kaieteur News

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Online readership yesterday 110,362 July 04, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 27 Price $80

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Guyana’s second largest investment in 20 years ...

Robeson Benn

defends sole tender for airport project P. 3

Farmer's disembowelled body found in shallow grave P. 15

Gangaram Bharat called ‘Gumpy’

Crime scene detectives head to the shallow grave where Bharat's body was recovered.

Sattaur, Goolsarran should be prosecuted P. 13

‘Slap on the wrist’ unacceptable - APNU


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Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Police Force to announce promotions during anniversary celebrations

P

olice ranks both senior and junior are holding their breaths as they anxiously await the long overdue promotions list for 2012. The list which is traditionally unveiled at the beginning of the year was held back for unforeseen reasons and the promotions were scheduled to be announced for the Force's anniversary, which is being celebrated this month. Many had expected that the list of promotions would

have been announced last Sunday at the start of the anniversary celebrations. The last police promotions list was announced last year and since then there have been several movements, including retirements and resignations that would have created vacancies in several positions. Since the last promotions, the Force has seen the retirement of Commissioner Henry Greene and the elevations of

Female police ranks on parade during a previous route march through the city. Assistant Commissioners Leroy Brumell and Seelall Persaud to Deputy Commissioners. Brumell is presently acting in the capacity of Commissioner of Police. Apart from the announcement of the promotions, the force has organized a list of activities to commemorate the 173rd anniversary of the force. The activities commenced last Sunday with the traditional Drum Head Service at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, where Reverend Dr. John Smith officiated. This coming Saturday the Force will hold the customary Route March which will be led by Assistant Commissioner Derrick Josiah, through the streets of Georgetown. Salutes will be taken by the Minister of Home Affairs a n d t h e a c t i n g Commissioner of Police. This will be followed by a Night of Boxing on Friday, July 13, at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill Square, Police Headquarters. The much anticipated Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, July 20, also at the TSU Drill Square, where police ranks, members of Community Policing Groups and

Community Policing Groups, will receive Aw a r d s / I n c e n t i v e s f o r outstanding work performance. The force will remember its ranks who were killed in the line of duty at a special wreathlaying Ceremony at the Force's Monument for Fallen Heroes on Sunday, July 22. The anniversary events will continue with a Handgun Shooting. Competition on Thursday, July 26, at the TSU mini-range, while there will be a Scouts Day at the Police Sports Club Ground on Sunday, July 29. The Force's Annual Athletics Championships which will be held between July 24 and 27 at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, is also part of the anniversary celebrations. In addition, the Guyana Police Force will be holding several other events which fall under the ambit of its Anniversary celebrations, but which will be conducted in subsequent months. These include a number of Gymkhanas in the Policing Divisions, the Force Drill Competition, the Force First Aid Competition, Debating Competition and Essay Competition.


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Guyana’s second largest investment in 20 years ...

The new CJIA terminal building will include the current parking lot and areas west of it The entire process leading to the signing of the contract in November last year is above board and falls within the laws of Guyana, Works Minister Robeson Benn, has asserted. He was discussing Guyana’s second largest investment in this country in 20 years. Speaking with the press in his Kingston location yesterday, Benn disclosed that his office is in the process of preparing advice to the Cabinet of the findings “…and there are no hurdles. The financing is already in place”. The government official insisted that the US$150M price was arrived at after “torrid” negotiations and “back and forth” meetings between China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the contractor; Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) officials; engineers and administrators of the Public Works Ministry and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). “It was not like this came out of a hat or something.” In November, days before the November 28 General and Regional Elections and before President Bharrat Jagdeo stepped down, Guyana learnt through the Jamaica press that Guyana has signed a US$150M contract with CHEC to rebuild the CJIA, complete with a new terminal and longer runway. Jamaica is where CHEC has its regional headquarters. The project was immediately dogged by the perceived secrecy, especially as a US$600M road and

highway project in Jamaica contracted to CHEC was under fire for the manner it was awarded to that company. The Jamaican government has since blocked its contract regulator, Office of the Contractor General, from investigating CHEC and the project which was recently signed. Several other revelations have since been made public about CHEC and its parent company, China Communications and Construction Company (CCCC). Sudan has temporarily halted a 900M Euros airport project because of the high costs. GROUNDWORK DONE Yesterday, Benn said that CHEC came to Guyana in late 2010 looking for projects to invest in and to build. Several projects on the backburner including a Deep Water Harbour, dredging of the Demerara River and the Linden/Lethem Road were

among those discussed. The expansion of the CJIA airport was also on the agenda and this was the one that CHEC latched on to. According to Benn, the acceptance of the proposals from CHEC included checks by authorities here of similar projects overseas. He claimed that the CJIA expansion had always been on the cards and government had even done a feasibility study to that effect. CHEC had also done studies. “We finally came down to a figure which we felt was favourable to Guyana.” The CJIA expansion project had been conceptualized as far back in 1997 when Guyana had engaged South Africa about the possibilities of extending the CJIA runway. According to Benn, the issue of the airport expansion has to do with the development of tourism and business opportunities, and deals at the same time with

congestion and the limited runway issue at CJIA. This, he reminded, was brought sharply into focus last July after a Caribbean Airlines flight overshot the runway and broke in two. While there were no deaths, there were injuries and the airline is facing lawsuits. “This is a nightmare we wanted to avoid,” Benn said, noting that the current situation at the facility continues to pose risk and safety concerns which have to be addressed. “The final result (US$150M) is not a CHEC result.” NO SECRECY HERE Questioned why Guyana never learnt of the project, Benn argued that his Ministry simply had not yet taken a position. “We did not have a finality of the project (at that time).” CHEC conducted its feasibility study and made the proposal to Government. It

was when the Chinese government held a special forum in Trinidad last year that Guyana managed to single out financing. Benn claimed that the Chinese contractor inadvertently released details of the signing without government’s Cabinet of Ministers being officially informed in Guyana. He also insisted that sole tendering, the method by which CHEC was awarded the contract, is not illegal and allowed for in law. “There is no secrecy to the project… there was confidentiality. As of now, the CJIA expansion project is a go and there are no hurdles.” Benn also said that based on the negotiation process, Guyana can be confident that it is getting value for its money. The expansion of CJIA will see the main runway being extended by another 1,000 metres and the current terminal building being

Transport Minister Robeson Benn rebuilt. It will in all likelihood take over the current parking lot and include more check-in and departure booths and passenger bridges and increased security systems. Some 1,800 persons in the vicinity of the airport are to be relocated. There are several shops, churches and farms in the area.


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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

An Ex-Speaker Speaks Ralph Ramkarran, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, has finally decided to speak. Ironically, it was his action following his words that had the greatest impact on those to whom his speech had been directed: he resigned from the PPP. One gets a sense that this action had been a long time coming and its final actualisation highlights a central trait of Ramkarran – his loyalty to his party’s principles. To say that the PPP was ‘Ramkarran’s party” goes beyond a trite figure of speech: his father “Boysie” Ramkarran was a founding member of the party and as a child literally grew up in the party. Unlike many others, however, the young Ramkarran did not remain in the party because of sentiments – whether filial or ethnic – but because he firmly believed in its philosophy of MarxismLeninism. By 1974 when he joined the Central Committee, the PPP had officially declared itself as an orthodox communist party. Unlike many PPPites, Ralph Ramkarran wore his ideology on his sleeve and would speak on behalf of the party from a Marxism-Leninist perspective, to great effect. But most of all, he came off as a ‘Jaganite’ which might not be surprising since Jagan lived next door to the Ramkarrans since 1966. But many believe that it was his loyalty to the ideology that in the end undermined his own effectiveness. Marxism- Leninism, after all, as practised by the PPP after 1969, adopted the Leninist innovation of ‘democratic centralism’. This meant, among other things, that once a decision was made by the leadership – whether the Ex-Co or the Central Committee, those leaders had to defend that decision in public. This is similar to the notion of “Cabinet responsibility”. What it meant in practical terms was if an individual disagreed vehemently with a particular party position, his only recourse was to resign. To take the disagreement ‘outside’ would be seen as a ‘betrayal’ by insiders. The present contretemps between Mr Ramkarran and the PPP must be viewed against this background. Many persons who supported Mr Ramkarran for the PPP’s presidential candidacy last year were disappointed when he did not speak out at the manoeuvres in the ExCo that sidelined his bid. A similar situation reared its head in 2004 when Khemraj Ramjattan was censored by the PPP for allegedly discussing party matters to US embassy officials. At that time Mr Ramjattan complained bitterly that twentynine other Central Committee members, including Mr Ramkarran, signed a petition that did not accurately represent what transpired at a particular meeting. When Mr Ramjattan was eventually expelled, the PPP explained its position which might be relevant in the instant case: “we have always made it clear to Cde. Ramjattan that there is no rule against Party members giving their views in public... However, as a leading member of the Party holding a seat on the Central Committee, his responsibilities need to be discharged in a manner that does not denigrate Party and Government leaders or bring Party and Government policies into disrepute. Free speech did not mean that he could deliberately ignore his obligation to adhere to Party rules and that some degree of commitment to collective decision making processes which is an important hallmark of all organisations, voluntarily or otherwise, was essential.” From information circulated by the PPP subsequent to Mr Ramkarran’s resignation, he felt “insulted” by the comments of an individual on the ExCo. It would appear that the comments were prompted by an article by Ramkarran calling on the party to deal with ‘pervasive corruption’ in the country. Since the party has indicated that the individual ‘apologised’ to Mr Ramkarran, it implies that Mr Ramkarran is not being accused of ‘speaking out of school’ on party matters – as was the case with Mr Ramjattan. In fact, President Ramotar has recently also made such a call even though he did not believe that corruption was ‘pervasive”. But we believe that in negotiating his possible return to the PPP, Mr Ramkarran must call for democratic centralism to be abandoned in the PPP.

Wednesday July 04, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

A return to the PPP will destroy Ralph Ramkarran’s legacy DEAR EDITOR, The PPP is scrambling to regain Ralph Ramkarran who left after several PPP insiders berated him for speaking out against corruption. A return to the PPP will damage Ralph Ramkarran’s legacy, credibility, image and his reputation. At age 65, Ramkarran is in the sunset of his political career. While he was possibly unwilling to serve in the past, the only achievement left for Ramkarran was to become the PPP presidential candidate. The Jagdeoites controlling the PPP at the behest of their master made it unequivocally clear to Ralph Ramkarran that he never will

get the presidency despite the fact that Ramkarran presented the best potential for securing those vital crossover votes which the PPP desperately needed for a majority in 2011. They want Ramkarran back, not out of genuine concern but out of fear of the impact of his departure on their hold on power. They need power to pillage this land. Skullduggery cannot be achieved with minorities. There must be majorities. They were considering a snap election to maximise power because the lure of oil wealth and majority power means the power to take

whatever they want whenever they want. Ramkarran’s departure puts a serious dent on their designs on the wealth of this country. If Ramkarran falls prey to the begging and pleading of the charlatans trying to woo him back, he will be making the single greatest mistake of his career. The pretenders are not sorry. They are hell bent on oligarchic domination of this country and its wealth. Ramkarran must be brought back into the fold to enable that domination. This is not about a serious assault on corruption in this country by the PPP controllers to

appease the concerns of one of its stalwarts. It is why after Ramkarran resigned there is no announcement of any independent forensic audit of NICIL as demanded by Parliament. For Ralph Ramkarran to return to this clique is to enable the expansion of corruption in his beloved homeland. It is to secure the political road to thievery and venality. It is to validate the oligarchy that will grow into a monstrosity if oil is found. It is to facilitate the greater divide in a society already greatly divided. Ramkarran cannot Continued on page 23

Rohee’s threats to two Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, I feel compelled to piggyback on Ms. Lurlene Nestor’s letter in Kaieteur News on July 3, “Minister Rohee’s comments are very revealing”.Her letter is a powerful indictment, and Ms. Nestor is correct: there was a grave threat made openly against her and Dr. Hinds by a senior government official who controls the state security apparatus. I would not take such a threat lightly, and neither should the people of Guyana in whose name the Minister wrote. What does Minister Rohee mean when he says that these two Guyanese – who have no criminal record, who have done no wrong, who are not a threat to our society, whose only ‘crime’ is that they are exercising their right to free speech, a right guaranteed under our constitution, a document which Rohee swore to uphold and defend – are in possession of their ‘get out of jail’ cards? Why did he make mention of the “blacklist” in response to a letter that had nothing to do with immigration? I am usually untroubled by irresponsible utterances by some Government officials. Minister Rohee’s comments were dark and sinister, however,and should be cause for grave concern. In my opinion, this Government Minister was publicly threatening Ms. Nestor and Dr. Hinds. That is how I interpreted his reference to the blacklist, and his categorizing their opinions as inflammatory. Ms. Nestor hit it when she stated that dictators don’t like dissent. Anyone who understands the immigration system in Guyana knows that it is not difficult for someone to be placed on the so called ‘blacklist’, and the Minister’s

casual mention of the blacklist demands confrontation. He must be asked in Parliament to explain what he meant, and the President should immediately demand an explanation from Minister Rohee. When Mr. Rohee says to Dr. Hinds and Ms. Nestor – both of whom are known supporters of the current parliamentary majority – that the Guyanese constitution does not prevent people from leaving the country unless they are blacklisted, thus preventing one from doing so by the competent legal authority… what Minister Rohee is not saying is that as the Minister responsible for state security he holds that authority. It is sinister, ominous, and vile. It is tantamount to Minister Rohee saying be careful, or worse, be afraid. This Minister has been a colossal public and private failure, and continues to manifest an acute but perhaps deliberate crime fighting incompetence. I would like to suggest that he stay away from writing anything publicly. Instead, many others and I would recommend that he spend far more time paying attention to

arresting the accelerating deterioration of the crime situation in our country. Of course, that is if he is intellectually and morally able so to do. Buying a water cannon for millions of dollars in a country not known for street demonstrations further corrodes public confidence, and is inconsistent with the needs stressed by competent authorities who actually understand the crime fighting needs of our nation. The top to bottom review of policing in Guyana that is necessary is a fulltime job that should be taking up most of this Minister’s time. He should be more concerned about corruption at all levels of the Police Force, and the men and women who are forced to steal in the name of the law. Minister Rohee should be up at night worrying about our unprotected land and maritime borders; he should be busy consulting with civil society about the rise in domestic violence, child prostitution and human trafficking, he should be worried that our men and women in uniform are so poorly paid that they are easily bought by criminal elements.

Minister Rohee’s sort of attack on people who criticize the government seems to be the new norm in Guyana, and we must act swiftly to ensure that people are not harmed by powerful people who use their offices to silence or stifle dissent, and murder the messengers. Dissent is the highest form of patriotism, and these patriots should be engaged constructively, rather than be threatened in such a characteristically clumsy way. It is now clear to all that the Ramotar regime is but an extension of the Jagdeo regime, and therefore little can be expected from the executive branch of government. The legislative and judicial branches must stand as keen monitors of the actions and statements of high government officials, and are duty bound to do the due diligence necessary to reign in any actions that are an overreach of authority. Minister Rohee cannot, and must not, be allowed to threaten Guyanese citizens and get away with it. On November 28, 2011 the majority of Guyanese voted for change, and we will not be denied. Mark Archer

State sponsored noise nuisances DEAR SIR, It is very troubling to know that we have legislation in place for noise nuisances, but there is the lengthy process involved in getting someone charged with the offence. i was looking at a re-broadcast programme with Mr. Roshan Khan and some other guest. I must applaud his effort on this issue. The sad thing is that many Guyanese do not possess the will and courage to fight the situation due to the perils of victimisation and discrimination in our society. I believed this is where the Police Force plays a vital role. The police should be given authority to issue summons on the spot, once the law is observed to be broken. As it is, you have to go through the process of making a report, build a case and then get a lawyers’

writ before anything can really happen. I am afraid the average Guyanese cannot afford the time and effort required to get this done. The amazing thing is the said Police Force issues permits to host these events and rarely passes through to ensure the event complies with it requirements. Just recently the amount of violence that transpired at the Street football made daily headlines. It is not that I am totally against these events, but I believe they should have strict guidelines, especially on close off timelines. Apart from the noise issue the littering, gambling and pilfering that take place makes it a haven for thugs and hustlers. I trust something can be done to harness this situation urgently. Randolph Smith


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

Rooting for Sharma

DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Deodat Sharma may not be a proper Auditor General but he surely knows how to play the political game. Last week, the Audit Office which he heads hosted a team of two from the Audit Office of Newfoundland and Labrador (AONL) with which the Guyana Audit Office claims a “twinning partnership”. The website of the AONL indicates no such partnership. I understand from persons who attended a workshop conducted by the two visitors from Canada that one of them actually sought to advance the case for the confirmation of Mr. Sharma who for seven years could not be substantively appointed because of lack of qualification. Mr. Sharma’s lack of qualification would likely prevent him from being appointed Audit Manager, much less Audit Principal or Auditor General, in the Newfoundland Audit Office. In my view, the attempt by the Canadian gentleman

action was insulting, inappropriate and tantamount to improper interference in the operations of Guyana’s national financial watchdog which no Canadian Audit Office would accept and tolerate for itself. Here are some interesting statistics. The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador is appointed for a 10-year non-renewable term by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council and confirmed by a resolution of the House of Assembly. (Term limit for Auditors General is a common feature in other countries as well, but not in Guyana). The Newfoundland Office has a less than a quarter of the staff of the Guyana Audit Office – 36 compared with 150 – but while 28 of their staff hold professional accounting designations (78%) only 2 or 3 persons (1.33 per cent or 2 per cent) in the Guyana Audit Office are similarly qualified. In its work, the Office of the Auditor General of

Newfoundland and Labrador complies with the professional and ethical standards established by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. And according to that Audit Office, they adhere to professional codes of ethics and independence standards; exhibit independence in fact and in appearance; and avoid perceived and real conflicts of interest. In Guyana we aspire to and apply low or no standards. I do not for one moment, however, believe that it is only because of lack of qualifications throughout the Guyana Audit Office that it has failed so miserably in unearthing the kind of frauds which the reporters from Kaieteur News and to a lesser extent, the Stabroek News, have been uncovering. Rather, it is because those who hold the top positions cannot afford to jeopardise their position or embarrass the Minister of Finance and the Government. Christopher Ram

Lewis may be his worst enemy DEAR EDITOR, Fear, guilt, racism, emotion, entitlement, intermarriage, respect and equality have become the new political currency for achieving power in Guyana. While history has endowed some with a rich goldmine in such resources others are still playing “catch up”. Mr. Lincoln Lewis’s richness in a letter to KN of 630-12 titled “don’t expect silence on my part, Mr. Dev. Not now, not ever” is loaded with everything except silence when he wags his finger to emphasise that “Africans are no more or less, better or worse, than any group in the human family, (and) as such he (Mr. Dev) will have to respect the United Nations declarations and Guyana Constitution that enshrined equality and dignity for all.” Mr. Lewis is of course rightfully free to demand “respect” as he has long been fully emancipated in a country where all are so constitutionally and equally entitled. What kind of reciprocal respect he has engendered for himself and

others after so much displayed arrogance and unbridled venomous brazenness is yet to be seen. Until he himself realizes that touting that “”Africans are no more or less, better or worse, than any group in the human family” achieved by their own natural excellence he can unwittingly undermine all his amplified claims which he constantly demands by the exact strength of the same argument for denial without a necessary equal reciprocity from his side for closure. In effect he can be his own fearsome enemy even as he is free to do so in a democratic country ad infinitum. Understandably what seems to raise Mr. Lewis’s hackles is an apparent touchiness to the opinion (henceforth labeled the Lewis Principle) that “in addition to the nurtured tradition of revolt, African socialization patterns pre-dispose them into aggressive habits and frustrating situations elicit aggressive responses, even against authority figures, i.e. there is a normative support for violence in the African

community.” So what can justify Mr. Lewis’s bombastic fulmination that Mr. Dev’s “statement is an offence to the African struggles and offends me personally as the descendant of a people, though having suffered much, never sought to hug their achievements for themselves…?” Yet he does a midair flip flop to berate Guyanese ,most importantly telling Mr. Dev that if he “takes careful note, he’d see violence and disrespect for authority figures is not the purview of any group but the capability of all”, other races. Few are likely to wait with bated breath to find out how many such similar brave Amerindian, Chinese and Portuguese -type Lewis’s will sally forth to defend their “kith and kin” with the same uncouth aggressiveness of a TUC elevated Presidential Mr. Lewis. Because he feels wronged, like wine, his anger gets better with time. In a country where all are supposedly equal shouldn’t our native Amerindians be Continued on page 23

Corporal punishment is from a fossilized system

DEAR EDITOR, In recent months, I have observed an upsurge in the publication of missives in the print media, vis-à-vis the very controversial issue of Corporal Punishment in Schools. I ask that as a young person, I be given space in your newspaper, to represent my views on this matter. It is the youths who are the major stakeholders in whatever outcome is arrived upon, and who have been silent observers in the ongoing countrywide consultations being undertaken by the Ministry of Education. I agree with the sentiments conveyed in Kaieteur News’s editorial titled “Children as chattel,” on June 1, 2012. For readers who were not aware, “chattel” is the French word for “possession,” and quite appropriately connotes the blatant disregard and unimportance with which the students are being treated, during the consultation exercise. It seems as if the adage that “children must be seen and not heard” is still the view of the current administration. It is my firm belief that corporal punishment is a barbaric act which is incongruous in a seemingly ‘modern’ society. Contrary to popular belief, corporal punishment has not been banned in Guyana. Article 9 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act (1894) ratifies “the right of the guardian or teacher of a child to administer reasonable and proper punishment to the child”. In 2002 the Ministry of Education released mere “guidelines” to govern the administering of corporal punishment. The United Nations

Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), Article 19.1: “States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.” Guyana became a signatory of this legally binding convention in 1991. The United States is not a signatory and as such, individual states decide whether or not corporal punishment will be allowed to take place in public schools. However, 31 states have outlawed corporal punishment and its use is declining in others, unlike what is sometimes portrayed locally by corporal punishment advocates. Corporal punishment invokes a multiplicity of adverse effects on individuals. It is violent, lowers self-esteem, instills hostile behaviour and encourages the use of violence to resolve problems. It is a psychologically degrading act which causes humiliation to the victim. It is no surprise that the multitude of persons who advocate this form of abuse, are middle aged individuals, who would have long forgotten the pain and anguish experienced as a result of this inhuman act. Guyana is indeed a

country of strong traditional values. The use of corporal punishment is enshrined and encouraged in many of our religions. The verse “spare the rod and spoil the child” stands out almost instantaneously. However, it is with great disgust that I hear persons alluding to these “cherry-picked” instances, in a bid to justify the malicious treatment of children. It is nothing short of absolute hypocrisy, as they do not follow all the teachings of their religious doctrines. Surprising to say the least, are the views of most members of the teachingsphere, who say that corporal punishment must stay, since there are a lot of indisciplined students in the school system, who are rude and disrespectful. I, in no way, tolerate such behaviour by students, but question the motives of instilling corporal punishment in such cases. Would the purpose of corporal punishment be to force the student to become respectful to the teacher? Or is it a mode by which the teacher can avenge his/his seemingly hurt ego? Many persons believe that children must be beaten because the same was done to them, and today as a result, they turned out to be “OK.” But I ask, what is the meaning of “OK”? How can so many persons claim to have turned out OK when the society is marred by domestic violence and chronic alcohol abuse? How is it OK when we live Continued on page 23


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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012

PM’s office attracts protest over Linden electricity tariff hike Several high profile citizens and opposition parliamentarians yesterday staged a protest at the Office of the Prime Minister to voice their concerns over the move to raise the electricity tariff in Linden. The increase took effect from July 1. Social activist Mark Benschop, columnist Freddie Kissoon, Alliance for Change (AFC)’s Gerald Ramsaroop and Michael Carrington, and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Dr. David Hinds, said that they found the utmost need to “stand firm in solidarity with the people of Linden”. The group emphasised that a “depressed town like Linden should not be forced into such financial constraints”. Upon noticing Bharat Dindyal, GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, leaving the Prime Minister’s office, the protesters moved to question him. Dindyal said that his company is “aware of the reality of the situation… but if you want a service you must be able to pay for it and if you don’t pay for it, somebody has to pay for it”. Dindyal said that everyone needs to put all sentimental values aside and see what else can be done. He noted that there is tremendous scope for conservation in Linden. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds interrupted Dindyal’s response to the protesters and answered all questions posed thereafter. Asked if the government

has intentions of halting the tariff, Hinds replied in the negative, saying that last year the government subsidized $2.6B and “no government in good conscience could continue such a situation”. Hinds said that he believes that the lack of power conservation in Linden has resulted from the fact that the citizens knew they hadn’t much to pay at the end of the month. Reminded that the people of Linden said they cannot afford to pay, Hinds asserted that there comes a time where the government has to lead and that time is now. He said that he does not know that Linden has 70 percent unemployment. As one protester voiced the opinion that Linden is being victimized because “99.9 per cent of the persons residing there are Afro Guyanese,” Hinds emphasised that there has been too much propagation that suggests that Blacks are depressed and dispossessed “… but I have lived as a black man for a long time too.” He said that he made it as a black man and he believes that “the black communities should use their brains and arms and try to make a living”. Asked about the general high cost of electricity, Hinds said that the government does not get subsidy to buy fuel “we have to pay the right price… they don’t say oh Guyana is poor, let’s give them at a reduced cost.” Told that the Chairman for Region Ten was connected

via a cell phone call, Hinds said that he wanted the chairman to know that he believes Linden is unconscionable to expect the people of Guyana to support every household in the community to the tune of $204,000 a year in electricity subsidy. Hinds said that if invited to Linden and offered protection he would visit the mining town, however, he is concerned about the path and outcome. With respect to the pollution issue in Linden,

PM Hinds has his say

The protesters outside the Office of the Prime Minister Hinds said that works are in progress to solve that problem. He reiterated that there are bad as well as good spots in Linden and he doesn’t view the town as depressed. Asked if Linden should go ahead and shut down the

town, the Prime Minister would only say that they should be reasonable Guyanese. The protesters said that they understood that the Government cannot subsidize the community, forever, however the increase needed

to be adequately phased out. They said that for decades Linden subsidized for the rest of the country. The protesters asked for a meeting between the

opposition parties, Lindeners and Hinds, on behalf of the government. The Prime Minister said he would consider this request. (Abena Rockcliffe)

Teacher jailed for sexual assault Rishi Persaud, the male Maths school teacher, who was previously suspended after a sexual assault charge was leveled against him by a World Teacher participant in January 2011,has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, by Magistrate Leron Daly. Persaud’s case concluded yesterday at the Anna Regina Multilateral School. The charge was instituted against Persaud under the Sexual Offences Act. He was charged indictably with sexual assault. According to a police report, on January 27, last, Persaud and the female teacher who was also attached to the Anna Regina Multilateral School were at the Anna Regina seawall in the

wee hours in the morning. The meeting led to the foreign teacher later reporting to the police that she was sexually assaulted by Persaud. The male teacher, in an initial statement to the police, said that the female touched his genitals. But other reports that surfaced indicated that the female teacher invited Persaud to the seawall after she had a quarrel with her boyfriend. In court yesterday morning, Persaud, who was represented by Peter Hugh, wept bitterly. He taught Mathematics at the Anna Regina Secondary School. The female teacher, who also taught Mathematics, subsequently re- migrated to the United States, where she is a citizen.


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Dark economic clouds Police raid Sarkozy’s home in funding probe gather anew over PARIS (Reuters) - Police one strand, investigators are Obama campaign raided the home and offices trying to establish whether WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - After a month in which his re-election campaign picked up momentum, hard economic realities are about to hit President Barack Obama as he takes to the road on a campaign bus trip through the Rust Belt. Poor manufacturing data earlier this week followed by a likely weak jobless report on Friday are reminding Obama that he has a lot of work to do to convince voters he is bringing the economy back to full health. A Supreme Court victory for Obama on healthcare and a surprise expansion of immigration laws that put Republican opponent Mitt Romney on the defensive on the issue may soon fade from memory. “By Friday, the Supreme Court will be in the rear-view mirror and everybody will be talking about the state of the economy,” said Greg Valliere, an analyst for institutional investors at Potomac Research Group. “I think the debate on Friday will be whether the economy is still growing or whether we’ve hit a brick wall,” he said. U.S. manufacturing activity contracted in June for the first time in nearly three years, data showed on Monday, stark evidence of a slowing economic recovery and that Europe’s debt crisis

Barack Obama is weighing on the U.S. economy. And the monthly jobless figures, the most closely watched economic indicator, are expected to be lackluster. Economists polled by Reuters expect nonfarm payrolls to have risen by only 90,000 jobs in June and the unemployment rate will stay unchanged at 8.2 percent. Employers likely increased hiring, but not enough to dispel concerns that the economy is losing steam. The fiscal gloom allows Romney to re-energize his charge that the White House is not creating jobs quickly enough, after his nonstop economic criticism was drowned out by last week’s Supreme Court ruling that Obama’s 2010 healthcare law is constitutional.

of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday as part of a judicial inquiry into financial relations between his political camp and the richest woman in France, L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt. It was Sarkozy’s first legal tangle since he was unseated in a May 6 election after five years in office, during which he enjoyed presidential immunity from legal pursuit. That cover expired in mid-June. Sarkozy’s lawyer, Thierry Herzog, said the raids a day after his client had left for Canada on holiday would show nothing and that he had already supplied information to investigators that debunked suspicions of secret meetings with Bettencourt. “These raids ... will as expected prove futile,” Herzog said in a statement. The Bettencourt probe centers on financial relations between Sarkozy’s centreright UMP party and the billionaire heiress of the L’Oreal cosmetics empire. In

Sarkozy’s 2007 election campaign in particular was funded illicitly. Herzog said magistrates looking into whether Sarkozy had received campaign funds from the now mentally fragile Bettencourt had been supplied with diary details of all Sarkozy appointments in 2007. Those details, he said, “prove that the purported ‘secret meetings’ with Madame Liliane Bettencourt were impossible”. Sarkozy’s predecessor, Jacques Chirac, who ruled France from 1995 to 2007, was handed a two-year suspended jail sentence in December after a court found him guilty of misusing public funds for political purposes when he was mayor of Paris. Francois Hollande, who unseated Sarkozy in May, has vowed to change the rules in France under his tenure so that the law no longer treats presidents differently from other civilians regarding matters that predate their time in office.

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Teen remanded for Diamond fatal stabbing An 18–year-old man from 17th Street Diamond Housing Scheme was yesterday remanded to jail for the death of Rayaad Khan, the young man who was fatally stabbed in the chest with a broken glass bottle. Christopher Da Silva is accused of killing Khan on June 28 at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. He was not required to plea after making an appearance before Magistrate Leslie Sobers at the Providence Magistrate’s Court. He was represented by Attorney-at-law Maxwell McKay who provided the court with the teen’s particulars, requested an early date for the preliminary inquiry (PI). The magistrate later sought to explain to the young man the court procedures. He explained the process of the PI and the circumstances that could lead to his standing trial at the High Court. The prosecutor later asked for a three-week delay in the matter since they would like to send the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions to get advice about proceeding with the case. Although McKay argued about the delay and opted for an earlier date, the court allowed it and felt that the timing was relevant. Da Silva will return to court on July 24 for a report and the commencement of the PI. At least half of the court was filled with relatives of the deceased. As they sobbed and embraced each other they listened attentively to the information of the court. The courtroom almost emptied when the matter was concluded. Reports stated that the accused and Khan had been involved in a misunderstanding prior to his death.


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CARICOM summit opens today… CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC - Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders meet in St. Lucia for their annual summit from today with foreign policy coordination topping the agenda of their three-day deliberations. Host Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, whose St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) won the November 2011 general election, will take over the chairmanship of the 15member regional integration movement from Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse for the next six months. He has already made it known that the development of a foreign policy is something that he will be leading in terms of his chairmanship. A statement issued by the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that the leaders will be examining the

Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012

Moving the regional integration process forward thrust of the Community’s foreign policy approach given the on-going changes in global political and economic circumstances. “These changes pose challenges to the continuing development of the Community as well as for the practice of the Community’s external and political relations. However, they also create opportunities that can be exploited to the benefit of the Community,” it said. The Secretary General of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) grouping, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas along with his counterparts from the Commonwealth Secretariat Kamalesh Sharma and the Organisation of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza will meet with the leaders in the northern town of Gros-Islet. Veteran journalist Rickey

Singh, who writes extensively on CARICOM, said that Chambas visit should provide the regional leaders with a “critical assessment” of the changing priorities by the European Union, currently in the throes of an economic crisis that could negatively impact the Caribbean. But last month, the EU assured the ACP countries that it would not reduce its level of assistance to them despite the ongoing Eurozone economic crisis and fears by the developing countries of a loss in access to European markets after 2014. “It is fair to say that the European Union is experiencing an unprecedented economic and financial crisis. Nevertheless, I am glad to underline that the EU has maintained its position as the biggest global donor

for official development assistance,” President of the European Council, Christian Friis Bach, told the 37th session of the Joint ACP-EU Council of Ministers meeting in Vanuata. However, Bach also made it clear that Europe was developing a new paradigm as outlined in the EU document titled “Increasing the Impact of EU Development Policy: An Agenda for Change” which sets out new directions on how to better address new challenges to development cooperation and deliver greater impact. Trade matters among the 15-member grouping are also expected to feature at the summit here with Jamaica recently raising again the issue of unfair subsidies to Trinidad and Tobago manufacturers.

Desi Bouterse

Dr Kenny Anthony

That country’s opposition spokesman on industry Karl Samuda told Parliament recently that Kingston isn’t really benefiting from CARICOM and urged that a decision about leaving the bloc be made in the near future. But CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, who will be attending his first full fledged summit since his appointment last

August, said at the end of his visit to Jamaica last week that the single most important reason for keeping CARICOM alive is to serve the development of the region. “It can’t be anything but that,” he said, adding that Jamaica can’t survive on its own and, as such, he doesn’t foresee the country pulling out of the regional integration movement.

Govt. to remove nursing exam ...as it tries to fill over 3,000 vacancies Trinidad Express Government is moving to remove a practical testing element for nurses to qualify in a bid to fill over 3,000 vacancies in the health sector. This from Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan Monday who said the examination overseen by the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago will no longer be necessary for nurses to begin practising at the nation’s hospitals once the amendments to the Nursing and Midwives Act are passed in Parliament. Speaking at a media conference at the Ministry of Health’s head office on Park Street, Port of Spain, Khan said between 2009-2012 over 40 per cent of graduating nurses failed the licensing exam. He said that nurses who fail the exam on three consecutive occasions are permanently disqualified from practising. Khan said nursing graduates were already holding nursing certificate or Bachelor’s degree from a training institution yet the present law mandated that they still sit an examination imposed by the Nursing Council in order to be become registered nurses and practise their profession. “The removal of this examination will bring the registration and licensing of our nurses in line with other

such noble professionals. Our nurses who are trained in Trinidad and Tobago will have automatic registration to practice within Trinidad and Tobago, and those who wish to practice abroad can sit any relevant registration exam to practice in that territory,” he said. “This among other factors has impacted negatively on the Ministry’s manpower planning, as there continues to be a serious shortfall in nursing personnel. In order to address this problem and to ensure there is continuous improvement within the health sector, the Ministry is exploring various initiatives,” he said. Khan said while the Ministry has increased its training programmes and now enrolls 300 nursing students, there continues to be a “severe shortage of nurses within our local health system”. Khan said five amendments to the Nurses and Midwives Act, already approved by Cabinet, will also reduce the current size of the Nursing Council. He said the Nurses and Midwives Act currently stipulates that the Nursing Council consists of 22 people, but he thought that was too large and suggested that it be reduced to 13 people comprising elected, nonelected members and lay people.


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Create incentives and the country will be cleaned up overnight Before you “pick it up”, somebody had to have “thrown it down.” It would therefore be much better if instead of having a campaign urging citizens to pick up litter, for there to be a campaign against disposing of your garbage in the first place. Unfortunately, asking Guyanese not to litter is like throwing water on the back of a duck. It simply does not work. Guyana has had many anti-littering campaigns, none of which have been successful. The last such campaign was “the war on bad manners”. This was well-intentioned and aimed at encouraging socially acceptable conduct in public, including not littering or urination in public places. The results have not been encouraging. Even during the height of the “war on bad manners” campaign, persons could be seen littering freely. And when it comes to

urination in public, this is now a widespread practice. At almost any location you will find vehicles pulling aside, drivers opening their car doors, pulling down their zippers and…you know the rest. The city council of Georgetown tried to prosecute persons found littering, but just like traffic tickets, the fines are so prohibitive that they provide more incentives for corruption than for prosecution. Instead of trying to punish persons for littering, we should be rewarding them. We have a good example to follow. The scrap metal trade effectively cleaned up all the villages in the country. It cleaned them of up dumped derelict vehicles and scrap metals. The secret of this success was the reward that was given to scrap metal scavengers. They would go around the country and pick up disposed items of scrap

metal and then sell it to the exporters. They earned money for this clean-up and they did a good job, except that because certain types of scrap metals were fetching a lucrative price on the world market, metal bandits emerged. The telephone company lost billions because of the high price that was being paid for copper. This encouraged the unscrupulous, lured by the high price being paid for copper, to vandalize the telephone lines. Persons also began to lose their personal property such as parts of their gates and fences as the scavengers capitalized on the fortunes of the scrap metal industry. As such, the government was forced to discontinue on more than one occasion the trade in scrap metal because of the unscrupulous actions of individuals. However, while the trade was open, millions of tons of unwanted scrap metal were being exported.

Dem boys seh

De hamma man seh he accept de Chinee bid De airport expansion going ahead. Dem didn’t have no tender because de man wid de hammer seh that he satisfy and de law cover he ass. He did explain that de Chinee people come wid de money and de proposal. Is a surprise that dem didn’t come wid de airport too. Dem boys had a problem wid de price and dem still got a problem with it. Dem think that it got a lot of kickback and kick up inside. De hammer man explain that he bargain because dem Chinee people did tell dem US$185 million. Well dem boys want to know why dem didn’t bargain till de price did come down to US$5 million. He want people believe that he bargain but dem boys know that he couldn’t even bargain to buy a bicycle fuh he Ministry without Jagdeo permission. Dem boys seh that none of dem coulda do anything without Jagdeo permission. In this case Jagdeo tell he to accept. De man wid de hammer get a small kick up while Jagdeo expect a big kickback. Ralphie know everything wha been happening and when he talk he didn’t get kickback, but tek kick out. Ralphie didn’t collect even a small piece before he lef although de man wid de hammer promise he

something. That is why dem boys believe that he gun go back. Uncle Donald begging Ralphie fuh come back. Dem boys seh that if was a case wheh he wife did lef he, he wouldn’t beg suh. He mek Gail guh down pun she knee and beg pardon. He mek Cement

guh to Ralphie front gate and apologise; he seh how he sorry; and he mek Nakta de Bukta guh to de dackta fuh explain de matah. And not dem two dackta wha like sue people fuh close dem mouth and shut dem up. Talk half and wait fuh de answer.

The country has earned millions in foreign exchange and the environment was cleaned up. The lessons from that process should be applied to the present clean-up drive that is being led by the diplomatic community and which is being supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment. Instead of asking communities and citizens to “pick it up”- a strategy that is going to fail in the long run because of the unrestrained littering that takes place in the country - it would be much better if those who are behind this clean-up can offer financial rewards for the collection of litter.

The first thing to do would be to pay persons for collecting plastic bottles. These bottles can be collected and then sent to a local recycling facility. The problem of course is that there is no such facility, but while the government is seeking an investor for such a plant, plastic bottles can be stockpiled. The only reason why Guyana does not have a plastic shredder and recycling plant is because much of the plastic disposed of is collected and exported. But once a plant is established, all the exported plastic and those which litter our foreshores and canals, can be collected by the same scrap metal scavengers and

sold to the recycling plant. If this is done and if the scavengers are paid a fair wage and not asked to transport the litter far distances, then the whole country can be free of dumped plastic bottles within six months. As an extra incentive, the collectors can be asked to collect bottles and disposed Styrofoam boxes. In this way, the country would be killing three birds with one stone - glass bottles, Styrofoam boxes and plastic. Create the incentives and the country will be cleaned up overnight.


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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The revelation and denial of the Prime Minister of Guyana Yesterday morning Dr. David Hinds of APNU, Gerhard Ramsaroop and Michael Carrington of AFC participated with me and Mark Benschop in a picketing exercise outside the PM’s office in Kingston over the already implemented electricity hike for Lindeners. The PM was going to lunch so just near to his car, he engaged us. Kaieteur News, Stabroek News and

Prime News were present. As the conversation went on, I asked the PM to stop his aide from sheltering him with a huge black umbrella (why black is mysterious because black cloth captures the heat in tropical countries.) Three times I requested PM Hinds to stop his security from sheltering him because it looked awful. Three times the PM agreed but nothing changed. The fourth time I

was insistent and the umbrella was closed. PM Hinds is ridiculous. From the entrance of his office to his car there is a distance of a few feet. Why did Mr. Hinds have this man holding a large ugly umbrella over his head? It really looked terrible. My fourth request was more productive. The umbrella was closed, but my request to have it was denied. Were I given it, I

would have walked onto High Street and given it away. Let me start with what was discussed by revealing that twice I told the PM that I appreciated that he stopped and spoke to us. But Mr. Hinds has a method that he has borrowed from Cheddi Jagan. Jagan never believed, and now Hinds is up to that game, that he can lose an argument because he insisted on

denials. Hinds is the same. Before we go on to matters that may bore you, let me tell you about the great revelation of Sam Hinds which honestly speaking was given to Guyana first by Dr. Henry Jeffrey in an interview with Denis Chabrol. In front of the press and the protestors, in response to my question, PM Hinds admitted that there has never been the existence of an entity or group or organization named the Civic Component. Mr. Hinds said no such thing ever existed or exists at the moment. Speaking openly he described the immediate aftermath of the1992 election victory of the PPP as a situation in which non-PPP members joined the Cabinet as individual non-PPP persons and the overall description was that the situation (take note - not the group because there was no group according to Hinds) was referred to as Civic members. In front of the press and the protestors, Mr. Hinds unambiguously remarked that there was never an entity titled the Civic Component or the Civic Party or the Civic Group. No such thing existed. Several times in the conversation the PM utilized the phrase of individuals entering the 1992 government as non-PPP individuals. As stated above, this fact was first revealed by Dr. Henry Jeffrey. This revelation by both Jeffrey and Hinds is further testimony to the embellishment of history by Dr. Cheddi Jagan. My criticism of Dr. Jagan’s autobiography is that it contains large areas of subjective reflections and exaggerations. And the PPP has

Frederick Kissoon continued in this vein. If post1992 history is written by the PPP, it will graphically paint a picture of coalition government by the PPP from 1992. If you dismissed Jeffrey’s assertion as bile coming from a disgruntled former Minister, how can you see that as being the same with what the PM said? He is still the PM. It was not an enlightening conversation by Sam Hinds, because as the PM he could not have been intellectually straightforward with us. He denied the practice of PPP racism. He denied African Guyanese are at a disadvantage under the PPP. He denied that the modern track at Leonora, Olympic swimming pool at Lusignan, Berbice Bridge at Palmyra, and ophthalmology hospital in Port Mourant, were given their locations because of ethnic considerations. But what else do you expect the PM to say? All the protestors tackled him on the cruel increase of electricity rates in Linden. I brought in the question of the subsidy of the Demerara sugar estates despite top studies from the World Bank which showed that they are unproductive and should have been closed a long time ago. I know Sam Hinds well. You will get no intellectual concessions from him. He will talk and talk whole day to you. At the end of it, you would have wasted your time, because he will not and cannot concede that his PPP Government of twenty years is part of Guyana’s problem. It is best to say hello to Sam and move on.


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Three T&HD ferries for docking and repairs Bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), under the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), for the docking and repairs of the M.V. Kimbia, M.V Lady Northcote and the M.B Sandaka. Every year officials of T&HD have faced huge challenges juggling the entity’s aging fleet of vehicles between service and constant repairs. The NPTAB, in June 2011, also had bids for the docking and repairs of the M.V Torani and M.V Baramani. Bids yesterday for the docking and repairs of M.B Sandaka were:

There was a lone bid for the docking and repairs of M.V Kimbia.

Bids for the docking and repairs for the M.V Lady Northcote were:

The NPTAB also opened bids for the repairs of a section of road from Brian Sucre Junction to Mahdia under the Ministry of Public Works. With an engineer’s estimate of $31,878,889, the bids submitted are as follows:

Bids were also submitted in the same sector for the rehabilitation to the roof at De-Winkle Building, Fort Street, Georgetown. The engineer’s estimate is $8,485,550 and the bids:

Meanwhile, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) received four bids for the procurement of works for the construction of Port Mourant Health Centre, Port Mourant. With an engineer’s estimate of $12,318,223 the bids submitted were:

The RDC also received bids for the procurement of works for the construction of Albion Front Nursery School, Albion, Corentyne, Region Six. With an engineer’s estimate of $14,321,057 the bids were:

The Supreme Court of Judicature received a lone bid for the completion of Lethem Magistrate’s Court-Phase 2, Region Nine. With an engineer’s estimate of $40,854,172 the bid was:

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Suspect in Plastic City murder nabbed at La Penitence Market Acting on information received police went to La Penitence Market early yesterday morning where they nabbed murder suspect Michael Powley who was wanted in connection with the murder of Vishnauth Narine. Almost a month ago, Narine and Powley were involved in an argument during which Narine received a single stab wound to his chest. Narine died while receiving medical attention at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. This publication was told that Powley was arrested at around 09:15 hours yesterday, while in the La Penitence Market, by police

ranks in plain clothes. According to reports, the police had received information that the man was operating in the market where he sold coconuts for a living, soon after the incident. However, on more than one occasion police ranks had visited the market looking for the man, but he wasn’t located. Meanwhile, Narine’s relatives said they were informed of the arrest late yesterday afternoon, but were very appreciative for the work of the police. Charges are likely to be laid shortly. The dead man’s mother, Sheila Narine, had told this publication that the incident stemmed from a previous

matter the two men had brewing. Mrs. Narine said her son’s killer was accused of stealing a gas bottle from a relative and was invited to the Vreed-en-hoop police station for questioning. Both men were released after relatives opted to replace the gas bottle. However the issue between the two men continued, as the night before the murder, police were in the Plastic City area looking for Narine after Powley reported that he was being threatened. Narine was stabbed as he was making his way to the Vreed-en-hoop police station to clear his name on an allegation of threatening language.

CANU 42-kilo drug bust…

Three remain at large as charges are reinstituted The Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) is still to locate three of the four men for whom wanted bulletins were issued as drug charges against them were reinstituted. To date only Narayan Jarbanbhan has been taken into custody and the charge read to him. Yesterday, head of CANU James Singh told this publication that the three other men - Salim Bacchus, 49; Gary Belgrave, 52, and Leo Hernandez, 44 - have not presented themselves to the Unit. On June 14, last, charges against all of the men were reinstituted by order of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The men were initially charged with possession of 41.856 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. They all pleaded not guilty to the offence after which they complained of being brutalized by CANU ranks. In December, last, three of the men were released from prison on their own recognizance after their names

mysteriously disappeared from the case docket. According to the particulars of the charge, on November 3, at Line Path, Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice, the four had in their possession 41.856 kilogrammes (92 pounds) of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. At the Springlands Court, the men’s attorney, Ramesh Rajkumar, argued that his three clients—Jarbandhan, Belgrave and Hernandez— were in fact never charged and were locked up wrongfully for a prolonged period. Magistrate Krishndat Persaud then ordered their release. The fourth man, Bacchus, of Crabwood Creek, whose name appeared on a separate docket, was further remanded to prison. Initial reports are that the names of the three persons appeared on the outside of

the other docket, but Bacchus’s name was written again on the inside of that one. Following their appearance before Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond, the case was transferred to the court of the acting chief magistrate, who transferred it to Magistrate Persaud. When the charge was originally read to the quartet, CANU Prosecutor Oswald Massiah had told the court that Jarbandhan was charged with a similar offence committed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) while he was travelling to Canada, in 2009. Jarbandhan was charged after allegedly being caught with 2.553 kilogrammes of cocaine in a false compartment of his suitcase at CJIA. At the time, his address was given as Gordon Street, Kitty, and he was described as a clothing trader.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood


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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012

Ganja smuggled into prison…

Warders back at work, still face disciplinary action The two female prison warders who were implicated in a ganja-smuggling racket are back on the job, but will still face disciplinary action. This w a s r e v e a l e d yesterday by Director of Prisons Dale Erskine. “They are back at work, but they will face internal disciplinary action,” Erskine stressed. He did not specify what this action would be. In response to a query from Kaieteur News, the Director said that prison authorities

have no plans to search onduty warders, except in cases where an individual is suspected of having a prohibited item in their possession. “Any prison official would be concerned about (prohibited) things going into the prison…any matter that comes to the administration we will investigate and report to the authorities.” The two ranks were detained last week after 125 grammes of cannabis was

found in an office at the Camp Street penitentiary. Police identified the ranks as a 36-year-old corporal and 28-year-old recruit. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions recommended that the warders be disciplined, but not charged. It is alleged that the junior rank had collected a bag containing the marijuana from a woman at the prison gate. The recruit reportedly placed the bag in an office. The

female corporal, who was in charge of the night shift, reportedly found the bag and took possession of it without informing her superiors. However, the inmate who was to have collected the drugs learned that warders had his ‘stash’ and began to issue death threats to them. It was then that the corporal handed the bag over to a senior rank. Meanwhile, Erskine said that officials have received no further information about the

whereabouts of Mazaruni prison escapees Carlton Sampson and Sean Hopkinson. He said that escapees from that facility usually head for Skull Point or Karrau Creek. Both men were incarcerated on armed robbery charges at the time of their escape. Hopkinson, 29, of Blue Berry Hill, Wismar, was jailed for robbing three Banks DIH salesmen at gunpoint in 2010. He was serving concurrent

Man remanded for raping reputed wife A 36 –year-old man who was last week placed on $15,000 bail for stealing $20,000 from his reputed wife was yesterday remanded to jail after he was charged for raping the said woman prior to the alleged theft. The West Ruimveldt resident appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. He was not required to plead to the offence of rape which he reportedly committed against his 23year-old girlfriend. The charge states that on

June 21 at a named hotel in Georgetown, the man penetrated the woman. The particulars however stated that the man was charged also with sodomy committed against the same woman. The matter was held incamera and for the protection of the woman’s identity, names were withheld. The facts were read by police prosecutor, Inspector Stephen Telford. In reading the information he stated that on the day in question, around 23:30 hours, the victim and her four-year-old son were in a hotel room when she

heard knocking on the door. The woman reportedly opened the door and saw that it was the accused. The accused subsequently entered through the doorway and reportedly picked up a knife that was on a ledge. He reportedly threatened the woman with the knife and ordered her to undress, but she refused. This, according to the police information, prompted the man to slap the woman several times to the face. He then pushed her on the bed and pulled off her pants and

then her underwear. He subsequently had sexual intercourse with the woman. The facts continued that after the accused forcibly penetrated the woman from the front he ordered her to turn over, but again she refused. The accused reportedly forced the woman to turn over and he penetrated the woman from behind resulting in the buggery charge. The prosecution requested that the accused be remanded to jail and that was granted by the court. Before Magistrate Allan

Wilson on Friday, last, the accused was charged with simple larceny where he reportedly stole a sum of money from the said victim. The court had placed the man on bail. Kaieteur News however understands that the theft of the money occurred after the alleged rape. The police however stated that when the accused was charged for simple larceny the rape charge was with the Director of Public Prosecutions awaiting advice. The accused will return to court on July 16.

three-year sentences for robbery under arms, unlawful possession of firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. Carlton Sampson, 30, is said to be from Craig, East Bank Demerara. A police release also gave his address as Crane Old Road, West Coast Demerara. In September, 2009, he escaped from the Golden Grove Police Station after assaulting a police constable. At the time, he was a suspect in several armed robberies that were committed on the East Bank of Demerara. A few days later, Sampson was shot in the left hip by police after being cornered in an abandoned house at Kaneville, East Bank Demerara. He was serving sentences for robbery under arms and escape from lawful custody. Hopkinson and Sampson escaped from the Mazaruni Prison on Sunday after scaling the walls of the penitentiary. Kaieteur News understands that the inmates were on recreation, playing a game of cricket, and when a head count was made, warders discovered that the two were missing.


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Sattaur, Goolsarran should be prosecuted ‘Slap on the wrist’ unacceptable - APNU

Mohamed Sattaur

Martin Goolsarran

Carl Greenidge

“The slap on the wrist handed to t h e N a t i o n a l Communications Networks (NCN) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohamed ‘Fuzzy’ Sattaur (now resigned) and its Programme Manager Martin Goolsarran (suspended) in the face of glaring financial irregularities, aptly demonstrates an unacceptable level of financial irregularities and criminal activity.” This assertion was expressed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Carl Greenidge, whose party along with the Alliance For Change, instituted budget cuts, which triggered a financial probe at NCN. Greenidge said that the sanctions meted out to the two officials are not as regimented as r e q u i r e d under the laws of Guyana and reminded that when APNU campaigned it was touted that the law would apply for all. The APNU MP says that it is clear to see that

under the administration there is a continuation of the laws only being applicable to the weak, poor and non supporters. He reminded that under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration officials were allowed to stay in their positions and conduct

men implicated in the NCN scandal thus far. He drew reference to the fact also th a t S e n i o r Counsel Ralph Ramkarran has resigned from the People’s Progressive Party over corruption allegations he made, his unwavering s t a n c e a n d t h e p arty’s

If they fix the problem that Ralph Ramkarran is talking about, I am sure he will gladly go back. They don’t need to apologise, just fix the problem of corruption in our society.” - Carl Greenidge unlawful acts only for it to be held as a “Sword of Damocles.” Greenidge opined that this is the reason an official such as Sattaur can only be made to resign and not be prosecuted. It was reminded that Sattaur was previously sent home but was reinstated after Jagdeo intervened. According to Greenidge, there is enough for there to be a prosecution of the two

reaction. Greenidge opined that the party need not extend apologies or reconciliation offers to Ramkarran but rather fix the problems that he has been talking about. “If they fix the problem that Ralph Ramkarran is talking about, I am sure he will gladly go back. They don’t need to apologise, just fix the problem of corruption in our society.”

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No valid charge of corruption against CHEC Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn, has announced that the review of the allegations of corruption leveled against China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has been completed. CHEC had secured the contract for the US$150M expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, last November. This award was greeted by a cloud of controversy. The Minister at his Wight’s Lane, Kingston Office, said that he is satisfied that there is “no valid charge of corruption against CHEC.” Benn said that the review by his Ministry has been completed and he will make the recommendation to the Government of Guyana that there is nothing untoward in relation to the corruption charges against CHEC. He drew reference to the recent pronouncements by CHEC’s Regional Director, Zhongdong Tang, when he defended the corruption charges. Benn said that none of the allegations by the World Bank was against CHEC directly. Tang argued that CHEC has only been caught up in the ‘corruption’ debacle as a result of a World Bank technicality “and by its association.” Benn said that he is satisfied that the company has been cleared by the review conducted by the Ministry, and the project will go ahead as scheduled. In addressing the corruption charges by the World Ba n k , Ta n g t o l d media operatives that as it relates to the incident in the Phillipines, it is a matter that has nothing to do with CHEC. He had explained that

…review completed, project to proceed as scheduled - Benn CHEC falls under a Chinese Government holding company, China Communications and Construction Company (CCCC). The Phillipines incident, he explained, involved a company named China Road and Bridge Company (CRBC) and occurred in 2002. At this time, CCCC had no relationship with the implicated company, according to Tang. Neither was CHEC associated with either CCCC or CRBC. It was not until 2005 that both the implicated company (CRBC) as well as China Harbour (CHEC) were taken over by the Chinese holding company, CCCC. The second allegation of corruption levelled against the company that Tang chose to defend involved the former Bangladesh Prime Minister’s son. Tang told media operatives that two Bangladeshi citizens were engaged to provide local agency and consulting services to CHEC’s Bangladesh start-up operations for which they were paid. He said that the services provided by the Consultants included collecting the relevant information, preparing bidding documents, and advising on local requirements. “CHEC did not ask the agents to approach and lobby Mr. Arafat Rahman Koko.” Mr. Rahman is the son of the then Prime Minister. Tang

insisted that CHEC was not aware that the consultants were in contact with him. “CHEC was never indicted for committing any offence in relation to this matter and the investigations found no wrongdoing by our company.” Another incident that the Chinese official was forced to defend involved another Chinese national. In that instance it was pointed out that bribery accusation was made against a staff member of the Binhai Company, a subsidiary of CCCC. That matter is still being dealt with in a Chinese court. This is more demonstrated in the World Bank’s debarment, he said. The World Bank decided to impose a ban on seven firms from bidding for road and bridge projects funded by the World Bank from January 2009 to January 2017. Tang was quick to point out that CHEC was not involved in, and has never been involved in any activity that has attracted any sanctions by the World Bank….CHEC itself has never been under any investigation by the World Bank.” It was pointed out that in 2011 the World Bank changed its rules of engagement with Companies and debarment. This rule change by the Wo r l d B ank saw all subsidiaries of CCCC being debarred automatically which lent to involvement of CHEC “by association.”

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012

Bare Roots rape trial continues By Latoya Giles A police officer testified yesterday that the female security guard who alleged that she was raped as she walked home from work had indicated that she knew the

man who raped her. Constable Paul Tirat, who was then stationed at Vigilance Police Station, told Justice Roxanne George and a mixed jury that the woman reported the incident to him

and he accompanied her back to the area where she pointed out an unfinished concrete house to him. Tirat said she then pointed out the accused to him. The accused was at the time standing on a bridge

with another man. Tirat said he went up to the accused and told him of the allegation that he had held up the woman at gunpoint and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent. The accused replied, “Officer is nah me. I is a married man.” Tirat then arrested the man whose name he learnt to be Devon McFarlane called ‘Kang.’ He took him to Vigilance Police Station where he held a confrontation between the accused and the woman who repeated her story. The woman told the accused that he had stuck her up with a gun and raped her a n d h e was wearing his wedding ring. According to Tirat, the accused again denied the allegation and said he knew the virtual complainant (VC) and would not do that to her as he was married. Tirat, however, could not say whether the accused had on a wedding ring at that time. Devon McFarlane called ‘Kang,’ is on trial for raping the then 26-year-old security guard on the night of June 11, 2009, as she walked to her home in Bare Roots. McFarlane is represented by Attorney-at-law, Ronald Burch-Smith while Prosecutors, Judith Gildharie-Mursalin and Renita Singh are representing the State. When cross-examined, Tirat could not remember the following questions which were asked; if he had taken the accused to his home at the time of his arrest; where the accused lived; if he had questioned the wife of the accused; whether he had sought to investigate any alibi raised by the accused in relation to his whereabouts at the time of the rape, and whether he had questioned the accused. The police officer could not state the names or addresses of people he had spoken to as he was shown, by the VC, the route she walked home that night from Bachelor’s Adventure to Bare Roots, and how many statements he had taken from the VC. The witness could not recall if there were any landmarks between Bachelor’s Adventure and the unfinished concrete house and whether there were

- Witness says VC knew attacker/accused shops on the route that the VC took and they were opened late at the time in question as men were drinking and playing dominoes there. Tirat denied that the VC had told him that the man who raped her had beads on his penis. He also denied that police officers had checked the penis of the accused in this regard. Tirat also said that he made a record of the report given by the VC in the Crime Book. Defence Counsel has requested that the Crime Book be produced in court today. Earlier yesterday, the VC’s husband was cross-examined by defence counsel and he said that even though there are several routes his wife could have taken to get home, he had “designed” one for her to use when she worked the night shift. The soldier testified that there are shops along that route, but these operated at “scheduled times.” He explained that if there was a function, they could remain open until after midnight, but they usually closed between 11:00 to 11:30pm. He said there was no function at any of the shops on that particular night.

In answer to the jury, the man said sometimes on his way home from work he would see the accused liming at the corner with other men and he would take a few “Guinness” with them and head home. He also said that the accused, whose wife is his cousin, had visited his home for his anniversary party on August 28, 2008. Following this incident with his wife, the soldier said he began patrolling the area and his superior had also instructed another soldier who lived in the area to work along with him. Another witness called by the prosecution was Constable Vernika Caulder, who had escorted the VC to the Georgetown Hospital on January 12, 2009, where she was seen and examined by a doctor who issued a medical certificate. This medical certificate was admitted as an exhibit in the trial and read to the jury by Caulder. It indicated that the VC alleged that she was raped by a “known assailant.” However, there was no sign of injury and the doctor also mentioned that the VC was a mother of three. The VC had earlier (continued on page 19)

Several new strategies on stream to deal with social issues in schools - Manickchand Social issues continue to be a growing problem locally, with younger children being involved in crime, increased teenage pregnancies and an ever-growing list. Having recognized this, the Ministry of Education will soon be embarking on a number of new strategies which will be aimed at dealing with issues such as reintegrating pregnant teens back into the school system. During a press briefing last Thursday, Minister Manickchand said several

senior officers will be travelling to Jamaica to have a firsthand look at the situation there to see how it (re-integration) has been working. Having explored the programme in Jamaica, the officers will return with the aim of possible implementation. It was however noted that as is customary, consultation will have to be held before that and any other such programme is introduced by the Ministry. Further, responding to the question of condoms being introduced in schools, Minister Manickchand said that too is an issue which will have to see consultation. “This is a serious decision, but it will only come after we would have spoken to persons on a large scale, I haven’t considered it… I would never off myown,withoutconsultation,make such a decision”. The Minister acknowledged that the Ministry and its teachers spend at least eight hours a day with students, but their parents ultimately have the last say. “We can’t come up with that decision and that child’s parent or guardian has control over that child. We also have to acknowledge the fact that the children have rights too.”


Wednesday July 04, 2012

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Kaieteur News

Farmer’s disembowelled body found in shallow grave For the second time in less than a week, Police on the East Coast of Demerara have dug up the body of a murdered individual from a shallow grave. This time it is in the village of Foulis, where the badly mutilated body of 51year-old Gangaram Bharat called ‘Gumpy’ was pulled from a three feet deep grave at the back of a yard in 14th Street. The discovery was made yesterday around 17:00 hours by ranks from the Enmore Police Outpost, who had accompanied the dead man’s sister, Eunice JoeSamuels, to the house. Bharat’s body bore marks of a savage killing with several chops visible on both feet while he appeared to have been disembowelled. The owners of the house, who police say are the prime suspects in the murder, reportedly packed up and fled the property sometime on Monday, after the dead man’s sister had been making enquiries about his whereabouts. Investigators are working on the theory that Bharat was killed some time on Friday, when he was last seen imbibing with the occupants of the house behind which his body was found. Three other persons from another house nearby, who were also seen drinking with Bharat, have been detained for questioning by the police. As news of the shocking discovery circulated through the village, scores of residents converged on the scene, and they all expressed shock that something like that could have happened in their community. While the police have not yet established a motive for the brutal killing, Bharat’s sister, who resides a few miles away in the village of Duch Four, is convinced that he was murdered for the piece of land on which he cultivates cash crops. “He come by me Wednesday and he tell me some people want kill he fuh he farm and he lef and he

come home Thursday.” Joe-Samuels told this newspaper that on Saturday, she received a telephone call from her brother’s tenant, who informed her that he did not come home the previous night. She said that after the tenants continued to call her repeatedly, she decided to leave her home and go to Foulis to investigate. She made a missing person report at the Enmore Police Outpost after learning that he was last seen drinking in 14th Street. She returned to the area every day after that, all the while making enquiries about her missing brother. “Me so confuse, me deh up down, up down ah search all over de place, all over Dazzell Scheme me deh search,” the dead man’s sister said. According to JoeSamuels, the owner of the house where her brother’s body was found began acting strangely after he learnt that she was looking for Bharat. Neighbours said that the man and his wife were seen leaving the house on Monday with packed suitcases. “Yesterday (Monday) de man hear dat how me ah come with police and he go way. He tek he wife and go way,” the woman told Kaieteur News. She said that her suspicions grew and yesterday she returned to the Enmore police with a view to getting a police rank to accompany her to search the tightly locked up property in question. However it was not until after she sought the intervention of a senior officer at the Cove and John Police Station that two ranks accompanied her to the house. Her suspicions reached fever pitch when upon entering the yard, she saw her brother’s hat in an abandoned car, which was parked there. “Before me come, while in de car me tell de man ‘suppose me go in deh and see me brother tie up and bury in de yard’. De man say

‘nah seh so’. Me seh me feel so because me does know thing,” Joe-Samuels recalled. She and the two police ranks eventually went to the back of the yard where they

were hit with a strong pungent smell. They then stumbled upon a pile of sand and mud which was covered with pieces of old wood and plastic and they immediately sensed that

it was a shallow grave. After sending JoeSamuels outside, the ranks commenced digging and soon enough they came upon the body. “At first we butt up with

de foot and when we did more we see like dey buss open he belly. He guts been outside,” a source told this newspaper. Such was the state of the (continued on page 23)


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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012


Wednesday July 04, 2012

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Kaieteur News

Senior citizens endure long waits at Berbice Post Offices

S

cores of old-age pensioners and senior citizens in Berbice endured hours of suffering in long lines and among crowds at various Post Offices yesterday. They all turned up in the usual manner to uplift their (Government) old-age pensions and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensions, while other dependent persons turned up to collect their Public Assistance monies. In addition, Tuesdays are usually ‘parcel’ days at the various post offices and this added to the confusion which existed yesterday, resulting in a large build-up of persons and chaos at the respective post offices. At New Amsterdam, the situation was chaotic. It was a rather unfortunate scene as a large number of senior citizens waited patiently, anxiously and stood for hours awaiting the little monies to be paid to them. Kaieteur News understands that the pensions and public assistance monies are usually paid on the first day of every month. However, since Monday was a national holiday, this resulted in the first working day of the week (yesterday) being the day for the payments to be made.

There was hardly any room at the N/A Post Office

There was hardly any walking room or space at the New Amsterdam Post Office yesterday as the crowd started to build up just after 09:00 hrs. Many persons expressed anger and disgust at the entire situation and wondered why the post office could not have put

other systems in place to deal with the heavy influx of persons yesterday. One postal employee, in speaking to this newspaper, said the situation was a rare one given the quadruple factors involved - the payments of NIS, Gov’t pensions

and public assistance along with the fact that it was parcel day - as well as Monday being a holiday. At the Nigg, Corentyne Post Office, the situation was quite the same - a huge gathering of senior citizens made to wait for hours, standing, and with barely any room

to breathe. “Only in Guyana this can happen,” related one senior citizen with a sign of disgust on his face. Efforts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the General Post Office, proved futile. (Leon Suseran)


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Kaieteur News

Local artist launches gallery Having been painting for over 50 years, Guyanese artist, Conrad H. Meertins, decided that “it is about time” that he launched his very own art gallery. He did so two Saturdays ago. It is titled “Van Meer Art”. The showcasing of Meertins life’s work will be done at his residence in Cul-de-sac Street, Kitty, Georgetown. Born on September 23, 1943, Meertins says he was captivated by art from an early age. In pursuing his dream, he was the winner of a competition at age 10. He was lucky to have been tutored by prominent Guyanese artist, Edgar R. Burrowes at Queen’s College. Meertins later became an airline pilot. He was a Captain with several of the major airlines in the region.

But even as he pursued this, his prevailing devotion remained art. He therefore continued to develop on his artistic abilities. Meertins strived relentlessly to create a medium through the fusion of painting and woodcraft, which he says, “culminated in the evolution of a unique threedimensional art form”. He believes that his talent in woodcraft derived from his Dutch ancestry. Meertins designs residential and commercial interiors, which include restaurants and night clubs. It is believed that he pioneered handicraft in Guyana, and much of the current craft evolved from his creations. His stylistic consistency and selection of source material can be observed in his “Van Meer” collection on display at his residence.

Conrad H. Meertins poses with some of his paintings in the background

Wednesday July 04, 2012


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Removal of CJIA squatters imminent The removal of persons squatting on Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri (CJIA) to facilitate expansion of the airport runway, is imminent. Over 300 homes will have to be removed to facilitate the project. Occupants’ onemonth deadline to vacate the area has elapsed. Some residents who were served notices to relocate, claim the lands which they occupy belong to them through leas e f r o m t h e Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission. But Transport Minister Robeson Benn said he is unaware of those lands “squatters” claim they own. “There is a map of the airport property as inherited at the time the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, doing an assessment of the property boundaries and occupancies I believe that there were only five or six socalled squatters on the property,” he said. Benn stated that no squatter who has been protesting and decrying their removal in the media presented the Ministry with a certificate of title, a lease document or transport with respect to the airport lands, which was demarcated on maps done on the airport, at the behest of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission. While the Ministry is aggressively pursuing the removal of squatters in light of the airport expansion, Benn pointed out that attempts have been made in the past

Bare Roots rape trial ... From page 14 testified that the accused, whom she had known for about a year prior to the incident, had raped her for more than fifteen minutes and foremost in her mind was whether he had any disease and what he would do when he was finished. Following the alleged rape, he had then taken her at gunpoint to her home where he peeped through a window and saw her husband on the bed holding their baby. He had left, warning the VC not to say anything to anyone or he would come back to get her in the morning. The VC had told her husband that night that if he was looking out for her, that would not have happened to her. She had worked the 4:00 pm to 12 midnight shift and had to walk some 45 minutes to reach her home. The trial continues today.

to remove the squatters for their own safety. He pointed out that during a recent plane crash in Nigeria squatters were killed. He wants to prevent a similar occurrence in Guyana. Benn recalled that when he became Transport and Hydraulics Minister there were attempts to remove squatters because of the danger they face occupying airport lands. He said, “We went around and gave notices - we were defied. We said there should be no new building and they kept building and then we went out and took down some of those new buildings. As I always say, the press is ignoring this… that a certain terrorist was on airport lands - squatting at the back there and we had a great near-miss with respect to that issue.” A c c o rding to Daniel Fraser, Chairman of the Timehri (North) Community Development Council (TNCDC), a group formed to represent residents and businesses, they are examining legal action. The soil testing works being done to facilitate the airport expansion has seen over $7M in damage to the cash crop farms, residents said. “They want us to move. We have light, water, telephone. We are not in the path of the runways. The Timehri prison is even closer to the runway. They spent millions of dollars on it last year. Nobody has told us about compensation,” resident said. There are over 30 shops in the community, three churches, a fire station, and living quarters for prison workers.

Overcrowding at Hinterland dormitory causes frustration Persons living along Guyana’s coastline often take many things for granted; things like running water, electricity, vehicles and roadways. But just a few hours’ flight away from the coast, atop the mountains of Region Eight, in the village of Paramakatoi, many persons are happily living without many of these things and are affected by a number of social issues. Speaking with this newspaper yesterday were a number of displeased residents from Paramakatoi, who expressed their frustration at the current state in which the village’s dormitory has been for the past two years. It was noted that it is so overcrowded that beds are being placed into the hallways so as to accommodate students. Kaieteur News understands that the capacity of the dormitory is 250 and the facility currently houses approximately 350 students. As such the parents of these students, as well as residents, are calling on the Education Ministry to accelerate the process for the construction of the Kato complex which is located also in the Pakaraimas, and is the nearest village to Paramakatoi. This complex will consist of a secondary school and a dormitory. It is hoped that upon completion of this facility, the number of students housed at the Paramakatoi dormitory will be significantly decreased. Currently, that is the only dormitory that can facilitate these students since most if not all of them come from faroff villages, making it impossible for them to traverse daily. Meanwhile, Kaieteur News sought comments from the Regional Education

Poor water quality due to operational difficulties - GWI The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in a statement yesterday noted that due to operational difficulties at the Shelter-Belt Water Treatment Facility, customers in sections of Georgetown have been experiencing reduced water quality. Reports revealed that residents of the entire southern Georgetown on Monday criticized the quality of water they were receiving. The colour of the water was

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dark brown. According to the water utility, teams have been dispatched in an effort to restore normal service in the swiftest manner possible. Customers affected can contact GWI’s Customer Services Call Centre on 227-8701, e-mail customercallcentre@gwi.gy or post via social media at w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / everydropcountsgy Additionally, updates will be broadcast via 98.1 FM and 102.5 FM or 560 AM.

Students of Paramakatoi Secondary School going to access water several miles away Officer (REO) of Region Eight, Marcia PaddyAndrews, and Regional Chairman Mark Crawford, who both confirmed overcrowding at the dormitory. The REO said that she has been in discussion with officials from the Education Ministry since 2011 to address the issue, adding that

she was informed last week by the Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry that the Kato Complex will not be completed until 2015, since the project depends on the completion of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project. She noted that approval was granted two years ago for the construction of the Kato Complex.

An Albouystown woman is calling for a thorough investigation into what she calls police brutality. Yesterday, Tracy Andrews told this publication that she was slapped twice by a policeman and was insulted by a jeepload of ranks when she tried to rescue her brother from a “sound thrashing” by the lawmen, whom she said stormed through the area “with the intention of killing someone.” Andrews explained that she sent her brother, who is a drug-addict, to a nearby shop to purchase some cigarettes at around 03:00hrs yesterday, but after a few minutes passed and he didn’t return, she went out to look for him. “I was on the street with a bowl of food that I was eating and a boy asked me what colour clothes my brother wearing, and when I tell he, he say the police beating he up further down in the street,” the woman

claimed. She said she went to the location and asked her brother what was the issue between him and the police, “he say that the police collect he from that yard (a house that sells the drug) and they start beat he.” “I ask him which one of them beat he and he tell me the one coming out from the yard and when I look, I see three of them and they start pitching the light (from a flashlight) in my face so I hold onto my brother and one of them grab him and I tell them, ‘y’all done beat him why y’all taking him’ and we start argue li’l and one of the officer dig two slap in me and I fall to the ground.” She said that she was then dragged to the police van and taken to the Police Station, where she claims that she was ridiculed and insulted. “They tell me that I mad and that I gotta see a doctor, and when my husband come to bail me they tell him that he

Andrews added that the region is now looking at the possibility of shuttling some of the students from Paramakatoi to the dormitory in Mahdia, so as to ease the overcrowding. Regional Chairman Crawford also called on the Education Ministry to play its part in speeding up the construction process since the situation will cause a number of students who sat the recently concluded National Grade Six Assessment to remain in their primary schools because there is not space at the Paramakatoi dormitory to accommodate them. This, he opined, will be a setback to the development of their early secondary education. And the Region is also asking for the construction of a well, which was promised a while now, to commence as soon as possible, since the students have to walk several miles to access water from a creek. It was also pointed out that some of the students are involved in sexual activities while at the creek. The mountaintop village, home to some 1000 people, attracts many children from various parts of Region Eight to the nursery, primary and secondary schools located there. The schools’ total population is 500, with almost 300 of these students from Paramakatoi itself.

Albouystown woman claims police brutality

Tracy Andrews can’t get any sex, because I might beat he up.” She alleged that her husband was forced to pawn his gold band to the police “in order to get bail money”. “I am going far for this, because they did wrong to me. They had no right to slap me, then drag me on the road and insult me.”


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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012

Obstacles to regional competitiveness must be addressed - CCfC “To achieve competitiveness, the Region must address its constraints head on.” This opinion was expressed on Friday, last, by the CARICOM Secretariat’s Private Sector Facilitation Specialist, Ms. Leela Ramoutar, during the

opening of a regional consultation coordinated by the Caribbean Centre for Competitiveness (CCfC). The Consultation was hosted at the Georgetown headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat to share information on the Centre’s mandate.

The mandate advises; (1) conduct research and case study analysis in order to understand regional firmbased competitiveness and the competitiveness of ecosystems; (2) build technical capacity in competitiveness; business climate reform; clustering and

Small Medium Enterprise (SME) development; (3) deliver training programs for the public and private sectors; and (4) provide an independent platform for public private dialogue and collaboration. Ms. Ramoutar told stakeholders that the

Region’s constraints have been with us for decades. “…and I say with deep conviction, no matter what we do, unless we address the financing constraint, the deep rooted constraint of moving goods and people, and reducing the cost of production, other initiatives to achieve competitiveness may not yield the desired benefits.” Against that backdrop, the Private Sector Specialist said that the Region had “great expectations” of the CCfC; and that the Secretariat acknowledged the contribution of this initiative toward building stronger regional integration and creating synergies necessary for ensuring the sustainable competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises. The collaboration between the CARICOM Secretariat and the CCfC, she pointed out, would strengthen linkages among regional universities, institutions, and agencies to develop and maintain a strong network of strategic partners to enhance regional competitiveness. Friday’s consultation represented one of several that the CCfC will be hosting across the Caribbean with the purpose of developing a market-driven work

programme for the Centre. Executive Director of the CCfC, Indera Sagewan-Alli during her remarks, provided details of the work that the Centre had already started in research and analysis, and in developing a train the trainers programme designed to provide a platform for public private sector dialogue on competitiveness. She said that the Centre was also involved in developing a market-driven business plan that would produce “cutting edge” services. The CCfC Executive Director noted that it was important to harness its expertise in competitiveness and innovation, as the Region sought to enhance its comparative advantage. The CCfC is a relatively new organization, established in September 2010 and operationalised in 2011 through a Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the University of the West Indies. Another part of the focus of the consultation in Georgetown was to determine whether the oversight and the scope of the Centre were adequate to the needs which exist within the area of competitiveness in the Region.

Cop under close arrest as detained woman alleges rape A constable attached to the Enmore Police Station, East Coast Demerara, is currently under close arrest, accused of sexually assaulting a female who had been detained overnight after her husband had lodged a complaint against her. The woman’s allegations were made yesterday around 08:30 hrs at the Divisional Headquarters at Cove and John. “The police constable identified has been placed under close arrest as the investigations continue,” a statement from the police indicated last evening. The woman had been arrested sometime late Saturday night and was subsequently released on bail Sunday morning, last, after her husband had made a report of domestic violence against her. After reporting the issue, the man had reportedly accompanied two police officers on duty to arrest his wife. When the ranks detained the woman and took her to the police station, the husband, who also returned

to the station with the trio, told the officers that he did not wish to “have any problem” and had asked them to “warn” the woman. Acting Commander of the Police East Coast Division (‘C’ Division), Gavin Primo, told Kaieteur News yesterday morning that the allegation was brought to his attention early yesterday and he gave instructions that the matter be investigated thoroughly to “check on the accuracy of the allegation.” He stated that the matter is too premature to issue a statement but assured that investigations are already being conducted by some of his senior detectives. Meanwhile, another source said that it was impossible for the alleged rape to have taken place. “It can’t be possible because the man went with the policemen to arrest his wife. Then he came back with his wife and police to the station and he was there all the time with his wife. She couldn’t have been raped, because she and her husband also left the station together,” said the source.


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Construction works halted on $34M market tarmac - Severe state of erosion cited A section of the Kumaka waterfront

The construction of a $34M market tarmac and public washroom facilities at the waterfront at Kumaka (Mabaruma) in Region One has been stopped after it was discovered by the contractor that further assessments need to be carried out on the area to assess the best possible way forward, since the area is in a severe state of erosion. During an invited comment yesterday, Regional

Chairman of Region One Paul Pierre said construction works begun shortly after the contract was signed in May of this year, however the works were stopped shortly after it was discovered by the contracting service that the area was mostly swamp and that further adjustments need to be put in place before the actual construction can commence. The Regional Chairman said that excavation works

need to be carried out first so as to ensure proper drainage is available to facilitate this project, since he said the Kumaka waterfront had caved in before. The contract for this project is for three months duration, however according to Pierre he is unsure as to when the works will recommence. He added that the contract was awarded to Joshi Construction from Region

Hotel owner testifies to assisting in capture of accused

Bel Air heist…

Owner of the Ocean Spray Hotel, Shamir Mohamed, yesterday testified to playing a part in the capture of at least one of the persons accused of committing armed robbery at the home of prominent businessman Malcolm Panday on June 12 last year. The man took to the witness box before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry to give evidence in the relation to the daring multi-milliondollar heist at Bel Air Park. Mohamed was identified as a prosecution witness and he stated that he had seen the accused when they entered his hotel’s compound. While being led in his evidence-in-chief by special prosecutor Bernard De Santos S.C, the businessman said that on the day in question, he noticed three males exit a vehicle. He said they were in a hurry and they attempted to leave the compound but as they did, a policeman entered the yard and the men retreated before seeking to scale the hotel’s fence. Mohamed further alleged that he had seen the police

chase the men and after awhile, he heard gunshots. The businessman later claimed that he got his shotgun and on seeing one of the accused jump over the wall again, he held him up with the firearm until he saw a police van enter the compound with the other two accused in the back of the van. He also said an envelope was on the ground. He recounted that it had money inside and along with the accused, he handed it over to the police. Attorneys Omeyana Hamilton and Randolph Kirton, who are representing Hardat Kumar and Rayon Jones respectively, were on hand in defence of their clients. Both lawyers cross examined the witness. They sought to establish distance and other factors that would contribute to the witness being able or unable to identify the accused. Sparks flew during the Senior Counsel’s reexamination of the witness. The defence felt that the prosecutor was trying to fill in gaps that they claimed were in the witness’s story, while

De Santos said that he was merely trying to establish the layout of the compound in order to verify the witness’s ability to clearly view the accused. The matter was adjourned to tomorrow. Charged with the offence of robbery are Mr. Panday’s mother-in-law, Chandrada Rampersaud; Hardat Kumar, 23, of Owen Street, Kitty; Jermaine Mitchell, 20, of YY 15 North East La Penitence, Rabindra Seemangal, 20, of 100 Sheriff Street and Rayon Jones of Lot 2 Hardina Street, Wortmanville. An ex-policeman was also charged for the robbery, but for lack of evidence those charges were dropped. On the last occasion, Panday’s wife Annie Ramsood, took to the stand and gave her evidence in relation to the alleged crime. The woman was reported to be the one at home at the time of the incident and she was the one who gave the men the money after they held up her family and their help at gunpoint. She was not cross examined.

Three. Kaieteur News attempted to seek a comment on when the project is slated to recommence, from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Colin Croal, but these efforts proved futile.

Bananas being smuggled from Suriname Bananas are the newest addition to the list of products that are being smuggled from neighbouring country Suriname. While there is no shortage of bananas in the local market, or any crisis which has forced consumers to seek alternative sources for this fruit, the smuggling continues. Kaieteur News understands that even as some persons have resorted to bringing bananas in the country from Suriname, illegally, the foreign produce is not being smuggled in large quantities. Reports are that some persons source bananas from Suriname because of the different varieties being produced there. One fruit vendor at the Bourda Market, told this newspaper that he is aware of bananas from Suriname being sold in the market a short while ago. The prices were not low, yet the fruits sold out quickly. “Well I can’t say for sure who was selling and who bought ‘because I don’t want problems, but I hear and know people bring in bananas from Suriname and so and sell it here. It sell out quick, too, I think because it is a different type than what Guyana grows and I hear it real sweet. But I think is particular

sets of people does buy them,” said the vendor. He also explained that the relevant authorities got wind of the situation and began visiting the market occasionally. They managed to seize some of the Suriname bananas. The officers are also expanding their searches to other markets to identify bananas and other fruits which may have been smuggled into Guyana. Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, told Kaieteur News that there have been reports of bananas being smuggled into Guyana and officers were deployed in the field (markets) to investigate. They (officers) managed to seize some of these bananas due to the fact that the appearance of the Surinamese bananas is much different than those locally produced. He stated that when produce such as fruits and plants are brought into Guyana illegally they pose a threat to the country since the items could have diseases. “When people bring in these things they could have diseases and it will affect our country because our plants and fruits will be threatened. If the diseases enter into Guyana then our produce can become destroyed,” he said.


Page 22

Kaieteur News

Workers for telecommunications.Computer experience a must,great pay,Taboo Employment Agency Call: 233-6517,6221957 Monday-Friday 9-5

SERVICES Permanent &Visitors Visa Applications Professional Immigration Consultant Sabita - Room E-4 Maraj Building 225-6496/ 223-8115/662-6045.

Workers for landscaping Call: 656-1326,626-1044

Problems with PC? Call Roul for assistance 610-9490

Sawmill workers Call: 6539752, 261-6412

We refill HP cartridges for $1800 Call: 650-7699

Taxi drivers Call: 225-3234

US & Canada VISA application services. Call: 643-6630. Family discounts available.

WANTED

Action Tyre 17 Croal Street & Sendall Place,Georgetown.Drive/ Salesman,Mechanic,Sales Clerk.Please Apply Within Urgently needed live in waitress to work in bar. Reasonable salary offer Call: 259-0574 1 Handy boy to work in the interior Call: 688-0197 1 Mechanic to work in the interior Call: 688-0197 Two maids, attractive salary. 642-9299. 1 Excavator operator to work in interior Call:684-7516,2263799 One bar/lounge manager to work in Kitty Area Call:6181212,226-7054 Need extra cash? Invest is going PEANUT business!! For more information Call:680-3573 One general domestic to do cleaning Call:227-5500 Office clerk.CXC English / Mathematics Call:225-4492/ 225-9404

Repairs to gas stoves,blenders,washing machines,electric stoves Call:686-6209 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000 CALL 694-9843 ONLINE SHOPPING NO COMMISSION,WEEKLY SHIPMENTS,AFFORDABLE RATES,FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX.TEL:231-5789. FREIGHTLINKEXPRESS@ GMAIL.COM WE FILL OUT PASSPORT & VISA FORMS:USA,UK & CANADA.TEL:231-5789 Imported Wedding, Invitations, Printed Brochure, Flyer etc. ANY SHAPE & DESIGN STAMP. FREE DELIVERY. TEL: 225-4968, 621-3345 FOR RENT Nandy Park – US$2,000, Business place: Smyth & Durban Sts. Tel: 699-5490. Bobcat for rent Call:610-3575

Live in small family handy man duties,driving an asset Call:227-1830 Handyman to clean yard,must have knowledge of dogs Call:227-5500 Experienced hair dresser needed at Xpressions Salon call 226-7268 Experience dispatcher for taxi service 227-1200,225-1111 1 Cook Call:223-5798,6477432 Cook for bar,Age 25-35 Years Call:658-6829 1 Watch man,1 Yard man Please Call:223-5273-4 Larry/ Leanand One experience hire car driver C ontact Mrs.Z.Khan 226-7948,646-6000 Responsible hire car drivers Call:231-7474 One general domestic to work in Georgetown.Must be honest & reliable Call:6566388

EDUCATIONAL Imperial College- CXC 2013. Forms (1-5)/ lessons/adults classes, flexible hours. Affordable fees Call: 2277627, 683-5742 Private Custom Brokerage Certificate Course for all importers/exporters and other learn how Call:6091824,681-7567 Academia : Summer classes and courses July 9thAugust 24th,entire package $4500, age 8-18 Call: 600-3775

15" Celestion speakers 1600 watts, one complete stage, size 24ftx20ft Call: 644-3390 or 667-7511 Roofing shingles Call Mr. Skepmire 227-5195 (8AMto5PM) NARS lipgloss, eyeshadow & Clinique Chubby Stick. Tel: 669-8374.

FOR SALE 1 ERF Hauler,1 45 ft Trailer Call:653-4455 Stainless steel meat saw,meat grinder,display freezer,walk in freezer Call: 233-6161,651-8870 1-50 Gallon, electric water heater (brand new) Call: 647-1773 Moulders,multirip saws,resaws,cross cut saw and genset. Call Rodney 616-5595 3 Tractors,1 new Holland,1 massy Ferguson,2 welder generators (diesel),2 marine generators,4 perkins engine,1 Honda ATV Call: 641-2905,665-4003

SUMMER CLASSES, Reading, Phonics, Language, Mathematics, Art, Games, lots more!! Roxanne Burnham call: 619-4355, 218-2076

One 15HP Yamaha long foot Call: 689-5254,643-0332

Live and work in Canada, get Canadian certificate as a Caregiver Call: 227-4881 or 416-674-7973

One wooden boat, just cork, sand & paint ,53-9-5 ½, excellent condition Call: 2620316

Princeton College Summer Classes,Primary/Secondary School,Students Age 618,CXC Adults Classes,Affordable Fees Call:690-5008,611-3793

Pure breed Rottweiler puppies,8 weeks old,fully vaccinated & dewormed Call: 602-5541

Dell computers complete with 17 & 19 inch LCD from $50,000 Future Tech 2312206

1 Ship 67 metre in length selling as scarp Call:2272027,623-4045,227-5500

Two labour lorries from GuySuco Call:228-2095

SUMMER CLASSES : Phonics & Reading, Mathematics & Language, Science & Social-Studies, Craft & Fun day, Garnett Street Kitty Call: 654-8650

15-15-15 Fertilizer Call: 2662711,609-4594

Games for PS2 $900,PSP $900,PS3 $2,600,Xbox $2,600 Call Junior 672-2566,265-3231 1 2007 R1 Candy Red at a reasonable price Call: 2272027,623-4045,227-5500 2009 Seadoo jetski 18 ft 6 inch x 7 ft 6 inch fiberglass speed boat with 175 Yamaha 2336161,651-8870

SALON Make up courses, artist trained & certified in Trinidad: 660-5257,647-1773 Cosmetology Classes & Small Classes from as low as $4,000.Learn in our peaceful & happy environment Call: 226-9448 Summer special from July 16-August 31 in C o s m e t o l o g y, N a i l s & Make-up Call Abby 2161950,666-5241,619-7603

LAND FOR SALE 1 ½ acre, 48ftx1300ft V/Hoop Call: 627-9351 Adventure Linden highway 150 acres G$40m 592 609 2302/645 2580/233 5711 Ogle Public Road 140’ X 100’ G$45m, Land of Canaan Wharf 140’ X 50’ on lot 11.88 acres US$2.5m, 592 609 2302/ 645 2580/233 5711 Adventure Linden highway 150 acres G$40m 592 609 2302/645 2580/233 5711 Eping Ave B.A.P 150’ X 100" US$500,000, Carmichael Street 100" X 62" US$500,000, Grove H/S 86’ X 50’ G$4.5m Norbert A.DeFreitas 592 609 2302/645 2580/233 5711 defreitasassociates@ gmail.com

FOR SALE Pine lumber for sale @ River View Wood products Inc. Address: 164-165 Friendship EBD Call: 266-0296,639-2577

Wednesday July 04, 2012

1996 T 100 V6 4X4,2002 Tacoma V6 4X4,2005 Tacoma 4 cylinder Call:651-8870,2336161 Earth delivery on spot also bobcat & excavator rental Call: 626-7127 Prime Property @ Corriverton Opposite Skeldon Estate with metal workshop on 5.5 acres land for business Call: 335-3347/ 626-6245 Printer ink cartridges $2,500,Power inverter $20,000 Call: 650-7699 Pontoon 200x50x12 as in,no reasonable offer refused Call:227-2027,623-4042,2275500

PEN PAL Need a friend for a serious relationship or marriage? Call Sherwin 672-9539

Turkey,Creole C h i c k e n , Ducks (French & Peeking) Call:668-9113,697-4555 Mechanic tool sets, 230 pieces, mastercraft also 80 GB HD Call: 675-5196,267-1513 GOLD PROSPECTING TOOLS CALL:6097625,675-7292

Slate pool table, merry-goround,music set Call: 2282098

1 CAT D379 Marine Engine 700HP, 2 CAT 399 Marine Engine (Parts),3 Rebuilt Cummins KTA19 600HP,4 Cummins NTA 855 400HP Call: 623-7498 Just Arrived!!American Finest Brands Computers,Desktop & Laptop $85,000 Call:253-3426 or visit our store Goed Fortuin

VACANCY Bilingual representatives. Must be fluent in Portuguese and English. Send CV to: 64 Industrial Site, Beterverwagting ECD Call: 220-0401-3 Be part of our World Class customer care team. Send CV to: 64 Industrial Site Beterverwagting ECD Call: 220-0401-3 IT Technician & Occupational Health & Safety officer. Please send CV to: 64 Industrial Site, Beterverwagting ECD. Call: 220-0401-3 or email: recruitmentguyana @qualfon.com. 3 Handymen to work in the interior Call:684-7516,2263799 1 Mature pleasant & experience general domestic to live in at Parika Call:2269492 Mon-Fri 9:00am to 4:00pm

MASSAGE American style massage service Call: 609-4036 Get massaged by a professional Call Nicole: 612-7209 Luxury full body massage at your home or hotel 622-6256

3 Yamaha outboard engines,(2) 225 HP $1.1M,(1) 150 HP $950,000,Prices Negotiable Call:699-1711 Bedroom set $400,000,Bed $40,000, Music set $130,000. Everything is little over 1 year old Call:642-5203

CAR RENTAL

Sofa set U.S.A $140,000,TV 37 inch,Panasonic Veria,Ipod dock $125,000.Everything is little over 1 year old Call:642-5203

Progressive auto rental, cars from $4,000 per day. Call: 643-5122, 656-0087, www.progressiveautorental.com

Used STHIL 51 Chainsaw Call:662-7034 SONY PLAYSTATION 2 (New) with free game $35,000,Original gamediscs for PS2,PS3 & XBOX360 6098132,264-2498 (Max)

FABS RENTAL, cars & jeeps rental Call: 600-6890 or email fabsrental@yahoo.com

1 Mercury boat 7.5 HP engine Call:645-9459 Live meat birds Call:650-4421

Porters to work at grocery stall Stabroek Market Call:226-9800, Experience is an asset.

Al’s car pick up & canter rental Call:698-7807 WANTED

One PC 300 Komatsu bigger than 320 Caterpillar.Price $24 Million Call:225-8334,6404627 DRESS MAKING

LEARN TO DRIVE

IMB Lenouo Thinkpad laptop $75,000 Brand new Call: 681-2111

6 weeks course in designing and sewing Call Sharmie 225-2598, 641-0784 HEALTH

Soman & Sons Driving School,First Federation Building Call: 225-4858,6445166,622-2872,615-0964

1-Doosan Excavator,1-290 Dayou Excavator.In Excellent Condition,Can Be Inspected At Itaballi.Call:223-2573-4

HIV/AIDS Are you infected? Help is available.Results Guarantee Call: 639-6054 or 691-7070

TOURS ‘Life is a beach on Curacao’vacations offered by Curacao Tours & Recreational Travels Call: 660-7313,699-7613 (Continued on page 23)


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Letters... Where your views make the news

A return to the PPP will destroy Ralph... From page 4 harbour any delusions on these issues for they are central to the very soul of this nation and he is a man in the dawn of his life having a conversation with his soul. His leaving is critical for its potential to force the rank and file PPP membership and supporters to start standing up for democracy within the PPP. Internal democracy is the only way the PPP could regain a majority as internal democracy will bring better leadership to battle those fraudulent types who have hijacked the PPP. If this current Jagdeoite cabal continues to dominate the PPP and in doing so to handpick incompetents and weak leaders to the highest offices of the land just so they could maintain power to maintain their fingers in the cookie jar, the PPP will lose even more votes. Ramkarran staying with the PPP cannot stem this decline and his leaving will not cause the PPP to lose

power or to come second in an election although it will cause the PPP to definitely lose some percentage points in the overall vote. Ramkarran’s departure is more pivotal to the future of the PPP for it will create a firestorm of debate over the future of the PPP under the Jagdeoites and will spur a major debate on internal democracy within the PPP. Those who suspended the last PPP congress and will effectively hold onto power through the Central Committee for six years while the general membership is denied a voice. Ramkarran’s return to the PPP will result in his persecution. This is a vindictive bunch after all. It does not matter how many demands he makes, he will never get them once he returns. They will harass, torment and sideline him. He knows them having seen them operate for the past decade. If he leaves again after returning, the riffraffs will

paint him as disgruntled, miserable, conniving, fixated on power and a neemakaram. Ralph Ramkarran cannot be an enabler of the destruction of his party and his nation. He cannot return to a lair of wolves to strengthen them and enlarge their power to dominate a party and a nation while continuing their course of banditry. Ramkarran cannot preserve their selfpreservation while losing his moral core. That is the danger he must prevent for future generations. Getting back into bed with this bunch is tarnishing one moral image and political courage. Ramkarran cannot play the wavering game Nagamootoo played only to end up treated as a pariah and hounded out of the PPP. They will promise the moon and the stars but their promises will be filled with emptiness. For even if they promise the presidency in a snap election, they control the Central Committee which

could vote to revoke the promise or simply disregard the deal. A new Central Committee cannot be democratically elected until 2014 and without a balanced and fairly elected Central Committee any promises of power or other inducements will be hollow and designed to trap Ramkarran to secure his return for their nefarious aims. Ralph Ramkarran has stood up for fighting corruption. There is no greater battle for anyone to choose to lay his political career on the line in presentday Guyana. Ramkarran’s respectability rose monumentally across the political divide with his determined stance. To sacrifice and jeopardize that homage for a band of power-drunk bandits is to make politically and morally callous choices for your children and grandchildren. Someone has to stand up some time by sitting down in front of the bus for all to be able to sit in front of the bus. M. Maxwell

Corporal punishment is from a fossilized... From page 5 in a country that is so deeply polarized? Are they willing to accept being OK and neglect the possibility that they could have been better human beings, had they not been inhumanly treated while they were children? Is there an inmate in the penitentiary who can honestly claim to have never been beaten while in school? Is it safe to assume that our most notorious criminals

were never beaten as children? Are these people even listening to themselves when they engage in such malarkey? In modern biology, the theory of Natural Selection is popularly accepted. It is a process whereby only individuals which are best suited for an environment, survive and produce fertile offspring. It is sometimes referred to as “Survival of the Fittest.” If

Lewis may be his... From page 5 more equal by original presence and in consideration Guyana was originally forcefully taken from them? Even, and if Mr. Dev is making it up, a wise Mr. Lewis can convincingly explain our disproportionate black incarceration and poverty ratio (its worldwide) to explain or debunk the perception he defies gravity by his mid air levitation in which he also empowers a tethering “capability of all” groups to be similarly yoked. Careful now. Proving there is now proportionate poverty and incarceration of the “others” may undermine any claims for special treatment. Who is therefore more guilty of condemnation: Mr. Dev or Mr. Lewis in their effrontery to “equalize” African suffering (its actually a downgrading isn’t it?) on the same level with other race groups and the same “capability of all”

potential suffering in which Mr. Lewis seemingly finds such prominent smug comforting propulsion? Could the emotional guilt laden invectives which Mr. Lewis’s highly emotional outburst displays, be (in his own words, not mine) actually himself mirroring “only a depraved mind ( in which he) would project such thinking on society and argue such behavior (are) the purview of (not) one race (alone)when there is no evidence to support same…? On the contrary will Mr. Lewis instead follow his own advice to Mr. Dev to be better “advised (that) while it is his right to agitate on behalf of any group it cannot and will not come at the cost of disrespecting (ALL) other(s) and engaging in act/actions to deny them their rights”? He is his worst enemy if he really believes by his loudness he can compel enemies to become his friends. Sultan Mohamed

the Guyanese society is to not only survive, but also to progress in a modern world, we must be willing to adapt. We must forego our “fossilized” mentality and implement fundamental changes. It is unreasonable for the burden of instilling good moral values and discipline to rest on the shoulders of the school system. Teachers are already tasked with going above and beyond the call of duty, to be occupied with not only educating, but also ‘raising’ children to be good citizens. We must look at the issue of societal decadence and violence from a grass-root perspective. It is the home and the community that must be held accountable. Parents need to be role models for their charges, so that they do not

turn to idiotic and criminal musicians and artistes for guidance. This is the 21st century and we must adopt modern means of disciplining children. There is no dubiety in the fact that corporal punishment can be considered a form of “physical violence.” It is therefore inconceivable that the Government refuses to ratify the abolition of corporal punishment, thus breaching international convention. The current consultations reek of asininity, as the only internationally legal outcome would be a ban on all forms of corporal punishment. Is the Government really going to defy an international agreement which it became a voluntary signatory of? Mahendra Doraisami

Farmer’s disembowelled... From page 15 body that it took police several hours to pull it from the three feet deep grave without damaging it. It was eventually removed by undertakers from the Lyken Funeral Parlour and is expected to be the subject of a post mortem examination today. Neighbours on both sides of the yard where the grave was discovered said they heard nothing strange that suggested that such a brutal murder had taken place next door. They also claimed that they got no foul smell although the grave was a mere three feet deep. Investigators hope to track down and apprehend the owners of the property where the body was found in the hope of laying charges soon. The discovery of Bharat’s body came five days after the decomposing body of Pamela Joan Durant was pulled from a shallow grave in an unfinished bathroom in her home at Melanie Damishana North. Durant’s husband Gordon Leslie Durant was remanded to prison having been charged with her murder.

Page 23

VEHICLES FOR SALE Just arrived: Allion and Premio, tel: 624-2000, 6221610 AT 170 Carina, PGG series. $450,000 neg. Contact # 6896168

(From page 22)

3 Ton enclosed,3 ton freezer & 3 ton open back canter,never registered Call:617-2891 One Allion for sale $2.1 million Call: 647-9470 1 Toyota Wish $3.750M,1 Toyota Noah Unregistered $2.3M Call: 648-6869 1 Toyota Raum,fully loaded with flare kit,DVD,surround system,Lady driver,Late PMM Call:266-3164,6417492 Leading Auto: Late PLL series, Raum & Bluebird Slyphy Call: 677-7666,6107666 Toyota Tundra,fully loaded with tray cover,rims GKK series $3.2M Call:2272027,227-5500,623-4045 Toyota Hilux pick-up, solid DEF, 4X4 long base, diesel, excellent condition Call: 6230243 The AutoBARN Auto Sales,Never Registered Toyota Premio,Cami,Runx,Raum.Call: 618-9260 Leading Auto: Unregistered Allion, Premio, Allex, 212, Fielder Call: 677-7666, 6107666 Toyota Verossa PMM series Call: 661-7169 First Class Auto- Spacio, Allex, Raum, Runx and Carina Call: 609-8188,602-6307 Titan 4x4 GMM,tray cover,rims $3M Negotiable Call:227-2027,227-5500,6234045 Dually Dodge RAM for interior Call:227-2027,2275500,623-4045

PROPERTY FOR SALE 20x40 Two flat concrete building @ Kitty. All amenities. Price $23M to be seen. Call: 668-9512,223-2570 Ongoing business property at Agriculture Road ECD, land 35Wx600L, $20M Call: 220-7220 13 Acres transported land,double lot with a 2 storey house,lots of fruit trees,Canal # 2 $11M Call: 660-1353 Property for sale at Enmore Foulis Call: 255-0584,6963186 Samantha Point - $3M, Church St. – US$600,000, Atlantic Gardens - $18.5M, Mon Repos - $25M, Agriculture Rd. - $21M. Tel: 669-5490. Agricola – 3 houses in yard $21M, Friendship - $15M, Friendship - $6M, Agricola Public Rd. - $16M, Shell Rd., Kitty - $58M. Steve: 699-5490. East Coast $2.5M – 5.5M,East Bank $12M,South $18M,Kitty $35M Diana 227-2256,6269382 Diamond 1st Street with fish shop and creole restaurant licence,Price $30,000,000 (Negotiable) Call:612-2697 Prime location Public Road McDoom Village,land 200ftx50ft concrete bond & front store, monthly income $300,000 Call:233-0570

AT 192 $600,000 Call: 6251499 One Honda CRV PKK 9384(Grey).First Owner Call:673-3960,612-5356 Jags Auto: Spacio, Buses, Wagon. Cheapest. Call: 6167635 Toyota Premio, 2002, silver, CD, fogs, never registered 269-0432,686-0323 Toyota IST,2002,Silver,4 wheel disc brakes, mags, CD, never registered 269-0432, 686-0323 TO LET Bel Air Park furnished 2 flat, 3 bedroom, US$2,500, 592 609 2302/645 2580/233 5711 Republic Park furnished 2 flat 3 bedroom, US$2,800 Norbert A. DeFreitas 592 609 2302/ 645 2580/233 5711 defreitasassociates@gmail.com Apartment $60,000, Albertown US$750, Campbellville US$1,200, Greenfield Park US$1,500 Diana 227-2256,626-9382

TO LET Apartment $50,000, Alberttown US$ 750, Campbellville US$500US$1000,Republic Park US$2000 Diana 2272256,626-9382 1 house, Bel Air Park.3 rooms, self contained with A/C, US$2,200 Unfurnish, US$2,500 Furnish Call:2317839 8am-4pm-No Agents Public Road Kitty furnished 3 bedroom top flat US$950, 592 609 2302/645 2580/233 5711 Republic Park furnished 2 flat 3 bedroom, US$2,800 Norbert A. DeFreitas 592 609 2302/ 645 2580/233 5711 defreitasassociates@ gmail.com Public Road Kitty furnished 3 bedroom top flat US$950, 592 609 2302/645 2580/233 5711


Page 24

Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012

The Abigail Column NCN CHANNEL 11 02:00 – NCN Late Edition (R/ B) 02:30 – Late Nite with GINA 03:00 – Movie 05:00 – Inspiration 05:30 – Newtown Gospel 06:00 – NCN Late Edition News(r/b) 06:30 – Feature 07:00 – Guyana Today 08:00 – Guysuco Roundup (R/B) 08:30 – Feature 09:00 – Stop the Suffering 10:00 – CCTV 11:00 – History 12:00 – CNN 12:30 – NCN Newsbreak 12:35 – GRA IN FOCUS 13:05 – Your Health the Nations Wealth (R/B) 14:00 – Movie 16:00 – Round Table (R/B) 17:00 – Anderson 18:00 – NCN News Magazine – Live 18:30 – Miners’ World 19:00 – Al Jazeera 19:30 – Inside the Government(R/B) 20:00 – 3d/daily millions/play de dream/lotto draw 20:05 – GWI Alert 20:35 – Oral Tradition 21:05 – NCN Sports Magazine 22:05 – NCN News Late Edition 22:35 – Caribbean Newsline 23:00 – Movie DTV CHANNEL 8 02:00 – NCN Late Edition (R/ B) 02:30 – Late Nite with GINA 03:00 – Movie 05:00 – Inspiration 05:30 – Newtown Gospel

06:00 – NCN Late Edition News(r/b) 06:30 – Feature 07:00 – Guyana Today 08:00 – Guysuco Roundup (R/B) 08:30 – Feature 09:00 – Stop the Suffering 10:00 – CCTV 11:00 – History 12:00 – CNN 12:30 – NCN Newsbreak 12:35 – GRA IN FOCUS 13:05 – Your Health the Nations Wealth (R/B) 14:00 – Movie 16:00 – Round Table (R/B) 17:00 – Anderson 18:00 – NCN News Magazine – Live 18:30 – Miners’ World 19:00 – Al Jazeera 19:30 – Inside the Government(R/B) 20:00 – 3d/daily millions/play de dream/lotto draw 20:05 – GWI Alert 20:35 – Oral Tradition 21:05 – NCN Sports Magazine 22:05 – NCN News Late Edition 22:35 – Caribbean Newsline 23:00 – Movie NTN CHANNEL 18/ CABLE 69 0500h -Sign on with the Mahamrtunjaya Mantra 0510h - Meditation 0530h - Queenstown Masjid Presents Quran This Morning 0600h - R. Gossai General Store Presents Ram Bhajans 0615h - Jettoo’s Lumber Yard Presents Ram Bhajans 0630h - Muneshwar Limited Presents Ram Bhajans 0645h - Double Standard Taxi

Presents Ram Bhajans 0700h - RRT Enterprise Presents Ram Bhajans 0715h - M & M Snackette Presents Raja Yoga Discourses 0730h - Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital Inc Presents 0745h - The Family of the Late Leila & David Persaud Presents Ram Bhajans 0800h - Timehri Maha Kali Shakti Devi Mandir Presents Ram Bhajans 0815h - Indian Soap - Yahaan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli 0845h - Indian Soap - Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke 0915h - Indian Soap - Pavitra Rishta 0945h - Headline News 1000h - Cricket:- 3 ODI ENGLAND vs AUSTRALIA 1600h - Indian Soap - Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuyien 1630h - Indian Soap - Punar Vivaah 1700h - Drying Tears Live with Pastor Edson 1730h - Kingdom Agenda Hosted by Bishop Dr. J. Edgehill 1800h - Ganesh Parts Presents - BHAGAVAD GITA ( Discourses in English) Serial 1815h - Birthday Greetings / Deaths Announcement & In Memoriam 1830h - Hare Krishna Today 1900h - Music Fantasia with Asif Nawaz 2000h - Ashmins Presents DANCE WITH ME with Joel 2100h - Indian Soap - Yahaan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli 2130h - Indian Soap - Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke 2200h - Indian Soap - Pavitra Rishta 2230h - Indian Soap - Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuyien 2300h - Sign Off with the Gayatri Mantra MTV CHANNEL 14/ CABLE 65 Sign on 06:00 Islamic Perspective 06:30 News Update 07:00 DAYBREAK – Live 08:00 Dabi’s musical 08:30 Avon DVD Music break 09:00 Current Affairs 09:15 Top Notch Music Break 09:30 Caribbean Temptation Music Mix 10:00 Payless Variety musical 10:30 Double Day Int. Music Hour 11:00 H. Persaud (Crown Chowmein) Music Break 11:30 The View 12:00 GINA programme

She wants to be more than friends

DEARABIGAIL, There is a boy I know and he took me out for a drink. I like him a lot, but I don’t know how to tell him, because he thinks we are going out as friends. I would like to go out with him a little more than just friends. Also, last time we went to the club he kept rubbing my elbow with her. Should I put my arm around him or what?

Friends Dear Friends, Yes, you can put your arm around him or you can put your hand next to him. Remember to be aware of his response: Is he open to your move? Or does he back away from you? Does he seem uncomfortable in any way? If you decide to test the waters, whatever his reaction, it would be good to talk with him to help clear up any possible confusion over a potentially awkward situation. If she was not into it at all,

you can tell her, “I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable during the movie. I like you a lot and enjoy spending time with you, but if this is moving in the wrong direction for you, please let me know.” You never know what he’s thinking unless you try. If you go for it, remember to breathe, relax, and enjoy yourself, too. And, if you discover that he just wants to stay friends, at least you know, so you can move on and pursue someone else who’ll be able to return your interest.

Wednesday July 04, 2012 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't upset elders in your family who don't understand your present situation. Start sending out those resumes. Look after financial transactions today.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You might find added popularity with those around you today. Be prepared to meet new lovers through colleagues. Travel will be most enticing. Consider a cruise.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov.

21)

22)

You can make new friends and get involved in new hobbies successfully. Don't be afraid to say what's on your mind. Keep busy and let them fume while you're not around.

You will be subject to pushy individuals if you get involved in uncertain organizations. Minor accidents are likely if you take risks. Do the necessary chores and then do things that please you.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Problems on the home front might be a little disconcerting. Use your high energy and dynamic approach to win favors from superiors. Channel your energy into projects that will enhance your home. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Listen to a good friend who is truly looking out for your best interests. Be sure to find out all you can before you commit to anything. If you keep busy you won't feel the personal pressures you are going through.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Disharmony in your relationship may cause minor ailments. Travel will initiate new friendships or love connections. Social events will be favorable. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.Jan. 20) Confusion could result when communicating with others. Get involved in sports groups or hobbies that attract you. Avoid conflicts with inlaws or other family members. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold. Take time to deal with the concerns of children. You should try to elaborate on an idea you have regarding a product or service for the home.

If they don't want to get involved, work by yourself. Travel will be favorable. You can gain knowledge from dealing with foreigners. You may want to get involved in financial investments presented to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar.

23)

20)

Limitations will set in if you haven't followed the rules. You are best to keep hard feelings to yourself. You will be relentless when it comes to getting yourself back into shape.

You may want to pull out some of those unfinished project you've got tucked away. You will find it easy to learn and excel. You may find that getting together with colleagues after hours will be worthwhile.


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Letters to the Sports Editor Youth football development to be boosted in Connect 3 Jaguars looking to even the score with Reggae Boyz The next time the two triumphed two (2) goals to (Captain), Michael Massiah, DEAR EDITOR, Bridge initiative International Football countries meet in an one (1) at GFC under lights. Nigel Massiah, Linden Layne, Several local football clubs will benefit when Connect 3 Bridge, a Christian group, organizes a 3 days clinic for youths 10-18 on July 3rd & 4th at the Buxton Community Centre Ground. Consequently, activities would be shifted to the West Demerara Secondary School Ground on July 5 for a similar session. Activities will be held between 9:00hrs-12:00hrs daily. The programme got underway last year with soccer camps involving football clubs on the East and West Coast corridors where players were issued with football gears. Since then, administrators have committed to yearly sessions. The Soccer Ministry Mission comprises a group of Christians and was founded by Tyler Yancey. Administrators seek to impact different areas of Guyana through the kind donations of churches and other organizations in the United States of America.

The group aspires to network partnerships between Guyana and the USA towards the development of football and by extension, young people. The USA based organization supports local soccer clubs by dispatching mission teams comprising renowned coaches to conduct soccer camps for youths between 10-18 years old. During sessions, participants are taken through their paces on the field, while the North American group provides nourishing meals, organizes friendly matches and distributes gears to the players. The spiritual welfare of the players is also considered and they are exposed to the teachings of Jesus Christ while engaged in bible studies. Facilitators will also conduct coaching education and league management workshops for local youth coaches.

11 Jamaicans in Brazil for coaching course Shabazz and Dover also attending Jamaica Observer ELEVEN Advanced Level Two coaches left the island Saturday last to embark on a one-week coaching course from July 1-9 in Brazil. The announcement was made by general secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Horace Reid, at the presentation of certificates for the first FIFA Women’s Coaching Course at the Federation’s offices. The course will be conducted by the Traffic Football Academy on behalf of the JFF and will have lecturers from Sao Paolo University. Reid noted that Trinidad and Tobago coach Jamaal Shabaaz, Grenada’s head coach Lester Smith and Guyana’s coach Wayne Dover will be among the participants. The Jamaican contingent includes Andrew Price of Boys’ Town, Marcel Gayle of Waterhouse, Junior Francis of Reno, National Under-20 coach Andrew Edwards, Portmore’s Geoffrey Hewitt and Calvin Lewis, Nigel Stewart and Vassell Reynolds of Sporting Central Academy, Tivoli’s Alvin Shaw, David Price of Volvo FC and Harbour View’s Harold Thomas. Reid revealed that the coaches will only be responsible for their airfare as all other expenses, which is

estimated to be about $4 million, will be covered by the JFF. Reid was also upbeat about the trip, saying he believes it will produce remarkable results for the country’s football. He noted that the game is constantly evolving and it was important local football keeps abreast of the latest modifications in the game. “This is a great opportunity for our coaches to improve on what they have learnt in the past,” Reid added. The sessions will be conducted by experienced world-class presenters, most of whom are lecturers at Sao Paolo University. The group will include technical director Professor Dr Walter Gama and former Jamaica technical director Rene Simoes. Reid stated that this has been in the pipeline for some time and now that it has come to fruition, it is a major step in the developmental thrust that the JFF has undertaken. While in Brazil, the coaches will deal with a wide range of topics such as football organisation and management, tactics, nutrition, player recruitment, development and transition to professional careers, physiology control, psychological aspects in football, football game skills and goalkeeping.

Rivalry between Guyana, Formerly British Guiana and Jamaica began sixty five (65) years ago November 1947. Playing under the Captaincy of Maurice Pollard the Land of the Majestic Kaieteur Falls defeated Jamaica 2 nil at the Queens Park Savannah November 7, 1947. The teams were contesting an International Triangular Series that also included host Trinidad and Tobago. The Goal scorers for the Land of Many Waters were Cecil ‘Brusier’ Thomas and Hamel Smith. In the second game of the round Robin Series, the two teams played to a nil all draw at the same venue. The historic British Guiana Squad read Maurice Pollard – Captain, Cecil ‘Brusier’ Thomas, Hamel Smith, Ted Nurse, Egbert Vangenderen, R. Small, M. DaSilva, L. McCluggan, A. Harris, Man Man De Souza, L. Parkes, John Nestor, A. Adams, A. Baptiste, N. Roberts, J. Teixeira & J. F. Gonsalves – Manager. The Jamaican starting XI – 1947 read Garcia, Da Costa, Wills, Bayliss, Parke, Mc Lean, Hall, Mackenzie, Mason and Holt.

International match was twelve (12) years later, March 1959 in a Quadrangular Series in Trinidad. The Teams contesting the series were Trinidad and Tobago, British Guiana, Jamaica and Barbados. Please note this tournament was used to select players for the first West Indies Football Team tour to the United Kingdom in July 1959. The Land of Many Waters playing under the Captaincy of Hubert (Senior) Braithwaite held Jamaica to a two all draw at the Queens Park Savannah. Jamaica scored an own goal, while Patsy Pieters netted the other British Guiana goal. The 1959 British Guiana Squad read – Hubert (Senior) Braithwaite (Captain), Compton the Surgeon Julian, George Green, Monty Hope, Lewis Water Boat Weithers, Syd Campbell, N. Devonish, C. Stewart, H. Mc Gowan, H. Bourne, Patsy Pieters, Harold Blenman, K. Hinds and H. D’ Andrade. The fourth International, the two countries contested was thirteen (13) years later, November 1973. Guyana this Time playing under the Captaincy of Thomas United’s, Ken Gibbs,

Cycling Concerns DEAR EDITOR, Cycling performances in Guyana are one of my major issues (having the role of a coach). Our standard is way below international level and it greaves my heart to see well educated men making such mistakes. Congratulations to Mr. Hassan Mohammed for making events possible for the cyclists so as to keep them active, but keeping active and having an international level of condition is another issue. Commenting on the recently concluded National Championship Cycle Road Race, senior category cyclists possess no fitness level for the course that ran. Are we fooling ourselves? Or are we going to correct the mistakes? No cyclist, under the age of 25 years, had triumph over that race. The race course was excellent but the cyclists were not fit enough for it, except for Orville Hinds and Andrew Reece who became victorious and also resides in the area. The technical aspect for this reason is because we are having excess short races for the entire year. I can recall

clearly, for the past decade Guyanese cyclists have been malnourished from the lack of good long races. I have been pleading with the authorities to look after the cyclists’ ability for proper competition if we really have them at heart. I am certain that one man has the key (so to speak) in his hand to unlock the privilege for our cyclists to have long road races no less than 70 - 80 miles so that they can compete aggressively against foreign cyclists who visit for the Five Stage Road Race. It also involves selecting cyclists for international competition if they, the cyclists, are accustomed to 45 and 35 miles races all year long they cannot compete in a 70 and 80 miles road race, so where are we going? In circles? It is my desire to see the Cycling Federation make races of 70 and 80 miles mandatory after the first quarter of the cycling calendar. The federation will have to sit and discuss ways and means of enhancing the poor performances of our cyclists. Derek Persaud Local Cycle Coach

Goals scorers for Guyana were Rudolph (Chow) Hunte and Godfrey (Poulis) Norville, while Carlton Smith netted Jamaica’s lone goal. The 1973 Jamaican National Football squad read – Vester Constantine (Captain), Derek Dennister, Peter Marston, Carlton Smith, William Welch, Devon Jeffrey, Miguel Blair, Rennie Phillips (Snr), Harold Walker, Karl Largie, Jeffrey Maxwell, Dexter Plummer, Michael Reid, Lloyd Mc Lean, Delroy Hinds, Joseph McFarlane & George Prescott (Manager). Please note this was the last time Guyana beat Jamaica in International Soccer. The 1973 Guyana Squad – Ken Gibbs (Captain), Earl O’ Neal, Godfrey (Poulis) Norville, Rudolph (Chow) Hunte, Patrick (Labba) Barton, Clive (Breeser) Nedd, Maurice Enmore, Ovid Henry, Alvin Geronimo Braithwaite, Desmond Marshall, Michael Shepherd, Kenrick Bowery, Robert Alleyne, Simeon Andrews, Dennis Solomon, Vibert ‘Cardo’ Williams, Michael Rogers & George Greene (Coach). It took eighteen (18) years for the two countries to contest their next International match, May 1991. Guyana led by Michael McKinnon took a six (6) nil mauling at the National Stadium in Kingston, the match was part of the 1991 Shell Cup Finals. The 1991 National Squad for the Shell Caribbean Cup Finals read – Michael McKinnon

Lerone Bailey, Phillip Carrington, Donal Joseph, Clairmonte Bobb, Colin McNicholls, Anthony Stanton, Christopher Barnwell (Snr), Russell Persaud, Dexter Haynes, Keith London, Kevin Archer, Orin Accra, Peter Hinds, Terrence (Old Head) Lewis and Gordon Braithwaite – Coach. After a nineteen (19) years hiatus the two countries meet again at the International Level, this time in the Digicel Cup Finals in Basseterre Guadeloupe and again the Reggae Boys were victorious this time by four (4) Goals to nil. The last time the countries meet at the International level, Jamaica triumphed one nil in May 2012 in Montego Bay giving the Reggae Boys a 3-2 advantage over the Golden Jaguars in International Soccer matches contested since 1947. Word around camp Guyana Football Federation is that the Reggae Boyz are heading to the Providence National Stadium for an International friendly against the Golden Jaguars, this will be the first visit by a Senior Jamaican National Team in thirty nine (39) years. Only time will tell if Chris Nurse’s men will even things up or the Reggae dominance will continue. Football fans can hardly wait for this anticipated showdown. So bring it on Guyana Football Federation. Charwayne Walker

Peter Sagan earns his... From page 28 winner Sagan, but was awarded the same time because he was held up in a crash that occurred in the last 3km. Another pile-up on the tight country roads of northern France saw Movistar’s Jose Joaquin Rojas, who finished second in the points classification last year, withdraw. Katusha’s Giampaolo Caruso suffered injuries when he fell while Australian champion Simon Gerrans of Orica-GreenEdge was flung over his handlebars and into a fence after he hit a bike lying on the ground. Polka dot jersey holder Michael Morkov was involved in a breakaway for the third time in as many stages when he went clear with Andriy Grivko, Giovanni Bernaudeau, Ruben Perez and Sebastien Minard. The five men got picked off by the bunch, with Grivko holding out until 7km to the finish, before Frenchman

Sylvain Chavanel launched an attack of his own on the descent of the penultimate climb. But the Frenchman ran out of steam and was caught by a fast moving peloton, with Wiggins, reigning champion Cadel Evans and Sagan all in contention. A crash within sight of the line saw Wiggins get trapped as a group of 20 riders went clear and it was Sagan, making his Tour debut, who pushed clear for victory. “Two stages is good for me and I want the green jersey in Paris now,” said Sagan. “That’s my objective.” Team Sky’s Edvald Boasson Hagen finished one second behind in second place, with Peter Velits of Omega Pharma-QuickStep completing the top three and Evans in sixth. Wednesday’s fourth stage is a 214km ride from Abbeville to Rouen.


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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012

Guyana Olympic Association U-15 junior Badminton winners receive prizes

The top placers display their prizes following the presentation ceremony along with GOA and Badminton Association officials. The Guyana Olympic Association Under-15 Junior Badminton Tournament outstanding performers received their prizes on June 30 last at the Guyana Olympic House where trophies and medals were handed out to the respective winners, runner-ups and third

placed finishers. The Tournament was part of a series of events marking Olympic Month by the GOA. Gracing the presentation was GOA President, Mr. K.A. Juman-Yassin, who addressed the players and parents present.

Anis Ade-Thomas to represent... From back page hosting a fund raising barb-que on Sunday at Basic Beauty Salon, Lot 8 North Road, Lacytown. Members of the powerlifting fraternity and the public are being encouraged to purchase a ticket which costs $1,000 to ensure that Ade-Thomas gets the opportunity to bring back the gold medal to Guyana. Tickets are available from any member of the GAPF and at Basic Beauty Salon, North Road, BBQ will be served between 12:00 – 18:00hrs. Powerlifting has been doing Guyana proud over the past five years and the athletes needs all the encouragement they can

get to keep the Golden Arrowhead aloft at the Caribbean, Regional, North American, Commonwealth and International levels. Ade-Thomas will compete in the 83kg class and will be seeking to dislodge all opposition in the junior and open categories. According to the GAPF, the cost for the athlete to attend is US$1,500 which is all inclusive. Expected to travel with the athlete is GAPF Secretary Gordon Spencer who will double as Manager/Coach; will officiate as a Category 11 IPF Referee having passed the examinations in last March in the USVI and also attend the WA D A Symposium.

Those receiving prizes were: Boys Singles: 1st Place Narayan Ramdhani 2nd Place Cecil Abrams 3rd Place Jonathan Mangra & Omari Joseph Girls Singles: 1st Place Priyanna

Ramdhani 2nd Place Ambika Ramraj 3rd Place Nadine Jairam & Arian Kayume Boys Doubles: 1st Place Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra 2nd Place Cecil Abrams & Darnell Benn

3rd Place Omari Joseph/ Jonathan Persaud & Ketan Persaud/Shane Shewjattan Girls Doubles: 1st Place Priyanna Ramdhani & Ambika Ramraj 2nd Place Nadine Jairam & Arian Kayume 3rd Place Jea Ramsammy/Kara Abrams &

Crystal Dey/Cindy Sookwah Mixed Doubles: 1st Place Narayan Ramdhani & Priyanna Ramdhani 2nd Place Jonathan Mangra & Ambika Ramraj 3rd Place Cecil Abrams/ Kara Abrams & Jonathan Persaud/Nadine Jairam

Who So Ever takes feature event at CMTC&SF... From back page line together, but it was Who So Ever that did enough to win from Mission King with the Message recovering to claim third and Work Force fourth. Work Force of the Vibert stable with Desmond in the saddle earlier won the E class event in another close finish from the fast finishing Dubai Duchess, with Stormy Lass and Swing Easy third and fourth. The win was worth $500,000 and the Elcock family trophy. Newly imported Silent Lizze of The Elcock stable ridden by Patrick grabbed hold of the $500,000 and the Sunil Tickaram trophy as it upset the field to win its first race in Guyana in the event

for Three year old animals Bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies ahead of Feels Like Gold, Rock Sona and Storm in a tea Cup. The $250,000 and the Tickaram family trophy for the winner of the Two year old West Indies and Guyana Bred event was taken by Wild Grinder of The Singh Stable with Desmond on the perch. Flying Baby and True Gold occupied the other two spots. Third World of the Quinn Stable ridden by Yap Drepaul returned to winners row as it carted off the $400,000 and the Aubrey Elcock trophy up for the taking in the event for three year old Guyana Bred horses with Joyful Victory and Watch My Shadow rounding out the money. Mr Fazil Younas, Face the Fire with Nascimento in the saddle, blazed to victory in the G class event as it romped away with 400,000 and the Roopnauth Sewsankar trophy from a fast finishing Celebration Time, with Intriguing Account and Miss Regina being the other placers. Party Time of the Ramnarine Stable with R. Drepaul the rider was the winner of the event for Two year old Guyana Bred animals, winning from Silent Night, Jasmine and Sumer Breeze. The win was worth $400,000 and the Suknandan family trophy.

Mr Fazil Yunus, owner of Face the Fire collects the winning G class trophy from Dr Dwight Walrond of the RCMTC. Yap Drepaul guided Funny Sided of the Gray stable to victory in the H class race for the $300,000 money and the Digicel trophy. Dream Girl, Apostle and Wicked Intention finished down the order. Apostle won the $180,000 and the Chico Singh trophy in the I2 event from Mona Lisa, Speed Vision and Try Again. The JKL event was won by Its My Time ahead of Pick

Pocket, Lucky Gamble and Wonder Flower. Over 100 horses took part in the day’s activity which had a whopping $9M in cash trophies and other incentives up for grabs. The champion Jockey award was taken by Raj Drepaul with the Elcock stable taking the championship award and Colin Elcock the Champion trainer trophy.


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy….

All Star Female Team to start training sessions As part of the ongoing effort to promote and develop female football in Guyana, the organizers of the Scotiabank/ Pepsi School Football Academy will be fielding a female team in the upcoming GTT Fastball and Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Female Inter Association Tournaments which is scheduled later in the year. As such, an ‘All Star Female Team’ has been selected by the committee to undergo training under the watchful eyes of Coaches Joseph Wilson and Andrea Fredricks (Assistant Coach). Kaieteur Sport speaking with the Coordinator of the Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy, Lawrence

Griffith yesterday morning, youthful team, the was made to understand that Coordinator unveiled that the the team will commence their team should be making a few training sessions on Saturday overseas tours with the first July 14th from 8am at the one set for December to either Georgetown Football Club twin island, Trinidad and (GFC) ground for future Tobago, Dominica, Suriname, female tournaments. Sessions Anguilla, Antigua and will be kept every Wednesday Bermuda, just to name a few. and Saturday until School It was also revealed that resumes in the morning and teams will be invited to play on Wednesday afternoons as well against the ‘All Star only when the summer Team’ at home. vacation concludes. Griffith in closing stated Griffith further stated that that things are in store for the the intention of the ‘All Star Male All Star Team which was Female Team is to construct a identified at the Presentation club which can play in the GFF Ceremony of the Scotiabank/ female tournaments and also Pepsi School Football to prepare the girls for the CFU Academy Final at the U-17 Tournament next year. Georgetown Cricket Club Disclosing that great (GCC) a few weeks ago. things are in store for the (Juanita Hooper) Scotiabank/Pepsi Academy All Star Female Team 1. Keisha Gordon North Georgetown Secondary School 2. Jennel Brown “ 3. Althea Holligan “ 4. Anaida Walker “ 5. Natifa Marville Tutorial High School 6. Sasha Johnson Campbellville Secondary School 7. Alliyah Stanley “ 8. Treola Elliott Tucville Secondary School 9. Felicia Mc Lean “ 10. Dacia Brandt “ 11. Tasnica Lovell “ 12. Oseyah Jones East Ruimveldt Secondary School 13. Troyann Barton “ 14. Shonette Gaspar “

Serena tops defending champ Kvitova at Wimbledon WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — The sounds were new to Serena Williams, and the feeling on Centre Court was different. The result, though, was quite familiar. Playing under the retractable roof for the first time on the court where she’s had some of her biggest triumphs, Williams defeated defending champion Petra Kvitova 6-3, 7-5 to reach her eighth Wimbledon semifinal on Tuesday. ‘’I loved it. I loved the sound,’’ Williams said. ‘’The sound of the balls. It’s kind of like a whoosh and a pop. It’s really cool. It’s almost like a video game, but you’re playing. It kind of flies through and you hear it when it lands. ... I really like playing indoor.’’ Her game seems wellsuited for it. While rain disrupted play elsewhere at the All England Club, Williams used another commanding serving performance to overpower the fourth-seeded Czech. Williams hit 13 aces including three in the last game - to end Kvitova’s 11match winning streak at Wimbledon. Her last loss here also came against Williams, in

Abigail McDonald prevails in CARICOM scrabble tourney With just over one month to go before Guyanese scrabble players tackle defending champions Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados in the Caribbean Tri Nation tournament, national champion, Abigail McDonald has shown that she will be a force to be reckoned with when she turned back the challenge of her predecessor, Fred Collins, and a field of worthwhile challengers to cart off the honours when the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) staged the CARICOM Open championships at the Malteenoes sports Club Sunday afternoon last. The tournament was very competitive and the winner was decided by the spread. McDonald amassed 5 points and a positive spread of 567 to relegate her strongest challenger, Fred Collins to the second place with a similar amount of points but a lower spread of 488. Moen Gafoor claimed the final podium spot after amassing 4 points and a positive spread of 560. Julian Skeete secured the fourth place and the special prize for the best performer outside the top ten rankings. He ended on

Abigail McDonald

Fred Collins

3 points and a negative spread of 34. Ironically, McDonald’s only loss was to her nemesis, Collins, in the first game of the day, by a spread of 67. She redeemed herself with decisive victories over Winslow Jacobs (126) and R. O. Michael (207) before trudging off to lunch on 2 points and a positive spread of 267. The reigning queen then dug in her heels during the post lunch session to secure wins over Colin Chichester (122), Gafoor (83) and Leon Belony (95). After the McDonald

victory, Collins marched on and was set for a clean sweep when he was disrupted by Leon Belony by a large spread of 120. He rebounded somewhat, with victories over Wayne Cave (106), Gafoor (12), Ruby Cummings (227) and Ulric Harris (196). Collins underlined his cunningness when he opposed Gafoor and was trailing by a substantial spread towards the end of the game. Placing the letter ‘A’ over ‘Hungry,’ he formed a bingo, ‘Unlaced’ and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Gafoor’s victims were Michael

Page 27

Benjamin (241), Harris (174), Chichester (69) and Belony (171). Meanwhile, the players will now go into intense training to take on their Caribbean counterparts at the Bank of Guyana Sports Club between August 23rd- 26th next. The national squad will be selected shortly. The selectors would be guided by the performance of the players in recent tournaments and more particularly the just concluded Earl Vigilance Lien trophy and the CARICOM competition. Eight players will comprise the local squad which will be led by McDonald. Trinidad and Tobago are the reigning team champions, while Barbados is also expected to field a strong contingent. Fred Collins is the individual Caribbean champion and will be going all out to retain that accolade. Players are reminded that practice sessions will be held at the Malteenoes Sports Club on Thursday starting at 19:00hrs. Members are asked to make a special effort to attend so as to improve the local team’s chances at the imminent championships.

Serena Williams of the United States reacts winning against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic the 2010 semifinals. The American four-time champion seized control by breaking Kvitova for 4-2 in the first set and then never gave her opponent a chance to get back in the match. She saved a set point when trailing 5-4 in the second with a hard serve down the middle that Kvitova could return only into the net. That was the only break point the defending champion earned, as Williams won 86 percent of the points on her first serve. Williams, who hit a Wimbledon-record 23 aces in a fourth-round win over Zheng Jie of China, is trying to become the first woman 30 or over to win a Grand Slam title since Martina Navratilova won Wimbledon in 1990. The 30-year-old Williams will face either second-ranked Victoria Azarenka or Tamira Paszek of Austria. Angelique Kerber advanced to her first Wimbledon semifinal by beating fellow German Sabine Lisicki 6-3, 6-7 (7), 7-5 in a match under the roof. Lisicki, who knocked out Maria Sharapova, saved three match points in the second set and served for the match at 5-3 in the third. But Kerber rallied to win the last four games, finally converting her fifth match point when Lisicki sent a backhand wide. Outside Centre Court, it was a start-and-stop day at Wimbledon, as the persistent rain continued to cause headaches for organizers. Play was delayed for about 30 minutes on the outside courts in the morning, and two more rain delays interrupted play for a total of about three hours after that. Andy Murray and Florian

Mayer still found enough time between the showers to wrap up suspended matches and reach the quarterfinals. In another fourth-round match that was suspended on Monday, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga overcame an ailing back and a one-set deficit to beat American Mardy Fish 4-6, 76 (4), 6-4, 6-4. David Ferrer also advanced in the first match on Centre Court, where organizers again came under scrutiny for their use of the retractable roof. Their decision to open and then close it caused the start of Ferrer’s match against Juan Martin del Potro to be delayed by about 40 minutes. Ferrer needed less than two hours to beat del Potro 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. Murray made the last eight for the fifth straight year by beating the 16th-seeded Marin Cilic 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, while Mayer ousted Richard Gasquet of France 6-3, 6-1, 36, 6-2. American qualifier Brian Baker’s remarkable run ended with a 6-1, 7-6 (4), 6-3 loss to 27th-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany. The 126th-ranked Baker was trying to become the third American qualifier to reach the quarterfinals at the All England Club. He was playing in Wimbledon’s main draw for the first time after being off the tour for more than five years because of a series of operations, one on his right elbow. He was ranked 458th at the start of 2012 and will next week rise inside the top 100. On Monday, top-ranked Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Mikhail Youzhny were the only men to complete their round of 16 matches.


Page 28

Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 04, 2012

Planet Fitness opens its doors Leonora Secondary School HM commends Digicel with top class fitness gear

Fahmi Waddle and Alicia Rambarran, while some of the gear and equipment on display at Planet Fitness. If you’re into the fitness craze as more Guyanese are, then there is a new store on the markets seeking to bring low cost fitness apparel and equipment. Business couple Fahmi Waddle and Alicia Rambarran, in an effort to assist Guyanese in living fitter, healthier lives has opted to open a fitness store. Located at Lot 335 East Street, Georgetown, the store “Planet Fitness” will have on sale all kinds of brand name fitness gear and equipment. These include: heart-rate monitors, waist trim and slim belts, yoga mats, gym pull-up

bars, sports bras, compress sleeveless tops, among other items needed for an effective workout. The duo, while speaking to Kaieteur News, said that they had always had the desire to open a business. Given that they both are health conscious people, and there aren’t many places selling fitness gear, they felt that it would be the perfect entity. The couple said that they did a general feedback and found that their prices are below that of the few other fitness stores in the city. The official opening ceremony will be done on Friday at the store’s location.

GFF Super League KO commence today The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 2012 Knockout (KO) Super League Top 8 will commence today with a double header at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground from 18:00 hrs. The first skirmish will be played between West Tigers and Milerock that participated in the CFU Club Championship earlier in the year. The feature game will see Pele locking horns with

- double headers to be played Amelia’s Ward in a Linden vs Georgetown affair. Amelia’s Ward, last Wednesday defeated Milerock by 3 goals to nil in the final game in the GFF Super League which was played at the Bayrock ground, Wismar. Scoring for the team were Shawn Daniels in the 8th minute, Ryan Fraser in the 50th minute and Odel Allicock in the 85th minute. This win put Amelia’s

Ward into 3rd position with 18 points. The League continues on Friday 6th July at 18:00 hrs with Rosignol United and Den Amstel engaging with each other and in the feature game, Alpha United and the youthful Buxton United to bring the curtains down. The Semifinals and Final are scheduled for Sunday 8th July and Sun 15th July at the same venue.

The common opinion about this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition is that the Company is doing an excellent job in helping to develop the sport at the junior level and their efforts must be recognised and commended. Recently, Kaieteur Sport caught up with Headmistress (HM) of Leonora Secondary School Mynette GlasgowDaniels for her thoughts about what Digicel has been doing and what she feels are some of the benefits that could be derived from staging the competition. “First of all, I think the staging of the tournament is a very good idea which will help to improve sports in schools and it is even more important when you consider that they are starting at such an early age to compete against each other,” GlasgowDaniels stated. She said with the students starting so early it provides them with the knowledge and understanding to be good representatives if they should move on to become national players. Glasgow-Daniels, however, lamented the lack of proper facilities in schools, adding that the development of proper facilities such as the schools grounds is something she would like to see happen, while the placement of qualified coaches in academic institutions is another element she would love to see

- would like sport done at CSEC level

Headmistress of Leonora Secondary School Mynette Glasgow-Daniels receives the new set of uniforms from Digicel Events and Sponsorship Manager Gavin Hope on Monday at the Wales Community Centre. come about. In reference to her own school, the Headmistress informed that it is a new one and they haven’t completed the ground as yet and took the opportunity to issue a call to the corporate community to come on board and help with its completion since it could serve to benefit not only the students and the immediate community, but the society at large. “The provision of facilities for students to participate in sports is very important for all of us, it helps to allow the children to do more meaningful things during their

spare time and could also provide another avenue for them to develop alternative skills if they are not as proficient academically.” Glasgow-Daniels in closing spoke of the wish to have football done at the CSEC level by the students attending the school, but pointed to the current state of the ground as a holdup for such ambitions since apart from the theoretical aspect, the exam also have a practical part as well. “I would really like football to be that sport where the students could write because it is such a big thing at our school,” she assured.

Peter Sagan earns his second Tour stage win

Peter Sagan followed up his first-stage victory on Sunday by winning the third stage of the Tour de France from Orchies to Boulognesur-Mer. The Liquigas rider eased home in the final 100m to claim the 197km stage, which was marred by several crashes. Team Sky’s Kanstantsin Siutsou broke his leg in a crash and team-mate Bradley Wiggins was held up by another. But the Briton did not lose any time and remains second overall, seven seconds behind Fabian Cancellara. “It was tight at the end, with so many small, narrow roads,” said Cancellara. “The team did a great job, but Sagan was just too quick. “I’m happy to get through the stage without crashes and we have the yellow jersey. Wednesday is a sprint day so I hope I can defend the jersey.”

Peter Sagan Tuesday’s 197km stage, which featured six categorised climbs, saw a number of crashes - one of which severely dented Wiggins’ hopes of becoming the first Briton to win the yellow jersey. The Olympic champion’s Team Sky team-mate Siutsou was involved in a crash with 50km to go, forcing the

Belarusian’s withdrawal, the first of the tour. That means Wiggins has just six riders to support his title bid, excluding Mark Cavendish and Bernard Eisel who are unlikely to be in a position to help him towards the end of the three-week event. “It’s a setback, but not a devastating setback,” said Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford. “He’a a very good climber so he can do that first part in the key mountain stages. But to be honest the climbing department, as it were, is probably where we’re at our strongest. “It’s a real shame, but not the end of the world. It’s like boxing - as long as you’re still fighting you can knock the other fella out. That’s the approach you’ve got to take to it.” Wiggins crossed the line around 30 seconds behind Continued on page 25


Wednesday July 04, 2012

Kaieteur News

Ansa McAl sponsors squash team under Lucozade Ansa McAl Trading Limited has once again shown its interest in the development of local sports when it offered support under its Lucozade brand to the national squash team, who are headed to the July 20-26 Caribbean Junior Squash Championships in Jamaica. Lucozade Brand Representative, Sean Abel said the Guyana Squash Association has continued to show that they are outstanding athletes, who strive to be the best and Lucozade is happy to be assisting them in maintaining their status as “champions”. Manager of the national team, Garfield Wiltshire said that members of the squad are currently in preparation to defend the three titles that the team won when these Championships were held in Guyana last year. He added that the team will be using Lucozade during and after these training sessions to provide the necessary hydration, which is essential for the well-being

Team Manager/Treasurer of the Guyana Squash Association, Garfield Wiltshire (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Lucozade Brand Representative, Sean Abel. of these athletes. The team is made up of 11 boys and nine girls and has approximately

six weeks of training left before departing for this tournament.

Three more matches on today in Digicel Schools Football Play in this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition continues today with three more matches, at various venues. Over at the GFC ground, GITC or St. Stanislaus

(pending the outcome of a protest against Saints) will take on New Campbellville. St. George’s then collide with Lodge at Carifesta Avenue Sports Complex and at BV, Bygeval takes on Annandale.

Apologies are in order Clive Atwell returned to the local ring with a bang last Friday evening with a decisive second round knockout over Rudolph Fraser to take the local featherweight title. In Sunday’s report we inadvertently stated in the lead portion of our report that the two fighters had battled for the bantamweight title. Further, in the bout between David Thomas and debutant Gladwin Doray, it was reported that the former pugilist defeated the latter when in fact it was Gladwin Doray that registered a second round knockout over David Thomas who was fighting as a professional for the second time. Kaieteur Sport regrets these errors and any embarrassment they may have caused.

Tutorial Academy drub Tagore... From page 30 TASS margin of victory could have been even wider had their players been more purposeful and took more chances instead of playing around. TASS will now meet old nemesis Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) in the finals in what is expected to be a keenly contested affair. TASS march to the final was achieved through victory over BHS (who they lost to 0-2, but BHS was disqualified for playing an over age player), and victory over Orealla. BEI earned their spot to the finals with victory over New Amsterdam Multilateral, Skeldon Secondary and Vryman’s, Erven Secondary.

All matches are scheduled to start from 15:30 hrs. Meanwhile, in result of previous matches played: At GFC ground, Donovan Mickle got a double in the 26th and 70th minute, which piloted St. Stanislaus College to a 2-1 victory over Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) whose lone goal came off the boot of Tyshawn Forris in the 56th minute. At the Tucville ground, Ann’s Grove went under to Bygeval Secondary 2-1 in the first fixture, while in the second game Annandale Secondary beat Bladen Hall Secondary 3-1 on penalty kicks. At the Grove Community Centre ground, Institute of Professional Education (IPE) lost to Friendship Secondary 4-3. At Carifesta Avenue, Lodge defeated Tucville 4-2. Meanwhile, Queen’s College have been expelled from taking further part in this year’s competition after it was certified that the school fielded an over-aged player in contravention of the rules and regulations that govern the tournament. Their place has now been taken by St. George’s.

Page 29

Bulldogs end tamed tour with another defeat The Brooklyn/Queens Bulldogs ended their tamed tour to Guyana Monday night with another defeat at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall when the Washington D.C. Jammers warmed up for last night’s Grand Finale against Guyana with a comfortable 84-60 win. The Brooklyn/Queens Bulldogs were introduced to the competitive nature of local basketball in their first game when the National Community Basketball League (NCBL) All-Stars blew them away Saturday night. The Guyana national team also dismissed any challenge from the team that was on their first competitive tour Sunday night, before their third straight loss. Kerron McKenzie cleaned his sharp-shooting weapon for last night’s Guyana showdown with a gametopping 16 points for the D.C. Jammers against the Bulldogs. Guard, Glen Stokes scored 14 points and Mouktar Fawehinmi 13 points for the Jammers as well. Kerwin Blades tormented the D.C. Jammers with his aggression in the first quarter to lead scoring for the Bulldogs with 16 points. Warren Butts scored 14 points while Marlon

Glen Stokes

Kerron McKenzie

Thornton added 12 points with Richard Mohandatt also contributing 12 points. The Bulldogs managed to remain competitive in the first half of the game, squeezing to a 38-24 deficit at halftime. However, the D.C. Jammers raised their intensity and pushed the ball up-court in the second half to completely bewilder the already tamed Bulldogs. Kerwin Blades kept the Brookly/Queens New Yorkbased team in the game with fast-break that helped them to 34-44 deficit with five minutes to play in the third quarter. But Stokes would not let up for downtown, nailing a big three-pointer to start a

Jammers run. Fawemhi then finished an up and under baseline layup to give D.C. Jammers their biggest lead of game at 62-43. Veteran Jammer, Dexter Martin got in on the action with back-to-back jumpers to give them a 74-50 lead that more or less drove the final nails in the coffin. The NCBL International Weekend wrapped up last night when Guyana played the D.C. Jammers in what was expected to be a keen contest between the two long-time rivals. The NCBL will then resume with its semi-finals following last night’s International tour completion. (Edison Jefford)

Four IPL teams qualify directly for Champions League T20 Yahoo! Cricket – Ten teams, including four from the cash-rich IPL, will compete in the Champions League 2012, which will be held between October 9 and 28 in South Africa. Unlike last year, when just the top three IPL teams had received a direct entry into the tournament, the 2012 event will see the fourth-placed IPL team also qualifying directly. This means that Mumbai Indians (defending CLT20 champions), Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2012 winners), Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils will bypass the six-team qualifying stage which precedes the main event. The six teams that will wrestle in the qualifiers for two main-draw slots are Pakistan’s Sialkot Stallions, New Zealand’s Auckland Aces, Trinidad and Tobago from the West Indies, one outfit from Sri Lanka and two from England. In 2011, three teams had to make it through qualifying while seven were direct entries. Aside from the IPL teams, the other four in the main draw are Sydney Sixers

Pakistan teams extended an invitation to compete and Perth Scorchers from Australia’s Big Bash League, and Titans and Lions of South Africa. The CLT20 will be played across Cape Town, Johannesburg, Centurion and Durban, although the exact scheduling is yet to be announced. BCCI invites Pak teams Meanwhile, Pakistan’s cricket board has received an invitation from India for October ’s Twenty20 Champions League, in a step towards reviving cricket ties between the arch-rivals which have been suspended since 2008. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last month gave the go ahead to include Pakistan’s Twenty20 champions in the multinational league, which brings together 10 top teams, including those from India, Australia and South Africa. “PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) confirms that an invitation has been received from the Champions League

Twenty20, inviting the winners of Pakistan Twenty20 event to participate in the qualifying tournament,” a statement issued by the PCB said. “The invitation will be discussed in the PCB’s Executive Coordination Committee meeting on Wednesday.” The PCB last month called the invitation “the first step towards reviving cricketing ties between the two countries”. The Sialkot Stallions won the domestic Twenty20 event in Pakistan earlier this year. They were due to feature in the inaugural Champions League in 2009 but were not invited after India severed bilateral relations with Pakistan in the wake of terrorist attacks on Mumbai. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari toured India for a day earlier this year, requesting prime minister Manmohan Singh to revive cricketing ties, prompting BCCI’s decision to include a Pakistani team in the league.


Page 30

Kaieteur News

Colombo run glut heads for draw

Tillakaratne Dilshan

AFP – COLOMBO (AFP): Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara smashed successive centuries against Pakistan to light up the rainhit second Test in Colombo on Tuesday. The hosts, replying to Pakistan’s first innings total of 551-6 declared, took their overnight score of 70-1 to 278-5 by stumps on the fourth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Dilshan scored 121 and Sangakkara was unbeaten on 144 as the pair put on 225 runs for the second wicket after opener Tharanga Paranavitana fell for zero on Monday. Pakistan grabbed four wickets in the final session to leave Sri Lanka still needing 74 more runs to save the follow-on on the last day. But a draw appears likely as rain once again wiped off two hours of play in the postlunch session after bad weather on the previous two days restricted the bowlers to only 71 of the stipulated 180 overs. More rain has been

Kumar Sangakkara

forecast for the final day on Wednesday. Sangakkara had scored an unbeaten 199 and Dilshan made 101 in the first Test in Galle last week which Sri Lanka won by 209 runs to take the lead in the threematch series. Both settled down once again to pound the Pakistani attack on a dead pitch that provided no assistance to the bowlers. Dilshan was the first to the landmark, lofting off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for a six to bring up his 14th Test hundred and the third against Pakistan. Left-handed Sangakkara surpassed Australian legend Don Bradman’s tally of 29 centuries with a single off Ajmal in the next over. When Sangakkara reached 60, he become the highest run-getter against Pakistan, surpassing Indian great Sunil Gavaskar’s tally of 2,089 runs from 24 Tests. Sangakkara, who is playing his 15th Test against Pakistan, has scored nine centuries against them with a top score of 230 in Lahore in March, 2002.

Tutorial Academy drub Tagore Secondary 8-0 to reach East Berbice finals Tutorial Academy Secondary School (TASS) of New Amsterdam made sure that their path to the East Berbice finals of the Digicel nationwide Inter Secondary Football Competition is clear when they inflicted an 8-0 drubbing on Tagore Secondary school of the Corentyne. In the game which was played on Sunday at the Scot Church ground in New Amsterdam TASS, completely dominated the game to win easily. By the end of the first half the score was 3-0 with Ray Reddock hitting home a hat-trick with goals in the 19, 22, 39 minutes. Five more goals in the second half added to the Tagore team woes. Anthony Weeks with another hat-trick in the 53, 59, and 90 minutes led the second half route. Nigel King and Selwyn Semple with strikes in the 61 and 79 minutes completed the assault. Continued on page 29

Dilshan was dismissed in the final hour of play when he was trapped leg-before by left-arm seamer Junaid Khan. He hit 13 fours and a six. Junaid then picked up his third wicket as skipper Mahela Jayawardene padded up to an incoming delivery and was declared leg-before by umpire Simon Taufel for no score. Ajmal removed Thilan Samaraweera for zero and Abdur Rehman sent back nightwatchman Suraj Randiv in the day’s last over to enable Pakistan to end the day on a high. The third Test will be played in Pallekele from July 8. Scores: Sri Lanka 278 for 5 (Sangakkara 144*, Dilshan 121, Junaid 3-56) trail Pakistan 551 for 6 dec by 273 runs.

Wednesday July 04, 2012

Best eager to perform against Black Caps at Sabina Park Kingston, Jamaica — Tino Best has an eagerness about him. The livewire fast bowler is happy to be back in West Indies colours and is relishing the opportunity to “run in fast and have a go” at the New Zealand batsmen in the upcoming Digicel OneDay International Series. Best, who has been on the regional first-class circuit for over a decade, is among the fastest bowlers in the Caribbean. He spoke about his passion for the game on Tuesday morning after the West Indies players had gym sessions and planning meetings as part of preparations for the opening encounter on Thursday at Sabina Park. The Windies arrived in Jamaica early Monday from Florida where they beat the Black Caps 2-0 in the Digicel T20 Series at Central Broward Regional Park last weekend. “I love Jamaican people ... I love playing in Jamaica. Sabina Park is up there among my favourite venues. It’s right here where I got my first Test wicket and I’ve done well playing here for Barbados as well. I enjoy the food, the culture, the atmosphere, and the people give me a lot of support,” Best said. “The pitch here also has something for the faster bowlers, like myself, so I will look to run in and bowl as quickly as I can and get wickets for West Indies. Our attack is good. Andre Russell is a wicket-taker. Ravi Rampaul has been doing well for West Indies for the last

Tino Best year-and-a-half. We have a good mixture in our attack.” Best believes his overall game has improved, especially under Head Coach Ottis Gibson, and that he is capable of cementing a place in the squad. He made his international debut back in 2003 as a fresh-faced 21-yearold at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Now, at age 30, he has matured and is looking to demonstrate that with his performances in the middle. “I’m working on my variations. I’ve been given a job to bowl fast, try to create pressure and get early wickets, and I will give my all and try to do that. I’m looking forward to this opportunity as I join a winning unit,” Best said. “The guys made a strong statement by winning in Florida. It feels good to be back in a winning circle and we will look to carry that formula into the One-Dayers

when we get going later this week.” Best has worked overtime on his batting. He demonstrated his ability with a brilliant 95 against England at Edgbaston last month. It was the highest score by a Number 11 in the history of Test cricket. “I don’t see myself as a Number 11. I see myself as someone who can make a contribution with the bat. My job is basic. When I get the opportunity to bat with a specialist batsman, just to play each ball on merit and to play straight, as I was taught in my teenage years, and offer support. I also need to be more selective in the shots I attempt, and in general be a more mature cricketer,” he said. The West Indies will have a full training session at Sabina Park on Wednesday morning. The first Digicel ODI is on Thursday at Sabina Park. First ball is 9.30 am (10.30 am Eastern Caribbean Time). DIGICEL 2012 SERIES New Zealand to West Indies Upcoming matches (All times local) Digicel One-Day International Series July 5: 1st Digicel ODI – Sabina Park, Jamaica – 9:30 a.m. July 7: 2nd Digicel ODI – Sabina Park – 9:30 a.m. Ju11: 3rd Digicel ODI – Warner Park, St. Kitts – 9:30 a.m. July 14: 4th Digicel ODI – Warner Park – 9:30 a.m. July 16: 5th Digicel ODI – Warner Park – 9:30 a.m.

Graeme Pollock lambasts BCCI for opposing DRS Yahoo! Cricket – Legendary South African batsman Graeme Pollock hit out at the BCCI for continuing to oppose the Decision Review System (DRS). The BCCI’s opposition is the main roadblock for the universal implementation of the DRS. The use of the DRS has still led to some mistakes being made, but on the whole, the review system has helped in cutting out umpiring errors. Until the BCCI supports the DRS, international cricket will continue to be played under different sets of playing conditions. India are currently fourth in ICC Test rankings, though they were at the top from December 2009 until July last year. Pollock was reacting to BCCI’s opposition to the DRS at an ICC board meeting in Kuala Lumpur last week, effectively vetoing the adoption of the system that uses infrared cameras, finely-

Graeme Pollock tuned microphones and balltracking devices to aid umpires. Pollock said the BCCI’s full-fledged opposition to the DRS is solely because it is unsuitable to the Indian batsmen. “It’s ridiculous that India have managed to do this on their own, but it does suggest that DRS favours sides that have lots of good

batsmen,” Pollock told South African daily Business Day. He also feels the DRS doesn’t suit India’s top and middle-order. “You are limited in the number of reviews you can call for and, if DRS is not in operation, a lot of players are going to get away with decisions that should go the other way. Essentially, the system does not suit India’s top six. You play differently if you’re a batsman when the review system is in operation,” Pollock added. Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa acting chief executive Jacques Faul, who attended the ICC meeting in Kuala Lumpur, said India “raised their concerns that they don’t think DRS is reliable, but we supported it and our players support it”. Pollock also slammed the ICC for not taking the financial and administrative responsibility to impose the technology. The DRS cost is borne by broadcasters,

despite the fact that the benefit of its use goes direct to the ICC. “It’s ludicrous. DRS should be paid for and controlled by the ICC and simply be a part of world cricket,” he stated. ICC’s new chief executive David Richardson defended the governing body’s U-turn over DRS and said he wouldn’t drag the powerful BCCI “kicking and screaming” into accepting it. The ICC was left red-faced at annual talks last week when chief executives proposed mandatory DRS in Tests and one-day internationals, only for the board to reject the move and leave it as a decision for the two competing sides. “I don’t think (the decision is) negative at all. We’ll be seeing DRS used in the majority of series going forward and there would be no sense in forcing anything upon anybody,” Richardson said.




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