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June 28, 2014 - Vol. 8 No. 25 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Court case filed to block state funding of Marriott Hotel accuses Brassington of unlawful conduct says Kingston land illegally transferred wants details of NICIL's revenues Ian Smith wrestle with police ranks moments after his attempted escape
Man attempts prison escape after receiving jail sentence
Police rank charged for raping daughter, 8 Jagdeo’s posture still evident in Govt - AFC NY-based Guyanese arrested for killing wife he never had
FATF ignores Guyana …country gets in latest review no mention
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 28, 2014
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
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FATF ignores Guyana in latest review By Gary Eleazar After weeks of prolonged hue and cry about the cataclysmic effects of certain international blacklisting of Guyana by the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF), the taskforce completed its Plenary in Paris, France, yesterday but there was no mention of Guyana in its final report. In fact, it was Japan that gained the centre of attention when FATF issued its report as part of its ongoing work to identify jurisdictions that may pose a risk to the international financial system. Guyana was referred to FATF after the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF) found that Guyana had been non compliant with its recommendations, specifically the non passage of the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. Head of State Donald Ramotar, prior to the
commencement of the FAFT review, called upon the O p p o s i t i o n t o unconditionally pass AML/CFT Bill, to limit the harm already done when the Country was blacklisted regionally by CFATF. FATF began its plenary meeting on Monday last and concluded yesterday. In its review it issued a statement calling on Japan to enact adequate anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing legislation. Last November, the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF) issued a public statement with regard to two of its members —Belize and Guyana. The CFATF statement on Guyana had said that while Guyana made efforts to address its deficiencies, it has not taken sufficient steps towards reforms. CFATF at the time was adamant that Guyana must pass the relevant legislation and implement all the outstanding issues within its Action Plan, including fully
…country gets no mention criminalizing money laundering and terrorist financing offences; addressing all the requirements on beneficial ownership; strengthening the requirements for suspicious transaction reporting, international cooperation, and the freezing and confiscation of terrorist assets, and fully implementing the UN conventions. Guyana is yet to meet the legislative obligations namely the passage of the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill. The political opposition is adamant that its demands must be met before the successful passage of the AML/CFT Bill. Among the conditions set by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is the assent of a number of pieces of legislation related to the hosting of Local
Government Elections among other demands. The Alliance For Change is demanding the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission. The AML/CFT Bill is still currently engaging the attention of a Special Select Committee. At least one member of the committee yesterday confirmed that the work of the Committee currently centers on the amendments submitted by Government through the Attorney General. APNU had submitted three substantive amendments to the Bill that had been bought to the House. It argued that the coalition wanted to strengthen the legislation with a view to seeing greater enforcement of the law. Opposition Leader Brigadier (Rtd), David Granger, is on record as stating that the legislation
Course repeaters make up bulk - Health of failures at Nurses’ Exam Minister
M
inister of H e a l t h D r. B h e r i Ramsaran has said that the large percentage of nurses failing the Professional Nursing Programme examination is as a result of those who are repeaters. But there has been improvement across the board in the different sections of the examination papers four written papers and a practical examination, he said. The recent sitting of the examination saw a total of 19 individuals repeating the course for a third time. They had failed the last exams and had again failed the very first one. Minister Ramsaran said that the four recognised Nursing Schools in Guyana have shown a lot of improvement in individual areas. He said that this can be broken down to 83 per cent in functional nursing paper one, and 27 per cent in paper two; 61 per cent passes in clinical nursing paper one and 70 per cent in paper two; along with 79 per cent in practicals. However, when the grades were combined it showed that some individuals were strong in one area but weak in another resulting in them failing. The Charles Roza
Nursing School in Linden has shown some improvement. The results showed a 92 per cent pass in functional nursing paper one as opposed to 60 per cent in 2013; and 46 per cent in paper two as opposed to 20 per cent last year also. In the area of clinical nursing there have been improvements as well; paper one saw 50 per cent of the students passing as against 23 per cent last year and paper two saw a 72 per cent success as against 30 per cent last year. This school also showed improvement in the practical exam resulting in an 83 per cent pass as opposed to 57 per cent last year. The New Amsterdam Nursing School saw 100 per cent passes in functional nursing paper one and 49 per cent in paper two, while in clinical nursing it saw 46 per cent passes in paper one, 76 per cent in paper two and 46 per cent in practicals. The majority of failing students came from the Georgetown School of Nursing with the poorest area being a 12 per cent pass in functional nursing paper two. According to the Minister, this resulted in the overall pass percentage
being this low as it is. He then explained that the public sector allows individuals to re-sit the exam and it is those persons who have once again performed poorly causing the overall percentage of nurses passing the examination to significantly drop. The Minister said that the results of the private nursing schools are usually good because these enterprises pre-screen their students before allowing them to sit the exams. He noted that the Ministry will be taking remedial action, one of which will be the consideration of allowing persons to re-sit a paper after failing once as the policy currently allows. The reason for this, according to the Minister, is because he feels that these
persons are aware of having a second chance so they do not put all their efforts into taking the exams. The Minister however congratulated the St. Joseph’s Nursing School for doing extremely well at the exams, scoring 100 per cent passes in all of the written exams and 67 per cent in the practicals. Director of Health Sciences Education, Wilton Benn, said that there are efforts being made to align training with regional bodies. He noted that the fairly recent adjustments to the curriculum can also be one of the contributing factors to the high number of failures. He added that there has been improvement in the curriculum and also the recognisation of weak areas. (GINA)
has been on the books for a number of years and that there is to date not a single prosecution in relation to money laundering in Guyana. While the committee has completed a review of the proposed amendments by APNU, the Attorney General had submitted some counter amendments that are currently the subject of
review. Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, on Wednesday did express some amount of optimism that Guyana would not be blacklisted internationally given the unique situation being faced. He drew reference to the unique situation in Guyana where Government desires CFATF/FATF compliant legislation but it was the opposition that was the main h u r d le p r ev en tin g th e passage of the legislation.
More pumps needed in Region Two
A
Partnership For National Unity R e g i o n a l Councillor, Wazeer Latiff, is contending that Region Tw o (Pomeroon/Supenaam) needs to be fully equipped with adequate pumps, in order to reduce consistent flooding. Latiff’s calls come in light of a recent incident which resulted in flooding in areas including Anna Regina, Bush Lot and Cotton Field. According to L a t i ff t h e t w o p u m p attendants who were assigned at a koker at Anna Regina, fell asleep after consuming alcohol during the course of Father’s Day and left the koker door open. The men were eventually fired by the Regional Administration after a report was filtered to the Regional Chairman about the men’s
conduct on the job. Latiff said the Region Two Administration must be commended for the action taken against the defaulters. A Cotton Field businessman whose bottom flat was flooded said it took him almost the entire day to clean his place. The salt water also posed a threat to his plants and to his tenants who have rented the bottom flat. He said that Father’s Day was spent cleaning up his premises instead of him spending quality time with his family. The Anglican priest attached at the Holy Trinity Church at Anna Regina is questioning who is going to repay him for the damage to his carpet. A supermarket at Henerietta, the Anna Regina Police Station, and the Anglican Church were all inundated.
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
Where your views make the news
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Letters... Where your views make the news
The grassroots forces can score an Guyana is experiencing its worst period of policy paralysis important victory for Guyana in 2016 DEAR EDITOR, After 22 years of PPP rule, it is clear that Guyana is experiencing one of its worst periods of policy paralysis… never seen before. Today we hear the President speak of “serious negative impact on the economy” in reference to one of the two glitters in the economy – gold which has declined in both value and markets. But cheap talk and empty promises are all that the people get from the ruling cabal, no action whatever. They have not only wrecked the image of Guyana as one of the most corrupt countries in the Caribbean, but have raped the treasury to enrich themselves, relatives and friends. Today, most Guyanese are worse off than 22 years ago when the PPP came to power. The overnight “rags to riches” members of the cabal have huge overseas bank accounts and mansions that could only be attained through corrupt practices. Guyana is a corrupt and failed state; thanks to the cabal. With Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, we knew Massa Day was done, and control of the commanding heights of the economy had begun. With Nelson Mandela in South Africa, it was dismantling apartheid and the beginning of the healing process between whites and blacks. With Barack Obama of the United States, it was creating a more equal society for all Americans. But with the Jagdeo/ Ramotar PPP cabal which has been in power for the past 14 years, it is ignoring the interest of the people, in the hope that the people will not recognize their unfair,
uncaring and corrupt actions. By the standards used in developing countries to rate governments, the PPP regime and its anti-Jaganites have so far achieved a failing grade. This now begs the operative question, can APNU govern in place of the Ramotar Government. The facts reveal that APNU is a mass-based coalition that does have access to technical and financial assets in the diaspora, but the leaders have to work extremely hard to prove themselves to the people. They have to be proactive on the issues and not allow the PPP to set the agenda for meetings, where the meetings should be held and the issues to be discussed. We believe that meetings between the government and the opposition should not be held only at the Office of the President, but also at a neutral location such as Parliament Building. However, APNU is fortunate to have in its fold people like Carl Greenidge who has experience in Government at the highest level and several military officers with executive experience including its leader Mr. David Granger and its shadow Minister of Public Works Mr. Joe Harmon. Unlike the visionless PPP, APNU, in particular Mr. Greenidge has a vision that will set Guyana on a path of rapid development thus transforming it from a Third World-low income country to one of a developing, middle income country. However, the leaders of APNU have to frontally address the historical stigma associated with the PNC period of governance
between 1968 and 1985. We discounted the period 19641968 because that was a period of free and fair elections and a duly elected government. We also discounted 1986-1992, since this was the period when the economic recovery programme was being formulated by the Hoyte administration, which set the foundation for the economic recovery to which Guyana continues to benefit from to this day. That credit has to squarely rest on the shoulders of Mr. Carl Greenidge who at the time was the Minister of Finance. This is something the Jagdeo/ Ramotar cabal has failed to recognize. They continue to spread their propaganda that the PNC did not do anything, but claimed that the PPP has built the National Stadium, the Tain UG Campus and the Berbice Bridge. The questions the people should ask these people are: who built the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the UG Campus at Turkeyen, the SoesdykeLinden highway, the Corentyne highway, the Canje Bridge, the President’s College, Critchlow Labour College, National Park, the Cultural Centre etc.? Unlike the PPP, APNU has a framework for governing a complex, multi-ethnic, inherently cynical, constantly evolving society burdened by escalating crime, drug trafficking and corruption, Continued on page 23
DEAR EDITOR, The 2011 election results had a very deep meaning. If one analyzes Guyana’s history, one would realize that 1964 was the last elections when no party got more than 50 percent of the votes (one would never know the reality between 1968 and 1985 as these elections did not reflect the will of the people). The message was clear in 2011; the people want the stakeholders to communicate more and form alliances when necessary on the human development issues. Unfortunately, the politicians with the elephants in the room are not very good listeners as they continue to give nothing but lip service to operationalising the tripartite committee talks. The evidence is clear, they are not interested in breaking down the barriers to human development; they prefer to wallow in their fantasy that their racial enclaves will carry them in 2016. The 10th Parliament represents the changing character of Guyana and the APNU (PNC) and PPP continue to ignore this political evolution. After 1968, the PNC did not govern to the best of its ability (save and except for a brief period between 1989 and 1992 under Hoyte) and this sort of mal-
administration continued under the PPP during the Jagdeo/Ramotar era (19912014). Those in power since 1968 thought that in 2011, the social support base of their parties (ethnicity) would have come to their rescue in 2011, despite their history of inadequate governance, but they were wrong. The first lesson from 2011 is that the young people wanted better governance and based on their track record neither the APNU (PNC) nor the PPP can be trusted with a majority. Yet almost three years after such a strong message, we cannot find any evidence of political will on either side, to take the necessary measures to rectify the wrongs against the people; it is all about preservation of one’s pension and one’s mansions on both sides of the political divide. Many have the deep perception that there is a Jagdeo/Corbin alliance that dominates these elephants in the room, rather than genuine talks in tripartite arrangement. Is this the causation as to why the APNU (PNC) continues to be so docile in
its representation of the people against the transgression from a most uncaring PPP? One example of this maladministration is the APNU (PNC) appointment of a retiree on the GPL Board, totally marginalizing the young and talented AFC representative. The outcome; the Guyanese people still do not know what is really happening at GPL since that individual arrived on the Board; nothing has changed – blackout is alive and well. The second lesson is if you do not govern well, whether it is the nation, as in the case of the PPP, or your constituency, as is the case of the APNU (PNC), race alone will not save you. Either you perform or perish. The PPP which saw itself garnering 210,000 thousand votes in 2001 lost more than 44,000 votes by 2011. The PNC - now the APNU - also experienced a similar fate, losing some 27,000 votes by 2011 from 2001. The message is clear 71,000 voters have abandoned the PPP and APNU (PNC) over a decade Continued on page 23
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Health Ministry takes Chikungunya awareness drive to Region Three - as plans made to train local personnel to test for virus
The Chikungunya virus awareness forum in session yesterday. Even as Guyana seeks to build capacity to test for the Chikungunya virus here, sustained moves are being made to sensitise the population about the impact of the mosquito borne virus. Although reports coming out of the Ministry suggest that the virus has to date only been confirmed in sections of East Berbice, there have been concerns surfacing, some of which have been appeased by the ongoing awareness drive. As part of these efforts, a sensitisation forum venued at the West Demerara Regional Hospital’s Nurses Hostel yesterday saw Regional Vector Control Coordinator, Mr Keith Moore, effectively allaying concerns surrounding the virus. The forum was organised by the Region Three Health and Wellness Club, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Vector Control Services Unit, to which Moore is attached. In his sensitisation quest,
Moore sought to inform the gathering yesterday, most of whom are attached to the Health and Wellness Club, of the characteristics of the virus which has been causing much alarm in sections of the Caribbean of recent. And it is particularly crucial to raise awareness about the virus, Moore noted, since “people may have the Chikungunya virus and want to think that it is dengue; so we have to make them aware of what to look for...” Moreover, the Vector Control Officer was yesterday on a mission to outline the difference between the Chikungunya virus and dengue fever.” He also went on to explain the process of treatment for the virus, pointing out that treatment is readily available at public health facilities at no cost to persons who are or may become infected with the virus, which like dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
He noted that while the nation must be on alert about the virus, which unlike dengue has the potentially lasting effect of unnaturally curving the joints, care must also be taken to protect young children, the elderly and persons with pre-conditions. Some of the signs and symptoms of the virus are high fever, joint and muscle pains, headache, nausea and skin rash all of which are being closely monitored by the health sector. Although dengue is manifested by some of the similar symptoms, there isn’t a lasting effect or debilitating impact, Moore outlined. He asserted that “the prognosis in general is good; people will get Chikungunya, they will take tablets to treat their symptoms and they will get better...you wouldn’t get it again ever because you would have acquired immunity.” Moreover, Moore has Continued on page 24
Saturday June 28, 2014
$4.5B Statement of Excess…
APNU wants Finance Minister prosecuted over unlawful spending By Gary Eleazar Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh’s submission of a “Statement of Excess” to the National Assembly last week to the tune of $4.5B, representing monies spent by the Executive that was part of the $31.5B that the Opposition had disapproved in the debate on the National Budget in March and April this year is not finding favour with A Partnership for National Unity. Executive Member of the coalition, Ronald Bulkan, during a press briefing at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition yesterday told media operatives that the Minister’s resort to Section 41 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) Act is not justified. Christopher Ram, an eminent Chartered Accountant and Financial Analyst as well as Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, have both rejected the Finance Minister’s assertion that the expenditure is justified under the FMA Act. Conceding that he is now a lawyer, Bulkan said that the legislation is still very clear and that in defining how monies can be drawn from the contingencies fund it must be for unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances. He drew reference to the fact that the 2014 Budget which is technically the Appropriation Act was brought into being by Government with the changes and as such had committed
Dr. Ashni Singh
Joseph Harmon
itself to the expenditure contained in that piece of legislation. “When the Minister of Finance laid amended Appropriations Bill in the National Assembly he did so voluntarily and he took into account the items that were not approved by the National Assembly,” said Bulkan. He added that the National Assembly acted within its remit, in the context of the ruling of Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang, that the House only had the power to approve or disapprove of the various programmes in the Budget. According to Bulkan, what has instead happened from April to present is that the Government has been spending taxpayer’s money unlawfully. “Really and truly the document that Minister
Ashni Singh has laid in the National Assembly is actually a rude document…It is contemptuous of decisions made in the National Assembly,” said Bulkan. He was adamant that APNU will resolutely defend the laws of Guyana and not allow the Government to continue to proceed with this pattern of unlawful spending. According to Bulkan, it is the National Assembly that controls the purse strings and as such the Minister’s actions are unlawful. Goolsarran had also recently accused the Minister of being personally liable for $700M, which was not approved between 2011 and 2013. According to the Former Auditor General, “This represents unauthorized expenditure and a loss of Continued on page 24
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Trinidad government to Venezuela blackout leaves commuters create 30,000 new jobs – Kamla scrambling, silences president P O R T- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC - Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar is projecting an expanding economy that will see a massive increase in jobs by 2020. “With the pace we intend to drive the economy at over the coming six years, we project the creation of over 30,000 new, well-paying jobs,” she told a breakfast meeting with the Trinidad and Tobago business community on Thursday. The Prime Minister said the short and long-term prospects for the country are a far cry, “from a position of decline and instability in 20103 . She said for that reason, this is the opportune time for more dialogue between the governing politicians and the business community. “It is now that our discussions [should be] on how Government can further work to provide an enabling business environment and a better platform for your growth, expansion and entry into new sectors.” Persad-Bissessar
Kamla Persad-Bissessar proceeded to detail several economic signposts that point to an economy on the upswing. “We are now in a position of stability and growth, with projections of even stronger performance as we proceed into 2015 and beyond.” Contending that the business environment has improved tremendously in the past four years, she said, “Our economy is expected to maintain a positive momentum into 2014 with growth of 2.9 per cent forecasted in 2014, and up to 3.2 per cent in 20153 . “Today our nation’s
exports and foreign direct investment are at their highest levels than at any other time in history.” She spoke of success in the non-energy sector that is being driven by an aggressive fiscal stimulus program. “Our international credit standing remains strong, having been affirmed by major global authorities such as Moody’s Investors Services based on relatively high income levels, our large and diversified energy sector, and the expansion of the economy which is mainly in the performance of the nonenergy sector,” she said.
(Reuters) - A blackout cut power to much of Venezuela yesterday, snarling traffic in the capital Caracas and other major cities as authorities scrambled to restore electricity after the outage, which twice interrupted a presidential broadcast. Pedestrians streamed into the streets of Caracas as the blackout shuttered the underground metro trains and left frustrated drivers honking in the chaos without stoplights. Government ministers in the late afternoon said they expected power would be restored shortly. It was the second nationwide major electricity outage in less than a year. “How am I going to get to my house? By the grace of God,” said Pedro Mayora, 58, an accountant who was waiting outside the Metro to see how he would reach his home on the poor west end of the city. Workers stood in groups outside evacuated buildings, some complaining of
difficulty in communicating over congested cellular phone lines. An outage at a power station in the centre of the country led to other generation centres going offline, halting service in that region and in the Andes region in the west, Electricity Minister Jesse Chacon told state television. The problems extended to Maracaibo, Venezuela’s second city, and the industrial centre of Valencia. The OPEC nation has suffered an increasing number of power outages in recent years, which critics have attributed to low electricity tariffs and limited state investment following the 2007 nationalization of the power sector. Television screens froze for several seconds as Maduro was speaking during a broadcast of the awards ceremony for a national journalism prize. The words “It looks like the power went out” were audible in the background.“Traffic normally flows fine, but with the power
out it’s complete chaos,” said Carlos Pena, 58, a fuel station worker. A representative of state oil company PDVSA said there were no reports of the oil industry being affected. President Nicolas Maduro in December blamed a similar power outage on opposition saboteurs who attacked a transmission line with a firearm. Critics call the power problems a symptom of 15 years of socialist policies that have left the country without a steady supply of energy despite having the world’s largest oil reserves. Late socialist leader Hugo Chavez in 2007 nationalized the country’s power sector as part of a broad wave of state takeovers. Maduro this year weathered three months of often violent opposition demonstrations demanding his resignation that were in part motivated by complaints over shoddy public services. He said the protests were a U.S.-backed attempt to overthrow him.
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Kaieteur News
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ONLY A MATTER OF TIME The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is establishing an office in Guyana. The decision which emerged as a result of cooperation between the Guyana government and the US administration will see the DEA office being established within the fort-like walls of the US embassy in Guyana. This represents for the Donald Ramotar administration a significant political development especially coming at a time when the United States is reporting that the quantity of drugs shipped from the Caribbean to its country has increased more than three times between 2011 and 2013. At least this is what a recent report in the Trinidad Guardian had pointed out. In that article, three major routes for the transshipment of illicit drugs were identified. It would surprise many of the alarmists in Guyana who like to paint Guyana as a narco-state that Guyana is not amongst the three major routes identified. The first route is from Jamaica; the second is from the Dominican Republic, and the third from the Eastern Caribbean. Against this background of a massive increase in the transshipment of narcotics from the Caribbean, Guyana
was able to take advantage of the growing attention to the Caribbean by US drug enforcement agencies. Guyana was able to capitalize on this focus and press home the need to have a DEA presence in Guyana. Previously the DEA operations that covered Guyana were based in Suriname and Trinidad. Guyana now has its own DEA office and this is a most welcome development and one that allows for greater inroads to be made into the fight against narcotics. The local drug enforcement agencies will now have a quicker and perhaps more direct interface with their international colleagues. This will facilitate better sharing of information and intelligence. It will also ratchet up cooperation in other areas of drug interdictions. For the US of course, they will now be in a better position to assess the intelligence about drug dealings in Guyana. Both sides therefore have much to gain. Hopefully, the establishment of the DEA office would allow for some transfer of knowledge. The US has significant capabilities in the drug fight. The DEA presence in Guyana, while
Dem boys seh...
Guyana can’t do money laundering Donald gun sleep like a baby fuh de whole year. He couldn’t sleep good because he really believe that FATF gun blacklist Guyana. He get Ah Kneel fuh beg de Caribbean body and he get Gail fuh beg de international body. Ah Kneel beg and Guyana get blacklisted. Gail beg and de people ignore Guyana. Now dem boys know that Gail ain’t had nutten to do wid it. De people know that Guyana ain’t got money because all get thief out already. And if you ain’t got money you can’t launder. David and Harmon now telling people that Donald was bluffing all de time but dem ain’t bluffing when dem seh that dem gun jail Ash Knee. Ash Knee spend de people money pun all kind of thing that de parliament didn’t approve. He buy baby clothes, he buy cologne, he buy fancy underwear fuh certain people and that was only to hide de other money he spend. Well dem boys seh that Hap New got plans fuh he. De only thing is that dem sorry fuh Donald because dem believe that he is a good man who is misguided. Dem seh that dem tell he that Guyana wouldn’t get blacklisted and he decide to listen to Ash Knee and Ah Kneel. It ain’t happen. Now dem want tell he that if he ain’t sign dem Bill he got to go to elections and right now, de way people feel, it ain’t looking good fuh he if only Guyanese vote. But Donald ain’t stupid; he was importing voters all de time. Is not by accident that all dem Chinee coming to Guyana. Each of dem is a vote fuh Donald suh when Ram Jattan talk bout no confidence motion, Donald tell he plain that he waiting. And dem boys notice that every time dem cuss Jagdeo he getting some big wuk. When dem complain how he encouraging corruption he get five doctorate. When dem talk how he treat he wife bad, he get named Champion of de Earth. Now dem talk how he ruling Donald and controlling Brazzy, he tun President of de FAO. Dem boys seh that dem got to stop talking bout he. Talk half and stop thinking that Guyana got money.
expected to be mainly cocooned behind the walls of the Embassy, can provide critical assistance to local law enforcement arms. The establishment of the local DEA office comes also at interesting time. There is at the moment a strong movement in both the United States and in sections of the Caribbean demanding the legalization of marijuana. Within the United States, there are States which have already moved in the direction of legalizing the medical uses of marijuana. In the Caribbean, there are increasing calls for consideration to be given to decriminalizing the uses of marijuana. In Jamaica, the issue is under consideration. Judging from reports that country may as early as this year decriminalize the possession of small quantities of marijuana. St Vincent may also go down that route. In Latin America, Uruguay has already decriminalized the use of small amounts of marijuana. But it has been done in a way in which the whole process is tightly controlled by the government. This is being done so as to ensure that the drug dealers do not profit from the legalization. It would be useful to study how that process evolves. In Guyana, there is strident objection within the government to any moves to
decriminalize marijuana. The PPPC government is fearful that with weak law enforcement, any such legalization could have dire consequences. They are also worried about the signals that such a decriminalization would give to the underworld. Powerful economic interests are equally worried about the economic impact of any legalization on their own businesses. The government of Guyana would eventually, however, have to face certain realities. One of these is the mounting number of young people who are being locked away for possession and trafficking in marijuana. The jails are overflowing with young drug offenders. As such, greater pressures are likely to be
placed on the Donald Ramotar administration to relax its objections to the decriminalization of marijuana, especially now that the medical uses marijuana is being legalized in many parts of the world. A great many people have a strong dislike in Guyana for former President Janet Jagan. But she was the one, who made the first brave step in reforming our marijuana laws. She amended the law to state that while it is still illegal to be in possession of marijuana, it is no longer mandatory for the courts to impose a custodial sentence. They could opt for a noncustodial sentence. She saw the problem that was being created in our jails and she tried to relax sentencing law without legalizing the
possession of marijuana. The Peeper had always contended that so long as the powerful multinationals in the United States found a way to economically benefit from marijuana, it would eventually be decriminalized. And it does seem as if the medicinal uses of weed are now seen as a big market in the US and in other parts of the world. Once this continues to happen it will only be a matter of time before marijuana is legalized throughout the world, only a matter of time.
Police rank charged for raping daughter, 8 A serving member of the Guyana Police Force was yesterday taken before the courts and formally charged for allegedly raping his eightyear-old daughter. The police rank, who is stationed at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry and was remanded to prison on a charge of rape of
a child. He is scheduled to return to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on July 2. Another charge is expected to be laid against him on account of another of his daughters. According to reports, he repeatedly had sexual intercourse with his daughters in exchange for money. The girls had reportedly
become tired of being molested by him whenever they asked for money so they eventually reported the matter. The man was placed under close arrest on Tuesday while the girls were placed in protective custody. Medical examinations have reportedly proven that the girls are sexually active.
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Current political climate poisonous to Jagdeo’s posture still evident in government - AFC progress – Private Sector Chairman
Ramesh Persaud, PSC Chairman Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Persaud expressed on Wednesday that the Commission is not only disappointed, but concerned about the disadvantages of the current political climate which he said is “poisonous” to the country’s progress. Persaud made this pronouncement during the opening ceremony of the Commission’s Annual General Meeting which was held at Pegasus Hotel. Before coming to such a conclusion, he highlighted some of the work done by the
Commission in 2013. But even in the face of its accomplishments, he said that he is unfortunately aware of the effects of the political climate and how it can affect the performance of the private sector. Nonetheless, the PSC he said, made representations to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh during his 2013 Budget consultations with regard to the reduction in personal income tax and personal property tax and increased government expenditure in specific infrastructure. These included hinterland airstrips and a new Demerara River Crossing. Persaud said, “We were happy when the Minister announced the lowering of the personal income tax rate from 33 1/3% to 30%, the increase in the ceiling for personal property tax and the introduction of mortgage interest relief for home owners with loans of G$30M and less. This has significantly benefited our employees. The Government also allocated $248M for maintenance and rehabilitation of hinterland airstrips and has started the process of establishing a Public/ Private Partnership for
a new Demerara River Crossing.” As a major partner with the Government to implement the National Competitiveness Strategy, the Private Sector Commission through the National Competitiveness Steering Committee addressed several items during the year. These included: Mergers and acquisitions legislation, development of Port Georgetown, hinterland airstrips, special economic zones, and single window automated processing system and improving Guyana’s ranking on the World Bank doing business index. The Commission, the Chairman said, is also actively involved in the National Working Group which is responsible for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. “We have representatives working along with several faculties of the University of Guyana, The Board of Industrial Training and the Council for Technical and Vocational Training,” he added. In June 2013, the Continued on page 24
“Government should take immediate steps to tackle corruption in the public sector, including conducting a forensic audit of the operations of the National Investment and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), sole sourcing of drugs from New GPC and the transfer of cash balance from NICIL to the Consolidated Fund.” This was part of the contention of Vice Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Moses Nagamootoo, as he was listing ten concerns that his party is calling on the Government to rectify. Nagamootoo said that the Administration should immediately establish the Procurement Commission and appoint all members of the Integrity Commission. Additionally, he outlined that there should be an immediate reduction in the toll for persons crossing the Berbice Bridge. Nagamootoo also called on Government to set a date and hold Local Government Elections during this year. He stated that Government should appoint broad-based Boards of Directors for all state media and allow access for Opposition Parties to state media entities.
He said efforts to contain crimes need to be stepped up and broad based consensus sought on a rational Security Reform Strategy and National Development Plan. The Vice Chairman posited that Government should “halt all illegal spending of public funds not authorized by the National Assembly and hold meaningful tripartite talks to reach agreement on Budget items on which all parties agree and support, rather than trying an illegal, unconstitutional and underhand method of spending money that has not been approved by Parliament, and coming late in the day to seek approval of monies already spent.” He stated further that measures and programs must be implemented to stimulate job creation for unemployed youths and “address the rather hopelessness of our young people, in addition to tax reforms to reduce the impact of taxation on the already hard pressed public sector employees and their wages.” According to Nagamootoo, since President Donald Ramotar’s ascension to office on November 28,
Vice Chairman of the AFC Moses Nagamootoo 2011, he has “resolutely refused to carry out reform measures to tackle rampant corruption, enhance good governance and ensure transparency in public expenditure, improve security of citizens and increase public sector wages.” He said further that the confrontational posture of his predecessor (former President Bharat Jagdeo) in discourses on public issues and reckless spending of taxpayers’ monies still continue. “The misuse of the State media continues unabated, with bombardment of Guyanese on a daily basis with lies, half-truths and personal attacks on Opposition members and Parliamentarians. The people of Guyana are fed up with this state of affairs” said Nagamootoo.
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Court case filed to block state funding of Marriott Hotel - Plaintiff accuses Brassington of unlawful conduct; - says land illegally transferred; - want details of NICIL’s revenues; There is more controversy surrounding the multi-milliondollar Marriott Hotel in Kingston with a major constitutional case filed against Government over the use of state monies to fund that project. The case has been brought by Desmond Trotman, representing the Committee for the Defence of the Constitution Inc. He is accusing the Attorney General, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI) and Winston Brassington, of abusing their authority and using state funds to illegally fund the hotel. The court is being asked to find that Brassington is guilty of unlawful conduct by acting outside NICIL’s mandate with regard to the spending of state monies. Trotman, also a Member of Parliament for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), is being represented by a number of high profile lawyers including Rex Mc Kay, S.C., Neil Boston, Christopher Ram, Bettina Glasford and Brenden Glasford. The case, which was filed this month, wanted a declaration that the decision of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, and the Executive Government to appoint NICIL and AHI, which will own the hotel, without the approval of
The Marriott Hotel in Kingston
Plaintiff: Desmond Trotman
Defendant : NICIL’s CEO, Winston Brassington
Parliament, and to be in control of and finance the multi-billion dollar construction, “is an abuse of executive and administrative power, procedurally improper, unreasonable, irrational, illegal, arbitrary, capricious, made in bad faith, ultra vires, null, void and of no legal effect”. Trotman wanted a declaration, also, that the failure and refusal by NICIL with the connivance of the Minister and the Executive, to invite open tendering for contractors to construct and develop the Marriott Hotel Project is in contravention of the Constitution and of the Procurement Act. According to the court papers, the plaintiffs wanted a declaration too that NICIL and AHI, with the blessings of the administration acted
unlawfully, in breach of the Procurement Act, by not involving the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board to scrutinize the bids for the selection of a contractor for the construction of the Marriott Hotel. Trotman contended that the monies used in the hotel project are really monies that belonged to the people of Guyana but were illegally withheld by NICIL and AHI. These monies came from state-owned entities including the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Guyana National Co-op Bank Debt Recovery Unit, Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Central
Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), and from the Lottery Company. ILLEGAL LAND TRANSFER The court documents also focused on the land in Kingston on which the hotel stands. “A declaration that the purported sale and transfer on the 15th July, 2013, as advertised in the Official Gazette of the 23rd July, 2013, Order No. 15 of 2013, by NICIL to AHI of 6.307 acres of State Lands known as Tract Alpha ‘2’ and Tract Alpha ‘3’ being portions of Block ‘Alpha’ to Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI) “with the buildings and erections thereon” which includes the multi storeyed Marriot Hotel building thereon worth approximately US$40,000,000 for the sum of $200,000,000 (US$1,000,000) is an abuse of executive and administrative power, procedurally improper, unreasonable, irrational,
Gunman shoots housewife after failing to find husband Aneesia Pharous
A gunman shot a 22-yearold housewife in the foot at around 15.00 hrs yesterday
after barging into the woman’s Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara home to find
her reputed husband. Aneesia Pharous, of Lot 2, Mon Repos, was shot in the left foot after the unidentified man repeatedly asked for her spouse, Davendra Singh, known as ‘Fry Fish.’ The gunman fled on a bicycle while Pharous was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Pharous said the gunman did not indicate why he wanted her reputed husband although police sources said that her spouse had previous brushes with the law for minor offences. Kaieteur News understands that ranks at the Beterverwagting Police Station were questioning him last night about the shooting. A friend of the victim told Kaieteur News that she was in her yard when a man on a bicycle entered the area and immediately began enquiring about Pharous’ reputed husband. “He ask where is ‘Fry Fish’ and he scramble a boy in the yard and asking him for
‘Fry Fish,’” the woman said. Kaieteur News understands that the gunman apparently mistook the young man for Pharous’ reputed husband and discharged a round that narrowly missed his victim. Aneesia Pharous, who was in her house, said that the youth then went on his knees and denied that he was ‘Fry Fish.’ Pharous said that the gunman then told the youth to “go and find Fry Fish wife.’ She said the intruder then barged into her house, grabbed her by the hair and began enquiring about her husband. “I tell him that ‘Fry Fish’ gone to work and he look around, the he shoot me in the foot.” The gunman then escaped. Relatives and friends of the injured woman took her to the GPHC where it was ascertained that the bullet had passed through the instep. She was still receiving treatment up to late yesterday evening.
illegal, arbitrary, capricious made in bad faith is null void and of no legal effect.” Trotman also sought a declaration that the Minister and the Executive who are reposed power under the Constitution, through the sovereignty of the people, are custodians for the time being of the resources of the state, but they have breached their constitutional mandate to protect public property and public funds. He also wanted a declaration that the land “fall within the Public Trust Doctrine” and as such cannot be sold or transferred. The writ asked for an injunction restraining AHI and NICIL from mortgaging, encumbering, leasing or transferring title of the land at Kingston. Trotman also asked that the court declare that Brassington is guilty of unlawful conduct as he authorised the disbursement of moneys on expenditure outside of NICIL’s business. PLEASE EXPLAIN! With regards to the monies spent, the plaintiff asked the court for an order directing the defendants to account for all moneys which were received by them from the GGMC; GFC; Guyana National Co-op Bank – Debt Recovery Unit; Lands and Surveys Commission; Guyana GCAA; CH&PA, from the Lottery Company, sale of Government properties,
dividends and proceeds of sale of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) shares. This included from January 2013 to present date. The writ is also asking for the Registrar of Deeds to delete the name Atlantic Hotel Inc. from the Transport which describes the land on Kingston property, and instead the name of the State of Guyana be inserted. According to the court papers, the writ was filed “to combat . . . violations of the law and to take care and protect public property.” The US$58M hotel has been controversial from the start with secrecy surrounding the investors. It was only recently, when the hotel is almost completed, that Government announced that it has found two Hong Kong-based businessmen as partners. There have also been questions about the source of monies being used in the project but little answers. What is known is that Guyana has placed almost US$20M into the project. Hoteliers, too, have been upset over the fact that Government was involved in what is considered a private sector project, especially in face of the fact that quite a number of hotels have been sold because of poor business. The construction is being carried out by Shanghai Construction Group.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 28, 2014
Govt. actions warrant Faulty caesarean procedure no confidence motion lands 20-year-old in ICU … Undermines parliamentary democracy - APNU
APNU’s Chief Whip Amna Ally Gary Eleazar The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration is determined to provoke a constitutional crisis and undermine parliamentary democracy and as such their actions warrant a no confidence motion that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) may likely support. This is according to Chief Whip of the coalition Amna Ally, who yesterday along with Executive members Joseph Harmon and Ronald Bulkan, met with members of the media in lieu of the Opposition Leader who is in Washington DC, and lamented the actions of the Administration throughout the course of the 10th Parliament.
Ally accused the PPP/C of trying to diminish the autonomy and authority of the National Assembly. “The PPP/C has been trying to prevent the National Assembly from functioning in a democratic manner mainly because it finds itself in a p a r l i a m e n t a r y minority…matters are now coming to head.” She qualified her accusations by pointing to what she termed a defiance of the National Assembly on the part of government over the last 29 months According to Ally the PPP/C,” has defied the decisions of the National Assembly to disapprove funds; withheld assent to important bills; refused to implement resolutions; brought Motions in the High Court against the Speaker and Opposition Leader and launched a fierce media campaign against members of the National Assembly.” She told the local media corps that “the Executive’s worst display of contempt for Parliamentary democracy was Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh’s submission of a “Statement of Excess” to the National Assembly last week…This indicated that the Executive had already spent more than $4.5B of the $31B that the Opposition had disapproved in the debate on the National Budget in March and April this year.” Ally described it as a move that is contemptuous of the Assembly’s actual passage of the Appropriation Bill at the
end of the debate. Ally further chided the Administration saying that another anti-parliamentary tactic by the Executive was the President’s extraordinary ‘Ramotar Doctrine.’ Head of State Donald Ramotar had announced publicly two years ago that he had no intention of supporting any Bill piloted by the Opposition. She quoted the President as saying “I am making it very clear that I will not assent to any Bill that ‘they’ carry unless it is with the full agreement of the Executive and the full involvement of the Executive.” The President, as a result, delayed his assent to several Bills, including three Local Government Bills — the Local Government Commission Bill, the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill and the Fiscal Transfers Bill. He refused to assent to the Local Government (Amendment) Bill; the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill and the Former Presidents (Facilities and Other Benefits) Bill. She lamented too, the Executive’s resort to the High Court. In light of her lamentations, Ally was asked if APNU would support the Alliance For Change (AFC) which has already publicly announced its intention to bring a no confidence motion against the entire Government. Continued on page 24
Denika Hernandz in her current condition By Abena Rockliffe Denika Hernandez, 20, is now in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after delivering her first baby. The patient’s mother, Nicole Hernandez, told Kaieteur News of the “horror story” which landed her daughter in the critical care ward. The young woman, who hails from Mabaruma, North West Region, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on May 23 by Caesarean section at the GPHC. (A cesarean section, or c-section, is the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.)
There were no complications during the actual delivery. Nine days later, the mother was discharged from GPHC and traveled back to her homeland by plane. The patient’s mother told this newspaper that the very day she returned home, her daughter developed a fever. As she fought to hold back her tears, Hernandez explained that the fever was later accompanied by persistent vomiting and excruciating pain. Hernandez said that the young mother endured this for five days as “we thought it was a side effect to it being her first child and because she delivered by C section.
MMA ADA 5x3
We thought it would have gone away.” Kaieteur News understands that it was only when the pain became “more than her,” that the young mother was taken to the Mabaruma Hospital. At that facility, the patient was reportedly initially told that she just needed blood and that she would have been better after that. The older Hernandez claims that her daughter was also told by the doctor that the pain was due to the healing process of the surgery, but was kept in the hospital for observation. By then her stomach had begun to bloat and she was reportedly examined by Continued on page 21
Saturday June 28, 2014
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Serial arsonist captured, Plumber on attempt murder charge remanded to jail
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Seeta Persaud
Dennis Evans
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esidents in the B a t h , Experiment and Bush Lot areas West Coast Berbice, are at the moment breathing a little bit easier following the capture of a man who was described as a serial arsonist. The man had on more than one occasion set fire to his ex-wife’s home and threatened to kill her. He had even torched her mother’s home. The man, Dennis Evans, 36, of Bush Lot, West Coast B er b ice w as cap tu r ed around 18:00 hrs on Wednesday at Bush Lot West Coast Berbice. He has been charged with setting fire to a building
and two counts of threatening behaviour. He appeared on Thursday before Magistrate Rhondel Weaver at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court on three charges. Two on threatening behaviour and one for setting fire to a building. He was placed on $30,000 bail each on charges for threatening behaviour, while he was remanded to prison on the charge of setting fire to a building. He is expected to return to court on July 17, at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s court. Investigations are continuing and more charges are likely. He had allegedly set fire to the home of his 42-
year-old ex wife Seeta Persaud, on May 28, last, at Bath Experiment Scheme, West Coast Berbice. Reports had stated that it was the second time he had done so in five years. The woman had expressed her fear of the man who had also threatened to kill her. She had told investigators that the man threw gasoline on the house and set it alight, following threats he had made. He continued to make threats and the police were on the hunt for him, but he managed to elude capture then. He struck again on June 13, last, when he set fire to the home of the woman’s parents shortly before midnight at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice. According to information , Seeta Persaud, 42, and her partner Nawaz Chaseem, were asleep at her parents’ home at Bath Settlement when it erupted in flames around 23:40 hrs. Investigations led to the woman’s husband being identified as the culprit. During that episode the kitchen was destroyed. The man continued to (Continued on page 19)
n East Canje man was on Thursday placed on $100,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus when he appeared before her at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on a charge of attempted murder. Timothy Dundas, 36, of No. 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice, is accused of attempting to murder 19year-cane harvester, Kevin Crandon, around 22:00 hrs on April 21, last, following
an altercation. The incident allegedly occurred on Main Street, New Amsterdam. According to Prosecutor, Sergeant Godfrey Playter, on the day in question, the men were imbibing in front of the Lim Kung Restaurant on Main Street, New Amsterdam when an argument broke out between the groups of men. It is alleged by Crandon that he and some friends had returned from the Number 63 Beach and were in front of the restaurant when he was stabbed on the left of his neck
and robbed of a bag valued $4,000 and which contained $8,000 in cash. He was rushed to the hospital where he spent three days. However, according to Dundas, he and some friends were in front of the restaurant when an argument erupted between his friends and another group of men. An altercation ensued and he tried to intervene when Candon struck him on his head with a bottle. He in turn retaliated and struck the accused with another bottle. He was placed on $100,000 bail and will have to return to court on August 4.
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Saturday June 28, 2014
Bad news for passengers as Dynamic Airways cancels for weekend
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everal passengers were left stranded yesterday at the JFK Airport, New York, after new operator, Dynamic Airways, ran into ground-handling problems on its inaugural return trip. The operator was up to late afternoon seeking ways to get passengers back on another carrier. Several angry customers contacted Kaieteur News from New York yesterday on the cancellation.
Local representatives in Guyana, Roraima Airways, yesterday advised that the cancellation was due “to a technical issue with the terminal and ground handling in New York. The flights for this weekend have been cancelled.” The airline was busy attempting to contact passengers to advise them of the cancellation. Roraima said it hoped that the issue would have been resolved by Tuesday.
Dynamic Airways made its inaugural flight Thursday, arriving a few hours late before departing Guyana and landing at JFK Airport after 10PM. On board were a number of media personnel and Government officials. Kaieteur News was told that on landing, passengers were not allowed to clear at Terminal Four. They were directed to Terminal One, a check area used by Fly Jamaica, another operator of
Essequibo rice farmers protest again
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egion Two rice farmers again staged another peaceful protest demonstration decrying the poor drainage system in the Region, the non-payment and the non-functioning of sluices in the Region. Some rice farmers complained of losing almost 20 acres of cultivated rice crops as a result of a recent flooding, which they claim was due to negligence. Many farmers contended that the removal of an excavator from Windsor Castle to Three Friends Village, Essequibo Coast, and the failure to de-silt the congested out fall at Lima, although they made a request to Regional officials, their cultivated rice lands were destroyed. They were forced to re-plant the entire crop. “They bypass Lima Sluice and went to Three Friends and up to now the excavator hasn’t returned.” Friday’s protest took off
from the Cotton Field market (New market) before converging at the Anna Regina car park to air their views. Rice farmer, Terry, whose three acres of cultivated rice crop were inundated by flood water, explained that he was forced to effect land preparation and re-plant his crop which was lost to flooding as a result of the blockage of a sluice at Windsor Castle, on the Essequibo Coast. Terry said an excavator was stationed at Windsor Castle but was removed to Three Friends Village, which resulted in the flooding to rice lands, at Lima, La Bell Alliance and Richmond Village, on the Essequibo Coast. He estimated his loss to the tune of $300,000. “When asked, the Chairman said he removed the excavator because “that is priority”. Another farmer from Henrietta Village, Essequibo
Coast, contended that the banks in Guyana should lend to millers to bring an end to the prolonged issue of nonpayment to rice farmers. Millers should also pay farmers within the stipulated period to avoid farmers from being pressured into paying excess interest to the banks after they would have sold their paddy. The farmers have maintained that millers are selling fertilizers on credit and charging interest, even as they still owe farmers and as a result of the untimely payments to rice farmers, the purchasing of other items is delayed, including the purchase of seed paddy. Chairman of the Essequibo Paddy Rice Farmers’ Association and Regional Councillor, Naith Ram, said that Friday’s protest is the fifth such demonstration staged this year. Rice farming is the largest economic activity in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam).
Dynamic Airways’s plane at the CJIA airport. the Guyana/New York route. Guyana has been battling to attract new carriers on especially the North America route. However, there are fears now that the number of carriers may be too many, making that route an unsustainable one. In addition to Dynamic, there is TravelSpan, an airline owned by a Guyanese; Fly Jamaica, another airline that is partially owned by a Guyanese and Trinidadbased Caribbean Airlines.
A number of other airlines are also looking to fly the US route, to Miami, including Suriname Airways, Insel and Panamanian-based Copa Airlines. Dynamic is partnering with Roraima Airways to bring the flights. Roraima, which is owned by Captain Gerry Gouveia, is the local handler. Gouveia could not be contacted yesterday. Dynamic is eyeing to become a substitute flag-
carrier for Guyana with hopes of earning that title in the long run.
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Kaieteur News
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Mayor seeks court order to restore office resources I
n a bid to have resources restored to h i s o ff i c e , C i t y Mayor Hamilton Green has filed a writ of mandamus against Acting Town Clerk Carol Ryan Sooba and Council Treasurer, Ron Mc Calmon. A notice of motion was on Wednesday served on the two city officials mandating them to go before the courts and provide reason why they are continuously denying the Mayor’s office of fuel and office supplies. The Mayor has disclosed that it was the custom of the Council’s Treasurer over the past 30 years to provide the Mayor ’s office with a vehicle for the performance of official duties and also to provide the necessary fuel. The present Town Clerk and Treasurer, he contends, are expected to follow the said procedure. “Over the years it has always been the procedure that the requisitions for fuel and stationery are prepared by the Mayor’s Office, and are thereafter sent to the said Town Clerk for approval and then onto the Stores department for issuance.” He explained that the Stores Department falls under the jurisdiction of the Treasurer and that in June, 2013 the Treasurer, without the authority of the Council, restricted the amount of fuel issued for use in the vehicle assigned to the Mayor’s office. “Then during April 2014 the Office of the Treasurer stopped providing fuel for the said vehicle assigned to the Mayor’s office.” “In addition the said Treasurer of the Georgetown City Council, refused to supply the Office of the Mayor with basic office supplies such as ink for the printer, adequate stationery and daily newspapers inter alia. As a result of the refusal and/or failure of the said Treasurer to provide the Mayor’s Office with the necessary resources, he disclosed that he wrote to both the Treasurer and the Town Clerk (Ag), but nothing was done. The Mayor said he again wrote to the Town Clerk (Ag) “requesting justification for what seems to be a “dereliction of her duties and what appears to be an unprecedented stratagem to impede the functions of the Office of the Mayor of Georgetown.”
He said he also sent a requisition to the Town Clerk (Ag) for approval for fuel for the vehicle used by the Mayor’s office. Green stated that in response, the Town Clerk (Ag) “simply affixed to the requisition for fuel the following remarks: “Return to sender...the Mayor of Georgetown publicly declared l am an interloper... interloper cannot issue gas.” In the affidavit filed, Green said that he was advised and verily believes the reason given by Town Clerk (ag) for not providing his office with the necessary fuel is “unreasonable and was influenced by prejudice and malice.” “As a result of the failure of the Office of the Town Clerk (ag) and the Treasurer at City Hall to provide the Office of the Mayor with stationery and other office supplies and fuel for the vehicle used by the Mayor’s Office. I have had to purchase stationery and fuel from my own funds” he explained. “That during the month of June 2014, I was also forced by the prevailing circumstances to lease a motor vehicle to conduct the duties of Mayor because the said vehicle assigned to Mayor’s Office was laid up for repairs.” “It has also been the procedure that when the vehicle used by the Mayor is down for repairs or servicing, alternative transportation would be provided by the Town Clerk and Treasurer of the Mayor and City Council.” It is against that backdrop that the Mayor said, he is asking the court to compel Sooba and McCalmon to show cause why a writ of Mandamus should not be issued mandating them to provide transportation for the Mayor as well as issue requisition slips in the “approved manner” for the purchase of fuel for the vehicle assigned t o h i s o ff i c e f o r t h e performance of Mayoral duties. A writ of mandamus is an order from a court to an inferior government official ordering the government official to properly fulfill their official duties or correct an abuse of discretion. Once filed, a response is a mandatory requirement. Arguing that the acting Town Clerk and Treasurer
are acting “arbitrarily, unfairly and unreasonably,” Green is asking a High Court Judge to declare that his office has legitimate expectation for it to be provided with a motor vehicle and the requisite fuel, for the execution of its duties. He is also asking the court to mandate them to provide his office with alternative transportation whenever the vehicle
assigned it is down for maintenance or repairs. Green in his application is also asking for an order to compel Sooba and Mc Calmon to provide office supplies. He condemned the actions of the two officials, deeming it “malicious and prejudicial” He asks the court to declare that the “failure of the Town Clerk (ag) to provide the Mayor’s office with adequate fuel for the
CITY MAYOR Hamilton Green vehicle assigned is a dereliction of their duties.” He argues that he is e n t i t l e d t o t h e aforementioned facilities by
TOWN CLERK (Ag) Carol Sooba virtue of his office and that t h e To w n C l e r k a n d Tr e a s u r e r a r e a c t i n g arbitrarily, unfairly and unreasonably.
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Youth group secures funding for Regional education project
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Dr. Patrick Williams - Country Manager for WWF Guyana hands over the signed agreement and first disbursement to Mr. Mark Ross – Executive Director and Rianna Bowman - Deputy Executive Director of GYM-G as Mr. Karranchand Indarjit - Finance Officer - WWF looks on.
l o b a l Yo u t h Movement Guyana (GYMG) will embark on a one year Community Mercury Education and Awareness Project in Region Five. The project seeks to “stimulate community action on environment issues, specifically the use and effects of mercury by increasing awareness and building capacity of people to reduce pollution.” The $3.2 M project will be implemented with $1.3million coming by way of support from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas. Additional finances will be sourced from an existing project funded by the Global Environment Facility – Small Grants Programme executed by the United Nations Development Programme. The main components of the project are a public education campaign using mass media and training of Artisan and Small Gold Miners (ASGM) and jewelers on the effects of mercury on humans and the
environment. In addition to miners and jewelers the project seeks to inform a wider audience about these effects. GYM-G believes that with community actions there can be national and global impacts. Global Youth Movement – Guyana is a registered organization and was formed in 2011 by youth as a platform to celebrate United Nations designated International Year of Youth 2010-2011. It is a youth advocacy group which aims at engaging key stakeholders working in youth development on various issues affecting young people. The group had initiated International Year of Youth Activities in Guyana and has since undertaken many projects in coastal regions. Among the key policy issues the youth movement has been advocating for are the National Youth Policy, the formation of a National Youth Commission, a Youth Development Fund and the establishment of a nonpartisan youth parliament.
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Air Services limited to offer special packages for Guyana Festival
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move which can be described as both patriotic and good entrepreneurship has been made by Air Services Limited (ASL) in putting together unique tourism packages for the upcoming Guyana Festival. The Festival will be launched by the Ministry of Tourism at the Providence Stadium and is expected to run from August 8-10. ASL Manager, Annette Arjoon-Martins, told the media yesterday that it is anticipated that the Guyana Festival will create an influx of visitors from the diaspora, hence there will be a demand for lucrative packages to be offered. ASL is expanding its current weekly flights to Kaieteur Falls and will also offer helicopter tours of G e o rg e t o w n f r o m t h e stadium during the Festival. Flights to Kaieteur Falls will be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The company’s manager said that many visitors, although Guyanese, may be seeing the Falls for the first time, and “it’s an experience to remember.” Arjoon-Martins told media operatives “We are positive about the potential for growth in tourism in Guyana—we have so much to offer that is unique—and even though we’re adding these services because of the Festival, our plan is to keep them operating year-round. For those who have already experienced Kaieteur Falls and are looking for something new, we will be introducing landscape tourism flights with our helicopters. This concept provides the experience of flying amongst our beautiful tabletop mountains (tepuis) and a bird’s eye view of the incredible waterfalls cascading from them.” Day tours to Shell Beach will now be available for the first time via a one hour helicopter flight from Ogle International Airport. T h e m a n a g e r c o m m e n d e d To u r i s m Minister, Irfaan Ali for his initiative in the Festival which she said is a “unique event in that, for the first time, we’re seeing a presentation in Guyana that draws on every aspect of our
culture – music, dance, arts and crafts, cuisine, drama; comedy; etc – in one package, at one location, with very affordable admission fees. We also commend him for his willingness to cooperate with stakeholders such as Air Services to promote this event. Initiatives such as this from the Ministry are like opening windows into opportunities that enhance our economy.” Minister Ali said that ASL must be commended for the “tremendous” move as it not only invested in the resources to expand and recreate the business but has contributed to local tourism “which is very important. Our people must be able to see and enjoy the wonders of our own country.” He said that ASL’s move also reflects the active role being taken to ensure that the Guyana Festival is a success. He added that the festival is well anticipated in many countries that have a Guyanese community, “it will bring us together as a people.” In the run-up to the Festival, ASL will also be offering helicopter tours over Georgetown seven days a week from Ogle and during the Festival itself, two helicopters will be based at the stadium. Prior to the trip, travelers will be given a presentation by Arjoon-Martins on the geography and culture of the area, so that they will be familiarized with what they’re about to experience. The media was shown a few clips yesterday that served as a preview of what patrons will be offered. The Minister requested that the relevant information, along with the clips be added to the Ministry of Tourism’s website as well as on the Festival page so that tourists will have an opportunity to witness what is to be offered
even before arrival in Guyana. Also, yesterday four companies—Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T,) New GPC, Kings Jewelry, 704 and Jiffi Lubes—made cash donations towards the realization of the Guyana Festival. (Abena Rockcliffe)
A photo taken as a ASL chopper approaches Mount Roraima
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Saturday June 28, 2014
New York-based Guyanese arrested for killing wife he never had Inshan Ally holds his American passport
By Kiana Wilburg After working two jobs for almost 20 years in Queens, New York, a 44year-old male Guyanese decided to return to his country on June 21, last, to start a business. But his plans to do so were immediately set back when he was taken into custody at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for allegedly murdering his wife. Ironically, Inshan Ally, now a US citizen, has never been married. Ally explained that he had been in the United States for several years working as a painter and a delivery man. He enjoyed what he called “a humble and comfortable life” but he always yearned to return to his homeland to eventually set up a business. The New York-based Guyanese returned to Guyana, and when he reached immigration at the Airport about 11:30 pm, it was there his troubles began. In recounting the event,
the bachelor said, “When I showed my passport to the lady at the Immigration she punched in something on her computer and then said to me that something is wrong. So I asked her what happened and she told me how something is wrong and I can’t get back my passport. “So I got upset and asked why but she would not tell me. Her name is Simons. Then all of a sudden an Immigration Officer came and he told me he is here to escort me to a room for questioning. I beg them for a call to the American Embassy but they said I can’t have it. “Tell you the truth I became very scared. I started getting bad feelings because I know they have the wrong person. I was upset that I was denied just a single call because I think that is my right if I am an American citizen and I find myself in that sort of situation. “ He continued, “So they took me into the room, asked a lot of questions and they
held me there until the next morning which was Sunday. Then some of them come and take me out of the room and took me to the Criminal Investigation Department at Eve Leary.” After being grilled by several detectives, Ally was told that he was being held for “the murder of his wife.” He added, “Man I tell you, this situation was really scary. I swear that these people were going to make me go down for something I don’t even know. They kept asking me questions about a wife that I don’t have. I was beginning to think that this was a set up. “I pleaded to just listen to me but they continued to be very rude. My sister and other relatives came to the CID and a senior officer chased them out the compound. He didn’t care about anything I had to say. “I overheard some other officers saying that I am the wrong man and they told that to the senior officer but he didn’t listen. They then
locked me up at a Police Station. I spent Sunday night in the Turkeyen station.” The 44-year-old then said that the following day, (Monday, June 23), he was taken back to CID where detectives continued to question him about the alleged murder. Eventually detectives admitted that Ally was the wrong person. But even at this point, he was not released from police custody. The hardworking man was then told that he was on the USA wanted list and that further investigations need to be conducted. “They said that after they made some checks, I was on the US wanted list. The Crime Chief, Leslie James, however, was kind and more understanding. He allowed me to be released Monday night and a friend had to sign for me. “But the police at CID told me that they will hold on to my passport and I will have to come back on Friday to collect it because of new discovery. I found the wanted list allegation to be even more ridiculous because the people at JFK airport would have been signaled when I turned up there and presented my
passport.” Ally said that on Tuesday, he visited the US Embassy and informed them of the situation and the fact that his passport is being held by the police. The Embassy, he said, was very instrumental in ensuring that he got his passport that same day. The man said that the entire experience, was “horrible and shows how broken the police force is. Just imagine I came back to invest in my country and with the treatment I get you think I still want to be here? No way. They broke my spirit.” Ally said that he will be making moves to sue the Guyana Police Force, but
nevertheless expressed thanks for the efforts made by those at the Embassy and the Crime Chief. When asked to confirm some of the claims made by Ally, Superintendent James told this publication yesterday that, “Ally was not accused of murder. When he turned up at the airport and a check was made he was recognized as a person of interest and as such he was taken into custody. “I made some enquiries and he was subsequently released. I don’t know about his other claims like his passport being seized. I have no knowledge of his other allegations. But the matter was resolved and he was released.”
Damaged sewage mains create discomfort
Repairs in session for damaged sewer line in Light Street The ruptured main sewage line in Waterloo and Light Streets is the source of discomfort to the residents in the area. Guyana Water Inc. (G.W.I) in a report stated that ‘a truck belonging to a private company, damaged the G.W.I sewer main at the junction of Waterloo and Quamina Streets at approximately 11:00 hours yesterday,’ which resulted in a significant sewage spill.
A similar incident has occurred at the junction of Light and Second Streets, Alberttown where repairs are being conducted on a damaged sewage line. In that community, too, sewage is flooding a number of residences. G.W.I is urging commuters to exercise extreme caution at the junction of the damaged sewage mains
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 19
Coomacka road a Region Ten nightmare
C
oomacka is a community located some 12 miles on the outskirts of Linden; yet a trip by minibus to the central business district, takes about the same time that a minibus takes to commute between Georgetown and Linden—a distance of 66 miles— a little more than an hour. “The road to Coomacka is in an atrocious state”, residents complain, but according to them, their cries have been falling on deaf ears. “Is years we suffering. Look at this road, and all we keep getting is promises to fix it, but nothing forthcoming,” irate residents of Coomacka lamented. The Coomacka to Linden trip should not take more than 20 minutes, but here it is we taking more than an hour, and the ride is extremely uncomfortable,” a bus driver on the tortuous route recently complained. “How the people in this place surviving is a miracle, because this road ain’t easy at all. I only started working this route about a month now and already I feel like giving up because at the end of the day you tired- you bruk up, and you only making like three trips, because of the terrible state of the road. You vehicle can’t last.” The road which also leads to Three Friends, Yararibo, Ituni Aroaima and Kwakwani, has for a long time been in a deplorable state. Commonly referred to as a dry weather road, the recent intermittent rainfall has rendered this thoroughfare almost impassable. Vehicles have to travel at a snail’s pace, and drivers have to be expert at navigating and meandering
around the huge pot holes, which are filled with water. Some of the holes are however so large that there is no way around them, so driving through them is the only option. Many vehicles sometimes get stuck in the holes, and have to be pulled out, residents said. At present, two road construction machines are parked at the Old England/Sibierien Health Centre, but residents are not sure when work on the road would commence. “We need something to be done about this road. Is long we suffering and nothing has been done. Roads getting built and rehabilitated all over the place, but this road never getting any kind of attention. All that does happen is that sometimes it might get a little grading, but that is not enough, it needs rebuildingproper rehabilitation, not grading,” one resident opined. The 2014 budget saw $1B being allocated for the rehabilitation of critical interior roads, including the Linden to Lethem road. What residents of Coomacka and its environs want to know is, how much of that money will be allocated for the rehabilitation of this critical artery. However that is not their only concern, as most residents have voiced disapproval about the huge logging and hauler trucks that use the thoroughfare and contribute significantly to its state of disrepair. “Is either they get another road for these trucks, or have them pay a toll that can go towards the maintenance and rehabilitation of the road. (Enid Joaquin)
Serial arsonist captured... From page 13 terrorize the family. He also set fire on the dam behind the mother’s home. Residents subsequently checked the area and found a jar of gasoline, a new funnel, old newspapers, a hose, matches and cigarette lighters. According to a
police report, the cops received certain information and went to the man’s home about 17:00hrs on Wednesday. Upon seeing the police approaching, he attempted to escape. The ranks however pursued and managed to arrest him.
A vehicle entering a crater in the road
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 28, 2014
New GPL technology allows customers to read consumption online N
ew technology that will allow customers to check their consumption of electricity online has been introduced by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL).
According to the stateowned company yesterday, it has completed the installation phase of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project and has inaugurated its customer involvement phase.
GPL customers who reside or own businesses within Avenue of the Republic to Vlissengen Road and North Road to South Road in Georgetown, will be able to register online and read their consumption in real time from any internet-ready device from anywhere in the world. For customers using desktops, they will have to register using http://ami. gplinc.net while mobile
devices can do so by visiting http://ami-mobile.gplinc. net. “This new service is part of the company’s vision to transform the way it provides electricity services to its customers through the use of modern technology. The implementation of the AMI project commenced last year with the installation of approximately two thousand (2000) meters in the pilot zone.” GPL explained that the
Some of the new metering technology introduced in certain parts of the city.
AMI is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks and data management systems that enables two-way communication between GPL and customers. “ A M I m e t e r consumption can be read online and only requires customers to sign up using their account number and name. Customers can access updated readings of their electricity consumption every 15 minutes or hourly.” GPL said yesterday that the design of the technology also allows a smart comparative analysis for hourly, daily, monthly and yearly consumptions. In essence, GPL will be able to track unusual usage by customers and even in cases where customers would be using bypass to stop the meters from running, AMI would be able to pick up the patterns. “In addition, the new service provides customers with a calculator which calculates the wattage and the amount of electricity each electrical item present in the home or business uses. This knowledge provides customers with the power of making more value added decisions relative to purchasing energy efficient items and monitoring
usage.” The AMI technology is being implemented under the “Sustainable Operation of the Electricity Sector and Improved Quality of Service” project which is a US$5.5M loan agreement received through the Government of Guyana from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). GPL is investing millions to reduce losses from theft and technical problems. Already GPL has introduced an online possibility for customers to receive their bills. A US$40M-plus Chinese funded program to replace the transmission lines along the coast and build seven new sub-stations to manage the power is currently ongoing. Earlier this week, IDB announced that it has approved over US$60M in financing that will target the replacement of new transformers, hiring of management and improve efficiency at GPL. An increase in the demand for power has been pushing GPL to look for ways to source alternative, cheaper power, including a wind farm and hydroelectric facilities in the hinterlands.
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
Govt. to release 2012 population census on Monday
Chief Statistician, Lennox Benjamin Government is set to release the findings of a population head count on Monday at the Guyana International Convention Centre, the Bureau of Statistics announced yesterday. The preliminary report of the 2012 census will reflect the situation as at December 2012.
The report is expected to include a preliminary population count; the number of households and the average household size by Region; the regional population growth; regional population density; gender distribution and the population distribution by coastland and hinterland regions amongst others. Chief Statistician, Lennox Benjamin, said that the Preliminary Census Report is in keeping with a previously outlined timeframe. “The field exercises were completed in December 2012 while the final verification and editing finished in June 2013. Therefore, the preliminary report is being released one year after the final verification process.” Guyana’s last census was conducted in 2002 when a population of 751,023 was recorded. Census 2012 was part of the United Nations’ 2010 round of global population and housing censuses.
Faulty caesarean procedure...
From page 12 another doctor identified as Dr. Langhorne who instructed that the young mother be sent to Georgetown for advanced medical attention. After being examined at GPHC’s Accident and Emergency Unit, the young woman was placed in Ward E where she remained until after she had a CT scan and ultra sound done. The older Hernandez told this publication that medical professionals then informed her that her daughter had developed a pelvic abscess which had begun to turn gangrenous. As a result, the young mother was made to undergo a second surgical process two Tuesdays ago and subsequently had to do a blood transfusion. Then, on Sunday, the patient’s mother was contacted and informed that her daughter would have to be taken for another surgery (third). The mother recalled, “They call me and say how me daughter was at a critical state and they needed to buss back de cut, but when I go I see she had a new cut so now me child get three cuts, one under she belly and two down she chest.” Relatives say they were told that the doctor, whilst suturing the incision from the C Section, went too deep and mistakenly involved the young mother’s intestines. The young mother was then facing a situation where her faeces were escaping through the perforations in her intestines and therefore began to poison her; hence the ensuing bouts of fever, pain and vomiting.
Hernandez said, “De CT Scan and ultra sound show that she intestine bore up bad.” The family is of the belief that the doctor knew that something had gone wrong since she did not sign on the form indicating that she delivered the baby. “On the chart they had a line ‘delivered by:’ and she only put doctor, she didn’t sign. When we asked her name, she refused to give us. Then they call us in a meeting to tell we that is de baby de defecate in her and that she has an infection that they don’t know and will never know what it is.” Kaieteur News understands that the mother still has to undergo further surgery to remove a tube that is currently attached to her intestines through which her faeces leave her body. Hernandez told Kaieteur News that the staff at the ICU is trying their best to save her child’s life. Another relative said that “all the nurses are kind, except this one nurse who had an attitude this morning (yesterday) because she found out we went to the media.”
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Kaieteur News
VACANCY Cut Style Nah barber Shop hiring barbers to fill complete barber stations – Contact: 643-5177; 648-0123 One welder/fabricator – Tel: 642-7898 FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Dressed and mill cut lumber: Kabukalli, Silverballi, Greenheart, Crab Wood etc Call: 688-6579 Spares for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Dell computers with 17" Led -$59,000, laptops from $64,000, Blackberry 8310 $9,000 at Future Tech – Call: 231-2206; 644-6760 One Water Dredge; 14" Missile, in excellent condition, situated in upper Mazaruni River – Contact: 685-7193 Pure breed Rottweiler puppies for sale – Contact Natasha: 653-5132 Fluffy dachshund pups – Call: 670-2653; 618-1706 Three caterpillar engines: Model 3406-$1,6M, 3116 $1,1M, 3208- $1,1M. Contact 650-0402; Serious Inquiries Only Now In Stock Whole plucked chicken at BM Ent. Inc. contact: 227-8175/8176 delivery available Canadian rebuilt Perkins Duet engine, Lincoln generator welder, model AM with winch, 320 excavator – Call: 691-2921 Used pedicure chair, hair dryer and salon chair – Tel: 668-9583, 698-5272 One Tata Truck GEE 9962 in good working condition – Tel: 629-9286 One Toyota Hiace 2RZ minibus – Price: $1.5M negotiable, good condition – Contact: 677-9107 Household furniture, owner leaving country – Tel:226-9460 5000 gas fuel tank – Call: 601-3194 One fruit dryer machine (new) 2 compressors, distilled water machine, 4 mag rims – Call: 231-5171 or 619-7134 Two 3 months old male Rottweiler, parents are imported – Contact: 264-2870; 672-6402 or 665-9140 after 6PM. 1-18 Nissan outboard Engine & 1-4.5 Evinrude & 1 omega compressor Call: 220-7664; 6127206 Ask for Barman One slate pools table 8’X4’ $360,000–Tel:601-8083,689-2658
EDUCATION: Canadian School of Arts & Science, now enrolling students for summer classes in remedial Mathematics & English – Call: 216-6921 Certificate in home nursing and child care programmes – Tel:692-2063; 685-9095; 6130803 Transitional/Foundation summer classes Form 1, 2&3 July21-August22: Mathematics, English, Music, Spanish/Portuguese, IT, Etc – Call Mr. Lee: 2277850 Writing CXC Mathematics / English, January/ June 2015, placement in July; Additional Maths etc: Call Mr. Lee: 2312076 Teach yourself Graphics, video editing, accounting etc. Software and training tutorials available – Call: 603-6823 Canadian School of Arts & Science, Third Avenue, Diamond: CAT Accounting Classes begin on July 1, – Call: 216-6921/22 to register I.A.S : 2nd Street Alberttown, CXC Adults Classes, $1200 per subject, summer classes for children – 4-17yrs old $5,000 (6 weeks) – Tel: 2237906; 690-5008 FOR SALE Lots of Original PS2, PS3, 3Ds XBOX360 systems – Game parts – Call: 683-8386 HP Printer Ink - $2,000; Cannon printer ink - $2,500. Phone: 650-7699 One lady-driven new model RAV 4J ‘KK’ series - $2.5M negotiable – Tel: 609-8425
Porters, Moulder, Rip Saw, band saw & woodmizer mil operator, Mill Wright, Grant Manager – Call Richard: 6097675, 233-2614 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 670-8893/684-2838 Sewing girls with factory experience – Tel:622-4386 or 627-5378 Cashiers @ Shell Service Station Providence, EBD, Must be able to work shift (5am-3pm & 3pm-12pm) – Tel: 265-7305 Hard working, educated, easy to train & fill supervision job @ plant shop, able work along with staff 6481821 One female clerk – Tel: 2256481 Office clerk senior/junior CXC: English, Mathematics & computer knowledge an asset- Call: 225-0188/225-6070 Experienced News Reporter - $150,000 -$200,000; Hours: Midnight – 8AM; 6 days per week - Tel: 673-5475 One Log truck driver for the interior, with 5yrs experience. Call Jerry: 694-1258
Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heaven’s touch, visit us today! – 6684554
LEARN TO DRIVE
CATERING Roxy’s Snackette & Catering Services: Any occasion, daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, fruit juices, power porridge – Call: 2230092; 223-0095
Diamond: Avenue A - Three bedrooms, two-storey concrete house & 1st Bridge - Flat concrete & high house. Have property for sale? Contact: 643-7633 Concrete flat house with 3 bedrooms located at Tushen New Scheme – Call:692-3454 One 2 storey wood & concrete house, 3 bedrooms with one self contained with A/C @ Parika E.B.E – Call: 660-3118 Lot 1064/65 Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt Park, Gauling St . – Serious Offers only- Call:619-7299 Prime Property for sale – Light Street, Alberttown – Contact:639-3619, 619-7299 House & land for sale at Good-Hope, E.C.D – Tel:6211722 1-3 storey business – Opposite GPHC, Middle Street, 2 business property @ Whim Public Road Corentyne, Price Negotiable – Contact:619-7134; 225-6481 1-2 Storey roadside concrete and wooden house (45’X20") located at 57 New Road, V/ Hoop – Tel: 624-0779. 3rd Avenue Diamond 95X30feet, flat concrete house (nice deal) – Contact GME Realty: 231-2199; 2312200; 618-7483
MASSAGE
15 cu ft. Frigidaire Gallery Freezer and one Ultra Chef 13 cu ft. cooler/chiller - Call 622-2899
CAKES & PASTRIES Courses for cake decoration, cake & pastry, bridal accessories, Floral Arrangement – Contact: Sharon: 672-8768, 612-4193, 223-3303
PROPERTY FOR SALE 1-2 storey wooden & concrete house with 5 bedrooms, upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $38.9M Tel: 642-7898
Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 TOURS Suriname Tour Return: July 4th/ Caricom Holiday 4-7 July – Tel: 639-2663, 644-0185, 665-5171, 227-8290 LAND FOR SALE Eccles (100ftX50ft) - $3M, prime residential area – Tel: 218-5591; 675-7292
LAND FOR SALE Land for sale at Better Hope South – Price $6,350,000, negotiable – Tel: 642-7898 La Parafaite Harmonie $1.1M Grove- $2.6M (foundation) Herstelling $3.5M (110ftX60ft) – Tel:2185591, 675-7292 Land for sale 110X60 at 5th Avenue Diamond, EBD. For quick sale - $7M. Contact: 652-5601 Nimes Public Road, WBD, 1.4 Acres of prime property in the Vicinity 2 gas station – Contact: 223-9125; 614-1673, between 8:00am-5:00pm One transported lot @ Zeelught E.B.E – Tel: 6174439 Diamond, Grove, Land 40X80 feet $3.3M, Hadfield Street $14M, $12M, Kitty Railway 96X89X20X50ft – Contact GME Realty: 231-2209; 6187483
Saturday June 28, 2014
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241 Signature Sensation Wedding Special: Do any service over $5000 & get 20% off- Call: 622-2643/ 225-8701
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Permanent & Visitors Vi s a Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 2256496, 662-6045 Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032,647-2943 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312, 627-3206 (Nick) For low cost: Repairs to fridge, freezer, A/C unit, microwaves, TV & washing machine - Call: 629-4946 or 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734 NEED WORK CALL LABOUR READY STAFFING SERVICES AT: 603-6052 OR 227-2766 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $10,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766 Low cost TV commercials & branding visit: www.snappyadz.com or call: 603-6823 VEHICLE FOR SALE One Starlet (EP82) -Tel: 6435161 One BZ – Touring Corolla Wagon: AC, CD, 17" mags all wheels, Disk Brake, PPP series, never worked here – $1,050,000 -Tel: 619-1047. Diamond Auto Show: Blue Nissan, Blue Bird 2007, fully loaded, 2/4 wheel drive – Tel: 682-1822 One Toyota Marina 1992, Red, mag rim, DVD Player, AC. Price- $800,000 negotiable – Contact: 673-5475 One Leyland truck – Call: 6561067
VEHICLE FOR SALE 2006 Blue Nissan Titan. Fully Loaded GSS Series. Contact: 604-6108. 2009 Red Nissan Titan. Flex Fuel GRR Series. Contact: 604-6108. 1 Honda CRV, Toyota AT192, AT212, AE110 Corolla, Raum, Funcargo, Ep-71 Starlet, Nissan Pathfinder – Tel: 644-5096, 697-1453 Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered 212, Allex, old & new model Spacio, 05 & 03 Allion, Voxy- Call:6523820/ 665-4529 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 One Leyland Daf dump truck $2,5M, One S130 Bobcat $2,1M -Contact 6500402; Serious Inquiries Only Noah/ Voxy, unregistered, (private or bus), Toyota Regius/ Super custom, unregistered (goods) – Tel: 603-9700 One black Toyota Starlet – PHH Series, excellent condition, sunroof and back vizor equipped – call:6492645 One newly registered Toyota Premio, PSS Series – Contact: 670-4484 One RZ minibus BKK Series – Tel: 684-0990 We Order: Tacoma/Tundra/ Titan Body parts & Accessories – Contact Eddie’s Auto Spares – Tel:227-2835, 227-5381 New model Toyota RAV 4 $2.5M negotiable – Tel: 2255034, 639-5577 Toyota Avensis, Corolla 110, Tundra – Tel: 645-0078; 6030078 Toyota Sietna, 7 Seater $2.1M, Toyota Voxy bus both fully loaded - $1.8M negotiable, financing available – Tel: 629-2314 One 2003 unregistered Premio – 55000KM, excellent condition - $2.5M negotiable – Contact: 657-2790; 225-6810 New Toyota Noah: TV, Camera, 15" Rim – Tel:6632700, 629-2619 One Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 2250188, 223-7500, Mon-Fri 8:154:15pm, Sat – 8:15-1:15PM Ford F150; 2009 year, excellent condition – GRR 7452 – Tel: 227-3728; 6183712 (Continued on page 23)
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Where your views make the news
The grassroots forces can score an... From page 5 and this mass abandoning of the political dinosaurs will continue into 2016 until they learn the art of good governance. These political dinosaurs who control the APNU (PNC) and PPP continue to think that with all these serious allegations of corruption, past and present, going as far back to “Rigged Elections-Gate” in the PNC days to “SkeldonFactory-Gate” under the PPP today, that they can just manipulate their image with a few token inserts into their leadership with people from a different race and the crossover votes will flow like the Kaieteur Falls. Utterly political foolishness! In an environment of an everyouthful population and the advent of social media, the people now have the power to watch the political opportunism “ball by ball”. The people are fully aware of all the political gimmicks and the most probable outcome
in 2016 is another minority Government. Those who thought they could switch alliances like political grasshoppers and ignore the wishes of the people for genuine reforms will be taught serious lessons by the electorate in 2016. Afro-Guyanese vote for the Jennifer Wades who continue to do sterling grassroots political work for the people of West Berbice. Likewise Indo-Guyanese vote for the Vindya Persauds who have gone beyond the call of duty to preserve their culture and have done something real for women and the homeless in Guyana. People trust the Moses Nagamootoos because these kinds of people have always been with them in the mud, giving the voiceless a voice. People like the Jaipaul Sharmas and Mark Benschops will score in 2016 because they are always prepared to give genuine representation to the powerless and the oppressed. Real political success grows
with real grassroots work and genuine representation of the people’s interest on the little issues; not your race or your family connection. Before 2006, the people had no real alternative; today they have real options. To add to this reality, the racial enclaves are shrinking at a very fast pace. The IndoGuyanese and Afro-Guyanese populations have evaporated by some 11 percent and 5 percent respectively since 1964 to 2011 while the mixed population has doubled in the same period. So the racist political campaign will not and cannot work anymore. That is why forces such as the AFC, Independent Party (Benschop) and the Justice For All Party (Jaipaul Sharma) are very relevant in 2016, and can score an important victory for Guyana if they continue to do what they are doing; exposing the issues that are very important to the people and working with the people at the village level. Sase Singh
From page 5 and a culture of near total dependency. But we must ask the hard question – when will Mr. Granger and his team march into the villages with flowers and words of hope and explain their programmes. We especially expect the leaders of APNU to march into the East Indian-dominated communities like Enmore, Albion, Port Mourant and Black Bush Polder, just to name a few. Mr. Granger cannot be President of all of Guyana if he
cannot embrace and connect with all the people of Guyana – Indo and Afro-Guyanese, Amerindians, and the other races. All the people of Guyana need leadership in this hour of need. To be saved from the policy paralysis under the Jagdeo/ Ramotar cabal. They need a government that will share the country’s resources equally among its people and not a selected group of friends and relatives as is the case today. From the evidence at our disposal, we are convinced that Mr. Granger is a decent
individual, who was not associated with the rigging of elections, and thus it is a gross falsehood and blatant propaganda on the part of the PPP to accuse him of being involved in the rigging machinery that was alive during those elections. We believe that if Mr. Granger approaches this job with the dedication and the energy it deserves, the Guyanese people will give him a fair chance and Guyana will definitely prosper. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
From page 4 reputation for knowing right from wrong. “We need to do something different and change leadership,” he added. How similar or different are the problems which face Guyana’s WPA or the AFC? All the outdated leadership still rule the roost since their formation, with no democratic changes like in Trinidad. Both promise the moon and the stars, but are in no
position to deliver anything to Guyanese. Both suffer from widespread public perceptions that they do not know right from wrong to ignore approving the Anti-Money Laundering Bill which hurts all Guyanese. Both have so far failed to demand racial balancing of the armed forces and civil service, funded by taxpayers’ revenue. Whatever remains of their subsidiary faded identities after
being overshadowed by PNC/ APNU agenda domination is their fault completely, despite their advertised good intentions. \ It has completely rendered both parties’ racial rotating leadership as most inefficient and without hope of resolving Guyana’s many problems. Come the snap elections are Guyanese likely to remain in the same quagmire, regardless who wins? Sultan Mohamed
Guyana is experiencing its worst...
Will the AFC meet the same fate...
CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com ProgressiveAuto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental- $4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 628-2284 ,Email:pro_ autorental @yahoo.com Fab’s Car Rental- Call:6716051 Wings Car Rental- Call: 6906494/ BBM pin: 24E17558 Aidan’s Car Rental, Canter & Pickup- Call: 645-7981/ 6987807
WANTED Children feeding program continues, celebrating any occasion or just want to partake? – Call: 696-7467
(From page 22)
TO LET Two bedroom apartment, fully grilled with toilet & bath, UG area; preferably a couple or student – Tel: 654-9807 1 Bedroom apartments at Prashad Nagar – Fully furnished with internet, hot & cold water, air condition etc – Call: 611- 8584 for further information Kitty (business) - $65,000, Queenstown - $US650, Lamaha Garden - $US1000, Eccles- $US1200 – Contact Diana: 227-2256; 629-9382 Furnished and unfurnished two bedrooms apartment in Eccles, for short or long term – Tel: 690-6494
Chef & waitress at Hibiscus Restaurant – Call: 231-5857 PROPERTY FOR SALE Robb Street - $25M, Nandy Park - $22M, Eccles $21M$55M, Kitty - $35M – Call Diana: 227-2256; 626-9382
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Furnished new apartments USD$600-$1000 located in Ogle: Pool, parking, hot water, AC, Wi-Fi. Contact Richard: 622-7236 One bedroom furnished apartment, 1-2 bedroom apartment @ Lot 4 Henry Street, Werk-En-Rust – Call Winston: 660-6446 2 BEDROOM UPSTAIRS FLAT, LARGE VERANDAH & WASHROOM, PARKING ETC @ LAMAHA GARDENS – SERIOUS ENQUIRIES – CALL:6098132 OR 672-8569 (MAX) 1-2 Story 3 bedroom back house with grill, verandah, fence & prepaid meter, rent includes water - $55,000.00 @ Vreed-enHoop – Tel:685-7566 Mining Blocks to rent at Mazaruni and Kwakwani – Tel: 627-4900 Hair & nails station to rent @ Prime Location – Tel: 2254665; 602-0333 Self contained rooms in Prashad Nagar weekly and monthly rates – Call: 2272993/ 629-2424 Business place to rent, good for Boutique, Gift Shop or Variety Store – Call: 223-8257 GT TOOL RENTALS SPECIALSCONCRETESAW; JACK HAMMER WELDING MACHINE, PRESSURE WASHER & RANSOM – CALL: 675-0767; 627-5098.
WANTED Experienced roti/puri Cook, curry cook, handy boys Apply at Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Street, Georgetown Over edge, straight stitch, button & button tack operator to work at garment factory – Call:222-2541 Silverballi and Kabakalli logs - Tel: 653-9752 Experienced: 1 PAYE/NIS Payroll Clerk with office assistant duties – Tel:231-0363 One experienced general domestic. Must know to cook a variety of dishes; pleasant & trustworthy- Tel: 656-6388 Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter –Call: 225-0188, 225-6070 (Monday to Saturday ) (8:15am4:15pm) Heavy duty sewing machine and sorgors needed – Tel:622-4386; 627-5378 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subjects or sound secondary school education - Call: 612-1595 Female customer representative – CXC English, Mathematics and computer knowledge & customer friendly, written application- Call: 643-9268 INTERIOR EXCAVATOR OPERATOR SEEKS EMPLOYMENT WITH 8YRS KNOWLEDGE OF INTERIOR WORK, WELDING MACHINE – CONTACT:681-1605 Handyman must be skilful. Call Mr Waaldik: 231-2199; 618-7483 Welder, Gardener, Carpenter – Call: 265-3586 Live-in experienced domestic must know to cook & bake - $60,000 monthly & live-in waitress 18-25yrs - $50,000 monthly – Tel: 610-3974 We buy all low income land in La Parafaite Harmonie, Herstelling, Eccles, and NonPariel – Call: 218-5591 or 6757292 Experienced cashiers, counter servers. Apply at Hacks Halaal with written application: 5 Commerce Street. Housekeeper to work at hotel and one handyman – Tel: 602-0945 Couple from country. Wife: Domestic & Husband: Driving; free accommodation, high salary – Tel: 227-1830
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Saturday June 28, 2014
Health Ministry takes Chikungunya awareness... Current political climate... From page 6 cautioned that “people shouldn’t be running scared...What we are trying to do is contain it and if we can keep it where it is and, at the same time sensitise the rest of the population, we will be in a good place.” The fight against the virus, he said, is not merely dependent on the efforts of the Health Ministry but “people have to do things for themselves too...they have to make certain water is not opened around the place where the mosquitoes can breed and they have to keep
their environments clean.” In addition to sensitisation, the Ministry has been engaged in intense vector control activities including regular fogging, mainly in the sections of Berbice, where the virus has been confirmed, and Georgetown. And according to Moore the Ministry has only been utilising insecticides approved by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). In addition to PAHO, Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, during an interview, disclosed that the Health
Ministry has been working in close collaboration with a number of agencies, including the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. “We will continue to do what we started to do several months ago. When we were alerted that Chikungunya was in the Caribbean we knew that sooner or later it would be in Guyana and we started to take certain measures; urging that the city be cleaned and having the Minister of Local Government, (Norman Whittaker) scale up and push faster the half a billion dollar clean-up of the city,” related the Health Minister. Such efforts were seen as imperative the Minister said since “we do not want cases in the city because of its crowded nature; so we must be vigilant and we are urging citizens to keep clean their immediate surroundings.” Thus far, there have been 19 cases of the virus that have been confirmed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad. And the Minister has affirmed that two of the persons listed among the confirmed cases have residential addresses in the city. He insisted
that these persons, based on investigations by his Ministry, would have had interactions in the Berbice area which may have resulted in them contracting the virus. Meanwhile, Minister Ramsaran disclosed that the Health Ministry is poised to take advantage of an upcoming Pan American Health Organisation/ Centres for Disease Control (PAHO/CDC) collaboration, which is expected to see at least one local health worker travelling to Atlanta, Georgia in the United States for training. “We had deliberately, knowing that training was coming up, asked the authorities (PAHO and CDC) to extend that person’s stay to possibly get training to test for Chikungunya...so we are awaiting a reply; that will be our best option,” intimated the Health Minister. He had previously disclosed that while Guyana has the equipment to test for the virus at the National Reference Laboratory situated at the junction of Thomas and New Market Streets, Georgetown, qualified personnel to undertake the testing process are lacking.
From page 10 Commission collaborated with the Canadian High Commission to sponsor a Guyana Investment Conference. The object of the conference was to focus on the architecture • necessary to increase both local and foreign direct investment. Persaud said that the major conclusion that came out of this conference was the need to have a sound financial sector that complies with international standards such as those for the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Regime to be able to attract investors. The Commission also raised its voice on several occasions, supporting the need for Local Government Elections. As he neared his conclusion, Persaud reiterated sentiments expressed by Dr. Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank at the 44th Annual Board of Governors Meeting. Dr. Smith, he reminded had said that high energy cost is the major issue affecting the competitiveness of businesses within the Region. He had also recognized Guyana’s potential for the development of Hydro Power. “On behalf of the private sector, we would like to acknowledge publicly that we agree fully with the sentiments expressed by Dr. Smith and we call on the leaders of Guyana both in Government and the Opposition to work on
realizing our Hydro Power potential whether it is Amaila Falls or any other Source.” Also of significance was when he noted that the Private Sector is also “extremely concerned at this time” about the political climate that is prevailing in the country. Persaud concluded that the current political dispensation where there exists a minority Government with a majority Opposition in Parliament is the sole reason for the nonsupport of the AML/CFT legislation and the rejection of many other developmental and transformational projects that the private sector supported and endorsed. He added, “The PSC is of the view that under the current political dispensation, a spirit of compromise and negotiation should have or is needed to exist to achieve consensus on major national issues. We are disappointed that not adequate progress has been made in establishing win-win situations on many of the national issues by both the Government and the Opposition.” “The current political dispensation has its advantages but currently its disadvantages are more prevalent and this is poisonous to the growth of private businesses, job creation and our economy. The private sector is calling on the leadership of our country to seriously consider this fact and work towards reversing this situation,” the PSC Chairman concluded.
From page 6 public property for which appropriate sanctions are provided under the FMA Act. Asked to respond to this, Joseph Harmon, who was also on the APNU panel, told the media that the time is close where people who are responsible for expenditure of public monies will face the courts for infractions. “I don’t think there should be any dancing around this point…If you take public money and you spend it in your own way you should face the music.” According to Harmon, Guyanese will have to require that this is done.
“They (Guyanese) see low officials in small time theft or misappropriation of Government funds are hounded down, they are taken before the court …there should be no exception for any Minister who is responsible for that type of activity, they should also face the court.” He was adamant that Ministers who take tax payer’s dollars and spend it as if it were their own without the approval of the National Assembly “should also face the court and I believe that Dr Ashni Singh should be on his way there.”
From page 12 Should such a motion be successful it would force the Administration to call fresh General Elections. President Ramotar has already responded by daring the AFC to table the motion if it so desires. As it relates to APNU’s support for the AFC’s No Confidence Motion, Ally said that Government has been engaged in numerous things that warrant any Opposition to vote no confidence in them.
She did point out that the matter has not been formally brought to APNU by the AFC and further, if and when this is done, the first line of business would be to examine it at the level of the Shadow Cabinet. Based on her earlier pronouncements, Ally said that it is very likely that the APNU would support a no confidence motion against government. “I have no doubt we may support it,” said Ally.
APNU wants Finance Minister...
Govt. actions warrant...
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Iraq’s top Shi’ite cleric calls for prime minister to be chosen by Tuesday (Reuters) - The most influential Shi’ite cleric in Iraq called on the country’s leaders yesterday to choose a prime minister within the next four days, a dramatic political intervention that could hasten the end of Nuri al-Maliki’s eight year rule. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, who commands unswerving loyalty from many Shi’ites in Iraq and beyond, said political blocs should agree on the next premier, parliament speaker and president before a newlyelected legislature meets on Tuesday. Sistani’s intervention makes it difficult for Maliki to stay on as caretaker leader as he has since a parliamentary election in April. That means he must either build a coalition to confirm himself in power for a third term or step aside. Sistani’s message was delivered after a meeting of Shi’ite factions including Maliki’s State of Law coalition failed to agree a consensus candidate for prime minister. The United States and other countries are pushing
for a new, inclusive government to be formed as quickly as possible to counter the insurgency led by an offshoot of al Qaeda, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. The embattled Maliki accused his political foes of trying to prevent parliament from meeting on time and stirring up violence to interfere with the political process. “They worked to postpone the elections... and now they are working to postpone the first session of the council of representatives... but if they are not able to pressure us to postpone, they will go for inciting security incidents in Baghdad,” he said during a televised meeting with commanders. Over the past fortnight, militants have overrun most majority Sunni areas in north and western Iraq with little resistance, advancing to within an hour’s drive of Baghdad. Iraq’s million-strong army, trained and equipped by the United States at a cost of
some $25 billion (£14.6 billion) , largely evaporated in the north after the militants launched their assault with the capture of the city Mosul on June 10. Thousands of Shi’ite volunteers have responded to an earlier call by Sistani for all Iraqis to rally behind the military to defeat the insurgents. Under Iraq’s governing system put in place after the fall of Saddam Hussein, the prime minister has always been a Shi’ite, the largely ceremonial president a Kurd and the speaker of parliament a Sunni. Negotiations over the positions have often been drawn out: after the last election in 2010 it took nearly 10 months for Maliki to build a coalition to stay in office. Divvying up the three posts in the four days before parliament meets, as sought by Sistani, would require leaders from each of Iraq’s three main ethnic and sectarian groups to commit to the political process and swiftly resolve their most pressing political problems, above all the fate of Maliki.
EU signs trade pact with Ukraine, threatens sanctions on Russia (Reuters) - The European Union signed an historic freetrade pact with Ukraine yesterday and warned it could impose more sanctions on Moscow unless proRussian rebels act to wind down the crisis in the east of the country by Monday. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko came to Brussels to sign a far-reaching trade and political cooperation agreement with the EU that has been at the heart of months of deadly violence and upheaval in his country, drawing an immediate threat of “grave consequences” from Russia. Georgia and Moldova signed similar deals, holding out the prospect of deep economic integration and unfettered access to the EU’s 500 million citizens, but alarming Moscow which is concerned about losing influence over former Soviet republics. EU leaders meeting in Brussels demanded that, by Monday, Ukrainian rebels agree to ceasefire verification arrangements, return border checkpoints to Kiev authorities, free hostages and launch serious talks on implementing Poroshenko’s peace plan. “We expect progress in
the next hours,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. “If we don’t see any steps forward on any of the points, then we are also prepared to take drastic measures.” EU leaders said they were ready to meet again at any time to adopt significant sanctions on Russia. Diplomats said they could target new people and companies with asset freezes as early as next week. More than 60 names are already on the list. Although it has drawn up a list o f h a r d - h i t t i n g economic sanctions against Russia, the EU is still hesitating over deploying them because of fears among some member states of antagonizing their major energy supplier. “We are talking about possible sanctions against Russia but we do not have to introduce sanctions for the sake of sanctions. We do have a need for a dialogue. I hope this dialogue will take place and we will have a real ceasefire,” Poroshenko told a news conference in Brussels. Poroshenko has drawn up a 15-point peace plan to defuse the crisis in eastern Ukraine, where hundreds of people have been killed in
clashes between security forces and pro-Russian rebels. A week-long ceasefire was had expired yesterday. Poroshenko said yesterday he would take a decision on extending a ceasefire in the east of the country when he returns to Kiev following an EU summit in Brussels. But, according to two EU diplomats, Poroshenko told the leaders of France and Germany he was proposing to extend the ceasefire by 72 hours, coinciding with the EU’s deadline. Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova have made clear their ultimate goal is EU entry but Brussels, under pressure from voters weary of further expansion, has made no promise it will allow them in. Ukraine’s former proMoscow President Viktor Yanukovich turned his back on signing the EU agreement last November in favour of closer ties with Moscow, prompting months of street protests that eventually led to his fleeing the country. Soon afterwards, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region, drawing outrage and sanctions from the United States and EU, and proRussian separatists began an uprising in eastern Ukraine.
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
Gunman kills bodyguard of senior Trinidad public servant PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Police were searching for the gunman who shot and killed the bodyguard of a public servant who had recently indicated that threats had been made against her life amid allegations of corruption within a government-funded programme. Curtis Gibson was shot several times at his home in Malabar, east of Port-ofSpain. Television reports on Thursday night quoted the wife as saying that she could only
scream in terror as the gunman fired several shots at Gibson, whom she said had also received death threats. Gibson, 42, had been identified as the bodyguard of the deputy director of the controversial Life Sport Programme, Ruth Marchan, who had earlier this month gone public with a threat on her life and that of two senior officials at the Ministry of Sport following the suspension of the programme.
Third oldest Commonwealth Parliament wants to dump British political system
The Parliament buildings in Bridgetown, Barbados (Credit: Caribbean360/Bigstock) BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – With experience of the Westminster parliamentary system for 375 years in their consciousness, Barbadian politicians are saying they want a change from this adversarial mode of governance. Speaker of Parliament, Michael Carrington, on Thursday said the one reservation he had regarding Barbados’s Parliament is that the adapted the British Westminster system, which, “appeared to pit Government and Opposition inexorably
against each other in aggressive, contentious and oftimes seemingly unnecessary confrontation”. Carrington, an elected member of government, was speaking at a joint meeting of the two chambers of parliament – House of Assembly and Senate – to mark the 375th anniversary of that institution in Barbados. “Hunkering down behind traditional battle lines of political tribalism cannot help this country,” Opposition Leader, Mia
M o t t l e y, s aid, adding “bipartisan cooperation, led by a new generation of patriots who put the national interest above all else, is what Barbados needs”. “Genuine parliamentary reform must find creative ways to embrace all talents and welcome all constructive contributions,” she said. Within the Commonwealth, only the British Parliament, started in 1215, and the Bermuda Parliament, that began in 1620, are older than the Barbados Parliament.
IMF boss says no more harsh fiscal measures required for Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica: The managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, says there is no more need for Jamaica to impose harsh fiscal measures under its four-year extended fund facility. Speaking yesterday after a meeting with Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at Jamaica House, Lagarde who is on a two-day visit here, said the country has made a very strong start to its programme having met all
agreed benchmarks in the four quarterly reviews conducted. “This is particularly true of the fiscal front. The authorities have to now stay the course. But not take more hardship methods of the fiscal front,” said the IMF boss. Lagarde also noted that Jamaica has the full support of the IMF. “We stand ready to help in any way we can but it is up to the Jamaicans - the public and private sectors - working in close harmony to build a
better future for this beautiful country,” she said. According to Lagarde, the IMF recognises that some of the adjustments have been painful in the short term with many Jamaicans facing wages freezes and higher food prices. However, she said the IMF programme includes a floor for social spending and protection of the most vulnerable at all times and Prime Minister Simpson Miller is the “best advocate” for the vulnerable.
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Saturday June 28, 2014
Guyana Police Force enlists 131 recruits Vryman’s Erven Secondary
hit by thieves again
Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud inspects the ranks during the parade yesterday The Guyana Police Force has been boosted by 131 recruits. The recruits were officially admitted into the Guyana Police Force during a “Passing out Parade,” held at the Tactical Service Unit drill square, Eve Leary yesterday. During the ceremonial parade, Commissioner of Police (Ag), Seelall Persaud, charged the recruits to remain focused and committed to their oath of service. The Commissioner expressed confidence in the ranks, for their completion of five different courses within the past six months. “I wish to congratulate you all for successfully completing your respective training courses. You have survived the physical and mental training at Felix Austin Police College to become fullfledged members of the force. You have sacrificed a lot over the last six months and have worked hard to start your new careers.” The Commissioner urged
the recruits to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired through training in their daily efforts as police officers. “You have learnt to be cool and to keep composure under intense situations. Do not throw it away. Every action you take will be subject to scrutiny. Ensure that you stay dedicated to the oath. How you carry yourselves, reflect on your family, the Force and the communities you represent. You will be required to protect homes, schools and rights of c i t i z e ns within these communities.” The ranks underwent 54 lectures under the theme “Training with the Focus of Maximizing Vision and Skills for Enhancing Leadership within the Guyana Police Force.” The training was facilitated by lecturers from the University of Guyana and senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force.
The theoretical aspects of the training included policing duties and procedures in accordance with the laws of Guyana, human rights in policing, domestic violence/ child abuse and community policing. The lectures addressed issues of character building and performance, anger management, enhancing communication skills, motivational skills and improving language skills. Police Training Officer, Senior Superintendent Paul Williams emphasized that the hallmark of success in the Force is to be committed trustworthy and community oriented. “A person joining the force as a constable shall be on probation for two years. At the expiration of the two years, the probationer if efficient, of good character and qualifies thereafter, shall be confirmed as in their appointment in the force. “Therefore it is expected upon being posted to various departments within the force the recruits are to be mentored supervised and closely monitored for a work and conduct report which will be graded in their final probation period.” Williams said that once it is proven that the constable has not satisfied the requisite requirement he/she will not be confirmed as a member of the Force.
Vryman’s Erven Secondary hit by thieves againThieves have once again hit the Vryman’s Erven Secondary School in New Amsterdam. The school, which is a regular target for thieves, recently had its staff room broken into and ransacked. Window panes of the Deputy Head-teacher’s office were also removed in a bid to gain access. They carted off the school’s water pump, leaving the teachers and students without potable water for much of the past week. A new pump was purchased by the guard service and returned to the school yesterday. The school is protected by round-the-clock guards under the security firm, ‘Homesafe Security’ of Main and Trinity Streets, New Amsterdam. There are supposed to be four guards stationed on every shift. According to reports, the
guards would regularly sleep on the job. None of the guards on duty during the night of the break-in saw or heard anything. “When I asked about the pump, he said he don’t know nothing about it; he said he ain’t know about it and he ain’t paying for no pump,” one neighbour recalled. Kaieteur News was informed that break-ins at the school are regular occurrences, even though the facility is under watch by guards. Several guard services have been attached to the school over the years. About ten years ago, thieves broke into a newlyconstructed concrete hut and carted off a large generator. The guard hut was located right next to that hut. The generator was never replaced. A few weeks ago, the school’s canteen was also vandalized. “Is so this security service operating—
just so! If we work overtime, we ain’t getting paid for the overtime, you know,” complained one of the security guards attached to the firm. “They don’t pay—that’s why we working our straight hours and when time reaches, we gone,” the guard stated. He said that they are forced to leave their posts whether they are relieved by a new guard or not, since they are not paid for overtime. It was reported that several guards have accumulated overtime since December of last year but have not been paid. Even the supervisors are being accused of not making spot- checks on their employees at their various posts. “In the night, who feel like checking, they check— who ain’t feel like checking, is duh…so it a guh. Everybody doing their own thing!” Several efforts to reach the Head of Homesafe Security proved futile.
Man attempts prison escape after receiving jail sentence In a desperate bid for freedom, a 23-year-old man yesterday attempted to flee from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court moments after he was sentenced to prison on a drug trafficking charge. Ian Smith, of 23B Norton Street, Georgetown was fined $30,000 and sentenced to four years imprisonment by Magistrate Fabayo Azore. He was charged after being busted by police ranks on December 20, last year, with two parcels containing a total of 3.970 kilograms of marijuana at his residence. The police managed to prove during the trial that the drug was intended for trafficking. Three days after the bust, Smith was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry to face a drug trafficking charge and pleaded not guilty. The case was
Ian Smith wrestle with police ranks moments after his attempted escape subsequently transferred to Magistrate Azore and Smith was prosecuted by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Deneashwar Maindranauth. Yesterday marked the end of his trial when the Prosecution was told that it had successfully established its case against Smith. Magistrate Azore stated that she disbelieved the defence the accused attempted to lead. Smith, she recapped, had called upon his landlady to offer evidence on his behalf. The Magistrate, responding yesterday stated that she disbelieved the landlady who claimed the police had a key to the house and they went in and searched his room. Smith was sentenced in
his absence. The police had failed to present him before the court. However, on receiving word of the sentence, Smith attempted to escape. In the midst of two police ranks, Smith was standing at the court’s Avenue of the Republic gate when he learnt of the sentence and attempted to flee. The prisoner had a handcuff attached to his right hand and was seemingly urging ranks not to cuff the other. As they tried to cuff him, Smith wrestled with them and tried to run away. The two ranks, who responded immediately, snatched him and were soon joined by others who suppressed him. Smith was placed into the court lockups and later taken to the Georgetown prisons.
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
Joaan Deo wins Lusignan... score of 39 points, some 4 points clear of the second place winner with 35 points. Joaan also won the Nearest to the Pin prize. She was very pleased at her success, “It feels good winning this Tournament, This has been my best play so far for the year, returning a gross 45 on the front 9, and 39 on the back 9 to give me a total of 84 over the 18 holes.” (The golf course has 9 holes, each hole is played twice producing a total of 18 holes.) Other top performers
were: 2nd place with 35 points - Haresh Tiwari, (Club Treasurer,) handicap 14; 3rd place with 35 points - Ian Gouveia, handicap 11; 4th place with 34 points Sam Harry, handicap 8. ( L a s t y e a r ’s w i n n e r Christine Sukhram also did 34 points but could not be placed because of her handicap - 7.) The peculiarity of the Stableford system is that the winner is the one who scores the highest total points and not the lowest total strokes as in the normal competition. In this
system points are awarded for the play at each hole and not for the strokes to sink the ball. If strokes exceed a limit no point is awarded, if strokes are less than the limit points are awarded – the lesser the strokes, the more points. The golfer’s final score is the total points earned for the scores on each individual hole. As a format for club tournaments, Stableford is popular in Europe, the U.K., and South Africa, among other locations.
Saturday June 28, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may be looking forward to talking on the phone with someone dear who lives far away, Aries, but circumstances beyond your control could get in the way. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Although business and money matters continue to go well, some rather unsettling news regarding either your finances or the economy in general could reach you today, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may have been looking forward to a social event, group activity, or perhaps a get-together with a lover today, but circumstances beyond your control throw some unexpected obstacles in your way. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Although you've been feeling especially strong physically over the past few days, Cancer, today you might feel a little under the weather. You could even experience some giddiness.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you might take up some sort of occult study, such as astrology, numerology, or alchemy that seems like Greek to you at first, Libra. As a result, you could be tempted to abandon it. Don't! SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A friend might be in such a dour mood that you wonder if this is the same person you know and love, Scorpio. During the day you might be tempted to try to analyze what's going on, but this is apt to raise more questions than answers. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) A friend or romantic partner might need your advice, Sagittarius, and want to discuss a few things that you don't really understand. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you might read a book on exercise or nutrition that seems a bit unsettling, Capricorn. According to the book, you're doing everything wrong!
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Emotional matters could hit the fan today at a social event or group meeting of some kind. Those around you are apt to be feeling especially stressed and volatile, Leo, so be prepared for anything.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) YMemories and emotions welling up from the past might excite your creative impulses today, Aquarius. You may not quite be able to understand what all of this means, but the pictures should keep coming to you nonetheless.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Stress might be getting the better of a household member today, Virgo. This person feels emotionally volatile. The least irritation could set off a temper tantrum. Try to ease the pressure by staying out of the way.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A subject you're researching, perhaps for a class or workshop, might prove more difficult than you expected, Pisces. The resources you consult might be very scholarly and thus difficult to read.
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La Belle Hotel and Bar dominoes to start July 5 La Belle Hotel and Bar pre Caricom Day Dominoes tournament will commence on July 5 at the above named venue, Norton Street. Action gets underway at 15:00hrs and teams registered before double six time will be given a free entry. Thereafter teams will be required to pay an entrance fee of $6,000. One re-entry will be accepted and the winning team will pocket a trophy and $90,000. The second and third place prizes are yet to be decided. The finals will be played on July 7 at the said venue. The tournament was launched yesterday at La Belle Hotel and bar with a simple ceremony. Secretary of the entity Seizana Elliot presented a cheque of an undisclosed amount to secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Mark
Secretary of La Belle Hotel and Bar Seizana Elloit (left) presents the cheque to Mark Wiltshire. Wiltshire. She noted that the sport is on the rise and hoped that the tournament will be successful. Elliot said they are pleased to be associated with Dominoes and wished the teams well. Wiltshire
thanked the company for their input and informed that the tournament is expected to be an exciting one since some of the top teams in Georgetown are expected to participate.
Eletra Sports Club launches... From page 33 assistance,” Persaud disclosed. Daniel Richmond is coach of the two cricket teams for the Educational institution while Gobin Coaches the school’s football team. Persaud informed that the Club has sent out over 100 letters seeking sponsorship but the response has been less than favorable while an ugly incident at the Better Hope ground on the East Coast of Demerara when the club requested the use of the venue for matches, suggested racial discrimination. The Eletra Institute is hoping to send two teams of 15 players each in addition to the officials and anyone interested in supporting the Educational Institution could contact Persaud, Gobin or Shavani Balkaram on telephone numbers 660-6959,
693-0994 or 216-3385 for more information. Ascension Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Cummings Lodge Secondary,
West Ruimveldt Primary and Eletra Institute were the schools which competed in both Football and cricket yesterday.
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Kaieteur News
GABF selects final men’s basketball team - Ansa McAl sponsors warm-up uniforms
Rawle Marshall
Akeem Kanhai
Dwayne Roberts The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has named the National Men’s Basketball team that will compete at the Caribbean Basketball C o n f e d e r a t i o n Championships in the British Virgin Islands with Ansa McAl sponsoring warm-up uniforms. The GABF had shortlisted 18 players last weekend to continue training for selection on the final national roster, which was named on T h u r s d a y, a c c o r d i n g t o GABF President, Nigel Hinds. The team features 15 players with 12 being
The Ansa McAlsponsored national men’s basketbal l warm-up uniforms that will be worn during the 2014 Caribbean Championships in Tortola. chosen on game nights. The 15 players selected include former NBA player, Rawle Marshall as Captain,
Andrew Ifill Akeem Kanhai, Andrew Ifill, Andre De Florimonte, Dwayne Roberts, Ray Victor, Richard Hall, Ryan Stephney, Ryan Gullen, Shane Webster, Shelroy Thomas, Tyler Persaud, Keron McKenzie, Kevan Creppy and Gordon Klaiber. The management team of the national unit include Pepsi Sonics Coach, Mark Agard as National Coach with Linden’s Amelia’s Ward Jets, Kevin Joseph as Assistant Coach. Initially, Guyana’s most successful domestic coach in the last season, Darcel Harris, was named Assistant to Agard, but for unknown reasons Harris showed no interest in the position. The Team Manager is Plaisance Guardians Coach, Jun ior Hercules, while Colts’ Troy Greene is Assistant Manager. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) accredited referee, Sherwin Henry, rounds up the 20-man Guyanese basketball contingent. Of the 15 players selected, nine are overseas-based while six are locally based. K l a i b e r, w h o i s a professional player in Japan, arrived in Guyana yesterday morning while the GABF was assured of verifying Guyanese citizenship for Creppy and Persaud. Chris Wi l l i a m s , Royston Siland, Dave Causway and Travis Burnett, who are all locallybased, were the four players, who were dr o p p e d . T h e n a t i o n a l m e n ’s b a s k e t b a l l t e a m departs Guyana tomorrow for Tortola, British Virgin Islands for the July 1-12 Caribbean Confederation Championships. (Edison Jefford)
Saturday June 28, 2014
GCF National Championships Juveniles included for first time Time Trials today, Road Race tomorrow; times adjusted to cater for WC matches All the necessary ingredients are in place for an explosive National Cycling Championships 2014 hosted by the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) today and tomorrow. UK based female rider Claire Fraser-Green has made the long trek back home to compete like she has been doing and will start as favourite to reclaim the title that was won by Naomi Singh last year. Singh, Kaieteur Sport understands, is overseas at the moment which means that Toshwanna Doris and Marica Dick of Berbice are the possible threats to the experienced Fraser-Green. GCF President Cheryl Thompson has disclosed that they have included for the first time, the juvenile category with a view to encouraging the younger riders who have been doing well over the past few years. Thompson also disclosed that in keeping with the FIFA world Cup, Brazil focus and the start of the round-of-16 today, the GCF will start early today and tomorrow to
accommodate the riders and officials who are football fanatics and followers. The Time Trials today will start at 10:00hrs at Loo Creek on the Linden Soesdyke Highway proceed to Kairuni before returning to the starting point for the finish; registration will commence one hour earlier. The senior riders will do 20 miles, juniors 15 while the ladies, juveniles and veterans will cover 12 miles. Tomorrow’s Road Race will pedal off at 07:00hrs after registration at 06:00hrs. Seniors will cover 100 miles from Homestretch Avenue to Kairuni, Linden Soesdyke Highway and return. Juniors will do 70 miles turning back at the Police Outpost on the Linden Soesdyke Highway and back to the starting line. Veterans and ladies will cover a distance of 45 miles turning back at the first Parking Lot at Kuru Kururu o the Linden Soesdyke Highway while the juveniles will cover 40 miles, turning back at Coverden on the East Bank and returning to the
place of origin. The junior category can be the most exciting category with the likes of defending champion Michael Anthony set to take on the challenge of rivals Akeem Arthur, Stephano Husbands, Shaquelle Agard, Alanzo Ambrose, Jamal John, Raphael Leung and Raul Leal among others. Not to be outdone, the senior riders will have their own rivalry brewing between reigning champion Raynauth Jeffrey and USA based Geron Williams who has returned to compete. Add to the fray, the likes of Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams, Robin Persaud, Paul Choo-Wee-Nam, Christopher Holder, Albert Philander, Godfrey Pollydore, Orville and Delroy Hinds and fans are in for a major treat. Alanzo Greaves who is currently training in the USA has been exempted by the GCF. Defending Under-45 veteran champ is Junior Niles while the Over-45 king is Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson. The Time Trials will be contested as open veteran.
Keen competition expected in Wartsila Golf tourney this weekend President of Lusignan Golf Club, David Mohamad expects keen competition today as over 40 Golfers will Tee-off at 12:30pm when the Wartsila sponsored competition gets underway at the Lusignan Golf Course. Wartsila has a history of great prizes and incentives for players, and a great happyhour session at the end of play. But it is the motivation to win that produces the excitement as the players eagerly tee-off. Both Vijay Deo and Archbishop Dr Philbert London, the winners of the two previous Wartsila Tournaments, are registered to compete in this weekend’s action. Wartsila sponsored two previous tournaments on June 15, and November 16,
2013. Winners were, respectively, seasoned player Vijay Deo, handicap 8, and current Club Vice President, freshman Archbishop Dr Philbert London, handicap 28. On those occasions Vijay Deo returned a gross of 75 giving him a net 67, while Dr London returned a gross of 92 giving him a net 64. In addition to all the other Golfers, who are striving for the Champion’s cup, the two previous winners are looking forward to even better performance than previously. These days it seems the competition is so keen that inclement weather hardly discourages the Golfers. Club President Mohamad said, “The course is in good condition. The ground staff
are working assiduously to ensure that despite the days of rain, the ground would be in a condition that makes play still refreshing.” Wartsila representative Mr Arron Fraser cited that, “Wartsila is pleased to be associated with and to support the LGC, especially because we recognize the Golf programme in Guyana is one of the better organized and properly run sports.” In addition, Mr Wesslin Mattie of Wartsila, who is an ardent golfer and who introduced Wartsila to sponsoring a Tournament for the LGC, had at the start expressed his appreciation for Wartsila being called upon to contribute to the sport in Guyana.
Rising Sun/Inshan Bacchus ... From page 31 take home $500,000 and trophy. The G3 and Lower event is once again expected to be competitive as the animals will race over 1000M for a winning take of $400,000 and trophy. The H1 and Lower horses will run for a top prize of $400,000 and trophy also over 1000M. The introduction of the Two-year-old Guyana and West Indian- bred horses will see them compete over 600M for a first prize of $300,000 and trophy. Horses running in the I1 and Lower
1000M race will battle for a first prize of $250,000 and trophy. The final event for the day is for animals classified J and Lower for a winners money of $200,000 over 1000M. Top individual performers including top jockey, trainer and stable will receive incentives compliments of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market and the organizers. Persons with queries can contact C. Ramnauth on 337-5311, Fazil Habibulla on 657-7010, Inshan Bacchus on 629-9419 and Chandu Ramkissoon on 232-0633/ 624-9063. Race time remains 12:30hrs.
Saturday June 28, 2014
Kaieteur News
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West Indies v New Zealand, 3rd Test, Barbados, 2nd day 4th annual Trophy Stall volleyball curtails West Indies progress competition set for tomorrow at PMTC courts Rain ESPNcricinfo - A resolute The Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) with sponsorship from Mr. Ramesh Sunich of The Trophy Stall will be holding the 4th Annual Trophy Stall Volleyball Competition on Sunday at the Port Mourant Training Centre Hardcourt, starting at 10:00hrs. A number of top teams from Berbice are expected to participate in the one day competition and among them are:- PMTC 1, PMTC 2, Port Mourant Jaguars, 3 Door Strikers of D’Edward, Rollers of New Amsterdam, Falcons of East Canje, Albion Sports Complex and Jets of Skeldon. This year the competition will be bigger than before as the BVA has invited teams from the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) to participate in the competition. So far two of the top teams from the DVA in Achievers and the GDF have indicated that they will a part of the competition. While a female team from Demerara is also expected to participate. The first, second and third place winners in the male category will receive trophies as will the first and second place winners in the female category. Among the individual prizes up for grabs in both categories are –MVP,
Ms. Petal Badrie of the Trophy Stall hands over one of the trophies to Mr. Godwyn Allicock (BVA Treasurer/Competition Director). they will receive trophies. While medals will be at stake for best setter, best spiker, best blocker, best server, best defence and best libero, again in both categories. The BVA is expected to use the occasion to select a squad to go into training to represent Berbice in InterAssociation competition slated to be played shortly. The event is expected to
be graced with the presence of the President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation, Mr. John Flores. The BVA wishes to thank the sponsor Mr. Ramesh Sunich for his unwavering support in assisting to promote and develop Volleyball in Berbice and Guyana as a whole. All teams are urged to be punctual for the Opening Ceremony.
Rising Sun/Inshan Bacchus horserace meet pushed back by one week The Rising Sun Turf Club/ Inshan Bacchus ‘Hard Runnings’ Trucking Service grand one day horserace meet which was set for tomorrow has been push back by one week due to the inclement weather. Persistent rain over the past few days left the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park West Coast Berbice venue in a soggy state leaving the organizers with no alternative but to push the event back to Sunday 6th July at the same
venue. The Eight race programme has over $8M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs and had so far attracted over 65 of the country’s racehorses. The programme remains the same with the feature race set for horses classified D1 and lower with a lucrative first prize of $1M and trophy up for the taking over 1500M. Among the horses entered for that event are Treacle, Swing Easy, City Tune, Run
Nana Run, CP Got Even, Tororoso, Milwaukee Blitz, Jack is My Style, Red and Lovely, Africanist and Goodwill Boy. The other events on the days card are the co-feature event for three-year-old Guyana and West Indiesbred animals with a first prize of $600,000 and trophy over 1400M. There is a race for animals classified F1 and Lower also 1400M with the winner set to (Continued on page 26)
half-century from Kraigg Brathwaite was the cornerstone of West Indies progress on the second day. However, the majority of it was lost to rain. Grey clouds had circled Kensington Oval throughout the morning session and limited the day’s play to less than six overs after lunch. New Zealand might not have minded the intervention. They had begun well but lost the initiative by flitting between various lines and lengths. The first half hour lived up to its clichéd billing with the ball buzzing past the batsmen’s ears. Chris Gayle was placed under particular discomfort as Trent Boult softened him up and Tim Southee almost had him caught at leg gully. New Zealand might have persisted with the experiment a little more, but Gayle hit himself out of trouble and three fours in three balls earned him some breathing space. He was approaching a third fifty in four innings when the temptation to loft Mark Craig became too strong and he holed out at long-on. The offspinner would have relished the wear and tear on the pitch at Kensington Oval. There was rough to exploit against both right and lefthanders but he could not quite assert himself the way Sulieman Benn did on the first day. Brathwaite was one of the reasons for keeping Craig at bay. His solidity was a known quantity in West Indies. His driving was eye-catching - a strong forward stride to underpin a strong push. He used a strong bottom hand to assist his back foot play. He struck 10 fours and none of them bore the imprint of being hit too hard. It was a mark of his composure at the crease, but he might have been a touch too lax as he drove on the up and was caught at cover. The scoring rates in this Test have been very healthy. Kirk Edwards contributed to the continuation of that trend.
His strokes were more flashy and fueled a second-wicket partnership of 74 with four fours and a six. West Indies’ top order is not often the most reliable but having gone in with five bowlers, they had extra responsibility and the response so far must be pleasing to the captain Denesh Ramdin. New Zealand fussed over the ball for much of the morning session, trying to persuade the umpires to change it. When their efforts did bear fruit, the replacement seemed to offer the seamers a bit more bite but Boult and Southee, on whom the visitors’ attack sorely depended, were rather lacklustre and West Indies benefited to the tune of 127 runs for the loss of two wickets. New Zealand needed to streamline their plans after lunch,
especially with Edwards chugging along on 41 off 45 and the new batsman, Darren Bravo, fresh off a century in the previous Test. Brendon McCullum had employed attacking fields - his ploy of using a silly mid-on almost bore fruit, but Brathwaite’s lazy drive had fallen short. He worked the same principle against Edwards, whose strokeplay was characterised by hard hands, by having two short covers. He made the right moves and after the break his bowlers responded better. Craig went around the wicket to generate some good bounce, Neil Wagner was persistent. Contest had been imbued back into the game, but it was not allowed to unfurl as what began as a faint drizzle kept gaining strength.
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Kaieteur News
Luiz Felipe Scolari admits to Brazil nerves Luiz Felipe Scolari (left) gives instruction to his star player Neymar. (Reuters)
BBC Sport - Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari admits his side is becoming more afraid as they prepare to face Chile in the first of the World Cup knock-out matches. The South American rivals meet today with Scolari aware there is no margin for error. “It is normal for us to be anxious, especially now in the knockout stage where we cannot lose,” he said. “We become more afraid, more nervous. It is normal. Not because it is in Brazil, but
because it is a World Cup.” He added: “You only get the chance to get to the final if you win.” Host nation Brazil won two and drew one of their group games to qualify comfortably for the last 16, with star man Neymar scoring four goals in the three games. But Chile were also impressive in wins over Australia and Spain to book their passage from Group B. And Scolari, who led Brazil to World Cup success in 2002, said shortly after the
draw for the tournament was made last December that one of the opponents he would least like to face would be Chile. “I’d rather play any of the others. They’re a pain to play against,” said the former Chelsea coach. Brazil v Chile: Head to head Brazil have won 10 and drawn two of the last 12 games between the two. Brazil have won all three of their World Cup meetings. Brazil last went out in the second round of the World Cup in 1990.
Guyanese ‘Ruggers’ hope to create history against USA today The 27-man National Rugby squad, inclusive of 23 players, will be looking to add another glowing chapter in the history of the sport today in Atlanta in the United States of America (USA) when they take on USA South in the final of the North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Men’s 15’s Rugby Tournament. Guyana won the right to face the USA South for the NACRA Men’s 15’s title after defeating Trinidad and Tobago 15-8 in the final of the Northern Zone at the National Park in Guyana, while the USA South beat the Cayman Islands 34-30 to capture the Southern Zone crown. Captain Ryan Gonsalves and Coach Clinton ‘Stiffy’
Clarke were confident in having the ability of springing surprises on the Americans. Gonsalves said the team were extremely confident of coming away with the title especially after looking at the US team in their game against the Cayman Islands. “They (US team) only won by four points which shows how close is the standard of play Caribbean teams are from the North Americans. We have been together for over three years as a team and judging from their style of play I think they are very beatable,” Gonsalves had told Kaieteur Sport. Coach Clarke shared his Skipper’s view, noting the composition of the line-up. “We have four overseas
based players in the squad including three from Trinidad who were here from last week practicing with the team. US based Vallon Adams will join the Guyanese contingent in the States, so we have good experience and skill in our team,” Clarke said. Gonsalves noted that on home soil the Americans will be a tough and confident opposition, but Clarke noted that while the US are bigger in size than his boys their style is much slower and compact and his plan is to play a much faster game. John Fernandes Ltd, BK Super Mix, New GPC, Caribbean Containers Inc, GT&T and Banks DIH chipped in the assist the team.
Saturday June 28, 2014
Morgan’s Learning Centre tags Cricket For Unity T20 Match Morgan’s Learning Centre, situated at Lot 24 John Street Campbellville has come out in support of the inaugural Cricket For Unity T20 match that will be contested between Kaieteur Thunders and Roraima Strikers on Saturday July 5th at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, Queenstown. Supervisor of Morgan’s Learning Centre, Ms. Melissa King presented a cheque to Chairman of the Cricket For Unity Committee, Dexter Garnett at the entity’s John Street location noting that they are more than happy to be on board in support of the venture. Garnett in response thanked Ms. King and Morgan’s Learning Centre for their contribution.
Supervisor of Morgan’s Learning Centre, Ms. Melissa King hands over the cheque to Dexter Garnett.
Sentinel Security Inc. supports 2nd Gregory Gaskin/RHTY&SC Memorial Sports Awards Sentinel Security Inc. on Thursday last handed over a cheque for $100,000 to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) being sponsorship for the club’s Second Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Awards Scheme. Three outstanding Berbicians including an organisation would be recognized under this initiative for their contributions to sports in 2013; the Berbice Sportsman, Sportswoman and Sports Organisation of the year. Secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC Foster in accepting the sponsorship at the company’s Lamaha Street, Georgetown Head Office stated that the club was pleased to be associated with Sentinel in honoring the memory of the late Gregory Gaskin who was not only involved in sports but also supported numerous sports disciplines. Foster noted that the main aim of the scheme is to recognize and honour Berbicians who were outstanding in sports during the calendar year. The awardees would also serve as an inspiration and positive
Operations Manager of Sentinel Mr. Cedric Brown (right) handing over the cheque to Hilbert Foster of the RHTY&SC. role model to youths of the Ancient County. Berbicians and sports organisations were invited to submit nominations for the four awards and Foster stated that the club received numerous nominations. A special panel of judges would select the awardees on Tuesday, July 1. The veteran sports administrator expressed gratitude to Executive Chairman of Sentinel Security, Mrs. Noreen Gaskin for her continued confidence in the RHTY&SC. Operations
Manager of Sentinel Mr. Cedric Brown in making the presentation expressed his company’s delight in being associated with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation in honouring the memory of the late Gregory Gaskin. He expressed the company’s satisfaction to the club for the way the first awards was conducted in 2013 and pledged his company’s support in the future. The date and venue for the ceremony would be announced, shortly.
Joaan Deo wins Lusignan Golf Club Tournament Improving player Joaan Deo, daughter of LGC Club Captain, Chatterpaul Deo, and winner of Scotiabank Female golfer tournament of Saturday 14th June, emerged overall champion of the wellcontested LGC Stableford system Club Tournament last
Saturday, June 21st, recording a handicap of 17. Joaan, who placed second in the Female Golfers of the Crown Mining sponsored tournament of Saturday June 7th, continued her winning streak by capturing the coveted Club Tournament
trophy out of a field of some 32 golfers, including last year ’s winner Christine Sukhram who has won the Guyana Open Golf Competition female title for some eight consecutive years. Joaan produced a final (Continued on page 29)
Kaieteur News
Saturday June 28, 2014
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Eletra Sports Club launches Sports Expo at Eve Leary By Sean Devers The Eletra Sports Club, which was formed in April 2012 and is located in Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, yesterday launched its Sports Expo at the Police Sports Club ground Eve Leary to assist in raising funds to take their school cricket teams to the Annual Sir Garfield Sobers and the Charlie Griffith Schools cricket tournaments in Barbados. The Sports Expo continues today at Eve Leary with cricket and football matches while the Expo moves to Tagore Secondary in Corentyne Berbice on Saturday July 5 and the
To raise funds for cricket tour to B’dos
Winners Cummings Lodge (blue) & Eletra Institute after their football match yesterday (Devika Gobin is at right). Blairmont Community Center in West Bank Berbice the next day.
On Saturday July 12 the Expo shifts to the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in
Palm Court set to entertain fans during Guyana leg of LCPL 2014 Obtains rights for South East Stand
Palm Court Managing Director Ravindra Prashad (second from left) and Limacol CPL OPCO (Guyana) Inc. Operations Manager, Omar Khan established the agreement in the presence of Palm Court General Manager, Avalon Jagnandan (left) and NEW GPC – Marketing Manager Trevor Bassoo By Zaheer Mohamed One of Guyana most popular bars Palm Court is set to bring quality entertainment for local fans during the Guyana leg of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) 2014. The entity yesterday acquired the sole rights for the South East Stand of the Guyana National Stadium after signing an agreement with the LCPL and OPCO (Guyana) Inc at their location on Main Street. The stand which is known as the Orange Stand will be renamed the Palm Court VIP Party Stand and tickets will cost $5,000. Speaking just before the signing of the agreement, General Manager of Palm Court, Avalon Jagnandan said they are thrilled to be linked with the Guyana leg
of the tournament adding that being the country’s number one entertainment spot they saw it fit to provide added attraction for the fans. He informed that Patrons will be able to experience top class entertainment and exciting cricket in a grand party atmosphere in the stand. Jagnandan indicated that Palm Court will also have quality food, drinks and will provide top class service while Managing Director Ravindra Prashad said that the entertainment will definitely be at a different level, similar to that of the Trini Posse stand at the Queen’s Park Oval. LCPL OPCO (Guyana) Inc. Operations Manager, Omar Khan pointed out that they are happy Palm Court has undertaken this
initiative, since it will bring excitement in a different way. Khan stated that tickets are expected to be on sale on July 2. The Guyana Amazon Warriors will take on Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on July 17 at 19:30 hrs, St. Lucia Zouks on July 19 at 16:00 hrs and Jamaica Tallawahs on July 20 at 16:00 hrs at Providence. The Warriors will open their campaign against Antigua Hawksbills on July 11 and will face Red Steel on July 24, Barbados Tridents on July 27, Jamaica Tallawahs on August 2, Hawksbills on August 7 and St. Lucia Zouks on August 10 in their away preliminary games. The tournament will commence on July 11 and will conclude on August 16.
Linden and concludes in Region two on Saturday Anna Regina Community Centre on the Essequibo Coast. The Eletra Institute hopes to send teams to participate in the Charlie Griffith under-13 cricket tournament from July 9-21 and the Sir Garfield Sobers International schools under19 competition from July 323 and the exposure to these tournaments should be very
important for those who want to have a career in cricket and launch their National youth team careers. Nazia Persaud, the Club’s Public Relations Office lamented a lack of support to send the teams to Barbados for the most p r e s t i g i o u s s c h o o l ’s tournament in the Caribbean, pointing out in addition to trying to raise funds for the tour the club is also in the process of trying
to resuscitate the Diamond ground on 11th Street Diamond. “We are not getting the kind support we would have liked, especially from the Government. Our Club’s Coordinator Devika Gobin, who also a football referee and junior Coach, was flatly turned down by Director of Sports Neil Kumar when we approached the National Sports Commission for (Continued on page 29)
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 28, 2014
4th Annual Digicel Schools Football Competition
Berbice High overcome Skeldon By Rawle Welch It took the heavy conditions underfoot to wear down a stubborn, but under-sized Skeldon Secondary backline to capitulate to a relentless Berbice High who eventually poured in three second half goals to secure victory in their Digicel Schools Football Competition Region 6 Zone fixture which was played on Thursday, at the Skeldon Community Centre ground. Playing in soggy conditions which has been the consistent pattern at most venues so far, Berbice High aided by goals from Mustapha Dolson, who netted a brace in the 52nd and 60th minutes and a solitary strike from Kevin Sandy coasted to a 3-0 win to advance to the next round of the competition.After a first half that produced no goals for either team, the action picked up intensity in the second period as both teams searched for the ascendancy. The team that gained the advantage was Berbice High who took the lead when Dolson sprinted on to an intended strike at goal that eluded everyone as the
Action in the Region 6 Zone clash between Berbice High School and Skeldon Secondary School at the Skeldon Community Centre ground.
ball travelled across the goal area, before he squeezed a shot past the goalkeeper stationed just inside the near post.They were unfortunate not to score a second goal shortly after, but the sodden conditions kept the ball from trickling over the goal-line with the keeper well beaten from a
fierce shot by Sandy. H o w e v e r, t h e unremitting expeditions by the Berbice High forwards proved too frequent for the young and game Skeldon and they conceded another goal eight minutes after the first courtesy of a deflection off the goalkeeper that landed into the path of
Dolson, who was lurking just inside the penalty area on the left and he rifled a leftfooter past the last stop for a 2-0 lead.Skeldon made a few substitutions, all aimed at scoring goals, but the heavy outfield continued to take its toll on some weary legs and while they looked on par in the mid-field, they just could
not get into the 18-yard box to pose any danger to the Berbice High defence. They were made to suffer further misery when Sandy, who had looked menacing all afternoon, ran on to a through ball delivered from around the halfway line in centre field and he outran his markers,
before firing past the keeper for a 3-0 lead. The pace of the game slowed immensely as both teams suffered under the heavy conditions and creating opportunities proved a difficult task so the scoreline remained that way until the final whistle sounded.
Digicel School Football Championships
Craig Secondary School whips Xenon Academy counterparts 11-0 to march on It’s just over a week since the Digicel School Football Championships commenced and spectators have witnessed several competitive duels as well as many one sided affairs. Amidst such contrasts, the Xenon Academy had engaged Friendship Secondary last week at the Timehri Red Ground and eked past them by a close 4-3 margin. The former school returned to the field yesterday afternoon, but this time their luck ran out when they faced off with Craig Secondary School and received an 11-0 drubbing when action in the above tournament continued at the Hararuni Community Centre Ground, Linden/Soesdyke Highway. Joel Dick starred for the winners with successes in
the 7th, 22nd, 27th, 45th and 50th minutes with support from Cleo Stephen (15, 37), Simeon Richardson (46), Alex Moore (60), Akeem Williams (62) and Alex Williams (63). The fierce rivalry for ball possession commenced at the very first whistle but it was the Craig strikers that managed to win the battle during the early exchanges and steered the ball to the opposition’s goal. It was during a goal scrimmage that Dick extricated himself and delivered a soft but accurate kick that settled in the opposition’s network. Dick struck again from the opposition’s far right post after the Xenon Academy custodian, Dishawn Palord, blocked, but failed to hold on to a ball sent in by one of the
opposition’s strikers. The ball bounced out of his hands for Dick to trap it and send in his second goal. Dick became a thorn in the side of the lads from the Xenon Academy and before the end of the first session he had netted two more times to stretch the half time lead to a comfortable 4-0 for his team. The one sided affair overlapped into the second session when the quintessential Dick once again collected a pass from the right wing and deftly tucked it past Xenon’s custodian for the 5th time. By now, the lads from Xenon Academy appeared spent and unable to find a solution to stem the flow of goals. The massacre continued and was only broken by three botched chances, including a penalty after one of Xenon’s
players was called for handling the ball inside the box. Thereafter, the goal spree continued with little resistance from the Grove based Xenon Academy unit. Dick managed to score again and added to his previous tally of 4. Stephen, Richardson, Moore, Akeem and Alex Williams then capped the humiliation with late contributions before the referee’s whistle provided some reprieve for the Xenon squad. In another result from yesterday in the City: Tucville whipped David Rose4-1. For Tucville - Kiefer Brandt 35, 74, Shemar Bascombeý 37 and Sherwin Reid 52 were on target, while f o r D a v i d R o s e Te e n Fordyce 23 made the lone response.
Joel Dick (right) and Cleo Stephen (front row stooping) savour victory with their other goal scoring teammates.
Kaieteur News
Saturday June 28, 2014
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Digicel football encouraging national mixing and harmony By Rawle Welch Any right thinking soccer fan, especially those who’ve had the privilege to witness some of the matches in this year ’s Digicel Schools Football Tournament would have to agree that the interest being generated among communities and the positive integration of the ethnic races is good for national mixing and harmony. Kaieteur Sport was afforded the opportunity to cover some of the games at various locations across the country, including those that were once secluded from the curious eyes of mainstream society. H o w e v e r, t h a t w a s before the Digicel Nationwide Football Competition came to fruition and presently more and more communities that were deemed isolated previously are now finding themselves being showcased in the national newspapers and television like never before, offering an insight into their culture, geography and general lifestyle. The Tournament over the past three years have evolved into Guyana’s own mini World Cup with an average of 130 schools participating in the month long activity that crisscrosses the length and breadth of this beautiful land. Recently, the community of St. Cuthbert Mission, located in Region 4 and a neighbourhood that is dominated by the indigenous people, even though there is physical evidence of other races, hosted one of the games that featured their school (St. Cuthbert Mission Secondary) against debutant Achievers Academy and the outpouring of support from
The outpouring of fans that attended the game last week in St. Cuthbert’s Mission.
the community for its sons was nothing short of inspirational, while the hospitality was second to none. Regarded as being somewhat isolated, the residents were welcoming and every visitor was made to feel at home and while many feel that the Tournament is just about onfield activities and achievements, it must be made known that there are quite a few other dimensions to the whole event. Speaking with three senior members of the c o m m u n i t y, i n c l u d i n g Toshao Luke Simon, he told this newspaper that what Digicel has done is great for the Mission. “Today is a great day for this community and the sport. Sport is one of the most wonderful events that bring people together, it brings communities together and it can carry you a far way,” Simon said.
He added that what Digicel has done is a great initiative and proceeded to commend them for it shortly before welcoming the visiting team and other visitors. Ridley Ferreira, another member of the Mission in his remarks said the game is an important one for the community, adding that is a real boost, especially since cricket and volleyball are the two principal sports that are played there. “The fact that such an established Company as Digicel could see the need to bring a match here must receive commendation from us and one of the benefits from doing so is that it will ignite interest in football within the Mission from now on,” he stated. He urged the Company to continue to bring more games to the community and called on them to support the other sports that are played there.
Ernest Dundas, who also hails from the community, said the staging of the game there is quite an encouragement to him and the rest of the Mission. He added that it will raise awareness of the importance of sports within the community and commended Digicel for including them in its plans. The Company after reviewing the reports of the inaugural competition decided to add a few other components to enhance the quality of the tournament in terms of standard and also to assist in helping to eradicate a number of social ills through the insertion of professional personnel to lecture on the dangers of deviant behaviour among the participants. Many times some of the additional benefits of hosting the competition would go unnoticed, but an analysis of the importance of the tournament would show
the intrinsic worth of what the Company is trying to do. Everywhere you go,
praises on the Company for its vision to host such an event, while also
From left)- Ernest Dundas and Ridley Ferreira seen shortly after the interview. residents, football fans, coaches, teachers and sports administrators would chant
recognising its importance within the respective communities.
t r o Sp West Indies v New Zealand, 3rd Test, Barbados, 2nd day
Rain curtails West Indies progress
Kraigg Brathwaite stroked an eye-catching half-century. (WICB)
Chris Gayle hit himself out of trouble. (WICB)
GCF National Championships Juveniles included for first time Time Trials today, Road Race tomorrow; times adjusted to cater for WC matches Raynauth Jeffrey
Michael Anthony after the Time Trials in 2013
Claire Fraser-Green
Luiz Felipe Scolari admits to Brazil nerves Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210