Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Hururu residents block river to stop RUSAL barges - as protest intensifies over logging halt

Some of the protesters yesterday

By Michael Jordan Residents of Hururu, Upper Berbice, yesterday strung lengths of rope across a section of the Berbice River to stop RUSAL barges from traversing the waterway, as a protest over the Russian firm’s blocking of a roadway used by loggers entered its third day.

The villagers, joined by residents from Kwakwani, also blocked the disputed roadway that loggers in the Upper Berbice community have been using for decades, but which is now leased to RUSAL. The firm has set up a checkpoint and is reportedly

preventing villagers from harvesting millions of dollars in already-cut logs.

Kaieteur News was told that the protesters stood their ground and refused to remove the barriers erected at the river, despite pleas from an Amerindian Affairs Ministry official who met with the villagers of the Upper Berbice community and members of the Council.

The barriers across the river were eventually removed late yesterday evening.

RUSAL barges traverse the river on their way to Kwakwani.

An official from the Hururu Village Council said

that many of the protesters are staying overnight at the site. He said that a few police ranks were present, but there were no clashes with the lawmen.

The protesters have vowed to continue their action until RUSAL comes to an agreement that is favourable to them.

Yesterday’s intensified protest appears to have borne some fruit. A few villagers, who are employed

by RUSAL, told this newspaper that company officials met with them yesterday and indicated that the firm will construct another roadway to enable the

Driver and his car end up in trench after failed bid to rob money-changer Orin Braithwaite, a 62year-old money-changer, of 419 Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt, was yesterday stabbed several times about the body as he thwarted an attempt to rob him by a man who had lured into a car under the ruse that a gold transaction was imminent.

Police in a press statement issued shortly after the incident which occurred at around 10:15hrs, said that Braithwaite was in the vicinity of America Street when he was approached by a man who claimed that he had a quantity of gold to sell.

Kaieteur News understands Braithwaite got into the front passenger seat of the vehicle that the man was driving, a Toyota Sprinter, bearing licence plate number PKK 1155, so that they could go to somewhere more “private” to carry out the deal.

The police statement added that the car was on D’Urban Street when the driver pulled out a knife and attacked Braithwaite, in an attempt to take away his bag which contained a large sum of money. A scuffle ensued in the moving car which ended up in a ditch on D’Urban

A public-spirited citizen takes Orin Braithwaite to a waiting vehicle Street, close to Cross Street.

The perpetrator was swiftly apprehended by members of a passing police patrol.

Braithwaite was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he underwent surgery, and was later hospitalised.

The victim’s “money bag” was also recovered.

The car was reportedly rented by the suspect and its number plates had been changed. The alleged assailant remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Some of the objects placed in the river to prevent the barges from passing villagers to harvest their logs.

But loggers insist that they need immediate access to the roadway that RUSAL has taken over, since millions in logs have already been cut and will rot if they are not removed.

Deputy Toshao Victor Walker told Kaieteur News that RUSAL has been denying loggers access to the roadway for close to three weeks.

“Since April 4 they have been stopping us from going in. The logs have to be shipped and time’s going and the logs are deteriorating,” Walker said.

He explained that around 2005, members of the previous Village Council signed an agreement in which they leased several acres of land at Kurubuka (located some seven miles from Hururu) to RUSAL for $1.2M per month. They also leased the Hururu roadway for $1.1M per month. This money is paid to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and some $1M is deducted and paid to RUSAL monthly for electricity.

Walker also explained that the former Village Council also

agreed that logging near the mining site would cease once RUSAL commenced mining.

Like other villagers, he blamed the former Council for the present predicament facing loggers. “They messed up by signing that agreement.

Who is going to feed us?”

Rather than the $2.3M per month, Walker and other residents have suggested that RUSAL pay $12M monthly for lease of the mining area, located at Kurubuka, and use of the Hururu road.

One villager said that the logging concessions are some distance from the area that has been leased to RUSAL for mining, and therefore would not impede the company’s work.

However, he explained that the loggers would have to use the Hururu roadway to reach their concessions.

Region Ten Chairman, Sharma Solomon, has expressed support for the residents. He said that any investments coming into the Region must be built on mutual benefit.

Region Ten Councilors, Leslie Gonsalves and Maurice Butters, visited the

area on Monday to lend support to the protesters and to listen to their concerns.

Kaieteur News was told that Gonsalves and Butters, along with Toshao Winsbert Benjamin, were initially prevented from passing the checkpoint that RUSAL had set up on the Hururu roadway.

They were eventually allowed to pass.

“What they (the residents) are saying is that the company (RUSAL) in a very hostile way is not allowing them to get to their logging concessions,” Gonsalves said Monday.

“They are being stopped from harvesting their logs.”

According to Gonsalves, the Guyana Forestry Commission had granted permission for the residents to harvest their logs and some of the logs had even been stamped.

The Deputy Toshao said that the issue was to have been discussed at an April 17 meeting with officials from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry. However, he alleged that when he arrived at the meeting he was prevented from raising the issue, allegedly due to his late arrival.

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Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Rice worries The ongoing protests by rice farmers in Essequibo highlight the challenges that must be addressed by the authorities if the industry is to continue on its upward trajectory that has proven to be the bright spot in the agriculture sector. With sugar seemingly locked into a death spiral, we must ensure that we do not lose our most valuable resource - farmers. While we may boast of having limitless amounts of land, this is worthless from a developmental standpoint unless we have people who are willing to work that land.

The movement of people out of the sugar industry is not just a problem for that industry but for the entire country, since the experience of other countries has shown that such an exodus from agriculture is usually irreversible. Yet our comparative advantage in development lies in agriculture because of our abundant fertile land in a world of growing food insecurity.

It is important to understand why the protests have occurred in Essequibo and not elsewhere. Rice is the only industry on the heavily populated Essequibo Coast and because of its husbandry and processing demands, it is also the largest employer there. As rice goes, so does the rest of “the Coast” since the revenue it generates supports most of the other services and ancillary occupations.

But the amount of land on the Essequibo Coast is fixed at 33,000 acres for reasons of geography and hydraulics for almost half a century. There has been talk by the government about opening up an additional 5,000 acres, but this is still on the drawing boards. Because of this fixed acreage, cultivation there has been the most intensive in Guyana.

With water for irrigation from the Tapacuma Conservancy, drainage into the Essequibo River and meticulous husbandry practices, farmers in Essequibo routinely harvest 40 bags of paddy per acre compared to the 28 elsewhere.

With the price of paddy shooting over $4000 per bag in the last few years, primarily because of the lucrative Venezuelan market secured by the government, demand for land has increased: rentals have now touched $40,000 per acre. But combined with the high prices and quantities of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other inputs, rice farming on the Essequibo Coast is an expensive proposition.

So when, as has happened so many times in the past and is the case once again, millers do not pay farmers up front or promptly, the latter are plunged into quite dire straits.

This is exacerbated by their need to begin field preparations for the next crop.

Many of them have to resort to the banks for loans that have to be repaid with interest, while the amounts owed to them by millers are interest-free. Farmers, then, end up financing the rice industry.

This last crop there were two problems that compounded the farmers’ woes: extensive paddy bug infestation and uncertainty over the Venezuelan contract that would have covered the paddy just purchased by millers. Last year, Guyana produced 422,000 tons of rice.

Two-thirds of that amount was exported to Venezuela under the agreement and this year, production and exports had been expected to increase. The paddy-bug lowers the quality of the paddy immeasurably and the two factors have caused millers to slash the prices of paddy drastically.

On the issue of the Venezuelan contract, a month ago, Jagnarine Singh, General Manager of Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) said a deal had been finalized but not on paper. The agreement included the quantity; the selling price for rice and paddy; terms of sales; and shipping conditions. While we understand the uncertainty introduced by the passing of Hugo Chavez, the GRDB has to push for a signing of the contract.

The Minister of Agriculture has intervened to offer some relief to the farmers on the paddy bug problem, but this is locking the stable after the horse has bolted. The GRDB should have been much more pro-active in monitoring the quality of pesticides that are shipped into the country. The Factory Act that covers millers’ payment to farmers must also be monitored more stringently.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news

The AFC justifies the indefensible DEAR EDITOR, When the motion to cut the Sports and Arts Fund was raised by the AFC, I was of two minds. I’ve campaigned for more money to be put into the development of the arts, writing in particular, and any cut in government arts funding should naturally be against this development. I, however, had to weigh that against the reality of how arts funding is disbursed in Guyana and I saw the motion to cut in the same spirit of forced accountability that was behind the NCN and GINA budget cuts.

It was to my great surprise therefore when the AFC on Friday did an about face and withdrew their motion to cut the Fund, with Moses Nagamootoo going on to praise the Minister of Culture’s past efforts in promoting the development of the Arts in Guyana.

With regard to CARIFESTA, Anthony and the government are yet to release an iota of audited information on the expenditure for CARIFESTA X (2008) which Guyana hosted.

I’ve repeatedly asked for the Ministry to publish criteria for selection of delegations for Guyana’s representation at CARIFESTA and the interGuianas Cultural Festival and there has not been a single response.

Indeed, we are four months away from CARIFESTA to be held in Suriname and while I am fully aware that the Ministry is engaged in planning for the trip, the public has not had a single indication of who is going, to do what, and on what basis they were selected.

How is it that the AFC can argue in one breath that there should be transparency and a merit-based approach to the award of public contracts, for example, yet leave ample room for obscurity and nepotism in the management of $100 million of taxpayer money?

With regard to the Caribbean Press, it is absurd that Mr. Nagamootoo in his sole response to me should parrot Anthony’s statement that was published by the Press. Of all the names called, the bulk have had associations with the Press – Dr. Ian McDonald has been known to be associated with its establishment, as has Petamber Persaud, and Sasenarine Persaud is Petamber’s brother.

Cyril Dabydeen is the cousin of Dr. David Dabydeen the effective head of the Press, and Cedric Castello is Dr. Dabydeen’s friend. And then there is the issue of Minister Anthony’s daughter having had a book published by the Press, and no satisfactory explanation has been given.

Another perspective on this is that most of those published have had established writing careers – if it is that the Press and the Fund (which we are now learning funds it) are developmental mechanisms, why is there a complete absence of emerging local writers without any connection to the people behind the Press? Anthony cited 60 books by “contemporary” writers being produced by the Press – who are these people and how were they selected, by what

mechanism?

Now to the Guyana Prize for Literature. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Culture awarded $17 million for the hosting of this year’s Prize, as we were informed

by GINA, and under the Fund’s budgetary allocation, [a further] $11.6 million was approved.

This year, only the local (not the Caribbean aspect) of the Prize was announced, the Prize money of which totals US$21,000 or $4.2 million. On the surface of it, we therefore have a total of $28.6 million allocated to run a writing award that the payout of which is only one-seventh of that figure? Even if we were to work with the $17 million figure, that would mean the Guyana Prize costs thrice as much to run as the Prize money awarded. And does Mr. Nagamootoo finds this commendable?

With all these issues having been ventilated in the public domain this year alone, how is it that Mr. Ramjattan and Mr. Nagamootoo and the rest of the AFC parliamentary representation found Anthony’s answers to be satisfactory?

Indeed, Nagamootoo went so far – on no evidence – to praise the initiatives under the Fund as unsung successes.

Mr. Nagamootoo points out the Fund may not be legally constituted yet chose not to insist on legal establishment – which leads to the issue of governance – as a prerequisite for releasing the funds. If a lick and a promise were all that were required of the PPP with regard to fairness and equitable allocation of state resources and money, then the AFC should have approved the budgetary allocations to NCN and GINA, which are both legally established entities.

If the AFC found the Minister’s actions satisfactory, why not vote in approval for the Fund to go through? Why abstain en bloc?

From my perspective, what we have here can only be one or both of two things – an orchestrated duplicity on the part of the AFC to allow the Fund to go through for whatever secret reason; and/ or a shocking and perhaps willful ignorance of everything that has gone wrong with Anthony’s management of cultural policy, from discrimination, nepotism, myopia and an almost complete lack of accountability.

I don’t believe that the AFC, its Parliamentary representation in particular, needs to be reminded that they have been afforded the perks and the privileges of being part of our national legislature in order to represent a new culture of acting in the public interest, with fairness and transparency being the hallmarks of whatever decision they make.

When questioned about the process behind this decision, to allow the Fund to go through, the AFC leadership has gone silent on its most vibrant public forum for dissemination and discussion of ideas, Facebook.

This does not bode well for a party that I’ve known to be open to interrogation. I believe I can speak on behalf many people when I say the AFC needs to provide clear and cogent answers on this issue.

Ruel Johnson

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

Guyana faces likely impact Don’t allow Mr. Jagdeo to shift the focus away from his maladministration of OECD blacklisting?

DEAR EDITOR, As the good doctor confirms, Guyana has been given until the end of next month to upgrade its antimoney laundering and financing of terrorism law in keeping with recommendations. What the good doctor is not telling us is that these recommendations are many and somewhat complicated.

Mercifully, in a sense, he was not characteristically long-winded about the implications of missing that deadline. In fact he was silent.

Though Ron Webster as Chairman of the PSC confirmed that foreign investors would be reluctant to come here if the money laundering laws are weak, no one seems to be telling the man in the street just how Guyana’s non compliance will affect him or her in real and devastating ways.

If Guyana is blacklisted by the OECD countries, and that seems imminent at the end of May in a mere four weeks, there will be major upheaval in Guyana’s banking system.

Every movement of money in or out of Guyana will be intensely scrutinized by the

transacting banks here and abroad. The process will be long and tedious as corresponding banks overseas through which these transactions pass, will want to be 101 per cent certain that any Guyanese transaction is squeaky clean and whiter than white.

There is a cost penalty involved in this level of scrutiny which goes well beyond the ‘know thy customer’ imperative and it will be passed on to the transacting customer. I envisage that some corresponding banks will determine that it is not worth their while to carry out such painstaking and time consuming scrutiny for the relatively paltry sums of money involved in most Guyanese transactions.

Money transfer businesses will feel the pressure in a big way and will increase the cost of their transactions. As a result remittances may slow down, reduce in dollar terms and may calcify as senders in the US, Canada, the UK and the Caribbean are systematically harassed to show origins and sources of the money being remitted.

At present annual remittances to Guyana may

total as much as US$200 Million. When this drops significantly or dries up almost completely, dependent Guyanese will suffer hardships with few options at their disposal; finding work at the Marriott Hotel Construction site is clearly not one of them and the strain on the economy will be formidable.

It is a fact that the US, Canada, UK and the EU have teamed up to give Guyana the needed assistance to get itself in order for the May deadline and the looming OECD blacklisting.

Against this background one would expect Guyana to maintain and improve its friendly relations with these assisting governments. Not so! Recently, around the time of the Falklands visit, we went out of our way to officially insult one of the countries we are depending on heavily to send experts to work with us on compliance matters to meet the end of May deadline.

Why not let the people know the likely impact of OECD blacklisting if Guyana misses the deadline?

W. Hamley Case

DEAR EDITOR, A lot of the responses to Mr. Jagdeo’s outburst at Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud’s funeral service may have fallen into the Jagdeo trap. Clearly, Jagdeo’s intention is to shift the focus away from the many lawless, arbitrary, unjust and dictatorial decisions he made.

The attempt to make it appear as if the attacks on those decisions constitute an attack on the East Indian community must be exposed.

Mr. Jagdeo’s governance style was characterised by contempt for the people of Guyana, regardless of ethnicity. He should not be allowed to increase ethnic tensions.

The focus must be on the rolling back of those unjust and arbitrary decisions he made.

The struggle is for justice and fair play in the allocation of our national resources, including our airwaves. This struggle must continue.

Mr. Jagdeo’s decisionmaking was aimed at enriching an elite, inclusive of his family and friends, and the post Dr. Jagan political elite who constitute an emerging

new rich and is in the main of East Indian decent. Linked to this elite, is a small opportunist African and others group that is an appendage to the elite.

This group enjoys, and is comfortable with, the crumbs that fall from the table of the ruling elite even as it pursues the dominance of the Guyanese society.

It is important to note that the post Dr. Jagan political elite lacks the business ethic that characterised the traditional East Indian business community in Guyana.

It lacks the culture of hard work and the capacity to save and be thrifty as part of capital accumulation for the advancement of business.

On the contrary, it is a parasitic elite that accumulates wealth through corruption and links to the criminal underworld and all that this portends. Its approach is characterised by extravagance, arrogance and contempt for the poor.

It must be recalled that the Jagdeo-led political elite discriminated against East Indians as well. The scam in the awarding of the contract

for the importation of drugs is one of the many cases.

The point is that while the African Guyanese face the brunt of the discrimination, the Jagdeo cabal extends the discrimination to the East Indian and other communities once the interest of the ruling elite is threatened.

There is need for a united approach against the excesses of the corrupt rich elite.

The Jagdeo regime’s handling of the Amerindian community is indicative of its approach. The regime did not design programmes to empower the Amerindian communities.

In fact, the approach is one of creating dependent Amerindian communities to gain the electoral support of the Amerindians.

The aim is dominance by the ruling elite over all Guyana - its people and more importantly its resources.

The appeal to racism by Mr. Jagdeo is an attempt to hide his maladministration, and his abusive and arbitrary use of power under a Jagdeofabricated cloak of increased anti East Indian sentiments.

Aubrey C. Norton

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

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

In defence of the Attorney General DEAR EDITOR, Allow me to respond to a letter by one M. A. Bacchus, published in the April 20 edition of the Kaieteur News.

In that letter, Mr. Bacchus attempted to ascribe to the Hon Attorney General a quality that seems to be characteristic of him, the owner and publisher of the Kaieteur News and Opposition Members of Parliament – ‘Empty barrel makes the most noise’.

It is a verifiable fact that for the past one and a half years Mr. Nandlall has been

doing what no other Attorney General or for that matter no lawyer ever did. He has been educating the public on complex legal issues and concepts using the simplest of language and examples, especially on what have been taking place in the Parliament, from the budget cut of 2012 to the gagging of Minister Rohee.

As a result, thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of Guyanese, who are not of a legal mind have been able to clearly understand the complex legal issues facing

the Government in parliament since the Opposition gained a one-seat majority. Before the Mr. Nandlall took to the airwaves, television stations and community meetings very few Guyanese had any understanding of what is meant by the concept of “separation of Powers”.

This is a concept that the PNC and AFC do not want the citizens of Guyana to understand because if they do they would understand how the opposition is trying to use their one-seat majority to steal the government. They

would understand that none, not the Parliament as a body, the Speaker of the Parliament or the President can disregard the ruling of a Court of Law. Thanks to the Hon. Attorney General, most Guyanese now understand what is meant by the concept of the separation of powers of the state and the rule of Law. Mr. Bacchus in his rambling around the interpretation of the Chief Justice’s ruling seems to have forgotten that the ruling is a public document written in very simple and unambiguous

language for anyone to understand.

The Chief Justice’s ruling is available and accessible to anyone, including Mr. Bacchus. I am not aware that the Attorney General has laid any exclusive claim to the interpretation of the ruling. All he is saying is that the Chief Justice’s ruling must be respected and if you do not agree, there are avenues for legal redress.

I am not aware that the Opposition has made any attempt to utilise any of the available avenues.

It, therefore, appears that the only people in Guyana who are incapable of reading and understanding the Chief Justice’s ruling are the thirtythree or I should say the thirty- four opposition members of parliament, including the Speaker.

Is it not strange that not one of Guyana’s legal luminaries has publicly disagreed with the Chief Justice’s ruling or has publicly supported the Opposition or the Speakers disregard of it? There is an even more interesting question that needs to be answered, but by the Speaker himself. Why unlike in the gagging of Rohee matter where he sought the opinion of our legal luminaries, who by the way, by no stretch of imagination can be considered pro-government, but chose not to seek their opinion on the even more important issue of Chief Justice’s ruling on the 2012 budget cuts? Is the Speaker afraid of being proven wrong again? Mr. Speaker I am challenging you to do the

same again.

Mr. Bacchus, I am sure, is old enough to know that not a single Attorney General before Mr. Nandlall had to face the challenges he has been facing for the past year and a half. Such challenges could not have arisen because the configuration of Guyana’s Parliament was never the way it is today. And from indications the Attorney General has been confronting these challenges in a most civilised way.

His significant success over the past year and a half is admirable and speaks for themselves. You may not have noticed, but Mr. Nandlall is creating a new political culture in Guyana, one where the rule of law must reign. He has also been a huge inspiration not only to young and aspiring lawyers but also to young politicians.

Sadly, but the works and achievements of most of the world’s greatest men, from the days of Socrates, the father of western philosophy were never recognised during their lifetime and so may those of the young Attorney General, Mr. Nandlall. His efforts to make the rule of law an integral part of Guyana’s political culture would definitely not go unrecognised.

And regardless of what people like Mr. Bacchus may want to make the public believe or think about Mr. Nandlall, he has grown, in a very short period of time to be on of Guyana’s most admired, if not the most admired young politician and Lawyer.

Sundar Nauth

DEAR EDITOR, In the middle of March 2013 the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) made a new introduction in the form of Mobile Money.

From what I understand, during the introduction of Mobile Money there were some disruptions with the wireless mobile internet which for some customers including myself, lasted well over two weeks.

I would want to assume that the GT&T network is back to normal. I renewed my subscription and over the last two weeks I have not noticed any disruption in the mobile service.

What I would like to know is given the fact that during the month of March for over two weeks thousands of consumers were affected and now I will want to believe that things are back to normal what plans, if any, does GTT have to compensate us for the down time that we suffered intermittently.

Can someone from the GT&T care to shed some light on this because I can recall that some time back, the other network had experienced a similar situation as GT&T and they compensated when their operations were back to normal.

Randy Persaud

Compensation is due

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

The Beacon of Truth?

DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Times continuously boasts that it is “the Beacon of Truth”, that it always upholds “Freedom of Expression” and that it studiously upholds the Laws of the Land which others infringe.

These boasts are all hypocritical and empty and the following example will illustrate that Guyana Times is the Beacon of Untruth, that it continuously suppresses Freedom of Expression and that it has been a continuous lawbreaker: (1) On 31/3/13 Guyana Times carried an article captioned “China as Peacemaker” which contained many inaccuracies which were barefacedly misleading GT readers. Over two weeks ago I sent the editor of Guyana Times a correction

which he has failed to publish, thus callously and consciously misled his readers. The newspaper has a reputation for not publishing letters which correct its errors or never tried to correct its own errors. This constant propagating of falsehoods has earned it the more appropriate appellation of “The Beacon of Untruth.”

(2) The suppression of my letter by Guyana Times is an example of its suppression of Freedom of Expression. And Guyana Times does that all the time.

Further, Guyana Times does not publish letters which are handwritten or typewritten; it only publishes e-mail, thus suppressing the expression of a large percentage of its readers.

(3) The Laws of Guyana as manifested in the

Newspaper Ordinance requires a newspaper to print its address and not merely a mailing address. There are many good reasons for this requirement as for example, if the newspaper libels someone that person would have had its address and would be able to take legal action to protect his/her reputation.

Guyana Times publishes on its back page an e-mail number and several telephone numbers but not its address.

Further, it avoids publishing the name of its editor but instead, publishes the names of two “consulting editors” who both have very common names and could be anybody.

Guyana Times has continuously carried on this lawlessness from the time it started publication.

V. Redman

DEAR EDITOR The KN on Sunday 21 April had full page colour ad for a Carib Beer Chutney Mania event on Sunday 4 May at Better Hope Ground.

The ad lets us know that we have to buy six Carib to get one free ticket and that the tickets are being promoted by Carib dealers in the communities which are populated by Indian people.

While the alcohol industry and their lobbyists will argue over how much damage a free ticket to the Chutney Mania will cost to the individual and the communities where the tickets are being sold, there is a broader cultural assault going on here.

As the nation debates

raging anti-Indian sentiments, and as organisations like the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Indian Arrival Committee have worked to promote non-alcohol events especially around key events like Indian Arrival Day, there is a backlash to this context in how Ansa McAl and its retailers are pushing the consumption of alcohol in communities populated by Indian people and some of whom are dealing with a crisis caused by alcohol consumption.

Ansa McAl probably did not know that this year is the 175 th Anniversary of the first Arrival of the Indian immigrants and that the 5 May is Indian Arrival Day. Instead of joining with the

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Indian Arrival Committee and the other organisations who are trying to deal with the effects of alcohol in the communities, Ansa McAl in this event is taking a side in the culture war which has contributed to many of the social and health problems in the communities.

But the capitalists among us will say that Ansa McAl and their dealers are engaging in legitimate business that the fact that more Indian (and other) people have been killed or maimed in incidents involving alcohol than by ethnic conflict in Guyana, is irrelevant.

We have truly arrived!

Vidyaratha Kissoon

DEAR EDITOR It’s amazing what a hassle our business people and port operators have to go through in this country. While I am totally in support of regulation, transparency and controls, I am also an advocate for efficiency, customer service and velocity.

The hassle I see my brothers and sisters go through daily makes me wonder how they are prepared to go through this.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has also made some changes but I don’t believe they are aligned to growth and volume of business taking place in our developing country. They seem to have everything laid out in theory but in practice it’s not working as effectively.

I will attempt to highlight a few areas of disgust of which I spoke to a few people about and

if the GRA finds it necessary it can give it some attention.

1. There are two departments set up by the GRA, Drugs Enforcement Unit (DEU) and Goods Enforcement Unit (GEU).

These departments have approximately five staff each to man the ports, post office, airports, witness containers examination, seal containers, prepare reports, etc. In most cases these two officers are required together to carry out these functions.

My understanding is that you have to basically bid for these Officers to get something done.

2. Container sealing is an important function but it needs to be done expeditiously and not have shippers waiting at the convenience of Officers for this to happen. Even empty containers are faced with the same regulation so the Officers can be tied down at one port for

hours.

3. In most Custom offices there is one officer with authority to decide whether something happens. During an interaction with a friend he told me that if a WGO doesn’t sign off a document the vessel cannot sail. Only one Officer is there and he has to do vessel clearances and other duties. If he is not around they will miss the tide. I had customers waiting for my produce in the port of destination and I stand the chance of losing the client if I didn’t make the shipment. By the way I didn’t.

It’s sad because we talk about development, growth and GDP but do not have a clue of how to plan and prepare for it. I urge the respective bodies to aligned yourself and facilitate trade because it is the only way out of this economic situation.

Guyanese Businessman

Feeding a cultural dilemma in Indian communities

‘Customs is King’

Seeking to abuse political affiliation DEAR EDITOR, I am highlighting some problems we are encountering with an activist of the ruling party in Mahdia, who came to live here about one year ago and who most of the residents here consider a menace or a trouble maker.

The first thing bad thing this guy did was when he realized that there was gold in his backyard he start giving permission to dredge owners to carry out mining activity in his back yard, which is against the mining laws since that area falls within the landing area.

He was doing this under the pretext of desilting a creek which he claimed is responsible for flooding where he is living.

The truth of the matter is this guy built a camp in the swamp and the only reason for him building his camp there was to collect sand from the creek ( since he doesn’t buy good sand) to make concrete blocks to sell.

I am 65 years old and I have been living and mining

for over 45 years in Mahdia, and I always knew that area to be flooded when the rain falls. What is also alarming is that despite the amount of high land in and around Mahdia this guy opted to built a camp in that swampy area.

He is giving the authorities the impression that flooding is due to mining activities and that he needs to desilt the creek, when in fact he actually wants to mine there.

I remember some time last year when the Minister of Local Government and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs were there at a meeting he was claiming that due to flooding thousands of persons were affected, their farms were destroyed and livestock died. He even claimed that that over 300 bags of his cement were destroyed.

When he was asked by persons to show where these farms was destroyed and the cement that he claimed was destroyed to date he cannot show them because all are lies.

I later learnt that after

this guy did not get through to mine the land under the pretext of desilting the creek, so he applied for a special mining permit to carry out mining on the land which clearly shows that from the first place his intention was to mine the land for the gold and not to desilt the creek.

Should this activist be granted a special mining permit by the GGMC to mine this land which is in the landing area and which falls under the control of the RDC this would be setting a bad precedent that will have serious repercussions.

Other persons will apply for special mining permit to conduct mining in their backyards.

I believe that in the best interest of the community the GGMC should not grant any special mining permit to this guy.

I believe that the time has come for us to put politics aside and work in the best interest of the Guyanese people.

Allan George

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Wednesday April 24, 2013

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 9

COMING SOON OUR WAY: SAME-SEX MARRIAGES? France has joined a long bandwagon of European countries that have now legalised same-sex marriages.

Britain is likely to eventually follow suit, as is the United States, where already some states have legal consent to such unions.

Once same-sex unions becomes fully legalised throughout the USA, it is only a matter of time before countries like Guyana will be lobbied to follow suit. In fact this lobby has already begun.

Guyanese will have to within the next few years address their minds to this important issue because it is not going to go away.

Guyana will be hard pressed to stand alone. If Argentina and Ecuador could have passed legislation legalizing same-sex marriages, and if some States in Brazil, and Mexico could have followed the example of Canada in recognizing such unions, it is difficult to see how Guyana can resist doing the same.

There is however going to be a strong resistance within Guyana to any attempt at legalizing same-sex marriages.

The religious community is expected to strongly oppose such moves. But let it also be known that the Guyanese

people are no more religious than the nationals of other countries in which these unions have been given legal legitimacy.

There is no doubt that this legalization of gay unions is as much a moral issue as it is a human rights issue. And therefore Guyana is likely to be caught up in a longwinded and contentious debate which can become very nasty. Instead of seeking areas in which there can be common ground, it is likely that both sides of the debate will seek to identify areas of conflict so as to press each side’s case. We have to try to avoid that because we have enough problems to add to another.

Avoiding such problems however cannot involve shelving or avoiding the debate.

Unfortunately, Guyana will have to decide because other countries are doing this and we are part of a global community to which we have obligations.

An easy way out would be to put this matter to a public referendum. However, because moral issues are often decided on religious absolutes, placing such an issue to the test of a referendum may be highly controversial and divisive. At

Dem boys seh...

Sam, Roger and Donald know bout fare and not fair People does look fuh all kind of excuse when dem find demself in a corner. Imagine Sam and Donald and Roger claim how de radio licence distribute fair. All of dem at different time claim how Jagdeo is a fair man.

Well nobody ain’t doubt dem bout that. He fair skin and according to dem boys, that is de only thing fair bout he. When it come to Sam he know bout fair and fear and fare. When he seh that de distribution was fair, dem boys want to know if he was talking bout de people who get de most licence, because all of dem fair skin. He also know bout fare because when he been in de bush he see it up close and personal. He even know bout fear because when he come out de bush he had nuff to be fearful about.

Injection does hurt. Fuh sure he ain’t fair.

Roger in de same boat as Sam. He and all not fair and he talk bout fair. But is de Donald who tek de cake. He use to play cards and all dem game he play was never fair. Once he win, though, was alright. That was fair. That is why he claim that de distribution was fair.

Is when de Americans talk that he realize that he shoulda seh how de distribution fearful. Now he studying wha fuh do because Barbie telling he that once Jagdeo do de distribution, it fair. And of course he still tekking order from Jagdeo. Was fair when he get all de money from de Ministry of Health fuh drugs. It suh fair that de Auditor General had to talk bout de system and how he mek a fair share of money when he didn’t buy drugs.

He getting a fair share of money from de Learning Channel but people talking suh he end up calling Jagdeo to tell he that de people ain’t fair. Now Jagdeo tell de Priya gyal to call a press conference and explain de situation.

Dem boys seh that if she get she own way she gun withdraw de arrangement wid Barbie because some place ain’t getting de Learning Channel anyhow.

Talk half and watch wid de fare.

the same time, not all issues of human rights enjoy popular support as is so evident whenever some dangerous criminal is shot and killed by the police.

Those defending the right to life are often not supported by the majority of the people when it comes to criminals.

The debate on same-sex unions also has serious political implications. All of the main political parties will be wary of the influence of the religious groups in Guyana that are strongly opposed to same-sex unions and therefore they may be inclined to make political calculations when deciding where to stand on this issue.

This will make any debate about legalizing same-sex

unions very interesting. Such a debate will involve a mixture of politics, religions, human rights and legal concerns.

This can be quite toxic.

But wait…finding the right balance amongst legal, human rights moral and political concerns goes to very heart of democracy, does it not?.

Democracy is not just about the right of the people to decide but also about ensuring that an appropriate balance is found between moral, political religious and human rights considerations in which each is respected and preserved.

This is the challenge that will face Guyana when the time comes for us to decide on same-sex unions. It will not

simply be a case of us giving in to moral considerations, or being swayed by human rights activists or deciding based on political considerations and the many legal ramifications that could emerge. It will simply not be just about a yes or a no.

The challenge would be for us to come up with a solution that respects the human rights of those who wish to have same-sex unions, to ensure that any decision taken is sensitive to the religious convictions of our people, one that carefully weighs the legal implications of any decision taken, and of ensuring that the right decision is not sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

The fact of the matter also is that because so many other countries are legalizing samesex marriages, it is hard to see how a small country like Guyana can hold on to its traditional system of not recognizing same-sex unions.

Fifty years from now, most countries of the free world will have same-sex unions. The question is how soon Guyana will be joining with them.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Freddie Kissoon Column

Evidence of the dead society Quite often, and I mean quite often, people from the lower economic ranks would come up to me and ask me to investigate situations of terrible wrongdoing. Some complaints would be of mild obnoxiousness. There are instances of citizens from the middle strata asking for journalistic investigations.

I would assume that people like Glenn Lall, Adam Harris, Enrico Woolford, Julia Johnson, Denis Chabrol and the journalists from the Stabroek News, would get their fair share of similar

requests. It is because of these encounters, that I have become very disgusted with the existence of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA).

Because of the number of requests for help one media operative alone gets, then you know that victims either do not know, or care to know, about the functions of an organization named the GHRA. I remember the mother of the youth the policeman is charged with shooting to death in Agricola came to the

People’s Parliament with a plea to help. She said the police were trying to intimidate the main witness.

We took her statements, made some investigation and decided to call a press conference. We took about twenty minutes in deciding which organization we should call to ask them to lend us a room to hold the press briefing since the People’s Parliament was shut out of the public park that it originally occupied.

We decide we would ask Red Thread for their office or

Nigel Hughes to use Sidewalk Café or the office of a sympathetic lawyer. But no one from the People’s Parliament thought of the building of the GHRA. I believe none of them ever thought of the GHRA because for them it didn’t exist.

Of course when you write these things you are resented by the people named. One is expected to criticize the government only. That has never been accepted by this columnist and it never will be.

Of course, if you take your plate to those you criticize,

then expect to hear Martin Carter whispering in your ear that the mouth is muzzled by the food it eats.

These incessant complaints tell a sad story of a sad country named Guyana.

A diplomat from one of the ABC countries in Guyana (please readers, take note that ABC countries in Guyana are not Argentina, Brazil and Chile as Neil Kumar, our director of sports publicly proclaimed but America, Britain and Canada – to think President Ramotar has retained this guy in his government and party) once told me, “Freddie, people in Guyana have to speak out; my government cannot do that for them.”

What is tragic about Guyana is that a majority of these people who plead for help are afraid to be identified and go to lengths to ask you not to name them or let anyone know that they talked to you. I am willing to bet my media colleagues that they receive the same exclamations.

It is a tragic reminder that this may be one of the world’s most sheepish nations. I remember last year, a middle class woman kept a rendezvous with me. She shared a number of documents with me about a high level conspiracy by some powerful politicians to ruin her husband based on what he knows about a scandal in a major financial house.

So desperate were they to do away with him that he was charged with several counts and placed before the High Court. Before she left she begged me not to let her name be known. I became irate.

Frederick Kissoon I asked how could these people try to destroy your family and you are afraid to openly fight to save your family. She was embarrassed by my frankness, but I was disenchanted. One night she appeared with her husband at the public park to talk to members of the People’s Parliament and I just walked away.

She is not alone. Most people who have endured serious human rights abuse behave exactly in this manner.

At the time of writing there are other complaints that I am investigating and all the participants are afraid of the consequences if it is known that they came to the press.

I was amazed that not one person wrote in support of my friend Leonard Craig when he affirmed in the press his conviction that the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry cannot arrogate to itself which governmental document it will ask or reject in the submission of a customer’s address. Surely, as Craig asserted, these documents are backed by law.

I honestly believe this Faustian, Kafkaesque nightmare of fear and trepidation cannot and should not go on for much longer. This is incredible fear that does not exist elsewhere.

Pressure mounts for Govt. to suspend radio, cable licences o U.S. Government says process lacked transparency. o APNU says former President Bharrat Jagdeo breached agreement with Opposition that no new licences would be issued until new legislation. o Sale of radio frequencies would have created some balance in the distribution…but instead Jagdeo gave them to his families, friends and cronies for free – AFC Leader o International Press Institute (IPI) describes process used to grant licences “dangerous”, “unusual”. o Allocation of radio licences “smacks of deceit, duplicity, and downright discrimination” - Guyana Media Proprietors Association. o “Unfair distribution of frequencies weighed in favour of the governing party” – Guyana Press Association o Cable licence will allow Govt. to monopolise national airwaves - Guyana Human Rights Association o The spectrum is a national resource. The allocations contravene the law and breach a longstanding agreement with the Opposition. These licences must be withdrawn – Red Thread

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Fly Jamaica still to provide pertinent information - Civil Aviation

By Zena Henry Fly Jamaica is still to present pertinent information to local government officials and that has caused some slothfulness in the company receiving authorization to operate here.

That was the explanation given by Head of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Zulfikar Mohammed, who refuted allegations that government is purposely trying to stall Fly Jamaica in providing air services to the country.

The Aviation department which deals primarily with aviation technicalities was adamant and expressed surprise over allegations by Fly Jamaica that officials were dragging their feet on granting authorisation despite the airline providing what they called “necessary documentation”.

Mohammed said that Guyana always welcomes airlines wishing to service the country, and in particular, thinks that it is a good idea that Fly Jamaica should show interest in the country.

“It’s always a good idea to have services rendered here. They (Fly Jamaica) have engaged us and have to provide information to the government and the aviation

authorities. I just don’t know where they got the idea that we are dragging our feet,” the authority head told this newspaper. Mohammed went on to say that authorisation cannot be granted to Fly Jamaica without the requested documents and added that Guyana is different from other countries, “So what is requested from the airline has to be provided.”

Mohammed was speaking specifically to statements that Guyana was asking questions that international countries such as the United States and Canada had not put forward.

Fly Jamaica contends that it is a fully certified air carrier having received

authorisation from Jamaica the flight’s origin - and the United States, while Canada will soon come on board. The airline argued that the prime information was provided to local authorities but a positive response was lacking. This seemed puzzling to airline officials who said for one, Guyana seems to be in an aviation dilemma with the failure of EZjet which had several (administrative problems), REDjet’s indefinite suspension and the upcoming pullout of Delta Airlines. “We are not concerned with the United States and Canada, we have our policies and they have to abide by them,” Mohammed

affirmed. He said that consultations were held between Fly Jamaica and Guyana last year and since then, the required documents had not been provided.

When this is done, Mohammed asserted, aviation authorities would have no problem again engaging the airline.

When Kaieteur News contacted co-owner of Fly Jamaica, Guyanese, Cpt. Ronald Reece, about the stalling of the documents, he said that to the best of his knowledge, the airline had provided all necessary documents during the application process which entailed the airline’s owners,

its base, certificates and flight routes among other things.

He however noted that Fly Jamaica is at the time engaging Canada and would by summer attain certification to provide services there.

Following that, attention would again be turned to Guyana he said.

Along with Captain Reece, the aircraft’s partners include the company’s Chief Executive Officer, and three Jamaican shareholders, two of whom are Captain Lloyd Tai, and Manager of In-flight Services, Christine Steele, both former senior officials in Air Jamaica, the former Jamaica carrier. The newly launched Fly Jamaica had

emphasised going through vigorous regulatory aviation requirements for 14 months to get itself in order, according to aviation rules.

Lt. Col. (Capt.) Egbert Field, another Guyanese aviator affiliated with Fly Jamaica had highlighted in a letter to this newspaper that Fly Jamaica completed the full certification which was issued with an Air Operators Certificate and associated Operations Specifications by the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) while the airline was further issued their Operations Specifications by the Federal Aviation Administration (US) and Licence approval by the Department of Transport (US). Some officials of Fly Jamaica had expressed disappointment at the state of affairs, expecting that Guyana would have worked with “men of the soil” to aid an issue such as the flight situation plaguing the country.

They said they could not understand how an airline such as EZjet had been pegged as the nation’s flag carrier with all the irregularities surrounding their legitimacy and eventual collapse, while a highly accredited airline like Fly Jamaica is getting difficulty to even fly here.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Sparendaam plane crash…

Insurance company’s silence unusual - GCAA

By Keeran Danny The insurance company of the ill-fated Americanregistered aircraft, a twinengine Piper Aztec with registration number N27-FT that crashed into a Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, house on April 13, has not yet come to the fore, and, this is being deemed unusual.

This assertion was made

by Paula Mc Adam, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)’s Director of Aviation Safety Regulation, during a telephone interview yesterday.

In fact, the GCAA has been unable to ascertain the name of the insurance company. Mc Adam said that normally whenever there are incidents of this type, insurance companies “are usually quick on the scene”.

According to Zulficar Mohamed, Director of GCAA, whenever an aircraft enters international territory, certain documents including a valid certificate of airworthiness, and insurance must be presented. However, he was also unable to provide the name of the insurance company.

Two Saturdays ago, the aircraft, owned and piloted by Pierre Angiel of Angiel EnviroSafe, Inc., on a technical survey mission for the Amaila Falls project, crashed into a Sparendaam house owned by Florence Tyndall, just after taking off from the Ogle International Airport.

Angiel and his passenger, Canadian Scientist Nick Dmitriev perished. Their

Firefighters stand in the smoldering debris at the crash site

charred remains were removed from the crash site the same evening. The remnants of the aircraft are being stored at Air Services Limited’s bond at La Bonne Intention.

Even though Angiel perished in the crash and will not benefit from the insurance money, Tyndall, whose house was completely destroyed, needs money to rebuild her home. From the inception, Government made it clear that it will not be compensating Tyndall.

According to Transport Minister, Robeson Benn, the insurance company would have to compensate Tyndall, while Government will only provide some support.

Pierre Angiel owned and piloted the ill-fated aircraft

Like Kaieteur News, GCAA has been trying to make contact with Angiel EnviroSafe, Inc., but the telephone number on the website is going to voicemail and the email contact is Pierre Angiel’s personal email address.

There is also no other information on the company’s website that indicates who could be contacted for information. And, the address given for the business is Miami, Florida. According to Mc Adam, no checks have been made as yet to verify if Angiel EnviroSafe, Inc., is indeed a physical company, taking into consideration the difficulty in contacting a representative of the

Businessman remanded on two counts of attempted murder A Land of Canaan businessman has been remanded to prison after being charged with two counts of attempted murder.

Thirty-five year-old Rodney Raghubansee made his appearance before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on Saturday April 20, he maliciously wounded Courtney Persaud called ‘Chuck Kai’ with intent to commit murder. It is also alleged that on the same day he maliciously wounded Ralph Paul called ‘Backoo’ with intent to murder him.

Both charges were indictable and the accused who hails from Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, was not required to enter a plea.

Meanwhile the prosecution’s facts are that on the day in question Eton Tularam Lobin had a function at his home which is located at Lot X Block 5, Land of Canaan. At some point during the function which was attended by many, the accused, who is a licenced firearm holder, and his worker Khemraj Singh, turned up at the function.

The court was told that the men went to the location to make inquires about a suspected theft at Raghubansee’s sawmill. The accused and the host of the function were in a conversation which eventually led to an argument, resulting in the accused discharging two rounds from his firearm hitting the two virtual complainants.

Rahgubansee was represented by Charles Ramson Jr. in association with Leslie Sobers. In making a bail application, the court was told that their client acted in self-defence after he was attacked by men with broken bottles, and was fearful for his life.

However Police Prosecutor Shellon Daniels objected to bail while noting that no special reason was given to the court. Daniels said she was also informed that both men were still hospitalised and she was not in a position to comment on their condition.

The Magistrate then ruled in favour of the prosecution and bail was refused.

Raghubansee will make his next court appearance on Friday, April 26.

company.

Meanwhile, the remains of the aircraft including the engine have been placed in crates, waiting to be transported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States of America.

According to Mohamed, the NTSB has to provide the specific address for the remains to be shipped.

He explained that the manufacturer of the aircraft has been identified, but because the manufacturer has different facilities, the remains must be sent to the facility from where it originated.

However, investigations into the incident are still ongoing. This is the second probe being executed at the behest of the NTSB. GCAA has not yet

interviewed all technical persons who were in contact with the aircraft since it was in Guyana. Mohamed said that he was unaware of certain defects the aircraft had when it landed in Guyana and has promised to extend his investigations.

According to Charles Hutson, Engineer of Wings Aviation’s hangar, Angiel’s aircraft like many aircraft after a number of years had some defects. He said that Angiel had mentioned two defects to him.

Hutson said that Angiel was concerned that the light of the undercarriage lock of the aircraft was not working.

As such, Angiel was unable to determine when the undercarriage was locked or opened.

In addition, the auto pilot electrical system socket was ‘popping’, interfering with the circuit breaker.

And importantly, Hutson confirmed earlier reports in this publication that two days prior to the crash, the right engine of the aircraft ‘popped’ when it took off from Ogle. Angiel was

expected to return after the flight to repair that flaw.

According to a source, when Angiel was warned about the engine problem he brushed it off.

Hutson did not comment on if the aircraft was airworthy, but said that Angiel should have had a mechanic on board, taking into consideration the state of the aircraft and the fact that no aviation workshop in Guyana is permitted to repair an FAAregistered aircraft.

Without any family member present, Angiel was cremated on Monday.

The only person in attendance to witness the cremation ceremony was a representative of the United States Embassy in Guyana, says a source at the Lyken Funeral home.

Canadian Scientist Nick Dmitriev was cremated on Thursday last.

His grieving wife, Tatiana, and her two daughters Elena and Ellie were present at his cremation. Mrs. Dmitriev and her daughters visited the crash site and held a prayer service in his memory.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Mother of four brutally chopped by husband - Suspect at large A 37-year-old fisherman and labourer of Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice, brutally chopped his wife, a mother of four, during a row on Monday last, over suspected infidelity.

The man, Narinedatt Ramnarine called ‘Naresh’ severely wounded 33-yearold Kowsilla Ramnarine called ‘Jenny’, who is now awaiting crucial surgery on her left shoulder and right arm at the New Amsterdam Hospital. The victim fears that she would not be able to regain use of either hand but is hoping for the best.

Her son, Neranjan Ramnarine, 16, who was at the Second Street, Edinburgh home around 18:30 hrs on Monday when the incident occurred, related that his parents started to argue shortly after his father arrived home. The argument was based on allegations of the boy’s mother having an affair.

Ramnarine proceeded to destroy the woman’s cell phone in her presence while downstairs. The boy then stated that suddenly his father pulled out a cutlass and

chopped her to the shoulder.

“It happened so quickly,” he said. “She didn’t see it coming and when he go to chop her the second time, she holler. I was watching TV along with my other two siblings, Dhanraj, 5, and Melissa, 3.”The second chop was done to the woman’s right hand.”I pelt a wood and lash away the cutlass or he was going to chop her on her face—but it chopped her on her lip”, the teen related.

The man then rushed out of the yard and escaped, while the boy rushed to his mother’s aid. The woman was rushed to hospital while cops searched the canefields and Edinburgh backlands for the alleged perpetrator.

Neranjan related that his mother has endured gruesome years of domestic violence and claims that there are several reports against the man at the Central Police Station. While the woman has been physically abused many times before, this is the first time it has escalated to such an extent. He also stated that his father, on numerous occasions tried to commit suicide.

“He picked up weapon to chop her but I locked her inside the house with me and the police caught him red-

Kowsilla ‘Jenny’ Ramnarine in hospital handed with a pitchfork trying to kill her”. He usually picks up forks, cutlass, wood, pipe—everything, to just get into the house—break up the front door and grill when he cannot get the keys”, the boy stated.

“A time, he run us out the house and my mom visited the police station at 4 a.m. and no police was there—he run us out to chop her”, the boy claimed. “She told me in the

hospital that when the police catch him, they should charge him because her life won’t be in peace”, he said.

The woman’s 18-year-old daughter, Toshinie, said that “he like to drink and make problems—when he drink he rum, he will cuss me and when

he don’t see me he will cuss my other siblings”, she stated.

When Kaieteur News visited the woman at the N/A Hospital yesterday, she was being questioned by a detective at her bedside. She related to this newspaper that the chop in her right hand had gone through to the bone and that she is in a lot of pain, in her shoulder as well.

According to Narinedatt Ramnarine’s mother, 70-yearold Sancharia Ramdeen, the two, who have been together for 20 years and started having problems since last December. The couple lives in the lower flat of Ramdeen’s home.

The woman claims that the “issues” began after her daughter-in law began having an affair with a former friend of her husband and as word started to spread, her son began drinking heavily and became an alcoholic. She alleged the chopping was reportedly triggered when Jenny, whom she says was under the influence of alcohol, told Naresh on Monday afternoon that she

was “going to meet my man”.

A heated argument ensued and Naresh attacked her.

The man’s mother said he had tried several times before to commit suicide and she is not expecting to find him alive since he took with him a piece of rope and a cutlass and left for the backdam.

The pensioner claimed that ‘Jenny’ is also an alcoholic, and has been in the habit of verbally abusing her since s h e a s k e d h e r t o move out from her home, after she had learnt of the infidelity. The abuse, she claimed, made her leave her home and spend long periods of time with her daughter at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. She said persons working in the backdam would often meet her and complain of seeing her daughter-in-law with the alleged partner in compromising positions, but she knew of her son’s temper and chose not to tell him, however, he still heard from other friends.

Up to press time, police in Berbice were still seeking the alleged perpetrator.

Fire leaves Guyanese couple in St. Kitts homeless St. Kitts (SKNVibes) - A Guyanese couple residing in Upper Monkey Hill, St. Peter’s Parish was left homeless Monday after fire destroyed their two-bedroom cottage along with all of their belongings.

SKNVibes arrived on the scene shortly after noon and observed members of the Fire and Rescue Services trying to save the dwelling house, but their heroic efforts were in vain. They, however, quickly managed to contain the fire and stopped it from spreading to neighbouring houses.

One of the firemen informed this media house that they had received the report at about 11:51 a.m. and immediately reacted to the call.

The couple, Thakoor ‘Harry’ Singh and his wife Endramati, had rented the house from one William ‘Smoka’ Lee of Monkey Hill and neither of them was at home when the fire started.

The couple said they had been living in that residential area for five years and that they have been residents of St. Kitts and Nevis for 12 years, between both islands.

Overcome with grief by her loss, a tearful Endramati was unable to speak to the media, but her Husband who was also crying briefly stated the quantum of their loss.

He said that among the items lost were three sewing

machines, a television set, a gas stove, one cellular phone, a freezer and fridge, one microwave, two gas bottles, a three-piece suite, two tables with four chairs, one passport, an undisclosed sum of cash and all of their clothes, except those of which they were wearing.

Singh added that the only item saved was a weed eater he had left at the home of his stepdaughter.

His stepdaughter was also present at the time of the interview and, while consoling her mother, was overheard saying that money could always be replaced but life.

She was making reference to the money destroyed by the fire which her mother had received just yesterday after weeks of sacrifice in a ‘partner hand’ arrangement.

One neighbour, who lives just a few yards from the destroyed home, said he had arrived home after 10:00 a.m. and was engaged in some household chores when he heard a strange sound.

“I was here washing and all I hear was ‘boof’. From di time I approach di window deh…I go to the door but the door had on a padlock. But the most I try to do is to turn on di pipe here to see if I could out di fire.”

He said that he quickly ran to seek help and three neighbours responded, but by the time they arrived the

house was already engulfed in flames.

The neighbour recalled that while he and Endramati were conversing earlier this morning, she told him that she was leaving the home to “drop off her husband’s lunch by a workshop across the road”.

He also stated that he ran to where the woman was and told her that her house was on fire. ”When I left to go and carry the message to her, she surprised…can’t catch sheself.”

One of the neighbours, who had contacted the Fire and Rescue Department, recalled what he witnessed.

“A was home cooling…a saw all dis big smoke. I tried to assist and I rushed by but nobody was home so I try to assist…I called the fire truck.”

He explained that he tried to assist by pouring some water into the house a n d using a stick to disconnect the electrical wire from the home in an attempt to “secure the current”.

Reportedly, he and another resident of the area kicked open the door but they were unable to enter because “a lot of smoke come out the house…so we just had to back up”.

SKNVibes understands that the couple intends to stay at the home of the woman’s daughter who also resides in that village.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 15

Sexual exploitation in interior…

APNU calls for proactive measures As A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) expressed its distress over a recent heinous case of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) involving underage girls, the youngest being 14, in the gold mining area of CuyuniMazaruni, the Ministry of Home Affairs has retaliated with claims of a vibrant Ministerial Task Force on TIP. The Home Affairs Ministry has also sought to dub APNU’s comments on the matter as being politically charged.

According to APNU, in a statement, in many parts of the country both women and girls are lured with the offer of wellpaying jobs and are subsequently exploited and controlled through threats, withholding of pay or insufficient pay, and physical violence. It was highlighted that in some areas, traffickers are known to promise rural women and girls jobs as domestic servants, then lure them into working in shops and homes for little or no pay, or ‘sell them’ in brothels.

“Many of the victims are Amerindian teenagers targeted by Traffickers

because of poor education and job prospects in their regions…APNU notes with great concern that trafficking in persons especially that of under-aged girls, is a grave human rights violation that continues to fester, especially with the increase of gold mining activities in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni and PotaroSiparuni Regions,” the party said.

Moreover, APNU said that it is calling on the Ministry of Human Services, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Police Force and all other relevant government agencies to urgently develop a coordinated plan and implementation programme.

This programme, it was noted, must be well supported with the needed resources, to rescue and protect the victims of people trafficking, especially minors who are subjected to sexual exploitation and abuse.

As such it is the view of Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, that “the time has come for the establishment of Safe Houses and Halfway-facilities in

- as Home Affairs Ministry touts ‘vibrant’ Task Force centres such as Bartica to provide shelter and a safe place for the often hapless victims of this international crime.”

Dubbing the publicized case of TIPS, which saw officials from the Women Miners Organisation intervening, as a mere allegation, the Home Affairs Ministry in a statement lashed out at Granger, who sought to raise the matter in the National Assembly on Monday.

The Ministry in its own defence sought to condemn Granger for failing to mention the role played by the Ministry, as the Agency responsible for coordinating the efforts of the Ministerial Task Force on TIP, which was established by Cabinet with the view of addressing reports on Trafficking in Persons.

There was, however, no mention whether the Task Force has commenced investigation into the recent case.

Efforts were nevertheless made to highlight that “this studious avoidance of any mention of the Ministry of Home Affairs is in keeping with Mr. Granger’s stated policy to ignore the role and place of the Ministry of Home Affairs in addressing Public Safety and Security matters.

This came as no surprise, notwithstanding its inconsistency with the reality on the ground.”

The statement went on to highlight that the Task Force meets on a monthly basis and has had frequent engagements with NonGovernmental Organisations, along with representatives of the diplomatic community. It was disclosed too that the body has established fruitful international connections with sister organizations in Suriname and Brazil as well as Member States of CARICOM, publishes an Annual Report, has a Work Programme and an established protocol to

address reports on TIP. In insisting that Granger ignored these “positive developments” the statement added that the opposition leader instead “chose once again to target the Guyana Police Force (GPF). In so doing, Mr. Granger made remarks to the effect that: ‘Police Stations are not a safe place for victims. There are lots of male policemen at these Stations’.”

The assertion by Granger, it was noted, is one that suggests that Police Stations are unsafe for victims allegedly trafficked while they were awaiting either alternative accommodation or to be transported under escort by the competent Government officials to Georgetown to be placed in the custody of family or relatives.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to emphasize that whenever young girls deemed trafficked victims are brought to any interior Police Stations, such victims are placed under the watchful eyes of the female ranks at the Police Stations and not the male ranks,” the statement

outlined.

The Ministry said that there are female ranks at almost every Police Station or Outpost on the Coast or the interior of the country, adding that the practice is that victims allegedly trafficked are rarely kept beyond 24 hours at any Police Station.

It was also stated that in instances where young girls are allegedly victims of trafficking, alternative temporary accommodation to Police Stations would be found at Hotels, the residences of TIP Focal Points, Hospitals or Hostels, arrangements the Home Affairs Ministry claims have worked successfully over the years.

As such it was emphasized that the Home Affairs Ministry “denounces Mr Granger’s effort to besmirch the efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons and the Guyana Police Force, and ignoring for political reasons the good work being done by the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons.”

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Ezjet boss refused bail again A Florida court on Monday refused to grant airline executive, Sonny Austin Ramdeo, his pre-trial freedom, saying that he failed to prove he would not flee afterwards.

US Magistrate Judge, Dave Lee Brannon, of the US Southern District of Florida, in his ruling explained that Ramdeo, founder of EZjet Airways which folded spectacularly last year, was ordered detained back in January because he posed a flight risk.

Ramdeo, through his lawyer, managed to push back his trial until October saying that new evidence and a number of additional charges have to be studied before a proper defence could be mounted. He has been in custody since being captured

Former EZjet staffer: Dheeraj Gayaram

No bail: Sonny Ramdeo

by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation late last year in a Queens, New York basement where he was

reportedly hiding.

Earlier this month, the embattled, Guyanese-born airline executive in a strategic

court move, filed for his pretrial freedom, saying that he was not afforded a proper opportunity back in January to make a case for bail.

However, according to Judge Brannon, the defendant did not present any new evidence which materially affected the court’s prior determination that he was a flight risk. “Accordingly, for the reasons articulated at the initial detention hearing, and for the reasons stated in open court at the rehearing (on Monday), the court finds that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the defendant’s appearance in court and detains the defendant as a flight risk,” the judge said in his ruling.

On Monday also, several emails between Ramdeo and a senior EZjet official, Dheeraj Gayaram, were also tendered as evidence.

According to the emails sent between November 16 and 21, Ramdeo was accusing of Gayaram taking US$45,000 from EZjet accounts and, without authorization, using some of it to pay staffers and stranded passengers.

Ramdeo, who appeared to be in hiding at the time of the emails, accused Gayaram of sending FBI agents to his relatives.

Gayaram, a well known Guyanese dancer based in New York, also admitted in the emails that he was forced to hand over evidence to FBI agents who were investigating Ramdeo for

fraud. He accused Ramdeo of remaining in hiding, leaving him to face the heat.

Dheeraj was a critical figure in EZjet from its startup in December 2011, appearing in several promotions and even hosting a number of TV programs locally.

The emails also suggested that Ramdeo structured EZjet in a manner which left its Guyana subsidiary, EZjet GT Inc., with no assets.

Ramdeo’s legal woes riveted Guyana last year after his months-old airline venture fell from the skies when a US hospital chain which he worked for accused him of stealing more than US$20M and passing some of the monies through EZjet.

The low-cost charter was started in December 2011 amidst much fanfare in Guyana. But there were questions by players in the industry who wanted to know the source of his funding.

Ramdeo had said the monies came from his savings and mortgage taken from his Florida home.

The airline was flying the Georgetown/New York route and had introduced flights to Canada and Trinidad as well.

But the seeming success crashed late last year after Promise Healthcare, a hospital chain for which Ramdeo was managing the payroll, claimed he stole over $20M starting in 2005. Ramdeo, according to court documents, disappeared after an audit and in November 2012, the US

Department of Transportation suspended EZjet after the plane company which operated the flights, claimed he owed them hundreds of thousands of dollars. The suspension left hundreds of passengers stranded in Guyana, the US, Canada and Trinidad.

But by that time, Ramdeo was in hiding.

The FBI managed to track him via calls he made from a phone. He was cornered in New York basement in what investigators later said appeared to be locked storeroom. He gave up without a fight.

Ramdeo initially appeared before a court in New York where he agreed to be transferred to Florida to face charges of fraud.

Court documents claimed he created a payroll company and made it appear, using fake emails, as if it was a legit one with links to another similar, established one that had been doing business with the hospital chain.

Prosecutors said, in court documents, that Ramdeo appeared to be moving thousands of dollars around, instructing staffers to make payments and deposits in a manner and amounts that would not have raised the curiosity of the US authorities. They are still investigating where the monies that the accountant allegedly stole is hidden.

Ramdeo is facing several charges of wire fraud and money laundering.

Digicel unveils new BlackBerry smartphone Digicel Guyana on Monday announced the launching of the new BlackBerry Z10 smartphone and from today will be selling the cutting-edge mobile device “The new BlackBerry Z10 provides an intelligent and intuitive experience that constantly adapts to users’ needs,” the company said in a release The company’s first BlackBerry customer, Stephen Fraser, was presented with a Z10. Fraser, purchased his first BlackBerry from Digicel

in May 2007 said he was elated to have been selected.

“This is a wonderful surprise from a company with whom I have had a longstanding relationship. I loved my BlackBerry Torch but the BlackBerry Z10 is definitely my new favourite.

The BlackBerry Remember feature which allows you to create and organize your interests and projects in a single location will be very useful,” Fraser said.

The BlackBerry Z10 is available in Digicel stores across Guyana and will be

sold for $140,000. According to Digicel Head of Sales and Distribution, Nalini Vieira, “Digicel is delighted to introduce the BlackBerryz10 to Guyana.”

“The BlackBerry Z10 has amazing features including a new mobile computing paradigm where what matters to customers is always only one swipe away. Digicel was the first to bring BlackBerry service to Guyana and we will continue to ensure customers have access to great technology at affordable prices,” Vieira concluded.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 17

Page 18

Amaila Falls road, East Bank Highway project saved from budget cuts The opposition Parliamentary majority withdrew its threat to cut funding for the road to Amaila Falls and the East Bank Highway project.

The East Bank Highway project is projected to spend $1.2 billion this year, while the Amaila Falls road would cost $2.3 billion. The projected date for the completion of the road was given as the end of the year, but the Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn could not say what the final cost of the road would be. $2.3 billion was used last year, and this year the government was asking for a further $2.3 billion, but he could not say if this would complete the job.

The original contract was for US$15.4 million, which was handed to Makeshwar ‘Fip’ Motiall by former President Bharrat Jagdeo. According to Motilall’s contract, the road should have been completed in December 2011.

Benn said that an Environmental Impact Assessment was done before the road construction began; however, Fip Motiall lost two of his excavators in the swamps. Benn said that Motilall took too many risks.

Since Motiall’s contract was terminated in early 2012, several other local contractors were hired to complete the road. Two of them have since been fired. One of those contracts, which was for the final stretch of the 185-kilometre road has now been handed to China Rail, the company that would build the power plant.

Benn said that the completion of the road is dependent on sealing the financing deal for the power plant.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Stable politics, security will determine Guyana’s growth in 2013 - Yesu Persaud

- Demerara Bank earns $577M for first half Demerara Bank Limited has continued its good showing earning $577M profit after tax for the first six months of its financial year.

According to the bank’s unaudited interim report published in today’s edition of Kaieteur News, profit before taxation was $999M, an increase of 39%, as against the $719M recorded for the same period last year.

The bank’s financial year runs from October 1st to March 31st.

Chairman Dr. Yesu Persaud said that the $577M after tax posting would represent a 15% increase.

The businessman who also heads beverage giant, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), also warned that Guyana’s projected growth for 2013 of 5.3% will critically depend on international prices of gold, rice and sugar. With gold prices experiencing a sharp drop during a two-day period earlier this month, the official was hopeful for stability at least in the second half of this year.

Gold production was at a

Demerara Bank Chairman, Dr. Yesu Persaud record high last year, becoming the country’s biggest foreign exchange earner, followed by rice and sugar. Guyana too would be depending on the gold prices to remain high with billions invested by local and foreign

companies in recent years to cash in on the gold fever.

Dr. Persaud said that the global economy continues to be fragile with the exception of a few emerging countries.

He urged for an improvement of the current political climate.

“A stable political environment, development of infrastructure and maintenance of law and order, coupled with bold economic policy initiatives by the government, will be the defining factors of economic growth in Guyana in 2013.”

Demerara Bank has also grown to $45.6B from the $39.8B over the same period last year.

Dr. Persaud has been a powerful voice in the private sector, establishing the Privat e Sector Commission, a business association with significant clout, and he was the brains behind Institute of Private Enterprise and Development (IPED) and the DDL, makers of the famous El Dorado rums.

His call for a stable political environment comes at a time when the National Assembly is considering estimates for the 2013 National Budget and when several cuts have been made to the allocations leading to worry by government over a number of large scale projects.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Caribbean countries discussing healthcare associated infections ROSEAU, Dominica - CMC – A three-day regional workshop on the surveillance of healthcare-associated infections began here yesterday with Health Minister Julius Timothy warning of the increased financial burden on governments to treat with patients hospitalised as a result of those infections.

“The highest risk is for young babies especially premature babies in the first month of life, patients admitted into intensive care and those who are immunocompromised such as cancer patients, patients with diabetes, patients taking medications that suppress the immune system and patients with HIV,” he said.

At least 45 health practitioners from Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Vincent, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands and the host country are attending the workshop being organised by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The organisers said that health care associated infections are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as infections which occur in a patient during the process of care in a hospital or other health care facilities which are not present or incubating at the time of admission.

These infections are acquired in the hospital but appear only after discharge and also include occupational infections among staff of the facility.

Globally, a significant number of patients are affected by health care associated infections. It is estimated that in the United States alone, five per cent of hospitalized patients will acquire at least one health care associated infection.

Timothy told delegates that these health care associated infections are the most common complications during health care delivery and can lead to extended hospital stays, long term disability, anti-microbial resistance, increased financial burden for health systems, patients and families, and unnecessary deaths.

PAHO’s advisor for health surveillance and disease prevention and control, Thais dos Santos, said the objective of the workshop is to “strengthen surveillance systems for health care associated infections and we will do that by presenting and discussing the main methodologies of surveillance in health care associated infections and how to analyze that data”.

She said health care associated infections are recognized as a major burden for patients, for societies and for health care management.

World Bank mission heads to Jamaica next month

Dr Peter Phillips Jamaica Gleaner Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips says a World Bank mission is expected in Jamaica in May to continue work on the new Country Partnership Strategy.

The initiative will provide support for the Government’s efforts to increase economic growth, create jobs and fight

poverty.

Speaking with the Jamaica Information Service in Washington, Phillip said consultations have already started on a new programme for Jamaica, which will be launched later this year.

The finance minister led a delegation to Washington D.C. to attend the regular Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

The World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have each committed to providing Jamaica with US$510 million in financing over the next four years.

The allocations are to complement the US$958 million from the expected IMF deal.

The IMF is to consider Jamaica’s economic programme on May 1.

Page 19

Colombia, FARC start new round of talks in Cuba HAVANA (Reuters) Colombia and the Marxist FARC rebels launched their latest round of peace talks yesterday in Havana after a month-long break in a process aimed at ending half a century of bloody conflict in the South American nation.

At the end of their last round on March 21, both sides cited progress toward an accord on the key issue of agrarian reform, which lead government negotiator Humberto de la Calle said needs to be settled soon so they can move on to other issues.

“We arrive in Havana today with the objective of making decisions,” he said in a statement to reporters before entering Havana’s main convention center where the talks are being held.

“We want results,” he said. “This is a process that cannot be prolonged indefinitely.”

The rebels’ top negotiator, Ivan Marquez, said his team was beginning the latest round “with hope beating in our warrior chests of being able to find, at last, a political solution to this long conflict.”

Tens of thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced in Latin America’s longest-running rebel insurgency, a Cold War holdover that began in 1964 with the founding of the FARC, or Revolutionary

Humberto de la Calle Armed Forces of Colombia, as a communist agrarian reform movement.

The two sides, who began their talks on November 19, are trying to reach agreement on the key issue of rural development and land reform, with the aim of addressing the root of the conflict - Colombia’s long history of social inequality and the concentration of land ownership in the hands of a few.

The guerrillas have proposed giving 20 million hectares (49.4 million acres) of land to the poor and establishing a limit on how much property big landowners can have.

The government has insisted no land will be taken from private landowners, but de la Calle

said at the end of the last round that there would be no peace without addressing the problems in the countryside, including the lack of land for the rural poor.

Still ahead on the talks’ five-point agenda are the difficult issues of political and legal status of rebels, ending the conflict, compensation for war victims, and the drug trafficking that has helped fund rebel activities for years.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos secretly initiated the talks on the bet that the rebels, believed to number 8,000 to 9,000, have been so damaged by a 10year-long, U.S.-backed offensive that they are ready for a negotiated peace.

Although the rebels have been pushed back into

increasingly remote areas, they have stepped up attacks in recent months on oil and mining developments that are fueling fast-paced economic growth in Colombia.

Since the last round, the FARC has added Pablo Catatumbo, a member of its seven-member leadership group known as the Secretariat, to its negotiating team in what some interpreted as an attempt to shore up support for the talks within the guerrilla ranks.

His presence also may enable the FARC negotiating team to make quicker decisions, according to people involved in the discussions.

Catatumbo, whose real n a m e i s J o rg e To r r e s Victoria, heads a strong FARC unit in the south involved in frequent attacks and clashes with t h e C o l o m b i a n a r m y.

Speaking after Marquez, he told reporters the rebels are “convinced that this process has the resounding support of the majority who long for peace.”

Cuba and Norway helped organize the talks following the failure of three previous efforts at making peace, the last in 2002. Chile and Venezuela are also assisting.

Santos, who may run for president again next year, wants the process wrapped up by November.

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

PM says Jack Warner was a distraction to government

Austin ‘Jack’ Warner

P O R T- O F - S P A I N , Trinidad – Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar said she accepted the resignation of her embattled national security minister Austin ‘Jack’ Warner because he had become a major distraction to the work of her coalition People’s Partnership government, according to news site Caribbean360.com.

“Mr Warner’s resignation from the Cabinet comes with

a degree of regret as he was a highly industrious and productive member of the government, having served with distinction in the Ministries of Works and National Security,” she said.

“His outstanding contribution to country and government and service to people and community shall remain a legacy of his tenure as a cabinet minister and MP,” Persad-Bissessar told a

public meeting in her Siparia constituency on Monday night.

“Mr Warner’s resignation would allow for the government of Trinidad and Tobago to continue apace with its developmental objectives without distraction and would further permit him time and space to adequately treat with the matters raised,” she told supporters, who had gathered to celebrate her 61st

birthday.

The Caribbean online newspaper reported that Persad Bissessar on Sunday night said she had accepted Warner’s resignation following the publication of the damning report against him by the Integrity Committee of CONCACAF, which represents soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

The report slammed as “fraudulent in their management” the conduct of the soccer confederation’s affairs by Warner and the former secretary general, American Chuck Blazer.

Warner, 70, later submitted a letter of resignation as chairman of the UNC, the biggest partner in the four-party coalition government.

Former Barbados chief justice Sir David Simmons, who headed CONCACAF’s Integrity Committee, presented the CONCACAF’s congress in Panama with the detailed report into allegations of financial mismanagement by Warner and Blazer. Neither man

cooperated with the investigation.

But Warner, who spoke to reporters at a separate function prior to the Prime Minister’s statements at the public meeting, said he was taken aback by a statement given to the media by Persad Bissessar on the allegations made against him in the CONCACAF report.

Wa r n e r q u o t e d a newspaper headline that said Prime Minister Persad Bissessar was stunned by the revelations, adding “I felt that if she was stunned before speaking to me then it doesn’t make sense. That was the catalyst for my resignation.

UNITED NATIONS CMC – Caribbean countries have been told that purchasing goods and services in the information technology (IT) sector by government offices provides untapped potential for stimulating domestic economic progress.

The new study by the United Nations notes that while local IT firms contribute to increased productivity, employment and innovation, these local businesses mainly in developing countries like the Caribbean, are often constricted by low domestic demand.

The study, titled “Promoting Local IT Sector Development through Public Procurement” had been undertaken by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The study argues that public procurement can boost demand for their products.

“Leveraging public

procurement for IT-sector development is a complex challenge, but can be a powerful policy tool when successfully applied,” said Anne Miroux, Director of UNCTAD’s Division on Technology and Logistics.

According to the study, the participation of local IT firms in public tenders is often hampered by a lack of trust and awareness, by the technical complexities of IT procurement, by inadequate procurement frameworks and capacities and by an absence of relevant IT standards and interoperability frameworks.

Drawing on country reviews over several countries and citing other evidence, the study suggests governmental actions that can promote local IT-sector development through public procurement.

“A competitive local IT sector is essential for developing countries to reap full benefits from the world’s rapid evolution in ICT,” according to UNCTAD.

Kamla Persad Bissessar

UNCTAD study suggest information technology can boost regional economies

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. - Jim Rohn

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Bahamas Government says environment is vital to development NASSAU, Bahamas CMC – A senior government minister has said that the Bahamas can no longer continue to choose development over the environment.

“The nature of our country and its economy permits a symbiotic relationship between sustainable tourism and development.

Through education and knowledge, we recognize that development can be achieved without detriment to the environment.

“The leaders of today and those of tomorrow that must step outside the box and look at systems, identify problems and push the environmental agenda for the benefit of Bahamians now and generations to come,” said Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett.

Addressing a symposium “On Tourism And Development”, Dorsett said that in the lead up to the country’s independence in 1972, a white paper on

Kenred Dorsett independence was presented to parliament. “That paper informed the government that ‘our total skills must be directed towards maintaining an economic climate which will encourage both domestic and foreign enterprises of a type which is sensitive to the social and emotional needs of the people and to the physical environment which must be protected as one of our great national assets’”.

He said during the 40 years since independence the Bahamas has successfully built its economy on two major pillars – tourism and

financial services.

“While financial services remain a substantial contribution to our growth as a nation, tourism remains the chief economic driver. This industry has generated employment, increased gross income and production and assisted the country to balance its budget.”

But he said in an effort to modernize its infrastructure and align its activities with the regional and international world, the Bahamas has often used tourism as its agent for development.

“However, not all projects

were environmentally benign and yet others never came to fruition; and in both of these scenarios, there were no tangible benefits for local communities,” he added.

Dorsett said recognizing that the environment needed focus attention, the government in 2006 established the ministry of energy and the environment to give focused attention to matters related to the environment.

“The evidence that there has been a paradigm shift in the primacy of the environment is the continued emphasis on promotion of sustainable tourism and sustainable development.

“With sustainable tourism as a guiding principle, the government must concern itself with the optimum use of resources, including biological diversity, while minimizing the ecological, cultural and social impacts and maximizing the benefits of conservation by all of our communities.

Page 21

Shaw blasts govts. handling of economy NIR lowest in 11 years; IMF deal too little, too late KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition spokesman on Finance, Audley Shaw, yesterday blasted the Government for its handling of the economy, which it said has deteriorated even further since it won the last general elections on December 2011.

Shaw denied claims by Finance Minister, Peter Phillips, that when he assumed his role “Jamaica was drifting on a sea of hopelessness and despair.’

The People’s National Party (PNP) “inherited a stable economy in January 2012, in which for the first time in a long time, all the major macroeconomic indices were simultaneously pointed in a positive direction”, Shaw said in his contribution to the Budget Debate yesterday.

Among the positives Shaw said he left as then finance minister were a stable exchange rate at $86 to US$1, inflation in the six per cent range and Net International

Reserves (NIR) at US$2 billion with gross foreign exchange reserves at US$2.8 billion.

Since the Jamaica Labour Party’s departure as government, the economic situation has worsened, Shaw insisted pointing out that “the NIR has declined to less than the benchmark 12 weeks of imports, standing at US$884 million the lowest level in over 11 years.”

He added that the exchange rate is nearing $100 to US$1 and that “prices have moved to new and unprecedented atmospheric heights, with the price of basic foods increasing at an alarming rate, much higher than the officially stated average inflation rate”.According to Shaw the economy has declined in every quarter since the PNP took over government and that a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may be “too little, too late.”

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Italy president ends talks, seen naming PM today (Reuters) - President Giorgio Napolitano completed a rapid round of talks with Italy’s parties and is expected to name a new prime minister today, ending a stalemate since February’s inconclusive election.

Italy has been politically adrift in the middle of a recession as the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), which has the most seats in parliament, failed for two months to cut a deal with the centre-right of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi or the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement.

But Enrico Letta, the head of a PD delegation, said yesterday that his party was willing to join a broad coalition along the lines suggested by Napolitano to parliament on Monday.

“We will adhere to the choices that the president of the republic makes tomorrow,” Letta told reporters after a meeting at the president’s palace which closed the day of consultations.

Napolitano, who fiercely attacked the parties on

Monday for their failure to adopt economic and institutional reforms, called for a broad alliance which would include the PD and Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party (PDL).

Berlusconi has gone from strength to strength since the election, capitalising on the centre-left’s crisis. An opinion poll yesterday by the Tecne agency gave the centre-right a lead of around 8 percentage points.

Former socialist Prime Minister Giuliano Amato is widely considered to be Napolitano’s favoured choice for prime minister and it would be a surprise if he were not nominated.

The young centre-left mayor of Florence, Matteo Renzi, emerged as an outside candidate yesterday, though he strongly played down the possibility, and Letta has also been named in the Italian press as a contender.

The PDL said it had no objections to Renzi, 38, whom opinion polls rank as Italy’s most popular politician, after his name was suggested by senior members of his party,

but Renzi himself all but dismissed the idea.

“It’s the hypothesis which is most surprising and least probable, I don’t think it’s on the table,” he told reporters Hopes that a government can be formed by the end of the week gave a further boost to financial markets yesterday, with the yield on 10-year Italian government bonds dropping below 4 percent for the first time since 2010 and the spread, or risk premium over German bonds, narrowing further.

Napolitano became the first Italian president to be reelected on Saturday after parliament had failed in repeated votes to elect a successor.

Berlusconi and the centrist grouping led by outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti said they would go along with whatever the 87-year-old president proposed, but numerous other groups refused to back a broad coalition government.

The 5-Star Movement led by former comic Beppe Grillo, which won a quarter of the

vote and speaks for millions of Italians disillusioned with the entire political class, says it will sit in opposition in parliament.

It will be joined by the leftist Left Ecology Freedom party, the former partner of the PD, which said it also rejected a grand coalition government, and by Berlusconi’s allies in the Northern League.

The backing for the new government is likely to be broadly the same as the one that supported Monti’s technocrat administration last year until Berlusconi withdrew his support.

Despite the market euphoria, a broad coalition between the right and left, which are far apart on most issues, might struggle for stability or to obtain the parliamentary backing needed for vital economic and political reforms.

The euro zone’s third largest economy has been the most sluggish in Europe for more than a decade and mired in a deep recession since the middle of 2011, with no recovery in sight.

At the election the centreleft narrowly won a majority in the lower house but failed to win control of the Senate.

Giorgio Napolitano Pier Luigi Bersani, who announced his resignation as PD leader last week, angrily blamed “traitors” in his own party for sabotaging the centre-left’s presidential candidates but said the party would have to get over its divisions.

“We have to find some semblance of order otherwise we can’t be useful to this country,” Bersani told a meeting of PD officials in Rome.

But many rank-and-file PD members have not been able to stomach the thought

of cooperating with Berlusconi, a scandalplagued billionaire who is fighting two separate trials over sex charges and a tax fraud conviction. Several dozen protested outside a party meeting yesterday and others have occupied PD offices in a number of Italian cities.

Renzi unsuccessfully challenged Bersani for the PD leadership last year and despite his popularity among the general public is viewed with suspicion by many in the deeply divided party.

Senegal minister hopes ex-president son’s arrest sets example (Reuters) - The arrest of the former president’s son on corruption charges in Senegal should be taken as a sign that the age of impunity in public life is over, Justice Minister Aminata Toure said yesterday.

Karim Wade, the most powerful figure in his father Abdoulaye Wade’s 20002012 government, was arrested last week on suspicion of amassing up to $1.4 billion (918.4 million pounds) in assets via a network of shady holding companies.

Prosecutors are investigating graft allegations against at least four other former ministers.

The opposition alleges that the inquiry was little more than a political witch-hunt.

But Toure disagreed and said President Macky Sall was making good on promises to tackle widespread corruption in the poor West African country after he won power a year ago.

“There’s an element of setting an example in all this.

People must understand that the time when one could pillage public funds is gone,” Toure told Reuters in an interview.

“From now that’s how it is. Even members of this

government will be held accountable.”

The aim was to change the culture of public life and prevent bribe-taking throughout the administration, Toure said.

Senegal, a former French colony, is the only country in West Africa not to have suffered a military coup since independence, but its political stability was tested by Wade’s efforts to win a third term last year.

It ranked as one of the cleanest countries in West Africa in graft watchdog Transparency International’s Corruptions Perceptions index for 2012, coming 95th out of 174 countries surveyed, behind only Ghana in the region.

On Tuesday, hundreds of Wade’s supporters marched in central Dakar to protest his detention. “Down with the fascist government,” read one sign.

“It’s normal in a democracy that there are differences of opinion and people have the right to protest ... but I have also received many long letters of support,” Toure said.

Karim Wade dominated his father ’s government, simultaneously occupying four key ministries with a total

Karim Wade budget equivalent to onethird of state expenditure.

Prosecutors accuse him of taking stakes in large sectors of the economy via a web of offshore companies, notably firms involved in managing Dakar port and providing airport services.

“The fight against corruption should be good for economic growth,” Toure said. “It will reassure investors it is no longer the survival of the fittest.”

Wade’s arrest comes amid a flurry of judicial activity in Senegal, led by Toure, as the country also presses ahead with the long-delayed trial of former Chadian dictator Hissene Habre, accused of crimes against humanity during his 1982-1990 rule.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Canada train plot suspects in court, will fight charges TORONTO/MONTREAL (Reuters) - Two men charged with an alleged al Qaeda-backed plot to derail a Canadian passenger train made their first court appearances yesterday, and the lawyer for one said his client would fight the charges vigorously.

Raed Jaser of Toronto, 35, and Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, face charges that include conspiring “with each other to murder unknown persons for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a terrorist group.”

They were arrested on Monday in separate raids after what police said was an investigation that started in the middle of last year after a tip from a member of the Muslim community.

Officers detained Jaser at his home, a brick semi-detached house in a north Toronto neighborhood, and arrested Esseghaier at a McDonald’s restaurant in Montreal’s main train station.

U.S. officials said that the suspects were believed to have worked on a plan involving blowing up a trestle on the Canadian side of the border as the Maple Leaf, Amtrak’s daily connection between Toronto and New York, passed over it.

Canadian police said only that the plot involved a passenger train route in the Toronto area. They said there had been no immediate threat to rail passengers or to the public.

Jaser, dark and heavily bearded and wearing a black cap, arrived by police car at Toronto’s Old City Hall courthouse.

He was kept in custody after a brief hearing. Media were barred from giving details of Jaser’s hearing under a publication ban requested by his lawyer.

“He denies the allegations and he will vigorously defend them,” the lawyer, John Norris, said outside the court, describing Jaser as being in a state of “shock and disbelief.”

Norris would not disclose Jaser’s nationality, saying that the publication ban precluded discussing his client’s personal circumstances. But he said Jaser has been a resident of Canada for 20 years.

Pakistan must crack down on Afghan militants – NATO (Reuters) - Pakistan must crack down on militants who use the country as a sanctuary to launch attacks in Afghanistan, the head of NATO said yesterday, before a U.S.-chaired meeting that will try to ease friction between the neighbours.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will host talks between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and senior Pakistan officials in Brussels today, with the aim of calming tension over border disputes and a stalled peace process.

“It is a problem that terrorists can cross the border, conduct terrorist acts in Afghanistan and then seek sanctuaries, safe havens in Pakistan,” NATO SecretaryGeneral Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters after alliance foreign ministers met to discuss Afghanistan.

“It is countering all our efforts to improve the security situation. So we have a common interest in an intensified fight against these cross-border activities,” he said.

NATO had urged Pakistan’s government and military to step up efforts to fight militants in the border region, Rasmussen said.

“We need a positive engagement of Pakistan if we are to ensure long-term peace and stability not only in Afghanistan, but in the region.”

Outside the courtroom, a middle-aged man and a woman in a cream-colored hijab identified themselves as members of Jaser’s family, but would not answer questions.

With them were two younger men, and two women in full black niqab face veils, who fled when confronted with a throng of reporters, photographers and television crews.

Esseghaier, a Tunisian-born doctoral student at a Montreal-area university, was flown to Toronto on Monday, but was quickly returned to Montreal to meet a legal requirement that he appear in a Quebec court within 24 hours of his arrest.

Bearded and bespectacled and wearing a shabby blueand-black winter jacket, handcuffs and leg shackles, he told the judge there that conclusions had been drawn from facts and words “that are only appearances.”

He was remanded in custody, and federal prosecutor Richard Roy said he expected Esseghaier to be flown back to Toronto later yesterday for a court appearance there.

Esseghaier represented himself at the hearing, which was not covered by a publication ban.

Canadian authorities have linked the two to al Qaeda factions in Iran but say there is no indication that the attack plans, which police described as the first known al Qaedabacked plot on Canadian soil, were state-sponsored.

“Had this plot been carried out, it would have resulted in

innocent people being killed or seriously injured,” Royal Canadian Mounted Police official James Malizia said on Monday.

Police said they had been investigating the two since last fall after a tip from the Muslim community in Toronto.

Little is known about Jaser but a spokeswoman for the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique near Montreal confirmed to Reuters that Esseghaier was a doctoral student at the research institute.

Iran had some senior al Qaeda figures under a form of house arrest in the years following the September 11, 2001, attacks, but there has been little to no evidence to date of joint attempts to execute violence against the West.

However, a U.S. government source said Iran is home to a little-known network of alleged al Qaeda fixers and “facilitators” based in the city of Zahedan, very close to Iran’s borders with both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Iran reacted angrily to being tied to the arrests. Canada last year severed diplomatic ties over what it said was Iran’s support for terrorist groups, as well as its nuclear programmed and its hostility towards Israel.

“No shred of evidence regarding those who’ve been arrested and stand accused has been provided,” Iranian Foreign Minister spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said, according to the Mehr news agency.

Pakistan police say explosives found near Musharraf house ISLAMABAD (Reuters) Pakistani police said yesterday they had defused 50 kg (110 lb) of explosives hidden in a car wired with remote-controlled detonators near the fortified farmhouse where former president Pervez Musharraf is under house arrest.

The discovery added a new sub-plot to the saga of Musharraf’s deepening legal woes, which have transfixed Pakistanis unaccustomed to the sight of a once allpowerful military ruler submitting to the will of judges.

“When we checked the car we found explosives,” police bomb squad constable Rehmat Ali told Reuters television. “When we unlocked one of the doors we saw a detonator cord.”

Ali added that police had discovered several remotecontrolled detonators rigged to the explosives, which they disarmed.

There was no immediate

word from police on who they suspected might have planted the device.

Pakistan’s Taliban movement, which threatened to kill Musharraf shortly before he returned to Pakistan last month after almost four years of self-imposed exile, denied any involvement in the incident.

“We would have sent suicide bombers,” Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said.

Musharraf made many enemies during his stint in power, notably among militant groups who felt betrayed by his decision to align Pakistan with the United States following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Musharraf had hoped to relaunch his political career by running for a seat in the National Assembly at general elections on May 11, Pakistan’s first transition between elected civilian-led governments.

Instead, election officials

disqualified him from running and a court ordered he be placed under house arrest last week over allegations he unlawfully ordered the detention of judges during a showdown with the judiciary in 2007.

Police found the explosives several hours after Musharraf made his latest court appearance over separate allegations that he failed to provide adequate security to prevent the 2007 assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Pakistani television broadcast video showing scores of lawyers, who have not forgiven Musharraf for the crackdown he launched on the judiciary, scuffling with supporters of the ex-president after the hearing.

Police arrested Musharraf on Friday, treating Pakistanis to the rare spectacle of a former army commander being humbled by judges in a country where the military has ruled for more than half the

Pervez Musharraf years since Pakistan’s creation in 1947.

Musharraf’s office has dismissed the allegations against him as baseless and politically motivated.

Musharraf, who seized power in a coup in 1999, resigned in 2008 and left Pakistan for residences in London and Dubai.

His legal troubles have provided a stark symbol of the changing balance of power in Pakistan, where the military still retains enormous behind-the-scenes influence but has retreated from the overt meddling and coups of the past.

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Iran offers to be West’s “reliable partner” in Middle East GENEVA (Reuters) - Iran said yesterday it would be a “reliable partner” in the Middle East if Western countries would take a more cooperative approach in talks on its nuclear program.

Western powers blame tension with Iran in part on its refusal to fully cooperate with United Nations calls for curbs on its nuclear activity to ensure it is for peaceful purposes only, and to open up to investigations by U.N. inspectors.

Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran’s ambassador to the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency, said U.S. and European policies, including extensive sanctions on the Islamic Republic, were bound to fail.

“Western countries are advised to change gear from confrontation to cooperation, the window of opportunity to enter into negotiation for long-term strategic cooperation with Iran, the most reliable, strong and stable partner in the region, is still open,” Soltanieh told a meeting in Geneva on the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Soltanieh offered no specifics on how Iran could move to a cooperative dialogue with the West, which has demanded concrete Iranian action to allay international concern that it is trying to develop the means to produce nuclear weapons.

Thomas Countryman, chief U.S. delegate to the NPT talks, said on Monday that Iran’s nuclear program poses the greatest threat to the credibility of the NPT, which aims to halt the spread of nuclear weapons.

Soltanieh said Iran was determined to pursue “all legal areas of nuclear technology, including fuel cycle and enrichment technology, exclusively for peaceful purposes” and this would be carried out under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision.

“Hostile policies of Western countries, including dual track, carrot and stick, sanctions-and-talks policies are doomed to failure,” he said.

The IAEA said yesterday it will hold a meeting with Iran on May 15 aimed at enabling its inspectors to resume a stalled investigation into suspected nuclear bomb research.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Ang er in Le banese str eets as Anger Lebanese streets Syria bor der ffighting ighting rra ages border BEIRUT (Reuters) Stripped to the waist, his face heavily bruised and a rope around his neck, the greyhaired Syrian man was led by his captors on a humiliating parade through the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli.

“I am an Alawite shabbiha,” read slogans daubed on the bare chest of the man, referring to militias from a minority sect fighting for President Bashar alAssad in neighboring Syria.

Vigilantes led the man through Tripoli, a predominantly Sunni Muslim city, on Monday.

No one stepped in to stop the degrading procession until he was handed over to army intelligence, Tripoli residents said, his treatment yet another sign that the Lebanese state is losing its battle to contain street tensions over Syria’s bloodshed.

Long-standing sectarian tensions in Lebanon have been further fuelled this week by heavy clashes in the border region. Lebanese Sunni Muslims support the Sunni-led opposition

A Syrian man, with a rope tied around his neck, is being led by his captors on a parade through the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. REUTERS/Stringer fighting Assad. Most Lebanese Shi’ite groups support Assad and the Alawite sect to which he belongs, an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam which has largely supported the Assad family’s four-decade rule.

Along the border, proAssad forces - including fighters believed to be from Lebanon’s powerful Shi’ite guerrilla movement Hezbollah - have made strategic gains in recent days.

They appear to be creating a crucial corridor between Assad’s seat of power, Damascus, and the Alawite stronghold region along Syria’s Mediterranean coast.

On the same day the Syrian man was dragged across Tripoli, two prominent

Sunni clerics called on Lebanese men to defend the rebels in Syria, either by sending weapons or joining in combat.

“It is a duty for any Muslim who is able to reach our Syrian brothers, to enter Syria to defend its people, its mosques and religious sites,” Sheikh Ahmed al-Assir told supporters in Lebanon’s southern port town of Sidon.

Assir singled out the besieged rebel-held town of Qusair, near the Lebanese frontier, and central Homs, Syria’s third largest city, as strategic priorities. Homs has been roughly divided between government and insurgent-held areas.

The porous border around Qusair and Homs is a vital

smuggling route for the rebels. But the rebels also want to seal off the border from government forces to sever Damascus from Syria’s Alawite coast.

As clashes intensify along the border, rocket fire has been hitting Lebanon with increasing frequency.

Suspected rebel rockets hit the Shi’ite town of Hermel, 10 km (six miles) inside Lebanese territory.

Rebels have threatened to “move the battle into Lebanon” if the Syrian government offensive, which they described as Hezbollahled, continues.

Assir’s call to arms and the vigilante action in Tripoli further undermine Lebanon’s tattered policy of “dissociation” from Syria’s turmoil - a stance which Assad himself mocked in a meeting with sympathetic Lebanese politicians at the weekend.

“No one can distance himself (from the conflict) while being consumed by flames,” Assad told his visitors.

His remarks could further fan the fear of many Lebanese that their country is vulnerable to being dragged into Syria’s bloodshed. Syria has historically dominated its small neighbor, where it maintained a military presence for 29 years until 2005.

United States, Russia agree to try to revive Syria plan BRUSSELS (Reuters) U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday he and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had agreed to look for ways to revive a Syrian peace plan, but admitted that doing so would be extremely difficult.

Kerry, speaking after talks with Lavrov and NATO colleagues in Brussels, also backed away from earlier comments suggesting he was calling for increased NATO contingency planning on Syria. Kerry said he and Lavrov had discussed ways to revive a peace plan agreed in Geneva last June that called for a transitional government.

“We are both going to go back, we are going to explore those possibilities, and we are going to talk again about if any of those other avenues could conceivably be pursued,” Kerry said.

He said that while there might be a difference of opinion between Russia and the United States about when

and how Syrian President Bashar al-Assad might leave office, “I don’t think there’s a difference of opinion that his leaving may either be inevitable or necessary to be able to have a solution.”

But, he stressed: “I would say to you that’s it’s a very difficult road ... No one should think there is an easy way to move forward on this.” Moscow has for months been calling for implementation of the Geneva Declaration agreed by world powers including Russia and the United States, but disagrees with Washington’s assertion that it requires Assad to step down.

Lavrov said last week that pressing for Assad’s removal would increase the threats posed by militant Islamist groups such as the rebel alNusra Front, which formally pledged allegiance this month to al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri.

Lavrov told a news conference yesterday the

Sergei Lavrov Geneva agreement could “not be interpreted in various ways; it has no ambiguity.”

“Everyday more people are killed. However I see a growing understanding of the urgency to go from calls for election to real actions. That is why I hope we will see concrete actions on everybody’s side,” he said.

Kerry said in a statement to a meeting of NATO ministers earlier that the alliance needed “to consider its role in the Syrian crisis, including how practically prepared it was to respond to a potential chemical weapons threat”.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Police community relations Addressing cyber crime is a work in progress – Cabinet Secretary improvement campaign shifts gears Realising legislation to combat cyber crime is currently a work in progress and much of it depends on the development of such measures elsewhere in the world.

At least this is according to Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, as he responded to questions about Guyana’s ability to deal with such occurrences during his most recent Post Cabinet press briefing at Office of the President.

Cyber crime is a term used to describe criminal activities that involves the internet, a computer system or computer technology which could include but is not limited to identity theft. And according to Dr Luncheon cyber crime is currently not an area for which there is great clarity.

He said that at the moment “we don’t have legislation that addresses aspects of cyber crime...that addresses the offence and the penalties; this is a work in progress...”

Moreover, he said that with the development in other countries, Guyana will then be able to make necessary adjustments and have them customised and be made

applicable to the Guyanese situation, something he insists is yet to be done.

According to him, such moves are yet to be made to the point where “we can actually go to Parliament with a legislative instrument that actually does what can be done with crimes under the Anti-Money Laundering Act...We haven’t done that as yet,” asserted the Cabinet Secretary.

He has however noted that the administration plans to remain alert and proactive in light of the fact that cyber crime is one of the fastest growing areas of crime.

Turning his attention to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Dr Luncheon noted that when examined serially during the mutual evaluation procedures that subscribers treaty members subscribe to, deficiencies and weaknesses were identified.

He disclosed that during an evaluation of Guyana’s efforts and compliance with its treaty obligations it was recognised that there were a series of amendments that had to be undertaken. As such he noted that AntiMoney Laundering Act and

Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009 have been amended and will soon be tabled in the National Assembly.

A first reading of the Amendment Bill was moved

by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, in the House on Monday.

According to Dr Luncheon the whole thrust of the Anti-Money Laundering Act Amendment Bill is to remedy the existing weaknesses and deficiencies.

The Amendment, he said, will also cater to better defined penalties that have been heightened or rendered more severe, adding that “the nexus with other pieces of legislation have been recognised and addressed to the amendment of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.” The sum total of the enactment of the Amendment Bill, according to the Cabinet Secretary, will see a legislative strengthening of the AntiMoney Laundering Act itself and thereby allow for the movement into parallel pieces of legislation where money laundering considerations are dealt with.

Commander C Division Eric Bassant hands over the hamper to Ramdai in the presence of his deputy Stephen Mansell (far left) and other ranks from Cove and John.

Police on the East Coast of Demerara have taken their public relations campaign to another level, distributing hampers to two fortunate senior citizens.

On Friday last, Commander Eric Bassant and his deputy Stephen Mansell presented hampers to Ramdai of Cove and John and the Seecharans of Lusignan.

In both cases the recipients were taken a bit by surprise at the gesture, but they were highly appreciative that the police had chosen them.

The move is part of a massive plan by the C Division Police, who have already cemented relationships with several

communities under their watch. Commander Bassant in an invited comment explained to this newspaper that the initiative is part of a bigger one in which the entire Guyana Police Force is building community/police partnerships. He said that the hamper initiative is one of the projects identified to boost the campaign.

According to Commander Bassant, his division has already begun working with the youths along the East Coast of Demerara, setting up youth groups in two communities so far.

“We have two existing youth groups that were recently formed; that is in the Buxton/Friendship area and

we also established one in Paradise. Every time we have meetings the groups tend to grow. The people are buying into the initiative, all in the interest of a safer community and the fight against crime,” Assistant Commissioner Bassant told this newspaper.

The elderly Ramdai who lives alone at Cove and John, said that she was pleasantly surprised when she received a telephone call from the police last week.

“It surprise me because up to this morning me want fuh know ah wha. Yesterday dem come while me sweeping yard and de tell me dem want fuh help some old people,” she said, shortly after receiving the hamper.

GT&T launches BlackBerry Z10 - one year free data service with every purchase The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) announced yesterday that customers who purchase the new device from Research In Motion Limited (RIM), the BlackBerry Z10, will also receive one year free data service.

Speaking at the launch, GT&T’s Chief Financial Officer, Justin Nedd said the device immediately goes on sale for G$158,000 at GT&T outlets countrywide. He added that apart from the one year free data service, the smartphone also comes with a one-year warranty, and customers should take advantage of the offer, which will be available for a limited time only.

There were persons present at the launch who had the opportunity to win one of the smartphones by entering their GT&T mobile number for a drawing that took place at the conclusion of the event.

In the end, lucky customer and staff of the National

Communications Network, Kerwayne Christian, walked away with a brand new BlackBerry Z10.

While calling rates and the quality of service may be

the ultimate factor determining which direction customers go, the price race adds another interesting element to the heated competition.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Hefty bids supply, delivery of water meter boxes Bids for the supply and delivery of water meter boxes for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB.)

In addition, Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) also received bids for the service connection upgrade in Berbice, region six. The bids are divided into two lots: Lot (1) Johns to Port Mourant and Lot (2) Gay Park to Fort Canje.

Bids were also opened for rehabilitation works for the tuberculosis (TB) step down care facility, West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Automotive Co. shareholders lose right over building Ingrid Campbell and Alfred Chung, proprietors of AIC Battery and Automotive Services Company Limited (AIC), have lost their rights over a building located at Vlissengen Road and Da Silva Street, Newtown, following a court order issued by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The decision was passed down on April 16, 2013.

The company had borrowed sums of money from the then National Bank of Industry and Commerce Limited (NBIC) –now Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd. The loans were secured by Debentures over the company’s property, and failure by both Campbell and Chung to issue payments,

resulted in the bank appointing a Receiver in the year 2002.

The appointed Receiver, in an effort to liquidate the debt owed to Republic Bank, entered into an agreement of sale with a purchaser over the aforementioned Vlissengen Road property.

However, Chung and Campbell who resided in the top flat of the building refused to vacate, leaving the sale stalled.

The Receiver then moved to the High Court to have them evicted. Judgment was granted in favour of the Receiver in 2003 by the Honourable Justice B.S. Roy who struck out the shareholders’ Affidavit of

Defence.

Dissatisfied with this decision, Chung and Campbell moved to the Court of Appeal, but, their appeal was dismissed.

Still not satisfied, the two appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Their appeal was heard on April 8, 2013.

The CCJ also granted in favour of the Receiver who was represented by Mr. Andrew M.F. Pollard, of Messrs. Hughes, Fields & Stoby, and the shareholders

by Mr. Saphier Husain.

In addition, the CCJ ruled that the established practice in Guyana of appealing summary judgments to the Court of Appeal was improper.

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Teens rescued from Puruni shop…

GWMO president makes formal assault complaint President of the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation (GWMO) Simona Broomes has made a formal complaint to the Guyana Police Force about the assault she suffered at the hands of a shop owner at Puruni where she went to rescue four teens who were allegedly being held against their will.

Ms. Broomes yesterday told this publication that she is now awaiting word from the police about the action that will be taken against the shop owner and his wife who were allegedly holding the girls, all underage, and having them engage in sexual practices.

Head of the Child Protection Agency, Ann Green, when contacted yesterday said the teens are still in her agency’s care and they are still being interviewed to see what their immediate needs are.

However, she was not able to say what the status of the police investigation was as it relates to the arrest of the

persons against whom the allegations were made. She however noted that the Ministry’s Counter Trafficking Unit is conducting investigations as well and once the facts support the allegations, then charges are likely to be laid.

Members of the GWMO rescued the four teenagers from alleged sexual slavery from a shop at Tiger Creek, Puruni in Region Seven. In the process, the group had an altercation with the owner of the shop from where they were rescued on Sunday last.

The girls age 14, 15, 17, and 18 years old were reportedly being held in a shop, popularly called ‘Kaimoo’ by porkknockers.

According to Simona Broomes, the crying teens, after being rescued, spent Sunday night on a bench in the Bartica Police Station.

The police there had refused to provide security at the private residence where the GWMO wanted

to keep the girls.

According to Broomes, a representative of the Human Services Ministry in Bartica was unable to provide any assistance immediately to the young girls. Broomes initially told this publication that rescuing the girls was not an easy task and members of the GWMO had to put up a fight.

Without police security, they had to depend on their lone personal security to help fight off the perpetrators who followed them to Itaballi.

Broomes said that she was shocked to see that the Mines Officer in the area and the perpetrators are friends. She said that at t h e M i n e s O ff i c e r ’s dwelling place, a physical altercation occurred.

She said that she was assaulted and was forced to defend herself.

The mines officer said nothing until she retaliated.

He has since been suspended.

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

McBean wrongful dismissal case…

Retired ACP Slowe, plaintiff take the stand

By Zena Henry Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Slowe gave evidence pertaining to the procedural process of police officers wishing to go on leave aboard, when the wrongful dismissal matter of former Superintendent of Police Simon McBean was called before Chief Justice Ian Chang yesterday.

McBean was in 2009 dismissed from the Guyana Police Force for allegedly leaving the country on a study scholarship without permission. The officer, who was accepted as a former senior member of the force and a former Deputy Commissioner of Operations among other things, testified on the grounds of having indepth knowledge in regard to this matter. He told the court, while being led by Attorneyat-law Patrice Henry, that all permission for leave; whether annual leave, sick leave or study has to be granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He said that while annual leave may have its specified time; one can attain their study leave during that

period when requested since that time is used at the discretion of the applicant.

Sick leave, however, varies, depending on the length of time needed.

He added that no matter the rank or type of leave, all authorisation is from Home Affairs Ministry, and leave may surpass 28 days with pay, depending on the nature of problem. Slowe said that to his knowledge, McBean was granted vacation leave but not study leave and added that he had not seen any approval by the Home Affairs Ministry which authorised the former Superintendent going on study leave.

When asked, the former police officer confirmed that it is force policy that officers levitate themselves academically. Slowe named several officers who during their time in the police force, attained academic achievements and said that during any study course, the same procedures taken by McBean have always been followed by these officers.

Slowe said he too could recall at least six instances where he was on training

Former Supt. of Police, Simon McBean

Retired Assistant Commissioner, Paul Slowe

courses where he became ill and submitted sick leave through the Consulate or embassy to Guyana, of the country where the course was being held. Apart from that, Slowe recalled the force’s administration department congratulating McBean on being awarded a full scholarship to study abroad.

He said McBean had been invited to an administration meeting where several Divisional Commanders were present, including the late Police Commissioner Henry

Greene who assured the complainant that the force would support him in his quest for higher learning.

When cross examined by Pritima Kissoon who is representing the office of the Attorney General and the Police Service Commission, Slowe said he is unaware of the effects of an officer failing to return to duty after leave would have been over, since he is unaware of any such a situation. He continued that he was unaware that McBean was granted any further leave

after his vacation leave had expired. In re-examination, Slowe said that he was also unaware of any document showing that McBean was not granted the extended leave. McBean also took the stand yesterday to be cross examined by the defendants’ lawyer. He said that he had submitted an application for study leave but did not receive a response, when Kissoon told the witness that he was denied study leave.

He refuted claims that the vacation leave was granted instead of the study leave saying that he was entitled to that study leave. He said for little more than eight months he had been away from duties, but that time further entailed his sick period.

He agreed when Kissoon asked whether he knew that if he had not returned subsequent to his leave he would be dismissed. But McBean further added that his dismissal as he knew it as an officer would depend on him not following the necessary procedures if something came up preventing him from returning to duty. Kissoon further asked the witness about

symptoms he experienced during his sickness, but the court related to the lawyer that her question could be answered by the tendered document of the foreign doctor who tended to McBean during his illness.

Further along the cross examination, McBean strongly denied that he did not respond to a request by the force verifying his study in London. He charged that the letter for the verification was sent to the university and he was not the one who had to respond, despite Kissoon claiming that the letter was addressed to him.

McBean explained that the letter he received was requesting that he give authorisation for the information to be released since the university would have to verify the information and he (McBean) would have to give authorisation since the information could not be released without a student’s permission. The matter was adjourned to next Monday (April 28) when the defence is expected to call its last witness. The plaintiff ’s lawyers have closed their case.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Funding for airport expansion, other transport projects cut from budget

By Neil Marks and Abena Rockcliffe In circumstances of high drama, the Parliamentary majority just after midnight this morning, cut funding for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion plan and several other projects under the transport budget for the Ministry of Public Works.

The opposition had only intended to cut the $5.3 billion for the airport expansion project, but a technicality forced a reduction of the entire transport budget.

The government members shouted “shame!” as the House ended its business.

But the opposition quickly argued that the government could return and ask for funding for the other projects that also suffered cuts.

Government Chief Whip Gail Teixeira upturned the proceedings in the House when it seemed that the opposition would safely cut funding only for the CJIA expansion.

Teixeira argued that the motion by APNU Parliamentarian Carl Greenidge to cut funding for the airport expansion is more than what is budgeted for and begged that the motion to cut the budget be declared null and void. She begged the same question on a motion to cut by the AFC, since both proposals were above what

was budgeted for.

The actual budgeted amount is $5,350,000,000.

However, APNU wanted to cut by $5,352,999,000 and AFC proposed $5,353,000,000.

Speaker Raphael Trotman adjourned for a few minutes to settle the matter with the Clerk and key members on both sides of the House. The opposition argued that it was a “slip” that caused the error.

The Speaker returned to say that the motions to cut the funding for the airport expansion could not stand in the form in which it was tabled.

With the opposition having no way out to only cut funding for the expansion of the airport, they had to cut all funding on the transport budget in order to take their hard-line position on the airport expansion.

And so the funding that was also cut from the budget was $175 million for hinterland roads, $80 million for civil aviation, and $26 million for the expansion of the Ogle Aerodrome.

But the night’s arguments largely surrounded the CJIA expansion.

Parliamentarian Moses Nagamootoo described the project as a “reckless financial misadventure.”

In a desperate plea, the Minister of Public Works said that the government was willing to prove any and all

information requested on the project.

A key question surrounded the signing of the loan agreement with China Exim Bank and the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Corporation.

Nagamootoo said that the House only learnt that the contract for signing was signed a year after a deal was tied up with the Chinese contractor.

Benn said that it was a condition that there needed to be a contract before there could be loan approval.

As a result, he said this was the protocol and procedure that was followed.

Nagamootoo insisted that a project could not be entered into if there was no money.

The Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said there was a high level China/Caribbean event in Trinidad for projects to be submitted and the airport project was submitted as a priority project in direct Guyana/China negotiations.

He said it is standard practice with China Exim Bank and other banks that those institutions would not approve a loan for financing, unless there is a contract between the borrower and a contractor from the borrowing country.

Nagamootoo had questioned whether other financing options could not be considered.

The Finance Minister said

this could have been pursued but in the current instance, given that the project was identified as a priority project in a government-togovernment arrangement, the Chinese were the logical potential borrower of choice.

As a result, he said a Chinese company was then engaged and subsequently a loan arrangement was finalised.

Benn said that he could not give concrete details regarding airlines that would be operating the Guyana route.

On other issues, Benn said there is no allocation for the relocation of residents around the airport.

“We have not made any call with respect to this matter,” he stated.

Benn said that a number of options are being discussed, including having the residents take up lands through the Central Housing and Planning Authority, so there would be a satisfactory conclusion to this matter.

Benn said that the Army’s base and the prison at Timehri are also ‘squatters’, and there are also discussions for the options for removal both with the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Prison Service.

Benn told the House that the airport was told to buy an ambulance to double up on facilities available for emergency medical care.

Benn said the project could be justified on two things alone: the current

Suspect in elderly woman’s murder had scratch marks on body The delay to bury the remains of 89-year-old Millicent Cummings may have been a blessing in disguise, since it has given investigators a window of opportunity to crack the murder case.

Detectives were able to take samples from Cummings’ fingernails which they hope to match to one of the persons detained as part of the investigations so far.

Kaieteur News understands that the individual detained bore scratch marks on his body and investigators have also taken samples for him with the aim of sending them for DNA testing.

“It’s a good thing we did not bury her,” a relative of the dead woman told this newspaper.

However, apart from one man, all the other persons who were detained have been released.

Along with the body samples, detectives have reportedly obtained semen samples which they also

Millicent Cummings hope to have analysed.

Cummings was raped and bludgeoned to death on April 12 last. Her body was found in a pool of blood under a house at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, not far from her residence.

There were telltale signs that she put up a struggle with her attacker(s). Her hat and a pair of slippers were

discovered a few yards from where her body was found.

“No matter she age, she would fight back,” a family member had remarked at the scene on the day when her body was discovered..

Kaieteur News understands that the man presently in custody had turned himself in with an attorney.

According to reports, police had expressed an interest in the man who is employed by the attorney.

Detectives had visited the home of the attorney enquiring about the suspect and it was after this visit that the man decided to present himself to the police on Monday.

The recent moves come in the wake of severe criticisms leveled against the police for the manner in which they were investigating the murder.

Relatives of the dead woman had accused investigators of overlooking significant evidence that could ultimately lead to the solving of the case. They

believe that the police were not doing enough to crack the case. One relative spoke of retrieving a “fresh condom casing” from the crime scene after investigators had left it at the scene.

“I took a twenty dollar bill and collected it without touching it, and I took it to the police at Cove and John.

There they were trying to tell me that it was not at the scene,” the relative told this newspaper yesterday.

This is despite the police securing the crime scene to gather all possible evidence.

“This is sloppy work on the part of the police,” he added.

There are also concerns that the police failed to utilise the services of sniffer dogs.

But a police source informed that that was one of the first options, however all of the canines at Eve Leary are only capable of sniffing for narcotics.

Meanwhile relatives have informed that Millicent Cummings will finally be buried on Sunday.

capacity constraints based on the number of passengers using the airport and the limited runway space.

He said the length of the runway is unstable for long haul aircraft and the terminal building is too small to accommodate the growing number of passengers, with

an 8% increase in passenger use over the last two to three years.

Questions were raised over the employment of Guyanese on the project.

Benn said that it is anticipated over the life of the project over 600 Guyanese would be employed.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Finance Minister questions logic behind cutting of Specialty Hospital In its quest to rationalise the parliamentary opposition’s decision to slash the allocation for the highlytouted Specialty Hospital, Government has sought to suggest that the move was in fact inspired by a personal vendetta.

This deduction was hinted at by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh as he spoke at a recent press conference hosted by the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic administration.

Regarding the move as particularly significant, Dr Singh reflected how the cut was moved by Leader of the Alliance for Change, Khemraj Ramjattan, “who by his own admission was, I don’t know if he still is, but was at the time the legal representative...the lawyer of the aggrieved bidder.”

The bidder in question, Fedders Lloyd Corporation Ltd of India, had in fact put in the lowest bid to construct the Specialty Hospital on the Lower East Coast Demerara, but was not awarded the contract.

According to the Finance Minister, “he (Ramjattan) had an interest in the matter...he was the lawyer for the company that did not get the

contract... and now knowing that another company got the contract properly and has been paid a mobilisation advance.”

Dr Singh sought to emphasise that even in light of the fact that the project was properly approved the parliamentary opposition was yet bent on cutting the entire allocation of the project which he insists are significant dimensions to the state of affairs.

The Finance Minister noted too that the opposition has continued to use its majority hold in the House to impose cuts against important allocations, with the first cut symbolically being that against the Specialty Hospital. As such, in his attempt to slam the move, he shared his conviction that there is no medical facility currently available that provides specialised health care at the level that is intended by the Specialty Hospital.

The project, according to the Minister, is one that has gained collaboration from the Government of India, which has provided a loan through the India Exim Bank. That loan, according to Dr Singh, has already been approved

and the resulting loan agreement was tabled in the National Assembly last year in keeping with what he described as “our commitment to transparency and accountability.”

In alluding to what he referred to as “a few significant dimensions” leading up to the cutting of the Specialty Hospital’s allocation, the Finance Minister noted that every effort was made by Government to provide extensive explanations on the project to the opposition.

He recounted that Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, responded to every question posed to him by the opposition about the project adding that “I intervened and added and elaborated where the matters encroached more on a financial administration perspective rather than a health sector perspective...I stood up and I augmented his answers.”

“They nevertheless, on a motion moved by Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, imposed a cut...Why is this significant?

Why was this cut so important?” queried the Finance Minister.

He went on to express that the significance of the project itself would have suggested that no responsible politician

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh or reasonable member of the National Assembly would have cut the financial allocation for such a project.

“No right-minded Guyanese would deny our country a facility such as that. You have the merits of the project which are obvious but were ignored by the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National

Unity (APNU),” Dr Singh said. This development, he said, materialised despite approval being granted by the opposition to have the project included in the budget, even as he noted that Government had since commenced implementation of the project by executing a legally binding contract with an international company.

He said that this was done following a procurement process to construct the hospital, adding that a mobilisation advance was paid pursuant to the terms of the contract by Exim Bank on Government’s behalf to the contractor. “Those facts came out in this year’s questions and answers on this matter.

The AFC specifically asked ‘has the company been paid any money on the contract’ and the answer was provided, yes, they have been paid a mobilisation advance.”

According to Dr Singh, not only was the month of the payment disclosed, but the

exact amount as well, information he insisted was already in the national estimates “but we answered the question anyhow. So they were aware that there was a legally binding contract with this company.”

Over and above that, the Finance Minister made reference to the added dimension of the competing bidder who had failed to secure the contract and had initially protested the fact that it had not won the bid for the project. However he noted that the failed bidder did not seek to pursue the legally available remedy for bid protest, adding that “this so called aggrieved company instead of pursuing this remedy...they made a few public pronouncements and complains that they were not awarded the contract, although there was a sound technical evaluation by technicians that made a recommendation for the award.”

Miner drowns in interior

The body of Steven Hohenkirk, 23, of Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara was pulled from a river in the interior, at approximately 10:00h on Monday.

The young man, who is said to be a miner, reportedly met his demise last Saturday as he was returning from a rendezvous with a group of friends. Hohenkirk is said to have drowned while swimming across a river to access a mining camp in the interior location.

Kaieteur News understands that it was necessary for the group to swim across a river to access the camp but due to the heavy rainfall, the river had swollen and the currents were strong, thus making it extremely difficult for the miner to swim against it.

Hohenkirk, who was in the

Dead: Steven Hohenkirk interior for the first time to work reportedly managed to resurface twice.

Further reports suggest

that the dead man’s colleagues made efforts to rescue him, but failed in their bid since his body was already swallowed up by the waters.

A search party was immediately sent out, but efforts proved futile. The search subsequently continued over the weekend, and led to the discovery of the body on Monday morning.

A source close to the family says that Hohenkirk’s close relatives will rather not comment at this juncture, as they are still traumatised by their loss.

Steven Hohenkirk was described as an adventurous person who was not afraid to experiment.

His body was transported to Georgetown where it is scheduled to undergo a post mortem examination.

Blankenburg businessman shot during robbery - one suspect held, police hunt accomplice One man is currently in police custody and a second suspect is on the run after a Blankenburg businessman was robbed at gunpoint.

According to the police, at about 11:00 hours yesterday businessman Donald Latchanna, 40, of Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara, was attacked and robbed of a gold chain valued $500,000 by two men, at his vulcanizing shop. One of the men the police said was armed with a handgun.

Investigations revealed that Latchanna was held up by the two perpetrators who rode up on a CG motor cycle.

The armed man snatched Latchanna’s gold chain from his neck and discharged two rounds in an effort to keep persons away, before the men made good their escape. A report was made to the police immediately resulting in them setting up a roadblock close to the Demerara Harbour Bridge. However the men somehow got word of the

roadblock and tried to evade the police by heading towards the Sea Dam at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. Unfortunately for the escaping bandits and luckily for the police, the latter were tipped off by public spirited citizens that the men had diverted onto the Pourderoyen Sea Dam. The men were pursued but only one was arrested with the motorcycle. Efforts are being made to apprehend the other suspect as investigations are ongoing.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

NTN CHANNEL 18/ CABLE 65 0500h -Sign on with the Mahamrtunjaya Mantra 0510h - Meditation 0530h - Queenstown Masjid Presents Quran This Morning 0600h - R. Gossai General Store Presents Ram Bhajans 0615h - Jettoo’s Lumber Yard Presents Ram Bhajans 0630h - Muneshwar Limited Presents Ram Bhajans 0645h - Double Standard Taxi Presents Ram Bhajans 0700h - RRT Enterprise Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0715h - M & M Snackette Presents 0730h - Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital Inc Presents 0745h - The Family of the Late Leila & David Persaud Presents Ram Bhajans 0800h - Timehri Maha Kali Shakti Devi Mandir Presents Ram Bhajans

0815h - NTN This Morning Live with Reyaz Husein 0930h - Indian Soap - Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke 1000h - Indian Soap - Rab Se Sohna Isshq 1030h - IPL6 - Match 33 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians 1400h - Indian Soap - Pavitra Rishta 1430h - Indian Soap Badalte Rishton Ki Dastaan 1500h - Indian Soap - Punar Vivaah 1530h - NATGEO 1630h - Drying Tears Live with Pastor Edson 1730h - Kingdom Agenda Hosted by Bishop Dr. J. Edgehill 1800h - Ganesh Parts Presents - BHAGAVAD GITA ( Discourses in English) 1815h - Birthday Greetings / Anniversary / Congratulation /Death

Announcement & In memoriam 1830h - Hare Krishna Today 1900h - Music Fantasia 2000h - Ashmins Presents Bed Time Songs Live with Joel 2100h - Indian Soap - Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke 2130h - Indian Soap - Rab Se Sohna Isshq 2200h - Indian Soap - Pavitra Rishta 2230h - Indian Soap Badalte Rishton Ki Dastaan 2300h - Sign Off with the Gayatri Mantra NCN CHANNEL 11 05:00 - Inspiration 05:30 - Newtown Gospel 06:00 - BBC 07:00 - Guyana Today 08:00 - Guysuco Roundup (R/B) 08:30 - Close Up. 09:00 - Stop the Suffering 10:15 - IPL – Kolkata Knight

Wednesday April 24, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): You may be eager to move on to your next experience, but you can gain more today by staying with one feeling for a longer period of time.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): You want more than you have now and your nonnegotiable determination could actually bring you the goodies you seek. However, keep in mind that there is a fine line between patience and stubbornness.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20): You can deepen a love interest now by using your wit and charm as long as you don’t sidestep your feelings in the process. The key is making others more comfortable with the emotional intensity.

CANCER (June 21–July 22): Acting on your feelings can result in a successful power play at work and gain you new respect at the same time. Just be careful not to push your luck because your friends and allies could resist your plan if you arouse their anger.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): Lighthearted flirting can turn very serious today, so don’t send out the vibe unless you are willing to put the muscle of your heart behind your romantic gestures.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Unexpressed feelings intensify a relationship in ways you might try to avoid, yet the outcome could be more fruitful than you expect.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Potent Pluto and your key planet, Venus, hook up today to emphasize the best parts of any type of relationship.

Even a casual interaction with a co-worker can lift your spirits.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): Your key planet, Pluto, is on the receiving end of a delicious buzz from sweet Venus, motivating you to take a risk in love without being overly attached to the outcome.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): You are blessed with a natural ability to shine your love light into the darkness, creating a more meaningful place without necessarily appearing overly serious.

CAPRICORN(Dec.22–Jan.19): Although you’re probably feeling passionate about your emotional attachments today, you might be reluctant to share them with your friends.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): You might want to keep a professional relationship to strictly business, but the unexpected opportunity to share your feelings is intriguing.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): You may grow obsessed about purchasing a piece of jewelry, furniture or an item of clothing today. A burning desire to own something beautiful can lead you to compulsive behavior now, whether or not you actually acquire it.

Riders v Mumbai Indianas 14:00 - NCN Newsbreak 14:05 - Feature 14:45 - UEFA Champions League Football- Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid 16:00 - African Moves r/b 17:00 - Anderson 18:00 - NCN News Magazine – Live 18:30 - Feature 19:00 - Al Jazeera 19:30 - Oral Traditions 20:00 - 3d/daily millions/play de dream/lotto draw 20:05 - NCN Newsbreak 20:10 - GRPA 21:00 - NCN Sports Magazine 22:00 - NCN Late Edition 22:30 - Caribbean Newsline 23:00 - Movie

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DTV CHANNEL 8 08:25 hrs. Sign On 08:30 hrs. This Morning 09:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 10:00 hrs. Roseanne 11:00 hrs. The View 12:00 hrs. Prime News 12:30 hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00 hrs. The Talk

15:00 hrs. Chain Reaction 16:00 hrs. Family Feud 17:00 hrs. Charmed 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. Nightly News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Channel 8 News 21:00 hrs. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (New Episode) 22:00 hrs. CSI 23:00 hrs. Sign Off

Guides are subjected to change without notice

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Kaieteur News

Banks Beer Beach T10 Cricket competition

Crabwood Creek Hunter and Karibee Rice Angels are champs The curtains came down on the month long Inaugural Banks DIH sponsored Banks Beer male and female Softball Inter Club Beach 10/10 cricket competition which culminated on Sunday last at the Number 63 Beach Corentyne, Berbice.

Crabwood Creek Hunters (CWCH) of Upper Corentyne and Nand Persaud and Company Limited ‘Karibee Rice Angels’ coming out winners in the final of the male and female segments of the competitions respectively.

In the men’s final, CWCH took on Capo’s 11 of West Berbice and whipped them by 10 wickets to take the first lien on the coveted Banks DIH trophy and the $150,000 up for grabs in a match which was reduced to a six overs affair.

Capo’s 11 won the toss and decided to take first strike and reached 55 for 2 in their allotment of overs. In reply CWCH had little difficulty reaching 56-0 with five deliveries remaining. Dave Chalittar stroked an unbeaten

Branch Manager Reginald Matthews hands over the winning prize to the CWC Hunters team.

31 and with him was Joshua Garnett on 11.

Earlier in semifinal play, CWCH whipped Black Bush Polder (BBP) by five wickets.

Batting first, BBP made 60 all out off their 10 overs with Kishore Lyana top scoring with 17. Bowling for CWCH Kerry Kenton picked up 3

wickets. In their turn at the crease, CWCH sped to 61 for 5 off 7.2 overs with Chalittar again making 31 not out.

In the other semifinal game, Capo’s 11 won from Chris Jagdeo Construction (CJC) by six wickets. The CJC batted first and made 81 all out. Bowling for Capo’s 11 Satesh Chinapen took 3 wickets as they in reply reached 82 for 4 off 8.2 overs with Lenny Sookram scoring 17.

In the female final, Karibee Rice Angels were red hot as their boiled over to beat Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Angels (YEST) by 29 runs. Karibee Rice Angels raced to 83 for 2 off of their allotted 6 overs with Tendeeka Lamard cracking 38.

In reply YEST never got the chance to rise as they could only manage 54 for 6 in their allotment of overs. Nikita Tony picked up 2 wickets bowling Karibee Rice as they walked away with the $50,000 and Banks DIH trophy.

Dave Chalittar took away the man-of-the-match, MVP, and the best batsman awards, while the best bowler award went to Nandkishore.

At the presentation ceremony Banks DIH Berbice Sales Manager Joshua Torrezao, who was accompanied by Regional manager Reginald Matthews, expressed his company’s thanks and appreciation for the overwhelming support.

He also called on fans to continue to support Banks DIH and Banks Beer and a lot more will be in the offering.

The manager also had special words of commendation for the police. (Samuel Whyte)

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Karate Prodigy Preparing to Represent Guyana Marian Academy Student, 8 year-old Hannah Maria Farinha who succeeded in an impressive way in her last grading examinations at the end of March of this year, which led to her being awarded a Shodan ranking (First Degree Black Belt), has now been selected to represent Guyana at the upcoming Caribbean Karate Championships scheduled to be held in Bridgetown, Barbados from July 11-14, 2013.

Petite Hannah, who is a Primary One Student, and who began practicing the martial art at the tender age of just five years-old as a club activity at the school, and who is also a student of The Guyana Karate College, is now training both at the school and also at the main Dojo of the Guyana Karate College which is located at the Malteenoes Sports Clubs in Thomas Lands, in preparation for the Caribbean tournament.

Hannah, the youngest of four siblings, is a high performing ‘A’ student at the Marian Academy, and is considerably involved in

Church activities, at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.

Like many other eight year olds Hannah loves fast foods, but her real passion is for pasta dishes including Spaghetti and Meatballs, Macaroni and Cheese and Lasagna.

Among her other likes are playing the piano, reading profusely and watching television with her favourite show being ‘Kickin’ It’ the Disney XD martial arts inspired comedy television series.

As young Hannah prepares to go up against top competitors from around the Caribbean region in her division, she continues to demonstrate considerable focus, discipline and enthusiasm much to the satisfaction of her instructors, who consider her a very gifted athlete with tremendous potential to maintain Guyana’s excellent record in Karate.

The Guyana Karate College placed second at the World Karate Tournament that was held in Toronto, Canada last year, a most prestigious achievement.

STSC TO HOST DAY OF SPORTS

The South Turkeyne Sports Committee and Business Foundation will be hosting a Day of Sports in honour of Johnny Barnwell’s 67th birth anniversary on Sunday April 28 at Meadowbrook Playfield.

Among the games slated for the day are Under-13 softball and tape ball cricket, 60m and 80m races for Under-13 males and females and 7-a-side football. Among the teams expected to take part in the football competition are Lodge, Sophia, Duncan Street, Enterprise, East Ruimveldt and Alberttown.

Trophies and cash prizes will be up for grabs, donated by Trophy Stall Bourda Market, Bannas Foundation, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, P & P Insurance Company, Attorneys–at-Law Roysdale Forde, Joseph Hermon and Basil Williams, Eplissa’s Traders, President of the Guyana Football Federation Christopher Matthias and Lennox Cush of Star Party Rentals.

Gilkes, Ifill see Bravados to victory Bravados impressive run in the lower East Coast Zone of the East Coast Demerara Cricket Board 40-over competition continued last Sunday when they defeated Mahaica Sports Club by 5 wickets to register their third straight win.

Batting first in a game which was reduced to 25 overs due to the inclement weather; host Mahaica Sports Club were bowled out for 160 off their allotted overs, Azam Mohamed being their principal scorer with 45. Alex Culley and Bridgenauth Pooran picked up 3 for 17 and 2 for 25 respectively.

Bravados in reply reached their target in 15.5 overs, Earl Gilkes hitting 49 and Anthony Ifill 31. Atom Persaud and Hemraj Garbarran took 2 for 11 and 2 for 27 respectively for Mahaica Sports Club.

Previously Bravados got the better of Cane Grove Sports Club by 8 wickets. Cane Grove batted first and scored 118 all out in 24.2 overs, N. Bissoon hitting the top score of 18; Delroy Williams took 5 for 19. Bravados then knocked off the required total in 14 overs led by Nigel Estaniado’s innings of 38.

Bravados had earlier defeated Cane Grove Sports Club by 5 wickets.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Explosive Gayle 175* off 66 balls creates history to fire RCB to 130-run win Chris Gayle can shatter dreams. Ask Ishwar Pandey, the highest wicket-taker in this year’s Ranji Trophy, who got smashed for 21 in his first over this IPL. Ask Mitchell Marsh, whose decent run with the ball this tournament was blown out of his memory, with his first over going for 28. Ask Aaron Finch, the third captain for Pune Warriors this season, who bowled an over hoping to restrict Gayle but didn’t bowl again after being blasted for 29.

Ask Ali Murtaza, a specialist left-arm spinner thrown into the deep end in his first game this season, only to be hammered for 28 in his over.

The fastest hundred in T20 history was built on the misery of others, most notably a struggling franchise whose owners - they spent US$370 million to buy it - watched shellshocked at their team’s bowlers being taken apart with a ruthlessness only a game of Cricket ’97 powered with cheat codes could have matched.

After Gayle’s onslaught, there was only going to be one result, and further confirmation of that arrived when four wickets fell inside the first six overs of the Warriors chase. Their defeat was the second-biggest in terms of runs in the IPL’s six seasons.

The destruction inflicted on the Warriors bowlers broke a series of records. Gayle smashed the fastest century in the format, brought off 30 balls; made the highest individual T20 score (175 not out); struck the most sixes by a batsman in a T20 innings (17); helped Royal Challengers Bangalore hit the most sixes for a team in a T20 innings (21) and reach the highest total in T20 cricket (263).

The helplessness of the Warriors players was writ large on their faces. Luke Wright smiled with trepidation when Virat Kohli took a single to give Gayle the strike off his bowling, Yuvraj just shook his head as he watched one ball after another sail over the boundary rope and pretended to snatch Gayle’s bat at the end of the innings as he went over to congratulate him.

The only interruption to Gayle’s effort was a 33-minute rain interval. He had warmed up before that with two boundaries off Pandey, and proceeded to smack him for three more in the same over after the rain relented.

Unlike some of his innings this season where he was relatively restrained at the start, he came out prepared to attack from the outset today. His previous innings, against Rajasthan Royals, was an unbeaten 49 off 44 balls during which he batted 17.5 overs.

It helped Gayle that Warriors bowled to him on a length, allowing him to hit through the line and straight, with minimum effort that masked the immense power behind his strokes that cleared the boundary with ease. Only one boundary out of the 30 to his name qualified as a mis-hit, an outside edge past short third man. At least two shots cleared the roof, the shot that brought up his century hit it and rebounded back into the lower tiers.

That Gayle was not going to hold himself back, having taken 29 off the fifth over from Marsh, was evident in his approach to spin when Murtaza was brought on in the seventh over. Gayle decided to target the spinner with the turn, slog-sweeping and then smashing him flat for two sixes, then making Finch regret the move to bring himself on, hammering him for four sixes, all on the on-side. A rare yorker outside off from Ashok Dinda that Gayle missed was perhaps the only moral victory he afforded Warriors before reaching his century, a landmark he celebrated with a punch of the

gloves then kneeling down and raising his arms.

Murtaza may just have felt he could slip in a relatively quiet over when Gayle had mellowed down, somewhat, after reaching his ton, but Gayle demolished those thoughts.

He punished Murtaza for three more sixes in a 28-run over, as Royal Challengers began another phase of domination in their innings after a moment’s breather - the last six overs produced 85 runs.

Gayle’s innings was supported ably by opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, who was part of a 167-run opening stand, an IPL record, during which he only made 33. He quickly ceded floor to Gayle and played some attractive, text-book shots through point and down the ground.

Unlike Dilshan at the start, AB de Villiers was the dominant partner in Warriors’ ruin at the death, thrashing 31 in just eight balls in a stand worth 44.

Each played their role in helping Gayle guide the innings, which he did with a big smile, good-hearted banter with the Warriors fielders during the carnage, an animated reaction when he reached his century and the gangnam style gig at picking two wickets in the only over he bowled - all a contrast to a man who made his first international appearance against India in Toronto in 1999, when it seemed hard to imagine a debutant as shy as him would one day become one of the most colourful characters on a cricket field.

Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 263 for 5 (Gayle 175*) beat Pune Warriors 133 (Smith 41, Gayle 2-5) by 130 runs.

(ESPN cricinfo)

Chris Gayle celebrates a wicket with Gangnam Style. (BCCI)

Page 35

Seamers set up comfortable win for Kings XI

Harmeet Singh Kings XI Punjab’s campaign in IPL 2013 gathered pace with their second consecutive win, a stroll in the park compared to their adrenaline-charged chase against Pune Warriors. A fine bowling effort from the Kings XI’s seamers, backed by some sharp fielding, restricted the bottom-placed Delhi Daredevils to a modest 120, which the Kings XI batsmen chased comfortably with three overs to spare.

Kings XI opted to bowl on a slow Kotla track and they didn’t let partnerships to blossom, the highest being 39 between David Warner and Manprit Juneja. Mahela Jayawardene’s promotion to the opening position clicked against Mumbai Indians, when he made 59, but today (yesterday) his innings ended on 4 when he edged Praveen Kumar to slip.

Roelof van der Merwe’s promotion to No.3 didn’t work as he top-edged Parvinder Awana to cover. It set a pattern for the evening as several batsmen from both sides perished to top-edges.

Perhaps it was the slow nature of the Kotla track that prompted Kings XI to bring in the seamer Harmeet Singh, known for his backof-the-hand slower balls.

Playing his first game of IPL 2013, replacing Manpreet Gony, Harmeet was hammered for a four and a six by Virender Sehwag off consecutive balls in his first over. In his second, he frustrated Sehwag with his slower balls, forcing the batsman to improvise.

Sehwag looked to open up, made room and ended up scooping the ball low to extra cover, where Mandeep Singh timed his dive well and took the catch.

Warner gave the innings some impetus with a flurry of boundaries in one over by Piyush Chawla, taking 16 off it. The stand between Warner and Juneja was the only period in which Daredevils had a semblance of control, until Harmeet steered the momentum Kings XI’s way in his second spell.

Juneja pulled a slower ball, bowled short, straight to fine leg, before Kedar Jadhav topedged to extra cover in the same over.

The boundaries dried up with the procession of wickets and it only increased the pressure on Warner. The drought lasted four overs before Warner clipped Praveen behind square leg, before the bowler knocked the base of the base off stump with a swinging yorker. In the end, Daredevils limped to 120, in contrast to the record-shattering pyrotechnics earlier in the evening by Chris Gayle and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Adam Gilchrist fell three balls into the chase, trying to smash his way into form and convince his franchise he can still hold his position in the team, seeing how certain franchises are grappling with the issue of non-performing overseas captains.

Mandeep gave the chase momentum with scoops and cuts off the seamers, but a promising knock was cut short thanks to a direct hit by Warner.

A top-edge sent back Manan Vohra and at 70 for 4 in the tenth over, Daredevils had narrowed the gap a bit. However, David Miller ensured no further jitters as he and David Hussey took Kings XI closer. (ESPN cricinfo)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

WICB announces schedule for Bulls shut down Nets Windies ‘A’ vs. Sri Lanka ‘A’ 90-82, even series at 1-1

St John’s, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board yesterday announced that the West Indies ‘A’ Team will face Sri Lanka ‘A’ when they tour the Caribbean in June this year.

The tour will include two ‘Tests’ (4 day matches), three 50 over encounters and two T20s.

The first ‘Test’ will be

played at Warner Park in St Kitts before the second and final is contested at Arnos Vale Cricket Field in St Vincent.

The two T20s will also be played at Arnos Vale before the three One Day matches conclude the tour in neighbouring Grenada.

This will be the first Windies ‘A’ Team engagement for 2013. The

Harrinarine (64 & 4-56), Thakurdeen (77) give Port...

From page 42 first made 124 in 33.4 overs with Jamal Henry 34.

Bowling for Blairmont, Leon Johnson took 4 for 20, Kevon Jawahir 3 for 15 from 6 overs and Waqar Hassan 2 for 37 from 8 overs. Blairmont Community Centre then hustled to 126 for 3 in 24.1 with Nick Ramsaroop 47 and Leon Johnson 39.

At Albion, Albion Community Centre beat Bermine by 3 wickets.

In this match which also saw its overs reduced from its scheduled 40 overs-a-

side due to the lone umpire turning up late, Bermine choosing to bat first made 93 in 35 overs with Keion De Jesus 24. Bowling for Albion, Veerasammy Permaul took 5 for 13 from 8 overs and Satesh Dwarka 2 for 17 from 6 overs. Albion Community Centre responded with 95 for 7 in 26.4 overs with Kandasammy Surujnarine 23.

Bowling for Bermine Damien Vantull took 2 for 21 from 8 overs and Stephen Latcha 2 for 25 from 8 overs. The competition continues on Saturday with second round matches.

West Indies ‘A’ last played in 2012 when they faced India in three ‘Tests’, three One Dayers and two T20s.

West Indies ‘A’ won the ‘Test’ series 2-1. The One Day Series was drawn 1-1 and the T20s were evenly shared with West Indies ‘A’ winning the first and India ‘A’ winning the One Over Eliminator after the match was tied.

Full Schedule West Indies ‘A’ v Sri Lanka ‘A’ June 5 – 8 – First ‘Test’ – Warner Park, St Kitts June 12 – 15 – Second ‘Test’ – Arnos Vale Cricket Field, St Vincent June 18 – First T20 – Arnos Vale Cricket Field, St Vincent June 19 – Second T20 – Arnos Vale Cricket Field, St Vince June 23 – First One Day – Grenada National Stadium, Grenada June 25 – Second One Day – Grenada National Stadium, Grenada June 27 – Third One Day – Grenada National Stadium, Grenada

NEW YORK (AP) - Whatever pain Joakim Noah was feeling in that achy right foot would have to wait. Blowing a chance to even the Chicago Bulls’ playoff series would have hurt so much worse. Noah gutted his way through a foot injury that made it difficult to even run in Game 1, making three fourth-quarter baskets as the Bulls beat the Brooklyn Nets 90-82 on Monday night to tie their first-round series at one game apiece.

Carlos Boozer had 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Luol Deng bounced back from a poor opener with 15 points and 10 boards for the Bulls, who became the first team to win a road game this postseason. They did it the only way they know how: with bruising Bulls defense.

Chicago held the Nets to two baskets in the third quarter to build a big enough lead to hold off a charge in the fourth. Noah finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulls, who host Game 3 on Thursday.

Brook Lopez scored 21 points for the Nets, who shot 35 percent from the field and were just 4 of 21 from 3-point range. Star point guard Deron Williams was 1 of 9, finishing with eight points. After an unrecognizable defensive effort in a 106-89 loss in Game 1, when they

allowed the Nets to shoot 16 of 20 in the second quarter, the Bulls got back to the mentality that has helped them overcome a number of injuries, including the season-long absence of Derrick Rose. Noah, who has battled plantar fasciitis and whose status was in question coming into the series, played 25 1-2 minutes, just passing the 20-to-25 that Thibodeau said he would be limited to.

The All-Star center, who grew up and played high school basketball here, missed 12 of the final 15 games of the regular season.

He was ineffective in 13 minutes Saturday, finishing with four points, but he was all over the court in the second half Monday, scoring 11 points and grabbing seven rebounds and fighting for any loose ball he could get near.

Joe Johnson scored 17 points but shot 6 of 18 for the Nets, who couldn’t even reach the 87.5 points they averaged against the Bulls in the regular season, let alone the 106 they rang up in the opener.

Two nights after the first major postseason game in Brooklyn since the 1956 World Series, the crowd wasn’t as energetic and neither were the Nets, who didn’t give the fans much to cheer about with poor starts in both halves.

Brooklyn Nets forward Reggie Evans (30) and Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer (5) go for a loose ball in the first half of Game 2.

Inter-Ministry, Organisation TT C/ships set for next weekend The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) in its continued effort to promote the sport will host an Inter-Ministry, Business Entity, Corporation and Organisation Table Tennis Championship scheduled for May 3-5 at the National Gymnasium.

The GTTA has extended invitations to over 40 Organisations to participate in this historic event, a release has stated yesterday.

The tournament is aimed at achieving the following objectives: (a) fostering camaraderie among staff members; (b) development of partnerships and creation of linkages and an understanding and appreciation of the roles between the respective organisations and sectors; (c) Promotion of healthy lifestyles through sport; (d) Provision of an environment for recreational activity and the spreading of GTTA’s base.

The release added that the GTTA will coordinate competition fixtures and will provide umpires, tables and balls among other resources to ensure the smooth running of competition.

“We sincerely feel that this tournament can be very successful in achieving its objectives and would therefore like to encourage teams/organisations across the length and breadth of Guyana to participate in this event,” the release noted.

It was announced that the GTTA would be meeting the representatives of the respective teams and organisations on May 3 at 5:30pm at the National Gymnasium to answer queries in relation to the tournament, outline the tournament format rules and regulations and discuss entries, draws and ways of enhancing the tournament output.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

GSL 12/12 Championships

Rooplall misses ton for Regal XI; Hetmyer propels Memorex into final four

Patrick Rooplall

Shimron Hetmyer

REGAL XI’S Patrick Rooplall missed being the second batsman to register a ton in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League’s 12/ 12 championship, when the action continued last S u n d a y at the Everest Cricket Club ground last Sunday.

Also in fine form was national Under-19 opener Shimron Hetmyer, who struck two blazing half centuries for Memorex XI as they blew past Herstelling XI and Smith XI in both of their matches, to book a place in this Sunday’s semifinals, alongside Speedboat XI, Trophy Stall and Regal XI. On pitch number two and in his team’s first game against Bartica Challengers, Rooplall struck 12 sixes and three fours in his unbeaten 99,which along with Rickey Sargeant’s unbeaten 33 (4x6, 1x4) and Chien Gittens 19 (3x4), powered Regal XI to 165 for 3 from their 12 overs.

Shastri Mangal took 2 for 37 for Bartica Challengers, who were bundled out for 29 from 5.3 overs in reply; Tyrone Sanasie bagged 4 for 5 and Safraz Esau 3 for 10.

In their second match against Cotton Field Wild Oats (CFWO), Bartica Challengers asked their opponents to bat first before restricting them to 111 for 8 off their allotted 12 overs. Suraj Rajah top scored with 54 (5x4, 4x6), while Travis Simon made 15 (1x6) and Brian Mangar 12.

Ravi Seenarine and Ishwar Dass took two wickets each for 25 and 26 runs respectively for Bartica Challengers, who reached 112 for 7 in response, thanks to Robin Narine’s 41, Roland Persaud 19 and Mangal’s 13, even as Narine returned to capture 4 for 20 and Munir Amin 2 for 17 for CFWO. In their final match of the day against Regal XI, CFWO took first strike and posted 111

for 8, with Rovindra Parsram 24 (3x4), Narine 21 (2x4, 1x6) and Simon 17 (1x4, 1x6) leading their batting. Troy Kippins claimed 3 for 29 and Tyrone Sanasie 2 for 24.

Regal XI’s replied with 112-4 in 9.5 overs. Esau struck three sixes and the same number of fours in his 45, which was supported by Rooplall’s 28 (2x4, 2x6) that guided their team to their second win.

On pitch number one, Memorex XI opposed Herstelling XI in their first match and having inserted their opponents, limited them to 122 for 6 with Omesh Narine 60 (5x6, 5x4) and Budhan Baksh 22 (2x6, 1x4) being their principal scorers.

Vishal Phillips (3 for 12) and Waheid Edwards 2 for 19 led the bowling for Memorex XI who in reply reached 126 for 2 off 9.4 overs, thanks to Hetmyer’s 72 (6x6, 5x4) and Farouk Hussein’s 29 (3x6, 1x4).

R a l p h Yu s u f t o o k b o t h wickets to fall for 9 runs.

In their second game, Herstelling XI went down to Smith XI by 6 wickets.

Batting first Herstelling XI scored 134 for 5, with Hakeem Vickerie scoring 59 ( 6 x 6 , 1 x 4 ) , Vi c k r a m Shairanta 26 (2x6) and Omesh Narine 25 (3x6, 1x4).

Kiram Kumar (2 for 25) and Omesh Gobin 2 for 26 led

Smith XI bowling, before Fazeer Khan 45 (3x6, 4x4), Latchman Rohit 35 (3x6, 1x4) and Ganesh Mangle 22 (2x4, 1x6) powered their team to 136 for 4 from 11.2 overs.

In the final match of the day, Smith XI took first turn at the crease and scored 138 for 9 from their 12 overs against Memorex XI, with Rohit 28 (2x4, 1x6), C. Etwaroo 25 (2x6, 2x4) and G. Mangar 22 (2x4, 1x6) being their leading batsman. Phillips captured 3 for 21 and Edwards 2 for 27.

Hetmyer then took up the mantle with the bat, hitting 11 sixes and one four in his unbeaten 82, which along with Phillips’ 27 (2x6, 2x4) and Edwards’ unbeaten 22 (2x6, 2x4), motorized their team to 142 for 2 from 8.2 overs and a place in the final four.

The semi-finals and final will be contested this Sunday at the same venue, with the Regal XI taking on Speed Boat XI in one encounter, while in the second semifinal, Memorex will oppose Trophy Stall, with the winners clashing in the grand final for $600,000 and a trophy.

As an added attraction to the hundreds of spectators who are expected to witness the action free of cost, there will be a raffle at $100 a ticket that carries a first prize of one Daewoo double door refrigerator.

The second to fifth prizes for the raffle, which will be drawn on the final day of the tournament, are three-piece living room suite, 32" LCD Sony Bravia television set, Royal four-burner gas stove and a G-shock mountain bicycle respectively.

Dilo Enterprise, DC Promotions, Five Star Minerals, El Dorado Trading and Ryan and Reuben Mahadeo (all out of Bartica), Star Party Rentals, Regal Stationery and Computer Supplies, Romain Car Wash, Bank of Baroda, Ravi Sarwan and Trophy Stall are some of the sponsors on board with this tournament.

National Schools’ Basketball...

From page 40 Manager of the main sponsor of the competition, Digicel, Shonnet Moore stated that the telecommunications giants are happy with the decentralisation of the event to reach those main counties and will continue to support such initiatives.

“It is not only about the sport, it is ensuring studentathletes become responsible young men and women,” Moore said, adding that Digicel will also be onboard with the student-education seminars. Apart from Moore, Communications Manager at Banks DIH Limited, Troy Peters and Marketing Director of Beharry’s, Anjulie Beharry also spoke. Peters said that Banks DIH is pleased to once again be associated with the NSBF under its Powerade brand with Beharry stressing that it’s very important to holistically develop young student-athletes.

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Amputees prepare for North American events with fund raiser for colleague

These five walkers will be in action in New York soon. From left: William France, John Antoo, Dennis Bernes, Gavin Nedd and Dwayne Nelson Ever since he unfortunately lost his right leg, William ‘The Conqueror’ France has defied life’s vicissitudes and engaged in Race Walking.

He has competed in events locally, in the USA and also Canada. Such feats have been widely heralded and France has etched his name in the history book of local sports not to mention his feats on the international stage.

France’s feats were emulated by other natives the likes of Dennis Bernes, John Antoo and Gavin Nedd among others and these individuals will join a few others to represent Guyana at several international events starting with the New York Half Marathon scheduled to

get underway this Saturday April 27.

The group is also eying participation in the Mother’s Day Half Mile event, also scheduled for Rockaway Beach, New York. Activities will then shift to East Meadow NY when the walkers compete in the Long Island Marathon race over 10 km.

Meanwhile, one of the new inclusions to the group is former seaman, Dwayne Nelson, whose right leg had to be amputated after he was involved in an accident last December.

The young man was a deckhand on a vessel owned

by Pritipaul investments Limited when his foot became entangled in a winch and was

later amputated. He has since joined with the group of amputees and has been drafted into the squad for the USA. Also, Nelson’s colleagues will be engaged in a fund raising walk early Friday morning to garner funds to assist in his predicament as well as procure funds to facilitate his participation in the three events in New York.

The group will commence their crusade from Bagotstown EBD up to the Mandela Avenue junction. All along the way they will solicit donations from the public to achieve their goal. Mr. France said that all monies accrued from the walk will be presented to Mr. Nelson.

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Universal DVD 1st Div. T20 Competition in this year’s Universal DVD first-division Twenty20 tournament organized by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) got started on Saturday last with some encouraging performances.

Guyana Under-19 batsman, Shimron Hetmyer, slammed 83 (8x4 2x6) which was the top score of the round which guided Young Warriors Universal DVD to 193 for 5 in 20 overs against Bush Lot United Rising Star.

In response, Bush Lot United were bundled out for 93 in 18.4 overs. Former Guyana off spinning allrounder, Hubern Evens, picked up 5 for 14 off 3.4 overs.

Harrinarine Chattergoon hit 57 (9x4) and Joshua Ramsammy 46 (3x4) for Port Mourant Karibee Rice in an opening stand of 91 in 10.4 overs, their team posted 149 for 8 in 20 overs against Police.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Hetmyer (83), Sinclair (78), Evans (5-14) highlight first round Off spinner Leon Andrews took 4 for 20 from 3 overs for the Lawmen who in response were led by a brilliant innings of 78 by opening batsman Albert Sinclair which laid the platform for their eventual win losing just 3 wickets with 2 overs to spare.

In a low scoring thriller, Bermine, led by left-arm spinner Troy Mickle’s 4 for 16 from 4 overs, bowled out Edinburg for 103 in 19 overs; but in return, Bermine struggled to 108 for 8 in 19 overs.

Scores from the matches: At Bush Lot, West Berbice - Young Warriors Universal DVD hammered beat Bush Lot United Rising Star by 100 runs. Young Warriors Universal DVD sent in to bat made 193 for 5 in 20 overs; Shimron Hetmyer 83, Kevin Ramdeen 24 and Maxie DeJonge 20.

Bush Lot United Rising Star 93 in 18.4 overs; Brentnol Woolford 27 and Keith Fraser 24. Hubern Evans took 5 for

Troy Mickle

Harrinarine Chattergoon

Albert Sinclair

Hubern Evans

14 from 3.4 overs, Karamchand Ramnarine 2 for 14 and Kevin Ramdeen 2 for 21, both from their allotted 4 overs.

At Port Mourant - Police arrested Port Mourant by 7 wickets. Port Mourant, choosing to bat first, made 149 for 8 in 20 overs; Harrinarine Chattergoon 57 and Joshua Ramsammy 46.

Leon Andrews took 4 for

20 from 3 overs and Albert Sinclair 2 for 17 from 3 overs.

Police 150 for 3 in 18 overs;Albert Sinclair 78 and Martin Singh 18.

At Edinburg - Bermine got past Edinburg by 2 wickets.

Edinburg, sent in to bat were bowled out for 103 in 19 overs; Shawn Baksh led with 37 and Geeraish DeJees 16.

Troy Mickle 4 for 16, Guyana Under-19 pacer Romario DeJonge 2 for 5 from

3 overs, Stephen Latcha 2 for 13 from 4 overs and West Indies Women’s pacer Tremayne Smartt 1 for 20 from 3 overs.

Bermine 108 for 8 in 19 overs; Hakeem Hinds 30, Stephen Latcha 26 and Joemal LaFleur 21.

At No. 69 - Upper Corentyne defeated Skeldon Community Centre by 9 runs.

Upper Corentyne, losing the

toss and sent in to bat first, posted 145 for 7 in 20 overs; Ryan Ramdass 36 and Naeem Yacoob 24. Tameshwar Ramoutar took 3 for 33 from 4 overs.

Skeldon Community Centre 136 in 19.5 overs; Jermain Reid 26 and Gajendra Nauth 18. Lakeram Latchman 3 for 26 from 4 overs, Deoprakash Ramdat 3 for 18 from 4 overs and Naeem Yacoob 2 for 29 from 4 overs.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 39

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition...

T.L.C Russians versus Coomacka United, a virtual final It is the ultimate matchup and fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between unbeaten T.L.C Shipping Russians and Coomacka United in the quarter-finals of the Linden segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition set for this Saturday, at the Wisroc / Amelia’s Ward Bus Park.

The two teams have been virtually unstoppable in the preliminary and Super Sixteen rounds and should they maintain their rich vein of form, fans could expect a riveting display.

Shaun Daniels and

Terrence Brown are expected to spearhead the Russians attack, while Dorwin Daw, who has been in terrific form, will lead the fight for Coomacka.

The two teams registered tough wins in their previous encounters, but with the looming possibility of representing the Region, they both will be looking to advance to the national finals.

The second encounter is between Silent Assassins and Unique Unknowns and this is another clash that promises to provide sizzling action and entertainment.

The Assassins had to survive a penalty shootout to make it this far and Averell Johnson will once again lead their quest for victory, while the Unknowns Shackee Charles and Darrel George, the two players that orchestrated their commanding win over Mini Bus in their last game, are anticipated to perform the same duties.

Silver Bullets, another team that has looked impressive to date, take on Star Boys, who prevailed on penalty kicks against a determined Trainline Warriors unit. Romel Mathews will lead

Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy

Several schools victorious as tourney continues North Georgetown Secondary males defeated Central High 7-2 when action in the Georgetown leg of the Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy tournament continued at the Ministry of Education ground Saturday April 20 last.

Daniel Nedd scored a hattrick for North Georgetown in the 19th, 43rd and 56th minute while Lonsdale George netted a brace in the 25th and 60th minute; Osafa Matheson scored in the 4th minute while Joshua Ferreira netted in the 55th minute.

Daniel Thomas (43) and Malique Brown (50) narrowed the margin of victory albeit in a losing cause.

The Charlestown Secondary/Bishops High School duel was won by the former team 4-1 but officials later deemed the match as a friendly and instructed that the fixture be replayed at a later date. Also on Saturday, Queens College and Tutorial High males played to a 0-0 stalemate.

The action continued on Sunday, April 21 when Charlestown Secondary and North Georgetown female played to a 0-0 stalemate shortly before Christ Church Secondary defeated Chase Academy Foundation, males 4-0.

Andre Trotz (14th & 65th) led the way for the winners with support from Brad Evans (26) and Jovantay Best (28).

Meanwhile, in earlier matches, Charlestown Secondary trounced Tucville Secondary 6-2 on the back of a Samuel Mitchell hat-trick in the 22nd, 50th and 55th minute.

Anthony Bartholomew (12), Shawn

Spencer (25) and Ixos Da Silva (29) completed the onslaught while Keifer Brandt (14) and Sherwin Reid (39) scored for Tucville Secondary.

Campbellville Secondary School females then defeated Tutorial 1-0 with All Star player, Cindy Mc Pherson, scoring the lone goal.

In action at the Wisburg Secondary School Ground, Linden, Mackenzie High, playing at home, maintained a perfect record in the only match with a hard fought 3-1 victory over Wisburg Secondary School.

After a keenly contested first half when neither team managed to score, Jesse Marshall opened the eventual winners’ account in the 42nd minute and was emulated by Randy Hohenkirk in the 64th.

Kelvin Neblett pulled one back for Wisburg 66 minutes on but Shaquille Campbell responded four minutes later to seal the victory and send Mackenzie High to the top of table with 6 points.

Matches were also played at the All Saints Ground, Berbice where Berbice High defeated Vryman’s Ervin 3-1 in a male game.

Scorers for the winners were Demetry Thom (22), Mustafa Nicholson (46) and Shomar Arrindale two minutes later while Christoper Alli netted Vryman’s Ervin only goal. Tutorial Academy then won by 1-0 margin against Canje Secondary with Joshua Butts hitting the back of the nets in the 29th minute.

The final game was contested among the females and saw Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) defeating New Amsterdam Multilateral (NAM) 2-1. Ayana Kellman (35) and Latisha Leatch (37) scored for BEI while Alicia Trim (19) had earlier opened the scoring for NAM in a losing effort.

The action continues today with Central High opposing Tutorial High at the Ministry of Education Ground starting at 16:00hrs.

FLASHBACK! Part of the action in this year’s competition their attack, while Robin Adams and Dishawn Freeman have that responsibility for the former.

In the final game of the night, Half Mile / One Mile tackle Wisroc and this affair is the ideal one to bring down the curtains.

Half Mile / One Mile’s striker Steve Brewley has been in sublime form, but so too is Orande Wills and the two will no doubt be battling each other for supremacy that could decide which one of them advances.

The Organisers have also

planned three exhibition matches with one involving female teams from Coomacka and Speightland. The other two games are between L.U.C.S.L versus Bosai and Drivers / Conductors going up against Team Greatness.

Kick off time is 18:00 hrs.

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