Thursday Edition
Online readership yesterday 95,528
Price $80 March 21, 2013 - Vol. 6 No. 12 (VAT Inclusive) Online: http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Court halts construction of Robert Persaud’s media empire Peter Rose and Laluni Streets, Queenstown Georgetown
Cable instead of radio/TV ...
Brian Yong admits he got more than he bargained for
Page 2
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Court blocks Jagdeo radio licencee Telecor from setting up Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang has issued an order blocking one of the controversial new radio licencees, Telecor and Cultural Broadcasting, from setting up its broadcasting tower and offices. The company was one of three given five radio frequencies each by former President Bharrat Jagdeo. The others who were given five radio frequencies each were Jagdeo’s best friend Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop and the Mirror newspaper, owned by the ruling People’s Progressive Party. Telecor was moving to build its offices and set up its broadcasting tower on the south half of 119 Peter Rose and Laluni Streets, Queenstown Georgetown. The Chief Justice made absolute an order quashing the approval given by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for Telecor to construct its facilities on the said property. Telecor is registered by its Secretary, Omkar Lochan, who is the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment headed by Robert Persaud, who already has connections to a television station. Telecor was blocked from
The Telecor site left abandoned
setting up after residents of the area complained. For years, there have been by-laws specific to Queenstown, east of Oronoque Street. Those by-laws state that no building to be used for any manufacturing, trade or business purpose shall be erected or built on any lot and
no such building shall be used for any purpose aforesaid. The neighbour, Attorney Melinda Janki, indicated in very forceful language in a letter to the Company’s Secretary that the construction site is an eyesore, is hazardous to
health and the environment and is reducing the value of the area. She complained of mosquitoes, blocked drains and the parapet. The President’s Press and Publicity Officer in Office of the President, Kwame McCoy, was among those
who approved the issue of new radio licences. Those who evaluated the applicants, apart from McCoy, were Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon; Network Administration at the Office of the President, Roy Jagnandan; and Head of the
Project Cycle Management Division of the Ministry of Finance, Tarchand Balgobin. The Prime Minister had said that no formal scoring system was used to determine who will get a licence, but that the applications were considered on their merits. He had said that among the criteria used for evaluating the applications were experience and capability in the broadcasting and communication fields, “fit and proper” (background security checks and current and previous business ventures) and “spectrum considerations.” Just before he left office, Former President Bharrat Jagdeo distributed the airwaves to his friends, those close to the government and a few others, it was revealed in the National Assembly last week. The Prime Minister revealed that four TV channels are available to Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, the man Jagdeo publicly declared to be his best friend. Apart from those who were granted five radio frequencies, Jagdeo gave one radio frequency each to other persons. These are NTN Radio, Wireless Connections, Hits and Jams Entertainment, Rudy Grant, Alfro Alphonso and Sons Enterprise, Haslyn Graham, and Little Rock Television Station.
ROBBERY OF OUR AIRWAVES
Bharrat Jagdeo
Robert Persaud: Jagdeo’s Nephew-in-law
Dr. Bobby Ramroop:Jagdeo’s Best Friend
Five radio channels granted to the PPP Mirror Newspaper by Bharrat Jagdeo!
Five radio channels granted to Robert Persaud, nephew-in-law of Bharrat Jagdeo!
Nine Radio and TV channels granted to Bobby Ramroop by Bharrat Jagdeo!
DO YOU KNOW THAT JAGDEO GAVE HIS BEST FRIEND NINE RADIO AND TV CHANNELS, HIS NEPHEW-IN-LAW ROBERT PERSAUD FIVE RADIO CHANNELS AND THE MIRROR NEWSPAPER FIVE RADIO CHANNELS TOO, THE SAME MONTH HE LEFT OFFICE?
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 3
Change attitudes to embrace civilians in your midst-Rohee tells Police Officers By Dale Andrews
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has called for attitudinal changes within the Guyana Police Force to accommodate the employment of 10 civilians within the midst of the senior management of the organization. He was referring to imminent employment of the civilians as counterparts at the Senior Levels of the Force to facilitate the smooth and effective implementation of the Force’s Strategic Plans. His call comes amidst mixed reactions within the Guyana Police Force following the initial announcement made on December 31, 2012, when the Minister outlined his long term security plans. Last Thursday, the Minister repeated the plan to employ the civilians while addressing officers at the Police Officers’ Conference, pointing out that having civilians employed in their midst is another critical aspect of the reform process
of the Force. “Historically, except for instances when civilian specialists in the Finance Department and a few other areas along with barrack (room) labourers were employed by the Force, all employees of the Guyana Police Force have been generally sworn Ranks. “This matter is so critical that there is no window of opportunity for any experiment to be undertaken at this time by anyone,” Rohee stated. According to him, it would therefore be necessary for the management of the Guyana Police Force to take deliberate steps to ensure that the 10 persons are given the space to function within the terms of reference of their employment and for the Guyana Police Force to be receptive to the circumstances under which these civilians are to be engaged. “It is not unusual for civilians to be employed by modern day Police Forces.
Internationally, it has been accepted that it is better in some instances to employ civilian specialists to satisfy specific requirements of the Police Forces,” the Minister explained. While the Force has widely embraced the concept, there is still some skepticism, especially among the middle and lower level of the Guyana Police Force. Ever since the December announcement, there has been a lot of talk within the force about the civilian component. “We are subject to certain rules within the Force while they (civilians) will not. Civilians come with a civilian mentality, while policemen have a police mentality. It will be a bit challenging but we are open to it,” one middle level rank told this newspaper. Within recent times the relationship between civilians and the police has been strained, a situation that stems from distrust for the law enforcement officers. A senior police rank
explained that the civilians will not be involved in the day to day management of the Force. Rather they will only guide officers who are not versed in certain aspects of management. “The police should not see the civilians as coming to take over their work. What the Minister is trying to do is to create an environment that would allow for a harmonious working relationship between the police and the civilians,” the officer stated. He however noted that there will be some areas that may cause some discontentment. “Civilians getting more money for the same work,” he explained. “The civilians also have to understand that they are in a different environment,” he advised. According to Minister Rohee, the Guyana Police Force has embarked on an exciting course at this phase of its history. “I urge you to embrace the changes that will and must come in the Force.
DPP: History created as US-based witness testifies via live video in local murder trial
The DPP Chambers said that for the first time in Guyana, a live video linkup was used to allow a witness to testify in a trial. The Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) yesterday said that it made history in the Demerara Criminal Assizes when for the first time, in a criminal matter, it used a live audio/ visual link, allowing for an overseas-based witness to give evidence in a murder trial. The audio/visual link was last year used in a civil matter in the High Court. The DPP said it used the powers granted under the Evidence Amendment Act # 19 of 2008. Justice Navindra Singh, who is conducting the
trial, granted the application made by State Prosecutor, Konyo Thompson, in association with Dhanika Singh, to use the apparatus in open court. According to the DPP Chambers, this was after he had examined the facility and was satisfied that the video link was of sufficiently good quality to obtain the witness’s oral testimony. The witness is now residing in the United States of America. In the statement, the DPP noted that the usage of the modern technology would allow the State to obtain crucial
testimony of witnesses who have not only migrated outside of the jurisdiction, but of witnesses who are no longer at the same location in Guyana that they were at the time of the incident. “This audio/visual link is not only applicable to be used in the High Court (in Demerara), but also in the Magistrate’s Courts,” she said, adding that it will ensure for speedily trials. Thompson echoed the DPP’s sentiments when she said that such modern technology urges well for obtaining crucial evidence in
matters including murder cases. The audio/visual apparatus was made available by the Supreme Court while Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Brentnold Evans, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made it possible for the main witness to be accommodated at the Consul’s office during the live link up yesterday. “The DPP wishes to publicly express her sincerest gratitude to all parties involved that made the historic legal proceedings a success in the Criminal Justice System,” DPP said.
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee interacts with the Retired Police Deputy Superintendent Ingrid Wiltshire. We are all living in a dynamic world and we must respond to the changes that are taking place around us,” he said.
Kaieteur News understands that the civilian engagement within the Force may not be for more than three years.
In the Tuesday issue of Kaieteur News Chairman of the Guyana Broadcasting Authority Board, Bibi Shadick, was severely misrepresented. In addition, the report inaccurately stated that the Board that Ms Shadick heads, was established in 2011. That report stated that a Broadcasting Bill was passed in the National Assembly in July 2011 and assented to by President Bharrat Jagdeo in September that year. It then stated that the government board of the Guyana National Broadcast Authority was
approved that same month. This is inaccurate. The order for the establishment of the Board came on August 28, 2012. The Board was appointed on September 4, 2012. The other misrepresentation was that Ms Shadick “was not certain that she could revoke” licences granted by President Jagdeo. In a subsequent interview Ms Shadick said that she is always certain about her role and tasks. Kaieteur News apologises for the misrepresentation and inaccuracies.
Police say they have cracked a ring that resulted in a number of persons obtaining driver’s licences fraudulently. A statement from Police Headquarters, Eve Leary said that investigations are being conducted into the malpractices. So far several police ranks have been implicated in this matter which is under investigation by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility. The police however did not state in which division the malpractices have been
uncovered but according to reports reaching this newspaper it is countrywide. But it is believed that the situation is more prevalent in the West Demerara District. The police said that several ranks, mostly certifying officers, have been transferred and eleven driver’s licences seized so far by the police, as the investigations continue. The fraudulent o b t a i n i n g o f d r i v e r ’s licence is nothing new but this is the first time that such a massive probe has been launched.
An apology
Police seize fraudulently obtained Driver’s Licences … several ranks transferred
Page 4
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
The implications for the UG fees hike The question of increased fees at the University of Guyana is once more rearing its head, much to the consternation of those attending the institution. When the fee issue came up Guyanese were up in arms against paying for their higher education. It mattered not that they were being trained locally to accept jobs in foreign lands. The government had said some years before that education would be free from nursery to University. That was part of the socialist mantra adopted by Guyana; and it worked up until the succeeding government recognized that it could not fund the education package for university education. By then many Guyanese had qualified themselves and had taken off to countries where they were certain that they would be better remunerated. In the end the fees were introduced. People pursuing the social sciences were being asked to pay US$1,000 per year. Those pursuing legal studies and medicine were asked to pay US$4,000 per year. Since the Guyana dollar was legal tender the equivalent was paid in local currency. At the time the exchange rate was lower in Guyana dollar terms. Since then the local currency has deteriorated to levels that would make the cost of University education very high to the locals. For example, back when the fees were introduced local students were asked to pay $127,000 per year to pursue studies in the Social Sciences and $528,000 for the legal and medical studies. Despite the devaluation the Guyanese students keep paying the same fees as their predecessors did. It meant that for them, education was cheaper. One of the things that the government prides itself on is the way it has improved the living standards of the people. It talks about the massive percentage hike in wages and salaries; it talks about increased disposable incomes and it talks about enhanced balance of payments. However, the fact remains that many students cannot pay fees commensurate with the movement of the local currency against the United States dollar. As things are the cost of the Social Studies programme would have been $206,000 per annum and the law and medical programmes, $824,000 per year. The government sees these figures and balks. It cannot let the public see the real rate of devaluation. The question of firmly linking the local currency to any external currency is not something that the government is likely to do when it comes to education. In fact, in the laws, fines that were realistic when they were first introduced are now meaningless. For example, when Desmond Hoyte introduced what he called draconian legislation to combat the drug trade a fine of $30,000 was exorbitant, so exorbitant that sections of civil society thought that it was too draconian. At the time $30,000 was equivalent to US$5,000. Traffic fines are even more ludicrous. They are so infinitesimal that the offenders prefer to slip a “change” to the arresting officer than to spend that time waiting in the courts to have the matter heard. Sometimes they pay more than what the fine would have been. Recently, the government moved to have the fines more meaningful by adjusting them upwards. However, the same thing has not been done for the tuition fees. Indeed, some parents pay more than the present university fees per annum for their children to receive extra lessons. But the government says that it is mindful of the cost to future generations. That comment would hold water since graduates from the university are not guaranteed employment in the public sector. In the past graduates in the public sector would have installments deducted from their salaries. These days employment is not guaranteed so the likelihood of the government collecting on its investment is reduced. The government actually grants loans to students pursuing university studies. The bottom line is that the government finds itself in a quandary. Already the university is signaling that it needs to hike fees if it is to be able to attract a better quality of lecturers and to offer a service commensurate with a university education.But the government is mindful of a backlash; it is concerned that the people would accuse of pricing education out of their reach.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
My record on human upliftment can withstand historical scrutiny DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to Freddie Kissoon’s column “Elected dictatorship takes over the airwaves” Kaieteur News, March 20, 2013. Let me from the outset state that Freddie’s concerns about the government’s egregious conduct are correct and need to be addressed in order to restore goodgovernance which can only come about when there is a halt to the plundering of the nation’s resources, giving away our finite broadcasting spectrum to cohorts and cronies, violation of the laws and transgressing the citizens’ rights. Collectively the people can right these wrongs by holding government - executive and opposition - accountable. The conversation between Freddie and I at Nigel’s Supermarket had to do with the Guyana Trades Union Congress (TUC)’s engagement with Sam Hinds in his capacity as Leader of the Government business in the National Assembly, regarding “the right and the duty to work” for Guyanese, as outlined in Article 22 of the Guyana Constitution. This matter attended to the nonemployment of Guyanese labour in the construction of Marriott Hotel. This meeting was covered in its entirety by the national media, a first for engagement with the PPP administration, and was also carried as news items. And two reasons informed this decision:-1) the nation will witness exactly
what transpired, and 2) to avoid any misrepresentation of what transpired. The TUC has nothing to hide. And this organization is not a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) that supports talks as a mean to resolution and selfdetermination (Tripartite relations - government, labour and business), also guaranteed in Article 13, 38, 147 and 149C of the Guyana Constitution, to discard it. Our credibility and relevance are informed by these instruments and institutions which give meaning to our existence. Further, the TUC, given past experiences, is not fooled nor harbours any illusion that a government with a track record of acting in bad faith can change overnight. But the TUC also knows, given its historical record, that when it sits at the table, buttressed with its age-old record of stick-to-it-iveness, it can deliver for the society. Having said this, the attempt by Kissoon (deliberate or accidental) to make the TUC out as naïve or weak, is deserving of attention. But in order to go forward it requires bringing to the fore a few matters. Freddie will recall he and I travelled the road of disagreement before. In 2002 when I had cause to accuse the government of economic genocide, Kissoon, used his column in Stabroek News and attacked my position, accusing me of
sensationalizing the issue. He ignored the United Nations’ definition of genocide and the evidence I presented to make my case. Fast forward to today; Kissoon is in court correctly defending a libel suit brought by Bharrat Jagdeo who is offended by Kissoon calling him an ‘ideological racist.’ The case continues to rivet the society, but it will not be vain of me to say that some of the very evidence I relied on to support my claim of economic genocide against the African community, which Kissoon was once dismissive of, was also incorporated in his writings. And again in the said year when I had cause to attack the PPP’s poor-governance and made the case that “the government has a responsibility to society” and is therefore obliged to be even-handed in its management, Kissoon used his column to attack my position. It is good that my colleague, though no longer a friend of the government, has come around to understand, appreciate and champion the very things he was earlier against. On his position against talking with the government and my rejoinder that “Freddie even your enemies you have to engage and talk to,” I further said “even when they are throwing bombs in Afghanistan, they are talking.” My position is informed by human relations
throughout history, from slavery, to Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow’s stance with the commercial class and colonial government, indentureship, colonization, civil rights, and present day events. History has shown that while the oppressed fight the oppressors for their rights, talks have always played a pivotal role to resolve issues and lay differences to rest. Freddie has a different position and it would be helpful if he can cite for this nation any political event in history, other than armed removal of governments/ political authority, where the oppressed have not talked and engaged the oppressors. Further, to his claim that “Engagement with your adversary is a strategic concept – more strategic and conceptual,” he needs to shed some light on what he means and how the TUC can achieve it outside of the mentioned framework. My colleague and friend would also recall when he was once in good stead with the PPP administration he played a major role in torpedoing, dismantling and demonizing the street struggle of Desmond Hoyte to bring an end to executive lawlessness, by misrepresenting Hoyte’s application of the Creole saying “mo fyah slo fyah.” As part of the choir, Freddie spun a story that this saying meant Hoyte was calling for fires in Georgetown and attacks on persons. Today the beast (executive Continued on page 7
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 5
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Race relations in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Anyone familiar with our political history would agree that as a country we have come a long way in terms of race relations. Not that the country was at any time in its history ethnically polarized, but that there were periods when race was used to drive a wedge among the races in Guyana, in particular Indo- and AfroGuyanese who together constituted over 80% of the total population. Recent census figures suggested that the two major races in the country are showing significant declines as a percentage of the total population is in favour of those categorized as Mixed and Amerindians. The issue of race surfaced in during the early 1960s when attempts were made to destabilize the PPP administration by western vested interests in collaboration with local reactionary elements.In his concluding remarks at the 1963 Independence Conference, Duncan Sandys, Colonial Secretary, said that it was his wish to break the political deadlock and above all to end the problem of racialism in Guyana which he
said was the ‘curse’ of Guyana. He attributed blame for our state of affairs on ‘the development of Party politics along racial lines. In the present acute form, this racialism could be traced to the split in the country’s main political party in 1955. It was then that the Party which had previously drawn its support from both major races broke into two bitterly opposed political groups, the one predominantly Indian, led by Dr. Jagan and the other, predominantly African, led by Mr. Burnham.” This position of Sandys was debunked by Dr. Jagan who correctly observed that the split was hatched by Winston Churchill the then Prime Minister of Britain and father-in-law of Duncan Sandys. Actually, it was the Robertson Commission set up by the British Prime Minister that engineered the split of the PPP in 1955, aided and abetted by the US government, who deliberately fomented racial disturbances in order to prevent the PPP from attaining political power and take the country into independence status. There were, and continue
The working class DEAR EDITOR, “I wish the silent majority would shut up”. So wrote a newspaper journalist many years ago, fed up with people spouting platitudes, claiming to speak on behalf of the ‘silent majority’. Recently, I have been reading so much about the plight of the Guyanese working class that I have fervently hoped that the working class would speak up. Such phrases as “impoverishing the Guyanese working class”, “failing the Guyanese working class”, “resources owned by the Guyanese working class, some in large part to finance the Marriott”, the “uncaring nature of the Government towards the Guyanese working class”, etc. have appeared in print and no solution has so far been suggested. In a recent letter drawing attention to the “propaganda aimed at bamboozling the people” and the “physical and mental abuse of the working class on the Marriott Project”, the leaders of APNU are asked “to stand up and defend the rights of the workers”, and mention is made of “the sweat of the poor and the working class”. One is left wondering “Why don’t
working class people get together and try to work out a solution for themselves? They would need some guidance, so why doesn’t someone with the necessary experience and goodwill point them in the right direction? The people termed ‘working class’ may be poor but they are not stupid. They can think for themselves. I have met a great many of them, some among my own family. My father was one such - he taught himself to play the violin and, an avid reader, had a comprehensive knowledge, so much so that, as a child, I depended on him to answer questions that puzzled me. The working class outnumber both the ‘cabal’ and the Opposition and, according to religious texts, “the poor are always with us”. Get the Guyanese working class on board and let them put forward suggestions. We might even find among them a leader of the right calibre who may eventually get things back on course. However, apart from leadership qualities, great courage plus an iron will and robust physical and mental health would be required of any such person. Not much to ask! Geralda Dennison
to be, many who shared the view of Sandys regarding race tensions in the country by making it appear that the problems were essentially racial and that the two major race groups, East Indians and Africans were opposed to each other. Dr. Jagan, however saw it differently. This was how he put it during a May Day Rally way back in the late 1960s: ‘The four cornerstones of our present needs are racial harmony, national unity,
national independence and peace and progress. Without racial harmony, there can be no national independence and without independence there can be no progress.” Dr. Jagan recognized the potential harm that racism and racial conflict could do to the country even though he was fully conscious of the fact that Guyanese are by nature a peaceful people who exist and co-exist with all groups and ethnicities. Actually the superficiality
of race has been recognized way back in time by a Commonwealth Commission that came to investigate the racial disturbances of the early 1960s and this is what they had to say: “We found little evidence of any racial segregation in the social life of the country, and in Georgetown, East Indians and Africans seem to mix and associate with one another on terms of the greatest cordiality, though it was clear that the recent
disturbances and the racial twist given to them by some of the unprincipled and selfseeking politicians had introduced slight, but it is hoped, transient overtones of doubt and reserve. Among the inhabitants of Georgetown there is, of course, always present the danger that hostile and antiracial sentiments may be aroused by a clash of hopes and ambitions of rival politicians. We draw attention Continued on page 7
Page 6
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Wakenaam residents are receiving primitive treatment DEAR EDITOR, I have exhausted all internal options and I am now publicly venting the residents’ view through this medium before we move to civil disobedience. Wakenaam has more than 7,000 people and has developed massively, but yet residents receive primitive treatment. First, electricity is provided from Thursday 16:00hrs to Monday 08:00hrs. The remainder of days we receive electricity from 16:00hrs to 08:00hrs the following day. For simplicity sake, during working hours the island is without electricity. This poses a number of problems, e.g. the GT&T telephones don’t work, thus virtual transfer of money via the post office is impossible. Computers in schools are mere ornaments. Maybe this is why our students perform so poorly at CSEC/CXC. The hospital refers patients to West Demerara Regional Hospital and the list goes on. I have spoken to almost everyone who works at the GPL Wakenaam outpost and they have all said to me that it
is not economically viable to provide the island with continuous electricity. However they would have vented their disgust with the current system in place and believe strongly that if an additional three hours is considered, it will have no economic implication and residents will be most grateful. Considering this and having conducted a survey, I am humbly asking the relevant authorities to put the necessary measures in place. Secondly, no street lights are available on the island. During the election campaign, Candidate (now His Excellency President) Donald Ramotar did say that he would ensure that street lights are placed on the island. This would be a good improvement considering the fact that dangerous snakes and other reptiles constantly sleep on the road. Many residents said that they voted expecting this particular promise. We await patiently. Thirdly, the hospital has no proper equipment to provide health services. Many times patients are referred to West Demerara
Hospital which has proven to be very costly, risky and fatiguing, notwithstanding the fact that no electricity is also a reason for such referrals. Fourthly, the road is in a very deplorable state. Every citizen on this beautiful farmland is disturbed with the standard of the road. I have called the minister (Mr. Robeson Benn) who promised to fix the road, but to date nothing has been done. In conclusion, I wish to make reference to the potable water that is provided to residents. There has been no improvement whatsoever with the quality. Muddy water comes from the taps and rust is a must. I believe Guyana has gone a far way and no Guyanese should live with the conditions outlined above, regardless of your political affiliation, hence I am calling on our President and his distinguished team members to rectify these dilemmas urgently. Failing to address these concerns may result in civil disobedience or little or no votes at the next national election. Ganesh Mahipaul
No rational mind can support the airport and Marriott projects until the feasibility studies are made public DEAR EDITOR In rejecting the ex parte application from Mr. Anil Nandlall to put aside the decision of the National Assembly in support of a smaller quantum for the 2012 Budget, the Chief Justice made it clear that in accordance with Section 222 of the Constitution, only those entities cited in the Third Schedule (the Ethnic Relations Commission is one such entity), can be financed as a direct charge on the Consolidated Fund. Thus his sound instructions to restore the sum assigned for the ERC is duly noted and supported. It would be quite interesting to observe if amounts were actually charged on the Consolidated Fund for other agencies not in the Third Schedule (NCN, GINA, One Laptop project, etc.). The key issue remains in accordance with Section 120 of the Constitution, that expenditures can only be charged to the Consolidated Fund, “…subject to the approval of the National Assembly”. From the empirical evidence at our disposal, the Minister reported to the National Assembly on April
26th, 2012 that the Committee of Supply recommended a reduced 2012 Budget. He so sought approval for the amended (reduced) 2012 Budget from the National Assembly. This approval was so granted for an amended (reduced) 2012 Budget by the National Assembly that said night. Thus we remain very amused at all the legal flouncing done in 2012 by an office holder in the Attorney General Chambers. It is Budget time again and it is our hope that this individual will not attempt to launch another wave of fundamentally flawed legal interpretations of the Constitution. This now bring us to the finalized actual expenditure for 2012. In addition to scrutinizing the 2013 estimates, it is expected that the majority opposition and their army of lawyers will also scrutinize the 2012 actual expenditure to ascertain if there was any unauthorized and illegal spending in 2012 – namely NCN, GINA, One
Laptop etc. If the empirical evidence is there to support such illegality, then there is enough justification to commence immediate parliamentary proceedings against the relevant delinquent parties – for them to be interrogated in front of the Privileges Committee of Parliament. If found guilty of violating the Parliamentary Standing Orders, it is hoped that good sense will prevail and relevant Parliamentary action including possible financial surcharges, if necessary, is instituted to preserve the rule of law in the highest decision-making body in the land. We are of the firm conclusion that the airport expansion and the Marriott project cannot be feasibly supported by any rational mind until the feasibility studies are released for public consumption. Interesting times lie ahead in the Committee of Supply as they consider the 2013 Budget. Dr Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 7
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
My record on human... Race relations in Guyana From page 4 lawlessness) has run amok, devouring once friends like Kissoon, and he seeks street struggle as a major component to restore goodgovernance and secure the people’s rights. I join in this call as an ardent believer that struggles are never won by sheathing one’s most potent weapon(s). My record on human upliftment (rights and the rule of law) can withstand historical scrutiny. It is a record of consistency and stick-to-it-iveness throughout the years, irrespective of the political
party that forms the government. In this arena, Kissoon and I have travelled historically different paths. My position is informed by a principle that bonafide Labour does not have permanent enemy or permanent friend; Labour has permanent interest. This interest is guided by universal declarations, conventions, charters and laws; and the Guyana Constitution, and it is one I have acted in accordance with and communicated far and wide. And from time to time, this interest will clash with and form companionship
Police denied permission to stage candle light vigil outside administration building PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Police Social and Welfare Association (PSWA) yesterday said that Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams had been ill advised when he refused to grant permission to police officers to take a candle light vigil to the police administration building. The PSWA is staging a prayer and candle light procession later yesterday night to demonstrate its rejection of the bid by the Kamla Persad Bissessar administration to give police powers to members of the Defence Force. The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2013, renamed the Miscellaneous Provisions (Defence and Police Complaints) Bill, was passed in the Lower House last Friday after legislators
voted strictly along party lines and was due to have been debated in the Senate last Tuesday. It will not be debated on April 4. Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said the bill does not violate the Trinidad and Tobago Constitution despite the opposition contention that the legislation “represents the first step in the “institutionalisation of the involvement of the military in matters of civilian government”. The Persad Bissessar government said that the new legislation forms part of a string of legal measures it intends to bring to the parliament including a bill to deny bail to people accused of bloody crimes - as it deals with the upsurge in murders in the oil rich twin island republic.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – A delegation from the China EXIM Bank has arrived here for talks with government as Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said his administration had repaid the funds borrowed to purchase the power plant at Crabbes. “We are delighted that we have been able to close this loan agreement with the China EXIM Bank that was entered into by the former administration some 15 years ago. Last month we made the final payment of 2.2 million RMB (One Chinese dollar = US$0.16 cents) on the loan,” said Prime Minister Spencer. “By closing this loan arrangement, which we renegotiated from an interest rate of four per cent to 2 per cent since coming into office,
is a commitment by the administration to honour those huge debts which were left by the former administration and to stay current on payments with those we have entered into. “We will continue to work with the China EXIM Bank which has demonstrated that it is a true friend of Antigua and Barbuda and we are looking forward to the completion of the new airport terminal which is the latest project being funded by the EXIM bank,” Prime Minister Spencer said. The EXIM delegation, which is headed by its VicePresident Zhu Hongji, will during their stay here observe the construction progress and status of projects funded by the bank, a government statement said.
PM says loan to China for power plant repaid
with Freddie’s interest. On the issue of the TUC’s president, Norris Witter ’s statements, at a meeting with other national s t a k e h o l d e r s hosted by Donald Ramotar, I am confident Bro. Witter is capable of representing the claim and will do so at a venue of his choosing. And on the letter by Elton McRae, another colleague and friend, which Freddie sees as “trenchantly critical” of the matter under discussion, a response is forthcoming. Lincoln Lewis
From page 5 to this possibility because there have been indications of such friction in the past, although as will appear in the course of this report, the disturbances of February 16, did not originate in a racial conflict, nor did they develop into a trial of strength between the East Indians and the Africans.” Whatever else could be said of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, he was never a racist and throughout his life sought to promote racial unity and national reconciliation. He was violently opposed
to the slightest insinuation of him having racial inclinations as could be seen from the following: “as regards the charge that we are racialists, let me say this, that if I were to be leader of one race then I will assure you that tomorrow I will retire from politics…”. “Racism is the greatest curse of our land……anyone who spreads racial propaganda must be severely dealt with. Such a person is an enemy to himself and his country. From this day forward we shall need the goodwill and hard work of all our people so
that we may proceed to make our country a fit and proper home for heroes in the struggle for political and economic independence. Let there be an end to sectional racial quarrels and suspicions so that national unity may be restored”. The fact is that race has never been a serious problem in Guyana. Indians and Africans throughout the decades have played, worked and lived together. This is evident in Guyana today more than in any other period of our recent history. Hydar Ally
Page 8
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Missing man’s decomposed Man jailed again for body found in Mahdia beating, kicking up mother The badly decomposed body of Ray Holder of South Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, was found in Mahdia Tuesday. Relatives are now calling for an indepth investigation since they believe the man was murdered. The 22 year old miner went missing last Thursday last. His body washed ashore in the Potaro-Siparuni area, Mahdia. According to the mother of the deceased, Lalita Takoordyal, her suspicions are pointing to foul play in her son’s demise especially since she received the news through a bus driver who travels to Mahdia and not from her son’s employer. She explained that Holder left for the interior on Mashramani night (February, 23). “A bus driver tell we that he got a call from the people that he works with that they just find he body and they (were) going to bury him (on Tuesday) because he is badly decomposed…We ain’t get no other details about nothing else they just say that they bury he body.”
Lalita Takoordyal Adding that her son has been working with the dredge owner for over a year, the mother lamented that the owner of the dredge has her number. She said that “since the night her son left for the interior the “boss man called three times and told me to let Ray go to the bus driver that night for the man to carry him up in the bush.”
The father of the dead man, Aubrey Bobb said he visited the Eve-Leary Police Station and spoke to the divisional commander about his suspicions of foul play being involved in his son’s demise. Underscoring that the senior police told him that the body was badly decomposed, he said although police from Georgetown tried to stop the body from being buried pending a post mortem, the burial was done on Tuesday. “We told them the parents are suspicious about the circumstances under which Ray died and not to bury, but it was already done. We want the authorities to investigate properly since the owner of the dredge has to know something, since he never called out to relatives to report Ray missing.” “My son worked day and night for the owner of the dredge and was a trustee. Someone has to know what happened.” The father added that police would be taking him along with them on a flight come Monday to exhume the body.
A man who was previously jailed for constantly beating his mother and was remanded when he first appeared before the Magistrate on a similar charge has been jailed for repeatedly committing the act. Balram Pooran, of Albion High Reef, Corentyne, Berbice, was on Tuesday sentenced to three weeks in jail by Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo when he appeared before her at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s
court. He was answering a charge of assaulting his mother Regina Kellowan on February 27, last. The court was told that the accused came home under the influence of alcohol and met his mother lying in the hammock. He started to abuse her, however the woman ignored his volatile attack and continued to lie the hammock. Pooran then grabbed the woman by the hair and dragged her out of the
hammock then started to beat and kick her about her body. A report was made and the accused was arrested and charged. In court he pleaded guilty and was previously remanded. When asked by the magistrate what he had to say the man simply said, “I do not wish to say anything.” The court was told that the man is a regular beater of his mother. He was previously jailed for a similar offence.
Child, 10, sexually violated by stepfather - Grandmother calls for justice... The grandmother of a 10year-old child who was sexually violated by her stepfather last January believes that the police are dragging their feet on the matter and are pushing her around. The Good Hope, East Coast Demerara woman yesterday said that she is disappointed in the way the police are handling matters in this country. She explained that her granddaughter was living with her mother and her stepfather, and that some time in January last, the 10-yearold told her that she wanted
to move out from the home. “I questioned her and then she tell me that her stepfather put his penis in her mouth and he push his fingers in her vagina and when she tell her mother, her mother mocking her,” the disturbed grandmother stated. The woman explained that she took her granddaughter to make a report to the Vigilance Police Station. “The man was arrested and put on $100,000 station bail.” The worried grandmother stated that she would frequently visit the police station to find out what is
going on with the matter but the police are only telling her that the matter is with that Director of Public Prosecution. An official from the DPP’s office said, on Tuesday, that the office has received no such file. However, the police are adamant that a report was sent to the DPP’s office. The grandmother is now confused as to what really is going on with the matter. She is questioning whether her granddaughter will ever get justice. At the same time the man who is responsible for the act is roaming the streets, she added.
Three-year-old heart patient‘a survivor’ Little Mohamed Farad Ali, three, of Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, who underwent a heart surgery in India in January last, is currently recovering. At his age, Farad has been through a lot, but with the support of the Three Rivers Kids Foundation (TRKF) and his family, he was able to pull through. While he is to remain indoors for a while, Farad Ali is better than he ever was. According to Farad’s mother, Ramrattia Nagessar, Farad who was delivered at home by his father, was born with his fingernails blue. She said that this led to the discovery of him having a heart ailment. Prior to this,
Little Mohamed Farad Ali
he was being treated for asthma which he did not have. Nonetheless, Farad’s family was devastated. His surgery could not be facilitated here in Guyana. He needed to go to India. This is where the Three Rivers Kids’ Foundation, a Canada-based kids’ charity foundation, came into play. They assisted with a portion of the finances, while Farad’s relatives and the Ministry of Health provided the rest. With their support, Farad was able to undergo a successful surgery in India. Nagessar expressed gratitude to the doctors who operated on her son, the Head of the TRKF, Ms. Jeanette Singh and her family, for their sturdy support.
Vendor charged for assault Terrence Phil, a 47-yearold vendor from Lot 150 South Sophia was on Tuesday placed before the court to answer to charges of threatening behaviour and assault. Presiding over the matter was Magistrate Judy Latchman. Police reports revealed that on March 14, last, at Sherriff Street, Campbellville the defendant assaulted
Martin Agard following an argument. The matter was reported and the defendant was arrested. Agard had abrasions to the right side of his neck as a result of the conflict. It was also alleged that the marks were caused by a cutlass. In his defense Martin told the court, “Your worship, I didn’t threaten nobody. This
man hit my car bumper and when I come out he rush up to me and he (was) drunk. He was de one went back in he vehicle for a big wood fu lash me.” Phil was granted bail at $80,000 for the assault charge and $60,000 for the threatening behavior charge. He is scheduled to return to the Georgetown Magistrate’s court shortly.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 9
CHEDDI UNDERSTOOD POVERTY Three years ago there was a heart-warming story in the newspaper that Food for the Poor had constructed a small, not expensive or fancy, home for someone who was disabled. The home was constructed on land provided by the government. It was and has not been the only time that Food for the Poor has come to the rescue of the poor. Thanks to Food for the Poor that woman now has a roof over her head. She is the master of her own home. The vast majority of poor people do not ask for very much. The vast majority of the poor in Guyana really want a roof under which to live. As I have said, so many times in these columns, no person should go hungry in Guyana. There is always somewhere that people can turn to get a meal. The real problem of poverty is homelessness. This may be surprising, considering the vast number of house lots that the government has distributed. The bitter irony is that the homeless cannot afford to pay for these house lots much less to find money to put up even a shack. They are therefore left to find shelter on the streets. I am not hitting the government’s housing programme. I think it was one of the outstanding achievements of Cheddi
Jagan to have launched such a programme. Cheddi has allowed thousands of Guyanese to own their own home. True, a few hundred have taken advantage and have used the policy to accumulate real estate, something that I feel the government has not taken seriously. I have said before in these columns that if the government wanted to know if house lot applicants had previously owned property all they had to do was to ask the applicants to get a tax compliance. That person would know that the tax records would show whether they had ever done any transaction in relation to a property and if it was found that the Ministry of Housing was lied to, then stern action could have been taken. To add to the misery of the poor, private housing developers are selling lands at astronomical prices and this has caused the prices of property in general to be pushed beyond the reach of the poor. The poor have little chance of being able to purchase private lands and property and so their only resort has to be to the government. However, even the government is now offering land at prices outside of the pockets of the poor. I think we have reached the stage where we no longer need to increase the housing stock. What we should be
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo now thinking in fives Trent University announce that it got to give Jagdeo an honorary doctorate. Now this is a great honour because dem got people who study all dem life and never get a doctorate. Jagdeo get four already and this one gun be five. That is not ordinary. When de news buss out people clap but is then dem boys understand why he give five radio frequency to he best friend, to he nephew-in-law and to de party. De man get five doctor award suh he can only count in five when it come to things close to he. One fella seh that if he got to give away money he gun give away in fives. That is how de place that he got he buy fuh five thousand American dollars per acre. He sell land to dem Bajans at de five dollars per acre and he got five people close to he—Brazzy, Boyah, Barbie, Brian and Bee Kay. De Marriott gun cost five times ten American dollars; de Amaila Falls gun cost five times 160 American dollars. Dem boys seh that that is de good side. De One laptop per Family project involve five times 18,000 computers, and de cost is five times five million American dollars. One of de Bees always believe that nought don’t have value. This is the same man who seh that when Brazzy got to handle taxpayers’ money he don’t have a problem. Is by de millions and when he got to report to de nation he does always talk about the small cost. He would give away $100 million and believe that is only one dollar because he does convince everybody that nought don’t have value. Now dem boys know why all of dem rich and why people does sell dem house fuh tens of million dollars. And that is why Wid everything coming in fives dem boys seh that dem got to consider nuff things. When is time fuh go to jail de Bees got to think in terms of five. Some of dem gun get 50 years. De biggest Bee gun get 500 years. Talk half and think bout de five life sentence fuh dem crookish Bees.
doing is what Food for the Poor is doing. The government should set up schemes for the desperately poor. All the available lands should now be given to the poor. The government should put in infrastructure and then identify the poorest amongst the poor and give them the land cheaply or free. They should give priority to mothers with many children and then work with nongovernmental organizations to build low cost homes for these persons. In addition, the government should realize that in places such as Berbice there are hundreds of homes that are unoccupied because the owners have either gone abroad or have migrated to the city in search of jobs. The last census that was done in Guyana showed a very low population to building density in Berbice. I believe that if jobs are created in that area, a great many of the young people who have been forced to leave their villages in search
of jobs would return. With more jobs, people would go back home and the unoccupied buildings would be rented. It is therefore important that the government try to encourage job-creation in rural Guyana. They can do this in two main ways. Firstly, they can encourage industry in those areas by establishing industrial sites. Instead of GOINVEST sitting and waiting on investors to come forward, they should put together investment proposals and then try to find investors, be they local or foreign. Secondly, I think that the poor people of Guyana need land. If someone has been leased a great deal of land from the State and is not utilizing that land, then it should be repossessed and given to someone else who may be willing to work the land. There are many persons especially in the MMA scheme who have not paid their leases and these fees are a pittance when compared to
the potential earnings that can accrue from the land. I support the government reclaiming unutilized State land but giving it to persons with a demonstrated ability to find the capital and other resources to work the land. Cheddi Jagan had a dream about every Guyanese family owning their own home. He also publicly indicated that he would like to see farmers owning up to 100 acres of land. In these times that may be too much for a minimum land holding. I believe that for cash crop farmers ten-acre plots are good enough. I believe that for rice, farmers need in excess of one hundred acres to be viable and for cattle rearing, 33 acres is a good minimum. In Guyana we have a situation where some people have hundreds of acres and are not adequately utilizing it while some rice farmers are forced to subsist on as little as five acres. This is the sort of imbalance that must be corrected if we are going to help the poor.
If we give people the means to help themselves, many of them would not have to be running to Food for the Poor to build homes for them. They would be able with what they earn to build their own roofs over their heads. Cheddi would have been deeply grieved by policies which try to pull people out of poverty without reaching down to the poorest of the poor. He would have been disturbed that despite sharing out so many house lots, there are still families without a roof over their heads in Guyana. It is a pity that his concern for the poor in Guyana is unmatched now that he has departed from this world.
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Freddie Kissoon Column
Monday’s budget: Mundatory or mundungas? On Monday, the PPP Government will make the 2013 budget known to the nation. Will it be like a mundatory (sacred cloth use in cleaning the vessel used in Holy Communion) or mundungus, a stink-smelling tobacco? I can only offer my opinion. And in so doing I will use the history of the PPP since the rise of the Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo to guide me. There will not be anything sacred about the 2013 budget. On the contrary, it will be denounced as foul by the opposition and the 2012 scenario will be reproduced. All Guyanese will wait in agonizing suspension to see if there will be cuts as what happened last year or the APNU and the AFC fearing the Government will ignore the chopped sections, will vote down the estimates in their entirety. The removed items were restored. The government says that it has an opinion by the Chief Justice that points to the illegality of the removals last year. Mr. Christopher Ram told this columnist that this is a
preliminary ruling and not a formal court decision but in any case should have been challenged by the opposition. Why was it not? One suspects that both APNU and the AFC are relying on the Speaker’s judgement that the National Assembly has the power to regulate its own business. The opposition’s reliance on the Speaker’s selfproclamation is selfdestructive. The Government restored the list of curtailed estimates last year. What prevents the Finance Ministry from doing the same after Monday? The answer is that there is nothing in the world and Guyana that will stop the Ministry this year. And it will be done because the Government is treating the Chief Justice’s remark as a court decision. The opposition will have its credibility further damaged if it fumigates the most offensive sections of the mundungus and the Government picks them up, cleans them and restores them. So it is possible that we will have a parliamentary rejection of
the 2013 budget? To answer that question we have to choose between mandatory or mundungus. I choose the latter. Here is why. The PPP since Jagdeo (I do believe Mrs. Janet Jagan to a lesser extent but more so Cheddi Jagan would have been disposed to areas of compromise and concession with the opposition) have manifested incredible inflexibility in its approach to the exercise of power. The psychology of the Jagdeo regime which is carried over into the Ramotar presidency is driven by unrelenting confrontation. The PPP Government is psychologically handicapped in devising ways of relating to the opposition and other critical components of the Guyanese society. This bizarre mental flight shows up even in its relationship with stakeholders who though they are sympathetic to the PPP, may ask for some basic concessions that governments need to offer. For example, the PPP Government will not concede to reform of the Integrity Commission and the
establishment of the Procurement Commission as requested from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) because such a project was born out of a discussion the PSC had with the Transparency Institute. In the collective mind of the PPP, Transparency Institute is an anti government body that keeps carping on corruption. Since Mr. Jagdeo came to power, the cloth the PPP wore under its well-intentioned leader, Cheddi Jagan has been destroyed. The PPP lost its parliamentary majority in 2011 and will lose it again because Guyanese do not see the PPP as the party of Cheddi Jagan. Indians, its backbone, can no longer be convinced that what has t a k e n p l a c e u n d e r M r. Jagdeo and is happening
now is the stamp of Cheddi Jagan. On Monday, the PPP leadership through Dr Ashni Singh will table a budget that is devoid of opposition input. The PPP is so mentally destroyed that it cannot accept that modern politics is about give and take, trading and the game of you win some- you lose some. Inside the minds of those who control the PPP, once a concession is made, dominoes will start falling and the opposition will crowbar the door to power. Guyanese know this is nonsense and highly macabre. But this is the way the PPP thinks. The 2013 budget will not contain any serious idea put forward by APNU
Frederick Kissoon or AFC even though opposition suggestions were presented since last year. Even in the area of commonsense where the PPP could be made to look good, the PPP rejects those pathways. Imagine the courts had to compel them to pay compensation to a little boy the police tortured. My belief is that commonsense and dictatorship are antithetical
Alternative Medicine body reacts to ‘bogus’ herbalists ....says MoH must take some blame By Leon Suseran The Management Board of Guyana Association of Alternative Medicine (GAAM) has expressed its deep concern over the misconduct and malpractices of self-declared/ self-certified/ self-evaluated “herbalists”. The body was responding to reports on a particular herbalist based in Georgetown but who has an office now in Berbice. “(She) continues to endanger the health and lives of innocent people who are anxious to find remedies/cures for ailments that affect their health and well-being, which conventional medicine cannot adequately and successfully address.” “We are appalled at the cost of such treatment by these “herbalists” who continue to prey on unsuspecting victims, observing that there are no regulatory frameworks and mechanisms to control the practice of Guyanese traditional alternative and medicine”, the statement added. GAAM is therefore urging the Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, to seek to register all practitioners; access their credentials; provide a testing/certifying methodology to be certified; act as a “Self-regulatory Organization”; provide Members’ certificates/ Diplomas/Qualifications/etc. to the Ministry of Health; and ensure that Members adhere to a strict code of ethics, provide full disclosure of their
activities, are “certified by GAAM” and are censured by GAAM disciplinary committee. GAAM has already submitted its proposals to the Special Select Committee on the Allied Health Professions Bill- Bill#15 of 2009. Its President, Dr. Iamei Aowmathi, made an oral presentation on August 5, 2009 before the said Committee. To date, GAAM stated that it has not heard anything further on this matter. The legal and regulatory framework for “health professionals are in the twilight zone even as we continue to experience serious problems with the practice of “Herbalists”. “These infractions/ problems/etc could have been prevented had the necessary action to regulate the practice of herbal and alternative medicine with the professional assistance/ guidance of GAAM been implemented”, the body added. GAAM established the Guyana Association for Alternative Medicine Institute (GAAMI) in September, 2009 as its education and training arm. GAAMI is registered with the National Accreditation
Council Guyana, and works in partnership with Adult Education Association of Guyana. The School of Naturopathy of Zurich Switzerland, currently facilitates three alternative medicine programmes. “Shortly, GAAM will graduate the first batch of students who have successfully completed the Healing Practitioner’s Diploma. Among the registered professional members of GAAM are experienced alternative medicine practitioners Dr. Joseph Haynes, Dr. Egbert Peters and Dr. Iamei Aowmathi of the Bakja Health Movement which is the only In-Patient and Out-Patient Traditional and Alternative Medicine Health Clinic in Guyana and possibly in the Caribbean”. GAAM stated, too, that it stands ready to provide timely and relevant assistance to the Ministry of Health and its regulatory agencies to bring herbal and alternative medicine practitioners in line with the law. “Some of the blame for what is happening should be put at the door of the Ministry of Health which has consistently ignored the existence and work of GAAM over time,” it said.
QC raffle draw postponed The Queens College Parent- Teacher Association has postponed the drawing of its raffle which was scheduled to be drawn yesterday to Tuesday 30th April 2013. President of the Parent-Teacher Association, Fazil Azeez, said that the organisation regrets any inconvenience caused.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
UG looking to offer Masters in Public Cable instead of radio/TV... Brian Yong admitts Health – Health Sciences Dean he got more than he bargained for
In the quest to maintain a flagship status at the University of Guyana, the Faculty of Health Sciences is gearing to introduce its latest programme. This disclosure was recently made by Dean of the Faculty, Dr Emanuel Cummings. According to him, in 2014, the Faculty will be launching a Masters in Public Health programme. “We will be looking to admit all the health care professionals: nurses, doctors, pharmacists, medical technologists, dentists and everyone else.” The programme, he disclosed, is being done with the support of the Vanderbilt University in the United States, and will offer those enrolled an opportunity to significantly expand their horizons. With funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the programme will be added to the collection of outstanding programmes already being offered by the Faculty, according to the Dean. Commenting on the Bachelors of Nursing Programme already being offered by the Faculty too, Dr
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Emanuel Cummings Cummings said that he would also want to ensure that the nursing programme which was introduced in 2002 becomes as fully accredited as the medical programme. Since 2005, more than nine programmes have been established in medicine. “I want the development of nursing to go hand in hand with the development of medicine...I would want the nursing programme to ensure it becomes fully accredited
with the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine (CAAM) like the other programmes.” Earlier this month, Jamaica-based CAAM officials were scheduled to visit the University of Guyana with a view to reaccrediting the medical programme. The programme had received four years of full accreditation which expired October of last year, according to Dr Cummings. The CAAM officials, he disclosed, were not able to undertake the process before because a hurricane in Jamaica hindered their travel. “The folks couldn’t leave there to come here and so the new date was set for them to visit from March 11 to review the medical programme and it is more than likely, I am more than 90 per cent sure, that the programme will again be fully accredited once again,” said an optimistic Dr Cummings. “We want nursing also to follow in that footstep so that it can be fully accredited,” he added. Accreditation, according to Dr Cummings, simply allows for a programme to
attract students from other parts of the Caribbean thereby paving the way for what he described as “cross fertilisation.” “This is so we don’t have what Professor Harry Drayton would usually refer to as professional incest where you have the same people teaching the same people. Instead we can have persons from other parts in the Region so that they can come and there can be new ideas and make our programmes stronger and stronger,” His comments were forthcoming even as he publicly announced his plans to eventually demit the office of Dean. Dr Cummings has been Health Sciences Dean for the past 10 years and according to him “I no longer want to be Dean...and I think someone else has to take on that role.” However, he assured that his intent is certainly not to quit the educational institution. “Of course I want to be there, I don’t want to leave the University of Guyana. This is my second home; I have been here for over 20 years now and I don’t think I want to leave the University...” he added.
Military Deputy Commander of U.S. Southern Command visits Guyana
Vice Admiral Joseph D. Kernan meets President Donald Ramotar in the presence of US Ambassador Brent Hardt. Vice Admiral Joseph D. Kernan, the Deputy Commander of the U.S. Southern Command, arrived in Guyana yesterday for an official visit that will include meetings with senior defense and civilian leaders and bilateral security cooperation discussions. During his visit, Vice Admiral Kernan will meet with President Donald Ramotar; Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best; Leader of the Opposition David Granger; and CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque. He will explore with Guyanese and CARICOM officials, avenues to
strengthen security partnerships and enhance bilateral and regional security collaboration to combat illicit trafficking, respond to natural disasters, and advance a range of other shared security goals. According to the local US embassy, Vice Admiral Kernan‘s visit underscores the collaborative efforts and common goals the United States and Guyana share in regional security and disaster relief. The Guyana Defence Force, the U.S. Southern Command, and the Special Operations Command South conduct a range of military activities each year encompassing military operations, force readiness,
and mutual exchanges. Military cooperation between the United States and Guyana supports the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional partnership that seeks to enhance citizen security and counter transnational organized crime. Co-operation also includes humanitarian and civic assistance exercises, such as Continuing Promise and Fused Response, the hemisphere’s largest annual Special Operations exercise, which improved the interoperability of participating forces and increased their capacity to confront common threats. Guyana hosted Fused Response in 2012.
The U.S. Southern Command is one of six U.S. geographically-focused unified commands that conducts military operations and coordinates security cooperation with partner nations throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. A Navy Special Warfare expert, Admiral Kernan has also served on the Navy Staff, headquarters commands of the special operations forces community, and within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His flag officer commands include the Naval Special Warfare Command and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet.
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Brian Yong
Brian Yong, one of the persons favoured by former President Bharrat Jagdeo to receive a cable licence to operate his digital TV and satellite communications business, has now admitted that he got more than he asked for. In 1999, Yong applied for licences to establish a radio and television station. He never got a response on his application, but when he was ready to get into his digital business, he needed a licence. In a newspaper report yesterday,Yong said that he applied for radio and TV licences, but did not commit himself to saying that he did the same for a cable licence to operate his digital communications business. However, once he was ready to switch on, he was presented a licence by Jagdeo. That happened in December 2010. He was given frequencies on the 2.5 Gigahertz (GHz) band. In radio communications, Gigahertz (GHz) is used to define bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, with different bands assigned different uses. S-Band, for example, is a band of spectrum between 2 and 4 GHz. Common technologies such as television, Bluetooth, wireless internet, and cordless telephones operate in the S-Band. Yong is one of the persons who has admitted that he is a close friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. His company, Quark Communications Inc. and a number of others with close ties to the ruling party was singled out by former President Bharrat Jagdeo and
handed licences to conduct operations using airwaves. In the case of Quark, it was for the broadcasting packaged digital television programs, mainly from North America, to residents. There are indications now that he established his company even before his licence was approved by Jagdeo- an indication that he knew beforehand that he would receive positive news. Last week, under pressure from the Opposition, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), told the National Assembly that Jagdeo gave his best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop five radio frequencies; New Guyana Company Limited five, and Telcor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc another five. There have been widespread condemnations, of the allocations of the licences by local media bodies… the Guyana Press Association (GPA) and the Guyana Media Proprietors Association (GMPA). The licences have been a contentious issue with stakeholders, including Government and the opposition, agreeing that no new TV or radio licences would have issued before new legislations that included the establishment of an independent authority. The Broadcast Act was assented to in 2011 and government waited almost an entire year before packing the board mostly with senior party officials. The opposition and media bodies have since denounced the process used to issue the licences.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Some 5660 women accessed VIA services countrywide – Lead Medex GPHC Medex Lurlene Ramsundar, who is attached to the VIA clinic at GPHC, yesterday emphasized that cervical cancer is almost 100 percent preventable and in this regard, women between the ages of 20-49 are urged to do the screening. Ramsundar explained that there are some 18 sites across Guyana that offer the screening, so availability clinic should not be an issue. Ramsundar, who is attached at the Georgetown Public Hospital, but works with the Ministry of Health, says that on a daily basis some 35 to 40 women access the services at the VIA clinic in the Georgetown Public Hospital. She explained that Guyana has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer. She told Kaieteur News that having VIA in the country would not eradicate the cancer but would lessen the number of women who are affected by it. Ramsundar has been at the clinic since 2009 and she says that the clinic has treated thousands of women. She explained that they have the single visit approach with VIA, which is if they apply the vinegar and they test positive for cancer cells, treatment is available immediately. She said that from January 2012 to December 2012, a total of 5660 persons
accessed the 18 sites. A total of 574 persons had positive results and another 451 had treatment throughout Guyana. Forty-seven women, according to Ramsundar, were suspected to have cancer and they were all referred to the oncologist at the GPHC. At present she said that there are two doctors working with the women suspicious of cancer. Ramsundar explained that they usually work with women from age 25, but if the woman is younger and once she is sexually active for more than five years they would do the test. She explained that if a female is HIV positive the clinic would do the test also since she is more vulnerable to cervical cancer. She further told Kaieteur News that the clinic also does outreach programmes at schools, clinics and offices if they request it. Moreover, Ramsundar noted that the clinic is a health wellness institution that does inspection of the vagina, if there are warts or legions visible. If there is the need for further care they would be referred to a gynecologist. Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from cells originating in the cervix uteri. One of the most common symptoms of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but in some
cases there may be no obvious symptoms until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage. Treatment usually consists of surgery (including local excision) in early stages, and chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in more advanced stages of the disease. Cancer screening using the Pap smear can identify pre-cancerous and potentially precancerous changes in cervical cells and tissue. Treatment of highgrade changes can prevent the development of cancer in many victims. In developed countries, the widespread use of cervical screening programmes has dramatically reduced the incidence of invasive cervical cancer. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection appears to be a necessary factor in the development of almost all cases of cervical cancer. HPV vaccines effective against the two strains of this large family of viruses that currently is responsible for approximately 70 per cent of cases of cervical cancer have been licenced in the U.S, Canada, Australia, and the EU. Since the vaccines only cover some of the cancercausing (“high-risk”) types of HPV, women should seek regular Pap smear screening, even after vaccination.
HIV high on the agenda of Commission on Narcotic Drugs In wide-ranging opening remarks to the current session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Yury Fedotov placed HIV and drug use at the heart of the global agenda. “HIV transmission through injecting drug use continues to be one of the main unresolved challenges of the international community. Widespread stigma, discrimination and lack of access to evidenceinformed HIV services are among the key challenges,” he said. Addressing the gathering of more than 1,000 representatives of Member States and civil society, he suggested that despite “notable progress” in increasing access to HIV services for people who inject drugs, there is still a long way to go. In an apparent nod to the post-2015 development agenda Mr Fedotov put the challenge of the epidemic within the context of a health and rights-based prism: “[H]uman rights and public health considerations must be at the core of the international response to
drug use and HIV,” he maintained. The global challenge to this pressing issue has been gaining momentum. Through the June 2011 United Nations General Assembly Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, the world is committed to halving the number of drug users who acquire HIV by 2015. According to UNAIDS, harm reduction strategies are crucial to prevent new HIV infections among people who use drugs. A comprehensive, evidence-informed package requires: needle and syringe programmes, opioid substitution therapy, HIV testing and counselling, antiretroviral therapy and condom programmes for people who use drugs and their sexual partners. It also entails prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis and hepatitis as well as information, education and communication materials intended specifically for people who use drugs. This stigmatized population bears a very heavy burden of the virus, which is often transmitted through the use of unsterilized needles.
UNAIDS’ global report 2012 contains some sobering statistics. In 49 countries HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs is at least 22 times higher than among the population as a whole and in 11 countries their level of infection is more than 50 times higher. A 2008 global study showed that three million people were living with HIV. In several countries—notably in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, one of two regions where the number of new infections is increasing—the AIDS epidemic is being driven by unsafe injecting drug use. People who use drugs are much less likely to be reached by HIV-related services, such as testing. HIVpositive women who use drugs do not access programmes to prevent their children being born with the virus as often as other women. Surveys in capital cities reveal that drug users also report lower condom use than men who have sex with men or sex workers. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs is the United Nations central policymaking body mandated to deal with a broad range of drug-related issues.
Page 13
Freed murder accused to be charged for DUI Two years after being freed of the alleged murder of his wife, Bridgette, grass track champion rider, Dwarka ‘Dave’ Gangadin, is to be soon charged for Driving Under the Influence (of alcohol), following an accident on the Golden Grove Public Road, last Tuesday evening. A breathalyzer test done shortly after the accident which resulted in the injuries to pedal cyclist, 20-year-old Trevon Adams, revealed that the alcohol consumption of Gangadin was over the prescribed limit. Adams has been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with several injuries including fractured neck and foot. He also lost two teeth. His bicycle was broken in
half, while there is no sign of his BlackBerry phone, and an IPAD. Reports suggest that Adams was riding his bicycle on the Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara Public Road when he was hit by the speeding Canter truck driven by Gangadin. The young man had left his mother’s home in Golden Grove, and was reportedly heading to see his father’s place in neighbouring Nabaclis when the incident occurred. The man’s father, Charles Adams, shortly after the accident, told Kaieteur News that he was also heading to see his son in Golden Grove when a yellow Canter truck sped past him. The elder Adams said that he recalled thinking to himself that the
truck was going at a much too fast rate. However, it was only after turning at the “bend” of the road (between Golden Grove and Nabaclis) that he heard someone saying that the Canter truck had hit someone. “After I hear that, I just ride up li’l fuh see is what…but is then I see me son lying with he bicycle in the middle of the road.” After hitting Trevon Adams, the vehicle also slammed into the back of a parked minibus on the opposite lane of the road before ending up in a nearby barbershop. Police arrived at the scene shortly after, and prevented the driver of the truck from being further roughed up by eyewitnesses and other villagers of Golden Grove.
Page 14
Kaieteur News
Residents to undertake hinterland rice, bean project
Fifteen families will soon benefit directly from the Moco Moco rice and bean project in Region Nine. The 30 acres of land being prepared for rice cultivation will be divided equally among the families. This is according to General Manager of Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Jagnarine Singh, who also noted that 10 acres are being prepared for beans cultivation. The US$643,000
($128.6M) Hinterland Rice and Beans Project, which was developed in 2009 to promote food security in the Rupununi district is achieving its objective. The government collaborated with the Spanish Agency for International Corporation for Development to make this project a reality. Singh said that GRDB is exploring a new model where residents in Moco Moco will be directly responsible for the rice crop. But, they will
continue to be supported by the GRDB with the provision of technical support. As is usually done, the rice produced will be utilized in the district. The project was designed with the intention of being replicated in other hinterland communities in the Rupununi including at Karauaranau, Awarawaunau and Quarriadesigned to reduce residents’ dependency on food from other regions.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Soesdyke sawmill drug bust…
File still with DPP, suspects continue to report to authorities Almost a month later, sources at the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit said they are still awaiting the return of the file from the Director of Public Prosecution on the matter of the Soesdyke drug bust. Up to press time yesterday the ‘very thick’ file was still in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution. As it relates to the whereabouts of the suspects involved in what is considered Guyana’s second largest drug bust the source said the men are still being monitored. This publication was told that the men have been making themselves available to CANU officials every Monday and Friday. The unit feels that there is a strong case which will hold up against the suspects. The bust occurred at a sawmill on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway on February 19 last.
Approximately 314 kilograms (692 pounds) of the illegal drug were extracted from ‘lumber boxes’. Among those detained is a European national said to hold a senior position in the establishment. This publication was further informed that the drug shipment was headed for The Netherlands (Holland) – being shipped by Guyana Timber Products Inc. Reports are that various state agencies were involved in the probe which was allegedly initiated by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). According to information, the forestry agency had suspicions about the company’s lumber shipments after it repeatedly failed to adhere to policies. The drugs were found in a container which was said to have been cleared and was due for shipment. The GFC
reportedly insisted that a complete check be done of the containers in the presence of Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and CANU agents. Sources said that the timber company had experienced ups and downs with GFC after the latter had cited insolence on the part of the company in relation to adherence to rules and regulations. As a result some of the company’s shipments were denied at certain intervals. Three individuals were identified as being of major interest to the case; a Dutch national, Edgar Boesenach, of Coralita Avenue, Bel Air; a Guyanese, Raymond Ghani, local manager at the Soesdyke sawmill; and a second Guyanese man was also identified. They were all detained by CANU in the initial stages of the investigations.
Teacher jailed for 59 months on armed robbery charge
Magistrate Judy Latchman yesterday ruled that there is enough evidence against Calvin Sergeant, a teacher from 41 D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, for him to be convicted for a robbery under arms charge. Sergeant was charged with armed robbery as well as gun and ammunition possession. The robbery victim was Floyd Rawlins on August 15, last year. Sergeant was remanded to prison at his first court appearance by Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton on a charge that at Meadowbrook, Georgetown, while armed
Calvin Sergeant with a gun, Sergeant robbed Floyd Rawlins of a gold chain valued $200,000. It was also alleged that on the same day
he had in his possession a .38 revolver and five live rounds of .38 ammunition without a licence. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. However at yesterday’s summing up, Magistrate Latchman ruled that Sergeant, said to be a physics and chemistry teacher at the Business School, was found guilty. The accused was positively identified by the robbery victim, who had chased him down in his car. The unlicenced gun and ammunition were found in Sergeant’s pants’ waist by police after a search was conducted on his person.
Man claims he was brutalized for stealing A man who claimed that he was wrongfully accused, attacked and brutalized yesterday faced the court on simple larceny allegation. Delroy Harris, a 35-year-old labourer from Georgetown has been accused of stealing $10,000 from Keith Benjamin. Harris pleaded not guilty to the charge. In his defense he stated that the plaintiff wrongfully accused and beat him causing him several injuries. “This man and he boss and some other people beat me and break me hand. Dem tie me up like a guana; he kick me in mouth and so”. However the complainant claimed that the defendant sustained his injuries as he tried to escape. Benjamin told the court that Harris tried to
Delroy Harris
escape via a back fence and got injured when attempted to jump over the fence. “He fell and hurt himself”. But Harris protested that the medical report proved otherwise.
“I din do nothing and this man beat up and break me hand two time. I get injury all in ma face” Harris was granted bail at $20,000, and will return to court on April 17
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 15
Norway chose Guyana because of low deforestation levels - says Shyam Nokta By: Zena Henry Local government officials are insisting that Norway’s choice of Guyana in the multi-million-dollar cash for forest protection deal was based on Guyana’s High Forest Low Deforestation (HFLD) benefits. The officials said that the country was eminently qualified despite its growing international reputation as a country rife with corruption and despite the fact that the two nations barely had any diplomatic or other ties before a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed back in 2009. Head of the Climate Change Unit and Advisor to the President, Shyam Nokta, told Kaieteur News, “The Governments of Norway and Guyana have entered into what is now the world’s second largest Interim REDD+ scheme and the first national-scale effort, with Guyana being one of few countries in the world that is being paid for the climate services our forests provide;”Brazil and Indonesia being the only other two nations with similar schemes. Both Brazil and Indonesia, Nokta stated, are countries with historically high deforestation rates and therefore progress in such countries is essential if greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation are to be reduced. He charged that approximately 25 per cent of the world’s forest carbon can
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo
Norway’s former Environment and International Development Minister Erik Solheim
be found in HFLD countries, and Guyana is one of those. The international community, Nokta continued, agreed that models are needed to avoid deforestation in HFLD countries to prevent “leakage” from neighbour countries. In “The Joint Concept Note (JCN) between Guyana and Norway, both countries emphasized the importance of having functioning REDD+ schemes in countries such as Guyana.” Nokta said, “Guyana is unique in that former President Bharrat Jagdeo set out a vision whereby Guyana did not just aim to keep deforestation low, but a low carbon economy was envisioned where payments received would be invested in clean energy, Amerindian peoples development, assistance for vulnerable groups and other areas
outlined in the LCDS which would help to address livelihood opportunities for Guyanese, protect and maintain forests, and build resilience to climate change.” He added that so far, Guyana has earned US$115 million in payments for forest climate services through the Norway partnership and the payments, along with national and other sources of financing are being channeled to implement projects outlined in the LCDS. The Norway partnership has incredibly high ambitions “to create a model for the world on how we can align national development and combat climate change. In the process of building this REDD+ model we are breaking new ground,” Nokta opined. “Our partnership remains strong and both
Soesdyke children murder PI
Sister wraps up evidence against her brother Yesterday the Preliminary Inquiry into the slaying of three Soesdyke children continued at the Providence Magistrates’ Court. The children’s father, John Blanchard, has been charged with the murder of the three children, Belika, Joy and Daniel Blanchard. During yesterday’s hearing Blanchard’s sister, Cheryl Blanchard-Cameron, took to the witness stand. Having had her say in the witness stand, the woman was called to sign her statement after it was carefully read to her by the presiding Magistrate Leslie Sobers. The Magistrate then asked the accused if he had any questions for the witness but he declined. Another witness was called but was not present.
The Police Prosecutor, Shellon Daniels then informed the Magistrate that she will make every effort to get the other witness on the next occasion. The matter was adjourned to April 4. On October 11, 2011, Blanchard was detained for chopping his three young children. Belika Blanchard and her five-year-old brother Daniel Blanchard died instantly. Six-year-old Joy Blanchard subsequently succumbed to her injuries in hospital. The family resided at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, and according to reports, at the time of the incident, the children’s mother had left for the interior where she sought a better job. It is alleged that the chopping incident stemmed from a phone conversation
Blanchard allegedly had with the woman moments earlier. Blanchard, who sold clothing to sustain his family, had reportedly been experiencing difficulty with his companion. The two had allegedly spilt up with the woman leaving the children behind. It was indicated that Blanchard had sought the support of his younger sister on the night of the incident. She claimed that Blanchard had tried to contact her but was unable to do so. The death of the children had sparked nationwide interest and outrage. Blanchard was attacked twice while in police custody. The man had been beaten severely by fellow inmates who sought to teach the alleged “child murderer” a lesson.
Head of the Climate Change Unit, Shyam Nokta. partners remain committed to building a REDD+ model that we hope can help to influence how the world addresses the issue of forests and climate change.” An article dated March 14, last, by a Norwegian writer, Chris Lang, however raised eyebrows and prompted a Government response when he expressed his oblivion as to how Guyana was chosen for the US multi-million dollar climate project given Guyana and Norway’s non- relation atmosphere and Guyana’s international reputation of being corrupt. Lang, through redd-
monitor.org., argued that, “Guyana is a very corrupt country, ranking 133rd in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2012. Yet Norway has no one in the country to monitor where its REDD aid is going. In a 2012 article in Development Today, Lars Løvold of Rainforest Foundation Norway argued that Norway should have chosen the vast forests of the Congo Basin instead of Guyana.” The article’s context said that Heidi Bjørkto Bade, a student at the University of Oslo, completed a case study of the Norway-Guyana REDD+ partnership under the title, “Aid in a rush” and described the NorwayGuyana partnership as “both surprising and groundbreaking, given that Norway has minimal knowledge about Guyana and no former official presence. Her conclusion on why Guyana was chosen by the Scandinavian nation, Bade charged, “Was a political one, made, to a large extent by Erik Solheim, Norway’s then-Minister of both Environment and International Development.” She said that Norway’s Freedom of Information legislation enabled her to get some information, but many of the documents she asked for, “have been classified as
‘exempted from the public,’” especially documents about on-going processes. She however said that Jagdeo “played a key role in pushing for the deal with Norway,” while, “officials in Norway told Bade that Jagdeo, to a large extent, still governs from behind the scenes.” The former President somehow seemed to be a charmer; being able to persuade Norwegian officials into filling the nation’s pockets for its forest services, since according to Bade’s report, Solheim’s comments on Jagdeo were that “he invoked confidence, there was no doubt that he meant what he said.” Norwegian stallholders have however viewed Norway’s move towards Guyana as being “quite naive”, while another official described the partnership as “bad aid”. Solheim said,”Guyana is among the most corrupt countries in the world. Jagdeo was steering it like his own farm. They don’t even have a law for public procurements!” Under the Interim REDD+ arrangement, Guyana can earn up to US$250M by 2015. For this, former President Jagdeo was awarded the United Nations prize of Champions of the Earth for what was described as his leadership in environmental conservation.
Page 16
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Woman claims a female Doctor charged with letting ferocious dog be at large officer forced her to drop charges against her “abusive husband” Dog biting saga...
The doctor whose dog on Sunday evening mauled a 10year-old schoolgirl causing her to be hospitalised in a serious condition at the New Amsterdam hospital has been charged. Dr Roy Nankumar, 58, a dentist of 336 Sookhu Street, Number Two Village, East Canje, Berbice appeared before Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with causing a ferocious dog in rabid state to be at large. The doctor is accused of being the owner of a ferocious unmuzzled dog, which he caused to be at large resulting in the dog biting Amanda Phillips of Sookhu
Street thus causing injuries to the child. In court he pleaded not guilty and was sent away on his own reconnaissance. The matter has been transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s court where it will be heard again on May 10. According to reports the child, in company with her brother, was going to the shop to purchase some eggs for her mother when the dog scaled a fence and attacked her. Residents had complained that the dog, a pitbull would usually jump the low fence and rush at persons passing. They stated that they have
constantly complained to the doctor to secure his animal and to raise his fence all to no avail. An eyewitness had told the media that he was at home on his verandah about 19:45 hrs when he noticed the girl passing through the street with a bag and a torch light in her hands when she was attacked by the ferocious dog which threw her to the ground and held on to her head. He stated that neighbours quickly rushed to the scene. However, their many shouts and efforts with sticks and other materials were not enough to ward or release the girl from the grasp of the dog. Another resident was forced to chop the animal.
Amanda Phillips The entire torment lasted for about 15 minutes. The doctor is being represented by Attorney at law Rabindranauth Singh.
Michael Azore, 34, was on Tuesday faced with the charge of common assault to his common law wife, Alicia Persaud. The allegations were read to the defendant by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. To the allegations, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Police reports revealed that on March 16 , at 22 Yarrow Dam , the couple was arguing. Azore slapped Persaud twice to her face .It was also noted that this was a habit of the defendant whenever he quarreled with his wife . The matter was reported to Ruimveldt police station and Azore was arrested, cautioned and charged for the offense. However when Persaud was asked to give her remarks on the matter she stated “your
worship I wish to end the matter; just give him a warning.” Just when the court thought this matter would have been dismissed due t o t h e c o m p l a i n a n t ’s refusal to give evidence, there came a serious twist to the event. When she was asked to take the stand, Prosecutor Bentham asked her if anyone forced her to make this decision and she said “yes. A police officer from Ruimveldt station forced me to drop the charges. But me ain’t know she name.” Immediately, Magistrate Judy Latchman ordered an investigation to determine the truth of this new allegation brought before the court. The defendant was subsequently remanded to prison until the next court date scheduled for April 15.
GPL spends US$225M within seven years for service provision
Through government financing, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) said at a media engagement on Tuesday, that it has invested almost US$225M into the provision of electricity in the past seven years. Chairman of the GPL board, Winston Brassington, said that from 2006 to 2012, the funding has been facilitated at a three percent rate by PetroCaribe Facility, China ImportExport Bank (CHEMIX) and the Inter-Developmental Bank (IDB). In improving service provision, Brassington said that US$18M of the funds was placed into generation which included investments to strengthen GPL’s Wartsila ability. Wartsila plants will be increased from 40 megawatts in Demerara to 105 megawatts, a capacity the chairman said, that would be achieved towards year end following the completion of the Vreed-en-Hoop plant. Additionally, Brassington said that before the year is out, Berbice would be integrated into the Demerara grid as part of the new
GPL Chairman Winston Brassington investments, with seven new sub-stations being built. Brassington related that transmission and distribution also accounted for US$13B of GPL’s investments, while $1.8B was further invested into metering. For last year alone, it was revealed that at least US$50M was invested in GPL, while 2009 saw the largest sum being invested in capital expenditure. From 2012, GPL statistics showed that GPL had been getting money from elsewhere apart from the IDB, the government and self generated funds.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 17
Page 18
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Venezuela halts communication with US diplomat
Elias Jaua CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela has halted communication with a top U.S. diplomat in the wake of President Hugo Chavez’s death, hardening its anti-U.S. stance ahead of an election next month. Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said Wednesday that “any type of contact has been postponed” with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson, who had reportedly reached out to Venezuela’s government before Chavez’s death. Jaua specified, however,
that diplomatic and consular relations would remain between the two countries. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas had not responded to a request for comment as of Wednesday afternoon. Venezuela’s government expelled two military attaches this month for allegedly talking to members of the country’s armed forces. Washington responded by ejecting two Venezuelan diplomats, who were honored by Jaua Wednesday. The two countries haven’t had ambassadors posted in each other’s capitals since 2010. Ahead of an April 14 presidential vote, Venezuelan officials have repeatedly warned the U.S. to not interfere in the country’s affairs. Acting leader and government candidate Nicolas Maduro has even accused the U.S. of infecting Chavez with the cancer that killed him and of working with opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. At the same time, Maduro has said former U.S. officials are plotting to kill Capriles in the hopes of fomenting a
coup. The U.S. State Department has rejected that accusation while calling for free and fair elections. On Wednesday, Jaua accused two former U.S. assistant secretaries of state of seeking Central American mercenaries to carry out the supposed assassination plot. “Hopefully there will be a rectification and the meddling of the United States will cease,” Jaua said. Wednesday’s action and the growing accusations mark “a level of paranoia that is very much on the rise,” said Cynthia Arnson, director of the Latin American Program at the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Chavez often used antiU.S. attacks to bolster domestic backing. He was fond of calling the United States “the empire” and famously referred to President George W. Bush as the “devil” at a U.N. General Assembly meeting. U.S. officials did recognize the replacement government that took control after Chavez was ousted briefly in a 2002 coup.
Page 19
Myrie’s permission for B’dos visit was revoked after story mix-up BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Caribbean Court of Justice heard yesterday that Jamaican Shanique Myrie was actually cleared to enter Barbados when she first arrived in the country two years ago. But that clearance was cancelled moments later, after it was determined by Immigration Department officials at the Grantley Adams International Airport that Myrie had misrepresented information regarding who would be hosting her during her 15-day stay in Barbados. Senior Immigration Officer Merlo Reid made the revelation yesterday as Myrie’s discrimination case against the Government of Barbados entered its third day in Bridgetown. Myrie is claiming she was discriminated against on her arrival to Barbados March 14, 2011, and that she was subjected to a humiliating body-cavity search before being detained and deported back to Jamaica the next day. Reid, an Immigration Officer for 32 years, and a supervisor for the last six, informed the seven-judge
Shanique Myrie panel that after Myrie was referred to him by junior officer Alicia Young, he interviewed her for about five minutes, and she was granted a 30-day stay in Barbados. “I was satisfied with what she had presented to me,” Reid said during cross-examination by Myrie’s attorney Michelle A Brown. Reid said, during the initial interview, Myrie informed him that she had known her host Pamela Clarke for about two years, had met her over the internet, and had remained in contact with the Barbadian woman about twice weekly during the period.
“I believed her. She came across as believable,” Reid said, noting that after stamping Myrie’s passport with the 30-day stamp, he ushered her back into the Immigration Department’s secondary waiting room. He testified that he then informed police constable Everton Gittens of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s Drug Squad that he had completed interviewing Myrie and had “cleared” her to enter Barbados. Reid said Gittens had previously indicated that he wanted to interview the Jamaican woman, but didn’t indicate why. Reid testified that things changed dramatically moments later when Gittens informed him he had also interviewed Myrie. Reid said the policeman then passed on certain information to him and he conducted a second interview with Myrie. Reid said that Gittens informed him that during the policeman’s interview, he (Gittens) had come to understand that Myrie was not in fact staying with Pamela Clarke as had been previously indicated.
Page 20
Kaieteur News
Government pleased with response to development of multi-million dollar economic zone KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The Jamaica government says it is pleased with the overwhelming response to its offer to develop the Caymanas Economic Zone which is one of several components of the Global Logistics Hub project aimed at taking advantage of the anticipated increase in maritime activities from the widening of the Panama Canal. Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Anthony Hylton, said the reaction to
the first offer is such that the Portia Simpson Miller government can go ahead with the multi-million dollar project. “The response has come from all over the world and is at a level that we don’t need to re-tender. What we have on the table is sufficiently exciting that we need to just proceed to get it done,” Hylton said, adding that the tremendous response confirms that “we have a world class project that everybody is interested in”.
Hylton said that Jamaican investors were among the bidders who are being evaluated and that he expects that the results from the bids would be announced within the next two weeks. Work on the project will begin in May and the government said the Caymanas Economic Zone will operate as a multi-use facility catering to the Information Communication Technology (ICT), manufacturing, and agroprocessing sectors.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Former premier charged with abuse of office, theft Former premier of the Cayman Islands McKeeva Bush was yesterday charged with two counts of Misconduct in a Public Office, four counts of Breach of Trust by a member of the Legislative Assembly (contrary to S.13 of the Anti-Corruption Law 2008), and five counts of Theft (contrary to S.241 of the Penal Code 2007 Revision). Mr Bush is scheduled to appear in Grand Court on 12 April and remains on bail.
The charges are another step in a long-running corruption investigation into the former premier, who represents the district of West Bay in the Legislative Assembly. On 11 December 2012, Mr Bush was arrested on suspicion of theft, in connection with financial irregularities relating to the al l e g e d m i s u s e o f a government credit card and Breach of Trust, Abuse of office and Conflict of interest, contrary to S13, S17 and S19 of the Anti-Corruption Law 2008 respectively, in connection with the alleged importation of explosive substances without valid permits on or before February 2012. He has been on bail since his arrest. Following his arrest, a majority of his Legislative
McKeeva Bush Assembly colleagues, including members of his own United Democratic Party, voted to remove him as premier. Mr Bush’s charges come in the midst of a general election campaign, as voters in the Cayman Islands prepare to go to the polls on 22 May. (Cayman NewNews)
Crime and regional transportation affecting Caribbean trade
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - As members of the Region’s private sector gather in Barbados to examine challenges to Caribbean exports, the problems surrounding air transportation and the proliferation of Crime have been highlighted as being among the more serious challenges to regional trade. The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in his address to the Caribbean Exporters’ Colloquium that opened here on Wednesday, pointed out that high crime levels which are affecting several Caribbean countries are not only a deterrent to visitors, but serve also as a disincentive to potential investors. Dr. Gonsalves pointed to the high rate of crime in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, which he said, was an hindrance to investment opportunities as criminal activities serve to escalate the security costs of doing business. “If you can’t work a late shift, if the business has to have extra security, if skilled people don’t want to come to work because they feel they can go somewhere else where they are safe, we are in trouble. A citizen’s security is vital women and men have to go home after late shifts. I know it affects people at an individual level” On the matter of regional air transportation, Gonsalves
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who has responsibility for air transportation in the CARICOM quasi Cabinet, again pointed to the need for a resolution in the matter of the competition between LIAT and Caribbean Airlines. “ Ye s t h e r e i s n e e d t o address matters such as energy costs, fuel and we need to address the subsidy which CAL (Caribbean Airlines) is g e t t i n g a n d competing with LIAT in the same space, the same single economic space. It seems that whoever you put in charge of CAL, something happens to them, the logic as to how we should work together is clear.” “I don’t understand why we are in the position that we are, we ought not to have these problems,” he said, pointing out that regional governments all have the capacity to do better.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 21
Civil servants warn of World Bank suspends escalating strike action funds to Grenada CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – The St. Lucia government yesterday expressed its “most sincere gratitude and appreciation” to civil servants who have defied strike action by their colleagues over demands for increased salaries and have turned out to work. In a statement, the Kenny Anthony administration said that their selfless actions have ensured that vital governmental services to the general public have not been compromised and that it was not also obligated to pay workers who stayed away from their jobs. “The Government of St. Lucia also thanks the members of the public for their patience and understanding during this period and implores their continued cooperation until such time that all public officers are back at work. The government will continue to keep its doors open for dialogue with the Civil Service Association,” the statement said. But the civil servants warned they were prepared to
escalate their industrial action if reports that the government has started paying salary increases to other public servants who have accepted a four per cent wage hike with other conditions. The civil servants voted over the weekend to stay away from their jobs after rejecting the latest offer of four per cent and a package of other benefits that had been accepted by police, teachers, firemen and nurses, all of whom are members of the Trade Union Federation (TUF) that groups the public service unions. The civil servants are insisting on a 9.5 per cent wage hike for the 2010-13 period that the Anthony government said it cannot meet. In its statement, the government said that measures have been put in place to guarantee that all government departments continue to remain open and provide satisfactory levels of service to our many citizens and clients who utilise these services. “Government recognizes
the rights, as enshrined in our laws, of all employees and their unions to engage in lawful industrial relations practices to advance their interests. “However, employees must be mindful of the fact that our laws also remove the obligation on the part of the employer to remunerate an employee for services that the employee does not render during a strike or lockout.” The government said it was drawing the workers attention to these provisions “to clarify and correct the misimpression that has been stated elsewhere and to remove any doubts which may exist. It is a fundamental principle that is enshrined in the term “no work, no pay.” “Finally, government reiterates its call to the public officers who have engaged in industrial action to consider the wider national interest, particularly in these challenging economic times, as their actions will be to the long term detriment of our country and people,” the statement added.
St. George’s Grenada — The World Bank says no new loans will be issued to Grenada unless the country makes good on seven overdue payments amounting to about three quarters of a million US dollars. The payments, ranging from over US five thousand dollars to more than US 317 thousand dollars, were due on the 15 of February, four days before the last General Elections. The World Bank has written to reelected Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell saying failure to make the loan payments on time is hampering its ability to assist other member countries. “As of today, March 18, 2013, we have not been advised by our Depository Banks that the payments cited above have been paid into our accounts,” said the Bank in a letter to Prime Minister Mitchell. “Our ability to mobilize resources for the benefit of our member countries depends critically on the
Dr. Keith Mitchell punctual servicing of loan and credits. For this reason, we insist on settlement of all payments when they fall due.” The loans, covering projects such as Disaster Management, OECS Education, Skills for inclusive growth and Hurricane Ivan recovery, also include separate overdue amounts of more the US six thousand dollars, US 17 thousand, US 20 thousands, US 95 thousand, and US 255
thousands. The Washington based institution told the new Government that it has been forced to take this action since the seven payments which should have been made on the 15th of February, under the Tillman Thomas NDC Administration, are more than 30 days overdue. The World Bank’s action against Grenada comes on the heels of similar decisions taken against the Grenada Government in recent months reflecting concerns about the general management of the local economy. The Kuwaiti fund suspended disbursement to the island after the Government fell behind on payments to existing loans, and last December Standard and Poors lowered its credit rating on the Caribbean Development Bank blaming CDB’s Public-sector loan portfolio. Standard and Poors said one government borrower, known to be Grenada, is more than 180 days in arrears to CDB on interest and principal.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
Egypt: Judges recommend Brotherhood’s dissolution CAIRO (AP) — A panel of judges yesterday recommended the dissolution of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group from which President Mohammed Morsi hails, arguing it has no legal status. The recommendation is not binding, but is significant given charges by the opposition that the Brotherhood’s leadership is the real power behind Morsi. The president and Brotherhood have repeatedly denied the charge. The recommendation was made to a high administrative court that is expected to rule later this month on the Brotherhood’s legitimacy. The judges’ panel, which was providing an advisory opinion to the court, said that the organization does not have a proper legal status. The Brotherhood’s legal status has for years been caught up in multiple court cases. Formed in 1928, it was dissolved in 1954 by military rulers. Despite the ban, it grew into Egypt’s most organized and widespread political force, with authorities alternating between tolerance
Mohammed Morsi of its activities and fierce crackdowns on it. The ban on it was lifted by the ruling military after the fall of autocrat Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. It then formed a political party that went on to dominate parliamentary elections. Morsi, a Brotherhood veteran, was the party leader until he was elected president in June last year and he formally left the party. In response to the judges’ recommendation, the Brotherhood’s legal adviser said yesterday that the group registered with authorities
earlier this year and planned to do so again when parliament adopts new legislation regulating the work of NGOs. All nongovernmental organizations are required to register with the government. “We never publicized that we registered the group because that does not add or take away anything,” AbdelMoneim Abdel-Maqsoud, the legal adviser, told Al-Jazeera television. It is unclear why the group did not publicize previously that it has been registered when it is accused almost daily of being an illegal organization, and there was no independent confirmation that the Brotherhood was registered. Mubarak-era laws governing NGOs still in effect bar them from many political activities, including backing a political party through advocacy or funding, and include requirements for reporting the NGO’s finances. The Brotherhood says its political arm — the Freedom and Justice Party — is organizationally separate from the group.
Thursday March 21, 2013
In Israel, Obama warns Syria on chemical weapons
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) is greeted by Israel’s President Shimon Peres after landing at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv yesterday. REUTERS/Darren Whiteside JERUSALEM (Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama pledged yesterday to hold Syria to account if it used chemical weapons and reassured Israel of U.S. resolve against Iran as he tried to allay the security fears of the main U.S. ally in the Middle East.Obama, visiting Israel for the first time as president and seeking to bolster his image among Israelis, said he had asked for an investigation to determine if chemical weapons had been unleashed in Syria as has been alleged. Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he has had rocky relations,
Obama expressed skepticism that Syrian rebels had launched chemical weapons and said there would be retaliation if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had used them. “We have been clear that the use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people would be a serious and tragic mistake,” Obama said at a news conference in Jerusalem with Netanyahu. “The Assad regime must understand that they will be held accountable for the use of chemical weapons or their transfer to terrorists,” he said. Obama also expressed a desire for a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian talks but
brought no new proposals and made no mention of Israeli settlement-building, a main factor behind the collapse of the U.S.sponsored negotiations in 2010. He said he wanted to hear from each side before determining a way forward. He meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah today. Much of Obama’s threeday visit to Israel is aimed at resetting relations with a valued ally that became offended during Obama’s first term when he pressured Netanyahu to halt settlement construction and did not visit the Jewish state.
Britain’s growth halved, Osborne turns to Bank of England for help
(Reuters) - Chancellor George Osborne turned to the Bank of England yesterday to help galvanise a stagnant economy which he said would grow this year at just half the rate previously expected. In his annual budget speech to parliament, Osborne stuck to his austerity drive in the face of intense calls for a change of course, but said monetary policy could do more to help Britain get out of its rut of near-zero economic growth. The central bank’s inflation target would remain at 2 percent a year, but that was not enough on its own, he said. “As we’ve seen over the last five years, low and stable inflation is a necessary but not sufficient condition for prosperity,” Osborne said to
George Osborne jeers from the Labour, which wants more spending to help growth. Osborne said UK economy was now expected to grow 0.6 percent this year,
half the rate predicted just three months ago. “It is taking longer than anyone hoped, but we must hold to the right track” he said. Britain’s meagre growth projection is better than that for the euro zone which is expected by many to contract this year. But it pales against other countries including the United States, which is seen growing closer to 2 percent over the year. After a slump in opinion polls, Osborne and Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron are hoping for a recovery before they fight for re-election in two years time. Britain’s economy may already be back in a recession again after a contraction in the fourth quarter of last year, while rising inflation is hurting households.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 23
ICC prosecutor says Kenyatta Canadian and U.S. natives vow to block oil pipelines case will go to trial PARIS (Reuters) - The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) said yesterday that Kenya president-elect Uhuru Kenyatta would face a trial on charges of crimes against humanity but when that would happen was unknown. Kenyatta, whose election earlier this month is being challenged by his rival, faces charges at the ICC over bloodshed in the aftermath of Kenya’s 2007 election. However, his lawyers said on Monday that the charges against him should be dropped after the case against a co-accused collapsed when an important witness’s testimony was retracted. “We will not drop the charges,” prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told reporters in Paris. “It’s not a question of if it goes to trial but when it goes to trial.” Bensouda said she was worried that bribery, intimidation and the Kenyan government’s lack of cooperation seen in other cases could also impact the Kenyatta case.
“We still have difficulties with witness intimidation. This is ongoing,” she told Reuters. “It’s not stopping and I think it will get more serious.” Kenyatta’s lawyers said the charges against him were clearly now based on hearsay after the witness retracted testimony in the case against former civil servant Francis Muthaura. Kenyatta and Muthaura were among six suspects initially charged by ICC prosecutors with
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Both sides in Syria’s conflict yesterday demanded an international inquiry into a deadly attack they each cite as evidence that the other has used chemical weapons. The deaths of 26 people in a rocket attack on a northern town on Tuesday have become the focus of a propaganda war between President Bashar al-Assad’s supporters and opponents, who accuse each other of firing a missile laden with chemicals. The United States and Russia, which back opposing sides in Syria, took contrasting views of the strike on Khan al-Assal, near Aleppo, which, if confirmed, would be the first use of chemical weapons in the twoyear-old conflict and could step up pressure for foreign military intervention.
Robert Ford, the U.S. ambassador to Damascus who left Syria more than a year ago, said his government had no evidence so far to substantiate reports that chemical weapons munitions had been used in Syria on Tuesday. “But I want to underline that we are looking very carefully at these reports,” he told a House of Representatives hearing. Ford warned of unspecified consequences for Assad’s government if it were found to be using chemical weapons. Washington, which says Assad must be removed from power, has so far shunned direct military intervention in Syria. Russia initially backed the Syrian government’s version, issuing a statement on Tuesday, expressing
Uhuru Kenyatta
orchestrating violence after the 2007 election, when some 1,200 people were killed. “Kenya is the most challenging situation that our office has had to deal with,” Bensouda said. When asked if the Kenyatta case could ultimately be in jeopardy due to bribes and intimidation she said: “We have a real risk of our witnesses being afraid to speak up and have anything to do with the ICC.” However, Bensouda said that unlike the Muthaura case, the ICC had more witnesses willing to testify against Kenyatta. “We continue to monitor our witnesses all the time,” she said. She added that the Kenyan authorities also were not cooperating sufficiently by providing only irrelevant documentation for cases. “What the Kenyan government is claiming is that it has given us everything we have requested, but that’s not correct. If you ask for 10 things you get four and they are not so relevant,” she said.
Syrian enemies demand inquiry into “chemical” attack
Senate approves funding bill to avert government shutdown (Reuters) - The Senate yesterday approved a bill to avert a government shutdown next week by keeping agencies and discretionary programs funded through the fiscal year ending on September 30. The measure, approved by a 73-26 vote, must go back
to the House of Representatives for final approval. It keeps in place $85 billion in automatic spending cuts, but it offers the military and some domestic agencies more flexibility to shift funds within these reduced budgets to higher-priority programs.
extreme concern about “the use by the armed opposition of chemical weapons”. But on Wednesday, Moscow’s line had softened. “There is no unequivocal evidence on this account yet,” Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said on Twitter.
Demonstrators carry a replica of a pipeline during a march against the Keystone XL pipeline in Washington, February 17, 2013. REUTERS/Richard Clement OTTAWA (Reuters) - An alliance of Canadian and U.S. aboriginal groups vowed yesterday to block three multibillion-dollar oil pipelines that are planned to transport oil from the Alberta tar sands, saying they are prepared to take physical action to stop them. The Canadian government, faced with falling revenues due to pipeline bottlenecks and a glut that has cut the price for Alberta oil, say the projects are a national priority and will help diversify exports away from the U.S. market. But the alliance of 10 native bands - all of whose territories are either near the crude-rich tar sands or on the proposed pipeline routes -
complain Ottawa and Washington are ignoring their rights. They also say building the pipelines would boost carbon-intensive oil sands production and therefore speed up the pace of climate change. “Indigenous people are coming together with many, many allies across the United States and Canada, and we will not allow these pipelines to cross our territories,” said Phil Lane Jr, a hereditary chief from the Ihanktonwan Dakota in the state of South Dakota. “Along with every single legal thing that can be done, there is direct action going on now to plan how to physically stop the pipelines,” he told a news
conference in Ottawa. The pipeline projects in question are: * TransCanada Corp’s Keystone XL to Texas, which is awaiting approval from Washington * Enbridge Inc’s Northern Gateway to the Pacific Coast, which if built will help export oil to China * Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP’s plans to more than double the capacity of its existing Trans Mountain pipeline to Vancouver Some Canadian aboriginal bands briefly blockaded roads and rail lines in January as part of a national protest dubbed “Idle No More” against the poor living conditions that many natives endure.
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Nuclear states divided on India joining export control group VIENNA (Reuters) - The United States and three other big powers this week argued for allowing nuclear-armed India into an atomic export control group, but China and several European states appeared doubtful about the move, diplomats said yesterday. They said the divisions were in evidence during closed-door talks of the 46nation Nuclear Suppliers Group on the sensitive issue of whether India could join and become the NSG’s only member that is outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The United States, France, Britain and Russia were among those which backed membership for India - Asia’s third-largest economy - while smaller European states such as Ireland, the Netherlands and Switzerland had reservations, the envoys said. China stressed the need for equal treatment in South Asia, an apparent reference to its ally Pakistan which is also outside the NPT and has also tested atomic bombs, they said. One diplomat said Japan also appeared
lukewarm on the idea. The tone of Monday’s informal debate in Vienna suggested that the controversial issue will not be ready for a decision at the NSG’s next annual plenary session, to be held in the Czech capital of Prague in June. NSG decisions are made by consensus. “There are several countries in each camp. I’m not sure how it can be moved forward,” another envoy said. But another envoy said that while “a number of countries have continued doubts” they did not categorically rule out that India, which has yet to apply, could eventually become a member. The NSG - which includes the United States, Russia, China, European Union countries and some others is a cartel that tries to ensure that civilian nuclear exports are not diverted for military purposes. In 2010, Washington announced backing for India joining. But Pakistan - which has been trying to move closer to Asian powerhouse China as Islamabad’s ties with
Washington have suffered has warned against allowing its rival into the NSG. India and Pakistan - which have fought three wars - have both refused to sign the 189nation NPT, which would oblige them to scrap nuclear weapons. Close relations between China and Pakistan reflect a long-standing shared wariness of their common neighbor, India, and a desire to counter U.S. influence across the region. Those for India joining say it is better if the country is inside than outside the NSG as it is already an advanced nuclear energy power and will in future become a significant exporter as well, one of the diplomats who attended the discussions said. Those which are skeptical argue it could undermine the NPT, which is a cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament efforts. “There are differences of opinion on allowing non-NPT members into the NSG,” another diplomat said. Mark Hibbs of the Carnegie Endowment thinktank said some “worried that India will use its voice to
reverse the NSG’s gears and loosen export controls, since India has not demonstrated a firm historical commitment” to its mission. To receive civilian nuclear exports, nations that are not one of the five officially recognized atomic weapons states must usually place their nuclear activities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, NSG rules say. When the United States sealed a nuclear supply deal with India in 2008 that China and others found questionable because Delhi is outside the NPT, Washington won an NSG waiver from that rule after contentious
negotiations. The landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement ended India’s atomic isolation following its 1974 nuclear test and could mean billions of dollars in business for U.S. firms. India gained access to technology and fuel while it was allowed to continue its nuclear weapons program. Pakistan wants a similar civilian nuclear agreement with the United States to help meet its growing energy needs. But Washington is reluctant, largely because a Pakistani nuclear scientist, Abdul Qadeer Khan, admitted in 2004 to transferring nuclear
secrets to North Korea, Iran and Iraq. Nuclear expert Daryl Kimball said India wanted to join the NSG because of prestige but that this would undercut the group’s ability to ensure that New Delhi respects the non-proliferation commitments it made to win support for the 2008 exemption. “Those commitments included no further nuclear weapons testing, c o m p l i a n c e with sitespecific safeguards, and support for a fissile material production moratorium,” said Kimball, of the Washingtonbased Arms Control Association.
North Korea’s Kim supervises “drone attack” drill
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised a drone attack on a simulated South Korean target yesterday, Pyongyang’s KCNA news agency reported, and the armed forces shot down a target mimicking a cruise missile. North Korea has stepped up its military exercises in response to what it regards as “hostile” joint drills by South Korea and the United States after Pyongyang was sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council for a nuclear test in February. It is not known if North Korea possesses drones, although a report on South Korea’s Yonhap news agency last year said that it had obtained 1970s-era U.S. target drones from Syria to develop into attack drones. “The (drone) planes were assigned the flight route and time with the targets in South
Kim Jong-un Korea in mind, Kim Jong-un said, adding with great satisfaction that they were proved to be able to mount (a) super-precision attack on any enemy targets,” KCNA reported. It is extremely rare for KCNA to specify the day on which Kim attended a drill. It
also said that a rocket defense unit had successfully shot down a target that mimicked an “enemy” Tomahawk cruise missile. North Korea has said it has abrogated an armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War and threatened a nuclear attack on the United States. Although North Korea currently lacks the technology to carry out such an attack, the U.S. said it would deploy anti-missile batteries in Alaska to counter any threat. The KCNA report said that Kim, 30, the third of his line to rule North Korea, would give orders to destroy military installations in any war zone and also U.S. bases in the Pacific if the North was attacked. North Korea’s missiles have the capacity to hit bases in Japan and on the island of Guam.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
MTV CHANNEL 14/ CABLE 65 Sign on 05:30 hrs - Dharma kai AwazThe Voice of Dharma 06:00 hrs - Islamic Perspective 06:30 hrs - News Update 07:00 hrs - Day Break 08:00 hrs - Dabi’s Musical Hour 08:30 hrs - Avon DVD Club music hour 09:15 hrs - Top Notch Music Break 09:30 hrs - Caribbean Temptation Music Mix 10:00 hrs - Amanda’s Costume Jewellery Music break 10:30 hrs - Clairan’s Ent. Music hour 11:00 hrs - The View 13:00 hrs - Village Talk: Bele west H/S 12:30 hrs - The Young and The Restless 13:30 hrs - Days of Our Lives 14:00 hrs - General Hospital 15:00 hrs - Katie Couric Show
16:00 hrs - The Bold and the Beautiful 16:30 hrs - Cartoons 17:00 hrs - Birthdays and other greetings 17:15 hrs - Death Announcements/ In Memoriam 17:50 hrs - CNN News 18:00 hrs - Sitcom 18:30 hrs - Jai Santoshi Ma 19:00 hrs - Soul Melodies with Trans Globe 19:30 hrs - News Update 20:30 hrs - Winners Row Quiz 21:30 hrs - Focus on GRA 22:00 hrs - English Movie: Street Fighter 23:00 hrs - News update 22:30 hrs - English Movie: Street Fighter continues Sign off NCN CHANNEL 11 05:00 hrs - Inspiration 05:30 hrs - Newtown Gospel 06:00 hrs - NCN Late Edition (r/b) 06:30 hrs - BBC 07:00 hrs - Guyana Today 08:00 hrs - Remembering the
late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan 08:30 hrs – In Depth (r/b) 09:00 hrs - Stop the Suffering 10:00 hrs - Day 2 - 2nd International Home Test 12:00 hrs - Homestretch Magazine 12:30 hrs - Newsbreak 12:40 hrs - Cricket resumes 14:40 hrs - Feature 15:00 hrs - Cricket resumes 17:00 hrs - Anderson 18:00 hrs - NCN News Magazine 18:30 hrs - In Depth 19:00 hrs - Al Jazeera 19:30 hrs - NIS & You 20:00 hrs - 3d/daily millions/ play de dream/lotto draw 20:05 hrs - News Break 20:10 hrs - Int. Forestry Day Programme 21:00 hrs - Caribbean Top Model 22:00 hrs - NCN Late Edition 22:35 hrs - Caribbean Newsline 23:00 hrs - Movie DTV CHANNEL 8 08:25 hrs. Sign On
Thursday March 21, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): You’re feeling a bit battleweary today as you grow tired of your old familiar games. Your current discomfort might prevent you from laying low as you step onto the front lines. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): Unexpressed emotions may increase your vulnerability today, but you probably can see a way through the situation. You are eager to share your perspective even if you aren’t yet sure exactly what you will say. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Your silence enables you to hear your important thoughts today, even if you are slightly afraid of them. However, finding a way to express your fears may bring you closer to your goals, so don’t use clever words to talk your way out of your funk. CANCER (June 21–July 22): On the surface, everything seems copacetic today, but you’re tuned into more subtle signals that suggest otherwise.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Although emotional wounds received in the past may come back to haunt you today, it’s finally time to let them go. Unfortunately, cutting the ties that bind you to your memories is easier said than done. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): You might be holding on to an old conversation yet, thankfully, you have an opportunity to move past this emotional blockage now. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): You may be more serious than usual today as you seek to understand your emotional limitations. It could be challenging to be as optimistic as others expect of you, but don’t waste energy worrying about it. CAPRICORN(Dec.22–Jan.19): You are deeply pensive today because you cannot understand why you are struggling so hard for something just out of reach.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): Although there are no parental authority figures or bosses to tell you what to do now, you might not be able to enjoy yourself until you finish planning your getaway.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): You may be feeling blue today for no apparent reason. Stern Saturn’s trine to healer Chiron brings the failures of humanity into your life in such a way that you feel personally responsible.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): You might not follow through and execute all your plans today, yet you still can feel good about what you accomplish.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): You are immersed in deep waters now and your fantasies might be locked in a battle with your personal demons and ghosts of the past.
Page 25
08:30 hrs. This Morning 09:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 10:00 hrs. Roseanne 11:00 hrs. The View 12:00 hrs. Prime News 12:30 hrs. DTV’s Festival of Biblical Movies for the Lenten Season: “Jesus Christ, Superstar” 15:00 hrs. Without a Trace 17:00 hrs. Charmed 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. Nightly News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:30 hrs. IBDA Movie 23:00 hrs. Sign Off
Guides are subjected to change without notice
Page 26
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 27
Dominican Republic wins World Baseball Classic SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The Dominican Republic capped off an unbeaten campaign by defeating Caribbean neighbors Puerto Rico 3-0 to win the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday. The Dominicans made up for their first-round exit in the 2009 tournament by taking their record to 8-0 after the title game, five pitchers combining for a three-hit shutout on a rainy, chilly night at AT&T Park before a crowd of more than 35,000. Closer Fernando Rodney struck out Luis Figueroa for the final out to spark a celebration on the mound which continued with the players parading a huge Dominican flag around the field. Robinson Cano was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament after hitting .469 with two home runs, six runs batted in and six runs scored. The New York Yankees second baseman later fielded a phone call from the president of the Dominican Republic. After Cano handed the phone off to Jose Reyes at the post-game news conference,
he was asked how he felt about returning to spring training after experiencing the high of WBC triumph. “Tonight we’re going to celebrate. Tomorrow we’re going to celebrate and Thursday we’ll worry about spring training,” Cano said with a laugh. The Dominicans wasted no time getting on the scoreboard with a two-run double by Edwin Encarnacion off losing pitcher Giancarlo Alvarado giving them a 2-0 lead in the first inning before they added another run in the fifth on Erick Aybar’s double. Starter Samuel Deduno and four relievers stifled the Puerto Rican lineup in a decisive victory that made the Dominicans champions of baseball’s top international tournament. Rain started falling at the start of the fourth and had picked up intensity by the bottom half of the inning, sending some fans to seek shelter while others donned ponchos and began cracking open umbrellas. Footing became a problem for the players on the diamond during the middle
innings with the grounds crew called out to repair the pitcher’s mound and home plate area. ‘STELLAR PERFORMANCE’ The rain lightened up later in the game and salsa music continued to blare from the bandstand beyond the bleachers, punctuated by air horns and drums played by the fans themselves. By then, the Dominicans were in command. Jose Reyes led off the game for them by cracking a long double off the brick wall in right and moving up on a sacrifice bunt by Erick Aybar. After an intentional walk to Cano, Encarnacion doubled to right-center scoring both baserunners. They added some cushion in the fifth with help from a fielding gaffe by Puerto Rican second baseman Irving Falu. After an infield single by Alejandro De Aza, Reyes grounded to Falu, who stood with the ball as De Aza stopped in the middle of the baseline. Instead of going toward him to tag him out, Falu threw to first base in hopes of getting a double play, but De Aza made it safely to second
Players from the Dominican Republic, including tournament MVP Robinson Cano (C), celebrate with the trophy after they defeated Puerto Rico in the final to win the World Baseball Classic in San Francisco, March 19, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson and scored on a double by Aybar to make it 3-0. Reliever Pedro Strop squelched a potential Puerto Rican rally in the seventh after a lead-off single by Mike Aviles and a walk to Alex Rios
issued by Octavio Dotel. Strop struck out Carlos Rivera and Andy Gonzalez and retired Jesus Feliciano on a twisting catch of a foul pop by third baseman Miguel Tejada to end the threat.
“Obviously, we wanted to win,” said Puerto Rico manager Edwin Rodriguez. “We have to take our hats off to the Dominican Republic team, which showed a stellar performance.”
Page 28
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
More Mayor’s KO Football DDL ON BOARD WITH KMTC set for today at GFC
Solomon Austin Devon Millington
Dellon Cadogan
The annual Mayor’s knock out football tournament continues today with a double header at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda. Western Tigers will take on home team GFC at 18:30hrs, while Pele will face Den Amstel at 20:30 hrs. Western Tigers challenge will be spearheaded by Devon Millington, Sherman David and Nedd Fraser, while GFC will depend on the likes of Paul Daniels, Gregory Denny and Dellon Cadogan. Solomon Austin, Shemroy Arthur,
Joshua Kamal and Jamaal Cozier will look to give Pele the advantage against a Den Amstel team which includes Jamal Harvey, Rodwell Hudson, Travis Hilliman and Dwayne Graham. Keen competition is anticipated in tonight’s action. More play is set for tomorrow at the same venue. The victorious team in this 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.
Jamal Harvey The sponsors on board so far are 2 Brothers gas station, Mohamed’s Enterprise, General Equipment Guyana Ltd, Bakewell, Guyana Beverage Inc and MaCorp.
The Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) under its brand 5‘O’ has supported the Kennard Memorial Turf Club Phagwah Horserace meeting which is scheduled for Sunday March 24th at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice. The company has sponsored the F 1 and lower W\A event. Speaking at a simple ceremony yesterday at his office in Brickdam, former chancellor of the Judiciary Cecil Kennard said he appreciated the gesture by DDL and once again stated that sponsorship is necessary for the success of any sport event. “I would like to thank DDL and I am certain their support will continue. Companies need to get mileage out of their contribution. The event should be very interesting since over 70 horses have already entered and this is the first meet on the Corentyne
Justice Cecil Kennard collects the trophy for Brand manager of DDL Maria Monroe. for the year, we anticipate as successful event,” added Kennard. Brand manager of DDL Maria Munroe informed they are excited to support the
event with the 5‘O’ beverage which was launched December last. She indicated that they will also have bar specials and giveaways at the event.
BOLT TO RUN 100 METERS IN ROME’S GOLDEN GALA (Reuters) - Six-times Olympic champion Usain Bolt will run the 100 meters at Rome’s Golden Gala meeting on June 6, organizers said on Tuesday. The Jamaican world record holder has already announced appearances in the 200 at Oslo’s Bislett Games on June 13 and at the Paris Golden League meeting on July 6 ahead of the world championships in Moscow in August. Bolt, who became the only man to win the 100-200 meters double at successive Olympics during last year’s London Olympics, is also due to compete in a 150 meters race on Brazil’s Copacabana beach on March 31.
Olympic gold medal sprinter Usain Bolt arrives for the 2013 NBA All-Star basketball game in Houston, Texas, February 17, 2013. REUTERS/Jeff Haynes The Golden Gala appearance will be Bolt’s third in a row at Rome’s Olympic stadium. He set a time of 9.91 seconds in 2011 and 9.76 last
year in front of more than 50,000 spectators. Rome is the fifth round of the 14-event Diamond League calendar.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 29
GRANDE DE ROJA READY FOR ITS RUN TO THE TOP Amidst all the bustle and hustle and cross talk and reference about the best horse in Guyana no one seems to notice the ever improving Grande De Roja of the Jumbo Jet stable. The question being asked is the Grande De Roja ready for the grand ride to the top. Basking from its recent victory in the last horserace meet which was held at the Rising Sun Turf Club where it out gun the field to capture the feature B and lower $1M event and championship honours, Trainer of the Jumbo Jet stable Deonarine ‘Black Boy’ Ramroop feels so. Deonarine ‘Black Boy’ Ramroop is considered one of Guyana’s top trainers and handler at the moment. The name ‘Black Boy’ is no stranger to the horseracing circle having been around for a long time when he had a
very successful stint as a jockey with the once rated Tom Karran stables, being a familiar sight in the winning enclosure as he raced away with the sobriquet of champion jockey on a number of occasions. His sojourn in those days saw him guiding such top class animals as Romanov, Rominski, Bandana and Nepheteria to countless victories and championships and champion stable honours. His jockey days are long over and he is now out to prove that he is among the best trainers around in the horseracing business. Presently holding the title of top trainer of the Jumbo Jet stable, he has to take charge of a large number of handlers and horses on a daily basis and his job is no easy task. However he told the media that he is up to the task. He
still manages to whip the animals into shape and is being touted as the man who has turned around the fortunes of the Jumbo Jet stable which has been churning out champion stables accolades on a regular basis. Ramroop is on a mission to take Grande De Roja to the top of the table. Classified D1 the name Grande Roja may sound unfamiliar, but Grande Roja a D1 Bay Mare imported from The USA has been around for a while now and has three wins under its belt. But as Ramroop stated, it is time now for the animal to excel. He mentioned that since the animal was sourced from the USA about two years ago. It had all potentials of being a winner, but some animals like everything else takes longer than some to settle in. He feels the time is
Central New Amsterdam drown Black Sharks By Samuel Whyte Central New Amsterdam Basketball club made sure that their travel to Fyrish was not in vain as their put their experience to play to drown out Fyrish Black Sharks and sail away with the inaugural Banks DIH Classic Inter Club Basketball championship for teams in Berbice which was played last Sunday March 17th at the Fyrish Basketball Court. Coming into the game as favourites after playing unbeaten during the preliminary rounds, Central New Amsterdam dug deep coming into the second half to out maneuver and shut out the Black Sharks to win 39-27 after a keenly contested first half which saw the teams taking the break at 19 -18 in favour of the visitors. However, any thought the Sharks had of devouring another prey and winning the coveted title, were quickly surmounted. The team from New Amsterdam after realizing that
they were being matched and some of their plays torn to pieces by the Roving Black Sharks quickly regrouped at half time. They went back to the drawing board and planned their strategy how to outmaneuver, out smart, confine, and capture the Black Sharks who were attacking relentlessly and looking ominous up to that point. The strategy worked well as the New Amsterdam lads took control of proceeding as they went on the hunt and outmaneuvered their opponents with a second half dominance scoring 20 points to their opponents 9. Player Coach Kirk Fraser led the way with 10 points while Enoch Vanderstoop had 9 in a complete team effort. The Black Sharks top scorer was Leyland Edwards with 8 points. The teams from New Amsterdam made a clean sweep when Smythfield Rockerfellas rocked and rolled their way to a comfortable win over Rose
Hall Town with a 61-41 blowout after a keenly contested first half. In fact at half time it was Rose Hall Town that was leading 26-21. ON the resumption it was all the lads from Rockerfellas as they scored 40 points to the opponents 15. Leading the way for Rockerfellas was Michael Bowen with a game high 24 points while Jamal Felix sank 16. Top scoring for Rose Hall Town were Eon Wiggins with 12, while Perry Cort collect 7 points. Enoch Vanderstoop was declared the MVP of the tournament. The presentation of trophies and prizes were not done due to the unavailability of the sponsors who were unavoidable absent. This will be done at a later stage. The competition, which began in December, saw five teams participating with Corentyne Jammers being knocked out in the preliminary stage The coordinator was Vibert Garrett.
DCB Inter Association U-15 tourney starts today The Demerara Cricket Board Inter Association U-15 cricket competition gets underway today with two matches. At Wales, East Coast Demerara will play West Demerara with Pritipaul George and Andrew Allen officiating, while Randolph Rose will act as standby, and at Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Georgetown will take on East Bank Demerara with Cyril Garnath and Saeed Mohamed in charge; Heuvel Cunha will serve as standby. On Friday at Wales, East Bank Demerara will challenge West Demerara with Cyril Garnath and Andrew Allen umpiring;
Randolph Rose will do the stand by duties, and at Everest, Georgetown will tackle East Coast Demerara with Saeed Mohamed and Montgomery Chester doing on field duties with Heuvel Cunha as standby. On Saturday, at Everest, West Demerara will face Georgetown under the watchful eyes of Delvin Austin and Cyril Garnath, while Randolph Rose will perform standby duties, and at DCC, East Coast Demerara will come up against East Bank Demerara with Saeed Mohamed and Montgomery Chester calling play; Heuvel Cunha is the standby.
Deonarine ‘Black Boy’ Ramroop with Grande De Roja at a race meet.
now right. He mentioned that there were a few hiccups, but has remedied that situation. “There were a few glitches which I was able to sort out, Now I think we will see the real Grand De Roja in action,” he boasted. Known for its blistering finishes, Ramroop stated that Grande De Roja is now ready to take them all. It won its first meet in Guyana about two years ago after three starts,
running at the Port Mount Turf Club in a C class event with Jamaican jockey Andron Findley on the mount. Winning its first event from down the pack with a devastating run down the homestretch to stun the field and fans in that feature event. The horse’s next win was with another Jamaican jockey Brian Blake aboard, this time it came through with a timely run on the inside at the
Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) for a close win in another feature event. Its last race meet was also a come from behind win. Ramroop stated that the climb to the top has started. He is presently taking Grande De Roja though its final paces for this Sunday’s meet at the KMTC and all eyes will be looking for the grand showdown between Grande De Roja and the rest of the field. (Samuel Whyte)
Page 30
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Pietersen to miss Auckland Test, IPL with knee injury fluent but remained on the field. “Pietersen experienced knee pain while fielding in preparation for the four-day game in Queenstown earlier this month, ahead of the Test series,” the ECB said in a statement. “This has failed to resolve satisfactorily. “Recent scans confirm an injury to the right knee with bone bruising and possible cartilage damage to the kneecap. The 32-year-old will return to the UK for further investigations and specialist
Kevin Pietersen’s had knee trouble since the tour match in Queenstown © Getty Images ESPNcricinfo – Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of all cricket for up to eight weeks by the knee injury which has been troubling him during the New Zealand tour. He will miss the deciding Test in Auckland, which starts on Friday, as well as the IPL with a view to him being fit for the Champions Trophy and the Ashes. The estimated recovery time makes Pietersen doubtful for the return series against
New Zealand, beginning on May 16 at Lord’s. He first felt the problem, which could be caused by cartilage damage, during the warm-up match in Queenstown, although it only really came to light when he was absent for a session of the Dunedin Test. England were fielding at the time and it was played down as nothing serious. He made 0 and 12 in the first Test, and although he responded with 73 in Dunedin, he was never
CARIFTA Games team receive support
A representative of Starr Party Rentals hands over their contribution to AAG Vice-President, Gavin Hope. The 2013 nine-member CARIFTA Games team received support from three business entities to make the March 29– April 1 tour to Bahamas a reality. The team is expected to depart Guyana on March 24 and return 10 days later. Those companies making contributions included, Starr Party Rentals, Trophy Stall and Payless Variety Store to contribute to the travelling expenses of the athletes. The Vice-President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Gavin Hope facilitated those contributions. The nine athletes include three United States-based athletes, who will join the local athletes in the Bahamas.
review. “The injury is likely to require ongoing assessments and a likely six-eight week period of rest and rehabilitation. Pietersen has therefore been withdrawn from all cricket including the Indian Premier League.” The fact Pietersen has not been kept on in New Zealand with the series at stake shows that time is already of the essence to get him ready for the main events of the English season. In 2009 he was forced out mid-way through the
Ashes series with a careerthreatening Achilles injury. Pietersen’s withdrawal will mean a likely recall to the middle order for Jonny Bairstow, the Yorkshire batsman who has not played since the Twenty20 series earlier in the tour. His previous Test was against India, in Mumbai, when he stood in for Ian Bell who went home for the birth of his child. It won’t be the first time Bairstow has replaced Pietersen in a Test line-up. He came in for the deciding match
against South Africa, at Lord’s, last year following Pietersen’s dropping after the text-message controversy. Baristow responded with scores of 95 and 54. In five Tests he has scored 196 runs at 32.66. England will now be sweating on the fitness of two key players over the next two months. Graeme Swann is currently in the early stages of his recovery from elbow surgery after he was ruled out of the New Zealand tour on the morning of the first Test.
Page 32
Kaieteur News
Carib Beer First Division T/20 Cricket Competition in Berbice
Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets and West Berbice advance to the Semifinal Berbice Cricket power house Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets have advanced to the semifinals of the BCB/ Carib Beer 20/20 cricket tournament with an easy seven wicket victory over Blairmont at the Cumberland Cricket Ground. West Berbice created a major upset over Young Warriors to join Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets. Batting first after winning the toss, Blairmont were restricted to 92 for 9 off their allotted 20 overs with Abdool Sudhan top scoring with 20 not out (1x6, 1x4) and Altaf Khan 15. Bowling for Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets, West Indies player Assad Fudadin took 2 for 18 and Rajiv Ivan 2 for 17, while Clinton Pestano, Shawn Pereira, Khemraj Mahadeo and Eon Hooper took one
wicket a piece. In response Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets reached 96 for 3 in 16.3 overs as Fudadin returned with the bat and topscored with an unbeaten 31 and Dominique Rikhi 20. Skipper Delbert Hicks was unbeaten on 13 while Renwick Batson and Rajiv Ivan scored 16 each. Bowling for Blairmont Derick Narine Jnr, Wagar Hassan and Shabeer Baksh took a wicket a piece. In the second match, West Berbice playing the under dogs defeated Young Warriors Universal DVD in their own back yard by 24 runs. West Berbice batting first rattled up an impressive 141 for 5 with former Berbice wicketkeeper Kwesi Mentore top scoring with 66 (4x4, 3x6), while Troy Halley 18 and Keith
Fraser 16 supported well. Veteran leg spinner Anil Beharry took 2 for 35 from four overs for the home team while Balram Samaroo took 2 for 37. Promising left arm medium pacer Kassim Khan bowled well to finish with one for thirteen off four overs. In response Young Warriors Universal DVD were bowled out for 117 in 18 overs as only Shimron Hetmyer 26, Kevin Ramdeen 25 and Ishwar Singh 18 reached double figures. Medium pacer Keith Fraser returned with the ball to take 4 for 26 from his four overs; Steffon Adams 3 for 9 (3.2 overs) and Gladwin Johnson 2 for 21. Rose Hall Town Gismos & Gadgets and West Berbice would clash next Sunday at the Albion Ground in the semifinals from 13:30 hours, while the third play off between Albion Community Centre and Bermine is scheduled also for Sunday at Albion Community Ground starting at 09:00 hours. The winner here will get the bye straight through to the final.
Thursday March 21, 2013
McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh rules out using last year’s car
The McLaren F1 car. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - McLaren have ruled out switching to last year’s car as a way out of their uncompetitive start to the season. McLaren ended last year with the fastest car but their new car proved to be more than two seconds off the pace at the seasonopening Australian Grand Prix. McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh believes the new car should be faster. “All our efforts are currently focused on understanding this year’s car, not considering last year’s car,” he said. “We believe we can fix those issues.” Jenson Button and Sergio Perez finished Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix ninth and 11th after starting 10th and 15th. In qualifying, Button made it into the top 10 shoot-out with an impressive fourth-fastest lap in damp conditions. But in the dry in the final part of qualifying he was 2.95 seconds slower than Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel’s pole position time. Whitmarsh added: “At the moment we have to work hard on this car. “We know it has got some areas of high potential and we know it has potentially more downforce than last year’s car. “We just need to understand it and make sure [the performance] is accessible. “We have all had cars in the past that have been difficult to get performance out of, even
though some of the [downforce] figures are quite impressive. “This car seems to be difficult in that regard and we need to work on it, understand it and fix it.” Asked whether the team were confident they knew what the problems were, he said: “I think coming out of a weekend like this and saying the engineers are confident would probably be a bit strong. “But we believe in what we can do as a team. I am sure we are going to get there. “It probably won’t get there as quickly as I would like it to, but I will be encouraging them to do so.” In theory, it would be relatively easy for McLaren to use last year’s car should they want to as there have been relatively few rule changes between last year and this. The load test on the front wing has been made tougher, to prevent teams from making their wings rotate on their axis for aerodynamic benefit. McLaren were one of the teams whose wing did this last year, but it would be possible to stop it happening - although it would slow the car down. There are also tougher mandatory impact tests this year, but it is understood McLaren had already built their 2012 car to the higher crash-test standards required this year.
Two Judokas promoted Recently, after more than five years of hard work and commitment to their martial art, veteran Judoka Webster McRae and reigning national lightweight silver medallist Tidane Ba were both promoted to the Judo rank of blue belt at the Rising Sun Judo and Jiu-Jitsu Dojo at Marian Academy, Carifesta Avenue. They will now join the company of fellow
senior blue belt and club-mate Andrew Hooper. In addition, Ba and Hooper will be spearheading a strong Rising Sun team at home against a determined and equally strong Kitty Jamaat Judo club when the two clubs meet at their inaugural inter-club goodwill tournament to be held at the Marian Academy on Sunday 24th March 2013.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 33
Port Mourant Jaguars win Kris Jagdeo Volleyball Competition Port Mourant Jaguars defied the odds when they defeated Berbice’s and Guyana’s top volleyball team, Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) 1, when the two clashed in the final of the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) organised Kris Jagdeo Construction Inter club Volleyball Competition which was played on Sunday at the Albion Sports Complex Volleyball Court. The PM Jags, which is sponsored by Sunshine Supermarket, had an indifferent 2012, but has been showing improvements since the start of this year. However, on Sunday they showed renewed vigor and played a more organised and high quality volleyball to start the 2013 season on a winning note. In the highly charged and competitive final they held their nerve to defeat their much regarded opponents PMTC 1 (2-1) the results being 17-15,10-15,16-14 in a hard fought battle which went down to the wire. Their victory was due mainly to the good setting of Satesh Seenauth, surprise quick hitting by pint sized Surendra Motiepersaud and the good all round play of utility player Errol Yannick Chase. For their part, PMTC1 had no one to blame but themselves their usual devastating strikers Quacy Matheson and Creston Rodney were erratic and did not fire. Their blockers also did not perform to standard and were out of place at crucial times of the encounter. On their way to the final, PM Jags put away PMTC 2 25-20 in their semi-final encounter and swamped Vikings of Blairmont 25-9 in their quarterfinal match up.
PMTC 1 for their part defeated Albion 25-15 in their semi-final clash and PMTC Red 25-15 in the quarterfinal encounter. In the third place playoff Albion, which is sponsored by Poonai’s Pharmacy, blew away PMTC (2)-15-8. The Competition attracted nine male teams namely PMTC 1, PMTC 2, PMTC Red, PMTC Blue, PM Jags, Albion Sports Complex, 3 Doors Strikers of D’Edward, Vikings of Blairmont and Falcons of Canje and 2 female teams. Results of preliminary matches played earlier saw Albion defeating PM Jags 2523, PMTC Blue losing to PMTC Red 21-25, PMTC 1 winning from Vikings 25-22, PMTC 2 getting the better of Falcons 25-17, PMTC Red losing to 3 Door Strikers 2125, PMTC 1 winning from PMTC (2)-25-20, Albion getting the better of PMTC Blue 25-13, PM Jags humbling 3 Door Strikers 25-14, PMTC 2 beating Vikings 25-13, PMTC Blue losing to PM Jags 16-25, PMTC 1 getting the better of Falcons 25-17, Albion winning from 3 Door Strikers 25-18,Vikings edging Falcons 25-23, 3 Doors Strikers whipping PMTC Red1 5-4, Albion winning against Falcons15-10 and PMTC 2 squeezing past 3 Door Strikers 15-13. In a female encounter, which saw the females being divided into two, resulted in Vashti’s 6 defeating Shenny’s 6 15-7, 9-3. During the competition the BVA took the opportunity to donate a volleyball to a newly formed Renaissance Sports Club of No 53 Village, Corentyne. The ball was handed over to the team’s captain by BVA Secretary, Adityanand Singh. The group of beginners, who are already
GPF HQ\Regal Dominoes...
Mounted Branch march into final Mounted Branch chalked 78 games to book their place in the final of the Guyana Police Force Headquarters\ Regal Stationery and Computer Centre Dominoes competition. In the latest action on Monday Eastan Nestor and Carl Saul scored 17 games each, while Earl Keizer chipped in with 15 for the winners. Band Room placed second with 68 games; Clive Stevens and Michael Smith made 16 apiece and Gordon Richards 14. Criminal Investigation Department came third with 63 games. Maxwell Grant marked 14.
Rose Hall Town Gizmos &... From page 34 Karibee Rice never looked like challenging the total as Kevin Ramdeen bowled well to claim 3 for 34 from nine overs while left arm pacer Kassim Khan took 2 for 15 from 8 overs. The only Port Mourant batsman to offer resistance was Devindra Thakurdeen with 23. The finals between Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets and Young Warriors Universal DVD would be played at the Albion Community Centre Ground on a date to be decided.
affiliated to the BVA, attended the competition to observe and get tips from the more experienced players and expressed the hope to participate in future competitions. At the presentation ceremony held immediately after the completion of the competition, BVA President Gregory Rambarran congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to the sponsor, Kris Jagdeo, the management of the Albion Sports Complex, the players and the large crowd that witnessed an exciting day of Volleyball. It was also pointed out that the names of players to form a squad to represent the B VA w i l l b e r e l e a s e d shortly. The winning team, PM Jags, received a trophy and $25,000, second placed PMTC 1 received a trophy and $15,000, third placed Albion received a trophy and $10,000 and fourth placed PMTC 2 received a trophy and $5,000. The captain of the winning female team received $10,000. Trophies for outstanding individual performances were presented to Satesh Seenauth of PM Jags for being the Best Setter, Creston Rodney of PMTC 1 - the Best Spiker, Jason Seelochan of PMTC 1- Best Server, Surendra Motiepersaud of PM Jags - Most Valuable Player and Levi Nedd of PMTC 2- for good all round performance. Vashti Pooran received a trophy for being the best
Captain of PM Jags receiving Kris Jagdeo Trophy from BVA President Gregory Rambarran.
Champions PM Jags display their trophies. female player. The BVA’s next big activity will be the “Tropical
Rhythms Beach Volleyball Classic” 2 vs 2 competition, sponsored by Ansa McAl
and billed for the # 63 Beach on Easter Monday (April 1st). (Samuel Whyte)
Page 34
Kaieteur News
Thursday March 21, 2013
Jamaica Skeet Club eyes 2016 Olympics
NCB Capital Markets managers Kerry Spencer (second left) and Najah Peterkin (second right) share a laugh alongside Jamaica Skeet Club President Khaleel Azan (centre), who instructs them on the proper use of the firearm during the launch. Sharing in the occasion are NCB Sponsorship & Promotions Manager Julian Patrick (left) and JSC executive Errol Ziadie.
Tenelec Inc First Division 50-Over Cricket Competition in Berbice
Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets and Young Warriors Universal DVD advance to finals Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets and Young Warriors Universal DVD have advance to the finals of the 2013 BCB/ Tenelec Inc Tournament after both easily won their semifinal matches which were played last Saturday. Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets defeated arch rival Albion Community Centre Cricket Club by six wickets while Young Warriors Universal DVD sent Port Mourant Karibee Rice by a mammoth 124 runs. Playing at the Area “H” Ground, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club found themselves in early trouble against the fast bowling of Clinton Pestano (9-1-7-2) and Assad Fudadin (9-3-12-2) to be 32 for 4 in the 14th over. West Indies leg spinner
Devendra Bishoo and national Under-19 player Gudakesh Motie Kanhai then added 56 for the 5th wicket in 18 overs before Bishoo was trapped LBW by Berbice off spinner Eon Hooper for a well played 43 with four boundaries. The remaining batsmen were dismissed for an addition of twelve runs as Albion Community Centre were bowled out for 100 in 36 overs. Hooper continued his outstanding bowling in Berbice with figures of 9-1-235, while Shawn Pereira took 1 for 6. In response, Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets reached 103 for 4 in 20 overs with national player Rajiv Ivan on 35 not out (5x4, 1x6) while
he received support from Jason Sinclair 33, Dominique Rikhi 15 and Khemraj Mahadeo 10 not out. Off spinner Balchan Baldeo took 2 wickets for 22 runs from five overs, while Sharaz Ramcharran and Brian Dukha took one a piece. At the Cumberland ground in Canje, Young Warriors was bowled out for 226 in 44.5 overs as Farouk Hussain blasted 53 with four boundaries, Kevin Ramdeen 62 (5x4, 1x6) and Balram Samaroo an even fifty. Bowling for Port Mourant Karibee Rice, Devindra Thakurdeen took two wickets for 38 runs and Harrinarine Chattergoon 1 for 34. In response Port Mourant (Continued on page 33)
Jamaica Observer - THE eighth staging of the annual NCB Capital Markets Sporting Clays Open, set for this Sunday at Caymanas Golf and Country Club, will create further inroads for skeet shooting and the possibility of naming a local participant in the shotgun discipline of the Brazil 2016 Olympics. That’s the view of Khaleel Azan, newly elected president of the Jamaica Skeet Club. “To this end we have identified one particular shooter, Sean Barnes, and we have secured an international trap machine which can simulate the target standards of the Olympics,” Azan told reporters and sponsors at the soft launch of this year’s tournament. “The popularity and interest in sport shooting is growing and nowhere is this more evident than the NCB Capital Markets Open where we’re again set to register record numbers of over 120 shooters,” Azan said, pointing out that Jamaica had a total of 40 entrants in the recently staged Florida Seminole Cup. “The tournament went well and our juniors Chad
Ziadie and Brandon Reid both came second in their classes.” As for the impending shoot-off, Azan says participants can expect a more interesting course, a point which was further underscored by his fellow JSC executive Errol Ziadie. “We are determined to make the course more enjoyable and accessible to youngsters and more inexperienced shooters, but at the same time we want the tournament to still have an international appeal,” Ziadie said. Both Ziadie and Azan used the platform to laud NCB Capital Markets’ commitment to the sport through the sponsorship of over $2.5 million. “We are heartened to know that NCB Capital Markets continues to see how important sport development is to the fibre of this country,” Azan said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the development of skeet shooting in Jamaica is directly related to the efforts of NCB Capital Markets.” NCB Capital Markets Regional Manager Najah Peterkin believes the tournament is a way to not only support the interest of
her clients, but expose the youth to other types of sporting activity. “We encourage participation in all types of sports, we admire that this discipline relies heavily on balance, precision and strategy, which are all qualities that are important to the success of our business, so the synergy for us is a natural one,” she said. “The Open also gives us a chance to engage the wider family network of our clients and interact with them in an atmosphere outside of the office. We go above and beyond to treat them to experiencing one of the world’s unique sporting activities,” said Julian Patrick, NCB Sponsorship & Promotions manager. “We believe that activities such as this create demand for other services which fulfils our broader mandate of putting your best life forward,” he noted. NCB Capital Markets has again partnered with some of Jamaica’s top brands, including ATL Autohaus, Tru Juice, Wisynco, Jamaica Broilers and Appliance Traders Ltd and J Wray & Nephew.
GSA Toucan Industries Kool Aid Junior skill level tournament...
Debutant Ramroop wins first match One of the students of the Guyana Squash Association’s (GSA) Afterschool squash programme at the National Racquet Centre, Michael Ramroop, won his first tournament match during the Toucan Industries Kool Aid Junior Skill Level Tournament at the Georgetown Club on Tuesday night. Ramroop managed to complete an impressive straight-game win against John Phang who won the Category F in last year’s edition of this tournament. Ramroop prevailed 11/6, 11/ 6, 11/4, after serving high and
deep consistently to cause problems for Phang especially on his back hand. On the occasions that Phang returned those serves, Ramroop strategically placed his shots out of Phang’s reach. Jael Gaskin, Neil Ramnauth and Dennis Gomes are the other three students of the afterschool programme that are competing in this tournament. The four teens are the top athletes at the afterschool programme which is coached by national squash coach Carl Ince.
Ince said that the public courts are a great asset to squash in Guyana as it gives other children a chance to get into the world of squash. Anthony Islam showed much improvement as he held his composure and corrected his early mistakes to overcome a two-game deficit to defeat Sarah Lewis in five games 5/11, 4/11, 11/5, 11/6, 11/13. Anthony’s twin brother Daniel cruised to victory against Savannah Mendes 11/1, 11/4, 11/3. In the category A matches, Nyron Joseph made light work of Ashley DeGroot in straight games, while Mary Fung-A-Fat withstood a strong challenge from Benjamin Mekdeci to win in five games 4/11, 11/5, 11/9, 7/ 11, 3/11. Steven Xavier, who placed third in the Open Category of the Bounty Farm Mash Handicap Tournament, won his opening match against four-time Caribbean junior champion Victoria Arjoon. Top junior player Jason Ray Khalil recently suffered an injury to his right arm and may not be competing in this tournament. Khalil played undefeated in games, during his emphatic victory of this year’s Bounty Farm Mash Handicap Tournament.
Thursday March 21, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 35
t r o Sp
WEST INDIES V ZIMBABWE, 2ND TEST, ROSEAU, 1ST DAY...
Shillingford, Gayle put West Indies on top Hamilton Masakadza is beaten and bowled by West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford. (WICB Randy Brooks).
E
SPNcricinfo Zimbabwe had lost 13 wickets to spin in Barbados. Roseau was supposed to help the slow bowlers even more and Zimbabwe were expected to have a tough time. A little while after tea on day one, the West Indies spinners had already pocketed eight wickets, five of them to local boy Shane Shillingford, and Zimbabwe had collapsed after starting at frenetic pace. Chris Gayle made it a thoroughly one-sided day with his first half-century in nine innings and by stumps West Indies had knocked off two-thirds of the deficit. Again, just like in Barbados, none of the batsmen fell to unplayable deliveries, although there were several of them jumping and kicking around, rather surprising for a day one surface, especially outside the subcontinent. Instead, it was plain impatience and inability, a dangerous combination, that led to Zimbabwe falling apart. Admittedly, there was generous help for the slow
bowlers. The first delivery Shillingford bowled spun in sharply from outside off to hit Brendan Taylor on the flap of the pad outside leg, as early as the 19th over. When so much is happening for the bowler, you don’t go about reversesweeping him, especially when your concentration might not be at its keenest soon after the lunch break. Which is what Taylor attempted against Shillingford and missed, the ball bouncing into his chin and rolling on to the stumps after brushing his forearm. You could argue it was an unfortunate dismissal to continue a horror tour for the Zimbabwe captain, who seemed quite determined. But when Taylor was sweeping as well as he did in conventional fashion, reversing the stroke wasn’t exactly judicious shot selection. Malcolm Waller did worse than his captain, having a slog at Shillingford in the penultimate over before tea to hole out to deep midwicket.
Sean Williams battled in his debut Test, defending resolutely, playing late, keeping them down with soft hands and shaking his head in helplessness when beaten by the regular rippers. Craig Ervine fought as well, but both batsmen ended up falling to the offspin of Marlon Samuels, who, with seven wickets in two innings this series, might take offence to being labelled a part-timer. There was absolutely no resistance from the tail, and w h e n Te n d a i C h a t a r a shouldered arms and crouched in the path of a Shillingford delivery on middle stump, the offspinner had successive five-fors, after his 6 for 51 in the second innings in Barbados. Zimbabwe lost their last six wickets for 34 after going into lunch at 92 for 3. They had raced away to 42 for 0 following Darren Sammy’s decision to bowl on what had appeared then to be a flat pitch. The way Vusi Sibanda began, even the West Indies attack appeared flat.
Chris Gayle hammers one away during his half century (WICB Randy Brooks).
The beginning couldn’t have been any more different from how the rest of the innings panned out. Early morning rain had forced a 30-minute delayed start and, armed with three specialist quick bowlers, Sammy had hoped to use the moisture in the surface. He must have been horrified at what followed. Kemar Roach and Tino Best were either too short or too full, and Sibanda tore into them with six fours. There was no swing or seam in that initial period and the openers defended effort deliveries without any bother. There would have been a few already starting to doubt if West Indies had made the correct decision. All that changed as soon as Shannon Gabriel came on in the ninth over and immediately settled on a good length. There was swing to be had, as Best had shown in the previous over when he finally found that length. G a b r i e l b e a t Ti n o Mawoyo a couple of times
with away-going deliveries. The last ball of the over nipped in from a good length, Mawoyo shouldered arms, and lost his off stump. In Gabriel’s next over, Zimbabwe went from misjudgment to downright casual. Sibanda drove a full toss straight to a tumbling Roach at wide mid-on. Yet another promising Sibanda innings had been cut short in the thirties. Gabriel’s figures read 4-4-0-2. Shillingford needed six deliveries to strike. The second ball Masakadza faced from Shillingford, he charged out and had a blind heave, only to escape as the skier shot over slip. The sixth one was a flighted doosra, which Masakadza tried to turn to leg like a normal offbreak, and was bowled. The working over was a harbinger of the impending collapse. Kieran Powell did a Sibanda when West Indies came out to bat, playing an aggressive cameo before falling to an inswinging Kyle Jarvis delivery again. In his
Shane Shillingford took five wickets to bowl out Zimbabwe on Day 1 (WICB Randy Brooks).
next over, Jarvis handed Darren Bravo his first duck in Tests when he had the batsman flailing a wide delivery through to the keeper. Gayle and Samuels dug in at 35 for 2. Gayle had little fluency for a long time as he jabbed half-forward to keep out length deliveries from the quicks. Nevertheless, he kept lashing the odd boundary down the ground or through the covers, and towards the end, started to look a lot more comfortable. The Zimbabwe spinners made little impression, although Prosper Utseya got only three overs. Samuels had gone after Graeme Cremer in Barbados and here he stepped out to loft the legspinner for a straight six in his opening over. Both Cremer and Utseya did send down a few testing deliveries, but were too inconsistent to pose a threat. Scores: West Indies 114 for 2 (Gayle 61*) trail Z i m b a b w e 1 7 5 (Shillingford 5-59, Samuels 3-15) by 61 runs.
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210