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March 23, 2013 - Vol. 7 No. 12 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Civil society joins private media to protest radio/cable licence giveaway The protest outside Kaieteur News yesterday
Man stabs President ‘surprised’ Brassington grilled Amaila Falls hydro wife, had tried no decision yet on NCN about documents construction starts this year - Ramotar to kill baby financial irregularities concerning GSL shares - says LCDS on course Radio/cable licence giveaway …
Ramotar claims that Jagdeo was fulfilling commitment
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 23, 2013
Radio licence giveaway…
Ramotar claims that Jagdeo was fulfilling commitment President Donald Ramotar yesterday defended the granting of broadcast licences by his predecessor, Bharrat Jagdeo. Mr. Ramotar said that the process was not irregular or unfair. He added that Mr. Jagdeo was simply fulfilling a commitment he had made early in his second term of
office. The very month he left office, Jagdeo gave five radio frequencies each to his best friend Dr. Ranjisinghi Ramroop; The Mirror newspaper, which is owned by the ruling PPP; and Telcor and Cultural Broadcasting, which is linked to Minister of Natural Resources and the
Man tells court ‘I cultivated “weed” instead of food to provide for family’ Yesterday, Roland Hosea appeared before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charge of cultivating a prohibited plant. According to police reports, the 31-year-old resident of Kamuni Creek, Demerara River, was found cultivating what was found to be cannabis .Police who acted on sensitive information, visited the home and conducted a search. There they discovered that the defendant cultivated a quantity of marijuana plants. Hosea was then arrested, told of the offense and charged. The defendant, who pleaded guilty to the charge, begged for the Magistrate’s sympathy and requested a reasonable punishment if one
is to take into consideration, the fact that he is the father of six, one of whom has a heart problem. The accused, who was convicted of simple larceny two years ago, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and to pay a fine of $5,000 for his current charge. Upon hearing the verdict, the man begged once again. “Ow your worship, I only planted this thing to provide for ma family. I got six children.” The magistrate then retorted “Why did you choose this way to provide for your family?” And to this, the defendant fumbled for a reason to substantiate his actions. The Magistrate insisted on her decision, stating that such an offense carries a mandatory three-year sentence.
Environment, Robert Persaud. Mr. Ramotar said that early in his second term of office, which began in 2006, Jagdeo had promised to end the state control of radio and liberalise the sector. “So I suspect he was fulfilling a commitment that was made very early in his second term. From that point of view I don’t see anything irregular with it,” Ramotar said at a press conference at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown Complex. The President said that in the case of Ramroop, the Mirror and Telcor, one licence but five frequencies each were given to them to facilitate the reach of those stations. Broadcast experts have said that five frequencies are not needed to relay programming, but that other facilities could be used instead of clogging up the airwaves and limiting the availability of frequencies that could be awarded to others. However, President Ramotar would not be dragged into a discussion about the technical aspects of broadcasting. “You’re asking me a technical issue,” the President responded. However, he ventured to offer an explanation that if the additional frequencies were
President : Donald Ramotar
Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop
Onkar Lochan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud
not awarded, those licencees who wanted a wider reach would have had to set up “high towers all over the place.” The President said that that would not have been the best thing, and as such it “probably is much safer to have the frequencies” instead of those towers. Jagdeo also granted cable licences on the 2.5 GHz Band to his close associates, Brian Yong and Vi s h o k P e r s a u d o f E Networks. In fact, Persaud was granted the licence. Both Vishok Persaud and Brian Yong are known to be close to Jagdeo and Winston
Brassington, the man who manages Government’s investments. The service offered by the two men, such as 4G requires both the availability of licensed airwaves – also called spectrum – from the government, and considerable private investment in infrastructure. In early December 2010, Persaud introduced his company’s WiMax 4G Network, opening up a wireless digital communication system to provide broadband wireless access, satellite services providing internet access and voice services to miners and companies in the interior and
other services. Persaud launched his service the very month that he was granted a licence. From all indications Persaud moved to set up his infrastructure knowing that he was assured of a licence from Jagdeo. In normal circumstances, a person would await the granting of a licence before investing in infrastructure. Mr. Ramotar said that he did not see anything irregular with the way Persaud was granted his licence. “Once he has gone through the right procedures, I have no problem…that’s his business,” Ramotar said of Persaud.
Saturday March 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Civil society joins private media to protest radio/cable licence giveaway
With intensified vibrancy, staffers of the National Media and Publishing Company backed by concerned supporters and members of civil society yesterday continued protest action to amplify disgust about the recent unbiased granting of radio licences by former President Bharrat Jagdeo. So intense was the protest action that some protesters including Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, Columnist Frederick Kissoon and Leader of the Alliance For Change, Khemraj Ramjattan, were hoisted above the crowd that had assembled outside the Kaieteur News’ offices. Armed with placards, the protestors traversed the thoroughfare outside of the 24 Saffon Street, Georgetown, offices of the daily publication. Khemraj Ramjattan, like the rest of the protestors, exhibited placards and voiced their concerns which were all on a similar note. The activity again attracted the attention of the Guyana Police Force whose officers were forced to closely monitor and ensure that the flow of traffic was not
obstructed. And as was the case the previous day, Lall did not fail to express his frustration in an invited comment. “We have continued this action because we are being insulted further when Dr. (Roger) Luncheon is trying to defend this injustice that Jagdeo perpetrated, when he gave Radio, TV and cable licences to his friends’ family and party comrades.” According to Lall, “The very goodly doctor says in his defence that you had to have Media experience before you get a Licence.” Lall questioned the media experience of Omkar Lochan and Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Booby’ Ramroop both of whom have received five radio frequencies each. “Isn’t that a joke? Then in another breath he said that geographical consideration would have been a determining factor…When I heard those words I had to laugh and ask myself what this man is talking about,” said a very vocal Lall yesterday who sought to question the media experience of Lochan, of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Dr. Ramroop,
of Guyana Times and Television Guyana, Channel 28, that saw them being awarded five channels each.” According to Lall, it was Dr. Luncheon’s disclosure that Jagdeo used his discretion in granting the licences. While he agrees that discretion was used it was only in the former President’s efforts to “give to only his family, best friends and his party members …A few outsiders got one frequency each just making it look as if it was a fair process.” But according to Lall, until President Donald Ramotar corrects the injustice that the former President perpetrated on this land “we will never stop this fight.” In an invited comment too, yesterday, AFC Leader, Ramjattan noted that the recent publicized development would only serve to irk the population thereby provoking them to intensify protesting action. He alluded to the fact that the actions of the former president were executed against the background that he (the president) cannot be prosecuted.
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Time does not correct wrongs Discretion was the word used by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon to describe former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s method of allocating radio licences just prior to his demitting office in 2011. Former President Jagdeo allotted nearly two dozen frequencies to a number of people and sparked a furor among a number of private media organisations. It was not that these private media houses were against the decentralization of radio; rather they were upset that they were not included in the allocation. The records would show that the then President Jagdeo had vowed to liberalise radio before he demitted office. In the end he sparked an allegation that he practiced cronyism and nepotism. Allegations are often hard to prove and as Dr Luncheon said this one like so many others would disappear with the passage of time. It could be coincidence that among the first allottees would be a man whom he, President Jagdeo, described as his best friend; another who happened to be married to his niece; and yet another being the political party to which he belongs. It is not clear whether these persons and entities had applications in the system. Chairman of the Board of the Guyana Broadcasting Authority, Bibi Shadick, had explained that applicants had forwarded applications to just about every aspect of the administration. Some had sent applications to Prime Minister Sam Hinds who, up until President Jagdeo relieved him of the portfolio, was responsible for communication. Applications were also sent to the office of the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, some to the President himself and some to the National Frequency Management Unit. Surely this could only happen if there was no system in place to deal with the applications and it became clear that there was no central body to deal with applications. The government did not intend to liberalise radio. We now come to the factors that influenced President Jagdeo to use his discretion. It could be that some of these people met him at some private function and put themselves in line or they brought up the issue in private conversations. But while it is not unheard of that presidents respond to requests for personal favours, for issues as far reaching as the allocation of radio frequencies a president would seek the advice of people competent enough to make the decision. There is another aspect to presidential decisions. Because governments are loathe to be accused of fraud leaders try to be as virtuous as the proverbial Caesar’s wife. They would refer decisions to their underlings so that if there should be any query the leader can rise above the fray. In this case it was as if the former President could not be worried about conflict and controversy. He was demitting office so whatever was said would be of no interest to him. Such an attitude has come to haunt those who have come after President Jagdeo. That image of cronyism and nepotism is not going to go away. The allocation of the radio licences was made more than a year ago but the secrecy that surrounded information pertaining to the recipients was incomprehensible. It took a Member of Parliament to ask the questions of the Prime Minister and to get the answers that have now sparked protests and the allegations. The fact that there is the assurance that applicants for radio licences would be granted the licence once they fulfill the obligations has not done anything to appease the people who feel aggrieved. And there is good reason. Many feel that the assurance is nothing more than an afterthought. There is support from the corridors of power for the apparent discriminatory allocation of the radio licences. President Donald Ramotar, like Dr. Luncheon, says that what is important is the liberalization of radio that every other thing pales into insignificance. Dr. Luncheon actually said that in the years ahead no one would remember what some of us see as an issue today. But the truth is that when a wrong is committed or when there is a perceived wrong, people must speak. Time may dull the wrong but surely it does not correct it.
Saturday March 23, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Not so fast, Freddie! DEAR EDITOR, In response to my colleague and friend, Freddie Kissoon’s letter “My human rights record is beyond reproach,” KN 22/3/2013, I’d caution him, not so fast! His recount of instances, as proof that he was not in good stead with the PPP administration as I claimed, does not constitute automatic removal of his attacks to Desmond Hoyte’s and my positions on issues relating Rights and the Rule of Law. Having run-ins with the PPP is not singular to Freddie; neither does it constitute never being a friend of the PPP. Malcolm Harripual, Khemraj Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo, Ralph Ramkarran, Henry Jeffrey, et al, were once in good stead with the PPP. What Freddie is in effect pointing out is a character trait of some leaders in the PPP to be badminded, vindictive, corrupt and lawless. K i s s o o n ’ s condemnations of the positions I took were supported by the United Nations’ definition on genocide and an understanding of government’s role that led me to call the PPP’s discriminatory policy against the African community “economic genocide” and that consistent with governance, the PPP has “a responsibility to the society” to be even-handed in its management. In this scenario it confers on no one a human rights record that is beyond
reproach. Equally so, the said claim can be made of his leading role in misrepresenting and demonising Desmond Hoyte’s application of the Creole saying “mo fyah slo fyah” as a rallying call in the street struggle to end what Hoyte called “executive lawlessness.” As Freddie would realise, all the instances mentioned above border on human rights and they include the right to equality, protection from discrimination on the ground of race, and participation in the nation’s resources, all of which are constitutionally guaranteed. Regarding Hoyte’s stance, such was consistent with the right to protest, participate in national decision-making, the checks and balances built into government, and the oversight role of the opposition in ensuring the nation’s resources are properly managed and the people properly treated. Kissoon is also aware that corruption is linked to human rights violations. Yet these positions, taken by me and Hoyte, were fodder for his attacks. In the event he may miss it, these are attacks on Rights and the Rule of Law. On the issue of my relationship with Ramon ‘Rambo’ Gaskin, let me set the record straight. Gaskin is not the Secretary of the Critchlow Labour College. Yours truly holds that position. And my relationship with Gaskin is personal and professional
and my professionalism is informed by the principles I hold as a trade unionist. When charges were levelled against Rambo as Chairman of the then Guyana Electricity Corporation (GEC), I called on the Guyana Trades Union Congress (TUC) Central Executive Council to publicly protest what we considered a wrong. A protest was led by the TUC at the GEC’s head office in Main Street and Gaskin was subsequently removed as Chairman. As a friend, Rambo would jocularly say among other colleagues “Lewis caused me to be dismissed as Chairman of the Board.” Our differences were professional not personal. As a citizen and human being, Rambo has the right to live a productive life. It is a right granted to him under the Guyana Constitution and his services to Labour, apart from this right, is premised on the fact that he has a fine mind. Let me get Freddie back to the issue that initiated this exchange. He holds the view that the TUC should not talk with the government. We shared a personal conversation at Nigel’s Supermarket and I said “Freddie even your enemies you have to engage and talk to,” and “even when they are throwing bombs in Afghanistan, they are talking.” My reasons for saying this are: 1) historical and present-day events of human relations; and 2) The TUC 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. To keep the discussion focused, I repeat for my friend what I said in my 21/3/2013 letter (My record on human upliftment can withstand historical scrutiny) that “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.” The people are deserving of answers, since this difference of opinion Continued on page 6
Saturday March 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Ganesh Mahipaul confirms why the PPP is taking Wakenaam residents for granted DEAR EDITOR, Let us examine Ganesh Mahipaul’s letter titled “Wakenaam residents are receiving primitive treatment” (KN, March 21, 2013). Wakenaam is a PPP stronghold. Mahipaul documents the neglect the PPP has so callously heaped upon the people of Wakenaam. Electricity is unavailable during working hours and is limited to evening hours. The hospital has to send patients to another hospital off the island. Basic services are restricted by the lack of electricity. Education is affected. There are no street lights and roads are in an atrocious state. Drinking water is filled with mud and rust. Yes folks, this is a PPP stronghold. The residents have asked, begged and got down on their knees to the government they voted for. Yet it has all fallen on deaf ears. And it will continue to fall on deaf ears. The PPP has no incentive to listen to the Ganesh Mahipauls and residents like him of PPP strongholds in Guyana. Why would the PPP listen when after the people of PPP strongholds have been used, abused, mistreated, discarded, hoodwinked, politically fooled, misled and bamboozled, they turn around and beg and prostrate themselves before the PPP? Even worse, they threaten civil disobedience only after begging their abusers and deniers.
To threaten civil disobedience after begging signals weakness. Giving the victimizers opportunity to consider whether to continue victimizing you or not after years of rubbishing you is a pathetic psychological response. This tragic and despairing state of affairs has been in place in Wakenaam since before the last elections, yet the majority of these same people complaining, groaning and moaning in anger today were similarly peeved before November 2011 and they still voted overwhelmingly for the PPP. The charlatans at Freedom House may be pathetic leaders, but they are no fools when it comes to dirty, controlling and demeaning politics. When Wakenaamers had their opportunity to really send a message to the PPP in the November 2011 election, they refused to do so. With another scheduled election three years away, why should the PPP listen to these islanders now when they already got their votes and with it the ability to build Pradoville mansions with pristine running water, around-the-clock electricity and street lights? Why should the PPP leadership not wait closer to the 2016 election knowing these same Wakenaam residents will vote for the PPP the moment the party cosmetically fixes some roads or restores better electricity supply that lasts only for a few months?
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, Continued on page 7
The threat of little or no votes in the next election that Mahipaul proffers is but a red herring and empty and idle flight of fancy. The PPP got Wakenaam’s votes in just November 2011, although these problems were cripplingly prevalent in the community long before the election. The people of Wakenaam are trapped by their actions and conduct. They are
creatures of habit and the PPP controllers understand them very well. These letters from PPP strongholds remind us of the psychological-political disease that has afflicted this country and why we get the government we deserve. Politicians only understand the language of power and more specifically, voting power. If Wakenaamers are
willing to sacrifice their quality of life to vote for a party that ignores and mistreats that quality of life, they have to live by that condition they have created for themselves. Instead of sending a message to the PPP, they are using beggarliness and empty threats to further allow the PPP to mastermind them. In developed countries, politicians never get away
with abuse of their constituencies. They are reminded in the ballot boxes… and do they ever wake up! I feel for the people of Wakenaam but change cannot come from begging your oppressor. It comes from taking a stand that rattles those oppressors to the core. That requires courage, a scarce commodity in Guyana. M. Maxwell
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 23, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The rationalised 2013 Budget must put less money into the pockets of the ‘fat cats’ DEAR EDITOR, We want to acknowledge the Alliance For Change (AFC)’s approach to the 2103 National Budget of “rationalising” the estimates. What the Minister has now clearly established is that he is no expert on Human Development and thus for seven years he failed to craft a human development budget. The time to rebuild Guyana’s public expenditure
architecture is now; the time for fiscal repair is now; the time for dialogue among all political parties is now. This National Budget must not be an opportunity to avoid the painful process of bringing competition to the public procurement process, thus generating billions in national savings and more importantly reducing the runaway national deficit. There are some startling discoveries being unraveled
on the National Debt to Venezuela and China. For example, the National Debt to Venezuela moved from G$2,500 million in 2006 to G$59,122 million in 2011. (We chose to use Guyana to resonate the number in the minds of ordinary workers). The debt owed to Venezuela is enough money to build 11,000 two-bedroom homes for Guyanese families free of cost. The situation with China is even worse.
We use this opportunity to encourage members of the majority opposition to remain committed to their objective of protecting our children’s future by rationalising the 2013 Budget to ensure we continue to live within our means. There is certainly no need for an increased budget above and beyond the 2012 National Budget. Secondly, focused attention must be placed on
the Capital Budget to ensure every single project over $50 million in size does have a clear justification and proper feasibility studies to support this justification or else rationalise it and defer it to a Supplemental Budget. Then there is all the “Others” Categories in the Current Budget. ”Others” were designed to be small insignificant, miscellaneous expenditure that could not be captured in any other line items. For example in the 2012 National Budget, the PPP stuffed G$732 million into Other Transport, Travel & Postage; G$1,649 million into Other Goods and Services Purchased and G$2,088 million in Other Expenses. Does G$4,469 million appear to be small and insignificant? . In our total estimate, some
G$50 billion could have been rationalised from the 2012 National Budget and the affairs of State would have been well intact. We have similar expectations in 2013, but await the announced numbers on Monday. As a country, since the arrival of Jagdeo, we have grown accustomed to living beyond our means. The direct effects of this maladministration contributed to a runaway National Debt and an uncontrollable Budget Deficit. Such public financial reckless must stop. It’s time to put more money into the pockets of those who really need it and less into the pockets of the PPP ‘fat cats’. It can be done; it must be done; so let it be done! Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S Singh
From page 4 while initially was private, has now entered the public domain. Finally, on Freddie’s request for my take on a friendship between Robert Corbin and Bharrat Jagdeo, that is a matter for the men to define and make known . But what I would say to Freddie, while I fervently believe that Jagdeo should be placed before the Courts in the Hague, tried and jailed for crimes against humanity for what he done to this country and its citizens, should his
rights as an inmate be violated I’d be among others taking a stand for them to be upheld. I hope my colleague, Freddie, has a better understanding of the position 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. Lincoln Lewis
Not so fast, Freddie!
Saturday March 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
Letters... Where your views make the news...
Race relations in Guyana From page 4 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 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 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
UK, France press EU on giving arms to Syria rebels DUBLIN (AP) — European Union foreign ministers displayed their divisions yesterday over whether to start shipping weapons to rebels in Syria, with Britain and France isolated in their efforts to boost the opposition’s firepower. The two-day talks opened in Dublin Castle just hours after a suicide bomb killed at least 49 people in a Damascus mosque, including a senior cleric loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad. Both Assad and the major opposition group, the Syrian National Coalition, condemned the attack. British Foreign Minister William Hague said the European Union’s policy of providing only non-lethal equipment to the National Coalition must end if Syria’s primary opposition forces are to oust Assad from power. “In order to support a diplomatic and political settlement which is essential
for peaceful transition, it will be necessary for us to increase the support that we give to the National Coalition on the ground,” Hague said in comments mirrored by his French counterpart, Laurent Fabius. Fabius said EU governments must agree on “how to stop Bashar Assad from continuing to bomb and massacre the Syrian population and the opposition.” But the other 25 EU ministers rallied behind the cautionary views of Germany, which argues that increased aid to rebel-held areas should be confined to improving their access to water, power, food and medical care. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said he accepted that Britain, France and the U.S. had “good reasons” for wanting to increase the ability of opposition forces to defeat Assad’s military following two years of civil war.
But he warned that sending weapons was likely to have unintended and negative consequences. He said more civilians would be killed in crossfire, and Western-supplied weapons could end up in the hands of anti-Western jihadists, who are being blamed for Thursday night’s mosque bombing. “We are still reluctant on lifting the arms embargo,” Westerwelle said, adding, “We have to avoid a conflagration and we have to prevent that aggressive offensive weapons come into the wrong hands.” Several other foreign ministers publicly backed Westerwelle’s reservations as they entered the Dublin Castle talks, which conclude today. All emphasized that the EU would not consider easing its arms embargo on Syria until the end of May, when the existing restrictions are due to expire.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 23, 2013
President “surprised” no decision Electricity supply at Orealla back to normal. yet on NCN financial irregularities
A section of Orealla Village on the Upper Corentyne River
The village council of Orealla on the Upper Corentyne reported yesterday that it has restored electricity to the community following successful repairs to a damaged generator. The community had been without electricity since late February. Head of the Council, Toshao Floyd Edwards disclosed that the generator had apparently been damaged after the radiator which cools the engine ran dry. He said that the Council intends to review the
circumstances surrounding the damage to determine what needs to be done to ensure there is no recurrence of the ordeal. The generator had been installed by central government four years ago. Edwards disclosed that the Council had expended over $700,000 using revenues from the sale of sawn lumber and logs to get the repairs done. He said that he has informed the Office of the Prime Minister of the problem and of the steps taken to resolve it.
Toshao Floyd Edwards.
President : Donald Ramotar
Martin Goolsarran
Mohamed Sattaur
Though President Donald Ramotar has the final decision on the outcome of the investigations of financial irregularities at the National Communications Network (NCN), he is “surprised” that the matter has not yet been concluded. Ramotar, at a press conference at the Office of the President, yesterday, expressed surprise that the matter is still ongoing. He related that the matter is being handled and it would be concluded in the near future. However, for months a report detailing financial irregularities at the stateowned entity was submitted
to Ramotar, who is the Minister of Communications. The investigation was confined to the Terms of Reference that sought to ascertain the relationship between Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and NCN. In a leaked reportprepared during the first half of the year- it was revealed that on the part of NCN, one area of irregularity was traced back to GT&T and involved millions of dollars in advertisements. NCN’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Sattaur, who had knowledge of the financial irregularities, resigned in June. The entity’s
Programme Manager, Martin Goolsarran, who admitted that he had deposited the payment cheque from the telephone company into his personal account, has been suspended without pay. However, findings of the investigations submitted to Ramotar would determine the future of the men. Many are waiting to see whether the findings would be sent to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Guyana Police Force. Without revealing details of the investigations, Ramotar said he would like to see accountability at NCN, which will help with confidence and credibility.
Thirty-seven-year-old Navin Misir, of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, who was one of the minibus drivers involved in the Coldigen smash up, has succumbed. According to the man’s wife, Amanda Ramsaywack, her husband drew his last breath while in the recovery room of the Georgetown Public Hospitals Operation Theatre around 05:00 hours yesterday. The woman said that since her husband was taken to the medical institution he had been in surgery as doctors there tried their best to save his legs, both of which were severely injured as a result of the accident. However, contrary to reports Misir’s legs were not amputated. Instead, the man was in surgery all night as doctors tried effortlessly to
save them. Meanwhile the man’s remains have been handed over to relatives after a post mortem examination. Further, this publication was told that the driver of the truck who was in custody up to press time yesterday is maintaining that his truck suffered a mechanical failure which resulted in him losing control. Reports are that the man told investigators that his steerings cut. However, relatives of the dead man remain adamant that the truck driver should be held accountable for the accident. The explanation about the steering snapping cannot be supported as he was speeding at the time. Investigations are ongoing even as another passenger of the minibus is said to be in critical condition
at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Some 14 persons, including a two-year-old, were injured as a result of the accident which occurred on Thursday morning on the Coldingen Public Road. Those injured were Ashapria Baslaram, two, who sustained injuries to her back; Vickram Hansraj, Lisa Narine, Rhonda Eastman, Ramrattie Persaud, Rachael Rambularie, Surujonie Basdeo, Bibi Sakila Alli, Sharif Kadir, Surujdai Bagrinauth, Sunita Samaru, Kumarie Jagnarine and Rodwell Edwards. Eyewitnesses said that the container truck was heading to Berbice while the route 44 minibuses were heading toward the city when the collision occurred. Sources said that while in the vicinity of a turn at Coldingen, East Coast Demerara turn, the driver of the container truck is believed to have lost control and slammed into the minibuses. An eyewitness said that he was at the time tending to a customer at his shop nearby when he heard a loud “bang”. As he looked around he saw the truck as it crashed headlong into the minibus. Another minibus which was behind the container truck, then slammed into the rear of the truck.
Minibus driver in Coldingen smash up succumbs
Saturday March 23, 2013
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When the power is gone, all that remains is your deeds Four years ago, I wrote: ‘’Ah just hope that when he leaves office, he can enjoy what he has helped to destroy.” Oh, sorry, just in case somebody thought I was referring to Guyana, I was in fact then referring to President George W. Bush who had just proceeded on retirement after serving two terms as the President of the United States of America. George Bush left America in crisis. This is the same country to which he had to return and live as a civilian for the remainder of his life. Life was never going to be easy for him in a country where thousands lost their jobs and are faced with hard times. Moments after he returned to his home state, ridicule was thrown in his face… well not literally but rather at an effigy at which boots were pelted in bidding farewell to the former Commander in Chief. The advice that his successor, Barack Obama, gave to those leaders around the world who blame America for their problems, could equally be applied to his homeland and to other countries to whom he may not have been referring. Obama said that the leaders of those countries should realize that their people will judge them by what they build and not by what they destroy. George Bush went back to civilian life to live in an economy which he helped to destroy; he went
back to reflect on a world that he left in tatters following his ill-advised excursions into Iraq and Afghanistan and his misguided Middle East policy. The outgoing President will still however have the consolation of knowing that there is still a segment of the American population, a significant number, who feel that his policies were correct and who will offer him their support. He will, as a former President, enjoy a great deal of benefits and status and will have a coterie of friends to whom he can turn. But what about politicians in small societies like Guyana, who when they leave office have little to look forward to? Yes, many of these politicians have found that the return to civilian life is lonely and desolate and often they are disregarded in the streets of Guyana. In our own country, we have seen how the mighty have fallen and left isolated by their supporters and friends upon losing power. I have seen an instance of one powerful figure in the Burnham administration being stripped of all power and being forced on one occasion to have to run out of this country. I have seen political leaders when they are in power being surrounded by friends and well wishers that would do anything to retain the friendship of these leaders. But when these leaders no longer have power,
Dem boys seh... Some APNU and AFC people tek Jagdeo money Guyana is a place when people does do things how it suit dem. A man tek he cloth to a tailor and agree wha he want. The tailor does do he own thing and de man can only grumble. It happen de other day when a man go to de barber fuh a haircut and get wha de barber want give he. Desmond Hoyte use to walk round wid a gyal a rush me hairstyle. He didn’t ask fuh that but that is wha he get. People use to ask fuh de radio free up and dem get wha dem want. De only thing is that dem ain’t get de freeness. Is only a few people get vex and is like if is dem alone get de problem. De truth is that some of de people who get vex can’t seh nutten because dem get buy out. Some people in de PNC tek Jagdeo money and dem can’t talk about nutten. That is why nuff of dem silent over de radio licence issue. Some of dem in APNU tek Jagdeo money too. One of dem go so far as to mek Jagdeo give instructions fuh one of he Ministries send stuff home to a PNC big one. De man get buy out. AFC in de same boat. Khemraj look like if he ain’t tek money. He does open he mouth and talk bout anything when he get vex. But dem got some people in that same party who can’t even seh peep. That is how dem boys know that money been round fuh share out and fuh buy people. And all who get buy out got to sit down in a corner like pity, pity poor boy. Dem boys seh that nuff times dem sit down and wait fuh see who gun protest. Dem does wait forever and forever and nutten don’t happen. Dem talk bout de Marriott and nuff politician couldn’t seh nutten because dem tek Jagdeo money. Dem talk bout de airport and again is de same thing. Is de time when Jagdeo gun ask back fuh he money. Is then people gun know who is who. Talk half and see who could give back Jagdeo he money.
I have seen their friends vanish like ninjas. When you are on top of the world, the whole world knows you. When your power recedes then is when you know your true friends. There will be many who will court your friendship when you have power, but when your power is gone, they too will disappear and if pressured they will sing like a canary. True friends are hard to find. Too much friendship is based on self-interest, not itself a bad thing but such
friendships do not last and often disappear after the interests would have been satisfied. This is why I have always advised those with power to choose their friends carefully and to treat everyone with kindness. But more importantly do not unwillingly make enemies; do not trample on the rights of others; do not treat people with indifference and scorn; do not wrong anyone, because one day you too shall have to return to civilian
life. And, especially in small societies like ours, the powerful who find themselves powerless often end up being helpless and lonely. I have known many a person in Guyana who used to walk the streets with an air of pomp and superiority. I have seen many of them run away from Guyana because they could not face what they did to this country and the many persons whom they treated unjustly. So, do good, build and not destroy, forgive rather than punish, be fair and
considerate. If you do these things, the world to which you return when you retire will be a better place because you would have helped to make it so.
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$20M Diamond fire station now fully operational - country boasts 54 engines
The Diamond Fire Station, built at a cost of $20M, was officially commissioned on Thursday. Diamond, East Bank Demerara, is one of the largest housing schemes in the country and already boasts a new secondary school and primary school, hospital, police station and a market tarmac, according to a government statement yesterday. Speaking at the commissioning, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, who
The newly commissioned Diamond Fire Station.
GMV Minerals scales back exploration activities for 2013
has oversight of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said that not only does establishing the fire station contribute to providing a comfort level for the public’s safety, but from a developmental perspective, demonstrates the extent to which the Government takes a holistic approach to development. “First and foremost, we have a new housing scheme here where people are living, businesses are going up, cottage industries and so many other developmental projects are
taking place in this community.” According to Rohee, it is the first fire station that is being established on the East Bank. The nearest fire stations are at Timehri and Ruimveldt. The fire station which comprises male and female barracks, operational areas, fitness area, an office for the officer in charge, kitchen and dining hall, was completed in October 2012. Prior to 1992, there were only eight fire stations with
four of them operational. Since 1992, GINA said, nine new fire stations were commissioned in various parts of the country. At the time, there were only three fire trucks. Today there is a fleet of 54 fire trucks countrywide. C h i e f F i r e O ff i c e r, Marlon Gentle, in his remarks, said that the commissioning of the fire station was another step which was taken to develop the mandate of the Home Affairs Ministry.
GMV Minerals Inc. a Canadian company focused on the discovery of gold in Guyana, yesterday announced that after a thorough review of its 2012 exploration programme, the Board of Directors had decided that the Company will significantly scale back its activities in Guyana for the remainder of the year. GMV Minerals holds mineral rights to nearly 900 square miles in Guyana. The Company had conducted a variety of advanced exploration programmes during last year. The Company’s exploration properties encompass approximately 535,000 acres in the Cuyuni and Five Star-Matthews Ridge Area in Region One (Barima/Waini) among others, forming one of the largest holdings in the country. GMV said that it will retain its option to earn a 100 per cent interest in select land packages including one large prospecting licence and 97 medium scale licences. Certain assets related to surplus exploration operations that are no longer required are being sold. And the proceeds from any such sales will be added to the Company’s working capital. GMV said that it is actively searching for a value added resource-based acquisition and to that end,
be thrown in their collective faces at every possible opportunity, nationally, regionally and internationally”. “The poverty of their position is revealed by the contemporary talk of their intention to resubmit the very same Bill, whose enactment they submit as an opposition Bill.” Dr. Luncheon told the media that this was the latest of the incomprehensible act, and has grave implications for
the country, specifically with gun crimes and Guyana’s commitment to gun control and gun control efforts domestically and abroad. “The question must be asked whether this practice by the opposition will be resorted to again in the parliament.” The Bill, it was stressed, is aimed at strengthening local laws and conforming to international treaties and agreements in Caricom.
During his presentation, Rohee had noted that the amendment would make the trafficking of firearms and firearm/ammunition components unlawful. No opposition member contributed to the debate. The only other Member of Parliament to speak was Rohee’s colleague, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett who emphasised the need for Guyana to join the world in the fight against gun crimes.
She noted that an AK-47 can be bought for US$200 and alluded to Rohee’s statement that this is because of the porous nature of Guyana’s borders. Rohee, in the wake of the Bill being voted down said, “If they think this is a defeat for me it’s a victory for the government, because they (Opposition) will now have to explain why they would be voting against a Bill that is aimed at stemming the flow of firearms into Guyana
the Company has established a technical committee to review advanced opportunities that better suit the investment of company resources. GMV came to Guyana in 2007 as Goldmember Minerals Inc .but changed its name to GMV Minerals Inc. in 2008. The Company is the second mining exploration company this year to announce a scale back in operations. Canadian Mining Company Guyana Goldfields Inc. announced in January that it will be looking to plunge up to US$205M in the initial startup, a reduction from over the US$500M it originally wanted to invest. An earlier estimate for the Guyana Goldfields project in northern Guyana had proposed a $525 million cost for a mine with a life of 22 years and total production of nearly 4.4 million ounces of gold. The scaled back plan calls for production of 3.29 million ounces of gold over an initial 17-year mine life at an operating cash cost of US$527 an ounce. Meanwhile this newspaper has been informed that several workers from some Canadian Mining Companies, including Guyana Goldfields Inc., who were sent home for the Christmas holidays, in December, have not been called to resume duties to date since then.
as a whole or components”. According to Rohee, the message being sent now seems to be that “we don’t mind firearms entering Guyana.” Responding to Opposition Leader David Granger’s comment to the media that it was more dangerous to have him (Rohee) in place than to support the Bill, the minister had stressed that no one should be scared by Granger’s remark.
Joint Opposition have taken their parliamentary dysfunction to heights of “unacceptability”- Dr. Luncheon
By Latoya Giles Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon on Thursday said that the Joint Opposition Parties have taken their Parliamentary dysfunction to heights of unacceptability after they rejected Minister Clement Rohee and his Firearms (Amendment) Bill. According to Dr. Luncheon, Cabinet contends that “rejection of the Bill must
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Brassington grilled about documents concerning GSL shares By Latoya Giles Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited, Winston Brassington, yesterday continued giving his evidence in the case between Royal Investments and the Guyana Stores Limited. Brassington was questioned about a series of documents. Senior Counsel Mr. Edward Luckhoo informed the Court that Mr. Rex Mc Kay SC would not cross examine the witness any further. According to Luckhoo he had read the reports on the hearings and was satisfied with what had taken place so far. Continuing his crossexamination of Winston Brassington, Luckhoo reminded Brassington that a number of documents and responses were requested and that he had promised to check and if found, would produce same to the Court. The Attorney then proceeded to ask Brassington whether he had replied in writing to a letter dated January 31, 2000 from Mr. Manniram Prashad. According to Brassington, he did not locate any written response. He said that checks were
made, but that he had not located anything. Brassington was questioned about whether there was a deposit agreement which gave NICIL the right to encumber GSL. Brassington said he did not agree that he said that. Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, who is the presiding judge, then asked Brassington if there was something called the Deposit Agreement and the witness responded in the affirmative. Luckhoo then asked Brassington if he had located that Deposit Agreement. In reply, to that question Brassington said “No”. The lawyer then asked Brassington if he had a separate agreement which gives NICIL the right to encumber GSL. According to Brassington this was not so. However counsel reminded Brassington that several questions had been asked about a (letter dated April 4, 2000) and he enquired from the witness if he had been able to local any written responses since he had promised the court to make checks to see if he had responded in writing. Brassington said that he had not been able to locate any response in writing.
Mr. Luckhoo then drew Brassington’s attention to the Diplomatic Shop and reminded him that he was asked to check whether there was any part of an Information Memorandum which specifically excluded the Diplomatic Shop from the Share Sale Agreement. Brassington said that he had not located any information that excluded the Diplomatic Shop from the Share Sale Agreement. Mr. Luckhoo then referred to correspondence written by Mr. Reaz Khan dated December 24, 1999 in which he requested a list of all Agencies, Franchises, and Distributorships and a list of each Agreement. He asked Brassington whether he had responded in writing to Mr. Khan’s request. Brassington in reply said that he had sent a letter to Mr. Khan, which had set out the matter regarding Due Diligence. M r. Luckhoo told Brassington that he was not asking him about Due Diligence. He pointed out to Brassington that Mr. Reaz Khan was asking for franchise, agencies, distributorships and a list of each agreement.
Counsel then asked Brassington whether he had provided him with the list of each of his requests and according to Brassington he had directed Mr. Khan to sit with Management of Guyana Stores Limited to discuss his requests. In answer to Mr. Luckhoo who asked for a copy of that letter, Mr. Brassington said that he could provide a copy of that letter. Mr. Luckhoo then referred to a letter dated 16th November 1999 from Mr. Fries which was taken for identification. Counsel then asked Brassington if he had been able to locate the original of that letter from his records and he said no. Mr. Luckhoo said that he had provided a copy of the letter for the Court. The copy of the letter was shown to Brassington and his attorney Mr. Khan. M r. L u c k h o o t h e n asked Brassington, if he had any reason to believe that Mr. Fries did not send him that letter, and he said no. The lawyer then pointed out to Brassington that the letter seemed to say that certain correspondence were also sent along with that letter. Mr. Luckhoo said to Brassington, “I want to show you a letter sent by Perkins to Mr. R. Sharma, Finance Manager of Guyana Stores Limited.” The letter was given to Brassington to read. Counsel then asked Brassington if after reading the letter, it had helped him to recollect reading a
document of similar nature? Brassington said that he recalled having back and forth correspondence with Perkins. M r. L u c k h o o t h e n a s k e d Brassington if he had recalled receiving a letter from Perkins which stated that if the share holding of Guyana Stores Limited had changed, then the franchise would be terminated. Brassington said that he did not recall, but remembered that he had back and forth correspondence with Perkins. The lawyer pointed out to Brassington that the shares in Guyana Stores Limited had been sold and that is what the case is all about. He further pointed out that Brassington was acting as an agent for the shareholders of NICIL in the case. Mr. Luckhoo then asked Brassington if Guyana Stores Limited had become aware that the sale of the shares would trigger a termination of that agreement, they would have notified NICIL or him. Brassington replied “Yes”. Mr. Luckhoo followed up by asking Brassington if he “would agree that if they did not notify him or NICIL, then GSL would have been failing in their duty?” Brassington replied, “Not necessarily.” The Perkins letter was tendered for identification as NICIL #26 upon request by Mr. Luckhoo. Mr. Luckhoo reminded Brassington that he had said that not all the franchises were in existence at the time the Share Sale Agreement was concluded. Counsel further reminded Brassington that he had asked him if there were any pieces of correspondence listing the franchises that had ceased to exist at the time the Share Sale Agreement had concluded, and in reply, he said he would have checked. Mr. Luckhoo asked Brassington if he had caused checks to be made and he said no.The lawyer further questioned the witness if he had found any
correspondence sent to Royal Investments whether he would have brought it to the Court and he replied yes. Mr. Luckhoo asked Brassington whether he had brought any of the correspondence to the court and he answered no. The lawyer referred to Brassington to a letter dated 25th September 2000 which was addressed to Mr. Samuel Hinds and signed by Brassington. Brassington was given a copy of the letter to read. The letter was tendered in court. However there was slight objection to the letter by Brassington’s lawyer. He asked that some of scribbled writings at the side of the letter to be removed. Mr. Luckhoo asked that all annotations on the letter be ignored. All handwritings are to be deleted. The matter is to continue on April 9 when another witness is expected to take the stand. The case is being heard by Justice Roxanne GeorgeWiltshire. NICIL is being represented by Rafiq Turhan Khan, while Yassin is being represented by Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo and Rex Mc Kay. In an affidavit signed by Mr. Tony Yass i n , h e admitted that on October 4, 2000, he entered into an agreement with National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) to purchase the shares in Guyana Stores Limited which was owned by the Government of Guyana. Furthermore, it was sta t e d that before entering into the agreement with National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited, Yassin was given various information memoranda on June 5, 1996 and packages in March 1999 in respect of the matters and facts which were peculiarly within the knowledge of the NICIL, the Government and Privatisation Unit. To these, the defendant stated, he had no access method of verifying through his own investigation and inquiry.
With an impressive display of marksmanship, the Guyana Defence Force’s 31 Special Forces Squadron shot its way to top honours at the first of the Force’s Quarterly Weapons Tournament. The competition was held at the Timehri Full Bore Range on March 13, last. Thirteen teams, drawn from all units, competed in
several events which included the “O” Class Male Rifle Shoot, the “X” Class Male Rifle Shoot, Female Rifle Shoot, Team Ranks Shoot, Team Falling Plate Shoot (Male and Female). Trophies and medals were awarded to winners in the respective categories. This tournament, which was previously held annually, is now being held quarterly.
This is in an effort to enable ranks to benefit from regular practice and to enhance all round marksmanship capabilities. The focus on improving marksmanship is in keeping with the Chief of Staff’s strategic objective of “leadership to positively influence performance with emphasis on individual marksmanship”.
Winston Brassington
Special Forces Unit wins marksmanship display
Saturday March 23, 2013
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Japan aids purchase of Paediatric life saving machines
Immigration INFO Immigration News For Our Community Attorney Gail S. Seeram, Gail@GailLaw.com
Japan’s Ambassador to Guyana (right) presents the cheque for US$ 90, 300 to GPHC’s CEO- Michael Khan, as PM, Samuel Hinds stands in the middle The Japan Government, and by extension, its people, have made available to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, a sum of US$90,300, as part of an ongoing Grassroot Human Security Project (GGP). The money will go mainly towards purchasing vital equipment for the hospital’s Paediatric Unit, with at least five Paediatric neo-natal ventilators (life saving machines) being given priority. The grant was officially signed between Chief Executive Officer of the health institution- Michael Khan, and the Ambassador of Japan to Guyana, Mr. Yoshimasa Tezuka, during a simple ceremony held in the hospital’s Resource Centre.
Khan noted that the donation will aid in moving the hospital closer to achieving the fourth millennium development goal of the reduction in child mortality and morbidity. He said too that over the years, neonatal deaths have reduced by fifty per cent. This, he said, is a remarkable achievement for healthcare delivery in Guyana. Khan expressed gratitude to the Japanese for their kind contribution, and promised that the equipment being bought with the money will be properly used, and taken care of. In his remarks, Ambassador Tezuka explained that the GGP is a programme designed to promote human security in the world, by
assisting non-profitable organizations. Tezuka added that he has no doubt that by making the grant available to the GPHC, the programme will be moving closer towards fulfilling its mandate, as the precious lives of young children will be saved. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was also present at the signing ceremony, delivered the feature address. Hinds expressed his most sincere gratitude for the donation mainly because it was not a case where the country (Japan) does not need the money, but chooses to lend its assistance for a needed cause. Children are the future, and these machines will help to save their lives.
Saturday March 23, 2013
Through this “Question & Answer” column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions. Many of you have questions on backlog time and eligibility – we seek to clarify these issues and more. We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email: Gail@GailLaw.com. Question #1: I want to know if employment based green card will take the entire family together to the United States? Answer #1: Y e s , assuming there are no grounds of inadmissibility, your spouse and children will become derivative beneficiaries of your approved employment-based immigrant petition and can come to the U.S. with you. Question #2: W h i l e completing the application for a visitor visa, I came across the following questions: (a) Do I have any immediate family members in the U.S.?; (b) Have I traveled to any foreign country during the past five (5) years? and (c) Has anyone in the U.S ever filed an immigrant petition on my behalf’?. If the answer YES to these questions would that decrease my chances of being granted a visitor’s visa? Answer #2: You must answer these questions truthfully or your may be denied a visa based on fraudulent misrepresentation.
If you have an immediate relative in the U.S. or a pending immigrant petition, then yes, your chances of being granted a visitor visa may decrease unless you can show strong financial, family and property ties to Guyana. Question #3: The father of my daughter, who is a minor, has filed an immigrant petition on her behalf, he is a permanent resident residing in the U.S. He has requested that I send him a notarized letter of consent for her to reside with him. Is this required and how long is the processing time for a permanent resident filing for a minor child? Answer #3: Yes, when a minor child is leaving one biological parent in Guyana to reside with another biological parent in the U.S., then the U.S. Department of State does require a notarized letter granting permission from the biological parent residing outside the U.S. For a minor child of a permanent resident, visas are being issued for petitions filed on or before January 2010. Question #4: If you have a B1/B2 multiple entry visa and you get married to a U.S. citizen while your papers are being processed can you continue to travel on the above mention visa? Answer #4: It depends on the U.S. Custom and Border Protection officer who is reviewing your visa and file when you seek entry into the U.S. If the officer determines that you have immigrant intents because of the pending petition for an
Attorney Gail S. Seeram, immigrant visa, then he/she may deny your entry into the U.S. with the visitor visa. Question #5: My daughter, thirteen years old, has been granted a nonimmigrant visa for vacation in the U.S. Since her father will not be traveling with us (myself and her older brothers who are seventeen and nineteen), is there any form of consent by her father needed in order for her to travel and if so, what is the procedure in obtaining the document and what information must it contain? Answer #5: It would be a good idea to travel with a notarized letter signed by your husband granting consent for your daughter to travel to the U.S. with you. The document should contain your husband’s phone number and a copy of his Guyana passport page with his photo and biographical information. I’m sure any attorney in Guyana can prepare this notarized consent.
Saturday March 23, 2013
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Amaila Falls hydro construction to start this year – Ramotar - says LCDS on course Construction of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project will commence later this year, President Ramotar said yesterday, as he trumpeted the success of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The LCDS was launched in 2009 by former President Bharrat Jagdeo. He was backed by a US$250 million pact with Norway. Some of the funding from that forest-saving initiative will go towards funding the hydro project and other initiatives. Ramotar said that funding for the project is soon to be finalized. He was speaking at a special ceremony at his State House residence where he gave an update on the LCDS. He said that with the start of electricity generation from Amaila Falls in 2017, Guyana will likely be the world’s leading user of clean energy. From the project, he said, Guyanese homes and businesses will get cheaper, more reliable electricity supply. From the LCDS more than 11,000 Amerindian homes now have electricity
for the first time —through solar systems. In addition, Ramotar said that low carbon industries identified in the LCDS are growing fast — ecotourism in the Rupununi is growing by 20 per cent a year, and the business process outsourcing sector has more than doubled employment in four years. Further, he said Guyana is on track to become the world’s most inclusive digital society, as 90,000 vulnerable households gain access to computers and training — almost 27,000 have been distributed to date. He said that the government has started to provide targeted assistance for small businesses and vulnerable communities to stimulate the creation of 2,200 new low carbon jobs in the next three years. Regarding titling of Amerindian communities, Ramotar said the Government has committed to completing the land titling process over the next three years, for all communities that request this to be done. A total of 166 Amerindian villages, communities and
settlements have produced low carbon community development plans, and this year, commencement of 27 of those will be implemented — creating new low carbon opportunities in areas such as ecotourism, sustainable agriculture and manufacturing. “It speaks of how the Government intends to pursue a once-in-ageneration investment in our Adaptation infrastructure, of how we will intensify our efforts to support private sector led growth in high potential low carbon sectors, and of how we will continue to deliver large scale support for Amerindian-led socioeconomic development,” Ramotar stated. In the LCDS Foreword, the President alluded to the need to stay firm when progress was difficult, saying that reforms with this scale of ambition are never without set-backs: “We are building the first model of its kind in the world... We know that ambitious reform is difficult... When faced by set-backs, the wrong reaction is to be frightened or overwhelmed by them. The right reaction is to persevere, because Guyana’s people benefit in the end.” In 2008, when he set out
President Donald Ramotar and Dr. Racquel Thomas in conversation at State House yesterday. his vision of a new economy to achieve these goals, President Bharrat Jagdeo said that Guyana would aim to meet three inter-linked challenges: how to make forests worth more alive than dead; how to stimulate future growth
using clean energy and nondeforesting economic activities; how to protect against climate change. Private Sector Chairman, Ronald Webster and the National Toshaos Council expressed support for the
LCDS. “We are now well on the way towards transitioning our economy to one that is built on clean energy; sustainable land use; and maintaining our forests,” Ramotar stated.
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Ogle Airport to accommodate 27 Amerindian communities funded Regional Class Aircraft soon GRIF funding...
for income generating ventures
Tw e n t y - s e v e n Amerindian communities will now receive financing to execute economic ventures to generate income, provide employment and promote sustainable development. Yesterday morning, at the Princess International Hotel, Government launched its Amerindian Development Fund (UNDP) for the communities as a pilot project. Over time, an additional 180 communities will benefit similarly. This programme is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and financed by the Norwegian Government through the Guyana REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
Degradation) Investment Fund –GRIF. GRIF was established in October 2010 as the mechanism through which the Low Carbon Development Strategy projects will be funded in the same way as those being created under the Amerindian Development Fund. For years, Amerindian communities have been waiting for the release of funds to finance projects they themselves crafted in their Community Development Plans with help from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Some ventures included in plans are: tourism related; arts and craft; poultry rearing; and cattle farming. The agreement for the
implementation of the agreement between Guyana and UNDP was inked August 2012. President Donald Ramotar had stated that the agreement will see Amerindian communities benefiting from approximately $360M over a period. “The CDPs have been developed by villages and will result in tremendous transformation of village economies from their current levels of vulnerability to greater viabilities and sustainability,” he added. Ramotar had asserted that villagers could continue to develop their traditional type of work and agriculture. However, in modern times, development needs to be done in a sustainable manner.
- to be certified on Tuesday In a matter of days the Ogle International Airport will be certified as a Category 2C operation by the Civil Aviation Authority- bringing the dream alive of accommodating Regional Class Aircraft like the Turbo Prop, Dash 8s and ATRs flights operated by LIAT and Caribbean Airlines, as well as executive type class aircraft. According to the airport’s Public Relations Officials, this certification will form part of the celebration of 100 years of aviation in Guyana. President Donald Ramotar will deliver the feature address on Tuesday. Last May, the airport commissioned its extended runway that was built to facilitate this new development. The Ogle Airport Development Programme received 1.5M Euros funding from the European Union to extend the runway by 2,200 feet almost doubling its original length. The runway is also 100 feet wide.
At the commissioning of that runway, Head of the European Union Robert Kopecký had stated that the Ogle International Airport connects Guyana to the rest of the region, which is the institutional precondition to becoming the ‘Brussels of the Caribbean’ and in a sense, the heart of regional integration. According to the statement released to the media, as part of Tuesday’s certification a LIAT proving flight will land, for the first time, at the Airport at 1500hrs. This will precede the official occasion. It was noted that the LIAT aircraft will depart at 1900hrs at the conclusion of the occasion, proving the Airport’s certification for commercial night time flights. On November 5, 2001, Ogle Airport Inc (OAI) formed by a group of aviation pioneers and with the Government entered into a 25-
The lack of accreditation of the University of Guyana’s School of Dentistry has students worried that their qualifications would only be valid in Guyana, thus limiting their abilities to explore other options in the Caribbean and further afield. The dental programme which is done in collaboration with the University and the Ministry of Health has many challenges. But, failure to accredit the five-year programme even though students are paying $500,000 per year is worrisome. Having the programme accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) would require some house cleaning for quality assurance, said an official. Admission into the dental programme is limited to the number of chairs available
at the Dental Centre where third to fifth year students are exposed to the clinical aspect of dentistry and theory. The small class size lends to the lecturers being paid meagerly owing to UG’s payment system. Consequently, some staff members have left the institution resulting in the late start of some programmes for the semester. This mediocrity is coupled with the unfair competition of having students from another University utilizing the dental chairs at the same time as UG’s students. According to reports, more attention is given to the students of the private University because they are paying $5,000 per hour. At one point, to facilitate the students from the private University, UG’s students were forced to go to the West Demerara Regional Hospital to do their practical.
year Lease Agreement for the management, operation and development of the airport. This lease agreement is renewable for two further periods of 25 years. OAI assumed management of the Airport on December 1, 2001. OAI was given the mandate to develop the airport to comply with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) involving a private investment of the shareholders of OAI of some US$3M. The Airport gained its International Airport status in 2009 after the completion of its Phase I development. International scheduled passenger operations commenced from that date. In the same year, Government and OAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the funding of the second phase of the development of the Airport with funding from a 2007 EU grant of 1.5M Euros.
UG’s School of Dentistry needs accreditation
Man stabs wife - had tried to kill baby Police are preparing to institute a charge of wounding against a 25-year-old man who stabbed his wife four times in the region of her back, on Wednesday evening. The woman was saved after her uncle intervened. One of the four stab wounds at the back of her neck is said to be the severest. The assailant is in custody at the lock ups at Anna Regina Police Station even as police assess his wife’s condition. The mother of a six-month-old baby remains a patient in the female ward at the Suddie Public Hospital. According to reports, the man first attempted to kill the couple’s six month old baby after he was not happy with the limited privacy between him and his wife, since he lived in an extended family unit with his wife’s other siblings. The couple got married in December last.
In addition, the Dental Centre lacks functional equipment and adequate materials for the students to execute their practical sessions. The students believe that the University should consider that students are paying a hefty sum to be part of the programme and should reward the lecturers likewise. But, finances from the dentistry programme, like the School of Medicine, seem to be extended to cover other expenses of the Faculty of Health Sciences. According to an observer, the University should invest in the present programmes rather than starting new programmes. It was recommended that the Schools of Dentistry and Medicine be merged and separated from the Faculty of Health Sciences. Apparently, the School of Medicine is accredited by Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). A team was recently in Guyana to evaluate the programme for reaccreditation. However, it remains a mystery if the programme will be reaccredited because of its challenges also. Calls to the Dental Centre on numbers: 225-0700; and 227-1852 were unanswered. Calls to UG’s Faculty of Health Sciences on 222-3070 were also unanswered. The Vice Chancellor was not in office when this publication contacted his office.
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FFTP donates footwear to schools
The shoes
In an effort to ensure that school children are properly attired for the August School term, Food for the Poor Guyana Inc yesterday donated 3000 pairs of shoes to seven schools.
Some of the students who benefited were from Sophia Primary, Enterprise Primary, East La Penitence Primary, Tapakuma Primary (Region Two), Beterverwagting Primary and Enmore
Newtown Nursery. The donation was made after continuous complaints that a number of school children are not properly attired when attending school, specifically as it
relates to wearing the recommended black school shoes. The donations were graciously accepted by the schools. The head teachers expressed their appreciation. Head Mistress of the Tucville Primary School, Ms. Audrey
Sue, thanked the organisation for recognising a dire need of the students and opined that the donation would contribute significantly to an increase in school attendance.The NGO has identified, and is working with several other schools in
Region Five and Six to make similar donations. FFTF is a Charitable, Relief and Developmental Organization, and provides assistance to under privileged families, public institutions and other charitable and Non Governmental Organizations.
Guyana to be promoted as hub between Americas, rest of the World Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali, announced yesterday that efforts are being made to Promote Guyana as major international hub between the Americas and the rest of the World. “We are building a mechanism to encourage more traffic from Latin and South America to Guyana,” Minister Ali announced. The Minister made this bold assertion as he addressed the first meeting of Tourism Ministers of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) in Quito, Ecuador, on March 22, last. Tourism ministers from the 12 UNASUR member nations are meeting in Quito, to discuss the establishment of a single visa for the region; other topics to be covered include the creation of the South American Tourism Network and/or the South American To u r i s m Institute, with the aim of adopting a common working plan and establishing a permanent coordination mechanism in order to promote the tourism potential of South America. The Ministers are also meeting to discuss the adoption of a common work plan building a permanent
coordination mechanism within UNASUR. In his address, Ali expounded on the importance of the sharing of information, research and building partnerships in marketing and promoting the products of the Region; he also suggested the twinning of markets within the Region. “We need to work on joint initiatives that would advance and further develop our product whilst we grow our markets. As member states we also need to build an integrated marketing and information sharing platform for the Region that would achieve cost benefit through economies of scale,” Ali stated. Guyana’s Tourism Minister pointed to the necessity of developing a common platform that would allow ease of access and hassle free movement for tourists between destinations in member states. He proposed working on a regional transportation system with Tourism as a core focus. Alluding to one of the actions to be taken when developing a common work plan, Ali said, “Recognizing that our tourism product is
heavily Eco and nature based we should seek active involvement in Global debate regarding climate change and develop an action plan that would safeguard the Industry.” He said that member states need to work out a mechanism where students can benefit from exchange programmes at the University, particularly in Guyana, being English speaking; Universities can offer one year exchange programmes where students will be able learn different languages. Minister Ali explained, too, that it is important to build a financial mechanism to help community based tourism in the collective effort to promote sustainable Tourism as a commitment of the UNASUR states. He said, “We need to build a mechanism that would stimulate and incorporate partnership with the private sector.” Ali pointed to the advantages of promoting the tourism potential of South America and the important role on UNASUR in achieving this. The meeting was attended by the Secretary General of UNASUR and the Tourism Ministers from member states.
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Mayhem at Maracana as Indians, police clash in Rio RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Pandemonium broke out in the shadow of Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium yesterday as riot police raided an old museum that authorities want razed ahead of the 2014 World Cup, but where a few indigenous people had squatted for years. Officers in full riot gear stormed into the dilapidated complex just as a tense, hours-long standoff between the police and about two dozen Indians appeared near a peaceful conclusion. The Indians had accepted the government’s offer to leave the compound in exchange for land on which to build a new settlement in northern Rio de Janeiro and most had already left the site when the officers charged in, prompting fury among the Indians’ supporters massed outside the building. An elderly man in a feather headdress lay collapsed on the sidewalk after police pulled him kicking and screaming from the compound. Protesters and journalists were temporarily blinded after officers fired tear gas and pepper spray and detonated stun grenades in the thick of the crowd. Protesters streamed into traffic on a nearby busy roadway and lay down in front of cars. Several people were detained. Firefighters turned their hoses on a blaze that broke out inside the compound. “It was a show of unnecessary force,” said Marcelo Freixo, head of the Rio state legislature’s Human Rights Commission, who had
An indigenous man shouts to police, clutching a flute from inside the old Indian Museum where a fire burns behind in Rio de Janeiro, yesterday. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) taken part in the negotiations. “The Indians had agreed to come out and they were coming out. “It was unnecessary force,” Freixo repeated again and again to a scrum of journalists, his eyes streaming from the clouds of tear gas and his face beet red. Public defender Daniel Macedo said his office was looking into suing the police commander over the use of force. “It was unfortunate behavior. It was abuse of authority and must be investigated. It did not have to end this way,” he told the Globo television network. “Indians had agreed to leave the museum peacefully and in fact several women, children
Caribbean Airlines confirms Jamaican pilots’ work permits not renewed PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC — The stateowned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) yesterday confirmed that three Jamaican pilots had been refused work permits but said that their contracts had already come to an end. “The pilots…their contracts had already come to an end at the time so based on that the authorities perhaps communicated with them,” CAL communications manager Clint Williams told reporters. Earlier the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) said it had sought the intervention of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller in the matter and questioned the commitment of regional countries to the free movement initiative within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). BITU president Kavan Gayle confirmed he had sought the intervention of the
Jamaica government and that despite numerous requests for work permits from six Jamaican pilots based in Trinidad and Tobago, the documents were not forthcoming. In May 2011, CAL took over the cash-strapped Air Jamaica with the government in Kingston having a 16 per cent share in the airline. Williams said that all the pilots now come under CAL whether or not they fly the Air Jamaica routes. “That contract came to an end on March 10 and they were subsequently contacted by the local authorities after that,” Williams said, indicating that the contracts for the pilots were “for a limited time” “So as it stands right now that contract period …that came to an end and it is not being renewed at this time,” he added.
the elderly had left. We asked (police) for another 10 minutes so that all could leave, but before those 10 minutes were up police invaded the museum using tear gas and pepper spray.” Police officials did not reply to requests for comment. The Indian Museum has been at the center of a protracted legal battle over government plans to demolish it as part of renovations for soccer’s 2014 World Cup. The nearby Maracana stadium will host the tournament’s closing match, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics, and officials have said they intend to turn
the area around the stadium into a new parking lot, commercial center and expanded stadium exits. Most of a nearby slum, about 500 meters (yards) away from the museum, has already been demolished to make way for the new development. A wealthy Brazilian donated the crumbling stone mansion with soaring ceilings to the government in 1847 to serve as a center for the study of indigenous traditions. The museum was abandoned in 1977, and the indigenous squatters, who included men and women of about 10 ethnicities, moved in about a decade ago, building small homes in the complex.
Indians from across Brazil regarded the site as a safe place to stay when they came to Rio to pursue an education, sell trinkets in the streets or get medical treatment, and dozens of people regularly cycled in and out. The Indians and their supporters had resisted a host of previous attempts to dislodge them, and even after the police surrounded the compound early Friday morning, it was far from clear that they’d end up leaving. More than two dozen Indians and their supporters, mostly leftist-leaning students and activists, peered over the compound’s graffiti-strewn wall to talk with negotiators, as riot police kept journalists and protesters at bay, corralling them into a median between four lanes of rushing traffic. At one point a protester from the feminist group Femen was grazed by a passing car as she bared her breasts to the TV cameras. At another tense moment, a police officer fired a canister of pepper spray
over the wall and directly into the Indians’ faces. The ever-growing crowd of supporters outside the complex responded with chants of “fascists, fascists,” and “police are the shame of Brazil.” Monica Lima, a 46-yearold teacher who had been protesting outside the police barricade since 5 a.m., lashed out at Rio state Governor Sergio Cabral, saying officials are using “the World Cup and the Olympics as an excuse to sell this city to a few billionaire businessmen.” In the face of opposition to the Indians’ eviction, Cabral told a news conference in October that the World Cup organizing body FIFA had demanded the building be razed. However, a letter from FIFA’s office in Brazil to the federal public defender’s office, published in January by the newspaper Jornal do Brazil, said that the football authority “never requested the demolition of the old Indian Museum in Rio de Janeiro.”
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Ruling party ready for general election says St Kitts prime minister BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CMC - Embattled Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas says his ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) is prepared for a general election constitutionally due by 2015. “The Labour Party stands ready to be prepared for any event electorally. We are a party established since 1932. We have been in government for the last 17 years after
being able to defeat a 15 year opposition regime (PAM),” said Prime Minister Douglas, adding the SKNLP “has the confidence and the support of our people if we were to go into a general election, if they were to be called. “We have made it absolutely clear the SKNLP would not lose any motion of no confidence in the Parliament and the
Constitution gives us options which is why I am confident that we will not lose any motion of no confidence if it comes to the vote,” he said on his weekly radio programme “Ask the Prime Minister”. Prime Minister Douglas told listeners while he is confident “we will not lose that vote” the government also had other options.
“...if we believe the chances are that we will lose the vote, then we will go to our options which are placed clearly in our Constitution,” said Prime Minister Douglas. Earlier this month, Opposition Leader Mark Brantley said he had written Governor General Sir Edmund Lawrence indicating that six of the 11 legislators in Parliament no longer
supported Dr. Douglas and called for the debate on the motion to be held without further delay. The move by the opposition leader, which also has the support of two former government ministers – former deputy prime minister Sam Condor and senior government minister Dr. Timothy Harris – is the latest strategy being employed to force the National Assembly to debate the motion of no confidence that the opposition said had been “duly submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly since the 11th December 2012”. Brantley said he was calling “on civil society to be vigilant and to continue to apply pressure to ensure that the democratic traditions we all hold sacrosanct are respected and restored”. The St. Kitts-Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the churches have already called on Prime Minister Dr. Douglas to ensure that the opposition inspired motion is debated soon. But Prime Minister Douglas has insisted that his administration would not be rushed into debating the motion of no confidence and that the presentation of the national budget is a priority matter to be dealt with. Dr. Douglas told radio listeners whenever the motion is debated, his government would seek to convince legislators to support the government given its record of achievement. “This is not a Douglas thing. It is a GovernmentCabinet thing. All of us contributed to where we are. Not one more than the other,” said Dr. Douglas, adding “this nonsense of trying to demonise the leader and blame him for everything that
Dr. Denzil Douglas is not good, but taking the credit for them for whatever may have been good, is absolute hypocrisy as I’ve said in the past”. He said the two former senior government ministers while indicating that they “are no longer with this Labour Party” and looking towards a unity government “I say to you…it will not get in because it is really a disunity government. “It is a government of convenience, where each man having his own little personal interest wants to sit together; but we have evidence of what happens in unity governments,” said Dr. Douglas, pointing to examples of recent unity governments in Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago. He said there were also examples of failed unity governments in St. Kitts and Nevis, adding “the unity government concept does not work! “It’s confusion and that is why we keep saying to our people, what is happening is, that these guys thought that the Labour Party would have fallen on 12th day of December 2012. They had dubbed it Freedom Day with PAM (People’s action Movement), but we are still here by the grace of God and the support of our own people.
Senate passes new Tax Administration bill ahead of IMF Jamaica Gleaner - The Tax Administration Jamaica Act 2013 yesterday morning passed committee stage in the Senate with no amendments. The bill seeks to establish a semi-autonomous revenue authority as a public body responsible for, among other things, the functions of registration, tax payer services, audit, investigations and various support services carried out in respect of domestic taxes by tax administration Jamaica. The passage of the bill is one of the prior actions to the signing of an IMF deal before
the end of March. Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding who opened the debate on the bill noted that the legislation is aimed at improving the processes involved in paying taxes. He also noted that since 1989 semi-autonomous revenue models have become the preferred operation model in more than 40 countries. Senator Golding also pointed out that with sustained support of a committed government, the model can lead to significant improvement in the performance of tax administration.
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Jamaica journalists will soon Antigua “remains susceptible” have new defamation legislation to money laundering - US report KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The Jamaica government says it will soon table new defamation legislation designed to protect journalists in the execution of their duties. Information Minister Sandrea Falconer said that Cabinet had approved the legislation that will correct inadequacies in the present defamation laws. She said the legislation includes provisions relating to: the abolition of the distinction between libel and slander, and the establishment of a single cause, known as defamation; and the abolition of the law relating to criminal libel. There are also measures for the swift resolution of disputes, outside of the court, over the publication of defamatory information. “This means that no journalist can be locked up for defamation once this law is passed and come into force,” Falconer said. The legislation also makes provisions for the reduction of the limitation period for actions in
Sandrea Falconer defamation from six to two years; and the replacement of the defence of justification with the defence of truth. The Information Minister said the proposed legislation represents a major step in the promotion of freedom of expression in Jamaica and that the Portia Simpson Miller government is of the strong view that journalists should never have to face the threat of prosecution when carrying out their duties. “A free and vigourous
and ethical press is a critical ingredient of a modern and striving democracy,” she said, noting however, that the “removal of criminal libel and defamation from the books does not mean that journalists can impugn people’s character and destroy peoples’ reputation”. “You have to remember that with increased freedom, there must be increased responsibility, and you have to be responsible for your actions,” she added. In 2008 a committee chaired by Justice Hugh Small reviewed the law of defamation and made recommendations for changes to ensure transparency and accountability. The resulting report, which contained 16 recommendations, including a proposal to abolish the offence of criminal libel, was presented to Parliament. A joint select committee was convened to consider the recommendations. The House of Representatives, in 2011, approved the committee’s report.
WASHINGTON, United States – CMC - The United States says despite recent improvements as a “significant” offshore center, Antigua and Barbuda “remains susceptible” to money laundering. In its 2013 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report on money laundering and financial crimes, the US Department of State said that Antigua a n d B a r b u d a ’s s t a t u s stems from its offshore financial sector and Internet gaming industry. “Illicit proceeds from the trans-shipment of narcotics and from financial crimes occurring in the United States are laundered in Antigua and Barbuda,” the report stated. During the past year, it said the Office of National Drug Control and Money Laundering Policy (ONDCP) in Antigua had “compiled evidence that money laundering related to drug trafficking takes place through local financial institutions”. According to the State
Department, the ONDCP’s analysis shows that “criminals abuse the system and financial institutions, in some instances, fail to apply sufficiently rigorous due diligence in relation to transactions that should be seen as questionable”. The report said the funds involved include Eastern Caribbean dollars “traced to
the sale of local property by at least one person US authorities identified as trafficking drugs through Antigua and Barbuda to US territory”. It said Antigua and Barbuda receives approximately US$2.8 million annually from license fees and other charges from the industry.
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (GIS) — The Kuwaiti Fund has agreed to lift a suspension imposed on Grenada following negotiations led by the country’s works minister, Gregory Bowen. An agreement has been reached between the new administration of Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell and the Fund that paves the way for work to begin next month. Bowen said highlights of the new agreement include a one million dollar payment to the Fund this week, a
payment schedule to cover 11 million dollars in arrears, and the resumption of a three million dollar payment every six months. A condition of the agreement also involves Grenada paying monies owed to Caribbean Consolidated Contractors Limited on a schedule of half a million dollars a month. The Kuwaiti Fund suspended disbursements to Grenada in February last year after the Tillman Thomas Administration failed to make overdue payments on four loans.
Kuwait Fund lifts Grenada suspension
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Congolese warlord headed Obama brokers IsraelTurkey rapprochement for war crimes court
KIGALI (Reuters) - A Congolese warlord known as “the Terminator” and accused of murder, rape and other atrocities was flown out of Rwanda yesterday to face war crimes charges in the International Criminal Court in the Hague. Bosco Ntaganda walked off the street and gave himself up at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali in a surprise move on Monday after a 15-year career that spanned a series of Rwandan-backed rebellions in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was most recently a commander in the M23 rebel movement but his position weakened after the group split in two. His removal from the conflict creates an opportunity to secure a peace agreement to end the yearold rebellion in a region dogged by conflicts. Ntaganda’s surrender was the first time an ICC suspect had voluntarily handed themselves over to be in the court’s custody.
Bosco Ntaganda He asked stunned U.S. officials at the embassy to be transferred to the court, where he will face charges of recruiting child soldiers, murder, ethnic persecution, sexual slavery and rape during the 2002-3 conflict in northeastern Congo’s gold mining Ituri district. His whereabouts had been unknown after hundreds
of his fighters fled into Rwanda or surrendered to U.N. peacekeepers last weekend following their defeat by a rival faction of M23 rebels in the mineral-rich eastern Congo. “Bosco thought his choice was the ICC or probable death,” said Jason Stearns of the Rift Valley Institute. Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said Ntaganda flew out of Kigali in the custody of ICC officials following cooperation between the Rwandan, U.S. and Dutch governments. A Reuters witness had seen a blacked-out U.S. Embassy vehicle under police escort drive along the perimeter of Kigali international airport. Shortly after, a private jet took off. The International Criminal Court said he would arrive at the court’s detention center in The Hague late yesterday evening. His first courtroom appearance, to confirm his identity, will be on Tuesday morning, the court said in a statement.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) Israel apologized to Turkey yesterday for killing nine Turkish citizens in a 2010 naval raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla and the two feuding U.S. allies agreed to normalize relations in a surprise breakthrough announced by U.S. President Barack Obama. The rapprochement could help regional coordination to contain spillover from the Syrian civil war and ease Israel’s diplomatic isolation in the Middle East as it faces challenges posed by Iran’s nuclear program. In a statement released by the White House only minutes before Obama ended a visit to Israel, the president said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan had spoken by telephone. “The United States deeply values our close partnerships with both Turkey and Israel, and we attach great importance to the restoration of positive relations between them in order to advance regional peace and security,” Obama said. The first conversation between the two leaders since 2011, when Netanyahu phoned to offer help after an earthquake struck Turkey, gave Obama a diplomatic triumph in a visit to Israel and
Barack Obama the Palestinian Territories in which he offered no new plan to revive peace talks frozen for nearly three years. The 30-minute call was made in a runway trailer at Tel Aviv airport, where Obama and Netanyahu huddled before the president boarded Air Force One for a flight to Jordan, U.S. officials said. Israel bowed to a longstanding demand by Ankara, once a close strategic partner, to apologize formally for the deaths aboard the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara, which was boarded by Israeli marines who intercepted a flotilla challenging Israel’s naval blockade of the Palestinian-run Gaza Strip.
“In light of Israel’s investigation into the incident which pointed to a number of operational mistakes, the prime minister expressed Israel’s apology to the Turkish people for any mistakes that might have led to the loss of life or injury,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement in English. It added that he had agreed to conclude an agreement on compensation. Netanyahu and Erdogan “agreed to restore normalization between the two countries, including returning their ambassadors (to their posts),” the statement said. A statement issued by Erdogan’s office said he had “accepted this apology.” It also said the Turkish leader told Netanyahu “that he valued centuries-long strong friendship and cooperation between the Turkish and Jewish nations”. A senior U.S. official said Washington believes that its “national security interests” as well as those of its regional allies would be served by normalization of IsraeliTurkish ties. Ankara expelled Israel’s ambassador and froze military cooperation after a U.N. report into the Mavi Marmara incident, released in
Congo says foils plot to assassinate president
(Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo’s government said yesterday it had thwarted a plot involving a Belgian member of parliament that aimed to assassinate President Joseph Kabila and overthrow his government. Two suspects - a Belgian doctor of Congolese origin named Jean-Pierre Kanku Mukendi and Isidore Madimba Mongombe, a former policeman - were arrested last month in the capital Kinshasa, Interior Minister Richard Muyej told journalists. Muyej said the two men, who were in possession of a small quantity of weapons at the time of their arrest, confessed to the plot. “(Mukendi) admitted that this plan to attack the city of Kinshasa and physically eliminate the head of state was adopted at a large meeting presided by himself on January 20 in Kinshasa,” he said. Muyej claimed Mukendi had, while living in Belgium, founded a group called
Joseph Kabila “Mouvement Debout Congolais”, or the Arise Congolese Movement, with the assistance of a member of Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives. “With the help of the Belgian member of parliament Laurent Louis, he increased his meetings with Congolese compatriots ... in the aim of preparing and finalising their project to overthrow (Congo’s) institutions,” he said.
Louis, an independent MP, told Reuters that while he opposed Kabila’s rule, he was not involved in any plot to overthrow the Congolese government by force. “I am opposed to violence ... What’s more, these meetings were totally public. There weren’t any secret meetings to plot this or that,” he said by telephone. Joseph Kabila became president of the vast mineralrich but chronically unstable Congo in 2001 following the assassination of his father, President Laurent Kabila. While he won the country’s first democratic poll in nearly five decades in 2006 in a vote endorsed by observers as free and fair, Kabila’s re-election five years later was tarnished by widespread irregularities. Twenty men suspected of belonging to another insurgent group were arrested in South Africa last month and charged with plotting to overthrow Kabila after they travelled to the country to seek military training and buy arms.
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Pope urges dialogue with Islam, more help for the poor VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis urged the West yesterday to intensify dialogue with Islam and appealed to the world to do more to combat poverty and protect the environment. Speaking in Italian, the new pontiff said richer countries should fight what he called “the spiritual poverty of our times” by reforging links with God. “How many poor people there still are in the world! And what great suffering they have to endure!” he told the diplomats in the Vatican’s frescoed Sala Regia. Some critics of the Catholic Church, which has been struggling with scandals and internal divisions, say its rejection of contraception in particular harms the poor. Others say it does much good in the developing world, running thousands of hospitals, schools, orphanages and hospices. Francis made his appeal in an address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican, sending a message through them to the leaders of the 180 states with which the Vatican
has diplomatic relations. He urged them to help keep religion central in public life and promote interreligious dialogue as a catalyst for efforts to build peace. “In this work (peace building), the role of religion is fundamental. It is not possible to build bridges between people while forgetting God,” he said. “But the converse is also true: it is not possible to establish true links with God while ignoring other people. Hence it is important to intensify dialogue among the various religions, and I am thinking particularly of dialogue with Islam.” Francis, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, said he was grateful that many Muslim religious and civilian leaders attended his inaugural Mass on Tuesday. Dialogue, he said, “should help to build bridges connecting all people, in such a way that everyone can see in the other not an enemy, not a rival, but a brother or sister.” He underlined the
importance of defending the poor when he explained why he had decided to take the name of St. Francis of Assisi, who is associated with austerity and help for the poor. “Fighting poverty, both material and spiritual, building peace and constructing bridges: these, as it were, are the reference points for a journey that I want to invite each of the countries here represented to take up,” he said. In his speech, the pope thanked Christians in the developing world “who dedicate themselves to helping the sick, orphans, the homeless and all the marginalized, thus striving to make society more humane and just”. African Catholics have said they want the new pope to champion traditional Church teachings, such as opposing contraception, abortion and same-sex marriage. Since his election, Francis has drawn attention to the need to defend nature and included it in his speech to
Sarkozy under investigation over campaign fraud
Nicolas Sarkozy
Jamaica Gleaner - Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been placed un d e r formal investigation over claims his 2007 election campaign received illegal donations from France’s richest woman. Sarkozy is accused of accepting thousands of euros from L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, now aged 90. It is alleged that staff
acting for Bettencourt gave 150,000 euros or £120,600 in cash to Sarkozy’s aides during his successful 2007 campaign to become president. Individual campaign contributions in France are limited to 4,600 euros. But he denies taking financial advantage of Bettencourt. His lawyer said he would file an appeal against the incoherent and unfair decision.
Italy’s Bersani tapped to form new govt. ROME (AP) — Italy’s president has tapped centerleft leader Pier Luigi Bersani to form a new government following national elections that produced no clear winner. Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said yesterday that Bersani was best positioned to create a government given “the most difficult circumstances.” Bersani’s coalition won control of the lower house but not enough seats to control the Senate, creating political gridlock. Any Italian government
must receive a vote of confidence to be confirmed. Bersani said he would “try to find balance” between changes sought by Italian voters and reforms needed to secure Italy’s financial and political future. Bersani has ruled out a coalition with Silvio Berlusconi’s center-right coalition, which finished second. The political movement founded by comic Beppe Grillo, which finished third, has ruled out supporting any established political force.
Pier Luigi Bersani
Pope Francis greets foreign diplomats during an audience with the diplomatic corps at the Vatican March 22, 2013. REUTERS/Tony Gentile the diplomats. “Here too, it helps me to think of the name of (Saint)Francis, who teaches us profound respect for the whole of creation and the protection of our environment, which all too often, instead of using for the good, we exploit greedily, to one another’s detriment,” he said. Francis has set the tone for a humbler papacy. The Vatican said he will hold a
Holy Thursday ceremony next week in the chapel of a youth prison instead of in the Vatican or a Rome basilica where it has been held before. He has also begun inviting outsiders to attend his morning Mass, something which Pope John Paul II did but which Benedict XVI, who is now “pope emeritus”, discontinued. On Thursday, France invited staff of the Santa Martha residence in the
Vatican and on Friday it was the turn of Vatican gardeners to attend the morning Mass in the chapel of residence, a spokesman said. Today, Francis will fly to the papal summer retreat south of Rome to visit Benedict, who last month became the first p o p e i n 6 0 0 years to abdicate instead of ruling for life, saying he no longer had the strength to carry out his mission.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 23, 2013
In lavish reception, Putin greets China president MOSCOW (AP) — China’s new president received a lavish welcome yesterday as he made Moscow his first foreign destination, joining with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a pointed attempt to counter U.S. influence in Asia. Xi Jinping, who became president just last week, urged Russia to improve its foreign policy coordination to protect the two neighbors’ joint security interests — comments that appeared to seek Russia’s backing for his eagerness to reduce U.S. influence and challenge Japan over a set of disputed islands. Xi was greeted by Putin at a grandiose reception that saw guards on horseback welcoming a foreign leader for the first time in recent memory. The pomp underlined just how close ties between the two Cold War-era rivals have become thanks to their energy needs and a shared aspiration to curtail U.S. power around the world. After the talks, Russian and Chinese officials signed agreements on deliveries of Russian oil and gas to China.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool) Kremlin guards snapped at attention as Xi and his long retinue walked into the gilded, chandeliered Grand Kremlin Palace. The two leaders greeted members of official delegations in the ornate St.
George Hall before sitting down for talks. Putin described the ties between the two countries as an “extremely important factor in global politics” and said Moscow “greatly
appreciated” Xi’s decision to make Russia the first country he visited as China’s new leader. The visit by Xi, who became Communist Party chief in November, followed a tradition of the two nations’ leaders paying inaugural visits to each other. Putin told the ITAR-Tass news agency that relations between Moscow and Beijing were helping to “shape a new, more just world order.” He
added that Russia and China have shown a “balanced and pragmatic approach” to international crises — an apparent reference to their lockstep opposition to U.N. sanctions against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime. Xi, in turn, pointedly told Putin that he expects Russia to “strengthen coordination and interaction in tackling international and regional issues to ensure our common strategic security.” “We must emphasize further increasing our mutual political support and resolutely back each other’s efforts to protect sovereignty, security and development interests,” Xi said. Two academics — Douglas H. Paal and Dmitri Trenin of Carnegie Endowment — said in an analysis that China may be trying to woo Moscow to Beijing’s side in its quarrel with Japan and trying to prod Russia to cooperate more actively against the U.S.-led missile shield in northeast Asia. They predicted, however, that Russia is unlikely to show much enthusiasm for the plan, as it wants to normalize relations with Tokyo and doesn’t share the Chinese grievances about U.S. missile defenses in the Pacific region. Still, they said, Moscow and Beijing are
interested in nurturing close ties. “For China, Putin personally can be relied upon to keep an arm’s length from Washington and to promote a multipolar world, not one dominated by the United States,” they said. “Demonstrating SinoRussian cooperation serves the interests of both in offsetting American power and influence.” Yesterday’s talks focused on energy as China looked to secure supplies from Russia, the world’s biggest energy producer, as part of its strategy to reduce its dependence on sea routes. Russia’s state-controlled Gazprom natural gas giant and China’s CNPC signed a memorandum on building a new gas pipeline to China, inching closer to a deal that has been on the table for years amid fierce price disputes. Gazprom’s CEO Alexei Miller said the two companies agreed to sign a contract by the year’s end for annual deliveries of 38 billion cubic meters of gas starting in 2018, with an option of eventually increasing the volume to 60 billion cubic meters. He wouldn’t say whether the parties have reached agreement on a pricing formula, the main bone of contention.
Bashar al-Assad
where a car bomb killed more than 60 people one month ago, another sign that Syria’s civil war had penetrated to the heart of Assad’s capital. Assad’s artillery positions on the northern edge of Damascus pounded the rebelheld southwestern towns of Derayya and Moadamiya yesterday and a Damascus resident said the smell of gunpowder hung over the center of the city. The 47-year-old president has deployed air strikes, artillery barrages and Scud-type missiles to hit rebel fighters who control swathes of eastern and northern Syria and have challenged his hold over most of the country’s main cities. His government and the rebels accused each other of using a chemical weapon in clashes near the northern city of Aleppo on Tuesday in which 26 people were killed. The United Nations has promised to investigate the incident, though a U.S. official has said it increasingly appeared a chemical weapon was not used.
Assad says Syria will wipe out mosque attackers
BEIRUT (Reuters) President Bashar al-Assad vowed yesterday to purge Syria of “extremist forces” he accused of assassinating a leading Sunni Muslim cleric who backed his two-year battle against rebels and protesters. Assad made the pledge in a message of condolence over the death of Mohammed al-Buti, who was killed along with dozens of worshippers by an explosion in a Damascus mosque on Thursday. State media put the death toll from the blast at 49, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights which monitors violence across the country said 52 people died and the final figure was likely to be more than 60. The mass killing inside a place of worship shocked many Syrians, long accustomed to the daily bloodshed of a conflict which has killed 70,000 people, displaced millions of others and devastated whole districts of Syria’s ancient cities. Authorities announced a
day of mourning on Saturday, when a funeral is expected to be held for Buti, who often delivered his sermons in the historic Umayyad Mosque. “Your blood ... and that of all Syrian martyrs will not be shed in vain,” Assad said. “We will adhere to your thinking to eliminate their darkness and extremism until we purge our country of them.” The mosque bombing took place in the same Mazraa district of central Damascus
Saturday March 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 23, 2013
Missing man found injured in New Amsterdam hospital compound The mystery of a missing man seemingly of unsound mind was solved when he was found in a badly bruised state with injuries to various parts of his body in a trolley in the yard of The New Amsterdam hospital on Wednesday morning. He had been missing since Tuesday afternoon. Sean Parris, of Amsville Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice, a former patient of the National Psychiatric Hospital in Fort Canje, Berbice is now nursing serious injuries to various parts of his body after he was allegedly beaten by person or persons unknown. However, as police launch an investigation residents in the area are blaming the said police for inflicting the injuries on the mentally challenged man. According to reports Sean Parris was seriously injured on Tuesday night. He was later taken to the New Amsterdam hospital by police ranks. Information from the medical institution indicated that the man was taken there at 22:35hrs on Tuesday by police who reported that man was a victim of an accident and assault. However according to residents in the area, around 22:00 hrs on Tuesday they were alerted to strange sounds including what sounded like gunshots emanating from the vicinity of the bridge leading to the Tutorial Academy Secondary School on Republic Road, Stanleytown, New Amsterdam.Upon investigating they saw a police vehicle and ranks clustered around someone.
However they did not venture out of their homes, because they were not sure what was happening. They later learnt that some one was injured and was taken to the New Amsterdam hospital. According to information after seeing a doctor the injured man was left in a passage way between the main operating theatre and the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit on a trolley for the remainder of the Tuesday night. During the morning he was placed outside of the hospital and left in the yard in the hot sun until he was found by relatives around 10:00 hrs. Relatives are furious about the way he was treated. They were worried when he did not return home on Tuesday evening. They got word of his whereabouts around 09:00 hrs on Wednesday morning after they were informed by a member of Hospital staff who went home after working the night shift and told them that there was a man in the hospital fitting the description of their relative. Relatives immediately rushed down to the hospital and saw Parris lying on a trolley in the yard in the hot sun. This caused a friction between hospital staff and relatives who were livid about the way their relative was left like ‘an animal’ in the yard. However a source at the hospital stated that Parris was placed on the trolley outside of the A&E unit to be taken home. They are not certain why he was left in the yard as the driver of the ambulance was asked to take him to his
destination. A relative who works at the Hospital was very upset since she worked the night and was not informed. She noted that the man was in no position to be sent home. An x-ray examination done on the man revealed that he suffered a fracture to his left leg. There were also lacerations and swellings to his left jaw, his head, both hands and across his back. Parris who was taken to the police station on Wednesday by relatives and later returned to the Hospital
where he was admitted and up to press time was receiving medical attention. According to relatives while at the station the man had stated in the presence of investigators that it was the police who inflicted the injuries. He had said that during the night he attacked the police by throwing a brick at them after he was trying to get their attention, because he wanted somewhere to stay. He said that he told them that the government should help him with a place to stay.
It will also be awarded to the civil society group that puts up an “innovative proposal to support communities and vulnerable groups.” The civil society organization, in order to be eligible, must also support welltargeted poverty reduction and social development activities that respond directly to the needs of socially and/or economically disadvantaged people. It also expects that these organizations will be able to stimulate wide spread stakeholder participation (i.e. civil society groups) at the community level. The IDB statement noted that the pilot alternative and innovative approaches or partnerships with CSOs, including community based organizations, as implementing agencies to reach groups currently not
being reached by other programmes must support capacity building of community-based organizations in low income communities to provide sustainable solutions for poverty reduction. The call for proposal will close on May 15, 2013, and the Guyana country office of the IDB will host an open forum to brief all interested civil society organisations and to clear up issues about eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and eligible sectors. The last call for proposal (2012) was won by Partners of the Americas, Guyana Chapter which received US$1,161,000 for their project, “Development of sustainable communities through the hydroponic production of organic vegetables.” The aim of their project is to provide opportunities to low-income households to become self-
employed entrepreneurs in organic hydroponic farming. The current call for proposals is being done with continued support from the Japanese Poverty Alleviation fund and proposals should focus on the following areas of Education and Social Protection, Early Childhood Development (ECD) for children between 0-8 years, Teacher Quality for Primary and Secondary Education, Youth interventions to protect from risky behaviours, Gender, Caring services for young and elderly people, Violence against women (VAW) Implementation of pilot tests (including evaluation) of communitybased approaches in the prevention of VAW, Community-Driven Rural Development, Prevention of Diseases and Agricultural Health, Water and Sanitation for Disperse and Poor Rural Households.
Injured man Sean Parris
IDB offers US$1M project funding to CSO and NGOS With the primary aim of reducing poverty, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) has issued a call for proposals to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs). According to a statement issued by the IDB, Guyanese Civil Society Organizations (CSO) are now each eligible for up to US $1 million of funding from the IDB to help reduce poverty. With the three specific areas of Gender, Community and Rural Development, and Education and Social Protection to submit project proposals for poverty reduction and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean, the IDB funding will be available to all legally established NGOs in any on the IDB’s 26 borrowing countries.
Saturday March 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55 hrs. Sign On 09:00 hrs. Back at the Barnyard 10:00 hrs. Fanboy and Chum Chum 11:00 hrs. The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius 11:30 hrs. Prime News 12:00 hrs. DTV’s Festival of Biblical Movies for the Lenten Season: “Barabbas” 15:00 hrs. The Golden Girls 17:00 hrs. The Baptist Hour 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. Nightly News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Alliance on the Move (Live) 21:00 hrs. Indian Movie 00:00 hrs. Sign Off
NTN CHANNEL 18/ CABLE 69 0500h - Sign on with the Mahamrtunjaya Mantra 0515h - Timehri Maha Kali Shakti Devi Mandir Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0530h - Queenstown Masjid Presents Quran This Morning 0600h - R. Gossai General Store Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0615h - Jettoo’s Lumber Yard Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0630h - Muneshwar Limited Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0645h - Double Standard Taxi Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0700h - Teaching of Islam by Brother Roshan Khan 0730h - The Family of The
Late Leila & David Persaud Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0745h - Sankar Auto Works Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0800h - Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital Inc Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0815h - RRT Enterprise Presents Hanuman Bhajans 0830h - DVD Movie:MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA (Eng: Sub:) *ing Salman Khan, Sushmita Sen, Katrina Kaif & Sohail Khan 1100h - National Geographic 1200h - Getting It Right / Pulse Beat 1300h - Motor Car / Bike Race Sponsor by GUYOIL 1400h - Easter Fest Live Calling In Programme with Artists 1530h - Musical Waves Live
Saturday March 23, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): Everything may appear to be in order as you head into a busy weekend, but something significant is lurking in the shadows. Instead of attempting to avoid an unpleasant encounter, simply ask questions and be prepared to hear the brutal truth. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): A little misunderstanding with a friend or partner today may escalate into a significant disagreement. The conflict might be as simple as whether or not to make a particular purchase. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): It’s nearly impossible not to maintain your joviality now that hopeful Jupiter is visiting your carefree sign. However, stern Saturn can rain on your parade today by requiring you to finish all the chores you have put off. CANCER (June 21–July 22): When confronted with unpleasant situations, you often pull into your shell where you are safely out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, the danger of this evasive strategy is that your unexpressed anger may create more problems now than a short-lived conflict.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): It’s challenging to live up to your reputation of being a gracious host today, especially if someone arouses your temper. Instead of engaging in an unnecessary conflict, examine your motives to learn why you are so upset. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): Your two key planets, Mars and Pluto, might have trouble getting along until the end of the week. In the meantime, you might try to bury your negativity, but suppressing your feelings is difficult. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): Your life would be great if things were a little quieter now, but Jupiter continues to distract you as it travels through your 7th House of Relationships. It may seem as if others are encouraging you to waste energy on unnecessary tasks. CAPRICORN(Dec.22–Jan.19): It may feel like too many people are heaping too many tasks on you now. Or maybe you are so ambitious lately that you take on a variety of extra jobs because they sound like fun challenges.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): You might become stuck in an emotional cul-de-sac today unless you pay extra careful attention to where you are going.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): Your need for affection is strong today, but you may not be able to find the best route to satisfaction. Your current confusion isn’t just about a romantic inclination; your powerful feelings can easily express through parental love or artistic creation.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): A minor flap at home could turn into a larger problem today, especially if you can’t let go of your attachment to expectations.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): You are a powerhouse of bottled-up energy today and others may have to contend with your uncharacteristically forceful style.
1630h - Caribbean Power Outreach 1700h - Assembly of Prayer 1730h - Expressions of Richard Naraine 1800h - Ganesh Parts Presents - BHAGAVAD GITA ( Discourses in English) - Serial 1815h - Drying Tears Live with Pastor Edson 1845h - Birthday Greetings / Death Announcement & In Memoriam 1900h - DDL HOUR Live with Joel 2000h - Chitrahaar with Aarya 2030h - DVD MOVIE :- THE ATTACKS OF 26/11 (Eng:Sub:) *ing Randeep Hooda & Aditi Rao Hydari 2230h - .DVD Movie:TOOTING BROADWAY 2400h - 4TH TEST DAY 3 INDIA vs AUSTRALIA MTV CHANNEL 14/ CABLE 65 06:00 hrs - Living Word presentation 06:30 hrs - Peace Love & Harmony (live) 07:00 hrs - Dabi’s bhajan Hour 07:30 hrs - Times of
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Refreshing (live) 08:00 hrs - Full Life Broadcast with Pastor Findlay 08:30 hrs - News Update 09:30 hrs - Living the Life 10:00 hrs - Children Movie: Legend of Kung Fu Rabbit 11:30 hrs - Cartoons 12:30 hrs - National Geographic: Anaconda Attack 13:30 hrs - Youth Excel 14:00 hrs - National Geographic: The Last Leopard 15:00 hrs - Payless variety Show 16:00 hrs - Sitcom 16:30 hrs - Alabama Trading Music break 17:00 hrs - Birthdays & other Greetings 17:15 hrs - Death Announcements/ In Memoriam 17:30 hrs - Sitcom 18:00 hrs - Searching the Scriptures with Pastor Floyd 18:30 hrs - Cabinet Briefing 19:00 hrs - Apex Forum (Live) 20:15 hrs - MTV music break 20:30 hrs - Indian Movie: Waqt 22:00 hrs - English Movie: 21st Jump Street
Guides are subjected to change without notice
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Mayor’s Cup football championships... When Camptown FC faced off with Golden Grove FC in the Mayor ’s Cup football championships last Wednesday evening, the latter team started as the underdogs but shocked their opponents after Rollex Glasgow netted in the 25th minute of the game. Camptown dug deep and pulled off a nail biting triumph
Kaieteur News
Saturday March 23, 2013
GFC shock Western Tigers FC; GFC upset Pele FC to change tournament dynamics through Telson McClennon and Devon Forde earning their team a hard fought come from behind victory. Last Thursday evening, Western Tigers FC were matched against the Georgetown Football Club and the pundits were already visualizing the former team’s advancement into the quarterfinal stages. This was not to be, however, as GFC turned in a determined
performance to defeat their nemesis 2-1 and sent the West Ruimveldt based team packing. Teashawn Blackman struck in the 18th and 24th minutes for the winners, while Devon Millington narrowed the gap for Western Tigers with a 28th minute success. Millington’s goal was a fitting response to the early successes of Blackman and came when the dapper striker received a pass and in
characteristic mode sprinted to the opposition’s goal. However, several similar attempts by Millington as the game progressed were thwarted by the GFC’s staunch defensive lineup. A fierce batted for supremacy developed as Western Tigers engaged in ‘catch up’ football. Their efforts, though determined, were rendered inconsequential by an alert
GFC defence team. The ‘Tigers’ then changed their ploys and started distributing the ball thus increasing their possession ratio and frustrating their opponents. It was around this time that Jenel Tyrell managed to break through and headed to GFC’s goal only to be checked by the defence. As the game dwindled, ‘The Tigers’ intensified their efforts and there were instances of unorthodox plays. The situation reached a head when Alan Spencer of the GFC and Western Tiger’s Paul Gyles clashed in a fistfight that forced the referee to flick red cards in their faces to weaken both sides. When the battle resumed the referee ruled on four minutes added on time but GFC preserved their lead with clever passes while retaining possession up to the final whistle. Pele FC were also fed a dose of humble pie compliments of a super strike
by Travis Hilliman in the 71st minute of the game. Midfielder, Konata Manning was certainly not his aggressive self and despite several valiant attempts just could not breech the opposition’s berth and Hilliman’s late strike proved to be enough. The action continued last evening when Santos FC took on Seawall and Alpha United played Uitvlugt. Details of those matches will appear in a subsequent issue. Consequently, the quarterfinal stage gets underway on Tuesday, March 26 next with Conquerors taking on the GDF, while the winner of last night’s encounter between Alpha and Uitvlugt will tackle the GFC. The players are competing for a first prize purse of one million dollars with the runners up carting off half that amount. The third and fourth place finishers receive $300,000 and $200,000 respectively.
Virgin Promotions supports Capoey Fun Day
Rawle Pearce of Virgin Promotions hands over cash to Capoey Primary Headmistress Mrs. Debbie McLennan. The Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Promotions, Mr. Rawl Pearce, on Friday 22nd, of March 2013 made a substantial donation to the Head Mistress of the Capoey Primary, Mrs. Debbie McLennan, similarly after the Organizations collaborated to host a grand family fun day and softball knockout competition at the picturesque lake Capoey on Sunday 17of March. The event was exclusively sponsored by beverage giants Banks DIH Ltd and saw as many as twenty-five male and female teams, all participating for over $180,000 cash and prizes. Pearce informed that over four thousands spectators
were on hand to witness the matches which were keenly competed. Other side attractions included, dancing and swimming competitions. Both patrons and the many overseas visitors no doubt went away feeling satisfied, Pearce noted. Virgin promotions also extend thanks to the entire Essequibian populace and promised the restart of the grand beach Cricket in May/ June of this year. The promotional Company has been promoting several large events on the Essequibo Coast and no doubt has developed and enviable fan base.
Saturday March 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
NZ’S FULTON HITS MAIDEN TON AS ENGLAND THWARTED
AUCKLAND (Reuters) Peter Fulton scored his maiden test century as he anchored New Zealand to an impressive 250 for one at the close of the first day of the series-deciding third test against England at Eden Park on Friday. Fulton, who shared in a 79-run opening partnership with Hamish Rutherford (37), was unbeaten on 124 with Kane Williamson on 83 at stumps after England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and put the hosts in. The 22-year-old Williamson, in sight of his fourth test century, joined Fulton just five minutes before lunch and the pair combined to frustrate the England attack with a patient 171-run stand. The hosts were 173 for
one when they resumed after the tea break and Fulton moved to 99 when he got up on his toes and pulled a short Steven Finn delivery to the midwicket boundary. England’s ‘Barmy Army’ of travelling fans broke into their customary chants in an effort to unsettle the tall righthander, who spent nine balls on 99 and resisted the temptation posed by a succession of wide deliveries from paceman Finn. Fulton broke the spell when he worked a ball from spinner Monty Panesar wide of mid-on for a single and permitted himself a low-key celebration, removing his helmet and raising his bat to acknowledge a standing ovation from the crowd. “I did notice that, actually,” Fulton told
reporters, when asked about the ‘Barmy Army’s’ heckling. “I think it’s just good to have them here, really. “I think traditionally in New Zealand our crowds don’t sort of make too much noise, so it was nice, I guess, to build a little bit of atmosphere for it.” GREEN PITCH England captain Cook won his first toss of the test series and chose to bowl on a drop-in pitch that showed green tinges and promised more bounce than the wickets in Dunedin and Wellington. Cook’s fast-bowling trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Finn produced some anxious moments for Fulton and Rutherford in the morning session but once the sun emerged and flattened out the pitch, New Zealand
Kane Williamson taps one onto the leg side (Getty Images)
were barely troubled. “Looking at the wicket this morning it looked like there was a bit in it for the bowler,” Finn said. “There was plenty of green grass on it but that just seemed to be holding the wicket together rather than offering us assistance. “We did expect it to do more than it did but after realising that we stuck to our plans well. “We only took one wicket, yes, but to keep them under three an over and not be too far out of sights is good.” England’s only success on the placid Eden Park pitch came when Rutherford wafted at a wide delivery from Finn and nicked the ball to Cook at first slip shortly before lunch. England were culpable for bowling a little too straight, and Fulton exploited that to the fullest, whipping the ball through the leg side for 98 of his runs. The 34-year-old Fulton was particularly aggressive against left-armer Panesar, who was often too short of a length and allowed the tall
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Peter Fulton pulls on his way to a hundred (Getty Images)
righthander to rock back and belt him to the leg side boundary four times and over it twice. Fulton’s previous best test score was 75 against West Indies in 2006 and prior to the first match in Dunedin had not
played a test since 2009. He remade himself as an opener in the interim period and was recalled on the back of a strong first class season. Scores: New Zealand 250 for 1 (Fulton 124*, Williamson 83*) v England.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday March 23, 2013
All set for Kennard Memorial Turf Systems in place for fourth Desmond Dorsett Road Race classic Club annual Phagwah race meet All preparations have been complete with the athletes prepared and rearing to go for this Sunday’s fourth running of the Annual Desmond Dorsett Memorial Road Race termed the “Desmond Dorsett Classic Run” and fun day slated for Sunday24th March at the popular No53 Complex Corentyne and sponsored by the Dorsett family of Leeds, Corentyne Berbice. A number of activities are listed for the day including athletics, softball cricket, volleyball, football, dominoes and a number of novelty events and ring games such as egg and spoon, three legged race, sack race, needle and thread and Sal Pass among others. A number of entries have been received for the day’s activities which will see participation from both individuals and teams. A record number of entries are expected in the athletics meet which is expected to soar past last year’s turnout of 35. Up to press time more persons
were inking their names to be a part of the event which will be held in three categories and is open to athletes from throughout Berbice. The categories are males and females Open, U19 and U15. The senior and U19 athletes will cover a distance of five Km and will run from No 47 village, while the U15 and the female athletes will run from No 49 village. Both will culminate at the popular No 53 Sports Complex. Following the road race, the fun day will be held at the No53 Sports Complex beginning at 10:00hrs and will include softball cricket, volleyball, football, dominoes and all the novelty events and ring games. Attractive prizes which will include cash incentives, trophies, T Shirts and Ribbons and other memorabilia will be presented to the first four finishers in each category. Certificates of appreciation and participation will also be presented to all participants by the Dorsett family. This is the fourth year for the event
which began in 2009, it was not held last year (2011) due to various reasons. The event is organised and sponsored by the Dorsett Family of No 50 village Upper Corentyne and a few of his former colleagues, friends and well wishers. Proceeds from the day’s activities will be used to help fund and stock the Negla Ross Library at the No 53 Complex. A native of East Canje the late Superintendent of Police Dorsett was an ardent sports fan who participated in numerous sporting activities. Dorsett migrated after retiring and would return with his family from time to time to do charity and community work. The activity is being spearheaded by his wife Waveney Dorsett who is a retired Head Mistress, and community activist and also a re-migrant. Interested persons can still make contact on telephone numbers 339-4475, 6657854, 3394133 and 3394626 for further information.
All is set and the Kennard Memorial Turf Club is expected to come alive this Sunday 24th March when the entity stages it grand annual one Day Phagwah horserace meet at their Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice racetrack. Seven races are listed on the day’s card which will have a whopping $5M in trophies and cash incentives up for the taking. A number of companies have rolled in with sponsorship to make the meet a memorable one. Among them are Demerara Distilleries Limited, Berbice Bridge Company, Gift land Office Max, N&S Mattai, Pomeroon Oil Mill, Top Notch Auto Sales, Kanhai’ Electrical, Ministry of Tourism and Mike’s Pharmacy among others. They are a number of top notch events listed including the feature event for horses classified B and lower. There is also the F and lower and the G and lower races, while there is also the 3-yrs-old race for Guyana bred and born horses. Most of the top stables with multiple entries have
registered their horses to be a part of the day’s proceedings. Among them are Colin Elcock’s Delmur and P&P Syndicate Racing stable, Jagdeo Racing stable, Ashrafalli racing stables, Simple Royal and Senior Council Marcel Crawford Racing stable, The Quinn stable, Crawford/ Persaud and Velloza stables from the Eastern part of Berbice. Among the top stables from The Western Berbice and further afield are The Shariff Racing stable, The Habibulla, Jumbo Jet /Chattergoon s, Night Eyes, Mahaicony, Jagroop/ Jagmohan and Singh racing stables among others. The full list of events are the feature B class race which will cover a distance of One Mile for the hefty $1M winner’s money and trophy with the other placing receiving $500,000, $250,000 and $125,000 respectively. Horses running in the F and lower contest will aim for the top prize of $350,000 and trophy over seven furlongs. The G and lower contest will see the winner running away with $300,000 and trophy over
seven furlongs. The winner of the three year old Guyana bred event will get $280,000 and trophy over seven furlongs. The ‘I’ class match-up is another seven furlongs race with the pole position takings being set at $180,000and trophy. There are two J class races with the animals classified J1 and lower competing for a top purses of $150,000 and trophy over 1 mile, while the J3 class event is a six furlongs affair with the winner taking away $100,000 and trophy. The event is being conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA). Interested persons can still make contact with Secretary Niketa Ross on 6624668, Dr Dwight Waldron on 645-2848, Justice Cecil Kennard on 226-1399, 2254818, or 623-7602) or Roopnarine Matadial aka Shine (325-3192), Isabella Beaton on 693-7812, Ivan Dipnarine on 331-0316 or Dennis De Roop on 609-9143 for further details. Race time is 13:00hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Gym to be opened at Georgetown Prison
From left) Mr. Dale Erskine, Director of Guyana Prison Service, Mr. Donald Sinclair, Managing Director of Flex Night and Mr. Keith Cholmondeley, CEO of Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd. hold copy of MOU. At the Flex Night International held on December 8, 2012, Flex Night Incorporated announced its intention to partner with Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd. in order to establish a gym facility in the Georgetown Prison. This initiative is in fulfillment of the mission of the Flex Night organization to expand opportunity for all groups to enjoy the benefits of bodybuilding health and fitness. The Guyana Prison Service supported the idea and allowed 20 of its Staff and inmates to view the Flex Night event, compliments of Demerara Mutual. A partnership was thus created. Visits to the Georgetown Prison by Flex Night Directors to identify an appropriate
location in January and the Presentation of a Project proposal to the Prison authorities, while Approval of the Project by the Ministry of Home Affairs was granted in February. Presentation of the approved Project to Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd during March, Capping of concrete floor and painting of gym walls by the Guyana Prison Service during March/April and the Signing of the MOU in March will culminate with the Acquisition of equipment in April/May. Training of gym management team and trainers (comprising both Staff and inmates) by Flex Night Directors in April/May should see the Forecast date for Commissioning of the gym facility set for June/July.
Saturday March 23, 2013
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Saturday March 23, 2013
RIO POLICE EVICT AMAZON NATIVES FROM WORLD CUP SITE RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Police evicted two dozen Amazon natives on Friday from an old Indian museum that will be demolished to clear areas adjacent to Brazil’s legendary Maracana football stadium, the main venue for next year’s World Cup.
The Indians from different Amazon tribes had been living on the grounds of the Rio de Janeiro museum since 2006 and were resisting its demolition, which caused further delays to the overhaul of the stadium complex. Riot police handcuffed the Indians, some of whom wore
Annual Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) Relay Festival rescheduled The Annual Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) Relay Festival and Take –away lunch set for tomorrow, Sunday, at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary has been rescheduled to April 7. The organising committee of the Club said that the postponement is to facilitate athletes participating in the Falcon Games this weekend at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and
Tobago, and the CARIFTA athletes who are travelling to The Bahamas for the XLII CARIFTA Games starting March 28. Tickets purchased for the event are still valid. Meanwhile, the Annual Award Ceremony of the Club which was slated for Friday at the Hall of the Police Sports Club has be postponed until further notice as the President of the Club, Pauline Massay’s son, Dorian Massay, passed away this week.
feathered headdresses and body paint, and used tear gas to disperse street demonstrations by sympathizers trying to block the eviction. Brazil is on deadline to deliver stadiums that will host the 2014 World Cup, a global sporting event that is a chance to showcase the South American nation’s emergence as a world economic powerhouse. It is also a challenge for its deficient infrastructure that could become an i n t e r n a t i o n a l embarrassment. Police spokesman Colonel Frederico Caldas said his force tried to negotiate the court-ordered eviction and decided to invade the grounds after the squatters set fire to the museum building, abandoned since 1970. The museum area was originally planned to become a parking lot for the stadium, but after the protests Rio authorities decided to build a sports museum on the site.
A riot police officer fires tear gas during clashes with supporters of a native Indian community living at the Brazilian Indian Museum protesting against the community’s eviction in Rio de Janeiro March 22, 2013. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes The Indians were taken to alternative housing provided by the city. The final of the 2014 World Cup will be played at Maracana, but work on the refurbished 80,000-seat stadium is behind schedule and the city now expects to
deliver the venue to FIFA, the soccer’s world governing body, on May 24. That’s just nine days before the stadium is to be tested with a friendly game between Brazil and England on June 2. Only last week workers
began laying the pitch, but parts of the roof are still missing and thousands of seats have yet to be fitted. On June 30, the stadium must host the final of the Confederations Cup, a dress rehearsal for the World Cup.
Saturday March 23, 2013
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India v Australia: Tourists fold to spinners in Delhi Test BBC Sport - Australia’s hopes of avoiding a series whitewash in India are in serious jeopardy after they slumped to 231-8 on day one of the fourth Test in Delhi. Australia made a solid start with the bat but crumbled from 106-2 to 136-7 as Ravichandran Ashwin took four wickets. Only Peter Siddle’s highest Test score of 47 not out spared them the ignominy of being bowled out inside a day. Australia were captained by the returning Shane Watson after Michael
R Ashwin celebrates the wicket of Mitchell Johnson
Manchester United’s Nani handed one-match Uefa suspension
BBC Sport - Manchester United midfielder Nani has been suspended by Uefa for one match. The Portuguese was sent off during the club’s 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last16 tie earlier this month. Nani will miss United’s first game in the 2013-14 Champions League, if they qualify for the competition. Their manager Sir Alex Ferguson has also been fined £8,500 for failing to speak to the press after the game. “Manchester United FC midfield player Nani has been suspended for one match by UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body, following the red card he received at the UEFA Champions League
round of 16 second leg against Real Madrid CF at Old Trafford on 5 March,” a UEFA statement confirmed. “Manchester United head coach Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined €10,000 for nonfulfilment of the post-match media obligations at the same match.” United looked on course for a quarter-final place, leading 1-0 in the second-leg match and 2-1 on aggregate, until Nani’s controversial red card for a foul on Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa. After Nani’s 56th-minute dismissal, goals from Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo turned the game around with Madrid winning 2-1 to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Clarke’s back injury ruled him out. Watson, the regular vicecaptain, was among four players dropped for the third Test after failing to provide a presentation to coach Mickey Arthur on team strategy. In their absence, Australia lost the third Test in Mohali by six wickets to go 3-0 behind in the four-match series. Seeking to salvage some pride in Delhi and stifle the sniggers from England ahead of back-to-back Ashes, Australia won the toss and chose to bat but soon saw David Warner depart for
nought after nicking Ishant Sharma to Virat Kohli at second slip. Phil Hughes struck 10 fours in a breezy 45 before chopping a short ball from Sharma onto his stumps. Watson and opener Ed Cowan saw Australia through to 942 at lunch but then India’s spinners took control. Ashwin bowled Cowan round his legs for 38 and Ravindra Jadeja had Watson stumped by Mahendra Singh Dhoni for 17. The spin duo shared the wickets of Matthew Wade, Glenn
Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson in quick succession to leave the tourists in trouble. Steve Smith and Siddle repaired some of the damage with a 53-run partnership for the eighth wicket to take Australia to 197-8 at tea. And, after Smith had edged to debutant Ajinkya Rahane to give Ashwin his fourth wicket, Siddle found a useful ally in James Pattinson as the duo battled through to stumps. Scores: Australia 231 for 8 (Siddle 47*, Ashwin 4-40) v India.
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GSL cricket - Persaud slams century for Industry A fine century by Mukesh Persaud guided Industry Super Kings to a 34 runs win over Super Star as play in the Georgetown Softball League\ Regal Stationery and Computer Centre\Mike’s Copy Centre\ Star Party Rentals\ Trophy Stall and Salod Marketing Agency competition continued last Sunday. At GNIC, in the Masters category, Industry batted first and posted 205-4 off their allotted 20 overs. Persaud hit 102 and got support from Kumar Ramchand 23, while extras contributed 38. Super Star in reply managed 171-8 in 20 overs. Kamesh Persaud made 38 and Azam Mohamed 33; David Harper and Rupert Basdeo had 3 wickets each. Park Rangers overcame Super Star by 2 wickets. Super
Stars took first strike and scored 145-8 in 20 overs with Navin Chand 39 and Satesh Ramphal 28 being their main scorers; Mark Fung and Tony Singh grabbed 2 wickets apiece for Park Rangers who replied with 145-8 in 20 overs. Colin Greaves led with 29 and Fung made 25 as Danny Persaud had 2-12 and David Boodram 2-17. Fixtures for Sunday read Regal XI vs Everest XI at 09:30 hrs, Super Stars vs Savage at 13:30hrs at GNIC, Park Rangers vs MK Ogle at 09:30 hrs, Queens Park Rangers vs Walking Tall at 12:00hrs, Frontline vs Industry at 13:00hrs on pitch no. 1, Princess vs Superior Woods at 09:30hrs, Mon Repo vs Trophy Stall B at 11:30hrs, Defenders vs Success Maters on pitch 2,
Omesh XI vs Trophy Stall at 09:30 hrs and Omesh XI vs LBI at 11:30hrs on pitch 3 at CPCE. At Linden, in the female category, Aroaima beat Sunrise XI by 8 wickets. Sunrise were bowled out for 69 in 8.1 overs with Romona Shillingford scoring 22. Rosanne Williams took 2-12. Aroaima replied with 70-2. Williams returned to hit 39. Wiruni defeated All star by 10 runs. Wiruni made 1056 in 12 overs, batting first. Pamela King led with 40 as Patricia Tello claimed 4-15. All star responded with 95-9 in 12 overs. Melinda Jeffers made 18; Sodeah Hartman took 218. In the male division, Kwakwani Strikers got the batter of Sunrise XI by 8 wickets. Sunrise XI mustered 85 all out in 11 overs. Eon Roddick hit 31 as Tim Grimmond picked up 4-6. Kwakwani Strikers replied with 89-2 in 9 overs with Boris Archer scoring 33 and Grimmond 28. Kwakwani will play Hill Foot Vipers in the male final, while Wiruni will take on Aroaima in the female final on Sunday.
Saturday March 23, 2013
Bolt, Shelly commit to another lap with Digicel
Olympic champions Usain Bolt (left) and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce (right) were all smiles after re-signing their four-year contracts with Digicel at the company’s regional headquarters in downtown Kingston on Tuesday. Also pictured are Digicel’s chairman and founder Denis O’Brien (centre), Digicel Jamaica’s CEO Andy Thorburn and senior sponsorship manager, Tahnida Nunes. Jamaica Observer DIGICEL has scored an Olympic gold double with the news that it has extended its sponsorship contracts with the fastest man and woman on Earth — Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce — for another four years. With both athletes continuing to dominate the sprinting world with one sizzling and charismatic performance after another, the newly extended regional contracts — which run to the end of 2016 — will see Bolt and Fraser Pryce representing Digicel in unique and engaging ways which are guaranteed to resonate with customers of all ages. The Olympic champions have been a part of the Digicel family for some time with the cellphone giant spotting the talent in a young
Bolt as far back as 2003, way before he hit the big time. Fraser Pryce was signed up on the back of her stunning gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. With both athletes representing the Digicel brand flawlessly while continuing to achieve amazing success on the track, they truly are the embodiment of extraordinary and are testament to the power of hard work, dedication and positivity. Commenting on the new partnership, Bolt was quoted as saying: “I want to thank Digicel for supporting me from the very beginning. That kind of loyalty means a lot. I hope that together with Digicel — and through my own efforts and achievements — I can help inspire people to do extraordinary things in their
day-to-day lives.” Fraser Pryce, in her response, said she was “happy to be continuing this journey with Digicel”. “Since joining four years ago I have had the opportunity to be a part of many promotional and community activities — and Digicel in turn has supported me in my career and in my efforts to give back to my community in Waterhouse,” she noted. Brian Finn, group commercial director at Digicel, said renewing the working relationship is a victory for the company. “This is our equivalent of winning an Olympic gold medal. When it comes to two people who embody our brand values... it just doesn’t get better than Usain and Shelly-Ann,” he said.
Caricom Rice Mill T\20 –North E’bo...
Lawrie, Paul, Yhap hit half centuries Half centuries by Alex Lawrie, Greyson Paul and Carlos Yhap highlighted the latest round of matches in the Caricom Rice Mill Twenty\20 cricket played last Sunday in North Essequibo. At Walton Hall, Charity Sports defeated Young Guns by 46 runs. Charity batted first and posted 162 after the game was reduced to 18 overs. Alex Lawrie made 68(7x4, 5x6) and Jonathan Gopaul supported with 24 (4x4, 1x6) as Rajendra Deo snared 4-13. Young Guns replied with 116-6 in 18 overs with Deo top scoring with 23, while Devendra Jaipaul made 21 and Barat Heeralall 19; Roy Thomas took 3 wickets. At the said venue, Gunners beat Walton Hall by 80 runs. Gunners took first strike and rattled up 186-4 in 20 overs. Greyson Paul led with 63(3x4, 6x6) while Navin Singh made 46 (5x4, 2x6); Suresh Persaud claimed 2-22 and Navin Bahadur 2-32. Walton Hall were bowled out for 106 in 18 overs in reply. Persaud returned to hit 37 (3x4, 3x6) and Vishwanauth Lall contributed 27(5x4) as Punraj Singh captured 4-18, Mark Tyrell 220 and Siddique Mohamed 2-27.
At Lima, the host overcame Young Achievers by 10 runs. Lima scored 177-9 in 20 overs. Faizal Karim 30, Roopnarine Ramnarine 29 and Devendra Lall 26 were their leading scorers while Tameshwar Dhanpaul picked up 4-18. Young Achievers in response managed 167-6 off their allotted overs. Carlos Yhap scored 52 not out and Orlando Persaud 30; Ramnarine had 2-4. At the same venue Devonshire Castle got the better of Richmond Titans by 3 wickets. Richmond were bowled out for 123 in 20 overs, batting first. Mahendra Bennet and Gansham Persaud 16 were the principal batters as Anthony Persaud, Dinesh Chattergoon and Avinash Persaud grabbed 2 wickets each. Devonshire Castle replied with 124-7 in 19.5 overs. Persaud stroked 45 and Dharamdeo Lall 37. Keron Sewnarine captured 2-17 and Jagdesh Nauth 2-26. The competition continues on Sunday with Richmond playing Young Achievers at 09:30 hrs, Devonshire Castle facing Gunners at 13:30 hrs at Walton Hall, Young Achieves taking on Walton Hall at 9:30hrs and Lima doing battle with Charity at 13:30 hrs at Lima.
Saturday March 23, 2013
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GMRSC Race Meet... Top horses on show in Jumbo Jet ‘Guyana Cup Fever’ Easter Sunday event ISG supports Kalamadeen Horserace lovers can expect a day of high quality races when the Port Mourant Turf Club in collaboration with Jumbo Jet Auto Sales stages the 7th annual Guyana Cup Fever Horserace Meet at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne Berbice, Sunday March 31 next. As usual, jockeys will compete for millions of dollars in prizes and turfites could anticipate the keen rivalry that is synonymous with this event. The feature race will see horses in the ‘B and Lower’ class competing over a distance of 1500 meters with the winners carting off $2M. The second place finisher receives $1M, while the third place finisher will pocket $500,000; the fourth prize is $250,000. The highly anticipated event among the three-yearold horses will feature animals that are West Indian bred competing against those bred in Guyana. The race will be contested over a distance of 1,200M and
carries a first purse of $1.5M. The second prize is $750,000 while the 3rd and 4th place finishers take home $375,000 and $187,500 respectively. Other races include the four-year-old event over 1600M; the E & Lower event; the 3 years old solely for horses bred in Guyana over a distance of 1,200M. This race, over 1,200M, carries a winner’s prize of $600,000 and a second prize of $300,000. The 3rd and 4th place finishers receive $150,000 and $75,000 respectively. Then there is the G & Lower over a distance of 1,200, the ‘H & Lower’ over a similar distance, and the ‘I & Lower’ where the winner takes home $250,000. The day’s activities conclude with the J, K, L & Lower event for a winning purse of $200,000. Meanwhile, the organizing committee has informed that conditions are excellent for racing and turfites could anticipate the fun and frolic to be had. The
jockeys are also ready and will straddle more than 100 of the country’s leading horses as they vie for honours. Fans are, therefore, encouraged to come out in their numbers to be a part of the fun. Several corporate entities have acquiesced to financial support including Banks DIH Ltd, Imperial Manufacturers Guy Ltd, Kanhai’s Electrical Agency, Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Ltd, Spicy Dish and Yellow Mines. Entries close on Monday March 25 and late entries will not be entertained. Horse owners are also required to lodge at least 50% of their entry fees by the closing date. All events will be conducted under the aegis of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Additional information and registration matters could be attended to by contacting Chandu Ramkissoon (6249063 or 232-0633), Kris Jagdeo (624-6123; 322-0369), Rajendra (618-7278), Ramnauth (3375311) or Romel Jagroop (6241798).
Wiltshire progresses to 3-0 in Category C Nine-year-old Shomari Wiltshire has been putting on a clinic night after night during the Toucan Industries’ Kool Aid Junior Skill Level tournament, managing to maintain an undefeated streak with three wins in three nights. On Thursday night, Wiltshire overcame Rebecca Low with strategically placed winners that were beyond Low’s reach. Wiltshire prevailed in straight games 11/2, 11/4, 11/ 1, against Low who won Category A of the Bounty Farm Mash Handicap tournament, when Wiltshire was out of competition. One of Shomari’s sisters, Larissa Wiltshire combated
Shomari Wiltshire the powerful hitting of Marian Academy student Andrew Peroune, with her superior mobility and careful shot selection. Larissa Wiltshire kept it tight (close to the walls) against the six-
footer, and managed to win points at the critical moments during the closely contested three game encounter. Peroune, who was defeated by Akeila Wiltshire on Wednesday night, unleashed his impressive power during the encounter but also managed to incorporate a few drop shots in the first game which finished 16/14 in favour of Wiltshire. Nyron Joseph also claimed his third win of the tournament by defeating four-time Caribbean champion Mary Fung-A-Fat in straight games 12/10, 12/10, 11/0. Benjamin Mekdeci overcame Ashley DeGroot in another well-fought, fourgame category A encounter. In the battle of the Islam twins, Daniel Islam was triumphant, edging his brother Anthony 11/6, 11/8, 11/5. In the other category D match up, Sarah Lewis rebounded after losing two games to stun newcomer Michael Ramroop. Jael Gaskin, who like Ramroop is a product of the afterschool programme at the National racquet centre, fell to Kelly Ann Latchman after winning his first match on opening night against Gianni Carpenter. The other player from the afterschool programme Dennis Gomes also defeated John Phang in his second match of the tournament.
I.S.G’s representative Ravel Seer (second left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Group 4 racer Irfaan Kalamadeen in the presence of Company CEO Jorge Medina (right) and Operations Manager Natasha Ali yesterday. When Group 4 driver Irfaan Kalamadeen takes to the South Dakota Circuit tomorrow to compete in the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC) opening Meet, he will have the added advantage of using the premium line of ‘Ultra Automotive Lubricant’ whose agent Industrial Supply of Guyana Inc. (I.S.G) confirmed support for him, during a simple ceremony held yesterday, at the Company’s Head Office, Providence. Present at the occasion were Company CEO Jorge Medina, Operations Manager Natasha Ali, members of staff and the media. Medina in his remarks spoke of the quality lubricant, disclosing that it is indeed state of the art technology that they are bringing to Guyana.
He pointed out that with the Company’s involvement in motor racing he is optimistic that it will certainly help to popularise the product which will ultimately help to reduce contamination of the environment in Guyana. Ali in her presentation gave a brief background of the Company’s presence in Guyana which she revealed dated back some nine years ago, adding that it is a subsidiary of MACORP Guyana Inc. Kalamadeen according to Ali will be using the 20W50 Ultra Lubricant to boost his performance to race against some of the best drivers in Guyana. Ali informed that the Company is extremely happy to be associated with Kalamadeen, who has been making steady progress in the division and is now among
the top drivers and one to watch come tomorrow. Kalamadeen speaking with this newspaper said he is pleased with the support offered by ISG and will be aiming to dominate the Group on race day. Commenting on his chances of doing well, Kalamadeen exuded confidence, informing that the car which is a turbo charged Mazda RX 7 built right here in Guyana is currently running faster and is pleased with its performance despite it being so early in the season. The local speedster won two of three races at the November Meet and is eager to do even better this time around. Kalamadeen is hoping to grab pole position which could set him up for a good display.
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Saturday March 23, 2013
Saturday March 23, 2013
Kaieteur News
Caribbean Premier League 2013...
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DCB U-15 50 over Inter Association tourney...
Gilchrist to join Caribbean Clifford, McAlmont, Yadram, Hubbert star Premier League as Georgetown, West Dem chalk wins
ESPNcricinfo - Adam Gilchrist, the former Australian wicketkeeper, has become the second international franchise player, after Ricky Ponting, to sign with the newly formed Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The CPL is scheduled to begin on July 29, and conclude on August 26. The tournament involves six franchise countries across the Caribbean: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago. The teams will all have one local and one international icon or ‘franchise player’ each. Gilchrist and Ponting have not yet been assigned teams. Gilchrist, who retired in
2008 after the Australia-India series, said he was excited about playing in the League. “The CPL will feature some of the world’s best cricketers, and I can’t wait to test my skills and play in what is going to be a dynamic and exciting competition,” he said. “I have fond memories of playing cricket in the Caribbean. Plus, I love playing the Twenty20 format, and there is absolutely no better place anywhere to do this than the West Indies.” Since his retirement, Gilchrist, like many former internationals, has been involved in the IPL. He led Deccan Chargers to victory in 2009 and has been with Kings XI Punjab, as captain, since 2011.
Milo final on today
The final of the inaugural Milo Under-20 SchoolS Football Competition is set to take place today, at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue with two exciting matchups. In the opening encounter, Tucville will collide with Carmel in the third place playoff from 16:00hrs, while in the championship game, St. George’s take on South Ruimveldt at 18:00 hrs. It will be a clash of contrasting styles as an offensively inclined South Ruimveldt try to deny the very physical St. George’s in what many have already touted to be a scorching affair. Labeled underdogs throughout the tournament, St. George’s and their battle tested quartet of Quincy Lawrence, Sean Taylor,
Azuma Small and Okenie Codrington will be up for the challenge as they oppose a very confident South Ruimveldt unit. High powered in offence and creative by nature, South Ruimveldt will depend on their feared foursome of Keith Caines, Jermin Beckles, Colin Peters and Steffon Eno to power them to victory and the right to be called best school team in Georgetown. In the third place playoff, Tucville led by their tried and tested trio of Kevin Andrews, Keifer Brandt and Dorwin Filter will look to salvage some pride after their heart wrenching semi final loss when they oppose Carmel and their one man demolition crew and tournament leading scorer Marlon Nedd in the opening encounter.
Imam Bacchus and Sons Schools Cricket- E’bo coast
Parashutam leads ARMS to final A fine all-round performance by Parmesh Parashutam guided Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary to a 4 wicket victory Cotton Field Secondary when the Imam Bacchus and Sons Schools cricket competition continued recently on the Essequibo Coast. Having won the toss and electing to bat first, Cottonfield Secondary School were bowled out for 62 in 14.3 overs. Herry Green made 14 while extras also contributed14. Bowling for Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary, Parmesh Parashutam picked up 5 for 33 and Sidique Mohamed 2 for 8. In reply, Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary made 63 for 6 in 14 overs. Parmesh Parashutam top scored with 21, while Kiran Sewnarine made an unbeaten 17; Mark Tyrell took 3 for 28 and Herry Greene 2 for 6. The Competition continues Saturday with Anna Regina Multilateral taking on Pomona Secondary School at Imam Bacchus and Sons ground, Affiance, Essequibo Coast.
(From left) Ashmead Nedd, Bhaskar Yadram, Andrew Clifford and Timothy McAlmont. By Zaheer Mohamed Georgetown and West Demerara registered victories as the Demerara Cricket Board 50 over U-15 Inter Association tournament continued yesterday with two matches. At Everest, Georgetown defeated East Coast by 7 wickets. East Coast batted first and scored 111 all out in 40.1 overs after the game was reduced to 42 overs due to the a delay in marking the ground by the lone grounds man present. Satanand Ramkumar 28 (3x4), Prakash Debidyal 20(1x4, 1x6) and Reaz Mohamed 11 were the only batsmen that reached double
figures as Andrew Clifford bagged 4-39 and Ashmead Nedd 3-9. The city side responded with 114-3 in 20.5 overs. Timothy McAlmont led with 41(5x4) while Bhaskar Yadram made 31(4x4). At Wales West Demerara hammered East Bank by 174 runs. West Demerara posted 265-5 after the game was reduced to 33 overs due to rain. Malcolm Hubbert top scored with 87. East Bank in reply managed 91-6 in 33 overs. Meanwhile on Thursday, At the Demerara Cricket Club ground, Georgetown easily overcame East Bank Demerara by 8 wickets. East
Bank batted first and were bowled out for 60 in 16.5 overs after the game was reduced to 42 overs due to a late start caused by excessive moisture in the pitch. Extras contributed 30 while Paul Thomas and Arjune Singh made 9 each as Bhaskar Yadram snared 3-4, Collin Barlow 2-10 and Ashmead Nedd 2-16. Georgetown in reply lost 2 early wickets but Ronaldo Mohamed who top scored with an unbeaten 32 (3x4, 2x6) and Romario Muniram 13 not out saw their team home with an unbroken 4th wicket stand of 43 as Georgetown ended on 65-2 in 11.5 overs. Bhojnarine Singh took both
of the wickets to fall. At Wales, West Demerara defeated East Coast by 107 runs. West Demerara took first strike and rattled up 199-8 off their allotted 30 overs. Dhaniram Samaroo led with 66 (4x4, 5x6) while Malcolm Hubbert chipped in with 38 (4x4, 2x6) and Vanyus Kissoon made 22. Rajpaul Gopaul grabbed 2-28 and Gavin Singh 2-37. East Coast in response were skittled for 92 in 21.2 overs. Afzal Rohoman was the only batsman that showed fight with 20 (2x4) as Rishi Looknauth bagged 5-20. The game was reduced to 30 overs. The competition continues today.
t r o Sp
Zimbabwe surrender to Shillingford, again P. 28
West Indies take time out for a phot o following their se ries win against Zimbabwe (WICB Randy Brooks). ESPNcricinfo - It took just 42.2 overs on the third day for West Indies to clinch the second Test, sweep the series, win six Tests in a row and inflict another surrender to spin on Zimbabwe. The hosts promptly declared during a 15minute rain delay in the morning, and a solid start from the Zimbabwe batsmen was a hugely misleading prelude to what was to follow. Once again, Zimbabwe failed to sustain a promising phase of play long enough against a superior opposition. Shane Shillingford was their nemesis again, picking up 10 wickets in the match, several of which
owed to the unsettling bounce he was able to extract from the track in his hometown. The strategy for West Indies was simple, having successfully employed it in the first Test and the first innings in Dominica. The spinners, Shillingford, brought on in the 13th over, and Marlon Samuels, who picked up six wickets in the game, got the ball to turn, and more crucially bounce, from the off stump, surrounded the Zimbabwe batsmen with close-in fielders, who snapped up what came their way or had their teammates in the outfield ready for opportunities borne out of a desperate attempt to find a
release. Vusi Sibanda and Brendan Taylor countered that pressure temporarily by sweeping Shillingford, Sibanda even struck him for six over deep square leg, but it was only a matter of time before the spitting bounce that proved Zimbabwe’s undoing throughout the series returned to trouble them. Taylor was caught on the glove when Shillingford held his length back and caught at short leg. Taylor’s wicket marked the start of the spinners coming to dominate the innings, but Tino Best and Darren Sammy did their bit to end Zimbabwe’s early resistance. Best was guilty of bowling too short, and Sibanda had cashed in, slashing hard through the off side and even driving handsomely for boundaries when the ball was pitched up, as he did against Shannon Gabriel. But Best went round the wicket to Hamilton Masakadza, who was also set, got him to seemingly glove one down the leg side, reviewed the “not out” decision and got it overturned. A possible reason for the third umpire to reverse the original call was a change in rotation of the ball as it reached Masakadza’s glove, indicating there may have been contact. Minutes earlier, in the same over, Masakadza had successfully reviewed another caught-behind decision, this time having been given out, though the evidence, in the absence of Hot Spot, was again inconclusive. Just two balls after Taylor had been sent back, Sibanda played a rash shot across the line to Sammy to be trapped in front, his failed review confirming the ball would have clipped the bails. With the top order out of the way,
Shillingford and Samuels eased past those that came after. Sean Williams got a top-edge while trying to play a cut against Shillingford, to be caught at point, and the capitulation picked up speed following the lunch break. Craig Ervine survived 34 balls but was caught brilliantly by Chris Gayle diving to his left at slip to pouch an edge with one hand. The extra bounce in the track brought the backward short leg into play and Malcolm Waller found that fielder when he tried to work Samuels away off the back foot. Shillingford had, six overs earlier, dismissed Tino Mawoyo, forced to bat at No.7 after missing a good part of the second day’s play, in the same region. With Waller, perhaps Zimbabwe’s best batsman in the limited-overs series this tour, back in the pavilion, West Indies required just four more overs to wrap up the innings. Graeme Cremer’s stand-out shot was a six over long-on with his eyes staring at the ground at the point of, as well as after, impact, but inside-edged a catch towards midwicket trying the same stroke to give Shillingford his fifth wicket. It was also Shillingford’s tenth for the match and 19th for the series - the best returns in a two-match series for a West Indies bowler, going past Courtney Walsh’s 16 in New Zealand in 1994-95. Paul Jarvis and Tendai Chatara lasted just two deliveries, Samuels hastening the end of a mismatch that continued West Indies’ best run of consecutive victories in Tests - now six - since 1988. Scores: West Indies 381 for 8 dec (Chanderpaul 108, Gayle 101) beat Zimbabwe 175 (Taylor 33, Shillingford 5-59) and 141 (Sibanda 35, Shillingford 5-34) by an innings and 65 runs.
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