Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 5

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

The Chinese at Bai Shan Lin treat Guyanese with disrespect

The protocol where an airline alone is penalized for narcotics should be revisited

DEAR EDITOR, I am asking you to speak to the.Chinese at Bai Shan Lin to treat Guyanese with respect and decency.

The Chinese are in the habit of insulting the Guyanese, especially when they have to receive the salaries that they work very hard for.

When we were employed by the Human Resources Manager Mr. Ali, he told us we have to live in at Linden, since that is where the work is.

He told us the company will provide meals and accommodation for us. Sir, every week we have to beg for money to buy food stuff.

We had to sleep in the trucks because they tell us that if anything is lost from the trucks we will have to pay back for it.

Editor, the place where we sleep is worse than a pig pen with no mattresses.

What is going on here is like the days of slavery, when workers had no rights and no voice, because what the

Chinese tell you to do you have to do or else they tell you go home and they hold up your salary.

Every month we have to beg for our hard earned money.

Sometimes we had to sit and cry because our families are straying and the Chinese are saying no pay no pay then they would add on more work for you to do that is not your normal work.

Editor, we are drivers driving these big log trucks with no porters this is a breach of the laws. We have to wash and service these trucks.

Sometimes the trucks have problems and the Chinese would say ‘go work, fix later.’ This is big risk for the drivers.

The police would stop us many times and when they see these problems, they would want to take us to the station and lock us up so we have to take out money from our own pockets and give it to them just not to get lock up and to continue work because if you

don’t work you don’t get pay.

We are told that e will get one weekend off every month to go home, but this is not so, because the manager tells us if we go home they will find other people to drive the trucks and when we come back we wouldn’t have any work also when we do get to go home they would hold back half a month’s salary so we have to return back. If anything is broke or damaged, they would deduct it from we salary.

What we understand is that even the Guyanese who are managers in senior positions are being disrespected by the Chinese.

Editor, the Chinese have meetings every month where their matters and concerns are addressed, but the Guyanese do not have any meetings to discuss their problems.

Editor, I am asking you to investigate this matter and help the Guyanese workers and ensure the Chinese work according to the laws and respect Guyanese workers.

Concerned Worker

DEAR EDITOR, The difficulty in getting flights to and from North America underscores a serious phenomenon as it relates to the paucity, even reluctance, of operators to continue to venture into the Airline business serving Guyanese travellers particularly. And credit must be given to Caribbean Airline for being there in both the high and low seasons, though their service can be taken up a few notches for the fares they charge.

Incompetence by some investors aside, the penalty against Airlines for narcotics found on board is a discouragement to competition against the entrenched Caribbean Airline.

It is known that narcotics have been traced from time to time to passengers using Caribbean Air, but it is not public knowledge that Caribbean Air is being penalized. In fact, that Caribbean Air is still airborne suggests that they either have the capacity to pay for enhanced security apparatus

DEAR EDITOR, Our society is plagued by young and old rum drinkers from all walks of life including men, women, young boys and girls and even children as young as ten years old. We are also the country that has produced the best rum and alcoholic beverages and we top the list now by producing tons of drunkards in our country.

As I read the papers daily I see lots of innocent lives are snuffed out by drunk drivers.

The National Library’s Chief Librarian, Ms. Gillian

Thomson, would have been alive today had it not been for a drunk driver.

The police hardly put up reports or give statistics about ‘’deaths by drunk driving.’’ The police need to take away the licenses of drunk drivers for life and jail them.

Alcohol has been the destruction of the human race since the beginning of time and it has now taken a toll on our country with less than a million people. Alcohol has been the major cause of all the domestic violence in our

country and even globally.

It has also been a contributing factor to suicide, murder, wife abuse, incest, accidents, cussing and fighting and the unending list goes on.

Alcohol is one of the major causes of poverty, family breakups, divorce and failures of our children in schools and universities. Alcohol is a drug just like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.

As I travel through our country, I can see rum shops all over this nation. I just rode through a small village and

counted over 30 rum shops.

We have rum and beer sellers at all our bus and car parks; drivers of mini-buses and taxi drink all the time at these parks and they put their own lives in danger and those travelling with them.

Rum drinking has affected lots of East Indian communities, almost all the bars and night spots are owned by East Indians who are alcoholics themselves.

Domestic violence and suicides is more prevalent in East Indian communities in Continued on page 6

Too many drunkards in our society

or to pay the fines whenever a breach is discovered or that there is some workable arrangement in place that does not sound the death knell to that Airline.

Speculation is justified in the circumstances.

But the accommodation of other international operators, due diligence being done, must be encouraged in order to cater to rapidly growing Guyanese passenger traffic. We are no longer living in the time when visas to USA and Canada were a rarity. Guyanese criss-cross the airspace with increasing frequency and in larger numbers. There is an expanding market in the airline industry.

Is it sufficient that we must be constrained by what a single carrier dishes out?

Subject to any other mechanism being in place of which I am ignorant, I am of the view that the present protocol where an airline alone is penalized for narcotics found on board should be revisited.

For narcotics to get on board, whether on passengers or otherwise, the security system, more so the human aspects of that system, would have failed deliberately or otherwise.

Airlines contract security organizations, equipment, baggage handlers, etc. The Government security apparatus also has more than a passing presence at our two international airports. What are their responsibilities?

Aren’t they stakeholders in the scheme of things?

Should they escape culpability? Were all stakeholders to be penalized, I think more detection would occur at source rather than at destination.

The distribution of penalty would then provide a more encouraging and enabling environment for new airlines to service a growing demand and to offer airtravellers more choices.

If the situation is different from what I have written above, I would appreciate to be enlightened.

T. Jadunauth

Page 6

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Mr. Rohee does not have the moral authority to admonish anyone on competence

One step forward and two steps...

DEAR EDITOR, The statement by the General Secretary of the PPP that GECOM should employ the most competent personnel on polling day is nothing but a red herring. Mr. Rohee does not have the moral authority and should be the last person on the soil in Guyana to admonish GECOM or anyone else on the subject of competency.

Why his fellow ministers and comrades at Freedom House are not embarrassed by such foolish and infantile behavior is beyond us. If there is any organization in Guyana that has mastered the art of recruiting grossly incompetent and unqualified personnel and placing square pegs in round holes, it is the Jagdeo/Ramotar administration with their Minister of Home Affairs being a paragon of gross incompetence. If one is to look at the score sheet in the security sector since the PPP came to power in 1992, it was a situation of an incompetent leader in the Home Affairs

Ministry under Feroze Mohammed, to a much more grossly incompetent leader under Gail Teixeira.

But the mother of all incompetent heads of the Home Affairs Ministry has been none other than the current inept Minister who seems to be an expert of putting his foot in his mouth every week but have no decency to accept that he is the biggest failure in the security sector in all of the English speaking Caribbean.

So, how dare he lecture GECOM about recruiting competent people when one of the biggest mistakes Dr. Jagan ever made in his life was to make him a Minister.

Crime, especially armed robbery, murders and drugtrafficking have increased fivefold under his tenure as the Minister of Home Affairs and the only thing this nincompoop has done is to blame the opposition. He has done absolutely nothing to reduce the high crime rate and ease the fear of the people.

So next time Rohee opens his mouth he must

acknowledge that in 2004, a UK police team trained 100 members of the Tactical Services Unit to become the core of this country’s proposed Special Weapons and Tactics strike force. The President at that time personally met Baroness Valerie Amos in 2006 and agreed on a Statement of Principle, which became the basis for the security reforms to be conducted.

To date, none of the reforms has been implemented, which tells the people that the PPP cabal is not interested in addressing or solving the crime issue. We are now being told that there is a SWAT team, but from all appearances, they are not fully up and running and thus the criminals continue to run amok, terrorizing innocent families especially on the Corentyne coast with no tangible reaction from Mr. Rohee and his team.

So the facts are, there has been no shortage of reports and recommendations under Rohee’s watch on how to reduce crime, but he has taken very little action. The problem, clearly, has been one of gross incompetence and insincerity on his part and thus he has no moral authority to lecturer anyone about the recruitment of competent people, least not the GECOM team since he personally is the symbol, essence and manifestation of what incompetence and an executive dunce are.

Asquith Rose and Harish Singh

From page 4 highlighted same in 2014 as an example of how much the Government cares for Guyanese and has invested to improve the lives of Guyanese. Editor, there are a few issues with equating capital expenditure with “development” and care. First, the money spent by the Government belongs to the people of Guyana, not the PPP/C; following this up is that much of the private investment we see are profits from the underground economy, primarily gold smuggling and drug trafficking.

We all know that one of the easiest ways to launder money from drug trafficking is to invest in business opportunities, including concerts, casinos and hotels.

Second, most of the money invested came in the form of loans from the Inter-American Development Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, China Development Bank, World Bank etc. which means that Guyanese are saddled with paying back this debt for generations to come (think about it, our children and children’s children are unborn, yet they are already indebted) and third, t h e t o p i c i s economic growth/development, while a concern for us all is secondary to our concern with higher incomes and greater disposable incomes, personal and community safety, security, debt-free living, improved water and sanitation and selfgovernance.

While showcasing his statistics, the Minster shamelessly went on a self-praise

tirade, glorifying himself and the PP/C Government; for what, I asked myself. First, the PPP/C has set Guyana back decades, given the massive corruption, moral decay, suicide rates and upward climbing brain drain. With economic growth and Guyana being known internally as a major drug transshipment location has come a serious decline in law, order, social decency and under-education. The economic growth the Minister so praises is not an extraordinary feat; in fact, we should be much better off in terms of income levels and security given all the money (taxes, development loans, private investors, etc.) available to this Government since 1992.

I am most appalled that the Minister did not even once mention or thank all public servants and other professionals, who are the real heroes in our quest to advance the minds and prosperity of our people and nation.

This gives insight into his thinking and feelings about the folks who toil on the margins daily; I am willing to bet the Minister that, nine tenths of public servants, if given an opportunity to leave Guyana or offered better paying and working conditions, will jump at the opportunity.

Note the Minister and PPP/C Government, without the masses there could be no economic progress. In fact, economic progress is not some herculean feat, it is expected and sadly in a country of only approximately 750,000 persons we should have been much better off to

answer me that question?

I have seen bar owners selling rum and beer to school boys in their school uniforms.

These people need to go to jail and many of them also sell drugs and run gambling dens.

If we will eradicate rum drinking, domestic violence, dangerous driving, etc. we must implement more serious

laws by closing down all these bars and rum shops in our country and around our bus and car parks. We have become a land of lawlessness; we are just a few years away from becoming a nation of drunkards and drug addicts. We need to arrest it now before it’s too late.

Rev.Gideon Cecil

Too many drunkards in our...

From page 5 our country. I know of a Justice of Peace who owns a bar, grocery and gambling shop. He himself is an alcoholic; he hides his Justice of Peace sign because of his rum shop. How can a Justice of Peace own a Bar & Gambling shop? Maybe the Ministry of Legal Affairs will

date, considering all the investment finance available to the PPP/C post 1992.

In fact, the issue is not economic progress at all, it is bad governance, corruption, the lack of justice, proliferation of crime and illicit trafficking in narcotics, moral decline and general insecurity felt by most if not all Guyanese that are the issues we are concerned about. I found the Minister’s insinuations condescending, as if Guyanese are dunces. Clearly, his strategy was an attempt to fool Guyanese into thinking the PPP/C Government’s record on capital expenditure indicates his Government has not underdeveloped Guyana significantly.

Editor, to equate capital expenditure with development is like saying a family earns more money today than they did 22 years ago, so they’re better off.

Most Guyanese understand this is far from the truth.

Increases, capital expenditure or household income does not reflect development, especially when the cost of living has also increased, the quality of life decreasing and the threat of injustice felt daily.

One must look closer at what the money was spent on, how the money was sourced (underground economy, loans, taxes, money laundering, irregular financial deals, kickbacks, etc.), the cost of accrued benefits, the relevance of projects financed (think the defunct Skeldon Sugar Factory, Berbice River Bridge, Marriot Hotel, the numerous faulty road works, etc.).

James Carville, the once campaign strategist for Bill Clinton, coined the phrase, “the economy stupid”, a later variation reads “it’s the economy stupid.” Well, the opposite is true for Guyana.

So I offer some advice to those who believe Guyanese are only concerned about the economy or that we are better off as a people, it is not the economy stupid.

Mike Archer

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 7

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Syria ready to discuss Russia peace plan talks, opposition dismissive (Reuters) - Syria said on Saturday it was willing to participate in “preliminary consultations” in Moscow aimed at restarting talks next year to end its civil war but the Western-backed opposition dismissed the initiative.

Two rounds of peace talks this year in Geneva failed to halt the conflict which has killed 200,000 people during more than three years of

has not been part of any initiative to end the fighting.

Other rebel factions are not unified.

The opposition is also suspicious of Russian-led plans as Moscow has long backed President Bashar alAssad with weapons.

Hadi al-Bahra, head of the Turkey-based opposition National Coalition, met with Arab League Chief Nabil Elaraby in Cairo on Saturday

Syrian state news agency SANA said on Saturday the Moscow talks should emphasise a continued fight against “terrorism”, a term it uses for the armed opposition.

Members of Assad’s government say the opposition in exile is not representative of Syrians and instead says a small group of opposition figures who live in Damascus, and are less vocal against the president, should

Hadi al-Bahra (L), head of the Syrian National Coalition, talks with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri during their meeting in Cairo

violence and there was little sign of the latest move gaining traction.

Syrian state television quoted a source at the foreign ministry saying: “Syria is ready to participate in preliminary consultations in Moscow in order to meet the aspirations of Syrians to find a way out of crisis.”

But there are many obstacles to peace. The most powerful insurgent group, the hardline Islamic State, controls a third of Syria but

and told a news conference “there is no initiative as rumoured”.

“Russia does not have a clear initiative, and what is called for by Russia is just a meeting and dialogue in Moscow, with no specific paper or initiative,” he was quoted by Egyptian state news agency MENA as saying.

The opposition said after the failed “Geneva 2” talks in February that Damascus was not serious about peace.

represent the opposition.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said this month that he wanted Syrian opposition groups to agree among themselves on a common approach before setting up direct talks with the Damascus government.

But Lavrov did not specify which opposition groups should take part.

Syria’s civil war started when Assad’s forces cracked down on peaceful prodemocracy protests in 2011.

Madagascar’s former President under house arrest JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Madagascar ’s former president has been moved to house arrest in the capital Antananarivo, following months of detention, according to a representative on Saturday.

Marc Ravalomanana was formally placed under house arrest following a decision by Madagascan authorities to allow him return to the capital, Antananarivo, on Dec. 24 to spend Christmas with his family, according to his representative Brian Currin.

Ravalomanana is being held in the home he shares

with his wife and sons. He was previously detained in the northern city of Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, 700 kilometers (435 miles) from the capital.

“It’s a significant change,” said Currin. “This is a definite move in the right direction and to his release in the not so distant future.”

The ousted leader was arrested in October when he returned to Madagascar following more than five years in exile in South Africa.

Currin says no charges were laid against Ravalomanana.

The

government said they were holding him for his own safety, according to Currin.

While in detention Ravalomanana met with current President Hery Rajaonarimampianina after signing a declaration that he recognized the new leader.

“I commit myself to working towards reconciliation,” Ravalomanana said in a signed letter addressed to the president, a copy of which was shared with The Associated Press. He fled Madagascar in March 2009 after he was ousted from office by a coup.

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Ramotar to be guest of honour at Indian ceremony NEW DELHI: Ahead of the annual Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD), the government on Monday assured the NRI (non resident Indian) community that it is working on providing them voting rights.

“EC is working on it, there are two suggestions – proxy voting or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) be kept in embassies or they may come and vote.

They will soon come up with a solution,” external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said while addressing a press conference on the upcoming event.

Parliament had in 2010 passed the Representation of People (Amendment) Bill, 2010 to allow NRIs to vote in Indian elections.

An estimated 11 million NRIs are living in various countries across the world.

The 13th edition of the three-day PBD event beginning January 7 has a special

significance this year as it will also commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the conclave on January 8 while President Pranab Mukherjee will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to distinguished overseas Indians on January 9.

Swaraj said President of the Republic of Guyana Donald Ramotar will be the chief guest at the event to which the Foreign Minister of South Africa has also been invited because of the commemoration of Gandhi’s return from that country. (thelinkpaper.ca) Swaraj said around 3,000 delegates from the diaspora community from across the world are likely to participate in the event being organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs along with Gujarat Government.

President Donald Ramotar

DPP fails to fulfill her duties - Dr. Clive Thomas Prominent local economist Dr. Clive Thomas disagrees with the recent ruling by Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, that there is no evidence to charge Attorney General Anil Nandlall over threats he allegedly made during a telephone conversation with Kaieteur News (KN) reporter, Leonard Gildarie.

KN’s Publisher, Glenn Lall, had filed a complaint with the police, alleging that Nandlall threatened the safety of his employees during the conversation, as he had mentioned an imminent attack on the newspaper ’s main office on Saffon Street, if the company continued with its exposure of government corruption.

But after over a month of delays, the DPP in a statement to the Press finally made known her decision on the case where she advised that no charges be laid against Nandlall.

Her decision on the matter however, has attracted much criticism from several quarters. Dr. Thomas said yesterday that he does not agree with the DPP’s decision.

He went further, to state that she has failed in fulfilling her responsibilities to her country.

Passionate about the matter, the economist said that he is currently reviewing other alternatives to get another judicial review on the matter because he is of the firm conviction that the recorded conversation involving Nandlall is filled with gross violations.

The retired University of Guyana Professor believes that the DPP’s decision on the Nandlall case represents a

Dr. Clive Thomas, local economist and columnist

DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack

step backward for the country.

He remarked that in another state where democratic principles are taken seriously, “there would have been stern actions taken against the Minister of Legal Affairs for his statements.”

“Kaieteur News has been the victim of state terrorism and to prove this, you had the horrible incident when there was the killing of employees in 2006 and now there are similar threats against the lives of those employed at the national newspaper and those threats should not be taken lightly.

“I say that all these things are state terrorism because they seek to silence the newspaper so that it would not speak out against corruption. The decision by the DPP on the case even reflects on the state of our judicial system but I am currently trying to get the members of the Working People’s Alliance to take the matter to the Ombudsman. I have advised in that regard,” Dr. Thomas expressed.

He reminded that the state is now operating as a “state for itself” meaning that it is primarily geared to function as an instrument for accumulating wealth and treasure for those who run it.

The economist also recalled comments he made on what he termed “the Nandlall” syndrome”.

“Beyond its selffocused vanity, crassness, immortality, indecency, and vulgarity, the taped conversation reveals the AG (of all the political state officials and members of the PPP/C Executive) embracing language, which unmistakably indicates the likelihood of terroristic acts against persons and private businesses with the political objective of curtailing criticisms of the ruling party.”

Last week in her statement to the media, the DPP referred to the recorded conversation between “personal friends” Gildarie and Nandlall as private. Ali-

Hack said that based on the evidence contained in the police file, the conversation was “not between the Attorney General…and Mr. Glenn Lall.”

She explained that the offence created in Section 141(a) Chapter 8:02 is in relation to the speaker using threatening language with intent to provoke anyone else to commit a breach of the peace, that is, provoking another person to do so.

According to the DPP, the threatening language must be such as is likely to provoke a breach of the peace by anyone else that is the person to whom the threat is directed.

“In these circumstances, the communication to Mr. Gildarie does not provide an evidential basis which can support the institution of criminal proceedings,” she advised.

Page 9

Dem boys seh...

Jagdeo and Brassington plan to buy out Hap New Strange things does happen round this time of de year.

This is de time when people does mek wish and promise to stop doing some of de things dem use to do. That is dem resolution. Some of dem actually write special letter to Santa.

Dem boys seh that normally people does pray but two people decide to write to Santa because both of dem claim that prayer don’t wuk, how dem pray long and hard and not much happen. One of de two people was a man who was going to church every day, twice a day. That is how dem two people write de letter pun dem phone and send it by e-mail to Santa.

None of dem didn’t bargain that dem boys woulda get de mail de same way like how dem get de e-mail wha C fuh Satar sent to Anil and Jagdeo. De woman write, ‘Dear Santa, this year I would like a big fat bank account and a slim body.

Please. Don’t get dem mixed up like you did last year.’ When dem boys check de letter wha de man write is de same thing, word fuh word.

Dem boys seh that dem know de lady bright because she controlling education suh it got to be that de man accustom to copying wha he see people do.

That is how from de time dem boys read de letter dem didn’t have to see who sign dem. Dem know fuh sure that one of dem was Brassington. He copy a lot of Jagdeo scampish ways. Brassington and Jagdeo so scampish that dem nah only corrupt de Bees in de Pee Pee Pee and in de business community, dem also corrupt almost all de Bees in Hap New. Dem boys hear in de grape vine that dem done share out a lot of money to plenty of dem in Hap New. Corbin is a Cee and he gone. Dem boys ain’t saying where he gone and why he gone. De Bees in Hap New dem know fuh sure that some of dem collect already.

Now dem wukking pun de other letters like Gee, H, Jay and Kay too. De Gee got de same height and use to do de same wuk wha de shaat scamp doing.

De H is a lawyer like Anil, de Jay is a lawyer too and de Kay is a teacher, not like Kwame. De three planners seh that when dem done wid de people of Guyana Hap New and de Pee Pee Pee gun be de best buddies.

Dem boys have a saying—Good friends care for each other; close friends understand each other; but true friends stay forever beyond words, beyond distance and beyond time.

Talk half and pray and keep you eyes pun de blood suckers.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Contractors request activation President bound by law to set of Bid Protest Committee elections date in January Contractors who have been bidding for several years and have cited irregularities and sometimes feel cheated are calling for the implementation of the “Bid Protest Committee” and the “Public Procurement Commission” in the New Year.

Many contractors noted that it is useless to write to the procuring entity, the Permanent Secretary or the Regional Executive Officer (REO) since responses are unsatisfactory.

The law provides for a Bid Protest Committee, which is currently serving no purpose.

A bidder, whose tender or proposal has been rejected, may submit a written protest to the procuring entity.

If the procurement proceedings have already led to an effective contract, the complainant may complain directly to the Bid Protest Committee.

The protest must be submitted within five business days following publication of the contract award decision.

“It is only recently they would send an email telling people who a contract is awarded to, before no one knew nothing until it was too late to inquire.” One seasoned contractor noted.

If the protest is not reviewed by the procuring entity within five business days from the date of the protest’s submission, the bidder may submit a request for review to the National Board (NB), in the absence of the Public Procurement Commission.

“Now this don’t even

- lawyer

make sense since nothing fruitful comes out of any complaint,” another contractor underscored.

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) shall conduct bid protest reviews through an independent, three persons Bid Protest Committee (BPC) comprising of: one member appointed by the Minister of Finance; one by the Association appearing to the Minister to represent contractors and another appointed by the Attorney General.

The Bid Protest Committee shall proceed urgently with the review of the complaint and shall make every effort to reach its award decision within 10 working days from receipt of the complaint.

The BPC shall issue a written decision within 15 business days of the conclusion of the review, stating the reasons for the decision and the remedies granted, if any. Final award is suspended during this period.

Whenever a complaint is submitted to a procuring

entity, the entity shall consider the subject matter of the complaint and decide whether to reject the complaint or to implement any corrective action in order to bring the procurement proceedings in conformity with the Act. Within five working days of receipt of the complaint, the procuring entity shall issue a written decision to the complainant, stating the reasons for the rejection of the complaint or advising on the corrective action that has been taken.

The Complaint shall be accompanied by the registration fee determined by the Administration and published on the Website.

However, the tender board website is poorly kept and rarely updated.

Once the complainant has been finally dealt with by the Bid Protest Committee, the complaint and the award shall be promptly made available by the A d ministration for inspection to the general public, provided, however, that no information shall be disclosed if its disclosure would be contrary to law, would impede law enforcement, would not be in the public interest, would prejudice legitimate commercial interests of the parties or would inhibit fair competition.

Leader of the National Independent Party (NIP), Saphier Husain-Subedar, has taken on the government on its announcement to hold early elections next year.

According to the lawyer, the holding of General Election between March 15 and March 31, 2015, is not a prediction but a legal and Constitutional position. As such, Government is bound by law to call elections.

“Where the President of the Republic of Guyana announced earlier that he intends to dissolve Parliament under Article 70 (2) of the Constitution and to hold election within three months after the dissolution in accordance with Article 61 of the Constitution in January, it amounts to an undertaking and a Presidential promise.

Consequently the President is bound to call elections within his stipulation and he is bound by the rule of law,” Husain-Subedar said.

NIP has signaled its intentions to contest the General and Regional Elections and also Local Government polls when they are called.

Husain-Subedar has been known to take on Constitutional cases. The most recent one has been a decision by the Ministry of Home Affairs demanding that new passport applicants submit birth certificates issued within six months of the application. The lawyer managed to get the courts to overturn the policy, earlier this year.

With regard to the decision by President Ramotar, the lawyer said that the law addresses the issue of expectations by the public when statements are made by

Spahier HusainSubedar

President Donald Ramotar

an executive.

The affected person or parties could move to the court to compel the executive official to honor the promises made in the statements.

NIP has used the President’s statement on elections and has since started campaigning for General Elections, as a result incurring expenses. Also the party has notified the Guyana Election Commission that it will be participating in the polls.

There has been legal precedence as was evidenced by the authority of R. V. Liverpool Corporation, ex parte Liverpool Taxi Fleet Operators’ Association, [1972] 2 QB 299 (CA) as per Lord Denning. “This modern doctrine prevents officials from making irresponsible statements.”

Husain-Subedar also referred to the authority of the cases set out in Kenneth Wyndham Barnwell and the Attorney General of Guyana by the Honourable Mr. A.F.R. Bishop, Chief Justice and the Honourable Mr. C.C. Kennard, Justice of Appeal.

“This doctrine applies to the Republic of Guyana and can be easily extended to the executive in the circumstance.”

The lawyer also argued that in view of the fact that President Donald Ramotar has prorogued Parliament; the highest authority of the land then is absorbed by the High Court – which under the Constitution is the inherent jurisdiction.

“Therefore, the National Independent Party intends to move to the High Court to give direction to the Attorney General to advise the President that his failure if at all to set a date for election in early January would be a breach of rule of law which is now entrenched in the Constitution.”

A breach of the rule of law would show that the President has violated his oath of office and continue a “state of dictatorship and minority government”, the lawyer said. The NIP leader also argued that the criteria of recognition of a state ceased to exist on the prorogation of Parliament.

“The National Independent Party calls upon all the foreign states and more particularly the United States of America, dominion of Canada and Great Britain to withdraw their recognition of the present Government during the period of prorogation…”

Guyanese sent to jail in US for selling fake sculptures New York (New York Daily News) - A Queens Foundry owner from Guyana, who ripped off Jasper Johns and other artists, is trading in bronze sculptures for steel bars.

A Manhattan federal court judge in October sentenced Brian Ramnarine, 60, to 30 months in federal lockups for trying to sell fake sculptures said to be by Johns, Robert Indiana and Saint Clair Cemin.

He is due to start serving the sentence from next month.

“Ramnarine’s only art was as a con artist who concocted and carried out not one, but three separate schemes to peddle fake

Jail Time: Brian Ramnarine sculptures to unsuspecting buyers for millions of dollars, pretending that they had been made by well-known artists,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said.

Ramnarine pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this year while he was on trial for the scheme.

Prosecutors said he’d done work for Johns in 1990, when the artist gave him a mold to make a flag sculpture.

The mold was supposed to be destroyed, but Ramnarine held onto it and used it to make a counterfeit work, which he tried to sell for $11 million.

After he was arrested and placed on bail in 2012, he sold other fake sculptures, which were purportedly works by Cemin and Indiana, for $34,250.

Judge John Koeltl sentenced him to 30 months behind bars and ordered him

to pay $34,250 in restitution.

He’d faced up to seven to 10 years behind bars, but Koeltl cut him some slack, in part because Ramnarine’s lawyer, Troy Smith, said his client had been having some serious health issues.

Smith said the prison time was costing his client a big opportunity.

He’d been invited to participate in the building of the world’s largest statue in India. When completed, the statute is supposed to be 2 1/2 times larger than the Statue of Liberty, the lawyer said.

In court, Ramnarine told the judge, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry to bring shame on my family.”

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Law provides for Nandlall to be charged under Terrorist Act - Ramjattan Though Director Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, advised that based on the recorded conversation between Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall and Kaieteur News reporter, Leonard Gildarie, there is no evidence to charge Nandlall, Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan posits otherwise.

Ramjattan believes that there is enough incriminating evidence to charge Nandlall under the Terrorist Act. Ramjattan noted that his party observed in the daily newspapers, the guidance rendered by the DPP on the Nandlall case to the Guyana Police Force.

He then reminded that the AFC is aware that in 2002 the PPP Government, who then enjoyed a majority in Parliament, passed an amendment to the Criminal Law Offences Act to create a new offence of terrorism.

The lawyer said that the new offence, Section 309 A (a), says that, “Whoever with intent to strike terror in any section of the people does any act or thing by using firearms or lethal weapons in such a manner as to cause or likely to cause death or injuries to any person or persons …commits a terrorist act.”

Section 309 A(s) then goes on to state, “Whoever advocates, aids and abets, advises or incites or knowingly facilitates the commission or, a terrorist act or any act preparatory to a terrorist act commits an offence.”

On this premise, Ramjattan reminded that the Attorney General has confirmed that he did utter the statements in his conversation with the said journalist.

He then recalled some of Nandlall’s damning statements which he believed served as a substantial basis for the Minister of Legal Affairs to be charged under the said Act. Nandlall had said in the recorded conversation, “There is a simpler way of dealing with this situation you know. I tell Glenn already. He knows I have capacity and I know his. I don’t have to go Court every day and issue press statements, I don’t have to resort to those methods…there are far more effective measures to which I can resort.”

He had also stated, “My first advice to you is that you should move out of there… it is a dangerous f**king place to work, is a dangerous

- urges DPP to review evidence and decision

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan place…I am telling you, read between the lines this thing not going to go on for long, people not going to tek this thing just so. Is a lot of powerful people that this man.”

“Somebody gun go into Kaieteur, you see everybody nah gat as I told Adam today I said Adam, everybody doesn’t have a newspaper to use as a weapon. I told Adam, I said Adam people got weapons right, is not newspaper they gonna use as a weapon, they got weapons and when you continue attack people like that and they have no way of responding they gun just walk with their weapon into that same f**ing Saffon street office and wha come suh do and innocent, Peter gun gah pay fuh f**king Paul in deh one day. Me a tell you honestly, man to man, that will happen soon.”

Ramjattan then said that in the light of the clear unambiguous statements of the Attorney General about the existence of intended acts of terror against a national newspaper and its owner, such intention all the more corroborated when he is giving a warning to Gildharie to remove from

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack

Attorney General Anil Nandlall there, and his c l e a r advocacy and incitement of the specific terrorist activity, it is difficult to appreciate the context in which the Director of Public Prosecutions offered the advice to the Commissioner of Police as she did.

“Especially in the context of a history where this newspaper had five of its staff members brutally killed some time before,” he added.

The AFC Leader urged that the Director of Public Prosecutions revisit the examination of the evidence in light of the provisions of Section 309 A of the Criminal Law Offences Act.

Page 11

The need for law school in Guyana amplified - UGLS The need for the establishment of a law school in Guyana has been amplified given that there is some uncertainty surrounding the decision of the Council of Legal Education, (CLE) over the entry of Guyanese students into the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad and Tobago.

Earlier this year the CLE took a decision to deny automatic entry to 25 Guyanese students from the faculty of Law at the University of Guyana (UG) into the Hugh Wooding Law School.

The CLE based this decision on the fact that the HWLS is overcrowded and that the number of UWI graduates exceeds the capacity of the school to accommodate them.

UG’s top 25 performing law graduates were later guaranteed places at HWLS but the situation left many of those aspiring to be lawyers with some amount of uncertainty surrounding their future since arrangement between UG, the Legal Education Council (LEC), Hugh Wooding Law School seems to be moving to a year by year negotiation system.

In this regard, at a symposium held by Moot Court Guyana (MCG) last June, it was stated that the government is keen on establishing a local law school provided that it is done under the auspices of the Council of Legal Education (CLE) so that it will be a regional initiative ensuring that “Guyanese alone will not come here.”

However, to this date University of Guyana Law Society (UGLS) has not heard of any moves taken by the government on the issue.

In a recent correspondence, UGLS Secretary, Arianna Beharry, noted that the stress and anxiety that the students-at law currently face by not

knowing the position of furthering their legal education, takes a toll on them. It must be an issue on the top of the agenda of the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

According to Beharry, Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has vowed to listen to UGLS concerns on a date yet to be announced.

The student body is hopeful that this is done before the date of Registration to Hugh Wooding but as it stands, the student society has not been made aware of any updates regarding the position of the top 25.

“We understand that the decision does not stand solely in the hands of the Ministry; the Legal Education Council (LEC) committee is to make the final decision. We wouldn’t want a situation where students are made to wait until the last possible moment to know where they stand,” Beharry explained.

She added that until now UGLS is unsure if all students seeking entry are required to write the entrance examination. It has become a situation of frustration since short term solutions are not the answer.

Beharry believes that the students require a more detailed system where they can automatically regain top 25 acceptance.

At the interim, Beharry says that a local law school should remain the answer to the problem. She said that the time is now for the establishment of a local law school.

“We need an LEC in Guyana and the government is the only body that can answer our questions. There are major benefits for the

students; lower tuition costs, more Guyanese students being able to have an LEC due to accessibility and affording costs, among others.”

It was also noted that in hope of a long term solution being made available to all students at law. Beharry said that the UGLS has remained in contact with the AG and other legal persons and have continued to remind them about how important the issue is and benefits of establishing a local law school.

Legal education reform advocate Sherod Duncan held that the need for the establishment of a local law institute. Duncan alluded to a report on the Development of Legal Education and the Practice of Law in the Caribbean Community.

In reference to the commentary from Trinidad and Tobago, he noted, “It was anticipated that the number of places available at the Law Schools must be increased to keep pace with the inevitable growth in demand.”

He held that the CLE was created “to undertake and discharge general responsibility for the practical professional training of persons seeking to become members of the legal profession.”

Duncan maintains that the duty of the CLE under the agreement to provide practical professional training for all qualified persons seeking to become members of the legal profession and not to restrict qualified law students from obtaining professional training and thus denying the students their inherent right to pursue the career of their choice.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Farmers get $2.1B in early rice payments The government, on Wednesday, said that it has released another $1.5B to assist in paying off rice farmers.

At the beginning of the week, Government intervened with about $600M and yesterday the Government released from the Petrocaribe account advanced payments, another $1.5B, taking the amounts so far for the second half of December, to $2.1B. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, at the beginning of the week, farmers were owed about $3B. After payments of the latest advances, which are expected to be completed by next Monday, the amount owed to rice farmers will be less than $1B. “These are not loans, but payments made earlier so that millers pay off farmers.”

At present, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Producers Association (RPA) are working with farmers to ensure that millers complete all payments before the end of the year.

“We urge the millers to work through their bankers to make all outstanding payments to farmers. While the Ministry acknowledges that a valiant effort was made by millers, we still believe that they must ensure 100% payment to farmers within the Rice Factory Act timeline.”

The accumulated sales of paddy by rice farmers to

Government said that it has released over $2B in rice payments earlier than scheduled so that farmers can be paid.

millers were more than $42B for the two crops in 2014.

“At this time, millers would have paid off more than $39B, or greater than 93%. While this is commendable, the millers must make an even greater effort to meet their obligations to farmers.

“Increasingly, the GRDB is making more rigid requirements on millers and we are cautioning millers that we will ensure that they pay interest on their debt to farmers in 2015.”

According to the Ministry, the industry has now closed off its harvesting, with a final production of 633,000 tons to date.

“This is almost 100,000 tons greater than the 2013 production and more than 200,000 tons than the 2012 production. The yield this year was about 5.4 tons of paddy per hectare or about 35 bags per acre. Harvesting was from 93,000 hectares. In terms of paddy, the country is close to achieving for the first time one million tons of paddy production. This was thought to be highly impossible for a country like Guyana.”

Export yesterday stood at 490,000 tons with further shipments to be made in the next week before the end of the year.

According to the

ministry, “We are confident of reaching a historic milestone of 500,000 tons export for 2014.”

Guyana’s market for rice has expanded to several countries in Central America and “we are returning to pre2010 export of rice to Haiti.

Brazil and Columbia are also growing destinations for Guyana’s rice.”

Government also said that Guyana is continuing to engage several African

countries which have expressed interest in rice.

“Most of these countries are in West Africa and the 2014 Ebola crisis in West Africa delayed progress on realizing these new markets.”

In addition, several Middle Eastern countries have approached Guyana and these possibilities have been discussed. “In the meanwhile, we are settling the 2015 contract with Venezuela.

Export to Venezuela

accounted for almost 70% of Guyana’s rice production in 2010. Today, Venezuela is still one of our most important export destinations, but this destination only accounts for about 30% of Guyana’s rice production.”

Guyana’s rice industry is also poised for expansion into value-added products. While bulk export of rice continues to be the main export from the rice industry, 2014 evidenced the largest amount of packaged rice sold. Packaged rice export amounted to about 50,000 tons in 2014.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Commerce and IAST, rapid advances have been made in acquiring a rice cereal factory and we expect this to produce commercial quantity of rice cereal in 2015.”

Next year, Guyana is expecting its first major bioenergy plant which is replacing about 70% of fossil fuel utilization in the operation of a rice factory in Essequibo.

“The GRDB and the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the TERI Group is working to ensure at least three such bio-fuel substitution occur in 2015.

The TERI Group is also working with us to establish a paddy husk pellet project to utilize paddy husk for generating energy off-site.”

Tuschen triple murder suspect surrenders The fear of being shot by police and concern for his detained son reportedly led Tuschen murder suspect Jerome Franklyn to turn himself in to police on Friday.

Police sources told Kaieteur News that some of Franklyn’s relatives took him to a police rank at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo.

However, a police release stated that Franklyn was arrested in the Tuschen Backdam and that he is to be charged shortly.

Kaieteur News understands that the suspect confessed to killing his reputed wife’s mother, Bibi Zalima Khan and his spouse’s alleged lover, Floyd Drakes. According to a source, he eventually also admitted to killing his nineyear-old stepdaughter, Ashley Boodhoo.

A man claiming to be Franklin had telephoned Kaieteur News and had alleged that it was his motherin-law, Bibi Khan, who accidentally hacked the child to death while attempting to chop him.

Franklyn’s son, who

SUSPECT: Jerome Franklyn police have detained, is also likely to be charged with murder.

Police reportedly learnt from other relatives that Franklyn’s son held on to one of the victims, Floyd Drakes, who tried to flee the mayhem, allowing his father “to finish him off.”

This newspaper understands that initially the young man had denied being involved in the murders, but when confronted by a young family member, he had no other choice but to admit that he did aid his father.

According to a police source, investigators learnt that after Drakes was chopped, he tried to run to safety but was held by Franklyn’s son until the killer caught up with him.

Franklyn inflicted several more chops to Drakes’ body until he was certain that Drakes was dead.

Drakes sustained 25 chops.

Two Sundays ago, a caller claiming to be Franklyn had expressed anger that the police detained his son as an accomplice in the three murders.

The caller also vowed not to surrender until he had “dealt with” his wounded reputed wife and lone survivor, Geeta Boodhoo, and her sister.

‘Franklin’ alleged that a taxi driver had tipped him off that he had dropped Franklin’s spouse and a man into Tuschen Housing Scheme.

‘Franklin’ said that he forced his way into the home and murdered his mother-in law, Bibi Khan and Drakes and maimed his reputed wife, who managed to escape.

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

MYSTERY MONIES…

Govt. using secret bank accounts to finance Marriott – AFC leader

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh The US$57M Marriott Hotel is significantly completed but there questions remain as to where Government is finding the money from to continue construction and other critical works.

Initially, Government had plugged in US$20M leaving it to find another US$37M from a private investor and a syndicated loan from Republic Bank Trinidad Limited.

However, that US$37M had remained elusive as a court case filed by Opposition’ Member of Parliament, Desmond Trotman, has sought to block the mortgaging of the Kingston property.

In the meantime, works are still continuing on the site.

According to Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, his party has been paying close attention to the Marriott Hotel development.

“Parliament has been prorogued so we can’t question them there. However, that does not stop us from asking questions in the public domain. This hotel is set to open early next year. It has been largely completed. So where is the money coming from?”

According to the MP, his party has been doing its own investigations and from sources in the Ministry of Finance, it is more than likely that Government is illegally using monies from several secret accounts that it has hidden around the place.

“It would explain how the Government, under the Ministry of Finance, has been able to carry on construction. It would also highlight the gross disrespect that this Donald Ramotar administration has for the people of Guyana and how little regard it has for the laws of Guyana, and for Parliament.”

Ramjattan pointed out that it was the Auditor General who discovered several seemingly unused state accounts that had millions of dollars lying around in them. There were more than 10

bank accounts with over $2B. “It is highly illegal to spend taxpayers’ dollars without oversight of the National Assembly. Yet that is what we see happening. My enlightened guess is that these are the monies being used…monies that should have rightly been deposited into the Consolidated Fund.”

The Opposition Member of Parliament said that the fact that the private investors have not yet put their US$8M in along with the US$27M loan from the Republic Bank should raise alarm bells.

“That is why they did not want local Guyanese to invest in the project. We have rich Guyanese yet Winston Brassington who heads the project, with blessings from this Government, is not coming clean

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan with details of is happening.”

Earlier this month, Brassington, who heads the Atlantic Hotels Inc, a partially Government-owned company which is managing the Kingston hotel project, admitted that it has not yet received a blind cent of the US$8M that two Hong Kong businessman were supposed to have invested.

Brassington said that a court case by Member of Parliament Trotman blocking the mortgage has held up the US$27M syndicated loan, which in effect has delayed the US$8M coming from the Hong Kong businessmen.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the businessmen, Victor How Chung Chan and Xu Han, who are principals in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)-

Winston Brassington registered ACE Square Investments Ltd, have agreed to come on board as private investors, for US$8M. With that amount, in effect Ace Square would have taken control of 67 percent of the hotel-another controversial decision.

To secure the Republic Bank syndicated loan, Government, a few months ago, moved to mortgage the lands and property in Kingston where the project is being built. One week later AHI said that it was taking out a debenture on the Marriott.

A court case filed by Trotman, in his private capacity, asked for court orders to block the mortgaging of the lands. Trotman said that the transfer of the lands by Government to AHI was illegal.

The Marriott Hotel has been

ONGOING WORKS: The Marriott Hotel in Kingston

mired in controversy from its inception firstly with the rerouting of the sewerage system before any works had begun.

Prior to the NICIL money, Government had given Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited a US$1M contract for the rerouting of the sewerage system in the Kingston locale. That contract was pulled after more than US$700,000 was paid over. It was then given to an overseas company, for a further US$2M. AHI also leased the prime seven acres of shorefront property on which the hotel rests for a measly US$120 (G$24,000) per month with the option to buy.

The hotel construction is being carried out by Shanghai Construction Group.

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

U.S.-Cuban relations reimagined

By James A. Baer Senior Research Fellow at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs The announcement on December 17 that US President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro would both address their respective nations, where they proceeded to declare a breakthrough in relations, caught much of the world by surprise. This development came after more than a yearand-a-half of engagement.

The resulting deal outlined the freeing of Alan Gross, the American contractor who had been held for five years in a Cuban jail, along with Rolando “Rollie” Sarraff Trujillo, who had worked clandestinely for the United States, in exchange for three highly visible Cuban prisoners in the US who had been convicted of spying in a very highly controversial US trial.

The implications of the announcement go far beyond a prisoner swap, signaling a radical shift in US policy toward Cuba. Already we are seeing a highly visible opposition by Republicans and cries of betrayal from older Cuban-Americans, many of whom fled the island when Fidel Castro took power after the 1959 revolution.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) denounced the change in policy, bitterly claiming that it rewarded a dictatorship. Rubio, an expected 2016 presidential candidate, recounted his family’s long opposition to the Castro regime.

Recent polls, however, have shown that a majority of younger Cuban-Americans and most citizens in the US favor improved relations with Cuba.

Relations between the two states had remained frozen in a Cold War time warp for more than fifty years. The US trade embargo had not led to any realization of US policy objectives, although it did certainly make life more difficult for many Cubans. But recently, high-level policy advisors from the White House and Havana met in

There is a mad rush to maintain the tradition of road fatalities. Over the Christmas holidays there were nine, certainly a record.

There will be three more fatalities before the year ends, because there is no end to recklessness. ** One more fire will threaten a household. Some will blame the lights, but the real cause would be a tired cook who would suffer a

Canada with the encouragement of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope. Pope Francis had visited Cuba with Pope John Paul II and had written about the need for better relations between the United States and Cuba.

Nevertheless, there are still many issues that need to be resolved. This dramatic first step will not immediately or automatically end the US embargo or permit unrestricted trade or travel between the US and Cuba. But it does bring to an end a policy that had proven to be indefensible and even counter-productive.

Most Latin American countries have shunned the US and established economic and political ties with Cuba on their own, with the US increasingly isolated by the passage of time.

Latin American representatives to the 2012 Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia, demanded that Cuba be invited to the next summit in Panama, and the US had acquiesced. However, the announcement on Dec. 17 was universally seen as only the beginning of a process to single-mindedly change the steadfast opposition of the US to the Cuban regime headed first by Fidel and then Raul Castro.

The United States had sponsored an invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs in 1961, had all but threatened war with the Soviet Union over Moscow’s decision to construct nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962. The White House also had attempted to assassinate Fidel Castro on several occasions.

The US has accused the Castro regime of arming the Sandinistas in Nicaragua and Marxist guerillas in El Salvador in the 1980s, as well as permitting drug shipments through Cuba to the US and of perpetrating many human rights abuses for political crimes.

The Cuban government

has accused the US of supporting terrorism, providing a safe haven to Luis Posada Carriles. This Cuban terrorist is the author of the 1976 attack on a Cuban airliner, killing 73 people. Also, La Havana accused Washington of fomenting anti-government activities in Cuba and killing a number of Cubans in Washington’s infamous attack on Grenada in 1983. But by far, the longest-lasting and most contentious issue has been the US imposed economic embargo, launched in 1961.

When the Castro regime confiscated property from US companies and individuals in Cuba, the government offered compensation in bonds and with the sale of sugar. The US refused and instituted the embargo in 1961, hoping to further squeeze the Cuban economy and weaken the Castro regime. Washington’s 1961 Foreign Assistance Act had forbidden assistance to Cuba as a communist regime and to any country giving assistance to Cuba. President John F. Kennedy suspended all trade with Cuba in February 1962 in accordance with this legislation. The 1963 Cuban Assets Controls Regulations (CACR) froze all Cuban property in the US and

memory lapse while cooking.

Neighbours will rush to help but the damage would be substantial.

** Good things do happen.

A man would collapse on the road, the victim of hypertension but help would not be far away.

Public-spirited citizens would rush to his aid and get him to hospital where he would be saved.

At the same time there will be a choking. A child would swallow something and only quick thinking would save that child.

mandated that all commercial relations with Cuba be controlled by this division of the Treasury Department.

To this day, visitors from the US need a license issued by the Treasury Department to travel legally to Cuba.

Restrictions on travel apply to all US citizens and all residents of the United States, regardless of their nationality. Legal travel to

Cuba under a Treasury Department license included travel which was limited to research or study, journalist reporting, attendance at conferences, and religious activities, travel by humanitarian aid workers and government employees assigned to Cuba. CubanAmericans could visit relatives, although there were restrictions on remittances

and travel.

Over the past several years, approximately 90,000 Americans have traveled legally to Cuba each year, along with hundreds of thousands of CubanAmericans. Nevertheless, the embargo prohibited bringing items purchased in Cuba, such as cigars and rum, into the United States and restricted Continued on page 23

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

The man who vanished on Christmas Day - The pepper-pot and black-cake were on the table…but where was Michael Harris?

By Michael Jordan I guess you know about the Marie Celeste, but if you don’t, that was the American ship whose captain, passengers and seven-man crew vanished without a trace back in December 1872.

And that brings me to another December mystery, but one more close to home.

It began on the Christmas Day of 2008 at a two-storey house located at Lot 607 Hippani Oval, Retrieve, Linden.

The bottom-flat was occupied by Michael Harris, a 58-year-old contractor, who was also the caretaker of the premises which belonged to an overseas-based Guyanese.

A female acquaintance of the owner lived in the top flat.

The story that relatives have been told is that some time that day, Harris climbed onto his bicycle and travelled to Wismar, where he had a ‘Christmas drink’ with a friend.

Word is that the contractor was once a hard drinker. But earlier in the year, an intoxicated Harris had tumbled off his bicycle and almost drowned in the Demerara River. That had caused him to drastically reduce his alcohol consumption. So, when he met up with his friend at Wismar, Michael Harris reportedly only drank a Malta.

According to reports, the contractor then rode to Poke Street, Wismar, where he had a drink with another friend.

This time, it is alleged that he took a small amount of alcohol.

Mr. Harris reportedly then visited a third friend at Wismar/Christianburg. The second friend would later tell relatives that Harris had passed his way again, and that he had observed that his clothes were soiled with mud.

The friend concluded that Harris had fallen somewhere during his journey.

Later in the day, one of Harris’ sisters called his home to wish her brother a Merry Christmas. When the landline rang out, she tried to reach him on his mobile phone, but no one answered.

About two days later, the relative again tried to contact Harris on the landline at his home. It is alleged that this time, the woman who lived in the upper flat informed the caller that Mr. Harris had gone out on Christmas Day but had not returned. The concerned relative contacted Wayne Harris, one of the missing man’s sons.

Wayne Harris contacted another brother and they travelled to the home at Linden where their father resided.

Wayne Harris said that when they entered their father’s apartment, they found everything intact. There was pepperpot and black cake on the table.

According to Wayne Harris, they visited the woman who lived in the upper flat.

She reportedly revealed that she was in possession of the missing man’s mobile phone.

Wayne Harris’ story is that the woman said that after his father failed to return home, she went into his flat and retrieved his phone.

Worried relatives then widened the search by checking at the hospitals and even in the cemetery for any sign of their missing father.

They found none. They placed advertisements on the radio and television. Callers responded by giving the family several leads about the contractor’s whereabouts. All proved to be false.

Wayne Harris said that

about a month later, a man confided to them that he was scouring the abandoned mines for ‘metal’ to sell when he came across a bag, which appeared to contain human bones.

According to the son, this information was conveyed to ranks at the Mackenzie Police Station and they confirmed that the man had given them a similar report. But he alleged that the policemen claimed that they had checked the area but failed to find the bag of ‘bones.’

Harris said that he and other relatives checked the vast abandoned bauxite mines. They, too, found nothing. To date, not a trace of the contractor or his bicycle has been found.

Wayne Harris was less than complimentary when he spoke about the efforts of the police to locate his father. He alleged that the police ignored information that family members provided about two possible suspects. He’s convinced that someone murdered his father.

Another year has passed, and family members are once again pondering the fate of Michael Harris, who disappeared on Christmas Day, just as if the earth had opened up and swallowed him.

If you have any information about this unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News at our Lot 24 Saffon Street location.

We can be reached on telephone numbers 2258458, 22-58465, 22-58473 or 22-58491.

You need not disclose your identity.

You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address mjdragon@ hotmail.com.

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 23

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

The horrible side of Guyana that didn’t make the news before Christmas I parked outside the Opus Hotel on Croal Street on December 23 to wait for Leonard Craig to have lunch with. While waiting, I walked up Bourda Street to pick up a few fruits. As soon as I crossed over to the north of Regent Street at Bourda Street, some folks came up to me; “Freddie you have to write about this.”

It was a story of the city police beating up a vendor and seizing his things. I went to the outpost to investigate, but I only had the version of the city police because the vendor had gone. As I stepped onto the road, there was the cry again, “Freddie you have to write about it.”

The very next day at the very same time at the very same spot, I parked waiting to have lunch, this time with Dr. David Hinds. Both Craig and Hinds are horrible with time, so again I went through Bourda Street to pick up fruits at the market. As I traveled north on Bourda Street, the voice said; “Freddie you have to write about this.” Three persons showed me a nasty, horrible sight of a mountain of garbage in front of a gate of Bourda Market that prevents the gate from being opened. As I walked away, I heard the usual chorus; “Freddie you have to write about it.”

I didn’t write about both

situations, the reason being that despite a daily column, there just aren’t sufficient column inches to write about the quotidian horrors of this country. This is one of Earth’s hell houses that get worse as time passes. We are nearing the end of 2014 and the ubiquity of decline, despair, decimation and devastation have been so overwhelming that many aspects of Guyana’s terror didn’t make the news. They weren’t mentioned so they could have soaked into the towel of anger that each citizen of this country keeps in his/her pocket.

One such event was the declaration of the Yahoo travel

writer that Guyana is the worst place he has visited. That is very bad news indeed and bad is a mild word. Yahoo is a huge company and it is commonsensical to assume that the writer must have covered the entire globe. To make such a definitive statement is a pitiful indictment against any country. Imagine this guy must have traveled to over a hundred countries and he singled out Guyana as the most unbecoming land his eyes set on.

How do the tourism ambassadors feel? How do the people in the Private Sector Commission feel? Was the writer exaggerating? He was

U.S.-Cuban relations reimagined From page 21 purchases to printed material or artwork. Travelers from the US in Cuba could not use credit cards or write checks on US banks, and all travel had to be arranged through an agency specifically licensed for travel to Cuba.

Violations of this act could result in fines of up to $250,000 for individuals. The law even allowed for imprisonment for up to 10 years for those traveling to Cuba illegally.

According to most estimates, some 20,000 did so each year, through Canada, Mexico or The Bahamas.

The US government made no special effort to find and punish these individuals, although on occasion a few travelers were hit with stiff fines The embargo was amplified by the 1992 Cuban Democracy Act (Torricelli Act) that forbade subsidiaries of US companies from trading with Cuba. Regardless of the country they operated out of, and restricted remittances by Cuban-Americans. In March 1996, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) or HelmsBurton Act. Title I of the act tightened financial restrictions by threatening to withhold any amounts intended for Cuba from international lending agencies, such as the InterAmerican Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Prior to this measure, any US President could use presidential discretion but not require Congressional legislation. Title II required the return of all property seized from US nationals by the Cuban government after January 1, 1959. Title III allowed US nationals to sue

foreign companies that benefited from investments in seized properties and Title IV permitted the United States to expel or refuse admission to executives and their families from such corporations doing business with Cuba.

International condemnation of the act was so strong that both President Bill Clinton and George W. Bush signed waivers so that the provisions were not enforced.

There had been some movement over the past 15 years toward easing restrictions and improving relations with Cuba. The Congress of the United States passed the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSRA) in 2000 which allowed limited sales of agricultural goods and medicines to Cuba, increasing total US exports to Cuba from US$7.2 million to US$711 million between 2001 and 2008. The Obama administration also lifted some Bush-era restrictions on travel and remittances.

But the convergence of politics, pope and presidents that made a new relationship between the United States and Cuba only occurred in late 2014. As President Obama enters his final two years in office he appears to be looking for some way to enhance his legacy, especially with the resounding defeat of Democratic candidates in the fall elections. The president has used many of his broad powers to conduct foreign policy, and with a Republican majority soon to be seated in both houses of Congress, Obama belatedly decided to take the initiative with Cuba.

In Cuba, Raul Castro has already begun a series of economic reforms allowing Cubans to own small businesses, purchase and sell

their own homes and buy and sell newer-model automobiles.

There have been few political reforms to go along with these economic changes. The average Cuban is beginning to see opportunities that did not exist before.

Change will come slowly and with some difficulty, as President Obama admitted in his speech. Politicians in the United States, whether in Congress or considering running for president, will support or oppose this initiative depending on their perception of voter approval.

Partisan politics will shape these policies as it does with other measures supported by President Obama.

And, one final point that many Americans may not fully consider, or will decide to shrug off, is whether or not Cubans want a completely unrestricted relationship with the United States. The Cubans that one visitor to

Cuba has spoken to while visiting the island profess admiration for many aspects of US culture. But they also support the right of Cuba to follow its own path, unrestricted by US interference. Cubans may want a freer economy and a more open political system, but they do not universally want US control of finances, land and businesses in Cuba.

Many Cubans would agree with Fidel Castro, who refers to the “Apostle of the Cuban Revolution” as José Martí, not Karl Marx, and share Martí’s criticisms of the predatory power of the United States over its small island neighbor.

If Cuba and the US are ever to have a good relationship, it must come from a mutual acceptance of differences and not an imposition of US values.

(Republished from the Council on Hemispheric Affairs website)

not. This columnist got a call from Mr. Glenn Lall about the newspaper’s annual bonus meeting where the speeches are made about the year just gone by.

That meeting was about 90 minutes. When I walked out of Kaieteur News’ offices, in just a few minutes of hard rain, Saffon Street was covered with water. I had to walk in it to get to my car. Look at what the rains did to Bourda Market on Christmas Eve. Those poor vendors lost tremendously. What if that Yahoo travel writer had seen that disaster? He would have dismissed Guyana as a real country Just before Christmas, with the preoccupation of the season on citizens’ minds, the news that Guyana occupies number fifteen among countries with the highest rate of homicides didn’t make the headlines.

This is sickening news.

We are just under 800,000 with a huge chunk of that number being children. Yet we are fifteenth on the list of countries with a high homicidal rate. There can only be one interpretation – this is a morbidly violent country where killing comes easily.

What didn’t make the news too because of our Christmas priorities is the

Frederick Kissoon announcement by Forbes magazine that Jamaica headed the list of Caribbean countries for 2014 that was best for foreign investors to do business in. For some genetic reason we never come out as number one in anything positive. We are always number one when it comes to the negatives.

Here are some more examples of diseased Guyana.

The Trinidadian Government two weeks ago was accused of racial bias in its deportation policy. The accusation was that there were more deportees sent back in 2014 to Africa than elsewhere.

The Trinidadian Government was smiling. It trashed its accusers. It showed with graphic statistical evidence that more Guyanese were deported than from any other continent or country. Guyana has the highest suicide rate in the world. We are yet to see the statistics for child molestation, incest and road fatalities, but we must be heading those lists. What a country!

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Donald Ramotar: ‘Man of the year’ President Donald Ramotar deserves to be selected as Guyana’s ‘Man of the Year.’

He has succeeded, after only three years in office, in outpacing all previous presidents in terms of personal unpopularity and political underperformance.

The Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) confirmed widely-held perceptions about Guyana’s President. The Report

determined that there had been a decline in Ramotar’s approval rating and an increase in the number of those who think the economy worsened this year [Stabroek News 19th November].

LAPOP also found that, referring to President Ramotar’s recent decision to suspend Parliament, fewer than 9 per cent of people agreed that the National Assembly should be

suspended in a time of crisis.

The LAPOP Report added that “…the political outlook for the Guyanese regime suffered a moderate but general reversal in legitimacy levels in 2014.” It attributed loss of confidence in Ramotar to several factors including “…popular perception of economic performance, citizens’ sensing that the government may not be able to successfully negotiate

agreements with opposition members in the parliament, or a broader public perception of a government inability to satisfy citizen demands.”

Ramotar’s prorogation of parliament on Monday 10th November enraged the nation. This ‘Proclamation’ effectively paralysed the parliamentary process and smothered the voices of the people’s legitimate representatives in the

National Assembly – an affront to the Guyanese electorate who, three years ago in November 2011, voted for A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change to have the majority of seats in the National Assembly.

Ramotar, as President, had earlier displayed gross disrespect for the National Assembly by refusing to assent to the Local Government (Amendment) Bill which had been passed by the National Assembly along with the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill, the Local Government Commission Bill and the Fiscal Transfers Bill.

These had all been scrutinised by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government before passage.

He withheld his assent to the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2013 which stated that elections must be held on or before August 1, 2014.

Ramotar tactlessly told his supporters at a town hall meeting in New York that he did indeed promise ¯ in the PPPC 2011 election manifesto ¯ that, once his party was returned to office, local government elections would be held within the first year.

He then admitted reneging on his own promise explaining, fatuously, “… I did not anticipate that we would have had a oneseat minority in Parliament and that created political uncertainty… within what we call the politics of the country.”

Ramotar’s low rating in terms of public security is consistent with his rating on governance.

Ramotar himself had raised the alarm over the state of human safety and the rate of murders and warned the Guyana Police Force, on 24th April 2014, that the country might be facing an “avalanche of crimes.” The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014, compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has now cited Guyana as having one of the highest homicide rates in the world with just over 20 deaths per 100,000 of the country’s population. This country was listed as “the 16th most homicidal country globally.” The Report pointed out that Guyana’s estimated rate of homicide per 100,000 of the population was 20.2 persons for 2012.

Ramotar, in the wake to the publication of the Report, summoned Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips and Guyana Police Force Commissioner

Seelall Persaud to the Office of the President. Ramotar, according to the Government Information Agency, instructed his security chiefs, rather implausibly if not impossibly, to “get on top” of the crime situation.

Ramotar, apart from his busy schedule of cutting ribbons, delivering ‘keynote’ speeches, holding press conferences and opening exhibitions has actually been doing very little about solving the country’s day-to-day problems. His tenure has been rocked by eruptions of angry public protests, both on the coastland and in hinterland communities.

The Barima-Waini Region has seen public protests over the deplorable condition of schools’ toilets, roadways and the unstable electricity supply. The PomeroonSupenaam Region has seen protests by paddy farmers over payments for paddy and services to the industry. The Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region has seen protests against torture and extra-judicial killings by members of the Police Force.

The Demerara-Mahaica Region has seen protests over the failure to hold local government elections.

The East BerbiceCorentyne Region has seen protests over crime on the Corentyne and, on the East Bank Berbice, bad roads. The Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region’s regional administrative centre, Bartica, saw residents protesting about losing electricity for several days in July. Transport operators also protested about the delay in the reconstruction of the Bartica-Potaro Road.

The Potaro-Siparuni Region’s regional administrative centre, Mahdia, once again saw protests against poor roads, electricity, water and other services. The Rupununi Region’s regional administrative centre, Lethem, saw residents converging outside the Lethem Power Company Inc. (LPCI) compound protesting against the hike in electricity tariffs for the community.

The Upper DemeraraBerbice Region saw protests, including the blockage of the Linden-Kwakwani Road, to call attention to the deplorable state of the vital roadway which has been deteriorating for years without serious long-term repairs.

President Ramotar has now single-handedly engineered a political crisis, ruined his reputation and arranged for the termination of his presidency. The President, after such a stellar performance, surely, must be Guyana’s ‘Man of the Year.’

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 25

MY COLUMN

The tradition of wishing away the Old Year continues The New Year is fast approaching and there are things that some of us would like to forget. We all want to forget those murders and road accidents that left so many families in mourning; we want to forget the attempts at victimization merely because people were critical.

But then again, we all hold out so much hope for the New Year. It is as if every year we are glad to see the back of the old one. We make resolutions which we don’t keep because habits die hard, so within a few days into the New Year we are back to being what we have been all along and this is what makes every year as bad as the one just past.

I remember the start of this year and it seemed as if it was only yesterday. There were the fireworks and the explosions of the squibs and ‘bombs’.

Then the pessimist in me came to the fore and I asked myself how many people would not live to see the end of the year.

There have been many, some of them dying needlessly.

I expected developments in the relationships in the National Assembly and I have been disappointed. Nobody seemed willing to give an inch, choosing instead to demonstrate power. Of course

there were the shenanigans with the budget. A minority government decided to behave as though it had a majority and an opposition that was intransigent.

At one stage it looked as if the budget would not be passed, but at the very last minute, with the President out of the country, the Prime Minister signed it into law. But that was not the end of the story, because the government continued to spend as though there were no modifications to the budget. People became disgruntled and this is going to be reflected in the votes cast when the elections are held within a few months. I thought that in a country with so few people, everyone would have opted to use the strengths of each other. Not so. The race card came out.

Poor old Forbes Burnham who died before the majority of people in the country were born was resurrected.

His perceived ills were hung out at the same time people were trotting out the ills of the present government.

Corruption became a household name and the government never got its public relations people to smooth over whatever was

being peddled.

I came in for my share of criticism, although I merely sit in my little corner and do the job for which I am paid.

Toward the end of the year one fellow reportedly gave me an award for being ugly. I have not seen it, but I do appreciate it for a variety of reasons. For one, my visage has not been found to be unpleasant to many and even if it were, those with whom I came into contact never let me feel uncomfortable.

There were times when I wished others could have been like me—law-abiding.

There would not have been so many deaths resulting from greed. People attacked the gold miners, those who had visited the commercial banks, gone into people’s homes, and so many other dastardly acts.

There were others who were critical of my blackness.

Again, I was not discomfited because I am extremely comfortable inside my skin.

Of course the police are now coming to grips that there are corrupt people in their midst. Just this week they arrested some ex-soldiers and former policemen who were hunting a crime scene. Earlier, they had arrested others and

seemed to have solved the riddle of people being attacked on their way from the airport.

But there were highs. In the education sector our young children did very well, but they still left me hoping that they could really think instead of churning out almost by rote, what they learnt. Of course, the children of the more fortunate people—those who have disposable income—topped the list of high achievers.

Many of these children will be lost to this country as has been the trend for decades. Their parents would encourage them to seek greener pastures where the view is that they would be adequately compensated for the skills they acquire.

However, as the year draws to a close, I cannot help but spare a thought for the people who die on the roads.

For this month alone there have been some inexplicable accidents. There was the woman on West Bank

Demerara who died soon after completing her Christmas shopping. That same day a young man who had gone to follow some friends to East Bank Demerara died while crossing the road at Providence.

A father driving his family home from the city after Christmas shopping crashed his car and killed his daughter.

Hours later a man crashed his car while transporting his friend. Another friend who rushed to rescue him came into contact with a live electric wire and perished.

On Christmas Day a man crashed on the East Bank Demerara and had to be cut from the car. Then on Saturday, a car slammed into a koker and another crashed again on West Berbice. The gut-wrenching thing was to see a husband reaching out to strangers while crying uncontrollably because his wife had just died in another road accident.

With the influx of cars on the road I expect many more,

Adam Harris and wish that as careful as I am, I do not end up in the path of some errant driver.

Talk as much as we want about electricity theft, people will continue seeking the short term benefit. But there is always going to be pain. On Boxing Day, a 10-year-old came into contact with one of the contraptions and died.

I wish that the things that lead to such deaths would vanish in the New Year but of course, that is only wishful thinking. I also wished my late son was here for another Christmas, but that too was wishful thinking.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

CHRISTMAS REMINDS US IT’S TIME FOR RADICAL CHANGE

By Moses Nagamootoo, AFC Vice-Chairman As we celebrate Christmas with family and friends the season of peace and goodwill towards men, I can’t help but reflect on the passage of time and 22 unbroken years of the PPP in government.

It was heralded as the “dawn of a new era”. I was a Minister of that first government, and I was to serve in that capacity under four presidents, until 2000. I still feel the excitement and expectations of the early years, when we earnestly worked to re-build our Guyana.

The Cheddi Jagan presidency was the golden gem of “lean and clean” in governance. It was shortlived. Whilst the formal political democracy for which we had fought relentlessly, was to survive, the frugal and honest government of Cheddi Jagan died with him.

More than three years ago, I resigned from the PPP

and joined the Alliance for Change. Since then, the PPP has lost significant ground and has been reduced to a minority, now masquerading as government.

The primary cause of its demise has been underperformance, inefficiency and unchecked corruption.

The AFC recognizes that much of what is positive over the years, has been lost in the frenzy over political control and domination. The Jagdeo years would perhaps stand out as Guyana’s disgraced era of political vulgarity, lawlessness and corruption, which is caricatured in the “Pradoville” culture of greed and sleaze. The country had sadly plunged into a “cussdown mode”, from which it never recovered. Remember when journalists were seen as “vultures and carrion crows”; and those who could not toe the line were deemed “ignoramuses”?

Twenty-two years ago, people voted for change in how government did

business. They wanted a government that would make sure that they get benefits for their hard work and from their taxes. They voted for cheaper foodstuff and transportation, decent housing and health care, water they could safely drink from their taps, education that ensures job opportunities. They voted for paying jobs and a living pension. The change they wanted was to show, in the words of the Song of Guyana’s Children: “what Guyana’s sons and daughters can be”.

But the story of development has been lost in the narrative of corruption.

There is no parallel in Guyana’s history for the vulgar descent into corrupt practices as that unfolding under the PPP’s watch. The inheritors have put Cheddi Jagan and his crop of selfless fighters to shame. These inheritors have built themselves into a get-richquick elite who forged an incestuous relationship with rags-to-riches tycoons. They

and their cronies swindle billions of dollars on scams and schemes whether in fake and failed construction projects; accounts hidden from the Treasury; super salaries for sinecure employment together with “fat cat” pensions, perks and privileges; rigged contracts for computers, drugs, pirated textbooks, etc..

The AFC is convinced that after 22 years, corruption has ensnared the police, party and presidency.

Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, the long-standing PPP leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly, described corruption in Guyana as “pervasive”. He was forced to resign from the PPP. Two years ago on September 15, 2012, Dr. Cheddi Jagan jnr., (Joey), who was a parliamentary candidate for PPP in the last election, expressed revulsion against the so-called president pension package of $3,000,000 monthly, which he dubbed “the sweepstakes package”. Son of Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Joey was mad that party members remained mum on the issue.

He stated:”All the apologists for the retirement package of Mr. Jagdeo in the PPP…..show us, the regular citizens of this country, that they really don’t care about the working people of Guyana and they think that we are like them, living with wool pulled over our eyes and with hearts made of stone”.

Say what you want about him, Joey is candid and honest, so much so that he took a broader swipe at corruption and waste, when he asked: “Where’s our money for the road Fip Motilall never built? What about the sugar factory at Skeldon which doesn’t work?”

There was also a furore in the PPP camp when the Jagans’ other child, Nadira Jagan-Brancier, declared: “My parents were probably the most incorruptible people you would ever find; their honesty and integrity were of very high standards, but unfortunately do not exist or I don’t see it in many of the leaders of the party and government.

“I think the party has moved away –not the party but certain elements in the party – from these very, very important values that held the party together ….and so for me, when I look at some of the things happening, my

parents must be turning in their graves – - churning up in the waters of the rivers in which their ashes were sprinkled.”

After 22 years, the social fabric of our society is disintegrating, as there seems to be no effective safety net for the poor and vulnerable.

Daily we witness the rapid descent into utter depravity in proliferation of gruesome and mindless murders, child pregnancies, unchecked assaults on our women, etc.

Whilst it is not easy to lay blame, it is time to hold those who run the society accountable. This is, after all, a social security and law and order issue.

We have to hold them accountable for the near financial collapse of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) in which tens of thousands of contributors invested and are now pushed to the edge of uncertainty. We must bring Government to account for the $5,000,000,000 NIS money that they recklessly placed in CLICO, which went belly up.

The AFC is of the view that in its 22nd year in government, the PPP has presented us with a catalogue of corruption in almost every aspect of the country’s life, resulting in:· Significant drugs trafficking - cocaine in wood, dhal puri, pepper sauce, glue, hair swirls and more · Customs evasion and smuggling - from the Polar Beer Scam to the Police Jet Boat scam and to ATV duty free concessions scam. · money laundering · trafficking in persons · mis-use of state resources to pay party activists, reward docile newspapers and prepare Pradoville-type land for elite · operation of slush funds in state bodies such as NICIL · lottery fund being used as petty cash for Office of the President.

The drain in public funds, plus squandermania and waste, has resulted in greater borrowing so that Guyana’s national debt today is higher than that under the PNC regime.

Ramkarran has called for action to deal with corruption, transparency and accountability. As Eddie Hooper sang, “Take warning; take warning: you better do good”.

Much good could have come had the government taken these steps: · Established the

Procurement Commission and re-constituted national/ regional tender boards · Sent all files on corruption by state and para-state officials to the DPP for action · Appointed a Chairperson and all members of an Integrity Commission, and set up a tribunal to investigate assets of all officials · Adopted a compromise position to facilitate passage of the Anti money laundering legislation and set up an anti-money laundering intelligence unit and tribunal · Passed a whistleblowing law to protect those who want to tell about corrupt officials · Regulated elections campaign financing to cut out influence-peddling · Reviewed the allocation of radio licences handed out

by Mr. Jagdeo · Appointed a qualified Auditor General · Removed the conflict of interest situation between Minister of Finance and the Audit Office · Removed the Minister of Finance as Chairman of NICIL · Replaced the Head of Presidential Secretariat/ Cabinet Secretary as Chairman of NIS · Democratised all state media to give equitable access to opposition and other views · Removed party (PPP) domination of state boards and the University of Guyana Council · Replaced the Minister of Home Affairs to restore public confidence in law enforcement agency · Reshuffled and professionalised the diplomatic corps Today, the PPP has lost its way. It is weak and almost leaderless, and can no longer guarantee Guyana good and effective governance. Today as we live under a “prorogued” parliament we are reminded why we need radical change.

We in the AFC have started a new journey for real change and can only succeed with your support.

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 27

billions of dollars in losses.

SUNDAY EDITION DPP HAS COMPROMISED THEINTEGRITY OF HER OFFICE - DR. DAVID HINDS A recently released report by the Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore, has raised shocking questions about the role played by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the 2006 multi-million New Building Society (NBS) fraud investigation.

According to a muchpublicized report of Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore, the DPP, Shalimar AliHack, sat at a meeting with her husband, Sheik Moeen UlHack, at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), on January 20, 2007, at which the fraud was discussed with a senior official of NBS. The DPP, a few months later, then went ahead and advised that fraud charges be laid against three senior staffers – Chief Executive Officer, Maurice Arjoon and his two managers, Kent Vincent and Kissoon Baldeo.

Ombudsman, Justice Winston Moore, following a complaint by Arjoon filed last January that he was maliciously charged and prosecuted, concluded that the three men suffered grave injustice, losing seven years of their working lives and should never have been charged in the first place.

The men, and other staffers, were fired by NBS. Arjoon has since filed civil court actions against NBS claiming compensation and

his benefits.

The presence of the DPP at the meeting has sparked significant debate from letter writers and commentators alike who are insisting that the situation spoke of a conflict of interest, especially as it is now revealed that the managers have been cleared.

Political activist, Dr. David Hinds, believes that the DPP compromised the integrity of her office just by sitting in on a meeting of that Muslim organization and then later advising police to charge the NBS Managers.

Dr. Hinds insisted that DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack should have recused herself the minute the case came before her. In failing to do so, he said that the DPP has essentially compromised the integrity of her office.

He emphasized that officials such as magistrates, judges and the DPP should always strive to ensure that they are not placed into positions which would result in a clash of interests.

They should immediately excuse themselves from such

instances, to protect the honour of their office.

US$18M HOPE CANAL SET FOR DEC. COMPLETION More than two years past the deadline, a $3.6B manmade canal critical to help drainage on East Coast Demerara, is nearing completion with just few minor works left to be done.

According to Government officials, contractors are concluding a few aspects on both the canal and the high level discharge sluice in time for the December 31 deadline.

The project was launched in October 2010 and funded directly from the coffers – an initiative that Government said was the largest of its kind using public funding.

The Hope Canal, as it is known, linking the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and the Atlantic Ocean, on the north, was conceptualized after the crippling 2005 floods which left East Coast Demerara under water and

MONDAY EDITION TUSCHEN TRIPLE MURDER…NO SURRENDER UNTIL I FINISH OFF WIFE, SISTER - KILLER TELLS KNEWS The hunt for Tuschen triple murder suspect Jerome Franklin took a disturbing turn last Sunday, after a man claiming to be the alleged killer contacted Kaieteur News to disclose events that led to the slaughter of his mother-in-law, his nine-yearold stepdaughter, his rival, and the maiming of his spouse.

The caller also made it clear that, for him, the killing would not stop until he had “dealt with” his wounded reputed wife and lone survivor, Geeta Boodhoo, and her sister.

“I don’t intend to surrender. I want my wife’s sister; she is the key to my problems,” the caller said.

Indicating that he also planned to kill his wife, “if they don’t ketch me first,” the caller said: “Me waiting for she to come out (of hospital).”

In the approximately 20minute conversation, ‘Franklin’ confessed to slaughtering his reputed wife’s mother, Bibi Zalima Khan and his spouse’s alleged lover, Floyd Drakes.

Expressing not a shred of remorse, he also admitted to chopping his reputed wife and lone survivor, Geeta Boodhoo.

But he vehemently denied killing his nine-year-old stepdaughter, Ashley Boodhoo. He claimed that it was his mother-in-law, Bibi Khan, who accidentally hacked the child to death while attempting to chop him.

RUNAWAY DRIVER LEAVES PASSENGERS IN CARAFTER KILLING TEEN ON THE ROAD A teenage boy was killed and two of his friends injured after a speeding car ploughed into them on the Providence Public Road, East Bank Demerara, at around 00:30 hrs Sunday.

The friends were hurled into a nearby trench and Parmanand Deokaran, 18, of Lot 233 Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who

sustained head injuries, was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

His friends, Davendra Mangal, 20, of 27 Better Hope, ECD and Kayshane Ramnarine, 17, of 184 Good Hope, ECD, were taken to separate hospitals and were in stable condition.

Nicholas Verasar, who was with the trio at the time of the accident, escaped unhurt.

The driver fled the scene, leaving his vehicle, bearing registration number PRR 555, with two passengers still inside. Police sources identified the driver as Asif Khan of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara.

TUESDAY EDITION AG THREATAGAINST K/ NEWS…NO EVIDENCE TO CHARGEATTORNEY GENERAL – DPP After a delay of more than a month, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, has finally advised that there is no evidence to charge Attorney General Anil Nandlall over threats he allegedly made during a telephone conversation with Kaieteur News Senior Reporter, Leonard Gildarie.

The DPP said in a statement Monday that the file on the matter has been returned to the police, advising that no charges be laid against Nandlall.

The advice comes a few days after several persons protested outside her office accusing her of compromising the integrity of her office.

Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, had filed a complaint with the police, alleging that the Attorney General threatened the safety of his employees when during the conversation, he spoke of an imminent attack on the newspaper’s main office on Saffon Street, if the entity continued with its exposure of government corruption.

The DPP in her statement referred to the recorded conversation between “personal friends” Gildarie and Nandlall as private. Based on the evidence contained in the police file, the conversation was “not

between the Attorney General…and Mr. Glenn Lall.”

She explained that the offence created in Section 141(a) Chapter 8:02 is in relation to the speaker using threatening language with intent to provoke anyone else to commit a breach of the peace, that is, provoking another person to do so.

According to the DPP, the threatening language must be such as is likely to provoke a breach of the peace by anyone else that is the person to whom the threat is directed.

She said that for the threatening language to result in provocation, the threat must be directly communicated to the person to whom it concerns, that is, in his presence and hearing.

“There is no evidence of this contained in the police file,” the DPP stated.

She further stated that the offence created in Section 141 (b) Chapter 8:02 is in relation to the person using abusive, insulting, obscene or profane language to the annoyance of another, that is, such language is used directly to the other person in his presence and annoys him.

“There is no evidence of this (also),” she pointed out.

“The alleged recording of a telephone conversation between the AttorneyGeneral and the Minister of Legal Affairs and Mr. Gildarie, does not fall under Section 1a1 (a) or (b) Chapter 8:02,” Ali-Hack stated.

“In these circumstances the communication to Mr. Gildarie does not provide an evidential basis which can support the institution of criminal proceedings,” she added.

WEDNESDAY EDITION SHOTGUN FORCES GUNMEN TO ABANDON CAR AFTER ROBBERY - DRAMA CAUGHT ON CAMERA It was drama at high noon Tuesday in Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, after three armed bandits came face to face with an angry, shotgun-toting businessman whom they had robbed after trailing him from a city bank.

The bandits had earlier relieved the businessman of (Continued on page 37)

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

US-based Guyanese remember less fortunate villagers

By Dale Andrews It must be the closest thing to how Santa Claus operates, except that he did not come on a reindeer-led sleigh or did he sneak down a chimney. He rode in a car with three of his helpers, taking Christmas cheer and gifts to those who needed it most in the small East Coast Demerara community of Enterprise.

Adeshwar Rickeeram, called Harold, is a product of Enterprise, and together with a group of fellow villagers who reside in the USA, they have formed the Enterprise Support Group (ESG) USA Inc., dedicating their time and finances to help their less fortunate brothers and sisters back in the country of their birth.

This year, Harold, who happens to be the president of the group, made the trip back home to ensure that those villagers who need help at least see one of the people providing it.

Mind you, it’s not only at Christmastime that the ESG USA Inc. has been doling out help; they have been doing it

all year round for many years.

In fact the group has been Santa Claus to a number of villagers of school age, helping them through high school, as long as they maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance.

They have also been helping those who are physically or otherwise challenged and are finding it difficult to get by.

Last Monday, having been given the mandate of his colleagues, Harold visited some of the beneficiaries; and one could tell from their facial expressions and heartfelt greetings that they were overjoyed to see him just for a few minutes to thank the group for remembering them.

His first stop was at the home of Deomnie Prashad called Reshma, who has a rare condition that has resulted in her being incapable of walking. Looking at her no one will know that this adorable 19-year-old cannot walk on her own. Her connection with the group happened by mere chance.

“We used to walk around and see this kid and we never knew that she could not walk.

She would dress up and sit

down on the verandah and look out, until somebody told us that this girl cannot walk and cannot go to school like the other children,” Harold explained.

Immediately the group was moved by the situation and pledged to support her financially.

For Reshma, her association with the group is not a short term arrangement; it is a lifetime thing for the ESG USA Inc. Bapatie Basdeo was his next stop and the 65-year-old, who lives alone, was extremely happy to see Harold and his team when they entered her yard. Basdeo has lost her husband and son and has been struggling with the little pittance she manages to acquire. She now qualifies for the meagre old age pension, and with the monthly financial assistance she is now receiving from ESG, life is a bit less harsh.

Rohit Baichu is a diabetic, having been a chronic “drinker” for most of his life.

Eight years ago he lost both legs as a result and now depends on his wife to maintain the household. He

too qualifies for assistance from the US-based support group.

“His wife is not so educated, so she does domestic work to try to make ends meet. You really can’t ask a man like this to earn an income, so he met the criteria for our help and has been receiving a monthly financial assistance,” Harold explained.

Although Harold spent a short period of his life in the village itself, most of the villagers seem to know him personally, since he has been reconnecting with them at every given opportunity. But while many of the beneficiaries were showering him with praises, he was keen to point out that the assistance does not come from him alone; in fact he made it clear that the ESG USA Inc. is not a one-man show.

Money for the various projects in Guyana is raised through donations from members in the USA and other fund-raising activities.

Shameer Azeez, now 35 years old, was three years old when he fell from a bed and broke his foot. It did not heal as it should, and since then he has been confined to a wheelchair. But although he is one of the recipients of financial support from the group, he busies himself by mending shoes.

Other beneficiaries include Bissoondai Budhai; Surojanie Sooknandand, whose husband received the first prosthetic limb from the group; Savitri Ramrattan and Mohamed Ayube, a former canecutter, who has been paralysed for the past 14 years.

Fourteen-year-old Presidents’ College student Rajnie Persaud is the group’s benchmark recipient. She is the first person to benefit from the ESG education financing. She cannot walk, but is one of PC’s the top third form students.

“When we came and saw her condition, she’s the one that motivated us to do what we’re doing right now, so this is the beginning, and I think that she will make us real proud. This kid is doing excellent in school,” Harold stated.

Numawattie Kellawan, who has zero income coming to her, is another recipient.

But while she is grateful for the financial assistance, she was very concerned about a decent funeral for herself, since she has no close relatives alive.

“Alyuh gon help me out when me dead? Me nah gat nobody…me join burial society, but dah nah go be enough…me gat fuh worry,

Adeshwar ‘Harold’ Wickeeram examines the medal that Rajnie Persaud was awarded for her high academic performance at President’s College.

Double amputee Rohit Baichu takes a break from his breakfast to greet the ESG USA Inc. President. every night me ah study dat,” she told Harold, who assured her that his group will ensure that she gets a decent funeral when the time comes.

“We will be here for you….but let us take care of you now that you’re still alive. Let us do whatever we can, and when your eyes shut we will take care of that part,” Harold stated.

One villager who lauded the work of Harold and his group said that many others should emulate them.

“Many people who come to Guyana, come here and flaunt their money, but these people (ESG) are coming to help,” the villager stated.

“My heart bleeds for these people…these are the people who motivate us to raise money and keep us going. And the board members, every one of them, think that we are doing a good job helping the people in Enterprise and we’re not going to stop doing it, once these people exist,” Harold vowed.

Sunday December 28, 2014

From page 27 $2M, a licenced handgun and documents after holding him at gunpoint outside his home.

But they were forced to abandon their car, which had false licence plates, after the businessman armed himself with a shotgun and chased them down a dead-end street.

The police subsequently detained a woman who allegedly owns the vehicle the robbers used. The entire drama was caught on security cameras, and police are in possession of the footage. The victim, who declined to be identified, said he had visited a city bank earlier in the day.

COPS FIND DEAD BANDIT, STOLEN CELLPHONE IN BACKDAM The decomposed body of a so far unidentified man, who is believed to be a member of a gang that robbed a Ruby Backdam family recently, was found in the Good Hope Backdam Tuesday morning.

The body of the man, who is of African ethnicity, was found at about 08:30 hours by a farmer who was making his way to his farm.

Police are convinced that the man was a member of the armed robbery gang since a cellular phone that was stolen during an armed robbery recently at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo, was found at the scene.

The deceased was described as about five feet six inches in height, fair complexion and appearing to be in his mid-thirties.

The body was clad in a multi-coloured jersey and shorts and bore a tattoo “God Bless” on the upper right arm.

The police did not say if the body bore any marks of violence but detectives were probing whether the man was killed by his accomplices or if he was injured during the robbery when rounds were discharged.

‘MONEY JET’ PILOT FOR FEBRUARY 2015 TRIAL A Puerto Rico Court has set February 23rd, 2015, for the trial of Khamraj ‘Kem’ Lall, the Guyana-born pilot who was allegedly caught with over US$600,000 in cash hidden in his private jet.

According to court documents scheduling the processes of the court case, the pilot will have until February 13 to file a plea agreement or signal a change of plea. The matter will be heard before Judge Jay Garcia-Gregory.

The matter made headlines in Guyana as Lall, who owns Kaylee’s Gas Station in Coverden, East Bank Demerara, was arrested

Kaieteur News

by airport authorities in Puerto Rico in November, after his jet made stop to refuel, on its way to Guyana.

VISITING BELIZEAN SOLDIER SHOT DURING ROBBERY Emil Mendez, a Belizean soldier stationed at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Ayanganna base, was shot several times on Monday night during a robbery at Stanley Place, Kitty.

Mendez was accompanying a close friend to get a taxi to go home when, on his way back to the army base, he was accosted by a gunman who demanded that he hand over his money and possessions.

According to police reports, the incident happened at approximately 20:15 hours.

After the soldier refused to follow the gunman’s demands, a scuffle ensued, which resulted in Mendez being shot in the abdomen and thigh.

The armed man then made off with the soldier’s belongings, while witnesses in the area rushed Mendez to a hospital. At the time of print the soldier’s condition was list as serious but stable.

Investigations are currently ongoing.

Mendez is a Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldier who is in Guyana as part of a government programme by the Ministry of Health. He is an Orthopedic Technician.

THURSDAY EDITION AGTHREAT AGAINST K/NEWS…

DPP’S ACTION DEMORALIZES HER STAFF – LAWYER SAYS Days after a controversial decision that she could find no grounds to charge Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, for a shocking phone call with a senior reporter of Kaieteur News, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, is coming under more fire.

According to Attorneyat-Law, Christopher Ram, the DPP, despite evidence of “illegalities” carried out by senior public functionaries, has established a pattern of behaviour which saw none being charged.

“It is appalling that any professional would be so reckless about their reputation. Her appointment owes as much to that other violator, (former President) Bharrat Jagdeo, as to the manner in which it was carried out.”

Ram is the lawyer for Kaieteur News. He said the matter will continue to be pursued at another level.

“My clients Glenn Lall, Adam Harris and Leonard Gildarie are naturally dismayed at the decision but will not let this matter rest.

They are considering their options in the face of this barely disguised political block placed by Ms. Hack.”

He said that the police should not accept the decision by the DPP but rather should consult with its Legal Adviser, Justice Claudette Singh.

“The police have an experienced former judge as

Page 37

its Legal Advisor who the Commissioner of Police should now consult. The public will be looking to see if she would accept this irrational and baseless decision by Ms. Hack.”

The lawyer said that by her “abominable” decision, the DPP has shown herself to be “no better than Nandlall”.

He said that with Ali-Hack at the helm of the Office of the DPP, it is no surprise that crime is spiraling out of control. “For all the illegalities carried out by members of the PPP, Ms. Hack has never once recommended bringing any charge.

“Her irrational discharge of her functions brings her office into disrepute and demoralizes her subordinates, something she seems unwilling to appreciate or unable to recognize.”

Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington, paid a whopping $1.7M for an advertisement of the unfinished hotel.

The advertisement was placed at the back of the 2014 issue of the Guyana Telephone Directory. The cost of the advertisement was confirmed by a sales representative of Guyenterprise Advertising Agency.

The APNU General Secretary emphasized that Brassington and his “other cronies, being the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and former President Bharrat Jagdeo,” have displayed nothing but absolute disrespect for taxpayers’ dollars. Harmon said that the nation knew from the start, that this project reeks of kleptocracy.

BRASSINGTON SPENDS $1.7M TO ADVERTISE UNFINISHED HOTEL MARRIOTT HOTEL IS THE SYMBOL OF CONTEMPT FOR TAXPAYERS’ $$$$ HARMON A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) General Secretary, Joseph Harmon, stated that the Marriott Hotel currently under construction in Kingston, Georgetown, is not only one of the most crass examples of Government’s financial lawlessness, but is also a symbol of contempt for millions of taxpayers’ hardearned dollars.

Harmon’s comment was made in light of the discovery that the Head of National Industrial and Commercial

WOMAN PLUNGES TO DEATH OFF HARBOUR BRIDGE

A woman climbed onto the rails of the Demerara Harbour Bridge and jumped into the deep waters of the Demerara River just after noon on Wednesday. The woman was identified as 34-year-old Felecia Husain, of 438 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara.

At the time of her demise, Husain was clad in a blue jeans and red tank top. Her shoes and umbrella were found on the bridge.

Just about 45 minutes after she was seen throwing herself off of the bridge, the woman’s lifeless body was recovered by officials from the Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration. The body was taken to a nearby wharf, but later returned to the bridge, before being taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour.

The victim was said to be a patient of Dr. Bhiro Harry’s Clinic for some time now. Dr. Harry is a Psychiatrist attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

Page 38

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Vector Control Services in 2014 (From the desk of the Vector Control Director, Dr Reyaud Rahman) The Vector Control Services of the Ministry of Health has put lots of effort into its malaria Control/Vector Control activities throughout Guyana. We have received great support from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, regional administration (Regional Executive Officers, Regional Chairmen in all 10 administrative regions etc.), persons directly affected (miners, loggers etc.), and organizations like the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, Food For The Poor, Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

This has been a very challenging year for the Vector Control Services, especially with the outbreak of the Chikungunya virus (Chik V), a vector-borne disease that is new to Guyana.

This meant that lots of resources had to be diverted to manage this dreaded disease. We however ensured that our malaria activities were never compromised or neglected. We continued to do routine as well as active case detection work in our endemic regions (1, 7, 8 and 9). We did so by distributing Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN’s), actively going to hinterland locations in search of persons infected with malaria, taking blood smears to determine a diagnosis and treating if necessary (using the highest possible quality tablets). We have also set up health committees and school clubs, conducted fogging and indoor residual spraying in affected communities and mining/logging camps.

We have had many challenges in 2014, however, we must say this has been an extremely successful year for vector control in Guyana. We have managed Chikungunya better than most Caribbean countries. Some countries openly came out saying that

Dr. Reyaud Rahman they had lost control of the disease and could not manage it, others requested advice and help from us, of which we gave as best as we could.

Some countries like Haiti had over 64,000 cases, Suriname had over 1,000 confirmed cases and we could only imagine the number of suspected cases they had. Over 250,000 cases have been reported in the Caribbean for this year.

Despite the gains we made, we can only continue to be successful if the support is maintained and possibly increased. We cannot do fogging or continue to visit and support hinterland locations if we do not have the tools to do so.

With this said, I must report that we have made a very significant dent in our malaria cases. The figures for this year are not yet available for the public eye, as they must first be verified, etc. When these are published, the public at large will be able to make its own assessment.

We have bold plans to further decrease malaria and other vector-borne diseases, and we feel these are solid and will work; they are accepted by the World Health Organization and further endorsed by the Pan American Health Organization.

Let’s work together to build our beautiful country, if we do not work together our goals cannot be realized.

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

“The Interview” makes $1 million before online revenue rolls in “The Interview” took in more than $1 million in a limited Christmas Day release, a solid showing that could be quickly eclipsed by the money Sony Pictures makes with its groundbreaking online debut of the raunchy comedy.

That the farcical film which angered North Korea and triggered a devastating cyberattack on the studio - is now a guinea pig for Hollywood’s digital future constitutes another bizarre twist in the month-long Sony Pictures saga.

After large movie theater chains refused to screen the comedy following threats of violence from hackers who opposed the film, Sony stitched together a limited release in 331 mostly independent theaters and a $5.99 video-on-demand (VOD) rental option on YouTube, Google Play and other sites.

“I’d be surprised if this wasn’t one of the biggest VOD events ever,” said Jeff Bock, a box office analyst at Exhibitor Relations, who thinks Sony could have charged more.

Until Sony discloses the online revenues, it is hard to know if the studio will come anywhere near recouping the $44 million it cost to make the film, plus the $30 million-$40 million that some estimate was spent on marketing the film and its stars, Seth Rogen and James Franco.

The comedy, steeped in gross-out, bathroom humor, depicts the travails of two journalists who get enlisted to assassinate North Korea leader Kim Jong Un. It might not be a typical Christmas Day release, but it filled theaters and got lots of laughs.

Sony “got $1 million in sales, that’s a nice bit of gravy... knowing the main release isn’t happening the way it should be,” said Gitesh Pandya, editor of boxofficeguru.com.

The theatrical release so far amounts to less than 10 percent of the cinemas that had been planned for a wide release in the United States and Canada. The film was expected to gross at least $20 million over the long holiday weekend if in wide release, according to Boxoffice.com.

TIDE TURNING TOWARD ONLINE The day before Christmas, Sony Pictures released the movie online via Google Inc’s YouTube and

Google Play, Microsoft Corp’s Xbox gaming console and a Sony dedicated website. Sony is looking for more partners for digital distribution, though hundreds of thousands of people have reportedly downloaded the film from pirate sites.

The controversy gave the film exposure to audiences that might never have gone to see it otherwise, and many who showed up on Christmas Day said they were there to support free speech.

One of those was David Humdy, 65, an entertainment industry accountant who saw the film in Los Angeles and declared it “silly, entertaining, better than I thought.”

The extensive press coverage could also boost the film in overseas markets, where Rogen and Franco are not yet big stars.

Pandya believes Sony Pictures will be able to absorb losses easily, as it is not unusual for a film of such a budget to fall short.

“It’s hard to find a way that they recoup it all because they did end up spending a lot of money on marketing for a theatrical release that never happened,” he added.

But the fracas forced Sony to explore more fully a territory looming on the Hollywood horizon: “dayand-date” simultaneous VOD and theatrical release. VOD deals tend to give studios a higher slice of revenue than the 50-50 split they share with U.S. and Canadian movie theaters.

“If this does really well, obviously, the tide will keep turning towards online,” said Bock. “It could send ripples down the line in terms of how Hollywood is going to release its products.”

Page 39

Page 40

Have a Laugh IF YOU MARRY AN IRISH GIRL Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had set their new wives straight on their domestic duties.

The first man had married a woman from Italy and boasted that he had told his wife she was to do all the dishes and house cleaning that needed to be done.

He said that it took a couple days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes were all washed and put away.

The second man had married a woman from France. He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, all the dishes, and the cooking. He told them that the first day he didn't see any results, but the next day it was better. By the third day, his house was clean, the dishes were done, and he had a delicious dinner on the table.

The third man had married an Irish girl. He boasted that he told her his house was to be cleaned, the dishes washed, the cooking done and the laundry washed. And this was all entirely her responsibility.

He said the first day he didn't see anything and the second day he didn't see anything, but by the third day some of the swelling had gone down so he could see a little out of his left eye! ************************ NEVER FORGET THE GIFT! The wealthy old gentleman and his wife were celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary and their three grown sons joined them for dinner.

The old man was rather irritated when he discovered that none of the boys had bothered to bring a gift, and after the meal, he drew them aside.

“You're all grown men," he said, "and old enough to hear this. Your mother and I have never been legally married."

“What?" gasped one of the sons. "Do you mean to say we're all bastards?"

“Yes," snapped the old man, "and cheap ones, too!" ************************ NOT FOR SALE!!!

A picky lady customer at a Supermarket's fruit department watches as a new delivery of fresh fruit is delivered.

"Give me two kilo of oranges and wrap every orange in a separate piece of paper, please", the picky lady says to the saleslady.

Silently the sales lady serves the picky customer.

"And three kilo of apples, please, and wrap each and every one in a separate piece of paper, too."

Gritting her teeth, the saleslady once again obliges the picky customer.

"And what is that over there", the picky customer says as she points to a basket in the corner.

“Grapes,, says the saleslady with a big grin on her face, "but they are not for sale!!!" ************************ 9 POINTS TO PONDER Number 9. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.

Number 8. Life is sexually transmitted.

Number 7. Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

Number 6. Men have two emotions: hungry and horny, and they can't tell them apart. If you see a gleam in his eyes make him a sandwich.

Number 5. Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the internet and they won't bother you for weeks, months, maybe years.

Number 4. Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing.

Number 3. All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

Number 2. In the 60's, people took drugs to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take antidepressants to make it normal.

Number 1. Life is like a jar of chutney. What you enjoy today might burn your ass tomorrow... and as someone recently said to me: Don't worry about old age; it doesn't last that long...!!!

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Born Loser

Garfield

Non Sequitur

Peanuts

Shoe

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Helpful Makeup Tips to Make Your Pores Look Smaller The pore size of the skin is genetically determined and it is not easy to make them appear physically smaller. In order to shrink the pores, an age-old natural tip is used, which is to splash ice cold water on the face and then apply egg-white mask. Though, these natural remedies worked fantastically for many, for few of them it did not!

If natural way to make these pores appear smaller didn't work for you, we have a perfect solution, which is 'makeup'.

Here are top 5 makeup tips, which can instantly help in minimizing the appearance of your pores: 1. Use Primers: The role of primers is very important in your makeup routine, especially if you have oily skin or combination of oily and dry skin. Primers minimize the appearance of pigmentation, blemishes, pores and fine lines by gently filling them. Offering a hint of glow to your skin, it also evens out your skin tone by neutralizing it.

One of the primary benefits of applying a makeup primer is that it seals the bigger pores on the skin, thereby making your skin appear even and smooth. It creates a blanket over the pores, so your foundation glides smoothly and appears flawless.

2. Use Pore Concealers: Pore concealer is a unique makeup product that is translucent or tinted with color to suit your natural skin tone. It helps by temporarily filling the pore cavity, thereby creating an even and smooth base for other makeup products. Pore concealers are readily available in the market.

As the pore concealer sits within the deep pore pits, it is very important to cleanse your skin deeply after makeup application at the end of the day. The pore concealers are designed to cover small to large pores by tightening them and absorbing excess oil. You can take the product in a flat concealer brush and apply it to the areas with enlarged pores.

3. Use Oil-free Foundations: Mineral makeup foundations give a smooth, soft and natural finish. They help in minimizing the look of enlarged pores. The oil-free formula of the mineral foundation leaves the skin matte, thereby controls the excess oil accumulation, which can make your pores appear larger.

If you want to seal the appearance of those pores, always choose oil-free and matte formulas. It is best to try cream to powder foundation formulas as they provide better coverage and seal large pores than the liquid formulas.

4. Always Use Sponge: When applying foundation, start by taking a very small amount and then add more coverage. Adding a lot of foundation at the beginning can leave your makeup draw attention to those enlarged pores and fine lines than trying to disguise them. It is a great trick to use a sponge instead of a brush for applying foundation as it provides better coverage and also conceals large pores really well. Remember to wash the sponges frequently to avoid bacterial accumulation.

Dip the sponge into the foundation and then create dabbing motion to press the product into the skin. Always create downward strokes to keep the look of your pores minimized. Finish your makeup with an oil-free compact or translucent powder to seal your makeup.

5. Avoid Shimmer: Shimmering highlighters, glittery blushes and glowing foundations contain high shimmer particles, which enhance the look of the pores. Hence, it is recommended to avoid these in the areas you have large pores. Choose matte formula products to keep the skin appear smooth.

Make your facial pores appear smaller and get the gorgeous flawless makeup finish with these top tips.

SOLUTION FOR LAST WEEK’S SEARCH & FIND

Page 41

Page 42

Kaieteur News

Junior page The

T

here was once a widow who had two daughters, Helen, her own child by her dead husband, and Marouckla, his daughter by his first wife. She loved Helen, but hated the poor orphan because she was far prettier than her own daughter.

Marouckla did not think about her good looks, and could not understand why her stepmother should be angry at the sight of her. The hardest work fell to her share. She cleaned out the rooms, cooked, washed, sewed, spun, wove, brought in the hay, milked the cow, and all this without any help.

Helen, meanwhile, did nothing but dress herself in her best clothes and go to one amusement after another.

But Marouckla never complained. She bore the scoldings and bad temper of mother and sister with a smile on her lips, and the patience of a lamb. But this angelic behavior did not soften them. They became even more tyrannical and grumpy, for Marouckla grew daily more beautiful, while Helen's ugliness increased.

So the stepmother determined to get rid of Marouckla, for she knew that while she remained, her own daughter would have no suitors. Hunger, every kind of privation, abuse, every

means was used to make the girl's life miserable. But in spite of it all Marouckla grew ever sweeter and more charming.

One day in the middle of winter Helen wanted some wood-violets.

"Listen,'' cried she to Marouckla, "you must go up the mountain and find me violets. I want some to put in my gown. They must be fresh and sweet-scented-do you hear?''

"But, my dear sister, whoever heard of violets blooming in the snow?'' said the poor orphan.

"You wretched creature!

Do you dare to disobey me?'' said Helen. "Not another word. Off with you! If you do not bring me some violets from the mountain forest I will kill you.''

The stepmother also added her threats to those of Helen, and with vigorous blows they pushed Marouckla outside and shut the door upon her. The weeping girl made her way to the mountain. The snow lay deep, and there was no trace of any human being.

Long she wandered hither and thither, and lost herself in the wood. She was hungry, and shivered with cold, and prayed to die.

Suddenly she saw a light in the distance, and climbed toward it till she reached the top of the mountain. Upon

Christmas time has come and gone, With much fun and happiness; Now we prepare for the New Year, And we have to get a little serious.

We have to think of different ways To make ourselves better, To do our best in everything, To make our lives become greater.

We will need to help more at home, And work to improve at our lessons, But most of all we have to try To make ourselves better persons.

the highest peak burned a large fire, surrounded by twelve blocks of stone on which sat twelve strange beings. Of these the first three had white hair, three were not quite so old, three were young and handsome, and the rest still younger.

There they all sat silently looking at the fire. They were the Twelve Months of the Year. The great January was placed higher than the others. His hair and mustache were white as snow, and in his hand he held a wand. At first Marouckla was afraid, but after a while her courage returned, and drawing near, she said: "Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? I am chilled by the winter cold.''

The great January raised his head and answered: "What brings thee here, my daughter? What dost thou seek?''

"I am looking for violets,'' replied the maiden.

"This is not the season for violets. Dost thou not see the snow everywhere?'' said January.

"I know well, but my sister Helen and my stepmother have ordered me to bring them violets from your mountain. If I return without them they will kill me. I pray you, good shepherds, tell me where they may be found.''

Here the great January arose and went over to the youngest of the Months, and, placing his wand in his hand, said: "Brother March, do thou take the highest place.''

March obeyed, at the same time waving his wand over the fire. Immediately the flames rose toward the sky, the snow began to melt and the trees and shrubs to bud.

The grass became green, and from between its blades peeped the pale primrose. It was spring, and the meadows were blue with violets.

"Gather them quickly,

Kiddies Section

Sunday December 28, 2014

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Poets’

TEEN TIME

I

n a few days a brand New Year will be starting its course, and it will be beneficial to all of us if we use this occasion to reconsider the direction in which we are headed in our lives, and make a fresh start in an attempt to achieve our goals.

Did you ever ask yourself why we are here on this earth? People all through the ages and all over the world have been constantly looking for the answer to this question, so as to give some meaning to their lives.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Facing the New Year with hope and optimism will help you to achieve your dreams.

In the modern world, things have become so unstable that people are desperately searching for something which is steady and sure, in which they could believe, something they could embrace, to which they c o u l d m a k e a commitment, share with others, struggle for and feel comfortable with.

In other words, everyone needs to have a sense of direction, so that in following that direction they would be always moving towards the truth, happiness and fulfilment which we all feel should be the purpose of living.

As we look around us and observe the way some people seem to drift through life without this sense of direction, we wonder why they seem to lack any sense of purpose in life. These

people have never taken the time to develop any kind of plan to follow so as to achieve this fulfilment.

They do not have anyone to believe in them or encourage them to trust in themselves, to have the courage to go forward boldly towards accomplishing something which would be of benefit to themselves and others.

They have not worked towards definite goals in life, or towards a career, nor put in any effort to succeed in these.

Here are four strategies which you may use to motivate yourself, and to instill a sense of purpose in your life:1. Have great desires or aims for your life, and express these as goals.

2. Build faith and confidence in your own ability to succeed.

3. Clarify your visions

Page 43

and dreams. Do not keep your goals vague, but try to define them in specific things you need to accomplish.

4. Develop concrete plans on what you will need to do to accomplish your goals.

In the first weeks of 2015 we will be expanding on each of these strategies so that you may put them to work in developing your sense of purpose in such a way that the momentum of your life will be sustained, no matter how rough the path that you want to follow will become.

A Happy New Year to all the readers of Junior Page!!!

May you enjoy peace and prosperity throughout the year and be a much better and happier person by the time it comes to an end.

Corner

I said a New Year prayer for You I said a prayer for you today, And I know God must have heard; I felt the answer in my heart, Although He spoke no word.

I didn't ask for wealth or fame, I know you wouldn't mind; I asked Him to send treasures, Of a far more lasting kind.

I asked that He be near you, At the start of each new day, To grant you health and blessings, And friends to show the way.

I asked Him for His loving care, In all things great and small, But for blessings in this coming New Year, I prayed the most of all.

Page 44

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Country Profile:

Australia

Richa

OVERVIEW

NO BABE THE NONSENSE

R

icha Chadha, known for playing a brave and bold girl on the big screen, recently gave an earful to two men who misbehaved with her. The actress says all women must express themselves in such situations.

Recently, the "Tamanchey" actress was having a great time with her friends at a gathering.

Soon after the party started, Richa was followed by two men who constantly stared at her and passed lewd comments about her appearance.

Initially, Richa chose to keep mum to avoid any chaos at the party, but the situation went out of hand when one of the men clicked a photograph posing

next to her and didn't even bother to take permission before doing so.

She lost her cool and gave an earful to the duo. Security personnel then intervened.

Richa is livid about the incident.

"I think people forget the difference between public personality and public property. I think one must definitely speak up against such unruly and rowdy behaviour," she said in a statement.

"This is really important, especially with so much discussion on around the world about women safety, and we as public figures must set an example to let women know that they must speak up when someone crosses the line," she added.

Australia ranks as one of the best places to live in the world by all indices of i n c o m e , h u m a n development, healthcare and civil rights. The sixth-largest country in the world by land mass, its comparatively small population is concentrated in the highlyurbanised east of the Australian continent.

The political entity that is modern Australia began to come into being with the arrival of British settlers in 1788. Many of the first settlers were convicts, but freemen started to arrive in increasing numbers after the discovery of gold in the mid19th century.

Aboriginal Australians, who had inhabited the continent for tens of thousands of years prior to British colonisation, numbered a few hundred thousand. Two centuries of discrimination and expropriation cut their population drastically, and now they make up less than 3% of Australia's approximately 23 million people.

Australia's politicians at first looked to Europe and the US in foreign policy, but in the past 20 years or so they have made East Asia the p r i o r i t y, i n p a r t i c u l a r Indonesia and China.

The government formally apologised in 2008 for the past wrongs committed against the indigenous Australians, who still suffer from high rates of u n e m p l o y m e n t , imprisonment and drug abuse.

The gradual dismantling of the "White Australia" immigration policy in the decades after World War II heralded an increase in the number of non-European arrivals, and migration remains a politicallysensitive issue.

Originally composed of six separate colonies of the British Empire, Australia's path to independent statehood began with the formation of a federal state in 1901 and was largely complete by World War II. The last few remaining constitutional links with the United Kingdom were severed in 1986, although Australia remains part of the Commonwealth, and The Queen is the head of state, represented by a governorgeneral.

The future of the monarchy is a recurring

issue in politics. In a 1999 referendum nearly 55% of Australians voted against becoming a republic.

The six states of the federation retain extensive powers, particularly over education, police, the judiciary and transport.

Australia's growing orientation towards its Asian neighbours is reflected in its economic policy. It is a key member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum, and aims to forge free trade deals with China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

It has also played a bigger regional role, mediating between warring groups in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, as well as deploying thousands of peacekeepers in newlyindependent East Timor.

The island continent

Prime Minister Tony Abbott combines a wide variety of landscapes. These include deserts in the interior, hills and mountains, tropical rainforests, and denselypopulated coastal strips with long beaches and coral reefs off the shoreline.

Through its isolation from other continents, Australia has developed an abundance of unique plant and animal life, most famously marsupials such as the kangaroo.

FACTS F u l l n a m e : Commonwealth of Australia

Population: 22.9 million (UN, 2012) Capital: Canberra Largest city: Sydney Area: 7.7 million sq km (2.9 million sq miles) Major language: English Major religion: Christianity Life expectancy: 80 years (men), 84 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: 1 Australian dollar = 100 cents Main exports: Ores and metals; wool, food and live animals; fuels, transport machinery and equipment GNI per capita: US $65,520 (World Bank, 2013) Internet domain: .au International dialling code: +61 LEADERS Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by governor-general Sir Peter Cosgrove (appointed March 2014) Prime Minister: Tony Abbott Tony Abbott's conservative LiberalNational coalition swept into office in elections in September 2013, ending six years of centre-left Labor Party rule.

Oxford-educated Mr Abbott ran a disciplined campaign against a government in disarray after years of power struggles between Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, who ousted one another in turn as prime minister.

He was able to overcome his relatively low personal approval rating with policies aimed at reversing Labor's carbon emissions tax, curbing spending on foreign aid and cutting the numbers of asylum seekers.

One key policy of the British-born Roman Catholic, who considered training for the priesthood, is a generous parental leave scheme, but this sits awkwardly with his pledge to cut public spending.

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 51

Family believes relative found dead at Good Hope Backdam was kidnapped, murdered ...says death message delivered on day relative went missing

From left: Duke’s reputed wife Shellby Gladstone and younger sister Nkase Duke.

The family of 20-yearold Lassell Duke, whose decomposing body was found at Good Hope Backdam last Tuesday, believes that their relative was kidnapped and later murdered by a known character. They say that this individual is the said person the police currently have in custody.

They said that he relayed a death message to the dead man’s family on the day he (Duke) went missing.

This known person, Duke’s child mother said,

had a confrontation with (Duke) about a month ago.

This prompted police intervention. Shellby Gladstone has a one-yearold daughter for the now dead Lassell Duke.

According to her, around 17:00 hours last week Friday Duke told her that he was going to the street corner, a few blocks away from their Lot 59 D’Urban Street, Lodge residence, but he was never seen again until she identified his body at the Ezekiel Funeral home in Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast

Demerara.

Gladstone explained that about four months ago someone had broken into the home of a friend of the deceased. This friend, she said, lived in the United States, but now resides in Guyana.

The friend had come to Duke’s D’Urban Street home requesting his assistance in locating the individual who broke into his house. Duke took the friend to Hadfield Street where the man (believed to be the murderer) was said be

residing, and the stolen articles were reportedly recovered.

It was this incident, Gladstone said, that led to Duke’s death. However it was not until three months later that the alleged culprit reacted. She said that Duke, about a month ago was on John Street when the identified man knocked him unconscious with a gun.

The matter was reported to the police, she continued, but when ranks went to apprehend the suspect he was not found.

That month passed and the matter seemed to have died down, Gladstone said.

However, in the morning hours on December 19, last, Gladstone said the known person saw her on the street and gave her a message for Duke. “Tell your child father when I see he, I gun kill he.’

The woman said that she related the matter to her reputed husband and while he seemed concerned, he brushed it off and went to sleep.

Later in the afternoon, Duke got up and went to the street corner. Gladstone said she made several checks on Saturday and Sunday asking around, but no one was able t o h e l p w i t h D u k e ’s whereabouts.

The woman said, that while the family could not find Duke, the information she has is that the identified person related (to the police) seeing the deceased the

DECEASED: 20-year-old Lassell Duke

Sunday following his disappearance in the vicinity of his home; “If so this would make him the last person to see him alive.”

Gladstone said that when she went to identify her reputed husband’s body at the funeral home his face was covered because it was destroyed by a gunshot.

She said however, that his mouth and body were wrapped with duck tape. She explained that the clothes alleged to be Duke’s own were not the same clothes he left home with, and the deceased was said to be wearing no pants.

Gladstone is convinced that there is more to the death of her reputed husband than what the police believe. She is hoping for a full investigation into the matter.

The woman maintains that her husband was involved in no robbery, especially since he had never worked or

ventured into the interior before.

Gladstone said that Duke’s birthday was the Monday following his disappearance and he was supposed to return home to conduct shopping for his big day because money had come for him from overseas.

Duke was employed at the Friendship wharf with someone who has a contract to pack paddy, Gladstone said.

A police release said that Duke’s decomposed body was found in Good Hope Backdam on West Coast Demerara. A cell phone found next to the body of the deceased led police officers to believe that he was a member of a gang that robbed a Ruby Backdam family recently.

The police said they are investigating whether the man was killed by his robbery accomplices.

SISTER IDENTIFIES WOMAN WHO PLUNGED TO DEATH OFF HARBOUR BRIDGE

Felicia Hussein in happier times

The woman who climbed the rails of the Demerara Harbour Bridge and jumped to her death into the deep waters on Christmas Eve Day has been identified as 34-year-old Felicia Hussein.

Hussein’s sister, Gwendolyn Lowden, who identified the body, said that her sister had been battling with mental illness and might have suffered a relapse.

She said that Hussein who lived with her mother at Lot 438 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, was last seen by relatives at 11:00 hours, when she left home.

Kaieteur News understands that the 34-year-old had accessed the

pedestrian facility along the bridge from the eastern bank of the river. It was just after noon when she threw herself off the bridge.

About 45 minutes after she was seen plunging off of the bridge, her lifeless body was recovered by officials from the Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration.

Hussein’s body was taken to a nearby wharf but later returned to the bridge before being taken to Lyken Funeral Parlour where she was identified by her sister.

Kaieteur News understands that the woman jumped to her death leaving her slippers and umbrella behind on the bridge.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge links the east and west banks of the Demerara River. It stretches for just over a mile long and is a floating bridge that would routinely retract to allow vessels to pass. The bridge features a walkway for pedestrians and cyclists.

Someone once said that division is caused more by impatience than by a conflict in creed.

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 53

My New Year resolution wishes, what’s yours

By Ralph Seeram So a New Year is on us once again; it’s time to reflect on the past year. Did we achieve anything in our personal lives? Did we make some progress or was it retrograde?

Did our relationships improve? Did we make new friends, forgive our enemies? Did some of you find new love, lose loved ones? The questions can go on.

It is really a time not only to reflect, but also to look to the future. Life is all about planning, or else you are like a ship without a rudder, left to the winds to take you in whatever direction. If you

don’t have direction or goals in your life, how do you expect to achieve anything? It certainly is not going to be delivered on “a platter” to your front door.

A few minutes ago I asked a young lady what’s her goal for the New Year. Without hesitation, she said to get married, settle down and have a family. She has it all figured out for the New Year. What she may not realize is there is a plan behind the plan. Now she has to figure if she has got the right guy, big wedding or small, how much to spend, a wedding venue etc. You see how one plan can lead to a multitude of other plans.

So what’s your wish for

the New Year?

My first wish is to have health and strength so that I can be writing this column this time next year. Oh and I really need to start doing some serious exercise. I recently paid a routine visit to my doctor and he asked me if I am exercising. Not wanting to lie I replied, “Not as much as I should have.” I guess he realized I was not doing much exercise.

In the New Year I will continue to strive to bring an unbiased view point to you my readers.

But to be honest what is uppermost in my mind is what I want for my beloved Guyana. Politically, it pains

me to see what’s happening in the country, and I am writing as someone who lived under the PNC regime.

So here is my wish for Guyana, even though I am reminded so often by my critics that I don’t reside there.

I wish the Guyanese people could make up their minds at the coming elections, giving their choice a majority in Parliament, so that the country could move forward.

I wish to see a lot of the

thieving government officials who think taxpayers money is their personal bank account go to prison as happens here in the U S. I wish to see a new impartial Director of Public Prosecution who does not take orders from politicians, and one that does not make selective prosecutions, as we are seeing now. The country does not need a “political hack” as a DPP.

I wish for a new Attorney General, one who would spend more time defending the rights of citizens and especially women, rather than pimping for friends to “knack gyal” I wish to see a revamped police force, without highway bandits in and out of traffic uniforms, a force where police are not the thieves themselves, (that’s not to say (Continued on page 55)

Page 54

Kaieteur News

SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 ACCOMODATION SIGNATURE INN: Luxury Suites & Apartments. Free Wi-Fi & Breakfast; AC & Self Contained Rooms @ 83 Laluni Street Queenstown.

Tel: 592-226-2145

VACANCY Live in housekeeper; to care for infant 40-50yrs – Call: 6978797 IT Technician to install outdoor antenna, must have drivers license. Send application to jobs@awngy.com Pump attendant; must have Tin #, NIS, ID, police clearance & proof of address @ N&A Service Station Prospect, E.B.D CANTER DRIVER/ SALESMAN and Factory Assistant living on E.B.D, free accommodation also available. 266 4427 Experienced salesman/ driver 3 CXC Subjects including Mathematics, apply with 2 references, valid police clearance & driver license – Call: 233-3512 Waitresses to work at a Bar at Agriculture Road –E.C.D Cashier able to work flexible hours and have CXC Maths, send application to jobs@awngy.com Experienced cook with food handlers medical; Accounts clerk with CSEC Subjects; Apply with 2 references – Call: 650-4974; 686-8640

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves.

Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves.

Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 6472943 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734 Services & repairs to gas stoves, washing machines, electric stoves, deep fryers Call: 688-0183 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045

LAND FOR SALE PEN PAL Indian Male is seeking female – Call: 665-3246 (no texting) FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table – Call: 277- 0578

TO LET One 3 bedroom apartment bottom flat – Call: 648-9329

Blankenburg, Public Road W.C.D (38ftX150ft), (39ftX150ft) - $16M each; Back Street, Unity Street La Grange W.B.D 85X750- $16M Call: 666-3619 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M & $3.5M (110ftX50Ft) Herstelling - $5.5M, Providence -$5.5M, Schoonord -$4.2M, Gove $2.6M –Call:675-7292; 6522018 Three Acres transported house lots and 1 Acre rice land @ Golden Grove W.C.Berbice – Call: 603-2095

FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

WANTED

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Pitbull bus ($3.2M) Verossa - $3.7M, Noah- $2M (All new) – Call: 603-9700

One manager to work at an out of town hotel – Call: 225-2535; 626-6909 from 9am to 4pm

SALE! SALE! SALE! New model Spacio (2005) TV, Front & back camera; fully loaded - $2M- Call: 6427295 1 - L-Touring Wagon; HB 9912, price $1,050,000 Neg. Call: 680-4990 Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403

1 Female cleaner to work in snackette & bar , must know to cook, age 20-35yrs – Tel:647-7432, 223-5798

Complete Snapper Boats for sale – Excellent Condition – Contact: 648-6815; 641-4506

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL-$4,000&UPPERDAYCALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

Sunday December 28, 2014

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) & MORE, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 1 Modern warehouse facility in central industrial area 8000sqft ware house facility 5000 per month – Contact Annie: 695-0333 Three bedrooms; 1 self contained house with A/C, parking, full furnished, young professional Scheme Eccles - $1700US neg. Call Sonia: 666-4882 Two bedroom Furnished house @ Crane Housing Scheme W.C.D -$40,000 – Call:671-6855 LARGE 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, LARGE VERANDAH, PARKING @ LAMAHA GARDENS $80,000 MONTHLY – CALL: 609-8132/ 6728569 (MAX) One two bedroom apartment at 55 A Station Street Kitty Greater Georgetown – Contact: 227-6662; 654-0382 1 Upper flat 3 bedrooms apartment @ Ixora Ave. Eccles - $80,000, available February 2015, serious enquiries – Contact: 905-2168822, email: questions4eccles@yahoo.com 1 Upper flat 2 bedroom concrete apartment @ Grove New Housing Scheme E.B.D (First Bridge) - $45,000 per month – Call:642-1956

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM Untouchable car rental: low rates, low deposits – Call: 677-4613; 226-9668

Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 PICK YOUR PIG! CHOOSE YOUR SIZEAND WE WILL HAVE IT READY! CALL: 266-2711 OR 609-4594 20ft fibre glass boat and Toyota Spacio- Tel: 617-3001 Portable sawmill fully hydraulic Th30-25 Timber Harvester – Call: 261-2553 Christmas Sale: Dell/HP Computer with 19" LCDs, laptops - $55,000 @ Futuretech – Call: 231-2206 1 – Nissan canter; needs repairing, going cheap$500,000.00 – Call: 228-5655; 628-1756 Promix BX with microrize $10,500 per bag; ask for Rayman – Call: 615-2346; 6280200, 263-5300 1 Toshiba Laptop (17.3inches) 1 5000 Watts Briggs & Stratton generator - Call: 622-0503; 689-9932 1 Numark DM 1295 4 Channel mixer, 1 Teac CD burner uses any blank CD – Call: 6220503; 689-9932 2 Gemini GXA 4000 Watts power amp, 1 Technical Pro 3250 watts pro 3250 watts power amp – Tel: 622-0503; 689-9932 2 SL I serato boxes, 2 Denon 3500 CD Juggler, 2 Gemini GXA 3000 Watts power Amp – Call: 622-0503; 689-9932 Diving Suit – Call: 265-3449; 613-5158

EDUCATIONAL Maths Lessons! @ 44 Delph Street Campbellvill – Contact Sir Dass. Call: 654-3159; Forms 2, 3, 5 & repeaters, limited space available HEALTH Money Back guarantee; cleaner, clearer younger looking skin in two weeks, also flatter stomach – Call: 684-9409; 699-4211 CAR RENTAL Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel:698-7807; 690-6494

One ford IVECO sand truck with Cummings Engine, GNN Series, excellent condition, owner leaving country - Call: 604-6860, 643-2911 Nissan Titan 4X4; fully loaded; good condition; price $2.5M neg. Call: 6201026 AT170 Carina; Driving condition or for parts $200,000 – Call: 642-4491 2003 Toyota IST; fully loaded with bodykit -$2M, never registered – Call: 628-0909; 260-2327 Blowout Sale!

– Unregistered 2007 Madza Axela - $2,350,000 – Crystal Lights, Alarm, Steering Wheel Audio Control . Call: 643-6565, 226-9931 Blow Out Sale!!!

Unregistered Toyota IST $2,200,000- Bodykit, TV, Spoiler, Fogs, Alloy Wheels, Crystal Lights & Alarm – Call: 643-6565, 226-9931

PROPERTY FOR SALE One house & land in hope low land, E.C.D, one house & land in Bloomfield Berbice Call: 689-5254; 256-0504 Unfinished house at Parfaite Harmony, West Minister, W.B.D - $4.5M – Tel:6610618; 601-3469 2 STORIED 3 BEDROOMS CONCRETE & WOODEN PROPERTY ON LARGE LAND 300FTX40FT, IN BERBICE, NEAR CANJE BRIDGE. CALL MAX: 6098132, 672-8569 House & Land @ Cemetery Rd. Helena No.1 Mahaica E.C.D. Land (65FTX150FT) $13M- Tel:689-0820, 674-3902 AT170 Carina; Driving condition or for parts $200,000 – Call: 642-4491 Two storied residential on Main Street @ Guyhoc Park.

New electrical wiring, interior walls paneled, dry wall – Call: 682-7971

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 55

President Ramotar, daughter spread Christmas cheer at GPHC Paediatric Ward

President Ramotar and his daughter, Lisa with nurses of the GPHC’s Paediatric Ward.

Though in their own pain and distress, having to be away from home and their families, the smiles were evident on the faces of children at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Paediatric Ward as President Donald Ramotar and his daughter Lisa Ramotar visited.

During their rounds to the children, the Head of State and his daughter offered

words of comfort and hope to both the children and their parents.

They were also presented with gifts to lift their spirits in keeping with the festive season.

Meanwhile, President Ramotar noted his pleasure at being able to visit the children and to contribute in some way to bring smiles to their faces.

“I’m very happy to

My New Year...

(From page 53) there are not honest to goodness policemen. There are).

I wish to see those policemen enforce traffic laws to bring down roads deaths in Guyana, and not to increase bank accounts through bribes. I wish to see more bandits get killed by the police.

I wish to see Georgetown restored to being a garden city as in yesteryears, and not a Venice like city whenever “rain set up”. I want to travel around in a car not a boat.

I wish to see Guyanese as a whole be more civic minded and keep their environment clean, free of foam, plastic and garbage.

The government did not throw the garbage there. And don’t think they can’t keep their surroundings clean; those same Guyanese who come to the States will act very differently.

I wish the government would come clean with all the backroom deals and contracts and not wait for Kaieteur News to inform the public.

I wish for the publisher of this newspaper, Glenn Lall, to enjoy good health and strength to continue to inform the Guyanese people.

I wish to see the

Opposition get off their rear end and do some work rather than wait on Kaieteur News to do their work.

I wish to see more women come out of Georgetown Hospital with their bouncing beautiful babies rather than coming out in a coffin.

I wish to see some programme in place by the government and private sector to harness the energy of the youths to focus on giving some hope and opportunities which by extension will reduce crimes in Guyana.

I wish the police will focus on those immigration officers and the airport and bank employees who give out information to bandits. How else can bandits know to await the arrivals of these persons at their home or cars?

As to mine, keep dreaming Ralph.

My wish list is getting too long so I would like you my readers to tell me your New Year wishes. I wish all my readers’ expectations for the New Year fulfilled. As for mine, keep dreaming Ralph Lastly I wish to be around a long time to enjoy my two great grand kids.

Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: ralph365@hotmail.com or Facebook

come to the hospital to spend some time with those who are sick, and those who are away from home so that we can share with them the wonderful feelings of the season, of sharing ,giving and letting them know that they are in our thoughts.”

The President also lauded the work of the nurses, doctors and other staff of the GPHC for their relentless efforts throughout the year and more so at this time.

“I want to first of all on behalf of the Government and nation, extend a big thank you to them and let them know how much we appreciate what they are doing.”

Having been married to a nurse for more than two decades, the President said he is quite aware of the sacrifices made and the life of a nurse.

He added too that his visit is simply continuing a

Mr. President about to present a gift to a child.

President Donald Ramotar offers words of comfort on Christmas Day.

tradition that has been ongoing for years by presidents before him.

“This has been a tradition for a long time where presidents will come to try to make some effort to assuage their suffering and pain and help our nurses to alleviate it in a little way.”

Meanwhile, the President also visited the patients of the Intensive Care Unit as he

sought to bring some amount of hope to relatives of those patients.

Page 56

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 57

Page 58

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Girl, 14, found murdered - cops detain two Police have detained two men and are looking for a third in connection with the murder of a 14-year-old girl, whose body was found at around 13.55 hrs yesterday in a trench at Adelphi.

Tiana Raghber, of 32 Reliance Abandon, East Canje Berbice and a student of the Canje Secondary School, had reportedly disappeared around 21:45 hrs on Friday, after leaving her parents’ home without notifying anyone.

Her father, Jaiprakash Raghber, a construction worker, said that the family, including Tiana, had gone to a gymkhana on Friday.

They returned home around 20:00 hrs.

They proceeded to watch television and Tiana who is the eldest of two children, later, brought his food upstairs and reportedly went to fetch him something to drink.

When she did not return, he began calling for her, but got no response. Relatives began a frantic but fruitless search for the teen.

Mr. Raghber stated that he did not report his daughter missing because it was not the first time that she had left home without informing anyone.

The police had warned that she would be sent to ‘Girls School’, if she ran away again.

He said that during the

search, he received information that a body was found in a trench at Adelphi.

His worst fears were confirmed when he arrived at the scene and recognized it was his daughter.

When she was found she had wounds to her eye, forehead and face. According to information the police were tipped off by an anonymous caller.

According to the man, when his daughter was found she was clad in blue jeans and

black and white top. The man said that his cell phone was missing and he suspected that his daughter had left home with it, because it was a regular thing that she would do.

The distraught father suggested that his daughter slipped out of the house and jumped the fence or gate.

The man said that the police are hunting a few suspects who would have made threats to the family and the girl a few days before.

From page 3 area but by the time the ranks arrived, residents had removed all the illegal connections.

Police were also unable to ascertain who was responsible for her son's death, since the culprit had already disconnected the wire from their residence.

However, Ms. Plater is convinced that the culprit is a female neighbor with whom

she had a recent dispute.

She said that the woman had vowed that tragedy would befall Plater's family and she suggested that someone deliberately set the wire in the track to injure her son.

“All the time my son pass (on the track) and nothing happened.”

She alleged that a daughter of the neighbor was laughing at her misfortune and say-

ing “ah tell you that mammy got black tongue.” Ms. Plater has two other children, including a two-year-old son.

But when asked if she would seek justice, Plater said: “Let the people go their way and let their conscience be their guide.

“If they go to jail, it can't bring back my child. The only justice I can get is seeing him in front of me saying Mammy…Mammy…”

Tiana Raghber

Boy, 9, electrocuted after stepping...

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 59

Serious crime in Trinidad and Haiti leader names Evans Tobago cut by half in five years Paul as new prime minister

Gary Griffith PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — National Security Minister Gary Griffith came out in full support of the protective services last week, as he announced that Trinidad and Tobago’s serious crime rate had been cut by half since 2009.

The minister stated that in the coming year the focus of the nation’s security forces is to dismantle illegal gangs, remove illegal guns already in the country and prevent more from coming in.

“The success is there so let’s continue to support and let’s not criticise for the sake

of criticising,” said Griffith.

The minister was flanked

by Deputy Commissioner of Police (ACP) Glenn Hackett, whom he mistakenly referred to as ACP (Peter) Reyes — the senior police officer in the news for an incident involving a cellular phone on a Caribbean Airlines flight from Trinidad to Tobago last week — during a brief interview at Inter Agency Task Force headquarters.

Griffith quickly corrected himself, stating that it was a name he had on his mind, especially when DCP Hackett experienced difficulty switching off his ringing Blackberry cell phone.

“I am here to give solidarity to our troops, whereas the majority of our country are at home with loved ones, obviously there will be a need for certain agencies to be there to protect ourselves and families and citizens of our country and I think it’s something that ought to be recognised, that the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement agencies 24/7,” said Griffith.

“This year, thanks to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force... has proven to be the lowest number of serious crimes in

this country in 31 years,” he added.

“They (the protective services) broke the record last year and then this year there were 12,000 serious crimes compared to 2009 where we had 22,000 serious crimes, so when you do the maths it is that every single hour there was one less serious crime committed in comparison to 2009.

“When we speak about serious crimes we speak about homicides, rapes, kidnappings and armed robbery,” he explained.

To the gang members, or those desirous of joining criminal gangs, Griffith had a message intended specially for them.

“It is very difficult to be protected by the law if you yourself operate outside of the law,” said the minister, who revealed that out of the 400 murders in 2013, 250 of those were as a result of gangrelated activities.

To the troops, he said: “We have your back as it is not easy for anyone to put their hand on a Bible and be prepared to be the ultimate patriot, that you are willing to give your life to your country and that you are willing to give up your life for a stranger.” (Trinidad Express)

More CAL flights in 2015 PORT OF SPAIN – State carrier Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has announced a revised schedule that will be implemented from January 15, 2015 through to February 4 because of increased travel demand.

“In addition to increased capacity and more non-stops, Caribbean Airlines is also expecting major cost savings from a more efficient schedule that will see better utilisation of its 737 and 767 fleets. Many of the changes will focus on its Port of Spain hub at Piarco Airport, where improved connection times will make it easier for our guests to connect to/from various points in our network,” the airline said in a statement on Wednesday.

The new schedule changes include: • The launch of a new daily non-stop between Trinidad and New York featuring the first wide-body aircraft on the route, timed to provide an end-of-business day flight.

• A new daily departure on the Trinidad/New York route, increasing to three daily nonstops in each direction. With the one-stop service on this route, frequencies will increase to 48 per week – more

than triple any other airline.

• The Georgetown/New York route is increased to daily non-stops in both directions.

Frequencies over Trinidad are improved with daily through flights to/from Toronto, Miami and New York.

• As the only airline offering non-stops from Trinidad to London, CAL said it is increasing the frequencies, effective February 4, 2015 to four weekly flights.

• Termination of TorontoGeorgetown non-stop flights (two per week) effective March

1, 2015 – but replaced by a daily through flight in both directions.

“Buoyed by the steep decline in its number one expense – aircraft fuel, Caribbean Airlines is confident that this new schedule will build on the airline’s goal to achieve profitability,” the airline said.

“The revised 767 flying patterns will see increased utilisation and a more customer friendly schedule based solely on flights to/ from its Trinidad hub.”

(Trinidad Express)

Port-au-Prince (AFP) Haitian President Michel Martelly named veteran politician Evans Paul prime minister to lead a new government, as he seeks to defuse a crisis over longdelayed elections.

T h u r s d a y ’ s announcement followed the resignation of Laurent Lamothe from the post earlier this month in the face of repeated calls for him to quit over the failure to hold legislative elections for the past three years.

Lamothe’s decision had threatened to plunge the poorest country in the

Americas into political chaos once again.

Martelly named Paul as a replacement by presidential decree while awaiting ratification by both chambers of the legislature “in order to form a new government,” his office said in a statement.

A former political activist, Paul was part of the movement that toppled former dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier in 1986.

He was elected mayor of the capital Port-au-Prince and was seen as a close ally of then-president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. His relations with Duvalier soured when Paul

was tipped as a potential successor as head of state.

Arrested in 1988 under the military government of Prosper Avril, Paul was held in prison and tortured by the military along with other political activists.

The president is expected to pressure lawmakers to confirm his choice for prime minister. Opposition parties have organized a series of anti-government protests to demand that Martelly step down due to claims he is seeking to rule by decree after January 12, when the legislature’s current mandate ends.

Sean Paul receives death threat from Islamic group KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Jamaica’s Grammy award winning singer, Sean Paul, is to decide whether or not to perform a New Year Eve show in the Maldives after reportedly receiving a death threat from an Islamic group claiming to have ties in Syria, the Jamaica Observer newspaper reported yesterday. It said the video message was posted online and that the publicist for the artiste, Carlette DeLeon, said a decision would be taken

following a meeting with Sean Paul’s management team and authorities in the Maldives.

“We are aware of the developing situation. We are currently in contact with all related parties concerning the concert to address the matter.

No further details are available at this time,” DeLeon told the Jamaica Observer.

Britain’s Independent newspaper reported the video message carries the logo of the Bilad Al Sham Media (BASM) group, an

organisation which claims to comprise Maldivian jihadists based in Syria and the Maldives.

“Sean Paul, if you visit the Maldives, the world will see your burned and blooddrenched dead body,” said cards held by a cloaked figure in the video posted on YouTube late on Wednesday night.

“We would clearly like to announce that our media have nothing to do with the Sean Paul death threatening video.”

Page 60

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 61

Chelsea, City, United consolidate positions in BPL LONDON, England (AFP) — Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United showed their rivals no seasonal cheer Friday as they consolidated their positions in the Premier League table with one-sided Boxing Day victories.

Leaders Chelsea set the tone by overcoming West Ham United 2-0. City followed suit with a 3-1 success at West Bromwich Albion and United kept pace by beating Newcastle United 3-1, with Wayne Rooney scoring twice and making one.

Chelsea continue to lead City by three points, with United seven points further back, while West Ham’s loss allowed Southampton, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Swansea City and Liverpool to make up ground in the race for the top four.

Goals in each half from

John Terry and Diego Costa — his 13th of the campaign — earned Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea a one-sided home win over West Ham, who slipped to fifth.

West Ham were expected to provide a stern test after a run of five games without defeat, but despite Morgan Amalfitano hitting the post late on, Sam Allardyce’s team were well beaten in what was the London rivals’ 100th encounter.

“We played a very good game against a very difficult opponent. When we scored, we had the game always under control,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“I am really happy. We are doing very well.”

City were again without injured strikers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko at a snow-splattered Hawthorns, but they made short work of

West Brom regardless to register a ninth consecutive victory.

Fernando punished an error by goalkeeper Ben Foster to put City ahead in the eighth minute, with a Yaya Toure penalty and a David Silva goal extending the visitors’ lead before Brown Ideye scored a late consolation.

“I am very pleased with the performance,” said City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

“It was very difficult to play, especially in the second half. In the first 45 minutes, both teams could play and we did very well and scored three goals. In the second half, it was more difficult.”

Manchester United returned to winning ways following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa by sinking Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Rooney broke the

Sunday December 28, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There's a very heavy atmosphere around you that might feel stifling, Aries.Situationsarecroppingupthat urge you to think practically with regard to your emotions.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Just when you thought that the whole world was turning on you, Taurus, things start to come back around. You will find that you don't need to hide.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The more you let your ego and fantasies swell today, Gemini, the more friction you will encounter.

Others aren't going to be fooled, nor are they going to want to deal with frivolity.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) The hard work and detailoriented planning you've done lately are really starting to pay off, Cancer. The key is to maintain your sensitivity and look to where you can be of service to others.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Take a step back from the line of fire today and examine your position. You've made some bold moves and now it's time to pause and evaluate.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may not feel like you're in tune with your situation today, Scorpio. Try not to get too pushy with your opinions about how things should be done.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Try not to be too competitive today. The more you try to drive your point across, the more it will meet stubborn opposition. This is a better day to observe the situation.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Sink into a soft, gentle rhythm and you flow with everything around you, Capricorn. Ease your mind about any worries. Your subconscious knows the way.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may not want to wander far from your bedroom today. That's fine. Take this opportunity to get things done around the house that make you feel like your energy is an important part of the atmosphere.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Now isn't the time to prove to people that you're the boss, Aquarius. They would surely become defensive. You're much better off taking a sensitive, nurturing approach on a day like today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Things are on the upswing for you today, Virgo.

People are finally coming around to see things from your perspective. There's no need to doubt yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This is a favorable day for you to deal with intimate and sensitive issues, Pisces. You will be in comfortable situations that allow you to express what you believe.

deadlock in the 23rd minute, tapping in after a sliding Radamel Falcao steered Juan Mata’s pass across goal, and added a second goal 13 minutes later with an assured finish from Mata’s pass.

The United captain, who played in midfield again, teed up Robin van Persie to head home the hosts’ third eight minutes into the second half, before Papiss Cisse replied with an excellent late penalty.

“We make progress in every game, but we are also doing bad things in every game and we have to improve that,” United manager Louis van Gaal told BT Sport.

“But I’m satisfied because we are dominating a lot of games. We’re not always winning, but that is coming.”

Southampton moved into the top four, three points below United, by winning 3-1 at Crystal Palace, who slipped into the relegation zone. Sadio Mane rounded Allan McGregor to put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute, and quick-fire goals by defenders Ryan Bertrand and Toby Alderweireld made the game safe before Scott Dann scored late on.

Arsenal also exploited West Ham’s defeat by edging Queens Park Rangers 2-1, despite losing Olivier Giroud to a second-half red card.

Alexis Sanchez saw an early penalty saved by Rob Green, but atoned by heading in Kieran Gibbs’s drilled cross in the 37th minute.

Giroud was sent off for lowering his head into Nedum Onuoha’s face early in the second period, but Sanchez teed up Tomas Rosicky to make it 2-0 before Charlie Austin replied with a 79thminute penalty.

“It was a deserved red card,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. “Olivier is a guy who, when he makes mistakes, he stands up and admits it.”

Tottenham remain level on points with Arsenal, two points below the top four, after winning 2-1 at bottom club Leicester City. Christian Eriksen’s 71st-minute freekick secured victory after Leonardo Ulloa had cancelled out Harry Kane’s first-minute opener for Spurs.

Swansea climbed as well, moving to within four points of the Champions League places by beating Villa 1-0 thanks to Gylfi Sigurdsson’s curling 13th-minute free kick.

Liverpool ended a run of three games without victory by winning 1-0 at Burnley through Raheem Sterling’s first league goal since September.

Liverpool lost goalkeeper Brad Jones to injury, which saw the dropped Simon

Manchester City’s Brazilian midfielder Fernando (second left) performs an overhead kick to score the opening goal of the English Premier League football match against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England Friday. (PHOTO: AFP) Mignolet summoned from the bench, and Merseyside rivals Everton also lost their goalkeeper in a 1-0 defeat at home to Stoke City.

Tim Howard was forced off in the second half at Goodison Park, after Bojan Krkic had scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot in the 38th minute.

In the day’s other game,

Gaston Ramirez scored one and made another as Hull City escaped from the bottom three by coming from behind to win 3-1 at Sunderland.

Adam Johnson put Sunderland ahead in the first minute, but Ramirez equalised with a speculative shot and then teed up James Chester before Nikica Jelavic added a third in injury time.

Page 62

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

“Happy New Year 2015- Not much have changed in West Indies cricket from 1975 to 2015!”

Says Colin E. H. Croft Happy New Year 2015!

West Indies cricket certainly needs 2015 to be better than 2014!

The continual need of reconstruction, on and off the field, is so necessary, as much rhetoric and bad, caustic, poisonous karma have traversed our cricket firmament since WI pulled out of India weeks ago.

Hopefully, some recent demands, developments and selections will be adjusted, even reversed, and adapted to ensuing external stimuli.

Losing Test No. 1 v South Africa massively, by an innings and 220 runs, has not helped WI’s horizons. Test No. 2 is also already evolving as being as difficult for WI as was No. 1!

Great noises have been made on the sacking and dropping of Trinidad & Tobago’s Dwayne Bravo as WI’s ODI captain, replaced by talented, inexperienced Barbadian Jason Holder, with WI’s next ODI series, after SA, being games in ICC’s premier competition, World Cup 2015.

So, as the cricket world salivates for its next championship, cast your minds back to the period just before WI’s 1979 defence of its, and ICC CWC’s, inaugural success of 1975.

Can you recall WI cricket’s

situation back in 1978/9?

Things were just as chaotic, in disarray, as it is now!

Late 1978/early 1979, leading up to ICC CWC 1979 in England, all WI players who were contracted to, or participated in, Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket, were effectively, officially, removed; banned; from playing official cricket for WI, due only to our participation in WSC. That is fact. Check!

The three most senior cricket administrators in the Caribbean then, Jeffrey Stollmeyer, (Sir) Clyde Walcott and Peter Short, were openly, vocally adamant that any players who had participated in WSC in 1977/8 and 1978/9 should never play for WI’s official team again!

After all, a quite strong 2nd WI XI had toured India in 1978/9, while most of WI’s 1st XI were involved at WSC in Australia. Back then, WI teams were relatively comparable, 1st just obviously better than the 2nd.

That 2 nd team, though, playing in India, led by Alvin Kallicharran, comprised some excellent cricketers. Indeed, they certainly gave India a run for its money, much more than India had bargained for.

The hosts in 1978/9, including its then top stars Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, Bishen Singh Bedi, Bhagwath

Chandrasekhar, Mohinder Amarnath, Dilip Vengsarkar and Gundappa Viswanath only just beat WI’s supposedly 2nd team, in six very tough Test matches; 10! WI’s squad in India 1978 was, arguably, as good as, if not better than, present day WI in SA: Alvin Kallicharran, Sew Shivnarine, Faoud Bacchus (Guyana); David Murray, Alvin Greenidge, Malcolm Marshall, Sylvester Clarke, Vanburn Holder (Barbados); Basil Williams, Errol Brown, Herbert Chang (Jamaica); Hillary “Larry” Gomes, Raphick Jumadeen, Randall Lyon (T&T), Derick Parry (Nevis & Leeward Islands) and Norbert Phillip (Dominica & Windward Islands).

Additionally galling to WICB then was that Kerry Packer had arranged for WSC Australia to have a full tour of the Caribbean early in 1979, playing at traditional venues, under similar conditions of official tours.

Crowds, wanting to see their “real” heroes, WSC West Indies, turned out by their tens of thousands, but several fracases and serious riots also occurred on that tour, none more damaging than that in Guyana!

Half of the stands at Bourda Oval were destroyed by paying patrons who thought that conditions, after

WICB Franchise cricket...

From page 62 from February are second with 50 points. Barbados (44), Windward Islands (26), T&T (24) and Leeward Islands (10) follow in that order.

The Jaguars beat the Leewards by an innings & 10 runs and the Windwards by 92 runs in their first two matches before being routed for 66, chasing 69 for victory against Barbados in their three games on home soil.

They then rebounded with an innings & 60 runs win against home team T&T in Trinidad.

Windward’s Devon Smith, has the Most Runs (334) with a highest score of 145 against Leewards in Grenada.

Narsingh Deonarine is next with 306 runs at an average of 61.20 from six innings and included two centuries (110 not out against the Leeward and 139 against Windwards) in successive matches at Providence.

Johnson Charles, who missed the first match for the Windwards is third in the aggregate (262) including 151 against Barbados, while Jamaica’s Tamar Lambert is

fourth with 223 runs and is followed by Austin Richards of the Leewards (213) and Andre Fletcher of the Windwards (203).

As expected spinners have dominated with left-arm spinner Permaul leading with 32 wickets. He has sent down 181.4 overs and has a best of 8-26 (match haul 12-101) against Barbados. In Guyana’s next match against the Windwards he registered match figures of 11-76, including 8-36 in the second innings.

Permaul’s team-mate, Devendra Bishoo, who bowled the most No-Balls (17) and Imran Khan of T&T, has 21 wickets each, while the Windward’s Alston Bobb (20), rookie Damion Jacobs (18) and Nikita Miller (17), both Jamaicans make up the top five leading wicket-takers The Highest Total is 4928 declared off 152.3 overs by the Jaguars against T&T at the ‘Oval’, while the Jaguars also made Lowest Innings Total when capitulated for 66 in 29.1 overs against Barbados to lose by two runs.

The most runs in a match

was 948 at Arnos Vale in St Vincent when Barbados (352 and 128) defeated Windwards (274 and 195) by 11 runs in a pulsating finish. In that game, Bajan, Omar Phillips, standing at the non-striker’s end, was hit on the back of his helmet from a powerful drive from Shai Hope which knocked him unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital and did not participate in the remainder of the match after he was forced to retire hurt.

Eight centuries were scored by seven batsmen with Deonarine making two of them. Bajan Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (182) against T&T has the highest score.

The other century makers are Johnson Charles (151), Devon Smith (145), Vishal Singh (141), Deonarine (139 & 100*), Bajan Roston Chase (120*) and Orlando Peters of the Leewards (104). Thirty-five (35) Half-centuries were scored.

There were ten century partnerships with the highest being 176 between Kraigg Brathwaite and Shane Dowrich for the fifth wicket for Barbados against T&T.

much rain, were good enough for actual play while players and administrators did not.

Had it not been for then Guyana’s Chief of Defence Force Norman McClean, also on Guyana’s Cricket Board, and his troops, that WSC WI v WSC Australia game would not have been completed at Bourda!

Anyway, at the very last moment, when it seemed that WI would indeed defend that 1975 title with the supposedly 2nd team, great sensibilities and tremendous political pressures eventually prevailed.

Especially vocal back in 1979 for our eventual inclusions were Michael Manley, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, and Forbes Burnham, Guyana’s President, just as present-day St. Vincent & Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonzalves and

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell, are now about Bravo and Co. Hopefully, present leaders will have similar effects and results!

Incidentally, only four players of that WI team to India 1978; Bacchus, Gomes, Kallicharran and Marshall; were selected for 1979’s ICC CWC defending, and again victorious, squad. Only Kallicharran made final XI’s for games of that 1979 triumph.

The difference between WI in 1978/1979 and 2014/5 is that, back then, WI had two things to defend; honour and a championship; and were not allowed to send just any team, but it’s best team, to represent seven million.

That is not so now. In December 2014, WI is rated No. 8 of twelve world teams in ODI’s. Only Bangladesh,

Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland are rated lower. There is nothing to defend but honour!

So, WI cricket could indeed be looking to the future, 2019 and beyond, for it would be a major miracle if WI were to win ICC CWC 2015.

Even getting to semi-finals would be an achievement! Firstly, though, WI must try hard to neutralize SA at Port Elizabeth in Test No. 2. Enjoy!

GCB extends condolences at the passing of Samaroo Jailall “The President, Executive and members of the Guyana Cricket Board wish to extend their solemn regards to the family and friends of Mr. Samaroo Jailall at this most unfortunate time of loss,” the Guyana Cricket Board stated in a release. The release continued, “The GCB wishes to record its sincerest thanks and appreciation to Mr. Jailall for having served the Demerara Cricket Board and the East Coast Cricket Board in various capacities and will surely be missed by these entities for his

administrative contributions over the past years. It is never the right time for any family to suffer the loss of a loved one but more so during this yuletide season, it would be most tragic for the family of Samaroo Jailall. The GCB and its member boards wish to reassure the family of Jai that he will be in our thoughts and prayers throughout their ordeal of their loss,” the release concluded.

Jailall passed suddenly on Christmas Eve day following a suspected heart attack.

JADCO welcomes passage of new Anti-Doping in Sport Bill Jamaica Observer - R Danny Williams, chairman of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), says that the commission welcomes the passage of the new AntiDoping in Sport Bill.

The bill, which was passed in the Senate last week, repeals the Anti-Doping in Sport Act of 2008 and allows for the enactment of a new Anti-Doping in Sport Act, 2014.

“The Act clearly articulates the names and portfolio responsibilities of the four agencies under the Ministry of Sports which are associated with the conduct of athletes. It separates JADCO from the direct responsibilities of the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and the Anti-Doping Appeal Tribunal,” Williams said.

He pointed out that the passage of the Bill was most significant, as it places the Jamaican legislation in line with the revised World AntiDoping Code, which comes

into effect on January 1, 2015.

The new Act will also allow the commission autonomy in its accounting procedures and sets clear guidelines for the appointment of executive members.

At a one-day board retreat on December 18, the commissioners reviewed the performance of JADCO over the past year and managers reported on the agency’s 2015 strategies.

“We are confident that, with a stronger staff complement in place, the commission will be better able to meet its education and testing programmes in 2015,” Williams affirmed.

He is calling on coaches and other athlete support personnel to assist JADCO by encouraging athletes to abide by the rules, especially as it regards submitting their whereabouts information, and to attend workshops in order to be fully aware of the antidoping rules.

In that regard, Williams also commended the Jamaica

R Danny Williams Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) for its recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JADCO, which will result in members of the association making presentations about banned substances at workshops.

As the country’s national anti-doping organisation, JADCO continues to work toward fostering a dope-free sporting environment which promotes the ethics and spirit of sport through education, testing, advocacy and implementing an effective anti-doping programme in Jamaica.

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 63

Steve Smith shines to Slingerz reaffirm status put India under pressure Vitamalt/Aqua Mist sponsored WDFA KO Cup

as Best on the West

Ve r g e n o e g e n - b a s e d Slingerz FC, just as they have done time and again, proved that they are the best side on the West Demerara after escaping with a 4-1 penalty shootout win against host Den Amstel to capture the inaugural Vitamalt/Aqua Mist sponsored West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Knockout Cup which ended on Boxing Day, at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground.

The two teams’ slugfest failed to produce a winner in regulation and extra time after ending 1-1, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the champion.

Playing before a capacity crowd that included Chairman of the Guyana Football Federation Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling and representatives of main sponsor Banks DIH in Nonalcoholic Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie and Aqua Mist Brand Manager Errol Nelson, the combatants treated the fans to an exciting and attacking exhibition of football from the start which must have pleased the Organisers and sponsors.

When Referee Maureese Skeete signaled the end where the penalty kicks would be taken, the large turnout of fans converged on the pitch as they attempted to encourage their respective teams and the eventual champions started off in positive fashion when Captain Tichard Joseph buried his right foot shot into the left side of the goal.

Den Amstel urged to respond in like manner did just that as goalkeeper fired past his opposite number, sending him in the wrong direction to level the scores.

Next up was the big defender Colin Nelson and

- Pouderoyen finish third his effort flew past Hunt to his right to maintain pressure on the host which resulted in their first miss when Travis Hilliman’s shot went wide of the right upright.

Joshua Browne stepped up next for Slingerz FC and his screaming right footer beat Hunt into the left corner to give much needed cushion to his team and a spell of sadness to their rival supporters.

The usually dependable Delon Lanferman heaped more horror on home fans when his shot ended wide of the left upright as even the loyals commenced a slow march to the exit.

Needing to simply score to formalise victory, their hero in regulation time Devon Millington stepped up and calmly smashed his effort past Hunt to instigate wild celebrations among their band of fans, while it also meant that the club came $1million richer and also earned them bragging rights for one year.

Den Amstel, though they must have felt disappointed, still walked away with a whopping $500,000.

In the individual honours category, Hilliman was adjudged to be the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Joao Filho of Slingerz was adjudged the Most Outstanding Goalkeeper.

Lanferman and Andre Hector of Den Amstel with five goals each jointly claimed the Highest Goalscorers award.

Earlier, Millington’s 3rd minute beauty gave Slingerz FC the lead after he rifled in a weak clearance low into the far corner, beating Hunt to the right to quiet the home fans.

However, the early setback failed to stop the encouraging incursions by Den Amstel and Lanferman’s explosive free kick from 26 yards soared just over the crossbar.

Shortly after, Hilliman got into the act when his glancing header from a corner mimicked the effort of Lanferman, landing just over the crossbar much to the relief of Slingerz FC players and fans.

Encouraged by the two near misses, Den Amstel intensified their advances and got their reward in the 39th minute, courtesy of Hilliman, who eluded his markers following a corner on the right side to head past a surprise Slingerz FC custodian.

It was game on after that, but even though both teams attacked with menace, their well drilled defences held firm until the final whistle sounded. Extra time brought no definitive result either, before penalty kicks settled the score.

In the third place playoff, Pouderoyen FC made light work of Uitvlugt Warriors, beating them 3-1.

The Warriors had taken the lead initially through Keon Duke, who netted in the 3rd minute from the penalty spot. Marvin Frank’s 18th minute strike restored parity, before Lloyd Prince gave them the lead in the 43rd minute of play.

Prince returned after the break to seal the win when he fired in from close range in the 72nd minute, an advantage that lasted until the final whistle sounded.

Pouderoyen pocketed $300,000 for the victory, while the Warriors collected $200,000.

Steven Smith gets ready to reverse sweep.

(Getty Images)

BBC Sport - Australia captain Steve Smith scored a career-best 192 to help his side set an imposing target of 530 on day two of the third Test against India.

Smith added to his overnight 72 to move on to his third consecutive century, with Brad Haddin (55) and Ryan Harris (74) further burnishing the tally.

India lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for 28 and Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped by wicketkeeper Haddin when on 12.

But the visitors avoided further scares to reach 108-1

in reply. India opener Mural Vijay was on 55 by the close but his side still trail their hosts by a daunting 422 runs.

Australia are already 2-0 up in the four-match series and are in a commanding position to extend that lead after their batting performance.

Smith’s 192 came off 305 balls, while pace bowler Harris helped the tail wag with his highest Test score of 74 from 88 balls.

“I feel pretty good at the crease,” said Smith “Everything is working for me at the moment.

“It was pretty fun to be

honest. It was nice to be able to play a few shots at the end and try and get the total up as high as we could.”

Australia did suffer one setback as all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the final Test with a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old suffered the problem during the second Test and was omitted for the third match in Melbourne.

Scores: India 1 for 108 (Vijay 55*) trail Australia 530 (Smith 192, Harris 74, Rogers 57, Haddin 55, Watson 52) by 422 runs.

Good Success and Sans...

From page 63 likes of Lokram Narine, Abdool Salim and Vijay Persaud.

Sans Souci have played good cricket through out the competition and a lot will depend on how well Osborne marshal his troops since the pitch is expected to favour spin which is their opponents strength.

Oyono Sampson, Tulsieram Ramaden, Heera Sukram and Varounie Sasepaul are competent batsmen while Gurnauth Khemraj, Seon Venture are expected to lead their bowling attack with support from Roopnarine

Persaud and Narendra Persaud.

The competition is being sponsored by Oudit Persaud and being played in memory of the late Badri Prasad, a former business man on the island.

Teams; Good SuccessImran Kahn (Capt.), Vickram Ramnairne, Wazir Khan, Nazeer Mohamed, Chandrika Ragnauth, Jaggernauth Manbodh, Wazeer Mohamed, Shoaib Namaz, Lokram Narine, Charles Benjamin, Abdool Salim, Alex Hill, Mahase Ramnarine, Tomesh Persaud and Vijay Persaud.

Mustak Mohamed is the

coach and Teniram Ramnarine the manager.

Sans Souci; Wayne Osborne (Capt.), Heera Sukram, Oyono Sampson, Tulsieram Raamadeen, Gurnauth Khemraj, Roopnarine Persaud, Keddernauth Naraine, Seon Venture, Cleon Venture, Jermaine Wolf, Narendra Persaud, Keval Persaud, Khemraj Surujpaul and Varounie Sasepaul. Asif Ahmad is the manager/ Coach. Bothe teams will receive trophies and other prizes while the man of the match, best batsman and bowler will be rewarded.

GDF match skills with Pele...

Pouderoyen marksmen Marvin Frank (left) and Lloyd Prince pose for a photo op following the teams win over Uitvlugt Warriors in the playoff for third place.

From page 62 tussle for ball possession in front of the Camptown goal culminated with a fierce kick that sped past the latter team’s goal and slammed into the concrete fence simultaneously with the whistle.

The Camptown crew entered the second session a rejuvenated bunch but found the aggression of the opposition very challenging.

Delwyn Fraser made the first

move after being gifted a dolly of a pass. With just the goalie to contend with, the Army front man attempted to scoop the ball over the advancing ‘keeper’s’head but inadvertently struck it over the uprights.

He made amends for that indiscretion when he collected a pass from the right flank and in one fluent movement, swiveled on the ball of his left foot and sent in a powerful shot that settled in the

network while the Camptown custodian stood transfixed.

Suddenly, the soldiers changed their tactics and ‘hid’ the ball from their adversaries. Camptown’s last ditch efforts were rendered inconsequential as the shrill sound of the whistle sealed their fate.

The battle for honours is winding down to an exciting conclusion and the place to be is the GFC ground this evening.

Page 64

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

West Indies dismiss du TRAYON BOBB: “Scoring for Plessis on rain-hit day

Dean Elgar pulls away. (AFP)

Leon Johnson celebrates taking the catch to dismiss Alviro Petersen. (AFP)

ESPNcricinfo - Rain ensured only six overs were possible on day two, and West Indies managed to pick up their third wicket in that time. The start was delayed by two hours, and the drizzle sent the players back indoors half an hour into the morning session. The weather remained grim over the next few hours, and the umpires officially called off play at 5.05pm. South Africa will begin the third day on 289 for 3, with Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers at the crease.

Faf du Plessis, on 99 overnight, reached his century off the first ball of the day with a clip to the long leg boundary and fell next ball, nicking a Jerome Taylor outswinger to the keeper. It was pitched on the perfect length, freezing du Plessis’ feet and causing his hands to follow the ball, and the Snickometer revealed that it had kissed his outside edge, after umpire Paul Reiffel initially ruled it not out.

Taylor and Jason Holder continued to move the ball around, and opened up both Amla and de Villiers, finding their leading edges as they looked to play across the line.

Both batsmen were just finding their feet when it began drizzling again, and d e Vi l l i e r s u n f u r l e d a couple of gorgeous drives off Holder, one through extra cover and one down the ground.

Scores: South Africa 289 for 3 (Elgar 121, du Plessis 103) v West Indies.

Guyana Baseball League extends New Year’s wishes Guyana Baseball League (GBL) Georgetown, Guyana – President of the Guyana Baseball League Mr. Robin Singh has extended New Year’s wishes to the baseball/ softball community of Guyana. He thanked all involved in the promotion of the sport and looked forward to a rewarding 2015.

Here is the full text of that message: “Dear Guyana Baseball/Softball coaches, players, fans, sponsors, media and general public, I would like to wish everyone a very happy new year! On behalf of the whole Baseball Guyana organization, I am wishing you all the best as we begin another journey of challenges, victories, lessons and changes in the year ahead. We thank our all volunteer staff and cadre of coaches for their tireless work in spreading the great game of baseball throughout the ten regions of Guyana.

The year 2014 was our second year of operation and we had a very successful first season, the E-Networks Baseball Star talent search was well received and well attended, it raised awareness of the opportunities presented by our sport for young athletes, Major League scouts visited, took notes and

provided advice to us and feedback to their organizations, the professional baseball world is now well aware of the quality of talent available in Guyana. The second season saw much more play in Georgetown and the development of the Charlestown based GT Bombers team.

The talent search that dominated much of our first season and also exposed our major weakness, the lack of a purpose built baseball facility; to enable our children to make full use of the opportunities available we do need to have a quality facility to provide the necessary infrastructure.

The coming year will see us intensify our efforts to establish a high quality facility in Demerara, we also expect the second edition of E-Networks Baseball Star to dominate the first half of the year along with PONY league games.At the Board of Directors and management levels we continue to be committed to the development of the game for wider participation and awareness.

We look forward to working with you and your children for a rewarding new year. May God bless and Protect Our Nation’s Youth.”

Guyana was my proudest moment”

By Santokie Nagulendran Whilst football in Guyana has been stagnant in recent times, that has not stopped young, talented Guyanese players from prospering overseas. One such player, Trayon Bobb, has proven to be an exceptional young talent and currently plays his club football in Lithuania, one of the few Guyanese players to make the move abroad to Europe professionally.

Candidate for the standout star of the Guyanese National team during their historic 2014 World Cup qualifying games, young leftwinger Trayon Bobb , hailing from Utivlugt village, was influential for the Jaguars, his pace caused international defenders a problem and he scored two high quality goals in a 2-2 away draw against El Salvador in very tough conditions. Bobb kindly took some time out to reflect on his career so far.

Growing up, Bobb always had the dream of playing football professionally: “It was always my ambition, I also used to play cricket but I ended up giving up on it as I pushed on with football, growing up my idol was Ronaldinho,” he says. He was only 18 years old when he played in the World Cup qualifiers, showing unbelievable composure and talent during the biggest footballing period in Guyana’s history, altogether he played a remarkable 17 games for the National Team in 2012 and cemented his place, as an integral part of the squad whilst still just a teenager.

At the time of his International success for Guyana, Bobb was playing his club football for Caledonia AIA in Trinidad and Tobago’s professional league, after initially being spotted by scouts during his stand-out performances in 2010’s Kashif and Shanghai tournament for West Demerara aged just 16. The move to T&T at such a young age was an eye-opener for Bobb: “In Guyana we don’t have such a good league (as in T&T) and so it was a very good experience for me.”

Bobb went on to play in the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League with Caledonia, including a start against Major League Soccer

side Seattle Sounders, and was rewarded in December 2012, when the club chose to send Bobb and fellow Guyanese International Walter Moore, to Turkey to take part in overseas trials.

The next step, playing professionally in Europe, was now on the horizon for Bobb.

Unfortunately as Guyana is not ranked within the top 70 places in the FIFA World Rankings, securing a work visa to join a club in England is virtually impossible, so, despite also being invited to trials with English clubs Nottingham Forest and Watford, Bobb, instead chose to secure a contract in Finland, signing for seconddivision club Tornion Pallo47 in February 2013 and consequently scoring a hattrick for the club in a cup game only a few weeks later.

He finished the season in May 2013 having played 12 league games for the club and scoring 6 goals, fantastic results for a winger. Speaking on how he found it adapting in a new continent, Bobb said, “The weather was not the same (as in the Caribbean) and there were language differences in Finland, but the quality of football was high in Finland and I have learnt a lot.”

In June 2013 his impressive performances meant he was loaned out to Finnish club Rovaniemen Palloseura, a first division Finnish club, and Bobb thus became the first player in Guyanese History to play in the Veikkausliiga, aka the Premier Division in Finland.

After making three

Santokie Nagulendran appearances, Bobb was subsequently taken to Lithuania in July 2013, whereupon he made a loan move to Premier Division side FK Kruoja. His hard work for the team has seen them qualify for next season’s UEFA Europa League competition, and Bobb will get a chance to show his talent to a wider audience in that competition.

Despite now earning his living abroad, Bobb has not forgotten Guyana, and recently came back to temporarily play for the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) in the 2014 GFA Banks Beer Cup, helping the side qualify for the quarter-finals by remarkably scoring five goals against Houston Stars FC on Saturday 20th December. Speaking of his return, Bobb said “Playing back in Guyana has been a good experience for me to showcase my talent at home.”

Of the greatest moments so far in his young career, Bobb said, “Guyana vs El Salvador when I scored two wonderful goals was a great moment for me and the best player I faced was Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez during Guyana’s match against Mexico in 2012, a player who is at Real Madrid now.” With high ambitions, and the talent to match it, Bobb will surely be heading to the big European leagues in years to come and no doubt be creating more memorable moments.

Trayon Bobb’s (left) standout performances in the Caribbean have led to him plying his trade in Europe

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 65

Score’s Even thumps them again to take feature at Kennard Memorial Boxing Day meet

I

t was a grand day of racing when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club held their traditional Boxing Day Horserace meet at the club’s entity, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice.

It was a day when Score’s Even of The Dennis DeRoop Simple Royal Stable had another royal day on the track with yet another thumping victory in the Feature ‘A’ class event.

With the animals racing out of the gates on a level break, Scores Even with Rad Drepaul on its back was out front early and never looked back. The animal dominated the six furlongs event to race away for a comfortable win by over eight lengths and the reduced amount of $700,000 and the coveted Metro Stationery trophy from stable Mate Run Nana Run, with California Strike and Monsoon placing third and fourth respectively.

Right to Rule of The Jagdeo Stable skillfully ridden by Trinidadian Keran Razack showed that it is the

boss as it won the D3 and lower event when it held on for a close victory over Run Nana Run with Settle In Seattle and Red and Lovely rounding out the money. The win was worth $500,000 and The DDL trophy.

Cassie of the Inshan Bacchus stable with Randolph Richmond on the perch took charged from down the back stretch to win the G3 and lower 5 furlong event from Sent From Above, Top of the Line and Book Rules to take home the $300,000 top money and trophy.

Silent Night of the Shariff Racing stable had a bright day as it won a commanding gate to pole victory in the G3 and lower handicap 7 furlongs race as it whipped Bridal Stone Corner and The Legend for the $300,000 purse and trophy.

The I and lower 6 furlongs event saw Easy to Win of the Deokie Stable with Randolph Richmond riding wining from Red Jet, Slim Shady and Royal Cash

to take home the $250,000 winners money and the Berbice Bridge company trophy.

The J3 and lower five furlongs event saw Yap Drepaul guiding Sunny Silence to victory over Smarty Light in a close finish for the $150,000 prize and trophy with Lady Secret and Royal Intention occupying the other spots.

The day began with Royal Intention ridden by Winston Apadhu winning the K and lower five furlong race from Royal Stallion, It’s My Time and Turn About for the $100,000 prize.

The top jockey on show was Randolph Richmond with three wins, while the Simple Royal Stable had a royal day as they were crowned champion stable on show. Jockey Rad Drepaul was the runner-up jockey on show. They were presented with trophies compliments of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. The day’s event was by and large incident free.

(Samuel Whyte)

It’s jubilation time as the connections of Score’s Even prepare to collect their grand prize and trophy with Jockey Rad Drepaul on top of the racehorse.

DDL Berbice Branch manager Albert Budhoo (left) presents the D and lower trophy to connections of the Jagdeo stable.

NEW INNOVATIONS for 2015 Guinness Greatest of the Street football Guinness Greatest of the Street players and fans can expect an exciting and action-packed programme in 2015 according to Lee Baptiste, Guinness Brand Manager.

The Community-based Futsal football tournament will also feature for the first time West Demerara and Berbice zone playoffs early next year ahead of the National Championships in May. The National winners will then travel to Trinidad and Tobago for the Guinness Caribbean Street Football Challenge in June.

The West Demerara leg will kick off next month; East Coast Demerara and Berbice zones will be played between February and March while the Linden leg will be held during the L i n d e n To w n We e k activities in the mining town.

Teams from Bartica are also represented at the National

Championships.

Baptiste said, the management of Banks DIH Limited and Guinness International with logistical support from Dr. Frank A n t h o n y, M i n i s t e r o f Culture, Youth and Sport and his ministry have ensured that the tournament maintains its communitybased focus and popularity.

Since its inaugural tournament six years ago in Georgetown, the Street Football competition has taken on national and regional status with the event being promoted around the Caribbean.

Guyana will be looking to capture the elusive Caribbean title after two second place finishes in Trinidad last year and at the first regional event hosted at the National Park in 2012.

Lee said there will also be heavy emphasis on the Skills Challenge which has become a highlight of the

Guinness Greatest of the street winners North Ruimveldt.

Caribbean Street Challenge.

He is urging local players to prepare for the Skills Challenge. Lee extended Christmas wishes to

Georgetown Zone winners North Ruimveldt and all the teams included runners-up Festival City Warriors that competed in the just

concluded zone competition.

He lauded the work of the zone coordinators and support staff, the Guyana Police Force and members of

the media.

Lee was also in high praise for football fans who have shown tremendous support over the years.

Page 66

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 28, 2014

GDF match skills with Pele; Western Tigers & Alpha clash in potential scorchers

By Michael Benjamin It’s the Christmas season and while many Guyanese stayed at home and feasted on the traditional foods of the season, the sports oriented clan trooped to the GFC Ground and was fed a healthy diet of classic football when the action in the 4th Annual GFA/Banks Cup Round Robin Knockout tournament continued over the past weekend.

Alpha United domination of the tournament has propelled that team to the top of Group ‘A’ after crushing victories over Blackwater (17-0), Northern Rangers (16-0) and the Guyana Police Force (20). On Christmas Day, ‘The Hammers continued their dream run with a convincing 3-0 drubbing over the GFC after contributions by Dwight Peters (49), Dwayne Jacobs (83) and Sheldon Holder (76).

Pele also stayed afloat in an action packed, entertaining affair where that

team edged out Rhythm Squad 3-2; Omallo Williams netted a brace in the 36th and 61st minutes, while Deon Alfred completed the victory for Pele in the 81st minute.

Rhythm Squad’s response came off the boots of Sheldon Hope (69) and Julian Forris (79).

The action continued on Sunday evening and a fair sized crowd witnessed another grueling double header. That followed after Western Tigers blasted the GPF into oblivion with a 7-0 drubbing moments before the GDF took care of Camptown 2-0. Western Tigers’ victory was spearheaded by a hat-trick from Joshua Britton (29: 38: 50) and successes by Phillip Rowley (25), Randolph Wagner (64), Andre Webber (70) and Marvin Joseph (76).

The soldiers’ goals were sent in by Selwyn Isaacs (26) and Delroy Fraser (84) after a keen tussle for honours with Camptown.

The semi-finals action gets underway at the same

venue this evening and GDF will match skills with Pele moments before Western Tigers and Alpha clash in the feature attraction.

Meanwhile, in Friday night’s action, GDF and Camptown engaged in an exciting duel with the former team employing its trademark roughhouse tactics in the early exchanges while the latter team demonstrated a show of skills. GDF striker, Delroy Fraser, is always a clear and present danger and his first attempt at the opposition’s goal came from the right flank but the angle was way too sharp and slid along the left side of the goal.

Another soldier, William Europe, then made his presence felt with a spirited advance to the opposition’s goal, hesitated for a fraction of a second and was deluged by the opposition’s defence crew. The pattern continued well into the first session where the soldiers enjoyed the greater percentage of ball possession while the Camptown defence was

Coach of the GDF unit, Brazilian, Caetano (extreme right) with two of his point men (Delwyn Fraser at left) celebrate.

vigilant and staunchly kept the rampaging soldiers at bay.

As the fierce rivalry continued, the referee had to flick out the damning yellow card to Camptown’s, Travis Martin after he improperly tackled Eusi Phillips. The ensuing free kick curled around the improvised wall and landed safely into the hands of the Camptown’s custodian, Stephen Roberts.

Undeterred, the soldiers pressed on and when Delroy Fraser performed a solo, it looked like sure goal but Camptown’s defence crew stopped him in his tracks.

The endorsement that perseverance brings result was aptly underlined when Selwyn Isaacs classically

Selwyn Isaacs dribbled down the centre and drilled the Camptown custodian to send his team one goal up.

The soldiers smelled blood and shortly after the Isaacs’ success, Fraser

attacked but though his firm right foot strike was delivered powerfully, he just failed to get it passed a vigilant Camptown custodian.

It was around that time that Camptown dug in and began to put together constructive passes that saw them infiltrating the Army’s territory. The latter team held firm and tightened its defence cordon while retaining its slim advantage.

As the seconds whittled away to the culmination of the first session, Troy ‘Bugsie’ Prescod took charge of a free kick but his left foot shot had too much zip and sailed over the uprights. Thereafter, a keen (Continued on page 63)

WICB Franchise cricket break for Christmas holidays

By Sean Devers The WICB Regional Four-Day First-Class Cricket Franchise takes a break for Christmas and resumes on January 15 in Trinidad & Tobago with the NAGICO Super50 tournament and sees Guyana Jaguars, in group ‘B’ along with Barbados Pride, Combined Campuses & Colleges, and Windward Islands Volcanoes, facing the Volcanoes in their first match at the Queens Park Oval on the opening day.

Guyana Jaguars are without Skipper Leon Johnson and leading run scorer in the Four-Day format Narsingh Deonarine and are also likely to lose the services of teenagers Shemron Hetymer and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who should both be selected for the West Indies under-19

Resumes with NAGICO Super50 on January 15 Devon Smith

Kraigg Brathwaite

Veerasammy Permaul

team which joins the six Regional teams participating in the tournament. Assad Fudadin broke his finger in South Africa and could also

miss the NAGICO Super50.

Chris Barnwell should Captain the team which should include another seam bowling all-rounder in

Narsingh Deonarine

Devendra Bishoo

Barbadian Raymond Reifer.

The genuinely quick Ronsford Beaton could have medium back-up from Paul Wintz, who could also bat, while Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo and all rounder Steven Jacobs could spearhead Guyana’s spin attack.

Rajendra Chandrika, Trevon Griffith and Robin Bacchus could be the three openers with Kandasammy

Surujnarine, who could make his national senior team debut, Royston Crandon, Shiv Chanderpaul and wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble along with the AllRounders gives the Jaguars a solid batting line up on paper.

The Jaguars play their second match against the Barbados Pride on January 17 before coming up against CCC two days later with

both of these fixtures set for the Test Venue, the Queens Park Oval.

The semi-finals are scheduled for January 22 & 23 and the South American based team will be hoping to be among the ‘final four’ before the Final bowls off on Sunday January 24. The Semis and Final will all be played at the ‘Oval’.

After the first phase of the four Four-Day matches, the Jaguars are leaders with 57 points while Jamaica, who Guyana play in the next Four-Day game in Jamaica (Continued on page 62)

Sunday December 28, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 67

SEMI FINALS SHOWDOWN AT BUXTON GROUND TODAY Grove Hi Tech tackle NA United; Ann’s Grove match with Cougars Domini Garnett (with ball) of Grove Hi Tech who set up the winning goal seen in control against Buxton United on Christmas Night at the Buxton ground.

This New Amsterdam United (green & white) in command against his opponent from Monedderlust in their quarter final showdown.

T

he right to clash for the 1.5 million dollars first prize will be known tonight at the Buxton Community Centre ground when the respective semifinals of the inaugural Stag Super XV1 knock-out football tournament are contested.

The last four teams of 16 that are left standing will engage each other in what is anticipated to be two riveting showdowns. First up at 18:00hrs, Grove Hi Tech who needled Buxton United in their feature quarter final game on Christmas night will come up against New Amsterdam who turned back the challenge of Monedderlust 5-4 on penalty kicks. The feature game pits the respective Boxing Night winners, Cougars who upstaged Mahaica Determinators 3-2 and the party spoilers Ann’s Grove who pulled out all the stops to knockout the mighty Victoria Kings, 5-4 on sudden death penalty kicks.

The respective semifinalists have earned their places as a result of hard work in recording two wins a p i e c e . A n n ’s G r o v e accounted for Kings and Agricola Red Triangle (1-0); Cougars defeated Mahaica and Soesdyke Falcons (3-0); Grove Hi Tech got past Buxton United and BV Triumph United (2-0), while New Amsterdam United recorded the largest margin of victory in a single game to date when they hammered

Adrian Adams Timehri Panthers 10-1 before taking out Monedderlust.

Grove Hi Tech and Ann’s Grove have not conceded any goals in regulation play and extra time play in the case of the latter’s game against the Kings which was decided on penalty kicks.

The respective goalkeepers Rondell Alleyne (Grove) and Travis Allen (Ann’s Grove) have been impressive to date and much will depend on their form if they are to lead their teams to yet another win which will give the chance to play for the ultimate prize.

Also showing excellent form so far are Cougars and New Amsterdam United, their custodians have are shone and will be important fixtures in securing wins.

Other players to watch out for are Adrian Adams of New Amsterdam who has scored in both games so far and is the leading scorer with six (6) to his name, Domini Garnett and Sherman Doris of Grove, Roger Crandon of Cougars

and Maxton Adams of Ann’s Grove.

Whatever happens this evening, fans are in for an enthralling evening of entertainment at the Buxton Community Centre Ground.

Meanwhile, in quarter final action on Boxing Night at the Victoria ground, home team Victoria Kings were odds on favourites to win against the determined Ann’s Grove side which came to the venue with other ideas.

As it turned out, the Kings were in for a rough time as the Ann’s Grove boys matched the top East Coast s i d e p l a y f o r p l a y.

Opportunities came the way of both teams but more so, Victoria who muffed a penalty during the game, it was a mistake that came back to haunt them.

With no goals materializing during regulation and extra time, penalty kicks were required to decide the winner. At the end of the first five kicks, the scores were locked 4-4 which meant that sudden death penalty kicks was the next step.

Ann’s Grove ensured that they sunk their shot but it was Victoria who would have missed theirs which meant that they were sent packing as Ann’s Grove celebrated a hard fought win.

The opening game at the venue saw Roger Crandon n e t t i n g a double which secured a come from behind win for Cougars against home team Mahaica Determinators.

Determinators took the lead five minutes before the end of the first half through a Quincy Holder goal.

Crandon netted the first of his double six minutes after the break to nullify the advantage of the Determinators.

Three minutes later, Crandon handed Cougars the lead which they never relinquished. In the 65th minute, the advantage was further increased with a Shawn Parris goal and despite Azumah Roberts’ 80th minute effort, Determinators could not hinder the forward trust of the Berbice side; final score, Cougars 3 Mahaica Determinators 2.

The series of upsets in

this inaugural threeassociation tournament between East Demerara, East Bank and Berbice would have started on Christmas Night at the Buxton ground when Grove Hi Tech through a sixth minute penalty by their Captain, Sherman Doris after their main marksman Domini Garnett was brought down in the area, secured a solid win for the East Bank side.

Buxton are no pushovers and tried their utmost to get back into the game but solid defending by Grove kept their dream of winning the competition alive.

New Amsterdam United came with a plan and looked the part in their win over

Monedderlust who took the lead in the 24th minute through a Leroy Halley strike. But New Amsterdam fired back immediately from the penalty spot when their inspirational Captain Adrian Adams rocked the nets to take his overall tally to six.

Monedderlust never looked its lethal self on the night and could have sealed the deal in the final moments of regulation time but the shot went just wide of the upright. In the first period of extra time, New Amsterdam could have also taken the lead but their short also went wide of the mark.

Spot kicks were then taken which saw New Amsterdam taking the win 53 when the dust was settled.

Good Success and Sans Souci clash in Persaud Memorial T20 final today

G

ood Success will t a k e o n archrivals Sans Souci in final of the Badri Prasad Memorial T20 tournament today at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground.

Action is expected to get under way at 10:00 hrs and a keen contest is anticipated.

Both teams are well balanced with Good Success being led the talented Imran Khan while Sans Souci will be spearheaded by Wayne Osborne.

Good Success batting will be centered on skipper Khan, Wazir Khan, Nazeer

Nazeer Mohamed

Wayne Osborne

Mohamed, Chandrika Ragnauth, Jaggernauth Manbodh and Shoaib Alli.

There bowling is capable of holding their own with the (Continued on page 63 )

t r o Sp VITAMALT/AQUA MIST SPONSORED WDFA KO CUP

Slingerz reaffirm status as Best on the West - POUDEROYEN FINISH THIRD

WDFA Knockout Cup winners Slingerz FC pose with sponsors representatives and fans shortly after the presentation ceremony on Boxing Day.

Jerome Taylor has a bowl. (AFP)

Faf du Plessis raises a fourth Test hundred.

(AFP)

Dean Elgar pulls away. (AFP)

West Indies dismiss du Plessis on rain-hit day Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210