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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Any buyer of Marriott will have to pay far more than US$51M - Chris Ram Any plans to sell the Marriott-branded hotel currently under construction in Kingston will have to include it being valued far in excess than the US$51M it is now reportedly costing. A number of undisclosed concessions, including duty free allowances, have been granted in relation to the project, which in dollar terms will push the final price way above the US$51M price tag. Under the country’s investment regulations, investors can apply through the Guyana Office For Investments (Go-Invest) for special conditions, including a waiver on taxes for a specific time; duty free concessions on vehicles and building materials and a host of other benefits. Government has recently said it is the intention to sell it once it is completed. Writing in his Sunday business column in the Stabroek News, accountant/ lawyer Christopher Ram argued that at first glance, the hotel whose construction is being managed by a government-owned
company, would have to be valued much more than the actual amounts paid to the contractor. “And surely those concessions which Mr. (Winston) Brassington has negotiated from Go-Invest have a huge value which must be factored in any price. The selling price of the shares in the hotel should therefore exceed the actual cost giving rise to a huge profit. Of course, Director Brassington will argue, quite incorrectly, that the profit belongs to the company and can only be distributed by way of dividends.” Brassington is the head of the Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), the government-owned company. He has been under fire for his handling of more than 100 transactions including privatizations and sale of state properties through the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the parent company of AHI, which is also owned by government. Within the last decade, the administration has been
- Hotel granted concessions worth millions steadily using NICIL to conduct investments and other privatizations that have largely found disfavour with the Opposition which now has a one-seat majority in the National Assembly, the body which has to approve how public funds are spent. However, government has been arguing that since NICIL is a company, its transactions do not have to be approved by Members of Parliament of both sides of the House. According to Ram, a harsh critic of the administration, NICIL’s tabling of its accounts may be reflecting a lower value for the hotel going up which ultimately would have implications for any investors/purchasers. “If we divert for a moment and look at the financial statements of Atlantic Hotel Inc. as at December 31, 2011, we see the flawed accounts signed by Mr Brassington and given a clean audit
opinion by the Audit Office. Only the Guyana dollar equivalent of the payment to the contractor has been recorded in the accounts,” Ram said in his business column. The construction of the hotel has been running into several speed bumps since being announced by former President Bharrat Jagdeo two years ago. In the first place, there were questions why government was investing valuable taxpayers’ dollars in what is considered a private sector project. In late 2011, government released US$10M ($2B) to the hotel’s contractor, Shanghai Construction Group, despite no clear idea who the investors would be. To date, the government still has not finalized the investors. Yet billions have been poured into the project. News that only Chinese labourers were hired in the
NICIL Head Winston Brassington
Accountant/Lawyer Christopher Ram
project also sparked protests and saw government coming out with a number of strange statements in its defence, such as there were no skilled labourers in Guyana to undertake a project of such magnitude; there was a language barrier and that the contractor had the discretion to hire its own labour force. Recently, there were disclosures that government went ahead and hired a New
York-based engineering firm despite knowing that it had been blacklisted from participating in certain school projects in that state after a court matter that found them guilty. Its main executives were forced to resign. Brassington has said that he knew all along about the consultant’s court issues but did not indicate whether it was a problem.
DO YOU KNOW THAT JAGDEO’S BEST FRIEND IS THE ONLY PERSON IN GUYANA TO OWN THREE MEDIA HOUSES ... Radio, Television and Newspaper?
Dr. Bobby Ramroop
1) Channel 28 now TVG 28 2) A radio station - 89.5FM 3) Guyana Times newspaper
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Marudi Trail beating incident…
Brutalised mother and child meet with the Brazilian envoy the press.
- Lad having nightmares By Abena Rockcliffe Resulting from his onetime experience of police brutality, which occurred some two weeks ago, 10-yearold Renaldo Prince remains deeply traumatised to the extent that he’s having nightmares. Two Saturdays ago, police ranks inflicted a sound thrashing on a group of civilians including a woman and her Brazilian son. At the time of the beating, a protest demonstration staged by miners was in progress. Initial reports were that the woman, Varverona Prince and her young son Renaldo were part of the protest. The woman came to Georgetown yesterday to visit the Brazilian Ambassador. In an interview with this newspaper, Prince made it clear that her presence at the location was for the sole purpose of cooking. The incident occurred in the Marudi trail. The police, accompanied by officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), reportedly went to disperse the crowd in protest. Photos and video footage of the incident began surfacing since the day of the incident and it showed the woman and her child being beaten. Also injured during the incident, is another of the woman’s sons, Lorenzo, who suffered injuries to his left hand and Michael Prince who sustained injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Renaldo Prince being lifted to the car by his father just as he made his way out an aircraft at the Ogle Airport. In the background is his mother, Varverona. Even though the incident occurred two weeks ago, yesterday the Mrs. Prince displayed black and blue marks still visible on her back. She said that despite the healing of the physical wounds on her feet, any bending causes pain to her knees. Even more heart rending, the 10-year-old sustained a “severe fracture” to his left leg and has missed school since the incident. His mother told this publication yesterday that he still “yells in his sleep, sometimes he shouts ‘No,no’ then another time I heard him saying ‘no,no please stop’; he is eating as usual and sleeps also, but it seems like he continues to get nightmare.” The woman said that she and her son live in Brazil and he goes to school in Boa Vista.
As she reflected on the day of the incident, Prince recalled that, at that time “I felt nothing, it is strange but I really didn’t feel a thing, I was just focused on protecting my son. I wanted to make sure they didn’t hit him in his head.” “People probably think I am a bad mother, having my son at a mining area, but the truth is that he goes to school, but we went there to spend the weekend with his father, he likes adventure, but he got more than we bargained for. I just want all this to be over.” She said that after they had been beaten, she received assistance from “strangers… a man I never even see before picked my son… and I get up on his bike and he took us out from there. When we got to a shop some people sprayed this numb
Returning mom, daughter robbed at gunpoint after getting home from airport An elderly woman and her daughter were early yesterday morning robbed at gunpoint mere seconds after arriving at their Hadfield Street home, having left the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, about an hour earlier. The incident occurred at around 02:45 hours. Eileen Barkie, 77, had just returned home from the United States, when she and her daughter (who had collected her at the airport) were attacked by two men, one of whom was armed with a gun. Mrs. Barkie told this publication that their car had just pulled into the driveway when she heard her daughter screaming ‘thief thief’. She
said she did not realise what was going on until one of the men opened the passenger side door and started cuffing her in the back. The woman said she held onto a bag which was in her lap as the man kept hitting her while the other man held her daughter. She further related that she only let go of her bag after she was struck in the face. The visibly shaken woman added that the man then grabbed her bag and ran a little distance up the road, where the two jumped into a waiting car which then sped away. Mrs. Barkie said she lost a small amount of gold jewellery, three watches, an undisclosed amount of cash, and most importantly all her
documents, including her passport. The matter has been reported and investigations are ongoing. The woman was forced to seek medical attention after complaining of pain to her head and back. She said that the authorities need to pay more attention to these incidents, as this seems to be a new trend. It is believed that airport staffers may be filtering information to persons, resulting in these types of robberies. Sometime last month there were two reported incidents of a same nature. There have been no reports of arrests in those incidents.
spray on Renaldo’s leg and rubbed it”. The family was reportedly advised by the Brazilian embassy not to speak with
JUSTICE Before visiting the embassy, Prince revealed that initially she didn’t want the publicity. “I just wanted it to pass, but after it was all over the place and I realised how bad this thing affected Renaldo, I told myself that it (publicity) was probably for the best. So when I read that the (Police) Commissioner vowed to take action, I felt as if justice will be served and that no other woman and her child would have to relive my experience. But I am not really seeing anything happening, this man is still on the loose and I am really scared of that fact. He beat me and my child once, I don’t want it to ever happen again.” The woman pleaded with this newspaper not to state her whereabouts. She opined that it is one of the scariest things in life to know that the people who are mandated to protect are the ones most brutal. “He is a police, his job is to protect all citizens, but
instead he was the one beating us,” Mrs. Prince reflected. She further stated that the rank should be fired for his actions. “There was no warning, he just start beating us.”The mother of three said that in her over 10 years living in Brazil, she was never brutalised by police, but came into her own country to suffer that fate. “But, it could have been worse. They had some big guns and I am just really thankful to God that they didn’t use them. I really thank God for that.” The persons involved, all civilians, were part of a group of miners protesting what they deemed was their unlawful removal from a mining claim that is registered to a Canadian mining concern. Some 300 local miners have been operating approximately 22 dredges in the area for the past 10 years when the Canadian firm appeared to have neglected it.
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Chávez and Populism Now that Hugo Chávez is gone, he is attracting a wide range of labels: dictator, socialist hero, autocrat, demagogue, etc. But the label that fits him best is ‘populist”, which in Venezuela today is synonymous with “Chavismo”. Populism, however, is a loaded word that is tossed around with abandon in the popular press, usually to denigrate some disliked politician. Although there is an ongoing discussion about how to define populism properly, there is growing consensus that populism should be conceived of as a specific set of ideas. Populism is a moral worldview that relies on the Manichean distinction between ‘the people’ - the true holders of sovereignty - and ‘the corrupt elite’ who have taken away the ‘people’s power’. Populism proposes that politics should be the expression of an allegedly self-evident general will. If it is true that populism is first and foremost a set of ideas, those who analyse Chavismo should not forget that large sections of the Venezuelan population not only share the populist ideology, but also have emotional and rational motives for adhering to the Manichean worldview inherent in populism. This means that it is flawed to assume that Venezuelans believe in populism because they have been simply ‘fooled” by the charismatic figure of Hugo Chávez. Given the corruption and nepotism of the parties that governed the country in the past, Venezuelan citizens have good reasons to interpret the political reality through the lenses of populism. In many other countries, such as the US, as large sections of the people become disenchanted with the belief that there is an elitist ‘democracy’, populism is growing with movements such as the “Tea Party”. So in what ways was Chávez a populist? First and foremost, he presented himself as the true voice of ‘the people’ - the successor to Simon Bolivar. He confidently assured Venezuelans: “you are not going to re-elect Chávez really, you are going to re-elect yourselves – the people will re-elect the people. Chávez is nothing but an instrument of the people”. His version of ‘the people’ primarily included the poor of the country. He initially opposed ‘the people’ to old party elites from the “puntofujismo” system, but this began to expand as his presidency went on, with his version of ‘the enemy’ gradually taking in the domestic opposition, and finally an international conspiracy led by the United States. In Chávez’s eyes, the division between ‘the people’ and their enemies was not merely political. He framed the struggle of ‘the people’ versus ‘the elite’ as a cosmic battle, claiming that “we are in the times of the Apocalypse. You can no longer be on the side of the evil and the side of God”. He linked his mission to God, calling Jesus Christ his ‘commander-in-chief’. Chávez also used his likeable and charismatic manner to credibly identify himself as one of ‘the people’. He called himself a ‘farm kid’ and referred to his childhood poverty. On his weekly television show, Aló Presidente!, he delighted in using folksy manners, talking openly about his personal life, singing traditional songs, dancing and making crude remarks about his opponents. No one can deny that Chávez succeeded in making life much better for those who fit into his version of ‘the people’ – his social programs increased the life chances, wealth and political participation of the poor of his country. They were the vast majority of the country. He essentially cut poverty rates in half, and delivered autonomy to those who had never known it before. Many are asking whether “Chavismo’ will continue after Chávez. The answer lies in the dissatisfaction felt by those who are excluded by the model of ‘liberal democracy’ that is contraposed with populism. Detractors of the model of democracy advanced by populist forces argue that the defence of popular sovereignty at any cost can well lead to the formation of (competitive) authoritarian regimes. This fear is not unfounded. But whether called Chavismo or not, populism will continue to reign in the region, once the majority of the people are excluded from governance.
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
The fallout from the Marudi will be far-reaching DEAR EDITOR, On Monday, I met two teachers from Aishalton who were in Lethem over the weekend; they had come to visit their dad who is working here. I have known these young ladies since they were young children, so we broke into conversation quite easily. They told me about their dilemma. They were expecting to hitch a ride 126 miles back to their village on Sunday so that they could be back at work on Monday. They then realized that the miners are no longer in Marudi. So, they are stranded in Lethem. On Monday, too, I met five young men from Gunn’s Strip (home of the Wai Wais). One of the young men’s mother and I were colleagues and I remembered some of the surnames from my visit to the area years ago. The men were so pleased to have met someone who could actually relate to their village. I was able to find out about some people I had met on my visit there. These young men too were stranded. They were hoping to get a lift to Para Bara and foot, and boat the rest to Gunn’s Strip. No transportation. It then dawned on me that the unfortunate incident at Marudi, was more than just an out-of-control, powerdrunk corporal of the Guyana Police Force unleashing his ignorance on a group of hapless miners. It dawned on me that the incident was
bigger than that miss-fit. Since that fateful day, I have spoken to numerous residents to get a picture in my mind of what Marudi was like before all of this greedy rush. Residents of the Rupununi have been mining in the Marudi Mountains for centuries. I spoke with an 82year-old man and he recalled his grandfather mining in the mountains when he, the man, was 12 years old. So traditionally, the residents have depended on the mineral-rich Mountains for sustenance. These people can claim the area as ancestral lands. When I was posted to Aishalton in October 1991, I met mining activities ongoing at Marudi Mountains. During those years, there was a silent agreement between RomanEx and the miners. I cannot recall any dispute between company and miners. So what could have changed since then? The RomanEx Company’s license has always been one of exploration. It never had a mining licence. I could recall numerous sky-van trips transporting what the company regarded as samples. These samples never were scrutinized by any GGMC officials. These samples were taken from Aishalton to Timehri and then to Canada. No wonder there were rumours of gold being exported right under our noses. I can recall too, that
RomanEx employees were mostly expatriates. The few locals who were employed mostly came from coastal Guyana. A handful was chosen from the surrounding villages. Further, all of the company’s supplies were sourced in Georgetown, even their fuel. In short there were hardly any economic benefits accruing to the Region as a whole and the dependant villages in particular. I do not have the conviction that the status quo will change drastically now. The RomanEx license was also once used by a company known as Vanessa Mining Company, and now we are hearing of a Molgravian Company. In fact I was able to ascertain that RomanEx has only two employees in Guyana: one in Georgetown and one in Lethem. Hence it has to be established – and here GGMC and the Government have got to come clean-whether the transfer of ownership/management has been done in a lawful manner. If not, then Molgravian is also occupying the lands illegally. Now that GGMC has acted, one has to consider the economic fallout that will inevitably impact on the residents of this otherwise deprived region. We have the issue of over 300 miners to be absorbed into the work force in Region Nine. What are their prospects of acquiring gainful employment? The answer is nil. Most of these
miners know nothing else. We already are challenged to find employment for our school leavers, who number 135 on a yearly average. Most of these students with passes at the CXC are forced to accept jobs as shop attendants. Then we have the direct beneficiaries of the mining activities. There are the farmers who sell their produce to the miners; we have the fishermen and other meat suppliers; we have the grocery stores and the gas stations, all local people who will see a drastic decline in their sales. The miners do not source their supplies outside of the region. Probably the only outsourcing that is done is for mining equipment. As a consequence, over 7000 persons between Lethem and Marudi will be affected by the economic fallout. These include villages like St. Ignatius, Parikwarinau, Shulinab, Potarinau, Katoonarib, Sawariwau, Achawib, Karudarnawau, Aishalton, Awarewanau, Maruranau, Shea and Gunns Strip. The miners themselves will be affected. Many of them have obligations to the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and the Institute for Private Enterprise Development (IPED). We can expect multiple loan default and the consequent seizure of assets to off-set those loans. In Continued on page 6
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The 1980 Guyana House lots are not the end Constitution is Illegal DEAR EDITOR, The Constitution of ones country is sacred and paramount and ought to, should be and must be ... upheld, observed and supported in every way by all its subjects. It is treasonous to defy your country’s constitution for it represents the “The Holy Grail of everything Guyanese”. The current document that is presented to us as a Constitution was promulgated through a referendum in 1978 that was massively fraudulent. We as Guyanese, all know the truth of that exercise to get the consent, rejection in that vote for the House/ Mouse in 1978.. The nation did not entertain the proposal by the PNC/Burnham undemocratic regime to perpetuate themselves upon the Guyanese nation. We were already living under the “Declaration of Sophia” and the “Paramountcy of the Party” which in itself were the products of very fraudulent elections in 1968 and 1973. But that was not sufficient for the ruling regime at the time. It wanted absolute, undiluted power over Guyana. Not only did I not try to exercise my franchise for the very first time in my life in Guyana but I actively
organised bottom house meetings, some with over three hundred villagers present, in the Williamsburg/ Hampshire villages on the Corentyne against the referendum. The turnout {in support of that Referendum} was a paltry 10 percent. That was a resounding national, public rejection. Therefore anything emanating from that exercise would be unlawful, illegal and hence, null and void. Thus, the current Guyana Constitution of 1980 is unlawful, illegal, null and void and ought to, should be and must be resisted, rejected and dismissed forthwith by all decent minded Guyanese. This constitution represents the “Chalice of Indignities” in the life and existence of Guyanese both at home and in the diaspora. Our mantra from now on should be: Out of evil cometh evil; The Referendum of 1978 was rejected and therefore its handmaiden, the 1980 Constitution, is rejected. Anything stemming from that illegal constitution is illegal, as is the Presidency of Guyana. I have actively opposed all its presidents (the current 1980 constitution) from Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan, Samuel Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharrat
Are some more equal? DEAR EDITOR, I make reference to Area Q, Turkeyen, which is bordered to the north by the Railway Embankment, east by the UG entrance road, west by the Caricom Secretariat and south by the Teachers’ Training College. The residents in this area have been subjected to the use of one of the most deplorable access roads in this country for years. Many representations have been made to the city councils, under whose jurisdictions this area falls, and the Ministry of Works to no avail. Daily, we have been seeing ads being placed in the newspapers inviting tenders for the repairs and rehabilitation of roads in many and all parts of this coastland, except the area where we live. The residents of this area pay to the city between $30,000 and $40,000 per year for rates and taxes. All that we receive is the collection of garbage. We feel that there is either
of two reasons, or both, why this road is not being repaired. One is the presence of a resident in this area, who is a staunch critic of the government, and who in his own right is entitled to the freedom to express his views and opinions. The other is the residents’ petitioning a few years ago the Court to block a few very senior government officers from acquiring the land that currently occupies the playground. The residents’ petitioning was to avoid the violation of the city by-laws which makes provision for a playground in any community. The residents wish to appeal to the government to not allow pettiness to obscure its responsibility to treat all citizens as equal, if not it will be obvious that the residents of Pradoville One, who are blessed with asphaltic roads, are more equal than the residents of Area Q, Turkeyen. Resident of Area Q, Turkeyen
Jagdeo and now Donald Ramotar! Our Independence constitution of 1966 is our legal and lawful constitution! I am prepared to suffer the consequences of my patriotic, principled position and stance. One man of courage makes a majority...Andrew Jackson. Lionel Peters
DEAR EDITOR, I was offered a house lot in Good Hope new phase on East Coast Demerara. There is only one entrance leading to the new scheme. The roads are despicable with numerous pot holes. Part of the village road was maintained and nothing was done to other streets. I feel like I have no voice or nowhere to turn to. I’m frustrated; I am disgusted with Government representatives going on
record in the print and electronic media about the massive housing projects that is taking place across the country, and what the government is doing for people. But if you visit these areas you will see that nothing is being done to encourage young people to stay in this country. I admit that I voted for PPP in 2011, didn’t expect or want a free hand out, but if this is how you will be treated as a young Guyanese, it is unbelievable.
I wanted to emphasize that point because if you write and criticize the PPP Government you are termed as opposition. Getting the house lot was so taxing; the house lot wasn’t in any way cheap, it cost $400,000. Now that I want to begin construction and move my family into our own new home I can’t take my family to an area that is lacking basic resources for a normal life. Michael Sam
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
More white elephants The fallout from the Marudi...
DEAR EDITOR, I penned a missive some time back constructively criticising the Wakenaam airstrip which was constructed to the tune of some $54.4M. To date the said airstrip is still not functional and it hurts me as a taxpayer to know that my money was spent wastefully. I have cried over and over for a more state of the art hospital on the island, better roads, improved schools, better health centres and a better electric plant for the island. All my tears have fallen on deaf ears.
I am going to cry again editor but this time for a play field for the residents of Maria’s Pleasure, Free and Easy, Wakenaam. These villages have in excess of 160 young people who have nothing much to do during their leisure time and posses skills that are ready to be unleashed. Failing to heed this plead may result in our country losing more young people to drugs and alcohol. I am begging you, Mr. President, please help our youths. Ganesh Mahipaul
From page 4 short, business will be affected; everyone in the catchment area will suffer one way or the other. To date, the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has been strangely quiet on the issue. Many of their members benefit from the so-called illegal mining in Marudi. It is time for the Chamber to break the silence and let the government know exactly how they view this matter. What about the social consequences? I know quite a few of these miners who are at present building their homes which are at various stages of completion. The inability to get an income will definitely stall the construction of these homes. They will also be hard pressed to contribute to family building and maintenance. This can lead to delinquency among the children and the permanent separation of families which can create more problems for society. Those who are unemployable, and Heaven forbids, might consider a life of crime, since the ‘system’
has let them down. This will tax our meager resources even further. I wonder if that is the reason why a bigger court-house was built instead of a Technical Institute. Then we may very well see women engaging in illicit activities to support their now broken families. This will give rise to the increase in communicable diseases, an area that the government is spending billions to prevent. The very livelihood of so many people will become unstable. The President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce recently wrote that to prevent corruption, there is need for effective institutions. The mere fact that the Minister of Natural Resources mentioned that his ministry is committed to stamping out corruption in the mining sector, is an admission that corruption has reached epidemic proportions. He need not look further than his mines officers. This is not what anyone has told me, I have seen this with my own eyes. I
was in another backdam last year and I saw officers visiting camps looking for certain requirements. When these were not found, they taxed the dredge owners as much as two ounces of gold. In fact the dredge owners will have the gold reserved exactly for that purpose. This problem is not only limited to mining, but housing as well. Right here in Lethem, prospective land owners are told by the CH&PA to squat. When the officers visit Lethem, the squatters are ‘regularised.’ So what is so different with the miners? Couldn’t the GGMC ‘regularise’ their activities? I am certain a compromise could have been reached. Since the government has admitted that the company is not effectively utilizing the lands by ordering a review of its license, the government needs to identify blocs that can be allocated to the miners so that Rupununi can have some semblance of economic order and s u s t a i n a b i l i t y. The government is not
providing that to us, so we have had to do it for ourselves. The question of royalties and selling to official dealers need to be addressed. The President had promised the miners that he was going to look into their concerns and get back to them. He never did, and probably never will, but whatever is the outcome, the miners cannot travel the trail with their production. That will be courting disaster security wise. Therefore, there needs to be established, right here in Lethem, a branch of the Guyana Gold Board. There is a branch in Bartica, so why not a branch here? The ball is effectively in the government’s half, and what they do will determine whether we have a resolution satisfactory to all parties, or whether there will another confrontation on the scale of Linden. As one protesting miner asked on the recording of the Marudi incident “whe we gon go?” Carl Parker Regional Councillor
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Linden Commission of Inquiry…
Snr. Supt. Clifton Hicken
Snr. Supt. Lyndon Alves
Alves had stated that he was of the view that the police could have handled the Linden situation better, while calling for the need for the Police to exercise a “softer hand” in dealing with cases of public disorder, and for the Standing Operating Procedures of the riot squad to be reviewed. Alves also caused some controversy following his meeting with Felix, who is now an Opposition Member of Parliament. Some persons in the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force are of the view that he ruffled some feathers when he publicly defended “his constitutional right to affiliation”. His defence stemmed from reports that he allegedly turned over sensitive information to Felix in a folder. “I have been accused by morally challenged persons of being associated with former Commissioner of Police Winston Felix, now a Member of Parliament, and engaged in acts intended to destabilize the PPP/C Administration.” He denied giving any sensitive information to the former Commissioner and explained that the meeting was initiated by Felix, seeking assistance for a ‘Firearm Licence’ “I wish to make it absolutely clear that any affiliation I have with any political party, be it the PPP/C or APNU or otherwise, is
entirely my own business and within my Constitutional right of association,” Alves had stated. “Let it be known that I have always executed my duties free from political or other considerations outside of my professional capacity and I dare anyone to prove otherwise,” the former TSU head declared. Both Hicken and Alves were previous Guyana Police Force ‘Best Cops’. But perhaps the biggest winner in the whole Linden scenario is Assistant Superintendent Patrick Todd, who had admitted to the Commission to discharging rounds in the direction of the protestors. He remains in his position at the Tactical Services Unit despite the findings of the Commission that while it unearthed no direct evidence that any individual ranks shot the protesters, it deemed the Guyana Police Force culpable, since there was no evidence that anyone other than the police ranks were in possession of firearms when protestors and persons in the vicinity were shot. “Even though Mr. Todd using the shotgun…discharged a round into the ground to take off the velocity, to scare and chase the protestors who were gathered, this was fraught with danger. Discharging a shotgun is hardly the way to ‘scare’
persons and ought never to have been used in the circumstances,” the report stated. The Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM) was one of the groups that called for action to be taken against Todd. The body had stated that it is the view of many Guyanese that ASP Todd on the fateful day in Linden, was a trigger happy “John Rambo.” The GYSM had opined that the three deaths and scores of injuries were the direct result of his actions, which the acting Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell, on the first day of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) testimony, emphatically stated was unjustified. “There is currently no talk of any further shake-up of the TSU in the wake of the COI report,” a senior police official told Kaieteur News. Todd was also linked to the shooting of a group of protestors, including former Chief of Staff Brigadier Edward Collins and Attorney at law James Bond following the 2011 general elections. The Linden Commission of Inquiry began on Monday, September 24, 2012, and concluded on Friday November 2. Scores of witnesses gave evidence before and numerous exhibits were tendered to the fivemember Commission, which included Jamaicans Justice Lensley Wolfe and K.D. Knight S.C; Trinidadian Dana Seetahal S.C. and former Guyanese Chancellor Cecil Kennard and Justice Claudette Singh CCH. The report from the Commission was presented to President Donald Ramotar almost two weeks ago. The findings of the Linden Commission of Inquiry are expected to be a hot topic for discussion, rivaling Police Reform and the recent beatings at Marudi when Police Officers meet for their annual conference starting tomorrow.
Not many visitors to Guyana have pleasant experiences with members of the Guyana Police Force. However, one 78-year-old Canada-based Guyanese who had lost his pouch containing Can$10,500 will be cherishing his experience with the local Police Force. The man, Abdool Haleem, was an outgoing passenger to Canada on a Caribbean
Airlines flight yesterday afternoon when he had a call of nature just before clearing immigration. After answering the call in one of the washrooms of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, Haleem forgot his pouch which contained the cash and his passport behind. It took him a while to realise what he had done and by that time he had completely forgotten where
he had left his belongings A frantic search was launched and fortunately for Haleem, the pouch was recovered by a police Detective Constable Alvin Fraser, who handed it back to the elderly gentleman. Reports reaching this newspaper stated that Haleem could not contain his relief and heaped praises on the rank and the Guyana Police Force.
- Snr. Supts. Hicken and Alves are only police casualties By Dale Andrews As the dust settles on the Linden Commission of Inquiry report, it would appear that the only police casualties in the entire set-up will remain two Senior Superintendents, Clifton Hicken and Lyndon Alves. This is despite calls from several sections of society for action to be taken against the ranks implicated in the Linden unrest. Although the Commission found that the Police Force are culpable in the shooting deaths of the three Lindeners during protest action last year, senior police sources have indicated that there are no immediate plans to sanction those officers who were directly involved in the confrontation. Both Hicken and Alves were relieved of the positions they held prior to the shootings even before the Commission had come up
with its findings. Days after the shooting, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had instructed that Hicken be removed as the Divisional Commander and relegated to the Second in Command in Berbice, a position he holds to this day. The move was a direct reaction to condemnation of the shootings of protestors in Linden by the police that left Shemroy Bouyea, 24, Ron Somerset, 19, and Ivan Lewis, 46, dead and several persons injured. Following the fatal shootings, Minister Rohee had directed Commissioner of Police (ag), Leroy Brumell, to make immediate changes at the command level of the E & F Police Division, under which the town of Linden falls. Opposition political parties and others had also called for the removal of the Police Commander and ranks involved in the fatal shooting. Alves, who was the head
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Patrick Todd of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), whose ranks had travelled to Linden under the direct command of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Patrick Todd, was removed from his post, shortly after giving testimony before the Commission of Inquiry. It is widely believed that his removal stemmed from the testimony he gave to the Commission and his subsequent meeting with former Police Commissioner Winston Felix. Senior Superintendent
Constable gives back lost Cdn$$ to overseas visitor
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KEEPING THE FAITH, SECURING THE LEGACY This week praises were lavished on the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. In Guyana there was even a special event held to pay tribute to this outstanding statesman who died last week. Those who spoke at the local event had nothing but good things to say about the late Hugo Chávez. There was nothing hypocritical about what was being said; it has long been acknowledged in official circles that Guyana enjoyed considerable economic benefits from the Chávez government. In fact it can be said that apart from Cuba, no other government has been as supportive to Guyana as Venezuela has been. How different this is from the past, when the imperialists had tried to set Venezuela against Guyana. The Chávez administration has muffled the “war cries”, and from all indications if the former bus driver that Chávez anointed as his successor wins next month’s presidential elections, relations will continue in the same vein. When you listen to government officials recall the benefits that not only Guyana but the Caribbean enjoyed, it is understandable why there are calls for the Venezuelan leader to be accorded a place in the national pantheon of his country. He deserves a place alongside the great Simon Bolivar. He is one of the great revolutionaries of Latin America and the Caribbean
along with Fidel Castro and Cheddi Jagan. It is shocking today to hear talk that Cheddi Jagan did not have a legacy. That is as uncharitable as it is outrageous. The anti-colonial struggle in Guyana was in a comatose state when Cheddi Jagan returned to Guyana from overseas. He immediately electrified the local political situation with his revolutionary philosophy and actions. There are those who would love to write him out of the script of that period of Guyana’s history but they cannot, because quite simply, without him the British would have held out much longer. He rocked the foundations of British rule in Guyana and the tremors of his political ideology and activism were felt all the way in Washington where the greatest power on Earth decided that this little man from this little country represented one of the greatest threats to the free world and its economic interests. And so they set about plotting, like they did to Chávez, to destroy him. Cheddi Jagan put Guyana on the political map of the world. There are very few countries in the world in the sixties which got the sort of political attention that Guyana got from the United States and all because of a “subversive”, a true revolutionary called Cheddi Jagan. So fearful were the Americans of him that they even discussed having him
Dem boys seh...
Rat tail get ketch in fire Is only when rat tail ketch fire that he does look fuh water. Jagdeo use to behave de same way. When de people start fuh expose all what was wrang wid de Sanata Complex deal, he whole government run to parliament to mek de deal legal. De deal was illegal from de start because to this day Ramroop nah satisfy de requirements fuh own de place, but he done own it and nobody don’t know how much he pay. Nobody didn’t know that Jagdeo Government did keep 10 per cent share in GPC. Then de government pump millions of dollars in de same GPC, but de government find a way fuh show that de GPC ain’t mek money although it tek in billions. Dem finding a way to tell de nation that dem collecting billions and losing trillions, just not to pay one cent tax. Dem boys seh that if people think dem lie check de government records on de companies dem own. And dem own over 30. Well Donald behave just like Jagdeo. He tail was under fire and he run and push he head under water. De koker bruck way and de State House wheh he staying, flood. Dem boys seh that when Donald see de flood and he think de whole of Guyana flood. He think that Jagdeo house flood out. That is why he run to de koker. He support de Marriott wid de millions of Uncle Sam dollars wha Jagdeo and Brazzy initiate fuh spend pun it. Dem boys don’t want call he a jackass, because that is not a nice word to call anybody or to describe anyone. Dem boys want to tell he, Ali Baba and de 40 chores, de money dem spend pun de Marriott could fix all de koker throughout de length and breadth of this country, and de height too, and could fix and modernise all dem medical centres, nuff of which don’t have antibiotic or a proper step fuh walk up. It could fix all dem schoolyard wid no less than 10 truckload sand. Talk half and keep you tail out of fire if yuh is a rat.
and his wife kidnapped and shunted out to Venezuela. The country at the time then firmly in bed with the imperialists whose agenda then, as it is now, is to serve the interests of their big multinationals that historically have plundered the Third World. Cheddi was opposed to that and was intent on putting an end to it. He may not have signed Guyana’s instrument of independence, but he remains its architect. And he did other things. Dr. Cheddi Jagan was instrumental in the formation of the largest union in Guyana and possibly in the Caribbean. This union is still in existence. He also headed
the largest mass political party in the English-speaking Caribbean. Are these not his legacies? He fought also for twenty-eight years for free and fair elections. Often this fight was alone. The fact that Guyana has been restored to the democratic fold is also part of the legacy of Cheddi Jagan. Which other political leader in the Englishspeaking Caribbean can boast of such a record? He was of course dead when Hugo Chávez came to power. Had he been around, the imperialists would have been speaking about an axis of evil in the Caribbean, Chávez, Castro and Cheddi.
Cheddi Jagan has a legacy. The problem is not the legacy. The problem is in whose hands it was left. Today the government is being accused of abandoning the principles that Cheddi stood for and particularly his historic alignment with the working class. It was therefore instructive to hear this past week, PPP leaders praising the “transformational” impact Chávez had on the poor, both in his country and outside of it. Hugo Chávez was committed to ensuring that his country’s resources were taken out of the hands of the domestic and international oligarchies and put to work for the ordinary people.
It is time that the PPP does the same in Guyana. It is time for it to delink itself from that powerful cabal of stinging insects that are carving out of the country for themselves. It is time for the resources of this country to be placed in the hands of the poor.The problem is finding a leader to do that.
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Wednesday March 13, 2013
Freddie Kissoon Column
Bestiality, brutality and bravery on the Marudi Trail Whether you are strong or weak, your love of family leads you to incredible heights of valour. A man would jump in the raging waves to save his loved one. He would confront policemen with guns who are beating his loved ones. Some will go beyond protection and become the aggressor if their family is being assaulted by employees of the coercive state apparatus. If a policeman had assaulted my offspring in front of me the way a policeman beat a little child canopied in his mother’s arms while she was protesting, that policeman would have had to kill me, because there was no way I would have not violently confronted him. What happened on Marudi Trail two weeks ago is just another indication that one day (I believe not far in the future) this country is going to explode. Every aspect of this violent assault portrays the consuming inferno that this country has become. First, the occupying miners who were beaten by the police had days before met with President Ramotar on the question of the unused mining concession
awarded to a Canadian company. It was no coincidence that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) accompanied by heavily armed policemen went on the Marudi Trail to protect the Canadian concerns while the issue of occupation was not settled. Thirdly, was it necessary for such a large, armed contingent to be sent up to the site to confront unarmed protestors? Fourthly, in whose interest did the police function? If the GGMC requested police assistance did it have to be such a show of force for the protection of a Canadian company? Would the police have been so concerned if the request to remove the so-called illegal miners came from a Guyanese dredge owner? Fifthly, this violent use of force to protect the interest of a foreign company is sickening when one takes into consideration the controversy over the privilege given to a Chinese firm that excluded the employment of Guyanese skills on the Marriott Hotel. I have long contended in my column that unless we move the focus away from the lower ranks of the police force
that brutalize innocent Guyanese and hold their commanding officers responsible, then these lesser persons are going to continue with their sadistic bestiality. Would any Guyanese have imagined that after three innocent protestors were gunned down by the police in Linden, and a mere lad is shot dead by a squad in Agricola, followed by wild police shooting near the White Castle Fish Shop on Hadfield Street, policemen could openly brutalize unarmed protestors on the Marudi Trail? Let’s make a comparison with the policeman who mercilessly mauled the child, his mother and her brother and other protestors at Marudi Trail, and Robeson Benn’s entry into NCN to remove a calypso from the airwaves. Why did Benn do it? He had to know it would have created a storm. He had to know that a Minister cannot waltz into a public corporation and order employees around if he is not the subject Minister with the relevant jurisdictional authority. Benn did it anyway because he knew he could
have done it and get away with it. Benn knew that no sanction would follow because his bosses (he has one boss, the President) would not discipline him. To put it pointedly, Benn knew he could get away with it. Why did burly policemen with guns point their weapons at innocent protestors lying on the ground? Why did a police corporal take a cutlass, chop a tree branch, make a woody weapon out of it and savagely beat the mother and her little son knowing full well that the cameras were on him? Like Benn, he knew he would be supported by his
superiors. Benn and the police corporal are no fools. They knew they could do it. The fools are we in civil society. The fools are the opposition parties that are tripping over each other to attend meetings with the Office of the President and vying with each other to get concessions from the State. The AFC boycotts a State event, APNU goes to it. APNU boycotts a function, the AFC attends. This is the state of our politics so Benn, the corporal, the Ministers, the Police Commissioner and the President can do what they like. We must salute the
Frederick Kissoon relatives of that mother who was beaten. They threw their bodies on her to protect her. In the meantime, Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell says the corporal will not be interdicted during the investigation. Now you can understand why he brazenly beat the woman and her son.
Plastic Surgery crucial to any health care system - visiting U.S. surgeon stresses Certain aspects of plastic surgery are absolutely important in any health care system, a notion which has been emphasised by reputable United Statesbased Plastic Surgeon, Dr Geoffrey Osgood. Dr Osgood, who has been practising for more than two decades, was during the past week among a group of experts who were volunteering their skills at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital as part of a medical mission. During an interview with this publication, Dr Osgood explained the importance of plastic surgery even as he made reference to its need to address conditions caused by deformities, burns, trauma, accidents and even assaults and tumours. His expertise also extends to cosmetic surgery. The medical mission, which was orchestrated by the Catholic-driven Sisters of Mercy Organisation in collaboration with the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, saw a total of eight professionals offering their services. In his capacity as plastic surgeon, Dr Osgood earlier in the week said that his intention was to screen about 40 patients and perform about 15 operations. His time here saw him
attending to patients with burn scars and according to him there are times when a burn scar can over-heal, resulting in what is termed keloid scars and “that can be quite distorting even causing distortion to other areas of function.” Some scars can even limit elbow straightening and Dr Osgood recounted attending to one small boy with a scar on his face among others that were affected. He also recalled examining another individual with infected scars which required draining, even as he spoke of a little girl with a scar to her elbow which needed to be released in order to allow her arm to straighten. “There were some other individuals with tissue in an area that it doesn’t belong, for instance breast tissue under the armpit where it sticks out and we need to remove that,” Dr Osgood disclosed. Some procedures, according to him, can take as little as one hour while others can last for some five hours. Patients are usually under anaesthetic during such operations, he noted. However, Dr Osgood made a point of outlining that although a few patients would have benefited surgically, the recent mission
was merely an exploratory one. “It is an exploration to see what kind of assistance we can give in addition to education services... This is the first time for us here and we are hoping to see what services we can provide to see what is helpful to assist the whole mission purpose and we hope we are welcome back to be able to help out some more,” Dr Osgood added. Speaking of his practice in the United States, the Plastic Surgeon said that he is on staff at three hospitals and privately practices full reconstruction and cosmetic surgical operations to correct various issues. His practice in the US also sees him performing plastic surgery operations on patients with skin cancer, and according to him, Caucasians have a much higher incidence of skin cancer. He also offers his expertise to women who would have had breast removal due to cancer. “I am a plastic surgeon; meaning I can address areas in the body in both shape and function as well as the appearance for self esteem...the cosmetic purposes, too, but I am fully trained in hand reconstruction, tumour reconstruction for the outside portion, the skin and bony and muscular skeletal systems, burn scars problem and traumatic injuries,” Dr Osgood explained. He disclosed that plastic surgery is recognised as needful, especially when some injuries heal and scars shrink, hence “those can be released through surgical procedures to get back the function of an arm or body part that is distorted.”
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall‌
Sales agreement ‘likely by weekend’ The sales team for the Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall, East Bank Demerara, is hoping to wrap up an agreement with a potential buyer by this weekend. The building, which was being constructed as a hotel to accommodate visitors for the Cricket World Cup in 2007, remains incomplete. But, it was reported that the buyer may not use the building as a hotel. The Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall has been on the market for about four years, with numerous persons and businesses expressing interest. However, the sales team was unable to secure a buyer that was willing to pay the desired sum. They were reportedly hoping to secure US$5M (G$1B) for the incomplete structure. This publication was reliably informed that an overseas company with a local representative wants the building to house its Executives when they are in Guyana. Yesterday, Keith Burrowes, who is acting on behalf of Government in overseeing the sale of the
property, in collaboration with the original investors, confirmed that there is a potential buyer but did not reveal the amount agreed upon. According to Burrowes, over the past two months a concerted effort was made to get the building sold and the deal is now on the verge of being sealed. Work on the hotel originally slated as a US$3.5 million (G$700M) project began in late January 2006, and was to have been completed by the end of the same year. At the time of the construction, the government facilitated $30M from the Consolidated Fund. That money was turned over on the agreement that it was an advance payment for rooms, but with no business being conducted, the money will be repaid when the structure is sold. Burrowes hinted that the amount being negotiated would enable Government to recover its money. In addition, the proprietor would be able to repay her debts and more than likely make a profit.
A sales agreement for the Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall is likely by weekend The Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall was supposed to have offered, in addition to the scores of rooms, a banquet hall that could cater for about 700 persons; three
catering restaurants, a storage room, a second-floor pool, 21 suites (including two with presidential facilities) and tuck shops. The property boasts land
measuring approximately 226,512 square feet with two buildings comprising 45 apartments, conference facilities, a catering centre, restaurant, swimming pool
and recreational facilities. He said that certain sections of the building remain incomplete, and as such, the buyer could modify where necessary.
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Kingston koker collapses under spring tide - Logs, boulders and sand bags used to minimize effect of breach A koker located on Water Street, Kingston, collapsed under a rising spring tide yesterday, and the abrupt flooding resulted in a great deal of losses for residents who had electrical appliances and furniture in their lower flats, since water rushed into yards and homes, particularly in the immediate environs. Officials at the scene noted that the flood warning was in effect for several areas in Georgetown. President Donald Ramotar who visited the scene acknowledged there would be flooding in the area; however, he hoped that before the next spring tide, works would have already been done to secure and prevent the water from causing such damage again. “I will be going around the city to visit flooded areas; to see the severity of the flood. But I know everyone including the Ministry of Works, contractors and engineers will be looking to see what they can do to try to block the water and as soon as the tide goes down, we will be able to block it, to prevent it from happening it
a second time.” Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn, who was at the scene, said that the second highest spring tide (3.11 metres) caused the koker door to collapse at 16:30 hrs yesterday. “What we are hoping to do is minimise the risk of further flooding, and wait until the tide recedes. But we will be placing stop logs along the slots of the koker, boulders and sand bags to prevent a recurrence of any flooding.” Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba said “since I took office I have been consistently visiting all of them (kokers) I found out lots of things were not right. I raised it with the subject Minister who had to intervene to give me instructions, because the council didn’t give me to sign cheques to procure materials. However, we have in our possession materials to repair all the koker doors,” Adding that she never expected the koker door to collapse, Sooba stated “We are fixing all of the kokers under the city council’s mandate. I think there is some excessive high tide which we
The damaged koker door at Kingston were warned about and we were trying to put systems in place so if it came as per normal we would have been able to deal with it. We will collaborate with the Ministry of Works and different agencies to do work.” Many residents at the scene criticised the authorities for their negligence in maintain the koker, since it is widely know
that Kingston is an area prone to floods and all aspects of securing the koker and proper drainage should have been maintained. “Before they spend money on the Marriott Hotel up the road they should spend money on the kokers and do them properly,” one woman lamented. Residents in the area who returned from work were
unable to get into their homes as the water rushed into the street and yards flooding the carriageways. “Three times before this happened and residents were given no compensation, this is just disgusting! No one takes blame for anything, we visit city council office and we are dismissed, these people are just sick,” one woman exclaimed.
Several trucks traversed the area with sand, timber and workers as the Public Works Ministry officials tried to place timber strips in place along the slots of the koker and sand bags to create a buffer to minimise further inundation. A barge with a long reach hydraulic excavator also assisted in securing the timber in the koker slots.
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Wednesday March 13, 2013
Murdered Guyanese mom, Transparency Institute, Private Sector Commission stress urgency of… Susan Powell, laid to rest Procurement and Integrity Commissions, Ombudsman, Access to Information Act
Susan Powell (inset)was laid to rest on Monday in Antigua, two weeks after she was shot dead in a store. (Antigua Observer) – Five broken-hearted children and their father on Monday said goodbye to their mother and wife, Guyana-born Susan Powell in a thanksgiving service for the 38-year-old sales clerk, murdered at work two weeks ago. With tear-filled eyes, 10year-old Christine Powell eulogised her mother in a poem titled “Memories of Mommy.” For heartbroken husband Wayne Powell, it was a day he said he “never imagined.” He sat alongside the children – with tear-stained cheeks. Students of Baptist Academy of Antigua, which three of the couple’s children attend, and Jennings Secondary School, where a fourth attends, participated in the service, paying tribute in songs God Will Make A Way and He Raised Me Up,
respectively. National Security Minister, Dr Errol Cort, opposition leader Gaston Browne and head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Superintendent Nuffield Burnette, attended the service held at the Central Baptist Church in Radio Range. The church was filled to capacity with only close relatives and dignitaries. Hundreds of other mourners were also gathered on the compound under tents to pay respect. They nodded and smiled as Powell’s younger brother, Toshaa Hope, reminisced on who she was. Like Dr Hensworth Jonas, pastor of the Central Baptist Church who delivered the sermon, Hope said his sister and husband worked hard to secure a good education for
their offspring – Whitney, Ashley, Malcolm, Christine and Shaniya – while ensuring they went to church and learned God’s word. Hope said the best way to pay tribute to Powell would be to keep her children on the path she showed them. Remembering Powell, Dr Jonas noted, “Mrs Susan Powell was a member in good standing of the Central Baptist Church for more than a decade. She (was) wellknown and loved by all church members of the ECBM Baptist Circuit of Churches.” Powell was gunned down on February 26 while on duty as a saleswoman at First Gadget Electronics in Heritage Quay around 1:15 pm. Up to press time last night, police had not charged anyone for the killing. Powell was entombed at St John’s Public cemetery.
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) are teaming up to fight corruption. “The perception of corruption of Guyana is too important to be ignored and negatively impacts on business and investment,”the organizations said in a joint statement yesterday. They have agreed to collaborate on the appointment of Commissioners for the Public Procurement Commission, and the provision of adequate resources for its effective functioning; the appointment of Commissioners for the Integrity Commission and the provision of adequate resources for its effective functioning; tackling money laundering; the appointment of an Ombudsman; and bringing into operation the Access to Information Act. “Both parties agreed that as key stakeholders it was important that the PSC and TIGI collaborate their efforts aimed at eradicating corruption in Guyana and meet regularly to discuss progress as well as matters of mutual interest.” The PSC and TIGI, which is the local contact for Transparency International, met recently at the request of the PSC to discuss the Commission’s concerns about the low ranking of Guyana on Transparency International’s 2012 Annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Officials of Transparency Institute explained that the Index is global research initiative that ranks countries and territories based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be and has been credited with putting corruption on the
international policy agenda. The Institute noted that apart from the ranking by T r a n s p a r e n c y International, Guyana is ranked poorly on corruption in a number of other indices from reputable international organizations. TIGI presented information on the civil society body, its directors, its mandate, the work it does and intends to do and discussed its 11-point plan for tackling corruption and improving accountability and transparency in Guyana, which was issued in a press release in December announcing the results of the CPI. The Institute expressed the view that if its proposed plan is implemented, then Guyana’s ranking would surely improve on the Corruption Perceptions Index. According to the statement by the organisations, the PSC expressed concern about the low ranking that Guyana received and its negative impact on business and investment and that, in its view, it was exaggerated. The PSC expressed further concern that the Index is based on perceptions and not reality, and the methodology used may not be appropriate. The Institute clarified that absolute levels of corruption are difficult to measure since corruption generally comprises illegal activities, which are deliberately hidden and only come to light through scandals, investigations or prosecutions and that the best available substitute measure is the CPI and has been relied upon by most countries and international institutions as an important guide to assessing levels of
corruption in a country. “Most countries accept the CPI as the best available measure for corruption and readily commit to improving their countries standing,” the organizations stated. In December, Transparency International ranked Guyana as the most corrupt country in the Caribbean, placing a lowly 133 out of total of 174 countries. At the time of the release of the CPI Index, the Transparency Institute listed a number of measures that Government will have to implement to raise Guyana’s rankings. Apart from what it agreed to work with the Private Sector Commission on, the Institute also called for the implementation of whistleblowing legislation; the enforcement of existing anticorruption laws by investigating and prosecuting the corrupt and the strengthening of existing anti-corruption institutions such as the Guyana Police Force and the Financial Intelligence Unit established under the money laundering legislation. “These institutions are weak and unable to counter serious white collar crime and corrupt activities,” the Institute’s President Gino Persaud had said. TIGI had also called for the strengthening of civil society and for organisations such as the Guyana Bar Association, the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Private Sector Commission, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Guyana Press Association to become more involved in combating corruption by speaking out against it and being proactive within its own membership on tackling corruption and by partnering with the institute for collective efforts.
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
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COS opens office to children of Margaret Rose-Arthur Day Care Centre
Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best greets the children during the visit. Looking on is Miss Shauntel Maloney. Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best last Friday welcomed to his office at Base Camp Ayanganna, children in the care of the Margaret Rose Arthur Day Care Centre. Fourteen of the Centre’s 25 children visited the Chief of Staff. The visitors could hardly contain their excitement at meeting Commodore Best, who showed them replicas of aircraft and ships. The Centre’s administrator, Miss. Shauntel
Maloney, indicated that the visit was arranged as part of the children’s orientation to important people, which forms the theme for their interactions during this term. “This term, we are discussing with the children, important people in Guyana. We have talked to them about the President and the Prime Minister,” she said. “We have also talked with them about the Chief of Staff and the patron of the Day Care Centre, Ms. Margaret Rose Arthur, after
whom the centre is named. We feel that it is important for the children to learn about and know who heads the organisation under which the Centre is managed and also to know about the person whose name the Centre bears,” she added. Commodore Best indicated the visit was good and augured well for the children’s development and appreciation of people and places of significance. He encouraged the centre’s administrator to ensure that
they benefit from other such visits from time to time. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are catered for at the centre and each of them is supervised by a particular caregiver. The Margaret Rose Arthur Day Care centre caters for the all-round development of its charges with activities streamlined to enhance their emotional, cognitive and social skills. It was built and dedicated in 2010 and formally opened in 2011.
“I gave the Policeman that name and the location, somewhere in the Mazaruni, and up to now I ent hear nothing from them,” she said. She explained that the man, once married to her niece, fathered two children with her niece but they had divorced and that the woman and children were living in England. She said that it was extremely painful for her when the two children called to find out where their father was or whether anything had been learnt about his fate. “They love their father and the uncertainty is hurting them,” she added. She said that she wished that she could call the children and tell them that their father was alive and well. “They would be very glad.”
De Jesus said that it was not the first time that she knew about people who had gone into the interior and had disappeared. “Dey got many cases where people getting lost in the bush and dey family and parents ent hearing nothing from them.” She is urging miners to make sure that they collect details about people who work with them , their correct names (not call names) their correct address, whether they are married and have children or not, and the names of their parents, so that they could be easier traced if they disappear. She is calling on anyone who may know about the location or fate of Basil Domingo to get in touch with her via her telephone # 2269859.
Former PNC MP missing
Former People’s National Congress Member of Parliament Mr. Basil Domingo has being missing for months now and relatives say that they do not know where he is or what has been his fate. Prominent gold and diamond miner Mrs. Cyrilda DeJesus, to whose niece Domingo was married, said that the middle-aged man has been missing since late last year when he went into the interior to do gold mining. “ H e l e f t l a s t y e a r. . Christmas come and we ent hear nothing from he. He is a man who does usually call me whenever he is away for a while. He got lost or they kill him we don’t know.” She said that she made a report about Domingo’s disappearance to the Police
Missing: Basil Domingo late last year, but they told her that she must go and find out who Domingo had gone to work with and where he was working.
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Wednesday March 13, 2013
Soldiers’ court action against Chief-of-Staff…
Other Joint Services agencies paying keen interest By Dale Andrews and Zena Henry Members of sister Joint Services organisations are viewing with interest, the move to the court by four Guyana Defence Force officers to challenge the withholding of their annual bonus by Chief-of-Staff Commodore Gary Best. Officers from all the other Joint Service organizations Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Prison Service (GPS) - who spoke to this newspaper, have expressed surprise at the position that the Chief-of-Staff continues to take and are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the court action. They believe that the ruling of the court could have a significant impact on how their organizations treat with the matter of the annual onemonth bonus payment in the future. Last year was the first time that accusations of withholding the bonus payments surfaced. Senior officers in the GPF, GFS and the GPS have indicated that never before have their agencies withheld any of the bonus payments
Chief-of-Staff Commodore Gary Best from any staff member for whatever reason. “We have never withheld anybody’s bonus,” a senior officer of the Guyana Police Force told Kaieteur News. “Even our internal awards are not subjected to such stringent considerations,” the officer added. This position was echoed by officers of the Guyana Fire and Prison Service. “Except they are absent,” said an officer of the Prison Service. The initiative to grant members of the Joint Service a one-month salary bonus at the end of the year was started by former President
Bharrat Jagdeo in 2002, as a reward for their work at the beginning of a potentially crippling crime wave. At the time, the President did not attach any conditions to the payout. Commodore Gary Best in defending his decision to withhold the bonus from some of his officers had stated that poor performance was one of the main reasons, adding that similar action had been taken in the past. He had explained that commanding officers of the various GDF departments had submitted lists with the names of persons who had underperformed and had recommended that they should not be paid the bonus. Over 100 members of the GDF were said to have been affected by the decision. Among the officers who were to be affected were those who were absent without leave (AWOL), those who were involved in accidents with the force’s vehicles and those who sold duty-free vehicles before the stipulated time. “This is not a one-man show and it is not a task for the chief of staff,” Commodore Best was quoted in the media as saying
recently. Four officers have sued the GDF chief of staff, who has been ordered by the court to justify withholding their bonuses. The four officers, Commanding Officer, Major (ag) Lesley Ramlall; Staff Officer Operations and Training, Captain Rono Joseph; Staff Officer Personnel and Training, Captain Harold Fraser and Coast Guard Lieutenant, Officer Commanding Maritime Law Enforcement Division, Andre’ Cush, via their attorney Abiola WongInniss, have accused Commodore Best of unreasonably, unlawfully and unfairly withholding their bonuses. The court document said that Best’s decision was based on improper or irrelevant considerations and breached the rules of natural justice. Ramlall and Fraser stated that during the year 2012, there were no charges instituted against them. Ramlall said that in January of 2013 he was charged with respect to allegations pertaining to the performance of his duties while attached to GDF Credit Union in 2011.
Those charges he said were never determined. He said that on February 20 2013, he was again served with the same charges which are currently pending. The Major said he was further served letters informing him that he would go on administrative leave and that he was suspended from the Committee of Management of the GDF Credit Union. Both matters were however quashed by the courts on October 29, 2012. Ramlall further charged that he engaged Colonel Lovell MSM via mail to resolve the bonuses non- payment, but there was never a response to the letter. Captain Joseph said that administrative action was taken against him in 2012 for what was referred to as “Inappropriate relationship with a female.” Cush said he was in 2012 charged for insubordinate behaviour, but is yet to be prosecuted. Apart from the allegations, the Officers also said that they were never formally told that their incentives were not being paid, neither were they afforded the opportunity to be heard on the issue. On these grounds, the
plaintiffs said they were advised that the Chief of Staff had no discretion or authority to withhold payments whether they had disciplinary issues in 2012 or not and therefore his decision was conceived in both perversity and contrary to the provisions of the Defence Act, Chapter 15:01. Chief Justice Ian Chang after reading the motion, however, ordered that on March 19, Chief of Staff Commodore Best will have to answer the matter against him and give cause as to why the court should not quash his decision to withhold the Officers payments. A former Chief of Staff said that the office of the Chief of Staff has certain powers due to the Defence Act, but making such a decision to withhold money granted by the President would be a matter for the courts. The former army head said that he would think that Commodore Best would have put much thought into the issue before making a decision. Some officers insist that Best made a decision within his capacity while others said withholding officers’ bonuses was not his call.
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Engineer clears the air on Enterprise road works - states actual cost for 1500 metres of rehab as $34.6M Roads and Bridges Engineer, Khiraj Bisesar attached to the Ministry of Public Works yesterday took media operatives to the Coldingen/Enterprise access road where he sought to clear the air on ongoing road works in the area. Seeking to correct some ‘misrepresentation’ which was highlighted in a recent article carried in this publication, Bisesar said that the $32M will cover rehabilitation works on four roads in the Enterprise area. According to Bisesar, the Ministry of Public Works awarded a contract Hemraj Garbarran to rehabilitate the Coldigen/Enterprise main access road and Housing Scheme network road in Enterprise. The Engineer explained that the Coldigen/Enterprise main access road project is to extensively rehabilitate sectional areas to a total of 500 metres by 4.3 metres wide. This he said will be done in asphalted concrete. “As you can see, on the road only certain patches are not in good condition, hence we will do only those areas.
That is why we are emphasizing sectional works.” In the Housing Scheme network road project, Bisesar said 1000 metres by 3.05 metres wide of road is to be rehabilitated. “The combined cost is $34.624 million and what was reported is that the work is being done for this project alone…This is inaccurate. At one part in the article we see residents saying that the works are only worth $10 Million for this road (Coldingen/Enterprise access road).” “This may be so, but the other three areas in the scheme are being done as well” Bisesar stated. The Engineer went on to explain that while actual construction is not currently in progress, works are ongoing. He said the contractors were procuring materials for the further construction of the roads. “The contractors are currently at the crusher run stage, after this they will shape and roll the crusher run area and then we will apply asphalted concrete layer
Roads and Bridges Engineer, Khiraj Bisesar, stands on the Enterprise/Coldigen access road which is currently under construction. which will be 37 millimetres thick which is one inch and a half.” Further responding to questions about substandard work, Bisesar said he cannot comment on that issue since that will have to be determined after the project would have been completed. “I can only talk about substandard work when it is completed. It should be
completed on April 9. After that it has a six-month defect liability period to remedy any defective work that shows up.” Meanwhile, as it relates to the April 9 deadline for the project, Bisesar said the Ministry has already sent a letter to the contractor reminding him of his commitment. “If he does not complete it in the committed time, we have clauses in the contract
to impose liquidated damages as stipulated in the contract and we will impose liquidated damages once he has not completed it within the time frame.” On Sunday last residents voiced their concern over the road construction works in their area, noting that they are not getting value for the money that Government is expending on the road project. The bone of
contention was the one-mile main access road that leads into the community. The residents say for more than five years, they had been clamouring for repairs to be done to the road which was filled with what can be described as craters, causing severe hardship to motorists. The contract for the road was awarded last November following several complaints raised by residents.
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Venezuela to probe Chavez cancer “poisoning” accusation CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela will set up a formal inquiry into suspicions that the late President Hugo Chavez’s cancer was the result of poisoning by his enemies abroad, the government said. The accusation has been derided by critics of the government, who view it as a typical Chavez-style conspiracy theory intended to feed fears of “imperialist” threats to Venezuela’s socialist system and distract people from daily problems. Still, acting President Nicolas Maduro vowed to push through a serious investigation into the claim, which was first raised by Chavez himself after he was diagnosed with the disease in 2011. “We will seek the truth,” Maduro told regional TV network Telesur late on Monday. “We have the intuition that our commander Chavez was poisoned by dark forces that wanted him out of
Nicolas Maduro
Antigua government prepares for legal battle in US courts
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government says it is preparing to deal with a motion filed by the son of the owner of a company based here who is asking the US courts to reconsider a previous ruling that dismissed a US$750,000 breach of contract lawsuit against the government. Attorney General Justin Simon told Parliament that Dan Abraham Sarfati, the son of Maurice Sarfati, of Roydan Ltd, had filed the motion on the grounds that the guarantee which was given by the government in respect of the promissory note which had been issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands was not barred by the statute of limitation. Simon said Sarfati also argues that “the limitation period would only begin from the date when the court had
declared that the promissory note was no longer viable”. He said the second ground for the appeal is that “they were entitled to an extension of time in respect of the limitation period because the claimant, Sarfati, was under threat by the government of Antigua and Barbuda”. Last month a US federal court dismissed the original law suit that was filed on July 19, 2010 by Dan Abraham Sarfati regarding the payment of three promissory notes issued to the company and signed by then agriculture minister Hilroy Humphreys in June 1990 and guaranteed by the Ministry of Finance. Dan Sarfati, who was eight years-old in 1990, alleged that the monies had never been repaid, and that because of “threats and coercion” made to his father by people associated with the then government, he became fearful for his safety and no
Drug dealers bringing out big guns – Bajan police Barbados Nation - The big drug dealers are bringing out the big guns. And the chief of this country’s Police Drug Squad is bemoaning the fact that drug dealers in Barbados have become brazen enough to not only smuggle in highpowered weapons, but also use them with intent to injure or even kill law enforcement officers. This was the feeling of Superintendent Grafton Phillips Monday, after one of
Barbados’ most pristine tourist areas was turned into something like a scene from the Miami Vice hit movie on Sunday night, when police and a group of armed men were involved in a drug-busting shoot-out on a beach in Fitts Village, St James. In the end, police were able to make one of their largest seizures of illegal drugs in recent times, recovering more than 2 000 pounds of marijuana.
legal action taken then to recover the funds. A statement by the Antigua and Barbuda government said it had engaged the services of two US-based Antigua-born lawyers to act on its behalf in the matter and that they had filed a motion to dismiss the claim on the grounds that the lawsuit was barred by the statute of limitations, “notwithstanding the alleged threats which were pleaded were baseless”.
the way.” Foreign scientists will be invited to join a government commission, the OPEC nation’s acting leader said. Maduro, 50, is Chavez’s handpicked successor and is running as the government’s candidate in a snap presidential election on April 14 that was triggered by his boss’s death last week. He is trying to keep voters’ attention firmly focused on Chavez to benefit from the outpouring of grief among his millions of supporters. The opposition is centering its campaign on portraying Maduro, a former bus driver, as an incompetent who, they say, is morbidly exploiting Chavez’s demise. Running for the opposition’s Democratic Unity coalition is a businessfriendly state governor, Henrique Capriles, 40, who lost to Chavez in a presidential vote last year. Tuesday was the last day of official mourning for Chavez, although ceremonies appear set to continue. His embalmed body was to be taken in procession to a military museum on Friday. Millions have filed past Chavez’s coffin to pay homage to a man who was adored by many of the poor for his humble roots and welfare policies, but was also hated by many people for his authoritarian style and bullying of opponents. Though Maduro has spoken about combating crime and extending development programs in the slums, he has mostly used his
frequent appearances on state TV to talk about Chavez. The 58-year-old president was diagnosed with cancer in his pelvic region in June 2011 and underwent four surgeries before dying of what sources said was metastasis in the lungs. Maduro said it was too early to specifically point a finger over Chavez’s cancer, but noted that the United States had laboratories with experience in producing diseases. “He had a cancer that broke all norms,” Maduro told Telesur. “Everything seems to indicate that they affected his health using the most advanced techniques ... He had that intuition from the beginning.” Maduro has compared his suspicions over Chavez’s death with allegations that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat died in 2004 from poisoning by Israeli agents. The case echoes Chavez’s long campaign to convince the world that his idol and Venezuela’s independence hero Simon Bolivar died of poisoning by his enemies in Colombia in 1830. Though keeping a low profile out of respect for Chavez’s supporters, opponents are furious at what they see as the use of his death by government officials to bolster their chances of staying in power. Launching his candidacy on Monday, Maduro’s speech began with a recording of Chavez singing the national anthem. Hearing his booming voice again, many supporters wept.
As well as the wave of sympathy over Chavez, the opposition faces a wellfinanced state apparatus, institutions packed with government supporters, and problems within its own rankand-file, still demoralized over October ’s presidential election defeat and a mauling at gubernatorial polls in December. Capriles, an energetic lawyer and career politician, has tried to kick-start his campaign with accusations that Maduro and other senior officials lied about the details of Chavez’s illness, hiding the gravity of his condition from Venezuelans. That has brought him a torrent of abuse in return, with the words “Nazi” and “fascist” being used by senior government officials despite Capriles’ Jewish roots. At stake in the election is not only the future of Chavez’s leftist “revolution,” but the continuation of Venezuelan oil subsidies and other aid crucial to the economies of left-wing allies around Latin America, from Cuba to Bolivia. Venezuela boasts the world’s largest oil reserves. Polls from before Chavez’s death gave Maduro a lead over Capriles of more than 10 percentage points. Though there are hopes for a post-Chavez rapprochement between Venezuela and the United States, a diplomatic spat worsened on Monday when Washington expelled two Venezuelan diplomats in a titfor-tat retaliation.
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Opposition, trade unions, NGOs warn of “undeclared state of emergency” in Trinidad PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – CMC - Opposition politicians, trade unionists and non-government organisations have accused the Kamla Persad Bissessar government of seeking to impose an undeclared state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago as it battles to deal with the escalating crime situation in the twin island republic. Former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, speaking at a public meeting organised by the “Roundtable Group” on Monday night, said that plans by the government to enact legislation that would precept soldiers into the police service should be condemned by the entire population. Debate on the Defence Force Amendment Bill resumes in the Parliament today and Maharaj said passage of the legislation, which requires a special majority, would spell the end of freedom in the country. “In effect what they want
to do by that law is to create a flying squad in the army. A flying squad under the minister’s control, a flying squad of army officers. “What they want to do is create a permanent state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago,” Marhaj said, appealing to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force to speak out on the dangers of such a law. “I appeal to the members of the defence force and to the police service to tell the government that this is not going to do with them because they are going to corrupt the police service and the defence force also. “This measure is to give the military police powers, it is serious and it is undemocratic. There is nothing good in it and if it is allowed to stand I say to you tonight, it will be a dagger in the heart of our democracy in Trinidad and Tobago”. Last week, the Police Social and Welfare Association (PSWA) called
for an urgent meeting with National Security Minister Austin Jack Warner while police officers have circulated a petition indicating that they view the decision to precept soldiers as a “serious, catastrophic decision that has the potential to initiate an irreversible trend of interference on the independence of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and its operations”. The meeting is scheduled for later on Tuesday. Trade unionist Vincent Caberra told the public meeting that a dictatorship is in the making here and that the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) will not be supporting the legislation as proposed by the government. He said the government believes that the population would allow it “to do just about anything to deal with criminal activity. “But the act of precepting of soldiers will not fix the problems. Utilise the armed forces of course, but police must do the arresting and so
forth, or otherwise you are in the middle of a military state of affairs in quick time. “It is easy to slip into darkness, but it will be very difficult to see the light again,” he warned. Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley accused the four-member coalition government that to came to power in May 2010 of dismantling all the intelligence services on the island crying crocodile tears over attempts to deal with crime. Like David Abdulah, the leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) that once formed part of the coalition government, Rowley called for the immediate dismissal of Warner, warning that he would use the new legislation to terrorise law abiding citizens that oppose the government policies. Both men made reference to Warner instructing soldiers to dismantle the camps of the Highway Re-Route Movement that has been in opposition to the government’s plans to build a highway in the south of the country. Meanwhile, a senior official of the civil society group, Fix TnT, Kirk Waite has warned that politicians must never be allowed to hold tremendous power over
independent institutions. “That is the beginning of the end of our democracy and freedom as we know. No minister of national security, no government minister, no politician must ever have authority over any individual unit or organisation vested with the powers of arrest. “This bill is extremely dangerous, this bill if passed will make Section 34 look like a tea party,” he said, a reference to the controversy that has engulfed the government following the early proclamation of that section of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act that critics said had the effect of allowing people, whose trial has not started after a 10-year period to walk free and a verdict of not guilty entered against their names. The critics say that the clause was aimed at supporting businessmen Ish Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson, who have been described as financiers of the ruling United National Congress (UNC), the biggest partner in the four-member coalition People’s Partnership government. Waite also called on the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) to make its voice heard on the new legislation.
Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj “This bill if passed will place us in an undeclared state of emergency. I call on the Law Association to state a position on this Bill before it goes back to Parliament tomorrow,” he said. The LATT said it would be meeting on Tuesday to outline its position on the matter. During the debate in Parliament last Friday, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, the various crime plans of the last government involved the use of soldiers working with police to fight crime “without the legal protection”. He said the new legislation would have a sunset clause of two years and would give “specially chosen” soldiers, who work with the police in joint exercises, the same powers, privileges and immunities as the police.
PM Gonsalves proposes naming facility after Chavez KINGSTOWN, St Vincent - CMC - Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves is proposing that a facility in St Vincent and the Grenadines be named in honour of former Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer last week. “I believe that it would be fitting for us, at some time, to have a facility, whether it be a school or some other public building or facility, named after President Chavez,” Gonsalves told Parliament. He described the late Venezuelan leader as a “giant of a political figure, a splendid human being” and an “integrationist for the region, one who possessed a profound dislike of injustice, a man for the poor and the working people and our Latin America and the Caribbean”. Gonsalves said that St Vincent and the Grenadines had benefited immensely from the leadership of Chavez and that he is quite sure that excellent relations will continue under the new
Dr Ralph Gonsalves government in Caracas. Gonsalves told legislators it pains him to have to say that some people here, across the Caribbean, as well as in Venezuela, and other parts of the world rejoiced at Chavez’s death. “The glee with which some people greeted the death of president Chavez,… it is just terrible,” he said, adding it was “the same kind
of a glee” that some people here “have for the Buccament Bay Resort to fail or for the Argyle international airport not to succeed (and) want to see Building & Loan collapse. “It is a kind of a perversity, which … I am not able to fathom the reasoning. We really have to get past these things,” Gonsalves said. Gonsalves detailed the assistance that St Vincent and the Grenadines has received from Venezuela in the areas of healthcare, education, economic development, and infrastructural development. “How could anybody be happy to see a man like that die? What has happened to some of us in this country and this world?” “… I just have to conclude that there are some people who are just bad-minded and we just have to pray for them. “… Hugo Chavez was in quest of the uplifting of human beings to a much higher level,” Gonsalves told Parliament.
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Falklanders vote to remain British Teenage pregnancy a major concern in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Residents of The Falkland Islands voted overwhelming in the referendum to determine the future of the country, (AP) STANLEY, Falkland Islands (AP) — An overwhelming 99.8 per cent of Falkland Islands voters have backed keeping their government just the way it is: a British Overseas Territory. Of the 1 517 valid votes cast, only three islandsers voted “no” to the question: “Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom?” One vote was somehow lost, officials said Monday night. The referendum was aimed at showing the world that the residents’ selfdetermination must be considered in any discussion about the future of the remote South Atlantic islands that are claimed by both Britain and Argentina. Elections officials reported a 92 per cent turnout among the approximately 1 650 Falkland Island voters eligible to cast ballots in the referendum. International election observer Juan Henao said the process was completely normal. The islands’ 2 563 residents did all they could ahead of the vote to show their sympathies, waving Union Jack flags and dressing up in red-white-and-blue. “The referendum will show the world how we feel, that we are British and that we wish to remain British. We don’t want to have nothing to do with Argentina, at all,” islander Barry Nielson said as he voted. The ballot didn’t consider any alternatives, such as full independence or some sort of political relationship with Argentina. The Falkland Islands Government had said that if a majority said “no,” they could explore alternatives in a second vote
later. The government barred from voting any visiting contractors or personnel from the sizeable British military deployment, as well as anyone who had not resided in the islands for the last 12 months, thus excluding several people with islander status who have chosen to live in Argentina. Argentines consider the “Islas Malvinas” to be part of their national territory, taken from them by the British more than 180 years ago. One group at the iconic obelisk in Buenos Aires said Monday that it had gathered 100 000 signatures supporting Argentina’s claim to the territory and the resource-rich seas that surrounds the archipelago. The islands’ community, which includes families that have worked the land for nine generations, is steeped in British culture, and British Prime Minister David Cameron wrote in the tabloid The Sun on Sunday that “as long as the Falklanders want to stay British, we will always be there to protect them. They
have my word on that.” Argentina maintained that the vote was illegal and that islanders — an “implanted people” — have no voice in a dispute that must be settled bilaterally. The islanders hope the result will help them keep any deal off the table — and perhaps even persuade neutral nations such as the United States to come down on their side. Governor Nigel Haywood is Queen Elizabeth’s representative in the islands, a mostly advisory role. The islanders directly elect members of a legislative assembly, and settle all their own affairs except for defense and foreign policy. “I think countries when faced with the outcome of this will look at it and say ... ‘we’re in the 21st century, is it right that a country should want to try to take possession of these islands again against the freely expressed wishes of its inhabitants?’ Haywood told The Associated Press. “That’s just not how countries should act in the 21st century.”
Allen Stanford Investors May Get Some Money Back Investors in Allen Stanford’s $7 billion Ponzi scheme, who have recovered nothing in the four years since it blew up, could finally get some money back under a $300 million multi-national settlement in the case. For years, investors, attorneys and regulators have been wrangling over Stanford assets frozen in Canada, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The complex settlement, still subject to court approval
in five countries, would clear the way for most of the $300 million to be distributed to investors later this year. The agreement was announced yesterday by the court-appointed receiver in the U.S. and by liquidators appointed by the court in Antigua, where Stanford’s offshore bank was based. The U.S. Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission are also part of the settlement. (CNBC).
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent – CMC – Teenage pregnancy continues to be a major concern for the Ministry of Health with eight girls between the ages of 11 and 14 years giving birth in 2012, St Vincent Health Minister Clayton Burgin told Parliament. He said that teenage pregnancy remains high even as the nation recorded a constant decrease in the number of babies dying before birth. “The area that continues to worry my ministry is teenage pregnancy. The teenage pregnancy rate in 2012 remained high, standing at 17.9 per cent, with eight girls between 11 and 14 giving birth,” he told lawmakers on Monday. “A coordinated effort is needed to tackle this problem. It will require the input of every sector of society to correct this problem.” The age of consent in St Vincent and the Grenadines is 16 years and a person having sex with a girl under that age can be charged with one or more of several crimes.
Burgin’s comments came as he lauded improvement in both prenatal and neonatal mortality rates. He said the neonatal mortality rates continues to decline, standing at 50.4 per 1,000 in 2010, 11.5 in 2011, and 7.44 in 2012, while the stillbirth rate fell to from 20.3 in 2011 to 14.6 in 2012. Burgin said last year, the prenatal mortality rate stood at 22.05 per 1,000 total births the lowest recorded since 2007. In 2010, it was 33.8 and 31.9 in 2011. “Mr Speaker, when one considers that St Vincent and the Grenadines does not possess the technological capabilities and sophistication as the more
developed countries, to have such a steady decline of deaths in the prenatal period is indeed a remarkable feat,” Burgin said, noting however, there was an increase in the number of babies born with birth defect. Burgin said that the figures were in the normal international standards and “even more favourable that some of our Caribbean neighbours and also throughout the world. “I am pleased to say that despite our challenges in 2012, the maternal and child health services at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and the community health service registered a good year in 2012,” the health minister said.
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Erratic North Korea poses serious threat WASHINGTON (AP) — An erratic North Korea, with its nuclear weapons and increasingly belligerent tone, poses a serious threat to the United States and East Asia nations, the director of National Intelligence warned yesterday in the annual accounting of the threats worldwide. In his extensive overview, James R. Clapper told Congress that a less decentralized terrorist network has significantly altered the threats while the Arab Spring uprising in the Middle East and North Africa has created spikes in the dangers facing American interests in the regions The intelligence chief offered a sober assessment of threats from potential cyber attacks, weapons of mass destruction and the monthslong civil war in Syria. North Korea, Iran and Syria stirred the most concern as the Obama administration and Congress weigh the effectiveness of sanctions against Pyongyang and Tehran. Clapper testified just days
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper listens as he testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, yesterday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) after North Korea’s communist regime said it was scuttling the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War and has maintained peace on the peninsula for more than half a century. The administration slapped sanctions against North Korea’s primary exchange bank and several senior government officials. North Korea, led by its young leader Kim Jong Un, has defied the international community in the last three months, testing a long-range
missile and a third nuclear bomb. “These programs demonstrate North Korea’s commitment to develop longrange missile technology that could pose a direct threat to the United States, and its efforts to produce and market ballistic missiles raise broader regional and global security concerns,” Clapper told the Senate Intelligence committee. While the intelligence community has figured that Pyongyang’s nuclear efforts
are designed for deterrence, worldwide prestige and coercive diplomacy, Clapper conceded that that the United States does not know what would be the trigger that would prompt North Korea to act to preserve Kim’s regime. Pressed during the hearing, Clapper said he was “very concerned” about Kim actions, which has included tough talk as well as a recent invitation to former basketball star Dennis Rodman. “The rhetoric, while it is propaganda-laced, is also an indicator of their attitude and perhaps their intent,” Clapper said. “So for my part, I am very concerned about what they might do. And they are certainly, if they chose ... could initiate a provocative action against the South.” Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, the general in charge of U.S. Strategic Command said he is “satisfied” that existing U.S. missile defenses can defend against a limited attack from North Korea. Air Force Gen. Robert Kehler also said he is confident the country is adequately defended from a limited attack by Iran, “although we are not in the
most optimum posture to do that today.” The Intelligence panel hearing also sought, in part, to rebuild some trust between the nation’s top intelligence officials and senators who complain they have been refused administration documents and other information that are necessary for congressional oversight. Joining Clapper at the witness table were newly minted CIA Director John Brennan, FBI Director Robert Mueller, Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, National Counterterrorism Center Director Matthew Olsen and Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Philip Goldberg. At one point, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., questioned Clapper on whether the National Security Agency is eavesdropping or otherwise collecting data on Americans in the U.S. The NSA generally monitors telephone and Internet traffic overseas, but was authorized by the Bush administration after Sept. 11 to collect data within the United States to track alQaida. That program stopped in
2007 but fueled suspicions about whether a White House might trample Americans’ civil and legal rights in the name of safeguarding against terrorists. “Does the NSA collect any type of data at all on millions or hundreds of millions of Americans?” Wyden asked Clapper. “No, sir,” Clapper answered. “It does not?” Wyden pressed. Clapper quickly and haltingly softened his answer. “Not wittingly,” he said. “There are cases where they could, inadvertently perhaps, collect — but not wittingly.” The intelligence chief said that in Syria, President Bashar Assad’s inability to quash the uprising increases the possibility that he will use chemical weapons against his people. “We assess that an increasingly beleaguered regime, having found its escalation of violence through conventional means inadequate, might be prepared to use chemical weapons against the Syrian people,” he said. “In addition, groups or individuals in Syria could gain access to chemical weapons-related material.”
Jamaica Observer Foreign Minister Senator A J Nicholson says Jamaica remains firm in its commitment to the aims and objectives of the Commonwealth. Nicholson said the Government recognises the remarkable contribution of the inter-governmental organisation to Jamaica and others in the world, and has been unwavering in its support for the aspirations it has for all its peoples. “We will continue to work along with our fellow Commonwealth brothers and sisters to take the necessary actions to strengthen the important collaboration that exists among Commonwealth member states,” he stated. Senator Nicholson was addressing high school students during the Commonwealth Day Youth Symposium and Celebration at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston Monday. The event was held in recognition of Commonwealth Day 2013 under the theme: ‘Opportunities through Enterprise...Unlocking Potential with Innovation and Excellence’. The minister told the
youth that, since Jamaica became a member of the Commonwealth in 1962, the country has benefited in a number of areas. These include the strengthening of its debt recording and management capabilities through the provision of training to public officials; assistance in enhancing the competitiveness of Jamaica’s micro, small and mediumsized enterprises; assistance in promoting agri-business and food safety and security; as well as providing capacity building in crime prevention methods, he said.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent countries, working together towards shared goals in democracy and development. These include the promotion of democracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, free trade and multilateralism. Member countries come from six regions: Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific. Commonwealth Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday in March each year, is used as a time to promote understanding on global issues and international co-operation.
PHILIPSBURG, St Maarten (AP) — Authorities in St Maarten are investigating the leader of the island’s main opposition party following allegations that he asked the manager of a strip club to help blackmail a fellow legislator. Solicitor General Taco Stein said late Monday that officials expanded the probe after local media reported that United People’s Party leader Theo Heyliger allegedly
sought to blackmail legislator Patrick Illidge so he could break the current ruling coalition and seize control of government. Illidge is an independent parliamentarian but forms part of St Maarten’s governing coalition. He appeared in a recently publicised video as seeming to accept stacks of money from the manager of the Bada Bing strip club as they discussed business permits.
Jamaica remains committed to Commonwealth, says foreign minister
St Maarten expand bribery probe of Opposition leader
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
Russia and U.S. in tit for tat at United Nations over Sudan, South Sudan
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice sits in a Security Council meeting regarding Libya at the UN Headquarters in New York yesterday. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States and Russia traded swipes at the U.N. Security Council yesterday over proposed statements about peace progress in Sudan and South Sudan, with Russia’s U.N. envoy accusing the U.S. ambassador of bizarre behavior and making outlandish claims. It was the latest in a series of tense public exchanges between Moscow and Washington, whose relations
have become increasingly frosty in recent months because of disagreements over how to deal with Syria and human rights in Russia. U.N. special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Haile Menkerios, briefed the 15-member council on efforts by neighboring states to implement a deal mediated by the African Union in September to resolve a conflict over oil and land. South Sudan seceded from Sudan in July 2011.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, said the United States had been working for the past two weeks to negotiate a broad statement by the council welcoming positive developments, but also noting areas lacking progress. “Unfortunately perhaps in the interests of derailing such a (statement), the Russian Federation ... tabled a draft statement which only discussed a very narrow aspect of the substance of the larger statement,” Rice told reporters. “We objected to the issuance of a statement ... divorced from the larger set of issues.” Rice said the proposed Russian statement did not include any reference to Sudan’s conflict-ridden border states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, a stalled process to determine the final status of disputed territory Abyei or cross border incidents, including air strikes by Sudan in South Sudanese territory. Khartoum has denied carrying out air strikes in South Sudan.
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Britain, France, push EU to drop Syria arms ban L O N D O N / PA R I S (Reuters) - Britain and France raised the pressure on other European Union members yesterday to lift a ban on supplying arms to Syria, where anti-government rebels are outgunned by forces loyal to President Bashar alAssad. Britain warned that it could break with the embargo altogether, which requires unanimous agreement by the EU’s 27 members to take effect, while France hinted it would push to get the bloc to agree to amend the ban to allow the supply of arms. The arms embargo is part of a package of EU sanctions on Syria that currently roll over every three months, with the last extension unanimously agreed by the EU last month and which came into effect on March 1. Without unanimous agreement to either renew or amend the ban in three months’ time, the embargo lapses. “I hope that we can persuade our European
partners, if and when a further change becomes necessary, they will agree with us,” David Cameron told a parliamentary committee when asked whether Britain could “veto” the embargo. “But if we can’t, then it’s not out of the question we might have to do things in our own way. It’s possible,” he added. Britain has not explicitly said it wants to arm the rebels, but repeatedly has said it does not rule out the option, depending on events on the ground. In France, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said “a new balance of power” has to be created in Syria. “We understand the idea of not adding weapons to weapons, but that position doesn’t work in the face of reality it and that (reality) is that the opposition is bombarded by others who are getting weapons while they are not. It’s a difficult position to keep,” he said. France and Britain accuse Assad of gambling on a
military victory against his opponents, and hope the threat of giving the rebels arms will force him into talks and a transition of power. After weeks of wrangling last month, Britain pushed for and won EU agreement to relax the embargo to allow non-lethal but quasi-military aid such as body armor and armored vehicles to be supplied to the rebels. However, Britain and France say more must be done, while Germany has warned that giving the rebels with arms could lead to a proliferation of weapons in the volatile region and spark a proxy war. Fabius said France would take steps on the embargo issue in the coming days without specifying what would be done. According a senior French official who spoke on condition of anonymity, anti-aircraft missiles are among those weapons being considered for supply to rebel fighters in Syria.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Duelling budget plans debut in U.S. Congress (Reuters) - Republicans and Democrats yesterday unveiled vastly different plans to slash long-term budget deficits that highlight the wide gulf separating the parties and the difficulty of reaching a bipartisan compromise any time soon. Republicans would balance the budget in 10 years with $4.6 trillion (3.08 trillion pounds) in spending cuts, building on earlier proposals for deep reductions to social programs. Democrats say their plan shrinks deficits by $1.85 trillion over 10 years, imposes tax hikes on the wealthy and adds $100 billion in infrastructure spending to boost job growth. Neither plan has any real chance of becoming law, with Democrats against big cuts in social programs and Republicans adamantly opposed to tax increases. “It shows the gulf we have to bridge is just as big as it ever was,” said Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Budget Committee.
Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the panel’s Republican chairman, unveiled his latest instalment of his “Path to Prosperity” proposal, which will likely be approved this month by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. This version would balance the budget by 2023 compared to 2040 in the previous plan. The task would be made easier by $620 billion in tax hikes approved in January on wealthy Americans, and an assumption very unlikely to occur - the repeal of Obama’s health care reforms, which would save another $1.8 trillion. At a news conference, Ryan repeatedly said that his plan will balance the budget and the Democratic alternative won’t. “You can’t start really paying this debt down in a serious way until you balance the budget,” he said. “The current high levels of debt we have today are a threat to our economy.” He defended keeping the January tax hikes by saying their damage would be
Paul Ryan corrected by tax reform that would drastically reduce rates. The Ryan plan’s cuts to social programs including Medicaid, which provides healthcare for the poor and some people with disabilities, make it unacceptable to Democrats, who control the U.S. Senate. More reductions, totalling $931 billion over 10 years, would come from counting savings from ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is money that critics
argue would not have been spent anyway, and from changing accounting methods for the cost of domestic emergencies, such as hurricane rebuilding. Ryan’s plan leaves savings in place from automatic spending cuts that began on March 1 and shaves another $249 billion from the discretionary spending category that funds the military and programs ranging from education to national parks. Democrats’ response to Ryan’s budget was biting. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the plan would shower new tax breaks on the rich and hit the middle class with higher taxes, all the while cutting essential government services such as food inspections and law enforcement, and weakening Medicare. That budget, Reid added in a speech on the Senate floor, “relies on accounting that’s creative at best and fraudulent at worst.” Despite the severe differences, budget optimists hope that the House Republican and Senate Democratic plans will be the opening salvos in a serious
deficit-reduction effort this year. Ryan, a Wisconsin lawmaker who was the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2012, relies again on major cutbacks to Medicaid by giving states more flexibility to run the program. A total of $756 billion in savings would be achieved over 10 years on Medicaid, according to a summary of the House Republican budget outline. Medicare, the federallybacked healthcare program for the elderly and disabled, would see savings of $129 billion over a decade. Eventually, the program would be converted into a voucher-like plan with the elderly receiving subsidies to purchase private insurance or traditional Medicare. Those Americans now aged 55 or older would maintain their current benefits, however. Democrats have complained that Ryan’s approach would cost older Americans thousands of dollars a year in added healthcare costs while letting the rich keep tax breaks that cost the Treasury Department tens of billions of dollars. Ironically, Ryan’s drive to
balance the budget in 10 years is aided by new tax revenues on the rich that Democrats won at the beginning of this year - the very ones that Republicans fought to stop. Over the past four years, U.S. budget deficits have surpassed $1 trillion annually, contributing to a rapidly escalating national debt that now stands at nearly $16.7 trillion. Ryan’s proposal comes as Republicans and Democrats have been considering the possibility of finding a longterm budget compromise following more than two years of bitter disputes. Over the past week, Obama has met privately with Republican lawmakers to feel out their willingness to cut a deal. This week the Democratic president is holding four separate meetings with members of Congress to explore possibilities. Even so, some Republican lawmakers in recent days have noted “an impasse” over tax policy, as Democrats continue to insist on additional tax increases on the wealthy and some corporations.
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Scores of in independent civic, prodemocracy and rights groups said yesterday they will boycott monitoring upcoming voting for a referendum on a new constitution unless the state election commission withdraws bans on activists that affect several key local organizations. The commission has so far refused to accredit as poll monitors the members of the Zimbabwe Association of Human Rights and says any groups under police investigation will also be barred access to the March 16 polling. At least four main groups have been raided by police searching for alleged subversive materials this year. None has been convicted of any wrongdoing. The Crisis Coalition, with about 300 affiliate member groups, said yesterday many will withdraw from “the observation process” if the election commission does not reverse its “ludicrous stance” by late today. McDonald Lewanika, the Crisis Coalition director, said none of the activists affected have been pronounced guilty in competent courts of law
and “for all intents and purposes, including accreditation to observe the referendum, they must be presumed innocent, until proven otherwise.” He said the groups were under incessant harassment in recent weeks and Crisis Coalition groups will be asked to withdraw from observation of the referendum en masse if activists are “cavalierly barred from accreditation without lawful cause.” The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association, engaged in voter education programs, is accused of illegally possessing and fraudulently obtaining official voting materials. The director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, a group monitoring political intimidation, has been charged with running an unregistered organization and the offices of the widelyrespected independent Zimbabwe Election Support were raided last month by police who seized allegedly illegal radio receivers able to tune in to stations not controlled by President Robert Mugabe’s state broadcasting monopoly. Lewanika said the Crisis Coalition could no longer accept the continued “criminalization of our
legitimate activities.” He said it was feared the clampdown on civic groups could be extended to also bar them from monitoring crucial national elections, slated around July, to end the shaky power-sharing government formed by regional leaders after the last violent and disputed elections in 2008. Mugabe, 89, is to run against the former opposition leader, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, 61, in the presidential poll. The election commission has already ruled that Western polling observers will not be allowed to observe the referendum or the elections. Mugabe expelled a European Union observer delegation midway through voting in 2002 marred by violence and alleged vote rigging. Joyce Kazembe, acting head of the election commission and a known sympathizer of Mugabe’s party, announced Friday Western embassies will be allowed only five diplomats each to monitor Saturday’s referendum. She said the United States and European embassies submitted lengthy lists of officials seeking referendum accreditation.
Zimbabwe groups plan to boycott vote monitoring
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Mobile money transfers come to Guyana The launching of GT&T’s Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) service, which will allow customers to send money, pay bills and top up.
Money transfers and bill payments using a cell phone are now possibilities in
Guyana. Last evening, at the Pegasus Hotel, the Guyana
Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) launched its Mobile Money Guyana
(MMG) service and is now promising to introduce the use of cell phones to shop at
supermarkets and even receiving international transfers. With over 60 agents countrywide, GT&T will be hoping to use its partnership with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) to increase its market share in especially the hinterland, where banking facilities are scarce. Currently, MMG, as the service is known, will allow GT&T customers to deposit cash into their mobile; use it to pay bills and send money to family or friends or maybe even employees. Already, GT&T has roped in the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and the Institute of Private Enterprise and Development (IPED) as two of the places its customers can pay their bills to. Customers can also pay their GT&T bills, including DSL internet and landlines with charges ranging between $20 and $100 - less than a taxi fare for visiting a city bank or utility company. GT&T’s recently appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Radha Krishna Sharma, in underscoring the important role being played by cell phones in changing lives across the world, noted that it is a fact that one billion persons have the instruments
but no bank account. With credit cards fast overtaking cash, financial concepts are also changing rapidly, he said. G B T I ’s C E O , J o h n Tracey, admitted that the bank was cautious at first, feeling that the new feature would have directly competed with some of its services. However, the issues of cost and other considerations were ironed out as a determined GT&T kept pestering the bank which eventually relented. But the bank with its 11 branches will not be offering topups…these will have to be handled by the 60 vendors countrywide who will be cashing out and topping up. GT&T’s parent company, Atlantic Tele-Network’s President of International Relations, Paul Bowersock, assured that the service is heavy secured, with customers having a PIN and the system under the oversight of the Bank of Guyana and the Financial Intelligence Unit. Soon, as indicated, the MMG service will include allowing GT&T customers to shop with the phones at supermarkets and even conduct international money transfers. (Leonard Gildarie)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 13, 2013
GPL records growing prepaid meter population - as battle against electricity theft continues The recent arrival of a quantity of prepaid meters is expected to further bolster the strides of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to reduce the impact of electricity theft. At least this is the conviction of the power company’s Chief Executive Officer, Bharrat Dindyal, who during an interview with this publication revealed that “the incidence of theft among new customers has reduced
because of the advent of prepaid meters.” However, he noted that there yet remains a major electricity theft problem, hence, moves are consistently being made to introduce the prepaid metering technology to a wider cross-section of customers. In fact, Dindyal disclosed that the initial challenge associated with this metering approach was the lack of
acceptance on the part of customers. “People were of the opinion that it was introduced primarily to deal with electricity theft alone, but we were always advocating the tremendous benefits for persons, in particular in the area of conservation...I think we have gone past the point of acceptance quite a bit now,” Dindyal stated. He related that the technology has been gaining much acceptance, to the extent that “we have a serious problem now maintaining adequate inventory.” Moreover, 12,000 meters
valued at US$1.2 million were recently acquired in light of the fact that the last three months of last year, GPL had exhausted its stock of prepaid meters. According to Dindyal, at the moment the power company is gearing to install some 5,000 meters at the premises of customers who have already been promised the post-paid meter arrangement. In an attempt to assess the impact of the prepaid meters on the instances of electricity theft, the GPL boss insisted that a comparative analysis has indicated that
the practice has noticeably diminished. “We have tried, especially where new services are concerned, to do analysis of what impact it has had on lost reduction, and we can only compare the stats for prepaid meters with stats for post paid meters that we have. We are seeing far less incidence of electricity theft using the prepaid meters and primarily we think it is because of the remoteness of the meter...it is not on the house,” Dindyal pointed out. This strategic move, according to him, has helped in fostering a change of culture among customers as it relates to the use of electricity, whereby the inclination to steal is no longer there. He attributed this development to the fact that “they are not seeing the meter and because it is not at hand reach...because unmetered power is not easily accessible, since the meter is way up on the pole.” The acceptance of prepaid meters by many has however not prevented some from tampering with the system in a deliberate bid to defraud the power company. Dindyal explained that “our efforts have not stopped
people from engaging others to try to disable the meter by bypassing it and those things, but we are nevertheless seeing that such incidents are far less.... From that perspective I think it has had an impact.” The action taken against customers found tampering with prepaid meters are similar to that meted out to those with post paid meters. According to Dindyal, such customers are subjected to a process where they have to pay an estimated bill because “we will now begin calculation of what they would have reasonably used and subject them to pay for it, and then of course, their account would go on a list for monitoring.” At the moment GPL has on record approximately 20,000 prepaid customers of its 165,000 total customers. However, the prepaid customers are expected to soar, since Dindyal noted, not only are customers requesting this technology, but new customers are readily offered this metering option. “The prepaid population will grow fast because small businesses and residential areas will automatically qualify for this metering technology,” he asserted.
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
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GPL, NAACIE labour dispute…
Arbitration proceedings to begin March 25 The labour dispute arbitration proceedings involving Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) are slated to begin on March 25. Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary of NAACIE, during a brief interview with this publication yesterday, said that this was decided on Monday last when both parties met with the arbitration tribunal and discussed the terms of the proceedings. The power company and union will be submitting memoranda outlining their positions on March 20. On February 27, GPL’s employees started a sixday protest over a five percent all-inclusive package. This included a one percent across the board pay increase. The Union found that unacceptable and demanded an eight percent across the board increase. GPL has emphasised that it cannot afford the union’s demands. The company claims to be burdened by high fuel prices. In addition, GPL may have to increase its
NAACIE General Secretary, Kenneth Joseph contribution to the employees’ pension fund with the Hand In Hand Trust Company. NAACIE believes that the company could afford to pay the demanded increase because it recently accessed an $11B loan. Intervening in the dispute, Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopual facilitated a meeting with both parties. They were given two days to ponder on the discussions and to decide on a feasible outcome. However, they
stood their ground and the Minister ruled that the matter must be sent to arbitration. The arbitration tribunal comprises Justice Prem Persaud; Dr. Gobind Ganga, Deputy Governor of Bank of Guyana; and Grantley Culbard, former General Secretary of Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union. “When you reach at this point you keep your cards to your chest. We understood the terms of reference created by the Labour Minister,” Joseph asserted. He opined that the tribunal would be looking to see if the company breached the agreement and whether the company should pay increases for 2012. The Trade Unionist related that on Monday it was decided that the Union will be speaking first at the hearings. GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Bharrat Dindyal refused to give a comment to the media, claiming that the arbitration tribunal prohibited parties from speaking with the media concerning the issue. He indicated that if Joseph wants to speak to the media and be a politician that is his prerogative.
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Equipment for NDIA dominates latest bidding process Under the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) received bids for the procurement of super long reach hydraulic excavators. The bids were opened by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Main Street yesterday.
In addition, bids were also submitted for the rehabilitation of NDIA equipment. The bids were divided into four lots.
Still in the Agriculture sector, bids were opened for the procurement of stationery, printer ink and computer accessories for NDIA.
Bids were also opened for the procurement of earthwork equipment for the NDIA.
Meanwhile, bids were submitted for additional works at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court under the Modernisation of the Justice Administration System (project).
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Illegal Bangladeshis freed, allowed to stay until 2016 The two illegal Bangladeshis held for 10 months in police lockups are now free, thanks to the intervention of the Muslim community. Kaieteur News last week highlighted the plight of the two men who have been languishing in the lockups since last year. The men, Dudu and Boshir Miah visited this publication yesterday and expressed their gratitude to the Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, Mohamed’s Enterprise, former commander of ‘A’ division, George Vyphuis; the Guyana Police Force; a lawyer, Peter (only name given); and the Muslim community. Both men spent a total of six months in the Brickdam lockups before being transferred to the Diamond Police Station where they spent another four months. Yesterday, the men explained that they came to Guyana to make a living. Dudu Miah, a father of two and Boshir Miah a father of three, said that they heard from tourists how came here on vacation that Guyana is a developing country, hence they decided to come in search for jobs.
The friends left their homeland (the first time they had done so) and came to Guyana. After spending 25 days here and not getting a job, they decided to book their tickets and try their luck in Barbados but there, they met with a worse fate. The men were deported back to Guyana. From the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, they were taken to the Timehri Police Station then to the Brickdam Police Station and finally to the Diamond Police Station. At the Brickdam lockups, they were not confined to a cell for 24 hours, they were allowed to walk the streets and visit a nearby Mosque. During their regular visits to the mosque, they interacted and conveyed their situation in broken English to locals. Their stories touched the hearts of many and led to the intervention of members of the Muslim community, who took food and clothing for them. During the days spent in the lockups, the Bangladeshis’ families were not aware of their situation here in Guyana. The wives and children of these two men were being maintained by their parents and siblings.
The two Bangladeshis, Dudu and Boshir Miah The men were released from the lockups last Thursday night and were
granted permission to stay in the country until 2016. They are also allowed to visit their
country whenever they want. Both men are currently employed as handymen by
Mohamed’s Enterprise and are living at Land of Canaan with one of their compatriots.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 13, 2013
DTV CHANNEL 8 08:25 hrs. Sign On 08:30 hrs. This Morning 09:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 10:00 hrs. Roseanne 11:00 hrs. The View 12:00 hrs. Prime News 12:30 hrs. The Young and the
Restless 13:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00 hrs. The Talk 15:00 hrs. Chain Reaction 16:000 hrs. Family Feud 17:00 hrs. Charmed 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. Nightly News
19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Channel 8 News 20:30 hrs. DTV’s Festival of Biblical Movies for the Lenten Season: “The Nativity Story” 00:00 hrs. Sign Off
Guides are subjected to change without notice
Wednesday March 13, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your natural ability to pump more adrenaline into a situation might hit a speed bump now as you struggle to maintain the hectic pace. Thankfully, you won’t need to worry so much if you just tone down your energy level a little bit.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It’s challenging to find enough time to take care of the personal chores that continue to pile up. Instead of trying to do everything, decide which tasks are the most important and let the others slide for a few more days.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) The Moon and Mars are visiting your 12th House of Dreams today, stimulating your imagination. Unfortunately, you may try to resist the feelings that are emerging. It’s not that you don’t appreciate the beauty of a lovely fantasy, but you have a lot to do and might be fearful of falling behind on your responsibilities.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your world would be a better place today if you can just resolve a pesky problem that is bugging you. You are craving something new in your life, a memorable addition to feed your soul and revitalize your daily regimen.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Although you may be in the middle of your workweek, you’re not eager to surrender your social life. Needless to say, your desire to hang out with your friends could cause problems. CANCER (June 21–July 22) The spontaneous Aries Moon is moving through your 10th House of Public Behavior, drawing you out of your comfort zone. Still, it’s crucial to find time to retreat back into physical or metaphysical places where you feel emotionally safe.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Your unrestrained optimism may have you making promises you cannot keep, but you will be able to overcome nearly any odds if you have a practical plan. Your positive attitude can increase the anger of someone who challenges your efforts today. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The most significant changes might not be happening in your outer world where everyone can see. Although some people may respond to you with unbridled enthusiasm and encouragement, there could be some quiet resentment developing beneath the surface.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You are doing your best to live in the present moment today, and you may do it with so much gusto that you upset others. They might think your blind optimism is glossing over negative factors that also need to be taken into consideration.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You’re all over the map today because there’s so much happening in your world — making it challenging to keep up with everything and everyone. Tread lightly because your interactions with others might be negatively affected by your unspoken fear of being overwhelmed.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You must make decisions that involve the complex needs of others, distracting you from your regular routine and disrupting your day. However, burying your head in the sand isn’t a viable strategy — you have plenty to learn by facing a messy situation now.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You’re overly concerned with maintaining your material security today, especially if you believe that the power base at work is subtly shifting. Don’t try to hold on to the status quo because your world isn’t static now ... and your rigidity only increases the tension.
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Kaieteur News
Boyce officially withdraws injunction - Colonel Paul Arthur is AAG GS Former President of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), Colin Boyce, yesterday officially withdrew an injunction he had filed against the AAG on February 1 that sought to nullify the January 20 AGM and Elections. Boyce had signalled his intentions of withdrawing the injunction on March 7, but yesterday appeared before Justice Diane Insanally in Court 4 of the High Court to officially withdraw the document. Boyce told the Judge that his withdrawal was being enacted in the interest of the sport and nothing more. The matter was first heard on Tuesday, February 12 and had been adjourned after the parties involved signalled an intention to negotiate. Guyana Defence Force Colonel, Paul Arthur, who is the President of the GDF Track Club, was appointed General Secretary (GS) of the association. The injunction against the AAG had sought to establish that the January 20 AGM and Elections was unconstitutional; it was unlawful, illegal, ultra vires,
Colin Boyce
Aubrey Hutson
null, void and of no effect. Boyce had told Kaieteur Sport following that the aim of the injunction was to ensure that those clubs that have satisfied the AAG Constitution get an opportunity to rightfully serve as opposed to the illegitimate clubs that voted at the elections. Aubrey Hutson won the AAG Presidency on January 20 six votes to three, but three of the Clubs that were allowed to vote for him were found to be unconstitutional. According to the AAG Constitution, a club must consist of 10 active athletes; must participate in 80% of the AAG competitions and must not be indebted to the
association among two others that bear no real relevance to the subject of the injunction. Based on that constitutional criterion, Bedford All stars, Rising Stars and Royal Youth Movement should not have been allowed to vote. Running Braves, which Hutson is President, Mercury Fast Laners and Enmore Track Club voted for Hutson. The Police Progressive Youth Club, which Boyce manages as Police Sports Officer, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Track Club and Upper Demerara (Linden) are the three largest track clubs in Guyana and all voted for Boyce at last month’s elections.
Mohamed, Garbarran hit half centuries as Everest beat Savage masters
The victorious Everest Masters team. Half centuries by former national wicketkeeper batsman Sheik Mohamed and former West Indies U-19 player Hemraj Garbarran guided Everest Masters to a comfortable 45 run victory over Savage Masters in a feature over 35 Twenty\20 match sponsored by Trophy Stall last Friday at the Everest Cricket Club ground. Mohamed stroked six fours before he retired on 58, and got support from
Garbarran 52(7x4) and Shaheed Mohamed 38 (4x4) as the host posted 175-2 in their allotted overs, after taking first strike. Savage in reply were bowled out for 125 in 18.4 overs. Rama Malone top scored with 41 as Rajesh Singh grabbed 4-17 and David Harper 2-12. Garbarran, who also had 4 dismissals behind the stumps, was given the man of the match award while Everest collected a trophy.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Minister of Housing Irfan Ali, who is a member of the Everest team, thanked the club for hosting the game and said it is a good opportunity for past players to contribute to the development of the sport, he congratulated both teams for their efforts. Captain of the winning team Rajesh Singh thanked Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall for sponsoring the match.
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Edghill doubles up again in Silver Bowl - Coach Idi Lewis lauds performance Guyana’s table tennis prodigy and ‘Junior Sportswoman of the Year’, Chelsea Edghill captured two titles on Sunday when the two-day Silver Bowl Junior Table Tennis Championships ended in Trinidad and Tobago at Maloney Indoor Complex. Edghill secured a double crown in this tournament for the second straight year. The Guyanese, who beat the top juniors and seniors for the Super Singles title when she was last here in December, retained her under-18 title with an 11-7, 11-6, 15-13 triumph over Catherine Spicer. Edghill, the Under-15 runner-up in last year’s Caribbean Junior Championships, had earlier been pushed to a deciding fifth game to defeat Trinidad’s Ashley Quashie 9-11, 11-3, 711, 11-6, 11-4 in the Under-21 final. Quashie had also been involved in a thrilling fivesetter in the semis when she edged Spicer 9-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-4, 12-10, while Edghill had gotten into the title match with an 11-9, 11-13, 11-3, 11-8
victory over Brittany Joseph. Joseph, who at age 14 became one of Trinidad’s youngest-ever national senior champs, last year, was injured in the group stage of the Under-18 competition and was forced to withdraw. Brother of Chelsea, Kyle Edghill, finished runner-up in the U-15 competition. Contacted yesterday, Edghill’s Coach, former national and international senior player, Idi Lewis lauded the performance of the Malteenoes Sports Clubbased Edghills, stating that they have put in a lot of hard work that continues to yield the right result. Lewis said that Edghill is
Chelsea Edghill a hard worker with tremendous talent and skills. According to him, she is very competitive and will continue to improve as a player with the exposure that is required at her level.
Meet Guyana’s latest... From page 33 the 2012/13 tournament and the Amerindian Heritage Month competition championships game, last year. Moore’s rise and exposure will continue when he officiates at the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup that takes place in Dallas, Texas from March 24-31, 2013. He was invited by CONCACAF to be a part of the tournament. Congratulations to Sherwin Moore on this latest appointment.
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Kaieteur News
Alpha United administrators host ‘Teach them Young’ football sessions at Mae’s academy
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Mark Charles (extreme right standing), pauses for a photo op with his charges during training sessions yesterday afternoon
Football administrators have always held fast to the belief that the development of the nursery sector enhances the onward development of the sport and to this extent have placed greater emphasis to this department. The latest initiative of this nature is currently underway at the Mae’s Secondary School, Subryanville, where more than 20 students of that institution are undergoing a developmental programme under the auspices of the Alpha United Football Club. Assistant coach (Alpha Utd), Mark Charles has been vested with the responsibility of tutoring the youngsters and yesterday afternoon he was hard at work on the Subryanville playfield, adjacent to the school. He said that the aim of the programme is to foster development of the youngsters to have a better understanding of the intricacies of the sport while preparing them for future engagements. He said that activities started on Thursday last and will continue indefinitely. To date, the players have received tutoring in passes, trapping the ball, effective use of the head shot and general knowledge of the sport. Mr. Charles explained that with the exception of a few, most of the players were newcomers to the sport. He admitted that his task was challenging but said that he was pleased with the application of the players. He said that they were learning the moves and strategies quickly.
Oscar Pistorius family denies... Fixtures set for quarter-final stage of Milo Schools Football
From page 35 statement on Monday afternoon. “As a family, we remain confident that this will prove to have been a terrible and tragic accident, which has changed many lives forever.” Although the family did not deny that Mr Pistorius had sold some of his belongings to cover rising legal costs, his uncle said the athlete would evaluate the cost situation on a day-to-day basis. “We are acutely aware of the fact that this is only the beginning of a long road to
prove that, as we believe, Oscar never intended to harm Reeva Steenkamp. We also realise that the law must run its course, and we respect this process.” In a separate development, defence lawyers have sought to ease bail restrictions imposed on Mr Pistorius. The court had ordered the athlete to hand over his passport, avoid his home in Pretoria and report to a police station between 07:00 and 13:00 every Monday and Friday. But his lawyers said
the conditions were “unwarranted and not substantiated by the facts”. Evidence presented at the trial showed he was not a flight risk, and should be allowed to travel outside South Africa with official permission, they argued. Ms Steenkamp, 29, died after Mr Pistorius fired multiple shots into the toilet of his apartment in a gated housing complex in Pretoria on 14 February. Mr Pistorius says he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder.
Fixtures for the quarter-final stage of this year’s Milo / Petra Organisation Under-20 Schools Football Competition have been released by the Organisers. Starting on Saturday, at 13:00hrs, Carmel Secondary take on Chase Academy and that game will be followed by the clash between Charlestown Secondarry and St George’s Secondary from 15:00hrs. The following day will see South Ruimveldt Secondary collide with Richard Ishmael Secondary from 13:00hrs and this game preceds the encounter that features
Bishop’s High School versus Tucville Secondary at 15:00hrs. The top four schools will receive cash awards that will go towards the establishment of a project of their choice. The champion school will receive $200,000, runner-up $100,000, third place $50,000 and fourth $25,000. All four institutions will also be given medals and trophies, while the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goalscorer, Best Goalkeeper, Best Coach and Most Supportive Parent will be recognised for their achievements.
Nerve-less Narine leads TT to tight win PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD - Trinidad & Tobago won a close match against Guyana by two wickets in Port of Spain. Although T&T chased down the Guyana target of 235 in 45 overs, they lost eight wickets in the process, giving Guyana a chance right till the end. Fifties from captain Christopher Barnwell and Devendra Bishoo helped Guyana put up 234 on the board after they were struggling at 117 for 7 in the 28th over. The pair added 107 runs for the eighth wicket, to help Guyana pass 200. Barnwell, whose last significant innings for Guyana came in the Caribbean T20 competition, struck a solid 66 off 100 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Bishoo excelled in the supporting act, hitting an unbeaten 52 with four fours and one six. In reply, T&T kept up with the chase in spite of losing regular wickets. Adrian Barath guided the chase, scoring 65 off 80 balls. T&T stuttered briefly after Barath fell with the score at 180 for 6, but a brisk 28 from Sunil
Christopher Barnwell scored a fifty for Guyana Devendra Bishoo was unbeaten on 52 (WICB) (WICB) Narine ensured that T&T remained unbeaten in the Regional Super50 Competition. Scores: Trinidad &
Tobago 235 for 8 (Barath 65, Bravo 32, Jacobs 3-39) beat Guyana 234 (Barnwell 66, Bishoo 52*, Cooper 3-30) by two wickets.
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Meet Guyana’s latest FIFA Referee, Sherwin Moore Guyana’s Referees continues to hold their own at the Caribbean and International levels, maintaining a rich tradition of excelling over the years. A total of 13 Referees are on the 2013 FIFA list and the 36 yearold Sherwin Lennox Moore has joined a privileged list of officials. Moore was born on July 30, 1976 to father, Edward and mother Joycelyn John now deceased. While he currently resides in Parade Street, Kingston, Moore grew up at Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast with his grandparents. By profession, Moore is a Civil Engineer and works at the Audit office of Guyana. He is a father of two girls and is married Coretta Moore. When did you become interested in football? I became interested in football since I was about 5 years-old, tagging along to different venues with my football playing uncles. I also did ball boy duties on several occasions even during their training sessions. Those days I even had dreams of one day playing in a World Cup and never knew of all the logistical requirements of qualification and all that. During that dream I had calculated to make my World Cup debut in 1998.
- to officiate at 2013 Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup March 24-31 Have you ever played competitive football? I played football at almost every level, representing Essequibo at Under-13. I was Captain of my High School {Anna Regina Multilateral} during the days of the Coca Cola tournament and other school tournaments. I represented the Essequibo Football Association (EFA) at the senior level, but my best playing years came at University of Guyana as Captain under Coach Jorge Ramos. How did you become involved in Refereeing? During the period 2000 to 2003 I functioned as the Assistant Secretary of the EFA and moved up to the position of Secretary while I was working on the Essequibo Coast. That led to me completing the Referee’s Beginner Course in 2001 and I started officiating since there was a need for referee’s in Essequibo. A second move to the city in 2003 saw me making an effort to restart my playing career and commenced training with the Beacons Football Club. But with work commitments, and later a family, playing football competitively was eventually
cast aside. In 2009 I was encouraged by a good friend, Mark Young, who was then a FIFA Referee to get involved again since I had some prior knowledge of both the game and refereeing. Well I did just that and completed a refresher course, and here I am today. What do you like about Refereeing? I’ve always been a fitness enthusiast; I am a great fan of the sport of football but most of all I love the healthy lifestyle of refereeing. It causes me to train or do something active four to five times a week. I look at what I eat and how I eat in order to stay fit because being a Referee is physically demanding. It still gives me the opportunity to be on the pitch and close to the action which I really enjoyed over the years. What goals do you have as a FIFA Referee? My short term goals are to learn as much as I can of the art of refereeing. For those of us who are referees, we know how challenging it can be sometimes and what it takes to become one of the top officials in the Caribbean. Long term, I am looking to be an Elite Referee in
GMR&SC March 24 Race Meet...
Samaroo Investments, agents of MAC Batteries on board
Samaroo Investments Sales Representative Surendra Sweatham (2nd left) hands over the cheque to GMR&SC’s Manager Rayon Samaroo in the presence of employee Roger Gonsalves. They can be rightfully considered the ‘new kid on the block’, but Samaroo Investments situated at the corner of Church and Thomas Streets and distributors of MAC Batteries made good on a commitment to support the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) March 24 Race Meet after handing over a cheque for an undisclosed
sum to Manager of the Club Rayon Samaroo on Monday, at the Company’s location. Acting on behalf of the Management was Sales Representative Surendra Sweatham, who in brief remarks disclsoed how happy the entity was to be part of a sport that they’ve witnessed develop into one of the premier sports in Guyana and responsible for a significant
chunk on the tourism chart. Sweatham indicated that he was deputising for Managing Director Doodnauth Samaroo who was unavoidably absent. Samaroo in response thanked the Company on behalf of the Club for coming on board as a new member on the list of sponsors, adding that the club will ensure that the day’s event will run in accordance with what is required to motivate the Company to remain on board. He noted that with the support of the corporate community, the sport of motor racing is guaranteed continuity which will not only benefit the competitors, but all those who love the sport. According to Samaroo, some 22 races are carded for the day and competitors will line up in all the different categories in what is already being hyped to produce some exhilarating performances. The first race is set to begin at 09:00 hrs with the line up of competitiors set for 08:30 hrs.
CONCACAF with the ultimate goal being to officiate at the finals of a FIFA tournament. What Regrets do you have thus far? My biggest regret is not continuing with officiating after I first started back in 2001 and waiting until 2009 to restart my career. So, on that note I want to encourage youths who are interested in being referees to pick up refereeing now since your opportunity is much greater starting young. It is a way to live a healthy lifestyle and it also teaches discipline, tolerance and commitment. Who would you like to
thank? First of all I will like to thank Almighty God for giving me the strength and affording me the opportunity to take part in this wonderful sport. I will also like to thank my family for their support over the years. Refereeing is very demanding in terms of time and my wife has been very supportive and helpful even giving refereeing tips. Sometimes I referee on Christmas day, New Years Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. I would also like to thank the local instructors for their input and my fellow colleagues who will share knowledge from time to time. Some of the games and
Sherwin Moore tournaments that Moore has refereed in are: The Inter Guiana’s Cup - 2012 opening match in Suriname. The Digicel School’s competition Finals - 2011 and 2012. The Kashif and Shanghai third place game in (Continued on page 31)
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Mayor’s Annual KO football tourney teams briefed for March 15 event The Annual Mayor’s knockout football tournament is set to kick off on March 15th at the Den Amstel ground on the West Coast of Demerara and the teams were briefed on the rules and fixtures of the event yesterday at the Mayor’s office at City Hall. Uitvlugt faces Police form
18:30hrs and Den Amstel do battle with Riddium Squad FC from 20:30 hrs in the opening fixtures. The tournament will then move to BV ground on March 16th where Bakewell (Buxton) FC will play Santos at 18:30hrs and BV Triumph will clash with GFC from 20:30 hrs. Teams will then return to
TTCB National 2 day Premier League cricket
Singh hits half century, Ferrier grabs 5 Aranguez Sports Club and Diamond played to an exciting draw when play in the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board National 2 day Premier League competition continued last weekend. Aranguez batted first and made 213 all out in their first innings with Jonathan Cabralis scoring 49, Idrees Mohammed 29, Safraz Lalloo 27 and Kellon Carmichael 25. Farrel Jagmohan snared 4-57 and Guyanese spinner Totaram Bishun 3-60. Diamond in their first innings fell for 201. Georgetown Cricket Club left hander Vishal Singh top scored with 97, while Jagmohan supported with 37. Malteenoes Sports Club allrounder Deon Ferrier bagged 5-68 and Carmichael 2-50. Aranguez in their second turn at the crease declared on 152-5. Michael Brown was their leading batsman with 47 and Rohan Parsan made 42; Bishun took 3-68. Set165 from 24 overs for victory Diamond were struggling at 41-6 when bad light ended play. Kellon Carmichael took 26, Oba Thomas 2-10 and Hanuman Moonsammy 2-14.
Den Amstel on the 17th before they head to the GFC ground, Bourda the following day. The third placed play off and final is set for the March 31st at GFC. Mayor Hamilton Green at the briefing yesterday at his office said sports must play an important part in a good society. “This tournament is a tool for the advancement of young people who will inherit of what happens today. It’s an effort to give young people an opportunity to be part of the development of society, football brings people together”, added Green. He stated that the media can play an important part to help energize the business community and the sport so that young footballers can further develop their art. Green informed that they will seek to go into schools to promote the game at the youth level. He stated that History is very little known to the youths and no nation can advance unless the people know where they came from. Executive coordinator of the tournament and former national coach Lennox Arthur said he hoped the referees association will send the best
Mayor Hamilton Green (centre) with representatives of the participating teams.
referees so that they can have a good tournament. The winner of the competition will take home $1,000,000 while the runner up will receive $500,000. The third and fourth place teams will be given $300,000 and $200,000 respectively. Among the rules of the competition are; the
organisers of the match reserves the right to disqualify or discipline any player, official or persons associated with any team, whose actions are intended to bring the game into disrepute. The regulations also state that, if it can be ascertained that a specific team or its supporters are responsible for
a match to be abandoned, that team will be automatically disqualified from the tournament and the matter will be forwarded to the Guyana Football Federation. Only clubs and players which are affiliated to their respective association for the 2013 season will be allowed to participate.
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Ogle are ECB Elizabeth Dottin aims to add consistency to explosive batting Style 2nd Division Champs
The victorious Ogle cricket team with president of the ECCB Bissoondyal Singh (left). Watched by a large crowd which was entertained by the Majestic Sound System and the Ogle Tassa Group, Golden Grove Cricket Club went down to Ogle Cricket Club in the final of the East Coast Cricket Board\Elizabeth Style second division cricket competition which was contested last Sunday. Golden Grove CC lost the toss and were instructed to bat in brilliant sunshine on a good batting wicket. They started reasonably well reaching 46 for 2 after eleven overs with Marvin Fitzpatrick and Oswin Blair at the crease, but things went terribly bad after as Golden Grove collapsed for 100 all out in 28.3 overs. Marvin Fitzpatrick finished with 47 (3 X 4s) and Oswin Blair made 18 (2 X 4s, 1 X 6). Bowling for Ogle Cricket Club Andre Gomes had 4 for
16 and Anand Persaud 3 for 22. In reply Ogle Cricket Club lost an early wicket with the score 06 but Khemraj Dindial (44 not out) and Andre Gomes (41 not out) came together and batted excellently, playing some marvelous strokes on both sides of the wicket as they entertained the vociferous crowd. The game ended in the 21st over when Gomes executed a smashing cover drive to take the score to 104 for 2. Both wickets were taken by Marvin Fitzpatrick who ended with figures of 2 for 20. President of the East Coast Cricket Board Bissoondyal Singh, at the presentation ceremony congratulated both teams for reaching the final and once again expressed happiness in seeing teams who in the past
found it difficult to reach the semi-finals are now winning tournaments. “This is really signaling great cricket development and I urge you to continue the hard work,” Singh said. The president also praised Ashmul Ali and his Executives for the hard work done in ensuring that the Ogle Community Centre was ready after many years to host hardball cricket once again. Andre Gomes was named man of the match for his brilliant 41 not out and taking 4 wickets for 16 runs. Meanwhile, Chris Pattadin 140 (Ogle), Andre Gomes 80 (Ogle), Darshanand Pooran 62 (Ogle), Lalchan Jagmohan 52 (Mon Repos) and Aaron Barry 52 (Lions Xl) were rewarded for their outstanding performances in the preliminary games.
Oscar Pistorius family denies ‘suicidal’ claim Oscar Pistorius
BBC Sport - Oscar Pistorius’s family has denied reports that the South African athlete, accused of killing his girlfriend, is suicidal. “Oscar, broken as he is, believes he has a purpose in life. Reports to the contrary are untrue,” his uncle said. The comments came after a close family friend told the BBC that Mr Pistorius was “on the verge of suicide” and faced spiralling legal costs. Mr Pistorius denies the charges of premeditated murder. The Paralympian, on trial for shooting model Reeva Steenkamp at his home in Pretoria last month, was released on bail on 22 February. He is due to appear in court again in June. Mike Azzie, a family friend who has been in regular contact with the athlete, told the BBC he was worried about his mental and emotional state. Mr Azzie: “I knew that he had been dating a girl that he was smitten over” He made the comments as part of a forthcoming BBC3 documentary, Oscar Pistorius: What Really Happened? “I would say that, just speaking
to him, he is a broken man. I would go as far as to say that he could be on the verge of suicide. It really worries me,” Mr Azzie said in the interview, aired on Monday evening. ‘TERRIBLEAND TRAGIC’ But Mr Pistorius’s uncle has rejected Mr Azzie’s observation. “Of course Oscar will never be the same, having to live with the knowledge that he caused the death of the woman he loved, but he is coping as best he can with the support of his loved ones,” Arnold Pistorius said in a (Continued on page 32)
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Deandra Dottin said she was proud of her reputation of being an explosive batter in the women’s international game, but planned to work harder on her consistency with the bat. The Windies Women’s batter was speaking on Sunday night, when the West Indies Cricket Board hosted the players and support staff of the Windies Women’s team at a gala reception. In addition to gifts from the WICB, Dottin was also presented with a special gift from Virgin Atlantic – an airline partner of the WICB – for her achievements for West Indies Women. She was given the FITFOO (Flying in the Face of Ordinary) Award, a gesture which she welcomed. “I think this was an incredible gesture by the WICB,” he said. “We have all been working very hard. We have come a long way and we have more steps to take. We
are willing to take it a step higher and are working hard to become No.1 and not No.2.” “The last few months have been a good experience for the team and for me. I have been working very hard. I set a few goals for the World Cup and I have been aiming for a higher level of consistency with my batting, but I did not get all the scores I wanted. There is still more to be done and I am looking forward to the challenge.” Dottin recently became the first Windies Women’s player to appear in 50 Twenty20 Internationals and continues to be one of the linchpins of the team’s batting. She is ranked seventh in Women’s ODI batting and sixth in Women’s T20Is and was the second highest scorer for Windies Women in the ICC WWC, but was disappointed that she could not take her side to the title. “We are rapidly improving,” she said. “But we
are disappointed that we were unable to make the Caribbean proud and win the World Cup. “I was also disappointed, knowing I was one of the players in terms of batting upon whom we were depending. Things just did not work out the way I wanted, but we are all still very proud of what we achieved at the tournament.” She said: “It feels really good to know so many people think so highly of me. It also feels good to know that playing against other teams that I am batter that they fear t h e m o s t . I t ’s a g o o d feeling and I try to use it to g i v e m y team the upper hand.” Dottin injured her left hand during the trip to Sri Lanka. She said her plan was to spend the next few weeks recovering from the injury before stepping up training to find the consistency that will make her far more dangerous in the middle.
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Roberts appeals LABA ban to national federation
Dwayne Roberts By Edison Jefford Former national senior and junior forward, Dwayne ‘Brown Sugar’ Roberts has appealed a six year Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) ban at the national federation level with the hope of reversing what he believes to be an injustice. A Retrieve Raiders forward, Roberts, was initially banned for six months and fined $15,000 for reportedly throwing a basketball that “injured” referee, Lloyd Ross during Retrieve Raiders and Kings game late last year in the BOSAI Minerals Open Challenge. His ban also included a non-participation in basketball related activities clause that was extended along with the ban to six years in January when he was accused of publicly accosting
the LABA Secretary, Joseph Chapman at the Mackenzie Sports Club Basketball Court. However, Roberts is contending that the events that led to his ban did not occur as reported and wrote an appeal letter to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) asking the leading body for basketball in Guyana to investigate the matter. This he hopes will facilitate an amicable result. He had written to the federation late in January, but over a month has elapsed since he has heard from the federation on whether or not it will intervene in the matter. He said that his desire is to be fully reinstated to playing status as early as possible. “It (his reinstatement) might not be for Linden but I still want to play ball,” Roberts told Kaieteur Sport yesterday. He said that when contacted the federation indicated that they are examining the matter before they proceed with any form of intervention. The LABA is a subsidiary of the GABF. In his appeal letter to the federation, Roberts contends that his suspension was increased because he failed to attend a hearing to answer the allegations of threatening to
DCB confirms receipt of East Bank & West Demerara U-15 teams As at yesterday’s deadline, only the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association and the West Demerara Cricket Association have submitted their teams for the DCB Inter Association U-15 cricket tournament scheduled to commence shortly in order to select the Demerara team to compete in the GCB Inter County tournament slated for the end of this month. The West Demerara squad has already been published, while The East Bank squad would be released soon by that Association. The DCB has also advised that they have not yet received squads from the East Coast & Georgetown Associations and since the deadline has now expired they will have to make a decision on the way forward if no teams are in the process of being submitted by these 2 areas. Many concerned parents have already
contacted the DCB officials regarding the future of their children’s cricket careers and the DCB has indicated that they will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss a possible solution to this new manufactured crisis. The DCB is of the strong view that there is no legal impediment preventing this Demerara Cricket Board headed by Mr. Raj Singh from carrying out its functions and operations and challenge anyone to show evidence to the contrary. The DCB urges the players to remain focused on the task at hand and continue with their preparations for this important tournament and wishes to reassure those parents out there that every effort would be made to ensure that cricket is played where it was meant to be played, that is, on the field of play rather than in the corridors of the Court.
- awaits intervention, anticipates reinstatement crush the Linden subassociation. “The basketball did hit referee Lloyd Ross during this game, but it was purely accidental. I had no motives to throw the basketball at any referee at anytime because as the score sheet, and the records of the game would show, I was dominating the game with 18 points and two personal fouls,” Roberts said in his appeal letter.
“Mr. Ross was not injured based on the evidence of his actions after the basketball hit him. Mr. Ross completed the game after the incident plus made a report to the McKenzie Police Station,” Roberts noted, adding that the case was dropped after the police found that there was not enough evidence to detain him and proceed with a criminal case. It was following that
incident that Roberts was slapped with a six-month suspension. He said that Ross did not even know who threw the ball, but other players from the opposing team told him it was Roberts and that he should not take the matter lightly. “An injured man, as the LABA is stating, cannot complete a basketball game as a referee.
I had no intentions of wilfully harming Ross, who was not harmed at all because this incident occurred with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter,” Roberts told this newspaper. In light of those circumstances, he believes that the penalties handed down on him are harsh and are more personal than practical. Roberts’ appeal was filed according to Article 43 of the GABF Constitution that makes reservation for the handling of such matters.