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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Gunmen shoot PNCR General Secretary By Michael Jordan PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke survived a terrifying attack at the hands of four young bandits who shot him twice and gunbutted him at around 20:45hrs yesterday after storming his Lot 37 Plum Park, Sophia home while posing as policemen. Clarke, 74, was shot in the region of the left groin and left side of his abdomen after he struggled with two of the intruders who had taken him to his bedroom. His wife, Linda, was slapped by the robbers, who also escaped with an undisclosed sum of valuables after holding up the couple’s son and daughterin-law. There were no reports of any arrests. Mrs. Clarke described the gunmen as ‘boys’ in their twenties. Clarke, who was fully conscious, was initially rushed to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Two medical officials who examined the elderly politician said that the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. Relatives were told that Mr. Clarke did not appear to have sustained any internal injuries, while PNCR Parliamentarian Dr.
George Norton said that Clarke would have suffered major damage to his internal organs had the bullet entered at a different angle. The PNCR stalwart also suffers from hypertension and doctors were monitoring his pressure, which was abnormally high. An extremely traumatized Mrs. Clarke told reporters that Mr. Clarke had left Congress Place and had then picked her up at a Stone Avenue, Campbellville location, where she had attended a meeting. They headed to their Sophia home, where Mr. Clarke parked the car and then entered the couple’s bottom flat. Meanwhile, Mrs. Clarke said she remained outside playing with a puppy and speaking to her daughter-inlaw, Apphia. Mrs. Clarke said she was also expecting four male cousins to come to pick up some items, and shortly after, she saw ‘four boys’ enter the yard. “ONE GRABBED AND SAID POLICE” “I saw four boys coming in through the gate and she (the daughter-in-law) said ‘look the boys here now,’ but I looked and said ‘those boys don’t look like my nephews.’” “Then one of them grabbed me and said ‘police’. She recalled that the youth
PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke who grabbed her had a handgun while another intruder carried a ‘long gun.’ Mrs. Clarke said that her daughter-in-law attempted to flee to the upstairs flat, but the bandit with the ‘long gun’ pointed his weapon at the fleeing woman, “so I pleaded with her to come downstairs.” She said that at that point the bandit with the handgun slapped her and told her not to move. The robbers then took her into the bottom flat and ordered her to lie facedown. She also recalled that one of the robbers kept asking for “the canister.” Meanwhile, the other gunmen had taken Mr. Clarke to the bedroom, and as the
PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke at the hospital terrified woman lay on the floor, she suddenly heard her spouse scuffling with the intruders. “I GET SHOT…” “While I was lying on the floor I heard two shots and he (Mr. Clarke) start to shout ‘Linda…Linda…but I couldn’t scream because the one with the gun was over me.” According to Mrs. Clarke, the robbers then went to the upper flat which her son, Derwyn Lyte and his wife occupied. She said that the men relieved the couple of money and other valuables. Nothing was taken from Mr.
Clarke’s flat. After lying on the floor for some minutes and hearing no other sounds, Mrs. Clarke said she rose and went to the bedroom where the robbers had taken her husband. She found the door locked and kicked it open. “I saw my husband in a kneeling position and he said ‘I get shot…I get shot…’ and I ran outside and started to scream.” With assistance from her son, the family took the wounded Mr. Clarke to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was then transferred to the GPHC. Family members and several
senior PNCR members, including Opposition Leader David Granger arrived at the GPHC to see their wounded colleague. Speaking briefly to Kaieteur News, APNU Leader David Granger expressed concern at the lack of security in the country and noted that at least three armed robberies occurred daily. He said that the bandits who committed the brazen attack had to be aware that the premises they had attacked was the home of the PNCR General Secretary. “This clearly is an armed robbery and we must use this occasion for greater security.”
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Mimic Men
There are at last some stirrings from officialdom for writing to be taught ‘from within’ rather than just as a device to torture young souls imprisoned in ‘classrooms’. We hope the instructors will heed the advice proffered three decades ago by George Lamming, the great West Indian novelist. “The work of art, be it theatre, music, novel or poem is not seen primarily by the artist as a call to revolution or a call to anything else, nor as a celebration of victory. Artistic expression can do those things and in particular situations may regard or must regard this function as a priority.” With what is playing out in the political arena in Guyana, the instructors could do no worse than commend to their charges that quintessential description of the West Indian politician in VS Naipaul’s “The Mimic Men”. Only satire and irony can still describe our reality. The speaker in the book is a disgraced politician Ralph Singh living in exile and writing his memoirs. With the break-up of the African-Indian party of which Singh was joint leader, the underdeveloped country was on the brink of racial strife before Singh’s expulsion. The book explores the dangers of opportunistic political alliances, including African-Indian political alliance. “Politicians are people who truly make something out of nothing. They have few concrete gifts to offer. They are not engineers or artists or makers. They are manipulators; they offer themselves as manipulators. Having no gifts to offer they seldom know what they seek. They might say they seek power. But their definition of power is vague and unreliable. Is power the chauffeured limousine with fine white linen on the seats, the men from Special Branch outside their gates, the skilled and deferential servants? “But this is only indulgence, which might be purchased by anyone at any time in a first class hotel. Is it the power to bully or humiliate or take revenge? But this is the briefest sort of power; it goes as quickly as it comes; and the true politician is by nature a man who wishes to play the game all his life. The politician is more than a man with a cause, even when this cause is no more than self-advancement .He is driven by some little hurt, some little incompleteness. He is seeking to exercise some skill which even to him is never as concrete as the skill of an engineer; of the true nature of this skill he is not aware until he begins to exercise it. “How often we find those who after years of struggle and manipulation come close to the position they crave, sometimes even achieving it, and then are failures. They do not deserve pity, for among the aspirants to power they are complete men; it will be found that they have sought and found fulfilment elsewhere; it takes a world war to rescue a Churchill from political failure. Whereas the true politician finds his skill and his completeness only in success. His gifts suddenly come to him. He who in other days was mean, intemperate and infirm now reveals unsuspected qualities of generosity, moderation and swift brutality. Power alone proves the politician; it is ingenuous to express surprise at an unexpected failure or an unexpected flowering.” Later Singh ruminates somewhat more philosophically on the deeper, insidious damage that the “Mimic Men” politicians have done to their societies: essentially consigning the latter to perpetual stagnation and disorder. “I had never thought of obedience as a problem. Now it seemed to me the miracle of society. Given our situation, anarchy was endless, unless we acted right away. But on power and the consolidation of passing power we wasted our energies, until the bigger truth came: that in a society like ours, fragmented, inorganic, no link between man and the landscape, a society not held together by common interests, there was no true internal source of power, and that no power was real which did not come from the outside. Such was the controlled chaos we had, with such enthusiasm, brought upon ourselves.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Appeals to gag Rohee raises spectre of joint opposition future plans for Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Seemingly offended, he rips the Guyana constitution for its inadequacies. Yet unaware of his reliance of seeking judicial empowerment through the same constitution so that “the courts have to start the constitutional reconstruction process” all over Mr. M Maxwell writes in the KN of 21-1-13, that “I read the Chief Justice’s ruling and while I am no attorney, I found the analysis and reasoning questionable and out of touch with the reality that obtains in Guyana.” His displeasure registered, Mr. Maxwell then dismisses and diminishes the Chief Justice as just “a single judge, in the first instance ruling on an issue that goes to the very heart of the nation’s constitutional future and the vitality of separation of powers (which) is not good enough, not when there are Appeal Courts with panels of judges with similar or greater experience to review the same matter.” Why is Mr. Maxwell none too pleased that Guyana’s Chief Justice Ian Chang’s has affirmed the constitutional rights - the highest law of the land - of Home Affairs Minister Mr. Clement Rohee to speak in parliament?. Can anyone but wish any effort well to fortify the PNC/ APNU’s legacy of crushing democratic freedom all over again by such appeals? Better still could it not give a better signal indication of what the future holds when
they inevitably regain political power with the WPA and AFC as their shields? Nothing could be more tangential than inserting all one’s quarrels with the Burnham 1980 constitution as valid reasons why the Chief Justice should have constitutionally prevented the Home Minister from fulfilling his democratic and sworn legal responsibilities in parliament when he has not done anything wrong. So what else bugs Mr. Maxwell? Finding the Chief Justice decision so inadequate in addressing the constitution’s inherent flaws it made him very appalled to know that this ruling could “say Guyana has no separation of powers and that the Executive dominates every arm of government, including the Legislature, (which) is a grand euphemism” anyway as far as he is concerned. Wait, there is more which informs Mr. Maxwell’s ire. In completely rejecting the Chief Justice’s decision, and only now that the PPP/C is in power, Mr. Maxwell becomes confused why “some call our Guyana constitutional debacle a hybrid system when any basic student of politics knows it is a constitutional dictatorship. We have a President who is not elected on his own in a separate election like the US or Mexico or South Africa. We have a President who essentially cheats his way to power by bypassing a direct election for the Presidency and by piggybacking onto a parliamentary election for
members of the National Assembly. It matters not that this individual would have lost the Presidency to a better candidate if the President was separately elected.” By such passionate irrelevant, arguments, many conjectures included, can anyone still be in doubt why Mr. Maxwell still sincerely believes his disagreement ought to be taken seriously to invalidate the Home Minister’s constitutional right of free speech in parliament? Especially even if he has not done anything wrong? How much more should we go past the boundary line of reality into fantasy? In a matter before the court, Mr. Maxwell actually wants the Chief Justice to dismiss all the presented evidence from both sides all because our Maxwells really believe otherwise and instead condemn the Guyana constitution as itself flawed, irrelevant to Guyana and bereft of judicial relief from that which is the highest law of the land. Mr. Maxwell apparently is oblivious how much he has revealed of himself. Obviously he is unaware that it is the constitution which governs and brings into being the executive, legislature and judiciary. All the magnificence of Mexico, South Africa and of course the US in which Mr. Maxwell has become elevated in competence just by admiration has failed to correspondingly also instruct him about their individual and peculiar judicial firmaments. The US Supreme Court only
selects those cases which it wants to adjudicate. They alone decide what requires judicial relief or what, if any clarifications are of such importance to be of significance. More appeals are certainly available in all Guyana’s cases. Therefore Mr. Maxwell is himself quite free to achieve or encourage Speaker Rafael Trotman, to pursue every “right to appeal this ruling to higher courts who engage in grand societal analysis. A higher court may for instance, consider enforcing the National Assembly’s right to gag Ministers to improve the separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislature, and in doing so, to improve democracy and governance. A simple decision like this from the Guyana Court ofAppeal or the CCJ effectively reconfigures the Guyanese political landscape for the better”. Asking the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to interpret Guyana’s constitution and determine its destiny cannot be more reminiscent of you know who’s proclivities to empower other than Guyanese to chart their future or decide what is “better”. In seeking any overturning of the Chief Justice constitutional unambiguous ruling let’s see if Mr. Maxwell can ensure or avert the AFC from being conjoined with excellent company for a cruise down Kaieteur Falls. Sultan Mohamed
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
A most disgusting letter DEAR EDITOR, There are so many cowardly people in this small country, that no wonder so much ill has befallen us. We need to go back to the good old days when we were taught to call a spade, a spade. We were taught to speak the truth cost it what it will. If we adopt that attitude, the powers that be will tremble. But instead, we all pander to one prejudiced viewpoint or the other. I read a very wicked and slanderous letter in yesterday’s Chronicle (Happy Lethem Bandits Have Been Arrested—Chronicle Monday 28th Jan. 2013) that only served to sow more discord among residents. The letter was written by one Anthony Gilkes. Now, I have been resident in the Rupununi since July 1991, and there simply is no such person in this Region. My friends also have never heard, nor have any knowledge of such a person. Therefore the obvious conclusion is a cowardly person, hiding in his/her cocoon of anonymity, penned such a letter. That coward wrote, and I
quote ‘But reliable information is that the bandits were staying at the Cacique Guest House located in a slum at Lethem.’ That is very objectionable, and I call on all right thinking residents of Lethem to condemn in the strongest terms possible, the classification of any community in this Region as a slum. Since we cannot identify the author of the letter, although we all have a very good idea where it emanated from, the residents should direct their objections to the Chronicle via a class suit. The author, in an attempt to smear the character of an entire community, has only served to exhibit his/her intellectual deficiencies. Had the author done his/her research, he would have known that a slum is a squalid street, or part of a town characterized by overcrowding, dilapidation, poverty, vice and dirt. Squalid is dirty especially through neglect. It also means filthy and foul. Driving along the road that the named hotel is on, one of the first roads in Lethem, and also one of the busiest, one will observe that it is still made of laterite, while roads in surrounding areas are all paved.
I want to submit that that is not by accident; rather, it is by design. That particular area is inhabited by residents who do not support the government and as such, like other similar communities, it is being punished. Because the powers that be cannot have their own way, they are referred to as the Ghetto. That is the criminalizing of communities that I wrote about in one of my previous letter. For the writer to refer to this area as a slum, that person’s mind has to be slummish. There is a saying “if you want to keep me in the gutter, you have to be there with me to ensure that I stay in the gutter.” So the author is forever in a slum. There are other things mentioned in the letter that the police, the hotel owners and another named individual have to deal with on their own. But, I register my strong objection to this area being called a slum and call on the discredited Chronicle to carry an unequivocal apology to the residents of this neighbourhood in particular, and to all Rupununians in general. That area is no slum. Carl A. Parker
Stop the comparison of governments DEAR EDITOR, Thanks mainly to certain media houses and to a lesser extent the letter writers in these printed media, I cannot enjoy news without being disgusted by the comparison between the PNC and the PPP/C Governments. The PNC demitted office when I had just left primary school. Then, I recalled hearing many things about the bright future that the PPP had in store for us Guyanese. Additionally, I was constantly reminded of how ‘bad’ the previous administration was. The PPP started to impress and took every opportunity to highlight the many new and different things done under their watch. I understood their excitement and bid to score political points and I thought that this comparison was short term. It was never the case! Since 1992, the world has seen many changes particularly, advancement in technology, human rights and globalization. Guyana, under the care of the PPP/C alone would have cooperated with other countries and international organization and signed on to numerous such agreements and treaties,
whether motivated by the good of the citizen, or by the monetary support for ‘the country’, or by the fear of sanctions. Subsequently, and coupled with certain deliberate political acts, Guyana has changed: the infrastructure, landscape, economics, privatization, education etc. If we take the modus operandi of Guyana 1991 and of 2013, interchange them and then superimpose them on the Guyana then and now, we will get a gross misfit. Why? It is the changing trends. The above discussions show clearly that such a shift is hardly dependent on the government of the day. Guyana is not a Saudi Arabia in terms of harnessed wealth and hence we are forced to adapt to these international agencies and police so as to maintain a steady flow of resources. Moreover we are forced to show that we use the inward flowing resources as is evident across Guyana. So whether it is APNU, AFC, or PPP/C, they all have to flow with the tide of the world and closer, Guyana. The PNC for example, given another chance at government, cannot operate
in like manner to what they did 21 years ago. Additionally, I am certain that there is at least one in the PPP/C who can look back at their first five to ten years of rule and identify not just their folly but how much they themselves have adjusted these in light of the changes in the world and Guyana. I might understand if a comparison is made between the PPP/C’s governments: under Jagdeo vs. Ramotar, or the Guyana Government under Hoyte vs. Jagan; but please not Hoyte/Burnham vs. Jagdeo/ Ramotar. What’s next, how far will we go? The Queen vs. the future president? My suggestion to all who wish to engage in meaningful comparison is to investigate the technical abilities of the current political figures of our country. This will do us good. While it is beneficial to compare and contrast the current parties it is unreasonable and misleading to do the same for the governments 20+ years apart. Some may delight in such comparison for the purpose of scoring political points, but know that this is a direct insult to the intelligence of the country. Dwayne Renville
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Is This Déjà-vu? From 1823 Betrayal To 2012 Betrayal? DEAR EDITOR, In life it is always in our interest to have a game plan for the purpose of giving structure to our thoughts. It is through adhering to the tenets of that game plan, and by making adjustments to the game plan when needed, that we are able to arrive upon action that we are able to affect with purpose: act with confidence. All game plans must address first a need. The need must be assessed for relevance, and be prioritised. The next stages would be general acceptance and
implementation. In 1823 Africans in British Guiana (Guyana) attempted a revolutionary change in respect to the relationship to their labour power. Because they chose to express their human rights; and they attempted to do so in a relatively non-violent manner, they were massacred, and their heads displayed on locations along the East Coast Demerara. In addition to such gruesome display of barbarism by the British forces that were avouched
Christians, other Africans who were captured alive were taken to the Militia Parade Ground: an area comprising at that time of the present Promenade Gardens, and the Parade Ground. At that location a court martial was held and at the conclusion of the proceedings some Africans were deported from British Guiana, and others were executed on the location of the Militia Parade Ground and heads and bodies of Africans were displayed separately on poles along the Militia Parade
Ground. The children of those Africans are yet to demand in a serious and structured manner, compensation and reparation against the barbaric tragic assault upon the human rights of our foreparents. However, we the “children” of the victims, of those who were commissioned by George IV* to initiate the 1823 Massacre, alone have first and final determination in determining how our Fore-parents will be remembered. Any planning
for a monument to the ancestors of an ethnic or racial group can only be cultural specific. Why is it that the Monument to immortalise the memory of our Africans Foreparents is prevented from having all the cultural relevancies? Is this déjà-vu? Our foreparents thought that petitioning would have given them redress. It gave them betrayal and death. Today the children of those betrayed are facing the same cold entangling net of betrayal. Are we then earmarked to be massacred? Hadfield Street December 6, 2011, and Linden July 18, 2012 are chilling memories of “mini” massacres: prelude to the hatching of a chilling tragedy ahead. The Minister of Culture misdirected the people of Guyana in respect to the desire of the family and friends of our artistic hero the late Baba Moore, in respect to the request to have his body put to rest in Seven Ponds. Using the same tactics of “lying like truth,” the Minister set out again “lying like truth”. He concocted an elaborate plan to mislead the Guyanese public once more. Why would the Minister of culture be lost to find a place to house our Monument to the 1823 Martyrs, when the
leader of his party and the then President of the country, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo pledged to our Fore-parents by the turning of the sod and the burying of coins respectively, that their Souls would be put to rest at the location where their blood was shed? We would like to make it absolutely clear by reiterating that the turning of the sod, and the burying of the coins respectively were a physical gesture and a Spiritual pledge solemnly made to the Spirit of our Ancestors, that the location where their blood was shed would be held by all as “Sacred Grounds.” We need to say no more. Historical precedent put our Monument as priority over any persons playing football on the parade ground. We are confident that when the truth is told about the history of the Parade Ground, no African would be prepared to play football again, on the Sacred Shrine of his or her Ancestors. Cooperatively Penda Guyan *In a previous presentation of this communication mention of the reign of Queen Victoria was intended for comparative reasons in respect to 1938. The quote was not used, but the phrase including Queen Victoria’s reign remained in error.
Is the church in Guyana on life support? DEAR EDITOR, In May 2012, I wrote a letter to this newspaper, asking if the church in Guyana is dead? I’m writing a follow up to that question. Let me remind everyone and state strongly that I am a huge supporter of the church in Guyana, and that I want to see it succeed. The problem is that I have been waiting to see if the church in Guyana is responsive or even alive; and from my interactions here, I don’t believe I am alone in this. When reading the newspapers, there are no signs of life from the church. When reading that several boys were allegedly being sexually molested, everyone waited for a response from the church. The church was silent. When reading about Commissioner Henry Greene’s affair, moral failure and refusal to step down, we waited for a response from the church. Still only silence. When reading about women being physically abused in this country, we waited for a response from the church. More silence. When reading
of the problems of the poor, we waited for the church to give a public response, still more silence from the church. The church continues to remain silent on current issues in Guyana. What is the church doing or even just saying about pedophiles, political corruption, domestic violence, poverty, and the proliferation of evil? Edmund Burke observed, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Do the Christian Churches in Guyana care about the people? Does the church care about the world their members must live in? Do the churches in Guyana not see themselves as their brothers keepers? I have carefully studied and analysed the church in Guyana; I believe it to be hooked up to a life support machine in the intensive care unit. It is neither active nor even seemingly aware of the world around it. I know that I am not the only one disappointed in the church. The empty pews speak to that fact. Anthony P
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
Letters... Where your views make the news
Wakenaam Cottage Hospital a transshipment point DEAR EDITOR The Government of Guyana is asking us to return to Guyana and serve our beautiful country, I admire and accept this call. On my return I am amazed at the development and investment on the island of Wakenaam. The roads, hospital and even an airstrip together with the drainage and irrigation systems. Over the past year I made no less than four visits in an effort to restart my rice cultivation and to expand on my cattle rearing. What struck me most is that Government has built a funeral parlour and a mortuary in the hospital compound to cater for the dead at a cost of millions of
taxpayers’ dollars. It is yet to be opened and put to use after two years. I wonder if this will be the position of the laboratory that was recently built. Another point to note is that as soon as a patient arrives at the hospital they and their relatives are told to arrange boat to go to either Suddie Hospital or to the West Demerara Hospital. There are two porters both of whom are working from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. After 3:00 pm, there are no porters working at the hospital. The security guard has to perform the duties of security guard, porter and messenger to call the hospital personnel whenever a patient arrives especially at nights.
I feel there is need for a better system of and proper management of the affairs of the hospital. Many days the Medex cannot see any patient until after nine o’ clock when the clerk would arrive and get out the patient card. There are also the need for more porters (two) so that there can be porters on a round-the clock basis every day, I hope that the Ministry of Health and those concerned and responsible will see this letter and take action to remedy the situation before it gets worse and before it gets worse and before my return to Guyana, my beautiful homeland. Sasenarine Singh
Resisting help for the police DEAR EDITOR, A dogmatic government is resisting any attempt at police reforms. Decades of government failure to provide effective police for its people is nothing new. With much fanfare the government had rejected substantial UK funding to train Guyana’s police force in 2009. Government then went on the attack and, accused the UK of interfering and trampling on its sovereignty and its internal affairs. ‘The British Government defended its decision to withdraw assistance for a joint £4.9M security sector project, saying the latest proposal by the Government of Guyana (GoG) moves away from comprehensive reforms originally requested’ (SN, October 29, 2009). The UK was left with no
option but to withdraw the funding and give it to another Caribbean country that had valued police protection above entrenched political dogmas and ideologies. Guyana was then left mired in serious crimes. Violence, murders and rapes went on the increase, and police protection was equated as no better than being protected by criminals. However, the misguided government is still dogmatically resisting any comprehensive police reforms. It is now tinkering with security ‘administration, succession planning, integrity/probity and public relations/communications’ to fool the public. This has nothing with the crucial lack of police training and accountability concerning people on the ground and it
does not compensate for proper police training. However Guyana’s taxpayers are once again forced to pay for a service that is not rocket science to anyone else, except to an inept Guyana government. Taxpayers will now have to foot the bill for $25M for a ‘six-week’ consultancy from a UK firm on security. GINA said that the contract, valued US$129,750 or approximately $25M, is expected to last about four to six weeks, focusing on administration, succession planning, integrity/probity, and public relations/communications’. (SN, January 28, 2013). This serves to widen the chasm between government policy and the greater needs for security and public protection. Mac Mahase
Failure of Education policies DEAR EDITOR, On January 9, 2013 the Ministry of Education reinforced a 30-year-old plan for Secondary schools, which seeks to give more periods on the school timetable for Mathematics and English Language. Adding more contact time for Mathematics and English Language will first of all put the other subject areas at a disadvantage since the other subject contact time will be reduced. Secondly, more time allocated for Mathematics e s p e c i a l l y, m a y c a u s e boredom and students will lose the little interest that they have in the subject area. Thirdly, it seems as if Mathematics and English
Language are the only subjects that the Ministry Of Education is focusing on. In my humble opinion the number of students in Mathematics classes is too many and should be reduced so as to allow individual attention by the teacher. The Ministry of Education implements policies without consultation with teachers who at the end of the day have to face the classroom to implement these policies. No one investigates the problem and looks at the causes; instead they seem to go home dream some idea and implement it. Has the Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education ever faced the classroom, has he ever implemented a plan that has
worked for the betterment of the education system. Does the Ministry take into consideration the needs of our society and the career opportunities when they seek to educate our people? These are the same persons who preach to teachers to give their all, and chastise them when things just don’t work out the way they wanted, when teachers are just working with the policies that they have implemented. I am sure that you and your readers will agree with me when I say to reinforce a 30-year-old plan is shameful. Someone should start looking at the CEO’s performance and those who advise him and the Minister of Education. Concerned citizen
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 30, 2013
RCAC, ‘I Can’ Foundation offer courses for single mothers The Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre in partnership with the ‘I Can’ Foundation will be providing free Hair and Beauty training courses for single mothers in Ruimveldt and other surrounding and impoverished communities. The course is expected to run for a period of 12 weeks and would cater for at least 60 women each week. The classes are scheduled to be held at the Children’s Centre in Ruimveldt from 13:00hrs to 15:00hrs. It will cover areas such as hair styling, manicures, pedicures, and beauty treatments. The course will be administered by Ms. Malinda Marks, a professional hair and beauty teacher. Individuals interested in enrolling in the course can make contact with Shabakie Fernandes from the ‘I Can’ Foundation on telephone number 672-1930, or Jessica Hatfield from the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre on 6959065. Earlier this month, Guyana Goldfields donated a sum of money to both the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre and the ‘I Can’ Foundation. The money donated has already gone towards this Hair and Beauty training project. The ‘I Can’ Foundation is an organization that seeks to
Some of the children of the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre pose with several stakeholders reach out to various communities to provide information, as part of its vision to transfer knowledge on social issues to these communities. To achieve this, the body has already visited and has started working with communities on the various troubling issues like child sexual abuse, trafficking in
persons and community life competence. “Through considerable work with women, men and girls, the ‘I Can’ Foundation understands that persons of all ages are in danger of becoming victims to many social ills. Many live with some degree of fear, and many lose their identity or do not realize their potential
because of the social ills affecting them. The ‘I Can’ Foundation is committed to addressing these social ills by increasing awareness, encouraging assertiveness, and helping persons recognize they are worth the effort to secure and preserve,” the entity’s mission statement emphasised. “By offering these courses, women who had little chance of finding regular employment can work at hours to suit them and generate income for their families,” said Shabakie Fernandes, founder of the Foundation, who explained that single parents would usually find it difficult to provide for their children, as
many of them do not possess the required educational background to acquire employment that would enable them to earn a decent wage. Both the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre and the ‘I Can’ Foundation are hoping that upon completion of the course, the women will acquire skill, hope, and encouragement to be their own entrepreneurs. “We are enthused to be working with the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre to educate, empower, and promote the self-worth and self-esteem of these women to be in control of their lives and their earning capacity,” Fernandez said.
Meanwhile, Jessica Hatfield, Patron of the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre, yesterday explained that “This is a very exciting development for the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre as we fulfill our obligations to the children we care for by empowering their mothers to earn income and thus increasing the quality of their family life. We are looking forward to working with the ‘I Can’ Foundation as we have shared objectives and commitment. By working together we can be more effective in realizing our common goals by helping those who are really in need.” She also added that both entities are grateful to Guyana Goldfields for the funds donated to help with the launching of the Beauty Course for parents in need The Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre (RCAC) is an established centre for disadvantaged children in the local area. It has an emphasis on cultural activity to stimulate the minds of children and encourage their development. It has a daily nutrition programme that feeds around 60 children each day and a programme of activities 7 days a week. Monday to Friday there is dance tuition, choir practice, after school lessons, career development, and counseling for those children who need a quiet space with a trained counselor with whom they can share their problems and receive advice.The Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre is dependent on donations from corporate organizations and public spirited citizens, locally and abroad.
Cops make arrest in execution-style killing
Police appear to have made a significant breakthrough in relation to the execution-style murder of Intaz Roopnarine, called ‘Bobby’, following the arrest of an individual they have described as a paid hit-man. Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell confirmed yesterday that investigators have detained a man who fits the description of the gunman whose image was seen on a hotel surveillance camera. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect was arrested on Monday night. Investigators had sought technical assistance to enhance the video image of the killer, and reliable sources said that this has aided them in making a “positive identity” of the suspect. Roopnarine was shot in the head at close range after being chased down and
Intaz Roopnarine cornered in the yard of the Cool Square Hotel at around 05:30 hrs last Thursday. A warhead police recovered indicated that the killer used a .32 revolver. Roopnarine reportedly had a licenced 9mm pistol. Brumell had told Kaieteur News that investigators were
working on a number of theories as to why Roopnarine was targeted for execution. The 38-year-old Mandela Avenue resident was attacked as he was about to leave the West Ruimveldt location with a female companion. Prior to this, a hotel security guard had reportedly warned Roopnarine that a suspiciouslooking individual was lurking near the hotel. According to sources who viewed the camera footage, Roopnarine, with firearm drawn, was about to follow his companion when a tall gunman scaled the hotel fence. The guard and Roopnarine immediately took evasive action. The gunman then chased Roopnarine to the back of the hotel and shot him dead. However, the killing was not recorded on the security cameras.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Licks like peas Have you often wondered why psychologists usually delve deep into the childhood of their clients? The reason, I am told, is that your childhood experiences are never transitory, but leave an indelible mark on your personality, shaping your fears and your attitude towards life. Most of us of the older generation grew up with respect for authority because in school we were flogged so often for the slightest of indiscretions that we had a mortal fear of the whip. These days, teachers cannot whip students as they feel. The Ministry of Education has ruled that a teacher first must obtain permission from the principal before he/she can do this. While some people feel this has led to a decline in respect for authority, both public and private, it is my view that in limiting flogging in schools we are saving our children from psychological scars. One year ago within these columns I wrote “Those who support the flogging of children in school have little appreciation of the worth of human beings. They most likely were similarly abused during their school days and their support of corporal punishment is meant to assuage their own inner fears that somehow they had a normal childhood. I was a child once and nothing drove fear into me more than the anticipation
that some small misgiving or mistake would result in lashes from an irate teacher. If you spelt a word incorrectly, instead of the teacher helping you out with the phonics, you would be rewarded with a few stinging lashes as if you had deliberately erred. Teachers in the old days were unforgiving when it came to the minutest of mistakes. The old folks will say that education was better in their days than it is today; let them continue to fool themselves. In the old days, only a small percentage of the schoolaged population made it to secondary school and so the passes, relative to the overall secondary school population, were high. With the increase in access to secondary education, there was bound to be a decline in relative passes and an increase in absolute numbers. Peeping Tom feels that generally the standard of education is higher today than it was forty years ago. So please do not tell me that corporal punishment produced “good students.” In a previous article also entitled ‘Licks Like Peas’, I called attention to the need for teachers to conform to the rules, regardless of their opinions about corporal punishment. I noted then that “The Ministry of Education had issued a circular that only head teachers can authorise flogging. Yet, despite these well-publicised regulations
Dem boys seh...
Counterfeit Viagra put Leslie in hospital Leslie been in he office when he eye start fuh roll up in he head. He did just mek a call to Brazzy because he had a plan. He did already call a young hen because as a man in de business he know bout treading. Is a good thing a big, hefty man been nearby fuh ketch he when he fall. As dem start fuh drive he out de gate one man holler how he lying ketch up wid he. Another man seh that Leslie don’t have to worry bout dead now. Only de good does dead young. De man had outrider clearing de way and he crying and he start fuh confess all de things he do. Dem boys hear how he had drugs runnings and wasn’t ganja and cocaine he was talking about. He talk how he help nuff people get rich because he siphon off money from de government. He talk how he stand beside Bar Bee and help he get money fuh share to de Bees, but now he sick none of de Bees not Bar Bee deh by he side. Even when de nurse and de doctor start fuh look at he, Leslie talking out he guts. He call pun de boss man fuh de Waterfalls paper to forgive he. He tell people fuh tell de Waterfalls boss man that he, Leslie, shoulda admit when he had de chance. He even seh that he now know that counterfeit drugs shouldn’t be sold to anybody. It tun out that de man contact de New Good Penis Company and order Viagra. He drink one in preparation but de dose had to be too strong. That is why he eye roll up in he head. He heart slow down and he sure that he was travelling. Dem boys seh that he gun live, but one thing— Bar Bee deh pun he own. Dr Berry who now manipulating de drug order frighten. He studying that lightning can strike twice and he don’t want to be de next one. Now Leslie frighten to shut he eye fuh sleep. Every time he nod off, he jumping. As soon as he eye shut he seeing he deeds, and a man dressed in black wid a scythe smiling at he. Talk half and don’t follow Leslie.
governing discipline, these rules are being openly flouted in many schools. Some teachers are in the habit of bringing their domestic problems into the classroom and taking it out mercilessly on the children. Teachers need to be taught that they do not have an inalienable right to use force on children. In the case of teachers, their right to inflict pain finds no sanction in law, neither should it in public opinion. I do not want to bore you with the research conducted into the effects of this form of abuse. But the psychological scars remain with the abused child forever, and ultimately affect their behaviour in all stages of life. Our children are not musical drums that teachers can beat upon. They are human beings with feelings, too frail and small to defend
themselves. The flogging of children in school amounts to advantage. This abuse must be brought to an end. Otherwise we will produce a generation of young people with irreversible psychological illnesses. Children do have human rights. They are entitled to the right to a pleasant childhood; we have duty to provide them with education free of abuse. So let us stamp out this flogging of our children. This is not the stone-age where an education has to be beaten into our children.” Flogging of children in our schools is unnecessary. I do not know of any child who does not want to have the affection of his/her teachers. I do not know of any child who would not want to do all his/her work and do it correctly. But sometimes the children simply do not
understand a concept being taught, cannot express their difficulties or simply need further help in the subject area. So instead of beating them, we need to find out what exactly is the problem and try to help them. In every school there are bound to be bad eggs. I know that there are many students who are indisciplined. But which one of us is perfect, we all make mistakes. The benefit of hindsight gives us the opportunity to look back on our lives and see the many mistakes or wrong turns we made. But we do not whip ourselves. So why should we support the flogging of our helpless children? I do not care whether it is in school or in extra lessons; teachers have no right to beat children. It is abuse, plain and simple. I will support corporal punishment being a criminal
offence. I cannot understand how some parents can send their children to extra lessons and allow their children to be whipped by teachers who they are paying to help their children overcome their academic difficulties. What are the teachers being paid for? To beat the problem out of the children? It is sickening to hear tales of parents who actually decide which extra lessons to send their children, based on the amount of licks shared. For some parents the more the licks, the better.
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Wednesday January 30, 2013
=== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ===
Eureka! The police discover commonsense Saturday evening, while out, my wife called to remind me to buy bread. I was driving just outside Prime News on Church Street when I got the call. I made a left into Peter Rose Street and bought the stuff at a popular pastry shop. While traveling north on Peter Rose, I ran into a river of stupidity. I abruptly stopped the car in time to save myself from being soiled by police asininity. I was face to face once more with perhaps the most foolish police ranks in the world. How can grown men and women so disgrace their country? How can men and women administer a country’s police force (now renamed police service based on the semantics of the goat man) and be so silly in what
they do? Peter Rose Street runs north to south. It lies inside the bowels of a quiet community. Situated in Queenstown, it consists mostly of houses owned by the wealthy urban elites (not urbane; in Guyana today the wealthier you are the less urbane you are). It is a very quiet two-way road (since time immemorial) until some business places moved in, for example a security firm and a car sales company. Suddenly as Peter Rose Street is about to run into Lamaha Street it becomes a one-way street at Anira Street. The police force has made one block of Peter Rose Street into a one-way street. But of course there must be a reason. But why! Who
says the Guyana Police Force (oops, I mean Police Service: have they been serving us since the name change?) functions with reason? A carriageway is made into a one directional street for two basic reasons only. One is narrowness. If it is an intestinal road, vehicles going in opposite directions may touch each other because there isn’t enough space to pass. Second, to relieve traffic congestion. I can think of no other reason. Certainly it cannot be security. The Office of the President stands out prominently on Vlissengen Road which is a two-way. The PPP’s nonsensical intelligence (there goes the goat man again) agency is on
Vlissengen Road which is a two-way street. The police head office is on Camp Road which is also a two-way street. The army head office is on a two-way street. So why is Peter Rose Street one way between Anira Street and Lamaha Street? I stopped the car and looked at the place. It was late (I was out too late on Saturday night last which was a security lapse) so I quickly hurried back into my vehicle and drove away. The street was deserted. Why is this place a oneway lane? Monday afternoon I went to traffic head office for some explanation about the repetition of this idiocy all over Georgetown. Traffic chief, Brian Joseph, said that when he assumed office, he met the madness (my word; Mr. Joseph is a polite man who uses polite language) and the process is being changed. Well commonsense has
finally crept into the Guyana Police Force (oops, make that Guyana Police Service; the brainchild of the goat man). Mr. Joseph told me many of these mistakes have been corrected already and are being rectified. One of the most insane manifestations of a two-way street being made into a oneway lane is Water Street from Barrack Street, Kingston, to Cowan Street outside of the GPL. This is another deserted road that is hardly used by Guyanese. In the night, the road is an eerie, desolate place. I would advise you not to travel there in the night because it is so lonely that anacondas can come of the gutters and attack you. Don’t come to Georgetown if you are living in Essequibo or Berbice and you just bought a car. In Alberttown and Queenstown in North Georgetown, an invisible man roams the district whispering in the ears
Frederick Kissoon of drivers telling them that Caribbean people are so lost and backward that the Caribbean will never achieve anything. He is V.S. Naipaul. Alberttown and Queenstown tell the sad tale of a nonexistent culture named Guyana. Drive in Alberttown and Queenstown and if you avoid getting a dozen traffic tickets then you are a genius. There are streets in these two districts that suddenly change from two ways to one ways. There are times when you can’t turn left nor right; you just have to keep going straight. Goat bite de police service.
Presidential guard murder trial…
Defence gives closing arguments By Zena Henry Lawyers for murder accused Mortimer Melville and Jevon Ismond summed up yesterday, why their clients should not be found guilty of the capital offence of murder. They presented closing arguments before presiding Judge Dawn Gregory, in the case involving the death of presidential guard, Nazir Ali. The man was killed in August of 2007 when two persons pretending to be customers, walked into a shop and robbed it. The defendant was shot when he attempted to defend himself and family. Attorney at law Hookumchand, who is representing Melville, started his presentation by making reference to the evidence provided. He focused on the evidence that alleged eyewitnesses presented. In summing up, Hookumchand said that the identity of his client is the most fundamental part of the case and at the same time, the jurors must determine whether the accused was wrongfully accused. Compton Richardson, who is representing Jevon Ismond, had similar sentiments with respect to his client. He first asked the jury that in making their decision, they should separate the two accused and view the evidence against them separately. He said that the evidence given by the star witness in the case, who is
also the deceased man’s sister, must be viewed intensely. He said that not all evidence coming out the witness box they must believe. It is their duty, he urged, to decide whether what is being said is acceptable or whether it should be rejected. The lawyer also lingered on the question of identity. Like Hookumchand, he too urged the 12-member mixed jury to see that his client was wrongfully accused and that it was a simple case of mistaken identity. He stressed that during an identification parade which was held subsequent to the murder, his client was never pointed out. He opined that since that had been the occurrence, it meant that the eyewitness could not tell, “Who was the red skin man” who had committed the robbery. Apart from that, Compton said that the prosecution failed to show how the connection between that “red skin” man and his client was made. He argued that there was no information stating the features and forms of description that allowed the witness to positively identify
his client. The two accused are charged in a felony-murder. The information is that on the day in question, Melville who is the number one accused, walked into the shop belonging to Ali’s wife and asked to purchase something. He exited the shop and allegedly returned with the number two accused, Ismond. The men then allegedly robbed those present as Ali and family members were seated outside their home at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Melville reportedly held a gun while the other accused relieved those robbed of their gold jewellery. As the two accused were leaving the scene, Ali who was a president’s guard at the time attempted to defend himself and his family. A scuffle reportedly ensued between Ali and one of the robbers with Ali ending up with three shots. The victim’s firearm was taken away after the gunman reportedly dragged the man to the gate. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital by relatives but died while receiving medical attention. The matter will continue today.
Notice
Persons desirous of giving financial assistance towards the medical expenses for 18-month-old Shafiyah Mohamed who has been infected with a skin-eating
bacterium can make deposits into Account Number 1439280 at any Republic Bank Branch. The account is registered in her father’s name, Imran Mohamed.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Focus on infrastructure upgrades in latest bidding process Infrastructure upgrades was the primary focus in the latest bidding process at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Main Street. Yesterday, under the Ministry of Housing and Water, bids were opened for the construction and upgrade of roads at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The bids were divided into two lots and the engineers’ estimates were: (1) $336,963,083 and (2) $258,691,235.
Meanwhile, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) received bids for the Rehabilitation of Water Supply system in Matthew’s Ridge. With an engineer’s estimate of $23, 835, 211 the bids are as follows:
The utility company also received bids for the upgrade of the Bartica Water Treatment Plant System. The bids were divided into two lots (Lot-1- Construction of storage tank and Lot-2- Service Connection upgrade/metering). The engineer’s estimates: Lot (1) $60,254,437 and Lot (2) $33,166,200.
Inspire Inc. announces ‘Bollywood’ singing competition
Bids were also opened in the Housing sector for the construction of drains and installation of a pure water distribution network at Onderneeming, Essequibo. The engineer’s estimate was $59,535,086.
Lovers of Bollywood music are set to hear their own local singers, some of them known and possibly many of them waiting to be discovered. The singers will have a chance to take part in Guyana’s Bollywood singing competition, according to Inspire Inc. Inspire Inc. is the same company which brought in Grammy-award winning gospel singer, CeCe Winans, to perform last Saturday. Inspire is headed by Yog
Mahadeo, former head of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T). GT&T over the years has been staging its Jingle and Song Competition and in 2011, under Mahadeo, the company introduced a Bollywood segment. According to Inspire Inc., it has been inundated with calls from “friends and wellwishers” to ensure that there is a platform for this type of music, song and culture. “We view our Guyanese culture very seriously and we
respect the background and culture of everyone and therefore would ensure that the various types of music enjoyed by our Guyanese brothers and sisters are respected and promoted.” The promotion company, promising an exciting competition, said it is preparing to release dates and details. “This competition will be open to everyone and to all ages. Who will it be? Who will be our 2013 Bollywood singing superstar?”
An American woman who completed her sentence here for trafficking in narcotics is now back home with her family after she was deported last week. The woman, Hajar Bourne, was one of two females being detained at the East La Penitence police station lock-ups awaiting deportation. The other is South African-born Cheryll Kwitshanna, who is awaiting another airline ticket to her homeland. Bourne and another American woman, Diamond Boulaware, were held in 2009 with a quantity of cocaine concealed on their person, while they were outgoing passengers on a flight to the United States of America. After being remanded for almost two years awaiting trial, Bourne threw in the towel and was sentenced to three years imprisonment in January 2011 by magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton. Her accomplice went to trial was found guilty and is presently serving out her time at the New Amsterdam Prison. It is not clear who paid for the airline ticket to facilitate Bourne’s deportation, but she
left Guyana a day after this newspaper highlighted her plight. In response to queries from this newspaper the Ministry of Home Affairs stated, “The sending State would be responsible for deportation. The receiving State could also play a role in this regard as well as the family of the person being deported.” The United States Embassy in Georgetown was also contacted and their response was “The Department of State works
with host country governments to ensure that U.S. citizens are treated in a humane manner when under arrest and/or detention outside the United States, in accordance with international laws and treaties. Due to Privacy Act considerations, we are not able to comment on this particular case.” There are several American citizens being held in the local prison system on drug trafficking charges. They too face deportation upon completion of their sentences.
Convicted drug trafficker deported to USA
Still in the Housing and Water sector, bids were received for the upgrading of roads in region four. The bids were divided into two lots; Lot-1-Block “8” Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and Lot -2- Section D Non Pareil, ECD. The engineers’ estimates: Lot (1) $90,026,217 and Lot (2) $90,815,863.
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Army will forever be indebted to Lance Men being targeted to help reduce Corporal Blair - COS tells mourners gender-based/domestic violence
Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best (inset) conveys condolences to the gathering at the funeral service of Lance Corporal Eon Blair The Guyana Defence Force on Monday said farewell to Lance Corporal Eon Blair who was laid to rest at Number 49 Village, Corentyne. Chief-of-Staff, Commodore Gary Best together with other Officers and Ranks of the Force joined Blair ’s parents, relatives and friends in mourning at the military funeral of the young soldier
who passed away last Friday. In offering personal condolences and also condolences on behalf of the Force, Commodore Best thanked the deceased’s mother, wife and children for his service given to the nation. “We will miss him. The Force valued his service to the nation...we will be forever indebted to him,” he said. The COS indicated too,
that Lance Corporal Blair’s surviving spouse and children will be supported in the future. Meanwhile, the GDF continues its investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Lance Corporal. In a statement issued yesterday, the GDF said that when completed, the findings of the investigation will be disseminated to the media.
In an attempt to break the gender norms as it relates to violence while at the same time shedding light on some of the atrocities that have been perpetrated in the society over the years, robust efforts were engaged by the Ministry of Human Services through its Men’s Affairs Bureau, last year. At least this is according to Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Reverend Patrick Findlay, who during the Ministry’s inaugural press conference for 2013 said that genderbased and domestic violence are often linked to “the way that we have been socialised.” Moreover, he said that the Men’s Affairs Bureau, aside from counselling and talking with men and families in its Human Services-based office “has been able to do a lot of work in 2012 and in the communities trying to update and to reduce instances of violence by raising awareness.” Understandably the Department’s focus has been on men, and according to Reverend Findlay, “we will try to do more in 2013 and bring some measure of stability in our country.” He revealed that in accordance with its objective to have men be better husbands, fathers and role models in the society,
moves were made to meet and conduct comprehensive consultations and one on one talks with men and boys in all 10 administrative regions. Apart from going out and meeting with men in those communities, the Men’s Affairs Bureau effectively created space as well as an opportunity for men to visit its Human Services Office to talk about their issues and to ventilate and get an opportunity to gain perspective and direction to handle troubling issues. Moreover, in the first quarter of the past year, the Bureau made its way into 21 secondary schools in Georgetown alone to hold sensitisation and awareness sessions with young men. This was primarily because “we feel that if we are going to make any headway and do anything in the community that pertains to gender-based violence and domestic violence, particularly, we need to start with our younger generation.” The Bureau was also able to work with some men’s groups as well as churches in the communities of Agricola, Mocha, and a few others on the East Bank of Demerara, the West Bank of Demerara, East Coast of Demerara and even areas on the Corentyne. In the second quarter of 2012, the Bureau had engagements with secondary
schools in Regions Two, Three and Four. This round of sensitisation, according to Reverend Findlay, saw the Bureau being able to reach all secondary schools on the Essequibo Coast “where we had sensitization and awareness sessions and workshops with the boys and male teachers there about gender-based and domestic violence, anger management and conflict resolution.” During the second quarter, too, the Bureau had its first ever walkathon entitled “Men against domestic violence” which was led by President Donald Ramotar and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and participation from a number of government ministers and the ambassadors of the United States and Mexico along with representatives of other international agencies. “That was a very good gesture where men were able to declare from the onset that they weren’t going to use force to settle their issues. At that particular walkathon we converged on the tarmac of the National Park and we had the men in attendance sign a covenant that was going to remind them of their roles as protectors, providers, carers and everything else, so that we can be able to have a better society,” Reverend Findlay asserted.
In the wake of the recent $10M robbery and murder of a security guard at Lethem on January 18, last, members of the business community there are expressing concern over electricity rationing as well as the severe understaffing of the Police Station that serves the community. A spokesman for the Rupununi Chamber of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RRCI) has expressed disgust that since June last year the Lethem Power Company Inc., (LPCI) had been unable to provide 24-hour-a-day electricity. “They are instead offering twenty hours a day electricity, that is from 8:00 AM to 4:00AM the next day and even that is not guaranteed because sometimes the current goes earlier,” one businessman complained. He said too, that the new Board of Directors of LPCI was installed on August 25, last, by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. “Up to just before that, a representative from the business community had always been selected to be on the Board of Directors of the Company, but since the new Board was installed by the Prime Minister, it was found
that no one had been chosen to represent the business community as a major stakeholder in the community. The businessman said that the Chamber had written to the Office of the Prime Minister last year protesting the Chamber’s exclusion from the Board of LPCI, but has not received any reply since. He said, too, that the Police Station at Lethem is undermanned, with some Police ranks working as many as eighteen hours a day before being relieved from duty. He added that the electricity rationing, shortage of Police ranks, and the apparent increased sophistication in crime as seen on January 18, last, had caused the Chamber to make an urgent review of the security situation at Lethem. The Chamber and other stakeholders, including the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), met earlier this week and will meet again tomorrow to “further discuss how to react to the apparently escalating crime situation”. Some responses being mulled include the formation of Policing Groups for patrolling the commercial zone, Culvert City and Tabatinga. Options also
include establishing their own Security Force to safeguard businesses and properties, the businessman said. “Lethem is a port of entry and exit. We are at a very strategic location. Government needs to beef up the strength of the Police Force here. They also need to upgrade the living accommodation of the Policemen. At present the few that are at the station here are housed in a small choked-up barrack room.” The businessmen are also calling for steps to be taken to get the LPCI to return to providing 24-hour-a-day electricity. It would be useful too, the spokesman said, if the Company could review its decision to exclude a representative from the business community from its board. “We cannot understand up to now why a representative from the Chamber is not on the Board and we want this situation reviewed and action taken so that we as major stakeholders in the electricity system in Lethem can get access to the Board to understand what is happening and to make an input into a solution to the problems,” the spokesman said.
Lethem businessmen complain of electricity rationing, lack of police
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‘Upset’ De Kinderen residents Mercy Hospital renovation gets financial boost clash with GWI disconnection crew
The GWI disconnection crew doing their work at another section in De Kinderen. Contract workers conducting disconnections for the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) at De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara, were reportedly abused by angry residents yesterday. The residents were reportedly displeased that they were not informed about the exercise. Kaieteur News was told that police had to be called in after a male resident kept the workers at bay after they attempted to dig in front of him to make a disconnection. However, the police managed to placate the man, said to be a bus driver, and the workers moved to another street to conduct their exercise. Residents of the 28-home section in De Kinderen said that they did not see any notice or were made aware of
the exercise. “We really upset. We received water over a year now. Some people get water meters…some people none. They tell us that who ain’t get, they gon make an agreement with them for payments.” According to Bertrom Elexey, he is a pensioner who paid and last received a bill since early in 2012. “This is a poor village. We willing to pay. But you have to do it in another way.” Several homes in that particular section will have to find the $6,000 reconnection fee now. Another resident, Michael Sanders, who is about to become a pensioner, also took the opportunity to complain about the maintenance of the area by the local neighbourhood democratic council.
“Our drains…nothing is being done. They’re doing nothing” Yesterday, when contacted, GWI’s Public Relations Officer, Timothy Austin, made it clear that the state-owned entity has been publicizing, via ads, the fact that the company was embarking on a major disconnection campaign. “The fact is…if you are receiving service, you have to pay. We have been saying that even if you do not get a bill, we have our regional and other offices that will take your call and give you a balance. If you believe you need time to repay, we have systems in place to accommodate a payment plan. We have even gone to areas with loudspeakers to alert residents.”
GENEQUIP’s Managing Director, Renger van Dijk (left) makes the donation to chairman of Mercy Hospital’s Improvement Committee Chris Fernandes General Equipment Guyana Limited (GENEQUIP) has donated one million dollars to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital towards its rebuilding efforts. According to the company, which supplies farming equipment, the donation was made on the occasion on its 20th anniversary in Guyana.
Head of the company, Renger van Dijk, noted that they have been in service within the agriculture sector and that it was time to not only focus on its own growth, but that of other entities locally. Its sister company, Farm Supplies Limited, also donated a similar amount. Collecting the donation
on behalf of Mercy Hospital was Chris Fernandes, Chairman of the Improvement Committee In May 2010, the hospital, located in Kingston, suffered significant losses after fire ravaged its main building. The operating theatre and records were all lost.
Unidentified male dumped at GPHC
A male of Amerindian descent, approximately 30 years old was brought to the Accident and Emergency Unit on Sunday in an unconscious condition. He is believed to have
originated from Port Kaituma. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where he remains in an unconscious state. Efforts to have him positively identified have been futile. Security staff at
the hospital failed to ascertain the identity of the people who brought the man to the hospital. They also failed to document the number of the vehicle in which the man arrived.
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Firemen benefit from foreign expertise Over the next two weeks, ranks from the Guyana Fire Service will benefit from various types of training, compliments of a foreign expert. The sessions are currently being conducted at the National Park tarmac where the ranks are trying to improve their skills, techniques and tactics used in fire fighting. According to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, the facilitator is Senior Instructor Kevin Adcock of the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service of the United Kingdom. Gentle said the training was provided for under last year’s budgetary allocation and started in 2012. During the initial training, 30 ranks benefitted and according to Gentle, such exercises are specially tailored for Guyana’s unique demands and conditions. “This year, the focus is being placed on first responders and bringing them up to speed with more modern fire-fighting techniques, tactics and strategies and how to apply them upon arrival at a scene.” Responding to questions about the possibilities of techniques used in another
Senior Instructor, Kevin Adcock country being applied here and proving ineffective, Gentle explained that the facilitator has taken that into consideration and is working around that. “Mr. Adcock was here before and he saw our challenges and now on his return he has developed a programme specially for our situation. Fire-fighting is a universal language… most of the techniques are the same, however in Guyana there is the issue of the way buildings are constructed, the types of material used for building and that kind of stuff.” Meanwhile, Adcock said that he is pleased to be working with the local fire
The facilitator addressing the ranks yesterday service as he is always willing to impart his knowledge and expertise. “We have provided training to other countries around the world, Guyana is unique, but it’s not different from what we have seen and it is important that we give our best to the ranks here,”
Adcock said the situation he met here is relatively difficult, but despite the challenges the ranks should be applauded for their efforts. “We have the issue of the way buildings are constructed… being close to each other, inadequate
water supply, etc., but they do a very good job”. Further Adcock said he was able to get a look at some of the future plans which the Fire Service will be embarking on and he is pleased with the initiatives. “The move from fire-
fighting to rescue, emergency and ambulance service is a very good move and one which any developing country should look at seriously”. Adcock noted that with any developing country there will always be the demand for changes in the fire service.
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Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
Agri Minister collapses, rushed to hospital Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, was discharged last night from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) having being rushed there earlier in the day, after reportedly collapsing in his office. According to sources, the 66-year-old Minister was immediately taken to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit before being transferred to the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI), located in the same compound. GPHC in a statement had said that the Minister’s condition was being “closely monitored.” A hospital source subsequently stated that Minister Ramsammy had suffered syncope (fainting). The source added that he also had an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) which could have caused the condition. The former Minister of Health underwent a triple heart-bypass surgery several years ago. One of the Minister’s staffers had refuted reports that Dr. Ramsammy had collapsed. According to the employee, the Minister was dizzy, hence they insisted on taking him to the hospital for a checkup. “He is okay. He was just a bit dizzy. He wanted
Dr. Leslie Ramsammy to go home and rest, but we insisted on bringing him here for a checkup.” GPHC issued a statement late last night indicating that the Minister had been released from the institution. Dr. Ramsammy’s case followed closely to that of Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon who had to be admitted after he suffered a fall. After a one-week stay in hospital, he (Luncheon) was discharged and then had to be readmitted. On the second occasion he was diagnosed with clots in the region of the heart. He underwent surgery to remove a large clot near his heart. The condition was described as a pulmonary
embolism. A source at Office of the President later said that Dr. Luncheon was lucky to be alive. The source said that the Cabinet Secretary had been in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital when he showed signs akin to developing a heart attack. Immediately he was transferred to the Caribbean Heart Institute where cardiologist Dr. Gary Stephens undertook an emergency intervention procedure. He inserted a series of filters to prevent the clots from going to the heart and the lungs. Had this happened the Cabinet Secretary would have certainly died, the source said. It was later reported that Dr. Gary Stephens, head of the CHI, was at the right place at the right time. Dr. Luncheon had stated that “Big Brother” was watching over him and caused him to be alive. Indeed, many people died after they had developed a single clot in the blood stream. Doctors familiar with the condition and the procedure that Dr. Luncheon underwent said that pulmonary embolism could be a hereditary condition.
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Accused in Friendship fatal accident granted bail A resident of Austin Street, Campbellville, was yesterday granted his pre-trial liberty after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The accused, Raymond Persaud, who is an Aeronautical Engineer, made his appearance at the Providence Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Leslie Sobers. It is alleged that on Sunday January 27 at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, Persaud drove his car in a dangerous manner causing the death of 58 year-
old Bissoondial Nihal. Persaud was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, unlicenced driving and breach of insurance. To all the charges Persaud pleaded not guilty. He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Mark Waldron. Waldron in his bail application told the court that his client is not a flight risk and has a fixed place of abode. Bail was granted to the tune of $500,000 and Persaud is expected to return to court
on March 5. Initial reports are that Nihal was driving south along the Friendship Public Road on his tractor-trailer when a white Allion, driven by Persaud, slammed into the trailer which resulted in Nihal falling from his tractor. One of the rear wheels then ran over Nihal’s head. The still moving tractor-trailer ended up in a roadside ditch several feet ahead. The badly injured man was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
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Wednesday January 30, 2013
Differently-able children given free dental check-ups
One of the children being examined For the first time in 46 years, the differently-able children from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC) received free dental check-ups, compliments of Cobeer Persaud (Anand) Dental Technician of Lot 14 Peter ’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. About 35 children
benefitted from the initiative and according to the owner of the Dental Clinic, he will continue to make this exercise possible every year. Persaud explained that a while back representatives from the rehab centre purchased a few items from him and it was there that he proposed to help the children
in need. “We examine, clean, polish and fill in some cases,” Persaud said, adding that because of the condition of the children (both physically and mentally) it takes a lot of time to deal with each patient. “Because of the condition of these children, you have to take your time when you
Cobeer Persaud handing over the cheque to representative, Sandra Gibson. deal with them, so we cannot examine all of them today (yesterday) but we will continue tomorrow (today),” Persaud said, adding that he intends to help those in need. Apart from dental examination, Persaud donated $200,000 to the rehab centre to help with the children’s financial needs.
“When we are finished with these children I want to help the elders at the Palms and at the Society for the Blind,” he promised. Sandra Gibson, a representative from the centre said that this is in fact the first time these children were seen by a private dentist. She added
that in the past, if anyone complained of a toothache, they were taken to the Cheddi Jagan Dental School. “This is the first time they did general check-ups. We are very thankful for this and I think more people should come on board to help these children.”
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Brazilian cities crack down on nightclubs after deadly fire SANTA MARIA, Brazil (Reuters) - Cities across Brazil are beginning to crack down on nightclubs to ensure they comply with fire regulations following a weekend blaze that killed 231 people at a club in the southern university town of Santa Maria. The fire was Brazil’s deadliest in half a century and resonated across the country, with many people demanding those responsible be prosecuted and that the government tighten up on safety. Brazilians are outraged at what they see as lax regulation and corrupt officials whose oversights led to the tragedy. There are fears similar fires could happen at other clubs and public venues, especially as the country gears up to host the World Cup of soccer next year and the Olympic Games in 2016. Sensitivity is also growing because Brazil is in the runup to next month’s Carnival celebrations. The event routinely features throngs of unruly revelers in parades and street parties in cities across the country. As funerals and an official investigation proceed, government officials and lawmakers are scrambling to press for tougher laws. President Dilma Rousseff, who visited grief-torn Santa Maria over the weekend, urged local officials on
Monday for more rigor in enforcing safety regulations. Cities across the country quickly responded. “We were all evidently shocked by the Santa Maria tragedy,” Bosco Saraiva, the acting mayor of Manaus, a city of 2 million people in the Amazon region, said in a telephone interview. “Yesterday we started a total cleanup.” The campaign featured sudden club inspections and city authorities closed 17 because of fire hazards and expired permits. Americana, a city in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo, issued a blanket order on Tuesday for all nightclubs to shut down temporarily while new safety standards are discussed. Brasilia and other cities including Salvador, Niteroi, Curitiba and Porto Alegre have also deployed inspectors. In Salvador, Brazil’s third-biggest city, the mayor ordered the inspection of all entertainment venues, including Carnival installations now being erected. Still, outrage over the disaster grew, manifesting itself in a march in Santa Maria, across headlines in national newspapers, and in countless critiques in social media. Cries of “Justice!” rose from a crowd of 15,000 people who marched through the center of Santa Maria on
Monday night. Marchers carried flowers to a local gym that has served as a morgue and funeral parlor since the early Sunday fire. Most of the 231 dead were students suffocated by toxic fumes. Others were trampled as they stampeded toward the sole exit of the “Kiss” nightclub, whose permits were under review. Witnesses said bouncers initially blocked the exit because they thought fleeing customers were trying to leave without paying for their drinks. Families of the victims are demanding explanations. “Somebody has to be responsible,” said Elaine Marques Gonçalves, a mother who lost one son in the fire and has another critically injured. “I will not get my son’s life back, but I want the authorities to investigate and act, for the sake of other young people,” the devastated woman said in a video interview on the website of the O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper. Police on Monday detained the owners of the club and two members of the band for questioning. No charges have been filed against the four men, but prosecutors said they could be held for up to five days. Santa Maria’s police chief, Marcelo Arigony, told local television that authorities still
Voters reject plans to legalise gambling (AP) — Voters in the Bahamas Monday rejected a referendum to legalise gambling for citizens of the archipelago off Florida’s east coast, where locals were already barred from betting in casinos at the islands’ tourist resorts. Underground gambling operations called “web shops” where Bahamians bet on numbers in televised US lotteries have become commonplace in recent years. The shops operate in violation of Bahamian law, but police and political leaders have largely turned a blind eye to them for years. In a two-part referendum, voters were asked whether the islands’ gambling shops should be legalised, regulated and taxed, and if the government should create its own national lottery.
Perry Christie However, election officials said that a majority of Bahamians clearly voted no on both questions, forcing the government to start the
arduous task of shutting down dozens of the underground operations. Voter turnout was apparently quite low. Bradley Roberts, chairman of the ruling party, said that Prime Minister Perry Christie’s government recognised the results. Christie’s administration had encouraged citizens to support legalising the gambling shops, arguing that the underground houses employ a few thousand Bahamians and could generate $20 million a year in taxes if they were regulated. The islands’ powerful church lobby and the political opposition fiercely opposed any legalised betting for locals. However, religious leaders were thrilled by the measure’s defeat.
A girl cries during a march in a plaza near the Kiss nightclub honoring the victims of early Sunday’s fatal fire inside the club. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) do not know how many people were in the club, which the fire department said was authorized to hold up to 700 people, and whether it was over capacity. He said there was a security camera in the club, but there was no evidence it was working. Experts say Brazilian safety laws seem sufficient on paper but that enforcement is weak and codes can vary from
state to state. Marco Maia, speaker of Brazil’s lower house of Congress, on Monday appointed a commission to study the possibility of a single federal law that could unify regulations. Unless authorities act to tighten inspections on a prolonged basis, however, a change in legislation might not make much difference. As it is, corrupt inspectors
sometimes turn a blind eye to violations in exchange for bribes. “Brazilians think that changing laws will solve everything, but what needs to change is the inspection system,” said Claudio Beato Filho, head of a crime and public safety research center at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Without better enforcement, he said, new laws “will change very little.”
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Wednesday January 30, 2013
Attorney argues government Venezuelan vice president says Chavez is “very optimistic” of recovery aware of Section 34 implications Trinidad Express Queen’s Counsel Edward Fitzgerald, lead attorney for businessman Steve Ferguson, says there is no way the Government or Parliament could claim it was unaware of the possible implications of the now repealed Section 34 of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act. Fitzgerald made the point while addressing Justice Mira Dean-Armorer in the Port of Spain High Court on day one of arguments in the constitutional motion filed on behalf of Ferguson, businessman Ishwar Galbaransingh and several others who petitioned the court to have their criminal charges dismissed under Section 34 of the Act. Dean-Armorer was told Attorney General Anand Ramlogan’s assertion that the enactment of Section 34 was “an unfortunate error and oversight on the part of the entire legislature” could not be credible when one looks at what was said during the debate in the Upper and
Lower Houses of Parliament. “The Minister of Justice (then Herbert Volney) repeatedly referred throughout the debates in Parliament to the offences that would be exempted as blood crimes,” Fitzgerald said. “It was made quite clear that the expression ‘blood crimes’ meant offences of violence and offences involving the supply of drugs. Therefore it is inconceivable that Members of Parliament thought that the expression ‘blood crimes’ applied to offences of fraud or corruption.” Fitzgerald told the court the implications of Section 34, which was proclaimed on August 31, 2012, were raised on November 22, 2011 by Independent Senator Elton Prescott SC, who said individuals charged with offences such as fraud, could apply to have their matters discharged if they were not concluded within ten years of the charges being laid. He said further evidence of Government’s knowledge is found in correspondence between Volney and Director
of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard between February 22 and May 22, 2012. Fitzgerald argued that the Section 34 proclamation created a legitimate expectation in the minds of the applicants that their matters would be dismissed. “The one thing that Parliament cannot do is rewrite history. Section 34 existed.” He said the decision of Parliament to amend the Act violated the ‘separation of powers’ doctrine which is enshrined in the Constitution since it had the effect of telling the courts what to do with the pending applications filed on behalf of those who stood to benefit from the passage of the legislation. These included Ferguson, Galbaransingh, Amrith Maharaj, former government ministers Brian Kuei Tung and Sadiq Baksh, former chairmen of the Airports Authority Tyrone Gopee and Ameer Edoo who are all charged with fraud-related offences arising out of the Piarco Development Project.
CARACAS (Reuters) Hugo Chavez is upbeat about recovering from cancer and confident in his medical team, his No. 2 said yesterday in the latest message from the Venezuelan leader’s sickbed in Cuba. “He told us with great strength: ‘I am very optimistic, I trust completely in the treatments I am undergoing, I will beat this again. I’m holding onto Christ and life,’” Vice President Nicolas Maduro said of Chavez’s words to him on a recent visit. In power for the past 14 years, the SouthAmerican OPEC member’s socialist leader has not been seen or heard from in public since December 11 surgery in Havana. That was his fourth for a cancer first detected in the pelvic area in June 2011. Opposition leaders say if Chavez, 58, is well enough to talk to ministers, then he should address the nation and tell Venezuelans exactly what condition he is in. Despite complications including a lung infection after the operation, officials have been more optimistic about Chavez’s state in the past two weeks, suggesting he was over the worst of the surgery repercussions and may come home soon. They acknowledge, however, that Chavez’s health remains delicate, and many Venezuelans believe his active rule is probably over, with a homecoming possibly aimed at smoothing a
transition of power. Maduro, 50, is Chavez’s preferred political heir. “Our commanderpresident is in a tough and complex battle, but with a phenomenal spirit,” Maduro said in a speech in Sabaneta, the rural village where Chavez was born. Maduro visited Chavez in Cuba before a weekend summit in Chile. The vice president accused opposition supporters of stirring up trouble during Chavez’s absence, delighting in his
health problems and even plotting against senior government officials. Even within “Chavista” circles, Maduro said, there are some murmurings of dissent that needed to be quashed. “Though they are few, they are sometimes going around stirring up the waters to make themselves leaders or bosses of the revolution,” he said. “We will give names in due course if necessary. ... We urge the people to put them in their place. They need to be clear who the leader and boss is.”
Michael Misick
Jamaica Gleaner - The Turks and Caicos Government has now filed a formal request to Brazilian authorities for the extradition of former premier Michael Misick. Misick, is being sought in relation to a criminal investigation into systematic corruption in government. He was arrested in Brazil on December 7, 2012. “The Turks and Caicos Islands’ Chief Magistrate and the acting Attorney General formally certified the papers last week and they were taken
to Brazil on Sunday,” said a TCI Attorney General Huw Shepheard. “Some time was needed to assemble the documentation and to have the request translated into Portuguese, however the request has been made well within the time limit imposed by the Extradition treaty, in accordance with the intention of the TCI Government and the Special Investigation Prosecution Team to secure Michael Misick’s return to the TCI by due process of law,” Shepheard continued.
Venezuela’s Vice President Nicolas Maduro reads a letter from Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez during a general meeting at the summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Santiago in this picture provided by the Summit Press Monday. REUTERS/Summit Press/Handout
Government formally requests extradition of former premier
Prime Minister speaks of plans to replace his administration with unity government BASSETERRE, St. Kitts CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas yesterday said dismissed senior government minister Dr. Timothy Harris had asked him to resign as head of the government last month, accusing the former minister of being part of a “conspiracy to bring the government to an end” and establish a unity government in St. Kitts-Nevis.
Speaking in Parliament on a bill to increase the number of senators in the legislative chamber, Dr. Douglas, who earlier this week dismissed Harris from his government, said that the former minister had come to his office personally on December 10 “to ask me to resign. That is a fact. It has to be somebody who is power crazy or power hungry.
No reasonable person sitting on the Labour Party side of this House could think that PAM (People’s Action Movement) could pass a prime ministership to them,” he told legislators. Both Harris and Opposition Leader Mark Brantley disagreed with the allegation that they were involved in an attempt to bring down the government and establish a unity government.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Wife of deposed Honduran leader T&T Govt. pleased with leads presidential race: poll performance of local economy PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government says it is pleased with the performance of the local economy and welcomed recent ratings by the US based rating agencies regarding the economic outlook for the oilrich twin island republic. Finance Minister Larry Howai, wrapping up debate on the Finance Bill on Monday night, Howai said that the government’s economic policies are working inspite of criticism from the opposition. “The economy stands strong and really stands out as a beacon in a world fraught with much down sized risks where many economies in the world are in recession and where unemployment is at astronomical levels, in some countries as high as 25 per cent …with unemployment among youth in particular at 50 per cent”. He said Trinidad and Tobago has “not feared as badly as many of these economies and we do have a strong foundation on which we can build,” he told legislators. Howai, a former senior executive of a commercial bank here, said the ratings by US-based agencies such as Moody’s Investors Services and Standards & Poor’s also point to a strong local economy. “Basically their evaluation of Trinidad and Tobago is very sound. Moody’s has also indicated that the government’s robust balance sheet, fiscal savings a strong external liquidity position mitigates
susceptibility to events risk. “A solid institutional framework with a high degree of policy coherence and continuity also supports the ratings,” he added. Earlier this month, Moody’s Investors Service, has affirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s Baa1 government bond rating, adding that the twin-island republic’s economic outlook “remains stable”. The Wall Streetbased Moody’s said the “key drivers” of the rating action were “continued resilience of the government’s balance sheet,” despite some deterioration of government debt metrics, and “significant fiscal savings in a sovereign wealth fund and a strong external position supported by persistent current account surpluses and a large foreign exchange reserve buffer”. In addition, Moody’s said a “challenging growth outlook contingent on the resumption of activity in the energy sector following a protracted recession”
contributed to the rating action. The rating agency said Trinidad and Tobago’s Baa1 sovereign rating continues to be supported by the government’s “robust balance sheet, fiscal savings, and a strong external liquidity position that mitigate susceptibility to event risk; a solid institutional framework with a high degree of policy coherence and continuity; and relatively high income per capita”. Moody’s, however, said that the rating is “constrained by the small size of the economy, a limited degree of diversification, concerns about medium-term growth prospects and the relative deterioration of fiscal and debt metrics”. Howai said that the government was “working” on the constraints outlined by Moody’s noting also that the prospects of the risks in the rest of the Caribbean is “particularly poor and they say that will impact on our markets and our exports and services to these countries. The finance minister said that the country has already experienced some successes so far this year “with a number of major projects already to get going and we have made considerable progress with the diversification of the financial services sector with at least three financial institutions indicating a willingness and readiness to commence investments in Trinidad and Tobago”. “He said given the comments by the opposition, he is “reasonably assured we are on the right track”.
CASTRIES, St Lucia – CMC - Vice President of the Trade Union Federation (TUF) Cyprian Montroupe says the grouping is disappointment with the progress of the negotiations for a salary increases for public servants given the February 15 deadline. Montroupe said the TUF has written to Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony urging that the government ensure that negotiations progresses smoothly. “We are very unhappy with the progress government has made with the setting up of the independent bodies to discuss fringe benefits and up to this time we have no date to continue the wage negotiations, this is despite
the January 7 agreement to conclude negotiations by February 15,” he said. Monrose said the TUF will meet tomorrow to further discuss the matter. The unions are seeking a 16 per cent increase spread over the 2012-2013 triennium period to which government has responded with a zero per cent increase in the three years and a lump sum of EC$1,000 (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents). Montroupe said the TUF has already informed the government negotiating team (GNT) that its members were becoming uneasy about the state of the negotiations warning that the TUF will not tolerate delaying tactics. “At the pace the GNT is
operating it is clear that either they are not serious in getting the negotiations complete by the February 15 or they prefer to drag the negotiations beyond the end of the March of this year when the collective agreement ends,” he said. Prime Minister Anthony appears to have a different view on the matter indicating that the negotiators have a packed schedule before them. “I have been keeping a keen eye on the process and imparting whatever influence I can to ensure that the negotiations continue. The information I have is that the team has been meeting the various organizations involved in the process,” he said.
Larry Howai
Labour union official voices concern over slow pace of negotiations
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Honduran presidential candidate Xiomara Castro, the wife of deposed former President Manuel Zelaya, is leading the race to become the next head of the Central American country, according to a poll released yesterday. Political newcomer Castro, the Liberty and Refoundation Party candidate who established her reputation while fighting for her husband’s right to rule after his 2009 military-led ouster, leads with 25 percent of those questioned saying they would vote for her, according to the CID Gallup poll. Just 23 percent said they would vote for National Party candidate Juan Hernandez who, the pollster said, “is being affected by the ongoing divisions in his party.” Nonetheless, 33 percent of the 1,256 people surveyed for the poll said they supported Hernandez’s National Party, while only 21 percent opted
Xiomara Castro for the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), with a similar amount picking the third-placed Liberal Party. The poll has a 2percentage-point margin of error, according to La Prensa newspaper that published the survey. Castro and her party, a coalition of leftist politicians, unions, agrarian and indigenous groups, vow to call a referendum to rewrite the constitution if they win - an
act that previously set in motion the coup that ended her husband’s presidency. Zelaya was deposed in a 2009 military coup after his opponents said he was trying to change the constitution to remain in power. Last week, Honduras’ Congress approved an impeachment tool to remove top-ranking officials from office and avoid crises like the 2009 coup. Among the nine candidates vying to become Honduras’ next president is retired General Romeo Vasquez, who led the coup against Zelaya and who leads the Patriotic Alliance, a party mainly comprised of retired soldiers. He was not in the poll. The presidential elections will take place in November, with the victor assuming office in January 2014.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Army warns unrest pushing Egypt to the brink CAIRO, Egypt (Reuters) - Egypt’s army chief said political unrest was pushing the state to the brink of collapse - a stark warning from the institution that ran the country until last year as Cairo’s first freely elected leader struggles to curb bloody street violence. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a U.S.-trained general appointed by President Mohamed Mursi last year to head the armed forces, added in a statement yesterday that one of the primary goals of deploying troops in cities on the Suez Canal was to protect the waterway that is vital for Egypt’s economy and world trade. Sisi’s comments, published on an official army Facebook page, followed 52 deaths in the past week of disorder and highlighted the mounting sense of crisis facing Egypt and its Islamist head of state who is striving to fix a teetering economy and needs to prepare Egypt for a parliamentary election in a few months that is meant to
cement the new democracy. Violence largely subsided yesterday, although some youths again hurled rocks at police lines in Cairo near Tahrir Square. It seemed unlikely that Sisi was signaling the army wants to take back the power it held for six decades since the end of the colonial era and through an interim period after the overthrow of former air force chief Hosni Mubarak two years ago. But it did send a powerful message that Egypt’s biggest institution, with a huge economic as well as security role and a recipient of massive direct U.S. subsidies, is worried about the fate of the nation, after five days of turmoil in major cities. “The continuation of the struggle of the different political forces ... over the management of state affairs could lead to the collapse of the state,” said General Sisi, who is also defense minister in the government Mursi appointed. He said the economic,
Protesters celebrate the capture of a state security armored vehicle that demonstrators commandeered during clashes with security forces, yesterday. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) political and social challenges facing the country represented “a real threat to the security of Egypt and the cohesiveness of the Egyptian state” and the army would
remain “the solid and cohesive block” on which the state rests. Sisi was picked by Mursi after the army handed over power to the new president in June once Mursi had sacked Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, in charge of Egypt during the transition and who had also been Mubarak’s defense minister for 20 years. The instability has provoked unease in Western capitals, where officials worry about the direction of a powerful regional player that has a peace deal with Israel.
The United States condemned the bloodshed and called on Egyptian leaders to make clear violence was not acceptable. The 58-year-old previously headed military intelligence and studied at the U.S. Army War College. Diplomats say he is well known to the United States, which donates $1.3 billion in military aid each year, helping reassure Washington that the last year’s changes in the top brass would not upset ties. One of Sisi’s closest and longest serving associates,
General Mohamed el-Assar, an assistant defense minister, is now in charge of the military’s relations with the United States. Almost seven months after Mursi took office, Egyptian politics have become even more deeply polarized. Opponents spurned a call by Mursi for talks on Monday to try to end the violence. Instead, protesters have rallied in Cairo and Alexandria, and in the three Suez Canal cities - Port Said, Ismailia and Suez - where Mursi imposed emergency rule.
President Barack Obama militants among the rebels. Obama has said he has wrestled with whether a U.S. military intervention in Syria’s 22-month-old civil war would help resolve the bloody conflict or make things worse. The United Nations said more than 60,000 people have died
in the uprising. Yesterday, he said the aid would help bring food and clean water to Syrians. “It means immunizations for 1 million Syrian children,” Obama said in a statement. “American aid means winter supplies for more than half a million people in Aleppo, Homs and Dayr az Zawr.” The United Nations has said it needs about $1 billion to help refugees and another $519 million to help people inside Syria but on Monday it had raised only 3 percent of that target. “Today I also call on the international community to do more to help these Syrians in need and to contribute to the latest U.N. humanitarian appeal,” Obama said. The United States is the largest single aid donor in the crisis but the assistance has been provided quietly, said White House spokesman Jay Carney.
Obama giving $155 million in humanitarian aid to Syrians
(Reuters) - President Barack Obama yesterday said the United States would boost humanitarian aid to Syria and urged other nations to do more to help the United Nations, which is struggling to assist some 4 million people in the war-torn country and more than 700,000 who have fled it. Obama said he authorized an additional $155 million in aid for food, medical care and clothing for Syrians and refugees, bringing the U.S. total to $365 million. He issued a video statement on youtube.com with Arabic subtitles speaking directly to Syrians. Obama has been criticized for not doing more to aid rebels trying to overthrow Syrian President Bashar alAssad, even as the humanitarian cost of the conflict has skyrocketed and Western nations worry about the growing clout of Islamic
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
Rescuers help Australia flood victims as waters recede Rescue workers in Australia are working to help people affected by floods which have inundated two eastern states. In Queensland, helicopters rescued more than 1,000 people stranded in the city of Bundaberg as the Burnett River burst its banks, flooding 2,000 homes. In New South Wales, Grafton escaped the worst of the flooding as the Clarence River peaked below the city's levees. The waters are now beginning to drop gradually as troops prepare for a mammoth recovery effort and clean-up. Tropical Cyclone Oswald, which triggered the flooding, is now heading out to sea south of Sydney. Tens of thousands were left isolated or displaced by the torrent, which peaked in most areas late on Tuesday. Four people are now known to have died in the severe weather, after a toddler who was hit by a falling tree in Brisbane died on Monday. It comes two years after severe flooding in southern
Queensland, including in the state capital Brisbane, that left 35 people dead and tens of thousands of homes flooded. "We're planning to have some troops on the ground hopefully within the next 24 hours. It looks like waters will recede and we'll be able to gain access," Brigadier Greg Bilton told reporters. "Severe major flooding is being experienced in the Burnett [river] catchment area," the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said in its latest statement. It added: "Record major flooding continues at Bundaberg with the river rising slowly above 9.5m (31ft) in the last few hours." The Burnett river is also running more than 1.5m (4.9ft) higher than the last serious flooding in December 2010. Queensland Police Minister Jack Dempsey said that the flood levels will be some of the highest recorded for the whole of the Bundaberg and Burnett region. "The main priority at the
moment on the ground is life and we really do implore people to go to the highest points, listen to the emergency service workers and their directions," he said. Some 7,500 people are reported to have been displaced in the city of Bundaberg, with more than 1,500 taking shelter in evacuation centres. About 1,000 people were plucked from the roofs of their homes by helicopters in daring evening rescues after rivers broke their banks late on Monday. Two air force transport planes are evacuating patients from the local hospital and Prime Minister Julia Gillard said 100 military personnel were being sent to help out. Queensland State Premier Campbell Newman has praised the civilian and military rescue crews, saying their bravery was "what saved the day". The BoM has warned that "major flooding is continuing in the Logan River", with the towns of Waterford and Eagleby now threatened.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Declaring “now is the time” to fix broken immigration laws, President Barack Obama yesterday heralded a rare show of bipartisanship between the White House and Senate lawmakers on basic plans for putting millions of illegal immigrants on a pathway to citizenship, cracking down on businesses that employ people illegally and tightening security at the borders. But both the White House and Senate proposals for tackling the complex and emotionally charged issue still lack key details. And potential roadblocks are already emerging over how to structure the road to citizenship and whether a bill would will same-sex couples — and that’s all before a Senate measure can be debated, approved and sent to the Republican-controlled House where opposition is likely to be stronger. Obama, in the heart of the heavily Hispanic Southwest, said Congress is showing “a genuine desire to get this done soon.” But mindful of previous immigrations efforts that have failed, Obama warned that the debate would become more difficult as it gets closer to a conclusion. “The question now is simple,” Obama said during a campaign-style event in Las Vegas, one week after being
sworn in for a second term in the White House. “Do we have the resolve as a people, as a country, as a government to finally put this issue behind us? I believe that we do.” Despite possible obstacles to come, the broad agreement between the White House and bipartisan lawmakers in the Senate represents a drastic shift in Washington’s willingness to tackle immigration, an issue that has languished for years. Much of that shift is politically motivated, due to the growing influence of Hispanics in presidential and other elections and their overwhelming support for Obama in November. The separate White House and Senate proposals focus on the same principles: providing a way for most of the estimated 11 million people already in the U.S. illegally to become citizens, strengthening border security, cracking down on employers who hire illegal immigrants and streamlining the legal immigration system. A consensus around the question of citizenship could help lawmakers clear one major hurdle that has blocked previous immigration efforts. Many Republicans have opposed allowing illegal immigrants to become citizens, saying that would be an unfair reward for people who have broken the law.
Details on how to achieve a pathway to citizenship still could prove to be a major sticking point between the White House and the Senate group, which is comprised of eight lawmakers — four Democrats and four Republicans.
Obama on immigration overhaul: ‘Now is the time’
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Britain ups aid for Mali, Africa but wary of mission creep (Reuters) - Britain increased its offer of aid to France and African governments yesterday to help them counter Islamist militants in Africa but limited the scope of its support for fear of being dragged into an Afghanistan-style quagmire. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond told parliament that up to 240 soldiers could take part in missions to train African troops, and that at least 90 more are already taking part in logistical operations to support French troops fighting in Mali. “The UK has a clear interest in the stability of Mali and ensuring that its territory does not become an ungoverned space available to al Qaeda and its associates,” Hammond said. “We are very clear about the risks of mission creep and we have defined very carefully the support we are willing and able to provide,” he added. British troops will not have a combat role, he stressed. In a further sign of Britain’s concern over developments in northern Africa, Prime Minister David Cameron will travel to Algeria on Wednesday, his office said. An Islamist militant attack on Algeria’s In Amenas natural gas complex earlier this month left at least 38 hostages dead, including up to six Britons. Cameron, who has
Philip Hammond spoken of a “generational struggle” against Islamist extremists in the region, will meet Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, a British government source said. After the gas complex assault, Cameron said Britain needed to “thicken” its contacts with Algeria to help the North African state in its “long running battle against terror”. Britain will withdraw some 9,000 troops from a long and costly mission in Afghanistan by the end of 2014, and the public squeezed by spending cuts to fix a big budget deficit has little appetite for another expensive military adventure. In contrast to previous major military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Britain now says it is better to have limited Western
military interventions, and that local forces - with Western backing - should take the lead in ensuring security. Hammond played down the prospect of long-term Western involvement in Mali, saying that France had assured him of a “short intervention” to stabilise the situation on the ground, and that African and Malian troops would then take over. Up to 40 of the troops Britain has offered are for a European Union training mission in Mali, and up to 200 are for a regional African Union-led training mission involving anglophone West African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone. British logistical and equipment aid to Mali has so far included the use of two C-17 transport planes and a Sentinel surveillance plane based at Dakar in neighbouring Senegal. In response to a French request on Sunday for more help, Britain said it would also offer a ferry to transport French troops and equipment, and allow France and its allies to use U.S. bases in Britain to refuel aircraft. Britain has also offered to set up a “Combined Joint Logistics Headquarters” in Mali, but France believes such a facility is not needed for now, Cameron’s spokesman said.
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Sixty-five found executed in Syria’s Aleppo BEIRUT (Reuters) - At least 65 people were found shot dead with their hands bound in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday in a “new massacre” in the near two-year revolt against President Bashar al-Assad, activists said. Opposition campaigners blamed the government but it was impossible to confirm who was responsible. Assad’s forces and rebels have been battling in Syria’s commercial hub since July and both have been accused of carrying out summary executions. More than 60,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the Syrian war, the longest and deadliest of the revolts that began throughout the Arab world two years ago. The U.N. refugee agency said yesterday the fighting had forced more than 700,000 people to flee. World powers fear the conflict could increasingly envelop Syria’s neighbors including Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, further destabilizing an
already explosive region. Opposition activists posted a video of a man filming at least 51 muddied male bodies alongside what they said was the Queiq River in Aleppo’s rebel-held Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood. The bodies had bullet wounds in their heads and some of the victims appeared to be young, possibly teenagers, dressed in jeans, shirts and trainers. Aleppo-based opposition activists who asked not to be named for security reasons blamed pro-Assad militia fighters. They said the men had been executed and dumped in the river before floating downstream into the rebel area. State media did not mention the incident. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which says it provides objective information about casualties on both sides of Syria’s war from a network of monitors, said the footage was evidence of a new massacre and the death toll could rise as high as 80.
“They were killed only because they are Muslims,” said a bearded man in another video said to have been filmed in central Bustan al-Qasr after the bodies were removed from the river. A pickup truck with a pile of corpses was parked behind him. It is hard for Reuters to verify such reports from inside Syria because of restrictions on independent media. Rebels are stuck in a stalemate with government forces in Aleppo - Syria’s most populous city which is divided roughly in half between the two sides. The revolt started as a peaceful protest movement against more than four decades of rule by Assad and his family, but turned into an armed rebellion after a government crackdown. “We have seen an unrelenting flow of refugees across all borders. We are running double shifts to register people,” Sybella Wilkes, spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told Reuters in Geneva.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Israel boycotts U.N. human rights scrutiny GENEVA (Reuters) Israel boycotted the United Nations’ human rights forum yesterday, becoming the first country ever to decline to attend a session that was due to scrutinize its own rights record. Israel’s no-show at the Human Rights Council drew widespread criticism, including a tacit rebuke from the United States which said the U.N. process of reviewing human rights was a “valuable mechanism” as it was applied to all countries. The council had been due to examine Israel under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of human rights in all U.N. member states. Its last review was in December 2008, when it attended. Israel, which would likely have faced criticism for its dealings with the Palestinians, suspended relations with the council last May because of what it called an inherent bias against it. Foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor told Reuters that Israel had announced it was “suspending indefinitely its participation in the U.N. Human Rights Council work. This policy has not changed.” Diplomats at the Genevabased forum hoping Israel might have a last-minute change of heart expressed their disappointment. The council’s president,
Poland’s ambassador Remigiusz Henczel, called it “an important issue and unprecedented situation”. The 47-member forum adopted a motion regretting Israel’s no-show and urging it to cooperate in a review to be conducted at its OctoberNovember session “at the latest” Arab states had been poised to criticize Israel’s treatment of detainees, settlement expansion and naval blockade of the Gaza Strip which Palestinians say is collective punishment but which Israel says is vital for its security. “As the only recalcitrant state among 193, Israel’s deliberate absence would sabotage the principle of
universality,” Peter Splinter, Amnesty International’s representative to the U.N. in Geneva, said in a blog. U.S. human rights ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, addressing the council yesterday, avoided naming the close ally, while stressing that Washington greatly valued the way all countries’ human rights records are examined. “The Universal Periodic Review has been a valuable mechanism both because it is universally applicable to all U.N. member states on equal terms and because it is conducted in a cooperative and collaborative manner,” she said. Speaking for the European Union, Ireland said it was important to maintain universal participation and the cooperative nature of the review mechanism. Egypt and other Arab delegations were less diplomatic. “It is a clear case of noncooperation and noncompliance by a state under review,” said Egypt’s Wafaa Bassim. Pakistan’s ambassador, Zamir Akram, speaking on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, said that Muslim states had a “a great deal of reservations and anxieties” about postponing the review of Israel.
WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - North Korea’s missile tests and menacing rhetoric have disappointed U.S. expectations that young leader Kim Jong-un would be different than his father but Washington still hopes to persuade Pyongyang to change course, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said yesterday. “With a new young leader we all expected something different,” Clinton said in a town hall-style session put together by the State Department and broadcast worldwide. “We expected him to focus on improving the
lives of the North Korea people, not just the elite, but everyone. “Instead he has engaged in very provocative rhetoric and behavior,” she said of Kim, who took over his impoverished, isolated Northeast Asian nation when his father, Kim Jong-il, died in December 2011. Last week the North declared a boycott of all dialogue aimed at ending its nuclear program and vowed to conduct more rocket and nuclear tests with its “sworn enemy” the United States as the target.
The serial diatribes in North Korea’s state media, which also threatened U.S. ally South Korea with war, came after the U.N. Security Council censured it for a long-range missile launch in December and added to longstanding sanctions. Many analysts say North Korea is preparing for what would be its third nuclear weapons test, with Kim Jongun following his father ’s pattern of drawing international opprobrium with a missile test and then responding to world criticism with another missile or nuclear test.
Yigal Palmor
North Korea’s Kim dashes early hope but U.S. still seeks change – Clinton
Lawyers to get access to secret Guantanamo camp GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba (AP) — Lawyers for the five men charged in the Sept. 11 attacks will get to see the section of the Guantanamo Bay prison where they have been held in near-total secrecy for more than six years. A military judge is
deciding how much access the lawyers will have to top secret Camp 7. Lawyers for the prisoners have asked for multiple 48-hour visits to evaluate conditions. But a military prosecutor says the judge should limit any visit. Army Maj. Robert McGovern said at a hearing
yesterday that a 48-hour visit could compromise security. Camp 7 opened in September 2006 to hold men held in CIA jails overseas. Two lawyers had a brief visit in 2008 but otherwise it’s been off-limits. Its location on the U.S. base in Cuba is classified.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
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Woman badly injured after struck by car
A fearful female passenger clutches a man rendering assistance By Zena Henry Thirty-six year-old Tricia Dass of Campbellville, Georgetown, is currently nursing what appeared to be severe wounds after being tossed into mid-air by a car and ending up a short distance away in a nearby drain yesterday afternoon. The woman was hit head on by a Toyota Spacio PMM 5710. The car which was at the time carrying four passengers, inclusive of the driver and a baby, came to a halt close to the same drain. Eyewitnesses said that
around 15:00hours the vehicle was heading north on Thomas Street on the western carriageway. They claimed that the car was speeding and did not heed the right-of-way at New Market Street and Thomas Street. They said instead, the car driver tried to “clear” a route 45 minibus which was travelling east on Thomas Street. In avoiding the minibus, the Spacio collided with Dass who was walking in a southern direction on Thomas Street. Those present said that when Dass was struck by the car, she was
tossed some distance in the air. She then landed on the bonnet of the vehicle which was still moving at the time. The woman later rolled off the car when it came to a halt in the drain. There was a fair degree of damage to the vehicle. The bonnet was covered in blood and the windscreen though not shattered, had a huge crack. Public-spirited citizens quickly transported a bloodied and badly injured Dass in the back of a pick up to the nearby city hospital. Passengers in the car were left traumatized. One of the
City port’s enhancement among SAG’s priorities for 2013
Upgrades along the waterfront will be among the Shipping Association’s priorities The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) has identified the upgrade and modernization of the port in Georgetown, the main hub of Guyana’s international trading activities, as a priority for 2013. Newly elected Chairman of the SAG, Desmond Sears, disclosed that the strategies for the port’s enhancement were stepped up considerably in 2011, and in the last quarter of that year, the Public/Private Sector Partnership body
which had been established earlier, went into high gear to define the ways and means of funding and executing the Port Development programme. He stated that the project will be completed in phases over the short to long term. “Guyana must be made ready to meet the stringent demands of shippers all around the world for more modern port facilities and efficient operations,” he stated, noting that when an
international port is not as equipped as it should be, the inefficiencies affect not only the shippers and private berth operators, but they trickle down in higher prices to end users of imported and exported goods. The well ventilated issue of deepening the navigational channel to optimum draught remains another priority ahead of enhanced pilotage services and vessels.
Tricia Dass awaits medical attention female passengers was speechless, with tears still settling in her eyes. The baby girl she had in her hand had calmed down and finally stopped the crying. They were both covered in dust. Another passenger who sat in the front seat of the car appeared to be unconscious. She came to when persons opened the car door to get her out of the vehicle. On realizing what was taking place, the woman burst into tears. She was physically shaken and obviously hurt. She also panicked when it was believed that the car would have toppled over as it sat
precariously at the edge of the drain. While persons sought to remove the woman from the passenger seat, others had to hold down the driver’s side of the car because the vehicle began to tilt. Others involved in the accident were taken to the hospital while the police commenced investigations. When Kaieteur News went to visit Dass about half hour after the accident, the woman was seen lying on a stretcher in the accident and emergency section of the hospital. She said someone had spoken to her, and she was
awaiting medical attention. She continuously cried out for pain, and believed that her arm was broken. Her face was swollen and badly bruised. She was covered in grass and dirt and was very worried about internal injuries. Dass told Kaieteur News that she at the time of the accident was heading to the said hospital. She said she was on her way to visit her son who is also a patient. Later in the afternoon, Dass’ relatives said the woman had been removed from the accident and emergency unit and was being taken for an x-ray and further treatment.
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Partnership necessary to sustain GPHC Residency programme - overseas doctor The need for partnerships was emphasised recently by renowned medical expert, Dr Sterling Williams, as he considered the local Residency Master’s Degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology programme which has a quality on par with that obtained in the United States and other countries around the world. Despite admitting that the programme, which is offered by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, is very impressive, Dr Williams noted that its survival is dependent on very crucial partnerships. According to him, Guyana, like many countries around the world, has a need for improvement not only in the area of obstetrics and gynaecology, but in every medical discipline. In fact, he disclosed that top local health officials have all agreed that there are things that are necessary to be looked at and “we can do some things right now...so there were some very healthy discussions about priorities and timetables and sort of doing the things that can be accomplished now and then later work on the ones that are more challenging.”
This past week Dr Williams met with Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran, and other top officials associated with the Residency Programme at the Public Hospital. These officials, he said, had alluded to a number of obstacles to improvement. However, he noted that together they can put economic and political pressure upon whoever needs to have pressure brought on them. “They all seem to agree that these things are necessary and they are not negotiable and by working together they will get what they need. Individually it would be a very difficult challenge, and that is one of the things that I have learned. They are not only willing to work together, but they have found it necessary in order to accomplish their main goals,” Dr Williams noted. According to him, from the small fragment of the local health sector that he was able to observe during his stay, Guyana is clearly moving in the right direction in terms of improved health care. “From the limited preview that I have seen, that segment (obstetrics and gynaecology)
Dr Sterling Williams is heading in the right direction. I can’t speak for all of health care because I haven’t seen it, but this programme definitely is heading in the right direction.” In this regard, Dr Williams said that his vision for the local health sector is to see more partnerships formed. He underscored, too, that partnership does not only have to be forged “with only big time organisations like mine that have obvious things to offer in terms of education, but I am talking about partnerships with communities, with private citizens who need to buy into the effects of better education and the fact that it will bring about better health care.”
“We need partnerships of all kind...just talking with the media there is a chance that people out in the community who don’t know about this programme will learn about it, so I think partnerships of all kinds are part of my visions and they need to be established sooner rather than later.” Dr Williams also emphasised that getting about the task of partnering, while it is very serious, could also prove to be very daunting. Moreover, he noted that the few people who were involved in the launch of the Residency programme would not be able to sustain it without a lot of help from a lot more people. As such, he stated that there is a need for all segments of the Guyanese community to support this venture. “The government, businesses, the educational
resources; everybody has to buy into it and move along together. We need to engage the average private citizen who will be the recipient of this health care. We need to engage them in conversations and make sure we know what they want and make sure we hear their opinions and respect their opinions to ensure that we are doing this together.” Dr Williams, who is the Vice President for Education at the American College of Obstetrics and Gyneacology in the United States, just last week administered the prestigious Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gyneacology (CREOG) to the inaugural batch of doctors undertaking the GPHC’s Residency Masters Degree Programme. During his stay, he delivered several lectures and administered two examinations as part of his
assistance to the residents undertaking the programme. The CREOG examinations are the annual exams taken by all US Ob/Gyn residents as a benchmark of their progress and competency, and is now being offered to the local doctors participating in Master’s programme. In fact, Dr Williams said that he is inspired enough by the programme to do a bit more to aid in sustaining it. “I have been so impressed by what I have seen I would love to continue making a contribution of some sort, whether it is coming back personally or making sure something happens from the United States that I can affect.” “I think that this is such an outstanding programme that I would like to make sure that I do my part, whatever it is, to make sure that it keeps going.”
GRPA names new Executive Director
Armed with a wealth of experience, Ms Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth has taken up the post of Executive Director of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA). Her appointment became effective on January 2, 2013. In a statement to the media it was noted that the Board of Directors of the GRPA is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Executive Director. Ms. Sheerattan-Bisnauth, it was noted, brings valuable local and international experience to GRPA, having worked in Guyana and Switzerland, and studied in Guyana, Jamaica, Sweden and the United States. As such “her expertise in the fields of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Gender and Development, Social Work, Economic and Climate Justice, Research and Management will serve to strengthen the organization and enhance its operations.” As a theologian and social justice advocate, Ms. Sheerattan-Bisnauth is said to have a strong commitment to the transformation of society through critical consciousness, gender and racial equality, and sustainable socio economic development. She has published several articles, edited nine books, and has developed two gender
Ms. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth training manuals, including a manual to promote positive masculinities. GRPA’s President, Pamela Nauth said, “We warmly welcome Patricia and look forward to her moving the Association to new heights in its growth and development, where it continues to build on its services as the leading agency for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Guyana.” Nauth also has expectations that the new Executive Director will strengthen GRPA’s local, regional and international partnerships. Sheerattan-Bisnauth has since indicated that she is looking forward to building on the good work of her predecessors, in a process of advancing the aims of the
Association. She said too that “GRPA has a critical role to play in addressing critical issues relating to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and related issues affecting women, men and children. SRH is linked to the achievement of economic and social development; thus it must be seen as a key issue to be addressed throughout Guyana,” said the new Executive Director. GRPA has a holistic approach to Sexual and Reproductive Health care. Its Clinic, which is located at 70 Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, offers gynecological care, pap smear tests, contraceptives, breast, pelvic, prostate and testicular examination, termination of pregnancy, infertility management, menopausal syndrome, HIV and STI testing and treatment and provides a host of other services. Additionally, the Programmes Department offers many services including family, marriage and HIV counseling. GRPA has outreach programmes in other coastal regions and hopes to strengthen this initiative and to extend to hinterland areas. The Association’s current focus is on Gender Based Violence, HIV and AIDS and STIs, and the entity is encouraging volunteers to join its ranks.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
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MTV CHANNEL 14/ CABLE 65 Sign on 06:00 hrs - Islamic Perspective 06:30 hrs - News Update 07:00 hrs - DAYBREAK 08:00 hrs - Dabi’s musical 08:30 hrs - Avon DVD Musical 09:00 hrs - GINA programme 09:15 hrs - Top Notch Music Break 09:30 hrs - Caribbean Temptation Music Mix 10:00 hrs - Amanda’s
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Costume jewellery musical 10:30 hrs - Clairan’s Music Hour 11:00 hrs - National geographic 12:00 hrs - The View 13:00 hrs - Village talk 13:30 hrs - The Young and The Restless 14:30 hrs - Days of Our lives 15:00 hrs - General Hospital 16:00 hrs - The Bold and The Beautiful 16:30 hrs - Cartoons 17:00 hrs - Birthday and other greetings 17:15 hrs - Death Announcements/ In Memoriam 17:30 hrs - Sitcom 18:00 hrs - Aracari Resort
Hour 19:00 hrs - Fire fest Update 19:30 hrs - News Update 20:30 hrs - DJ Stress Update 21:30 hrs - English Movie: Documentary: The Life of Mahatma Ghandi Pt. 2 23:00 hrs - News update 23:30 hrs - English Movie: The Life of Mahatma Ghandi Pt. 2 Sign Off DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55 hrs. Sign On 09:00 hrs. GMA 10:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 11:00 hrs. The Ricki Lake Show
12:00 hrs. The View 13:00 hrs. Prime News 13:30 hrs. The Young and the Restless 14:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 15:00 hrs. The Talk 16:00 hrs. Steve Harvey 17:00 hrs. The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. The Wayans Bros 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Channel 8 News 21:00 hrs. Movie: Freaky Friday 23:00 hrs. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (New Episode) 00:00 hrs. Sign Off
Guides are subjected to change without notice
Wednesday January 30, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You are confronted with the realization that your longterm goals may not be supported by the current circumstances. Nevertheless, you’re tempted to set your throttle at warp speed and ram your way through the restraints. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your emotions can get in the way today if someone blocks your progress, but the reasons for your intense feelings might not be apparent to you yet. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may feel uncharacteristically pessimistic today, but nothing is as impossible as it seems. Thankfully, the emotions that are holding you back can also contain the seeds for your future progress. CANCER (June 21–July 22) It feels like you don’t have enough of what you need today. Although your problem could be a lack of resources, it might also be your selfesteem that’s in short supply now. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Even if significant issues are already developing at home, your current actions still have major consequences over the weeks ahead. Consider the work that you must do; if you’re trying accomplish too much, you may be forced to let some things go. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might feel somewhat uncomfortable with your irrational mood swings today as the emotional Moon visits your analytical sign.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Most areas of your life seem to be moving along quite well, but you could face conflicts now between what you want to do and the amount of money you make. Someone close to you may act impulsively and irresponsibly, adding to your emotional stress. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your temptation now is to follow the vision of your most idealistic future, even if it’s totally unrealistic. However, you must make some changes in your plans as your needs evolve with the shifting tides. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You manage to keep a smile on your face, even when you encounter difficult situations. Although you have several supportive allies, it’s easy to doubt yourself now. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It’s all too easy to acknowledge your own weaknesses today while the radiant Sun squares your key planet, sobering Saturn. Unfortunately, you might judge yourself harshly; it’s frustrating if you don’t match up to your ideal. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Paradoxically, it’s easier to feel free if you can accept the limitations being placed on you now. Instead of trying to eliminate all boundaries, learn to work within the safety net they provide. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A highly restrictive situation may prevent you from stepping over your limits, even if you aren’t conscious of what’s holding you back now.
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GDF conducts drug tests on ranks fingered in mining camp raid - Board of Inquiry dispatched to location Guyana Defence Force medical personnel are presently carrying out tests on ranks at Eteringbang to determine if they are indeed using narcotics as was claimed in an article carried by this newspaper last Monday. The article captioned “Ganja-smoking soldiers accused of robbing mining camps” has led to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) dispatching a high-level team to investigate the allegations made by a local miner. “We have a Medex there to conduct the tests; we also have police ranks on the team,” Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best told Kaieteur News yesterday. Immediately after the story was published, Commodore Best immediately dispatched a team led by a Lieutenant Colonel to carry out investigations, which are expected to go a far way in preserving the image of the Guyana Defence Force. “The GDF wishes to categorically state that any GDF ranks found culpable of this dastardly act will face the full brunt of Court Martial Proceedings or the Civil Law. Further, the Guyana Defence Force intends to ask for the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty,” the army had
Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best stated in a press release on Monday. “My statement is pretty clear, we are going right through with this (investigation) and if anyone is found culpable, there will be a court martial and the public will be kept fully informed,” Commodore Best assured. “The GDF wishes to categorically state that any GDF ranks found culpable of this dastardly act will face the full brunt of Court Martial Proceedings or the Civil Law. Further, the Guyana Defence Force intends to ask for the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty,” the army had said in its statement on Monday.
It is alleged that on Friday last, five heavily armed soldiers went into a Cuyuni mining district at an area called Devil’s Hole, where they relieved a group of Brazilian miners of raw gold after getting high on the marijuana they had seized earlier from drug pushers on the nearby Julian Ross Landing. According to Commodore Best, preliminary investigations seem to suggest that some ranks had left the base without the proper authority. He however cautioned that it was too early to determine if the ranks, who were off the base, were indeed at the location where the alleged incident took place. “We can’t conclude as yet that our men committed the act, but by tomorrow (today) we will know,” he said. This newspaper was informed that in addition to the investigative team, a Board of Inquiry led by another Lieutenant Colonel will travel to the base at Eteringbang today to deal with any possible breaches of rules and regulations. “We are sending a clear message to our ranks that we will not condone any such activities,” the army chief of staff told this newspaper. He reminded that three years
ago, the Guyana Defence Force faced a similar scenario when a young lieutenant and some other rogue ranks raided a mining camp. Those ranks were subsequently Court Martialled and dismissed. The GDF is assuring miners of all nationalities that soldiers are not authorized to conduct any mining operations except with the permission of the Chief Mining Officer.
However, the GDF said that no such mining operations are currently authorized. “In this regard the mining community is advised that the Force will not tolerate its ranks committing offences and wishes to assure all miners that there must be no fear of recrimination by anyone in the Force. Any suggestion of recrimination by any serving rank must also
be reported and those involved will also face the full brunt of the law. “This is a very serious matter and it will have the full rigour of our investigations,” the army statement said, adding that the GDF is committed to making the mining community a safe zone so our citizens and international investors can ply their trade peacefully.”
In December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2013 as the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation. In reflection of this declaration, the 2013 World Water Day, which will take place on 22 March 2013, also will be dedicated to water cooperation. UN-Water has called upon United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to lead the 2013 United Nations International Year on Water Cooperation, in particular because of the Organization’s unique multidisciplinary approach which blends the natural and social sciences, education, culture and communication. Given the
intrinsic nature of water as a transversal and universal element, the United Nations International Year on Water Cooperation naturally would embrace and touch upon all these aspects. According to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the objective of this International Year is to raise awareness, both on the potential for increased cooperation, and on the challenges facing water management in light of the increase in demand for water access, allocation and services. The Year will highlight the history of successful water cooperation initiatives, as well as identify burning issues on water education, water diplomacy, trans-boundary water management, financing
cooperation, national/ international legal frameworks, and the linkages with the Millennium Development Goals. It also will provide an opportunity to capitalize on the momentum created at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), and to support the formulation of new objectives that will contribute towards developing water resources that are truly sustainable. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.
2013 is Int’l Year of Water Cooperation - GWI
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Late Moses penalties put Nigeria through Nigeria qualified for the next round of the Africa Cup of Nations after two late Victor Moses penalties gave them a crucial win against Ethiopia. Moses, 22, opened the scoring from the spot after he was fouled by defender Alula Girma with 10 minutes to go. The winger earned the second penalty when he was brought down by goalkeeper Sisay Bancha, who was sent off. If Moses had not scored they would have lost a quarter-final spot to Zambia due to a worse disciplinary record. Holders Zambia and Nigeria had come into their last round of group fixtures level on points and with an equal goal difference after they drew both their opening games 1-1. Before Moses’s intervention, his side had been set for an early trip home as they had collected more yellow cards. But instead it was Zambia who were eliminated after they could only manage a goalless stalemate against eventual group winners Burkina Faso. Aware of the potential for that scenario, the Super Eagles began in Rustenberg
with an intent absent in the tournament so far. Defender Efe Ambrose - recalled to the team after missing out against Zambia through suspension - headed a Moses free-kick over the crossbar when well positioned, before Bancha was alert to stop Ikechukwu Uche reaching an incisive John Obi Mikel through-ball. Some more sharp play from Nigeria saw another chance go to waste when a selfless cut-back from Uche was blazed well over by rampaging left-back Elderson Echiejile. While struggling to retain possession in their usual manner, Ethiopia did sporadically threaten with their set-piece delivery. Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi had decided not to select fit-again captain Joseph Yobo, and in the 32year-old’s absence, the Super Eagles struggled to convincingly deal with high balls played into their penalty area. Saladin Seid headed one Ethiopia corner over, while a number of other crosses caused panic at the back for Nigeria. Dead balls were also
causing a problem at the other end of the pitch, and Echiejile stung Bancha’s fingertips with a powerful header from a deep Moses corner. Nigeria’s suspect defending had already seen them surrender late leads against Burkina Faso and Zambia, and a comical misunderstanding between retreating winger Sunday Mba and right-back Ambrose played in Ethiopia danger man Seid but his shot was deflected harmlessly into goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama’s hands. The Walyas could then have been reduced to 10-men before the interval after Degu Debebe put in a high, twofooted challenge on the influential Mikel that was only punished with a yellow card by referee Bouchaib Al Ahrach. Nigeria had begun to lose momentum in the final minutes of the first half and Ethiopia were the team to begin the brightest after the break. Centre-back Kenneth Omeruo - who had earlier wasted a decent chance when a deflected shot fell to him in the Ethiopia box - was at his sharpest as he stretched to
::: Letter to the Sports Editor :::
What was Laudable about the GFA Congress? DEAR SIR, In an article published on page 30 of S.N. 23-01-13 captioned “Golden Jaguars FIFA Friendly match could be off” Financial constraints cited; Wilson lauds recent GFA Congress by Duncan Saul; Editor, despite not being present at the GFA, AGM, which was held on 9.01.013 at the Sleep Inn International Hotel Boardroom, may, I out of curiosity enquire publicly, if Franklyn Wilson, President (ag.) GFF, was the Federation’s official designated representative? whereby the letter of accreditation was dispatched to the GFA, prior to the AGM. With no offence meant to either the GFA or Wilson, I do hope his views expressed remains reflective of the GFF’s executive collective will. Since Wilson was quoted as saying, “It was an historic event and what had occurred will hopefully set the tone of what transpires within the other administrations.” Can this comment be interpreted to mean what occurs at the AGM of other associations and affiliates of the GFF? This question I pose out of extreme concern, since two important items of the Agenda – Hon.
Secretary’s Report and the Financial Statement (Audited) must be able to withstand any form of scrutiny. Wherein did the Hon. Secretary’s report, consist of a Competition’s Report or was it done separately? Suffice it to say, that all competitions coordinated/organized by the GFA normally entails the following: Commencement, Conclusion, Duration, Amount of goals scored; Average, Highest Goalscorer(s), Cards issued (red & yellow), Format, Fair Play Award, Winner, Runner-up, Third, Fourth, Best Offensive and Defensive Teams, and Best Goalkeeper, which upon compilation in normally forwarded to the sponsor also. In relation to the Audited Financial Statement: Does it have a balance sheet? Major issues such as Assets, Depreciation, Opening Balance as of 2010/2011, Administrative Costs, Sundry Creditors, Sundry Debtors, Balance Brought Forward along with Income and Expenditure etc. For the respective years, all remain essential towards what is obtained. Finally, if for some strange reason the Audited Financial Statement in particular
doesn’t find favour by the GFF’s Finance Committee, then the GFA executive and General Council will only have themselves to blame; since the absence of the Annual General Meeting (Half-yearly) for 2011, would have complied with the Constitutional Requirement of: i. Financial year – 1st January – 31st December. ii. 2011 GFA/Banks Beer K.O reflected in 2012 Statement. iii. 2012 GFA/Banks Beer K.O reflected in 2014 Statement, for the AGM (Halfyearly). Is the normal standard procedure normally associated with detailed reports (Secretary and Treasurer) are now being sacrificed, in pursuit of receiving nominations ahead of the GFF’s AGM? Wherein “horse trading” among potential candidates takes precedence over the high ideals associated with the administration of the sport! So, in actuality over the years, FIFA funded courses, in the areas of Administration and Finance/ Marketing have now come to zero. Is this laudable? Lester Sealey.
Nigeria players celebrate on of their goals that saw them advance (Getty Images) deny Seid a clear header on goal. Nigeria finally began to show some real intent with 20 minutes to go as they began to pick up the tempo as the threat of making only their third group stage exit in the Africa Cup of Nations drew nearer. This fate looked to have been avoided as centre-back Godfrey Oboabona rose to powerfully meet a corner but his header was cleared off the line by the diligent Abebaw Butako. Undaunted by the
clearance, Nigeria continued to pick up the pace and the exciting Moses was felled by a tired challenge in the area after he had skilfully cut inside Girma. The Chelsea winger exhibited none of the pressure surrounding his penalty as he calmly sent Bancha the wrong way. Nigeria had barely finished their jubilant celebrations, though, before their hope of progression was nearly in doubt again when Seid was picked out in the box
but Enyeama athletically tipped his effort to safety. Qualification then looked secured as Moses charged down on goal and was tripped by Bancha. The referee instantly followed up his decision to point to the spot with a deserved second yellow card for the Walyas keeper. With Ethiopia already using their three substitutions, Moses slotted past midfielder Addis Hintsa who was forced to be a stand-in goalkeeper.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 30, 2013
SINGH BEGINS WORK ON IMPROVING CLUBS’ STRUCTURE - GABA website in the making By Edison Jefford Newly-elected President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), Michael Singh has begun his tenure with work to improve the internal structure of affiliated clubs with an overall goal to solidify their base and improve holistic image. Speaking to Kaieteur
Sport yesterday, Singh posited the belief that stronger structural clubs will create a strong subassociation, which is required in the rebuilding process of the GABA to be in a position to lobby corporate and other support for the sport. “I have engaged GBOC (Guyana Basketball Officials Council) and the clubs for us to have some sort of a
workshop on Sunday where we will sit and discuss how clubs can be properly structured and go over some fundamental rules etc.,” Singh said, adding that the aim is to ensure the GABA is in line with FIBA (the international association) rules. He said that he hopes to make some power-point presentations to enhance clubs’ capacity to run their internal affairs. Each club he believes should have a President, Vice-President,
Secretary etc who ensures that the club is properly managed. Singh believes that is the kind of structure the corporate community wants to see before they will fund the sport. “I have spoken to Mr Chin (Cecil, head of GBOC) and we are going to engage the clubs so that they understand our direction moving forward,” he said. Apart from the workshop on Sunday, Singh said that a
Michael Singh
website for the subassociation is already in the making. He said that the aim to ensure clubs are structured coincides with the association’s goal to publish player profiles, statistics and other information on its website. “This website will be for all affiliated clubs and players. We intend to have short history of teams and other important information relative to basketball in Georgetown. In the future we’ll have all our teams ensure that they have jerseys etc available so that the website can be a source for those fans who might be interested in their team jersey,” he posited. According to Singh, the
website will market Georgetown players to the international community so that if a scout is to visit the site, the scout should have all the relevant information. He intends to have sponsors advertise with the website as part of marketing. The new GABA head will meet with his Executive today where he said a plan for the first half of the year will be discussed. Singh revealed that the GABA is planning 3on-3 Basketball Fun Day scheduled for February 10 at the Burnham Basketball Court. The event is billed as a Fund Raiser to help the association with its projected plans and programme.
McKay to defend NSC titles this weekend The experienced Warren McKay will be going all out this weekend in defence of the two National Sports Commission (NSC) 11-race and Road Race titles he won last year. Staged in observance of Mashramani, the 11-race programme will be held on Saturday at the Inner Circuit of the National Park, while the following day, the action switches to the West Demerara roadways for a 40miler. McKay won the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race at last year’s 11-race programme in One Hour 22 Minutes 26 Seconds. However, he will face stiff competition for the title on Saturday from the likes of Raynauth Jeffrey, who won the season opener Saturday last, Alonzo Greaves, Robin Persaud, Rastaff O’Selmo and Paul DeNobrega among
others. Action commences at 09:00hrs. Davenand Bissoon is the defending champion of the juveniles division, while Keith Fernandes and Richard Charles will look to keep a stranglehold on the Veterans Under-50 and Mountain Bike titles respectively. Sunday’s 40-mile race will start at 09:00 hours at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge; proceed to Bushy Park, Parika, before returning to the point of origin for the finish. McKay won last year in a time of One Hour 44 Minutes 15 Seconds. The talented Raul Leal is the man to beat in the Junior category, while the experienced Junior Niles is the defending champion of the Veterans race. Both events are organised by National Coach, Hassan Mohamed MS.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
Johnson believes T\20 tourney will motivate Guyanese Vice captain of the Guyana 4-day team Leon Johnson feels Guyana’s performance in the recently concluded Caribbean Twenty\20 tournament where they ended as runner up to Trinidad and Tobago will motivate the 50 over and 4day team as well the Guyanese fans. Johnson was speaking with Kaieteur Sport recently at the Everest Cricket Club. He said the team did well but had a few ups and downs earlier in the tournament but most of the players started to click in the latter stage. In the final, Johnson said they did not put enough runs on the tins. “It’s always going to be hard to defend such total against Trinidad and Tobago”, he added. Johnson, who plays for the Georgetown Cricket Club, said he is looking forward to the challenge as the vice captain of the national team. “It’s not the first time I am appointed vice captain of the team, there is always a bit more pressure being the deputy but I am prepared for it. I have to lead from the front in the batting department”, stated Johnson. With the absence of Ramnaresh Sarwan, Narsingh Deonarine and Shivnarine Chanderpaul during the first part of the tournament due to overseas commitments, Johnson said it’s a good opportunity for the youngsters to step up. “There are some good youngsters in the team and this is a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their talent”, he informed. Johnson feels the format will not affect the players. “We are professionals and
Leon Johnson
Christopher Barnwell
can adapt to the situation quite well, the players are looking forward to the challenges” he said. Meanwhile, charismatic all-rounder Christopher Barnwell who is the vice captain of the 50 over team said they are hoping to continue their good performances in the upcoming competitions. “We would love to have Sarwan, Deonarine and Chanderpaul in the team but it is a wonderful opportunity for the youngsters to step up and showcase their worth, this is where stars are born,” stated Barnwell. Barnwell, who was instrumental in Guyana’s semifinal victory over Jamaica, said he wants to
continue from where he left off in the C T\20. “I have to compete with other allrounders in the Caribbean, so it’s important for me to continue performing for myself and country, and support the other players as well.” He said the players did well in the C T\20. “I think we did well to reach the final, the batting let us down in a few games but the bowlers did step up when it matters.” When asked about the final he said they did not bat well enough, “We would have preferred to chase, but the toss does not decide who wins, we kept losing wickets at regular intervals and this really set us back”, stated Barnwell.
Daniels to start coaching sessions at Zorg Forbes Daniels will commence coaching sessions at Zorg for cricketers in South Essequibo from 13:00 hrs on Saturday. Daniels yesterday told Kaieteur Sport that the sessions will cover all aspects of cricket including batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping. He is asking that players get registered before Friday evening.
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Carib Beer 1st div. T20 in Berbice...
Singh slams 85 & takes 4-19; 50s for Ramdeen, Henry and LaFleur The 2012 Carib Beer firstdivision T20 cricket competition, which was postponed last year due to rain, resumed recently with Young Warriors and Bermine both winning their final Zone B matches to end as winners and runners-up respectively thus earning their places in the play-offs of the competition. At Edinburg: Young Warriors defeated Edinburg by 21 runs. Young Warriors won the toss batted first. Shimron Hetmyer was bowled by off-spinner Mark Sampson for 9 with the score at 9 for 1 and this brought together Richard Ramdeen and Gajanand Singh and they proceeded to put on 99 in 12.4 overs to spearhead Young Warriors to 165 for 5 in their 20 overs. Singh slammed 85 off 55 balls (8x4 2x6), while Ramdeen hit 54 off 48 balls (2x4 2x6). When Edinburg replied, they were kept in the hunt by a fine innings from 18-yearold, Jamal Henry, who hit 65
Gajanand Singh
Richard Ramdeen
(5x4 1x6) off 70 balls. Only Shafeek Khan with 25 lent support as Edinburg were restricted to 144 for 7 in their 20 overs. Gajanand Singh bowling off-spin took 4 for 19 from 3 overs, while off-spinner Balram Samaroo took 2 for 26 from 4 overs. Over at the Cumberland Ground, Bermine arrested Police by 8 wickets with 4.5 overs to spare. Police won the toss, batted and were bowled out for 105 in exactly 20 overs; Richard Scott led with 20, while Martin Singh and Philbert Willingburg made 18
each. Bowling for Bermine former Guyana off-spinner Steven Latcha took 3 for 17 from 4 overs, while left-arm spinner Eugene LaFleur took 2 for 20 from 4 overs. In Bermine’s reply, Joemal LaFleur and Berbice batsman Anthony D’Andrade put on 57 for the first wicket in just 6 overs before the latter fell for 14. The two LaFleurs added another 31 in 3 overs, following the demise Eugene for 10, Joemal went on to guide Bermine home at 106 for 2 in 12.5 overs, he ended on 68* (8x4 2x6).
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Edulji slams ‘discriminatory’ BCCI, says women’s game dying ESPNcricinfo - Diana Edulji, the former India Women captain, has criticised the “discriminatory” attitude of the BCCI and said the board is not interested in running women’s cricket beyond paying “lip service”. She warned that the women’s game in India is in danger of dying out if the current situation persists. Edulji, one of India’s pioneering woman cricketers, was on the BCCI’s women’s committee and was also manager of the Indian Women team in 2009. It was a “dream” when the BCCI took over women’s cricket a few years ago - in line with ICC regulations - but now the bubble has burst. “The BCCI is running women’s cricket because they have to run it, because the ICC is now running both men’s and women’s cricket,” Edulji told ESPNcricinfo. “Otherwise, there is no women’s cricket. They cannot play under any other banner. I would say it is an
insult to women’s cricket to be treated this way.” She was scathing about the gender-based double standards prevalent in the game’s administration. As an example, she spoke about how the India Women team preparing for the Women’s World Cup had been put up in a centrallylocated but budget hotel before being shifted to the luxury Taj Mahal Palace hotel a couple of days ago. “I was driving and on Marine Drive I saw this whole bunch of red t-shirts coming. I realised it was the India Women team,” Edulji said. “They were walking from Sea Green [the hotel] to the Wankhede [Stadium]. I stopped my car, and the way they greeted me, I felt nice, but I also felt that this is the Indian national team, and t h e y are walking on the street? “And where are they playing? Police Gymkhana, Hindu Gymkhana, Bombay
Gymkhana? Would any men cricketers play there?” India’s international and domestic women cricketers had to make do with significantly lower match fees and other benefits, Edulji said, and combined with a sustained lack of exposure, there was little motivation to take up the game apart from pure love of the sport. “The players should be getting the maximum. The irony is, in women’s cricket it is the other way round; the selectors get the maximum, then come the match referees, and then come the players. So how are you going get girls to come into cricket? And what is the domestic match fee? Rs 2500 (US$ 47 approx). Where are you going to eat, if you stay in a four-star hotel? And for T20 it is even less, Rs 1250.” Despite consistently being among the top-ranked players in the world, Edulji said India captain Mithali Raj
had little chance of being recognised in public due to the lack of visibility of women’s cricket in India. “I may be boasting. Still, when I go to movies or restaurants, I am still recognised. But I am sure if Mithali is with me, she won’t be recognised. It is sad. I still feel nice when someone comes up to me and introduces me to their children. And why shouldn’t these girls get the recognition? Jhulan [Goswami] is a Padma Shri [winner], she’s an Arjuna awardee, so is Mithali.” However, Ratnakar Shetty, the BCCI’s chief administrative officer, said the board was giving women’s cricket adequate support. “Women’s cricket has come u n d e r B C C I ’s w i n g s i n 2006. Since then, the board has done an excellent job with it,” he said. “We have extended the best of facilities to women cricketers. All the state associations have thrown
Diana Edulji: “When I go to movies or restaurants, I am still recognised. But I am sure if Mithali [Raj] is with me, she won’t be recognised. It is sad.” © ICC/Solaris Images open all their training facilities to the girls. Besides, virtually every team has all the requisite support staff, including a coach, a physio and a trainer. “All the girls are very happy with these facilities. The board is focussing on shorter formats for women’s cricket because almost all the
international calendar revolves around T20s and ODIs. And the women’s committee’s suggestion of splitting the inter-state competitions into Plate and Elite group has been accepted. Next year onwards, top 10 teams will play each other, thereby increasing the level of competition.”
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Gyan’s genius sends Ghanaians through as group winners Daily Mail - Asamoah Gyan took centre stage as Ghana finally announced themselves as genuine title contenders at the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win over Niger on Monday to top Group B and cruise into the quarter-finals. Captain and striker Gyan was at the heart of Ghana’s flowing victory, giving them lead in the sixth minute, setting up Christian Atsu in the 23rd and playing a major role in a third from John Boye early in the second half. Gyan’s slow start to the tournament had mirrored Ghana’s sluggish early performances, but the fourtime champion’s title credentials were undeniable at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium against a Niger defense that had conceded just once previously in the group.Ghana now play debutant Cape Verde in the quarters, while Mali qualified second from the group after drawing 1-1 with Congo to set
Christian Atsu doubled Ghana's lead in the 23rd minute (Getty Images)
Asamoah Gyan celebrates his goal with head coach Kwesi Appiah (Reuters) up a last-eight game against hosts South Africa. Gyan’s bullet shot rocked Niger early in Port Elizabeth and his floated cross for Atsu
to double the lead effectively ended Niger’s slim hopes of qualifying inside 25 minutes of the encounter. Gyan’s dominant header from a free
ICC Women’s World Cup 2013, warm-ups
Comfortable wins for Australia, Pakistan ESPNcricinfo - Australia Women secured their second win in two days as they chased down the 223-run target set by India Women with five wicket in hands at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Australia were 117 for 4 at one stage, but captain Jodie Fields scored a quick half-century and put up 39 with Lisa Sthalekar and 41 with Alyssa Healy to keep India’s bowlers at bay. Fields retired when 26 were needed off 15 overs and Healy scored quick runs to complete the chase. Amita Sharma got the wickets of the openers, but the rest of the bowling attack was taken for runs. India chose to bat and made a strong start getting to 100 for 1 in the 21st over. But they lost three wickets within the space of six balls - two to Sthalekar - to lose momentum. Important lowerorder contributions by Reema Malhotra (35 off 63 balls) and Nagarajan Niranjana (35 off 26) helped India cross 200. In Cuttack, half-centuries by Nain Abidi and Bismah Maroof and stifling spells by the bowlers helped Pakistan Women annihilate Odisha XI by 95 runs. Pakistan were in a spot of bother at 7 for 2 after choosing to bat, but a 148run stand between Abidi and Maroof lifted the team.
Javeria Khan (33) and Qanita Jalil (25) were the other two main contributors, while the rest were out for single-digit scores. Sujata Mallik and Gangotra Behera shared three wickets each. Opener Madhusmita Behera responded with a slow half-century to take Odisha to 84 for 1 in the 31st over. But once Sana Mir struck twice in the same over, the rest of Odisha batting crumbled. Asmavia Iqbal returned with figures of 3 for 20 from her 10 overs as Odisha limped to 145 for 8 in their 50 overs. In a tight contest at the MIG ground in Mumbai, Sri Lanka Women edged out South Africa Women by two wickets in a low-scoring match. Chasing 165, Sri Lanka had collapsed to 66 for 6. But No. 8 Sripali Weerakkody, who scored an unbeaten fifty, first partnered Eshani Kaushalya (22) in a 40-run stand, then put up 41 with Chamani Seneviratna and finally shared an unbeaten 20run stand for the ninth wicket to help Sri Lanka clinch a win. South Africa’s innings had followed a similar pattern earlier. Kaushalya struck thrice in the early overs as South Africa were reduced to 59 for 6. But a half-century by captain Mignon du Preez and
her 72-run partnership with Dane van Niekerk (46) revived the team. Once du Preez was out in the 35th over, the rest folded and the team was all out for 164 in the 46th over. Danielle Hazell’s fivewicket haul went in vain as England Women lost to New Zealand Women by 13 runs in Mumbai. New Zealand, after being asked to bat, were in a position to put much more than the 223 they eventually got. They were 209 for 5 with five overs to come. But Hazell first removed the well-set Sara McGlashan (88 off 90 balls) and then ran through the tail as only 14 came off last five overs. McGlashan had helped revive the team from 117 for 5 with a 92-run stand with Nicola Browne (40). England stumbled at the start of their chase as they lost the openers with 25 on the board. But Sarah Taylor (32) and Lydia Greenway (51) did the repair job and took England past 100. Loss of regular wickets, though, pushed them to the brink on 152 for 7. A 48-run eighthwicket stand between Jenny Gunn (35) and Tammy Beaumont (22) threatened for a while, but New Zealand removed the last three wickets quickly to complete the win.
kick eventually led to Boye making it 3-0 four minutes into the second half. Ghana had been unconvincing in their two previous games in South Africa, letting slip a 20 lead in a 2-2 draw with Congo and just edging Mali 1-0. But Monday’s performance showed the Black Stars’ attacking threat in abundance, with Gyan, young Porto midfielder Atsu and another newcomer, Albert Adomah, all impressive. Gyan could have easily had a hat-trick, and more, after hitting a closerange shot straight at Niger goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda in the second half and then pushing a volley from Adomah’s cross off target straight after. Ghana had powered ahead when Adomah’s cut back from the right wing found Gyan unmarked. The striker sent a
powerful shot into the far left corner and then ran around behind the net, chased by his teammates, to celebrate his first goal of the tournament. An immediate response from Niger was ruled out by Senegalese referee Badara Diatta for a foul on goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda by Niger skipper Moussa Maazou before the ball bobbled into the back of the net. Gyan was at the centre of Ghana’s near-constant attacking threat, and hit a free kick straight at Daouda in the 22nd minute before creating Atsu’s goal a minute later. The skipper again pulled away from his marker, this time down the left, and floated a cross to the back post for Atsu to chest down and poke past Daouda for 2-0. Gyan turned to the large contingent of noisy Ghana fans and punched his chest before chasing away after
Atsu. Maazou’s cross from the right just eluded center forward Sidibe Modibo in the 35th in one of Niger’s best openings in the first half. But Ghana came straight back and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu found more wide open space in Niger’s desperately stretched defense to force a good onehanded save from Daouda at the near post just before halftime. Boye scrambled in the third goal and sealed Niger’s elimination after Gyan rose high at the back post to head a free kick down and off Daouda. Maazou was Niger’s only real attacking threat and he headed off target before Gyan missed his two good chances in the space of a minute. The energetic Gyan also tried an acrobatic overhead kick - but didn’t connect - as Ghana’s talisman and his team convincingly found their feet in South Africa.
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GCA\Hadi’s 2 day 1st division tourney... By Zaheer Mohamed Malteenoes Sports Club registered a six wicket win, and Police Sports Club notched up a victory by the same margin on the second and final day’s play in the latest action of the Georgetown Cricket Association/ Hadi’s World Incorporated 1st Division 2-
Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 30, 2013
MSC, POLICE COMPLETE WINS Days Competition which concluded Sunday. In the other two matches, the Georgetown Cricket Club drew with the Demerara Cricket Club and Everest Cricket Club also drew with the Gandhi Youth Organization. In Queenstown, GCC snatched first innings points from DCC, who won the toss and batted first on day one, scoring 261 in 65.5 overs. DCC resumed on their overnight score of 125 for 3 with Trevon Griffith not out
77, and declared at 256/9 in 71 overs to concede first innings points as one batsman arrived late. Griffith fell fourteen short of a century for 86. Derwin Christian hit 70 with five fours and four sixes, while Raj Nannan grabbed 443, Leon Johnson 3-58 and Bernard Bailey 2-54. GCC in their second innings reached 143/5 in 45 overs at stumps. Vishal Singh remained unbeaten for 53 runs with nine fours, and Almando Doman scored 25 not out. Seamers
Cavell Reece and Dexter George did the damage with the ball for DCC 3-21 and George 2-8 respectively. Scores: (GCC 261and 1435 DCC 256-9 dec.). At the Everest cricket ground GYO, in reply to Everest first innings total of 306-6 declared were bowled out for 160 in 87 overs. Christopher Deonarine made 34 as GYO were restricted by spinners Amir Khan, Javed Rasheed and Chanderpaul Hemraj. Khan finished with 4-46 in 29 overs,
Ryan Ramdass
Jonathan Alphonso
Rasheed 3-30 in 23 overs and Hemraj 2-11. Everest were leading by 318 when they finished the final day on 172-3 in 30.1 overs, batting a second time. Shaheed Mohamed led with 82 (6x4, 2x6), Tagenarine Chanderpaul supported well with 51 (2X4) and Chanderpaul Hemraj 21. Scores: (ECC 306-6 dec. and 172-3, GYO 160). At Camp Ayanganna, GDF, choosing to bat first, conceded first innings points after being bowled out for a paltry 93 in 32 overs. Malteenoes in response were limited to 143 in 35 overs. GDF led by just six runs at close of play, ending on 56/ 4 in 11 overs, were bowled out for 195 in their second innings. Travis Blyden scored 46 from 78 deliveries, Terry Fraser 31 from 40 and Randy Lindore 34 not out from 31 balls. Trevon Garraway also contributed 25 from just 22 for GDF, who lost six wickets to Steven Jacobs in their second innings. Jacobs finished 6-51 from 14.3 overs, while. Shaquille took 2-36. Needing 146 to win Shemroy Barrington led the chase with 33 from 60 deliveries, while his opening partner Delvon McEwan (13) added 44 runs for the first wicket. Malteenoes lost both openers, Shaquille Williams
and Nickosie Barker, but Orin Forde and Steven Jacobs saw their team home. Forde made 39 from 29 balls while Jacobs scored 21 from 11 deliveries. Jeremiah Harris took 2-27 from 6 overs as Malteenoes won by six wickets in 27 overs. Scores: (GDF 93 and 195, MSC 143 and 146-4). At Eve Leary, Police won by six wickets. Batting first they scored 206 all out in 69 overs. Transport Sports Club managed just 90 in 29 overs. Transport Sports Club closed day one on 44/0 in 12 overs and reached 190 all out in 75.5 overs on day two. Charwayne McPherson batted patiently for 55 in 192 balls, while fellow opener Marvin Cato made 31. The pair compiled 58 runs for the first wicket. After their dismissals Steven Alves scored 31 and Ryan Hemraj 27. K. Crawford took 5-12 in 11.5 overs, while Pernell London claimed 3-53. Police reached their target of 75 for the loss of four wickets in 21.2 overs. Norwayne Fredericks made 35 not out. Bowling for Transport Keon Morris took 2-25, while Ewert Samuels and Jonathan Alphonso, who took seven wickets in the first innings, had one wicket each. Alphonso finished with match figures of 8-65. Scores: Police 206 and 754, TSC 90 and 190).
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Table Tennis Association holds successful coaching clinic in Berbice By Samuel Whyte The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) in collaboration with the Berbice Table Tennis sub-association successfully held a one-day Coaching Clinic in Berbice on Saturday at the Port Mourant Training Centre. The Clinic was organised by Berbicians, Floyd Conway and Levi Nedd with the sessions beginning at 12:00hrs and ending at 16:00hrs. The Clinic, which is the first of a series of such sessions that will be held in Berbice, was conducted by National Coach, Linden Johnson with GTTA President Godfrey Munroe also in attendance. Some 21 persons participated. The sessions are all part of the GTTA aim to spread the game countrywide. Berbice has taken the initiative and is making full use of the GTTA programme.
The sessions were mostly for school children. It is part of a holistic effort to revive the game in the Ancient County and prepare prospective players for future tournaments. The beginners were taught the basics of the game, which included fitness drills, forehand and backhand skills and the multi-ball drill among others. Munroe has thrown his full weight behind the expansion and developmental programme. Conway told the players that they should make use of the opportunity and learn as much as possible, because when he was a school boy there was no such things as Coaching Clinics. He said that he had to learn the game the hard way, by battling on his own. Nedd, who is a senior member of the Port Mourant Training Centre, did the
The participants involved in the session take time out for a photo. honours of welcoming the officials and participants to the venue especially those who traveled from Georgetown, including the
Holders Zambia out of Africa Cup of Nations BBC Sport - Defending champions Zambia crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations after a goalless draw with Burkina Faso, who progressed to the quarterfinals. Chipolopolo went into the game level on points with Nigeria, who went through to the last eight after a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in the other Group C game. Zambia will rue weak efforts from Collins Mbesuma and Rainford Kalaba in a poor game against Burkina Faso. Clifford Mulenga also missed a half-chance late as Zambia limped out. It is the first time the reigning champions have gone out in the group stage since Algeria in 1990, when there were four groups of three teams. But Zambia deserved no more than they got as they failed to produce anything like the form that took them to the title last year - even though they leave South Africa unbeaten after three draws. In contrast, Burkina Faso have shown good moments most notably their 4-0 demolition of Ethiopia - and finished top of the group on goal difference. However, neither Chipolopolo nor the Burkinabe covered
themselves in glory in this final group match. In fairness, the shocking pitch in Nelspruit, which was covered in sand because a virus had affected the grass, caused big problems from the start. Players were losing their footing and it was obvious that the game was not going to be a classic. With the ball bobbling around all over the place and the players opting for long, hopeful punts up field, there was a total lack of control and a chaotic feel to the play. Add to that the pressure that both sets of players were under - knowing that this was a winner-takes-all match - it was unsurprising that there was a reluctance to try to get the ball down and play. And when the tournament’s top scorer Alain Traore went off injured after only 12 minutes, it appeared things could hardly get worse - particularly as you feared Burkina Faso, without their star man, would adopt overly negative tactics to achieve the draw they needed to progress. Just minutes later, Zambia lost Davies Nkausu to injury and it appeared the teams may end the game decimated. As for any meaningful passages of play, Zambia had two chances to take the lead in the first half but
squandered them both. Collins Mbesuma shot tamely at the keeper from an excellent central position inside the box and Rainford Kalaba headed an effort that was just as weak after the Burkinabe defence stood and watched a cross float to the back post. It would not be unfair to say that the sound of a fan periodically sounded air-raid alarm was the only menace in the stadium. It might have even served to wake some people up as the action was non-start. A second-half onslaught failed to materialise from Zambia as they gave up their title with barely a whimper. With no urgency in their build-up, no periods of pressure and no drive, their fate looked inevitable. And when they did finally create an opening, Mbesuma rose to meet a corner and headed woefully wide. Burkina Faso, content to play out a draw, threatened even less but they might have added further misery on Zambia had Jonathan Pitroipa made contact with a low cross from the right. As it was, Burkina Faso had done enough to make it through and Zambia’s reign ended after a highly disappointing tournament for Herve Renard’s men.
coaches. He was so impressed with the turnout that he made a request to the GTTA for a follow up Clinic, which should be held before the GTTA National Table Tennis Championships in March.
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Australia board play straight NAMILCO’s Bert Sukhai recognized bat to Warne twitter rant by Fruta Conquerors FC
(Reuters) - Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland has defended the organisation following a scathing attack aimed at them by spin great Shane Warne, who panned the board in a series of Twitter rants. Sutherland added that he was prepared to meet with Warne and discuss the 43year-old’s criticism of CA’s player rotation policy and his claim that “rubbish” decisions were turning Australian cricket into a “big joke”. After venting his initial anger on Monday, Warne reiterated his views a day later. “As I said last night we need cricket people running the team & who understand cricket & what’s required at the top level, not muppets,” he tweeted on Tuesday. Warne questioned the logic of having former rugby union international Pat Howard as the board’s high performance manager but Sutherland threw his weight behind the former Wallaby back.
Shane Warne “I have every confidence in Pat Howard and his team, and what they’re doing,” Sutherland told local media on Tuesday. “Personally I find it a little bit disappointing to read about that (Warne’s criticisms) in the fashion that I have. “Ideally you’d like to be able to sit down with Shane and understand a little bit more deeply his opinions.” Australia won all three tests in a recent series against
Sri Lanka but were held 2-2 in the subsequent one-day internationals after resting skipper Michael Clarke for the first two matches. The hosts, however, lost both Twenty20 internationals and were left debating the merits of a controversial rotation policy CA has introduced to manage injuries and the workload of their frontline players. While Warne insisted Australia needed to field their best 11 players every time they stepped out, fast bowling great Dennis Lillee has backed CA’s approach. “He’s 100 percent in agreement with the selection panel with managing the load and development of players,” Sutherland said of Lillee, who captured 355 wickets in 70 tests. “Who’s right here? “You’ve got Shane Warne saying one thing, Dennis Lillee saying another. It’s not a black and white issue.” Warne retired from test cricket in 2007 after taking 708 wickets in 145 tests.
His stance has been one of building partnership and empowering with a view to being independent, that’s how Mr. Bert Sukhai, Managing Director of the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) has been described. NAMILCO has been on board with Fruta Conquerors now for the past six years as the main sponsor of that club’s football festival which has been used as a vital fund raiser to help the entity develop the Tucville playfield and Club House. Mr. Sukhai has been an encourager over those years and has committed his company’s resources to help empower not only Fruta Conquerors Football Club, but the community of Tucville and by extension, the football family in Georgetown and Guyana since teams are invited from other Associations affiliated to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) which sanctions the tournament.
NAMILCO’s Managing Director Bert Sukhai (left) receives the plaque from Fruta Conquerors FC President Wayne Forde. On Friday last, when the 6th edition of the tournament was launched under the theme – Fruta Conquerors “One Love Football Classic”; President of the Club Wayne Forde took time out to present Mr. Sukhai with a plaque of appreciation for his company’s partnership and commitment towards the continued development of the club.
Forde stated that Mr. Sukhai was not able to be a part of the club’s annual presentation so he took the opportunity to present the plaque at that forum. Mr. Sukhai in response thanked the club for recognizing his company’s contribution while noting that they will continue to do their bit to empower and equip the youths and community.
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Lance Armstrong: UCI shuts down its independent commission Lance Armstrong
The independent commission set up by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to investigate the Lance Armstrong doping scandal has been disbanded. World (Wada) and US anti-doping (Usada) agencies refused to co-operate with it. The inquiry will now be replaced by a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. But Usada chief executive Travis Tygart said: “We support a well-structured truth and reconciliation process but the UCI cannot be allowed to script its own self-interested outcome.” He added: “The UCI blindfolded and handcuffed its independent commission and now hopes the world will look the other way while the UCI attempts to insert itself into the investigation into the role it played in allowing the doping culture to flourish.” UCI president Pat McQuaid described the change as “the best way to
examine the culture of doping in cycling in the past and to clear the air so that cycling can move forward”. McQuaid added that the commission was being disbanded following talks with Wada president John Fahey. “Fahey confirmed Wada’s willingness to help the UCI establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), as well as saying that Wada had no confidence in the existing independent commission process,” added McQuaid. But in a statement, Fahey said: “Wada is dismayed by the press release issued by UCI, both in terms of its content and its deceit. “It has decided to terminate its own commission on the grounds that others refuse to participate, and not for any reason that the commission was precluded from operating transparently and without fear.
“Wada was not part of the decision to establish such a commission, it was not even consulted. When asked to participate, Wada was at pains to point out the inadequacies of the terms of reference and the timelines. “The commission’s lawyers agreed to point those out in order to remedy them. These were not addressed by UCI or the commission so Wada declined to participate.” The three-person commission, which included Paralympic champion Baroness Tanni GreyThompson, had been established in response to a damning report from Usada into a decade of cheating by Armstrong and his US Postal Service Team. Usada’s report, published in October, resulted in the American being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, and also seriously
Mario Balotelli: AC Milan agree deal to sign Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli
BBC Sport – AC Milan have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli on a four-anda-half-year contract, the Italian club’s director Umberto Gandini has confirmed. Former Inter Milan striker Balotelli, 22, will have a medical in Milan today before signing his contract. An initial fee of 22m euros (£19m) is believed to have been paid, rising to 25m euros (£22m) with add-ons. Manchester City have declined to comment on the news. The Italy international had travelled with City to London for the Premier
League game against Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday evening, when manager Roberto Mancini is likely to comment on the deal. Gandini said on Twitter: “Transfer agreement for Balotelli signed with Manchester City. Medical is tomorrow [Wednesday] in Milan, then personal terms until 2017 will be signed.” Manchester City signed Balotelli for £24m in 2010 with the striker scoring 20 Premier League goals for the club. Balotelli’s departure comes weeks after he was involved in a training ground altercation with Mancini. That was the last in a series of controversies during his
time with the Premier League champions. In his first season at Manchester City he scored 10 goals in 28 appearances, but was also sent off twice against West Bromwich Albion and Dynamo Kiev. The 2011-12 season was arguably his most productive as he scored 20 goals in 40 appearances, and he provided the crucial assist for Sergio Aguero to score the title-clinching goal against QPR in May last year. However, he still struggled with discipline on the pitch, picking up 11 yellow cards and he was also sent off in Premier League games against Liverpool and Arsenal, the latter prompting Mancini to suggest he would be willing to sell the striker. Balotelli impressed for Italy at Euro 2012, notably scoring twice in the semi-final win against Germany. However, he failed to build on that when he returned to domestic action with Manchester City this season and found himself behind Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko. In total, he made 20 appearances during the current campaign, 12 of those from the bench, and scored three goals, the last of which came in a 2-0 victory at Wigan on 28 November.
called into question the UCI’s actions over the period. However, both Wada and Usada had previously said they would not co-operate with the UCI’s inquiry, which had led the UCI to conclude that any report would be dismissed as “not being complete or credible”. The independent commission was adjourned last week until 31 January, with Baroness GreyThompson telling UCI counsel Ian Mill: “It amazes me that we’ve had no documents whatsoever.” After announcing its decision to shut down the independent commission, the UCI said the TRC process would launch later this year and that its report would be published in full. McQuaid added: “We will now focus our efforts on establishing a TRC with which we expect Wada to be fully engaged, to look at doping in professional cycling, as well as the
allegations contained in the Usada reasoned decision. “The work that has so far been undertaken by the commission will be shared with the TRC.” The UCI had agreed to provide an amnesty for those giving evidence to the independent commission.
Last week, British cycling coach Sir David Brailsford questioned the need for a truth and reconciliation process, saying: “Already I think there is a wealth of information that you can actually start taking action on and putting tangible things in place.”
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New Bartica Community Centre taking shape - but Regional Chairman not in the loop While residents of Bartica are eagerly awaiting the completion and inauguration of the a new Bartica Community Centre, efforts to get information on the cost of the project and a completion proved a bit of a tuff hurdle. Kaieteur Sport contacted Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford yesterday seeking the relevant information but was informed by Mr. Bradford that he does not have any information regarding the newly constructed Bartica Community Centre Pavilion and stand. The old structure was destroyed last year and a new and larger facility is almost completed, Kaieteur Sport understands that painting of the facility has commenced. Bradford in an invited comment said that it is commendable that a new facility is being built that will naturally, aid in the development of sports and cultural activities in the community. But he was quick
to point out that he couldn’t furnish any other details since he has not been informed about anything in relation to the project. “I have made repeated efforts to get information from Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford and would have been promised the relevant documents but to date, I have not received any such documents. While I applaud the initiative, it is sad that we cannot monitor what’s going on to ensure that the contractors do a proper job and you get value for money because ultimately, it is the community that will have to live with the final product.” Bradford said he has asked questions repeatedly at RDC meetings but no answers have been forthcoming. “I really hope that it doesn’t turn out like some of the President Youth Choice Initiative Projects that have gone by the way side because the communities would not have been involved, all the
The new Bartica Community Centre, Pavilion and Stand nearing completion.
way.” This facility is the number one in the community when it comes to sports activities
including football and cricket. There is a separate section where basketball is played while another stand is close
to the main facility. Efforts were made to contact Minister Westford yesterday via telephone and
Kaieteur Sport was told that a call would have been returned but that didn’t materialize up to press time.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Aussie nuts over Bolt! ...Rues not meeting sprint king, but cherishes J’can track enlightenment Jamaica Observer DESPITE not getting the chance to rub shoulders with Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man on sand, Australia’s Jordan Caldow is amazed at what he has learnt on his twoweek stay in Jamaica. Caldow, 19, is a part of a 10-member group from Australia training with Sprintec at the GC Foster College. The Telegraph newspaper in Australia splashed a headline in December, “Adelaide runner Jordan Caldow set to train with superstar Usain Bolt”. But that has not materialised for the rising star of Australia’s track and field. “I haven’t got a chance to meet Bolt maybe next time,” the Australian told the
Jamaica Observer, moments after winning his 200m heat at the Queen’s Grace Jackson Meet last Saturday. Caldow, who recently won the 100m beach title at the World Surf Lifesaving Championships at Glenelg, Australia, is playing his part in maintaining Jamaica’s global dominance in male sprinting. Caldow, born to a Jamaican father and who sped to 22.50 seconds to win his 200m heat at the Queens meet on Saturday, said despite seemingly having the same genetics responsible for Jamaica’s producing sprinters like Ben Johnson and Donovan Bailey who represented Canada and Linford Christie who ran for Great Britain, he won’t be
trying to make Jamaica’s team. “Judging by the conditions of the boys out here it will be a lot easier to make Australia’s team. You guys work hard,” he said with a chuckle. “My focus at the moment is to make the Rio (Olympics) 100m. Our Australian championships are in mid April and that’s my shortterm focus,” he added. “I am coming from a background doing sprinting on sand. I won the world championship for sand running. Then I look around and decide what else I wanted. I was the best Under-17... then I you see you guys on TV... and I said right, that’s what’s next,” he told the Observer. A superstar in beach sprinting
Seejatan and Tenpow win GMRSC 2013 endurance championship Special Auto’s Shan Seejatan teamed up with Brian Tenpow and his crew chief Leon Persaud (Onion) and crew Ramesh Baldeo and Andre Abdool to win the 3 hours endurance race held on Sunday last at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, running for 118 laps. Seejatan and Tenpow competed against 25 other cars, 11 of those were from Roshan Ali of Fullworks Motor Spares, along with veteran Mark Vieira and Kamal Seebaran and others to capture victory. This is Tenpow’s third win in an endurance race.
The winning team celebrate.
Player could face prison in Peru over alleged false identity (Reuters) - Max Barrios, denounced as a 25-year-old Ecuadorean and sent home from the South American Under-20 championship where he played for Peru, could be sent to prison if he is proved to have falsified his identity. “If (the crime) has been proven, the alleged Peruvian could go to prison for seven to 10 years,” national prosecutor Jose Pelaez told the TV Peru Noticias television channel late on Monday as he confirmed Barrios was under investigation. Pelaez added that the defender’s alleged father, Peruvian former footballer Angel “Maradona” Barrios,
is also being investigated as an accomplice. The possible scandal came to light when Peru met Ecuador earlier this month during the Under-20 championship in the Argentine Andean region of Cuyo. Media reported that members of the Ecuador side said they had seen the defender playing in their country and that his name was not Barrios. They said he was identified by a member of their country’s congress as Juan Carlos Espinoza Mercado, a 25-year-old Ecuadorean. Barrios, whose now annulled identity document said he was born in Sullana in northern Peru, joined
Peruvian first division side Juan Aurich a year ago as a junior. As a 17-year-old allegedly born in 1995, he was picked for the Peruvian Under-20 team for the South American championship, from which the top four countries qualify for the Under-20 World Cup in Turkey later this year. Barrios senior - who bears a resemblance to Argentine great Diego Maradona - has said his alleged son has dual nationality, was born in Ecuador and played there when he coached Ecuador’s Liga de Loja in 2010. “My son cries and wants to quit football,” he was quoted as saying by Peru’s RPP Noticias.
circle, Caldow got a culture shock and a taste of what it takes to be the best on the track in his short stint in Jamaica. “We have been staying at GC Foster College and it is the first time I have been set an alarm for 5:00 in the mornings to get up and train and coach Maurice Wilson is insane (smile). The amount of technical help he has given me under two weeks is more than I could have gotten from anyone in Australia and I am so grateful for that,” said Caldow. “Don Quarrie (1976 Olympic 200m champion) came down yesterday (Friday) and he was giving us tips on how to run the bend and just listening to him is amazing... just look at his achievements,” said Caldow. “Frater (Michael) spoke to us a couple of days ago on what it takes to be a strong sprinter to make it to the Olympic level. Everything I hear from you guys I have to
Jordan Caldow in action in the men’s 200 metres at last Saturday’s Queen’s Grace Jackson Meet at the National Stadium. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) soak it up,” he noted. Caldow and his 10-member delegation were due to depart the island yesterday for Australia. And on a point of note,
Jamaicans should keep his name in mind as he’s hell-bent on putting Australia on the map in world sprinting. Rio Olympic 2016 in Brazil is his target.