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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
No action yet against NCN, NDIA officials…
Highest level of executive lawlessness - AFC Eight months after ordering an investigation at the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN), President Donald Ramotar has still not taken action against officials who may have been involved in wrongdoing. Yesterday, the Alliance For Change (AFC), one of the two opposition parties in the National Assembly, described the delay as the highest level of executive lawlessness. According to AFC’s Member of Parliament and Executive Member, Cathy Hughes, the NCN issue is similar to that of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) in which an audit report recommended the immediate dismissal of two senior officials. Regarding the NCN matter, President Ramotar had said that the report was engaging his attention and he would be addressing it. Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon, an official government spokesman, recently said that the matter is still engaging the attention of the President.
NCN’s Programme Manager Martin Goolsarran
Former NCN CEO, Mohamed Sattaur
NDIA’s CEO, Lionel Wordsworth
President Donald Ramotar
Hughes, during her party’s weekly briefing yesterday, pointed out that the deposit of company money into the personal bank account of NCN’s Production Manager, Martin Goolsarran, is not an allegation. Rather, “there is evidence that this fraudulent transaction did take place. In any other society, those responsible would have been behind bars. For the President to sit on the report from the audit firm while the perpetrators are still being paid by the company or
allowed to go free, places the President in a position where he is clearly condoning executive lawlessness.” Goolsarran has been on suspension since last June while Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Sattaur has resigned. The opposition has claimed that the government is reluctant to take action because of the closeness that the two executives have with the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic. THE NCN PROBE Hughes went further. “If President Ramotar is
disinclined to take action in his capacity as President, he is honour-bound as Minister of Information to ensure that the state-owned and government-controlled NCN operates above board and in such a clear case of irregularity, he should have immediately called for those named to face the full force of the law and let the chips fall where they will.” NCN operates the state’s television and radio stations and has been the focus of the opposition’s wrath. They have accused the entities of
being biased in their coverage. AFC has even said that NCN has been refusing to carry their advertisements. Regarding NDIA, the MP said that an audit on fuel consumption and equipment operations and maintenance, was conducted between May and September. NDIA is an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture that manages the water conservancies on the coastlands. “It was completed and submitted to the Chairman of the NDIA Board of Directors on September 26, and carbon
copied to President Donald Ramotar. Five months on and the President has failed to clean house,” Hughes said. The auditor, however, has reportedly instead been sent home. “These clear-cut and proven cases of financial irregularities at two government-controlled entities have placed Guyana in a very embarrassing position. This is compounded by the fact that the persons named, either continue to work in the agency with the opportunity to continue their illegal behaviour or they are given a slight tap on the wrist and sent off to perpetrate such acts elsewhere. They are not made to pay for the wrong they did.” The AFC official said that while the AFC remains committed to working with President Ramotar and his administration to move Guyana forward, “we remind him of remarks he made to his new cabinet in December 2012, ‘…our nation’s wellbeing should always be our most important guiding influence’ and call on him to lead by example and put this nation’s well being ahead of protecting cronies.”
DO YOU KNOW THAT JAGDEO’S BEST FRIEND IS THE ONLY PERSON IN GUYANA TO OWN THREE MEDIA HOUSES ... Radio, Television and Newspaper?
Dr. Bobby Ramroop
1) Channel 28 now TVG 28 2) A radio station - 89.5FM 3) Guyana Times newspaper
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Guyana, Brazil in critical meeting - Hydro-power facility, Lethem Road dominate talks Guyana and Brazil are locked in two days of meetings as plans to finalise a number of major collaborations move closer to fruition. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Guyana-Brazil Working Group on Infrastructure Projects in Guyana – started Wednesday and centred on the construction of a major hydro-electric plant and a Guyana/Brazil road. The outcome of the discussions by the two sides will result in concrete proposals being submitted to the respective Heads of State by June 2013, highlighting a specific timeline for implementation, the ministry said. Also set for discussion at the International Convention Centre, were details of the transmission lines from the hydro-electric plant and a deep water port. The Guyanese delegation is headed by Winston Brassington, Chairman of the Working Group, while the Brazilian team is being led by Ambassador Clemente Baena Soares, Director of the Department of South America and Ministry of External Relations of Brazil. Also there were Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Foreign Affairs (acting), Robeson Benn and Representative of the Roraima Group, Sergio Pillon. Minister Singh spoke of Brazil’s power as a global economic giant and how the establishment of the Takutu Bridge, provided it with the opportunity to benefit from its proximity with the country. He said with the bridge, the Georgetown-Lethem road and the new awareness of the northern states of the investment opportunities that are available or can arise in Guyana, the time was opportune for the twocountries to seek to benefit from the prospects for
development available. “I believe that we are now at a time when it will be fair to say these opportunities are ripe for harvesting. Given the level of recognition and awareness of opportunities for investment in Guyana by Brazilian companies…it beholds all of us on both sides to re-double our effort to realise this potential that has been spoken of for a long time,” he said. For Minister Benn, the meeting is a signal of the commitment by both countries’ leaders towards advancing bilateral cooperation which will ultimately lead to the improvement of lives for the respective citizens of the two countries. Outlining the infrastructure projects that are being discussed, Minister Benn said, “The projects offer investors from both countries’ opportunities to reduce high port and energy cost and offer employment and investment opportunities for Guyanese and Brazilians alike.” He said that it is envisioned that these cooperation projects will ensure energy security for future generations, and create critical economic partnerships, particularly with trade and transport services. “The Government of Guyana is therefore pleased to partner with Brazil to advancing these projects to reality,” he stated. Minister Benn also indicated government’s gratitude for the continued commitment demonstrated by the Brazilian Government in cooperating with Guyana at the bilateral level and international levels in the pursuit of common synergies towards providing a better quality of life for both countries’ citizens. Ambassador Soares expressed hope that the
Representatives of Guyana and Brazil during the opening session of the two-day meeting. outcome of the discussions will result in a joint report reflective of the concerns of both countries, and an orientation as to the way forward for the infrastructure projects in Guyana. He also pledged Brazil’s commitment to the joint development of the two countries. M e a n w h i l e Representative of the Roraima Group, Seigio Pillon also pinpointed the Takutu Bridge as the pioneer activity that commenced the dream of realising the possibility for development between the two countries. He said that Brazil would like to see the economic and social integration of Guyana as a sister country. Brazil understandably would want the road through Guyana as it will provide a much shorter route to the Atlantic Ocean, thus easing shipping time. It is the plan that container trucks will use the road to either a port in the city or altogether a new one. Neighbouring Brazil, because of its vastness, has been examining several options of easing its shipping woes, with the Linden/Lethem Road being a highly attractive one. They have offered to help fund the construction of the
road. Already, a bridge across the Takutu River, which separates Guyana from Brazil, has been built, and vehicles using the outlying state of Boa Vista have been gladly utilizing it. Lethem has been reporting increased trade since the bridge was commissioned in late 2009. The current 265-mile Linden/Lethem trail has been known to become impassable in rainy times, halting
activities of miners, forestry operators and residents who would use it. It is filled with river crossings and ruts and there have been calls to pave it. But this will prove an expensive venture for the Guyana government alone. Brazil had signaled its intentions as early as three years ago to help fund a 220megawatt hydro power project near the border with Guyana. Brazil would
purchase around100 megawatts to help power some of its northernmost areas, closest to Guyana. With the high prices of gold in recent years, Guyana has been seeing an influx of Brazilians in especially the mining districts. In the city, there have been a number of Brazilian businesses springing up. It is estimated that over 15,000 Brazilians live and work in Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Go South, Guyana Maybe it was coincidence that the end of the 24th Inter-Sessional meeting of Caricom fell on the same day that the Guyana-Brazil working group on infrastructural projects convened. But it was certainly serendipitous. The interminable ramblings of Caricom meetings over the last four decades appear to have reached a dead end. While the spirit may be willing as far as “Caribbean unity’ is concerned, overweening ambitions have certainly made the flesh weak. We predict that the present ‘pause’ in the CSME target for 2015 will continue for quite awhile. But the goal of a ‘common economy’ is not new. As far back as 1969, the eminent Caribbean economists, Brewster and Thomas, outlined in quite concrete terms, the way forward in integrating the region through specific economic ventures that took advantage of the comparative advantage of the individual territories. But the ‘dog in the manger’ syndrome of the leaders proved insurmountable and we are left with the annual meetings bemoaning their ‘financial hardships”, even as outside countries continue to use us as producers of primary products. They add value to these products and the rich get richer as the poor (us) get poorer. While we are sure that there is enough blame to go around for our present plight, Guyana can hold its head up high when it comes to supporting regional integration - economic or otherwise. Apart from facilitating and supporting the Caricom Secretariat that is located here, we have always made our vast natural resources available to our Caricom brothers and sisters for development. Land for agricultural development at nominal lease terms to address the region’s food security was only the latest offer. Most recently, T&T expressed some interest in the offer, but after a visit by their Minister of Agriculture, there has been hushed silence. In the meantime they continue flogging their dead horse of ‘mega farms’ initiated by their previous administration in the face of Guyana’s offer. We do suspect that the lack of movement of Guyana’s offers have more to do with counting the advantages that might accrue to Guyana rather than also considering their own benefits. And we now come to the Guyana-Brazil talks. For years, this newspaper has been on record as encouraging closer economic relations with our giant neighbour to our south. Decades ago, our National Development Strategy (NDS) pointed out several Guyanese products that northern Brazil could use - notably rice and (surprisingly) sugar. Since then Brazil has moved to fill those product gaps, but there is still large scope for increased trade in these and other products. The chief impediment to such trade was the overland route - which at that time was a glorified cattle trail called the Linden-Lethem road. The Brazilians had indicated an interest in paving that road since the seventies - even providing finance for it. Their interest was in securing a route to the North Atlantic for their products from Manaus. This meant continuing the road to Georgetown or/and Berbice with the addition of a deepwater harbour. Since then the Brazilians, in the person of their former president Lula, have indicated their interest in developing our hydro-electric potential. They proposed the construction of a mega facility that would supply our electricity needs with the excess being exported to their northern region. They are presently importing electricity from Venezuela’s Guri Dam. But for some inscrutable reason, our authorities have stubbornly dug in their heels against the road being completed - years after the Brazilian kept their promise and opened the Takutu Bridge. We are very pleased that the Brazilians have now placed a timeline on their discussions: an agreement, if any, must be reached by June. Time and tide, we have been taught, wait for no man. The Brazilians have now found an alternative route through Suriname, which was not even in the picture when our bilateral discussions started. Guyanese of all political persuasions must make their voices heard: While continuing with Caricom, we must fulfil our continental destiny. Go south, Guyana!
Friday February 22, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters...
This mentality seeks to condone and promote ethnic supremacy DEAR EDITOR, While reading the opinion columns of KN Feb. 11, 2013, I came across a contemptible piece of hackneyed treachery under the name Devanand Bhagwan bearing the head words, “Freddie’s sensationalist column was typically partial and unbalanced.” This writer claims to be presenting a balanced view of why Guyanese must condone the (Ravi Dev-like) agenda for complete Indo domination of all spheres of life in Guyana. He cites strange fictional statistics in an attempt to justify a traceable abhorrent pattern of official government policy of systematic marginalization of Afro Guyanese. The writer, in racists’ overtones, accuses and dismisses a whole nation of people of Afro heritage as lazy late-night party animals who lack business acumen, strangers to hard work and have manifest unwillingnessto toil to feed their families. Even though it is very sad that Bhagwan chooses to go so deep into the septic tank, I’m not at all surprised, because this has been a growing Indian (business, intellectual and middle class) narrative where there is a huge appetite to condone and in some cases promote official policies aimed at perpetuating Indian domination of all spheres of life in Guyana. Bhagwan harks back to
the days of PNC rule in which he insinuatedthat under the Afro-led PNC, Afro people had ample opportunities to flourish and they did not (get up and get), so why cry, now that you feel neglected under the current PPP Indo dominated dispensation. In other words, you had your people looking after your interest and you (or they) did not capitalize or significantly advance your cause, now we have our people looking after our interest stop whining and bare your ‘chaffe’, it is our time to shine. After all, no one physically restrained you from advancing. Herein lays the tragedy of race relations in today’s Guyana. Any Indian who dares to proffer dissenting views is attacked, ridiculed and vilified for opposing the breeding of an Indian supreme class.To speak out against racially skewed government directed top heavy Public Service, Foreign Service, government issued contracts, land distribution and agriculture projects is to undermine the quest for complete Indian supremacy. No wonder Freddie Kissoon, Chris Ram and Anand Golsarran are national untouchables. On the other hand, people of the ilk of Parvattie Persaud-Edwards, Ravi Dev and Vishnu Bisram are darlings to be endeared in the brotherhood with the mantra; tweak the little traces of Indo imbalances that still
exist, artificially engineer an Indian takeover of the Disciplined Services and we are well on our way to complete dominion. Bhagwan hides behind a veil of skin bleaching mumbo jumbo to tell us that the explicit systematic snub of dark complexioned people in Guyanese ads,is that the Indian business class is merely pandering to an African desire to be white, sheer poppycock. By his logic there is no reason to raise an eyebrow because when we look at these ads we are merely looking into the mirror of our souls, so we should shut up and look on. Bhagwan further claims that his “figures are staggering” from forged phantom science which he uses to argue why Indians have a natural and inherited right to an ascendency and there should be no fuss because the natural process will ensure that the legacy of Indian supremacy is cemented in Guyana. What is sad about this line of reasoning is that there seem to be a growing number of protagonists and aficionados supported by a vast sea of silent condoners. The average IndoGuyanese should stage a vocal revolt against this creeping culture because it will not deliver to Guyana a future of lasting peaceful coexistence. This science of one race domination will only fuel
further divisions and create greater inequalities, the result of which could redound to the detriment of all Guyana. The main ingredient to fuel a Guyanese implosion is to have sections of the population harbouring perception of continual suppression. It is better to coin material strategies to allay these fears (that exist in both Indo and Afro communities), than to continue to live on the fringes of violent remonstration for a piece of the Guyanese pie. Otherwise, we run the risk of creating a mentality and subculture of ‘Robin Hoodism’ among those who feel suppressed; we understand only too well all the attendant ills. Recent memory of the infamous post2002 jailbreak saga where a large section of the Guyanese society was ready to celebrate hardcore criminals as freedom fighters should be very instructive to all segments of Guyanese society, the recurrence of which should be avoided at all cost. Guyanese from all walks of life should seek a national conversation on race relations in Guyana and decipher ways in which the fears of various ethnic groups are addressed so that ordinary Guyanese do not feel threatened by the successes of a person who do not share their ethnicity. Sincerely Lennox Craig
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
THE Commodore’s mockery Premature memory loss of Jagan’s education ideals. DEAR EDITOR,
DEAR EDITOR, My family and I wish to extend our gratitude to you and the Force for affording me the opportunity to have applied for acceptance to the Cadet School for the Standard Officers’ Course 2013-2014. Denial of my application was disappointing, and even more disappointing sir, was the reason you provided for my rejection—Grade Three (3) Mathematics at the CSEC level. Sir, am I to believe that that eleven (11) CSEC passes inclusive of seven grades one’s and two’s is not adequate for admission to your cadet programme? Am I to believe that I am not as worthy a candidate for
admissions as someone who would have attained the bare minimum--six CSEC passes grades one’s and two’s? Sir, isn’t it fair to assume that had I limited myself to six subjects I probably would have attained all six subjects in Grades One’s and Two’s? M r. Commodore, students of today view CSEC as more than just an exam we take at the end of our secondary schooling, in fact, students of today view these exams as an opportunity to challenge themselves and gain the respect of our communities, peers, seniors and families. Commodore Best, I feel your rejection letter is a slap in the face of ambition, perseverance and sacrifice. While Dr. Cheddi Jagan is no
longer with us, he understood the universal right of every Guyanese to a quality education. My grandfather met him in 1963 when he commissioned the opening of the University of Guyana, paraphrasing what D r. J a g a n s a i d t o m y grandfather and what was later passed down to me: “One should never be punished for success”. Commodore, I believe had Dr. Jagan been alive today he would have understood my frustration at the punishment I am enduring for succeeding and sacrificing for my eleven CSEC passes instead of settling for Six (6). Yours Truly, GRADE 3 REJECT. KISHAN GANESH
classes on both occasions and caused students to fear the immediate application of force to their persons. This caused students to take evasive action, such as, resorting to the ends of the classroom and or abandoning classes altogether. The University of Guyana is an autonomous body that is so authorized by law to carry out the function of teaching throughout the length and breadth of Guyana under chapter 39:02 of the LAWS OF GUYANA. The University of Guyana is saddled, by law, with the responsibility of eradicating ignorance throughout the length and breadth of Guyana
and its target does not exclude members of the GDF from its ambit and mandate, thus, the University can be likened to the mother of education in Guyana and as such must enjoy the “SANCTITY OF PRIVACY”. Unlike the GDF whose legal mandate is to defend the country against enemies of the State under chapter 15:01, the University is legally responsible for the enhancement of people’s education and, therefore, members of the GDF ought to hold UG in the highest esteem and not to trample upon its ‘DIGNITY’. Ganesh Mahipaul President UGSS
instruct and guide our future leaders and must be more responsible. I learnt also that Dr. Thakur has been recently appointed to the new illegal Guyana Cricket Board as its “Educator Executive”. By his ready acceptance he obviously feels comfortable within this unlawful body, given its ethnic composition, and notwithstanding the lack of cricketing acumen amongst its so called Executive members. For the records Dr. Thakur must know that Berbice has
been extremely productive in monitoring and developing its players both male and female over the years. The body has continuously produced players to the Guyana and West Indies Cricket Teams. I therefore call on all selfrespecting Guyanese to condemn such utterances by Mr. Thakur; they are unacceptable divisive and totally against the spirit of one people, one nation, one Destiny.
The soldiers violated UG DEAR EDITOR,
It is appalling to see that the military authority of the Guyana Defence Force is attempting to justify the illegal and unlawful acts of its members by entering into the Turkeyen campus of the UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA (UG) on February 12 and February 13, 2013, at night, without seeking permission to do so from the relevant administrative authorities of UG. The army also failed to report to the campus security and this was done while seeking to apprehend one of its member. The encroachment resulted in the disruption of
Dr Thakur exhibits his proclivity DEAR EDITOR,
I read an article in the printed daily of Wednesday 20th February, 2013 wherein Mr. Odinga Lumumba exposed the startling revelation of Dr. Thakur, UG Lecturer’s presentation to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Cricket. Thakur’s pronouncement reportedly states that 70% of the management personnel in Berbice cricket come from the African community and as a consequence is largely responsible for the underdevelopment of Berbice Cricket. In my view Dr. Thakur by whatever measuring rod cannot make such definitive assertions that impact negatively on the ethnicity of officials/persons. This is more dangerous when one recognises that Dr. Thakur is a University Lecturer who is expected to
W. G. Boston
Poor Freddie Kissoon seems to be suffering premature memory loss. We h a v e m e t t w i c e once at the Cuffy Statue (Me with David Dabydeen
and the Fredster in his car) and once at the Georgetown Club (at a wed d i n g — F r e d d i e a n d Mrs Freddie present). I have gone on the record thrice about the former meeting. My memory
is firm as always. Perhaps Dr Beckles might help yourcolumnist with his condition.
published in the Kaieteur News on February 19, was impressive. Equally impressive was his admission that he never even read the libelous Guyana Times article nor the complaint in Mr. Burke’s lawsuit, yet he found it credible and appropriate to pronounce. I wish to therefore
encourage him to make his scholarly legal expertise available to the defense.
Yours John ‘Bill Reform’ Mair
Cotton/
Bisram should advise the defence Dear Editor:
Mr. Vishnu Bisram’s contrived exegesis on the merits and demerits of Mr. Rickford Burke’s libel lawsuit against the Guyana Times newspaper as well as his attempt to expertly opine on American jurisprudence,
Sincerely, Jevon Suralie Director of Communications Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Plans apace for free kidney transplants by midyear – Dr Doobay Three renal failure patients have been identified for free kidney transplant operations, an initiative which has been spearheaded by the Doobay Renal Centre Inc. located at Annandale, East Coast Demerara. According to Founder of the facility Dr Budhendranauth Doobay, the transplant operations which are set for May or June of this year will in fact represent an alliance with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He explained that once all plans remain on track, the surgical operations will be undertaken at the public facility and the surgical team will travel from the McMaster Medical Centre in Canada. “So we are bringing this team from McMaster and they will be coming at their own expense, bringing all the instruments and we will do it at the GPHC if everything is on track.” “Our Transplant Nephrologist came to meet with the GPHC and everything is supposed to be on track to operate on the three patients who will be transplanted on without paying a single cent,” Dr Doobay said on Wednesday. The Doobay Renal
Dr Budhendranauth Doobay Centre, which opened its doors during the latter part of 2011, has been working in close collaboration with the McMaster Medical Centre. According to Dr Doobay, “all of our patients are connected with people at McMaster through a master plan.” There are currently about 40 patients accessing dialysis and other medical care at the Doobay Centre. Dr Doobay himself is a vascular surgeon who migrated to Canada some years ago and has established himself there as a reputable medical practitioner. Since forming the local renal centre, which is a registered
Patients undergoing dialysis at the Doobay Renal Centre not-for-profit organisation, he has been returning to render his expert service which is expected to expand with the introduction free kidney transplants. This is arguably the first time that such a high cost operation will be offered free to patients, most of whom can ill-afford to fund the medical care required for their condition. During the latter part of last year, Nephrologist, Azim Gangji, of the McMaster Medical Centre, visited the GPHC to meet with officials to engage talks on the
Mc Doom miner’s murder…
Cops launch manhunt for alleged mastermind Police have launched a manhunt for a youth believed to be the mastermind behind Wednesday night’s brutal murder of Mc Doom gold miner Gavin Mc Neil. Investigators yesterday conducted searches at several homes on the East Bank of Demerara and in the city for the suspect, but failed to locate him. The alleged mastermind is an East Bank Demerara youth who was questioned in late 2011 in connection with the murder of a woman. That case remains unsolved, but investigators yesterday appeared optimistic that Mc Neil’s killers will be apprehended. Kaieteur News understands that police have received information that the suspect was seen lurking in the area where the victims live some hours before the six-man gang invaded Mc Neil’s home. “He’s been on the police radar for a long time,” a source said. Information suggests that the killers were tipped off that the gold miner had returned from the interior.
Murdered miner, Gavin Mc Neil According to information, the 38-year-old dredge owner had only returned from the interior last Saturday. He had his operations in Siparuni, Region Eight. Mc Neil was shot dead near his gate by the robbers who had earlier held the man’s two daughters hostage in an effort to gain entry to the family’s Lot 48 Middle Street, McDoom home. During the 15-minute ordeal, McNeil’s mother-in-law, June Elwin,
was badly beaten by the masked bandits and his wife, Melissa McNeal, sustained an injury to her face. The victim’s mother-inlaw said that herself, Mc Neil and his two daughters had left their home at around 17:00 hrs to purchase some Chinese food. Mc Neil’s wife, who contracted malaria, had stayed at home. When they returned, the girls went to the back of the house while her son-in-law parked his vehicle. The woman said she was going to the back of the house when she heard her granddaughters shouting and then saw some masked men holding the minors at gun- and knifepoint. “They tell me to open the door before they hurt the kids and their mother, who was inside, and I opened the grill because I had the keys and then they go in and start beating me and they chop me daughter,” the woman recalled. The robbers then relieved the family of some $1M in cash and jewellery, then shot Mc Neil as they were fleeing.
transplantation plans. Himself and other kidney doctors from the Canadian Medical Centre are affiliated with the Renal Centre and have been offering their expertise there on a voluntary basis. Dr Gangji was the fourth Nephrologist to visit the facility for last year and has been collaborating with the renal centre staffers to provide a subsidized dialysis service which is offered at $9,000 per session. However, Gangji in an interview with this newspaper said that
dialysis is in fact a temporary measure and could be used as a bridge to transplantation. He noted that while the idea of dialysis was viewed as a “big venture” measures have been introduced to take the care of renal failure patients’ one step further. He revealed that realistically, every patient is eligible for transplant and there are no age criteria but rather it is dependent on their health status. He said that often patients on dialysis are concerned
about their options and some are even afraid to enquire. At the same time, he said, donors may not be aware of the ways they can help their loved ones on dialysis. He noted that efforts are being made to educate patients as well as their relatives, a move which has already commenced at the Doobay Renal Centre. “This idea of educating will hopefully bring that gap a bit closer and allow the idea of transplantation to really start off,” he speculated.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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THE CCTV CONTROVERSY The controversy over the presence of China Central Television (CCTV) in Guyana is over. It has now been clarified that what is happening is that the Chinese broadcast is being transmitted on one of the frequencies assigned to the National Communications Network (NCN) and not independently by CCTV. This effectively settles the mini-storm that had developed over this issue and which saw two sets of explanations being offered by the government. These explanations were seen by some as being contradictory, but upon closer examination, they were not. The first explanation from the Head of the Presidential Secretariat stated that the government had signed an agreement with the Chinese government to allow for the transmission and that a call had been made to the Head of the NFMU to give effect to this decision by assigning a channel or frequency. This explanation led to charges that the government was confirming that it had breached the broadcasting laws by granting a channel to an unlicenced entity. It was left to the Prime Minister to fill in the missing dots by pointing out that NCN was using one of its assigned channels to transmit the CCTV programmes.
This explanation is not at odds with what the Head of the Presidential Secretariat had said. In order to broadcast, one first needs a broadcast licence. NCN has such a licence; CCTV does not. Therefore CCTV cannot transmit other than through a channel that is assigned to another television station. Or, alternatively, it has to apply for its own broadcast licence. No such licence has been granted by the new National Broadcast Authority and logically, therefore, questions were raised as to how CCTV was being allowed to transmit. It has now been clarified that CCTV has not established a station in Guyana. They have no licence; their programs are being relayed on a channel assigned to the NCN. The National Broadcast Authority grants broadcast licences but the responsibility for assigning channels is that of the National Frequency Management Unit. There is nothing unusual about the State-owned communications company being granted multiple channels based on its licence. NCN has one licence, but is assigned multiple frequencies. It has three radio channels and its television signals can be had in different
Dem boys seh...
De jail brushing Brazzy Brazzy leading a delegation to some international forum. Dem boys want to know if is because nuff of de people who woulda travel frighten that de Americans gun arrest dem fuh dem crookishness in de country. Brazzy know everything bout wha happening in de hotel business, in de hydro business, in de airport business and in de banking business. He is de man who mek a contractor write out he own contract fuh build a hotel. Is not everybody can do that. When dem boys hear bout that contract thing dem come to de conclusion that Brazzy couldn’t read and write. Is when de man announce that he get a US$9 million cut that people realize that de man actually sell de contract fuh de money. That is brains, but people know that brains like that does land people in jail. It land Bernie Madoff in jail and it land de cricket man from Antigua in jail. Other people go in jail but not because dem smart. And is dem old people who running to go to jail. This man kill he woman. He shoulda been teaching young people to live. Well de judge decide that he is a bad example and sentence he. Old people always talk bout getting more jail that yuh age. Well dem boys notice that this nearly happen to de man. He get 60 years which mean that he gun live in deh till he dead. And by he old, dem boys in deh shouldn’t trouble he. When he enter de jail and he tek he last look outside dem boys hear when he seh that dem got people who shoulda been in jail before he. He talk bout de Bees but dem boys remind he that some of dem ain’t got woman suh de likelihood of any of dem killing a woman was remote. Ah Kneel coulda kill people though. He seh how is Bharrat tell people not to go to he party. He seh that Bharrat want Rob Earth to become president and he, Ah Kneel want tun president too. De birthday parties woulda cloud people judgement. Well dem boys waiting to see when Rob Earth gun host a party and who gun go. Talk half and keep watching dat one Brazzy some more.
areas on different channels. In Georgetown, it can be had on channel 11 while in Berbice it is received on a different channel. There is also nothing unusual also for NCN to have on reserve more than one channel. Thus, a call to the NFMU requesting the use of one of these assigned and reserved channels is not in violation of any law. Neither is there any breach of the gentleman’s agreement between the former President and the former Leader of the Opposition, to wit, that no new licences will be granted prior to the passage of broadcast legislation. It requires no new licence for CCTV’s programmes to be broadcast on an assigned frequency of NCN. Apart from Channel 11, there is an educational channel, and it was agreed that there will also be a special channel which will be given to the religious community. This will no doubt eventually happen
through the assignment of a frequency from the NFMU. Why then was there such a strong reaction to the CCTV programmes being aired on a separate channel. Apart from the fact that the full facts were not public, much of the hullabaloo that was raised about CCTV has its origins in two sets of concerns. The first is the insecurity that the transmission of Chinese programmes has on the American cultural domination in Guyana. The Chinese have already become the largest trade partner with Latin America and there is the fear that CCTV can further undermine US influence in the Region. The Americans will therefore be trying to diffuse this growing economic and now increasing cultural influence by the Chinese. The second concern is that there are many persons who have applied for licences and are still awaiting word on their applications. Thus when they saw the channel
dedicated to Chinese programmes, they felt that once again their applications were being bypassed and the Chinese were enjoying unfair and preferential treatment. The two issues need to be addressed separately. In particular, there is need for the new Broadcast Authority to assure all applicants for broadcast licences that there will be fairness in the consideration of their applications. The real focus should therefore not be about CCTV, but about when and how these applications for radio and television licences will be considered. Guyanese must not get carried away by facetious arguments that the broadcast spectrum is limited and therefore it is worrying that a frequency has been assigned to a foreign power, and that this will lessen the opportunities for regional and local stations to gain entry into the system. The problem is not the finite limitation of the
spectrum. The problem is just how many television and radio stations can be sustained in such a small economy. Guyana probably has the highest per capita television stations in the world. Right now there are more than five radio stations in operation and nearly twenty-five television stations. This is far too much for a small country like Guyana. In such a scenario, Guyana will not get value for the use of its spectrum because to make all these stations viable licencing and frequency fees will have to be kept low. And when they are kept low, it means that the main beneficiaries will be those with licences and not the taxpayers.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
=== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ===
The PPP will fix Guyana, but… I grew up hearing people from all stations in life saying that time really travels. I, myself, can’t believe time can leave you so fast. You look over your shoulder and your friend’s children that were babies in front of your eyes are now women and men. You look around and you wondered how time went by so speedily. Because time flies you want to fulfill your desires before death comes. You hope you would have achieved more than half the things you set yourself to
accomplish. The persons that have all the time in the world are the people in the ruling party in Guyana, the PPP. This is a group that never fails to make you laugh. The PPP Government announced that it plans to have a national minimum wage. Really, this set of leaders has no parallel in world politics. This is a party that has proclaimed since its birth in 1947 that its rasion d’etre is the wellbeing of the poorer classes. Its founder, Dr. Jagan, captured the hearts and minds of sugar workers that
he promised to lead into the Promised Land. This same Dr. Jagan called the longest strike in the sugar industry in the seventies over the imposition of a sugar levy but died in office without removing it when he became president. The same proworking class party scrapped the levy thirteen years after it came to power. In 2013, more than twenty years after acquiring power in 1992, this “fighter” for working class people, the PPP, says it plans to have a national minimum wage. The
obvious question is what was this “fighter” for a working class paradise doing all this time? Whenever I think about Guyana’s stagnation, I remember the creation of the European Union and also my dead friend, Theo Morris; we were contemporaries as UG students. We remained lifelong friends. Theo told me that he was in a plane from the Bahamas and as the flight reached over Guyana, a passenger asked where are the lights?. All he saw was darkness. Forty-six years after Independence, almost
ninety percent of the streets in the capital city do not have street lamps. When lights went up on the East Coast highway, I told my wife while we were driving, that give those bulbs five years and after that, darkness will return. Do you know almost forty percent of those tubes from Vlissengen Road to UG Road have died two years ago? Do you know almost forty percent of traffic signals do not work? Do you know they never functioned at the junction of Albert and Lamaha Streets? So for over forty-six years after we got Independence, there are hardly any street lamps in Georgetown. Think of what the Europeans have achieved forty-six years after Europe virtually lay in ruin after World War II. After forty-six years, Europe had retaken its place in the world economy. In 1970, the subway in France was post-modern. This was twenty-five years after WWII. Let’s talk about President Obama. If he had lost re-election, he would still have made a huge entry into the American history books. In less than four years, he created a national health care system that defied previous American Presidents. One would like to think that Obama said that since time moves quickly and when he looks over his shoulder his term will be up, he made the heath care system his priority. Near to twenty-one years in power, a working class government plans to put in place a national minimum
Frederick Kissoon wage. Not to forget that a man with a doctorate and a university professor (Henry Jeffrey) was Minister of Labour for five years. Not to forget, his consultant also had a doctorate (Nanda Gopaul). So what have they done with their five years and their doctorates at the Ministry of Labour? What has the great working class PPP Government done the past twenty-one years at the Georgetown Hospital? Burnham brought a surgeon named Innocent Muchenagumbo (see my February 27, 2008 column on this man) to run the Georgetown Hospital in 1982. The Georgetown Public Hospital offers the same service as when Muchenagumbo made a mess of things. In 1985 my mom died there. They didn’t have porters to fetch her up the stairs when she was admitted. In 2011, my nephew got into an accident and they didn’t have porters to lift him. The PPP will fix Guyana. Give them another fifty years. Only problem with that is that there may not be a country. Time will not wait on the PPP. It waits on no one.
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Police to sternly address drinking and driving phenomenon - 25 recruits graduate, urged to be good ambassadors Twenty-five (25) recruits yesterday became fullfledged ranks of the Guyana Police Force as they graduated from the Recruit Course 307. Commissioner of Police (ag) Leroy Brumell, at the official ceremony, sought to promote perseverance among the newly trained ranks when he monetarily awarded a rank who fainted but quickly rejoined his fellow graduates. “You big up the police force today, you took a shot but got right back up to go again and that must be recognized.” Also at the ceremony, Brumell addressed the recent rise in road fatalities and said that the Force will begin to stake out drinking spots to monitor drivers. “We have start going where they drink…as soon as they move, you test them,”
Brumell also announced that the licences of drivers involved in fatal accidents will be suspended because alleged offenders are being granted $100,000 bail. “Then the next day you see them driving a new bus.” “I’m wondering what is happening. Persons are losing their lives like animals just running down the road and getting knocked,” he said. Latest statistics show that 17 persons have so far died on the country’s roads compared to 13 last year. Returning his focus to the graduates, Brumell reminded them of the common saying “once a police, twice a civilian…Remember when you go out there it is to serve and protect and don’t pretend like you become a God.” The Commissioner said
The ranks being addressed by the Commissioner
that it pains him each time serious complaints are made against police. He urged the Ranks to be good ambassadors of the force,
“please don’t go out there with the lazy attitude. He used the opportunity also to reiterate that the force is seeking to bridge the gap
between it and the public.” He noted that the standing orders of the force “…is like a dictionary, let it guide you.” Brumell spoke
about the various developments in the force and said that his intention is to continue along the road of modernization.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
US takes tough anti-theft trade strategy following alleged China hacking US (AP) - The Obama administration announced a broad new effort to fight the growing theft of American trade secrets following fresh evidence linking cyberstealing to China’s military. The plan includes a new diplomatic push to discourage intellectual property theft abroad along with better coordination at home to help U.S. companies protect themselves. The administration says indications are that economic espionage is increasing, not only through electronic intrusion over the Internet, but also through the recruitment of former employees of U.S. companies with knowledge of inside trade information. “Trade secret theft threatens American businesses, undermines national security and places the security of the U.S. economy in jeopardy,” said a report from the White House. “These acts also diminish U.S. export prospects around the globe and put American
jobs at risk.” Earlier this week, a suburban cybersecurity firm, Mandiant, accused a secret Chinese military unit in Shanghai of years of cyberattacks against more than 140 U.S. companies. The accusations and supporting evidence increased pressure on the United States to take more action against the Chinese for what experts say has been years of systematic espionage. The Chinese government denied being involved in cybertheft, with China’s defence minister calling the Mandiant report deeply flawed. China’s Foreign Ministry said that country has also been a victim of hacking, much of it traced to the United States. Wednesday’s Obama administration report did not specifically target any one violator, but the China problem is evident in the case studies it cited. Those examples did not involve cyberattacks, but rather the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in trade secrets by
The US has taken a tough stance against alleged threats of alleged hacking by the Chinese government. former employees of U.S. corporations including Ford Motor Co., DuPont Co., General Motors Corp., Cargill, Dow Chemical Co., Valspar and Motorola. President Barack Obama signed an executive order last week aimed at helping protect the computer networks of American industries from cyberattacks. It called for the development of voluntary standards to protect the computer systems that run critical sectors of the economy such as the
banking, power and transportation industries. It directed U.S. defence and intelligence agencies to share classified threat data with those companies. He also prodded Congress during his State of the Union address to go further. “Now, Congress must act as well by passing legislation to give our government a greater capacity to secure our networks and deter attacks,” Obama said. The president said
America’s enemies are “seeking the ability to sabotage our power grid, our financial institutions and our air traffic control systems. We cannot look back years from now and wonder why we did nothing in the face of real threats to our security and our economy.” The new report was short on specific consequences for trade secret theft, with no new fines or other trade actions announced. It included five actions to protect American innovation:
— Applying diplomatic pressure by senior officials to foreign leaders to discourage theft. — Promoting best practices to help industries protect against theft. — Enhancing U.S. law enforcement operations to increase investigations and prosecutions. — Reviewing U.S. laws to determine if they need to be strengthened to protect against theft. — Beginning a public awareness campaign.
done do that long now... and we call them back and they say they got to come and set up the rest, but till day like today nobody not coming, and we just don’t know what going on. It is a worrying situation because we got small children in this area and it’s really not safe,” said one resident yesterday. Currently the plot of land is overwhelmed with overgrowth and there is a
very visible sign which indicates that the property is for sale. “Right now this is not anybody land; as far as we know is some disputed property and a house there had to break down and now the live electrical line just sitting there on a piece of erected wood.” The line, according to residents, channels electricity to several homes in the area.
Propped-up electrical wire worries Parika residents Failure on the part of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to address a concern about a power line has left several residents at GBTI/ Anand Street, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, very peeved. This publication was informed yesterday that more than one year ago, a report was made to the Vreed-enHoop GPL office about a propped-up line on a vacant lot which, according to residents, is a glaring threat. They claim that a strong breeze could cause the live line to collapse from the wooden stave on which it is currently mounted, and there exists the potential risk of harm being caused to young children and even animals. According to residents, there have been very high winds recently, thus their concerns about the situation have greatly increased. It was disclosed that the matter was reported no less than 10 times in the past year and although
The propped-up line on the vacant plot of land GPL linesmen visited the location, nothing has been done. This publication was informed yesterday that residents were some time ago asked to acquire and plant a pole on the vacant plot in order to have the line fixed properly, an undertaking which was completed months ago. “We call GPL and they tell we to set up the pole and we
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
GGDMA worries that criminals may be targeting miners
Recent violent and deadly attacks on miners by bandits on the coastland have the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) wondering if miners are being targeted by criminal elements. President of the GGDMA Patrick Harding during an interview with this publication yesterday said he hopes miners are not being targeted owing to the lucrative returns of the mining sector. He added that the association is contemplating engaging the Guyana Police Force to assess the situation to ascertain if indeed miners
are being singled out. Harding stressed that GGDMA is very concerned about miners being robbed, abused and killed in the City and coastal communities where security is supposed to be available. He said that it appears that attacks on miners in the mining districts have reduced, but miners are becoming vulnerable on the coastland. Only Wednesday evening, a miner, Gavin McNeil, was killed at his Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara residence by bandits who
escaped with over $1M in cash and jewellery. Meanwhile, about three weeks ago a gold miner Jason Wills, called ‘Teddy’ was gunned down in Pine Grove Street, Meadow Brook. Late last year, 34-yearold Troy McAllister escaped death after he was attacked and stabbed by three men at a Brazilian bar on Light Street, Georgetown. His assailants stripped him of his boots, hat and $50,000 before stabbing him in his abdomen. There have been other instances where miners were
robbed millions either at their homes or on the streets after conducting business. According to Harding, miners may have to provide their own security, but would not take the law into their own hands. He noted that GGDMA had engaged the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee about miners being able to protect themselves with firearms. The tardiness with the issuance of firearm licences was also discussed. The association was promised that the matter would have been looked into, but to date
nothing has been done. Harding speaking broadly on the crime situation said that Government needs to improve security for citizens. He stressed that regardless if a citizen is involved directly in mining, everyone should be protected from criminal elements. “If someone is gunned down in Georgetown it should be of concern, since there are more security resources available than in the interior locations where there are limited manpower and vehicles… The police are failing citizens,” he added.
GGDMA President Patrick Harding
GPL contract worker succumbs to electrical burns Nineteen-year-old Seon Scott, a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) contract worker, yesterday succumbed to severe electrical burns that he sustained on the job. The youth had been clinging to life over the past week in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he suffered the injuries at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice. According to information received, Scott was at the top of a utility pole at Bath Settlement when he reportedly slid down the pole and sustained burns from his neck to his lower body. In an unconscious state, the teen was rushed to Fort Wellington Hospital by his colleagues and was subsequently transferred to the GPHC. Scott’s entire left side, from his head to knee was burnt and he became paralyzed as a result of the injuries. Reports are that for the week he battled through,
Dead: Seon Scott Scott basically depended on a life support machine. The victim’s family is still trying to find answers as to what exactly happened with Scott, since the workers who were present when the incident occurred have not yet provided details.
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
Murder in Bartica…
Female suspect stays ahead of Brazilian cops The woman suspected of killing businesswoman Elisangela Silva Figueara in Bartica continues to stay one step ahead of Brazilian policemen who are trying to track her down. A Brazilian official told Kaieteur News that investigators have verified that the woman returned to Brazil the day after Figueara was murdered. According to the official, the Brazilian native crossed the border and had her passport stamped. She then went to a sister’s home in Boa Vista, “but she fled as soon as she heard that the police were looking for her.” Sources identified the woman as Nelly Silvado De Souza, also called Nelly Silvado Fernanda, a former employee of Figueara’s. Investigators have received reports that De Souza had confronted Fernanda about a sum of money that the suspect was unable to account for. They were reportedly heard arguing on the day that Figueara was last seen alive, A post mortem performed last week Wednesday revealed that the 35-year-old businesswoman was beaten and strangled. Sources who knew both individuals said that the suspect had fled to Guyana a
Elisangela Da Silva Figueara
Nelly Silvado De Souza
few years ago after committing a serious crime in Brazil. It is alleged that she returned to Brazil after wounding another woman at an interior location. After spending a few months in Brazil, the suspect returned to Guyana and began to work with Figueara at Bartica. Figueara reportedly left the woman to run her communications business for about a month, and when the businesswoman returned, she is said to have discovered that between $600,000 and $1M was missing. The two were reportedly heard arguing three Thursdays ago, which was also the last time that Figueara
was seen alive. Kaieteur News was told that the suspect was seen at a Bartica shop the following day but has not been seen since. Figueara’s body was discovered in a bedroom at her Lot 97 Second Avenue, Bartica residence. Her bed was blood-soaked and her tongue was protruding. There was also a gash on her head. Neighbours last saw Figueara alive on the day in question when she was sweeping her yard. That night, she was overheard arguing with another female and neighbours reportedly later observed that all the windows and doors of the residence were shut.
Guyanese faces extradition after alleged housing scam
Connecticut, USA (Stamford Times) - Police say a New York man impersonated a Stamford Housing Authority employee and swindled seven people out of US$3,000. Gajesh Sewnarain, 49, of 3723 92nd St. in Jackson Heights, N.Y., was charged Monday with third-degree larceny and seven counts of criminal impersonation. The Stamford Police Department launched an investigation of Sewnarain in June 2011 after receiving multiple complaints. According to the police report, Sewnarain posed as an employee of the Stamford Housing Authority and met with people at various locations throughout Stamford including Stamford Town Center, Chamber of Commerce meetings and various hotels in the downtown area. Police say Sewnarain told victims he had vouchers for Section 8 housing and could expedite the housing process for the victims. After receiving personal
Arrested: Gajesh Sewnarain information from his victims, he requested them to pay for application fees, security deposits and other various charges, according to police. Police say he charged victims for fees that would be considered legitimate for regular housing but not appropriate for Section 8 housing.
Sewnarain allegedly collected a total of $3,000 from his seven victims, police said. “As our investigation was closing in and we got an arrest warrant signed for Sewnarain, he disappeared,” said Stamford Police Sgt. Andrew Gallagher. Police tracked Sewnarain to Tampa, Fla. where he worked in a florist shop in 2012. Police contacted the Florida flower shop and learned the suspect was expected to pick up his W-2 form. On Feb. 1, Sewnarain was arrested by members of the Tampa Police Department’s fugitive squad, as he went to pick up his paperwork, police said. He was extradited to Connecticut Monday and formally charged. Sewnarain, a native of Guyana, also has a hold from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for extradition hearings. He was held on a $50,000 bond and was arraigned in Stamford Superior Court Tuesday.
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Driver in Liverpool accident turns self in
The truck parked in the Whim Police Station compound The driver involved in the accident that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old Liverpool Village girl has surrendered. The man, who is from Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, turned himself in late Wednesday evening to the Whim Police Station, in the company of his lawyer. He also reportedly re-visited the scene of the accident yesterday with traffic ranks to
explain what had happened. He is likely to be charged for causing death by dangerous driving. Zani Munroe of 33 Mc Gowan Street, Liverpool Village and a Fourth Form student of the Manchester Secondary School was riding her bicycle just after 17:00 hrs, at which time a truck, GLL 8938, registered in the name of G. Heeram of Friendship,
Corentyne, transporting reef sand, was heading to New Amsterdam, and struck the child down. The driver reportedly exited the vehicle and fled the scene. The truck is currently in the Whim Police Station compound, while a post mortem examination is expected to be performed on Munroe on Monday.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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IMF says Antigua MANNING SUFFERS SEIZURE economy recovering ...back in hospital WASHIINGTON - CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the economy of Antigua and Barbuda is showing signs of recovery after three years of contraction. After concluding 2012 Article IV Consultation with the Government of Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, IMF executive directors commended the authorities’ “strong commitment to their economic program.” Noting, however, the significant challenges still posed by the “difficult global and domestic environment,” the directors called for “continued steadfast implementation of the program. “Accelerating structural reforms, especially fiscal and financial sector reforms, will be essential to restore growth and ensure macroeconomic and financial stability,” said the Washington-based financial institution in a statement issued here on Wednesday.
“Directors supported the authorities’ commitment to fiscal consolidation and efforts to reduce public debt, with some cautioning that consolidation should not come at the expense of the fragile economic recovery,” it added. To ensure fiscal sustainability and create a buffer against shocks, the IMF directors stressed the importance of “improved public financial management and expenditure rationalization, without constraining the muchneeded capital spending.” They said reversing delays in the structural reform agenda, including broadening the tax base, especially by eliminating tax exemptions, would help enhance revenue. The IMF directors also considered the reform of the pension system and improved oversight of stateowned enterprises to be “important priorities going forward.”
They underscored the importance of continued efforts to improve financial sector stability, calling for the “timely resolution” of the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Bank and other financial sector measures, including operation of the asset management company. On June 7, 2010, the IMF approved 36-month Stand-By Arrangement with Antigua and Barbuda. “The reform program was designed to catalyze financing from other international and regional financial institutions and created the framework for a successful debt renegotiation,” the statement said. “The main objective of the authorities’ program has been to put the public debt firmly on a downward trajectory through fiscal consolidation, debt restructuring and comprehensive reforms in revenue administration and public financial management,” it added.
Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning suffered a seizure at his constituency office in San Fernando yesterday afternoon, and is lastnight at the Emergency Department of the San Fernando General Hospital. Hospitals officials have confirmed that Manning underwent a CT scan on the brain, and taken to the resuscitation room. He was said to be sedated and being monitored by neurologist Dr Kanta Ramcharan and Head Emergency, Dr Ricardo Narinesingh. The Express was told that Manning suffered a seizure at his constituency office at Coffee Street, San Fernando at around 4 p.m and was brought to the hospital by ambulance. On the night of January 23 last year, Manning suffered a stroke at home, and taken to the San Fernando General Hospital before seeking treatment in the United States
where he underwent physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy treatment. He has been away from Parliament on medical leave since that time, and has limited strength on one side of the body. However, he attended the Calypso Fiesta at Skinner Park, San Fernando earlier this month, and was on the streets of the city during the Carnival. Manning has been the
Patrick Manning member of Parliament for San Fernando East since 1971. sueann.wayow@trinidadexpress.com
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
Warner to talk on new Flying Squad today Trinidad Guardian Minister of National Security Jack Warner says he will give a full statement on the new Flying Squad today. Speaking to reporters after visiting the relatives of slain police officer Sgt Hayden Manwarring yesterday, Warner said there had never been a new Flying Squad. He said: “I propose to make a full statement on that on Friday and I will talk to the nation for the last time. I want to say as far as I am
concerned, there has never been a Flying Squad. “I know of no Flying Squad. I have no contract with any Flying Squad. I have no letters between any Flying Squad and me. I have no emails between me and any Flying Squad. There is nothing between the permanent secretary and any Flying Squad.” He added: “It continues to boggle my mind about the gullibility of a nation, with the help of the media, over
something which to my knowledge does not exist.” Warner was also dismissive of Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, who insisted on Tuesday the Flying Squad had been revived. He said: “Rowley has his work to do and let him do his work, with your help, of course. He continues to be an irritant to me. I don’t have to answer to him. It is unfair for him to feed the media the kind of garbage. I will talk on Friday about this.”
On allegations that two of his close relatives were under arrest in the United States for money-laundering, Warner said: “I heard that allegation and I challenge anybody to print it or publish it or put it in the news. I don’t have to answer you. “If they claim they are detained, then call them and find out. You have their phone numbers.” Pressed further, Warner added: “I will not say anything unless someone is
bold enough or brave enough to print something. I challenge anybody in the media to do that. I will like to be a rich man. “I have said nothing and I say to you that [my two relatives] are not in any way incarcerated and I won’t say much more than that. If anybody knows anything otherwise, then print it.” Warner said he would not be deterred by detractors but vowed to bring crime under control and said he chose not to attend the CARICOM meeting in Haiti with the Prime Minister because of the current crime wave. He added: “I did not attend with the Haiti delegation. The Prime Minister did ask me and I told the PM that with the level of crime in the country and the fact that there is no [junior] minister in my ministry, I wanted to stay here to keep my finger and my pulse on the crime.” He also denied he was going to resign. “You ever know me to run from anything?” he asked. Warner said additional security had been deployed in east Trinidad owing to an
Jack Warner increase in crime. He also said he made an aerial tour of the coasts early Wednesday to look at the coastal stations which would be erected to stop the influx of guns and ammunition. He said: “We are building a maritime wall around Trinidad with 12 coastal stations and two in Tobago. We identified the 12 stations and on Wednesday the committee meets to make an assessment and then these walls will be erected.” He added that Government would hold talks with the Colombian Government to help stamp out crime and a delegation from Colombia would visit T&T on February 27.
All eyes on Venezuelan hospital, no sign of Chavez
Hugo Chavez CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — In Caracas’ military hospital, there is no outward sign that President Hugo Chavez is a patient other than the motorcades that come and go, and the troops in red berets standing guard. Atop the Dr. Carlos Arvelo Military Hospital, a sign with a large photo of Chavez smiling pays tribute to the socialist leader. Some of his supporters shout “He’s back!” as they
drive past. And journalists have been crowding around the entrance of the hospital where the government says Chavez has been receiving more cancer treatment. The government hasn’t released a single photo of Chavez since his return from Cuba on Monday, and that has some Venezuelans doubting whether he’s in the hospital. Others insist he is there, just out of sight while undergoing treatment.
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Maduro could run Venezuela Ecuador’s Correa plans no sweeping reforms, wants investment if Chavez resigned – Correa
Nicolas Maduro (Reuters) - Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa said yesterday that Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez is recovering from cancer surgery, but if he had to step down Vice President Nicolas Maduro would be “extremely capable” of running the OPEC nation. Correa, who won a sweeping re-election victory
on Sunday, told Reuters he thinks Maduro is the right person to take over in Venezuela if the socialist leader needs to step down. “Regardless of who may take charge, my main concern is that Chavez recovers ... but in case he cannot be in charge, Vice President Maduro is extremely capable,” Correa told Reuters in an interview. Chavez made a surprise return home from Cuba on Monday after undergoing his fourth cancer operation in 18 months on December 11. He has never said exactly what type of cancer he has, only that it was diagnosed in his pelvic area in mid-2011. The 58-year-old leader has named Maduro, a former bus driver and union activist, as his preferred successor if he had to step down and a
new presidential election were held. Correa said he believed any future transition of power in Caracas would be democratic if Chavez had to step down. “All the processes since Chavez has been in power, as far as I know, have been extremely democratic. Those who lose might not like it, that’s another issue ... But Venezuela has a vibrant democracy,” he said. Correa, a close friend and ally of Chavez, said he spoke with Maduro on Wednesday and plans to visit Venezuela soon. Bolivian President Evo Morales said on Wednesday he had been unable to see Chavez when he visited Caracas this week because the Venezuelan leader was receiving treatment.
Haiti’s ‘Baby Doc’ spurns court again
Jean-Claude Duvalier PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier defied a judge’s order yesterday and refused to attend a hearing to determine whether he will again face charges for human rights abuses committed during the nearly 15 years of his brutal regime. Duvalier defense attorney Reynold Georges showed up 90 minutes after the hearing was scheduled to start and announced that he had filed an appeal of the judge’s order.
The session then began in a courtroom crowded with reporters and observers. Georges, a brash former senator, said he was confident that the Supreme Court would not only overturn the order to compel Duvalier’s presence in court but also block the effort by victims of the Duvalier regime from getting the court to reinstate the charges. “We’re waiting for the Supreme Court decision and we’re going to win,” Georges said. “I don’t lose. I’m Haiti’s Johnnie Cochran.” Attorneys for people who filed complaints alleging they were tortured by agents of Duvalier’s regime urged the judge to go forward with the case and to arrest the former leader for not showing up in court. Judge Jean Joseph Lebrun said Duvalier had no grounds to appeal to the Supreme
Court at this stage and he ordered the prosecutor to bring the former leader to court “without delay.” It was not immediately clear whether there would be any penalties for not complying with the order. Duvalier ruled Haiti from 1971-1986, a time when thousands were imprisoned, tortured and killed for opposing the government. He was ousted in a popular revolt and forced into exile in France. He made a surprise return to Haiti in January 2011 and was promptly charged with embezzlement and human rights abuses. A court threw out all but the embezzlement charge, which carries a maximum of five years in prison. Duvalier, who lives in a villa in the hills above the Haitian capital, skipped two previous court hearings without penalty.
QUITO (Reuters) Beaming after his re-election last weekend, Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa said yesterday he is not planning sweeping reforms and instead hopes to attract investors and diversify the economy from its dependence on oil exports. Since taking office in 2007, the U.S.-trained economist defaulted on $3.2 billion of debt, rewrote contracts with oil companies to squeeze more revenue from them, and pushed through a new constitution that gave him more power. “Everything has been done and there will not be any more big changes. There will
Rafael Correa not be tax reforms either. That was a mess and it has been improved quite a lot,” Correa told Reuters in an interview. “The rules of the game are clear and now we hope that investors will continue coming.”
The 49-year-old president said the ruling party would push ahead with a mining reform in Congress that would let the government sign a contract with Canada’s Kinross for a large gold project. He said the deal would be finalized in August. Correa also said that even though Ecuador was struggling to obtain financing, the $12.5 billion Pacifico refinery would be operating within schedule in 2016. He said China, Qatar and South Korea are interested in financing the project. Correa also said that in the future he could consider issuing debt for the first time since the 2008 debt default.
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Egypt election to begin April 28 CAIRO (Reuters) Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi will call a parliamentary election starting April 28, a presidential legal adviser told Reuters yesterday, saying the vote would be held in four stages. Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood backers hope the election will mark an end to a turbulent political transition punctuated by spasms of violence that have thwarted his efforts to revive an economy in deep crisis. But the vote will take
place in a country more divided than ever between Islamist parties that have come out on top in all the elections held since Hosni Mubarak was ousted in 2011 and a more secular-minded opposition that has struggled to organize. Earlier in the day the Shura Council, the upper house of parliament, adopted an electoral law as amended by the Constitutional Court, clearing the way for Mursi to set a date for the lower house election.
U.S. calls possible Iranian nuclear step “another provocation” WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said yesterday that Iran’s installation of advanced centrifuges at its main uranium enrichment plant would be “yet another provocative step.” “The installation of new advanced centrifuges would be a further escalation and a continuing violation of Iran’s (U.N.) obligations,” U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said when asked about a report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog saying that Iran has done so. “It would mark yet another provocative step.”
“Parliamentary elections for 2013 will begin on April 28, over four stages,” Mohamed Gadallah, a legal adviser to Mursi, told Reuters. A presidential source had earlier told Reuters Mursi would call the election starting in April. The vote would be held in phases in different regions because of a shortage of poll supervisors. The last lower house election, which was won by Islamists, lasted from late November 2011 until January the following year. Mursi had been expected to ratify the electoral law by February 25. The lower house was dissolved last year after the court ruled the original law used to elect it was unfair. The new chamber is likely to have to decide on tough economic measures that the International Monetary Fund is demanding in return for a $4.8 billion loan which Egypt needs to tackle an economic crisis. On Monday the Constitutional Court demanded changes to five articles of the revised electoral law. The Shura Council accepted this ruling
Egypt’s Islamist President-elect Mohamed Mursi waves to his supporters while surrounded by his members of the presidential guard in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, June 29, 2012. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh and adopted the legislation without a vote yesterday. “The decision of the Constitutional Court is binding and we have no right to vote on it. It must be carried out,” said Ahmed Fahmy, the Council’s speaker. The new law bars
members of parliament from changing their political affiliation once elected. Under ousted president Hosni Mubarak, independents were often cajoled into joining the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), which monopolized parliament and
political life before the 2011 revolution. The law also stipulates that one third of the lower house should be designated for independents and bans former members of the now defunct NDP from participating in politics for at least 10 years.
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Top detective appointed new Pistorius investigator PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — South Africa’s top detective was appointed lead investigator in the Oscar Pistorius case yesterday, replacing a veteran policeman who was charged with attempted murder in the latest shock development to hit a case being watched closely by the nation. National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega promised that a team of “highly skilled and experienced” officers would investigate the killing of Pistorius’ 29-year-old girlfriend. Pistorius, 26, has been charged with premeditated murder in the case. The decision to put police Lt. Gen. Vinesh Moonoo in charge came soon after word emerged that the initial chief investigator, Hilton Botha, is facing attempted murder charges, and a day after he offered testimony damaging
to the prosecution in Pistorius’ bail hearing. Pistorius, an Olympic runner whose lower legs were amputated when he was less than a year old, killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the predawn hours of Valentine’s Day. He claims he mistook her for an intruder when he shot her through a locked door in a bathroom in his home. Prosecutors say the shooting happened after the couple got into an argument and allege the killing was deliberate, carried out with no mercy. Botha acknowledged Wednesday in court that nothing in Pistorius’ version of the fatal shooting of Steenkamp contradicted what police had discovered, even though there have been some discrepancies. Botha also said that police had left a 9 mm slug in the toilet and had lost track of allegedly illegal ammunition found in
Pistorius’ home. “This matter shall receive attention at the national level,” Phiyega told reporters soon after the end of proceedings in the third day of Pistorius’ bail hearing. The case has riveted South Africa and much of the world and has placed the country’s judicial system under close scrutiny. Bulewa Makeke, spokeswoman for South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, said the attempted murder charges had been reinstated against Botha on Feb. 4. Police say they found out about it after Botha testified in Pistorius’ bail hearing Wednesday. Botha and two other police officers had seven counts of attempted murder reinstated against them in relation to a 2011 shooting incident. Botha and his two colleagues allegedly fired shots at a minibus they were
Bomb blasts rock southern Indian city; at least 11 dead
Police examine the site of an explosion. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash HYDERABAD, India (Reuters) - Two bombs placed on bicycles exploded in a crowded market-place in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad yesterday, and the federal home minister said at least 11 people were killed and 50 wounded. All major cities in the country were placed on high alert, television channels said, adding that as many as 15 people may have been killed in the explosions. Hyderabad is a major IT center in India, only second to Bangalore. Microsoft and Google have major centers in the city. “Both blasts took place within a radius of 150 meters,” federal Home (Interior)
Minister Sushil Shinde told reporters, adding the explosives were placed on bicycles parked in the crowded marketplace. “Eight people died at one place, three at the other.” The explosions come less than two weeks after India hanged a Kashmiri man for a militant attack on the country’s parliament in 2001 that had sparked violent clashes. Witnesses told Reuters they heard at least two explosions in the Dilsukh Nagar area of Hyderabad just after dusk but there could have been more. TV showed debris and body parts strewn on the street in the area, a crowded
neighborhood of cinema halls, shops, restaurants and a fruit and vegetable market. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called it a “dastardly attack”. “I appeal to the public to remain calm and maintain peace,” he said in a Twitter message. In July 2011, three nearsimultaneous blasts ripped through India’s financial capital, Mumbai. At least 20 people were killed and over 100 wounded in the blasts set off by Muslim militants, authorities said. Last year, four small explosions occurred in quick succession in a busy shopping area of the western Indian city of Pune.
trying to stop. Asked about Botha’s court performance and handling of the investigation, Phiyega said South Africa’s police force “can stand on its own” compared to others around the world. Makeke, the spokeswoman for the national prosecution office, had said before Botha was dismissed from the Pistorius case that he should be taken off, but added that it was up to the police force to make that decision. Makeke indicated the charges were reinstated against Botha because more evidence had been gathered. She said the charge against Botha was initially dropped “because there was not enough evidence at the time.” Pistorius’ main sponsor Nike, meanwhile, suspended its contract with the multiple Paralympic champion, following eyewear manufacturer Oakley’s decision to suspend its sponsorship. Nike said in a brief statement on its website: “We believe Oscar Pistorius should be afforded due process and we will continue
to monitor the situation closely.” The judge is still trying to decide whether to grant Pistorius bail, and under what conditions. During yesterday’s bail hearing, Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair asked the defense of Pistorius’ bail application: “Do you think there will be some level of shock if the accused is released?” Defense lawyer Barry Roux responded: “I think there will be a level of shock in this country if he is not released.” Opposing bail, prosecutor Gerrie Nel painted a picture of a man “willing and ready to fire and kill,” and said signs of remorse from Pistorius do not mean that the athlete didn’t intend to kill his girlfriend. “Even if you plan a murder, you plan a murder and shoot. If you fire the shot, you have remorse. Remorse might kick in immediately,” Nel said. As Nel summed up the prosecution’s case opposing bail, Pistorius began to weep in the crowded courtroom, leading his brother, Carl
Oscar Pistorius Pistorius, to reach out and touch his back. “He (Pistorius) wants to continue with his life like this never happened,” Nel went on, prompting Pistorius, who was crying softly, to shake his head. “The reason you fire four shots is to kill,” Nel persisted. Earlier Thursday, Nair questioned Botha over delays in processing records from phones found in Pistorius’ house following the killing of Steenkamp, a 29year-old model and budding reality TV contestant. “It seems to me like there was a lack of urgency,” Nair said as the efficiency of the police investigation was questioned. Botha is himself to appear (Continued on page 23)
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At 89, Mugabe sees “divine” mission to rule Zimbabwe
Robert Mugabe HARARE (Reuters) Robert Mugabe said he had a “divine task” to lead Zimbabwe, shrugging off concerns about his health and fitness for office as he prepares for what could be one the closest election battles since he came to power in 1980. Few Zimbabweans are ruling out victory for the 89year-old Mugabe even though his country, once an African success story, is in a decade-long economic slump worsened by Western sanctions and more than four fifths of the population is unemployed. Since Mugabe was forced to share power with his chief political rival after a disputed election in 2008, the economy
has shown tentative signs of recovery. Rampant inflation has calmed, the mining sector is buoyant and agriculture is picking up after turmoil caused by the seizure of farms from their white owners under Mugabe’s policy of black empowerment. Mugabe, Africa’s oldest president, maintains that Zimbabwe’s difficulties stem from a Western plot to recolonize it, a view that strikes a chord with his supporters, who see the sanctions as punishment for a justified campaign to wrest their country’s wealth from the hands of foreign corporations and the white minority. To his critics, Mugabe’s land seizures and a drive to force foreign-owned firms to sell majority shareholding to locals has delayed economic recovery by discouraging foreign investment. They say Mugabe, long admired as a liberation hero and pragmatic leader, has turned Zimbabwe into a basket case and squandered national goodwill by clinging onto power through ballot
box rigging and intimidation. The champion of African popular rule has looked increasingly to God to bolster his claim to leadership. Addressing his staff at a party they hosted for him on the eve of his 89th birthday, Mugabe was serenaded by one of the country’s leading gospel singers and spoke of the solitude he has felt since many of his relatives and independence-era comrades died. “Why is it that all my friends are gone and my relatives are gone and I continue to linger on? Then I say to myself, well, it’s not my choice, it’s God’s choice,” Mugabe said at the party late on Wednesday, which was attended by state media. “This is a task the Lord might have wanted me to fulfill among my people...,” he said. “I read it as a bidding of God... The bidding says you move forward ever.” Mugabe says he wants to continue the liberation struggle and consolidate black economic empowerment. More than 4,000 out of an
original 4,500 white-owned farms have been seized since 2000 under a program he says is aimed at correcting land ownership imbalances created by colonialism. Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party has endorsed his candidacy for the presidential elections, which he and his arch-rival Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai have agreed to hold around July. “I hear a lot of people talking about a tight race, but with his record I just don’t see how Mugabe can win a free and fair election,” said 28year-old Charles Simukai, who was selling fruit on the streets of the capital Harare. He said Mugabe should have retired from politics to play an advisory role as a senior statesman. Tsvangirai says ZANUPF rigged and robbed him of victory in three major violence-marred polls since 2000. Many Zimbabweans say the fragile power-sharing government that has held together since 2008 has helped to make ZANU-PF less autocratic.
However, Mugabe’s opponents say they expect ZANU-PF’s campaign to repeat underhand tactics used to secure past election wins, deploying war veterans and youth militia to intimidate voters. Supporters of Tsvangirai say he enjoys the support of an army of new young voters who might be less intimidated by such methods. “The general consensus is that you need a free and fair election for a real democratic outcome ... but there is no consensus that Zimbabwe will get that,” said Eldred Masunungure, a political science professor at the University of Zimbabwe. Mugabe has spent the last two days reorganizing the country’s electoral commission and discussing funding for his campaign. Some officials in ZANUPF’s politburo worry privately that he is taking risks with his health and want him to hand over the reins to a younger figure. But nobody has openly challenged Mugabe - the result, to some, of a generous
patronage system that rewards loyalty and his longhoned skills in outwitting potential rivals. Mugabe appears fit and alert in public, but he is widely believed to suffer from ill health that could make it hard to cope with the pressures of the campaign trail. A June 2008 U.S. diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks said Mugabe had prostate cancer that had spread to other organs and was. According to the cable, he was apparently urged by his physician to step down in 2008. But ZANU-PF appears to have accepted that Mugabe has maneuvered himself into a position where he ends up president for life, a position that opponents say he wants as security against possible prosecution for rights abuses. “What we have ... is a president celebrating his 89th birthday while planning on how he can continue in power after so many years in office. That is not normal,” said professor Masunungure.
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Hariri slaying trial postponed at UN-backed court THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The start of the landmark trial in absentia of four Hezbollah fighters charged in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was postponed yesterday by a judge at the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The decision is a major setback for efforts to prosecute the Feb. 14, 2005, bombing that killed Hariri and
22 others, one of the Middle East’s most notorious assassinations. Judge Daniel Fransen said in a written ruling the provisional March 25 start date set last year could not go ahead because prosecutors have not yet disclosed all evidence to defense attorneys for the suspects, and the attorneys can’t access other material because of technical i s s u e s . Also, defense
Top detective appointed... From page 21 in court in May to face seven counts of attempted murder. Botha was dropped from the case but not suspended from the police force, Phiyega said, and could still be called by defense lawyers at trial. Pisatorius’ behavior yesterday reflected the change of mood in the courtroom as his defense lawyers attacked police procedures and maintained his innocence. Pistorius, in the same gray suit, blue shirt and gray tie combination he has worn throughout the bail hearing, stood ramrod straight in the dock, then sat calmly looking at his hands. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the athlete had been slumped over and sobbing uncontrollably at times as detail was read out of how Steenkamp died in his house. “The poor quality of the evidence offered by investigative officer Botha exposed the disastrous shortcomings of the state’s case,” Roux said yesterday. “We cannot sit back and take comfort that he is telling the truth.” Roux also raised issue of intent, saying the killing was not “pre-planned” and referred to a “loving relationship” between the two.
He said an autopsy showed that Steenkamp’s bladder was empty, suggesting she had gone to use the toilet as Pistorius had claimed. Prosecutors claim Steenkamp had fled to the toilet to avoid an enraged Pistorius. “The known forensics is consistent” with Pistorius’ statement, Roux said, asking that bail restrictions be eased for Pistorius. But the prosecutor said Pistorius hadn’t given guarantees to the court that he wouldn’t leave the country if he was facing a life sentence. Nel also stressed that Pistorius shouldn’t be given special treatment. “I am Oscar Pistorius. I am a world-renowned athlete. Is that a special circumstance? No.” Nel said. “His version (of the killing) is improbable.” Nel said the court should focus on the “murder of the defenseless woman.” Botha testified yesterday that he had investigated a 2009 complaint against Pistorius by a woman who claimed the athlete had assaulted her. He said that Pistorius had not hurt her and that the woman had actually injured herself when she kicked a door at Pistorius’ home. The hearing is to continue today morning.
attorneys have a number of outstanding requests for assistance in their investigations with Lebanese authorities. Fransen ruled that the problems and delays would “not allow Defense Counsel adequate time to prepare for trial and would be in violation of the most basic right of the accused and the principle of fair trial,” the tribunal said in a statement. No new date was immediately set for the trial. The Shiite militia
Hezbollah denies involvement in Hariri’s killing and has refused to extradite the suspects, leading the tribunal to order them put on trial in absentia. Hariri was once one of Lebanon’s most powerful Sunni leaders. When the case gets under way, it will be the first trial in absentia since the postWorld War II Nuremberg tribunal that prosecuted Nazi war criminals. The suspects were indicted after prosecutors
analyzed a vast network of telephone records to link an “assassination team” to the suicide truck bombing on a seafront boulevard. The indictment says the records showed “a coordinated use of these phones to carry out the assassination.” According to the records, there was a flurry of calls shortly before Hariri’s murder, but they stopped two minutes before the explosion and the phones were never used again.
Rafik Hariri
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DTV CHANNEL 8 07:55 hrs. Sign On 08:00 hrs. DTV’s Festival of Biblical Movies for the Lenten Season: “Joseph” 11:00 hrs. Roseanne 12:00 hrs. The View 13:00 hrs. Prime News 13:30 hrs. The Young and
the Restless 14:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 15:00 hrs. The Talk 16:00 hrs. Cold Case 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. The Wayans Bros 19:00 hrs. Greetings and
Announcements 20:00 hrs. Channel 8 News 21:00 hrs. The Vampire Diaries (New Episode) 21:42 hrs. Beauty and the Beast (New Episode) 22:22 hrs. Supernatural (New Episode) 23:00 hrs. Sign Off
Guides are subjected to change without notice
Friday February 22, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You are facing a conflict between needing to work and wanting to play, yet you might not receive enough support to ease your current concerns. Even if you have been burning the midnight oil to get everything finished, it’s not yet time to slow down. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) The more resistant you are to change today, the greater your dilemma. If you put too much energy into holding on to an indefensible position, your problems may grow worse — no matter how convincing your arguments are now. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might keep your feelings quiet most of the day, but find yourself wanting to talk to everyone about everything later in the afternoon. Unfortunately, you may not know when to stop your endless chatter once you get started. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You know exactly what you’re feeling today and it’s unlikely that anyone will be able to talk you out of your experience. Your intense emotions are running extra deep now, and things get complicated when others don’t understand the subtleties of your heart. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Even if you are trying to settle down your emotional drama, it’s still a hectic time now that the evocative Moon is back in your sign. It may seem appropriate to share your feelings if you have a strong attraction to someone today. Nevertheless, your behavior might raise complications at work. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You are uncomfortable with your feelings today if they don’t support the circumstances of a current relationship. Although your concerns may not be evident to anyone else, an overbearing person might pressure you to say what’s on your mind.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may take bold action today to make your point about an important friendship. You might even be struggling with a romantic issue, but others won’t likely comprehend the depth of your feelings now. Although you want to make them understand, the harder you try, the less they get it. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Seek ways to be more flexible because today won’t likely conform to the schedule you already have in place. Allow extra time for all activities since you may not have as much control now as you might like. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You can feel the exhilaration from riding waves of extreme optimism today. However, you might attempt to settle down the energy because you have too much to do and very little time to waste. An important project requires your full attention while the limitations of your calendar are impacting your exciting plans. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Even if you prefer to stay on your chosen course, there’s a good reason to deviate from your plans now. Although others may think that you are inflexible, nothing could be further from the truth. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may be frustrated if you have been trying to make improvements at work. Luckily, someone might ride into your life on a white horse and rescue you from your dilemma. Although today’s events won’t likely be a total solution, they still can reduce the pressure for a while. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You can be quite productive at work today, even if you’re anxious about your inability to perform up to everyone’s expectations. But don’t waste your energy worrying about anyone else’s judgment.
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Friday February 22, 2013
Windies bowl off International Home Series 2013 - Captain Bravo ready to lead from front St George’s Grenada – Dwayne Bravo is looking to lead from the front when he takes the West Indies team into battle against Zimbabwe in the opening contest of the three-match One-Day International Series. The match signals the start of the International Home Series 2013 and also marks a return of international cricket to the Grenada
National Stadium after four years. First ball today is 09:30hrs (8:30 am Jamaica Time). Bravo said the team’s preparations over the last two days have been good and Windies fans can expect a focused and energised home side when they face the visitors. “We have focused on what we have to do to win games for West Indies. We
have young and exciting players in our team and we are looking forward to these matches. I am happy to be captaining the West Indies team and I see it as an honour to do this job. I will bring the energy and will look to lead from the front and inspire the team to win,” Bravo said. “We’re calling all the fans in Grenada to come out and enjoy three good matches as
we look to play some good cricket and bring some entertainment to our supporters. We enjoy playing for our fans. We haven’t played here for a while so it’s good to be back and everyone is looking forward to what’s in store.” The livewire allrounder was all smiles as he spoke to members of the local and international media on Thursday afternoon when he unveiled the sparkling series trophy with Zimbabwe
Captains with ODI trophy
skipper Brendan Taylor. The 29-year-old Bravo is now in his 10th year representing West Indies and takes over as ODI skipper in the absence of Darren Sammy. The Windies last played in the Spice Isle back in 2009 during a Test Series against Bangladesh, and their return is being eagerly anticipated on the island. Newly-elected Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has also announced a Public Holiday on Friday following Tuesday’s General Elections. “This is a brand new series for us and we are playing at home. We are coming up against an opposition that is hungry for success and this will be a
good series. It is good to be playing in front our home fans, who we know will support us. There is a Public Holiday on Friday and we expect a good turn-out. We just want to do our part, play well, be consistent and come out on top,” Bravo said. “We have to give respect to the Zimbabwe team. They are a good team. The last time they came here they were leading the ODI series at one stage and we had to fight back to defeat them. We have to remember that. They have some good players in their set-up.” WEST INDIES SQUAD Dwayne Bravo (Captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson
Stag Beer/Slingerz KO Cup continues tonight at Tuschen The village of Tuschen East Bank Essequibo will come alive tonight when the community plays host to the Slingerz Football Club (FC) organised Stag Beer Mashramani knock-out tournament with another double header. Seawall United and Stewartville will collide in the curtain raiser while the main attraction will see Uitvlugt Warriors coming up against Young Achievers. Uitvlugt, like many other clubs on the West Side and City has lost a few players to the newly formed Slingerz FC
and will be tested in this clash against Young Achievers, a Pouderoyen based club. Seawall FC, formerly Pouderoyen, while they have been holding their own in West Demerara football will have to come up with their ‘A’ game if they are to get past a determined Tonight’s matches will see a bit of history being created since it will be the first time that association football will be played at the Tuschen Ground. Fans and players are looking forward to being a part of this historical move.
INTENSE DUELS ANTICIPATED... From page 37 Doubles are carded for play-offs this evening and Sunday evening. Several other business entities have also rendered corporate assistance including John Fernandes Limited, Roy & Sonia Fashions of Stabroek Market, and Dr. Terrence Joseph.
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Kaieteur News
BCB starts U-15 Inter County preparation with Elite Training squad The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) in its usual proactive way has started early preparation for the 2013 Under-15 Inter County tournament. The Junior Selection Committee under the chairmanship of Leslie Solomon over the few weeks have been conducting talent spotting sessions across the Ancient County and has selected a twenty-four member Elite squad along
with four developmental players. The Elite squad would commence special training under the guidance of coaches Michael HylesFranco and Floyd Benjamin. Chairman of the Special Events Committee and BCB Public Relations Officer Hilbert Foster stated that the Board was determined to have all Berbice teams fully prepared for this year’s Inter County championships and
‘Hurry Up’ Moore resumes career on winning After a lengthy absence from the ring World Boxing Council Caribbean Boxing federation (WBCCABOFE) Super Bantamweight and North American Boxing Association (NABA) Bantamweight champion, Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore, made a successful return to the ring with a 5th round TKO victory over Ramon Cedano at the Gran Arena del Cibao,
Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, Saturday February 16 last. Kaieteur Sport attempted to speak with Moore but he was still in the Spanish speaking country and the telephone connection was extremely bad. He is scheduled to return to the USA sometime today or tomorrow and would be able to provide more details of the bout.
members of the Elite squad would be expected to be not only disciplined and committed but also to work hard. Chairman of Junior Selectors Leslie Solomon explained that more players would be added to the Elite squad based on performances in the Tenelec Under-15 Inter Club and NCN Inter Zone tournaments. All players must be born on or after the September 1st, 1998. The Elite squad members are; Matthew Hardial, Adrian Sukwah, Joshua Harrichand, Asif Ally, Vevakanana Jagit, Deon Sinclair, Harikumar Singh, Joel Seetaram, Joseph Nicholson, Titus Webster, Rameshwar Samwaru, Imraz Khan, Daniel Samaroo, Kris Ramnarine, Bramdat Singh, Joshua Gobin, Sylus Tyndall, Satesh Sugrim, Ravindra Beharry, Zameel Ishan, Jeron Smith, Davavavd Chatterpaul, Abdur Ajib, Seon Glasgow, Junior Sinclair, Kevon Anderson and Emanuel Seecharran.
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Friday February 22, 2013
BCB names Committees for 2013 Ruiz goal pushes Costa Rica past Haiti
Keith Foster The Executive of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) under the chairmanship of President Keith Foster met recently, selected the appointed Executives of the Board for 2013 along with members of the various committees. The appointed Executives named were former National Coach Albert Smith, Shameer Khan of Chesney Cricket Club, Qualis Winter of Kildonan Cricket Club,
Dennis D’Andrade of Skeldon and Mohamed Azim of the Bank of Nova Scotia. First Vice President Anil Beharry was given special responsibility for finance, Second Vice President Hubern Evans for Administration while Third Vice President would be in charge for Cricket Development. Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club was reappointed as the BCB Public Relations Officer and Chairman of the highly successful Special Events Committee. Other members of the Special Events Committee are Leslie Solomon, Winston Smith, Romash Munna, Carl Moore, Angela Haniff, Republic Bank Manager Imran Saccoor, DTV-8 Editor Gregory Rambarran, Anil Beharry and Mohamed Azim of Scotia Bank. Veteran Cricket Administrator Carl Moore
was selected as Chairman of the Competitions Committee with Winston Smith, Rabindranauth Saywack, Romash Munna, Vemen Walter, Leslie Solomon as members and a Representative from the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. Former First Class Umpire Dhieranidranauth Somwaru would serve as Chairman of Senior Selection Committee with the other members being Romash Munna, Albert Smith, Leslie Solomon and Julian Moore. The Junior Selection Committee is headed by its long serving Chairman Leslie Solomon and he would be supported by Pastor Kevin Pereira, Rabindranauth Saywack, Samad Baksh and a Representative from the Upper Corentyne. President Keith Foster urged the officials to use their positions to continue the development of the game in Berbice and to strive at all times to be above board in everything they do. Berbice cricket, the third term President stated is at its highest level of development and asked that all hands must be united to keep it that way.
Puebla, Mexico - A goal midway through the first-half by Jhon Ruiz was all Costa Rica needed to defeat Haiti, 1-0, on Wednesday in a CONCACAF Under-20 Championship game at the Estadio Universitario BUAP. The result eliminated the Haitians, ensuring that Costa Rica and the United States advance to the competition’s quarterfinals from Group A. Ruiz, who is having an impressive season with Belgian second-division side Royal Mouscron Peruwelz, scored after receiving a pass near the midfield line from Gabriel Leiva. The 19-year-old dribbled powerfully into the left side of the Haitian box, cut inside with his right as a defender glided by and netted from 10-yards out. Haiti, knowing that it needed at least a draw to maintain hope of progressing, turned up the intensity and was unlucky not to score on numerous occasions throughout the remainder of the match. Nazon Dukens proved to be a dominant presence for Les Grenadiers and forced a
40th minute stop from Costa Rican Jairo Monge. Within the first 12 minutes of the second half, Dukens uncorked shots with both feet that looked goal bound, but the superb Monge was up to the task each time. In the 79th minute, Monge somehow managed to make a save with his left hand — while falling in the opposite direction — after Luckner Junior Hart weaved his way through the right side of the Costa Rican penalty area.
Monge’s heroics, combined Haiti’s lack of good fortune in front of the goal (it hit the post three times), was enough to propel the Central Americans into the next round. Before that quarterfinal date against a yet to be determined opponent is set, the Ticos will meet the U.S. for first place in the group on Friday (today). Haitian starting goalkeeper Ronald Elusma left the game in the 36th minute with an apparent leg injury.
Ever since its resuscitation, the rivalry between Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago in Drag Racing has been exhilarating and intense and according to Executive member of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC) Aaron Bethune, the March 3 International Meet is anticipated to be just as action packed as previous Meets, making it a must for those who love to see demonstrations of skill, will
and thrill. According to Bethune, the foreign teams have already stated their intentions to come down to the South Dakota Circuit, the home of motor racing in Guyana and dominate the local drivers, while the locals have responded by saying that they will defend home turf at all cost. Suriname which has been Guyana’s biggest threat will once again have as part of their team the fast Typhoon
which is no stranger to these shores and has been a thorn in the flesh of our machines, while additional information coming out of the Dutch territory is that a quick Supra will also be making the trip. However, on the local end the likes of Ramchand’s Supra and Rondell Daby’s lightening fast Red Evolution will all be battling to ensure that at the end of the day, the top honours will be shared by the Guyanese. Bethune further informed that the Superbikes category is also expected to add to the excitement and Stephen Vieira, Carlos Rodrigues, Carey Griffith will be looking to not only outdo each other, but all the other contenders as well. The official added that race fans, for the first time will have the opportunity to experience the Porta Tree Timing System which is equipped with specialized starting lights and allows quarter mile speeds to be recorded. Races commence at 12:00hrs and admission for adults is $1000, while children under-12 and vehicles are free. The day’s activities also come with the compliments of Banks DIH Ltd.
Exhilarating and intense rivalry anticipated at upcoming Drag Meet
GFCA to host AGM on Sunday March 10 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Guyana Football Coaches Association (GFCA) will be held on Sunday March 10, 2013 from 10:00hrs at the Umana Yana, High Street, Kingston, Georgetown (opposite Pegasus Hotel). All members of the Association are invited but only financial members will be allowed to vote. The Agenda is as follows: a) Prayers b) Roll Call c) Confirmation of the Minutes d) Matters arising out of the Meeting e) Correspondence f) Report of the honorary Secretary g) Presentation of Financial Statement and Audited Balance Sheet h) Identification of Eligible Voting Members i) Election Of Officers j) Any Other Business of which due notice was given
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Everest are Oscar E. Shew Mem. Dominoes Kings Using the home court advantage to full effect, Everest emerged winners of the annual Oscar E. Shew Memorial Dominoes tournament which climaxed before vociferous supporters at the Camp Road entity on Sunday last. The competition which attracted 18 teams and played under a special points system developed by son of the deceased and organiser Manniram Shew, saw Everest tallying 386 points in the two-round aggregate basis to edge Turning Point two points adrift on 384. The eventual winners held centre stage in the first round with 206 points and followed this up with 180 while Turning Point had scores of 187 and 197. Occupying the third and fourth spots respectively were Mix-Up with 362 (179 and 183) and Top Gun with 357 (196 and 161). The winners took home a trophy and $180,000, the highest monetary prize since the tournament started in 2000. The six players were also recipients of replica trophies. Second placed Turning Point received $90,000 and trophy, while Mix-up were presented with $54,000 and a trophy. Prior to Sunday’s presentation ceremony, the participating teams and officials observed one minute’s silence in memory of the late Oscar E. Shew. Oragniser, Manniram Shew is extending appreciation to the Executive and members of Everest Cricket Club affording them the uses of their club for the tournament. According to Shew, next year’s tournament will even be bigger with the expected participation of three overseas teams.
Everest skipper Motieram Das (right) receives the winning trophy and cash prize from organiser Manniram Shew in the presence of his winning teammates.
Tottenham, Chelsea advance in Europa League
Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele, center, celebrates with Clint Dempsey Late goals by Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard advanced the English clubs to the Europa League’s third
round on Thursday night, while Newcastle also reached the final 16 and Liverpool and defending champion Atletico Madrid were eliminated.
Playing in an empty stadium because of previous fan violence, Fenerbahce defeated BATE Borisov 1-0 on Cristian’s penalty kick in
first-half stoppage time following a 0-0 tie in the first leg. A lit flare was parachuted into the stadium and landed on the field. At Lyon, Dembele scored on a 25-yard shot in the 90th minute, giving Tottenham a 11 tie for a 3-2 aggregate win. Maxime Gonalons beat American goalkeeper Brad Friedel with a header in the 17th minute, tying the totalgoals series 2-2 and leaving the French club with a 1-0 advantage on away goals. American midfielder Clint Dempsey entered in the 66th minute for Spurs, who next face Inter Milan. Hazard scored in the second minute of injury time to give Chelsea a 1-1 tie against Sparta Prague at Stamford Bridge and a 2-1 aggregate win. The Blues next play Steaua Bucharest, which beat visiting Ajax 4-2 on penalty kicks following Steau’s 2-0 win that tied the aggregate 2-2. Liverpool defeated Zenit
St. Petersburg 3-1 to tie the aggregate 3-3 but lost on 1-0 away goals. After Hulk’s 19thminute goal at Anfield gave the visitors a 3-0 aggregate lead, Luis Suarez scored on free kicks in the 28th and 59th minutes around Joe Allen’s goal in the 43rd. Shola Ameobi converted a 64th-minute penalty kick in Newcastle’s 1-0 win at Metalist Kharkiv following a 0-0 tie in the first leg. The Magpies will play Anzhi Makhachkala, which
eliminated Hannover. Inter won 3-0 at Romania’s Cluj as Fredy Guarin scored twice and Marco Benassi once for a 5-0 aggregate win. Atletico Madrid was knocked out with a 2-1 aggregate loss to Rubin Kazan despite winning 1-0 at Moscow on Radamel Falcao’s 84th-minute goal. Lazio beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0 for a 5-3 aggregate win, and Stuttgart and Basel also advanced.
Jamaicans see off... From page 37 a brisk 20 (35b 1x4, 1x6) but their combined effort was not good enough to deny the favoured Jamaicans. At Arnos Vale, Trinidad and Tobago overcame Windward Islands by 14 runs. Trinidad and Tobago won the toss, batted and managed 216-5 from their allotted 50 overs. Jason Mohamed top scored with an unbeaten 63 while Nicholas Pooran chipped in with 33 not out. Shane Shillingford 2-16 from 10 overs and Liam Sebastien 2-34 from 10 were the pick of the bowlers. Windwards responded with 202 all out in 47.1 overs. Andre Fletcher led with 58 while Sebastien made 52 and Devon Smith 39; Yannic Carriah bagged 5-45 and Yannick Ottley 2-33.
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
2013 Gold Cup to open with Mexico at Rose Bowl Los Angeles – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced on Wednesday that the Rose Bowl will host the opening doubleheader of the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday, July 7, which will feature reigning Gold Cup champion, Mexico. Tickets will be available to the general public starting on February 26 at 10:00hrs PST by visiting Ticketmaster.com. A special pre-sale will be available for the 2013 Gold Cup opening doubleheader which started yesterday, Thursday, February 21. In order to take advantage of the pre-sale users should follow CONCACAF on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ CONCACAF) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ OfficialCONCACAF). Those who tweet or post in the CONCACAF Facebook page using the hashtag #GoldCup2013 will receive via private message a Code with directions to purchase their tickets.
“We look forward to an exciting 2013 Gold Cup beginning on July 7th here at the historic Rose Bowl,” said CONCACAF President, Jeffrey Webb. “All communities will be united through regional rivalries that generate national pride filled with emotion and passion.” The Mexican National Team, under the guidance of manager Jose Manuel de la Torre, looks to defend its 2011 Gold Cup title, which el Tricolor secured that summer in front of a capacity crowd of more than 93,000 fans at the Rose Bowl. The iconic Rose Bowl has a long history as an international soccer destination, including the site of the 1984 Olympic final, the 1994 World Cup final, the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, the 2002 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup finals, as well as being the home to Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy from 1996-2003. It is the only stadium in the world to have hosted both a men’s and women’s World Cup final, plus an Olympic gold medal match. The venue
is also home to American football’s oldest annual college New Year’s Day game, and has served five times as the site of the NFL’s Super Bowl. Joining the Rose Bowl, the region’s premier National Team tournament will again expand its footprint by visiting 12 other historic and state of the art venues across the United States.
The venues are: Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX, Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA; M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD; Soldier Field in Chicago, IL; Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO; Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT; BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX; Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL; Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ; JELD-WEN Field in Portland, OR; Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City, UT; CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA.
With a mix of historic venues and brand new state of the art soccer facilities that average 57,000 spectators, the 2013 edition of the Gold Cup promises to provide fans both in stadium and at home with unforgettable atmospheres. In 2011, the tournament drew more than 600,000 fans throughout 13 match-days, including nine sell-outs. The following twelve national teams have qualified for this year’s tournament (in alphabetical order): Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras,
Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago and the United States. Taking place every two years, the Gold Cup has established itself as the region’s most popular national team tournament, routinely drawing capacity crowds and millions of television viewers across the region. It features the confederation’s best players from the top 12 nations. The 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup groups and schedules will be announced mid-March.
Cuba U20s advance to quarterfinals
Puebla, Mexico - Cuba advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2013 CONCACAF Under20 Championship with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Nicaragua on Wednesday at the Estadio Universitario BUAP. The result also clinched the Group B title for the Caribbean Lions, who captured maximum points from their two matches. Similar to its 2-1 win over Canada on Monday, Cuba once again played at a high tempo, combining individual skills with unselfish off-the-ball movement. That recipe caused the Nicaraguans - playing in their first tournament game - problems for most of the evening. Striker Maykel Reyes, one of the stars of the competition thus far, was outstanding. His pace, willingness to take on defenders and ability to deliver timely passes has been a revelation. Those talents led to Cuba’s opening goal in the first half. Reyes bolted into the left side of the Nicaraguan box and was taken down with a
mistimed tackle by Cristiam Gutierrez. Team captain Arturo Adrian Diz Pe converted the resulting penalty in the 30th minute to give Cuba a 1-0 lead. Three minutes after the break, the Cubans doubled their lead, when the towering Daniel Luis Saez beat Nicaraguan goalkeeper Pablo Cuadra to a Hector Morales corner and headed in from the edge of the six-yard box. Just past the hour mark, Cuba could have added another, but Lazaro Mezquia’s high chip over Cuadra clipped the crossbar. That third goal came in the 64th minute and Reyes, as usual, was in the middle of the action. After beating his defender in the Nicaraguan penalty area, the relentless Yordan Cruz delivered a delightful cross that Reyes forcefully headed beyond Cuadra. While Cuba can rest and wait to discover its knockout phase opponent, Nicaragua will look to bounce back against Canada on Friday. The Pinoleros must win that match to book a quarterfinal ticket.
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Fruta Conquerors One Love Classic KO football...
Alpha embarrass GDF; Santos squeeze past Conquerors to set up intriguing finals By Michael Benjamin Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United turned in a fiery display of tactical football to embarrass defending champions, Guyana Defense Force 5-0 and stake a place in the finals when action in the semi-finals of the 6th edition of the Fruta Conquerors One Love Classic knock-out football tournament was contested at the Tucville Ground, Wednesday evening last. Santos FC was also in winners’ row and secured a hard fought 2-1 victory over Fruta Conquerors to set up a mouthwatering finals with Alpha, scheduled for Sunday February 23 next. Alpha’s successes were shared among Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams (1st), Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson
(13th), Selwyn Isaacs (24th) and Andrew Murray (23rd & 75th) while Santos will be grateful to William Europe (16th) and Keshon Lovell, the other. The action started at a fast pace with Alpha’s strikers working in tandem to weave the ball to the opposition’s defensive end. Richardson dribbled the ball all the way to the box and then crossed right onto the boot of Abrams who gleefully tapped the ball past the Army custodian to complete the play. Thereafter, the exchanges were fierce with the soldiers displaying their usual brand of roughhouse football. Alpha’s point men distributed the ball evenly but GDF striker, Marlon Benjamin managed to gain possession and delivered a fierce kick that
was expertly intercepted by Alpha’s custodian. Meanwhile, Dwight Peters was working feverishly on the right wing and tested the GDF custodian with a stinger which the latter player managed to block. The quintessential Richardson then made his presence felt, working hard along the right flank. He collected a pass midway of the field and in his usual charismatic style, weaved his way to the Army’s goal, evading several players’ interception. The Army’s keeper attempted to curtail Richardson’s advances but stepped too far out of his birth for the dapper striker to tuck the ball to his right for Alpha’s second goal. Isaacs’ contribution followed eleven minutes later from a powerful
Demerara Cricket Board faults the Guyana Cricket Administration Bill The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has made its submissions to the Special Select Committee of the National Assembly which is presently sitting in deliberation of the Cricket Administration Bill 2012. The Board has also indicated its willingness to make oral presentations to the Select Committee at a mutually convenient date for all parties. The Bill is headlined “A Bill to make provision for the incorporation of autonomous national cricket administrative organizations in Guyana and to provide for other matters connected therewith”The DCB contends that this clause is misconceived, deficient and incomplete. There is not only one national autonomous cricket administrative organisation in Guyana, namely the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), but there are also the Guyana Softball Cricket League and the Guyana Tapeball Cricket Association which are also autonomous national cricket organisations. The member boards of the GCB, namely, Demerara Cricket Board (DCB), Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), which are all part of the Bill are not autonomous national cricket administrative organisations
as they are County Boards affiliated to the GCB. This clause needs to be corrected to properly describe the correct intention of the Bill. Thirdly, why is this Bill only addressing or targeting the GCB administration since the intent of the Government of Guyana (GOG) should be to corporatize all sporting organisations? Another very important issue is the fact that if all the Boards are made autonomous, there would be neither relationships nor accountability between the area associations, member boards and the parent board which effectively dismantles the entire administrative structure that has existed in Guyana for decades. The corporatisation aspect of this Bill also does not address all the various subsets and Clubs that make up the County Boards and is thus deficient and may be
illegal. The name of the Bill should be reflective of corporatising all the sporting entities in Guyana and appropriately named. Why should we wait until there is a crisis in another area to address an issue? In addition, this Bill should deal with all sporting organisations or, alternatively, have Bills prepared for each sporting discipline separately. The DCB is recommending that the constitutions for all the Clubs, Area Associations, County Boards and the GCB should be agreed upon by its respective memberships and not legislated so as to ensure that all of the provisions in every constitution dovetail with the others in a structured manner. The membership of the GCB has already approved its revised constitution.
Anthony Abrams
Selwyn Isaacs
right foot shot that sped past the goalie and settled aback the nets. When the whistle sounded for the end of the first session, Alpha enjoyed a 4-0 lead and was sailing prettily. The soldiers started to distribute the ball in the second stanza and Benjamin almost narrowed the score line but his strike flew across the opposition’s goalmouth with no one to intercept. Thereafter, the soldiers waged a ferocious battle but found the Alpha defense impenetrable. It was also around this time that Dwight Peters received marching orders for what the referee deemed an especially dangerous tackle. As the seconds wound down, even the uninitiated were resigned to a 4-0 defeat; Andrew Murray added a little more salt in the soldiers’ wound when he pasted their ‘keeper’ in what turned out to be the last hoorah. Santos FC sounded an early warning when William Europe latched onto a free kick just outside the box in the 16th minute and drilled the Fruta Conquerors’ goalie. Instead of losing fate, the goal
served to lift the spirits of the ‘Juice men’ and Dwayne Lawrence responded in the 28th minute with a fierce kick that the opposition’s keeper failed to intercept and the score was evened. Thereafter, both teams botched chances that saw the score line remaining at 1-1 at the halfway mark. The battle for ascendency continued upon resumption with Santos looking ominous even as Fruta Conquerors compiled skillful passes all to no avail. The battle was indeed fierce but regulation time ended with both teams at a 1-1 stalemate. The difference came in the 24th minute of extra time when Keshon Lovell plastered the Conqueror’s custodian with a stinging shot that held up to the final whistle. Football, like cricket, has taken on an unpredictable aura and one could never be certain of a winner of certain matches. This could not have been more strongly underlined than in the previous edition of the K&S tournament when the underdogs, Buxton United pulled off upset wins over Western Tigers and then
Andrew Murray
Gregory Richardson Alpha United before defeating Amelia’s Ward for the championship honours. While many may be touting an easy win for ‘The Hammers’ it might be wise to note the upsets that have seen mighty teams succumbing to their weaker opponents. Santos FC will obviously enter the game cognizant of this fact. The winning team will cart off $1.2M and trophy while the runners-up pocket half that amount. The Guyana Defense Force and Fruta Conquerors will battle in the third place playoff for $400,000 and $200,000 respectively. And then there are the bragging rights!
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Kaieteur News
Friday February 22, 2013
INTENSE DUELS ANTICIPATED AS GDA HOSTS MASH CLASSIC
GDA President, Grantley Culbard (left) gratefully accepts the sponsorship cheque from Castrol Sales Representative, Devanand Manga (centre) and, Administrative Manager/Company Secretary, Abdool Kadir.
Regional Super50... Kingston, Jamaica Jamaica registered their second victory of the Regional Super50 with a measured 4 wicket win over the Combined Campuses and C olleges at Sabina Park on Thursday. After routing the university lads for 157 in 48 overs the home side paced their chased, eventually getting to 158 for 6 from 45.2 overs. Andre McCarthy led Jamaica’s batting with a stroke- filled 45 from 66 balls.
The competition is expected to be keen when the Guyana Darts Association (GDA) stages a tournament that coincides with the Mashramani celebrations dubbed the ‘Darts Classic’ at the Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) Club over this weekend. The tournament is expected to attract the cream of the local players including Sudesh Fitzgerald, Hemwattie Amyan, Sherwyn Greene, Anthony Bissoondyal and Rosetta Hiralall among others. The organisers are, however, encouraging participation from all darts players to compete for the lucrative prizes on offer. Five events, Luck of the Draw Doubles, Team Competition, Men’s and Women’s Singles,
Jamaicans see off spirited CCC; T&T beat Winwards He cracked four audacious boundaries and added a p air of sixes before falling to leave the score on 77 for 4 and Jamaica in a spot of bother. Captain Tamar Lambert, the eventual Man-of-the-Match steered the ship with a responsible knock of 34 from 65 balls and consisting of two fours and a six. When he fell to make the score 123 for 5, Jamaica were just 35 runs from victory and Dave Bernard Jr. (28) and wicketkeeper Carlto n Baugh (18*) saw them to 157 before Bernard fell with a run
needed to victory. At the top of their innings Jamaica suffered a scare when they lost Jermaine Blackwood and Nkrumah Bonner for ducks to leave them stuttering at 2 wickets for 1 run. Simon Jackson (21) and McCarthy repaired the early damage with a 56 run third wicket partnership before the middle order ensured victory. Nikita Miller was his usual miserly self, capturing 3 wickets for 27 from 10 overs to hold the CCC to a modest total as they struggled to find
runs, particularly against the Jamaican spin trio. Leg spinner Odean Brown (2 for 27), Lambert (2 for 39) and pacer Andrew Richardson (2 for 22) were also among the wickets. Veteran Floyd Reifer made 32 from 61 balls with a lone six and captain Kyle Corbin aided his side’s cause with 24 (56b, 1x4). The pair added 55 for the third wicket after CCC lost openers Shacoya Thoma s (6) and Chadwick Walton (6) cheaply. Nicholas Alexis made (Continued on page 33)
and Open Doubles are carded for play-offs today and tomorrow with prices ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 for the first three finishers. Additionally, there will be cash incentives of $5,000 each for players recording the best finish, shortest or fastest game, and the most 180s. Then there is the Luck of the Draw event (2 best of 3 games 501) where the doubles pairings are determined after selection from a bag. Each team will comprise 4 members including men and women for the 2 best of 3 games 701 while all other events will be of 2 best of 3 games 501. Activities get underway tonight at 19:00hrs and players desirous of competing in the various events are required to
conform to the registration process at least 30 minutes prior to the start of play. Two events are carded for tonight; the Luck of the Draw and the team competition. The other events will be played on Sunday, February 24, starting at 13:00hrs. Meanwhile, the organisers benefitted from the largesse of the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) when executives of that company handed over a cheque to facilitate the successful staging of the tournament. This is the second consecutive year that GUYOIL has acquiesced to such support and five events-Luck of the Draw Doubles, Team Competition, Men and Women’s Singles, and Open (Continued on page 30)
World Number 2 West Indies Women keen to win in Sri Lanka Colombo, Sri Lanka – West Indies Women will be looking to kick on from their recent good showing when they face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the threematch One-Day Goodwill Series. The Windies finished runners-up at the recent ICC Women’s World Cup in India and in doing so jumped three places to second in the ICC Women’s ODI Rankings. They arrived in Sri Lanka earlier this week directly from Mumbai, and will bowl off their tour on Friday morning with the opening match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Head Coach Sherwin Campbell said his players are upbeat and will look to continue working on their skills as they face the improving Sri Lankans for the second series in the space of 12 months. “Many people had us as underdogs during the World Cup, but we did really well in the opening round and then kicked on in the Super Six. We felt we achieved a lot as players, showed improvement in every game and the team did really well to
reach the final,” Campbell said. “Now we have landed here in Sri Lanka and the aim is to build on what we did in India. The approach will be the same as always – hard work and commitment towards the team, which is what brought us our success.” Campbell, a former West Indies opener and vice captain, has played a key role in the development of the side since taking over the job back in 2008. The Windies are now the most improved team in women’s cricket. They placed fifth at the 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia, and entered this year’s tournament as the fifth seeds and moved up to Number 2 in the world. They have also reached the semifinals of the ICC World T20 tournament in 2010 in the Caribbean and again last year when the event was played in Sri Lanka. On this trip to Sri Lanka they will play three One-Day Internationals at Dambulla and five Twenty20 Internationals at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
TOUR SCHEDULE One-Day Internationals Series Friday, February 22: 1st ODI at Dambulla – 9:30 am Sunday, February 24: 2nd ODI at Dambulla – 9:30 am Tuesday, February 26: 3rd ODI at Dambulla – 9:30 am T20 International Series Friday, March 1:1st T20 at R Premadasa – 10 am Sunday, March 3: 2nd T20 at R Premadasa – 10 am Tuesday, March 5: 3rd T20 at R Premadasa – 10 am Thursday, March 7: 4th T20 at R Premadasa – 10 am Friday, March 8: 5th T20 at R Premadasa – 10 am
Friday February 22, 2013
Kaieteur News
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t r o Sp
Alonso fastest in Barcelona testing R e u t e r s ) - F e r r a r i ’s Fernando Alonso kept the home fans happy with the fastest time in Formula One’s pre-season testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Thursday. The Spaniard lapped the circuit with a best time of one minute 21.875 seconds, the fastest of the week so far, which he set on the soft tire in the morning before most teams focused on race simulations. Thursday was the double champion’s final day in the F138 car this week, after having his first run in it only on Tuesday, with Brazilian Felipe Massa testing on Friday. Lewis Hamilton’s fastest time in qualifying at the circuit in last year’s Spanish Grand Prix was 1:21.707 while Alonso, who ended the season runner-up to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, clocked 1:22.302. “We tried various aerodynamic configurations and for the first
(
time, we made some set-up changes to get a good understanding of tire behavior and degradation,” said Alonso, who will be back in the car for next week’s final test in Barcelona. “With every change we made, the car reacted as I expected...Once again this year, the tires will be one of the crucial aspects to manage: they are softer and quicker, but also less consistent and they degrade rapidly with every lap. “We will have a lot of work to do to understand how best to balance the car, but that applies to all the teams.” Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg was second on the test timesheets for Sauber, 0.285 slower than Alonso, with Frenchman Romain Grosjean third for Lotus after completing a full race distance on a cloudy afternoon. McLaren’s Jenson Button, whose new Mexican team mate
Sergio Perez was fastest on Wednesday, ended the penultimate day seventh quickest. Adrian Sutil, returning to the cockpit for the first time in more
than a year with the hope of securing the Force India race seat, did 78 laps with the eighth best time and ahead of Australian Mark Webber in the Red Bull.
Frenchman Jules Bianchi, his rival for the seat, will be testing on Friday when rain is expected. The season starts in Melbourne, Australia, on March 17.
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