Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 5

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

Bisram’s falsely attributed “kaka or looney talk” quote DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Mr. Vishnu Bisram’s letter captioned, “Ethnic conflict in other societies does have relevance in Guyana (SN Dec 21st). He wrote, “Theoretical constructs must be evidence based or else they become what Prof. Stanley Aronowitz calls “kaka or looney talk”.

In what context did Prof.

Aronowitz use the phrase “kaka or looney talk”? Did he write on ethnic voting? And, why did Mr. Bisram cite this quote to support his argument for strict racial voting in Guyana?

I contacted Prof.

Aronowitz and he said he had never used this quote, “kaka or looney talk” in any of his writings.

I next surmised that Mr. Bisram might have taken a course with the Prof. and heard him use the quoted phrase, in which case it would still have been a correctly attributed quote, even though its context and relevance are another matter.

Did Prof. Aronowitz know Mr. Bisram as a student? “Not as far as I remember”, wrote Prof. Aronowitz.

Making up quotes and attributing them to noted

professors, as deplorable as this activity is, is not the worst thing Mr. Bisram had been accused of. Paul Sanders of the Daylight weekly had accused him of writing nasty racist letters in Caribbean New Yorker weekly appealing to the baser instincts of IndoCaribbean people, urging them not to vote for candidate Obama because he is AfricanAmerican.

Mr. Bisram not only offered a lame excuse (He was out of town, he says, and therefore could not have written those letters, even though in the internet age you can write from anywhere) – but got hostile. He called Sanders a Gadaha (jackass).

He also got hostile with the AFC people calling them a “kaka party” (SN two years ago). Like the made up quotes falsely attributed to Prof.

Aronowitz, Mr. Bisram had also been widely accused of making up polls.

Mr.Bisram himself had informed the readers that the late Mr. David de Caires had advised him that in the interest of preserving the integrity of his polls, he should keep it separate from his political activism. Today the real question is: Are the

polls driving his activism or must they be invented to support his pre-determined Causes like his “racist ideology”?

In Mr. Bisram’s latest venture, he says the results of a survey told him that if the PPP would only reconcile with Messrs. Nagamootoo and Ramkarran, the PPP would be “guaranteed to win” the upcoming elections.

It is not hard for the public to imagine that Mr. Bisram today is actively brokering reconciliation between PPP and the two named exmembers.

(In today’s SN, Mr. Bisram described in loving detail how he worked to broker the presidential candidate for PCD in 1990).

Let us try to define Mr. Bisram’s racist ideology. Mr. Bisram made it plain as daylight that he wants to see every Indian-Guyanese vote strictly race for the Indoethnic PPP. This party has been in power for the last 21 years.

It is no secret that the levels of ethnic voting are very high in Guyana and that Indians have a plurality – and these are the main reasons to explain the PPP’s long-lasting

A critique of the Private...

From page 4 bear on me was so great that I had to sell my business which had become profitless due to the denial of lucrative income activities of my company, such as the lotto draw, removing Trinity Broadcasting from the air, coercing and threatening my advertisers not to advertise on my station or their goods would be held up at customs for an indeterminate period, since I was labelled antigovernment, and there was no one to whom I could turn including the then opposition or this useless PSC. This is the reality of our Guyana and this PSC continues to function as a pro government body, at the very end of her ridiculous letter Ms Alleyne tells us quote “that in the event that Mr Vieira’s information was gleaned from an outdated PSC website, we would like to assure the public that the website is in the process of being updated.”

Can this be possible? That they had up on the internet and outdated website and are now blaming me for quoting from it?

And today when I went to the website it’s closed. But last week when I looked, it was open so now the public is denied the opportunity of seeing who the corporate members of the PSC are, now we are told by Alleyne’s letter that there are hundreds of members and organisations none of which appeared on the website

when I researched it. She then outlines what on paper is how the PSC is required to function, I seriously question whether that is how the PSC functions today!

Do any of the 17 organisations listed have the necessary gumption to tell us, if, in fact, this is how the PSC functions i.e. that every matter which concerns a vote by the PSC’s council which is supposed to meet once a month, are they in fact meeting? And do they actually get to express their opinions and physicallyvote?

And electronic consultations by email as outlined in her letter are fraught with many problems.

It can lead to ‘miscounting’ on any matter. If this body is to pronounce on national issues, I would prefer that they assemble formally and show their hands as supporting or not,any matter before the commission. That way we will know for sure that the PSC has not been hijacked by a few for political purposes, and we can have more confidence in it.

This is the electronic age so get with the programme and keep your website up to date and accurate for the media and other researchers such as myself. How is anyone to know that you are so incompetent, that you are maintaining an obsolete website and we must not use it.

If it is obsolete remove it from the internet. And could you please tell us what is

wrong with my list of subcommittees and their chairmen? Since except for Eddy Boyer [who is the chairman of the building subcommitteewhich was not listed on the now mystic website of the PSC, so it is a new subcommittee] a fact which is hardly likely to make me change my perception of the PSC, all the other subcommittees and their chairmen are exactly as I outlined them as being on your website.

The fundamental question still remains,the PSC functions more like an arm of the government rather than a nongovernmental one diligently fighting for the rights of the private sector. For example, the government’s policy regarding the unfair competition of the Regent, Robb and other streets merchants,begs for a full examination as to why the Guyanese Indian businessman is being replaced bynon-Guyanese Chinese ones, due to the fact that the Chinese businesses are charging less for the same items and treat their workers our fellow Guyanese badly?

Can someone explain to me how this can be possible?that the Chinese businesses are selling cheaper than anyone else?And is it true that a Chinese can become a Guyanese far quicker than say a Brazilian?

Tony Vieira

tenure. To argue for a strategy of strict ethnic voting, Mr. Bisram opens up himself to the charge that he is wedded to the notion of “Indian Triumphalism” or domination by one race group over another.

To deny the charge that he is a racist ideologue he points to the survey and says the survey drives his Cause.

(Which pre-dates which?).

So his survey must be made up and together with his vilification of AFC over the years, his end goal is really to work for racial domination.

Mr. Bisram is his own worst enemy. His polls have no credibility. And, his Cause of racial domination or Indian Triumphalism in itself is damnable and revolting in a multi-racial society; and in a post-Obama and post-

Mandela world, a world that offers hope for forging nonracial democracies.

Don’t try to debate political ideas or racist ideologies with Mr. Bisram, he will call you a Gadaha or slander you with “kaka” – even to the point of making up kaka quotes and attributing them to distinguished professors.

Mike Persaud

DISRESPECTING THE US AMBASSADOR

DEAR EDITOR, I must register my concern over the ramblings of the Head of the P residential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on the USAID project. Since when is this Government so concerned over doing what is right? I am not impressed.

How is it that the US Ambassador is taken to task over getting on with a project that could only mean well for Guyana? Or is it that the project would benefit the wrong people who would be educated on the right things?

How come we are now drawing lines on protocols and sovereignty when the Venezuelans were allowed to get off with a slap on the wrist on what most definitely could be termed ‘gross eye pass’ and very troubling? They poked their fingers in our eyes and all we the Guyanese got was Dr. Luncheon and the subject Minister making excuses for them saying that they had apologised. We never saw

the apology and we should be privy to the contents.

The actions of the Venezuelans clearly tampered with our sovereignty. Now we are picking on the US Ambassador.

Old people have a saying that ‘no matta how cockroach drunk, he don’t walk through fowl yard’ - the Venezuelans came in through our back door, walked all over us and nothing said. They are the bullies. Now we are puffing up our collective chest on the Americans for their offing of a project that could only augur well for Guyana and Guyanese.

Dr. Luncheon must realise that even though no child should be left behind, many of us came before and cannot be blindfolded by his lofty, lengthy explanations meant to divert our attention from the real issues.

Please treat us with the same respect, you are foolishly demanding from the American Ambassador.

Michelle Cumberbatch

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

GuySuCo in deep financial crisis - owes creditors $10.5B “No turnaround unless industry fixes agri problems” - GAWU warns Government, this year, will be scrambling to find solutions for the country’s sugar industry as production fell to an embarrassing 23year low in 2013.

Production at the eight estates in Berbice and Demerara closed on December 21, the last day of grinding, at a dismal 186,807 tonnes. This was below the 190,000-tonne figure that had been targeted and which had been revised again and again from the original 260,000 tonnes at the beginning of the year. The situation has now left the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) owing banks and suppliers in excess of $10.5B, union officials confirmed yesterday.

Last month, the National Assembly approved a $4B bailout to help pay its 16,000plus workers and meet other critical expenditure.

However, according to Seepaul Narine, General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the largest sugar workers’ union, the $4B will not be enough.

Once the ‘sweet king’, earning the hog’s share of foreign exchange, sugar has slid to third, behind gold and rice.

Already, the Corporation is facing the squeeze from its suppliers, with a number of them refusing to extend more credit. Hard-hit are supplies of spares and fertilizers.

Insiders have been blaming GuySuCo’s agriculture and technical problems, at especially its flagship Skeldon factory, as the biggest contributor to the decline of the industry.

Almost $200M has been

spent to build the new factory in East Berbice and develop new lands to accommodate mechanical harvesting.

Kaieteur News was told that a cash-strapped GuySuCo took the decision to reduce its fertilizer quantity on the canes and is now paying the price with lowerthan-expected yields.

The Skeldon factory itself remains a major problem.

While it had targeted 43,482 tonnes at the beginning of the year, actual production at December 21 was a miserly 25,380 tonnes.

The problems at the factory have been known since being commissioned in August 2009, more than four years ago. A key punt dumper, critical to taking the canes from the waterways into the factory’s conveyor systems, has been malfunctioning. So too had other areas in the factory.

Several faults have been fixed by the Chinese contractor, but with the defects liability period over, GuySuCo had turned to South Africa’s Bosch Engineering this year to help address some of the issues.

With more than US$8M ($1.6B) reportedly being spent on Bosch, GuySuCo and union officials have admitted that the remedial works have not gone so well. Workers are now attempting to fix those “repairs”.

Yesterday, Narine called for a collective effort in solving what is now turning out to be crisis.

“We are saying to management and workers that the industry is at a crucial stage. It calls for understanding and cooperation between

President Donald Ramotar

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine

GuySuCo closed the year owing creditors around $10.5B, GAWU has said. management and workers.”

GuySuCo has been blaming poor weather, strikes and workers’ absence as the biggest factors in the slide.

Turnout has on average been below 50% and has been that way for the last few years.

Workers have been finding a more permanent fixture in the

construction and mining fields.

“Yes, labour remains a big issue. They (GuySuCo) have been using the bell loaders and mechanical harvesters.

But this is still not enough.”

GuySuCo’s report of 2012 has told an alarming story.

Factories stood idle most of the time.

GuySuCo, to meet its European quota of 190,000 tonnes, has been sacrificing its packaging arm at Enmore.

However, the European quota is not likely to pose such a big issue, as under the agreement, the year runs from October to September, union officials said yesterday.

It is still not clear whether Guyana will be importing sugar to meet local demand.

While GuySuCo has been saying technical problems have forced tonnes of cane to be carried over to the new year for the new crop, union officials yesterday claimed that in an effort to meet the 190,000-tonne target in December, young canes were cut. “So we were actually cutting young canes,” a GuySuCo official admitted yesterday.

The industry has been an embarrassing one for the Government with problems carried over from the Bharrat Jagdeo administration to the Donald Ramotar government.

Despite a promise to revamp the Board of Directors, there have not been any significant moves.

This year, industry officials say that GuySuCo is

mulling a 260,000-tonne target but this also seems a little too high.

The Opposition has criticized Government on what seemed to be a reluctance to take action, despite the poor run of performance of GuySuCo. Last month, the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) expressed worry over the industry, calling on “all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to turn things around.

Sugar is still the largest employer of labour and any further decline in production could have disastrous effects on the livelihood and wellbeing of sugar workers and their families.”

The Alliance For Change has called for the immediate sacking of the entire GuySuCo board and replacing of management.

Last month, after days of strike action, GuySuCo agreed to pay its workers their annual production incentive.

This will be done in two parts, during the first quarter of this year. The Opposition, during the 2013 National Budget debate, had demanded an updated recovery plan for GuySuCo to be laid in the National Assembly.

Wednesday December 25, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news

Disrespecting an Indian national by a

surprising to read that despicable individual thisItisn’twastheevenfirstmore time that this individual has DEAR EDITOR, I write this letter with a heavy heart and disgust. I read an article in your newspaper regarding the inhumane treatment of an Indian national by the owner of a store in your newspaper dated December 12, 2013 and December 13, 2013.

It surprises me that individuals like this businessman are allowed to come to Guyana and ‘dish’ out this type of treatment to their own people in our land. I fear to even think how they would treat local employees if that’s how they treat their own.

been reported to the Ministry of Labour.

Maybe no reaction by the Ministry gave this individual extra courage to continue as a slave master? On his next court appearance on January 7, 2014 and I really hope an example is made of this individual so that these lawlessness doesn’t continue. I also hope the victim is reimbursed and paid monies owed to him with interest!

In conclusion, I’d like to commend the work done by the Guyana Women Miners’ Organization, the Human Services Ministry and the Guyana Police Force.

David Singh

Jagdeo disrespected President Ramotar DEAR EDITOR, As one of the guests attending the wedding of West Indies cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan last Sunday night at the Convention Centre I was appalled at the gross disrespect shown to His Excellency President Donald Ramotar by former President Dr Bharat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo, who admitted to not having much experience as a husband to give advice on the subject, was in the middle of his speech when the Head of State arrived at the venue.

I was shocked when Jagdeo did not miss a beat and continued speaking even as President Ramotar was walking to his seat without any acknowledgement that he

was in the same room with Jagdeo.

Jagdeo acknowledged that this was not a political podium but still could not resist taking a jab at the opposition by referring to the one seat majority they held in Parliament.

To m a k e m a t t e r s worse, during the President’s speech, just after he disclosed that unlike Jagdeo he has a wealth of experience as a m a r r i ed man (either by coincidence or design), the microphone was disconnected, leaving President Ramotar to finish his speech without the benefit of a mike. Only those close enough to him heard anything he had to say after that.

I was amazed at how

intimidated President Ramotar seemed of Jagdeo, who acted as if he was still Guyana’s President. He surely has the current President in his shadow.

At the end of the formal p a r t o f t h e We d d i n g , Jagdeo again assumed the position of President and ‘the Boss’ as he is often called, went about meeting the guests and taking photos with them as if he was on an elections campaign.

He had in tow Housing Minister Irfaan Ali and all the while President Ramotar was in his seat.

I f o u n d J a g d e o ’s arrogant behaviour distasteful as he give the impression that he was still in charge. And maybe he is.

Disappointed Wedding Guest

M O N T E G O B AY, St James — General Secretary of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Dr Horace Chang has warned t h e p a r t y ’s p o l i t i c a l representatives that they will not contest future e l e c t i o n s o n t h e J L P ’s ticket unless they are performing.

“I suspect that I will be even more unpopular this year, but I will be very hard on the constituencies. If you are not doing it (performing), we are going to find someone else to do it, and I have no apologies for that,” Dr Chang stressed.

“You may be my friend, but in politics this year I have no friends, all I have are colleagues, no friends; so if you do the work you will get my support, and if you don’t do the work you will have to step aside.”

The JLP general secretary, who is also the member of Parliament for North West St James, was addressing delegates at Sunday’s meeting of the party’s Area Council Four,

which covers 16 constituencies across the parishes of Trelawny, St James, H a n o v e r, We s t m o r e l a n d a n d St Elizabeth.

The meeting took place at the Bellfield Great House in Montego Bay. He told the delegates that the country has been going through difficult times and as such the citizens are seeking leadership from the JLP, adding that if the party is to form the next Government, it will have to focus on winning all of the seats in Area Council Four.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for North West St Elizabeth, J C Hutchinson was nominated unopposed to succeed Dr Christopher Tufton as the deputy leader in charge of Area Council Four.

Dr Tufton resigned amid controversy surrounding his nomination for the position earlier this year.

On Sunday, he told the delegates that his decision to withdraw from the

process should not be perceived as an indication that he was leaving the party.

“I am in no way, shape or form leaving the party or abandoning the party, or the efforts of the party to regain state power.

I remain a member of the party but sometimes you have to retreat and reflect, and I am at the stage where I believe I need to do that,” he told the delegates.

A former minister of agriculture and fisheries, Dr Tufton was up to early November a member of the S e n a t e a n d t h e J L P ’s spokesperson on foreign affairs and foreign trade.

But following the party’s bitter leadership race between Party Leader Andrew Holness and his challenger Audley Shaw, the member of Parliament for North East Manchester, which s a w H o l n e s s retaining the party’s top post, Dr Tufton was left out of the Senate and was not renamed as a member of the shadow Cabinet.

Chang issues warning to non-performing JLP reps

Heavy rains hit Dominica ROSEAU, Dominica CMC – Heavy rains yesterday caused widespread flooding and damage to several homes, particularly in the southern part of Dominica, Acting Prime Minister Reginald Austrie has said.

Austire, who chaired an emergency Cabinet meeting that was also attended by officials from the Office of Disaster preparedness, said that teams were now assessing the damage caused as a result of the inclement weather.

“About one third of the island has been affected, mainly towards the south.

There have been some issues in the east, in Castle Bruce and Good Hope…but most of the damage is in fact concentrated in the southern side of the island,” Austrie told the state-owned DBS radio.

The Meteorological Office said that the inclement weather was due to moisture and instability associated with a trough system and warned that Dominica and other islands in the Caribbean would be affected by isolated thunderstorms and heavy rains as well as strong winds.

They urged people residing in low-lying areas to prepare to be evacuated

especially as the land has been heavily saturated as a result of the rains.

The radio station reported that many peop l e i n t h e south of the island were forced to walk to the capital to complete their Christmas shopping and Austrie said “there had been some infrastructural damage.

“The roads in the Roseau Valley and some areas towards south Soufriere are still cut off and we are now heading off to the field to do an assessment,” he said, adding that most of the homes had been damaged in Bath Estate, just on the outskirts of the capital.

PM: Let’s work together to build T&T Trinidad Guardian - Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar has urged citizens to work together to build T&T to rid the nation of hunger, poverty, violence and inequity. She said T&T was a country with prosperity for all. She said every citizen should put “our proverbial shoulders to the grind and turn the wheels of national development to make our d r e a m s a r e a l i t y. ” T h e Prime Minister made the statement in her Christmas message to the nation.

She said Christmas was a time to put aside all differences and to reach out to fellow human beings in a spirit of love and forgiveness.

“It is important for us to refocus, re-evaluate, and to redirect our thoughts on the Christ Child and the message He embodied,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar said it was her special Christmas prayer that the light of understanding would abide in every human heart.

She added: “Let us plan and work together in harmony so that the blessing of peace shall come to our nation and every nation. May the true

meaning of Christmas continue to guide us in all our future ways.” She said Christmas provided “us with the opportunity to bring out the best in ourselves and to give meaning and action to the message of Christ today and every day by the way we live and by the way we treat with each other.”

She said there were many people who were hurting.

She added: “Who else can offer help but us?

When we accept this innate divine calling we follow in the steps of Jesus who came, not to be served, but to serve. “All too often we can get caught up in the ‘busy-ness’ of the Christmas season and we forget what it is really a b o u t . “ We g e t o v e r l y concerned about the curtains, the food, the gifts, etc, that we lose sight of the most important thing, the birth of Jesus and what it means for all of us.

“This beautiful event

sometimes becomes lost in the revelry, succumbing to over-indulgence and compromised by consumerism and base tendencies, all anathema to the real and true spirit of the holy season.” She said: “As we open the doors of hospitality to our colleagues, friends and family this Christmas, let us also open the doors of our hearts to those in need.”

She said as Prime Minister she was mindful of her responsibilities.

“I always endeavour to keep in my mind the wellbeing of all my fellow citizens. “The real mandate of every government is to work for the benefit of all citizens, especially the most needy and vulnerable in society. “This is a responsibility that my government will not shirk for we recognise and appreciate that this is essential to good governance, holistic development and prosperity,” she said.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 25, 2013

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 9

JAGAN KNEW THAT IN 1974 HE WAS DEALING WITH A WEAKENED MPCA Cheddi Jagan’s alleged rapprochement with the Manpower Citizens Association (MPCA) in 1974 was no earth-shaking event. It is also the wrong example to use to illustrate Jagan’s capacity to put the past behind him, set aside personal differences and build alliances for a united working class. Some context is needed to understand the approaches that Jagan was alleged to have made to the MPCA whose President, Richard Ishmael, had joined forces with US and British imperialism in the toppling of the PPP government from power 1974 was an eventual year in the sugar industry and in

the country. The Spring Crop for that year was a record one and this led to increased demands within the sugar belt for the greater benefits, demands which were being led by GAWU, which was challenging Ishmael’s MPCA for recognition within the industry.

1974 was of course also the very year that Ishmael was re-elected as President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress. He beat off a spirited but futile challenge from Gordon Todd of the CCWU, after the delegates supportive of a PNC candidate threw their support behind Ishmael to avoid a Todd victory. In the run-up

to the GTUC elections, Burnham had offered political “carrots” to Ishmael so as to bolster his standing in the sugar belt in the wake of challenges by GAWU. Just prior to his re-election, Ishmael had called a strike in the sugar industry to press for a 10% increase in wages, a demand that the sugar producers refused to accede to, claiming that they were already committed to paying an annual production incentive.

This strike by Ishmael must be seen in the context of the precarious position that his union, the MPCA faced.

Its support amongst factory and field workers had become

Dem boys seh...

Some people going to jail fuh de New Year Happy New Year to everybody, except all those who mek de masses, include dem boys, get vex wid dem thiefing and other corrupt action.

Dem boys always remember that great man, Mahatma Gandhi, seh that “Corruption is a disease, it eats away at the foundation of people’s faith in Government; it undermines de stability of nations.”

Dem got people who get jail fuh wholesale corruption. Days before Christmas de 16th most richest man in de world get pardon and walk out of jail. He and de Rat is de same age. Putin mek he spend 10 years in that jail.

He did exactly what de Rat and Bobby do to Guyana.

“Mikhail Borisovich Khodorkovsky accumulated wealth through the development of Siberian oil fields as the head of Yukos, one of the largest Russian companies to emerge from the privatization of state assets during the 1990s.” Boris Yeltsin was de President.

Putin come in, arrest he jail he fuh ten years.

In Guyana de Rat, Brazzy and Bobby and dem others, do de same thing. Dem get rich off state assets. Khodorkovsky became the 16th richest man on earth. But dem boys want tell de nation that Guyana got 16 richest people in de Caribbean. De richest of dem all name begin wid Bee—Bobby. De other Bees fall under he, and dem have Shaati, Rob de Earth and Irfaat.

Privatisation deals see Khodorkovsky tek over de oil industry in Russia. In Guyana privatization deal give Bobby de whole New GPC plus allow him de hog of de drugs to de Ministry of Health and to de hospital.

Privatisation deals give he de Sanata complex plus a whole lot of concessions including tax breaks fuh donkey years to come.

That is only two big deal. De had nuff underhand deal, like renting warehouse.

Dem boys hope that Donald do wha Putin do. If can’t jail dem fuh ten years, jail dem fuh 20. Mandela serve 27, came out and forgive all he jailers.

Dem boys want tell Donald don’t go down that road, that he shouldn’t tek a page out of Mandela book. He should tek a sentence because de things on a page gun definitely be too much fuh he, just like how leadership too much fuh Granger.

All he life he tek order-yes sir, no sir. Now he in a position to give order he still tekking order-this time from Donald. Dem boys nah seh suh, is he party gyal who seh suh. Dem seh that dem fed up watching how he throw back wid he shirt tuck tight in he pants and enjoying de kickback.

Prak does get kick too but he does get kick in he face and all over he body.

De Rat never get kick in Guyana. He was too big but he nah big in Uncle Sam. After he left office, he get de climate change people fuh give he a diplomatic passport because he want to continue to travel like a big boy.

When he gush to Uncle Sam dem treat him like a lil boy and he get vex. He get de Foreign Affairs people in Guyana fuh write de US and ask fuh immunity. Uncle Sam tell he that de only immunity you gun get is Unity foreshore, Maraca.

Uncle Sam seh that is not he alone gun get things in de New Year. De stumpy crook, Shiite, gun get a pair of three-colour kickers.

Brazzy, de fat crook gun get something fuh clear he throat to speak de truth and sound better.

Bobby gun follow in Mandela footstep, not as president, but in jail fuh 27 years.

Boyah don’t know that all de land he need that extra six by four feet.

Rob de Earth got to get piece of de earth fuh match de size of de airwaves that he get.

And all dem thiefing contractahs, line dem up and wid weight pun dem stomach, push dem overboard one by one.

And dem boys gun tell how some people get dem big stomach. Brazzy and Bharrat go in Bakewell. Bharrat often don’t have to pay fuh anything suh he pick up three pine tart and put dem in he pocket. He do de thing suh fast that nobody didn’t see but he had to tell Brazzy.

This is a man who like eat suh he tell de Bakewell manager that he know magic. De man seh, “Show me.” Brazzy seh, “Give me a pine tart.”

He eat one; no magic. “Give men another one.” He eat that and still no magic. Bakewell get vex. “Wheh de magic?” “Give me another pine tart.” Brazzy eat that too.

When Bakewell ask wheh de magic Brazzy tell he to look in Bharrat pocket. That is wha shock Nazir.

Talk half and keep out of jail.

seriously eroded by GAWU which was widely believed to command the overwhelming support of field and factory workers, a fact that was subsequently confirmed when a recognition poll was held.

Ishmael was however canny enough in wresting concessions from Burnham by threatening to abandon the struggle and leave the government and the estates to deal with Jagan’s GAWU. That threat and the fear of Todd’s election as President of the GTUC were sufficient to cause delegates supportive of a PNC-backed candidate to switch their support to Ishmael.

By 1974, also, the crisis in the economy had deepened.

Because of squandermania and rampant corruption, foreign exchange shortages were developing. Increased prices and black-marketing of goods were beginning to hurt the pockets of workers. In the face of restlessness by workers, the GTUC was unable to toe the line in its subservience to the then government. Burnham and Ishmael were reported to have had bitter exchanges in their meetings, with Burnham said to be resorting to profane language in his exchanges with the GTUC head.

Jagan understood clearly the declining support of the MPCA and the credibility problem faced by Ishmael within the GTUC. Any rapprochement that Jagan may have instigated between GAWU and the MPCA must be seen in the context of Jagan knowing that he was dealing with a man whose reign in the sugar belt and the GTUC was about to end. More importantly, the sugar producers had already begun to prepare for a poll in the industry because they knew that recognition of GAWU was no longer avoidable.

Ishmael was no threat to Jagan.

In 1975, GAWU flexed its muscles and called a major strike in the industry which the now weakened MPCA was forced to go along with, even though it was at that time still the recognized trade union in the sugar industry.

In August of the following year, the GTUC became embroiled in controversy when it was revealed that its labour college was receiving funding from an American trade union which was believed then to be in consort with the Central Intelligence Agency. The executive of the GTUC took a decision to discontinue the funding. Ishmael’s health had by this time deteriorated and he fell ill and was hospitalized

in the United States. This caused the Americans some anxious moments, since they feared that if Ishmael was unable to continue then Todd could take control of the GTUC. By the following year, 1976, Ishmael was a forlorn figure within the trade union movement. At the annual May Day Rally he was booed by a crowd packed with PNC supporters when he rose to make his address.

He had served his

purpose in destabilizing the PPP government in the sixties and in keeping out, as long as possible, GAWU’s recognition within the sugar belt. The GTUC and the PNC had no more use for him. It was time to put him out to pasture.

He nonetheless left a very rich man.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

I ask the question again My first column for 2013 was captioned, “Do people read the newspapers on New Year’s Eve?” I repeat the question. In that January 1, 2013 piece, I argued that given the energy and time humans spend on the night of December 31, the next day,

they just don’t want to do anything at all, much less read the newspapers.

I went on to state that even if they get up early, they would turn on the idiot box.

In an age of social media, they would be getting all types of messages. So the newspaper

becomes a casualty on January 1 of each year. But at the same time, this is a world that we think we know.

Maybe we don’t know anything about it.

We may think we comprehend the world but when faced with some

amazing facts, we are stunned to find out how little we are familiar with the human species.

Who says in today’s world because of Twitter, social media and all the young people, few would read newspapers on New Year’s Day? Here are some facts that you should ponder on.

Some of the entertainers that brought in the highest intake for 2011 and 2012 were performers for over sixty years, include Paul McCartney (who is in his seventies), Pink Floyd Frontman, Roger Waters (who is in his seventies) and Elton John, among others.

Taylor Swift, a young superstar, earned the same amount as Paul McCartney in 2012 You would think that in today’s world, people would not know of Roger Waters, whose group dominated the rock scene in the seventies.

Yanni plays music that young people would not gravitate to, but Yanni is one of the highest grossing performers.

My point is that the world is wide with all kinds of people and you may think that on New Year’s Day, few people would read the newspaper, but that may not be so.

I do concede that the number of newspapers sold and read on this day will not be as great as on a normal day.

Of course, content is another matter. Do people want to read ponderous analyses in their newspapers on New Year’s Day? I rather suspect they

would not. Would they not prefer to indulge their eyes on the lighter things in life?

Here are some of my lighter moments in 2013. I start with a pizza I bought in September. I will always remember that incident. The sight and taste of that pizza I will never forget. I just found that thing truly intriguing.

Why it shocked me was because I don’t think any restaurant would bake such a poor pizza.

In 2013, the proofreading at Kaieteur News was overbearingly irritating. I know I make typographical mistakes but surely, the proofreader’s role is to back us up. They just come in to read and spot the mistakes.

Often, they don’t.

In 2013, I discovered the Chinese channel CCTV (channel 78 in Guyana). It is going to compete with Al Jazeera and CNN. Of course the BBC is the best. CCTV does have its features on China, but the network is very good on Third World news.

And by Third World, I mean it goes all over the Third World and bring you news that CNN and others are not interested in. It has a fantastic business section that looks in depth at investments and business developments around the world.

And it interviews global personalities just as any other network in any other country.

I had an interesting encounter with a very dirty person last year. This man was smelly and half dressed. It was obvious he was homeless and not a hundred percent in

Frederick Kissoon control of his faculties. The incident occurred on Alexander Street outside the Kitty Market where the vegetable vendors ply their trade. I stopped on my way home to buy lettuce.

I cannot eat a sandwich without lettuce. I don’t know the reason, but that is how I feel. Colin Smith, the editor of the Catholic Standard couldn’t believe it when I asked him to spin by the market to buy me lettuce to go with my sandwich.

They say the genes are so strong that nurture cannot compete with nature.

My daughter cannot have her sandwich without the green stuff so she called to ask me to pick it up. I bought the lettuce, went into my car, and this smelly guy came right up to the driver’s window.

His eyes were roaming and he certainly looked mentally disheveled. He put his hand out and asked for money, as I mashed the accelerator, he yelled out; “Please Mr. Kissoon!”

I was speechless. I would never ever believe that given the mental and physical state of this human that he knew the environment. We simply do not know this world and the people in it.

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Govt. under scrutiny for rehiring retirees - Unhappy GPSU moves to determine extent

APNU’s MP, Joe Harmon

Clyde Roopchand

Former Minister Harripersaud Nokta

Former Minister Clinton Collymore

Within weeks of this new year, Government will be moving to present the National Budget in Parliament. But it is unlikely that there will be a smooth passage as the Opposition has signaled intentions to scrutinize all expenditures with a fine tooth comb.

Among one of the contentious areas to receive attention will be contracts to Government workers.

While the administration, time and again, has been defending the issuance of contracts saying that it worked well for categories of cleaners and other employees for short-term jobs, the Opposition and unions have been eyeing them with heavy suspicion.

The Opposition has been complaining that the administration has used the contracts to reward close party members and family with high-paying jobs.

The matter has also been upsetting the Guyana Public Service Union, the biggest bargaining body for civil servants. The union has contended that in addition to rewarding its faithful, the Government has been using contracts as a means to break the backs of the bargaining bodies.

On Monday, independent columnist of Kaieteur News, Peeping Tom, again raised another angle, that of retired

public servants being rehired and offered lucrative contracts, far in excess being earned by normal workers.

With the pensionable age being 55, the columnist was critical of the administration, claiming that there were even two instances where public servants were retained over the age of seventy. This has impacted on the natural progression of workers and will negatively affect the morale of workers who expect promotions.

Two such persons, Kaieteur News was told, included Clyde Roopchand, a senior functionary in the Ministry of Finance, and Clement Sealey, the Deputy Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

According to GPSU’s President, Patrick Yarde, his union had called on Government several times to consider revising upwards the age of retirement to at least 60, a position held by former President Janet Jagan.

“This is precisely what we would have wanted to avoid…that they don’t have the discretion of picking and choosing. Further, there was longstanding agreement where GPSU had to concur before rehiring. This agreement is not being honoured anymore by Government.”

The reality, Yarde said, (Continued on page 12)

Page 11

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Let us focus our energy towards the betterment of our people President Donald Ramotar in his New Year’s Message to the Nation reiterated his call for national unity and cooperation “I wish to urge all to let us work together in the interest of our people. Let us be aware that life is short, let us not waste time on pettiness but focus our energy towards the betterment of our people.”

The Head of State at the beginning of his address extended “best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all Guyanese, at home and in the Diaspora”. “I hope that in this New Year we will continue to work to strengthen Peace, Progress and Prosperity in our land and make our contribution to the world as well.”

Mr. Ramotar’s optimism about the nation’s future was conveyed in no uncertain terms. “During the last year, despite the challenges we faced, our country kept on moving in the right direction,

and our economy continued to grow. Our economic growth last year is expected to be close to five percent.

This is not insignificant when we take into account the international environment in which we operate. The financial and economic crises that affected our world since 2008 have eased, but their negative impact continues to be felt globally.

He opined that “We could have done much better if demand in Europe and North America was stronger.

We should note that much of our exports have had to cope with fluctuating prices internationally, mostly falling.

This is seen in particular with gold and sugar. At the same time, the world market prices of our key imports, most notably fuel, have remained persistently high.

It is in this context we must appreciate our achievements and extend our appreciation to the producers, both workers and employers.

– President urges in New Year’s message We must also appreciate the continued commitment of the investors, both foreign and domestic, who continue to display confidence in our Government’s management of the Guyanese economy, and who are investing their capital in the future prospects of our country.”

The President noted that Government has also been investing heavily as a country in the social sector, with over $28 billion budgeted for the public education system and over $19 billion for the public healthcare system in 2013.

“We have also invested greatly in the housing and water sectors. Education is becoming more accessible to all our students. We are building a new school in Region 8 and rebuilding the one in Region 10 destroyed by arsonists. We continue to provide more books and

uniforms to our children. We are also training more teachers for our schools at the same time.

The result has been more students completing primary and secondary education, more students accessing tertiary and university education, better performance by our students at regional examinations, and a better educated and more skilled workforce. Indeed, over the last ten years, Guyanese students have won the highest awards given by the Caribbean Examinations Council eight times. This year we got five of the top eight awards.

Clearly our investments are paying off.” The health sector came in for high praise from the country’s leader.

“We continue to expand health services making complicated tertiary health care available to more of our

NIS has increased pension Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon has expressed in an end of year press conference yesterday, that Cabinet has approved an increase for pensioners effective at the start of the New Year.

Luncheon articulated that in the wake of the 2013 salary increases in the public service, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) increased its benefits. He said that the “minimum pension has been increased to $19,770 per month, that’s the smallest pension that can be paid to any pensioner who is illegible to receive a pension from the NIS.”

Additionally, Luncheon expressed that “the insurable earning ceiling has increased to $158,159. The insurable earning ceiling is the limit under which the contribution rate is applied for the compilation of your NIS contributions. So $158,000 per month is the limit to which contributions are gathered.

On that basis, 14 percent is the contribution as we sit here which would determine your actual payment of the contributions to the NIS” said Luncheon.

Luncheon also spoke of increases at the General Registrars Office (GRO) for increases in the price of certificates.

– Dr. Luncheon “Cabinet today (yesterday) also approved increases in the cost of acquisition of important documents provided by the GRO of birth, death and marriage certificates, the prices are now set by cabinet with effect from the first of February 2014 at $300 per certificate.”

CONTRACTS Luncheon further listed several contracts that Cabinet has approved. Within the ambit of health, contracts were approved for the construction of a Port Kaituma Hospital within the North West District of Region 1 to the tune of $375 Million.

Approval by Cabinet was also granted for the supply

and delivery of medical and physiotherapy equipment for the Ministry of Health at a cost of $32.6 Million, while approval was granted for the supply and delivery of contraceptives and related items for maternal and child health ($54.4 Million).

Additionally, approval was granted for the procurement of radiology supplies for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for $48.9 Million.

Luncheon also expressed that procurement of law books for the Supreme Court of Judicature was approved at a cost of 57,000 Pounds.

According to Luncheon, approval was granted for the phase three construction of the Synthetic track and field which is being built at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara to the tune of $62.2 Million for the construction of a Club house and the field respectively.

people. Today, virtually every community in Guyana has access to basic health care services, our public health care system is better staffed with the highest number of young Guyanese doctors ever, and we are working diligently to expand the capacity of the system to deliver specialist services and facilities. We are training more specialists. At the moment some forty-seven doctors from the Georgetown Public Hospital are doing post graduate studies, specializing in various areas in the medical field. This will add to the twenty that have already graduated.”

The President reflected that over the past years, “the dreams of many of owning their own homes have become a reality. This year we expect to allocate another 6,600 house lots to our citizens, building on those we already distributed over the years. At the local level we are investing more in the communities to look at drainage, roads and the vexing garbage situation.”

“We continue to invest more in our people to ensure that all benefit in the growth and development of Guyana.

We continue to pursue the policy of leaving no one behind.” Mr. Ramotar stressed that it should come as “no surprise” therefore that Guyana has made tremendous progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

“In the specific area of reducing poverty and improving nutrition, Guyana had the honour of being

President Donald Ramotar amongst only 17 countries worldwide to have been singled out by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation for special recognition this year for the progress we have made in reducing hunger and improving nutrition.

While we recognize the gains made in the last year were achieved in a very complex and often difficult local and international environment, it is also apposite to point out that we could have achieved much more. We also had some serious domestic setbacks as well.” The Head of State then touched on the stalled Amaila Falls project.

“I am here referring to the fact that the Amaila Falls Hydro Project which was expected to have started at the beginning of this year was frustrated by the National Assembly, despite many consultations with the opposition parties in the National Assembly, by government and the Continued on page 55

Govt. under scrutiny...

From page 11 was that Guyanese are living longer.

“These people are just being placed there and are obstructing promotion for hardworking public servants.

There was even a government circular on this issue. It is a major source of concern for the union.”

While the union believes that the rehiring of retired public servants is significant, it has now moved to conduct a survey to determine the extent. According to senior Member of Parliament of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Joseph Harmon, the issue of rehiring and contract ones has been a major one for that Opposition faction.

“We have one Ministry paying four persons – two of them current ministers and two more who are no longer ministers.”

Harmon would have been referring to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. The

Senior Minister is Ganga Persaud while the Norman Whittaker is the Junior.

Also working there are former Ministers, Harripersaud Nokta and Clinton Collymore.

“We are asking for more monies to pay public servants yet we have huge sums being placed in the pockets of especially the party faithful.”

According to Harmon, many of contract workers and retirees are getting NIS, old age pensions, assigned vehicles and drivers, housing and other utilities allowances and even vacation pay.

“Look right there…that is where all the fluff and the fat is. We can find some of the monies to pay public servants a little better from right there. Don’t use the money to pay people to do political work, because that is what some of these contract workers are doing. Let the PPP use their slush funds if they want to pay them.”

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Several interesting legal matters in 2013

By Latoya Giles The past 12 months saw the courts being flooded with a number of high profile matters. These ranged from radio licenses to budgetary cuts to murders and the list goes on. The following is a summary of several interesting ones: RADIO LICENCES As criticism grew over government’s refusal to recall several radio licences issued under unclear circumstances by former President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2011, private media houses turned to the court for recourse.

The legal challenge was filed by the National Media Publishing Company, publishers of Kaieteur News, and the Guyana Media Proprietors Association Limited (GMPA). It named Attorney General, the Minister of Broadcasting, National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) and twelve recipients that were granted broadcast licences by Jagdeo shortly before he ended his term in office in November 2011.

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

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

The media houses and Lall said that the licences breached their legitimate expectations and constitutional rights. It pointed to an agreement dated May 5, 2003 between Jagdeo and former Opposition Leader, Robert Corbin, where it was agreed there would be a freeze on all new commercial frequencies for radio and television until a new Broadcasting Act came into effect.

Jagdeo’s exercise of his discretion to grants those licences was abused and unreasonable also. The media houses asked for court orders to quash the licences.

Regarding the cable TV

Attorney General Anil Nandlall licences to E-Network and Quark Communications, reportedly owned by Vishok Persaud and Brian Yong respectively, friends of the former President, the media houses also want these to be quashed on the same grounds.

Valmiki Singh, head of the NFMU, was also asked to produce a statement to the court of all available radio, television and cable frequencies in Guyana.

Lall and GMPA, in asking for the court to issue an order for TV and radio broadcast licences to be granted to them, also want a declaration that the frequency spectrum is a national resource.

They are also asking in excess of $1M for aggravated damages and an unspecified amount for exemplary damages.

In the affidavit supporting the constitutional challenge, Lall said in December 2008 he applied to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds to operate a cable TV network; a radio station and a TV station.

Veteran journalist, Enrico Woolford, of Capitol News, also filed a similar court action.

BUDGET CUTS Back in 2012 the Parliamentary Opposition which had the majority in the House, slashed the budget by $21B, prompting the Government to take legal action on the basis that the Opposition has no power to cut the budget.

The Chief Justice in a preliminary ruling had said that the National Assembly cannot cut the budget and that the Finance Minister has the authority to allocate monies as needed. But the Opposition again in 2013, despite the ruling, slashed over $30B from the estimates, prompting a return to the court for a final ruling.

On June 19, 2013, a decision was taken by Chief Justice Ian Chang to dismiss the Opposition Leader, as well as Finance Minister Dr. Ashni

Justice Navindra Singh Singh from the case, on the grounds that as Members of Parliament (MPs), the constitution provides them with immunity. Granger has since sought to waive his immunity in an appeal.

Come January 13, 2014 when the matter will be heard, Justices James Bovell-Drakes and Rishi Persaud will decide on Granger’s appeal.

On that date, the Leader of the Opposition will know whether he will be allowed to be heard in the 2012 Budget Cut court case, which is being held in abeyance pending the course of the appeal.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall who represents the Government had argued that Granger’s immunity as an MP prohibits any participation in legal proceedings. Granger’s attorney Basil Williams had however, argued that his client was willing to waive his immunity.

Nandlall disagreed with the Opposition Leader ’s claim that he has a right to waive his immunity, arguing that it is not immunity but a prohibition which could expose all other Parliamentarians. The AG stated that for the Opposition Leader to relinquish his rights to immunity, legislation has to be passed, amending the current law before this can happen.

NEW SENTENCING SCHEME In October, Justice Navindra Singh, sat down with Kaieteur News to explain his new sentencing method.

According to Justice Singh although the death penalty is the maximum sentence, it is not mandatory and as such he has developed a new sentencing scheme.

Justice Singh, who spoke to Kaieteur News, had explained that in December 2012 he made a ruling, stating basically that he did not think that the death penalty was mandatory.

“It’s the maximum sentence, so therefore there is the discretion if I want to go with it.” He explained that

he worked out from various sentencing schemes a base, then goes to the aggravating factors. Justice Singh explained that if they are mitigating factors it would be subtracted.

That’s how he comes up with the sentence.

“It’s a long list I made up of various aggravating factors which I find the most common, and based on the North American and British sentencing schemes, I try to set out ( a duration) that is applicable to this society,” Justice Singh explained.

The judge went on to state that one reason why he does not institute the death penalty; is that there has not been an execution in Guyana for the past 16 years.

Justice Singh told Kaieteur News that he believes that the purpose of the death penalty is that if the person is found guilty it means that the person is dangerous to society. He said that if there is no execution the person would be on Death Row, which could lead to their sentence being commuted to life imprisonment as what has happened already.

He said that once the sentences are commuted, there is a great likelihood that

the person could be released at some point in time. Justice Singh said that he believes that is contrary to the concept that the legislators wanted.

Against this backdrop he said that’s how he has worked out his method.

In an invited comment, Attorney General Anil Nandall explained that by virtue of an amendment during the ninth Parliament of Guyana, the death penalty legislation was modified to a degree that not every murder accused is liable to receive the death penalty.

“In accordance with the legislative amendments there are certain categories of murders which will retain the death penalty.

One would be the murder of law enforcement officers and there are others…

Besides those stipulated categories, the judge holds the power to impose a sentence other than the death penalty” When asked if the opportunity e x i s t s f o r parole after the handing down of such a sentence, the Attorney General said that parole is a matter for the prison.

“After sentencing, the judiciary no longer has any role to play.”

Nandlall said.

STOPAND SEARCH JUDGMENT In December, the High Court made a judgment of over $2M to Justice Navindra Singh who had taken the Guyana Police Force to task for the way in which they conducted their stop and search exercise.

The judgment on October 31, 2013 by Justice William Ramlal, is also likely to raise the debate over the powers of police ranks to stop and search vehicles. There have been numerous complaints by vehicle owners of harassment by police at roadblocks.

The lawsuit, which was filed on October 24, 2006 by then Attorney-at-law, Navindra Singh, against Police Constable Benjamin 11712, Police Sergeant James 12496 and the Attorney General, accused the police of assault, malicious arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.

Singh took the stand during the seven-year trial of the action but was not crossexamined by the defence.

According to the judgment by Justice Ramlal, prior to the trial, the Attorney General had moved to settle the matter for $500,000 but this was not accepted by Singh and his lawyer.

Page 22

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

JANUARY INTERNATIONALPOLICE OFFICERS TO ASSIST LOCAL FORCE – ROHEE Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee outlined an elaborate plan that promised significant changes within the Guyana Police Force and other entities under the purview of his Ministry.

Facing a gag order in the National Assembly at the time, the Minister took the opportunity to use a forum conference to detail a fiveyear plan that would see a name change for the Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service as well as the Guyana Fire Service; the employment of specialist civilian professionals within the Police Force and the possibility of international police officers as consultants.

Addressing more than 100 people in the auditorium of the Police Officers’ Training College, the Home Affairs Minister noted that Government’s Public Safety and Security Strategy is on the cusp of a critical but necessary phase.

He cautioned that if that phase is not implemented, the result would be a backward step for the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Security Sector as a whole. The 20132017 strategic plan for the Guyana Police Force, he explained, would see the implementation of a Strategic Management Department, which will have oversight of the plans’ implementation.

The body, Rohee said, would have in its employ 10 high level civilian professionals in certain positions within the Force to ensure that a high degree of professional technical and efficient input guarantee the implementation of the plan itself. The plan was drawn up by a United Kingdom-based consultancy group. $254M ‘ILLEGALLY TRANSFERRED’ FROM GGMC TO NICIL – AFC The Alliance For Change (AFC) raised an alarm over a $254M transfer from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in

January 2012, describing it as an outrageous and illegal act by government.

According to AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, the money was transferred to the bank account of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

GGMC is the government’s semiautonomous agency tasked with regulating the natural resources sector, excluding forestry. It collects royalties, taxes and other fees from gold mining and quarrying activities, among others.

NICIL is the government agency in charge of managing state assets.

According to Ramjattan, the monies should rightly go the Consolidated Fund, where all revenues for the state are controlled. “To place these monies elsewhere is a breach of financial regulations of the country.

The government is fully aware of this.”

A senior official of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, which has the ministerial responsibilities for GGMC, confirmed that the monies were transferred to NICIL. The official, who asked not to be named, explained that the money was for the repairs and maintenance of several key hinterland roads…roads that are critical to the mining community.

APPEAL COURT RULES IN FAVOUR OF TOUCAN SUITES OWNER The matter involving Norman Trotz, owner of Toucan Suites Guest House (which was located at Eccles, East Bank Demerara), the Attorney-General of Guyana, the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, was heard by Chancellor Justice Carl Singh, Justice B.S. Roy and Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

The court ordered “It is by consent ordered that the Terms of Settlement dated the 7th day of January, 2013, by and between the parties herein be and is hereby

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

deemed an order of this court.”

Back in 2008, Justice Jainarayan Singh Jr. presiding in the High Court, awarded judgment in the sum of $125M with six percent interest to Norman Trotz, the owner of the Toucan Suites Guest House, which was destroyed by the Joint Services during the final hours of a confrontation between the army, the police and Linden London called ‘Blackie’ in February 2000.

The judgment was handed down in October 2008 following lengthy submissions by the then Attorney General Doodnauth Singh representing the state, and attorney at law Andrew Pollard, counsel for N&R Co. Limited, owned by Norman Trotz. The Government appealed that decision, but a ruling was in January 2013 made in favour of Trotz.

But even before the appeal, Attorney General Doodnauth Singh had consented to judgment in favour of Trotz. He so advised the Bharrat Jagdeo government.

state of especially NDCs and town councils for failing infrastructure, garbage problems and other critical issues.

OPPOSITION MOVES TO CAP BENEFITS TO FORMER PRESIDENTS APNU’s shadow Home Affairs Minister and security expert, Winston Felix, said that there should be a limit to the number of “guards” assigned to former President Bharrat Jagdeo. This newspaper had reported that the former President still had his full complement of security personnel, consisting of fulltime members of the Guyana Police Force.

According to Felix, Carl Greenidge’s Bill which he tabled to amend the President’s Benefits and Other Facilities Act of 2009, has proposed to slice away chunks of benefits that Jagdeo is presently entitled to and limit them to a maximum of 10 years.

Felix said that the wisdom of Greenidge’s Bill is obvious.

He said that there needs to be a “cap” on the benefits because there is no limit.

Andrew Ayre

Former EZjet boss, Sonny Ramdeo

Felix further noted that whatever Jagdeo receives should be “sensible” and not run into excess or waste. But Government Members of Parliament say that the Bill will in no way affect former President Jagdeo since Bills cannot be applied retroactively.

his extradition to Florida on Old Year’s Day (December 31, 2012). He was given until February 4, 2013, to file all necessary pre-trial documents in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Ramdeo was again refused bail.

FORMER EZJET BOSS EXTRADITED TO FLORIDA Former boss of the collapsed charter airline, EZjet, Sonny Austin Ramdeo spent a mere nine minutes in a Florida court shortly after his extradition from New York on an indictment of wire fraud.

He is charged with filching some US$20 million from Promise Healthcare Hospitals and transferring the money to his charter airline, EZjet.

Appearing before Magistrate Judge Dave Lee Brannon, Ramdeo again waived the formal reading of the indictments and pleaded not guilty.

Earlier, he was informed of his rights and at his request to address the court, he pleaded indigence (that he had no money to afford counsel) so that the state would appoint a defender.

In New York, Ramdeo also waived the formal reading of the indictment and had also pleaded not guilty.

He remained in jail until

MAJOR DONOR NATIONS UP PRESSURE FOR 2013 LOCAL GOVT. POLLS Guyana came under increasing pressure to hold local government elections.

In a joint statement by the local diplomatic missions - the US, Canada, Britain and the European Union- all said that it was a campaign promise by political parties leading up to the November 2011 General and Regional Elections to hold local government elections soonest.

The statement underlined the growing discontent over the functioning of the local government arm of Government which has been a source of criticism from stakeholders over the years.

Government had moved to replace a number of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and even townships with Interim Management Committees (IMC). The move met with some resistance, like in Kwakwani, Region Ten. Residents blamed the

Robert Kopecký

David Devine

BUSINESSMAN GUNNED DOWN IN HOTELYARD A gunman dressed in a white tee-shirt and black pants chased 37-year-old businessman Intaz Roopnarine to the back of the Cool Square Hotel in Marigold Street, West Ruimveldt, and then shot him dead.

Roopnarine, called ‘Bobby’, of 169 Mandela Avenue, collapsed and died near a septic tank. There was a bullet wound on the dead man’s head.

The attack occurred just as Roopnarine was leaving the hotel. Police sources said that surveillance footage shows Roopnarine, with his licenced firearm in hand, and a security guard, fleeing for their lives, with the alleged killer, gun in hand, in full pursuit.

Roopnarine was reportedly wearing several pieces of expensive jewellery at the time and Kaieteur News was told that one of the slain man’s gold bands and a gold chain were missing.

A police release stated that the perpetrator may have fled with the victim’s personal jewellery, which seemed to confirm reports by family members that robbery was the motive. Police recovered the businessman’s firearm near his body. A female friend who was with Roopnarine escaped unhurt.

Dead: Intaz Roopnarine

D. Brent Hardt

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

relation to their alleged involvement in criminal conduct, reportedly committed in the Cuyuni mining district. This was disclosed in a GDF press release following a visit to the area by Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best, in the wake of allegations that a group of rogues soldiers from the army base at Eteringbang had carried out an authorized raid. The arrests bring the GDF closer to instituting court martial proceedings against the soldiers after they were positively identified by miners as being present and entering the mining camps.

The five were escorted by GDF investigators and brought to Camp Ayanganna.

DEAD: Jason Wills FEBRUARY GDF DISPATCHES TEAM TO INVESTIGATE GANJASMOKING SOLDIERS AT CUYUNI The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) dispatched an investigative team, headed by a Lieutenant Colonel and Guyana Police Force ranks to the Cuyuni district to investigate allegations that some rogue soldiers raided mining operations there and relieved miners of various amounts of raw gold.

The allegations were carried in a Kaieteur News article in which a local miner claimed that five soldiers from the GDF base at Eteringbang carried out the act.

According to the local miner, the ranks landed at the Julian Ross Landing, Devils’ Hole, Cuyuni and appeared to have one purpose in their minds-—banditry.

“They did not come with any police, no Immigration, no GGMC personnel,” the miner told Kaieteur News. He said that upon arrival at the landing, the soldiers confronted some small time drug pushers, seizing their drugs, which they consumed in the full view of the public.

GOLD MINER SLAIN IN MEADOW BROOK HOUSE A 33-year-old gold miner was riddled with bullets by at least two unidentified gunmen who stormed the Pine Grove, Meadowbrook residence in which the victim

was staying with friends.

Jason Wills, called ‘Teddy’, of Mahdia, was shot at least seven times at close range with what appeared to be an M-16 assault rifle and a .45 automatic pistol as he sat watching television in the bottom flat of the two-storey house.

The father of seven was shot once behind the ear, twice in the armpits, once in the left shoulder and also in the abdomen. A close friend of Wills, and the friend’s mother-in-law were the only other two occupants. They escaped unharmed. Several bullet casings from an assault rifle and a pistol were retrieved from the scene, while bullet-holes were clearly visible in the living room.

The gunmen reportedly scaled the fence and entered through the open front door.

A source said that Wills’ friend told police that they were all watching television when he and his mother-inlaw went into the kitchen.

The friend alleged that he was dishing out a meal when he heard gunshots and he reportedly immediately took cover behind a gas stove.

After the gunshots ceased, the two persons ventured to the living room where they found Wills’ bullet-riddled corpse.

SOLDIERS CHARGED FOLLOWING RAID ON MINING CAMP An Officer and four Other Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force were detained in

GOVT. DISAPPOINTED OVER DELTA’S PLANNED PULLOUT Delta Airlines’ surprise announcement that it was pulling out of the Guyana route left Government puzzled.

Not only was the US airline doing well, indications are that it was commanding near full passenger loads, this year racking up its highest percentage…89 per cent, according to a government spokesman. Its average loads when it started in June 2008 was 77 per cent full on average.

Minister of Transport, Robeson Benn, in expressing government’s “dismay” at Delta’s announcement that it was discontinuing the Georgetown to New York flights from May, denied that the airline was unhappy over reports that it was pressured after the luggage of former President Bharrat Jagdeo was searched.

One newscast suggested that Delta was not pleased after Government intervened after the incident.

Benn said he was not aware of that incident and that neither Delta nor Jagdeo has

made any official complaint.

Airline sources said that Delta could have been upset because it lost all Government business to Caribbean Airlines (CAL), including the transfers of mail and diplomatic pouches.

CAL and Delta were the two only remaining airlines on the lucrative Georgetown/ New York route after Redjet and the EZjet folded in 2012.

US$300M TO BE SPENT ON NEW HARBOUR BRIDGE Government is eyeing two locations for the construction of a new reinforced concrete Demerara Harbour Bridge, either from Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD) to Houston, East Bank Demerara or from Patentia West Bank Demerara to New Hope, East Bank Demerara.

This was revealed by DHB’s General Manager Rawlston Adams, during his presentation at the recent Public Works Ministry third Engineering Conference. He said that the preferred location to erect the 2.25 kilometres structure is from Versailles to Houston.

The company contracted for this project must have the capacity to design and build.

Though the Public Works Ministry will not design the structure, it has outlined its requirements which include a reinforced concrete bridge with at least four lanes; pedestrian walkways; navigational channel of 100 metres; air draft of 50 metres; and maximum gradient of five percent.

Adams said that because the channel (the deepest part of a river) of the Demerara River is closer to the East Bank Demerara the 100-metre navigational channel and 50 metres air draft will be situated there. He further explained that since the bridge will have a maximum gradient of five

Page 23

percent it will pass over the existing East Bank Demerara Public Road to aback Houston. There it will connect to the Southern Approach Road sending traffic directly into Georgetown.

The Southern Approach Road will be erected east to the East Bank Demerara Public Road connecting to the Mandela- Sheriff Road.

MARRIOTT HOTELISA COMPLETE SELLOUT CHRISTOPHER RAM The former Bharrat Jagdeo government handed the Chinese firm a Marriott Hotel project that essentially sold Guyana and its soul, chartered accountant and attorney, Christopher Ram, has said.

“The contract for the construction of the so-called Marriott Hotel involves

Christopher Ram selling out Guyana and its soul,” Ram wrote in his Business Week column of the Stabroek News. The deal smacks of contempt and lawlessness, he added.

He described the project as a “scheme” that was conceived by Jagdeo after one of his friends failed to buy the Pegasus Hotel.

Ram grouped the Marriott

deal in the same bracket as other projects in which public assets were sold under very questionable circumstances and to questionable people.

CANU MAKES MASSIVE COKE BUST AT SOESDYKE SAWMILL Agents of the country’s main anti-drug unit unearthed a massive quantity of cocaine which was stashed in hollowed out lumber destined for Europe, Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, told reporters. Some 314 kilograms (692 pounds) of the illegal drug were extracted from ‘lumber boxes’ at a sawmill located at the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway junction.

Among those detained was a European national. This publication was further informed that the drug shipment which was headed for The Netherlands (Holland) was being shipped by a local timber establishment. Reports are that various state agencies were involved in the probe which was allegedly initiated by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

According to information, the forestry agency had suspicions about the company’s lumber shipments after it repeatedly failed to adhere to policies. The drugs were found in a container which was said to have been cleared and was due for shipment.

The GFC reportedly insisted that a complete check be done of the containers in the presence of Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and CANU agents.

Sources said that the timber company had experienced ups and downs with GFC after the latter had cited insolence on the part of the company in relation to adherence to rules and regulations.

Cocaine which was stashed in hollowed out lumber

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Kaieteur News

Anand Goolsarran

MARCH NICIL HAS BEEN MADE INTO APARALLEL TREASURY - FORMER AUDITOR GENERAL Numerous state properties were transferred to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) from 1999 to date, but the proceeds from their disposal were not paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Rather, the proceeds, to the tune of billions of dollars, remained in NICIL, and therefore outside of the authority of Parliament which would approve spending from such funds.

According to former Auditor General, Dr. Anand Goolsarran, when state assets vested in NICIL are sold, a windfall gain is achieved, since NICIL acquired them from the Government free of cost.

In his arguments, Dr. Goolsarran contended that NICIL was incorporated under the Companies Act to monitor Government’s investments and to ensure that all revenues derived are promptly collected and paid over to the Consolidated Fund. However, with effect

from 2002, NICIL’s operations took on a different complexion through three highly controversial actions. These included the transfer of Government’s shares in public corporations and other entities; “the hiving off of the Privatisation Unit of the Ministry of Finance; and transferring it to NICIL and the vesting of state assets in NICIL.” The former Auditor General suggested a few recommendations for government to correct the situation.

These include realigning NICIL to what it was prior to 2002 or alternatively wind up its operations.

Government should also ascertain precisely how much should have been paid over to the Consolidated Fund from 2002 to present date against what was actually paid and initiate an investigation as to what happened with the difference.

Disciplinary action should also be taken against concerned officials if it can be established in a Court of Law that laws have been broken.

LINDEN COI FINDS POLICE CULPABLE IN SHOOTING DEATHS

The five-member Commission of Inquiry found the Guyana Police Force culpable in the deaths of three Lindeners who were slain on July 18, 2012, when protests erupted in the bauxite mining town. The report also fully exonerated embattled Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee in the events that led to the tragedy, while chastising the organisers of the protest.

This was revealed by sources privy to the Commission’s report, which was handed over to President Donald Ramotar by the Commission’s Chairman, former Chief Justice of Jamaica, Lensley Wolfe.

While President Donald Ramotar was unable to answer questions on the findings, the Commission’s Chairman, former Chief Justice of Jamaica, Lensley Wolfe, hinted that recommendations made will see justice and once implemented, will “positively” impact the relationship between Lindeners and the government and police.

HUGO CHAVEZ DIES AT 58

President Hugo Chavez died on March 5 in Caracas after a prolonged illness. He was 58. During more than 14 years in office, his leftist politics and grandiose style polarized Venezuelans. The barrel-chested leader electrified crowds with his booming voice, and won admiration among the poor with government social programs and a folksy, nationalistic style.

U.S. ARMY DOCTOR SHOT DEAD IN C’TYNE BACKLANDS The body of overseasbased Guyanese U.S Army Service member, Cpt. Dr. Max Kungel, 42, was discovered inside a vehicle in the Number 71 Village, Corentyne rice

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Hugo Chavez

backlands. The body bore two gunshot wounds.

When the discovery was made, all the doors of his rented white Toyota Tundra were sprawled open. From all indications Kungel was robbed, since his iPhone as well as two other cell phones and three pieces of jewellery were missing; his wallet was empty, save for a few U.S coins and a US$20.

Dr. Kungel, a medical doctor in the U.S. Military, arrived in Guyana on March 7 2013 to attend a religious function to commemorate his grandmother’s ‘one- year’ death anniversary and was staying at his sister’s Anjanie’s residence at Number 72 Village, Corentyne.

PRIVATE MEDIA PROTEST UNFAIR DISTRIBUTION OF RADIO LICENCE Premised on the notion of “if you don’t stand up for something you will fall for anything,” staffers of this Kaieteur News took to the streets in protesting mode to express concerns about the unfair distribution of radio licences.

Led by Publisher, Mr Glenn Lall, the peaceful demonstration which commenced shortly after 10:00 hours, and lasted approximately two hours,

attracted the support of several passersby and equally concerned citizens.

Strategically positioned in front of the 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown offices, the KN staffers were soon joined by several other representatives from private media entities including Editor-In-Chief of Capitol News, Mr Enrico Woolford and Mr Charles Griffith of HBTV Channel Nine.

GOVT. UNVEILS $208.8B BUDGET Several measures, including a $2,500 monthly increase in the old age pension and lowering of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax rate to 30 per cent, were introduced as Government unveiled its 2013 National Budget to the tune of $208.8B – its largest ever.

During a three-hour-long budget presentation in the National Assembly, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, also announced plans to allow homeowners who have mortgages to deduct their interest payments from the taxable income.

While the tax threshold for workers will remain at $50,000 monthly, the PAYE rate was reduced from 33.3 per cent to 30 per cent. “As a result of this reduction in the personal income tax rate, more

than 184,000 taxpayers will benefit with higher take home pay, and an additional $1.8 billion of disposable income will be placed annually in the hands of the taxpaying public,” Singh said.

Regarding the measures, Dr. Singh said it is Government’s objectives to ensure that the debt remains within manageable levels. In addition to $1B to assist the ailing sugar industry which fell to its lowest production last year, Government allocated $11.2B to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to assist the stateowned agency meet its cash flow requirements.

OGLE INT’LAIRPORT NOWAREGIONAL CLASS FACILITY LIAT, the Caribbean Airline, made its inaugural flight to Ogle International Airport signaling the facility’s status as a certified Regional Class Airport. The airline expressed its intention to commence operations at Ogle by mid-year, hence pulling all flights from Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

This was indicated by LIAT’s Chief Executive Officer, Ian Brunton who piloted the aircraft, a Dash-8, from Antigua to Guyana. All crew members were Guyanese.

Aircraft like the Turbo Prop, Dash-8s and ATR flights operated by LIAT and Caribbean Airlines, as well as executive-type aircraft could now utilise Ogle Airport.

“Flying into Ogle would also mean reduced flying time… flying time round-trip less an average of 10 minutes per flight. This of course would result in a significant annual fuel reduction for LIAT- approximately 19,300 gallons per annum,” Brunton informed attendees at the official commissioning of the facility.

Ogle Airport became a Regional Class facility in 2013

The body of Cpt. Dr. Max Kungel (inset) being borne from his relatives’ residence in Corentyne

Wednesday January 01, 2014

APRIL PLAISANCE PROTESTS BEAR FRUIT… GOVERNMENT RESCINDS DECISION TO ERECT TOWER ON PLAYFIELD The Government decided in April to seek an alternative location to erect its transmission tower to support its e-governance programme.

The tower was to have been constructed at the Plaisance Community Centre ground on the East Coast of Demerara. This change of heart came as a result of three days of protest by residents of that community.

The scrapping of the project was confirmed by Project Manager of the egovernance programme, Alexei Ramotar, who said that his team will be seeking an alternative site for the tower.

He said that the decision to site the tower at Plaisance had many considerations, one of them being the decision to supply the community with a wireless service since Plaisance would have been one of the hotspots for the egovernance programme.

The e-governance project is expected to facilitate the linking of Government’s fibre optic cable that has been laid from Lethem to Linden, to the coastline, to enable internet access. It will be one of 54 towers that will be erected in densely populated areas along the coast.

Ramotar said that the team wanted to avoid any charges of discrimination since towers would be established in other communities along coastal Guyana. He said that proximity to the Sparendaam Police Station was another consideration.

The e-governance programme would allow the electronic storing of information on cars, firearm licences, driver’s licences and other similar documentations.

TWO FOREIGNERS PERISHAFTER PLANE CRASHES INTO SPARENDAAM HOUSE Two foreigners, owner and pilot American Pierre Angiel and his passenger Canadian Scientist, Nick Dmitriev perished when the twin engine plane in which they were travelling went Sparendaam Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara just after it took off from the Ogle airport.

The victims’ unrecognizable remains were discovered among the rubble of what was once a wooden house occupied by pensioner Florence Tyndall and three others.

Miraculously,

Kaieteur News

Kendall, who was in the house at the time of the crash managed to escape. The crash sent scores of residents rushing to the area, but they could only stand back and watch as the Americanregistered aircraft burst into flames, with the two men trapped inside.

Eyewitnesses believe that the two occupants of the plane lost consciousness or were killed when it crashed.

The aircraft, a twin-engine Piper Aztec with registration number N27-FT, was on a technical survey mission for

aircraft took off from Ogle with approximately six hours of fuel.

GOVT PAYS ‘BOBBY’ RAMROOP $3.6M EVERY MONTH TO AIR LEARNING CHANNEL TVG, owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, best friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, is being paid $3.6 million a month to put the Guyana Learning Channel on the air. This was revealed in a written response by the Minister of Education Priya Manickchand to

signals in existence in Guyana before or since,” Manickchand said in response to questions raised

by Sharma. According to the Minister, every wireless communication device utilises electro-magnetic spectrum and the Learning Channel has minimised use of the electro-magnetic spectrum by reusing the same channel in different regions of the country such as Channel 3 in New Amsterdam, Lethem, Mabaruma and Ituni; and Channel 10 in Kwakwani, Orealla, Linden and Port

Page 25

IPI SAYS GUYANA SITUATION “DANGEROUS”, “UNUSUAL” ..AS PRIVATE MEDIA FILES RADIO LICENCES COMPLAINT WITH INT’L PRESS BODY A powerful global press body renowned for its fight to protect journalists is now considering complaints by owners of a number of prominent media houses in Guyana. In a highly charged meeting, the controversial issuance of the several radio licences by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, days before

Scenes from the April 13 plane crash at Sparendaam, ECD

the Amaila Falls Access Road. It had been in Guyana for a week prior to the incident and according to senior local aviation officials, it had already done some surveillance missions.

Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn, who has responsibility for Civil Aviation, told members of the media at the crash site that the

Parliamentarian Jaipaul Sharma.

Jagdeo is the one who had championed the setting up of the Learning Channel, which was launched in April 2011.

“The Guyana Learning Channel has the use of a teleport that was created at the time of its set-up since there was no other teleport capable of up-linking video

Kaituma.

She said that for the Learning Channel to send the signal to the satellite, it would have had to set up a commensurate service that would have required an initial capital outlay of US$150,000 plus monthly recurring costs of over $4M in bandwidth rental and associated services.

he stepped down from office in 2011, was raised.

The situation prompted Alison Bethel McKenzie, Executive Director of the International Press Institute (IPI), to describe the situation, as reported, to be a highly “dangerous” and “unusual” one. Dangerous because of the ease which government seems to be

moving against private media houses and unusual as there is not another likely scenario where the President of a country is also the Minister of Information.

McKenzie disclosed that IPI has the power to “hit” where it hurts the most –the pocket.

The body indicated that it could approach the US Government and other donors and apply pressure, she said.

She listed instances, including Turkey, as an example where pressure was mounted on its embassies over journalists who were locked up. There were immediate positive results.

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

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh had presented a $208.8 billion budget on March 25. After a series of amendments, the budget was reduced to $177.4 billion.

The largest cut occurred when $19 billion was cut from the allocation for the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

The opposition argued that the money had not yet been approved by the InterAmerican Development Bank, but once approved, the government could return to the National Assembly and ask for approval.

The second largest cut was $5.6 billion under the Ministry of Public Works.

The opposition had only intended to cut $5.3 billion for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion plan, citing lack of transparency.

However, owing to a mistake, the opposition had no choice but to cut funding for the airport expansion plan and other transport projects, including for hinterland airstrips, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ogle Airport.

The third largest cut was $5.2 billion in subsidies for the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated.

The other cuts were $1.25 billion for the Specialty Hospital on the grounds that there was a lack of transparency, and a total of $217.1 million from the Government Information Agency and the state-run TV and radio NCN, on the grounds that the entities were only pushing propaganda and shutting out opposition voices.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Anil Persaud was injured by glass from the shattered windscreen.

Slain police corporal Romain Cleto MAY COP KILLED AFTER STOPPING SUSPICIOUS CAR Police launched a manhunt for a gunman in a silver-coloured car who gunned down one of their colleagues in the busy downtown Georgetown area.

Corporal Romain Cleto, 25, was riddled with bullets and later pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was rushed by his colleagues.

Two other policemen Anil Raj Persaud, 28, of Claybrick Road, Number Two Canal and Randy Daly, 20, of Mahaicony – were injured when the gunman sprayed their patrol vehicle with bullets. The incident occurred on the busy Avenue of the Republic near Regent Street, just outside the Bank of Baroda.

Police in a brief press release said that ranks of a mobile police patrol came under fire from the occupants of a motor vehicle in the vicinity of Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

“Corporal 20196 Romain Cleto was fatally shot, while Constable 21240 Randy Daly was shot and injured to his left arm and Constable 21144

HIGH TIDES SWAMP COASTALCOMMUNITIES Coastal Guyana was drenched with flood waters due to extremely high tides combined with severe winds. Affected areas included the East Coast Demerara highway, communities on Essequibo Coast and communities in Berbice. Inundation caused several inches of flood water to wreak havoc on the residents of the various communities. High tides caused overtopping of the seawall between Liliendaal and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, Rupert Craig Highway and parts of Bel Air, Subryanville, Skeldon, Den Amstel, Leonora and Uitvlugt.

Police cornered off sections of the East Coast as authorities cleared silted sections of the drainage system on the highway. An advisory was issued by the Ministry of Public Works for persons not to converge at the Georgetown seawalls.

At Hampton Court, Essequibo, a Koker door collapsed and authorities were mobilized to the area to repair the structure. Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn confirmed that although the Lilliendaal pump was working, several drains and trenches in the area were blocked, preventing the water from running off the land.

Benn explained that the tide was 3.11 metres high plus another 1.5 metres of waves were riding on top.

GLENN LALL HIGHLIGHTS BROADCAST LICENCE ISSUE IN CURACAO …REGIONAL MEDIA EXECUTIVES TO MONITOR LEGAL

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Delta departed CJIA for the last time on May 6

CHALLENGE Kaieteur News proprietor, Glenn Lall, staged a one-man picketing demonstration in Curacao to highlight the current campaign to regularise the granting of radio broadcast licences in Guyana. Lall’s demonstration took place in the presence of regional journalists from 17 countries, academics, activists and media law experts observing World Press Freedom Day at the Renaissance Curacao Hotel.

Lall received expressions of solidarity from several regional journalists in attendance and was warmly greeted by members of the Curacao Media Organisation (CMO), including its President, Stanley Ignacio.

Guyana’s broadcast licensing conflict featured throughout the day’s proceedings with indirect reference made by President of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers

(ACM), Wesley Gibbings, who asked in his opening remarks: “Are broadcast licences opening the doors or shutting them in our faces?”

Executive director of the International Press Institute (IPI), Alison BethelMcKenzie, fresh from a recent visit to Guyana, said that her organisation was “concerned” about the issue.

WORRY FOR GUYANESE AS DELTA FLIES OUT Almost five years after adding the Guyana/New York route to its flights, US-based Delta Airlines left Timehri for the last time on May 6, putting pressure on Government to attract other operators. The last Delta flight arrived at 07:00 hrs at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), and left one hour later.

Delta touched down in Guyana for the first time in June 2008, conducting three to four flights weekly between

JFK and Timehri. The number of flights during peak periods became daily.

PRESIDENTAPOLOGISES TO APNU LEADER FOR OVERSIGHT Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira during an interview with the National Communications Network said that President Donald Ramotar has issued an apology to Opposition Leader Mr. David Granger.

This followed the decision by members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), to walk out of a meeting convened to discuss the amendments to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill.

The opposition left the meeting after they were instructed not to take part in any further discussions by APNU’s leader. This was as a result of a perceived slight by the Opposition over a letter

High tides caused overtopping of the seawall between Liliendaal and Vlissengen Road

not being shared with them by the President.

47TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY… DON’T USE DIFFERENCES TO STALL GUYANA’S PROGRESS; WORK WITH ME – PRESIDENT RAMOTAR APPEALS As Government and the Opposition continue a standoff over passage of a number of critical pieces of legislation, President Donald Ramotar on the eve of Guyana’s 47th Independence anniversary promised to pull out all stops to ensure progress continues.

The Head of State, in his address at the National Park, also appealed for trust. He said that he is willing to work with all stakeholders.

“On this the 47th anniversary…I appeal to our political leaders to join me in creating conditions of improved political trust that would allow us to work together, in spite of our differences, to build this country of ours and to make it truly great so that we can take a bigger part in resolving regional and global issues.”

He asserted that he was convinced that despite the current challenges, all Guyanese share the common desire for an end to poverty and a modern country, in which all can prosper in an environment of peace and unity.

“I believe that at this time when our economy is doing better, we are well positioned to move closer towards achieving this vision. We should not let this moment pass; we should not squander this opportunity. I implore all of our political leaders to join me in working to build a grand future for all of our people.”

Wednesday January 01, 2014

JUNE GUYANAAVERTS SANCTIONS …MUST PASS ANTIMONEY LAUNDERING LEGISLATION BY NOVEMBER The government in June avoided being put on a financial blacklist. Speaking in Port of Spain Trinidad, President Donald Ramotar confirmed that Guyana had until November to bring up to speed, laws governing the financial crimes of money laundering and financing of terrorism.

Ramotar had dispatched Attorney General Anil Nandlall to Nicaragua where the country was expected to inform the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force about Guyana’s progress in countering financial crimes.

The Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit, Paul Geer, was leading Guyana’s delegation, but with the government failing to rush the opposition to make amendments to various pieces of legislation, Nandlall was later added to the team.

The government wanted

Kaieteur News

There were indications that Government might be willing to make a few concessions to the Opposition.

While there was no official word from Government on the talks which would centre on the budget cuts earlier this year and the stalemate over the non-passage of critical legislation in the National Assembly, the AFC outlined several demands it made during the meeting with the President, who was accompanied by his Chief Advisor, Dr. Roger Luncheon, and Political Advisor, Gail Teixeira.

APNU, in its statement, did not go into details.

AFC’s Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan was head of the team from his party that included General Secretary David Patterson and Treasurer Dominic Gaskin.

According to the AFC, President Ramotar wanted a “direct communication line with the leaders of political parties so as to express his views on the major political and economic matters of

With regards to the controversial issuance of radio licences by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the AFC said that the President “avoided discussion on whether or not Jagdeo acted in bad faith”.

Rather, the Head of State blamed the Leader of the Opposition, saying that the delay in naming a nominee to the Guyana National Broadcast Authority essentially prevented the early commencement of the new Broadcast Act of 2011.

Eleven radio licences were controversially granted by Jagdeo in 2011, days before he left office, sparking widespread anger and a number of court cases. Most of the licences and a majority of the frequencies went mainly to close party supporters, giving the administration total control over the airwaves.

Several private media houses were overlooked and the matter has been criticised by the diplomatic community and local and international media groups. The AFC said that it made it clear that it

The decision, the Minister said, was made by President Donald Ramotar himself, who according to her, is extremely pleased with the performance and the fact that the results have been released early this year. In fact, the unveiling of the results was deemed an historic undertaking, as according to the Minister it was determined that it was the earliest that the results have ever been made available.

A total of 16,811 candidates participated in the Assessment, and according to the Minister, “We are very proud of our children who took this exam; we are proud of their performance and their consistency over the years.”

The highest possible score obtainable by candidates was 560.

Page 27

sponsorship opportunity for each Government that CPL is offering.”

The CPL was slated to start on June 30 and conclude on August 24.

“GPC /Limacol is a fantastic example of this and we are honoured and privileged they have become the very first Franchise holders in this incredible sports entertainment product,” Kelley added.

CPL announced New GPC, owned by executive Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, as the franchise holder for the Guyana team.

Baljit, who is the sister of Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud.

These two licencees, the Prime Minister had said, were each granted five radio frequencies.

However, Shadick said the GNBA approved six radio frequencies for these two licencees.

CPL SAYS NEW GPC WAS ‘TARGETED’FOR GUYANAFRANCHISE …VALUE OF FRANCHISE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) says it specifically targeted the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC) to

24 RADIO, CABLE, TV LICENCES READY FOR HANDOUT Revelations by Bibi Shadick, the chairperson of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) show that Radio Guyana Inc. and Telcor Cultural Broadcasting have five frequencies from which to undertake radio broadcasts. However, one of those frequencies is being used to transmit signals to different parts of the country.

GOVT. ADMITS INABILITY TO INVESTIGATE MONEY LAUNDERING…SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTIONS REPORTED TO FIU FILED AWAY Government officials have for the first time conceded a woeful inability to investigate money laundering in Guyana.

Two Ministers added that ‘suspicious transactions’ that are reported to the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Ministry of Finance, are merely filed and stored for ‘future use.’

Attorney General and Minster of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall and Junior Finance Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, addressing media operatives while at the party’s

buy the Guyana franchise.

The League promises to become the Caribbean’s most lucrative and popular form of cricket, the game which has established itself as the national sport in territories across the Region.

“CPL (has) been very specific in targeting strategic partners who we understand can bring a lot of value to the teams, the locality, the community and the league,” Rhonda Kelley, spokesperson for the League told Kaieteur News. The CPL did not disclose any information about the cost of the franchise in Guyana or the other five territories, namely Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua.

Asked to what extent national governments in the Caribbean are supporting the league, Kelley said “there is a

The two stations are among 24 radio, cable and TV licences which are ready for handout by the GNBA once the approved licencees pay up the licence and spectrum fees. Of those, there are eight TV licences, eight radio licences and six cable TV licences. There was no word on other existing television stations in the capital.

It was Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who announced in the National Assembly that former President Bharrat Jagdeo had handed out 11 new radio licences in November, 2011.

Among those new licencees were Radio Guyana Inc., owned by Jagdeo’s best friend Dr. Ranjisinghi Ramroop and Telcor Cultural Broadcasting, which has as its directors Jagdeo’s niece Kamini Persaud and Ruth

headquarters,’ Freedom House, on Robb Street, said that there are a lot of powers vested in a number of institutions locally to investigate money laundering.

Asked about Guyana’s ability to investigate Money Laundering, Minister Nandlall told media operatives, “Whether we have the capacity to investigate or exercise those powers is a different matter.”

He explained that the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act that came into force in 2009, is based on a special model.

“Money laundering legislation is not the ordinary type of legislation; they invest in authorities named in the legislation a tremendous plenitude of powers and investigative capacity.”

The AFC demanded the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission and “clean-slate start” with respect to radio licences the amendments to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013 (AML/CFT) passed before it faced the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) review panel in Managua.

AFC DEMANDS PPC, REVOCATION OF RADIO LICENCES -AT MEETING WITH PRESIDENT ON POLITICAL DEADLOCK One day after meeting with representatives of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to stave off a brewing political crisis, President Donald Ramotar met with leaders of the Alliance For Change (AFC) with the latter demanding that the administration take a hands-off approach on government contracts.

concern, and also to hear very directly the views of the political parties on these issues.”

The AFC said it made it clear that the party, which controls seven seats in the National Assembly, did not want this new development to become a talk-shop with an excess of political chatter.

On the issue of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which would oversee government contracts, the AFC did not agree with the President’s stance that the administration’s Cabinet should maintain its noobjection role in the tender process.

“The AFC maintained our position that there should be no Cabinet involvement in the tender process, that the PPC must be established under the existing legal framework.”

wants a “clean-slate start, with the revocation of the grants made in 2011 and a reversion of these by the NFMU (National Frequency Monitoring Unit. Everybody should apply fresh to a new Broadcast Authority.

ONE LAPTOP EACH FOR TOP NGSA PERFORMERS – EDUCATION MINISTER Each child that falls within the top performing one per cent of the 2013 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) will be given a laptop, compliments of the Guyana Government.

This announcement was made by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who officially released the results at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).

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Kaieteur News

JULY CORRUPTION ISSUE TAKES CENTRE STAGEAT INVESTMENT SEMINAR It was supposed to be a straightforward two-day forum geared to improve Guyana’s investment profile.

But the Guyana Investment Seminar, organized mainly by the diplomatic community and a number of prominent sectors, was anything but that.

At the Guyana International Conference Centre, Government went on the defensive, maintaining that the local investment climate remains healthy, but that a few things need fixing.

This was minutes after a regional expert, hired to implement a crime and security strategy for CARICOM, said that there is a perception that corruption is prevalent or endemic in Guyana.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, made it clear that his government was unhappy over the agenda for the seminar which while it dealt in no small way with crime and security of Guyana, failed to address burning issues of cost of power and bandwidth.

The Minister, clearly at odds with the tone of the seminar, also echoed President Donald Ramotar, who blamed international perception reports for negatively affecting investments to Guyana.

The government was one

of the organizers with the High Commission of Canada as the lead organiser.

GUILTY!!! EX-COAST GUARD RANKS SENTENCED TO DEATH The three ex-Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard ranks charged with the August 2009 murder of Bartica gold miner Dweive Kant Ramdass, were all found guilty and sentenced to death

by Justice Franklyn Holder.

The judge had earlier summed up the case and the 12-member jury returned later in the afternoon with a unanimous verdict after a little more than half an hour of deliberations.

The defendants – Sherwin Hart, Devon Gordon and Deon Greenidge – were found guilty of the murder which occurred on August 20, 2009 at Caiman Hole in the Essequibo River.

The prosecution’s case

Wednesday January 01, 2014

was that the men forced Ramdass into their boat and took him to the aforementioned location where they relieved him of $17M in cash he was carrying in a box to Bartica for his employer, before dumping him overboard.

Senior State prosecutor Judith Gildharie-Mursalin presented the case, while Attorney at law Latchmie Rahamat represented the three accused. As the verdict was being read to the three men, one could hear loud gasps from the dock.

From their facial expressions, they all appeared shocked by the verdict. One of the men’s relatives burst into tears. The woman had to be consoled by other relatives who were inside the court.

PRESIDENT RAMOTAR CALLS FOR NONINTERFERENCEAT US PRE-INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION The fact that the relationship between Guyana and the United States has evolved since forging diplomatic ties in 1966, was highlighted by President Donald Ramotar as he offered remarks at the 237th Independence Day celebration of the United States hosted by Ambassador, D. Brent Hardt, and his wife at their residence.

However, even as he spoke of the friendly ties the two countries share, the Guyanese Head of State, in diplomatic style, emphasised the need for the relations to always abide within “the principals of mutual respect and understanding and noninterference in each other’s affairs.” “These are the

President Donald Ramotar and Ambassador D. Brent Hardt in the company of others prepare to share a piece of the American Flag cake.

important principles laid down by the United Nations following the terrible consequences of the Second World War, which should always be our guide. That is the right of nations to selfdetermination. That is what our early leaders were trying to assert in the struggle for independence and in postIndependent Guyana.”

US CONSULAR OFFICER “UNDER PROBE” IN VISA RACKET More than a decade after the Thomas Carroll visa scandal was exposed, the Department of State of the United States of America was once again called upon to probe alleged improprieties involving one of its Consular Officers.

The investigations were reportedly centered on the sale of US visas at the Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana by a Consular Officer.

The embassy confirmed reports that a probe was underway, stating that “the Department of State is aware of allegations of improprieties relating to a Consular Officer formerly assigned to Georgetown, Guyana.”

“The Department takes all allegations of misconduct by employees seriously. We are reviewing the matter thoroughly. If the allegations are substantiated, we will work with the relevant authorities to hold anyone involved accountable,” the Embassy’s press release stated.

BAI SHAN LIN’S OPERATION MUST BE REVIEWED -REGION TEN CHAIRMAN Region Ten Chairman,

Sharma Solomon, has said that there needs to be a proper assessment of Bai Shan Lin’s entire operations and its impact on Region Ten. Solomon added that the Region had expressed disappointment that the government was more concerned with the accessing of material by Bai Shan Lin to fix the road, than with the actual fixing of the road.

Disappointment was also expressed with the way Bai Shan Lin operated after receiving concessionary measures from the region to access laterite, Solomon said.

That disappointment was echoed by the Government.

“As such the Government said that Bai Shan Lin is acting dishonestly and disrespectful, of abusing the situation and of stepping out of line on several issues. More guidance and supervision from central government should be put in place in relation to Bai Shan Lin,” Solomon said.

The region also asked for a full review of the operations.

It was even suggested by the government that Bai Shan Lin be fined for the irregularities perpetrated, which is fully supported by the Region.

Solomon added that the Region hopes to see action taken very soon as it relates to ‘past transgressions ‘by Bai Shan Lin. He said that the repair of the Moblissa farm road by Bai Shan Lin needs immediate attention, and that the pit from which the company extracted 47,000 tonnes of loam needs an environmental assessment, as the pit is a mere 20ft from the damaged road, and also, there are signs of erosion.

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

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AUGUST CONTRACTOR, BRASSINGTON CONFIRM INCREASED PRICE TAG FORAMAILA HYDRO Sithe Global’s President, Brian Kubeck, along with Technical Director for the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, Winston Brassington confirmed that the price tag has increased to US$858M. This is US$18M more than the figure quoted one week before by a number of government officials including President Donald Ramotar. A high level team from Sithe Global, along with Brassington, met with stakeholders at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) where this confirmation was made. This was the second stakeholder consultation on the controversial subject within a week and this time around, the media was given preference in relation to clarifications on the ongoing project.

Among the details that emerged during the course of the project is the fact that the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and the China Exim Bank will not be lending money to Guyana but rather to the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Inc (AFHI), the Special Purpose Company created for the Hydro Power facility. It was pointed out that Sithe Global owns 60 per cent of the company for its US$157M it will be investing and Guyana will own 40 per cent for the “more than US$100M” the government has committed as part of its share in the project.

AMAILA WILL BE OUTDATED BY 2019 - PROFESSOR CLIVE THOMAS Economist Professor Clive Thomas has asserted that the “troubled” Amaila Falls Hydro Project will become outdated in just five years. Despite a cost of at least US$840M, the largest undertaking in the country’s history, it is projected that within the next few years, other possibilities will have to be explored to generate electricity.

Professor Thomas, who is one of Guyana’s more recognized economists, didn’t dispel the government’s projection that the venture will run for some 75 years. He, however, pronounced that the project merely has the ability to service the electricity needs of Guyana for less than a quarter of its projected life span. The economist noted that looking at the Guyana Power Light Inc. (GPL) medium term, the Amaila project is simply inadequate.

He referred to GPL’s declared intent to keep 50 megawatts (MW) of its present capacity going after the Amaila Falls project comes on stream.

Thomas said that indeed GPL’s plans project that 88 percent of its electricity supply will come from Amaila in 2017, but opined that by 2019, more than the promised 165 megawatts will be needed.

The Professor told Kaieteur News, “It (Amaila) has a shelf life up to 2019; it will be working but the supply will be less than what we need.

It will be inadequate even if it is working at its full capacity.”

SITHE GLOBAL’S PULLS OUT OFAMAILA PROJECT President of Sithe Global, Brian Kubeck, on August 9 maintained that “a publicprivate partnership of this magnitude requires a national consensus in order for us to proceed further.”

Several hours later, Sithe Global pulled out of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, citing the reason as a lack of political consensus.

Kubeck in a statement to the media earlier in the week said, “We can only proceed further if there is a uniform consensus amongst all of PPP, APNU and AFC, communicated via Parliament, that you support this project…Without such consensus, Sithe Global will be forced to withdraw.”

GUYANAFACES REAL RISK OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS- CHRIS RAM Chartered Accountant

and Financial Analyst, Christopher Ram, believes that Guyana now faces a very real possibility of attracting sanctions from the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF), given that the nation is poised to miss the extended deadline it was afforded to comply with its recommendations.

Ram’s analysis of the money laundering debacle, came after the National Assembly officially begun its annual recess, but not before a Special Select Committee voted to defer considering amendments to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation. That Committee voted to defer the consideration of the amendments until October even as CFATF had warned of an August 26 deadline, prior to its next plenary consideration in November.

Ram in his analysis, has since said that “since the executive arm of the state is not in recess, there is no reason why it should not be working feverishly to address not only the problems identified by the CFATF but to identify any other deficiencies in the law and its consistency with the Constitution.”

Ram said that it would not be in Guyana’s best interest to attract the sanctions by the Regulator. He suggested that every bank operating in Guyana with correspondent banking relationships in North America, could be particularly hard hit. The US Regulator has the power to impose conditions and even

prohibit US financial institutions from transacting with correspondents in a designated jurisdiction.

ANNA REGINA MULTILATERALTOPS CSEC Two girls from the

Cinderella County of Essequibo have continued their friendly academic rivalry and emerged to become the country’s top performers at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. The two Anna Regina Multilateral students

secured an astonishing 18 grade ones.

Zimeena Rasheed, the former C.V. Nunes Primary School Student who secured fifth position at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) six years ago, was the country’s top CSEC performer with 18 grade ones and 2 grade twos. She is believed to be the first ever student to write 20 subjects at one sitting.

Rasheed was followed by former classmate of the C.V. Nunes Primary School, and Guyana’s top NGSA student of 2008, Yogeeta Persaud, who secured a perfect 18 grade ones. The results were announced by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand who travelled to Essequibo for that specific purpose.

She also unveiled then too that Shalita Appadu was the year ’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) top student making President’s College proud.

Appadu, who is not new to academic success, obtained six Grade Ones. In 2011, the Auchlyne Estate, Corentyne girl secured the top spot in the country alongside a student of Queen’s College at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) exams.

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Murdered businesswoman Pavita Singh, also known as Sirmattie Ramnaress

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Maduro who came to visit Guyana on state business the same day. Venezuela is claiming a large swath of Essequibo.

The issue has been rearing its head from time to time but took backseat under the administration of Venezuela’s former President Hugo Chavez. Chavez, who died in March, had agreed to have the matter settled by a UN Good Office process.

Jamaican-born Norman Girvan, an expert of international relations, was appointed back in 2010 to see the process through.

Brassington, as failing to comply with the International Reporting Standards.

Tyrone Rowe called ‘Cobra’

NICIL IS ONLY INVESTOR IN US$58M MARRIOTT HOTEL

SEPTEMBER BOND BLAZE LEADS FIREMEN TO BUSINESSWOMAN’S BODY IN HOUSE In what appeared to be a robbery/murder, police and firefighters stumbled upon the body of a businesswoman, minutes after they went to investigate a fire that had broken out in her storage bond at Lot 2430 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

The victim who was identified as Pavita Singh, 48, also known as Sirmattie Ramnaress, was found lying face down in her garage around 08:30 hours. The garage is separated from her house by a glass door.

Singh’s body bore two stab wounds – one to the neck and another to the hip.

Bloodstains on the floor indicated that the mother of one was attacked somewhere in her living room and was then dragged by her feet to the garage. From all indications, the woman put up a fierce fight with her attacker(s).

“The house was ransacked and it would appear as if whoever did this, attempted to set the house on fire. The whole place had what appears to be diesel,” a police source told this newspaper.

The source suggested that the perpetrators were desperate to destroy all evidence of their work, since the surveillance footage which would have been recorded when Singh’s attacker entered and exited the building, disappeared.

Her motor car, which was missing, was later found abandoned on the Liliendaal Public Road, ECD, a few hours after the gruesome discovery. Nothing was stolen from the car, but

detectives were able to lift several fingerprints from the vehicle.

GDF PROBES ARMED “VISIT” OF VENEZUELAN SOLDIERS INTO GUYANA - FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY SAID GROUP CLAIMED IT DOING BORDER RESEARCH The army mounted a probe to determine whether its soldiers, guarding a border base at Eteringbang, erred in allowing a group of Venezuelans, to enter Guyana in somewhat strange circumstances on August 31.

The group, called “My Map of Venezuela also Includes Our Essequibo”, reportedly came to “carry out a civil exercise of sovereignty”. The group was accompanied by armed members of the Venezuela Army, according to El Universal, a newspaper in that neighbouring Spanishspeaking country.

The visit was seen as an act of provocation by certain fringe groups in Venezuela to embarrass President Nicolas

UNNAMED INVESTOR TO OWN 67% OF COMPANY WITH US$8M The Guyana Government is to date the sole investor in the Georgetown Marriott Hotel given that Atlantic Hotels Inc. (AHI) is yet to have financial closure for US$39M of the US$58.5M required for its completion.

This was among the revelations made by AHI’s Chairman, Winston Brassington, during a special media briefing held at the NCN studios in Georgetown.

Brassington told media operatives that while the AHI would have executed a number of agreements with Republic Bank and the private investor, whom he is still to name, there is no financial closure.

He said that AHI was looking to have this aspect of the deal concluded by year end (2013), so that the hotel can be completed and opened toward the end of 2014.

“We haven’t closed but we have every confidence it will close soon,” said Brassington. The private investor, he said, is expected to put in US$8M in the project and will have majority ownership of AHI. The

Part of the group of Venezuelans who went on an expedition to the Essequibo, guarded by the Venezuelan army (El Universal photo)

unnamed private investor will own 67 per cent shares in the company while government will own 33 per cent.

Brassington said that the equity for the project will be coming from the unnamed private investor. Another US$4M is to be invested by the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL).

US CLEARS TRAVELSPAN FOR FLIGHTS TO NY FROM DECEMBER After months of complaints, the light at the end of the tunnel seemed to get brighter for Guyanese air travel passengers who had been grappling with alarmingly high fares.

TravelSpan Incorporated announced that it would begin direct flights between New York and Guyana starting December 14.

Officials of the company confirmed this hours after meeting with Transport Minister, Robeson Benn, and

Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali. TravelSpan also planned to introduce a scheduled service before the first half of 2014.

BERBICE BRIDGE PROFIT SKYROCKETS IN 2011 The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) filed its annual returns for 2011 and the document revealed that the company’s profit was over 58 per cent more than the previous year, financial analyst, Christopher Ram, says. According to Ram, the company in 2010 made a profit of $137M, while for 2011 this jumped to $217M. While the company would have raked in $1.2B, its expenditure for the year stood at $984.3M. Ram, has since reported on his website that while the company’s profit margin would have increased, the report “is not without serious questions.”

Ram lambasted the company and its report signed off by Company Secretary, Winston

‘COBRA’ GETS 78 YEARS Twenty-one-year-old Tyrone Rowe called ‘Cobra’ was sentenced to 78 years imprisonment by a High Court judge following a guilty verdict returned after four hours of deliberation by a 12member mixed jury.

Rowe, who appeared confident, sang that he would be freed, even as he was being escorted back to the courtroom under heavy security. Rowe was however visibly shocked when he heard that the jury unanimously found him guilty.

The accused, whose address was given as Lot 268 Independence Boulevard, was said to be one of the men involved in a robbery/murder which took place in the East Coast Demerara community of Plaisance, in 2010.

Justice Navindra Singh told Rowe that based on the use of a firearm during the robbery he would get five years; for the death of the victim, Troy Collymore called ‘Collie’ and ‘Nelly’ during the course of a dangerous felony, he received 10 years. For previous criminal matters, Rowe got three years, while the remainder of the sentence was attributed to Collymore’s murder. The court noted, however, that Rowe’s sentences will not run concurrently.

State Prosecutor Teshana Lake told the court that Rowe had other matters against him, particularly robbery under arms. She said she is aware that the accused is currently serving two sentences.

The four-day murder trial saw some nine witnesses testifying on behalf of the prosecution.

This included the mother of the deceased and a police eyewitness who placed the accused at the scene of the crime.

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

OCTOBER NIS REGISTERS ALARMING 25% DROP IN EMPLOYERS - EYES EXTERNAL HELP TO IMPROVE OPERATIONS Government has not ruled out “external” help to place the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) on firmer footing.

The $30B fund is facing a situation where annual income from contributors, for the past few years, falls below what is being paid out in pensions and other benefits.

The situation is a worrying one for Government and the managers of the fund as the long term sustainability is under question.

According to Chairman, Dr. Roger Luncheon, who has been at the helm of the fund for over 20 of its 44 years in existence, NIS was not forceful in dealing with the situation. There may be a need to infuse help, both internally and externally.

During the Annual General Assembly at the NIS head office on Brickdam, Dr Luncheon in urging staffers and management to lift services, made it clear that any such measures could include a “cross fertilization” of skills. Under any model to be examined for an improved NIS would have to include “novel” and “innovative” thinking.

He admitted that there is “room for improvement” with more to be done. General Manager Doreen Nelson, who signalled increased monitoring and visits to businesses, disclosed that there is an alarming reduction of 25 per cent in the number of active employers in 2012, as compared to the previous year. Public disclosures indicate some industries and large employers as having financial difficulties.

CABINET APPROVES SWAT TEAM - 11 YEARS AFTER INITIATION Eleven years after it first initiated a Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) unit, the Guyana Police Force is expected to soon establish such a unit.

An announcement was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs that Cabinet approved the establishment of a SWAT Unit for the Guyana Police Force. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the Force’s law enforcement capabilities.

“With a SWAT Unit, the Guyana Police Force would be better placed to make specialized interventions, thereby, ensuring law and order is maintained, and prospective threats are

An overhead view of the dried-out Amaila Falls neutralized,” the Ministry said. The Ministry has engaged the services of ‘The Emergence Group’ (TEG), a Wa s h i n g t o n - b a s e d consultancy firm, to obtain the requisite assistance in this initiative. The process will commence shortly with an ‘Organizational Needs Assessment’ to be done by experts from the consultancy firm. Curriculum development and training, including mentoring, will also be undertaken by the consultancy firm. According to the Ministry, establishment of a SWAT team has received the full support of the leadership of the Guyana Police Force. “There is absolute need for an elite police unit to go after the killers in our society, who are becoming bolder,” a former senior officer declared.

EMOTIONAL BRUMELL SWORN IN AS 30TH POLICE COMMISSIONER “I took the oath to serve and protect the citizens of this country almost 36 years ago with the ambition to one day become the Commissioner of Police of the Guyana Police Force. Today that dream has become a reality.”

Leroy Brumell, the newest Police Commissioner, said that the journey has been long and hard.

Before President Donald Ramotar at the Office of the President, Brumell was sworn in as the country’s 30th Commissioner of Police since the establishment of the Police Force on July 1, 1839.

He is the 10th Guyana-born Commissioner of Police.

Witnessing the occasion were Brumell’s wife and children, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Dr. Roger Luncheon and the top brass of the Guyana Police Force among other well wishers.

Brumell who took over the

helm of the Force in early 2012 when his predecessor Henry Greene was forced to resign in the face of rape allegations, was sworn in at a time when Guyana is in the midst of a mini crime wave.

In tears, the new Commissioner of Police assured the citizens living within the borders of Guyana that “I, Leroy Brumell would do all within my power…to serve and protect and to take back our streets and communities from criminals.”

He asked all Guyanese, especially his officers, to support him as he moves towards making Guyana a safer place.

Brumell’s confirmation was assured following what was described as belated meaningful consultations between President Donald Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger.

AMAILA FALLS RUNS DRY

The Amaila Falls which was intended to supply the nation with 165 megawatts of electricity and save Guyana millions of US dollars is bone dry.

Works Minister Robeson Benn said that it is not unusual for waterfalls used to provide hydroelectricity to run dry. He pointed to power stations in Suriname and in Brazil. He said that the contractors would have built a dam that would have stored water to smoothen the flow regime. The dam would have given rise to a reservoir which would have been used to regulate the flow of water for the hydro.

Minister Benn also explained that in times of heavy rainfall, the excess water would have been released through gates. He insisted that had there been a dam, the extent of dryness at this time would not have been as severe.

The hydroelectric facility

was being constructed at a whopping US$860 million.

This dry spell revealed that Guyana could not have depended on the hydro for a continuous supply of power.

VENEZUELAMILITARY SEIZES VESSEL IN GUYANAWATERS An armed Venezuelan Navy vessel entered Guyana waters on October 10 and forced a seismic survey vessel into the neighbouring Republic country where the ship and crew were detained.

The move by the Venezuelan military drew widespread condemnation from the Government of Guyana and the major political opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Both Government and APNU called the move to seize the vessel from Guyana’s waters and detain it in Venezuela, a threat to international peace.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that at approximately 16:00 hrs on Thursday, October 10, a Venezuelan armed naval vessel, the ‘Yekuana’, was trailing the seismic vessel, the MV Teknik Perdana which is under contract with Anadarko. “As is known, The Research Vessel Teknik Perdana which was seized and detained by the Venezuelan Military

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Anadarko has a petroleum prospecting licence to search for hydrocarbons in the Roraima block offshore Guyana,” the Ministry said, The Teknik Perdana “was under contract to our company and conducting a seafloor survey on behalf the Government of Guyana,” John Christiansen, a spokesman for the Woodlands, Texas-based Company, said.

The ‘Yekuana’ military vessel was acquired by Venezuela from Spain to join the surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone AB in Venezuelan coasts.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, upon entry into Guyana’s territory the Venezuelan naval vessel obstructed the research vessel’s passage, requested them to change course and stop surveying.

The Ministry reported that the crew of the MV Teknik Perdana, explained to the crew of the Venezuelan vessel that they were conducting a multi-beam survey of the seafloor in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.

The Venezuelan crew however insisted that the vessel was doing such work in Venezuela’s exclusive economic zone and instructed that the vessel switch off its engines and shut down its seismic equipment.

Two hours later, the Venezuelan naval vessel ordered the RV Teknik Perdana, to travel at 5 knots in a westerly direction.

The vessel was later instructed to increase its speed and given directions to sail to the island of Margarita in Venezuela.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, “It was then clear that the vessel and its crew were not only being escorted out of Guyana’s waters, but were under arrest…These actions by the Venezuelan naval vessel are unprecedented in Guyana Venezuela relations.”

The Ministry was adamant that “One point is

clear and that is that the MV Teknik Perdana was in Guyana’s waters when this incident took place.”

GUYANASECURES FIVE OF EIGHT 2013 CXC AWARDS Guyana again etched its name comfortably into the annals of history by attaining five of the eight Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC)’s awards available to candidates who performed exceptionally Region-wide at this year ’s sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination.

At an emergency press conference in her Ministry’s boardroom, a proud Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, revealed the names of the top performers.

Claiming the CXC award for the Overall Outstanding Achievement was Yogeeta Persaud of Anna Regina Multilateral School. With 18 grade one passes she was able to secure the second place nationally when the results were unveiled a few months prior. Her classmate Zimeena Rasheed, with 18 grade one passes and two grade two passes, was declared the top national CSEC performer, but was however awarded the Most Outstanding for the Caribbean in the area of Technical Vocation.

And although Queen’s College was not in the most outstanding circle in 2012, two of its students were among those bestowed with the titles of the Most Outstanding in Science and Most Outstanding in Business Studies in 2013.

Cecil Cox with 16 grade one passes was the top performer in Science for the Caribbean, while Sasha Woodroffe claimed an equally prestigious achievement in Business Studies. Also securing a position as the Most Outstanding candidate in Humanities is Rafena Mustapha of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan Secondary School.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

NOVEMBER JAGDEO’S MASTER PLAN IS TO DOMINATE THE COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY – RAMJATTAN The master plan is to take over the minds of Guyanese and to control the communications industry.” This is the view held

by Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, who was at the time speaking to the fact that many of the radio stations in operation now have been lambasting his party and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

This lambasting is more evident when it comes to matters such as the amendments to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Laws.

“Just as they control the financial structure, they now want to control the minds of people,” said Ramjattan. He said that the “they” he was speaking of was largely Bharrat Jagdeo and his “cohorts”.

TERROR IN MIDDLE STREET…TWO COPS AMONG FIVE DEAD IN SHOOTOUT The death toll stood at five at the end of an almost three-hour gun battle between police and a berserk miner in a usually busy section of the capital city.

From 13:30 hours to about 16:00 hours of the day in question, the scene at the junction of Middle and East Streets resembled that of some parts of the Middle East as battle-ready cops with high-powered weapons surrounded a house in which the man had secured himself and traded bullets with him.

In the ensuing shootout, Police Lance Corporal 20293 Michael Forde of Dennis Street, Sophia and Constable 18053 Sherwayne Pantlitz were shot dead by the businessman, Deryck Kanhai, who was eventually taken out. This was after Kanhai had killed 38-year-old mother of three, Vanessa Vyphuis, of North Ruimveldt, a dispatcher at Crown Cabs Taxi Service, which is headquartered in the bottom flat of his house on Middle Street, and 75-year-old security guard Hugh Paul popularly known as Bonny.

Kanhai had also wounded a taxi driver attached to the service in a fit of rage that reportedly stemmed from his anger as a result of his 25-yearold lover walking out on him a week before.

US JUDGE TELLS NEW GPC …‘KAIETEUR NEWS NEVER LIBELED YOU’ - PUBLICATIONS WERE IN PUBLIC INTEREST, NOT MERE GOSSIP

Police officers close in on the Middle Street property after the gunman is mortally wounded In a huge slap to New GPC in its libel cases filed against Kaieteur News Inc. (Publishers of Kaieteur News’ New York Edition), a Supreme Court Judge in Manhattan, New York, Justice Joan Kenney, ruled that the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC) never established that it was libeled.

The lawsuit involved reports published by Kaieteur News and highlighting the questionable pricing policy for drugs purchased by Government from New GPC. Filing the claim for libel was Company Secretary Paul Stanislaus Braam on behalf of owner of New GPC, Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop.

The action filed both in Guyana and the US, was intended by New GPC to stop media probes into the deals that Ramroop’s New GPC had made with Government.

Judge Kenney, in a decision handed down November 4, said that New GPC failed to present evidence to show that Kaieteur Newspaper Inc. (KNI), a New York-based sister company of Kaieteur News, deliberately published false information regarding the prices of the drugs.

GOVT. INKS MOU WITH ‘GHOST COMPANY’FOR US$30M PLANT The Company, with which Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to set up a US$30 Million recycling plant here, could not be found on any Canadian business registration listings.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon announced the MoU, and said that it was a Canadian Company. That Company was later identified

as Natural Globe Inc headed

by Mohamed Osman.

When Kaieteur News contacted Osman seeking clarifications about his company and the fact it could not be found registered in Canada, he claimed that it is in fact registered in Guyana.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud, also claimed when contacted that the company is Guyanese with a Canadian owner.

Osman, by telephone, told Kaieteur News that his company, Natural Globe Inc, was registered in Guyana five years ago. According to Osman, Natural Globe Inc has a Canadian parent company that has several branches. He was however unable to give this publication a name for this company, only to say that it operates in Ontario, Canada. Osman said that ‘Mogford Llc’ is one of the branches under that Canadian parent company. It is the one that is working in collaboration with Natural Globe Inc. However a search online also failed to unearth any record of this company, Mogford.

missing were computers and related equipment.

The week before the theft, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon announced that cabinet had cleared a contract worth $49.79M for the supply and delivery of small apparatus for the forensic science laboratory.

The state-of-the-art facility, which is situated within the precincts of the University of Guyana (UG) at Turkeyen, was expected to be completed by July 2013, but contractors had requested and were given more time. In July, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had informed that lab equipment had arrived in the country and was being safely stored.

In December 2012, a US$1.688M contract was signed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Western Scientific Company for the supply of scientific equipment for the facility, which, when completed, the Ministry says, would be the best forensic lab in the Caribbean and one that could withstand scrutiny from any other facility in the world.

FORENSIC LAB EQUIPMENT DISAPPEARS One month after cabinet approved a $49M contract for the supply and delivery of apparatus for the soon-to-becommissioned forensic laboratory at Turkeyen, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the disappearance of a quantity of equipment for the facility.

The discovery was made when checks were made at a storage area at the Citizens Security Programme Office located at Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Among the items

EX-ARMY OFFICER RIDDLED WITH BULLETS - FRIEND SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES Scores of partygoers were sent scampering for cover after gunmen opened fire on a 21-year-old former army officer just as he was about to leave a city night club. The victim, Denzil Mingo of Lot 39 Third Street, Alberttown, had just stepped into his car with two of his friends, Joseph Barker and Earlson Murray, after walking out of the Edge Night Club on Main Street, Georgetown. Barker was shot multiple times about his body

and has been hospitalized at a private hospital, while Murray managed to escape with a bullet graze to his neck.

Police in a press release said that around 04:30hrs, two men armed with firearms opened fire on Mingo and his friends while they were in a motor vehicle on Main Street.

The release further added that Mingo was hit several times about the body and was pronounced dead on arrival at the GPHC. When Kaieteur News visited the scene, an eyewitness said that a little after 04:30hrs, Mingo and his friends had just stepped into his white Toyota Allion PPP

Ex-army officer Denzil Mingo 6164 when one of the gunmen proceeded towards the car and an argument ensued between the gunman and Mingo.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said that although they could not hear what the argument was about, it seems as if Mingo and the man he was arguing with might have had some connection.

MEDIAREVELATIONS FORCE GOVT. TO ABANDON MOU WITH ‘GHOST COMPANY’ Following days of explosive revelations regarding Natural Globe Inc, a company that inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government to pursue the setting up of a US$30M recycling plant, Cabinet decided to abandon the pact. Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, confirmed during his weekly press engagement at Office of the President.

The development came days after Government stoutly defended the company and the MoU. Minister Ganga Persaud had even accused the media of seeking to scare away investors, such as Mohamed Osman, the Chief Executive Officer of Natural Globe Inc. The Minister of Local Govt. claimed that he was “satisfied that there is credible evidence with regards to Mr Osman (sic) experience, involvement, and expertise in the business of recycling and his initial commitment to invest approximately US$30M in this particular project.

“The standard operating procedures were followed in identifying Natural Globe Guyana Inc.” Dr Luncheon took an about-turn and said that the media exposure prompted the review and eventual abandonment of the MoU. GUYANABLACKLISTED! …CFATF WARNS ITS MEMBERSAGAINST FINANCIAL DEALS WITH THIS COUNTRY In November 2011, international regulators told the Bharrat Jagdeo administration that the country needed to take steps to ensure that the nation had strong financial regulations.

Two years later, the country was still to comply with the necessary measures and as such the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF) blacklisted Guyana.

It notified its member countries to put counter measures in place when dealing with Guyana’s finances given the risks involved.

The issue centred on the passage of amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) had then said that these measures should be in place

by May 2013.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon explained in October 2013 that the amendments were fashioned by CFATF and that Guyana had no option.

However, for the two (Continued on page 41)

Wednesday January 01, 2014

From page 40 years that CFATF ordered Guyana to get the necessary legislation in place, the administration did nothing. It was opined that the CFATF decision would affect payment for oil, family remittances, payment for goods and a host of other transactions that could virtually cripple trade.

The issue has been a hugely troubling one for the administration as the country could see severe backlash from the sanctions that could be imposed by member countries of the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF), including the United States of America.

FLOOD FORCES CITY TO A STANDSTILL Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy was caught at the crossroads. On the one hand, sections of the country were affected by flooding whilst farmers were demanding water for their crops. The dilemma was stated at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Dr. Ramsammy described the rainfall as the most intense the country has ever recorded during a six-hour period. The heavy rains forced the closure of several private and public schools. Even businesses were forced to forfeit the day’s earnings as the flood waters crept into some stores. The Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Middle Street was also closed as its entrance and holding cell were “ankle-high” with water. Several streets were also covered while garbage floated around the city. Dr. Ramsammy said that the Hydro Meteorological Office noted a high pressure system over Bermuda which was dominant and forced the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) to shift from its last position bringing it directly over the Guyana Coast. It brought in heavy rains, which the Minister said, could not have been predicted.

Kaieteur News

DECEMBER 5% INCREASE… ONLY THE ‘FAT CATS’ WILL SEE BIG BENEFITS – GPSU The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) stated that it views the “illegal” five percent imposition of salaries and wages for Public Sector Workers as insensitive, disrespectful and ruthless. An official statement released by the Union blasted Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Roger Luncheon for his utterances on the meagre increase.

At a post Cabinet briefing, Luncheon boasted about the impending 5% increase, saying that “it will come just in time to supplement the Christmas shopping”, while indicating that “he too was looking forward to receiving the retroactive increase.”

GPSU in responding stated, “Certainly the ‘Fat Cats’, who are paid significantly more, would enjoy five percent of their millions to satisfy their Christmas fantasies, without having to touch or deplete savings towards that end.

The rest of the labour force, whose percent realizes the bare minimum, finds this payout as a meagre aid towards defraying some of the outstanding debt that had piled on their shoulders over more than a year of neglect by an uncaring employer.

Christmas then is but a name to many, but truly enjoyed by a few.”

RAMROOP OPERATING THREE RADIO STATIONS WITH ONE LICENCE -AUTHORITIES PROMISE INVESTIGATIONS The country’s regulators moved to investigate reports that a radio company misused its licence by illegally operating three different broadcast stations on frequencies that should have been used as repeater stations for an extended

Nelson Mandela

broadcast.

Chairperson of the Guyana National Broadcast Authority (GNBA), Bibi Shadick, also said that the broadcast authority is hiring a number of lawyers to go after television and other broadcasters who are operating without licences.

During a press conference at her South Road office, , to update on the work of GNBA, Shadick made it clear that it would be a breach of law for any company issued with multiple frequencies to use them to transmit different content instead of being utilized specifically as relays to reach outlying areas.

The company, Radio Guyana Inc. (RGI) is reportedly broadcasting on 89.3FM (Essequibo), 89.5FM (Georgetown) and 89.7FM (Berbice).

Under the conditions of the licence granted, the radio station would use one frequency to broadcast, with the rest to increase its signals.

Observers have complained that RGI, owned by Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. (QAII), a company with close links to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, has instead been really operating three different stations. Shadick said she is unaware of the possible breaches but would investigate.

NELSON MANDELA BIDS GOODBYE JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Former South African President Nelson Mandela died peacefully at his Johannesburg home on December 5, after a prolonged lung infection.

Mandela, the country’s first black president and antiapartheid icon, emerged from 27 years in apartheid prisons to help guide South Africa through bloodshed and turmoil to democracy.

“Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rohlihlahla Mandela, the

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Derrick Josiah

founding president of our democratic nation, has departed,” President Jacob Zuma said in a nationally televised address.

“Our people have lost a father. Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world.

His humility, passion and humanity, earned him their love,” he added.

Mandela rose from rural obscurity to challenge the might of white minority apartheid government – a struggle that gave the 20th century one of its most respected and loved figures.

He was among the first to advocate armed resistance to apartheid in 1960, but was quick to preach reconciliation and forgiveness when the country’s white minority began easing its grip on power 30 years later.

SUGAR PRODUCTION TRUDGES TO 23-YEAR LOW The Guyana Sugar Corporation revised downwards its production for 2013 which it opined was likely to be at around 190,000 tonnes. In 1990, the industry recorded 129,000 tonnes, one of its lowest production years.

Workers downed tools after talks between GuySuCo and its main workers’ union, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), fell through when the Corporation reportedly said that it could not afford to pay the traditional production bonus. The union had been demanding almost seven days’ pay for 201,000tonne production. During the meeting, the Corporation said that it does not have the money to pay. Workers on all eight estates downed tools.

BERBICE BRIDGE COMPANY BOWS TO PRESSURE, LOWERS TOLLS The Berbice Bridge Company INC (BBCI) announced that it would be lowering the toll and freight charges for four-wheel drives/ SUVs/ pickups; Pick-ups pulling trailers with boats, jet skis and other items for recreational use; and 50seater buses, 30-seater buses and large trucks.

BBCI, in a release, established that “no freight will be charged for vehicles carrying pleasure/tourism goods items such as coolers, barbecue grilles, tents, tarpaulin, tables and chairs, food and drinks in the trays of Pick-Ups /4WD/ SUV.” The company said that the reason for making the decision is because it is celebrating being in operation for over five years.

However, the decision came in the wake of the political opposition putting pressure on the government with A Partnership of Natural Unity (APNU) executive member, Joe Harmon, advancing a motion in the National Assembly for the reduction of the Berbice Bridge toll for all the vehicles crossing.

‘A’ DIVISION COMMANDER DERRICK JOSIAH DIES The Guyana Police Force fraternity was left in a state of shock on December 13 after Assistant Commissioner of Police Derrick Josiah died suddenly at a private hospital.

A brief release from the Police Public Relations Department stated that the former ‘A’ Division Commander is suspected to have suffered a heart attack.

Josiah had sustained a broken leg and a shoulder injury in an automobile

accident one month before, but he was discharged from hospital some two weeks prior to his passing and had appeared to be on the road to recovery.

Josiah was involved in an accident on Tuesday, November 12 last, when the car he was in crashed into a utility pole on the Goed Fortuin Public Road, West Coast Demerara. The incident reportedly occurred when Josiah’s driver swerved to avoid colliding with another vehicle.

He was admitted to a private hospital. Just a day before his mishap, the Divisional Commander had unveiled plans for patrolling the city and outlying areas during the Christmas season.

NEW RIVER TRIANGLE DEBACLE… RAMOTAR MUST SCRAP MINING PACT - CHRIS RAM “Whatever the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, may or may not have said to the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, one fact is clear: Muri Brasil Ventures Inc, has been granted the right to apply to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for, and shall be granted (emphasis added) a maximum of eighteen Prospecting Licences for Rare Earth Elements, Bauxite, Limestone, Nephelene Syenite, Gold, Diamonds and Granite Stones.”

This is according to Financial Analyst, Christopher Ram, who on his chrisram.net media outlet, said that in face of the implications and improprieties, President Ramotar has only one option in the matter. According to Ram, the President must scrap (Continued on page 42)

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From page 41 the ‘Permission to survey’ given to the company and relieve Robert Persaud of any ministerial duties. Ram suggested that Persaud’s Ministerial performance has been characterised by some grave lapses and his commitment to responsible governance and accountability is even poorer than Guyana’s.

“There are several dangerous implications arising from the actions of Minister Persaud, whatever he and his Stakeholder

Kaieteur News

Support Officer namesake may try to spin,” Ram cautioned.

NEW RIVER TRIANGLE DEBACLE… COMPANY SAYS NO INVESTMENT IF NO ASSURANCE OF PROSPECTING LICENCE Muri Brasil Ventures Inc is defending the special clause in its Permission for Geographical and Geophysical Survey (PGGS) awarded by Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud, granting it the right to apply for a number of

prospecting licences, saying that “it is normal.” The company, for the first time made a public pronouncement on the raging debate, following the disclosure that it has been given permission to survey 2.2 million acres of land in the controversial New River Triangle location.

In defending the clause that essentially assures it of receiving 18 prospecting licences for the area, the company said, “These kinds of exploration activities cost millions of US dollars, which can only be sourced as

Wednesday January 01, 2014

exploration investments from outside of Guyana…No such investments would be available if the investor is given no assurance that he will be granted prospecting licences.”

CABINET AT ODDS WITH US AMBASSADOR “….ELEMENTS OF REJECTED USAID PROJECT SEEK TO USURP ITS AUTHORITY”DR LUNCHEON Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, lashed out at US Ambassador D. Brent Hardt over comments he would have made with regard to the USAID Project that had been rejected by Cabinet.

Luncheon said the US Ambassador ’s comments were arrogant and contentious. He said Cabinet reviewed the status and the current developments regarding the Ambassador’s implementation of the rejected project. “Cabinet felt that the

Ambassador’s public comments were arrogant, contentious and those utterances that the US Ambassador made indicating that notwithstanding a rejection, a disapproval of the USAID project that they intend to and are implementing the project, is really of severe significance.”

DRUG SHORTAGE, WASTAGE UNACCEPTABLE — PRESIDENT RAMOTAR - AS HEALTH VISION 20/ 20 IS LAUNCHED Speaking at the launch of “Health Vision 20/20— A National Health Strategy for Guyana 2013-2020,” President Donald Ramotar expressed concerns over the shortage and wastage of drugs. The Head of State deemed the issue “totally unacceptable.”

In his address to the Health Practitioners and other stakeholders at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, the

President stressed the importance of implementing an adequate executive board at the helm of the health sector, as well as a workforce with the correct attitude towards providing the service.

Ramotar said that he had raised the issue with the Health Minister and the Permanent Secretary following complaints by ordinary citizens about shortage of drugs. The shortage and wastage of drugs have plagued the smooth operations of public health institutions countrywide.

“I do hope that we are picking the right people for the right jobs… We spend billions of dollars every year to buy drugs yet we are confronted with shortage of drugs at health facilities nationwide… millions of dollars of expired drugs are written off and dumped in large quantities…This is totally unacceptable.”

Wednesday January 01, 2014

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GPHC offering improved eye care at minimal cost

By Sharmain Grainger Guyana in 2009 made the ambitious move to introduce an Ophthalmology Centre at Port Mourant, Berbice. The facility was initially staffed by a number of Cuban Specialists and was expected to be the answer to eye care here, even as moves were being made by Government to move away from having patients travel to Cuba for crucial eye surgery through its Miracle Mission venture.

Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, in 2012 said that efforts were even being made to train local personnel to staff the facility. But perhaps because of its location, or for some other reason that the Health Ministry has kept carefully under wraps, the Port Mourant Ophthalmology Centre has not had the desired impact in terms of reaching the vast number of patients in need of eye care.

Rather, it has been the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), nestled strategically in the heart of the capital city, that has been effectively tackling the country’s eye care needs at virtually no cost to patients.

According to Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist at the GPHC, Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, not only has the eye care service at the facility improved tremendously over the years, but in fact, a great number of people find it more reliable than the service obtained at the Port Mourant facility.

“We (GPHC) can do what Port Mourant can do and even better,” said Dr Sugrim, during an interview with this publication.

The Ophthalmology Department at the GPHC is headed by Dr George Norton, but currently there are four consultant doctors, including Dr Sugrim, who see patients on a daily basis. Two of these doctors are foreigners – one a Chinese National and another from Haiti. Each doctor is tasked with attending to at least 50 patients on a daily basis.

Dr Sugrim has been offering his services at the GPHC for the past three years, having completed studies in Bangladesh and India. He has been able to considerably help bolster the capability of the hospital to offer services for diagnosing and treating Glaucoma.

But according to Dr Sugrim, the primary cases seen are patients with cataract, followed by cases of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and eye infections. Trauma cases resulting from accidents are quite frequent as well. But there are a few rare cases that are seen by the specialists at

Eye Care Specialist, Dr Shailendra Sugrim (right), attends to a patient the GPHC. Among these Dr Sugrim disclosed are “cases like retinoblastoma, that is, tumours of the eyes and congenital malformation cases.”

He explained too that the outpatient department (Eye Clinic) at the hospital is tasked with handling “a heavy burden of patients on a daily basis with approximately 200-300 patients being seen per day which includes regular followups, emergencies and new patients.”

NEW PROCEDURE Although the GPHC has over the years been offering free Cataract Surgery, Dr Sugrim disclosed that it was only in 2012 that strategic moves were made to reintroduce a modern procedure to undertake the crucial surgery.

The procedure called Phaco-emulsification is where ultrasonic power is used to “liquefy” the cataractous lens of the eyes and allows for the implantation of artificial lens.

But according to Dr Sugrim, this procedure is often incorrectly referred to as “laser surgery for cataract.”

Prior to this introduction, the hospital had offered manual cataract surgery.

However, an attempt was first made five years ago to introduce the modern procedure, but according to Dr Sugrim, it was halted because the machine used by the hospital had some technical issues.

With the availability of a new machine, which was procured by the GPHC in collaboration with Alcon Surgical Inc. (a US-based entity that provides eye care products), the procedure is once again available.

However, this was not before the relevant staffers at the hospital were furnished with necessary training to conduct the procedure, Dr

Surgim said.

It has now been one year since this procedure was reintroduced at the hospital.

And it was only recently that the Alcon Surgical Company together with the GPHC held a Phaco-Mission, where a renowned ophthalmologist from Trinidad, Dr Deo Singh, along with the Alcon team visited the hospital to perform approximately 20 free cataract surgeries.

At the same time the Company was able to evaluate the GPHC eye care delivery system, and reports are that the visiting team which worked with the doctors and nurses at the GPHC were pleased with the progress of the procedure in Guyana.

Actual surgery using Phaco-emulsification is conducted at least twice weekly by two ophthalmologists at the institution. And according to Dr Sugrim, this surgical method for Cataract has been labelled the gold standard for cataract surgery.

He explained that the previous Manual Small Incision used by the GPHC method of surgery involves a larger incision in the eye and the cataractous lens is manually removed. The phaco-emulsification method, on the other hand, allows for a much smaller incision to be made and shortens the recovery time for the surgery.

BACKLOG REDUCED The offering of Phacoemulsification has allowed the GPHC and by extension Guyana, to simultaneously reduce the backlog of cataract cases and the waiting time for cataract surgery. The Cataract Surgical Rate (CSR) for the year 2012 was estimated to be about 2,200 (according to the Interim Guyana Vision 2020 Committee Report) which is above the target that has been set for Caribbean Countries.

The achievements over the years at the GPHC, Dr Sugrim intimated, were in fact a direct result of many initiatives implemented with a view of having the current standard of cataract surgery

being met. These, he said, include the improvement of cataract services at the GPHC - complete with training of doctors in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (locally and overseas) by ORBIS; increase supply of consumables for Cataract Surgery and procurement of equipment for the hospital.

But there can be no denying that the Government of Guyana’s Miracle Mission together with the establishment of the National Ophthalmology Centre at Port Mourant, which was done in collaboration with the Cuba Government, had roles to playing in the eye care successes achieved in Guyana. There was also support from the Government of China in the form of ophthalmologists and equipment, and of course, the introduction of Phacoemulsification Surgery at the hospital has served to bring the GPHC to a place where it offers quality eye care to the nation. Added to this, Dr Sugrim said that the GPHC has in place a department –

the Vision Centre – that strategically caters to refractive errors. The Vision Centre, formerly called the Low Vision Unit, is a NonGovernmental Organisation that is sub-contracted by the hospital to provide optometry services, including the prescribing of spectacles to patients. The Centre is also tasked with providing support to patients by referring them to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) for spectacle vouchers or to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security for subventions to purchase spectacles.

Despite implementing a number of measures to improve eye care, Dr Sugrim noted that there are yet many new initiatives in the pipeline to further improve the Department of Ophthalmology. These, according to him, will include: the procurement of additional ophthalmic equipment, human resource training and also the introduction of a better health information system in the department.

GDF closes 2013 with host of activities - remembers families of deceased soldiers

Chief of Staff Brigadier Phillips presents Mrs. Sharon Gonsalves with a hamper The Guyana Defence Force in a release yesterday indicated that in keeping with its tradition of spreading Christmas cheer, hampers and cash contributions were presented to the surviving spouses, children and relatives of seven of its members who passed away during 2013.

“This was one of the activities during which the force undertook to embrace and share the spirit of the Christmas season with its officers and ranks and their extended families.”

The deceased ranks,

whose spouses and relatives received the Christmas tokens were; Lieutenant Ronald Gonsalves, Sergeant Viola George, Corporal Kevin Calder, Lance Corporals Eon Blair, Ravi Phillips, Akini Sampson and Private Charwyn Hooper.

Meanwhile, across the GDF, at all its main bases and locations, serving members of the Force participated in Gunfire activities and were hosted at the annual Christmas lunches.

Additionally, hundreds of children of members of the Force were treated to fun-

filled activities and received gifts at the several special annual Children’s Christmas parties that were held.

In conclusion, it was stated that: “Brigadier Mark Phillips extends b e s t wishes to all Officers and Ranks of the Force for a rewarding new year.

The Chief of Staff also thanks all its partners, for supporting the Force in the effective conduct of its mandate, particularly the communities in the immediate environs of its bases and locations. To the nation at large, a very rewarding 2014!”

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Deplorable community roads continue to challenge residents

By Keeran Danny

Yearly, various Government agencies responsible for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and maintenance of community roads are allocated hefty sums of monies yet numerous old and new communities are challenged with deplorable roads.

In the creation of housing schemes, the Ministry of Housing and Water is responsible for the construction of community roads and streets. The Ministry has a policy not to complete road infrastructure works unless there is 75 per cent occupancy level.

At a recent press conference, this policy was highlighted by Housing Minister Irfaan Ali as he sought to address the sore issue of unacceptable roads in several large housing establishments. According to Ali, it makes no sense to pave roads when the occupancy level is low and the roads would be destroyed.

“So in cases like Diamond, Tuschen, Westminister, Parfaite Harmonie you would have seen tremendous improvements this year in terms of infrastructure and we have upgraded hundreds of those roads to asphalted concrete,” he said.

Ali enlightened that the

Ministry is going to continue keeping inventories of every area that have 75 percent occupancy.

These roads are usually built with crusher run or double bitumen surfaces.

Depressions and potholes experienced are caused by various factors, including heavy duty machines transporting building materials; periodic heavy

downpours; and storage of building materials on the shoulders of roads and sometimes on the road.

Incidentally, the Ministry makes it clear in the land allocation letter that the storage of materials on the shoulders of the road or on the road is prohibited. The Ministry has an Enforcement Unit that inspects various areas to ensure home builders

are adhering to this regulation.

Even though there is a penalty attached to disobeying this order, many persons have been found in violation.

The Ministry through the Community Roads Improvement Project (CRIP) has been upgrading several roads across the country.

According to the

Culture Ministry retenders for A/C unit for NCC The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport yesterday retendered for the installation of new air condition units at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). The bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance Main Street, Georgetown.

Meanwhile, although the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) tendered for the provision of security services for NDIA workshop at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara and Office at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara. No bidders tendered for the project.

And the Ministry of Education received bids for prequalification for consultancy services.

Government Information Agency (GINA), “CRIP is a US $18.7M project, which, when completed, will see the construction numerous community roads, amounting to 100 kilometres (km), some of which are funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the remainder by the Government.”

In September 2013, the Agency reported that of the 218 roads, 212 have been completed as of April this year, or 97%.

Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are also responsible for the maintenance of roads.

Annually, Government provides $3M to each of the 65 NDCs across Guyana as assistance to execute their mandates. Rates and taxes and market fees collected add to their revenues.

But many citizens have been delinquent in paying their rates and taxes, and as such, the NDCs have not been able to provide adequate services. There are instances also where officials of NDCs behave greedy and steal from the limited funds available.

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has warned that misappropriation of public funds by Regional authorities will not be tolerated.

According to Norman Whittaker, Junior Local Government Minister, leaders of NDCs and Municipalities would be placed before the court once monies are misappropriated.

Municipalities are responsible for

reconstruction and maintenance of roads, construction of culverts, cleaning of drains, etc. They also depend heavily on rates and taxes and market fees to execute their duties. The six Municipalities (Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Georgetown, Linden, and Rose Hall) receive subventions from Government.

In 2013, Government provided a total of $65M as subvention to the Municipalities. They were expected to rake in $2.8B in taxes, but like in NDC districts, many citizens were not forthcoming with their taxes.

Whittaker enlightened that the Municipalities collectively raked in only 52 percent of taxes. This amount is inadequate for them to provide relevant and adequate services that the citizens demand.

The Auditor General in his annual report on the Regions has oftentimes highlighted overpayments to contractors, poor public works or incomplete projects. The questions of citizens receiving value for money and the Regions’ ability to monitor and evaluate projects linger.

Another agency which helps to upgrade community roads is the Public Works Ministry, through its miscellaneous roads programme. Provided with information from the Regions and firsthand inspections, the Ministry makes a list as to the roads that it would upgrade.

For instance, in November last, Government gave its noobjection to the award of a contract for $32.4M t o rehabilitate and construct miscellaneous roads at Den Amstel, Region Three and Gas Station Street, Success, Region Four.

Another example is that the previous month Government approved the award of contract to the tune of $16.4M to rehabilitate and construct miscellaneous roads in Region Six in 15 Lots. According to a private engineer, many of the roads rehabilitated and c o n s t r u c ted experience cracks, depressions and potholes within a short time because of inadequate inspections by Clerk of Works and sloppy works by contractors.

With all these agencies responsible for roads, it is puzzling why roads in Guyana are in such deplorable condition. It is a known fact that the road network is vital for any economy to grow, even if it is community roads.

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Kaieteur News

BRIGADIER DAVID GRANGER, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION Fellow Guyanese, Guyana’s ‘Year for Workers’ must dawn on 1st January 2014. This country’s economic future lies in their hands. Many of our working people, however, are underemployed and unhappy and are not as productive as they could be. Workers face unsatisfactory labour relations in the sugar and mining industries and in the public and private sectors.

Artisanal fisherfolk, craftsmen, small farmers and miners found themselves in difficult circumstances during 2013. Life must be better for all in 2014.

Guyana’s ‘Year for Workers’ must be one in which our working people should be able to look forward

Brigadier David Granger to a good life. It should be one in which they could look forward to living in safety, to working for ‘living wages’ to cope with the cost of living

and to enjoying adequate social protection in their old age.

Guyana’s ‘Year for Workers’ must be one in which workers can feel free to join trade unions of their choice; in which collective bargaining agreements between their employers and their unions will be respected and in which the state will enforce labour laws fairly but firmly to protect them from adversity and from delinquent employers.

Let us, therefore, make the new year – 2014 – Guyana’s ‘Year for Workers’ as we all work together towards providing “a good life for all Guyanese.”

My best wishes for a happy new year to everyone

MADAME DEOLATCHMEE RAMOTAR, FIRST LADY A Happy New Year to all Guyana!

I trust that this the dawn of the New Year finds us all filled with great hope and expectation. The New Year is an opportunity to start afresh, a time to recheck our moral and spiritual compasses, to set our personal goals and to make plans for the future. In so doing, we must not dismiss the past but instead build upon our achievements and learn from the disappointments experienced.

Over the Christmas holidays, I both hosted and attended numerous events for our country’s children. The children were a joy to behold.

They enlivened the sessions with their boundless enthusiasm and energy. Their innocence and amazing ability to find unbridled happiness in the company of

each other reminds us all of the great promise they hold for our country’s future. It is for us adults to nurture that promise and to create conditions that would allow each child to fulfill his or her indisputable potential.

In this year 2014, I wish to urge all adults to seriously reflect on our obligation to our children. It is our duty to bequeath to them a dignified and secure future, one that is free of bigotry, hatred and animosity. Through our own example, especially in regards to how we relate to each other, we can ensure an environment of love, understanding, togetherness and compassion for our children. They deserve nothing less.

May this New Year therefore see us strive to be even more kind, considerate

Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar and generous to one another!

May the dark stains of prejudice, hatred and hurt be removed from the fabric of society and may the New Year yield a bounty of goodness!

A Happy New Year to all Guyana!

CLEMENT ROHEE, GENERAL SECRETARY PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY It is with a profound sense of joy and optimism; I extend on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), New Years greetings to all Guyanese on the dawn of 2014 It is the PPP’s hope that the new year brings serenity and the spirit of goodwill as the party continues to charter a path towards racial and working-class unity, growth and development, in keeping with our vision, when the PPP was formed 63 years ago.

A new year always brings with it a renewed sense of optimism and hope for a brighter future. The PPP shares this feeling of optimism which is grounded on the measurable progress the country has made over the past two decades under the visionary leadership of successive PPPC administrations.

Our party in the New Year will continue to remain a critical partner in the development of Guyana and its people.

In this New Year, the PPP remains committed to working towards activating the difficulty overcoming the challenges our people face on a daily basis.

The PPP will continue to address all matters affecting the welfare of our members and supporters and more so all Guyanese.

The PPP and the PPPC government has always, and will continue to remain faithful to the vision of its founding leaders to create a society in which there is racial and working class unity, participatory democracy and inclusive governance.

The PPP is of the view that

ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE As this New Year begins, the Alliance For Change gives thanks for all the blessings and support we have received from the people of Guyana and will continue to work towards creating a more prosperous Guyana – one that all her citizens would be proud to call home.

The past year was a challenging one for most Guyanese with alarmingly high levels of domestic violence, affecting mainly our women and the high incidence of road fatalities, which have taken many valuable lives, including our youngest and brightest minds.

In 2013 the AFC waged a

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan fight against corruption and advocated the need for good governance. We focused on

demanding accountability and transparency in the day to day running of our dear country Guyana. In this area our shouts have been loud and resounding resulting in the many revelations of corruption in the management of our national assets by our Government that seemed to plague the entire year yet again.

This fight was vindicated with the pronouncements we heard from Transparency International, in US State Department reports, from our diplomatic missions and our own Auditor General as we continue to strive to establish a true democracy.

Our stance in Parliament

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has been based on these principles as we sought to bring the Government to account in Parliament as should be. To this end, we have taken up issues that dealt with this – including the need for the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission, and amendments to the Fiscal Management and Accountable Act to ensure financial accountability of the Judiciary and Parliament.

We have taken strong positions on the need for state funds held by NICIL to be deposited and accounted for in our Consolidated Fund, and that both the Integrity Continued on page 55

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee critical to the realization of the above objectives is the need to build trust at the political level and create political space for all.

Confrontation and threats must give way to dialogue and the good of the country should remain paramount in all our political engagements and discourse.

It is clear from the standpoint of the PPP that there is a strong political will to find common ground.

The PPPC administrations have always recognized the importance of multi-party democracy and have always sought to ensure that opposition parties are not treated with disdain.

There has never been harassment of opposition politicians as happened in the past. The attainment of political power by democratic means will be recognized as a legitimate objective which is the right of every political party.

The search for a political solution that meets the expectations of the Guyanese people must continue. In this regard, the PPP extends a hand of friendship to all those who subscribe to the aspirations of a free and democratic society within the broad framework of a National Democratic State based on the principles of national sovereignty, a tri-sectoral economy, good governance, rule of law and a working class orientation.

This will be a state of all Guyanese where the interest of all classes and strata of society will not only be protected but advanced to higher levels.

In keeping with the Party’s Programme which calls for the establishment of a National Democratic State that represents the interests of all classes, groups and social

strata as part of an inclusive state, a decision was taken by the Party to work towards the creation of a broad left, progressive and democratic Nationalist Front comprising of representatives of all sections of the working people, farmers, intellectuals, professionals, the business community, NGOs and all Guyanese who share a common vision of the National Democratic Choice.

There can be no doubt that the political, social and economic landscape has been transformed under the PPPC administration. Guyana today is a proud and respected member of the international community.

As stated in the Party’s Political Declaration which emanated from its last Congress, the PPP recognizes, and is proud that as a nation under successive PPPC Governments, we have established a formidable record of improving the lives of thousands of people, in particular our children.

To name only a fewproviding the opportunity for the first time for thousands of ordinary men and women to own their own homes; for the first time thousands of Amerindian children are receiving secondary school education; providing thousands of laptops to low income households in one of the most innovative projects executed by a government in the world to reduce the digital divide and enhance equitable access to new technology.

But challenges remain.

It behooves us all, more so as representatives of the people, to put the national interest ahead of narrow partisan interests.

Differences will be there, but in the words of President Donald Ramotar “the important thing is how we move forward in resolving our positions. To move forward will call for maturity if we are to avoid gridlock and inertia; political cooperation in the interest of the development of Guyana must exist.”

In 2014, let us all resolve on this joyous occasion to build a strong, prosperous and United Guyana for all.

Once again, best wishes for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous 2014 to everyone!

Page 54

Kaieteur News

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LAND FOR SALE 2- Acres cultivated, 2-1 Acres cultivated, 7 Acres cultivated, citrus, house, fish pond, storage at Parika- Call: 226-7968

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Parafaite Harmonie (High Income) – $2.5M– Tel:6757292 Parafaite Harmonie (High Income) – $2.2M– Tel:6757292 Parafaite Harmonie (High Income) - $2M – Tel:675-7292 Parfaite Harmonie - $1M – Tel:675-7292 Herstelling - $4M – Tel:6757292 ½ Acre residential land at Yarrowcabra – Price: $3M – Tel:611-1018 In Eccles, $6M negotiable – Tel:616-6000

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Wednesday January 01, 2014

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FOR SALE

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Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

CARICOM SECRETARYGENERAL, AMBASSADOR IRWIN LAROCQUE 2013 was a reflective and celebratory year for the Community as we marked our 40th Anniversary. That we have come thus far is testimony to our determination and commitment to forge a common destiny as small unified States in this unique corner of the world called the Caribbean.

Our Anniversary Theme of ‘Celebration and Renewal’ remains relevant as we bask in our Caribbean-ness, rekindle the spirit of Community and continue our integration quest with an outlook that is shaped by new thinking and different approaches.

That outlook will be influenced by the necessity for appropriate responses to the current global environment which has placed Member States in dire straits, stymieing growth and development and denying us the wherewithal to create a better standard of living for the people of the Community. Indeed, the vulnerability of our Member States and their capacity for resilience came into stark relief last week in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia and Dominica, when severe weather visited death and

Ambassador Irwin Larocque destruction and caused a setback to development efforts there.

The new outlook will also be shaped by the Review and Reform that we have undertaken at the behest of the Heads of Government.

We are on schedule to achieve early in the new year one of our key milestones the completion of the draft Five-Year Strategic Plan. The Plan was crafted following consultations with stakeholders across Member States and Associate Members. The Plan will set out a common vision, identify our priority areas of focus over the period and will also address issues of implementability including

the roles and responsibilities of all participants in the Community architecture.

U n s u r p r i s i n g l y, sustainable economic growth and development emerged as one of the primary areas of concern for stakeholders across the spectrum with whom the Change Team interacted over the past year, and it is our intention, through the efforts of the recently-established CARICOM Commission on the Economy, to explore possible avenues to put us on a sustainable path. The Commission will provide advice on implementable solutions based particularly on the priority areas set out in our Growth Agenda.

For the Caribbean Community therefore, 2014 dawns with the promise of new directions, prioritization on the critical areas that will deliver more immediate and tangible benefits to our peoples, more strategic approaches and the continued emphasis on our youth and empowerment of our citizens.

I wish the entire Community Happy Holidays and a Prosperous and Productive New Year and pray for a speedy recovery in those Member States affected by the recent severe weather.

ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE From page 53 and the Ethnic Relations Commissions should be fully operationalized.

The Alliance For Change has also advocated that the position of Chancellor and Chief Justice be filled, and most importantly, has been consistent over the years with calls for the holding of Local Government Elections which we know will open up a new vista for people’s participation. These are the hallmarks of what the AFC has done to enhance our democracy in 2013.

In 2014 our still incomplete agenda will continue, as we fervently hope that Local government Elections will be held. We will continue the fight for a living wage, and that monies voted for increases in wages will be specifically quantified in the next budget. It is our hope

that greater respect for collective bargaining and consultation with the Unions on the welfare of their members and without government making arbitrary awards, will take place.

We will continue to advance the issues you have asked us to raise on your behalf – a reduction in the economic pressures placed on your pockets, garbagefree communities for your children to grow up in, jobs for our young people, and a livable wage for all.

In 2014 we will lobby hard to ensure that the state media will be opened up to give us and other organizations access to this “national” resource as happens in most democracies across the globe, and that coverage of parliamentary proceedings will be carried live, better informing the people of

When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take three-minute “vacations”. Relax and reenergise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.

Guyana and eliminating the cloak and dagger approach.

We in the Alliance for Change know that more can be achieved when we accept that every Guyanese has a valuable contribution to make. We recommit to ensuring that the spirit of working together amongst our major political parties is p u t back firmly on the national agenda, recognizing that constructive dialogue is the only way to ensure we move this country of ours forward, for the benefit of all.

In closing, we salute our gallant fighters in all ten regions of Guyana and in the diaspora, who have kept the Alliance For Change going under difficult circumstances and note the passing of several of our members and close friends who have all contributed to making the AFC a national institution for change.

May your new year be filled with peace, good health and prosperity.

Happy New Year to all Guyana.

Page 55

LET US FOCUS OUR ENERGY...

From page 12 investors. This Project would have added a significant investment to our economy and would have created much needed jobs. On completion it would have given us cheap, reliable energy and stimulate further growth in the economy. This project is essential for a strong and vibrant manufacturing and agroprocessing sector. Frustrating this was a serious setback.”

Mr. Ramotar then spoke of “another blow to the economy” which he indicated was “the failure of the National Assembly to pass the amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. This impact is now being felt in the financial sector and will also spread to every Guyanese. This will increase the cost of doing business internationally and lengthen the time that the transactions take.

Attempts have been made to also prevent the building of a new Specialty Hospital and a new Airport. These senseless acts have only served to delay the time we can provide advanced health care to Guyanese. It is also slowing down the advances of the tourism sector.

All of these are projects that will have transformative impacts on our country. That is why we have to persevere and pursue them.”

“This year, 2014, I believe holds out great possibilities and also challenges. How much we will achieve will depend on all of us. I am working on the assumption that all of us want to see our country move forward, all of us must want to see poverty eradicated and that Guyana can move quickly to achieving a more developed status in the world.

I acknowledge that political obstacles stand in the way of our transformative agenda.

I hope that the New Year we can get some cooperation from our colleagues on the other side of the house to move our country forward.

If the government is to be held accountable for the performance of our economy, we reserve the right to be responsible for its developmental trajectory.

This right however will not be pursued to the exclusion of other forces within the country. We will continue to encourage dialogue, debates and consultations with all stake holders, including the people in the communities.” Cooperation in social issues was also emphasized.

“In 2014, I propose to conscript social and religious organizations in the fight against domestic violence. I believe that these organizations should play a leading role in addressing this concern and I wish to incorporate them to reduce this terrible scourge. It is also my wish to see more community and social organizations involved in enhancing our physical environment.

A clean environment will contribute to improving the mental and physical health of our citizens and will continue to reducing antisocial behaviour in the population.

Our Government will continue to pursue more affordable and reliable energy for our country. This is one of the most vital infrastructures for our continued growth and development. With this we will grow by leaps and bounds. I have already mentioned some of the benefits. But those are not all. We can save almost nine billion that we now spend on subsidizing electricity. Moreover, even more billions can be saved in the importation of fuel to generate electricity.. With those savings alone we can solve most of the problems presently facing communities. The benefits are enormous and we will persevere.”

“We will also continue to work with other friendly governments to move forward other important infrastructural works. Two of which we are pursuing are the Deep Water Harbour and a road from the Coast to Lethem in the South. At the moment we are studying the cost/benefits of these projects.

Clearly too we have to pursue Information Communication Technology. This is essential to the whole process of modernization. It also has great possibilities in creating jobs.

You are no doubt aware that last year I joined the Executives of Qualfon in turning the sod for their new campus at Eccles which will be one of the largest contact centre facilities in the entire world when it is completed. When completed six thousand new jobs would be created at that facility to be filled by young Guyanese.”

“Recognizing the vast potential of information and communications technology to transform both our economy and individual lives, we are working to ensure that no home is denied access, through our One Laptop Per Family programme. At the same time, we are building the network infrastructure that would enable us to deliver e-Government services to all our citizens. Our aim is to ensure that every single Guyanese person is able to acquire computer literacy.”

The Head of State noted that new and emerging sectors are also showing great promise for the future. “Tourism and Hospitality, in particular, promises to be a major contributor to growth in the future given Guyana’s unique tourism product and given the significant investments being made in the sector. During 2014, we expect to open the spanking new Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, which will dramatically increase capacity and raise standards in the sector.

At the same time, a number of major mineral projects are expected in 2014 to advance exploration activities and commence mine construction, setting the stage for a dramatic increase in activity in that sector. During mine construction, thousands of jobs are expected to be created, and once extraction commences, production and exports would experience increased growth.”

The environment was also a focal point in the President’s message. He spoke of regional collaboration in this regard.

“Very important too is the issue of Climate Change and the challenges it poses. In recent weeks we have witnessed extreme weather in Guyana and the wider Caribbean. This has resulted in millions of dollars in damage and loss of life. The scientific evidence is showing that for our region, which is one of the most vulnerable, these weather events will become more frequent as the impacts of global climate change intensify.

In this regard, I intend in the coming year, to work with other CARICOM Heads to ensure regional action on climate change is given top priority. Recognizing our own vulnerabilities here in Guyana, efforts will intensify in 2014 to improve and expand infrastructure, in particular our sea and river defence and drainage and irrigation systems; enhance our forecasting capabilities and response mechanisms, and build climate resilience in the social and productive sectors of our economy. These will be done within the framework of our Low Carbon Development Strategy.

At the International level Guyana will continue to play its part to promote World Peace and friendship among all peoples. We will also work towards having our diplomacy facilitate growth and economic developments in our country. We will continue to promote regional integration with Caricom and also with South America. We will also continue to pursue peaceful resolutions to issues affecting us and on the international arena.

I have no doubt that we will achieve these objectives. The speed with which we will do so depends on all of us. Politics of blackmail will undermine our democracy and can lead to further inequality. It will not be a good example for our people, particularly for the youths,” the President said in conclusion.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Jack warns Kamla! Warner says ruling administration facing certain election defeat come 2015 Jamaica Gleaner - Austin ‘Jack’ Warner, the controversial former national security minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has warned that his former boss, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, will not be reelected in 2015 if she fails to rid her government of a group of ministers in her Cabinet who he claims are “corrupt”.

Warner, a former FIFA vice-president who also served as minister of works and infrastructure under Persad-Bissessar, has faced finger pointing for some time with allegations of corruption in his political and soccer life, but he has never been prosecuted criminally.

He left the Cabinet after a big public fall-out with other members but retained his Chaguanas West seat in a byelection.

Now, Warner is predicting that Persad-Bissessar’s government will lose the general elections constitutionally due by 2015.

“Based on the current configuration of her government, Kamla will not survive 2015 even if she paved the streets with gold. I can’t put it no further than that,” said Warner.

“You have to understand that this country reached a state where it’s almost

Kamla Persad-Bissessar ungovernable. It’s on autopilot, where nobody is in charge of anything.

“There is an absence of leadership here and therefore, I am saying that what you saw in the Jamaican situation (where 13 Jamaicans were denied entry into Trinidad) is merely one aspect of the totality of things as they happen here. Don’t take it in isolation,” stated Warner during an interview at his Sunshine newspaper offices in Arouca, several

kilometres from Port-ofSpain.

“There is a total disconnect between the government and the people and among the various ministers. Everybody is doing and saying their own thing and contradicting each other,” he stated. Blaming “mismanagement, bloated bureaucracy, wastage, and corruption” as key indicators of the loss of governmental control, Warner noted that the Patrick Manning administration was criticised for the size of its Cabinet, which was 22 ministers.

“Now, we have 29 ministers. We have a serious debt crisis, and we are in serious trouble.”

Warner dismissed claims that he was being critical of the Persad-Bissessar administration because he was bitter.

“Look here, she didn’t leave me. I left her. I went back to the people. She fought me tooth and nail in her backyard and I beat her,” he said, boasting that his newspaper was the numberone weekly in the country.

He said the newspaper had given him a new constituency and he could say things which he could not say before.

Government announces new measures to deal with crime

NASSAU, Bahamas CMC – The Bahamas government says it is considering legislation that would impose additional restrictions on the ability of judges to grant bail in offences involving crimes of violence and the use of firearms.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said Cabinet had discussed the crime situation

in the country, particularly in light of the weekend drive-by killings of four people in the Fox Hill area.

Christie said the police would escalation “saturation patrols” using both marked and unmarked vehicles and that they would also be “even more robustly equipped with cars and other crime-fighting tools as an integral part of the escalated saturation

patrols, especially areas that are known as hot spots in New Providence”.

He said there would be a re-instatement of the 12-hour policing shift, possibly on new terms and that a further announcement on this subject would be made once the necessary consultations within law enforcement have been completed.

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Iran says nuclear deal to be implemented in late January

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif shake hands at the conclusion of their press conference in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) DUBAI (Reuters) - World powers and Iran have agreed to start implementing in late January an agreement obliging Tehran to suspend its most sensitive nuclear work, an Iranian official was quoted as saying yesterday.

There was no immediate confirmation of the agreement from the six powers - the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - or the European Union, which oversees contacts with Iran on behalf of the six.

The reported agreement follows nearly 23 hours of talks between nuclear experts from Iran and the six powers held in Geneva on Monday and Tuesday.

The seven countries have met several times since striking the breakthrough accord on November 24 to iron out practical details and decide when the deal would be implemented.

An Iranian nuclear negotiator, Hamid Baeidinejad, said a date was agreed yesterday.

“Based on the conclusions the talks held with ...expert delegations, the implementation of the Geneva accord will start in the third ten-day of January,” Baeidinejad was quoted as saying by Iranian Press TV. “The two sides managed to reach an understanding on the implementation of the

agreement and now, their views and interpretations are the same,” he said.

A spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton had no immediate comment.Western diplomats have said in the past that January 20 was a possible implementation date, because that is when EU foreign ministers next meet in Brussels and could agree on the lifting of EU sanctions.

Western countries led by the United States fear that Iran’s nuclear work has military goals and have imposed years of sanctions on Iran in an effort to force Tehran to curb its nuclear programme.

Police find explosives near Musharraf’s house Islamabad (AFP) Pakistan police on Monday found explosives on a road close to the home of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, two days before he is to appear before a treason tribunal.

The 2.5 kilos (5.5 pounds) of explosives and two detonators were found around two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the retired general’s home on the edge of Islamabad.

The discovery was made close to where five kilos of explosives were found last week Tuesday, as Musharraf’s treason trial was due to start.

The case was adjourned to Wednesday because of the security alert.

The treason allegations are the latest in a series of serious criminal charges relating to Musharraf’s 1999-

2008 rule, brought against him since he returned from exile in March.

“We have found five packets of explosive material, each weighing half a kilo, with two detonators,” police chief for Bani Gala, Abdul Rauf Kayani, told AFP. He said the material was found on the central reservation of Park Road, the main road leading to central Islamabad from the leafy suburb where Musharraf lives.

“It is not clear who put the packets here but we have impounded them and begun an investigation,” Rauf said.

Musharraf said Sunday he had not yet decided whether to attend Wednesday’s hearing, at which the charges against him are to be read out.

On Sunday he denounced the case as a “vendetta”

against him, and said he had the backing of the country’s powerful army.

“I have no doubt with the feedback that I received that the whole army is... totally with me on this issue,” Musharraf told reporters at his farmhouse on the edge of Islamabad.

The 70-year-old returned to Pakistan to run in May’s general election — won by Sharif — after several years of self-imposed exile.

But he was barred from running and hit with a series of criminal cases dating back to his time in office.

These include murder charges over the assassination in late 2007 of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, as well as charges over the death of a rebel leader, a deadly military raid on a radical mosque and the detention of judges.

Page 57

Zimbabwe to introduce New Year ban on foreign owners Harare (AFP) Zimbabwe will from New Year’s Day ban foreigners from owning a majority stake in a host of businesses from bakeries to beauty salons, a cabinet minister said yesterday.

Foreigners will only be allowed to own minority stakes in the affected businesses if they have local partners, and will be given between four and five years to comply with the new law.

“We are saying from January 1, 2014, we will not be issuing foreigners licences in areas reserved for locals,” indigenisation minister Francis Nhema, told AFP. “Foreigners who are already operating in those areas reserved for locals should seek indigenous partners to buy shares,” said Nhema.

“Likewise locals are free to seek foreign partners as long as the local retains their majority shareholding.”

The ban will also include estate agencies, grain mills, retail outlets, milk processing plants, transport and valet services. Nhema said foreignowned businesses should hand in plans on how they intend to comply.

“In some areas, they will be given four years in some areas, five. It all depends on the area and individual circumstances,” he said.

“Wherever there are problems we can always discuss and see how we

Francis Nhema can help each other. It’s all about creating employment

and empowering indigenous Zimbabweans.

There is no victimisation,” said Nhema.

Zimbabwe brought in indigenisation legislation in 2010 that compelled foreign firms including mine owners to cede majority shareholding to local investors. A number of foreign mines have complied with the law, which the government says seeks to empower local blacks who suffered exclusion under British colonial rule.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai says the law will benefit businesspeople aligned to veteran President Robert Mugabe and scare potential investors.

Page 58

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Ash Academy vows to avenge earlier loss ...

From page 64 scraped back from a 2-0 deficit to the Waramadong team in the Digicel finals to triumph 3-2.

Meanwhile, Ash Academy furthered strengthened its claim to the top prize with a brilliant display of football that disposed of tournament favourites, Waramadong Secondary 2-1, and seal a place in the finals when the semifinal matches in the Chico/ K&S Elite, Next Generation Schools’ Football championships concluded at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Monday evening last.

Contrastingly, Wismar/ Christianburg Secondary

stayed on course with a 2-1 win over St Georges’ Secondary to set up the face off with Ash Academy tonight.

Waramadong Secondary struck first through a pin point shot when Lyndel Joseph pasted the opposition’s goalie with a free kick just outside the 90 yards box to send his team ahead in the 21st minute. Another spirited raid by Waramadong’s front men less than 5 minutes later threatened to widen the margin but was staunchly defended by the Linden based team followed by a counter attack by Akeemo Watts who skillfully dribbled past Waramadong’s defence to

bring the situation back to equilibrium in the 26th minute.

The action continued at a furious pace with both teams enjoying great moments with near misses after enterprising advances. Buoyed by the equalizer, Ash Secondary upped the ante and Brian Thomas dexterously dribbled the ball past the opposition’s defence to send his team into the ascendency 5 minutes after Watts had equalized the situation.

Waramadong’s closest chance to bringing the score on a 2-2 par occurred just before the final whistle when Vice Captain, Myles Albert, operating in the central mid

Wednesday January 01, 2014 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): All indications are that you're feeling mentally and physically great. Your professional and financial interests could take a sudden turn for the better. Love matters should also be going well, and children bring great pleasure today. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Financial difficulties could be overcome today through the help of someone considerably older than you.

Helpful advice could make a future course of action clearer and more practical than it seemed in the past. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20):Today a piece of information for which you've been searching could become known. Your money management skills might be called upon to help out a friend or perhaps a family member. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): With the shifting planetary alignment, all of your efforts over the past few weeks could finally bear fruit.

Success and good fortune are strongly indicated, especially where money is concerned. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): A long-awaited vacation or a move you've been hoping to make could finally be possible. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept.

22): Heightened imagination and ingenuity could bring new thoughts for advancing yourself in the financial arena.

Practical information from outside sources merges with insights to bring useful ideas your way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): Social events could bring some exciting new contacts your way. Relationships with partners of all kinds should be fruitful and mutually beneficial, particularly when the people are also close friends. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): Your efficient, practical abilities are operating at a very high level today. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Your strong business sense and practical skills couple with imagination and innovation to bring advancement. Information from far away could prove especially valuable. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Friends and family could visit you today.

They're likely to bring new friends whose expertise benefits a project you're working on. You might fantasize about how you're going to spend all the money you're going to make off this project. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18):A social event in your neighborhood, perhaps in your home, could bring useful information your way that you can use to advance your career. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): With the current astral environment, your professional and financial interests could take a turn for the better. Any difficulties you may have had seem to disappear as if by magic.

field position, joined forces with Colyer Daniels and Delmar George to surge ahead. They failed to get past the staunch defence of Gary Webster and Akimo Watts and the shrill sound of the final whistle meant that the closest they could come to the top prize would be third, and even then they must first get past the St George’s team in the third place playoff this evening.

Wismar/Christianburg Secondary commenced their journey in a business-like fashion and were amply rewarded when Shane Luckie delivered a thunderous left foot kick that spelled goal from the time the ball left his foot. Indeed, the bullet-like effort whizzed past the St George’s custodian in just the 6th minute of play. Two minutes later, Jermaine Scott emulated the play and the game was once again evened and continued at a furious pace.

The pundits had dismissed the Georgetown team while predicting an easy win for the Lindeners. The former

team ignored this prognosis and their application was a joy to behold and kept the game at a 1-1 stalemate at the end of the first half.

Though legs were tired in the second half, the St George’s team refused to wilt and the powerful Linden team were made to work exceedingly hard to reclaim the ascendency. They might have received a morale booster after their goalie executed a brilliant save from just outside the box.

In as much the St George’s custodian was up to the task with several brilliant saves, the humdinger off the boot of Duquan Hercules from the right flank in the 79th minute was virtually impossible to save. Despite desperate raids

by St George’s strikers, the final whistle came with no further successes for either team much to the delight of the Linden based unit.

Tonight’s action gets underway with the third place playoff at 18:30hrs followed by the championship game at 20:00hrs.

GFRC pushes back drawing of Raffle The Guyana Football Referees Council (GFRC) Executive has taken a decision to postpone the drawing of the Fundraising Raffle until January 17 2014.

The postponement is due to unforeseen circumstances.

The GFRC regrets any inconvenience caused and wish to thank the public for the overwhelming support they have received.

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 59

Gumendra Shewdas banned by IPF for anti-doping rule violation

By Franklin Wilson The sport of powerlifting has been left awe struck following the banning of Guyana’s first Under-18 SubJunior World Powerlifting Gold Medalist Gumendra ‘The Golden Boy’ Shewdas.

The 53kg sub junior category (U18) athlete, a member the Total Fitness Gym based at Corriverton and coached by Mr. Egbert Jackson failed the incompetition doping control test conducted on August 26, 2013 in the course of the 2013 Sub Junior Powerlifting Championships held in Killeen, Texas, USA. By way of an official letter from the International Powerlifting federation (IPF), The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF was officially notified of the IPF Doping Hearing Panel’s decision on November 26, 2013.

Shewdas brough much joy to this nation when he captured the gold medal in the 53kg Sub-Junior category at the World Championships last August in Texas, USA. But that joy has been short lived with the athlete failing a doping test.

According to the official document received from the IPF, these are the facts: On August 26, 2013, during the 2013 Sub Junior Powerlifting Championships in Killeen, USA, Gumendra Shewdas from Guyana provided an in-competition urine sample. The certificate of analysis confirming the adverse analytical finding was received on September 20, 2013 by the IPF from the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in Cologne, Germany. It indicated the presence of Methylhexaneamine and Oxilofrine.

Methylhexaneamine and Oxilofrine are Prohibited Substances and both Stimulants (S.6) according to the WADA Prohibited List and the IPF Anti-Doping Rules.

In accordance with the IPF Anti-Doping Rules, upon receipt of the adverse analytical finding, the IPF proceeded with its results management of adverse analytical finding Sample.

The GAPF and Mr. Shewdas were provided with the notice of the adverse analytical finding on October 21, 2013 and were given the opportunity to request the analysis of his {Shewdas} B sample but he waived the right to have his B sample analyzed. Shewdas was also provisionally suspended as

Suspended for two years; GAPF fined 2000 Euros of October 21, 2013.

The IPF document went on to explain that in accordance with Article 7.1.5 of the IPF Anti-Doping Rules, Mr. Shewdas’ waiver of the B sample analysis confirmed his acceptance of the results of the A sample analysis which yielded a finding of Methylhexaneamine and Oxilofrine.

In accordance with Article 2.1.2 of the IPF Anti-Doping Rules and eth World AntiDoping Code, the confirmation provided by Mr. Shewdas’ waiver of his B sample analysis leads to the assertion that an anti-doping rule violation has occurred.

On November 12, 2013, in conformity with the IPF procedure, Mr. Shewdas and The GAPF were notified of the anti-doping rule violation.

The document sent outlined the documentary hearing procedure.

Under Article 8.3 of the IPF Anti-Doping Rules, Shewdas was also given the opportunity to produce any and all statements, medical documentation and evidence in his defense. Shewdas did submit a statement to the IPF as did the GAPF and the athlete’s mother.

Shewdas’ file was then sent to the IPF Doping Hearing Panel for its appreciation and deliberation.

A comprehensive document with the findings referring to the relevant articles of the IPF Rules which were violated was sent to the GAPF. Articles 2 of the IPF Rules, 2.1; 2.1.1; 2.1.2, Article 10.2 and Article 10.4 were referred to.

The IPF’s position further stated that Shewdas’ waiver of his B sample analysis is conclusive of an anti-doping rule violation.

“The IPF reaffirms that all athletes must be responsible and made accountable for any performance enhancing substance found in their system. On the whole of the circumstances, the IPF sees no convincing reason why Mr. Shewdas should not be subject to article 10.2 of the IPF Anti-Doping Rules which imposes a mandatory two year period of ineligibility on athletes for a first anti-doping rule violation.”

Shewdas in his defense claimed that he was taking some tablets given him by his grandfather as a decongestant to deal with the effects of being within the work environment which cause him to have breathing problems.

Shewdas is employed as a fitter mechanist with the

Guyana Sugar Corporation.

The name of the product he allegedly used to treat his nasal congestion was GERANIUM 20.

However, a product description of Geranium 20 on its online product page states that Geranium 20 is not a product manufactured to treat nasal congestion. It is a supplement containing high levels of Methylhexaneamine aimed at increased fat loss, mental focus and energy.

Methylhexaneamine is a performance enhancing substance; as is Oxilofrine.

The IPF missive noted that while the athlete has provided an explanation as to how the Methylhexaneamine has entered his system, he has provided no explanation as to the finding of Oxilofrine in his body.

The IPF Panel in its deliberations on the matter was very straightforward and to the point in its summary.

Shewdas’ two year suspension is from any powerlifting event or competition which includes lifting, referring and coaching.

Any results earned since October 21, 2013 shall be nullified. The period of suspension commenced on October 21, 2013 and will end on October 22, 2015.

Pursuant to IPF Rule 12.2, the IPF also imposed a fine of Euro $2000 on the GAPF for all costs relating to the adjudication of this doping violation. The GAPF has sixty (60) days in which to pay the fine.

The IPF noted: “It is always unfortunate for the IPF to sanction one of its athletes for the use of prohibited substances. It is this Panel’s hope that this case will prompt all athletes to not only become aware of their responsibilities and obligations under IPF Rules and the World Anti-Doping Code but to take them seriously by avoiding the use of performance enhancing drugs at all times and by being careful and aware of everything they ingest.”

According to Article 13.2.1 of the IPF Rules, the decision can be appealed exclusively to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Lausanne, Switzerland according to the rules applicable before such court.

The time to file an appeal to the CAS is twenty-one (21) days from the date of receipt of the decision and that time would have already elapsed.

Shewdas is currently the National, Caribbean as well as Commonwealth record holder in the Squat (197.5kg),

deadlift (207.5kg) and total (497.5kg) and still the Pan American champion.

In an invited comment, GAPF President Peter Green said he was very disappointed in the entire episode which will certainly jerk the development of the sport that has taken off in the past five years or so.

Green posited that the GAPF will have to launch its own investigation. Green further noted that no local athlete will be able to compete overseas for 2014 which will see the federation going on an all out campaign to educate and enlighten its athletes on the dangers of performance enhancing drugs.

The GAPF Green noted is cash strapped at the moment and made efforts to speak with eth IPF President with a view of getting more time to pay the fine. He has been successful in lobbying the IPF Executive and has been given more time to pay the fine which would be done in installments.

“This is certainly a setback for us but it is not the end, it’s an awakening call for us. It is my intention to lobby for a national Anti-Doping Committee to combat the use of drugs. The simple message now is that no athlete should take any supplements which include the many energy

Gumendra Shewdas and Coach Egbert Jackson

drinks on the market.”

Over the years, and especially since Guyana’s reemergence in the sport, many of the athletes have been tested but none have been positive.

Guyana has been very dominant at the Caribbean, Commonwealth and Pan American levels and will certainly come under the radar now, similar to Jamaica and athletics.

WADA could test for drugs using hair samples, says Sir Craig Reedie BBC Sport - Athletes could soon be tested for drugs using hair samples according to Sir Craig Reedie, the incoming President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Briton Reedie revealed that a £6m fund from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) could lead to new testing techniques to catch cheats.

Currently athletes are tested using blood and urine samples. “Now we will look at different approaches such as, can we use a lock of hair?”

Reedie said.

Traces of some drugs can last longer in hair than blood and urine and could improve testing.

“This new fund from the IOC will create tremendous opportunities for advances in anti-doping and allow our scientists to look at alternative approaches to sample testing for banned substances,” Reedie said.

“This is a really exciting development and means we can look at approaches that in the past have been

unaffordable.”

A Moscow testing laboratory for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics had its Wada accreditation suspended recently, but Reedie, who takes over his role on New Year’s Day, confirmed that provisions have been made.

He added: “There will be a very well-staffed and functioning satellite laboratory in Sochi and a group of foreign experts are helping resolve the problems in Moscow.”

Drawing of Berbice Cricket Board fund raising raffle postponed The president and executives of the Berbice Cricket Board wishes to inform the general public that its fund raising raffle which was scheduled to be drawn on December 21st , 2013 has been postponed to February 21, 2014.

However, tickets bought

are still valid for the draw.

The prizes remain the same; with one 19 inch flat screen television for the winning ticket, second prize of a washing machine, third prize of one microwave oven and fourth prize of one table model gas cooker.

Tickets, which cost $100, are available at the board’s office and members and clubs affiliated to the board.

The board is asking for the general public to support a worthy cause for funds raised will go towards the further development of the game in Berbice.

Page 60

Kaieteur News

Squash enjoyed another...

From page 61 and who are combining it with their academic pursuits.

Quite a few of our junior players have been awarded scholarships and I can say that players such as Mary Funga-Fat, who attends Drexler University in the USA is a prime example of someone who has excelled in both areas and has benefitted in this regard.

It just reinforces the point that if a player is good and backs up that ability on court with that in the classroom there is a good chance that he or she may be able to get a scholarship to attend a University abroad. Involvement in sport makes children more focused and disciplined in most cases academically and this has been a dominant feature in our sport. This is not to say that similar attributes do not exist among the other disciplines so I’m not knocking any other sport.

KN- Would you like to mention anything else of note that occurred during 2013?

DF- Well I would like to remind those who follow the sport that Nicolette started the year ranked at #32 and has since moved up to #19 which I regard as a significant jump at the international level, while I would also like to announce that former junior Caribbean champion Alex Arjoon is about to enter the Profes-

David Fernandes

Nicolette Fernandes

sional Circuit and I personally feels that he will do well as long as he commits himself to the intense training that is required to play at the highest level.

In concluding I think that we’ve been able to attain all the benchmarks that we set and I would like to personally thank the entire executive for their support throughout the year.

On behalf of the GSA, I would like to thank the following sponsors for their support throughout the year and

before and they are Digicel, Ansa McAl, Banks DIH, Connections Travel Agency, Bounty Farm, Woodpecker Products, Farfan & Mendes and all the others who’ve been there for us when we call.

Meanwhile, Fernandes paid tribute to the late Louis Narine formerly of Margarita’s Gift Shop who recently passed away and who according to him was a former President of the Association and player and someone who was extremely supportive to the sport.

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Junaid, Bhatti make it ...

From page 59 prevented a complete capitulation.

Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 204 and Pakistan had a comfortable start to their innings till a runout off the last ball took some sheen away. Khurram Manzoor was left stranded mid-pitch after dabbing a ball to cover, and Pakistan ended the day on 46 for 1.

It all started in the first over of the second session when Kaushal Silva - who had been patient, but circumspect, all morning - played inside the line of a short-of-a-length delivery from Bhatti only to edge it to the keeper. Sixty-six for 1 became 67 for 2, but Sri Lanka wouldn’t have worried too much about it as they had the experienced pair of Mahela Jayawardene, who was playing his first Test in almost a year, and Kumar Sangakkara in the middle.

That safety cushion was soon pulled away by Bhatti in his next over. He got his second delivery - probably the best of the day - to rear awkwardly on Jayawardene and the batsman edged it to the keeper. However, the TV umpire came to Jayawardene’s rescue as the replays showed the bowler had overstepped. The very next ball though - a yorker, Jayawardene edged it to Adnan Akmal again. Seventysix for 2 became 76 for 3.

Two balls later, Chandimal played a poor shot, chasing a wide delivery, and paid the price as the edge flew straight to Misbah-ulHaq at first slip. Seventy-six for 4.

At the other end, Sangakkara was watching the drama unfold but was unfazed and was defending

Bilawal Bhatti triggered Sri Lanka’s collapse with a wicket immediately after lunch © AFP solidly. However, three overs after Bhatti’s double-strike, his eyes lit up seeing Junaid bowl a wide, length ball. Nine out of 10 times, Sangakkara would have crashed it through covers, but today he slashed it straight to the cover-point fielder. Pakistan were ecstatic to see the back of their tormentor. Eighty-two for 5 now.

Junaid then added three more wickets - Prasanna Jayawardene edged to Akmal, before Sachithra Senanayake and Rangana Herath were removed off successive deliveries - to complete his five-for in an eight-over spell.

Hundred-and-twenty-four for 8. Running out of partners, Mathews tried to score whenever possible - he hit three boundaries in a Bhatti over immediately after Sangakkara’s departure - and brought up his half-century in 49 balls. He added a crucial 61 with Shaminda Eranga, who scored 14, for the ninth wicket and 19 for the tenth wicket during a period of play

where Pakistan allowed him to farm the strike. He was finally stumped off a Saeed Ajmal doosra early in the third session, falling in the ninties for the third time in his career.

The dramatic second session was in complete contrast with the first, during which Sri Lanka, despite the loss of Dimuth Karunaratne, had looked comfortable after being put in to bat. The two openers added 50 in the first hour of the day as Pakistan didn’t make the impact they would have hoped for.

However, the winds started changing direction in the second hour as the bowlers adjusted their lines and length to stem the flow of runs.

In the second over after the first drinks break, Junaid had a strong appeal for caught behind against Silva turned down by the umpire.

Pakistan immediately called for a review - they had reasons to be confident as the ball made a sound as it passed the bat - but with no Hot Spot available for this series, the decision went in the favour of the batsman, extending Pakistan’s poor run with the DRS (Pakistan wasted another review in the 55th over).

Four overs later, Junaid had Karunaratne pushing away from the body and Asad Shafiq took a smart reflex catch at gully to end the 57run opening-wicket stand.

The wicket slowed Sri Lanka’s pace down - 16 runs came in the 12 overs after the drinks break. The runs dried up, and Pakistan had a feast after lunch.

Scores: Pakistan 46 for 1 (Shehzad 25*, Manzoor 21) trail Sri Lanka 204 (Mathews 91, Junaid 5-58, Bhatti 3-65) by 158 runs.

Athletes continue to thrive...

From page 63 Running Braves Athletics Club, was declared champions, dethroning Police Progressive Youth Club.

Guyana’s distance athletes enjoyed another good season when the Ainlim and Courts 10km races returned last year with Cleveland Forde and Alika Morgan continuing their reign. Forde also won the South American 10km Road Race Classic, which was held on a new route, finishing in the National Park. Morgan was second among the women.

Overseas, Guyana’s Lionel D’Andrade and Kelvin Johnson extended their distance dominance in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. D’Andrade also won the Suriname Marathon with Morgan second among

the females.

Guyana was also represented at the South American Youth Games in Peru in October with Yaw, Mitchell, Andrea Foster and Dequan Vancooten comprising the team. Many talented athletes and new stars were also born at The National Schools’ Championships in November.

The Guyana Police Force re-arrested the Inter-Services Annual Athletic Championship (ISAAC) title from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) after three years. The Police had last won in 2010 with GDF winning in 2011 before a historic tie enforced a deadlock among the armed forces for the coveted trophy.

Another high point for athletics ensued when four of Guyana’s most-talented junior track and field prospects,

Straker, James, Moore and Chavez Ageday were given Athletics Scholarship for ASA College, New York, United States of America.

Guyanese athletes continued to do well locally and internationally last year even in the absence of a synthetic track and field facility. The last official update on the track was that the rubberised material is being laid on the asphalt before the lanes are sprayed on. German-based company, BSW Regupol was overseeing that phase.

The track, which commenced construction in 2010 had a number of delays and setbacks over the years and is expected to cost some US$5M to complete the entire facility. No new timeline for its completion was given at the last official update.

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 61

2013 In Review

Test Match Cricket Twenty20 Cricket

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - With 43 matches having taken place, 2013 was a reasonably busy year as far as Test cricket is concerned. There were continued talks of the format’s future being in jeopardy, and various ideas aimed at ensuring it continues to flourish were mooted, including trials with pink balls and day/night Test matches.

However, the past year gave fans enough reasons to feel secure about the future of cricket’s oldest format.

There were historic occasions galore, from India’s 4-0 sweep of Australia at home at the start of the year, to the amazing turnaround the Australians experienced while regaining the coveted Ashes urn at the end of the year.

The Wanderers Test between India and South Africa was a match for the ages, containing every element needed to classify it as an all-time classic. Thanks in part to the back-to-back Ashes series, Australia and England played more than two-thirds of the Test matches in the year, with 14 each.

Its loss against India and the 0-3 defeat in the Ashes in England, however, meant that Australia suffered the most defeats in the year, losing seven matches.

South Africa, who is on top of the ICC rankings for Test teams since August 2012, had a very successful year. It won seven matches, the most by any team. In

Dale Steyn

Shane Watson

Sunil Narine second place on the rankings table and most victories in the year was India, who won six matches.

In total, 44,338 runs were scored from 84695 balls for 1389 wickets lost. The extras column was filled with 605 byes, 908 leg-byes, 268 wides and 244 no-balls. There were also 5051 fours and 330 sixes hit, an average of more than 117 fours and 7 sixes per Test match.

On the individual front,

ODI Cricket Dubai, United Arab Emirates - A young brigade leading India to glory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and Pakistan’s series victory on South African soil were just a few of the highlights in One-Day Internationals in 2013. And though the crowds didn’t mind playing conditions becoming overtly batsmen-friendly, as demonstrated by the runfeast during the IndiaAustralia series in OctoberNovember 2013, a few bowlers might have been left scarred.

India and Pakistan were the busiest, playing 34 matches each out of the 136 ODIs in the year. India validated its position atop the ODI rankings table, with 22 victories to its name in 32 completed matches, followed

by Pakistan who won 16 but also lost as many, the most

by any team.

There were 59,437 runs scored in 69,684 balls for the loss of 1,939 wickets, at an average of almost 256 runs in a 50-over innings. The extras column contained 267 byes, 1,119 leg-byes, 1,991 wides and 147 no-balls. A total of 5,232 fours and 958 sixes were hit, at an average of more than 38 fours and seven sixes per game. On the individual front, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli were the men who topped the batting charts. The ICC ODI Allrounder Rankings were topped by Mohammad Hafeez, while Saeed Ajmal topped the bowlers rankings.

A total of 77 centuries, 279 fifties and 223 ducks were registered.

2013 was also a busy year for women’s cricket. A total of 56 Women’s ODIs were played. West Indies Women

Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Michael Clarke were the men who led the ICC Test Batting Rankings.

The bowling chart was headed by Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, while Jacques Kallis, who retired at the end of the year, Shakib Al Hasan and R Ashwin topped the ICC Test All-Rounder Rankings. A total of 89 centuries, 193 fifties and 172 ducks were scored.

(ESPNcricinfo) played 21 matches, the most by any team. However, it was also the least successful team, losing nine of those matches.

England Women was the most successful team, registering 11 wins.

A total of 19,160 runs were scored off 28,518 balls for the loss of 835 wickets. The extras column contained 104 byes, 286 leg-byes, 977 wides and 75 no-balls. The fours tally was 1910, while the number of sixes stood at 104.

West Indies’ Stafanie Taylor displayed her dominance in the women’s circuit by topping the batting, bowling and allrounder charts.

Mithali Raj (India), Sarah Taylor (England), Suzie Bates (New Zealand) and Charlotte Edwards (England) were the other women who topped the batting rankings, while England’s Katherine Brunt topped the bowler’s table. A total of 17 centuries, 71 fifties and 110 ducks were scored.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Twenty20 cricket may be a purist’s nightmare, but despite everything, the format’s thriving and getting bigger and bigger internationally. In all, 53 T20 Internationals were played in 2013. Pakistan and Kenya were the most involved, playing 12 matches each.

However, Pakistan won eight of those to end 2013 as the most successful team in the format, while Kenya’s six Stafanie Taylor

losses made it the least successful.

A total of 15,437 runs were scored in 11,958 balls for the loss of 650 wickets, at an average of almost 155 runs per innings. The extras were made up of 73 byes, 297 leg byes, 454 wides and 48 no-balls.

The fours tally stood at 1283, while the sixes added up to 474, an average of more than 24 boundaries and almost nine sixes per match.

Shane Watson, Brendon McCullum and Alex Hales topped the ICC T20 batting rankings. Saeed Ajmal and Sunil Narine topped the bowlers’ charts, while Watson sat atop the allrounder’s rankings all year.

Aaron Finch’s

spectacular 156 off 63 balls against England at Southampton in August was the only century, while 61 fifties and 76 ducks were scored.

On the women’s front, 37 matches took place, with West Indies playing the most – 21. It also won the most number of matches, with nine victories. Sri Lanka’s six defeats were the highest for any team.

A total of 8015 runs were scored off 8417 balls for the loss of 428 wickets. The extras contained 59 byes, 112 leg byes, 294 wides and 19 noballs. The tally of fours and sixes stood at 626 and 63 respectively. Seventeen fifties and 59 ducks were registered. (ESPNcricinfo)

Junaid, Bhatti make it Pakistan’s day ESPNcricinfo - The Pakistan seamers shredded Sri Lanka’s batting in unthreatening conditions to wrest control after a manic second session in Abu Dhabi.

Junaid Khan maintained his stranglehold over the Sri Lanka batsmen, picking up his fourth five-wicket haul against them, but central to the collapse was debutant Bilawal Bhatti’s post-lunch spell during which he picked up three wickets - two of them in one over. The twitter feed was abound with the

question: “What did they eat for lunch?”

The pitch in its green guise didn’t offer much to the bowlers, but it was a mix of tight bowling and loose batting from Sri Lanka that resulted in their innings slipping off the precipice.

From a comfortable 66 for 1 at lunch, Sri Lanka lost seven wickets for 58 runs and only a rearguard action from their captain, Angelo Mathews, who scored a counterattacking 91, (Continued on page 60)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Poole becomes Guyana’s first Lara donates J$500K to Jamaica CDA Three-Star Boxing Coach Jamaica Observer Kingston, Jamaica - Former West Indies batsman Brian Lara Monday donated J$500,000 to the Ministry of Youth and Culture to provide assistance to children in the care of the Child Development Agency (CDA).

A portion of the funds will also be used to assist a 15year-old girl who is in need of a vital surgery, the Ministry said in release Monday.

According to the Ministry Lara was initially making a donation of $250,000, but admitted that after being in dialogue with Youth Minister Lisa Hanna over the past couple months he decided to double the amount.

Lara said that the donation forms part of the work he intends to do to assist in the development of

Terence Poole (right) displays his certificate in the presence of GBA President, Steve Ninvalle

Brian Lara children and youth.

“It’s a great pleasure to be back in Jamaica. Hearing about the cases that have been going on in her field as

the Youth Minister I feel it necessary as a Caribbean human being to try to make some sort of contribution, not just in my funds but in any way possible,” he said.

Noting that he is inspired by the enthusiasm of Jamaican youth, the former West Indies cricket captain said that he is encouraging all Jamaicans to strive to make a difference in the lives of children and young people for the New Year.

“The enthusiasm the youth have here, I love the whole vibrant way they live ….a lot of them weren’t as fortunate as I was to get the backing that I did but I’m sure the enthusiasm is still there and I would love to reach out and play a part in their future.

Let’s put a good foot forward for 2014 and let’s try to make a difference,” said Lara.

Schumacher slightly better but fragile: doctors Terrence Poole became Guyana’s first Three-Star Boxing Coach after he successfully completed the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) Coaches’ course held from October 14-18 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Poole said he felt honored to receive the certificate. “As a boxer I was not fortunate to reach the pinnacle, but I am happy to do so as a coach”, he added.

“Having the certificate is not all; my main aim is to enhance our talent so that we

can win a medal at the next Olympics”, said Poole.

Poole expressed gratitude to President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Alfred King, Brigadier Mark Phillips, Gary Best, the media and his wife Seon Waldron.

Ninvalle congratulated Poole on his achievement and stressed the need for more coaches.

He stated that they will commence preparation shortly for what is expected to be a packed 2014. Ninvalle informed that James Beckles from Trinidad and Tobago will

host a workshop here for Referees and Judges from January 14 -20 which will be followed by the Goodwill Games that will be held in collaboration with the Guyana Olympic Association in February.

“We have extended invitations to Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago for the games and have already received verbal commitment”, added Ninvalle.

The GBA President indicated that the Commonwealth Games is also on the cards so they plan to have the boxers encamped as early as possible.

Letter to the Sports Editor

Linden begs Parliamentarians to be part of Guyana Cricket DEAR MR. EDITOR The members of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (Linden) would like to express our support for the Cricket Administration Bill which will legalise and restore order to our beloved game.

We have been waiting with great expectations for this bill to be passed so that we in Linden would at least be credited with the appropriate legality to participate in Demerara and

Guyana Cricket Board’s activities.

The Upper Demerara Cricket Association applied for membership in the year 2000, which would have allowed us to be part of the cricket fraternity, access funds and be part of the cricket development structure, but was conveniently ignored by those in control.

It has been thirteen years since our application to be

part of Guyana’s Cricket and we are earnestly soliciting the help of all parties in Parliament to support our cause, for if not, we would be left in the wilderness forever.

Our children and indeed our people in Linden and the Riverain areas without a doubt do not deserve this.

Thank you.

Bradley Fredricks President Upper Demerara Cricket Association

GRENOBLE, France (Reuters) - French doctors treating Michael Schumacher for brain injuries sustained in a ski fall said the seven-times Formula One world champion was in slightly better condition on Tuesday after an overnight operation, but that he remained fragile.

The 44-year-old German is battling for his life after slamming his head against a rock while skiing off-piste in the French resort of Meribel on Sunday, an accident which triggered an outpouring of concern among fans around the world.

Doctors treating him at a hospital in the eastern city of Grenoble said his condition had stabilized enough by late Monday to carry out a new operation to treat the effects of internal bleeding within Schumacher’s skull.

“The situation is more under control than yesterday but we cannot say he is out of danger,” Jean-Francois Payen, head anaesthetician, told a news conference at the CHU hospital in the eastern French city of Grenoble.

“We have won some time but we must continue an hourby-hour surveillance... It is premature to speculate on his condition,” he said, adding that Schumacher was still in a critical state and suffering from severe lesions and contusions.

Emmanuel Gay, head of the hospital’s neurosurgery service, said the operation carried out around 10.00 pm (2100 GMT) on Monday had successfully removed a large hematoma - the medical term for a build-up of

blood - from his brain.

“It was larger and more accessible (than others) ... We judged we could remove it without taking any risks,” Gay said.

He said the operation was designed to reduce, within Schumacher’s skull, the pressure on the brain.

Doctors said the fact that the retired motor racing champion was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident had at least enabled him to make it to the hospital alive.

Payen said the medical team in Grenoble had discussed the operation with Schumacher’s family. He added that the condition of the motor racing great was still too fragile to consider transferring him to another hospital for the time being.

NEXTDAYSCRUCIAL Schumacher is under the care of Professor Gerard Saillant, a brain and spinal injury expert who is also president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Institute.

Saillant said it was still impossible to say how Schumacher’s condition would progress in coming days. “We are a little less worried than yesterday but I’m sure you understand that the situation could change this evening or tomorrow,” he told the news conference. Schumacher, who lives in Switzerland with his wife and two children, is the most successful Formula One driver of all times with a record 91 race victories in a career spanning more than two decades. Schumacher left the sport last year after a less successful three-year

Michael Schumacher comeback with Mercedes following an earlier retirement from Ferrari at the end of 2006.

French authorities have opened an investigation into the accident, which took place as Schumacher was out skiing with his teenage son.

Ferrari always used to have an annual January gathering with their drivers in the Dolomites and Schumacher, a fitness fanatic, impressed with his skiing ability.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel had been deeply shocked to learn of his accident, her spokesman said on Monday as expressions of concern poured in from fans, former team-mates and rivals. Former British Formula One driver David Coulthard said he believed Schumacher had not won the full recognition he merited for taking his sport to new heights. “I only hope Michael Schumacher pulls through so that he can see all the nice things people are saying about him,” he wrote in the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Page 63

Athletes continue to thrive in 2013 - Facilities remain biggest bugbear

Jason Yaw Alita Moore

Jevina Straker

Cassey George

The highlight for track and field in 2013 was Guyana’s record medal haul of six at the region’s most prestigious junior competition, The CARIFTA Games, at the end of March, which marked a significant moment, amid poor facilities, for the sport.

The six medal haul from eight athletes in the Bahamas, during March 29-

April 1, namely Cassey George, who won gold and silver in two races; Jevina Straker, who won her third CARIFTA gold medal; United States-based, Kadecia Baird, who won bronze, Jason Yaw (bronze) and Tirana M itchell (bronze), was the most for any Guyanese contingent.

The other athletes on the team were US-based Ashley

Tasher, Alita Moore and Avon Samuels, who are all extremely talented athletes.

The performances were a good way to get Guyana’s athletics back on track following a controversial election of a new Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) administration earlier last year that threatened to destabilise the sport.

But the AAG 2013 programme continued with the National Youth and Junior Championships.

H o w e v e r, t h e S e n i o r Championships and Digicelsponsored Under-23 Championships, which were part of the association’s previous calendar, did not occur last year.

July was the busiest month for the association internationally with three different national teams

Cleveland Forde

Stephan James

attending three varying competitions; Mitchell and Yaw competed at the International Association of Athletics Federations ( I A A F ) Wo r l d Yo u t h Championships in Ukraine, July 10-14, while Baird, Winston George and Adam Harris went to the Central American and Caribbean Championships, July 5-7; during that same period, Jeremy Bascom, Stephan James and Leslain Baird

competed at the South American Senior Championships in Columbia with James earning a 400m bronze medal.Meanwhile, in August, Baird, George and Harris also represented Guyana at the IAAF World Championships in Russia.

Also in August, the fourth edition of the annual Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic was held in Linden where a new team, (Continued on page 58)

Squash enjoyed another great year-Fernandes

By Rawle Welch The sport of Squash experienced another terrific year with Guyana maintaining its dominance at the junior level, while assuming a similar level of authority at the seniors as well.

Kaieteur Sport (KS) spoke to President of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) David Fernandes (DF) via telephone yesterday to get his thoughts on the entity’s performance during 2013 and here are his responses.

KN- How would you describe the year 2013 in terms of what the sport was been able to achieve?

DF-It was a great year for Squash which started off with us winning the junior overall title for the ninth consecutive year, while Nyron Joseph and Benjamin Mekdeci claimed the Under17 and 15 individual Boys titles. Add to that Victoria Arjoon and Akeila Wiltshire ended runners-up in the U19 and 17 categories respectively.

KN- Tell us what if any were some of the other

The unconquerable national junior Squash team pose for a photo op following the retention of their Caribbean title. significant achievements during the year?

DF-Of course being able to host the senior Caribbean Championships must be rated as a significant undertaking because of the many teams that were present and I must commend the Government of Guyana

for assisting in upgrading the facilities, the many corporate entities that offered sponsorship, the GSA executive and parents who all volunteered their time to make the championships a success, while the outstanding performances by the local

players, all added up to make the occasion a memorable one for Squash in 2013.

A s y o u n o w, t h e crowning moment during the championships was when Guyana won the Women’s overall title for the first time in the tournament’s history, then captured the

men’s title and secured the runner-up spot in the veterans division were all n o t e w o r t h y accomplishments.

Just to reflect on the individual performances, Nicolette Fernandes retained the Ladies title, while Australia-based Sunil Seth

appearing for the first time for Guyana finished runnerup in the Men’s Division to Jamaican Chris Binnie. We also had good results from Gillian Lillico, who claimed the Ladies Over-40 crown along with Brendan Mounter’s similar feat in the Men’s Over-50 category, while Ashley Khalil’s third place finish in the Ladies Division must also be rated as a significant accomplishment.

KN- Back on the local scene how would you describe the overall performance of the GSA? DF- I would rate our performance as outstanding.

We were able to run off all our scheduled events, while the attendance in the junior tournaments attracted some of the largest turnouts in recent memory so it shows clearly that the Association is on the right track to enhancing the further development of the sport.

From the GSA perspective, we intend to expand the game in the New Year since it offers a bright future for those interested in the sport (Continued on page 60)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Chico/K&S Elite, Next Generation Schools’ Football championships

Ash Academy vows to avenge earlier loss to Wismar/Christianburg Secondary

By Michael Benjamin When the first whistle sounded for the inaugural Chico/K&S Elite, Next Generation Schools’ Football championships early last month, 24 teams

Tourney concludes at GFC tonight were lined up, each with a realistic chance of winning the top prize. Now, weeks of s t i ff c o m p e t i t i o n t h a t witnessed several exciting

encounters, will come to a delectable climax when the four top teams battle for the top prizes as the championships come to a

potentially thrilling climax at the Georgetown Football Club Ground later this evening.

Wismar/Christianburg Secondary will attempt to embellish its reputation as

Wismar/Christianburg’s top guns, Akeemo Watts (left) and Shane Luckie

Atlin Brown and Lester Cummings will lead the Ash Academy charge the top Under-18 unit when it lock horns with Ash Academy for the first and second place prizes, while Waramadong Secondary and St George’s Secondary will go head to head in the third place playoff.

Coach of the Ash Academy, Abu Huriarah is very upbeat and assures that his boys will be the new champions when the smoke is cleared. He said that they are still bristling from the 1 n i l l o s s t o Wi s m a r / C h r i s t i a n b u r g Secondary in the Digicel U18 football competition earlier this year and will be coming with blazing guns to exact revenge.

He will place his confidence in defender, Atlin Brown, who has made his

mark with a 5 goal tally in the game against President’s College. As a matter of fact, all of the Ash players enjoyed great moments in that game with Akimo Watts, Lester Cummings and Neil Munroe sparkling in that game.

Huriarah’s opposite number, Delon Peters, has scoffed at those predictions and remains confident that his team will emulate the feat in the Digicel tournament.

He said that his team play as a unit and their level of determination have stood them in good stead and segregated them from the riff raff. Indeed, the youngsters from Region 10 had demonstrated grit and determination when they (Continued on page 58)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 01, 2014

Page 65

GFA / Banks Beer KO Cup ends today at National Stadium

Santos, Slingerz square off for $4million Jamaican Dancehall King Beenie Man seen entertaining the fans during last year’s final at the GCC ground.

Now that the controversy surrounding the staging of t o d a y ’s f i n a l o f t h e Georgetown Football Association (GFA) / Banks Beer Knockout Cup has been effectively settled the four principals are all set to engage each other at the National Stadium, Providence.

Upstarts, Santos will look to substantially improve their bank balance when they take on the starstudded West Demerara side Slingerz for the first prize of $4million, while West Ruimveldt-based BK We s t e r n Ti g e r s , w h o suffered a disappointing loss to Slingerz in their semifinal clash takes on the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), another team reeling from an upset defeat at the hands of Santos.

The final which will clearly enjoy far better conditions could see a more improved display from a Slingerz unit that possesses an abundance of stars including national players Walter Moore, Ronson Williams between the uprights, Colin Nelson, Devon Millington and Kevon Woodley, while

Santos’ search for the ultimate prize will definitely rest on the capable shoulders of Surinamese Christoff Wensly, who has been a thorn in the sides of opposing defenders along with Anthony Abrams.

Former national goalkeeper Richard

Reynolds has expertly used his vast experience to marshal the defence which has been proficiently managed by veteran Jermaine Fraser. The playoff for third place also promises to provide entertaining football with both teams needing a win to repair

bruised egos. The Army is slightly favoured in this one with the likes of Desford Williams Delwyn Fraser and Eusi Phillips being supported by the ever improving Delon Younge between the uprights, while Tigers, one of the surprise teams in the tournament will

be looking to Hubert Pedro to lead them to victory and the third place prize of $1.5 million with the loser set to receive $1million. A packed house in anticipated as the curtains come down on an eventful year in local football. Meanwhile, Jamaican singer I-Octane

will be the featured artiste and price of admission is $1500 including entry to the show. A fee of $3000 will be charged for patrons wishing to enter the GFA VIP area, while entities interested in reserved booths can have them for a cost of $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

t r o Sp

Gumendra Shewdas banned by IPF for anti-doping rule violation P.59

Gumendra Shewdas (2nd right) with Minister of Sport Frank Anthony (left), GAPF President Peter Green (2nd left) and Permanent Secretary of the Sports Ministry at a Luncheon held in Shewdas’ honor in September.

Chico/K&S Elite, Next Generation Schools’ Football championships

Ash Academy vows to avenge earlier loss to Wismar/ Christianburg Secondary P.64

Tourney concludes at GFC tonight

GFA / Banks Beer KO Cup ends today at National Stadium

Santos, Slingerz square off for $4million P.65

Poole becomes P.60 Guyana’s first Three - Star Boxing Coach

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