Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Where your views make the news
Letters... Where your views make the news
The PPP must go, but its going must be the basis for something fresh and in the interest of all DEAR EDITOR, Since my last letter, there have been some very energetic discussions, particularly on Social Media about the composition of the much touted all-opposition pre-election coalition, especially the AFCNagamootoo-led ticket. Nuff respect to the debaters. Those who thought I was being “racist” by bringing the race component into the open are now hearing from many African Guyanese—”But an African is not good enough to be President?” The answer to them is that the objective is to get rid of the PPP and all other considerations must take backseat—what I call an overdose of Expediency. Some APNU supporters have even argued that in any case David Granger’s track record over the last three years does not qualify him to be the top man, so why not go with Moses—a tacit admission that there is no African to fit the bill. What is clear is that many are swayed in the direction of a coalition. The sticking point is who is going to be the leader. This is not an easy question; it has never and will never be an easy one in ethnically divided societies like ours. Suspension of Ethnic Disbelief is not as easy as some think or are making it out to be. Some of us would remember that in 1992 there were objections to Dr. Jagan as a consensus candidate. The then PPP, of which some in the AFC’s leadership were members, quickly shot that down. Their spoken and unspoken argument was that we were taking the PPP and its ethnic constituency for granted. Whether one agreed with them or not, one had to
appreciate the reality that drove that stance. The “Vote for Moses because it is the best way to get rid of the evil PPP and we would sort out other things afterwards” is grounded in expediency. Many are choosing to forget that it was the same mantra “Vote for the PPP and Jagan to get rid of the evil PNC” that landed us the PPP monster we are now trying to rid ourselves of. The irony is that we are using the very same narrative today in the quest to get rid of the PPP. We have either not grown or learned or both. What is needed is an argument as to how an AFC/APNU Cooperation (Note I say Cooperation and not Coalition) would bring relief to them as women, as youth, as elderly people, as unemployed people, as workers, as Africans, as Indians, as Portuguese, as Amerindians, as Chinese, as Guyanese, as poor people. The key is to find the best formulae that excite all of our ethnic and social groups to see their interests as mutually tied up and more importantly that allay the insecurities and fears of all groups, not just one. A Nagamootoo-led ticket would potentially allay the fears of East Indians and not Africans. A Granger-led ticket would potentially allay the
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fears of Africans and not East Indians. To argue for one over the other is to ignore the fears and ambitions of the other. This is the big challenge for those who are advancing this All-party Front. And expediency is not the answer. As seductive as this proposal is, we may have to face the harsh reality that it may be a non-starter and we may have to search for other forms of cooperation. I was a strong supporter of the AFC joining the APNU in 2011—in effect the same thing we are attempting now. The AFC stayed out. That decision proved to be correct—the AFC split the Indian vote in a way I think would not have been possible had the AFC been part of the APNU. Now the AFC feels it can make further inroads in the Indian constituency as head of the All-Party Front. It’s a big risk. The question Indians who are swayed away from the PPP would be asking is this—Are you sure you can prevent the PNC from being the real power behind the throne or from finding a way to depose you? Moses and the AFC would have to assure them that they can keep the PNC under control. And if you are a PNC supporter you are bound to take note of that. The question Africans Continued on page 23
Guyana did not adequately use Dr. Faith Harding’s expertise DEAR EDITOR, I was perhaps the last journalist to have spoken with Dr. Faith Harding before she died. My third —and unfortunately last— interview with her was on December 29, 2014. After several weeks of hiccups and postponement (due to my schedule and hers) we were able to find some consensus. She had wanted so badly to talk about the issue of the Prorogation of Parliament. By the time we had arranged the interview, that issue had become sort of irrelevant. Except for her swollen feet, she seemed fine as usual. She said that it was only because it was me that she agreed to be interviewed, since she complained about having a bout of Chikungunya. I always looked forward to our interviews. She always had something profound to say. She was an orator, and a
brilliant woman. I got to know Dr. Harding on a personal level, less than a year ago when I asked her to be featured as a Kaieteur News ‘Special Person.’ She agreed and I turned up at her house at Anira Street, Queenstown. Two of the interviews took place at her home, while one took place in New York, last August. I became fascinated with Dr. Harding during our first interview, as she shared information about more than what I needed for a ‘Special Person’ feature. She talked about her extensive work in the Middle East, working with war- torn nations and helping to build and create new nations such as South Sudan, etc. She always had a view about an issue—and an intelligent one too—whether it was the current political situation; the Mayor & City Council of Georgetown; the
government; the opposition; social issues; crime; the police—you name it, Dr. Harding spoke critically to these issues. Sadly, there won’t ever be a woman like her in Guyana. We have lost one of the best female leaders of our time. Guyana should mourn the loss of Faith Harding, since there won’t ever be a politician like her ever again. She was bipartisan and understood the intricacies of Guyanese politics, enough to know that one does not have to be in government to help the people. She spent her life tirelessly helping the disadvantaged, the poor, the Continued on page 23
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 27, 2015
CXC exams shifted to facilitate May 11 polls The Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations set for May 11, 2015 have been rescheduled. Moreover, the examinations scheduled for May 11 and May 12, 2015 will now be written by local candidates on June 15 and June 16, 2015 respectively. This means that local candidates will be sitting a number of examinations days after their Caribbean counterparts. This announcement was made by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, during a press conference at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Kingston, Georgetown, yesterday. This move is one that was employed to counter concerns regarding the fact that the CXC examinations as well as General and Regional Elections were scheduled for the same date. The Elections date has been viewed by many factions as a rather controversial one, but according to the Education
Minister yesterday the state of affairs in her opinion is “a non-issue.” This is in light of the fact that both the Minister and CXC’s Pro-Registrar, Glenroy Cumberbatch, are in agreement that the situation is not unique to Guyana. According to Cumberbatch, there have been occasions in the past that CXC has had to reschedule examinations in a number of territories, undertakings he claimed have been done successfully. He added that even outside of the Caribbean there are examining boards such as in the Philippines that have moved their examinations date because of elections. “This is a regular practice; it is not unusual at all,” added Cumberbatch. The Education Minister interjected to assert that “this is not something done by CXC alone...We were wondering what the big hullabaloo was because we were working things out; give us some space to work out what we needed to do, which is what we have done here.” “This is not in any way going to be disadvantageous to our children and it is going
to allow for the democratic process of selecting a Government to take place smoothly...” added Manickchand. The Minister during her deliberations yesterday pointed out that as part of its regular paper setting protocol, CXC prepares additional examinations in the same subject area. This will therefore translate to the Guyanese candidates at both CSEC and CAPE being tasked with writing parallel papers to their regional counterparts. However, all examination papers will be equal in value and weight, Manickchand insisted yesterday. “CXC will mark all scripts and issue all results at the same time the CXC/CAPE results were originally scheduled to be delivered,” she added. The intervention of CXC however, usually attracts a cost that Governments are expected to cover, the ProRegistrar noted. Cumberbatch was however unable to give the cost that the Guyana Government will incur to shift the examination dates. “I don’t know the cost off hand, but what we will have to do is work it out, given that we have prepared papers already. “What is involved in this one is to transfer additional papers to Guyana...what is the cost for that? We are going to be working on cost over the next few days and we are going to inform the Minister,” Cumberbatch said. This will also mean that Guyana would have to stand all necessary costs to ensure the integrity of the examinations. But perhaps neither
From left: CXC’s Pro-Registrar Glenroy Cumberbatch; Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam following yesterday’s press conference. elections tension nor the costs that Government will have to incur was really taken into consideration when a decision was made to change the dates for the CXC administered examinations that were slated for May 11, 2015. In fact from all indications the Minister herself hadn’t an opportunity to dissuade the President from naming May 11 as Elections Day. She, in explaining the process, noted that the President is entitled to name a date for elections. Manickchand said that the President’s naming of the date was influenced by the readiness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). And Manickchand added, “As far as I understand, all the dates that were given by GECOM that would be possible elections
dates given that they themselves are bound by certain timelines...All the dates that they submitted were in the CXC period... “It was inevitable that we would have faced this slight hurdle which we have crossed effectively.” At her press conference Minister Manickchand said that her Ministry was cognizant of the general concerns regarding CSEC and CAPE being timetabled for the same date with the Elections. She disclosed that her Ministry was always keen to ensure that examinations are conducted in a smooth and effective manner and was therefore in consultation with CXC and other stakeholders about what might be best for our candidates. Moreover, several
possible options that could be exercised were discussed and considered. And according to Manickchand, “At all times during the discussions and deliberations, the Ministry’s paramount consideration was the best interest of the candidates.” Because of the change in the examination dates, the morning of June 15 will see candidates sitting the following CSEC subjects: Agricultural Science (Double Award)-Paper2; Agricultural Science (Single Award)-Paper 2 and Theatre Arts –Paper1. In the afternoon of June 15, the following CSEC subjects will be written: Electrical and Electronic Technology-Paper 1; Food and Nutrition – Paper2. The CSEC examinations Continued on page 12
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Albert Baldeo battles to delay sentencing in NY Former Guyanese magistrate, Albert Baldeo, who is set to face sentencing in the US for obstruction of justice, is involved in a seesaw battle with prosecutors. Baldeo was due to be sentenced last Wednesday by a New York court but while out on bail, he checked himself into the Flushing Hospital Medical Center for chest pains. Prosecutor believed that the Guyana-born, Democratic district leader and candidate for city and state office is faking it and now attempting to delay his sentencing. Yesterday, US District Judge Paul Crotty ordered that hospital records be made available to the courts. This was after United States Attorney, Preet Bharara, in applications to the court for an order, said that the US Government is concerned both that Baldeo is faking or exaggerating his alleged medical problems in order to delay sentencing in order to support an argument at sentencing for leniency. The prosecutor also believed that Baldeo may be seeking to hide his location, so as to complicate or defeat the ability of Pretrial Services to supervise him, and the ability of law enforcement to ensure that he does not seek to flee prior to sentencing. Bharara asked that the court compel Baldeo to explain his late-night transfer from Flushing Hospital
IN HOSPITAL: Albert Baldeo Medical Center to Long Island Jewish Medical Center last week and to provide a complete report on his present status. “Secondly, the Government requests that, if the defendant remains in the hospital at the time of the conference, the Court order the defendant to inform immediately the Court, through counsel, of his discharge from the hospital or transfer to any other medical facility, and provide to Pretrial Services contact information during the time when he remains hospitalized.” The prosecutor also asked for the court to order Flushing Hospital Medical Center and Long Island Jewish Medical Center to provide or make available to
the Government (and any doctor retained by the Government) all records and test results with respect to the defendant’s hospitalization, transfer, and alleged medical conditions. The judge granted the request. Baldeo has been fighting jail time after being found guilty in August by a US Court for obstructing justice. According to court documents earlier this month, Baldeo’s motions to have his judgment of acquittal and for a new trial were denied in their entirety. On August 11, Baldeo was found guilty of obstructing justice, after a two-week trial, though he was acquitted of mail and wire fraud charges. More than two years ago, Bharara indicted Baldeo for orchestrating a straw donor scheme to funnel illegal contributions to his 2010 campaign for City Council. Baldeo, Bharara alleged at the time, also asked his straw donors to lie to federal investigators once he learned the feds were probing the scheme. Baldeo, a Richmond Hill attorney who also nearly unseated a Republican state senator in 2006, faced 10 charges and was acquitted on all, three of which were related to mail and wire fraud, according to court documents. He was found guilty on the seven other charges related to conspiracy and obstructing justice.
Thief shot, accomplice nabbed at LBI The community of La Bonne Intention was the scene of more drama at around 21.00 hrs yesterday, after residents shot a 28-year-old thief and captured his accomplice, following a burglary in the area. Police sources said that Vijay Ragnauth, of Success, East Coast Demerara, was shot in the leg when he attempted to attack residents who were attempting to apprehend him. Kaieteur News understands that Ragnauth and an accomplice broke into a LBI house and carted off several items,
including a refrigerator, oven and a blender. H o w e v e r, r e s i d e n t s m a n a g e d t o apprehend one of the men, who led them to a bushy area where Ragunauth was hiding. It is alleged that the cornered suspect was shot when he attempted to attack the residents. Ragnauth’s alleged accomplice reportedly led the residents to a house where the thieves had hidden the booty. The wounded thief is being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
Oil slides despite OPEC talk of a floor
(Reuters) - Oil fell in seesaw trade on Monday, with U.S. crude ending at its lowest in nearly six years, as traders discounted comments from OPEC’s top official about the market finally finding a bottom. It was an up-and-down session for crude, which gyrated along with the U.S. dollar in the wake of a decisive Greek election
victory by the left-wing Syriza party. Prices initially rallied after OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah al-Badri said oil may have hit a floor and could move higher very soon, the first comments he has made on the subject during crude’s seven-month-long price rout. But the gains proved fleeting as global benchmark
Brent LCOc1 fell 1.3 percent to $48.16. U.S. crude CLc1 lost almost 1 percent, settling at $45.15, the lowest settlement price for the existing frontmonth contract. Following the restart of a major U.S. Midwest refinery unit, the Brent/WTI spread narrowed to $3.01 after going as wide as $3.41 on Friday, its widest in three weeks.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
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A baby in a world of giants The local private sector is not up to the task of developing Guyana. It is too miniature, mired in smallmindedness, short of entrepreneurial and risktaking drive, and ineffectual in mobilizing resources for large-scale 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 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
Dem boys seh...
Ashni is a promising fellow When people don’t want you dem does give you every excuse. Is years now, more than 22 years, since Uncle Adam lef de Government wuk wid a promise from Vic Insanally that he gun get he money. Is more than three years now since Ashni tell he that he got to wuk pun de money but nutten ain’t doing. It look like de Mudda –de obeah woman— gone out. He always got to a promise pun he lips but when de time come he always finding some excuse. Well is de same thing happen wid he old time boss, Bharrat. Bharrat did want de job wid de Commonwealth job but when he apply de people tell he that dem didn’t have no vacancy. He try fuh get a wuk in Norway as de Finance Minister because he see that de country got nuff money. De people tell he that dem didn’t have no vacancy fuh anybody who come from Guyana, especially one of dem that de very Guyanese
people seh is a scamp. Bharrat go to Sri Lanka and he tek he chance fuh apply fuh a wuk. De elections did just done plus dem had a problem wid one of de old stagers. Suh Bharrat decide to write de application. It go like this: Application for Employment “I refer to the death of the Technical Manager at your company and hereby apply for the replacement of the deceased manager. Each time I apply for a job I get a reply that there is no vacancy but in this case I have caught you red-handed and you have no excuse because I even attended his funeral to be sure that he was really dead and buried before applying. Attached to this letter is a copy of my CV and his death certificate. Yours truly, Bharrat de Devil, Talk half and watch how dem mekking excuse, every time
to bring their money here when there were periods when the opposition loses an election, refuses to accept defeat and decides to have its 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 the 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 attract certain investments that may have materialized in normal circumstances. Continued on page 24
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Tuesday January 27, 2015
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
I believe David Granger is a decent, multi-racial human There is bound to be enormous questioning by African-Guyanese as to why an Indian candidate should lead a grand coalition of antidictatorship groups to contest the 2015 elections. One of the faults of homo sapiens, which is one of the faults of civilization both ancient and modern, is that the human cannot put him/ herself into the mind of another human so as to understand how that person feels. It is doubtful civilization will ever surmount that psychological limitation. But
it would be incorrect to say that the human race doesn’t try to understand the pain and suffering of others. It will not be easy to ask African-Guyanese to let Moses Nagamootoo be the presidential candidate of the grand coalition. They will look you in the eyes with piercing anticipation and say why not David Granger. What can you tell them? To understand the intensity in that look, you have to understand their psyche. African Guyanese will say
to you why can’t David Granger be the antidictatorship’s presidential candidate? And they will argue that he is a decent man who will not discriminate against other races if he is the president. For me that is factual. I believe Granger has these qualities. If I were to pick a man to help clear up the moral miasma that the PPP has covered this country with, I will choose Granger. In the context of the evolution of West Indian politics, I don’t believe Mr. Granger is cut out to be a politician. He is not a politician by choice. But in a country where criminal values, immoral instincts and decadent behaviour have literally destroyed the inner and outer fabric of this nation, particularly under Mr. Jagdeo (who no doubt must be investigated by a judicial inquiry), Mr. Granger qualifies most admirably to be the clean-up man.
My deeply felt opinion of Mr. Granger is that he comes from a long tradition of finely educated, value-laden, urbane, nationalistic middle class Africans who believe in the decency of governance. I am of the belief that Mr. Granger has no interest in the African-Indian competition and as president, will administer the affairs of the Republic without ethnic bias. The only person I saw that wasn’t interested in racial bias as president was Desmond Hoyte. I believe sincerely in my heart that Granger will not practice racial preferences. In fairness to Moses Nagamootoo whom I have known for eons now, I cannot see Moses discriminating in his policies. To ask African Guyanese to overlook the elegant qualities of David Granger and to put an Indian to be the presidential candidate will be a hard road to travel. It may even take a Jesse Jackson or Rev. Al Sharpton to get involved. Having said all of that, do I think David Granger will win the elections for the coalition? I have to confess I am very uncertain, and I would like to emphasize the word, “uncertain.”
At the launching of the Decade of African People, last Sunday, one of the speakers said that he regretted that I proposed Nagamootoo and not Granger. No doubt he has his strategy for Granger to win. I have mine for Nagamootoo. I will now offer mine, snippets of which were contained in my column where I advocated the grand coalition with Nagamootoo as the presidential candidate (see my Jan 21 KN piece). I will not suggest Granger because of his race. I will not propose Nagamooto because of his race. I have no time, and will have no time for that race nonsense in my life. I am putting up a politician for the presidency based on hard strategy, pragmatism, and practical politics. In my configuration, I believe Africans will more likely vote for an Indian president than Indians vote for an African president. To explain these complex choices will involve a complex sojourn into the evolution of 19th century Guyana and the sociological differences between Africans and East Indians in Guyana. Space will prevent this.
Frederick Kissoon If Mr. Granger is the man, I believe he will lose Berbicians. The gamble will be too great to take. The risk will be enormous. Guyana’s survival is at stake. If Nagamootoo takes the slot, I think Africans will vote for him once African leaders do not reject him. Given the peculiar make up of the Indian psyche, Berbicians are more likely to ballot for him because, unfortunately, most unfortunately, they want an Indian president. Don’t blame me for saying this. Blame the contours and contortions of Guyana’s ethnic sociology. I end by saying in pellucid ways that I can understand the psychic discomfort Africans will have with Nagamootoo over Granger. But Guyana must come first.
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Ramotar unchallenged as PPP UN to review Guyana’s human rights record presidential candidate - Prime Ministerial candidate still to be decided By Abena Rockcliffe The incumbent People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has decided to go into the upcoming elections with Donald Ramotar as its presidential candidate. This was confirmed yesterday by PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee when he hosted the Party’s weekly press conference at Freedom House. Rohee told media operatives that the decision to retain Ramotar as presidential candidate was made at the PPP latest Central Executive meeting which was held last week. According to the General Secretary, who had previously told the media that he would not refuse a nomination to be the PPP presidential candidate, Ramotar retained his position without competition. Even though Ramotar’s record doesn’t speak well of his ability to lead PPP towards a majority government, Rohee said that he is confident of victory at the polls with Ramotar at the helm. He noted that he is confident as well that PPP will regain the majority of seats in the National Assembly. Ramotar’s first attempt at Presidency was in 2011, the last time General Elections were held in Guyana. Ramotar now goes down in history as the one who led the PPP into having the first minority government. In fact no party has ever won General Elections in Guyana without gaining control of the majority of voting seats in the National Assembly. However, Rohee claimed yesterday that he does not believe that those facts ought to stand in the way of Ramotar leading the party again into elections. “We are going to win the elections and we made out after the elections in 2011 what were some of the factors that were responsible for us losing the control of the parliament. We have also
PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee
President Donald Ramotar
pointed out that we have taken corrective measures to address those issues and now I believe as the General Secretary, that we are in a much better position.” However, the General Secretary chose not to state some of those factors that he said were responsible for the PPP’s reduced support base. Over the past three General Elections in Guyana, the PPP has consistently and noticeably been losing votes. Rohee danced around questions about what he thinks is responsible for the Party’s reducing support base. Instead of saying what could have been the cause, Rohee told the media that “the political fortunes for every single political party is up for grabs.” He said that the party has not settled on a Prime Ministerial Candidate, but it is likely that the person will come from the Civic component of the PPP Civic alliance. When asked whether the PPP will be looking to ensure it places a “star candidate” to run as the Prime Minister in order to ensure support to regain a majority in the National Assembly, Rohee would only say that his Party is “working out a total package.” He said that the PPP is
looking to get the best possible package to present to the electorate. The General Secretary said that the Party has not written off placing a woman to be the Prime Ministerial Candidate but “so far, the only agreement is presidential candidate…we are looking at everything.” Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has served Guyana in that position since 1992 except for a nine- month break when he became President following the death of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Hinds now appears set to head off into retirement. Media officials found it strange yesterday that even though Rohee announced that the PPP is in elections mood, he refused to say when the party will officially launch its political campaign.
Guyana’s human rights record will be examined by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the second time tomorrow in a meeting that will be webcast live. Guyana is one of the 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during the sessions that began on January 19 and continues to January 30 in Geneva, Switzerland. Guyana’s delegation will be headed by Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The three country representatives serving as rapporteurs (“troika”) for the review of Guyana are Ethiopia, Portugal and Venezuela, according to a statement from the UN office in Guyana. Guyana’s first UPR review took place on May 11, 2010. The documents on which the reviews are based include the national report information provided by the state under review; information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the special procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities and information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations and civil society groups. Among the issues raised in the above-mentioned documents, are addressing negative stereotypes against women; addressing discrimination based on
sexual orientation and gender identity; decriminalising same-sex consensual relations; tackling violence against LGBT persons; addressing alleged police abuses, including unlawful killings, torture and illtreatment; combatting all acts of violence against women and girls and supporting victims; abolishing the death penalty; prohibiting corporal punishment; access to clean water and sanitation; reducing maternal and infant mortality rates; access by women and girls to reproductive and HIV health services; reducing school dropout rates among girls; improving literacy rates; and Amerindian land rights and mining activities in indigenous traditional territories. According to the UN, the UPR is a unique process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN member states. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN member States have been reviewed during the first UPR cycle and 112 thus far during the second cycle. The second review of
Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett states aims to highlight human rights developments in the country since its first review and provides an opportunity for states under review to spell out steps taken to implement recommendations posed during their first reviews. The webcast of the session will be at http:// webtv.un.org. The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations of Guyana at 17.30 on Friday.
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LEAD project’s greatest challenge was failure to see LGE - US Embassy ... project to conclude by March end By Zena Henry Despite accusations of interference and an almost sour split between local and foreign parties involved in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project, the local United States (US) Embassy has reported a “reasonably successful” implementation of the pro-democracy mission
so far. The Embassy’s Chargé d’ Affaires, Bryan Hunt, provided an update on the initiative that was introduced in 2012. During an interview with the Embassy official, he said that the project is nearing its end, but disappointment has followed since its implementers were unable to efficiently deal with the issue of Local Government Elections (LGE). The now
prorogued Tenth Parliament was unable to ensure the holding of LGE, he added. Hunt said that while stakeholders appeared receptive to the information and training, the “greatest difficulty” dealt specifically with the non-holding of local polls. “I think the greatest difficulty that we’ve had, related to the fact that we did not see Local Government Elections during the life of the 10th parliament. We had very much hoped that we would
see a date set, and those elections proceed.” “The fact that it did not happen, of course, means that we could not provide the level of training and support that we had hoped to under the LEAD project.” Currently the most senior person at the Embassy, Hunt thinks, “It’s very important that LGE do ultimately proceed.” He is hopeful that under the life of the next parliament, a date is set, elections held and a newly elected local government arises. “It’s been, in my view, far too long since the Guyanese people were able to go to the polls to elect their local governments.” The LEAD project focuses specifically on the capacity of the country’s Parliament, young people, women and LGE. It aims at enhancing the technical capacity and functionality of the legislature through the regular use of consultative practices and mechanisms for legislative drafting, analysis, review, and passage. The project is expected to further reinforce democratic governance in Guyana by broadening political participation through more representative and competitive multi-party engagements. The USAID initiative had come in for strict criticisms from the government who claimed that the project proposal presented to Guyana did not reflect bilateral input of the Government of Guyana and USAID. They had pulled out of the $2.6B project “due to the agreement document being flawed.” The government had explained that despite their reservations, the implementation of the project
was still going ahead. They deemed it disrespectful and the work permit of Glen Bradbury; Chief of Parties for the International Republican Institute (IRI); implementing the LEAD project, was revoked by the government when they moved to stop the Americans from carrying out their work. The departed Ambassador Brent Hardt was also hit with what was described as a “feral blast” when he insisted on the holding of local polls. Discussions and subsequent agreements eventually lead to government withdrawing their non-approval for the project. Hunt said however, that while the IRI has identified March as the project’s end date, there is the possibility of an extension if the need arises. He said that so far, the project implementers have been able to carry out a number of Town Hall engagements relating to the LGE system, in collaboration with the local elections commission (Gecom). “Those (engagements) were quite important in laying the initial ground work. Obviously more work will have to be done once we have a local government elections date set by the next parliament, but we have begun the process of educating those casting votes in that process,” he related. The Chargé said that a lot of work was also done with the country’s parliamentary staff in terms of helping them to be a more effective resource for the members who are elected following the next election. This will go toward providing backbone support
From page 6 shifted to June 16 will include Home Economics: Management – Paper 2 and Technical Drawing-Paper 2 in the morning, and Electrical and Electronic Technology Paper 2 in the afternoon. Meanwhile, CAPE subjects set for the morning of June 15 are Geometrical and
Mechanical Engineering Drawing Unit 1 – Paper 2, History Unit 1 – Paper 2 and Art and Design unit 1 and 2 – Paper 2 and 3 while in the afternoon candidates will undertake the Communication StudiesPaper 2. The following morning CAPE candidates will sit French Unit 2 – Paper
US Chargé d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt to committee systems and members, he said. The training of leaders of youth organizations was also facilitated in the areas of administering projects, creating budgets and finance management. This he said, is to ensure that these youth organizations play a more effective role in the country with support from the relevant ministry. As it relates to the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Hunt said preliminary work was done with them as they looked at ways to further integrate women into political life and sensitize them as to the political process. Hunt concluded that more work could be done in these areas and many more, but given the funds and short time, the project accomplished a lot. While the project fell just around the time the country is scheduled to host national polls, Hunt clarified that the LEAD project was never designed to deal with national elections; it happened to come at an early date. He said however, that is not a part of the LEAD project agreement.
CXC exams shifted to facilitate May 11 polls 2 and Environmental Science Unit 2-Paper 2 while in the afternoon they will be tasked with sitting Pure Mathematics Unit 1 – Paper 2. It was disclosed, yesterday, that CXC will also officially inform the candidates about this change in timetabling even as the Education Ministry take all necessary steps to ensure all candidates are informed of the timetable change too, said Manickchand. She also expressed gratitude to CXC yesterday stressing that “the Ministry of Education takes this opportunity to thank the Caribbean Examinations Council for being the good partner to the Ministry, Guyana and her people that this body has always been.”
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
‘This is the height of ridiculousness’ says GTUC of change to CXC exam dates “Shock and disgust” were the adjectives used by the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) to describe the move by Government to reschedule the CXC administered examinations – Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Touting the examinations as a “regional calendar item”, GTUC is convinced that the Government is on a mission to fulfill its need. In registering its outrage on the development that was announced yesterday by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, at a press conference, the GTUC noted that CXC is a timetable event that is not only national in nature but also regional. “To shift the CXC (examinations) speaks to questionable integrity in this whole act. Why change the regional calendar event to meet a desperate need to host elections around Arrival Day and purported visit of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi?” questioned the GTUC. According to the Union body, the shift in dates is also one that adds pressure to children looking to conclude schooling by a particular date
and teachers who will now have an additional timetable to keep students focused on the added month to complete exams. To substantiate its bewilderment with the date change, GTUC pointed out that “there is no national disaster to justify shifting a regional exam of such importance. One can only suspect that the Ramotar regime places the future of our youth second place to the desperate quest for election victory.” GTUC is adamant that the People’s Progressive Party had long enough to determine an appropriate elections date, whether it is a month before or month after. “Outside of there being a national disaster or declared war, the GTUC condemns any attempt to reschedule CXC exams. This is the height of ridiculousness. “This matter speaks to the need for all Guyanese to rally together and say to the Ramotar regime, ‘enough is enough!’ We cannot allow our children, our children’s future, to be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,” said the GTUC. At best this decision is thoughtless, added the GTUC in its statement which went on to outline that given the
nature of the governing administration it is easy to perceive that “here is also another dilatory action on its part, knowing fully well that any successful objection to the rescheduling of CXC and another request by the electorate will result in extended period of PPP prorogation, and shutting out of the other elected decisionmakers from Parliament.” Notwithstanding, the fact that the Constitution allows for the government in power to determine the date of elections, this does not mean that regional and national calendar date and other significant national events should be dishonoured, added the GTUC. “It is leaders such as those we are witnessing from the PPP that requires ‘not constitutional’ change but ‘continued constitutional review and reform’ where necessary as permitted under Article 119A, to prevent those who will seek to violate the trust of the people.” Moreover, GTUC once again reiterates its call for statutory date(s) to be set for elections, except in case of untimely removal of the government through a passage of confidence vote, of which Article 106 (7) Continued on page 24
Barbados (Nationnews) – Members of the Drug Squad have arrested and charged 28year-old Guyanese, Ryon Marlon George, in connection with the discovery of a quantity of cocaine. According to police, George was a crew member on board a cargo ship which arrived in Barbados on January 15, 2015. On January 22, an
operation by members of the Drug Squad led to the seizure of a haversack containing a quantity of cocaine, on a jetty at Checker Hall, St Lucy. Further investigations led to the arrest of George. On January 24, ten packages of cocaine weighing 19.6 kilogrammes were found during a search of the ship. The drugs have an
approximate value of B’dos$980,000. George was charged with two counts of possession of cocaine, two counts of possession with intent to supply, two counts of trafficking and importation of cocaine. He was expected to appear at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court yesterday. (PR/NB)
Guyanese crewman charged after coke find on ship
Page 21
Jagdeo may return to Parliament
There is a high possibility that former President Bharrat Jagdeo will be returning to Parliament after the upcoming General Elections slated for May, 11. General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, yesterday confirmed that Jagdeo will be playing a lead role in the PPP election campaign. He said that Jagdeo, who is an executive member of the PPP, will give the Party a boost. Rohee made these comments at the PPP weekly press conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown. Responding to questions about the return of Jagdeo to the local political scene, Rohee sought to make it clear that Jagdeo had never really left, that he was just working behind the scenes for some time now. The General Secretary told media operatives that Jagdeo had always remained very active in the PPP. Rohee said that the fact that Jagdeo will have a place in the PPP election campaign should come as no surprise to anyone. Rohee added that the ‘Champion of the Earth’ can very well be featured as one of the candidates on the Party’s list of candidates but said that the PPP is yet to finalize that list. Asked whether a Jagdeo candidacy would be a plus or a minus for the party heading
into the elections, Rohee said, “I think it’s a plus because he is an asset to the PPP and we are not going to let go of him just because of the attacks that have been launched against him, over the years, by the Kaieteur News, the Inews, the Demerara Waves and all those media houses. We are not going to let go of him as an asset to us; he is one of us.” Jagdeo is known as one of the richest men in the Caribbean, next to his best friend, Bobby Ramroop. Both Jagdeo and his friend gained most of their wealth during Jagdeo’s tenure as President. He has been accused of using money from the treasury to develop ventures from which he, his friends and family members can benefit from. Last March, the stateowned Guyana Chronicle and the newspaper owned by Jagdeo’s best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, published two articles suggesting that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) conducted a poll which determined that Jagdeo is favoured to be the front runner at the next General Elections. But both parties dismissed this notion. APNU’s executive member, Basil Williams said that the Opposition would have nothing to gain by conducting such a poll and further, APNU’s interpretation of the Constitution is that he
Bharrat Jagdeo (Jagdeo) can never return as President. Recently, President Donald Ramotar exposed the violent nature of Jagdeo when an Amerindian man questioned the former President’s record in office. President Ramotar was addressing a political rally. He attacked the political opposition. “They don’t have a record to be proud of; they don’t have a history that they can be proud of. That is why they don’t like history and they don’t like to hear about the past.” The man retorted, “Yea, yea, like Jagdeo.” “You don’t know anything about Jagdeo. If he bin hay he might a slap yo, coz you stupid,” the President is heard saying on an audio recording released to the media by a villager.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
VACANCY Admin Assistant, within the vicinity of E.B.D & W.B.D. Must be well spoken & have 5 CXC subjects including: Maths & English. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com International Cruiseline Purser officers, waitresses, waiters, cooks, receptionists, storekeepers, cleaners, electricians, carpenters, printers, cosmetologists etc – Tel: 231-6296, 650-9880 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 695-9880; 669-4755 Accounts Clerk, must be capable of preparing payroll and monthly vat – Call: 6144358 One manager @ Hotel /Club @ Essequibo Coast, knowledge in hotel field & promotional skills, accommodation provided – Contact: 226-9768 Work from home: Earn $5,000 to $20,000 daily, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday - Call: 233-6517/ 638-0595 or www.jobfairworldwide.com One Diesel Mechanic to work in the interior, must have experienced – Contact: 226-9768 Experienced hairdresser & sales clerk @ West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road, Ruimzeight W.C.D – Call: 269-1524 or 656-3561
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL-$4,000&UPPERDAYCALL: 643-5122, 219-3900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
PEN PAL Companion for retired gentleman 38yrs+. Reply with photo to bobbyother@yahoo.com ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn Apartments: comfortable & clean apartments & rooms - $5000, $6,000 & $7,000 – Tel:6680306; 218-1400; 694-7817. Your luxury hideaway……
Mill Cut Lumber Kabukalli, Silverballi, Etc – Call: 6539752; 688-6579
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Services & repairs to gas stoves, washing machines, electric stoves, deep fryers Call: 688-0183 Vyper Sound System/Studio: Hire, all events, recording of songs, building of Rhythms, etc - Tel: 265-3586, 603-9074 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 Repairs to plasma, Led television etc – Call: Abdul Electronics: 225-0391
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Certificate in: Cosmetology, nails, wig designs, early child care/ care for elderly classes commence February Call: 666-5241/ 619-7603
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTAL CALL: 225-7126/ 2263693 DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM/ WWW.DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security - Tel: 698-7807; 690-6494 MASSAGE Relax your mind and body with a soothing massage – Tel:674-8147
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Lincoln 500 AMP diesel welders with Perkins 4 cylinder engine - Tel#650-0402
5 Acre fruit bearing farm with small cottage sale of least option on Demerara River – Tel: 261-2988 Properties for rent for business purposes only @ 23 Saffon Street Charlestown & 164 Alexander Street Kitty - Call Devon: 663-1876 & 678-5721 Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System – Call: 661-8908, 335-3590 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, (SALE) & MORE, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW - CALL: 675-0767, 667-2535 Fully furnished & unfurnished apartment with TV, Air- Condition, hot & cold, cable in South. Call: 6895877 Barber shop space to rent located @ Diamond Scheme – Call: 655-1829. 3 Bedrooms house to rent @ South Vryheid’s Lust Housing Scheme - Call: 6277092 Prime business place to rent on Sheriff Street, only for offices – Contact: 627-6740 CAKES & PASTRY Made to order: cakes & pastry, egg ball & Pholourie, etc – Contact Maria: 2180734; 685-8332 HEALTH Money Back guarantee; cleaner, clearer younger looking skin in two weeks, also flatter stomach - Call: 684-9409; 699-4211 DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral, cake decoration @ Barr Street Kitty - Call: 6702653; 618-1706 FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table – Tel: 277-0578
PANEL/FANCY GLASS DOORS @ HADCO IN BAGOTSTOWN PUBLIC ROAD, NEXT TO HARBOUR BRIDGE MALL CALL: 233-6743 Plastic shipping Barrel$6,000; XBOX One $100,000; Nintendo DS $15,000; PSP - $20,000 - Tel: 603-8643/ 621-7497 Cat 320 CL 2005 only 3800HRs sold as is, cash offer only, must go – Contact Azim: 660-3235 Five gallon water bottle caps $25 per piece Call: 614-8957 6500 Watts Construction Grade on wheel Honda Generator - $390,000 – Tel: 261-2988 18 New Home lite Chain Saw, leather sofa, others too many to list – Tel: 261-2988 1-250 KVA Generator $3.6M, 1-110 KVA Generator - $1.8M, 1-9 KVA Generator $700,000 – Call: 223-8161 Complete Snapper Boats for sale – Excellent Condition – Contact: 6486815; 670-4459 Game Shop Equipment for sale - Call: 610-0808 One complete music Set Tel: 253-3070; 686-0322
EDUCATIONAL Balloon Decorating Classes. January 31st – Call: 225-3133 or 613-7513 for more information & registration Earn a certificate in cosmetology or nails alone. Call Miss Jenny: 225-5360; 625-7844; 687-7566 Learn a skill & supplement your income; course offered: Sewing, Floral, Curtain Design, Fabric paint & tie dye – Call: 661-7502 PROPERTY FOR SALE Two storey building located at Lot 35 Ketley and Howes Street, Charlestown, prime location for business – Tel: 623-9679
Tuesday January 27, 2015
WANTED One mechanic to work in the interior, must have experienced with Perkins & Cummins Engine – Call: 6916260 One couple to work on live stock farm, one live in cook Tel:614-2464;612-2057;225-1276 Experienced dispatcher and taxi drivers at Princess Hotel @ Providence – Tel: 2657076; 616-5419 Presser / Clipper, straight stitch/over edge machine operators, cleaner – Call: 2222541 (8:00am-4:00pm) (Mon-Fri). Buying old vintage stamps, stamp collection and coins, any amount – Call: 690-7958; 642-9535 General handyman – Call: 227-5500 Waiters/ Waitresses, apply in person to Aracari Resort, West Bank Demerara. To live in with a single female 35-55yrs @ Lillandale Betterhope – Call: 687-6636; Beeson Window & Doors #641-9000 Urgently needed; attractive waitresses - Tel: 686-3116 Porters wanted to work at grocery stalls @ Stabroek Market – Tel:226-9800 Salesgirls & porters; apply with written application at Best Buy Food Supplies @ Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street Campbellville. Experienced driver apply with written application @ Hacks Halaal Restaurant, 5 Commerce Street. Experienced Roti/Puri Cooks, Pastry makers, cleaners apply @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. One barber, nail technician & hairdresser – Call: 225-5360; 625-7844; 687-7566 Hairstylists and Braidists needed at salon in Tortola. 5+ years working experience. Emailbvisalonowner @gmail. com or call 1-284-543-6822 Sales clerk to work @ Nanda’s Boutique 223 Camp St. Next to Shell Gas Station, apply with application Live in caretaker for sawmill at Linden Highway – Tel: 2612553 One welder, must know grill work Call: 625-5763 Switch to Gulf Motor Oil, Dealer & Distributors wanted nationwide – Call: 260-2037 or email sales@two2brotherscorp.com Driver living in Georgetown with mini bus license for contract, also relief Driver for Sundays - Call:646-8748 One shop attendant, age 1825 yrs and one grocery stall for sale – Call: 679-1151
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$5.5M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Toyota Voxy to register in ‘B’ fully loaded never registered - $2.1M - Call: 6172891 Nissan Titan for sale; immaculate condition, owner leaving country - Call: 641-4556 One Nissan Wingroad car, year 2005, price -$1.8M neg. Call: 669-3467 Toyota Premio and Toyota Spacio (new model) never registered. Contact: 227-5950, 681-7117 1 Honda, Fit, rims, spoiler & dark interior, CD/DVD, navigation, PPP Series, one owner - Contact Chris: 6807070 One 170 Carina “As is, where is” - $500,000 – Call: 678-0111; 616-3492 AT 170 Toyota Carina – EFI, AC, Alarm, Mags - $650,000 Neg. – Call: 673-7652 1 Pitbull minibus, stick gear, BPP series, mag rims- $2.2M neg. Call: 673-7652 Double cab Tacoma – Tel: 623-9761 Mitsubishi Lancer car (lady driven) owner leaving country - Call: 638-3203 1 Hino Canter long base excellent condition; down payment available – Call: 696-5660 One Toyota Tundra - Tel: 602-3585 Trade in: T/Alteeza Benz C200, Sale! Spacio, Used T212 – Tel:679-3140 1 Toyota Landcruiser Prado PMM Series Call: 219-5354 Monday- Friday 8:15-4:15Pm & Saturday 8:15-1:15PM 1 Massey Ferguson, 135 in excellent condition – Tel:6169505; 228-5220 Avensis & AT110 Corolla Call: 645-0078; 603-0078 One Toyota Alteeza, excellent condition, spider, mag rims, flair kit – Price $2.75M neg – Tel:648-0494; 642-0786 R1 Motorcycle (red) under 1,000 miles- Call: 227-5500 7-250 4X4; off road tyres – Call: 227-5500. New Arrivals @ OJ’s Auto Imports: Allion 2008, IST, Fielder, Allion 2003, Premio. Tel:609-2815 Toyota Tacoma 4X4, stick shift, AC, crash bar, immaculate condition – Call: 442-3311; 616-4115 WANTED Wash bay attendant from G/ town, driver’s license will be an asset – Call: 629-5913 (Continued on page 23)
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news
APNU/AFC alliance: the issue is not equal sacrifice... From page 4 As a counterbalance, the coalition design assumes that participating leaders and parties also share common national interests. Just as, if not more, critical, the design works on the principle and expectation that the several often-conflicting ethnic agendas within the coalition government can be managed through compromises and pre-set mechanisms. This argument holds just as true if APNU and Granger were in charge of the coalition and perceived to be representing Afro-Guyanese interests. If Hinds’ fear is that a Nagamootoo presidency (or any other AFC IndoGuyanese for that matter) equates to an Indo-Guyanese ethnic agenda, Hinds must know that it makes a difference that this agenda is not being pursued within a one-party government (as is the case now with the PPP) but within a consensus-seeking, mutual-
veto, multi-party executive. Or is Hinds implying that difference is not significant? My fourth point is a question. Is David Hinds opposed to any Indian Presidency per se of the coalition? What if Rupert Roopnaraine becomes the candidate? What if the late Winston Murray had been there? What if we have a grand coalition of parties including the PPP (an idea Hinds and I have supported) and the PPP by virtue of its largest votes gets the Presidency, would the idea no longer be valid? As a fifth point, Hinds makes the case for equal sacrifice and says that with a Nagamootoo presidential candidacy, the Afro-Guyanese are being asked to make “a tremendous sacrifice”, while Indian Guyanese are not. Political (even household) arguments about equal sacrifice, equal pain or equal suffering bog us down in the pits of self-victimhood. Before long we are fighting each other over self-righ-
teous claims about equal, greater or lesser sacrifice. A better (and practical) lens to view matters is whether each group perceives it will get fair and effective power and representation within any future coalition. That should be the central concern. I would suggest further that without the reality and perception that the APNU/ AFC coalition is all-inclusive, representing Afro-, Indo-, and Amerindian Guyanese, the coalition will fall flat on its face. Electoral success is only possible if all feel protected and respected. Mine is therefore not an argument for Nagamootoo or anyone. Mine is an argument for looking at this matter in the framework advocates of power-sharing have always understood and propagated. All that said, to increase the chances of success, the APNU and AFC must try to reduce the possible fallout and disappointment among some supporters if their man does
not get the top position. They should agree and announce, apart from the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates, a few ministerial nominees (I can only hope that David Hinds’ ethnic concerns do not extend to key ministries, such as finance). In addition, the coalition partners should publish and publicly sign a “Contract with Guyana” outlying broad commitments to good governance, local government, national representation and consensus. Speaking personally, I am looking forward to a broad coalition with APNU and AFC at the core. Once I feel that the interests and concerns of the cross-section of Guyanese (ethnic groups, but also outlying regions, women, youths, etc) are meaningfully tabled and represented, I will give full support. I hope AFC supporters feel the same should APNU lead the coalition. Sherwood Lowe
Guyana did not adequately use Dr. Faith Harding’s expertise From page 5 neglected and empowering women. And Dr. Harding was a friend of the LGBT Community in Guyana. As a human being, as a woman, she understood how the mind and brain work and she refused to cast judgment on the LGBT in Guyana and further afield. Her acceptance and support for such persons made her a person with an even bigger heart. I was yet to flesh out the remains of our last interview which went way over 30 minutes (I have nearly 3 hours of interviews with Dr. Harding), and ended by me asking Dr. Harding what were her hopes and aspirations for our country in 2015. Sadly, I did not know she would not have been around for much of 2015 to live out those aspirations and to see those hopes come alive. Let me make what she said public at this time. For 2015, she said she wanted to
see “vibration of concern and love for this nation—I want to see big investment in our interior!” “We should not have this energy problem that we have, given that we have so much water in our nation that can give us the energy that we need for production! It is time we have an energy source for our nation. It’s time for the development of our interior— the railways we must see running through our interior. We’ve got valleys to develop in this nation; we’ve got mountains to explore—2015 must see the start of that! 2015 must see investors pouring in to this nation, because we will lose the suspicion that we have of everything and everyone.” Dr. Harding went on to end our last interview by saying that 2015 is a year she wishes everyone becomes more open to the other regarding development, trust and happiness.
“I think 2015 will be the beginning of that and I hope that this President is able to reach out and ensure that investment and the suspicious nation changes to a nation of hope and joy, by doing things and creating jobs; creating a feeling of trust—giving of yourself! Don’t be afraid to say yes; don’t be afraid to say no, so that 2015 will be the beginning of a nation that’s going to be the richest frontier within the Caribbean. We can do it! We can be the richest frontier! We can be the exciting nation if we do the right things in 2015; if we take the right steps, internationally as well as nationally; if we show respect and regard to other nations.” She added that we don’t want our people thinking that you can use verbal abuse, “and transfer the society into a depressed mode, because they are embarrassed; because they are ashamed by
the leadership of our nation, losing control and providing verbal abuse to another nation; it’s not worth it—it puts people into a depression and adds to what is depression in our nation and what becomes living suspicion.” For 2015, she had hoped that the government would change those kinds of behaviours, “it’s not worth it; it’s not necessary—because if you feel good about yourself, you don’t have to lower your standards to be abusive! You feel good, You are confident in what you are doing. You march on.” And those were her last words to me on record. I shall continue to listen to them from time to time. I feel that Guyana did not adequately use Dr. Harding’s expertise and great mind as much as we should have. What a shame! May her soul rest in eternal peace. Leon Suseran
The PPP must go, but its going must be the basis for something... From page 5 who are swayed in the direction of an AFC-led coalition would ask is this: How do we know this coalition if it wins would not turn into another Indian government. After all, the president when elected has a lot of power to act independent of partners. It would be interesting to hear what answer African leaders would give to that question. This is risky politics. In going for the whole hog, we may end up losing the whole hog. We may convince one group but lose the other group or we may not
convince enough voters of either group. Then we are back to a PPP majority. I still believe in a strategy that first secures the joint AFC/APNU parliamentary majority that we have now but with increased representation that would then be used as leverage to get the Joint Government you are aiming for. I think that is less of a risky strategy. First make sure you don’t lose the majority you have and if in the process one of the parties wins the plurality, all the merrier. And the way you do that is to run separately but with a
coordinated message. In effect you are going to the two ethnic communities and asking them to vote for a National Government without forcing them to come out of their ethnic comfort zone. I still believe a message of an end to PPP One-Party Rule is a more effective mobilizing
message in the Indian community. The PPP must go, but its going must be the basis for something fresh, forward-thinking and in the interest of all of the people in Guyana, including those who see the PPP as their legitimate representatives. David Hinds
(From page 22)
LAND FOR SALE 1500 Acres Transported Land @ Bartica 2 ¾ miles River Front, Virgin Rock, Quarry Resort – Call Mark: 704-4652222/603-1266 House Lots in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities @ Eccles, 60X100 - $7.5M. (Special prices) - Call: 2272913; 683-3033 Eccles: Commercial lots for sale at Eccles – Tel:227-2913. Cell: 683-3033 1. Parika, Peter Street; 2. Blankenburg, behind gas station lot size: 75’X76' (3 parcels)= Contact 650-0402 Located in Republic Gardens, Peters Hall, E.B.D. Interest person – Contact: 231-5359 or 672-7189 Riverside land for sale Upper Demerara River, 90 Acres, Please Call: 678-1575 or 223-5890 Grove E.B.D Caneville 4th Field, 1St Street, Concrete $3M 20X40 land 40X100, Parfaite W.B.D Land 45X80 $1.1M – Call:231-2199; 6187483
PROPERTY FOR SALE Land with small concrete house; for sale in Grove over 8,000 Sq. Ft. Call: 612-4030; 216-2759 Property at Kersaint Park L.B.I, E.C.D – Contact: 6641865; 698-5713 Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353, 216-4338 Corner Property, Grove Public Road - $29M Neg. Call: 613-5645 One concrete two storey building; nine bedrooms @ Samatta Point, Grove E.B.D Tel: 602-3585 Houses & house lots for sale in 1 of Guyana’s top luxury gated communities, located @ Eccles E.B.D Tel: 227-2913; 683-3033 1 incomplete house & land @ 128 Canaan Gardens, Land of Canaan E.B.D, Price $4.8M Neg. Call: 603-1845; 603-8714 House in Lamaha Gardens: 2 self contained rooms, fully concreted – Call: 227-2027
TO LET Three bedrooms upper flat concrete building, parking $70,000 monthly @ Block 8 Agriculture Road E.C.D – Call: 687-1050 Fully Furnished vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours – Call: 227-1218 2 Bedroom apartment @ 2290 Section C Block X Diamond New Scheme Tel:676-2406 Furnished 1 & 2 bedrooms apartments: AC, grilled, parking (walking distance to Caricom & UG) – Call: 6233404 or 222-6708 Furnished executive one or two bedroom suites in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners. Call 609 2466.
Thomas Street: ideal for Doctors nurse, good location, 3 stories large land – Call: 2272027. Two flat concrete and wooden building on land 76’X65’, East Street, Georgetown – Call: 225-6330 3 Bedroom house & master bedroom, alarm, remote controlled garage door, approximately 8000 Sq.Ft land @ GuySuco Gardens - $48M. Phone: 617-4261 Property @ Water Pum Street Leonora (24X58) – Tel:6425799 One two storey, 3 bedroom wooden concrete house, fully grilled, ideal for business, spacious land at Enterprise – Call: 667-9781
WANTED Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Live in maid – Tel: 675-5256
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Kaieteur News
Man accused of impersonating traffic cop, arresting drivers A man who impersonated the police and made a number of arrests and fleeced a number of persons in Berbice, gave his name as ‘Detective Sergeant Singh’. He is now facing jail time. Ronald Balgobin, called “Coolie Boy” and “Sergeant Singh”, 20, of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara and of Lot 35 Reliance, East Canje, Berbice, on Monday, appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Whim Magistrate’s court on two charges. Balgobin was charged with impersonating a cop and collecting money under false pretense. He was not required to plead to the charges. He was subsequently granted bail in the sum of $40,000 on each offence. The man told investigators that he once worked at the Demerara Bank as a security agent. The man who recently arrived in Berbice, claimed to be ‘Sergeant Singh’ and told unsuspecting persons that he was recently transferred from
Demerara. He was arrested by alert police officers in Berbice after fleecing a number of persons. According to a source, he had stopped a number of drivers for misdemeanors on the Corentyne Coast, and demanded money from the drivers. The impersonator was so bold that he even took some of the errant drivers to the Rose Hall Town Outpost. Ranks in the division became suspicious after it was learnt that there is no ‘Sergeant Singh’ that has been recently transferred to the division.
The culprit even told investigators that his name was Singh and that he hailed from Meadow Brook, Georgetown. He pleaded with the cops for leniency stating that he is not working and in need of a job and was just trying a thing. Balgobin had stopped drivers on the Corentyne and had taken money from them for not wearing seat belts. He had told investigators that he had a wife and a twomonth-old daughter to take care of. His next court date is February 2.
From page 9 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 is 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.
Ronald Balgobin
A baby in a world of giants
Tuesday January 27, 2015
“Be thankful you didn’t get more!” A man who confessed to brutally stabbing his reputed wife yet begged to have the charge against him dropped, received a rude awakening from Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday. Martin McLennan, who appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, admitted that during an argument he picked up a broken bottle and repeatedly stabbed his reputed wife to her face and several other parts of her body. The incident occurred on the streets in Meadow Bank, East Bank of Demerara on November 9, last. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant, told the court that the couple has been having problems for some time. He said about 18:30 hours that day, the woman was on her way home when McLennan cornered her and they had a misunderstanding. Grant explained that McLennan armed himself with a broken bottle and dealt the victim several stabs to her face, arms and other body parts. The court heard that the woman was rescued by a passerby who witnessed the attack. Her reputed husband ran away.
…Chief Magistrate tells confessed wife beater The public spirited citizen picked her up and took her to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where she was admitted for treatment. McLennan was subsequently arrested after a report was made at the Ruimveldt Police Station. A charge of unlawful wounding with intent was instituted against him and McLennan pleaded guilty when it was read to him by the Chief Magistrate yesterday. Addressing the court, McLennan said “I know I made a mistake” before turning to his reputed wife, who was standing beside the prisoners’ docks, to say “I’m sorry.” The Chief Magistrate said, however, based on the serious nature of this crime, the prevalence of domestic violence, the gravity of the charge and the injuries the woman sustained, McLennan will serve three years in jail. Despite being ordered to serve the jail time, McLennan continued “I’m begging to offer compensation to my wife.” It was at that point that the woman came forth and said “Excuse me your worship, I just want to say
something. He live with me eleven years and he wasn’t a bad man. He was never a bad man to me.” The Chief Magistrate looked at her and said, “The injuries you sustained caused you permanent disfigurement.” Clutching the medical report, the Chief Magistrate read that the woman had suffered multiple lacerations ranging from two to eight centimeters about her body, several punctures; and at the time her left wrist was unable to extend among other things. “These are serious injuries,” she stressed. To which the man thought it was worth speaking. “The hand did break already.” The Chief Magistrate then said, “Be thankful you didn’t get more!” Occurrences of women begging for their perpetrators to escape punishment are frequent in the courts. But for the past few months, the judiciary has been upping the ante to tackle the issues of gender-based violence. Almost gone are the days when victims of domestic violence had the option to “offer no evidence” against alleged perpetrators.
awaiting grades from the last academic year. This affront to our students must stop. It must stop now. And that is why we are here today,” he added. Griffith said that the movement demands a unified front involving the input of the UGSS and students alike. As such, the students have collectively decided to
push for a UG council meeting to have the matter addressed immediately. The students are demanding that UG's Vice Chancellor Professor Jacob Opadeyi call a council meeting to have the issues addressed on Wednesday. Alternatively, the students plan to stage a protest on Campus if their demands are not met.
From page 21 already addresses in the Constitution. GTUC continued that “in this history of post independent Guyana, we have never witnessed such manipulation of parliament and elections date yet.” In light of the development, the GTUC said that it will be dispatching a letter of concern to the CXC
headquarters and CARICOM heads, questioning either their knowledge and/or facilitation of the rescheduling of CXC exams, and if necessary their continued subjugation and support of PPP manipulation and poor governance, now directly affecting our children and the future, not only of Guyana but the Caribbean.
UG workers go on strike
From page 15 even chalk! The bathroom facilities are not useable. In fact, I believe it is time we rise to the occasion and reap the benefits of Article 27. We deserve FREE Tertiary Education. Until we achieve that goal, we demand to see value for our money.” Griffith added, “It is also inexcusable that the timely release of student grades remains a challenge. “Some students are still
‘This is the height of ridiculousness’...
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Oil slides despite OPEC talk of a floor (Reuters) - Oil fell in seesaw trade on Monday, with U.S. crude ending at its lowest in nearly six years, as traders discounted comments from OPEC’s top official about the market finally finding a bottom. It was an up-and-down session for crude, which gyrated along with the U.S. dollar in the wake of a decisive Greek election victory by the left-wing Syriza party. Prices initially rallied after OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah al-Badri said oil may have hit a floor and could move higher very soon, the first comments he has made on the subject during crude’s seven-month-long price rout. But the gains proved fleeting as global benchmark Brent LCOc1 fell 1.3 percent to $48.16. U.S. crude CLc1 lost almost 1 percent, settling at $45.15, the lowest settlement price for the existing frontmonth contract. Following the restart of a major U.S. Midwest refinery unit, the Brent/WTI spread narrowed to $3.01 after going as wide as $3.41 on Friday, its widest in three weeks. Volume was muted by a major snowstorm in the U.S. Northeast, which some traders said would likely have
a mixed effect on fundamentals. Just over 520,000 lots of WTI were traded, about a third less than normal. The blizzard will result in cancelled flights, less driving and increased use of heating oil, creating mixed indicators for crude oil, Matt Smith, an analyst at Schneider Electric, said. “We saw this with Hurricane Sandy,” Smith said. Heavy snow was falling on the U.S. East Coast Monday afternoon, the first signs of a blizzard that may be of historic severity. Officials predicted it could dump up to 3 feet of snow, snarling transportation for millions of people. Gasoline prices also
closed down but off their lows after news that BP Plc’s (BP.L) 413,500-barrel-per-day (bpd) Whiting, Indiana, refinery had completed the restart of a 90,000-bpd crude distillation unit and was working to boost its production to planned output levels. Front-month U.S. gasoline RBc1 settled down 2.3 percent at $1.3167 a gallon, after hitting a session low of $1.3105. Saudi Arabia’s new ruler, King Salman, pledged continuity in energy and foreign policies on Friday and was quick to retain veteran oil minister Ali al-Naimi, sending a message aimed at calming a jittery oil market.
Greek leftist Tsipras sworn in as PM to fight bailout terms (Reuters) - Greek left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras was sworn in on Monday as the prime minister of a new hardline, anti-bailout government determined to face down international lenders and end nearly five years of tough economic measures. The decisive victory by Tsipras’ Syriza in Sunday’s snap election reignites fears of new financial troubles in the country that set off the regional crisis in 2009. It is also the first time a member of the 19-nation euro zone will be led by parties rejecting German-backed austerity. Tsipras’ success is likely to empower Europe’s fringe parties, including other antiausterity movements across the region’s economicallydepressed south. The trouncing of the conservatives represents a defeat of Europe’s middleground political guard, which has dallied on a growthversus-budget discipline debate for five years while voters suffered. Sporting his trademark no-tie look, the 40-year old
Greek left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras
former student Communist Tsipras became the first prime minister in Greek history to be sworn in without the traditional oath on a Bible and blessing of basil and water from the Greek Archbishop. At a brief secular ceremony where he pledged to uphold the constitution, Tsipras told President Karolos Papoulias: “We have an uphill road ahead.” In a symbolic move, his first action as prime minister was to commemorate Greek resistance fighters with red roses at a memorial in Athens to those executed by Nazis.
Defying predictions that he would turn from populist to pragmatist after taking power, Tsipras quickly sealed a coalition deal with the small Independent Greeks party which also opposes Greece’s EU/IMF aid programme. Syriza won 149 seats in the 300-seat parliament with its campaign of “Hope is coming!”, leaving it just two seats short of an outright majority and in need of a coalition partner. The Independent Greeks, at odds with Syriza on many social issues like illegal immigration, won 13 seats.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Billionaire at center of C’bean casino fraud accusations One of Canada’s richest men, is locked in an international battle over Caribbean casinos with links to one of Canada’s most feared mafia clans. Michael G. DeGroote, 81, a philanthropist and an officer of the Order of Canada, reportedly lent millions of dollars to three men to create a chain of gaming facilities in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. According to reports stemming from a year long investigation carried out by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the Globe and Mail, there is no evidence that at the time DeGroote knew of the men’s “underworld connections”. It’s reported that 2010, DeGroote, 81, who built Hamilton-based Laidlaw Transport into one of North America’s biggest wastehaulage firms before selling his stake in 1988, ran into an old friend, a businessman named Andrew Pajak. CBC News said Pajak told DeGroote that he was working with two brothers,
Michael G. DeGroote
Antonio and Francesco Carbone of Vaughan, Ontario, on a company manufacturing electronic slot machines and they had plans to install them at a nightclub casino in Jamaica. DeGroote initially agreed to put up US$5 million in December 2010 and by May 2012, the billionaire’s total underwriting of the Caribbean operations stood at US$111.9 million. The Dream Group was making good on its loans, but in May 2012, the payments to DeGroote stopped. In October of that year, DeGroote sued to get access
Two dead following British Virgin Islands boating accident A boating mishap off the coast of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands on Saturday, led to the death of a man and a woman. The police, who have not released the names of the individuals, said the man is a Jamaican engineer and the woman is Caucasian. The police report that a group was traveling in an inflatable boat to Oil Nut Bay from an event in The Valley area of Virgin Gorda when the vessel crashed into a rock just
before daybreak. The body of the Jamaican was recovered on Saturday morning and the body of the woman was recovered later in the day. Four others on board the vessel were taken to hospital where they were treated. “I can confirm a boat accident in the sea off Virgin Gorda. The body of a female was recovered at the scene. A male was previously pronounced dead,” said Police Information Officer Diane Drayton.
to the company’s books alleging the Carbones and Pajak had misappropriated portions of the funds. A Canadian judge in November 2013 that DeGroote had established “a strong case” for fraud. While DeGroote’s legal battles with the Carbones progressed in the first half of 2013, “other characters with a dubious past entered the fray”, CBC News said. In May of that year, it said DeGroote was visited by two men at his family’s luxury condo in downtown Toronto. One of them was Peter Shoniker, an outgoing former Crown attorney “who had been convicted of money laundering in 2006”. It said the other was a “large, broad-chinned man” introduced as Alexander Visser. “Unbeknownst to DeGroote, Visser had a long criminal history, amounting to more than 40 convictions in Canada for fraud, uttering threats and assault,” the report said. At the meeting, CBC News said Visser made a “stunning offer”, saying he could get Dream employees in the Dominican Republic to sign affidavits claiming the Carbones had massively defrauded DeGroote, but for a price. Initially, DeGroote objected, but eventually, he began negotiating over the asking price,” and told Visser he would send him US$150,000 with “no strings attached” for possible future help. DeGroote declined to be interviewed by CBC and the Globe and Mail, but through his lawyers, he said the secret recordings were manipulation, created by “individuals with a long history of practicing deceit.” In his only on-the-record statement about the Dream fiasco, issued through his lawyers, DeGroote said: “Frankly, I sincerely regret that I ever agreed to invest in this venture. Indeed, I am embarrassed by it.” His lawyers later added: “Mr. DeGroote is someone who has been wronged, rather than a wrongdoer.”
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 27
Armstrong says he would Cape Verde & Zambia out after rain-hit game race clean nowadays Lance Armstrong. REUTERS/ Lucas Jackson
LONDON (Reuters) - Banned cyclist Lance Armstrong says he would not have needed to resort to doping in the sport’s current era and what happened 10 years ago should be seen in the context of the times. “If I was racing in 2015, no, I wouldn’t do it again because I don’t think you have to,” the Texan told the BBC in an interview on Monday. “If you take me back to 1995, when doping was completely pervasive, I would probably do it again.” A cancer survivor and once a hero to millions, Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France victories and banned for life from racing in 2012 by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency after it accused him in a report of engineering one of the most sophisticated doping schemes in sports.
BBC Sport - Cape Verde and Zambia both bowed out of the African Cup of Nations after a game which at one point looked as though it would stop because of torrential rain. Persistent showers fell through the first half and the rain became extremely heavy during half-time and in the early stages of the second half. Puddles appeared on the pitch but play continued and the rain finally stopped. Zambia’s Evans Kangwa missed a great chance late on while Antonio Varela earlier headed over at the other end. Cape Verde missed out on qualifying on goals scored after only finding the net once in three matches, with a penalty, compared to DR Congo’s two strikes. The weather will be the main talking point in a match from which either side could have qualified for the quarterfinals. Tunisia’s first-half
Tuesday January 27, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You can ask for favors but don't take them for granted. Focus on your domestic scene. Get together with friends or relatives. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You may find that relationships are not going as well as you'd like. You can ferret out secret information if you just listen to what others have to say. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Consider a trial separation if you and your mate just can't come to terms. Children will be of major concern if you haven't kept the lines of communication open. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You can find out important information if you listen to friends and relatives. Use your creative flair. You might get behind if you spend too much time debating senseless issues. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You hard work and dedication will payoff, so stick to your guns and do your job well. Don't let an incident at work play on your mind. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) You're in the mood to do things such as competitive sports, or perhaps a night on the town. Confusion is apparent and you'll need some sound advice if you want to do the right thing.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Don't reveal information that is personal or confidential. Don't let your partner start any arguments. Passion should be redirected positively. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Try to curb your bad habits, and compromise if your partner gives you an ultimatum. Get involved in fitness programs that will bring you in contact with new friends. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Helping children may be rewarding and challenging. Stress may cause minor health ailments. Don't let your partner put you down. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.JAN. 20) Try not to take others for granted. Tempers could get out of hand today. Unexpected events may upset your routine. Don't push your luck with authority figures. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Your moneymaking opportunities will flourish. Children may be less than honest with you. Travel will be enjoyable but could be expensive. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Your best results will come through business trips. You will have to be careful not to let infatuations with colleagues get out of hand.
goal against DR Congo left Cape Verde, who only needed a draw to go through, in pole position but the equaliser in that match meant that both teams progressed. Zambia, winners in 2012, needed a victory to progress and Rainford Kalaba came close to putting his side ahead in the 24th minute when he cut inside and hit a shot which deflected past the post. Seven minutes later, Zambia failed to clear a freekick which was hit deep into their penalty area and the ball broke to Calu who blazed over the bar. Kalaba caused Cape Verde more problems three minutes before half-time when his free-kick from 25 yards forced goalkeeper Vozinha to punch the ball away. But the Blue Sharks nearly went ahead seconds before the interval
when Varela stooped to meet a free-kick six yards out but could only head over the top. The early stages of the second half were farcical with players struggling to keep their footing and pass the ball more than a few yards at times. But the match continued and as the rain stopped falling, the conditions eased for the players. Cape Verde substitute Djaniny tried his luck from 20 yards out midway through the second half but Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was equal to it. Djaniny caused more problems nine minutes later when he combined with fellow substitute Odair Fortes but he could not quite beat Mweene. Zambia’s moment arrived in the 78th minute when a lovely centre from Chisamba Lungu set up
Kangwa but he somehow missed the target from 10 yards. Cape Verde coach Rui Aguas: “I’m very sad and disappointed with the result but not with my players. They did all they could. “We missed a lot of chances in three games but we gave 100 per cent, we gave our all. “Zambia and us were the best teams in the group. For Congo there is happiness. One goal makes all the difference, one miss makes all the difference. Football is often cruel and it is now our turn to feel it.” Zambia coach Honour Janza: “It is sad but let us be positive that the future looks bright for our team, the young boys we came with here will be a force in African football in the next two to three years.”
GB’s Dom Inglot into Australian Open men’s doubles quarter-finals BBC Sport - Britain’s Dom Inglot and Romanian Florin Mergea caused a major upset in the Australian Open doubles with victory over the Bryan brothers. Inglot and Mergea recovered from 4-1 down in the first set to win 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals. It is the first time Inglot has enjoyed a win over Bob and Mike Bryan, winners of 16 Grand Slam titles. “It’s a big boost,” said the 28-year-old Londoner, who is through to his third Grand Slam quarter-final. “This is the kind of place you want to do it, on a big court like Hisense Arena. The crowd was fantastic. “The Bryans come in and [the announcer] gives all this talk about how they’ve won so many matches and so many tournaments. “It’s a bit intimidating but we went out there, we’ve been training really hard, and I think Florin’s really helped me have this winning mentality.” The Bryans have won the Australian Open six times and finished as the year-end world number one pairing 10 times. Inglot split with long-time partner Treat Huey of the Philippines at the end of last year and is playing in only his seventh tournament with Mergea. The Romanian, who was also celebrating his 30th birthday, said: “We’ve known each over for two years and he’s always been someone I could actually talk with, which is something I missed with all my previous partners. “Having the kind of discussion that every good team needs, on court and off court.”
Their quarter-final opposition will be Frenchman JeanJulien Rojer and Romania’s
Horia Tecau, a long-time friend and junior doubles partner of Mergea.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Guinness Greatest of de Streets ‘West Side’ Edition
BIG GUNS FIRE INTO Another round of exciting Australian Open quarters action anticipated tonight
Another round of exciting action in the Guinness Greatest of de Streets ‘West Side’ Edition is anticipated tonight, at the Pouderoyen Tarmac with eight more matches scheduled to be played, starting at 19:00hrs. In the first fixture, Brothers United, who holds the distinction of being the first team to register a victory in the tournament, will come up against De Kinderen United another side that gained full points on opening night. This encounter will be followed by the clash between Vergenoegen AllStars and Golden Stars and both of these teams will no
doubt be aiming to score their first points in the competition after suffering losses in the first round. In the third game, Patentia Street Ballers will be going all out to make it two victories from two when they face Demerara Speed Boat Service, while Majee and Raiders run into each other in game four. Police, who replaced Young Warriors and West Side Ballers square off in the next encounter and while not much is known of the Lawmen what is certain is that they would no doubt be looking to make a positive start to the tournament, while Ballers, losers from the opening
round, will want to get on the points sheet. Show Stoppers then tackle unbeaten Jetty and that will precede the game between Uitvlugt and Admiral United. In the night’s final game, Den Amstel FC, one of the favourites to win the tournament take on Showtime and unless the latter shows marked improvement, the early prediction is that they will endure another defeat. Up for grabs is $300,000 for the winning team and the championship trophy, while the runner-up receives $150,000 and third and fourth place finishers $100,000 and $75,000 respectively.
Venus fireworks illuminate Australia Day MELBOURNE (Reuters) A scintillating fireworks show that illuminated the cityscape and commemorated Australia Day fittingly capped an explosive performance by Venus Williams and the Stars and Stripes brigade at the Australian Open on Monday. The fireworks display, which has disrupted play previously at Rod Laver Arena, began minutes after Venus advanced to her first grand slam quarter-final since the 2010 U.S. Open with an upset win over sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska. The 34-year-old’s victory ensured three American women would be in the last eight of a grand slam for the first time since the 2004 U.S. Open as she joined younger sister Serena and teenager Madison Keys. Men’s top seed Novak Djokovic also moved up a gear to beat Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller and next faces Milos Raonic, who became the first Canadian male since Robert Powell in 1912 to reach a third career grand slam quarter-final. “Not having played Gilles before was tricky coming in,” Djokovic said in a courtside interview. “I did find it uncomfortable at times but I found a way through.” U.S. Open finalist Kei Nishikori’s quest to become
the first Asian male to win a grand slam advanced with a clinical victory over Spanish ninth seed David Ferrer. “I was feeling a lot of confidence (because) I had nothing to lose so I played almost 100 percent tennis,” said the Japanese. Nishikori will meet defending champion Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals after the Swiss exacted some 2014 French Open revenge with a four-set victory over Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. That French Open victory by the Spaniard ensured Wawrinka became the first Australian Open champion to lose in the first round at Roland Garros since Petr Korda in 1998. TOUGH WIN Serena also avenged an early loss at the 2014 French Open to Garbine Muguruza with a tough three-set victory over the hard-hitting Spaniard. The American was justifiably nervous, having failed to advance further than the quarter-finals in her last three Australian Opens as she self-destructed against lower-ranked opponents. After they shared the first two sets Williams, battling a cold, somehow managed to hold off six break points in her first service game of the decider and eventually ended the 21-year-old’s resistance.
DR Congo & Tunisia... From page 31 hang on. It almost proved too much for them and they were fortunate that Hamza Younes was unable to turn home from close range.
At the final whistle both coaches congratulated each other on progressing - a scenario that had looked very unlikely for much of the match.
“I had to play the best match of the tournament or else I was going to be out,” Serena said. “When I have to go up a level, I have to. I can’t afford to stay at the same level or I will be where I was at the French Open.” Williams will meet last year ’s beaten finalist Dominika Cibulkova who outslugged twice champion Victoria Azarenka. It was the Belarusian’s earliest exit at Melbourne Park since she lost at the same stage in 2011 to China’s Li Na, though after an injuryplagued 2014 the unseeded 25-year-old was pleased with her progress on her comeback. “I think there are a lot of positive things to take from here. It’s a good start,” she said. Azarenka’s exit passed the mantle of the most dangerous outsider to watch to 19-yearold power-hitting Keys who is coached by former world number one Lindsay Davenport. Keys, who destroyed twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the third round, was equally as destructive in her 6-2 6-4 win over compatriot Madison Brengle as she set up a clash against Venus. “I haven’t been in this situation before,” said Keys. “I’m going to make the most of it but, at the same time, no matter what I’m not really going to be satisfied with any win. “I want to be at the end of the tournament holding the trophy up. That’s my goal in the long run.”
MELBOURNE, Australia (AFP) — Maria Sharapova was all business as she set up a glamour Australian Open quarter-final with Eugenie Bouchard, as Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray continued their unrelenting Grand Slam march. The Russian world number two ended Chinese hopes by swatting aside 21st seed Peng Shuai 6-3, 6-0, as she lifts her game the deeper she goes in the tournament. It hands organisers a dream last-eight clash between two of the most marketable players on tour with Canadian seventh seed Bouchard surviving a mid-match slump to defeat unseeded Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania in three sets. But Sharapova’s boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov was turfed out by never-say-die British sixth seed Andy Murray, who won the last five games to battle through a pulsating night match on Rod Laver Arena 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-5. Nadal, a 14-time Grand Slam champion, was dominant after a tight first set against powerhitting South African Kevin Anderson, running out a 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 winner and will next play Czech Tomas Berdych for a place in the semi-finals. The consistent Berdych, who made the final four last year, ended Australian Bernard Tomic’s tournament with a comfortable 6-2, 76 (7/3), 6-2 hit-out. “After a tough period of time for me it’s a fantastic result, and I’m very happy with the way I played today,” said Spain’s Nadal, who came into the tournament after a three-month injury layoff. “It was probably my best match here this year so that’s very important for me and very special.” Berdych has lost his last 17 encounters with Nadal and admitted he would have to be at the top of his game to win. “Whatever I need to do I’m going to be ready for it and will try to fight until the last point,” he said. Another Australian, teenager Nick Kyrgios, managed to achieve what Roger Federer could not by beating dogged Italian Andreas Seppi 5-7, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) 8-6. The 19-year-old becomes the first homegrown quarter-finalist in Melbourne since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005 with a face-off against Murray his reward. “When I saw I had finally won the match it was incredible. It was the best feeling I ever had,” he said. Sharapova, gunning for a sixth Grand Slam title and her first in Australia since 2008, said her match against Peng was tougher than the score suggested. “I’ve always had a little trouble against Peng Shuai, she’s a really tough competitor,” she said. The Russian added that Bouchard, the tour’s most consistent performer at Grand Slams last year who pushed her in their French Open semi-final, would be another big challenge. “She’s been playing incredibly well, confident aggressive tennis. I have a tough match ahead of me.” The popular Bouchard is widely seen as a future major champion after her semi-final appearance at Melbourne Park last year, a feat she matched in Paris before making the Wimbledon final. It didn’t go all her way against Begu, who sparked to life in the second set to push the ambitious 20-year-old to a third before winning 6-1, 5-7, 6-2. Bouchard has met Sharapova three times before and lost each one, a statistic that doesn’t sit well with her. “I think I’ve progressed a lot since then and I definitely want to keep playing my game
Serena Williams. Reuters/Carlos Barria
Andy Murray. (PHOTOS: AFP)
Maria Sharapova. (PHOTOS: AFP) no matter what,” she said. Dangerous Romanian third seed Simona Halep also went through, battling past unseeded Belgian Yanina Wickmayer 6-4, 6-2 and will meet Russian 10th seed Ekaterina Makarova. Makarova blitzed unseeded German Julia Goerges 6-3, 6-2, and has yet to drop a set. It is the third time she has made the quarters in Melbourne after strong runs in 2012 and 2013. But Halep defeated her in their only previous meeting at New Haven in 2013. “I have confidence I can beat her again, but it’s a quarter-final and it will be a tough match,” said the third seed.
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Kaieteur News
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Harris tipped as Michael Anthony rides away with National Basketball Benjamin Sports cycle race in Berbice Head Coach By Samuel Whyte
The talk of Ravens Basketball Club Coach, Darcel Harris assuming the portfolio of Head Coach of the National Senior Men’s team edged closer to reality yesterday with the National Federation confirming that they had unanimously agreed that Harris is the man for the job. The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) said that it was waiting for Harris to accept the appointment that was unanimously agreed on at their Ordinary General Meeting. The Ravens Coach verbally accepted the new responsibility yesterday afternoon. Harris’ appointment is a direct consequence of his dominance at the helm of Ravens with only a single loss to Republic Bank Nets at the beginning of the Phillip George Legacy III tournament last year. They went on to win their third Phillip George title. Ravens won the National Club Championships last year earning them the right to be labelled the ‘best club in Guyana’. That accolade came after they battled from slipping to a fourth ranking in Georgetown, following the 2013 League, after dropping games to Pepsi Sonics and Colts. They also suffered a two-point heartbreak against Colts in the League Playoffs
then. Ravens had won the first Phillip George Memorial title late in 2012 then went on to win a second accolade in two weeks with the Albert Bentick prize; the team then won the Pepsi Series for their third title to close 2012 before their brief 2013 slump. However since 2013, Ravens have gone on to win the Brusche’s Classic in Linden, beating the number one ranked, Pacesetters to advance to the finals. They also won another Phillip George title while finishing just short of beating Suriname’s top club in an exchange programme in the neighbouring country. The upsurge for Ravens continued with an unblemished record on their way to winning the 2014 Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) National Club Championships. It is an assertion that suggested that Harris continues to build the best club in Guyana. Harris’ appointment means that he will be in charge of Guyana’s National Basketball team when they play one of the Caribbean’s top sides, Bermuda, here in March in a three-game series. He is expected to defend the National title at the National Championships, dubbed Mecca II slated for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall next month. (Edison Jefford)
Michael Anthony of the mining town of Linden, riding as his first year as a senior, wasted no time as he topped the field to ride away with the Third Annual ‘Wilbert Benjamin Sports Store’ cycle event. The event, which was held along the Corentyne Highway on Sunday last in the Ancient County of Berbice, saw Anthony covering the 50 miles distance in one hour 51 minutes and 41 seconds. The other top positions were occupied by Alonzo Greaves, Paul De Nobrega, double defending champion Orville Hinds, Alonzo Ambrose and Berbician Romello Crawford occupying the respective second to sixth places. The one armed wonder, Walter Grant Stuart took the 10 position and received a special prize. The race started outside of the Benjamin’s Sports Store at Fyrish, Corentyne and proceeded to the No51Police Station before returning to its place of origin. As the cyclists were sent on their way a lead pack of Greaves, Stuart, Anthony, Ambrose, Jamal John and Mark Harris were out early and soon established a sizable advantage as the race picked up momentum. However, not to be outdone, the chasing pack took turn in going after the leaders. By the time they reached Adventure the chase group connected, which included Hinds, De Nobrega, Robin
Persaud, Christopher Holder, Hamza Eastman and Andrea Abdool. As the cyclist headed for the turn back point the race became more competitive as the various riders went on short breaks to establish their dominance, however they were soon reined in by the rest of the pack. There was more hot competition on the downward journey as the riders continued to battle, hitting top gear, forcing some of the front runners to drop out of contention. Closer to the finish line the cyclists became more separated as faster,
ST MORITZ, Switzerland (Reuters) - Lindsey Vonn added a 64th jewel to her World Cup crown when she won a Super-G in St Moritz on Sunday, her last race before the world championships at home in Beaver Creek next week. American Vonn avenged a disappointing 23rd place in Saturday’s downhill with her fifth victory of the season, the second in a Super-G. The most successful woman skier of all time clocked 1:23.55 to leave Austrian Anna Fenninger, the discipline’s Olympic champion, 0.24 adrift. Third-placed Nicole Hosp of Austria finished more than a second off the pace, 1.10
behind. “I’m so happy to celebrate my 64th victory. It was not an easy race, as we saw with so many girls going out. There were lots of bumps. I had to ski aggressive and tactical at the same time,” Vonn said. “I was at my limits just like yesterday only this time it paid off. I was lucky,” she added. Her path to victory was partly eased by the fact that three of her most dangerous rivals at the start failed to complete the run, held in tough wind and visibility conditions. Swiss Lara Gut dominated Saturday’s downhill but finished the Super-G in the safety nets after crashing mid-
Michael Anthony receives his cash prize from sponsor Wilbert Benjamin as organiser Randolph Roberts savours the moment.
England face India decider after Irrepressible Sydney washout Vonn adds 64th jewel to crown
BBC Sport - England and India will meet for a place in the tri-series final after India’s game against Australia was washed out by rain. Only 16 overs were possible at the Sydney Cricket Ground as India avoided the defeat that would have all but secured England’s qualification. India had reached 69-2 when a third rain delay forced play to be abandoned. England are three points ahead of India in the table, with four on offer for the winner of Friday’s game in Perth. The final, against Australia, will be played at the Waca in Perth on 1 February and represents both teams’ last one-day international before the World Cup starts on 14 February.
Australia qualified for the final with a game to spare after winning their opening three matches. England beat India by nine wickets to claim a bonuspoint win in their previous group encounter. Rain delayed the start in Sydney by 40 minutes after India lost the toss, interrupted play after 16 balls and returned to force play to be abandoned at 20:05 local time (09:05 GMT). Ajinkya Rahane was unbeaten on 28, having seen Shikhar Dhawan (8) edge to slip and Ambati Rayudu (23) fall to a splendid David Warner catch over his shoulder running towards to the boundary. India remain without a win in nine games on their tour of Australia.
stronger riders took the advantage. With some 200 meters to go Greaves made his move, but was challenged by Anthony who outsprinted him to the finish line to take the top cash prize on offer. Crawford was the first junior to cross the line as he won from Jamal John and Raphael Leung. The veteran division was divided into two categories. The 35-40 riders saw Junior Niles riding away with that division ahead of Jaikarran Sukhai and Berbician Syborne Fernandez. Andrew Spencer was the
first to cross the finish line in the over-40 category with Linden Blackman and Wilbert Benjamin taking the other two spots. In the beginners’ category Chevy Carter, Keno Logan and Balram Narine occupied the top three spots and were presented with special cycling equipment for their effort. On the distaff side Marica Dick continue her dominance with an easy victory as Whitney Payer and Shenika Teixeira came second and third. The juniors, veterans and females rode from the start line and turned back at the Nand Persaud Complex at No35 Village Corentyne to its place of origin. Greaves rode away with five of the prime point prizes while Ambrose, Niles and Narine took one each. The event was fully sponsored by overseas based Guyanese former national cycling champion Wilbert Benjamin and coordinated by cycling coach Randolph Roberts. Speaking at the presentation ceremony immediately after the event, Benjamin was happy to be home and to be contributing towards the development of cycling in Guyana. He also thanked all the participants for taking part in the event. Roberts also had special words of congratulation for the outstanding performers and urged others to emulate the exploits of Benjamin. Cyclists were drawn from Linden, Georgetown, Berbice and other parts of Guyana.
Lindsey Vonn of the U.S. stands in the finsih area after winning the women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup Super-G race in the Swiss mountain resort of St. Moritz Jan. 25, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann course. World Cup leader Tina Maze of Slovenia and Liechtenstein’s Tina Weirather missed gates as they looked in contention for podium places. Maze still leads the overall standings with a 184-point lead over big globe holder
Fenninger with Vonn third, 339 points behind. Vonn will have little time to rest on her laurels as the women’s program at the world championships starts with the speed events with the Super-G on Tuesday and the downhill on Friday.
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RAMNARINE: Sunil Narine will be out of 2015 World Cup WICRICNEWS - Former West Indies Players Association President, Dinanath Ramnarine has indicated that Sunil Narine will be out of the West Indies squad for the 2015 World Cup. Ramnarine indicates that it is due to Narine’s continuous work on his bowling action which kept him out of recent West Indies tours. Narine returned to action in the NAGICO Super50 tournament which ended with the mystery spinner bowling his Red Force team to the Championship with a haul of 6 wickets for 9 runs. Ramnarine posted on his twitter account on Monday, “Okay guys it’s Sunil Narine
Guyana lose bid to host Australia test - Minister Anthony failed to provide guarantee
Sunil Narine (bbcimg.co.uk)
He will be out of the WC 2015 I wish Sunil all d best as he continues to work very hard
on his bowling issues. For the record Sunil has not been reported!!!”
BARBADOS FA, UWI AGREE TO PARTNERSHIP
L-R BFA President Mr. Randy Harris, UWI Pro Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, Head of Coaching Mr. Roland Butcher. (Photo courtesy of the Barbados Football Association) Bridgetown, Barbados The Barbados Football Association (BFA) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) on Tuesday officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that addresses a variety of items that promise to benefit both organizations. Present for the signing was the Randy Harris, BFA President; Sir Hilary Beckles, Pro Vice Chancellor; Amanda Reifer, Head of the Academy of Sports Cave Hill; and Roland Butcher, Head of Coaches in the Academy of Sports. In what is to be a long term mutual partnership for developing football in Barbados, Reifer said, “This agreement speaks to hosting of workshops and conferences, FIFA certified coaching courses, staging of tournaments at the Usain Bolt Sporting Complex, access to
Tuesday January 27, 2015
our sports labs in biomechanics and exercise physiology for testing and research.” Sir Hilary Beckles was more than elated to sign the MoU with the Barbados Football Association for a number of reasons. “The BFA is deserving of the resources from the universities,” he remarked. “I hope that the University can lift the standard of football in Barbados because for a long time we are unable to sustain what we achieve in sports, though we have produced some of the best sports men and women per capita out of all of the regions in the world.” Moreover, the university facilities will be used for tournaments, training, education, policy, community and citizenship programs. “The University of the West Indies sees it as part of its long term strategic plan to
be the sporting university of the Caribbean,” Beckles proudly noted. “We are building an institution of learning to give respect for the science and art of sports.” The UWI Blackbirds will be competing in the Barbados top flight for the first time this year and the BFA has been making major strides in the reorganization of its administration and the development of football. Most recently, UWI hosted a regional certification course for coaches and two friendly matches for the senior women’s national team. Harris welcomed the union between the BFA and the university. He indicated that the MOU would allow for Barbados’ national teams to use the University of the West Indies facility for international games and premier league fixtures. (CONCACAF)
Already a cricket starved nation, Guyanese will not be able to witness international cricket at home in 2015 since the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has lost an opportunity to host an Australia test match. According to the GCB president Drubahadur, the board’s failure to secure the test is no fault of theirs. Speaking at a press conference held on Sunday last at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion just after the GCB annual general meeting, Drubahadur informed that they lost the opportunity because of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony’s failure to provide the guarantee to the GCB bid document. The GCB head stated that the guarantee is providing the national stadium free of cost and duty free concessions for hotel rooms for players and match officials. The GCB head indicated that they are trying to negotiate for India in 2016, but the minister’s failure may very well jeopardise their bid. Drubahadur pointed out that the board will continue with its cricket development programme adding that level one and two coaching programmes are on the cards for 2015. He informed that the board has lodged a complaint to the International Cricket Council through the West Indies Cricket Board in relation to the Cricket Administration Bill which he said contains a number of flaws. Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart informed that the Scotiabank programme will be launched shortly, while the schools cricket will be played at the U-13, 15 and 17 levels using the Guyana Teachers Union zones. GCB STATEMENT REGARDING ITSAGM Meanwhile, the GCB issued a statement on the issues: “The Cricket Administration Act, which became law on August 4, 2014, is fraught and with numerous inconsistencies and contradiction and will create more chaos than which currently exist. The Bill, which was passed in Parliament in May 2014, after a careful examination by our experts, was found to be severely flawed and was, thus, rejected by both the GCB and WICB. Both boards supported the section of the
GCB President Drubahadur Bill that dealt with the creation of the national and the county boards as corporate bodies. At the time, the GCB made it known that the Bill was very flawed and inadequate as the other subsets of the county boards, such as the clubs and area committees, still remained as unincorporated associations.” “In June, prior to the Bill becoming law, the GOG agreed to meet with the GCB and WICB in the presence of the attorneys from all sides. All the contentions including the minister’s role were fully ventilated and it was generally agreed that a clearly outlined procedure will be followed to bring the situation to an acceptable state. There were a few email exchanges among the parties with the MOA before a satisfactory document was produced for all. The joint GCB/WICB delegation had also met with opposition parliamentary parties, APNU and AFC, in an effort to update them on the discussions held. Both parties agreed to the contents of the MOA with the amendment, but the GOG refused to sign any MOA with the
opposition as part of the process.” “Reluctantly the GCB agreed to delete the said opposition parties from the final MOA submitted to the Minister, but the GOG went silent and the matter virtually died when parliament went into its summer recess. In September, the GCB learnt that the President had assented to the Bill and it was back, gazetted in August even though the President was saying that the bill had not yet reached his desk. In the circumstances the GCB had no choice but to mount their legal challenge at the Act based on several publicly stated issues, such as Government intervention, seizure of assets etc. The GCB constitution appended to the said Act states that its AGM is due in January each year.” “The GCB strongly feels that they have and continue at act within the strict confines of the laws and was fully prepared for any eventuality should the Judiciary had made a ruling to overturn the Cricket Administration in the lead up the AGM. The GCB made a conscious effort to proceed with its legally constituted AGM as was advertised a month ago, and upon reviewing the GCB constitution in the said act, the executive realized that there was no need for an election component for the AGM. Clause of that constitution provides that nomination for all positions that make up the executive committee must be done at the October OGM preceding the January AGM with resumes for the nominated persons. There was only a single nomination for the elected officers of the GCB hence there was no need for an election.”
Gifted, controversial... From page 31 hadn’t been convinced about signing me, but I learnt a lot, his training sessions were marvellous,” Riquelme said. Widely regarded as Boca’s greatest ever player apart from Diego Maradona, Riquelme shared a World Cup with Lionel Messi in Germany in 2006 where Argentina went out on penalties to the hosts in the quarter-finals. He was expected to play in the 2010 team at the next finals in South Africa but quit in 2009 in conflict with then
coach Maradona. Riquelme, groomed as a youngster at Argentinos Juniors’ renowned academy where Maradona also started out, made his first division debut for Boca at 18 in November 1996 under former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo. He played nearly 600 games for four different clubs and Argentina and scored nearly 150 goals and made many more assists as one of the most creative talents to come out of South America.
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
NBA ROUNDUP:
Rockets beat Lakers, 99-87 (Associated Press) LOS ANGELES (AP) - James Harden had 37 points and eight rebounds as the Houston Rockets rolled past the Lakers, sending Los Angeles to its eighth straight defeat. Harden hit four 3pointers, and the NBA’s leading scorer added five assists in the Rockets’ third victory in four games. Josh Smith and Jason Terry had 11 points apiece as Houston cruised to its fourth straight road victory over the Lakers even without Dwight Howard, who sat out after injuring his right ankle two days ago. Carlos Boozer scored 18 points for the Lakers, who are on their longest losing streak in nearly 10 years. ATLANTA (AP) - Paul Millsap scored 20 points and Al Horford added 19 as Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta topped the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-100 on Sunday, extending the Hawks’ club record with their 16th straight win. Jeff Teague finished with 15 points and seven of Atlanta’s 30 assists as the Hawks won for the 30th time in 32 games. Thaddeus Young had 26 points and Mo Williams added 20 for Minnesota. The Timberwolves, who are last in the Western Conference, have lost four straight and 20 of 22. CAVALIERS 108, THUNDER 98 CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James scored 34 points, including the first eight in the fourth quarter, as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder for their sixth straight win. James made a pair of 3pointers and a nasty fadeaway jumper to give the Cavs a 91-80 lead. Later, the four-time MVP fed Kevin Love for a 3-pointer with 3:38 left that put the Thunder away. The Cavs are 6-1 since James returned after missing eight games with a strained back and knee. Love added 19 points and 13 rebounds, Kyrie Irving scored 21, and Tristan Thompson had 16 rebounds. Kevin Durant scored 32 and Russell Westbrook had 22 for the Thunder, who went 3-2 on their longest road trip this season. HEAT 96, BULLS 84 CHICAGO (AP) — Hassan Whiteside had an
unconventional tripledouble with a team-record and career-high 12 blocks to go with 14 points and 13 rebounds to help the Miami Heat beat the Chicago Bulls. Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, Chris Bosh finished with 20 and Luol Deng scored 15 in his return to Chicago. Mario Chalmers had 15 points, and the Heat squashed whatever momentum the Bulls appeared to be building after beating San Antonio and Dallas. Miami led by 10 at halftime, 12 going into the fourth quarter and remained in control the rest of the way. Pau Gasol had 13 points and 17 rebounds for Chicago, giving him 50 over the past three games. Derrick
LeBron James outscored Kevin Durant 34-32.(Photo David Richard, USA TODAY Sports)
100 points. CLIPPERS 120, SUNS 100 PHOENIX (AP) — Blake Griffin and Chris Paul scored 23 points each as the Los Angeles Clippers used a 15-0 fourth-quarter run to beat the Phoenix Suns. J.J. Redick scored 20 and DeAndre Jordan added 18 for the Clippers, who are 3-0 against the Suns this season. Los Angeles has won nine of its past 11 against Phoenix. Isaiah Thomas scored 25 points and Eric Bledsoe added 17 for the Suns, who have lost
Klay Thompson scored 31 points as the Golden State Warriors beat the Boston Celtics for their 19th consecutive home win. Andrew Bogut added 13 points and 13 rebounds to help the Warriors stay unbeaten in 14 games against the Eastern Conference this season. Golden State also improved its NBA-best record to 36-6. Two nights after scoring an NBA-record 37 points in the third quarter of Golden State’s 126-101 win over Sacramento, Thompson was
James Harden, right, passes the ball past Jordan Hill. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Rose scored 19 for Chicago, but missed all six 3-pointers. PACERS 106, MAGIC 99 ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — David West scored 20 points and reserve Damjan Rudez added a career-high 18 as the Indiana Pacers ended a seven-game losing streak with a win over the Orlando Magic. The Pacers trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter, but got 16 points from Rudez in the final 12 minutes. They outscored the Magic 31-17 in the quarter. George Hill had 17 points and six rebounds for Indiana in just his second game back from a left groin strain. Nik Vucevic led four Magic players in double figures with 27 points. It was the ninth straight Orlando opponent to score at least
two straight after winning seven in a row at home. PELICANS 109, MAVERICKS 106 NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Anthony Davis capped a 28-point, 10-rebound outing with go-ahead free throws in the final seconds and a pivotal steal, as the New Orleans Pelicans won their third straight game. Tyreke Evans scored 24 points, including a clutch running hook in the final half-minute, and Ryan Anderson added 18 points. Monta Ellis scored 36 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 24 points for Dallas, which has lost two straight. WARRIORS 114, CELTICS 111 OAKLAND, California (AP) — Stephen Curry had 22 points and 11 assists, and
11 for 19 from the field and 6 for 8 at the line. Jared Sullinger had 26 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who have lost four of six. WIZARDS 117, NUGGETS 115, OT DENVER (AP) - John Wall scored six of his 19 points in overtime and had 16 assists as the Washington Wizards beat the Denver Nuggets. Kris Humphries had a season-high 21 points and 14 rebounds to help Washington stop a two-game skid. Ty Lawson had 31 points and 12 assists in his return to the Nuggets’ lineup. Lawson missed a tying jumper in the waning seconds of overtime. Lawson was back after missing Friday’s game after being arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired early Friday morning.
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Bonner found guilty of Level 1 offence WICB Media - PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – J a m a i c a F r a n c h i s e ’s Nkrumah Bonner has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee after pleading guilty to a Level 1 breach of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Code of Conduct during the NAGICO Super50 match against Trinidad & Tobago Red Force last Sunday, January 18, at Queen’s Park Oval. Bonner was found to have breached Article 2.1.3 of the WICB Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support, which relates to “Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision
during a Regional Match.” The charge was brought by on-field umpires Nigel Duguid and Leslie Reifer Jr. Bonner admitted the offence of throwing his bat to the ground after he was adjudged lbw by Duguid in the 31st over of the Jamaica Franchise innings and accepted the sanction proposed by WICB Match Referee Hayden Bruce. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing. All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.
Gifted, controversial RIQUELME RETIRES BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Juan Roman Riquelme, the supremely talented and sometimes controversial former Boca Juniors and Argentina playmaker, has retired from football. Riquelme’s decision, which he announced on Sunday, came as a surprise since he was weighing up the chance of a move to Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno, having quit Argentinos Juniors after helping them secure promotion back to the first division. The 36-year-old had left Boca, the top Argentine side he helped win a string of domestic and international titles and where he had stated he was more important than the club president, at the end of last season in June. “I don’t know if this is a special day, but it is important... I’ve made the decision not play football any more,” Riquelme told former Real Madrid and Argentina defender Enrique
Wo l f i n a n e x c l u s i v e interview on his ESPN sports programme. “I was sure that to do something important it had to interest and motivate me. I think that after having fulfilled my commitment to Argentinos and all Boca’s dreams, this is what’s best.” Riquelme is best remembered in Europe for his often brilliant Argentina form and for having missed a penalty for Villarreal, his second Spanish club after Barcelona, in a Champions League semi-final shootout with Arsenal in 2006. VAN GAAL CLASH He had a special mention for his coach at Barca, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, with whom he never succeeded in holding down a regular first team place. “Van Gaal told me I was the best in the world when we had the ball and when we didn’t it was like playing with a man less. He explained to me that he (Continued on page 30)
Juan Roman Riquelme . REUTERS/ Marcos Brindicci
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Tuesday January 27, 2015
Russell hails team ‘SA’s attacking bowling effort in Windies win the difference this time’ World Cup 2015...
B y C M C - P O RT ELIZABETH, South Africa – Hero of Sunday’s fourth One-day International, Andre Russell, has praised the team effort which gained West Indies their first victory of the fivematch series. The Caribbean side beat South Africa by a single wicket with nine balls to spare at St George’s Park, with Russell blasting an unbeaten 64 from 40 balls. Vice-captain Marlon Samuels stroked a top score of 68 and Darren Sammy, 51, and Russell was quick to point to their contributions as critical to the outcome. “After the game I gave each of them a big hug. The way they set the game up, even the small innings at the back end really counted because (Carlos) Brathwaite and Jason (Holder) … they all applied themselves,” said Russell. “The rotation [of strike] was there and they got a few boundaries and took the pressure off me. Even (Sheldon) Cottrell giving me that single first ball up [in the 48th over], I thought that was very good. The next two balls I got sixes and that changed the game completely so everyone played a big part.” South Africa posted 262 for eight off their 50 overs after they were sent in, with David Miller leading with an
Andre Russell (Randy Brooks) unbeaten 130. West Indies were then struggling at 73 for five before Samuels and Sammy put on 90 for the sixth wicket to turn the innings around. Captain Holder made 13 and Brathwaite, 11, but when they were dismissed, West Indies were still 24 runs adrift of victory at 239 for nine. H o w e v e r, R u s s e l l smashed two sixes in the 48th over and finished off the game in the penultimate over with a four and a six off pacer Kyle Abbott. “I was confident. I know that once I bring it right down the wire I can get over the line because I back myself to get 15, even off the last over,” Russell told reporters.
“So I told who ever I was batting with ‘don’t mind the dot balls, just don’t get panicked.’ Every over we were getting a boundary so that was making up for the dot balls or the ones we were getting.” He continued: “Overall I thank God for this victory because just before practice or just before a game, we pray and ask God to help us to come out victorious and it happened today, so I just want to tell God thanks and well done to the guys. “I think we really applied ourselves today from in the field, the way we bowled …we bright it right down to the last few overs.” The victory broke a losing skid for the Windies that began in Durban, and continued with defeats in Johannesburg and East London. Russell said, however, the losses were not for a lack of trying or commitment. “We planned properly for the last three games but we just didn’t come out on top. It’s not like we weren’t having good discussions or we weren’t turning up to play,” he stressed. “We were turning up to play but it’s a round ball so it was just going South Africa’s way. They are playing good cricket, you can’t take that away from them but well done to the guys.”
DJ Bravo found guilty of Level 2 offence WICB Media -PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad & Tobago Red Force’s Dwayne Bravo has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee after pleading guilty to a Level 2 breach of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Code of Conduct during the NAGICO Super50 match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes last Tuesday, January 20, at Queen’s Park Oval. Bravo was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the WICB Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support, which relates to “Showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision during a Regional Match”.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Gregory Brathwaite and Nigel Duguid. Bravo admitted the offence of showing serious dissent by making a gesture with his hands in an aggressive manner after a decision of “not-out” was given during the Hurricanes innings and accepted the sanction proposed by WICB Match Referee Michael Ragoonath. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing. Level 2 breaches carry a minimum penalty of the imposition of a fine of between 50 and 100 per cent of the applicable match fee and/or up to two suspension points.
South Africa celebrate the wicket of Chris Gayle. (Gallo Images) ESPNcricinfo - Since their readmission into the game ahead of the 1992 World Cup, South Africa have been one of the more consistent teams on the international circuit. However, they haven’t managed to win a World Cup despite the presence of top quality players over the years. In this episode of CONTENDERS, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith throws light on how the tag of “chokers” impacts the team and assesses the chances of the current outfit to finally get the monkey of their backs. He is joined by former India captain Rahul Dravid. What they said about… The tag of “chokers” Smith: You can’t get away from it. It’s about fronting up, it’s about dealing with it, it’s about saying - “Look we haven’t won a tournament yet, we haven’t won a knockout game yet but it’s about facing up and winning.” Dravid: Other than 1999 with Lance Klusener, they had a winning position that South Africa found themselves in, none of the other World Cups they were actually in a winning position. They just didn’t play well, they didn’t play up to their potential and that can happen. The strength of the SA squad Smith: I feel like it’s a good opportunity for many reasons - we have match-winners with both bat and ball, more than we’ve ever had in the top five. The key changes we have in this line-up is that we’ve got attacking bowling, the one that can take wickets and we have an attacking spinner which is a big thing for a South African team. Dravid: One area in this team that differs from the other South African teams is that they don’t have that allrounder at No. 7. They don’t have anyone in their top five or six that can bowl medium-pace. The success of AB de Villiers Smith: He’s a very motivated guy, really driven by the energy of what’s going on around him. That’s the way he will lead. I think instinctively, and tactically he’s grown over time. Dravid: It’s sensational what he does with the bat. Just his flexibility, being able to bat in the top order, he could come in if you lose a couple of early wickets and still perform a great role and bat you to a position of strength or if you’ve got a good start, finish your games off under pressure as well.
Hashim Amla as an ODI opener Smith: He’s like that guy who you don’t really know is killing you, but he’s killing you. He is going to be another key performer for South Africa. If he’s getting runs, it takes a lot of pressure off everybody else. The role Dale Steyn will play Dravid: You want wickets upfront from him. There are not many people who can swing the ball at pace. That’s a priceless asset to have. Smith: He will be extremely motivated in this World Cup. He would want to make a big impact, I think he’s fresh. The key as a captain is that you’re always going to use him at the tough times: Powerplay, death, upfront. The strength of the pace attack Smith: They’re blessed - [Morne] Morkel, [Vernon] Philander, Steyn are three of the best at the moment. Vernon has still got a question mark over his head in ODI, stamina towards the back end is going to be his challenge. Dravid: We’ve seen with Steyn and Morkel that at the time of the death overs, they haven’t been able to execute the yorkers in T20s. But those conditions might be different from what they might encounter.
Dutchman Van Praag to bid for FIFA presidency NYON, Switzerland (Reuters) - Dutch FA president Michael van Praag is to stand as a candidate for the presidency of world football body FIFA, the Dutch FA said on Monday. “Michael van Praag is a candidate to succeed Sepp Blatter as president of FIFA,” said a statement. “On Tuesday, Praag sends his official candidacy with the required five letters from associations who support his candidacy to FIFA headquarters in Zurich,” it added. Former FIFA deputy secretary general Jerome Champagne and Prince Ali Bin AlHussein of Jordan have already declared their intention to run. So too has former France international David Ginola, in what is widely regarded as a publicity stunt.
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Kaieteur News
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GCB President calls on Jaguars Barnwell found to regroup and focus on four-Day guiltyof Level 1 offence
GCB president Drubahadur (centre) and vice president Fizul Bacchus (second from left) with members of the Guyana Jaguars at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport just after their arrival. President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Drubahadur is calling on the Guyana Jaguars to re-group and switch their attention on the four-day tournament which is set to resume shortly. Drubahadur and VicePresident Fizul Bacchus were on hand to receive the team yesterday morning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Guyana Jaguars went down to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by 135 runs in the final of the NAGICO Super 50 at
the Queens Park Oval on Sunday last. In addressing the team upon their arrival, the President congratulated them for reaching the final. “You have bowled well in the final but didn’t get going with the bat. Even the best batsmen around the world struggle against Sunil Narine. However the limited overs contest is finished and it is important that you put that behind you and channel all your focus on the second leg of the Regional 4-Day
Tournament. It will be a test of your determination and self-belief. We at the GCB believe you can do it and I am certain that your fans out there believe the same”, he added. In a brief remark, Bacchus stated that ‘one team had to loose but you guys fought hard to reach the there and we recognize your efforts. Yes we didn’t win the title but we had some outstanding individual performances.’ ‘Veerasammy Permaul continued his brilliance with
the ball while Raymon Reifer and Shivnarine Chanderpaul produced match winning knocks. I would like you to take these positives into the longer version of the game. Remember we are leading the points table in the Regional 4-Day and it is important that we maintain that,’ Bacchus noted. The second leg of the Regional 4-Day will begin on 6 February 2015. Guyana is leading after the first leg with 57 points.
DR Congo & Tunisia progress after draw DR Congo emerged from their match with Tunisia with a priceless goal that keeps them in the tournament. (Getty Images)
BBC Sport - Tunisia and DR Congo both qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after they drew in Bata. A point apiece gave Tunisia top spot in Group B and DR Congo second place. Tunisia spurned two excellent early chances before they struck on the half-hour, Ahmed Akaichi stretching to head in Yassine Chikhaoui’s deflected shot. Wahbi Khazri should have made it 2-0 but blazed over, and DR Congo snatched their place in the last eight when Jeremy Bokila side-
footed in. Bokila’s strike changed D R C o n g o ’s f o r t u n e s completely; the draw put them level on points with Cape Verde, who were held 0-0 by Zambia, and put his side through by virtue of having scored one more goal than the Blue Sharks. Until the substitute’s intervention they had been heading out of the tournament having woefully underperformed for an hour. They go though after three group draws - which sets a record of six stalemates from their last six Nations Cup finals matches -
having scored only two goals, and it is unlikely they will have struck fear into the hearts of quarter-finals opponents Congo. H o w e v e r, t h e y d i d improve significantly after their leveller to end the game as the dominant team. Yet they could easily have been denied their escape route as Tunisia carved them open with some excellent one-touch football in the first half. The Carthage Eagles spurned two excellent chances after only 10 minutes, Ferjani Sassi was
far too casual with a shot and Yassine Chikhaoui stabbed the follow-up wide. The impressive Chikhaoui set up the opener as he showed great feet in the area to create a shooting opportunity, his effort was half blocked and Akaichi deflected the ball in with his head. Tunisia also had two goals ruled out for offside, one either side of half-time, while Akaichi flashed a shot wide and Khazri smashed over wildly when it looked easier to score. Then it seemed Tunisia began to think ahead to their eventual last-eight opponents, tournament hosts Equatorial Guinea, as they allowed the pace of their game to drop. DR Congo took advantage, a long ball sought out Dieumerci Mbokani, who headed on for Bokila to slot home in the bottom corner. Back on level terms, all DR Congo needed to do was (Continued on page 28)
WICRICNEWS Guyana Jaguars’ Christopher Barnwell has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee after pleading guilty to a Level 1 breach of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Code of Conduct during the Grand Final of the NAGICO Super50 Tournament against Trinidad & Tobago Red Force on Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval. The Jaguars’ captain was found to have breached Article 2.1.3 of the WICB Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel which relates to “Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision”. The charge was brought by on-field umpires Gregory Brathwaite and Patrick Gustard, TV umpire Leslie Reifer Jr and 4th umpire Joel Wilson. Barnwell admitted that upon his dismissal, he showed excessive and obvious disappointment with umpire Brathwaite’s
Christopher Barnwell decision and proceeded to shake his head while walking towards the players’ pavilion. The Jaguars all-rounder accepted the sanction proposed by WICB Match Referee Hayden Bruce and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing. The range of permissible sanctions if found guilty of a Level 1 breach is an official warning/reprimand and/or the imposition of a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s applicable match fee. (WICB)
Lucas Silva: Real Madrid sign Brazil U-21 midfielder
Lucas Silva (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Real Madrid have signed midfielder Lucas Silva from Brazilian club Cruzeiro on a long-term contract for a reported fee of £9.7m. The 21-year-old, who passed a medical on Monday, has signed a contract keeping him with the European champions until 30 June, 2020. Silva has represented Brazil at under-21 level and has helped his club side win the league in 2013 and 2014. “This is a dream come true,” said Silva. “I am delighted to be here.” He added: I thank God, the Cruzeiro and Real Madrid presidents and everyone who helped make this happen. “I am really happy and motivated. I’ve come to Real Madrid to learn and above all else to help. “I feel good and am ready to honour this shirt, which belongs to the best club in the world. “I’ve liked Real Madrid every since I was a child, I’m really happy to be in the city and I’m certain that I will live very well here.” Real bought 16-year-old midfielder Martin Odegaard earlier this week. That transfer cost the club £2.3m with Odegaard, who has already won three caps for Norway, signing from Norwegian side Stromsgodset. Silva was presented to the club’s fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Monday.
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Michael Anthony rides away with Venus fireworks Benjamin Sports cycle race in Berbice ILLUMINATE
AUSTRALIA DAY
The respective winners pose with the organisers after the race.
GUINNESS GREATEST OF DE STREETS ‘WEST SIDE’ EDITION
Venus Williams of the U.S. celebrates defeating Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland in their women’s singles fourth round match at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 26, 2015. REUTERS-Issei Kato
Another round of exciting action Guyana lose anticipated tonight bid to host Australia test - MINISTER ANTHONY FAILED TO PROVIDE GUARANTEE
(FLASHBACK) - part of the action in the Guinness Greatest of de Streets ‘West Side’ Edition which commenced onSaturday at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.
GCB President calls on Jaguars to regroup and focus on four-Day
Harris tipped as National Basketball Head Coach
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