Kaieteur News

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Price $80 January 24, 2013 - Vol. 6 No. 04 (VAT Inclusive) Online: http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com

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New Year's Day baby perishes in S’ville blaze

Grieving mother Samantha Boodram being consoled by a relative

“Just so how me left she, me come meet she dead and lay down,” a tearful mom recalled

Dead: Alisha Samantha Boodram

Govt. defends sole-sourcing of drugs from New GPC Maritime official in the wrecked boat

Mazaruni River crash …

Hope of finding survivors evaporating

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Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

New Year's Day baby perishes in Stewartville blaze “Just so how me left she, me come meet she dead and lay down,” a tearful mom recalled By: Romila Boodram and Leonard Gildarie

I

t was a night of horror for a mother who returned home to see her house in flames and her 23-day-old baby trapped in the burning building at Lot 116 Second Street, Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The property was occupied by two families and also housed a furniture workshop.

Dead is Alisha Samantha Boodram who was born on New Year’s Day. Reports are that around 20:30hrs, the mother of the infant, 18-year-old Samantha Boodram, left the baby under the supervision of a six-year-old child to go to the shop. Upon returning, she noticed that the entire house was engulfed in flames. The infant was trapped inside.

Last evening, when Kaieteur News arrived at the scene, the flames were already extinguished by fire fighters. There was a huge crowd of neighbours and other villagers around the

property. Police were also conducting their investigation.

The first-time mother was standing traumatised at the back of the burnt-out building. “I left to go to the shop and before I could have reached back I hear somebody holler ‘fire, fire’.

When me come, me see the entire place in fire. Me tell me husband to go save me baby but he seh when he reach at the back door the whole place was in flame.”

She had only moved to the p r o p e r t y l a s t F r i d a y.

Boodram said yesterday that it was the first time that she ever left her baby alone. “Me never left me baby alone.

This was the first time and look what happen. Just so how me left she, me come meet she dead and lay down…”

The woman said she overheard someone in the crowd saying that they saw someone pelting something in the yard. “I don’t know who said it but I hear when the person said they see when somebody throw something in the yard.”

Kaieteur News was

The gutted house

unable to speak with the baby’s father, who was busy with investigators at the time.

The six-year-old, under whose supervision the baby was left, was being interviewed by a female

police rank.

The owner of the property, Kevin Smith, said that he left his home around 20:00hrs to go on the road.

Upon returning he heard everyone shouting “fire, fire.”

He said, “By the time I reach here everything was in flames. I don’t know what really happen. I never had any problem with the neighbours before and today (yesterday) was just a normal day. I close up my

workshop half day.”

The house was constructed some 15 years ago. Up to press time, investigators were still trying to ascertain the cause of the fire and to retrieve the remains of the baby.

Thursday January 24, 2013

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Kaieteur News

Mazaruni River crash …

Hope of finding survivors evaporating Maritime official in the wrecked boat

Father of two missing sons Members of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guards, Maritime officials and police were up to nightfall yesterday still combing the rough waters of the Mazaruni River for the bodies of eight persons as hopes of finding them alive evaporated.

A day after a horrific boat collision in the vicinity of Crab Falls, the search team came up empty handed.

Those believed to have perished are Ulric Grimes of Parika Salem, Zaheer Baksh, 35 of Caneville, East Bank Essequibo; Keanu Amsterdam and his brother Ricky Bobb, of Barr Street Kitty; Devon Moses, Frances Oliviero Alves, Christopher Narine and another man who has only been identified as 'Tall Man'.

So far the police have recovered the body of 24year-old Jermaine Calistro.

Several persons who were passengers in the two boats and who received injuries were treated at the Bartica Hospital and sent away.

These survivors are listed as 40-year-old Francisca Helena Rodrigues, a Brazilian; 19-year-old Marion Ferrera of Parika; 29-year-old Aubrey Bowen, of Parika; 22-year-old Donita Daniels of Parika and Devon Thomas, one of the boat captains. The other boat captain has been identified as Kobesh Persaud.

Rodrigues told this newspaper that she cannot really remember what happened. All she remembered was that she was sitting near the captain of one of the boats when the two vessels collided.

She was hurled overboard and managed to

Missing Zaheer Baksh hold on to a bucket until she was rescued.

Meanwhile, one family from New Road Vreed-enHoop said they have been contacted in connection with Jermaine Calistro's remains but they do not believe that the body is that of their relative.

One woman who spoke to this publication said that she has a nephew by that name who works in the i n t e r i o r. H o w e v e r t h e woman said she has not heard from him since late December. She said that she received a call from someone in Bartica saying that her nephew was onboard the ill-fated vessel.

Nevertheless the woman said that she will not definitively say it's her nephew until she is able to view the remains.

Penny Grimes, the wife of Ulric Grimes, told this publication that she is still hopeful that her husband is alive. Mrs. Grimes said her husband left their ParikaSalem home on Monday for the Puruni and last spoke to her on Tuesday around noon.

“He call and say he leaving to go in. That was the last I hear from he but about 4:30 hours we get a call saying that the boat he go up with get into ah accident and that he missing.”

The woman said that another man who was onboard the same vessel with her husband related to other villagers what transpired.

“Terrence tell the pastor that they were going up and a fuel boat was coming around a turn and crash into them but he (Terrence) hold onto a drum and he was rescued,” Mrs. Grimes related.

The woman said that her

Missing Ulric Grimes husband has been working in the interior for one year but would come home to his family every three weeks.

“We believe in God and we are hoping for the best; we hope he is alive”.

Over at Caneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara another family is hoping that their breadwinner is alive and well.

Sarswatie Charran said that she is hopeful that her husband, Zaheer Baksh, will return home. The woman told this publication that her husband left for the interior about a week ago. “(On Tuesday) one ah he friend call and tell me how he went in a accident he say that me husband missing.”

Charran said that some relatives have travelled to Bartica to assist with the search for her husband. Up to press time yesterday the woman said that there was no word of Baksh or the other missing persons.

And the relatives of Keanu and his brother Rickey have joined the search for the two men who worked in the interior as mechanics. Relatives said that they received a call early yesterday morning that the two men were involved in a boat accident and are missing.

“We were expecting them to come out yesterday because they father bring the vehicle at the shop and leave it because he too was expecting them to come out,” an aunt identified as Sharon told this publication.

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, around mid morning, yesterday, led a team back into Region Seven as he sought to get first hand information on the horrific accident.

Initial reports are that one boat carrying passengers was coming out of the river while another laden with fuel was heading into the river.

The incident occurred at a 'blind turn' in the vicinity of Crab Falls. Minister Benn had reported that the two boats, with 12 passengers and another with nine collided at around 12:30 hours on Tuesday.

Just over a month ago, on

December 18, last, six people including three children perished in the Pomeroon River under similar circumstances.

On that fateful night, a speedboat owned by the Region Two administration struck the small vessel in which the victims were travelling.

Eyewitnesses said that the Region Two vessel, which was occupied by

several regional officials, was heading out of Siriki, in the Upper Pomeroon, when it “rode over” a smaller boat, which then crashed into a large mangrove swamp.

Those who perished were boat captain Harrinarine Bhagwandin, 42; Velda Rodrigues, 50; S h a w n A n t h o n y, 1 4 ; Rajkumar Singh, 14 and his sister Amrita Singh, 10; and Vincent Singh, 42.

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Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Those illegal guns Every so often we hear of an individual being held with a firearm that is unlicenced. Sometimes we hear of the police, acting on a tip off, finding weapons tucked away somewhere. In many cases we learn that the police would recover firearm after or during a robbery.

Undoubtedly the discoveries are not even the tip of the iceberg. There are more guns out there than one would care to imagine. During the past five years the police have been recovering more than 100 guns per year. This translates to one unlicenced gun every three or four days. And while the police are seizing weapons there are the many gun crimes being committed. Hardly is there a robbery without a gun being used.

Brazil is a large gun manufacturer in our corner of the world so one can expect to see many guns. And indeed the type of guns seized are of Brazilian manufacturer—the Taurus, the Glock. There are also assault rifles in the system, some coming in containers some in crates and barrels and some in vehicles.

A tracking system adopted by Guyana has traced some of these weapons to the United States and Europe.

The fact that they slip through Customs is because our monitors are not as efficient as we would expect them to be.

It is not that some of these smuggled weapons are not uncovered but more often than not, they are missed.

These guns come to Guyana courtesy of the drug trade.

Guns are an integral part of the drug underworld because the people who deal in drugs always believe that they have many enemies and need these weapons to protect themselves.

The other night a young man, drunk as a fish, discharged a firearm in the centre of a city street. A policeman was on hand and back-up soon arrived. The man was arrested and he is currently a guest of the state. Why did he need to walk with an unlicenced gun? He was said to be a Customs broker and therefore not necessarily a run of the mill criminal.

The society in some ways is responsible for the preponderance of guns. For one, people value their privacy and therefore behave in objectionable ways when their routines are interrupted at roadblocks. Roadblocks have been very helpful in unearthing weapons and drugs. On many occasions the police have been able to recover guns after people in vehicles approaching the roadblocks would have attempted to throw the weapons through the windows.

Sometimes these guns are found in vehicles.

However, people have been hostile to ranks at roadblocks not recognizing that the simple exercise could save lives. If roadblocks could be so annoying, consider the stop and search method which is commonly used in many societies as the law enforcers act on suspicions.

One can rest assured that if the police were to randomly to stop and search certain people they would find more weapons than they do at present. That is because these people walk around with the unlicenced weapon looking for victims on whom to prey. Some of them walk around with the guns which they then offer for rental to criminal elements.

The problem we have here is that many of those held with guns are very young people who believe that the criminal enterprise is the most lucrative in a world. These are the young uneducated people who are not readily assimilated into the labour force. These are the people most likely to be held with guns. Indeed these are the people who commit the bulk of the armed robberies.

These are the people who should be profiled; they are the people on whom the police are most likely to find unlicenced weapons. They are threats to the society. These are the people who disrupt parties because they possess a gun; these are the people who see a gun as an extension of their manhood.

We need to dispossess ourselves of the gun culture. In the United States, because the police have the right to search, acting on reasonable suspicion, not many people take the chance to walk around with loaded firearm.

Guyana may wish to adopt this practice. There will be some noise from sections of the society but in the long run more guns would be taken off the streets and the society would be safer. And this is what we need.

Thursday January 24, 2013

Letters... Where your views make the news

Guyana and Suriname‘s economic diplomacy - OIC and Egypt Summit DEAR EDITOR, The leaders of Guyana and Suriname recently were invited by Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi to attend the 12th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) heads of government summit from February 6 to 7th in Cairo, and this forum presents an opportunity for them to personally engage in economic diplomacy with leaders of some of the world richest nations who are members of the OIC. They can then leave the task they initiated to their respective foreign ministers, ambassadors, the private sector, and subsequently nurture the relationship via the OIC, the Arab South America Forum, and the United Nations and manage through their Middle East specialists - Ambassador Liakat Ali Errol Alibux, Dr. M. Ali Odeen Ishmael and George Hallaq.

Putting together these institutions to enhance bilateral and multilateral relations harmoniously can effectively raise these countries’ position and prestige in the international arena to attractive Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and Official Development Assistance (ODA). But this will require the involvement of economists and financial experts, and other technocrats from civic society… and Suriname is moving in that direction but not Guyana.

However, Guyana’s history of race-based politics has retarded this sort of shared governance in a country that is severely braindrained and continues to marginalize the best and brightest because of race and party paramountcy. For small states like Guyana and Suriname, with limited resources, diplomacy is the only option they have to ensure that their goals are addressed in the global arena Both Guyana and Suriname are members of the OIC but have underutilized this forum. Suriname joined the OIC in 1996 and Guyana in 1998. The 12th summit was postponed twice due to the ongoing upheavals confronting the Middle East.

Since joining the OIC, neither Guyana nor Suriname has ever attended a heads of government summit at the presidential level. They have always sent low-level delegations to these summits.

More recently, Suriname’s President Bouterse has initiated stronger OIC ties as he revamps Suriname’s Foreign Ministry.

This 12th OIC summit will draw important leaders from some of the richest countries in the world - Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Especially that the Sunni Arab Alliance are keen to keep Egypt from warming up to Iran. They have offered billions of dollars in aid to Egypt. Thus, this forum

presents a great opportunity for Bouterse and Ramotar to develop ties with these leaders, in their efforts to solicit investments on a personal level.

Guyana especially, lacks a visionary foreign policy that works in tandem with economic diplomacy.

Economic diplomacy has never been really pursued rigorously by Guyana; it is merely empty rhetoric that the PPP administration of Guyana spews. But neighbouring Suriname is being praised for its focus on economic diplomacy.

Suriname Foreign Minister, Lackin says, “Every time we go abroad, either the President or myself, we make sure we bring representatives of the private sector with us to see if we can make connections happen much faster.” And according to Suriname’s economist and Ambassador to Washington, Subhas Mungra, US President Obama is impressed by Suriname’s economic diplomacy.

Guyana’s sole effort to put together the first Caribbean Gulf Investment Forum in November 2012 failed. This should have been a Guyana/Suriname/OIC effort. The forum didn’t get off the ground because George Hallaq, Guyana’s Middle East Ambassador, didn’t get the financial and diplomatic support from Guyana.

Guyana’s foreign ministry

lacks the human infrastructure to support such a project. Moreover, there is no vision and a master plan in place to attract foreign direct investment. In addition, the government of Guyana has demonstrated its inability to plan ahead like Suriname and spend money in the right place to enhance the country’s prospect of attracting FDI. An example of this ineffective foreign policy was the no-show of Ramotar at the Arab South America Summit some months ago in Peru, which was mostly a business forum. Hallaq and Dr. Odeen Ishmael, nor the private sector, was brought to Peru.

Wanton corruption and outdated bureaucracy have also been a hindrance in attracting FDI to Guyana. The Ramotar government is preoccupied daily in defending itself from allegations of corruption and withholding local government elections which has kept viable investors away from Guyana.

The upcoming visit of the Secretary General of the OIC, Dr. Ihsanoglu, to Guyana and Suriname, is a clear indication that the OIC is serious in forging stronger ties with these two countries and Bouterse and Ramotar should also demonstrate their commitment to OIC ties. Dr. Ihsanoglu is looking to forge stronger economic Continued on page 7

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

A new vision for America

DEAR EDITOR, Barack Obama has been inaugurated as the President of the United States of America for a second term.

This re-election provides him with an opportunity to pursue his agenda for America with greater vigour, having been given a renewed mandate by the American people to change the course of American politics which for too long, has benefitted the rich at the expense of the poor.

One front-burner issue is that of social inequity which has permeated the American system for decades.

The American dream of ‘two chickens in the pot and a car in every garage’ is becoming increasingly elusive, as a growing number of Americans are forced into the breadline due to high unemployment rates and lack of opportunities for social mobility.

According to the US President, the country cannot succeed ‘if a shrinking few succeed economically while the middle class suffers.’ This is why the President had consistently argued during the presidential campaign that it is not only unfair but immoral, for those who can least afford to bear the burden of taxation be asked to pay more of their income in taxes, while the rich pay a

disproportionate amount of their income on taxes. The income gap between the rich and the poor is widening year after year and the rich are getting richer and the poor even poorer.

The truth is that the United States with all its riches still has a huge army of unemployed and underemployed who are catching hell to survive.

Many who earn at the minimum income level are forced to do multiple jobs in order to make ends meet. A significant number survive on borrowed money made possible by credit and debit cards which only add to financial stress.

For many, the only thing that separates them from the street is their last pay envelope, a frightening scenario that borders on fear and insecurity.

This is why there is need to strengthen the social safety net which has been emphasized by President Obama in his inauguration speech when he said: “We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, any one of us, at any time, may face a job loss, or a sudden illness, or a home swept away in a terrible storm…..the commitments we make to each other - through Medicare, and Medicaid and

We commend President Obama’s expressed environmental outlook DEAR EDITOR The directors and volunteers of the Environmental Community Health Organization (ECHO) praise President Barack Obama for his strong emphasis and focus on the environment, with specific reference to climate change, in his inauguration speech, last Monday, January 21, 2013.

Climate change took the spotlight in the President’s speech. Mr. Obama said: “Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms.”

ECHO believes that that was a profound statement that could elevate the global conversation on climate change. Notwithstanding, we look forward to more action to help poor and vulnerable countries cope with the changes, some unprecedented, facilitated by this environmental phenomenon.

In the Caribbean, we need to move forward in the areas of renewable energies, effective solid waste management systems and conservation, and protection of our natural resources. In many cases these require technologies, which is either not available or the cost too prohibitive for poor states to access.

Perhaps the President’s strong words and reassurance of leadership in environmental stewardship would stir states and corporations to lend more assistance to small and poor states, in this part of the region. Perhaps, too, the speech will encourage us, in this part of the world, to continue to do our own thinking and to develop our own models to manage the consequences of Climate change and reach forth for sustainable development.

Royston King Executive Director Environmental Community Health Organization

Social Security - these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great”.

These are profound words which resonated not only with the American people, but people right across the globe.

In this regard, President Obama must be credited for being the first President of the United States to have introduced and passed

legislation to provide for medical care to the American people regardless of their ability to pay, something that many before attempted to do but never succeeded in doing. This will certainly go down as one of his flagship achievements for the American people.

The truth is that the United States is lagging behind several countries of the industrialized world when it comes to medical care, not because the country cannot

afford to spend money on such care, but that the priorities are misplaced. Too much money is spent on the military and on military excursions in other parts of the world, with little or no obvious benefit to US taxpayers.

The US needs to revisit its role as the world’s policeman and eschew a tendency to get involved in the domestic affairs of other nations, especially when its security interests are not at

risk. Times have changed and the US must change with the changing times if it is to remain a global player in the international arena. In short, there is need for new thinking and a new vision for America.

The United States is undoubtedly the most powerful country in the world and the President of the United States has enormous powers to change the course of American politics, and for that matter, global policies.

Continued on page 7

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

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

Unjustified comments We’ll just have to learn to and a lack of objectivity be our brother’s keeper DEAR EDITOR, I have read the opinions expressed in your newspaper and website, on the decision of the Learned Justice Diana Insanally in the Application

by Joan A. Chang, Action No. 136/M of 2011, in which I appeared on behalf of the Applicant.

From the comments expressed, I am of the humble opinion that it would not be unreasonable for me to assume that the authors of such comments, made no effort to ensure that they were objectively expressing their views pursuant to their fundamental right of freedom of expression afforded by Article 146 of the Constitution of Guyana.

Contrary to the pronouncement by one writer that “… the holder of the mining licence, who is suing the Isseneru Amerindian

Village Council, are unaware of the laws safeguarding Amerindian rights”, a casual glance at the Affidavit in support of the Applicant’s Motion, would reveal that such comments are not only unjustified but lack objectivity. Para 9 of the said Affidavit reads: “That the grant of State Land No. 7865 which is registered in the name of Isseneru Amerindian Village expressly excludes all lands legally held and the FAR EYE claims were legally held by the estate of IVOR CHANG at the time that the land grant was made. Attached hereto and marked exhibit ‘G’ is a copy of the said grant.”

It was not disputed that the Applicant’s interest, which was by way of a claim licence, was in existence prior to 1989 and it was not open to the State when framing the

provisions of the Amerindian Act to derogate from such rights.

Therefore, such rights were expressly excluded in the following terms, namely: “Save and except all lands legally held.”

And such a provision conforms to the underlying intention of the rights afforded by Article 142 of the Constitution which provides protection from deprivation of property.

Article 8 of the Constitution goes further to enshrine the protection of such fundamental rights in the following words: “This Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana and, if any other law is inconsistent with it, that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.”

In closing, I have no intention of responding further to any comments on the said decision; however, I do look forward if given the opportunity on behalf of the Applicant, to respond to any lawful challenge at the appropriate forum.

Mrs. Abiola Wong-Inniss

DEAR EDITOR A few days ago I had my ‘lightbulb moment’ and, when I read Freddie Kissoon’s recent column about Guyana’s road to uncertainty, my deduction about our beloved B.G. (Guyana since 1966) made sense.

I then compared Guyana to a family of several children whose mother had departed the household for one reason o r a n o t h e r, l e a v i n g t h e children to fend for themselves. As many may agree, a mother makes a home, and if a home has a good and responsible mother, then the family, on the whole, is secure, will thrive and is set for life.

Then, for a family to feel confident, the youngsters must get along among themselves. Many years ago, I knew a woman who died after a brief illness, leaving several children, the youngest a baby, the eldest a young woman barely out of her teens. Intelligent and responsible, the daughter had to take charge, and did

such a fine job that the family ‘survived’, and the father was able to confide to friends that ‘God had given that daughter to him’.

That was down to her mother’s personality and training.

That, to me, is Guyana’s position today. Guyana seemed not to have an entirely suitable, capable or acceptable ‘mother’, i.e. caregiver, since the Union Jack/Union Flag was lowered in 1966.

I think it is understandable for Mrs Jagan to ‘shower praise on Mr. Obama’, and I do not think it was ‘stupid’ of her to ‘barefacedly refuse to emulate’ Mr Obama. She could hardly do that. Let us not forget that Mrs Jagan was not a born-andbred Guyanese - her status in the community was derivative. She would forever be ‘an outsider’.

On the other hand, she, like both Barack and Michelle Obama, was American born and bred, and, if memory serves, she and Michelle O. were both

originally from C h i c a g o ’s t o u g h S o u t h Side and presumably had similar experiences early in life, on the grounds of their e t h n i c i t y. I t s t a n d s t o reason, J.J. was probably ‘thinking American’ when B.O. won.

I often admired her tenacity, and wondered how she managed to cope without her husband and, at times, the feeling of rejection on the part of a nation she hoped to help.

Many of us who left our homeland years ago know what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, and could empathise with her.

As I see it, Guyana may be likened to a home without a mother, being seen as an urchin drifting along in ‘uncertainty’, hoping to find a satisfactory solution to its problems, but “It didn’t happen last year. It will not happen this year”. In fact, it may not happen for generations to come. We’ll just have to learn to be our brother’s keeper.

Geralda Dennison

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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

Guyana and Suriname‘s economic diplomacy ...

From page 4 cooperation with the two countries.

According to a release from the OIC Mission to the UN, “Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu pays special importance to bringing Guyana and Suriname into the fold of cooperation under the OIC projects, particularly in the field of economic development. Therefore, he has been encouraging the two countries to sign and ratify the new OIC Charter and various agreements, particularly on promoting trade relations, and he is looking forward to his visit to both countries.”

The visit will also help to put in perspective the many misconceptions about the OIC. South-to-South cooperation is a cornerstone of President Bouterse’s foreign policy shift. Since he was democratically elected two years ago, Bouterse has reignited Suriname’s active participation at the United Nations, Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the OIC, by putting together a robust foreign policy that seeks to attract FDI. To make that a reality, he has on his team some brilliant and well-educated diplomats placed in key corners of the globe. And predicting a postEurope era, Suriname is accelerating stronger ties with the BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. A recent intelligence report concludes - “The world of 2030 will be radically transformed from our world today. By 2030, no country—whether the United States, China, or any large country—will be a hegemonic

power,” thus, this move is prudent by Bouterse.

While some may argue that the Middle East is currently in protracted turmoil and may not pay dividends, proponents of strong Middle East ties argue that the region is still a major source of capital and energy and that Guyana and Suriname can benefit economically from the region like its UNASUR partners.

As Suriname prepares to take over the Pro-Tempore presidency of UNASUR, it would be a brilliant move if Bouterse travels to Egypt and meets leaders of the region because of the relationship that exists between UNASUR and the Arab League which is headquartered in Egypt.

Egypt and Guyana have always had close ties. Egypt was one of a few Arab countries to have had an embassy in Guyana. Egypt is a founder of the Non-Aligned Movement, of which Guyana was an active participant.

Egypt hosted the 2nd Non Aligned Summit in 1964.

Former President of Guyana Dr. Cheddi Jagan visited Egypt in 1953, and also former President, F o r b e s B u r n h a m . They visited Egypt several times and had strong ties with Mao of China, Nehru of India, Nasser of Egypt and Manley of Jamaica.

Guyana, however, has taken a less active role in NAM and sent low level delegations to the last NAM summits in Egypt and Iran, and is no longer the leading voice on international affairs in CARICOM. That role has now been taken over by Suriname and Ramotar is being guided by the charismatic leader of Suriname to take a more active role in regional and

international diplomacy as the Guyanese leader builds confidence to enter the international stage.

Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett and President Ramotar have been travelling with President Bouterse and Suriname’s Foreign Minister Lackin to various international meetings on Surinam Airways. More recently, when Bouterse had to cancel his visit to Equatorial Guinea for the ACP Summit, Ramotar had to stay home since he was scheduled to fly with the Surinamese president to Malabo on Surinam Airways.

In their quest of “economic diplomacy” both Bouterse and Ramotar should attend the OIC Egypt Summit or at least send high-level delegations. Their UNASUR neighbours have attracted investments and trade tremendously with the Middle East.

According to Rachel Glickhouse, “Annual commerce between the two regions (South America and the Middle East) now accounts for around $30 billion and continues to rise.

Arab countries aim to increase trade by exploring the possibility of free-trade agreements, expanding airline services, and increasing foreign direct investment with Peru, Brazil, and Argentina, major sources of meat, sugar, and minerals.”

Suriname has attracted a few investments from the United Arab Emirates but t h a t ’s not enough, Paramaribo wants to see this increase. Guyana on the other hand, is struggling to market itself because of numerous constraints discussed above.

Ray Chickrie

From page 5 In this regard, credit must be given to President Obama for the enlightened positions he has taken on a number of issues, including the issue of climate change, gay rights, social welfare and expansion of opportunities for all to grow and prosper, regardless of class, colour or creed.

He recognized the need for the country to reduce its huge deficit, but it must not be done at the expense of the working people. This will continue to be a major political challenge for him, to convince the Republicandominated Congress to agree on tax increases for the rich.

President Obama put it quite eloquently when he said: “We are true to our creed when a little girl born in the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same

chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is American, she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of God, but also in our own.”

Barack Obama will certainly go down in history as one of the more enlightened and forward-

thinking Presidents of the United States.

He has an additional four years to make his mark and shape a legacy that will allow him to stand tall in the list of great American leaders.

Hydar Ally

A new vision for America

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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A BABY IN A WORLD OF GIANT The local private sector is not up to the task of developing Guyana. It is too minute, mired in small-mindedness, short of entrepreneurial and risk-taking drive and ineffectual in mobilizing resources for largescale investments.

It suffers from high capital rents, infrastructural constraints, poor labour productivity, transportation and communication inefficiencies, poor domestic demand, and an inability to penetrate foreign markets amongst a host of other limitations too numerous to mention.

While there have been improvements in all of these areas over the past years, Guyana is hobbling towards the goal of a strong and dynamic private sector with the talent, skills and wherewithal to move the economy into another gear.

While over the past few years there has also been a phenomenal increase in the number of small businesses that have sprung up, very few of these are providing exportable. Most are servicing the domestic market with the result that for every one new business formed, another is most likely to go bust sooner or later.

The private sector in Guyana does not have the resources or the risk-taking

ability to drive growth forward in the future. It is doing well for the moment and can justifiably be considered the engine of growth given its overall contribution to GDP output.

Be it rice, fisheries, forestry, mining or banking and financial services, it is the financial sector that is driving the growth that Guyana has attained over the past six years when sugar’s importance to the economy began to decline.

In certain services, such as health and education, there are signs that private sector growth will eventually outstrip public sector growth in these areas, but it is doubtful that the private segment of these sectors would ever match the contributions of the state.

Also, much of the private sector growth in Guyana is dependent on government spending.

Government spending has been the stimulus that has generated private sector growth.

Foreign direct investment, except in certain sectors such as mining, has not been healthy. And there are just reasons for this. Why would any investor want to take one million United States dollars and sink it into an economy like Guyana when there are places where labour is more

Dem boys seh ...

De Rat keep a birthday bash This place got people who always want hear bad news.

Dem is de same people who does tell de newspaper people that dem should tone down. De Waterfalls people tone down and when that happen de same people call fuh ask why dem hiding de news.

Imagine when things was really rough, when people was shooting up other people and de Waterfalls paper report on de news, Bar Bee and de Rat and everybody holler how de Waterfalls paper scaring away people from Guyana.

Dem boys seh that wha dem did want was fuh de people come and get rob. De money woulda stay in Guyana but dem didn’t care wha happen to de people. Was like killing de goose that lay de golden egg.

De other day Bar Bee get people in he paper fuh write how de Waterfalls paper keeping out foreign investment.

What de paper was doing was talking bout de extent of thiefing in de country. When dem foreigners come wid dem money de first thing nuff of dem had to do was pass a bribe.

And dem boys know in who hand de bribe had to go to.

When de Waterfalls paper talk bout corruption it was exposing de corruption and by doing so, shortening de bribe and forcing dem who like thief to go back to de Treasury.

And is not like dem had to forge anything to get de money.

All dem got to do is set up a contract fuh buy drugs—not cocaine and ganja—and right away is money like sand.

Imagine de Rat celebrate he birthday Wednesday. De next day was a holiday. Every restaurant send food; every nightclub send drinks and dem Brazilian bar send de girls.

Dem boys seh that de party still going on. It spread from de mansion to de lawns. It might go on fuh 49 days because de Rat is 49.

Was strictly invitation and all de Bees get special invitation. De Lunch Man couldn’t go because he sick and Donald decide that he going to Chile. But he go before he lef de country because he claim that he had to show he face.

Dem boys seh that he lucky that he didn’t get kero or croton oil.

Talk half and wait fuh de results from de birthday

productive and cheaper; where there is better infrastructure; where the cost of capital is less prohibitive and where the domestic market, which is so critical in the early stages of development, larger?

Why would anyone want to bring their money here when there were periods when the opposition loses an election, refuses to accept their defeat and decides to have their supporters take to the streets?

Why would any serious investor come to Guyana when it sees unions agree to one thing and when it is time to formalize the arrangement call for negotiations? Which investor with options is going to put up with that sort of situation?

Guyana has not had the sort of foreign investment that could have allowed for double digit growth.

That opportunity was lost because of both domestic and international circumstances.

A genuine attempt was made when the physical infrastructure was in a shoddy state to attract foreign investment. There were, for example, very large South East Asian logging companies lining up to invest in Guyana ’s forestry sector.

One of the investors also planned a massive five star hotel. Then the Asian crisis hit and put paid to those hopes.

It was not just Asia that suffered when the bottom fell out of its financial markets.

Countries like Guyana which had plans for large-scale foreign direct investment also suffered.

But to a great extent it was fortunate that those investments did not materialize because when the bottom fell out from those investors, local workers would have borne a heavy

burden. Thousands would have been out of jobs.

There is a sawmill lying in crates in the jungles of Guyana. That may seem like a bad thing but with hindsight it is a good thing that sawmill was not unpacked because when the Asian crisis hit, that sawmill would have become a white elephant.

Guyana also lost opportunities for foreign direct investment, not because of government policies but because of internal strife. Between 1997 and 2004, the country went through a difficult period politically and in terms of security and therefore failed during that period to certain investments that may have materialized in normal circumstances.

Having lost that moment, courting foreign investment is not going to be easy anymore. The only FDI coming here is that which is looking to making a huge windfall, relative to the investment.

This is not to say that Guyana has not attracted any significant foreign investment. Relative to the size of the economy and the labour pool, one does not expect any single investment to be greater than US$200M. There is simply not enough workers, not enough skills, not enough energy and not enough a lot of things for any single investment to be greater than this sum.

But there have been large investments in telecommunications, for example, which can be considered significant considering the size of Guyana’s economy and its stage of development.

The big investor has however been the state. And this perhaps is the route that must be examined. It is public spending that is pushing private sector growth; it is public spending such as in the new sugar factor and packaging plant that is boosting national development.

It is public investments in projects and housing that are boosting the private sector’s contribution to the economy.

It is public/ private partnerships in projects such as the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project that will generate a significant portion of the short-term growth in Guyana and therefore it is to the state that everyone should be looking for signals about the investment climate.

The private sector can claim to be the engine of growth, but that engine is being lubricated by public spending, without which the private sector would be just a toddler trying to walk in a world of giants.

Without the government, Guyana’s private sector would be helpless.

UG owes $228M to GRA, NIS and pension scheme - Subventions needed to sustain UG viability The University of Guyana (UG) owes the Guyana Revenue Authority, National Insurance Scheme and the UG pension Scheme $228.7M for employment cost outstanding for 2012.

According to reports, the premiere academic institution in the country had insufficient income over the last six years to meet its increasing expenditures.

As of December last there was a $250M liability, and as for the next three months the

University will not be able to clear these liabilities.

However, it was further noted by authorities that discussions are in progress for the liabilities to be included in the 2013 budget and for the provision of adequate subvention to meet its 2013 expenditure.

In order to clear the liabilities, the Ministry of Finance has been granting advances from the student loan capital account. These advances have not been

repaid. At the end of 2012, the $250M advance in May month was repaid to the student loan agency.

Thus, if the $250M was given as an increased subvention, the liabilities would have been reduced significantly at the end of December 2012.

The annual subvention for th e y e a r o f 2 0 1 2 : Turkeyen 2011-$575M; Berbice 2011-$132M and for the year 2012 Turkeyen$621M and Berbice $143M.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

=== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ===

An intended victim of violence outside the Greenwich Primary School On Tuesday morning some Parika vendors called individual members of the People’s Parliament to inform them that a Region Three councilor had given them hours notice to pack up or be forcefully removed. Five of us were available at the time and we decided to travel to Parika.

The list included me, Tyron Talbot, Leonard Craig, Dennis Atwell also a member of the Alliance for Change, and Sharon Harding, formerly of APNU. The reason for going to Parika was because some of

the vendors at Parika and those on the parapet outside the Hydronie Market had taken the Region Three Council to court and was allowed to vend until the court case was concluded.

Appearing in court was the Regional Chairman himself represented by the lawyer in Mr. Jagdeo’s libel case against me, Sase Gunraj.

The vendors were represented by Ms. Ayanna Mc Calmont. The judge did not issue the injunction the vendors sought because there was the undertaking to

the court by the Regional Chairman that the status quo would remain until the legal process ends.

My understanding from speaking to Ms. McCalmont was though there wasn’t an order made by the judge, the order was not necessary since an assurance was given to the court.

The matter comes up February 17. Against this background, it is contempt of court for any councilor from Region 3 to order the removal of these two sets of vendors.

The purpose of our visit was to inform both the Regional Chairman and this particular councilor that they were treading on the grounds of contempt of court at Vreeden-Hoop. The Chairman was not there.

At Parika, we couldn’t find the councilor but was told that he had left to be at the Greenwich Primary School.

The next stop was the school.

What next transpired readers would never believe and though I am aware the PPP Government sees me as an enemy of the state I myself

would never have imagined what was in store for me.

In the school compound, Leonard Craig went to the councilor to inform him about the prospects of contempt of court. Approaching the councilor were Craig, Atwell and Harding. I was not in the frame.

The councilor showed no interest in Craig, Atwell and Harding but menacingly moved in my direction with insane hostility. As he tried to assault me Craig physically stopped him.

He broke free and came to me again and Harding stopped him again. This was repeated six times with Craig and Harding physically stopping him. All the commotion was witnessed by hundreds of school children and the acting headmistress.

Everything was filmed by Tyron Talbert.

I then exited the school compound which was the wise thing to do. By this time Leonard Craig advised me to leave the vicinity because he saw the councilor’s hands going to his waist.

The action moved outside of the school. By this time, a man without shirt and with a gun in his waist was coming in my direction.

A minibus drove up and the occupants armed with handguns began looking at me. Leonard Craig escorted me to my car and told me not to come out of it because I may in danger given what he heard being said by the gunmen.

By this time, Tyron Talbert had photographed the action outside of the school. Talbert said that from what he gathered speaking to one of the teachers, a message was conveyed that I would be at the school thus the arrival of the gunmen.

I chose not to go in the car because there were hundreds of school children looking on and they would bear witness to any harm coming to me. But I was still pursued by the councilor who came up to me to tell me what he would do to me. Strong threats were used. Then all hell broke loose.

Harding and Atwell

Frederick Kissoon moved towards the councilor angry at what they heard was the councilor’s intention. The councilor walked away probably anticipating a showdown and returned to the school compound. The gunmen weren’t interested in Tabert, Atwell and Harding, just me.

Talbert said that he would post the photographs on Face Book. If you are hooked up with Tyron Talbert on Face Book then you will see graphic manifestations of what Guyana has become.

A simple visit to a school by five members of the People’s Parliament ended up with me almost being assaulted and men with guns openly displaying them in an effort either to intimidate me or hurt me. They didn’t care that hundreds of school children were looking.

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Colin Jones, four others committed to stand trial for miner’s murder On Tuesday, Colin Jones, his younger brother Jafhar Simpson, and three others were committed to stand trial in the High court for murder.

Jones, Simpson, Randy Mars, Basil Morgan, and Anthony Watson all made their appearance at the Providence Magistrate’s Court where the decision was handed down by Magistrate Leslie Sobers.

The five men were initially charged jointly in 2009 for the murder of Woodette Roberts.

It is alleged that between November 4 and November 5, 2009 at Loo Creek Linden/ Soesdyke Highway they murdered Roberts.

During the hearing, before handing down his decision, Magistrate Sobers informed the accused that what has been playing out in the court over the past few months was just the Preliminary Inquiry. Sobers told them that the function of the PI is not to determine their guilt or innocence but to simply access the evidence and to determine whether there is a Prima Facie or a sufficiency of evidence for the matter to be committed for trial.

“I find that a case was made out and the sufficiency of evidence to warrant a High Court trial, but whether the evidence is capable of sustaining the scrutiny of the High Court is another matter,”

Murder accused Colin Jones.

Murder accused Randy Mars

Sobers said.

One by one the accused had the decision read to them and asked if they had anything to say.

Jones, Jafhar and Mars declined at the opportunity and merely indicated to the court that they will reserve everything for the High Court.

However, Morgan told the court “I am innocent of the charge and no one ever called my name or pointed me out”.

Morgan also sought to enquire from the Magistrate if he would be granted bail.

Watson stated “I am innocent of the charge and no one never identify me”.

The matter was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor, Shellon Daniels.

On November 4, 2009 Roberts left his home in a gold-coloured Toyota

Tacoma pick-up, GLL 7171, along with two other men, Shawn Embleton and Roopchand Gopaul when they were reportedly intercepted and abducted by eight men, dressed in black clothing resembling police uniforms and bullet proof vests, who claimed to be searching for arms and ammunition.

The armed men handcuffed Roberts and the others and placed them in the tray of the Tacoma pick-up and transported them to Dora. While the two others managed to escape, Roberts was later found dead.

During the same night Jones and his associates conducted a reign of terror in the city, setting fire to the Ministry of Health building and the High Court.

a national minimum wage followed discussions between the government, workers’ unions and the private sector. Following those discussions, Minister of Labour Dr Nanda Gopaul, on Tuesday, sought the approval of the Cabinet to establish a national minimum wage.

“Cabinet was firmly in support of the group’s initiative and invited the Minister to compile a

comprehensive list of interventions necessary to give effect to the government’s intentions,” Luncheon stated.

A high level team of Government Ministers has been tasked with rolling out the initiative, including holding consultations so that all parties would buy into the initiative.

No deadline has been set for the date the new regime would be put in place.

Gov’t moves to introduce national minimum wage

The government yesterday announced that it is proceeding with a plan to institute a national minimum wage for all workers.

The introduction of a national minimum wage for all workers could put an end to underpayment across all sectors and lessen complaints of exploitation by employers.

Apart from the established minimum wage of $35,000 for public sector workers, the government, through the Ministry of Labour, would periodically dictate what the minimum wage for certain categories of workers in the private sector should be, but now, everyone would be covered.

“This initiative is an improvement; it is the ultimate improvement that binds employers across the scale to subscribe to a minimum wage.

No employee would earn less than, no employee, not just sectors but no employee,” Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon stated.

The decision to establish

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Employee accused of stealing Family fearful of police $12.8M from company covering up crime Ron Jaisari, 35, a father of three and a sales clerk of 9 Block D1 Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, is accused of stealing $12,840,000 in cash and Agro Chemicals from his employer, Chan Nizam of Agro Chemicals.

He was granted bail in the sum of $300,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Robby Benn at the Blairmont Magistrates’ Court on a charge of larceny by clerk or servant.

Jaisari, who has been working with the company since 2006, works as the Berbice sales representative for the company which distributes and sells Agro Chemicals. The company has its head office at Lot 151 Thomas Street Kitty, Georgetown, and Branch Office at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice.

He is the sole holder of the keys, bill books and other documents of the company’s Berbice operation. He is responsible for distributing and selling the chemicals throughout Berbice. His employers who are stationed in Georgetown would check periodically.

It is understood that between August and

Ron Jaisari December 2012, he distributed and sold chemicals and collected the money which he reportedly put to his own use.

According to information the theft came to light after a physical stock count was made at the end of last year. It was noticed that a number of boxes were very light. It was then realized that the boxes were empty. Some of the cartons had two and three bottles missing. The cartoons were tightly sealed and secured with scotch tape.

The accused had objected to the stock counting suggesting that a count of the

cartons would be better.

The accused then reportedly disappeared for more than two weeks. It was also related that the accused had bought a minibus, a 4x4 vehicle and had over 50 acres of rice under cultivation.

He was arrested after surrendering with his Attorney at law Joel Edmond.

In court he pleaded not guilty.

In his application for bail Attorney Edmond told the court that at this stage the matter is a bailable offence.

He stated that the police had placed his client on $200,000 bail and that in itself is indicative that his client will appear in court. He said that his client after learning that he was wanted by the police turned himself in.

He added that his client was trying to right some wrongs and make objections to the way certain things were done.

The case for the prosecution was that the accused embezzled the sum mentioned above, by selling the chemicals and putting the money to his own use.

The matter will be called again on February 18, next, at the Blairmont Magistrates’ court.

Stray- catchers on the move in Berbice

A stray- catcher rounds up some cattle towards the pound Stray-catching is in full swing in Berbice. Earlier this week, personnel from the ‘Official Stray-catchers’ (OSC) group were seen in the Port Mourant, Corentyne area. These are people employed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This team that is currently working in Region Six comprises eight members including the leader, Mr. Hector Douglas.

This movement started last year February. Mr. Douglas said, “this initiative was implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs with the intention to keep our roads free from animals and less dangerous for commuters and pedestrians.”

Mr. Douglas said that while the team may not have strays to catch every day, normal procedures for working days are that the workers would gather themselves together and drive throughout the roadways in various villages.

Stray animals on the roads would be taken into custody and led to the nearest Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) or Police Pound. A police officer from Albion Police Station said, “Owners of the impounded animals would be given a timeframe to reclaim them after paying a fee of $8,000 from which $5,000 goes to the Official Stray Catchers group

and $3,000 is reserved for government revenue”.

However, if that period expires the animal becomes the property of the State and can be disposed of through public auction.

Cattle owners in Region Six should be the ones to ensure that their animals are fed and taken care of; rather than to be furious at officers and stray-catchers when actions are taken by the state.

Cattle roaming Berbice roads have been a continuous problem, causing numerous accidents and posing hazardous to motorists and even pedestrians. Motorists are urged to be extra vigilant on the roads.

… statements not presented in court Relatives of Eileen Gibson, the woman beaten during a robbery last year, are fearful that the criminal matter involving a police officer’s son will slip through the cracks because of a suspected cover up.

The woman’s family said that the matter which is before Magistrate Leslie Sobers at the Providence Magistrate’s Court may be dismissed because police officers have continuously failed to present statements in the matter, despite the victim giving a full report to the relevant officers.

Kizzy Bevney, a daughter of the 56-year-old victim, said that her family is extremely upset at what appears to be an attempt by the police to frustrate justice.

The woman said that on December 26, last, her mother who operates a small shop at her Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke, Linden Highway premises, was beaten unconscious by a distant member of the family whom she named.

During the robbery which they said occurred around 22:00hours, the man took away $14,000 in cash. The man reportedly sought to cause greater harm to the elderly woman when he fetched her to the back of the shop “to do God knows what.”

Bevney said that her mother who lives alone was spared when she pretended to be dead and later started behaving deranged and delusional. This caused the alleged crook to runaway.

A report, Bevney said, was made to the Timehri Police Station where the mother of the alleged culprit works (name given). Bevney said that the culprit was detained by police for one day but was later released.

The matter was however taken to the Providence Court, Bevney said, after a news report.

On January 16, when the matter was called before the Magistrate for the second time, Bevney said no statements were available.

At the earlier hearing,

there were no statements available, too, Bevney said.

The Magistrate has thus threatened to dismiss the matter on February 1 if officers do not provide the statements to start the trial.

Bevney also charged that since the start of the matter, police have not made any contact with the family.

“They never told us we have to go to court. They never gave us a date or told us anything about the matter going to Providence.”

The woman said that she wants the police to do the right thing and have the statements available on the next court date. She said that the police should be responsible and should uphold the law.

When Kaieteur News made contact with the Timehri Police Station, the officer on duty said that no one was available to speak on the matter.

He claimed that the investigating rank was not at the station and he could not provide any information on the issue.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

Foreign drug mules languishing in East La Penitence lock-ups awaiting deportation

By Dale Andrews Several weeks after completing their sentences, two foreign drug mules remain languishing in the East La Penitence lock-ups awaiting deportation.

The two women, American Hajar Bourne, and Cheryll Nosia Kwitshanna of South Africa, were released from prison into the custody of Immigration officials earlier this month after serving time for trafficking in narcotics.

But the remainder of their stay in Guyana could be determined by relatives, who according to a senior police officer, are responsible for providing the airline ticket for their return home.

So far, there has been some movement on the part of South African-born Kwitshanna, with respect to leaving the severe conditions of the East La Penitence lockups.

Two weeks ago, Kwitshanna had her happiness cut short when she was detained at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and sent back to Guyana, where she is currently languishing in the

lock-ups at the East La Penitence Police Station.

As for the American, this newspaper understands that efforts are being undertaken by the United States Embassy to assist with her repatriation.

Both women have been in custody since 2009.

Yesterday, after some queries by this newspaper, frantic efforts were being made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the local Immigration Office to initiate proceedings to have their plights addressed.

In response to queries from this newspaper the Ministry of Home Affairs stated, “The sending State would be responsible for deportation. The receiving State could also play a role in this regard as well as the family of the person being deported.”

The Ministry also stated, “It is acceptable for the representative of the State from which the national is from, to have access to him/ her and in this case to take the person into their care for consular welfare once they are no longer being detained.”

American drug mule Hajar Bourne being transported by a minibus attached to the Central Immigration and Passport Office yesterday.

When this newspaper visited the East La Penitence Police Station yesterday, the women were prevented from speaking to reporters despite their protestations that they were entitled to at least one visitor per day.

One of them complained of being forced to be without shoes on the cold concrete of the lock-ups where inmates are also made to sleep throughout their stay there.

But the remainder of their

stay is fraught with severe hardships, as the situation in the East La Penitence lockups is hardly anything to shout about.

And to make matters worse, since they have no relatives in Guyana they are forced to depend on some locals who have in turn taken advantage of their situation.

Kwitshanna tells of a story of being robbed of several hundred thousand dollars by a Guyanese policeman who had befriended her and in whom she had entrusted her bail money after she was sentenced.

Both Kwitshanna and Bourne are currently at the mercy of good natured Guyanese who have been looking into their welfare.

Kwitshanna is grateful to one Guyanese ‘Good Samaritan’, who has been providing her with meals since her release from the New Amsterdam Prison.

The ‘Good Samaritan’, a woman who spoke to this newspaper yesterday has been taking breakfast for her, which is shared with other prisoners in obvious.

Her son takes care of the lunch for the stricken South African.

“I think how they have her is wrong; she can’t even talk to anyone, while other prisoners are being allowed to. They are saying that she is a guest of the state but they are treating her like an animal,” the woman who asked not to be named told

this newspaper.

According to the woman, Kwitshanna said that she was contacted by someone purporting to be the Consul to South Africa on Monday.

“The person promised to call her back but never did and it is like if she is freaking out.

She can’t sleep, she is barefoot all the time. Even if they want to hold her until she is deported, they should find a proper facility to have her,” she said. According to the woman she met Kwitshanna while visiting another relative who was incarcerated.

She said that a few weeks ago, she was happy to learn that the South African had completed her time and was leaving for home.

The woman said that when Kwitshanna was sent back to Guyana and was dumped back into the lockups, she knew that she had to look after her welfare.

This newspaper learnt of Kwitshanna’s case after she was returned to local police custody, and placed into the lock-ups, an undesirable situation for a foreign national who would have spent three years in the harsh Guyana penal system.

In 2009, Kwitshanna, a South African by birth who was living in the United Kingdom was nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Timehri with a quantity of narcotics.

She is one of more than 600 South African drug mules

and drug traffickers languishing in foreign jails.

Almost half of these are in jails in South America.

Kwitshanna was charged with trafficking in narcotics and was found guilty by Magistrate Priya Beharry who sentenced her to three years’ imprisonment and ordered that she be deported upon completion of the sentence.

Like the American Bourne, Kwitshanna’s time expired at the beginning of this year and she was subsequently released on January 3.

Her relatives must have been eager for her to return home for they had her ticket ready and waiting.

Immediately upon her release, she was handed over to local immigration officials for them to effect the deportation.

Just as her family was eager to have her return home, so too were the Guyanese officials to deport her, for she was escorted to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and placed on a Caribbean Airlines flight for Trinidad en route to London, England, from where she had arrived almost four years ago.

Her troubles started when she arrived in Trinidad.

British Embassy officials there recognized that Kwitshanna, although she lived in England for a number of years, had lost her temporary residence status to return there and was therefore not permitted to enter the United Kingdom.

It was explained that she had an indefinite stay to remain in England which she forfeited, since she had been out of the UK for such an extended period, in this case more than three years.

But the Guyanese woman who is looking after her welfare told this newspaper that it would be difficult for Kwitshanna to reintegrate into the South African society.

“She doesn’t know anything about South Africa; she was living in England since she was small. She is not a fool, she speaks seven different languages,” the Guyanese ‘Good Samaritan’ told Kaieteur News.

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 15

UG officially launches US$10M science and tech project A section of the gathering yesterday

Standing at podium is Dr Emanuel Cummings while seated from left are Dr Marlene Cox, Dr Frank Anthony, Dr Prem Misir and Ms Hongyu Yang.

With a World Bank loan of US10 million, the University of Guyana in collaboration with the Ministry of Education is set to execute a Science and Technology Support project over five years (2012 to 2017).

At an event to officially launch the project yesterday at the University’s George Walcott Lecture Theatre, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Emanuel Cummings, said that the move is aimed at ensuring the development of facilities in four faculties within the University.

These, he said, are the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Natural Sciences, Technology and the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

In this regard efforts will be made to ensure that there is curriculum development as it relates to the support of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). He noted that while there were many delays ahead of the realisation of the project, “I am certain that nothing happens before its time and I think this is the opportune time...

“In 2013, some 50 years after the establishment of the university, and I am certain we are all proud of that, we are all proud of the achievements of the university and we are all certain that this fund that will come to develop these faculties in forms of curriculum development,

capacity building and research also will certainly help the university achieve its mandate in improving the quality not only of the students but the staff to deliver quality education,” said Dr Cummings. “This will help to further strengthen the university as a regional institution.”

In presenting a background to the initiative, the University’s Director of Resources Mobilisation and Planning, Dr Marlene Cox, said that around October 2010, the then Vice Chancellor, Lawrence Carrington, was advised by officials of both the Government and the World Bank that the sum of US$10 million remained from the bank’s International Development Association’s 15 programmes to Guyana.

As a result there were some discussions to have the sum directed to the university. “The negotiations between the key players...the World Bank, the Office of the President, the Ministries of Education and Finance and the UG administration then commenced...

“There was an urgency to the discussions because the project document had to be submitted to the World Bank board of Directors by May 2011 for their approval.”

Dr Cox said that there was a timeframe of seven months to agree to the project and prepare the required documentation.

The complement of High Court Judges would move from the statutory 12 to 20, Head of the Presidential Secretariat announced yesterday.

This should significantly reduce the growing backlog

of cases.

The decision to increase the complement of judges was made by President Ramotar.

The statutory number of High Court Judges has been 12 for the past three decades.

High Court Judges now to be 20

According to Pro Chancellor, Dr Prem Misir, “We at the University of Guyana welcome this World Bank partnership and this has come pretty much through the auspices of the Government of Guyana.”

The loan, he explained, represents a new era of the University’s growth and comes on the university’s 50th birth year even as he noted that it is in fact bigger than the learning institution itself.

He pointed to its manifest implications for national development as it vividly brings into play the relationship between climate change and biodiversity.

He said too that degradation of soil, water and biological resources negatively impact public health, food security, consumer choice and even business opportunities.

The Pro Chancellor stressed that the poor are mostly affected during this damning cycle.

Faced with this global biodiversity crisis, Dr Misir said that effective public policies are required even as he noted that evidence based information and capacity development are first needed.

It is at this juncture, he noted that the World Bank loan and the university become pivotal, he added.

Acting Minister of Education, Sports Minister Dr Frank Anthony, said that technology continues to play an extraordinary role in the transformation of human societies.

He noted that there is need for a look at the country’s educational needs with a view of aligning it with the LCDS. As such he disclosed that over the next four years the project will facilitate investments valued at US$10 million and an additional US$1.36 million that will be coming as Government

counterpart resources.

“With this substantial investment we are optimistic that the university will be able to achieve its aspirational goals as is set out in its strategic plan” .

Also speaking at yesterday’s forum was World Bank Representative, Ms Hongyu Yang who insisted that continued support will be offered to the project which is expected to be both

challenging and exciting in its implementation.

The project will be implemented on the basis of three defined components with component one focusing on education quality improvement which will be undertaken at a cost of US$1.9 million.

Component two will cater to infrastructure rehabilitation which will attract US$6.2 million while component

three will address institutional capacity to the tune of some US$1.8 million.

Yesterday’s forum also entailed a presentation of the World Bank procurement guidelines and allowed for general discussion on the project. Among those in attendance were top Ministry of Education and university officials as well as officials of the Finance Ministry and other stakeholders.

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Thursday January 24, 2013

Guyana compiles updated law volumes

By Latoya Giles The Ministry of Legal Affairs through its Project Secretariat for the Modernization of the Justice Administration System (MJAS) project yesterday launched the highly anticipated Law Reports of Guyana.

The event which was held at the Sleep-In International Hotel was graced by President Donald Ramotar, who gave the feature address. In attendance also were the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Justice Claudette Singh who heads the Justice Improvement Programme.

Minister Nandlall said that the Law Reports in any society is very instrumental to the development of Jurisprudence to the development of the law and to the advancement of law. He said that is the undisputed fact in any country.

According to Nandlall every country has ensured that its law reports are kept in a permanent form. He said that Guyana’s legal system embraces the rule within which courts must act. It is

programme started in 2007 and was expected to have been completed in 2001. The representative said that the bank continues to be committed to strengthening country.

President Donald Ramotar said that the Law Reports will serve as an

important research tool.

He said that over the years Government has been making significant strides in improving the judiciary. He noted that the government has replaced a number of judicial buildings as a means of improving the system.

According to the President there is a direct link between the Scio economic system and the judiciary. The President yesterday also sought to encourage Judges to write their decisions in a timely manner.

He said that people deserve to have the decisions in good time and have it known.

The President said that the government is also working on increasing the complement of judges. He said that it is sometimes painstaking to have people waiting on a decision for too long.

The Law Reports was compiled and edited for the years 1977 to 2007 as one aspect of the Modernisation of the Justice Administration System project.

The MJAS Project is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) by way of a Loan to the Government of Guyana (GoG) and is implemented by the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

The MJAS programme was designed as a hybrid facility comprising a policy based component supported by a policy based loan of US$15M. A further investment and technical support component supported by an investment loan of US$10M was given.

The investment component was intended to help implement the policy reform programme and also support initial capacity building activities in the justice sector institutions.

The body of a man was discovered by police late yesterday lying face down on the floor of a small wooden shack, at D’Anjou Hill, Christianburg, Linden. He was clad in pajamas and was shirtless. According to informed sources he was identified as Oscar Primo who was in his early thirties.

The Police were called in after neighbours were alerted by a ‘stench’ emanating from the shack.

A neighbour, who said that the man, Oscar Primo was her husband’s nephew, said that she had gone to check on him yesterday after she had not seen him.

The woman said that she would check on Primo everyday, but that yesterday, when she went over, there was this terrible odor, so after knocking on the door several times and getting no response, she decided to call a neighbour, who called the Police.

However although the police responded shortly after, the body was not removed until much later as no hearse had accompanied them.

Persons who peeked into the shack, said that Primo’s body was in an advanced stage of decomposition, and flies were everywhere.

Several persons who knew the man expressed sadness at his passing. There were unconfirmed reports that he was feeling unwell recently and had gone to the hospital for a check up.

Primo reportedly lived alone, and was unemployed.

According to reports he had also suffered hearing loss, after receiving an injection for a medical condition, about a year ago.

Persons close to him said that he may have become depressed since the incident.

His father reportedly lives on the East Bank of Demerara, while his mother and other siblings reside overseas.

The newly released Law Reports important that we have a report of what is decided to in our country, he added.

He said that this helps people within the country to know that the system doesn’t work erratically.

According to Nandlall this helps with predictably in society.

The Courts have now filled in the lapse of over 30 years, since the law books span from 1977 to 2007. He said that this would be a continued practice.

There is also an online version of the law books. He

added that overseas-based Guyanese can get a chance to read the books.

Country Representative for the Inter American Development Bank, Ms Sophie Makonnen, said that the bank would continue to support ventures like this.

She explained that the bank continues to support countries with projects such as this, to help strengthen justice.

According to Ms Makonnen, the IDB has been doing this for several years now. She said that the

Decomposing body found in Christianburg House

Ronald Burch-Smith resigns from Linden COI

Secretary of the Linden Commission of Inquiry, Attorney at Law Ronald Burch-Smith, has tendered his resignation just as the Commission is set to get back to work after a long break.

Kaieteur News was told that Burch-Smith never expected the extension of the Commission’s work into the New Year and he had previously scheduled work outside of Guyana that would have collided with the ongoing work of the Commission. With most of the Commission’s work completed, he has decided to proceed with his other assignments.

The Linden Commission is looking into the events that led to the shooting death of three Lindeners during the

Attorney at law Ronald Burch- Smith July 18, 2012 protest in the town. The Commission held over two months of public hearings and is expected to

present its findings soon.

The Commission of Inquiry is expected to resume by the end of this month, said Commissioner Justice Cecil Kennard several days ago.

Justice Kennard told this publication that the Commission has not finished all the testimonies with regards to the compensation aspect of the inquiry. He stated that it has to be finalized into the report.

Members of the Commission of the Inquiry are Jamaicans Justice Lensley Wolfe O.J., and Mr. K.D. Knight S.C; Trinidadian Ms. Dana Seetahal S.C;. Guyana’s former Court of Appeal Judge, Claudette Singh, CCH; and Justice Kennard himself, a former Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana.

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 24, 2013

Murder accused freed

The accused in the Don Robin Number 19 Farm murder trial was on Tuesday discharged after Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo upheld the defence no case submission and discharged the matter at the end of the Preliminary Inquiry which was being conducted in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

On trial for murder was Seethal Samaroo, 38, of Lot 279 No 2 Village East Canje Berbice. The man was on trial for the murder of 71-year- old security guard, Karamchand ‘Guru’ Panchoo, of Lot 24 Section ‘C’, Nigg Settlement, Corentyne, between May 13 and May 14, 2012.

Panchoo was a father of five.

The prosecution was forced to close its case after

its main witness failed to show up for the trial despite repeated efforts to contact the man who had told investigators that he had witnessed the killing.

The Magistrate had warned the prosecution that it would have to close its case if the witness did not turn up for the trial. The preliminary inquiry began in June and a number of witnesses were called.

Samaroo was accused of killing the elderly watchman who was on duty at his place of employ at the ‘Tej’s Fowl Farm, Don Robin, Number 19 Village, East Coast Berbice.

Panchoo had been working at the farm for over eight years. His relatives had stated that on the day in question they received a telephone call around 07:45

hrs from someone at the farm informing them that he had died.

They immediately rushed to the scene where they found the victim lying face down with blood oozing from behind his neck. He also had cuts and chops about his face and other parts of his body.

Another guard was on duty during the night.

Samaroo was picked out at an identification parade. A Post Mortem report conducted by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh stated that the 71-year-old suffered wounds to the face and other parts of the head while there was an incised wound to the skull.

The matter was prosecuted by Corporal Orin Joseph while the defendant was represented by Rodwell Jugmohan and Kim Kyte.

Blackout woes for Bartica Mechanical problems with a Caterpillar generator at Bartica, Region Seven, caused a recent spate of blackouts.

According to the Guyana Power and Light Inc.(GPL), early yesterday morning, around 05:30hrs, Bartica consumers were without power after the functioning Caterpillar Unit was taken offline due to mechanical problems.

The unit was taken offline to allow for investigations and corrective repairs. It was scheduled to be online by late yesterday afternoon, GPL said.

According to GPL, in recognition of the rapid

increase in demand for electricity in Bartica, a community located up the Essequibo River, since last year a third generating unit was added to supplement the two existing units.

GPL said that prior to the occurrences which caused the unit to go down yesterday, sections of the community were experiencing periodic power outages due to technical difficulties being experienced with the two units. This resulted in the station not being able to satisfy total power demand.

These two units should be back in operation by Sunday.

“Two operating units are

sufficient to satisfy total demand. The third will be restored shortly and will be kept on standby.”

In a separate incident yesterday, GPL said that around 09:00hrs, customers in Lamaha Springs and Lamaha Park, River View and Alexander Village to Nandy Park, experienced a power outage due to a damaged high voltage cable.

“The cable was damaged by contractors removing vegetation on the Sophia Dam. All affected customers were re-powered from alternative sources within two hours,” GPL said in its statement.

CJIA to install body scanners, more CCTV cameras - CEO Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Corporation, Ramesh Ghir, says that as part of the modernisation process of the airport there will be a new machine to scan passengers passing through the screening point.

This, he said, will be a non-intrusive x-ray scanner that will detect metal, weapons and any illegal items on people.

In most airports, passengers walk through metal detectors, which use a low-frequency electromagnetic field to look for weapons.

“We are finalizing that deal; within the first quarter of this year we should have that equipment in place. For the record it is not an x-ray machine, it is not the intrusive type of equipment. However, it would enhance security and make the job of the screeners at the airport much easier.”

Adding that the airport is now comparable with many

others in terms of its facilities and equipment, Ghir said, “On the departure side, for example, we have the self checking kiosk. Still a few countries in the region have self checking kiosk, at least in the Caribbean.”

He further disclosed that the airport is also spending money to enhance the CCTV camera systems to further boost security.

travelers who frequently fly.

Airport authorities recently made the decision to end their contract with Rapiscan Systems, the manufacturer of the full-body scanning machines. The decision was announced after it became evident to officials that the company could not meet a deadline to update software that would make the scanners less invasive.

U.S AIRPORTS The U.S airport recently discontinued the use of fullbody scanning machines at their International Airports, and is in the process of removing body scanners from airports across the country.

The decision to stop using full-body scanners comes after years of complaints from travelers who objected to the near-nude body scan.

Over the last few years, other travelers have voiced concerns about being exposed to radiation during a full-body scan — especially

THE GOOD NEWS By mid 2013, cartoon image scanners will take the place of full-body scanning machines. Near-naked images will be replaced by silly cartoon images, and cartoon image scanners will be located throughout airports across the country.

THE BAD NEWS Until cartoon image scanners are up and running, more passengers may be subject to pat-downs — TSAstyle. Pat-downs are quite plausibly more invasive than a full-body scan.

Thursday January 24, 2013

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OECS countries look to Argentina Plot against Chavez allies for trade and investments revealed - Venezuela VP potential which has yet to be unlocked. Indeed, we believe that the transformation of the OECS into an Economic Union has made our region ripe for stronger economic links with Argentina,” he said.

Newly appointed Argentine Ambassador to the OECS, Marcelo Aldo Salviolo, underlined his country’s desire “to consolidate closer links with the Caribbean States.”

He said he hoped his appointment would “help strengthen relations between this prestigious Caribbean Organisation and Argentina, in all possible fields, whether political, trade, technical cooperation, humanitarian assistance or cultural”.

Argentina and the OECS also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that seeks to strengthen and promote cooperation and coordination between them in a number of areas including trade and investment, agriculture and fisheries, health, education and sport, information technology, and tourism, among others.

Argentina is the 11th country to establish formal diplomatic relations with the OECS that groups the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — National Security Minister Peter Bunting says that in spite of achievements made

last year, crime and corruption remains the main obstacles to rapid growth and development in Jamaica.

“The truth of the matter is… investment in national security is an investment in Jamaica’s economic growth and development,” Bunting argued.

Speaking at the launch of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation’s (JEF) 31st annual business and workplace convention and expo, held at the Knutsford Court hotel in New Kingston Tuesday, the minister said increased investment in the fight against crime and violence would augur well for the country’s economy.

According to the security minister a number of studies conducted by the World Bank and various other multilateral institutions, showed that crime continues to be Jamaica’s biggest problem.

He said too that a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of the West Indies showed that over the last four decades, if Jamaica had a normal crime rate, the country’s economy would be between three to 10 times its size now in terms of Gross Development Product (GDP).

Bunting also informed that the country is currently ranked 97 on the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) competitiveness index, slipping 30 places in the last five years.

“This has an impact on investor confidence and I don’t need to tell you about the impact it has on the cost of doing business in Jamaica and more generally, just eroding the quality of life,” he said.

The Minister reiterated the ministry’s plans to further reduce all crimes by double digits for 2013.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas has called on two of his senior Cabinet ministers to either resign or be fired if they intend to vote against government policies and programmes.

“That is very, very constitutionally acceptable.

In fact, it is the right of anyone in a political party or anyone who is not in a political party to demonstrate their interest in any political party that he/ she wishes to be a part of.

“That is our democratic and fundamental right that we have given to us, under the constitution.

That’s why we allow

parties to be registered, to develop, flourish and to participate in elections at election time,” Dr. Douglas said on his weekly radio programme “Ask the Prime Minister”.

In recent times, Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor and his senior Cabinet colleague, Dr. Timothy Harris have publicly opposed legislation brought by the ruling St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party government, including a bill to increase the number of senators in the legislative chamber.

Both senior Cabinet ministers, who have been blamed for not participating

CASTRIES, St Lucia – CMC – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) says it is seeking to explore opportunities for greater south-south cooperation after establishing diplomatic relationship with Argentina.

OECS Director General Dr. Len Ishmael, speaking at the signing ceremony, said that nine-member sub-regional grouping was also seeking stronger development cooperation ties as well as exploring avenues for trade and investment.

“It is in this context that we seek to tap into the full potential of the OECSArgentina relationship, a

Crime is Jamaica’s biggest problem, says Bunting

Peter Bunting

Division within govt. widens, PM calls for resignation of senior ministers in Cabinet meeting where the national budget was being discussed, forcing the government to postpone its presentation last month, said they were adopting a principle position on the matter.

D r. D o u g l a s t o l d listeners people who were voted into office on a Labour Party ticket and now wanting to move on do so at their own risk “because if they would have had discipline and allegiance to their own party, then they are free to move from their parties armpit and go into another party, then they are free to do that.

CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro said unidentified groups had entered the country with the aim of assassinating him and the head of the National Assembly as President Hugo Chavez recovers from cancer in Cuba.

Maduro provided no proof of the claim, made at a rally yesterday to mark the end of a dictatorship in the OPEC nation 55 years ago, but he said action would be taken shortly.

“For several weeks we’ve been following groups that have infiltrated the country with the aim of making attempts on the life of (Assembly head) Diosdado Cabello and my own,” Maduro told a crowd of redshirted “Chavista” supporters. “They will not manage it against either of us.”

Chavez named Maduro as his preferred successor before he went to Cuba in early December for surgery, his fourth operation in 18 months for an undisclosed form of cancer in his pelvis

Nicolas Maduro that was first diagnosed in mid-2011.

Chavez has not been seen in public nor heard from since then. Venezuela’s government says his condition is improving after he suffered multiple complications caused by the December 11 surgery.

Officials say he is in “good spirits” but no date has been set for his return home.

Maduro said he and the energy minister would travel

to Havana on Wednesday to see Chavez.

Uncertainty over the 58year-old president’s fragile health has raised the specter of political instability in the deeply polarized South American country of 29 million people.

During his 14 years in power, Chavez has repeatedly accused Venezuela’s “traitorous” opposition leaders of plotting to kill him, but offered little proof.

The opposition says the charges are a smokescreen to distract from Venezuela’s daily problems such a shortages of staple goods, high inflation and one of the worst crime rates in the world.

“Now Maduro comes with the little story that we want to see an attempt against his life and that of Al Capone,” opposition leader Henrique Capriles said on Twitter, referring to Cabello as the Prohibition-era U.S. gangster.

“Absolute nonsense!”

Both the opposition and the ruling Socialist Party had originally planned large marches for Wednesday January 23.

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Thursday January 24, 2013

Opposition accuses government Stanford former chief financial of having wrong priorities officer jailed in Ponzi scheme

NASSAU, Bahamas CMC – The Bahamas government has confirmed two senior officials from a South-African based company have visited the country assisting in the drafting of comprehensive legislation relating to lotteries and gaming.

But the main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) is accusing the Perry Christie government of having its priorities wrong as the country gears for a national referendum on the lotteries and gaming issue on January 28.

In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said that the visit of the two consultants was in keeping with the plans to “utilise the considerable expertise of A & G Consulting in gaming and legal drafting with a view to the early modernization of The Bahamas gaming industry in order to successfully compete with leading respected gaming jurisdictions”.

It said that while here, the consultants held discussions

with the prime minister and senior members of his cabinet.

But a joint statement issued by two FNM legislators, Michael Pintard and Zhivargo Laing, the government is accused of seeking to “push through their single largest initiative since coming to office” even though it had promised voters “that they would focus on the primary issues facing Bahamians if elected.

“Nevertheless, the administration has narrowly focused on addressing the concerns of a small “special interest group” who many believe substantially financed its election campaign. The zeal with which the government has pushed this issue has left even some PLP (Progressive Liberal Party) supporters speculating about what is driving this agenda.”

The FNM said many people were now wondering whether the government is “repaying one of its main groups of financiers” adding “it is clear that the government’s priorities are wrong. It should have been focusing on the primary

issues impacting the majority of Bahamians” including job creation and growing the economy, ensuring law and order and improving the education system.

The two FNM members have also accused the ruling party of having no commitment to public education on the issue and are urging nationals to vote against the measure in the referendum.

Earlier this week, the PLP chairman Bradley Roberts denied suggestions of a rift within the administration regarding the referendum on the regulation and taxation of web shop gaming and the establishment of a national lottery.

“It is well documented that I support a yes vote in the upcoming referendum and I do so proudly. Many in my party agree; some do not.

“I want to however make it abundantly clear that the official position of the Progressive Liberal Party regarding the referendum is that the Bahamian people should vote their conscience on this matter on 28th January 2013,” he said.

WASHINGTON - CMC – The former chief financial officer for jailed Texas financier Allen Stanford has been jailed for five years.

The Justice Department said that James M. Davis, 64, who formerly worked with the Houston-based Stanford Financial Group and the Antigua-based Stanford International Bank (SIB), was sentenced on Tuesday for his role in helping the disgraced billionaire perpetrate a Ponzi scheme involving SIB, and

for conspiring to obstruct a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation into SIB. US District Judge David Hittner also sentenced Davis to serve three years of supervised release.

Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer said as part of Davis’ sentence, the court also imposed a personal money judgment of one billion (US) dollars “which is an ongoing obligation for Davis to pay back criminal proceeds”.

During the sentencing proceeding, Judge Hittner noted that Davis began cooperating with the government in early 2009, shortly after SIB’s collapse.

The judge also noted that over the following three years, Davis provided “substantial assistance” to the authorities in the investigation and prosecution of others, including testifying at Stanford’s trial.

In addition, the judge noted that Davis prepared to

testify against Laura Pendergest-Holt, Stanford’s chief investment officer, who eventually pleaded guilty and jailed for three years.

Stanford is currently serving 110 years in prison, respectively, while two other former employees are in federal custody and await sentencing, scheduled for February 14.

As part of his 2009 guilty plea, Davis admitted that he was aware of Stanford’s misuse of SIB’s assets, kept the misuse hidden from the public and from almost all of Stanford’s other employees and worked to prevent the misuse from being discovered.

In addition, Davis acknowledged that in January 2009, when the SEC sought testimony and documents related to SIB’s entire investment portfolio, he conspired with others in an effort to impede the SEC’s investigation and help SIB continue operating.

Trinidad Guardian - Equal Opportunity Commissioner Dr Indira Rampersad believes that the racist “Calcutta ship” statements made during Tobago’s election campaign was a well planned PNM strategy which played on the fears of Tobagonians.

Speaking during a television panel discussion Tuesday, Rampersad said it seemed Tobagonians were still focused on political parties and personalities rather than issues.

Rampersad, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Language in Literature, a diploma in International Relations, a certificate in translation from Spanish to English, a Master of Philosophy in Latin American Literature, a Master of Philosophy in International Relations and a Ph.D in Political Science, said the

racist strategy bore fruit for the PNM. She said: “People are still focused on political parties and personalities as opposed to issues. It may not be just political parties and personalities. “It may be another issue, an issue of ethnicity and race. These issues play out in T&T all the time and some people discount it as an issue.” She explained that race and ethnicity segregation was certainly not a positive issue that would develop T&T. “It is not going to develop the country in any way but it is an issue. What is interesting is that the people of Tobago will vote overwhelmingly on that issue which some perceive as negative for the development of a country,” Rampersad added. She disagreed that the

statement was said in error.

She said: “Whether that statement was actually said in error, I would say no. I would say that it was a carefully thought out strategy because it evoked a response and I think that was also planned.

“If it evoked a response it would create and play on the minds of the Tobagonian and I think we see the plans by the PNM to secure victory and we can say it certainly worked.”

The senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies did not respond to queries yesterday about whether her comment was appropriate given that she is a member of the EOC. Head of the commission Professor John La Guerre also could not be reached for comment as calls to his home phone went unanswered.

GENEVA - CMC – Nearly five months after she was elected Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dominican-born Dr. Carissa Etienne has been named Regional Director for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO Executive Board, which is holding its 132nd session here this week, said that Dr. Etienne will begin

her five-year term as PAHO Director and WHO Regional Director on 1 February, succeeding Dr. Mirta Roses Periago of Argentina. PAHO serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of WHO (WHO/AMRO).

“I believe strongly that good health is rooted in equity, universality, solidarity and inclusiveness. I have learned that universal health coverage is not only the best

way to improve the health of every citizen in a country, but that it is entirely feasible,” said Dr Etienne in her acceptance speech.

Dr Etienne holds degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of the West Indies as well as a Master’s in community health and an honorary diploma in public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

James M. Davis

Opposition calls for dismissal of Equal Opportunity Commission member

Dominican named as WHO regional director for the Americas

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Govt. snubbed US$21-M offer for coffee factory - UK company Jamaica Observer - A British property group that wanted to purchase the Wallenford Coffee Company has expressed displeasure that the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has not considered its consortium’s US$21-million ($2-billion) offer to acquire the stateowned assets.

The complaint surfaces just as Government appears to be wrapping up negotiations with a Michael Lee Chin-led group for the sale of Wallenford, which grows and processes coffee from the Blue Mountain and high mountain regions on the island.

The London-based company, which asked not to be identified, has raised questions about the divestment process being led by the DBJ, which the company believes has not given its investment group a fair shot at acquiring the assets.

While acknowledging that its purchase offer was sent after the DBJ’s period for accepting bids had expired, the company questioned the time being allowed for negotiations with the Lee Chin group, arguing that it has been too protracted and has not allowed for consideration of a potentially higher-valued proposition.

It is unclear how much money the Lee Chin consortium offered Government to acquire the Wallenford assets. But negotiations between the two parties have been ongoing since around June last year, with the

issue of incentives said to be the final hurdle before the offer is presented to Cabinet for approval.

“At what point do they decide that enough is enough?

When do they draw the line?” argued a spokesperson for the British company who wished to remain anonymous.

The company provided the Business Observer with written correspondence between itself and the DBJ, starting with its initial expression of interest dated September 21, 2012, about three months after negotiations between the development bank and the Lee Chin group began.

In the expression of interest, the company said it was putting forward an initial offer of US$21 million to purchase the entire share capital of Wallenford Coffee Company subject to the completion of a detailed due diligence excercise.

The firm described itself as a group with a “strong history of property regeneration and planning in the UK” and said that it had assembled an international team to undertake the Wallenford acquisition, including an international bank and an international agricultural company.

The company said its international agricultural partner has a “global reputation for enhancing yields and production of food stuffs in large farm estates

LONDON - CMC – Police shot and killed the 40-year-old brother of the St Kitts-born world champion athlete, Kim Collins, after they were called to a housing project where his estranged wife was found stabbed.

Police said that the wife of Callustus Collins, who is recuperating in a London hospital, had taken a

restraining order out on her husband. No other details were released.

Media reports said that Kim Collins, who won the World Championship 100 metres title in 2003, was due to go head-to-head with British sprinter Dwain Chambers over 60m at the British International meeting in Glasgow Saturday.

Police kill brother of sprinter Kim Collins

T&T police shoot and kill main suspects in double murder PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC - Police said they have fatally shot two men believed to be the main suspects in the double murder of a couple, shot and killed Tuesday while they slept at their home in Morvant, along the east west corridor.

Police said that Marlon Raymond, 22, and his girlfriend, Cherisse Charles, 20, were shot several times as they slept and the two suspects in the murder had

been shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officials.

The men were identified as Michael Stapleton and Eddie Boone and police said after searching their homes one Israeli-made Uzi submachine gun, a .38 revolver, masks, gloves, and camouflage clothing were found.

Since the start of the year, 27 people have been murdered in Trinidad.

across Latin America and Europe and has the expertise and scale to substantially improve production, shipping and end user marketing of a quality product like Blue Mountain Coffee.”

But in a response to the offer, the DBJ’s general manager of privatisation services, Denise Arana noted that bids from prospective purchasers were due on

November 11, 2011 and that the Government of Jamaica was actively negotiating with the preffered bidder — Lee Chin’s group — and therefore was unable to consider any new offers at the time.

Negotiations with the preffered bidder from the initial tender process had to be exhausted before any new offers could be considered, Arana said.

Wallenford processes both the Jamaica Blue Mountain and high mountain brands of coffee products

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Thursday January 24, 2013

Defiant Clinton: US strengthening embassy security WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, at times emotional and fierce, insisted yesterday that the department is moving swiftly and aggressively to strengthen security at U.S. missions worldwide after the deadly Sept. 11 raid on the consulate in Libya.

In her last formal testimony on Capitol Hill as America’s top diplomat — but perhaps not her last time on the political stage — Clinton once again took full responsibility for the department’s missteps leading up to an assault at the U.S. facility in Benghazi, Libya, that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.

Her voice cracking at one point, Clinton said the experience was highly personal.

“I stood next to President Obama as the Marines carried those flag-draped caskets off the plane at Andrews. I put my arms around the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters,” she told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at a jam-packed

hearing. Her voice rising to Republicans’ challenges at another point, she defended the Obama administration and U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, who was vilified for widely debunked claims five days after the attack that protests precipitated the raid rather than terrorism. She challenged the GOP focus on Rice’s comments, which were based on intelligence talking points.

“The fact is we had four dead Americans. Was it because of a protest? Or was it because of guys out for a walk one night who decided they’d go kill some Americans? What difference, at this point, does it make?” a clearly exasperated and angry Clinton told Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis. “It is our job to figure out what happened and do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening again, senator.”

She insisted that “people were trying in real time to get to the best information,” and that her focus was on looking ahead on how to improve security rather than revisiting the talking points and Rice’s television appearance.

Clinton said the

bureaus of the State Department” and four employees were put on administrative leave.

“Nobody is more committed to getting this right,” she said. “I am determined to leave the State Department and our country safer, stronger, and more secure.”

Three weeks after her release from a New York hospital, Clinton was at times

defiant, complimentary and willing to chastise lawmakers.

She tangled with some who could be rivals in 2016 if she decides to seek the presidency again.

She will appear before the committee on Thursday to introduce her likely successor, Sen. John Kerry, DMass., a session certain to be more reserved.

Clinton refused to back down from withering GOP criticism of the Obama administration’s shifting explanations about the assault.

Sen. John McCain, RAriz., a Clinton friend in the Senate, offered praise along with harsh complaints.

“It’s wonderful to see you in good health and combative as ever,” McCain told a visibly slimmer Clinton, whose planned testimony last month was delayed because of her illness.

In the same breath, he dismissed her explanation of events, the administration’s response to warnings about the deteriorating security situation in Libya and even the attention paid to Libya after rebels toppled strongman Moammar Gadhafi.

For her part, Clinton complained about the congressional holds placed on foreign aid and bilateral assistance. “We have to get our act together,” she told the panel.

Her testimony focused not only on the attack but the growing threat from extremists in northern Africa, pointing out that Libya was not an isolated incident.

“The Arab revolutions have scrambled power dynamics and shattered security forces across the region,” she said. “And instability in Mali has created an expanding safe haven for terrorists who look to extend their influence and plot further attacks of the kind we saw just last week in Algeria.”

She said the Obama administration is pressing for a greater understanding of the hostage-taking there and rescue effort that left three Americans dead.

Clinton parried tough questions from Republicans, offering a detailed timeline of events on Sept. 11 and the Obama administration efforts to aid the Americans in Libya while simultaneously dealing with protests in Cairo and other countries.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A suicide bomber disguised as a mourner killed at least 22 people inside an Iraqi Shi’ite Muslim mosque yesterday when he set off his explosives in the middle of a crowded funeral.

The latest of four suicide attacks in a week came as Shi’ite Prime Minister Nuri alMaliki faces mounting pressure from mass Sunni protests that threaten to return Iraq to the scale of sectarian violence that killed thousands in 2006-2007.

Dressed in a suit, the bomber mingled with

mourners before detonating the blast at the Saif al Shuhada, Sword of the Martyrs, mosque in Tuz Khurmato city at a ceremony for a Shi’ite ethnic Turkman, police and witnesses said.

“I was sitting in the seats at the back when all of sudden I heard the sound of a huge explosion. Thank God I was behind because people in front of me saved me with their bodies,” said Abbas Qadir Mohammed, 35, one of the wounded.

Panicked survivors packed the injured and dead wrapped in carpets into trucks

and cars to rush them to hospital in the religiously and ethnically mixed city 170 km (105 miles) north of the capital Baghdad.

Rigot Mohammed, an Iraqi army spokesman, said at least 22 people were killed and more than 50 wounded in the blast.

No one claimed responsibility, but al Qaeda’s local wing, Islamic State of Iraq, often targets Shi’ite Muslim pilgrims and sites to try to trigger widespread Sunni-Shi’ite confrontation in Iraq a year after the last American troops withdrew.

BEIJING (Reuters) - A Japanese envoy carrying a letter from new prime minister Shinzo Abe told his Chinese hosts yesterday that Japan wants to improve bilateral ties, strained by a dispute over a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. A spokesman for Natsuo Yamaguchi, head of New Komeito, the junior partner in Japan’s ruling coalition, would not disclose the letter’s contents nor say explicitly who it was for.

But he told Tang Jiaxuan, a

former Chinese foreign minister and head of the China-Japan Friendship Association, Yamaguchi had high hopes for the visit.

“He said that Prime Minister Abe hopes strongly to improve Japan-China relations, and hopes for peace between the countries and in the region.

Japan and China have a strategic relationship and he is looking at the big picture,” New Komeito lawmaker, Makoto Nishida, told reporters in Beijing after the meeting.

Tensions over the islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have flared in recent months, one of several maritime territorial disputes involving China that have worsened as Washington seeks to shift its security focus to Asia.

“If we move in the same direction together, the challenges will become opportunities. We are looking for a win-win relationship.

This is important to China,” Nishida paraphrased Tang as saying.

Associated Press/Pablo Martinez Monsivais - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton pounds her fist as she testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, yesterday, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) department is implementing the 29 recommendations of an independent review board that harshly criticized the department as well as going above and beyond the proposals, with a special focus on high-threat posts.

The review board report faulted “systematic failures and leadership and management deficiencies at senior levels within two

Suicide bomber kills 22 at Iraqi Shi’ite mosque

Japan envoy says new PM wants to improve China ties

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Cameron promises Britons contentious vote on EU future

David Cameron LONDON (Reuters) Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday promised Britons a vote on whether the country should stay in the European Union or leave, rattling London’s biggest allies and some investors by raising the prospect of uncertainty and upheaval.

Cameron announced the referendum would be held by the end of 2017, provided he wins the next election, and said that while Britain did not want to retreat from the world, public disillusionment with the EU was at “an all-time high”.

“It is time for the British people to have their say. It is time for us to settle this question about Britain and Europe,” Cameron said in a speech, adding that his Conservative party would campaign for the 2015 election on a promise to renegotiate the terms of Britain’s EU membership.

“When we have negotiated that new settlement, we will give the British people a referendum with a very simple in or out choice to stay in the European Union on these new terms; or come out altogether. It will be an in-out referendum.”

A referendum would mark the second time Britons have voted on the issue. In 1975, they decided by a wide margin to stay in the EU’s predecessor, two years after

the country had joined.

Domestically, Cameron stands on relatively firm ground. Most recent opinion polls have shown a slim majority would vote to leave the EU amid often bitter disenchantment about its influence on the British way of life. However, a poll this week showed a majority wanted to stay.

Cameron’s position is fraught with uncertainty. He must come from behind to win the next election, secure support from the EU’s 26 other states for a new British role, and hope those countries can persuade their voters to back the changes.

Critics say that in the long run-up to a vote, Britain would slip into a dangerous and damaging limbo that could leave the country adrift or pushed out of the EU. The United States, a close ally, is also uneasy about the plan, believing it will dilute Britain’s international clout.

President Barack Obama told Cameron by phone last week that Washington valued “a strong UK in a strong European Union”.

Some of Britain’s European partners were also anxious and told Cameron yesterday his strategy reflected a selfish and ignorant attitude. However, Angela Merkel, the leader of EU paymaster Germany, was quick to say she was ready to discuss Cameron’s ideas.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius was less diplomatic, quipping: “If Britain wants to leave Europe we will roll out the red carpet for you,” echoing Cameron, who once used the same words to invite rich Frenchmen alienated by high taxes to move to Britain.

Billed by commentators as the most important speech of Cameron’s career, his referendum promise ties him firmly to an issue that has bedeviled a generation of Conservative leaders.

In the past, he has been careful to avoid bruising

partisan fights over Europe, an issue that undid the last two Conservative prime ministers, John Major and Margaret Thatcher.

His speech appeared to pacify a powerful Eurosceptic wing inside his own party, but deepen rifts with the Liberal Democrats, the junior partners in his coalition. Their leader, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, said the plan would undermine a fragile economic recovery.

Sterling fell to its lowest in nearly five months against the dollar on Wednesday as Cameron was speaking.

Cameron said he would seek to claw back powers from Brussels, saying later in parliament that when it came to employment, social and environmental legislation “Europe has gone far too far”.

But such a claw back - the

subject of an internal audit to identify which powers he should target for repatriation - is likely to be easier said than done.

If Cameron wins the election but then fails to renegotiate Britain’s membership of the EU, a ‘Brexit’ could loom.

Business leaders have warned that years of doubt over Britain’s EU membership would damage the $2.5 trillion economy and cool the investment climate.

“Having a referendum creates more uncertainty and we don’t need that,” Martin Sorrell, chief executive of advertising giant WPP, told the World Economic Forum in Davos. “This is a political decision. This is not an economic decision. This isn’t good news. You added another reason why people will postpone investment decisions.”

Cameron has been

pushed into taking such a strong position partly by the rise of the UK Independence Party, which favors complete withdrawal from the EU and has climbed to third in the opinion polls, mainly at the expense of the Conservatives.

“All he’s trying to do is to kick the can down the road and to try and get UKIP off his back,” said UKIP leader Nigel Farage.

Eurosceptics in Cameron’s party, who have threatened to stir up trouble for the premier, were thrilled by the speech.

Conservative lawmaker Peter Bone called it “a terrific victory” that would unify 98 percent of the party. “He’s the first prime minister to say he wants to bring back powers from Brussels,” Bone told Reuters. “It’s pretty powerful stuff”.

Whether Cameron holds the referendum remains as uncertain as the Conservatives’ chances of winning the election. They trail the opposition Labour party in opinion polls, and the coalition is grappling with a stagnating economy as it pushes through unpopular public spending cuts to reduce a large budget deficit.

Labour leader Ed Miliband said on Wednesday his party did not want an in/ out referendum.

Cameron said he would campaign for Britain to stay in the EU “with all my heart and soul”, provided he secured the reforms he wants.

He made clear the EU must become less bureaucratic and focus more on trade deals. It was riskier to maintain the status quo than to change, he said.

Israeli PM Netanyahu scrambles to keep his job JERUSALEM (AP) — A weakened Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrambled yesterday to keep his job by extending his hand to a new centrist party that advocates a more earnest push on peacemaking with the Palestinians and whose surprisingly strong showing broadsided him with a stunning election deadlock.

The results defied forecasts that Israel’s next government would veer sharply to the right at a time when the country faces mounting international isolation, growing economic problems and regional turbulence. While that opens the door to unexpected movement on peace efforts, a coalition joining parties with dramatically divergent views on peacemaking, the economy and the military draft could just as easily be headed for gridlock — and perhaps a short life.

With nearly all votes counted, Netanyahu’s hawkish bloc and rival centrists and leftists each commanded 60 of

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a statement at his office in Jerusalem, yesterday. (AP Photo/Darren Whiteside, Pool) parliament’s 120 seats.

Netanyahu, who called early elections three months ago expecting easy victory, is likely to be tapped to form the next government because his Likud-Yisrael Beitenu alliance is the largest single bloc in parliament, while his rivals include 12 seats from Arab parties that are traditionally excluded from coalition

building.

Netanyahu said the election outcome proved “the Israeli public wants me to continue leading the country” and put together “as broad a coalition as possible” to achieve three major domestic policy goals: bring ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the military, provide affordable housing and

change the system of government, now hostage to a fragmented multiparty system that often gives smaller coalition partners outsize strength.

He later alluded to peacemaking, but only obliquely so, when he added that coalition talks would also focus on “security and diplomatic responsibility.” He took no questions from reporters and strode immediately out of the room after delivering his statement.

His remarks seemed to be an overture to political newcomer Yesh Atid, or There is a Future, party, which turned pre-election forecasts on their heads and dealt Netanyahu such a sharp political blow.

Yesh Atid’s leader, Yair Lapid, has said he would only join a government committed to sweeping economic changes and an overhaul of the system of government.

He also called for a serious effort to resume stalled peace talks with the Palestinians, but his main focus is on economic and social issues.

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

Russia holds out olive branch Syrian civil war to U.S., but chides West devastates farming: U.N. ROME/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria’s 22-month civil war has ravaged vital infrastructure and halved the output of staple crops, the United Nations said yesterday, underscoring the lasting damage from which the country will take years to recover.

What began as a peaceful protest movement against President Bashar al-Assad has killed more than 60,000 people, devastated the economy and left 2.5 million people hungry.

Prospects of a negotiated peace have receded as the war becomes more overtly sectarian, making Western powers more wary of supporting the largely Sunni Muslim, and increasingly radicalized, rebellion.

Human Rights Watch yesterday pointed to the burning and looting of religious sites of minorities in recent months that suggested an escalation of sectarian strife.

As fighting raged throughout the country, Assad’s most powerful foreign backer Russia said the war would not be resolved peacefully as long as rebels insist on his overthrow.

Detailing the damage from the longest and deadliest of the Arab uprisings, the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said wheat and barley production in Syria had dropped to 2 million tonnes in 2012 from 44.5 million tonnes in normal years.

Agriculture is vital to the economy, accounting for roughly a fifth of gross domestic product before the war.

A U.N. assessment in Syria this month, coordinated with both Syria’s government and the opposition, found the conflict was destroying infrastructure and irrigation systems and that insecurity and fuel shortages were making it harder for farmers to harvest crops.

The devastation to farming could push the government to spend more money on food imports, further straining the resources of a country that officials said was self-sufficient in wheat before the conflict.

“The mission was struck by the plight of the Syrian people whose capacity to cope is dramatically eroded by 22 months of crisis,” Dominique Burgeon, director of FAO’s Emergency and Rehabilitation Division, said in a statement.

“Destruction of infrastructure in all sectors is massive and it is clear that the longer the conflict lasts, the longer it will take to rehabilitate it,” he said.

Power cuts and fuel shortages have become part of daily life and residents of central Damascus, which had been spared the worst fallout of the war, say basic services are breaking down.

Drivers in Damascus said there had been no petrol in the capital for two days.

A black market for fuel has

developed in which traders charge roughly 20 percent more than government prices, residents said. Some also reported food shortages in the city center.

Severe shortages have also hit other parts of Syria, especially rebel-held areas subjected to daily bombardment by government artillery and warplanes.

Assad and his family, who have ruled the country for more than four decades, belong to the minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam. Syria is also home to Christians, Ismailis, Druze and other minorities.

New York-based Human Rights Watch pointed to a video published online in December that showed rebels waving assault rifles and cheering as a Shi’ite place of worship in the northern village of Zarzour burned in the background.

In the video, which Reuters cannot independently verify, one man announces the “destruction of the dens of the Shi’ites and Rafida”, a derogatory term used to describe Shi’ites.

Rebels also clashed with Kurdish People’s Defence Units in the northern border town of Ras al-Ain on Wednesday, a monitoring group said.

Fighting there has killed more than 56 people over the last week as insurgents brought in heavy weapons including tanks and mortars to attack the Kurdish militants, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia held out an olive branch to the United States yesterday by calling for an improvement in ties, but chided Washington over “odious” human rights legislation and denounced Western policy on Syria.

Setting out Russia’s policy agenda for 2013 at an annual news conference, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made clear that improving relations with Washington was part of Moscow’s vision for strengthening its influence on the world stage.

“On issues where we have disagreements, we can look for ways to prevent these problems making the whole atmosphere worse and stopping us cooperating,” he said, reiterating a hope that U.S. President Barack Obama would accept an invitation for a summit with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow this year.

However, he signaled no change in Russia’s stance on Syria, where Moscow is President Bashar al-Assad’s main protector.

Criticizing the West on several fronts, he made clear Russia would be resolute in its defense of national interests.

“Russian-U.S. relations are going through far from the best of times,” said Lavrov, a 62-year-old veteran diplomat who has won a reputation as a tough negotiator since becoming foreign minister in 2004.

He described U.S.

Sergei Lavrov legislation enacted last month to punish Russians suspected of human rights abuses as odious, and criticized a U.S. judge’s recent ruling in a dispute over a collection of Jewish writings held in Russia.

But he made clear he wanted to draw a line under the dispute over the Magnitsky Act, to which Russia responded by approving similar legislation against U.S. citizens and banning Americans from adopting Russian orphans.

He underlined the need for “stable, mutually beneficial

cooperation”, particularly in investment and trade.

Obama has not responded to Russia’s invitation to meet Putin in Moscow and diplomats say he is likely to agree to hold a full summit only if he thinks progress can be made there.

Ties between the two former Cold war enemies improved after Obama sought a “reset” in relations four years ago but have worsened again since then, particularly as Putin implemented what the United States saw as a crackdown on opponents.

Washington and Moscow, which are both nuclear powers, also differ over the development of a missile defense system on Russia’s doorstep in eastern Europe and over the conflict in Syria. Moscow has blocked three U.N. Security Council resolutions intended to force Assad out of power or press him to end the bloodshed, and shows no sign of changing its position.

Lavrov said Moscow was talking to all sides in the conflict and making a genuine effort to end it, but implied its Western partners were less committed to finding a solution.

Editor gets 10 years in jail for Thai royal insult BANGKOK (AP) — A prominent Thai activist and magazine editor was sentenced to a decade in prison yesterday for defaming Thailand’s monarchy, a verdict rights groups condemned as the latest affront to freedom of expression in the Southeast Asian country.

Somyot Pruksakasemsuk was convicted of publishing two articles in an antiestablishment magazine that made negative references to the crown.

The verdict came despite repeated calls by rights groups to free Somyot, who has been jailed since 2011. It also underscored the harsh nature of Thailand’s lese majeste laws, which critics say have frequently been used by politicians to silence rivals.

The articles were published under a pseudonym in Somyot’s now-defunct Voice of Taksin magazine, which he launched in 2009 to compile political news and anti-establishment articles from writers and contributors.

Judges found both articles included content that defamed the royal family and

argued that Somyot, as a veteran editor, was aware of that. The court handed down two five-year jail terms — one for each story.

Somyot “should have better judgment than ordinary journalists. He must have understood that the articles contained lese majeste content, but chose to publish them anyway,” one of judges said in the ruling.

Somyot said he would appeal the verdict but would not seek a royal pardon.

Navi Pillay, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, said the harsh sentence “sends the wrong signals on freedom of expression in Thailand.”

“The court’s decision is the latest indication of a disturbing trend in which lese majesty charges are used for political purposes,” she said in a statement.

Pillay said she was also concerned about the length of Somyot’s pre-trial detention, the denial of his 12 bail requests, and his appearance in court in shackles.

“People exercising freedom of expression should not be punished in the first place,” she said.

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY The People’s Progressive Party extends best wishes to all Guyanese and to the Muslim Community in particular on the occasion of Youman Nabi.

This anniversary is taking place at a time when our country is struggling to consolidate democracy and expand social justice.

In this regard we can take the lesson from the life of the Prophet who also led many struggles for justice, peace and equality.

Today, as we observe Youman Nabi, we must rededicate ourselves to these great human ideals.

We must also remember to give solidarity to those struggling against oppression everywhere especially in the Middle East and other places rocked by upheavals where people are fighting for justice and dignity.

Once again best wishes to all on the occasion of Youman Nabi.

GUYANA UNITED SADR ISLAMIC ANJUMAN The Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA) takes the opportunity to extend to our Muslim Community and the Guyanese Nation, greetings on the occasion of Eid-Milad-unNabi or Youman Nabi.

This day, which observes the advent of God’s best creation, the Prophet Muhammad (SAS), is a day which must fill the hearts of mankind with great joy. He was the person who translated in his life, qualities that are associated with great character.

Generations of nations are preserved by his teachings.

They experienced progress in their affairs to the extent that indelible footprint of the past and guidance of the future permeates the history of mankind.

The establishment of progressive nations and successful people are results of adherence to the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (SAS), the final Prophet of God to mankind.

Muhammad (SAS) as a Prophet of God, leader of a great nation of which reaches over one billion followers today, lived a simply yet

distinguished life.

We join with Muslims throughout the world to remind all of the eminence and virtues of this great but honorable leader of mankind and to echo the feelings of love, dedication and commitment to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAS).

In this age of political instability, ethnic and racial violence, greed, materialism and uncertainties, the teachings of this great Prophet must be explored more carefully.

We will have to extract the ingredients of nation building, religious and spiritual codes and appropriate moral, social and economic disciplines to establish strong progressive nations populated with citizens who are cognizant of their duty first to God, the Creator and to fellow occupants of this earth.

We join to express joy and goodness on this special occasion of Eid Milad-unNabi (Youman Nabi) and to pray for continued personal spiritual growth from the life of Prophet Mohammad (SAS), the final Prophet of God to all mankind.

FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT TRADE UNIONS OF GUYANA (FITUG) As Muslims around the world observe their founder and Prophet’s birth – Youman Nabi – the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) joins Islam’s Guyanese followers in celebrating the arrival of one of mankind’s shapers of history and spirituality.

Youman Nabi’s son, the Prophet was to live and establish a global and universal religious movement now embraced by millions of mankind. On this Youman Nabi birth anniversary, FITUG joins in reflecting on those teachings of the Prophet having to do with peace, racial tolerance and wealth.

Reportedly, the Prophet taught that “we are all one

and the difference in our complexion, language and culture is only a sign from Allah and a means of knowing one another”.

FITUG is certain that the Prophet would want his followers and all of humankind to behave in ways which stress all that is positive in all human beings.

From racial prejudice to the use of wealth Prophet utilised all his faculties – from birth to death – to teach messages of tolerance and co-existence – so necessary in today’s Guyana.

May Youman Nabi inspire reflection and consequent demonstrations of the founder ’s teaching for Guyana and the world around us.

FIRST LADY, DEOLATCHMEE RAMOTAR I extend heartfelt greetings to all Guyanese and especially to our Muslim brothers and sisters on this the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. It is my fervent hope that the observances for Youman Nabi will this year contribute to a greater appreciation of the exemplary life of the Holy Prophet and a deeper understanding of his teachings and their relevance towards overcoming the many difficulties that afflict human societies.

The Prophet himself encouraged greater understanding amongst peoples as the noblest path to peace and reconciliation.

Today as we look around

our society, we see that there are many fractures in relationships both inside and outside of the home.

However, with a sincere effort at promoting greater understanding between disputing parties, it is possible to mend these fissures thereby reducing conflict and violence.

Therefore, as we join with our Muslim brothers and sisters in observing the birth of the Prophet, may we all continue to draw inspiration from his admirable life! And may his teachings help to further the goal of promoting harmony and peace within our country.

Happy Youman Nabi to all!

ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE The Alliance For Change greets all Guyanese, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Mawlid Al Nabi or Youman Nabi.

This observance to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad is an occasion of great solemnity and celebration for it was to the Prophet that the Holy Quran was revealed.

All Guyanese, regardless of their religion can learn much from the life of the Prophet.

His examples of caring for those less fortunate; of mercy and forgiveness; of duty to one’s country, to humanity, to widows and orphans; of respect for self and others, these are lessons from which we can all benefit and which we can all emulate.

Today, G u y a n a i s besieged by inhumanity; l a w l e s s n e s s ; discrimination that keep many of our citizens poor, weak and helpless and victimization of persons bold enough to speak out against these atrocities.

These are the scourges of society that Prophet Muhammad fought against

and he sought to bring about change that would result in a more just and equitable society.

As we observe Youman Nabi 2013, let us commit to do what is within our capacity to ensure a better Guyana for all.

Page 25

GUYANA AGRICULTURE AND GENERAL WORKERS UNION (GAWU) It is now beyond repute – and dispute – that the Islamic Prophet is one of mankind’s most seminal and life changing figures contributed to this world as we know it.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) salutes Guyana’s Muslim community, including hundreds of its own members, on the occasion of the birth of their Prophet – Youman Nabi.

The celebration of a birth is always tinged with joy of hope, new beginnings, fresh starts and the advent of things to come. However, it is what actually transpires after a birth – that period until death – that we must concern ourselves with.

The history of the Prophet’s birthday is traced to around AD 570. First observed during the13th century, the earliest Muslims used up one whole month to do this.

GAWU embraces the teachings of the Prophet (OWBP) with respect to the

search for personal and universal peace. Recent conflicts illustrate that even the powerful cannot win hearts and minds cannot change people’s preferences with the force of guns and bombs.

As the Prophet teaches, humility and peaceful engagement is the way to understanding and mutual respect. If there is one precept the followers of Islam can perpetuate, it is the pathway to peace.

GAWU invites Guyanese Muslims to both disseminate and implement messages and techniques of peace. If peace is promoted and achieved – from the political and constitutional to the local and national – everything else our society needs can fall into place – increased production, security, investment, and national well-being.

May the celebration and worship on this glorious birth anniversary be used to engender and maintain Guyanese peace.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Govt. defends sole-sourcing of drugs from New GPC Government is looking to continue sole-sourcing billions of dollars in medical drugs from the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC), with the Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon seeking to justify why.

In recent years, the procurement of drugs by Government has come under

intense scrutiny with New GPC at the center of criticisms.

Luncheon yesterday said that the government is not convinced that its practice of handing billions of dollars in drug supply contracts to New GPC represents solesourcing, even if no one else is involved in bidding for the contracts.

He said that what the

Man gets 18 months jail for stabbing rival A 33-year-old father of one will spend the next 18 months in jail because he admitted to unlawfully and maliciously wounding another.

Trevor Paul, a machine operator, told the court on Tuesday, that he is guilty of stabbing Travis Eastman in the back.

The incident reportedly arose from a domestic issue.

The defendant told the court that he and the plaintiff have “de same child mother” and as such there has been an ongoing grudge between the two.

However, Paul claimed that he stabbed Eastman in an attempt to prevent him from further harassing the mother of his child. “I don’t live deh but dis man always harassing me child mother

and ah warn he but he ain’t hear. He try to kick down the door wheh she live. He pull out a knife and I tek it away from he and stab he”.

Eastman’s side of the story differed. Eastman said that he went to the woman’s home to borrow a bag when the defendant charged at him with a knife. Eastman said that he turned to exit the yard when Paul stabbed him in his left shoulder.

The man claimed that he was also punched in the face.

After listening to both persons Magistrate Judy Latchman handed down her sentence. Paul broke into tears and begged for “a small sentence.” He had to be compelled by police ranks to leave the courtroom.

government has been doing is not “conventional” single sourcing, where everyone else is excluded.

According to Luncheon, at no time are pharmaceuticals procured without the procurement agency knowing what the competitive price for the items is.

So, Luncheon indicated that anytime a local provider is “selected” that provider’s submission has to be

competitive in relation to international providers that actually provide drugs to Guyana and other developing countries. The agency he referred to is the IDA Foundation, the world’s leading not-for-profit supplier of affordable pharmaceutical products.

“So you have to get a competitive price better than IDA for you to get an award.

If IDA offers these drugs at prices better than the bids

submitted by national entity we are obligated on the basis of our pricing policy…to go with the IDA,” Luncheon stated. He said this is what makes the procurement of medical drugs from New GPC not sole sourcing. He said that matter of comparing prices is a “competitive component of the procurement process.”

The single source method for the procurement of goods is set out in Section 28 of the

Procurement Act 2003.

For single sourcing to take place it must be a case where the goods are available only from a particular supplier or contractor, or a particular supplier or contractor has exclusive rights with respect to the goods and no reasonable alternative or substitute exists.

Luncheon could not say when an independent national procurement commission would come into being.

Granger calls for halt to mining in contentious Amerindian titled lands Leader of the Opposition, Brig (ret’d) David Granger has expressed concerns about the ongoing mining issue plaguing members of the various Amerindians villages in the country.

Granger, the leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), in light of the protest action, has called on the government to halt the issuance of concessions to persons mining in Amerindian titled areas.

Granger told media operatives that the government should also halt any mining works ongoing in the affected Amerindian villages, even as he expressed solidarity with the

nation’s first people.

Granger, during his meeting with villagers who picketed the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, yesterday, said that the nation’s first people should not be treated as second class citizens. He said that in all the regions he visited, the villagers have expressed great concern over their lands as they take great priority in ensuring its protection.

The issue, he said, was not about the Low Carbon Strategy or a single miner, but with the concerns of Amerindians in relation to the lands being a part of their way of life. In relation to the High Court ruling against the

Amerindian village of Isseneru, Granger said that government needs to go back to the drawing board to make the necessary amendments as the law gives the powers to the Amerindian Affairs Minister and not the people.

He said that the ruling is an insult to all the things that the people have been striving for. He said that because of mining the Amerindians have suffered greatly.

“We know there is a gold rush on but at the same time we need to have a responsible Administration, responsible legislation and the government should come out in support of the Amerindian people.”

Granger charged that more power must be given to Amerindians since they are the ones who are impacted by mining. Because of the gold rush, Granger said in parts of the upper Mazaruni miners are penetrating places that have never been touched before.

While gold mining is making some fabulously rich, Granger said the Amerindian people are suffering.

While the Amerindia n people appeal the ruling of the High Court judge, Granger said mining in these areas should be halted and moves should be made to address the legislation.

Thursday January 24, 2013

DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55 hrs. Sign On 09:00 hrs. GMA 10:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 11:00 hrs. The Ricki Lake Show 12:00 hrs. The View 13:00 hrs. Prime News 13:30 hrs. The Young and the Restless 14:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 15:00 hrs. The Talk 16:00 hrs. Steve Harvey 17:00 hrs. The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 hrs. World News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 24, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your motivation to explore new territory is countered by feelings of emotional selfrestraint today. Your inner voice reminds you to be sensitive to other people’s needs over your own.

However, all the cautionary advice in the world may not prevent you from acting on a brilliant breakthrough now if you have the chance.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may save the day by creating the ultimate plan that everyone has been waiting for from someone else. Ironically, your contribution might come at the very last minute.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You are flying at top speed yet you still feel something pulling you down today. The experience of dragging an anchor might be connected with an unpleasant memory that raises issues of self-doubt.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You want to express your needs in no uncertain terms today, and you expect others to sit up and take notice.

There might even be a special someone you hope to impress, prompting you to do something impulsive that is completely out of character.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You want to help others now, but you prefer to do it sight unseen with the Moon visiting your 12th House of Secrets.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) There’s no reason to take responsibility for anyone else’s crazy behavior. If someone at work does something that catches you off guard today, just try to take it all in stride.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your focus is being redirected toward others now while the Sun sextiles unpredictable Uranus in your 7th House of Relationships.

You probably don’t mind a bit of anonymity, but it may be time to examine your insecurities if you’re having trouble with a lack of attention.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You might feel stuck by your previous commitments and there isn’t an easy way out now. You are willing to resign yourself to do what you said you would, even if you’re uncomfortable with the situation that has developed.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) It may be difficult to fit into the standard box of a traditional relationship now as you’re pulled into your own world of unique feelings. Don’t be too self-judgmental because you have something very special to offer, and anyone close to you probably already knows this.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The moody Cancer Moon in your 7th House of Partners places you in direct touch with your feelings by attracting highly emotional people into your orbit today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You might be afraid that you’re headed for a major conflict now, when everything suddenly improves. Don’t try to control anyone’s behavior because your fear of a negative outcome could actually bring it into manifestation.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may be entirely safe jumping into the unknown today as long as you believe that everything will work out fine. Fortunately, you will likely have all the support you need now if you don’t lose sight of what’s most critical.

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Page 29

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Guides are subjected to change without notice

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 31

MAYOR GREEN 7-A-SIDE INTER WARD FOOTBALL FINALS SET FOR TODAY AT DEN AMSTEL Keen competition will be the order of the day today when the Mayor Hamilton Green 78th Birth Anniversary 7-a-side Inter Ward knockout Football tournament concludes at Den Amstel ground on the West Coast of Demerara starting from 18:00hrs.

Several West Demerara teams are into the latter stages and home fans are expected to come out in their numbers to root for their teams. Several

home grown and good players will also be on show during the action.

They will be led by Ashley Harding of Goed Fortuin, Uitvlugt’s Jamaal Harvey, Owen McGarrell of St e w a r t v i l l e a n d A n d r e Hector representing Den Amstel.

Harvey, Hector and Harding are Under-20 national players and bring a higher level to the contest that the fans have enjoyed and will

SURESH RAINA...

From page 40 caught behind, while Rohit Sharma was struggling against Finn.

However, the early pressure did not bring enough wickets and India started to take control once the expensive Jade Dernbach (1-59 from 9.3 overs) was brought into the attack.

James Tredwell removed both Virat Kohli and Singh to leave India 90-3, but Rohit Sharma took the momentum

away from England with some dashing strokeplay.

He was eventually trapped in front by Finn, but Raina stepped up to steer India to their target with his 79-ball knock.

The fifth and final match of the series will be played in Dharamsala on Sunday.

Scores: India 258 for 5 (Raina 89*, Rohit 83) beat England 257 for 7 (Cook 76, Pietersen 76, Root 57*, Jadeja 3-39) by five wickets.

look forward to today’s action.

Others on show include Anthony Harding, Dellon C a d o g a n a n d Te r r e n c e Lewis.

Play this evening opens with two exhibition games featuring Sarah Lodge coming up against Pouderoyen at 18:00 hrs a n d Wa l e s t a k i n g o n Bagotville from 18:30 hrs.

Following those opening games, the quarterfinal games

Anthony Harding

Jamaal Harvey

Dellon Cadogan

will commence with Stewartville battling

Alberttown from 19:00 hrs in the first, while Goed Fortuin will clash with Newtown Kitty in the second quarterfinal game which is set for 19:30 hrs.

At 20:00 hrs Uitvlugt and Grove will collide in another quarterfinal encounter and Den Amstel will entertain Kingston at 20:30 hrs.

The winner of Quarterfinal one will play the winner of Quarterfinal 3 in the first semifinal match which will get underway from 21:00 h r s , a n d the winner of Quarterfinal two will take on the winner of Quarterfinal four in the second semi at 21:30 hrs. Crane and Jetty will come

up against each other in another exhibition game before the final which is expected to get cracking from 23:00 hrs.

The first place team will take home $200,000 and the runner up will receive $100,000.

Javid Ali of Slingerz and General Equipment are providing the lights for the evening, while Eddie Grant, Ricks and Sari, Nazar Mohamed, Odinga Lumumba, Busta, Dr Colin Watson, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton and New Thriving all chipped in with various forms of assistance.

Top Gun are Godfrey Gibbons Memorial Dominoes champs Top Gun marked 85 games to win the Godfrey Gibbons Memorial Dominoes competition which was contested recently at Coca Cabana, Belladrum, West Coast Berbice. Hot Shots placed second with 72 games and Bad Boys came third with 66 games.

Junior Fraser scored a maximum of 18 games for the winners, while Winston

Bynoe chalked 16 for the runner up team and Tim Wade 17 for Bad Boys.

Top Gun received a trophy donated by Melbourne Inn and Hot Shots collected the runner prize donated by Suresh Anichand.

The competition was organised

by Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell and Aubrey Fraser and was played in memory of the late Godfrey Gibbons.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

CONCACAF announces 2013 Gold A few super fights but promoters...

Cup Host Cities and Venues Miami The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Football Association (CONCACAF) announced yesterday (Wednesday) the 13 venues and host cities that will welcome the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup from July 7-28, 2013.

“We would like to thank all cities and venues in the United States for their interest in our Confederation’s Gold Cup and congratulate the ones that have been selected to host its 2013 edition,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb. “CONCACAF is looking forward to a successful tournament, working in close partnership with both stadium and local authorities, while expanding the reach of our competition to a larger number of fans in more locations throughout the United States.”

The region’s premier National Team tournament will again expand its footprint by visiting eight new worldclass venues in this year’s edition: Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA; M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD;

Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO; Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT; BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX; Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL; JELD-WEN Field in Portland, OR and Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City, UT. Six new Gold Cup cities are featured in this group of newcomers, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, Hartford, Portland and Salt Lake City. Houston and Miami return to host the tournament, for the 5th and 9th time consecutive time, respectively. The event will also return to five venues from its previous editions including Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX (2009, 2011); Soldier Field in Chicago, IL (2007, 2009, 2011); Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (1991, 2002, 2011); Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ (2011) and CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA (2005, 2009). Years in parenthesis denote Gold Cups at each venue.

With a mix of historic venues and brand new state of the art soccer facilities that average 57,000 spectators, the

2013 edition of the Gold Cup promises to provide fans both in stadium and at home with unforgettable atmospheres in world class venues. In 2011, the tournament drew more than 600,000 fans throughout 13 match-days, including nine sell-outs. To date, eleven of the twelve participating national teams have qualified for this year’s tournament. In alphabetical order: Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago and the United States. The final spot will be decided on Friday in the fifthplace match of the 2013 UNCAF Copa Centroamericana between Guatemala and Panama, which is being held in Costa Rica. Taking place every two years, the Gold Cup has established itself as the region’s most popular national team tournament, routinely drawing capacity crowds and millions of viewers across the region.

Featuring the best players from the confederation, the tournament includes the top 12-nations in the region.

2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Host City & Venue list (In alphabetical order by host city) HOST CITY • Atlanta • Baltimore • Chicago • Dallas • Denver • Hartford • Houston • Los Angeles • Miami • New York • Portland • Salt Lake City • Seattle

VENUE VENUE LOCATION Georgia Dome (Atlanta, GA) M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD) Soldier Field (Chicago, IL) Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX) Sports Authority Field at Mile High (Denver, CO) Rentschler Field (East Hartford, CT) BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston, TX) Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA) Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL) Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ) JELD-WEN Field (Portland, OR) Rio Tinto Stadium (Sandy, UT) CenturyLink Field (Seattle, WA)

From page 39 reduce weight to face Dharry in the lower bantamweight division, is a matter for the promoters to ventilate. The latter theory seems far-fetched when one remembers that Moore had vacated the bantamweight title after citing difficulties in maintaining the limit. Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis won the Junior Middleweight title (154 lbs) some 6 years ago and while he has not officially hung up his gloves, has inspired much speculation about his return to the ‘square jungle.’

It is imperative that GBBC officials ascertain Lewis’ intentions and if he is still in the fray, consider affixing a date for a title defense. Here again the listing does not appear glamorous with most of the contenders either retired or reluctant to seek promotion in the division.

There are several recognizable names in the division including, in proceeding order, Simeon Hardy, Howard Eastman, Iwan Azore, Gladwin Dorway, Mark Austin, Jermain King, Raul Frank, Shawn Garnett and Winston Pompey. The other contenders are Eversley Brown, Ean Blue, Patrick Boston and John Henry. If Lewis is allowed to continue hanging onto the title without an inclination to defend, the authorities must issue ultimatums.

Middleweight champion (160lbs), Edmond DeClou, won the accolade on October 29 2011 and successfully defended it on 29th June 2012.

He also won the WBC Cabofe belt on February 25 2012.

Once again, the ubiquitous, Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis, despite holding down the jnr/ middleweight division with no indication of defending, is rated at number one in this division with Howard Eastman and Simeon Hardy occupying the number 2 and 3 slots, respectively. The other contenders in progressive order are Joel Mc Rae, Raul Frank, Troy Lewis, Winston Pompey, Eversley Brown and Kelsey George. Of the list, Frank might not be interested in reentering the fray.

Kurt Bess won the cruiserweight title in April 2011 while the number one contender in this division, Shawn Corbin, clinched the more lucrative, WBC Cabofe Championship in October 2012. Cleveland Fraser, Wayne Braithwaite and Troy Ross are the contenders in that order. Andre Purlette, rated at number 5 has since hung up his gloves while the unpredictable, Leon Gilkes, resides in the cellar.

Kwesi Jones won the light/heavyweight title in March 2011 but has since been inactive following several disappointments after aborted fights. The line of contenders is not as glamorous as he may wish and would present no kind of advancement for him. Jones may count himself unlucky following the cancellation the Shawn Cox bout, initially scheduled for Friday night.

Otherwise, his choices are limited to, in succeeding order, Cleveland Fraser, James Walcott, Winston Pompey, Joel McRae and Leon Gilkes.

None of them could provide the impetus to catapult him into the world ratings.

If the ratings for the male boxers present a foreboding then the female department is more perplexing. It is doubtful whether several of these candidates are actually still active in the sport. Among those names is Alicia Marques, out of action for close to four years after the (in)famous knockout loss to Mandessa Moses, but rated at number three to the vacant welterweight title; Moses is number one while Quinda Rogers sits in the second place slot. Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil won the W.I.B.A. heavyweight title on June 5 2010 and rated below her in chronological order are Veronica Blackman, Sharon Warde, Debbie Tyson, Pauline London, Alicia Marques, Avalon Scotland and Margaret Walcott. Several of these women have not entered the ring for quite some time now, yet have clinched a rating among the top ten. This underlines the paucity of talent and does not behoove well for the distaff department.

GBBC officials have boasted of a productive year in 2012 and promised to better it in 2013. When one examines the resources available to them, the prognosis appears dire. Only time will tell if these esteemed gentlemen could fetch water with the basket they have been given, in the process enacting commendable changes in the boxing fraternity for 2013.

They need all the luck.

Commissioner Leroy Brummell Inter-Division T10 cricket tourney

HQ, B & D record wins; G face E on Friday @ Eve Leary When play in the Commissioner of Police Leroy Brummell Inter Division T10 cricket competition continued recently, there were comprehensive wins recorded by Headquarters, BDivision (Berbice) and DDivision (West Demerara).

Playing at Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Headquarters successfully chased down A-Division’s (Georgetown) total of 83-6 off their 10 overs by reaching 842 in 8 overs. For the winners, J. McCalman hit 22, F. Haniff 21 and C. Cort 20. When ADivision batted Jason Heyliger lashed 33, Moonilall Persaud grabbed 2 for 3.

F-Division (Interior) was no match for B-Division (Berbice) who blew them away by 7 wickets. Batting

Leroy Brummell first, F-Division were limited to 65-9 with Nazeem Haniff leading with 17. In reply, B-

Division posted 66-3 in 7 overs guided by Michael Newland’s game high 27. J. Blanhum took 2 for 4.

D-Division (West Demerara) were too good for C-Division (East Coast) as the former wrapped up victory by 7 wickets. C-Division were blown away for 39 in 7 overs with the top score of 12 coming from the bat of E. Davidson.

The main wrecker was Chennai Singh with 4 for 11.

In response, D-Division coasted to 40-3 in 5.1 overs; J. Holder led with 17.

Competition is set to continue tomorrow at the same venue from 13:00hrs when G-Division throws down the gauntlet to EDivision (Linden / Kwakwani).

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Hughes century helps Australia to level series (Reuters) - Phil Hughes returned to form with a century before Xavier Doherty and Moises Henriques took three wickets each to lead Australia to a series-levelling 32-run win over Sri Lanka in the final oneday cricket international on Wednesday.

Hughes struck 138 not out at Bellerive Oval but Sri Lanka were on course to overhaul Australia’s 247-5 until Doherty exploited spinfriendly conditions to dismiss three of the tourists’ top four batsmen.

Pressure from Doherty reduced Sri Lanka from 50-0 at the 10-over mark to 85-4 from 25 and the tourists never fully recovered, stumbling to 215 all out and a 2-2 draw in the five-match series.

Australia still have batting concerns despite Hughes’s second ton of the series, with David Hussey’s 34 the next highest score, but

the team showed spirit in the absence of injured captain Michael Clarke.

Australia’s recent woes, which included a disappointing 170 all out in Adelaide and a shambolic 74 all out in Brisbane, looked set to continue when the home side crawled to 62-2 from 20 overs.

Hughes, however, overcame a slow start to rediscover the fluency he showed earlier in the series with an unbeaten 154-ball innings, hitting out with particular flair after he reached his century.

“Give yourself time early and you can always catch up later,” Hughes said. “It was one of those innings today.

“I had found it quite tough but luckily enough I got a few away at the end. We had wickets in hand and that was always in the back of our mind.”

Signalling his team’s

preference to chase a target rather than set one, Sri Lanka captain Mahele Jayawardene opted to bowl first and handed the ball to Tillakaratne Dilshan for the first over.

Dilshan did not get to bowl in Sunday’s fourth match in Sydney - where Sri Lanka were on top until rain forced an abandonment - but he turned the new ball immediately.

He beat David Warner’s outside edge to bowl him for 10 and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, pushed up the order to open, was trapped lbw by man-of-the-series Nuwan Kulasekara soon after.

Australia failed even to equal their dismal series average of 71-4 at 20 overs but made the most of the wickets in hand.

Hughes had a let-off on 20 when an inside edge from Angelo Mathews rolled on to the foot of stumps but failed to dislodge the bails.

Great Diamond Martial Arts Association to represent Guyana at St. Lucia Open

Some of the students along with Sensei Lloyd Ramnarine (right) from the Great Diamond Martial Arts Association that will look to compete in the St Lucia tourney.

The Great Diamond Martial Arts Association has been invited to attend in the St. Lucia Piton Open International Martial Arts Festival called Armageddon, which will be held on the 24th of March, 2013.

The Great Diamond Martial Arts Association has been representing Guyana for a number of years; last year the Association sent Ms. Portia Schepmyer to Trinidad and Tobago who performed exceedingly well and they are hoping to send a larger

contingent to represent the country in this tournament.

The cost of one student to attend the competition in St. Lucia is approximately $90,000. The Association is

seeking the public assistance in making this trip possible.

Anyone willing to come on board can contact Master\ Instructor Lloyd Ramnarine on 6986727.

He gathered momentum from that point, adding 60 from 96 balls for the third wicket with captain George Bailey (17) and 98 from 102 with Hussey.

Hussey was run out by a direct hit from Thisara Perera after softly serving the ball back to the bowler but Glenn Maxwell and Henriques each scored at a run a ball to help Hughes keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Hughes now has two centuries from five one-day innings.

“It’s nice to get a chance in one-day cricket,” said manof-the-match Hughes, who played 20 tests before making

his 50-over bow. “It feels like it was a long time coming.”

Sri Lanka were rolling nicely with Jayawardene driving and stroking the ball with ease but the opener, in his final match as captain, holed out to Mitchell Starc off Doherty for 38.

That started a rot from 570 to 77-4. Dilshan was caught behind off Henriques for a pedestrian 48-ball 19 and Doherty got rid of Lahiru Thirimanne for one before bowling the dangerous Dinesh Chandimal (6).

Mathews and Jeevan Mendis raised hopes of an unlikely win with 74 off 53 balls after Sri Lanka had hit a

nadir of 113-5 from 35 overs but Henriques bowled Mendis for 26 and Mathews holed out off Mitchell Johnson for 67 in the next over.

The last five wickets fell for 28 runs as Sri Lanka were bowled out with nine balls remaining. Henriques finished with career-best figures of 332, while Doherty returned 321.

The teams now return to Sydney for Saturday’s first Twenty20.

Scores: Australia 5 for 247 (Hughes 138*) beat Sri Lanka 215 (Mathews 67, Doherty 3-21, Henriques 332) by 32 runs.

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

Third World looking to come first in 2013 - Trained by Guyana’s oldest groom It might be named Third World, but it is by no means a second or third class animal.

In fact Third World is another racehorse that had an exceptionally good year in 2012 running out of the Lowell Quinn Stable of Alness Corentyne, Berbice.

What is remarkable about Third World is that it is a locally bred animal and is one of the few locally bred racehorses that have been competing with a great deal of success. In fact if the Horseracing fraternity had a criteria and a system in place to decide on the champion horse Third World would be a serious contender for that accolade.

Trained by Guyana oldest active trainer and groom, 83 year old Lowell Quinn, a number of factors will play into Third World hands for it to be considered one of top horses in Guyana at the moment.

Apart from the age and experience of the trainer, the animal was reportedly able to

chalk up five victories from nine starts. That by itself is a remarkable achievement competing mainly among the three year old and H class horses. ‘ According to Quinn he has been into racing since he was a small boy and has tons of experience.

He stated that with his years in the sport, he has a few things up his sleeves that his competitors do not know about.

Unlike the other animals, Third World was bred and born right at Alness and as a locally bred horse it is really holding its own against the foreign animals, dispelling the notion that Guyana does not have good breeding stock.

Quinn said that he and his grooms led by Randolph Gray would take care of the animal, grooming it to become the champion it presently is.

It did not do much racing as a two year old, but the veteran said that he knew it would come on with a bang.

He said that he primarily

Third World (right) romping to victory in one of its races.

supervises the training making sure that all its training programmes and other schedule are in place.

The animal trains at the Port Mourant and Alness racetracks and is mostly piloted by Jockey Yap “Old Boy” Drepaul a native of

Alness. Most of its wins were achieved with Drepaul on its back.

Looking back at racing during his younger days, Quinn stated that. “In those days racing was better organised and was of a higher standard. Horses use to come from England, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica and other countries to Guyana to compete against the local horses. The Guyanese’s horses used to go overseas to compete and they would do so

successfully,” he stated.

Quinn mentioned that, “Some of the horses use to fly into the country race and fly out the same day.

Horseracing was fun and enjoyment in those days.”

The veteran horse man with over seven decades into horseracing either as a participant, spectator and trainer or owner, said that he is utterly disappointed at what passes as horses racing today.

He said that the sport is taken over by greed and indiscipline. He is hoping that

things can change and change rapidly.

Quinn stated that horseracing and cricket are his first choices and will continue to do whatever he can to assist the horseracing to get back to its glory days of the past.

As for Third World, the animal now a four year old, will be looking for another dominant performance on the track and according to Quinn all the ingredients are in place for it to be the first locally bred animal to dominate the racing circle in Guyana.

President Hunte hails undisputed kings of Caribbean T20 cricket Gros-Islet, St Lucia – President of the West Indies Cricket Board Dr. Julian Hunte said that Trinidad & Tobago have established themselves as the undisputed kings of Twenty20 cricket in the Caribbean, after their decisive victory over Guyana to take their third Caribbean T20 title.

“There can be no question as to who the kings of T20 cricket is in this part of the World,” the WICB President said.

“On behalf of the WICB, I would like to congratulate the T&T Red Force captain Denesh Ramdin, his players and support staff for their dominance and eventual triumph in this year’s CT20.

Their professionalism, planning and execution were impressive and thoroughly superior and this showed in the eventual result.”

Dr. Hunte added: “I wish to also commend the President Azim Bassarath and the Trinidad & Tobago

Cricket Board for having diligently ensured that all plans were in place for the team to be properly prepared for the tournament.

“The TTCB had long charted a development plan and we are seeing that their vision and labour are bearing fruit, and we, at the WICB level, have also embarked on a formal strategic plan and we too are beginning to see success come our way.”

Dr. Hunte said: “Through the vision and leadership of the TTCB, we have seen the emergence of a cadre of some of the best players in the World in the T20 format coming from the two-island republic, and we look forward to these players dominating in other versions and other players also coming to the fore as both T&T and West Indies cricket move from strength to strength.”

This year’s CT20 was played in Trinidad and St. Lucia. and concluded last Sunday with defending

champions T&T playing unbeaten in the tournament to retain the title, when they defeated Guyana by nine wickets.

Seven regional teams participated in the marquee WICB regional event. T&T have won the title on three of the four occasions it was played, while Guyana won the first edition in 2010.

T&T will represent the West Indies in the Champions League to be played later this year.

“We look forward to T&T representing us with pride and energy in the Champions League and they will have the full support of the WICB as usual as they move onto the World stage to compete for what is effectively a World title,” Dr. Hunte concluded.

This year’s CT20 was the final edition of the tournament.

The Caribbean Premier League, which will be launched later this year, will replace it.

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 35

HOSTS SOUTH AFRICA OVERCOME ANGOLA Siyabonga Sangweni (2nd left) is congratulated after scoring for South Africa (AP)

South African Tokelo Rantie tries to hold off Angola pair Fabricio (left) and Dede (AFP Getty Images) BBC Sport - South Africa got their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on track with a much-improved performance to secure victory against Angola in Group A. Centre-back Siyabonga Sangweni volleyed in at the far post to score Bafana Bafana’s first goal of the tournament.

The hosts, who drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opener, dominated against Angola yet lacked a cutting edge.

But South Africa got a second goal when Lehlohonolo Majoro slotted past the keeper from a tight angle. Majoro started on the bench, one of five changes to the team line-up following South Africa’s disappointing display on Saturday, and had been on the pitch for only two minutes when he scored.

Katlego Mphela was among those to be drafted in from the start, with coach Gordon Igesund hoping the striker would provide some much-needed threat up front in a team that has long been

struggling to score.

But, while the tournament hosts started with more urgency and drive, their problems in front of goal were again apparent.

Bafana Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo failed to get his head to a cross when he looked certain to score and Tokelo Rantie twice shot off target when well placed.

Mphela’s most dangerous moment was snuffed out by keeper Lama, who tipped the ball away from the striker’s feet.

Angola, meanwhile, were starved of the ball and looked horribly short of quality.

Just as Igesund started to look agitated on the touchlines, South Africa finally made the breakthrough.

Centre-back Sangweni showed the forwards how to finish as he volleyed in smartly at the far post after Angola defender Lunguinha’s header had looped into his path. It was the first goal in more than three and a half hours of

football in Group A. Angola threatened to add to the goal tally shortly after when Manucho rose to meet a corner but Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune managed to beat the ball away.

Manucho, a former Manchester United striker, was involved again moments later when he headed back across the goal only for Mateus to smash the ball high and wide.

Perhaps buoyed by those moments, Angola made an immediate attack after the break, with Mateus pulling the ball back for Guilherme Afonso, whose low, first-time strike was well held by Khune.

But when they came forward again they were left exposed at the back and, after a quick counter-attack, Dean Furman curled in a low shot that Lama did well to push around the post.

If that was a warning, the sucker punch did not take long to arrive. Majoro latched on to a ball over the top, evaded one half-hearted challenge and then

Trophy Stall WDFA U-17 for official launch on Saturday - seven teams battling for supremacy Defending champions Den Amstel Porknockers will open their quest to retain the Trophy Stall sponsored West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Under17 championship when they take on Seawall FC of Pouderoyen in the feature game on Saturday at the Den Amstel Community Centre Ground.

Home advantage will be utilized to the fullest with the home crowd expected to be out in their numbers to urge

their team on.

Opening play at 13:30hrs will feature another Pouderoyen based team, Young Achievers, coming up against Uitvlugt Warriors FC, the latter losing in the final to Den Amstel in the inaugural year of the competition, last year.

According to the WDFA, the official march past of all the competing teams will precede on field action on Saturday from 13:00hrs where representatives of the

sponsor, Trophy Stall, GFF and the host association are expected to be present. The competition kicked off on Saturday last at the same venue with Eagles Football Club registering a 1-0 win over Bagotsville / Nismes. Beavers is the other team competing.

Trophies and medals will go to the first, second and third placed teams, while individual accolades will go to the most valuable player, highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper and best coach.

embarrassed the keeper at the near post with a fairly tame shot.

South Africa had a good chance to add a third when

Bernard Parker crossed for Majoro but this time he could not provide the finish.

Angola, who have never beaten South Africa, had an

opportunity to make the last few moments uncomfortable for the hosts but Manucho twice headed straight at Khune.

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Thursday January 24, 2013

WICB tribute to outstanding umpire Andrew Weekes St John’s, Antigua – Cricket in the West Indies recently lost one of its faithful servants, as former Test umpire Andrew Weekes passed away in his native St Kitts. He was 72 years old.

An outstanding match official, educator and statesman, Weekes stood in four Tests and three One-Day Internationals. His first Test was when West Indies hosted India at the Antigua Recreation Ground in 1983

and his last assignment was when the West Indies played against England at the same venue in 1990.

He was the first person from St Kitts to become a qualified international umpire, was a former President of the St Kitts and Nevis Umpires Association, and a member of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association. He also held a senior role in the administration when Warner

Park in St Kitts hosted matches during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

Dr Julian Hunte, President of the West Indies Cricket Board, offered condolences to the friends and family of Weekes as well as the members of the regional umpiring fraternity.

“It is with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Mr Andrew Weekes. On behalf of the WICB and the cricketing

family across the West Indies I send condolences to his family and loved ones,” said Dr Hunte.

“He was one of the outstanding umpires in the Caribbean during the 1980s and early 1990s. He did some tremendous work with the development of the game in St Kitts and also was one of the leading match officials in the Shell Shield and regional limited-overs tournaments.”

Dr Hunte added: “He was

Former Test umpire Andrew Weekes a giant of a man and stood firmly to ensure that the game was played in the right spirit and all the laws and rules were adhered to. He represented all that is good about the great game of cricket.

“He loved the game and he also dedicated a lot of time and energy to educating the

people of his country.

Excellence was his hallmark.

For four decades he one of the leading educators on the island of St Kitts and helped to with the development of thousands of young lives. He was a true pioneer, ambassador and shining example for others to emulate.”

Pakistan offers insurance and security for visiting teams KARACHI (Reuters) Pakistan will offer visiting players insurance worth two million dollars each in a bid to overcome security fears and revive international cricket in the country, the chairman of the national cricket board (PCB) Zaka Ashraf said on Wednesday.

“We are taking all steps to revive international cricket here and everyone should feel proud about the efforts we have made in this regard,” Ashraf told Dawn newspaper.

The steps would include offering insurance and providing security for visiting teams, he said. “(People) are afraid that they would be subjected to a shoot-out as soon as they come out of the airport,” Ashraf said.

“There is lot of effort required to change this perception because things are definitely not so bad here.”

International cricket has been suspended in Pakistan since 2009 when militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. Six Pakistani policemen and a driver were killed and five players were wounded.

No test team has toured Pakistan since and the International Cricket Council (ICC) moved 2011 World Cup matches away from the country because of security concerns.

When a World XI played two Twenty20 exhibitions in Pakistan last October, the country supplied 5,000 police and para-military personnel to provide security.

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Over 50 entries in for Bush Lot United Turf Club horserace Meet February 3 Fireworks is anticipated as preparations have stepped up for the season opening Bush Lot United Turf Club one day horserace meet which is slated for Sunday 3rd of February at the club’s entity, Sea View Park, Bush Lot West Coast Berbice.

Over 50 horses have been entered for the day’s action which has some nine races listed and will see the animals competing for over $8.5 M in cash and trophies.

Among the horses entered so far are Score’s even, California Strike, The Message, Technology, Grande Roja, Got TO Go, Home Bush Baby, Sleeping In Town, Settle In Seattle, Third World, Top Of the Line, Captain Crook, Windy War, Serenity, Storm In a Tea Cup, It my Turn, Silent Lizzy, Another Jet, I want Revenge, Who is on The Case, Wild Grinder, Rosanna, Wonder Flower, Gold Rush, The Girl Them Sugar, Indian King, Fresh Again, Ameera’s Joy, Karina, De Gump, Alana, Secretariat, Mr. Kool, Flying Object and

Pixie Fire among others.

A number of sponsors are also on board with the likes of Banks DIH, Eron Lall Civil Engineering and Construction Company, Mohammed “Nankoo” Shariff of the Shariff racing stable, Rommel Jagroop, Trophy Stall, Bourda Market, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Inshan Bacchus and Phagoo General Store of Bush Lot West Coast Berbice among those putting in hefty support.

The Feature race will once again be for horses classified ‘B’ and lower with the animals set to cover a distance of 1400M. The winner is set to take home a whopping $1.2M and trophy.

The event for three year old Guyana and West Indies Bred horses which will see the winner running away with $500,000 and trophy over 1400M. The horses classified D and lower will be racing for a top prize of $450,000 and trophy over 1400M. There is an event for animals classified F and lower for a first prize of $400,000 and trophy over

1200M. The G class race will be a 1200M affair with the animals running for a winning purse of $350,000 and trophy.

There is also $350,000 and trophy available for the winner of the Guyana Bred three year old event which will

be a 1400M affair.

The race for I class horses has a pole position taking of $200,000and trophy over 1200M. J class event will see the animals racing for a winner’s money of the $150,000 and trophy in

another 1200M contest. The K class match up will see the winner pocketing $120,000 and trophy over 1200M. The individual performers including top jockey, stable and trainer will be presented with trophies compliments of

The Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.

Interested persons can make enquiries with Coordinator and Treasurer Lakeram .B. Sukhdeo on Number 232-0558 or 672-0810 or President R. Jagit (tel 232-0231). Race time is 12:30 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)

BCB express disgust at Chattergoon’s omission from Guyana squads The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed its disgust in the strongest terms at the non selection of Sewnarine Chattergoon from both the Guyana’s four-day and 50 overs cricket teams.

Chattergoon was the leading batsman in the recently held four-day Inter County tournament with a brilliant century and two half centuries and as a former West Indies Test Player has the necessary experience and class to contribute positively to the Guyana team.

The BCB in a press release said it condemns this totally

Sewnarine Chattergoon unfair treatment to a dedicated and disciplined cricketer who has always represented his county with

pride and commitment.

“The Berbice Cricket Board is also shocked that two of the leading bowlers in the recent tournament, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai and Eon Hooper could not even make it on the standby list.

Motie-Kanhai bowled well in both versions of the tournament, while Hooper also did well with the ball.

Motie-Kanhai had three, four wicket hauls while Hooper had two. The Berbice Cricket Board is concerned that the Inter County competition was just a fronts as performances seemed not to count as

players who are proven failures are recycled year after year. Perhaps it would be better if our cricketers make seven successive ducks, create unwanted records and then they would get the attention of the National selectors. The Berbice Cricket Board would stand behind its players and together we shall overcome what is clearly an Anti-Berbice feeling going around. The Berbice Cricket Board calls on the national selectors to be fair in their treatment of our players and to put the game of cricket first.”

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Thursday January 24, 2013

Stephens stuns ailing Serena, Federer forges on MELBOURNE (Reuters) Serena Williams went down smashing rackets and screaming as she bowed out of the Australian Open quarter-finals on Wednesday, hampered by a back injury and beaten in three sets by fellow American Sloane Stephens.

The injury robbed Williams of her serve - the most effective weapon in women’s tennis - but teenager Stephens will take much credit for holding her nerve to finish off the ailing 15-times grand-slam champion.

Roger Federer’s bid to emulate Williams as a fivetimes Melbourne Park champion survived a five-set test at the hands of an inspired Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and the Swiss marched on to a last-four meeting with Andy Murray, who crushed Jeremy Chardy.

Stephens will have 24 hours to prepare for her first grand-slam semi-final against defending champion and world number one Victoria Azarenka, who came through

Sloane Stephens looks shocked after beating Serena Williams (EPA)

a minor scare to beat Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova.

“Oh my goodness,” said Stephens, teary-eyed and almost lost for words after beating a player whose picture once adorned her bedroom wall. “This is so crazy, but oh my goodness, I think I’ll put a poster of myself up now.”

The 31-year-old Williams, odds-on favorite to claim a third successive grand slam crown, pulled up to avoid

hitting the net after a backhand drop shot early in the second set and shrieked as she felt the full force of a back spasm.

After lengthy treatment, Williams continued but the power of her serve and groundstrokes were considerably diminished and 19-year-old Stephens took advantage in impressive fashion to run out a 3-6 7-5 64 winner in Rod Laver Arena.

Williams, who smashed

Williams earned a code violation for breaking her racket (Getty Images) her racket to pieces in frustration in the third set, tried graciously to honor the locker-room code that you do not diminish an opponent’s achievement but was unable to wholly play down the significance of the injury.

“I even screamed on the court,” she said. “I was like, ‘ahh’. I totally locked up after that. It was...a little painful. “I couldn’t really rotate after that, which I guess is normal.

I don’t know.

“It was giving me trouble.

But it was fine. I think my opponent played well and was able to do a really good job.”

TOUGH MATCH Federer, also 31, started his match against Tsonga by breaking the Frenchman but it was just one of nine breaks in an absorbing three-and-ahalf-hour contest that seesawed back and forth all evening.

Tsonga, a finalist here in

2008, was tactically smart, sent down 20 booming aces and produced some brilliant forehands that overpowered even Federer’s defenses at times.

The 17-times grand-slam champion rode his luck on occasions, too, but had something in reserve for the deciding set and finally overcame the seventh seed’s resistance with a smash on his fifth match point to clinch a 7-6 4-6 7-6 3-6 6-3 win.

“It was a tough close for sure, but the whole match was tough. Every set could have gone either way,” said Federer, whose victory ensured the top four seeds made the semi-finals for the 15th time at a grand slam in the professional era.

“With Jo, you never know what he’s going to come up with. I feel a bit lucky to come through but feel I played some great tennis and Jo did too.”

Ethiopia fined for crowd trouble BBC Sport - Ethiopia have been fined $10,000 by the Confederation of African football for the conduct of the team’s supporters in Monday’s match against Zambia.

Fans threw missiles, including plastic vuvuzelas, on to the pitch after Ethiopia keeper Jemal Tassew was sent off in the first half of the 1-1 draw.

Half of the fine has been suspended on condition

Ethiopia are not found guilty of a similar offence at the tournament. Tassew has been banned for two matches for violent conduct.

The 23-year-old was sent off 10 minutes before halftime after launching a flying, high-footed tackle on Zambia’s Chisamba Lungu.

Both players ended up on the floor and Tassew was being taken off the pitch on a stretcher when he received his red card.

Murray, the U.S. Open champion, ruthlessly exploited Frenchman Chardy’s weaker backhand with a number of successful raids to the net in his 6-4 6-1 6-2 victory.

The third-seeded Briton had spent just over seven hours on court in his previous four matches and needed only another 111 minutes to complete a one-sided hammering of the world number 36.

“I thought I did a pretty good job throughout the match,” the Scot, who was wearing a T-shirt reading “PREPARE, ATTACK, DESTROY” for his news conference, said with typical understatement. “There were a couple of games I could have done a bit better on, but for the most part it was good.”

Azarenka had barely been tested on her way to the last eight and the 77-minute first set against former U.S. Open and French Open champion Kuznetsova was longer than her entire fourth-round match.

Kuznetsova, refreshed after missing the entire back end of last season with a knee injury, seemed to catch Azarenka by surprise and raced to a 4-1 lead in bright morning sunshine.

Azarenka rode the storm, however, and the slices with which the Russian world number 75 had bamboozled the Belarussian grew steadily less effective as the world number one drove home her advantage to win 7-5 6-1.

“It was important to take the opportunities to kind of make a big statement,” said Azarenka. “I think I did that and I turned things around into my own way.”

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

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Whitmore says Boyz can qualify despite the odds Jamaica Observer Despite the odds stacked against small developing countries such as Jamaica qualifying for the FIFA World Cup finals, national head coach Theodore Whitmore is confident the Reggae Boyz can return to the “big dance” and progress to Rio 2014.

With the lack of a football culture, compared to some of the other teams that have qualified for the CONCACAF World Cup final round set to start next month, and lack of funding mitigating against Jamaica shocking the world again, Whitmore said these hurdles have only served to strengthen his resolve.

At Tuesday’s press launch of the St James Football Association’s Sandals/ATL Senior League at Sandals Royal Caribbean, Whitmore — who was the keynote speaker — said:

“Have these challenges dimmed my expectation and anticipation? Absolutely not.

They have only served to strengthen my resolve and so it should all of us.”

Whitmore, who scored both goals in Jamaica’s historic 2-1 win over Japan in France 1998, said Jamaicans are a resilient people.

“We have created history in all parts of the world. We have done so not only in sports, but also in academia, commerce, science and technology, music and culture.

“We can qualify for Brazil 2014; it is within us to do so,” he said. “We are 10 official games and nine months away.

History beckons, let us all embrace this opportunity by joining hands and rallying around a common cause.”

The former midfielder, who many thought escaped

Theodore Whitmore

sacking after Jamaica failed to get past the first round of the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Championships last year, said Jamaica must take the opportunity to create its own history by coming together.

A few super fights but promoters in for a torrid year as boxing ratings present a dismal reality

By Michael Benjamin Despite strenuous efforts by the administrators of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), to fill the various divisions, several titles remain vacant, while it is unclear whether some of the contenders have hung up their gloves, willing to defend their titles or in other cases, compete for higher rankings.

The reality is that despite the most ardent efforts of boxing officials, the resources are meager and in some cases, simply non-existent. These ratings were recently released by the governing body and should give pundits a reasonable blueprint of the quality of fights that can be expected during this year.

The bantamweight (118lbs), Junior Lightweight (130 lbs) and the Junior Welterweight (140 lbs) titles remain vacant, while several of the contenders are Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) champions. The bantamweight title, once held

by Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore, who dethroned Dexter Marques, has WBC Cabofe Champion Elton Dharry sitting at the number one spot.

He had also disposed of Marques in an earlier encounter and there is now raging debate of who is the better boxer between him and Moore.

In the meantime, Moore sits at number one to Clive

Atwell’s featherweight title (126lbs), providing the promoters with a variety of choices. A bout between these two pugilists would certainly capture the imagination of boxing buffs and could compensate for the many lackluster bouts witnessed last year, the most glaring being the Elton Dharry/Ricardo Blackman mismatch.

The other contenders in the bantamweight division in succeeding order are Dexter Marques, Orlan Rogers, Hewley Robertson, Charlton Skeete, Selwyn Lett, Prince Slowe and Shaeed Alli.

The welterweight division, generally noted as category that produces the super fights, is headed by Iwan Azore, who recently defeated Mark Austin. Of more significance is the fact that the WBC Cabofe welterweight champion, Simeon Hardy is the number one contender with Gladwyn Dorway rated one notch below. The latter fighter has made quite a name for himself after disposing of all of his 4 opponents to date.

Hardy is no slouch and has also compiled a decent 100 record; seven ending inside the distance. Dorway thinks much of himself and believes that he could handle all comers. It would be interesting to see him square off with the man of ‘chin checker’ fame. But even

before that, he will have to show his merit against Mark Austin, a tough contender who has been through the mill and survived to tell the tale.

They will match gloves this Friday in the Guyana Fight Night affair.

Otherwise the welterweight division does not inspire much hope with such contenders as Kishawn Simon, a relatively new talent, Jermain King, David Thomas, John Henry (Trinidad), Cassius Matthews, Anson Green and Michael Demattos.

Clive Atwell won the featherweight title June 29, 2012 and then added the WBC Cabofe Junior Welterweight title to his collection on October 27, 2012. He also became the local lightweight champion after defeating Barbadian based Guyanese, Revlon Lake on December 28 2012. He is, perhaps, the best talent locally and, with careful handling, can hit the international limelight sooner rather than later. Locally, he has disposed of all comers and the only local boxer of merit that he might feel justified in fighting at this juncture of his career is WBC FECA –Box Featherweight Champion, Leon Moore.

Whether Moore, rated at number one in the featherweight and Jnr/ lightweight divisions, takes up this challenge or simply (Continued on page 32)

“In life we oftentimes have small windows to create history. Let’s not lose this time. Let’s not miss this opportunity by focusing on our differences; the time to embrace a common goal is now.”

He said the upcoming final phase of the Word Cup qualification would be an important year for the Reggae Boyz and could be “the turning point towards a more sustainable growth of our

football programme”.

Whitmore argued that much will be at stake for all six countries that will play in the Hexagonal series, but said it is especially challenging for small nations. He said “it is extremely difficult for small and developing countries” to qualify for the World Cup. Whitmore said the attitudes of the other countries towards Jamaica had changed since 1998 when Jamaica was seen as a country without much football substance.

“When we qualified in 1998 all these countries did not take us seriously; they all let their guards down… All that has changed, however,” he said; adding that “we are no longer seen as a country without football substance.

In fact, countries are no longer leaving anything to chance where Jamaica is concerned.”

The Reggae Boyz coach pointed out the steps taken by the USA in their last two meetings with Jamaica — chartering a flight to carry players, staff and fans to

Jamaica and flying them back directly to Ohio for a return game a few days later.

He said while this move afforded the American players significant rest, it took Jamaica almost 20 hours to travel from home to Ohio for the game and that had a negative effective on the players.

“All this proved very detrimental to our pre-game preparation, physically, tactically and psychologically,” he reiterated.

Funding, he said, was one of the major differences between the competing countries. “It will continue to be so until greater support is secured for our campaign,” Whitmore declared.

In concluding, he said he was not naïve to believe Jamaica will ever be able to compete on level footing with the likes of the USA and Mexico.

“However, at a minimum, we need to ensure all the basics covered for our preparation and participation,” he said.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2013

SURESH RAINA LEADS HOSTS TO SERIES WIN Suresh Raina plays one through the leg side (BCCI)

Kevin Pietersen smashes one through the off side (BCCI)

BBC Sport - India took an unassailable 3-1 lead in the one-day series against England following a fivewicket win in Mohali.

Alastair Cook (76), Kevin Pietersen (76) and Joe Root

(57 not out) all hit halfcenturies as England made 257-7. Rohit Sharma scored 83 to get India off to a good start, before Suresh Raina finished the job with an unbeaten 89.

Raina had been caught at slip on 41, but umpire Steve Davis called dead ball because bowler Steven Finn’s knee broke the stumps at the non-striker ’s end. That problem summed up

Alastair Cook pulls fiercely (BCCI)

England’s display in the field as their bowling attack struggled to seize the initiative from the Indian batsmen. Finn, with his extra pace and nagging line, was England’s most effective bowler but was again left to reflect on a problem where his knee clipped the stumps in his follow-through.

The problem first became apparent in August 2012, when Finn was denied South Africa captain Graeme Smith’s wicket because of a dead ball.

The 23-year-old paceman might have got England back into the fourth one-day international had the problem not reoccurred when India still needed 80 runs to win.

Raina took advantage of the reprieve to lead his team to a convincing victory, which was achieved with two and a half overs to spare.

England will also regret a poor umpiring decision from Sudhir Asnani, which ended

the innings of Cook with his team well placed on 132-1 in the 32nd over.

The skipper looked on course for a century until he missed a Ravichandran Ashwin delivery and was hit on his pads. Despite the ball appearing to pitch outside leg stump, Asnani raised his finger. The tourists had been watchful early on - the only blemish being the loss of Ian Bell (10) after the opener came down the wicket to Ishant Sharma and got a thick outside edge to Bhuvneshwar Kumar at third man. Cook relished the challenge of building an

Endurance Meet to roll off GMR&SC calendar of events for 2013 The Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) will roll off its first event of the year which will be the Endurance Race Meeting this Sunday, at the South Dakota Circuit, starting from 13:00hrs.

According to a release from the Organisers, among the competitors expected to participate in the day’s activities are: Mark Vieira, Andrew King, Kevin Jeffery, Roshan Ali Snr, Roshan Ali Jnr, Mohammed Ali Snr,, Mohamed Ali Jnr, Afraz Alli,

Aaron Bethune, Sayaad Hassan, Rameez Mohammed, Kevin Deodass and Danny Persaud. The Meet in being sponsored by: Blue Spring Water, Fullworks, Safraz Bar & Nite Club, Zai Autobody from Berbice, Special Auto, Cell Phone Shack & Secure Innovations and Concepts.

Admission is free and motor racing fans are being encouraged to come to the Circuit and enjoy a day of top class racing among some of the best in the business in the sport in Guyana.

innings, while Pietersen battled hard against the seaming ball. Neither player was particularly fluent - Cook effective on the sweep and cut and Pietersen happy to rotate the strike - but the hard work looked to be paying off until Cook’s dismissal.

Eoin Morgan (3) followed soon after, when he chipped Ashwin to the back-pedalling Yuvraj Singh at mid-off, and Samit Patel (1) gave a return catch to Ravi Jadeja (3-39).

England appeared to be stumbling but Root, who had been pushed down the order, took advantage of being dropped on nought to help Pietersen steer England towards a more challenging total. Root, 22, scored at virtually a run a ball as he showed a canny knack of finding the gaps on both sides of the wicket - the highlight being a six into the leg-side off Ashwin.

Pietersen had earlier posted his slowest ODI fifty but he also upped the tempo and smashed Sharma into the stands with a mighty six before being bowled.

An aggressive cameo from Jos Buttler (14 off nine balls) complemented Root’s clever strokeplay and helped England add 100 runs in the final 10 overs.

England got off to a good start with the ball when Tim Bresnan had Gautam Gambhir (Continued on page 31)

Thursday January 24, 2013

Kaieteur News

Page 41

Demerara are GCB Senior 4-day Inter County champs - E’bo, President’s XI match ends in stalemate due to rain

By Zaheer Mohamed Demerara defeated GT&T Berbice by 4 wickets to win the Guyana Cricket Board Senior 4-day Inter County tournament yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club ground, while the game between Essequibo and the President’s XI ended as a drawn encounter with the latter taking first innings points.

GT&T Berbice were bowled out in the first session on the final day for 200 in 80.4 overs after they resumed on 185-9 with Gudakesh Motie Kanhai on 08 and Keon Joseph on 06. Leg spinner Amir Khan accounted for Joseph (16) leaving Kanhai unbeaten on 13. Mohamed 540, Khan 3-68 and Shaquille Williams 1-35 were the pick of the bowlers.

Needing 79 to win in just over two sessions Demerara encountered a few nervous moments before they eventually reached home in 38 overs ending on 79-6.

Medium pacer Clinton Pestano reduced Demerara to 15-2 when he bowled Rajendra Chandrika (00) and Robin Bacchus (10) before Shemroy Barrington was run out for 08 at 26. Left arm spinner Kanhai good run in the tournament with the ball continued when he dismissed Vishal Singh for 08 and the patient Chanderpaul Hemraj who was

caught at extra cover for 38 as Demerara found themselves in a spot of bother at 68-5. Hemraj innings lasted for 76 minutes and came off 79 balls and included two fours and one six. Kanhai who bowled with good loop and lob then removed Zaheer Mohamed for 05 with the home team 4 runs away from victory but Shaquille Williams sealed the issue for Demerara when he swept Kanhai to the long leg boundary to remain not out on 09 while Joseph Perry was left not out on zero.

Kanhai grabbed 3-21 and Pestano 2-16. Demerara received a trophy and $200,000.

Speaking at a simple ceremony which followed, Secretary of the GCB Anand Sanasie congratulated the victorious Demerara team, while Assistant Secretary of the GCB Dru Bahadur said the board did well to organize the cricket despite the off field controversies, he thanked all the participating teams.

Sanasie also stated that international cricket will return to Guyana during the Pakistan tour of the Caribbean in June. He informed Guyana will host a warm up game which will be played at Bourda and the first test match. Sanasie said the last two rounds of the West Indies Cricket Board 50 over and 4 day tournaments will be

The victorious Demerara team with Secretary of the GCB Anand Sanasie and Asst. Sect. Dru Bahadur. Coach Gavin Nedd is far right and Manager Adonis left (both standing). played be played locally, and they are negotiating with the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Tourism and the license holder of the Caribbean Premier League, Verus International, for Guyana to be one of the hosts in the CPL which is expected to start in July. Captain of the GT&T Berbice team Assad Fudadin said Demerara performed excellently to win both the 50 over and 4 day competitions and urged his team mates to work harder, while the winning team skipper Rajendra Chandrika thanked the GCB for organising the

Noble House Seafoods \GCA 2nd Div. cricket.

Police, GCC chalk wins; UG Draws with DCC Police Sports Club and the Georgetown Cricket Club recorded victories, while the Demerara Cricket Club lost first innings points in a drawn encounter against the University of Guyana when the latest action in the Noble House Sea Foods\GCA 2nd division 2 day tournament concluded last weekend.

D.C.C. won the toss and chose to bat in Queenstown, but were skittled for 156 in 38.4 overs. U.G. responded with 165/9 declared. Omesh Danram made 80, as UG eked out a 9 run lead.

D.C.C batting a second time posted 181 in 69.3 overs.

Wicket -keeper/batsman Kemol Savory hit five fours and three sixes in 59, and Tevin Imlach scored 32 as Royston Alkins collected 426, Kenroy Joseph 2-8 and

Dwayne Dodson 2-39.

U.G. lost four early wickets to be shakily placed on 52-4 in 9 overs when stumps were drawn. Dextor George claimed 3-32, while Cavell Reece took 1-12.

At GYO, Georgetown Cricket Club batted first and scored 297/8 declared in 60 overs against the home team.

Martin Pestano Bell led with 52, Trevor France supported with 51 and Elon Fernandes 49. Navin Bal took 2-54 for G.Y.O, who were bowled out for 88 in 27 overs. Cleon Critchlow 5-35, while Winston Forrestor took 3-21.

G.Y.O could only muster 104 in 26 overs after following on. Medium pacer, Bernard Bailey bagged 5-20 in 6.1 overs. Devon Lord supported with 3-22 and Forrestor 2-17.

The 22 extras GCC gave away

turned out to be the highest contributor to the GYO innings; the visitors won by an innings and 104 runs.

At the Muslim Youth Organization ground, Police defeated Vikings by an innings and 96 runs. Police scored 219 in 48.1 overs in their first innings with Randolph top scoring with 53, while Shameer Fazal made 38 and Troy Benn 33.

They then restricted Vikings for 67 in 23 overs to take a 152 run lead. Trevor Benn and Randolph Knights bowled all 23 overs unchanged, capturing 5 for 39 and 5 for 28 respectively.

Following on Vikings managed 56 in 16 overs. Pernell London took 3 for 9, S Agard 2 for 4 and Knights 2 for 7. Knights finished with match figures of 7-35 in 15 overs.

tournaments. Manager of the winning team Robert “Pacer” Adonis told Kaieteur Sport in an invited comment that his team played as a unit, he also gave credit to Zaheer

Mohamed, Chandrika and Totaram Bishun who had to depart for Trinidad and Tobago for personal reasons before the final round.

Meanwhile, overnight rain

prevented any play on the final day at Wales between Essequibo and the President’s XI. Scores: President’s XI 157 and 7-0; E’bo 100.

t r o Sp

Friday night fights return tomorrow

President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool (second, right) makes a point to the media yesterday at the Board’s first press conference for this year at NCN Studios. Other Officials, Terrence Poole and Clairmont De Souza along with Boxers, Mark Austin and Gladwin Dorway share the moment at the head table.

D

escribed as a bout between a “knockout veteran” and a “craftsman”, Gladwin Dorway will take on Mark Austin tomorrow night in a featured bout of Guyana Boxing Board of Controls (GBBC) Friday night fights at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Speaking yesterday at the Board’s first press briefing for 2013, President Peter Abdool described the fight between Dorway and Austin as “a knockout veteran against a craftsman”. The fight will

headline an eight-fight card, four amateur and four professional, for the night. “The title fight should be an excellent fight; the fight is shaping up to be a terrific contest against Austin and Dorway,” Abdool said, adding that the whole aim of Friday night fights is to expose a host of local fighters so they can attain regional and international ranking.

Abdool said that it is the 27 edition of Fight Night and the event has been met with success with about 40 local fighters ranked internationally. He mentioned that th

the purpose of the event helped Mark Austin (left) and Gladwin Dorway face off yesterday in ensure that boxers NCN Studios ahead of their much-anticipated Junior Middleweight transition to title fight Friday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. international acclaim.“I am quickly retorting that he has fought year old Austin said. He was prepared to fight 12 rounds. When the best of boxers in the category in described as more crafty than the time comes to fight, I will Guyana and his experience should Dorway ahead of their showdown fight,” Dorway indicated, adding give him the title. He frankly told tomorrow night. Before the that he prefers to leave the rest of the subdued Dorway that he has no professional card that includes four the talking for the ring. He was power to contest him. “I am going fights, there will be an amateur card identified as a knockout specialist to give him a boxing lesson for his that also has four bouts carded. The with four knockouts in his mouth. I am going for it I am the sponsors of the event include professional fights. Austin was not people’s choice and I fight for Banks DIH, Digicel, Ansa McAl, prepared to take no talk, however, myself and seven children,” the 22 Giftland OfficeMax and Courts.

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