Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 19, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

Kaieteur News Sugar is a dead horse in Guyana 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

It’s all about our safety Crime, especially murder and armed robbery, is on the rise. Something has gone terribly wrong.

Up to mid-June, the country has recorded 76 murders.

The statistics indicate increases in the number of murders involving firearms and cases in which instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

If the trend continues, this year’s murder rate seems destined to surpass those of 2013 and 2014, and would rival some of the years of the infamous crime wave which occurred between 2002 and 2007.

Far too often society is being shocked and outraged by the acts and the circumstances surrounding such wicked and senseless deeds. Moreover, the families of the victims are devastated by their loss and they rely on the criminal justice system to operate in a timely, efficient and effective manner.

But that is not always the case in Guyana where more than one third of the murders remained unsolved.

The reshuffling of senior members of the Police Force and the pronouncement by the Minister of Public Security to weed out rogue and abusive cops from the police force is a proactive move, but that will not be enough in the circumstances. A robust plan is needed to reduce crime and ease the fears of the citizens. The perpetrators always seem to be one step ahead of the police.

While many will concede that it may be too early for the new government to have its promised significant impact on the crime ‘situation, a culture of death is fast pervading the country and must be stopped as soon as possible, if we are ever again to experience a culture of healthy living and deserved happiness.

Since everyone should be concerned with the obvious moral degeneration, there is a critical need for the public at large to rediscover good values, otherwise decency will continue decline into an abyss of persistent immorality and despair. Rampant crime has been overwhelming the nation for too long. It has been recognised that youths have essentially been left to their own devices, and have not inculcated the teachings and practices of their elders, which has resulted in the breakdown of ethical values in the home, schools, workplaces, and by extension the entire country.

In general, everyone needs to control their tempers and refrain from being aggressive and abusive, because it is a fact that many of the acts of physical violence and murders have been accompanied and preceded by verbal abuse. The rejection of the aforementioned values and practices has ultimately brought the country to the precipice.

The new government must take charge of the country in order to bring about the required change. There must be a reduction of the murders; a new and definitive vision for Guyana to move forward has to be clearly defined.

But before this is achieved, the tough questions will be asked by the populace, and they will understandably expect appropriate answers.

Is there a comprehensive plan or strategy to reduce crime, especially armed robberies and murders? This is most urgent, because without adequate preparation to combat this scourge, the country will suffer and the people will lose hope. It makes sense for the new government to make crime fighting/reduction its highest priority in order not to further jeopardize the safety of the people. This is imperative with regard to gaining their confidence and trust.

People’s confidence in the administration is invaluable and if this is lacking there will be a rapid loss of credibility.

Individual safety, public safety, and safety of communities are important and should be the primary focus of the new Government. The main concern will be whether the leaders can be depended on to protect us against the clearly brazen and unrelenting criminals in our midst.

Time, as they say, will tell.

and we should stop flogging it DEAR EDITOR, The sugar industry is but a dead horse in Guyana that we should stop flogging. We should instead seek international help.

And that help, combined with local expertise and the knowledge of those who have years of working in the sector, should lead us to the best way forward for the sugar industry.

Many people would not want to accept the fact that sugar is but ‘dead’, even though they know it so to be.

One of the main reasons for the ostrich-like attitude relates to the 16,000 people who depend on the industry for their livelihood as well as the industry’s relegation to being a political football.

However, it will be better if policy makers countenance the reality sooner than later.

In 2009, I was interviewed for a senior position in GUYSUSO. After the formal question and answer period, the esteemed panel asked me what I thought of GUYSUCO. They asked me to be forthright, and assured me that whatever I said would not have prejudiced the outcome of the interview, for which I was told sometime after that I was the leading candidate for the position.

I am not an expert in the sugar industry but I keep abreast with information about the plight of the local sector as well as the world sugar market.

As a former practicing journalist and communicator, I maintain a healthy knowledge of all matters of national interests. I told the panel exactly what I thought. I said that sugar was ‘dead’ in Guyana as a commodity that we can sell competitively in Europe and other

international markers. I said GUYSUCO’s cost of production was high, the quality of product was poor, the technology used was old, and the number of people employed too many.

I opined that the company should scale down production – produce sugar for local consumption, a higher grade for regional markets, and that we find a couple of niche markets for which specialised products should be manufactured. I further opined that some of the sugar lands could be given out to sugar workers to plant, to other groups in cooperatives, and some given to individuals who were financially able to farm the land.

On concluding my suggestions, I got a pleasant surprise. The entire highlevel interviewing panel agreed with me. They did not necessarily agree with the measures I proposed but rather that sugar was ‘dead’ and that the industry needed reengineering. However, they indicated that they could not tell the powers that be what they really thought.

Six years after that interview, GUYSUCO is in no better position. It has lost any semblance of competitiveness. Its cost of operation and production is still high, with wages and energy remaining the centres of highest costs. Its technology has not improved to make a difference in production. The Skeldon Sugar Factory, which should have been the mother of all sugar factories in Guyana, is yet to become operational, if ever.

Real management acumen over the affairs of the company has been in question, and political motives seemed to have taken precedence over sound management practices and good

corporate governance. If GUYSUCO is to remain a viable industry, its future will depend on its competitiveness.

These questions must be answered. Can GUYSUCO produce sugar at the same cost or lower than the 48 countries that produce larger volumes of sugar than the local industry? Can GUYUCO compete in the open marketplace?

The keys to the organisation’s success will be in its ability to improve efficiency, reduce production costs, find cheaper alternative sources of energy (baggase for example), and transforming the industry’s labour intensive nature through mechanisation. Consideration should also be given to integrated production of sugar and ethanol.

The driver of any transformation will be leadership, management, and political will. Since public ownership has failed, there is now every reason to try privatisation or private management with public ownership. I do recall that sometime before the change of Government in 1992, the initial process for GUYSUCO’s divestment had begun.

This initiative was later abandoned. I also recall that Booker Tate was involved in the management of GUYSUCO, but that experiment failed for reasons yet to be discovered.

What is clear is that the Guyana Sugar Industry needs help urgently. I do hope that those who are charged with pointing the way forward under the new Government Administration will be more courageous than the panel of interviewers who knew what should have been done about GUYSUCO but were too afraid to say.

Lennox Cornette Communications Specialist

Venezuela’s lingering border threats DEAR EDITOR, All over Guyana, people are talking about the border dispute with Venezuela and many are wondering what will be the outcome. They view the recent claim by Venezuela over Guyana’s maritime waters as an unfolding and very dangerous issue, which the new APNU+AFC Coalition Government must closely monitor with great interest over the coming weeks and months.

Since 1966, Caracas had refused to recognize the century-old border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela following a recent controversial decision by the president to extend its border claim. Venezuela’s prolonged threats must be taken seriously.

On May 27, 2015, President Maduro issued Decree No. 1787 creating the Atlantic Coast of Venezuelaand effectively extending his country’s borders to include the maritime waters off the natural resources-rich Essequibo region. Prior to the presidential decree, the Venezuelan Navy in October 2013, had detained an oil research vessel belonging to the United States Anadarko Petroleum Corporation because the Madura government claimed that the vessel was conducting illegal exploration in its waters without authorization. The former PPP administration disputed Venezuela’s

claim and stated that the vessel was operating in Guyana’s territory.

Venezuela had laid claim to twothirds of Guyana’s land mass since an 1899 arbitration ruling in favor of Guyana when it was under British colonial rule. Today, Venezuela has not only unilaterally renewed the claim, but has also extended it. Venezuela’s decision came 11 days after the general election in Guyana produced the first change of government in over two decades.It seems to have been triggered by the news of the discovery of significant petroleum deposits by United States Company ExxonMobil, which was given approval by the previous PPP/Civic administration to carry out exploration in the maritime area. This new development means that president David Granger coalition government was not given the customary honeymoon period afforded to newly elected governments.

The offshore oil find is great news for the people of Guyana, whose economic fortunes have been showing some encouraging signs of a turnaround in recent years after being in the doldrums for the last ten years.

President Granger, a former army brigadier-general has publicly stated that Venezuela’s actions represents a threat to regional peace and security and

has made it quite clear that his new administration will vigorously defend Guyana’s interests against any aggression from Venezuela, its neighbor.

Despite Venezuela’s cordial relationship with CARICOM nations, and its generous Petro-Caribe assistance to its member states, which began in 2005 with the aim to maintain solidarity with region, the leaders of the Caribbean believe that it is highly unreasonable for Venezuela to seek claim of more of Guyana’s territory.

There is enough evidence to suggest that Venezuela, even though it was not pleased with the ruling in 1899, yet it still ratified the findings of the arbitration which suggests it had accepted the agreement.

It is time for Venezuela to end its claim of Guyana’s territory so that the nation can fully concentrate its effortson strategies and plans to develop its economy and move Guyana forward.

The newly elected Granger led coalition government should not have had to divert its attention away from the development of the country towards the threats from Venezuela.

The dispute is most likely to be on the agenda of the annual CARICOM Heads of Government Summit slatedto be hosted by Barbados next month. This (Continued on page 5)

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

This is what kept Cheddi Jagan politically alive DEAR EDITOR, In his letter on Balram Singh Rai (SN, June 11), Malcolm Harripaul wrote t h e f o l l o w i n g , “ … D r.

Ramharack did in fact spend time interviewing Rai in London.” Unfortunately, this statement is not supported by Dr. Ramharack. In the “Acknowledgements” section of his book on Rai; R a m h a r a c k w a s unambiguous in his description of Rai’s refusal to speak on his life and politics at all. Or contribute personal knowledge to the project.

A c c o r d i n g t o Ramharack, the book was w r i t t e n w i t h o u t R a i ’s essential contributions.

Ramharack wrote that when he met Rai in London, Rai told him he saw no useful purpose in his participation in the writing of his biography. And refused to be make the essential inputs

which a biography requires Yo u c a n w r i t e a biography without the involvement of the subject but it would enhance the final product if the subject was interviewed.

Ramharack said Rai’s role in the writing of the book was his sharing of primary documents. It is all there for Malcolm to read, even a recent letter by Ramhrack (SN, June 13) in which Ramharack wrote; “Rai has not commented on Guyanese politics since then (1970).

He has resisted attempts to contribute to a biography on his life…” Ramharack chose not to say it was his biography.

Ramharack’s biography of Rai was done without the subject being interviewed. It is as simple as that. But there is more. You lose respect for Rai when you hear the reason he gave Ramharack for declining. First, the

biography would serve no useful purpose to anyone and he doesn’t want to be accused of embellishment of his role in Guyanese history.

Secondly, he doesn’t want the PPP to accuse him of falsifying history You can decline to speak about your life, but to give those reasons is really childish. Ramharack was very loose with the word, “ i n t e r v i e w. ” A f t e r describing Rai’s refusal to be “interviewed” for the book, he went on to say he learnt a lot from the “interview” with Rai. What he meant by “interview” was the interview he had with Rai on his request to have Rai assist in terms of sharing knowledge in the writing of t h e b i o g r a p h y. B u t Ramharack was pellucid – Rai did not give an interview for the purpose of making the Rai speak in the biography . It is all there for

Venezuela’s lingering...

From page 4 issue is problematic in that itpresents a dilemma for some CARICOM countries because it may place them in an uncomfortable situation where their loyalty to both Guyana and Venezuela put to the test.

This is especially truebecause these countries have and continue to benefit from Venezuelan Petro-Caribe oil concessions that provided a cushion from the full effects of high oil prices. Moreover, they are in a quandary and are therefore walking a diplomatic tightrope as to what to say or do about the border dispute.

This issue is so ripe with strife that Guyanese are holding their breath and are hoping that cool heads will prevail and that there will be no violence but instead some efforts towards conciliation by both countries. Escalation of the current border dispute by Venezuela has the potential to extend beyond the two countries and even outside of the region.

Because of the United States interests in the region; it will want regional stability and peace to exist instead of violence. If the latter occurs, it will have the potential to involve the US. As a result, U.S participation, military or otherwise can never be ruled out.

Apart from that, the tense relations which have existed between Washington and Caracas under President Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez over the years, the opportunity for the United States to discipline Venezuela might just be too tempting to resist.

That said, it is the hope of Guyanese and the people of the Caribbean for a peaceful region where all the countries can harmoniously cooperate in the pursuit of regional and economic development and increased prosperity for a better quality of life for the peoples of the Caribbean, which historically has had more than its share of conflict and strife and above all, poverty.

Asquith Rose

Malcolm to read Before I move off the subject of Rai himself, I reemphasize my point that in the nationalist interest of Guyana, he should have seen the strategic wisdom of having an African Guyanese as the Chairman of the PPP, given the race heat Guyana was experiencing at the time.

Secondly, Rai came across as having little interest in multiracial politics. And cultivated the image of an Indian first and foremost with a Brahamin background.

I agree with the overall thesis of Malcolm that Rai’s popularity was as high as Jagan’s in the sixties and that Rai saw Jagan as a foolish man running around embracing communism which no one at the time was interested in. Although Guyanese Indians were capitalistic and were not interested in communism, once Guyana was afflicted by racial fever, Jagan’s longevity was protected by the race divide.

This is what kept Jagan politically alive. This is what saved Jagan from losing his ascendancy to Rai and Walter Rodney. Guyanese from that era are now in advanced age (Rai is 95) and they and subsequent generations will never know

what would have become of Jagan if there were no race riots and perhaps Rai would have toppled Jagan. It is impossible to tell if Jagan would not have been ousted in the fifties and sixties by equally charismatic Indians if he, Jagan was not insured by the race thing Rai’s chances were doomed from the beginning once Indians had to vote.

They voted for the PPP as an alternative to the AfricanGuyanese party, the PNC. This explains Rai’s ignominious failure in elections, even though he was the recipient of campaign money from the West It was the same with Walter Rodney. Rodney eclipsed Jagan from 1974 until his death in 1980.

But my guess is if Rodney was alive and there was a three way race between Rodney, Jagan and the PNC, Indians would have voted against the PNC by giving their votes to the PPP One of the simplest factors to understand in Guyanese history, but is yet to be written about, is that if Guyana was not split along traumatic racial lines, many new dynamic parties with courageous Indian leaders would have replaced the

P P P, b e c a u s e s u c h competition would have showed up the intellectual poverty in Cheddi Jagan’s politics This explains the enduring presence of Hindu pandit, Reepu Daman Persaud among Hindus, even though his questionable conduct was widely known.

Once Persaud came from the PPP, he was accepted because other pandits, not from the PPP, were seen as betrayers or sycophants of the PNC. How cruel history can be. The 2015 election results gave the PPP a strong standing.

They lost by one seat and five thousand votes. Not because they are a great party. There is nothing and has been nothing great about them. They achieved that strength all because of the permanent racial sarcoma that thrives in Guyana Frederick kissoon

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Two NCN editors sent packing over misuse of funds

By Abena Rockcliffe Two editors of the National Communications Network (NCN) were handed dismissal letters yesterday afternoon following an internal investigation into what management deemed as a misappropriation of funds.

The incident was one which occurred during the elections campaign and it is suspected that the editors provided fake receipts for hotel accommodation.

Those fired are Senior Editor, Edward Layne and Radio Editor, Adele Rampersaud.

Kaieteur News was informed that NCN management became suspicious of some receipts that were presented for accommodation in Bartica for the news team that covered a People’s Progressive Party rally.Once the investigation started, the company’s auditors travelled to Bartica and made checks at the hotel.

Kaieteur News understands that a hotel staffer “revealed” that Layne only paid for two double-bed rooms, but requested receipts for eight single rooms.

The staffer claimed that Layne was told that this could not have been done, but fi-

nancial inducement reportedly turned this around. It is alleged that Layne was then given receipts from a book that the hotel no longer used and those were the ones presented.

When contacted last evening, Layne declined to comment on his involvement in the matter being deemed “petty financial fraud.”

He said, “I do not know what you are talking about, you should talk to NCN; they said they fired me so you should talk to them…contact the CEO or Management.”

However, when contacted, a resolute Rampersaud, who maintained her innocence, told this publication “the truth” that she said she wanted to get into the public domain.

She said that two Wednesdays ago, she was summoned to a meeting by the internal security officer and was questioned about the misappropriation of state funds.

She said that she was second in charge on the trip, as Layne headed the mission, but while the financial matter was her responsibility, she gave Layne the money to pay for the hotel.

She that at the meeting she was told about what in-

Edward Layne

Adele Rampersaud

vestigators found out while in Bartica and that of the $68,000 that was accounted for on the receipt for accommodation, $44,000 was unaccounted for, as payment was made for only two rooms.

Rampersaud said she told investigators that she could not have deciphered that the receipt presented was fake since it was affixed with the revenue stamp, company stamp and an employee’s signature.

Rampersaud told Kaieteur News that the team that went to Bartica comprised eight persons.

She said that all eight were interviewed as well and

they all maintained that they had their own rooms “so the investigation was inconclusive.”

The fired editor said that the internal security then sent the report to the Human Resource (HR) department and she was subsequently summoned to a meeting with the HR Manager, Finance Manager, the acting Editor in Chief, an HR clerk and the internal security officer.

Rampersaud claimed that at that meeting, which was held yesterday morning around 11:00, she was “pressured to say what they wanted me to say, they

Better finances and qualified educators for UG - Education Minister In the future, the quality of education being offered to Guyanese will be the envy of the Caribbean, according to the Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.

A recent event was held at the National Youth Council where concerned students, lecturers and Guyanese appealed for more focus to be placed on the development of the University of Guyana.

Having been a member of the University of Guyana’s Council, Dr. Roopnaraine said that UG is in a ‘mess’ and if he can’t fix it within the next five years he could be considered a big failure, not only

to the students, but also to society.

Dr. Roopnaraine told the gathering of young people that the Government will work to ensure that more money is allocated to the University.

The minister stated that he does not want persons with first degrees to be lecturing at the University. He further mentioned, “I want to ensure that we have people there with academic and professional experience.”

For the University to have the best lecturers and teachers to deliver the best education possible to students, the institution has to compete in-

ternationally to attract the type of well trained and experienced persons needed to lift the quality of education at that level.

“We must settle for nothing less,” he said.

The Education Minister also reiterated his desire to transform the system from as early as nursery, to ensure that the requisite foundation is provided so that all students can have a rich and rewarding experience.

Towards this end, Dr. Roopnaraine said that he is currently in talks with a group of local musicians regarding the inclusion of music in the classroom.

wanted me to testify against Eddy, since he was the target…they had even told some of the other people on the trip while they were being interviewed that Eddy was the real target… as you know, Eddy is not well liked around NCN.” Rampersaud said that during the meeting, “I asked them if they were serious to think that I would thief fortyfour thousand dollars after working there for all those years. I told them that because people in NCN owe me more than that, so I would not take that.”

She said that she further asserted, “y’all did not find me guilty after all y’all investigations, so why y’all pressuring me to change my story.

I told them to take the matter to the police; let them charge me criminally and take me to court… that is what I told them.”

Rampersaud added that the HR manager told her that indeed the management has two options - to dismiss her or make it a police matter.

“So again I told them let us go to the police and they told me that they would have taken a decision by this (yesterday) afternoon.”

She said that around 16:00hrs she was summoned to HR where she was handed a letter that said that the company no longer had trust her and therefore no longer required her services.

Rampersaud said that she had received $196,000 for the trip and all other receipts were provided up to date.

“It is impossible for eight persons to sleep in two rooms.”

Rampersaud worked at NCN since 2008 and became an editor in 2012, while Layne worked there for 10 years and was Editor for five.

Rampersaud said that she is exploring her options, but deems her dismissal as an “injustice but God knows best”.

She added that the only thing that is worrying her is the character assassination “but I got caught in the crossfire, Eddy was the target.”

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 19, 2015

White suspect arrested in killing of nine at black U.S. church A white man was arrested on Thursday on suspicions he killed nine people at a historic African-American church in South Carolina after sitting with them for an hour of Bible study in an attack U.S. officials are investigating as a hate crime.

The mass shooting set off an intense 14-hour manhunt that ended when 21-year-old Dylann Roof was arrested in a traffic stop about 220 miles (350 km) north of Charleston, South Carolina, where the shooting occurred, officials said.

Wednesday’s mass shooting at the almost 200year-old Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, comes after a year of turmoil and protests over race relations, policing and criminal justice in the United States. A series of police killings of unarmed b l a c k m en has sparked a renewed civil rights movement under the “Black Lives Matter” banner.

Four pastors, including Democratic state Senator Clementa Pinckney, 41, were among the six women and three men shot dead at the church nicknamed “Mother Emanuel,” which was burned to the ground in the late 1820s after a slave revolt led by one of its founders.

“The fact that this took place in a black church obviously raises questions about a dark part of our history,” said U.S. President Barack Obama. “Once again, innocent people were killed in part because someone who wanted to inflict harm had no trouble getting their hands on a gun.”

The United States has seen a series of mass shootings in recent years, including the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where a gunman killed 20 children and six adults. Democratic efforts to reform the nation’s gun laws, protect by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, failed after that incident.

GIFT OF A GUN A man who identified himself as Carson Cowles, Roof’s uncle, told Reuters that

Roof’s father had recently given him a .45-caliber handgun as a birthday present and tha t R o o f h a d s e e m e d adrift.

“I don’t have any words for it,” Cowles, 56, said in a telephone interview. “Nobody in my family had seen anything like this coming.”

Roof was armed with a handgun but surrendered peacefully at his arrest, said Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen.

In a Facebook profile apparently belonging to Roof, a portrait showed him wearing a jacket emblazoned with the flags of apartheid-era South Africa and of the former Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, both formerly ruled by white minorities. Many of his Facebook friends were black.

Roof was arrested on two separate occasions at a shopping mall earlier this year for a drug offense and trespassing, according to court documents.

Roof’s mother, Amy, declined to comment when reached by phone.

“We will be doing no interviews, ever,” she said before hanging up.

Sylvia Johnson, a cousin of Pinckney, told MSNBC that a survivor told her the gunman reloaded five times during the attack despite pleas for him to stop.

Business in Barbados criticized for sitting on EPA opportunities BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Barbados’ industry minister says he’s embarrassed by how little local businesses are utilizing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which Caribbean countries signed with the European Union (EU) seven years ago.

Donville Inniss lamented Wednesday that despite the technical and financial support provided by the EU and others, the establishment of an EPA Implementation Unit, seminars, and the provision of free advice and facilitation, “we are still talking and not doing”.

“We sit here and complain about much and, often times,

Donville Inniss do too little ourselves,” he said as he addressed a Barbados Private Sector Trade

Team workshop.

“I am quite embarrassed when I see the little uptake that this island has in many international funding, technical support and market opportunities.

I simply ask ‘Is it that we are afraid? Are we lazy?

Are we too comfortable? Are we expecting Government to negotiate trade agreements and then run businesses too?

Or is it that these things are just too onerous to achieve?’”

Inniss said Barbadians needed to shake off their intellectual shackles, get out of their comfort zones and behave as though they want to become entrepreneurs who want to get into, and stay in the EU market.

“No one owes us a favour.

The days of favours to small islands that are former colonies are near an end. Those who want to wait on reparations can do that. I suggest that meanwhile we get up and earn our way in life,” the minister advised.

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

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A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION Last Saturday, June 13, 2015, marked the 35th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney. It rained heavily on that day, but even if there was sunshine, there were not going to be any wreaths laid or memorial services held to commemorate this anniversary.

Ten years ago, there were a series of commemorative events held in Georgetown to mark the 25th anniversary of Rodney’s death.

During the course of those events, the wife of Dr. Rodney called on the then President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, to bring closure to Rodney’s death.

The government decided that the best way to do this was to have a commission of inquiry.

The PNCR supported a call for a commission of inquiry. Ironically, the PPPC abstained on its own motion.

The PPP then asked a member of the WPA to assist in the development of the terms of reference. The matter got stuck there for years, until during the Donald Ramotar administration, when there

was again a request for the matter to be brought to closure. The Ramotar government established a commission of inquiry comprising three overseasbased legal luminaries.

The terms of reference of the commission of inquiry were broad. It included not just looking into the cause of the death, but also examining the period just before and after the assassination. This was necessary because you could not degut the assassination from the context in which it happened.

There were some protests over this, but it would have rendered the commission of inquiry vacuous if it had to do its work without looking at the period just before and after the assassination.

No one expected the commission to be cheap. The commissioners from overseas had to be paid. Their expenses for sitting, travel and upkeep had to be satisfied. Therefore it had to have been obvious that the commission of inquiry would have cost a fortune.

The Linden Commission

of Inquiry had to look into the events of a few days and that Commission cost over one hundred million dollars. So, it seems inexplicable that there has been surprise expressed over the cost of the Rodney commission of inquiry so far.

Whether the cost can be justified needs to be examined further. The period leading up to the death of Rodney was a period of great political oppression in Guyana. It was a period for which national healing is needed, because the State took on ominous dimensions during that period.

The price so far from the commission of inquiry is a small price to pay for healing

and reconciliation. Guyanese have to ask themselves whether they want healing from the past. If they do, then there should be no complaints about spending a billion dollars for the commission of inquiry.

The inquiry, of course, had become a political embarrassment for the PNC. The evidence being led was hurting the PNC and hurting them badly. From very early the PNCR recognized the danger that the inquiry represented to their party and therefore they wanted it stopped. The PPP on the other hand wanted it to go on, because they were milking political capital out of the

process. But that was an inevitable part of any inquiry.

Once the PNCR got into power it was expected that they would bring an end to work of the commission. The PNCR was not expected to be in support of the continuance of the commission of inquiry.

It was always expected that once a new government was voted in on May 11, this would mark the end of the commission of inquiry.

The new government has indicated that it will ask the Commission to wind up its work and give its ruling.

This is ridiculous and an abuse of process. You cannot allow a Commission of Inquiry to establish its own

rules and then tell it how to wind up its affairs. This is what the new government wants to happen.

You cannot ask the commissioners to submit their decision based on incomplete evidence. There is still a far way to go before this matter can even be submitted.

Instead of calling for the commission to present its findings, the new government should have said to the commission that the country could no longer afford the cost of the commission and therefore it regretfully has to bring an end to the matter.

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 19, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

A forensic audit of incestuousness The PPP will need in the coming weeks, a replacement weapon for its dried up ammunition of rigged election.

If the Americans had sided with the PPP, its supporters would have rallied to the PPP cause. But once PPP churchgoers know that the US is behind the Granger administration and the Americans are fed up with the PPP’s false cries about the election results, that bandwagon will not survive too long on the road.

Middle class parishioners

of the PPP are not too happy with American castigations of the PPP as bad losers. It makes them feel personally uncomfortable. Middle class politicians, like the rest of the population of Guyana, see the US as essential to Guyana’s future. And the Americans have been pellucid about the need for the country to move on. Perhaps this explains the open dissent of Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Clinton Urling.

Urling moves around the diplomatic cocktail circuit and will want to avoid American

annoyance at him for his embrace of a party that is a sour and sore loser.

There is no doubt that the rigged election vehicle will be rolled up in the garage and a new car will emerge. That has already happened. It is the cry of witch-hunt. This new salvo has far more chances of hitting its target than the worn-out clique of fraudulent elections. Whereas the PPP cannot supply its constituencies with proof that it was cheated in the 2015 poll, it can actually go into the

Varying charities benefit from businessman’s $10M donation Guyanese investor and mining executive Dean Hassan, CEO of Tesouro Resources, yesterday donated 10 million dollars to various local charities in an effort to give back to society.

A simple ceremony was held in the Ballet Room at Cara Lodge and was attended by a number of representatives from the entities.

The benefiting charities are the Deaf Association of Guyana, Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), Help and Shelter, Guyana Legion, Guyana Red Cross Society, Salvation Army, St. John’s Bosco Orphanage, Dharm-Shala, Association of Uncle Eddie’s Home, St. Ann’s Orphanage,

Lodge Youth Basketball Guyana, Ms. Syeada Manbodh, Queen’s College Old Students Association, Genevieve Beepat, David Rose School for Handicapped Children, Guyana Palms, and the Guyana Society for the Blind.

Andrew Pollard, a friend and legal advisor to Hassan said that “it has been a long time since Dean was planning to give back in a significant way to the society which has been very good to him.”

Before presenting the cheques to the recipients, Hassan said that, “I am taking this opportunity to give back to society and I am very fortunate and blessed to be in the position to do and help in a significant way.”

countryside and name names of PPP mandarins who were dismissed.

These dismissals represent poetic justice and should continue, but it gives the PPP something to cry about. The question is what strategy the coalition government will use to counter the forthcoming terminations. The answer is a forensic audit of incestuousness.

In bringing about the end of the ubiquity of PPP personnel inside the nervecentre of the total public sphere, the new government would achieve two goals return the public sphere to the traditional neutral, professional public servant.

Secondly, it would end what must be the most morbid desecration of the civil service in the English-speaking Caribbean – the ubiquity of incestuousness in Guyana under the PPP Government 1992 -2015. It was a simple, psychological act inside the collective mind of the hierarchy of the PPP when it filled its candidates’ list with sons, daughters, brothers, cousins and other family connections. If the family trees were all over the public sector, it was a natural thing to put them on the list of candidates. The election has come and gone, and though

it would be useful to remind the Guyanese people of the incestuousness of the PPP list of contestants, a more useful and valued approach for the new government would be the exposure of the penetration of the family trees to the point where every conceivable PPP first and second tier leader had a relative high up in the public sector.

Let me repeat what the current Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, told me at the arrival lounge of the airport. While we were both waiting for our people, he said there were more than eighty foreign paid jobs in the public sector and all were from a particular ethnic group with PPP connections. He suggested I investigate. I did.

I found that one of my students who did philosophy with me at UG for her degree in International Relations, was one of those persons Winston Jordan mentioned.

She had no formal training in agriculture but took a job as an agricultural extension officer, earning $800,000 per month, paid by a multilateral institution.

Her father is very close to the PPP. Tragically, she died on the job just before the elections when her car ran off an unstable bridge into a ravine in the interior. My wife

Frederick Kissoon was sad because she did a few months at GO-Invest with her Industrial Relations degree and got to know my wife well. She invited us to her wedding. She was too young to die, but incestuous politics claimed her life.

I must have mentioned the story of Elvin Mc David’s wife twice in these columns when I wrote on the role of incestuousness in the PPP Government. Mc David had an uncanny influence on President Burnham which made him the de facto second in charge. I remember waiting for the bus at Camp and Lamaha Streets, outside Lee Funeral Parlour, and there waiting for the bus, too, was Mc David’s wife, an ordinary teacher at St. Rose’s High School.

A forensic audit of PPP incestuousness would reveal a tsunami of shocking facts both in terms of employment and scholarship to top class universities.

Dem boys seh...

De whole of Freedom House crying De shoes does always be more tight when it deh pun de other foot. Dem boys pass by Freedom House de other day and dem hear nuff crying. De government send home some people and all of dem run to Donald to complain.

Some of dem get send home because dem never use to do any work; some get send home fuh not going to wuk and some get send home because dem was more politician than Granger.

De thing that mek dem boys start fuh laugh is when Ten Edghill complain how everybody quiet. He claim that Kwame get knock off and Human Rights, Red Thread, SASOD and de Women Lawyers Association ain’t seh a word.

Everybody who get knock off was a witch, according to Donald and de Pee Pee Pee, because all of dem seh that Soulja Bai people hunting dem. A reporter ask if Kwame was a witch, too, and Edghill seh he didn’t ask. Dem boys hear when another reporter

ask if de Pee Pee Pee didn’t do de same thing when it come into power in 1992. Right away de whole Freedom House, including Jagdeo, seh that Soulja Bai do wuss — he knock off Kwame.

Imagine dem had 20 people who was wukking wid Donald and all dem had to do was read Facebook. Rohee seh that Soulja Bai had no reason fuh knock dem off. Dem had some engineer at Skeldon who didn’t have to do nutten but collect dem pay when de month come. Dem shoulda get promotion.

That is wha Anil seh.

De next thing is that Donald shoulda still be de President; Rohee shoulda still be de Minister of Home Affairs, Ten Edghill shoulda be de Minister of Finance wid Ashni and Priya shoulda be de Minister of Education. Dem ain’t in de position no more because of witch-hunt. Soulja Bai chase all of dem.

Talk half and wait fuh hear bout de two who get knock out yesterday.

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

BAIL FOR WOUNDING ACCUSED Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday released a Queenstown man on $400,000 bail on two criminal charges.

Godfrey Lambert, 37, is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Quincy Abrams, with intent to murder him, on June 16, at Wallabaca Backdam, North West District. Lambert, an

expectant father, was also accused of discharging a loaded firearm at Abrams on the day in question, at the same location, with intent to maim, disable or disfigure him.

Yesterday, his attorney, Nigel Hughes, asked that he be released on reasonable bail because he poses no risk of flight. Police Corporal, Bharrat Mangru, did not oppose to

Kuru Kuru chopping victim loses arm

Glenford Kitt yesterday as he was preparing to leave the GPHC

Kuru-Kuru resident Glenford Kitt was yesterday discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), after receiving treatment on his right arm which was severed just above the elbow, by an unknown assailant.

According to Kitt, at the time, he was attempting to take matters into his own hands, because the police at Timehri station had refused to look into a matter which he had reported.

Kaieteur News understands that on Monday night, Kitt had gone to a

house in Kuru Kuru to confront one of its occupants, and was attacked from behind. According to one person, Kitt was rushed to the GPHC just after midnight on Tuesday with his arm “hanging” from just above the elbow, after being chopped.

Yesterday when Kaieteur News visited the injured man, he was in state of confusion as he tried to figure out who exactly could have attacked him. Kitt said that he really hopes that the police will deal with the matter, now that it has reached this stage.

the defendant being granted his pre-trial liberty. He informed the court that the victim was released from the hospital.

Special conditions were attached to the bail application. The defendant was instructed to report to the officer in charge at the Port Kaituma, Police Station every fortnight on Fridays, at 09;00hrs. This will commence from July 3. The defendant was granted bail of $200,000 on each charge.

He will make his next court appearance on June 29, at the Port Kaituma Magistrate’s Court. In another case, Dexter Wallace of Lot 38 Front Road,

East Ruimveldt was remanded to prison on gun-related charges. Wallace, 20, allegedly had a .38 revolver in his possession, on June 15, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. He was also accused of having six .38 rounds of ammunition in his possession.

The defendant was also accused of robbing Petal DeFreitas at gunpoint, on the day in question, at Oronoque Street. He allegedly stole a gold chain, one cell phone and a shoulder bag - total value of $151,000 – the property of DeFreitas.

Police Corporal, Bharrat Mangru, in relating the facts

told the court that on June 15, around 06:45hrs, DeFreitas was walking along Oronoque Street, when she was confronted by Wallace. The defendant relieved her of the articles and then made good his escape. An alarm was raised by the victim and the police were summoned. The suspect was apprehended, a search was conducted on him and the articles were recovered in his possession.

Subsequently, he was taken on an identification parade (ID) and was positively identified by the woman.The prosecutor objected to bail citing the seriousness, prevalence and

Godfrey Lambert penalty attached to the offence. It was also noted that a gun was allegedly used to commit the crime.

This matter will be heard again on July 13, before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Friday June 19, 2015

GECOM places official elections results online In the face of continued criticism from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has made the official results of the

2015 General and Regional Elections available on its website: www.gecom.org.gy.

These gazetted results provide a detailed breakdown of each Registration District

by Division and SubDivision.

GECOM, in a press statement issued yesterday, said that it placed these results online so that all can have access to them for perusal in their own time.

GECOM declared in its statements that the official results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections are “true, correct and credible and follow elections that were

peaceful, free, fair and transparent.”

The body noted that Elections Observer Teams both International and Domestic have all reacted “extremely positively” to the efficient and effective conduct of the 2015 General and Regional Elections by GECOM. Further, GECOM stated, “there have been no credible, provable and evidence-based reports of any fraudulent election activity on the part of GECOM by any Political Party and reputable Local and/or Foreign Observer Groups.”

After a narrow defeat, the PPP/C condemned the elections which saw the PPP/ C losing the presidency for the first time in 23 years.

While the elections were widely considered to be free and fair from inconsistencies, the PPP/C has maintained that GECOM, in conjunction with A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) conspired to “rig” the elections.

As a result, the PPP/C mounted protests outside of GECOM’s head office in a bid to bring recognition to their cause. These protests were

attended by the former President Donald Ramotar, as well as members from his former Cabinet and other senior party officials, except for former President Bharrat Jagdeo, whose absence was conspicuous.

When the 11th parliament convened, recently, the PPP refused to occupy the opposition seats, leaving APNU+AFC Members of Parliament to be sworn in, while the PPP/C mounted

further protests outside of GECOM. In addition, at the PPP/C’s weekly press conference last Monday, General Secretary of the party, Clement Rohee, reiterated the party’s determination to hold firm to the call for Surujbally’s resignation, stating that the party would not head to the long awaited Local Government Elections with Surujbally still at the head of GECOM at such a time.

US experiences global technical problems with visa systems The United States of America Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana yesterday issued a press statement that served to inform certain visa applicants that the dates for them to pick up their visas have been delayed until further notice.

Reason being, the Bureau of Consular Affairs in the United States continues to experience technical problems with its visa systems.

The Embassy informed that this is a global issue, and work is ongoing around the clock to fix it.

The release stated that more than 100 computer experts from both the private and public sectors across the United States are working on the problem.

“That said we do not expect the system will be online before next week.”

It is understood that the problems stemmed from a hardware failure in a State Department facility in the United States on June 9. That failure is preventing the Department from processing

and transmitting biometric data checks at visa-issuing embassies and consulates.

The US Embassy said yesterday, “We cannot bypass the legal requirements to screen visa applicants before we issue visas for travel. Each visa decision is a national security decision, and we take our obligation to protect the United States seriously. For all applicants who were asked to pick up their visas on Friday, June 19th, or Monday, June 22nd, please be advised not to come to the Embassy to get your passport. We cannot print visas at this time.”

It was noted that the Embassy will provide additional guidance on pickup times when systems are back online.

Applicants are also encouraged to check the Consular section’s Facebook page for updated information as it becomes available: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Consular-Section-USEmbassy-Georgetown/ 140095222235

Mining pit cave-in leaves one dead Yet another life has been snuffed out due to a mining pit cave-in, on this occasion at Jumbie Creek, Potaro.

Twenty-five year-old Orlando Archer of 65 Pattensen, South Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, succumbed despite doctors fighting vigorously to save his life at the Mahdia Hospital. The incident reportedly occurred at around 11:20hrs yesterday.

Archer was employed with Edward Hopkinson Mining. It is alleged that at the time of the cave-in, he was the lone individual in the pit.

An investigation into the matter is underway.

Archer’s demise comes exactly one month after a similar tragedy that claimed

the lives of 10 miners in Mowasi, Potaro. On May 17, last, a pit reportedly some 40ft. deep collapsed, trapping and killing the men. The dead were listed as Leyland Jones, his nephew Jason Trotman, Raymond August, Bobby Brittlebank, Michael Gardner, Sheldon and Orlando Clario, Desmond Martins, Trevon Phillips and Nanmore Kurt.

In a herculean effort spanning an entire week, rescue workers braved rain and rough terrain to recover the bodies.

And on May 29, last, Thomas Anton, a diver of Kamarang died after some loose earth collapsed on him while he was operating mining equipment under water in the Quimenang River.

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Budget Office critical to advancing quality of economic governance - Dr. Thomas

By Kiana Wilburg For nearly 23 years, there has been the longstanding issue of distrust in statistics regarding the performance of the country when produced by the government. This led to scathing criticisms of the previous administration.

With President David Granger’s pledge to establishing a Budget Office for the National Assembly, it is believed by several economists and business analysts that such an institute would serve to restore faith in statistics when provided by the new government.

Specifically, Dr. Clive Thomas says that the creation of a Budget Office is also critical to advancing the quality of economic governance in Guyana.

In an interview with this newspaper, Dr. Thomas emphasised that, “a Budget Office is extremely important to the National Assembly. In fact, it was pioneered by the USA but the office is one that should be tasked with several important responsibilities”.

“It will give Parliamentarians an economic office that will allow them to make demands and test the validity of statistics brought by the government.

It will also help them to measure various programmes to be brought from government. The office should be another important aspect of the budget debates and the general discussions

Economist, Dr. Clive Thomas of the economy.

“But generally, most of our Members of Parliament (MPs) are not well informed on economic matters, whereas the average parliamentarian abroad tends to be more informed simply because their economy is discussed as though it’s a natural thing. So it is going to be empowering for the MPs, particularly those in the opposition, as they will be able to have this office at their disposal. They can enjoy the benefits of an initiative they neglected for so many years.”

Dr. Thomas noted that under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) there were some essential questions raised about the integrity of the data, information, calculations and statistics they provided.

He said that the aforementioned was often used to inform the three principal tasks of the budget,

namely: to review the economy for the period of the previous budget; to indicate the outlays and revenue measures for the budget period and to estimate the impacts on the performance of the economy of the proposed measures and targets.

He said that the value of the Budget Office in restoring faith in the national statistics cannot be underestimated.

He stressed that it is important because it guides the nation in ascertaining whether what government proposes to do is too much, too little, or just right.

Dr. Thomas said that it is important to understand where the distrust in national statistics all started. In one of his columns, he had noted that up until 2009, the national accounts were calculated on the base of 1988 prices. He said that the 2010 Budget stated that henceforth, the administration would present the national accounts calculated from the base of 2006 prices.

The economist noted that several reasons were offered for the rebasing exercise (adopting a new set of reference prices). These included that the 1988 base had become outdated and did not reflect the present-day sectoral structure of the economy; that Caricom countries had jointly committed to update the statistical base year for

calculating their national accounts; and that with technical assistance, the Bureau of Statistics had enhanced its capacity to utilize the more updated editions of the United Nations System of National Accounts, which is the operational manual used by all United Nations members.

Dr. Thomas reminded that when governments are trusted, the rebasing is taken as an exercise done in good faith. He noted, however, that in Guyana, because of the very old issue of distrust in government-produced statistics, the 2006 rebasing exercise has been viewed with deep skepticism, “and as

such, every figure they produced has been taken with a pinch of salt.”

“When the public loses confidence in what you are telling them, for example whether the nation is growing or not, it is simply a worrying sign that they don’t think you are capable of leading them.

Lack of faith in the national stats also fuels the perception that government is siphoning off the taxpayers’ monies.”

He said that even international reports documented such levels of distrust.

Dr. Thomas, in this regard, cited the 2010 report by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) which challenged the

authenticity of the economic growth figures presented in the 2010 National Budget. It said, “We believe that the government’s official estimate of real growth of 2.3 percent for 2009 significantly overstates economic performance.” The EIU went on to give an estimate of 0.9 per cent for 2009.

The economist then emphasized once more that it is important for the National Assembly Budget Office to be implemented. He said that it would permanently erase this confusion and the perennial questioning of the integrity of the budget’s data.

He suggested that the (Continued on page 14)

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Friday June 19, 2015

PPP elections petition to be filed shortly More than a month after the APNU+AFC coalition was officially declared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as the winner of the 2015 general and regional elections, the PPP is yet to file its elections petition.

However, the party has assured that the petition is still underway and will be filed shortly. During a press conference held at Freedom House yesterday, Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall maintained that the PPP will continue to deny the results of the recently concluded elections. He said

too that the elections petition is still on the cards.

“I’ve already said publicly that the People’s Progressive Party is committed to the filing of a petition,” Nandlall said.

He did acknowledge that the time to do so is “running”.

According to Guyana’s law, any elections petition must be filed within a specific timeframe of the publication of the election results in the Official Gazette.

“So that has happened and the time is running, so it will be filed within the prescribed timeframe,” Nandlall added. He said too, that the party’s previous

request for a box by box recount has been included in the elections petition.

“The party has not been furnished with the info that the head of the list requested,” he said.

According to Nandlall, GECOM’s refusal for a full recount diminishes its credibility.

“GECOM continues to maintain resolutely that the elections process was transparent; that the results were computed accurately, lawfully and transparently, yet it absolutely and emphatically refuses to give us the information which

essentially is the basis upon which the results were computed,” Nandlall said.

He continued, “They have given us a number, a total, and all we’re asking is that they give us the evidence that led you to that figure. One would have expected that to keep one’s integrity intact, GECOM would have jumped at the opportunity.”

He said too that bodies

external to GECOM who would have maintained the results as accurate are not advising the elections body correctly. Nandlall opined that these agencies should advise GECOM to conduct a full recount. This, he said, would maintain not only GECOM’s integrity, but also that of external bodies.

Upon the conclusion of the 2015 general and regional

elections, the PPP had emphatically stated that the elections had not been conducted freely, fairly or transparently. The party had claimed a number of inconsistencies in the entire process and requested a full recount of the more than 400,000 votes recorded.

The PPP/C government was ousted after a 23-year rule.

Budget Office critical...

(From page 13) Budget Office should be mandated, among other functions, to provide independent economic analyses of budget measures; economic evaluations of budget measures; assessments of the state of government finances and the estimates; assessments of trends in the national economy; and periodic reports on fiscal policy.

The economist said that this would be for the benefit of all legislators in the National Assembly.

He said, too, that the Budget Office should also be tasked with providing detailed time-bound baseline analyses of government finances (receipts,

expenditure, borrowings, etc), prepare indicative budget projections for the short to long term; prepare special policy briefs and analyses of vital topics (for example, VAT, fiscal incentives, poverty); and undertake medium-term macroeconomic forecasts (incorporating the evaluation of downside risks and upside potentials over the mediumterm).

Dr. Thomas also suggested that the Budget Office provide requested periodic reports by members of the National Assembly on crucial considerations on fiscal policy, debt management and external trade dynamics.

“Of course the above listed functions are not cast

in stone.

Members of the National Assembly (irrespective of political party affiliation) would be able to propose additional functions to those indicated here, as well as recommend deletions from the list I have presented above.”

“It is my fervent expectation that as members of the National Assembly deliberate on these matters, it would provide a unique opportunity for building consensus and trust within the boundaries for the Assembly itself.”

He then reminded of the House’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He said that this is a key component of parliamentary oversight and monitoring of the finances of the executive branch of government.

“It is therefore expected that the PAC will develop strong cooperation/ collaboration with the Budget Office in pursuing their separate, but linked responsibilities, to the National Assembly,” he concluded.

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Watchdog groups complicit in conspiracy of silence An apparent conspiracy of silence is slowly taking over the country.

At least this is according to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

During a press conference held yesterday morning, Party Member Juan Edghill maintained that the entire nation – but particularly the media – has been condoning the shortcomings of the new APNU+AFC government by remaining silent.

According to Edghill the “conspiracy of silence” seemed to begin on May 11.

He noted a number of deemed violations by the new government, including the dismissal of persons believed or known to have affiliations with the PPP. He also included “ethnic cleansing” as part of the list.

Edghill said that specific organisations and some sections of the media have remained silent as it relates to the violations taking place in the country.

- PPP

Juan Edghill Noting the case of Junior Social Protection Minister Simona Broomes writing to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to temporarily suspend employments in her ministry, Edghill opined that a similar letter was probably dispatched to the media.

“Maybe we haven’t seen that letter as yet, but perhaps there is a letter written to media houses and certain

organisations to cease reporting on some specific things that are taking place in the country, and that is why I’m dubbing it a conspiracy of silence…maybe your letter exists and it has not yet surfaced,” Edghill said.

He continued, “I’m hard pressed to believe that the robustness that existed in the media fraternity and among social and political activists has actually been converted to inertia since May 11.”

During his remarks, Edghill went to great lengths to identify as many perceived violations as possible.

He said that those who have believed or known affiliations with the PPP are clearly being targeted and are quickly being dismissed. He maintained that Guyanese have the right to freely associate with whoever and whatever they please and, “a man or a woman cannot be

Termination of matron blown...

(From page 6) ignore my instructions. Ms Hicks further ignored this request which was inconsistent with regards for authority,” Khan noted.

According to him, “it was decided that given her employment status of being on probationary period, her attitude was inimical to teamwork, cooperation and collaboration for the achievement of GPHC’s goals, hence, a decision was taken to bring an end to her employment at the end of her probationary period,” Khan related.

Khan informed that Hicks had worked with the institution for several years, but left the institution as a Senior Sister. She returned having applied for the position of Director of Nursing Services.

With her services being terminated effective June 15, 2015, Assistant Director of Nursing, Ms Noshella

Lalckecharan, has been named to act as Director of Nursing Services.

Dr. Norton, since assuming the office of Health Minister last month, indicated that he has always been and will continue to be supportive of the nursing profession.

He therefore shared his hope that nurses do not opt to embrace insubordination as they practice the noble profession.

“I hope the nurses are not saying that their nurses’ licenses permit them to be insubordinate,” the Minister cautioned yesterday.

Although Minister Norton seems to have no qualms with the move to not retain Hicks, he did however note that “the CEO should [always] make sure no one’s rights are violated as he executes his duty and [that] due process is adhered to at all times.”

Khan is convinced that his

action in the matter was done in a professional manner and therefore was not in violation of anyone’s rights.

Turning his attention to the protesting nurses who have called for his resignation, Khan said that “we are not doing anything against them because they protested during their lunch period, but I still think that it is a violation.”

He however noted, that efforts will be made by the administration of the hospital to ascertain whether the protesting activity had any effect on the delivery of health care.

“We got some reports that some of them (nurses) abandoned their ward and we will check on that,” said Khan.

The CEO shared his conviction that proper patient care should not be sacrificed in the quest to retaliate against Hicks’ termination, since there are other courses of action that can be taken.

terminated or fired because of their political opinion.”

As part of the deemed violations, Edghill included the dismissal of former Region 9 REO Claire Singh.

According to Edghill, the new government’s appointment of Carl Parker to the position reeks of hypocrisy. He emphasised that Parker has known affiliations with APNU. He also noted Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, who was recently sent on leave by the City Council. Edghill maintained that Sooba had been targeted in an “undignified, wellorchestrated, politically sanctioned” fashion by the APNU+AFC government. He added that Sooba had been publicly humiliated and disgraced.

“Yet we have not heard

from the Justice Institutes, we have not heard from the Guyana Human Rights Association, we haven’t heard from the Guyana Bar Association...we have not heard from any of the watchdogs of justice and democracy and human rights in Guyana,” Edghill emphasised.

All of these actions, he said, are being done with due process. However, he said, no one has spoken out against these dismissals.

“These are violations of fundamental human rights, but it seems that we have lost our voices or are in league or we’re on vacation. It’s been condoned by the quiet acceptance of the people who should be speaking against it and this must stop. This must stop,” he said. He added, “The APNU+AFC cannot

stand the scrutiny of light on these matters that we’re talking about.”

He further said ethnic discrimination or “ethnic cleansing” was ongoing by the new government. He added that though the PPP had been accused of running a racist campaign, it had actually been the coalition that had done so. He emphasised that stories reported by individuals daily indicate his claims.

When questioned on whether the PPP believed that the new administration was doing what the previous government had done, Edghill quickly responded, “worse”.

Since the new coalition came into power last month, PPP has repeatedly accused the new government of witchhunting.

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Port Kaituma residents worried about flooding situation An “unusual amount” of rainfall in Port Kaituma, Region One yesterday resulted in a troubling flooding situation. According to residents, rain continued for several hours forcing many to stay indoors for most of the day. At the end of downpour even some homes were inundated.

Residents living along Pump Road for instance reported that flood waters had risen to several inches.

They disclosed that the nearby creek could not contain the excess water. This publication was formed that there is currently need for the creek to be urgently desilted.

One resident disclosed that flooding of such magnitude in Port Kaituma occurred about 16 years ago.

It is believed that the situation is a direct result of an increased number of people, over time opting to live closer to the roadway.

“I don’t know who is responsible for this,” said a

Two residents negotiate knee-deep water on Pump Road yesterday. resident of the development.

According to the resident, all of the residences along Pump Road were flooded.

Another troubling offshoot of the flooding

situation yesterday was the fact that some parents were forced to keep their children home. This therefore meant that some children were not able to undertake ongoing tests.

Some transportation providers also took advantage of the situation.

“Some of them charge $500 just to cross the road with their vehicles...now is test time for children and parents couldn’t afford that,” said one worried parent.

Residents are hoping that serious attention would be given to their dilemma with a view of ensuring that there is no recurrence.

Friday June 19, 2015

South Road, Grove slayings…

Former ‘killing squad’ ranks under close arrest A corporal, a lance corporal and a former sergeant were taken into custody yesterday as the probe intensified into allegations that they were part of a now-disbanded squad that carried out several extra-judicial killings of civilians.

A top police official confirmed that the men were placed under close arrest after an arranged confrontation at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, between them and selfconfessed hit-man/police informant Lennox Wayne, also known as ‘Two Colours.’

“From here, we are trying to wrap up our investigations and seek legal advice on the two matters,” the official said.

Kaieteur News understands that during the arranged confrontation, Wayne alleged that the ranks had shot and killed five unarmed civilians in October and in December 2009, while claiming that the men were robbery suspects who were slain during shootouts.

But according to a source, the ranks stuck to their story that the men were robbery suspects who had shot at them.

On October 12, 2013, cousins Jermaine Canterbury, 21, and Mark Anthony Joseph, called ‘Two Grand’,

19, and Romario Gouveia, 19, all residents of Albouystown, were slain during what police said was a shootout near the K&VC Hotel in South Road.

On December 7, 2013, Paul Bascom, a resident of Diamond Housing Scheme, and Alberto Grant or Alberto Mustapha, 28, called Mukie, of Lot 299 Meadow Brook Gardens were killed during a n a l l e g e d 2 0 - m i n u te shootout with police at a Grove, East Bank Demerara residence.

Wayne has claimed that he was present when the South Road trio was shot, and it was he who had informed the ranks that the suspects were planning a robbery.

But he also claimed that he had no idea that the suspects would have been executed.

He claimed that some of the suspects were mowed down even as they had their hands raised in surrender. He said that one of the ranks brought a .38 revolver in a haversack to the scene of the ‘shootout’.

The police reportedly later claimed that this weapon was retrieved after the ‘shootout.’

Wayne first gave police investigators an official statement, in the presence of attorney-at-law Nigel

Hughes, two Thursdays ago.

The accused ranks were questioned last Monday at CID Headquarters, but were not detained.

Head of the Police Complaints Authority, Cecil Kennard, had recommended an inquest into the shooting of the three men on South Road, following complaints made by the father of one of the dead men.

Earlier this month, Wayne blew the lid on the alleged police involvement in the plot to kill popular businessman Mohamed F. Khan. One of his revelations has since led to a Police Sergeant being charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Wayne is presently incarcerated, awaiting trial for the murder of Lusignan Cosmetologist, Ashminee Harrryram, Kaieteur News understands that the unit was disbanded last year after reports that they were operating outside of their mandate and were not reporting specifically to their superiors in the Guyana Police Force.

Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has denied having knowledge of the anti-crime unit that Wayne has fingered in the extrajudicial killings.

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Ministry conducts first Handyman fined $100,000 for outreach in Orealla/Siparuta stealing workmate’s phone A handyman attached to CNS channel 6 was ordered to pay a fine of $100,000 - with an alternative six-month prison term - after he admitted to stealing his co-worker’s cell phone.

Suraj Singh, 28, stole a Samsung Galaxy S4 cell phone on June 15, at Robb Street, Georgetown. The phone valued at $105,000 is the property of Timola Robinson.

Singh also admitted that he provided a police constable with false information. On this charge, he was ordered to pay a fine of $15,000 or serve a two-week jail term.

The court heard that the defendant and the victim are known to each other. On the day in question, the victim forgot her phone at the workplace and called her workmate. She informed one of her workmate’s that the phone was missing, checks

Suraj Singh were made and the phone was never found.

The police were summoned and employees’ of the entity were interviewed.

Statements were taken from them but they all denied knowledge of the phone.

Further investigations were carried out and the defendant admitted to stealing the phone.

When asked by the

magistrate if he had anything to say, the man told the court that he returned the phone to the woman. He told the magistrate that he was very sorry for his actions and asked that she be lenient, when handing down her sentencing since he has a six year-old daughter to support.

Meanwhile, a man was granted bail to the tune of $60,000 on a fraudulent conversion charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that on April 15, at Georgetown, Ganesh Jaikaran, being solely entrusted by Rampersaud Etwaroo with $435,000 to purchase groceries, converted same to his own use and benefit.

Jaikaran, who was unrepresented by an attorney, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He will make his next court appearance on July 10, before Magistrate Alex Moore.

Homeless woman found dead on Main Street A homeless woman was yesterday morning discovered dead outside Courts’ Main Street Branch.

According to reports, the woman, Pamela Blenman, who was an ex-Supervisor at the Demico Main Street Outlet, was found in a sitting position around 6:25am.

Police ranks who visited the scene yesterday, have ruled out foul play and the woman’s body was transported to the Lyken’s Funeral Home, and is awaiting identification by relatives so that a post mortem can be done.

Blenman was well known to persons who usually dwell in the environs of the Main

- foul play ruled out Street area. According to information, the woman had apparently taken up residency in the Main Street Avenue, as she was seen sitting around there every day.

Yesterday when Kaieteur News visited the Demico Outlet at the corner of Quamina and Main Streets, staff there was quite familiar with Ms. Blenman.

One staff recalled that the woman would visit the location frequently to make purchases. Another detailed “she used to buy a set of

sweet drink.”

Efforts to contact the woman’s relatives have since been futile.

The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs took its first official ministerial outreach to Region Six, where a team led by Minister Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe engaged residents of Orealla and Siparuta, adjoining Amerindian communities along the Corentyne River in discussions regarding the way forward for indigenous development.

The team included Principal Regional Development Officer (RRDO), Anil Roberts, Regional Vice Chairman, Bhupaul Jhagroo, designated legal advisor to the minister, David James and Advisor on youth, sport and cultural development, Mervyn Williams.

At the meeting in Orealla, Minister Allicock assured the residents that regardless of their political sentiments, the government is there to serve all the people and therefore, the ministry is in the process of developing a strategy that will see the indigenous population, especially, youths, women and children reach their full potential.

Still in its transition process, Minister Allicock explained that the Indigenous

People’s Affairs Ministry has developed a team which is assisting in reviewing, discussing and implementing plans.

He said that new units will be created within the ministry, with an aim of ensuring that the agency is equipped with capable individuals to carry out their duties, because “for too long we have been having officers who are sitting in their air conditioned rooms and imagining the needs of the community.”

According to Minister Lowe, similar plans are in store for indigenous women across the country.

Agro-processing, tourism, catering, craft and jewellery making are just a few of the areas that the ministry will be supporting to ensure women are empowered, and given the opportunity to provide for their family.

Amerindian foods should be a part of the Guyanese cuisine served at restaurants, and women will be trained in this regard, Minister Lowe said. Indigenous fashion will also be promoted, especially amongst young women.

The intention, she said is to create an environment where Amerindians can

explore their talents, and at the same time, help the rest of Guyana to have a greater appreciation of their way of life. One of the most alarming issues raised by residents was that of youths dropping out of school, and engaging in illegal activities.

Minister Allicock explained that the ministry is currently looking at creating programmes that will see youths developing both academically and recreationally.

Currently the ministry is in the process of reviewing the Community Support Officers (CSO) programme under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship (YEAP) project which Minister Allicock said, was badly implemented, in that it did not provide the students with a skill certificate.

The minister noted that the ministry will be looking at building technical training centres in highly populated districts; however, one of the immediate priorities will be to revitalising the Bina Hill Institute, in Region Nine, where six months to two-year courses can be made available to youths in about eight skill areas.

Page 30

Kaieteur News

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Engineer, bond clerk, security officers, chef/cook, kitchen assistant, waiter/waitress, labourer- Contact: 603-4094

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LAND FOR SALE Commercial lots available at Eccles E.B.D $14M - Tel:592227-2913 or 592-689-3033 144X37.4ft house lot, available at Buxton -$3.2M – Call: 696-8391 Prime land in Corriverton 1.3 acres roadside land suitable for Gas station, hotel, Shopping mall etc.- Call: 6266245, 335-3347

Salesgirls and porters, boys @ Mohan Variety Store, Brassonic Building, Water Street –Contact: 673-2887 Driver wanted to work Toyota Raum, preferably from West Coast Demerara – Contact Imran: 614-3280

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One general manager to work on land dredge in the interiorContact: 226-9768; 625-5136; 626-6909

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Apply at Technical Services, Eccles Industrial Site, E.B.D.

One Toyota Allion PNN SERIES & 1 new & unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956

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One Carina 170 motor car – Contact: 695-3320 Toyota Prado, Price$4.4M Neg. Call: 643-2403 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms - Call: 680-3154

Experienced female accounts clerk, must have four years experienced.

Apply @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek.

Work from home, earn $5,000-$20,000 daily Call Monday-Friday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 638-0595 www.jobfairworldwide.com Accounts clerk, must have experience send application t o rtilak@adamantiumholdings. c o m Security guard @ Coverden E.B.D, Apply in person to Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek Sales representative for Pureguard oils and heavy duty equipment, excavator, etc- Contact: 223-5273/4 Vacancy exists for (1) one DJ/ Entertainer/ Promoter to work at a club in EssequiboContact: 226-9768, 615-6172

WANTED One Surveyor to work with mining firm, must have own GPS-Contact: 226-9768 One live in maid –Tel: 6755256 1 Accounts Clerk with experienced, between age 2025 –Contact: 601-0055

Leading Auto: Unregistered Toyota Allion, Premio, Spacio, Noah, 212, Axela, IST, Canter, bus –Tel: 677-7666, 610-7666.

Fantasy Auto Sales: 38 Alexander Street Kitty. Get $100,000 discount on perorders- Tel: 611-1833 2 Ford F350 Pickup, extended cab, 4X4 Diesel, excellent condition, fully loaded, 6" lift kit –Call: 610-5370 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Spacio, Fielder, Bluebird, Carina 212, ISTCall: 652-3820, 665-4529

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/WWW. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel: 698-7807 FOR SALE/RENT 3 Storey established business at 220 south roadCall: 601-3369

First Class Auto in Stock: 09 Allion, 08 Premio, Carina 212, Spacio, Runx, IST, Mark 2, Axio, 06 Premio –Call: 6098188; 638-3045 Honda 600 RR, Toyota AT212, AT192, BB, Premio, Tundra fully off-road, RX-8, Nissan Bluebird –Tel: 644-5096; 6971453

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Contact Anwar Essequibo: 771-4395; 694-4457 or Georgetown Trudy: 225-4712 1 Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSXR 600, 1-250 Rebel, 1-250 nighthawk –Tel: 265-3024, 663-8639, 609-0766

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Pile driving hammers, weight 3 and 4 tons, 6 cylinder Leyland engine, 10 tons double steel wheeled roller Call: 275-0538; 693-7105

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Toyota Caldina, Wagon, Black, 17" Rims, AC, Stereo $900K –Tel: 600-3500 Nissan Titan for sale, immaculate condition – Contact: 647-3924

HP Laptop -$50,000, Playstation 3- $90,000 –Tel: 628-1555 32 Inch flat screen TV $46,000 –Tel: 664-7014 10 Acres of land road side at Kuru Kururu for business.

Cheap price- Call: 601-3369

Experienced bartenders & One complete music system cleaners – Call: 225-8572 Tel: 699-5790, 221-2817 (must be able to work shift) American Truck spare parts for sale- interesting person call: 683-3805

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1st owner- Call: 628-5828

1 Sand Truck Driver, 3yrs experienced –Tel: 265-3024; 663-8639; 609-0766 One maid, kitchen assistant, delivery rider, must have own bike – Contact: 601-4697, 6171321

Star Cars Auto Sales: In Stock, Premio, Vitz, Bluebird, IST, Alteeza, Benz C200, Spacio - Tel: 679-3140 Don’t Miss! Venus Auto Sale: pre-order, specials on Toyota IST, Vitz, Ractis, Passo, Raum- $1.9M, $1.8M Call: 624-5617

2004 Spacio -$2M 2008 Fielder (new shape) $2.5M unregistered –Tel: 617-2891 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma - Call: 680-3154

Jet and Marack men, 1 male cook- $110,000 monthly -8:004:30hrs-Tel: 694-2310 Contract cars & HC drivers @ A1 taxi Service - Call: 2201000 One domestic or couple to live in and work in Mahaicony River –Call: 225-6571, 6446905 One tractor operator, must know about rice, to live in Mahaicony River –Call: 2256571, 644-6905

Friday June 19, 2015

One TM Truck, 6X6, price negotiable, excellent condition, interesting person call Mr. Carlos: 683-3805 1-16" Bore tractor driven, pump, new, 1, 2 million, 1 four wheeler box trailer-Tel: 2271830 Rare and expensive stamps, first covers/post cards with stamps, coins & paper money, etc –Tel: 227-6817; 624-7341

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Enroll Now! Classes start 13 July: floral arrangement, cake decoration, cakes & pastries, bridal accessories –Contact: 223-3303; 612-4193; 672-8768 Continued on page 31

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Teen hospitalised following hit-and-run Eighteen year-old miner, Mark Henry, of Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice, is now a patient of the male surgical ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after being hit by a minibus on Tuesday night.

The badly injured man was left lying on the parapet in an unconscious state, after the driver of the minibus which hit him opted to drive away instead of rushing the youth to receive medical attention. Luckily, the driver

was caught by police shortly after. An eyewitness told this newspaper that around 1900hrs, the young man was walking alongside the Fort Wellington Public Road and had leaned over to fix his slippers when the bus came up and struck him from behind. An alarm was raised by villagers who immediately called the police.

Some minutes later the police set up a road block and apprehended the driver of the bus. Henry was taken by villagers to the Fort

Wellington Hospital where he was treated, but later transferred to the GPHC due to the serious nature of his injuries. “He start fuh ketch fits and dem rush he to public hospital quick,” a relative related. Henry reportedly suffered a fractured skull and dislocated shoulder among other injuries.

His mother told this publication that her son was heading home when the incident occurred. The woman related that she was not at home but received a

phone call from a family member who informed her of the accident.

“Fifteen minutes after he left home, she (family member) was told by some boys he just get lick down.”

After receiving the news, the woman said she and other relatives rushed to the hospital where she saw her son in a bloodied condition.

While Henry remains in an unconscious state, his relatives have commended the doctors for the quality of care he has been receiving.

Sophia woman faces court after lover’s house torched

A 23-year-old woman who allegedly set her lover’s house ablaze, was yesterday arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The woman, Naomi Goodridge of 928 B Field Sophia, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on June 16, at Aranka Landing, she unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the house of Collis Mc Gregor, with intent to maim, disable

or disfigure him.

Goodridge, a cook, was released on $125,000 bail Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru informed the court that the parties are known to each other.

He explained that they once shared a relationship.

Mangru said that on the day in question McGregor and the defendant were involved in a heated argument when she told him

she was going to “burn the house down”.

Not taking her seriously, the man left and spent the night at another house.

He subsequently received a phone call from someone informing him that his house was on fire.

When he arrived on the scene his worst fears were confirmed. The matter was reported and Goodridge was arrested and charged.

Mangru also informed the court that the defendant, under caution, admitted to setting the house on fire.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry instructed the defendant to report to the officer in charge of ‘F’ Division Headquarters, every Friday, commencing from June 26.

Statements were ordered and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for July 3.

From page 30

MASSAGE Mobile Massage: we come to homes, offices and hotels, 20% discount for fathers, St. Lucia trained –Tel:695-1265

PROPERTY FOR SALE Residential lots ad houses for sale at Eccles, E.B.D $7.5M. Tel:592-227-2913 or 689-3033 Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461.

One House in Tuschen Scheme (business place) – Tel:622-6516

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Office, storage bond, lessons place, other businesses at Vreed-EnHoop- Call: 680-9905 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 6750767, 627-5098 3 Bedroom flat house, E.B.D Tel: 678-9413 One 2 bedroom apartment for rent –Call: 220-6168; 6741358, 618-1754; 681-1508

Property @ Leonora New Scheme-Tel: 678-9851 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D – Tel: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property @ Lot 63 West Ruimveldt, Estate Housing Scheme Georgetown – Contact Mark: 618-9744 Two storey 45X35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete, in Diamond, New Scheme, 5th Avenue, E.B.D –Tel:629-4017 Lot 23, Area F Zeeburg, South, old gas station road, West Coast DemeraraContact: 621-8386 (Brodo)

12 Offices $60,000 at 220 South road- Call : 601-3369 Church at 180 Charlotte Street- $150,000 negotiable – Tel: 227-6817; 624-7341 Space @ 43 Wellington Street, G/town, Suitable for Barbering, Tailoring or Boutique-Tele: 226-1839 Spacious Top Flat @ CNS Channel 6 Building, Suitable for Office or Business- Tele: 226-1839 Space @ 41 Agricola Public Road, E.B.D, Suitable for any type of Business or Apartment- Tele: 226-1839

TO LET Prime office space @ lot 239 Quamina Street, Central Georgetown, parking available in Private yard. Tel: 592-227-2913, 592-689-3033 Rooms in Alberttown –Tel: 225-3234 One bedroom apartment opposite UG, for single person –Call: 222-9123 3 Bedroom top flat with toilet & bath, working family preferably located in Peters Hall -$60,000 monthlyContact: 646-6831, 629-7552 Furnished executive one or two bedroom suites in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners- Call: 609-2466

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 19, 2015

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

T&T’s Dookeran bows out of politics

Winston Dookeran PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Founder of the Congress of the People (COP), and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran has announced that he will be quitting representational politics.

On Wednesday, Dookeran, told his staff and supporters that he will be retiring from political life.

“The time has come, the curtain has come down, I have to pass the baton on, I do so with no animosity, no regret, little disappointment, but a lot of expectation that our country will overcome

anything on its path for the future.”

Dookeran, 71, who started his political career in 1981, said his biggest disappointment was that the party never grew and flourished as it should, given the high expectations the electorate placed on it back in 2006 when it was born.

The Tunapuna MP said he will forever cherish and remember as it brought him great joy.

Those years, he said, have been “intriguing” but he believes he helped build a

better Trinidad and Tobago.

He said under the People’s Partnership Government he worked to return economic stability to the country and the Prime Minister fulfilled the mandate given to her by the people.

He also praised Prime Minister Kamla PersdaBissesser and called for an end to the character assassination.

“I say Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in my view, has performed exceptionally well in holding this country together. She has met the needs of all the people particularly those who are less privileged and that has been a major achievement,” he said.

“Today I hope that character assassination will be stopped and that we’ll conduct the affairs of our public life in a manner that we can all be proud about and indeed that our children can be proud about,” Dookeran added.

The COP was formed on September 10, 2006 by Dookeran who then faced tremendous challenges as leader of the United National Congress (UNC).

In 2010, the COP joined forces with the UNC under the new leadership of PersadBissessar as well as the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP), National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) and Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) and swept the general election by a landslide. The UNC won 21 seats, COP won six seats, the TOP won two seats and PNM 12 seats.

Venezuela to get $5 billion in funding from China in next few months MARACAIBO (Reuters) - Venezuela will receive a loan of $5 billion from China in the coming months for crude oil projects, a director at stateowned Petroleos de Venezuela said earlier this week.

China has become Venezuela’s principal financier over the last decade, lending more than $46 billion to be repaid in oil.

“It is being discussed right now and will come within a few months,” Orlando Chacin, vice president of exploration and production at PDVSA [PDVSA.UL], said in an interview.

The resources should help the oil company as it handles the severe impact of the drop in crude prices.

Oil makes up 96 percent of the country’s foreign income.

The funds seemed to be part of an overall $10 billion loan a PDVSA source earlier

this year said Venezuela had negotiated with the Development Bank of China, half for oil projects.

“They are for many projects,” Chacin said. He said many of those would be in the vast Orinoco Belt, which contains most of Venezuela’s crude, but did not offer more details.

Venezuela is looking to

increase crude production in the Orinoco region to offset declines in other traditional areas and to stimulate its struggling economy.

The country’s international reserves hit 12-year lows this month as the economy suffers a recession, high inflation and shortages of basic goods.

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Friday June 19, 2015

Euro zone sets emergency summit on Greece as money flees Euro zone leaders will hold an emergency summit on Monday to try to avert a Greek default after bank withdrawals accelerated and government revenue slumped as Athens and its international creditors remain deadlocked over a debt deal.

Finance ministers of the 19-nation currency bloc failed to make any breakthrough on a cash-for-reforms agreement at talks in Luxembourg on Thursday, just 12 days before Greece must make a crucial debt repayment to the International Monetary Fund.

“Regrettably ... too little progress has been made. No agreement is in sight,” Jeroen Dijsselbloem, chairman of the Eurogroup, told a news conference. Ministers sent a strong signal that it is up to Greece to make new proposals, he said.

The European Central Bank told the meeting it was not clear whether Greek banks would be open on Monday, officials said.

The ECB’s governing council will hold a special conference call on Friday the second in three days - to consider adding more emergency liquidity for Greek banks facing a quickening drain on their cash, two persons close to the situation said.

European Council President Donald Tusk said in a statement he had summoned heads of state and government of the euro area to meet in Brussels at 1700 GMT on Monday to discuss Greece “at the highest political level”.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said further dialogue was needed “with adults in the room”.

Greece said it had put a “radical proposal” for budget monitoring on the table to show its willingness to reach a deal, Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said.

He accused his European peers of being dangerously close to accepting “an accident”, saying they had refused to discuss his idea for braking public spending.

Dijsselbloem said if there was a last-minute deal next week, there would have to be some extension of the current bailout to allow time for disbursement.

Greek savers pulled out some 2 billion euros between Monday and Wednesday after weekend negotiations collapsed in Brussels, senior banking sources told Reuters. That is double the amount that the ECB granted Greek banks in extra emergency liquidity assistance (ELA) only on Wednesday.

Asked at the Eurogroup

Protesters occupy the exterior of the parliament during a rally calling on the government to clinch a deal with its international creditors and secure Greece’s future in the Eurozone, in Athens. meeting whether Greek banks would be open on Friday, ECB Executive Board member Benoit Coeure said: “Tomorrow, yes. Monday, I don’t know,” according to officials with knowledge of the talks.

The IMF dashed any hope that Athens could avert default if it fails to repay a 1.6 billion euro ($1.8 billion) loan by the end of June, piling pressure on Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who shows no sign of yielding to the lenders.

If deposit flight continues to outpace ELA, it could force Greece to impose capital controls, as Cyprus did in 2013, to ration cash withdrawals and stop money fleeing the country.

The 2 billion euros taken out in just three days represents about 1.5 percent of total household and corporate deposits of 133.6 billion euros held by Greek banks as of end-April.

A finance ministry spokesman declined com-

ment on the latest capital outflows. A government spokesman said on television late on Wednesday there was no plan to introduce controls.

Tsipras, elected on a promise to end austerity, is demanding a “political level” bargain in which European creditors promise Greece debt relief before he will make any more concessions.

But the deposit flight and revenue slump may force him to climb down, with the Greek central bank warning

of economic catastrophe if Greece defaults and leaves the euro zone.

Athens reported a steep 24.6 percent fall in its revenues in May, including a 50 percent fall in tax returns, even though the central government posted a primary surplus before debt service in the first five months of this year.

Finance ministry officials said it was mainly due to a slump in tax payments by companies, hard hit by a return to recession.

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 19, 2015

Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition

Marshall double strike gives Mackenzie High comfortable win Forward Jessie Marshall scored twice to lead Mackenzie High to a comfortable 3-1 victory Linden Foundation Secondary when the 5th Annual Digicel National Schools Football Championships continued yesterday with action at Wismar Secondary School ground in Linden.

Mackenzie High dominated the opening exchanges and Shaquille Campbell put them ahead when he blasted his shot from inside the area in the 3rd minute after collecting a pass from the left side of the box.

Mackenzie High continued to push forward but Campbell wasted a fair opportunity to extend the lead by sending his shot wide of the uprights moments later. Linden Foundation tried desper-

Shaquille Marshall (white shirt) battles for possession yesterday

Jessie Marshall controls the ball

Friday June 19th 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Aries, you may have recently built fanciful scenarios in your head regarding how you think things should be, in either a romantic, business, or family situation.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) The place you arrive at today may not be quite what you expected, Taurus. Once you get there, you will find that there is sudden opposition in your camp.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your actions might be a bit strained today, Gemini. People aren't going to cooperate in the way you might like them to.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) If you're prepared and well organized, Cancer, today should go smoothly and p l e a s a n t l y. Feel free to indulge in fanciful daydreams and things of a whimsical nature.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't feel badly about things you have no control over, Leo. Tonight it would be good for you to go out and have a nice time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may find it hard to sit still today, Virgo. People may pull your chain right and left in order to get a rise out of you.

Whatever seems grounded and solid may end up being flimsy and detached. Beware of where you step.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be careful who you trust today, Libra. Instead of venturing out, you might prefer to stick close to home and enjoy the comforts you've worked so hard to attain.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) What looks like solid ground may be quicksand, Scorpio.

Be careful where you step.

There's an element of misunderstanding to the day that might make it difficult to get through to people.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You may have your head in the clouds today, Sagittarius.

At the same time, there's a need for you to keep your feet on the ground.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your emotions may be playing tricks on you, Capricorn. You may find it hard to deal with reality.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You might find it hard to make progress with your projects today, Aquarius, especially if you need others' help.

There's a stubborn quality to the day that's causing things to get jammed up.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Slow and steady wins the race, and you're the master o f t h i s t e c h n i q u e . Your patience and s e n s i t i v i t y are invaluable on a day like this.

ately to equalize but Mackenzie High’s back four stood firm.

However, Marshall made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute; he collected a pass from outside the box and dribbled his way pass a defender before neatly chipping

SUNBURST sponsors...

(From page 43) Association (GBA) expressed its delight at being able to realize the partnership with SUNBURST and the encouraging interest they have shown in the sport which the association said it is hoping would be lasting in its continued development.

the ball into the net. Two minutes later, Mackenzie High defender Tariq Williams sent his free kick over the opposition defense and Marshall wasted little opportunity to extend the advantage from inside the box as his team enjoyed a 3-0 lead at half time.

Linden Foundation showed more purpose after the break but couldn’t find the back of the net despite several raids. However Gregory Vaughn pulled on back in the 79th minute on an assist from Dexter Sumner.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 37

Brazil captain sees red in post-match melee in Copa America clash Neymar provisionally banned for two games after Brazil captain Neymar has been banned for two games, and could face further sanctions for his actions in the lead up to his sending off after his side’s 1-0 loss to Colombia.

The Barcelona star appeared to lose the plot as he kicked the ball at Colombia’s Pablo Armero before aiming a headbutt at goalscorer Jeison Murillo after the final whistle. Neymar had already been given a silly booking that would have ruled him out of what is now a crucial clash against Group C leaders Venezuela on Sunday. However referee Enrique Osses saw no option but to give Neymar a straight red, before dealing the same punishment to Colombia striker Carlos Bacca, who had retaliated.

The 23-year-old quickly admitted he made a mistake but stopped short of

apologising following his illtempered reaction after the match. ’I had an issue with one of their defenders,’ the Brazil striker explained. ‘In fact, he had an issue with me. ‘When the game was over - and I heard the whistle - I kicked the ball and ended up hitting a Colombian player. Then their defender wanted to get in trouble with me and I looked to him. ’I did make a mistake. But, it’s part of the game. We lost and I believe we played badly. I didn’t play well either. ‘I acknowledge that and take full responsibility on what happened today. I don’t run. Now, it’s up to us to win the next game.’

Brazil coach Dunga said: ‘It’s never a good thing when at the end of a match we’re talking about the referee.

I think if you look at what happened, including at

the end, you have to conclude it has something to do with the referee. ’There was a similar problem at a Corinthians match when the same referee was in charge,’ he added, referring to a recent Libertadores Cup tie when Osses sent off two players in a match against Paraguayan side Guarani.

‘It’s more than just coincidence. ’We’ve played matches before without Neymar. We’ll just play in a way that makes up for his absence.’ The Brazilian Football Confederation now have 24 hours to submit a defence for Neymar, at which point a final decision will be made.

Colombia’s narrow win means there is still everything still to play for in Group C as they sit level on points with Brazil after two games and Venezuela, who face bottom

Carlos Bacca (second left) shoves Neymar in the back after the Brazilian blasted the ball at Armero side Peru in their second group match this morning.

(Mailonline)

Copa America anti-discrimination campaign to meet its acid test Copa America’s anti-discrimination campaign of asking fans to be respectful of the opposing team’s national anthem will face its acid test when Chile and Bolivia, South American neighbors embroiled in a bitter border dispute, face off today.

The campaign, titled “America unites us. Don’t you make the difference,” is co-sponsored by the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF and has thus far been a hit among the crowds packing

the stadiums. Fans are asked to hold up a green card, placed on every seat in the stadium, and remain silent during the singing of the national anthems as a sign of respect to the opposing nation, a request that has by and large been followed.”I want to thank the Chilean people for the gesture that they had with our national anthem.

That’s why I believe the Mexican team gave it 100 percent, to play a game these

people deserved,” said Mexico coach Miguel Herrera, after a thrilling 3-3 tie with Chile on Monday. However, there is concern that the courtesy shown at other matches might not be repeated seen when some 50,000 fans fill Santiago’s National Stadium to watch Chile and Bolivia square off.

In the culmination of several years of dispute, landlocked Bolivia went to the World Court in May, seeking to force Chile to negotiate the granting of a corridor of sov-

ereign territory giving it access to the sea for its natural gas and mineral exports. Bolivia lost its coastal territory after being defeated by Chile in the 1880s War of the Pacific. Respect for the national anthems “is a contribution to make the spectacle of sport, the soccer matches, as we’ve said all along, a celebration, and not just for Chile but for all of Latin America,” said Chile government spokesperson Marcelo Diaz.

(Reuters)

Ross to compete at 33rd NABBA World C/ships Guyana’s most recognized international bodybuilder Hugh Ross is set to hit the stage for the first time this year when he competes at the 33rd NABBA World Championships tomorrow at the Dolmen Resort in Qawra, Malta.

Ross informed Kaieteur Sport that he would be com-

peting in the Masters Over 50 Category and will be aiming to top his rivals in what is expected to be keen competition.

There will also be Over 40, Juniors, Miss Toned Figure, Miss Figure 11, Miss Figure 1, Miss Physique, Men 1, 11, 111, 1V and Professional Class categories.

Page 38

Kaieteur News

TCL Cricket Academy to cater for 100 youths in Berbice

By Franklin Wilson Some one hundred youths (male & female) between the ages of 8 – 18 years-old would be the beneficiaries of the TCL Guyana Inc. and Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Cricket Academy which will be during the period, July 6 – 18 at the Area ‘H’ ground, Rose Hall Town, Berbice.

Being sponsored at a cost of $220,000, the Academy which has been sponsored by TCL since 2012 would be facilitated by Coaches Winston Smith and Delbert Hicks with RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster being responsible for the Academic sessions.

At a simple handing over of the cheque yesterday at TCL Guyana Inc. 2-9 Lombard Street, office, Plant Manager, Mr. Mark Bender said that the company since 2012 when it first partnered with RHTY&SC is satisfied that they activity and the club seeks to make more rounded individuals of the participants. ”That in particular is what caught our eyes and we thought that it was a very

noble and undertaking and since then we have been supporting this annual cricket academy.”

Bender quoted part of the Constitution of Guyana which he said acknowledges the aspirations of our young people while noting that the future of Guyana belongs to the young people. ”Who aspire to live in a safe society which respects their dignity, protects their rights, recognizes their potential, listens to their voices, provides opportunities, ensures a healthy environment and encourages people of all races to live in harmony and peace and affirm that their declaration will be binding on our institutions and be part of the context of our basic law.”

Bender noted that the constitution further states that every young person has the right to ideological, social, cultural and vocational development and to the opportunity for responsible participation in the development of the socialist order of society. ”The constitution itself recognizes the value and the

importance of our young people and their development in the overall development of the country and certainly the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club is playing their part in making significant contribution with regard to these constitutional provisions.”

Gratitude was extended to Foster and the club on behalf of the entire TCL Group of Companies for allowing them to play their part in such a significant initiative while also wishing them every success for another fruitful year.

The attendees Foster noted would be taken through the paces by the coaches in the art of batting, bowling, fielding, wicketkeeping and physical fitness while classroom work would centre around the importance of education, drug abuse, peer pressure and the history of cricket among other topics.

While there will be a number of practice matches played, the outstanding attendees will be rewarded with educational packages and trophies.

Foster expressed confidence that this year’s academy would fulfill its objectives and the club would continue to produce players to join those who have made it to the highest level.

The TCL Cricket Academy has produced one West Indies Test player, one ODI player, two Female WI players, three Senior Guyana, 37 Junior Guyana and a total of 93 Berbice players at all levels.

TCL Marketing Rep. Mr. Eric Whaul also attended yesterday’s activity.

Friday June 19, 2015

Catch A Million!

CPL fans have been given One Million reasons to get their tickets for this year’s competition, with the launch of Catch A Million, in association with CPL sponsors, Guardian Group.

Catch A Million will be the biggest ever sports promotion in the Caribbean. If a fan is the first to catch a six onehanded at a CPL game they will automatically win US$1,000 and a chance to win a trip to Trinidad for the finals. ”There won’t be many tickets left when fans find out about the chance to win $1m!” - CPL CEO Damien O ’ D o n o h o e The public will vote on the best catches online at CPL’s official Facebook page to decide who makes the trip to Trinidad. If selected and you repeat the feat at the final, you could win the incredible sum of US$1 million! Full terms and conditions can be found by clicking on this link on the CPL website.

There were 387 sixes smashed during 30 matches

in the 2014 Caribbean Premier League, with Chris Gayle and Lendl Simmons topping the charts, blasting twenty-four maximums each. With the likes of Shahid Afridi and Kevin Pietersen joining the ranks this year, fans can expect plenty more opportunities to win their prize at CPL 2015!

Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive, Hero CPL, said: “Tickets are already selling out fast as excitement ramps up ahead of CPL 2015, and there definitely won’t be many left when fans find out about the chance to win US$1 million! ”Catch A Million is absolutely massive for the Caribbean, and we’re so thankful to Guardian Group for making this once in a lifetime prize possible. “ ”Catch A Million is going to take the excitement of the CPL to a whole new level” Guardian Group’s Larry Olton Larry Olton, Group Vice President – Integrated Marketing Communications, Guardian Group, said: “We’re thrilled to

be supporting the CPL to introduce Catch A Million, and we wish all the fans the best of luck during the tournament. ”The League is all about fun and excitement, and Catch A Million is going to take that excitement to whole new level.”

At the Hero CPL, global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi will join the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, and exciting up-and-coming local talent.

Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 65 million and this year is set to be even higher as fans across the world continue to be drawn to the high quality action on the pitch and the unique party atmosphere off it.

Hero CPL 2015 kicks off with a repeat of last year’s final, with defending champions, Barbados Tridents, hosting Guyana Amazon Warriors, at Kensington Oval, tomorrow.

(CPL)

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 39

Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition

Friendship, Tucville register emphatic wins Despite no play in Berbice due to the inclement weather that forced the Organisers of this year ’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition to postpone the game between Manchester and Tagore at Skeldon, the other games at Grove and Tucville produced decisive wins for Friendship and Tucville yesterday.

Friendship Secondary dismantled Xenon Secondary by an 8-1 score line, at the Grove Community ground.

Lawrence McPherson opened the scoring in the 12th minute for Friendship, firing in from inside the penalty area following a pass from the right side.

Troy Tasher made it 2-0 after twenty-three minutes with a fierce strike flat into the lower right corner

after sprinting past his marker to beat the solitary figure of the opposing goalkeeper.

Xenon eventually reduced the deficit by one when Rasheed Evans 35th minute effort scored after taking advantage of a poor mistake by the last stop to lash home from close range.

Friendship reestablished their two-goal advantage one minute later as Omali Henry entered the scoresheet, finishing with aplomb into the right hand c o r n e r a f t e r a mesmerising run down centre field. c Pherson then stretched their advantage in the 38th minute, sealing his double through a thunderous strike into the roof of the net from within the right side of the box.

It became 5-1 in the 48th minute as Isaiah Sam scored, placing his right footed

effort down the centre of goal from just within the box, taking full advantage of a poor clearance by the Xenon backline.

Kevin Sobers then inked his name on the scoresheet, netting in the 50th minute with powerful shot from the left side that pierced the goalkeeper.

Naphtali Joseph and Jumal Khalid then confirmed victory with consecutive goals in the 65th and 70th minute. Over at the Tu c v i l l e g r o u n d , t h e homesters inflicted a 7-1 crushing on David Rose to advance to the next stage.

Leading the way for the victors were Calvin Peters, who netted a brace in the 34th and 66th minutes and Orwyn Garraway, who also neted a double in the 43rd and 68th minutes.

A single strike each from Jermaine Garnett 6th, Marcus Wilson 39th and Sherwin Reid 61st

completed their tally.

Adrian Wong’s 20th minute strike was the lone response for David Rose.

Today’s fixtures are as follows: Soesdyke Sec tackles Covent Garden at Grove, while Houston Sec. and St. Mary’s engage each other at Tucville.

Stewartville then tackles Endeavour at Leonora and Hope Sec. and La Bonne Intention square off at Vi c t o r i a , w h i l e N e w A m s t e r d a m Te c h n i c a l Institute goes up against Corentyne at Burnham Park.

All matches commence at 15:30 hrs.

Friendship marksmen pose for a photo op following the team’s demolition of Xenon Academy yesterday.

STSC to host 4-a-side football The South Turkeyen Sports Committee (STSC) and Bannas Foundation will be hosting a Father’s Day four-a-side small goal and penalty shoot out f o o tball competition

tomorrow and Sunday at Burnham Basketball Court commencing from 10:00hrs.

At stake are trophies and medals donated by Tent City, Bannas Foundation,

Zaman Alli, Johnny Barnwell and family and Tr o p h y S t a l l B o u r d a Market, while the balls will be provided by Ken Phillips of Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs.

Page 40

Kaieteur News

Friday June 19, 2015

RHTY&SC/Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd AntiDrugs/Suicide Campaign for Region 6 Schools The 10 cricket teams which represent the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) will launch one of their largest ever programmes since becoming involved in personal development programmes in 1992.

The club, with exclusive sponsorship from one of

Guyana’s largest corporate entities, Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd., will be unveiling their ‘Say No to Drugs/Suicide and Yes to Education/Sports Programme next Friday in Region six.

The teams (Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, RHT Bakewell

Ms. Anjuli Beharry-Strand

Beharry pres – Officials of RHTY&SC and Edward B. Beharry display the banner recently at the sponsor.

Under-17, RHT Second Division, RHT Pepsi Under19, RHT Intermediate, RHT Metro Office Supplies Females, RHT Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division teams) will participate in the Programme.

This activity targets all Secondary and Primary Schools in Region six along with Technical Centers and the GUYSUCO Training Centre.

Under the programme, each of the schools would receive a ‘Say No to drugs 5’ x 3’ banner, posters for each

classroom and 12 youth information booklets which would be used by the schools to educate students on over 26 topics relevant to them.

Among the topics are Suicide, Table Manners, Personal Hygiene, Drug Abuse, Classroom Manners, Importance of Sports, Peer Pressure and the Importance of Discipline.

The second segment of the program includes the hosting of educational and sports competitions along with lectures from positive role models.

Secretary/CEO of the

RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster disclosed that the players would be launching the programme with a march and rally with students from 30 schools marching from Hampshire Village to Rose H a l l To w n b e f o r e assembling for the rally at the St. Francis Community Developers Centre.

Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnarine along with Chief Education officer Mr. Olato Sam have been invited to take the salute at the March Pass while Ms. Anjuli Beharry-Strand of Beharry Group of Companies, representatives of the Region 6 Ministry of Education, among others, will also participate.

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 41

Just call him “Dre Russ”: Andre ‘Dre Russ’ Russell releases CPL Anthem for Fans Jamaica Tallawahs star all-rounder Andre Russell will not only be thrilling fans on the field this CPL season, but he will also give them something to dance to off the field. Russell, who goes by the stage name ‘Dre Russ’ teamed up with Saine to produce the infectious CPL anthem ‘It’s Time Again,’ which was released on radio in the Caribbean on Tuesday last.

Russell uses authentic Caribbean rhythms interspersed with exciting cricket commentary samples to capture the essence of CPL as he sings about the special party atmosphere and sensational cricket.

He says he hopes the song will help fans see

another side of him; “CPL is something that everyone is waiting for, it’s the biggest party in sport and I wanted to try to describe our culture, the vibe and the fun we have at cricket. I tried to put everything in there and I just hope people play it and enjoy it across the Caribbean.”

Fresh from a superb showing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Russell says his form will carry over into the CPL where he expects to deliver good performances and help the Jamaica Tallawahs regain the CPL trophy.

He wants fans to come out and support the CPL and the Tallawahs while rocking

Death of Simon Budhoo is a loss to RHTY&SC The Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) were thrown into a state of mourning on Monday at the sudden death of its Assistant Organising Secretary and Senior Cricket Official, 41-year-old Simon Budhoo, who died at the New Amsterdam Hospital after a brief illness.

Secretary /CEO of the Club, Hilbert Foster said that the death of the hardworking club executive is a huge blow since he was one of their most energetic officials. Budhoo, who joined the club in 2002 was also an executive of the club’s Over-35 Section and was appointed a Cricket Manager in 2013.

Foster hailed Budhoo as one of the main reasons why RHTY&SC has been so successful over the last decade and noted that the late Budhoo played a major role in the ongoing Silver Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations.

He held responsibility for the club’s Junior Cricket teams and fundraising activities and also played a major role in the development of numerous players who went on to represent Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

It was noted that the late Budhoo also assisted in organizing the recently held Cricket Development Raffle while also working alongside Foster in pulling off events including the Annual Awards Ceremony, Cricket Academy, Ansa McAl Awards of Excellence, Tribute to Heroes, Monthly Charity Programme and the Republic Bank Summer Camp. The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club is extending sympathy to the family of the late Simon Budhoo, especially his two young sons. The club would soon disclose plans to honour Budhoo’s memory.

to his newest track. “I just want everyone to do as the song says and bring your family and friends and come out and support the CPL, rally around the Tallawahs, and of course keep dancing to ‘It’s Time Again,’” Russell said.

At the Hero CPL, global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and

Shahid Afridi will join the C a r i b b e a n ’s f i n e s t cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, and exciting up-andcoming local talent.

Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 65 million and this year is set to be even higher as fans across the world continue to be drawn

to the high quality action on the pitch and the unique party atmosphere off it.

The Hero CPL 2015 bowls off with a repeat of last year ’s final, with defending champions, Barbados Tridents, hosting Guyana Amazon Warriors, at Kensington Oval on Saturday.

(CPL)

Andre Russell at the Tallawahs Media Day on June 17.

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 19, 2015

Andrews says she stayed in BVI to support male team

By Edison Jefford National senior basketball player, Kean Andrews has indicated that she stayed in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, following the completion of the Women’s category of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships, to support the male team.

The CBC Women’s Final was played last Saturday night with Bahamas winning

against Jamaica. Guyana returned home without Andrews that same day after their winless campaign.

Contacted yesterday in the BVI, Andrews said she stayed back to support Guyana in the ongoing Men’s Championship.

“Yes, I did decide to stay in the BVI to simply to watch and support our male team; I paid, and extended my visa and bought a return ticket to Guyana with permission of

the BVI Immigration authorities,” Andrews said yesterday.

She said she wanted to give the male team “some support” when asked if it was her choice to stay. “Yes it was my choice indeed, and it was simply to give the male team some support as I could have afforded to, as I said if I had known there were rules against it, I would not have,” she indicated.

Efforts to contact President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) proved futile yesterday. But another section of the print media reported Hinds as saying that Andrews perhaps breached the stipulated regulations.

As a result, Hinds said that Andrews could possibly face some kind of disciplinary action once all the facts are gathered.

Earlier in the article, he had said that he has not received all the facts, but the entire team was expected to return to Guyana.

Andrews is challenging that position, stating that she was not aware of any stipulation that bars her from staying in Tortola to support the male team. “I also wasn’t aware of no team stipulated regulations, or else I would have followed them,” she said.

“I am making my side clear; I really don’t know the reason for Mr Hinds blowing this thing out of proportion like this. I had also tried to inform Nigel, but he wouldn’t hear me out, all he said it would have been too expensive for me,” the forward added.

According to Andrews, she was apprised of what was happening here with her

Kean Andrews remaining in BVI via a photograph of the story that was sent to her on social media. She said she felt humiliated on receipt of the information.

Friday June 19, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 43

SUNBURST sponsors Narayan Ramdhani for Pan Am Junior C/ships National Junior and Senior Badminton champion Narayan Ramdhani has received sponsored from the Continental Group of Companies through the popular local SUNBURST Orange Juice.

This is not the first time that the company will be sponsoring Ramdhani who will be representing Guyana at the Pan American Junior Championships set for Tijunana, Mexico from August 1-10, 2015.

Continental Group of Companies, Company Secretary, Percival Boyce Jr. in brief remarks at the presentation said that his company was delighted to be supporting local talent yet

again. �The Management of Continental Group of Companies with its SUNBURST brand of Orange Juice and Fruit flavoured drinks is pleased to be associated with Guyana’s young champions in sports on their way to International fame.

The local champion will be aiming to continue his upward climb in the sport and has been boosted with the support of Sunburst in his quest for the second straight year. Ramdhani will also attend the Pan American Junior Academy High Powered Training Camp to be held also in Tijuana, Mexico August 10-15.

Ramdhani has a busy schedule for the rest of the year which include participation at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, July 11-16 next, as well as the Caribbean Championships in the Dominican Republic, August 25-20.

Leading up to the 2020 Olympics, Ramdhani will have to attend quite a number of international tournaments to gain world ranking points. He will be sporting the Sunburst emblem to promote the product during the Pan American Junior Championships.

The Guyana Badminton (Continued on page 36)

Narayan Ramdhani receives the cheque from this Continental Group of Companies Representative in the presence of Company Secretary, Percival Boyce Jr.

t r o Sp

Friendship, Tucville register emphatic wins

Friendship Secondary (in red) scores in their clash against Xenon Academy yesterday at the Grove ground.

P.32

Marshall double strike gives Mackenzie High comfortable win Ross to compete at 33rd TCL CRICKET ACADEMY to NABBA World C/ships cater for 100 youths in Berbice

Hugh Ross enroute to Malta

TCL Accountants Clerk, Ms. Nirmala Ganga hands over the cheque to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster.

Catch A Million!

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