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April 24, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 17 - Price $80
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Drug deal goes sour ...
Pg 3
Kidnapped victim rescued, cop among four arrested - victim had paid for drugs with copper instead of gold
Kidnap victim Paul Kirton (right) and one of his abductors watch as a police rank searches the car that was used in the crime.
Schoolboy lied about Battered woman rescued being sodomised by cop by neighbour steals TV Pg 3
Pg 17
HSDU says no discrepancy in purchase of hydroclave but ...
$240M facility
Pg 2
now costs $207M
Page 02
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
HSDU says no discrepancy in purchase of hydroclave but ...
$240M facility
now costs $207M T
he Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU) is contending that there is no discrepancy in the cost of the Georgetown Public Hospital's (GPHC's) hydroclave system which was approved by the World Bank and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB - Guyana). Executive Director of the Unit, Keith Burrowes, in a statement, said that the figures are consistent with costs provided by the named supplier – Johs GramsHanssen A/S of Denmark. That company put in a bid of US$949,579. The rejected tender was put in by SEEN Environment of Martinique at US$970,347. On September 29, 2008 notifications of award were sent to both companies. However, SEEN Environment did not respond
to the invitation. As a result the bid went to Johs GramsHanssen with an additional amount of US$36,972 which was approved by Cabinet on March 17, 2009 after the World Bank on February 20, 2009 respectively. The total amount which also included an additional G$15 million subsequently given to GPHC to complete the project (including a shed to accommodate the hydroclave system) added up to US$1,023,836, or $206,814,958, according to Mr. Keith Burrowes. The equipment in question was procured in 2008 through the World Bank-funded HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project, based on clearlyspecified technical criteria. This included one steam autoclave with accessories, a shredder, one compactor and a vehicle and Installation and Commissioning of the
AutoClave. Kaieteur News had sought a quote for a similar piece of equipment. However, Burrowes said that costs related to 'certification' and 'spares' were not included in the quote submitted to HSDU and there were greater and lesser prices quoted for specific items. Additionally, he said a total of $15M was given to the hospital to facilitate works related to the construction and installation of the said equipment He said that tenders were advertised both locally and overseas and saw the receipt of two of the seven potential bidders. GPHC's Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan, had said initially that the Hydroclave facility and waste collection truck cost a whopping $300M (US$1.5M). He was responding to
queries on the project. This figure was supported by Burrowes. However, both men later said that their figure was an estimate. When GPHC issued its first statement it distanced itself from the purchasing of the Hydroclave System and waste collection truck. The hospital had disclosed that the bid by the company awarded the contract for the truck and complete Hydroclave system was US$949,579, which left an unexplained sum of US$250,421 from the total which Burrowes had told to Kaieteur News. Over the weekend, Mr Burrowes provided details of the project, including the $15 million given to GPHC to help construct a shed. Since then Burrowes has recanted his statement on the amount of money spent on the Hydroclave. He said that the project stemmed from a
US$10 million grant for Guyana's HIV programme. A special appeal was made to the World Bank. In the end, the installation was done by the Georgetown Public Hospital. Khan later adjusted the figure he had initially provided. According to the Chief Executive Officer, the $60M he quoted at the outset was actually $21M. Khan insisted that there was no intent by the hospital to mislead or misrepresent the facts involved in the Hydroclave waste disposal matter. Khan for the first time, then said that $15M was provided by the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU), an arm of the Ministry of Health. This was for the construction of the Hydroclave holding facility. The hospital maintained that the actual procurement of the Hydroclave system was handled by HSDU. “The actual total cost for the completion of works to the facility was close to $21M, the difference (of approximately $6M) was
funded by the Government of Guyana. “The cost of the facility was inaccurately quoted as $60M during a telephone interview with a Kaieteur News reporter. The CEO, without reservations, admits to having misquoted the cost to have the facility constructed… giving a figure of G$60M, with the figure of $16M in mind… “It is also noteworthy that the reporter was informed that the information being provided to her was in fact not concrete but an approximation,” GPHC said in the statement. After sending the contract to SEEN Environment and several reminders, a decision was taken to terminate this company's contract on January 22, 2009 for nonsignature of the said contract. As a result of this termination and given the fact that they were only two bidders, the number one tender was recommended to be awarded the contract for the supply and delivery of all of the items required.
Repairs to Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling commence today - T&HD Head of Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Marclene Merchant, has announced that rehabilitation works to the deplorable Vreed-enHoop Stelling are expected to begin today. According to Merchant, works were expected to commence over the weekend but were delayed owing to unforeseen circumstances. In fact, the Department had commenced mobilizing resources last week. The project would see repairs to the wooden staircase and pier. This announcement comes few days after the Demerara Speedboat Association, Vice President, L a n c e l o t M o s l e y, a n d
passengers made a public outcry for urgent repairs to the structure. Mosley had stated that the steps leading from the landing to the boats have been in a dreadful state for years and nothing is being done despite numerous complaints. He expressed fears that the rotting and unstable structure may even collapse, resulting in fatalities. Contrary to his claims, Merchant stressed that the Department carries out rehabilitative works to the structure at least twice yearly. H o w e v e r, m o o r a g e o f speedboats against the steps and not alongside the structure defeats repair works.
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
Drug deal goes sour ...
Kidnapped victim rescued, cop among four arrested - Victim had paid for drugs with copper instead of gold Excellent work by members of a police mobile patrol last evening resulted in the rescue of a Berbice man who was abducted yesterday morning in the Ancient County and held in a house at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Paul Kirton, 28, must have been extremely elated to see the police after hours of being held against his will by four men and a woman. Four of the abductors, including a policeman have been arrested, while the search is on for the other one who made good his escape shortly before the police confronted the gang. The woman professed innocence, telling investigators that she just happened to be the owner of
the house where the abducted man was taken unknown to her. But police are not buying her story, since they are convinced that she had knowledge of the plot. The entire incident stemmed from a drug deal that went sour. Kirton told investigators that he and a business partner had purchased some marijuana from two of the suspects and had paid them with raw gold. It turned out that what he claimed was raw gold was in fact copper. This angered the marijuana suppliers who later contacted him and threatened to kill him if he did not come up with the real payment for the herb they had supplied.
But before Kirton could make a move, the drug dealers, including the policeman, swooped down on his Berbice hideout and grabbed him. He told police that he was handcuffed by the policeman and bundled into a car which headed to the city. He claimed that throughout the journey to the city the men kept threatening to kill him and he had to “burst his brains” to find a way out of the situation. When he reached the city his hopes shot up when he spotted a mobile police patrol in front of the car that he was in and he tried to attract their attention. However, his abductors sensing danger placed a
Schoolboy lied about being sodomised by cop Investigations into the allegations of a schoolboy that he was sodomised by a policeman while staying at his home have taken an about turn, after it was discovered that the story was nothing but a fabrication. The boy reportedly recanted his story after two medical examinations revealed that he was never molested after all. The 13-year old boy was found on Saturday morning in the Cop’s East Coast Demerara house by ranks attached to the Cove and John Police Station after they received word that the boy had been held there for two days. When questioned by investigators, the lad gave what has now been established as a well rehearsed scenario, of how he was sodomised twice by his boarder. He described how on
Thursday last he got into minor trouble at his school, and fearing that he would be scolded by his grandmother, with whom he lives, sought refuge at the home of the policeman. The policeman who lives alone willingly obliged. The teenager told police that his first sexual encounter with the policeman occurred at 01:00 hour on Friday and this was allegedly repeated yesterday around 05:00 hours. Following the teen’s allegations last Friday, the Lance Corporal who is stationed on the East Coast of Demerara was placed under close arrest although he vehemently denied molesting the youth. An initial medical examination was done at the Mahaicony Hospital on Saturday night and it revealed that the teen was not sexually molested.
Investigators were not satisfied and sent the teen for another medical examination which also came back negative. Faced with overwhelming evidence that he was lying, the teen finally confessed that while he had spent two days at the cop’s home, he had lied about the sexual assault. Kaieteur News understands that the schoolboy had developed a relationship with the policeman in question after he was previously arrested for wandering. Up to late last night this newspaper was unable to ascertain if the policeman was released. The new revelation of sexual abuse had threatened to plunge the Police Force further into crisis, following the much publicised rape scandal that forced Henry Greene out of the office of Commissioner of Police.
black bag over his head and forced him down to the floor of the car. The ranks on patrol indicated that they had noticed the car with the suspicious looking men but they did not intercept it since they had recognised one of their own inside. Kirton’s hopes faded as the police patrol sped away and he resorted to promising his abductors to get their money. He was allowed to contact his business partner to arrange for the money to be delivered. It was a tactical mistake by the abductors. Kirton’s partner probably sensed that he was in trouble, and arranged with the abductors to make the delivery on Mandela Avenue. Meanwhile, the abductors decided to stash Kirton at the Eccles house under the watchful eyes of one of their accomplices and his wife, while they waited at the prearranged spot for the money. Sure enough, Kirton’s partner turned up but with the police in tow. As soon as he made physical contact with the abductors, the police moved and held up the abductors. After some roughing up, they were directed to the Eccles house where Kirton was being held. Surrounding the property, they were able to rescue Kirton without any resistance. All of the suspects were rounded up and taken to the Brickdam Police Station where they remain. The woman was a guest at East La Penitence.
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Police still seek clues in Mahaica truck driver murder Police are still searching for further evidence in the murder of Mahaica truck driver, Jadesh Dass, whose body was discovered lying in some bushes along the Mahaica New Road with what turned out to be a gunshot wound to the head, early last week Tuesday. Investigators had detained three men, including Dass’s employer, but after a day of questioning they released them on $100,000 bail each. This was after the men through their attorney moved to the High Court to secure their liberty. Dass, according to a post mortem report, had been shot twice in the head after he had stopped his truck on the desolate roadway in the wee hours of the morning. At the time he was headed for the Soesdyke/Linden Highway sandpits. Police had arrested the suspects after reports of a triangular love affair involving Dass and one of the men’s wives were circulated. However, investigators have gotten no further than those reports after questioning the suspects. This newspaper was told that following the disclosure that Dass was shot, detectives swabbed the hands of the suspects for any gunpowder residue. The results of the swabs are still being awaited. From all appearances Dass, of Chelsea Park, Mahaica, was forced to stop his truck on the dark and
Murdered truck driver Jadesh Dass lonely carriageway by his killers who then murdered him before dumping his body on the nearby parapet close to the trench that runs parallel to the road. Such was the brutality of the attack on Dass that pieces of his skull were left at the spot where his body lay. Investigators have ruled out robbery as a motive since the cash that Dass was carrying was still intact. Reports reaching this newspaper stated that another truck driver had noticed Dass’s truck parked in a dark section of the road, with the hazard lights on. At first the other driver thought that Dass had been tending to a call of nature in the nearby bushes and he stopped to ensure that that was the case. However, after calling out for Dass and getting no answer, he became suspicious (continued on page 8)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Letters... Where your views make the 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
The law is being ignored Henry Greene has been at the centre of calls for him to be charged with rape. The proponents of the charge insisted that he abused his office because he preyed on a woman who had gone to him for help. They had earlier said that they were convinced that he had raped the woman, in keeping with her statements to the press and later, to the police. The Director of Public Prosecutions actually recommended charges but these were challenged. In the end the Chief Justice ruled that the charges were irrational. The DPP had said that she took into consideration the various statements, including the statement signed jointly by the Jamaican Constabulary and Crime Chief Seelal Persaud. If indeed that was the case then the DPP failed to heed a comment in the very report that suggested that the action of the complainant was questionable. However, sometimes noise drowns out many things that should be in the public glare. The noise drowned out that the woman did approach the Police Commissioner to get him to pervert the course of justice. That in itself is a criminal offence. The Commissioner should have arrested the woman instead of seizing the opportunity to indulge in sex. What is of interest is that none of the people who clamour for the rape charge has even attempted to focus on the fact that the woman undertook a criminal act. Yet, given the nature of the society, the protesting public would have been incensed had lawyers for the commissioner placed the woman’s integrity on trial. There is another thing that the public seems to have caused the DPP to ignore, at least for the time being. Everything emanated from an investigation into an allegation of extortion. The woman at the centre of the Henry Greene affair had reportedly attempted to blackmail a woman whom she recorded having sex with her husband. It is this that caused the police to take possession of the cellular phone that the woman allegedly used to record the subject of the extortion. It is this phone that caused the woman to approach the Commissioner with a view to having him recover the instrument. We must now wonder whether all that has transpired were not intended to detract from the original incident that sparked everything that was to follow, including the retirement of the commissioner. That particular criminal matter still stands but there seems to be no move at prosecution. It is as if the law has taken second place to emotion. If that is the case the woman can now move to the courts to sue for deprivation of property contrary to the constitution. She can argue that the state discriminated against her. We are certain that any other in that situation would have been charged. There was a similar happening when a Minister of Local Government struck down a policeman on the road and drove away. He was never charged and the policeman remains crippled. This same Minister discharged his firearm and again escaped prosecution. But we know of many others who were prosecuted even as they discharged their licenced firearm to either defend themselves or to protect their property. It is customary for the law to favour the wealthy against the poor but in many other countries where all are equal before the law none can claim special privileges. Guyana is certainly not one that can deny that it grants special privileges to certain people. The woman at the centre of the Henry Greene issue certainly enjoyed special privileges. The Police Commissioner has retired. He is now a private citizen to be treated as such under the law although we fail to see any change in the legal position regardless of appeals. What we expect would be a ruling on the failure of the police or the DPP to charge for extortion. There is evidence that there was an attempt to blackmail. The woman in the Greene affair has said as much in statements to the police and later to the foreign investigators.
Influential public institutions should be even-handed in their criticisms DEAR EDITOR, I had decided not to say anything public about the appalling, though not surprising, politics of the APNU and the AFC over the last few days. But I changed my mind when I read Stabroek News’ April 23, 2012 editorial (APNU’s deals with the government). The editorial waded into APNU for secretly meeting with the PPP government without the AFC. According to the Stabroek News: “No matter how it is parsed or spun, APNU’s deal-making last week with the PPP/C government will be seen as a continuation of the historic engagement of the duopoly that has bestridden the political landscape for the last 55 years or so and which has left the country wallowing in the backwaters of development and deeply divided.” But it is this statement that caught my attention: “Further, it has `tied bundle’ with a notoriously untrustworthy dialogue partner in the PPP/C whose recalcitrance, prevarication and backsliding have been well established particularly in the last decade. The failed Jagdeo-Hoyte and the Jagdeo-Corbin talks are a stark testament to the failure of our politicians at the highest levels.” But this is the same Stabroek News which editorialized on December 16 (Constructive Dialogue) with the following words: “So, we need our politicians, supported and encouraged by civil society, to be at their most reasonable and adaptable in the coming days, weeks and months, if we are to avoid the added stress of an early election. We need them to engage in constructive dialogue, to make deals, as the only practical, political strategy, if all Guyana is to win something out of the realignment of forces in Parliament. Obviously, for this to happen, the political will must exist on all sides to move the country forward.” (SN: December 16, 2011). It is clear from the above that Stabroek News is speaking with a forked tongue. On December 16 it tells the opposition to make deals. Then on April 23, it berates APNU for making deals. What is Stabroek News up to? The gist of the April 23 editorial is the paper’s anger at APNU for not supporting the AFC’s proposal to make cuts in the budget and for talking to the government behind the back of the AFC. It is Stabroek News’ right
to support the AFC and champion its cause, as it has done since that party’s formation. But it also has a right, as an influential public institution, to be evenhanded in its criticisms. Stabroek News is right to criticize the APNU for making deals with the government. But it must also acknowledge that it was wrong when it suggested to the opposition on December 16 to make deals with the government. Stabroek News blames APNU for spoiling relations with the AFC. According to Stabroek News “Just months after the elections, APNU has managed to undermine whatever solidarity existed with the AFC” (SN: December 16, 2011). Stabroek News cannot be serious. Both parties are to be equally blamed on that score. In fact, there was never any solidarity in the first place. The AFC accepted the results of the elections without any consultation with the APNU. Stabroek News attacks APNU for making deals on the budget without the knowledge of the AFC, but remained silent when the AFC attempted to make deals with the government, initially without the knowledge of APNU, on the Speakership of the parliament. When the AFC abstained on the vote on Financial Paper
Number 8, Stabroek News did not write an editorial criticizing that party. What double standards! Stabroek News also correctly warns APNU that “Whatever epiphany APNU conjured up of the Ramotar administration, it has embarked upon a course that will lead to harsh judgements from its constituency and other stakeholders if expected radical reforms aren’t evident in reasonable time. The majority which voted against the PPP/C’s record would have done so for many reasons foremost among which would have been the twisted governance, corruption, shady deals, a stagnant economy and the enriching of a select few while poverty remains insidious in parts of the country.” (SN: April 23, 2012). Very good, Stabroek News, for taking into consideration the views and feelings of APNU’s constituency. But when some of us attempted to rally that constituency immediately after the elections by taking to the streets and expressing no-confidence in the PPP to govern alone, you shouted at us to get off the streets and urged that we instead enter into dialogue and make deals with PPP. This is what Stabroek News wrote in part in a December 11 editorial (A Bad
Week): “So what are their supporters doing on the streets, when they know what the reality is, and when all that will happen is that they damage their party’s longterm chances of improving on their result? Street action is quite simply a cul-de-sac….In addition, some of the WPA leaders along with one or two ex-military men of the PNC are talking in very militant terms at a time when negotiating skills are at a premium.” (SN: December 11, 2011). As one of the WPA leaders to which the editorial refers, I can say that what we saw in December is what Stabroek News now acknowledges. We knew then that anything short of a political solution would leave APNU and the AFC with little political space and invariably lead to deal-making. We preferred negotiations accompanied by street action to push for a political settlement rather than the negotiations and deal-making outside of a political solution, which Stabroek News advised. But Stabroek condemned us: “And contrary to what they or the WPA might be tempted to think, a national unity government cannot be imposed by force or threats or demonstrations; it is a contradiction in terms and a (Continued on page 7)
What is the delay in implementing the new rules and other measures? DEAR EDITOR, I read with amazement in last week Monday’s issue of the Kaieteur News that 6,000 cases are pending, and several reasons were given for the inordinate delay. It is very embarrassing at this age - after nearly 46 years of independence and more than four decades as a Republic - that the country still has outdated laws. It is unbelievable that the 1955 Rules are still in effect and the small OECS states have their CPR (Civil Procedure Rules) for more than a decade. And it is because of the existing rules, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said that he cannot appeal the decision given by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang barring the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from instituting rape charges against Commissioner of Police Henry Greene. However, one of the country’s leading attorneys, Nigel Hughes, disagrees, and has volunteered his services to take the issue to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Nandlall, in a written opinion to the DPP, said that there are case laws which prohibit an appeal of Chang’s ruling, and one of the cases he cited is Zaman Ali v DPP, and pointed out that it was an application arising out of a criminal matter. He explained that legislation has been passed to remove the barrier, but there must be a Ministerial Order before it is enforceable, but the Order cannot be signed unless the new Rules of the High Court are promulgated. The responsibility of drafting the new Rules resides in the Rules Committee which
is being chaired by the Chancellor. Attorney General Nandlall outlined the reasons for the backlog, but he has failed to say what is being done by the government to remove the barriers. He stated that the laws need to be amended to see the appointment of new judges. He agrees that there is need to increase the complement of judges, so what is the delay in doing so? He also spoke of the need to abolish preliminary inquiry in criminal cases. This was being done in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court a long time ago and one wonders why a big country like Guyana is so backward. The Judicial arm of government is a very important one, but unfortunately it seems as if it is being treated like a step child. The leaders should place more emphasis on the judiciary, because without proper law and order, there would be chaos. Imagine the Head of the Judiciary, the Chancellor, and the Chief Justice, have been acting for more than five years, because the Constitution has been amended for the Leader of the Opposition to agree to the appointment, instead of being consulted. Former Opposition leader, Robert Corbin, did not agree to both Carl Singh and Ian Chang being appointed Chancellor and Chief Justice, respectively, so they have been acting in those high judicial offices. I wonder if the new Opposition leader, David Granger, was approached by President Donald Ramotar to confirm these appointments. Oscar Ramjeet
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
MINI RED-LETTER DAY AT PARLIAMENT BUILDING DEAR EDITOR, The protestors, numbering a few hundred drawn from some ministries, carried placards denouncing the Alliance For Change (AFC) and its leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, for piloting a motion in parliament which would have had the effect of reducing the staff strength of contract workers within ministries. These workers, mainly contract workers, shepherded by their respective ministers, were visibly agitated that they would lose their jobs should Ramjattan’s motion be carried. The workers, by and large, were very critical of Ramjattan and the AFC. The ministers of government were very liberal to provide impromptu comments to the press which also painted Ramjattan and his party adversely. The demonstration and vociferous comments from the protestors, characterized the scene in Brickdam outside the Parliament Building on Tuesday, April 17, as the 2012 budget debates continued. Mr. Ramjattan and the AFC were labeled as antiworker by the demonstrators. This allegation is far from the truth. The AFC and Ramjattan, in particular, have
a proud track record of defending workers. When Diamond sugar workers were denied payment of severance pay by GuySuCo, it was Ramjattan and the AFC who stood in their corner. The legal representation provided by Ramjattan was instrumental in causing GuySuCo to make severance payment to eligible sugar workers. The several work stoppages in the sugar belt at Rose Hall, Blairmont and Enmore Estates saw Ramjattan and other AFC officials lending support and providing leadership to sugar workers. The advice and assistance contributed in no small measure in resolution of industrial disputes on these sugar estates. Residents, taxi drivers, students and teachers a few months ago, in East Bank Berbice, protested against the deplorable condition of the public road. It was the AFC officials and Ramjattan who provided moral and political support for their just cause. The AFC representation will materialize in the construction of a proper bitumen surface road. In the interim, repairs to the road will
be undertaken. Again, the AFC officials and Ramjattan intervened on behalf of residents in Cane Grove who are affected by the dust nuisance emanating from a rice milling complex located in the village, which is causing havoc to the community. The residents have exhausted, without success, all channels to resolve this problem prior to the AFC’s intervention. They contacted the EPA, NDC, RDC and other institutions but still the problem persisted. With the intervention of the AFC, at long last a solution is in the making. Apart from the examples mentioned above, there are numerous others which can be cited to support the proworker platform of the AFC and its leadership. So why should the AFC and Ramjattan be anti-worker and wanting to take bread out of the mouth of workers? In the aftermath of the last elections, the AFC and its officials are more visible on the ground attending to people’s grievances than the other two political parties. Let us turn to the specific scenario which unfolded last Tuesday in front of Parliament Building.
Beware of the ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions to performance management DEAR EDITOR, The Trinidad & Tobagobased consulting group continues, unfortunately, to befuddle Guyanese readers of Stabroek Business (ref. p5B of 20/04/12) with their ‘onesize-fits-all’ generic solutions to practical management issues that must be contextualized, lest we do more harm than good by any such generalized, ‘text-book’ approach. With all due respect, I believe that my repeated caution is particularly poignant, with regard to the currently topical discussions in Guyana about the rather unorthodox staffing practices of Guyana’s largest employer (viz. the Government) as well as the unconventional management practices in GuySuCo, an equally large employer facing some ‘lifethreatening’ operational and
extremely challenging HR issues. In such a context, the very caption of the consulting group’s paper that “Performance Management is not an HR thing” is at least counter-intuitive and potentially counter-productive. The paper belabours the point that performance management is “the way of managing business” at all levels of the organization. Does this not beg the question ‘how can you manage at any level without HR inputs?’ Paradoxically, the writer raves about a book that talks about “how the power of the masses can change everything” and asks the rhetorical question how to ‘leverage the power of the masses’ in a way that only adds confusion to my mind. Of course such a conundrum can lead to selfdoubt, but I am strangely
comforted by the writer’s own answer to the rhetoric about structure driving performance, when he went on to elaborate about the relevance of reporting relationships and flow of information through the right people at the right time etc. Finally, as I indicated in my earlier comments on the writer’s take on Performance Management, I am concerned about the unnecessary overburden of ‘academia’ on what was promised as performance management ‘practices’ and therefore felt obliged to forewarn my compatriots accordingly. Nowrang Persaud
A letter was sent by Ramjattan to the Minister of Finance seeking to obtain information on contract workers in some ministries. No response was received to the written request. Ramjattan verbally reminded the Minister of Finance in the corridor of Parliament of his prior request. Still no information was forthcoming. What is the information that Ramjattan requested? He merely identified about half a dozen ministries, including the Office of the President, requesting from each a list of the top twenty-five (25) contract workers. What is so wrong with making this information available to a political leader? The Minister of Finance is on record as saying as follows, “In fact within the context of the interparliamentary party dialogue forum… I made that point, saying if you have views put them in writing and submit them to us and we would receive them,” (SN 2012-04-19 Budget passage closer). Ramjattan did exactly as the minister pointed out. He submitted in writing his request for information. The minister, on the other hand, did not give any undertaking to provide the information, except he and his administration would receive the request. The bottom line is that no information has been provided to Ramjattan. What is Ramjattan to do under the circumstance where information has not been forthcoming? He either raises no objection, in which case the budget would be allowed to pass in the Committee of Supply, or alternatively, give notice of amendment, in which case the subject minister would be obliged to provide the information.
Ramjattan opted for the latter course of action by submitting - at least twentyfour hours before the consideration of the estimate - a motion of amendment in order to be compliant with Parliamentary Standing Order. Up to this point, APNU was on board in support of the AFC approach. The government was very apprehensive that its budget would be derailed. Each ministry mobilized workers contract and non contract to protest outside parliament. The message was relayed loud and clear that Ramjattan wanted to trim G$3.8 billion from the budget, mainly affecting contract workers. A team was invited from APNU to meet with the President. It was agreed at this meeting that pension payment would be upped from the budgeted sum of G$8,100 to G$10,000. There was tentative agreement, also, in other areas where APNU and the government would pursue dialogue. APNU abstained on the vote of the AFC motion, which caused it to be defeated. Hence, the AFC would not avail itself of the opportunity to undertake a rigourous analysis of the top twenty-five contract workers in the six selected ministries. Let it be made pellucid here that there was no ulterior motive on the part of the AFC to deprive contract workers of
employment. It is known that contract workers straddle all levels, from the office attendant at the low level to the technical and administrative staff at the middle level and at the top level, the professional and consultancy staff. The AFC has no interest in depriving any legitimate contract worker from gainful employment. The AFC was after the ‘fat cats earning super salaries’ who are political appointees holding on to sinecure positions. Some of these officials are safely ensconced in the Office of the President, for example. Letting them go will certainly have no negative impact. On the other hand, savings will accrue to the government’s coffer. The mini red-letter day last Tuesday in front of Parliament Building witnessed a large turnout of ministry workers – contract and non contract – whether coerced to do so or opting voluntarily to engage in the picketing and demonstration under the watchful eyes of cabinet ministers. The contract workers were under the mistaken impression that their jobs were at stake. They were duped to participate in an exercise against the AFC which did not pose any threat to their employment. The AFC is and will always remain a pro-worker party. Bholan Boodhoo
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Nagamootoo informs Parliament of “threat on his life” … zeroes in on Clinton Collymore’s $360,000 monthly advisory package By Gary Eleazar Following its threat to target ‘Fat Cats’ in the budget by ranks in the Alliance for Change (AFC), Moses Nagamootoo, at the commencement of yesterday’s sitting of the House, proceeded to zero in on a $360,000 monthly package paid to the Local Government Ministry advisor. He also informed the House that there is “a threat on his life.” Nagamootoo told Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, that there is a threat, that should he leave the protection of the People’s Progressive Party, he would meet the same fate as “Vincent Teekah.” Teekah, a former People’s National Congress (PNC) Education Minister, was shot and killed under suspicious circumstances on October 24, 1979. Nagamootoo told the House that should this threat be executed then “my blood will run on the head of others.” No inquest has been held into Teekah’s death. His
widow, Jean, and their three children migrated shortly after the death. Rumours persist to date in certain circles; the official version of how Teekah’s death occurred, despite the passing of years, still strains credulity. A female American dentist, reportedly in Guyana to undertake dental work on then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, was said to have been in Teekah’s car with him when he was shot. The official announcement was that Teekah was shot in his car near Rahaman’s Park. Nagamootoo, in the House yesterday, sought to have the Local Government Minister, Ganga Persaud expand on the package paid to an advisor to the Ministers in that Ministry. Reluctant to provide the name of the advisor who was listed as a ‘Contract Employee’, the Local Government Minister, sought guidance from Speaker Raphael Trotman, who allowed the query by Nagamootoo. To this end, Minister
Ganga Persaud informed the House, that the advisor is “Clinton Collymore” and that he is paid a monthly salary of $302,000 for his advisory services. Persaud was also forced to inform the House that in addition to the salary paid for Collymore’s advisory services, he is given a maid, gardener and duty allowances. This he said would be $25,000 as maid allowance, $25,000 for the gardener’s allowance and $10,000 which is duty related. The Local Government Minister in face of scrutiny also told the House that Collymore is also provided with a duty free vehicle and fuel as part of his package. Collymore as per the conditions of his ‘Contract’ status is also paid a 22.5 percent gratuity payment as well as one month salary as vacation allowance. Clinton Collymore is a former PPP Minister of Local Government and has since been a feature at Freedom House on Robb Street. The emolument for former
Former PPP Minister now Ministerial Advisor, Clinton Collymore
AFC, Parliamentarian, Moses Nagamootoo
Murdered PNC Education Minister, Vincent Teekah
Local Government Minister Harripersaud Nokta was also about to face scrutiny but given the manner in which the estimates are outlined the
opposition missed the opportunity. The Local Government Minister did point to a Hinterland Coordinator who
earns a salary of in excess of $300,000. This position has since been confirmed as Nokta’s contracted position for that Ministry.
AFC wants GECOM budget slashed by $1 billion
The Alliance for Change (AFC) will today propose that the budget for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) be slashed by $1 billion. The budget cuts come on suspicion that the government could be looking to call snap elections, after failing to once again secure the Parliamentary majority after the November 28 polls. “We are trying to block the possibility of a snap regional and general elections,” AFC lead Parliamentarian Khemraj Ramjattan said yesterday. According to Ramjattan, the yearly budget for GECOM is about $1.7 billion in years when there are no elections.
…To avoid “snap elections” However, the budget announced by Minister Ashni Singh is for $2.7 billion this year. Ramjattan said that he hardly believes that the extra $1 billion this year is to cater for Local Government Elections. He said that the AFC does not believe that there will be local government elections this year, because there are five pieces of legislation that must be passed in Parliament and assented to by the President before those elections can be held. Therefore, Ramjattan questioned why GECOM was
being allocated $2.7 billion, and hence the party’s proposal that $1 billion be chopped off. If by any stretch of the imagination Local Government elections are called, Ramjattan said that the government can easily request the money of the National Assembly. However, without local government elections clearly in sight, Ramjattan said the AFC would not be the victim of “a sleight of hand” if the government wants to use that chunk of money to call snap elections.
Man jailed for kicking pregnant girlfriend An expectant father will spend the next two weeks in prison contemplating his actions after he was sentenced by Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry for kicking his pregnant reputed wife, causing temporary disfigurement to the unborn infant. Corwin Baksh was slapped with two charges; threatening language and assault causing actual bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to the assault and not guilty to the
offence of threatening language which he committed against mother to be, Ronda Phillip. The police said that on April 19, last, at Cornhill Street, Georgetown, the defendant approached the victim around 20:00 hours and told her not to sell something. The woman did not heed the man's admonition. It is alleged that he used threatening language towards the woman as a result of her stubbornness. Police prosecutor Lionel
Harvey said that the woman proceeded to a mobile outpost where she made a report to the police. On arrival back to the initial location, the police said an altercation started between the two parties resulting in the man kicking the woman causing her to fall and knock her head on a concrete wall. A further report was made to the police and the man was arrested and charged. The Magistrate took into consideration all the factors leading up to his sentencing. She said that as an aggravating factor, the victim is pregnant and after reading the medical report, explained that the damage was not life threatening but as a result of the incident, the unborn suffered temporary disfigurement. The man was subsequently sentenced. In the threatening language matter, Baksh will return to court on April 30.
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
Page 7
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Poor maintenance of No. 63 Beach DEAR EDITOR, This letter is a letter of great concern, since it deals with people who have authority over the No. 63 Beach and are doing what they feel like, not what they are expected to do or should I say, have to do as it relates to finance and management of this prestigious beach. The authoritarian beach management committee, who also shakes hands with NDC 52-74 and the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, collected donations from the people entering No.63 Beach on Easter Monday. Are President Donald Ramotar and Acting Tourism Minister Mr. Irfaan Ali, aware of this? I thought the last committee was dismissed of collecting money (donations) from people, how come this time it is being allowed? I don’t think that the President or Tourism Minister are aware of this since they came to the beach after 12 (noon), but if so be the case (that these two prominent figures know of this serious matter that transpired) for what purpose were these funds collected? To be pocketed for the committee? Since they
collected previous years and nothing has been done with the funds. These workers were instructed by the beach management committee to tell the public coming to the beach on that grand day that they are collecting money to maintain 63 Beach for cleaning purposes. The committee also charged concessionaires, as in previous years, to vend on the beach Easter Monday various amounts as usual, i.e. From $2000, $5000, $10 000 to the most $25000. Where is this money going every year? And anyway, I have no idea why they are charging people to come to the beach. They want to say for beach cleaning purposes, whereas the NDC 52–74 is budgeted every year for five workers to clean the beach, so I have no idea why the beach management committee is collecting money. Also the UCCCI (Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry) collected US$14,000 for the beach, via USAID, and nothing much has been done, just a few signboards. No extra beach rangers doing any cleaning. Well, nothing of the sort
has been done so far, since the beach cleaners took nearly two (2) weeks to clean major spots of the beach and also, instead of plugging the money into getting the beach clean in a prompt manner (since 63 Beach is regarded an international tourism hot spot), the committee only had two (2) persons employed most of the time to clean the mass amount of garbage left on the beach after Easter Monday. Is this fair treatment? Are equality and human rights being exercised here? With all that trash left over from the 63 Beach Easter Monday fête, and the money they collected, they were supposed to “double bank” the work, i.e. employ (ten) 10 beach rangers to start picking up the trash from both ends of the beach and let them meet at a midpoint when their task is done. This procedure would have taken a day or two, since here in this situation you have a labour force to get the job done in a neat and timely manner. I believe the vendors feel that they pay money to sell on the beach, in order to assist in cleaning up their spot. But look at what has
Influential public institutions... From page 4 denial of the democratic process” (SN: December 11). APNU’s leaders followed Stabroek News’ advice instead of ours, and in the process, has alienated much of its constituency. The Linden saga is vivid testimony to this. Now Stabroek News berates APNU and is attempting to instigate its constituency against it. It is not just the duopoly that Stabroek News refers to that has got Guyana in the mess it is in. But equally damaging are the inconsistencies and seeming political opportunism of the opinionshapers like the Stabroek News. Let me say in closing that I disagreed with the December 11 and 16 editorials for all the reasons stated in the April 23 editorial. I am firm in my belief that there should be absolute non-cooperation with the government so long as it continues to exercise absolute executive power. It is against the democratic spirit and letter for a party, in an acutely ethnically divided country, that has 48% of the vote to wield 100% executive power, even if the constitution allows it to do so. It is politically immoral. I am equally firm in my belief that the PPP does not believe in constructive dialogue and will not practice such so long as it holds the
rein of power. The PPP will only come to that point through militant, but nonviolent, pressure, including street action. It is for these reasons that I prefer the joint-opposition use its parliamentary majority as leverage to bring about a political solution. The primary dialogue with the PPP should be to democratize the political process and practice, beginning with an all-party National Government. Dialogue on all other issues should be subject to the PPP’s willingness to advance that cause. The job of APNU and the AFC is not to help the minority government to govern, but to turn minority governance into majority governance. Cutting
government waste and corruption and winning relief such as raising the old age pension are highly laudable. But if those are not tied to a democratization of power, they would be rendered meaningless in the long run. The price for an end to corruption and relief for seniors cannot be the PPP continued monopoly of political power. Let me also say also that I firmly believe that APNU and the AFC should have a common purpose and mode of operation. Neither party should be talking to the government without the knowledge of the other or without the other being present. David Hinds
happened - only two (2) workers with a mass amount of garbage. Nevertheless, all vendors, including mobile carts/vans, should be responsible for their garbage as a means of volunteering to keep the beach clean, especially the ones that sell every Sunday on the beach. The beverage giants on grand holidays should promote a clean environment on the beach by having many bins placed around them. The public should stop littering too, since the beer bottles they scattered carelessly across the beach left endless shards of glass strewn across the beach that could cut tyres and feet. As for the entrance road, the beach management committee again breached sea defence, even though I warned them about taking sand from the beach, and especially the sandbanks that protect us they have eroded by dipping sand from these vital areas and topped up a few potholes that now have flattened again due to the mass amount of vehicles entering 63 Beach on Easter Monday. I know I have been protesting for the 63 Beach
entrance road through various media, and the small effort that the committee has done, I will not call that a job well done because we, the public, still need a proper access towards the beach. Also, people were marooned in the middle of the beach Easter Monday since the high tide engulfed the 63 entrance and 60 exit. They had no choice other than to escape via the Sunsplash Resort compound, whereas if the NDC would have made the 62 midpoint access a sweet escape from the tides, this would have helped people who got stuck, scared, and vowed to never return. The point I am getting at here is, where is the money going? Who is aware of this money? Why is money being taken from the public for no valid reason? Who will be held accountable at the end of the day? Why is a financial statement unavailable? Why is access to information hard to retrieve? Why can’t the public take a look at the outline of projects and plans of 63 Beach through the necessary agencies involved with the beach, if something fishy isn’t going on? Through the grapevine, I was told that there will be a
meeting concerning forming a new 63 Beach management committee on Sunday April 29th at Albion, where the president will be discussing other issues at hand in Berbice, but only Chamber members will be allowed to this meeting. Since when are the chamber people alone in charge of the beach? Why can’t the public be aware of the beach affairs and why can’t one of us business people in the area be chosen to manage the beach? Why can’t the locals in the area be a part of the committee and serve as stakeholders since they live in the area and want to participate in beach affairs but are not invited to do so? I know of strategic ways the beach can make money in order to maintain it, but that is if the government agrees that money should not be taken from the public to enter 63 Beach and feels that I am worthy of being the new chairperson of the 63 Beach management committee, whereby I would enforce better beach management and maintenance, i.e. beach rangers, dump truck, garbage bins, access roads made, etc. We need to put the right people in strong positions to achieve the best results. Ebony Narpatty (Brijbassi)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Govt. fumes over another round of ‘illogical’ opposition proposals By Gary Eleazar The Parliamentary Opposition yesterday continued to reveal the fracture between the two parties as Alliance for Change (AFC) Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan, and A Partnership for National Unity (APNUs) Carl Greenidge both submitted motions proposing another round of cuts to the 2012 Budget. This publication understands that each of the proposals submitted by the two opposition parties which have not been seeing eye to eye recently were prepared and submitted in isolation sparking a rush for ‘after the fact consultation’ with a view to consensus. The cuts now being proposed by the opposition vary between parties but primarily focus on Office of the President and the Ministry of Finance. In the APNU proposal Greenidge is threatening to cut the entire $6B subsidy that has been set aside in the budgetary estimates for the Guyana Power and Light as well as the programmes listed
…as disjointed opposition manifests with renewed calls to cut Budget
under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to the tune of some $18B. The AFC looks to deplete the GPL subsidy by $1B. That $18B allocation includes amounts to finish the Amaila Falls Access Road as well as Amerindian land titling and the Amerindian Development Fund for village economy among others. Greenidge’s motion, while it largely leaves the Government fiber optic/ICT programme untouched looks to make cuts from NCN and GINA as well as Contracted Employees at Office of the President. Following the decision by APNU to withhold support when the AFC had indicated an intention to make cuts, Ramjattan re-submitted his second wave of cuts. While Ramjattan’s proposed cuts include GINA and NCN there is a departure from APNU’s $18B threat to the LCDS programmes. While the proposals have been downplayed by seasoned government and opposition politicians as nothing but ‘negotiating leverage,’ this did not stop the Government from lambasting the opposition party’s move. At a hastily held press briefing, even before the House took its first break from the Standing Committee of Supply, which it has resolved itself to consider the
estimates, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and his junior, Bishop Juan Edghill, aired their concerns. At that briefing held in the Parliament Building’s Library, the three Government Ministers fired back at the combined opposition and requested an immediate recall of the proposals. The Finance Minister used the opportunity to again remind media operatives of a commitment given by the government, when asked by APNU’s Volda Lawrence, of the possibility of working together on the budget. This he said, has been yielding fruit and pointed to one condition of the meetings where there would be the smooth passage of the budget ‘as is’ with no cuts. “It could not possibly be in the national interest to cut the budget whimsically purely for the purpose of demonstrating political might.” Speaking directly to the newly proposed cuts, Dr Singh said that it is, “astonishing that the opposition would think it appropriate that these areas merit downward adjusting.” The Finance Minister told media operatives it “is astonishing that APNU would suggest a complete cut of the subsidy to GPL.” He did draw reference to the fact that the AFC also
submitted a cut which he said was without reason or basis but less draconian that the APNU proposal. “Let me say that this is a measure, this is a proposal that runs directly counter to interests of the electricity consuming public which is essentially the people of Guyana.” “We explained that the subsidy was made necessary by the fact GPL last adjusted tariffs since December 2007,” and fuel prices have since increased by at least 60 per cent with no corresponding increase in tariff by GPL, hence the subsidy. “The Prime Minister has always been at pains to explain that a subsidy to GPL is not really a subsidy to GPL, but a subsidy to the final consumers of electricity.” The Finance Minister expanded further saying that the proposal by APNU as it relates to GPL, is in stark contrast to its position taken on electricity and the people of Linden and that subsidy. “APNU has most recently adopted the position that they are insisting that the electricity subsidy be preserved in Linden, holding in mind that electricity is virtually free in Linden.” Dr Singh repeatedly emphasized his astonishment that notwithstanding the fact that customers of GPL pay significantly higher electricity tariffs than Lindeners, it (APNU) is promoting the retention of the subsidy for the Region Ten community and the removal of that from the other GPL consumers. Dr Singh also spoke of an $18B cut that has been proposed by Greenidge
Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh
APNU’s point man on Finances Carl Greenidge
which Dr Singh said would affect Guyana’s equity in the Amaila Falls Project and under programmes under the LCDS programme. He said that this was quite puzzling where a bilateral partner would agree to fund a programme in Guyana and a local stakeholder would want to deny such an investment. Dr Singh stressed that the LCDS programmes are being implemented with the assistance of key major international partners such as the Kingdom of Norway, UNDP and the World Bank among others. Junior Finance Minister Bishop Juan Edghill also expressed surprise as some of the cuts to the Office of the President which he says would terminate the employment of hundreds and leave the President with only “Presidential Guards.” Edghill questioned which President in the world operates with just his presidential guards and no
support staff such as advisors and personnel such as the Head of the Presidential Secretariat? “It is completely incomprehensible that the APNU would propose to cut all of the LCDS projects from the budget.” Speaking to the cuts suggested by the AFC for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr Singh wondered who could conceivably argue against an adequately resourced Elections Commission bearing in mind the lamentations over the years? He reminded of the lamentations each year about the fact that local government elections have not been held since 1994 but yet the AFC would want to stymie the possibility of this happening this year as a result of the cut. Dr Singh reminded of a campaign promise to have local government elections held within 12 months of General Elections
Police still seek... From page 3 and decided to check the area around the truck. His suspicions were further aroused when he noticed Dass’s cellular phone on the road; but there was still no sign of him. After a thorough search by relatives who were contacted, the truck driver’s body was found a short distance from his parked vehicle. Recently, information
emerged that greens vendors who were on their way to the city at that time of the morning had observed the confrontation between Dass and his killers. However, they quickly went about their own business when they heard gunshots. Investigators are now trying to locate these vendors with a view to cracking the case.
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
Page 9
WERE THE CONSULTATIONS MEANINGFUL? There are media reports circulating that the Leader of the Opposition is likely to propose Mr. Aubrey Norton to fill the position of commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). A vacancy on GECOM arose following the death of Mr. Robert Williams who was one of the three opposition nominated appointees on the elections body. It should be made clear here that a person chosen by the opposition or by the ruling party to sit on GECOM does not represent his respective party but as independent commissioners. They are nominated by the opposition camp but are not representatives of the opposition while sitting as Commissioners. If the media reports are true, then Mr. Aubrey Norton is being put out to political pasture. But far more serious is the damage done to the relationship between the Alliance for Change (AFC) and APNU. The Leader of the Opposition was obligated to consult with the AFC in naming the replacement to fill the vacant position of Commissioner in GECOM. But while the law does not specify a benchmark or standards for consultations, there is one that is available and which is defined in the constitution of Guyana as
meaningful consultation. At the minimum this is what is to be expected in naming the replacement for the late Robert Williams. The mere fact that the Leader of the Opposition afforded the AFC an opportunity to propose someone does not however constitute meaningful consultation. The Constitution of Guyana lays down three conditions for meaningful consultations: 1) the relevant person or persons must be identified. They must be then invited to consultations and in so doing be provided with notification as the purpose of the consultations. 2) they must be given a reasonable opportunity to express a considered opinion on the subject of the consultations; and. 3) A written record should be kept of the discussions. These three conditions relate to the formalistic aspects of consultations. Where a choice of a single individual has to be made, and notwithstanding the absence of the requirement of agreement, consultations should also allow for the parties to the consultation providing explanations and justifications for their choices. This is the substantive element of meaningful consultations. It should never be a case of one person saying “I
Dem boys seh ...
Even de police get like de Bees De police got a motto—Service and Protection. And nuff of dem living up to de motto. Dem serving demself and dem protecting de assets that dem tek from people. One of dem was dealing in drugs. He was providing cover fuh a drug operation. De man he protecting sell ganja to a man who give dem copper fuh gold. This policeman tek de copper and try fuh sell it and that is how everybody know was not gold suh dem kidnap de man. Is suh dem boys know why nuff crime don’t solve. Some of de police ain’t bright. De policeman call de man family and tell dem fuh send de money. Then dem go and stand up at de spot wheh de man was to drop off de money. Dem boys want to know if dem didn’t expect de police fuh come. That is how dem get ketch –while dem waiting fuh de money. Then dem have a commander who does operate like if he put gold in de bush. Dem boys seh that it got to be that all dem police like gold. This commander tell all he ranks who wukking in de interior that when dem come out dem got to bring one ounce gold fuh he. Now dem boys understand how police can wear all dem gold and drive fancy vehicle. That is why people does try fuh avoid telling people that dem get rob because de police gun go after de thief and tek de money. A woman who husband beat she and put she out tek too. She and she husband had a story. De man beat she and she run to a neighbour. Instead of giving she lodging, de neighbour carry she to another neighbour. Was nice because she get a place fuh rest she head but she didn’t rest she eye. It light pun de man TV. De next morning as de man step out de woman step out too, wid de TV. De man had to get de police fuh help he and dem boys ain’t even sure that he get back he TV. If he ain’t get it back is because de police find it and tek keep it fuh demself. Is sheer thiefing going round and it all start at de top— right up at de top and is not Uncle Donald. Talk half and try hide de other half.
propose so and so” and the other saying that “I favour this person.” There should be a discussion about the merits of each choice. Whenever the choice of the leader of the opposition is announced, it will be for the Alliance for Change to announce whether it feels that the consultations in which it was engaged were held in the spirit of meaningful consultations and guided by the aforementioned principles, both formalistic and substantive. That is, the AFC will have to state whether it was provided with reasons for either the acceptance or rejection of the AFC’s choice or the reason for any other person being chosen. If as is being reported in the media, Mr. Aubrey Norton has been identified as opposition’s choice to fill the vacant position of Commissioner of GECOM, Mr. Norton must be
congratulated but he must also know that he is effectively been put out to political pasture. There was a major controversy after the last elections when Mr. Norton was not selected as a parliamentarian. This raised eyebrows amongst APNU supporters since many were of the view that he had done enough to earn a parliamentary seat. If he is now being made a GECOM Commissioner, it means that he can no longer become a candidate for either the PNCR or APNU while sitting on GECOM. While a commissioner does not represent the party that nominates him or her, he or she would be in an obvious conflict of interest if while as a commissioner, his or her name were to appear on a list of candidate contesting an election. As such, for all intents and purposes, once Mr.
Norton accepts the position of commissioner of GECOM he is effectively placing on hold the possibility of being a candidate for his party at the next elections. Obviously the appointment does not neutralize his political activities but given this appointment it is hard to see him being asked to play a formal role within the leadership of either APNU or the PNCR. And since the position of commissioner of GECOM does not carry term limits, it means that Mr. Norton will have to decide whether and for how long he wishes to put on hold a more involved political role for his party. There are many who will interpret the appointment of Mr. Norton as a constructive banishment from APNU. Regardless of how this is perceived, the AFC is likely to be aggrieved that its choice was not selected. It will feel
shortchanged by APNU because ever since the Carter formula was introduced, the smaller opposition parties have always been allowed to have their choice as one of the opposition- nominated commissioners’ nominee. The late Robert Wi l l i a m s w a s i n f a c t recommended by The United Force (TUF). The AFC would have expected that its choice would have found favour with the leader of the opposition if only in maintaining the trend of the smaller parties’ choice being selected as the third commissioner from the three that are named by the leader of the opposition.
Region Four Chairman seeks explanation on Ministers’ protest Region Four Chairman, Clement Corlette, has asked Prime Minister Samuel Hinds to explain what he calls the intentional incitement of workers into protest actions by Government Ministers. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Corlette stated: “It is unacceptable for any Government Minister to intentionally incite workers into protest action unwarrantedly or create such conditions and so I believe that you as the Prime Minister owe an explanation for the actions of your Ministers.” The letter captioned “Irregular actions of Government Ministers,” made specific reference to a television programme featuring Ministers Irfaan Ali, Dr. Frank Anthony and Jennifer Westford and aired on Channel 28 on April 18. Corlette said that during the programme the Ministers argued that the proposed motion to the National Assembly by Alliance For Change Parliamentarian, Khemraj Ramjattan, to cut off budgetary appropriations to pay for contract workers would cause massive lay-off. He added, “In arguing their case they made statements saying the workers to be affected will have to protest to save their jobs.” The letter also referred to the conduct of Ministers during the protest and the large gathering of contract workers foregoing productive hours to assemble within the precinct of the Parliament Buildings.
He painted the protest as misguided actions by Ministers, which caused anxiety and disquiet in Region Four in the jurisdiction of the Municipality of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown.
Corlette said, “I consider the actions of your Government Ministers unlawful and questionable…They were unnecessarily away from public duty while at the same time encouraging malingering and absenteeism by workers
who had no industrial grievance.” “I should be grateful for the exercise of better judgement in future by your Government Ministers who are also Honourable Members of the National Assembly,” he said.
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 24, 2012
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
A peculiar passion for impeccable peccary pepperpot Sunday afternoon I traveled up to Linden to ground with Lindeners on the opening of their Town Day, ascertain what the reception would be like for the Leader of the Opposition, and how the audience would take to the presentation of Nigel Hughes. One group of AFC personnel went towards the main event. Seivewright
Benjamin, Gerhard Ramsaroop, Mark Benschop and I went in search of food. None of us had eaten before we left home. As we gazed on the menu board, right before our eyes was the item - “ wild meat pepperpot.” Before anyone could order, Gerhard shouted out, “gimme pepperpot and bread.” I turned to the lady in attendance and asked her
exactly what is “wild meat pepperpot”? She said it was made with bush hog. I looked at Gerhard and enquired how he can eat such a thing. I said bush hog is peccary and people don’t eat peccary. Gerhard and Seivewright looked at me with their mouths opened. Seivewright intoned. “Freddie yuh mad.” Gerhard chipped in. He asked why I am calling it peccary. He added that the name is wild hog and he claimed that once you taste it, there is no difference with mainstream pork. He exclaimed that he is certain that once I had it, I would like it. I explained that I never had any kind of wild meat in my entire life. Seivewright and Gerhard informed me that they have eaten every conceivable wild meat you
can imagine with Seivewright describing the snake he had. Gerhard said snake flesh tastes like deep ocean meat like octopus. Seivewright ordered curry wild meat with the main ingredient being that rodent, labba. I took cook-up with baked fish. Benschop had sorrel drink only. Things got complicated when the lady told Gerhard she ran out of bread so his peccary pepperpot has to be served with rice. He claimed that he can only enjoy pepperpot with bread. He requested that she keep the peccary pepperpot and we will return later the night after the opening events of Town Day when we will bring our own loaves. After the persuasion by Seivewright and Gerhard, I began to experience a peculiar passion for peccary pepperpot as the night wore on in Linden. We did just that with Khemraj Ramjattan joining us and other AFC members. Nigel Hughes and his wife Cathy, and Dominic Gaskin left for Georgetown. They say never say never in life. Decades ago, I told my wife I will never eat wild meat. Well I will advise you never say never. I had peccary
pepperpot last Sunday evening in a nice restaurant in Linden. I guess I will always remember Linden. It is the place where I first had wild meat. That peccary pepperpot was impeccably made because it was delectable, superb and gorgeous. Gerhard was right – the thing taste just like ‘normal poke’. Do you know this is peccary season? Michael Carrington of the AFC who lives on the highway told me last Wednesday there was an invasion of peccaries in the Soesdyke area and people killed 18 of them. So peccary meat is the thing at the moment on the Linden highway. I had a wonderful time in Linden on Town Day but we lost a lot of money on the chic chic board, particularly Benschop. As usual, the people of the town were wonderfully nice. I participated in a picket exercise that was mounted against the increase in electricity tariffs. You may not believe me because you know that Nigel Hughes and I are friends but I say from the bottom of my heart, I think his reception was far more thunderous than what David Granger got.
Frederick Kissoon This is PNC territory but the reception for Granger was extremely low-keyed. Lindeners believe that APNU sold them out. You can feel it in the atmosphere. Honestly, I don’t think any commentator can compare the oratory of Nigel Hughes and David Granger. Hughes comes within the tradition of Walter Rodney. He stayed away from the electricity controversy concentrating on the theme of freedom and liberation. Mixing quotes from Jamaican classical reggae singers with historical dates, Hughes told his audience that Lindeners must stand up and fight for their rights and lead from the front rather than relying on non-Lindeners to speak on their behalf. David Granger concentrated on the topic that APNU did not betray the Linden community and those who make such claims were liars. Granger was definitely not his usual self. The applause was subdued and so was David Granger. APNU may be in trouble in Linden.
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Page 11
Kaieteur News
Catholic hierarchy meets in Guyana The sixteen Roman Catholic Bishops and Archbishops who head Roman Catholic Churches in the English, French and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries from Bermuda and Bahamas to Cayenne and Curacao, made their way into a packed to capacity Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam on Sunday for the inaugural Mass. This group known as the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) was joined by the Papal Representative to the Antilles region, based in Port of Spain, Italian Archbishop Nicola Girasoli. Several diplomats and government officials were present for the Mass, among them Prime Minister Sam
The Bishops and Archbishops making their way into the Cathedral
Hinds, U.S. Charge' d Affaires, D Brent Hardt and his wife; Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green and Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman. About 2.2 million people or one-quarter of the total population of the countries that make up the AEC are Catholic. This will be the third time in its 64-year history that the AEC will meet in Guyana. The Church in Guyana first hosted a meeting of the group in 1974 and a much shorter one in 1977. Decisions are taken at these gatherings to give the Catholic Churches in this region an orientation which will make them better able to respond to the realities and expectations of Caribbean peoples.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
Page 13
Bloodstained car found in Le Repentir Cemetery - driver was robbed, stabbed
Police ranks dusting the abandoned car (PPP 1734) which was discovered at the Le Repentir Cemetery yesterday
Blood splattered across the doors of motor car (PPP 1734)
A
Canal Number One resident is now nursing wounds to his left arm at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He was stabbed Sunday evening when two men stopped the car he was driving and robbed him. Reports are that Musaad Rosool, who resides at West Bank Demerara, was driving motorcar (PPP 1734) along the railway embankment in Georgetown when two unidentified men stopped his vehicle. The bandits proceeded to rob him of his cash and valuables which included a Blackberry cellular phone. They then stabbed him to his left arm. It is still unclear as to how Rosool ended up at the GPHC for treatment, however; the perpetrators managed to escape after completing their act. Kaieteur News understands that about 10:00 hrs yesterday, the police were notified about the discovery of Rosool's silver grey car at Le Repentir
Cemetery. The ranks were concerned about the fate of the driver after seeing so much of blood splattered across the doors of the vehicle. They were also uncertain as to the owner of the car since no reports had been made about a missing or stolen car. However, acting on the address they found on the registration documents that were inside the abandoned car, they were able to locate the relatives of Rosool who confirmed that he was the driver of the vehicle. The young man's family also directed the police ranks to the GPHC where Rosool had just undergone surgery. When Kaieteur News arrived at the Le Repentir Cemetery, ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) were dusting the vehicle for fingerprints. The car was visibly stained with a lot of blood across the doors and three wheels were damaged while the other was missing.
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Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
'Operation El Dorado' targets illegal mining
T
he Ministry of N a t u r a l Resources and the Environment's Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has vowed to continue to enforce the Mining Regulations to reduce illegal mining and other illicit activities within the sector. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GGMC, Major General (rtd) Joseph Singh; and other senior officers of the government recently met with a high level delegation from the State of Roraima, Brazil following the detention of scores of illegal Brazilian miners. The meeting was also a part of the recently launched Operation El Dorado' to combat widespread illegal mining. Minister Persaud pointed out that the operation is
intended to target illegal mining and unregulated mining activities. He advised the meeting that a large number of Brazilians were caught engaging in illegal mining activities. However, the visit of the high level team is welcomed to examine a joint effort to ensure Brazilian miners are registered and engaged in sustainable mining activities while complying with national laws. Persaud assured the visiting delegation that the Government of Guyana values the friendship of its southern neighbour and the investments made by Brazilians in Guyana. The team, which included Deputy Francisco Xingu, President of Commission Assembly Legislative Roraima of Human Rights; Deputy Francisco de Sales Guerra Neto, President Assembly Legislative of Roraima State, Deputy Cornel Chagas,
Member of Public Service & Security, and Ms. Leila King, Guyana Consul General to Boa Vista agreed to work closely with the Government of Guyana and the Brazilian Embassy to provide necessary support to Brazilians to regularize their activities. In order to adequately regulate the sector, the Government of Guyana between April 10th and 15th embarked on a campaign “Operation El Dorado� to stop illegal mining and related activities in the Puruni area, Region Seven. The operation involved inspection of mining camps and operations to determine the status of the property being worked, verification of mining privileges and certificate of registration for persons employed, inspection of the requisite documentations, including dredge licences and production books, sanitation, environmental and
occupational health and safety compliance. Also, the Guyana Police Force's Tactical Services Unit checked for guns, ammunition and drugs, while an immigration team checked the status of foreign workers. The operation resulted in the detention of 94 foreign miners who were breaching the mining, environment and/or immigration laws. In most cases, these workers had no workpermits, no certificate of registration and in other cases, expired visas. In addition, 32 local miners were found in breach of the mining regulations. Additionally, two riverbased operations breached the Cease Work Orders and continued working the river banks, which is prohibited according to the mining regulations. Gold production records were incomplete and in some cases non-existent. The operation also found mining on the prohibited river bank buffer zones, while the Guyana Police Force discovered an illegal firearm. A quantity of raw gold that was illegally obtained was seized.
River Bank Mining in Puruni River
Illegal gun found during 'Operation El Dorado'. The GGMC is being supported by the Guyana Police Force in the ongoing 'Operation El Dorado'. Further, the Guyana Gold
and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has been urging the authorities to step up its campaign on illegal mining.
Tuesday April 24, 2012
WANTED East Coast Guyoil wanted day & night pump attendants, washman, manager, office assistants & sales girls. Call: 684-2838, 671-3983
Kaieteur News
WANTED Drivers for car/van/canter, 3 years experience. Call: 2250188, 225-6070 Live in/live out babysitter/ clerk/domestic. Call: 2250188, 225-6070
One manager/clerk to work in Indian Boutique (Georgetown). Call: 2278096, 226-7015, 638-8500
One live in or out maid & experienced sales girls. Call: 264-3356, 253-3149, 668-3985
Porters & sales girls apply with written application at Lot 1 E Dennis& Milton Street Campbellville
Manager’s Assistant general duties including Custom and Bond, Security Guards, accommodation available. Call: 676-6700
One live in domestic. Contact:658-9495 / 627-2550 Female workers needed 3 subject or sound secondary education. Age 18-28yrs. Call: 225-7307 Taxi drivers. Call: 225-3234 Maid/Helper cosmetologist. Tel: 227-4799, 223-5451. Excavator Operator, Mechanics (Caterpillar, Perkins & model M Trucks) Jetmen, Marrack, sailors. Call: 223-5273-4 One live in maid. Call:2235324 General labourers, carpenter @ Amin Enterprise, 4 Meadow bank G/Town. Call: 226-0011, 225-6046, 611-7777 One maid, one cook. Contact: 223-5273-4 Experience taxi drivers, dispatchers and bus drivers. Call: 265-7076, 616-5419
1 Tutor to teach Form 1, apply Bissan’s Trading, 94 King Street. Call: 227-7306 Two girls to work in Madhia, age 19-30. Call: 682-2676, 6210639
US & Canada Visa application services. Call: 643-6630, Family Discounts Available.
Cooks/ waitress and bartenders to work in Kitty area. Call: 226-7054
Repairs to gas stoves, deep fryers, washing machine, electric stoves. Call: 686-6209
One mechanic to work in supply E.B.D. Call:624-7036
Let US attorney assist you with your Visa application. Call: Mrs. Elias:233-2338
One experience TM driver to work in interior. Call:6420176,670-1052
Looking for (2) saw men to work in interior, (1) female to work in shop $80,000. Call:686-2201
Live-in domestic must know to cook and 1 waitress, salary 50,000 monthly. Call:610-5043 Persons/family to live & take care of farm @ E.C.D, attractive salary offered. Contact: 690-1943, 691-8021
Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & Stoves. Ultra Cool: 225-9032, 647-2943
2 Mechanics to work in Trinidad work permit available. Call: 684-8231
Urgently needed live-in waitress to work in bar, reasonable salary offer. Call: 259-0574
Seamstress to cut from patterns. Call: 225-2598, 6410784 Two experienced waitresses to work in interior. Contact: 616-7543 One Christian maid to work in Georgetown, serious enquires only.Call:225-2940, 225-0350 Two male shop assistants to work in Georgetown & the interior, serious enquiries only. Call: 225-2940, 225-0305 Urgently: chainsaw operator to work in the interior. Call: 626-0006, 231-3159
Cosmetology courses. Tel: 225-6026, 682-2604 Quality yourself in Cosmetology or nails, make up, Register, Limited spaces. Call Abby: 216-1950, 6197603, 666-5241 Arita Harris. Certified courses in Nail Art & Technology from $6,000. E.B.D. 669-4511.
We refill HP cartridges for $1,800. Call:650-7699
6 weeks Dressmaking course. Morning & evening. Call Sharmela: 225-2598, 6410784
1 experience waitress apply @ Mambo’s Bar, 93 Barr St. Kitty.
SALON Make up courses, artist trained & certified in Trinidad: 660-5257,647-1773
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer. Omar:231-0655,6838734
Porters to work on water truck $15,000 per week. Must be from the W.C.D. Call: 6848231
One experienced salesperson to work in cosmetics store on East Coast. Age 25-45. Call: 642-1141
One male to work in interior $60,000. Call: 686-2201
WE FILL OUT PASSPORT & VISA FORMS:USA, UK & CANADA TEL#231-5789
Looking for a Job? Office, domestic & need assistance. Contact: Angela:694-0096
The resort in Mabaruma North West, looking for people to run restaurant. Call: 688-0072, Mrs. Eva, 6926307 Mr. R.Narine
Office clerk; CXC English/ Mathematics. Call: 225-4492, 225-6070
ONLINE SHOPPING NO COMMISSION, WEEKLY S H I P M E N T S , AFFORDABLE RATES, FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX T E L # 2 3 1 - 5 7 8 9 FREIGHTLINKEXPRESS@ GMAIL.COM
1-shift supervisor to work in Kitty Area. Call: 226-7054
Counter servers, kitchen assistant Handy Boys, Cleaners. Apply Hack’s Halaal 5 Comerence St. Bet- 9-11am E&N Beck 3 Princess Machinist/ crankshaft machine operator. Apply in person.
Sell us your old house in G/ Town or East Bank area. Call: 669-9843. Get cash right away 1 general domestic East Bank Area. Call: 614-4358
SERVICES Permanent &Visitors Visa Applications Professional Immigration Consultant Room E-4 Maraj Building 225-6496/662-6045.
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Auto clean: we clean head lamp making the yellow oxidation caused by foreign chemical history. Call: 6673772, 648-1602
EDUCATIONAL Learn Spanish. Call: 673-1232 Computer classes for 2012 common entrance student 5 courses $25,000, Micrographics Technology, Parika/Vreed-En-Hoop). Call: 264-3057 Princeton College Forms 15, CXC adults’ classes’; $1500 a subject S.A.T/ Phonics etc. Call: 690-5008, 611-3793 Special Diploma Package for CSEC Micrographics Technology, Vreed-EnHoop/Grove/Parika Highway. Call: 264-3057 Alliance Francaise lf Guyana French classes recommence. Tel: 226-0854, 682-7943, 2261897, 218-1108
MASSAGE American style massage services. Call: 609-4036
FOR SALE 1 Xerox copy centre model C123, 1 Mercury outboard engine 55HP. Call: 617-4087 Dell computers complete with 19” monitor LCD from $69,000. Future Tech. Call:231-2206, 644-6760 Roofing shingles $5,995 per bundle. Call: Mr.Skepmire: 227-5195 Electronic Treadmill $80,000, serious enquires only. Call: 641-9379 1 new Centurion 5000 W generator at $175,000, 1 new gas stove at $125,000, 1 32 inch LCD TV at $115,000. Call: 694-5371 Spares for washer, microwaves, fridges, stovetimers, gear boxes, pumps etc. Contact:225-9032, 6472943
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Call: 622-6256
Toyota Starlet 2 E Turbo engine with gearbox and ECU: Call: 624-7155.
Get massage loosen all your joints. Contact: Glorie: 6692154
NARS lipgloss, eyeshadow & Clinique lipgloss. Tel: 6698374.
FOR SALE OR RENT
Bread tapes. Call: 231-8819
Double butcher stall @ LaPenitence Market. Contact: 665-9498, rent or sell for Sunday
Short fluffy puppies vaccinated & dewormed $12,000. Call: 220-4247 90 KVA Generator, portable 110/220, 1 phase & 3 phase. Call: 642-1141. 1200 hrs.
FOR SALE 1 Daf 45 flat bed, 26 Ft tray. Call:609-7803 1 complete audio system, alphansonic 2400W, Rockfordfosgate 2000W, 1 Pioneer Inbox 5000W, Clarion/crossover. Call: 6570529
1 Toyota Super Custom bus; late GMM series. Immaculate condition, fully powered, price negotiable. Call: 648-7109, 686-4818 Toyota Raum, roof Rack body kit, mags, CD, spoiler black. Call: 686-0323, 2690432 Unregistered Black Spacio, Silver Premio; reverse camera, Cerisor. Call: 6970294, 220-9514 Toyota Diesel Prado Excellent Condition Diplomat Vehicle. Call:624-6702 1 Toyota pickup V6 SR5 4WD. Call: 642-4779 1 RZ Mini bus series BKK. Call: 667-9629
3 Ton 4 wheel drive Canter unregistered. Call:617-2891
1 330 Bedford Turbo engine, 3000 PSI pressure washer, power horse 2’’ water pump, 1 ½ Ton forklift Nissan. Contact: 617-7691
One brand new aluminum 15 feet with engine. Call: 6128668 1 Kawasaki Ninja Bike, 2009CC. Contact: 677-1218, 216-0317 15-15-15 fertilizer. Call: 2662711, 609-4594
Slightly damage zinc sheet. Call: 226-7054
RX7 2002 Model, price negotiable. Call: 223-5273-4
Tires off a Rav 4 size 16, 225x70x16 (used) $3000 each. Call: 226-0011, 611-7777
2 Leyland Daf double Axle. Call:678-1317
1 – 2001 Toyota Klucer, Diplomatic, all four, PLL series, mid-size SUV, clean. Price $5.4M neg. Contact: 642-37-86, 660-0824.
Hilux 4x4 solid Def pick up, Diesel, long base, excellent condition. Call: 623-0243 Verossa PNN. Call:665-3067, 228-2609
1 Tundra, 1 Perkins engine & Welder 400 amps. Call: 6605462, 611-5114
Titan parts, engine DIFF etc. Call:648-2075
New blackberry Torches (Slider) $80,000. Call: 6801722
UNREGISTERED ALLION, PREMIO, SPACIO, RUNX, ALEX, 2 TON CANTER, AVENSIS, VEROSSA, 212. CALL:677-7666/ 610-7666
Galant $1.1M low miles, excellent condition. Call: 647-9520
1 Overhauled & repainted Ford 5000 tractor with Boughton Winch. Call: 6619318
New pressure washers 2600 PSI Honda, 3000 PSI, 2500 PSI 6.75 HP. Call: 627-7835
Just arrived: Allion and Premio, tel: 624-2000, 6221610
Games for PS2-$900, PSP$900, PS3-$2600, Xbox 360$2600, Xbox 1-$2000, WII$1600.Call: 672-2566, 2653231
Used: QSC Amps MX2000 & MX3000, Roland sampler SP404, Rcf speaker: 12" & 18", celestion speaker: 15". Contact: 644-3390
Pine lumber at unbeatable prices. Call: 226-7054
VEHICLES FOR SALE 99 Honda Civic Leather interior. Call:648-2075
3 Ton enclosed Canter unregistered. Call: 617-2891
2004 Mazda RX 8, body kit, fully loaded, black unregistered. Call: 617-2891 1-RZ Mini bus unregistered. Call: 617-2891 Unregistered Premio & Allion with TV, mags, back Cam. Call: 609-8188, 602-6307 1 TK 330 Lorry with B Dump. Call: 228-5220, 616-9505 One EP 71 Starlet, 1 AE 91 Sprinter, 1 Mitsubishi RVR and Pajero-JR, 1 Nissan Pathfinder PMM, 1 Honda FIT 2004. Call: 644-5096, 6971453 Mazola 3- fully loaded, rims, immaculate condition PNN series. Call: 650-0979
1 BM Lenovo laptop, brand new, $60,000. Call: 681-2111 Household articles TV’S Freezer, microwaves, hot water tank, computer, fax, etc. Call: 233-5251, 662-2595 Live meat birds-chicken. Contact: 691-8021, 690-1943
CAKE & PASTRIES 1-lb character cakes $5,000, pastries at whole sale prices. Call: 223-9497 (Continued on page 20)
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 24, 2012
AFC to propose drop in VAT, personal income tax The Alliance for Change (AFC) says it will be pushing for an increase in public assistance, and cuts in Valued Added Tax (VAT) and personal income tax as part of measures to be included in the 2012 budget. Further, the party is looking to weed out supersalaried workers from the Office of the President and slash $1billion off the subsidy proposed for the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL). The proposal for budget cuts comes a week after the party failed to get the support of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for its first budget cuts for three Government Ministries. But yesterday, AFC lead Parliamentarian Khemraj Ramjattan insisted that there was no antagonism with APNU. With the new proposals for budget cuts, Ramjattan
and fellow AFC Parliamentarian Cathy Hughes were yesterday careful to state that the budget cuts would only be pursued once clear information is provided. Ramjattan said that the party could not say definitively what supersalaries at the Office of the President his party would like to see cut. This is because the government has kept sealed the information about contracted workers. Hughes expressed frustration that this information is not available. As far as she is concerned, the media should be in possession of it. “But you don’t have it and we don’t have it,” Hughes said at a press conference. The AFC wants a list of all contract workers and their salaries. This, Ramjattan said, would help the party to be more “clinical” in its
proposals. However, he was also careful to state that the AFC is not proposing cuts for ordinary workers, but rather for the so called “fat cats.” But in the absence of information on who gets what, Ramjattan said the party is left to take the “scatter bullet” approach and hope it would get the answers in Parliament. “We do not know at this stage if we are going to vote for these cuts,” Ramjattan stated, but he said that if it is found that there are “fat cats” then the party will push ahead. Along with the contract workers, there is a schedule on the budget of “others” for the Office of the President of $154 million. The AFC wants to know what the “others” are about, and if it is found that these are unreasonable it would
proceed to propose cuts. For GPL, the AFC wants the subsidy cut by $1 billion, reducing the government’s proposal to $5 billion. Ramjattan said that the AFC understands the predicament GPL is in, but added that the utility can ensure that a reduced subsidy of $5 billion covers its need. The party has proposed that the personal income tax, called Pay As You Earn (P.A.Y.E) be reduced from 33.3 per cent. He said this reduction will cost the treasury $2.4 billion. In addition, if VAT is dropped from 16 per cent to 14 per cent, that would cost the treasury $2.8 billion. The AFC had originally proposed a drop in VAT to 12 per cent. However, Ramjattan said the party was ready to
Most organizations, and in particular those that serve the public interest should welcome the opportunity to develop and implement a Citizens' Charter, according to High Commissioner of Canada, David Devine. This was disclosed at a Citizens' Charter-Good Governance and Business workshop hosted by Transparency Institute Guyana Inc on Friday at Moray House on Camp and Quamina Streets. At the event was Auditor General (ag) Deodat Sharma, Canadian High Commissioner David Devine, Director of TIGI Chantalle Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, former
Auditor General Dr. Anand Goolsaran and special invitees. High Commissioner Devine explained that a charter outlines the organization's commitment to citizens in general, and its clients in particular. It serves to promote right doing, good moral performance, behaviours, attitudes and values by management as well as employees, as they are held to the high standards that the Charter outlines. He further explained that before undertaking a Citizens' Charter initiative, an organization should be very clear on why it is developing a charter, what it is seeking to achieve,
and how it can establish the prerequisites for implementation. Adding that Citizens' Charters are by no means a new phenomenon in the world, Devine said public services are funded by citizens, either directly or indirectly, and they have the right to expect a particular quality of service that is responsive to their needs and that is provided efficiently at a reasonable cost. “Citizens' Charters” initiative is a response to the quest for solving the problems which a citizen encounters, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services.
This applies to both public and private sector entities. Both have a responsibility to be accountable and transparent in the delivery of public services,” the High Commissioner noted. “The Citizens' Charter is a written, voluntary declaration by service providers that highlights the standards of service delivery that they should subscribe to, availability of choice for c o n s umers, avenues for grievance redressal and other related information”. He underscored that the Citizens' Charter programme was first launched in 1991 in the U.K. as part of a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing standards of service delivery and making governance more transparent and accountable. This move influenced several countries such as Belgium, France, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Spain, Portugal, India etc. to adopt similar measures. Canada is also one of the pioneers in establishing a Citizen's Charter. However, what the Canadian government first issued, before Service Charters proper, is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which legally protects the basic rights and freedoms of all citizens. The Canadian Charter lays out citizen responsibilities, freedoms, rights and means to get involved in community activities. Unlike other Citizens' Charter, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms includes Responsibilities such as (a) vote in elections, (b) help others in the community, (c) care for and protect Cana-
…touts budget cuts for “fat cats” at OP compromise. While these concessions would have to be leveraged by the treasury, Ramjattan said that the money could be found if the government withdraws “nonsensical” projects like a Marriottbranded hotel. Ramjattan said that the AFC understands that APNU will also propose some budget cuts, and when that time comes the party will decide if it will lend support. An email to the AFC’s executives by Ramjattan on the non-support of APNU for its first budget cuts proposal was leaked to the media. Ramjattan said that his feelings, as contained in the leaked email, still stand, in that he felt betrayed by APNU. However, he said that there is no antagonism between the parties. He said
that if anyone from the government or the opposition wants to talk to the AFC on the budget the latter is willing to do so in order that Guyanese could have a “better deal.” “We will not miss that opportunity,” Ramjattan stated. He said that if the AFC is invited to talks with the government, it will ask for APNU to be present. “This must not be a moment where it’s going to be disunity all over the place,” Ramjattan stated. He said that the tripartite talks that arose out of the last elections require wisdom, maturity and also an element of give and take. “There must be compromises all around,” Ramjattan stated. Yesterday both the AFC and APNU submitted motions proposing certain cuts to the budget.
Citizens' Charter needed to promote transparency, good governance - Canadian High Commissioner
Berbice Bridge management fails to explain charges to passing vessels Management of the Berbice River Bridge has failed to present Government with an explanation for its arbitrarily redirected marine traffic from under the bridge’s high span to the retractor span for a fee. This is according to Transport and Hydraulics Minister, Robeson Benn, who explained that two weeks ago Government met with management and agreed that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. would provide an explanation for its actions. In addition, the Bridge management was expected to compile a list of unregistered boats. Several weeks ago, boat operators complained that the bridge management issued an order that laden
vessels which pass under the high span free of cost, must desist from doing so. Instead, they must now cross whenever there is a retraction. And there is a fee attached. Vessels with foreign registration are charged $55,000 for in-bound pass and another $55,000 for out-bound. Locally registered vessels pay a fee of $28,000 for a one-way pass. The Minister stated that Government is concerned that some operators who previously did not have to pass through the retractor span are said to have been forced to cross through the retractor span now for a fee. Though Government already has a position on the matter, it would meet with the bridge management to
discuss the issue. He noted that the Maritime Administration Department is in communication with the company discussing safety in relation to boats passing under the high span. Security and safety of the structure were the primary reasons cited by management for imposing that decision. They had noted that many boats plying the area are unregistered. According to a high ranking official at the Ministry, the big vessels that usually cross under the high span are registered since they are operated by companies. Meanwhile, the smaller vessels are probably unregistered and do not pose a threat to the structure.
High Commissioner of Canada, David Devine dian heritage and environment, (d) obey Canada's laws; (e) express opinions freely while respecting the rights and freedoms of others, (f) eliminate discrimination and injustice. It therefore laid the foundation for all other Citizens' Charters. The High Commissioner further explained that the concept of Citizens' Charter enshrines the trust between the service provider and its users. The basic objective of the Citizens' Charter is to empower the citizen in relation to public service delivery. Six principles of the Citizens' Charter movement as originally framed, were: (i) Quality: Improving the quality of services; (ii) Choice: Wherever possible; (iii) Standards: Specify what to expect and how to act if standards are not met; (iv) Value: For the taxpayers' money; (v) Accountability: Individuals and Organisations; and (vi) Transparency: Rules/ Procedures/ Schemes/Grievances.
He explained that in his opinion the impact of Citizens' Charters in Canada has been positive. It has certainly strengthened stakeholder involvement, which has contributed to a greater sense of inclusiveness of clients and consumers in the process of improving service delivery in the country. It has on the other hand provided a baseline for organizations to assess and measure their service delivery, always with a view of striving for higher and higher standards. This has resulted in improved quality of service delivery and standards. Those entities that have included functional complaints redressal mechanisms have been able to compile analytical data to help them put in place methods and structures that comprehensively deal with complex issues that their clients and customers face.
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
Head on collision lands six in hospital Around 2:15 hours Monday, two cars, PKK 5559 and HB 4869 collided head on at the Anna Regina car park. Reports are that Morris, the driver of PKK 5559 and a popular speed boat operator and his wife Jenny, were the only occupants of that car. Morris and the couple all sustained severe head injuries and were rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital. The driver of HB 4869 also sustained injury to his head, he too has been hospitalized. He was heading north with four passengers.
And two men are said to be seriously injured after they were involved in an accident early yesterday morning at Walton-Hall, Essequibo Coast. Reports are that the motorcyclist, commonly known as ‘Gay’ and the pillion rider, Jameel, were returning to their Anna Regina homes when the motorcycle skidded off the Walton-Hall Public Road and ended up in a trench. Gay was attempting to negotiate a turn at WaltonHall. Kabika Persaud, a resident of Walton-Hall, said that he was awakened around 3:00
hours yesterday by a loud crash. Persaud explained that he rushed out of his bed, grabbed a huge flash light and commenced a search in a nearby trench. Persaud said at first he only noticed a motorbike. He added that as his search intensified, he noticed Gay pinned beneath the motorcycle, helpless. Jameel, the pillion rider, was later found flung in a corner of the trench. Last December, another motorcyclist died on the Walton-Hall Public Road while attempting to negotiate the said turn.
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Battered woman rescued by neighbour steals TV Bail was yesterday set at $80,000 for a woman who reportedly took advantage of a Good Samaritan that gave her lodging after she was allegedly thrown out by her spouse. The woman, 20-year-old Stacy Allen, of Lot 269 ‘C’ Field Sophia, was identified as a security guard. She appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to a simple larceny charge which was read by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. The police alleged that on April 21, last, she stole from Clarence Whitehead, one television set. They added that on the day of the incident the woman was given accommodation by the
complainant at his residence. Whitehead left the premises with everything intact, but when he returned home, he noticed that his television set had gone missing. Police prosecutor Lionel Harvey said that Whitehead had inquired from the defendant whether she had any knowledge of the missing television and she replied in the negative. This led to the man making a report to the police. The police in turn conducted an investigation which led to Allen’s arrest. She was subsequently charged for the offence. The victim told the court that the defendant lived a short distance from his home with a male companion. He
continued that a misunderstanding occurred between the two and a neighbour came and asked him to give the woman a night’s lodging since her spouse had reportedly put her out. The man said that he agreed, and the woman was welcomed in his home. The prosecutor did not object to bail. He requested that a large bail sum be given to the defendant to ensure her return. Allen was ordered to report to the East La Penitence Police Station every Friday at 6:00pm as a condition of her bail. She was also ordered not to return to the victim’s residence and to return to court on April 30.
UG ‘Social Work’ course empowers Sophia Women Ex-policeman found dead on Zeelugt Public Road
Residents of ‘B’ field Sophia, for the past six weeks, have been benefiting from an ongoing training programme conducted by final year ‘Social Work’ University of Guyana (UG) students. The women are carrying out the project, titled ‘Women on the Move’ (WOM), under the course, Professional Development Two. Their Lecturer is Ms. Shonell Enoe. The main aim of this group of five students is to empower women, particularly those living in ‘B’ Field Sophia, with various micro economical skills. Over the past six weeks, the students, Akim Pestano, Ronetta Mettias, Racguel Gill, Rakhie Ramsroop and Kerry
Ann Charles, have been training a number of women. During the first week of training, the women were briefed on the different areas of female empowerment. The second week had participants making gift bags and learning the art of discharging (using bleach to create colour patterns). The third week continued with the teachings of empowerment and discharging. Week four had participants shaking off the creative spirit and putting their brains to work with the Information Technology and budgeting courses. With the use of the students’ personal laptops, the participants were also able to create their own
Puruni backdam killing…
Suspect held with marijuana and cocaine Up to press time yesterday the man who was detained in connection with the murder of 29 year-old Travis De Souza was still being grilled at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. According to reports the suspect was nabbed on Sunday at Tiger Creek, Puruni, by police ranks. According to a police report the suspect was found with 10 grams of cocaine and 110 grams of marijuana in his possession. Meanwhile, a source told this publication that the dead man's reputed wife along with the suspect was taken to head-
quarters to give statements. Initial reports are that De Souza was chopped to death after four men invaded his mining camp in the Chinese Creek area early Saturday morning. It is believed that the men attacked De Souza after there was an earlier confrontation about some items that were stolen from his camp while he was away. There are reports that the man identified one of his attackers before he died. De Souza's body is currently at the Lyken Funeral home awaiting a post mortem examination.
business cards. During the fourth week, the students held fundraising activities at the National Park and Sea Walls. This was during the Easter Holiday. In week six, the partakers had the opportunity to do tiedyeing. At the beginning of the seventh week, which started on Sunday last and ended yesterday, the participants learnt the art of cake decoration. And as the last week comes to an end, they will also learn how to write letters of applications, and practice the techniques to proper floral arrangements. According to the students, they were initially set to target 10 persons, but as the word got out, more and more began showing up for the training. They were all accommodated. One of the participants who is an employee of the Ministry of Health, and a night time security guard, Maxine James, told Kaieteur News that the course made her want to leave her security job, and do something less hectic for herself and children. She mostly enjoyed the Information Technology Course, which she says, has inspired her to develop her skills in that field. At the end of the trainings, the students would’ve concluded their required 150 hours of community service. Resourced persons were present through most parts of the training. At the end of the course which is expected to conclude later this week, the students are hoping to have the items made by participants, marketed, in an effort to raise funds which will in turn assist them, in whatever little way it can, in their future business ventures.
Police on West Coast Demerara have launched an investigation into the death of an ex-policeman whose body was found early yesterday morning on the Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo Public Road. According to reports, around 06:30 hours yesterday persons walking in the vicinity of Fisher Dam, Zeelugt, found the man’s body lying on the road. The man has since been identified as 60 year-old Christopher Sandy, of Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo. One of the dead man’s sister, Lynette Roberts, who spoke with this publication said that her brother was last seen alive early yesterday morning having left his home well dressed. According to Roberts, early yesterday morning she received a telephone call from one of her nieces saying that her brother was dead. “First when she tell me I
Dead: 60 year-old Christopher Sandy didn’t believe because she said somebody called her and tell her. The news was confirmed when she went down to Zeelugt”. The woman said that she was told that her brother was found with injuries to his head. The police were summoned to the area and the body was removed by the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where
it is currently awaiting a post mortem examination. Sandy’s relatives said they have no idea what he may have been doing in the village since he has no relatives there. They however acknowledged that he consumed alcohol at times but always made his way home. The man retired from the Guyana Police Force some eight years ago and has been working periodically in the interior. His sister said that he only returned from the interior one week before Easter and was doing some repairs to his home. Sandy is survived by his three biological children and one foster child. Meanwhile, a source close to the investigation said it is believed that Sandy may have been the victim of a hit and run accident. There are reports that broken parts of a vehicle were seen near to Sandy’s body. It was also said that some of the man’s injuries were consistent with a motor vehicle accident.
Father on $50,000 bail for allegedly chopping five-year-old daughter A father was yesterday placed on $50,000 bail for reportedly chopping his fiveyear-old daughter in the head. Floyd Le Fleur, of Prashad Nagar, was accused of malicious wounding which he reportedly committed against Kally La Fleur. Police prosecutor Lionel Harvey said that the father observed the child playing with pepper and as a result became annoyed. He claimed that the man picked up a knife and dealt the child one chop to the head resulting in her having to get medical attention. A report was made and the man was arrested. La Fleur pleaded guilty to the charge while offering the
court an explanation into the incident. In his version of the story La Fleur claimed that the incident was a result of an accident. The father said that his family sells broom for a living, and on the day in question he was stripping branches in the yard to make the item. He claimed that he entered the house to fix something while having the knife in his hand when the child ran past him and accidentally got struck with the knife. After hearing the man's explanation, the court informed the defendant that a guilty plea could not be taken because he had refuted the police's claims. The man however
pleaded with the court to bring an end to the matter since he said he was about to get a job at a popular hotel and he wished not to jeopardize the opportunity. The police made no objections to bail since it was revealed that the child no longer lived in the home and was in the custody of the Child Protection Agency. As a factor contributing to bail being granted, the prosecutor also asked for a probation report to be provided as he believed that there were other children living in the home. The court granted all the prosecutor's requests and granted the bail sum. La Fleur will return to court on May 2 at Court Six.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Drunken Rural Constable Fear of criminalisation prevent gays from reporting abuse harassed, arrested The recent assault and arrest of an intoxicated Rural Constable by a Police Constable in a route 42 minibus has left many wondering if ranks are not educated on how to effectively utilize their powers and manage their anger. After being humiliated by the policeman, tormented by some passengers and forced to walk on the public road to the Grove Police Station in a pair of handcuffs, the Rural Constable was freed from custody. According to an eyewitness, the intoxicated man boarded the minibus at the 42 Bus Park, Stabroek, and commenced his journey quietly until he reached Herstelling. Apparently, the man’s left slipper fell off his feet in front of the Princess Hotel but it was at Herstelling that he raised an alarm. The conductor volunteered to let him out of the bus so he could go in
search of his slippers. The man declined and grumbled of his loss. This gained the attention of the conductor who started to tease the man in jest. Shortly thereafter a young man in the backseat began slapping the intoxicated man’s left shoulder shouting “I get a headache… stop this; I had a bad day; you only hurting my ears!” The onlooker related that the intoxicated man expressed confusion and declared he could speak since he was a police rank. This got the man in the backseat even more agitated and he started shouting repeatedly, “If you are a police what is your rank and number?” The inebriated man refused to answer. Consequently, the man whipped out a pair of handcuffs and presented himself as Constable Charles. At this point the drunken man, who cried and expressed frustration that he was handcuffed, disclosed that he was a Rural Constable, the eyewitness said. The attitude of some passengers also added to the man’s humiliation. An elderly man who exited the minibus at Prospect noted that he is an expoliceman and what occurred is unacceptable. When the minibus reached the Diamond
car park the policeman wanted to remove the handcuffs but the intoxicated man refused. In tears, the man stood firm that he was prepared to go to Court since he did nothing wrong. He requested that the bus take him and the policeman to the Grove Police Station. The driver refused since he had other passengers to “drop-off.” As a result, the man was forced to walk from the public road to the police station wearing handcuffs. The policeman began pushing and pulling the man to walk close to him. At the head of Station Street, the policeman related the matter to a female officer, who was in plainclothes. By that time, the man’s father-in-law, who is also a Rural Constable, appeared on the scene. The situation was becoming loud and a policeman also in plainclothes demanded that the man be taken to the station or released. At the station, the man was placed on a bench whilst the officers were charging him for disorderly conduct. The eyewitness recounted the incident to the police because the man was too flustered to speak. The man was apparently set free but is furious about the humiliation that he suffered and the embarrassment that his family incurred.
Fear of being persecuted and prosecuted has prevented a number of persons within the gay community from reporting crimes committed against them. This revelation comes as part of the findings uncovered by Dr Christopher Carrico, a former lecturer of the University of Guyana. Dr Carrico undertook the study “Collateral Damage” in collaboration with the University of the West Indies’ Faculty of Law Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP), to ascertain to what extent lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender persons are affected by existing laws. B a s e d o n C a r r i c o ’s findings, “most of our interviewees reported a number of injuries that were directly inflicted by the police and the courts, such as police harassment and abuse, arrest, prosecution and conviction of crimes.” The study revealed, further, that many crimes committed against sexual and gender minorities are enabled because perpetrators think they can act with impunity, or even believe that they are privately enforcing the law. Members of the gay community, regardless of their class backgrounds, have claimed to have had
direct encounters with the police that have to do with criminalisation of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some have reported that they are harassed and abused by police; they are arrested or threatened with arrest; they are charged with the crimes of crossdressing and loitering while others still are found guilty and given fines. “In the case of sodomy, we had no accounts of charges being pressed, but suspected buggery was sometimes reported as a pretence for arrest.” It was pointed out that much like the findings in previous research into the topic in other settings like South Africa and the United States, “our research indicated that there were a series of very direct impacts of the continued existence of the laws against sodomy, same sex sexual activity, cross-dressing and loitering.” The research project, which was assisted by Ms Arielle Gordon, Mr Vidyaratha Kissoon and Ms Sherlina Nageer – all Research Assistants, was able to deduce that the laws used to target homosexuals have an effect on the experiences of the members of the gay community. This, it was noted, goes well beyond the realm of law enforcement and the
criminal justice system, even impacting their access to employment and the manner in which sexual identities can be expressed at the workplace. It was revealed, too, that sanctions against those who express their sexual identities in the work environment could include loss of job, failure to be promoted, homophobic harassment and sexual harassment. The impact on this sexual minority group extends to the acquisition of health and other social services, the finding reveals. The result is that either because of direct discrimination or fear of stigma and discrimination members of this group are prevented from making use of these services. Further still, their access to public and private spaces, possibly apartments and homes, are impacted especially if their sexual identity was expressed. This, as a result, often results in this group being reluctant to express their sexuality. Interviewees, according to the findings, frequently reported that they felt that the criminalisation of homosexuality placed considerable constraints on their ability to express their sexual orientation publicly and also constrained their ability to “come out” of the proverbial closet.
Cofona boosts National Library
Cofona representatives including Mr Rutherford with library staff among the donated books The Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) donated some $1M in books to the National Library in New Amsterdam on Saturday. George Rutherford, presenting the materials on behalf of the organization, said that 555 books covered general education topics with
emphasis on Science, Mathematics and the Languages. He added that the donation made by COFONA through former New Amsterdam resident, Mrs Ruthal Fung, who was a former teacher in the town as well, was well-intentioned.
Also on hand last Saturday were Mrs Fung’s two nieces, Donette Benjamin and Odetta Felix. Rutherford added that this represents the first in a series of donations to the library. Senior-in-Charge of the New Amsterdam National
Library, Mrs Nasseem Latiff, expressed her gratitude. “On behalf of the Chief Librarian and staff of the National Library, I extend our gratitude and appreciation to the COFONA for this generous donation of books which will be of benefit to the community”.
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
The Abigail Column Attraction to boyfriend’s father in danger of overheating
DEARABIGAIL, I’m 20 and have been have been going around with my boyfriend for two years. The problem is, I’m in love with his 40-year-old father. I have always been attracted to him, but my feelings have escalated recently. My boyfriend’s mother died two years ago. He was lonely and I started visiting him. Most of the time my boyfriend was at work, so his father and I became very close. Once he kissed me passionately in the kitchen
when no one was around. I don’t know what to do. I think I am seriously in love with him, but my boyfriend is a wonderful man and I would never want to hurt him. If I tell him the truth, not only will it destroy our relationship, but forever ruin his relationship with his father. Should I ignore my feelings for this man and pretend it never happened? Or should I tell my boyfriend what happened, hoping he’ll understand? In Love Dear In Love, Your boyfriend’s father may have been lonely and
grieving when you started visiting, but when you both recognised that you were becoming attracted to each other, a stop should have been put to it. That he would actually hit on you “when no one was looking” is disgraceful. If you tell your boyfriend, he will indeed “understand,” and I don’t recommend it. You need professional counseling, and his father needs to be told that poaching on his son’s preserve is not allowed, so he should spend his lonely hours looking for company that’s available. What you have described isn’t love; it’s a scandal.
Tuesday April 24, 2012 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Issues like romance, creativity and children could be sore spots today. You long to leave your mark on the world, but feel hindered from doing so. Maybe the spark has gone out of your love life. ************************ TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): Your heart could feel a little heavy right now, mostly because offamily responsibilities and while you’re tired of playing the part of the reliable relative, you have to admit you would feel guilty about shirking these duties. ************************ GEMINI(MAY21-JUN20): Relations with a neighbour, sibling or cousin could be a bit strained right now. It feels as though this person is asking you to make all sorts of sacrifices, while they continue along their merry way. ************************ CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): The things that symbolised success for you in the past are becoming distant memories. You’re starting to realise that, over the years, your priorities have changed significantly. ************************ LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): You’ve been juggling many responsibilities for the last week or two, and this trend will continue for some time. Fortunately, most of these duties will be labours of love. ************************ VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): Sometimes, it seems as though you’ll never see the light at the end of the tunnel. This could be one of those times! And while you yearn for those carefree days when you could just go out with friends at a moment’s notice, you have to admit life has assumed a more meaningful cast.
LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Obligations to your community can be quite a burden at times. Right now, all you can think about is how much fun you could be having if you hadn’t made certain promises. Refuse to fall victim to this destructive mindset. ************************ SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): Finding a career that affords status and authority takes on a new urgency. In the past, you were content to work behind the scenes. Now, you’re starting to realise just how much your talents have been ignored. ************************ SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): You may feel as though you’re at a distinct disadvantage with a highly educated expert and while that may be true, there’s no reason why you can’t get the same level of training. ************************ CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Becoming better with money is imperative if you’re going to enjoy an intimate relationship. Love isn’t all hugs and kisses. It requires trust, perseverance and communication. ************************ AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): A marriage or business alliance could be a source of strain today. You want your freedom, but your partner demands that you stick to a confining arrangement. It feels as though you’ve reached a crossroads. ************************ PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): It behoves you to take care of your health over the next two years. Cutting out junk food, taking more exercise, and getting more sleep are all essential components of a sensible regime.
DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55hrs. Sign On 09:00hrs. Live! With Kelly 10:00hrs. Spice Goddess 10:30hrs. Everyday Exotic 11:00hrs. The View 12:00hrs. Prime News 12:30hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00hrs. The Talk 15:00hrs. Boy Meets World 16:00hrs. Beverly Hills, 90210 17:00hrs. The Wayans Brothers 18:00hrs. World News 18:30hrs. Awakening 19:00hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00hrs. Alliance on the Move 21:00hrs. Dancing with the Stars (Results) 22:00hrs. Movie: Columbiana 00:00hrs. Sign Off NCN CHANNEL 11 02:00 – NCN Late Edition(R/B) 02:30 – Late Nite with GINA 03:00 – Movie 05:00 – The Path of Forgetting Part 1 05:30 – Newtown Gospel 06:00 – NCN Late Edition(R/B) 06:30 – IPL#32 Pune Warriors vs Delhi Daredevils 10:00 – Cricket 3rd Test West Indies VS Australia Day 2 12:00 – Lotto Cricket Info & Quiz 12:35 – NCN Newsbreak 12:40 – Cricket Resumes 17:00 – Anderson 18:00 – NCN News Magazine – Live 18:30 – Pulse Beat 19:00 – Al Jazeera 19:30 – Homestretch Magazine 20:00 – 3d/daily millions/ play de dream/lotto draw 20:05 – Your Health the Nations Wealth 21:05 – XI Interface 21:35 – Feature 22:05 – NCN News Late Edition 22:30 – IPL#33 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Deccan Chargers (Delayed)
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Kaieteur News
Ageday to redeem himself
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Tuesday April 24, 2012
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Chavez Ageday will be looking to redeem himself at the National under-23 Games Sunday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary after facing a shocking defeat from University of Guyana’s student, Elton Bollers which left spectators and athletes dumbfounded. The defeat from the 19 years old athlete, who once ran for Royal Youth Movement (RYM) in its glorious days in athletics, came as an underdog in the junior 200m boys last Saturday at the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) National Youth, Junior and Senior Championship to send out a threat to his rivals. Bollers’ blast out of the blocks from lane 7 saw him taking charge of the field to remain unchallenged until Ageday and Stephan James woke from their slumber to shift gears when 50 meters
was left to decrease the lead which was created. The two top sprinters were unable to seize the race as Bollers flew past the finish line clocking 21 seconds leaving them in disbelief. In Guyana, Bollers 21 second on grass is listed as the fourth fastest time in the 200m sprint; Rupert Perry of Guyana Defence Force, 20.2 seconds is the fastest. Chavez however attained some victory in the 200m after beating his rival James, who’s now second on his athletic rival list. Chavez of Ruralities clocked 21.30 second to leave James, who won the AAG CARIFTA Trials under -20 boy’s 200m, in third place. Ageday, one of the CARIFTA Team athletes, who is rated as the best junior sprinter, was unable to qualify for the finals in the both 100m and 200m in Bermuda over the Easter
weekend. Being one of the athletes the AAG have a lot of hope in, he registered 10.69 seconds in the 100m and 22.15 seconds in the 200m in the preliminary rounds. His performances for the year in the 200m can be termed as inconsistent judging the high level of exposure attained at the AAG Developmental Meet (1) he returned a time of 22.00 seconds, at the AAG CARIFTA Time Trials he registered 21.5 seconds and clocked 22.15 seconds on Synthetic Track at the CARIFTA Games. Ageday who clocked 21.30 seconds at last Saturday’s Championship in the 200m will get another chance to prove that he is on par with, or even better than the AAG National Junior 200m gold medalist when they clash again at the National Under23 Championship.
Chavez Ageday
Elton Bollers
Speedsters keep ‘em guessing MONTEGO BAY, St James — Unless either Asafa Powell or Yohan Blake opts to run the 400m at the May 5 Jamaica International Invitational (JII) Meet at the National Stadium, two of the nation’s top male sprinters will meet in an early season face-off. Just over a week ago, double World Record holder Usain Bolt announced he would be running the 100m at the meet which is an IAAF World Challenge, but neither Powell nor Blake, who ran 9.90 seconds at the UTech track and field classic, has declared what event either would be running. Speculations are that Blake and Powell could meet in the longer 200m race or that Bolt and Powell will line-up in
From left POWELL... has not not declared his hand. BOLT... down to run 100m. BLAKE... will he meet his training partner a mouth-watering 100m. Based on their racing commitments so far, Racers Track Club training partners Bolt and Blake will not meet until at least the National Senior Trials in June and
could be kept apart at the May meet. Meanwhile, a number of top local and international athletes have been confirmed for the event that has become a fixture on the international calendar.
Americans Carmelita Jeter and Sanya Richards are expected to join the cream of the crop of Jamaican athletes, including Olympic champions Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce and Melaine Walker.
De Villiers, Apanna star in Bangalore... From page 21 matched at the halfway mark: Bangalore were 62-2 and Rajasthan 67-1. But the differentiator in the game was the violent 21-ball fifty that AB de Villiers scored, adding 122 unbeaten with opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, who carried his bat for 76. It was a slow wicket with grip for the spinners, so when young left-arm spinner KP Appanna (4-19) dismissed Rajasthan’s top four, the contest ended. Dravid and Ajinkya Rahane have templatised
their partnership in the tournament. Dravid, the more cautious of the two, looks to preserve his wicket while Rahane blazes away. Down the order, they have Owais Shah, Brad Hodge and Kevon Cooper to provide fire power. Rajasthan made another big start of 56 runs today with Dravid doing the quickscoring but they couldn’t get from Shah and Hodge what de Villiers gave to Bangalore. The evening didn’t start well for Bangalore. With seconds to go for the game, they briefly lost the services
of Chris Gayle, who felt sick and couldn’t keep his dinner down. Virat Kohli had to open the innings with Dilshan, a move that didn’t work out when Kohli, having made a run-a-ball 16, miscued a lofted cover drive to the lone man at the ropes. Gayle would come in at No. 4, not a position one is acquainted to see the bighitting Jamaican in. He was clearly off-colour during his short stay. Bangalore’s innings could be defined in two halves: the first in which Rajasthan had
the upper-hand, thanks to Brad Hogg’s delightful spin bowling and his display of the wrong ‘un; and the second in which Dilshan and de Villiers took control and destroyed Rajasthan’s bowling, adding 122 runs for the fourth wicket in just 8.2 overs. Hogg bowled three decent overs before being punished in his final one. Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 189 for 3 (Dilshan 76*, de Villiers 59*) beat Rajasthan Royals 143 for 7 (Dravid 58, Appanna 4-19) by 46 runs.
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Kaieteur News
Page 21
Food for the Poor and St Francis in million dollar donation to Berbice Police Assists with sports gear and other equipment
FFP representative and SFCD president Alex Foster hands over some of the sports gear to commander of the police B division Assistant Commissioner Dereck Josiah as other senior ranks of the division appreciate the moment. Food for the Poor Guyana Incorporated and the St Francis Community Developers in Berbice continued their benevolence with a million dollar donation to the Berbice B division of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The Police in Berbice (B Division) was the recipient
of a number of sports gear and other materials which will be used to enhance the life and well being of the ranks at the various stations throughout Berbice. Five stations will be the main benefactors in the latest donations including Central Police Station, Albion, Rose
De Villiers, Apanna star in Bangalore win Yahoo! Cricket – JAIPUR: Rahul Dravid rolled back the years with a delightful fifty in which he outpaced and outscored his younger team-mates. But the 58-run innings couldn’t prevent a rare defeat by 46
runs in a home game for Rajasthan Royals against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Bangalore posted an imposing 189-3 here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Both sides were evenly (Continued on page 20)
Hall, Whim and the Police Training School at Adventure Corentyne. Among the equipment donated were quantities of cricket gear including bats, pads, gloves, balls, stumps etc, Footballs, Volleyballs, and other sports equipment, six computers, 21 mattresses, an over head projector, stationeries and office supplies. Materials were also donated for use by the various scout groups in Berbice. Speaking at the simple presentation ceremony held recently at the Club’s Annex restaurant at the Area H Rose Hall Town, representative of the FFP in Berbice and president of the SFCD Alex
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Football Competition...
Quarter-finals on tonight in Linden This year’s Linden edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Football Competition in Linden has reached an interesting stage where only the best of the best survive as teams make the tactical and technical improvements in their quest to cart off the top prizes at stake. Today, the quarter-finals will be played at the Wisroc / Amelia’s Ward Bus Park and fans are expected to come out in their numbers to witness four matches that promises fireworks judging from the teams’ performances during the Round of 16 on Saturday night, at the same venue. In addition to the matches directly related to the competition, the Organisers have also planned two exhibition games that feature Bosai versus L.E.I, while L.U.S.C.L takes on a Guinness selection. Meanwhile, in the opening fixture, Sheriff Squad go up
against Retrieve Unknowns and this is a matchup that should favour the former, especially with the likes of former national mid-fielder Collie Hercules and a bright upcoming star in the name of Colwin David in their line-up. Retrieve Unknowns, who survived on penalty kicks will have to improve their performance to get past the skilful duo of Hercules and David. Rough and Rugged then go up against Amelia’s Ward Russians and this encounter has the making of being the most interesting matchup of the evening. The energetic and skilful Jamie Wilson is once again expected to lead the charge for victory for the Rough and Rugged unit, a team that easily dismantled the much vaunted Coomacka United team that had played unbeaten in the preliminary phase before they met a well
organised backline that stood up strongly against their attacking ploys. In the third game, ½ Mile / 1 Mile tackles Hard Knocks and this clash promises to be closely contested affair. Seon Brewley, a player who has played at the highest level domestically will lead the challenge of ½ / 1 Mile, while Hard Knocks chances of progressing further will rest on the shoulders of Oswald Benjamin and Randy Small. In the final game of the night, Pepper Skull square off against Pokersburg, who looked very competitive in their previous clash where they won convincingly. Pepper Skull on the other hand managed to survive on penalty kicks and will definitely have to step up and compete at this level. The night of action should provide a high level of Futsal football for the fans to come out and enjoy.
Foster described the Guyana Police Force as a unique organisation which touches almost every aspect of one’s lives. Foster lauded the GPF for the work they are doing in the community and stated that despite their many constraints and constant banter they are still doing a commendable job. He stated that although the police are facing a lot of stick for many infractions they must be commended for showing leadership qualities and participating in the many activities. Accepting the donation on behalf of The GPF was Commander of the Police B division Assistant Commissioner Dereck Josiah. Mr Josiah was very appreciative and thankful to the FFP and The SFCD for the assistance and donation received. He stated the GPF is not only about fighting crime, but blending with society and the equipment
donated will assist in that way. The force also has the obligation to look after the welfare and well being of its ranks and quite a large part of that obligation has been taken care of by the donations received. He gave the assurance that optimum use will be made of what was
donated. Their ranks will be able to participate in more sporting activities both for competition and relaxation purposes. The computers he stated will be used to enhance the Information Technology capabilities of the force among the stations.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday April 24, 2012
Carto steps down as GABA President By Edison Jefford Trevor Rose must be languishing in his Bel Air home thinking to himself ‘I was the man for this job, they removed me covertly and now look, basketball in Georgetown is in a mess’ following a recent development that is certain to halt the progress of the sport. Kaieteur Sport has learnt yesterday that the relatively new President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), David Carto has stepped down from the post citing what others referred to as ‘personal reasons’ when contacted for comment. Carto could not be reached for comment yesterday, but other GABA
David Carto officials, who requested that their names be withheld, confirmed that Carto did relieve himself of the post, but he did not issue an official resignation letter with elections due in another year. “He said some personal
things came up and he could no longer fulfil the role of the President. He has not sent us an official resignation letter so we’re not clear as yet what that means,” an official of the GABA told this newspaper in an invited statement. Carto’s move comes in the middle of an extensive and impressive GABA League that was aimed at resuscitating interest in the sport in Georgetown with its length. Our source at the GABA said that they are at their wits’ end to continue the League that was stopped. The GABA League was expected to last a little over three months with a supereight knockout at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to follow. The League had
endured an impressive start with about 14 teams competing. Four new teams had registered with the association. The bottom-line was that the savvy Carto, after a slow start last year, was getting basketball to an enterprising place in Georgetown. Carto took over the GABA Presidency from Trevor Rose in an election that was aimed at removing the popular local designer. Rose was instrumental in taking basketball in Georgetown to new levels after he merged with the entertainment sector. However, some clubs believed that he was not doing enough for the sport in the City and that brought Carto, who has already had enough, to the fore.
Reis wins Torginol Paint Golf tourney
Alfred Mentore, Brian Hackett, Clifford Reis, Dr. Ram Singh and Mohan Dinnanauth, the top performers at last weekend’s Torginol Paint Golf Tournament after the presentation. High handicappers ruled the course on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Club for the Torginol Paints Tournament.
With light rough, slick greens and tricky pin placements the lower handicapped players failed to
shoot low. It was Clifford Reis who ended up with an impressive 87, off a handicap of 21, for a winning net 66.
Brian Hackett was second with a gross 93, net 67, edging out with a better back nine Dr. Ramsingh who shot 91 net 67 as well. Lowest gross went to Mohan “Santo” Dinanauth with a 76 and nearest to the pin to Alfred Mentore. The tournament was well attended with 26 players. In his remarks at the presentation ceremony, Club President Hackett expressed the club’s appreciation to the Continental Group of Companies for sponsoring the event. Golfers will be back in action on Saturday for the Scotia Bank annual Medal Play tournament. Tee off is at 12:30 hours.
GFF SUPER LEAGUE...
Den Amstel 1 Buxton United 0; Pele 1 Victoria Kings 0 When competition in the Guyana Football Federation Super League, sponsored by FIFA under the Win in CONCACAF with CONCACAF Initiative continued over the past weekend, both East Demerara
Football Association teams lost by respective 1-0 margins. Home advantage did not count in either case as both visiting teams earned full points to enhance their positions in the points standings.
Pele tucked in the winner early in the piece against Victoria Kings, Jamal Cozier the player on target in the 6th minute. Tried all they did, both teams went in hunt of goals but that proved to be very elusive for both, Pele
prevailing in the end. In eth opening salvo, Travis Hillman netted in the 17th minute as West Demerara’s Den Amstel continued their fine showing in their debut year at this level. The West Side boys took the early advantage and never allowed the home team to get close to the attacking third, let alone get the equalizer. More play is set for this weekend.
14 overseas-based Boyz for Guyana game HEAD coach Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore has summoned 14 overseas-based players for a friendly international against Guyana slated for the Montego Bay Sports Complex on May 18. Among them are the Waftord pair of Nyron Nosworthy and Adrian Mariappa, whose availability is subject to their Jamaican immigration and citizenship documentation verification. Others invited are Chris Humphrey (Motherwell Scotland), Omar Daley (Motherwell Scotland), Ricardo Fuller (Stoke City England), Damion Stewart (Notts County England), Nathan Smith (Chesterfield England) Claude Davis (Crawley Town England), Keammar Daley (Preston North End England), Marlon King (Birmingham England) Lance Laing (Fort LauderdaleStrikers USA), Darren Mattocks (Vancouver (Whitecaps USA), O’Brian Woodbine (VPS Finland), Luton Shelton (Karabukspor (Turkey). Of the 14 players, there are seven defenders, three midfielders and four forwards. It’s the first time in a spell that so many England-based players have been named in a Reggae Boyz squad — due mainly to the players’ availability as the UK football season winds down. Also, Whitmore is using the opportunity to have a fresh look at the established members, plus close-ups of the new recruits as he homes in on his final squad for CONCACAF Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifiers due to kick off inside the National Stadium on June 8. “Having looked at our overseas-based and local-based players, we are now finalising plans,” the former Jamaica international was quoted as saying in a release from the JFF. “As we face a long qualifying period ahead, it has been necessary to look broadly, home and away and to be very open in our objective of putting the best available team on the pitch for every game,” the release added. The Guyana game comes exactly three weeks before Jamaica open their World Cup qualifying campaign against Guatemala at the CONCACAF semi-final stage. Jamaica, ranked 47th by FIFA and the Caribbean’s No 1 team, also have Antigua and Barbados and the USA in their group of the home-and-away play-off series. Whitmore has indicated that fans will begin to see the shape of his squad emerging with the Guyana match-up and two quickfire games against Panama on May 27 in Kingston and a return in Panama City five days later. Most, if not all, of the current overseas invitees, along with the best local talent should figure in the remaining friendlies — a sort of final audition for players seriously seeking to secure spots in Whitmore’s ‘Mission to Rio’ squad. Following an undesirable set of results last year, the Boyz bounced back with encouraging performances and results this year in four friendly matches. In February, they defeated Cuba (1-0 and 3-0) in two games in Kingston and Montego Bay, before journeying to New Zealand to chisel out a 3-2 over the Oceana giants. In a lone game in March on a downsized FIFA calendar for friendly internationals, 10-man Jamaica and Costa Rica played to a 0-0 draw inside ‘The Office’. Though he may say that the final results in these practice games are not by themselves crucial, Whitmore would no doubt want to maintain his winning run to take a positive momentum into the World Cup qualifiers. JFF boss Captain Horace Burrell said he negotiated the Guyana game because it could give players and the technical staff a feel of Antigua and Barbuda, who are grouped with the Boyz in the CONCACAF eliminations. Guyana, who have seen a recent surge in their game, are expected to be at full strength for the 8:00 pm kick-off in the scenic north-west of the island, which has recently staged a flurry of international matches. Guyana eliminated former regional powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago to advance to the CONCACAF semi-finals.
Beharry’s 90 & 5-32 propels... From page 23 Under-17 batsman Suresh Dhanai (5). Beharry, who is also the Treasurer of the Berbice Cricket Board, was the 9th man out for 90 which included 5 fours and 8 huge sixes; his innings helped Warriors reach 213 all out in 33.4 overs. Bowling for Kennard’s Memorial, Ramnarine picked up 3 for 32, his brother Karamchand, a left arm leg spinner 3 for 35 and Mankarran 2 for 15. When Kennard’s began their reply,
Karamchand Ramnarine (12) and Kamedevin Permauloo (29) gave them a solid start of 45 in 8 overs but with the introduction of the left arm spin of Beharry, wickets started to tumble and they were eventually bowled out for 120 in 28.1 overs; Beharry taking 5 for 32 from 7 overs. No.48 Challengers also advanced to the quarter finals after Whim National failed to show up at the No.48 Ground for their playoff game. Challengers were therefore granted the walkover.