2-37 from 10 and Sherwin Ganga 2-39 from 9.5 overs. The score was always going to be a challenge for the Twin Island Republic team and they did not make a good showing at all as they were sent packing for a disappointing 92 in 31.2 overs in reply, to lose by a massive 140 runs. Rayad Emrit 23 (3x4), Jason Mohammed 14 and Sherwin Ganga 11 were the only batsmen to reach double figures as Kesrick Williams snared 316 from 7 overs while Raymond Reifer claimed 2-11 from 5 overs and Akeem Dewar 2-14 from 5.2 overs. CCC will now play the winner of the second semi final which will be played today between Jamaica and the Windward Islands.
1ST SEMI-FINAL
Anthony Alleyne
Friday April 19, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Heated words, verbal exchanges as ‘Firestorm’ encircles G/Town By Michael Benjamin It’s ‘Firestorm’ and the heat will be unbearable! The Princess Hotel, Providence EBD is the place; Guyanese, Clive Atwell and Howard Eastman, Venezuelan, Raphael Hernandez and Jamaican, Sakima Mullings are the main principals who will be required to take off their shirts, flex their muscles and unsheathe their weapons when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) presents a 5 fight card, dubbed ‘Firestorm’ at the Princess Hotel, Providence EBD, tomorrow evening. Mullings and Hernandez touched down at the Cheddie Jagan International Airport, Timerhi early yesterday morning and both spewed confidence of winning their respective bouts. Mullings is accompanied by Wayne Sharpe, the Coach that accompanied Rudolph Hedge when he fought Elton Dharry in February last and he has spouted similar confidence in his charge. Mr. Sharpe labeled Eastman ‘an old man who should have retired ages ago’ and promised that his fighter will perform the last rites. Mullings was also in an upbeat mood and exuded confidence in winning the fight. Should he come good on his boast, he is guaranteed the World Boxing Council Caribbean Boxing Federation (WBACABOFE)s and the World Boxing Association Fede Caribe (WBAFEDCAR) Welterweight belts. Eastman is a veteran of the sport and despite an adverse prognosis by the naysayer he has always delivered action packed contests. Noted for his popular phrase, “Anything that pops up will be popped down,” Eastman enters the ring with a wealth of knowledge and experience against a much younger and inexperienced foe. Mullings is also an academic with a B a c h e l o r ’s d e g r e e i n B u s i n e s s Administration with a concentration in Finance, an accolade he procured from the State University of New York. Yesterday morning, he confirmed that he has postponed his advancement in his academic life to concentrate on his boxing career. He said that he is ready to win the bout and has prepared thoroughly and cannot imagine losing the bout. Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Jamaican, Denise Dennis, Career & Education Staff Reporter, Mullings described boxing as a business at the top level than a sport. He remains adamant that even though some fighters possess immense potential he could be the victim of circumstances where he would not get the lucrative bouts. He is out to prove that his ability can finally see him clinching a top spot in the sport. “My coach always tells me, that a boxer can’t be denied if he continues to win; the top guys could only go around you for so long.” He believes that the Eastman might just epitomize this view. Hernandez is a lanky fighter who appears to have a propensity to jab. He has shifted operations to the Gleason’s Boxing Gym, Brooklyn NY for what he termed an opportunity to improve on his repertoire. Interestingly, it was a peek at Atwell’s ability that convinced Hernandez that he needed to train among some of the best in the sport hence his decision to shift operations to the
USA. Yesterday morning, moments after he had deplaned, this reporter requested a prediction. “Yo voy a ganar esta pelea,” (I’ll win this fight) he said matter of factly. The Venezuelan is accompanied by a power team that includes trainer, Raphael Liando, Promoter, Robert Díaz, Cornerman, Chris Pinto and Director of Operations, Ray Cambell. Hernandez is not interested in outlandish predictions; he just knows that he will win. Naturally, Team Hernandez is confident that their man will win the titles at stake. Hernandez stripped off his shirt in December 2003 during which time Atwell was still plying his trade as an amateur boxer. Hernandez had a good start to his professional career reeling off 3 victories before he fought his countryman Joel Romero in a fight that ended in a no contest. He then lost to Jaider Parra but rebounded with 4 wins (3 by knockouts). Hernandez then surrendered a bout to Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym of Thailand but has registered knockout victories in his last two outings; he defeated Columbian fighters, Jose Zuniga (KO 1) and Jelier Pacheco (KO 1). He is a reticent fellow and the only indication of his ability is his cool confident demeanor which seems to hide a turbulent fury. Hernandez, a native of Elorza, Apure Venezuela, has won 15 fights with 13 of them ending inside the distance. He has lost 3 bouts while 2 ended in drawn decisions. After boxing for 98 rounds, the Venezuelan boasts a knockout ratio of 61.9%. Atwell is perhaps the most complete local boxer; he packs a punch, possesses extraordinary skill, knows what he wants and most importantly, is bent on getting it. He will best be remembered for his crunching knockout of Rudolph Fraser for the local Featherweight belt followed by a stunning replication of that feat over Revlon Lake. That fight had earned him the local Lightweight belt. Atwell’s most significant victory was a brutal whipping of Trinidadian, Prince Lee Isadore which earned him the WBC CABOFE Junior Welterweight belt. The beating was so brutal that afterwards Isadore slumped to the canvass and emptied his bowels and had to be attended to by the medical team. When asked for a prediction yesterday afternoon, Atwell simply retorted, “Atwell all the way.” A victory would net Atwell the WBC CABOFE Featherweight title but most importantly a lucrative spot in the World rankings and a possible title fight in the near future. Atwell has a record of 9 fights and his only blemish is a drawn decision against his countryman, Mark Austin. He has boxed 38 rounds with a knockout ratio of 50%. Atwell has patrolled several divisions including Bantamweight, Featherweight and Lightweight and has defeated all comers. What is indeed meritorious is that Atwell had climbed to the lightweight division after campaigning in the featherweight division and brutally knocked out the more seasoned Revlon Lake. Then there is the highly anticipated bout between Mark Austin and the undefeated Gladwin Dorway for the local the local
Welterweight belt. The pundits are already saying that this bout is the unofficial main attraction. Dorway has had a dream start to his professional career knocking out all 5 of his opponents. Austin has had fluctuating fortunes losing out to Simeon Hardy, Barbadian Miguel Antoine and Revlon Lake before retracting for introspection. He has since resumed his career on a winning note but the real test to his much touted recuperation will lie in tomorrow night’s performance. Elton ‘The Bully’ Dharry was scheduled to put his Bantamweight title on the line against Hewley Robinson in a 12 rounds scrap but the latter boxer sustained a serious shoulder injury which has since ruled him out. The dependable Orlan ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers has stepped up to the plate and will oppose ‘The Bully’ tonight. . Maybe the fight, or should that be the fighter, that has created the most interest is the Super/Middleweight bout between Syrian boxer, Mahmood ‘The Extractor’ Loul and Berbician, Derick Richmond. The former pugilist, a former kick boxer, has had a dream start to his boxing career with a crushing first round knockout of
Sakima Mullings
Patrick Boston. He has since promised to replicate that feat and his training sessions certainly endorse his ambitions. On the other hand, Richmond has shrugged off Mahmood’s dreams as just that and promised to take the bout ‘by any means necessary.’ So there has been a lot of talking—as usual—as the boxers prime up for tomorrow night’s spectacle. Make no bones about it, this is a brutal card and the organizers will do well to have the medical practitioners and the ambulance at the ready. After all, its ‘firestorm’ and someone might just get burned.
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Kaieteur News
Rising Sun Turf Club Fund Raising Meet on April 28
P
lans are well underway for the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) Fund Raising Horserace Meet which will be held in collaboration with the Hard Running’s Promotion and Trucking Service. The date is Sunday April 28 at the RSTC located at Arima Park, West Coast of Berbice. Eight races are scheduled for the day with over $6.5M in prize monies, trophies and other goodies up for the taking. Among the events carded are for C & Lower, E & D Maidens and Lower, the 3 year-old Classic for horses born and bred in the Guyana and the West Indies, the F Class contest along with races for G, G3 & Lower thoroughbreds.
The C Class event over 1400M will see the horses competing for a first prize of $700,000. Three year Guyana and West Indies Bred animals will be battling for a top prize of $400,000 over 1400M. There is the newly introduced event for horses classified E, D & Lower and Maiden animals which would not have won a race in Guyana; this event has at stake a top prize of $400,000 and will be run over a distance of 1100M. Attractive cash incentives are also at stake in the F & Lower; G Class; G3 & Lower, all over a distance of 1400M. Turfties competing in the ‘I’ Class race will stride over a distance of 1100M as will those in the J Class.
Wi t h s o m u c h o n o ff e r a scintillating and action pack day of racing is anticipated. The top individual performers will be rewarded by Mr. Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. Interested persons can contact Mr. Fazal Habibulla (232 0232, 657 7010), Inshanally Habibulla (623 4495, 232 3295), Donald or Zaleena Lawrie (225 4530, 225 4565) for further details. This Meet will be governed by the rules of the Rising Sun Turf Club with galloping time set for 12:30hrs. Patrons are encouraged to come out early as the event will start on time; Medical facilities will be on hand as has been the norm.
Friday April 19, 2013
GCB/Limacol Cup Inter-County U-15...
Demerara crush Essequibo; Berbice draw with Pres. XI By Zaheer Mohamed Demerara crushed Essequibo by an innings and 23 runs while Berbice managed to hold on for a draw against the GCB President’s XI when the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board Limacol Under-15 Inter County two-day competition ended yesterday. At the Wales Community Centre Ground, Essequibo’s fragile batting crumbled again as they were bowled out for 64 in their second innings following the meager 60 they totaled in their first innings. Their combined innings total was 23 runs short of Demerara’s first innings (149 - 9) of which Ronaldo Mohamed, Stephan Campbell, and Joel McAlister contributed 35, 29 and 22 respectively. Mark Williams was the only Essequibian to reach double figures with 30; Spinner Sagar Hathairamani continued to trouble the batsmen, snaring 4 for 9 off 6.3 overs. He was well complimented by Timothy McAlmont and Ronaldo Mohamed who captured two wickets each. Mark Williams top scored in Essequibo’s first innings with 16 while Randy Ruplall made 15 as left arm spinner Ashmead Nedd captured three wickets from 9.4 overs, and Sagar Hathairamani claimed 2-18 from eight overs. D e m e r a r a ’s Vi c e Captain, Ronaldo Mohamed, was adjudged Man-of-thematch for his fine all-round performance. At the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, defending champions, Berbice, managed to hang on for a draw in their match against the GCB President’s XI. Resuming the day on 681 from 27 overs, the President’s XI finished on 152-9 from their allocation of 60 overs giving Berbice 126 to chase. Raymond Perez stroked an attractive 59 (5x4) in 110 minutes off 72 balls and
Richie Lucknauth supported with 21; left arm spinner Joel Seetaram bagged 5-43 from 22 overs. In their chase, Berbice never got a significant partnership and were shakily placed at 84-9 at one stage, but the last wicket pair of Matthew Deonarine (11) and Steve Deonarine (01) batted out the remaining 08 overs to save the game, reaching 91-9 in 60 overs. Filton Crandon and Joel Seetaram were the only other batsmen to reach double figures with 27 and 13 respectively. Man-of-the-match, Richie Lucknauth, was the star with the ball returning figures of 6 for 33 from 25 overs while Kheshram Seyhodan took 2-11 from 12 overs. Meanwhile, in their first innings, the President’s XI batted first and were given a solid start of 53 by Raymond Perez and Darshan Persaud but when Perez was run out for 39 the rest of the batting crumbled and they were eventually bowled out for 99 in 31.5 overs. Perez faced 55 balls and stroked three fours in his innings, while his opening partner Darshan Persaud made 17. In the bowling department, Joshua Gobin grabbed 3 for 22 from eight overs and Sylus Tyndall 2 for 21. In reply, Berbice reached 125-9 in their allotted 44 overs. Opener Adrian Suloway slammed an attractive 42 which included four boundaries. Joshua Harrichand 14, Joel Seetaram 12 and Matthew 11 were the other batsmen that made it into double figures as Richie Lucknauth, Vickram Talmakund and Asif Ally captured two wickets each. The final Round will be played from tomorrow and conclude on Sunday when the two top teams, Berbice and Demerara clash at GCC while GCB President’s XI will meet Essequibo at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground. Matches starts at 10:00hrs daily.
Friday April 19, 2013
Kaieteur News
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t r o Sp GCB/ Limacol Cup InterCounty Under-15...
Demerara crush Essequibo; Berbice draw with Pres. XI
Raymond Perez
Richie Loaknauth
Joel Seetaram
Heated words, verbal exchanges as ‘Firestorm’ encircles G/Town
What’s inside
Linden Secondary Schools U-19 Basketball C/ships
*****
Ansa McAl Senior Easter Squash Tourney
*****
Hernandez (2nd right) poses with his power team just after he had deplaned. Others in photo are Chris Pinto (left), Raphael Liando (extreme right), Ray Campbell (3rd left), Robert Diaz, (4th left) and Raphael Liando (extreme right).
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Hikers inaugural Hockey Festival promises excitement Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210