Kaieteur News

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July 24, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 30 - Price $80

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

Govt. to re-examine - President Linden tariffs Ramotar p. 7

Chaos as Harbour Bridge collapses p. 3

...to be up and running in 48 hrs - GM

T&T Pathologist for protest deaths p. 6

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 3

Chaos as Harbour Bridge collapses

By Leonard Gildarie and Keeran Singh Chaos ensued shortly before the rush hour yesterday morning, when a section of the Demerara Harbour Bridge collapsed, after two temporary pontoons located at the western end of the bridge sank, leaving thousands of commuters and vehicles stranded on both sides of the river. The pontoons were facilitating maintenance and rehabilitative works.

The 34-year-old structure (commissioned July 2, 1978) is the main link between Regions Three and Four, or more directly the capital city Georgetown and West Demerara, as well as the nation’s largest county, Essequibo.

While no one was reportedly injured in the frightening mishap, minibus driver Clyde Clarke barely managed to prevent his vehicle from disappearing into the murky waters that enveloped the section linking the two affected spans. The other 14 passengers on the bus had already frantically jumped from the vehicle.

This occurred around 06:45 hrs when the structure collapsed driving fear into the occupants of the lone minibus that was stranded on the sinking section. No one was injured but the bridge was immediately closed.

Minibus driver Clyde Clarke told Kaieteur News that he had just driven onto the bridge at the western end when misfortune struck.

“I heard a loud cracking sound and I realized that the bridge was collapsing, and my bus start rolling back,” a still shaken Clarke said. ”I was so confused, I open the door and run out of the bus and leave the passengers. I know it was wrong, so I ran back to get them.”

“The passengers were hollering as the bridge start to sink slowly. All 14 of them come out of the bus and we start running and leave the bus. But I couldn’t see me bus

A frontal view of the collapsed section

sink, even though it was already partly submerged in water, so I went back and drive the bus from the valley that was created.”

“It was really scary; it was an experience that I wouldn’t want to have again.”

Clarke opined that the consequences would have been tragic had the damage occurred farther out on the bridge.

He questioned how such a mishap could have occurred, when daily, maintenance crews can be seen working on the structure.

Other minibus operators related that for about two days the weakness in that section of the bridge was being felt, but none of them reported this to management.

Dismissing doubts that the lack of maintenance caused the structure to collapse, General Manager of Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams, stated that the mishap occurred between spans 60 and 61, situated near the western end, where maintenance and rehabilitative works are being executed.

He explained that the two temporary pontoons placed

in that section to facilitate the change of the ‘A’ frames, which were severely corroded and damaged, sunk and caused the spans to submerge.

The operation to change the ‘A’ frames commenced Sunday at 05:30 hrs. No structural defects on the pontoons were identified when they were installed. But Adams revealed that “the temporary pontoons are older pontoons that the bridge has been using for quite awhile”.

“We suspect that the jaws on one of the uni-floats that is assembled for the temporary pontoons broke and that caused it to take in water. At present we have just installed the first salvaged pontoon and we are pumping it now and we are hoping once the tide is changed, we will then proceed to pump the water from the submerged pontoon thereby bringing the span up,” he said.

As a precautionary measure, bridge management was forced to shut-off power to the western retractor span power cable. Passage of ocean-going vessels was not disrupted since the bridge retracted at 05:30 hrs yesterday morning.

Minibus driver Clyde Clarke

“There will be no more retractions until tomorrow (today) so we are hoping that by that time we would have gotten the span out, we can then make an assessment on the power and decide when we will turn it back on,” Adams added.

He noted that the restoration cost is unknown since a full evaluation has not been carried out as yet.

“We are hoping that the tide changes so that we can start pumping water from the pontoon…we expect these works to take the best part of today, tonight and tomorrow, so the bridge will be out of operation for the best part of two days,” Adams explained.

The closure of the bridge will obviously result in the loss of much needed revenue, in various sectors.

Police were deployed and struggled to control the traffic around Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, where desperate workers converged on the speed boat facilities there for transportation to Georgetown.

Lines of vehicles stretched along both sides of the thoroughfare leading to Vreed-en-Hoop.

One resident from a nearby village briefly related that he was walking towards the bridge, when he was alerted to the seemingly dangerous angle of the first span at the western end.

There was immediate alarm as the realization dawned that the pontoon anchoring the first and second span was sinking. It is believed that an extremely high tide caused the pontoons to suffer stress.

Minister of Transport, Robeson Benn joined the DHBC’s General Manager on the scene as workers attempted to stabilize the collapsed section.

There was clear evidence that the bridge had shifted forward. A section of the pedestrian walkway that has become popular for persons exercising was twisted out of shape.

The bridge’s emergency workers initially, in their attempts to stabilize the bridge, used a flooded pontoon to raise the collapsed section. It was laborious work.

To raise the flooded pontoon, several pumps were used to empty it. Slowly the river water was seen reducing as the tide went out but it was a race against time, as the tide was slated to come in again in a few hours.

Yesterday afternoon, attempts were being made to bring the replacement

pontoon closer to the collapsed section.

The closure of the bridge was described as a nightmare by those who essentially depend on it in various ways for their livelihood.

One miner, who said he was on the road four days from Aranka, Cuyuni, Region Seven, was caught at the western end of the bridge in a truck.

“This is frustrating. I am almost home and now this.”

At the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling, persons who arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on early morning flights were forced to use speedboats to cross the Demerara River.

At the Vreed-en-Hoop junction, police blocked the entrance to the old stelling causing a back-up of traffic.

The vehicles parked at the side of the roadways there, and belonging to persons who ended up using the (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

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

EDITORIAL

A National Task Force for Traffic is needed The Government and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) need to set up a national task force to scrutinise the nation’s deplorable traffic situation and work unremittingly to put an end to it, with full transparency and accountability to the public.

This has become necessary because the police have apparently lost control of the traffic situation, and there is very little evidence of any definite moves to correct this.

Admittedly there are dozens of traffic ranks manning the streets, but on any given day anyone can see countless road users flagrantly disregarding the traffic laws of Guyana and getting away with it. This is especially evident on the streets in and around the capital city Georgetown, which are congested for long periods during the peak business hours. The occurrence of traffic accidents in Guyana is unacceptably high for a nation this size, and citizens are paying an astronomical price for this. There have been far too many lives lost, too many persons injured and disabled, too much time lost from jobs, as well as far too much damage to vehicles and property. Unfortunately, this cost — paid in untold human misery and incalculable material losses — continues rising with no end in sight. We cannot allow this to continue. Two days ago there was a fatal accident at Camp and Lamaha Streets, several hundred metres from the Force’s Eve Leary headquarters, and one at Coverden.

Surely there is absolutely no good reason why certain painfully obvious problem areas remain unresolved for months or years, while citizens continue to risk their lives, limbs and property on the streets. There are many glaring examples, but examining only one is all that is needed to put the situation in proper perspective. Consider the bizarre case of the continually malfunctioning Georgetown traffic lights. This problem has been exposed and discussed in public repeatedly, but with little effect. The city is still mainly without working traffic lights in key areas and the full reason is deeply buried in the quagmire of official inertia.

The suggestion that there should be a national task force to look into these and other problems should not be misconstrued as police bashing. From all outward appearances the police force is trying to do the best they can under very trying circumstances. The problems facing the police are well-known and need not be explored in depth here. However it is clear that, in the area of traffic control as in many other aspects of police operations, the GPF, though having a visible presence, seems woefully undermanned and out of their depth.

Therefore it seems plausible that the police should get temporary help in the area of traffic control from a specially created national task force that should be broad-based and multi-faceted, with a distinct mandate and full public accountability. Such a task force should get special funding and should comprise a small eminently qualified team of experts. They should be required to set and publicise their targets as well as the time frames in which they expect to achieve those goals. They should also be required to report to the public at reasonable periods, so that citizens would be fully informed of their achievements and setbacks every step of the way.

The main intent of suggesting the creation of such a task force is quite straightforward. The responsibilities and expectations of the task force must be clearly defined from the outset. This definition should include the identification of specific problems for its members to work on, but they should get the flexibility to chop and change when they need to adapt to shifting circumstances.

This should give the public an opportunity to learn the status of work done to resolve specific traffic problems at definite intervals, say once a month. In that way, the public would not be left waiting and hoping indefinitely for signs of progress. Instead, there would be a national body to hold accountable after pre-determined periods, which would directly address the public’s suggestions and concerns in an open and timely manner.

Think about the benefits of having a national body that is compelled to answer probing questions about the traffic situation at specific intervals.

It is incredible how history often taunts political miscreants DEAR EDITOR, The PPP could dance all around the facts and reality it wants but, as GHK Lall aptly reminded us, when a political party that depends on racial voting and that operates in a racial-political cauldron is handed for the first time a reality check on its accustomed majority power by loss of some of its traditional constituency, one has to carefully analyze its actions or omissions and the ensuing repercussions (see Lall’s “Responsibility, maturity and patience are needed, SN, July 20, 2012).

This analysis is even more pressing when the party is no longer democratic and inclusive but exclusionary and cabalistic. As Lall rightly pointed out, there were several incidents in this country coming from both sides of the ethnic fence since the November 28, 2011 election that have dramatized ethnic tensions in Guyana.

Whether it is postelection protests or the shooting of unarmed protesters or absurd accusations of electoral rigging by the party controlling the electoral machinery or the blaming of Indians for the manner in

which they voted or the antics of both parties in Parliament or the bitter challenges to everything or the racist Chronicle editorial and the PPP’s silence to it and attempts to factually uphold it and the unnecessary use of force in Linden resulting in deaths, there is strong suggestion of a pattern in this country that leaves us wondering whether some are hell-bent on returning this country to frightening racial tensions for the sake of power.

Yes, racial voting is still intact but the fear factor and ethnic insecurity are slowly diminishing and some may not be prepared to tolerate this reality. Some may want a return to the utter paralysis of racialized fear. Some forget the political vindictiveness that accompanied the PPP’s increase of the electricity tariffs in Linden following the trouncing the party took there in the last election. While Lindeners should pay what the rest of Guyana pays, the PPP’s callously failed to create an arrangement for a gradual increase of tariffs rather than an abrupt imposition on a destitute community.

The PPP knew Lindeners

were going to protest after the PPP raised tariffs on July 1, 2012. Lindeners had protested before since the budget. The PPP knew large scale protests were being planned. The racist Chronicle editorial referenced Linden several times and mentioned opposition protests in derogatory terms. This strongly convinces me that the actors behind the Chronicle editorial knew of the provocative potential of Linden. To proceed and publish a racist editorial only served to inflame the racial animus in Guyana exactly at a time when the PPP knew massive protests by an African community of tens of thousands were coming.

Knowing this fact and still publishing a racist editorial that vilifies Africans will fulfill one purpose and one purpose only; anger and enrage tens of thousands of Africans protesting in Linden and hundreds of thousands of Africans throughout Guyana if anything goes wrong in those protests such as senseless killings. Even if this was some errant journalist with a racial bone to pick, the silence of the PPP’s leadership on the editorial must mean endorsement.

The same goes for that other political snake in Guyana, the PNC/APNU. It failed to attack the editorial, disgracing its claim to the defender of Africans who butter its political bread every election. If the PNC/APNU condemned the racist editorial the very same day it was published, it would have forced the PPP to do likewise and this combined action would have lowered the seething ethnic anger in the streets. Further, APNU/PNC gave the PPP the courage to behave in this manner to Lindeners when it tried to collude with the PPP to impose the tariff increases before backpedalling.

However, the PPP bears the brunt of the blame for this disaster in Linden.

The silence of the PPP to the racist editorial and the attempts of some low level PPP barkers to argue factuality on the editorial, strongly convey the PPP’s general acceptance of the tone of the editorial. The PPP fully knew the danger of the editorial for inflaming ethnic outrage in Guyana and definitely so on the eve of a then looming situation in Linden, yet it said or did (Continued on page 19)

The PNCR remains the most progressive political party in current day Guyana DEAR EDITOR, It is pellucid that activities of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) have always attracted much public attention and opinion from the wider Guyanese society and further afield.

This reality, I believe, is owing to the fact that the PNCR has always projected itself as a truly national political institution with broad support from the people for its single mission of putting country and people first.

As such, the party over the years has taken on many bold and sometimes, unpopular initiatives, which often have occasioned much public debate. This, for the PNCR, and the wider Guyanese society, is a positive since the party’s actions often engender public conversation on many issues germane to the development of democracy and social and political changes in our nation. Simply put, the actions of the PNCR often pave the way for helpful national dialogue on many issues.

It is also fair to argue that there were those instances when actions of the PNCR

were not necessarily perceived as positive, however, the facts will indicate that those perceived negatives have not, at any time, caused the party to abandon its mission and relax on its fundamental principle of putting the country and people of Guyana first. In fact, the PNCR’s mission, to work to ensure that the people of Guyana get a government of national unity have never been overshadowed, even during the most difficult period in the life of the party.

Looking back, therefore, it would be recognized that each of the three leaders the party has had, so far, can be credited with taking progressive steps to aid the party’s evolution into, what can arguably be described as, a modern day political entity focused on meeting the challenges of present day society.

During the early years of his leadership, the PNC’s Founder Leader L.F.S Burnham, having assessed the local political and social realities of Guyana, recognized the need for a government of national unity.

As such, history will inform

us that he was engaged in many discussions with his political counterpart, Cheddi Jagan, to work towards the realization of such a government. The last of such engagements, I believe, were still in play in 1985 when President Burnham passed away suddenly.

Those knowledgeable of these specific facts of our history may tell us of precise date and names of plenipotentiaries identified by both parties to engage in these talks. They may also proffer reasons they believe were responsible for the failure of these attempts. My information on the early failed attempt at the formation of a government of national unity, however, was that while both Jagan and Burnham agreed that such a government was needed for the young nation, their disagreement was hinged primarily on which of the two should lead such a government. However, the jury might still be out on this!

What we know, however, is that the mission of the PNC to work with others for the good of the nation was established. We noted that specific action again was

undertaken when Burnham occasioned a coalition with D’Aguiar ’s United Force (U.F) in 1964 to form a coalition government. Some may advance various reasons for this coalition, but the fact is that the PNC had again established that it will work with any who share that common objective, of country and people first.

Desmond Hoyte, who succeeded Mr. Burnham as president and subsequently elected PNC leader, has also made his own important marks with respect to putting country first. He made several statements in support of shared-governance; a system where major stakeholders in the political arena come together to form a national government. In one of his infamous Congress speeches, he announced that “shared governance is an idea whose time has come…” Continuing in the mission to revolutionize the party, Hoyte, in an unorthodox move, took a decision to lead the PNC in a direction which resulted in a name change. He piloted a grouping of civic minded Guyanese, who shared a (Continued on page 19)

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

Managing Corruption using the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System DEAR EDITOR, Last December at the Public Service Award of Excellence at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) Annual Dinner and Awards ceremony, the Hon. President Donald Ramotar identified as a priority the promotion of operational standards that will raise the levels of efficiency and effectiveness in government agencies.

Over the past two weeks, it was reported through various media that former Speaker Ralph Ramkarran had affirmed that corruption in government was pervasive while Mr. Gino Persaud, President of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc. (TIGI) referred to corruption as a scourge that “must be confronted head on.”

Resignations by Mohammed Sattaur, CEO of NCN, and YogMahadeo, CEO of GT&T, following investigations into financial irregularities at their respective companies, added to concerns about venalities within both corporate and government agencies.

The implementation of the ISO 9001 quality management system should be the corporate and government response to these scandals. In reforming disclosure procedures and organization governance, the various sections of ISO 9001 define management responsibilities, reports required, the process/system control environment, and monitoring and measurement control activities.

What is the ISO 9001Quality Management System standard?

This International Standard specifies requirements for a quality management system where an

organization a) needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and b) aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Eight quality management principles have been identified as a framework toward improving an organization’s performance and form the basis for the standard; these areCustomer Focus, Leadership, Involvement of People, Process Approach, System Approach, Continual Improvement, Factual Approach to Decision Making, and Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationships. These principles are the building blocks for the five clauses of ISO 9001. These are: Clause 4.0: Quality management system Clause 5.0: Management responsibility Clause 6.0: Resource management Clause 7.0: Product realization Clause 8.0: Measurement, analysis, and improvement Why ISO 9001?

An existing ISO 9000 structure lends itself to integration with any organization’s financial system.

One of its major assets is the documentation requirement that provides a trail of records and internal controls which, from a legal perspective, assumes

significant importance during audits and legal challenges.

Organizations that are ISO 9001 certified/registered, have a single and complete set of managed and applied procedures that are distributed where needed, regularly updated and audited. There is also oversight by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), generally known as the Registrar Accreditation Board (RAB). ANAB or RAB commission resources, reports and has the authority to administer the quality audits of ISO 9001 certified organizations.

Under the management review of Clause 5.1 and the internal audit requirements of clause 8.2.2, top management is required to establish an independent audit committee and has responsibility for the outcome of the audit. ISO 9001requires respect for auditor independence and prohibits executive management from improper influence of an auditor.

ISO 9001, clause 4.1, assigns responsibility of process controls to top management. They are required to assess whether internal controls are effective, certify compliance to the organization’s quality manual and be accountable for

conformance to its quality system.

ISO 9004, clause 5.1.1, which is not contractual, has a code of ethics that is an intrinsic part of professional conduct and is within the purview of ISO 9001, clause 5.0.

Material operational changes may affect performance resulting in significant delays in meeting the needs of customers. ISO 9001 clauses 4.1.f or 7.5.1.f would provide visibility via real time disclosures, to customers and stakeholders.

ISO 9001 clause 7.2 puts customers’ interest first.

CEOs and managers are prevented from making recommendations in their own interest rather than in the interest of the customer.

Always of concern to the public is fraud accountability.

ISO 9001 clauses 4.2.3, 4.2.4 and 8.0 encourage honesty in records, empower employees and enhance pride in workmanship. It empowers employees by protecting them

from fear, being forced to do bad work, and retaliation.

Cost of Quality One factor that can quickly catch the attention of auditors is the cost of quality.

Joseph Juran, considered one of the quality gurus, advocated a cost of quality accounting system that expressed production and service failures in terms of money. He classified the types of costs as failure, appraisal and prevention. When the cost of quality is expressed in terms related to the organization’s profitability e.g. as a percent of net income, operating expenses, or return on total assets, it becomes a powerful metric that easily identifies fraud when misstatements are made.

Recommendations In reforming disclosure procedures and corporate governance, both corporate and government leaders should consider using the ISO 9001 quality management structure that includes cost-of-quality metrics to achieve: 1. the paper trails and

controls necessary to identify evidence of fraud 2. c o n t i n u a l improvements in the effectiveness of their processes, 3. enhanced levels of profitability when combined with Lean Six Sigma The ISO 9001 governance structure, in keeping with the intent of clause 5.0, should specify the distribution of responsibilities and rights among different participants in the organization. The structure should spell out the rules and procedures for making decisions on the organization’s affairs. By doing this, the organization’s top management will provide the structure through which the organization’s objectives are set, and the means of attaining those objectives defined along with the method and metrics to monitor performance and venalities.

Owen Ramsay, B.Ch.E, MSEE, RABQSA-LA, CQA, CQE, CMQ-OE, CSSBB Lean Six Sigma & ISO 9001 QMS Consultant

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

T&T pathologist Chaos as Harbour Bridge collapses for protest deaths This was the scene at the Georgetown Stelling yesterday afternoon

The Alliance For Change (AFC) in a statement yesterday indicated that it has arranged for a pathologist from Trinidad & Tobago to come to Guyana to witness the post mortem examinations of the three victims of last Wednesday’s police shooting in Linden.

According to the AFC, the pathologist, who is a professor within his field, is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

“The relatives of the deceased have requested that the post mortem examinations be delayed until the pathologist arrives in Guyana,” the AFC said in its statement.

Since there is paperwork to be done to facilitate the work of the foreign pathologist, it is not clear when the post mortem examinations will be done.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud said that the Guyana Police Force has no objection to a foreign pathologist coming to witness the procedure.

“We don’t have any problem with any pathologist…the issue is that the foreign pathologist will have to be granted the work permit…so there are some administrative things that will have to be done,” the Crime Chief said.

The bodies of the three victims were brought to the city by the Guyana Defence Force helicopter last F r i d a y, r e p o r t e d l y t o facilitate the post mortem examinations away from the volatile Linden area.

Crime Chief Persaud told this newspaper that local authorities were prepared to go ahead with the process as early as yesterday.

“When a request was made for the relatives to attend the PM today (Monday) they said that they would not be attending…and that their attorney is trying to get some foreign pathologist,” the Deputy Commissioner explained.

He stated that the police will do everything to ensure that there is no case for dissatisfaction on the part of relatives and concerned citizens as a whole.

“We don’t want to go into any process where the integrity of the investigation will be questioned. It doesn’t make sense to go and do something that will be questioned when we already have a public order situation on hand,” the Crime Chief explained.

On Wednesday, last, the police opened fire on demonstrators killing Shemroy Bouyea, 24, Ron Somerset, 19, and Ivan Lewis, 46.

On Saturday, relatives of the three persons on the advice of their attorney filed a report of murder against the police at the Mackenzie Station.

“The police prior to that report were conducting investigations into the shooting. Once we get a report of any nature, we investigate,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud said.

Speedboat operators thrived as a result of the mishap

From page 3 speedboats, did not help much to alleviate the traffic woes.

Sandtrucks and other suppliers were also caught unaware.

Government has been spending millions to maintain the structure which has outlived its lifespan. There have been calls for the rates to be increased, an option that government has not been too keen on.

It has been on record saying that the bridge is at its strongest. Yesterday, at least one villager of La Grange said that workers of the bridge had recently replaced the same

pontoon that sank after the old one apparently suffered problems.

Authorities announced that they were placing emergency measures in place to ensure that passenger speedboats be allowed to operate through the evening to cater for hundreds of additional passengers.

There were smiles on the faces of the speedboat operators at their unexpected fortune.

As at 17:00hrs yesterday, the Demerara River started to rise again. Workers will now have to deal with the real challenge of extricating the damaged pontoons and replace them. The impending darkness made it even more likely that a great deal of work will have to be done in the coming hours to enable use of the bridge in the expected 48 hours.

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Govt to re-examine Linden tariffs - President Ramotar President Donald Ramotar

Head of State Donald Ramotar last night announced, during an eightminute address to the nation, that the method used to increase electricity tariffs in Linden will be re-examined.

“I am willing to examine all options. I will establish a technical team to review all available and practicable options and attendant implications, financial and otherwise, to move the process along.

But I emphasise that we cannot make progress in an environment of strife and disruption.”

The President reiterated his position on the ongoing tension and the difficulty it presents.

“I remain deeply concerned about the ongoing unrest in the mining town.

Already, the blockading of major arteries in the area has disrupted life in the communities, led to loss for businesses, threatened the provision of critical social and utility services such as health, water and electricity, and led to an escalation of food and

transport costs for Lindeners and interior communities beyond. If this continues it will do irreparable harm to the opportunities for investments aimed at creating more jobs and improving the living standards for the Linden community and Region 10 as a whole.”

“Any protraction or escalation of tensions will compound these difficulties.

This is not in the best interest of the people of Linden or of the country. I restate that at no time was there any intention to impose hardships on the people of Linden,” he added.

Ramotar’s statement came after days of intense discussions with various stakeholders, which he also mentioned in his address.

“I have met daily with a number of stakeholders ranging from political, business and regional a d m i n i s t r a t i o n representatives to try to bring an end to the problem. I have met with the Chamber of Commerce of Linden, the opposition political parties

and the Private Sector Commission. Over the weekend there have been several meetings of note. On Saturday, I invited and briefed the diplomatic corps and the international development agencies. On Sunday, I met the Leader of the Opposition and the Private Sector Commission.

On Monday, I met again with the Regional Chairman, Mr. Sharma Solomon and his delegation.

These engagements with a wide spectrum of stakeholders including the people of Linden will be ongoing.”

“This electricity issue is not a new one but it had reached the stage where our country could no longer sustain the high subsidy being provided. We had committed towards a gradual and selective process of electricity tariff adjustments

which would have seen a phasing in that would have cushioned the impact on the most vulnerable and encourage conservation of energy,” he explained.

The President called for an immediate return to normalcy even as he has indicated that his Government is willing to meet with relatives of the three persons who lost their lives during the protest on July 18, and offer assistance in terms of autopsies and burials.

He also restated that a commission of inquiry, with an international component, would be held into that day’s events.

Earlier yesterday, the President and a Government team met Region Ten officials and members of the opposition political parties for talks aimed at finding a common position on the

Linden issue.

Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Sharma Solomon, and Geographic Region Ten Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon, joined a delegation from A Partnership for National Unity (A.P.N.U) and the Alliance for Change (A.F.C) in discussion with the President, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn and Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira.

Another meeting is scheduled for today at the Office of the President.

Solomon, speaking to sections of the media after the meeting, said “the people are

prepared to dig in as deep as they have to until they are satisfied that demands are met”.

He, however, condemned those persons who conducted unlawful acts.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) had also joined in the call for peace and for good sense to prevail.

The decision to increase the electricity tariff in Linden is at the centre of the discrepancy and following the loss of lives during a faceoff between police and protestors, the President has ordered a Commission of Inquiry to examine the circumstances.

Government and the opposition party APNU, agreed to draft the Terms of Reference for the Commission to be concluded not later than August 2.

Vigils staged at State House, Parliament Building Several persons last evening held a candlelight vigil in front of State House on Main Street, as part of their ongoing movement for “justice and compensation” for the three Lindeners, who lost their lives and those who were injured when Police opened fire during a protest at Linden against electricity tariff hikes.

Present at last night’s vigil were representatives from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the Alliance for Change, and several social activists including Frederick Kissoon.

The three-hour vigil which started at 07:00hrs attracted about 50 persons

and according to Kissoon, the vigil is indefinite until certain demands are accepted by the government.

He said that they are not only fighting against the electricity rate hikes but also for justice and compensation for those who lost their lives, and for the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee to be charged with murder.

At the vigil, persons were shouting “Rohee must go, Rohee must go,” “We want justice, we want answers,” “the Hone Affairs Minister must go back to school.”

Kaieteur News understands that the vigils will be held at night, while Lindeners would be

protesting during the day until their demands are met.

And scores gathered Sunday evening at Parliament building also in solidarity with Linden during its “dark time.”

The vigil saw the presence of some prominent citizens including Attorney at law Christopher Ram and Working People Alliance (WPA) executive Dr. David Hinds as well as members of Youth Coalition for Transformation (YCT).

With their candles erected, the group sang hymns and reminded passersby that Linden “should not have to stand alone during this struggle.”

Frederick Kissoon, who was also as Sunday’s vigil, commented that the “horrible ordeal”, which left three dead, cannot be overlooked and he and other concerned citizens’ pledge their continued support.

Kissoon said that the call for the removal of the Minister of Home Affairs must be inflexible. He noted that the reverberating demand in Linden signals that there will be no movement until their calls are responded to.

Asked if he thinks the response towards such a call will be different from those before, Kissoon said that “there is no guarantee, but (Continued on page 18)

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Tuesday July 24, 2012

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY SHOULD BE HELD INTO THE BRIDGE COLLAPSE A section of the Demerara Harbour Bridge collapsed yesterday causing major disruptions of traffic to and from West Demerara. There will be serious economic losses as a result of this problem.

This fact alone should result in a commission of inquiry to be launched to probe just what went wrong, who should be held culpable for what went wrong, and what action needs to be taken to put things right.

The problem may from a technical point of view be a minor one. It is has been said that the bridge should be fixed

within two days. This is quite unlike the days when sections of the bridge would float away and disrupt traffic for weeks.

But despite the fact that the bridge is likely to reopen in a matter of forty eight hours, the inconvenience that was experienced demands that the government obtains answers and that the public is satisfied about those answers.

An incident that leads to such grave inconvenience requires a commission of inquiry. This should have already been announced. It has not yet, because the government is not familiar with the conventions that

should exist when problems of this nature arises, and therefore sees commissions of inquiry as being reserved for far more serious incidents.

The British left us with that tradition intact. The many commissions that the British launched into social and economic conditions in the then colony brought about lasting changes and improvements in the country.

The Moyne Commission and the Venn Commission were just two examples of commission that were established to look into wider economic and social conditions in the colony.

Dem boys seh...

Uncle Adam barely get pampers Some people does deh good till dem bite off more than they could chew. Whole year dey does strong and healthy and mekkin laugh ‘bout people till de people dem start fuh cry.

Dey mek laugh ‘bout de government, dey mek laugh ‘bout de opposition, dey even mek laugh bout de man wha’ does pay dem. But dem boys know that old people does always got dem saying wha does never wrang. Old people seh wheh laugh deh nuff cry deh.

Well Uncle Adam laugh people so much till he belly loosen. He try fuh come out he house, but he pants couldn’t hold in everything, suh he turn back. He thought was wind, but dem boys know was de real thing. All he family gone away to foreign, only two leff in GT, but dem deh in de bush.

So he ent had nobody fuh send fuh pampers.

He start fuh cry hard, hard. Two girls from de Waterfalls paper had fuh carry a pack of Cheekies fuh he. If yuh hear thanks. He even ask fuh a hug up.

De big man cry fuh so, but water ain’t only coming from he eye, it coming through all dem holes pon he body. God mek he special.

He went out Saturday night to a big function and drink de likka like if it would never ever touch Guyana shores again. De man drink rum, crème liqueur, alize, tequila,

de whole works. Dey even give he kero like Uncle Sam and he ent even realize. Then de man eat fuh glutten.

Well dem boys know wha sweet a goat mouth a sour at de back end. When time come fuh pass it out was worries, he tun de loose goose.

In he car, pon he floor, everywhere he walk was sheer water. And don’t talk ‘bout de smell, he neighbour dem complaining till now.

Talking ‘bout water. Bridge mek fuh get people across water but in Guyana dem kantractor does mek bridge that water does cross over.

De bridge wha deh fuh 34 years fall into de Demerara River. Some people try crossing with minibus and when dem reach halfway pun de fuss part dey realize dat de bridge deh more low than normal, and bus ain’t gat outboard engine. If you see confusion. Even de bus man run and lef he bus with all dem passenger inside.

Is like how dem boys hear how dem Chinee want run... de country. Dem mek de government borrowing millions fuh build over a airport that nobody gun come to and dem can’t get money fuh build a proppa bridge wha de people need. Dem boys seh Uncle Donald bess study he head or everything gun float away from we.

Talk half and de water gun do de rest.

Even though the British had the interests of the planters to defend, they were fair enough to institute commissions that allowed the workers and their representatives to make submissions to the commissions of inquiry. Even when the workers interests were often overlooked in the final report, there was at least some recognition accorded to the grievances, and a record of the submissions by workers and their representatives formed part of the official record.

After independence, this practice of having commissions of inquiry to address serious concerns went into neglect, no doubt out of the fear of ruling politicians that the findings of such commissions would embarrass them and constitute political liabilities.

In 1978, over nine hundred American citizens committed mass suicide in the jungles of Guyana. Yet, the government of the day refused to have an investigation into this tragedy which placed Guyana in infamy on the world stage.

It got worse much later, especially under the Jagdeo administration, when there were massacres in the country and a stubborn reluctance on the part of the government to have these inquired into. The failure to have commissions of inquiry has in turn led to serious suspicions and generated unwarranted speculation.

Commissions of Inquiry were primarily conceived to answer questions, so that instead of their being a web of conspiracy theories being spun, there could be an investigation to unearth facts which could then provide answers. This is the foremost value of commissions of inquiry and the main reason why they should be encouraged: they can bring an end to speculation.

Despite not agreeing with many of the commissions of inquiriy that were launched under colonial Guyana, Cheddi Jagan had a profound appreciation of their value.

One of his first acts when he returned to power after his twenty–eight year vigil in the opposition was to launch a commission of inquiry into the

disturbances during the 1992 elections. Strangely, the findings of that report were never made public. Neither was a satisfactory explanation given as to reasons why the report has not been released to the public.

Cheddi later launched a commission of inquiry into a sea defence project and that report was made public. But after Cheddi left, commissions of inquiry became an extinct species. The last one that was held was an inquiry into death squad allegations. This findings of that inquiry exonerated the then Minister of Home Affairs. There was also a commission of inquiry into a jailbreak.

It therefore is a positive sign that the government has so willingly agreed to a commission of inquiry into the events in Linden. It is a good start to the Donald Ramotar administration and it is hoped that there can be a similar inquiry into the collapse of the bridge.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The Linden deaths: Is there a State conspiracy?

At the candlelight vigil outside of Parliament for the Linden martyrs on Sunday evening, Denis Chabrol of Demerara Waves put his recorder into my face and pointedly asked a question.

He said; “Mr Kissoon, do you think that the shooting of the protestors is part of a conspiracy by the ruling party

to engender a race conflagration?” My answer was that there is a growing belief among political observers that there may be a conspiracy indeed.

Obviously, the journalist didn’t dream this up. Chabrol put to me a question that arose out of what he may have pieced together from his

inquiries. Let us look at some recent antecedents. And they all point to the invocation of the ethnic monster.

The PPP has won five consecutive elections (including the plurality of votes in 2011 though not a national majority by itself) and in every one, the statistics are frightening – their votes came almost exclusively from the Indian race group. Even in Amerindian villages, the AFC dented them, but the Indian vote gave the PPP the presidency in 2011.

However, there is a small dot among the statistics that may be responsible for the conspiracy theory that surrounds the Linden shootings. Only 53 percent of Region Six voted and Moses Nagamootoo humiliated the PPP with his AFC platform.

Since that election result, an attitude has emerged in the PPP leadership that borders on barefaced race-baiting.

It started with the asininity of asserting that APNU rigged the election because PPP supporters were prevented by APNU crowds from voting. Read that to mean, Indians were bullied by Africans in Georgetown.

Apart from the imbecility

of the presentation (because why would APNU rig yet lose) there is no grain of truth in this description painted by Donald Ramotar himself. This columnist worked the Georgetown circuit from daybreak to dusk on Election Day. I concentrated my activities where I was born and where I grew up and where APNU has its strength - the entirety of South Georgetown.

By midday, voting was over in that part of Guyana.

APNU supporters came out in the darkness of the morning before the sun broke and voted. When I visited Lodge with Dr. Asquith Rose of the AFC, the polling stations were deserted.

This was the first attempt to scare Indians. Then came one of the most sickening advocacies of incitement to race hate in the history of this country. Nothing like this even existed at the thinnest levels in the sixties. It came from within the bowels of the PPP. I refer to what is now known as the infamous Chronicle editorial. To date, there is no denunciation by any leader of the PPP of that editorial. But if one had any doubts about the PPP’s

involvement in the composition, they were dispelled when the Chronicle published a letter under a fictitious name that endorsed the editorial.

The writer Skeet had the identical style to a certain PPP leader.

Now we have the gunning down of peaceful protestors and the serious wounding of over two dozen in Linden. All are African Guyanese.

Among the opposition, in certain journalistic circles and in Linden itself, the analysis is growing that the deaths were part of a conspiracy to cause ethnic violence. I was told that the stratagem was for enraged African constituencies to rampage in Linden, Region Four and Georgetown targeting Indian people and Indian businesses.

If that was the plan, it has not worked. And maybe it will not work, because it is known, and therefore the trap will be avoided. I was in Linden last Saturday and the call among every speaker, particularly Aubrey Norton and Dr. David Hinds, is to avoid the race bait. Norton appealed to Lindeners to reject the PPP’s plans to paint

Frederick Kissoon them as anti-Indians.

I was on the platform of the Youth Coalition for Transformation last Friday, and speaker after speaker warned Guyanese that the Linden killings is a race trap set by the PPP that the PPP needs to survive.

Of course the obvious is yet to happen, and one wonders why it has not as yet.

Indians like myself have to spend countless hours urging Indians in Guyana to support the just cause of the Lindeners. Indians in Guyana must remember that bauxite workers marched into the sugar belts to support striking cane cutters in the seventies.

I appeal to my fellow Indians, please show love, respect and solidarity to the suffering people of Linden.

They need your camaraderie in this their moment of need.

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

Guyana Watch off to tremendous start

Scores lined up at Timehri Primary to receive medical attention

Hundreds receive treatment at Patentia, Timehri and St. Cuthbert’s Mission Berbicians prepare for visit tomorrow

A doctor attending to two children who were affected by the flu

Dr. Kevin Samaroo testing a patient’s blood sugar

F

ollowing last Saturday’s much appreciated outreach at Patentia, scores of Timehri, East Bank Demerara residents took advantage of the free clinic offered by the Guyana Watch Medical team on Sunday at the c o m m u n i t y ’s P r i m a r y School.

Persons, young and old, came out in their numbers and saw the medical practitioners for all sorts of a i l m e n t s . Wi t h m a n y expressing their gratitude for being treated expeditiously. This year, 10 medical doctors, 15 support staff, three dentists, and one pharmacist are here to offer their support to the people of Guyana. According to the doctors, the most complaints they have received are those of skin infections, fever, flu, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Some of the patients opined that Guyana Watch should come twice yearly, as the service is always of the highest quality. One such individual, Raymond DaSilva, said that he was experiencing stomach pains for awhile.

He said when he visited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) he waited for several hours without seeing a doctor.”I am a poor man, I do fishing for a living and I cannot afford to go to private hospital, that is why I am thankful for whatever little I get. God will bless whoever started this programme. It helping a lot of poor

people,” Da Silva stressed.Another patient, Leslie Chung, said that he was surprised when he received the medication. He said that he is “thankful for seeing a doctor for free and receiving really good medicine”.Molly Cozier, a mother of eight, said that she is saving money because she doesn’t have to take her kids to GPHC for treatment.”My children have skin problem and I received some really helpful medicine. Normally I does take them to GPHC, but we does gotta wait long, long…plus I does gotta buy things for them to eat, and it does be hard for me because my husband is a fisherman and he alone supporting us.”Dr. K. Mitchell, a general practitioner, told Kaieteur News that it is her first time here in Guyana and so far she enjoys helping the people, because “they are very nice, and contented with what they get”.

Pharmacist, S. Mehta revealed that he distributed medicine for mostly highblood-pressure, high blood sugar, skin infection and asthma.

Yesterday, the team of doctors visited the St. Cuthbert’s Mission and other communities along the Mahaica River, and attended to a significant number of patients.

On Saturday last, the team visited Patentia Secondary School and assisted 518 persons. Of that number, 138 were dental visits.

Tomorrow, the Medical

team will be visiting the Tain Primary School in Berbice and will be treating persons from Albion, Rose Hall and the entire Corentyne Coast.

Page 11

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Page 15

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Page 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Driver of burnt-out tanker describes harrowing experience in Linden “Dem tell we anytime we move de truck dey gon follow we and beat we.”

While there continues to be much focus on the plight of Lindeners, the driver of a fuel tanker is counting his lucky stars that he is still around to describe his near death experience at the hands of persons who are definitely capitalising of the unrest in the mining town.

Khemraj Parma of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara ,was the driver of a fuel tanker that was set alight by an angry mob at the entrance to Wismar from the Mabura trail last Wednesday.

He described an experience that no one will want to go through, one which has been soundly condemned by legitimate protestors.

But despite the condemnation, nothing will ever erase the fear that gripped Parma and his porter as they were on their way to Georgetown from the interior on Wednesday at the commencement of the protest actions taken by Lindeners over the hike in electricity tariffs.

He spoke of attempts to burn his tanker with him inside and having to hide for hours in the dark bushes just off the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge.

The $11M tanker that Parma drives, which is owned

by Vishnu Singh of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, has been taking fuel to various part of the interior such as Mango Landing, Omai and Konawaruk for awhile now.

Parma himself has been making the trip for the past

five years, and during that period, nothing prepared him for what he experienced last Wednesday.

He and his porter left Georgetown on July 16 with their tanker loaded with 25,000 litres of diesel and for their usual destinations. After unloading their cargo they were on their way back out and reached Linden on Wednesday in the height of protest actions there.

Parma was unaware that there was a protest, so he innocently drove into it.

“When we near reach de bridge, when we come down de hill, we see one, one vehicle deh line off all two side ah de road. Then we realize ‘Oh skites, dis is a blockage’,” the truck driver told this newspaper.

He said that he tried to turn around his truck but since the road was narrow he could not navigate the large tanker to successfully complete the task.

“By time I doing duh, couple man run in front ah de truck and tell me, ‘no, no you can’t turn around, park and wait hey till de media dem come and see how much vehicle we get park up hey.’

So, me ain’t really bad up because me ain’t want dem beat me,” Parma told this newspaper during a visit to the Saffon Street office.

According to the truck driver, about 10 youths had surrounded his tanker, but although they did not appear to be armed except for a few pieces of sticks, he and his porter were obviously afraid

BEFORE: The $11M fuel tanker prior to being destroyed.

AFTER: The burnt out fuel tanker (left)

and they complied with the command.

Nevertheless, he was optimistic that the mob would disappear as soon as darkness set in and he would eventually be able to move his truck. He had come out of the truck, and using his cellular phone, contacted the owner of the tanker who advised him that it would be safe to park at a location in Mabura whenever he was allowed to move.

That opportunity never materialized.

“Dem tell we anytime we move de truck dey gon follow we and beat we.”

Just about then the police began firing tear gas to force the protestors away from the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge to allow traffic to resume.

The tear smoke forced Parma and his porter to retreat into the cab of the truck, but

the protestors had now become very angry as a result of the police actions.

“About twenty minutes after, we hear dem seh dem gon burn de truck. Dem man start climb up pon de truck.

Dey tek off de drum wha had de gasoline and drain out de lil bit wha lef inside. Dey light de truck at de side ah we because it been open. Dem tek de gas and throw it inside and light it,” Parma recalled.

He said that some in the mob even took a piece of cloth and stuffed it through the grill of his truck and tried to set it alight even though he and his porter were inside.

“We see de flame come up and we say, ‘oh shucks, dis truck catching afire with we.’

But when we watch again we ain’t see back nothing, just one lil blaze and it done, it ain’t catch,” the truck driver (Continued on page 17)

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 17

Decision to deploy water Digicel lauds High Court ruling cannon rests with police “They are the professionals, it is their call …If they decided to take it to Linden it’s their decision not mine.”- Home Affairs Minister

The $37M Water Cannon at Eve Leary

By Gary Eleazar Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has distanced himself from any responsibility as it relates to the $37M water cannon that was purchased by the Ministry of Home Affairs to be used for crowd control.

Rohee appeared Sunday evening on National Communications Network (NCN) television where he presented a “Situation Update” on the Linden situation.

With respect to the water cannon purchased specifically to deal with crowds and protests - the Minister stressed emphatically that following the purchase of any piece of equipment for the Police Force, when it is turned over, the Ministry no longer has an association with it.

“We are finished after the handover,” Rohee said, in reference to his Ministry, and added, “These things now rest with the Police, for them to use as they see fit.”

Rohee said when the government purchased the water cannon and handed it over to the police, it is then in their (police’s) jurisdiction “to decide where, when, and how to use it”.

The Minister was adamant that it will not be a case where he will be picking up the phone and issuing directives on when and how to use the water cannon “That is not the role of a Minister…That is not my role at all.”

Rohee explained that he is not the individual that issues directives to the Guyana Police Force on how to use their firearms, or further, which type of firearms to take on an operation.

“How could I tell them what to do with the water cannon? We handed over to them.”

The Minister said that the Police Force has the competent professionals to decide on whether to take the water cannon to Linden.

“They are the professionals, it is their call…If they decided to take it to Linden it’s their decision, not mine.”

Rohee said that he is prepared to face a Commission of Inquiry, adding that “I have a clear conscience. When I go before the Commission I will have a clear conscience.”

He said that the Commission will decide and “let the chips fall where they may.”

The fatal shooting of three Lindeners comes a month to the day after the water cannon was unveiled to the public and officially handed over.

Communication giant Digicel, has lauded the decision of Justice Rishi Persaud last Friday in which he ruled that the monopoly held by GT&T to provide telecommunications service or to regulate voice and data transmission over the internet is unlawful and void. The company yesterday indicated via statement that it had long challenged GT&T’s claim to a monopoly on international services in Guyana since 1990.

Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Dean, stated that Digicel itself has issued legal proceedings challenging the GT&T monopoly, which are awaiting a hearing before the Courts. Dean said that thankfully “the High Court of Guyana has now conclusively determined that the monopoly is unlawful and invalid”. Dean further noted that the decision of the High Court is of enormous significance to the people of Guyana signaling as it does the end of the international monopoly in Guyana.

He noted that following the expiration of the international monopoly in Antigua last month, Guyana remained the last country in the Caribbean region to allow an international monopoly to persist.

The CEO assured the people of Guyana

that Digicel “will move quickly to pass on the benefits of the ending of this monopoly through lower international rates, advanced mobile technology, increased investment in remote communities and exciting new products and services”.

“Digicel has been pushing for many years to have this outdated monopoly brought to an end. This decision of the High Court is wonderful news for the Guyanese consumer.

We intend giving the people of Guyana something that they have never seen before in terms of value and service on international calls,” Dean concluded.

After ten years of operation, Digicel Group Limited has over 11 million customers across its 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific.

Justice Persaud on Friday ruled against the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, and awarded damages in excess of $850,000 to James Samuels who had taken the company to court after the disruption of his DSL service back in 2006. The case lasted for almost two years. Samuels was represented by attorney at law P. Mohanlall, while GT&T was represented by Miles Fitzpatrick SC and Mr. T. Jonas.

Driver of burnt-out tanker describes harrowing...

Frompage 16 related.

Apparently frustrated over their failed attempt, the angry mob started breaking the windows of Parma’s truck.

This was the signal for Parma and his porter to get out.

Using the darkness of the night, they bolted from the cab of the tanker and made it to the nearby bushes where they braved the mosquitoes and hid for a while.

“I was really frightened because dem don tell we dey gon beat we. Dem man look

cruel. After dem man start talk ‘bout burn and we see dat, we de seh dat we done hey,” Parma told this newspaper.

According to the truck driver, they left behind in the truck a piece of jewellery, cash and his spectacles among other valuables.

While hiding in the bushes, Parma had the nerve to contemplate going back to the truck, but when he emerged, what he saw quickly deterred him.

“When I going, some ah dem deh a lil distance away and one ah dem say, ‘watch

somebody going back to de truck’. So I run back in de bush. Li’l after one ah dem run in de bush behind me but he didn’t know wha part I deh,” the truck driver recalled.

He is convinced that if he was discovered great harm would have be done to him.

He told Kaieteur News that he and his porter remained in the bushes for about three hours and only came out when they recognised the sounds of members of the joint services.

By then their truck had been completely destroyed.

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Accused Linden looters on $150,000 bail each …lawyers say clients were all taken from their homes Five men appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday. They were brought before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan to answer the charge of breaking and entering the Digicel Smart Store located at MacKenzie, Linden.

Orville Mitchell, 31, of 433 One Mile Linden, Devon Barker, 31,of 288 Bulletwood Street, Linden; Michael De Souza, 34, of 235 Bulletwood Street, Linden; Delon Thomas, 37, of 259 Bulletwood, Linden, and Colin Cornelius, 31, of 54 Richmond Hill MacKenzie, were jointly charged for the offence.

The police alleged that between July 18 and 19, the men broke and entered the Digicel Smart Store and stole a quantity of cell phones, one 40" plasma television set, and accessories which totaled $9,317,000.

Between the aforementioned period, at the same location, the police said the five men further stole a quantity of cell phones and accessories; these amounted to $3,364,664.

The five men were not required to enter a plea.

Of the five defendants, three retained lawyers.

Attorney- at-law Omeyana Hamilton represented Thomas; Lyndon Amsterdam made an appearance for De Souza, while Michael Somersall made a bail application for Cornelius.

The lawyers all requested bail in an affordable sum for the defendants. They also sang one tune when they said that their clients were found in the comfort of their homes when police were making searches in the area.

Defence Counsel Amsterdam addressed the court first. He said that at the time when the police visited his client he was at home. He said the ranks conducted searches at the defendant’s home and on his person, but found nothing of evidence or

of an incriminating nature.

The lawyer told the court that according to information he received, the police were about to leave his client’s home when one of the officers came from behind the man’s house and said he found a screen (monitor). The lawyer said his client, however, cannot confirm whether the article was found on his premises.

The lawyer did not stop there, he dared the prosecution to state whether they had any statements from witnesses claiming to have seen his client uplifting or even having the items in his possession. After stating that “the police had instituted the charges to impress someone”, Amsterdam requested that the court view the ridiculousness of the charge, since one would need a mode of transport to move the very valuable items mentioned in the charge, but still, he said, no witnesses can be produced.

Amsterdam closed with the request for the bail sum not to be influenced by the charge figure.

He thus requested that bail be set in a sum “affordable to poor, ordinary citizens”.

Attorney Hamilton was next and she followed the same road. She said that he client was also taken from his home. She said the police went to her client’s residence, conducted a search, but found nothing in the home or on his person. She said her client was held when someone spoke about a chair that was found in the man’s yard, but Hamilton said that she listened to the charge and there was nothing about a chair. She also requested an affordable bail.

Attorney Somersall told the court that his client owns a fish shop at the MacKenzie bus park in Linden. He said two persons are also employed with his client and they have keys to the man’s

Orville Mitchell (left) and Devon Barker business place. Somersall said the police are alleging that items were found in his client’s business place, but at the time, the car keys belonging to one of his client’s workers was found in the shop. He said nothing was found at his client’s home and he has addressed the police on finding the owner of the car keys. In that

light, the lawyer asked for reasonable bail.

The other two men stood unrepresented.

The prosecution, even with the lawyers’ challenges did not object to bail. It was only requested that the defendant’s be given substantial bail. The Magistrate granted bail in the sum of $150,000, $75,000 on

Devon Thomas (foreground, white shirt), Michael De Souza (black jersey) and Colin Cornelius (trailing policeman) each of the two charges.

Additional charges were also laid on Mitchell prior to the break and enter charge.

The court said that on July 21, Mitchell was found with 19 grammes of cannabis for trafficking. He pleaded not guilty, but was remanded to jail by the court.

Another man, William Burnette was also charged for

narcotics. Though the break and enter charge did not involve him, it was alleged that he had 93 grammes of cannabis and three grammes of cocaine in his possession while at the MacKenzie Market on July 21. He too was remanded. For the charges, the men will all go to the Christiansburg Magistrate’s Court on August 22.

Vigils staged at State House, Parliament...

From page 7 one must not be deterred.”

Kissoon further noted that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) only seeks negotiation with the opposition when the government is not in the driving seat of “whatever dispute,” and urged that the opposition ignore calls for meetings with the body at this time.

Faced with the question of if Linden should have lost all empathy since the violence and looting, Attorney at Law Christopher Ram said that “our presence out here says different; the leadership in Linden has condemned those actions.”

He said that from his understanding of the situation, the people of Linden are only seeking justice and do not support any looting or violence.

Ram said that the killings cannot be justified and such could have been avoided had the government been open to negotiation.

Asked whether Linden should have been faced with a hike in electricity tariffs, Ram cited remarks from the Finance Minister’s budget speech that it is a progressive realignment of the electricity rates, stating that it is a wrong

benchmark to use since GPL is a “high wastage” supplier.

Further, Ram stressed that the 800% increase is unconscionable. “That can’t be a progressive realignment… the society just will not be able to pay. If the government wants progression, there should be an immediate withdrawal of the hiked rates announced.

There then should be a progressive increase over a period of time,” Ram stated emphatically.

He also opined, that the monies saved from the “budget cuts” should be made use of towards the economic development of Linden “rather than wasting money on a Marriott or airport project that we don’t need.”

Ram said that the Army’s removal of the bodies simply doesn’t “smell well.” He said that that move justifies raised suspicion.

Questioned whether he agrees with the call for Prime Minister Sam Hinds to resign, Ram said that the call is well justified as Hinds is the representative for Linden in parliament and the Minister with portfolio for electricity, and “what has happened in Linden is a failure of both.”

“Time is of the essence for the President to visit

Linden; the longer he takes the more difficult it will be for a solution. Had he responded to the threat of a five-day shutdown, there would have been no killings,” Ram said.

Dr. David Hinds said that he maintained his call that the opposition should not engage in talks with the government at the tripartite level. He said that the opposition, from all indications, doesn’t agree with his position. However, “if a government murders, you do not go the next day to sit and talk about anything.”

“Until someone is charged for murder or we at least see the removal of those who were involved in the brutal act, we should have no contact with that government…

Murder should result in justice.”

Hinds said that he agrees with the calls for investigations, however, “those things take time we have to do something to bring peace now… but this government seems callous.”

Hinds asserted that he thinks it is too late for a presidential visit to Linden.

“The people are saying that they called him before the severe trauma but he didn’t come… remove the officials involved and that will be the basis for negotiation. Until

such time I advise Linden to continue its struggle with strength and faith.”

Hinds also said that it should be noted in relation to the recent looting in Linden, that it was residents of the community who went in search of the looters and turned them over to the police. “We have to make that very clear since people are running away with the sold perception that there is lawlessness going on in Linden.

The people have blocked the streets and so on but never encouraged looting.”

“We are here tonight to stand in solidarity with Linden for our fallen brothers, we stand heartbroken. “We are not brothers in blood, but we are brothers though the body of Christ,” said Doreen Lynch of YCT “The shooting of those people was a violation of human rights,” said member of the Human Rights Association Kenneth Charles.

“Lindeners expressing their issues with the electricity hikes in a peaceful manner, which is their right as human beings, should not have ended in the loss of lives and we will stand with them to the end.”

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 19

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

The PNCR remains the most... It is incredible how history...

From page 4 common interest of putting Guyana first to join ranks with the PNC in order to fulfill the broader national objectives.

This grouping of individuals, called the ‘Reform’ component became an integral part of the PNC and helped to induce the name change from PNC to PNCR, a name which remains today. Of course there are some who share different views concerning the pros or cons of this arrangement and name change. Regardless of the views, however, the point is the PNC has demonstrated that it is not afraid to take bold steps to meet the challenges and realities of the changing nature of the political environment, more importantly it continues to demonstrate its belief that the people and country are paramount to partisan politics.

In December, 2002 after Mr. Hoyte’s sudden demise, the party was again called to

demonstrate leadership in the national body politic. Mr. Robert Corbin was elected at a special congress as party leader.

Robert Corbin, an ardent believer in shared governance and one of the party’s strongest advocates for such a system took a drastic decision in 2001 to go to the national polls as a united opposition with likeminded political entities and civic groupings.

Despite the fact, that prior to the elections, there were many defectors from the arrangement, the party nevertheless went to the polls under a new name and with a new platform. PNCR-1G (One Guyana) was the name on the ballot paper in that election.

The 1G segment consisted of those parties and entities which stayed the course in the collective arrangement.

Again, the decision to put country first was emphasized and yes, like the steps taken before there are many critics

who would have commented on the merits and demerits of the one Guyana arrangement.

But once again the principle of putting country and people first was emphasized.

So today, the political entity A Partnership of National Unity (APNU) is a result of this unorthodox coalition.

The APNU has now come to form the major parliamentary opposition force from which the opposition leader was named.

While there are those who continue to pontificate and offer their personal views on whether or not the APNU weakens the PNCR or whether the PNCR is in fact the APNU I say whatever your conclusion, the most important thing that stands out from this positive development is the fact that the PNCR continues to evolve and remains the most progressive political party in current day Guyana.

Lurlene Nestor

Tuesday July 24, 2012 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You may be frustrated by the way situations are being handled in your personal life.

Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. Your emotions are fluctuating, so be careful not to say things you'll regret.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. You could be quite erratic regarding your personal relationship. Be sure to think twice before you say something that might hurt your partner's feelings.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You may be sensitive to a point of absurdity. Romance appears.

If you're already in a relationship, use this added energy passionately.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Organize your day well if you wish to accomplish all you set out to do. Use your own ideas to further your interests. You can get ahead if you play your cards right.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You will be inclined to make unwise investment choices. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. It's a great day to attend social functions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Travel will be favorable. You can gain knowledge from dealing with foreigners. You may find that your emotional partner will not be too eager to accommodate you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You might not accomplish all that you want to at home today. Your emotions may be hard to control if your mate is forcing you to undergo drastic alterations in your relationship.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Try to curb overindulgence today. You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you dearly you see red. Communication must be open, precise, and honest.

SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Time is money and you must be ready to take action in order to reach your highest potential. Your pursuits may end up being fruitless. Take time to look at any outdated papers or possible investments.

CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You could be drawn to events that concern children. You need to do something energetic and different. This is a great day to start that new health regimen you've been talking about.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You should spend your day trying to get things completed at work. Your time, not your cash, will do a lot more for your relationship.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You'll stay out of trouble if you pick projects that will benefit the whole family. Set the ball in motion and be relentless until you complete the project.

From page 4 nothing. In this case, silence amounts to consent and acceptance. If the PPP genuinely believed PNC/ APNU supporters were going to ‘rampage’ in Linden in the wake of the editorial from the government’s mouthpiece that the government refused to condemn, the PPP was certainly aware or should have been aware of the potential of this situation for the aggrandizing of ethnic tensions.

Faced with this looming situation of ethnic furore, the PPP had only one legal, governmental, executive, civic, patriotic and constitutional option - to take vigilant and proactive steps to quell such potential for ethnic tensions at all costs.

Those steps available to the PPP were an apology for the editorial, meetings with Lindeners and opposition members representing Lindeners, revisiting the tariffs to impose same in a gradual manner and ensuring comprehensive direct authority and management of the police forces to ensure they were of sufficient numbers to confront a massive protest, had adequate non-deadly weaponry and training, were commanded by trained commanders, had viable tactical strategies at every turn to de-escalate the situation and the PPP’s leadership was in direct control of the forces and the situation to blunt conflict enlargement. How is it that the post-election protesters in Georgetown did not face live rounds but the Lindeners were killed with live ammunition?

To use deadly force or to deliberately fail to prepare the forces for a colossal protest on the back of simmering ethnic acrimony when any rational person would prepare in a comprehensive manner is to invite amplification of ethnic tensions since the use of deadly force or the acts and omissions of untrained, illprepared and undermanned ranks will inevitably lead to fatal mistakes which lead to deadly force which lead to the intensification of ethnic rage

in Guyana.

A government faced with the simmering tensions predating Linden and its risk to the fragile racial coexistence of this country does not have a choice. It must derail and overcome the possibility for ethnic tension at all costs.

The PPP failed to do so despite the fact that it possessed the power, authority, means, time to act and other routes to achieve that diminution of ethnic hostilities. This is not a matter of incompetence, for the PPP was highly competent in dealing with the Georgetown post-election protests.

It is not only acts but omissions, deliberate and otherwise, that can compound tensions in this country. Ironically, we are exactly in the same situation as the 1973 Berbice ballot box killings where the PNC to this day insists it used deadly force to battle an out-ofcontrol mob and the PPP rejects that position. The shoe is now on the other foot with respect to the Linden killings where the PPP is now in the boots of the PNC and the PNC/APNU is in the shoes of the PPP of 1973. It is incredible how history often taunts political miscreants.

M. Maxwell

Page 20

(From page 15)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Gavin Lewis reclaims Boy’s 18 title from Longe Gavin Lewis, who took a break from competing in the Boy’s 18 category last year, returned to wrest the title away from defending champion Seanden David Longe in straight sets 6-3 6-2 at the GBTI Open.

Lewis superior groundstrokes were too much for a game Longe who had surprised Khalif Gobin 6-1 63 in the semi-finals while Lewis took care of Benedict Sukra in two sets. Lewis is also competing in the Men’s Open where he will again face Sukra before a likely matchup with top seed Jeremy Miller.

In the Girl’s finals, Shawna Gentle claimed the title from Krystal Sukra after her opponent defaulted due to an injury sustained from their marathon battle only a day earlier which propelled Gentle into the Ladies Finals. Gentle had won the first set 6-2 and

WITH golden trophy in hand to match the occasion of Jamaica’s golden anniversary of Independence, the national senior netball team returned to the island Sunday from Trinidad and Tobago victorious in the Americas Federation of Netball Associations (AFNA) Championships, four years after their last win.

“We really wanted to make this one special because it’s our country’s 50th anniversary and this is our present to them,” Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) president, Marva Bernard, told the Jamaica Observer.

“It is important for us... because the quality of this

Niamatalli upsets Barckoy to reach Men’s 35 finals

was leading 3-2 in the second before Sukra could not continue.

It was a good day for the Berbice contingent as Mario Niamatalli showed that his excellent match earlier in the tournament against Andre

Erskine was not a one off event as he turned the tables on the favoured Gilbert Barckoy in their semi-final encounter in the Men’s 35 Singles. Berbician Mixed Doubles pair Godfrey Lowden/Carol Humphrey then pulled through a testy and temperamental match against Leyland Leacock and Aruna Ramrattan to also book themselves a place in a final.

In Niamatalli’s game, the first set was evenly contested with the more composed Niamatalli prevailing 7-5 as he moved Barckoy around and capitalised on unforced errors. Barckoy then bounced back as he started to reel off some winners and took the second 6-2. In the super tiebreak, Niamatalli’s better game plan saw him easily

winning 10-3 to book himself a place in the finals.

Lowden/Humphrey had to battle hard to overcome Leacock/Ramrattan as the pairs were evenly matched.

The first set saw Lowden coming out on a mission and with his team mate romped to a 6-1 first set win. Leacock/ Ramrattan then regrouped and seized their chance in the second as they played some good tennis to secure a break and capture the set 6-3. In the third set, tempers flared as the teams battled passionately for a place in the finals and after a back and forth set Lowden/ Humphrey prevailed 6-4.

In the other match top seeds in the Men’s Doubles Jason Andrews and Jeremy Miller played excellent tennis to turn back the challenge of Nicholas Fenty/Andre

Erskine in surprisingly easy fashion 6-1 6-1 .Miller and Fenty traded service bombs but in the end it was the more experienced team which took home the win and a place into the finals.

Matches continued last evening.

In results: Boys 18 Final Gavin Lewis defeated Seanden David Longe 6-3 6-2 Mixed Doubles SemiFinal Carol Humphrey/ Godfrey Lowden defeated Aruna Ramrattan/Leyland Leacock 6-1 3-6 6-4 Men’s 35 Singles SemiFinal Mario Niamatali defeated Gilbert Barckoy 7-5 2-6 10-3 Men’s Doubles SemiFinal Jeremy Miller/Jason Andrews defeated Nicholas Fenty/Andre Erskine 6-1 6-1.

win validates our potential to be champions... we want to be champions at the stadium and we really want to be champions of the world and this is just one step in the journey we’re are taking,” she added.

In the final game on Saturday evening, Jhaneile Fowler shot 40 goals from 44 attempts, while Anna Kay Griffiths landed 20 from 25 to lead the Jamaicans to a 60-40 victory over hosts Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday evening at the Jean Pierre Complex.

Entering the final day of competition with a seven-game winning streak, the Sunshine Girls outplayed T&T in every quarter to come away with a 6040 win at the Jean Pierre Complex

after leading 12-8, 26-18, and 4129.

Sunshine Girls captain, Nadine Bryan, was pleased with the team’s unified showing: “We really worked together as a team.

It was very encouraging that’s why we were successful.”

The series helps the team in their preparation for an away series against England’s roses in September.

“That was our aim. The coach (Oberon Pitterson-Nattie) really pushed us. Every game we played doesn’t matter who we were playing. She was really pushing us to see how hard we can go because we know we have England coming up and it’s not going to be easy so we couldn’t take anybody lightly.

We had to go real hard for every

game.” Pitterson-Nattie was more reserved though pleased with the showing which showed improvements over the last home series against South Africa.

“I thought we did better in the marking. It was executed better. We still have to work on our court game. We need to be consistent especially when we go up against England next month,” she stated.

“Still we’re wary of the work

ahead but it’s a boost for them to come back refresh and really know what the work is ahead for us,” she added.

The Jamaicans finished the tournament on 16 points, with Barbados claiming second with 14 points from a 7-1 record, and T&T third with 12 from a 6-2 record. Barbados also closed out their campaign on a victorious note when they easily brushed aside St Lucia 54-28.

After practicing karate for over forty years, Sensei Darryl Williams recently passed his exams for his seventh degree black belt (Sichidan). His grade was issued by the All Japan Seishinkai Karate Federation (AJSKF) and the International Seishinryu Karate Federation (ISKF). The President and Chief Instructor is Soke Katsumi Okubo, 9th Dan. His rank will be officially recorded in the Black Belt records of the World United Karate Organization (WUKO) and the National Black Belt Registrar. This information will also be sent to the

Ministry of Sport in Trinidad so they can update their records.

This promotion makes him the highest ranking ShitoRyu stylist in the regions. He is the current Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Karate Federation (TTKF) and serves as WUKO Referee Coordinator and Vice President. He is also the head of the United States Sport Specialty Association (USSSA) Karate Referee Programme. He also serves as special adviser to karate federations in Nepal, India, USA, Canada, Guyana, Grenada, Bahamas and St. Lucia.

From page 23 persons had registered for the programme and according to Mr. Yadram, several facilitators will lecture the students on topics like the HIV virus and its negative effects. Participants will also be briefed on preventative measures and wholesome sexual conduct.

Additionally, students will be taught the intricacies of the sport, road safety, food and nutrition and etiquette among

others. Activities will take the form of indoor and outdoor activities and organizers have planned a cricket match, dividing the players into two teams, on the final day.

Several other facilitators will support the aforementioned duo including officials within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Gervy C. Harry, who will lecture on the benefits of a solid food and nutrition programme.

Gavin Lewis

Victorious Sunshine Girls return with AFNA trophy

Kriskal Persaud leads the table as Red Cherry Ladder tournament resumes Former national chess champion Kriskal Persaud played unbeaten but suffered a slight setback after his game against National Champion, Taffin Khan, ended in a draw when the Red Cherry Ladder tournament got underway at the Kei-Shar’s Sports Club, Hadfield Street Georgetown, Sunday afternoon last.

Anthony Drayton and Saeed Ali occupy the second and third places respectively,

while Khan closed off the inaugural day in the fourth place. He suffered an upset loss to junior player Saeed Ali. The competition resumes this Thursday with another six rounds.

The Ladder Tournament is a new format that allows players to compete to stay at the top of the ladder while winning lucrative monetary prizes. It is fast paced and

players are allotted a specified amount of time to score wins and remain on the chess ladder.

The finals are scheduled for Saturday August 11 when the top four players will be identified at the end of 36 matches to compete in a playoff for $50,000 and other prizes.

The tournament is still open to new participants wishing to join the action.

From page 22 on track in putting in 100 per cent every stroke and believing that they could do this.

Young Roper started her rowing career at Kent School in Connecticut, winning every award and championship in New England. She then moved on

to University of Virginia, winning the coveted NCAA championships in 2010.

Roper has had a highly decorated career as in 2008 she was on the Canadian J u n i o r N a t i o n a l Te a m winning gold at the Canamex Games.

For the past three years she has represented Canada

in their U23 team, first winning bronze then gold in a World Record Time in the W8+ (women’s 8). This year she competed for the first time in the BW4- (women’s 4 without cox) and won gold for her third medal in three years.

Her plans are to return to Ontario to begin her Olympic quest.

Jamaican repeats gold at World...

Williams promoted to 7th Degree Black Belt

Ministry of Sports...

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Digicel Horse Race Classic

Kaieteur News

Who So Ever wins again

Ms Uasmin Shariff collects the winning trophy in the three year old open event for Settle in Seattle victory Who so ever owned by Dennis DeRoop of the Simple Royal Stable Corentyne, Berbice is turning out to be the horse to beat in the horseracing circle. The horse sourced from America and ridden by Raj Drepaul turned in a stunning performance to win the feature ‘B’ class race over 1700M and in the process carted off the top prize of $2M and a trophy at the Digicel

Horserace Classic which was held on Sunday at the Norman Singh Memorial Turf, West Coast, Berbice.

Before a massive crowd, much bigger than when the Company held its inaugural Meet last year, the feature saw 11 horses take to the starting gate and as the gates flew Who So Ever was placed to the front by Drepaul along with three other horses as

they passed the Main Pavilion, but as they came out of the first turn, Awesome Warrior and later Jet Set Go fell injuring both jockeys Rupert Ramnauth and Daniel Flores respectively.

As they entered the back straights, Who So Ever lurked menacingly at the front of the pack with Face the Fire, Perfect Circle, The Message and Grande De Roja, all in

- Georgetown and Rupununi battle @ GFC today The Rupununi girls over the weekend came out victorious, climbing to the top of the points standing after winning both of their games in Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Female Inter Association (FIA) championship.

On Friday last at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground they defeated West Demerara by 6 goals to 1. Kelisa Leonard hit in a double for the Region 9 girls in the 16th and 51st minutes.

Leonard’s was soon accompanied by her team mate Sonia Griffith who also slammed in a double in the 53rd and 78th minutes. The account was opened by Samantha Daniel in the fourth minute; Marissa van Long was the second to score in the 10th minute.

The game was played at a fast pace with the youthful West Demerara team carrying the fight to the more established Rupununi team, which fielded two Senior National and three Junior National players in their lineup.

This is the first time the girls from the West side participated in such a competition. The eldest player on the team was only being 16 years; they also

Page 21

Ursuline Primus fielded one Junior National in their lineup. However, the Rupununi girls used their experience to the fullest and thwarted the ambition of their opponents. Some of the Region 9 girls also play football in Guyana’s neighbouring country, Brazil.

Diminutive forward player, Abiola Heywood was the lone scorer for West Demerara in the 35th minute.

The League which continued last Sunday at the GFC ground saw two teams clashing, Bartica and Rupununi, both with the chance of winning the tournament. The game however, turned out onesided with the former going

down by 7 goals to 1.

With the score at 1 nil at half time in favour of Rupununi, the spectators present anticipated fireworks in the second half but the girls from the gold mining town lost their steam and conceded 6 goals in the process.

Rupununi carried out a relentless attack and could have scored another 7 goals in the process but poor finishing prevented the score line from increasing.

Marissa van Long slammed in a hat-trick in the 36th, 54th and 56th minutes, National U-20 and U-16 Lady Jags Ursuline Primus scored twice in the 66th & 86th minutes, while Senior National player Sonia Griffith scored in the 72nd minute.

National U-16 Captain for the Baby Lady Jags, Dian Mandokin scored in the 78th minute to seal the deal.

The Final game will be played on today 2012 at the GFC ground at 17:00 hrs.

Defending champions Georgetown and Rupununi will clash. Georgetown needs to win and all Rupununi needs is a draw.

Trophies and Cash incentives will be at stake and a tense, keen and excited game is anticipated. Admission is free.

It all joy and happiness as connections of the DeRoop family receives the winning trophy and $3M for Who so Ever victory in the feature B class event. contention.

With the pace increasingly with every stride, The Message dropped out of the leading group and they turned for home, Drepaul placed Who So Ever on the far rail and quickened inside the final furlong to win handily from the fast finishing Face the Fire, who held on to place second from Perfect Circle and Grande DeRoja in that order.

Settle in Seattle of the Shariff stable and ridden by Jamaican Brian Blake romped home with the $1M and trophy for a gate to pole victory in the three year old Guyana and West Indian bred 1700M event. Occupying the other positions were Rock Sonna, Serenity and Rosetta.

Majestic of the Shariff racing stable with Blake again in control chalked up another victory with a convincing gate to pole win in the E class 1200M gallop. It took the $700,000 top prize from Appealing Harvest, Got to Go and the Girl Them Sugar.

The two year old 1000M event for Guyana and West Indies bred horses saw Gold

Rush of the Jagmohan Stables with Ramnauth on the Mount racing away with the $600,000 winner’s money and trophy ahead of Flying Baby, True Gold and the Wild grinder.

Bridal Stone Corner of The Marcel Crawford stable with Winston Appadhu on the hunch was all alone as it cross the finishing line ahead of Peace and Love, Weekend Surprise and Prado’s Gold to win the $500,000 take and trophy in the G and lover 1200M event.

The event for two year old Guyana and West Indies bred horses was won by She so special of the Jumbo Jet Stable from Party time, Silent Night and Easy Win. However it was not certain if the $400,000 winner’s money was handed over as it was not confirmed if the animals were given the all clear to run.

There was some controversy in the I class 1200M event for the $250,000 winner’s money and trophy as Mona Lisa of the Crawford stable with Blake and Little Tip top of the Singh stable with R Drepaul came home for a close finish. The judges

after some deliberation awarded a dead heat with Savion and Quincy rounding out the placing.

Hard Runnings of the Bacchus stable with Navin ran hard to win the JK&L race and take home the $200,000 money in the 1200M event.

The top stables were Crawford and Sharif with two wins each with Senior Council Marcel Crawford the top trainer. Jockey Blake, with three wins, rode away with the champion jockey honours. The top individual performers received accolades compliments of the Organisers, sponsors and the Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.

Over 90 horses took part in the $11.5M meet.

Meanwhile, the inclement weather left the track in a soft state and despite the best efforts of the organizers parts of the track created difficulty for the horses thereby causing a few spills and injuries.

A number of owners criticized the state of the track and cautioned organisers to look into the safety of horses and jockeys in the future.

NSC to hold cycle race programme Saturday in the National Park National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohamed MS has organized a cycle programme on Saturday, July 28 at the National Park Circuit commencing at 09:00hrs.

The event is sponsored by the National Sports

Commission for the Teach Them Young Cyclists who are presently participating in the 36th year of the Teach Them Young Coaching Programme.

The event is also open to other category riders.

The coaching programme

commenced from July 09 and will continue until September 01.

Director of Sport, Mr. Neil Kumar JP, MP will distribute the prizes to the winning participants.

THE EVENTS SCHEDULEDARE FOR: 12 to 14 yrs Male & Female 3 Laps Veteran U-50 yrs 5 Laps Veteran O-50 yrs 5 Laps Veteran O-60 yrs 5 Laps Juveniles 10 Laps BMX Boys 6 to 9 yrs 2 Laps BMX Boys 9 to 12 yrs 3 Laps BMX Boys 12 to 14 yrs 3 Laps BMX Boys Open 3 Laps School Boys & Invitation 35 Laps

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 24, 2012

TradeWind Tankers ‘True Champions’ Volleyball Tournament

GTC 1 takes centre stage in Young Achievers absence In the absence of pre tournament favorite and defending champions Young Achievers, Guysuco Training Center 1 (GTC 1) took full advantage and amassed the maximum 90 points in the first leg of the second stage of the TradeWind Tankers (TWT) True Champions Tournament which was played on Saturday, at the GTM Hardcourt in Berbice.

Unable to complete their journey to the ancient county because of a vehicular accident en route to the competition, Young Achievers are now in a peculiar situation, having not been able to secure any points from the first leg.

This setback could prove vital because all the points acquired from the two legs will be combined and the top four finishers secure spots in the semi-finals.

Also, playing without dominant middle attacker Corwyn Richards and captain Jamal Duncan considerably weakened host Castrol Strikers, leaving them in the cellar position with a mere 64 points after failing to secure a win from their three games

played.

GTC 1 holds pole position after securing three wins in as many games, taking their tally to 90 points, Rollers, having lost their only game to GTC 1 at a margin of 28 - 30 holds second position with 88 points and the third spot is held by Port Mourant Jaguars, who despite their excellent team work only managed to pull off one victory against Castrol in the first game of the day by a 30 27 margin. They finished the day on 82 points.

The day’s results are as follows -PMJ won from Castrol Strikers 30-27; GTC/ PM whipped Castrol Strikers 30-19; Rollers squeezing past PMJ 30-28; GTC/PM getting the better of PMJ 30-24; Rollers then swamp Castrol 30-18; GTC/PM edge Rollers 30-28.

The points standing for the 22 s and 42 s are as follows: In the 22 s: Castrol Strikers – 99 points, Young Achievers and TC 1 – tied on 98 points, Rollers – 81 points, Port Mourant Jaguars – 79 points and Lusignan – 62 points.

In the 42 s: Young Achievers – 92 points, TC 1 – 81 points, Rollers – 79 points, Port Mourant Jaguars – 78 points, Castrol Strikers and Lusignan – tied on 63 points.

Meanwhile, according to a release, the organisers will meet this week to determine if they could make any adjustments to facilitate Young Achievers and give them a chance to re-enter the competition for the next leg which is scheduled to be played next Saturday, July 28, at Guysuco Training School in Port Mourant, Berbice.

The organisers also want to take the opportunity to invite all volleyball fans in the Berbice area to come out and witness the best 2’s and 4’s teams in action and starting time is from 09:00 hrs.

They are also recognising the sterling contribution of the sponsor, Trade Wind Tankers who is the shipping line for local oil dealers GuyOil who carries the Castrol brand.

The competition is being run with the endorsement of the Demerara Volleyball Association and the Guyana Volleyball Federation.

JAMAICAN Christine Roper was a part of the history making Canadian Under-23 Women’s Rowing team which won their second straight gold medal in the Women’s Eight at the World Rowing Under-23 Championships in Lithuania recently.

Roper is now being highly

touted as a future star and figures to be one of Canada’s top medal prospects going into the 2016 Olympics.

The Canadian team won in a creditable time, repeating their 2011 performance with a strong performance that proved unstoppable.

Christine is the daughter of Brian Roper, General

Manager of Sandals Grande Riviera, and he was beaming with pride after her historic repeat win.

“It’s a fantastic achievement,” Roper noted in an interview last week.

“Christine has trained really hard and dedicated herself to the sport and she is now reaping the fruits of her labour.

“Even while on holiday in Jamaica she always puts in time in the gym and remains a dedicated and fearless competitor,” Roper noted.

According to the Canadian coach Michelle Darvill: “The team got off to a very strong start, with the New Zealand crew, who managed to hold on for almost halfway. The Canadians decisively moved away from them and the rest of the field at the 1,000m and never looked back.”

Coach Darvill noted that “Christine has proven to be a great racer. She is one of the most highly decorated U23 athletes (two gold and a bronze) and will certainly be a key player in the senior team going towards the 2016 Olympics.” Her focus and determination kept everyone Continued on page 20

Jamaican repeats gold at World Under-23 Rowing Champs

Christine Roper

Reuters – Dale Steyn claimed five for 56 to help bowl South Africa to a comprehensive innings and 12-run victory over England before tea on the fifth day of the first cricket test at The Oval on Monday.

South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, fuelling their hopes of winning the series and leapfrogging England as the number one team in the world rankings.

Steyn wrapped up England’s second innings with a fiery burst with the second new ball of three for eight in his four-over spell as England were bowled out for

240, replying to the Proteas’ only innings of 637 for two declared.

In bright, sunny conditions, Ian Bell tried to salvage a draw with his painstaking innings of 55 in 220 balls, his slowest test 50, but, like his team mates, he could not stay in.

It was a crushing win for South Africa, especially after England closed day one on 267 for three but then failed to capitalise.

Hashim Amla plundered a national record 311 not out in more than 13 hours at the crease in his team’s huge total. Jacques Kallis also

made 182 not out and skipper Graeme Smith 131 in his hundredth test.

South Africa were a little nervy having managed just the wicket of Ravi Bopara (22) in the morning session as Bell and then Matt Prior (40) dug in. Prior’s dismissal, however, started off a flurry of wickets.

Fast bowler Steyn, ranked number one in the world, had started the demolition job in the first hour of the day by removing Bopara, who deflected a bottom edge on to his stumps while trying to cut a short and wide delivery.

Despite a couple of letoffs for Bell, when AB de Villiers failed to hold on to a nick off leg-spinner Imran Tahir on 20 and a run out chance on 28, he batted courageously. Prior’s wicket halted their promising stand of 86 as England crashed from 203 for five.

Prior gave away his wicket, trying to sweep Tahir when the shot was not on.

Instead he managed a faint edge to a leg-break from around the wicket and Kallis took his 183rd test catch at slip.

Steyn then claimed the prized wicket of Bell with his second delivery with the new ball, as he edged to the reliable Kallis at second slip.

He added the scalps of Stuart Broad, caught behind after a review, and Graeme Swann.

The final wicket went down when Tahir trapped last man James Anderson lbw.

The second test is in Leeds from August 2 and the third match at Lord’s starts on August 16.

Scores: South Africa 637 for 2 dec (Amla 311*, Kallis 182*, Smith 131) beat England 385 (Cook 115, Trott 71, Prior 60, Morkel 472) and 240 (Bell 55, Steyn 5-56) by an innings and 12 runs.

Guyana Mini Cadet t e a m p l a y i n g i n t h e 7 th Caribbean Pre cadet Table Tennis Championships at Mona Campus Jamaica, secured two gold medals and a bronze on the second day of action.

Boys Under 13: Elishaba Johnson, Kyle Edghill, Rajiv Muneshwar and M i g u e l Wo n g s e c u r e d Gold by defeated Barbados by a 3-1 margin in the finals; the team had initially lost to the same Barbados team in the group matches, thus exacting sweet revenge.

Girls Under 13: Jamaali Homer, Priscilla Gravesande,

Kristie Lopes also secured Gold defeated Jamaica in the finals of the round robin playoff.

Girls Under 11: Nevaeh Clarkson, Selena Jackman, Abigail Martin and Simran Bissu took the Bronze medal This age category formerly played at 10 years.

Under new ITTF stipulations the age has been moved to 11 years and under, all of team

Guyana are eligible for another year in this category.

The 11 years and under boys did not medal but battled hard in an immensely competitive group.

The players will now engage in the doubles, mixed doubles and singles competition.

The championships run from July 19 – 25.

Dale Steyn dismissed Graeme Swann to claim his fifth wicket

Guyana Pre cadet Team Secure 2 Gold and 1 Bronze at Caribbean C/ships

Corruption, is like a disease, it eats away the foundation of people’s faith in govt. It undermines the Stability and Security of Nations.

Tuesday July 24, 2012

Kaieteur News

25th edition Friday Night Fights When the Friday Night Fights started some three years ago, the general idea was to create a platform for young pugilists to accrue as many fights as possible so as to market themselves internationally. Many local pugilists have taken advantage of the occasion and fighters the likes of Simeon Hardy, Kwesi Jones and Elton 'Coolie Bully' Dharry among others have all distinguished themselves and are now Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) champions, set to launch into world acclaim.

Consequently, on Friday July 27 next, a fresh group will attempt to raise their respective statuses when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) presents the 25 th edition of that programme at the Cliff Anderson sports Hall (CASH).

The main bout pits the skills of Clive Atwell against Barbadian based Guyanese, Revlon Lake, in what will undoubtedly be the harshest test of the former boxer's fledgling career.

Atwell has compiled seven fights with the only blemish being a drawn decision against Mark Austin. The former fighter

Page 23

Clive Atwell admits Revlon Lake affair is a tough fight but confident of victory

was not pleased with the decision and said that he felt that he had been 'done in.'

Shortly before that bout Austin had suffered a humiliating knockout to Lake and that loss was definitive and brokered no argument. Nevertheless, Austin called for a return since he felt that the loss was because of a bit of complacency on his part.

That return match is still pending since Lake has decided that Atwell is a more formidable foe and more likely to boost his career should he (Lake) win.

Atwell is no slouch and while admitting that Lake could be dangerous, has assured that he will win this fight handsomely following his devastating second round knockout over Rudolph Fraser in the 24th edition of Guyana Fight Night.

Yesterday afternoon, Atwell was hard at work and even the uninitiated could sense the purpose and commitment as coach, Lennox Daniels pushed him to the hilt.

The veteran coach is confident that his charge will come out victorious but is leaving nothing to chance.

Atwell was made to endure several arduous rounds, first

shadow boxing and then a special kind of shadow boxing where his reflexes were stringently tested. He was also asked to skip for a lengthy period before closing off with calisthenics.

That he came out with flying colours speaks volumes of his dexterity and commitment.

“I am not one to predict knockouts,” said Atwell in answer to a query from this writer. “But when the smoke is cleared you can rest assured that I will be the victor.” The Dominica based pugilist said that he is satisfied with the type of work he has done and will be applying the old idiom, 'Train hard, fight easy.'

Lake is still to arrive from his Barbados base but many will remember his epic encounters against Miguel Antoine and his devastating knockout victory over Austin.

Should he enter the ring with even an iota of the condition he is known to possess then Atwell may find that crossing this obstacle will require far more that just ambition.

In other fights of the night, Richard Williamson will match gloves with Dilan Allicock in a fight of the

Dilan Allicock

debutants. This will be a 4 rounds bantamweight e n c o u n t e r. A n o t h e r debutant, Kishan Simon of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG) will square off with Patrick Boston in a 4 rounds catchweight affair while the night's proceedings get underway with Gladwin Dorway, who commenced his professional career with a 2nd round knockout victory over David Thomas, matches gloves with Anson Green in a 4 rounds jnr/welterweight contest. Green had

surrendered an earlier decision to Thomas and is on the redemption trail and out to prove that his debut loss was merely a case of inexperience.

Of all the preliminaries, fans could expect a slugfest between Williamson and Allicock. Both fighters have had a commendable amateur career and despite the hope that they would have clashed then, had somehow averted a showdown.

This is an unavoidable collision and one is left at a loss to pick a winner since

Clive Atwell

both boxers are talented and determined.

ProAm boxing is a Guyana Boxing Board of Control initiative in collaboration with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the National Communication Network.

Initially the fights were shown live but are now taped for a delayed broadcast. The admission price still remains at $1000 and $500 for adults and children respectively.

Bell time is 20:00hrs.

Ministry of Sports, NSC organizes five day cricket academy in Enterprise He also stressed the importance of hygiene.

The Director of Sports said that he was heartened by the number of females that were attracted to the programme

The participants listen carefully as Mr. Kumar instills the virtues of reading School's out and the August holidays are once again upon us. Many parents opt to take their children to Vacation Bible School or in some cases, arrange extracurricular lessons to productively utilize the long period away from school.

Indeed, the tradition continues when residents of Enterprise on the East Coast Demerara commenced a five day cricket academy at their Community Centre Ground,

under the auspices of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCY&S), yesterday morning.

Activities got underway at just around 10:0-0hrs and will conclude on Friday 27 next. At the opening ceremony, Director of Youth and Sports, Neil Kumar joined two of the facilitators, Latchman Yadram and Daniel Richmond to deliver

brief remarks and declare the function open. He stressed the importance of discipline and urged the participants to stick within such parameters.

Mr. Kumar also pointed out the benefits of reading and urged the students to dedicate at least half hour each day poring through books. “Reading broadens one's perspectives and facilitates development of the mind,” said Mr. Kumar.

and made an on the spot commitment to donate several pieces of cricket gear specifically for the females.

Meanwhile, facilitator, Latchman Yadram intimated

that the programme was organized with the holistic development of the participants in mind. Up to yesterday morning 56 Continued on page 20

t r o Sp

Fung-A-Fat, Joseph deliver for Guyana Mary Fung-A-Fat Mary Fung-A-Fat and Nyron Joseph emerged atop of their categories at the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Caribbean Championships Sunday night at the Liguanea Club Kingston Jamaica.

Fung-A-Fat captured the Girls Under19 title by defeating compatriot Ashley DeGroot in the all-Guyanese Girls Under19 Final. FungA-Fat raced to a commanding three-game

win to secure her fourth Junior CASA title, while denying DeGroot the opportunity to gain her maiden title.

All this season, Fung-AFat has been in impeccable form and followed up her victory in the U19 category at the Woodpecker National Junior Championships with a runner up finish to Nicolette Fernandes in the 2012 Digicel National Senior Championships.

Fung-A-Fat was seeded number one at Junior CASA this year and played the entire tournament without losing a single game in the three best of five format.

Fifteen-year-old local squash maestro Nyron

Joseph produced yet another magnificent come from behind victory in the Boys U17 final to stun Bermuda's d'Vario Thompson and capture U17 title.

Joseph lost the first two games, but never once showed any sign of surrender even when defeat had appeared virtually certain.

The national U17 champion showed off his crafty skills with a few between the legs returns and displayed his awesome athleticism and determination by getting vertical in a few dives to retrieve the ball.

Joseph's performance in the final was even more

inspiring than his come from behind win the previous night in the semi-final a g a i n s t Tr i n i d a d a n d Tobago's Nku Patrick and he got the ultimate reward; his second consecutive Caribbean junior squash title.

But it was a bitter sweet feeling for the Guyanese delegation as the other two finalists Victoria Arjoon and Larissa Wiltshire had to settle for the runner up position for the second straight year.

After being beaten by her sister in last year's Under15 final, Larissa Wiltshire fell yet again to two-time Junior CASA champion Alyssa Mullings of Jamaica.

Playing in front of her home crowd, Mullings, with the significant height advance, overcame Larissa Wiltshire in straight sets.

Arjoon was runner once again in the girls U17 category after facing defeat (11/8, 11/5, 11/2) from arch rival Charlotte Knaggs of Trinidad and Tobago for the second year. Arjoon had won four straight Junior CASA titles before she lost to Knaggs in last year's tournament.

Akeila Wiltshire defeated Mary Mahfood to claim third place in the Girls U 1 7 c a t e g o r y, w h i l e Benjamin Mekdeci beat teammate Patrick Fraser for third in the Boys U15

Nyron Joseph category. Jason Ray Khalil also defeated Ashante Smith for third place in the Boys U19 category, while Jean Claude Jeffrey also finished third after defeating Nku Patrick.

Taylor Fernandes placed fourth in the Girls U15 category, while Rebecca Low also took fourth in the girls U13 category and Gabrielle Fraser placed fifth in the Girls Under17 category.

Digicel Horse Race Classic

Who So Ever wins again Pg. 21

Who So Ever (fourth right) and ridden by Raj Drepaul is seen right in contention as the field approaches the Main Pavilion in the feature 'B' Class event on Sunday during the Digicel Race Meet Classic.

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