Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 28, 2013

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Barbados human trafficking allegation...

Relatives are convinced victims are lying Relatives of the five Guyanese women who have alleged to Barbados officials that they were “trafficked” are convinced that the young ladies are lying about what really happened. Kaieteur News yesterday managed to contact the relatives of the young women.

Graclyn Reid, whose 19year-old niece is involved in the matter, says that she is convinced that the young girl is lying. According to Reid, her niece made similar allegations last year against another aunt.

The woman told Kaieteur

News that her niece has implicated three persons who have no knowledge about “trafficking her”.

Reid further told Kaieteur News that her niece was in Barbados for over six months.

The woman said that her niece would call, text and send money to her from Barbados.

“She used to call her family, send money and everything…She never one day said nobody was keeping her against her will,” Reid told Kaieteur News.

The woman further told Kaieteur News that it was no secret that her niece would go

into Guyana’s interior and work. Reid further said that if something was wrong her niece would have said so from the inception. The woman said that she is convinced that her niece is probably the person who concocted the “trafficking” in person’s allegation.

“I know my niece...she’s a corrupt person. I know it got to be she who is making the rest of the girls say that they were kidnapped,” the aunt said. The woman said that she could not comprehend why her niece would be lying on innocent people.

GGMC staff members oppose appointment of foreigner as Deputy Commissioner Staff members of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are expressing dissatisfaction over another occurrence at the Agency, this time rejecting the apparent imminent imposition of a foreigner to the post of Deputy Commissioner (Technical).

According to a source at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, the GGMC staffers are unhappy over an apparent boycott of long standing personnel with suitable qualifications, since there are signals that an abundance of interest is being placed into the European candidate for the empty post.

Kaieteur News was told that the named female in fact worked at the Commission in 2003 on a one to three-year contract rendering geological consultancy services to the agency.

Allegations are that the post was not advertised internally and staffers at GGMC say they cannot recall hearing that there was an opening for the position.

Another staff opined that the job must have been externally advertised since the foreign applicant is being considered.

Nonetheless, workers say there is no need for the British applicant since there are suitably qualified persons available and an imposition of the woman would be “eye

pass.”

Kaieteur News was further told that at the time of the woman’s tenure, like several other foreign contract workers, she was tasked with going into the fields to collect and test samples in relation to mining prospects and to further produce reports on her findings.

Subsequent to her leaving the GGMC, sources said the woman worked with private firms, rendering geological services to individuals and mining companies. Additional accusations are that the foreign applicant during her time at GGMC had no satisfactory record, having allegedly completed none of the programmes assigned to her.

A former senior staff who worked with the foreigner during her time at GGMC however told Kaieteur News that the woman is qualified as a geologist and is relevant in the technical field and well capable of working in a geological capacity. He however said that for the position signaled, she needs to be au fait and knowledgeable of local laws governing mining.

She would also need at least 10 years experience within the mining world to be able to efficiently man such a position. For that reason, the senior staff member told Kaieteur News that it would

be highly unusual that this woman should get the post knowing that staffers exist at GGMC with the relevant qualifications, the experience and the age limit. The woman is over 50 years old and policy recommends that applicants should be below that age range.

Currently, there is a staff member acting in the available capacity, but emphasis is being placed on the foreigner.

GGMC staffers say that they however see the pending imposition as the Ministry wanting to have a deeper hand into the affairs of the agency.

A staff member said, “They move into our building, now they want to move into our affairs.” By arbitrarily putting the woman in that position, the Ministry could have influence over what she does, the staff member said.

Kaieteur News was told that the post of Deputy Commissioner (Technical) entails the holder having a say in the approval of mining concessions and prospecting permits. The candidate will also assist in the evaluation of persons apply for mining lots.

When contact was made with the representative for the agency, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) said that it was unaware of the developments at GGMC as staffers did not report the matter to them.

The mother of the 17-yearold girl said that she was unaware that her daughter was doing anything of that nature. The woman told Kaieteur News that she had sent her daughter to her mother who resides in Barbados. “I sent her to Barbados on vacation…I didn’t know she got caught up in that.” the mother stated.

The woman told Kaieteur News that she would speak to her daughter regularly and she never mentioned being kept against her will. She further stated that her mother was arrested following the incident. According to the woman, her mother who is 76 years old woman has been charged in connection with the suspected trafficking of the five Guyanese women.

According to the Barbados Nation Newspaper the police confirmed last night that Joan Fernandez, of Eagle Hall, St Michael, was charged Friday and was scheduled to appear before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court Saturday morning.

This is the latest development after Amelia

Keenon Chase

Amelia Joseph

Joseph and Keenon Chase appeared in court on Monday and Tuesday facing 30 charges of suspected involvement with the trafficking of five Guyanese women here, aged between 17 and 21 years old.

Chase has been remanded to HMP Dodds while Joseph, who is pregnant, was granted bail.

The five women were held wearing bathing suits after a raid on a Nelson Street bar last Thursday led by the

police’s new Sex Crimes and Trafficking Unit.

This newspaper was told by the relatives that no one in Guyana has received any threats from anyone.

Relatives also noted that they have tried contacting the women through a lawyer, but were told that they were prosecution witnesses. They said, too, that an attempt was made to contact the Guyana Consulate in Barbados, but are yet to receive any word from them.

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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

Negative Mindset As was vividly illustrated during the budget debate, one of the downsides of our system of governance that incorporates an institutionalised opposition is that the latter is encouraged to focus exclusively on emphasising the missteps of the government. That creates its own dilemma.

From the days when the “body politic” was one and the same with the ruler, government is still identified with the country and the constant carping on the negative unfortunately creates the impression that the country is in a pathological state.

This is not to suggest that we as a society and a people do not have our share of problems. After two hundred years of slavery, eighty years of indentureship, decades of being a Crown Colony then exploited as a pawn in the machinations of the superpowers in their global Cold War, it would be surprising if we did not. But in constantly describing us in pathological terms, the self fulfilling prophecy is created in the minds of our people that we ourselves are somehow incapable of severing the unremitting cycles of political convulsions that have kept us mired in poverty.

What is ironic is that the societal mind-set fostered is actually acting against the Opposition’s interest – which is to replace the present government at the helm in charge of the country’s affairs. A people convinced they are somehow flawed do not have the self-confidence to make the radical break with a situation that might actually be holding them back. In our estimation, what is needed in Guyana today is an affirmation in our people that, as a matter of fact they are signally capable of engendering change precisely because of who they are.

Take the issue of poverty. The opinion-shaping elites in politics and the media incessantly drum into our heads the message that Guyana is unremittingly stuck in the jaws of poverty so grinding that we are just a bunch of “starving guts”. But the reality is that the ordinary Guyanese citizen, by and large, has been able through dint of hard work, creativity and persistence been able to put food on the table through thick and thin.

They should be credited for this accomplishment. If it is to be asserted that the government is not doing enough to create the conditions for a higher standard of living then such complaints have to be distinguished from the everyday heroic success of the ordinary man and woman.

Another feature of the proclivity towards the total-blame gamesmanship that dominates the intellectual and media discourse is its insistence on criticising dysfunctional symptoms rather than examine structural root causes that precipitate the said symptoms. On the same focus on our internal poverty, very few critics for instance, have made the connections between the IMF/World Bank enforced restructuring of our economy and the performance of that economy which might have contributed to its underperformance and its diluted impact on poverty reduction. Take also the criticism on “crony capitalism” that is high on the list of our alleged pathological condition and one that has supposedly kept us impoverished. The expression is tautological. If the economy had to be privatised, as the IMF/World insisted (and all the politicians agreed vehemently with this) did anyone expect that the corporations picking up the previously nationalised companies would not exploit the weak condition of the government after the collapse of our economy?

The question of the development of any third world country, enmeshed in the web of underdevelopment, cannot be severed from the question of the form of economic strategy that is being pursued. Each strategy will have its own consequences: the present neo-liberal regime exacerbated inequalities.

Yes we need political agitation against corruption, graft and nepotism etc. But if we are ever to be free (or freer) of these ailments, politicians and all opinion shapers will have to practice a politics that empowers rather than stultifies the ordinary people and simultaneously present an alternative realistic plan to change the structural underpinnings of the status quo. Let us eschew the negativities.

Sunday April 28, 2013

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

NCN should not be funded by the taxpayers DEAR EDITOR, When the leadership at NCN can issue a press releases and attack the actions taken by the majority in the Parliament and claim that the NCN ”exhibited a strong sense of responsibility to the public, by promoting and being involved in all aspects of national development” we didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

But what we did know is that NCN is the biggest joke as a media outlet in Guyana and all Guyanese including PPP supporters and members know this. It is one of, if not the most irresponsible, reckless and biased media outlet in Guyana and the Caribbean. For this reason, it should not be given any money from the taxpayers to peddle the propaganda of only some of its political representatives. This is both insulting and revolting to all decent Guyanese. The Chairman and his NCN Board of directors got some brass to want to claim that they are a responsible media outlet and should be funded by the taxpayers. What a joke!

The Chairman should be aware that he and the NCN board are being laughed at and mocked daily by the people?

DEAR EDITOR, Here I was thinking all along that GPL did not have anyone handling its Public Relations issues, when up pops a letter by Wadecia Donald, who apparently is the Assistant Public Relations and Communications Officer at GPL. In fact, the Guyana Chronicle says that she is a part of the Public Relations Unit at GPL! Imagine that!

This is the very first time I and other Guyanese have heard of this individual, or seen a letter from her in the local newspapers. I thought at first that she was a new hire, but based on research, it appears that she has been at GPL for at least several

We therefore reject this statement from the Board and Management of NCN and advise them most humbly to cease and desist from continuing the “PPP cakeshop” operations that they carry on every day. As soon as the opposition does something, all shape, size, shade and sort of PPP operatives find a seat in the studios of NCN to give only their side of the story. Where we are trained, that is not the truth; it is called propaganda, distortions and untruths. At the minimum, the people would expect that a responsible media outlet would venture to seek all sides of the story and leaves the information out in the public for the people to form their own judgment or opinion. But it is very sad and regrettable to say that this is not the case with NCN which indulges in the worst form of journalism. Its practice of the poorest forms of journalism is not only felt and known in Guyana but throughout the Caribbean as well and this has stained the reputation of journalists from Guyana. Not to mention the giving away of the airwaves to relatives, friends and cronies of the Jagdeo/ Ramotar cabal. Again, we say what big joke NCN and

the cabal have become in eyes of Guyanese and the people of the Caribbean.

The Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal and the NCN Board know about the corruption that took place at NCN but the PPP regime has refused to do anything to correct, change or improve NCN’s poor and corrupt image. President Ramotar has even refused to make public the report on the alleged corrupt practices that forced out two senior personnel at NCN. The cabal continues to ignore the corrupt practices of their cronies because they believe that the Guyanese people are not in tune and therefore will not see the massive corrupt practices that are taking place every day in all levels of government and have been accepted by the regime. However, our information reveals that the vast majority of Guyanese do not tune in or listen to NCN because they are tired of hearing the propaganda, distortions, and untruths being peddled constantly by senior PPP officials. They would also like to hear the voices of members of the opposition and this is called fair and balance reporting. When that

happens, only then will NCN qualify for a subvention from the State and the opposition will comply.

So speaking directly to senior officials of NCN; it is high time to work with the new dispensation and open up this jaundiced media to all the politicians and not just PPP operatives. No rational person or government would seek public funds to finance the NCN media outlet that promotes PPP propaganda, distortions, and untruths? How could this corrupt cabal be so barefaced to want to use the taxpayers’ money to finance their media outlet?

Further, it is illegal for them to use the taxpayers’ money to finance PPP projects such as NCN and the Chronicle of Lies which is not even purchased or read by their supporters. We want to tell the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal that time is not on their side and that the young people are not going to tolerate or accept the poor quality of life for their families; neither will they tolerate the abuse of their families by the PPP dominated media. They are tired of becoming pawns in a futureless Guyana under this regime.

Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh

months now. I’ve got to give it her - she’s giving James Bond (not the politician) a run for his money. Wadecia has apparently acted with such stealth that she is now probably the most secretive, behind-the-scenes PR person that I’ve ever heard of. And imagine they have an entire Unit at GPL doing the same secretive work that no one ever hears about.

I searched diligently on Google to make sure Wadecia Donald was a real person - and she is - but the only previous mention of her I found in the news was a January article by the PPP-affiliated iNews, criticizing her non-response to requests for an explanation about a lengthy blackout in

Georgetown (see: http:// w w w. i n e w s g y. c o m / ?p=98301). Here’s my question Wadecia: if you’re the PR person at GPL, why haven’t you been doing your job before? Why haven’t you been in Berbice explaining to the people why there’s so many blackouts? Why haven’t you previously defended GPL against the many letters in the daily news setting forth legitimate criticism of the entity? What have you been doing all the time you were working at GPL as the PR person? Don’t you think that if you had been doing your job, if you had been responding to the constant criticisms of the company, and if you had been

doing your best to prove to all Guyanese that GPL really has their interests at heart and is doing its very best with the limited resources it has, that perhaps, the AFC and APNU might have been a little more sympathetic and understanding towards the entity? And maybe, they might not have cut the GPL budget?If anything, Wadecia’s lengthy letter is off-putting, because it suggests, rightly or not, that only when the company is facing a massive budget cut, is she willing to do the job that she should have been doing all along. And rightly or not, it confirms the impression among the Guyanese public that there are certain GPL employees who fail to satisfactorily perform their job functions - raising all kinds of questions about whether they are deserving of the salary they earn.

I hope Wadecia would kindly provide us with a response, and that she would recognize that her job as PR person is to be out front, in the media, fighting for the company she works for, as she is doing now, not hiding in some secretive PR Unit, doing secretive work that no one ever hears about.

Respectfully, Concerned Resident

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

Ramjattan is spot-on with his Marriott Hotel queries DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to respond to an issue which AFC leader Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan commented on. It was published in the Kaieteur News. Mr Ramjattan article was titled “that scandalous Marriott Hotel Project Ponzi scheme” printed on March 3, 2013. Mr. Ramjattan has raised many ’provocative’ issues.

My primary concerns pertain to safety and technical contractual requirements.

Mr. Ramjattan inquires: ”are the precautionary steps concerning safety measures being taken? Is the construction being scrutinized by the relevant geotechnical experts”? This inquiry is legitimate. Building construction must observe worldwide rules and regulations. Just to start a new construction, addition, modification, or renovation of a building in NYC requires an official building permit.

Detailed safety requirements must be followed to complete these types of constructions. The NY City Department of Buildings requires a Site Safety Manager to be present during certain types of construction. The Site Safety Manager must be certified by the Department of Buildings.

The Construction Manager must monitor weather conditions i.e., rain, wind, storms, etc. each day. If there is inclement weather all construction must cease.

If there is a violation of any Safety requirement your construction permit will be revoked. The Construction

company is then forced to cease all construction and correct all violations. The Building Department will then send an Inspector to inspect and verify that corrective action was taken in compliance to the Safety Requirements.

The Contractor is required a permit from the NYC Fire Department for hazardous materials, some of which may be in use on construction and demolition sites. In addition, uniformed and nonuniformed members of the Fire Department of New York routinely inspect the construction and demolition sites to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection will also oversee the construction for compliance to Environmental regulations. Guyana is below sea level and prone to flooding. This type of condition calls for detailed Geotechnical Engineering tests and analysis.

The objective of the engineering geologist is to protect life and property against damage caused by geologic conditions. Were any engineering geologic report, geotechnical report, fault hazard or seismic hazard report, geophysical report, ground water resource report, hydro geologic report, etc., issued on the site? Were engineers representing the government/city present at the site? Did they review and performed analysis on these reports?

In reference to the actual Construction of the Marriott

Hotel Mr. Ramjattan states “I am skeptical about the integrity of the construction from what I have been hearing from questioning engineers who are not allowed to take a peek at what is happening there in Kingston, much less to gain entrance onto the grounds and precincts”. Again Mr. Ramjattan’s concerns are legitimate. Lack of Guyanese oversight can lead to noncompliance of technical requirements in the contract.

Are all plans, drawings, blueprints, etc. adequately prepared for this project? Did Guyanese government engineers, architect, etc. approved all the plans? Who performed and approved the structural design and analysis?

Is the architect licensed by the Government ofGuyana?TheNYC Department of Buildings must verify and approve all construction plans before a work permit is issued to commence construction on a project.

It verifies that the design meets all the NYC Building codes, rules and regulations.

During construction, compliance with the design plan must be done by Guyanese. The NYC Building requires inspection during each stage of construction not at its conclusion. The foundation, structure, concrete, roof, plumbing, electrical, etc. must be inspected by the separate and respective NYC Building inspectors. Which Guyanese agency is performing these inspections on this project?

All construction project

Residents of Region Nine were misled on Special Mining Lottery DEAR EDITOR, As an observer living in Lethem for more than thirty years I am compelled to provide some clarity on an article titled “Rupununi Villages boycott, protest mining lottery.”

Mr. Editor, several points were highlighted and there were conflicting accounts of why residents were protesting and this was poorly managed by the reporter either by oversight or by design. Hence, the article portrayed conflicting views.

Some were protesting because they claimed that they were not eligible to participate in the lottery and were not notified on the waiver of the requirements to own equipment. On the other hand, some protesters are claiming the lands for the lottery are Amerindian owned.

I strongly believe that my brothers and sisters of Region Nine have been used as scapegoats and misled into protesting for a no-case, rather than making a political statement. It was no

coincident that the Alliance for Change Member, Nigel Hughes was present.

If indeed residents of Region Nine wanted to participate in the lottery, they could have since it was first announced on April 14, via the newspapers and the GGMC’s Lethem Office. This was enough time for those interested to get a piece of equipment, even a two inch water pump to register. But this requirement was later waived following requests by residents of Region Nine to facilitate those interested.

Also, the deadline to register mining equipment to participate in the Lottery was extended; this was published in the Stabroek News amongst other newspapers.

This was explained by the GGMC in Lethem.

Notwithstanding, if indeed the few residents of Region Nine were interested in a discussion on land use, ownership and management, they would have made an effort to do so since the

announcement and publication of the Lottery.

The Maps of the proposed Lottery Blocks were also displayed at the GGMC’s Lethem office for any to view and there was adequate time for a constructive objection if that was the intention.

Mr. Editor, whilst I hail from proud Amerindian descent, I feel some Amerindians are of the belief that they have a birthright to any piece of land they cast their eyes upon in the hinterland. This is being fuelled by opposition elements using my brothers and sisters as pawns in a political game.

Fellow Amerindian Brothers and Sisters of Region Nine, don’t be fooled, we are not weak and don’t need representation from any opposition political figures.

Let us work together and channel work views in a constructive manner and have engagements with the relevant authorities.

Carlos de Barros

require independent verification and inspection of their technical contractual requirements. The contractor should never be left on his own to inspect himself. If contractors are allowed to perform self inspection many more incidents like the tragic building collapse in Bangladesh that killed more than 300 citizens recently will occur.

However, construction in Guyana seems to be unique.

No wonder residents complain about shoddy road work which break up after the next rainfall. The Marriott Hotel is beginning to be another ’black hole’ where taxpayers money is being flushed. Patanjali Rambrich3)This date has no significance to me as an African GuyaneseDear Editor,Please allow me space in your column to make this brief message of disassociation.On the 5th May, 2013 this country will be celebrating, what has been called “Arrival Day” in Guyana . We need to cut the hypocrisy, in Trinidad it is known as “Indian Arrival Day”. I wish to put on record my dis-association with any part of my history being linked with this particular date 5th

May. This date has NO SIGNIFICANCE to me as an AFRICAN Guyanese. Let me make this clear, that as a matter of fact, AND LAW, that my ancestors who were SLAVES, NEVER “Arrived” to any country called Guyana , when they were brought to this part of the world from Africa .The country of Guyana NEVER EXISTED, when the first slave ships sailed up the Orinoco River in the year 1506.For the sake of those politicians who are supposed to represent my interest, and who do not, I wish to inform you that this country called Guyana, only came into existence through the struggles of my ancestors who were Creole Guyanese, the ones who were born in Guyana, and who struggled to be recognized as human beings after the abolition of the slave trade in 1807.

The country of British Guyana only came into existence as a direct result of the two slave rebellions of 1763, the Berbice Slave Revolt and the 1823 Demerara revolution.With Cuffy and his lieutenant Accra, ruling the county of Berbice with no intention of ever giving it up

again, and with the ever increasing militancy of the now “educated” Creole Africans, who were schooled

by Quamina, in the other two counties of Demerara and Essequibo, despite the “failed” 1823 revolt, the Dutch eventually ceded their county of Berbice to the British.The result is that, eight (8) years after the 1823 Demerara Revolt, in 1831, the new country called British Guyana was formed, and three (3) years later on the 1st August 1834 the enslaved Africans got their freedom.What is significant is that the terms of the quality of life that the freed African slaves and their descendants, should enjoy in Guyana , had been enshrined IN WRITTEN form in a Covenant that has been countenanced in the Articles of Independence in 1964.

The reception of laws provisions.In other words, the rights of the African Guyanese in this country, always had the “Force of Law”, but it is sad that the leaders of these proud people do not know the significance of this.I know that I do.

Juliet Holder-Allen (LL.B)Attorney At Law

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Sunday April 28, 2013

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Contractors face legal action for unfinished work - says Regional Chairman “You can’t just draw drown a tranche of the money and haven’t started the work as yet; that is not fair to us and we are going to get serious with them”.

By Leon Suseran Several contractors in Berbice will be penalized for not advancing road works under contracts they were awarded since last year. Work has not started on many of the roads which should have been completed by the end of March.

And Region Six Chairman, Mr. David Armogan has vented his dissatisfaction with several contractors in the region who were paid since last year for road works across the Berbice area—works that were supposed to have been well underway since the fifth month of this year is approaching—but who are lagging behind. Legal action, he hinted, is the next step under procedures and is being explored by the government.

Many of these defaulting contractors have been written to “telling them that we will enforce the liability— if you don’t perform within a certain period of time, then we can implement penalties— and we are going to move in that direction.”

While acknowledging that not all the contractors are defaulting in the work, the ones that are lagging behind

makes the situation look bad.

“You can’t just draw down a tranche of the money and haven’t started the work as yet; that is not fair to us and we are going to get serious with them.”

Armogan acknowledged that there is a shortage of stone and crusher-run in the local market at the moment but this, he stated, is no excuse for the road contractors “becoming extremely slow” with the execution of road works.

He believes that the contractors can execute preparatory works in the meantime, but this is not happening. And the MayJune rains seem to be here.

“Besides the shortage, some of these contractors are extremely slow and even though they can do other preparatory work, they have not gone in to do these kinds of things.”

The final stage of road works has to be done with crusher run and stones, but Armogan is saying that instead of sitting back and waiting for availability of stone and crusher-run, the contractors should do preparatory work on the roads in the meantime… “go there and fill it [the roads]

with sand and so on and have the compaction done until you get the other types of materials, but some of them haven’t even gone to see the place.”

He is worried that now that the rains are here, the works can be further delayed.

The Region Six budget has been passed in the Parliament and the Chairman has said that “we are going to begin almost immediately to roll out all the capital works in the region and some of these contractors who have works since last year and haven’t started I don’t know what they will do because we can’t give them additional work.”

As a result, Armogan has envisaged that there will be a shortage of contractors in the region to execute works under the 2013 capital work programme and as such, more contractors will have to be outsourced from Region Five and elsewhere.

“We will have discussions with our principals in Georgetown to enforce the liability clause and some of them will have to pay a lot of money, if it comes to that,” he stated.

East Bank Berbice Road The Chairman said that

$12M will be released from the Region Six funds to do remedial works on the dilapidated East Bank Berbice thoroughfare “because that road should have been budgeted for by the Public Works Ministry.”

The Works Ministry, he stated, will “see what they can get—I understand they already pledged $12M but I will wait to see if they will have some more.”

Negotiations have been advanced with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) for the project which will cost US$7M. “It is a very costly exercise.”

“We have to get funding from the IDB. The discussions are at an advanced stage and they have a lot of criteria such as feasibility studies and as soon as they can disburse those funds which might be during the first quarter of next year, the road can be done in the way people want it to be done”.

Armogan acknowledged that the East Bank Berbice roadway has reached a stage where remedial works have become quite ineffective, “and it is not standing up— it’s so bad that the foundation has gone almost completely”.

West Ruimveldt brothers feared drowned in interior One body recovered

The body of 31-year-old Dwayne Thomas has been recovered after he reportedly drowned in the Konawaruk River, Region Eight.

Brothers Quason Rover, 37 and Dwayne Thomas, 31, of Lot 66 Front Road, West Ruimveldt went missing after a boat they were in capsized about 15:00 hours on Tuesday at Tabuka Lodge Landing, Konawaruk, Region Eight.

This publication was told that at about 17:00 hours on Friday Thomas’s body was recovered in the same river where the incident occurred.

According to the police on the matter Rover, Thomas and another man were using a boat to cross the Konawaruk River, unknown to the owner.

The police said that the owner saw the men in the process and it is alleged that he started throwing missiles at the men in the boat. From

At left Dwayne Thomas, 31 whose body has been recovered and his brother Quason Rover, 37 who is still missing. all indications in the men’s efforts to evade the missiles, the brothers fell into the river and never resurfaced.

The owner of the boat was taken into police custody.

Meanwhile the men’s relatives said they have reasons to believe that foul play may have played a part in the men’s disappearance.

Another sibling of the men, Sherwin Norton, told this publication that both brothers only left for the

interior on April 5, last, but would call very often.

Norton had said that he was informed that the brothers were earlier on Tuesday involved in an

argument at the mining camp where they worked with other miners. Information suggests that the men decided to leave the camp to head for the city and this may have led to a confrontation.

Norton went on to explain that he was told that his two brothers and another man were assaulted by the owners of the mining camp and were trying to escape to avoid further trouble.

“This river the people say them boys drown in is about 30 feet wide and both of them can swim so I can’t understand how they ain’t reach to the other end of the river”. Up to press time yesterday there was still no word on the body of Quason Rover.

Dem boys seh...

Rohee must talk bout dem cameras Is now people gun know if de government waste money when dem can tell people wha dem see bout de police shooting right by Big Market. That is one of de place wheh Clement claim he had to put cameras because nuff crime does tek place there.

Some policemen see a car that look suspicious and dem put on de siren fuh pull over de car. All this happen by a traffic light. One of dem come out but he tek things fuh granted and did not approach de car like if he going on serious business. That was a big mistake and de policeman lose he life.

De people in de car had AK47 and handgun and dem shoot up dem policemen. One dead and two get injured.

De car drive away but as dem seh dem got cameras all over town dem shoulda see de car and by now de police woulda find it.

That is why de opposition got problems when de government tell Parliament that dem got to get money to do certain things. De opposition does ask fuh explanation. In de past because dem didn’t have to answer to anyone dem use to give all kind of explanation.

Well dem boys putting de camera to de test. Dem want to know if de camera was any help.

Bharrat did tell de news people that dem got de camera suh dem can see if any vehicle leaving de city. Now this car had to leave de city and if de cameras deh at strategic locations more than one woulda see de car suh de police coulda know wheh it going.

But dem boys also talking bout something else.

When de police stop a vehicle dem should surround it. But these days when perks deh nuff, once de police stop a car, one does come out and approach de driver because of de raise dem accustom to getting.

This time de driver had something else to give.

Dem boys want to know wha kind of training de police does get these days.

Is sad that one got to die to prove a wrong.

Talk half and ask Rohee bout dem cameras.

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Sunday April 28, 2013

OPPOSITION HAD THEIR FUN WITH THE BUDGET, “THE HAMMER” BUTT UP WITH CHAINSAW

By Ralph Seeram There are not going to be any snap elections, not for this year anyhow. The budget battle is over, at least for the Opposition. They had their fun; it was their opportunity to show “we gat power” with their one seat majority in Parliament. The problem is other than their ego, the Opposition will be hard pressed to demonstrate to the Guyanese what they have really achieved by cutting $31B from the budget.

I am curious to know what’s going to happen to that $31B. Obviously, the Finance Minister must have catered to receive that sum in revenues, grants or a combination of both. So what’s going to happen to those Billions of dollars? I did not hear the Opposition suggest an alternative use for the sums chopped from the budget. Will it sit in the treasury idle, not generating any economic activity?

That $31B which

represents approximately 15 per cent of the entire budget is a huge amount to deprive the Guyanese economy, quite a lot of jobs could have been generated from that sum of money. So my question again is what is going to happen to the money cut.

Mind you, I am again assuming that Ashni Singh catered to receive that $31B in revenue. I assume that he did not cater to spend what he doesn’t have. I would have thought that the opposition would have tried to divert those sums to let the Guyanese taxpayer be a direct beneficiary of the saving, like reducing VAT on certain consumer items, increase services or something that can benefit the taxpayers directly.

Now the door is open for the government to make the argument and tell the people of Linden their electricity can’t be subsidized because the Opposition has cut it out from the budget.

Now I am recalling

Speaker Trotman saying that the Opposition can only cut, they can’t add. Now what kind of nonsense is that? Trotman is a confused man, and he has only increased the confusion further over who has power over the budget.

Really speaking, it is confusion all over the place over this budget. The Opposition say they have the power to add or reduce the budget, Trotman said they can only cut, the Government says Opposition can’t cut anything because the Government has the right to present its budget. Anil ran to the court; the court said the Opposition can only cut entire budget or approve it as a whole; Trotman says that the court has no jurisdiction over what happens in parliament, and the circus continues.

With so many lawyers in both the government and Opposition side you would think they would get it straight, at least for the sake of the Guyanese taxpayer, who is now more confused.

DeHammer Benn is also confused on why they chopped $5B from his

allocation. Now here is a man accustomed to “hammer he way”, whether the receivers are road side squatters or the Government radio station, however he did not cater for Granger chainsaw. He is still in shock, just like the squatters.

I am no constitutional lawyer, but any man in the street will tell you that if two people can’t decide what’s right you have to go to somebody to decide. Trotman is in denial if he thinks he doesn’t have a constitutional crisis. A n y t h i n g t h a t pertains to the constitution the courts have jurisdiction, the courts have already ruled at least p r e l i m i n a r y t h a t the Opposition can’t cut parts of the budget. So where do we go from here?

The PPP Government will, like they did last year, ignore the cuts and still go on spending the money based on the court’s ruling and there is little the Opposition can do.

I am just reading that the

Government has agreed to a tripartite committee to study next year’s budget. President Donald Ramotar should be complimented on this move; that’s how it should be. After all, if you are asking the Opposition to approve spending taxpayers’ money, then they should be involved, even though I agree with the government that it is their right to craft the budget.

Moving to a different subject I noticed the death this week of an old friend and seasoned journalist, Neville Annibourne. I will always remember Neville, because it was through Annibourne that I entered the field of journalism. It was in 1971; Guyana had three leading newspapers— the Evening Post & Sunday Argosy, the Guyana Chronicle and the Guyana Graphic. I had the distinction of working for all three but that’s a story for another day.

Neville was the Berbice correspondent for the

Evening Post & Sunday Argosy. He was being transferred to Georgetown.

We interviewed over “drinks” and my journalism career started as his replacement.

Some background on him has been given in the press, and how he survived the Jonestown massacre, but Guyanese need to know that Neville Annibourne was a freedom fighter in the early days when Guyana was fighting to free itself from colonialism. And for whatever it is worth, he was one of the few prominent Afro Guyanese in the old days of the PPP. As you are reading this, I am in Guyana enjoying some fresh fry fish and labba and mosquito. This evening I will be attending the wedding of Damion and the beautiful Kavita, to them I wish the very best in their future bliss together.

Ralph Seeram can be reached at Email: ralph365@hotmail.com

ImmigrationINFO Immigration News For Our Community

Changing my Temporary Status while in the U.S. If you want to change the purpose of your visit while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires. For instance, if you arrived here as a tourist but want to become a student, then you must submit an application to change your status. We recommend that you apply as soon as you determine that you need to change to a different non-immigrant category.

Until you receive approval from USCIS, do not assume the status has been approved, and do not change your activity in the United States. For example, if you are currently a non-immigrant tourist, do not begin attending school as a student until you have received authorization from USCIS to change your status. If you fail to maintain your nonimmigrant status, you may be barred from returning to and/ or removed (deported) from the United States. Your authorized status and the date your status expires can be found in the lower right-hand corner of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record.

In general, you may apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were lawfully admitted to the

United States with a nonimmigrant visa, your nonimmigrant status remains valid, you have not violated the conditions of your status, and you have not committed any crimes that would make you ineligible.

You do not need to apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were admitted into the United States for business reasons (B-1 visa category) and you wish to remain in the United States for pleasure before your authorized stay expires.

You do not need to apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you wish to attend school in the United States, and you are the spouse or child of someone who is currently in the United States in any of the following non-immigrant visa categories: 1. Diplomatic and other government officials, and employees (A visa category) 2. International trade and investors (E visa ) 3. Representatives to international organizations and their employees (G visa) 4. Temporary workers (H visa) 5. Representatives of foreign media (I visa) 6. Exchange visitors (J visa) 7. I n t r a c o m p a n y transferees (L visa) 8. Academic (F visa) or vocational (M visa) students

Gail Seeram (you may attend elementary, middle or high school only: if you want to attend postsecondary school full-time you must apply for a change of status).

You may not apply to change your non-immigrant status if you were admitted to the United States in the following categories: 1. Visa Waiver Program• Crew member (D non-immigrant visa) 2. In transit through the United States (C nonimmigrant visa) 3. In transit through the United States without a visa (TWOV) 4. Fiancé of a U.S. citizen or dependent of a fiancé (K non-immigrant visa) 5. Informant (and accompanying family) on terrorism or organized crime (S non-immigrant visa)

Sunday April 28, 2013

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Sunday April 28, 2013

Schools in rural areas being overlooked- GTU The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is calling for a level playing field for schools all across the country, after realizing that the ones located in the rural areas are being somewhat ignored. Some are completely “forgotten”.

According to General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald, teachers operating in schools located in the rural areas have been complaining of feeling as though they are being overlooked by the Ministry of Education.

McDonald explained that among some of the things that may cause teachers to feel this way, is the fact that in certain parts of the country, teachers have not been receiving supplies which would enable them to execute their duties in an effective

GTU’s General Secretary, Coretta McDonald manner.

The woman added that teachers are, in some cases, faced with the challenges of supplying themselves with cardboards, pens, pencils, markers, chalks, and other

materials to conduct their lessons.

This, the GTU believes, is unfair, especially since most teachers are not being paid as they might like to be.

“We keep in contact with these teachers, and in some cases we ask the parents to assist,” McDonald said, adding that the schools that are most in need of supplies and attention are the ones that are being particularly disregarded.

She pinpointed a few areas where this is most prevalent. They included Matthew’s Ridge, Paramakatoi, Port Kaituma, and Leguan.

It was established that in the case of school counsellors, they visit mostly the “fancy” Georgetown schools, despite the fact that

those are not the schools that are seriously in need of these visits.

The Union believes that the particular case of teachers not receiving adequate supplies to conduct their lessons lie with the delinquencies of Regional Education Officers, something that the GTU is also seeking to have the Ministry of Education address.

President of the GTU, Colin Bynoe, had described these officers as being too attached to their desks and not doing any actual ground works.

“If they do more of these ground works, they would know what the teachers need, and they can provide them with these, and things would be better for them, which

would then be better for the students,” McDonald said.

In addition, the GTU believes that the schools which are being strongly catered for by the various alumni should be given less preference than those that depend solely on the assistance from the Government of Guyana.

Nonetheless, the GTU has commended the teachers for their conduct within the past year, stating that despite the many challenges that they are faced with, the country has seen overall improvements of teachers.

“We have seen more teachers going to work on time. More of them are looking into the welfare issues of their students and providing counselling and so on.

Teachers are looking out for

their students now, so there is general preparedness, and general improvements,” McDonald said.

She added that testimony to this is the fact that the Minister of Education, just recently, awarded a few teachers within the administrative regions.

Nonetheless, the Guyana Teachers’ Union believes that the improvement of the delivery of education is dependent primarily on the improvements of Regional Education Officers.

The body is also calling on the Ministry of Education to assess the functions, and keep tabs on these Officers who, the GTU believes are to be blamed for the breakdown which results in teachers not being provided with necessary equipment.

Drunk driver crashes, hospitalised Doctors at the Suddie Public Hospital are stabilising 25-year-old Keshaz Boodram’s condition before he could be operated on.

Boodram was admitted a patient at the hospital early Saturday morning and remains in an unconscious condition. He was involved in an accident.

He was a passenger at the time of the accident.

According to reports, the driver Christopher Ruffino, who lives at C h a r i t y, w a s t r a v e li n g along the Lima Public Road, heading north when the vehicle PKK169 slammed into and destroyed a culvert on the Lima Public Road before colliding into a steel fence, a shed and into Shafeek Mohamed’s fence.

The accident occurred around 3:00 hours yesterday.

Both Boodram and Ruffino were said to be intoxicated after drinking

heavily earlier Friday night and were said to be heading to Charity.

Ruffino sustained a deep cut to his forehead and a hard hit to his stomach. He is a patient at the same hospital but he is in Ward Two. At the Suddie Public Hospital, B o o d r a m ’s relatives were seen crying.

His condition was listed as critical. Last week Sunday 22year-old Ishwar Arjune, of Anna Regina drove off the Land Of Plenty Public Road and ended up on a nearby trench. He was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, after sustaining a broken pelvis.

Prisoner escapes in transit to prison - Two police officers under close arrest Two police officers are currently under close arrest after a prisoner who was under their supervision escaped from the prison van outside the Camp Street Prison on Friday.

According to information, 32-year-old Wayne Barker of Lot 22 Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara earlier on Friday, appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty to answer a charge of stealing a Nissan Titan worth $3.5 million from his boss on April 24, last. He was remanded

until May 17.

The police van transporting him left Providence and went to collect 20 prisoners at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Middle Street and then proceeded to the Camp Street Prison. Twenty prisoners disembarked the van to enter the prison and it was then that Barker’s disappearance was noticed.

Questions were asked and the two ranks made suggestions that the prisoner might have escaped on Middle Street but upon

checking the surveillance camera outside the prison, it was discovered that Barker did not exit the van when the other prisoners did.

According to a source who saw the footage, Barker stayed in the van and when the other prisoners left he waited ten minutes and then walked out through the open door (van) with his hands which was in handcuffs, under his shirt.

An immediate search was been carried out but up to press time the prisoner was not located

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“Touched,” US Air Hostess reaches out to street dogs

By Rehanna Ramsay A few months ago, this newspaper featured an article on an unusual Guyanese couple, who committed most of their leisure time catering for stray dogs. They are not alone in their efforts to fashion a society of benevolence to these creatures, as the story touched the lives of many who often refer to the animals as “man’s best friends.”

It took a flight attendant, who came all the way from, Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California, to notice the dreadful and grueling reality that is often associated with strays in Guyana. Kim Meadows, a Delta Airlines Stewardess, recalled her first encounter with one of these beleaguered creatures. So deep was her concern that she later adopted the dog.

“On one of my visits to Guyana, I found a destitute and starving stray wandering around the Pegasus hotel, which was the hotel where I had been staying. She had probably just given birth or something and so she was

The three dogs

Peg and Kim Meadows’ daughter Katharine (14 years old) at their home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California searching for food to sustain her pups. My heart just went out to her and I became attached to her so I thought that I might just keep her, so I did and now she is back home in Los Angeles spoilt rotten; sleeping on my couch.”

The dog, which Meadows consequently named “Peg,” given that she was found in

the neighbourhood of the Pegasus Hotel, became a fourth addition to three dogs, that were already a part of the household.

“Now I have three American dogs and a Guyanese dog but the Guyanese dog is the smartest; she is smarter than the Americans,” Meadows

Root canal therapy: An option of saving a tooth

By Romila Boodram “If you are going to your dentist and the dentist does not do dental X-rays then run straight out of that clinic and don’t ever look back,” is the advice of prominent dental surgeon, Dr. Cheddi ‘Joey’ Jagan.

The dentist made that comment during a recent interview on root canal therapy from his Lot 199 Charlotte Street, Georgetown office. According to Dr. Jagan, “Root canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp (tissue) is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth nerve lies within the root canal. A tooth nerve is not really important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory- to provide the sensation of hot or cold.

The treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected is called a root canal therapy. Why does a tooth nerve have to be removed?

When a tooth nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber, (the part of the pulp cavity lying in the crown of a tooth). The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth.

Why you may need a root canal therapy? “A person does a root canal therapy

Dental Surgeon, Dr. Cheddi Joey Jagan Jr. because he/she has dental decay. The hole went into the nerve so the bacteria went into the nerve, travelled down the canal and dripped through the apex and into the bone,” the dentist explained.

Teeth have a soft core called dental pulp. The pulp extends from the crown- the visible part of the tooth- to the tip of the root in the jawbone. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues.

When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp, leading to pulp death, bone loss and loss of the tooth itself.

Getting started on a root canal treatment.

First, you will need to have a dental X-ray to check the extent of the damage. You will also receive a local anaesthetic to control pain, which may be more severe if the tooth is abscessed. Then,

a rubber-like sheet called a dental dam is put in your mouth to keep the tooth clean, protected and free of saliva.

Decay is removed and an opening is made through the crown of the tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber.

Using small dental instruments, the infected or diseased pulp is removed.

After the diseased pulp is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are flushed and cleaned. The root canals may be reshaped and enlarged to allow better access for filling later. Before permanently filling the root canals, they should be clean of all infection and dried.

After cleaning and drying, it’s time to fill the interior of the tooth- the empty pulp chamber and root canals. A sealer paste and rubber compound are used to fill the tooth, followed by a dental filling to make sure the root canals are protected from saliva. The final stage of the root canal is restoring your tooth. Because the tooth typically has a large filling or is weakened from extensive decay, it needs to be protected from future damage and returned to normal function.

According to Dr. Jagan, a lot of dentists in Guyana do root canal therapy without doing X-rays. “I don’t know how they do it unless they are Supermen who can see through the bone.” A problem of the tooth can only be identified if an X-ray is taken.

joked as she reminisced about her animal friends.

“I would usually feel dreadfully sorry for these poor dogs that I saw wandering outside my hotel, searching for food. It’s sad to see how they are treated, so whenever I’m in Guyana I and my colleague, Betsie Dulik, would gather leftovers from flight meals and devote some of our time to feeding them,” Meadows would regularly wonder if anyone else cared for these hurting creatures.

She later learnt about Debbie and Alvin Changur, the Guyanese couple who had committed most of their valuable time and resources to ensuring that these animals are fed, and cared for.

“I was amazed to find other people in Guyana who actually cared for the stray dogs,” Meadows said as she applauded the couple’s effort and advocated that the public follow their example.

On her most recent visit to Guyana, Meadows teamed up with the Changurs, as they took food and medicine to strays in various communities along East Coast Demerara.

To them “it’s a labour of

love” as they are committed to assisting strays and unwanted animals.

The couple spends thousands of dollars each month, reaching out to homeless dogs, providing meals and medication catering to those out on the streets without warmth or shelter at night, or even food to eat; those that are condemned by society because of mange and brutal injuries inflicted by people.

“We feed and care for them; we love them and we ensure they get medicine and do whatever we can for them, whatever way we can.

Sometimes we even provide a home for them. We don’t ill treat them as though they are irrelevant to civilization.”

The couple says that they are often criticised for what they describe as their “passion.” “Who will care for these animals? Ours and other people’s purposes are not the same” “Don’t ill treat and harm the dogs. Instead give them food and a house them if you can because it’s better than having them placed in a shelter from where most times

they only end up back out on the streets.”

As they continue their work, the Changurs hope that other animal lovers and broader society will volunteer in this venture. Meanwhile, as Delta Airlines will unfortunately be canceling its flights to Guyana, and this may be one of her last visits to these shores, Meadows urged that locals to be more mindful of stray dogs.

“Most people have this perception that stray dogs would attack and bite you. I heard Guyanese say many times that you shouldn’t feed stray dogs. They would warn you and say things like stay away from the dogs before he jumps on you or bites you or something like that but I have never come in contact with a stray that would attack without a cause. Most times they’re just hungry, looking for food or shelter” “I really would like to urge the people of Guyana to be more mindful of these poor harmless beings and to do their part in feeding or rehoming them. It doesn’t take much, just a few leftovers will do,” Meadows encouraged.

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Sunday April 28, 2013

US-based Guyanese returns home to share his accomplished “American Dream” While there are countless persons who leave Guyana with no intention of returning, there are still those like Lancelot Bacchus who migrate with the hope of making it big, and one day returning to help in their country’s development.

He grew up in a humble South Ruimveldt home where he took up jobs from an early age, after which he took up the opportunity, and migrated to the United States of America about 20 years ago.

His aim was to build for himself the famous “American Dream”; this for him entailed owning his own home, and having the freedom to buy what he wanted without having to worry about credit plans or where he was going to get the money to pay for his purchases.

Unlike many, Bacchus said that one of his ultimate goals was to come back and share that “American Dream” with his fellow Guyanese, since Guyana was always a major factor in his life.

Bacchus, during a recent interview, said that he started off working at a small printery.

Shortly after, he got into construction and began working with a contractor who bought, refurbished and sold houses.

He said that before he knew it, he had developed into a “pro”, and was preparing to venture off on his own. With much hard work, he was able to reach that goal.

His work continued even as he got married and struggled to maintain a family that contained his wife and two children.

Bacchus has been in construction for about 20 years. His wife worked in the hospitality industry in the

Mr. and Mrs. Bacchus with Ministers Irfaan Ali and Robeson Benn USA. “My wife worked at the Hilton, Marriot and some of the biggest hotels and restaurants over there”.

He added that shortly after marriage, he and his wife realized their dream of wanting to open a hotel and restaurant here in Guyana. It has been something that they have been working towards for many years, Bacchus said.

And after toiling “excessively” for many years, Mr. Bacchus was able to purchase the lot at 43 Hadfield Street, Georgetown property.

But unfortunately, the land that he had bought was left unoccupied for about nine years until he could afford to start building his ultimate dream- a hotel and restaurant.

With the strong backing from his family, Bacchus held his breath and invested US $1M into the construction of ‘Millennium Manor- Hotel, Banquet Hall, and Lounge’, an official launching of which was done earlier this month.

After spending 20 years in the US, Bacchus is now back home with the intention of creating employment, and assist in the tourism and

hospitality industry.

Bacchus explained that the risk of going into the hospitality business is based entirely on his wife’s overwhelming knowledge of that field.

“My wife has been in the hospitality industry in America for about 20 years, and she knows everything about hotels and restaurants and so forth.”

Bacchus added that while he was the “boss” for the architectural work, it was his wife who designed the interior of the building.

It is the tall building located next to ‘Car Care’ going East of Hadfield Street.

It has 15 air-conditioned

rooms, including two suites; a roof top Lounge area with waitresses and a bartender; a Banquet Hall which could accommodate about 200 persons. Bacchus said that the Hall has an in-house Disk Jockey, caterers, and waitresses. It has an employment number of 12 persons.

Bacchus expects that customers would start “flowing” during next week.

The 45-year-old man told Kaieteur News that he is extremely hopeful that his business would generate profits and that if this does not happen anytime soon, the business would never be a regret, but rather, a hope for

the future generations of his family.

“If I don’t see the benefits now, I am sure my children will, and my children’s children, and their children, so yeah, it is something that I would not regret”.

The man noted that growing up with a single mother who struggled to take care of him and his three siblings, has made him extremely proud of what he

has been able to achieve thus far.

He said that despite many people venturing off to accomplish similar endeavors, not many of them can say that they have come close to what he and his family have accomplished.

“It took a lot of motivation, and after my wife and I realized that we wanted the same thing, that itself became our motivation.”

Low level staff members of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) are angry and fearful that they are next to be “arbitrarily” dismissed after taking the controversial lie detector test. As a result, staffers continue to ‘spill their guts’ over grave irregularities allegedly occurring at the agency.

Between Thursday and Friday last, at least seven low level GEA staffers were fired because they allegedly failed polygraph tests. Although they were not shown their test results, staffers said that the Head of the Energy Agency, informed them that they were being fired because they failed their lie detector tests.

The staffers thus called for a thorough investigation of GEA and its hierarchy, “because you will see that up there, all is not well,” a staff expressed. “They are firing us, the small man, but the corruption is at their level,” a terminated male staff who requested anonymity said.

“Tell me,” he continued, “they firing us, but when (a named senior staff’s) brother was caught with duty free fuel in his Essequibo gas station this year, why was he not prosecuted? Instead, two of the officers on the team that clamped down on the gas station are among those fired because of lie detector tests.”

That same senior officer, Kaieteur News was told, was

...staff members reiterate call for testing of top officials

from some 34 per cent to a mere one per cent, staffers asked, “Did the CEO and his managers do this or is it because of the said staff who he now claims are incompetent and even referred to the marking officers as thieves?”

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) told Kaieteur News yesterday that it was actively pursuing the new developments. Patrick Yarde said that his staff had been informed about the GEA dismissals after staffers called to express their dissatisfaction and disgust.

Hollyann France, Nksi Dalgetty, Hillon Chester, Jenelle Noble and Nikeshia Gordon said they were summoned by the GEA head to a meeting which centered on their dismissal. The staff said that they are stunned by their abrupt termination.

GPSU has however vowed to continue the investigations into the dismissals as only recently other GEA staffers were fired as a result of polygraph testing.

The newly expelled staffers are however expected to present their termination letters and write statements while a meeting is scheduled for next week with the union.

They further highlighted the poor work conditions and, “poor management of the agency.”

The Millennium Manor Hotel, Banquet Hall, and Lounge

Anger and fear heighten over GEA dismissals never polygraphed and although top brass officials know about the duty free fuel that the Essequibo businessman was not authorized to have, “they did nothing about it.”

Staffers added that the management of GEA is in such disarray that employees are to some extent inefficient and agency business suffers.

They said the fleet of vehicles owned by the GEA has been in existence for the past eight to 10 years. Poor administrative management has contributed to them being used for political ‘runaround’ while the Inspectors are forced to utilize taxis to carry out their duties.

This alone costs the agency approximately $20,000 per team depending on where they are dispatched to. “The administrative personnel also instruct the Inspectors to conduct their work in a vehicle which was used to transport the fuel marker.

This, of course, leads to some level of contamination and may result in varying tests results conducted by the Inspectors.”

Workers alleged that “there are even instances where the lives of Inspectors and Marking Officers were

put to risk because of poorly maintained vehicles.”

“Contracts for maintenance and repair to some vehicles are awarded to friends of the Head of the Administration department and all above factors definitely lead to a high cost of vehicular maintenance,” the staff said as they continued to point fingers.

“Contracts for building maintenance, purchasing of equipment and such, are often approved after the work would have already been completed by the contractor.

This is due to the ‘strong relationship’ the administration Head has with the Ministry official, the inside source informed.

In a release to this newspaper earlier this month on fuel smuggling allegations, the source said, “The meeting that the GEA Head spoke of was held in April 2012 at the Cara Lodge Hotel, Quamina Street. But it was a mere presentation, by the staff, on how to curb fuel smuggling.

To date another meeting has not been held despite staffers pleading for one to air real concerns.”

Earlier this month, when the GEA said that fuel smuggling had been reduced

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Worry as rice, sugar face crises…

Govt. contemplates selling off gold amidst price jitters With the country’s biggest earners being threatened with low prices and in one case poor production, Government on Friday admitted that it is worried about the situation and has been examining a number of measures to ease the possible impacts on the economy.

According to President Donald Ramotar, prices for gold on the world market have indeed impacted on buying by the state-owned Guyana Gold Board. The Head of State was responding to questions on the low rice and gold prices and on sugar production.

Gold production has been a major prop for the country’s economy in recent years raking in hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign revenues as price climbed to over US$1,800 per ounce at one time. It was an area that attracted more than US$100M in local and foreign investments last year, officials say.

Last year, gold production reached a record breaking high of 438,645 ounces, in the absence of large scale producer Omai Gold. The commodity earned US$737M. Investors, who have been banking on the prices to

remain high, became worried after price fell below US$1,400 per ounce as news surfaced that Cyprus, one of several European countries seeking bailout for their failing economies, would be selling off its gold.

Yesterday, there were indications that gold prices have started to edge upwards again staying at around US$1,460 per ounce.

At this time also, rice and sugar are going through a crisis. Sugar fell to a 20-year production low last year with Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) unable to meet salary payments on Friday because of its cash problems.

The matter has been compounded by a number of factors, including an unstable work force and the fact that international banks financing crops have pulled out of the Caribbean, leaving Guyana in a lurch and GuySuCo to feel the squeeze to find additional monies.

GuySuCo was only able to meet its $250M salary bill after a $1B cash injection, in the form of assistance from Government.

Rice also has been taking a beating. Last year’s production broke records and this year there has been report of significant increases in

Government is hoping to seal another major rice deal with Venezuela

production. Yet a paddy bug in Essequibo and delays to ink a new rice agreement with neighbouring Venezuela have seen in some cases rice farmers reportedly being offered as little as $500 per bag of paddy. Recent elections in Venezuela have delayed the signing but Government is hopeful this will be resolved in the coming days.

Prices have been hovering over the years between $2,500 to over $5,000 per bag of paddy.

There have been long lines at the rice factories throughout the Essequibo Coast as nervous farmers waited to sell their harvest.

Questioned about the situation, President Ramotar on Friday, admitted that it is indeed a worrying one. He noted that in the case of gold

and rice, the situation is not entirely in the control of Government’s hands.

This year, Government is projecting real growth of 5.3 per cent, higher than last year and would be depending on the big earners to maintain its seven-year run of positive growth. Regarding gold, the President admitted that the Guyana Gold Board would have been left with some losses after gold prices fell on the world market.

“We don’t determine prices….we are more of price takers.”

The administration through the Guyana Gold Board and other technical officers are now examining the situation to determine whether to sell and cut the losses or hold on to its gold.

The President assured

President Donald Ramotar that the situation is being closely monitored, disclosing that similar situation had occurred shortly after he entered office.

The Gold Board, however, decided to hold its gold as the price climbed on the world market, allowing the country to even make a profit. He also said that “gold don’t spoil.”

A significant portion of the country’s workforce has migrated to the goldfields, much to the misfortune of forestry and other industries.

The banks have been lending millions of dollars to buy excavators and finance mining operations.

The President also discussed the sore issue of sugar, the future of which has been questioned. The issue is being tackled in a comprehensive way. The measures include converting more cane fields to use mechanized harvesters, thus reducing the dependence on labour.

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Expert service highlighted during Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

By Rehanna Ramsay Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is in the process of acquiring international accreditation for its laboratory services, Head of the Department, Dr. Pheona Mohamed-Rambaran, stated yesterday. Her comments came during an activity held in observance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, (MLPW).

Several laboratory professionals were applauded for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that the facility provides quality services to the general public. During an appreciation ceremony, which was among the activities this week’s itinerary, many staffers were given tokens of appreciation for their commitment to the success of the Department.

“We have come a long way from where we started, in terms of our equipment as well as our range. We advanced from manual work to using technology and we now offer the various types of testing such as hematology, biochemistry, urology, compatibility and microbiology.” Dr. MohamedRambaran said as she highlighted the accomplishments of the

Staff of the GPHC Laboratory as they celebrated Medical Laboratory Professional Week.

GPHC laboratory.

She told Kaieteur news that the hospital has been working towards further improving its services.

“We have applied to the National Bureau of Standards for international accreditation … the documents are in place, resources are available that is working equipment, continuous supplies of reagents and competent staff.”

According to the department head, GPHC has

decades of experience offering quality testing services as staffers are trained at various intervals to ensure accurate results.

In addition, improved laboratory care is an end result of possessing essential and adequate technological equipment and supplies.

Meanwhile, Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Sheik Amir congratulated GPHC lab staffers for their contribution to the health care unit.

“We are always working and keeping abreast with technology, always improving and upgrading our equipment we now have increased manpower which is necessary for the maintenance of the service.”

Laboratory technician, Alexis Wilson Pearson, one of the long standing GPHC lab professionals highlighted some challenges the institution encounters.

She said that while working in the laboratory is a

pleasurable experience there is always room for improvement.

“Our main concern is ensuring that supplies are available and the items of equipment are working properly.”

This year, Medical Laboratory Professionals Week was celebrated under the theme, “Lab Professionals Get Results.” A packed Itinerary of events was held at during this past week’s observance. The events

included mini health fairs and conferences, health discussions and socials.

The annual celebration of MLPW seeks to highlight laboratory professionals and those w h o o f t e n w o r k behind the scenes, and play a vital role in every aspect of health care. Lab Week is a time to honor medical l aboratory professionals around the country who perform and interpret laboratory tests every year.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 28, 2013

Garden of Eden farming community disgusted with road conditions Frustrated residents of the farming community of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara say that it is disrespectful that after pleading with Government officials for years about the deplorable road conditions, the situations seems to be getting worse.

Residents noted that the poultry and cash crop community has been losing tremendously when transporting perishables and feed.

“Imagine when you come through here with feed for poultry in your vehicle, it wrings up the vehicle and put us in more expense,” said one farmer.

Adding that this slows up business i n t h e a r e a , another farmer said that residents are requesting that the relevant authorities visit, inspect the roads and listen to the concerns of residents in the farming community.

“Over 200 persons are employed along the street alone. This is one of the most productive streets on the entire East Bank. And all we are kindly asking for is a better road so vehicles will be better able to traverse in the area to take out their produce without damage.

School children and residents also won’t have to walk the one plus mile roadway to reach the public road,” another farmer emphatically said.

Farmers collectively noted that it would take millions of dollars to continuously maintain the roadway, and they have exhausted their contributions in helping to patch the road.

Other farmers are saying that Government officials are claiming that they don’t have money to carry out proper road works. However, they are contending that if the government gives tax breaks to the farming community, they, on their own, would be willing to maintain the roadway for two years.

Farmers who requested anonymity for fear of victimization explained that four years to date the roadway has been in a terrible state, and the Craig/ Caledonia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is not any help in the area.

“I don’t understand why Government would wait until they have to spend $10 to fix something when you can spend $5 and save money for a project that could be done

A section of the road that is in dire need of repair

early. But people in authority wait until things get real bad then complain that they don’t have money.”

Farmers also underscored that there is no health centre in the area and other necessary facilities. They

also noted that the 55-yearold bridge that is used to gain access to the community is falling apart. “The authorities

only placed two new rails on the bridge and paint it to make the bridge appear to be fully refurbished.”

Sunday April 28, 2013

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Sunday April 28, 2013

Rebels attack sprawling air base in northern Syria BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian rebels attacked a sprawling military air base in the country’s northwest yesterday, while opposition forces assaulted a string of army checkpoints and positions in the south, activists said.

The raids follow nearly two weeks of advances by Syrian troops, mostly in the suburbs of the capital, Damascus, and in areas near the Lebanese border in the central province of Homs.

In Moscow, Syria’s Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi denied recent U.S. charges that Syrian troops used chemical weapons against the rebels, saying Washington had leveled the accusation as a result of the latest victories by the army.

“The American hysteria about the use of chemical weapons was caused by the success of the Syrian Arab Army in striking terrorists,” al-Zoubi was quoted by state TV as saying. The government refers to rebels as “terrorists.”

The Obama administration said Thursday that intelligence indicates that government forces likely used

This image taken from video obtained from Ugarit, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows an explosion during heavy fighting between rebels and Syrian government forces in the Barzeh district of Damascus, Syria, Friday, April 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Ugarit via AP video) the nerve gas sarin in two attacks.

Washington’s declaration was its strongest on the topic so far, although the administration said it was still working to pin down definitive proof of the use of chemical weapons. It held back from saying Damascus had crossed what President Barack Obama has said would

be a “red line” prompting tougher action in Syria.

The rebels accuse regime forces of firing chemical agents on at least four occasions since December, killing 31 people in the worst of the attacks. They say world inaction would only encourage Assad to use the weapons on a larger scale.

The regime countered that

it was the rebels who fired chemical weapons — pointing to their capture of a chemical factory last year as proof of their ability to do so.

In Saturday’s fighting at the Abu Zuhour air base in northwestern Idlib province, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said there were casualties on both sides. The

base has been under siege from the rebels for months.

The Observatory and the Local Coordination Committees said the Syrian air force conducted several air raids during the fighting to ease pressure on government troops inside the air base.

The state-run news agency SANA quoted a military official as saying the troops repelled the attack and inflicted “great losses” on the attackers.

Rebels control much of Idlib province, which borders Turkey, although government forces still hold some areas, including the provincial capital of the same name.

Elsewhere, the Aleppo Media Center said rebels had entered the Kweiras military air base in Aleppo province and destroyed its operations room. The base has been under siege for months.

The media center said battles inside the air base continued yesterday afternoon and that the Syrian air force had bombarded the facility.

The Observatory said a rebel commander, who headed the Two Shrines

Brigade, was killed in the fighting around the base. It added that six government troops were also killed in the clashes.

In the southern province of Daraa, also known as the Houran plains, the Observatory and the LCC said rebels had launched a new offensive called “the Houran Volcano” in which they are targeting army checkpoints and positions.

The Observatory said there were an unknown number of casualties on both sides.

An a m a t e u r v i d e o posted online showed rebel artillery fire hitting alKhudr military base, located on a hill near the town of Dael, also in the province. The crackle of gunfire could be heard in the distance.

The video appeared genuine and corresponded to other AP reporting on the events depicted.

The Observatory reported shelling and clashes in other areas, including Damascus and its suburbs as well as the central province of Homs and Deir el-Zour to the east that borders Iraq.

North Korea says detained American tourist to face trial SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea said yesterday that a Korean-American tourist, jailed by the reclusive state since late last year, will face trial for “committing crimes” against the North.

The move comes amid a diplomatic standoff between North Korea and the United States, and as Pyongyang has threatened to attack U.S. military bases in the Pacific and the South.

A number of U.S. citizens of Korean descent have run into trouble in North Korea over the years, and Pyongyang has tried to use their detention to extract visits by high-profile American figures, most notably former President Bill Clinton.

In the latest case, Kenneth Bae, 44, has been held by police since arriving in the northeastern city of Rajin on November 3. He was among a group of five tourists.

“In the process of investigation he admitted that he committed crimes aimed to topple the DPRK with hostility toward it,” KCNA state media reported, using North Korea’s official title of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“His crimes were proved by evidence,” it said, adding

Kenneth Bae he would soon be taken to the Supreme Court “to face judgment”. It did not provide further details.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the United States was aware of reports that an American citizen would face trial in North Korea.

She said representatives of the Embassy of Sweden, which acts as the protecting power for U.S. citizens in North Korea, visited Bae on Friday.

South Korean rights workers said that Pyongyang may have taken issue with some of his photographs, including those of homeless North Korean children.

A South Korean newspaper published by an evangelical family said he may have been carrying footage of North Korea executing defectors and dissidents. It was impossible to verify this.

According to North Korean law, the punishment for hostile acts against the state is five to 10 years of hard labor.

Clinton flew to Pyongyang in 2009 and met then-leader Kim Jong-il before securing the release of two American media workers who had been charged with entering the country illegally.

Former U.N. ambassador Bill Richardson, who has made numerous trips to North Korea, some to seek the release of detained Americans, said he hoped the trial might help lead to Bae’s release. Richardson delivered a letter regarding Bae to officials during a trip to North Korea in January, although he was unable to meet him.

“Hopefully the conclusion of the legal process for Kenneth Bae will set the stage for a release on humanitarian grounds,” Richardson told Reuters in an email. But he said Bae “should not become a pawn in the current American-North Korean friction.”

Sunday April 28, 2013

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Italy’s Letta names new government ROME (Reuters) - Italian center-left politician Enrico Letta said yesterday he had won support of other parties to form a coalition government that will include one of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s closest allies as deputy prime minister.

Letta met President Giorgio Napolitano after talks with Berlusconi and leaders of his center-right People of Freedom (PDL) party to confirm that he had reached an accord which would clear the way for a government to be formed. “I hope that this

government can get to work quickly in the spirit of fervent cooperation and without any prejudice or conflict,” Napolitano told reporters.

PDL secretary Angelino Alfano will be deputy prime minister and interior minister, giving the center-right a powerful voice at the heart of the new government.

Bank of Italy director general Fabrizio Saccomanni will take the key economy ministry portfolio and former European Commissioner Emma Bonino will be foreign minister. The government, which Letta said would

contain a record number of women ministers, will be sworn in at 5:30 a.m. EDT today and Letta is expected to go before parliament to seek a vote of confidence on Monday.

Letta, 46, the deputy leader of the center-left Democratic Party (PD), spent more than two hours on Saturday in talks with Berlusconi, who will not be a member of the government but is likely to play an important backstage role.

Letta is on the right of the PD and the nephew of one of Berlusconi’s closest aides.

Hague judges issue sharp rebuke to Kenyatta prosecutors (Reuters) - Judges hearing the case against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at the International Criminal Court have sharply rebuked prosecutors for failing to disclose evidence that could be used in his defence, but stopped short of restarting the trial.While the reprimand will have no impact on the trial itself, it is a fresh blow to prosecutors who accuse Kenya’s newlyelected president of orchestrating bloody postelection clashes five years ago in which 1,200 people died.

Judges said prosecutors should have told defence lawyers a crucial witness was not present at a meeting where prosecutors alleged acts of violence were planned,

Uhuru Kenyatta saying the prosecution made a “grave mistake” in not doing so.

The loss of that witness’s testimony contributed to the acquittal earlier this year of

civil servant Francis Muthaura, Kenyatta’s coaccused. Similar charges still stand against Kenyan deputy president William Ruto.

But judges said there was no evidence prosecutors had deliberately withheld the exculpatory evidence, and turned down defence demands that the trial be abandoned or taken back to the confirmation of charges stage, when judges decide if the prosecution’s case is strong enough to warrant a trial. One judge went further in her criticism of the prosecutors.

In a separate opinion, Christine van den Wyngaert said it was clear prosecutors were “not even remotely ready” when the trial had begun.

Obama chides lawmakers over flight delay fix, budget conflict (Reuters) - President Barack Obama chided Republicans yesterday for approving a plan to ease airtraffic delays caused by federal spending cuts while leaving budget cuts that affect children and the elderly untouched.

The Senate and the House of Representatives backed a plan this week to give the Department of Transportation flexibility to cover immediate salaries of air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration who had been furloughed as part of budget cuts known as “sequester.

The furloughs, which started today, led to take-off and landing delays at airports nationwide.

“This week, the sequester hurt travelers, who were stuck for hours in airports and on planes, and rightly frustrated by it. And, maybe because they fly home each weekend,

Barack Obama the members of Congress who insisted these cuts take hold finally realized that they actually apply to them too,” Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address.

“So Congress passed a temporary fix. A Band-Aid. But these cuts are scheduled to keep falling across other parts of the government that

provide vital services for the American people,” he said.

Despite the chiding, White House spokesman Jay Carney said on Friday that Obama would sign the bill.

In his address, broadcast yesterday morning, Obama noted that the cuts were affecting social programs and should be replaced with less arbitrary spending reductions.

“There is only one way to truly fix the sequester: by replacing it before it causes further damage,” Obama said, adding he hoped members of Congress would feel the same sense of urgency they felt with the FAA cuts on other programs. “They may not feel the pain felt by kids kicked off Head Start, or the 750,000 Americans projected to lose their jobs because of these cuts, or the long-term unemployed who will be further hurt by them. But that pain is real,” he said.

Agreement had been held up by wrangling over ministerial posts and policy differences, notably over Berlusconi’s demand to scrap the unpopular IMU housing tax, a move that would blow an 8 billion euro hole in this year’s budget plans.

Italy, the euro zone’s third largest economy, has been without an effective government for months, with the long post-election deadlock holding up any concerted effort to end a recession set to become the longest since World War Two. Letta received some encouragement late on Friday when the ratings agency Moody’s kept its rating on Italian government debt unchanged at Baa2 because low interest rates were making it possible to buy time to implement much-needed reforms.

Bond yields have fallen to their lowest in more than two years as investors hope for enough stability to help Italy revive its economy and

gradually tackle its large public debt. However, Moody’s also said mediumterm growth prospects were weak and forecast the economy would shrink by 1.8 percent this year, compounding more than two decades of stagnation.

Letta has said his priorities will be boosting the economy and tackling unemployment, restoring confidence in Italy’s

CAIRO (Reuters) Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi has invited senior figures from the judiciary to discuss a crisis triggered by proposed reforms that would push out thousands of judges, state media said yesterday.

Islamist lawmakers have put forward a bill that would force out more than 3,000 judges by lowering the retirement age, causing a revolt among the judiciary and widening political divisions in the country more than two years after a popular uprising ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

Egyptian judges - along with the country’s secular, leftist and liberal opposition say the law aims to cement the authority of Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood rather than stamp out corruption.

Mursi’s legal adviser and the justice minister resigned in protest over what they said were attempts to curtail judicial independence.

The bill was proposed by the moderate Islamist Wasat Party, an ally of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party.

The state newspaper AlAhram reported the president had invited heads of judicial

Enrico Letta

discredited political institutions and trying to turn Europe away from austerity to focus more on growth and investment.

On paper, the priorities laid out by Letta fit in well with proposals from Berlusconi’s camp, which has attacked the austerity policies of outgoing prime minister Mario Monti.

Berlusconi, in the middle of legal battles over a tax fraud conviction and charges of paying for sex with a minor, had pressed for the cabinet to include close political allies and had opposed the inclusion of technocrats.

In the event, however, several of the big ministries were led by non-political figures. The other main force in parliament, Beppe Grillo’s anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, has ruled out taking part in a government made up of the two main parties. He called the right-left coalition “an orgy worthy of the best of bunga bunga”, a reference to Berlusconi’s parties at his private villas.

Egypt president invites judges to discuss judicial reform crisis

bodies including the High Constitutional Court and the Court of Cassation to meet him in the presidential palace on Sunday to discuss the crisis.

On Friday, the deputy leader of the Brotherhood’s political arm argued the Islamist-dominated parliament must move quickly to adopt the reforms.

In a further sign of the country’s febrile politics, several opposition groups said earlier on Saturday they had filed a case against the government to press it to publish details of the state budget.

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PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC — Former National Security Minister Austin ‘Jack’ Warner Friday dismissed an Opposition motion that sought to take Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar to task over her continued support of the former global football executive, insisting that his private affairs had nothing to do with the activities of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

“The motion is to embarrass the prime minister,” said an emotional Warner, adding “at the end of the day, I have nothing to say... my private activities are mine”.

“I breached no law in Trinidad and Tobago, not a single law,” Warner said, insisting that “every criticism, every allegation against me has been in the public domain for the last 20 years”.

Warner, 70, who resigned from his Cabinet post over the last weekend and announced his resignation from the Parliament yesterday, dismissed suggestions that FIFA, the world governing body of which he was once served as vice-president for

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 28, 2013

Jack Warner dismisses allegations, resigns as MP

Austin ‘Jack’ Warner nearly two decades, was a mafia establishment.

“I want to apologise for saying FIFA is a mafia,” Warner said to desk thumping from his Government colleague legislators, insisting “FIFA business has nothing to do with the business of the State”.

Earlier, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley said the report of the CONCACAF Integrity Committee, headed by prominent Barbadian jurist Sir David Simmons, highlighted what had been in

the public domain for several years regarding the activities of the former government minister.

In its report, released in Panama last weekend, the CONCACAF Integrity Committee slammed as “fraudulent in their management” the conduct of the soccer confederation’s affairs by Warner, who headed the body for 20 years, and American Chuck Blazer, who served as general secretary.

Neither Warner nor Blazer cooperated with the investigation.

But, in a statement, Warner described the report as “baseless and malicious” and repeated his position yesterday, saying that only three pages of the 114-page report dealt with him.

“I have never been involved in any corrupt activity in FIFA or CONCACAF,” Warner said.

Rowley told legislators that the prime minister, whom he said had preferred to pay a State visit to Canada rather

than remain home and defend the motion, had also failed to adequately deal with the image of a country that had produced many prominent people.

“We did not have to shirk,” he said, when the names of those international prominent people were linked to Trinidad and Tobago.

But he added that has not been the case with Warner, and that he was disappointed at the refusual of Prime

Minister Persad-Bissessar to “act expeditiously” in safeguarding the image of the oil-rich twin-island republic.

He said Warner even acted as prime minister and that his business brought into question the standard and value of all of the people in Trinidad and Tobago.

Rowley said that the response of Warner to all the overwhelming evidence against him “has always been one of bland dismissal,

outrage and bombast.

“We can’t be encouraged to accept that yesterday was yesterday,” he said, in reference to recent public remarks by Warner, adding “when you put him in the Cabinet you knew he was [as] crooked as a corkscrew”.

Rowley called on the Government to submit a copy of the CONCACAF report to the police and the Director of Public Prosecution, given the fact that public funds had been made available to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation.

Japan assisting Caribbean countries develop environment policy GEORGETOWN, Guyana - CMC – Japan is providing assistance in developing a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Environmental Policy and Action programme.

The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said with financing from the Japan-CARICOM Friendship and Cooperation Fund (JCFCF), a regional, integrated policy to ensure protection of the environment and the natural resources will be developed to address selected environmental themes and economic sectors, which have been prioritised by the Community.

It said the goal of the US$465,920 programme is to enhance environmental sustainability as a driver of investment, economic growth and a better quality of life in the Caribbean Community.

Japan is providing US$275,920 of the funds with the Community providing the remainder as counterpart contribution.

The strengthening of inter-linkage between the environment and development is one of the principal challenges facing the Community, as the development of a common economic space under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) matures.

CARICOM said the proposed policy will foster a new approach to the environment, social and economic activities and the region’s development challenges, one that is effectively coordinated and strategic, resulting in transformed patterns of growth.

“It is envisioned that at

the end of the two-year programme, there will be agreement on the policy priorities and key themes to be addressed in the Draft Policy obtained through an open, transparent and inclusive consultative process.

“Further a Draft CARICOM Policy and Action Programme in relation to the environment and natural resources management would have been developed and the capacity and state of readiness of selected Member States for implementation of the Environmental Policy would be enhanced,” the CARICOM statement noted.

It said it is anticipated that the project will begin in the second quarter of 2013 and will be completed during the latter part of 2014.

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

Jamaica to Host Growth Forum May 2 JIS - Jamaica is to host a Caribbean Growth Forum (CGF) on May 2, aimed at facilitating private sector led growth and job creation.

The forum will be held at the University of the West Indies, and will see participants from the public and priva t e sectors, academia and the media; decision makers, business leaders, policy makers, y o ung people and other stakeholders discussing and brainstorming solutions to deal with the problems that are impacting growth in the country.

Details of the Jamaican leg of the forum were outlined at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on April 25

by Programme Director, Vision 2030 Jamaica, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Richard Lumsden.

Mr. Lumsden said that the CGF was complementary to the government’s growth agenda and is therefore a

welcomed event at this time.

Jamaica, as with other Caribbean countries, faces fiscal challenges, against the background of the global financial crisis. Consequently, many are advocating for the identification of practical and implementable policies and activities to induce growth and create jobs throughout the region.

The CGF, Mr. Lumsden stated, is a regional project supported by a number of international development partners, including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Compete Caribbean, in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

“The workshop will focus on three main areas - Logistics

and Connectivity, the Investment Climate and Skills and Productivity - all aligned to the growth agenda,” he said.

Meanwhile, General Manager, Caribbean Country Department at the IDB, Gerard Johnson, noted that there is a comfortable level of confidence by the IDB and other donor/grant agencies in what can be accomplished by the Caribbean Growth Forum.

He added that the lack of growth is not just a Jamaican problem.

Mr. Johnson pointed out that Jamaica was perhaps one of the most studied and talked about economies.

“I’d wager that most people know what Jamaica is good at.

There are so many good initiatives out there. What this is about is coming on board with some enthusiasm and energy with experiences from other countries,” he said.

Suriname’s credit rating revised from stable to positive PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname - CMC – The United States-based international rating agency, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has raised its outlook on Suriname from stable to positive, saying investments in the energy and mining sector could boost growth “At the same time, we affirmed our ‘BB-/B’ foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Suriname”, S&P said in a statement.

According to S&P analyst, Richard Francis, the ratings agency its revision to positive reflects the expectation “that large investments in the mining and oil sectors could lead to higher growth prospects as well as higher levels of exports and government revenues”.

He said that tax reform and the creation of a

sovereign wealth fund could also improve fiscal flexibility.

S&P says that Suriname has improving m a c r o e c o n o m i c fundamentals, robust medium-term growth prospects, a low debt position, and solid external indicators, which however are offset by its narrow economic base and institutional capacity. According to S&P, political consensus on the need to maintain macroeconomic stability in Suriname is growing.

Offsetting the positive factors is Suriname’s narrow economic base that’s strongly tied to commodities.

Alumina, gold, and oil constituted more than 80 per cent of current account receipts at the end of 2012. In addition, ongoing institutional capacity

constraints hinder debt management, public investment, and a more forceful advancement of structural reforms.

Execution of planned investments in the energy sector which could lead to higher growth, increased exports and revenue could result in an upgrade of the country’s rating. However a slowdown or reversal in the government’s reform agenda could lead S&P to return the outlook to stable.

It said a drop in commodity prices could also lead to lower exports and government revenue, which could have a negative effect on future ratings.

S&P said Suriname’s growth potential is likely to be between four and five per cent during the next three years.

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Case against former Cayman premier adjourned to June GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands - CMC – Former premier McKeeva Bush returns to court on June 28 after his case had been adjourned following a brief appearance on Friday.

Bush, who is hoping to contest the upcoming general election, stood in court for less than five minutes in connection with 11 counts of corruption charges.

This is the second court appearance for Bush after being charged with anticorruption crimes.

Bush has been charged with two counts of misconduct in a public office, four counts of breach of trust by a member of the Legislative Assembly and five counts of theft.

Bush, 57, who came to

McKeeva Bush power in 2009, has maintained his innocence. He was first arrested in December last year while in office. Soon after, a lack of confidence motion was declared in the government and the Governor Duncan

Taylor revoked Bush’s appointment.

The police said, last year, that Bush had also been detained in connection with the alleged importation of explosive substances without valid permits on or before February 2012, but the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) accused the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service of “abuse of official power” as it relates to the former premier.

General elections will be held In Cayman Islands on May 22. At least 40 candidates are expected to contest the elections, but political observers say the election will be a straight fight between the UDP and the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM).

Region on alert after 20 die in China from bird flu BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has put regional countries on alert for the Avian Influenza A (H7N9), also known as bird flu, that has killed at least 20 people in China. A report by Caribbean360.com quoted Barbados’ chief medical officer Dr Joy St John as saying: “CARPHA has specifically put all of us in the Caribbean on alert and what we have been asked to do is to intensify our surveillance systems for acute respiratory infections and submit any viruses that we cannot subtype.

“We have stepped it up to involve all doctors to ensure that if they see any unusual clinical pictures, any unusual displays of respiratory illness that they should alert us and send in samples of the nasal pharyngeal swabs with a clear travel history and all of the other required information.

“We have surveillance (for acute respiratory and

Dr Joy St John severe acute respiratory illnesses) that has been going on for years. In the Caribbean region, we are very strong on this. So every week, the Epidemiology Unit checks how many of these cases we’ve had and we have sentinel sites around the island mainly through the polyclinics.”

St John said health authorities have been getting

daily reports on the International Health Regulations (IHR) focal points. “As part of the normal system, we were already checking and then we have had alerts from WHO (World Health Organisation) and back-ups from PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation) directly on the IHR focal points and then now we have the overlay of the Caribbean putting us on alert and asking us to do specific things that we were already doing,” she said.

St John said Barbados is part of a regional network in addition to the PAHO Americas and WHO networks and that health officials had been “characterising and keeping a careful watch of all levels of illness.”

She said the ministry of health has not yet detected any strange patterns, “but as soon as we do, we will ramp up our measures and inform as we always do.”

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 28, 2013

ACS ends successful summit in Haiti

The 5th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) Friday, ended in Haiti, in the presence of delegations from 29 countries and territories (members and associated), the 5th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), on the signature in plenary, on the declaration of Petion-ville, by the Presidents present.

Of the 10 Head of State having confirmed their attendance, only 6 of them have gone to the summit

because of mishaps related to current events and priorities in their respective countries.

Despite these absences noticed the Summit brought together a large number of leaders.

The Mexican Alfonso Múnera Cavadia, Secretary General of the ACS declared “The main objective of the Summit was largely achieved. And we can even say with e n t h u s i a s m . We w i l l consider the proposals of

the President of Haiti, which seeks to boost the association,” stressing that the presence of 29 Countries and territories is a record number of participants in the annal of the ACS. The Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe estimated that Haiti has made †a strong imp r e s s i o n on the international scene, by organizing such a successful event, with the logistics that entails, which “demonstrates the

progress that has been made in Haiti.”

The c r e a t i o n o f a regional rapid reaction force to deal with major natural hazards (suggested

by Haiti), the end of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, the development of tourism, air and sea links, draw i n v e s t m e n t , a n d the protection of marine eco system in the Caribbean, were among others also, at the center of discussions of this 5th Summit.

Central Bank Governor: Protection crucial after CL, HCU failures

Trinidad Guardian - The failure of CL Financial Group and the Hindu Credit Union (HCU) has shown how important it is for consumers of financial services to be protected, Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran said Friday. “Worldwide some 150 million new consumers join the financial market each year for financial consumer protection. Our recent financial turmoil rising from the failure of CLICO Investment Bank and HCU suggests that financial consumer protection, financial literacy and financial education are key issues for regulators,” he said.

Rambarran was speaking yesterday at the 10th anniversary breakfast meeting of the Office of the Financial Services Ombudsman (OFSO) at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port-of-Spain. He said the OFSO remains the only one of its kind in the Caribbean and is a member of the International Network of Financial Services Ombudsman.

“It is clear the OFSO has displayed good quality and can claim many successes over its ten years of operation.

The OFSO displayed an impressive resolution of 98 per

Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran, left, chats with Douglas Melville, Chief Executive Officer and Ombudsman for banking services and investments, Canada, and T&T’s Financial Services Ombudsman Suzanne Roach, at the 10th anniversary breakfast meeting of the FInancial Services Ombudsman at Central Bank Auditorium Friday. PHOTO: SHIRLEY BAHADUR cent of complaints for the period 2003 to 2012. More than 45 per cent of these complaints were directed to issues related to accounts transaction, card services and loans and credits were settled within 90 days. Of the 2,076 insurance complaints, the OFSO resolved an impressive

97 per cent over 2005 to 2012,” he said.

Rambarran said the OFSO is playing a greater part in the country’s financial structure: “More than a quarter of the complains handled by the Bankers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) were resolved by agreements

between the two parties. In the case of insurance companies, more than two thirds of the complaints were resolved in agreements between insurers and clients.

The OFSO has begun the transition to a more prominent role in the country’s financial architecture.”

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Missing Amerindian Girl Syndrome People’s Progressive Party Civic administration’s Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, as recently as January this year, stated unambiguously, “Last year we would not have had any reports of trafficking in persons that the Ministry recorded...” Sukhai’s denial of the crime of trafficking in persons is a characteristic ‘syndrome of denial’ by a d m i n i s t r a t i o n spokespersons and the state media.

Bibi Shadick, in her day as Minister of Human Services, had once declared that there was “no real evidence of Trafficking in Persons in Guyana.” She did concede that there might be instances of “voluntary involvement in illicit activities but insisted that “there is no evidence of a trade, really.” Jennifer Webster, the current Minister of Human Services, seems to have adopted the Shadick doctrine of deniability.

She attempted to downplay the virulence of ‘trafficking’ by suggesting that what was reported in

some instances as human trafficking could be ‘prostitution.’

Priya Manickchand, during her controversial tenure as Minister of Human Services, tried to prove that the problem of people trafficking was less severe than it really was. She reacted notoriously and vociferously to Guyana’s being placed on the Tier 2 Watch List of the US government annual report on trafficking in persons in June 2010.

Manickchand told a press conference –less than two hours after it was released by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton –that the report was based on “sheer ignorance and eye-pass” and, legitimately, could be considered as “crap.”

At the heart of the Guyana Government’s ‘syndrome’ of denial has been its annual annoyance at the uncomfortable comments contained in the United States’ Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons annual Trafficking in Persons Report.

The USA report in the past stated soberly that, “Guyana is a source, transit and destination country for men, women and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor… Amerindian girls are trafficked to brothels near the mining camps and to coastal areas for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.”

The USA report had added, more gravely, that “The Government of Guyana does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, however, it is making significant efforts to do so…Guyana is placed on Tier 2 Watch List for a second consecutive year for failing to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking, particularly in the area of law enforcement actions against trafficking offenders.”

This unflattering series of reports, although varying slightly from year to year, rebuked the Guyana administration’s failure to

curb the crime. A major reason for that failure has been the ‘syndrome’ of denial of the crime of Trafficking in Persons and the neglect of the victims of the trade.

It is a well-known fact that underage girls, many of them of Amerindian descent, have been rescued from ‘sex camps,’ especially in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region (No.7).

The girls have claimed frequently that they were lured from their homes to takeup jobs as shopkeepers in the interior. Upon arrival there, however, they were forced to provide sexual favours to customers, mainly male miners. The recently-formed NGO – Guyana Women Miners’ Organization – has played an important role both in calling public attention to the crime and in rescuing girls from their jeopardy.

Missing from Guyana Government official media reporting, has been any trace of compassion for the women and girls who are victims of trafficking.

Missing from Guyana

Government policy also has been serious efforts to vigorously implement its own National Plan of Action to eradicate the crime. Missing from Guyana Government programmes has been an acknowledgement of the fact that Amerindian girls are the principal, though not exclusive, victims of trafficking.

These attitudes, particularly among women members of the PPPC administration –have remained essentially unaltered for nearly a decade.

Attitudes among male PPPC officials, however, are just as intractable.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon, joined the women’s chorus back in June 2009. He pronounced that the US TIP Report was “unsupported by the kind of details of some sort that addresses magnitude.”

Bharrat Jagdeo, who was President at that time, took denial to a silly level by threatening to write to United States President Barack Obama to ask him to “review

the process of constructing the reports” since they are misleading.

Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, even invented his own local TIP report.

Rather than correct the specific problems that the US report identified, the administration simply wrote its own vacuous version in July 2008. Rohee, presenting his fake report to the public, described it as a “factual and authentic” picture of the nature and magnitude of trafficking in persons.

The report, expectedly, determined that trafficking in persons was “not a major problem.”

Trafficking in persons is a tragic reality for girls in Guyana, especially Amerindian girls in the hinterland. The ‘syndrome’ of denial that there is a problem does not solve crime.

It is delusional to think that ministerial pronouncements, the (Continued on page 37)

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Representatives of the Int’l Press Institute and representatives of local media houses meeting.

SUNDAY SPECIAL IPI SAYS GUYANA’S SITUATION “DANGEROUS”, “UNUSUAL” ..AS PRIVATE MEDIA FILES RADIO LICENCES COMPLAINT WITH INT’L PRESS BODY A powerful global press body renowned for its fight to protect journalists is now considering complaints by owners of a number of prominent media houses in Guyana.

In a highly charged meeting on Saturday, April 20, the controversial issuance of the several radio licences by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, days before he stepped down from office in 2011, was raised.

The situation has now prompted Alison Bethel McKenzie, Executive Director of the International Press Institute (IPI), to describe the situation, as reported, to be a highly “dangerous” and “unusual” one. Dangerous because of the ease which government seems to be moving against private media houses and unusual as there is not another likely scenario where the President of a country is also the Minister of Information.

PRIVATE MEDIAHOUSES MOVE TO COURT TO OVERTURN RADIO LICENCES As criticisms continue to grow over government’s refusal to recall several radio licences issued under unclear circumstances by former President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2011, private media houses have turned to the court for recourse. The legal challenge was filed last week by the National Media Publishing Company, publishers of Kaieteur News, and the Guyana Media Proprietors Association Limited (GMPA).

It named Attorney General, the Minister of Broadcasting, National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) and twelve recipients

that were granted broadcast licences by Jagdeo shortly before he ended his term in office in November 2011.

The applicants for those licences were Radio Guyana Inc- owner of Guyana Times and TVG 28; Telcor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc.; NTN Radio – owner of Channel 69; New Guyana Company Limited-owner of The Mirror newspaper; Rudolph Grant; Wireless Connection; Hits and Jams Entertainment; Alfro Alphonso and Sons; Haslyn Graham and Little Rock Television Station. ENetworks Inc and Quark Communications Inc were also named as Respondents.

According to court documents signed by Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, and filed by his lawyer, Roysdale Forde, the licences were issued under the old Post and Telegraph Act and done in bad faith, are discriminatory and not legal.

MONDAY EDITION LEARNING CHANNEL CONTROVERSIAL CONTRACT… JAGDEO IS GUILTY OF INSIDER TRADING TO ENRICH FRIENDS- APNU Guyana needs to move its legislation forward to prosecute those who use privileged information for the unjust enrichment of their friends, as in the case of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who contracted TVG, owned by his best friend, to air the Guyana Learning Channel for a hefty sum of $3.6M monthly.

According to Joseph Harmon, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, the granting of the contract by Jagdeo to his best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, is a clear indication that Ramroop was privy to Government’s plan to establish the Learning Channel and as such made the necessary investments in the relevant technologies to air it via satellite.

He stated that this

scenario is called insider trading and it is a criminal act in most developed countries.

He pointed out that in the United States of America persons were jailed for trading inside information to enrich their friends.

According to Harmon, what Jagdeo did was deceitful and criminal and the contract should be examined by the National Assembly.

EYEWITNESS IDENTIFIES MEN WHO BEAT CUYUNI MINER TO DEATH A 20-year-old miner Sunday recounted seeing John Darwin Mc Pherson take his last breath after being abducted, bound, beaten and repeatedly drenched by a group of men at Oku Backdam, Cuyuni, two Wednesdays ago. Daniel Henry, the alleged eyewitness, told Kaieteur News that he identified the men to police while they were all in custody at the Bartica Police Station. However, the suspects were all released on $100,000 station bail without charges.

Mc Pherson’s mother said she has filed a complaint at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),

while vowing to do all in her power to ensure that her son’s killers do not escape justice.

Last Sunday, a police official confirmed that the suspects were no longer in custody, but stated that police are still investigating Mc Pherson’s death and are attempting to locate three other men. According to the official, investigators are trying to ascertain who exactly inflicted the fatal injuries and are also awaiting a report from the pathologist.

A death certificate viewed

by Kaieteur News gave Mc Pherson’s cause of death as asphyxiation and also stated that he had compression injuries to the neck.

Reports indicate that 25year-old Mc Pherson was beaten at the orders of a dredge owner who had accused the Plum Park, Sophia resident of being the mastermind behind an attempt to steal gold from his camp.

TUESDAY EDITION U.S CRITICIZES GUYANA ON RADIO LICENCES The United States Government has slammed the issuance of radio licences under former President Bharrat Jagdeo. In its latest

report on human rights, which includes freedom of speech, the U.S Government said the issuance of the licences under Jagdeo “lacked transparency.”

In November 2011, the very month he was leaving the Office of the President, Jagdeo handed out ten radio licences with his friends and associates being granted 15 radio frequencies.

“In 2011 the government approved applications for 10 new radio stations, although the process was controversial, lacked transparency and contained further steps needed before the new stations could begin broadcasting,” the report on Human Rights Practices stated.

The report noted that in 2011 Parliament passed a broadcasting law that allowed for the establishment of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) with a governing board appointed by the President. It highlighted observations that few of the board members had previous media experience.

The report added that the law states that programmes that address controversial public policy or matters of political or industrial contention “must meet standards of fairness, balance and accuracy, maintaining a proper balance and respect for truth and integrity and always ensuring that opposing views are not misrepresented.”

government assistance programme last week.

During a press conference at its Kingston office, the utility company’s management said that the amount slashed would seriously affect several large scale enhancement projects currently underway to improve its efficiency. It could also lead to the very real possibilities of tariff increases for customers and impact financing by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) for the US$840M-plus Amaila Falls hydro-project.

Calling for the Opposition to reverse its decision to slash that sum from the $10.2B sum allocated, the officials said that it is unthinkable to place a hold on the projects which include new transmission lines, frequency upgrades and a new 26-megawatt Wartsila power plant at Vreeden-Hoop, West Bank Demerara. A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) used their one-seat majority last week to reduce the amount during the considerations of the 2013 National Budget in the National Assembly. The combined Opposition also slashed the budgets of National Communications Network (NCN) and Government Information Agency (GINA), two stateowned media entities which have come under criticism seemingly biased coverage of the same opposition.

GPL WANTS $5.2B BUDGET CUT REVERSED -SAYS AMAILA FALLS HYDRO, MAJOR PROJECTS AFFECTED Officials of the stateowned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) on Monday called on the Opposition to rethink its $5.2B cut to a

WEDNESDAY EDITION FUNDING FOR AIRPORT EXPANSION, OTHER TRANSPORT PROJECTS CUT FROM BUDGET In circumstances of high drama, the Parliamentary majority in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, cut (Continued on page 39)

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THE WORD IS ‘KANAIMA’ - Laura George believes these dreaded assassins killed her father

By Michael Jordan I have heard some strange stories in my time, but even I wasn’t prepared for the one that Laura George had to tell me.

I had thought that I was dealing with the ordinary unsolved murder when she asked me, via email, to write a story in her father’s honour.

But all that changed when we spoke and she uttered a word that is dreaded by her people.

The word was ‘Kanaima.’

It was around 05:00 hrs on Friday, April 1, 2011, that her father, Charles George, aged 61, left home in Chinoweing, Upper Mazaruni, to go fishing. He assured his wife, Daphne, that he would be back by 14:00 hrs.

While at home baking cassava bread and making cassiri, Daphne George learnt that her husband’s relatives, who live on the river bank where he had gone fishing, were having a get-together.

So, she wasn’t too worried

Charles George when he didn’t return as promised. She knew that the relatives liked to offer him a drink or two and he would sometimes sleep overnight.

But then Saturday afternoon came and Charles George still hadn’t returned.

His wife spent the night worrying and praying that he was fine.

Meanwhile, Charles George’s relatives from the

riverside were wondering if he had ever reached home. He had borrowed their canoe as usual and would have returned it by Saturday midday. So, an aunt of Mr. George persuaded one of her sons-in-law to go into the village to see if Charles George had arrived safely.

On Sunday, April 3, the young man’s father stopped

by Mr. George’s home.

Daphne George felt her skin grow cold. She was now certain that some horrible fate had befallen her husband.

As word started to spread that Mr. George was missing, a feeling of unease spread through the village. Mr. George and his family were held in high esteem in the community.

Mrs. George was an appointed head teacher, while her husband, a Godfearing man, was among members of his tribe who had assisted in having the New Testament of the Bible translated to the Akawaio

language. He was also the newly elected treasurer of the village’s youth football club.

No church was held on that day as search groups were dispatched to cover the area where Charles George often went fishing. Some searched both banks of the river. Others searched in canoes and two speedboats that some Brazilians, who knew and respected Mr. George, loaned the search party.

They knew that there was a chance of finding him alive, since the forests on the banks of the river were not dense.

They also surmised that if he was injured, Mr. George would try to attract someone by either shouting or firing his 12-gauge shotgun.

But night fell without the rescuers finding any sign of the missing man. Dejected, the search party headed home.

The following day, a couple who had started out before everyone else spotted a bag they knew belonged to Mr. George floating from a branch in the river.

A few metres away, they located a small wooden bench that the missing man would sit on when using the canoe. The couple was joined by other searchers, who then found the missing man’s boots floating among driftwood a few metres away from where they had located the bag. They were certain that someone had put the items there during the night.

Laura George, who works in Georgetown, received the news about her father’s disappearance on Monday, April 4, 2011.

She had spoken to her mother on the Friday via transmitter radio from Georgetown. She had enquired about her father and had cautioned them on going anywhere by themselves. She managed to catch a chartered flight to the interior.

On Tuesday, April 5, 2011, several young men who had been involved in the search decided to dive in the area where they had found Charles George’s belongings. After about twenty minutes, one of the divers surfaced and, with shock registered on his face, shouted that he had found the missing man.

Eventually, the men brought the body to shore, and what Laura George saw indicated that her father had been savagely beaten.

His mouth was bashed in, and his eyes, neck and abdominal area were swollen.

The area behind one of his ears was matted with blood.

An artist’s impression of the kanaima His body was examined by a nurse in the presence of the Village Toshao and family members.

The police, via transmitter radio, had advised the relatives to keep Mr. George’s body overnight. However, the corpse was in the early stages of decomposition and the family decided to have the victim buried and give him “the dignity of his rest.”

No autopsy was ever done. Charles George’s boat was found submerged near his body. His shotgun was never found.

Laura George firmly believes that her father was beaten on the Friday he went missing. But she does not believe that he died immediately.

“I strongly believe he was kept on land overnight and then thrown into the river the next evening, as the killers did not know what to do. We know there was more than one or even two. As to what could have triggered such cruelty to my father is a question that can never be answered nor justified. My father was the most quiet of men. He was not expressive physically, but he loved and cared for us with all his heart. During the years of our childhood, Dad always made sure that we had food in the pot when other children many times did not have.”

Laura George told me that she has no clue about the identity of her father’s killers.

But she is convinced that she knows what kind of individual committed the act.

Though the family grew up in the Christian faith, Laura George told me that she is certain that her father was killed by a ‘Kanaima’.

“People who are not indigenous people do not believe in Kanaima,” she told me. But we believe that Kanaima is involved in it.”

From the little research I have done, the word Kanaima has many meanings: A kind of assassin whose motive is often revenge; a tree in the Guyana savannahs that gives off a sap that, when rubbed into the flesh, turns one into a tiger. The late Dr. Desrey Fox had told me several years ago that the ‘Kanaima’ is a highlytrained, ninja-like assassin.

In Laura George’s case, she believes that the ‘Kanaima’ that killed her father is someone gifted in unique methods of assassination. One sign of a ‘Kanaima’ death is that the victim’s intestines are ‘knotted up’. Ms. George says she has seen ‘Kanaima’ victims before.

“In Kanaima murders you don’t see the physical evidence of death until after,” she said. She believes that her father’s injuries were visible because he fought back with his attacker.

“My father used to say that if any Kanaima attacks him he would fight back.”

Laura George told me that she expressed her suspicions to the police, who also believe that her father was murdered.

She believes that the persons (Continued on page 38)

Sunday April 28, 2013

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MY COLUMN

Life is full of contradictions The global scene is a remarkable study of doublespeak and bluff at the same time. It is also an apt learning ground for people who want to better understand the country in which they live.

I live in Guyana and although I have been living in this country for more than six decades, I am still to understand the direction in which it is heading.

This past week, President Donald Ramotar took offence at the human rights report released by the United States State Department.

The State Department was critical about many things in Guyana, things that have been gripping national attention for a long time.

For example, there has been no Ombudsman for so long that present-day reporters who are often too lazy to read or to do research, do not know what an Ombudsman is or what he does. Some of them are in their mid-twenties and they say that they never heard of the Office of the Ombudsman except when the politicians speak.

The politicians also spoke about a National Procurement Commission, especially in the wake of the award of contracts to people deemed as friends of the government. There is legislation, but it is still to take effect. The opposition politicians feel that the delay is due to the fact that the government wants to continue awarding contracts to its chosen few.

The Integrity Commission is another area that has come under focus. All prominent holders of public office should declare their assets. This body is still to be reconstituted and the government is blaming the opposition for failing to name its members to the commission.

The US State Department also commented on these things, much to the annoyance of President Donald Ramotar. He fired right back, telling the Americans that they should be among the last to talk about human rights and decency.

He pointed to the situation at Guantanamo, where the Americans have been holding some prisoners, and

also to the torture technique called waterboarding.

There are many things that I find interesting in the exchange. For one, the message is since you are no better, then don’t lecture to me. That may be a good response except that every criticism, from every source offers a chance for introspection.

As a child growing up my parents often told me not to do things that I would see them do. I would get angry and ask myself why if they could do it I can’t.

I later did the same thing to my sons. I smoked but advised them against smoking. The reason was that I knew about the addiction and I wanted to have them avoid it. I failed because they too smoked.

I knew of mothers who tried to have their daughters avoid the pitfalls that they, the mothers, fell into. Many years ago I was at Imbaimadai and I met a woman who was doing what women did best in the interior in those days.

She had a daughter back home and she said to me that she would kill any man who

messed with her daughter.

There are many like this woman. Some would actually sit with their children and tell them not to take her life as an example because she was doing what she did to support them.

So it must have been when the Americans pronounced on Guyana, but President Ramotar took the high ground and simply said, “Don’t lecture to me. You have no authority.”

It was the same when Transparency International reported on corruption in Guyana. Guyana knocked the report as being something concocted by people who did not understand Guyana and who had a political axe to grind.

But one view was that Guyana should have taken note of the report and tried to correct the flaws that appeared rather than knock the entire report.

Indeed, there is duplicity in this world. On the one hand we speak of avoiding interference in the internal affairs of a country and on the other we rush to invade when we think that there are people

who share our interests but who appear to be under siege.

We invade. That must be interfering in the internal affairs of a country. But then again, it is a case of offering a helping hand to people who are under attack and who would certainly be exterminated.

When Venezuela became bellicose Guyana sought the involvement of the international community. We suggested dialogue and we still hold to the view that dialogue holds the key to so many things. Indeed, if only people could talk then there would be no need for violence. But we don’t heed our own advice.

Our present political situation is a classic example.

There were cuts to aspects of the budget and now we are talking about

Adam Harris going to the courts to restore the cuts; we are talking about hindrance to development and above all we are pointing accusing fingers, making the situation about us and them.

The opposition asked to be involved in the budget presentation but the government declined.

A chance for dialogue and cooperation went abegging.

So much for the policy of doing as I say and not as I do.

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The 2013 approved budget of $177 Billion provides opportunities for the Government to move this country forward in a sustainable manner. This was the objective of the Alliance For Change during the almost one month of debates and examination of the estimates.

There are still areas where the AFC would have liked to see more details being provided by the Government, and other areas where the Party is not fully convinced that the allocations satisfy the most urgent needs of the people. However, the AFC believes it is incumbent that the business of running this country must proceed in the least disruptive manner.

While the PPPC Government continues its mad rampage in trying to malign the AFC over what was proposed but not approved, almost nothing is being said about the massive allocations approved for various sectors.

As an example, let us take a look at the allocations proposed for the Ministry of

Kaieteur News

Amerindian Affairs and which were approved in its entirety: $77.9M requested and approved for Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation; $350M to commence the implementation in 2013 of 180 Community Development Plans which are aimed at generating the economies of the Amerindian communities; $66M for continuation of the Hinterland Scholarship Programme; $200M to support the implementation of a new Amerindian youth entrepreneurship and apprenticeship training scheme; $500M to roll out the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) initiative to Amerindian villages; $7.520M for the maintenance of the Amerindian Residence, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the student dormitory at Liliendaal; $30 M, some of which is to be used to take children home from various hinterland

dormitories and to provide, where necessary, flights to patients going in directions that require such; $31M for National Events including Hope Amerindian Village Day, regional village days, North Rupununi Village Day, sport events, village expo, participation in Mashramani and Independence celebrations, Rupununi Rodeo, Rupununi Expo, Upper Mazaruni sports and Moruca Expo.

Also receiving the full support of the AFC, were the total allocations for the Guyana Elections Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Citizens’ Security Programme, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, and many others. In fact, very few areas proposed by the government did not receive the full

support of the AFC. Of those few areas that did not receive the AFC’s support, the reasons for withholding support are varied but ultimately cater for the nation’s best interest.

On the LCDS, the nation must understand that of the $20 billion requested, $19 billion has not yet received the approval of the GRIF International partners. If this money was approved by the parliamentary opposition but failed to get the nod from the GRIF international partners, that would result in an additional $19 billion deficit.

Surely, this is something to be avoided. The AFC; like it did in 2012, has made it clear and has given the assurance that as soon as the IDB approves the projects to be funded with the $19 billion, the AFC will support a supplementary paper for this amount. The nation has our word on that!

On the Specialty Hospital $1.25 billion, the total allocation for this project was not approved.

The government wants the nation

Sunday April 28, 2013

to believe that health care would suffer if this hospital is not built. This is clearly an absurd position for the government to take. At present, there are a number of health care institutions all across Guyana that are in desperate need of repairs and a number of others that need to be rebuilt. All of them need equipment or to be refurbished to some extent.

Would it not be a better use of money to repair and properly equip these facilities? The government is touting this project as ‘medical tourism’. Does it make sense to spend billions so that you can provide medical care for a tourist while so many of our mothers die in childbirth?

The Alliance For Change is certain that every Guyanese understands why $217.1M for NCN and GINA were cut.

But, let us make it clear, funding to the tune of $65 million was approved for NCN capital works programme. The government is not saying a word about this! Why were

cuts made to these entities?

They both fail to observe the basic level of good journalism and operate as entities of the PPP rather that as entities of the State. The AFC has said before, as long as NCN and GINA operate as agencies in service of the PPP, then they will have to look to the PPP for funding. $5.2 Billion was cut from the allocations for GPL. Over the years, the power company has continued to enjoy bailouts using taxpayers’ money while promises to bring the Company in line fall far short. Every year, when the Government asks for a bailout of this entity, it is with the undertaking that things will get better and the service provided will improve. Little improvement has been seen.

It is important to note that while GPL Managers and others in government threaten increases in tariffs, the very same managers take home hefty salaries of millions of dollars every month.

The $5.36 billion cut from (Continued on page 38)

Sunday April 28, 2013

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Ravi Dev Column

There has been an interesting discussion between PM Sam Hinds and former Minister of Education Dr Henry Jeffrey about possible ways of moving out of our Sisyphean political paradigm.

However while debating “shared government” versus “shared governance”, both interlocutors, like other politicians of the modern era, studiously ignored the possibility that our unitary state-structure might be part of the problem.

It would appear that Sir Arthur Lewis’ 1964 commendation of “coalition and federalism” for the institutionalisation of democracy in plural societies, has been forgotten.

I offer the following from my “For a New Political Culture”, mentioned last week, to illustrate my point: “Democracy” and “plural societies” are not mutually exclusive but on the other hand one must recognise t h e obstacles the latter condition poses to the former ideal.

Over the last twenty-five years, (forty-five if we accept Dr Jeffrey’s thesis that the PPP practiced the same governance model albeit using different mechanisms) Guyana has experienced one “solution” to the problem of a plural society: an authoritarian de-facto one party state that attempted t o impose unity by militarising the society under a purported “non-ethnic” ideology.

It was a complete failure: new approaches are necessary.

The proposals attempt to directly address conflicts in a plural society and this is an essential aspect of the process of integration.

The incentives that groups would be given to negotiate and bargain, over

The extent of child sex would be further revealed when the authorities pay a surprise visit to two Middle Mazaruni locations. Just recently a group, responding to a tip, made a not so common discovery and sparked criminal proceedings.

This time the authorities are going to get a firsthand view. The administration is going to apply band aid because the situation would be bigger than ever anticipated. ** A case of poor parenting

time should provide the basis for these groups to recognise their mutual interdependence and unity.

Approaches towards ameliorating the intensity of ethnic politics and moving it away from a zero sum position fall under two broad approaches: structural and distributive.

The two strategies are not mutually exclusive and in fact can be tailored to complement each other.

They incorporate five mechanisms to reduce conflict and encourage cooperation.

• Dispersal of power from away from the centre, towards the periphery where each ethnic group may have a share.

• Creating incentives for intra-ethnic rather than interethnic rivalries.

• Creating incentives for inter-ethnic cooperation.

• Initiating policies, which emphasize interests other than ethnic ones.

• Reducing the gap between the various groups in contested areas.

One important caveat is that innovations should not be frozen in perpetuity; there must be mechanisms for incorporating changes as the society inevitably progresses and evolves and as the consequences of the initiatives are greater appreciated.

In this excerpt we focus on Political Devolution and suggest that Guyana should be reconstituted as a Federal Republic.

In a society where the major ethnic groups each constitute majorities in different areas of the country, as in Guyana, political devolution offers the largest number of initiatives towards addressing ethnic insecurity.

There are several variants of devolution, ranging from

strong Local Government to Federalism. The latter arrangement offers the most benefits to Guyana.

1. Abolishing winnertake-all politics.

In a federal structure, the central government would be concerned with national issues such as defence and foreign policy.

There would be substantial autonomy to the separate states, which will guarantee that the inhabitants of each state have real power over their lives.

Police functions, local development, local taxation and spending are only a few of the functions of the State Governments.

African Guyanese, for instance, would possess real power in Demerara, while the same would be true for Indian Guyanese in Berbice and Amerindian Guyanese in the interior states.

2. Removing the struggle for power at the centre.

When the centre does not possess all the power, the struggle to control it is not as intense.

The competition will be distributed among the states as groups within attempt to control. National politics will not be a zero sum game; “losers” will still be guaranteed power at the state level.

3. Creating intra-ethnic rivalry Fragmentation of the electorate leads to a lesser possibility of the majority dominating. Guyanese Indian politicians, dominant in Berbice or the Essequibo Coast, are more likely to see themselves as rivals for power at the centre.

Additionally, within a state, since one ethnic group will have an overwhelming majority, intra-ethnic rivalry will develop since no threat will be perceived to be coming from ‘out groups’ and there

would lead to a drowning.

Absent supervision would see a young boy joining friends and heading for a jaunt in a popular location.

There would be horse play that would lead to a fatality.

Friends would clam up initially but some shocking

things are too difficult to remain hidden. ** The drug world is unforgiving. When there are losses, there are robberies and some shootings. This trend will continue because once more the authorities are going to discover a quantity of cocaine packaged for shipment to Europe.

The owners-they are more than one-are not going to take kindly to the loss especially since this would be the third in six months.

Look out for the fall out.

will be no place for ‘not splitting the vote’.

4. Encouraging coalitions at the centre In a situation where different interests will be represented at the centre, there will be incentives for cooperation between various states to ensure the implementation of common programs.

5. Creating fluidity and multi-polar balance rather than the previous bipolar confrontation.

As the various states manoeuvre for the maximum benefits for their citizens, the alliances at the centre will shift, depending on the issue.

This should move the conflict from the more volatile bipolar

mode.

6. Furthering the political philosophy of Government being responsive to the people and never overwhelming them.

The closer Government is to the people the more responsive it ought to be.

The state government should be the most sensitive to the idiosyncrasies of its citizens and region.

Ravi Dev

Local courts for instance would be most sympathetic to autochthonous needs.

Page 36

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 28, 2013

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

A weekend when the imagination died I have been in political activism since I was sixteen.

In this long journey of crusade, I have witnessed countless moments of piercing angst in the life of Guyana as dictatorship swallowed up the hopes, dreams, and expectations of the people of my country.

Last week was a particularly cruel moment in the history of my praxis. Last week’s outrage destroyed imagination. It reminded me of the title Francis Fukuyama gave to his seminal book after the collapse of world communism; “The End of History.”

Last week in Guyana, we reached the end of imagination. Imagination could no longer conjure up visions, images and perceptions. Imagination died. This is a country where if it had a hundred million citizens, a large economy and post-industrial wealth, 20th century European fascism may have been reenacted.

Sense and sensibility and freedom did not exist in Guyana last week. It was a barren land when time, freedom and reason collapsed into an ocean of despair.

First, the amazing opposition parties have been invited to be part of an old circus that came to town in 2012 and died a cruel death soon after. The President has brought back to life the tripartite budget committee.

Why the opposition would want to be part of a narrow process called budget talks and not governance dialogue defies logic. Why our incredible opposition parties would want to confabulate with the Government from July 2013 to budget time in March 2014 over the budget, rather than on governance, makes no sense. But then again, sense died last week.

Sensibility went out the window when the dictatorship screamed at the budget cuts but regurgitated its 2012 bullyism. Last year, the budget of Region Four was chopped by the very crying government by seventy-five percent. Read again, not fifteen percent but seventy-five.

This year the masquerade was more sickening. The Region Four budget was redrafted not by the elected Region Four chairman but the centrally-appointed officer,

and the chairman did not know what was inside his own book of estimates.

I have always argued since the historically unique 2011 election results that if the Executive does not recognize the electoral integrity in the Legislature’s existence, then the latter must withhold recognition of the Executive.

Here now is an example where we have reached the end of imagination. The Executive denounced the curtailment of its 2013 estimates by the opposition, but that very central regime chopped off the head of the estimates of a local municipality that the citizens of Region Four voted for, including this columnist.

Can anyone imagine a greater game of farce?

Farce was not the word to use to describe our journey into the chasm of madness last week when the Guyana Energy Authority fired six employees over failed lie detector tests. The victims claimed that the questions were not related to their work environment. Let us assume that they are not telling the truth, then it still leaves the pressing question as to who framed the questions and

what are the contents.

If we accept the explanation of the dismissed employees that the inquiries were not work related then this country has gone further down a path that we must immediately try to stop.

What were the answers that caused the employees to be dismissed?

The Government must offer the opposition an explanation assuming that APNU and the AFC want a report. Is it possible those workers failed the polygraph because they were probed on issues that were personal and they did indeed not tell the truth?

If they did, that was no other person’s business than their own. For example, “Do you know anyone in your life that once stole?” If you say no and the machine fires off a rejection, it means you lied.

Was it that kind of situation these victimized workers found themselves in?

One wonders what must be going through the minds of these victims. The opposition has a majority in Parliament but six public servants could be fired without just cause and the opposition will be meeting the

President and his underlings for talks on the 2014 budget.

Finally, last Thursday the shifting sands of deceit and deception of the rulers of this nation were laid bare. I was present at the Plaisance Community Centre ground when Minister Juan Edghill told the gathering that the egovernance tower cannot be erected at Sparendaam where the radio station transmitters once were because the site is the intended home of the CARICOM Secretary General.

Last Thursday we were

Frederick Kissoon told that if put there it would be in the path of flights from Ogle airport. The contempt for this nation by its government is beyond imagination.

Missing Amerindian...

From page 30 establishment of ministerial committees and the publication of fake reports can diminish the impact of underlying social and economic problems – particularly youth unemployment in Amerindian villages – which have contributed to this mainly hinterland crime. Leader of the Opposition David Granger has repeated his call for the PPPC administration to intensify anti-trafficking training for police and magistrates; improve policing in ‘the hinterland; increase its efforts to employ more efficient law-enforcement techniques; investigate and convict offenders and enhance assistance for victims of trafficking. The PPPC administration cannot continue to disregard US Government reports because they are unfavourable or embarrassing. Most of all, the government cannot continue to deny the gravity of the crime and cannot continue to deny protection to its vulnerable citizens –women and girl children.

Page 38

Book Review:

By Dr Glenville Ashby Chénelle Taylor blazes a trail of despair and disappointment in “50 dates with 17 Mr. Wrongs.” It’s a bruising attack on Jamaican men, their misplaced values and blaring disregard for women. Taylor’s work is anecdotal - her personal experiences with a band of scoundrels bent on honouring the machismo script to the hilt.

S h e ’s raw and authentic, snidely ascribing a moniker to each male disaster - The Snake, The Captain, Mr Affluent - just a few of the rotten apples presented.

And the tales of woe flow, unceasingly. She tells how a once promising romance dovetailed into an abyss of misery; how her “Love” became verbally abusive, launching into wild tirades.

“He accused me of being condescending, silly, overly analytical…He could not understand my need to be refreshed with courting and romance, or my need to meet his mother…”

A forensic psychologist,

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 28, 2013

Book blasts Jamaican men but questions linger Taylor well understands that her undertaking is far from empirically definitive. She concedes that much. Yet, she is convinced that there is something wretched, damning about her fellow countrymen.

She lays down her rules.

Her counsel to other women is lucid, stark. Beware, think, tread lightly. And for men, she is quite blunt: Mend your ways.

Who can argue with her advice? She writes : “It is safer to avoid getting involved with a man who is about to leave the country…All that glitters is not gold; all sweet talk is not Prince Charming.”

Later, she warns, “Avoid men who are a financial liability,” and “A significant age gap with the person you are dating calls for serious consideration in the prospect of sustained compatibility……Maltreatment on the first date is irredeemable. If the first date is bad…do not agree to the second.”

She then admonishes the guilty, “Much of the distress you cause the unsuspecting female is avoidable. Learn the

virtue of honesty.”

This is Taylor’s vent, her catharsis. Curiously, it adds a perversely hypnotic appeal to her work.

Her dates are either selfabsorbed, duplicitous, financially hamstrung, immature or predatory.

Taylor’s ride has been a tumultuous one.

And her work loudly reflects that of a wounded soul.

No doubt, her revelations will rally women - jilted on not - to coalesce around her cause.

Such is the populist appeal of “50 Something Dates.” After all, male bashing is today’s zeitgeist.

And Taylor honours that marauding spirit with a sentient knife that cuts through just about every page.

But Taylor, like other women, should also be in our sociological cross hairs.

What do clinicians say about women who repeatedly fall for less than worthy men?

And to what extent is the women’s liberation driven by social forces bent on effacing

natural sensibilities and maternalism?

Taylor concedes that her driving ambition and independence may have contributed to what she terms her “dating inurement.”

These are loaded words upon which women should reflect.

Are the so called traditional roles of women inherently anachronistic...an albatross that robs women of their self worth…a reminder of “dark days?”

Traditionalism and modernity need not be irreconcilable.

Not that male culture ought not to be reexamined.

With all its emotional ranting, Taylor manages to raise some ontological and psycho-sociological questions that transcend Jamaican society. Today, men are being reined in.

Some bend to watchdog groups; others become mired in a social limbo; while others lash out, sometimes with deadly consequences.

Paternalistic cultures are under relentless pressure to change.

But can they, or will they?

Are men, by nature just different? Remember the contemporary maxim: “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus?”

Of course, there is no excuse for venality and treachery, but as an academic, Taylor must look deeper at the social institutions that spawn these rejects. In like

vein, we are all called upon to look within and find our own happiness.

Taylor promises a sequel.

Hopefully, she will pursue the sociological angle. Who else is more qualified for such an undertaking?

Regrettably, assailing the Jamaican man is a reflection of a society turned on its head.

Taylor has not only revealed a personal wound, but has invited a debate on culture, gender politics and the changing role of women.

Well before she offers her

prescription for the ills of Jamaican men, readers are hooked.

But, all this is pales to “50 something Dates,” as a strident call that should provoke the conscience of a nation. glenvilleashby@gmail.com/ Follow me on Twitter @glenvilleashby 50 Something Dates with 17 Mr. Wrongs by Chénelle Taylor Publisher: CreateSpace ISBN: 148266045 Available: Amazon.com Rating: Interesting Read

The Budget Adjustments...

From page 34 the Ministry of Public Works could have been minimized had the government been willing to work with the opposition. The intention of the AFC was to cut only that allocation for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

A typographical error which could have been easily corrected was exploited by the government which resulted in cuts in more areas

than intended.

Despite the ramblings about “cuts” to the budget, the important fact that many overlook is that the first “cut” made to the budget was in fact made by the PPP G o v e r n m e n t when they consistently refused year after year to place “ALL” revenues into the Consolidated Fund. These include the Lotto Funds, GNCB, all the NICIL funds including income from the

sale of GT&T shares to name a few. Not forgetting the millions found in several “special accounts” that the Auditor General has identified over the years.

At the end of the day until all our revenues are accounted for and declared to the Parliament, the Alliance For Change will continue to scrutinize in detail any proposed budget, ensuring the best use of the Public’s funds.

THE WORD IS ‘KANAIMA’..

From page 32 who killed her father are still using his shotgun.

I asked her if she wasn’t afraid for her own safety, if indeed a ‘Kanaima’ had killed her father “I’m not afraid. I’m angry at this time,” she said. This murder can be solved. We are hoping that someone comes forward (with information).

Most of what Dad will be remembered for was his unwavering trust and belief in

God. He also made sure that he fulfilled his purpose in showing his children and leading us to know …so sometimes we question why – even though we may be wrong, why God allowed this to happen to such a wonderful man. Dad loved us dearly and he knew that he was loved in return and will be loved beyond death.

This remains our consolation that keeps us going and leaning on each

other.

We also strongly believe that justice must be served.”

If you know of any unusual cases please contact us at Kaieteur News. We can be reached on telephone numbers 22-58465, 2258491, and 22-58458.

You need not disclose your identity. You can also reach Michael Jordan at his email address mjdragon@hotmail.com

Sunday April 28, 2013

From page 31 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.

HURURU RESIDENTS BLOCK RIVER TO STOP RUSAL BARGES - AS PROTEST INTENSIFIES OVER LOGGING HALT Residents of Hururu, Upper Berbice, on Tuesday strung lengths of wire 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 alreadycut 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

Kaieteur News

Berbice community and members of the Council.

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

THURSDAY EDITION MANICKCHAND SAYS GOV’T NOT FATTENING BOBBY RAMROOP …AS SHE DEFENDS USING TVG FOR SATELLITE UPLINK Minister of Education Priya Manickchand on Wednesday defended the use of TVG for satellite uplink of programmes for broadcast on the Learning Channel. She said that the $3.6 million being paid monthly to TVG is not being used to fatten Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, who owns the channel.

Ramroop is the best friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, under whom the Learning Channel was established.

Manickchand had earlier explained that because the Learning Channel’s bandwidth is bundled with the bandwidth of TVG they are able to negotiate better rates from the satellite operators. Manickchand sought to use the example of a charter air service. Instead of chartering an entire plane, a person could piggy back on whoever is taking the charter and just pay for a seat, she said. But as to who the other passengers in her example could be, Manickchand could not answer. She maintained that TVG is not conducting its business at the expense of taxpayers. The Minister was also adamant that TVG did not set up its teleport with clear knowledge that it could benefit from the rental money from the learning channel.

Dr. Seeta Roath, who manages the Learning Channel, said the final agreement which was concluded in 2010, requires TVG to provide the Learning Channel with a guaranteed satellite transport network service which includes Satellite Uplink; Adequate Satellite bandwidth; 24 Hours monitoring; Full system redundancy; guaranteed power; and guaranteed reception with the minimum possible size receiving antenna.

RAMOTAR BLAMED FOR ABSENCE OF INTEGRITY COMMISSION– AFC The non-enactment of the Integrity Act by not appointing independent reliable individuals to become members of the Integrity Commission is wholly President Donald Ramotar’s responsibility, says Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC).

According to Ramjattan, by virtue of Guyana’s

Constitution the Integrity Act could only come into being when the President appoints members of the Integrity Commission. And, the President having been in Office for over a year, has not moved in this regard.

The 33-member Opposition in the National Assembly cannot do anything but beg Government to establish the much needed Commission, he declared.

The AFC Leader made those comments in response to the United States of America 2012 Human Rights Report which highlighted Government’s apparent ineffectiveness in implementing laws that provide for criminal penalties for corruption by public officials. The US Human Rights Report zeroed in on the fact that public officials are subject to financial disclosure laws and are required to submit information about personal assets to the Integrity Commission. Ramjattan related that the Opposition has been begging Government repeatedly to reconstitute the Integrity Commission to adequately deal with alleged and real corruption.

To date, Government has not moved forward in this regard.

FRIDAY EDITION BUDGET PASSED MINUS $31.4B - RAMOTAR AGREES TO TRIPARTITE BUDGET COMMITTEE After almost a month of arguments, the National Assembly on Wednesday evening approved the 2013 National Budget, but $31.35 billion less than what was originally presented to the House.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh had presented a $208.8 billion budget on March 25.

After a series of amendments, the budget was reduced to $177.4 billion.

The last budget cut occurred on Wednesday, when $19 billion was slashed from the allocation for the Low Carbon Development Strategy. The opposition argued that the money has not yet been approved by the Inter-American Development Bank, but once it is approved, the government can return to the National Assembly and ask for approval. The second largest cut was $5.6 billion under the Ministry of Public Works.

The opposition had only intended to cut $5.3 billion for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion plan, citing lack of transparency. However, owing to a mistake, the opposition had no choice but

Page 39

to cut funding for the airport expansion plan and other transport projects, including for hinterland airstrips, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ogle Airport. The third largest cut was $5.2 billion in subsidies for the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated. The other cuts were $1.25 billion for the Specialty Hospital on the grounds that there was a lack of transparency, and a total of $217.1 million from the Government Information Agency and the state-run TV and radio NCN, on grounds that the entities were only pushing propaganda and shutting out opposition voices.

ABSENCE OF VITAL COMMISSIONS FRUSTRATES, DISAPPOINTS PSC The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is disappointed that vital Commissions that would essentially ensure accountability and transparency of Government and public officials are taking too long to be established.

This sentiment was expressed Thursday by Ramesh Dookhoo, Executive Member of the PSC, during a press conference focusing primarily on the Opposition cutting $31.35B from the $208.8B Budget proposed by Government.

There, he drew the nexus between Guyana’s economic reality and governance in terms of domestic issues, and emphasized that governance cannot be divorced from investors’ confidence and economic stability. Dookhoo indicated that limited access to information, inability to communicate and Government not meeting the demands of an 11-point proposal crafted by the Opposition, might have been

responsible for the cuts. He related that the PSC had examined the proposal and found many of the points to be reasonable, while others should not have been included if Government had stayed within the law.

The Executive Member said that all the outstanding Commissions to be established is a state of affairs that is frustrating the PSC. He lamented that this scenario has been ongoing for years.

SATURDAY EDITION PRESIDENT RAMOTAR TELLS US CLEAN YOUR HOUSE FIRST, DON’T LECTURE US The ruling administration, upset over recent, stinging criticisms by the US Government on corruption and the controversial issuance of several radio licences, has reacted sharply with a message of its own.

On the comments contained in the ‘United States of America 2012 Human Rights Report’ released over the weekend, President Donald Ramotar was uncharacteristically harsh, telling the US to clean up its house first. During a press conference at his Vlissengen Road office on Friday, Ramotar said that nobody has the right to lecture Guyana.

“I don’t feel we should be lectured upon; I don’t think that anybody has the moral right to lecture upon us.” He drew reference to the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba, a detainment and interrogation facility of the US military, which recently saw several prisoners going on a hunger strike to protest abuse. The Head of State admitted: “We do have issues (here). We have to try to work very hard to eradicate some of the

weaknesses in our system.”

The President said that Guyana has taken steps to address some of the weaknesses in the system.

One of these is a move to tackle money laundering and possible financing of terrorism. The Amendment Bill was recently tabled in the National Assembly and is designed to close current loopholes in the law.

CJIA CUTS AIMED AT STAVING OFF MORE INDEBTEDNESS – AFC Moves by the parliamentary opposition to slash some $5.3 billion from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project is in fact a strategic tactic intended to save Guyana from more indebtedness.

This is the deduction of the Alliance for Change (AFC) whose members at a press conference Friday, sought to justify the cut to the expansion project which has been vehemently criticised by Government. It is the view of the AFC that the project is one that can ultimately jeopardise the future of the country. AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, said that while the party holds in high regard the comments of Chairman of the Board of Directors of CJIA, Ramesh Dookhoo, that cutting the allocation could, among other things, affect investors’ confidence in Guyana, this would not necessarily be the case. According to Ramjattan if Government is allowed to proceed with the project, Guyana could incur a debt that is tantamount to an additional $32 billion. He explained that once permitted, the project would see Government gaining a loan of US$138 million from the China Exim Bank.

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 45

The Abigail Column An unusual ex-wife issue

DEARABIGAIL, My boyfriend of almost a year is good friends with his ex-wife, which is great. Before I met him, I worked with said ex-wife. We were friendly coworkers — had nice chats, etc. but never hung out.

I never knew the two of them as a couple, and everyone is happy with the current situation; there’s no

tension. We occasionally catch up over drinks — sometimes the three of us, sometimes with other mutual friends. It’s all great.

Here’s my issue: They both think she and I should be good friends independently, while I see us more as friendly acquaintances.

We don’t have much in common besides a shared work history and a man. For the record, I view this in the same light as going out with his sister; I wouldn’t want to go out with her alone, either.

My boyfriend thinks I’m being unreasonable in having reservations. He says I only

think it’s weird because “society” tells me I should think it’s weird. It makes me uncomfortable, so I’m siding with society, but what do you think?

Confused Dear Confused, Right now, the score is you, me and society: 1; boyfriend: 0. You might ask him why this matters to him.

If pushed, you could say she’s OK, but she wouldn’t be your pick for a girlfriend if left to your own devices, and what you find weird is that he is trying to push the friendship.

That ought to settle the matter.

Sunday April 28, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): Time may appear to be running slowly today as everything seems to take longer than expected. You adopt a serious attitude this morning, especially if you must overcome an obstacle that catches you off guard.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): It’s not helpful if you’re indecisive about spending money today. Stick to your budget or you could find yourself in a difficult cash position sooner than you might expect.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21):

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): Your attempts to restore balance in a relationship may be thwarted today, especially if you think you can take the easy way out. Seriously consider what others say before rejecting a new perspective just because it’s inconvenient.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Serving others today can bring you more contentment than you expect, even if your own needs remain unfulfilled.

Someone’s selfish behavior may upset you now, prompting you to resist doing anything nice.

CANCER (June 21–July 22): It’s challenging to control your cravings for pleasure today, especially if you have worked hard and believe you now deserve some time off to replenish your energy.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): Maintaining an even keel on the home front can be an annoying struggle today, especially if someone is tempting you with the potential of a great party or some other fun-filled distraction.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): You might kick your day off with the best of intentions by aiming to be methodical about accomplishing your goals.

Interactions with others may be strained today as the stubborn Taurus Sun opposes cautious Saturn from the 7th House of Partners. You might think the smartest solution is to withdraw from social activities ... yet keep in mind that retreat doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): A religious or spiritual retreat can offer you muchneeded peace today, but you must be committed to follow through with your practices if they are to have a longlasting positive impact.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19):

Determine what you should be doing today by concentrating on where you want to end up.

Unfortunately, you might be drawn toward different activities.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): Your current sense of so c i a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y i s strong, yet you may be looking for a loophole in an agreement you previously made.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): The Sun’s opposition to stern Saturn in your 9th House of Philosophy encourages you to rationalize your actions with authoritarian ideas.

MTV CHANNEL 14/ CABLE 65 06:30hrs - Prayag Vanie 07:00hrs - Toolsie Persaud Ltd. Bhajan Hour 07:30hrs - CNN News 08:00hrs - Christ for the Nation 08:30hrs - Puran Brothers: Shiva Bhajans 09:00hrs - Muslim Melodies with Al Madina Exclusive 09:30hrs - Teleview Kutbah 10:00hrs - DJ Stress Indian Movie 13:00hrs - Garam Geet 14:00hrs - The Variety Show with WR Reaz 15:00hrs - Sitcom 16:00hrs - Bollywood Sensation with Kavita 17:00hrs - Birthdays & Other

greetings 17:15hrs - Death Announcements/ In memoriam 17:30hrs - CNN News 18:00hrs - Sitcom 18:30hrs - DNA TV Show 19:00hrs - JKS TV Show 19:30hrs - BBC World News 20:00hrs - Sangeet Mehfil 21:00hrs - Indian movie DTV CHANNEL 8 09:25 hrs. Sign On 09:30 hrs. Turning Point 10:00 hrs. Kickin’ It 10:30 hrs. Lab Rats 11:00 hrs. The Amazing Spider-Man 12:00 hrs. Movie: Crowned and Dangerous

14:00 hrs. Movie: The Perfect Roommate 16:00 hrs. Monk 18:00 hrs. Catholic Magazine (Faith in Action) 18:30 hrs. Know Your Bible 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Once Upon a Time (New Episode) 21:00 hrs. The Good Wife (Season Finale) 22:00 hrs. The Mentalist (New Episode) 23:00 hrs. Sign Off

Guides are subjected to change without notice

Page 46

Kaieteur News

GSCL 12/12 Championships postponed Semi-finals and final pushed back to next Sunday DUE to the persistent rainfall experienced over the past four days, which has left the Everest Cricket Club ground in a soggy condition, the Georgetown S o f t b a l l Cricket League (GSCL) has postponed their organised 12/12 championships from today to next week Sunday, weather permitting.

Last year ’s Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company nationwide 10/10 softball champions Regal XI, Speedboat, Memorex XI and Trophy Stall have all earned the rights to compete in the semifinals, after their dominance over their group opponents.

Playing out of Group B on opening day last Saturday, Speedboat XI defeated Recharge XI and Farm XI to book a meeting with Group C winners Regal XI, who mauled Bartica Challengers and Cotton Field Wild Oats last Sunday.

The other semifinals will pit Group A winners Memorex XI, who defeated both Herstelling and Smith’s XI in their preliminary round encounters, against Trophy Stall who topped Group D, with victories over Universal DVD Titans and Hillfoot Vipers.

To date, Speedboat XI’s Greg Singh, who has so far scored the lone century in the tournament, Regal XI’s Patrick Rooplall and Memorex’s Shimron Hetmyer have all placed themselves in contention for the Man-ofthe-Series prize.

Singh scored 126 and 51 in his team’s opening matches, Hetmyer a national Under-19 opener an unbeaten 82 and 72 for Memorex, while Rooplall missed being the second batsman to chalk up a century, by one run, with his unbeaten 99.

As an added attraction for the hundreds of spectators

who are expected to witness the action free of cost, there will be a raffle at $100 a ticket and carries a first prize of one Daewoo double door refrigerator.

The second- to fifth-place prizes for the raffle, which will be drawn on the final day of the tournament, are: a threepiece living room suite, one 32" LCD Sony Bravia television set, a Royal fourburner gas stove and a Gshock mountain bicycle respectively, with all proceeds from the raffle going to charity.

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 S t a l l are some of the sponsors on board with this tournament.

Sunday April 28, 2013

31st NSC 3-Stage Cycle Road Race – May 18 & 19

Explosive & fast paced event anticipated - Hassan Mohamed

By Franklin Wilson National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed, who was in the Ancient County of Berbice this past week piecing together arrangements for the 31st edition of the National Sports Commission (NSC) 3Sateg Cycle Road Race, says that he is anticipating an explosive and fast paced event.

This year’s race will see the competitors traversing the usual route starting off at the Corriverton Police Station on the morning of Saturday May 18 from 07:30hrs proceeding to Charles Place, New Amsterdam for the end of the first stage.

The second stage will also pedal off on May 18, from Rosignol on the West Coast of Berbice from 14:00hrs with the finish taking place at Carifesta Avenue in the Capital City.

The third and final stage begins in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden on Sunday May 19 from 08:00hrs and will end on Homestretch Avenue in the City.

To date, Mohamed said

Hassan Mohamed that the response has been very encouraging from all quarters. “Plans have been progressing very well so far, I just returned from Berbice where I went to finalise plans for this race, as you know it has really picked up momentum over the past years and is looked forward to by many competitors in the Caribbean and further afield.”

Last year’s race attracted 86 starters and Mohamed is hopeful that this year they can better that figure as well as

see a more competitive event with the local riders stepping up their game and plan.

The defending champion is Team Coco’s Miami, Ivan Dominguez, who finished the 171.5 miles event in Six Hours 44 Minutes 54 Seconds.

Mohamed informed that he is expecting riders from Trinidad and Tobago, Anguilla, Suriname and the USA. Team Coco’s Guyana will also compete, which include the quartet that is presently undergoing a high performance training stint in Columbia; Raynauth Jeffrey, Raul Leal, Paul DeNobrega and Christopher Holder.

Fans will be eager to witness the quartet showing off what they would have learnt during this one month programme that they are on, fully funded by Team Coco’s Miami.

Cyclists and officials will leave Georgetown after lunch on Friday May 17 for Berbice.

Meanwhile, the next event on this year’s calendar will be the 3rd Powerade 11Race Meet at the National Park on May 11.

Top horses, big money as Kennard Memorial Turf Club stages Independence meet Several exciting races are carded for the day when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) stages its Independence horserace meet at the club’s Bush Lot Farm Corentyne headquarters on Sunday May 19 next.

Turfites will be treated to 7 exciting races among the country’s top horses with the feature attraction being the D1 & Lower over a distance of 7 furlongs. The winner carts off $500,000 while the runner up wins half that amount. The third and fourth place finishers receive $125,000 and $63,000 respectively.

Several other events are slated for the day starting with the G and Lower Class over a distance of 7 furlongs where the purse is $300,000, while the second place finisher

wins half that amount.

The third and fourth place finishers receive $75,000 and $38,000, respectively.

Then there is the J2 and Lower over a distance of 6 furlongs where the winner carts off $150,000 while the second place finisher gets $75,000.

The third and fourth place finishers receive $38, 000 and $19, 000 respectively.

The other races consist of K & Lower over 5 furlongs for a first prize of $100,000, the F & Lower, over a similar distance, where the winner carts off $320,000.

The race among the 3 years old horses over a distance of 6 furlongs will also net the top finisher $320,000.

The day’s activities end with the ‘I & Lower’ event over 6

FAULKNER, WATSON...

From page 50 included three fours and a six by Watson. The next, off Perera, leaked 15 and hastened Royals’ march to the target. Three powerful blows to deep midwicket, by Watson off Karan Sharma, sealed a clinical win.

Scores: Rajasthan Royals 146 for 2 (Watson 98, Dravid 36) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 144 for 9 (Sammy 60, Faulkner 5-20) by 8 wickets.

furlongs for a first prize of$180,000.

Meanwhile, turfites have been assured of intense action especially since jockeys and their mounts would be competing under improved track conditions.

Another plus is that a stable of well-bred animals will be on show.

These include Grand de Roje, Dubai Duchess, Jet Set Go, The Message, Whadaluck and Ferry Landing among others.

Further, organizers wish to remind horse owners that the event is being conducted under the aegis of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and that all of the rules would be applied.

The registration period ends Sunday May 12 and horse owners can conform to this prerequisite by contacting Justice Cecil Kennard (226-1399, 225-4818, or 623-7609) or Roopnarine Matadial aka shine (3253192).

Horse owners are asked to have their animals examined by the vet by 11:00hrs on race day.

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 47

“Too much of biting - in sports!”

Colin E. H. Croft In full Guyanese creole, “Ole Sylvie”, the most aggressive person that I have ever known, with her golden canines flashing in that forever very coy smile, regularly said two things that we never forgot.

She strongly believed that the best way to defend anything is to always be on the attack!

In conflicts; mental, emotional, or, mostly physical; she suggested that “Yuh mus’ ahways hit back fuss”; and secondly, more pertinently; “Monkey does ahways kno’ wuh limb fuh clime pun!”

Such absolute earthly wisdom from a truly wonderful woman who never even finished school, but, as regards Liverpool and Uruguay footballer Luis Saurez’s incident, my mother was totally correct.

Saurez knew exactly what he was doing; more importantly, exactly whom he was doing it to!

In that Liverpool v Chelsea game, the ball was ten yards away when Saurez produced his “Dracula-like” bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic’s arm!

Check it!

That was a definite plan; Saurez hitting back first, being aware of three other things too.

He knew that Ivanovic would not retaliate, and that Liverpool, with inane useless noises, would do nothing to him either, except giving lip service and an obligatory fine.

Notice that Liverpool is actually “shocked and disappointed” that he has been banned for ten games.

The guy outright assaulted Ivanovic, and they

Branislav Ivanovic couldn't believe Luis Saurez had attempted to bite him on the arm (AFP Getty Images) are shocked? He should be charged with causing grievous bodily harm and jailed! That was not just a bad tackle!

Suarez, like most “Class A” sports-persons worldwide, understands that he could get away with most things, regardless!

Whatever Manager Brendon Rodgers and Liverpool say, Saurez will be playing at Liverpool next year.

Without Saurez, Liverpool would be lost!

The most well-known biting incident, in sports, is the so-called “Bite Fight,” the name given to 1997’s bout – official name “The Sound and The Fury” – featuring t h e n world heavyweight champion “Real Deal” Evander Holyfield and “Iron” Mike Tyson.

It was their 2nd meeting.

As in the first, Holyfield was beating Tyson to a pulp.

Then, “Iron Mike” used his oral combination of enamel, titanium and steel, to take real bites out of both ears of “Real Deal.”

Holyfield reacted with

frenzied jumps. Tyson calmly spat an ear lobe to the floor!

Eventually, after serious derision and terrible indecision by referee Mills Lane, Tyson was disqualified.

Tyson’s boxing license was revoked for life. It was reinstated after only one year of actual suspension. He was fined US$3 million, and ordered to serve community service, probably at a dentist!

Tyson also knew that the sport of boxing still needed him, even then, as a fastfading ex-champion!

So, then, picture this, in your massive, allencompassing, out-of-thisworld imagination: West Indies, any era’s cricket team that you could think of, is playing Liverpool, or Uruguay, at either cricket or soccer. The same thing happens; Saurez bites anyone that your imagination could conjure.

What would happen next?

That goes without even thinking! I shudder to think of what would result from that!

Jamaica beats USA in women’s 4X100 at Penn Relays, men’s team second PENNSYLVANIA, USA: Two-time Olympic Champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, anchored Jamaica’s women to victory over the United States of America in the USA vs the World 4X100m on yesterday’s final day of 119th staging of the Penn Relays.

Jamaica’s team of Sherone Simpson, Kerron Stewart, Anneisha McLauglin and Fraser-Pryce won in a time of 42.42 seconds.

McLauglin replaced t h e a b s e n t Ve r o n i c a Campbell-Brown in the lineup which won silver at last year’s Olympics.

United States were favourites to retain their title, as one of their two teams in the event included three members of their world-record quartet at the London Olympics.

However, the USA Red team of Tianna Bartoletta, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight and Jeneba Tarmoh, who replaced the injured Carmelita Jeter, had to settle for third with a time of 42.66 seconds.

The USA Blue team (Mandy White, Alexandria Anderson, Barbara Pierre and Porscha Lucas) finished second in 42.65 seconds.

Jamaica’s men’s team which featured only Nesta Carter from last year’s Olympic winning and worldrecord quartet placed second in the men’s 4X100m.

Carter teamed up with Dexter Lee, Rasheed and Jason Young to get the baton around in 38.65 seconds.

The USA Red team of Mike Rodgers, Justin Gatlin, D o c P a t t o n a n d Ry a n Bailey won in 38.26 seconds with the USA Blue (Jeff Demps, Wallace Spearmon, Cordero Gray and Ivory Williams) placing third in 38.94 seconds.

So, last week, Chris Henry Gayle, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, murdered Pune Warriors with that dynamic 175 n. o. in only 66 deliveries.

What an innings!

But, do you think that Saurez would have dared to bite CHG, Marlon Samuels, Viv Richards, Charlie Griffith, even present, affable West Indies captain, Darren Sammy? Nah! There are no two things that most people, especially those of African descent, hate more than being bitten, or spat on!

Yes, I know that the great Calypsonian, Aldwyn Roberts – “Lord Kitchener” – always reminded us, in many compositions, that; “When yuh have yuh doubt; Yuh mus’ always use yuh mout!”

Or, we could consider Ronnie McIntosh’s 2002 s o c a classic, which will always resonate too; “Tuh much ah bitin’ insects!” Or was that, depending on your overall mindset, “Tuh much ah bitin’ in sex!”?

Ha! Ha! It is the double

entendre that confuses, making calypsos excellent musical experiences!

Seriously, though, even in EPL 2012/2013, had Saurez tried to “eat” Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand or Patrice Evra, after the supposed incident they already had about ethnicity, either, or both, MUFC men would have been red-carded, after being pulled from the fracas.

Saurez, conversely, would probably have had nothing less than a body cast, many fewer teeth, and would only have seen, through slits in very swollen eyes, if that was possible at all, red ambulance lights!

Can you imagine Saurez biting Chelsea’s ex, Didier Drogba, or present Chelsea’s Ashley Cole? Papa!

Saurez knew exactly which limb to climb out on!

MUFC’s manager, Sir Alex “M a g i c i a n ” F e r g u s o n , would have gotten rid of Saurez; pronto! He did that to much better players than Saurez!

So, anyway, what about

Colin E. H. Croft those unbelievably stupendous “Red Devils”!

They are absolutely marvelous!

As a Man U supporter since my county cricket days at that other Old Trafford; Lancashire CCC, from 1976/7 onwards; I too am celebrating!

EPL Championship No. 20 was accomplished with considerable help from No. 20, Robin van Persie, who is already being compared to MUFC Legends Bobby Charlton, George Best, Eric Cantona and Renaldo.

My favorite is Cantona.

Overall MUFC were quite good this season too; without biting! Enjoy!

Page 48

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 28, 2013

Gayle, RCB sink in a flood of runs by Mumbai Indians Dwayne Smith mows down the ground (BCCI)

Hindustan Times - After an unsatisfactory outing on the road, Mumbai Indians would have sought some

comfort playing at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday night.

But when the opponents

are the table-toppers Royal Challengers Bangalore, you can’t let your guard down.

And the Indians had done their homework.

Chasing 195, the onus was on openers Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan.

With a pace-bolstered bowling formation, they took the attack to Gayle.

The Jamaican was pushed out of his comfort zone with a steady dose of short deliveries from Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga.

The powerplay yielded just 35 runs, bringing pressure on the visitors.

SHAKYGAYLE Enter Harbhajan Singh.

Gayle’s vulnerability against off-spin is not a secret. He lost his composure and launched into him.

The ball soared high and Ambati Rayudu held his nerve at the deep-midwicket boundary line to latch onto the ball.

The Mumbai Indians had pulled off a masterstroke.

Harbhajan broke into a bhangra-laced Gangnam style jig, and Wankhede erupted.

In the span of five balls, local boy Dhawal Kulkarni had skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers caught behind with seaming deliveries. It was curtains for the visitors at 43/ 4. In the end, MI won by 58 runs.

With skipper Rohit Sharma opting to bat, the team did not give Gayle and Co a chance to post a total first up.

But the match was not short of drama courtesy the mix-ups on the field and a brief verbal duel between Kieron Pollard and Kohli, which ended with a smile.

Sachin Tendulkar and Dwayne Smith started cautiously. Tendulkar was lucky to edge between slip and wicketkeeper. He made the most of the chance by hitting four fours off Ravi Rampaul.

Smith singled out Vinay Kumar to find his groove. The hard-hitting Carribbean powered Mumbai’s batting with 50.

Smith showed signs of frustration early on but smacked anything pitched up. Dinesh Karthik was yet

again involved in a run-out, this time with Rohit Sharma.

Ironically, Karthik was also run out later but he had anchored the innings before Pollard took centrestage.

A brief collapse in the end, aided by direct throws from Kohli, restricted Mumbai.

Ambati Rayudu was run out when his grounded bat was nudged off the crease

after brushing against Vinay Kumar’s leg, prompting the chat between Pollard and Kohli.

Although Kohli went ahead with the appeal, the crowd jeered ‘cheater, cheater’.

Scores: Mumbai Indians 194 for 7 (Smith 50, Karthik 43) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 136 for 7 (Kulkarni 3-19) by 58 runs.

Linden Town week Howell Hinds Construction Billiards

Mark ‘Beak’ Alexander cruises to title 100-68 over Stephen Grant Talented four ball billiards player Mark ‘Beak’ Alexander came away with the Linden Town Week four billiards’ title when he easily disposed of Stephen Grant in the final played Thursday at the senior Supervisors’ Club in Mackenzie Linden.

Playing the final saw Alexander and Grant in a tussle early as the game was slightly in the eventual champion’s favour 19-18. However, Alexander put together some excellent scoring strokes and with a tournament high 26 points break he burst open a close game, to lead 45-18 and never looked back after swinging the half way mark.

In the end Alexander triumphed 100-68. Alexander had beaten Godwin Primo in his semifinal clash, while Grant prevailed over Andre walker in the other semifinal.

Andre Walker was however the winner of the Gin Rommy card competition which was also sponsored by the Howell Hinds and Sons Construction Company.

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

Mexico game proceeds to be investigated - Matthias - support for Gulati could reap dividends

GFF President Christopher Matthias (centre) flanked by (from left) Keith O’Jeer, Ivan Persaud, Rawleston Adams and Vanessa Dickenson.

By Rawle Welch In his first meeting with the media, President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias touched on a broad range of issues regarding Guyana’s attendance, at the recently concluded CONCACAF Congress which was held in Panama.

Matthias, who defeated three other candidates Aubrey Major, Ivan Persaud and Alfred King for the Presidency on April 12 during the GFF’s Electoral Congress, told the gathering at the Head Office of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, that even though there was no formal setting for discussions pertaining to the issue surrounding the Mexico game switch and its proceeds, CONCACAF/ FIFA did share some concerns and are presently in a mode of getting some form of evidence to ascertain what really transpired.

“There was no formal setting, but concerns were raised and they are in a mode of getting some form of evidence,” Matthias told the media.

The recently elected President disclosed that he was advised at the Congress to identify persons of good repute (Committee) to undertake the task of

investigating the matter.

He pointed out that within two months, they should be able to identify those individuals since they have a few choices in mind and it is now just a question of sharing the names with the executive for its approval.

Asked to clear the air on the ownership of the land at Orangestein, East Bank Essequibo that is supposed to be the home of the GOAL Project, Matthias said, “A document was shown to me which purports to indicate that the land belongs to the GFF so we need to ensure that the document reflects the accuracy of such.”

Matthias opened the interaction by emphasising that much of the time since taking office is being spent on chartering a new developmental path for the game in Guyana.

“For the past 15 days, the executive has been looking at the course we need to take, our daily efforts have been directed to achieve a national programme and policy and I can say here today that we’ve arrived at a consensus that could now be taken to the General Council for its perusal and approval.”

He acknowledged that due to the lack of accountability and transparency coupled with poor

marketing in the past a lot of work needs to be done to repair the image of the sport locally and they’ve decided to work as a team despite their difference in experience, expertise and constituency.

Matthias accepted that Guyanese have been asking many questions about the governance of the past administration and need answers, but urged them to be patient and wait for the completion of the investigations.

The GFF Boss said that the institution is in a position of transition with regards to many positions, but promised that within a few months the process would be completed.

Quizzed on what they were able to achieve for Guyana, Matthias said they were able to meet with the CONCACAF Development Officer, who promised assistance on presentation of a structured development programme, while future assistance has also been pledged by the US Soccer Federation for Guyana’s support for Sunil Gulati to be on the FIFA Executice Committee.

Others present during yesterday’s Meeting were Vice-Presidents Rawleston Adams and Ivan Persaud and committee members Vanessa Dickenson and Keith O’Jeer.

Powerlifters gearing up for Intermediate...

From page 53 Junior Class and Abimola Leach (84+kg Class) both representing the Windero Gym, fans wouldn’t want to miss these ladies showing off their power in what is anticipated to be a very competitive atmosphere.

The battle amongst the young guns also promises some breath taking performances and some of the athletes to keep an eye out for are Novice Best Lifter Open and Overall Champion Marino Jeffrey (93kg Class) of Georgetown; Berbice’ Jeremy

Chow (59kg Sub Junior Class) and another City lifter, Darren Ramoutar who will be showing off his power in the 105kg Junior Class.

These athletes will be coming out to improve their performances and totals achieved at the Novice competition.

Meantime, the Masters will not settle for being in the shade and some exhilarating lifts are expected from them.

Leading the pack will be current World Masters Champion Winston Stoby (74kg Class) and 2011 World Mas-

ters Bronze medalist in the 120kg Category, ‘Big’ John Edwards among others.

All the athletes will be using these two competitions as warm up for the eminent Caribbean and Pan American Championships in July along with the World Masters Championships in September.

Caribbean female Heavyweight and Record holder Dawn Barker will be guest lifting as she closes her preparations for the Caribbean and Pan American Championships. (Franklin Wilson)

Page 49

Page 50

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 28, 2013

FAULKNER, WATSON SWAMP SUNRISERS DESPITE SAMMY’S HEROICS The match had almost all the ingredients of an absorbing Twenty20 match.

Sunrisers Hyderabad lost their top order in a cyclestand collapse, Darren Sammy led a counterattacking lower-order revival to push the score to what looked a competitive 144.

On a track assisting the seamers, Rajasthan Royals

had to deal with a testing opening period of swing and seam which the experienced duo of Rahul Dravid and Shane Watson managed.

Watson, coming off a century in Chennai, paced his innings well and powered Royals home with a blistering unbeaten 98.

Watson wasn’t the only Australian making waves at

the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. James Faulkner demolished the Sunrisers’ top order with a five-wicket haul, the first of IPL 2013. Faulkner and the innocuous Ajit Chandila reduced Sunrisers to 29 for 6, at the time raising the expectations of early finish. The top six registered scores of 2,0,4,4,6,4 - leaving much responsibility on

Sammy.

Kumar Sangakkara had dropped himself for three games owing to his own indifferent form, but his return made no difference as he too joined the early procession of wickets.

After Akshath Reddy fell off a leading edge off Chandila, Sangakkara chased a wide delivery from Faulkner and Darren Sammy scored 60 off 41 balls (BCCI)

edged to second slip for 4.

Though the pitch gave a lot of assistance to the seamers in terms of movement and bounce, the shot selection by the Sunrisers wasn’t the best. Shikhar Dhawan slashed straight to backward point and Karan Sharma, walking in unexpectedly at No.5 - just as Amit Mishra did in Chennai succumbed to the pressure of needing quick runs by top edging Faulkner to fine leg.

Thisara Perera perished to a one-handed slog down to long-on before Hanuma Vihari gloved Kevon Cooper down the leg side. It was the first time Royals had managed four or more wickets in the Powerplay.

Sammy and Amit Mishra scripted Sunrisers’ recovery with a stand of 58. Sammy made room to the seamers and cleared cover and shoveled the ball over midwicket to give the innings some impetus. He brought up the first six of the innings in the 13th over with a pull off Siddharth Trivedi over deep

midwicket. He celebrated his fifty - his first in T20s - in unique style, pulling out a baby pacifier tied around his neck sucking at it, for his baby daughter.

The seventh, eighth and ninth wickets added 115, giving the Sunrisers bowlers a fighting total to bowl at.

Watson and Dravid used their experience to counter the swing. Several deliveries came back into the righthander, but Watson ensured he played the ball late, dabbing it down to third man and behind point. He did offer some chances, though. On 16, an outside edge off Perera just beat a diving Sangakkara which raced for four, and another just dropped short of Sammy at slip.

Royals had progressed to 53 for 1 after ten overs, with the asking rate passing nine.

The partnership gathered pace from the second half, Dravid launching Royals’ march with a six over long-on.

A costly Ishant Sharma over, which leaked 20, (Continued on page 46)

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 51

Man City secure tough win over West Ham BBC Sport - Manchester City’s first game since surrendering the Premier League title to Manchester United ended with a hardfought win over West Ham. Sergio Aguero slotted in a low Samir Nasri cross to put the hosts ahead.

City failed to take their chances as Carlos Tevez blazed a shot high and Nasri mistimed a shot from eight yards.

Yaya Toure’s curler into the top corner sealed City’s win, although Andy Carroll’s shot squirmed past Joe Hart for a late Hammers consolation goal.

City’s 3-1 loss against Tottenham last Sunday allowed rivals Manchester United to grab back the title with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday and there was a subdued atmosphere at the Etihad.

However, with the FA Cup final against Wigan on 11 May, the hosts produced an impressive performance, which only lacked more of a cutting edge as they tightened their grip on second place.

West Ham, whose topflight safety is all-but guaranteed, had their fivematch unbeaten run ended by the defeat and, although they improved after the break, they struggled to create chances.

The match soon fell into the pattern of City trying to prise a way through the massed Hammers ranks and it did not take long for City’s pressure and perseverance to pay off.

Only the woodwork denied the hosts after a David Silva pass deflected off Hammers captain Kevin Nolan to let in Aguero, who scuffed his shot against the post.

The Argentine did not take long to atone for his miss.

Yaya Toure, Silva and Nasri combined with some intricate build-up play before the latter teed up Aguero to slot in at the near post.

Almost immediately, City came close to doubling their lead when a Nasri shot was parried by keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who had to react quickly to turn Pablo Zabaleta’s follow-up around the upright.

In a first half marked by a period of applause in a touching tribute to MarcVivien Foe, who played for both clubs and died playing for Cameroon nearly 10 years ago, West Ham’s best chance came when Mohamed Diame’s volley was saved at the second attempt by Hart.

City capitulated when 1-0 up last week at Spurs and, when Tevez blazed over after a well-worked move after the break, their failure to create more of a cushion kept the Hammers in the game.

The visitors thought they should have had a penalty when a Matt Jarvis cross struck Zabaleta’s arm, although it was more ball to hand and the appeal was waved away by referee Howard Webb.

City could not find a finishing touch to some eyecatching passing moves as Nasri had a shot saved and a Tevez effort was diverted over by a lunging Joey O’Brien.

An unmarked Nasri’s failure to convert a Tevez cross only added to City’s anxieties and they were

Yaya Toure readies to unleash his howitzer, giving Jaaskelainen no chance (AFP Getty Images) nearly punished for their profligacy when Collins sent a shot just wide after the home side failed to clear a

corner.

Yaya Toure finally settled his side’s nerves and he did it in style by sending a 20-yard

curling left-foot shot into the top corner, with Carroll’s late goal little more than a nuisance for the hosts.

Page 52

Linden Town week Dominoes competition...

It was winning for a second straight year when, Winners, carted away the top honours by copping this year’s Linden town week Dominoes championship and the Howell ‘Yellowman’ Hinds Trophy at the presentation ceremony Thursday at the Senior Supervisors Club in Linden.

They continued to build on their reputation and name with another emphatic performance amassing 85 games ahead of their closest rivals Oak of Mount Olive, who once again were beaten into runner-up spot with 67 games and third came Royal Champions with 49.

The top marker in the final was Winners’ Frankie Richards who accumulated the maximum 18 games and in the process inflicted the first love on Raffel Smartt in the opening sitting, even though the Olive side had taken a narrow lead with 13 games as against Winners’ 12 and

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 28, 2013

Winners win for second straight year, take home Howell ‘Yellowman’ Hinds trophy for keeps Royal Champions 11.

However, the Winners soon asserted themselves as favourites catching Mount Olive at 28 games as the Royal Champions were on 19, but by the third sitting Mount Olive responded and led with 41 from Winners 36 and Champions on 28. This was the turning point of the final as the Winners regained their composure and moved to 54 games as Olive were next with 46 and Royal Champions with 36.

Winners maintained their grip in the fifth sitting with 67 games as Mount Olive followed on 60 to Royal Champions 42 the Winners’ Richards, James Bobbsemple and Orrin Massiah all scored the maximum games in the final sitting with six games each as they held their opponents to seven games each and romped home winners 85 game to Mount Olive’s 67 and Royal Champions 49.

Frankie Richards had the maximum 18 games with

Adrian Hinds (left) presents the Howell Hinds trophy to the Winners Dominoes team following their victory in the Linden Town Week competition. teammates James Bobbsemple getting 17 and Orin Massiah 16.

Another player who suffered love was Petronual Ismond who was twice held without a game.

Mount Olive’s T. Rogers had 14 games and D. Harry of Royal Champions marked 11 for his team.

The winners’ Lien Trophy won for keeps for being

champions a second time and $65,000 were handed to Winners. These and other trophies and medals for the champions were presented by Adrian Hinds, son of the

Managing Director of the sponsors.

Cash incentives, medals and trophies were also distributed to the other outstanding performers.

Following thorough preparation, confident beach footballers leave for world cup qualifiers Guyanese premiere football team, the Golden Jaguar has inspired the hopes of local football authorities and the nation as a whole following several top performances at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Despite this, the team was ousted at the quarterfinals stage after losing to Mexico in the USA. Now, less than one year after that unfortunate turn of events, local footballers, this time those that play the beach format of the sport, will once again attempt to bring glory to this nation when a 15 man team that consists of 12 players and 3 officials depart Guyana on May 5th next to participate in the CONCACAF beach football world cup qualifiers scheduled for Nassau Bahamas, May 8-12 next.

The twelve players are: Michael Wilson, Darrel George, Travis Bess, Jarmaine Grandison, Claude Dennis, Keon Sears, Ron Fiedtkou, Marmarlaque Davidson, Odil Allicock, Omeion Wills, Gerald Blair and Colric Beckles. The Manager/Team Administrator is Mark Xavier, while Abdulla Hamid and Rollin Tappin are the coach and assistant

Mark Xavier

Rollin Tappin

coach respectively.

Last Friday morning Mr. Xavier and Mr. Tappin visited our Saffon Street office and exuded confidence in the team. They said that the squad of players have been working extremely hard and are fit and ready to represent Guyana.

Mr. Tappin told Kaieteur Sport that the team has been christened ‘Golden Sand Jaguars’ and they will be going all out to win their respective matches and go on to represent Guyana at the World Cup tournament.

The locals will be thrown into the deep from their very first game, two days after arriving in the Bahamas, on May 8, when they oppose CONCACAF champions, Mexico.

That game

commences at 17:00hrs (local time). The local ball weavers will then play Canada on April 9 starting at 14:00hrs before opposing Trinidad and Tobago one day later, starting at 12 noon.

Guyana is making its debut at this competition as well as Trinidad and Tobago.

They will join several other countries in the tournament and are attempting to qualify for the Beach Football World Cup Championships scheduled for Tahiti in September. The other participating countries are Canada, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Bahamas, Guatemala and the United States of America. Two teams will eventually qualify for the Tahiti tournament.

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 53

Powerlifters gearing Synthetic track to be laid in six weeks - says Deputy up for Intermediate PS, Ninvalle & Claude Charles Memorial Masters This photo taken yesterday, shows the asphalt base for the laying of the Synthetic track has been completed.

-Dawn Barker to Guest Lift

Dawn Barker

Winston Stoby

Following the successful hosting of their Novice competition in the Ancient County of Berbice last month, the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) will now turn its attention to the Intermediate and Claude Charles Memorial Maters competitions set for Sunday June2.

The overall consensus from the Novices was that it went well but the highlight would have been the welcome numbers on the distaff side which the GAPF has said is very heartening.

According to the GAPF, the number of female athletes participating at Novices is a major plus for the sport and Guyana.

Kaieteur Sport was informed that Guyana is in a solid position now to field a full strength Women’s team at the 2014 Caribbean Championships slated for March in the Twin Island

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The venue for the Intermediate and Claude Charles Memorial Masters is the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus and this will be based on availability of the venue.

The ladies will be coming again to showcase and better their performances achieved at Novices when they gear up for the Intermediate on June 2.

From the Fitness Revolution Gym located on the East Coast of Demerara are Chittra Ramlochan who will compete in the 72kg Open Class and club mate Natoya Robinson in the 84+ Junior and Open Class, they will both be aiming to improve their totals.

Leading the quest for glory from the Ancient County of Berbice will be Candy Lynch in the 84kg (Continued on page 49)

The rubberised turf for the Synthetic Track and Field Facility has arrived in Guyana and laying should commence within six weeks to make the actual track ready by August.

This is according to Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Steve Ninvalle, following a visit to the Leonora Site yesterday.

It was disclosed that a total of $870M has been spent on the facility thus far.

The estimated cost to complete the entire facility was given as US$5M last year.

“We are satisfied with the progress of the work on the

track and I think any patriotic Guyanese would realise that this is money well spent,” Ninvalle said, adding that the actual track will be laid within six weeks.

“Maybe within 5-6 weeks we may have the Regupol representatives coming done here to do the actual laying of the synthetic track,” he mused. German company, BSW Regupol is the supplier of the track and is also responsible for its installation.

Ninvalle told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that the track is in Guyana. Project Manager of Design and Construction Service Limited, Patrick Pitt

posited that when the laying of the track starts, the area will need to be protected from stray animals etc.

Only last year the Ministry was forced to reissue two contracts for the construction of the perimeter fence after the first contractor failed to complete the work.

The ministry has moved to the Courts to recover monies paid to the first contractor.

“We may have to have total security from persons, animals or anything moveable, this area will be like a sterile area because once this thing is being done it can’t have any type of foreign influence around,” Pitt told

the media.

“In the near future, what we will do just before they (Regupol) come, is perimeter the track of itself with a protective material either fabric or plastic so you will have total protection from wind or anything blowing while they will be carrying out their work,” he continued.

Commenting on the progress of the entire facility, which also includes a football field in the centre, Pitt said that it is about “65% done”.

The Bermuda grass for the football field has been planted with germination expected in approximately seven weeks.

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Kaieteur News

Clive ‘The Punisher’ Atwell on the precipice of world acclaim

By Michael Benjamin Just over 3 years ago, on January 29, 2010, Clive Atwell stripped off his shirt after a prolific tenure in the amateur ranks. He was merely 22 years old and had only recently returned from Brazil where he had clinched a bronze medal at the Pan American Games.

With just 2 years to the London Olympics, the pundits felt that, handled properly, Clive would have been the perfect candidate to eclipse the Michael Parris 1980 Moscow Olympics bronze medal feat. That was not to be as local boxing administrators failed to acknowledge the unique talent by initiating the relevant strategies to enhance Atwell’s skill thus augmenting Guyana’s chances at the coveted but elusive accolade.

Atwell certainly had an illustrious amateur tenure that

climaxed in 2009 with a bronze medal at the Brazil Pan American Games. Two years earlier, he had travelled to Chicago to participate in the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) World Amateur Championships but left that tournament empty handed. It was after the Brazil sojourn, and after realizing that he had attained all he could within the stifled amateur environment, that Atwell decided to take off his shirt.

Atwell’s decision to box professionally was greeted by the usual scorn and skepticism of the critics who felt that his transition onto the professional scene was ill conceived and nothing short of suicidal. Notwithstanding this, Atwell ventured into the professional arena in January 2010 and notched up a win against Charlton Skeete.

Eight months later, Atwell

opposed Mark Austin and despite the disparity in experience (Austin was then 3-0 with one knockout), Clive managed to hold Austin to a draw even as many who saw the fight felt that he (Atwell) was ‘done in.’ The drawn decision is still the only blemish to Atwell’s professional record and after knocking out Rudolph Fraser and Revlon Lake he won the national featherweight and lightweight titles respectively.

Atwell also knocked out Prince Lee Isidore to capture the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) light/ welterweight title before defeating Venezuelan, Rafael Hernandez to add another lucrative accolade, the CABOFE Featherweight belt, to his bulging collection.

With a 10-0-1 professional record, Atwell now stands on the threshold of greatness

Sunday April 28, 2013

Max Massiah (left) and Atwell share a moment of joy after one of Atwell’s victories.

and will soon participate in the World Boxing Council (WBC) 50th Anniversary tournament for a chance to enhance his financial and social standing. He has boxed a total of 50 rounds and has a knockout ratio of 45.45%. Further, Atwell’s participation in the WBC anniversary tournament provides a golden opportunity for him to break into the top ten rankings (WBC) while procuring big paydays.

Atwell is undoubtedly the best local talent and has perfected the gift of gab, a valuable asset in the international sporting world.

He packs a punch and seems to be determined to achieve the ultimate goal.

The four titles champion is in no hurry to sign a managerial contract but he has recently procured the services of Eurik Hohenkirk, the CEO of Town to County

Real Estate, whose expert business acumen will stand the champion in good stead until he decides to sign a managerial contract.

Atwell is trained by veteran coach, Lennox ‘Cappell’ Daniels but has a team of advisors like Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore, Dexter Patterson and Maxwell Massiah. He shares a special bond with the latter individual and just hours before he had engaged Hernandez, Mr. Massiah dispatched a text to boost his moral and inspire him to victory. “You have to be prepared to be a nononsense, vicious, focused fighter with only pure, bad, pain inflicting intentions on your mind to show (Hernandez) that Clive Atwell don’t tolerate disrespect from nobody. Remember, you are an earthquake……”

That message served to boost Atwell’s moral and his terse reply was, “And I will

shake my surroundings!”

Atwell went on to carve out a lopsided decision over Hernandez to become the first Guyanese to hold 4 prestigious belts at the same time.

Atwell has since added the sobriquet ‘The Punisher’ to his name. Indeed, it is a fitting attachment, for those that have failed to fall, have had to endure severe punishment before suffering the ignominy of a loss.

Atwell has since left for his adopted home, Dominica, but he will soon return to continue trading punches in the local square jungle.

Consequently, he is also honing his skills while waiting patiently for his chance to ascend the world stage.

With the WBC Championship Cup tournament looming, his rise to greatness seems to be coming sooner rather than later.

Golden State defeat Denver, 110108, Knicks demolish Celtics 90-76 The Nuggets imploded in the second half, and Stephen Curry and the Warriors took advantage en route to a 2-1 lead in the series.

The Golden State Warriors rallied from a double-digit halftime deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets, 110-108, in Game 3 of their playoff series at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., but not without a scare.

Andre Iguodala tossed up a half-court shot for the Nuggets that was nearly on target and would have given Denver the win. Instead, the Warriors own a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Stephen Curry scored 29 points and dished out 11 assists to lead the comeback for the Warriors.

Ty Lawson scored 19 points in the first half and kept

Denver in the game down the stretch, making several big defensive plays in addition to his game-high 35 points.

However, with the Nuggets trailing by three with less than 30 seconds left, Lawson did not attempt a shot, and Andre Iguodala turned the ball over instead. Jarrett Jack, who overcame seven turnovers to score 23 points, made one of two free throw attempts with 21.5 seconds remaining to extend Golden State’s advantage to two possessions.

Carl Landry added 19 points, 13 of which came in the first half, off the bench for Golden State. Corey Brewer scored 16 points in backup duty for Denver, but was largely ineffective after halftime.

KNICKS 90, CELTICS 76 BOSTON (AP) - Carmelo

Anthony scored 26 points and New York moved to the brink of its first playoff series victory in 13 years, routing Boston in Game 3.

Quickly taking the crowd out of it in the first NBA game here since the Boston Marathon bombings, the Knicks built a 16-point halftime lead and now are on the verge of taking out the Celtics.

Raymond Felton added 15 points and 10 assists for the Knicks, who haven’t advanced in the playoffs since reaching the 2000 Eastern Conference finals.

They will go for the sweep here Sunday afternoon.

Jeff Green scored 21 points for the Celtics, who will try to become the first NBA team to win a series after trailing 3-0.

Sunday April 28, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 55

Is Mike Brusche the most celebrated Guyanese basketball player?

Statistician Charwayne Walker continues his look at Guyanese who have represented this country in sports over the years with distinction. This week he looks at the impressive basketballer Mike Brusche.

The only Guyanese to aggregate over 100 points twice at a Central American Basketball Championship 1973 and 1975, originating from the mining town of Linden, Mike Brusche is more than deserving of a Medal of Service for his tireless contribution to the sport of basketball throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

After dominating the local scene for the then Bristol Eagles either at the Point Guard or Shooting Guard position, Mike Brusche graduated to the international stage making his debut for British Guiana in 1965 against the powerful American Athletic Union Association Basketball Team in a three match series at the Queens College Auditorium.

Although B.G. lost all three matches by wide margins, Mike demonstrated that he could handle the big stage.

Injuries prevented him from representing the national team the following year 1966 against Suriname Professional Club Yellow Birds. He played an integral role when Guyana won all its matches on the 1968 tour of Boa Vista, Brazil and he was the man calling plays when the Land of Many Waters won its first Triangular International Series. The Ronald Pickering led side humbled both Martinique and Trinidad & Tobago in February 1970 capturing the Republic Trophy, this series was played under lights at Parade ground.

The following year (1971) under the Presidency of Joseph Reds Perreira, Guyana participated in the Region’s most prestigious tournament, the Central American Championship in Venezuela.

The Guyana team only consisted of nine players with Hewley Henry acting as Player Coach. The national team left Caracas with victory only against Caricom rival Trinidad &

Tobago. Mike Brusche had the best Guyanese aggregate.

The next time Guyana returned to the Central American Championship was (1973) in Puerto Rico, on this occasion Mike Brusche took over the captaincy arm band from Pickering.

The Reds Perreira Association provided warm up matches in the sense of a Goodwill tour to Suriname and two matches in Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados, which the national team won handsomely.

The Land of Many Waters failed to win a match in San Juan but Skipper Brusche was sensational becoming the first and to date the only Guyanese player to score over 100 points at a Central American Championship. He started with: 12 Points vs Mexico 6 Points vs Panama 23 Points vs Puerto Rico 20 Points vs Venezuela 8 Points vs Cuba 16 Points vs U.S Virgin Islands 16 Points vs Dominican Republic He just missed out on replicating the feat at the (1975) Central American Championship in the Dominican Republic this time he had scores of: 20 Points vs Venezuela 12 Points vs Dominican Republic 22 Points vs Haiti 10 Points vs Puerto Rico 14 Points vs Suriname 8 Points vs Bahamas 8 Points vs El Salvador In (1976) he dominated an International Goodwill Triangular Series in which Guyana lost to Suriname in the finals and played his last International Series against the mighty Cubans in a three match Series at the Sports Hall in (1977).

Although he was attached to the National Sports Council as Schools and Inter Guiana Games Coach during his playing days for his

Miller grabs 6-33 as Jamaica beat CCC by 5 wickets Nikita Miller

Left arm spinner Nikita Miller grabbed 6 wickets for 33 runs as Jamaica defeated the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) by 5 wickets in the re-scheduled West Indies Cricket Board Regional 4 day game which ended yesterday at Sabina Park.

CCC resumed on their overnight second innings score of 94-4 and were bowled out for

150. Anthony Alleyne top scored with 39, while Shacaya Thomas made 35.

CCC lost the early wickets of Kyle Corbin (01) and Floyd Reifer (01) to be at 96-6.

Raymond Reifer and Chadwick Walton added 37 for the seventh wicket before Merchant sent Walton (30) packing at 133-7. Raymond Reifer was then caught behind for 09 at 144 before Miller wrapped up the innings by trapping Akeem Dewar (30) and Dwayne Sealy (14) leg before.

Merchant supported Miller with 3-36.

Set 65 to win Jamaica encountered some nervous moments before they eventually reached their target for the loss of 5 wickets.

Zeniffe Fowler (00), Parchment (22), Andre McCarthy (16), Jermain Blackwood (07) and Bernard (00) were the wickets to fall.

Simon Jackson was not out on 15 and Carlton Baugh on 4 when victory was achieved. Nekoli Parris took 3-15 and Akeem Dewar 2-24.

Scores: CCC 153 and 150 lost to Jamaica 238 and 66-5.

Mike Brische (centre) and his brothers at an event in his honour in 2008. He is flanked by Clyde (left) and James. (Guyana Basketball.com) club Eagles and the national team, his first stint as Senior national Coach occurred late (1978) when he took Guyana to an International Triangular Series to Barbados, which also involved Trinidad & Tobago.

He was Head Coach again in (1980) this time for another Triangular Series in Trinidad & Tobago and when Guyana hosted the Inaugural Caricom Championship he guided the Land of Many Waters to the Bronze Medal in August of (1981).

His stay as National Coach continued the same year when Guyana was invited by the twin Island Republic to help them prepare for a trip to China.

Mike Brusche again was the man calling plays when Guyana participated at the second Caricom Championship in Jamaica (1982). His toughest assignment as national Coach was at the World Military Games in Paramaribo Suriname (1984) as Guyana competed against opponents from Israel, America, China, Italy and Japan.

The following year (1985) he was brought in as Hewley Henry’s Assistant at the Caricom Championship in Barbados. He returned as Head Coach for the 1986 Caricom Championship in Trinidad & Tobago and in 1988 he became the only man to coach Guyana at two Caricom Championships hosted by the land of Many Waters.

The last time he coached Guyana at an International Goodwill Series at home was December of (1989) against Barbados at the National Sports Hall. His farewell Caricom

Championship as Head Coach was July 1991 in Jamaica making him the only man to call plays for the national team twice in Reggae Country the last time he coached Guyana was August of 1991 in an International Goodwill Series in Suriname.

Although he never refereed at the international level, he performed Yeoman Services at club, inter-ward and subassociation tournaments. He had such an influence on the sport that two younger siblings Clifton and James emulated their elder brother by turning out for the national team during the 70’s and 80’s. Mike is still involved with basketball this time with the Guyana New York Veteran Association. Seniors Tours: 1968 Boa Vista, Brazil 1971 Venezuela 1973 Suriname, Barbados and Puerto Rico 1974 Barbados 1975 Dominican Republic 1978 Barbados 1980 Trinidad & Tobago 1981 Trinidad & Tobago 1982 Jamaica 1984 Suriname 1985 Barbados 1986 Trinidad & Tobago 1991 Jamaica and Suriname.

The only other Guyanese player to aggregate over eighty points at the Central American Championship Level is Melroy Fitzalbert, who finished the 1975 Championship in Dominica Republic with 90 points from 7 matches.

t r o Sp

Mexico game proceeds Jamaica beats USA in women’s 4X100 at Penn to be investigated Relays, men’s team second - GFF Pres.

Matthias

- SUPPORT FOR GULATI COULD REAP DIVIDENDS

(FILE PHOTO) The game in question!!! Javier Aquino #11 fights off Walter Moore #5 of Guyana at BBVA Compass Stadium on October.

12, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Bob Levey/Getty Images North America)

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price, left, of Jamaica, edges out Jeneba Tarmoh, of USA Red, to win the woman’s 4x100 relay at the Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Saturday.

(Photo: Rich Schultz AP)

31ST NSC 3-STAGE CYCLE ROAD RACE - MAY 18 & 19

Explosive & fast paced event anticipated - Hassan Mohamed

FILE PHOTO: The first stage could be a similar spectacle come May 18 in Corriverton.

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