Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 01, 2012

Friday June 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Disbandment of NDCs will impede development - Region Four Chairman The recent disbandment of several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the installation of Interim Management Committees (IMCs) by Government will impede development at the community level.

This is according to Region Four Chairman, Clement Corlette, during an interview with this publication yesterday. He explained that the IMCs would be dependent on Government for directions to execute projects while neglecting what persons want at the community level.

Corlette noted that he is not worried with recent actions of Minister of Local Government, Ganga Persaud - of “barging into NDC buildings and ousting exiting Councils”. But he is gauging their movements, particularly in his Region.

Of the 15 NDCs in Region Four, two Councils have been disbanded. The Better Hope NDC was disbanded late last year and is currently not functioning properly.

Early this year, the troubled Grove- Diamond NDC was

disbanded and an IMC installed.

Corlette emphasised that he is disappointed with the outcome of the GroveDiamond NDC since it was the best years ago. He attributed the NDCs’ failures on Government since the Local Government Ministry directed NDCs not to report to the Regional Democratic Councils.

In addition, the Regions no longer approve the estimates for the NDCs. This distance allowed the NDCs leaders to engage in corrupt practices since the Ministry is incapable of paying keen attention to all the Councils.

He is confident that the current IMCs installed by Government will not survive like others in the past. One of the main reasons is because the members of the IMCs have no obligation to the populace.

Corlette noted that Councillors of NDCs are voted in based on projections and proposals they informed residents they would do. He added that communities need tangible development that

the Minister of Education.

It is true that a teacher raised the issue of payment for the remediation classes citing the needs of families of teachers. The Minister received that as one of the reasons the programme was not as successful as it was envisioned to be and duly recorded the reason.

It is also true that during the course of the day the Minister did indeed have an inspirational talk with teachers, which had absolutely nothing to do with automatic promotion and/or remediation classes, where she praised teachers for being much more than teachers every day, discussed with teachers their almost sacred duty to mould minds and emphasised that what teachers do today will

Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project…

No financial closure, road deadline extended …as Govt. gives $833M contract for final section

Region Four Chairman, Clement Corlette could only be derived from them.

He stressed that instead of installing IMCs, Government should focus on making Local Government Elections a reality.

“Local Government Reform should be a priority in Parliament. Government had said that within one year of National Elections, Guyana will have Local Government Elections…Six months have passed and there is no move as yet,” Corlette said.

Minister Manickchand was taken out of context On Thursday, March 31, 2012, this publication carried a story with a headline “IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE SALARY, QUIT MANICKCHAND”.

The story gave the distinct impression that teachers at a consultation in Berbice said en masse that they did not want the automatic promotion policy to continue as they were not being paid for the remedial classes and that the Minister of Education had said to teachers that if they do not want to do the remedial classes for students as a result of the automatic promotion policy then they should quit the profession.

We are satisfied that the story inadvertently misrepresented the views of both the teachers as well as

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determine what Guyana looks like tomorrow. It was during this session that the Minister indicated that the ministry had no space for the handful of teachers who are comfortable with turning up to school late every day, putting their heads on a desk, not teaching and the at the end of the day saying that salary was not enough while still receiving that salary.

We apologise to the Minister and to the teachers for any confusion, hurt and/ or strained relations that our story would have unintentionally caused.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday announced that Cabinet has approved a contract for the final stretch of the Amaila Falls road.

“Public Works: For the construction of the Amaila Falls access road section seven, that’s the Kuribrong River bank to Amaila Falls approach,” he said. This contract, he confirmed, was for $832.8M. He explained that the contractor is only responsible for this section of road given that other sections have been allocated to different contractors.

Dr. Luncheon, when asked about the obvious extension of the deadline set for the completion of the entire road, said that there is now no “drop dead date”. He did seek to explain that in terms of the deadlines for the completion of the road, the financial closure with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the substantive Hydro Power Project is the “real drop dead date.”

According to Luncheon, the financing for the Hydroelectric Project for which the road is paving the way, “has not been brought to financial closure.”

He explained that as the financial closure kept being pushed back it made for time to be available for the completion of the entire stretch of road required from Linden to the Amaila Falls approach.

“So indeed we are not

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon

Sithe Global’s Senior Vice President, Development James McGowan

locked in,” said Dr. Luncheon as he explained that Sithe Global which has been contracted to undertake the Hydro Power project has not yet assigned a date for the start of its construction.”

When contacted yesterday on the issue of financial closure, James McGowan, Sithe Global’s Senior Vice President of Development informed this publication that, “We will issue a status update to the public within the next two weeks.”

McGowan’s response was prefaced with a sense of urgency for the financial closure, as had been indicated by his CEO, Bruce Wrobel.

Contrary to the utterances of Dr. Luncheon on the urgency of the matter, Wrobel had intimated that should the financial closure not be inked by June, then the project could invariably be shelved for several years given the volatility of the Chinese currency against that of the US Dollar.

The IDB is being sought after for US$175M to complete the consortium of investors in the project which has a price tag of US$840M. The Sithe Global officials, while in Guyana, had explained that the main concerns of the IDB are with the Environmental Studies (Continued on page 25)

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 01, 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

Children as chattel Today is International Children’s Day. It is also twentyone years since we ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. And we are still debating whether we should stop corporal punishment - ‘caning’ children - in our schools.

The new Minister of Education recently journeyed to Berbice to assay the sentiments of educators on the issue.

From the newspaper accounts, it seems the dominant sentiment is that Guyana should continue with ‘the rod of correction’.

One may snidely say that the Berbice educational establishment is somewhat tradition-bound, but support for corporal punishment is very widespread across the country. This was illustrated in a rather remarkable letter to the press by the Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, writing in his official capacity, but representing, we believe, a significant swath of Guyanese opinion.

The Minister begins by arguing that “Corporal punishment has been with society ever since man began to walk this Earth.” We are certain that this was so, but it does not answer the question as to whether we still imitate our cave-man ancestors.

His second argument that in our specific case, corporal punishment “goes back to the earliest days of formal education,” does not fare better. The Minister should remember that ‘the earliest days of our formal education’ goes back to the end of slavery and the pedagogical tools assumed that we are just a tad higher than the beasts of burden. Our children must obviously have been in even greater need of condign disciplinary treatment. But the Minister’s resort to this form of justification is not fortuitous: corporal punishment of children rests on similar premises as those that justified extreme measures to ‘discipline’ slaves.

In fact, slaves were considered as “children”: their faculties –especially their moral and reasoning –were not “fully developed”. As mentioned before, they were supposedly closer to animals than man. The methods for ‘civilising’ slaves therefore, had to be closer to those that worked for animals than humans. They conceded that while a 2x4 might work on a mule, a whip was better for the slave and now in a further concession, the Minister asserts that a ‘cane’ might be best for children.

We remind the Minister of the structure of the institutions - schools - into which our children were placed for their ‘education’. At the top was the “Head Master” supported by other “masters” and the children were supposed to obey the rules explicitly no matter how arbitrary those rules might have been formulated or administered.

The children were placed in classes (like the old slave ‘gangs’) where one of their own was the ‘prefect’ who would tattle to the ‘master’. It is not very surprising that we have produced a nation of ‘note takers’ who at best learn by rote. But more insidiously only know how to ‘carry news’ up the ladder and be violent towards those close to us.

Quite ominously for one writing in an official capacity, the Minister said that, “there is still a large number of people all over the world, including myself, for whom corporal punishment is an essential tenet of the Christian faith (spare the rod and spoil the child).”

While this may be so, we would like to point out that, as acknowledged by the Minister, we are discussing the enforcement of Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - a commitment undertaken by the Guyanese state.

It would be useful to fully state this commitment: “States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.”

The Minister connects ‘disciplining’ of the child with ‘respect’ towards teachers. To be positive, discipline must be internally generated and in like manner, respect must be earned not demanded. The cane will deliver neither.

The PPP and PNC-APNU have denied Guyanese the right to elect their local governments DEAR EDITOR, This nefarious masquerade by the PPP and PNC/APNU with regard to local government elections has made a mockery of democracy in this country.

The last time local government elections were held in 1994 after decades of no elections, a few things happened.

Grassroots movements challenged the two nation wreckers (PPP and PNC/APNU).

Hamilton Green’s Good and Green Guyana (GGG) shocked the PNC in Georgetown while local citizens’ groups weakened the PPP and PNC hold on power around Guyana.

This phenomenon was most marked in the Amerindian areas where Amerindians stood up to the PPP and PNC. The PPP and PNC did not like this development. They viewed it as a direct threat to their parties and colluded and conspired to strip the Guyanese people of their right to select their own local

government.

Selfpreservation by the jokers running the PPP and the PNC has damaged this country.

These two parties are afraid of new political movements, new grassroots organisations and local citizens’ groups taking control of their own neighbourhoods, districts, communities and regions. The 1994 experience frightened the PNC and PPP into blocking democracy for the people.

The denial of local government elections by the PPP and the PNC is one of the greatest conspiracies in this nation, even greater than the secret talks the PPP held with the PNC during the 1970s and 1980s to sell out their respective constituencies in order to get some power.

Why is this plot more politically criminal than the 1970s and 1980s plans?

Because this plan denies democracy to the Guyanese people and to their own PPP and PNC supporters.

This plan and the footdragging that goes with is

designed to violate the voting rights of all Guyanese and their right to pick those from their own communities to sit on their own village councils.

The PPP and PNC/APNU don’t want the people to pick their own or to form their own local grassroots political movements.

They don’t want Guyanese picking respected and qualified people from their neighbourhoods. They want to handpick arrogant incompetents like Robert Persaud or square pegs in round holes like Juan Edghill to govern us and deny us the ability to select our own leaders at a local level.

From 1994 to November 27, 2011, the PPP had undisputed power in Parliament to pass laws hastening local government elections. Yet the PPP did nothing but duck and hide from the rights of the Guyanese people.

Now, the PPP wants to take power illegally through the back door by acting like Hitler and Stalin by imposing

IMCs onto these NDCs without calling elections.

Notably, the PPP is trying to take over Amerindian NDCs because it believes Amerindians belong to the PPP and are the property of the PPP. These two political con artists (PPP and PNC/ APNU) must stop this nonsense. Local government elections strengthen democracy.

The PPP is trying to weaken democracy by hijacking neighbourhoods and putting in their own yesmen. The PNC/APNU remains silent to these atrocities because it fears calling local government elections.

These two parties continue to hang the Guyanese people out to dry while they protect their behinds. These two parties must think this nation is a pack of jokers.

I say the Guyanese people must punish them if they fail to deliver local government elections in the near future.

M. Maxwell

DEAR EDITOR I read with disbelief the lengthy outpourings of two regular contributors to the newspapers of this country, Emile Mervyn, an incessant letter writer and Ralph Seeram, a weekly columnist of the Kaieteur News, on the Brassington Brothers alleged conflict of interest issue in respect of NICIL and Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation transaction.

These two gentlemen, both of whom I believe are overseas-based, lambasted the government and in particular, the Attorney General, Mr. Anil Nandlall,

in lengthy pieces in the Kaieteur News. They both made specific references to statements made by the Attorney General which were published in Kaieteur News to the effect that there was no conflict of interest in that transaction.

I also observed in utter amazement the news of Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, the leader of the Alliance for Change and an attorney-atlaw. “Massive illegality” and “substantial conflict of interest” were his cries.

I read the same article to which these gentlemen referred and after reading their

contributions, I read the said article again. I concluded that the problem is either the inability to comprehend or plain wickedness.

The Attorney General in that article stated that NICIL sold the government-owned shares in GNCB Trust to Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company in 2002. James Brassington in 2009, that is, seven years after, bought

some shares from Hand-inHand Trust Corporation (the name was apparently changed). At the time of the sale, Winston Brassington had nothing to do with Handin-Hand Trust Corporation.

Neither he, nor any representative of NICIL, or the Government of Guyana, was a director of Hand-inHand Trust Corporation. As (Continued on page 5)

Defending the Brassington transaction

What are the rules concerning speeding?

DEAR EDITOR, It was heartening to see the welcome advice given in today’s Stabroek News (31/ 5/12) by the Senior Traffic Officer, Mr. Brian Joseph, regarding ‘proceeding on the amber light’ as reportedly raised by Mr. Colin Gill in the Stabroek News of May 24, 2012.

I am now encouraged to ask the Senior Superintendent if he would kindly do likewise regarding the issues raised in my letter earlier this week concerning the police ‘ambushing’ and charging motorists who use the new, lonely branch road

at Palmyra which connects the Berbice River Bridge with the New Amsterdam .Corentyne Highway for allegedly ‘speeding’.

As I indicated before, there are no speed limits posted on this new branch road and to the best of my knowledge, this road has not even been gazetted accordingly. Furthermore, even if a careful, circumspect, law-abiding citizen were to apply commonsensical extrapolation, which of the different speed limits of the principal road applies to this branch road?

Nowrang Persaud

Windies Cricket Crisis DEAR EDITOR, When are West Indies cricket fans going to rise up an demand a change in the management of our cricket team? We have suffered the embarrassment and humiliation of how badly the team is doing for too long.

The only thing the management has managed to do is to humiliate and to marginalise senior players, who, luckily for them, are not without appreciation for their talents elsewhere.

In turn, the pressure is placed on this young team to compete with vastly more experienced teams.

So, we have these young players on whose inexperienced shoulders the weight of a glorious past is imposed, losing confidence after each disastrous encounter.

I am fed up with the way things are and I’m encouraging my fellow cricket

lovers to speak out loudly against the current status.

I reject the WIBC and the coach’s mealy-mouthed comments at the end of each loss. No lessons are being learned. No progress is being made.

We have slipped so far down the ratings that we may soon be no better than Netherlands, Canada etc.

If managers of any other organisation had presided over such dismal results, they could not have hoped to keep their jobs for so long.

Of the last 32 Test matches we have played, we have won a measly 2!!

Whatever the problems are, these managers have proved themselves entirely incapable of solving them.

It is time for them to go.

Come on people of the West Indies let your voices be heard throughout the Caribbean!

Anna Kingswood

Friday June 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

Peeping Tom has got it wrong DEAR SIR, Over the last few weeks I have been reading PEEPING TOM with some concern as to who or what can write such drivel, but today, he took the cake in his article asking why question NICIL about Prado 2.

In this article he also suggests that the opposition is making accusations and asking NICIL to prove it wrong and suggesting that this is not how the Justice System operates.

I have to tell this PEEPING TOM that his idea of JUSTICE here is incorrect. The JUST thing is for NICIL to come clean and tell the public what it has been doing, and NOT for someone to ask questions.

This is about a PUBLIC COMPANY properly reporting to the people of Guyana what it has done with assets that the company was handed as custodian for the PEOPLE. In all other societies, questions would have been raised in parliament and the subject MP would have had to respond.

I recall seeing in Trinidad the opposition asking how much money was spent on the

Prime Minister’s trip to India and the Minister having to respond with details. That was in fact nothing compared with what we have here.

In Guyana, NICIL has disposed of assets of the people of Guyana but has NOT informed them as to how those assets were disposed of, what were the proceeds of the sale and where those proceeds are now located.

These include the Sanata Complex, lands sold to developers and the lands sold for the development of PRADO 2.

These are all legitimate questions and I am amazed that they have not yet been asked in parliament and instead, we are awaiting this enquiry into NICIL. Justice delayed is justice denied and this is apparently what is happening here. Without doubt, NICIL has sold lots of assets and should account for tons of money.

Is it $50 billion or $10 billion, no one except the head of NICIL and the Government big shots seems to know. This must stop NOW. JS Smith

Shameless Juan Edghill

DEAR EDITOR To say that “getting the ERC properly constituted is not left to dialogue or tripartite talks among the political parties, since the ERC is a constitutional body” exposes the semi-illiterate character of this “angel” of god.

I was very fortunate to hear Edghill, shouting on the PPP campaign bandwagon on the Essequibo Coast in the run up to the 28 November, 2011 Elections, making his bid to become a Minister. He dropped short of fulfilling his ambition.

Ramotar gave him a junior post, with the expectation that, as a holy man, he may “guard” the public purse preventing further loss of cash from the public purse.

Could you trust a cat to “watch milk”?

The ERC is a creature of the PPP - created by the Jagdeo regime to pacify the

International aid donors and funding institutions - IMF and World Bank – leading them to believe that they (PPP) are fostering racial harmony and racial cohesiveness.

The truth is that the party has created more disharmony in the country than racial unity, which our country needs.

The ERC must be recreated under new terms and conditions and operate with an entirely new Board of Directors that reflects the democratic composition and not of party political hacks.

It must constitute the widest possible section of our society - with very strict Codes of Practice and mechanisms to allow citizens to complain to a SPECIAL Committee that can bring redress to the complainant/s.

It must have such legal and statutory powers to bring charges against racist

Defending the...

From page 4 I understand it, in that context, the Attorney General concluded, and in my view correctly, that there is no conflict of interest.

Messers Mervyn, Seeram and Ramjattan all failed, either deliberately or out of ignorance, to mention that seven years had elapsed between the sale by NICIL to Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation and the sale by Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation to James Brassington.

Where is the “conflict of interest in this situation?”

The term “conflict of interest” requires no expansive definition. It means what it says. Firstly, there must be a commonality of interest, and then there must be a conflict of those common interests.

Only then can a conflict arise.

None of the three wise

men explained or can explain the common interest in the first place and consequently the conflict. That is, because none existed.

Perhaps, we have to impose some measures to ensure that persons who reside either comfortably or uncomfortably outside of Guyana do not contaminate our media with their overwhelming foolishness.

Let them keep it for their newfound homeland and the media there.

As for Mr. Ramjattan, the Guyanese public, I believe, has become accustomed to his constant decline. His utterances depreciate intellectually and in substance with every passing day. The Government and the Attorney General would be best advised to ignore unadulterated absurdities and get on with the nation’s business.

Balram Heeralall

employers and officials of government. There must be severe penalties and fines. No new funding should be released until all the screws are tightened.

There must be a full consultation with ordinary people and those who were afflicted by the ramshackle Juan Edghill outfit before any funding is contemplated.

The ERC must also be a genuine advisory and campaigning structure that has the powers to prosecute anyone or any institutions that racially and sexually discriminate against anyone in their employ.

The ERC must be a Body that has the authority to present documents and papers to the National Assembly on a periodic basis to eradicate race politics and any form of inequality.

A system must be set up to make it compulsory for all employers - government and private sector - to employ people proportional to the racial make up of Guyana.

There must be tangible evidence to prove that every effort is made to engage in fair and non-discriminatory system of employment and recruitment in every area of life in Guyana and overseas.

That is the only way we can ensure that equality and equality of opportunity is implemented and sustained.

JINNAH RAHMAN

COSTLY MISTAKES

MR EDITOR. Let us marvel for a while at expensive mistakes and try to see the comical side.

I read your news item about the problem with the two Chinese-made vessels meant to ply the Essequibo route between Parika and Supenaam.

The vessel pictured looks more like a mini ocean cruiser than a ferry boat, and perhaps it should come as no surprise that the stellings have to be modified to be fit for purpose, and this may take a few months more.

This reminded me of the fiasco in the 1950s with the present Post Office building, which, at the time, caused exasperation, disappointment and embarrassment in some quarters, sniggers in others.

The building was constructed to house the new (automatic) telephone exchange, and employees were looking forward with excitement to the move from the McInroy Building in

Stabroek, near to the fire station.

It was then discovered that the ceiling of the new building at the corner of Robb and Savage Streets (which may be regarded as the corner with the most ‘vicious’ name in Georgetown) was too low to accommodate the new equipment and therefore the telephone exchange could not be housed there.

The building was then allocated to the Post Office for general use.

One wonders how many of the people who now work in that building are aware of its history. Some years later, I witnessed something along the same lines.

A class of day students at the technical institute, under the supervision of an American woodworking instructor on temporary assignment in Guyana, completed a beautiful conference table and could not get it through the door of the room it was meant for.

The table was turned “every which way but loose”, yet no joy - the instructor had apparently overlooked the width of the door!

The highly polished table ended up in a classroom. The antics in trying to get the table through the door caused the entire institute to cheer and laugh out loud. Funny, how these incidents all have an oversea link.

Incidentally, I saw a strange expression in a recent letter complaining about the unsatisfactory conditions at a public hospital. Among the gripes was one which said that the patient “was placed on a bed while the sun was caressing him brutally”.

Can anything be caressed brutally? The dictionary defines ‘caress’ as “to touch gently and affectionately”. I remember a colleague once describing the rape of a young girl as being “wooed violently”. How flexible the English language.

Geralda Dennison

Don’t pick on Major General Joseph Singh DEAR EDITOR, I listened with dismay the unwarranted attack on Major General (rtd) Joseph Singh by the Guyana Public Service Union and wish to suggest to the union leadership that the time has come for them to carefully select their battle given the state of the public service and the limited resources of the union.

I am of the view that this recent preoccupation with Major General Singh is counterproductive and a waste of resources.

I had cause, on numerous occasions, both socially and professionally, to meet with Major General Joseph Singh and on every occasion I found him to be a true patriot and one of the most professional beings I have ever met and worked with.

What also amazes me about this gentleman is that every person, be it the officers that came under his command at the Guyana Defence Force, staff at Conservation International or GT&T, even people from

across the political divide, they all share similar sentiments.

Therefore I will suggest to the leadership of the union to stop nitpicking and find substantial Industrial relations issues. I am sure

without fear of successful contradiction that they will find Major General Singh a valuable partner. It is time for our leaders to become the change they want to see.

Bevon Currie Former Public Servant

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CJIA expansion…

Kaieteur News

Friday June 01, 2012

Removal notices were issued to residents, farmers several times - Robeson Benn

By Leonard Gildarie Moves to relocate several persons in the vicinity of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, to make way for the facility’s expansion project, are meeting resistance, but government is insisting that this contentious atmosphere should not have existed, as it has been issuing notices for some time now While a group representing farmers is claiming over 3,000 persons will be affected, CJIA officials have denied this, claiming the figure is way below that. A number of bars, shops, homes and farms will be removed, along with scores of homes in the buffer zone, in order to facilitate the smooth construction of the new airport.

Airport officials said that there are about 25 shops next to the present terminal building. The airport corporation owns most of the land north of that, where there are approximately 300 houses with about 900 occupants. All of the shops and houses are said to be on land belonging to CJIA. Earlier this month, CJIA issued a 30-day notice for removal of persons living and operating in immediate proximity.

Government is planning to spend upwards of US$150M to build a state-ofthe-art airport complete with a longer runway, bigger terminal building and modern amenities.

Yesterday, Transport Minister Robeson Benn said

Transport Minister Robeson Benn notices were issued even as far back as when he had become the subject minister in the previous administration.

“For me, ever since I became a Minister, we have held a number of meetings with people who somehow became stakeholders in the airport operations and who have employment related to the airport,” Benn said in response to questions.

“As to there being illegal occupiers, trespassers and squatters, we have also pointed out that the runway has to be extended and a new airport terminal has to be built. There is an overriding safety risk associated with a large international airport. We have always given notice.

“We want to remove any perceptions of politicking safety issues relating to the development of our airport which is a key link for our trade and investment and to

Notices for farmers and residents to remove from near the CJIA to make way for expansions are meeting resistance. our Diaspora. I get the suggestions when I hear people speaking, that we should remove the airport somewhere else.”

According to the Timehri (North) Community Development Council, a vocal group which says it is representing affected persons and businesses, the move will affect over 3,000 men, women and children

along with their buildings.

The group in a statement Wednesday said that the CJIA move will be destroying hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cash and permanent crops belonging to the farmers on State lands that were left unattended, unmanned and unregulated from since the days of the colonial British.

It was stated that “a grave

injustice of insurmountable proportion is being contemplated, and is about to be committed by the Government of Guyana, on a section of the populace that is opposed to its practices as they relate to the working people, those who are not overwhelmingly and ethnically affiliated to the party in Government and those who it is said are the

last rung of the ladder.”

The group called on “all Guyanese, and civic-oriented organizations, political parties, members of Parliament, and the African Cultural Development Association to heed this call, and to assist an established community, of working and God-fearing residents, to resist this foul and evil endangerment of its people”.

Coverden bus crash accused on DUI charge The minibus driver whose vehicle allegedly crashed into another vehicle at Coverden, East Bank Demerara, last Monday, has been slapped with a drunk driving charge.

Inshan Williams, of Lot 41 Public Road, Coverden, East Bank Demerara, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), when he appeared before Magistrate Leslie Sobers yesterday at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

However, because of a mix-up with the case dockets,

Williams was released on selfbail. He is to return to court today.

Police have indicated that the accused will face further charges, since some of the crash victims are still hospitalised.

Police had said that a breathalyzer test on Williams revealed that his blood alcohol level was above the prescribed limit when he slammed into the back of another bus, which was transporting passengers.

According to reports, the accused was driving a

minibus on Monday, last, when he slammed into the back of a Kuru-Kuru bound minibus, which he was attempting to overtake near Coverden. Both buses ended up in a trench.

The other driver, 35-yearold Ryan Rampaul of Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke/Linden, Rampaul’s conductor and 12 passengers were injured.

Among the passengers were Vijay Persaud, 25, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara; Manfred Parks, 77; Suelan Daniels, 16; Crystel Samaroo, 21 and Cecline Mentis.

Parks, who sustained a broken right arm, was treated at the Diamond Regional

Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Kaieteur News understands that Parks and a female from Kuru Kuru are still hospitalised.

Suelan Daniels, a 16-yearold St. Joseph High student, said that she was sitting behind the conductor when another bus slammed into the back of the vehicle she was in.

She said that she “pitched out of a window” before the vehicle ended up in the trench.

Vijay Persaud also alleged that another bus had ‘braced’ the Kuru-Kuru-bound bus off the road.

Friday June 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 7

Edwards acquitted on one 11-year-old played dead count, mistrial on others to survive Syria massacre GREENSBORO, North Carolina (Reuters) - Former U.S. Senator John Edwards was acquitted on Thursday on one count of taking illegal campaign contributions and the judge declared a mistrial on five other counts because the jury was deadlocked.

The jury’s decision came on the ninth day of deliberations, and marked yet another dramatic turn of events for the one-time politician, who rose to become the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee in 2004 only to see his career ruined by scandal four years later.

As the jury’s verdict was read, Edwards, who did not testify in the nearly six-weeklong trial, slumped back in his seat in relief.

Later, standing in front of the federal courthouse in Greensboro in North Carolina, the state he represented in the U.S. Senate from 1999 to 2005,

John Edwards Edwards said he never broke the law.

“While I do not believe I did anything illegal or ever thought I was doing anything illegal, I did an awful, awful lot that was wrong and there is no one else responsible for my sins,” he said.

“I am responsible, and if I want to find the person who should be held accountable for my sins, honestly I don’t have to go any further than the mirror. It’s me. It is me and

ECB, EU officials warn euro’s survival at risk BRUSSELS (Reuters) The European Central Bank stepped up pressure yesterday for a joint guarantee for bank deposits across the euro zone, saying Europe needed new tools to fight bank runs as the bloc’s debt crisis drives investors to flee risk.

The European Commission’s top economic official, Olli Rehn, warned that the single currency area could disintegrate without stronger crisis-fighting mechanisms and tough fiscal discipline.

The twin warnings came as worries about Spain’s banks and Greece’s survival in the euro area pushed the euro to a two-year low against the dollar and hastened a rush into safe-haven assets such

as Austrian and French bonds, whose 10-year yields hit a euro-era low.

Spaniards alarmed by the dire state of their banks moved more money abroad in March faster than at any time since records began in 1990, official figures showed.

The 66.2 billion euros ($82.0 billion) net capital flight occurred before the nationalization of Spain’s fourth biggest lender, Bankia, in May due to massive losses from a burst property bubble.

Irish voters seemed set to approve in a referendum a European budget discipline treaty vital to continue receiving EU aid. But the outcome of a second Greek general election on June 17, seen as crucial for Athens’

me alone.”

Federal prosecutors did not make clear whether they would seek another trial for Edwards, who they accuse of taking funds from two wealthy donors during his 2008 presidential campaign to keep voters from learning he was cheating on his cancerstricken wife, Elizabeth, who died in 2010.

Jurors found Edwards not guilty of accepting illegal campaign contributions from one of those supports, Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, in 2008.

But they were deadlocked on a similar count of receiving illegal campaign money from Mellon in 2007; two counts of accepting illegal campaign money from friend and supporter Fred Baron; one count of conspiring to solicit illegal campaign funds; and one count of failing to report the donor payments as campaign contributions. future in the currency zone, is too close to call.

ECB President Mario Draghi urged Europe’s leaders to clarify their vision for the single currency quickly, warning the European Parliament that the central bank could not fill the policy vacuum.

EU paymaster Germany, reluctant to risk more of its own taxpayers’ money in support of euro zone partners, has so far rejected any such joint deposit guarantee.

BEIRUT (AP) — When the gunmen began to slaughter his family, 11-yearold Ali el-Sayed says he fell to the floor of his home, soaking his clothes with his brother’s blood to fool the killers into thinking he was already dead.

The Syrian boy tried to stop himself from trembling, even as the gunmen, with long beards and shaved heads, killed his parents and all four of his siblings, one by one.

The youngest to die was Ali’s brother, 6-year-old Nader. His small body bore two bullet holes — one in his head, another in his back.

“I put my brother’s blood all over me and acted like I

Ali el-Sayed was dead,” Ali told The Associated Press over Skype on Wednesday, his raspy voice steady and matter-offact, five days after the killing

spree that left him both an orphan and an only child.

Ali is one of the few survivors of a weekend massacre in Houla, a collection of poor farming villages and olive groves in Syria’s central Homs province. More than 100 people were killed, many of them women and children who were shot or stabbed in their houses.

The killings brought immediate, worldwide condemnation of President Bashar Assad, who has unleashed a violent crackdown on an uprising that began in March 2011. Activists say as many as 13,000 people have been killed since the revolt began.

All female jury to hear terrorism case against Muslim leader PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC - An all female panel has been chosen to hear the evidence in the case against Yasin Abu Bakr, who is on trial here for promoting a terrorist act following comments he made during a sermon in 2005.

The final member of the nine-member jury was chosen on Tuesday after lengthy questioning from Justice Mark Mohammed, special prosecutor Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal and Bakr’s defence attorney Wayne Sturge. But the trial is not expected to get underway

Yasin Abu Bakr

right away as six alternate jurors are yet to be selected.

Bakr is facing two counts of inciting a riot, demanding money by menace and inciting others to breach the peace. He is also charged with promoting a terrorist act,

sedition and four other offences relating to an Eid-ulFitr sermon he delivered in November 2005.

Bakr, who in 1990, led members of his Jamaat-alMuslimeen group in a failed bid to overthrow the Trinidad and Tobago government, has been diagnosed with diabetes and was unable to attend court on five occasions as a result of his ill health.

He is also expected to appear before a Commission of Inquiry probing the circumstances into the failed 1990 coup.

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 01, 2012

‘Invest, integrate, innovate to Indian Arrival Day Chaos grow’, ECLAC chief tells region SANTIAGO, Chile - CMC - The executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena, has urged Caribbean economic growth be based on investment, regional integration and

Alicia Bárcena

innovation, at a forum on Caribbean development, held in Guyana on Wednesday.

“We propose a strategy for economic growth that prioritises structural change, based on investment, integration and innovation, as well as strengthening public action for redistributing resources and promoting equality,” said Bárcena in a video message to participants in the second Caribbean Development Round Table in Georgetown.

Bárcena said considering the on-going challenges to global economy, the role of integration has become more even more urgent.

The ECLAC chief has suggested the region should consider restructuring its economy and pursue closer regional integration in the light of the weaknesses exposed by the global economic crisis.

She called for the doubling of efforts to implement regional agreements that allow Caribbean countries to benefit from each other, emphasizing that trade agreements must be leveraged not only for the benefit of markets but also to foster technology transfer, investment and capacity building.

Organised by ECLAC’s sub-regional headquarters for the Caribbean in collaboration with the Guyana’s Office of the President, the roundtable is discussing “Macroeconomic Policies for a Structural Transformation and the Social Protection of Small States”.

0The ECLAC executive secretary said the second Caribbean Development Round Table constitutes “an opportunity for helping strengthen the relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean”.

She also stressed the importance of addressing and reducing the Caribbean’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the relevance of public capacity building for redistributing resources and promoting equality by protecting the most vulnerable population.

… as highway protesters block PM

One of the protesters is lifted by police officers. Photos Rishi Ragoonath The gala 167th Indian Arrival Day celebrations in Debe descended into chaos and tears Wednesday as female highway protesters had to be bodily removed for Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar to leave the venue.

Viewing the Prime Minister’s actions as an insult and disrespect, Dr Wayne Kublalsingh, leader of the Highway Re-Route Movement, has vowed to intensify protest action.

The protesters are against the Point Fortin Highway passing through Debe to Mon Desir. For over

three hours, the women, cold and wet, sat in the heavy rainfall in front the entrance of venue—Parvati Girls’ Hindu College— chanting bhajans and praying for an audience with PersadBissessar.

She never acknowledged them. When Persad-Bissessar arrived around 12.30 pm, the women were standing on the side of the road with placards, shouting “re-route.” She drove past them. Even as Persad-Bissessar called for national dialogue with all sections of society on diversity in her address, she

did not mention the protesters.

When Persad-Bissessar was ready to leave ASP Deonarine Basdeo asked the women repeatedly to move but they refused. As the female police officers began lifting and moving them to the side the women broke down in tears. Kublalsingh was also lifted, but kept restrained.

Thinking that the Prime Minister was in her official PM 1 car, the women began hurling insults, accusing her of betraying and destroying Indian people, as PM 1 left the venue.

St Lucia tourism fears over ‘damaging’ human rights report CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC - Tourism officials have expressed concern over the likely impact on visitor arrivals of a “damaging” picture of the country’s human rights status in the latest US State Department Human Rights Report.

Director of Tourism Louis Lewis yesterday said that as with any other issue related to crime, tourism authorities are concerned about the latest US state department report which cites police killings as one of the main human rights breaches in St. Lucia. “When developments such as the release of the state

Louis Lewis department report … it diverts the board’s attention from efforts to maintain a sustainable tourism industry, Lewis said.

“It diverts us from the normal practice of promoting the destination and we have

to instead get into mitigating the fall out of these issues.

“So crime regardless of the source, continues to pose challenges for us and while it is one of those threats that we would like to see go away, we know it will always be with us, so it for us to rally the support of the country as a whole and continue to focus on promoting the destination,” Lewis said.

The 2011 human rights report said there were a dozen potentially unlawful, fatal police shootings during the year, some reportedly committed by officers in a police task force.

Friday June 01, 2012

The sugar industry should no longer continue to hemorrhage. The recent shortfall in production for the first crop now means that the original target for this year is not likely to be achieved, even if the commencement of the second crop is extended.

The usual excuse about strikes and poor weather has been offered, but it is certain that the authorities know that the problem also includes other factors, including the need for increased mechanization and the reliability of labour.

The present industrial dispute that is taking place is an indication that workers want what they are entitled to, and if the corporation cannot afford to pay the workers, then the corporation has to be held liable. The workers have provided their labour under certain assumptions and expectations and they are entitled to be paid in accordance with those factors in mind.

If the sugar company finds itself cash-strapped, it should not expect workers to take a hit. This would be unfair to the workers.

However, the workers have to also accept that their employer is not in good shape, and it may be necessary at this stage and in the interest of the future of the sugar company for them to agree to defer benefits so as to save the sugar company from total collapse. It is almost certain that while the future of sugar depends on cane cutters, it is also in the present crisis dependent on the mood of the budget cutters in parliament, who will almost certainly next year not approve as healthy a transfer as they did this year.

The workers must therefore understand that

Kaieteur News

while they have a legal entitlement to their benefits, they can lose “corn and husk� if they do not show greater understanding towards an industry that needs a rethink.

The turnaround plan is not working, because it is based on certain assumptions about the reliability of labour and the level of functioning of the new factory at Sheldon.

These assumptions have not held true. The Skeldon factory is not yet running at the capacity it was expected to, and even if it did, there would have been a problem with the supply of cane due to the poor turnout of workers.

The sugar company keeps reporting that the turnout of workers is just about fifty per cent, but it does not provide any indication as to the level of turnout that would be needed to improve production.

If a higher turnout is needed then the sugar corporation has to look towards market mechanisms to address the issue. It should in fact tender in the open market for the supply of additional labour, thereby allowing private contractors to be responsible for bringing on stream more gangs of labourers and also a more reliable workforce.

If the sugar company is unable to attract consistent attendance by cane harvesters, then what can be wrong about seeking additional labour by contracting out the labour?

There is also the possibility of bringing Brazilians to work the fields until such time as operations can be mechanized. The mechanization of sugar is going to take a very long time and is going to involve billions of dollars which the

sugar corporation does not have or can attract without government help.

And with the new dispensation in parliament, the sugar company cannot expect to continue to receive the continued bailout by the State.

There is a viewpoint that suggests that even with production under 300,000 tonnes that sugar can break even financially by moving towards higher end products such as packaged sugar, ethanol and by supplying power to the national grid.

The difficulty is that all the future of sugar revolves around the new factory at Skeldon which represents the largest investment in Guyana.

The feasibility of Skeldon is premised on moving production rapidly to 450,000 tonnes. Thus, even if the sugar company is able to move in small scale ethanol or secure larger markets for its packaged sugar as opposed to bulk exports, the sugar company is still going to be saddled with a monstrous debt burden unless it can justify the expenditure on this factory by upping production to 450,000 tonnes within three years, something that now looks remote.

In the short term, the future of the sugar corporation looks bleak. But that is only because the sugar company is restricting itself to sugar production. As a major company in Guyana, it should look to do what Bookers did in colonial Guyana and diversify into other areas including commerce, shipping and insurance.

It certainly has the storage space, the managerial skills, and with factories spread along the coast, if GuySuCo is to move into other businesses by

Page 9

establishing subsidiaries for supply goods to its many workers, it could make a huge profit which could tide the company over until it solves its problems.

Why should GuySuCo only produce sugar when Bookers did not? Why should GuySuCo not import for sale, fertilizers which are required by rice farmers? It has to purchase fertilizers for its own use, so why not get into the business of selling fertilizers in the market?

Why not become a distribution chain for other

goods and services and thereby utilize the spare capacity in other areas? Why not use its factory workshops to undertake mechanical work for the private sector?

Why should GuySuCo be yielding land to the government for housing schemes? Why not have Guysuco become a major player in the housing industry, thereby utilizing the skills of its workers in construction during out of crop? Why not allow GuysuCo to sell its lands at market rates instead of

releasing it to the government which will then give it to private developers who will end up making a jewel and a crown?

In short, what is needed is for a new corporate strategy for the sugar company, one that would see it diversifying into various areas just like Bookers did in the old days.

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 01, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Long ago, I decided in my life, I will be the only judge of who I think is worthy of admiration in my country, even if I am the lone voice that differs from the rest of the population. This is a comical, asinine society that long ago should have invented its own circus.

You pick up the papers or view the television news and your mouth is left wide open when you see who and who are accorded accolades, honours and awards. You just laugh.

What logic did UWI use to give Rickey Singh an honorary doctorate for service in journalism? Surely

Adam Harris and Bert Wilkinson are way ahead of him. The most unacceptable one for me is that Guyana’s highest national award went to a person named Compton Bourne.

Surely that had to be a joke. Hardly anyone in Guyana knows who this gentleman is. When the nation’s highest national award is offered to a citizen, that recipient has to have contributed in phenomenal ways to his/her country that his or her name becomes a household word.

I confess that for all my familiarity with what goes on in Guyana, I didn’t know who

Compton Bourne was until he surfaced as UG’s Chancellor.

I am willing to listen to the reason why the Jagdeo Government awarded him the Order of Excellence.

I am totally disappointed in two lawyers who are in their early nineties and who are long respected legal lights in the Caribbean. Dr. Fenton Ramsahoye’s reaction to losing a case in front of three judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice makes you wonder how Caribbean people look at Guyanese. And I saw Ashton Chase’s unnecessary remark across the table to the defence attorney in Justice Insanally’s

court last Wednesday as a surprise coming from someone like him. Let me stop here before I get into legal trouble.

In Judge Insanally’s court last Wednesday was no other than Juan Edghill (I will not refer to him as a Bishop based on advice I got from religious experts).

Judge Insanally agreed with my lawyers’ suggestion that Edghill ought to be present in court. He is the one that has been asking the judge to send me to prison for contempt of court, yet since July 2011 when this case was first heard, he has not appeared after eight

Turkey, Guyana to expand bilateral ties Muhsin Tuðrul Kýlýçaslan, Turkish nonresident ambassador who is based in Caracas, Venezuela, has presented his credentials to Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar.

Kýlýçaslan was born in Izmir in 1957. He graduated from Istanbul Erkek Lisesi and the Technical University of Berlin, Department of Business Administration.

Kýlýçaslan entered into the Foreign Service in 1985. He served at the Turkish embassies in Athens, Beirut, Vilnius, Bonn and Berlin.

“My government is willing to explore all existing opportunities for further development of relations between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Turkey,” Kilicaslin said.

Relations between the two countries also exist at the level of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the friendship, according

Turkish Ambassador Muhsin Tuðrul Kýlýçaslan to Ramotar, is part of a commitment between the two countries to respect human rights and the harmonious relations between states, as

enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Turkey has a powerful influence in the OIC. Ramotar is keen to enhance Guyana Middle East ties. He is very familiar with the history, culture and politics of the region. The Guyanese president spent a brief time in Yemen during his youth. Just a month after taking office in Guyana, Ramotar held a meeting with George Hallaq, Guyana’s Middle East envoy, demonstrating his seriousness in consolidating ties with the region.

Turkey and Guyana signed an economic and commercial cooperation agreement in 2005. Yet there are little commercial ties between the two countries.

According to 2010 data, Turkey’s exports to Guyana totaled approximately US$5.5 million and its imports from Guyana were around US$2.5

million. A few years ago, a Turkish company, Princess, opened a hotel in Guyana.

Turkey is planning to open two new embassies in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), according to Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu, who said, “This will strengthen our presence in the region.”

Kýlýçaslan also indicated the possibility of opening a Turkish embassy in the CARICOM region last year in Trinidad. Guyanese foreign minister, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, said, “Guyana will be happy to have Turkey establish an embassy here.”

Today Turkey is the 17th largest economy and is quickly becoming a major global power, economically and politically. Its economic ties with Latin America have tremendously increased since the Turkish Justice and Development Party (AK) took power in 2002. Trade volume between Turkey and Latin American countries, which had been $896 million in 2002, exceeded $7 billion in 2011.

The Turkish embassy in Caracas is accredited to Guyana.

hearings.

Last Wednesday he showed up and sat next to the Kaieteur News reporter.

I was seated right by the side of the reporter, so I heard when Edghill mentioned my name. I heard also when he referred to a news item in KN and intoned; “it was full of the usual inaccuracies.” Of course journalistic protocols would prevent the reporter from answering Edghill. But I intervened. I asked Edghill what about the inaccuracies of the Chronicle. No one chose to put that question to Luncheon when he was parading in front of the cameras during the NCN debate on NICIL. Luncheon went after Kaieteur News and said not a word about the gutter newspaper he controls (perhaps owns, along with the PPP) that is not only full of inaccuracies but the most foul-smelling miasma. I am going on the next debate with Luncheon.

Luncheon and the PPP have made Guyana a crazy country. So crazy it is that we forget its tragic life. Two years ago, the Ministry of Works cleared the Railway Embankment trench where I live and when the workers reached my home that was the

Frederick Kissoon end of the project. My section was left with the weeds.

Now we have a weird situation outside my home again. A year ago, I told my wife that it looks suspicious that all the street lamps on the Railway Embankment beginning from Sheriff Street right down to the rest of the East Coast are working except the lamp directly outside my home. One day my daughter just flippantly said to me; “Papa, do you know all the lights on the road are working except the one in front of our home?”

I didn’t want to upset my family but I know it is a conspiracy so I didn’t give them my opinion. I am doing so now. It is easy to prove if I am penning a lie here. Just travel on the Railway Embankment and look at all the street lamps and you will see the bulb not alight is the very one outside my home. If there is nothing to it, then how strange that the only lamp not working is the one directly outside my house. I think Shakespeare once wrote about small minds.

Dem boys seh...

Thiefing mek ERC shut down De Ethnic Relations Commission shut down. De people gone home. Dem ain’t get pay and de bishop blaming de Waterfalls paper because he ain’t get de money from de libel suit. But dem boys seh that is two people really vex.

One of dem is de man who mek de opposition bruck up de ERC and de other one is a woman who lef she husband because of de man.

Now things get tight. De man got to push he hand in he pocket fuh support she because he can’t use de ERC money no more. Is that really mek dem cut de vote because most of de money use to go to personal use. People use to tek de money and carry he women to dinner while de big lady had to stay home.

De thing that got dem boys thinking is how de people get send home. Dem ain’t get no letter. All de big lady tell dem is to go home because dem ain’t get pay. Is like if she sending dem to protest. But is de same ERC that fund when Jagdeo had he Appreciation Day. All that money coulda deh fuh pay people.

But that does happen when people siphon off money fuh dem own use. Is de ordinary people does suffer. And now that de ERC close down de big ones still getting pay.

And even if dem didn’t get pay dem did tek enough fuh last dem till dem dead.

But while de ERC people ain’t get pay dem who wukking wid Gee Nah and Hen See Hen get pay. And de ERC people vex because some of dem did join wid de two of dem to protest. But while dem don’t have money who paying fuh de fuel that de lady at ERC driving? Is ERC car.

Dem boys seh that de lady claim that if Bharrat can still drive de car from Ohh Pee she can drive de ERC car. Well she got balls like Jagdeo. That is wha dem boys seh.

Talk half and cuss de bishop.

Friday June 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Parts of dead foetus found inside President urges greater cooperation woman after two surgeries between Region’s elections bodies The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has mounted an investigation to determine how parts of a dead foetus were left inside a Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara woman after two surgeries were done on different occasions.

Chanwattie Raghubir, 34, underwent surgery at the hospital twice to remove a dead foetus, but after both procedures, it was discovered at a private hospital that parts of the foetus were still inside the woman. This is despite the fact that the doctors claimed they “have cleaned her out.”

On Tuesday, last, the mother of four was discharged from the GPHC without any medication for the second time. Her husband, Roy Raghubir, told Kaieteur News that the doctor (name given) at the hospital had assured him that everything was “ok” with his wife.

“To be on the safe side, I took my wife the same day to Balwant Singh Hospital to do another ultrasound.”

The man claimed that the ultrasound showed that “parts of the foetus were still inside her.”

The woman, who is now a patient at the hospital, underwent immediate surgery at the private institution on the same day she was discharged from GPHC. On Wednesday, when Kaieteur News visited the private hospital, the woman’s relatives were accusing the GPHC of “trying to kill poor people.”

According to the woman’s husband, the tragedy started one month ago. He explained that his wife was almost five months pregnant when a Cuban doctor stationed at the Kuru Kuru Medical Outpost diagnosed her with a urinary tract infection. The diagnosis was made when the mother of four visited the maternity clinic for a routine check.

The doctor, he claims, prescribed a dose of Azithromycin-Zithrocare to treat the infection. Raghubir reportedly drank one of the pills before retiring to bed.

When she woke up the following morning, she was bleeding and was experiencing severe abdominal pains.

We are life savers, you should be one too! Donate blood today!!

- GPHC launches probe

Chanwattie Raghubir

Roy Raghubir

The horrified woman, fearing for her life, visited the GPHC to run checks to make sure that she and her unborn child were fine. She was required to do an ultrasound.

The report revealed that the foetus had died, and an emergency surgery was required to remove it.

On May 1, last, she underwent surgery and remained a patient at the hospital’s maternity ward for five days.

The husband said that although his wife was experiencing severe pain in her abdomen and could not have walked, she was discharged.

At home, her condition made a turn for the worse after she collapsed. She was rushed to the hospital once again. Checks were made and it was discovered that a part of the foetus was still in her womb.

Mr. Raghubir claims that after he rushed his wife back to the hospital, the doctors were taking good care of her and “they were talking nice and my wife told them that she wanted a stop (a procedure to prevent her

making children) because she already has four kids, and they told us that they will do everything.”

“On Tuesday, last, they discharged her and said they already did the clean out and everything, but they didn’t give us any medication. I told the doctor that I want to do another ultrasound and the doctor said I don’t need to do that because everything was ok,” the husband claimed.

After the woman was taken to the private hospital, it was discovered that a part of the foetus was still in her.

She was admitted and underwent immediate surgery.

“That hospital (GPHC) want people sue them. They only know how to kill poor people; the doctors there don’t treat people with care.

That girl has four children who waiting on her to come home,” the woman’s mother stated.

“Right now she deh in deh and we don’t know the cost.

They just tell us around $250,000, plus she gotta stay in there some nights,” the husband stated.

(Romila Boodram)

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) yesterday hosted its Caribbean and some global counterparts at the Princess Hotel, when it convened the Sixth Annual General Meeting of the Association of Caribbean Election Organizations (ACEO).

President Donald Ramotar delivered the charge to the gathering of election officials and reminded those in attendance that the very fact that the conference is being hosted in Guyana demonstrates that “we have come a far way, knowing the issues that we have had with elections in this country.”

The Head of State hailed the role of the electoral officials and underscored that, “you have a very important job and you have an important role to play, both in your individual country and in the region as a whole.”

Ramotar stressed that the role of the electoral officials is so important that in the absence of political democracy (which they facilitate) there can be no social and other accompanying development in a country.

The President warned, too, that any country in the region that falls into the realms of being undemocratic will inevitably have a ripple effect on the rest of the region.

As such, he impressed upon the Election Officials that given the importance of their roles in member countries, it is only natural for sister countries to pay attention to what is

transpiring in each sovereign state in the region.

He conceded that the advent of free and fair elections in itself does not by itself lend to full-fledged democracy, but it is at the heart of achieving the ideal.

Ramotar explained that without free and fair elections, the other facets of democracy would be significantly affected.

“And that is why I say that you are such important people.”

“You are providing an indispensable service to your countries and the region,” Ramotar stressed.

Turning to some of the challenges faced by Election Officials, the Guyanese leader recounted that he witnessed firsthand in Guyana the abuse that can be meted out to such public servants.

He stressed that as long as they perform professionally and recognise their roles in their respective countries, and once the elections are free, fair and transparent, then any attack on them would be reprehensible.

Whilst stopping short of calling for the establishment of a single CARICOM Elections Commission, Ramotar commended the ACEO for the part they play

in the maintenance of democracy in the region.

He did, however, urge that there be a sharing of experiences and best practices where possible, which he said would ultimately lead to the hosting of better elections throughout the region.

The ACEO was born out of the “Caribbean Election Network Conference” which was held in Kingston, Jamaica in January 1997.

At that conference, which brought together election officials from 22 countries and Dependent Territories, it was agreed to formulate the first pan-Caribbean Association dedicated to enhancing election administration within the Caribbean.

As outlined in the Charter adopted March 31, 1998, the purpose of the ACEO is to promote co-operation and mutual assistance among electoral organisations in the Caribbean in the pursuit of democracy by processes that ensure free and fair elections.

The overall objective of the ACEO is to foster a selfsufficient mechanism of horizontal cooperation among electoral organizations in the Caribbean to improve their capability to register voters, promote voter turnout and implement elections.

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 01, 2012

Auto dealer fingered in stolen pontoon

The pontoon was abandoned approximately six and a half kilometers up the Mahaica Creek The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has launched its own probe into last week’s mysterious disappearance

and subsequent recovery of a multi-million-dollar pontoon from the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The pontoon was found

abandoned approximately six and a half kilometers (four miles) up the Mahaica Creek, minus a few of its fixtures. It is believed that several

These winches were found on the Mahaica Old Road staffers colluded with persons unknown, removing the pontoon under the cover of darkness. It was in all probability taken by a tug to the area where it was abandoned.

Yesterday, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn said that there could be linkages between low level staffers and a businessman.

The pontoon, estimated to be worth between $25M and $30M, was to be used in the weekend’s repairs to the bridge’s retractor span.

“It is extremely disturbing that a large element of the bridge could be stolen, and that the involvement we are hearing (is) related to some employees at the bottom and perhaps ‘money people’ at the higher level. We have asked the police people to pursue the matter,” Benn told reporters.

Three staffers of the bridge had been held and were subsequently released.

“It disrupted the operations of the repairs, but happily the operations were finished in fairly good order, and I will have to congratulate the manager and his workers for getting the job done properly.”

Residents in the Mahaica Creek area recalled seeing the pontoon passing. But there are questions how the pontoon, which is by no means a small vessel, managed to pass the Georgetown authorities.

These are questions being asked by MARAD and the Coast Guard, Benn disclosed. Earlier this week, officials from bridge and police recovered four winches that were affixed to the pontoon and removed.

The winches were dumped on a deserted section of the Mahaica Old Road, near Bygeval, early Tuesday, several kilometres from where the pontoon was found.

Using torches, the thieves had cut off the winches, and from all indications, they abandoned them to avoid capture while they were transporting it to a safe location. The four winches are said to be worth in excess of $2M. It is believed that the vessel may have disappeared between last week Wednesday and Thursday evening. It was discovered missing early Friday, hours before major works were

scheduled to commence - to replace sections of the retractor span.

Following the discovery, reports were made to the police and Public Works Minister.

It is unclear how the pontoon was removed from the Harbour Bridge, towed all the way into the Atlantic Ocean, and through the Mahaica Creek, without being noticed.

It is believed that a tug may have been used to steal the pontoon, a theory that remained puzzling for the police and the bridge authorities, since the area where it was secured is a busy one.

Kaieteur News was told over the weekend that the authorities have the name of a city businessman, linked to the auto sales sector, who may have advanced over $1.5M for the vessel to be secretly removed and taken to the Mahaica Creek area.

It is believed that there were attempts to sink the pontoon as there was a suspicious hole on the body.

A decision was taken to transport the recovered pontoon via the road because of river costs.

Friday June 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Budget cuts will ensure ERC’s legal mandate is carried out While the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is concerned about workers’ rights of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), it believes the budget cuts were done to ensure the Commission is restored to its constitutional capacity to deliver on its mandate.

According to the Union’s General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis, “The nation understands the opposition’s position on voting one dollar for the ERC as its effort to ensure good governance…The one dollar for all intents and purposes is not a denial of the ERC’s right to carry out its constitutional mandate.”

He stressed that the Opposition’s just demand to have the ERC constituted accordingly must be heeded.

He made those comments in light of recent statements made by former ERC Chairman and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, on budget cuts affecting ERC’s operations.

“This nation is witnessing millions of dollars in state funds being used to run around the country maligning persons and misrepresenting the budget cuts, money that labour is sure was not budgeted for,” Lewis said.

He suggested that instead Government should be working towards fixing the constitutional violations to put Guyana back on track. An appeal, he said, was made to President Donald Ramotar to lead the PPP and this nation in having this constitutional infraction resolved forthwith.

According to GTUC President, Norris Witter, the Union believes that the

Page 13

Brazilian naval vessels prepare to depart after brief sojourn

- GTUC outcome of this issue will be a defining moment in President Donald Ramotar’s tenure in office. “Having the ERC restored as a constitutional body is a litmus test for Guyana’s Head-ofState,” Witter opined.

He stressed that it is time for President Ramotar to demonstrate whether he will continue in the disgraced legacy of former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s politics of bad governance, division, deception and destruction, or if he is man enough to chart his own course and subscribe to the politics of good governance, equity, and respect for the rule of law.

According to Lewis, the ERC is not in conformity with the Constitution and Laws and scarce taxpayers’ money is being spent to carry out its unconstitutional activities.

“The workers - the general ERC staff - must not be used as political weapons, sacrificial lambs and pawns in the process of correcting the problem or maintaining the problem,” he said.

The Union pointed out that the ERC has a very crucial role to play in Guyana.

“The ERC serves to create the environment where Guyanese can celebrate our cultural and racial diversity and strengthen our unity by eliminating any and every form of discrimination.”

Lewis said, “It is unfortunate this institution was hijacked but we cannot throw out the baby and the bath water… The ERC must be taken from the hands of lawlessness, brought back (Continued on page 25)

From left: Lt. Col. Costeira, Col. Lauria (Brazilian Defence Attaché in Guyana), Task Group Commander and Lt. Simoes Members of the Coast Guard welcomed two Brazilian naval vessels that docked here three days ago.

The Brazilians are on a tour of the Caribbean which they say will give their crew members the requisite experience and training.

The two ships, NPa Bocaina (P-62) captained by Lieutenant Colonel Costeira and NPa Guaiba captained

by Lieutenant Simoes are scheduled to leave today.

They will be making their next stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico, then move on to St Georges, Grenada and other ports set out in their packed programme.

NPa Bocaina is manned by 47 members while NPa Guaiba is operated by a crew of 37. The ships were described as war vessels that can perform a number of functions. The crew on their brief sojourn spoke with members of the GDF Coast Guard in relation to work tactics and methods.

According to Army Colonel Lauria, who is stationed here in Guyana and works on behalf of the Brazilian Embassy as Defence Attaché, the ship and its

NPa Bocaina - one of the two ships that docked at the GDF Coast Guard wharf members will be embarking on programmes to further strengthen the relationship already established with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as well as coastal servicemen of other countries.

The Task Group Commander supervising the mission said that the aim of the project is to validate relations with the nations in

which they dock. The Brazilian army man, speaking specifically about relations with Guyana, said that it is realized that the two countries have common interests in relation to forests and other natural resources.

He said that the visit to this country is another mode of becoming better acquainted.

He also highlighted the advantages of working together to improve readiness, preparedness and skills in relation to searchand-rescue and other naval functions.

The foreign crewmen said that they are looking forward to working closely with Guyana in future joint exercises.

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Kaieteur News

Kaneville murder accused found not guilty ...stays in custody over KN pressmen killings Dwight Da Silva, who was accused of the August 2006 murder of 54-year-old Kaneville businessman, Barbot Paul, was yesterday found not guilty of the capital offence. Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire upheld a no-case submission made by Attorney-at-law George Thomas on behalf of Da Silva.

Justice George-Wiltshire told Da Silva that he was very lucky since a significant gap existed in the police’s investigations. She stressed that the prosecution was not at fault for the poor work of investigators.

Konyo Sandiford and Renita Singh prosecuted the matter.

On Wednesday, last, Nazeema Persaud, the granddaughter of the deceased, had taken to the witness stand to give her evidence in the matter. She was said to have been the main witness.

On Monday, last, the court had visited the crime scene.

Barbot Paul was a shop owner residing at 312 Second Field, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara. On August 6, 2006, Paul was gunned down by bandits, who after taking the man’s life and robbing his establishment, made good their escape with his licenced .32 Taurus pistol. The man was also stripped of the gold jewellery he was wearing.

It was reported that that on the night of the incident around 21:10 hours, Paul and his wife’s attention were drawn to shouts of “Thief, thief” coming from the streets.

The police’s information had related that as Paul attempted to close the gate to his property, he was shot in the back during a confrontation with one of the bandits. His pistol was taken away. Paul’s wife had also said that her husband told her

Dwight Da Silva to close the shop and was about to do so when she saw a gunman standing on the step leading into the yard. She said before she could react, the gunman opened fire in her husband’s direction, and her husband reacted in the same manner, before telling her to hide.

Da Silva, despite the verdict will not be singing sweet songs of freedom as he will be kept in state custody until the hearing of another capital offence matter.

The man is one of the individuals accused of killing five Kaieteur News pressmen.

Da Silva, Quincy Evans also known as “Nasty-man”, a juvenile, and Jermaine “Skinny” Charles, now deceased, were all charged with the murders of the pressmen.

Charles was killed at Kuru Kururu during a confrontation with police.

Richard Stewart, Shazim Mohamed, Chetram Persaud, Eion Wegman and Mark Maikoo were all shot execution-style at the Kaieteur News’ Eccles facility.

Friday June 01, 2012

Cell phone thief gets 18 months A self-confessed cell phone thief was yesterday sentenced to 18 months in prison when he appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The man, Julian Harlequin, pleaded guilty to the offence of larceny from the person, but claimed that he and the victim were in a relationship and he had purchased the cell phone.

The police said that on May 29, in Georgetown, Harlequin stole from the person of Wanny Griffith, one cellular phone valued at $38,000. The defendant wished to offer an explanation.

The police said that on the day in question, the victim was standing on Cornhill Street in the vicinity of the route 42 bus park, when Harlequin approached her and snatched her cell phone from her hand. He sought to escape, but the woman raised

an alarm, and the thief was apprehended by two police officers on foot patrol.

After a search of his person, the phone was recovered in Harlequin’s pants pocket. He was taken to the Brickdam Police Station where he was told of the offence and later charged.

In an explanation to the court, Harlequin said that he had bought the cell phone for the victim. He said that he and the young lady were in a relationship and on the day in question, a man called her on the cell phone, and she refused to tell him who it was.

He said he did not snatch the phone from the woman, but only took it away.

The Magistrate said she was not convinced by the defendant’s explanation, and thus called for the victim’s statement to be read. As the Magistrate perused the police’s case file she smiled at Harlequin and said, “The victim is not here but her

statement is. You didn’t know that I would have that, did you?” The defendant stood silent and was no longer smiling when the Magistrate started to read the victim’s statement.

The victim’s information revealed that she was standing at the bus park with a cousin when she noticed an identifiable male behind them.

A positive description of the defendant was given in the statement; he was even clad in the same attire the victim had described in the statement.

To make matters worse, the court learnt that the defendant had appeared in the court twice before for matters of a similar nature.

When asked, the defendant said that his last jail sentence was six months.

The court found that Harlequin’s defence was false and he was known for committing such acts. He was then sentenced to 18 months.

Drug addict held for former guard’s murder Police have detained a drug-addicted man who is the prime suspect in the murder of former security guard Donna Thomas, who was stabbed to death in her D’Urban Street apartment last Saturday.

The man, who was Thomas’ boyfriend, was detained in the city on Wednesday night. Police have received reports that the suspect and his 49-year-old partner were arguing at the Lot 6-9 D’Urban and Cross Streets, Werk-en-Rust residence some hours before she was found dead.

However, Kaieteur News understands that the suspect has denied that he committed the act.

Thomas, a mother of

three, and a former employee of Professional Guard Service (PGS), was found lying in a pool of blood on her bed with several stab wounds.

This newspaper was told that Thomas had been renting the apartment for the past eight months.

Kaieteur News understands that some of the woman’s colleagues had visited the premises on Saturday and observed that the front door was slightly open.

After calling and getting no answer, the colleagues entered the apartment and saw Thomas lying motionless on her bed with several wounds about her body.

The landlord for the

apartment, Randolph Yaw, said that the woman was living with a drug addict and that the two often argued.

Yaw said that he last heard Thomas’s voice at around 23:00 hrs last week Friday just before he retired to bed.

He said that from information gathered, he understands the woman collected her wages that day.

Yaw said that the man with whom Thomas was living asked for money but she refused to give him any.

He suggested that this may have led the suspect to kill Thomas.

Police detained another man who frequented the house, but he has since been released.

A 29-year-old taxi driver was yesterday remanded to jail after appearing before Magistrate Hazel OctiveHamilton at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on armed robbery charges. Owen Irving, of Charlotte Street, Georgetown, was charged with the offences which he reportedly committed against

Ragon Ashley, Desmond Wilson and Lesley Campbell, respectively.

The charge read that on May 28 at David Street, Kitty, the man robbed Wilson of one BlackBerry cell phone, $65,000 cash, an identification card, US visa card and a Scotiabank ATM card, totaling $195,000.

On the same day at the said location, reportedly armed with a gun, Irving robbed Ashley of $10,000 cash.

Campbell lost US$110 ($22,000) and $130,000 cash, when the accused at the said location on the same date

allegedly robbed the victim with a gun.

Irving made an application for bail. He related his particulars to the court but could not remember the lot number to his address. That information, being imperative for the granting of bail, was not related to the court. The accused was therefore unable to secure his pre-trial liberty.

The prosecutor requested that the accused be remanded to jail based on the prevalence and seriousness of the offences.

The accused was remanded and will return to Court today.

Taxi driver remanded for armed robbery

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

Friday June 01, 2012

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New Indian High Armed bandits rob store owner Commissioner accredited moments after arrival at home

New Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Puran Mal Meena and President Donald Ramotar The construction of Guyana’s first specialty hospital at Turkeyen is among the top priorities for new Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Puran Mal Meena. This was among the projects mentioned as the envoy handed over his letters of Credence to President Donald Ramotar on Wednesday. He is replacing Subit Kumar Mandal.

“I am confident that your appointment as High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Guyana, will serve as a mechanism for the further enhancement of this

programme of cooperation and for strengthening of the relations between our two countries,” President Ramotar said.

In November 2011, the Indian Government approved a “soft loan” to fund the construction of a state-of-theart specialty hospital for which the government is at present undertaking preparatory works at the identified site at Liliendaal.

The exchange of development experiences between Guyana and India has been made a reality through the Indian Technical

and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which has also afforded scholarships to Guyanese. ITEC was initiated in September 1964 as a bilateral programme, a statement from the government information agency noted.

The Guyana National Stadium at Providence which was constructed by the Indian firm Shapoorji Pallonji through a US$6M grant and a US$19M soft loan from the Indian Government is also a product of the two countries’ bilateral cooperation. (GINA photo)

Angoy’s Avenue robbery…

Two suspects detained, ‘positively identified’ Diligent work by ranks attached to the Central Police Station has lead to the capture of two men and two women who were believed to be part of a criminal gang.

The two men who were held by police following a robbery committed on Wednesday, last, on taxi driver Nankishore Arjune, are to be charged shortly and placed before the courts.

They were positively identified following an identification parade held yesterday as two of the three men who robbed Arjune.

According to information, police were able to crack the case after part of a toy gun was found in the abandoned car. Following quick and thorough investigation by police ranks and acting on information, the trail led investigators to a house at Angoy’s Avenue where two men who are known characters were

nabbed.

Investigators searched the house and unearthed a toy gun which matched the part of the toy gun found in the car.

The men found in the house were arrested and taken into custody.

Police are still hunting for another man who is said to be an integral part of the gang.

Police in a release stated that they have detained two women who are believed to be part of a four-member gang that robbed the taxi driver early Wednesday morning.

The two women and their two male accomplices were arrested after police recovered the taxi driver’s stolen car.

According to reports, about 01:30 hours yesterday Nankishore Arjune was robbed of his AT 192 motor car, jewellery, a cell phone and $15,000 by three men, one of whom was armed with a gun at Timmers Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Arjune was operating his motorcar for hire when the suspects and two women stopped him and requested to be taken to Timmers Dam. When the vehicle arrived at that location, the women exited, leaving the men, who proceeded to rob the driver.

The motorcar was later found intact at Angoy’s Avenue.

Three armed bandits made good their escape l a s t evening after robbing a businessman of over $1M in cash, seconds after he returned to his East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

Reports are that Muneshwar Persaud, a well known hardware store owner who resides at Coldingen, ECD, had just driven his vehicle into his yard and parked when the incident occurred.

He told Kaieteur News that he had his wife and daughter inside the vehicle around 19:30 hrs when they arrived at their residence and their security guard opened the gate to allow them inside.

“The guard opened the gate and I drove in, switched off the engine, turned off the light and my wife stepped out with her handbag and went to the back of the vehicle to get our day’s sales which was in a bag. Just as she did so, three

- use bicycles to escape with $1M in cash guys stepped out armed with guns and a knife and rushed at us. This commotion lasted about three to four minutes and the men rode out on bicycles into the dark,” said the businessman.

Persaud stated that the men asked him to lift his shirt to ascertain that he was not carrying a firearm before they ordered the three Persauds to lie on the floor while they escaped.

He said that when he realised they were riding out on the street he jumped into his vehicle and followed the culprits in the dark surroundings. He managed to follow one man who was riding and hit the bicycle.

“I traced one on a bicycle and knocked him down with the bicycle. The bicycle was bent up and my car also got

some damage at the front. But when I came out my vehicle the man got away because I didn’t get to see where he jumped and escaped since the area was very dark,” Persaud recounted.

Police ranks arrived on the scene about 15 minutes after the ordeal took place and are said to be investigating the matter.

This is the second robbery in one month since earlier in May bandits struck a t P e r s a u d ’s b u s i n e s s place.

(Kristen Macklingam)

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Sugar workers strike enters fourth day Sugar workers on several estates throughout the country yesterday joined their colleagues at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara to press home their holidaywith-pay demands.

The strike action entered its third day yesterday and there appears to be no solution in sight as the sugar corporation is maintaining that the shortfall in production has severely impacted its finances and has hampered its ability to make the payout.

The sugar corporation has laid the blame for the shortfall at the feet of the ordinary workers and the shortage of cane.

But the workers are maintaining that it is the management of the stateowned company that is to be blamed for the financial woes.

They said that they should not be the ones to have to bear the brunt of the financial shortfall.

Yesterday, workers staged a protest outside the Enmore sugar factory, carrying

On the picket line: Striking GuySuCo workers.

placards, some of which read “Shame on GuySuCo”, “No money, no work” and “Stop blaming workers for shortfall”. Factory workers’ representative, Sukhram, told the media that their grouses

were raised with the Personnel Manager but the response was not satisfactory. He explained that the company had written to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union

Lawyer protests attack on son Attorney-at-Law Gary Ramlochan is calling for drastic measures to be taken against the boy whom he says maliciously wounded his 15-year-old son with the intention of causing him grievous bodily harm.

The man explained that the distal portion of his son’s left thumb was severed, during what he says was not a confrontational incident.

“My son told me that he was seated in class and the Mathematics period had just come to an end. After his Maths teacher left, he and his classmates were getting ready for the next class. He had just about finished packing his bag when suddenly; he was startled by being attacked with a knife which severed the distal portion of his left thumb”, Ramlochan explained.

He added that a teacher from the child’s school revealed to him that his son’s attacker is the class bully, who would usually intimidate and assault his fellow students.

The man said that he is

The child’s injured finger very disturbed at the fact that his son’s attacker was also involved in another c h opping incident at his school.

“It is time for drastic steps to be taken to protect decent, law-abiding students from bullies who are in the habit of maliciously intimidating students for their own amusement,” Ramlochan said.

The lawyer also claims that the said boy is one who would use narcotics on the school’s premises.

The man said that if these

“petty” issues are not sternly addressed by the school’s administration early, it will most likely lead to incidents that are now becoming prevalent in today’s society where students are killing their fellow students.

Despite the severity of the issue, Ramlochan revealed that the juvenile assailant was not even suspended.

He has forwarded his police statements to the Ministry of Education, and is hoping to receive a reply as soon as possible.

(GAWU) informing that body of its cash flow problem and its inability to pay the workers.

“They (GuySuCo) ain’t say when they gon pay and the workers are very dissatisfied over the situation,” Sukhram said.

The sugar corporation reported a significant shortfall in its projected production for its first crop of 30,000 tonnes

of sugar.

Guysuco’s projected target was 101,800 tonnes and to date only 71,000 tonnes have been produced.

The company in a statement issued last Monday said that all estates, with the exception of Skeldon and Blairmont, closed their crop on May 11.

But according to the striking workers, the two

remaining estates are expected to complete grinding and join the strike.

The workers are convinced that GuySuCo is using a red herring to deny them the agreed payout.

The industrial action could severely affect GuySuCo’s planned maintenance programme to prepare for the upcoming second crop.

Page 24

“For this year, for the first quarter it indicates that we are no better than the last corresponding quarter last year. So my mathematics says that if from the previous year it dropped from 25 to 14 (maternal deaths), that is 50 per cent, it means that for this quarter I should have not been having seven or nine (maternal deaths), I should be having three or four.”

Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran made this assertion yesterday at the launching of the Master’s Degree in Obstetrics & Gynaecology Programme. He stated that while the health sector (hospitals) presently lacks resources, better can be done in terms of health care for women and children, especially for pregnant women.

According to Dr. Ramsaran, nine maternal deaths have been recorded in the country for the year, to date, and seven of these deaths were “direct”. He explained that for the last recorded maternal death, “everything that was done should not have been done.

In fact, everything that should have been done was not done”.

It was noted that in 2010 when 25 maternal deaths were recorded, it caused concerns to intensify, thus forcing the Ministry of Health

Kaieteur News

to take certain measures, none of which required additional budgetary allocations.

“There are certain reporting structures or reporting formats we have… those were being breached, certain protocols being breached… so we have a way to go, and that is why this Master’s Degree in Obstetrics & Gynaecology Programme is necessary and is so vital,” Dr. Ramsarran emphasised.

With doctors in Guyana being able to participate in this residency programme, they would be able to gain the necessary exposure in a local environment in which they will be practicing/ serving in the areas of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

Dr. Madan Rambarran, Director of the Institute of Health Science Education (IHSE), explained that such a n i n i t i a t i v e a ttracts individuals who share the vision of improving the health of women and reducing infant and maternal mortality.

In the past, Guyana has failed to attract and retain specialists since they migrate to other countries for various reasons.

According to Rambarran, almost 80 per cent of skilled Guyanese professionals migrate, however, with this newly introduced local residency training

Friday June 01, 2012

The six doctors who were selected to participate in the four-year Masters Degree in Obstetrics & Gynaecology Programme, surrounded by representatives from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Ministry of Health, and Permanent Secretary of the Office of the President, Omar Shariff programme, he is optimistic that the migration rate will be heavily reduced.

It must be noted that this initiative came into fruition through partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), groups from the United States

of America, Canada and other countries with the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health.

Kaieteur News understands that the curriculum was developed and presented to the

Ministry of Health and University of Guyana (UG) and accepted by both entities.

The original idea was to select five of the most dedicated and motivated doctors who displayed high levels of interest and passion

for women’s health. However, after reviewing the potential candidates, six persons were selected for the first batch of this training programme.

The programme is expected to last four years per batch.

(Kristen Macklingam)

Guyana gets 30,000 laptops from China The Governments of Guyana and China on Wednesday signed an US$8M grant-gift agreement for the supply of 30,000 laptops to the One Laptop per Family (OLPF) project.

Project Manager, China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation, David Huang and Permanent Secretary of the Office of the President (OP), Omar Shariff, inked the agreement in the OP boardroom.

Public Relations Consultant, OLPF, Dario Mcklmon, stated that the programme which is in its early second stage, has seen approximately 10,000 laptops distributed during the first phase to persons earning $50,000 or less, differentlyabled and single parent families. “During this year, we will continue with the verification process and the

Omar Shariff (right) and David Huang after signing the agreement. (GINA photo) remaining applicants will receive their laptop,” he said.

Persons earning up to $100,000 are now being

invited to submit their applications for the laptops.

Friday June 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

The Abigail Column Woman wants to come clean about online dating subterfuge DEARABIGAIL, I do online dating. For safety, I use an alias. I look much younger than my 40 years, so I went out with a 27-year-old who thinks I’m 30 I have horrible luck with relationships and didn’t think this one would be any

different.

Boy, was I wrong! We have been dating three weeks now.

How do I tell him I’m 40, have two kids he doesn’t know about and a different name? Or should I just break it off now?

Incognito Dear Incognito,

Do not “just break it off” with no explanation.

Tell the man what you told me - that you have had such poor experiences with dating that you used an alias, that you “fudged” about your age and that you have children. If it’s a turn-off for him, you need to know it before you become more emotionally involved.

Friday June 01, 2012 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Let's get it started in here!

Today you will be very focused on beginnings -which is perfect, because the stars say that this is a superb time for new projects. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): There is a very big difference between being lazy and being relaxed, and you are definitely not lazy! So there is nothing wrong with taking it easy today and saving the heavy lifting and hard work for another day. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Put your observation skills to use today -- there should be many finance-related clues around you, and they shouldn't take you too long to decipher. If your finances are getting tricky, you are about to find a few ideas that will help you simplify them. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Just because a person is hard to read doesn't mean that he or she doesn't want your understanding. Your ability to connect with other people can serve as a bulldozer, breaking down the walls of fear and aloofness in order to reveal the truth. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): The sudden generosity you're being shown is nothing to be alarmed about! The friendly and magnanimous behavior of the people you'll be encountering today is a direct result of the compassion and generosity that you've shown so often in the past. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept.

22): Talking about your feelings will give you an immense feeling of release today. The stars say that there are a lot of value-oriented issues that you need to figure out for yourself.

********************* LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): What do you want in your life more than anything else right now? If you said 'romance,' then the stars have some very exciting opportunities in store for you! But if you're expecting a parade of attractive potential new sweeties to come knocking on your door, think again. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): You're eager to resolve an issue you've been having with a close friend. So it's time to stop the phone tag or the sporadic emails -- all this back and forth is not getting you anywhere. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Your reputation is shining more brightly than ever right now, so don't be surprised if people in your work or school life start looking to you for answers.

What's important here isn't to give the correct answer every time -- it's almost certain that you won't be able to in at least one situation. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): Your emotions might be very fragile today, in part because of the negative behavior of someone you trusted too willingly. Once bitten, you are twice shy -and that's okay. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18): Your social energy is skyrocketing today -- without even trying very hard, you will manage to make some interesting new connections. When it doubt, talk!

Unleash your charms and see what happens. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20):It's time to make things equitable in your life - review what you owe to others, and what others owe to you, and make a plan to even things out.

Page 25

Budget cuts will ensure ERC’s...

(From page 13) under the Law, and given a chance to work.”

The GTUC stated that it was observed that Edghill debunked Opposi t i o n Leader, David Granger’s public offer to approve cash for the Commission if he (Granger) and Ramotar could meet and agree on new

Commissioners.

Lewis emphasized that since Edghill is a Minister of Government he could not have made that statement without the Government’s approval.

He stated that Parliament must move to put measures in place to bring the ERC to conformity with the

Constitution.

“The Parliament, this nation’s highest decisionmaking forum, as currently constituted, allows for tripartite engagements sitting in the House are the PPP, AFC and APNU with their various committees and it must be given a chance to work,” Lewis stressed.

No financial closure, road...

(From page 3) and the impact of the project, as well as the Guyana Power and Light (GPL)’s ability to manage the project and to make the necessary repayments, taking into consideration technical and commercial losses already incurred by the power company.

Wrobel told this publication in the presence of his senior Vice President,

among others, that should financial closure not become a reality soon, then Guyana could see the project being put on the back burner for the next five to ten years.

As it relates to the access road project, where the Government had terminated its contract with Synergy Holdings Inc., Wrobel said that he is confident that the administration is cognizant of the importance of the road

and will ensure its timely completion.

Given the sense of urgency Sithe Global places on the road, as against the pronouncements of Dr. Luncheon, the CEO even suggested that Sithe Global may be wi l l i n g to incorporate the access road project into the larger project rather than lose on all of the gains made thus far.

DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55 hrs. Sign On 09:00hrs. Live! With Kelly 10:00hrs. The A-Team 11:00hrs. The View 12:00hrs. Prime News 12:30hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00hrs. The Talk 15:00hrs. Boy Meets World 16:00hrs. Beverly Hills, 90210 17:00hrs. The Wayans Brothers 18:00hrs. World News 18:30hrs. Nightly News 19:00hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00hrs. Channel 8 News 21:00hrs. DTV’s Summer Movie Fest 23:00hrs. Sign Off

12:35h – Feature 13:00h – Movie 16:00h – Cartoons 17:00h – Anderson 18:00h – NCN News Magazine – Live 18:30h – Pulse Beat 19:00h – Close Up 19:30h – Grow With IPED

20:00h – 3d/daily millions/play de dream/lotto draw 20:05h – GNBS (Live) 21:05h – Between the Sticks (Live) 22:05h – NCN News Late Edition 22:35h – Caribbean Newsline 23:00h – Movie

NCN CHANNEL 11 05:00h – Inspiration 05:30h – Newtown Gospel 06:00h – NCN Late Edition News(R/B) 06:30h – Feature 07:00h – Guyana Today 08:00h – Bollywood Hits (R/ B) 09:00h – Stop the Suffering 10:00h – CCTV 11:00h – History 12:00h – CNN 12:30h – NCN Newsbreak

Guides are subjected to change without notice

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Kaieteur News

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Wanted to buy, Washiba Squares & Logs. Call Jettoo’s Lumberyard & Sawmill @ 261-5041 or 2615042

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Office Clerk, CXC English/ mathematics. 225-0188, 2256070

Diamond “AA” Prime location. Newly built apartment 2 & 3 bedrooms with parking, $75,000 – negotiable. 682-3483

1 cleaner, must know to cook. 1 cook must know Indian and English dishes.

Preferably from Georgetown. Call: 647-7432.

Drivers & porter to work on water trucks on the WCD $20,000 wkly Call: 684-8231 Experience Interior drivers Call Paul : 592-646-6730,592225-1939 Mill/Saw Doctors, Moulder Operators to work @ Jettoo’s Sawmill @ Coverden Public Road, E.B.D. Call – 261-5041, 2615042, 226-2756 Skilled Lathe Operator, livein domestic, live-in handyman Arc/Acetylene Welder. Tel: 22-71830 Bright, well-spoken sales assistant for small store, with 5 subjects CXC. Send written application to PO Box 101599 Live-in attractive waitress.

Tel# 228-5129 East Coast Guyoil pump attendants wanted (day and night), wash man, office assistant & sales girls. 6842838, 602-5031

One apartment to rent, Friendship E.B.D. Phone# 643-2934-266-2494 East Street $55,000. South $100,000.

Albertown $150,000. Nandy Park US$1700. Diana 227-2256, 626-9382.

Short term apartments, Eccles. Call: 679-7139 Apartments. Tel: 667-1549

Urgently needed, live-in waitresses to work in Bar. Attractive salary offer. Tel# 259-0574 1 – Experienced General Domestic. Must know to cook & iron. $10,000 per week – 227-0557

ONLINE SHOPPING NO COMMISSION, WEEKLY S H I P M E N T S , AFFORDABLE RATES, FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX. TEL: 231-5789.

FREIGHTLINKEXPRESS@ GMAIL.COM WE FILL OUT PASSPORT & VISA FORMS: USA, UK & CANADA. TEL: 2315789

Al’s Car & Pick-up Rental.

Call: 698-7807

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

Learn to speak Spanish in 1 month. Call: 673-1232 Princeton College. CXC Adults/Students. Slow learner classes. Day & Evening. January/May June 2013. 690-5008, 611-3793

VACANCY Male Sales Clerk. Hand written application. Perfume Dazzle, 137 Regent St., Lacytown, G/Town.

Pump Attendants. Apply @ Shell Service Station, Ramsburg, Providence, East Bank Dem. Tel# 265-7305 One female clerk. Call: 2315171

ACCOMMODATION Signature Inn Luxury Suites & Apartments 83 Laluni Street, Queenstown.

Call for reservations 2262145, 227-5037

We repair fridge, freezer, AC ,washer, dryer Call: 231-0655, 683-8734 Omar.

Garden maintenance crew, no education needed. Neatness & hardworking is a must,1830 years Tel: 648-1821

(2) Attractive waitresses.

Call: 233-5481, 5450

Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & Stoves.

Ultra Cool: 225-9032, 6472943

Do you need a female bahir (cook) or bartender to work in interior? Call Andrea 6921798, 652-7355

Premio, 110 Corolla. Call: 6797139

EDUCATIONAL Imperial College – CXC Jan/ June 2013 exam. Day/ Evening classes, flexible hours. Contact 227-7627, 683-5742

Visa and Immigration forms prepared for Canada, USA and UK. Also Passport forms. Call 626-9857

Progressive auto rental, cars from $4,000 per day. Call: 6435122, 656-0087, www.progressiveautorental.com

Tailors @ B. Paul Tailoring Establishment, 14 Lombard St. Tel: 223-8266, 680-8046

One general live-in domestic. Must know to cook and bake, Security on the E.B.D. Contact: 665-8737

We refill HP cartridges for $1,800. Call:650-7699

CAR RENTAL

WANTED

Contract cars. Must be in Hire & Yellow. Base free. $3500 weekly. Call 660-9977

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

Repairs in all types of Jet-Ski, stern-drive, inboard and outboard engine (2 & 4 stroke). Contact: 694-7949

Taxi drivers (yellow) Tel: 2253234

Porters; male & female, to work in Grocery Shop, Stabroek Market. Call: 2269800

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

Friday June 01, 2012

7:45am -5pm Salesperson + plant maintenance staff for #1 Plant Shop,70 Sheriff Street. Secondary education a must. Tel: 648-1821 Live-in/Live-out babysitter/ clerk/domestic. 225-0188/ 225-6070 Domestic help. Call 225-2598 Two (2) experience block makers, Super concrete blocks, Eccles Industrial Estate Tel: 233-5517

Bulah Enterprise Inc. seeks interior charter Call: 592-6466730,5692-225-1939 Get your VISA or get refunded. Call: 645-0975 General Contractor. Does interior decorating, carpentry, mason work.

Estimate from $5000. 6694511, 684-2100 Hello, the doctor is back!!

Have your gas stove repaired and serviced. Tel: 601-0595, 220-4073, 220-5785 TOUR June special. Santa Mission, $4,500 per person. Joy 2181285, 649-9059, 692-3114.

1 mechanic to work in the interior. 688-4905 Skilled Lathe Operator.

Excellent rates. Tel: 22-71830

DRESSMAKING

1 kitchen assistant/cook to cook for family in the interior.

688-4905

Working uniforms and more.

Made within 48 hours. Call Sharmela 225-2598, 641-0784.

FOR SALE Large Land in Bagotville, WB. Great for Greenhouse farming. 600-0036 or 223-1719 NARS lipgloss, eyeshadow & Clinique Chubby Stick. Tel: 669-8374.

Pitbull pups Tel:225-6137

FOR SALE 6 brand new in box IPod touch. 8GB $60,000, 32GB $75,000. Price neg. Contact: 686-5004 1 5000 watts Centurion generator $175,000. 1 stand up Frigidaire Freezer $110,000. 3 coffee makers $10,000 each. Tel: 692-7377 GPS Map 76, Garmin System.

600-0036 or 223-1719 Brand new American made Crosely 10.5 cu ft Refrigerator for sale $75,000.

626-4452/697-5677 Going cheap, foreign used Perkins Engines, pressure & clutch plates, hydraulic pumps. 661-3043 1 Super-custom minibus. $1.4M negotiable. Contact #693-6630, 231-8051 Two Detroit Diesel series 50 engines, 300 HP. Call Troy 601-9004.

1 Tundra, 1 Perkins engine & Welder 400 amps. Call: 6605462, 611-5114 Spares for washer, microwaves, fridges, stovetimers, gear boxes, pumps, etc. Contact 225-9032, 647-2943 Games for PSP $900, PS2 $900, XBox 360 $2600, PS3 $2600, XBox, Wii. Junior 6722566, 265-3231 Corrugated Zinc sheet @ 40% off. Local Lumber @ 25% off. Pine Lumber @ 10% off. Zack’s Lumber. Tel# 2267054.

2003 Kawasaki Ninja, also 8 Camera DVR Security System. Tel: 643-6468, 6867273 Dell Computers, complete with LCD monitor, $59,000.

Tel: 225-3709, 691-2077, 6410537 Pallet Wrap & Plastic Film.

Tel: 231-8819 Big blow out sale at Lot 29 Croal Street Enterprise, kids shoes $200 and lots more.

Call:664-2209

Electric threadmill, no reasonable offer refused Tel: 662-7398,621-2453

Exercise Bike, brand new.

Electric Schwinn 131, Digital Heat Rate monitor; $75,000.

Call Terry: 665-9405

1 Pitch Propellor – 48"x36".

1 Propellor Shaft – 3 ½ “ Dia x 13’6". 1 Little Giant Dragline with 371 Engine.

Tel# 694-1440/618-2570

1 G-force freezer $45,000,2 AT192 yellow $825,000, white $790,000,1 desktop computer and accessories Call: 628-8354,231-3417

Yamaha Crankshaft outboard 150HP-200HP, fine & fat top, Piston Kits, Crankshaft Bearings. Call Terry 665-9405

Brand new Blackberry Torch 9800, under $100,000. Call: 676-7443

Massage Leather Table, brand new in box, perfect for massage business, heavy duty; $65,000. Call Terry: 6659405 Household items for sale.

Call 225-3079, 656-7864

New Blackberry Torch (Slider) $80,000. Accessories included. Buy 2 or more & receive a discount. 680-1722 Everything must go. Salon products & equipment, exercise equipment, florals.

669-4511

VEHICLES FOR SALE Just arrived: Allion and Premio, tel: 624-2000, 622-1610 1 White Toyota Runx/Allex $2.1M neg. Fully loaded. Tel: 227-0568, 691-4897 Hilux Solid Axle Pick-up.

Just arrived. Tel: 222-2662, 691-2077 International Tow Truck with flat aluminum bed; takes two vehicles. Call: 639-3900, 619-5400 1 2004 Honda Civic AT, music, excellent condition.

PMM series. One year in taxi, $1,750,000. Contact 6505567 PPP series Alteza, fully loaded. Tel: 677-7666, 6107666 Two (2) Nissan Titan; year 2004. LE and SE model; new tires $3.5M and $3.7M, price neg. Contact 681-3300.

Jag’s Auto: Spacio, Premio, Wagon. Cheapest. Call: 6167635 Late GKK 2 Ton long base canter Tel: 677-7666,6107666 First Class Auto. Allion, Premio, NZE, Fielder, AT212, Carina & Raum. Tel# 6098188, 602-6307 One RZ EFI long base minibus.

Excellent condition. Price $1.175 neg.

Call: 619-5157 Leading Auto. Unregistered Allion, Premio, Runx, Spacio, Avensis, Verossa, 212. Tele: 677-7666, 610-7666.

Guyana Auto Sale.

Unregistered 2007 Tacoma, Solid Def Pick-up, Raum, Refrigerated and Dump Isuzu Truck. 227-1737 1 -2 Ton Mitsubishi Canter open back, GKK series $1.4M Neg. Call: 684-8231 3 ton enclosed & open back canter, unregistered. 6172891 One New Model Caldino Wagon, 41,000km. Excellent condition. Price negotiable $1.4M. Call: 629-1451, 6776003 Toyota Prado, 2004 Prado, 2005 Mark II GX110, 2005 Tundra. All fully loaded.

Excellent condition. Call: 600-5759 1 Toyota 4x4, V6. Tele: 642-4779

PEN PAL Afro Guyanese seeks decent female for companion. Age 45-50yrs. Call: 639-2397 (Continued on page 27)

Friday June 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Wakapao Secondary, Champion Na Li progresses new entrant to Digicel to third round Schools Football Wakapao Secondary stands a good chance of doing well at this year’s Digicel Schools Football Tournament.

This is according to Teacher / Manager Kapil Singh, who spoke to the media via telephone yesterday.

Singh, who has been spearheading the school’s preparations, said that the upcoming competition will be the first time that the school will be participating and exuded confidence that they will do well after making comparisons with the performance of other schools in the competition and even went as far as disclosing that they stand a good chance of walking away with the trophy.

Located in Region two, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Singh said that to some of the students football is pretty new, but is confident that the students will be ready by June 15, the scheduled start of the tournament. Cricket he said is the dominant sport in the Region, “but the children will learn the rules of the game

by June 15”.

The school according to Singh has been in training for some three weeks now under the watchful eyes of Coach Lindy France, who works with the students daily and even informed that the students have shown great improvements over the period.

Asked about practice facility, Singh said that they are at the moment using a ground not far from the school which is sand filled.

That he said is not the most

ideal facility for the students to practice on, but stated that they are making the best of it.

He also said when compared to other facilities their ground is in much better shape.

Singh noted that if his students are to win the Regional competition that they will have a challenge when it comes to matching skills with schools that have been practicing on what is considered the ideal facility, but said they will cross that bridge when they get there.

Asked if there are any other challenges facing the school as they prepare for the tournament, Singh said no, informing that they have everything they need to prepare for the tournament.

The twenty students that make up the team are drawn from, forms one to four. He said that fifth form students were not selected as part of the team since they are in the process of writing CSEC. “I don’t want to interfere with their exams they have to concentrate on passing their examinations first of all. That is why no fifth form students were selected. We will work with the students from forms one to four”.

Asked what was responsible for them agreeing to register the school as part of the tournament, Singh said that there are eight secondary schools in Region 2 and “we try to get the students involved in sporting activities that the other schools participate in. And when we ask the students they said that they were interested, so we registered”.

Two Horse Racing Clubs confirm racing dates for rest of the year Two of the leading racing clubs, Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facilities (RCMTC&SF) located at Alness, Corentyne Berbice and the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTF) situated at Rising Sun Arima Park, West Coast Berbice have released their racing dates for the rest of the year.

RCMT&SF will host a multi-million Meet on Monday July 2nd which would be followed by Meets on Sunday September 23 and Sunday November 18.

RSTF will have theirs on Sunday August 12; Sunday

September 9 and Sunday November 25.

The season is currently on a halt due to various circumstances including the inclement weather. KMTC was forced to postpone their Independence Meet which was slated for Sunday June10.

During the season break, a number of the horse owners have turned their attention to replenishing their stock apart from routine repairs and medical check-ups on their animals. Others have ventured overseas in search of new animals to restock their stables.

Champion Na Li powered past Stephanie Foretz Gacon to reach the French Open third round. Chinese player Li, 30, broke the French woman in the first game and completed a dominant 6-0 6-2 win in 52 minutes.

Ninth seed and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki also progressed with a comfortable 6-1 6-4 victory against Australian Jarmila Gajdosova. Maria Sharapova will play Ayumi Morita on Friday (today) after John Isner’s match against Paul-Henri Mathieu overran Francesca Schiavone, the 2010 champion, also made it through with a 2-6 6-3 6-1 win over Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova.

The Italian, 31, who also reached the final last year, initially struggled with her serve but finished strongly to qualify for the next round.

Schiavone will now face Varvara Lepchenko after the American, ranked 61 in the world, knocked out Serbian 19th seed Jelena Jankovic with a 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-4 win.

Wimbledon champion and fourth seed Petra Kvitova reached the third round by beating Urszula Radwanska of Poland 6-1 6-3.

Wade had a three-point play with 59.7 seconds left, and the Heat won their sixth straight East finals game going back to last season.

Miami was down by as many as 11 in the third quarter, before a pair of 3-pointers by James started a comeback.

Wa d e made consecutive jumpers midway through the third

TO RENT Office space ideal for Doctor’s office etc. 2 Rooms & bathroom, Lower Carmicheal St. Tel: 226-2181

MASSAGE American Style Massage Service. Call 609-4036 Treat yourself to a relaxing massage Call: 622-6256

Na Li

Heat overcome Rondo, top...

From page 29 of those being the game that clinched the 2006 NBA title.

There was the big early deficit, a 7-for-20 shooting effort from the floor by James, Wade going scoreless until the final seconds of the first half, 16 missed free throws and two missed chances to win - both shots by James at the end of regulation.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Boston’s Big Four were Big again. Pierce scored 21 points before fouling out.

Kevin Garnett scored 18 points and added eight rebounds. Ray Allen, ailing right ankle and all, went through two game day shooting workouts to try to snap out of a slump and apparently did, finishing with 13 points, the last three of those coming on a 3-pointer that tied the game at 99-all with 34.3 seconds left in regulation.

Miami managed to survive it all. Haslem’s dunk with 1:28 left in overtime to put Miami on top for good,

(From page 26)

to shake off a slow start to his night, and the 2006 NBA finals MVP set up Haslem for a three-point play that gave Miami its first lead since the opening minutes, 73-71.

Miami finished 31 of 47 from the line, Boston was 26 of 29. The Celtics were called for 33 personal fouls, Miami 18. (Yahoo Sports)

Fudadin waits patiently...

From page 30 are a lot more competitive. I have waited all of this time to get into the team, so I will remain patient.

“I am not thinking about it in that way. I am thinking about doing what is in front of me, right now. My chance will come and I am willing to wait.”

Remaining matches June 2-3: Leicestershire vs West Indies – Grace Road, Leicester 7-11: 3rd Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham 13: Middlesex vs West Indies – Lord’s, London 16: 1st One-day International – The Ageas Bowl, Southampton 19: 2nd One-day International (d/n) – Kia Oval, London 22: 3rd One-day International – Headingley Carnegie, Leeds 24: Twenty20 International – Trent Bridge, Nottingham

LAND FOR SALE Land V/Hoop 2 acre: school, housing, factory, etc. call: 658-0115 95 acres, transported land, W.B.D, Maria Lodge, fully drainage and aggregation. $40 million. Contact 266-5447 1½ acre V/Hoop 48ft x 1300ft, housing, parking lot, work shop, lumber yard, etc.

Call: 627-9351

PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 three bedroom house Prashad Nagar, asking price $29M neg. Call: 227-2563, 684-2115 East Bank $12M. Newtown $30M. Queenstown $35M. East Coast $16M. Diana 2272256, 626-9382 House & land, Diamond, E.B.D. Tel: 677-3472 Property for sale at EnmoreFoulis. Contact 2550584 or 696-3186

SALON Make up courses, artist trained & certified in Trinidad: 660-5257,647-1773 Qualify yourself in Cosmetology or nails, make up, Register, Limited spaces.

Call Abby: 216-1950, 6197603, 666-5241 Seeta & Soma Salon.

Specialists in perming, relaxing, styling, manicure, pedicure, etc. Tel: 618-6346/ 644-7142 Certificate Courses in Cosmetology & Nails from $6000. 669-4511

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Friday June 01, 2012

Coach Williams happy with “good camaraderie and team spirit” in West Indies A camp Bridgetown, Barbados -— Heavy rain on Thursday morning could not dampen the spirits of the members of the West Indies A Team as they had a productive threehour training session at Kensington Oval.

The nets were waterlogged due to overnight and early morning showers but the players used the time to do extended fielding and training drills on the Kensington Oval outfield, as they prepare for the start of the Digicel Series against

India A. First ball in the first Digicel four-day ‘Test” on Saturday is 10 am (9 am Jamaica Time).

Assistant Coach Stuart Williams said he was extremely pleased with the positive approach and the level of commitment demonstrated by the players. He said there is “good camaraderie and team spirit” among the players as everyone looked ahead to the series – which features three four-day matches, two Twenty20s and three 50-over matches.

“We came this morning and the nets were not available due to the rain.

They (players) expected to hit balls in the nets and run in and bowl, but sometimes you don’t always get what you want. We decided to get in some extra work on other disciplines — doing ground fielding, slip fielding, high catching and doing fitness drills. The players really enjoyed the session and that was great to see. We put in a great deal of work today,” Williams said.

Friday Night Fights - 24th Edition...

Eastman vows to make Hardy pay for disrespecting him at press conference When Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite fought Barbadian, Shawn ‘Sniper’ Cox he seemed to be doing fine with his threats and vile promises of what he would have done to his foe. Then ‘The Big Truck’ made the fundamental mistake of calling Cox garbage.

The epithet enraged Cox who vowed to make the former Guyanese world champion pay for his crassness. The result of that bout is now history as Cox made good on his promise.

Yesterday, at the studios of the National Communications Networks (NCN) where the boxers had convened for the pre-fight press conference, Simeon ‘Candyman’ Hardy seemed to be saying all the right things in the run up to his light/middleweight bout against former European champion and world rater, Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman tonight.

Then he went a bit further by declaring that Eastman is an ‘old man’ who would have already enjoyed the better part of his career.

Hardy then went on to say that he would use his famous ‘chin checkers’ to cart off the spoils.

The initial statement infuriated the ‘Battersea Bomber’ who blurted, “You have disrespected me and for that I will ensure that I regain some respect.” The battle lines are now drawn and both pugilists will be coming out swinging in order to claim the spoils in their scheduled 10 rounds light/middleweight encounter in the 24th edition of Friday Night Fights at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) tonight.

Kwesi Jones was initially scheduled to fight Shawn Corbin but the latter fighter developed problems while training for the fight, forcing the organizers to substitute the Eastman/Hardy bout. The general consensus seemed to suggest that Hardy has bitten off more than he could chew but the man of the ‘chin checker’ fame has scoffed at such sentiments saying that the bout is just what he needs as he prepares for battle in the imminent World Boxing Council (WBC) 50th anniversary celebrations tournament. He is urging his fans to come out and support him since he plans to turn in a special performance.

The Miguel Antoine/Iwan Azore welterweight bout has been called off after the former boxer sustained an injury while training. The organizers have since contracted Troy Lewis to fill the slot and Azore, who flew in from his Trinidad and Tobago base yesterday afternoon has promised to replicate the result of their second encounter where he had scored a lopsided unanimous verdict.

Both boxers have demonstrated deep hatred for each other’s guts in their first fight, to the extent that they became embroiled in an ‘after the bell’ brawl. Officials of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) had summoned them to a disciplinary hearing and then matched them again. Azore eventually prevailed.

Yesterday afternoon both fighters’s exuded confidence and Azore said that while he is disappointed by the turn of events that forced Antoine out of the fight, he is ready for whatever Lewis brings with him. Lewis also sounded confident saying that he will come out with blazing fists with every intention of reversing the decision.

Kelsie George did not travel from Berbice for the press conference and his opponent, James Walcott had a field day. He promised to mete out all manner of punishment to the Berbician. When informed of a missive dispatched to him by George, that he would teach him (Walcott) a lesson, the latter pugilist chuckled in derision while promising George the licking of his life.

Rudolph Fraser and Cassius Matthews also had choice comments for each other with the former boxer declaring that he has a foolproof plan to counteract anything the latter has to offer.

Otherwise, four amateur bouts will sweeten the deal for boxing buffs. Tournament organizer, Terence Poole explained that executives of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) are currently focusing on the development of talent in the rural areas.

As such a large percentage of the boxers are drawn from gyms outside of the Capital city.

Competing boxers will be drawn from Berbice and Essequibo including Shaka Moore, from the Cinderella County up against Tyron Lashley of Rosehall Jammers. Michael April, fighting out of Tiger Eye Boxing Gym, Berbice, will battle Orin Bancroft while April’s gym mate, Travis Fraser opposes Damion Ross. Anthon Branch of the Harpy Eagles will do battle with Mathew Hollingsworth in the final amateur bout.

Fight Night Guyana was initiated by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control in collaboration with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, National Communication s Network and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The bouts will be taped by National Communications Network (NCN) for a later showing and as usual the admission fee remains at $1000 for adults and half that amount for children. Bell time is 20:00hrs sharp.

“We have a great bunch of players and it is clear we have a very good team spirit.

We have formed a good unit and everyone is familiar with each other. The team has in quite a few players who were part of the Sagicor High Performance Centre, as well as others who have played together for the West Indies A Team before. The players get on well with each other and there is cohesion and camaraderie.

Williams added: “The Indians have brought a team with some experienced players (at the international level) so this series will be a good test for us. It is always good to compete against good, strong opposition and push yourself to the limit. Our players recognise that this will be a ‘big’ series for them as they look to show continued development and progress.”

Williams, a former West Indies opener and Leeward Islands captain, played 31 Tests and 57 One-Dayers between 1994 and 2002. He has been involved in the development of young sportsmen and sportswomen in St Kitts and Nevis since his retirement from the game. He has been Assistant Coach of West Indies A Team and West Indies Under-19s for the last two seasons.

Stuart Williams The 42-year-old noted that the upcoming matches will provide a chance for several players to impress the West Indies selectors as they look to regain selection in the West Indies senior team.

He made mention of legspinner Devendra Bishoo, the ICC Emerging Player of the Year; teenaged opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite, who played against Australia in the three-match Digicel Test series last month; and versatile opener Lendl Simmons, who is making a return after an injury earlier this year.

“The A Team serves several purposes, and sometimes players lose form, and this series will be a chance for players like Bishoo

and Brathwaite to regain their form and look to get back into the senior side. They are both young, talented players and they have a lot to offer West Indies cricket,” Williams said.

“In the case of Simmons, he had an injury and he will want to use this series to prove his fitness and readiness to return. He was excellent for West Indies in limited-overs cricket last year and he will want to get back in the groove and re-start his international career.”

The West Indies will have another training session on Friday (today) morning at Kensington Oval at 09:30hrs.

West Indies A: Veerasammy Permaul (Captain), Jason Holder (Vice Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Kyle Corbin, Delorn Johnson, Leon Johnson, Kevin McClean, Donovan Pagon, Lendl Simmons, Devon Thomas (Wicket-keeper).

India A: Cheteshwar Pujara (Captain), Wriddhiman Saha (Vice Captain/Wicketkeeper), Abhinav Mukund, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary, Rahul Sharma, Ashok Dinda, Jalaj Saxena, Parviner Awana, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Robin Bisht, Akshay Darekar, Sami Ahmed.

EZ JET IS LATEST SPONSOR OF RHTY&SC

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, last weekend added another sponsor to its official list in the form of EZ Jet, now an official sponsor of the organisation. The airline donated an airline ticket to the Club which would facilitate the travel of Secretary/CEO to New York. The entity also made a cash donation of US$500.00 which would be used for the Club’s Anti Drugs and Pro Education campaigns.

Foster, at the presentation said that he would be visiting the New York in June/July to meet with overseas based supporters of the Club. There he will also be forming new alliances as the Club seeks to expand its range of activities for youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

The long standing Administrator expressed gratitude to the management and staff of EZ Jet, welcoming them to the elite list of sponsors of the club which the veteran secretary informed was still recovering from a multi-million dollar

EZ Jet Country Operations Manager Ms. Rosalinda Rasul presents the cheque to Hilbert Foster. robbery, recently.

Also, while in the USA, Foster would be seeking to raise funds to replace gifts and prizes for programmes including the Tribute to Teachers, Annual Cricket Academy, Tribute to Heroes, Grade Six Summer Camp, Lower Corentyne Outstanding Students Awards and Assistance to Less Fortunate Students.

Country Operations Manager of the Airline Ms.

Rosalinda Rasul in making the donation to the club stated that her Company was pleased to be associated with such a dynamic Non Governmental Organisation which was making a positive contribution to society. She wished the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club the best and pledged the airline’s assistance in the future while disclosing the opening of a ticket office in the township.

Friday June 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Usain Bolt storms to victory in Rome in 9.76 seconds Usain Bolt stormed back to form by winning the 100m at the Rome Diamond League meeting in 9.76 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year. The Jamaican was sluggish by his own standards in clocking 10.04 last Friday in Ostrava in the Czech Republic.

But he exploded out of the blocks in Rome to hit the front early on and power away from compatriot Asafa Powell, who was second in 9.91 secs.

Britons Greg Rutherford and Robbie Grabarz won the long and high jumps.

The performance of Grabarz was particularly noteworthy, as he cleared 2.33m to set a new personal best and the leading height in the world this year, while Rutherford continued his recent good form by winning the long jump with a leap of 8.32m, 3cm short of his new joint British record.

But the undoubted star of the night was Bolt, who admitted some relief at returning to the sort of style and times for which he is known. “I knew I could do it,” the triple Olympic champion told BBC Sport. “Since I’ve been in Europe I’ve not been sleeping regularly, so after Ostrava I made sure I started going to bed earlier and eating right.

“I felt extememly well today, so it’s come back and I am pleased. “People expect me to do well all the time but I expect a lot of myself also, so it is not a pressure for me. I came out tonight not to prove anything to the world but to tell myself I’ve still got it, and I’m working my way from here.”

Powell was left complaining he was unable to hear the starter’s gun properly, while Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre trailed in a distant third in 10.04.

The other outstanding display of the night saw Kenyan Paul Koech run the third fastest time ever in the 3,000m steeplechase, powering home in 7:54:33, seven-tenths of a second outside the mark set

by Saif Saaeed Shaheen in Brussels eight years ago.

There was a surprise in the women’s 100m as Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast set a new personal best and national record of 11 seconds dead to pip Jamaican duo Shelley-Ann FraserPryce and Kerron Stewart.

Javier Culson won the men’s 400m hurdles ahead of American Bershawn Jackson in the absence of Welshman Dai Greene, who pulled out after waking up on Thursday morning with a virus.

Grabarz lost his lottery funding at the end of a poor season in 2011, but that

Usain Bolt

Murielle Ahoure forced him to re-dedicate himself to the sport and it paid dividends as he cleared each height from 2.20m at the first attempt until failing to clear 2.35m.

Rutherford also progressed smoothly with jumps of 8.04, 8.07 and 8.11m before responding to Russian Aleksandr Menkov (8.17) and South African Godfrey Mokoena (8.13) overtaking him by pulling out a superb 8.32 to win comfortably. Chris Tomlinson, who shares the British record of 8.35, could only manage fourth with 7.77.

Dwain Chambers could not inspire Great Britain’s 4x100m relay team on his first appearance in the quartet since the 2006 European Championships in Gothenburg, when team-mate Darren Campbell refused to share a lap of honour with Chambers, who had returned after a drugs ban.

With Chambers running the first leg, Britain finished

second behind Canada, but the British men’s 4x400m quartet won their race comfortably, Jack Green bringing them home on the final leg ahead of Botswana.

Andrew Osagie finished strongly to take third in the men’s 800m behind 17-yearold Kenyan winner Leonard Kosencha, while Goldie Sayers finished third in the women’s javelin with a season’s best throw of 64.73m, with Barbora Spotakova of the Czech Republic taking victory with 68.65m.

Perri Shakes-Drayton pulled out of her 400m hurdles race with a hamstring strain, while world indoor champion Yamile Aldama suffered a shoulder injury in the triple jump.

Aldama, 39, landed awkwardly in the pit after jumping 14.65m in the second round - her longest outdoors for six years - and passed the rest of her four jumps. She will have a scan on the injury in London on Friday (today).

Pietersen quits international...

From page 30 Sport late last year, England spinner Graeme Swann said the 50-over international format should be scrapped.

Pietersen said he had considered the “intensity of the international schedule and the increasing demands on my body, approaching 32”.

South Africa-born Pietersen, who has an English mother, has been one of the most successful England batsmen of recent times since he qualified to play international cricket by serving four years in the County game.

His 4,184 one-day international runs at an average of 48.14, puts him sixth in the all-time list of England batsmen, and he heads their T20 list with 1,176 runs at 37.93, the only England player to pass four figures in the shortest form of the game.

Pietersen’s relationship with the ECB, which came under scrutiny when he resigned as England Captain in January 2009 following a rift with then coach Peter Moores, was tested again this month after he was fined for criticising commentator Nick Knight on Twitter.

He scored 111 not out and 130 in his final two one-day innings, against Pakistan in Dubai in February.

(BBC Sport)

Page 29

Heat overcome Rondo, top Boston 115-111 in Game 2 Miami (AP) - Rajon Rondo posted a stat line never before seen in NBA playoff history.

He was on the court for every second of a game that finished more than three hours after it started. He scored more points in a single overtime than anyone this season.

His night was called incredible, amazing and unbelievable - and that was by the Miami Heat. And when it was over, Rondo could only express disappointment that the Boston Celtics needed more.

LeBron James scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Dwyane Wade scored eight of his 23 points in overtime and the Heat took a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 115111 win over the Celtics on Wednesday night, overcoming what will surely go down as the best game of Rondo’s career to move within six wins of an NBA title.

Rondo’s final numbers: 44 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds. He scored all 12 of Boston’s overtime points, giving the Celtics the lead three times, only to have the Heat answer each of those.

And when he finally missed

LeBron James (6) and Dwyane Wade (3) in the extra session - on a play where Rondo said he got struck in the face by Wade then and only then could Miami put Boston away.

Game 3 is Friday night (tonight) in Boston, where the Celtics will try to make this a series. No Celtics team has successfully rallied from an 02 hole since 1969.

Mario Chalmers scored 22 points for Miami, which got 13 points, 11 rebounds and

three assists off the bench from Udonis Haslem. The entire Celtics bench combined for seven points, five rebounds and one assist.

Miami trailed by 15 points in the first half, making this the largest deficit the Heat have overcome to win a playoff game in their history.

Miami had rallied from 14 points down to win twice before in the postseason, one (Continued on page 27)

French Open: Rafael Nadal coasts into third round Rafael Nadal continued his steady progress at the French Open by reaching the third round with a straightsets win over Denis Istomin.

Defending champion Nadal, a six-time winner at Roland Garros, clinched a 6-2 6-2 6-0 win over the Uzbekistan player.

The Spaniard, 25, has only lost one service game in the tournament so far. Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also booked his place in the third round with a victory over CedrikMarcel Stebe in four sets.

Istomin produced a dogged performance but Nadal, looking to win a record seventh title, was always in control, breaking twice on the way to wrapping up the first set. Nadal, who overcame Simone Bolelli in the first round, was made to work hard to hold two of his service games in the second set, fighting off two break points.

But his relentless play on the way to moving 2-0 ahead appeared to break Istomin’s resolve and Nadal made light work of completing the win.

The Spaniard will now face Argentine Eduardo Schwank for a place in the last 16.

Nadal said: “During

Rafeal Nadal practice and during the tournament my attitude is slightly more positive, and it’s less difficult. “Whereas last year, due to my attitude which was less positive it was more difficult for me.

“I have improved during the third set. This is when I had the upper hand. I played my best tennis. I made almost no mistakes.”

Tsonga’s match was delayed by rain on Wednesday and he also had to come through a problematic second set to win 6-2 4-6 6-2 6-1 against German Stebe. The fifth-seeded Frenchman was level at one set all and 1-1 in the third when play resumed on Thursday but he started with a break and closed the match out in less than an hour.

Tsonga admitted he had benefited from the match being delayed on

Wednesday. He said: “(On Wednesday) the conditions were not the ones I like very much. When the weather is heavy, I find it difficult to play.

“I can’t volley well. I can’t play winning points from the baseline, and then you start playing cat and mouse. “I had difficulties focusing. It was children’s day (Wednesday).

There was a lot of noise, and I was getting a bit crazy. “So I think it was a good idea the match was stopped and I could start again in far better conditions for me.”

Sixth seed David Ferrer produced a straight-sets win, 6-3 6-3 6-2, over Benoit Paire of France.

Home favourite Arnaud Clement, 34, who is set to retire at the end of the season, bowed out with a 3-6 7-6 (7/2) 0-6 6-2 6-1 defeat to Belgian qualifier David Goffin.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

Friday June 01, 2012

Pietersen quits international Fudadin waits patiently limited-overs cricket for his chance

Kevin Pietersen England batsman Kevin Pietersen has announced his retirement from international limited-overs cricket. The 31year-old, who made his debut in 2004, played 127 one-day internationals and 36 Twenty20 internationals.

“I think it is the right time to step aside and let the next generation of players come through to gain experience for the World Cup in 2015,” he said. “I still wish to be considered for selection for England in Test cricket.”

Pietersen, who was player

of the tournament in England’s World Twenty20 triumph in the Caribbean in 2010 with 248 runs in six matches at an average of 62, had been expected to be at the forefront of the side again during this year’s competition, which takes place in Sri Lanka from 18 September to 7 October.

But it has emerged that the ECB does not allow players to pick and choose between ODI and Twenty20 formats. Pietersen said: “For the record, were the selection

criteria not in place, I would have readily played for England in the upcoming ICC World Twenty20.”

Hugh Morris, Managing Director of England Cricket, said the ECB was disappointed with the timing of Pietersen’s decision, coming four months before the World T20.

“As the programming and planning for ODI and T20 format cricket are very closely linked, we have a selection policy that means that any player making himself unavailable for either of the one-day formats, rules himself out of consideration for both formats,” he said.

“The selectors will now replace Kevin in both the ODI and the T20 squads. “Kevin is a world-class player and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his efforts and we look forward to his continued contributions to the Test match side.”

Andrew Strauss was the last senior player to retire from ODI cricket, although he was not part of the Twenty20 setup. In an interview with BBC (Continued on page 29)

Leguan NDC distributes cricket gear to clubs The Leguan Neighbourhood Democratic Council made a presentation of cricket gear they received from the Ministry of Culture Youths and Sports to clubs across the Island.

Speaking on behalf of the council was the Vice President Reverend Albert James who said he is grateful of the timely donation made by the Ministry and expressed his gratitude towards to the Ministry.

Leguan Cricket Committee President Viren Chintamani said that the gear will give a boost to clubs and is a form of encouragement for persons to be more actively involved in cricket. The Leguan Cricket Committee is extending thanks to the NDC

Assad Fudadin your shoulders at a league club, so that taught me how to refine my game and things like it.”

He said: “I did well for the years I played. Three years have past since I have played league cricket here, but I came over with the West Indies ATeam two years ago.

“I have good memories of my previous trips to England and now that I am back, I am trying to implement some of the stuff I learnt now.”

Fudadin was also a member of the West Indies Under-15 side that won the one-off World Challenge for that age group, played here in England about 12 years ago.

He is the latest member of that side to graduate to the senior West Indies side in one form of the game or the other.

He follows current teammates, fast bowler Ravi Rampaul and wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin, as well as batsmen Xavier Marshall and Lendl Simmons, along with left-arm medium-fast bowler Krishmar Santokie.

“I did not get into the West Indies team at the age that I wanted – but I feel everything happens for a reason,” he said. “It was getting a bit frustrating, but I have to thank my family for their support. Getting married to my wife Akeema and the birth of our son, Adyan, three years ago have coincided with the turnaround in my career.

“It got me to realise the important things in life and I think it rubbed off on my cricket. It was frustrating, but I worked through that period, and I am a stronger person, I’m better for it.”

Fudadin said he was realistic about his chances to play on this trip, considering there were players ahead of him that have been doing well for West Indies in recent times.

“It’s my first trip and there are guys that have been performing, which has coincided with a turning point for the team,” he said. “We (Continued on page 27)

Fifth Inter-Organisation B/ball competition looms Council member Inshan Ayube hands over a bat to Aseeb Khan in the presence of other players. and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports for playing a pivotal role in developing

the game on the Island and looks forward for more donations in the future.

Guyanese urged to don green as local...

From back page extremely vital if the team is to continue winning international acclaim and for that reason, we are extremely delighted that Banks (DIH) has seen it fit to come on board,” said Mr. Lewis.

Meanwhile coach of the squad, Theodore Henry feels that his team stands a very

Leicester, England – Assad Fudadin said his first trip overseas with the West Indies team has been an eyeopening experience. The uncapped 26-year-old lefthanded batsman from Guyana is yet to play a match on the tour, but he welcomed the opportunity to be part of the side, and said he was willing to work hard to earn a permanent place.

“It’s been an honour for me to be here,” he said. “All of my years playing cricket, I have dreamt of this coming true. So far, I have really learnt a lot. “The vibes and the team spirit are very good. I am gelling with the other players and they are making me feel welcomed.

He added: “All in all, it has been a meaningful experience and I have grasped quite a bit about international cricket from being here so far. “Now that I have been involved, I do not want to go backwards.

I want to progress from here.

I just want to keep a positive frame of mind and positive thinking, everything I do I just want to remain positive.”

Fudadin said one of the major benefits from being on the trip has been the work he has been doing trying to refine his technique, making it impregnable. “As batsman, you have to do a lot of work on your technique, when you are in England because the ball does so much over here,” he said.

“I played four seasons in the leagues here and that experience was helpful for my cricket overall. It taught me about responsibility. As a professional, most of the workload normally falls on

good chance of winning the match. He said that they had huddled and examined past errors and made the requisite adjustments thus heightening their winning chances.

President of the GFRU, Kit Nascimiento informed that after their good showing in the recently concluded Sevens tournament

in Hong Kong, the team has been elevated from their number 24 position to the number 22 spot.

However, this ranking is still to be made official. The Trinidadians were scheduled to arrive in Guyana early this morning and the match will commence tomorrow afternoon at 16:00hrs sharp.

The Fifth Annual InterOrganisation Basketball Competition will be held next Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall beginning at 11am with the Royston Siland-led defending champs, Neal and Massy Group of Companies aiming to defend their title.

Host of the event, VP Update’s Vijay Panday, told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that all systems are in place to host the event that has been growing over the years. He said that the fixtures are out and most of the teams already know their first round opponents.

Before Neal and Massy won the title, the Lugard Mohan-led Guyana Power

and Light Company had staked its claim in 2010. Both teams will return to the competition this year with others that include Bosai Minerals, National Insurance Scheme, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Defence Force and Guyana Police Force among several others.

“We have the usual participation from the established basketballplaying companies and then we have some newcomers in this year’s tournament. All in all, the competition is growing, and I am hoping that it continues to grow over the coming years,” Panday said.

He informed that Digicel, Guyana’s Bigger, Better Network, Giftland OfficeMax,

Vijay Panday White Castle Fish Shop, Hinds and Vaughn Accountancy, Sonic Boom and Wildfire Entertainment are among the main sponsors of the 2012 competition.

He added that the National Sports Commission and Director of Sport, Neil Kumar have also offered their support for the event.

Friday June 01, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Team Guyana produces another classy performance

I

t was another night and another victory for Team Guyana (Back Circle), who

used homecourt advantage to easily dispose of Island All Stars as play in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the

Topco Independence one-day Rapid Chess fixed for this Sunday

DDL Sales Manager Alexis Langhorne hands over cheque to Shiv Nandalall The Independence anniversary TOPCO JUICES oneday Rapid Chess tournament is set for Sunday June 3 at the KEI-SHAR’S Sports Club, Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown; registration starting at 09:00hrs and competition beginning one hour later.

Alexis Langhorne, Sales Manager of Demerara Distillers Limited under whose brand “TOPCO JUICES” the competition is being sponsored, presented the cheque yesterday to President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) Shiv Nandalall at the tournament venue.

Ms. Langhorne in remarks observed that Chess is a small but growing sport and said her company will continue to play its part in the continued growth of the game; adding that DDL has been working with the GCF since its resuscitation and her company is quite pleased with its progress.

It is the second Chess tournament so far this year being sponsored by Demerara Distillers Ltd. under its TOPCO brand.

Nandalall thanked the DDL Executive for maintaining her company’s support. He noted that the local Chess body is always planning competitions with the objective of allowing players to test their skills regularly.

The Swiss System tournament consists of seven rounds with a time limit of 40 minutes per game. The tournament is open to all male and female players in both the senior and junior categories. Tournament fee for senior non-members is $500.00 and juniors $300.00.

Members of the Guyana Chess Federation will pay a reduced fee. Cash prizes and medals are at stake.

Interested players can contact Irshad Mohamed on 664 1650 or Shiv Nandalall on 225 8270 during office hours for further details.

Streets’ warm-up Tournament-organised by Banks DIH continued on Wednesday evening, at the East Riumveldt Community Centre.

Team Guyana making the most of the warm-up series produced another clinical performance and in the process notched up their second win in as many matches, while Island All Stars remained winless.

Star players Daniel Favourite was once again in top form, hammering in a brace, while Allan Kennedy a n d Vi n c e n t T h o m a s supported with a goal apiece.

Other outstanding performances came from Andrew Murray Jnr., who booted in a hat-trick, while Shem Porter and ‘King’ Solomon Austin each hit in a double.

In the night’s full results: Game 1 - Albouystown defeated Durban Street 3-0.

Goal Scorers; Andrew Murray 9th, 16th and 21st min.

Game 2 - Alexander Village edged Broad Street 2-1. Goal Scorers Alexander Village Shem Porter 7th and 18th min; Broad Street Johnny Gravesande 8th.

Game 3 - West Front Road and Tiger Bay drew 3-

Team Guyana (black bibs) in action against Island All Stars on Wednesday evening at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre.

3. Goal Scorers West Front Road Kwame Pedro 15th min, Stellan David 16th min, Michael Pedro 28th min.

Tiger Bay Deon Alfred 11th min, Solomon Austin 19th and 21st min.

Game 4 - Team Guyana (Back Circle) beat Island All

Stars 4-2. Goal Scorers Team Guyana (Back Circle) Allan Kennedy 20th min, Vincent Thomas 22nd min, Daniel Favorite 26th and 30th min. Island All Stars Leon Jarvis 27th and 28th min.

Meanwhile, the competition continues tomorrow night, at Burnham

Court. The fixtures are as follows: 20:00 hrs Island All Stars tackles D’urban Street 20:45 hrs West Front Road takes on Broad Street 21:30 hrs Team Guyana (Back Circle) clash with Albouystown 22:15 hrs Tiger Bay battles Alexander Village

t r o Sp Guyanese urged to don green as local rugby players take on T&T tomorrow President Kit Nascimiento (3rd right standing) joins other executives of his entity and Banks DIH officials at the press conference.

O

n November 11, 2011 Guyana’s p r e m i e r e football squad – “Golden Jaguars” challenged Trinidad and Tobago’s “Soca Warriors” at the National Stadium, Providence, and Guyanese demonstrated staunch patriotism by donning yellow jerseys thus rendering moral support to their team.

The local ball weavers went on to defeat the men from the ‘Land of the Hummingbird’ thus progressing to the third stage of the FIFA World Cup

Brazil 2014 qualifying tournament and will play Mexico on June 8 next in

their first of three games home and away; the other countries they will face are

Costa Rica and El Salvador.

In a totally different ball game, local rugby players

Friday Night Fights - 24th Edition...

Eastman vows to make Hardy pay for disrespecting him at press conference Pg. 28

Howard Eastman and Simeon Hardy (sitting left and right respectively) joins Peter Abdool, Terrence Poole (sitting 2nd and 3rd right) and other pugilists at the pre-fight press conference.

will take to the field, also at the National Stadium, Providence, tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, to once again engage their foe from the Twin Island Republic and this time rugby administrators are beseeching members of the public to wear a green jersey to show support for the ‘ruggers.’

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Rugby Football Union, Gem Nascimiento made this plea on behalf of the Executive of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) when that body called a press conference in the conference room of Bank DIH Ltd to brief media operatives on issues pertaining to the impending game.

The beverage giant has acquiesced to a lucrative sponsorship package and the tournament would be staged under the ‘Malta Supreme’ brand. Yesterday morning several of the top brass from the beverage company were present to hand over the sponsorship package including Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart and Communications

Manager, Troy Peters.

Mr. Peters said that his organization was delighted to form a partnership with the rugby players even as he voiced optimism that the local team would triumph over their Caricom foes and progress to the next round.

The Communications Manager then urged all Guyanese to come out in support of their team as such support could be the catalyst to their eventual victory.

He supports the notion that the attainment of a berth in the finals is certainly not beyond their capacity. Mr. Peters concluded with encouraging words to the team, “Be smart, be strong but most of all be supreme.”

Executive member, John Lewis added his voice to the cause and informed that there have been significant improvements in the sport over the years. He pointed out that the advancement of the team will reflect on the financial demands since the squad will be required to engage in matches outside of Guyana. “ S i m p l y p u t , sponsorship will become (Continued on page 27)

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