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June 26, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 26 - Price $80
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Bk’s involvement in defective stellings attracts Parliamentary attention P. 17
…APNU seeks query on why no penalties thus far The SUV ended up on its side after the collision, while P. 9 at right the wounded man could do nothing but stare in disbelief at his shattered feet.
Man loses ankles in Soesdyke accident Man succumbs No criminal Bandits shoot after being set charges for mother, son during afire by workmate female warders Foulis robbery Ganja in Camp Street Prison…
P. 3
P. 7
P. 7
No Chinese warranty for ‘botched’ ….CEO says firm has no more Skeldon Sugar Factory obligations to GuySuCo P. 16
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Tuesday June 26, 2012
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
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Man succumbs after being City Council meeting set afire by workmate ends prematurely Hours after reaching the city for medical attention, 26year-old Ryan Junior Bristol, who was turned into a human torch a few days ago succumbed to his injures. According to reports, Bristol of Quamina Street, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was doused with gasoline and set ablaze by one of his colleague at a mining camp in Mahdia. The dead man’s mother, Lileth Bristol related that she received a telephone call on Friday morning from her son’s employer who informed her about the incident. According to Mrs. Bristol her son and the other workers in the camp retired to bed as per normal on Thursday evening. However, everyone was aroused after they heard a verbal exchange between the now dead Bristol and his attacker. “The boss man said that this man pick up the cutlass and went to Ryan hammock and start lashing he and telling he come out the hammock so my son tell the man he ain’t coming out the hammock”.
Dead: Ryan Bristol According to reports from the area the man ran to the kitchen area in the camp, came back to the hammock and doused Bristol with the gasoline before lighting the match. By the time other workers realized what the man had done, Bristol was set afire and trapped in the burning hammock which was covered with a mosquito net. He screamed for help. “They tell we that he run toward the water but they had to stop him and he just roll up in the sand and eventually
they carry he to Mahdia Hospital”. The man’s mother said they had been in contact with him while he was hospitalized in Mahdia and he related to them that he was fine. Mrs. Bristol said her son’s employer made several attempts to get her son on a flight to Georgetown for better treatment but his efforts were frustrated as no vacant seat was available on a flight until yesterday morning. “The man tell we that the people on the flights didn’t want give up their seat and as soon as they bring him down he dead.” Meanwhile, the man who carried out the attack, Lloyd Watson, was yesterday arraigned in court charged with attempted Murder. Watson made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Chief Magistrate Ms. Priya Beharry remanded him to prison until July 18, 2012. However, a source close to the investigation said that, that charge will be withdrawn and a murder charge is expected to be instituted.
…’falsified’ accounts spark call for CID intervention The Georgetown Municipality’s statutory meeting came to a premature end yesterday as Councillors expressed their desire not to work with the senior officers who were recently fingered in fraud allegations. This stemmed from a proposal by Councillor Ranwell Jordan that the Council write the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud, again requesting Town Clerk Yonette Pluck, Treasurer Andrew Meredith and City Engineer Gregory Erskine, be sent on vacation leave to facilitate a thorough internal investigation. The presence of the officers still executing their “duties” at City hall is an indication that Persaud has not responded to Council’s request to send them on vacation leave. As such, he proposed that a letter should be sent to the Minister requesting an urgent meeting where this matter could be
Burma Road revelations illustrate disjointed Executive …Evidence of absolutely no integration of Govt. activities -Ramjattan “This is the case where one Minister is passing the buck to the other,” was the assertion made by Alliance for Change (AFC) Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan when asked to weigh in on the recent shifting of responsibility when it comes to the “intolerable” Burma Road in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. Transport and Public Works Minister Robeson Benn was forced to respond to A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Winston Felix’s Parliamentary demand when he declared that it was the responsibility of the Local
Government Minister. Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud, several days later, still claimed ignorance of the details in relation to the deplorable road and according to the AFC Chairman “it is also revealing that the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing and it is evidence of there being absolutely no integration of activities of Government.” The former Central Executive member of the governing party told this publication, “They are all just doing their own thing and the Office of the President is not
coordinating and integrating the activities of the various Ministries.” Ramjattan said that the three-mile long Burma Road is extremely important for the purpose of residents and more importantly, for bringing rice and paddy to and from the Saj Rice Mill, which is located at the end of the road. Previously, the road was done by a contractor, who
was being paid millions of dollars annually to repair any damage. “He built the road, and he was being paid for its maintenance annually. For instance, if the road gets a hole, he was supposed to repair it because he got the contract to upkeep the road,” Ramesh Ramnarine stated. “We want the authority to (Continued on page 6)
discussed. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Ahmad Rahaman with a majority of councillors voting in favour. However, Councillor Kamla Ross was adamant that the officers remain at work because they are answerable. Ross argued that Councillors should accept responsibility for some of the officers’ actions since they failed to see that recommendations by Keith Burrowes be implemented to better City Hall. Her comments infuriated Councillors. Deputy Mayor Patricia Greene-Ross, obviously annoyed, shouted for Ross to “shut up”. Greene mumbled that Councillors who do not attend statutory meetings regularly should not comment on these matters. Greene indicated that the absence of the officers from City Hall would help to preserve documents. She emphasized that the “Cash Liquidity Statement Re: General Fund A/C 653-019-0 as at June 25, 2012” is erroneous. Meredith, who was the only one of the three officers under question to be present at the meeting, accepted that some figures were incorrect in the financial statement. Greene deemed that as “nonsense” and demanded that he present Council with the correct information. She expressed hope that the incorrect document presented to Council is not as a result of activities that took place in the Treasury Department over the weekend. The Deputy Mayor threatened that there may be need to call in the Criminal
Investigation Department if documents will disappear from City Hall. Chairman of the Finance Committee, Junior Garrett, also recalled a similar instance where the telephone bill amounting to over $1.2M for April- June was destroyed. He emphasized that such documents should not be destroyed until seven years have elapsed. With all the financial discrepancies ongoing at City Hall and the fact that the organization has no money except for a bank overdraft of $20M staff may not be paid timely this month. Meredith noted that not all last month salaries have been paid. The Mayor and City Council has been under investigation several times before. The latest investigation was carried out by Ramon Gaskin under the management of Keith Burrowes. It has been revealed that the council owes over $1B to various entities and took a $40.999M loan without the permission of the Local Government Ministry. Kaieteur News has learnt that if the findings of the report are to be confirmed, the issue “will become a police matter.”
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Letters... Where your views make the news
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
An empowered police force There was a time when the people of Georgetown complained about the absence of the police from the streets. The residents would complain that it would be some time after the accident that the police would respond and by then the criminals would have long disappeared. We cannot help but note that the criminals have to think twice about conducting robberies in the city. This is because the government has enhanced the mobility of the force. For the past four years, the budget has been catering for vehicles for the police and this expenditure is now paying off. Yet we believe that we are leaving too much to the police. We have already said that the dependence on paper currency is the factor that is spawning these robberies. The gunmen are certain that whenever they attack a victim that victim would have large sums of cash. The people who hold on to cash do so because they recognize that they can avoid paying the requisite taxes. There is no paper trail but when the thieves strike the victim loses much more than he or she would have paid in taxes. Further the taxes would have enhanced even greater expenditure in the defence of the population. It is useless to talk about controlling the flow of illegal firearm. Weapons possession in the hands of certain people is endemic. The gun control laws are not working because very few people are caught with weapons. Slightly more than 300 weapons have been recovered over the past two years and in a society with a population the size of Guyana’s this is a lot. However, many of us feel that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Given the porous borders and the relatively low price of weapons, plus the lack of reasoning among the people who carry them just about every young man walking the street is most likely to be armed. Many people see these armed young men but they remain silent. They talk of retaliation. What they do not say is that they know someone who declined to report a gun possession actually becoming a victim. The various sections of society do not organize what is called Neighbourhood Watch in some places. Such a system works even in the developed countries. Any suspicious activity is recorded and the police respond with some alacrity. In Guyana, especially in the city over the past few weeks, it has not escaped our notice that quick police reaction is in fact a deterrent. It was such quick reaction that thwarted a robbery and led to the capture of the two gunmen. Before that, the police were quick to respond to a report of an attack on a money changer. They nabbed the men. As was the case with the most recent incident, a man died. We are aware that similar quick reactions would deter many from committing armed robberies. People commit crimes if they believe that they would get away. In many countries where the rate of crime solving is high the incidence of crime is low. Guyana has not been having a high rate of crime solving and this is so for many reasons. People know but they keep their mouths shut; others try to benefit from the ill-gotten gains; and yet others say that they are too a scared to talk. They say that when they do talk the police leak the information back to the criminals so for their own safety they remain silent. This is an area that has been investigated. With their limited capability for self examination the police have investigated their own and indeed have weeded out some. But we suppose the paucity in the number of ranks in many cases force them to turn a blind eye. Yet for all their shortcomings the police have done remarkably well to protect the rest of the society. What they need, now, is the support of the wider society. Gun crimes as we know them could be made a thing of the past only if…
If GuySuCo is too big to fail, Linden is too important to be destroyed DEAR EDITOR, Response is made to Prime Minister Sam Hinds’ letter, June 24th. The PM’s reference about the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and its role must not be deliberately side-stepped in the Linden electricity discussion since inherent in this matter is the transgression of the rights of the citizens. Every request by the GPL for an increased in tariff is first subject to public hearings by the PUC where stakeholders/consumers are allowed to make their case. In the Linden’s instance no such hearing and consultation have been conducted, which is a violation of the rights of Lindeners. The public was advised the discussion on Linden’s electricity was part of the Tripartite Talks. If there exists a tripartite configuration the principle for engagement has to be consistent, i.e. all three parliamentary groups (PPP, APNU and AFC) must at all times be involved, participate and agree to the issues before implementation. In this case the AFC was excluded, while the APNU claims there was never an agreement. In the absence of an agreement by all three political groups, who have a responsibility to ensure that the impacted community is involved in the agreement, the PPP’s action to go ahead with an increase is vindictive and discriminatory. It is encouraging to learn of the AFC and APNU’s stand
on the Linden issue within recent days. The APNU is put on notice to give leadership to the opposition’s engagement with the executive on Tuesday, June 26, by ensuring the AFC is part of the discussion and the re-opening of the Linden matter placed highest on the agenda. The PM’s argument to increase Linden’s rate to bring it on par with GPL cannot be justified, since the operation in Linden suffers from an approximate 20 percent line loss and GPL suffers in excess of 30 percent. In fact, the people in Georgetown and other parts of the coastland are paying for Hinds and the GPL’s inefficiencies and incompetence. It is also clear this issue is not about subsides since billions are given to subsidise GPL, GuySuCo and other institutions. This issue is about the continuous attack on the economic well-being of Lindeners, and now attempting to justify withdrawing of subsidy with a pseudo claim of unifying Linden with the coastland, after the government ignored the calls by the people to safeguard the workers’ sweat equity (deferred wages/ salaries) and gave away the company and its electricity supply. Hinds and the PPP must understand that if GuySuCo is too big to fail, the people of Linden and Region 10 are too important to be destroyed. Further, the PM’s statement of wanting to
“transform…Linden from a company town to a regular Guyanese town” is public relations gimmick. For he is aware lights in Linden are being cut off for non-payment of $1200.00. And this is simply because people do not have the means to pay because many have no avenue for employment to earn. Linden experiences an approximate unemployment rate of 70 percent. For the PPP to be aware of these factors yet wanting to proceed with an imposition of higher tariff, which the people cannot afford, is to literally put systems in place to turn the lights off on Linden. This vindictive act must be repelled. Note is taken of Stabroek News’ apology to the PM for truncating his statement (June 24th). The PM informs his exact statement is-”I am saying, the people in Guyana whether in Linden or other parts of Guyana have to manage the best way they can manage and I am further saying that I don’t think we have a significant difference in people situation in Linden taken as a whole and in the rest of Guyana taken as a whole.” Reviewing the verbatim against the truncated that they “have to manage the best way they can manage,” doesn’t change a thing. The press conference was called to deal with the Linden electricity issue! But since the PM sought to ‘clarify’ what he said, his statement is equally damnable. This is an inhumane and
callous statement coming from an elected representative whose job it is to serve and protect the people’s interest and is being paid by the people to so do. Persons are reminded this is the position of a man who since the mid1960s to now has never paid a cent for the kilowatts he burns. And as a past president, should the Presidents Benefit Act remains the same, when he retires the taxpayers will pay his bill for the rest of his life. As a freeloader of the electricity system who continues to burden the taxpayers to pay his bill, along with theirs, he has never been given the opportunity of one ‘who feels it knows.’ The PM is not serious about soliciting the media’s support to address consumption and behavioural change in Linden. He is playing to the public gallery to drive a wedge among consumers of Linden Electricity and GPL. Because were he serious he would have engaged the residents, examined Linden Utilities Services Co-op Society’s (LUSCSL) Electricity Reform Proposal which includes said elements, and partner with the people in their efforts at helping themselves. This is what the people have been demanding but continues to be met with rejection by the PPP. Given the above, it becomes even more important to ensure the people’s right to be heard is respected. Lincoln Lewis
DEAR EDITOR, A recent news item in the print media gave the impression that the appointments of four senior members of the Audit Office’s staff have already been made by the long-acting Auditor General Mr. Deodat Sharma. That would conflict with the Audit Act under which any proposed appointment first have the approval of the Public Accounts Committee. I am concerned that this attempt by Mr. Sharma which not surprisingly has received the support of the head honchos of the PPP/C members of the Public Accounts Committee - is a precursor for himself to be confirmed. Clearly, if the number two position from which he was moved up is subsequently filled, he cannot then step back into it, if and when a decision is finally made to appoint a qualified Auditor General from
outside the Audit Office. Mr. Sharma has many handicaps. The first is that he is does not have the qualification to be the Auditor General. Accordingly, he has to rely on - as his key qualified staff the wife of the Minister of Financewho is responsible for the country’s public finances generally and solely responsible for the Contingencies Fund. The lack of that competence that comes with professional training has meant that in the six audit reports on the public accounts Mr. Sharma has issued since he was appointed to act, he could do no better than identify two major issues - that the drawings from the Contingencies Fund did not meet the qualifying test and the second dealt with tendering procedures for drug purchases. But he did
not initiate the disclosures – they were continuing developments identified by his predecessors. In relation to the Contingencies Fund, his reports consistently misquotethe law relating to replenishments conveniently to the advantage of the Minister and second and very importantly, he does not report findings on the actual payments. No wonder it takes him more than three months to report on a $90 million expenditure in an engagement which he is taking a lead role. Such an audit should take a pair of reasonably capable junior auditors properly guided two weeks maximum. Mr. Sharma has made lots of promises before. He promised in the 2009 Audit Report to complete before December 2010 value for money audits of the drug purchases by the Ministry of
Health and the tender procedures of the Government. Before that he had promised audits of the Cricket World Cup, CARIFESTA and the 2005 Flood Audit. And of course, he had promised that by end of April 2012 he would have completed the $90 million audit of Contingencies Fund, a promise accepted by the National Assembly. It is impossible to say whether Mr. Sharma is as keen to be confirmed in the job as the government is to have someone who hesitates to go after Ramkarran’s “pervasive corruption”. The compensation package now enjoyed by Mr. Sharma is the same as that of the Chief Justice and the Chancellor. It would seem as normal that no one would risk giving up such an undeserved package as it is that no government would appoint, even in an Continued on page 5
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Laura Creavalle has never Pleased about investigation represented Guyana and does into corruption at GGMC DEAR EDITOR, I am pleased to see that government by extension the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has sought international support to address corruption and other illegally activities within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. The article published by the Kaieteur News edition of June 23, 2012 stated that support has been sought from Canadian Law enforcement collaborating with the Guyana Police Force to investigate a fraud. Mr. Editor, this is the type of initiative that is needed to return credibility to government ministries and other agencies that has gone wayward.
For too long the GGMC and the mining sector has been neglected and left unmanaged which has cast aspersions of officers’ credibility and this new type of support is necessary to improve the performance of the commission and integrity of its officers, particularly field officers. I have been following the news attentively as it relates to mining sector and I can unequivocally state that miners and the industry as a whole is pleased with new appointments and other transformational changes being spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment to improve services to the mining sector. Further, I do hope that the
investigation will bring to light revelations that will ultimately improve the operation of the Commission that needs to prepare for the many challenges that the increased price for gold will bring. Finally I end with saying that Change is not always easy, but is necessary for survival in a competitive global environment that we all conduct our daily activities and live. I therefore commend Minister Robert Persaud and the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment for their actions will contribute positively to transform the mining sector and sustainably manage of our natural resources. Samuel Singh
not compete as a Guyanese
DEAR EDITOR, In response to article published in the Sunday’s Sports captioned “Guyana’s Most Decorated and Successful Bodybuilder”. First observation the picture accompanying that article is of Yaxeni Oriquen a professional female bodybuilding champion from Venezuela and not Laura Creavalle. Not taking away from Ms. Creavalle who is indeed a highly decorated and successful professional bodybuilder. But I would like to inform all that Ms. Creavalle was indeed born in Guyana in the year 1959 but that is all, she has never served Guyana in any way,
The opposition has to find a way to stop this project DEAR EDITOR, I am normally not a letter writer but recently I have felt compelled to do so, because of what I see happening in Guyana. From the perspective of a citizen, what I see is a government in Guyana that appears to care nothing of what the public feels, thinks or believes. And now, based on the utterances of the Honorable President and the learned Attorney general, it appears as though they also don’t care what the representatives of the people, who were elected by them and who sit in parliament do. It is an amazing series of events and one that you would normally only see in the worst dictatorships like Sadaam Hussein in Iraq or
Mubarak in Egypt. And I ask myself the question — Is this because they feel that regardless of what happens, they will be returned to Govern based on a racial vote? I hope that this is not true and that the people of Guyana eventually understand what is good for them. I would like to focus on a few interesting items. 1. NICIL - In any civilised, democratic society, if as many questions were raised about public property and the disposal of such property and the availability and use of the funds so obtained, there would have been a public presentation of all relevant information from the Government. 2. In this case, however, all we hear and see
Time to appoint a... From page 4 acting capacity, a Chancellor or Chief Justice possessing only a para-legal degree. The Constitution of Guyana provides that whether as a substantive appointment or acting Auditor General, the appointment of the Auditor General is made by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission.Whether or not President Ramotar wants to deal with corruption, it is time that Guyana has a proper Auditor General. Once a substantive Auditor General has been appointed, that person working with the Public Accounts Committee can then address the other senior positions and indeed the rest
of the staffing of the Audit Office, including the issue of conflict of interest under the Code of Conduct governing accountants. Christopher Ram
are statements from the Government suggesting that they have done no wrong. But the question remains - what has been sold? How much was received for the properties? Where is that money now? I keep hearing talk of the companies act. But this is not a private company. Even if NICIL is considered to operate under the Companies Act, it must also operate as a public company owned by the people of Guyana to whom it owes regular financial statements. 2. NEW AIRPORT - The
question that has been raised is why does Guyana need a US$150 million airport at this time given the kind of air traffic that we now have? For whose benefit is this airport? Then we understand that this agreement was signed secretly with a company known for fraud and bribery. Why can’t the members of parliament stop this project? Are they afraid of being accused of being noncooperative again? This is ludicrous and the opposition has to find a way to stop this project. JSSmith
she has never represented Guyana and does NOT compete as a Guyanese. Interesting enough Bodybuilding a sport that has always been on a down low and a struggle in our dear land of Guyana has never been encouraged by this very successful bodybuilder, in the above photograph our Guyanese Champion signed “To American Bodybuilding, All the best”….how patriotic and ironic but I guess that missed the eye of the writer of that article who pulled all his information from the famous Wikipedia. SHAME! M r. H u g h A r l i n g t o n Ross was born on June 26, 1959 in Berbice, Guyana. He now resides in Queens, N e w Yo r k . P r i o r t o migrating to the USA, he served as an Officer in the Guyana Defence Force from 1980 to 1989. At the time of his resignation he held the rank of Captain. During his tenure with the Force he served in the following capacities: Platoon Commander-Ground Forces
Group; Instructor-Training Corps; Officer Commanding (OC) - Recruit Division-Training Corps; OC - Tacama Battle SchoolTraining Corps; OC - 31 Airborne Company-Special Force Battalion; OCSchool of Special WarfareSpecial Forces Battalian; O C - J u n g l e Wa r f a r e Division- Special Forces Battalion and AdjutantTraining Corps. Mr. Ross is also the Chairman of the Hugh Ross Classic a bi-annual Bodybuilding show held at the National Cultural Center. He is also the current VicePresident of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (GABB&FF). Now this is a proud Guyanese who has served his country well and has moved on but always competes as a Guyanese under the Guyana Flag. Congratulation once again to Mr. Hugh Ross our New World Champion! Allison Yhap
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Ed Ahmad building housing scheme, mall, at Leonora New York-based Guyanese, Edul Ahmad, who is facing trial in a US$50 million mortgage-fraud scheme, is looking to build a posh housing scheme, mall and gas station at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. The housing development would be called Hollywood Gardens. The land for the project was previously owned by the state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), up to 2008. The almost 17-acre plot was sold by the
NICIL sold land ‘strictly’ for wood processing government’s asset holding company, NICIL. In announcing the sale, NICIL and the Privatisation Unit had said that the use of the land was restricted to value-added wood processing operations. The sale of the land was made to one of Ahmad’s companies, South American Woods Incorporated. The plot of land once served as the senior staff
compound for the Leonora Estate. At the time of the sale, NICIL claimed that all of the buildings were destroyed by fire or were vandalized. The land, 16.3098 acres, was sold for $80M or $4.9M/acre. Ahmad, who was released on bond in the mortgage fraud scheme, is not allowed to leave New York and travel to Guyana. Jury selection in his fraud case will take place in November, and U.S.
prosecutors say they will need only one week to prove their case against Ahmad. But Ahmad is currently offering parcels of the land for sale. The Leonora projects are being run from Ahmad’s building materials depot at Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Persons are being told that if they want to build their own house, they can buy a 95-foot by 50 foot lot for $6.5
million. Persons can also let Ahmad custom design and build for them. As land development is now ongoing, persons who make inquiries are being told that if they secure a plot of land, they would only be able to start building next year. Ahmad proposes to have 87 houses built at the location. To that will be added a full gas and service station, facilities to house two banks, and a huge shopping mall, the company says on its website.
The proposed gas station
UG Social Science lecturer in custody for allegedly fondling student A University of Guyana lecturer is in custody at the Sparendaam Police Station lockups for allegedly fondling a female student at the campus yesterday. He is reportedly a lecturer in the Social Sciences faculty.
Kaieteur News understands that the female student alleged that she went to the lecturer’s office yesterday to hand in an exam paper when the man forced his hand into her pants and touched her rear.
The student hurriedly retreated from the office. She then went home and informed her father, who notified the police at the Sparendaam Police Station. The lecturer was subsequently detained.
Burma Road revelations... From page 3 investigate this man (the contractor) and the road.” According to the AFC’s Chairman, the ruling party is using the budget-cuts as a cover-up from doing certain things. “I am hearing from the
people in West Coast Berbice that these things (roads) can’t be done because ‘Ramjattan them’ cut the budget but we did not cut one cent from Robeson Benn’s Ministry nor the Ministry of Local government.”
About three weeks ago, residents and truck drivers had vowed to intensify their protest action to press home their demands for a proper road. The protest action commenced after a number of trucks laden with tons of rice got stuck in a deplorable section of the road, effectively halting the smooth operations of the Saj Rice Mill.
Ed Ahmad The proposed Hollywood Gardens
Health Ministry probes allegations against Dr. C.C. Nicholson Hospital …after mother delivers in barber shop Nandy Collins, 23, of 62 Main Street, Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, is now home resting and enjoying her new born baby boy, which was delivered at a barber shop at Nabacalis on the East Coast of Demerara. She said that around 19:00 hours last Saturday she was accompanied by her partner to the Dr. CC Nicholson Hospital at Nabacalis where they were told by the security guard on duty at that time that there was no doctor on call to do deliveries and that the hospital is closed. Collins said the pain was so severe that they had no choice but to stop at a barber shop in the same vicinity to inquire if there was any nurse or mid wife in the area to render assistance. She said the proprietor of the barber shop, Devon Sam, was about to close up his barber shop when her child’s father approached him and asked if he knew any nurse in the area since he had gone to the hospital, and the gate was closed and no one was responding to his calls. She said she eventually gave birth in the barber shop with assistance from the barber and was then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by a taxi with assistance from her family members, since the ambulance at the Enmore Hospital was unavailable. The woman said that although she is grateful to the barber for his assistance she feels somewhat embarrassed that she had to give birth to her son in a barber shop and not in a hospital under the care of a doctor or a nurse. She added that when she arrived at GPHC, before she could have received assistance, the nurses, without asking any questions,
Nandy Collins and her new born baby boy
started to accuse her of being out partying, which prevented her from making it on time to the GPHC. She said that she was forced to explain the situation to the nurses. The young mother said that her baby is healthy and that she is happy to be alive (Continued on page 9)
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
Bandits shoot mother, son during Foulis robbery A young Enmore businessman and his mother are nursing gunshot wounds as a result of another bandit attack on the East Coast of Demerara last evening. The businessman, Prem Nauth, was wounded in his right waist while his mother, Latchmandai, was shot in her left hand by the bandits who escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. Yesterday’s attack certainly caused the Nauths to recall a similar attack that ended the life of the patriarch of the family a few years ago. The family operates a business at Logwood, Enmore, but has their home less than a mile away at 18th Street, Foulis. Relatives who accompanied the injured victims to the hospital could not give details of what transpired. However, reports reaching this newspaper stated that they had just
finished business for the day and were about to enter their yard when the bandits struck. From all indications, the four bandits had been monitoring the family’s movements over a period of time, since according to an eyewitness, they secured themselves in some nearby bushes and waited for the family to arrive home. A source in the area told Kaieteur News that Prem Nauth was driving the family vehicle, with his mother in the front passenger seat, while his younger brother Kishwar sat at the back. After arriving at their house, the younger brother got out the car and was opening the gate when one of the bandits who had secured himself near the entrance pushed him aside and made his way towards the car. Prem Nauth saw what was happening and hurriedly drove the car into the yard in an attempt to escape from the
bandit who was by then joined by three other accomplices. As Prem Nauth and his mother were trying to exit the vehicle, the bandits discharged two rounds, one of which struck Latchmandai on her hand and the other grazing her son’s waist. The younger brother by this time had managed to run to safety. The bandits, meanwhile, grabbed a bag containing the family’s business sales for the day and made good their escape over a trench and into the nearby village of Paradise. The incident lasted less than three minutes. The sound of the gunshots alerted nearby residents who waited until the bandits had fled before going to the family’s assistance. Police were alerted but by the time they responded, the bandits had already vanished.
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Ganja smuggled into Camp Street Prison…
No criminal charges for female warders The two female prison warders who were implicated in a ganja smuggling racket have avoided becoming members of the prison population, courtesy of recommendations by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). An official said that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommended that the warders should not be charged, but that they should be disciplined departmentally. The ranks were released from custody yesterday. Police identified the ranks as a 36year-old corporal and 28-yearold recruit. It is alleged that on Thursday, a woman at the gate handed over a bag containing 125 grammes of marijuana to the recruit, who
then placed the bag containing the drug in an office. The female corporal, who was in charge of the night shift, reportedly found the bag and took possession of it without informing her superiors. The rank and another female who is a corporal were taken into custody on Thursday after the bag containing some 125 grammes of marijuana was found in an office within the prison. The bag was handed over to an official at the prison. The corporal was in charge of the night shift. However, the inmate who was to have collected the drugs learned that warders had his stash and began to issue death threats to the ranks.
It was then that the corporal handed the bag over to a senior rank. Both women were then taken into custody. Kaieteur News understands that while the junior rank admitted to collecting the bag containing the drugs, she denied collecting any money to deliver the bag. Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee had described the incident as “disgraceful, unacceptable and unlawful,” while speaking to journalists on Saturday. He said that evidence that was provided to him suggested that the ranks “indeed were caught; that they were found in possession of marijuana with the intention of providing this to some prisoners.”
GPHC was “well prepared” for Sophia baby died from Mabura accident victims - PRO
brain hemorrhage
A postmortem performed yesterday on the remains of the four-month-old boy from Sophia, revealed that he sustained a head injury and died from hemorrhage of the brain. The injury is said to have been consistent with reports by family members that the child fell. But a senior police official said that investigators have still not ruled out foul play and are sending a report on the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The child’s 54-year-old grandmother was still in custody up to late yesterday evening. Four-month-old Kevon Jordan, of Thirteenth Street, ‘A’ Field Sophia, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital C o r p o r a t i o n ’s A c c i d e n t and Emergency Unit last We d n e s d a y n i g h t a f t e r being rushed there by his grandmother and stepfather. Kaieteur News understands that the
baby’s grandmother told hospital staff that Kevon had fallen off a bed. But a staffer allegedly notified the police after observing suspicious bruises on the baby’s face. But Kevin Maloney, the b a b y ’s s t e p f a t h e r, i s adamant that the baby died of natural causes. A c c o r d i n g t o M a l o n e y, baby Kevon has had a cold since birth. According to information when the baby arrived at the hospital it was reportedly ‘panting for breath’ and reportedly had bruises on his face. The grandmother had told Kaieteur News that her son had brought the baby to her home about a month ago and told her that the baby’s mother had gone into the interior for two weeks. She said the baby appeared to be malnourished and was tiny. She also said that the child had ‘a terrible cold’ and was hardly eating. She said that the baby
fell off the bed last We d n e s d a y. S h e a l s o claimed that the bruises on t h e b a b y ’s f a c e w e r e a result of the fall. T h e w o m a n ’s s o n claimed that he arrived home shortly after 09:00hrs, and he found the baby lying face-down on the concrete floor. “When I come home, my mother went to the shop and I see the baby on the floor and then my sister said ‘Oh he fall, I hear he was crying but I think he wake up and was crying on the bed.’ “I then pick him up and put him on the bed and a while after he start cry and I pat him to try to put him to sleep.” Maloney said he then realized that the baby was panting for breath and he informed his mother and both of them rushed him to the hospital, where he eventually succumbed. The man claimed that the baby had also contracted gastroenteritis but wasn’t given any medication.
Georgetown Public Hospital yesterday claimed that the institution was well prepared for the Mabura accident victims, because it was informed of the transfer five hours prior to the arrival of the accident victims. On Saturday last, two vehicles collided head on at Mabura and left one man, Trevor Trotz, dead, and several others injured. The wife of the deceased said that at GPHC, she noticed that the hospital had made no preparations to facilitate her husband and the other transferred patients. The woman said that upon her arrival at the hospital, she was surprised to see that the staff at the facility appeared not to be prepared for the patients, who were transferred from the Linden Hospital. She lamented that no attendants were available, there was no wheel chair and she noticed two doctors tending to the four critical patients. However, GPHC said that a minor section of the information was accurate. GPHC claimed that the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital is always in a state of preparedness, especially for patients who are being transferred from the
Regional Institutions. This would mean that there would have been communication between the two institutions prior to the arrival of the patients. GPHC stated that the relevant personnel were informed of the transfer five hours prior to the arrival of the patients and there was enough time for adequate arrangements to be made. Everything was already put into place for the patients’ arrival. The press release further informed, that nursing staff were present and worked “feverishly”, while doctors from the specialist areas (Orthopaedics, General Surgery, inter alia) were summoned to the A&E Unit to complement the A&E doctors. The nursing supervisors were also
present on the floor. However, the hospital admitted that the unavailability of the Attendants is “a sore point” but said that drastic measures are being taken to address the problem with “much urgency.” Last Saturday, a Mini bus, BMM 7746 and a pickup GNN 5696 collided at 58 Miles Mabura Road. Nine persons were reportedly in the mini bus, while two were in the pickup. This newspaper learnt that the mini bus was on its way to Linden when it ‘veered’ into the lane of the pickup, and caused the collision. The passengers were rushed to the Linden Hospital, where some were discharged and three were transferred to GPHC. Two remain hospitalized and one succumbed.
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Kaieteur News
Bloody weekend in Jamaica WITH approximately 10 persons killed in separate incidents on the weekend, National Security Minister Peter Bunting has assured the nation that the security forces are continuing their relentless efforts to fight crime. “We have to redouble our efforts going forward, continue what we are doing and be confident that over time, it will work,” Bunting told The Gleaner. According to reports, between Friday and Sunday, four persons were killed in St James, two in St Ann and four in August Town, St Andrew. On Sunday, Bunting visited the August Town community in the wake of the early-morning killings, which reportedly resulted from a gun battle between rival gangs in the community. “I don’t want this weekend’s murders to set back in any way all the effort that has gone into bringing August Town to where it is today,” the Minister said. “I sympathise and understand the hurt and frustration, but we cannot give up on the peace process. We recognise that it can be a setback, but the residents have to hold on to what they have achieved over the years.” A 2008 peace treaty between ruling factions from the five districts in August Town put an end to a violent, bloody era that threatened to
annihilate the community and had everyone living in fear. Several peace initiatives had helped to drastically cut the crime, with murders down to two last year. “I encourage those who have been working with the PMI (Peace Management Initiative), community development committee and other entities to overcome this and to understand that if they don’t want to return to those days, they have to keep working at it and ensure that it doesn’t gather any momentum. They are not to be concerned with any retaliation, just allow the police to do their investigations, pursue the criminals and bring them to justice,” said Bunting. The minister assured that a number of initiatives would be put in place to protect the community from further attacks from the gunmen, as well as increased efforts to bring them to justice. “I’m just asking the residents to have faith and don’t come off the track that they have been on,” he stressed. The month-to-date murder rate compared with last year is reportedly at the same figures. One thousand one hundred and twenty-four persons were reportedly killed last year, 89 in the month of June.
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Convicts release, ‘stringent and delicate’ The Justice Ministry has assured that the release of 50 prisoners in celebration of TT’s 50th year of Independence is a delicate initiative which would be done according to stringent criteria. “Persons selected for the pardon will be subjected to a stringent screening process by the Commissioner of Prisons and names will be presented to the Advisory Committee on the Power of Pardon for their recommendation to His Excellency, the President,” said the statement. The Ministry is collaborating with the Commissioner for the effective and proper handling of this delicate initiative. The statement listed ten classes of prisoner who could qualify for the pardon. These are first-time offenders with exemplary conduct; nonviolent offenders; prisoners unlikely to re-offend; people committing minor offences with sentences less than four years; persons who are chronically ill; prisoners near their remission date; prisoners who have
undergone rehabilitation; old/inform prisoners; prisoners with supportive families; and prisoners whose release would not cause a public outcry. And Inspector of Prisons Daniel Khan has commended Minister of Justice Herbert Volney and by extension, the Government, on the plan to pardon the prisoners. “Minster of Justice Mr Herbert Volney’s statement in Parliament that Government intends to recommend to the President, on the advice of the Mercy Committee, to pardon 50 prisoners ought to be applauded and is a testament that although our nation’s prison system has many flaws, it still can achieve the main purpose of modern sentencing principles which is rehabilitation,” Khan told Newsday. He said that current prison rules — 1943 Rule 281 — provide for a mandatory periodic four-year review for prisoners serving long sentences and such review is prepared by the Prison Administration with the report being forwarded to the Minister of National Security
who then forwards it to the Mercy Committee for recommendations to the President. “A recent judgment of our High Court has found that such reviews are part of a prisoner’s constitutional right to due process. The Prison Rules also endorse the right of prisoners to petition His Excellency the President at any time for the exercise of pardon under Section 87 of the Constitution,” Khan said. Khan did however seemed in a subtle manner to hit on the procedure of pardon not including the Inspector of Prisons in terms of recommendations being send to the President. “During my tenure as Inspector of Prisons I have received several of these confidential four year reviews and a handful of them recommend early release, sometimes on the basis of medical grounds and sometimes on the basis that the prisoner is rehabilitated and no longer poses a threat to society. “While I agree that these prisoners should be
pardoned and released early, the procedure to recommend to His Excellency The President to exercise his discretion of pardon is unfortunately outside the parameters of the office of the Inspector of Prisons.” Of the release of long serving inmates, Khan waxed philosophical. “The release of these prisoners would signal to society that even though prisoners may commit serious crimes they are not dead to the world and even a lost sheep may eventually return to the Shepherd. In the words of Shakespeare, ‘In the course of justice none of us should see salvation. We do pray for mercy, and that same prayer doth teach us all to render the deeds of mercy’.” (Newsday)
Caribbean New Media Group CEO Ken Ali was notably absent from a panel discussion entitled “The State of State Media” on the second day of the International Press Institute’s
(IPI) 60th annual World Congress. The panel’s chairman, Enrico Woolford of Guyana, would only say that Ali “unavoidably could not be here.” Local media were anxious to hear Ali’s contribution to the panel, not only because he would have
been the only Trinidadian panellist scheduled to speak in Sunday’s proceedings, but because in April 2011, CNMG journalists had publicly raised concerns of political interference in the nightly newscast. Julio Munoz, executive director or the InterAmerican Press Association, openly criticised any attempt by state media around the world to influence journalists. He noted that governments controlled the press content through the revocation of licences as is the case in Venezuela or by advertising
only in media houses deemed to be pro-government. “State-owned media means misinformation to the public,” he stated in his closing comments. “The real information is what belongs to the public. When people go to buy a newspaper they always have a choice. But they will pick up the one with the highest credibility.” He said that journalists working in state-owned media must be “loyal to government” and therefore the full picture is never given. (EXPRESS)
Justice Minister Herbert Volney
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
Page 9
THE WORKERS WILL NOT BE FOOLED One of the main trade unions in Guyana recently warned sugar workers to be careful about the wolves that come in sheep’s clothing claiming to represent their interest. The union was concerned about the possibility of political parties manipulating its members. It need not worry. The workers in Guyana have always been much smarter than the politicians who try to use them for their support. The workers are very adept at gaining advantages by playing their own brand of politics through putting parties against each other for the advantage of the workers. In the early 1970s there was an industrial dispute within the bauxite belt. Burnham was outraged that these workers dared to have struck against his government. He therefore procrastinated in sending a representative to meet with the workers. He was hoping to send a signal to workers that his government would not bend over easy to their demands. The workers, however, did not lose any sleep over Burnham. Instead they played him off against Jagan by threatening that if Burnham did not meet with them that they would engage the then leader of the opposition, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. The workers were playing their own brand of industrial politics and were prepared to use the political parties as
pawns for their interests rather than becoming pawns in the political contest between the political parties. In the run up to the 2011 elections, the Guyana Sugar Corporation decided to close the Diamond factory. However, it indicated that it wished to retain the workers at other estates. The workers however had their own interests. They wanted to be paid their termination benefits and were determined to eat their cake and have it too. They wanted to keep open the option of working for the company but they also wanted their terminal benefits. The sugar company was however opposed to termination. As such the workers made their play to the AFC. No sooner had the AFC met the workers than the government acceded to the demands of the workers. The workers received their terminal benefits and still had the option of working for the corporation. With election in the air the workers had effectively played the government off with the AFC. Just days before elections, sugar workers in Berbice began a protest. The then President himself rushed up to the area. The workers however were not in the mood to give in easily and signaled that ‘boat gone a falls already’, meaning it was too late for the government to appease them; they had made up their minds.
Dem boys seh...
Dem thiefing people gun holler Old people got a saying, ‘Everyday bucket go a well one day it bottom gun lef’. Dem boys seh that that old people saying ain’t apply to some of dem in de government. Dem going to de well, which is de treasury, everyday, and de bottom can’t fall out yet. It got to be that de bottom mek out of reinforced steel or de well got something that preventing de bottom from falling out. But only in Guyana. Cathy from de AFC mek a statement bout how GRA does only try fuh pull out de bottom from people who ain’t deh in de government and right away Khurshid holler how she wrong. Well dem boys want he show dem who bottom he pull out. In Romania, dem investigate a man and find out that he did like going to de well. Dem jail he and de man do de honourable thing. He kill heself. If that has to happen in Guyana dem funeral parlour wouldn’t have space fuh de bodies that gun pile up. Now if dem people who like thief from de treasury was honourable dem woulda save de nation and let demself go astray. Dem boys seh that in any case nuff of dem done gone astray from de straight and narrow. Dem never learn to be decent . Now dem deh in de category of ‘Dawg custom to suck egg, can’t stop’. But dem same old people seh that dem got a cure. All dem got to do is put a hot egg in de dawg mouth. That is wha de Waterfalls boss man seh that he doing. When de egg bun de dawg it does holler. Couple of dem in de racket business start holler already. Dem run to the court hollering. De Waterfalls paper seh that dem ain’t holler enough. Dem gun really holler when Uncle Sam put he hand pun dem. Talk half and wait fuh de real hollering.
The evidence does not suggest that the AFC gained significantly in electoral support amongst Diamond sugar workers, nor does it suggest that the sugar workers who took to protest action in Berbice, days before the elections voted overwhelmingly for the AFC. What they did do was to signal that they would not be taken for granted or be treated as political pawns. GAWU, therefore, does not need to worry about the AFC penetrating its membership. The workers have their heads on; they understand when and why they are being courted. Their reading of the present situation in the country will instruct them that the AFC cannot be entrusted with safeguarding their interests. The workers have their eyes open. They have seen what the AFC stands for. They have witnessed for themselves the assault that the combined opposition led by the AFC launched against the working class through their Budget cuts earlier this year. They are therefore going to use the AFC to their advantage but they know
that the AFC is not about the working class, it is an ALL FOR CAPITALISTS party that is prepared to accept the suffering of workers as collateral damage. There was no reason for the AFC to have jeopardized the jobs of workers of the Ethnic Relations Commission. Even if there was a problem with the composition of the Commission, there was no need to place workers on the breadline by cutting the ERC Budget to $1. By making these cuts, the combined opposition effectively took bread out of the mouths of workers. When asked about this, the AFC shamelessly expressed no remorse, saying that it was all part of the collateral damage. Workers have a long memory. Sixty four years later they still recall what happened to the Enmore Martyrs. And one hundred years from now, they will recall the onslaught of the APNU/ AFC Budget cuts on workers in 2012. There was no need for these cuts. One representative of APNU has said on public television that the ERC Budget was cut because it was being treated as a NGO
Health Ministry... From page 6 today. Had it not been for the assistance from Sam she might not be counting her lucky stars. She added that she hopes that the relevant authorities look into the functioning of the hospital so as to ensure that other young women would not have to go through what she experienced. The Ministry of Health declared yesterday that they are now conducting a detailed investigation into the incident. Speaking with this publication yesterday, was Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, who said that it is still yet unclear as to the reason why the hospital was reportedly closed; he added that the hospital has two physicians who reside in the hospital’s compound. Dr Ramsaran said that one of the physicians is at the hospital 24 hours while the other is on duty in the evening since he works during the day at the Buxton Health Centre. He said that efforts are underway to have more physicians at the C.C Nicholson Hospital; this will be done by having the doctors from the surrounding health centers work on scheduled basis, so as to ensure that more physicians are present at the hospital. In an invited comment, Dr. Ameeka Breedy, a physician attached to the hospital, said that the hospital is working
closely with the Health Ministry to get to the bottom of the incident. Dr Breedy added that the hospital is operational 24 hours and she cannot understand how is it that the gate was reportedly closed. She said that she is still trying to make contact with the security guard who works the night shift to further investigate the reports.
in the estimates. Is this a credible reason for placing workers on the breadline? Is this reason for making workers collateral damage? Why instead of cutting the budget of the ERC could the opposition, which is now so keen to move motions, not have passed a motion asking for the funds to be properly assigned? Why instead of voting down the subvention to the ERC could it not have been reclassified? The workers are not going
to be fooled. They know that the only reason why these things were not done was because the cuts were not rational but were about making a point and in the process using the workers as collateral.
Man loses ankles in Soesdyke accident A man was left staring in disbelief at his dislocated ankles, minutes after he was struck by a grey sports utility vehicle, on Sunday. Reports reaching this publication suggest that the injured man was under the influence of alcohol while crossing the public road on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, close to Madewini Creek. The incident occurred at around 15:00hrs on Sunday. The SUV ended up on its side several yards from the point of impact. The police were summoned, and an investigation is said to be ongoing.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 26, 2012
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The inscrutable language of Raphael Trotman If asked what I think of the politics of Raphael Trotman, I would say that he has ended his political career. The AFC will soon have a new leader and my prediction is that the AFC will front a Nagamootoo/Hughes ticket for the next election with a future Hughes leadership of the AFC. For all extent and
purpose, Trotman’s grassroots and public politics with the AFC is over. That of course was not the way it evolved. Trotman himself chose it. At an internal meeting of closely knit AFC cadres he told them that he will now have to be a neutral actor by virtue of being the Speaker of Parliament.
You can twist that statement in a million ways; it is a judgement by Trotman that he can no longer be a politicized citizen active in opposition politics in the public realm. Indeed, Trotman has not visited the struggles of the AFC since the last elections. He has not been on the speakers’ roster of the AFC since the 2011 elections. He has not participated in any of the sporadic protests that broke out on the sugar estates and in Cane Grove and Glasgow where other issues caused citizens to vent their frustration. The rest of the AFC’s top dogs have turned up in these places. I can speak with 100 percent accuracy on Trotman’s invisibility because I was there in all these situations. I was told last week that he turned up at the opening of the AFC’s office at Enmore. Let us suppose there is a snap election. It will not be called this year for sure. If it does happen next year, one wonders what asset Trotman will become to the AFC because the longer you stay away from the public activities of an electoral party
the quicker is the loss of your electoral appeal. But more than that, if there is a snap election, will Trotman help the cause of the AFC given what is known of his postures in the Parliament? Here are the words of Raphael Trotman as reported in demerarawaves.com last week. As an anti-government activist, and let me say that I used that label to describe myself consciously and willingly because I am opposed to dictatorship and the PPP Government is a dictatorship (no space here to delineate the typologies of authoritarian systems), I cannot accept these utterances by Mr. Trotman or any leader of the AFC and APNU. To use strong language, I think if Trotman said what demerarawaves.com cited as making then he is talking nonsense. Trotman is alleged to have said; “Despite the rhetoric and what’s happening in the public domain there are good thoughts and views being expressed…we are not getting a sense that government is withdrawing necessarily…I think there is public posture and then there
is private posture which the two are not necessarily the same and I would like to say that there are encouraging signs that we are making progress.” I want to use direct and blunt descriptions in analyzing these words of Trotman but I will settle for what he told Guyanese on the campaign trail. I was with him in Region Ten during the election campaign. He promised the people there an end to NCN monopoly. He failed to deliver. Then, to add insult to injury he tells us that the government is willing to stay in talks with the opposition. So barefaced is Trotman that he shows contempt for the Guyanese people by saying that there are good thoughts and views being shown. The people of Guyana whom Trotman begged for their votes don’t want to hear good thoughts and views by any politician. They want the people with power to stop oppressing them. They want good governance. They want the President and his Government to explain why only certain persons got radio license; an end to NCN
Frederick Kissoon monopoly; the subsidy to Critchlow Labour College restored; an end to PPP domination of UG; investigation into monstrous corruption. As for me, I would like to see Trotman ask his friends in the PPP why my UG contract was terminated with immediate effect on January 18 and not August 31 which was when it was to end. Trotman ought to know that the PPP Government is going to dialogue with the combined opposition from now to eternity and will happy to do. This is the PPP will do. What it will not do is deliver. Unless it has delivered to Trotman it surely hasn’t done so to the Guyanese people. It is seven months since the last election in 2011.
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Pest Control office fire was arson Last Thursday’s fire at the office of Pest Control Plus in Prashad Nagar has been deemed the work of an
arsonist. This is according to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle who said that their investigations have been
concluded and that the findings show that some sections of the building were doused with a flammable
substance. Sometime after midnight on Thursday the office of the now dead Pest
Control boss, Mohamed Shahabudeen Bacchus, was set ablaze. According to reports, the fire service and police were summoned to 322 Rohinital Street, Prashad Nagar, around 01:30 hours. Persons in the area said they were alerted when they smelled smoke in the area. “We hear people calling out at the gate and we hear windows breaking and we thought was thief but when we come outside we notice smoke coming from the building and we call the fire service,” one neighbour
said. This publication was told that the two-storey building served as an office and storage bond for the Pest Control business. According to the slain businessman’s insurance agent in excess of $50M worth in high-end Black & Decker and other products were in the building. The agent said that what was not damaged in the fire was destroyed when the firemen soaked the interior to extinguish the flames. “This clearly shows that this is a serious vendetta against this man. It is clear that his death and this fire are linked. Everything in the building was destroyed; what wasn’t burnt was water soaked and damaged.” A source close to the family said the incident is rather unfortunate and is adding to their grief as they only buried Bacchus on Monday after he was fatally shot last Friday evening. He succumbed to his injuries early Saturday morning. Only two weeks ago Mohamed Shahabudeen Bacchus, a 43-year-old Pouderoyen resident, and (Continued on page 19)
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
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Kitty $120,000, Albertown $150,000, Campbellville $100,000, House US$1000, BelAir US$1200. Dian: 2272256,626-9382
1996 T 100 V6 4X4,2002 Tacoma V6 4X4,2005 Tacoma 4 cylinder Call:651-8870,2336161
Nandy Park US$2000 Call Steve 699-5490
Earth delivery on spot also bobcat & excavator rental Call: 626-7127
Apartment $50,000, Alberttown US$ 750, Campbellville US$500US$1000,Republic Park US$2000 Diana 227-2256,6269382
Prime Property @ Corriverton Opposite Skeldon Estate with metal workshop on 5.5 acres land for business Call: 335-3347/ 626-6245
Page 15
FOR SALE 1 ERF Hauler,1 45 ft Trailer Call:653-4455 One Leyland Daff 65210 (repairs),mack truck turbo inter cooler,Leyland Daff 65210 (Enclosed tray) Call: 699-8382,624-9149 Stainless steel meat saw,meat grinder,display freezer,walk in freezer Call: 233-6161,651-8870 Pure Doberman pups Call: 670-2653, 220-9548
PROPERTY FOR SALE 20x40 Two flat concrete building @ Kitty. All amenities. Price $23M to be seen. Call: 668-9512,223-2570 Ongoing business property at Agriculture Road ECD, land 35Wx600L, $20M Call: 220-7220 Albertown $29M,Subryanville $58M,Camp Street $120M,King Street US$2M Diana 227-2256,626-9382
Expat items sale.Deep freeze,crib w/mattress,chest of drawers,baby bassinet etc Call: 692-3806
One property opposite Charlestown Secondary School,2 BLD in yard,ideal for business Call: 2310631,689-5103
1-50 Gallon, electric water heater (brand new) Call: 647-1773
Rosignol Village W.B.B Call Moon 330-2551,328-8172
Moulders,multirip saws,resaws,cross cut saw and genset. Call Rodney 616-5595
LINDEN WISMAR 2 storey wood/concrete, residential building in a commercial area.$14M negotiable Call John 225-2455
3 Tractors,1 new Holland,1 massy Ferguson,2 welder generators (diesel),2 marine generators,4 perkins engine,1 Honda ATV Call: 641-2905,665-4003
Property for sale at Enmore Foulis Call: 255-0584,6963186
Office chair with filing cabinet $35,000 Call: 627-7835
South $17M,East Bank $ 1 2 M , K i n g s t o n $17M,Church Street $40M Diana 227-2256,626-9382
Slate pool table, merry-goround,music set Call: 2282098
Friendship $15M,Church Street US$600,000 Call Steve 699-5490
Dell computers complete with 17 & 19 inch LCD from $50,000 Future Tech 231-2206
South $8M, East Bank $12M,Section K $26M, Church Street $40M Diana 227-2256,626-9382
Brand new 2700 PS1 Honda Pressure Washers Call: 6148564 2.5 ton pallet jacks Call: 6148564 Blackberry-Brand new 9900,9780,9800. All accessories included. Prices negotiable 680-1722 Cheap model M cab & 1400x2 tyre & 1200x20 new tyre Call: 648-2413 1 CAT D379 Marine Engine 700HP, 2 CAT 399 Marine Engine (Parts),3 Rebuilt Cummins KTA19 600HP,4 Cummins NTA 855 400HP Call: 623-7498
SALON Make up courses, artist trained & certified in Trinidad: 660-5257,647-1773 Qualify yourself in Cosmetology or nails, make up, Register, Limited spaces. Call Abby: 216-1950, 6197603, 666-5241 Cosmetology Classes & Small Classes from as low as $4,000.Learn in our peaceful & happy environment Call: 226-9448
VACANCY Bilingual representatives. Must be fluent in Portuguese and English. Send CV to: 64 Industrial Site, Beterverwagting ECD Call: 220-0401-3 Be part of our World Class customer care team. Send CV to: 64 Industrial Site Beterverwagting ECD Call: 220-0401-3 IT Technician & Occupational Health & Safety officer. Please send CV to: 64 Industrial Site, Beterverwagting ECD. Call: 220-0401-3 or email: recruitmentguyana @qualfon.com. Beauty Specialist & Nurse Aid, attractive salary & commission Call: 231-0320 Guards,salesboys/girls Apply : Avinash Water Street 226-3361/227-7828 1 experience male/female supervisor, 1 handyman for hotel Call: 223-6284 & sales girl Phatz Stlye Boutique Call: 227-0501 (Continued on page 20)
Page 16
Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Govt. Fiber Optic Cable No Chinese warranty for for testing in August ‘botched’ Skeldon Sugar Factory BY Gary Eleazar The Guyana Government’s LTE Fiber Optic Cable programme is currently some 90 per cent complete. Testing of the network will commence early August. This revelation was made by the Programme’s Director, Alexei Ramotar, who, during a brief interview with this publication yesterday said that the entire length of the cable has been put in place and the technical personnel will now have to “splice” it together. Asked about the effect of the loss of funds from the 2012 Budgetary Estimates, Ramotar said that they are trying their best. He lamented the resort of having to borrow. Ramotar insists that the team is committed to the project and is forging ahead with the help of other state agencies. The Project manager, Alexei Ramotar, explained that the Office of the President outfit has been relegated to borrowing staff and vehicles to complete the project. Ramotar says that this has been happening on a month to month basis and while the way forward as it relates to funding remains unclear,
…OP unit forced to borrow staff, vehicles to finish project -Ramotar Ramotar says, “We are trying…we are doing what we can.” All of the drivers and other ancillary staff for the project are currently on loan to the fiber optic cable unit from other agencies within the government. He said that the unit does have money in its coffers for payments to be made to Huawei out of China. Ramotar explained that the Chinese company which was hired to execute one component of the project is paid in tranches for works which it would have completed hence this aspect of financing for the project has not been affected. The project, which commenced at the start of last year, is intended to boost the government’s ability to carry out its “e-governance” strategy. The 560-kilometre cable was laid in six blocks— from Lethem to Annai, from Annai to Kurupukari, from Kurupukari to Mabura, Mabura to Wisroc, Wisroc to Providence and then from Providence to Georgetown. Five repeater stations
need to be constructed with the most advanced one being based in Linden. The cable was laid in 10-kilometre stretches, and as a result, connecting “joint boxes” where the splicing will be done, also had to be constructed at 10-kilometre intervals. The project is part of the government’s plan to improve internet access in Guyana and would have a direct impact on the One Laptop Per family Project through which the government hopes to provide free internet access to all communities across the country. The landing of the cable was done by MMC, Dax Contracting and Dynamic Engineering, which were responsible for burying cables along the route and they used Guyana Power and Light (GPL) poles to suspend the cables where necessary. The design of the project was carried out by ENetworks (Guyana), Huawei (China) and Oi (Brazil). The project came shortly after GT&T landed a US$60M fibre optic cable from Suriname.
….CEO says firm has no more obligations to GuySuCo
The troubled sugar factory
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is yet to start making payments to the Guyana Government which in turn would make repayments to the Chinese, for the loans for the Skeldon Sugar Factory. This was confirmed by the entity’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Bhim, who was responding to queries about recourse available to the government from the Chinese Firm, in light of the numerous defects still plaguing the multi-million dollar edifice. According to Bhim, there
Jumbo Jet employee, two others charged for larceny, receiving stolen property A senior employee of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales in West Coast Berbice and two other individuals appeared before Magistrate Roby Benn on Wednesday at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court on two separate charges. Former employee, Rajesh Kumar Persaud, called ‘White Eye’, and Bishraj ‘Beesho’ Sukha, were jointly charged with larceny, while Hardat Singh was charged with receiving stolen articles. Persaud and Sukha were placed on $150,000 bail while Singh was placed on $80,000 bail. The trio is due back in court on July 18, next. Several employees, in May, were taken into custody following the disappearance of over $10M in spare parts, tires and other items several weeks ago, and a massive scam unravelled. Nasrudeen Mohamed, founder and CEO of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, is a prominent businessman and supplier of truck and agricultural machinery. As part of his operation, he has workshops to repair and rebuild trucks and machinery in West Coast Berbice.
Truck tires at the Jumbo Jet workshop like these were stolen and sold by the employee According to management, the items were stolen sometime in April at the Armadale location and it was only several weeks later that details of the theft came to light. The items were discovered missing in late May by the General Manager of the Berbice location, Chandradat Ramkissoon. It is alleged that Persaud sold 25 TM truck tires valued at $200,000 each to Singh sometime in April, 2012. Previously, several other tires, and truck parts were lost which were not recovered,
including truck batteries, starters, alternators, and truck shacks, etc. They have a combined value of some $10M. Four complete tires with rims and wheels, valued at $200,000 were recovered from Singh. According to Mr Mohamed, several other employees are currently under investigation. General Manager of Jumbo Jet Auto, Chandradatt Ramkissoon, told Kaieteur News that in wake of the theft, additional security has been put in place. The Armadale location,
the site of the theft, was reopened last Thursday after being closed for weeks. This newspaper was informed that the theft was going on for quite some time until Mr Mohamed and his other senior staff members checked the inventories and discovered several items were missing. They received a tip from a West Berbice businessman, who informed them that their truck parts and items were being sold in the area, prompting them to launch a full- fledged investigation.
is no warranty for the factory and that the “defects notification period” has already expired a long time ago. It was during this time that identified defects would have fallen under the responsibility of the Chinese Firm. Bhim assures that all of the defects identified by the Chinese during that period would have been resolved by them and the new defects developed subsequently, hence the South African Engineering firm being paid to remedy the situation. He reminded of Booker Tate which had been contracted to manage the factory and said it was that company that signed off on the works that were being undertaken at that time by the Chinese Contractor. Bhim confirms that there are, at present, three Chinese Nationals still attached to the factory mainly in the capacity of training the local counterparts. This tenure, he said, will come to an end next month. This past week a South African Engineering Firm (Bosch) was wired by GuySuCo to help ensure that the Skeldon Sugar estate is fully operational. Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, made the announcement that Bosch is being paid US$130,000 to design the modifications that are needed at the Skeldon plant. The estate was commissioned at a cost of US$181M in August 2009, and was hailed as the boon to the survival of the sugar industry. However, the factory has been plagued by numerous problems and has not been able to function as was intended. The South African firm is looking to design the modifications of three main aspects of the factory, namely the bagasse plow (the feeder
GuySuCo’s CEO Paul Bhim system, that leads to the boiler), the conveyor system and the condensate tank. Dr Ramsammy said that the plan to fix most of the design flaws of the factory commenced this out of crop period and is expected to be completed by the first crop in 2013. The factory was constructed with a combination of selfgenerated funds and loans from the Caribbean Development Bank, the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Guyana. The Project Engineer was Booker Tate, UK Ltd and the Contractor was CNTIC Ltd. The Skeldon estate was designated to produce 110,000 tonnes of sugar per annum. In 2010, production was 33,237 tonnes and in 2011, production was 29,410 tonnes. According to Dr Ramsammy, attaining the full operation depends on the defects of the factory being fixed and addressing the field issues. He said that the mechanization of the field operation now means that the weather conditions will have a greater impact on operation and this has been a major impact in 2011 and so far in 2012.
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
Page 17
BK’s involvement in ASL plane crash lands on Mabaruma airstrip defective stellings attracts A Cessna plane owned by Air Services Ltd (ASL) crashed onto the Mabaruma airstrip in Region One yesterday morning. However, no one was seriously injured. Reports are that the 14-foot aircraft with registration 8R-GAS after touching down suffered a blow out of the wheels. This caused the plane to topple. “This pilot is from Mabaruma and every time he comes here he always flying over his parents home which is dangerously low. Plus this same pilot powers up the engine and lifts the aircraft from the middle of the airstrip whether it has weight or not. When it has weight it is dangerous; authorities should investigate,” one irate resident said Reports from other residents disclosed that the plane touched down very hard almost
- Passengers receive minor injuries
at the middle of the airstrip which contributed to the wheels being damaged. Yesterday, Air Services Ltd dispatched another plane to the scene to rectify the damage to the wheel. The pilot who was identified as Ronnie Totaram was travelling with 14 passengers in the plane. Among them were three infants. In June, 2011 a Cessna Caravan belonging to ASL damaged its propeller while landing on a runway at Eteringbang, Cuyuni.
Agricola man remanded on ammo and drug charges A 30-year-old man from Agricola was yesterday remanded to jail when he appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton. The man, Leland Leo, was charged for allegedly having 70 grams of cannabis in his possession and 66 rounds of ammunition while he was not the holder of a licence. The police stated that on June 22, last, at 68 Brutus Street, Agricola, the man had the ammunition that is used in a 2.43 Winchester rifle. The drugs were reportedly found at the same address. Leo was advised by the court that he would only be granted bail if he could provide a special reason as it related to the offence and not the offender. The defendant told the court that he had a special
reason and it would show that he was not in the presence of the police when the items were found. He said that he was also unaware of where the illegal items were located. Leo said that he is the owner of a small shop and on the day in question he was in the latrine when the police came. The man said that he was sitting in the toilet when he heard his gate being kicked down. He said that the police took him out of the toilet and told him that they found the articles. He said he had no idea where the police got the articles and they never showed him any identification. The court prosecutor requested that bail be denied before stating that the police’s information differed from that of the defendant.
Leland Leo Prosecutor Payne told the court that when the police visited Leo’s home, he was in the police’s presence. She said the ammo and the drugs were found in a tin inside the defendant’s house. The prosecutor said Leo was shown the prohibited items and he denied ownership. The court refused bail for the shop owner. Leo was remanded to jail. He will make his next court appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry.
Reckless driver crashes vehicle The vehicle which turned turtle after crashing into the median on the road.
Reckless driving caused another vehicle to crash into the median on the road and overturn in the vicinity of Celina Atlantic Resort, East Coast Demerara, on Sunday. The vehicle, PKK 1929, was driven by a woman who appeared to be returning from an event. She also appeared to be slightly intoxicated. According to eyewitness, the driver was heading to the city in a fast manner from the East Coast Demerara, and the vehicle then crashed in to the median then toppled four times. The woman crawled out of the vehicle with assistance from public spirited citizens.
The female driver of PKK 1929
Parliamentary attention
…APNU seeks query on why no penalties thus far Projects being handled by Brian Tiwarie’s, BK International, have attracted the attention of Parliamentarians. Public Works Minister Robeson Benn will be requested this Thursday to provide answers. Benn will be made to respond to his A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Shadow, Joseph Harmon who wants to find out, “what, if any, sanctions have been levied against this contractor?” Harmon has posed his question to the Minister by way of a Parliamentary request for answers and premised his demand on the fact that “BK International Inc. is the contractor
responsible for construction works at the Supenaam Ferry Stelling, and whereas there has been a delay in the completion of the work at the ferry stelling as publicly expressed by the Honourable Minister of Public Works.” BK International had won the initial contract to construct a stelling at Good Hope/Supenaam on the Essequibo Coast but with more than $500M spent on this project already it is still plagued with problems and yet to be functional. Benn recently accused BK International of faulty works and threatened legal action. On Saturday morning last, a pontoon sank at Parika. Officials from BK International have since
relocated the pontoon and ramp which had been submerged. But the Opposition Parliamentarian’s line of questioning is not limited to the Stelling project. Harmon has indicated an intention to have Benn “provide this House with contracts that are being undertaken by the company, B.K. International Inc., that are under the supervision of the Ministry of Works, the completion date of the contracts and the present state of completeness.” BK recently came under fire from the European Union delegations over sea defence works to the tune of billions of dollars being undertaken with funding from that source.
GRA targets smugglers at Guyana/ Suriname border Boat owners plying their trade at the Guyana/ Suriname border are now required to report to Customs at Corriverton and Nickerie, with valid Customs Clearance for the boats, as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in collaboration with senior officials of Suriname Customs and Excise Department implemented various initiatives to curtail smuggling activities. This is in response to reports of persons submitting forged documents at the Guyana/Suriname border in a bid to defraud the tax system. Currently, the Customs officials from both countries exchange information daily. Consequently, more boat owners are now reporting to Line Path, Corriverton and paying the relevant duties and taxes. The tax agency noted that these initiatives have resulted in significant revenue collection, since during May there has been a reduction in revenue collection at Corriverton. This drop was attributed to the resurgence in smuggling activities in Berbice. “Investigations conducted revealed that boat operators were submitting forged Customs Clearances to Suriname Customs officials in Nickerie. The submission of the Customs Clearances issued by Customs officials at Corriverton is one of the requirements for boat owners to load goods in Nickerie. In so doing, boat owners who load goods with forged
Customs Clearances, undetected by Suriname Customs Officials, do not report to Customs at Corriverton with the goods for the payment of the applicable customs duties and taxes,” GRA noted. Commissioner–General of GRA, Khurshid Sattaur, said that the agency has implemented new procedures for the profiling of imports which necessitate more stringent perusal of import declarations and supporting documents. He noted that a team comprising Customs staff and a Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) officer was tasked to review valuation of imports and classification of goods. In addition, Law Enforcement Officers from Georgetown were deployed to conduct patrols to prevent smuggling activities which were on the rise. These initiatives have resulted in greater scrutiny of import declarations and
adjustment in values declared. “Unscrupulous businessmen are finding all kinds of ways to cheat the system from paying taxes,” Sattaur noted. According to GRA, Jameel Baksh, Head, Integrated Regional Tax Officers attended a meeting in Nickerie, Suriname, with senior officials of the Surinamese Customs and Excise Department on May 25, 2012. At that meeting, decisions made in July 2011 were reviewed and new procedures to curtail smuggling activities between the border towns of Nickerie in Suriname and Corriverton in Guyana were initiated. The new procedure agreed upon by the two parties necessitates that boat owners report to Customs at Corriverton and Nickerie, with valid Customs Clearance for the boats. This also entails daily information exchange.
Page 18
Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 26, 2012
June 30 is deadline for some market tarmacs As the spotlight continues to be shed on the Local Government Ministry for discrepancies at some Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) the residents of Grove/ Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) are still questioning the status of their market tarmac which was constructed over two years ago. According to several residents, who once vended along the main public road leading to the entrance of the New Housing Scheme, they were removed from their spots by Government with the promise of having a newly established market tarmac in the said housing scheme. This would allow them to vend in a safer place and provide space for those who depended on vending for their daily bread, the Ministry said. However, years have passed, and while many of these vendors have moved to temporary locations as they await the day they can occupy the market tarmac,
- Minister Whittaker
The Grove/ Diamond Market Tarmac which is set to be opened shortly there are some vendors who are at a “standstill”. One man told Kaieteur News on Saturday, last, that he used to sell groceries along the public road but was removed from that spot by Government almost three years now.
He explained that he was told that a newly constructed market tarmac would be established in a “short time” where he along with other vendors could occupy and vend safely. Although the location was not as convenient, he
had no choice, and closed his stall, then waited to be relocated. He said he has been paying fees to the Grove NDC for spots at the tarmac for almost two years. He is of the opinion that his money has “gone down the drain”.
British drug mule gets four years A 25-year-old British citizen will be a resident of the Camp Street prison for the next four years because he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges yesterday, before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry. St. Clair Akoto, identified as a freelance filmmaker of Manchester, England, had 484 grams of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on June 22. Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor, Oswald Massiah said, the man was attempting to return to his country when he was nabbed with the prohibited drug. Akoto pleaded guilty to the charge. He was cautioned by the court that for a crime of such nature, the penalty was a minimum fine of $30,000 and three to five yearsimprisonment. As the defendant nodded his acknowledgment of the information, Massiah related the facts. The drug prosecutor told the court that the defendant entered Guyana on May 22. On June 22 around 4:15 a.m Akoto presented himself at the CJIA with the notion of returning to London via St. Martin. He was set to board the Liat Flight 774 but while at the check –in point, Massiah said the CANU ranks on duty noticed an uneasiness about the defendant. A drug rank was prompted to approach the defendant, and he started a conversation
with the foreign national about his stay in Guyana. The rank asked Akoto about his unusual uneasiness and he responded that he had smoked cannabis the night before. Massiah said further discussions between the defendant and the drug rank caused the officer to become even more suspicious. It was then put to the British national that he was suspected to have ingested coke but Akoto denied. Massiah said the Englishman cooperated with CANU officials who requested to have a medical examination performed on the defendant to prove his innocence. Akoto was arrested and brought to the city where a medical examination was conducted on his person. The prosecutor said that results from an ultra sound examination showed that foreign objects were logged in the defendant’s stomach. When this was revealed to Akoto he finally admitted to swallowing 34 pellets of cocaine. Massiah said the defendant was admitted at the medical institute and while under surveillance, within a two-day span, the defendant excreted 34 pellets of the suspected cocaine. Massiah said the substance was tested positive for the drug and when it was weighed, the cocaine amounted to 484 grammes.
St. Clair Akoto Massiah also saw it fit to inform the court that between July last year and the date of his court appearance, Akoto had entered Guyana at least six times— in July, October and December of last year and February, April and June of this year.British drug mule gets four years Massiah submitted to the court the prevalence and seriousness of the occurring offence. In a previous drug matter the prosecutor spoke firmly about foreigners committing such offences in Guyana and adding to the “bad name” that the country already had beyond its borders. Massiah had stated that Guyana needed to send a strong message to foreign drug offenders. Yesterday Massiah treaded along those same lines. He asked for the maximum penalty for the defendant while arguing that
“drug offenders didn’t seem to be learning a lesson.” Akoto was given a chance to speak and he asked for leniency. He told the court that he made a mistake, that it was his first offence and he was prepared to face the consequences. Akoto added that he made irrational decisions based on his financial circumstances. He also requested that he spend his jail time at the Camp Street prison. And to clarify any beliefs that the defendant’s previous visits to Guyana were drug related, Akoto said he regularly visited his girlfriend when the court asked. The Chief Magistrate, pronouncing on penalty, said that the mitigating factors were that the defendant did not waste the court’s time by pleading guilty. She said that Akoto seemed remorseful, that he is self employed and had no prior matters known to the court. The aggravating factors came when the defendant tried to conceal the drugs by swallowing it, the court said. He was also of age and should know the consequence of his actions. The seriousness and prevalence of the offence were also taken into consideration. Akoto will pay a $30,000 fine to the state and he will remain in their custody for the next four years. As for his Camp Street request, Akoto will have to apply to the Director of Prisons.
“They had us move from where we were, a set of us, and tell us how we would get to go to the market tarmac. To date, we don’t know what happening. “Then we had to go to pay money to the NDC for rental, for place on the market tarmac and a lot of us did this. Is couple of hundreds of thousands of dollars and we don’t know what happening or what happen to our money. It is years now,” said the man. Others are calling it a “waste of taxpayers’ money” since the empty land is serving no purpose that would benefit the communities. In fact, the youths in the area would use the spot for
recreational activities such as playing cricket, football and other sports. Some even use the tarmac to set up tables and chairs to gamble. One woman had told this newspaper earlier that she has moved her grocery stall near to the car park close to Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and is still awaiting instructions to vacate the market tarmac. Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, in an address to the Region Three Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday, stated that the deadline for some of these market tarmacs is June 30. M a n a g e m e n t committees have already been established for the management of the 11 tarmacs and it is expected that vendors would begin to occupy their spots within the next few weeks. According to Whittaker, the Ministry has ensured that the locations are properly set and that the vendors benefit from a spacious and safe environment. He explained that the tarmacs at Grove/ Diamond (East Bank Demerara), Enmore (East Coast Demerara), Charity (Essequibo), Bath (Berbice), Patentia (West Bank Demerara) and Pouderoyen (West Coast Demerara) are the first to be publicly opened by the end of this month. The other five tarmacs will be opened shortly after.
Berbice river drug dealer jailed for four years Edwin Joseph, called “Eddoman”, 44, of Sand Hills, Berbice River who was among a trio arrested by police at Sand Hills up the Berbice River on February 20, 2010 was on Monday sentenced to four years in jail. Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo handed down the sentence at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court after he was found guilty of possession of Narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The case for the prosecution as presented by Corporal Roberto Figueira was that around 11:00 hrs on the day in question the police carried out a raid at a farm at Sand Hills, Berbice River where the defendant, along with Hadley Mc Kenzie, 19, and Royden Johnson, 20, of Sand Hills, Berbice River, was found with a quantity of marijuana plants. The plants were of various heights, some as tall as 10 feet. The men were arrested and the contents weighed and it amounted to
Edwin Joseph some 18 kilo grams. They were subsequently charged and placed before the courts where they were refused bail and remanded to jail. They were subsequently granted bail by the High Court. Mc Kenzie and Johnson did not return for their trial and were earlier jailed for four years in their absence. Attorney at law Peter Hugh represented the accused. He indicated to the court that he intends to appeal the conviction.
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
Page 19
The Abigail Column Girlfriend took walk on the wild side
DEARABIGAIL, I have been dating “Connie” for six months. She is by far the best girlfriend I have ever had. She is comfortable in her own skin and accepts me as I am. She is very kind and u n d e r s t a n d i n g , unpretentious and a lot of fun to be with. I am very comfortable and totally at ease with her in every situation. Recently we discussed living together. We have both been tested by relationships in the past. For the first time, we discussed our sexual histories. She told me that for
almost two years she experimented with many sexual situations; some of them quite wild and extreme certainly in my mind. Connie didn’t excuse her behaviour. She said that she did what she did because she wanted to and that this is in her past and she will not engage in those practices again. There is nothing in her current behaviour to indicate she had ever been so wild. I have never been that adventuresome; my own history seems quite boring in comparison. I am confused by her previous behaviour and more confused by my own feelings. I really love her, but this revelation bothers me. I told her that. She said that who she is now is based on her life experiences, and if I want to end our relationship, she
would be disappointed and hurt, but she can’t undo the past. She said she wants a monogamous relationship with me. Are there any clues for sorting out my feelings? Anxious Dear Anxious, Feelings get sorted out, one painful moment at a time Your girlfriend is right about many things - including that the entirety of her experiences makes her who she is. She sounds authentic, likable and honest. I suggest that you two sit down and discuss every aspect of her sexual past that you are curious about and that you try not to blame her for behaviour she doesn’t regret. Monogamy is a choice your girlfriend sounds eager to make. Trust is a choice, too.
Tuesday June 26, 2012 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): Branching off into a new direction gives you the chance not only to further your own aims but to invite new people into your life. **************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): Career matters continue to be a positive focus of attention. New projects that were launched on Monday now need to be discussed and the next steps agreed on. **************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): A creative or intellectual assignment will bring out the best in you. Any long-term plans that come under discussion are likely to pay off well into the future. **************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): A welcome windfall means you are able to meet a pressing financial obligation. Money dealings with others are likely to be mutually profitable. **************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): Someone you work closely with may take a personal interest in your ideas, responding to them with enthusiasm. **************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): Material rewards and financial benefit come through a work related project. If approaching a bank manager or Trust Fund for financial backing, have answers ready to questions you are most likely to be asked.
LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): A tempting travel opportunity could boost your romantic and/or financial position. Today’s stars are all set to stir up your libido and turn your mind to thoughts of love. You radiate confidence. **************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): You will find it easier than usual to take care of home and family affairs. A surprising amount of help comes your way. **************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): An excellent day for sitting examinations or attending important meetings and interviews. **************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): The funding you need to achieve something special is within your reach. Pick up the phone, fill in application forms and approach those organisations that are more likely to support your specific interests. **************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): An adventurous friend will open your eyes to exciting new possibilities. Expanding your horizons would be one way to stave off boredom especially if you feel you are standing still. **************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): Someone you meet could turn your dreams of success and affluence into reality. Your self worth will improve through the faith others seem to have in you.
NTN CHANNEL 18/ CABLE 69 0500h - Sign on with the Mahamrtunjaya Mantra 0515h - Meditation 0530h - Quran This Morning 0600h - R. Gossai General Store Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0615h - Jettoo’s Lumber Yard Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0630h - Muneshwar Limited Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0645h - Double Standard Taxi Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0700h - RRT Enterprise Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0715h - M & M Fast Food Presents Raja Yoga Discourses 0730h - Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital Inc Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0745h - The Family of The Late Leila & David Persaud Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0800h - Timehri Maha Kali Shakti Devi Mandir Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0815h - NTN This Morning Live with Reyaz Husein 0930h - Indian Soap - Yahaan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli 1000h - Indian Soap - Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke 1030h - Indian Soap - Pavitra Rishta 1100h - Indian Soap - Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuyien 1130h - Indian Soap - Punar Vivaah 1200h - DVD Movie:- TUM SE ACHCHAKAUNHAI(Eng:Sub:) *ing Nakul Kumar & Aarti Chabria 1430h - Cartoons 1500h - Sitcom FRINGE 1600h - Sitcom FRINGE 1645h - Dying Tears 1715h - World’s Hindi Teaching by Sanskar Bharati International 1730h - Ganesh Parts Presents - BHAGAVAD GITA ( Discourses in English) Serial 1745h - Birthday Greetings / Deaths Announcement & In Memoriam 1800h - TBA 1900h - DECOR & GIFT GALLERY Live With Joel Ghansham 2000h - Square Talk Live with Kwame McCoy 2100h - Indian Soap - Yahaan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli 2130h - Indian Soap - Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke 2200h - Indian Soap - Pavitra Rishta 2230h - Indian Soap - Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuyien 2300h - Sign off with the
Gayatri Mantra MTV CHANNEL 14/ CABLE 65 06:00 - Islamic Perspective 06:30 - News Update 07:00 - DAYBREAK 08:00 - Dabi’s musical 08:30 - Avon Video & DVD music break 09:00 - BBC World News 09:15 - Top Notch Music Break 09:30 - Caribbean Temptation Music Mix 10:00 - Payless Variety music break 10:30 - Double day Int. Music Hour 11:00 - H. Persaud (Crown Chowmein) music mix 11:30 - The View 12:00 - Gina programme 12:30 - The Young and The
Restless 13:30 - Days of Our Lives 14:00 - The Revolution 15:00 - General Hospital 16:00 - The Bold & the Beautiful 16:30 - Cartoons 17:00 - Birthday & other greetings 17:15- Death Announcements/ In Memoriam 17:30 - Al Ja Zeera news 18:00 - Pulse Beat 18:30 - Ma Ke Mahema 19:00 - Focus on GRA 19:30 - News Update 21:00 - DJ Stress Quiz – Live 21:30 - Islam for Guyana 22:00 - Movie: Total Re Call 23:00 - News Update 23:30 - Movie: Total Re Call Continues Sign Off
Guides are subjected to change without notice
Pest Control office... From page 14 owner of Pest Control Plus was shot several times while at a bar in Thomas Street, Georgetown. Police reports stated that two armed men targeted him. Despite having a bodyguard with him, he was wounded several times, according to reports. One of the gunmen fired several rounds at Bacchus,
hitting him in the head and body. He was rushed to the nearby Georgetown Hospital. According to reports, the slain businessman may have been deliberately targeted by hit men. A previous attempt had been made on his life in 2008. Another businessman was detained for questioning but was subsequently released.
Page 20
Kaieteur News
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VEHICLES FOR SALE Jags Auto: Spacio, Premio, Wagon. Cheapest. Call: 6167635 First Class Auto- Spacio, Allex, Raum, Runx and Carina Call: 609-8188,602-6307 Toyota Allion Late PMM series Call: 601-5500 1 Silver Toyota Rav 4 98 model PLL series, fully loaded, price negotiable Call: 644-6161 Leading Auto: Late PLL series, Raum & Bluebird Slyphy Call: 677-7666,6107666 One Toyota Ceres,212,192,1 Mitsubishi Lancer,1 Suzuki Carry Pick up,1 EP71 Starlet Call: 644-5096,697-1453
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Hand In Hand makes significant... From page 21 The Guyana Bred Three Year old 100M event will have a first prize of $400,000 and trophy compliments of the Elcock family of the USA. The Guyana bred two year old horses will compete for a winners money of $400,000 and the Kingsway Memorial Trophy complements of the Suknandan Family of the USA over 950M.
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From page 23 Dominican based pugilist. Kwesi Jones was also training at the ALBG for his light/heavyweight bout against Berbician, Kelsie George. Respected for his 'come from behind' knockout victory over Cleveland Fraser, Jones has emphatically stated that George will not last out the first round. “I don't have time to waste with anyone that has more ambition than talent,” proclaimed Jones. He said that he has his eyes set on bigger things and regards George as a stepping stone. “I am really interested in matching gloves with Shawn Corbin or Lennox Alleyne but if George chooses to get ambitious I will just have to deal
of $300,000. The animals in the ‘I’ class event will be competing for $180,000 winners money over 1400M. The K&L (Division 2 and 3) event will fetch a winning prize of $150,000over 1400M. Outstanding individual performers including top Jockey, trainer and stable will be presented with accolades compliments of the Trophy
Stall, Bourda Market and the RCMTC&SF. Interested persons can contact the club’s office at Number 13 Hermitage East Coast Berbice (19 Road), Bobby Vaughn on telephone number 624-6788 or Noresa Saul on numbers 333-0290 or 333-0301 or Doctor Dwight Walrond on Telephone numbers 623-0100 or 2206557. (Samuel Whyte)
with him,” said Jones. Indeed, George had had a torrid time in his first two fights, losing to Edmond DeClou and James Walcott. Despite his loss to Walcott, George did turn in a favourable performance and Jones will do well to enter the fight cautiously. Jones went through his paces at the ALBG yesterday afternoon and looks to be in the pink of condition. He also sparred several rounds shortly before attacking the heavy bag and winding up with calisthenics. Meanwhile, local middleweight champion, Edmond DeClou will put his title on the line against Trinidadian based Guyanese pugilist, Joel
McRae. DeClou had prevailed over McRae twice in earlier bouts but the latter fighter has since upped his game and obviously would be looking to reverse the decision. However, DeClou has been pretty active and has clinched the local middleweight belt as well as the Caribbean Boxing Federation middleweight belt. He is bursting with confidence. McRae, on the other hand, would be out to distort DeClou's ambitions which should set the stage for a grand showdown. In their last bout the Trinidadian based McRae did turn in a good performance but found the slick DeClou too much for him. He has since promised to revise
his strategy in preparation for the third encounter. His chance has finally come and fans will keenly await the fulfillment of his promise. Four amateur bouts will also comprise the card and those activities will be recorded for airing one week later. Friday Night Fights is an initiative of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) in collaboration with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCY&S). Admission prices are $1000 and $500 for adults and children respectively.
Venus loses in Wimbledon 1st round... From back page came on next and overpowered Anastasia Rodionova 62, 6-3. Federer, seeking his record-tying seventh Wimbledon crown, dropped only three games in trouncing Spain's Albert Ramos 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 on Court 1 - the first time since 2003 that he wasn't assigned to Centre Court for the opening round.
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The G and lower1600M even will see the animals racing for a $400,000 winner’s money and trophy compliments of Roopnauth Sewsankar of the USA. The other event will have trophies compliments of the Trophy Stall and various other donors .the event are the H and lower race will be a 1400M affair with a first prize
Clive Atwell arrives for showdown with...
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The highest seeded player to fall on Day 1 was No. 6 Tomas Berdych, the 2010 runner-up from the Czech Republic who lost in three straight tiebreakers to 87th-ranked Ernests Gulbis of Latvia. Gulbis, considered a potential top-10 player who never lived up to his potential, had 30 aces to win 7-6 (5) 7-6 (4) 7-6 (4). John Isner, the 11th-seded American, was upset in five sets by Alejandro Falla of Colombia, 6-4, 6-7 (7), 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5. Isner served 31 aces but was broken to end the match, a result that ruled out a second-round meeting between the American and Nicolas Mahut. Isner beat the Frenchman in the longest match in tennis history here two years ago, an 11-hour, 5-minute marathon that ended 70-68 in the fifth set. Isner defeated Mahut again last year in the first round. Kim Clijsters, a four-time Grand Slam winner playing in her final Wimbledon, beat former No. 1 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia 6-2, 6-4. The Belgian, who withdrew from the semifinals of a grass-court tournament in the Netherlands last week with a stomach muscle strain, showed no signs of injury as she extended her career record over Jankovic to 8-1. Playing in her 16th straight
Wimbledon, the 32-year-old Williams was unseeded for the first time since 1997. She was coming off a second-round loss at the French Open to Agnieszka Radwanska. Williams revealed in late August at the U.S. Open that she had been diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune condition that can cause fatigue and joint pain. She skipped the Australian Open in January, before returning to the tour in March in a bid to earn a berth on the U.S Olympic team for the London Games. ''I've been through a lot for years without knowing what I was going through,'' she said. ''It's all a culmination at the end of the day. I just try to stay positive and focus on the tennis. I'm tough, let me tell you tough as nails.'' Williams has been champion or runner-up at the All England Club eight of the past 12 years, with her last title coming in 2008. The three losses in finals all came against younger sister Serena. ''I don't have time to feel sorry for myself,'' she said. ''I'm not going to give up on it. ... There's no way I'm going to just sit down and give up just because I have a hard time the first five or six tournaments back. That's just not me.'' The Olympic tournament
will be played at Wimbledon three weeks after the end of the championships. ''At the Olympics, you'll see me here,'' she said. ''I'm planning on it.'' The 25-year-old Vesnina, who reached the fourth round here in 2009, played smart and steady baseline tennis to keep Williams at bay. It took 30 minutes before Williams won a game. But Vesnina broke right back to close out the set with a forehand winner. The second set was much more contested, but once the Russian broke again for a 4-2 lead, she was in full control. Three games later, Vesnina cracked a big first serve on match point and Williams slapped a forehand return into the net. Eighth-seeded Janko Tipsarevic beat 2002 runnerup David Nalbandian 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2. It was Nalbandian's first match since he was disqualified in the final at Queen's Club for kicking an advertising board and injuring a line judge. ''I think everybody understood (it) wasn't a good thing that I did, but (I) was very unlucky, as well,'' he said. In early matches, the thirdseeded Radwanska and Grand Slam champions Sam Stosur and Li Na won in straights sets to move into the second round.
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
Hand In Hand makes significant donation for RCMTC&SF Caricom Day Horserace meet With just a few days to go before race day, the Hand in Hand Insurance Company on Monday made a significant donation towards the staging of the Grand Annual July 2nd Caricom Day RCMTC&SF, Banks DIH Limited Horserace meet.
of the Trophy Stall Bourda market, Mohammed Rahim, the Elcock Family, Ryan and Julio Perreira, Bobby Misir, R.N Poonai Attorney – At – Law, Aubrey Elcock and Family of the USA, the Tickaram Family of the USA, Roopnauth Sewsankar of the
stakes over 1700M compliments of the Elcock Family of the USA and Banks DIH Limited for a luxurious first prize of $1M and trophy with a total purse of over $2M. The E and lower River Dance Spring Classic for the Ryan Crawford Memorial
RCMTC&SF representative Ms. Zenziee Goring (left) receiving the sponsorship from Mr. Navin Ramlochan of Hand in Hand. The Hand in H a n d C o m p a n y through its Inspector of D i r e c t Sales Department, Navin Ramlochan, made the presentation at a simple ceremony in the company’s Head Office to Ms. Zenziee Goring of the RCMTC&SF. In making the donation the company joins a bevy of other companies including Beverage giants Banks DIH Limited, Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI), Delmur Company Limited, P & P Insurance Brokers, Dequan Shipping and Trading, Ramesh Sunich
USA, the Suknandan Family of the USA and Sunil Tickaram of the USA in making note worth contributions. A whopping $9M is up for grabs and a total of 10 races on the day’s card. This is the opening meet for the second half of the racing season and will see the two year old horses in action for the first time for the year. So far over 70 of the top horses in Guyana have taken entry in what according to the organisers will be the signature event for the year. The events listed are the B and lower Private Dancer
Trophy compliments of the Elcock family of the USA over 1200M with a first prize of $500,000. The 3 years old Guyana and West Indies Bred Alness Derby will be run for the 31st time. The 1600M event will see the winner taking home $500,000 and the Sunil Tickram trophy. The race for 2 years old Guyana and West Indian bred horses over 1100M will see the winner racing away with $450,000 and the Robbie Tickaram trophy complements of the Tickaram family of the USA. Continued on page 20
NBA Legend heading for ... From page 22 speech and clinics,” the website noted. Jones is the Founder and Director of the ‘Shoot for the Stars’ programme in the United States of America, which provides complimentary “Books and Basketball” clinics for youth. He has conducted clinics in Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Antigua, Jamaica, Bermuda and other islands throughout the Caribbean. The next stop for the Principal of the Heat Academy, which is the Miami Heat Academic After-school
programme, will be Guyana. Jones’ work with youth clinics across the world is unrivalled and he will be here to provide a much-needed injection to local basketball. He leads basketball camps and clinics, which teach academics, AIDS Education, health nutrition and career exploration. His schedule takes him to more than 250 sites each year in countries across the world. In January 1999, US President, Bill Clinton presented him with the President’s Award during a ‘Stop the Violence’ programme. Jones is a 10-year veteran
of the NBA, who the Detroit Pistons selected in the third round of the 1964 NBA Draft. He won a Championship ring alongside Wilt Chamberlain on the vaunted 1967 Philadelphia 76ers team, which was voted into the Hall of Fame. In addition to his two stints with the 76ers, Jones also played with Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks and Baltimore Bullets of the NBA. Jones was as a scout for Philadelphia 76ers for seven years. Being in Guyana will certainly provide some opportunities for local players.
Page 21
- Charity win Region 2 crown
By Rawle Welch Visitors Ann’s Grove led by goals off the boots of Steve Francis (37th), Paul Collins (45th) and Levin Thomas (84th) defeated hosts Beterverwagting (BV) 3-2 when play in this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition continued, at the BV Community Centre ground yesterday. Scoring for the hosts was Paul Kingston, who netted in the 62nd and 68th minutes of play. In what could best be described as a game of high quality, both teams displayed admirable competence in the mid-field and created many chances for their strikers, but BV was the main culprit as they squandered most of theirs in the opening half. They paid a dear price for their miserable finishing and fell behind in the 37th minute when Francis took full advantage of a fumble by the goalkeeper off a cross from the left flank and easily tucked the ball into the back of the net. Collins on the stroke of the half time whistle sent a cracking shot past a transfixed BV goalkeeper to take them to a 2-0 lead at the break. On the resumption, urged on by the fair-sized crowd, BV went on a relentless assault in search of a goal and got
their reward when a long ball from the back was sent to the player on the left wing and he then sent a cross into the Ann’s Grove penalty area where the goalkeeper committed the same mistake of counterpart, bungling the cross which left Kingston, who had sprinted into the box and he nonchalantly booted in the ball. That goal came in the 62nd minute. Six minutes later, another ball from the left side initiated an ill-advised advancement from the goalkeeper, who failed to intercept in time and the first time cross saw the lanky Kingston reach it before the defender and steer it into the goal off the near post. However, not daunted by the two lapses, Ann’s Grove always looked menacing in attack and got the winner through a magnificent piece of dribbling skills displayed by Thomas, who collected the ball from in his half and waved past a horde of defenders, before hammering a fierce pile-driver past the goalkeeper. That was the sealer and it handed them victory and a place in the next round. Meanwhile, Charity Secondary School is the Region #2 champions after they retained their title with a win over rival New
Opportunity Corps (NOC), at the Walton Hall Ground. Charity opened their account in the 6th min with a runaway goal from the half-line by Carlos Henry and stretched their advantage with another goal five minutes later. NOC counterattacked and opened their account in the 16th min with Dave Williams scoring and he was once again in the fray when he netted four minutes later. They then took the lead with another goal in the 27th minute, before Charity responded once again through Henry that leveled the scores at 3-3. In the second half which was a bit slippery due to a heavy downpour, NOC looked the more menacing, but failed to capitalize on their chances and paid the price when Devin Correia sealed the deal in the 81st minute through a free kick. At Carifesta Avenue, Ascension who had protested their loss to Freeburg on Saturday won the appeal, but lost in their encounter against Campbellville by a 3-0 margin. On target for the winners were Kareem Knights, who scored a double in the 68th and 86th minutes, while Daniel Ross had opened their account with a goal of his own in the 62nd minute. The competition continues today.
John Fernandes Ltd (JFL) was the first team to advance to the quarterfinal round with a 4-1 drubbing over the Ministry of Education when action in the Inter Ministry/ Corporation 7-A-side football competition continued at the Banks DIH Thirst Park Ground on Saturday June 23 last. Jamal Joseph netted a brace in the 9th and 13th minutes for the winners, while Alden Lawrence netted in the 22nd minute and Delroy Henry scored the decider in the 29th minute. J & S Electrical also booked a place among the final 8 teams by defeating Ministry of Public Works 2 – 1. Deon Alfred (14th) and Nigel Denny in the 27th minute orchestrated the win for J & S while Oni Duncan narrowed the margin in the 23rd minute for Public Works. G P C was also in winners’ row with a comprehensive 40 drubbing over GT&T. Kelvin McKenzie started the onslaught in the 14th minute with support from Ken Agard in the 20th and 22nd minutes,
while Alpha Sylvester capped the total in the 29th minute. Action continues this evening with the final 3 first round games starting at 18:00hrs. In the first encounter, GT&T will tackle Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Ministry of Education take on the Guyana Revenue Authority. Media United will come up against the Ministry of Tourism where the winners will seal a place among the final 8 teams. Several other teams have already advanced to the quarterfinal stage including Banks DIH Ltd and Republic Bank from group A. The Bank of Guyana will know their status after the winner of game 3 in group B has been established, while John Fernandes (JFL) awaits the results between Education Ministry and GRA. Should the GRA win they will oppose the New GPC to determine the team to advance along with JFL in group C. Meanwhile, J&S Electrical and GNSC are the two Group D teams
contesting for a spot in the quarterfinals which starts this Saturday at 17:30hrs. The first prize on offer is $250,000 and a trophy while the second place finishers cart off $175,000. The third and fourth place finishers receive $75,000 and $25,000 respectively. Activities are being staged under the Powerade brand, a nutritional drink manufactured by main sponsors, Banks DIH Ltd. Several other corporate entities have joined with Banks DIH and contributed towards a successful tournament including Giftland Office Max, Talk is Cheap, Ross Gas Station, Body Max and Hopkinson Mining among others. Among those teams competing for honours are GNIC, GPI, Neal and Massey, Lucky Dollar, Digicel, Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Republic Bank, Courtney Benn Contracting Company, Guyana Water Authority, GPL and NIS among others. The organizers are Dennis ‘Chow’ Hunte and Mark Young.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
Tuesday June 26, 2012
GTC/PM 1 wins Trophy Stall Volleyball competition in Berbice
Table Tennis players in Linden to meet today
Sunday the youthful GTC/ PM Volleyball Team defeated Rollers of New Amsterdam to capture the first place trophy when the Berbice Volleyball Association held the 2nd annual Trophy Stall Competition for teams in Berbice. The win emerged after a defeat suffered last month at
the small crowd of spectators all “fired up”. On their way to the final GTC/PM 1 swept aside GTC/ PM 2, 3 Door Strikers, Falcons, Port Mourant Jaguars 1 and 2. In the playoff for third place, Port Mourant Jaguars 1 defeated Falcons of Reliance 25-20. At the presentation
winners and outstanding players. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers received Trophies and volleyballs, while medals for outstanding performances went to MVP – Creston Rodney of GTC/PM, Outstanding Service –Errol Chase of Rollers and Surendra Motiepersaud of
Winners and Officials with trophies and prizes at left BVA President Gregory Rambarran the same venue (GTM Court in New Amsterdam) when the two teams clashed in the BVA Independence Competition. The GTC/PM 1 Team played brilliantly all day in the blistering sunshine during the round robin stage of the competition and turned up the passion in the final with excellent spiking by Creston Rodney and Quacy Matherson to edge at Rollers 25 -23 in a game that was really a cliffhanger that had
ceremony held immediately after the completion of competition, President of the BVA, Gregory Rambarran thanked the sponsor, Mr. Ramesh Sunich for sponsoring bigger and better trophies for 2012 and the Manger of GTM for affording the Association the use of the hardcourt. He also thanked the officials (referees and linesmen) from participating teams and congratulated the
PM Jaguars, Julius Seenarine of PM Jaguars and Sean Wilson of Rollers for good spiking. Navin Yadram of 3 Door Strikers of D’Edward received volleyball for his good performance. All of the officials received gifts from the RHTY&S C and Food For The Poor Guyana Inc. The trophies and prizes were handed over by BVA Vice President Levi Need and BVA Secretary Errol Chase.
Table tennis players and concerned individuals will be meeting this afternoon at 5:30pm at the LinMine Constabulary Recreational Hall in Mackenzie, Linden, to discuss a plan to resuscitate the state of administration of the sport in the Mining Town. This comes at a time when table tennis players seem unimpressed with what obtains at present with the present operations of the Linden Table Tennis Committee, which was formed over a year ago, but has not been visible and active recently. In fact, there has not been much participation from Linden Players, as one expected, in Guyana
Table Tennis Association (GTTA) tournament when there is a body that governs the sport in Linden. This being evident, a number of players have taken the opportunity to call for this meeting, and hence, persons interested in ensuring there is a body that functions in the interest of the sport going forward, are invited to attend also. This being said, one hopes that this meeting will come off, so that there is a return to the table tennis scene with the relevant coaching and promotion of the sport for which Linden
had become known for over the years. Linden has its fair share of qualified coaches who have been accredited by the International Table Tennis Federation and they include Marlon Washington, Raynor Anderson and Howard James to name a few. However, this has not materialised into the sustained programme of training of new players over the years and one expects that with the meeting to address the state of administration in the sport, an effort will be made to bring back coaching at the schools level for starters.
On a day of fluctuating fortunes, when the bag delivered equitable selections, Leon Belony held his nerve in what was arguably the most competitive tournament staged by the GASP. He amassed 5 points and a positive spread of 486 to emerge victorious, inscribing his name on the lien trophy when the 5th edition of the Earl Vigilance Memorial Scrabble championships concluded at the McKenzie Sports Club, Linden, Sunday evening last.
over Ruby Cummings (76), Orlando Michael (203) and Wayne Cave (90). Former national scrabble champion, Fred Collins, survived several close encounters to register 5 games and a positive spread of 168. His victories came at the expense of Michael Benjamin (12) and Colin Chichester (8) in the pre-lunch sessions but surrendered a close game to Grace Hercules (14) to finish the morning sessions with a similar amount of points as Belony but a lower spread of 168. His other victim was
with 3 points and a positive spread of 57 to claim the 4th spot and the prize allotted for the best performance for players outside the top ten rankings. She defeated Orlando Michael (2), Ramnarine (27) and Benjamin (100) but lost to Hercules (20), Belony (26) and Cave (4). Meanwhile, Vigilance’s children were present and handed over the prizes to the respective winners. They once again acknowledged the gesture by the executive of GASP in honouring their dad. The
- concerned over resuscitation of sport
NBA Legend heading for Guyana this weekend By Edison Jefford NBA Legend and Miami Heat Community Affairs Liaison Officer, Wali Jones will be in Guyana for this weekend’s National Community Basketball League (NCBL) International Weekend, and will be hosting a clinic at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday. According to the Coordinators of the NCBL International Weekend, Jones is scheduled to arrive in Guyana on Thursday and will be conducting a clinic for male and female youth players as part of the developmental thrust of the ongoing Basketball League. Jones will then have the opportunity to observe the Guyana senior male national
Wali Jones team when they take on the Washington DC Jammers and the Brooklyn/Queens Bulldogs in a tri-partite series at the Cliff Anderson Sports
Hall that will test the reserve of the local players. But who really is Wali Jones? Ask thousands of South Florida’s successful school graduates to list their sources of inspiration through the years, and undoubtedly you’ll find the name of Wali Jones somewhere on their list, says Heat News, the official website of the Miami Heats, who are now the 2012 NBA Champions. “In his 17 years of service to South Florida as a member of the Miami HEAT organisation, Jones has enriched the lives of nearly one million children through his trademark community programme, motivational Continued on page 21
Belony (2nd r) shows off his winnings with Collins (extreme l), Cummings (2nd l) and Gafoor (extreme r). Vigilance’s children are 3rd and 4th l. Belony surrendered his 3rd game to Collins by the slimmest of margins (5) after he had defeated Colin Chichester (107) and Moen Gafoor (15). The loss to Collins resulted in him going off to lunch on 2 points and a positive spread of 117. The eventual champion then stamped his authority in the post lunch session with wins
Wayne Cave (86). Moen Gafoor closed off the podium spots with 4 points and a positive spread of 454. He lost to Belony (15) and Collins (79) but defeated R O Michael (50), Deonarine Devraj (139), Kamta Ramnarine (143) and Chichester (203). Ruby Cummings sounded the presence of the females
players, in turn, observed a one minute silence for their fallen colleague. They will convene for the next tournament slated for Caricom Day at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC), Thomas lands. Players are also reminded that practice sessions will be held at the MSC on Thursdays from 18:00hrs. (Michael Benjamin)
Tuesday June 26, 2012
Kaieteur News
Clive Atwell arrives for showdown with Fraser; confident of clinching victory The rhythmic sound of well coordinated punches as they slammed into the striking pads greeted the ear of the uninitiated passing the Andrew 'Sixhead' Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) yesterday afternoon. Those venturing into the building were treated to a display of raw talent as Clive Atwell went through his paces in preparation for, arguably the toughest fight of his life, against Rudolph Fraser in the 24th edition of Friday Night Fight at the Cliff
said that even amidst his confidence he will not take Fraser for granted since he (Fraser) has proven to be a dangerous customer in the past. Indeed, from all indications Atwell means business. He approached his sessions in businesslike fashion and his punches were crisp and on target. On several occasions Thomas erred and was made to pay for his lapses. Over at the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF)
Atwell (left) and David Thomas are locked in a clinch during sparring sessions yesterday afternoon. Anderson Sports Hall, June 29 next. Unbeaten so far in five fights, Atwell flew into Guyana from Dominica last Saturday morning and before the day was through, had visited the Ricola Boxing Gym, Agricola, where he opened camp for the fight. He later switched camps to the ALBG and yesterday afternoon he engaged in several tough rounds with Mark Austin and David Thomas. The latter fighter will commence his professional career in a 4 rounds jnr/welterweight scrap against Gladwin Dorway. Atwell looked in the pink of condition and exuded similar confidence when quizzed on his ambitions for the bout. “I have great plans for Fraser; I have no intentions of losing this bout,” exhorted Atwell. He
Fraser was all business when he donned gloves with Simeon 'Candyman' Hardy. Fraser also looked in great shape and is also promising to turn in one of his best performances on his way to victory. He was initially matched against Elton 'Coolie Bully' Dharry but the latter fighter inexplicably pulled out of the fight prompting Fraser to label him a coward. While Fraser had been disappointed by the turn of events, he remained unperturbed while promising to redirect his attention to Atwell. “It has been quite a while that I want to face off with Clive (Atwell) but he has never gathered the nerve to sign the contract; I am happy he has done so now,” said Fraser even as he promised to dish out a first class beating on the Continued on page 20
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t r o Sp Ann's Grove visit BV and beat them Pg 21
Venus loses in Wimbledon 1st round, 1st since '97
- Charity win Region 2 crown
Region 2 champions Charity Secondary School pose for a photo op following their win against NOC in the final recently.
A player from BV Secondary attempts a bicycle kick following a scrimmage in the Ann's Grove goalmouth yesterday.
Venus Williams
Elena Vesnina
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) For the first time since her debut appearance at the All England Club 15 years a g o , f i v e - t i m e Ve n u s Williams failed to get past the first round of Wimbledon. The seven-time Grand Slam champion was eliminated 6-1, 6-3 by Elena Ve s n i n a o f R u s s i a a t Wimbledon on Monday, the latest setback in her return to tennis after being diagnosed with an energy-sapping autoimmune disease. Williams, who has fallen to 58th in the rankings, lost the first five games on Court 2 to the 79th-ranked Russian and, although she picked up her game and fought hard, was never able to turn the match around. It was the first time Williams lost in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open-
the first at Wimbledon since her debut appearance in 1997. ''I feel like I'm a great player,'' Williams said. ''I am a great player. Unfortunately I have to deal with circumstances that people don't have to deal with normally in a sport, but I can't be discouraged by that. I'm up for challenges. I have great tennis in me. I just need the opportunity.'' There were no opening day troubles for top-ranked Novak Djokovic, six-time champion Roger Federer and No. 1 Maria Sharapova, who all enjoyed easy straight-set wins on a cloudy but dry start to the two-week grass court championships. Defending champion Djokovic beat Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in the day's first match on Centre Court, while Sharapova Continued on page 20
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