Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Page 5
Kaieteur M@ilbox
The CJ’s ruling has raised more questions This Act of Economic Oppression by Venezuela must be resisted by ALL Guyanese and uncertainties than answers DEAR EDITOR, The continuous threat by poverty.
DEAR EDITOR, I would summarise my understanding of the Chief Justice’s ruling on the term limit case thus: Act 17 of 2001 (amending Article 90 of the 1980 constitution), which imposes term limits by a 2/3 parliamentary vote, is unconstitutional because it reduces the amount of democracy, and that reduction flies in the face of Article 1, which declares Guyana to be “an indivisible, secular and democratic sovereign state”. The key word here is “democratic”. As Article 1 is only amendable by a referendum, the democracyreducing Act 17 of 2001 cannot stand, unless the people vote in a referendum to diminish the democracy granted in this article. To quote from the ruling of the Chief Justice (as posted in the Guyana Times): “However, it does appear to the court that, in so far as the creation of a democratic state necessarily entails the existence of an independent judiciary and certain fundamental rights and freedoms and protection under the law, any Act of Parliament which seeks to diminish such essential democratic values cannot be of legal effect without a referendum since Article 1…
is entrenched by a referendum” by Article 164(2)(a). The ruling goes on to show why expressed fears about the fate of other such amendments are misplaced, by stating that constitutional amendments that enhance democracy can be passed by just a parliamentary majority. Quoting the Chief Justice again: “on the other hand, an alteration of any of those provisions which seek to widen or promote the values or rights therein contained would not require a referendum, and a 2/3 majority vote of all the elected members would suffice…” In short, what is good for democracy, a parliamentary vote can work. But what is bad for democracy, the people will have to decide directly in a referendum (not through their elected representatives) if they want this bad thing. I do not know if an accepted name exists for this doctrine of constitutional interpretation, but for convenience I would call it “the doctrine of democratic worth or value”. From my layman perspective, I respectfully submit this doctrine, and the decision based on it, are troubling and harmful for the reasons I sketch below.
Firstly, the ruling completely ignores the legislative history behind Articles 90 (2) and (3), the term-limit articles. These articles emerged out of a constitution reform process in 1999 that followed a tumultuous political crisis in Guyana after the disputed 1997 general election. To achieve political stability and national unity, our political parties agreed under the so-called Herdmanston Accord of 1998 to implement constitution reform. The Constitution Reform Commission (CRC), that was established, included representation from fourteen different political and civil society organizations. Among its work, it held 85 public hearings across the country and received over 4,500 proposals from the public. By the time matters reached to the parliamentary vote, a consensus among national stakeholders had emerged that Guyana would be better off without the detrimental impacts of personality cult and leaderfor-life syndrome in the holder of the presidency, supposedly produced by one person holding the office continuously and for too long. No doubt, the Burnham Continued on page 6
To claim what’s not yours is an act of misplaced aggression. To continue to want to grab what has been settled by international arbitration is a show of contempt for the rule of law. To decide on one day you will use this decree and next day use another in efforts to push an agenda which is known to have no moral and international premise and support among right thinking persons within your country is a sign of desperation. All 83,000 square miles and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in relation to Guyana remain ours! President Madura’s failure to provide basic amenities for the citizens of Venezuela has angered his people, resulting in series of protest action and widespread discontent. The president’s failure to properly address domestic affairs has seen him turning his personal aggression against Guyana and other sovereign nations. The intention of President Madura’s act is to rally the citizens of Venezuela against Guyana and others with a view of diverting attention from his failed economic policies.
Venezuela has had negative impact on this country’s development. History has shown that we lost the realisation of the Upper Mazaruni hydropower development under President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham government because Venezuela was claiming Essequibo which scared off investors and bankers. Today we are confronted with President Madura’ act to stymie the production of oil which can bring down our cost in building an efficient manufacturing sector through cheap energy supply. An effective manufacturing sector can create thousands of jobs for Guyanese to be employed. Cheap energy means the small man can benefit from jobs and good and services at affordable prices. For the society it means improved and expanded social services and infrastructures. Together this means economic development for the society and steep reduction in
The act of economic aggression by President Madura is intended to circumscribe our sovereignty by making us dependent on Venezuela who will play a significant role in determining our national programmes. Already, we have seen President Maduro’s attitude towards us when it comes to the PetroCarib deal. For President Maduro to be the aggressor and when we stridently respond to his aggression he becomes offended is a reflection he does not understand that Guyana is a sovereign nation and has a right to defend its territorial integrity. Guyanese are required to first and foremost recognise that we too have a country that we call home and it for this reason we must protect and defend every inch that belongs to us, by remembering it is not what country can do for us but what we can do for country. Let us cooperate for Guyana and resolve to fight together. Yes we can! K. Sharma Solomon.
Page 6
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Is there a deliberate attempt to unleash a new crime wave on Guyana?
The CJ’s ruling has raised more questions...
DEAR EDITOR, There’s a rather baffling dimension to some of the recent spate of robberies. I’m no detective, but I feel that it’s a dimension that the police and Minister of Public Securities Khemraj Ramjattan, would do well to have their Intelligence ranks investigate. They should ask themselves why the perpetrators of these heinous attacks seem to be shooting and beating their victims, even when those victims pose no discernible threat to them. Some examples: On July 2, a bandit in a minibus shot a woman in her
leg before escaping with her hand-bag. Two Sundays ago, businessman Ganesh Ramlall was riddled with bullets, in his Lot C La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara home and stripped of his jewellery. Last Monday, bandits invaded Angela Hussain’s grocery and haberdashery store at Canje, and shot her in the head before escaping with valuables. Then there was the attack on Mrs. Nicola Pierre and her husband, Mohamed Chand. Rather than hold the sleeping couple at gunpoint, the gang, reportedly of at least six armed men, opted to pistol-whip Mrs. Pierre and Mr. Mohamed
into unconsciousness. Ye s , there were execution-style killings, robberies and murders at the beginning of the year. But I look at this very recent spate of violent attacks, particularly against one ethnic group, and recall one inflammatory speech, during the height of the political campaign, about people who “will kick down your doors…” It leaves one to ponder: Are there some ‘intellectual authors’ behind some of these attacks? Is someone with a political agenda trying to unleash a new crime wave to further divide us? Watchful Guyanese
DEAR EDITOR, I read a letter by Clement Rohee in Guyana Times (2015-07-09) in defence of Bharat Jagdeo as the new leader of the PPP. It is nothing short of a newly packaged “feral blast” against critics, reminiscent of Jagdeo’s own cuss-down mode for which he has
become infamous, and which caused the PPP to lose the 2011 and 2015 elections. Mr. Rohee hurled abuse, against Dr. Joey Jagan, son of the PPP’s founder-leader, calling him a “failed politician”. Former speaker, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, son of another founder, Boysie Ramkarran, is
thrown on the heap of “armchair theorists” and “local mimic men” and “intellectual skunks.” Rohee has resurrected an old “enemy of the state” bogeyman when he literally said that anyone who opposes Jagdeo is against the PPP. Rohee must be tied to Jagdeo by a rope stronger than the chains of bondage! Govinda V. Raju
Rohee has resurrected an old “enemy of the state” bogeyman
From page 5 factor was uppermost in the minds of most at the time. The people and their representatives therefore felt it would be good for democracy in Guyana to introduce term limits for the presidency. If one then applies the CJ’s “doctrine of democratic worth”, term-limits (analyzing them as theoretical concepts) should be constitutional as they promote democratic values in the context of Guyana and, in addition, the people through the consultative and parliamentary mechanisms established under the CRC said they believed so. The second problem that exists in the ruling is the overreliance on one standard (democratic worth) against which all the amendments are to be judged for their constitutionality. Sure, Article 1 emphasizes democracy. But the Preamble (which guides the interpretation of the entire constitution) also speaks of other national values and aspirations, such as “reconciliation and cooperation”, “harmony and peace”, “unity”, and “safe society”. Democracy (however defined) is important, but one of several national goals. The perpetual challenge in these situations where
several goals (or freedoms, or values or rights) coexist is that goals may conflict. Freedom of expression conflicts with requirements to protect the reputation and rights of others. How would the Chief Justice rule therefore if an amendment limits democratic value but increases public safety or racial unity? Or have the citizens agreed that democracy trumps everything? Thirdly, the ruling has opened up the time-honored questions about democracy: what is it, how does one weigh it, and who weighs it? Is there a scale, objective and unanimously accepted? The ruling has now taken the court into the realm of political science and philosophy. The Chief Justice has taken on the unenviable responsibility to settle potential questions on democracy that experts in the field squabble about in science journals and at conferences. Is this a case of judicial overreach? So while we may agree with the Chief Justice that an independent judiciary is good for democracy, what about term limits for High Court judges, an issue that has resurfaced in the US where some are calling the lifelong tenure of Supreme Court Justices harmful to
democracy? Is state-owned media good or bad for democracy? Is a voting age of 18 better for democracy than 21? And so on. What the Chief Justice’s ruling now instructs is that any recent or future constitutional amendment (or any subsidiary legislation that strongly impinges on the constitution, I imagine) would have to pass a democratic taste test to determine its level of entrenchment, which will then inform if the provision is amendable by referendum or a parliamentary majority. This approach will stir up too many uncertainties and disputes. It is not good ground on which to rest our constitution and lawmaking. Lastly, without expanding, the ruling raises other questions: what are the boundaries of our representative democracy, enshrined in Article 9? The ruling seems somewhat dismissive of parliamentary democracy. What is more entrenching in our politically divided environment? Some may argue that a 2/3 multi-party parliamentary majority may offer a higher level of entrenchment or protection that a referendum winnable by a simple majority of the electorate (with the possibility of the tyranny of the majority or electoral dictatorship). The ruling of the Chief Justice has raised more questions and uncertainties than answers. The Court of Appeal should walk it back. Sherwood Lowe
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
World Bank, IMF launch initiative to help strengthen Caribbean tax systems WASHINGTON, (CMC) – The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be launching a new initiative to help developing countries, including those in the Caribbean, strengthen their tax systems. Analysis suggests that many lower-income countries have the potential to increase their tax ratios by at least two to four per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), without compromising fairness or growth. On Friday, the World Bank said raising additional revenues will allow developing countries and the Caribbean to fill financing gaps and to promote development. The announcement comes ahead of the “Financing for Development” conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia next week at which heads of state, multilateral institutions and private sector representatives will discuss how to scale up finances to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We very much want to help developing countries raise more revenues through taxes because this can lead to
Jim Yong Kim more children receiving a good education and more families having access to quality health care,” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. “If everyone pays their fair share developing countries can close their financing gaps and promote inclusive growth”, he added. The IMF’s Managing Director Christine Lagarde said a strong revenue base is “imperative if developing
countries are to be able to finance the spending they need on public services, social support and infrastructure. “But experience shows that with well-targeted external technical support and sufficient political will, it can be done”, she said. Responding to country demands, the IMF/World Bank initiative has two pillars – to deepen the dialogue with developing countries on international tax issues, aiming to help increase their voice in the international debate on tax rules and cooperation. The initiative also provides diagnostic tools in helping member-countries evaluate and strengthen their tax policies. The institutions also plan to strengthen their diagnostic tools, to develop new methodologies where needed, to enable member-countries to identify priority tax reforms and design the requisite support for their implementation. The World Bank said this effort would complement the launch of the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) in November.
Page 7
Page 8
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
France says ‘decision time’ has come in Iran nuclear talks VIENNA (Reuters) France’s foreign minister appeared to put pressure on the United States and Iran yesterday to speed up nuclear talks, saying all issues were now on the table and that the time had come to make a decision. Western and Iranian diplomats close to the talks said they expected to work well into the night in hopes of a breakthrough, perhaps as early as today, on a deal to bring sanctions relief for Tehran in exchange for curbs on its atomic program. Iran and the six powers
involved in the talks - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - have given themselves until Monday to reach a deal, their third extension in two weeks, as the Iranian delegation accused the West of throwing up new stumbling blocks to an accord. “Now that everything is on the table, the moment has come to decide,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in a statement sent to Reuters after speaking to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad
Zarif and British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond. Among the biggest sticking points this week has been Iran’s insistence that a United Nations Security Council arms embargo and ban on its ballistic missile program dating from 2006 be lifted immediately if an agreement is reached. Russia, which sells weapons to Iran, has publicly supported Tehran on the issue. However, a senior Western diplomat said earlier in the week the six powers remained united, despite Moscow’s and Beijing’s well-known dislike of the embargos. Western powers have long suspected Iran of aiming to build nuclear bombs and using its civilian atomic energy program to cloak its intention - an accusation Iran strongly denies. Other problematic issues in the talks are access for inspectors to military sites in Iran, answers from Tehran over past activity and the overall speed of sanctions relief. “Still have difficult issues to resolve,” Kerry tweeted yesterday after meeting Zarif. The two men have met
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius talks to German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier (L) during a meeting with foreign ministers and representatives of United States, China, Britain, Russia and the European Union during nuclear talks. REUTERS/Carlos Barria nearly every day since Kerry arrived in Vienna more than two weeks ago for what was intended to be the final phase in a negotiation process lasting more than year and a half aimed at securing a longterm deal with Iran. An agreement would be the biggest step towards rapprochement between Iran
and the West since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, although both sides are likely to remain wary of each other even if a deal is concluded. In separate comments, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani suggested the talks could go either way while Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Tehran would
continue its fight against “global arrogance” - referring to the United States. According to his website, Khamenei was asked by a student what would happen to the “fight against global arrogance” after the completion of the nuclear talks and the supreme leader replied that fight must go on.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 9
Granger joins over 190 Heads of States in Ethiopia
President David Granger A United Nations promotional poster for the Millennium Development Goals President David Granger has joined Heads of State, Ministers and representatives from more than 190 countries in Ethiopia for a conference at which decisions will be made on a financial framework to realize the new Sustainable Development Goals. President Granger left Guyana yesterday morning to attend the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. President Granger is being accompanied by Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador George Talbot and Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Ambassador Keith George. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has been swornin and will carry out the functions of the President. The conference is being held under the theme, “Time
for Global Action” and will last from July 13 to July 16. The conference will gather high-level political representatives, including Heads of State and Government, and Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, as well as all relevant institutional stakeholders, nongovernmental organizations and business sector entities. The Conference will result in an intergovernmental negotiated and agreed outcome, which should constitute an important contribution to and support the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. An international online news outfit reported Alessandra Casazza of the U.N. Development Program saying that the Financing for Development conference, will draw about 7,000
GRA Deputy Commissioner General sent packing Senior officials within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are tight-lipped over the termination of the service of its Deputy Commissioner General, Clement Sealey. According to reports reaching this publication, Sealey’s employment contract with the GRA recently expired and a decision was taken to not have it renewed. Sealey’s appointment by the former ruling administration had attracted some condemnation from the then A Partnership for National Unity opposition. The rehiring of Sealey among a few others was seen as questionable moves by the former People’s Progressive
Party Civic Government. Thus far there has been no official disclosure on the development. However, word has reached this publication that the vacant position of Deputy Commissioner General is expected to be filled by Head of GRA’s Operational Support Services, Ms Ingrid Griffith. This reported state of affairs comes at a time when the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change Government has been parting ways with a number of officials in the quest to effectively probe the operations of a number of Government-run organisations.
delegates and “is not going to talk about figures.” “There is not going to be any new money put on the table,” she said. “The conference is going to deliver a framework. It’s going to look at various sources of financing all across the board that can actually underpin and support the implementation of the new agenda.” The U.N. Millennium Development Goals, which
started in 2000, expire in December. The World Bank released a report in April saying that to finance the post-2015 agenda; trillions of dollars would be needed. Casazza said that the new development agenda could not be implemented without the finances first being put in place. The new post-2015 development agenda is expected to be adopted during the U.N. General Assembly in September.
Dem boys seh... Jagdeo gun run and lef dat third term de same way Venezuela run and lef Guyana rice Whenever two people get wrong dem does do things fuh spite one another but most time dem does hurt demself when dem think dem hurt de other person. Tek de case of Guyana and Venezuela rice deal. Guyana trying to find anything that de country got to give de people a better way of life and Venezuela get vex. De other day Guyana bring some people and dem find oil. When Venezuela hear that dem get more vex. Dem cut off de rice dem use to buy from Guyana and it look like dem gun cut de li’l oil dem does send here, too. Guyana can’t seh nutten fuh save he soul. Is like a man and he wife. De man ain’t agree wid wha he wife do so he stop give she money to provide grocery and pay de rent. One day he come home hungry but because he vex he don’t want no food. And when she insist that he put something pun he stomach he does throw de food and de plate outside. That is wha Venezuela do. But this thing shouldn’t come as a surprise. Venezuela did tell Donald since before de elections that it was cutting back, that it wouldn’t tek so much rice. But was elections time and Donald call Leslie and tell he to keep he mouth shut. De whole Pee Pee Pee know de story but dem feel if dem was to talk de rice farmers woulda get vex. Is better if dem did talk because dem get de rice farmers more vex. One rice farmer tell dem boys that he hear when Jagdeo call Venezuela president and tell him to stop buying de rice suh dem can blame Soulja Bai govt. Dem boys hear de rice farmer waiting to ketch Jagdeo, Donald and Sammy. But dem boys seh that Sammy sick already, is he deeds ketch up wid him and Donald pressure going up. Jagdeo plug falling down. Talk half and watch how Jagdeo gun run and lef that same third term that he and de Chinee man instigating.
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Guyana/Venezuela rice deal collapse...
Worries mount over deterioration of rice, concurrent financial losses Rice shipments in limbo
With Guyana forced to hold back its shipments of rice to Venezuela after a directive was issued to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) by the oilgiant, worries have mounted over the state of the rice and for how long the shipment can remain on the wharf before succumbing to elements, including moisture
and weevil infestations. According to technical briefings from senior officials within the GRDB, the rice, which is currently nestled on the John Fernandes wharf, has not been there for more than a week. As such, the rice had a possible life of sixty days, depending on conditions. Rice, the senior official
explained, would be seriously affected should the grains come into contact with moisture. The longer they stay on the wharf, the more probability of spoilage occurring. Kaieteur News understands that the 270 containers include five percent broken rice, with the (Continued on page 59)
Sunday July 12, 2015
Religious body, Minister condemn alleged rape by pandit The family of the 22-yearold lady from the Upper Corentyne area who was reportedly raped by a playboy pandit of No. 57 village, Corentyne is expressing fear. They say that the pandit has begun issuing threats to them. The young lady who was unwell was raped last Sunday by the pandit at her parents’ home. The pandit who has a history of infidelity, and was separated from his wife for the same reason was invited by the girl’s parents to ‘Jaray’ her and help nurse her back to health. Instead, the pandit is now in hot water after he was caught, literally, with his pants down and having sex with the young woman who was seeking his assistance by her parents. However, since the incident was reported the pandit was arrested and has been released on $100,000 bail. According to relatives, since the man’s release he has been issuing threats. He has reportedly been contacting the complainants and telling them to drop the matter and accept a settlement. According to the relatives, he has been boasting about his enormous contacts and threatening them that if they don’t want to accept a settlement and if they “want fire then they will have fire.” However relatives are adamant that they want the matter fully investigated and
the man dealt with by the full force of the law. According to information, after the young lady fell ill the pandit was sent for and upon his arrival, the girl was in the hallway of the house and the Pandit immediately told them that the girl needed a lot of prayers and that he will need some privacy. He subsequently used the washroom and removed his pants and stayed with his “trousers” before returning to “pray” for the girl. They were again ordered downstairs, but after 15 minutes the family decided to check on the situation since their suspicions were being aroused and they were not hearing any sounds. Upon creeping upstairs and peeping into the room, relatives were horrified to see the Pandit having sex with their helpless daughter in the locker room. The pandit was forced to open the door and when confronted he explained that he was drunk and did not know what he was doing. Meanwhile, the Government through the Ministry of Social Protection, and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has condemned the actions of the pandit. Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, on learning of the distasteful act perpetrated by the pandit is abhorred and strongly condemns the pandit’s actions. “The Minister further intimates that it is lamentable
that a personality, held in such high esteem in the community and in whom confidence is entrusted should not only betray that trust but abuse his power of authority by taking advantage of an ill teenager. The Minister stated that perpetrators of such acts would not be sheltered by the Ministry of Social Protection which will spare no efforts to ensure that such lawless behavior is curbed and dealt with accordingly. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha in a statement stated that it wishes to strongly condemn the actions of the Berbician pandit who allegedly raped a young woman as part of a “rite”. The Sabha wishes to categorically state that Hinduism does not at all promote any of the activities alluded to in the news reports. The perpetrator of this heinous act should face the full force of the law. Dharmic Sabha would like to appeal to Hindus and others not to be duped by persons pretending to heal or cure ailments. We advise, as we have done in the past, that persons who are ill should seek medical attention and not be prey to those who would exploit them under “religious” pretexts. The Sabha urges all pandits to conduct themselves in a dignified manner where their life and practices could withstand scrutiny and be above reproach.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Capped benefits for former Presidents will still cost Treasury a ‘pretty penny’ - Finance Minister By Abena Rockcliffe As the House positioned itself on Thursday last to pass the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan noted that even the capped benefits offered to former Presidents will cost the Treasury a ‘pretty penny’. The Bill Jordan piloted was one which sought to repeal the former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act of 2009, and replace it to provide greater specificity. It seeks to render the conditions acceptable and to place a limit on the benefits, including tax free concessions, to which former Presidents are now entitled. The Bill also specifies some conditions under which the benefits may be enjoyed. Instead of the open ended provisions that were in place, former Presidents will now be given $25,000 per month for electricity, a further $25,000 for water and another $25,000 for telephone. The new Bill states that former Presidents will be given services of personal and household staff, including a gardener
- Cites $7.4M ticket claim by Jagdeo
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo but, the total number of such staffers cannot exceed three persons. There will be a limit of $200,000 per annum for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by a former President for himself and his children below the age of eighteen years and his spouse, provided that the money was not spent on medical attention and treatment obtained abroad or at private health facilities in Guyana, and were available in Guyana at government institutions. Former Presidents will be
given full-time personal security, not exceeding two persons including those at the place of residence. They will also be entitled to the provision of not more than two motor vehicles owned and maintained by the State; toll free transportation; and an annual vacation allowance equivalent to the cost of two first class return airfares provided on the same conditions applicable to Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature. But even with the caps placed on the benefits, Jordan said that the state may still have to stand large expenses. He said that only a few months ago, former President Bharrat Jagdeo claimed compensation to the tune $7.4M for two first class tickets. When Jordan said this, several Members of Parliament expressed shock and disgust. Some heckled things like “Where he (Jagdeo) went to cost all that money,” and “He does really
overdo it.” The Minister also made mention of the fact that the state was made to pay for two first class return tickets despite the fact that Jagdeo has no known spouse. “In this case it seems as if you don’t even have to have a spouse, you can still claim two tickets …We should not be entertaining claims for spousal benefits where no spouse is acknowledged by the claimer,” said Jordan. Earlier in his speech, Jordan had made reference to the fact that over the period December 2011 to February 2014, Jagdeo racked up in excess of $45M on transportation, security and
electricity bills within 27 months. The figure represented the money the State spent for Jagdeo’s transportation, security and electricity from the time he demitted office in December 2011 up to February 2014. Jagdeo’s total electricity bill for the duration amounted to over $9.8M. His average monthly bill was $365,766 at the time. For transportation, he utilized over $15.2M. The State spent over $20.3M for his security over that 27month period, an average of $752,649 monthly. This can no longer be the case as former Presidents will
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan now be given $75,000 to cover electricity, telephone and water bills and the security entourage will be reduced to just two persons. However, the vacation deal remains the same.
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Police figures confirm fewer robberies but more murders As was expected, the Guyana Police Force has released figures that confirm an increase in criminal activities from the beginning of this year to June month end, with murders up to last monthend showing a sharp rise of 14 per cent, when compared with the same period last year. The figures show that there were a total of 79 murders for the period under review, 10 more than for the same period in 2014. Execution style murders made the biggest jump, accounting for six of the murders this year against two last year.
There were also significant increases in disorderly type murders and murders of unknown causes, increasing by 81 and 33 per cent respectively. Murders committed during robberies although relatively high at 13, remain on par with the June month end figure of 2014. Investigators in ‘A’ Division, (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) have been doing the most work so far, investigating 29 of the 79 murders in the country. They were followed by their counterparts on the East Coast Demerara who have investigated 14 murders so far
and Berbice who saw 13 murders committed in the Division. The interior has seen 11 unlawful killings so far with four murders each occurring in Linden and its environs and the West Coast Demerara. The usually quiet Essequibo Coast has also seen four murders so far. Up to last evening the police had recorded one more murder, bringing the total so far for the year to 80. But despite the high murder rate, police investigators have been able to crack a number of the cases, bringing several perpetrators to court.
Overall the Guyana Police Force recorded a nine percent increase in serious crimes at the end of June 2015 in comparison to the same period in 2014. Apart from the murders, the serious crimes policed by the force are robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, Break and Enter and Larceny, Burglary, Rape, and Kidnapping. According to the police, at the end of June 2015, robbery under arms overall has decreased by six percent in comparison to the same period in 2014.
The statistics indicate a decrease of nine percent in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms; while the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators is almost similar to the figure for last year. The number of rape reports went up by a whopping 74 percent, with 207 reports at the end of June this year compared to 119 for the same period last year. Break and Enter and Larceny and Burglary also showed an increase. Unto the end of June this year, 61 illegal firearms have been recovered by the police comprising one sub-machine gun, 35 pistols, 14 revolvers, four shotguns, six rifles and one pen-gun. The current crime situation forced President David Granger to convene an emergency meeting, with his top security officials and some members of his cabinet including, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. The meeting culminated with government trotting out an elaborate plan to halt the current spate, which coincided with the election of the new coalition government in May. The plan includes increased resources for the police force, to enhance its ground, air and river response capabilities. Speaking at a postCabinet briefing on Wednesday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, said that the plan will be fleshed out and fine tuned with the Commissioner of Police to ensure that citizens
are safe, and that the criminals and the criminal underworld as well as the intellectual authors of criminal activities understand that the coalition government has a very strong resolve to root crime wherever it exists in Guyana. Harmon said that the government has given a commitment to the Guyana Police Force that it will put all of the assets of the state at its disposal to ensure that wherever criminal activity exists, it will be dealt with most viciously. Apart from the proposed plans to deal with the situation, Public Security Minister Ramjattan has already implemented new measures, including a 2:00 hours curfew for nightspots and bars, as well as deploying vehicles that were earmarked for Community Policing Groups to the Police Force to bolster their fleet of patrol vehicles. “We’ve given the police the undertaking that we are prepared to increase the allocation to the force so that we will have the cameras not just concentrated in one area but all across the country to aid in the fight against criminal activity,” Harmon assured, adding that the networking of police station all across the country will also be a feature. “We are sending a very clear signal to all and sundry that wherever the intelligence leads us we are going to follow it and there will be no sacred cows where this matter is concerned,” Harmon declared. Incidentally no mention was made of the police SWAT unit, a group of highly trained ranks who are not being put to use.
CONSUMER CONCERNS
Beautification of towns enhances quality of life PAT DIAL Now that the Central Government and the town councils, including Georgetown have shown some commitment and enthusiasm for clearing the accumulations of garbage and improving drainage, it is apposite that they devote some attention to the beautification, the aesthetics of the towns. As part of the clean-up programme, it would cost little or no money. And the template for city beautification could
be found in the work of the Georgetown Town Councils in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In this programme of beautification, we shall focus on two aspects - the trees and bridges - and will concentrate on Georgetown since the City could be used as an example to others. For decades now, no one paid any attention to the trees in the City. They were either cut down or died without replacement. Those that Continued on page 61
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 13
Shot-in-head Canje businesswoman released from hospital Businesswoman Angela Hussain, 41, of Neezam Grocery and Haberdashery store of lot 62 Second Street, Palmyra, East Canje, Berbice who was shot in the head last Monday has been released from hospital. The mother of four was shot in her head during a robbery at her home and business premises. She was rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She was subsequently removed from the ICU and placed in the open ward. On Saturday she was discharged from the hospital since according to doctors, she was out of danger. The police have also spoken to the woman and she has provided vital information to investigators. According to information the woman and her family, including her husband, Fizul “Neezam” Hussain and three The Canje business place which was attacked.
RELEASED: Angela Hussain of their children were at home in the two-storey wood and concrete building which houses a grocery shop below. The family was about to close the business around 19:30 hrs on Monday evening when five masked armed bandits barged in. The men immediately shouted,
“Nobody” move and ordered them to lie on the ground. Using expletives the bandits started to demand cash and jewelry and began brutalizing the family. Three of the bandits were armed with guns while two had cutlasses. Two kept guard, returned outside and fired shots to keep residents at bay, while three remained in the house and continued to brutalize the family. The men ransacked the shop and took all of the day’s sales. They demanded more money and after being told there was no more cash, one of the bandits held the woman by her collar, pointed the gun to her head and fired a shot, while the other bandits kept an eye on the rest of the family. The thieves were not satisfied and demanded even more. The bandit then returned to where the other relatives were and demanded cash and jewelry from Fizul
Hussain. When he refused, he was struck about the head with the gun, a wound which required a number of sutures. The three children including the two daughters and the eight your old son were struck on their heads and other parts of their bodies with the gun. The eldest was not around since he worked in Georgetown. The injured woman was dragged upstairs by the
bandits as they ransacked the house and continued their demands. The bandits subsequently escaped by foot before boarding a dark coloured car that was parked in a side street. It bore no number plate. All of the men wore toque masks with the holes cut out for eyes and mouth. According to residents, the ordeal lasted for more than 30 minutes and the
police took some time to respond. The woman was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital by residents where she was admitted for emergency treatment. In the meanwhile, a number of persons who were taken into custody following the robbery have been released as investigation continues.
Page 14
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News presents donation to Crum-Ewing’s mother The sum of $1,886,500 was yesterday handed over to Mrs Donna Harcourt, the mother of assassinated political activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing. The amount was garnered through a fundraiser facilitated by Kaieteur News to cater to the education needs of CrumEwing’s children. As she accepted the sum in the form of a cheque yesterday, Harcourt, who was accompanied by her husband, Eustace Harcourt, expressed appreciation to all those who donated selflessly to the fundraiser. She also spoke of the possibility of having the money invested with a view to having the
value augmented before being plugged into the respective education interest of the children. Crum-Ewing was father to Cosia Jewani Crum-Ewing, 13; Courtene Jadonna CrumEwing, 12, and three-year-old Cenique Crum-Ewing. He was brutally murdered on the evening of Tuesday March 10, 2015, as he, aided by a bullhorn, advocated for persons in the Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, area to exercise their franchise at the national elections on May 11, 2015. He was specifically urging residents to support the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change
..money to go toward children’s education (APNU+AFC) coalition. Crum-Ewing was shot multiple times as he stood on Third Avenue in the Diamond New Scheme. He first became well known after his many solo picketing exercises outside the Attorney General’s
Carmichael Street, Georgetown office was publicised in the media. His decision to picket was prompted by media reports of a damning conversation between a senior journalist attached to this publication and former Attorney General,
Anil Nandlall, during which the latter alluded to imminent danger on this publication because of its manner of reporting. Crum-Ewing’s picket saw him, by way of placards, appealing for the then Attorney General to demit
office. His assassination sent shockwaves across the nation, with many from all facets of society expressing condemnation. To date no one has been charged for Crum-Ewing’s murder.
Boy, 17, stabbed to death in dispute The murder of a 17-year-old boy yesterday has pushed the homicide rate to 81 for this year. Adona Parbo, of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was stabbed to death around 20:00 hrs during a dispute with two other youths on the West Ruimveldt front road. According to reports, Parbo had just left a masjid when he was attacked and stabbed by two youths on bicycles. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed. Statistics released by the Guyana Police Force yesterday showed a 14 per cent rise in murders between January and the end of June, in comparison to the same period last year.
Kaieteur News Advertising Clerk, Nirvanie Mahadeo (centre), hands over the cheque to Mrs Donna Harcourt in the presence of Mr. Eustace Harcourt.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 15
Page 16
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
The future of humanity depends on three conferences The outcome of three upcoming global UN Conferences will determine the future of humanity and the environment over the next decades. The UN SecretaryGeneral has called for ‘transformative action’, recognizing that the current growth-centered model of development is bankrupt and must be replaced by a peoples-and-planet– centered model that ensures people’s human rights and is in harmony with mother earth. In light of the importance of the three Conferences and the inter-linked nature of their themes, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is exhorting that the opportunity not be lost for developing a domestic dialogue around these important priorities.
The first Financing for Development (FfD) Conference, set for tomorrow in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aims to raise funding for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Post-2015 programme, which is the subject of the second UN Conference in September in New York. The third ‘COP21’ Conference in December in Paris will seek a global consensus to slow global warming. However, without extraordinary global pressure, the political momentum required to embrace this agenda will not prevail against the vested interests of those who dominate and benefit from extraction-driven growth strategies. Despite the lofty rhetoric, success in these conferences can each be measured by one
key yardstick. In the case of the Addis Ababa Conference that yardstick will be whether the Conference adopts a resolution to reduce commercial moneylaundering by 50 per cent over the next fifteen years. If adopted and implemented, this resolution would render available to government the enormous sums of money illegally transferred out of developing countries by business and industry in order to eliminate poverty. Were Guyana, for example, to have available even 50 per cent of the estimated US$273 million, annually, siphoned off by crooked business in collusion with corrupt government officials, the education, health, housing and welfare needs of the society could be eradicated
without external aid. The key yardstick for success in the September Conference on SDGs will be a clear, unequivocal commitment to poverty eradication. A radical rightsbased development strategy is the only way to achieve this goal. At present the Sustainable Development Agenda Post-2015 – 2030 contains neither the goal nor the strategy commitments. Indeed, despite the seductive ‘transformative’ language, the official conference Document is overly deferential to the dominant economic powers and their growth-based philosophy. The fifteen-year timeframe envisaged by the UN for these Conferences to abolish poverty in the SDG programme is unacceptable and should be understood as
postponing the commitment for another fifteen years. The UN must accept responsibility for fostering the impression that a 15-year completion period is reasonable, when in fact it is a time-frame with which governments and globalizers are comfortable. We should not overlook the fact that despite the decade or more assigned to achieving the Millennium Goals results were mediocre. The UN has to stop the practice of comparing poverty indicators now with the situation years ago, suggesting success rather than confront the failure to eradicate poverty. The real comparison should be whether we have the resources to eradicate poverty now as a matter of justice, and the answer is ‘yes’. Currently half of all commercially produced food is wasted in order to sustain prices. Financing for development is dwarfed by the illegal outflow of funds from developing countries. These and other statistics point to the lack of political will, not resources, as the main obstacle to poverty eradication. Political will is required to change the priorities and put povertyelimination on the frontburner. Were such a commitment available, no moral or economic argument would remain for an unequivocal commitment to abolition of poverty, now. For this vision to be realized, it is essential that a rights-based strategy be adopted for the SDG programme. Such an approach will foster social, political and economic processes that effectively preserve, restore or create the environmental, social, and economic conditions necessary for all persons, including future generations, to fully enjoy their civil,
political, economic, social, and cultural rights. However, the draft text of the SDG Conference contains a weak and aspirational, rather than substantive, commitment calling for the SDGs to be “guided by” human rights principles. What is required is an operational agenda, rooted in substantive human rights obligations that effectively become an integral part of striving towards sustainable development. Without timebound obligations, the proposed human rights goals, targets, standards and framework remain meaningless. “Mainstreaming” human rights in the proposed SDGs is a device that effectively renders them invisible. Calling for human rights to be central to the new agenda cannot be satisfied by language that is left open to interpretation. The yardstick for the ‘COP 21’ Conference on the environment will be ensuring that global warming does not breach the two degree centigrade threshold, a commitment the world in general, but particularly the developed world, has been evading for the past 20 COP conferences. The GHRA is currently concerned that the vital importance of these three Conferences for human and planet-centred development is not attracting the public information and awareness priority that is required. The GHRA is calling on the Government of Guyana and interested civic agencies to seize the opportunity presented by this sequence of crucial Conferences to reassess domestic activities with respect to rights-based, people-and-planet-centered development. (Guyana Human Rights Association)
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Does circumcision decrease your risk of acquiring HIV? By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Male circumcision is the procedure where the foreskin of the penis is surgically removed. In Guyana it is mostly done for religious reasons, but evidence is now showing that there are other reasons which are building more support for this procedure. Between the years 2002 to 2004, multiple studies were done in Africa which proved that male circumcision decreased the risk of female to male HIV transmission among men who were circumcised. There was a 60% drop in female to male HIV transmission in the
The fightback has begun. Desperation has pushed the police into action against the criminally intent. A group is going to attack a home, but people in the neighbourhood would be prepared and would respond. The group would be rushing to escape what is certain disaster when the police would arrive. This is going to be the start of a serious fightback. ** Fires are unpredictable. They never indicate where they would strike, and so it would be with the next one that would strike on the western side. Some would say arson, but the truth would shock the investigators.
circumcised males. In March 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) formally endorsed male circumcision as a mode of decreasing HIV transmission in heterosexual males. SO WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN? This benefit of decreased HIV transmission risk only applies to heterosexual sex. It does not decrease risk of acquiring HIV in male to male sex in both males. A male who is circumcised will be at a lower risk of acquiring the HIV virus if he were to have unprotected sex with an HIV infected woman than an uncircumcised male. His
** A high speed chase would prove fatal. A car suspected of transporting gunmen would be intercepted by the police. But instead of stopping for the routine check the car would go speeding along the road with the police in hot pursuit. The ensuing crash would be expected. The getaway car would clip an oncoming vehicle which would then collide with the police vehicle.
chances of acquiring HIV are six times less than an uncircumcised male. HOW DO WE EXPLAIN THIS FINDING? Uncircumcised males have specific cells under the foreskin of their penis that are more vulnerable to transmission of infections than the other cells of their penis. When a male is circumcised these cells are removed and he is therefore less susceptible to acquiring infections including the HIV infection. DOES THIS MEAN THAT CIRCUMCISED MALES CAN HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX WITH MULTIPLE PARTNERS? As beneficial as circumcision is proving to be,
it is not a miracle cure. Although it significantly decreases the chance of female to male HIV transmission it’s not a foolproof plan. There is still a small chance of acquiring the virus if a circumcised male is to recklessly have unprotected sex with multiple females who may have HIV. Having one partner and the use of condoms are still the safer options. Circumcision may be looked at as a “backup” plan, but should not be the first and only plan to fight against HIV transmission. ARE THERE COMPLICATIONS FROM BEING CIRCUMCISED? Circumcision is a safe, simple and short surgical procedure. Complications are rare and easily managed and
may be any of the following: - Bleeding at circumcision site - Infection at circumcision site - The foreskin might be cut too short or too long - The foreskin might fail to heal properly - The remaining foreskin might reattach to the end of the penis, requiring minor surgical repair ARETHEREANY OTHER BENEFITS TO CIRCUMCISION? Researchers have also found that male circumcision lowers risk of males acquiring the following conditions: - Herpes infection - Syphilis - Gonorrheal infection - Chlamydia infections - Urinary tract infections - Penile cancer Once the male risk
Dr. Zulfikar Bux decreases, his female partner will benefit in the long run. Circumcision also prevents germs from accumulating under the foreskin of the penis and therefore significantly helps with cleanliness. In life we tend to choose the options which will benefit our livelihood and output. Being circumcised is an option. The evidence has so far shown circumcision to be a beneficial option. Food for thought!
Page 26
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
A YEAR OF DEADLY CARJACKINGS
By Michael Jordan It was a sunny Friday in February 1998, that 22-yearold taxi driver Davo Narine left home to pay an electricity bill at the Guyana Power and Light’s Main Street, Georgetown office. He told his parents that he was going to make his taxi rounds after paying the bill. But Narine, of 193 Thomas Street, Kitty, never returned home. When he did not show up, his worried family began to search for him but to no avail. The following day, they informed the police and ranks joined the search. After three days, Narine’s car was found aback of the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, after the family received an anonymous call which informed them that it was there. The car had been
stripped of its wheels, music system and battery. Scouring the area, detectives found the wheels and other missing parts from the vehicle. Suspecting that Narine had been kidnapped, detectives tapped the family’s phone in case the kidnappers called to demand a ransom. Meanwhile, detectives, family members and friends continued to search for Narine. The ransom call never came and the police were left with no leads or evidence to arrest anyone. Refusing to give up hope, relatives kept up the search for months. They were still searching for Narine when another taxi driver was reported missing. BLOOD ON CAR SEATS Kissoon Persaud, 47, disappeared on August 23, 1998 after leaving his Hadfield Street home for the Demico car park where he operated his taxi. His crashed vehicle, with blood on one of the seats, was found at the junction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway shortly after. A sawn-off shot gun was also found in the car.
An intense search involving police, concerned citizens, relatives and even tracker dogs was launched for the missing man. But Kissoon was not found. Then in September, a woman informed police that a male relative of hers, who was also a taxi driver, had been missing since August 20, 1998. She identified the missing man as 31-year-old Leroy Mentis, called ‘Tony’ or ‘Dougla.’ The woman urged detectives to seek assistance from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to solve the mystery and find the other missing taxi drivers. According to the woman, Mentis had left his home at around 09:30 hrs for his base at the Georgetown Hospital car park on Thomas Street and was not seen since. It was reported that his car was found abandoned at the back of Friendship Village, East Bank Demerara, with the license plates changed. Relatives, friends and police searched for the missing taxi drivers day after
day. Police began to wonder whether one gang was behind the disappearance of all three drivers. As investigations continued, police thought that they got a breakthrough in the case when, in mid-September 1998, a taxi driver came to them with a bizarre story. The driver, 20-year-old Haimwant Ramkissoon alleged that he was driving near Linden when a man, who was in a police uniform complete with beret, stopped him and asked to see his documents. Ramkissoon claimed that the ‘policeman’ ordered him out of the car and he then saw a woman and two men approaching. The driver said that the ‘policeman’ then sprayed something in his eyes that made him drowsy. Ramkissoon said that he was blindfolded and his hands were tied behind his back. He said that his abductors pushed him in a vehicle and drove for about 15 minutes. They then stopped the vehicle and robbed him of his valuables. Shortly after, he said, he was ‘chucked’ up a flight of stairs at which time he heard a male voice pleading to go home. According to Ramkissoon, someone broke a bottle and the voice stopped. He said during the time he was held hostage he heard several voices arguing about cars and about what to do with him. According to Ramkissoon, after three days, the kidnappers, who had kept him blindfolded, drove him to a deserted area and left him there. When he thought it was safe, he took off his blindfold and sought help. Ramkissoon’s damaged car was found at the Ruimveldt Industrial Site. His police report offered a glimmer of hope to the
relatives of the missing taxi drivers. Police conducted searches in the area where Ramkissoon claimed the kidnappers had left him, but found no clues. By then, investigators had begun to question several suspects in the kidnapping. Relatives of the three missing men were offered a bit more hope when a wanted man who was the prime suspect in the kidnappings was apprehended in Suriname. The suspect was a young prisoner, who had escaped from the Camp Street jail while serving a 12-year term for armed robbery and murder. The fugitive, along with two women, was arrested in Suriname for crimes that were committed in the former Dutch colony. SKELETON FOUND The two-month search for Kissoon Persaud ended tragically on October 1, 1998, when his skeleton was found in a sand-pit near the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The remains were found at around midday about 400 yards off the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway on the northern side, approximately one and a half miles from the Soesdyke junction. Kissoon’s wife, Lilawatie, who had spent many agonising hours searching for her husband, identified the remains by a gold tooth on the left side of his jaw, a wrist watch which was found partially buried in the sand some distance from the skeleton, his belt and one of his shoes. The woman had also recognised her husband’s shirt which was also nearby, although it was quite faded from exposure to the elements. An autopsy revealed that he had been shot. Kissoon Persaud’s wife had said that the man who was arrested in Suriname confessed to shooting her husband. Soon after, two men were charged with Kissoon Persaud’s murder. Their Preliminary Inquiry (PI) commenced at the Providence Magistrate’s Court. The matter was subsequently dismissed due to lack of evidence against the accused. Meanwhile, police and relatives continued to search for the other missing taxi drivers. BONES NEAR THE SOUTH DAKOTACIRCUIT In January 1999, some woodcutters were working in
the forested area aback of the South Dakota Circuit when they came across some bones. They were not alarmed, but upon taking a closer look they realised that they were looking at the remains of a human. They quickly called the Timehri Police Station. After months of hopeless searching, the Narines got a call from the police informing them of the discovery. Narine’s father, Bob, went with the police to the scene where he identified the skeleton by some of the teeth. He also identified a chequered shirt, a pair of jeans and a pair of brown footwear near the remains. The father recalled that his son was wearing these same garments the day he disappeared. Police confirmed that Narine had been shot once between the eyes, with the bullet exiting the back of his head. The skeleton was found in the bushes about 200 feet from where Narine’s car was discovered. “He had his ways…He used to do the taxi thing for fun,” Narine’s brother, Sham recalled. “All de time we did searchin’, we never gave up hope that he was alive,” he added. His brother believes that a particular gang was behind the kidnappings and killings. He also believes that the people would kidnap the taxi drivers, kill them and then use their cars to commit robberies. According to Narine’s father, investigators went to Suriname to question the prime suspect, who denied knowledge of the murders. The suspect was eventually jailed for 30 years in Suriname over a shooting incident. At the end of his sentence he will be handed over to Guyanese police. The question the Narines ask is what were the motives for those brutal killings? No one was ever charged with Davo Narine’s murder. Meanwhile, the body of Leroy Mentis was never found If you have any information about any other unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office. Our numbers are 2258458, 22-58465, 22-58482 and 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address: mjdragon@ hotmail.com
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 27
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
The fault, dear Brutus, is in the Stabroek News, not in my daughter Civilization has failed because of the inherent selfish nature of Homo sapiens. Humans know what love is, give love and accept love in return, but cannot transcend the innate selfishness that dwells within Homo sapiens. How can civilization survive when men and women want the best for their children but would victimize other humans who are parents too? Wouldn’t those children feel aggrieved at what happened to their parent? How can civilization survive when powerful ones buy lovely Christmas gifts for their spouses but have taken away the employment of others who wouldn’t be able to make the same purchase? How can civilization survive when men and women stockpile their profits while they brutally exploit their workers? When my UG contract was terminated five months before its expiration, my daughter’s fees were paid by UG because of my years of service. UG discontinued the assistance and asked me to start paying. I wrote Vice-Chancellor, Lawrence Carrington, pointing to my years of service, but he said I was no longer a UG employee so he could not permit continuation of the assistance. That is what happens to children when their parents are victimized. My daughter left UG and answered an advertisement in the Stabroek News for an opening they had for reporters. The newspaper did not reply. I suggested that they are busy people so she should apply again. She did. She still didn’t receive a reply. Two months after, she rushed up to me to show me that the Stabroek News re-advertised the positions.
I knew my daughter was a victim of my activism. Why sulk; that reality had to be faced. I never mentioned this Stabroek News story publicly or even privately to any friend only to Minister Manickchand during a telephone conversation in July 2013 when she accused me of wanting to remove the PPP Government. This is the first time I am doing so. Why didn’t I send her to Kaieteur News? She would have been employed there the next day. My policy was that two members of the same family should not be at the same company. There is a supermarket on Sheriff Street that is a virtual hell-hole. Those exploited employees should have some relief, because I plan to discuss with the new “Minister of Labour” the need to investigate this business place. Last Monday, at the fundraising brunch of the Burnham Foundation, I confused the portfolios of Ms. Amna Ally, Minister of Social Cohesion, with Ms. Volda Lawrence, Minster of Social Protection. I am still to get accustomed to the name-changes in the Ministries. They are still confusing me. I honestly see nothing wrong with a Ministry named the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. I believe we should revert to such a title. Both Ministers stopped at the table where I was seated. But instead of telling Volda Lawrence I need some protection, I told Amna Ally that. It was Dr. David Hinds who identified for me which Minister offers cohesion and which Minister brings protection. I had that supermarket in mind when I asked for protection; I meant
protection to pursue justice for these employees. Despite some controversial exchanges in the press between me and Brian Tiwarie, we had a very pleasant conversation after I called him while in the National Park on Wednesday morning. Some workers of BK International came to meet me in the Park to show me the new contract all workers have to sign. I am not an expert on industrial relations so I rang two friends from the TUC,
Norris Witter and Lincoln Lewis. Two sections in the contract do not seem right. One is that the figure of $35,000 is listed as the salary for all workers. The other is that the employer can dismiss an employee without cause at anytime without notice. Witter and Norris told me both sections do not conform to the law. I called Mr. Tiwarie. He agreed to take out the second section, but said the stated figure of $35,000 is legal. I told him I couldn’t
understand how employees despite their different statuses and work descriptions could sign for the same salary of $35,000. He agreed to look into it. I hope he does. Mr. Tiwarie gave me some sad news. He wants to go out of business. I hope he doesn’t. He employs a lot of workers. The reason for writing this column was the action of a father in covering his baby with his body when gunmen shot him up and killed him.
Frederick Kissoon That father had a brutally violent past in which he was accused of killing many persons. But he did love his child. Did he love other humans?
Page 28
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
ATTACKING CRIME FROM ITS ROOTS Crime is like a wild vine. If it is not pulled out from the roots it grows and spreads and consumes every available space. In the human society, it affects people everywhere, people from all walks of life. No one is spared, not the elderly, not defenceless children, not the infirm nor the hard working shopkeeper or bottom-house refrigerator repairman or woman struggling to make ends meet. Without any active or effective measures to curb criminal enterprise, Guyana’s mostly youthful denizens who were most likely attracted to the easily gotten spoils, became much bolder in recent years, so much so that that they no longer depend on the cover of darkness. Ordinary citizens, relatives visiting from abroad, small and large scale entrepreneurs and senior citizens living alone are being attacked with alarming frequency in the secure
comfort of their homes, or on the way home at any time of day or night. Often it appears that the bandits know just what they intend to collect – foreign currency, jewellery, travel documents and expensive electronics, and they’re not shy about demanding it. This new underground industry was not spawned yesterday. The masterminds learnt the trades many years ago. In the last two decades, especially following the infamous 2002 Camp Street jail break and the rise of Roger Khan’s Phantom Squad (reminiscent of former Haitian Presidents Papa and Baby Doc’s Ton Ton Macoutes), people have been able to acquire guns of every calibre. We’ve received reports that certain criminal masterminds conduct training ‘schools’ for boys and girls that specialize in the techniques of identifying
vulnerable citizens, taking their possessions and making a clean get-away. This ‘industry’ evolved into bolder crimes such as tailing unsuspecting citizens from the airports after they had picked up visiting relatives, and from commercial banks after they had collected large sums of money.Home invasions have become much more frequent. The incidents occur with such a mindboggling sameness that citizens have begun to wonder why law enforcement including Community Policing are not better prepared or willing to nab the perpetrators. Prior to the advent of the new government, little to no effort was made to deconstruct this scourge in Guyana, anticipate the crimes and institute citizens’ education programmes. Recently President Granger and Prime Minister
Nagamootoo called in every Minister with any responsibility for lawful or social security and the heads of every law enforcement agency to iron out a strategy to minimize major and petty crimes. They began an arduous process to identify the types of interventions by every Ministry and agency which is needed to curb the spike in crime and to sustain national security. Statistics compiled by an enterprising journalist revealed that this recent uptick in deadly criminal activities could be traced back to 2014, but in the first 6 months of this year approximately 80 murders were committed, 14 of which were execution-style killings in Georgetown, in near rural areas and the hinterland gold fields. Some of these incidents were the result of domestic discordance that resulted in crimes of passion (6 women slain by their partners), and the vast majority it could be assumed, were fuelled by greed, drugs and alcohol. The President’s initiative will go to the roots of the problem that most likely has its genesis in the social conditions in which criminals were raised and the influences on their pre-teen and adolescent lives. This is the purview of the Ministries of Social Cohesion, Labour and Social Welfare. Much like court-ordered investigations for probation reports, the ministries’ investigators will have to delve into the lives of the known criminals. One dares
to hope that in the process they will unearth information that will lead to other, more dangerous criminals who have so far been able to evade the law. The broad anti-crime strategy that was already devised and put on the table includes an amnesty for carriers of illegal weapons of any calibre, and those deadly knives the likes of which were seen in the series of Rambo movies. The Commissioner of Police by today should have presented to the Minister of Public Security a workable strategy for the gun amnesty programme. It is expected that the amnesty initiative will not be executed by the Guyana Police Force. This is to encourage the owners/ carriers of unlicensed guns of any age and from any community to feel free to walk in to the specified civic or religious centres and voluntarily give up their weapons without fear of being held. It should be known, however, that this amnesty will last for a specific period of time after which, the full force of the law will be applied to any person caught with unlicensed firearms. Simultaneously, the strategy addresses the avenues of infiltration or importation of guns, tracking devices and the electronic paraphernalia used in the execution of crimes. It will likely involve an arm of the Customs Administration Department as well as the Guyana Defence Force’s border protection unit to patrol by air, sea and land Guyana’s long, forested
borders with neighbouring countries that manufacture and sell small arms. Additionally, the anti-drug smuggling units that monitor smuggling along the Atlantic coastline in Demerara and Essequibo, along the Corentyne River, and at the Takutu Bridge, would also be involved in this initiative. The Police Force’s Marine Wing as well as the mounted branch and canine units will also be equipped to contribute to the daily crime-fighting effort. Communication among police units on the streets and their base command will also be improved with new internetready equipment for real-time communication while postevent investigations will be helped by additional CCTV cameras mounted on major streets and minor roads, inside communities and on selected buildings. All of this indicates that a major revamp of the Police Force will soon be underway. Apart from intensive at-home and overseas training in basic and advanced policing, the force’s institutional capacity will be simultaneously enhanced. All ranks over time will be exposed to computer training, beginning with operators and peripheral staff for the emergency 911 system. In addition, the ranks functioning in non-core policing work, e.g. financial management and human resource development, will be re-trained to improve their efficiency and transform the police force into a fully functional public service entity.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 29
MY COLUMN
The PPP is wringing the changes Every time a political party loses an election and is out of office many things happen, especially if that party had become a fixture. I remember 1992 when the People’s National Congress was voted out of office. That party had been there for 28 years and many of its leaders had come to the conclusion that they would be there forever. I watched as many of them left to pursue activities to put food on their tables, because none of them was rich. For all the talk of theft and corruption, these were ordinary people who did not have elaborate homes and exorbitant lifestyles. Take a walk around and one would see how former PNC ministers live. I saw Jeffrey Thomas on Friday outside the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company office which some call the Blackberry office. He was unassuming. In fact, I wonder whether anyone who met him would remember that he was at one time the Home Affairs Minister. He lives in a small house at Bachelor’s Adventure and drives a car that many young people would not be caught dead in. He is not alone. I can
name many others and nobody can ever hope to find one of them living in anything as ostentatious as the homes of some junior ministers in the recent administration. However, I saw the PNC disintegrate; people left to seek their fortunes and except for a few diehards, Congress Place had many empty rooms. The PPP has been voted out and at present Freedom House is busy, because those who no longer have Government offices to which they can repair need the comfort of their colleagues who now find themselves in a similar position. But this will not be for long. Many were awaiting the release of the names of people who would be sitting in Parliament. Now that the list has been revealed, people would drift away to continue their lives still hoping that by some miracle what happened on May 11, 2015 would be reversed. At the same time they have to deal with the accusations of mismanagement and fraudulent practices. And there have been many of these. The Auditor General who submitted his report to
Parliament during the tenure of the previous administration did make some damning findings. Indeed, some of these revelations are not new, but the government of the day chose to gloss over them with the result that the wider society concluded that they were nothing to shout about or that they had better not say too much for fear of victimization. Yet there is one thing that would always keep the politics alive and this has to do with the presence of popular people. Bharrat Jagdeo has always been a charismatic character and one who always seemed to attract controversy. He has been accused of all manner of things, from racism to cronyism. He sat with the press to report that he had had enough of local political life, that he had no interest in political office. He did say that there were those in the opposition who were afraid of his reappearance on the political scene. Well Jagdeo somersaulted and now he is back in political life, a mere six weeks after his announcement. I will not pretend to know why, except
to say that Clement Rohee has been hero worshipping him. Rohee is the General Secretary of the party, the de facto leader in the structure that Dr Cheddi Jagan created in the mould of the Soviet communist party. As the Opposition Leader, Jagdeo will ensure that the National Assembly is a lively place. For one, he is going to confront all those who have been accusing him of all manner of things. And knowing the person he is, equally aggressive, he will respond as only he could. Depending on how he behaves and how much publicity he gets in the House, one could see a rebirth of his political career that he himself scuttled. But I doubt it. He has to answer for too many things. Yet one must ask why the obsession with Jagdeo. Perhaps he is the most financially secure of the politicians with perhaps the exception of Irfaan Ali and Anil Nandlall. Nandlall made
his money as a lawyer but Irfaan seems to have fallen into the ranks of those Government ministers who made hay while the sun shone. I would like to see Jagdeo ensconced in the Office of the Opposition Leader, the place that David Granger occupied and only because he made so much noise that the then government simply could not ignore him. And knowing his obsession with things fancy, I would enjoy hearing the requests that would be made by Jagdeo. However, I doubt that Jagdeo would go to Hadfield Street. He has this place in New Garden Street that is supposed to be home to the foundation he said he set up. And so we come to the decision handed down by Chief Justice Ian Chang. It is already being criticized by a retired Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice. The Constitution stipulates that no person could stand for reelection
Adam Harris more than once. Chang contends that the change in the constitution was unlawful. I am no lawyer, but I respect the constitution. At one time I respected Jagdeo’s words. He kept saying that he had no interest in a third term. I now know otherwise, but like so many around I want to believe that he would have a very long time. Further, I am convinced that Chang’s decision would be overturned, so that third term thing could be a nonissue.
Page 30
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Taxpayer assault and battery By Lance Hinds I believe that with the constant pounding we get every day with news about billions needed, billions allegedly missing or misspent etc., there may be a tendency for it to become all a blur. This might therefore explain why the news over the past week regarding the demise of part of a very critical, national project passed with what I consider to be very little notice. I refer specifically to the estimated $7 billion egovernance project that was launched in 2011 and in particular, the Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex (DWDM) Long Haul Fibre Project connecting Guyana to Brazil. The nation has been advised that 40% of the fibre optic cable is damaged and furthermore too expensive to fix. In response to this, a
request was made by the Government for a comprehensive report from the E-Governance Unit on the entire project. This is a positive step in terms of clarity and transparency, since over US$5 million (G$1 billion) of our taxpayer dollars was spent on this component of the project. We certainly received enough information over the years in the local media to come to the technical conclusion that this component went up to and way beyond death’s door some time ago. The installation of a fibre optic cable over our type of hinterland terrain is a delicate, complicated matter to begin with and requires experience. Poorly laid cable, and the allegedly questionable remedial work would have adversely affected the quality of the fibre, and by extension, the level of bandwidth
required. The fundamental question for me and many of my colleagues in the local technology sector is how on earth this was allowed to get to this unfortunate state of affairs in the first instance. Let us begin with the design. One would assume that the coordinators took into account the nature of the terrain from Georgetown to Brazil, and it was on that basis that the overall design, along with required technical resources and specifications, would have been established. If this was done, why would some of the selected contractors not have the necessary equipment to perform the required tasks? Would this not have been established in the tender document in the first instance? What was the quality of technical supervision performed on behalf of the client? Shouldn’t the difficulties that
were encountered have been identified sooner? It is also intriguing and a bit disturbing that one of the largest communication companies in the world was also part of this implementation. Any post mortem process should state clearly the role of Huawei Technologies in the design, implementation and supervision of this project. There is also the issue of the cost. The information given us is that the cost of fixing the cable would be roughly around US$20 million. This is certainly too expensive if one takes into consideration that we were told on quite a few occasions that Government invested US$5 million. But how is this possible? A rough calculation of the cost of repairs amounts to about US$37/metre. I imagine that this pricing is based on the assumption that they would be using the
undamaged portions of the cable and more than likely relaying the significant amounts of it as part of the overall remedial works. Let us now develop a scenario where the cable to Brazil was rebuilt from scratch. In view of the information provided about the repairs, we will add 20% to the cost. That makes it about US$45/metre to lay the new cable. The overall cost of laying a new cable would therefore be in the vicinity of US$25.2 million. This brings us squarely back to the Government’s US$5 million investment which works out to US$9/ metre of cable. I may be a simple computer scientist and some may argue not one of the sharpest knives in the drawer, but could it be even remotely possible that an enterprise level fibre optic cable can be laid in that terrain at that price? It was quite interesting that the head of the EGovernance Unit did say in 2013 (KNews, August 13) that the contractors underestimated the work required and actually complained about the amount that they bid. He also indicated that cost of the project would increase since it was likely that a tender would have to go international tender. Let us return, however, to the original question. On what basis was the US$5 million budgeted? Also, what would the contractors have based their bids on? Is there perchance, more to the mortar that just the pestle? I have never been able to wrap my head around the concept of building a cable to Brazil in the first instance. Part of this maybe is because fundamentally I do not believe that governments should be in the business of maintaining huge ICT infrastructure. I also felt that in view of the existence of the exclusive license with GT&T that there were certainly other priorities to address. I certainly got an initial impression that the cable would be part of the egovernance project. It would certainly have fit in with ehealth and e-library initiatives that were being touted. I still struggled with the overall
Lance Hinds concept, however, because I still couldn’t see how this kind of infrastructure can be successfully maintained on an annual basis as a public good. This notion was disabused by the both the Project Manager and the EGovernance Manager, both of whom in 2014 made a clear distinction between the EGovernance project and the fibre optic connectivity to Brazil. The Prime Minister was also quoted in Parliament as saying that neither relies on the other for success and neither was conceived with the other in mind. So, what therefore was the need for the cable? I also wondered how this fibre optic cable was going to be laid within the context of the exclusive license with GT&T. I can imagine that they would have had their concerns. Of course after the project descended quickly into the mess that it is today, I can imagine that they are just waiting to see the outcome. There is a train of thought that it might have been more useful to begin the serious discussions with GT&T at the end of 2010 as opposed to delaying the submitted the liberalisation legislation and building our own cable. It was the absence of a proper explanation for these actions on many occasions which reinforced the belief that the future of telecommunication in Guyana was a function of vested instead of national interest. One wonders when and if liberalisation would have occurred if the fibre optic cable project was successful. It is clear that more detailed and qualified thought needs to be applied before engaging on expensive, game-changing projects such as these. I hope that the report requested from the EGovernance project manager will be made public. This is an economic and more importantly, a taxpayer matter.
Sunday July 12, 2015
SUNDAY SPECIAL CPL SEEKS $100M FROM GOVT. …EVEN AS AG FLAGS $36.3M PAID TO LEAGUE The country’s Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma, has flagged in his latest report, $36.3M which was pumped into the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) owned Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, the best friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. Kaieteur News also understands that there is currently an invoice before
Kaieteur News
expended are within the National Sector and are in accordance with the guidelines for access to the lottery funding, which includes funding for activities that promotes cultural and youth and sport development, medical treatment overseas and support for disadvantaged groups, among others. The Guyana Lotteries Commission is subject to separate financial reporting and auditing. But this expenditure into the CPL has not found favour with many local financial minds, including Minister of
Ramlall’s relatives and friends have responded by posting a $5M reward for information that would lead to the capture and prosecution of his killers. Ramlall is the proprietor of the popular Regent Multiplex Mall on Regent Street as well as other business interests. From all indications, the attack was a robbery, which was prematurely aborted when an alarm was raised by the businessman’s wife and neighbours began responding. Neighbours reportedly fired warning shots, but by then Ramlall was already dead
Eleventh Parliament is about the worst move the Party could have made at such a critical time in its life. This is the view of former party stalwart and Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran, who predicts that this move will seal the PPP’s fate in opposition for decades to come, “unless the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change) coalition underperforms or unravels.” Ramkarran made this commentary in his most recent column published on his website, conversationtree.gy. The veteran politician stated that the PPP has been shattered by defeat, “its leadership disgraced by corruption and it has lost the sympathy of the international community through abuse, corruption and the refusal to hold local government elections.” He said that with no intention by the clique of giving up power, the return of its younger MPs and a sprinkling of new faces to Parliament would be mere window dressing, as the new generation of leaders stands no chance of influencing policy to rebuild the PPP or unite the country. Ramkarran pointed to the recently expressed views by Dr. Vindhya Persaud as to the way forward for the PPP in her recently published email and its rejection as proof of the “impotence that this group will face.” He said that Jagdeo’s name emerged initially from among the ruling clique in the Executive Committee. TUESDAYEDITION
the Ministry of Finance from a CPL agent for the sum of US$500,000 for 2014. The AG’s report noted that the last set of audited accounts for the Guyana Lotteries Fund shows that the $36.3M was expended in the CPL for 2013. It also shows that the Ministry of Culture received for Mashramani and other activities a total of $200.5 million, while the Guyana Tourism Authority received $13.8 million. The AG noted in his report that the Fund was established in August 1996 by the decision of the former Cabinet which managed the account. Under the previous administration, Sharma said that the Cabinet was expected to also ensure that amounts
Finance, Winston Jordan. He said that the monies pumped into CPL from the Lotteries Fund goes against proper accounting procedures. MONDAYEDITION MULTIPLEXMALL OWNER SHOT DEAD IN HOME INVASION – $5M REWARD OFFERED Guyana’s business fraternity was left in shock last Sunday after bandits invaded the home of Regent Multiplex Mall owner Ganesh ‘Boyo’ Ramlall and shot him dead. Ramlall, 48, was reportedly shot about seven times, including to the head a few minutes after he had returned to his Lot C La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara home just after Saturday midnight.
and his killers had fled. Police in a press release stated that about 00:10 hours Sunday, Ramlall had just returned home and went to use the outside bathroom when he was confronted by four men who shot him about his body and took away his jewellery and a wallet and escaped. PPP’S BIGGEST MISTAKE WAS ELECTING JAGDEO AS OPPOSITION LEADER – SEALS PARTY’S FATE IN OPPOSITION FOR DECADES TO COME, SAYS RALPH RAMKARAN The Central Committee of the People Progressive Party’s nomination of former President Bharrat Jagdeo as its Opposition Leader in the
TERRITORIAL CLAIMS…VENEZ. RECALLS AMBASSADOR, REVIEWINGDIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH GUYANA – MADURO ACCUSES GRANGER OF MAKING RACIAL STATEMENTS TO VENEZUELANS – WANTS E’BO THROUGH PEACE Venezuela has recalled its ambassador and has threatened to reduce the number of Embassy staffers here as a simmering border claim took a turn for the worse, Monday. Hours after CARICOM leaders collectively called on Venezuela to withdraw a May 28 decree which lays claims to not only lands in Essequibo, but also the waters of Guyana and a number of Caribbean territories, President Nicolas Maduro, in an address to his National Assembly late Monday afternoon, ordered his Chancellor, Delcy
Page 31
Rodriguez, to review diplomatic relations with this country. The age-old land claims and now the waters have angered not only Guyana but a number of CARICOM countries who last weekend discussed the issue, lending support to President David Granger who complained Friday of Venezuela’s aggression, during his inaugural address to the Heads. According to a report in Venezuela’s online news, El Universal, Maduro took his entire executive to the National Assembly for the 4pm address, during which he also called on the Opposition for support “because it is the destiny of the country that is at stake. This is an issue that departed from the internal electoral confrontation, the electoral political confrontation…” Maduro is facing severe troubles at home with food shortages and economic turmoil and the territorial claims have been seen in some quarters as a mere distraction, until Monday when his language took on serious intent. PRESIDENT GRANGER CONVENES HIGH-LEVEL MEETING TO CRAFT CRIME-FIGHTING STRATEGY President David Granger convened a high-level meeting Tuesday to craft a crime-fighting strategy in the wake of the recent upsurge in violent crimes. The meeting was held at the Ministry of the Presidency. Those attending included Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips. Statistics compiled by Kaieteur News for the first six months and six days of this year, show that there have been at least 80 murders during a six-month period. WEDNESDAYEDITION RAMOTAR, BENN, OTHERS KICKED OFF PPP’S PARLIAMENTARY LIST – PARTY UNCLEAR WHEN TAKING SEATS A little less than one month after the 11th Parliament was opened, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) seems to have finally made up its mind about its list of Parliamentarians. Some 10 new faces, including former
President Bharrat Jagdeo, will be appearing. He is to be the Leader of the Opposition. But a number of experienced heads will not be taking up seats including former President Donald Ramotar; former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh; and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Also absent from the list are Prime Ministerial candidate, Elisabeth Harper; Dr. Nanda Gopaul; Faizal Jaffarally; Jennifer Webster; Bibi Shadick; Robeson Benn; Kwame Gilbert and Norman Whittaker. The new faces include Collin Croal, a former Permanent Secretary; Gillian Persaud, Zulfikar Mustapha; Alister Charlie; Venkatasuma Anamayah; Nigel Dharamlall; Dr. Clive Jagan; Charles Ramson Jr, and Africo Selman. The presence of Dr. Jagan will mean that it will be the first time that a Jagan will be in Parliament since the 1990’s. Also included in the list and drawn from Geographic Constituency are Carnel Damon; Irfaan Ali; Komal Chand; Anil Nandlall; Neendkumar; Priya Manickchand; Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo; Dr. Jennifer Westford; Dr. Frank Anthony; Indranie Chandarpal; Juan Edghill; Joseph Hamilton; Odinga Lumumba; Ganga Persaud; Dr. Vindhya Persaud; Dr. Bheri Ramsaran; General Secretary, Clement Rohee; Dharamkumar Seeraj; Pauline Sukhai; Gail Teixeira and Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. GOV’T WILL NOT PAY RAMROOP’S $100M CPL INVOICE – FINANCE MINISTER …NO CONTRACT PROVIDED BY LEAGUE After confirming that the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) had indeed presented a US$500,000 invoice to the Ministry of Finance, Minister Winston Jordan, on Monday maintained that the hefty sum will not be paid by the Government of Guyana. But in light of the government’s refusal to foot the suspicious bill, CPL is reportedly threatening legal action, Jordan said. In an invited comment, Jordan said that an invoice in excess of US$500,000 from CPL has been received by the Finance Ministry. He said too that other invoices for smaller amounts have also been received. However, Jordan shared that the invoice lacked a contract to show just what the money was being paid for. “I have no intentions of Continued on page 43
Page 32
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Eliminating Illiteracy, Modernising Education, Strengthening Tolerance By Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine Minister of Education Shortly after entering Office in the then Czechoslovakia in 1991, President Václav Havel summed up the state of the system of Government by saying: “We are finding out that what looked like a neglected house a year ago is in fact a ruin.” While things might not have collapsed to the point of complete ruin in Guyana’s public education system, we are far too close to it for comfort. Before I proceed, let me be
clear that we are not in a situation where the system is suffering from a lack of capacity for planning or paucity of human resources at the administrative or student level. We have consistently had a series of well-crafted educational policies, constructed by qualified professionals and remarkable individual showings by individual students at examinations. Yet, our delivery of educational services remains unsustainable and uncompetitive. Consider that, last year, a Guyanese student, Elisa Hamilton, scored the highest number of subjects in the entire region. Over 50% of her
colleagues, that year, did not pass the basic subjects of Mathematics and English. We can note also that, in 2014, some 13,700 students took the Grade Six Assessment Examinations. Of this group, less than 0.2% or about 186 students scored high enough to qualify for entrance to the number one school. This has been the consistent narrative over the past five years, at least, and, while billions of dollars have been invested into public education infrastructure, we are still met with horror stories of schools that are lacking basic facilities, from lab equipment to furniture, and, in the most horrendous instances, toilet
facilities. As the President has stated at various times over the past year and as I have restated since taking up this portfolio, the baseline for future planning on education has to be significant reform of this educational system. Certain problems are clear cut as are their solutions. Our teachers - it must be said - are underpaid and undervalued so we need to pay our teachers more and value them more. There is poor enforcement of existing rules and guidelines so we need to place more emphasis on accountability within the system. We have the lion’s share of resources concentrated in schools and in other educational institutions in the capital and on the coast so we need to ensure that resources are equitably spread, including the establishment of technical and vocational institutes in hinterland communities. There are other fundamental areas which are going to need meaningful transformation. I want to start with Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The use of Information Technology is one area that, it can be said, has utterly failed in terms of holistic, innovative policy. Between 2010 and 2014, we saw hundreds of millions of dollars being pumped into various ICT projects in the education system, added to the billions of dollars sunk into the Fibre Optic Cable Project as well as the One Laptop Per Family initiative. Yet, for all that expenditure, we have yet to come up with one, single effective ICT plan, either in isolation or as a component of a workable ICT or education strategy. Our first task, therefore, would be to establish precisely where we are in terms of the level of ICT incorporation into education
delivery with respect to both infrastructure and curriculum. Simultaneously, we will examine best practices from developing countries, like several in the region, that are further along in integrating ICT into the classroom. When that is done, we can design a long-term policy that sees partnerships with the private sector, the donor communities and the Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) to craft the sort of learning environment that can equip our young people for full participation in the digital age. I turn now to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). When it comes to the curriculum itself, the President has repeatedly stressed the need for us to focus on STEM. No country in the present era can sustainably develop and advance without making STEM the focal point of its education system. For us to modernise agriculture, we need STEM. For us to combat climate change, we need STEM. For us to take greater control of our extractive industries, we need STEM. Recently, a respected Guyanese academic and Co-Chairman of CGX Energy Incorporated, Dr. Suresh Narine, pointed out that we are not equipped to handle the human resource needs of what seems to be an
inevitable oil industry, something that is reflective of our failure in STEM education. Our task, therefore, in crafting a strategy, will be to start mapping our skills by examining existing industries as well as potential ones: hydropower, large-scale mechanised agriculture and even computer programming services. We can then use that map to craft a sound STEM component of our overall education strategy, including a revisiting and streamlining of our existing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy. However, even as we acknowledge and recognise the centrality and importance of STEM subjects, we dare not be blind to the intrinsic, humanising value of the liberal arts, an area central to my formation. The mistake we dare not make is to see the liberal arts as somehow in contradistinction to STEM in the delivery of education. They are, in fact, complementary to our core mission. The motto of the Ministry of Education is: Eliminating Illiteracy, Modernising Education, Strengthening Tolerance. The role of literature in achieving the first goal is inestimable and I would argue that Poetry has as effective a role to play, in that regard, as Phonics. On the second goal, as has been argued elsewhere, the liberal arts are especially needed in contextualising modernity and I would argue that it is especially so for developing countries like Guyana. We need to have students who are not only able to design a computer programme, but also able to craft that programme to assist in very specific challenges facing our own society. In keeping with our third responsibility in the liberal arts, the humanities are the principal tools necessary for crafting an environment of tolerance in this divided society and to prepare us for integration into an increasingly interconnected global space. With that said, an enhanced liberal arts education is an investment into Guyana’s economic future as well as in as direct a manner as STEM. The creative industries constitute the most consistent area of economic growth in the Americas and we are behind in adequately preparing ourselves to take advantage of that growth.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 41
Page 42
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
From page 31 paying it, not until I see a contract and see who signed off on it and so forth. I just can’t pay out money like that,” Jordan maintained. He said, too, that the threat of legal action is ridiculous, especially since no contract had been presented. “There has been no contract, nothing at all, yet they’ve submitted an invoice and are now threatening legal action.” According to the Finance Minister, the CPL is claiming that services were contracted and provided to Guyana. No clear indication was shown as to just what these services were. He added that the invoices presented were signed by an overseas agent linked with CPL. THURSDAY EDITION VENEZUELA TO CANCEL RICE DEALWITH GUYANA AFTER NOVEMBER – SAYS FINANCE MINISTER The spirit of brotherhood which exists between Guyana and Venezuela may perhaps be running thin. The Spanishspeaking territory is making serious moves to wean itself off of Guyanese rice. Finance Minister Winston Jordan, said that during his recent visit to Venezuela, he was told in no uncertain terms that the South American neighbour would no longer be interested in renewing the oil for rice barter under the PetroCaribe deal which will come to an end on November 16, next. He said that Guyana was told to find new markets for its rice. Venezuela’s decision regarding the rice deal comes at a time where it is claiming sovereignty over Guyana’s waters since the significant oil find by American oil giant, Exxon Mobil just 100 miles off of the Stabroek Block. The issue is one which has seen the Government displaying complete resistance to Venezuela’s declaration and even its rhetoric over the past few weeks. On Wednesday, Jordan said that Venezuela claimed it had hinted to the past administration as well as to top officials in the Rice Development Board that Guyana needs to start looking at other markets. Based on records over the past two to three years, Jordan said that it would show that Venezuela was scaling back on the volume of rice it was taking from Guyana. GOVT. HAPPY JAGDEO HAS RETURNED… FMR. PRESIDENT HAS TO
Rice shipment bound for Venezuela ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR ACTIONS IN OFFICE – HARMON Government says it is waiting anxiously on the return of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who has reversed his earlier stance of retiring from public office. Jagdeo is set to make his return as the new Opposition Leader, heading the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) list of Parliamentarians. Jagdeo as Opposition Leader, was further confirmed Wednesday by former President Donald Ramotar who himself was left off the list when it was released Tuesday evening. Jagdeo’s two terms in office ended in 2011. Since then he has mounted a constitutional challenge intended to clear the legal hurdles for him to run again. On Wednesday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon during his weekly postCabinet press briefings, was questioned about Jagdeo’s presence. “Jagdeo as the Opposition Leader? I don’t think he is as yet, because he has to go to Parliament… he is not confirmed,” Harmon said. “We will be able to defend our position from anybody that the PPP brings… Jagdeo or whoever…We have no fear of him. In fact, we welcome him in Parliament, because there are still a couple of questions he has to answer for his term in office as President.” FRIDAYEDITION FEMALEJUDGE, HUSBAND ROBBED BRUTALLY BEATEN BY
BANDITS – SUSPECTS FORCED TO DROP LOOT DURING SHOOTOUT WITH GUARD Heavily-armed bandits inflicted a brutal beating on Commissioner of Title (Land Court Judge) Nicola Pierre and her husband at around 01.30 hrs Thursday after overpowering an on-duty Special Constable and storming the couple’s home located in a gated community at Felicity, East Coast Demerara. Pierre, 43, and her husband, Mohamed Chand, 50, were attacked while they were asleep and gun-butted into unconsciousness after the men, numbering about four, gained entry to their home via a window. The robbers carted off a small safe containing US$7,000 and jewellery, and a suitcase containing other valuables. But they were forced to drop their loot after coming under gunfire from a security guard who was stationed at a businessman’s home nearby. Police subsequently arrested four men and impounded a car. Kaieteur News understands that they were picked up near Plaisance. However a reliable police source indicated that the men arrested may not be the perpetrators. Pierre and Mohamed were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at a private hospital. Police reportedly recovered several 9mm warheads and casings from the scene, and are said to be examining
footage from nearby security cameras in the hope of positively identifying the attackers. The drama began at around 01.20 hrs when a female special constable stationed at a hut on the north-western side of the gated community saw some men scaling a concrete wall that surrounds the small community. The men used duct-tape to gag and bind the unarmed special constable, before heading directly to Justice Pierre and Mr. Mohamed’s three-storey home. GUYANA/VENEZUELA RICEDEAL COLLAPSE…PREVIOUS GOVT. WAS NOTIFIED BUT KEPT SILENT – PPP DENIES CLAIM, PM HAS EVIDENCE With the sugar industry being up to its neck in debt and performing poorly over the years, the recent news that the booming rice could be poised for a very troubling future, has left many in the new government worried. It has essentially forced them to redouble their efforts to find corrective measures as quickly as possible. Government has however vowed that everything will be done to ensure that hundreds of farmers are not made to suffer due to the turn of events set to take full effect later this year. On his Facebook profile, the First Vice President also said that there is documentary evidence that Venezuela’s decision was communicated
Page 43
to former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Guyana’s Ambassador in Caracas, Geoffrey Da Silva. The Prime Minister said, “It is sad and inexcusable that the Guyanese people were not advised of this by the former PPP government. Questions will now have to be asked as to whether the Guyanese people, and the thousands of rice farmers in particular who could be affected, were being held hostage by the PPP’s silence purely for the purposes of narrow politicking.” He said, too, that it will have to be considered whether Venezuela’s position of the non-renewal of the PetroCaribe barter agreement is indeed an act of economic sanction against Guyana. Nagamootoo said that “government will explore fully, all options to ensure that farmers and those dependent on Guyana’s rice industry are not adversely affected.” SATURDAY EDITION VENEZUELAHALTSALL RICE, PADDY SHIPMENTS …270 CONTAINERS OF RICE STUCK ON WHARF, OVER US$5M IN LIMBO As the fallout from the collapse of the Guyana/ Venezuela rice deal continues, Venezuela on Friday issued a directive for Guyana to cease all paddy and rice shipments to the neighbouring country with immediate effect. This comes four months before the PetroCaribe agreement was scheduled to come to an end. With some 270 containers of rice worth over US$5M left stranded on the wharves, and a further surplus crop expected to come by next month, this latest move by the oil-producing giant, leaves Guyana with a more urgent need than ever to find an alternative market to Venezuela, which was responsible for 34 percent of rice exports under the PetroCaribe oil for rice deal. The cancellation is reported to have been first communicated to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) by Venezuelan rice counterparts through a phone call. The news was subsequently conveyed to the Guyana Rice Millers Association in a meeting Friday. Kaieteur News understands that while the directive goes into immediate effect, vessels already loaded and bound for Venezuela will be allowed to complete their shipment run.
This includes a paddy vessel which is said to be currently on its way to the Spanish-speaking country and is slated to return to Guyana on July 18. According to a senior official of the GRDB, the decision will leave Guyana with no alternative but to hasten its search for other markets. He stated, however, that a legal challenge from the Guyana Government against the early termination of the agreement was still on the cards. EZJET BOSS GETS 20 YEARS FOR FRAUD Florida (Sun Sentinel) When Sonny Ramdeo embezzled at least $21.4 million from his employer, he didn’t blow the money on fancy cars and waterfront homes. Instead, federal prosecutors said Ramdeo, 38, envisioned himself as the next Sir Richard Branson — with a bandit twist — and used his ill-gotten gains to set up a charter airline company. Ramdeo was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday after a hearing that went on for more than eight hours in federal court in West Palm Beach. The Sunrise man was payroll manager for the Boca Raton-based Promise Healthcare and Success Healthcare hospital management companies when he set up his own charter air service offering flights from New York City and Toronto to his native Guyana. He was being feted as a gifted entrepreneur and planning to expand the service to Miami when it all came tumbling down in October 2012. After his employers figured out something was amiss and confronted him, he fled and hid out in New York City for two months until federal agents tracked him down. In late 2013, Ramdeo pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. He admitted he had secretly set up his own corporation, PayServ Tax Inc., and told his employers the company would handle the transfer of the hospital management company’s local, state and federal payroll taxes to the government. Ramdeo transferred tens of millions of dollars to his own bank accounts and used more than $80 million of it to pay the taxes that were due. But he skimmed off what prosecutors very conservatively estimated was more than $21.4 million that he used to set up his airline charter, EZjet.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Four Guyanese students get UWC scholarships to study overseas
New UWC students being taught to cook Guyanese food by Merissa’s mother Davi (left). From right: Students Kyle Joseph (UWC in Canada), Saif Panday (UWC in Singapore), Stephon Roberts (UWC in China), Merissa Peterson (UWC in the USA) and UWC Guyana volunteer Deondra Wishart. Four Guyanese students will be completing high school on scholarships across the world, after the first successful selections cycle of UWC Guyana. UWC are United World Colleges – 15 highly international high-schools located on every continent. The mission is to use education as a force to unite people for peace and a sustainable future. Nelson Mandela’s children attended on scholarships, and he was President of the UWC board. This is the first year that UWC Guyana ran a selection cycle. 86 applications were received from across the
country, and there was a competitive two-stage interview process. The main emphasis was not grades, but rather students’ commitment and vision to use this opportunity to help change society and be ambassadors for Guyana. The students selected are going to Singapore, Canada, China and USA. There exist other UWCs in Southern Africa, India, Norway and Costa Rica among others. Students are selected based on potential and commitment to UWC ideals, international understanding and service. Therefore families are not asked to contribute more than
they can afford, and all four are receiving full or almost full scholarships, with a total value over 250,000 USD The four students selected are Merissa Peterson, Saif Panday, Kyle Joseph and Stephon Roberts. In an invited comment 16year-old Peterson whose ambition is to become a medical doctor said,”I’m so thankful to be one of the lucky students chosen for such a great opportunity. I intend to use it to the best of my ability and do intend to come back home and share all the new skills and knowledge I would’ve learnt at UWC USA (Continued on page 60)
Page 57
Absence of controls leads... From page 20 former audit focuses on issues like variations between projected project and actual costs, identifying delays in project implementation and the reasons for these, while the latter focuses on issues like overall project goals and whether these are being met. Dr. Thomas said that in the absence of an effective investment management regime; there have been major types of project failures and weaknesses observed in Guyana's public investment during the 2000s. He said that two types of Guyana-specific project weaknesses/failures are those originating from the National Commercial and Industrial Investments Limited (NICIL) public investment spending and the class of troubled public investment projects that he labeled, “opportunistic”. The economist said that NICIL is the single largest location for public investment project weaknesses and failures in Guyana. Dr. Thomas noted that over the past decade NICIL has become responsible for about 20 percent of Guyana's total public investment spending. He said that by the end of this year this total investment spending could rep-
resent as much as $100 billion, of which $20 billion would be controlled by NICIL. He said, “Therefore the inference is straightforward. The absence of an effective public investment management regime for Guyana together with NICIL's ability to avoid those commercial rigors routinely faced by private corporations in private markets results in NICIL's public investment spending being wide open to political direction with little or no concern for commercial tests of market efficiency or public tests of economic efficiency.” Dr. Thomas said that those who still doubt the need for a public infrastructure management initiative should carefully examine the failures which took place under the previous administration. The Presidential Advisor said, “I would implore readers not to forget the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) Access Road project, which carried a cost overrun that doubled the original budgeted project cost of US$30 million; the largest and longest incomplete project, the US$200 million Skeldon Sugar Modernization Project (SSMP); and the East Coast and East Bank roads scheduled for completion two years
ago.” “There is also the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Extension Project, deemed a “white elephant” by analysts, except for its runway extension); the collapsed Brazil to Guyana Fibre Optic Cable project which has been budgeted for, to date, US$20 million in questionable undertakings and is presently being resuscitated under suspicious circumstances; and the Government Specialty Hospital Project caught up in fraud.” To this litany of wellknown troubled public projects he said one should add funds wasted on diverse “small projects” for road repairs and community and government buildings as well as large bailouts provided to ailing state enterprises without prior independent economic evaluation or required oversight reporting to the National Assembly: especially on sugar (GuySuCo) and power, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). “One cannot forget to mention too, the illegal procurement practices, especially sole sourcing for pharmaceutical supplies and the presidential spectrum giveaway by former President Bharrat Jagdeo before he left office,” Dr. Thomas concluded.
Page 58
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Over 60 million displaced by crisis By Shyon Hoppie United Nation’s (UN) General Secretary, Ban Kimoon, has said that the world is seeing a record number of people displaced by crises. Their numbers amount to some 60 million, according to the latest UN figures. Guyana’s emigration rate is among the highest in the world - more than 55 per cent
of its citizens reside. Although remittances are a vital source of income for most citizens, the pervasive emigration of skilled workers deprives Guyana of professionals in healthcare and other key sectors. More than 80 per cent of Guyanese nationals with tertiary level educations have emigrated. Brain drain and the concentration of limited
...UN highlights World Population Day medical resources in Georgetown hamper Guyana’s ability to meet the health needs of its predominantly rural population. Guyana has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the region and continues to rely on international
support for its HIV treatment and prevention programs. World Population Day is observed every year on July 11, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues. This year it will be observed under the theme, “Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies.” This was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989. It was inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987 roughly the date on which the world’s population reached five billion people. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) works in emergency settings around the globe to respond to the rights and needs of women and girls, helping them maintain their dignity, securing their safety, and restoring their access to sexual and reproductive health care. Population today edged to seven billion people in
2011 (up from 2.5 billion in 1950), with Guyana adding less than one million to this census with a population of 735,554, according to the last census. A world of seven billion is both a challenge and an opportunity with implications on sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth empowerment. “With nearly 60 million individuals having fled conflict or disaster, women and adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable. Violent extremists and armed groups are committing terrible abuses that result in trauma, unintended pregnancy and infection with HIV and other diseases,” said UN General Secretary, Ban Ki-moon. He also stated that with nearly 60 million individuals having fled conflict or disaster, women and adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable. Shame and accountability
rest squarely on the shoulders of the perpetrators who wage cowardly battles across the bodies of innocents, Ban Ki-moon said. He also urge countries to commit to bold results that will make 2015 a time of global action, putting people first so that they help build resilience, peace and sustainable prosperity for generations to come. Guyana’s last Population and Housing Census was done in 2012 as part of the United Nations 2010 Global Round of Population and Housing Censuses. This census is conducted every ten years; Enumerators (census-takers) visit every household in every part of the country to administer questionnaires that collect social and economic information and data on the population. The Population Division collaborates closely with the agencies, funds, programmes and bodies of the United Nations system in the implementation of the work programme on population. To better respond to local needs, UNFPA increasingly devotes resources to country-led efforts, placing emphasis on countryfocused and country-led implementation to achieve improved results, at the same time addressing mutual accountability and strengthening harmonization and alignment.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 59
NGO to host suicide prevention conference
Caribbean Voice Managing Director, Bibi Ahamad
A year after it was officially launched in Guyana, the non governmental organization, Caribbean Voice, will soon be hosting a national stakeholders’ conference on suicide. The one-day conference, which is scheduled for August 21 at the Cara Lodge, is expected to bring together civil society, the private sector, Government and Religious communities in one venue to discuss suicide prevention in Guyana. According to Caribbean Voice Managing Director, Bibi Ahamad, the conference will examine Guyana’s difficulties in dealing with suicide. Ahamad explained that
Worries mount over... (From page 10) other 95 percent constituting whole grain. The grains are also said to be packaged in 50 kilo bags labeled for Venezuela. According to reports, the rice has already been fumigated, with the use of Phostoxin chemical agent, in keeping with procedure. According to a source, one way of ensuring that the rice goes past the 30-day mark would be to re-fumigate it. The Official revealed, however, that the rice is normally disposed of if stored for more than thirty days. It is also reported that while the 270 containers are filled with packaged rice already in a state of readiness to ship, the paddy that was expected to be shipped was being held in one tonne vats. Venezuela on Friday issued a directive for Guyana to cease all paddy and rice shipments to the country with immediate effect, four months before the PetroCaribe agreement/ contract was scheduled to come to an end. With some 270 containers of paddy worth over US$5M left stranded on the wharfs, and a further surplus crop expected to come by next month, this latest move by the Oil producing giant leaves Guyana with a more urgent need than ever to find alternative markets to Venezuela, which was responsible for 34 percent of rice exports under the PetroCaribe oil for rice deal. The cancellation is reported to have been first communicated to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) by Venezuelan rice counterparts through a phone call. The news was subsequently conveyed to the Guyana Rice Millers Association in a meeting on Friday. Kaieteur News understands that while the directive went into immediate effect, vessels already loaded
and bound for Venezuela will be allowed to complete their shipment run. This will include the paddy vessel for this week, which is said to be currently on its way to the Spanish-speaking country and is slated to return to Guyana on July 18. A senior official of the GRDB had indicated that the decision will leave Guyana with no other alternative but to hasten its search for alternate markets. He stated, however, that a legal challenge from the Guyana Government against the early termination of the agreement was still on the cards. Venezuela’s decision regarding the rice deal comes at a time when it is claiming sovereignty over Guyana’s waters since the significant oil find by American oil giant, Exxon Mobil just 100 miles off of the Stabroek Block. The issue is one which has seen the Government displaying complete resistance to Venezuela’s declaration and even its rhetoric over the past few weeks. Jordan had said last Wednesday that Venezuela claimed it had hinted to the past administration as well as to top officials in the Guyana Rice and Development Board that Guyana needs to start looking at other markets. Based on records over the past two to three years, Jordan had said that it would show that Venezuela was scaling back on the volume of rice it was taking from Guyana. It has been reported that the oil-rich country has even entered into new rice deals with rice-producing giants like Uruguay. The South American country has agreed to provide Venezuela with 120,000 tonnes of rice by the end of this year. This deal was struck so that Uruguay can clear its US$400M debt it accumulated from taking Venezuela’s oil at concessionary prices.
the conference was the first for Caribbean Voice in Guyana and is part of its fiveyear strategic plan. She emphasised that while individual efforts in suicide prevention were important, bringing together the relevant voices was also a necessity. “When we bring everyone together and talk about these issues you get a bigger view from all the different stakeholders,” Ahamad opined. She continued, “Remember that there are all these different NGOs in Guyana and religious organisations doing similar work so if everybody come
together and come up with a plan of action, it’ll be more effective.” She said too that working together removed repetitiveness. “So, we’re bringing stakeholders from across the country; civil society as well as the private sector, the Government and religious communities. We’re bringing in everybody and we’re going to sit down and really tackle this thing,” she added. Furthermore, Ahamad explained that the conference will focus on a number of areas including suicide prevention, domestic violence and all forms of
violence, teenage pregnancy, rape and incest, and alcohol and drug abuse. These issues would all have links to suicide, Ahamad said. “All of these issues can lead to depression which can in turn lead to suicidal thoughts and then eventually attempting suicide,” she stressed. The conference is expected to be a whole day affair where issues will be presented by technical teams. There will be also be four plenary sessions, Ahamad said, with a presentation and final discussion.
Meanwhile, a number of ministers have already come onboard, among them Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence; and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan. Ahamad said that Caribbean Voice is also looking to invite key players, including Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton, while members of the diplomatic community have also been invited. Ahamad indicated that confirmation was already received from US Charge D’Affaires, Bryan Hunt. Additionally, she said that Continued on page 64
Page 60
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Two remanded on break Sophia man and enter, robbery charges mysteriously disappears An unemployed woman, who allegedly burgled her neighbour’s house while she was out of town, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, on Friday. Stephanie Persaud, 20, of 26 Friendship Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, is accused of breaking and entering the dwelling house of Linda Rodrigues between September 2014 and May 29, 2015. Persaud allegedly stole a transformer, a BMX bicycle, toy piano and a dining table among other items – to the value of $423,000. The defendant, who was unrepresented by an Attorney, was also slapped with another charge, one that alleged that on July 8, at Friendship, she had a handcuff and police badge in her possession suspected to be stolen or unlawfully obtained. Persaud pleaded not guilty to both charges and was remanded to prison. According to facts, Persaud and Rodrigues are known to each other, since they reside in the same yard. The defendant resides in the
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.
lower flat of the two-storey wooden building, while the victim resides in the upper flat. During September 2014, Rodrigues secured her home with the articles intact and left for Puruni, in the Middle Mazaruni, to work. On May 27, 2015, Rodrigues returned and discovered that the items were missing. She subsequently reported the matter to the police. On July 7, 2015 Rodrigues was walking past the defendant’s home when she saw the dining table. Rodrigues informed the police, who arrived and searched the defendant’s premises and found the item. Further checks were made and the defendant was found in possession of a handcuff and police badge. Police Inspector, Michael Grant, presented the prosecution’s case. He informed the court that the stolen articles were recovered. However, the Magistrate told the Prosecutor that she was not obliged to grant bail and remanded the defendant to prison until July 30. Meanwhile, in another case, a 17-year-old mason was also remanded to prison on a robbery charge. It is alleged that on June 30, at Prospect, East Bank Demerara, Leron Charles, being in the company of
others robbed Annesa Hodge of a handbag, BLU cell phone, along with other items all totaling $27,000. Charles who resides at Lot 20 Industrial Front, East Coast Demerara, denied the allegation before Magistrate Daly. Court facts stated that on the day in question, around 22:00hrs, the victim exited a route 42 minibus at the Prospect bus stop. She started walking south along the public road when she noticed two men coming on a red motorcycle. The cycle passed the woman and stopped. The pillion rider jumped off the bike, approached the victim and held on to her bag. Johnson started to scream and the attacker dealt her several cuffs to the face and grabbed her bag. He then went back on to the motorcycle, which was being driven by the defendant. A taxi driver, who was nearby upon seeing the confrontation, entered his car and gave chase after the motorcycle which he intercepted at Peters Hall. The defendant lost control of the motorcycle and they both fell to the ground. The pillion rider managed to escape. Some of the items were recovered. This matter was adjourned until July 30, for statements.
Twenty-year-old Marcus Peters, a father of one of 155 North Turkeyen, ‘D’ Field Sophia mysteriously disappeared after leaving home one week ago. The man who lived with his reputed wife, Christie Narine, did not return home after allegedly leaving to attend a party in the area. According to Narine this is the first time that this has happened. They had no dispute that would have made him want to leave home. After he didn’t return home she attempted to contact his family to help locate him but no one seemed to know of his whereabouts. She was later contacted by his employer who threatened to relieve Peters of his duties. But when she explained the situation to the employer she was advised to make a report to the police. Peters’ sister said that no one at the party claims to have seen him there that night. A report was made to the Turkeyen Police Station and the matter is being investigated. If anyone knows his whereabouts, that person is asked to contact the Turkeyen Police station on 219-3452 or the nearest police station.
Marcus Peters and his sister
Four Guyanese students get UWC... (From page 57) College.” Eighteen-year-old Panday of St. Rose’s High has plans to become an Economist/ Diplomat and according to him “I am incredibly grateful to be chosen along with three other amazing students for a chance to study through the United World College (UWC) International Scholarship Programme. “I am equally delighted that I will be attending the United World College of South East Asia. I see this as an opportunity to fully dive in, pursue my passions and take a step towards achieving my ultimate goal of being an economist. I intend to make every moment count while on this programme. I also intend to use the skills learnt there to be a meaningful contributor to Guyana’s development when I return.” An aspiring surgeon, Joseph of Aishalton, South Rupununi, Region Nine, and a student of Queen’s College is also very elated about the opportunity afforded to him. He disclosed that because of his experience at high school, he has grown to become a rounded individual. “Because I’ve been a part of these various
activities that exposed me to various cultures and people, I was particularly excited about UWC. Their values about making education a force to unite people is truly inspiring. “The whole idea of going to one institution with people of different cultures and learning about their ways all makes it more exhilarating to be a part of Pearson College,” he shared. Roberts also stressed his appreciation for being selected to participate in the UWC programme. The 18-year-old noted, “While I will miss my family (especially my grandmother), friends and my home, I leave with hopes of returning a better person, with sufficient skills to contribute to the development of my country.” The aim of the United World College is to educate young people of different ethnicities, religions and social statuses in one place as a means of promoting world unity. And according to Roberts, “I am happy to be a part of such a community, and I’m always interested in learning new things about different cultures.”
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 61
Companies that Beautification of towns enhances... embrace serviced, quality Let’s talk service...
As business owners, providing assistance to other businesses should be a natural extension of our responsibilities. Many business owners are quite engrossed in their operations or daily tasks to assist others. In assessing my business, I have realized that a lot of my leads are generated from or during the provision of assistance to others. Recently, I pondered on the assistance provided by my company and assessed the benefit, and need I say that the benefits outweighed the cost. Here are five benefits of providing assistance to each other: Sharing resources and information: A wealth of information and resources are available out there; and research, whether it is personal or professional, is becoming more and more popular as consumers and businesses rarely make purchasing decisions without information. In this regard, we are constantly churning out information and knowledge of resources, some we use, others we can share as it may be relevant to our colleagues or other business. That information shared can make a difference in how things are done, decisions are made or in the case of a resource shared, may determine the success of a business venture. Highlighting new opportunities for Growth: You
may be aware of opportunities, daily, due to your current position, that information may not be useful to you at that particular time. We should always think of who can benefit from the particular opportunity. Opportunities may arise for careers, business contracts, endorsements, recognition etc., and this may be the break that your colleague has been awaiting; you provided that inroad. There is self-satisfaction as well as your contribution to the success of your colleague that may augur well towards you or your business in the future. Making introductions: Over a decade ago, I read an article on the benefits of networking, and never forgot how the writer highly recommended keeping records of contacts when meeting new people. In so doing, I am now able to have a secure network of people, not just for myself but to provide assistance to my colleagues through introduction to the right people. An introduction can have a great impact on business deals, professional as well as personal relationships. Volunteering and Providing Genuine feedback: In dealing with small businesses, some are not able to pay a full fee per hour. The time given to that business may be more valuable to the business owner than the dollar value. Once I have agreed to undertake the task, I ensure that I am genuinely involved and this
demonstrates my willingness to assist. By being genuinely interested you are able to provide feedback that will assist in providing solutions required. Promoting and Recognizing: We interact daily with colleagues, business, and people generally, how often to you promote the products, services or qualities of our associates to other people that we meet. Within our businesses, we can promote the qualities of our colleagues or staff, we can promote the service or business of a colleague and recognize staff through award schemes or nominate other business for industry awards. Your recognition will mean the world to your colleagues. You will promote a skill, quality or product that others can learn, grow or benefit from in one way or another. This contributes to the dynamism and growth of your industry or sector and you will ultimately benefit. Businesses need a successful community, sector or industry that creates demand for its products or services within a supportive environment. Great business leaders are also leaders in the community. In providing assistance to other businesses we are actually assisting ourselves and our business community.
From page 12 survived needed to be trimmed and above all, cleared of the parasites such as birdvine which infest them. If the trees are trimmed and cleared of the parasites, the aesthetics of the City would immediately improve. More fundamentally, there should be a systematic replanting of the trees in the City on the basis of horticultural advice. In the past, Georgetown was famous as the “garden city” of the West Indies and this was largely because of the varied and colourful trees grown in the City. Almost every street and canal was tree-lined and the trees were expertly mixed. For example, Broad Street from Saffon Street to St Stephen’s Street was once lined with cabbage palms; or upper Brickdam was lined with cannon-ball trees or Camp
Street with flamboyants, Main Street with samaans and upper Hadfield Street with mora trees. The canals were lined mostly with flowering trees such as frangipanni, golden showers or flamboyants. The trees also had a utilitarian role: they provided fire-breaks in our wooden City, those along the canals consolidated the banks with their roots so controlling slippage and silting up, and the bigger trees such as samaan absorbed a great deal of water and helped in flood control. The trees were all labelled with their common and botanical names. In resuscitating the “garden city”, however, planners have to take into account that today there are thousands of motor vehicles hunting for parking spaces each day and many parapet spaces need to be kept clear
in the busy streets. Georgetown once boasted of many ornate metal bridges over the canals as for example those in the Avenue of the Republic (High Street) or those linking Croal Street to South Road. Most of these fine and unique bridges were destroyed by thieving vandals who sold the metal to scrap iron dealers. So far, there have never been any police prosecutions of either the thieves or the scrap iron dealers. Repairs to bridges have been ad hoc and do not enhance the beauty of the City. Bridges must be expertly designed for both strength and beauty. Georgetown and all other Guyanese towns could be transformed into places of beauty enhancing the quality of life once there is the will on the part of the leaders to achieve it.
Page 62
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
PPP in death throes, Jagdeo returns to perform final rites By Ralph Seeram I was saying the man’s ego was bigger than his mansion, when another passenger in the car chimed in, that his ego was bigger than Guyana. The man has no shame; some would argue that Bharrat Jagdeo has passed that stage a very long time ago. Long before, he brazenly and “barefacedly” gave away free radio licenses to his friends, family and cronies before leaving office in 2011. By now most of you know that Jagdeo is returning to lead the PPP in Parliament as Opposition Leader.
Apparently the PPP did not get the Memo the voters sent in 2011 and again last May 11. Their supporters either stayed away from the polls or switched to the AFC. Bharrat Jagdeo is toxic; Bharrat Jagdeo cannot win elections, as evident in 2011 and this year. When people see Jagdeo, memories of PPP corruption comes forth. Some would say that he is the face of corruption in the PPP. Visions of “backroom and secret” deals come to mind, the Hydro Project, the Airport Project, Marriott Hotel financing, and let’s not forget the single source supply of medicines from his friend,
Bobby Ramroop. Yes, even the PPP Central Committee did not get the Memo that Jagdeo is a “has been”, the electorate does not want him, and I am talking about the Guyanese electorate, not PPP supporters. The argument is that Jagdeo can bring out votes; that he has grass roots support. I have had very senior PPP leaders telling me this in the lead up to the last elections, and my answer was, getting out PPP votes is not your problem, they are your supporters, you need the voter that will put you over the 50 per cent mark; you need the “swing voters” and the votes of your “former’
supporters who are disappointed with the direction the party has taken. One would have thought that after two successive electoral defeats, the PPP would analyze its failure and regroup. We are all familiar with the old saying ‘you can’t do the same thing over and over and expect a different result.’ Did the PPP get that Memo and choose to ignore it again.’ Some people would argue that Jagdeo has single handed destroyed the PPP, destroyed the ideals of the PPP founder, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Old PPP stalwarts have been gradually pushed aside to make way for Jagdeo and his handpicked subordinates. We know what happened in those years leading to the PPP defeat. Here, what is ironic; at the height of Bharrat Jagdeo power, Kemraj Ramjattan and
Moses Nagamootoo were forced out of the PPP. No one could have foreseen at that time, that it signaled the unraveling of the PPP. No one could have forecast that those two would ultimately lead to the defeat of the PPP in two elections. Karma is a bitch. Today, Nagamootoo sits in the Prime Minister ’s bench in Parliament and Jagdeo will be sitting in the Opposition Leader’s seat. One wonders if Jagdeo has the PPP interest at heart or his personal interest. In my opinion, if he had the PPP interest at heart, if he wanted to see the PPP “bounce back” from two electoral defeats, he should have graciously stuck to his pledge and step aside. After being President for twelve years, and making public pronouncements that he would not seek public office again, you wonder why Jagdeo would humiliate
himself to sit opposite Ramjattan and Nagamootoo in Parliament, with the latter two in power now. It comes back to Jagdeo’s ego. Many of you have seen so many boxers who after their prime, either come out of retirement, or hang on for one more fight only to get humiliated by younger stronger opponent. They did not come back for the money, but for the crowd cheering them, the adulations, the publicity, the celebrity status. They missed that. Power is like sex; you get a few orgasms you want more. Some orgasms come from humiliation; some people have to get a form of humiliation like bondage to satisfy themselves. Jagdeo does not care if he is humiliated, his appetite for power, his craving for one more “orgasm” takes over his rational thinking. Sex does that to you, power does that to you. What bothers me is, if Jagdeo’s ego took over his rational thinking, what happened to those in the PPP Central Committee? Here was the PPP’s chance to rebrand itself, to cleanse itself of the “undesirables”, inject new blood in leadership, to burnish its image for local government elections and for 2020 general elections. Instead, it brought back people like Ganga Persaud, Bheri Ramsaran and Lumumba. Yes they really are going to win the party votes. Most blatantly they put Jagdeo back as leader or as some would say Jagdeo put himself back as leader. Whichever is true, it signals that the Coalition can retain power come next elections, unless of course the APNU/ (Continued on page 64)
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
SALON Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building, visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall: 225-6496, 662-6045 EAGLE’S FRIDGE REGASES - $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966 Professional painting services available for private and contract work- Tel: 6044036 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar:2310655,683-8734 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves - Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 All types of grill work to be done, also experience in working on boats- Contact Brian: 666-2101 or 233-2847 GET YOUR USA, CANADA & UK VISA’S FILLED OUT PROFESSIONALLY. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT: 2315789/90 Computer upgrades from windows 7 to 8, antivirus, software downloads- Tel: 625-1024, 645-7471 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!! K. Lakeram, building contractor: carpentry, masonry, drawings of plans, general maintenance – Call:216-0671, 622-0267, 6928 4 6 4 / klakeram.construction@gmail. com FOR SALE/RENT American pools table- Call: 277-0578
WANTED One night guard @ Corine’s guest house, 6 Smyth Street Werk-En-Rust
Summer Special: In cosmetology, nails, wig design & hair cuttingClasses commence -13 July Tel: 619-7603, 666-5241
Experienced pastry maker, cake decorator, curry cook, cleaners, apply @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. 2 Experienced welder/ fabricator preferably from Bel-Air to Mon-Repos, E.C.D- Tel: 222-3844 One live in female to care for an elderly man- Tel: 223-9888 One grill work welder must be able to work on boatContact Brian: 666-2101 or 233-2847 Accounts clerk @ Aracari Resort 16 Plantation Versailles, W.B.DPhone:264-2946/8. Email: info@aracariresort.com. Apply in person.
VACANCY 2 Accounts clerk with Grades 1 & 2 in Maths & English. Apply at Technical Services, Eccles Industrial Site, E.B.D. Cashiers/ supermarket helpers, apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket 49 Sheriff & Craig Street- Tel: 227-5771 1 Cleaner to clean yard & care for dogs. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling
One experienced hairdresser. Must know to braid & weave. At Time Square Mall, GroveTel:669-4390 One arc welder must know to do grill work and work with limited supervision- Call: 6133879
International Employment: waiters, cooks, housekeepers, carpenters, plumbers, cleaners, securities, receptionists, printers- Contact:2316 2 9 6 , 6 5 0 - 9 8 8 0 www.plzrecruitme.com
Waitress/ bartenders @ Aracari Resort 16 Plantation Versailles, W.B.D- Phone:2642946/8. Email: info@aracariresort.com. Apply in person.
Fish cleaners at Eccles- Call: 233-2546 Male supervisor to work in housekeeping DepartmentTel:225-0198 or 233 South road Lacytown
Hire car drivers- Call: 2332538, 231-3709, 667-9013 Indoor/outdoor salesman highly motivated/ energetic. Secondary education, 2 porters with reference & ID@ 13 Mc Doom Public Rd (Post Office) Contract cars & drivers from E.C.D- Contact A-1 Taxi: 2201000 40-45 years old for driving duties. Light duties. Good rates- Tel: 227-1830 2 experienced security guard, apply @ Humphrey’s Bakery & farm products ltd- Tel: 2257864, 227-8607 One babysitter for child 2yrs. Monday –Friday, 3-5hrs for $1,000 a day- Call: 611-1981 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Lot in G/Town to rent for wash bay- Call: 646-8748 Legal clerk/typist: applications with CV - Legal Aid 185 Charlotte & King streets, Maraj Building. By 20th July, 2015 Attractive live in waitressTel: 228-5129, 604-8277
VEHICLE FOR SALE Sale on new model Allion, TV Reverse camera, low mileage, Honda Fit - PLL Spacio - PTT Tel: 697-0294 One Silver Toyota Premio, 2003 model, PNN series, excellent condition –Tel: 6484259 One new & unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956 Nissan Tiida, Hatch Back, PPP series, air-condition, magrims, excellent condition, price negotiable –Tel: 6002170 One 192 Carina with alarm, AC, deck. In working condition. Owner leaving country- Call: 687-3241 1 Beige Toyota Spacio 2003 model. PMM series. Lady driven. 1st owner, in excellent condition- $1.5M- Call: 628-5828 Blow Out Sale!!! Unregistered Toyota IST - $2,100,000Bodykit, TV, Spoiler, Fogs, Alloy Wheels, Crystal Lights & Alarm – Call: 643-6565, 2269931 First Class Auto in Stock: 09 Allion, 08 Premio, Carina 212, Spacio, Runx, IST, Mark 2, Axio, 06 Premio –Call: 6098188; 638-3045 Toyota Allion 17" chrome rims, remote start alarm, DVD (HC owner driver)- Call: 2313709, 233-2538, 667-9013 2008 Fielder -$2.5M, 2004 Spacio -$2M, Carina 212 $1.9M, all vehicles unregistered –Tel: 617-2891 Allion PRR, 42,000KM, alarm, reverse camera, 17" rims, DVD deck, HID, music, hardly used -$1.850M – Contact: 616-3566 1 new model, Toyota Axio for sale – unregistered –Call: 642-6079
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 ACCOMODATION Aracari Resort –Tel: 2642946: Rooms from $45USD, double occupancy, fully air conditioned, hot & cold bath, WiFi, breakfast. Specials on room! Free breakfast, Wi-Fi luxuriously & comfortably @ Signature Inn, 82 Laluni Street, Georgetown –Tel: 226-2145; 227-5037
Toyota Prado, Price$4.4M Neg. Call: 643-2403 One 318 BMW never register for $ 3.1M down payment $ 800,000- Contact # 650-0402 Fantasy Auto Sales at 38 Alexander St, Kitty. Get $100,000 discount on preorders- Contact: 611-1833 Fantasy Auto SalesAvailable: 2010 Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan X-Trail 2008. New model Premio & AllionCall: 611-1833 Toyota Sequoia PKK series, fully loaded, like new -$M – Tel: 645-4709, 627-4080 1 Toyota Pickup GRR 9565 & 1 ATV motor bike- Call: 6600422 One short base Mitsubishi canter for sale GRR series in good working condition- Call: 642-5203 One TM truck for sale- Call: 261-2785
Page 63
VEHICLE FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
AE100 Toyota Corolla PHH 7796 – Call: 670-1395
1-Toyota Caldina Wagon, automatic, fully powered, A/ C, mags, price -$1.3M – Contact:621-5902
Just arrived from UK brand new TM trucks. Good priceTel: 679-7587, 264-1582 One Alteeza, PNN Series, immaculate condition. Tel: 649-9647 1 Noah BSS series. Price reasonable- Call: 652-0709 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154
1-Toyota Ipsum (7Seater) automatic, fully powered, A/ C, mags, sunroof, price $1.3M –Contact: Rocky 6215902 1-Ford Ranger extra cab (4x4) automatic, fully loaded, AC, alarm. Price $1.8M- Contact: Rocky: 2251400, 621-5902 1-Honda CRV (immaculate condition) automatic, fully loaded, mags. Price $1.9MContact: Rocky: 225-1400, 621-5902
1 Mini Cooper PTT 2675. 1 cold storage canter-Call: 6190846
2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glasstop, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136
Toyota- AT 212, AT192, BB, Premio, Rush, Hilux pickup 4x4. Nissan bluebird, Honda 600 RR- Tel: 644-5096, 6971453
97 Chevrolet Tracker Jeep 4x4- 4 seats, soft top in good condition. $900,000 or best offer. Owner migrating- Call: 663-9219
RZ for sale in excellent condition. Price negotiableCall: 613-1676 1-Toyota 4WD extra cab, pickup LH drive –price $1.5M negotiable –Tel: 668-8431 AT192 Carina automatic. Price $850,000 negotiablecall: 220-0510 1-AT192 Carina (private), automatic, fully powered, A/ C, mags, CD Player, price $850,000 Contact Rocky 2251400,621-5902 1 Isuzu canter open back (diesel engine), manual, short base, price $1.3M- Excellent condition- Contact Rocky 225-1400,621-5902 1- Toyota RZ (excellent condition) manual, CD player, mags, 15 seater, price $1.450M– Contact Rocky: 225-1400, 621-5902
TO LET For foreigners fully furnished two bedrooms apartment in South. Hot & cold, cable, washing machine & internet. Tel: 689-5877 Golden Grove Diamond house to rent- Call: 692-8513, 223-0733 One 2 bedrooms flat housePlease call: 265-3616, 6430782 1 Single room for bachelor at 11 Charles Street, Charlestown- Tel: 223-4060 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
1-AT212 Carina (private -new model), automatic, fully powered, A/C, mags, CD, alarm, Price $1.350M Contact Rocky 225-1400,621-5902 1- Toyota Land Rover (Discovery) manual , fully powered, alarm , 4X4 Diesel (2700 cc) Price -$6.7M Contact Rocky: 225-1400, 621-5902 1- Toyota Raum (PPP series) automatic, fully powered, AC, alarm –price -$1.3M - Contact Rocky: 225-1400, 621-5902 1- Toyota Picnic (7 Seater) 4 doors, automatic, fully powered, A/C, mags, alarm CD –Price -$2.3M –Contact: Rocky: 225-1400, 621-5902
CAR RENTAL Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up- Call: 690-6494
SALON Empire hair and nails salon renting chairs. Lot 17 Burnham Drive Wismar, Linden- Call: 442-0171 Continued on page 64
Page 64
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
NGO to host suicide... FOR SALE GQ New York, Quality Boutique- Call: 603-0108. 6061 Hadfield Street, Werk-EnRust Georgetown. Email: jmordle@yahoo.com Wood exporters- gang nail plates. Sizes in stock: 3x4, 4x6, 5x7- Contact: 266-4166, 6662361 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 Pitbull computer box (ECU) for sale- Call: 628-0909 1 Yahama 8,000 watts generator, Freezer $49,000, 40" Toshiba smart TV, 14" chainsaw, computer monitorCall: 642-1510, 227-5080 PS3 with 5 games & 2 controllers. PS2 with 25 great games & 3 controllers- Call: 683-8386 1-40’ Reefer- Contact: Trevor Arno Wieting & Richter Ltd. Tel: 226-6150-7 150cc Scrambler in very good condition. Priced to go- Tel: 666-9719 Fluffy puppies- Call: 668-9021
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Dell desktop & laptop computers from $55,000. Free games & educational software- call FutureTech: 231-2206 Woodmizer resaw 100hrs, Kohler engine $1,600,000Tel: 683-2575 1 Jailing motorcycle scooter (blue) JC 125T-39A, HP125cc- Call: 691-0592 Pitbull pups (6 months) male (white) & female (brindle). Fully vaccinated- Tel: 6010751 152ft complete cabin cruiser. In excellent condition- Tel: 592-654-2817, 592-622-2958 One Ducati 1098cc motorcycle in excellent condition- Call: 617-6934, 674-0137 British bulldog, Cocker Spaniel and German shepherds. Make your order early for Huskies & Rottweilers- Call or whatsapp: 664-5401 1-2004 Caldina wagon fully loaded, 17" mags, GT 4, turbo. 1 wedding dress (size 10)- Call: 613-9116
EDUCATION Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 13thAugust 13th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355 Institute of Academic Excellence- registration commenced for our Secondary school (forms 15), lessons & adults CXC classes- Tel: 683-5742 Summer classes. Congratulations to my top student Aselah Najah, 518 (Queens College). CXC classes, Phonics, ComputerCall: 690-5008, 619-7911, 657-7398 Lessons: Maths, English, Accounts, Physics, Social Studies and office Administration, Location: Campbellville –Contact: 6106087 Private customs broker certificate training course. Importers/ exporters & others. From 4th August, 2015 (3 weeks)- Call: 6948322/ 223-1506 Affordable summer classes for weak children in reading, spelling, phonics, composition etc. for all agescall: 675-4379
From page 63
One Tohatsu 40 outboard engine in excellent condition- Call: 680-6192 Household furniture: Sofa set, wardrobe, wall divider and more- Tel: 264-1582, 6797587 New American made 24ft Werner aluminum ladderCall: 609-7257, 225-7946 Mix breed pups, pit-bull and European mastiff –Contact: 601-1371 Pure breed Rottweiler pups, fully de-wormed & vaccinated –Tel: 220-2277, 220-8904; 629-1471 Household items: refrigerator, stove, bed, washer, computer desk, filing cabinet, etc. Owner migrating- Tel: 654-4116, 6048350 Motivated seller $500,000. Below cost 16" bore tractor driven pump on trailer (new)Tel: 227-1830 ENERGY EFFICIENT LED LIGHTS&SOLAR PANELS SOLD @ AFFORDABLE PRICES. WE ALSO DO INSTALLATIONS- CALL: 621-3072 OR 600-1331 Hauler & trailer- Contact: 6396701, 602-2518 One 185 Massey Ferguson tractor- Tel: 269-0954 1 Toyota 212 (new model) dark grey. Price $1M- Tel: 6700382
FOR RENT
PROPERTY FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Oceanicvillas air conditioned, apartments/ fridge/stove/washer/dryer/ microwave. Contact Shiv: 678-6887 or email: oceanicvillas@yahoo.ca Property for rent at #2 Canal Polder- Tel: 613-1860
Lot 23, Area F Zeeburg, South, old gas station road, West Coast DemeraraContact: 621-8386 (Brodo) Two executive houses in gated compound at Oceanicvillas -$58M eachTel Shiv: 600-6681
Vreed-En-Hoop Junction: Storage bond, office, lessons place & other- Call: 680-9905 One 2 bedrooms apartment @ 35 Howes Street- Contact Pet Boy Shop, between the hours 11am-6pm - $40,000 monthly Vacation Rental: cool and comfortable fully-furnished 2 bedroom vacation apartment. Call: 678-6690; 687-3365 Lodge apartments (Vlissengen /Durban): Unfurnished $55,000-$60,000 monthly; furnished (for visitors) US$500 monthlyCall: 677-9638 Newly constructed business spot located on public roadCall: 613-0448, 672-8625 1 Bedroom house- Call: 2223554 Room: semi-furnished, internet, stove, fridge, kitchen utensils, bed optional. Quiet area- Call: 223-1757 (after 6pm) One bedroom house for rent at Ruimzeight- Contact: 6393099 2 bedrooms apartment at West Bank Demerara- Call: 674-6080, 267-1446 One barber station for rent at Time Square Mall, GroveTel:669-4390 Two bedrooms apartment top flat, one room selfcontained. Located at 16 Stanelytown, West Bank Demerara-Call: 696-8714 One 2 bedrooms bottom flat at L.B.I, E.C.D- Tel: 226-7585 LAND FOR SALE Professional Realty: we buy/ sell/rent/value your real estate –Call:694-3875; 6490535; 654-6198 Friendship house lot for saleCall: 692-8513, 223-0733 EDUCATION Kids & adults balloon art workshop 13th-17th July. Kids $6,000 & adults $8,000 @ Tons of Fun, GeorgetownCall: 231-1154, 641-4032
Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 House for sale at Craig- Call: 679-8091 or 718-213-6496 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 629-4017 1 Newly built 2 storey house, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms at Diamond scheme, Golden Grove $14M negotiable- Call: 692-8814 2 Storey concrete property @ 19th Avenue Diamond scheme. 3 bedrooms upper flat, 1 self-contained downstairs- $17M- Call: 6229916 Property for sale @ Bachelor’s adventure, E.C.D, two storey concrete house $42M negotiable- Contact Gavin 225-8101 House with 3 apartments @ Friendship, E.B.D $9.5M. House with 2 bedrooms $8M @ Patentia- Tel: 671-2689 2 Storey concrete property for sale at 2nd Avenue, Diamond H/Scheme, E.B.DTel: 674-9266 or 686-9248 LAND FOR SALE 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front -reasonable offer accepted, serious enquiries only! – Tel: 695-3493 Land @ Parfaite Harmonie & Tuschen -$1.5M each, house & land @ Belle West. Call: 604-6724 Luxury gate communitymall, pool, swipe card entry, underground irrigation selling @ $6USD per sq.ftCall: 609-0783 Parfaite Harmonie $1.2M, $1.5M, $2.6M (130ftx48ft). Herstelling $4M (110ftx56ft). Long creek 30 acres $9MCall: 675-7292 Gold and diamond land for sale in Potaro. State owner leaving country- Tel: 6092815, 231-8702
From page 59 following the conference, Caribbean Voice is hoping to formulate a final document highlighting the different inputs from the stakeholders. She said this comprehensive document, once formulated, will be presented to the Government to either input or use as a guide in dealing with suicide. She emphasised that persons interested in participating in the conference can indicate their interest to Caribbean Voice and play an active role. Last year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Guyana as the country with the highest estimated suicide for 2012. According to the 2012 report, Guyana suffers 44.2 suicides for 100,000 persons per year. This figure is almost double what it was less than 10 years ago. The Caribbean Voice is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in New York.
Operations of Berbice... From page 56 waiting time. According to the Assistant Registrar, Reza Manraj, the Registry has been very prompt, in terms of providing excellent service time for conveyances. She said business registration is being done instantaneously. Nevertheless, there was recognition for the need for improvement and one of the steps currently being taken to better the service is the establishment of a vault which will be linked to a scanner to secure all records. This will discontinue the need to call the Georgetown or Essequibo Registries for any
information. Meanwhile, the Berbice Bar Association raised issues regarding the functioning of the Land Registry, and how effectively the Registry delivers services to the lawyers. Minister Williams said the Ministry will be treating with these issues urgently. The Minister noted that there is need for an enhancement of the Registry, in terms of enabling them to deliver the service to the public within a reasonable time. He pledged to work with the Registry to ensure better services are offered to citizens.
PPP in death... (From page 62) AFC merger implodes or the two parties end up doing the same practices of the PPP. I can understand when the PPP was in power, there was some stranglehold on members to go along with the leadership, or be “blacklisted” from jobs, positions, favours and other “goodies”, that can be dispensed when the party is in power. I have had senior PPP leaders say that to criticize or even constructive criticism was not tolerated. Ralph Ramkarran is a perfect example of what I am talking. Today that is no longer the case; the PPP is not in power, no goodies” to hand out, the “gravy train” ride has ended. So what is there to be afraid of? The problem is what Ralph Ramkarran and Moses Nagamootoo were asking for. A free democratic election by secret ballot, not “show of hands”. It is my view and the opinions of many, that the present leadership of the PPP is afraid of secret ballots. And unless the PPP democratizes itself, by holding election by secret ballot by its entire
membership, the party is doomed for the future. The young leaders in the PPP today will have to show some “balls”; they will have to stand up to the old leadership like Jagdeo if there is going to be any party for them to lead in the future. Despite his famous “phone call” Anil Nandlall might have made a better and more important creditable leader of the opposition than Jagdeo. Yes the PPP is in a downward spiral. The members may not realize it but the party will suffer a slow but sure death under the leadership of Jagdeo. Oh, and for those die hard supporters who feel that it’s because of Jagdeo the PPP got that nearly 50 per cent of the votes, think about why you did not get the one per cent. Only one percent you needed. Guess who you think turned off that elusive one per cent, by his “cuss down” rhetoric. Yes you guessed it, you are smart, smarter than those in the PPP. Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: ralph365@hotmail.com and Facebook.
Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. - Mahatma Gandhi
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Deliberations on CCJ adjourned Trinidad Express - The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has adjourned its deliberations on whether this country should adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final court of appeal, until the new law term begins. A meeting Friday, at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain, instead served as an opportunity to focus the discussion, said LATT president, senior counsel Reginald Armour. The meeting, which was viewed as unecessary by some, was also streamed live to attorneys in Tobago and South Trinidad who could not
attend in Port of Spain, causing from the start some grumblings as to its purpose. The meeting was adjourned just after four o’clock yesterday afternoon after senior counsel Douglas Mendes moved a motion that was seconded by Dr Claude Denbow, SC. The motion was put to a vote and a decision was taken to reconvene at a date set by the association’s council. Armour said the real purpose of the meeting was to put some structure to the discussions on the CCJ and to allow attorneys a structured approach to studying its work, operations and funding.
Armour said these issues were fundamental to the discussion but were not previously part of the talks. A seminar is to be organised by the Council prior to the next meeting, at which members will make presentations before the next meeting is called. Senior counsel Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj wrote two letters to Armour on the weekend and insisted that the meeting should not take place at all. However, Maharaj came around and agreed with the adjournment, Armour said, also describing the process as “democratic”.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Barbados and Hong Kong have inked an Air Services Agreement. The deal “provides the framework for the provision of international air services between Hong Kong and Barbados and opens new doors for cooperation in tourism and trade between the two countries”, according to Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Barbados to the People’s Republic of China. He says the development also “represents another step in strengthening the relationship between Barbados and China”. Ambassador Brathwaite made the comments as he delivered remarks at the signing of the Air Services Agreement with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR). The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, signed on behalf of his Government. The Agreement, which was signed in Hong Kong recently, will allow the governments of Barbados and Hong Kong to promote mutually beneficial economic and cultural initiatives.
Barbados and Hong Kong sign air services agreement
Page 65
Page 66
Kaieteur News
Suriname signs deal with CDB to reduce trade licences wait PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname - Suriname has signed two historic agreements with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for projects to improve Suriname’s implementation of both the European Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The two projects will assist in transforming Suriname into a more competitive economy, increasing its export earnings, and making the country more attractive for investment. The projects, to be implemented by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Suriname Business Forum, are being funded through two grant facilities – the CSME Standby Facility and the EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and CARIFORUM) Standby Facility. “With the support of the Caribbean Development Bank, CARIFORUM and the EU, we will be able to accomplish some important goals with these projects,” said Minister of Trade and
Don Soejit Tosendjojo Industry, Don Soejit Tosendjojo. “These grants through the Trade Facilities will allow us to bridge the gap between world trends in Trade Facilitation and our current system, as well as prepare ourselves to deal with the increasing challenges of operating in competitive world markets.” The Ministry will implement a grant from the EPA Standby Facility which will help determine the
requirements for establishing an Electronic Single Window (ESW). The ESW will allow importers and exporters to submit all of the documentation needed to obtain licences to trade online. Currently, applications for trade licences must be submitted in hard copy and manually processed. Depending on the volume of applications received and the extent to which forms have been filled correctly and accompanied by the required certificates, it can take up to a month to obtain a licence. The establishment of an ESW will allow all applications and processing to be done electronically thereby significantly reducing processing time to as little as 48 hours. “These two projects, when fully implemented, will in a tangible way demonstrate how the region’s trading regime can be used to create sustainable economic opportunities for our people”, said Edward Greene, Division Chief, Technical Cooperation Division of the Caribbean Development Bank.
Deadline for sugar decision
Daily Nation - Barbados’ biggest private sugar cane grower has been given until month-end to determine whether it will remain in the industry. But top officials of Barbados Farms Limited, a subsidiary of Sagicor Financial Corporation, have
been in negotiations with Minister of Finance Chris S i n c k l e r, M i n i s t e r o f Agriculture Dr David Estwick and technocrats from the two ministries to head off a decision that could collapse the entire sugar industry if Barbados Farms decided to pull its
approximately 2 000 acres from sugar cane. The deadline was issued by the board of Barbados Farms Ltd which is under pressure from shareholders following a “poor 2015 crop” blamed on a late start due to lack of funds to purchase fertilisers and to make other preparations. The situation compounded the problems for the company that has been suffering financial losses for the last five years.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Bermuda government denies bribery allegations HAMILTON, Bermuda — In a statement from the ruling One Bermuda Alliance (OBA), spokesman Don Grearson said the party has no comment to make on allegations of bribes solicited by government ministers from developer Michael MacLean contained in an affidavit filed in Bermuda’s Supreme Court. However, Grearson then went on to comment on and deny the allegations made by MacLean. “You may be aware that contents of a Michael MacLean affidavit were aired today on the Sherri J show. This document contains outrageous and completely unfounded accusations by a desperate man who is the subject of a police investigation and a lawsuit over monies related to the Parla-Ville hotel project. The airing of the affidavit is a gross violation of court procedure and conduct. The claims it makes are ludicrous and will be dealt with in the courts,” Grearson said in the
statement. The allegations by the developer outlined in a 16page affidavit filed with the court claim that three members of the OBA government tried to extort millions of dollars from Maclean and his company, Allied Development Partners Ltd, which is involved in a protracted legal battle with government after his contract with the previous administration to develop the Hamilton waterfront was cancelled by the incoming OBA government. MacLean claims that he met with a senior OBA cabinet minister in late 2012, when it was indicated that the new OBA government would back his redevelopment bid if he agreed to pay a bribe to three ministers. He said the ministers agreed to back him in exchange for bribes but publicly spoke out against the planned developments. Maclean said at no time did he indicate he was willing to pay the bribes solicited,
Michael MacLean which he said were initially set at $1 million but later increased to $5 million One of the ministers is said to have wanted to use his bribe to buy a gas station in the US, another wanted the funds deposited in his mother’s bank account and the third wanted his funds sent to an account in the BVI. The Bermuda police are reportedly investigating the allegations.
Thwaites envisions only three accredited universities The Gleaner - Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites on Friday signalled that only three universities could be granted accreditation from the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ). While he did not name the universities, he did indicate that it was the policy of the Ministry of Education to limit the number of universities that receive institutional accreditation. He was speaking at his office where the book, Quality in Higher Education in the Caribbean, authored by Dr Anna Kasafi Perkins, was
presented to him. Thwaites welcomed the contribution of Perkins’ book to the discussion on quality in education and said he would be recommending it to the UCJ. “This is of great importance in a context where university programmes are bubbling up monthly; where this ministry is being asked to accord advanced status and high salaries to the graduates of B&B college or some other arcane name,” he said. “Everybody wants institutional accreditation and we don’t favour that. The Government’s policy is that
we should be sparing with granting institutional accreditation but promote greater latitude in how the quality-assured programmes are delivered in Wait-a-Bit, Trelawny, or St Thomas, or elsewhere. This probably is presumptuous of me, but looking forward, I see three accredited universities in Jamaica and the others related in various ways.” Perkins indicated that the book was unique in that it was the first of its kind to chronicle the work of quality assurance practitioners and academics in the region.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Euro zone ministers demand more from Greece for loan talks
(L-R) Spain’s Economy Minister Luis de Guindos, Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde attend an euro zone finance ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir BRUSSELS (Reuters) Skeptical euro zone finance ministers demanded yesterday that Greece go beyond painful austerity measures accepted by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras if he wants them to open negotiations on a third bailout for his bankrupt country to keep it in the euro. Ministers lined up to vent their anger at Tsipras on arrival at their umpteenth emergency weekend meeting on Greece’s acute debt crisis, with Athens staring into an economic abyss when financial markets reopen tomorrow unless it wins fresh aid. EU officials forecast a deal would be reached by the end of the weekend to keep Greece afloat, but two sources said there was consensus among the other 18 ministers that the leftist government in Athens must take further steps to convince them it would honor any new debts. Tsipras won parliamentary backing early yesterday for a tough reform package that largely mirrored measures previously demanded by its international creditors but rejected by Greek voters at his behest in a referendum last Sunday. Wolfgang Schaeuble, finance minister of its biggest
creditor Germany and a stickler for the EU’s fiscal rules, said negotiations would be “exceptionally difficult”. Emerging optimism about Greece had been “destroyed in an incredible way in the last few months” since Tsipras won power, Schaeuble said. A German newspaper reported that his ministry was suggesting that Greece either improve its proposals quickly and transfer state assets worth 50 billion euros into a fund to pay down debt, or take a fiveyear “time-out” from the euro zone. The German Finance Ministry declined to comment on the report in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. But several officials said no one raised the possibility of a Greek euro exit in the meeting, which took a pause after three hours.
Other ministers arriving for the Eurogroup session spoke of a fundamental lack of trust after years of broken Greek promises and six months of erratic and provocative behavior by the radical leftist Tsipras government. “We are still far away,” said Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch finance minister who was chairing the meeting. “On both content and the more complicated question of trust, even if it’s all good on paper the question is whether it will get off the ground and will it happen ... We are facing a difficult negotiation.” However a preparatory meeting yesterday endorsed with reservations a recommendation by EU institutions and the IMF that Tsipras’s proposals did provided a basis to launch negotiations, sources familiar with the session said.
Page 67
U.S. firms’ thirst for quick profits hurts workers, Clinton will say Reuters - Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will argue in a speech tomorrow that U.S. businesses are too fixated on short-term profits, especially on Wall Street, and she will pledge to help workers get better pay and more family-friendly workplaces. Clinton, the favorite to win the Democratic Party’s nomination for the November 2016 election, intends the speech to outline the economic theory underpinning her campaign, in which she has promised to be a champion for “everyday Americans.” Her nearest rival for the nomination, the socialist Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, has drawn large crowds and has been steadily narrowing Clinton’s lead in polls by staking out positions that reflect the leftward shift of their party’s base. Speaking at a historically progressive university in New York City, Clinton will say the size of the U.S. economy is best increased by policies that directly enrich the middle class, not by allowing wealth to accumulate among the richest few, according to an overview of the speech provided by her campaign and interviews with advisers. The details and costs of her proposals will be made public later, the campaign said. This delay may add to complaints, especially from her party’s progressive wing, that her platform remains too vague to appraise. Teresa Ghilarducci, an informal campaign adviser and a labor economist at the New School, where Clinton will give her speech, said the economic platform was not radical, but will show how her
campaign pledges so far fit together in a coherent model. “It’s a substantial argument that the government needs to complement private investment, and together they lead to economic growth,” she said. Take Clinton’s expected call for federal support of universal pre-school, Ghilarducci said: in the short term, it helps free up toddlers’ parents who want to work; in the long-term, it produces a more skilled workforce, she said. Steve Moore, a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation who has helped design the flat-tax plan espoused by Rand Paul, a Republican senator for Kentucky running for president, said Clinton’s proposals would likely hinder the economy and she would struggle to convince voters their stagnant fortunes might change. “She’s going to have a hard time selling a program of increasing middle class incomes when the president she worked for lowered them,” he said, referring to Clinton’s stint as President Barack Obama’s secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. On financial institutions, a favorite target of the left, Clinton has demurred to date on whether big Wall Street banks should be broken up by separating commercial banking from investment banking, as some in her party
Hillary Clinton have called for as necessary to avoid a repeat of the 20072009 financial crisis. But outside advisers to the campaign say she is expected to defend at a later date the Dodd-Frank financial reform act, which has been attacked by Republicans since its 2010 passage, and even say that it does not go far enough. Clinton will say that laws and the tax codes reward financial trading too generously, while undervaluing other industries, such as construction and manufacturing. Her rival Sanders has suggested increasing the tax rate for the richest Americans to more than 50 percent. Clinton has spoken only of reforming the tax code so the rich pay a fair share.
Page 68
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 69
Vuillermoz shines on Tour Mattai’s unbeaten 25 lead Guyana stage eight, Froome leads Floodlight to NYSCL Legends Cup title MUR DE BRETAGNE, France (Reuters) Alexis Vuillermoz earned the French their first victory on this year’s Tour de France, his final kick proving too hot to handle for the big guns in the eighth stage on Saturday. The AG2r-La Mondiale rider attacked twice in the final climb, a brutal two-kilometre ascent at an average gradient of 6.9 percent, and countered overall leader Chris Froome less than one-km from the line. The 27-year-old Vuillermoz beat Ireland’s Dan Martin (Cannondale-Garmin) by five seconds while Spain’s Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) was 10 seconds behind in third place after a 181.5-km ride from Rennes. “I really wanted to go for the stage win today, it was all or nothing,” Vuillermoz, a former mountain biker, told reporters. Team Sky’s Froome, the 2013 champion, still leads Slovakian Peter Sagan (TinkoffSaxo) by 11 seconds and American Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing) by 13 in the general classification. “That was a tough climb, but my team mates did a great job in bringing me to the front, I was in the best position,” said Briton Froome, who once he realised Vuillermoz was gone focused on keeping pace with his rivals. Defending champion Vincenzo Nibali of Astana lost 10 seconds to the other members of the Big Four (Froome, Spain’s Alberto
Contador and Colombian Nairo Quintana). “I was very surprised to hear that, especially with the cross headwind that made it easier to stay in the wheels,” Froome told a news conference. Contador is seventh, 36 seconds behind Froome. Nibali is 13th, 1:48 off the pace with Quintana in 16th place, 1:56 adrift. Inside the final kilometre, Froome upped the pace in typical fashion, glued to his saddle with his head bent down, but Vuillermoz hit back, suggesting he could be tough to handle in the mountains. Vuillermoz, who took 11th place overall in the Giro d’Italia in 2014 in his second year as a professional, is supposed to ride in support of team mates Jean-Christophe Peraud and Romain Bardet, second and sixth overall in last year’s Tour. Sunday’s ninth stage is a 28-km team time trial before the first rest day of the three-week race, which then heads to the mountains. “In the Pyrenees the race for the yellow jersey will really start,” said Froome. German Andre Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) lost the green jersey for the points classification to Sagan, who was fourth on the day. Eritrea’s Daniel Teklehaimanot (MTNQhubeka) retained the polka dot jersey for the mountains classification, which he can expect to lose in the Pyrenees where the top climbers will start their battle.
Sunday July 12, 2015 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) In-laws may cause difficulties. Travel should be considered. You need an outlet. You can meet friends who will let you know how valuable you are.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Make plans to mix business with pleasure. Dinner with clients or business associates should be successful. Believe in yourself and so will those who count.
TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Take a long look at your present direction and consider your professional options. You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Your outgoing nature might work against you today. Don't let others know about your private affairs. Don't let friends convince you that you should contribute to something you don't believe in.
GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways. Look into alternatives that would better suit both your needs. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You will have the stamina and the know how to raise your earning power. You may have taken on a little too much, but you will enjoy every minute of it.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You can get a great deal accomplished if you bring work home. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You will be in a high cycle regarding work. Your changing attitudes may be causing concern for your partner.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You will be encouraged to get involved in a moneymaking venture. Empty promises are evident.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) You may experience setbacks due to additional responsibilities with loved ones. Chances are they are jealous.
VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) You can get good solid advice from relatives or close friends you trust. Gambling will be a waste of time and money. Don't take your frustrations out on loved ones.
PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Your best efforts will come through hard work. Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs. You might find that delays will cause setbacks and upset.
In an exciting end to the final of the New York Softball Cricket League 2015 Legends Cup, the two teams traveling from Guyana to compete in the competition both made it to the final but it was Guyana Floodlights, led by an unbeaten 25 from Gordial Mattai, who won the NYSCL Legend Cup Finals played last Sunday at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens New York by beating the Guyana Softball League. It was Guyana Floodlights’ first title after reaching the final on six other occasions since 1999. GSL, whose batting proved a dominant factor in the in the qualifying rounds, made 128 all out in 19.1 overs with Ishwar Persaud being run out for a well-played 19 runs and Jagdesh Bojh being dismissed in similar fashion for 17. Jagdesh Persaud (2-22), Sydney Jackman (2-23) and Ravi Latchman (2 24) did the damage with the ball for Guyana Floodlights who’s 129 came off the penultimate ball of the game. Richard Persaud (16), Joe Persaud (17) got starts before Floodlights skipper Ricky Deonarine (24) and Yusuf (9) added 26 runs between them before Deonarine was caught and bowled by Clyde Butts. The game was poised for an exciting end with Floodlights still needing 67 runs in 10 over and seven wickets in hand. But GSCL Masters were not taking the opportunities being offered to them by dropping catches. Yusuf and Gordial Mattai added 19 before Yusuf was bowled for nine and Peter Persaud bowled the final over with 11 required.
Guyana get first win as Barbados... From page 73 Eugene 28; Justyn Gangoo 224, Quammie Mohammed 229, Nathaniel McDavid 2-30, Kirstan Kallicharran 2-37). TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 176 for three off 38 overs (Kirstan Kallicharran 77 not out, Chryston Thurton 35, Keagan Simmons 26, Siba Batoosingh 24 not out). The competition continues today with Round four matches and Guyana play the Leewards Islands at Canaan, Jamaica face the Windward Islands at Shaw Park and Trinidad & Tobago opposing Barbados at Louis D’Or
Needing two from two balls, Mattai pushed hard to a short cover and the fielder rushing in, deflected the ball to cover point and the batsmen crossed for two to end the game with one ball to
spare. Persaud took two wickets. Mattai won the Manof the-Match, while GSCL Masters’ Lawrie Singh took home the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the tournament.
Kevin Beaton on... From page 75 Guyana and Government and more facilities for football needs to be put in place,” said Beaton, whose favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo. Beaton, who began at Metro FC, joined Bakewell Top XX FC about seven years ago and disclosed that his goal is to be drafted by the MLS next year and his one wish would be to play for Barcelona FC. He revealed that he became interested in Football when he attended the Final of the Kashif & Shanghi Football tournament in Linden and saw his friends playing. “The next day I said to myself I wanted to do this and that’s how it all started” said Beaton, whose hobbies include Video Games, Sports and hanging
with his friends. The talented young man thanked his parents (who are both Guyanese), his sisters and his girlfriend Tamika McKenzie for their support. The Linden businessman said it was his friend Marlon Benjamin, the former National Midfielder, who introduced him to the Metro FC, while he thanked Guyana Footballer Clive Nobrega, who played for Metro and ‘Sir Fraser’ his Coach for playing a huge role in his early days as a footballer. He added that Garth Nelson, another overseas Guyana player, always looked out for him. Kevin Beaton knows what he wants and has a plan how to get it with hard work, all he needs now is the right opportunity and some luck.
Page 70
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
“Help! There are too many excellent world sporting events going on all at once!” Says Colin E. H. Croft What a tremendous smorgasbord of summer sports we are having worldwide. It is as if the world of sports has gone mad, with surprises, upsets, sometimes favorites winning too! Pan-American Games Toronto 2015, the third time that Canada has hosted the event, started last Friday with a splash of spectacular color featuring dynamic home group Cirque de Soleil. The road to Rio, Brazil Olympics 2016 passes directly through Toronto, with at least ten sporting disciplines using these PanAm games for qualifications to Rio next year. Thus, these games, over the next two weeks, take on massive importance and responsibilities. Teams representing a wide spectrum of countries, from Antigua & Barbuda to
US Virgin Islands, forty countries from our regions, plus Canada, will be pulling out all stops to have a good show! Unbelievably, United States of America, always a power-house in athletics wherever they compete, turned up in Canada with a team consisting of no less than six hundred athletes, including more than one hundred of them certified as “veterans.” They must be very serious! But USA is on a high, with USA Women beating Japan Women badly last weekend; 5-2. With that wonderful, kaleidoscopic ticker-tape parade also last Friday in New York City, at least one favorite team came through. USA Women were so much more ready and aware in that final. The first seventeen minutes of that searing game had USA Women using the direct approach. Japan’s
Women, with an assorted passing game, must have wondered how they could have coped with one of the most dynamic displays ever seen in any soccer tournament; men’s or women’s. USA Women hit the Japanese Women so fast and hard, they wilted. That third Carli Lloyd goal, a lobbed drive from 50 meters out to beat Japan Women’s goalkeeper, Ayumi Kaihori, must be considered the best international goal ever scored by man or woman, even better than Holland’s Arie Haan’s 30 meter pile-driver v (West) Germany in FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978. President Barack Obama, after enjoying USA performing heroically v Germany in FIFA Brazil 2014 World Cup, even went a step further, proudly suggesting to “our ladies” that they are welcomed at the White House
anytime, with FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy in possession! By the time you read this, Serena Williams, another American, will probably have completed her “Serena Slam”, winning Wimbledon 2015, her fourth Grand-Slam winner’s trophy in succession, after being victorious in the US Open late last year, then Australian and French Opens this year. What a massive upset it would have been if Serena, looking as fit as ever, would have lost to 20th-ranked 21year old, Garbine Muguruza of Spain, playing in only her first Grand-Slam final. But if Serena would have won yesterday, then maybe she too will soon visit the White House, eh? Why not? After all, Barack is also on a roll these days too! But it was the “Old Man”, Switzerland’s Roger Federer, 33 next month, who
15th P&P Insurance Brookers Nat. Park 11-Race Meet...
Paul DeNobrega is feature race winner; Jamal John is top juvenile
surprised all, pulling off the ultimate upset with a demolition of England’s Andy Murray that no-one saw coming; a magnificent straight sets win 7-5; 7-5; 6-4. Federer served out of this world in that semi-final! Murray was so blown away that Federer beat him worse and with more ease than USA Women beat Japan Women, as Murray looked somewhat disheveled and out-paced. Today’s final at Wimbledon 2015 puts the master of the older generation, Federer, against the brash, elastic, flexible, not yet peaked talent-wise, but at his physical prime, 28 year old Novak Djokovic. How the older man handles the speed of Novak could be the key to victory or defeat. Talking about speed, Trinidad & Tobago’s “Soca Warriors” are off to a fantastic flying start in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2015, comprehensively beating Guatemala impressively 3-1. Somehow, though, T&T took their feet off the gas in the second half. They must keep that sharpness. Defending champions USA and Mexico are favorites to meet in the final of this year Gold Cup at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but the “Soca Warriors” could pull an upset too if they keep themselves organized. Captain Kenwyne Jones seems to be doing a good job.
Colin E. H. Croft I like cycling, sometimes using it for fitness, and Florida is now so hot that it seems a curse, but when one sees Tour de France, its spectacular speeds and crashes, the cycling story becomes scary. Already at least three top contenders, one with the leader’s yellow jersey on; Germany’s Tony Martin, out with a broken collar-bone; have withdrawn with only a few days completed. This is a really tough cycle race and there is still yet another two weeks to go to ChampsElysees in Paris. But the upset of last week has been England’s cricketers putting themselves into a winning position as this article is being written. At close of Day 3, Australia had two days to get 412 runs to win, or England to get the required ten Australian wickets to go 1-0 up in the five-Test series. This is a long, hot summer and sports are coming thick and fast. Enjoy! E-mail address = c.e.h.croft@gmail.com
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition...
Christianburg / Wismar versus Uitvlugt clash among today’s marquee matches
Individual race winners and others pose with sponsors reps and organizers following yesterday’s presentation. Team Alanis’ Paul DeNobrega returned to winning form yesterday with victory in the feature 35-lap school boys and invitation race when the 15th edition of the P&P Insurance Brookers 11-race National Park Meet
came off. In a four way sprint to the finish, DeNobrega outhustled seasoned campaigner Robin Persaud to win in One Hour 16 Minutes 56.78 Seconds. Akeem Wilkinson, Guyana Cycling Federation Vice President Paul
Choo Wee-Nam, Alanzo Ambrose and Mario King closed out the top six in that order. DeNobrega took two of the eight sprint prizes with a similar amount going to Ambrose while there was one each for John, Persaud,
FOLLOWINGARE THE OTHER RESULTS: Race Laps Placing BMX Boys 6-9 years 2 Alexander Leung, Safyyah Baksh, Shay Sue Hung BMX 9-12 years 3 Jonathan Jagdeo, Jeremiah Harrison BMX Boys 12-14 years 3 Adelia Hodge, Taran Garbarran, Jonathan Jagdeo 12-14 Boys and Girls 3 Toshawana Doris (8m 27.11s), Ronaldo Veterans Under-50 5 Shameer Baksh (12m 16.38s), Jaikarran Sukhai, Ian Jackson Veterans Over-50 5 Kennard Lovell, Linden Blackman Veterans Over-60 5 Wilfred Thom Mountain Bikes 5 Seon Budhan (13m 27.49s), Daniel Pereira, Nicholas Alphanso
Christopher Holder and Mark Harris. The juvenile 10 lap event saw Jamal John of Team Coco’s emerging winner in a time of 22 Minutes 43.20 Seconds. Christopher Griffith and Brighton John were second and third respectively. At the presentation of prizes, P&P Insurance Brookers representative, Akesh Panday expressed thanks to all the riders for participating in the event whilst stating that the company is committed to continuing their partnership with Organiser, Hassan Mohamed who also came in for praise. (Franklin Wilson)
Defending champions Christianburg / Wismar clash against Region 3 champions Uitvlugt will be one of the highlights today when the Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition continues today with four more matches. Over at the Wisburg ground in Linden, Christianburg / Wismar will entertain Uitvlugt from 16:00 hrs and it is expected that the hosts will enjoy a large turnout from their home fans for this national playoff matchup. At the No.5 ground, Bush Lot play host to last year’s runner-up Waramadong and this fixture will be played
under floodlights where another big crowd is anticipated for this national playoff game. At Burnham Park in Berbice, Berbice High School (BHS) square off against Orealla and from all that was exhibited last week by both teams this matchup promises to be a sizzler for the Region 6 title. Orealla has shown that they are a team that can raise their level of play, while BHS seems to be a unit that can be much disciplined, especially in defence. Over at Golden Grove, Annandale collide with Friendship and this too has all the hallmarks of being an interesting affair.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 71
Boston with 18 games Serena Williams wins leads Thunder to victory sixth Wimbledon
The winning Thunder team display their prize at the presentation. Thunder with 76 games emerged victorious when the Strikers Sports Club hosted a Domino Tournament recently, at the host’s venue. They relegated Specialist into second place after they finished on 73 games, while Mix Up ended in the cellar with 72 games. Leading the way for the winning team was Kevin Boston, who registered the maximum 18 games to be voted Player of the Final, while he received admirable
support from Georgetown Dominoes Association President Faye Joseph who contributed 15 games. For Specialist, Linden Bowman chalked up 17 games, while Ken Wall supported with 16. The top markers for cellar dwellers were Martin Permaul with 14 games and Mark Wiltshire on 11. The winning team took home $200,000, runner-up $150,000 and 3rd place $100,000 and trophies. The sponsors were Faye
Joseph, Big Boss Construction, Dynasty Sports Bar, Estwick Northe, Guytrac, Strikers SC, Patterson Associates and Sweet Point. Meanwhile, Wiltshire will be staging a 20/20 Competition today at Turning Point starting from 14:00 hrs. According to Wiltshire, the format will be two in one out four games and an entrance fee of $6,000 will be charged per team. Fifteen teams are slated to participate in the event.
MPS Independence Champion of Champions Dominos...
Clinton Forsythe crowned winner Clinton Forsythe of the General Registrar’s Office was crowned winner of the Ministry of Public Security Inter Department Independence Champion of Champions Dominos competition. Forsythe tallied a total of 15 games to win from Junior Maynard of the Stay Catching Unit who accumulated 12 games while Patrick Nelson of the Drivers’ Pool took the third place with 11 games. According to Sports Coordinator of the Ministry, Ovid Glasgow, the other departments which participated were Accounts, Administrative and Information Technology. Glasgow informed that the ministry, formally Home Affairs, has a rich history of promoting numerous sports activities that are aimed at building camaraderie among the staff members. “We will continue to host these activities which we believe contribute to
Minister of Public Security, Honorable Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan MP (2nd right) presents winning trophy to Clinton Forsythe in the presence of Ovid Galsgow (right) and James Lewis. positivity among the staff and provides that avenue for them to showcase other skills apart from what they were employed to do.” Minister of Public Security, Honorable Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan MP,
presented Forsythe with the winning trophy at the Ministry’s Brickdam Office on Friday afternoon and commended the winner and all who participated in the event. (Franklin Wilson)
London (AFP) - Serena Williams won a sixth Wimbledon title on Saturday as the world number one became the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam crown with a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Garbine Muguruza in Saturday’s final. At 33 years and 289 days, Serena surpasses Martina Navratilova as the oldest player to win Wimbledon, and any of the other three Grand Slams, in the Open era. Serena’s sixth Wimbledon crown brought with it a slew of other remarkable landmarks that underline her credentials as one of the greatest female athletes of all time. The American’s 21st Grand Slam crown and 68th tour-level title earned her a cheque for £1.8 million ($2.7 million, 2.5 million euros) But it is her legacy rather than her bank balance that concerns Williams these days and she now holds all four Grand Slam titles at the same time — the rare ‘Serena Slam’ she last achieved in 2002-03. “It feels so good. Garbine played so well. I didn’t even know it was over because she was fighting so hard at the end. She will be holding this trophy very, very soon. I am happy it was such a great match,” said Williams. “I can’t believe I am standing here with another Serena Slam. It is so cool. It has been a pleasure and an honour to give so many years in this unbelievable place.” Serena is the first woman to land the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back since she last won that difficult double in 2002. Lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish for the first time since 2012 also leaves Serena needing only to defend the US Open to become the first woman since Steffi Graf in 1988 to claim a calendar Grand Slam. She is just one major title behind Graf on the Open era leaderboard and within three of all-time record holder Margaret Court’s tally of 24. She is the first player since Graf in 1988 to win Wimbledon and the Australian and French Opens in the same year. Given Serena’s 39-1 record in 2015 and her astonishing streak of 28 consecutive Grand Slam match victories, few would bet against the American making more history in New York in August. Regardless of her defeat, Muguruza, 21, has emerged as one of the brightest young stars on the women’s tour after a bravura display in her first Grand Slam final appearance that often left Williams rattled. “I enjoyed it a lot. I don’t have words to say how I feel. I’m very proud and happy to be here,” said Muguruza. - Enough power “A Grand Slam final for me is a dream come true and I also want to say congrats to Serena, showing that she’s world number one.” Williams’ thunderous serve was strangely out of sync in a nervous start to the first set and, after serving a double fault on the first point, she threw in two more to gift Muguruza a surprise break. Muguruza had more than enough power to trade blows from the baseline and she came out on top so often in the early stages that the frustrated American screamed “that’s so bad” after losing another point. Muguruza, born in Venezuela and raised in Barcelona, had insisted facing Serena was a task to be relished rather than feared. She was proving true to her bold claim and, by the time Muguruza moved into a 4-2 lead, it seemed an epic shock was on the cards. However, Serena had recovered from worse predicaments earlier in the tournament.
Garbine Muguruza stands with the runners-up shield after losing the Wimbledon women’s singles final to Serena Williams on July 11, 2015. Williams won 6-4, 6-4 (AFP Photo/Leon Neal) And with the pressure ratcheted up, the inevitable Serena break back arrived in the eighth game when Muguruza missed with a wild forehand. Williams scented blood and Muguruza crumbled, a double-fault on set point giftwrapping the lead to Serena in a set that had been the underdog’s for the taking. Williams had won 28 of her last 30 tourlevel finals, including her last nine at the majors, and, in her eighth Wimbledon final, she was finally back in that muscular groove. Serena’s fierce grimace and clenched fist after breaking in the fourth game of the second set suggested the finish line was in sight. But, serving for the match with 5-1 and then 5-3 leads, Williams was gripped by a bad case of nerves and Muguruza broke twice to prolong the contest. Finally able to compose herself, Serena broke in the next game to seal yet another legacy-defining success.
Orealla produce gritty performance...
From page 72 another goal to equalize and got it when one of their strikers who had received a through pass was brought down inside the penalty area forcing the referee to award a spot kick which was placed to the right of the goalkeeper by Alleyne seven minutes from full time. The two teams battled for the go ahead goal but the final whistle came with the scores tied and penalty kicks was the next order of the day which was deservedly won by Orealla who now have the opportunity to play for the regional title.
Page 72
Kaieteur News
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition...
Orealla produce gritty performance to beat BEI 4-3 in penalty shootout
Sunday July 12, 2015
Mackenzie, St. Rose’s High set up NSBF U-14 showdown - Kwakwani beat Bishops’ to advance to U-16 Final
- move on to play BHS for regional title today By Rawle Welch Orealla produced a gritty performance to set up a mouth watering clash against Berbice High School (BHS) for the Region 6 title in the Digicel Nationwide School Football Competition today, at Burnham Park in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Playing in the second semi-final against Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) at Burnham Park Saturday, the lads from the small Amerindian community which is located approximately 60 miles up the Berbice River booked their place in the final after surviving 4-3 in a penalty shootout after regulation time left the two teams deadlocked in a 3-3 stalemate. The Orealla unit made an early statement that they were there to compete when pintsized Donnell France silenced the BEI band of supporters when he unleashed a ferocious shot from about 30 metres out that caught a surprised BEI goalkeeper off guard and the ball plummeted into the back of the goal from a fumble two minutes after the game commenced. More disaster was to come when the inspirational Cleon Henry, who was playing with supreme confidence, delivered a pile-driver low to the near post that beat the diving effort of the BEI custodian in the 6th minute of play. BEI, a team renowned
Kwakwani’s forward, Jamal Gilkes (left) goes up for a baseline fade-away jumper but Bishops’ centre, Timothy Thompson confronts him in the air last night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
By Edison Jefford Orealla goalscorers Donnell France and Cleon Henry pose for a photo op following their win over BEI. for their comeback heroics never threatened at that stage and their early lackluster display seemed to frustrate the fans, but on the stroke of the 30th minute Troy Moore exhibiting wonderful technical skill weaved past a host of defenders, swiveled neatly, before firing past the Orealla goalkeeper. The goal came shortly after Dwaine Alleyne had rocked the crossbar after outsprinting two defenders following a pass from centrefield. The score-line remained that way until the half time whistle sounded with Orealla enjoying a slim one-goal advantage. However, the
resumption came and the visitors quickly showed that they were not fazed by the sudden twist in momentum and seven minutes into the final period France netted his second when he punched in a pass from just beyond the 18-yard box to make it 3-1. For the second time in the match, BEI managed to pull one back through Kelston Luke, who was left unmarked following a free kick which rebounded off a defender into his path and he nonchalantly stroked it past the keeper in the 69th minute. With time running out, BEI searched relentlessly for (Continued on page 71)
Linden’s Mackenzie High School embarrassed Bishops’ High in one of the Under-14 semi-finals of the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF), while St. Rose’s High squeezed past Marian Academy last night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The wins for both Mackenzie and St. Rose’s High meant that they set up today what should be a riveting final at the same venue with Mackenzie High looking for their first NSBF title and St. Rose’s aiming for another since they won the inaugural competition in 2006. Mackenzie won a lopsided contest 44-7 against Bishops’ High with Yonnick Tappin scoring 12 points with nine rebounds and Stephon Duncan adding nine points. Roydon Glasgow was scored three points and added five rebounds for Bishops’ High. The other semi-final represented more of a contest with St. Roses winning 25-19 against Marian Academy. Anthony Yansen had nine points to lead St. Rose’s High. Josiah Daniels also had nine points for Marian Academy. Bishops’ hope was also dashed in the Under-16 competition when Kwakwani Secondary School defeated them 47-37 to advance to the final. Guard, George Yearwood scored 16 points with six rebounds, while Ronaldo Patoir added 14 points for Kwakwani. Forward, Jamal Gilkes had eight points and
seven rebounds for Kwakwani as well. For Bishops’, Timothy Thompson had another massive performance with 26 points along with a whopping 22 rebounds in a oneman offensive showing for his team. Kwakwani played excellent help-defence on Thompson early in the game. Gilkes nailed a three-pointer to give Kwakwani an early 6-3 advantage. Yearwood nailed a three-pointer to extend the lead to 125 with nine minutes left in the first half. Thompson finished four straight points to haul Bishops’ to within one point of Kwakwani. However, Kwakwani closed out the period on a 10-3 run that put them up 22-14 at the end of the first half. Patoir opened Kwakwani’s second half account from downtown and the Region 10 unit continued to pressure Thompson on the defensive end. The 6’ 3" Thompson scored Bishops’ first points of the last half, seven minutes into the period on a coast-to-coast layup. The play began a single-handed offensive effort from Thompson to put his team back in the fray. Thompson scored 10 straight points to haul his team to within 11 (26-37) after Kwakwani had amassed a huge lead. Patoir sealed Bishops’ fate with back-toback three-point jumpers that would place his team yet again in NSBF title contention. The NSBF Finals will be played today in the U-14, U-16 and U-19 categories as well as the Girls competition.
Kwakwani Secondary’s guard, Ronaldo Patoir (with ball) puts the moves on Bishops’ High defence for a right-handed layup in the paint last night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 73
GASA July Sprint Meet/Goodwill 2015 Trials
Gaskin, Grant, Persaud and Seaton takes 50m Sprint Gold The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Short Course July Sprint Meet and Goodwill Trials 2015 shifted into top gear yesterday morning at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal. Competition, which had commenced on Friday afternoon since the boys and girls are all on school holidays now, is also serving as trials for this year’s Goodwill Meet which is scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago from August 14 -16, next. Athena Gaskin was in full swing yesterday morning taking the Gold medal in the Girls 15 and Over 200 SC IM. Gaskin has been studying in England for over a year now and said she is happy to be back home with the family and the
Leon Seaton
Athena Gaskin
swimming fraternity. She also carted off the coveted Blue Ribbon of swimming - the 50m Freestyle. Swimming the energy sapping 50m Butterfly with the blistering midday sun above she finished the morning with
another gold, digging into her reservoir of experience to hold off the younger swimmers in her category. She took the 50m Breaststroke on Friday making it 4 golds for the Meet. Amy Grant was also in
action on Friday afternoon as she continued her fine form taking Gold in the 100m Freestyle in the Girls 13-14 group. Yesterday, morning, Grant had to make sure that F r i d a y ’s f o r m w a s maintained as she put in another strong performance leading from start to finish taking a well deserved Gold in the 50m Freestyle sprint. The Bishops’ High School teen, finished off the morning with her 3rd Gold of the Meet, this time in the 50m Butterfly as she dusted off her competitors. Aleka Persaud is a very
Amy Grant small frame athlete for an 8 and Under swimmer but she has a lot of heart and energy when it comes to running and swimming. On Friday she won Gold in the Girls 8 and Under 100m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke. Yesterday morning, Persaud was all speed as she blew away the rest of field in the 100 IM to take Gold and quickly made it four Gold medals when she won the 50m Freestyle. She then took Gold in the 50m Butterfly which made Persaud very happy to have reached 5 Golds in the two
Aleka Persaud day competition. Leon ‘The Golden Child’ Seaton was in vintage form winning Gold on Friday in the Boys 9-10 group in the 100m Freestyle with ease. Seaton, very cool, calm and collected shifted gear in the 50m Breaststroke to claim his second Gold for Friday. Ye s t e r d a y, S e a t o n wasted no time in getting his third Gold in the 200 IM. He then added another in the 50m Freestyle and closed off the Meet in fine style by also winning the 50m Butterfly to end with 5 Gold medals.
WICB Regional 50-over U-17 cricket...
Guyana get first win as TROPHY STALL contribute overall Mr. Gym Expo trophy Barbados lose by 66 runs After a break on Friday the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional 50over under-17 cricket tournament resumed yesterday with third round matches in Tobago and Guyana, led by enterprising half-centuries from Ronaldo Ali Mohamed and Bhaskar Yadram and a fine bowling performance by left arm spinner Ashmead Nedd, beat Barbados by 66 runs at Shaw Park to notch up their first win. GUYANA made 219-8 off 50 overs with Mohamed top scoring with 70 and Yadram finishing unbeaten on an accomplished 69. Raymond Perez (28) and Adrian Sukhwa (20) chipped in with the bat as Guyana posted the fourth 200 plus total in the six team tournament. The Windward Islands’ 237 for eight off 50 overs against Guyana in the second round is the highest total, while Guyana’s crushing 106-run defeat against the Islanders is the biggest margin of victory so far. Donte Niles (2-20) and Najee Holder (2-45) bowled well for Barbados who were bowled out for 135 off 36.3
Baskhar Yadram
Ronaldo Ali Mohamed overs as Shian Brathwaite made 38, Najee Holder scored 32 and Donte Niles
hit 21. Nedd befuddled the Bajans with 4-23 and got support from Kevin Sinclair (2-19) and Sagar Hatheramani (2-27) as the South Americans moved out of the Cellar position which is now occupied by the Leeward Islands who are yet to get off the mark after three matches. In the other matches, at Louis D’Or ground, Jamaica beat the Leewards by 35 runs, while at Canaan the Windwards, who began with back-to-back victories, suffered their first loss as they went down T&T by seven wickets. Scores: JAMAICA 197 off 32.4 overs (Brad Barnes 58, Dominic Samuels 27, Ian Spence 25, Kashwayne Beale 23; Javani Tyson 3-19, Zawandi Whyte 3-21, Keshawn Richardson 3-32). LEEWARD ISLANDS 162 for nine off 33 overs (Joshua Grant 59 not out, Jemuel Cabey 26; Shalom Parnell 3-25, Brad Barnes 224, Ian Spence 2-26, Javeur Royal 2-26). Scores: WINDWARD ISLANDS 172 off 44.3 overs (Emmanuel Stewart 36, Shane Roberts 29, Johnel (Continued on page 69)
Manager of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich (right) hands over the Mr. Gym Expo overall trophy to Donald Sinclair of Fitness Express.
T
he Savannah Suite at the Pegasus Hotel will be buzzing with muscle flexing this evening when the Fitness Paradise annual Gym Expo comes off with an international flavor. Athletes from Studio Body Shape of neighboring Suriname will also be on stage against their Fitness Paradise counterparts, this evening will also see the formalizing of relations between the two gyms. The Overall winner of Mr. Gym Expo will be rewarded with beautiful trophy compliments of The Trophy Stall of Bourda
Market. Yesterday, Manager of The Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich handed over the trophy to Manager of Fitness Paradise Donald Sinclair. Sunich said he was pleased to be on board with Gym Expo and complimented Sinclair for the initiative of linking with Studio Body Shape of Suriname which can only enhance relations between the two gyms whilst making a positive impact on the sport. Sinclair expressed gratitude to Sunich noting that The Trophy Stall has always been supportive of events that his gym undertakes. Showtime this evening is 19:00hrs.
Page 74
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 12, 2015
Stylish Annai trounce Paramakatoi to advance Unite. Develop. Excel.
Part of the large crowd that witnessed the game
By Zaheer Mohamed in Region 8 Host Paramakatoi Secondary (Region 8) were sent crushing out of the Digicel National Schools football championship after suffering an 7-0 drubbing from Annai Secondary (Region 9) when the teams collided on Friday last at Mahdia. Despite being urged on by the large crowd, Paramakatoi found themselves trailing from the 7th minute when an unmarked Garville Daniels latched on to a pass from the right corner and fired his
shot into the roof of the net from inside the 18-yard box. Annai, clearly the better team, played some entertaining football and Daniels could have doubled the advantage moments later, but sent his shot straight into the lap of goalkeeper Kemal Robinson. Paramakatoi struggled to matched their rival’s pace and paid the price for giving them much space in defence as Annai took a 2-0 lead when un unmarked Daniels headed home a corner in the 18th minute. Despite trailing, every attacking move by the home
team was greeted with cheers as they tried desperately to pull one back, and Annai goalkeeper Burtland Scipio did well to deny Conroy Pablo as the forward fired a powerful shot from inside the area. A lapse in defence by the host allowed the visitors to stretch their lead as an unmarked Stewart Edwards headed home in the 30th minute. Edwards was denied a second soon after; Robinson excellently shoved his free kick over the bar to keep it 30 at half time. The host increased their pace after the break but
Scipio, however this did not deter Annai, and Nairon Williams extended their advantage in the 56th minute by chipping the ball over the head of Robinson from just on the edge of the 18-yard box. Robinson almost immediately handed Annai another goal-he attempted to clear a ball and struck it to an unmarked Garville Daniels but the forward sent his shot wide. Williams was again on target in the 64th minute-he managed to elude two defenders with his quick feet
of the net from the left corner. Annai continued to dominate possession and Triston Daniels netted first in the 73rd as he neatly chipped over the outstretched hands of Robinson before Shenal Daniels took advantage of some sloppy work by the host defence and found the back of net in the 82nd minute. Paramakatoi tried desperately for a consolation, but Scipio pulled off a fine save after Franklyn Salvador had a shot from the left corner as Annai failed to concede in a match
Part of action during the game on Friday
Pablo’s shot from inside the area was well saved by
movement before sending his angled shot into the back
which they dominated throughout.
Guyana, Venezuela to corporate for amateur
boxing, scholarships on the cards too
H
ead of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle, who is also an Executive of World Governing Body AIBA, is on his way back from that organisation’s Congress held in Dubai during last week. Nivalle informed via telephone that Guyana and Venezuela associations have agreed to cooperate in the field of boxing this year to the mutual benefit of the two countries. Frank Lopez, the Ve n e z u e l a B o x i n g Association President, and Ninvalle agreed to have at least two Guyanese boxers train in the neighbouring country during this year. The time is to be finalized. Lopez committed to having boxers from his country participate in GBA’s
scheduled international programme in November. He also expressed the desire to explore other areas of cooperation between the neighbours. These discussions will be followed up by formally documented requests to put things in motion. Ninvalle disclosed that this agreement with Venezuela is as a result of initial discussions held in South Korea last November at the AIBA AGM where and when he was elected to the AIBA executive. Ninvalle expressed the desire to have partnerships with any Caribbean or Latin American country once it will aid the development of the sport here. Meanwhile, AIBA will be offering scholarships to
Steve Ninvalle and Frank Lopez of Venezuela during the AIBA Congress.
lesser developed countries of which Guyana and the Caribbean falls under, the area Ninvalle represented. Boxers from the region will get the opportunity to train and study at the AIBA Academy in Kazakhstan. The scholarship on offer will
be for one year and Ninvalle feels this will give local and regional boxers a fighting chance on the world stage. The GBA head noted that that academy boasts the best trainers and facilities in the world. At the Congress, Ninvalle received his AIBA
GBA President Steve Ninvalle (left) is presented with his AIBA tie by President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.
tie, which is officially worn by executive members, from the
president of the organization Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.
Sunday July 12, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 75
Kevin Beaton on scholarship at USA College “Players must be willing to work with GFF for Football to progress” says National forward
Kevin Beaton in action year of a two-year scholarship at the Bryant & Strahton College in the USA where he not only is developing his Football talent, but also doing an associate degree in Networking Technology. Beaton, who plays as a forward and an attacking right midfielder and is the proprietor of the Empire Hair and Nail Saloon in Linden, told Kaieteur Sport that he was departing for North America at the end of August since the preseason preparations is scheduled to commence on August 30. He was born on May Golden Jaguar Kevin Beaton 17, 1991 to Howard Beaton, who lives in the States and Clowreen Bobb, who resides in Antigua and has two sisters, Towana Morris and Seatham Daniels. By Sean Devers With four youth goals for At 24, Kevin Orlando Guyana, a team he has Emmanuel Beaton, who played for at under-13, 15, hails from the mining Town 17 & 19 levels, and although of Linden, has been living in his brace in a 5-0 win against Queens, New York in the Trinidad & Tobago in the United States of America Digicel Caribbean Cup (USA) for the last six years Football in August 2011 in but since making his senior New York was one of his team debut in 2008 he has better showings for Guyana, played three Internationals Beaton’s most memorable and four Friendly games for game was an under-17 Guyana. encounter in 2004. A member of the Golden “Most memorable match Jaguars Football team which is against Trinidad and failed to advance to the Tobago in an under-17 second round of the World tournament in Trinidad, even Cup qualifiers after being though we lost the game it knocked out by St Vincent, was a complete team effort, Beaton is currently in the last the team had a great fighting
spirit. It was the first time playing under Jamal Shabazz as the Technical Director of Guyana and Coach Collie Hercules. Alwyn Adams, the Captain was and still is a great friend of mine,” Beaton remembered. His four Friendly matches for Guyana were in September 2008 against Antigua, December 2010 against Guatemala, August 2011 against India and April this year against Suriname. The skilful Forward also represented club side
Brooklyn Italians in 2010 in the USA. Beaton disclosed that his biggest challenge is finding enough time to train as he would like to since he also has to focus on his academics which entails lots of projects. Sharief Joseph, who played in the USA Major League Soccer (MLS), attended the same college. “My aim is to get as much out of this scholarship as I possibly can. I want to enter the MLS, get in the draft and get a contract. I also aim to get my associate degree in Networking Technology. I got the opportunity to come here and do this, which will give me and an education and at the same time help to improve my football skills which I would never been able to do if I had remained in Guyana,” the well spoken Beaton explained. “The standard of Football in the US is much
better than in the Caribbean and especially Guyana due to the better facilities, training programmes and venues there. In Guyana we don’t have those types of facilities and we depend on mainly natural talent for success. The players need to try to get overseas contracts since there are no talents scouts looking at the players here. Trinidad is not a bad place to go since a lot of football is played there unlike in Guyana where no football was played for two years when I returned,” Beaton, who played for T&T club Caledonia AIA in 2008, said. “I think the future of Guyana’s football lies in the youths coming up but they have to put in the hard work. I think the GFF and (Normalization) the Committee they set up needs to do a lot more while the players must be willing to work with the GFF if Football is to move forward
here,” Beaton opined. While some in the football fraternity feel that it is time for Head Coach Trinidadian Jamaal Shabazz to go Beaton thinks he has done a good enough job in bringing Guyana’s football back from the dark days in the sport and one bad competition does not mean he is not a good Coach. “Yes we lost out on advancing to the second round of the World Cup qualifiers but we should have beaten St Vincent and you can’t put all the blame on the Coach. I think he deserves another chance and I believe there is hope for Guyana’s Football if all parties involved in the sport play their role,” Beaton pointed out. “Fans don’t like to lose but as players we understand what is needed to win and most of it start outside the grounds. We need more support from Cooperate (Continued on page 69)
t r o Sp
Orealla produce gritty performance to beat BEI 4-3 in penalty shootout Unite. Develop. Excel.
- MOVE ON TO PLAY BHS FOR REGIONAL TITLE TODAY
Part of the action between Orealla (red uniforms) and BEI yesterday at Burnham Park in Berbice.
15th P&P Insurance Brookers Nat. Park 11-Race Meet
Serena Williams wins sixth Wimbledon Serena Williams
Paul DeNobrega is feature race winner; Jamal John is top juvenile
Paul DeNobrega crosses the finish line comfortably ahead of Robin Persaud. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210