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Kaieteur News
Friday March 15, 2013
Political posturing could undermine national security - President Ramotar President Donald Ramotar yesterday appealed for an end to political posturing that could undermine the nation’s security. The Head of State was delivering the feature address at the formal opening of the Annual Police Officers’ Conference at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, during which he said that political figures on both sides of the divide must not allow politics to derail Guyana’s security. “We must not ever feel that we can have any advantage by using any kind of crime or criminal elements in our political activities,” President Ramotar said. In emphasizing the need for political cohesiveness with regards to security, the president said that criminal elements will capitalize on any political disunity. “I suppose that stats could be generated to show that whenever you have any kind of political instability, opportunistic types of crimes take place,” he stated, while pointing to events that occurred at Agricola several months ago. The President is of the view that the mini riots that occurred on the East Bank of Demerara following
the shooting of a teenager by the police were fuelled by political disunity. “If there is one thing that we should unite around, it is that we must unite around creating better security for our people in our society and we must not allow criminals to feel that they could be protected by one side or the other,” the President told an audience that included Opposition Leader Brigadier (rtd) David Granger. A number of recent events have sparked some political grandstanding that threatened to derail any attempt at a cohesive approach to fighting crime and securing the nation. These include the Linden protests which culminated in a Commission of Inquiry following the shooting to death of three Lindeners during protest action and the no confidence motion against Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee. The latter could have a negative impact on the laying of legislation in the National Assembly on security matters. Despite all the negative posturing, however, the president expressed satisfaction that all parties had agreed to the terms of
President Donald Ramotar prepares to inspect the Guard of Honour at the Police Officers’ Conference. reference of the Commission of Inquiry that was set up to look into the Linden fiasco. He said that now that the report of the Commission of Inquiry has been presented, he has spoken to the Home Affairs Minister, advising that all of its recommendations should be examined along with the recommendations of other Commissions that were established in the p ast, with a view of implementing them to ensure
that the quality of service by the security forces will be lifted. “I hope that we will have the cooperation in parliament for important legislation that will be put,” the President stated. “I can understand personal and emotional feelings about some things, but we work on the basis of evidence, and therefore I hope that vital legislation that are being planned to go to the National Assembly with a view of enhancing the capacity of the
police force; that those will be passed and no subjectivism will be used to prevent any of them from going through,” the Guyanese leader added. He also singled out the recent discussion by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the alleged increase attacks on the local Chinese population, which it is said stemmed from some demonstrations against that section of the society. The President asserted
that since Guyana is a multiethnic and multi-racial society where greater integration is taking place, the country could ill afford to create an environment in which criminals could prey on one set of people at will. “We have to ensure that every single person in our country; people born in Guyana, people visiting Guyana, must be safe in our society…no way should we allow that to compromise things.”
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
Friday March 15, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Human Development Report...
Guyana moves one place up in HDI ranking - Foreign Affairs Minister credits move to social focus Guyana’s ranking in the Human Development Index (HDI), contained in the Human Development Report 2013, has moved one place up, suggesting that the country has been doing something right over the past year. Nestled in the Medium Human Development section of the Index, Guyana is currently ranked 118 out of 187 countries, with a HDI average of 0.636. Speaking at the launching of the report yesterday at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street, Foreign Affairs, Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, underscored that “human development cannot be measured in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita only...economic growth must be accompanied by investment in infrastructure, health, education and in the other social sectors.” Entitled “The Rise of the South: Human Progress in a Diverse World,” the report seeks to highlight that the south is under-represented; a
development that the Minister insists must be changed. As such, she noted there is yet much work to be done, even as she underscored that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, in terms of development. H o w e v e r, she highlighted that important to development is the role of the State and a dedication to improving human development, while at the same time promoting trade and innovation. “Some years ago, the home-grown policies which focus on the social sector were deemed to be bad for economic development. Indeed I am advised there was one report in which Guyana was marked down because of how much we spend on the social sector...we were deemed bad for business.” But according to Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, the newest report has emphasised that “growth without human development is unsustainable and is in fact dangerous.”
Speaking to the focus of the report, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Ms Khadija Musa, indicated that the south faces long term challenges which are shared by industrial countries of the north. These, according to her, include but are not limited to an aging population,
Beverly Mc Lean-Cutting of Lot 35 John Street, Lodge, was said to have disappeared without a trace after persons last spotted her in the vicinity of Tucville. Cutting, a teacher at the Tucville Secondary School, was last seen on Monday. Her aunt, Pearline Gilkes said that the teacher’s husband, Orette Cuttin, said he last saw his wife after dropping her off at their son’s babysitter in Tucville at around 09:00hours. It is understood that Cutting, who works a stone’s throw away from her babysitter never reported for work. Staffers of the Tucville School said the teacher had not been seen since Monday,
while the baby sitter said that the teacher did in fact drop off her son. The family is however adamant that it is strange that the woman dropped off her son at the babysitter but never made it to work. They said that so far ranks of the East La Penitence Police Station have intervened and the husband, who was called in for questioning, is assisting with investigations. Relatives said that the teacher is not answering her cell phone and cannot be reached by any other means. They are asking the public to contact them at 622-8550 or 677-4638 or to call the nearest police station if the woman is seen.
UNDP’s Khadija Musa (L) hands over a copy of the Human Development Report 2013 to Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
Teacher missing without a trace
Missing: Beverly Mc Lean-Cutting A 37-year-old school teacher has gone missing and her family is clueless as to her whereabouts. The woman,
environmental pressure, social inequality, mismatches between education preparation and job opportunities and the need for meaningful civic engagements among others. “To address these challenges, there is need for both national and global solutions if developing countries are to maintain their human development
momentum,” Musa noted. She also highlighted that the report warns that environmental inaction, especially regarding climate change, and the potential to halt or even reverse human development progress in the world’s poorest countries and communities. The report also outlines that the number of people in extreme poverty could
increase by up to three billion by 2050, unless environmental disasters are averted by coordinated global action. “The report warns that non-responsive political structures can prompt civil unrest, especially if economic opportunities do not keep pace with education advancement,” Musa asserted.
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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
Blood, Sweat and Tears March 13, last, marked the 100th anniversary of the “Rose Hall Riots’, as they were dubbed by the British officials. Fifteen indentured and ‘free’ sugar workers were gunned down by the Police in their housing quarters on Rose Hall, Canje, sugar estate and it was called a ‘riot”. Apart from the gruesomeness of the action itself, the incident serves as a background to understanding the orientation of the Guyana Police Force that survives to this day. All of the contradictions of the indentured experience were highlighted in what were the largest official mass killings of indentureds out of the millions that were sent out of India during the 19th and early 20th century. First was the gap in labour conditions between what the immigrants had been promised in India (in writing) and the reality in Guyana. The Rose Hall killings were triggered when workers protested clear breaches of the indentureship contract. Then there was the institution of the “Protector of Immigrants” that almost always - apart from the notable exception during the regime of James Crosby - never challenged the sugar interests. The aggrieved workers visited their office after they received no justice from the Manager of the Estate, but were turned away. Next in line were the courts, to which the sugar interests invariably turned when challenged by the workers for violating their terms of employment. The system in the courts was stacked against the indentureds: the officials saw themselves as part of the system designed to ensure the success of sugar “on which the entire country depended”. Breaches of the labour conditions were treated as criminal offences, but it would be a rare indentured indeed who could bring a sugar official to court and get anyone to testify against him. The courts were a powerful armament in the hands of ‘King Sugar’. In this instance, the courts ordered the expulsion of five workers from the ‘estate housing’ as punishment for their temerity to not do the manager’s bidding. The ‘housing’ was the self-same atrocious quarters from slavery that were filthy and insanitary. And this was where the Police came in. This institution had been formed directly after the abolition of slavery to protect ‘King Sugar’ and they were used as the ultimate enforcement arm of that most powerful group. They had shot killed indentureds as far back as 1872 (Devonshire Castle, Essequibo) and again in 1896, 1898, 1903 and after the Rose Hall Massacre of 1913, they were to repeat their actions at Ruimveldt (1924, 14 killed), Leonora (1939) and Enmore (1948). But what makes the Rose Hall executions more egregious, was that the workers were not on any protest line or blocking traffic or breaking any law. The police actually went into the workers’ houses to eject the five expelled “agitators” and the workers felt this was the final straw. They tried to defend their homes and honour but the police, with their commander armed with a machine gun, opened fire with abandon. In addition to the 15 killed, 42 were wounded: many were in their homes as the bullets penetrated the flimsy walls. It was a slaughter of the lambs. The authorities then proceeded with their standard response: the appointment of their own Commission of Inquiry. To no one’s surprise, the police and the authorities were completely exonerated. However, through pure serendipity, at the time of the massacre there were representatives of the Indian Government in Guyana and their reports helped speed up the anti-indentured movement in India. Gandhi was to play an active role in this process which led to the abolition of indentureship in 1917. In Guyana today, there have finally been steps taken to reform the police to move it beyond its telling label “Police Force” to being a “Police Service”. All Guyanese must support this movement towards reform. As the police action in Marudi only a few weeks ago demonstrates, the reflexive action of the GPF continues to protect the interests of the powerful against the aspirations of the powerless.
Friday March 15, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Pariag Sukhai - a loyal foot soldier DEAR EDITOR, Documentation of Guyana’s post-colonial history will undoubtedly highlight the contribution of our national leaders and policy makers. As more governmental authority is devolved, the emergence of a robust local administration arrangement will eventually give prominence to the life and times of those unsung heroes of rural ilk, whose prints have qualified them for folk hero status within their sphere of influence. The late Pariag Sukhai, in my estimation was such a person throughout the national rice farming community. As leader of the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) he was a Napoleonic adversary in height and combative prowess, who understood and reaped the fringe benefits of engaging in strategic alliances. I will illustrate by referring to two situations.During the second rice crop of 1985, I was greeted with much hostility by several rice farmers upon assuming the position of branch manager of the Ruimzeight installation of the Guyana Rice Milling and Marketing Authority (GRMMA). I understood their anxiety and mistrust; consternation over having to place the result and income from their livelihood in the hands of someone whom they perceived was culturally incapable of delivering. Apart from sugar, rice was the next big economic activity in Region Three. The act made it mandatory for all padi produced, to be sold to
GRMMA. Drying and Milling capacity at Ruimzeight was wholly inadequate resulting in private mills being contracted to toll mill padi into rice after intake, drying and storage. At the peak of the crop, drying facilities allowed for restricted intake because of tempering and “repass” processes to the reach required storage moisture content. As a consequence, long lines of freshly harvested padi-laden trailers stretched sometimes for more than half a mile from the entrance of the installation, well past Windsor Forest Bridge. Agitated farmers vented their feelings by demonstrating with chants and placards. Some resorted to parking laden trailers in blockade formation to shut down the operation. There was even an attempt to sabotage the mill by feeding large rocks into the paddy husker. I remember a very disturbed Abel Felix, then general manager of GRAMMA, contemplating the wisdom of calling on the security forces to protect the assets of the state. I reached out for the support of levelheaded influential farmers, most prominent among them Pariag Sukhai, RPA leader with whom I had built a bond of trust that quelled anxiety and hostility. His tenacity and passion for social justice for his membership was well balanced by his humility and sincerity to give of his utmost in ensuring rice farmers were not shortchanged. Pariag’s wise counsel along with those of the late
Timothy Persaud, Pandit Tiwari, Eric Bart, Kayhume Hakh (all diseased) and Ganga (Bobby) Persaud guided my work and enabled “Ruimzeight Silo” to weather the padi intake storms as well as overcome Herculean challenges. Pariag was far more conciliatory than confrontational in looking out for the interest of his rice farming constituency. I would again reach out to him for support a few years later. In 1989, as part of Guyana’s Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) undertaken by the Hoyte Administration, GRAMMA was divesting itself of the rice installations in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six. National policy had come full circle from nationalization to privatization, though the rice holdings were always government owned. As secretary of the divestment committee and secretary of GRAMMA, I was expected to ensure investors’ interests were adequately aroused to the point of a strong desire to acquire the holdings. Darlene Harris, Presidential Economic Advisor and Chairman of the divestment committee had mapped a brilliant strategy to achieve this end. The first installation to go was Anna Regina along with Sommerset and Berks, in true CARICOM spirit as a package to the ECGC of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Next on the agenda were the Ruimzeizght and Wakenaam complexes. Rice farmers in Region Three were more alert to the privatization
initiative and though a farmers’ group had come together and entered a much underpriced bid, which could be interpreted as tacit acceptance of the policy measure, there were rumblings in the negative. I engaged a socialist but pragmatic RPA leader Pariag Sukhai, now supported by a pugnacious and watchful Fazal Ally (deceased), to discuss the likely benefits of having the core competencies of the private sector applied to the rice industry. Pariag, the nationalist and astute leader, readily understood and helped in acceptance of a process that saw his membership reaping huge dividends from a padi price that was almost tripled, just after the Ruimzeight deal was signed with Curacao Investments AVV. The late Pariag Sukhai was a tactical Field Marshall as well as a loyal foot soldier-depending on the circumstance. A dedicated shirt jac man-- I never saw him in a suit; Old fashioned yet positively effective, a simple, courteous, engaging countryman. And what’s trendy about such a combination of ancient and modern qualities at this time when he is called to higher service? I’ll tell you: In this day of advanced communication technology, an election of the leader of 1.2 billion people is still communicated by smoke signal. My sympathy is extended to his bereaved relatives. May his Soul rest in peace! Derrick Cummings
Friday March 15, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Chavez was an ally of this government HUGHES NEEDS TO RETHINK HIMSELF President Ramotar “an
DEAR EDITOR, The passing of the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez is an event calling for comment. In Guyana he was seen as an ally of the Guyana Government and party in office. He tried to be an ally of Caribbean governments. I know that because this government has made itself offensive, people do not want to be heard singing the same song with it. But this is history. Hugo Chavez combined in his person and the accidents of his birth the personalities of the indigenous peoples and of the enslaved Africans of the hemisphere. Even if there were other strains in his being these were the ones he affirmed. One of his inspirations has been the Cuban revolution. This did not prevent him from dipping inspiration from the epic of Simon Bolivar and he named the quality of development he tried to promote “Bolivarian socialism.” Whatever we know or think of, the content of his political praxis this was in the choice of name revolutionary, because he took it from the country’s history and not from elsewhere.
He sought for a new path and warned against imperial capitalism and the Soviet type of state capitalism. As my non-favourite columnist wrote early in his illness, the Caribbean owes a debt of gratitude to the Chavez policies, which have brought the region material benefits and reliefs and perhaps saved it from collapse. This is important information for those who are seriously concerned with life in the Caricom economy. Another ruler over resources who was willing to share with the Caribbean was the now fallen Gaddafi of Libya who offered the region’s smaller countries a development bank based in a smaller country and offered to buy all their bananas. The two were not of the same political breed, but both were on the negative list of the official USA, a list headed for over half a century by Castro of Cuba. Scholars will in due course explain the deep reasoning of these listings. President Carter called the Venezuelan electoral process “the best in the world.” The Venezuelan opposition disagreed. In that context, the acting President of Venezuela has called
extraordinary man of the Caribbean.” This tribute did not surprise me as much as it surprised others. Mr Ramotar became Executive President with less than fifty per cent of the votes and took 100 percent of the ministerial posts. I wish to record merely three pieces of information about the late President Chavez, to place him and his comrades in a special position historically among their peers. He established a Women’s Development Bank and placed women in charge of it. Thanks to an invitation by Selma James, of Global Women’s Strike, I heard that Bank’s director. Ms Nora Castenada, an indigenous woman, speak in Los Angeles. The movement had concluded that access to money would make many of the declarations about women’s rights easier to realise. Chavez, unlike some others, had democratic credentials acceptable to the official international markers; this confounded his self appointed enemies who Continued on page 7
DEAR EDITOR After his failed ultimatum in 2012 for President Donald Ramotar to fire Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister because of the unnecessary deaths of three Lindeners how much wiser has AFC’s Nigel Hughes become? Unsatisfied with the Linden Commission of Inquiry’s (COI) financial award Mr. Hughes would like additional taxpayers’ money to be paid to Lindeners. Wouldn’t this, in effect, be compensating violence as a laudable alternative to democratic dissent? Why is the AFC unable to display a similar duty in advocating financial relief to all those affected by the Agricola violence considering the many Indians who came in for harassment? Demanding preferential compensation for Linden victims while treating Agricola victims as homeless street orphans cannot be either wise or fair. It can only backfire in a snap election. Mr. Hughes is best and fully able to reconcile unaddressed racial imbalances especially when most of the AFC seats came from Indian voters in 2011
who subsequently also democratically constituted him as their AFC chairman. Historically under attack for voting “apaan jhaat” Indian voters have again changed from sympathy to Dr Walter Rodney by this time preferentially voting for another black Guyanese i.e. Mr. Nigel Hughes but now to govern Guyana. Is the much maligned “apaan jhaat” preferences of Indians witnessing dramatic makeover? Even Mr. Raphael Trotman’s election as Speaker is by all means owed significantly to Mr. Moses Nagamootoo’s solitary decision to withdraw as the original candidate for the job. His celebrated crossover from the PPP was also the most critical factor which allowed the AFC in 2011 to get seven seats compared to 2006. Whether the AFC continues to neglect some of its critical constituents remains to be seen after due consideration that it was a new third force pledged to heal the racial divisions in Guyana. AFC critics are sure
to ask what Mr. Moses Nagamootoo’s defection has done for those followed him . It’s no secret that Indian voters replacing by a bigger margin those absconding black voters who predictably returned home to the PNC sensing victory with Mr. David Granger’s election as PNC leader . So far what achievements can Mr. Nagamootoo himself point to in his decision to submerge himself within the AFC after his crossover? Most assuredly the PPP/C lost its majority not only because many blacks abandoned them but many of its Indian supporters were in open rebellion against an unresponsive and decaying PPP party machinery. Insensitivity to a tradition against corruption, shoddy workmanship, lavish lifestyles and the neglect which President Bharrat Jagdeo’s policies followed in taking them for granted took a heavy toll in the 2011 elections. Sultan Mohamed
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.
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Kaieteur News
Friday March 15, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Excessive borrowing by the PPP regime could put Guyana at risk DEAR EDITOR, The speech by Mr. Ramotar at Babu John to the transported PPP faithful from as far away as Parika was a scheme conceived to deceive not only the masses but also to show the handful of PPP supporters from Region Six that the PPP has a huge following. In his speech, President Ramotar claimed that “the same force who fought against Dr. Jagan are now trying to champion him against the movement he created.” This is so true of the heartless Jagdeo/Ramotar
cabal who has destroyed the ideals of the PPP and the legacy of Cde. Jagan. The cabal continues to trample upon Dr. Jagan ideals and has falsely used his good name to champion the squander-mania and outright misuse of funds from the Treasury, something Dr. Jagan would have totally rejected. In President Ramotar’s words, “I am against supersalary and other forms of Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey cart economy.” So hats off to President Ramotar for recognizing what the
Jagdeoites with their Cadillac lfestyle have done to the PPP and the poor and the working class in Guyana, especially the mothers and children of Plastic city. Mr. Ramotar has said that most of Cheddi’s life was spent fighting for the freedoms and better wages and working conditions for the poor and the working class. So again we ask why are there so many poor and desperate people in Guyana struggling to feed their families under this Jagdeo/ Ramotar cabal. Why is there an average
rate of 18 per cent unemployment and a 45 per cent youth unemployment rate after more than twelve years of the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabal hold on power. By denying Guyanese the right to work on all the billions of dollars of Chinese built infrastructures, the Jagdeo/ Ramotar cabal has taken away their basic human rights to earn and feed their families. So thanks again Mr. Ramotar for exposing the Jagdeoites in your Cabinet for what they are. They continue to plunder the Treasury to fatten their
pockets, while the sugar workers and the other workers across the country continue to break their back to eke out a living on an average meager salary of G$49,000 per month while the former president receives $3 million in pension per month. If Cheddi Jagan was alive, the working class and modest and decent leader he was, he would have provided the workers with decent living wages and not have stolen the taxpayers’ money for himself, relatives and close friends, something that is occurring everyday and at all levels in the government. Cde. Cheddi was not a greedy, selfish or a heartless leader like most of those at Freedom House today who want all for themselves. For Mr. Ramotar edification, no one is attempting to re-write history, but the facts are what they are – Facts are facts and no one has the right to massage or propagandize them as those in the cabal are doing daily. Mr. Moses Nagamootoo was rightfully able to instigate the Minister of Finance to finally
admit the truth about the huge debt the country owes to foreigners, especially to the Chinese. According to the Minister’s own figures, under the Jagdeo/Ramotar regime, the Guyana dollar debt in 2012 was at the highest level ever in the history of the nation. Would Dr. Jagan borrow US$800 million in new debt in four short years as the Jagdeoites did, when the economy cannot pay back these debts in the long run? NEVER! Would Dr. Jagan have pawned the future of Guyana’s sons and daughters to the Chinese and other foreigners? NEVER! Would Dr, Jagan have invested the taxpayers’ money in building the Marriott Hotel without their permission? NEVER! All we are saying is that unlike the crooks of today, Dr. Jagan was honest and sincere in his approach to help the poor and the working class. He lived within his means and did not put Guyana at risk by borrowing. Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh.
DEAR EDITOR, When will the blackouts end in Berbice? GPL has offered us so many promises, and so many dates. All have passed, and we still suffer from a constant interruption of the power supply at all hours, for varying periods of time. Apparently, no one in GPL’s management has a clue about how to solve this problem. Also, no one in this government appears to have any idea how to remedy this situation. Or maybe they just do not care. There is no reliable power, and naturally, this hinders development at every single level. This government does not understand that even one blackout per week is unacceptable. We are the laughing stock of the Caribbean, and all the PPP can talk about is how bad things were under the PNC, and cuss’ down the AFC at almost every public forum. But let’s get this straight - after more than twenty years of mismanagement and corruption under the PPP, Berbicians are no better off than when the PNC was in power! We desperately need a new government that
understands the importance of a reliable power supply, and one that will do everything in its power to promote the development of this country. The PPP has clearly shown that it is not up to the task, and that it would prefer to fight for the rich one per cent instead of the 99 per cent of hardworking Guyanese who work hard, and struggle to earn a decent living. While the PPP and its top leaders enjoy a decadent and luxurious lifestyle in Pradoville I and II, ordinary Berbicians who cannot afford back-up generators are forced to suffer through long periods of blackouts without relief. The only solution to this problem is to elect a new government. I am pleading with the APNU and AFC to prevent the 2013 budget from passing, and force a new election, because Berbicians will turn out in their numbers to vote for them. We have been utterly betrayed by the PPP and will not accept the mediocrity that they want to pass off as “development.” Only “a perfect jackass,” in the words of the current president, would continue to support this incompetent government. Rajesh Ally
Berbicians want a new government
Friday March 15, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
GPL management should consider the workforce DEAR EDITOR, I would like to share some views on the handling of the recent strike in GPL. Firstly it is unfortunate that things reached the stage where the union felt that it had no choice but to call a strike. They had served notice several weeks in advance and the onus was on management to do all within their power to come to some agreement with the union instead of creating the ugly spectacle of appearing not to care about the workers’ wellbeing. Secondly, making
statements about the limited impact the strike was going to have instead of showing concern about what the workers were thinking and feeling showed gross disregard for the workers by the Chief Executive Officer. Dindyal viewed this strike as a personal contest between him and NAACIE head, Kenneth Joseph, and as far as he was concerned the affairs of the workers were not a factor in the equation. Why else would he boast about how many contracted workers he had who were not
members of NAACIE and therefore could not be involved in the strike? Where is the concern for workers in all this? Dindyal needs to become aware that the GPL’s workforce comprises human beings who have needs and interests that a CEO should be concerned with. They are not robots or machines. Dindyal needs to be aware that he does not have much support from any section of the workforce. Senior and executive management fear him (with some notable exceptions) rather than
like him. Many contracted workers who are not Wartsila employees want to come on the permanent staff but instead are having their tenure extended by a few months at a time. There is resentment there. Young engineers with eight years experience are given the same pay as those with one or two years experience and are paid less than some less qualified persons in other divisions. It would not have escaped Dindyal’s attention that these engineers (GPSU members) whom he enjoys running down switched off their cell phones
DEAR EDITOR “It’s the church’s role to help the parliament to be the parliament. If the parliament is not creating an atmosphere of law and order, as Scripture says it must, then it is the job of the church to draw the parliament’s attention to this failing.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer I believe some Guyanese Christians don’t like to take the blame for anything they do wrong or failed to do. I was talking with a prominent pastor about the church lack of response to the parliament age of consent debate. He made several excuses for the church inaction and defended the church lack of participation on the issue. Talking with him taught me that some pastors and Christians don’t like to take blame for not challenging the parliament which has led to the moral decline of our country. These pastors only like to blame the United Nations and North America. While I agree that the UN and North America are to be
blamed somewhat, the church and pastors are also to be blamed for failure to speak out more. During the debate in parliament on the age of consent, I don’t believe the church and its leaders did enough to make their disagreement heard. These pastors were afraid to show their opposition. However, I do give the church credit for praying against the said legislation. But I’d have liked to see not only the church praying but more Christians on the streets peacefully and nonviolently marching and protesting against that legislation. Because of their ignorance, some pastors in Guyana don’t believe the Bible permits them to protest peacefully or otherwise. These people need to study the life of a preacher name Martin Luther in Germany and Martin Luther King in America to see that they preached peaceful and nonviolent protest. I believe that the reason most Christians don’t protest is because they’re fearful. Most
pastors and Christians are afraid of the politicians. In other words, when it comes to fear of politicians, there is no difference between those who called themselves Christians and those who do not. However, it shouldn’t be that way. Christians are called to be fearless. For example, Jesus and his disciples weren’t fearful of speaking out against evil. We need more bold pastors and Christians who are willing to speak out against evil and not to be afraid of the consequences. One pastor told me that it is easy for me to speak out because I don’t live in this country. He further stated that people like me come to this country and stir things up and when things get heated, we leave, and the locals are left to face the consequences alone. While I agree with this pastor somewhat, does it make it right, to do nothing, say nothing, and not speak out? What I observed is that many Christian leaders are
living in fear. This fear has crippled some of them, their ministry, church, gospel, members, and ultimately, it has crippled many Guyanese. What’s the solution to this problem? The solution is for more Christians to follow the example of a German pastor, Bonhoeffer and speak out against corruption and moral degeneration. When he was faced with a similar crisis in Germany, Bonhoeffer stood up to Hitler. By standing up to Adolph Hitler, he helped him saved many Jewish’s lives. However, for his stand, Hitler executed him, which he willingly accepted. Today, I’m in Guyana working to bring about change because of the example of Bonhoeffer. He inspired me to come to Guyana to call on the church, and its leaders to speak out against evil, godlessness, and not to worry about the consequences. Anthony Pantlitz
From page 5 wished a different situation to deal with. Even his most unpopular extending the term limits of a president finally won popular approval by the free vote of Venezuelans in a referendum. This does not rule out or ignore complaints by opposition parties with their own experience in a conflict situation, nor suggest that that there are no grievances. Chavez was perhaps the first later Venezuelan President to publicly and with sincerity pay tribute to the Haitian revolutionaries after Toussaint L’Overture for playing a decisive role in the liberation of the Hispanic dominated Americas. President Petion of Haiti made one condition in extending vital support: that Bolivar should undertake to end slavery. Bolivar did so. I once read a work in Spanish on the life of Bolivar and there was
no mention of Haiti or Petion. Chavez testified against that kind of history. Even columnists writing favourably of Chavez as a supporter of the oppressed forgot to mention that in 2010 he announced Venezuela/s cancelling of Haiti’s debt to Venezuela. He said, “In fact, Haiti does not owe Venezuela. It is Venezuela who has a debt to Haiti.” With regard to Guyana, although Chavez had declared himself a hardliner on the border and territorial issue, the reduction of tension, in spite of incidents during his terms of office offered hope for the future. The years to come will show whether the positive changes in Venezuela were mainly due to a new movement or to the presence of a strong leader. I hope that the positive changes endure and take root. Eusi Kwayana
The church is afraid of the politicians
Chavez was an ally of...
and/or reported sick during the strike. Recently the Transmission and Distribution engineers reported sick when he summoned them for a ‘busing’. There has long been much bitterness there and Dindyal ought to know by now that these young gentlemen don’t fear him. I am sure he was also surprised by the number of female clerical employees from the Main Street office who supported the strike. Dindyal needs to extend a grand gesture to GPL’s workforce. If he should take a voluntary 37.5 per cent cut in pay it would be well received by the workforce. That would reduce his salary from $ 2.4M to $1.5M or from $3M to $1.875M. He would still be super salaried by local
standards. This may move Mr. Joseph to reduce his demand from eight per cent to seven per cent or even 6.5 per cent. In 1992 Dr. Cheddi Jagan removed the then CEO Steve Bovell, claiming that he was super salaried and had been put there to serve partisan interests even though Bovell had been making steady progress in improving the electricity situation. How would Mr. Ramotar describe Mr. Dindyal’s salary and benefits? By the way is Dindyal still Wartsila’s agent for Latin America? If he is then he is receiving commissions in addition to a super salary while operating in a conflict of interest situation. Andrew Latchman
DEAR EDITOR, Only last week, I had cause to write a letter of support to the editor and management of local newspaper, as they came under attack from a (Guyanese) public sector agency over its investigative reporting on that agency. This weekend, I observed that your newspaper (Kaieteur News) is continuing to be attacked by sections of Guyana’s private sector, who appear to be upset by an article that was published in your newspaper about one of Guyana’s airline businesses. Editor, at this point in time, I am not in a position to comment on the pros or cons of that article, but i am more
interested on the P R O T E C T I O N , PRESERVATION, and SURVIVAL of the objective and fearless media-houses in Guyana—hence this letter of SUPPORT to your establishments. I feel a personal obligation to forward this letter of support, and i hope that otter individuals and organizations will join me in this effort, because we definitely need a mediahouse like yours to continue to e the VOICE of the people and to help safeguard our de m o c r a t i c p r i n c i p l e s ...stay equally strong against attacks from both Guyana’s public and private sectors. Morris Wilson
A reader’s support for Kaieteur News
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CHEDDI JAGAN WAS NO RACIST! A few years ago, declassified documents published under the review of U.S. Foreign Relations confirmed that regionalism was simply a pawn for Forbes Burnham to consolidate his grip on power in Guyana. These documents went further. They explained that there was a plot by Burnham to create a union with St. Vincent which would allow Burnham to offset the racial imbalance in Guyana that militated against him winning the 1968 elections. However, long before that, in fact on September 11, 1967, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) declassified a Special National Intelligence Estimate, 89.2-67, in which the following was noted: “Burnham, whose coalition with the small, conservative United Force (UF) has always been fragile, is working on various schemes to enlarge the Negro vote. He will try to obtain a substantial number of absentee votes from Negro Guyanese residing abroad. Beyond this, he is exploring means to merge Guyana with one or another Caribbean island (most likely St. Vincent) so as to increase the proportion of Negro voters.” This was virtually confirmed during a visit to Guyana by a former Prime Minister of St Vincent, it was mentioned that Guyana had attempted in those years,
under Burnham, to forge a union with St. Vincent. What these revelations unearth was the use by Burnham of the race card so that he could be assured of winning an election in Guyana against the PPP which was heavily supported by the East Indian community. Burnham never succeeded in forging such a union and instead had to revert to rigging election after election in order to retain political power. But in exposing his hand, he also revealed his lack of sincerity to his regional counterparts who, over time, became highly suspicious of Burnham’s own intentions, seeing him as using the regional integration movement for his own benefit and being fearful of a perceived ambition on his part to become Prime Minister of a united CARICOM. As more and more documents are declassified, Burnham’s record and motivations as regards regional integration are likely to face testing scrutiny. In this context, it is highly ironic that revisionists have sought to instead cast the glare on Cheddi Jagan, accusing him of not supporting Federation because of ethnic considerations. Cheddi Jagan, himself, had been soundly criticized by elements of the middleclass East Indian community for having supported regional
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo share out Guyana like if is he own Everything that does do in darkness does come to light. Is now people know how Jagdeo had no regard fuh people in de country, especially dem who he feel is not from he party. He sit down and wuk out a scheme how fuh mek he family, he friends and he comrades share in three-quarters of de country. When Bobby Ramroop put heself up front fuh buy Vieira TV station that was part of de plan. Jagdeo believe that he gun keep heself in de news. In fact, he got share in de TV station. But he wasn’t satisfy wid that. Vieira had one radio station. Jagdeo give Ramroop four more and dem claim how dem buy de radio station from Vieira when dem buy de TV station. He call he niece husband, and give he five radio station channel. Rob Earth know that he couldn’t put he same suh he call Priya brother-in-law and tell he fuh put he name. Donald smell a rat and was de Big Rat suh de same Jagdeo decide that he got to give de party five radio channel too. It ain’t done deh, he had to give he friends suh he call Hits and Jams and de Wireless Connection man and give dem radio station too. He didn’t stop deh. He call some of he other friends and give dem radio station but he keep de best fuh last. He give some of dem cable suh dem can get telephone, TV and radio at de same time. Two of de Bees get this. Now this is a man who did tell de world that he got all de Guyanese people at heart. Dem boys seh that he believe that Guyana only got he friends and he family. Is now dem boys understand how he love heself. He find a way fuh give out all dem pharmaceutical contract and that only ease down when dem boys talk how de money getting thief because de taxpayers’ paying and de drugs ain’t coming. More gun come to light by de dozen. Dem boys seh something got to happen. Talk half and just think how Jagdeo give way de country to he friends and family.
integration even before he had become Premier. He was accused of selling out the interests of East Indians by the support he had given to regional integration, long before he became Premier. The PPP’s position on Federation has always been consistent. Jagan supported regional integration even before the PPP was established. His position, however, has always been conditioned by his Marxist outlook. He saw regional integration within the context of creating a socialist and independent Caribbean. Jagan viewed regional integration in an ideological context rather than on ethnic grounds. The PPP, which he headed, was wary of the possibility of the West seeking to stem the influence of Cuba, by creating an amalgamated Caribbean Union which would amount to nothing more than an enlarged colony. Since the days of the Political Affairs Committee, Jagan had argued for a Federation with dominion status and self-government,
instead of a union with a crown colony government. He would later argue for regional integration to be tied to independence. Cheddi saw the pitfalls that would emerge from Federation without either dominion status or independence. Federation would amount to nothing more than a commonwealth of colonial states in the Caribbean, tied to the interests of Britain, which would use the movement to deny rather than promote political independence Burnham on the other hand, as negotiations for Guyana’s Independence got underway, called for independence only within federation. In effect, he was interested in Guyana being granted independence only under Federation. His objectives were obvious. He did not wish for Jagan to have the honour of negotiating for Independence, since this would erode any chance he may have had of gaining power. It was not Cheddi’s refusal to be part of the flawed Federation which caused it to
collapse. In fact, Cheddi was vindicated by that collapse, since the movement ended up being nothing more than a façade of integration. By the time Jamaica washed its hands of the experiment, the Federation was long dead. One of the region’s foremost advocates for Federation was CLR James. He saw Federation as a vehicle for achieving political independence for the Caribbean. Jagan saw Federation as only being viable either with dominion status or independence. But James, who was critical of the stance that Jagan took in relation to Federation, never accused him of embracing an ethnic position. This is what he had to say about Jagan: “…Dr Jagan is no petty racialist, not at all. I am unalterably opposed to the political philosophy which he accepts. I am unalterably opposed to its methods. I have told him so in person. And therefore there is no reason why I should not say so in public. He has not hidden his views;
there is no reason for me to hide mine. “But in regard to his aims for British Guiana, and for the West Indies as a whole, they are those of an enlightened modern person. He is not counting up how many Indians, and how many Africans and how many acres of land, and basing the future of British Guiana on that. Some of his supporters might be doing that, but his general view is not that at all.” There is therefore not one grain of truth in the speculation that Jagan was opposed to Federation, because it would marginalize East Indians on whose support he depended. The uninformed revisionists who are making this claim have axes to grind.
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Friday March 15, 2013
Freddie Kissoon Column
Ramotar’s rampageous, ramentaceous recitation Sorry, if my caption sounds highfalutin or too many big words are thrown about. But I honestly feel this title captures the description of President Ramotar ’s delivery at the death anniversary of Cheddi Jagan two weeks ago at Babu John in Berbice. For those simple readers who always warn me not to print big words, I offer a brief definition of the two fancy words used in the caption. Rampageous means reckless and I believe Mr. Ramotar ’s presentation, given the solemn nature of the occasion, was indeed
unruly. The definition of ramentaceous is; consisting of ramenta. Ramenta is a piece of something on an object, which belongs to another object and appears to have been neatly shaven off and placed on the first object. I use it in the context of Ramotar’s 2013 Babu John speech having a piece shaven from Jagdeo’s 2011 Babu John delivery and neatly pasted on to Ramotar’s presentation. Having got definitions out of the way, let’s examine the recklessness in Mr. Ramotar’s tirade The Stabroek News did a trenchant editorial on Mr.
Ramotar’s Babu John sojourn referring to his speech as offensive and beneath his status as President. This is a mild term. Indeed my description of “rampageous” is mild too. It was not only unbecoming for a President to descend to the level that Mr. Ramotar did, but he desecrated the name of Cheddi Jagan in a manner that can be deemed as vulgar. Why did he stoop to that level? Because he learnt his trade from Bharrat Jagdeo. Rewind the tape to 2011 at Babu John and it was if Mr. Ramotar had borrowed the speech of Bharrat Jagdeo. My
column on that tirade was titled, “I ask Berbicians to have dignity and respect themselves.” One would be shocked to see the similarities. Jagdeo attacked the media, the publisher of this newspaper and opposition in the identical way Mr. Ramotar did two Sundays ago. The missing link was Moses Nagamootoo. In 2011, Moses was yet to depart from the PPP. This year, Ramotar took up where Jagdeo left off. Nagamootoo was called an intellectually corrupt jackass. Ramotar once asked me to explain what I meant by the
“poetic essence of history” I would like him to explain to me what an “intellectually corrupt jackass” is? The Babu John conduct of Donald Ramotar and his shameless emulation of the style of Bharrat Jagdeo are yet other colossal signs that Donald Ramotar is not interested in the poetic essence of history and refuses an opportunity to be part of the poetic essence of history. In analyzing his Babu John indiscretion, the Stabroek News lamented Ramotar’s rejection of the opportunity to present himself as a healer of the nation. My question is whether Ramotar is capable of such qualities in the first place. I don’t mean anything personal and I am truthful about this, but I don’t believe Donald Ramotar has the ability to lead Guyana out of ethnic and political conflict and into the future. Out of my understanding of history, I do think it is philosophically possible for someone from the PPP to emerge as a phenomenal agent of change. But it will not be Donald Ramotar. I have known Mr. Ramotar a long time, going way beyond thirty-five years. He comes within the Jagan tradition of modest, unassuming and friendly, but not a person known for original thinking, self-confidence, vision and transformational ideas. This columnist believes that Mr. Ramotar was handpicked by Mr. Jagdeo to lead the PPP into the 2011 general elections because Mr. Jagdeo knew that he,
Frederick Kissoon Ramotar, will be more pliable, manageable and servile. Given Ralph Ramkarran’s status in society, Mr. Jagdeo instantly rejected him because he was uncertain that Ramkarran as President would have played second fiddle to him. Even his relative, Robert Persaud, Mr. Jagdeo was unsure of how it would have played out with Persaud as President. The choice of Ramotar was automatic. Today, the entire country talks about the obscure role of Mr. Ramotar as President. To ask Mr. Ramotar to become ingenious and display leadership qualities is like asking a village cricketer to go out and break Brian Lara’s record. Life does not witness such miracles. Such miracles do not happen in life. Mr. Jagdeo himself bowed out without any legacy. Guyanese today still talk about the two giants of Burnham and Jagan even though Jagdeo ruled Guyana for twelve years. Mr. Jagdeo couldn’t surpass them because he didn’t have the qualities to. Mr. Ramotar is just going to fade away after the next general election. You can’t make a person possess qualities they inherently lack.
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Kaieteur News
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Businessman refutes report about arson at his premises One of the gas cylinders that exploded
A businessman is refuting reports which appeared in a section of the media which quoted Fire Chief Marlon Gentle as saying that a recent fire at his premises located at Lot 18-23 Eccles Industrial Estate, was an act of arson. The Managing Director of Technical Services Inc. Engineering Services, Mr. Khemraj Brijlall told this publication that contrary to the report carried in the Guyana Chronicle, there was no sign of forced entry to the building. This was supported by a surveillance video which was seen by this publication. In the footage, the fire began after two oxyacetylene cylinders which were leaking, exploded. Everything was recorded on the surveillance camera up until the point of the explosion. In the video prior to the explosion and fire there was no sign of any intruder in the building or any attempt by anyone to enter the building. What was recorded were sparks emanating from the two cylinders followed by small flames and then an explosion. This was further corroborated by residents who had reported to this publication that a loud explosion was heard shortly before the fire was seen in the building. The explosion, Brijlall said, caused the doors of the building to “burst open�. The businessman recounted that on the day of the fire, Tuesday last, he and other employees had thoroughly secured the premises. This was done at around16:45 hours. However, at 18:30 hours, while at home, he received a call saying that there was a fire at his business place. According to Brijlall when he arrived two fire tenders were on the scene but there was still fire in a section of the building as efforts were being made to suppress the
Some of the damaged equipment. blaze. Not long after the fire was extinguished. Brijlall estimated his losses to be in excess of $50M. He said most of the roof was destroyed, also millions of dollars in equipment was burnt while others were extensively damaged by water. In addition, there was damage to electrical wiring in the building and a section of a storage area was also affected. Brijlall said he had reason to call in officials from DOCOL yesterday, after he had reason to believe that two other cylinders which they had purchased from the company were leaking. When the officials reportedly tested the two bottles it was confirmed that they were leaking. However, in an effort to secure himself, Brijlall requested that the officials sign a document acknowledging same, and at the same time, record that the bottles were removed from his premises. He claims that the DOCOL officials refused to sign such a document. Up to press time yesterday the two leaking cylinders were still in the building.
A section of the building which was extensively damaged as a result of the fire.
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Health Ministry intensifies response to Region One gastro outbreak - links situation to water contamination
Fuelled by the pathogenic Escherichia coli (popularly known as E. coli) bacterium, reportedly brought on by persistent unhygienic behaviour, health officials have been forced to intensify efforts to battle an outbreak of gastroenteritis in Region One, that has already claimed the lives of three children and reportedly left more than 250 infected. Gastroenteritis is a medical condition c h a r a c t e r i z e d by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that involves both the stomach and the small intestine resulting in some c o m b i n a t i o n of diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain and cramping. The outbreak comes less than three years after one which occurred in Arakaka, also in Region One, which claimed the lives of seven adults. E. Coli was also identified in that outbreak, which reportedly started in the mining areas as in the current case. “These organisms are very aggressive and we really have to be on top of things. For the last two years we have had very strong surveillance mechanisms in place, as this early-year period is when we expect this to happen. In 2011 and 2012 we had pretty good control of diarrhoea,” Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud explained.
He was at the time sharing the spotlight with Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran at an emergency press conference at Ramphal House, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, on Wednesday. The two were flanked by a number of technical officers and were at pains to emphasise that “we are on top of the situation.” The health officials were however not willing to offer false hope to the nation, as according to Dr Persaud, “even though we have noticed a decrease, we still need to be on guard, since especially the weaker population such as young children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases are now likely to be affected.” Minister Ramsaran revealed that over the past two weeks the Health Ministry has been attentively following the outbreak. He anticipates that the situation should be brought under control within a week. Moreover, a team was dispatched to affected areas to undertake a 48-hour study and returned with certain preliminary impressions. “This caused us again to send in another stronger team last Thursday and that team returned yesterday (Tuesday),” Dr Ramsaran disclosed. Headed by Dr
Morris Edwards, the latter team was able to furnish the Ministry with crucial information to better tackle the outbreak. “This is predominantly happening in the Sebai area, but it is affecting other communities. The first shout led us to a certain logging operation on the Sebai River which operation apparently caused turbulence of the waterway which is the main supply of water to those communities,” Minister Ramsaran stated. He said that in recent days the number of patients infected has increased and this development prompted an intensified response. Residents of the affected communities were furnished with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and taught how to use them. Considering the period under review, Dr. Persaud informed that a total of 44 cases were reported from the Sebai Health post, 112 cases from Central Port Kaituma; and in the town, about 96 cases were reported. “There were two reported deaths during the sixth week and then subsequently one other child. We were able to ascertain that the first one, on which a post mortem was conducted, died from severe dehydration due to acute
gastroenteritis. The second one also had diarrhoeal diseases and dehydration, but the third child was complicated, because the week before the child also had an episode of vivax malaria and then subsequently developed diarrhoea and vomiting. That child was also malnourished and they were trying to manage all of these complications together when the child died.” Dr Persaud revealed that samples were taken from all of the children and cultures are still being examined. Health teams had also taken samples from wells and river sources, and all of the water samples were found to be unacceptable, even those taken from the solar-powered well at Sebai, the Chief Medical Officer informed. “The contamination was quite extensive...both faecal coliforms and E. Coli were present, meaning there was contamination from human waste.” The general conditions in the affected communities were also assessed and together with the Environmental Unit from the Ministry of Health and the Regional Environmental Health Officer, they were able to determine the state of the disposal of garbage as being wholly unacceptable. Health officers reported that on several occasions, persons were observed dumping refuse into the river.
Friday March 15, 2013
Clerk accused of stealing $15.7M, granted $650,000 bail Oswald Whyte of Linden was yesterday placed on $650,000 bail for the charge of larceny by clerk or servant, when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The defendant was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge. The allegation is that during the period of March 19, the defendant, whilst employed as a post master for Mahdia Post Office, stole $15,737,970, property of Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC). This was allegedly discovered when the area manager of the GPOC went to the Mahdia location and ran an audit. It
was further alleged that the defendant was challenged for a satisfactory explanation but was unable to give an account of the missing money. The police were called in and the defendant was arrested and charged. Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick did not object to bail, however he did request conditions to be attached to the instituted bail. The defendant is required to report to C.I.D .Headquarters every Friday and was instructed to turn in any travel document. The matter was transferred to Mahdia Magistrate’s court where the case will begin its trial on April 17.
Roopan Singh, a medical doctor, was yesterday charged with assault against Roland Singh and Riswan Mohamed, when he appeared before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrate’s court. Police reports revealed that on March 10, the two men visited the doctor’s business located in Alexander Village. Roland Singh was reportedly taking Mohamed for a tetanus injection. Upon their arrival the doctor, according to Roland Singh, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and told Mohamed to lie on the bed. The doctor was alleged
to have treated the patient rudely and began to curse him when he spoke against his disorderly behaviour. The complainant said “he threatened to kill me and he cursed me.” The doctor then tried to get the victims out of his office by pushing them to the nearest exit. To the allegations, the defendant pleaded guilty and was subsequently placed on bail in the sum of $80,000 or an alternative of two months imprisonment. To this, the prosecution had no objection. The accused was represented by Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan.
Orlando Daniels and Patricia Pitt of North Ruimveldt were yesterday remanded for the possession of narcotics when they appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown’s Magistrates’ Court. According to police reports, on Wednesday, March 13, last, at about 11:30 hours, ranks from the Narcotics branch acted on information received about the couple. They went to the home of the defendants at Lot 3446 Postal Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown. On arrival, the officers carried out a search on Daniels who was found attempting to flush a black plastic bag down the toilet. It was suspected to be containing cannabis and the police headed for the kitchen where they found his reputed
wife, Pitt. The ranks found a black shoulder bag in the cupboard containing what the officers suspected to be cannabis as well. It is alleged that Daniels pleaded with the police to give him another chance after admitting that the “weed” belongs to him. The couple was arrested and taken to the station. There, the defendants were cautioned and Daniels changed his story, giving a report to the officers which stated that he knew of the “weed”, but it did not belong to him. The contents were weighed and the shoulder bag, allegedly belonging to Pitt, contained 123 grams of cannabis whilst the plastic bag Daniels reportedly tried to hide contained 627 grams. The matter was subsequently adjourned until May 17.
Medical practitioner on assault charges
Couple remanded for alleged narcotics possession
Friday March 15, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Friday March 15, 2013
Lamaha Gardens land sale was above board - Chief Co-op officer Chief Co-operative Development Officer Kareem Abdul-Jabar has moved to the Supreme Court in an attempt to clear his name and to prove that the sale of the plot of land at Lot 142 Durabana Square, Lamaha Gardens was legal. Abdul-Jabar, who was sent on administrative leave last month pending the outcome of investigations into the land sale, has asked the court to quash the decision of the Labour Ministry’s Permanent
Secretary, Lorene Baird. By way of his Attorneys, Roysdale Forde and Keisha Chase, Abdul-Jabar has cited that the Permanent Secretary’s decision was unlawful, irrational, unreasonable and wholly in excess of Jurisdiction, breaching the Public Service Commission rules of 2008. On February 4, last, when Abdul-Jabar was sent on leave, he was requested by the Permanent Secretary to submit a report within two
days showing the procedure of the land sale. In his response, the Co-ops officer showed that on April 21, 1986, it was unanimously resolved by the Civil Service Association (CSA) Housing Co-operative Society Ltd., that the society would be dissolved and liquidated. Abdul-Jabar said that on May 9, 2011, an inspection of the society was done and on June 6, 2011, an order of cancellation was made, followed by a liquidation
order on June 5, 2012. Investigations, AbdulJabar said, showed that millions were owed to City Hall for payment of rates and taxes. Further investigations revealed that CSA Housing Co-operative Society had a number of house lots vacant. A visit to the area showed that houses were built on lands including those designated for the playfield, school and other community purposes, while no record of ownership was found at the Deeds Registry or City Hall. Instructions were then given to a liquidator by Abdul-
Kareem Abdul-Jabar Jabar to possess all unoccupied lands still in the society’s name. He said a valuation was done for Lot 142, an advertisement was placed in the newspapers, tenders were received, and bids were evaluated and awarded. Abdul-Jabar even charged that over $8.4M was paid to City Hall by his office from what the Society owes. The Co-ops officer thus cited that there was nothing unlawful about the transaction, as everything that was done, was done according to the powers vested in him. The court documents stated that according to the constitution, once the Chief Co-operative officer is satisfied that the Cooperative Society is not functioning as it is supposed to, then he can order for the liquidation of the organization. In other words, a person holding an original land title does not necessarily make them a member of the Co- operative Society. They would have to attend Society meetings and play an integral part. It is on this basis that
the Co-operative officer said the Society was liquidated. Pertaining to issues of land valuation and the passing of transport AbdulJabar highlighted that that was not his field and that he can only authorize the liquidation of Societies when they are not functioning, and order the sale of assets. During last month, AbdulJabar was charged by the Public Service Commission of offences 35 and 37; “Malpractice with fraudulent intent” and “Dishonesty in official dealings,” respectively. This was via mail and Abdul-Jabar replied stating that he could not answer the allegations, since there were no particulars to the charge. The Labour Ministry’s Permanent Secretary will however answer the motion before Chief Justice Ian Chang on March 19. Lamaha Gardens residents were peeved over what they claimed was the illegal sale of the aforementioned property which was designated for a public playfield and community relaxation area. They charged that the land was sold to a businessman with high connections and that the process was not transparent. They claimed that the land was sold without residents being informed, since there were more than 15 persons holding original land titles from the CSA, now Guyana Public Service Union. After residents kicked up a storm, President Donald Ramotar ordered an investigation into the sale which led to action being taken against AbdulJabar.
West R/veldt woman facing electricity theft accusation Donette Audler appeared yesterday before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrate’s court where she pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraudulently and maliciously diverting e l e c t r i c i t y, p r o p e r t y o f Guyana Power and Light Inc., to her home at 56 West
Front Road Squatting Area. The charge stated that the defendant was seen committing the act on March 1 and was subsequently reported to the police. She was then arrested and cautioned on the offence committed. The case was adjourned until March 25.
A 62-year-old man is the country’s latest road fatality after he crashed his motorcycle into a truck on the Montrose public road last night. Leslie Simpson died on the spot after slamming head on into the truck which was proceeding east along the roadway. Onlookers starred in horror at his mangled body
which was lying on the roadway alongside his motorcycle which had burst into flames. Meanwhile four persons are being treated at the Georgetown hospital for injuries they sustained when the truck in which they were travelling toppled at 77Km near Buck Hall yesterday afternoon.
Man killed on the spot after riding into truck
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Brazilian found hanging in city hotel
Undertakers removing the body
A Brazilian national was found hanging in his hotel room mid morning yesterday by the owner of the building which is located at Forshaw Street, Queenstown. The discovery was made at around 11:15 hours. The dead man has been identified as Vango Pereino Alves who worked in the Region 7 area
as a miner. Sources close to the deceased told this publication that recently he received a letter from his wife informing him that she was severing all ties with him. The man reportedly those close to him that he would ‘do something’. This publication was told that the hotel owner was
making routine checks in the hotel yesterday when he called out to Alves whose door was partly open, but he got no response. Reports are that the man peeked into the room and saw Alves hanging from the window. An alarm was immediately raised and the police were called in. Alves is said to have
used a curtain rod to hang himself. Meanwhile, sources close to the investigation said that they have essentially ruled out foul play as there were no marks of violence on the man’s body. However a post mortem examination is expected to be conducted soon.
Soldiers’ court action against Chief-of-Staff…
Joint Services’ bonus concession is at Commander-in-chief’s discretion – Dr Luncheon Comparing the across the board increase offered to public servants and the bonus granted to military officers is a comparison that is on par with comparing apples to oranges. This was the assertion of Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, when he hosted his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday at the Office of the President. Luncheon was at the time referring to the state of affairs concerning four senior officers who have been relieved of their duties pending developments related to legal action b r o u g h t a g a i n s t C h i e f o f Staff, Commodore Gary Best, in light of the fact that they were not in receipt of a one-month salary bonus. The bonus offer was made by Commander-in-chief, President Donald Ramotar, last year. But according to Dr Luncheon, in the case of the decision by the Commander-in-chief, “it had never been elevated to the level of an across the board measure...it has never been; it is a discretion that is exercised after the review of annual performances of the
joint services.” “To make some nexus between access and enjoyment of an across the board increase for the entire public service to a discretion exercised by the Commander-in-chief for isolatedly the joint services, that is essentially a non-starter,” insisted Dr Luncheon. According to the Cabinet Secretary, “although we are not unmindful that this matter is sub judice”, the notion that the Commander in-chief’s decision intended to provide the indiscriminate granting of the bonus to the joint services cannot be allowed to go unchallenged. He noted, too, that the Defence Board has therefore asserted that since the introduction of the annual bonus provided by the authority of the Commanderin-chief “the intention and the practice in its implementation had indeed not allowed for the indiscriminate access by members of the joint services.” The four officers who were relieved of their duties and have since moved to the courts are Major (ag) Lesley Ramlall, Captain Rono Joseph, Captain Harold
Fraser and Coast Guard Lieutenant, Andre’ Cush, They have filed a motion to have the Chief of Staff hand over the one-month salary bonus that was granted by President Ramotar last December. Best had chosen to withhold the salaries of over 100 soldiers last year, citing that for offences committed in 2012 that saw ranks having to be disciplined, the monies would not be paid. The senior officers through their lawyer, Abiola Wong-Inniss, accused Commodore Best of unreasonably, unlawfully and unfairly withholding their bonuses. They said that it is their knowledge that other officers who were initially denied their bonus had been paid. One officer has stated that there were no charges brought against him in 2012, another
said administrative action was taken against him for what was said to be inappropriate relationship with a female, yet another said he had performance allegations against him pertaining to the force’s Credit Union but the matter was still pending, while a fourth spoke of insubordination allegations which he too said is still pending. Other factions of the joint services who were also slated for the bonus, had expressed interest in seeing the matter played out. Commodore Best is expected to answer the matter against him when it is called before the Chief Justice at the High Court on March 19. Best will have to give reason why his decision to withhold the soldiers’ bonuses should not be quashed.
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Opposition vote kills Firearms Bill “We have little boys playing with big issues”- Gail Teixeira By Abena Rockcliffe Government Chief Whip Gail Teixeira yesterday described the joint parliamentary opposition as “little boys playing with big issues.” This declaration came after the opposition voted against and defeated the second reading of the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2012. The Bill was being piloted by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, and sought to fill a loophole within the system that allowed trafficking of firearms. As it is, trafficking of firearms in not unlawful but possession of an unlicenced firearm is. Also, possession of a firearm’s component is not unlawful. One can have all components of a firearm and can’t be charged once those are disassembled. Nevertheless, the opposition yesterday voted against a piece of legislation that would have addressed those elements that are perceived to be lacking. Asked to justify voting down such a bill, knowing that
it cannot reappear in the 10th parliament, Opposition leader David Granger said that “the greater danger must be recognized”. The greater danger referred to was Rohee’s continuing to act in his current capacity as Minister of Home Affairs. Granger told the media that Rohee’s presence at the Ministry of Home Affairs is weakening law enforcement and the fight for public security. Further, Granger affirmed “He must leave Home Affairs let him go to Tourism.” He then stated emphatically that A Partnership for National Unity will not support any Bill brought to the National Assembly by Rohee, regardless of its merit, once the Bill is tabled in his capacity as Home Affairs Minister. Asked if the opposition is ready to take responsibility in any case where lack of such provisions in the law results in greater violence, Granger responded “We have taken a position that he (Rohee) is not
competent to remain Minister of Home Affairs and we take responsibility for that position. Him remaining in that position is the greatest danger to public security.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said he expected silence not disapproval from the opposition as it relates to the passage of the Bill. According to Hinds, it draws into question the opposition’s claims of being against criminal activities. “If being upset about the ruling of the speaker (on Rohee’s gag order) could link them to reject such a Bill, it must draw into question how serious and honest they (the opposition) are, as the Minister pointed out how important the Bill is to addressing gun crime.” Noting that the Bill is an attempt to fill a lacuna in the law that allowed persons with illegal weapons, once disassembled, Teixeira said that the opposition’s move “…flies in the face of all decent-minded people who want to live in a safe environment.” “If they didn’t approve it because of the messenger, this is the height of puerile behaviour.” Teixeira said that what
must be given priority is the reduction of crime, but “we have little boys playing with big issues in a playground and they are missing the mark all the time… these are antinational positions that have nothing to do with the betterment of Guyana.” The Bill, she stressed, is aimed at strengthening local laws and conforming to international treaties and agreements in CARICOM. During his presentation, Rohee noted that the amendment would make the trafficking of firearms and firearm/ammunition components unlawful. No opposition member contributed to the debate and
the only other MP to speak was Rohee’s colleague Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett who emphasised the need for Guyana to join the world in the fight against gun crime. She noted that an AK-47 can be bought for US$200 and alluded to Rohee’s statement that this is because of the porous nature of Guyana’s borders. Rohee, in the wake of the Bill being voted down said, “If they think this is a defeat for me it’s a victory for the government, because they (Opposition) will now have to explain why they would be voting against a Bill that is aimed at stemming the flow of firearms into Guyana as a
whole or components”. According to Rohee, the message being sent now seems to be that “we don’t mind firearms entering Guyana.” Responding to Granger’s comment to the media that it was more dangerous to have him (Rohee) in place than to support the Bill, the minister said no one should be scared by Granger’s remark. “Who is the opposition to say who’s dangerous? I believe h e ’s more dangerous than anybody else in Guyana right now … because he is blocking a Bill which is aimed at stemming the flow of firearms into Guyana.”
Renewed discussion on UG tuition hike could prompt Cabinet decision – Dr Luncheon In his attempt to deliberate on the proposed hike in the tuition fee at the University of Guyana, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, yesterday alluded to his belief that such a move should not constitute the sole means of revenue generation at the tertiary institution. He was at the time responding to a question about a proposed increase in the tuition fee at the university during his Post Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President. At his inaugural press conference last week, recently appointed Vice Chancellor Professor Jacob Opadeyi, spoke of the proposed plans to increase the university’s tuition fees as part of moves to improve the quality of the institution. In fact, he expressed confidence that Government would support the move since according to him “it is common sense. There is no Government service that has not increased its prices in this country...so it is just common sense.” The Vice Chancellor noted that the only challenge with implementing the tuition change is the modality, that is, “how we should, not why we should do it, and if Government says we are not going to increase tuition, the University is going to say
‘this is the extra bill you have to pay’.... This is the cost of giving that person the quality education that you wanted.” In expressing his conviction on the matter, Dr Luncheon noted that if the tuition fees are adjusted upwards, it could prove to be a major challenge for some prospective students, particularly in the absence of scholarships and other payment agreements. “One could see the argument being made to have the fee maintained at levels that notionally can be supported and not (be) burdensome to prospective students and some other mechanism be found to swell the coffers of the University.” Moreover, he noted that “if fees and fees increases would remain the sole or dominant means of revenue generation (it) needs to be questioned, if not for no other reason, but from the perspective of he who has to pay.” However, discussion about an increase in tuition fees has not yet been conclusively dealt with at the level of Cabinet, according to Dr Luncheon, who in alluding to the history of such talks disclosed that it commenced since the initiation of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration in
October of 1992. “I think that the fact that in March of 2013 it is still on the table for a decision, if by no other analysis, it is inescapable that the administration was unsupported from 1992 to 2013...there is no other conclusion that one could come to in the face of the fact that it never took place.” Moreover, he expressed optimism that the renewed deliberations on the issue would encourage the administration to take a formal position of “yes or no.” “I could tell you without any fear of contradiction that over the years, 1992 to 2013, at Cabinet there wasn’t consensus, which has forestalled a position and has left this matter inconclusively dealt with...” As such, he is hopeful that Cabinet will have to consider it in light of what has transpired over the years and arrive at a decision to present to the Guyanese public. This, he said, would have to be done in order to enlighten those affected as well as the academic community “who must have been led to believe that an increase in the tuition fees is apparently some panacea and it would solve all the matters that affect the University of Guyana.”
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Amaila Falls Road project…
Another contract termination imminent The local contractor building section seven of the Amaila Falls Road will soon have his contract terminated, because of the need to accelerate the segment’s completion to facilitate the construction of the hydropower facility. This disclosure was made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, during a postCabinet press briefing at the Office of the President yesterday. Luncheon related that Government has asked China Railway First Company Limited, the contractor identified to construct the
Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Plant, to consider constructing the problematic roadway, which involves the clearing of virgin forest. Sithe Global, the developers of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, had expressed confidence in the ability of China Railway to build the plant. In July 2010, Government signed off on a loan deal to build the project and formalise the cooperation between the Guyana Power and Light Inc., Sithe Global, China Development Bank and China Railway. The decision to engage China Railway was based on the Administration’s
concerns about the capacity of domestic contractors to deliver the goods on time, according to the timeline established in the agreement with the firm that has been awarded the contract to build the hydropower plant, said Luncheon. Until, an agreement is sealed between Government and China Railway the local contractor, Hassan Pasha, will continue to carry out construction works on the road. In 2012, Pasha was awarded the $834M contract to construct Section Seven, from the Kuribrong Bridge to Amaila Falls. The contractor who was executing works in
Section Six, G. Bovell Construction Services, had his contract terminated months ago. That section is also behind schedule. It was reported that the contractor was “challenged” in terms of machinery to carry out works and the project was stalled. According to Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn, Government had to terminate Bovell’s contract after the equipment was repossessed. The termination of contracts on this road project is nothing new. The original contractor, Makeshwar ‘Fip’ Motilall, repeatedly failed to complete what was required
of him, and after several extensions, Government was forced to pull the plug on his contract in January 2012. In 2010, Motilall was awarded the US$15.4M contract with an intended duration of eight months, which many deemed unrealistic. As time would tell, it was indeed an impractical time frame, with the road still incomplete to date. Motilall was expected to construct 110km of road through the forest as well as 85km where trails already exist. The major reason for Government terminating the contract was Motilall’s failure
to secure a performance bond, something that Minister Benn had described as a “fatal flaw”. Benn had said that the performance bond was posted by Hand in Hand Insurance Company to the value of 10 per cent of the contract. There were in fact, two performance bonds, but one was the security bond. Together they were worth US$3 million. Government has sued Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company in the wake of its failure to effect payment on a Performance Bond to the tune of in excess of US$1.5 million.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud and senior officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) yesterday met with representatives of the Rupununi Miners’ Association to discuss mining and other related issues. At the meeting, general concerns were raised including efforts to end illegal mining in Marudi Mountain and access to mining properties by small miners in the location. It was agreed that the Association will support the activities of the GGMC to curb illegal mining; the Association will collaborate with the GGMC and the Guyana Police Force in the ongoing investigation of the police-supported operation at Marudi Mountain where allegations of police excesses; a Special Mining Lottery will be held on March 30, 2013 in Lethem for legitimate small miners/ residents of Region Nine and the Association supports the ongoing review of Romanex Mining Licence for the Marudi Mountain. The GGMC was mandated by the Minister to continue to engage the association on issues of concern and explore ways of supporting legitimate mining activities. According to the miners, they are extremely pleased with the discussions which they said were long overdue. They indicated that while there have been agreements on some issues, others are still to be pronounced on by the ministry. Among these is a request that miners be allowed to complete all pits that were left unfinished in order to recover their investments. They are seeking answers about the new Mulgravian Ventures Inc.; whether they are the
rightful owners of the concession. The miners requested that they be allowed to continue their alluvial mining and pay the company its 10 percent land shares. “Our miners’ situation presently is that we are in dire need of lands to work to meet our economic commitments. If we don’t get land to work, it will cause a serious negative impact on the communities in Region Nine because a lot of people in Region Nine are in some way directly or indirectly connected to mining in Marudi,” a statement from the miners said. The miners had earlier dismissed as a blatant lie clams made by the GGMC that they have not declared the gold that they produced in the contentious area. “To date, not a single gram of gold has been declared by any of the operators and there are no records of production, which is a breach of the Mining Regulations.The Commission is of the view that all the minerals removed were illegally sold,” the GGMC had stated. But in a brief interview with this newspaper, the miners claimed that they have proof of gold sales to buyers who are licenced by the GGMC as well as others affiliated to the Guyana Gold Board. The miners identified “Chrissy James and Dorothy James” as licenced buyers and they provided receipts to support their claims.They expressed surprise that the GGMC could have issued its statements without first ascertaining the facts. With respect to investigations into the much publicized beating by the police, the miners were assured by Minister Persaud that the report will be made public.
Rupununi small miners to benefit from Special Mining Lottery
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Opposition leader wants to debate Venezuela’s Maduro CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela’s opposition leader challenged acting President Nicolas Maduro yesterday to “stop lying” and have a debate, adding that he was sorry if he had caused offense during the increasingly bitter run-up to an April 14 election. The death last week of socialist leader Hugo Chavez set the stage for the vote pitting Maduro, his preferred successor, against Henrique Capriles, a 40-year-old centrist state governor. Capriles has enraged Maduro by accusing him of repeatedly lying about the late president’s two-year battle with cancer, and of then cynically using his death as a campaign tool. But he apologized if he had upset
Chavez’s family. “Let’s debate, Nicolas, the country wants us to. We’ve got a month to do it. Let’s debate the insecurity and the economy....The country wants you to stop lying and debate the problems and their solutions,” Capriles told a local radio station. “If any word of mine was misunderstood, if any word hurt the feelings of the president’s relatives, forgive me.” Maduro, a 50-year-old former bus driver and union leader, has said he would consider a debate with Capriles if his opponent retracted his comments and apologized publicly for “the very grave offense” he had
Nicolas Maduro
Henrique Capriles
given against Chavez’s memory. “He can attack me all he wants, I don’t care. I’m ready
BOGOTA (Reuters) Colombia’s FARC rebels blew up the rail line of Colombia’s largest coal exporter, Cerrejon, yesterday, taking the train out of commission for up to four days but not impeding exports, military and company officials said. The latest attack comes only days after Cerrejon and its workers signed a wage deal to end a strike that paralyzed exports for a month and cost the Andean nation millions of dollars in lost royalties. “Around 4:45 a.m. (0945 GMT), the train, which was headed toward the coal port of Puerto Bolivar, was attacked with explosives ... which produced the derailment of 17 wagons,”
Cerrejon said in a statement. The company, a joint venture between Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Xstrata, did not blame any specific group in the country for the assault. Juan Carlos Restrepo, vice president of public affairs for the company, said it would take three to four days to repair the damages, but port and mining operations would continue. The company had enough stocks at the port to continue exporting, he said. The military accused the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC, of being behind the attack. The FARC rebel group and the government are
currently trying to reach a peace deal in talks in Cuba. In late February, assailants blew up four trucks at Cerrejon’s Mina Sur mining area in Guajira province. There was another bombing of the railway earlier this year. In 2012, Cerrejon was attacked seven times. “We call on the authorities ... to redouble efforts to ensure our safety and that of the company,” the Sintracarbon union said in a statement. On Monday, Cerrejon and its labor union signed a threeyear wage agreement ending a walkout by workers that started on February 7 and forced the company to declare force majeure on some cargoes.
for it,” Maduro said late on Wednesday. “If he apologizes publicly to the family and the people, I would consider having one public debate, or as many debates as the people want.” Capriles lost a presidential vote to Chavez in October, and two recent opinion polls have given Maduro a solid lead over the Miranda state governor. At stake in the upcoming election is the future of Chavez’s leftist “revolution” and the continuation of Venezuelan oil subsidies and
Colombian rebels blow up biggest coal exporter’s railway
Volney advises Kamla to fire AG, Warner Trinidad Guardian Sacked Justice Minister Herbert Volney has told Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar she should fire National Security Minister Jack Warner and Attorney General Anand Ramlogan. Speaking to reporters during the tea break at Wednesday’s sitting of the House of Representatives in Port-ofSpain, Volney told reporters his constituents saw Warner and Ramlogan as baggage that would hamper her from succeeding as Prime Minister. The St Joseph MP said his constituents thought that carrying baggage was only going to distract her work in succeeding. Volney said Warner’s non-government related issues were not the problem. “She should not have to consider (issues relating to) the personal life of the Minister of National Security and that sort of thing. Those are matters that she should not have to deal with,” he said. He said Warner and
Herbert Volney Ramlogan were “attracting too much bad press to her Government.” Speaking about the Defence (Amendment) Bill, Volney said initially he was not going to support the measure in Parliament but changed his mind. “When I heard the Prime Minister give assurances, which was conciliatory, to protect the
civil rights of citizens, I had a second look at it and I am satisfied that it is something I can support,” he said. Volney said the bill was a step in the right direction and would allow the Defence Force to assist the police. However, he was not happy with the direction of some of the anti-crime measures that are coming to the Parliament. “I think that we have lost our way,” he added. Volney said while he would support the legislation his deep concern was that the latest measure was not going to make any significant dent on crime. said he was of that view because the Defence Force was already working with the police but he saw a need to do much more than that. He added: “What was more urgently required was for evidence-gathering to be easier for the law interdiction forces as it related to gang offences. That is the kind of changes I want to see brought about.
other aid crucial to the economies of leftist allies around Latin America, from Cuba to Bolivia. Venezuela boasts the world’s largest oil reserves. One of Chavez’s daughters, Maria Gabriela, published an open letter to the “sick opposition” this week, accusing them of “playing with the pain of a nation and a devastated family.” Government supporters, who have used racial and homophobic slurs against Capriles, dismissed his contrition. “The princess has spoken,” former information minister and Maduro campaign member Andres Izarra said on Twitter. “He wants to debate, but without apologizing. That’s to say, he is a scoundrel and he’s scared.” In a dramatic twist to the already volatile campaign, Maduro said on Wednesday that there was a plot to kill Capriles by “far right” U.S. elements linked to two senior former members of the George W. Bush administration. The allegation was similar to the frequent claims of U.S. plots that Chavez made during
his 14-year rule. The opposition dismissed those as a ruse to create a sense of “imperialist” threat and distract voters from daily problems. The two former U.S. officials named by Maduro Otto Reich and Roger Noriega - called the accusations outrageous and untrue. Today, Chavez’s body is due to be carried to a hilltop museum from the military academy where it is lying in state and has been viewed by million of Venezuelans. The government had planned to embalm his remains and put the body on display in the style of communist leaders Lenin, Stalin and Mao. But Maduro said it might not be possible because embalming may have started too late after death. Adding to the famous faces who have visited Venezuela to pay their respects to Chavez, Major League baseball star Sammy Sosa arrived in Caracas late on Wednesday. “Sadly, we lost a humble, spiritual and Christian person,” the Dominican-born player told reporters at Maiquetia airport.
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Caribbean district protests in Flatbush NY for third consecutive night NEW YORK – CMC Police say that at least 18 people were arrested as fights between them and angry youth erupted for the third consecutive night in the predominantly Caribbean district of East Flatbush in Brooklyn, New York over police shooting death of a Caribbean youth. On Thursday police reported that they struggled to control an irate crowd that broke away from a planned peaceful vigil after attendees learned that 16-year-old Kimani “Kiki” Gray, the son of Guyanese and Jamaican parents, was shot in the back on Saturday night. Protesters hurled bricks, bottles and garbage at cops in the furious clash on Wednesday night. The police report that at least 18 demonstrators, including Gray’s sister, Mahnefeh, were arrested along Church Avenue in East
Flatbush. New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesman Paul Browne said a cop was hit by a brick and that a window of a police inspector’s car was smashed in the melee. Residents have disputed police claims that Gray pointed a gun at two plainclothes officers when one of them responded by shooting him dead. An autopsy report on Wednesday revealed that Gray was struck by seven bullets, three of them in his back. According to one resident, Tishana King - she witnessed Gray’s shooting from her third floor window and that he did not have a gun. The Wednesday night fracas started soon after more than 200 people set off from the vigil site at Church Avenue and East 55th Street in Brooklyn to the nearby 67th
A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.
Police Precinct stationhouse. Eyewitnesses said police pepper-sprayed protesters, threw them to the ground and handcuffed them. On Tuesday, a war of words erupted between NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Caribbean American legislator Jumaane Williams over the riot that first broke out Monday night in Williams’ largely Caribbean district in Brooklyn. The war of words started during a New York City Council hearing, when Williams, a New York City Councilman of Grenadian parentage, told Kelly that people in his East Flatbush district are angry at the NYPD. Kelly responded that Williams, who has often been critical of the NYPD’s “stop and frisk” tactics regarding blacks, failed to mention that Gray was armed. Two years ago, Williams was arrested during the West Indian Day Carnival Parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway. The two cops involved in the incident were later disciplined.
Friday March 15, 2013
Testimony resumes in Haiti’s ‘Baby Doc’ case
In this Feb. 28, 2013 file photo, former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier, known as “Baby Doc,” attends his hearing at court in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery, File) PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Testimony in the highprofile case of former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier resumed yesterday, with another alleged victim describing abuses she says were committed under his rule. Dr. Nicole Magloire told an appellate court about the broad influence wielded by the former leader known as “Baby Doc,” and the alleged violations associated with his 15-year government. Duvalier “was declared supreme leader of all the armed forces in the country,” said Magloire, an opposition leader who fled into exile during that era. “He was in charge of the National Palace. He was in charge of the army. He was in charge of the country.” Magloire is the third person this month to testify about alleged abuses under Duvalier, a playboy strongman who inherited power from his father Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier and ruled Haiti from 1971-1986 with the help of the Tonton
Macoutes private militia. Last week, two other people described ghastly prison conditions they said they endured while locked up for months in a prison notorious for torture. Magloire spent five days behind bars after being arrested by government of the younger Duvalier, the former “president for life” known as “Baby Doc.” Defense attorney Fritzo Canton asked her Thursday if the arrest might have been a mistake. “If I was arrested by mistake, I was imprisoned by mistake and forced into exile by mistake,” Magloire said. Duvalier was charged with human rights abuses and embezzlement in 2011 after his surprise return to Haiti following 25 years in exile. His attorneys say he is innocent on both counts. A lower court threw out the human rights charges and said Duvalier should face charges only for the alleged financial crimes. The court of appeals is
now considering whether to reinstate the rights abuse charges, and is looking at an appeal by Duvalier’s legal team to drop the embezzlement charges as well. The case could also go to a trial. Duvalier recently made a surprise appearance in court, after failing to honor three earlier orders to appear, and testified that Haiti was better off under his watch. International and local human rights groups hailed Duvalier ’s day-long testimony a small triumph for a judiciary long plagued with dysfunction and corruption. The 61-year-old Duvalier suddenly checked into an unspecified hospital following his court appearance, his attorney Reynold Georges said. The attorney said Thursday that Duvalier had since left the hospital, but declined to say when. The court will hear more testimony from alleged victims next week.
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US senators blast Jamaica for slow Police Association to protest action to combat lottery scam against proposed legislation
Jamaica Gleaner - A ranking member of the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging Wednesday rapped Jamaica for failing to do enough in fighting the lottery scam, arguing that the efforts to combat the scourge should be comparable with the country’s tourism marketing campaigns. Senator Susan Collins who, along with committee Chairman Bill Nelson, made repeated calls for the extradition of Jamaican scammers, said the island should do more to stop lottery scamming. “I think they are finally taking it seriously, but it has taken a number of years for them to do so and I would like to see them put the effort in this, in stopping this scam, as it puts (effort) into enticing Americans to come vacation in Jamaica. A lot of money is spent on that,” Collins said. The special select committee yesterday heard testimony from relatives of victims of the lottery scam as well as law-enforcement officials. The hearing followed the airing of a CBS documentary on the scam, and came a day after Jamaica’s National Security Minister Peter Bunting met with Collins and Nelson. But Major William L. King Jr, chief sheriff’s deputy in the York County, Maine Sheriff’s Department, said Jamaica has been playing its part in the fight against the lottery scam. “Jamaica does have a concerted strategy increased operation, public education and legislation. I would have at least like to see us have a similar strategy.
Susan Collins Perhaps we don’t need the legislation, but at least have a strategic plan in place on how we are going to collaborate with the Jamaicans to get the information in a timely fashion,” King said. Senator Kelly Ayotte had questioned King on what efforts were being undertaken to put pressure on Jamaica to help fight the scam. Meanwhile, Collins yesterday juxtaposed the image of Jamaica as an island paradise with that of it being a hotbed of fraudsters who target senior citizens in the US. “I suspect that the Jamaican phone scam is one of the worst,” Collins said. She noted that to most Americans, Jamaica was a tropical paradise with beautiful white sand beaches, lush green mountains and vibrant sunshine. “We have all seen those ads full of gorgeous scenery and upbeat music calling Americans to come and feel the spirit of Jamaica,” she said.
Collins also said billions of dollars are spent yearly by millions of Americans who answer the call for a vacation on the island paradise, noting that the money is essential to the island’s economy. “But beneath the Jamaica of those enticing ads and the tourists’ dreams lurks another Jamaica, one that brings nightmares to elderly Americans targeted by Jamaican criminals intent on swindling them out of their life savings. She told the committee that an estimated 30,000 phone calls are made daily by Jamaican scammers, who she described as “masters of manipulation” who play to their victims fears and emotions “until they drain them of every dime”. Yesterday, Sandrea Falconer, the minister with responsibility for information, speaking during a Jamaica House press briefing, said the Government had been using public education as well as legislative and investigative tools to shut down the scam. Falconer also shot down suggestions from the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party that the Government had not responded effectively to the lottery-scam crisis. “Sometimes people say a lot because they don’t know or they just have to talk because they want to be relevant,” Falconer said. “As a government, we are embarrassed when you hear the stories,” she added. Falconer pointed to instances of elderly persons in the US being scammed out of their life savings, noting that it leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
Major fire at Wyndham Hotel
Police restricting access to a section of Knutsford Boulevard in the vicinity of the Wyndham hotel in New Kingston. (Jamaica Gleaner) KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – A fire at the Wyndham Hotel in the business district
of New Kingston early yesterday morning led to the evacuation of scores of
guests staying in the 300 room hotel. There have been no reports of injury, however several guests and employees were exposed to the heavy blanket of smoke that covered the ground floor of the building. Jeff Lesker, General Manager of the Wyndham Kingston told reporters that the fire was “contained to the kitchen area” and all guests had been evacuated from the main building. He said all the guests have been accounted for and have been relocated to nearby hotels An assessment was carried out later yesterday morning to determine how the fire will affect operations at the hotel.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Police Service and Welfare Association will be holding candle light vigils as a form of protest against the proposed legislation to grant soldiers the power of arrest. President of the Association Anand Ramesar on Wednesday told reporters that the vigil would be headed by former president of the association, Emrol Bruce. “The theme of that (vigil) is ‘Preserve the impartiality and the integrity of the Police Service’ and, most of all, the independence of the Police Service. Police officers and their families will be in attendance,” said Ramesar. One vigil will take place next Wednesday, starting at Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain from 6 p.m., and will end at the Police Administration Building on Sackville Street. Simultaneously, there will be another vigil taking place in Tobago. According to Ramesar, the association is renewing its call for acting Police Commissioner Stephen
Anand Ramesar Williams to state what is his current position as it relates to the proposed legislation. “We believe that the Commissioner of Police is too silent on the issue and that we need a leader who is aligned with the concerns of the membership and one who is clearly sensitised about how we feel about the current proposed legislation. Ramesar said the association was giving Williams until today to respond to its requests, or “we will have to take a course of action that really
demonstrates our level of confidence in him”. During a meeting between members of the association and National Security Minister Jack Warner on Tuesday to discuss the proposed legislation, Ramesar said several alternatives were provided to the Minister. Among those alternatives were the willingness of retired police officers to again join the fight against crime and the use of special reserve police officers. Ramesar has stated that if a soldier is desirous of becoming a police officer, they should first resign their position in the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment and join the Police Service. Last Friday, several hundred police officers from both the First and Second Divisions signed a petition against the legislation. In the meantime, the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has expressed concern about what may be perceived as “fast-track” legislation, which erodes constitutional rights.
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France raises concerns about budget rules at EU summit (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande raised the prospect of a showdown with Germany at a European summit yesterday, calling for more room in budgets to help stimulate growth, a challenge to Berlin’s faith in tight fiscal controls. Arriving at the two-day meeting, where discussion will focus on economic policy and the social fallout from three years of debt crisis, Hollande said it was essential that governments had enough budget flexibility to kick-start growth with spending. That is unlikely to sit comfortably with Germany, which is concerned that any straying from the path of deficit cutting will increase the debt burden and stir financial market turmoil. “We need flexibility if we want to ensure that growth is the priority,” Hollande told reporters, adding that while he was committed to gradual budget consolidation, that did not mean that there was no room for manoeuvre.
“It is precisely because of this commitment that there must be flexibility because the only priority right now, aside from the budgetary commitments, is growth... Too much rigidity would mean too much unemployment,” he said, touching on one of the region’s most sensitive issues, with 27 million unemployed. Hollande said this week that France’s budget deficit this year would come in at 3.7 percent of gross domestic product, missing the 3 percent it had promised EU partners, due to a flat economy. That drew criticism from Germany’s central bank chief, who said French economic reforms seemed to have floundered. A draft statement prepared for the summit appeared to offer some wiggle-room on budgets, saying there should be “an appropriate mix of expenditure and revenue measures, including short-term targeted measures to boost growth” and create jobs. But diplomats said that
formula was not fully backed by Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and other northern countries worried about backsliding on budget goals. German Chancellor Angela Merkel skirted the issue on arrival at the meeting, saying only that leaders would discuss “general conditions concerning budgets, growth and unemployment”. But in Berlin on Wednesday, senior German officials trumpeted their finances as the “envy of the world” and said their structural deficit, which factors out the economic cycle, would be eliminated by next year. Diplomats said they did not expect any major policy shift at the summit, but Hollande may be preparing the ground for a more substantial assault against austerity, together with Spain and Italy, after German elections in September. Between now and then France, Spain and Portugal may also be given more time by their EU peers to meet their deficit goals, as long as they stick to a debt-cutting trend.
Friday March 15, 2013
New pope urges Church to return to its Gospel roots VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - In his first public Mass, Pope Francis urged the Catholic Church yesterday to stick to its Gospel roots and shun modern temptations, warning that it would become just another charitable group if it forgot its true mission. In a heartfelt, simple homily, the Argentinian pope laid out a clear moral path for the 1.2-billion-member Church, which is beset by scandals, intrigue and strife. Addressing cardinals in the frescoed Sistine Chapel the day after his election there, Jorge Bergoglio said the Church should be more focused on the Gospels of Jesus Christ. “We can walk all we want, we can build many things, but if we don’t proclaim Jesus Christ, something is wrong. We would become a compassionate NGO and not a Church which is the bride of Christ,” he said, speaking in Italian without notes. The first non-European pope in 1,300 years, Bergoglio’s initial steps suggested he would bring a new style to the papacy, favoring humility and simplicity over pomp, grandeur and ambition among its top officials. Whereas his predecessor,
Pope Francis Pope Benedict, delivered his first homily in Latin, laying out his broad vision for the Church, Francis adopted the tone of parish priest, focusing on faith. “When we walk without the cross, when we build without the cross and when we proclaim Christ without the cross, we are not disciples of the Lord. We are worldly,” he told the massed ranks of cardinals clad in golden vestments. “We may be bishops, priests, cardinals, popes, all of this, but we are not disciples of the Lord,” he added. Earlier, Pope Francis had quietly slipped out of the Vatican to pray for guidance at one of Rome’s great
basilicas before returning briefly to a Rome hostel, where he had left his bags before entering the secret conclave on Tuesday. Francis, who has a reputation for frugality and an understated lifestyle, insisted on paying the bill. “He was concerned about giving a good example of what priests and bishops should do,” a Vatican spokesman said. Father Pawel RytelAndrianik, who lives in the same residence in the winding backstreets of central Rome, told Reuters: “I don’t think he needs to worry about the bill. This house is part of the Church and it’s his Church now.”
U.S. imposes sanctions on covert Iranian oil-shipping network
WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - The United States yesterday slapped financial sanctions on a Greek businessman for secretly operating a shipping network on behalf of the Iranian government to get around international sanctions on the country’s sale of oil. “Today, we are lifting the veil on an intricate Iranian scheme that was designed to evade international oil sanctions,” U.S. Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence David Cohen said in a statement. The move named Dimitris Cambis and a number of front companies for buying tankers on behalf of the National Iranian Tanker Company, barring U.S. citizens from doing business with them and freezing any of their assets under U.S. jurisdiction. Cambis was identified in Reuters report last month that said Iran was using old tankers to ship oil to China. He denied that he had been involved. But a senior U.S. administration official dismissed Cambis’ denial in a
David Cohen telephone conference call with reporters on Thursday, and said the clandestine operation had been deliberately structured to conceal Iranian involvement. As the sanctions have had increasing impact, so have the efforts to evade them, the official said. Sanctions were introduced last year by the West to choke Tehran’s funding of its nuclear program by targeting the country’s oil
exports. The West believes Iran is developing weapons, a charge Tehran denies. Sanctions halved Iran’s oil exports in 2012 by more than 1 million barrels per day, about the amount that oil production grew in the United States during that time, and Washington has been at pains to keep up the pressure. “We will continue to expose deceptive Iranian practices, and to sanction those individuals and entities who participate in these schemes,” Cohen said. The targeted network bought and operated eight tankers, each able to carry roughly $200 million of oil per shipment. “These operations are conducted through a series of ship-to-ship transfers in an attempt to mask the fact that the true origin of the oil is from Iran and to introduce it into the global market as if it were non-Iranian oil,” Treasury said. U.S. officials stressed that the sanctions were not aimed in any way at the Greek government, other Greek shippers, or the Greek shipping industry in general.
Friday March 15, 2013
Kaieteur News
US warns Afghan leader’s comments threaten troops KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan warned his troops to be ready for increased violence because of a series of antiAmerican statements by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, NATO said yesterday. In an email to battlefield commanders, Gen. Joseph Dunford, said the remarks could spur more insider attacks, days after members of Afghan security forces killed two U.S. troops and a U.S. contractor in two separate shootings. “We’re at a rough point in the relationship,” Dunford said in the email, according to a senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously to discuss the confidential communication. After news of Dunford’s email broke, Karzai’s office released a new statement Thursday explaining the president’s earlier remarks. “My recent comments were meant to help reform, not destroy the relationship,” the statement quotes Karzai telling an audience gathered for a televised talk show filmed at the presidential palace yesterday. “We want good relations and friendship with America, but the relationship must be between two independent nations.” Karzai did not back down or retract his earlier statements, instead saying the relationship “is complicated” by “terrorism, transition of the Bagram
Hamid Karzai detention facility, continued civilian casualties (from NATO operations), and lack of respect for the national sovereignty of Afghanistan.” Karzai’s statement may do little to soothe U.S. officials’ unease. Over the weekend, the Afghan leader accused the U.S. of colluding with the Taliban on suicide attacks to keep the country unstable and give foreign forces an excuse to stay beyond their 2014 mandate. His remarks followed two suicide attacks that killed at least 19 Afghans on Saturday, coinciding with the first official visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Karzai also cautioned this week that the delay in handing over a U.S.-run detention center to Afghan control “could harm bilateral relations.” He told the audience yesterday that “innocent people are still
being held by foreigners” at the Bagram facility, forcing their children to “go begging” without their fathers at home. His remarks came after he and Dunford met Wednesday to discuss the issue but failed to resolve the impasse. Dunford and other top U.S. officials have rejected Karzai’s allegations of collusion with the Taliban. Dunford’s warning to his troops, first reported by The New York Times, showed the deep U.S. concern that Karzai’s words could go beyond angry rhetoric and spark violence targeting U.S. forces, a threat that could harm the larger relationship. NATO released a statement explaining the missive, saying it “routinely conducts assessments and adapts its protection posture to ensure our forces are prepared to meet potential threats.” The statement calls Dunford’s email “prudent given increased coalition causalities in recent days.” Dunford also said unusually warm weather could mean an early start to the Taliban fighting season because militants can return from now-open high mountain passes from Pakistan. In the latest insider attack, an Afghan policeman jumped onto the back of a parked police truck on Monday, grabbed a mounted heavy machine gun and opened fire on Afghan and
Cameron shuns tough media law, denies he’s press stooge
(Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron abruptly ended cross-party talks on regulating Britain’s famously aggressive newspapers yesterday and tabled a vote on light-touch rules instead, prompting allegations he is in thrall to the press barons. Victims of scandal-hungry tabloids who have had their phones hacked and life stories misreported have pressed Cameron to implement the findings of a judge-led inquiry that recommended the creation of a tough press regulator backed by legislation. It is a stance that has been broadly backed by the opposition Labour party and the Lib Dems, the junior party in Cameron’s two-party coalition government, but one which has been fiercely resisted by newspaper owners who argue such statutory legislation would
David Cameron imperil press freedom. Cameron sided with the newspapers yesterday and put himself at odds - not for the first time - with the LibDems, telling a news
conference that putting detailed legislation on the statute book was “fundamentally wrong in principle”. “It is wrong to cross that Rubicon by writing key elements of press regulation into the law of the land,” he said. “It is wrong to create a vehicle whereby politicians could in future impose regulations and obligations on the free press.” His decision to force a vote in parliament on Monday on his own proposals - a form of self-regulation that would encourage papers to opt into a new regulatory framework policed by a regulator - sets up a standoff with his political opponents that he is far from sure of winning. Cameron’s Conservatives have 303 seats in the 650member lower house of parliament, the LibDems 57, and Labour 255.
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Kenya’s Odinga to file Supreme Court election petition today NAIROBI (Reuters) Defeated presidential contender Raila Odinga will today file a petition challenging the result of Kenya’s election, alleging collusion between the president-elect and the electoral commission, his allies said yesterday. Odinga, the prime minister, has refused to concede the vote which saw Uhuru Kenyatta, who faces international charges for crimes against humanity, declared the winner in a tightly fought election on March 4. But there has been no repeat of deadly tribal violence that shattered Kenya after a disputed 2007 election result. Odinga has urged backers to stay calm while he challenges the latest outcome in the top court and says he will accept its decision. Odinga’s petition will prove that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Kenyatta’s TNA party conspired to rig the outcome, according to James Orengo, a senior official in Odinga’s
Raila Odinga CORD coalition. “We are going to allege fraud. There was collusion between the IEBC and TNA. They entered into some sort of fraudulent enterprise and we are going to be able to show that,” Orengo, Kenya’s outgoing lands minister, told Reuters. The IEBC has repeatedly called the vote credible despite a series of technological glitches on voting day and during the tallying of ballots. International observers have also said the vote was broadly
credible. The commission has said it is ready for any legal scrutiny. Calls to the IEBC spokeswoman went unanswered. Odinga has said he will appeal to nullify Kenyatta’s victory in what will be the first significant case for a new Supreme Court set up under a constitution adopted in a 2010 referendum. Kenyatta comfortably beat Odinga in terms of votes won but only narrowly avoided a run-off after winning just 8,100 votes more than the 50 percent needed to be declared the winner outright. Odinga’s petition will focus on what they called flaws in the registration of voters, the failure of a new electronic system for transmitting results and, his camp said, the subsequent doctoring of results that were delivered by hand. Asked where rigging in the count occurred, Orengo said: “All the way from the polling stations to the constituency level with the returning officer right up to the national tallying centre.”
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Israeli parties close in on coalition deal
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed yesterday to form a new coalition government that is expected to try to curb years of preferential treatment for the country’s ultra-Orthodox minority and may push for restarting Mideast peace efforts. But a last-minute snag over the title of his top partners prevented the plan from being formalized. The new coalition would be the first in a decade to exclude ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties. It includes two new rising stars in Israeli politics who have vowed to end a controversial system of draft exemptions and generous welfare subsidies granted to tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox seminary students. “The next term will be one of the most challenging in the history of the state,” Netanyahu told his LikudYisrael Beitenu parliamentary faction Thursday, shortly before the deal was expected to be signed. “We are facing great security and diplomatic
Benjamin Netanyahu challenges.” After weeks of deadlock, Netanyahu wrapped up coalition negotiations overnight with Yesh Atid and the Jewish Home, a party aligned with West Bank settlers. Later Thursday, however, the two parties — Yesh Atid and Jewish Home — accused Netanyahu of reneging on a promise to appoint their leaders as deputy prime
ministers and all sides were in talks to resolve the dispute. The prime minister’s office didn’t immediately comment on the allegation. The issue was not expected to be a deal breaker and an agreement was still expected to be signed within a day so that the new government could be sworn in by Monday, just two days before Barack Obama is to arrive for his first visit as U.S. president. Significant progress on talks on the peace front could prove to be more difficult than other domestic issues, given bitter disagreements among coalition members as well as deep differences with the Palestinians. N o n e t h e l e s s , Netanyahu’s senior partner, the centrist Yesh Atid party, is vowing to at least make an effort to restart negotiations. The peace process remained frozen throughout Netanyahu’s previous fouryear term, when his right-wing bloc partnered with other hard-line and ultra-Orthodox factions.
Friday March 15, 2013
West tiptoes into Syrian war hoping to boost more secular rebels LONDON (Reuters) France, Britain and the United States are inching towards providing military aid to Syria’s rebels, hoping to beef up more secular forces at the expense of radical Islamists who are gaining ever more prominence in the uprising. The bitter experience of Afghanistan, where the American arming of antiSoviet mujahideen forces in the 1980s helped to give rise to the Taliban and al Qaeda, hangs heavy in the air. And as in Libya, the leaders of Britain and France seem keener than U.S. President Barack Obama to get more involved. But with Saudi Arabia and Qatar already openly arming the Syrian rebels, Britain and France - both committed with Washington to seeing President Bashar al-Assad leave - want at least to make sure that weapons go to the “right” groups and are not so advanced that they could pose a threat to the West. They believe they are now in a position to do so - two years after the outbreak of an uprising that has escalated into civil war, with around 70,000 people dead and one million homeless. “The well-known arguments against arming the rebels - finding a political situation first, not militarizing the situation or having weapons falling into the
Francois Hollande wrong hands - are losing their impact,” a senior Western diplomat said. “We have now identified where the weapons can go and who will get them. The pressure on Bashar is not working and we can’t allow one side to continue to get assassinated.” In the last two weeks, Britain and the United States have announced a significant increase in “non-lethal” support to the insurgents. Both have also become much more publicly supportive of efforts by Saudi Arabia and Qatar to arm the rebels. France said yesterday it would work with Britain to convince fellow European Union members to relax an embargo on providing arms to Syria. Prime Minister David Cameron said on Tuesday that Britain might be prepared
to bypass the embargo. Backing the rebels is increasingly seen as almost the only leverage foreign powers have. Unless more moderate forces are armed, Islamists with superior equipment and training thanks to Saudi and Qatari support may well grow ever more powerful. “It may be (that) by doing nothing, the situation gets worse and the level of jihadism gets worse,” Cameron told a parliamentary committee this week. “By working with the opposition, by supplying parts of the opposition ... you can at least have influence with your partners.” Ashfon Ostovar, regional analyst at the Centre for Naval Analyses, a U.S.-government funded think-tank that advises the U.S. military among other clients, said: “The bottom line is that they (the rebels) are getting weapons. “It’s a very difficult choice ... but if we don’t supply, someone else will.” Many diplomats and analysts fear that the longer Syria’s war goes on, the greater the threat of a major Arab state at the heart of Middle East conflicts fragmenting into armed chaos, endangering its neighbors.
Iran steps up weapons lifeline to Syria’s Assad – envoys
(Reuters) - Iran has significantly stepped up military support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in recent months, solidifying its position alongside Russia as the government’s lifeline in an increasingly sectarian civil war, Western diplomats said. Iranian weapons continue to pour into Syria from Iraq but also increasingly along other routes, including via Turkey and Lebanon, in violation of a U.N. arms embargo on Iran, Western officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Iraqi and Turkish officials denied the allegations. Iran’s acceleration of support for Assad suggests the Syrian war is entering a new phase in which Iran may be trying to end the battlefield stalemate by redoubling its commitment to Assad and offering Syria’s increasingly isolated government a crucial lifeline, the envoys said. It also highlights the growing sectarian nature of
Bashar al-Assad the conflict, diplomats say, with Iranian arms flowing to the Shi’ite militant group Hezbollah. That group is increasingly active on the ground in Syria in support of Assad’s forces, envoys say. The Syrian conflict started out two years ago as a prodemocracy movement. Some 70,000 people have been killed and more than 1 million refugees have fled the violence. A Western intelligence
report seen by Reuters in September said Iran was using civilian aircraft to fly military personnel and large quantities of weapons across Iraqi airspace to aid Assad. Iraq denied that report but later made a point of inspecting an Iran-bound flight that it said had no arms on board. Much of the weaponry g o i n g t o S y r i a n o w, diplomats say, continues to be shipped to Iran through Iraqi airspace and overland through Iraq, despite B a g h d a d ’s repeated promises to put a stop to Iranian arms supplies to Assad in violation of a U.N. arms embargo on Tehran over its nuclear program. “The Iranians really are supporting massively the regime,” a senior Western diplomat said this week. “They have been increasing their support for the last three, four months through Iraq’s airspace and now trucks. And the Iraqis really are looking the other way.”
Friday March 15, 2013
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Jagdeo shares out airwaves to friends...
Just before he left office, former President Bharrat Jagdeo farmed out the airwaves for his friends, those close to the government and a few others, it was revealed in the National Assembly yesterday. This action was an abuse of power, said one parliamentarian. Further, it was revealed that while the government has been inviting applications for TV stations, just a few more channels are available to be assigned. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds revealed that Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, the man Jagdeo publicly declared to be his best friend, has Channel 28 and three other links to that station, which could effectively allow him to broadcast across the country. Further, Hinds made it clear that the very month Jagdeo left office (November 2011) he, Jagdeo, gave Dr Ramroop five radio frequencies. The President acts as the Minister of Information and it is under his hand that licences are issued. The Prime Minister was responding to questions posed by Cathy Hughes, Parliamentarian with the Alliance for Change. Her questions were sparked by mounting controversy over the granting of radio and TV licences, particularly to Ramroop and China Central TV. Yesterday, Hinds said that China Central TV does not have a licence; that its programmes are broadcast on channels assigned to NCN. Regarding new radio licences granted under Jagdeo, the Prime Minister revealed that the New Guyana Company Limited, which publishes the Mirror newspaper, and belongs to the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was granted five radio frequencies. The contact person for New Guyana Company Limited was listed as Dharam Kumar Seeraj, a Member of Parliament for the PPP. In addition, a certain Telcor and Cultural Broadcasting Incorporated, was granted five radio frequencies. The contact person for that company was given as Mr Omar Lochan, who is believed to be a relative of Priya Manickchand, a senior government Minister. Lochan is listed as the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural
Bharrot Jagdeo
Alfro Alphonso
Vishook Persaud
Anand Persaud
Resources and the Environment, under Minister Robert Persaud. Apart from those, in the month before he left office, Jagdeo gave one radio frequency each to other persons. These are NTN Radio (Anand Persaud), Rudy Grant, Wireless Connections (Maxwell Thom), Hits and Jams Entertainment (Rawle Ferguson), Alfro Alphonso and Sons Enterprise (Alfro Alphonso), Haslyn Granham and Little Rock Television Station (Rockliffe Christie). In December, 2010, Jagdeo also granted two close associates of the PPP permission to broadcast television signals on the 2.5 GHz band, which allows for cable TV operations and internet-related services. These persons were Vishok Persaud, the son of longstanding PPP stalwart Reepu Daman Persaud, and Brian Yong, who mounted the PPP platform in 1996. Regarding television stations, the Prime Minister said that only six more television stations can be assigned using current formats for television broadcast in Guyana. Hinds said that determining the availability of channels for broadcasting depends on many factors. These include transmitter
power and specifications, height of antenna, and location of proposed transmitters. He said that given the propagation characteristics of sound broadcasting signals in the medium frequency (MF) and high frequency (HF) bands frequency availability is not based on national considerations only. International frequency usage and results of international notification and coordination are some of the considerations that would determine frequency availability, Hinds stated. Frequency usage in the very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) bands etc., in border areas, would also be informed by coordination with neighbouring countries, the Prime Minister claimed. He said that to give a rough approximation (from a radio frequency standpoint) in the Georgetown area (the area with the highest demand), at least 10 more channels in the VHF band (FM sound broadcasting) can be assigned. One more VHF channel can be assigned for television broadcasting and in the UHF band approximately five channels are available for assignment for television broadcasting. However, he said that
countless other radio and television channels could be made available when there is a change in broadcasting formats. According to the Prime Minister, if Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) is introduced here, there is the potential for “hundreds of television and sound feed programmes/ channels.” He said DTTB is now
common in many countries worldwide and the analog format is expected to be brought to an end worldwide in the not too distant future. The switch-off date for analog TV signals is June 17, 2015, for many European and African countries. Guyana television broadcast is still analog (a broadband taking up much frequency space) .This country will be following the
transition to DTTB, Hinds said, but a date has not yet been set. He said that this analog to digital TV broadcasting switchover, while offering many benefits to viewers (including the capacity for additional television feeds/ programmes), will introduce a very different scenario and the National Frequency Management Unit is currently working on this issue.
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Murder/suicide rocks C’tyne…
Farmer hacks wife to death, hangs self By Samuel Whyte Despite the intense focus being duly placed on domestic violence and spousal abuse, the unacceptable scourge continued yesterday with the brutal murder of a woman by her husband who then took his own life. Residents of the quiet village of Philippi, Corentyne, Berbice, were stunned when at around 1700 hrs, the bodies were discovered in the couple’s home at Lot 5 Philippi Farm. The mutilated body of Samantha Williams-Bagot, 37, a mother of four, was found crouched in a corner of a blood-spattered bedroom in her home with multiple chop wounds to all parts of her body. Her husband of 14 years, Joseph Bagot, 38, a farmer, was found hanging from a cord in the kitchen of t h e i r newly constructed house. The couple was reportedly experiencing domestic issues for quite some time. They had first lived at the Philippi address before moving to the woman’s parents’ residence at Kildonan Village for awhile as their house was being rebuilt. The two separated shortly after they returned to Philippi and the woman moved back home to her parents’ home with her four children and her belongings. The man subsequently started to cohabit with a 19year-old female from Limlair village not far away. His wife subsequently went to Barbados to stay with her siblings. The woman subsequently returned to Guyana and the two soon got together again. The man pledged faithfulness to his wife and the two returned to
Dead: Joseph Bagot
Dead: Samantha Bagot
their new home at Philippi. However, they again separated about five months ago and she returned to her parents’ home. Reports are that the man continued to cohabit with the 19-year-old, while visiting and making contact with his wife. He started to visit his wife at her parents’ abode and eventually started to make threats, while demanding that the two of them get back together. He even threatened to “end it all” if she refused to make it up with him. They started to go to church and were being counseled and were said to have attended church together last Sunday. According to the woman’s sister, Lana Williams, and father Kenny Collins, Samantha Williams left home around 08:00 hrs yesterday to visit her husband’s home and make preparations for church last evening. However, her relatives, after not hearing from her for the day, decided to enquire of her whereabouts. The woman’s 16-year-old son was sent to the house, but after seeing the place locked, he returned home. Her 15-year-old daughter was
then sent. She also met the place well-locked, but decided to kick open the door. It was then that the gruesome discovery was made. The screaming daughter ran out of the house and collapsed on the patio. Neighbours quickly gathered and called the Samantha’s parents. The woman’s body was badly mutilated; one of her wrists was severed, while the other was badly lacerated. There were other severe cuts to various parts of her body. A cutlass and file were nearby in the house. Police arrived promptly and cordoned off the crime scene. The bodies were subsequently removed by undertakers from the Ramoo’s Funeral Parlour and taken to Port Mourant, then to the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary. According to one source, the bodies might have been in the house for several hours. The woman leaves to mourn her four children Jermaine, 16, Jennifer, 15, Malcolm, 11, (who is due to write the National Grade Six Assessment in a week) and Anthony, 8 - her eight siblings (6 sisters and two brothers) and her parents.
The couple’s house, where the grisly discovery was made by their teenage daughter
The bodies being removed from the scene
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James Krakowsky can expect keen rivalry at imminent GASP Open Championships James Krakowsky has been in such top form that he has carted off the spoils in the two most recent tournaments staged by the Guyana Association of Scrabble Player (GASP). He will attempt to extend his good fortunes when the top seeds compete in the GASP Open Scrabble Championship slated for the Malteenoes Sports Club Thomas lands, Sunday
March 17 next. Krakowsky had finished with an impeccable 6 points and a positive spread of 1045 in the most recent tournament but despite his dominance, will have to be wary of Moen Gafoor, who had finished just behind him with 5 points and a positive spread of 579 after losing his only game to Krakowsky by a spread of 89 and should he manage to
break the jinx that had relegated him to the second place spot, could emerge victorious. While these two are touted as the front runners to cart off the spoils, they are warned that the lower seeds are coming into their own as in the previous tournament when Wayne cave broke into the limelight with a third place podium spot. The players from the
Enterprise Scrabble Club have also shown vast improvement and Anand Mohabir has distinguished himself as a cut above the rest in the last few tournaments. The situation becomes more dicey when one envisages the return of National Champion, Abigail McDonald, her predecessor, Fred Collins, Grace Hercules and Leon Belony among
others. With such a high profiled bunch the rivalry will be intense and Krakowsky will be required to dig deep if he is to replicate his recent feats. The registration period commences at 09:45hrs while the first tile will be placed at 10:00hrs. There will be lucrative prizes for the top
three finishers plus a special prize for the best player outside of the top ten rankings. The entrance fee is $700 but players arriving before 9:45hrs will receive a $200 discount. Persons with clocks and boards are asked to have them at the venue at least 30 minutes before the start.
Hilton Quan sponsors Superbike segment
Private sponsor Hilton Quan (right) hands over the cash to GMR&SC Manager Rayon Samaroo yesterday, at the entity’s Head Office. Ever since his son passed away, businessman Hilton Quan has been a regular feature as a sponsor of the Superbike segment and he held firm to that commitment yesterday when he handed over a quantity of cash to Manager of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Rayon Samaroo, during a simple presentation ceremony conducted, at the entity’s Head Office on Albert Street. Quan speaking with this newspaper said that he is an avid sports enthusiast and a staunch supporter of motor racing and his presence in the fraternity is in memory of his
late son Marlon, who died in an accident many years ago. He added that he plan to do even more at the November Meet which is usually the final leg of the Caribbean Series where he hopes to put up a trophy for the champion rider. Samaroo in his remarks thanked Quan for the support offered over the years, adding that without the input of sponsors it would be extremely difficult for the sport to survive. Some 22 races are carded for the March 24 Race Meet with fierce competition among the top riders and drivers expected in all the different categories.
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Kaieteur News
“Tropical Rhythms Beach Volleyball Classic”...
Ansa McAl sponsors Berbice event on Easter Monday at No 63 Beach Ansa McAl Trading Company in its continuing efforts to assist in youth development and the promotion of sports is partnering with the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) to revive competitive Beach Volleyball in Berbice. The company, who are the agents for Tropical Rhythms Fruit Juices in Guyana, on Wednesday handed over a sponsorship cheque to the BVA for the holding of the Inaugural “Tropical Rhythms Beach Volleyball Classic,” two VS two tournament to be held on Easter Monday (April 1st.) at the No 63 Beach on the Corentyne. The cheque was handed over by Ansa McAl Berbice Regional Manager Mr. Mark Bhikai to Mr. Godwyn Allicock, Treasurer of the BVA at a simple ceremony held at the company office at Main and Essex Street New Amsterdam. Speaking at the ceremony Mr. Bhikai stated that the company is pleased to be associated with a reputable organisation
- Hands over sponsorship cheque Mark Bhikai presents the cheque to Godwyn Allicock (right).
such as the BVA in giving back to the community. He indicated they will make the “Classic” an annual event and promised to make next year’s sponsorship bigger and better. In response BVA President, Gregory Rambarran, thanked the company for its sponsorship and said the tournament is expected to attract over thirty teams and will be an extremely exciting event featuring some
of Guyana’s most talented players. The tourney will be played on a “Luck of the Draw Knock-Out” basis using multiple courts that will be set up in the vicinity of the Ansa McAl Benab on the #63 Beach. The first, second and third place winners will receive trophies and cash. The action is scheduled to begin at 10:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Mayor’s Annual Football tourney kicks off today Intriguing battle is expected this afternoon when the Annual Mayor’s Knock out Football tournament gets underway from 18:30hrs at Den Amstel ground. Uitvlugt, one of the leading teams on the West side, will look to turn back the challenge of Georgetown’s Police in the opening encounter, while Den Amstel, who have proved that they are capable of creating upsets, will tackle Riddim Squad FC at 20:30 hrs. On Saturday, the BV ground will come alive when Bakewell (Buxton) FC battle Santos at 18:30hrs and home team BV Triumph take
on GFC at 20:30 hrs. On Sunday action returns to Den Amstel with Stewartville playing GDF at 18:30hrs and Slingerz matching skills with Northern Rangers at 20:30 hrs. The victorious team in the tournament will cart off $1,000,000, while the runner up will take home $500,000; the third and fourth place finishers will receive $300,000 and $200,000 respectively. The sponsors on board so far are 2 Brothers gas station, Mohamed’s Enterprise, General Equipment Guyana Ltd, Bakewell, Guyana Beverage Inc and MaCorp.
Demerara Volleyball Association...
Kitana Travel Service sponsors Third Division Volleyball Tournament The Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) is up and running and has organised a tournament for this Sunday, which according to a release from the association is the first of a number of activities for this year. The Association in collaboration with Kitana Travel Service will be holding a one day volleyball tournament for all Third Division teams in Demerara on Sunday March 17th, at the National Gymnasium in Georgetown. The One Day Tournament is sponsored by Kitana Travel
Service who’s Managing Director is former national player Mrs. Andrea Flores. The tournament will be played on a round robin basis. The teams will be placed into two groups and will see the top two teams in the respective groups advancing to compete for the third place and final spots in their battle for supremacy. Among the teams expected to be on show are Young Achievers, Castrol Strikers, Lusignan, Park Rangers, Guyana School of
Agriculture and the University of Guyana among others. The Junior ladies will also be trading spikes with the third Division men. First serve is at 10:00 hrs. All teams are asked to be punctual. This is the first of a series of activities planned by the DVA. Later in the month the association will be conducting a development course for game officials which will be followed by a seeding tournament for 1st division teams in the county.
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Celltronix aboard C&R Promotions 5-A-Side football in Lethem Shiek Rahaman of Celltronix yesterday handed over two cell phones to Cocoordinator of the C&R Promotions, Rayan Farias to be used as prizes in its upcoming 5-A-Side football contest that is slated for April 1 at Saints Sports Ground in St. Ignatius, Lethem. The phones will be given to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the male and female teams in the competition. Rahaman stated that his company is pleased to be associated with the event and wished the organizers well in the competition. Farias thanked Celltronix for their support and committed to a well-organised and incident free competition in Lethem. He said that C&R Promotions is known for its ability to properly manage events of this nature and the football contest will be no exception.
Celltronix’s Shiek Rahaman (right) hands over the cell phones to Rayan Farias of C&R Promotions
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Letter to the Sports Editor DEAR SIR, While I laud the expression of interest shown by Sports Journalist, Iva Wharton, in providing coverage of names and views of presidential hopefuls for the presidency of the Guyana Football Federation, when the Annual General Meeting is convened on 12.04.13 which also includes the Elections of Office Bearers, Editor, I was
Kaieteur News
Friday March 15, 2013
Is honesty prevailing in the mindset of some GFF Presidential hopefuls? forced to re-read the article on three occasions, to ensure that at the mature age of 50 years, my eyes had not deceived me. Or, my mental faculties had not wandered astray into sub consciousness, as it relates to two articles by Iva Wharton published in, in S.N 06.03.13 Captioned “Harmon plans to put in place structure for football development, and
Lumumba not contesting GFF Presidency”. Suffice to say, is Harmon being honest with himself and sincere with the football fraternity, in pursuit of the GFF’s presidency, that after a period of 14 years, the individual has once more resurfaced. It was in 1999 that Harmon allowed the then incumbent Colin Klass to outfox him, into
allowing the memorandum governing the AGM to be violated, despite my strong objection. The contentious issue was allowing the then West Demerara Football SubAssociation to replace its Hon. Secretary, as a representative. This was against a previously circulated document to all sub-
associations and affiliates outlining that all matters pertaining to the AGM, must reach the then GFA, Secretary, fourteen days prior. So, how come the West Demerara executive, could have convened an emergency meeting without its Secretary, a day before the AGM? That was my point of contention; since a vote was been given away on a platter, in addition to another from the Women’s Federation, when the former Technical Director, Gerald Laurie, was the preferred choice to vote for the Referees Association. With the closure of nominations less than 2 weeks away, how does Harmon intend to convince all associations and affiliates of the GFF, with voting rights that he is the best choice for the presidency? Since the nomination will require a seconder. Further, does he have a “manifesto” outlining: aims, objectives, vision and a 4 year development plan? With “examples always better then precepts”, what contribution has Harmon made to the continued development of the sport, over the last 14 years? Even if it meant donating a pair of football socks or shin-pads, to a youth player, while the bigger picture, assisting Pouderoyen, the area of his birth either administratively or with infrastructural; How many, if any at all among clubs in the respective associations of Bartica, Berbice, East Bank, East Demerara, Georgetown, West and Upper Demerara knows of Joe Harmon, as an individual connected to football, rather than a member
of parliament? Finally, Lumumba’s commendable response to the GFF’s presidency, “The post of GFF president requires full time responsibility and he does not have the time to dedicate to the job, adding that it would be unfair to the sport if he does it on a part time basis,” however, I would be partly supportive of a particular comment from an additional question that was put forward to Lumumba. When asked about his views on Attorney-at-Law and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Joseph Harmon and Guyana Defence Force Colonel Bruce Lovell, who have confirmed that they will contest the post, Lumumba said: “Either one of them will be good for the federation as they are men of integrity.” Odinga, are you serious, where is Harmon’s integrity? That during the period of 14 years, 1999-2013 Harmon never once in 3 Annual General Meetings of the GFF, attempted to challenge Klass for the presidency but with Klass out of the way the time is now ripe to mount a challenge, coincidentally after 14 years! Is this a sign of cowardice, opportunism or for political expediency? And in Harmon’s own words, “it’s going to be a very short and sharp campaign.” With the period for the closure of nominations, steadfastly approaching can Harmon truly convince all and sundry that he’s the right choice? Would Lumumba become his campaign manager? If so, then politics surely makes strange bedfellows. Lester Sealey.
From page 35 Shabeer Baksh, Deveshwari Prashad and Parmanand Ramdhan in outstanding performances if they put up any challenge to Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets. The second match would start at 13:00hours and should be a close encounter with Young Warriors Universal DVD playing West Berbice. Young Warriors Universal DVD challenge would be spearheaded by the Ramdeen’s brother Richard and Kevin, Gajanand Singh, veteran Anil Beharry, national Under-19 player Shimron Hetmyer and Balram Samaroo. West Berbice would be no
easy walkover with several exciting players like Keon Joseph, Keith Fraser, Krishnadat Ramoo, Raun Johnson, Kwesi Mentore and Brentnol Woolford. The winners of both games would advance to the semifinals scheduled for next Sunday at the Albion Ground. Bermine and Albion Community Centre would play in the 3rd playoff next Sunday also with the winner reaching the finals after drawing a bye in the semifinals. The Berbice Cricket Board is encouraging all fans to turn up at the matches to support their favourite teams.
BCB/Carib Beer 20/20 playoffs...
Friday March 15, 2013
Kaieteur News
Hand-in-Hand sponsors BCB 2nd division tourney in West Berbice
Marketing Co-ordinator of Hand-in-Hand, Andrea Khan (center) presents the sponsorship cheque to Rabindranauth Saywack, a member of the BCB competition and special events committees, while the company’s Business Development Manager Vivek Joshi looks on. By Zaheer Mohamed Insurance giants Handin-Hand Group of companies have once again thrown their support behind the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), sponsoring a 40 over second division tournament for teams in West Berbice. Speaking at the launching of the competition yesterday at the Company’s head office Avenue of the Republic, president of BCB Hilbert Foster said the tournament was a huge success last year with a total of 18 teams taking part; Cotton Tree Die Hard defeated Hopetown United to clinch the title at the Bush Lot cricket ground. “The most pleasing aspect of the tournament was the return of large crowds to the venues and the BCB was exited with the advent of some new talents,” he added. He stated that cricketers in the Ancient County do not have to worry if cricket would be played they just have to make sure they have the energy to play all the tournaments the BCB are organising. “A promising young cricketer can play as much as twenty (20) cricket competitions at all levels in 2013. Apart from the cricket
tournaments, players in the county will also benefit from a massive county wide coaching programme, Academy and elite training programmes, while the BCB will also be involved in a record of 175 activities\programmes during the year,” informed Foster. He also thanked the Management of the Hand-inHand Group of companies for their support. “I would personally like to express thanks to Ms Andrea Khan of the Marketing Department for her co-operation and positive attitude, this investment would assist us at the BCB to fulfill our mandate of indentifying every available talent in Berbice and to uplift cricket even higher. We would like to assure the Handin-Hand Group of companies that the tournament, like last year will be well organised and that the company will receive widespread media coverage,” he said. Hand-in-Hand Business Development Manager Vivek Joshi commended the BCB for their efforts in arranging competitions and said he hoped to see more young talents with great sportsmanship come out of the tournament. He stated that Hand-in-
Hand recognised the importance of sports and culture in society and the importance of investing at this level where new talents are born. He indicated that the company is pleased to be associated with the development of the game in Berbice and expects the competition will be beneficial to both parties. Among the teams slated to take part in the tournament are Bath, Bush Lot, Cotton Tree, D’Edward, Rosignol, Blairmont, Young Achievers and Rain Bow generation. The winning team will take home a trophy and $60,000, while the runner up will receive $40,000 and a trophy; the man of the match in the final will be rewarded with $10,000. In closing, foster thanked the media for their support over the years and said the BCB is currently enjoying its highest level ever and with a dedicated team in place the board will rise even higher. He informed that the BCB awards ceremony will be held on the 23rd of March at the New Amsterdam Town Hall and that Veerasammy Permaul has been named cricketer of the year. Foster said Asad Fudadin and Shemaine Campbell will also be rewarded for their efforts.
BCB/Carib Beer 20/20 playoffs bowl off on Sunday The Berbice Cricket Board Carib Beer 20/ 20 Tournament on Sunday would enter its playoff stage with two exciting matches scheduled for the Cumberland ground in Canje. The two matches to be played would be Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets versus Blairmont Community Centre, while Young Warriors Universal DVD would be at home against West Berbice. Berbice powerhouse Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets under new captain Delbert
Hicks would be the strong favourite when they clash with Blairmont Community Centre starting at 09:30 hours. They would be spearheaded by Hicks, West Indies Test player Assad Fudadin, former West Indies ODI player Royston Crandon, Rajiv Ivan, Shawn Pereira, Clinton Pestano, Khemraj Mahadeo, Jason Sinclair and Renwick Batson. Blairmont Community Centre would depend heavily on Kevon Jawahir, Dereck Narine Jnr, Wagar Hassan (Continued on page 34)
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Friday March 15, 2013
Aguilleira to captain T&T on SA tour PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD - Merissa Aguilleira will lead a T&T Women’s cricket team in a tour of South Africa from April 3-19 filled with familiar faces and new blood. During this goodwill tournament, the team will play both 50-over and T20 versions of the game. Aguilleira recently captained the West Indies to the final of the Women’s World Cup and a T20 4-1 series win over Sri Lanka. Maaad Rangers’ Alisa Mohammed, twin sister of West Indies spin bowler
Anisa Mohammed, and Technocrat’s Stacy Ann-King and Gaitri Seetahal will give the team some experience. Anisa is still recovering from an injury she sustained during the World Cup and could not be considered for selection. The squad will also welcome newcomers Chantal Emmanuel, Rackeal Bissoon, Samantha Bissoon and Selene O’Neil. Squad - Merissa Aguilleira (captain), Shenelle Lord (vice captain), Alisa Mohammed, Amanda Samaroo, Britney Cooper, Chantal Emmanuel, Felicia Walters, Gaitri
Merissa Aguilleira Seetahal, Kirbyina Alexander, Lee Ann Kirby, Rackeal Bissoon, Samantha Bissoon, Selene O’Neil, Stacy AnnKing, Marjorie Thomas (manager/coach), John Trumpet (assistant coach), Wayne Samuel (trainer).
New Era ENT/Cell Smart Super-8 Tournament...
Jets and Pistons chase second win as tournament continues tonight The Amelia’s Ward Jets and Wismar Pistons have already recorded victories and tonight, the two teams would attempt to score yet another when action in the New Era Entertainment/Cell Smart Super-8 basketball tournament continues in Linden. From 19:00 hours, Jets who eased to 52 – 49 point win over the Retrieve Raiders in their first game last week, will take on New Era 12; a team composed to make up the eight teams since Linden presently only has seven basketball clubs, while game two brings together Wismar Pistons and Victory Valley Royals. Kevin ‘Two Feet’ Joseph, the diminutive point guard who always seem to be the one bailing the club out of a ditch, will lead the attack for the Amelia’s Ward based team, while he is expected to be supported by the Webster Brothers - Shane, Alister & Domain- along with former Junior National player Linden Fraser. The make up of the New Era 12 was not fully known at press time, since the team’s roster was constantly being altered to be as competitive as any other in the tournament, but the side will be led former National player cum Sports Journalist Rawle Toney along with Alwyn Rodney. The second game is the more interesting of the two since it features two teams with a long history of rivalry between them. For Wismar Pistons, they have already chalked up a win, easily blowing away Block 22 Flames in the tournament’s first game, but their competition for tonight fell to the Kings in their first encounter. Victory Valley Royals is known for their
Victory Valley Royals players Marlon Pollydore (left) and Chris Williams fierce combat on the basketball court and former national player Alwin ‘Shaq’ Wilson will start for the team in the front court which features Harold Adams. Sharp shooter Chris Williams, arguably Linden’s best marksman, leads the list of Royals’ players in the back court along with Julius Carter and former Junior National Point Guard Marlon Pollydore. Meanwhile, matches will also be played on Saturday and Sunday with each night having a double header. The tournament, which concludes on March 30, sees the winner going home with $200,000 and a new motorcycle for the player adjudged the Most Valuable (MVP) of the tournament.
Entries close Sunday for Kennard Memorial Turf Club Phagwah Meet The Kennard Memorial Turf Club of Bush Lot Farm Corentyne, Berbice will host a Phagwah Meet on Sunday 24th of March. Entries close on Sunday 17 th and no late entries will be accepted. Events slated for the day are G1 and lower (6 furs) with a first prize of $300,000, J3 and lower (6 furs) 1st prize $100,000, I1 and lower (7 furs) 1st prize $180,000, F1 and lower (7 furs) 1 st prize
$350,000, 3years-Guyana Bred (7 furs) 1st prize $280,000, J1 and lower (7 furs) 1st prize $150,000 and the main event the B and lower (1 mile) 1st prize $1,000,000. The races will be conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority and owners of horses must pay at least $5,000 for each horse at the time of entry. The sponsors on board are Berbice River Bridge Co inc,
Ministry of Tourism, Demerara Distillers Ltd, N&S Mattai and Co, Giftland Office Max, Service RUS Petrol Station, of No. 36 Village Corentyne, Kissoon Dyal Rice Miller of Mahdia, Horseshoe, Goodwood Racing Service, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Starlight Drive Inn Cinema, Mike’s Pharmacy, Pomeroon Oil Mill Co, Ganesh Parts and General Store, Top Notch Auto Sale and Kanhai’s Guyana Electrical Agency.
Friday March 15, 2013
WBC CABOFE featherweight title fight... By Michael Benjamin He has defeated Rudolph Fraser to clinch the local featherweight title shortly before disposing of Revlon Lake to add the local lightweight belt to his collection. Not satisfied, Clive Atwell went after the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) jnr/welterweight title and duly disposed of Prince Lee Isadore to add that accolade to his bulging collection. Now, the triple champion will attempt to strap another prestigious belt around his waist when he tackles Venezuelan Raphael Hernandez for the vacant WBCCABOFE featherweight title on a card dubbed ‘Firestorm’ promoted by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) at the Princess Hotel International, Providence ECD, April 20 next. Officials were also interested in pitting the skills of CABOFE welterweight champion, Simeon Hardy, against an international fighter in defence of his title
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It’s ‘Firestorm’ as Clive Atwell goes after Raphael Hernandez for the vacant belt but Hardy is now under the management of American, Cameron Dunkin, and the latter individual has declined the offer. As such, President of the CABOFE, Peter Abdool, informed that Hardy will be stripped of the title and Jamaican Sakima Mullings now will oppose Barbadian, Miguel Antoine for the very belt. Mullings has made quite a name for himself and would best be remembered for a crushing knockout inflicted on local pugilist, Winston Pompey when they fought in Jamaica in ‘The Contender’ series, the Jamaican version of the Guyana Fight night card, last year. Mullings is a 30 years old boxer and has earned his professional license three years ago. He is a decent boxer and won the Commonwealth Boxing Council Zonal Middleweight Championship last year. He returned to live in Jamaica in 2008 after pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from
the State University of New York. He is fast becoming one of Jamaica’s top-rated professional boxers and would be a good test for Antoine, no stranger to the local ring after disposing of several local pugilists. Officials of the GBBC said that the card will be a sizzler and will also feature the cream of the local crop and have matched Gladwin Dorway against Mark Austin in an eagerly awaited bout for the local welterweight title. These two were to have faced off in a title fight late last year but that bout had to be aborted after Dorway was diagnosed with a heart ailment that necessitated further medical evaluation. He has since been examined by medical experts at the heart institute and has been given a clean bill of health paving the way for the imminent bout. Elton ‘The Bully’ Dharry will also be in action against Hewley Robinson for the local bantamweight title. Dharry recently disposed of Barbadian, Ricardo Blackman
Sakima Mullings and subsequently, Jamaican, Rudolph Hedge and is expected to be at the top of his game. That bout is slated for 12 rounds. The last time Syrian boxer, Mahmood ‘The Extractor’ Loul entered the ring in his debut bout; he was very aggressive and disposed of Patrick Boston in the first
round. He will attempt to replicate that feat when he matches gloves with Berbician, Derick Richmond in a 4 round super/ middleweight bout. ‘The Dentist’ is a former kick boxer and has demonstrated his versatility with a smooth transition to the fistic sport. As if these bouts are not
Elton Dharry enough to thrill local boxing buffs, the organizers have arranged an amateur bout with the exciting Republican lightweight, Nankumar Singh; up against an opponent to be named later, while there will also be a bout between two female amateur boxers. Admission price and other pertinent details will follow.
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Kaieteur News
Friday March 15, 2013
Wilson appointed to CONCACAF Five A Side Football (Futsal) Committee Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Acting, Franklyn Wilson has been appointed to the CONCACAF Futsal Committee. Wilson was informed via letter from Enrique Sanz General Secretary of the body. The letter informs: “On behalf of CONCACAF President, Mr. Jeffrey Webb, and the CONCACAF Executive Committee, we are honored to announce your appointment as member of the Five A Side Football (Futsal) Committee. Congratulations on this nomination. We will inform you about the date of the next meeting in due course.” “The Chairman of the Five A Side Football (Futsal) Committee is Justino Compean
(Mexico) and the Vice Chairman is Capt. Horace Burrell (Jamaica). The committee members include Joseph Sene (Guadeloupe), Antonio Garces (Cuba), Claude Tage (French Guyana), Rafael Tinoco (Guatemala), Franklyn Wilson (Guyana), Nicky Owen (Sint Maarten) and Claude Hogan (Montserrat). The term of members’ appointment shall be for a one year period.” “CONCACAF is committed to finding the best strategies towards further expanding the development football in our region guided by precepts of integrity and transparency. We trust your contribution on this committee will be key to our success and thank you for your participation.”
Ravens rampage continues in GABA Division I League Dyna’s Ravens offensive rampage in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Division I League continued Wednesday night on the Burnham Basketball Court with another blow-out win, this time against Knights. Ravens thrashed Knights79-47 for their second straight win of the League with guard/forward Akeem Kanhai scoring14 points, point guards Ryan Stephney, Marlon Rodrigues and forward, Jermaine Slater scoring10 points each for Ravens. Owan Walton had 15 points and Kola Sandiford 12 points for Knights in the lopsided loss, their second of the League. Ravens dominated Knights from the first quarter with consistent offensive blitzes that left Knights out of the game literally. In the first game of the night, a Division III encounter, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recovered from their opening loss last week, to edge Nets 75-70 in an evenly contested game. Phillip Earle scored 30 points while Mark Rose added 15 points and Jason Khan 12 points for GDF. For Nets, Kester
Ravens’ guard, Rodwell ‘Kobe’ Fortune goes above Knights’ forward, Rawle Conway for a lefthanded finger-roll Wednesday night on the Burnham Basketball Court. Mayers had 15 points and Mortimer Robertson 14 points. The GABA League continues tonight with an East Coast and West Coast clash when Buxton take on West Side
Jammers in a Division III game. The League also continues tomorrow with a Colts versus Plaisance Guardians clash in the Division I category.
2012 Tenelec Inc First Division semi-finals on tomorrow The 2012 Tenelec Inc First Division 50-Over Cricket Competition in Berbice has reached the semi-final stage. The semis are fixed for tomorrow at venues in Canje and Lower Corentyne. At Cumberland in Canje, Group A winner Young Warriors, whose batting will be severely weakened due to their two former national batsmen Richard Ramdeen and Gajanand Singh as well as former Guyana Under-19 batsman Seon Hetmyer being overseas, will host Port Mourant Karibee Rice. They became the fourth semifinalist after they beat Bermine last Saturday in their
- Rose Hall Town host Albion while Port Mourant travel to Young Warriors deciding play-off due mainly to fine performances by batsmen, former Guyana Under19 captain Harrinarine Chattergoon and Joshua Ramsammy and bowlers Yudendra Harrinarine and Devendra Thakurdeen. The Umpires named for this match are Zaheer Moakan and Imran Moakan. Group A runners-up Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets, with test player Assad Fudadin and Guyana allrounder Rajiv Ivan both available after their stints in
the ongoing Regional tournaments, plus Guyana 20/20 allrounder Royston Crandon, will be at home to third placed and defending champions Albion Community Centre who now have former West Indies Legspinner Devendra Bishoo available but will be without their current test players batsman Narsingh D e o n a r i n e and left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul. Clement Brusche and Omadat Samaroo will be umpiring there. The matches are scheduled to start at 09:30 hours.
Friday March 15, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Digital Technology/ Chow Pow’s 10/10 Softball Challenge Series...
Recharge XI register first upset Recharge XI registered the first upset of the inaugural Digital Technology/ Chow Pow’s 10/ 10 Softball Challenge Series which got underway last Sunday, at the Wales Community Centre ground. In their encounter against 2012 national champions Regal XI, underdogs Recharge marched to victory by five wickets. Chasing a victory target of 97 posted by Regal XI for the loss of 7 wickets, Recharge XI ended on 102-5 in 9.3 overs to win by five wickets. Kwason Joseph slammed 34 with four sixes, while Quincy Jones hit 32 including three sixes and two fours. Earlier, Omesh Narine topscored for Regal XI with 43 runs, while R. Shamlall grabbed 3-15 for Recharge XI. Farm XI then beat Omesh XI by two runs. Farm XI batted first and made 118 for 3 with A. Reddy hitting a half century including four massive sixes, and Avinash Persaud belted
- Farm XI, Wolf Warriors, Speedboat XI, also in winners’ row
Representatives of the major sponsors pose with Tournament Director Kirk Jardine (right) shortly before the start of play on Sunday. 41 not out with five sixes. Omesh XI in their turn at the crease at one stage looked as if they would have gotten the required runs, but fell short by just two, finishing on 116-4. Aftab Bacchus contributed 45 laced with 4x6, 3x4. In results of other matches, 2011 champs Wolfs Warriors pinch hitter Azad Azeez smashed four sixes, before being caught by Karmachand Mohan for 27 as
they won by seven wickets over Superstar XI. Speedboat XI showed why they are West Demerara champs after rattling up 113 off of their allotted 10 overs in their match against Digital Technology. The Tech team only managed to scramble 90 off of their 10. Team Invaders announced their arrival with a majestic win over Rockaway. R. Ramsundar stroked six
sixes in making 66 in Invaders total of 133. Rockaway could only manage 81 with R Samaroo get 40, he stroked 4x6. The national 2010 champs hit a collective 17 sixes in the highest total set for the day of 156 with Delroy Pereira getting 44 and Fazal Rafeek 42. The team from Mahaica could only managed 96 in their reply with opener David Singh top scoring with 25. A total of 111 sixes were
recorded in the day’s play. The excitement continues at the Wales Center Ground this weekend and fans are being encouraged to tune in to NTN TV 69 at 21:00 hrs for the DT Challenge updates with John Ramsingh. Meanwhile, shortly before the start of play, remarks were made by Tournament Director Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine, Premium sponsor Digital Technology CEO Terrence Sukhu, Diamond sponsor Banks DIH representative Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, bronze sponsor Creative Jewellery and Pawn Shop Representative Ramdat Muniram and President of the Guyana Softball League Halim Khan. Jardine expressed heartfelt thanks to the teams and sponsors for coming on board and supporting the tournament, while Digital Technology’s CEO was extremely happy with the work of the organizers and confirmed his company’s
support for future tournaments. Stewart was also in high praise of the organizers, while adding that Banks premium beer will utilize the event to further promote their brand on the West side. ‘Creative boss Mr. Muniram also wished the teams well. The fixtures for tomorrow and Sunday are as follows: Tomorrow’s fixtures: Speedboat XI versus Recharge XI and Omesh XI vs. Superstars XI at 12:00hrs; Rockaway XI vs. Digital Technology and Trophy Stall vs. Farm XI at 14:00 hrs; Regal XI vs. Invaders and Wolf Warriors vs. Young Guns at 16:00 hrs. On Sunday- Trophy Stall vs. Superstars XI and Recharge XI vs. Rockaway XI at 10:30 hrs; Omesh XI vs. Young Guns and Digital Technology vs. Regal XI at 12:30 hrs; Wolf Warriors vs. Farm XI and Regal XI vs. Trophy Stall Angels at 14:30 hrs and Speed Boat XI vs. Invaders.
t r o Sp
Shillingford runs riot as Windies go one-up BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Off-spinner Shane Shillingford snatched a six-wicket haul as West Indies crushed Zimbabwe by nine wickets inside three days here Wednesday, to post their fifth consecutive Test victory for the first time in 25 years. The tall right-armer, playing his first Test in nearly a year, picked up six for 49 as Zimbabwe, resuming the day on 41 for three, were bundled out for a paltry 107 just before lunch at Kensington Oval. Following on from his three first innings wickets, Shillingford finished with match figures of nine for 107. Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who again bowled with pace, ended the innings with two wickets in his eighth over to claim three for 10. Afforded three overs before the interval to gather the 12 runs required for victory,
West Indies lost Kieran Powell for six to stumble to the break on nine for one. The left-hander, who also failed in the first innings, gloved the third delivery of the second over of the innings from pacer Tendai Chatara, and was easily taken at gully by Graeme Cremer with the score on eight. However, the Windies needed just two overs after the break to wrap up the game, when Chris Gayle (four not out) steered seamer Kyle Jarvis to third man for a couple. The victory comes on the heels of triumphs over New Zealand and Bangladesh in two-Test series last year. Zimbabwe never suggested permanence from the outset and lost a wicket as early as the first over of the day when captain Brendan Taylor edged the final
delivery from Shillingford into his pads, giving Powell an easy catch at short leg with the score on 47. Four balls later in the next over, speedster Kemar Roach removed Ray Price’s middle stump for seven with no runs added before Macolm Waller (5) gave Powell his second catch of the innings close in, off Shillingford. Craig Ervine, dropped on four by Gayle off Shillingford and again on 20 by Darren Bravo off fast bowler Tino Best, resisted with 23 not out off 69 balls with three fours. He put on 19 with wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva (6) for the seventh wicket and another 20 for the eighth wicket with Cremer (14). With little to lose, Ervine collected two boundaries in Best’s sixth over, smashing him through cover before edging one past third slip. The revival was short-
Shane Shillingford celebrates a wicket (WICB). lived, however, as Chakabva was bamboozled and bowled by Shillingford in the next over to leave Zimbabwe in tatters at 77 for seven. Cremer, who cleared long-on with Shillingford, got one that spat from off a length and edged a catch to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, to hand the Dominican his sixth wicket. Ironically, Shillingford finished with ten wickets in his last Test in the Caribbean – against Australia in Roseau last April. At 97 for eight,
Zimbabwe were in danger of being dismissed below three figures for the ninth time in their history but Jarvis (9) erased these fears by lofting Shillingford for a straight six. His adventure cost him when he flashed at a short one from Gabriel and nicked behind to Ramdin and Chatara tailed away to the leg side to the second ball he faced and watched as his stumps were rattled. The second Test bowls off at Windsor Park in Dominica next Wednesday. Scores: ZIMBABWE
211 (Tino Mawoyo 50, Craig Ervine 29, Brendan Taylor 26; Marlon Samuels 4-13, Shane Shillingford 3-58, Kemar Roach 2-31) and 107 (Craig Ervine 23 not out; Shane Shillingford 6-49, Shannon Gabriel 3-10) WEST INDIES 307 (Darren Sammy 73, Denesh Ramdin 62, Marlon Samuels 51, Chris Gayle 40, Shiv Chanderpaul 26, Tino Best 24; Kyle Jarvis 5-54, Hamilton Masakadza 2-25, Tendai Chatara 2-66) & 12 for one.
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