Kaieteur News

Page 04

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Remuneration for teachers The University of Guyana is still on strike. The students who have been called on to pay more for their tuition are out of the classrooms because the lecturers are contending that for too long they have been underpaid and overworked.

The products of the University of Guyana should be the people who would develop the country. The United States, the United Kingdom, China, India and a host of other countries are what they are because of their students.

North Korea which is something of a pariah in the international world have people with more technological savvy that any Guyanese. This is because of the products of the Universities. Its neighbor to the south is making cars and electronic appliances, many of which we use in Guyana, because of the products of the Universities in that country.

The local University may be best cited for the few engineers it produces but who must go overseas to hone their skills because there is no place in Guyana to help these people develop. We have doctors who may be theoretically sound but who from all experiences are little better than hopeless when it comes to dealing with people. More than a few of them have presided over the death of expectant mothers.

Today, there are no classes because the teachers are insisting that they must be properly compensated if they are to develop the younger generation. While in some countries teachers are the third highest paid, in Guyana they are among the worst. Small wonder, then, that there is a marked decline in the quality of education in schools.

The Education Minister says that the government spends a significant portion of the budget on education, that it builds schools and installs computers in these schools.

However, the physical infrastructure is only as good as the woodwork. People are the ones required to add life, literally, to these institutions.

Therefore poorly paid teachers would impart knowledge in a manner that would leave a lot to be desired. The result is a case of the children from homes where the parents have disposable incomes doing better than others. And there are many reasons for the poor performance of children from such homes but the most glaring is favouritism. The children who can afford to compensate the teacher would get more attention. The others are simply ignored.

And so we come to the University of Guyana where there is the carryover of the treatment of teachers in the lower education system. There is poor pay, hence the current strike by the teachers. There is a saying that money alone cannot buy enhanced performance but it can surely offer some stability to the staff. Guyana has lost its best teachers because of a lack of proper pay. Some of the teachers who left have come back but only because they have solved the problem of their children’s future and they are a bit comfortable financially.

At the University of Guyana the teachers or lecturers want a 25 per cent increase on their pay. Indeed, the University said that its financial base was small so it hiked the rates all with a view to paying more to the lecturers. But it would seem that while the students have begun paying more, there seems to be still not enough money to properly compensate the lecturers.

It is here that the government should step in because the government has imposed itself on the University by way of its nominees to the University board. But this is not happening; the government remains aloof.

Meanwhile, no learning is taking place and the country is bound to suffer, not that it is unaccustomed to suffering. A survey revealed that close to 90 per cent of the University graduates leave these shores. And they do get jobs overseas because they were actually taught. Perhaps it is the knowledge that many of those University graduates will leave these shores that is preventing the government from actually making a sizeable loan to the University to compensate the lecturers.

Thursday February 12, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

Open defence of lawlessness DEAR EDITOR, How could the Public Service Commission defend indefensible behaviour?

I am left to wonder under which rock the Public Service Commission and the Commissioner of Police reside? I ask for their resignation with immediate effect.

The United Nations Convention against Torture, of which Guyana ratified in 1988 states, “torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions” What the two now-promoted police officers were before the court for (intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm - by burning the genitals of a teenager) is unlawful in any jurisdiction. The heroic findings of Judge Roxanne George-Wiltshire

substantiated their liability, describing their actions as “degrading, humiliating and debasing.”

“The torture and cruel inhuman treatment meted out to Twyon Thomas has demonstrated and established an absolute and flagrant disregard for his (Twyon Thomas’) constitutional rights.” She awarded GY$6.5 million to the violated teenager.

This money was taxpayers’ money, the state paid out of general revenue. No money was paid by the two officers. The withholding of half month’s pay does not equal GY$6.5 million.

This fact is blatantly omitted by the PSC Chairman who seems unaware, that once these officers’ cases were dismissed in the court of law as a result of the inexplicable absence of the victim in court, these officers would have received their full compensation retroactive to the institution of the date of being charged. Honesty is the best policy and dishonesty is no road to prosperity.

After the dismissal of the criminal charge and conclusion of the civil cases, a police tribunal should have been constituted by the Commissioner of Police, if he had any interest in preserving the credibility of the Guyana Police Force. The Commissioner of Police needs to do his job as set out in the Police Act. In essence, no punitive sanction has been received by these two officers. The

only sanction dispensed was the demotion of the officer in charge at the station at the time of the incident.

Therefore, this injustice must be repudiated. These officers do not deserve a place on the force moreso a ranking position.

If PSC and its chairman think these officers are “outstanding” then I suggest their lack of sense of justice and fairness is self evident and should no longer continue to serve on such an august body.

I would like to know; Why these officers were considered for continued employment by the state.

What awards for good policing these officers received in the last two years?

What distinguishing and exceptional skills do they possess, that no other officer of equal rank with similar education and length of service, as well as, longer service, who never had such damning accusations made against them, to merit promotion above their comrades?

Why was the UN Convention on torture ignored?

Justice is for all! No exceptions!

And this continued farce by the PSC and the Commissioner of Police, has brought disrepute to the entire Police force and nation. There is no precedence for pardon for officers committing vile acts, by the PSC. If then the standards of pardon applied in a comment attributed to PSC (Continued on page 5)

Mr. Williams would be deserving of a cabinet level position DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Ruel Johnson’s letter to the editor in the Kaieteur News dated February 10, 2015. I understand his frustration at the coalition talks in this crucial time, when elections are two and a half months away and the executive configuration seems to stand in the way of national progress and Guyana’s future.

On perusing the portfolios for a proposed alliance cabinet, I cannot agree with the position Mr. Johnson has identified for Basil Williams.

In the tenth (now prorogued) parliament Basil Williams was the shadow Attorney General for APNU and the combined opposition,

representing them in the numerous cases brought by the Attorney General Anil Nandlall against decisions passed in parliament and the illegal spending of taxpayers’ monies case brought by Mr. Granger against Mr. Ashni Singh.

In addition he has represented numerous Guyanese citizens against the many injustices heaped upon them by the PPP/C government pro bono: the Globe Trust account holders; Mark Benschop’s treason trial and the countless young men the Police visited with trumped up murder charges are but a few examples.

Mr. Williams has had a wide practice in both civil and criminal matters and is the new face of the

PNCR, since he was not a member of the PNC cabinet. His integrity, dedicated service in the courts, yeoman service representing the poor and downtrodden in cases like the Linden commission of inquiry and the current Dr. Walter Rodney inquiry is ample testimony.

I am sure Mr. Williams can represent his work without my help, but I also feel it is important to give merit where it is due by pointing out that he should be given a position at cabinet level to utilize his considerable skills and expertise in the decision-making process to move Guyana forward from this corrupt PPP/C cabal.

Nelly Rambarran

PARADIGM SHIFT IN GUYSUCO DEAR EDITOR, As a Guyanese with the ‘sugar industry in my blood’ as it were, having regard to my antecedents, I could not believe my eyes when I read, re-read and reflected on the lengthy statement by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture on the above-mentioned subject, as reported in Tuesday’s Guyana Chronicle.

How can we think and talk so much about a paradigm shift in the sugar industry without even one word being mentioned about the Human Resources, the PEOPLE, 16,000 of whom comprise the base of this nodal but beleaguered industry? Do they not matter? Are they not seen, nor heard, nor able to contribute anything to the achievement of current or the much-vaunted, but

most elusive, ‘future’ of ‘their industry’ as proclaimed in the slogan: “Owned and Operated by the People of Guyana”?

The Hon. Minister elaborates on Diversification, Value-added products, Increased Production, Reduced Cost.

Enhanced Mechanization, Marketing, Diversification, Greater Efficiencies in Field and Factory etc but NOT ONE word on the people on whom any/all grandiose plans are integrally dependent. In this context it is apposite to recall, even at the risk of incurring the wrath of hard-core anti-colonialists, the immortal words of the iconic Lord Campbell, who in the heyday of the sugar industry coined the mantra: “People are more important than shops, ships and sugar estates”.

Ironically, Tuesday’s media also highlighted the strike by sugar workers on the East Demerara Estate who are protesting the dismissal of many of their colleagues following a dispute over the application/non-application of fertilizers.

Interestingly, the Hon. Minister’s reported statement also dealt with “fertilizers” in the context of replacing chemical fertilizers with bio-fertilizers.

Is it too difficult to understand that while there might be a good case for changing the type of fertilizer, its effective application is a function of competent and motivated Human Resources at the managerial, supervisory and operational levels of the organization?

Nowrang Persaud

Thursday February 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

The Opposition Leader OPEN DEFENCE OF LAWLESSNESS clearly does have a plan DEAR EDITOR, I wish to refer to a letter published in your letter column; ‘The opposition Leader and his ‘no plan’ answer’ KN February 11th 2015.

It is clear that the author of the letter, Mr. Desmond Morian, failed to listen to the entire Press Conference; did not read the official press statement; made some malicious misrepresentations or does not fully comprehend the current education crisis in Guyana.

Achievement of the millennium development goals for primary and secondary education cannot mask the fact that our public schools are producing an increasing number of illiterate and innumerate youths.

No amount of obfuscation can change the reports issued by the Ministry of Education that nearly 7,000 children drop out of our primary and secondary schools every year. No amount of propaganda can change the fact that the majority of our university graduates are unable to find employment, remain under-or unemployed or join the throng of thousands who emigrate every year.

For Mr. Morian’s information there is no National Youth Policy that is well documented and

approved by the National Assembly. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport has publicly announced on several occasions over the past decade that the National Youth Policy would be reviewed. The problem is that he has promulgated no such ‘Policy.’ The result has been that there is nothing to guide the present administration’s actions towards young people who continue to face difficult lives in the land of their birth.

Finally the issue of Suicide. In his answer to the question posed by Ms. Haniff, the Leader of the Opposition said, “we do not have a plan of action to deal with the suicide epidemic……..what we intend to do is to find the cause of the problem first, and solve these problems. To the extent that they are social and economic, to the extent that they are located in certain areas; you know Black Bush Polder has perhaps an above average rate for suicides; send in some Social Workers to help solve those problems. If there is economic depression; if there is family problems; if there is alcoholism, we need to find out what the causes are first before we can solve the problem. But we have to tackle the problem, we

cannot ignore the problem, because the problem won’t go away.”

The above shows clearly a leader who has a plan on how his administration would deal with the epidemic of suicide. He clearly states that finding the cause would inform the methods that would be used to tackle the problem. Any credible clinician or mental health professional would know that without a diagnosis one cannot develop a plan of care that will result in a favourable prognosis.

Suicide is not a pot-hole or a broken water main, it is a serious mental health problem that must be studied holistically by trained clinicians and social workers.

A Partnership for National Unity will continue to work towards ensuring that the young people of this country get the opportunity to enjoy ‘a good life’ in the land of their birth through our Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment.

Young people are the trustees of our nation’s future and they deserve to be given the best opportunities to be educated, employed and empowered.

Mark A Archer Communications Director Office of the Leader of the Opposition

$15,000 for photocopying papers for mid-term tests DEAR EDITOR, I have a ward attending Grade 6 at a city Primary School (name provided). She informed me that her class teacher demanded that each pupil in her class pay fivehundred dollars to meet the cost of photocopying their mid-term test papers.

Offering four subjects at the National Grade 6 Examinations in 2015, I reason that with Papers 1 and 2 to consider at most, each pupil will be required to subscribe to the cost of ten pages of photocopying.

At an open rate of $12 per single page copy this bill should read $120. However,

most photocopying facilities have special rates of $8 per single page copy for educational purposes.

The demand for $500 per pupil is not justified and requires an immediate response from the administration of the school.

In addition, pupils are threatened that those who do not pay the amount demanded will not be allowed to take the test.

At a Parent-Teacher meeting it was announced that all monies collected for and on behalf of the school can only be done with the authority of that body. Is the Parent-Teacher body of this

school aware of this situation and did it in fact authorize this amount demanded In a class of 30 pupils at $500 per pupil the amount demanded is $15,000 for photocopying papers for the mid-term tests.

This is mind-boggling to say the least. I demand an urgent investigation into this matter.

By way of this letter I signal my intention not to pay the amount demanded and dare that my ward not be allowed to take the mid-term test.

Mahadeo

From page 4 chairman, Omesh Satyanand is correct when he stated, “We should not hold something against someone because they would have committed something wrong…even though you have served the time for it and I think the public should understand that.

From our record, he has been an outstanding policeman for over two decades and we have taken that into consideration.”, (pg 3, SN 24/01/2015) I would like to know if by the same token all citizens are beneficiaries of this pardon?

I ask for directions to the clause of the Police Act that directs such a pardon for such a grave transgression?

If this is the case, why was Inspector Alwyn Hoyte not the beneficiary of such a pardon but humiliated and stripped of his promotion and demoted to Sergeant shortly after his ascension to a higher rank?

Article 4 of the UN Convention on torture states; “Each State Party shall ensure that all acts of torture are offences under its criminal law. The same shall apply to an attempt to commit torture and to an act by any person which constitutes complicity or participation in torture.

Each State Party shall make these offences punishable by appropriate penalties which take into account their grave nature.”

The gravity of this action is not missed. So, I add my condemnation of the PSC, the Commissioner of Police, and the Minister of Home Affairs, for not taking appropriate action to purge the Police Force of those who

committed torture and are in the mindset to commit torture.

Are the aforementioned officials aware of Article 10 of the UN Convention on torture which states, “Each State Party shall ensure that education and information regarding the prohibition against torture are fully included in the training of law enforcement personnel, civil or military, medical personnel, public officials and other persons who may be involved in the custody, interrogation or treatment of any individual subjected to any form of arrest, detention or imprisonment.

Each State Party shall include this prohibition in the rules or instructions issued in regard to the duties and functions of any such persons.”

If they are aware of this Article and the requisite training was received by the officers who violated it, what appropriate punishment did they receive from the Police tribunals mandated by Police Act 17:01?

The Police Act 17.02 (7) Schedule of acts or omission by any member of the Police force constituting misconduct states, “Being guilty of any unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority that is to say— (iii) using any unnecessary violence to any prisoner, or other person with whom he may be brought into contact in the execution of his duty” is punishable.

The unlawful acts by the two officers pale in comparison to that of an officer who had a uniform violation or was found intoxicated on duty, yet, they go unpunished.

Any rank above them, including the Commissioner of Police, could have instituted the charge of discreditable conduct against these officers.

To add insult to injury, the Commissioner of Police, who failed to act in this case, emerges to thumb his nose at the population, with insensitive commentary of ”No departmental charges were recommended,” “life must go on”.

The question then is, on whose recommendation was it that no charges be laid and why the Commissioner of Police or his assistants or deputies failed to act in accordance with the Police Act? We cannot progress and build an equitable society with individuals such as these who essentially defy the laws of Guyana.

This parade of appointments of inappropriate persons who do not understand what is required of them in critical positions of judgement is coming home to roost. Their open defence of the lawless proves they are lacking the fibre associated with upholding law and constitutional mandates. This leaves one to wonder: who is the vanguard of a safe Guyana?

It’s time we advance the cause of justice. Law-abiding citizens are disgusted and cannot understand or accept this incompetence.

Louis Nestor

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 12, 2015

Jaden Mars case...

Rohee lauds 10 percent Health Minister not opposed reduction in electricity cost to mother taking legal action By: Kiana Wilburg

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP), Clement Rohee announced yesterday that the party is most pleased with the recent announcement by President Donald Ramotar that there will be a 10 percent reduction in the electricity rates which will be effective from March 1.

At his press conference which was held at Freedom House, he said that the new development will provide a much needed boost to various sections of society and complements government’s efforts to transform the country into a modern and developed one.

The politician said that it was expected that some $3B would be released directly into the economy to fuel economic activities. Rohee said that this amount would have gone overseas to pay for fuel.

Further, the PPP General Secretary said that citizens from all walks of life have welcomed the announcement for its timeliness, as it will ease the pressure on family income and allow for more disposable income to be available.

Rohee mentioned that manufacturers and distributors who spend millions of dollars on electricity said it would allow them to save as well as expand in creating jobs and opportunities for other investments and they would now be able to enjoy some relief.

The politician however, did not forget mention what he termed, “The detractors” who would be quick to cloud the judgment of the consumers that the 10 percent blessing is nothing but a political gimmick.

He emphasized that the PPP/C never fell short of passing on various opportunities when they are available for the Guyanese people to save money. He called Guyanese to use their savings as a result of the new development, wisely, and ensure it benefit their families in a lasting way.

Be that as it may, some members of the political opposition who are happy about the soon-to-come reduced rates, say they are

- But opposition insists that GPL needs to get a handle on line losses

Opposition Leader, David Granger still concerned about the fact that the electricity company is suffering significant losses.

Opposition Leader, David Granger in an interview with Kaieteur News said that the rates charged to Guyanese users is already way above that charged in other countries. He said that reduced rates would be very beneficial to the Guyanese populace and it should not only be done as a welfare measure but also as one that can stimulate economic activity.

Granger however noted that due consideration must also be extended to the company’s line losses.

“Lower rates would be a good development but at the same time we must walk on two feet. GPL must continue to reduce losses through inefficient connections,” he added.

Despite concerns by some opposition members that the current administration could possibly “twist” the reduced electricity costs as a part of its plan to prove it cares, Granger is not the least bit worried.

The Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said that even if the government would want to spin the new development along such lines, such a plan would end up being dead on arrival.

“It is not enough to erase the damage done by the PPP over the years. There is a countrywide electricity problem and I do not believe that the lowering of the rates

will be enough to give them an election bonanza,” said the Opposition leader.

His Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge, nonetheless held firm to his view that the announcement of reduced electricity costs, at this time, is clearly a “political gimmick.”

The former finance minister argued that fuel is so big a portion of the GPL’s operating costs; it is obvious that a reduction in petroleum prices would bring such cost down.

He categorically stated that fuel prices were down since last year and this domino effect was obviously delayed by the government.

Nevertheless, Greenidge said that one should not be so quick to ignore the glaring fact that GPL has been making massive losses and one has to wonder how it will fare with the lower tariffs.

“What we are seeing here is a political gimmick,” he reiterated.

Greenidge, in a previous interview with Kaieteur News had lambasted Chairman of the Board of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Winston Brassington, for downright mismanagement of the company and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds for allowing too much political interference.

The economist had also called on GPL’s management to explain what it did with the millions it received from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to help avoid exorbitant losses “which seems to have gotten from bad to worse”.

APNU’s General Secretary, Joseph Harmon, had also chided the GPL management team and went as far as to posit that its exorbitant commercial losses monthly, in some societies, underscores not only the need for Brassington to be fired for gross incompetence, but even for the other board members to be removed.

In an advertisement published in the media, the electricity company said that for the first quarter of 2013, it recorded the highest level of electricity loss and this was in the South Georgetown district. The company emphasized that the areas accounting for the 60 percent losses have some of the largest population densities.

Granger supported and reiterated the call made by Harmon for the Board members and Chairman to be sacked.

- says matter still with Medical Council “Compensation is beyond my remit,” said Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, when asked to comment on the status of the ‘Jaden Mars’ case yesterday.

Mars, a four-year-old boy who was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to have his tongue sutured, died a few days after being admitted in December, 2013.

The untimely death had in fact, left family members and even those within the medical fraternity with more questions than answers. The death certainly wasn’t taken lightly by the child’s mother, Nathalie Caseley, who has been waging fervent war with the health sector over the death of her son.

The Minister in commenting on Caseley’s efforts to get justice for her son shared his conviction that “she has a right to be at us... She is a mother and she lost her child in circumstances that the Ministry of Health is still finding difficult...a child just biting the tongue?”

He however, noted that discussing compensation in this regard is beyond his remit. “But at the risk of being accused of putting my foot in my mouth I can say quite openly as a Guyanese citizen that we are becoming more and more sophisticated. We are seeing this in a lot more

Nathalie Caseley displays a photographic exhibit of her son’s deterioration parts of the world; it is not excluded that parents can take relevant action.”

The Minister was at the time alluding to legal action as he pointed out that “because the Government of course is an entity and is accustomed to facing such challenges, not only in the area of health, but in other areas, I am certain that it will find the necessary wherewithal to ensure that it defends itself or see that

justice is dispensed.”

Caseley has long solicited legal representation in the person of Attorney at law, Nigel Hughes, who has already filed legal proceedings on her behalf.

However, Minister Ramsaran was not in a position yesterday to shed any light on the Government’s preparation to defend itself in this matter. “I won’t know the details, that (continued on page 24)

GPHC gears for first Paediatric heart surgeries - “Things are happening at GPHC,” Minister of Health confidently asserts

From L-R Min. of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Mr. Roy Morris (ICHF), Dr. Helen Holtby, GPHC CEO Michael Khan, Dr. Sheik Amir and Dr. Nancy Suarez at media conference yesterday.

In just a matter of weeks, 15 children are scheduled to undergo heart surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), under a new initiative which promises

to improve the effectiveness of hospital staff.

Representatives of the International Children's Heart Foundation (ICHF) will officially begin training hospital

staff for a two week period, beginning April 25 of this year.

At a press conference held yesterday at GPHC, a panel led by Minister of Health, Dr. (continued on page 23)

Thursday February 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

CAL Director Killed for Car $$ …$150,000 debt owed to him may have cost him his life Trinidad Express - A debt of $150,000 owed to Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) director Azad Niamat may have cost him his life.

The Express was told that on the day Niamat went missing on January 29 he went to collect money from a man who lives in East Trinidad.

The source told the Express Niamat was owed the money from the sale of two vehicles – a Mercedes Benz and a seven-seater. He sold the vehicle last March.

Niamat told someone close to him he was going to collect the money the day he vanished.

Niamat’s body was found on Monday in Brazil Village, near Arima.

The body was clad in clothing and a wristwatch which Niamat was last seen by his family wearing, and found less than three kilometres from where his Toyota Prado had been discovered the day after he

was reported missing.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition of the body, the forensic procedure is that the identity still must be confirmed through deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing.

On Tuesday morning, Niamat’s siblings went to the Forensic Science Centre in St James to hand over samples of their DNA for the tests.

A relative of Niamat’s who requested anonymity said when he was last seen leaving his house in Chaguanas shortly before midday he was seen with a router and he told a nephew he was going to Port of Spain to have it repaired.

“We are just waiting on the results of the DNA tests before we can proceed with funeral arrangements. We haven’t heard how long the identification process will take,” the relative said.

The relative said Niamat’s wife, Greer Cumberbatch, has

Azad Niamat been distraught since he disappeared.

“She has been very, very distraught. She has not been able to catch herself since he went missing,” the relative said.

The couple would have celebrated 46 years of marriage on July 27.

Niamath was a father of two and a grandfather of five.

Cumberbatch has also said to be in constant contact with their children – their son who is a surgeon in England, and their daughter who recently migrated to Florida.

The family said Caribbean Airlines has offered to cover the expenses of their being flown to Trinidad, possibly by the end of the week.

Jamaica is not ready for anti-beating law, says Education Minister KINGSTON, Jamaica Education Minister Ronald Thwaites says Jamaica is not ready to enact legislation to outlaw corporal punishment.

The United Nations has called for the Jamaican Government to pass a law to ban the activity.

Jamaican lawyer, Bert Samuels has come out in support, saying corporal punishment is a heritage of Jamaica’s slavery past.

Thwaites says corporal punishment should be generally discouraged but a total ban is not necessary at this time.

He says there are instances where children in

schools need to be disciplined by appropriate force.

However, Thwaites says this should only be done by senior persons such as school principals and in private.

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child issued the call for a law after a presentation from a Jamaican delegation led by Youth Minister Lisa Hanna last month.

The committee was also responding to concerns in a report submitted by human rights group Jamaicans for Justice.

However, the Youth

Ronald Thwaites Minister says the issue requires what she calls significant dialogue with Jamaicans. (The Gleaner)

Venezuela arrests judge after ruling in drug smuggling case CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan authorities have arrested a judge less than 24 hours after he issued a sentence in a high-profile drug trafficking case that prosecutors say is too lenient.

The state prosecutor’s office says Ali Fabricio Paredes will face charges related to favoritism in the

case of a drug kingpin.

On Tuesday, Paredes sentenced Walid Makled to 14 years in prison, drawing immediate objections from prosecutors, who say they will appeal.

The kingpin’s arrest in Colombia trigged a tug-ofwar between Venezuela and the U.S. Both countries wanted to try him, but he was

ultimately extradited to Venezuela.

Paredes’ detention recalled the case of Maria Lourdes Afiuni, who was jailed in 2009 after thenPresident Hugo Chavez objected to her freeing a banker.

Her ongoing trial has sparked international condemnation.

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Thursday February 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

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CHANGE IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE! There are lots of people out there who believe that the time for political change in Guyana is due. Some would say overdue.

There are lots of people who believe that there will be political change in Guyana come this May when elections are held. There are others who desire change and yet others who believe that they are the ones who will bring about this change because they have what it takes to vote the government out of office.

In summary, a great many people want change, believe that there should be change, expect change and hold themselves up as the solution that will achieve that change.

History has however taught us a lesson in life.

Change does not come about because we wish it or because we desire it or because we expect it. Change is not about you and me wanting something or expecting something.

Change is about a confluence, a meeting of you and me with what the majority of the people want.

Change, in other words, will only come about if this is what the vast majority of the people want. In other words, we may desire change, we may expect change and we may feel that we have done enough to earn that change but still, there may be no

change achieved because our desire, ambition and means are not shared by a sufficient number of persons.

Unless our desires, belief and will are aligned with the vast majority of people, there will not be change and this is something that we have to learn to live with.

I am sure that in 1992 when 44 per cent of the Guyanese people voted for the People’s National Congress, this must have shocked many others who must have been flabbergasted that after all the suffering, deprivation and oppression that party when in government heaped upon the Guyanese people, the vote was so powerful.

Who can forget the banning and restrictions on food items, the long lines, the humiliations of poor water supply over fifteen years of power outages, compromised drainage systems, the poor drainage and the rundown infrastructure? Who can forget the extra judicial killings, the death squad, the harassment of political parties and the denial of press freedom and of course the rigging of elections?

With such a record, once free and fair elections were guaranteed, change was expected. Change did come but a whooping 44% voted for the ruling party. This was not an irrational choice. It was not as if on October 5, 1992,

Dem boys seh ...

Greedy people now picking de NIS dry Every day people getting a chance fuh see how de government use up de people money and didn’t care if anybody pay back. Jagdeo come up wid de idea to build de Berbice River Bridge. He had to find money suh he tun to de NIS which had plenty money.

De plan was to pay all who put money in de bridge a profit. Jagdeo best friend, Babbie, snap up de most shares because de profit was nice.

But as dem boys seh, you must never misunderstand how greedy some people can be.

When was time fuh share de profit everybody else get; NIS ain’t get because is de people money and dem ain’t got nobody to spend it. That is how greedy and bareface some people is. Luncheon who heading de NIS didn’t seh nutten and de other people couldn’t seh a word because is de government encourage it.

Dem boys seh that dem behave like de king and he banquet. Dem got nuff food but de same big ones frighten fuh eat. Now de ordinary man who got a function would boast how is he prepare de food. He know that when he start fuh eat people gun trust him.

He can tun to de people and tell dem that he is not afraid to eat alone.

But watch how Jagdeo dem does do it. De food does come and people got to taste it fuh mek sure that it ain’t got poison.

That taster is de only person who can say wid some certainty that he frighten to eat alone but he ain’t got no choice.

Once de taster live de others gun eat. Then wha lef is fuh de ordinary people. Old people does call it lef lef.

Well wid de Berbice Bridge, Babbie and Jagdeo didn’t even give de NIS lef lef. In fact, dem had no lef lef and pensioners like Uncle Adam stand to lose because de scheme paying out more than it tekking in.

Talk half and watch how greed gun kill de NIS.

the nation woke up and large numbers acted irrationally.

No, this was a rational choice by 44% of the Guyanese people who continued to see their interest as being tied to then ruling party. For those in the other camp, it was a wake up call to the fact that there was a huge elephant in the room which could not be ignored.

In 2011, there must have been a large segment of the Guyanese society who believed that change had to come because of the rampant corruption within the government. But change did not come as expected. There was some change. A minority government broke the

tradition of majority governments.

Opposition supporters must have asked how this could be given all the wrong doings that had been exposed. But again, the ruling party gaining 49% of the total votes cast was not due to irrational choices. It was based on rational choices.

Democracy is about the right to choose. And this right recognizes that people will make rational choices based on their own interests and fears. The real test of democracy is the willingness to accept these choices, however irrational or disagreeable they may seem.

Guyana goes to the polls

on May 11.

There are many who desire change while many equally do not want change.

The real test would be the willingness to accept the choices of the people.

Democracy is about the losers accepting the fact that change is not always about what you desire or will.

Change only comes about when sufficient numbers want change.

If change does not come on May 11, this is the will of the people and democracy is not just about the exercise of that will but about the acceptance of it, regardless of how inimical it is to any party.

Will the opposition parties

accept the will of the people if they lose or will frustration take its toll? Is the opposition committed to democracy and to respecting the fact that if they lose the will of the people must prevail? And what about the ruling party, will they allow a smooth transition if they lose.

Democracy has its flaws.

But it still remains the best system available to bring about change.

Brother of murdered woman produces recording of execution plot The brother of the executed Patricia PersaudSanasie is convinced that a close relative paid to have her killed. Vishnu Persaud who flew into Guyana some time last week, told a news conference yesterday that he has recorded evidence that the person had contracted an ex-cop to kill Mrs. Sanasie.

He distributed several discs containing a recorded conversation with a contract killer to members of the media.

The plan reportedly failed after the contract killer contacted the woman and informed her of the plot.

In the recording, which was handed out to members of the media, the person who claimed to be the contract killer, identified himself as expoliceman Michael Anderson. He indicated that he was contacted by the relative who told him he wanted Mrs. Sanasie dead.

During the recorded conversation, the alleged contract killer declined to give details of the plot over the phone and arranged to meet with Mrs. Sanasie at a later time. He claimed that he was exposing the plot because the relative who contracted him

had previously “wrong” him and he wanted to “get back at him.”

Kaieteur News was reliably informed that Mrs. Sanasie had provided the police with a recording of her conversation with the “contract” killer.

Police had arrested the man, but he denied being involved in any execution plot and was released without charge. On another part of the disc was a conversation purportedly of the same relative telling someone that he will kill both Mrs. Sanasie and her brother.

“It is clearly his voice on this tape…even a little kid could listen to his voice and know that this is him…he was telling another man that he was going to kill my sister, he was going to kill me and then kill himself,” Vishnu Persaud told the news conference yesterday.

He said that while his sister is now dead, he is fearful for his life.

On January 11 Patricia Sanasie, 45, was riddled with bullets outside her Lot 129 Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara home as she stepped out of her car to open

her gate for her daughter to drive in after returning from church.

She was shot in the neck, chest, abdomen and groin.

She was already dead when a resident and her daughter took her to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The gunmen made no attempt to shoot the victim’s daughter and reportedly escaped in a silver-grey Raum.

Police had been probing the possible link of the woman’s estranged husband Deokaran Sanasie to her death and were hoping to question him soon.

However, that appears to be a tall order, since there are reports that the man who has been out of the jurisdiction since before Christmas, has told family members that he is reluctant to return to Guyana for fear that he will be targeted by the woman’s relatives. The dead woman and her husband, who owns Ram’s Auto Sales, had been

Vishnu Persaud embroiled in a prolonged dispute.

Patricia Sanasie was cremated two weeks ago in the United States after a public viewing of her body, which was attended by her estranged husband Deokaran Sanasie.

“He had the audacity and the nerve to show up at her viewing and at her funeral in New York where she had over five hundred close family and (continued on page 24)

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 12, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Faeces and soap in an uncivilized land Here is what I found by just random listening. I found that the word “clean” appears on most people’s tongue when they talk to me about their visits abroad.

I didn’t think about it but when this aging lady spoke to me yesterday after her visit to the US, and she used the word “clean,” it dawned on me that the word keeps recurring in these types of conversation.

I asked her how she liked New York and as she went on, she said, “and Freddie it is clean.” I hear that all the time.

It appears to me that “clean” is the first word that Guyanese use when they talk to people about their first trip abroad. I was on Channel 9 on Sunday night as a guest of the Cuffy 250 Committee, with a student representative and Dr. Patsy Francis to discuss the UG crisis.

You had to hear the words and see the expression of the student representative as he touched on the toilet scene at the UG campus. When I saw what happened at the High Court on Monday, as I watched the operation, I

immediately thought of that student and what he would have said if he had seen what I saw on Monday afternoon at the High Court.

I left the Full Court where the appeal in the Jagdeo libel was heard (don’t get me wrong, there isn’t an appeal in the case.

Mr. Jagdeo’s lawyers are asking the Full Court to appeal one of the decisions of the judge in the trial and they failed to do so in March 2014 so they want the court’s permission to file the appeal OUT OF TIME), and as I walked down the court steps that takes you into the courtyard, I saw an army from the Guyana Water Authority (GWI).

I followed them and what I saw was extremely

upsetting. Please believe me; I didn’t have breakfast that morning because I had come from jogging straight into the UG picket line, had to pay my electricity bill, get to the supermarket to fill Janet Kissoon’s shopping list, then touch down in the showers, then off to the High Court for the hearing.

The sight was loathsome.

I wanted to throw up. I couldn’t take it.

The overflowing faeces in the High Court was mountainous. It was flowing like lava onto to the South Road pavement of the High Court and onto South Road itself. The Marshall’s Office was held prisoner to the faeces.

The Marshals had to use another entrance to leave the

High Court. But the Marshals were lucky in that they had another exit point the members of the public didn’t.

To get to the Marshall’s Office, members of the public had to walk onto the running faeces. If you are reading this, I don’t believe you can easily imagine what I saw. What I saw has convinced me that Guyana is not a civilized country.

I must have mentioned the permanent sewage crisis of the High Court more than ten times since I began penning columns in 1988.

The sewage overflow in the interior perimeters of the High Court is a permanent state of affairs and a sad reminder that maybe, yes maybe, this country will never enter the modern world. I saw

Frederick Kissoon that miasmic disaster of the High Court in 1973 when I attended the murder trial of Arnold Rampersaud. Think of how far back was 1974. That is forty years ago For God’s sake how could human filth be emitting from the court yard of the High Court since the beginning of the seventies and is still going on forty years after? But this was not the only social insanity I saw.

The faeces were on the boots and hands of the GWI workers. I asked them if they have disinfectants and other detergents. They told me the standard practice of GWI is to give soap only.

This is 2015 with a public hospital system that is hardly credible and all GWI gives to sewage workers is soap. My God! Are we a civilized people? We are not.

The GWI workers told me that they recently did a sewage job at the union building of the CCWU and they were provided with boxes of sanitary gloves and chemical detergents.

This article will fade after tomorrow and life goes on in this God-forsaken, piss poor country. The sewage cleaners will get infected, die and no one blinks an eye. Life goes on.

Thursday February 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

More ‘rogue cops’ exposed…

OPR probes extortion racket at Kurupung Police Station

By Michael Jordan The Guyana Police Force is likely to face further questions about the quality of ranks it posts to the interior, following the exposure of an alleged extortion racket involving ranks stationed at Kurupung.

The Office for Professional Responsibility (OPR) is said to be on the verge of completing an investigation into reports that six ranks from the Kurupung Police Station demanded $600,000 from some Belgian mining firm employees following a drug raid.

The complaint was made in late January and the ranks, including a Lance Corporal, were placed under close arrest. At present, they are reportedly under open arrest at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) in Eve Leary.

An official told Kaieteur News that the OPR has gone a “very far” way in its investigation and a report will be sent shortly to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

According to reports, the ranks found a quantity of marijuana while searching an area that is connected with the Belgian firm. Rather than having the individuals charged, the policemen allegedly demanded $600,000 from staffers to cover up the

matter. A complaint was made to senior police officials and the ranks were posted to Georgetown.

Whether it’s true that rouge cops are posted to the interior as a Force policy, it appears that the Kurupung Police Station is breeding its fair share.

It was just last month that the OPR received reports that two police ranks from the same location were involved in a corrupt transaction; to release a group of men who were found with an unlicensed shotgun and ammunition.

That incident allegedly occurred on January 12, 2015, following the men’s arrest.

This latest incident is likely to intensify a rancorous exchange between President of the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation (GWMO) Simona Broomes and the Guyana Police Force over the quality of ranks that are sent to far-flung locations.

That exchange began last Monday when Broomes, a noted advocate against human trafficking, accused the Force of adopting a lax approach to Trafficking In Persons (TIP), via its alleged history of sending policemen who “misbehaved under supervision” to the interior “where there is no supervision.”

This elicited a sharp response from the Force’s Public Relations Department, which accused Broomes of appealing for resources “by using the distasteful strategy of telling lies on the Guyana Police Force.”

“It is totally untrue that most police ranks operating in remote locations are those that have been involved in something or the other, that is not in keeping with the lawful expectations of a cop,” it stated. The police said that the Force transfers badly behaved‘ cops to locations where they could be properly supervised, and therefore, during 2014, no such person was transferred to remote areas.

Standing by her statements to the press, Broomes related several recent complaints that had come to her against police ranks, particularly in Mahdia.

She said that last week, GWMO members returned from Mahdia where several complaints were made against the police. Another rank was named as orchestrating abuses meted out to women and girls.

Broomes pointed to the fact that Guyana witnessed the conviction of a police officer for human trafficking and said that another is before the court for having sex with an underage girl.

Page 11

Park if you are tired If you know you are tired and have a far way to go, try as far as practicable not to drive.

This advice is coming from the police traffic department in the wake of recent accidents, some of which have resulted in deaths.

The police in a statement yesterday said that investigations have found that three recent fatal accidents were caused by speeding and tiredness.

In one case the accident resulted from an unlicensed 15-year-old reportedly taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and speeding along the roadway, while in the other two instances, the drivers were “overworked” and drove the vehicles while in a tired state of mind which caused them to lose control of the vehicles with the resulting accidents.

In light of this, the police traffic department is urging that owners of motor vehicles

- police advise drivers make every effort to try and prevent unlicensed persons from having access to the keys of their vehicles; and at the same time is calling on motorists, as far as practicable, not to continue driving a motor vehicle once they recognise that they are in a tired state.

This state of affairs was amplified early yesterday morning when a female driver slammed her Toyota Vitz into a parked mini bus on the Enmore Public Road.

According to reports, the woman who was alone in her vehicle, was heading to her Belfield home around 01:00 hours when she reportedly lost control and crashed into the bus.

Investigators are convinced that the woman, who thankfully escaped with minor injuries, was tired, since there were hardly any vehicles

on the road at that time.

Meanwhile, the traffic department is continuing to work assiduously to prevent vehicular accidents, especially those resulting in the loss of life.

During last week, a number of cases have been made against motorists for breaching the traffic laws.

These include 662 cases of speeding, 27 for Driving Under the Influence, 52 for Failing to Wear Seatbelt, 18 for Dangerous Driving and 31 for Breach of Condition of Road Service Licence.

Ten persons were also charged with Prohibition of the Use of Hand Held Mobile Phone and 15 for Touting.

From all indications, motorists are adhering to the warning about drinking and driving, since no figures were released about charges in this regard.

GRA urges self-employed persons to take advantage of tax payment workshops Guyana’s tax agency, Guyana Revenue Authority, is offering interactive tax payment workshops with meeting the needs of selfemployed persons being its main objective.

These interactive sessions are being facilitated free of cost at the GRA’s Headquarters, 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, from 09:00hrs to noon, Monday to Friday.

The GRA has noted, over the years there has been an increase concern about the tendency of self-employed persons to taking the lackluster approach to tax payments. This category of taxpayers often experiences difficulties in correctly completing tax related documents and in many instances would ignore their obligation to pay taxes on a quarterly basis.

The GRA has taken the initiative against this backdrop by a series of informative workshops aimed at ensuring that selfemployed persons are well

informed of their tax obligations, thereby, creating healthier relationships, and further allowing easier transaction processes between them and the Guyana Revenue Authority.

The specific areas of concentration for these sessions include, but are not limited to: the Preparation of Financial Statements, deductions allowed and expenses to be claimed, correct preparation and completion of Tax Returns, record-keeping and other areas of difficulty facing self employed persons.

Commissioner General of the GRA, Mr. Sattaur, has expressed the hope that with the completion of these workshops there would be a significant increase in the number of accurate returns submitted to the Authority and increased levels of compliance among selfemployed persons.

Mr. Sattaur further urged self-employed persons to “get in contact with the GRA and register as soon as possible to be a part of these

workshops. The registration process is ongoing and new persons can register at any time.”

For the GRA purposes a self-employed person is any person who works for him/ herself and is responsible for setting charges for goods or services offered. Examples of self-employed persons include doctors, lawyers, beauticians, barbers, taxidrivers, minibus owners and operators, farmers, hucksters and shop-keepers.

Self-Employed Persons are encouraged by the GRA to take full advantage of these workshops which are in their best interest to understand their tax obligations. Persons desirous of participating in these workshops or in any other specific workshop on various taxrelated matters, can contact the Communication and Tax Advisory Services Division, Tax Advisory Services Section, 2276060 extensions 1201, 1203 & 1204, to schedule a convenient date.

All workshops facilitated by the GRA remain free of charge.

The female driver of this Toyota Vitz escaped serious injury after apparently falling asleep at the wheel.

Police bust teen gang caught on camera Four youths who broke and entered two stores at Bath, West Coast Berbice and were captured on CCTV mounted on one of the buildings have been captured and remanded for the crimes.

According to information, the teens Gilbert Peters 17, two 16-year-olds and one 14year-old, between January 28 and February 4, last, broke and entered the Smally and Dolly General Store at Bath and stole a quantity of electrical items , a quantity of clothing and one laptop belonging to Ramgobin Chaganlall.

According to Prosecutor

Inspector Grace Bristol, between January 28 and February 4, last, the owners of the store locked the premises and went out. Upon their return they noticed the store broken into and the items missing.

The matter was reported and investigations launched.

The youths are also charged with breaking into the Super Value General Store at Bath, between February 6 and February 7, and stealing a quantity of items including two laptops, cell phones, cash and other items belonging to Sumal Budram.

The teens, who are all

from Bath, did not cater for the CCTV camera mounted on the building and their images were captured. They were subsequently tracked and arrested on Sunday and Monday.

They appeared in court on Tuesday at the Blairmont Magistrate’s court before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver.

Gilbert Peters, 17, of Bath was remanded to the New Amsterdam Prison. The others, two 16-year-olds and one 14 year old were remanded to a juvenile remand centre.

They are to return to court on February 25.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 12, 2015

Strike action at UG set for “foreseeable - UGSS supportive of workers plight future”- UGSSA President but wants resumption of classes Workers of the University of Guyana (UG) are set to further intensify strike action today. Last week the unions representing them announced plans for a three-day intensified strike action which commenced on Monday and was slated to conclude yesterday.

But according to President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), Dr. Mellissa Ifill, yesterday, “we will continue to strike for the foreseeable future.”

This is in light of the fact that there has been no resolution regarding the reason for the on-going strike action. The strike was the result of a breakdown of negotiations between the University’s negotiating team and the unions relating to improved salaries and other benefits.

Moreover, Dr. Ifill said that workers will continue to strike until a “decent proposal” is presented by the administration of the University. She however, disclosed that workers will be willing to resume work even if a “decent proposal” is offered in the interim as negotiations continue.

Continued strike action, according to the UGSSA

President, will see workers congregating near the entrance of the University in order to express their concerns and solicit support from the public.

Industrial action at the University had in fact commenced two weeks ago in the hope of prompting a resolution which is the sustained aim.

According to Dr. Ifill, workers are continuing to support the cause although she admitted that there have been some lecturers who have not been engaged in the industrial protest action. She however, noted that while the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, has insisted that some 76 classes are being held at the University, this is far from the truth.

Currently, she disclosed that some 95 per cent of the workers are off the job but “the Vice Chancellor seems optimistic about the situation.”

The unions – the UGSSA and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) – had proposed a 60 per cent across the board salary increase, among other benefits, for workers.

However, the University has since proposed an immensely

UGSS President, Joshua Griffith

UGSSA President, Dr. Mellissa Ifill

reduced hike amounting to five per cent this year, 10 per cent next year and 10 per cent payable the following year.

But in order to strike a compromise, the unions submitted a revised proposal which translates to a 25 per cent increase (per year) over a three-year period. However, the Vice Chancellor has not accepted this latest proposal, and has since withdrawn its offer and has even demanded that the workers return to work before the resumption of any negotiations.

The unions have since written to President Donald

Ramotar and the Ministry of Labour to intervene in the standoff.

Meanwhile, students are feeling the brunt of the industrial action. While some are in favour of the workers’ strike, others have insisted that they are not supportive.

But according to President of the University of Guyana Students Society (UGSS), Joshua Griffith, when asked yesterday to comment on the UGSS’s view of the ongoing industrial action, “we are pro-students.” Griffith said that although the UGSS is not opposed to the workers

protesting, it certainly must align itself with students who also have a right to be afforded scheduled lecture sessions.

He noted that like the protesting workers, students also have many concerns with the state of the University and have been appealing for these to be addressed at the soonest possible time.

Griffith pointed out that while some lecturers have been defying the protest action and have been ensuring that classes are held, “we still need to have all classes resumed...that’s our plight, the students are affected because of the industrial action.”

He noted that while the students could also protest their concerns “we recognise that we have to take our concerns to the administration so that they can be addressed at that level.”

The UGSS President nevertheless insisted that students are cognisant of the fact that the workers have a legitimate right to engage in industrial action, even as he noted, “I’m sure if you ask any (UG) student they will tell you that they believe that the lecturers deserve an increase.”

“All students do not necessarily support the action that is being taken but we understand their plight too,” said Griffith. Griffith in a letter to the staff of the University reassured, “the UGSS continues to acknowledge and support all (of) your efforts. We remain supporters of your cause.

It is a just cause;” even as he pointed out, “we wish to advise staff not to take personally the negative comments by some students, but to remain committed to the cause at hand.”

However, Griffith noted that during this period the UGSS is focused on the concerns of students pointing out that efforts are currently being made to rally more student support for its ‘UG Revolution’ initiative, which is aimed at magnifying the pressure of all of its demands to be met.

“We are not misled by the recent immediate attempts to cosmetically address our concerns.

We remain steadfast in our stand to ensure sustainable improvements at the University of Guyana. We value our staff and appreciate your sacrifices - most unknown and untold to most,” added Griffith.

Rohee lauds GECOM for May 11 elections measures - but lashes out against others for “bias and lack of objectivity” The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was praised, yesterday, by General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Clement Rohee, who found to be principally democratic, the Commission’s recent move to invite international observers to monitor the May 11 elections.

At his press conference which was hosted at Freedom House, yesterday, Rohee said that the Party views this as a positive development and a step in the right direction when it comes to ensuring that the upcoming General and Regional Election is free and fair.

Rohee even lauded the Commission for also making it known to the nation that the results for the looming election will be disclosed the following day.

The politician said that surely, all would agree that such an action would bring a tremendous amount of relief to Guyanese, for delayed results have created much

frustration and tension in the country.

But the compliments quickly yielded to some harsh criticisms. The PPP General Secretary said that the government is however concerned about other statements made by the Commission in the media. The comments purportedly made by the Election Commission were to the effect that the 2011 General Election was “problem free.”

Rohee said that if the comment was indeed made by the Commission, then it gives a flawed impression to the Guyanese people who actually witnessed several deviations from GECOM’s operational procedures during that time.

Further, with the commencement of the claims and objections period on February 9, the Minister of Home Affairs asserted that his Party is also concerned about the reduced number of registration centres within large communities even though there is an overall increase in registration

centres countrywide.

He then chided the Commission, stating that the placement of offices for claims and objections reflects a “bias and lack of objectivity.”

Rohee said that three offices are operating in a small cluster in the TimehriSoesdyke area, while the next office is at Grove, East Bank Demerara. Another is at Mocha. But none, he pointed out, could be found in Diamond, Herstelling and Providence, where the voting population is five times that in Mocha.

He noted, too, that while there are 13 offices in South Georgetown, only four are situated in the North Georgetown district.

Time and again, the party has expressed concerns over the use of mobile units during the election period and the seemingly uncoordinated visits to communities, more so in the hinterland region.

The PPP General Secretary said that he is hopeful that these issues will be addressed by the Commission in a timely

manner. The PPP is confident that should these concerns be addressed in an efficient manner, the results of the May 11 election will be accepted by all Guyanese.

He then called on GECOM to also ensure persons recruited to work on Election Day are selected through a transparent process so as to gain the nation’s acceptance of the results. Rohee also renewed his party’s call for public vetting of all polling day staff.

As it relates to the pace of the PPP election preparedness, Rohee told media operatives that the administration is still deliberating on the Prime Ministerial candidate as well as the date for launching its election campaign.

He was then asked about the assurances he got from the Commission that it would be able to deliver election results in one day.

“We don’t have a crystal ball in our hands, but in the two meetings we had with them …we were given these assurances.

However,

assurances are one thing but reality is another, and we can only go on the basis of the assurances they have given.

That does not mean we will fall into a state of complacency and swallow hook, line and sinker what GECOM told us without doing our necessary party work, to ensure that what was assured indeed becomes a reality,” the politician said.

The PPP General Secretary said, too, that while elections campaigns are usually costly, the PPP is trying to “keep down the cost and look at what we spent last (time).” Though he could not recall the exact figure the government spent on its 2011 election campaign, he said that the party tries its best to be modest while holding the activities that various sections of the population expect of a campaign.

In the absence of proper Campaign Financing Legislation, Rohee emphasized that the PPP/C tries to keep its cost down.

He said, “We are not a businessman-funded party so

PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee it’s a question of cutting the cloth to suit the person wearing the suit. We can’t afford everything but we try our best with the resources we have and we can’t appear like we have it all.We have an unlimited supply of money.

But from what we are hearing, the opposition has large sums of money too. “I mean who is contributing to their pot of gold. I really can’t say at this point, but our resources come mainly from fund raising activities in and outside Guyana.”

Thursday February 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

Region Five showcases talent at Mash Competitions

Page 21

Garbage collector loses foot in accident

The young calypsonian from Bath Primary School

Danny Narine

The children of West Berbice showcased their talents and skills last Thursday and Friday at the finals of the Region Five Department of Education Children’s Mash Costume Competition. The events were held at the Mahaicony and Blairmont Community Centre Grounds.

They featured an explosion of sounds and colours as the nursery, primary and secondary levels competed against each other across the various categories in Dramatic Poetry; Individual Dance; Calypso; Masquerade (Band); Masquerade (Flouncing); Choir Presentation; Jump Rope; and Costume (Band).

In the end, Number Five Primary and Fort Wellington Secondary took home with the winning trophies in the Individual Dance category.

Bath Nursery, Hopetown Primary and Mortice Primary won the Dramatic Poetry

segments.

Belladrum Secondary’s poem, ‘The evil that dwell in Man Messiah’ won first place in the poetry category as did Novar Secondary’s ‘Sweet talk’.

Bath Nursery’s performance of ‘Dilwale’ won first place in the Group Dance category, as Hopetown Primary and Number 5 Primary won, too, in the same category but different age groups.

Wellington Park Secondary’s dramatic poem, ‘The source of our strength’ and Hopetown Primary’s, ‘Hope of Redemption’ won in their respective age categories, too.

Number Eight Nursery and Hopetown Primary won the calypso performance in their respective age groups, while Novar Secondary’s ‘City Dancer’ took home the trophy for the Masquerade (Band) category.

That same school also competed in another age

group category and brought first place, with their performance of ‘Country Flounce’ in the Masquerade (Flouncing) line- up.

Novar Nursery brought first place in the Costume (Band) segment, while Mahaicony Primary and Belladrum Secondary won the Choir Presentation segment.

They beat Hopetown Primary and Rosignol Secondary respectively. The Jump Rope category was won by Number Five Primary.

The two days of fun and excitement were well attended.

Officials present at the proceedings included Region Five Chairman, Mr. Bindraban Bisnauth; Regional Education Officer (Region Five), Mr. Owen Pollard; Coordinator of the event, Education Officer 1, Ms. Sherry Grant; Regional Information Officer, Ms. Sandie Ross-Hendricks, and Annesta Douglas, Education Officer 1.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud, last week met with a mission from the Bureau of Energy Resources of the U.S Department of State, as the Government of Guyana’s (GOG) efforts to engage international partners in the oil and gas sector continue.

The U.S Department of State was represented by Director Paul F. Hueper and Deputy Director; Nicole Gibson of the Office of Energy Programs, to further assist Guyana in the development of its technical capacity of the oil and gas

sector.

Minister Persaud pointed out that the first step must be to develop the governance and regulatory framework which will support the growth of the sector in the long term.

Every country must have its own model for the development and management of this sector.

The GoG must determine how they will manage the sector by looking at the various options and models.

The Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI) can assist in determining the best governance option for Guyana. The ideal situation is to govern by legalization

where petroleum revenues are separate and not available for normal usages.

The government is currently seeking to undertake a study which will determine the best model for the development of a sovereign wealth fund type system, the Natural Resources and Environment Minister said.

ECGI will work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission on the implementation mechanism for addressing the various issues of capacity (continued on page 24)

Puran Brothers, the disposal Company that provides services to Essequibians through out the Essequibo Coast have agreed to render compensation to Danny Narine, one of their employees, who lost a portion of his left leg while disposing of garbage into one of the company’s trucks a week ago at Supenaam.

The driver switched on the “Harper” without notifying Narine. The “Harper” is located at the back of the truck and it contains sharp blades that usually mince the garbage into smaller portions.

Danny Narine was severely injured after his left foot got stuck in the truck.

Narine, from his hospital bed, said that the blades began to spin, pulling his long boots in. “I wasn’t prepared, the blade was not spinning

when I was loading the garbage and when he put the switch on it start to pull my foot in.”

What however prompted the truck driver to switch off the ‘Harper’ was the alertness of the residents in Supenaam.

They informed him of what was happening. Narine said that until then, he screamed but it was in vain. The driver was deafened by the noise that was emanating from the truck.

Narine lost consciousness after excessive blood was spurted from his minced left leg.

Leena Narine, the injured man’s wife in a telephone conversation related that her husband would be released some time this week from the Suddie Public Hospital where he remains a patient. Mrs. Narine added that the company management has agreed to pay her husband

one week salary, provide him with a prosthetic leg and offer him a job, once his foot is completely healed.

A senior officer attached to the local office of the Department of Labour at Anna Regina was informed about the industrial accident.

The Company Manager, Matthew Monroe, said that the company regrets what has happened to Narine and will do whatever is necessary when it comes to compensating Narine.

Monroe has however indicated that Narine was backing the truck on the day of the incident and the blades attached to a tool caught him from his heel.

Narine worked as a porter for the past two years with Puran Brothers Disposal services. He is 42 years old and is the father of three. He also is the sole bread winner for his family.

MMA conservancy water level dangerously low

US support oil and gas development in Guyana

Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary conservancy Authorities are warning farmers in the Mahaica and Mahaicony area to conserve on water as the Abary conservancy has dropped to an alarmingly low level.

In a notice published yesterday in the Guyana Chronicle, the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) said that the “dangerously” low level now stands at 58.42 Georgetown Datum (GD).

This means that the level is

below the dead storage of 59.5 GD. The authority advised persons in the Abary/Berbice block of the MMA area to take immediate steps to conserve and prevent any wastage of irrigation water.

Some of the measures that farmers and others in that area must take include checking to ensure that all regulators on the secondary irrigation canals and all field drainage outlets are blocked.

Farmers must also take all necessary steps to conserve on field and crop use and report any tampering with structures to authorities, immediately.

In the Mahaica and Mahaicony areas, farmers are being warned to regulate their pumping activities, taking into consideration the needs of others and avoid any tampering with or damage to infrastructure.

The MMA area is home to thousands of farmers.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

VACANCY Work from home: Earn $5,000 to $20,000 daily, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday - Call: 233-6517/ 638-0595 or www.jobfairworldwide.com Exist for one experienced driver apply @ Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd, 38 Ketley & Sussex Street Charlestown – Tel:225-7864; 227-8607 Vacancy for drivers/ salesman for office clerk/ porter @ Vegetarian Gardens Contact: 227-7714 One Skillful joiner to work in workshop – Contact: 2191342 or 610-7005 Factory staff, GTI / GITC Male/ Female graduates preferred. Canter drivers, marketing assistant, Drivers Licence required. Tel. 676 -6700 Experienced counter Staff, Kitchen assistants, pastry makers & cooks, apply with written application @ Bettencourt’s Dinner: 22ZZ Durban Street.

1- Live in maid; must be from country area & know to cook Indian dishes – Tel: 662-1124; 611-0200 Office clerk; CXC English/ Mathematics, Live in/live out babysitter/domestic, labour- Tel: 219-5354 International Cruiseline AB Sailors, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionists, storekeepers, cleaners, electricians, carpenters, welders, cosmetologists, etc.

Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880

WANTED Security Guard to work in Georgetown – Tel: 218-5105 Bus Driver for route 40, must be over 40yrs old- Call: 6932237 Experienced sale girls Call: 264-3355,668-3985, 683-7936 Live in home aid/domestic, needed in Republic Park $13,000 weekly, must be over 45yrs old – Call: 675-0767; 667-2535

1 Cook to work in the interior Tel: 691-6260 Salesgirls and boys to work in shop on E.C.D, Text info to: 617-7823 Taxi drivers – Tel:667-9013; 225-5075 Experienced dispatcher @ West Side Taxi - Call: 6000688; 600-0699 Auto Electrician to work in Georgetown – Tel: 218-5105 Live in care taker for premises at Vreed-En-Hoop, West Coast Demerara - Contact: 254-1801 Live in waitress must have secondary education; salary $60,000 monthly - Tel: 610-3974 1 Handy boy to work in the interior - Tel: 691-6260 Urgently needed land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling & Tuschen – Tel:675-7292; 652-2018 1 Whole day domestic – Tel: 667-5717; 650-4761

Presser / Clipper, straight stitch/ over edge machine operators, cleaner – Call: 222-2541 (8:00am-4:00pm) (Mon-Fri) EDUCATIONAL CXC Day & Evening classes/lessons Forms 1-5, Phonics Classes – Tel:2233086; 619-7911; 690-5008

Indian Male from England is seeking female age 27yrs & older, with good personalityCall: 686-5994 (No Texting)

Shade of Essence beauty salon, Valentine Special on: Braids, Shampoo, Facials, Pedicure, relaxing, steams etc. Call: 664-4438; 639-8551

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

Lincoln 500 AMP diesel welders with Perkins 4 cylinder engine - Tel#650-0402 Mill Cut Lumber Kabukalli, Silverballi, Etc – Call: 6539752; 688-6579 Cat 320 CL 2005 only 3800HRs sold as is, cash offer only, must go - Contact Azim: 660-3235 Restaurant Equipment: DVD Movies & 7 Disc Burner, fixtures & fittings- Contact Farouk for more details: 6835234

1 Live in maid to work in Georgetown - Tel:691-6260

Hairdresser & nail technician to work in Alberttown – Call: 684-9409

PEN PAL

Certificate in: Cosmetology, nails, wig designs, early child care/ care for elderly classes commence February – Call: 666-5241/ 619-7603

Thursday February 12, 2015

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

One ten pieces music set – Contact Rajin – Call: 6170022; 618-8488; 615-0282; 276-1672 Brand New, Power fist, 6,500 watts gasoline generator (on wheels) 110/240 volts AC/DC - Contact: 617-2205; 681-1032

Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, washing machines, AC Units- Call Lindon on 641-1086; 694-2202

Bedford M 4X4, Tohatshu 18HP, long foot, outboard engine, 1 Perkins engine 4 Cylinder – Call: 693-2237 New Arrivals: New Shipment of Magnet wires (copper) & installation fish paper for sale – Contact: 603-5649 New shipment of pit bull parts: Wind Screen, bumpers, fog lights, back/ front bearings - Tel: 628-0909

Repairs to plasma, LED, LCD television etc – Call: Abdul Electronics: 225-0391

One Toyota Vigo, manual transmission, ideal for the interior - Call: 600-5759

HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $15,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766

1 Shop at Marriam Mall for sale - Call: 642-6381; 223-6862

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

Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maria Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045 Eagle’s fridge re-gas - $8,000 & washing machine repairs.

Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966 For all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, swimming pools, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376

CAR RENTAL

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822

DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM

Khemraj & Son Landscaping & Plant nursery: landscaping, cutting big trees & removing, grafted oranges & limes plants for sale – Call: 627-5969

Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel: 698-7807; 690-6494

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734

FOR RENT

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System Call: 661-8908, 335-3590

1 Pitbull minibus, stick gear, BPP series, mag rims- $2.2M neg. Call: 673-7652

GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 639-8101

Labrottie Puppies for Sale, fully vaccinated & Dewormed; 7 weeks old - Call: 654-7683 5 Gal Water Bottle (New)$1400 - Call:684-8231 Stalls at Robb Street & Bourda - Contact: 695-1359 between 9am -11am One complete Cabin cruise boat - Tel: 684-3786 CAKES & PASTRIES Valentine Cakes for sale 223-9497 ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn Apartments: comfortable & clean apartments & rooms - $5000, $6,000 & $7,000 – Tel:6680306; 218-1400; 694-7817.

Your luxury hideaway……

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154

Office Space for meetings, workshops, seminars, classes, conferences & offices, Strategic Location, 135 Sheriff Street, C/Ville Tel: 227-1028; 697-5158

Toyota Prado, Price$5M Neg. Call: 643-2403

Commercial space on the East Bank, Public Road - Call: 233-6987/233-5517

One Toyota Premio Reg#PPP & 212 Carina Reg#PSS, owner leaving country. Tel: 618-2576 or 678-0109

1 Executive apartment in an exclusive residential area with all modern amenities including parking. Call for appointment: - 653-2920

One 1992 Toyota Camry, gold colour, in good condition-Contact: 658-1328

Unregistered vehicle: Toyota Sienta- $1,895,000, Honda Civic-$1,895,000, 318i BMW -$3,000,000- Contact : 650-0402

Business Space 52FtX25Ft with Air Condition, fully grilled @ East Street, North Cummingsburg - Tel:2266592/643-8833

1 Nissan B13 Manual, 1 Honda Rebel 250cc motorcycle, 620 Leyland Daf Dump truck – Tel: 639-0866

Business place for rent in Cornelia Ida, Public Road, West Coast Demerara - Call: 602-5332

1 Black Titan, fully loaded, 4 wheel drive - $2.7M, Must go urgently – Tel:678-2814; 699-2322

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1 Unregistered Tundra, 1206 Tundra – Tel: 650-5229/ 652-5762 One Ford Explorer Sports Truck, 4 Door, fully grilled, DVD head rest amplified music system – Call: 6048597; 627-7718

Lights: Premio, Allion, Fielder & Carina and One Toyota IST never registered - $1.9M - Tel: 628-0909 1 Refrigeration unit, 1 slush machine, 1 Madza Engine, complete gearbox, computer complete - Contact Hanif: 641-2597

Nissan Titan 4X4; fully loaded; good condition; price negotiable - Call: 6201026

Toyota Hilux 4X4, 2 doors, manual, long base, solid DEF, excellent condition – Tel: 603-3384 TO LET Fully Furnished vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours - Call: 227-1218 One and two bedroom furnished apartments in Nandy Park, Parking facilities available - Call: 233-5560 for further details New business place @ Durban Street between Creen & Bishop for shop nail artistry office - $40,000 – Call: 226-0673; 685-4694 Fully furnished air c o n d i t i o n e d apartments weekly - $20,000, monthly $65,000/$100,000 Call: 6680306 Fully furnished 1 & 2 b e d r o o m apartments @ Duncan & Sheriff Streets, 1 bedroom - $80,000, 2 bedroom -$120,000 & 24hrs $6,000- Contact Dev: 6733427, 656-3542

1 Blue Corolla, selling cheap - $450,000, 16" rim, spare wheel & jack, PCC series in excellent condition – Tel: 672-0470 One 580C Hymac @ Mahaicony Creek – Call: 611-8283; 638-6125 One 2004 NZE $1.750M, One 2001 Stick Shift, Carina 212 - $1.9M – Call:616-5974 or 618-8703 Just arrived Massey Ferguson, 290 Tractor 2WD, Excellent Condition - Tel: 684-6661; 669-9315 One Toyota Alteeza excellent condition, Spider, mag rims, flair kit, AC –Price $2.75M neg. Tel:648-0494, 642-0786 Two Model M Trucks with & without winch – Contact: 666-7734; 611-2706 (Continued on page 23)

Thursday February 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Costa Concordia captain sentenced to 16 years for 2012 shipwreck (Reuters) - The former captain of the Costa Concordia cruise liner was sentenced to 16 years in prison yesterday for his role in the 2012 shipwreck, which killed 32 people off the Tuscan holiday island of Giglio.

Francesco Schettino was commanding the vessel, a floating hotel as long as three football pitches, when it hit rocks off the island, tearing a hole in its side.

A court in the town of Grosseto found him guilty of multiple manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning his passengers in one of the highest-profile shipping disasters in recent years.

However the judges rejected a request that Schettino begin his sentence immediately. They ruled instead that would not go to prison until the appeals process is completed, which can take years.

The captain wept during his final testimony yesterday but did not return to the court to hear the verdict.

Prosecutors had asked for a prison sentence of 26 years for Schettino, who has admitted some responsibility but denied blame for the deaths that occurred during the evacuation. Some lawyers representing the victims said the sentence was inadequate.

Investigators severely criticised Schettino’s handling of the disaster, accusing him of bringing the 290 metre-long (950 feet) vessel too close to shore. The subsequent shipwreck set off

Francesco Schettino, captain of the Costa Concordia, is escorted to prison by police officers

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Road, Vreed-En-Hoop, Land 7080 SqFt, Building 762SqFt. $40M negotiable, owner migrating - Tel:226-9788 Houses & house lots for sale in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities, located @ Eccles E.B.D - Tel: 2272913; 683-3033 a chaotic night-time evacuation of more than 4,000 passengers and crew.

Ann Decre, the head of a body representing French survivors, said the verdict could not cover the human cost.

“For me it’s six months for each death. And the family of the dead people, it’s not six months or 17 years for them, it’s forever,” Decre said outside the theatre that was turned into a makeshift courtroom.

Schettino was also accused of delaying evacuation and abandoning ship before all the 4,229 passengers and crew had been rescued. He said earlier in the trial that he had been thrown off the ship as it tilted.

ALONE ON THE STAND The court sentenced Schettino to 10 years for multiple manslaughter, five years for causing the

shipwreck and one year for abandoning his passengers.

He also received a one month civil penalty for failure to report the accident correctly.

He was left alone on the stand to answer for the disaster after the ship’s owner, the Costa Cruises unit of Carnival Corp, paid a 1 million euro ($1.3 million at the time) fine and prosecutors accepted plea bargains from five officials.

“Lots of people who were there and played a role were excluded today,” Schettino’s lawyer Donato Laino said outside the theatre. “We think the facts of the case were different.”

He and Costa Cruises were jointly ordered to pay a total of 30,000 euros each in compensation to many of the ship’s passengers as well as millions of euros in compensation to Italian government ministries, the

region of Tuscany and the island of Giglio for environmental damage.

Earlier yesterday Schettino had rejected prosecution accusations he had shown no sense of responsibility or compassion for the victims, saying “grief should not be put on show to make a point.”

The massive hulk of the Costa Concordia was left abandoned on its side for two-and-a-half years before it was towed away in the most expensive maritime wreck recovery in history. The last body was not recovered until 2014.

Schettino’s defence team argued he prevented an even worse disaster by steering the ship close to the island as it sank. They said the sentence that was sought by prosecutors went beyond even sentences sought for mafia killers.

GPHC GEARS FOR FIRST...

From page 6 Bheri Ramsaran, informed the media of the improvements being made in the health sector.

The panel, which consisted of the Minister; GPHC's Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan; Cuban Pathologist, Dr. Nancy de las Mercedes Sitchao Suarez; Canadian Anaesthesiologist, Dr. Helen Holtby of Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, and Biomedical Engineer, Mr. Roy Morris of ICHF, explained their plans to put measures in place to undertake surgeries.

Ramsaran said that a team of specialists from the ICHF will soon be coming to Guyana to review its capacity and equipment, and train hospital staff in the necessary expertise of caring for children with Congenital Heart Disease. He further stated that machines valued at millions of dollars have been procured and that “small things can

(From page 22)

make a big impact, so that the hospital can go from strength to strength”.

Morris, who has 21 years of experience working in this field, said that while working in the Dominican Republic, he met some Guyanese children, all of whom suffered from congenital heart defects, and he immediately fell in love with them.

He decided that he, along with members of his organization, would come to Guyana to share their knowledge and expertise in the area.

Morris told members of the media that one out of every 100 children will be born with the disease, and will have to do surgery at some point of their lives.

He discussed the obvious issues which can arise in these cases, such as the lack of finances to perform surgery overseas, the hassle of travelling to foreign countries to receive medical attention, and

the fact that in most cases, all important family members cannot be involved.

He went on to explain that the objective is to train GPHC staff to be able to deal with the medical aspects of treating those children who are affected, so as to cancel out these issues. He added that the children would benefit from being treated in a familiar environment, surrounded by family members.

Dr. Holtby, who has been with the foundation for the past 10 years, explained that part of the initiative is to increase the effectiveness of GPHC staff.

She added that Paediatric Cardiac Surgery is very complex, even for the most skilled of surgeons, and as such, much care and effort is going into educating those involved.

Dr. Holtby will be working side by side with the anaesthesiologists at the

hospital. Training in anaesthesiology began on Tuesday last at the GPHC, and a webinar (online conference) is scheduled to take place every Wednesday at 15:00 hours to provide training in other areas.

The plan, Morris said, is to make regular trips to Guyana after training has been completed in order to ensure that things are up to standard.

“Our job is to create a sustainable programme… teaching GPHC staff how to use equipment and care for the children…We (ICHF) want to be able to make ourselves obsolete, since the idea is to give Guyanese the necessary skills to ensure that they are competent enough to care for their own. We will then move on to another country, and hopefully the training that was carried out here will be imparted on other persons so as to achieve sustainability.”

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DRESSMAKING Jean is offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration. Lot 153 Barr St Kitty – Call: 670-2653, 618-1706

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LAND FOR SALE House Lots in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities @ Eccles, 60X100 - $7.5M. (Special prices) - Call: 2272913; 683-3033 Eccles: Commercial lots for sale at Eccles – Tel:227-2913.

Cell: 683-3033 1. Parika, Peter Street; 2.

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Page 24

Kaieteur News

Dramatization of CSEC Novel ‘The Lion And The Jewel’ set for Theatre Guild The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Theatre Guild will be staging a dramatic play on Nigerian writer, Wole Soyinka’s, novel ‘The Lion And The Jewel’.

This is to aid students writing English B at the 2015 Caribbean Secondary School Examination (C.S.E.C), on May 13. It will be held on various days at the Theatre Guild in Kingston.

This initiative targets students in both government and privately owned schools.

The novel is based on a young village belle, Sidi, who is very confident about her looks and her dramatic relationship with a school teacher Lakunle, who refuses to pay the bride price because he views this cultural norm, as well as many other traditional practices of the village, as barbaric.

The young teacher is contrasted by Baroka, the lion. Both of them courts Sidi but Baroka maintains the traditions of the village and views progress as something that promotes sameness, or a lack of difference.

The play is being choreographed by Executive Director of Top Cat Production, Godfrey Naughton; is Soyinka’s best known one and is set in traditional African scenery.

Soyinka won the Nobel Prize for literature back in 1986. The novel portrays themes such as old versus young, women in society, colonization and masculinity.

This dramatic piece consists of a cast of thirty five members – which includes the Bishop’s High School performing arts class.

They will incorporate drumming, spiritualism, rituals and various African songs to give its audience a better understanding of the actual novel.

‘The Lion And The Jewel’ headline cast includes: the lion Baroka which is being played by Clinton Duncan. Sidi - the Jewel Ilujinte, will be played by Mosa Moteifa Telford, Keifer Smith will portray the character Lakunle, the treacherous wife Sadiku will be played by Candacy Baveghems and the final wife Ailatu will be portrayed by the lead singer Kim Fernandes.

The dances in the play are choreographed

by Clive Powell, who is the director of the Classique Dance Company.

In a brief interview with Mr. Naughton, he said that dramatizing these literature novels

is the best way students will understand English Literature and be more successful at the C.S.E.C. He stressed that in 2010 the pass rate for English B was a mere 38.76%.

And without hesitation in that same year the Ministry of Education staged August Wilson’s ‘Fences’, followed by a dramatized version of the C.S.E.C text, ‘Old Story Time’ by Jamaican writer Trevor Throne in 2011, which were both held at the National Cultural Centre.

There has been a commensurate improvement in Literature performances, more so in the drama papers since the staging of these plays Naughton said. He further added that back in 2010 the Caribbean Examination Council held a conference and avowed that there is a need for more role play for the novels used for the CSEC. The itinerary for ‘The Lion and The Jewel’ is as follows: general public on February 21, 22, 28 and March 1 at 20:00hrs. On February 25, 27 and March 2 to 5, it will be opened to school children from 13:00hrs.

Persons desirous of attending the staging can uplift tickets from The Theatre Guild, Nigel’s Supermarket and the various secondary schools across the country.

Thursday February 12, 2015

1, 639 fuel pumps verified last year - GNBS For last year, 1, 639 fuel pumps were verified by the GNBS at gas stations countrywide while, 238 flow meters and 13 storage tanks were verified at Bulk terminals, according to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

In addition, the standards agency noted that 442 compartments (96 tanker wagons) were also verified during last year due to a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the GNBS and Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).The GNBS has already commenced the verification of devices used in the petroleum sector for the first half of 2015.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) continues to ensure that accuracy is maintained throughout the petroleum sector so as to satisfy both consumers and suppliers.

GNBS Public Relations Officer, Lloyd David, explained that during the verification process, test measures are used to determine whether these measuring devices are under delivering, over delivering or are within the acceptable tolerance. For devices that are inaccurate, the necessary adjustments are made and security seal affixed to the adjusting mechanisms to prevent tampering.

If a subsequent check is

- commences verification of devices in petroleum sector for first half of 2015 conducted by Inspectors of the GNBS and the affixed seals are found to be tampered with or removed, the operators or owners can face prosecution. This is to maintain the integrity of the verification process.

David said that if for one reason or another, a verified measuring device is not functioning properly, and cannot be verified immediately, the Inspector would seal the dispensing nozzle to prevent further usage of that device until its accuracy can be verified.

“The entire verification process is intended to protect both suppliers and consumers. When a pump is over delivering fuel, the station is selling at a financial loss. If a pump is under delivering, then consumers are being short-changed.

Similarly, fuel terminals also need to supply the correct quantities of fuel to petrol stations that are their customers so that they too can be satisfied. Bulk meters and wagon compartments are also checked by the GNBS to maintain accuracy.”

No doubt, David said, the GNBS serves as an effective interface between sellers and consumers as the organisation strives to have

all weighing measuring devices used in trade verified and accurate.

“Consumers, you can help the GNBS protect you by checking to ensure that you are sold the right quantity of fuel. To do so multiply the price per litre that is displayed by the quantity of fuel in litres dispensed to you.

“If your answer does not correspond to the total sale indicated on the pump, do not hesitate to inform the GNBS. Further, check fuel pumps for the GNBS approval seals. The presence of an approval seal on a fuel pump indicates that the pump was checked for the corresponding period,” David further explained The GNBS is empowered under the Weights and Measures Act of 1981 to check and verify the accuracy of bulk meters, fuel pumps, wagon compartments and other measuring devices used in the petroleum sector.

Verification by GNBS ensures that the quantities of fuel dispensed using these devices are within the acceptable tolerance. Hence, vehicle owners and other consumers can continually rely on the quantities of fuel provided to them during purchases.

US support oil and gas ...

Officials at the gathering

Health Minister not opposed ...

From page 6 will be the Ministry of Legal Affairs our legal consulting office and that is about all I can say about that,” said the Minister yesterday.

He nevertheless disclosed that although Mars’ case was previously probed at the various investigating levels of the health sector, the matter still remains one that is gaining

the attention of the Medical Council which is headed by Dr. Sheik Amir.

“It is with the Medical Council and they are supposed to initiate certain administrative disciplinary measures...measures have been taken in the meantime, I know for example training such as the upgrading of nurses and so on...” added the Minister.

Brother of murdered ...

From page 9 friends there,” said the woman’s brother. He claimed that his sister was killed a few days before a judge awarded her a significant portion of the family estate at the end of a bitter court battle.

Police had detained a man in connection with the execution but released him on bail after the woman’s daughter, Ramona Sanasie, left Guyana before she could attend an identification parade. Kaieteur News understands that the man has been reporting to police who are hoping that the woman’s daughter will return to Guyana soon to participate in the ID parade.

According to Vishnu Persaud, he has confidence in the local police to investigate his sister’s death and bring the perpetrator to justice. “I have full confidence in the Police Force, the Commissioner of Police, the DPP. I have full confidence in them that they are gonna solve my sister’s murder,” he said.

Moreover, he noted that the “the ball is in the court of the Medical Council and there might be issues that we need to look at such as, how do we strengthen legislation, how do we make things better and so on and so forth?, but this case is outstanding.”

The Minister however, stressed the need for efforts to be made by the health sector to guard against such cases occurring even as he pointed out, that “there are two paragraphs in our legislation which protect maternal health or safe motherhood and protect under five children...the Ministry is guided by those regulations.”

“Those are the operative clauses right now that are being looked at with the Medical Council and we will probably have to call them again to account and should be making more firm pronouncements,” said the Minister of the ‘Jaden Mars’ case.

From page 21 development. The fields of work will be in drill well in deep-water areas and well test evaluation (productivity test) which will continue into the second half of 2015.

The EGCI is a U.S. Department of State led U.S. interagency effort, to provide a wide range of technical and capacity building assistance to the host governments of select countries, that are on the verge of becoming the world’s next generation of oil

and gas producers.

Minister Persaud noted that the Government has been working with the U.S. Department of State since 2010 on human resources development for the potential hydrocarbon sector, through various workshops and seminars.

The countries receiving EGCI assistance have world class hydrocarbon resource potential and expect to receive sizable, near term financial windfalls from the

development of their oil and gas resources.

EGCI’s core objective is to help these countries establish the capacity to manage their oil and gas sector resources responsibly.

Although EGCI’s goals are country-specific in nature, the program broadly tries to ensure s o u n d a n d t r a n sparent energy sector governance for the benefit of national economic development.

Thursday February 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

Leaders hold Ukraine peace talks as FIGHTING SURGES (Reuters) - The leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine held peace talks in Belarus deep into the night, while in Ukraine pro-Moscow separatists tightened the pressure on Kiev by launching some of the war’s worst fighting.

Ukraine’s army said yesterday that 19 of its soldiers were killed in proRussian separatist assaults near the railway town of Debaltseve, some of the worst losses it has reported in nine months of war.

Rebels who tore up a fivemonth-old truce in January are trying to encircle government forces in Debaltseve, a strategic location that would let them link up their main strongholds.

Fighting has already killed more than 5,000 people, and Washington is now openly talking of arming Ukraine to defend itself from “Russian aggression”, raising the prospect of a proxy war in the heart of Europe between Cold War foes.

A surge in fighting in the 24 hours before the summit, including a rocket attack that killed 17 people in government-held territory on Tuesday, could be intended to force Ukraine to accept a deal recognising the rebel advance.

The summit was being held in neighbouring Belarus under a Franco-German proposal to try to halt the fighting. Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Francois Hollande held talks with Ukraine’s Petro Poroshenko and Russia’s Vladimir Putin that a Ukrainian presidential aide said could continue well into Thursday morning. The leaders were planning to sign a joint declaration supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, a Ukrainian delegation source said.

The source said a separate document would be prepared by a “contact group” of Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe affirming commitment to a ceasefire plan drawn up in Minsk last September and also signed by separatist leaders.

The comments were a partial read-out from the Ukrainian side and it was too early to say what compromise, if any, might be worked out between Ukraine and Russia.

The four leaders met alone at about 12.15 p.m. ET and then went into a full summit with their delegations.

Merkel, Poroshenko and Hollande were smiling when

Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko talks to Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel as they take part in peace talks on resolving the Ukrainian crisis in Minsk. CREDIT: REUTERS they entered the heavily decorated conference room, each of their places round the table marked by a small golden clock.

The talks could continue for at least another five to six hours, a Ukrainian presidential aide said early on Thursday, after the discussions had already been underway for seven hours.

“We’ve got another 5-6 hours of work. At least. But we should not leave here without an agreement on an unconditional ceasefire.

There’s a battle of nerves underway,” aide Valeriy Chaly said in a Facebook post.

SHAKING HANDS Earlier, Poroshenko said that without a de-escalation

of the conflict and a ceasefire the situation would get “out of control”.

Russian television showed him shaking hands with Putin.

Any breakthrough would likely depend on Ukraine making concessions, with advancing rebels unlikely to agree to halt and go back to previous positions.

The outcome of the talks is expected to influence discussions at an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, when sanctions against Moscow will be on the agenda.

Still, Moscow expressed optimism. A Russian diplomatic source said it was 70 percent likely that an agreement would be reached.

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Neesa Gopaul trial

Photographs of mother’s home tendered into evidence Photographic exposures which were taken at the home of Bibi Shareema Gopaul were yesterday tendered as part of the evidence in the High Court trial for which Gopaul and her former lover, Jarvis Small, are facing an indictment.

They are charged with the murder of 16-year-old Queen’s College student, Neesa Gopaul.

Yesterday, Police Constable, Delicia Brown, took the stand and submitted sworn evidence before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-member jury.

In her evidence, Brown recalled that on October 4, 2010 she was on duty at the Police Crime Lab at the Headquarters in Eve Leary when she was summoned to a residence at Lot 13 Public Road Leonora, West Coast Demerara, and (WCD).

Brown said that when she arrived at Leonora she met with “Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP) Terrace Paul, Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman, officer Nedd, Mohamed Kayoum and Bibi Gopaul,” whom she identified

yesterday as the individual sitting in the prisoner’s dock in the courtroom.

She said that ASP Paul gave her certain instructions and as a result she took photographic exposures of the external view of the house, as well as the interior of the lower flat of the building.

The witness recalled that she took photos of various objects in the house including a mattress and two sheets bearing a reddish substance that appeared to be blood.

The witness said that she also took photographs of two black suitcases and a “pulley” suitcase containing a knife, cosmetics as well as male and female clothing. The latter, she said, was situated on a dining table in the upper flat of the house.

The Officer told the court that she was subsequently summoned to a verandah at the back of the house where she took photos of two sets of dumbbells.

She said that she took the exposures to the crime lab where they were processed and developed the following day. Brown said that several of the photos were printed.

The witness said that she placed her markings (initials), the date and stamped the photographs with the police photographic stamps before placing them in a white envelope which she also sealed, stamped and placed her initials.

Brown recounted that she also placed the negatives of the exposures in a white envelope, which she stamped, sealed and initialed.

The witness told the court that she could have identified the envelopes by the markings she had placed on them.

However after giving her evidence in chief, Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar requested for Brown to be shown one of the envelopes to see whether she could have identified it; her request met with objections from Defence Counsel, Glenn Hanoman who noted that the Prosecution should be specific as to which envelope since the witness had mentioned two white envelopes on which she had placed her markings.

Justice Singh made a note of the objection but thereafter allowed the witness to see the

PPP/C donates computer to St. Cuthbert’s Secondary

(from left) Head Teacher of St. Cuthberth Secondary School, Hollis Gray, PPP member, Zulficar Mustapha, resident of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Toshao of St Cuthbert’s Mission Luke Simon and PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee during the donation of the computer.

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) made a modest donation of one computer to St. Cuthbert’s Secondary School yesterday at the conclusion of its weekly press conference held at Freedom House.

Teachers at the school had written to the Party requesting a contribution to their initiative of starting a much needed Information Technology Department. After some deliberations, PPP member, Zulficar Mustapha, said that it was unanimously decided that the Party should go ahead with answering the request.

PPP/C General Secretary, Clement Rohee,

said that this is not an election gimmick but a sincere act of a friendship and solidarity with the students and teachers of the village.

Toshao of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Luke Simon, thanked the PPP/C for the donation as he believes it will go a far way. Head teacher, Hollis Gray, of St. Cuthbert Secondary School also expressed appreciation for the computer and said that it is the answer to a long awaited need.

There is no internet connectivity in that area but the Head teacher said that it is something the community is working on.

There are mobile phones in the community.

MURDERED: Neesa Gopaul

Murdered Accused: Jarvis Barry Small

envelope, based on a submission by the Prosecution.

The witness subsequently identified the envelope containing the photographs. There were altogether 22 photographs which were marked as exhibits and tendered as evidence in the trial.

The witness was afterward asked to give the court descriptions of the photographs that she had taken at the house; she handed them over to members of the Jury, who also examined them.

Under cross examination, Brown later admitted that some of the photographic exposures were spoiled but she could not say how many of the pictures had been damaged.

Attorney George Thomas who is representing Gopaul in the matter then asked the witness whether she had seen the mattress anywhere else before she took a photograph of it. The officer replied in the affirmative. She said that “the mattress had been in a room upstairs.”

“Would you be able to say whether the mattress was taken anywhere for any scientific tests?” Thomas asked. “No sir, “Brown replied maintaining that all she did in relation to the matter was take photographic exposures based on instruction of her superio Assistant Commissioner, Marlon Chapman, was also under cross examination by the defence yesterday.

Chapman told the court that Neesa Gopaul’s grandfather, Mohamed Kayoum, had identified her body based on distinguishing marks and a mark on her toenail.

Defence Counsel, Lyndon Amsterdam questioned the witness about the reason for the police collecting DNA samples from the number two accused, ( Bibi Gopaul) after the body would have been already identified to be that of Neesa Gopaul’s by the grandfather.

Chapman responded by saying that he believed that it was for confirmation; he said that police just wanted to be sure. Amsterdam also questioned the witness as to the basis of the charges brought against the two accused and adequacy of the investigations. After noting that there were a number of unanswered questions surrounding the investigations the lawyer inquired from the officer whether it is regular procedure for the police to charge persons based on mere suspicion.

“You would agree with me that the police still wanted to know how this person met her demise, where she might have met her demise since (the location) where the body was found is not definitive as to where she might have met her demise?”

Amsterdam inquired.

“Yes sir,” the officer responded but later explained that in instances of murder, the police charge persons based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP). He further stated that even if there is no “direct evidence,” against the suspects in cases of murder, once there is evidence none– the-less a charge can be instituted.

Amsterdam then inquired from the witness if anyone had asked Small where he had been between September 24 and October 3, 2010 since those are the dates mentioned in the charge.

At the point, the judge stopped the Attorney and pointed out that such questions would lead to “hearsay”.

The lawyer continued by questioning the officer about the confrontation exercise which he mentioned.

Amsterdam inquired from the witness whether he was certain about the information he provided in the trial.

Chapman had previously stated that during the exercise the number one accused Small had told police

MURDER ACCUSED: Bibi Shareema Gopaul investigators that he “would tell them who killed Neesa Gopaul but only in the presence of his Attorney Bernard De Santos, (SC).”

As such, Amsterdam inquired from the witness whether, Small had voluntarily told police this or whether he was responding to questions put to him by ASP Jessimy.

“I can’t recall,” Chapman said acknowledging that a question might have been put to the accused. The lawyer then suggested to the witness that Small had said that “he would tell the police who he thought might have killed Neesa Gopaul.”

The witness maintained his initial statement but noted that he had not been taking notes during the confrontation. Amsterdam then inquired whether the witness took any steps to see if the other officer who had been taking notes were writing the direct words of the accused.

“No,” Chapman responded maintaining that he is certain of the words the accused had said at that time.

Under cross examinations

by Attorney George Thomas, the witness was asked about Simone De Nobrega, whom he had mentioned while giving his evidence in chief.

Chapman explained that De Nobrega was a female prisoner, who was in custody at the East La Penitence Police Station; she was on remand for a number of fraud related charges. The witness also noted that De Nobrega was known to the police. She was also known by at least two other names.

The trial continues today.

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Misbah leads Pakistan to victory... Berlin 2024 Games plan is From page 33 up his half century with a thumping six into the noisy band of Pakistan fans packed into the members’ stand and Akmal reached the milestone in the same manner 10 overs later.

Ehsan Adil had earlier set the tone for a fine Pakistan bowling performance in an opening over which accounted for Moeen Ali (4).

Gary Ballance came in at number three with a point to prove in his first game since September after recovering from a fractured finger, however, and he steadied the ship with a well-crafted 57. It was only after he had departed with an ill-executed slog sweep and out-

of-sorts skipper Eoin Morgan fell for a duck attempting a lap sweep to a full toss, however, that England really got a grip on their innings.

Joe Root provided the adhesive with a sparkling 85 off 89 balls and combined with Chris Jordan (31 not out) to steer his side towards a competitive tally.

England rested Ian Bell, Chris Woakes, James Taylor and Steve Finn but all should return when they open their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Australia on Saturday.

Scores: Pakistan 252 for 6 (Misbah 91*, Akmal 65) beat England 250 for 8 (Root 85, Ballance 57, Yasir 3-45) by four wickets.

Official Logo Unveiled for Scotiabank...

From page 30 tomorrow,” said John Doig, Scotiabank’s Chief Marketing Officer. “As fans of the game and “Fans of the Fans”, we are thrilled to join their voices and also be able to call this tournament Our Champions League as we look forward to electrifying matches”.

The Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League is a yearly club football championship, disputed in league format among top club teams from the CONCACAF region, which includes North and Central America, and the Caribbean. The winner of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League earns a berth

in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup, played every December.

The 2014/15 edition of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League resumes in the final week of February, when the first of the two-leg quarterfinals are scheduled to be disputed. Club de Futbol Pachuca (MEX) takes on Impact de Montreal (CAN), Club Deportivo Olimpia (HON) receives CS Herediano (CRC), LD Alajuelense (CRC) will host DC United (USA), and Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) duals Club America (MEX), all for the right to compete in the semifinals of this edition’s championship phase. (CONCACAF)

Thursday February 12, 2015 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): A situation around the home may have you completely bamboozled but you are bent on solving the problem. ****************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): Working against time can bring some frustration but whatever your aims, you are determined to succeed.

There’s a need to be patient with a younger person or someone whose inexperience threatens to interfere with your plans. ****************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Something like a lost item or a missing receipt or bill could have you puzzled early on in the day. Trying to get to the root of this problem could take up a lot of your time and will make you moody. ****************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Step away from current worries and anxieties as you are too close to the matter in hand to be able to see the whole picture. ****************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): You are starting to develop a greater understanding and interest of all that’s going on in the world. ****************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): Group ties and financial obligations shared with others are in the spotlight. If there is friction within these boundaries, today will bring your chance to clear this up once and for all.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Demands from an older person, cantankerous associate or boss will test your peace loving mettle. ****************************** Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21): You may through choice or circumstance, be forced to sever some form of association, either involving a close friend, partnership or business link. ****************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): An edgy atmosphere may be noticeable in a place you usually find relaxing. You want to have fun but other people seem to have other things on their mind. ****************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): If new family or domestic arrangements aren’t working, you may have to revise your strategy.

Not everyone you are with today will be co-operative so be prepared for opposition and conflict. ****************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Getting the balance in communication won’t be easy but you will achieve agreement if you work at it. ****************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): There may be the need on more than one occasion to remind others that ‘talk does not get the job done!’ People rally around to help with a difficult project but it could be a case of too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

on thin financial ice: expert BERLIN (Reuters) Berlin’s potential 2024 Olympic bid could be the wrong financial decision with the city deep in debt and lacking the infrastructure to host such a global event, the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) said yesterday.

Berlin, which staged the Games in 1936, and Hamburg are battling for the green light from the German sports authorities to launch a bid for the 2024 summer Olympics.

A decision by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) will be taken in March.

Boston and Rome are the other two cities to officially announce their candidacy but others, including possibly Istanbul, Budapest and Paris, are likely to join the race by the September deadline.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will select the winning bid in 2017.

The German capital, though, should think twice about launching such a candidacy, said Karl Brenke, of the influential DIW, who specializes in macroeconomic developments in Germany.

He said history had shown initial estimates for the Games compared to what they end up costing were never the same while budgets only include the cost for the duration of the Games.

“Costs that are Gamesrelated and come up after the Olympics are systematically blended out,” he told Reuters.

“From the figures we have so far there is very little information about what they will actually cost for Berlin.”

NEW ESTIMATES Berlin officials have not provided a specific figure yet but some estimates put the projected cost at about 2.5 billion euros ($2.83 billion), roughly the same as past Games. However, that does not include any other related investment in infrastructure that may not be directly linked to the competitions but may be necessary for the event.

These generally include access roads, upgrading of public transportation and airports among other things which can command a total outlay several times larger than the Games budget.

“The state of Berlin has at the moment a debt of 65 billion euros. I have the feeling that Berlin is sliding into something it may not be able to lift,” said Brenke.

“But then again Berlin has experience in that,” he added with reference to the city’s new airport that has yet to open more than four years

past its original delivery date due to a string of delays and construction problems.

Brenke said other German federal states, providing some funds to the capital, would not be happy to see “Berlin affording itself the luxury of hosting the Olympics.”

He added that Hamburg’s candidacy would be equally

problematic with the city having fewer venues, and no Olympic stadium, compared to the capital but a better urban infrastructure.

“If you look at the Olympics or the World Cup, the only real winner is (world soccer’s governing body) FIFA or the IOC. The city is always asked to pay more.”

THOMAS DROPPED...

From page 31 season, Shacaya has not been performing at his best, and after failing to grab the opportunity, King has been included.

“He is a very good, promising player and an attacking batsman, and when a team is going through a bad batting patch as we are, sometimes, you need someone who is positiveminded,” Lambert said.

Jamaica, who went down to a 105-run defeat to Guyana at Sabina Park, were bowled out for 177 and 234 against Guyana, who made 314 and 202. Jamaica, following three

wins and a loss, are currently third in the points standings on 53 points after the completion of five of the tournament’s 10 round of matches. Guyana lead with 75 points ahead of defending champions Barbados Pride (60).

Jamaica Franchise squad: Tamar Lambert (captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Brandon King, Horace Miller, John Campbell, David Bernard Jr, Carlton Baugh Jr, Odean Brown, Damion Jacobs, Marquino Mindley, Gavan Brown and Jason Dawes.

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Georgetown capture DCB U-15 Harris seeking role players for national team title, East Coast beat East Bank

By Zaheer Mohamed

- As National Basketball Championships loom

By Edison Jefford Newly appointed National Basketball Coach, Darcel Harris made it pellucid during a recent press conference that high individual scoring during the upcoming National Basketball Championships will not feature highly in his psyche for national selection.

Harris was speaking at the launch of the National Basketball Championship, The Road to Mecca II last weekend at the New Palm Court on Main Street. The National Championship is scheduled to begin on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The National Basketball Coach was sending a warning to players, who will be vying for national selection, in an attempt to prevent them from focusing on just the offensive aspect of the game. It was his clarion’s call to players to fulfil their specific roles, which include playing five positions, as well as on both offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

“I am not a big fan of top scorers. I’m looking for role players; I like role players as well,” Harris told the media and clubs present.

He said he wants players to play their natural

games and not try to outdo their teammates, and team, seeking national selection.

The National Basketball Championships will be used to further identify players to add to a list of players already named to play Bermuda, here in March. In addition, Guyana will be competing at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in June.

A preliminary list of players was identified to start training, because according to Harris, Guyana “must be equally ready to match Bermuda”. Harris said that waiting until the end of the National Championships to start training cannot get players “up to scratch”.

Mecca II concludes on March 1 with the Grand Finale. Nine days later, Bermuda arrives for their three-game series against Guyana.

The National Coach believes that training has to commence as the national tournament is ongoing so that Guyana is ready for the challenge.

Notably, Harris indicated that there is room for youth in the National Squad, as well as ‘big men’ since the centre position is almost vacant. He, however, cautioned players to be reminded of their specific positions during the national competition.

Georgetown trounced West Demerara by 221 runs to capture the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) inter association round robin U-15 50-over title yesterday at Everest Cricket Club.

Batting first after winning the toss, Georgetown rattled up 275-9 off their allotted overs. Alphuis Bookie continued his fine form with an authoritative 79, while Ashmead Nedd stuck 67.

Bookie slammed nine fours off 86 balls while Nedd faced 75 balls and hit six fours and one six. Extras assisted with 41 as medium pacer Parmand Gootipersaud grabbed 5-29 from 10 overs while Sachin Basdeo snared 2-27.

West Demerara never threatened and were sent packing for 54 in 31.2 overs including 26 extras, in reply.

Aftab Basheer made 20. Off spinner Andrew Persaud grabbed 3-11 off five overs

GCA tournaments bowls on this weekend The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) competitions will continue this weekend with matches in the first and second divisions and U-13 categories.

In the Hadi’s World City Mall Inc first division twoday at 09:30 hrs which

starts on Saturday, Guyana Defense Force will play GNIC at Everest (Ernest Hinds and M. Yosef Yisrael) and Police will travel to Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) (Cyril Garnath and Javed Persaud). In the New Building Society 40-over

second division at 10:30 hrs on Saturday, Everest will play Transport SC at MYO (Zaheer Mohamed and Linden Matthews), Malteenoes SC will host St. Stanislaus (Daniel Richmond and Matthew Kissoon), University of Guyana will journey to Demerara Cricket

Club (Reginald Grant and Ashok Brijcoomar) and Police will entertain GCC (Clyde Layne and Deon Feassal).

In the lone Banks Malta Supreme U-13 fixture GCC and MSC will battle at GYO (Randolph Rose and Heuvel Cunha).

Balkishun, Bookie, Nedd shine including a hat-trick, while Jospice Jones claimed 3-14 for Georgetown who played unbeaten throughout the competition.

At Demerara Cricket Club, East Coast defeated East Bank by 130 runs. East Coast took first strike and posted 239-4 in 50 overs. Ronald Williams and Anil Singh (04) added 53 for the opening stand to set the tone for a mammoth total before Singh was lbw to Travis George.

Williams gradually grew in confidence and shared in a second wicket stand of 50 with Avin Gangadin to further frustrate East Bank.

Williams was caught and bowled by Jamal Michael for 41 (4x4,1x6) while Gangadin went for 31 (4x4).

Danesh Ally (02) was the last wicket to fall for East Coast as Pradesh Balkishun and Chandra Mohan steadied the innings with an unbroken 73-run fourth wicket stand.

Balkishun stroked six fours in a top score of 60 while Mohan counted three fours and two sixes in 43.

Michael picked up 3-45 and George 1-44.

East Bank were routed for 109 in 35.4 overs in response.

Navendra Persaud and Tuen Hicks added 34 for the first wicket before Hicks was

Jamal Michael bowled by Balkishun for 13.

Balkishun then uprooted the stumps of Jeremiah Scott (00) to make it 37-2. Persaud and Daniel Scott gave their team some hope with a third wicket stand of 34, but leg spinner Byron Bissu (1-31)also a national table tennis player, had Persaud taken in the deep for 19.

East Bank never recovered despite a fourth wicket partnership of 24 between Scott and Michael (02) as Balkishun finished with 6-7 from eight overs while Anil Singh had 2-7.

Chicago-based Little League team stripped of U.S. title (Reuters) - A Chicagobased team that last year became the first all-black contingent to win the U.S. Little League Baseball championship was stripped of the title yesterday for cheating by using players who lived outside the geographic area set for the squad.

The Jackie Robinson West team met with adjoining Little League districts in Illinois to secure players and build what, in effect, became an all-star team, Little League Baseball said, blaming the situation on “the action of adults.”

Little League International Chief Executive Stephen Keener told Reuters the team “encroached on the neighboring territory of at least three neighboring Little League programs” to secure players.

The 2014 U.S. championship has been awarded to the Mountain Ridge Little League team from Las Vegas, which lost to the Chicago squad in the title game, officials said.

U.S. President Barack Obama (C) and first lady Michelle Obama welcome members of the Jackie Robinson West All Stars Little League baseball team from Chicago in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington in this file photo taken on November 6, 2014. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst “It’s a sad day for a bunch of great kids,” Keener said in a telephone interview. “We adults will deal with this. But today, our hearts are heavy for the kids that played on that Jackie Robinson team.

They’re as much victims in this as anybody.”

Little League Baseball said Darold Butler, the Chicago team’s manager, has been suspended from Little League activity because of

the violation and Illinois District 4 Administrator Michael Kelly also has been removed from his position.

Jackie Robinson West defeated the Las Vegas team 7-5 in the U.S. title game last

August before losing in the global Little League championship game to a squad from Seoul, South Korea, 8-4.

The nation’s third-largest city, which has been troubled

by violence and budget problems, embraced the team’s success.

Tens of thousands of people lined Chicago’s streets to cheer the 11- and 12-year olds who rode on buses through the city after their U.S. title win. They went on to visit the White House and receive other honours.

Team officials on several occasions had rebuffed media reports and accusations that some of the players were not residents in the team’s official boundary area, or that the boundary area had been expanded incorrectly.

“We have 7,000 leagues in 82 countries that look to this organization to maintain the integrity and the credibility of the Little League program,” said Keener. “When we’re presented with confirmation of violation like this, it’s our responsibility to not tolerate it and take the appropriate action.”

“As painful as it is, as heartbreaking as it is, it’s unfortunately a necessary action that we had to take,” he said.

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E-Networks Crossfit Inter Secondary schools Under-15 GAMES LAUNCHED cricket competition returns to Berbice Attended by a cadre of fitness experts and enthusiasts, the 704 Bar was abuzz with excitement and conversation as Organisers of the E-Networks Crossfit Games Guyana launched the activity which will be staged on March 1, at the National Park Tarmac.

Also in attendance were representatives of the various sponsors including Platinum sponsor E- Networks, Courts Guyana Inc, Banks DIH under its Aqua Mist, Powerade and Vitamalt Plus, DeSinco / Degree, Fitness Express, 704/ Golden Brook, Guyana Freight Services, Planet Express, AXE Apparel, Star Party Rentals, Moksha, Associated Packers Inc, Genesis Fitness Express and

Hits and Jams / HJTV/ 94.1.

According to a representative of the Organising Committee, the Crossfit concept promotes both physical exercise philosophy and is also a competitive fitness sport incorporating workout elements such as high intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, aerobics, gymnastics among other exercises.

Noshavyah King, who is a well known Zumba Instructor and Jamie McDonald, certified personal trainer are the two persons identified to spearhead the Games.

Entrance fee is $500 and children could participate free of cost.

ECB U-15 trials...

Jailall, Dindyal hit half centuries Orlando Jailall and Mahendra Dindyal slammed half centuries when the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) held its’ inter county U15 trials matches recently at Imam Bacchus ground,Affiance.

In the first game, Omesh Ramdahin XI went down to Orlando Jailall XI by five wickets. Batting first Ramdahin XI scored 105 all out in 30 overs. Bhumeshwar Ramdahin struck 40; Romario Stephen took 3-28 and Mahendra Dindyal 2-24.

Jailall XI replied with 110-5 in 24 overs. Jaiall slammed 57 not out and Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon made 12.

Bhumeshwar Ramdahin had 3-5 and Renesh Persaud 2-18.

In the second match Jailall

XI triumphed by 124 runs.

Jailall XI posted 224 all out in 39.2 overs, batting first. Jaiall stroked 42 and Dindyal 34.

Vicquam Clarke took 3-13.

Ramdahin XI were sent packing for 120 in 27 overs in response. Bhumeshwar Ramdahin made 36; Sachin Persaud snared 5-18.

Jaiall XI won the third encounter by 120 runs. Jailall XI rattled up 207-6 in 34 overs, taking first strike. Dindyal scored 59 and Renesh Persaud 23. Bhumeshwar Ramdahin claimed 2-21.

Ramdahin XI fell for 87 in 23 overs in reply. Dindyal took two wickets.

The board will announce their squad for the intercounty competition shortly.

Thomas dropped, King in for Jamaicans Jamaica Gleaner Kingston, Jamaica - Former West Indies Under-19 batsman Brandon King has been added to Jamaica Franchise’s 13-man squad for their sixth round West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Four-Day clash against Windward Islands Volcanoes at Arnos Vale, St Vincent.

The 20-year-old King, who represented the region at last year’s International Cricket Council (ICC) Youth World Cup, replaces batsman Shacaya Thomas.

The latter, who played Jamaica’s first four matches but was dropped for the fifthround encounter against

Guyana Jaguars at Sabina Park last weekend - has been experiencing average returns.

Fresh Face Needed He made two and one in the season-opener against Windwards at Sabina Park, 59 away to Barbados Pride, two and 46 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel at Queen’s Park and 20 and nine against Leeward Hurricanes, also at Sabina Park.

“We were outplayed by Guyana over the weekend, and the selectors felt that we needed a fresh face in the squad,” said Jamaica captain, Tamar Lambert prior to the team’s departure yesterday.

“From the start of the (Continued on page 29)

As promised by Anil Beharry, the newly elected president of the Berbice Cricket Board and his executives, Under-15 Cricket Competition for Secondary Schools in Berbice will return after many years. The sponsor is a friend of Berbice cricket and he is from the United States of America. His name is Dalchand Rambharose, a former resident of Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice and a keen follower of Berbice cricket.

In a message sent through his father who was present, Mr Deonarine Rambharose, he said he always had a keen interest in cricket in general with Berbice Cricket having a special place in his heart.

The message added that he is always impressed with the work of the Berbice Board despite the limited resources.

He added that the BCB is the shining light in an otherwise chaotic situation in Guyana and West Indies cricket.

He blamed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not intervening in Guyana’s cricket and resolve the issues. He said that the ICC should have done the same as FIFA with football. He mentioned that he was closely following the BCB recently held election and had no doubt that Anil Beharry

Mr Deonarine Rambharose hands over sponsorship to Anil Beharry, President of the Berbice Cricket Board in the presence of Angela Haniff and Carl Moore. would have been the winner for he is the best man for the job. When he learned of the results and saw the promise made by Beharry, he thought that helping with the school cricket might be the best option.

Speaking on behalf of the BCB, the president thanked Mr Rambharose for sponsoring this important competition that was missing for so many years. He said that the nursery level is important so as to bring back interest to the youngsters and

at the same time give the clubs an opportunity to do talent spotting. The board hopes that more international players will be born out of this tournament. He reminded that the school system in the past produced several outstanding cricketers.

He added that the interest is high among teachers, parents and students for the ongoing A Ally and Sons Under-17 Schools Cricket Competition and said the Under-15 will be no different.

Special mention was made of

Miss Volaika Jaikishun for supporting the idea and her ministry for approving the tournament.

Miss Jaikishun was present and said that physical fitness increases mental alertness and will surely help the kids to be more successful academically, provided they maintain the balance.

She said the ministry will always support sports in schools for it helps with their discipline and gives them the opportunity to mix with others.

Metro backs GSCL Republic Cup

The Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL Inc) has received the backing of Metro Office and Computer Supplies for its second annual Republic Cup which is currently underway. The entity at their head office in Quamina Street yesterday presented all the trophies for the tournament to representatives of GSCL. Metro’s representative, Shavane Sooklall said the company is pleased to be associated with the GSCL Inc in promoting the game.

Organising Secretary Samuel Kingston and Assistant Secretary Russell Jadbeer both expressed gratitude for the support.

Metro has now joined Memorex Enterprise and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre as the tournament sponsors.

The competition is being contested in two categories: Open and Over-40. The action will continue on Saturday at the Everest from 10:00 hours when Parika Defenders, Regal Masters, Tropical Spring Masters and Amazon Masters battle for the remaining two spots in the Over-40 semi-finals. East

Shavane Sookall of Metro presents one of the trophies to Russell Jadbeer of GSCL Inc. in the presence of Samuel Kingston (left) and Bernard Ramsaroop.

Coast Masters and Floodlights are already through. The finals will be played Sunday at the said venue with the Masters final at 10:00 hours and the Open final between Farm XI and Regal XI at 14:30 hours.

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Thursday February 12, 2015

Winston Benons appointed Teams commence battle for EBFA Technical Advisor Mayor’s Cup semifinal spots - to host Coaches introductory session on Sunday at Grove Coming off a successful 2014, the executive of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) is on a path of going a step further this year. To attain a greater level of consistency in the technical and tactical realms of the sport, the EBFA has appointed Mr. Winston Benons as its Technical Advisor.

Benons, who was appointed National Assistant Coach by the GFF in 2012 having coached the EBFA Under-17 team that year, said he is very pleased to have been approached to assist with the development of the game in the association.

The resident of Yarrowkabra and the USA is a licensed coach of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) since 1986 and also received an NSCAA National Diploma in 1986 also. Benons has been extensively trained in the Philosophies and Principles of Coaching, Theory and Techniques, Child Abuse Recognition as

well as First Aid. In terms of his experience, he has coached junior and men’s teams in Brooklyn New York between 1972 – 1981; was Travel Team Coach of the Rockets and Raiders Travel Team between 1985 – 1990.

For dedicated service in coaching, Benons was recognized by the Long Island Junior Soccer League for his service to Elmont in 1990 while from 1983 – 1993 he was a member of the Elmont Soccer League Board with responsibility for Player Development, Fund Raising and Social Activities.

Commenting on his appointment, Benons stated that he is excited to make a contribution to the East Bank and by extension, Guyana’s football noting that he has seen many talented players having held the post of Coach of the Yarrowkabra Football Club from 2005- 2008.

Already in work mode, Benons will host an introductory session with all

Banks DIH on board with first prize

Winston Benons club coaches on Sunday at the Grove Community Centre beginning at 13:00hrs. The compulsory interactive session will see the Technical Advisor sharing his vision for East Bank development with the coaches.

Meanwhile, the EBFA Pee Wee Under-11 League will continue on Saturday at the Grove Playfield. Grove Hi Tech, Craig Primary, Diamond United, Herstelling Raiders and Agricola Red Triangle are the competing teams.

Teams remaining in the 2015 edition of the Mayor’s Cup football tournament will commence battles in the quarterfinals stage of the event tomorrow with spots in the semifinals on offer. This comes even as Beverage Giants, Banks DIH Limited has agreed with the organizers to furnish the one million dollars first prize.

All eyes will be focused on the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground, Bourda from tomorrow evening when Pele come up against Police at 7:00pm in what promises to be an exciting contest between two very good teams. Pele with the likes of Shemroy Arthur leading their challenge along with Joshua Kamal, O’Kennie Fraser, Devon Charles and Konata Manning will be intent on turning back the challenge of the lawmen and advance to the money round of the tournament.

Police will not be outdone and have had a very good tournament so far and will be

RUSSIAN PROBE IS ‘DEFINING - says MOMENT’ FOR DOPING U.S. boss

SINGAPORE (Reuters) The probe into allegations of widespread doping in Russia is looming as the critical battle in the global fight against drugs in sport, the head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has set up an independent commission to investigate claims of systematic doping among Russian athletes and USADA chief Travis Tygart said the findings could prove to be a turning point for all sports.

“This investigation that WADA has undertaken into Russia is so critically important right now,” Tygart told a high-level doping conference in Singapore yesterday.

“There are allegations out there that have been portrayed in the media (and) there are facts that back some of those allegations.

“We can argue about the credibility of those facts at this point but there are facts out there which is what initiated WADA’s investigation.

“And that’s why it’s a defining moment, if not the defining moment, where a country that’s alleged, along

Travis Tygart, chief executive officer of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, speaks during AntiDoping Intelligence and Investigation Seminar in Singapore Feb. 11, 2015. REUTERS/Edgar Su with its anti-doping organizations, its lab, other sport federations, of doping its athletes in order to win on the world stage.”

Russian sports officials have denied allegations, which were aired in a German TV documentary but have not been verified by Reuters, of widespread doping and corruption in Russia, despite a recent spate of positive tests. Last month, Russia’s anti-doping agency announced that three

Olympic walking champions, Olga Kaniskina, Valery Borchin, Sergei Kirdyapkin, as well as the 2011 world champion Sergei Bakulin and the 2011 World silver medalist Vladimir Kanaykin had all been suspended for doping infringements.

A week later, Valentin Maslakov announced he was resigning as head coach while Russia’s Athletics Federation (VFLA) president Valentin Balakhnichev intends to step down from his

job next week.

Tygart, the former lawyer turned anti-drugs crusader who helped unmask American cyclist Lance Armstrong’s long drug use, told Reuters that the outcomes of the Russian investigation would have wider implications for athletes all over the world.

“When there’s evidence of these types of allegations, it’s incumbent upon the overseers of the whole antidoping program, WADA, and its role under the code, to fully vet and investigate the allegations that have been made and hold any people that have violated the rules accountable,” he said.

“That ultimately is what gives confidence to clean athletes around the world who are otherwise being held to the highest standards.

“If one country is not held to that standard and they go to the (Olympic) Games and they win... if that was not done the right way, and the allegations prove to be true and athletes who won in those events shouldn’t have won because they violated the rules, then they’ve got to be held accountable.”

Tichard Joseph

Shemroy Arthur

looking to also advance further. They will be led by Rondell Arthur, Darius Franks, Rawle Hayles, Rawle Thornhill and James Bowman. The nightcap at 9:00pm will pit favourites Slingerz against Riddim Squad in what should be an explosive contest.

While Slingerz of the West Side maybe highly favoured, this tournament has produced a string of upsets and they should be very mindful.

Tichard Joseph, Les Charles Critchlow, Joshua Brown, Devon Millington, Dwayne Jacobs and Anthony Abrams will definitely have to be

sharp to halt the challenge of Riddim Squad.

The Agricola based line up will depend on Sceyon Hope, Amos Ramsay, Lylton Ramsay, Ron Liverpool and Sheldon Hope to upset Slingerz.

Meanwhile, other sponsors have joined Banks DIH to assist the success of the tournament. Among them are: MACORP, Busta, Sterling Products, John Fernandes, GT&T, TCL, CIDI and the Vieira brothers of Houston.

The remaining quarterfinals will be contested on Sunday at the same venue.

MotoGP returns to Silverstone for next two years LONDON (Reuters) Silverstone circuit will stage Britain’s MotoGP race for the next two years after Donington Park pulled out of a hosting agreement, organisers said yesterday.

A joint statement from Silverstone and the Circuit of Wales, who have a five-year hosting contract despite their track being unbuilt, said this year’s race would go ahead as planned on Aug. 28-30.

“We are delighted to secure the future of the event for the next two years while our circuit in Wales is under construction,” said Circuit of Wales chief executive Michael Carrick.

Donington announced on Tuesday the termination of an agreement with the Circuit of Wales because they said payment deadlines had not been met. The Circuit of Wales disputed that, saying they had been unwilling to provide “significant funding” to

upgrade the Donington track.

Silverstone, home of Britain’s Formula One race, hosted last year’s British MotoGP round after it switched to the central English circuit from Donington in 2009.

Britain has hosted a motorcycle grand prix since 1949, with the Isle of Man TT counting as a round of the championship until 1976, and Silverstone was the only viable option to keep it on the calendar this year.

Silverstone managing director Patrick Allen said it had been “devastating” for his circuit to lose the race contract last year and he welcomed the return.

“Two-wheel racing is as much a part of Silverstone’s heritage as four-wheel racing and I am obviously delighted to be in a position to announce we are hosting both the F1 and MotoGP Grands Prix in 2015,” he said.

Thursday February 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

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THOMAS, MORGAN WIN Performance no reflection of Cross Country race in Linden team spirit, says Sir Richie

Alika Morgan

R

unning Braves Athletics Club, Cleveland Thomas raced to victory in the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) 6km Cross Country race on Sunday ahead of Police Progressive Youth Club’s Nathaniel Giddings and Kevin Bayley respectively at the Bayrock Ground, Linden.

Thomas won in 19:17.16, while Giddings had 19:27.54 and Bayley 19:30.56 for their positions in that order. Alika Morgan won the female 4km Open race in 18:42.5 ahead of Cassey George who was

Cleveland Thomas second in 19:24.4 and Andrea Foster (19:35.2) third.

In the 13-15 years old female 1km race, Maria Urguhart (10:06:6) won ahead of Leanna Charles (10:28:9) and Chantoba Bright (10:44:0) respectively. Moses Best won the male race in 8:55.3 as Murphy Nash (9:09:5) finished second and Tabiki Thompson (9:49:6) third.

Joanna Archer took the female 16-17 youth female 2km race in 15:57.3 ahead of Vanetta Hinds and Melissa Thomas (22:18.9) respectively. Odwin Tudor

(14:08.0) was the winner of the male 3km race in the same age category with Samuel Lynch (15:03:0) second and Jamal Johnson (15:11:0) third.

In the junior female 1820 years old 4km race, Claudarice McKoy (17:18:83) came out on top of the event ahead of Mariah McKenzie (18:17:26) and Onika Eastman (25:43:94) respectively.

In the male race, Matthew Mackenzie won in 16: 59:3 ahead of Carl Mackenzie (17:36:6) and Leon Benjamin (17:50:0) respectively.

Official Logo Unveiled for Scotiabank CONCACAF CL - play resumes this month with quarters in five countries Miami, FL - The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and Scotiabank unveiled yesterday the logo and official name of its newly rebranded club championship, ahead of the quarterfinals of the competition now to be known officially as the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.

The new name of the competition – the quarterfinals of which kick off later this month across the region – integrates CONCACAF partner and league title sponsor Scotiabank. The new artwork incorporates S c o t i a b a n k ’s g l o b a l l y recognized marks and colors into the traditional competition logo, revolving the angle of the trophy and adding the current tournament dates to its base.

“The rollout of the new

Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League is tangible confirmation of the evolution and strength of our region’s top club competition,” said CONCACAF President J e f f r e y We b b . “ O u r Champions League has never been more competitive, on and off the field, and the alignment with our partners at Scotiabank further validates this.”

Scotiabank joined CONCACAF in December of last year as official partner. The multi-year agreement makes

Scotiabank the first official partner in the history of CONCACAF, and covers multiple tournaments through 2018 at different levels, including the naming rights to the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League — the region’s most important club competition.

“Our partnership with CONCACAF and the introduction of a new logo for the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League is a testimony of our commitment for the talent of today and football stars of (Continued on page 29)

SYDNEY, Australia (CMC) — Team manager Sir Richie Richardson was at a loss Monday to explain West Indies’ listless performance in their opening official warmup match for the ICC World Cup. The Caribbean side produced a feeble allround effort to crash to a nine-wicket defeat to England at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but Sir Richie said the showing had nothing to do with lack of enthusiasm in the squad.

“Our plan is to gradually ease into the World Cup. We don’t want to peak too early.

We’ve prepared well, we’ve had a few days here in Sydney preparing,” Sir Richie said afterward.

“The guys have enjoyed the preparation and have been working very, very hard and the performance tonight is no reflection of how we’ve been training or anything to do with the mood in the camp.

“It is just very strange that England got the better of us in that particular way. I know people will want to know what is going on, but I can safely say that the guys have been playing well and they have been in a very good mood. It’s just one of those things.”

Opting to bat first in bowler-friendly conditions, West Indies crashed for 122 all out off 29.3 overs, with Lendl Simmons top scoring with 45 and opener Dwayne Smith getting 21. They were the only batsmen to pass 20 and two of only four to reach double figures. Opener Chris Gayle and strokemaker Darren Bravo both fell for first ball

West Indies team manager Sir Richie Richardson (file photo) ‘ducks’ off successive deliveries in the first over. In reply, England cruised, with opener Moeen Ali hammering an aggressive 46 off 43 deliveries with nine fours.

Sir Richie said West Indies would assess the performance and look to improve in coming games.

“Obviously it wasn’t a very good start, but it’s not about the start, it’s about the finish.

Obviously we’re disappointed with our performance today and we will review and come back,” he stressed.

“Hopefully you won’t see a performance like this again from us.” West Indies take on Scotland today at the same venue in their second and final warm-up.

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Thursday February 12, 2015

Trinidad to host CPL semi-finals, final P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago have won the right to host the semi-finals and the final of the 2015 Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 competition, organisers announced on Monday.

CPL chief executive officer Damien O’Donohoe also announced that the twin-island republic has secured the rights ahead of competing venues United States and Dubai.

T&T, home to the Red Steel franchise, will host seven matches, including the CPL final dubbed “Super Bowl of the Caribbean”.

“We actually had bids from outside of the Caribbean to host the finals but Gerry (T&T Minister of Tourism Gerald Hadeed) was insistent that we brought it back here to Trinidad and Tobago,” said O’Donohoe during a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism.

“It was actually two countries (that bid to host the semi-finals and final). One was going to be the United

States and the next one was going to be in Dubai.”

O’Donohoe told reporters that taking the competition into the US market remains a goal of CPL, which officials say has been growing in popularity after two seasons. “We were in discussions to take some games over there...that is the future,” he explained.

“I have always said and it was always part of the plan to take the CPL into the US because we believe we have the best platform and we all know if you can make any traction in the US, the scale that they have changes things considerably.”

The announcement of the venue for CPL semi-finals and final follows last Thursday’s draft which saw Barbados Tridents retaining the bulk of the team which lifted last year’s title, while St Lucia Zouks have strengthened their squad significantly.

The third edition of the CPL will start slightly earlier this year, running from June 20 to July 26.

Present at the signing ceremony (from left) Senator Vasant Bharath, Trinidad and Tobago Minister for trade, industry, investment and communications; Senator Gerald Hadeed, Trinidad and Tobago minister of tourism; Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Chief Operations Officer Sacha Thompson; CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe; and Brent Sancho, Trinidad and Tobago minister of sport.

“We are going to have the t o p We s t I n d i e s a n d international stars in Trinidad for two weeks, so we have to come up with initiatives to make sure they

get into the schools, into the summer camps,” said O’Donohoe. “The CPL final

is the Super Bowl of the Caribbean and you are going to have the biggest stars from

the world of cricket and the biggest entertainers, and big celebrity names.”

Misbah leads Pakistan to victory over England SYDNEY (Reuters) - Skipper Misbah-ulHaq scored a majestic 91 not out to lead Pakistan to a thrilling four-wicket victory over England in their final World Cup warmup at Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday.

The 40-year-old notched up five fours and two sixes in his 99-ball knock, turning the match in a fourth-wicket partnership of 133 with Umar Akmal.

Akmal fell for 65 to leave Sohaib Maqsood (20) and then Shahid Afridi to help their captain guide the 1992 world champions past England’s total of 250 for eight with seven balls to spare.

Afridi (eight not out) scored the winning

runs with successive fours but rode his luck with the decisive second, which was almost caught at mid-off.

Pakistan’s batting had been far from convincing in their win over Bangladesh on Monday and they will now head to Adelaide to face reigning champions India in their tournament opener on Sunday with renewed confidence.

England’s bowling spearheads James Anderson and Stuart Broad took a couple of wickets apiece to keep the contest alive until the last few overs but the English were punished for anything loose. Misbah brought (Continued on page 29)

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq hit 91 not out. (Getty Images)

Thursday February 12, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Barcelona win 10th GAME IN THE ROW

Fraser-Pryce targets sub-10.7 this year FRASER-PRYCE… I am working towards it, especially in the gym, and hopefully it will bear fruits.

Lionel Messi scored for Barcelona. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Barcelona recorded their 10th victory in a row by beating Villarreal in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

The hosts dominated the first half but did not lead until the 41st minute when Luis Suarez set up Lionel Messi to sweep home from 16 yards out.

Manu Trigueros levelled soon after the break but Andres Iniesta restored Barca’s lead.

Gerard Pique added a header but Neymar had a penalty saved that would have put Luis Enrique’s side three goals clear. The second leg is on Wednesday, 4 March, with Barcelona’s city rivals Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao the other teams still in the competition.

Barcelona looked in crisis in early January when they were defeated by David Moyes’s Real Sociedad.

Several directors also quit the club, presidential elections were called and a transfer embargo was enforced.

There were also rumours of a row between Messi and boss Enrique. However, Barca have won every game since then.

Villarreal came into the game in good form too - their only defeat in the last 20 matches coming against Barca in the league earlier this month. But Barca were dominant from the start with Suarez missing several half-

chances before setting up Messi to score his 34th goal of the season.

Moments later, Messi played Suarez in but the Uruguayan dragged his shot wide.

Villarreal almost levelled with their first shot, in first-half injury time, as Luciano Vietto found the bottom left corner from Denis Cheryshev’s cross but Marc-Andre Ter Stegen got down well to touch it around the post. They equalised in the 48th minute when Ter

Stegen let Trigueros’s shot from outside the box through his hands.

But the scores were level for only seconds as Iniesta fired home from inside the box after an attempted pass to Suarez bounced back to the midfielder.

Pique put Barcelona in control when he headed home a corner from close range but Neymar squandered a chance when his spot-kick was saved by Sergio Asenjo.

David De Caires/Basil Sukhram Memorial Golf tourney postponed

P

lay in the Golf Tournament set for Sunday, has been postponed. The Lusignan Golf Club informed that the David De Caires/Basil Sukhram Memorial tournament has been postponed until further notice. The Club regrets any inconvenience this may have caused.

On another note, the winners of last Saturday’s Club Tournament, using net scores, were: 1st - Kalyan Tiwari 66/20, 2nd - MunafArjune 73/6, and 3rd - Maurice Solomon 74/23. Best Gross was won by MunafArjune with 79.

J

amaica Observer - BE afraid, be very afraid. That’s the warning to the women’s sprinting world after double Olympic 100m champion, Jamaica’s ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce declared that she wants to lower her personal best and national record of 10.70 seconds this year.

“Last year or the year before I didn’t have a personal best, so I want to do that this year.

My personal best is 10.70, so as you can imagine, I want to go faster than that,” said Fraser-Pryce, shortly after winning the 60m in 7.11 seconds at the Queen’s/Grace Jackson meet on January 31.

“This year I want to run well. I am training well and I want to be stronger this year. That’s the emphasis Stephen (Francis, coach) and I have talked about... me getting stronger. So I am working towards it, especially in the gym and hopefully it will bear fruits,” she added.

She continued: “As it relates to leading up to the World Championships, I am not sure if I will be doubling, but I am preparing, just in case, to do both events.”

In 2013, Fraser-Pryce became the first female sprinter to win gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay in a single World Championships in Moscow, Russia.

The ‘Pocket Rocket’, as Fraser-Pryce is called for her explosive starts, has dominated the 100m for the last six years, winning backto-back Olympic 100m titles in 2008 and

2012.

“I have won back-to-back Olympic titles, but I have never won a back-to-back World Championships title,” she noted.

The dynamic sprinter, who burst onto the international scene as a 21 year-old seven years ago, has since reaped 11 global medals, but she is still hungry for more success.

“So, of course, there is still something that I am hungry for and something I am looking forward to.

“I am looking forward to hopefully making the Olympic team in Rio. I am still young, I think, at 28, so I am just looking forward to the rest of the year.”

Enterprise to play Canal in T20 fixture Enterprise SC will take on Canal number two in a specially arranged T20 fixture on Sunday on the West Bank of Demerara.

Action gets underway at 10:00 hrs.

Enterprise team reads; J. Jawharlall, C. Singh, S. Yadram, B. Yadram, V. Gobin, R. Mankad, K. Mohammed, V. Albert, V. Lall, N. Ulla, R. Beepat,. N. Komar, R. Ramnarace, A. Roman and D. Mangru. The coach is Kavita Yadram and the manager is Richard Albert.

t r o Sp

E-Networks Crossfit Games launched

DeSinco/Degree representative Ms. DeAbreu addresses the gathering during the Luanch of the E-Networks Crossfit Games at 704 Bar last evening.

Georgetown capture DCB U-15 Harris seeking title, East Coast beat East Bank role players for Balkishun, Bookie, Nedd shine

national team - As National Basketball C/ships loom

East Coast top performers from left Avin Gangadin, Robin Williams, Chandra Mohan and Pradesh Balkishun

National Basketball Coach, Darcel Harris speaks to the media.

Teams commence Performance Fraser-Pryce no reflection battle for Mayor’s of team spirit targets subCup semifinal spots - Says Sir Richie 10.7 this year 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