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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
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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
Labour and Trade Unions Today, the nation commemorates Labour Day, a day dedicated to the recognition of our workers and their contribution to our wellbeing and progress. If any nation should remember and honour workers, it ought to be Guyana. Ninety percent of our population is here because their ancestors were brought here to contribute their labour, whether involuntarily or voluntary, in the endeavour that eventually produced a state. In the struggle to be treated with dignity, labour entities recognised early on that they would have to struggle against the forces that used them as machines that were only in existence to produce benefits for the owners. Every struggle against colonialism was waged by workers. In the beginning, it was slaves like Cuffy rising up against the plantation owners, later the indentured servants took matters in their own hands in spontaneous strikes and protests, and eventually with the formation of trade unions directly after WWI, it was accepted that workers' rights were to be legitimately represented by these organisations. At this time, political parties were just a gleam in the eyes of a prescient few and, in point of fact, most of the latter organisations emerged from the bowels of the labour movement in the Caribbean. From Bustamante in Jamaica to Cheddi Jagan in Guyana, they rode into political office on the backs of trade unions. Today, however, the labour movement is in disarray, not only in Guyana but in most parts of the world. Rather symbolically, the individual who played the key role in the decimation of trade unions, former Prime Minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher, recently passed away. In connection to that role, breaking all the rules of British propriety, her old adversaries celebrated rather than mourned her passing. By the 1970s, in the developed nations, the trade unions had exposed the contradictions of the capitalist mode of production and taken an upper hand in their bargaining with the owners of businesses. The latter mourned their diminution of profits and under the leadership of individuals like Thatcher in Britain and Reagan in the US, rolled back the influence of trade unions. That process led to its inevitable denouement in the collapse of the entire economic system as the purchasing power of the workers, the bulk of the consumer- class, was immiserised. In Guyana, the PNC "co-operative" government of the day, ostensibly in collaboration with the workers and their trade unions, defanged the latter. The return of democracy after free and fair elections in 1992 did nothing to change the status of trade unions since the conditions for the change in the regime forced acceptance of the neo-liberal order established by Thatcher-Reagan, in which trade unions were peripheralised. For the latter organisations, it was a change from Tweedledum to Tweedledee. A further complication in the local scenario was the split of the trade union movement, initially along the same ethnic lines that characterised the political divide, but eventually, whether pragmatically or opportunistically, along "pro" and "anti" government lines. Today, as in the last decade, we will see two May Day parades by the two factions. But in the meantime, the economy is undergoing seismic changes that are reflected in the workforce but are unaddressed by the trade unions. Take the largest organised work forces - sugar workers and public servants. Even if the industry had not imploded, the mechanisation that was always on the cards would have cut the workforce into a fraction of its former numbers. Similarly, from the beginning of the new dispensation in the economy, via the Washington Consensus conditions imposed by the IMF/World Bank, the Public Service was also scheduled to be decimated. But the trade union leaders stuck their heads in the sand. The new economy is going to be dominated by ICT-related industries in the long term and mining activities (especially gold, bauxite, petroleum, manganese, uranium, diamonds etc.) and if trade unions are to remain relevant they have to reset their modus operandi. To proceed in the present mode is to guarantee extinction.
Wednesday 01, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
Corporal punishment in this day and age? DEAR EDITOR, I noticed the caption 'GTU against abolition of corporal punishment' (KNews April 30th) and was saddened by the statement. However, my blood began to boil when I saw the follow up assertion, 'alternative methods not effective enough'. I would like to ask the GTU the following key questions (a) What were the alternative methods? (b) To what extent were the alternative methods tried and tested? (c) What were the findings of the review and reflection processes? More importantly, it is beggar's belief that in this era of children's educational development, corporal punishment or child abuse still occupies a place 'to better mould future generations' (GTU). If, as a nation, we have to resort to abuse to shape young people for the future, then we have a huge problem on our hands. More over, citing assault on teachers by students as a justification for maintaining this barbaric act
is tantamount to exploitation, neglect and violence. Why endorse an act of criminality? The GTU is a representative body of a field of professionals at all levels of the educational institution. Men and women capable of formulating opinions and transforming these into strategies and concrete solutions to effectively combat and oppose corporal punishment. There are many alternatives. Support these experts to find them, try them and evaluate the outcomes before endorsing wrongdoings. I am of the view that the leadership of the GTU failed to provide its members with enough analytical research on the benefits, if any, or the detriments of corporal punishment, for them to make an informed decision. More has to be done, even if it means spending more time on surveys, consultations and wider travels before arriving at a conclusion. Change for many is like risk-taking. However, given
the current state of affairs in Guyana one can surmise that corporal punishment in schools is the root cause, in more ways than one, for the high levels of domestic violence, youth and adult c r i m e s , o v e r- c r o w d e d prisons, truancy and illiteracy. I would challenge anyone who chooses to oppose this premise. Research shows that the use of physical punishment risks perpetuating the use of violence by successive generations (Canadian Medical Association Journal, Feb 6th, 2012). Communities, schools and teachers can make a difference to the so-called violent mind-set, created by a failed system, of our young people, by providing them with the required tools for redress, restorative justice and conflict resolutions. The GTU recognised that corporal punishment 'may not be ethical'. If it isn't, then why continue to support a system that breeds injustice? If it wasn't for 'lashes from both her teachers and
parents, she would not have been able to read and write' (Mavis Braithwaite). Fantastic! Is this supposed to be good news? Are we to endorse, support and celebrate the unfortunate fact that one person was beaten before they could read and write? How many others were not beaten and were able to read and write? We all need to wake up and smell the coffee. Corporal punishment was not right 50 years ago and it is still not right today. It is time for change. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNICEF, 1989) offers valuable tools to combat the use of corporal punishment. It requires Governments to take preventive action, including the provision of human rights education and training and by creating an environment conducive to the administration of discipline, 'in a manner consistent with the child's human dignity'. The debate should continue. Brendon Mounter
We need not defend Burnham DEAR EDITOR, In 1975 during the visit of the Council of Namibia to Guyana, the Burnham-led People’s National Congress government unveiled a monument to the African Liberation Fighters. The Monument’s inscription is instructive thirty-eight years later, as some with an axe to grind attempt to besmirch Burnham record on South Africa. “Mourn not for us who died; But for our brothers everywhere who live in bondage; And in mourning turn away to act!” This is significant because on the issue of the liberation of Southern Africa, Burnham was not just an actor but a principal leader. In the face of criticism by the likes of Horace Campbell, there is no need to defend Burnham’s record on the liberation of Africa and more specifically Southern Africa. The facts are in the public domain for all to see. Forbes Burnham, his party the PNC, and the
people of Guyana showed visionary leadership in the liberation movement. The people of Guyana gave their blood and their treasure for the liberation of Southern Africa. At a time when others felt that our pledge of monetary support for the struggle was too “grandiose” and a waste of money, Burnham showed leadership and said that we were giving because it was our duty to give. In an ironic twist of history those who were in opposition to what we were doing have been the recipient of the Tambo award. The red herrings that are being thrown into the debate, seeking to influence the South African Government to reverse its decision to give the OR Tambo Award to Forbes Burnham is in my opinion malicious and political grandstanding. When Forbes Burnham made the decision to allow Cuban planes with military personnel and equipment,
en-route to Africa to refuel at Timehri, he knew the political and economic risk, but he did it because it was the right thing to do. When Burnham pledged an annual donation of US$50,000 to the Freedom Fighters, he knew it was a financial sacrifice, but we did it because it was the right thing to do. When the Burnham government joined the Olympic boycott in 1972 he knew that Guyana’s opportunity to gain a Gold Medal in the 200 meters would be forfeited, but we did not attend, and James Wren-Gilkes never got his Gold medal; but it was a sacrifice we took for our brothers to be free. When Burnham gave scholarship to African students to study in Guyana (free of charge), he did it because he knew that there was a need for leaders in the movement and leaders had to be educated. Burnham was never silent on the question of the rights of the African states to be free and he not only talked the talk,
but he backed it up with action. The Burnham record on Southern Africa in clear and unambiguous, for as early as the 1950’s Burnham was condemning the killings in Nyasaland and calling for an end to the brutal regimes in Southern Africa. Though out of government, he called for a boycott of goods to the Pretoria regime and for a fund to assist the relatives of those who had fallen at Sharpsville and Pondoland. I urge our young people who did not live through this period to do their research and review the Burnham record on the Liberation Movement. I close like I opened in saying that there is no need for anyone to defend Forbes Burnham’s record on Southern Africa. It is a stellar record and will stand the test of time, for what he did and what he did in our name (Guyana) in no small way was directly responsible for the Liberation of Southern Africa. Mark Archer
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
The Attorney General’s office has GRA unhappy with descended into legal theatrics businessman’s allegations
DEAR EDITOR, We refer to a letter by M. A. Bacchus caption “if the AG has a case to make, … let him do so coherently.” We are assuming that such a tactful and intellectual, yet candid piece came from the pen of none other than that famous Berbician Lawyer, Mr. Mursaline Bacchus, if not we apologize in advance to the author. This well penned letter gave us cause to wonder as to what level the Office of the Attorney General has descended. It is regrettable to note all the legal theatrics in the nation’s highest legal office which is a far cry from the legal substance? It appears as though the holder of this prestigious office does not know when, where and how to apply the laws as enunciated in the Constitution of Guyana. Does he not realize that there is a new dispensation in town and its brings with it a different set of rules in Parliament with which his minority government must abide? This tells us the difference between a clever legal mind and a dunce one. Whom the hat fits wear it? We came across an academic paper by Paul Thomas captioned “Measuring the effectiveness of a minority Parliament” which was quite revealing as to the substance as to why the Attorney General of Guyana has no choice but to descend into legal theatrics since the overwhelming evidence support that the majority of any Parliament has the power to determine how the state resources and funds should be used. In spite of this article, we believe that the state resources should be distributed equitably to benefit all the people and not just friends, relatives and business buddies of the cabal. We also believe that it is illegal to use the resources of the state to enrich those in control of the state purse. We
therefore call for a public inquiry into the overnight wealth of the “rags to riches” in the cabal. We also support the challenge put forward by Mr. M. A. Bacchus that the AG should put his case forward coherently based on law and disabuse himself
from using so much verbal fluff. If there is any office that people look towards as a measure of the competence and fairness, it is the Office of the Attorney General which is the beacon of the country’s justice system. (Continued on page 6)
Corruption within an IMC DEAR EDITOR, The collusive and autocratic behaviour of the Minister of Local Government, replacing the legitimate NDC with a selected band of PPP/C cronies, some of whom have a sordid past, has resulted in massive corrupt practices. Many Barticians were supportive and accepted this usurpation by the Minister, not realizing the worst is on the horizon. This selective bunch has within its ranks, rogues and vagabonds whose self interest is paramount. The removal of the legitimate officers was based on only
allegations. There are among the usurpers those who were found guilty of fraud. Citizens knew of the $1.7M of their tax dollars injected into the coffers of the RDC, for the construction of a road and dump site for garbage . This money was secretly handed to an affiliate of the usurpers, without being tendered. Corruption coupled (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Revenue Authority takes this opportunity to respond to letter titled ‘Customs is King’ published in Kaieteur News on April 24, 2013 and signed by a Guyanese businessman. The writer gave the impression that only a small number of officers are available and as a result, wharves are congested and persons are frustrated. Everyone can now recognize
that this is far from the truth, since risk management and post clearance audits reduced the need for examining each consignment and offered Management the leverage to release the majority of cargo. The Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) has officers who are trained to check for illicit drugs in cargo being imported or exported while the Good Examination Unit (GEU) examines commercial cargo profiled by the Risk
Management Unit. Officers of these Units only operate at Seaports and NOT at Guyana Post Office Corporation location or Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The writer further states, “My understanding is that one has to basically bid for these officers to get something done.” This is preposterous; the writer is insinuating that irregular activities are taking (Continued on page 7)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Disjointed forces in TIP fight DEAR EDITOR, There it was, splashed right across the front page of the Kaietuer News April 27 edition “President Ramotar tells US clean your house first, don’t lecture us.” Knowing the Kaieteur News, I would not be surprised if this turns out to be a twisting of the real facts, but if President Ramotar did make that statement, then, I am proud of him. The only Guyanese leaders, until now, who I admired for standing up and telling it to the US as it is was the late great Cheddi Jagan and President Jagdeo. President Ramotar has now done the same and this makes me feel proud to call him my President. Have you ever stopped for a moment and consider what has happened to all those countries where the US tried to dictate and impose their understanding of human rights, democracy, etc, under the pretext of
freeing them from dictatorships and corrupt governments, including Guyana in the sixties? The best examples of what happens when living under the dictates of the US are Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Libya, among others, not forgetting Guyana under the PNC. On the other hand, look at countries that are charting their own path of development, not without having to confront the US, and see what the difference is. Fine examples of such countries would be Brazil, India, Nicaragua, Guyana, Russia, Venezuela, China and a host of other Asian countries. Africa is no exception. Look at East Africa, where the American and western influence is less and West African countries where the influence is far greater. You may then want to ask a most legitimate and justifiable question ‘Who is
Corruption within... From page 5 with autocracy is rife. One of the members of the IMC attempted to mislead residents on TV, saying that the IMC is not responsible for the collection of garbage, that this is now the responsibility of the RDC. If this is so then rates and taxes must be paid to the RDC. Fortunately, I was not au fait with the telephone number of the TV station. I would have asked him about the money they secretly received from the REO for the construction of the road and site for
garbage, and why the contractor has not completed the job he was paid to do. I hope the Regional Chairman informs citizens of the truth. I am giving these members of the IMC who have previous involvement with tax payers monies to do the most honorable thing by resigning to save further embarrassment. You cannot refer to these wrongdoers as kleptomaniac, because they do not suffer from kleptomania, they all have economic motives Yours faithfully, Umar Saied
the US to lecture us about democracy, human rights, corruption, etc?’ And by the way, do Guyanese know that to become the President of the USA you do not need to obtain a majority of the popular votes? Yes you can win with fewer votes than your competitor. That is the system of democracy in America—a system that was designed for the existing circumstances over two hundred years ago! President Ramotar was right and must therefore be complemented if he said what was reported by the Kaieteur News or if what he said can be interpreted as the headline. It shows that our President has the cojones to tell the most powerful as it is. Keep it up Mr. President. All proud Guyanese are with you. The hard work of the Guyanese people in chartering their own path of development under the leadership of the PPP/C Government with leaders such as you, the late great Cheddi Jagan and former President Jagdeo gives you all the moral right not to allow Guyanese to be lectured by those who don’t have the moral right to do so. It is quite a co-incidence that only two days after the Kaieteur News headline an article published in April 28 edition of the New York Times has completely vindicated President Ramotar’s rebuking of the US. The article “With Bags of Cash, C.I.A. Seeks Influence in Afghanistan” describes how the US, for over ten years has been
buying loyalty in Afghanistan (a must read article). It said that the biggest source of corruption in Afghanistan has been the United States. Would congressman Hakeem Jeffries with whom Mr. Glenn Lall and others met care to coment on this New York Times article? Nothing new, they did the same with Burnham and the PNC and destroyed Guyana. I am sure that after reading that article you would have little doubt that the same is happening in countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria and Iraq and that APNU and the AFC may very well be trying to take us down that line. Are we therefore then going to allow US to continue to preach morals to us when they are in no moral position to do so? Where is our independence as a nation? Where is our dignity as a nation? Mr. President, all proud Guyanese are with you! Sundar Nauth
The risk of flooding DEAR EDITOR, In light of what took place over weekend the relevant authorities need to assess whether our seawall, as it is, is capable of protecting us given sea levels are expected to rise in the future. Flooding can severely hinder development and growth and we cannot afford
to wait until it’s too late to take the measures necessary to prevent it. Research needs to be done to determine the risks of flooding and how rising sea levels would affect us and only after this would we know what actions to take to counter this threat. Tagenarine Singh
The Attorney General’s... From page 5 But the current Office Holder has really done an injustice as to how people are judging our people’s intellectually and our legal system. It must be made known that during the Burnham era, that Office was occupied by some of the best and brightest legal scholars like the Ramphals and the Shabhudeens followed by such notables such as the DeSantoses and the Doodauth Singhs, all masters at their art.
These brilliant legal minds have upheld the highest legal standard and the people should not accept anything less or anyone of a lower standard in that office. The office does not need someone to misuse his authority but someone with a thorough understanding of the Constitution as pertains to the laws and rules of Parliament in particular and the citizens in general. Regard, Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh.
The only Guyanese leaders, until now, who I admired for standing up and telling it to the US as it is was the late great Cheddi Jagan and President Jagdeo. President Ramotar has now done the same and this makes me feel proud to call him my President. Have you ever stopped for a moment and consider what has happened to all those countries where the US
tried to dictate and impose their understanding of human rights, democracy, etc, under the pretext of freeing them from dictatorships and corrupt governments, including Guyana in the sixties? The best examples of what happens when living under the dictates of the US are Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Libya, among others, not forgetting (Continued on page 7)
Support for Ramotar’s retort to the Americans
DEAR EDITOR, There it was, splashed right across the front page of the Kaietuer News April 27 edition “President Ramotar tells US clean your house first, don’t lecture us.” Knowing the Kaieteur News, I would not be surprised if this turns out to be a twisting of the real facts, but if President Ramotar did make that statement, then, I am proud of him.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Letters... Where your views make the news
GRA unhappy with... From page 5 place to obtain services of Customs Officers. This is an indictment on the integrity of Managers of those Units and by extension the Management of GRA. Please note that Importers and Exporters are required to schedule examinations for specific dates and times; thereafter, officers are assigned to carry out their duties. Kaieteur News highlighted several instances of the ingenious and sophisticated methods used by criminals to perpetuate transnational crimes, including concealment in empty containers. Quite recently, over 360 kgs of cocaine were discovered in lumber destined for Rotterdam; 233 kgs of cocaine in fish feed destined for China; 328 kgs of cocaine in soap powder destined for Africa; 20 kgs of marijuana destined for Barbados and the list goes on. Whenever this happens, the image of our beautiful country is affected and the integrity of officers questioned by these very
persons who are castigating measures employed by GRA to counteract criminal activities. Recognizing the need to protect legitimate exports, our trading partners and Guyana’s image, the Guyana Government signed a MoU with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to establish the Container Control Programme (CCP) which brings together trained officers from Customs, Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) to improve Port security and prevent lawful maritime cargo containers from being used for unlawful activities. Would it be more appropriate to relinquish the high level of attention being given in sanitizing the poor image of the country as a transshipment point for drugs/psychotropic substances at the expense of expediency to satisfy the greed of a few of our businessmen? If the answer is in the affirmative, then the GoG might as well shut down the Customs and Trade Administration.
It is clear that the writer lacks integrity himself for attempting to inform the public on matters which he has little knowledge. By his own admission, he had conversations with friends but never once mentioned with any sincerity, where he was genuinely affected by the issues raised, except in passing at the end of the letter that he lost a ‘Client’. In my opinion, someone who lost an overseas market would never mention that parenthetically. Obviously, this person is disgruntled and tried to disguise as a businessman and an advocate for Shipping Agents. Be assured that GRA and its Stakeholders including the Private Sector Commission, Shipping Association and others continue to meet regularly to address matters of interest. Moreover, we are very enthusiastic that the merger of GRA operations at one location in Camp Street, Georgetown will result in greater efficiency and enhanced customer service. Public Relations Officer
Support for Ramotar’s...
From page 6 Guyana under the PNC. On the other hand, look at countries that are charting their own path of development, not without having to confront the US, and see what the difference is. Fine examples of such countries would be Brazil, India, Nicaragua, Guyana, Russia, Venezuela, China and a host of other Asian countries. Africa is no exception. Look at East Africa, where the American and western influence is less and West African countries where the influence is far greater. You may then want to ask a most legitimate and justifiable question ‘Who is the US to lecture us about democracy, human rights, corruption, etc?’ And by the way, do Guyanese know that to become the President of the USA you do not need to obtain a majority of the popular votes? Yes you can win with fewer votes than your competitor. That is the system of democracy in America—a system that was designed for the existing circumstances over two hundred years ago! President Ramotar was right and must therefore be complemented if he said what was reported by the Kaieteur News or if what he said can be interpreted as the headline. It shows that our
President has the cojones to tell the most powerful as it is. Keep it up Mr. President. All proud Guyanese are with you. The hard work of the Guyanese people in chartering their own path of development under the leadership of the PPP/C Government with leaders such as you, the late great Cheddi Jagan and former President Jagdeo gives you all the moral right not to allow Guyanese to be lectured by those who don’t have the moral right to do so. It is quite a co-incidence that only two days after the Kaieteur News headline an article published in April 28 edition of the New York Times has completely vindicated President Ramotar’s rebuking of the US. The article “With Bags of Cash, C.I.A. Seeks Influence in Afghanistan” describes how the US, for over ten years has been buying loyalty in Afghanistan (a must read article).
It said that the biggest source of corruption in Afghanistan has been the United States. Would congressman Hakeem Jeffries with whom Mr. Glenn Lall and others met care to coment on this New York Times article? Nothing new, they did the same with Burnham and the PNC and destroyed Guyana. I am sure that after reading that article you would have little doubt that the same is happening in countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria and Iraq and that APNU and the AFC may very well be trying to take us down that line. Are we therefore then going to allow US to continue to preach morals to us when they are in no moral position to do so? Where is our independence as a nation? Where is our dignity as a nation? Mr. President, all proud Guyanese are with you! Sundar Nauth
DEAR EDITOR, You have got to be kidding me!! A police officer shot and killed in the line of duty and no “ officials” of the Guyana Police Force, the Home Affairs Minister, or the Mayor see it fit to get to that fallen officer’s family to express condolences. Shameful! Utterly repugnant!
No wonder the cops are corrupt. I would not be loyal either, working for an organization that doesn’t give a damn about me whether I live and less if I die. He’s so fortunate to have his grand children to play with. Poor young man didn’t live long enough to have grand children. Eustace Coppin
Kidding me
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
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REVIVE SOME OF THE OLD CINEMAS INTO CULTURAL CENTRES There is a fascinating story of what the mayor of Tirana, an Albanian town, did by colorfully painting some of the town’s buildings. The exercise totally transformed the city, reduced crime, and brought it back to life. In Guyana, paint may not be the solution, but certainly investing in public spaces such as the many abandoned cinemas and turning these into cultural theatres, can freshen rural life and revive communal life. The opening of a new, modern and impressive cinema complex in Guyana has not been without its disappointments. Most of the movies normally shown are already available on DVD and would have been seen by members of the public. Therefore those who were
expecting that the latest releases would have been screened were left with some amount of disillusionment. They still go, though, for the experience of the cinema and the opportunity it provides as a public space where people can meet, to spend some time with their children while being entertained. While the cinema is making something of a comeback in Guyana, news is circulating that one of the existing cinema houses is soon to permanently close its doors. One can only pray that this building does not join the long list of former cinemas that have been converted to business enterprises, and in at least two instances, churches. Things however look bright when it comes to public entertainment via the medium
of the cinema. A modern multiplex cinema is to open its doors soon. This is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility which hopefully will screen the latest releases rather than those movies which are already available in video stores. This new cinema will be located just outside of Georgetown and will allow for the rebirth of the cinema industry, one that is timely, more so since we now have local movies being produced. But one has to ask what about the areas outside of Georgetown. When will they be able to have their own cinemas airing the latest movies? In fact, when will they be able to have their own cultural centres? One solution to the problem would be for the
Dem boys seh...
Old GBC is a big milking cow Rob Earth planning and scheming fuh mek money and it look like if is a good scheme. Dem find a new milch cow and it deh pun High Street. Was a building that dem use to broadcast radio from. When dem move de radio station dem boys didn’t know bout de plan to tun de place into a cow wid big udders. Dem break down de old building and start de milking process. Dem get one contractor who start hot and sweaty. When he think he drink enough he lef de project. De people who order de project talk li’l bit and dem lef de building fuh stall. But dem get thirsty again. That is how dem hire another
contractor. Well this one start fuh wuk but from de pace of de wuk dem boys know that de man was milking de cow more than wukking. After couple morning this contractor think that he get enough milk and he move on. But de thing is that all de milk was not fuh de contractors alone. Other people had to got a share and that is wha happen. Now dem boys seh that de people getting thirsty again, but only this time is new people, because de old ones pocket full. In fact, de Waterfalls boss man know nuff of dem and he seh that dem pocket full, dem mouth full and dem tail pipe full. That is how Rob Earth
come in. He start fuh look at de building and he decide that he got to get a new office. Right away he apply to de cow, but he got to get a contractor. Before he even get a contractor and get de man to even inspect de building, Rob Earth know that he got to get $600 million. Dem boys seh that he already in discussion wid one of de Bees who got more contract than he can handle. This contractor is also like de pipe, de milk only flowing through he like when people got diarrhea. Is now people understand why that building can’t done yet and so much money spend. Talk half and watch de skullduggery.
government to encourage the rehabilitation of many of the countryside cinemas which over time were abandoned. Most of these structures are being allowed to disintegrate and most will eventually have to be sold and pulled down. Yet at this very moment there is a need for a revitalization of public spaces in Guyana. These spaces include community grounds, markets, town halls and cinemas. Cinemas are also important public spaces and many of the now abandoned cinemas in rural areas need to be brought back to life so that they can provide cultural services to these communities. Not only can new movies be once again shown in the renovated structures, but the buildings can also be used for community meetings, plays, concerts and recitals. Just recently a local movie was aired. In some instances because of the unavailability of suitable venues for the screening, schools were used. If many of the now abandoned cinemas were in good order, they could have been used for this and other cultural shows.
It is important, therefore, that the government launches an exercise to try to reclaim certain buildings and use these as public spaces. The government itself does not have to find the hundreds of millions that will be needed to purchase these neglected structures from their owners. The government just needs to facilitate, with some community and business input, the acquisition of these buildings and their renovation and upkeep. A few years ago, the government put millions into the rehabilitation of the Theatre Guild in Georgetown which is run by a committee. Many companies also made significant donations. It cannot be said that the structure is being fully utilized, but that is a challenge for all management. All those old cinemas which were once popular meeting points in Guyana can be restored to life and be used for cultural events. In recent years, it seems that the business community has been keen to buy out every available spot of land along our public highways and to convert these into business
establishments. Yet, correspondingly, and especially within the countryside, there is very little public entertainment. Reviving some of the old cinemas will help fill this void and in the process help to attenuate many of the social ills that are experienced in rural Guyana. Repair the abandoned cinemas and use them to teach the young people music, dance, poetry and drama. If all along the coast of Guyana, cultural centres can be established and adapted for multi-purpose use, it will help to revive the spirit of rural communities. This is a worthwhile investment, not just because it will remove many young people out of idleness, but fundamentally because the quality of life in a country depends as much on satisfying the material needs of the people as it does about meeting their social and cultural needs.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
“The Sky’s Wild Noise” drowned me with pessimism There are two persons in the history of this country who will remain enigmas, mysteries, inexplicabilities and agonizing curiosities for me – Cheddi Jagan and Rupert Roopnaraine. I can never understand how Jagan was able to maintain a phenomenally successful life in politics despite character faults that were immense and shocking. A fanatical communist that relied on race and Indian capitalist support, he lived out a contradiction that few in the history of modern world politics could have navigated.
Equally amazing is Rupert Roopnaraine. No one in the Third World has the ability to do what he has done. He has lived out more than thirty-five years in radical politics, yet for me, Roopnaraine is one of the most elitist, upper middle class politicians the Caribbean has produced. From the time the WPA magic died, Roopnaraine has remained the darling of Guyana’s middle class and its upper strata. He moves with mesmerizing ease in the company of the Georgetown elites and they view him as their favourite politician. Yet
paradoxically, he moves with equal ease among the radical wings of working class politics in this land. It has always fascinated me how Rupert Roopnaraine and Tacuma Ogunseye can coexist in the same working class organization. But then again, this is Guyana, a country different from other nations in the entire world. When I heard that Roopnaraine had published a book on his political senses, I knew that though I think of him as a most enduring elite, Guyanese from age eighteen to eighty would get an
elegant, Fanonian, Jamesian (after CLR) treatment that they will forever cherish on Guyana’s contemporary political evolution. It was not to be. There can be no human being in this land from eighteen to eighty that did not jump up with glee when they heard Roopnarine was writing a book and his political thoughts would be contained therein. We all waited with an exigent heartbeat to see how he would cover the landscape of the WPA period from Rodney’s arrival to his death in 1980; the personality of the complex human being named Forbes Burnham; the character of Cheddi Jagan, the turbulence and confusion in Buxton from 2002 to 2005; the regime of perhaps the most jejune, arid, unimpressive, and antiworking class leader in the history of the Englishspeaking West Indies, Bharrat Jagdeo. But most irritatingly, Roopnaraine stayed billions of miles away from these sensitivities. And who can blame him. At seventy years of age, maybe he feels that world has long gone for him. The book is divided into four sections – politics, art, literature and tributes. This is rather misleading because there is no politics section as we expect. Roopnaraine cannot be that dishonest as
not to know that when it was announced that the book had a section on politics. Guyanese, in and out of the territory, would anticipate that they would have his conceptualizations on exactly what constituted the WPA phenomenon. Was the WPA morally and politically right to do what it did back then? Did Roopnaraine have regrets or would he do it all over again? The part that was interesting for me was page 21 of the introduction in which the author subtly stayed away from an adumbration of his own position on what took place in Buxton between 2002 and 2004 but chose to quote from “ The Morning After,” the book by Eusi Kwayana on the subject. But I guess in quoting from Guyana, one presumes that he accepts Kwayana’s analysis. The only thing that bothered me was that I wasn’t reading “The Morning After” but the Sky’s Wild Noise.” I wasn’t reading Kwayana but Roopnaraine. After enduring twelve years of Jagdeo’s reign, it would have been comforting to the historian to hear from Roopnaraine how the Burnham autocracy stacked up against the Jagdeo oligarchy. As someone who lived under the oppressive wind of both men, I honestly feel that Burnham was a more
Frederick Kissoon redemptive ruler. At seventy, there are lots more years left in Roopnaraine, so we may yet have the penetrating thoughts of this long-serving activist on the most momentous periods of modern Guyana, in which he played no small part. Honestly speaking, I find the politics section of this book disappointing. I paid $5000 for it. It was money I borrowed from my media colleague, Dale Andrews. I don’t know if Dr. Roopnaraine would like to reimburse me. I read “The Sky’s Wild Noise” on my landing that overlooks my garden. I am beginning to resent my garden, because the birds have literally taken over, denying my wife her share of the fruits. But after I was finished reading, I did made a noise to get the birds to fly. And they did. The noise was pleasant but as they flew and I looked toward the sky, I saw a country I gave so much of my life to, but perhaps will never understand.
Remittances flow to C’bean, Latin America remain stable Remittances to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) showed a slight increase in 2012 with respect to the previous year, according to the latest report on remittances by the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the InterAmerican Development Bank Group. The report, “Remittances to Latin America and the Caribbean in 2012: Differing Behavior among Sub-regions,” said that the region received a total of $61.3 billion in remittances last year. This amount represents a year-on-year increase of $300 million, a 0.6 percent increase from 2011. After a historic high of nearly $65 billion in 2008, and a 15 percent drop due to the financial crisis in 2009, money transfers to the region have stabilized. Remittances inflow trends varied among countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. While remittances to South American countries and Mexico decreased by 1.1 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively, the countries in the Caribbean displayed modest growth and Central American nations
experienced a significant increase of 6.5 percent in the total remittances received. This increase helped offset decreases in bigger countries, allowing for the region as a whole to end the year with slight growth. “The latest data show that migrants continue to provide critical financial support to millions of households across the region,” said MIF General Manager Nancy Lee. The economic uncertainty and sluggish labour market in Europe continue to affect the amount of money migrants in Spain are able to send back home, while the improvements in the labour market in the United States largely explain increases in remittances to certain countries, particularly in Central America. The value of the money transferred home in 2012 varied from country to country, depending on exchange rates and inflation levels in each country. In Brazil, for instance, the $1.9 billion sent in 2012 represents a 1 percent increase in nominal terms with respect to 2011, but when expressed in local currency terms and adjusted for
inflation, the amount represents a 12 percent yearly increase. In other countries, the dollars sent home decreased in value once received, such as in Colombia, where remittance values expressed in local currency terms showed an 8 percent drop. Mexico remains the largest remittance recipient with $22.4 billion, followed by Guatemala, with $4.8 billion, and Colombia receiving $4 billion, while El Salvador and the Dominican Republic received $3.9 and $3.2 billion respectively. Remittance flows continue to represent an important source of foreign inflows in many of the countries in the region, and constitute more than 10 percent of the gross domestic product in several countries, including Haiti, Guyana, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Jamaica and Guatemala. These flows also represent an important source of income for the millions of families in the region that receive the transfers to cover basic needs and invest in education, health, housing, and small businesses.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Disaster response consultation…
Early warning systems need to be coordinated - CDC There are various agencies in Guyana responsible for and consequently equipped to determine factors such as heavy rainfall or extreme high tides that could have disastrous outcomes, but their efforts are not coordinated. The National Early Warning System (EWS) policy would enable the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to analyze data received from these agencies and issue warnings. However, the policy does not stop the various agencies from issuing their own warnings. The importance of the EWS in a coordinated approach was emphasized yesterday by CDC’s Director General, Colonel (Retired) Chabilall Ramsarup. The EWS is one of eight
documents that will outline the country’s ability to respond to disasters and reduce risks in a coordinated effort - something that is currently not being done. Some of the hazards that Guyana is exposed to include flooding by excessive rainfall, overtopping of sea and river defences, intense storms and winds, wild fires and diseases such as gastroenteritis. The CDC is working to finalize its policy outlining national and local capacities to respond to and reduce risk of these and other specific disasters. Concluding its consultations on the EWS in Guyana to have the final version presented to Cabinet soon, the Commission held a public consultation at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Club at Carifesta Avenue.
Participants at the National Early Warning Systems consultation Ramsarup during his delivery referred to several disasters in Guyana, including the memorable 2005 floods that saw a significant portion of the East Demerara being affected; and the 2010 flooding of several Region 10 communities.
He also commented on the recent overtopping of the Georgetown seawall that resulted in sandbags being placed on the Rupert Craig Highway to prevent water from the Atlantic Ocean inundating Subryanville and other adjacent areas. Several
communities on the East Coast Demerara, Essequibo Coast and Berbice, were flooded. Incidentally, CDC had sent out invitations for this consultation days before the overtopping. Using the Region 10 flood as an example, the Director General pointed out how uncoordinated approaches could result in disasters. He recalled that the Hydrometeorological Office and Public Works Ministry had separately announced heavy rainfall in hinterland areas and high tide, respectively, but because
they did not synchronize information, some communities including Coomacka and Three Friends along the Demerara River and Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary were not alerted. According to Ramsarup, one of the vital components of disaster management is early information, which allows individuals exposed to take necessary precautions to reduce risks and vulnerability. Response to the first hour of any disaster could determine the effects of the impact of the disaster that has struck. Major Kester Craig, (Continued on page 16)
GPHC equipped to perform laparoscopic surgery - Two children undergo procedure The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is now equipped to perform laparoscopic surgery, and recently laparoscopic cholecystectomies (removal of the gall bladder by laparoscopic techniques) was done on two children. This is according to a press release issued by the hospital’s Public Relations Office which disclosed that the first two such procedures were done on a 12-year-old girl and an 11-year-old lad sometime last week. GPHC said that the patients, both of whom have been discharged, have been doing well. They were operated upon by Dr. Marisa Seepersaud and her team of the Paediatric surgical service of the GPHC. Other members of the operating team included Drs. John Mitchell and Ravi Motilall. The statement added that Dr. Seepersaud was high in praise for the Anaesthetic and Nursing Staff headed by Dr. Amata and Sister Gill for their assistance in making the vision, a reality. The hospital describes this type of surgery as an additional tool to be used in its delivery of health care to the children of Guyana. Laparoscopic surgery or
“keyhole surgery”, involves the insertion of a telescopic camera for visualization, and instruments for the performance of therapeutic procedures. It has found increasing applications in the adult and paediatric patient populations all over the world. When compared to conventional open surgery, it has many advantages for the patient, including smaller incisions, less blood loss, less post-operative pain, earlier oral intake, quicker mobilization, faster discharge and a better cosmetic effect. Dr. Seepersaud recently joined the staff of the GPHC having completed training in Paediatric surgical interventions at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Her laparoscopic experience was garnered from her attachments at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, as well as at the Royal Manchester Hospital for Children in the UK. “As we strive to expand our range of services provided to our Paediatric population, appropriate application of this tool in order to realize its great potential benefits while maintaining the child’s safety, is our foremost priority,” GPHC added.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Sparendaam plane crash… There are growing suspicions that the Americanregistered aircraft, a twinengine Piper Aztec with registration N27-FT, that crashed into a Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara house three Saturdays ago, is uninsured. According to a source, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) did not verify if the aircraft is insured and will be approaching the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to assist in investigating whether it was insured. If the aircraft was insured, the insurance company has been unusually slow to come forward, and this has raised eyebrows in the aviation industry. From all indications the aircraft seems to be uninsured, the source said. When this publication contacted the FAA, it was
GCAA ‘did not verify’ insurance of aircraft
confirmed that the aircraft is registered and owned by Pierre Angiel of Angiel EnviroSafe, Inc. However, the FAA was unable to confirm if the aircraft is insured. Director General of the GCAA, Zulficar Mohamed, had stated that whenever foreign aircraft enter Guyana, pertinent documents such as a valid certificate of airworthiness, insurance and registration are presented to GCAA. According to the source, the GCAA’s Air Transport Department is responsible for verifying if the aircraft is insured, but did not in this case. It is alleged that the department also breached protocol in not informing other departments of the aircraft’s presence in Guyana’s airspace. It was revealed that some high ranking officers at GCAA
Flashback: The scene of the fatal crash
only became aware of the aircraft’s presence in Guyana’s airspace when the incident occurred. This may be to the detriment of 69-year-old
Measures to ease Public Servants’ burden lacking in budget By Zena Henry Various implementations and allocations to ease the burden of public servants past and present are lacking in this year’s budget, head of the Guyana Public Service Union, Patrick Yarde has highlighted. In a detailed explanation to this newspaper about provisions for workers his union represents, Yarde said that the government has failed to implement policies that would aid in the development of state workers before charging that the government has ignored, for the larger part, initiatives towards the betterment progress of workers. According to Yarde, the system should implement, “A non-contributory Health Insurance Scheme funded for public servants and their families.” This, it was indicated, would assist with the burden of health bills and serve as a guaranteed access line to health care, while posing as an incentive to state workers. He said that the budget should make provisions or allocations for substantial increases to provide realistic advances to public officers who are entitled to loans to purchase motor vehicles in discharging their duties, while substantial allocations for increases in allowances should also be made. Yarde charged that state workers have not seen an increase in travel allowance since 1995; subsistence allowance has not increased since 1995, while the last increase for uniform allowance was made in 2001. Meal allowances Yarde also
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- GPSU
GPSU president Patrick Yarde mentioned, have not increased since 1996, and housing allowance since 2009. The GPSU president also felt that more should be done for state workers working out of town, stating that, “Other allowances as a condition of service, particularly workers serving in hinterland areas, should be provided.” Provision of infrastructure for housing projects for low and middle income public servants with specific emphasis on hinterland regional areas should also be made, Yarde asserted. “The union wishes to urge that substantial funds be allocated for the enhancement of the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital – to upgrade the facilities of the institution and have trained staff, so that the reality is for patients to be able to re-enter society.” Adequate funding of health institutions, including the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, as well as other health institutions throughout Guyana, is needed. Additionally, adequate funds also need to be made available for drugs,
medical materials and other hospital supplies to enhance the delivery of primary health care in all administrative regions of Guyana. Substantial funds must be allocated to Critchlow Labour College (CLC) in order to liquidate all existing liabilities and to adequately meet all expenses for the effective administration, technical and educational functioning of the college.” In relation to confronting corruption, Yarde urged that, “A vigorous anti-corruption exercise should be executed. Currently, as it relates to contracts, large amounts of revenue are being misused/ paid-out for substandard (Continued on page 16)
home-owner, Florence Tyndall, whose house the plane crashed into killing Angiel and his passenger, Canadian Scientist Nick Dmitriev. Tyndall escaped unharmed, but is now without a house. The two men were embarking on a technical survey mission for the Amaila Falls Access Road when the aircraft crashed just after taking off from Ogle Airport. Investigations into the plane crash are still ongoing, with the limited personnel of GCAA having a large task of interviewing many other individuals who had any contact with the aircraft since it was in Guyana.
Information gathered thus far has led the GCAA to rule out both sabotage and suicide as the root of the incident, the source noted. According to the source, the aircraft was expected to be in Guyana for 10 days and owing to that time constraint and the length of time it would have taken to repair the defects, Angiel chose not to fix the plane. Apparently, he was going to repair the plane when he returned home. According to Charles Hutson, Engineer of Wings Aviation, Angiel’s aircraft had some defects. The light of the undercarriage lock of the aircraft was not working; the
auto pilot electrical system socket was ‘popping’; and two days prior to the crash, the right engine of the aircraft ‘popped’ when it took off from Ogle. Angiel was expected to return after the flight to repair that flaw. According to a source, when Angiel was warned about the engine problem he brushed it off. Hutson did not comment on if the aircraft was airworthy, but said that Angiel should have had a mechanic on board, taking into consideration the state of the aircraft and the fact that no aviation workshop in Guyana is permitted to repair an FAAregistered aircraft.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Teenage girls, youth One year later … stabbed at Golden Grove Daughter still hopes that
Doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) were last night treating two teenage girls for stab wounds, as well as their alleged assailant, all of whom were injured during an altercation at Second Street, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara. Sue Ann Goodings, 16, of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was admitted with stab wounds to the head and neck at around 20:00 hrs , while her friend, Nozella Reid, 18, also of Ann’s Grove, was stabbed in the right leg. Their alleged assailant, 20year-old Nigel Adams of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was taken to the same hospital about an hour later after he was seen lying on a roadway bleeding from a stab wound to the left side. Sources said that none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening. Kaieteur News understands that the teenage girls had just completed Maypole practice at a Golden Grove location when they were allegedly attacked by Adams, who is said to be Sue Ann Goodings’ boyfriend. A man, claiming to be an acquaintance of Goodings, told Kaieteur News that he was in Second Street, Golden Grove, when he saw Adams assaulting the teen. The friend
said that he intervened, but Adams then pulled off the teen’s gold chain and began searching her pockets. “I parted them again and he (Adams) said that he wanted to talk to her, and I turned away, and by the time I turned back I saw him putting his hand in his sweater and he had her on the ground and was stabbing her.” Nozella Reid, the other teen, alleged that Adams also stabbed her in the leg. The eyewitness said that he managed to push Adams off his girlfriend, thus allowing her to escape.
According to the man, he then picked up a piece of wood and chased Adams. He then accompanied the wounded girl to the GPHC where she was admitted. Reid arrived shortly after and police later brought Adams to the same hospital. A sister of Adams told reporters that the altercation occurred after her brother went to pick up his girlfriend and saw her with another man. She also alleged that the man attacked Adams. However, she declined to comment further when asked about reports that her brother had stabbed his girlfriend.
Thirty Peace Corps trainees arrived in Georgetown yesterday to complement their 35 colleagues already in service. The new trainees make up the 25th group of Peace Corps Volunteers to serve in Guyana, and they will soon begin their pre-service training. For the duration of training, trainees live with host families who teach them the Guyanese way of life as they learn how to cook local food, negotiate in the market place, and participate in community activities. Pre-service training also entails a technical component within both the health and
education sectors. Over the next ten weeks, trainees will be engaged in field practicum in local schools and health centres. This enhances the trainees’ abilities to meet the needs of the communities they will serve. The group is expected to be officially sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers on July 3, 2013. The Peace Corps was first active in Guyana from 19661971. In 1993, Peace Corps was invited to return to Guyana by the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and the first group arrived in 1995. Since its establishment, more than 600 American Volunteers
have served the people of Guyana. Upon accepting the invitation to serve, Peace Corps Volunteers agree to live and work in Guyana for two years. The late U.S. President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps in March 1961 to provide human resource and technical assistance to developing countries that have requested such engagement.
missing father is alive
Nigel Adams at the scene last evening
30 Peace Corps trainees arrive
On April 29, 2012, 66-yearold Alzheimer’s sufferer Dennis Cort left for his home in Vigilance, East Coast Demerara after attending church at Beterverwagting, a few miles away. It should have been a routine trip in a minibus but Cort, a father of two, never showed up. While most would have given up hope by now, the elderly man’s daughter, Gail Lowe, is persevering with belief that he is alive somewhere, although the odds of such are extremely low. With each passing day and no reported sighting, chances of his safe return home are getting slimmer and slimmer. The pensioner was last seen at Victoria, several miles from his home, when he disembarked a bus which would normally take worshipers home from church. According to Lowe, who usually takes her father to and from church in her car, she was greeting other worshippers at the end of the Sunday service on April 29, 2012, just after midday, when Cort, for some strange reason, boarded the bus which subsequently left the area. It was not until Lowe was ready to head home that she realized that her father was nowhere around. When she enquired about him, she was told that he had left with the bus. The woman said that she drove to Victoria, where the bus usually turns back, but could not locate her father. Searches were also carried out in other East Coast Demerara villages including Ann’s Grove, Nabaclis and
Missing: Dennis Cort
Gail Lowe
Golden Grove, and there were still no signs of the man. Lowe, along with other relatives, had combed the backlands of several other East Coast Demerara villages without success. For Lowe any news about her father, whether he is dead or alive, will bring some form of comfort to her. Her anxiety raises every time she hears about the discovery of any corpse. In fact, her hopes soared last month when two skeletons were discovered on the East Coast of Demerara. One of the skeletons was found at Mahaica and another at Abary. They were both estimated to be at the respective locations for close to a year before they were discovered. “I checked the parlours; I did not personally go but I called them and the description of the clothes found on the skeletons did
not match what my father had on,” Lowe told this newspaper yesterday. Although it’s been a year since his disappearance, Lowe refuses to dispose of her father’s clothes and other belongings. “I still think that he will come home,” she said. She related a freakish occurrence that might have prevented her from learning of her father’s whereabouts. “I was dreaming about him and just as a man was about to tell me where he was, I felt my husband tapping me, waking me up just before the man could open his mouth and tell me where he is. I was mad when I woke up…I never dreamed him again,” Lowe said. Like all others who have missed loved ones without knowing their fate, there will always be a hole in Lowe’s heart until there is some closure.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
IPED’s 27th AGM…
Businesses are generally rewarded for innovation and effort “Business can thrive here (Guyana) with innovation and effort, which are generally rewarded…Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are generally responsible for job growth in the Caribbean, and are seen by Caribbean leaders as keys stimulants to overall development.” These sentiments were shared by Canadian High Commissioner, David Devine, during his feature address at the Institute of Private Enterprise and Development (IPED)’s 27th Annual General Meeting, held at the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel yesterday. In attendance were Chairman Dr. Yesu Persaud and Board of Directors of IPED. Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Nikolay Smirnov, and President of the Private Sector Commission Clinton Urling, among other special invitees. The Canadian envoy further stated that a major obstacle for potential investors is the lack of security and the local business community is well aware of this, as the insecure environment affects them as well. He said that a stable political environment, development of infrastructure and maintenance of law and order coupled with bold economic policy initiatives by the Government will be the defining factors of economic
- Canadian High Commissioner growth in Guyana. “These are absolutely the defining factors of economic growth in Guyana, not just in 2013, but in the future,” Devine said. Underscoring that illegitimate businesses cause real losses down the line, High Commissioner Devine said this interferes with the natural checks and balances of the market system. “Security is a high priority issue, not just for Guyana, but for the Caribbean and the greater western hemisphere, including Canada. Guyana faces a number of security challenges that can only be managed effectively with greater coordination and synchronization of approaches. “Insecurity is the threat of safety of a nation’s people. Insecurity means persons are vulnerable to the porous borders of their respective countries which facilitate transnational crimes; vulnerable to being trafficked to other countries; vulnerable to be co-opted to illicit drug trade; vulnerable to be caught in the crossfire of violent crimes.” He added that with greater prosperity, Guyana will be able to prepare itself against some of these challenges. As such the role of businesses is to strengthen society and decrease insecurity.
IPED’s Company Secretary Hermant Indar Singh receives an award for his twenty years of service from Chairman Dr. Yesu Persaud.
Canadian High Commissioner David Devine presents an award to Hope Nester for the Best Micro Enterprise Project. “In order to do this it needs to be transparent and corruption-free. In a corrupt business sector, only criminals prosper. In such environments corruption only stifles the economy and retards growth. It is imperative that businesses commit to corporate social responsibility and would seek appropriate mechanisms that can aid us in doing this. We need to support initiatives and take the lead in promoting a healthier business environment.”
Noting the lack of foresight in other sectors, the High Commissioner said Guyana should not be at the mercy of climatic conditions, there should be proactive approaches to handle the worst. IPED’s Chairman Dr. Yesu Persaud said the Institute started out with the intent of “helping people to help themselves, by providing loans and technical assistance to entrepreneurs to
help them establish and grow their small enterprises.” Back then, he said, it was important not only to provide finance, but it was necessary to rejuvenate the spirit of entrepreneurship amongst people as they were emerging out of an era of statecontrolled enterprises and the failed experimentation with co-operative socialism. Underscoring that in 2012 the Institute processed and approved 4,814 applications for loans with a total value of $2.7B for micro, small and medium enterprises, Persaud said the average size of loans processed was $564,000. Approximately 1,000 of these
loans were $100,000 and less. This is compared to 5,002 applications processed with a value of $2.4B in 2011 with an average loan size of $479,000. Of the applications processed in 2012, 677 were for first time borrowers. He noted that the number of enterprises that had outstanding credit facilities at the end of 2012 was approximately 3,888 compared to 3,931 in 2011. It is estimated that the enterprises benefiting from services provided employment for approximately 9,628 persons, including the owners, based on data supplied by clients.
Early warning systems... (From page 12) Senior Official of CDC who delivered a presentation on the EWS, reinforced the need for data to be coordinated, and emphasized the need for the early dissemination of information for the public to act accordingly. He said that the EWS is important, because it will allow a formal policy outlining roles and responsibilities, particularly with agencies and at the technical levels. It will include the dissemination of information in interior locations. Technology such as telecommunication and social networks could be a useful tool in informing residents of the disaster that lurks ahead. Early information would help
to protect the economy, environment and social impacts. Like Ramsarup, Craig emphasized that the uncoordinated approach of the relevant agencies needs to be rectified. He zeroed in on community perception of warnings being issued and the timeliness of information being fed to residents. Craig enlightened that the EWS’s early warning preparedness response main components are: monitoring and warning, dissemination and communication, preparedness and response. He said that the CDC is working with the InterAmerican Development Bank to develop a public awareness campaign to get the message over and receive information.
Some of the agencies that had representations at the consultation included the Guyana Fire Service, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, Red Cross, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and several media houses. Though, attendees have until the end of the week to submit their comments to the CDC, several pertinent recommendations and issues were raised such as the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge; training community leaders to be first responders; and CDC’s plan should be included in the Ministry’s projects, especially infrastructural development.
Measures to ease Public Servants... (From page 13) work and/or incomplete works. Most importantly, the GPSU advocates a transparent and broad-based stakeholders’ involvement in the reorganization of management and operations of the GPL.” “The GPL performs an integral and essential role in Guyana which cannot be over emphasized. The Union as a representative of Management workers is
confident that a more efficient, reliable and dependable supply of electricity could be obtained at a cheaper cost. The current situation is most unreliable, costly and burdensome on the people of this country and must be replaced with an efficient and effective alternative. “The GPSU is prepared to work with the Government of Guyana to execute any exercise that is
evenhanded and fair; upgrading the Public Service to guarantee the citizenry of Guyana quality public service, improving performance; enhance efficiency and productivity in an enlightened, exemplary manner to all consumers. Large amounts of revenue could be saved and be available to be utilized otherwise, if such actions are taken,” Yarde concluded.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday May 01, 2013
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Five Nursery School students hospitalised after “tasting” rat poison
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Cancer Institute granted temporary licence to operate
The Nursery School is located in the lower flat of this building Five children from the South Road Nursery School have been hospitalised after they tasted a small portion of rat poison taken to the school by another student. The children, all female, were immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by a teacher, and their parents were later informed. The poison was reportedly given to them by a male student he did not consume it. Yesterday, when Kaieteur News visited the hospital, the
five children were seen running around in the hospital’s waiting area. Their condition was obviously not life-threatening but they were admitted at the facility for observation. Some of their parents were hesitant to speak, saying “No, the teachers dem gone say we went to the media for this.” However, one mother said, “I get a call from the school and they told me to come down to the hospital, so I come and I see her (daughter) here. They just
took the blood test and the test shows that no poison was found in their blood.” When asked what she was told happened, she explained, “They said some other student (a boy) walk with the poison and gave them to taste. It’s the poison that does dry up your inside, I don’t know the name.” This publication visited the school yesterday but was told only the Headmistress is permitted to speak to the media, but she was not available.
Mormons boost health sector with 87 wheelchairs By Leon Suseran The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints effectively boosted the health sector of Guyana as well as several other organizations after it donated 87 wheel chairs recently at a simple ceremony at its Bones Bush Dam, East Canje location. Additionally, it has just completed a three-day wheelchair-fitting practical training course which saw the involvement of representatives of the beneficiaries of the wheelchair donations. Wheelchairs must be fitted properly so that the person who is using it can be comfortable and the chair can be fitted to the individual’s physical specifications. Regional Chairman of Region 6, Mr. David Armogan praised the church for the donation and encouraged them to improve the conditions of the people of Guyana. “You’ve been doing great work in terms of assisting the poor and needy in lots of communities…and this is a wonderful thing”, he said. He noted that more and more people “seem to be interested in what you are doing…which speaks volume for itself”. Armogan said that Region 6 is not a very wealthy region in terms of economics “and we have a lot of poor
communities where a lot of assistance is needed”. He urged the church to continue to work harder in poor communities to assist them and solve some of their problems. “A lot of our people who are immobile are very poor people and so they can’t afford to purchase a wheelchair, although they might need one very badly”. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Mr. Alan Johnson was present to receive the wheelchairs on behalf of the institution. A Representative of the Church, Brother Spencer, said that he hopes the wheelchair initiative will not stop and that more wheelchairs will be made available to the N/A Hospitals and clinics as well as the Ministry of Health Warehouse in Georgetown, after which “assessment forms can be filled out, measurements taken and those forms can be shipped, mailed or carried to the warehouse where chairs can be procured and distributed to those in need”. Among the organizations and hospitals that benefitted from the wheelchairs are the N/A, Port Mourant, Skeldon and Fort Wellington Hospitals; National Insurance Scheme (N/A); N/ A Special Needs School, Community-based Rehabilitation Centres in
Regions 5 and 6; and Kids First Fund, represented by Ms. Varshnie Singh. She was thankful for the training and donations, “which led us from fitting people into wheelchairs into really fitting people into wheelchairs with so many other considerations that we may have thought about but did not know until we did this training”. “We are truly grateful and appreciate the effort it takes to raise money, to buy wheelchairs and to work with us in Guyana and to satisfy our governmental requirements, so we truly appreciate everything that you went through to bring this training, so that we, the Guyanese people, who need wheelchairs and us, the fitters can properly do so”. Ms. Singh made an appeal to the CEO of the N/A Hospital and Mr. Armogan to revise the positions and remunerations of persons employed by the N/A Hospital as assistant physiotherapists to employ them as full- fledged physiotherapists and raise their salaries. Each participant of the wheel chair-fitting training workshop received certificates. Also, each organization which benefitted from the donation was given a tool-box with a set of tools that can be used for wheelchair fitting purposes.
The Cancer Institute of Guyana Cancer patients who have been in the waiting line for treatment for the past 10 months can now breathe a sigh of relief. This was after news yesterday that the government has granted the Cancer Institute of Guyana (CIG) a three-month licence to operate. Treatment will begin at the facility on Monday. For the aforementioned period, almost 80 patients who are suffering from various types of cancer had been praying for such a development so that their treatment could be resumed and the possibility of them living a relatively normal life would increase. Kaieteur News broke the story after listening to the plight of these patients and the government has been silent on the situation. Yesterday, Health Minister, Bheri Ramsaran held a press conference at his Brickdam, Georgetown office to hand over the licence. The Minister placed security guards at the entrance to question the reporters to
ascertain their media houses before letting them into the press conference. Private media houses, including Kaieteur News, were not invited. Kaieteur News learnt that the licence was granted after a report was submitted by the Director of Standards, Dr. Julian Amsterdam, which pointed out that the treatment centre has established the necessary resources required to deliver quality services. A few weeks ago this publication carried a story stating that the Cancer Institute was hoping that the Health Ministry would speed up the process in presenting them with a licence so that they could start their cancer treatment therapy. The institute in a statement explained that in June last, a decision was taken to upgrade the cancer treatment machine with a newer version. In October last, the installation of the new machine, Linac Primus was completed, but the treatment could not have been started because of the
new Health Care Act which requires all medical facilities be licenced. The new Act prompted the Health Ministry to seek assistance from PAHO and WHO to oversee performance of the Linac Primus equipment. A report from both organizations confirmed that the machine met international standards. Documents requested by the Health Ministry were presented for further review and evaluation by designated inspectors. After months of waiting, the institute was finally granted a licence to operate. The CIG came into existence in 2006 via a collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health and th e p r i v a t e sector, in the form of Global Imaging Services Incorporated. Since its establishment, records show that the facility has diagnosed numerous patients and has treated over 960 patients with Radiation Therapy.
UG also refused radio... (From page 3) Minister Samuel Hinds in the National Assembly were what prompted the widespread condemnation that followed. Not only did Jagdeo grant his best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, a newcomer, a radio licence; he also issued permission to his party’s newspaper, The Mirror. Permission to broadcast was also given to Omkar Lochan, a Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources. That Ministry is headed by Robert Persaud, a nephew-in-law of Jagdeo. Persaud’s sister, Ruth Baljit, reportedly a US-based citizen, is a shareholder of the company granted that licence. The three were also issued five frequencies each which gave them countrywide coverage. Notably, the other “successful” applicants, including singer Rudy Grant, and busi-
nessman, Alfro Alphonso, were only issued one each. The state-owned National Communications Network was also issued several frequencies. The questions did not die there. One of the persons also receiving a licence was Maxwell Thom, who is facing financial problems. This was a strange one as one of the requirements for the radio licence is for the applicant to show good financial standing to fund the operations of a
station. Not only were independent media houses like Kaieteur News and Stabroek News sidelined, so too were CNS Channel 6, RBS Channel 13, WRHM Channel 7, GWTV2 and a host of established media houses. Also angering the snubbed media houses is the makeup of the Broadcasting Authority, which is filled with Members of Parliament for the government party and others closely aligned.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Solving cop’s murder is a stern Govt. still looking for contractor test for police investigators for Kato Hydro project By Dale Andrews The murder of Corporal Romain Cleto will certainly test the ability of the Guyana Police Force to finally crack a high-profile killing that has taken place in the city. Over the past year or so, the Guyana Police Force has been coming up blank when it comes to solving similar type killings, although they have occurred in the public domain. And although they have the services of Closed Circuit Television cameras and countless armed mobile patrols, they continue to be embarrassed, with carloads of gunmen vanishing into thin air. Corporal Cleto was gunned down on Saturday night by the occupants of a suspicious car that he was approaching at the busy Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic junction. Two of his colleagues were also injured in the attack. Now all eyes are on the crime sleuths in the force to bring to justice those responsible for the brazen slaughter of one of their own. Police have detained several persons, but although there are reports that among those arrested are prime suspects, there is the strong possibility that they may not have enough evidence to ensure that justice is served. And with several senior officers making some very interesting utterances, this case has all the markings of those that preceded it. It is no secret that Corporal Cleto and his colleagues on the patrol made some mistakes when they tried to apprehend the suspects whom they had trailed through a section of the busy Stabroek area. “Although they were highly suspicious of the men in the suspicious car, they did not alert other patrols, they did not call for back-up. They decided to do it
Corporal Romain Cleto alone. They threw all the training through the window,” a patrol colleague of the dead cop told this newspaper last night. Nevertheless, he said, despite the fact that the actions of Cleto and his colleagues have raised serious questions about their adherence to the Force’s standard operating procedure, the Corporal’s death and other aspects of the organisation’s operations as a whole should also be examined. According to a former senior police officer who has vast experience in tactical operations, the force did not do enough to track down the killers immediately after the shooting. “Normally when something like this happens, the police operations room contacts all the patrols to lock off the city. That is a special drill - a standard operations procedure. Was this done? I don’t think so,” the former officer stated. A check of the surveillance cameras in the area revealed no solid clue about the shooting. There has been no reported sighting of the car used by the gunmen. “The police are not doing enough or they don’t know what to do. This is a test of the ability of the Guyana Police Force,” the former cop declared.
Saturday’s killing raises concern that a high level criminal gang is roaming the city. This is despite Commissioner of Police (ag) Leroy Brumell boasting that the force had dismantled criminal gangs. Brumell’s assertion surprised many since it was made at a time when there were several execution-style killings in the city (by individuals who many described as expert gunmen armed with AK-47 assault rifles), none of which have been solved. Meanwhile, the deafening silence of those expected to condemn the killing is not going unnoticed. So far there has been no public condemnation of Cleto’s killing. “In previous years the Police Officers’ Association and the Police Association would have been issuing statements,” a serving senior officer told this newspaper.
The period for invitation of bids for construction of the hydroelectric project and irrigation infrastructure at Kato in Region 8 (Potaro / Siparuni) has been extended by three weeks. The deadline for acceptance of bids for the project was April 23, last. A source close to the project said that the extension was done because at the initial closing date no suitably qualified bid had been received. Work on the Kato project is scheduled to begin in the last quarter of the year with a targeted completion date in mid-2015. The selected contractor will be allowed a total of six months to prepare designs and get them approved but this delay, the source said, will not affect the timeline for the project in any way. The Government of Guyana secured funding for
the development of the micro-hydropower system at Kato, from the European Union (EU) early last year to be constructed at a cost of approximately G$615M with the EU contributing G$460M under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), while the Guyana Government is contributing G$154M. The system will comprise a 330-kilowatt microhydropower station with its primary energy source being the 36 metres waterfall in the Chiung River, in the vicinity of Kato Village. Sufficient generating capacity, for electrical services, is to be provided to a secondary school complex that the Ministry of Education is to construct, existing government buildings, such as the nursery/primary schools, the Guest House, the Police Outpost, medical facilities and school
dormitories. The network is also to provide electricity to neighbouring Paramakatoi through a 16-kilometre transmission line that forms part of the intervention and a 500-metre distribution system to supply the existing government institutions at Paramakatoi. The hydro project will also involve the erection of a pump station to supply water for irrigation of neighboring farmlands. The intention is to provide electricity at the community level for productive, incomegenerating initiatives that could transform the targeted villages, particularly Kato, from a subsistence to a cash economy. The implementation is being managed by the Hinterland Electrification Unit (HEU) in Office of the Prime Minister.
NDC, M&M clash over ‘illegal’ fencing
Demolition workers in action The Neighbourhood Democratic Council, (NDC) at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, is accusing the proprietor of M&M Fast Food and Snackette of illegally constructing a fence on a plot of land located aback of its main office, in the vicinity of the Demerara
Harbour Bridge. As such, workers under instruction by the NDC have started removing the fence. When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene yesterday, the demolition was in process. According to Oswald Quamina, a member of the NDC, the proprietor of the fast
food enterprise was given a notice to move from the premises but he refused. “Mr. Muhkram was called to meeting and shown a map that proved that he was on prohibited land but still continued building a fence on the land. He was given a notice but insisted on
continuing his fence, trespassing on council’s land.” Over the weekend, the fence was completely erected, on a stretch of 50 feet of prohibited land extending all the way to road. The parties are expected to meet tomorrow to discuss the matter.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Mangrove Co-op Society completes essential project The Mangrove Reserve Producers Cooperative Society (MRPCS) has completed its first donorfunded project aimed at mechanisation of production, bar-coding of packages, and provision of administrative support for its work. The Society was formally registered in 2012 and is a community-based initiative in East Coast Demerara, owned by individuals from communities between Buxton and eastward to the Corentyne Coast, with support from the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project (GMRP). The society members thanked Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and the Canadian High Commission for providing a CAD$20,000 grant, along with the fact that the group’s business development plan was approved. This grant came in the wake of previous support from Digicel, that included the production of a business plan for the co-op that was delivered in November 2012. That same year, at the launch of Tourism Month at the Mangrove Centre, Mon Repos, the Canadian High Commissioner, David Devine, became aware of the Society’s work. He subsequently sent one of his staff to determine how the Canadian High Commission could help the initiative. That led to the creation of a three-month business development project. The plan was designed to equip members with basic food-processing equipment (such as stainless-steel honey
MRPCS members pose with Annette Arjoon-Martins (far right) at the end of the project extractors) to enable the mechanisation of some aspects of their production, provide them with labeling, packaging and marketing support in order to successfully carry out their business plan. It also directs them in the management of a fullyfunctional small-scale food production enterprise, generating profits from a sustainable business model with clear management structures and business procedures spelled out. One of the group’s members, Alice Thomas from Nabaclis, said “Our business plan and now this support from the Canadian High Commission are a big boost. We’re working to a plan and now when we go to exhibitions, the packaging is more attractive. We sell more, and bar coding means the supermarkets will accept our products for sale. Also the stainless-steel honey extractors we now have will
contribute to the hygienic processing of our honey.” At a function marking the official completion of the exercise, a representative from the Canadian High Commission expressed satisfaction with the way the project was done so expeditiously. Carlotta de Jesus, President of the Cooperative said, “The Society is pleased to have done so well in such a short time… it took a lot of hard work and constant attention to meet the three months’ deadline… The extractors had to be ordered from overseas, bank accounts had to be set up with cheques requiring two signatories who lived miles apart, and so on… Overall, because our members are scattered from Buxton to Berbice, communication had to be largely by phone. Some weeks my cell phone bill was frightening.” The Society’s primary function is to support the
development of sustainable products produced in the interest of mangrove forest conservation and to market those products of the member groups that meet the quality standards of the Society (hygiene, packaging, and quality control), and which are aligned to the strategic objectives of the Society. Together, the Society’s members contribute to the retention of mangroves, a vital defence for Guyana’s vulnerable 430km coast, while generating alternative livelihoods from various agro products in their communities. Annette Arjoon-Martins, Chairperson of the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project (GMRP) said, “Because of the wide area, we will need to start looking at identifying smaller clusters, in areas with strong production, and with a central agroprocessing point which would be more efficient.” She also pointed to the networking value that the
Society provides. “Where there is broad community ownership and acceptance of the benefits that the group generates, there is likely to be a greater interest in protecting community mangrove forest resources. There will also be a strengthening of the relationship and engagement between the group members and their respective host communities to ensure the successful implementation of the business plan which was sponsored by Digicel.” The Society’s business plan, developed by Consultant Timothy McIntosh, suggests extensive technical support and business mentoring to support individual member groups and has built-in knowledge-sharing activities to build trust between groups and to mitigate against inherent risks. In order to reduce risks, many fronts have come together to support the
successful implementation of the business model. These include the GMRP, Digicel, the Private Sector Commission (through its Social Sector Subcommittee), and the Women of Worth initiative of the Ministry of Social Services. To date, the agroproducers and their budding Coop have benefitted, in the main, through the relationship and strong linkage with the GMRP, out of which the Mangrove Reserve Producers Coop evolved. The GMRP itself was conceived by the Government of Guyana in partnership with the European Union’s Global Climate Change Alliance Programme, linked to sustainable coastal zone management. The GMRP was launched in February 2010. According to Mrs. Arjoon-Martins “The Mangrove Reserve Producers Cooperative Society is just one year old and has now started to build up a track record of implementing funded projects. The background here is that the members of the Coop have for many years been successfully engaging in selfdirected community service initiatives and in their own small income-earning enterprises and they have already stamped this quality of community entrepreneurship and dynamism on this organization and its start-up phase. The result has been a highly motivated core group with a strong sense of ownership in the programme. It’s the key to their progress so far.”
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
A Partnership for National Unity A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) extends greetings of solidarity to the workers of Guyana and their Unions on the observance of Labour Day 2013. As our workers go about their various activities, in observance of Labour Day 2013, they are patently aware that the recently passed 2013 National Budget makes no provision for any increases in their wages and salaries and seeks to confirm them on the poverty line. APNU notes that the provision for wages and salaries for workers employed through the State is being determined on only part of the income available to the state. If the Government should transfer into the Consolidated Fund earnings from NICIL, GGMC, the Lotto Funds and other sources of income of the state, there would be adequate resources to guarantee increases in real wages for workers. The Government has acknowledged that it has failed to pay public servants any increases in benefits, allowances, including travelling, since 1995. Labour Day 2013
observances occur at a time when the marked indifference of the Government to a cohesive approach to labour is manifest. The Minister of Labour professes to be unaware of the rate of unemployment in Guyana and, more specifically, amongst the youth. Neither the Government nor his Ministry have carried out a manpower or a household Budget survey in recent times and, therefore, claim to have no idea of what the costof-living is in Guyana. The Labour Ministry has abandoned workers in areas it considers not supportive of the Government. In the case of the bauxite workers of RUSAL, in a struggle for fair wages and conditions of work, the Labour Minister erroneously claims that he cannot intervene in that dispute because the Bauxite industry is not an essential service. Therefore, the Bauxite union must sue the company. The Minister is completely abdicating his responsibility to those workers and purporting to legitimise RUSAL’s unilateral and unlawful termination of
the collective bargaining agreement. APNU believes that all stakeholders must recommit to the sanctity of collective bargaining: its procedures are the only true means of determining the workers rate of pay and conditions of service, if the Unions and the employers are able to negotiate freely. A strong and united trade union movement must be an indispensible condition for securing the rights of collective bargaining and, thereby, fair conditions of work for the workers. The disrespect and disregard of the Government for Guyanese workers was revealed when it was discovered that, in the contracts for all of their big “transformational” projects, no provision was made for the employment of Guyanese workers. APNU will continue to have an abiding interest in the workers of Guyana and their welfare. APNU promises our workers a good life and continued support and solidarity in that quest. A Happy Labour Day to all!
Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) salutes the nation’s workforce on this now traditional and International Workers’ Day – May Day 2013. The sentiments, the meaning of this one day should permeate the entire year, every year. For workers, including the Guyaneseworker are called upon to produce everyday; to contribute practically through physical, mental and intellectual toil, at all levels of management, non-management, policymaking and/or administration every hour. May Day then is a powerful symbol of the worth of the w o r k e r, a c a u s e for celebration and reflection. GAWU representing workers in the key sectors of the economy paid keen attention to the justconcluded deliberations in Parliament as elected representatives considered the 2013 Estimates of Revenues and Expenditures – Current and Capital. It was a most moving, interactive and sometimes contentious exercise by the nation’s law-makers and economic planners who, no doubt, had to recognize political considerations amongst the
economic factors and projections. Whilst G u y a n a ’s Premier Labour Leader H.N. Critchlow always reminded his members that “Politics follows us from the cradle to the grave”, GAWU – as an affiliate of the major workers grouping FITUG – would suggest to our political directorates, including government and parliamentary opposition, that it is now timely, opportune to engage experienced trade unionists to assist in negotiating and brokering compromises and collective solutions when there is deadlock, contention and disagreement at the highest levels. After all, trade unions are primary stakeholders in any national discourse, r e p r e s e n t i n g as they do thousands of workers who keep the economy’s wheels turning. GAWU represents workers in vital sectors of the
economy – agriculture, marine, beverages, forestry, transportation – to name a few, so we hope our foregoing suggestion is actively considered. GAWU suspects that great p o s i t i v e s w i l l emerge from the Budget 2013 reductions. Our members and sister Union – NAACIE – toil in sugar and electricity supply – two areas which came under the O p p o s i t i o n ’s Parliamentary focus. So there are thousands of c o n c e r n e d G AW U a n d NAACIE members. S o m e h o w, we feel compromise and a return to the Assembly will not be impossible. On May Day 2013 let us as Unionists resolve to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. What happens in gold, bauxite or fisheries will eventually impact upon us all. Differences are made to be overcome. Happy May Day from GAWU.
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People’s Progressive Party The People’s Progressive Party hails the working class of our nation as we observe International Labour Day 2013. History would show that the PPP has always worked towards advancing the cause of our labour movement in Guyana, including the fact that our party made May Day a national holiday in 1958. May 1st 2013 reaches us in a very peculiar position as while many initiatives have been taken by the PPP/C to advance the cause of the working class in the 2013 budget, the AFC and APNU alliance have ganged up to deprive our workers of some of those benefits. Following on from the benefits to workers included in its 2012 budget, the PPP/C Government has placed additional emphasis on the working class and vulnerable in the 2013 budget. Significant gains for workers include a reduction in the PAYE tax by 3% which translates to a 3% increase in wages and salaries. Government has also committed to paying the 1% NIS increase for workers who earn 50,000 dollars or less. Provision was also made as in previous budgets to subsidize the electricity cost for consumers, particularly working class families. Sadly, however, this has been cut by the AFC and APNU for everyone supplied by GPL and they now face a steep increase in their bills. Working class families will also benefit through easier access to home loans and a tax refund on the taxable portion of the interest charged on those loans.
Thousands of our hard working families will also save significantly after the Government increased the property tax threshold from 1.5M to 10M dollars which ultimately means that scores of home owners will either no longer have to pay this tax or in cases where the value of property exceed 10M, will pay a significantly reduced amount. These initiatives are all designed to empower the working class. On May Day 2013, the People’s Progressive Party calls on our opposition political parties to put their political interests and agenda aside and rather work towards advancing the interest and future of our working class in Guyana. The party also recognizes the role of our trade union movement in this initiative as they also need to put aside their differences and explain to their membership the harsh reality we face as a nation and the need for responsible measures in addressing their concerns. Conditions for our working class are by no stretch of the imagination ideal, we continue to face many challenges such as the dwindling resources and production of the sugar industry. However, the PPP has always been committed towards providing support and guidance to address these challenges. We will never give up on the working people of Guyana. The continued growth of the middle class across our country is an indication that the policies and programmes
of successive PPP/C Governments have been a success. This is evident in the significant expansion of material possession and the proliferation of a variety of businesses which cater for those needs. Small savings accounts for the average worker in the banking sector are at their highest levels, the demand for more vehicles and the expansion and creation of more housing schemes are all important indicators of this reality. The historic achievement of universal primary education under the PPP/C Government and efforts to achieve universal Secondary Education all go towards benefiting the children of the working class. Hundreds of children from working class families across the racial, political and geographical divide are now returning from Government scholarships, specializing in several fields and will not only play a part in improving the services provided to our citizens but they will also be empowering their families and serve as a catalyst for their development and improvement in standard of living. This is the dream that is gradually being realized in Guyana and the People’s Progressive Party assures the Guyanese people that it will spare no effort to ensure it stays this way and all efforts to destabilize the foundation provided for our people, especially our working class to succeed will be resisted at all cost. Happy May Day to all.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
APNU defends budget cuts…
Slush funds at GGMC, NICIL, transparency issues cited Parliament’s largest opposition bloc, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has defended its role in cutting almost $31.4B from the $208.8B National Budget proposed by government. Meeting with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) last Thursday, a day after passing the amended budget, APNU said government’s continued decision to operate several accounts with billions of dollars and not include it in the budget, was among the reasons for its decisions. “The budget understates the income/financial resources available to the Government, since it excluded the funds in NICIL, GGMC, Lotto funds, etc, which should be transferred to the Consolidated Fund,” APNU said yesterday in a statement of the meeting with PSC. APNU’s Leader, Brigadier (Ret’d) David Granger, at the conclusion of the meeting proposed that there should be a National Economic Summit which could agree to a consensual National Development Strategy that should encompass governance issues, security sector reform and pressing
APNU officials meeting with representatives of the Private Sector Commission last Thursday over the budget cuts national social sector issues. There are reportedly billions in the accounts of NICIL, GGMC, the Guyana Oil Company and the Guyana Forestry Commission, but the Opposition parties have accused government of refusing to deposit these into the Consolidated Fund, which is used to fund the
national budget. The National Assembly has direct oversight over the fund, but not of NICIL, GGMC or the others. It is from NICIL that monies are being taken to build the controversial Marriott Hotel in Kingston. The meeting took place at the office of the Leader of the Opposition on Hadfield
Street, Georgetown, at the request of the PSC’s Chairman, Ronald Webster. On the APNU’s team were Shadow Ministers of Finance, Planning and Development, Carl Greenidge; Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine; Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams; National Security, Winston Felix, and Policy Adviser, Lance Carberry. According to APNU, the meeting was to discuss the outcome of the 2013 National Budget process, with particular reference to the role of APNU. The PSC was represented by the Chairman; Executive Director, Elizabeth Alleyne; Michael Correia; Ramesh Dookhoo; Ramesh Persaud; Annette Arjoon-Martins; Kit Nascimento; Randy Storm; John Willems and Patrick Harding. APNU said that its members pointed out to that business body that the budget affects the country’s population, with the Opposition mandated to adopt a holistic approach, taking into account the “neglect of education; the impact on public servants; the condition of the NIS; hinterland development; the conditions affecting the elderly; the cost of living; etc”. APNU insisted that issues of legality, transparency, and constitutional conformity are important considerations for the National Assembly. “There are continuing and blatant infringements of the law by the Government.” Criteria for projects APNU, a 10-party coalition which has 26 seats in the National Assembly, said that the Opposition is interested in the
Administration making public the criteria and process used to determine the priorities for the selection of capital projects. “Isn’t the development of the Port of Georgetown of more immediate need than a new terminal building for the CJIA? Why does Guyana rate so highly on the Corruption Index? There is confusion with the contracts for all of the major projects.” APNU said it pointed out that the IDB, which is financing the US$840M Amaila Falls hydro project in Region Eight, is evidently not satisfied with the details of that project. Financial closures have been pushed back again with the bank reportedly wanted to ensure that the state-owned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is ready to deal with hydro power. The Opposition body also said it pointed out that Government was requested, since the 2012 Budget, to present a realistic programme for the return to viability of GPL and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). “This has not yet been done.” According to APNU, the Leader of the Opposition explained that APNU/ Opposition accepts that the preparation and presentation of the National Budget is the responsibility of the Executive. “However, the Opposition has the right and responsibility to bring their critical views and concerns to the attention of the Administration, before the preparation of the Budget is finalised.” The preference of the Opposition is for a “consensual” approach for the preparation of the National Budget with the political parties in the National Assembly.
TRIPARTITE PLEASE! “It should be evident to all concerned that the tripartite approach is more likely to result in a Budget consensus than the present approach. The President has now agreed that, from 1 July 2013, when the 2014 Budget preparation process begins, the tripartite process will be activated.” The release said that APNU’s Basil Williams stood by the Opposition’s argument that nothing stops the National Assembly from reducing the budget. Greenidge, too, said it is the responsibility of the Opposition to subject the Budget to critical examination. “The Opposition also raised questions about the Budget priorities of the Administration and drew attention to the high levels of destitution and poverty affecting a large proportion of the population, as well as the implications of the debt obligations imposed by a number of major projects being pursued by the Administration.” APNU said that PSC was concerned about the possible adverse impact on the economy of the budget cuts, in areas such as the transport sector, GPL, and the Low Carbon Development Strategy, in the context of the downward movement of commodity prices. “The expectation is that the Amaila project will relieve the Private Sector of the unstable and unreliable supply of power by the GPL which has caused many businesses to resort to the more expensive selfgeneration of their electrical power requirements.” PSC also argued that the cuts will rob the economy of cash and called for a more dynamic forum for the consideration of national issues. APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) essentially took control of the National Assembly with a one-seat advantage following the November 2011 General and Regional Elections. It used that advantage last year to reduce the budget by $20B, but a court decision saw the government restoring the slashed amount. This year, it was the same again, with government stating that it is contemplating going to court again. President Donald Ramotar has said he will okay the budget in its current form to ensure that critical programmes are not delayed. However, he too has signaled possible court action.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
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Kaieteur News
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Driver to work at Gem’s TaxiContact:667-9013
Two (2) experienced Sales Representatives- Call:2257909/225-7905
Live- in domestic must know to cook, live-in waitress: Salary $50,000 monthly. Boarding & lodging freeTele:610-5043 Experienced hire car drivers and contract vehicles with owner driven- Call:645-0025 One sales boy to work in interior- contact:695-3368 One live-in baby sitter to work in interior- contact:6953368 Sawmill workers call:2616412,653-9752 One porter, one salesgirl, preferably from Diamond area: 2 years experience in Grocery Shop- call:216-1420/ 691-2212 Office clerk Senior/ Junior: CXC English/ Mathematics: Computer knowledgeCall:225-0188/225-6070 Couple or small families to live and work on farm at New Hope EBD call: 266-2711, 609-4594 Accounts Clerk, CXC Accounts grades 1 or 2, from E.B.D- Call:602-0945 Sales Assistant from E.C.D to work on Lorry- Call:2664427 General Unskilled Male Workers ages 18-24 from E.B.D- Call:266-4427 Security Guards from E.B.DCall:266-4427 Wanted contract cars for Atlas Taxi Service, South Ruimveldt GardensContact:661-3043 Wanted drivers and experienced dispatchersTele:616-5419/256-4167 Contract cars to work at Gem’s Taxi – Tele:667-9013/ 231-3709
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY M E R C U R Y (QUICK SILVER) 9 9 . 9 9 9 9 5 % PURITY - $20,000 PER POUND CALL:604-6108
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943
(B) Grade Lumber@ $120BM: Prashad & sons Sawmill, Warkabra Linden Soesdyke Highway-Call: 652-5601 HID lights call: 642-2850 Live/pluck chicken call:6504421,220-9203 Sawmill with all equipments in top condition on 11 acres of land Prime Investment, 9 Waikabra Soesdyke Highway Call:652-5601 1-D5 Dozer (unserviceable); 1-JCB Back Hoe (need transmission); 1-285 M.F Tractor; 1-Concrete Ransom: Contact Numbers670-7235/697-7967
Female workers needed 3 subject or sound education call:618-8101
PROPERTY FOR SALE Two storey business property Agriculture Road call:612-2522
Now Open Swamee & Sons Lumber yard, 2nd Street Herstelling E.B.D: Best quality & price- Call:6141466 or 686-9485
(1) - 3 bedrooms 2 storey concrete house $18Mlocated - Harmonie Call:6621782/658-5803
1-MF 185 $2M, 1-MF 394 4WD $6M, 1 flat F130 4WD $7M- call: 699-2995/276-3701 1 3Y Minibus, 1 RZ Shell Tele: 685-4886 / 231-1256
Two storey concrete Diamond New Scheme near to Secondary school $20MTele:225-1005/225-9230
2- Perkins engine 6-4 CLY, 1 complete Bet (new), DVD player (new), 1 Samsung 32" TV- Call:604-1140
Two storey property 62 Bent street Wortmanville $20MTele:225-1005/225-9230
1 X Leyland DAF 60 Dump truck $2.6M- Call:668-4553
1 Newly built concrete 2 storeyed house, 5 bedrooms, 2 wash rooms: Middle road La Penitence: Price $23M negotiable- Call:682-1172/ 696-9616
Corner property with business potential-Call:6735882
East Coast $8M-$12M, Anna Catherina $12M, Alberttown $16M-$32M, Mc Doom $18Mcall Diana: 227-2256/626-9382 · Parfaite Harmonie 1 flat house $5.8 negotiable call:675-5523
Diving suit call: 613-5158 M.Khan
New model 212 with rims late PMM series: Asking price $1.5M Negotiable- Contact: 656-9507 15-15-5 fertilizer call:2662711,609-4594
BelAir Park - Luxurious 4+1bedrooms Villa, Asking $300M; Queenstown - 7 Unit Income Property, Asking $120M– Call Derek @ RLTPRO 592-650-1234
One #185 Massy Ferguson in very good working condition- Tele:444-7332/ 681-5988 Pure bred Doberman, Rottweiler& German Shepherd pups for sale; call: 696-4659
Mon-Repos $12M- call:6757292
Pure bred rottweiler pups call:666-3061
Modern Country Estate Home, Landscaped 3.2Acres Fruit Farm, Hague, WCD. Asking $55M– Call Derek @ RLTPRO 592-650-1234
Tibetan & Dachshund PupsCall:680-0192/216-3408/2252958
EDUCATION Course for: Bridal accessories, Cake decoration & Floral arrangementscontact Sharon:672-8768/2233303
Page 29
Dell laptops & desktops complete computers from $49,000 Futuretech call: 2312206 350 pounds (Banga Mary) 2 ½ inch Seine- Call:628-9209 Original games for sale call:265-3232
Rock star hollow blocks available in large quantity in 3",4" & 6" call: 269-1406, 6179230 Pure Bred German Shepherd puppies, Rottweiler Puppies, Brazilian Fila pup contact:682-2148, 655-8674 Khemraj & Son landscaping - Call: 6275969; 18 months coconut tree, plant for sale, mould for sale, trimming plants Used 48hp Yamaha out board engines for sale: Good working condition: Tele:2203459/616-2222 Pitbulls for sale- call:6741186 Games for PS 2, $900,PSP $900, Xbox360 $2600, PS 3 $2600, call:672-2566 (1) Honda grass cutting Tractor; (1) US Marine 125 HP outboard engine; 6# High pressure pump- Tele:611-5292
FOR RENT
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Two hair stations to rentTele:681-1347
1 F-150 Ford $1.2M, Raum $2.2M, Spacio $2.3M unregistered- call:641-6516/ 264-22644
Wortmanville 3 bedrooms $35,000; Kitty 3 bedrooms $100,000; Sparandam 4 bedrooms $1,000US, Station street 4 Rooms furnish $2000US – Call:628-7605/6765537 Short term daily rental apartment available- Call: 687-3017 Ogle 3 Rooms $3,000US; Eccles 3 Rooms $2500US; Subryanville 4 Rooms $1000US (furnished), Prashad Nagar (furnished) $2,000US- Call: 223-5204/ 621-5327 Diamond H/Scheme E.B.D, 3 bedrooms house to rent. $50,000 per monthTele:6679499 House for rent in Friendshipcall:266-0163
Toyota Raum: PMM 7877 $1.3M- Tele:648-4994/6514095: Going cheap for sale 1 Tundra 2002 Model Portable welders 270 AMPS contact: 623-5055, 611-5114 Toyota Allion 2.6 Million Negotiable- Tele:616-3001 Nissan wing road Ryder wagon call:612-2522 Axio 2007 3.2 neg. Hiace pitbull 2008 - 3.6 neg. Call:697-0294, 6695172 We buy and sell vehicles for cash & we do trading in of vehicles- Call:680-3154 Toyota Spacio $2.350M, 4WD Fielder $2.250M, 2001212 $1.950M- Tele: 617-2891 RZ Mini buses, Pitbull buses, NZE,212,192, Canters, gas Vigo, Escalade going cheap- Call: 680-3154 Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered Runx, Allion call:652-3820,665-4529
SERVICES EDUCATIONAL LEARN TO DANCE LATIN STLE: SALSA, MERENGUE, WALTZ, TANGO, ETC. COME & FEEL THE EXCITEMENT CALL: 612-6475, 629-8842 Need a tutor for your child/ children with disability? Then contact the specialistcall:683-3887 Learn Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish or French- Call:6731232 Electronic course - practical 12 persons per class . Register early beginning 6th May Abdul Electronics call: 226-6551 or 225-0391
CAR RENTAL Progressive Auto Rental cars from $4000 per day. Call 643-5122, 225-8711; email w w w. p r o g r e s s i v e a u t o rental.com Aiden’s Car Rental call: 6987807 Untouchable Car Rental: Low Rate , Low Deposit call:231-8653,621-6827
We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:225-9032,647-2943 Repairs to Fridges, Freezers, AC, Washers, Stoves, TV, DVD. Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick)
2007 Corolla AxioUnregistered, push button start, TV/CD/Hard drive, keyless entry, BluetoothContact:654-1182 1 Toyota 212 PLL series: Excellent conditionCall:227-3701/644-9973 Unregistered Nissan Wing road 2003, 32000/cmcall:689-7325/644-9277 Mini bus RZ BLL Series: Excellent work conditionTele:622-3384/223-9955
ONLINE SHOPPING ZERO COMMISSION, WEEKLY SHIPMENTS, AFFORDABLE RATES, FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX.CALL:2315789, 225-9030.
1 2007 Toyota Avensis unregistered-Call:698-0674
WE FILL OUT VISA FORMS:USA, UK & CANADA & CREDIT CARD SERVICES CALL:231-5789
Motorcycle 125 (scooter): (not working)- call:223-3303
Services and repairs to Gas stoves, washing machines, electric stoves call:686-6209
1 Toyota 212 in excellent condition, magrims, CD deck & leather interior, was PKK now HB 8184- call:6613532 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964
Computer repairs, upgrades, customization and more contact 664-8660 PERMANENT & VISITORS VISA A P P L I C AT I O N S , PROFRESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT ROOM D5 MARAJ BUILDING CALL:225-6496,6626045,223-8115
Toyota Premio, Fielder, Vitz, Alex unregistered, Norpan Auto- Call:2690432/686-0323
1-55 Leyland DAF excellent working condition $4M negotiable- call:656-8346
B & C Driving School, pick up & Drop off call:2250150,229-7258,680-6826 (Continued on page 30)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Mercy Wings Vocational School expands its courses
(From page 29)
By Rehanna Ramsay For more than a decade, Mercy Wings Vocational School has taken responsibility for training and educating young people, who have fallen through the care of state institutions. As such, the school will be expanding its curriculum to suit the possible influx of students, this upcoming semester. “We have some courses outlined for the new school
VACANCY Administrative support. Excellent English skills. Fast, accurate typist. $140K per month www. capitaltyping. com/gyjob to apply Vacancy exist for cleaners: Apply at Alabama Trading: G/Town Ferry stelling Stabroek Vacancy exists for one security to work at Meadow Bank- Call:642-9191 Cook, counter clerk, cashier: Apply to Digicel store, Muneshwar Building, E.C.D bus park: 24-45: sandwichexpress@ymail.com: Tele:223-5709 Veneer factory workers livein, meals and accommodation provided. Contact: 685-6137
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call660-5257,647-1773 New classes -Cosmetology , Nails, Wigs, Designs, Make-Up, Hair-Styling; call Abby 216-1950, 666-5241, 619-7603 Natural beauty salon & spa: Grove Market Street EBD tele:265-4138,652-5800 specialized in everything for women & children
Popular 24 hour East Coast Guyoil needs day & night pump attendants, sales girl, cleaners/maintenanceTele:698-5559/684-2838 Experienced Bartender- Call 225-8572, between 7am10am: Must be able to work shift
PATRICK YARDE – PRESIDENT, GUYANA PUBLIC SERVICE UNION MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Come be pampered by beautiful sophisticated masseuses four hands special call: 6575979 American Style massage services- Call:609-4036
LAND FOR SALE
Massage therapy for women- call Debra 621-5883
House lots 50"x118" New Hope EBD serious enquires only 266-2711, 609-4594 100 Acres of transported land on the left bank of Mahaica, suitable for cattle/ rice farming: Call: 617-5406 Road front 1 acre Prime land at Harlem, West Coast Demerara- Tele:277-3767/ 277-0602/682-0210 2 Acres lease land with creek @ Kuru- Kururu, price $2.2M- call:601-7610/6693058
term, it will include cosmetology and welding as we already offer training in a number of other subject areas,” Paula Bess, Coordinator of the Sophia complex stated last Friday. In addition, to classes in basic, English and Mathematics, Mercy Wings trains teenagers and young adults in masonry, child care, carpentry, cooking and computer literacy. Special classes include craft, physical education, drumming, dance and dramatics, which provide trainees with an opportunity, in weekly sessions, to explore their creative side. Through field trips, the students gain a broader lens through which to view the world. Field trips are usually made to Georgetown prisons, whereby trainees have an opportunity to hear from the staff and several of the prisoners in order to encourage them to make wise choices in their own lives. Sports events and competition with other local programmes are scheduled. Another major aspect is the provision of daily nutritious content, including freshly prepared meals for trainees. Breakfast is also provided on
TO LET Camp street 1st & 2nd floor between New Market & Lamaha Streets Tele: 6394499 Secret Villa apartment, fully furnished apartments Landof-Canaan E.B.D- Call:2665243/266-5245
Garden of Eden, E.B.D Roadside Lots, $5MRiverfront 50x300 Lots Asking $15M– Call Derek @ RLTPRO 592-650-1234
Diamond $75,000-$100,000; Campbellville $65,000$100,000; Eccles US$2500call Diana:227-2256/626-9382
DRESSMAKING Designing and sewing classes by Sharmela (Canadian Trained) call: 2252598, 641-0784
Bushlot, WCB - Executive 3+ bdrms 2 story - $85,000++/ mth; Grove, EBD – Roadside Business Premises $100,000/mth– Call Derek @ RLTPRO 592-650-1234
May Day is a time for reflection on the struggles and achievements that prompted the internationalization and celebration of the day. On this day, the Guyana Public Service Union wishes all to reflect and ponder on the sacrifices and struggles of our forefathers that led the labour movement to gain its recognition. Such reflection would aid understanding of the value associated with the struggles, so that this could be treasured and recognized as the cementing bond for a unified movement. Our next step is to determine the legacy we must leave behind. As we find enjoyment in the fruits reaped from blood, sweat and tears sown by others, so must we take seriously the responsibly and commitment to future generations for defending, protecting and safeguarding trade union rights and social justice. In this light, we must advocate for appropriate facilities, quality education and training of youths, so that the required skills would be available. In short, we must advocate for conditions that would yield efficiency and effectiveness, economic boom and growth, health, strength and wisdom and all
Mercy Wings Vocational School’s Sophia Complex
an ‘as-needed’ basis, while a childcare facility is also available for the community and the trainees. The multi-purpose building of Mercy Wings contains a computer lab, a library, and a craft room complete with dining and kitchen facilities. However, Bess says that the facility can comfortably accommodate, approximately 90 students. “The classes are small, as the school would usually cater for about 85 to 90 students; we currently have about 33 students, doing
different courses, who will be graduating in July.” According to the Coordinator, the project has been a huge success in helping youths to develop a more positive self-esteem, obtain jobs, and gain other life-skills. The Mercy Wings Vocational and Day Care Centre, is fully sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Guyana, a catholic diocese out of Georgetown. The establishment was founded by the Sisters of Mercy back in 2000, and has the mission of facilitating the
transformation of students who are labeled as ‘dropouts’ into new kinds of individuals, cultivating positive self-images and offering sound, integrated moral and spiritual values for socially health conscious lifestyles. This empowerment is obtained through human development and skills training, which enables young people to be selfsufficient and motivated taking charge of their lives and becoming agents of social and attitudinal change.
things that would bond together to create satisfied and prosperous societies. Not societies of division, of rich and poor or of haves and have-nots. It is overdue and necessary that all conscious and sincere leaders in the Labour Movement focus on the prevailing plight, neglect and inability of workers in Guyana to be guaranteed fair and equal treatment and be in a position to enforce their legal rights at work. This situation exists notwithstanding the fact of Constitution protection, laws of Guyana, ILO Conventions and legally binding collective agreements. There seems to be deliberate and widespread actions designed to undermine workers’ rights and protection offered to them by virtue of the instruments referred to earlier. It is most worrying and depressing that the pursuit of legitimate and merited representation on behalf of workers would face obstructions and anti-worker maneuvers, purely to deny rights and benefits that are fully merited and deserving. These atrocities are mainly perpetuated by persons elevated to office through the contribution and support of organized labour, whose support was based on intuitive trust following
misrepresentations of working class credentials. Such trust is often found to be woefully misguided or misconceived as the painful results have revealed. An analysis of the related conduct, actions, interests and pursuits, clearly manifests that the focus and desires of such officials are rooted in self-interest and personal benefits and political power regardless, with the result that all action initiated would put workers at risk and deny decent work, security of tenure, living wages and proper superannuation benefits required to provide for needs after faithful service. In short, the denial of the working class of the right to lives with dignity. This clearly displays the insensitivity to the needs of ordinary working class people, the vulnerable and the poor who need attention, support and the implementation of policies and programmes that would result in the upliftment, improvement in the morale and dignity. It is therefore necessary on this Labour Day for all who are conscious of the importance and necessity of a united labour movement and are afflicted by the uncaring prevailing scenarios to recognize how the existing fragmentation of working class people in Guyana is
contributing to their distress and demise. There is urgent and necessary action needed for working class unity to realize the potential, which undoubtedly is needed to correct this state of affairs. As a Union we say stop the assault and violation on trade union rights, which is an outright attack on democracy and social development. We call on the government to commit to solutions for the removal of hindrances to our collective development; we call on the stakeholders to unite and pursue adherence and compliance with established laws and regulations; create a basis for freedom of association, a very serious aspect of democracy and encourage respect; we call for the eradication of contract employment and the institution of job security. I therefore urge all workers and upright people, regardless of race, religion, creed or colour, age or sex, to come together and find common grounds and rally to revive the struggles of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Latchmansingh and Joseph Pollydore to fulfill that goal of fair dealings, equal rights and a democratic and developed Guyana that contributes to the development and happiness of all people.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 31
St. Vincent PM maintains position on reparation for slavery KINGSTOWN, St Vincent - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is calling on Caribbean countries to establish a regional reparations committee, pledging to spend the rest of his life seeking compensation from the British for land, genocide against the Garifuna, and slavery. Prime Minister Gonsalves said Cabinet will soon name its reparations committee “But we want to see not only a reparations committee for St. Vincent but we want to see a Caribbean wide reparations committee involving other Caribbean countries. Jamaica has one, Antigua has one, Barbados has recently set up one,” Gonsalves said as the island observed National Heroes Day on Thursday. Gonsalves, who turns 67 in August, noted that the average lifespan of a Vincentian male is 74 years. “I have seven more years, to talk like this, with the help of Almighty God, and to demand a proper historical recompense for genocide, for
the land, and for African slavery and for us to reclaim our history,” he said at the Wreath-Laying Ceremony in honour of National Hero Joseph Chatoyer. Gonsalves reaffirmed the position of his government as stated at the United Nations and other fora that it is making a case and a claim for reparation from the British. “I want to say that the quantification of what we are owed as reparations that quantification has to be complete with the appropriate technical work.” He noted that in the 18th Century the British took 90,000 acres of land from the Garifuna, the original inhabitants of St. Vincent. “Imagine the price of 90,000 acres of land (today). Even if you valued it then for 100 pounds an acre, you are talking about EC$500 million (One EC Dollar = US$0.37 cents) for the land, [at] the least. And then, what value you are going to put on people’s lives? That’s a number we will have to talk about,” he said.
He noted that at Emancipation the British gave slave owners in the British Caribbean 20 million pounds One British Pound =US$1.38 cents). Prime Minister Gonsalves said a recent study by a British scholar concluded that 20 million pounds then is about 16.58 billion pounds now. “Just forgetting for a moment the institution of slavery itself, that’s what they paid the owners of the slaves. If you take half of that representing for the Caribbean, you are talking about 8.25 billion pounds for the English speaking Caribbean,” Gonsalves said, adding that the figure is about EC$40 billion. “Great homes in England — lord this and lord that — were financed by the compensation money for the slaves. So when I talk like this you, you have some people saying Ralph (is)] against the British. “I have nothing against the British. I have nothing but admiration for the British and their achievement but there
Warner’s seat to be declared vacant at next House sitting Trinidad Express Speaker of the House of Representatives Wade Mark will declare the Chaguanas West seat vacant at the next sitting of the House of Representatives, a release from Parliament stated Monday. But there is no clear indication when is the next sitting because the House was adjourned last Friday to a date to the fixed. Therefore “the Speaker has instructed the Clerk of the House to obtain from the Leader of the House (Roodal Moonilal), confirmation on the date for an early sitting of the House of Representatives”, the release stated. Leader of Government Business Moonilal told the Express yesterday that Government would determine when the House would next meet at its parliamentary caucus this week. The announcement of the vacancy by the Speaker triggers the counting of the 90 days by the Elections and Boundaries Commission for the holding of the byelection. And the Speaker has to make the announcement at a sitting of the House and cannot just put out a public
Roodal Moonilal announcement via press release or statement to the nation about the vacancy. Therefore the Speaker must await the next sitting, which would be decided by the Government. In a press release issued yesterday, the Parliament communications manager, Jason Elcock, stated that on Friday, April 26, 2013, the House Speaker received a letter from the former MP for Chaguanas West, Jack Warner, conveying the formal resignation of Warner as a Member of Parliament effective midnight, Friday April 26, 2013. The release noted that Section 69 (3) of the
Constitution states that where a vacancy occurs in the House of Representatives within the first four years of the life of the Parliament a byelection shall be held to fill such vacancy, not later than 90 days from the date of the announcement by the Speaker of the vacancy. The release stressed however: “Announcements by the Speaker of the House are transacted in the House of Representatives under the agenda item “Announcements by the Speaker”. It added: “Accordingly, the Honourable Speaker of the House shall make an announcement of the vacancy that has occurred in the House of Representatives, under the agenda item, ‘Announcements by the Speaker’ at the next sitting of the House of Representatives.” However, speculation about the possible candidates has begun. Warner has indicated his desire to run again and has launched his campaign for being re-elected. UNC activists are already proposing the name of former MP Mickela Panday as a possible replacement.
are some things for which we must take account.” He said that some people argue that the British gives aid to St. Vincent. “Well, I rather they give me that (reparation) than give me some aid. I rather we settle that. This is a matter which can’t be settled in law court. But this is a matter where, politically, we have to raise our voices,” Gonsalves said. He said he expects “those who have suffered from French and Spanish colonialism to make those same claims against the relevant or appropriate European powers”. Last month, Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the
University of the West Indies (UWI), Sir Hilary Beckles, called on Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to begin efforts aimed at seeking some form of reparation from Western countries for slavery. Speaking at the first of a series of lectures to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the 1763 Berbice Slave Revolt, Sir Hilary said an ongoing discussion was needed to address the issue and called for an “informed and sensible conversation” on what has been described as the, “Worst Crime against humanity”. Sir Hilary said out that reparation is not about people getting handouts, but about
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves repairing historical damage and how to find a way forward. He said that while all races experienced some form of slavery, African slavery was unique in its scope and brutality. Comparative studies note that it was the only system of slavery in which people were viewed legally as property and seen as non- humans.
New report says remittances flows to the Caribbean remain stable Caribbean Journal Remittances to the Caribbean remained effectively flat in 2012, with a 0.1 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to estimates from the Multilateral Investment Fund. There were a total of $8.272 billion in remittances from abroad to the region last year, led by the Dominican Republic, which saw 4.8 percent growth to a total of $3.16 billion, and Jamaica, which rose by 0.6 percent to
$2.04 billion. Remittances to Haiti saw a 3.4 percent drop to $1.99 billion, according to the report, which was based on MIF and central bank data. Remittances to South America fell by 4.4 percent, while they rose 3.4 percent to Central America. As a percentage of national GDP, Haiti led the region as a whole, with nearly 25 percent of its GDP from remittances. “The latest data show that migrants continue to provide
critical financial support to millions of households across the region,” said MIF General Manager Nancy Lee. “The development impact of remittances can be much greater if families have the option to save some of these flows rather than convert them all into cash upon receipt. The new MIF Remittance and Savings program will help identify innovative and commercially viable business models that work for both financial institutions and families.”
Simpson Miller explained that the company decided to pull out because the lands at Fort Augusta are insufficient for its plans. China Harbour and the Port Authority of Jamaica had signed an Memorandum of Understanding to explore the plans to establish a new transshipment port at Fort Augusta. The growth of the Kingston port is part of plans by the government to position Jamaica to take advantage of the expansion of the Panama Canal. Simpson Miller said the
Government now plans to implement the project over a five year period. Under the project, transshipment facilities, a logistics centre, industrial plants, and a cement plant will be constructed. The preliminary estimates of the Fort Augusta project are between US$1.2 and US$1.5 billion. The prime minister said some 2,000 workers are to be employed during constructions and jobs created for approximately 10,000 workers when the project is completed.
China Harbour pulls out of port expansion project
Portia Simpson Miller Jamaica Gleaner - China Harbour Engineering Company has pulled out of the mega project to expand the Port of Kingston. In her contribution to the Budget Debate Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, disclosed that China Harbour has indicated that it no longer has an interest in the project.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
T&T: Duprey and Monteil may not appear Barbados Nation - There is a “degree of uncertainty” that either Lawrence Duprey or Andre Monteil, the two main players in CL Financial, will appear today to testify at the commission of enquiry into the conglomerate’s failure, Sir Anthony Colman said. The 12th sitting of the enquiry into the failure of CL Financial, four of its subsidiaries, and the HCU began at the Winsure Building located along Richmond Street, Port of Spain Monday. Colman, the enquiry’s lone commissioner, began Monday’s sitting outlining the itinerary for this session. Duprey and Monteil are scheduled to testify at the sitting today. Earlier this month Colman delivered a 66-page judgment stating that the duo, once described during the enquiry as “Batman and Robin” for their tag team approach to final transactions, were ordered to take the witness stand. In his judgment Colman ruled that “each of the parties and the commission who intend to cross-examine either Duprey and Monteil will read into the transcript a numbered list of each of the
Lawrence Duprey and Andre Montell more important questions” they intend to pose to the duo. If Duprey and Monteil fail to appear at the enquiry, Colman said these questions will still be read into the transcript. Also expected to appear tomorrow is former president of the CLICO Investment Bank (CIB) Richard Trotman. Trotman originally took the witness stand on October 26, the last day of the ninth evidence hearing and was scheduled to complete his testimony in the tenth evidence hearing which started on December 3 last year. However, when Trotman took the witness stand in that evidence hearing he said he was “very, very disquieted”
because of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard’s announcement that a criminal investigation against former CLICO executives and several corporate entities aligned to the collapsed insurance giant was ongoing. There is also uncertainty about Trotman’s appearance, Colman said. “Should Mr Trotman fail to attend there is a lot of material we now have including the questions and the answers as he has provided them and I propose that if Mr Trotman fails to attend we will read into the record publicly the question that were asked and the answers that he provided together with the questions
he has been asked to provide answers to and has failed to do so and the fact of his failure to answer those questions,” British Queen’s Counsel Peter Carter, commission counsel, said Monday. “As far as (today) is concerned we have a couple major question marks,” Colman said Monday. On Thursday the enquiry resumes with a “surviving witness” of the HCU aspect, auditor Chanka Seeterram. President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago (ICATT) Derek Mohammed is expected to give evidence on the professional regulations of the accounting profession.
CARICOM continues to support Antigua in WTO battle with United States GEORGETOWN, Guyana - CMC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) yesterday said it would continue to back Antigua and Barbuda in its ongoing battle with the United States over internet gambling at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, accepting the credentials of Dr. Clarence Henry as Antigua and Barbuda’s Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM, said the region “reiterates its full support for Antigua and Barbuda in its fight to obtain the compliance of the United States of America with the ruling of the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body on the subject of cross-border provision of gambling and betting services. “This stance is also fully in keeping with CARICOM’s belief that all sovereign member states should be regarded as equals, and respected accordingly within the WTO,” LaRocque said , adding that “the CARICOM family will accompany
Antigua and Barbuda on this challenging journey and looks forward to being kept abreast of its developments”. Earlier this month, the Antigua and Barbuda government said there had been no “substantial progress” with Washington with regards to the long standing internet gaming dispute despite recent rulings in its favour by the WTO. In 2007, the WTO awarded the CARICOM country the right to target US services, copyrights and trademarks in retaliation for its online betting ban. But the WTO capped the limit of annual trade sanctions at US$21 million. The Spencer administration had sought the right to impose US$3.4 billion in retaliatory measures, while Washington offered a mere US$500,000. LaRocque said Henry was no stranger to CARICOM having represented his country at numerous meetings of the Councils of the regional integration movement.
Irwin LaRocque
“You join the family of Plenipotentiary Representatives to the Community at a crucial time. The progress of CARICOM’s integration process is being increasingly held up to critical external analysis. The Caribbean Community Secretariat itself is undergoing introspection and has embarked on a farreaching change management
process. The objective of these efforts is to bring about a more vibrant Community, serving the people of the Region more effectively. “Having worked closely with you over the years, I have every confidence that you will contribute to the discussions on issues of importance to the region,” LaRocque added.
Venezuela opposition leader charged with spurring violence CARACAS (Reuters) - A Venezuelan court charged retired General Antonio Rivero with inciting postelection violence in the latest political flash point in the bitterly divided nation. Opposition leaders say Rivero, a member of the Popular Will movement that is a driving force of Venezuela’s opposition coalition, became new President Nicolas Maduro’s first political prisoner when he was arrested over the weekend. Authorities say he was one of those behind a wave of violence, on the day after Maduro’s disputed April 14 election, that represented a coup attempt and killed nine people. Rivero, who was an ally of former socialist President Hugo Chavez until 2008, was charged with “conspiracy” and “public instigation” at a Caracas court after authorities showed a video of him helping coordinate protesters in the capital’s streets. “This is part of the persecution the government has carried out, to spread fear,” opposition leader and losing presidential candidate Henrique Capriles said, calling for Rivero’s release and an end to alleged harassment of his supporters. “If they continue like this, they are going to have to jail 8 million Venezuelans.” Though his case appears to be losing steam and has not garnered much support from other Latin American countries, Capriles plans to challenge the presidential vote both in local and international courts. He has asked for a full vote recount, alleging thousands of irregularities and accusing Maduro of “stealing” the election. A political party allied with the government said on Monday it had evidence of corruption by construction
Antonio Rivero companies linked to Capriles’ family that it would present to state prosecutors and the country’s top court. At the same time, a special congressional commission created to investigate the post-vote violence said it was sending legislators into the interior of the country to probe the incidents. The commission, made up only of pro-government deputies, has said it will “determine responsibility for violent actions directed by Capriles” alongside parallel investigations by state prosecutors. Maduro, who was Chavez’s chosen heir and won the vote by less than 2 percentage points, has warned Capriles of legal action against him, too, and called the opposition leader a “fascist” bent on destabilizing the OPEC nation. The president said violence whipped up by the opposition after the vote had included protests outside the home of Tibisay Lucena, head of the election board. The opposition accuses her of taking orders from the ruling Socialist Party. “Why did they attack her house? Why did the (private) media not denounce this?” Maduro said on Monday. “Sooner rather than later, the feelings of fascist hate will be defeated.”
Strong earthquake felt in Leeward islands CBC - An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 struck near St. Kitts and Nevis yesterday morning, but there were no immediate reports of death of damage on the CARICOM country. The U.S Geological Survey said that the quake, which occurred at 2.53 am and its epicentre was located at
17.48 degrees north and 62.14 degrees west. It had a depth of 30.4 miles and was felt in St. Kitts-Nevis, and the French island of Guadeloupe. The Seismic Unit of the University of the West Indies said that the quake occurred west of Barbuda.
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Canada admits defense ministry vulnerable to security threats OTTAWA (Reuters) Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay admitted yesterday his department has failed for years to combat the risk of security leaks from contract workers who are not being screened properly. The admission could lead to further embarrassment for the military after it emerged last year that a Canadian navy officer had passed secrets to Russia for years before he was caught. MacKay made his comments after Parliament’s official watchdog, the auditor general, rapped the Defence Department for failing to ensure that all private contractors receive security clearance for sensitive jobs. The auditor general first flagged the problem in 2007. “I agree with the auditor general that the Department of National Defence is not acting expeditiously to address key security concerns. They must do
better,” MacKay said at a news conference held to address the report’s findings. MacKay said a special security team was looking into his ministry’s practices. He said he wanted to see an interim report by this autumn. The defense ministry, national police and two intelligence agencies use private contractors to carry out many sensitive tasks, and must seek security clearance for these workers. But Auditor General Michael Ferguson said that did not always happen and complained the government had not done enough to address problems outlined in the 2007 auditor general’s report. Guidelines on who needs clearance are inconsistent and not always applied properly, he said. “Although the government has made a number of improvements ... in our opinion significant weaknesses remain,” he
wrote. “Contracts are sometimes awarded to those who lack the appropriate security clearance.” The government amended policies after the 2007 report, but Ferguson said the changes did not clarify whether firms with access to protected and classified information were required to hold a security clearance. “This is an important gap that could result in inconsistent application of the policy and thus introduce additional security risk,” he said. In the 2011-12 fiscal year, about 27,000 security clearance requests were filed, of which 1,400 had been in the system for almost eight months, well beyond the supposed maximum 75 days. A further 1,100 requests remained from previous years. Ferguson said defense ministry and police
employees, frustrated by the amount of time needed to gain security permits, would sometimes allow a person with no clearance to work in a classified area as long as they had an escort. In other cases, all classified material in a particular area would be removed before the contractor started work. “This practice fails to address identified security requirements and may result in inadequate security for projects,” he said. Canada’s security standards came under scrutiny last year after the arrest of navy SubLieutenant Jeffrey Delisle on charges of spying for Russia. He was jailed for 20 years in February this year. Officials told a sentencing hearing that allies had threatened to withhold intelligence from Canada unless it tightened security procedures. Along with the
Michael Ferguson
United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand, Canada belongs to the socalled “Five Eyes” group of nations that share intelligence. MacKay said the Delisle case “puts further focus on the need for screening”. The defense ministry said it agreed with all of Ferguson’s comments and would take action.
Ferguson also found that some contract employees at the top-secret Communications Security Establishment Canada, which gathers electronic intelligence, had been allowed to start work before gaining security clearance. He reported no serious problems at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service agency.
Obama signals won’t Bomb blast kills 13 in center of Syrian capital rush to act against Syria People walk on a street lined with a damaged building and destroyed cars after a blast at over chemical arms Marjeh Square in Damascus yesterday WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - President Barack Obama cautioned against a rush to judgment on whether Syria used chemical weapons against its own people yesterday in a sign he is going to take a deliberate approach to a problem that could lead to U.S. military action. At a White House news conference, Obama said there i s evidence chemical weapons were used inside Syria but “we don’t know how they were used, when they were used, who used them” and “we don’t have a chain of custody that establishes what exactly happened.” Obama said the Defense Department already has prepared options that might be available, which he declined to describe, in response to what would clearly be an “escalation” and a “threat to the security of the international community, our allies and the Untied States.” He said it will take time to conclusively render a judgment on whether a U.S. “red line” against the use of chemical weapons by Syria had been crossed, insisting that “I’ve got to make sure I’ve got the facts.” Obama is leery about
Barack Obama launching military action against Syria without firm evidence, given that his predecessor, George W. Bush, began the Iraq war over claims of weapons of mass destruction that turned out to be untrue. “If we end up rushing to judgment without hard, effective evidence, then we can find ourselves in the position where we can’t mobilize the international community to support what we do,” he said. The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad denies using chemical weapons in the two-year-old civil war in which more than 70,000 people have been killed.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - A bomb blast in the governmentheld center of Damascus killed 13 people yesterday, state television said, while rebels and loyalists to President Bashar al-Assad traded accusations over what they said was a chemical weapons attack the day before. Residents described scenes of carnage in Marjeh Square, in a the commercial district in the heart of the capital, with dozens of cars and buildings damaged by the bomb which went off in front of the former Interior Ministry building. “Glass was shattered around the whole block and shopkeepers were using brooms to clean up the glass in front of their shops,” said one resident who declined to be named, fearing arrest for speaking to the media. State-run Syria Television said 70 people were also wounded, several critically, in what it said was an attack by “terrorists” fighting to overthrow Assad. Three mortar bombs landed in the governmentheld district of Baramkeh a few hours after the bomb, opposition activists said. The British-based Syrian Observatory said nine civilians and five security personnel had been killed, but said the toll was likely to rise. It came a day after Prime Minister Wael al-Halki survived an attack on his
REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri
convoy in the Syrian capital. Opposition activists described similar scenes of bloodshed in the central city of Hama where they said 13 civilians were killed in heavy government bombardment. Fighting in Syria, now entering its third year, has intensified in the last month with government forces attempting to roll back rebel advances. Some 70,000 people have now been killed in the civil war. Each side blamed the other for what they both said was a chemical attack in the northern city of Saraqeb on Monday. The United States has long said it views the use of chemical weapons in Syria as a “red line”, but wary of the false intelligence that was used to justify the 2003 war
in Iraq, Washington has said it wants proof before taking action. Iran, the Syrian government’s main backer and self-declared enemy of the United States, echoed that line on Tuesday and said it also saw any the use of chemical weapons as a “red line”. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi did not indicate what action Tehran might take if chemical weapons use was proven, but said that the opposition was to blame. Rebel video showed small canisters they said held a poison gas and footage of a clinic with several people lying on cots wearing oxygen masks or vomiting into trash cans. State television carried a news flash saying the rebels
had mixed a weapon with a chemical powder and used them in attacks they then blamed on Assad’s forces. It is difficult to determine what weapon might have caused widespread cases of choking and sometimes death, as a U.N. observation team trying to examine alleged sites of attacks has been stalled. Some potent mixes of tear gas can also cause severe choking, vomiting and death. Both Assad’s forces, backed by Russia and Iran, and rebels, supported by the West, have been accused of war crimes. Reuters cannot independently verify reports as the government restricts access to journalists in Syria. The revolt in Syria began with peaceful protests but turned violent as Assad’s security forces escalated their harsh crackdown on dissent.
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Pakistan court bans Musharraf from office for life PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A Pakistani court yesterday banned former military ruler Pervez Musharraf from running for public office for the rest of his life, the latest blow since he returned from exile last month to make a political comeback. The ban came as Pakistan’s powerful army chief pledged in a rare speech that the military would do everything in its power to ensure the parliamentary election is held as scheduled on May 11, despite the Taliban’s attempt to disrupt the vote by attacking candidates. One of Musharraf ’s lawyers, Saad Shibli, said he would go to the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling against his client, claiming the former leader should not be singled out for punishment for his actions while in power since others were involved. “About 500 officials at different levels and institutions were part of Musharraf’s actions, and if those actions come under scrutiny, all those people should be involved in this
matter,” Shibli said. Judges had previously barred Musharraf from running in the parliamentary election scheduled for May 11. The Peshawar High Court handed down the lifetime ban yesterday after hearing an appeal by Musharraf ’s lawyer to allow him to run in the upcoming election. Musharraf returned to Pakistan in March after four years in self-imposed exile, but his fortunes have gone from bad to worse since he arrived. He is currently under house arrest in connection with a pair of court cases against him. One involves his decision to fire senior judges, including the chief justice of the Supreme Court, while in power. The other relates to the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007. Government prosecutors have accused Musharraf of being involved — allegations he has denied. Musharraf seized power in a coup in 1999 when he was serving as army chief and ruled for nearly a decade. He stepped down in 2008
because of growing discontent with his rule. He returned to Pakistan despite Taliban death threats, but was met by only a few thousand people when his plane landed in the southern port city of Karachi. Analysts said the response showed how little public support he enjoyed in the country. The run-up to next month’s parliamentary election has been marred by violence, much of it carried out by the Pakistani Taliban. Yesterday, gunmen killed a politician running for a provincial assembly seat in southwestern Baluchistan province in an attack that seemed to be the result of a political rivalry, said local government official Saeed Ahmad. The Taliban have killed at least 60 people in attacks on candidates and party workers since the beginning of April. Many have targeted secular parties, raising concerns the violence could benefit hardline Islamic politicians and others who take a softer line toward the militants. The military plans to
deploy troops on election day to provide security. Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said yesterday that the soldiers will do everything they can to limit disruptions. “I assure you, that we stand committed to wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections to the best of our capabilities and remaining within the confines of the constitution,” Kayani said in a televised speech in Urdu marking the day dedicated to fallen soldiers. “This indeed is a golden opportunity, which can usher in an era of true democratic values in the country.” The election marks the first transfer between democratically elected governments in a country that has experienced three military coups since it was founded in 1947. Kayani insisted that the fight against the Pakistani Taliban was vital for the security of the country, hitting back at critics who have claimed the state is fighting Islamic militants only at the
Pervez Musharraf
behest of the United States. “There is no room for doubts when it comes to dealing with rebellion against the state,” Kayani said. The Pakistani Taliban have been waging a bloody insurgency against the government for years, killing thousands of security personnel and civilians. They seek to impose Islamic law and
break the alliance with the United States. “We sincerely desire that all those who have strayed and have picked up arms against the nation return to the national fold,” Kayani said. “However, this is only possible once they unconditionally submit to the state, its constitution and the rule of law.”
Obama vows new push to close South Africa slams UK Guantanamo detention camp decision to phase out aid (Reuters) - President Barack Obama vowed yesterday to make a new push to close the Guantanamo detention center, where about 100 inmates are on hunger strike, saying it was damaging to U.S. interests to keep holding prisoners there in legal limbo. Human rights groups have long been critical of the 12-year-old camp for foreign terrorism suspects, and their concern has intensified in recent weeks. Some of those on hunger strike are being force-fed at the camp at the U.S. Naval Base in Cuba. Obama, who repeatedly vowed to close the camp, which now holds 166 detainees, when he was campaigning for a first term and when he first took office in 2009, said he would reengage with lawmakers to find a way to shut the facility and make good on an unkept promise. However, he offered no new path to overcoming congressional, political and legal obstacles that blocked his earlier efforts to close Guantanamo, where many of the prisoners have been held for more than a decade without being tried or charged. “It’s not sustainable - I mean, the notion that we’re going to continue to keep
over 100 individuals in a noman’s land in perpetuity,” Obama told a White House news conference. Long a subject of international condemnation, Guantanamo has returned to the spotlight with the hunger strike. Some inmates have given harrowing accounts of force-feeding. Obama defended the U.S. military’s decision to forcefeed hunger strikers, saying “I don’t want these individuals to die.” He ticked off a list of reasons why the camp should be shut down. “Guantanamo is not necessary to keep America safe,” Obama said. “It is expensive. It is inefficient. It hurts us, in terms of our international standing. It lessens cooperation with our allies on counter-terrorism efforts. It is a recruitment tool for extremists. It needs to be closed.” He said he had asked his advisers to review every option at his disposal, pledging, “I’m going to go back at this.” Obama pointed the finger at Congress for preventing his earlier efforts and said he would need lawmakers’ help this time. But he acknowledged it would be an uphill struggle, saying, “It’s easy to demagogue the
issue.” The Guantanamo camp was opened by Obama’s Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, to hold foreign terrorism suspects captured overseas after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Stymied by Congress, Obama failed to meet his promise to close the prison within a year of taking office in early 2009. The U.S. military on Monday counted 100 prisoners as hunger strikers and is force-feeding 21 of them through tubes inserted through their noses and down into their stomachs. Five of those being force-fed have been hospitalized for observation but did not have life-threatening conditions, a spokesman for the detention camp said yesterday. Hunger strikes have occurred at Guantanamo since shortly after the United States began detaining suspected al Qaeda and Taliban captives there in January 2002. The current hunger strike began in early February, after guards seized photos and other belongings during a cell search. Prisoners said the guards had mistreated their Korans during the search, which the U.S. military denied.
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa criticised Britain yesterday for a decision to phase out aid worth 19 million pounds ($29.5 million) a year, saying it was “tantamount to redefining” the relationship between Africa’s biggest economy and its top investor. British International Development Secretary Justine Greening told an African business conference this week that UK aid would end by 2015 in favour of a “new relationship based on sharing skills and knowledge, not development funding”. However, the announcement triggered a heated reaction from Pretoria, which said it was kept in the dark about the decision. “This unilateral announcement no doubt will affect how our bilateral relations going forward will be conducted,” foreign ministry spokesman Clayson Monyela said in a statement. Greening was quoted on the UK government website as saying she had agreed with her South African counterparts on the need for a shift in development policy. Despite pressure on public finances, Britain’s Conservative government has pledged to increase aid
Justine Greening
spending to 0.7 percent of GDP, although it has made clear it will cut assistance to wealthier emerging states to boost it for poorer ones. Last year, it said it would stop financial aid to India by 2015 amid domestic anger at annual handouts of 280 million pounds to Asia’s thirdlargest economy while UK citizens were facing aggressive budget cuts. Britain, South Africa’s former colonial master,
remains far and away its biggest investor, accounting for half of the country’s 1 trillion rand ($110 billion) of foreign direct investment stock, according to central bank figures. However, London’s annual aid package, which focuses on public health and improving regional customs systems, is a drop in the ocean for Pretoria, whose budget forecasts spending of nearly $120 billion this year.
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One–stop-centres, a new tool in child protection system - CCPA By Zena Henry The Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) has unveiled a new defence mechanism in the fight to prevent crimes against children. At a workshop held at the Regency International Hotel last week, police officers and childcare workers were introduced to the ‘onestop-centre’ initiative. Director of the CCPA, Ann Greene, explained that the ‘one-stop-centre’ is a childfriendly programme designed for children who would have had a crime committed against them. She said that when a child has been violated, the one-stop-centre; a building, serves as the place where all agents involved in child protection and development would hear the crime committed against that child. She said that when a crime is committed against a child, “It is like reliving the nightmare,” because of the different persons that the story has to be told to. “The child has to tell the hurt over and over. She has to tell the mother, then the school teacher, she has to tell the child protection officer who has to tell the police, then the child has to tell the police
CCPA Director Ann Greene engages police and childcare officers during the training session and it goes on and on. And a lot of times they are telling the story to people who are insensitive,” Green said. The one-stop-centre would however allow the child to tell their story just once. “It is there (one-stopcentre) that state agents would gather and hear the child’s story all at once.” Greene explained that the agents would be in one room while the social worker would be in another room interviewing the child. The various state agents; the police, childcare worker etc. would be watching the interview in another room, while it is also being recorded.
The state agents at the same time are getting all the information needed, Greene asserted. And if necessary, through an earpiece, the childcare worker could hear the request of an agent. For example, she pointed out, if a policeman requests that the child be taken back to the event, the social worker, with the use of the earpiece, is able to hear the request and then ask the child pertinent questions for investigative purposes without that child ever knowing that the interview is being monitored. Speaking more on investigations, Greene was convinced that enough was
not being done to protect the nation’s children and to bring the offenders to justice. She expressed disgust over the recent murder of a 14-year-old girl, who was stabbed 21 times by her stepfather, before indicating that the justice system is also failing the nation’s children. Greene said the CCPA initiative is charged with an agenda to “Help child victims and hold offenders accountable, while the aim is to develop the one stop centres for investigations and responses to child abuse investigations. “For last year we had 3,164 child abuse reports and out of that, only
71 went to the courts. I am almost certain that not more than 10 percent of those cases were adjudicated.” These one-stop centers, Greene reiterated, are designed specifically to make the child comfortable. The layout may be set to suit the age range of victims; a juvenile setting for children or a bit more mature layout would serve adolescents. Greene explained that the initiative has achieved a 90 percent conviction rate for child offenders. The recording and relevant agents are able to attest to the information of the child and use the information provided
by that child to bring offenders to justice. The inspiration, she said, came from a trip to the United States where the programme has shown great success. She however said that the programme over there is called the ‘Child Advocacy Centers.’ “What we are hoping to achieve is this multi-disciplinary team. This initiative is known to increase prosecution of child abuse perpetrators and allows for the successful healing of victims. This trend of failing child victims through poor investigation must stop,” Greene said.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
DTV CHANNEL 8 08:25 hrs. Sign On 08:30 hrs. This Morning 09:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly and Michael 10:00 hrs. Roseanne 11:00 hrs. The View 12:00 hrs. Prime News 12:30 hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00 hrs. The Talk 15:00 hrs. Chain Reaction 16:00 hrs. Family Feud 17:00 hrs. Charmed 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. Nightly News 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Channel 8 News 21:00 hrs. Criminal Minds (New Episode) 22:00 hrs. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (New
Episode) 23:00 hrs. Sign Off NCN CHANNEL 11 05:00hrs - Inspiration 05:30hrs - Newtown Gospel 06:00hrs - BBC 06:30hrs - IPL Sunrisers vs Indians 07:00hrs - Guyana Today 09:30hrs - Stop the Suffering 10:30hrs - IPL – Dare Devil vs Kolkata Knights Riders 13:30hrs - May Day Rally 14:00hrs - NCN Newsbreak 14:05hrs - African Moves 15:40hrs - International Football 17:00hrs - Anderson 18:00hrs - NCN News Magazine – Live 18:30hrs - May Day Rally 19:00hrs - Al Jazeera 19:30hrs - Oral Traditions 20:00hrs - 3d/daily millions/
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Guides are subjected to change without notice
Wednesday May 01, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): You feel invincible now, believing you can overcome nearly anything that stands in your way. However, it’s important to use the current emotional wave of power in an unselfish manner. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): It’s more important than ever to embrace your energy, both physically and emotionally. If you feel stuck today, do whatever you can to propel yourself into motion. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Even those people who are usually admirers of your light and easy style will want more depth and intensity from you now. This penchant for a deeper experience comes at the perfect time, since you aren’t in the mood to entertain others with your clever repartee. CANCER (June 21–July 22): An emotional drama in your life reaches a turning point today as the evocative Moon forms a dynamic square to the Sun. It appears as if a major crisis is brewing, but behind the obvious dilemma presented by your expectations, you’re certain about what you need to do.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Like an intense bolt of lightning out of the clear blue sky, something can happen that alters the direction of the path you’re on. Your epiphany may not be a total life-changer, but it does open the possibility to make a shift that you’ve been putting off for too long. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): Your key planet, Pluto, is harmonizing with the Sun today, showing you an easier path to expressing your innermost thoughts and feelings. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): You dream of flying through the galaxy at warp speed, except there’s a more cautious part of you still worrying about what you might need to leave behind now. CAPRICORN(Dec.22–Jan.19): An inner battle overflows into the outer world today ... whether or not you’re ready for the extra drama. You’re confronted by the feelings of others and how they might alter the direction you thought you were taking.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): It may not be that easy to reach a decision today because one solution won’t likely address all the needs that are now being expressed.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): Your current dilemma involves the pull between wanting to be spontaneous and the need to withhold your feelings.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): You have an unrelenting desire to make deeply-rooted changes now. However, your current interest isn’t about anything to do with your regular daily routine.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): You are swimming in deep waters now — so deep that sunlight doesn’t easily reach you and the bright colors have faded into darker shades of gray.
10:00 - Amanda’s Costume jewellery musical 10:30 - Future Vision Music break 11:00 - Comfort Sleep musical 11:30 - The View 12:00 - Village Talk 12:30 - The Young and the Restless 13:00 - Days of Our Lives 14:00 - General Hospital 15:00 - The Katie Couric Show 16:00 - The Bold and the
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Beautiful 16:30 - Cartoons 17:00 - Birthday and other greetings 17:15 - Death Announcements/ In Memoriam 17:30 - Sitcom 18:00 - Aracari Resort Hour 19:00 - CNN News 19:30 - Labour Day Rally 20:30 - DJ Stress Update 22:00 - English Movie: The Karate Kid
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Wednesday May 01, 2013
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Defending champs T.L.C. Russians booted from final; Silver Bullets join Assasins in national playoffs By RawleWelch Tournament favourites and defending champions T.L.C Russians lost the right to represent the Linden community in the national playoffs of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition after sliding to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Silent Assasins, before a large turnout in semifinal action on Monday evening, at the Wisroc / Amelia’s Ward Bus Park. In the other semi-final, another highly touted team Half Mile/One Mile suffered a similar loss at the hands of Silver Bullets, who deservedly set up a mouth watering clash with Silent Assasins for the top prize of $600,000. The results mean that both teams are assured of the two spots for the national playoffs which will determine who is Guyana’s representative at the Caribbean Championship slated for June in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In the opening encounter,
Action in the clash between Silver Bullets and Half Mile / One Mile which the former won to advance to the final. Half Mile/One Mile pressed forward menacingly immediately following the kick off, but the Silver Bullets defence looked competent as they thwarted the opposition forays. They initiated several counter attacks and that too
was met with stubborn defending by the Half Mile / One Mile backline. The half came with no team managing to enter the score sheet in what many felt was a cagey and at times lacklustre opening period.
With the prospects of competing for the top prize and a place in the national playoffs at stake, the tempo of the game upped significantly as they both battled for slim openings, but as was the case in the first
Nets win 110-91, cut Bulls’ lead to 3-2
NEW YORK (AP) Flourishing instead of fading in the fourth quarter, the Nets extended their first season in Brooklyn. They need one more victory to set up the biggest game here yet. Brook Lopez had 28 points and 10 rebounds, Deron Williams added 23 points and 10 assists, and the Nets beat Chicago 110-91 on Monday night, cutting the Bulls’ lead to 3-2 in their first-round playoff series. Recovering from a collapse two days earlier that sent them home on the brink of elimination instead of tied, the Nets battered the Bulls on the boards and forced Chicago into being the team that wilted down the stretch. Andray Blatche scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter and Gerald Wallace had consecutive baskets in the finishing surge as the Nets finally pulled away in a game they led most of the way, but never by too much. Two days after rallying for a 142-134 triple-overtime victory, the Bulls were outscored 15-1 at the finish
half, the doors were slammed shut in dangerous situations. With the respective coaching staff and supporters bellowing advice, the two combatants orchestrated some neat buildups and came close to scoring on many occasions as time ticked away. However, in the 25th minute of play, Robin Adams took full advantage of being left unchecked and slammed home from close range. That was met with rapturous celebrations from their supporters, but that was five minutes from full time. Half Mile/One Mile piled on the pressure as the Bullets seemed content on defending their slim lead and nearly conceded the equaliser when Steve Brewley latched on to a perfect pass and unleashed a ripper, but the ball flew past the right upright much to the relief of Silver Bullets supporters. The final whistle eventually sounded to secure the Bullets place in the final. The game of the night as anticipated was a scorcher from the start as Assasins led capably by former nationals Collie Hercules and Romain Haynes stood toe to toe with the Futsal juggernauts, giving as much as they received in the early exchanges with the fans the rightful benfactors of the teams’ skilful exhibitions. However, the game took a similar pattern to the first with no team able to break the nilall deadlock after the opening 15 minutes period, despite fashioning some clear chances. Silent Assassins’
Quacy Johnson (26th) and Hercules were creating havoc for last back Odel Allicock, while Carlos Grant, Terrence Brown and Shaun Daniels were equally impressive on the offensive. The best chance of scoring was offered to Johnson, who with Allicock well beaten lashed his effort in front of an empty goal over the crossbar. Hercules, too, had a wonderful opportunity to score, but his shot went marginally wide. Grant, who had looked busy since his introduction, was the recipient of a neat exchange, but he too joined the list of ‘sinners’ spraying wide from close range. With four minutes on the game clock remaining, Johnson made amends when he and the wily Hercules combined to give them the lead. It came from a quickly taken free kick gained after a player was fouled and which caught the Russians unit by surprise. Hercules played the ball into the goal area where Johnson was positioned and he hammered it home with the opposition players left trapped flatfooted. It evoked a crescendo of celebrations from the Assasins camp, while protest from the Russians band of supporters was completely ignored by the officiating referees. By virtue of their loss, Russians will now have to play Half Mile/One Mile for the third place. The runner-up receives $300,000, third place $150,000 and fourth place $100,000. The final is set for this evening, at the same venue.
Berbice Softball Alliance (BSA) formerly Berbice Softball Board will today stage a Ten10 competition, at Blairmont #3 Settlement ground, West Bank Berbice, starting at 09:00hrs. According to a release, four teams, Karibee Boys, Blairmont #1 and Blairmont #4 Settlement Teams and Universal DVD Store Titans will battle for supremacy. Karibee Boys opposes Blairmont #1 in the first encounter and that will be followed by the clash between Universal DVD Store Titans and Blairmont # 4 Settlement. Following those matches will be a female encounter
involving Ithaca and Blairmont Girls, before the two losers in the male category meet in the third place playoff and the winners clash in the final. Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the winners and runners-up of both categories, the third and fourth placed finishers in the male category, as well as the Man of the Match in the final and Woman of the Match in the female encounter. Some of the sponsors who’ve pledged support are: Universal DVD Store, Universal Solutions, Sentinel Security, Ansa McAl, Chris Jagdeo and Stretch D’ Dollar Store.
BSA stages May Day Ten10 tournament today
Brook Lopez #11 high-fives teammate Gerald Wallace #45 of the Brooklyn Nets and failed to set up a secondround series with Miami. Instead they will host Game 6 on Thursday. If the Nets win that one, they would host Game 7 on Saturday. Nate Robinson had 20 points and eight assists starting in place of point guard Kirk Hinrich, who bruised his left calf in Saturday’s game. Only eight NBA teams
have overcome a 3-1 deficit, but the Nets remained confident after Saturday’s collapse, feeling they had outplayed the Bulls for long stretches during the series. They have led by double digits in four of the five games. But they need two more wins against a Bulls franchise that is 12-0 all-time when holding a 3-1 lead. Butler scored 18 points
for the Bulls, who were outrebounded 44-33 and gave up 24 second-chance points. Wallace scored 12 points and Reggie Evans grabbed 12 rebounds as the Nets improved to 6-0 all-time in Game 5s at home. They have never lost a series when holding home-court advantage. Joe Johnson and C.J. Watson each scored 11 points.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Floyd Mayweather planning ‘big, big fight’ in the UK Floyd Mayweather is planning to fight in the UK for the first time, according to his adviser Leonard Ellerbe. The eight-time world champion, 36, will fight welterweight Robert Guerrero in Las Vegas on May 6 in the first of six bouts over a 30month period. Ellerbe said: “Floyd cannot wait until we can come over there and give the UK fans a big, big fight.” On Monday, Britain’s Amir Khan told BBC Sport he wants to fight the American, once he regains his world title. Bolton fighter Khan, lost his WBA and IBF lightwelterweight titles to Peterson in 2011, before being reinstated as champion after the American failed a drugs test. However, Khan lost the belt again in July 2012 when he was stopped in round four by Danny Garcia. Khan secured a hardfought win over Julio Diaz on Saturday and is ranked second by the WBC for a shot at Mayweather’s welterweight title, despite having never fought at 147lbs. Mayweather’s fight against Guerrero will be his first since beating Miguel Cotto for the WBA lightmiddleweight title in May last year which extended his record to 43-0 (26 KOs). The American then served a two-month prison sentence for domestic violence before he was released on 3 August.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. He is planning on visiting the UK later this year ahead of returning for a fight. “Floyd has a tremendous fan base in the UK and we’re looking at working on something now where he’s going to come over there,” added Ellerbe. “Ever since the Ricky Hatton fight back in 2007, UK fans have been very loyal to Floyd and he definitely acknowledges that and he wants to bring a big, big event to the UK. “I’m talking with a couple of people now and they’re giving me some options, and Floyd will definitely be coming to the UK. “The UK are his biggest and best fans. He has tremendous love affair for the UK fans. “We’ll see how this thing plays out, his focus is Saturday night and then we’ll go from there. But we’re definitely going to bring a big, big event to the UK.”
Guyana vs British Team Rifle Shooting championship
Challenging conditions but British shooters still surge ahead Challenging conditions, mainly due to varying winds, was the order of the day yesterday, the opening day of the British Team visit here for this leg of their Caribbean tour and the visiting marksmen displayed why they are regarded as the best in the world. The world renowned David Calvert, who topped the day’s aggregate and Jon Underwood led all comers with Lennox Braithwaite the best among the Guyanese after the two teams shot at 300 and 900 yards ranges yesterday. Following a brief opening programme at which Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe welcomed the visitors and encouraged them to enjoy Guyana and the hospitality offered, jokingly noting, except on the ranges, the rifle shooters took to the bank of the 300 yards range in hot but windy conditions. After a few practice shots it was into the competition proper and the winds played the devil’s advocate, switching from right to left at a brisk pace, to ensure the competitors had a torrid time. However, led by David Calvert, the British shooters displayed their immense ability. Calvert, Jon Underwood and Thomas Rylands shot possible, 50 with 8 V-Bulls, while Ian Shaw shot
The changing face of boxing From page 37 facilitate the trip, Cuban coach, Francisco Roldan told Kaieteur Sport that the championships would serve our boxers well. He said that some of the best talent out of his home country would be participating in the tournament and local amateur boxers would benefit immensely from participation. Señor Roldon trains the
local squad every afternoon at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym Albouystown and strongly supports Guyana's involvement in the Cuban tournament. Meanwhile, Mr. Ninvalle remains adamant that his charges will have to attend international competitions of this nature if they are to procure major accolades or even break the Olympic Gold medal
From page 35 Dhoni then took apart Ashok Dinda, a bowler he is often criticised for not giving enough chances. He took 25 off eight Dinda’s deliveries, two of them swept boundaries, and one a six off the last ball of the innings. Seamlessly Raina went from the dominant partner in the earlier partnership to taking back seat and watching Dhoni demoralise the bowlers. Along the way he brought up his second halfcentury of the season. The target was bigger
than ever chased in Pune, which became even more daunting with the seam movement available. Mohit Sharma, the Haryana fast bowler who has been the find of the season for Super Kings, utilised it to end the chase for all intents and purposes with his unbroken four-over spell. With successive deliveries in his first over, he got rid of Aaron Finch and T. Suman. He missed the hattrick, but got Yuvraj Singh to edge behind, making it 43 for 4 in the fifth over. There was no way back from there.
CSK consolidate top...
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jinx. This journalist would have witnessed when Mr. Ninvalle handed over the document that detailed his executives' itinerary for his charges over the next few years in response to a request by the subject Minister, Frank Anthony. The Cuban sojourn will obviously test the goodwill of Mr. Anthony and his input will determine the size of the eventual squad to the Spanish speaking country as well as other international engagements of the local pugilists. AIBA President C.K. Wu recently commented on Cuba's decision when he said, "We are extremely pleased to welcome Cuba to the World Series of Boxing; with a total of 116 World medals inclusive of 67 Olympic ones, Cuban boxers have always lived at the pinnacle of our sport and we are convinced that this new franchise will bring WSB to an even higher level.”
50 with 3. Charles Brooks had 48-3 for the Brits with Lennox Braithwaite the best Guyanese with 48-4, Deborah Fenn had 48-3 (GB). Ruing their fortunes at 300 yards, the Guyanese marksmen and the visitors moved to the 900 yards bank, seeking better fortunes. Some cloud cover that turned into dark rain clouds at one point provided cover from the hot sun and ushered in cool conditions, but the wind continued to blow strong, at times across the range but mostly right down the range, testing the ability of the competitors to read and master it. The master, Calvert, was right there on song and when the sound of gunfire subsided he turned in scores of 50 with 5 V-Bulls. Trailing was Rylands with 49-5, Ransford Goodluck 49-5, Braithwaite 48-4 and Fenn 483 to be the leaders at that range.
After the competition, Calvert, who won the Queen’s shoot at Bisley in 2010 along with four Commonwealth Gold medals and countless other trophies, told Kaieteur sport when asked about the conditions at the Timehri Rifle Range, he said it was an entirely new experience being his first visit here. He described the conditions as challenging with the difference in the lighting here due to the white sand bank at the end. Calvert noted that this was unique and coupled with the fishtailing winds presented a challenge that he relished and as the scores would show, overcame. He said some aspects of the Guyana shoot were similar to their competition last weekend in Jamaica including the wind direction. Calvert said he was looking forward to the remainder of the shoot here. Today they compete at
500, 600 and 1000 yards to conclude the individual segment, with the team shoot set for tomorrow. Guyana National Rifle Association Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud, who had a bit of a rough day, with scores of 45-0 (300) and 43-3 (900), said this was his first experience witnessing winds blowing so far right yesterday, which posted a big challenge. He admitted that the scores of the local shooters was well below what they expected, putting it down to ‘just one of those days’ when it didn’t go right. However, he commended the British shooters especially Calvert and Underwood, who despite the challenges came good to emerge as the best so far. Persaud and Team Guyana will look forward for better fortunes today. Scores from the Day’s competition:
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
FIFA’s report into ISL scandal is just window dressing (BBC SPORT) - The International Sport and Leisure (ISL) corruption scandal has been smouldering away under FIFA for such a long time, it is hardly a surprise that Tuesday’s ethics committee report attempts to finally extinguish the fire. The chairman of the least broadcast-friendly new body in football, the FIFA Ethics Committee Adjudicatory Chamber, Hans-Joachim Eckert, concludes definitively in his eight-page report that “the ISL case is now closed”. That might be how he and the ethics committee see things but there are still plenty of questions left hanging in the air. To recap briefly, ISL was FIFA’s media and marketing partner at the end of the 1990s, responsible for handling TV rights negotiations for the World Cup. The company went bust in 2001 owing millions of pounds to creditors. Amid the financial wreckage, investigators found evidence that commissions - known to you and me as bribes - had been paid to senior FIFA officials in return for their help in securing lucrative TV deals, most visibly in South
American territories. Two Brazilians - former FIFA president Joao Havelange and the former head of the Brazilian football federation Ricardo Teixeira both stood down from their senior positions in football after court documents revealed they had received bribes from ISL. Both escaped criminal prosecution because accepting these commissions was not a crime under Swiss law at the time. FIFA did repay more than £1.6m to the creditors of ISL in 2004, although it has never been stated directly that this money was connected to Havelange and Teixeira. Havelange, already discredited, has finally relinquished his remaining FIFA post, that of honorary president, after Eckert’s report concluded his conduct was “morally and ethically reproachable”. So far, so old. One new development is the resignation of Nicolas Leoz, the president of South American football confederation Conmebol. The 84-year-old said last week he was standing down on “health and personal grounds”. It is clear from Tuesday’s
report that it was his connection to the ISL scandal which forced his hand. Eckert concludes: “As to Dr Leoz he claimed that all the money he received from ISL was donated by him to a school project, but only by 2008 eight years after he received it.” As with another of FIFA’s old hands Jack Warner, resignation has prevented Leoz and his South American colleagues from the indignity of being forced out. It feels unsatisfactory but the truth is FIFA’s ethics committee never had the power to do anything about the ISL case. Ever since Andrew Jennings’ brilliant digging on this subject for Panorama exposed the uncomfortable connections between the collapsed ISL and FIFA’s executive committee members, FIFA has been struggling to make it go away. The latest iteration of the ethics committee - a twochamber structure split into an investigatory arm headed by the New York lawyer Michael Garcia and the decisions panel fronted by Eckert - has failed again to delve beyond what we already knew because ultimately FIFA’s own ethics committee can only enforce
rules in its ethics code. This was only established by FIFA in 2004, long after the bribes had been pocketed and ISL had collapsed. So, at the very best this is yet another example of window dressing. The latest attempt by FIFA to look accountable and transparent but which leaves us wanting to know so much more. Are we really to believe that the bribes stopped with just three men at the top of FIFA? Shouldn’t there now be a proper independent inquiry into whether other officials appeared on the ISL commissions list? As for President Sepp Blatter’s own conduct, he wasted no time in trumpeting the fact that Eckert had found him not guilty of any ethics code breach. But he has not escaped without criticism. On the long-running question of why Blatter did not blow the whistle back in 1997, when a payment of 1.5m Swiss francs (£1m) for Havelange came across his desk, Eckert states: “The conduct of President Blatter may have been clumsy because there could be an internal need for clarification, but this does not lead to any criminal or ethical
Sepp Blatter misconduct.” Blatter simply and, we are to believe, without any real hint of curiosity, sent the money back to ISL. Eckert goes on: “It must be questioned….whether President Blatter knew or should have known over the years before the bankruptcy of ISL that ISL had made payments (bribes) to other FIFA officials.” If not corrupt, he was guilty of incompetence. But, ultimately: “There are no indications whatsoever that President Blatter was responsible for a cash flow to Havelange, Teixeira or Leoz, or that he himself received any
payments from the ISL Group, even in the form of hidden kickback payments.” And so Blatter is cleared again, freed to continue his promised process of ‘reform’ which faces a critical test in a few weeks in Mauritius - the luxuriant location for this year’s FIFA congress. There among the palm trees and the sandy white beaches, Blatter will attempt to drive through a series of structural changes aimed at finally silencing the doubters who say that until he goes, FIFA cannot move on from its dirty past. Tuesday’s report will have only strengthened his resolve to carry on fighting.
Joao Havelange, FIFA’s honorary president, resigns over bribes (BBC SPORT) - Joao Havelange, 96, has resigned as FIFA’s honorary president after a report ruled he had taken bribes. The Brazilian was described as “morally and ethically reproachable” for taking kickbacks from a World Cup rights marketing agency. The report by FIFA’s ethics chairman Hans-Joachim Eckert also claimed Nicolas Leoz had received bribes. Leoz, 84, resigned from the governing body’s executive committee last week, citing health and personal reasons. The Paraguayan was accused in the report of being “not fully candid” in his explanations over the affair. However, while the report says that payments made in the 1990s to Havelange, who was FIFA president from 1974 to 1988, Leoz and former FIFA executive Ricardo Teixeira, Havelange’s son-in-law, qualified as bribes, they were not crimes at the time. FIFA granted International Sport and Leisure (ISL) exclusive rights to market World Cup tournaments to some of the world’s biggest brands. ISL also received millions more from negotiating television broadcast rights. The company collapsed with huge debts in 2001 and its arrangement with FIFA was subsequently investigated by Swiss authorities. FIFA was eventually forced by the Swiss supreme court to release documents relating to the case after it repeatedly attempted to block the release of the confidential papers. It followed a report by the BBC’s Panorama programme in 2010 that alleged three senior FIFA officials took bribes from Swiss-based ISL in the 1990s. FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced in July 2012 that FIFA’s new ethics committee would be looking at the bribery allegations. That investigation resulted in the release of Tuesday’s report. It said: “It is certain that not inconsiderable amounts were channelled to former FIFA president Havelange and to his son-in-law Ricardo Teixeira as well as to Dr Nicolas Leoz,
Joao Havalange
whereby there is no indication that any form of service was given in return by them. “These payments were apparently made via front companies in order to cover up the true recipient and are to be qualified as ‘commissions’, known today as ‘bribes’.” The report states that Havelange and Teixeira were “morally and ethically reproachable” for accepting the money. Leoz told investigators he donated the money he received to a school project - but only in January 2008. The report states payments were made between 1992 and May 2000. Questions over Blatter’s conduct have also been raised in the past, but the report says there is no evidence he received money from the now-defunct ISL. But it does raise questions about whether Blatter should have known about the bribes to other executives and labels his behaviour in dealing with aspects of the affair as “clumsy”. The report added: “There are also no indications whatsoever that President Blatter was responsible for a cash
flow to Havelange, Teixeira or Leoz, or that that he himself received any payments from the ISL Group, even in the form of hidden kickback payments. “It must be questioned, however, whether President Blatter knew or should have known over the years before the bankruptcy of ISL that ISL had made payments to other FIFA officials.” Eckert is also critical about the controls that FIFA had in place to prevent such corruption from occurring. In response to the publication of the report, Blatter said: “I note in particular that, in his conclusions, chairman Eckert states that ‘the ISL case is concluded for the Ethics Committee’ and that ‘no further proceedings related to the ISL matter are warranted against any other football official’. “I also note with satisfaction that this report confirms that ‘President Blatter’s conduct could not be classified in any way as misconduct with regard to any ethics rules’. “I have no doubt that FIFA, thanks to the governance reform process that I proposed, now has the mechanisms and means to ensure that such an issue, which has caused untold damage to the reputation of our institution, does not happen again.” FIFA’s ethics committee also took action on Tuesday against a leading Asian member of its executive committee. Vernon Manilal Fernando, 63, of Sri Lanka was banned from all football activities for eight years after he was found guilty of violating the governing body’s code of ethics following a two-day hearing. The close ally of disgraced former presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam, was now prohibited “from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level,” FIFA said. However the exact charges against Fernando have not been specified. Fernando said he would attempt to clear his name, adding: “I have been given no reasons for the decision.”
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Barbados’ Boyce makes mark with Wigan
Emmerson Boyce WIGAN, England — In two weeks, a new chapter in Caribbean football history will be written, when Wigan Athletic and Barbados defender Emmerson Boyce enters the legendary Wembley Stadium pitch for the FA Cup final against Manchester City. For Wigan, after 81 years of existence, it will be a firstever appearance in the finale of the world’s most famous domestic cup competition; an emotional feat. For the people of Barbados, it will be an equally moving experience to watch their most accomplished professional footballer march out of the tunnel. A hard-fought 2-0 semifinal win over Millwall on April 13, also at Wembley, earned the Latics a return trip to London. “We always knew Millwall were going to be a tough game,” Boyce said. “They
had good opportunities and could have scored, but we showed great character. It was a professional performance and we can look forward to the final now.” Wigan, though, remains in a relegation scrap and currently sit in the Premier League’s bottom three. The FA Cup is an attractive distraction, but every game for the remainder of the season will seem like a final, regardless of the competition. Boyce values Wigan’s remarkable development and what the club has done for him: “Wigan gave me a chance to get back into the Premier League when I was at (Crystal) Palace. The club’s come a long way. I’ve seen a lot of players come and go. Born in Aylesbury, England, the 33-yearold joined Wigan in 2006 and broke the club record for Premier League appearances (146) against Aston Villa on
February 25, 2012. He has played for Barbados four times, all in World Cup Qualifying matches, including a memorably narrow 1-0 loss to CONCACAF power United States on June 22, 2008. “My parents were born in Barbados,” Boyce told CONCACAF.com. “My mother Lucille was born in St. Andrew and my dad Melvin was born in St. Lucy. “I still have loads of family who still live in Barbados, and my cousin Omar Phillips will hopefully be the next superstar coming from there.” Unyielding effort, Boyce believes, is the key for any young player with a desire to compete at the highest possible level. “It takes a lot of hard work and bit of luck on the way,” he said. “I started off in the lower league in League 2, so I have come through all the leagues and had my first experience of premiership football with Crystal Palace. “I have been lucky enough to be playing with Wigan in the Premier League for seven seasons. I have always had to fight hard to keep me place. I may not be the most gifted player, but I put in the hard work and try and give 100 percent in every game, and so far it has worked for me.” Boyce is undaunted by the challenge of staying in the English top flight and winning the FA Cup. He will give his best over the coming crucial weeks, playing with Barbados and Wigan in his heart.
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CSK consolidate top spot with big win
Mohit Sharma Chennai Super Kings continued with their formula of tough pitch: go at roughly a run a ball for the first 10 overs keeping wickets in hand, and then explode to take 10 an over off the last 10. On a pitch that the ball seamed and bounced variably, they reached 55 for 2 after 10 overs, but Suresh Raina, S. Badrinath and MS Dhoni looted 110 in the rest of the innings to set up an easy 37-run, sixth consecutive win, which keeps them at the top of the table and Pune Warriors at the bottom. With the ball seaming around, Super Kings lost their openers for 28 runs, that too thanks to generous umpiring. However, out came Super
CONCACAF Club Licensing MIAMI — In order to comply with a FIFA requirement that the region develop a Club Licensing system, CONCACAF has commenced the process of creating a strategy aimed at advancing clubs at all levels. Responding to President Jeffrey Webb’s request, and, in consultation with its 40 Member Associations, CONCACAF is designing a Club Licensing system engineered to serve as a development tool for each of the region’s football, futsal and beach soccer clubs. The program is focused on five specific functional areas of a club: Infrastructure, Sporting, Personnel & Administration, Legal and Finance. “This is an ambitious project that will surely deliver benefits to all teams in the region and will elevate the standards in all the basic
functional areas of a club operation and profitability.” commented CONCACAF President Webb. The Confederation is currently completing an Assessment Report on Club Football and will initiate a pilot phase scheduled to begin in the third quarter of the year. After a period of evaluation, CONCACAF will introduce Club Licensing Regulations, plus provide all Federations and clubs with access to a
new Web Based Software system, a set Club Guides and publish an Annual Club Football Report starting in 2014. “This new project has been greatly received by all our Member Associations,” said CONCACAF General Secretary, Enrique Sanz. “We trust, amongst other positive aspects, that the new system will play a crucial role in raising the level of the CONCACAF Champions League.”
The CONCACAF Club Licensing system is considered to be a long-term activity and the objective is to have fully implemented for the 2015-2016 CONCACAF Champions League. Ultimately, Club Licensing will play a key role in supporting the development of football within the region and is anticipated to raise the level of professionalism in clubs, while improving their efficiency. “We recognize that the implementation of this system will take time, but we have FIFA’s full support during this process,” added General Secretary Sanz. “We have also reached out with notable success to the other football confederations who are interested in sharing their experiences with us and we will profit from this exchange of information.”
Kings’ crisis man, Badrinath, and did his job without any fuss. He and Raina added 75 off 59, without taking risks, and picking the rate up progressively. Raina kept providing the odd boundary, and Badrinath found the gaps for ones and twos. It was in the 13th over that the real charge began. Badrinath drove consecutive deliveries from Rahul Sharma down the ground and through points for fours to take his strike past 100. Raina’s was
Suresh Raina already a healthier strike rate, but he drove the point home by sending Kane Richardson over midwicket for a six in the next over. Badrinath fell in the 16th over, but he and Super Kings will know he fell at just the right time, after just the right innings of 34 off 31. Dhoni came out and took four and six off the first two balls he faced. The six was a demoralising - for the fielding side - punch off the back foot, over extra cover. Continued on page 33
Kidd repeat winner of NBA sportsmanship award NEW YORK (AP) - New York Knicks guard Jason Kidd has become the first player to win back-to-back NBA sportsmanship awards. Kidd received 91 firstplace votes from league players and 2,474 total points Tuesday to claim the Joe Dumars Trophy in his first season in New York. He won the award last season, his final one in Dallas. Three-time winner Grant
Hill is only other player to win the award multiple times. The NBA will make a $10,000 donation on behalf of Kidd to The Jason Kidd Foundation, which is dedicated to improving education for youngsters. Golden State guard Stephen Curry, who won the award in 2011, finished second. Luol Deng of Chicago, the 2007 winner, was third.
Jason Kidd
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 01, 2013
PJ Patterson to Chair CPL Committee The Caribbean Premier League has received an important and most welcomed stamp of approval and support from former Jamaica Prime Minister The Most Honourable PJ Patterson who has been appointed by the West Indies Cricket Board, and has agreed to chair the CPL Cricket Committee, bringing his widespread influence and illustrious political career, wealth of experience and high-profile personality to bear on the organisation. A widely acknowledged figure on the international stage, Patterson holds a track record as an articulate champion of the cause of developing countries, and was instrumental in establishing the mechanisms that resulted in the evolution of the Caribbean Free Trade Area into CARICOM. He is now a recognised statesman of CARICOM, one of his responsibilities being lead adviser on Haiti. As the longest serving Prime Minister in Jamaica, Patterson headed the
u n p r e c e d e n t e d modernisation and transformation of the economic, social and political landscape of the country. He was chair of the United Nations Security Council during his tenure as Prime Minister, and has addressed world leaders in just about every international and regional forum. His record of diplomacy and capacity to resolve conflicts speaks for itself in a most distinguished career that has spanned across the globe. Patterson has a very close association with West Indies cricket and has been a strong supporter and indeed champion of the game and its continued development. He was a member of the Governance Committee on West Indies Cricket where, along with former CARICOM Secretary General Sir Alister McIntyre and noted historian Dr Ian McDonald, he authored the Governance Report, also known as The Patterson Report, which was commissioned by the WICB in 2007.
PJ Patterson
Lance Gibbs
The Report looked at all the major facets of West Indies cricket and recommended solutions to issues of leadership, marketing, board structure and the relationship between the board and players with a view to improving its overall operations, governance effectiveness, team performance and
strengthening its credibility and public support. An interesting point to note was that the report also demonstrated the need for a professional cricket league to be formed in the region. His passion for the game of cricket and his belief that it unites the region and is critical to the integration process has long been demonstrated. Patterson was an original member of the Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on Cricket and also Chaired
T&T confident they can topple champs PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad & Tobago’s players flew to Kingston on Tuesday, confident they can get the better of five-time reigning champions Jamaica in the semi-finals of the Regional 4-Day Tournament. T&T will take on the tournament leaders, starting on Thursday (tomorrow) at Sabina Park, in a bid to reach the Final. T&T captain Denesh Ramdin knows this will not be an easy task. After all, the Jamaicans have won all six of their matches in the preliminary competition for a maximum 72 points. But Ramdin said his side can spring an upset and turn the tables on the hosts. “We played unbeaten in the Regional Super50 preliminaries and then Combined Campuses & Colleges took us out in the semi-finals, so we believe we can do a similar thing to Jamaica,” he told WICB Media. “They have not lost a
match for the season and we are well aware they will be confident, but we believe we can pull off a result and reach the Final.” T&T’s batting has been their main worry this season and they have included three highly-touted players in the line-up. One of them is wicketkeeper/batsman Stephen Katwaroo. He represented West Indies last year at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Australia last year. The other two are Akeal Hosein and fellow left-hander Jeremy Solozano, one of the leading batsmen during the Regional Under-19 Tournament last year. “We have some young players – Hosein, Katwaroo and Solozano – who are very exciting, talented and willing to go the extra mile,” said Ramdin. “They have brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm. We all know they can ‘play’ and they are confident of
Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out. - Stephen Covey
CARICOM when the Agreements to host Cricket World Cup came into being which brought in the Sunset legislation which made provisions for the safe, orderly conduct of the games, the protection of intellectual property and broadcasting rights, as well as remedies for the infringement of such rights. Over the years Patterson has continued to speak of the vital importance of developing the creative industries, including cricket, to capitalise on what the Caribbean has to offer, including hospitality, trade, entertainment and the unique flavor of the Caribbean brand. CPL will allow all of these to be experienced by the world. “I am pleased to be a part of the Caribbean Premier League because I believe it will impact the region in countless ways,” said Patterson. “I have expressed in the past that we have a special brand of cricket here in the West Indies and we need to capitalise on that. I believe the CPL will truly highlight our uniqueness to the world.” When considering the
unique opportunities to the young cricketers of the region, Patterson continued. ”I have always contended that the future of West Indies Cricket starts at the regional level and the CPL will certainly help in this respect by ensuring that our youth are given the opportunity to be involved with and exposed to first-rate international cricket across the Caribbean.” The CPL Cricket Committee was formed with three nominations from the WICB and three nominations from CPL organisers. Both accepted each other ’s choices openly without reservation. The members from the WICB are Zorol Barthley, Conde Riley and Walter Scott, QC. The members from CPL are Ian Bishop, Lance Gibbs and Charles Wilkin, QC. The Cricket Committee will be responsible for final approval of the tournament rules and regulations, playing conditions and review any potential breaches. They will also be responsible for any player discipline and approve any team changes throughout the tournament.
Windwards aim to make it two titles this year
Denesh Ramdin doing the job. We have worked hard. We know what is required. We believe we will deliver in this crucial match.” Ramdin said the low scores from the batsmen earlier in the season have overshadowed the good work of the team’s bowlers during the campaign. “Our bowling has been very strong,” he said. “The bowlers have been very steady, very reliable and did everything we have asked of them. We can’t complain about our bowlers. “We expect another very good showing from the bowlers on the Sabina Park pitch, and once the batsmen give them totals to work with, I know our bowlers will do what they have done all season and get wickets for us.” T&T finished fourth in the points table after the preliminary competition with 36 points.
Roseau, Dominica – Captain Liam Sebastien said it was an honour to lift the Clive Lloyd Trophy when the Windward Islands won the WICB Regional Super50 earlier this month. He said it would be an equally amazing honour to hoist the Headley/ Weekes Trophy – the prize for winning the Regional Four Day Championship named in honour of batting legends George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes. Sebastien, the reliable allrounder, led the Windwards to the limited-overs title when they beat Combined Campuses and Colleges at Kensington Oval. Now, they face Barbados in the semifinals of the Regional Four Day tournament, starting Thursday (tomorrow) at Windsor Park in Dominica. Windwards ended the preliminary round with 60 points – second behind Jamaica. “It was an amazing honour to lift the Clive Lloyd Trophy at Kensington Oval after we beat CCC to win our first title in over a decade. That was a truly great feeling and memorable occasion. Now we want to get even better and win the four-day competition as well,”
Liam Sebastien Sebastien told WICB Media. “The team is full of confidence after the way we played in the 50-over tournament. It is amazing what winning can do for a team and a group of people. We expect good crowd support in Dominica where people are passionate about the game. “First we face Barbados in the semi-finals and we are focusing on that match before we even start to think about the finals. We know that will be a tough contest. They have a good team, but we got the better of them in
the first round and we believe we can do it again.” The Windwards have been relying on the brilliance of their experienced players. Off-spinner Shane Shillingford was almost unplayable in the prelims and is the joint leading wickettaker with 46 wickets in five matches. The tournament’s leading batsman is Devon Smith, who has so far scored 682 runs at an impressive average of over 85 runs per innings. His top score of 150 not out came against Barbados at Kensington Oval. “Shane and Smith have been very good and very reliable for us in all formats of the game. They are the most experienced players and have led the way. Every man has contributed to the team’s success and we will go into the match with confidence,” added Sebastien. FULL SQUAD: Liam Sebastien (captain), Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Lyndon James (wicketkeeper), Delorn Johnson, Keddy Lesporis, Garey Mathurin, Nelon Pascal, Kenroy Peters, Dalton Polius, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theopille; Ian Allen (Coach).
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
The changing face of boxing
Page 43
Mentore returned as DCC President
-just the antidote for local boxers' advancement
Francisco Roldon
Terence Poole
Local boxing buffs who flocked the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (then the National Sports Hall) during the late seventies and early eighties will reminisce with a tinge of nostalgia of the great battles between Guyanese amateur pugilists and their Cuban counterparts during yearly exchange programmes. The battles were brutal and both countries would have enjoyed great benefits from the programme. Michael Anthony Parris' bronze medal feat at the 1980 Moscow Olympics when the Cuba/Guyana exchange programmes were in effect bears evidence of this contention. Amidst the hype and fantasies, Cuban boxers were relegated to the periphery, principally due to the rigid communistic policy of the Fidel Castro regime that precluded their participation in professional bouts. Now, some five-decades after that ban was instituted, Cuban authorities have bowed to international adaptations and are joining an international semipro league where fighters will compete for sponsored teams, box without protective headgear and earn $1,000 to $3,000 a month. Cuba has a rich boxing heritage but the changing face of the sport have precipitated those changes or forced that country into the ignominy of world isolation. This move represents a big step for the island's Communist authorities, who have maintained that pro sports were not in keeping with Marxist social ideals. It also comes at a time when officials of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)
have joined with those of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) to dole out monthly stipends to a select group of local amateurs to offset their stringent expenses. The country has a long and storied boxing tradition and is usually a force at international amateur tournaments. This move represents a big step for the island's Communist authorities, who long ago decided pro sports were not in keeping with Marxist social ideals. Stephenson passed away about two years ago and was regarded as a hero but left boxing buffs worldwide speculating on what might have been had he gone against Castro's communistic ideals and accepted the biggest payday of his career against Muhammad Ali in a bout dubbed 'The Greatest Fight That Never Was.’ Meanwhile, Cuba's inauguration to the professional arena commences with the World Series of Boxing, organized by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) and competition begins in November. Guyanese pugilists are also perched to reclaim the successes of the glory days when a team of elite boxers, from among those identified to receive the monthly stipend, gear up to travel to Cuba to attend the Roberto Balado and the Cardova Cardin boxing tournaments scheduled for Cuba sometime in May and June next. While President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle remains hopeful of accruing the requisite funding to Continued on page 33
The New DCC Executive! President Alfred Mentore (seated 3rd right) flanked by Vice Presidents Patrick Harding (left) and Ian John (right). Secretary Seon Greaves is seated (far left) while Treasurer Terry Cadagon is standing 2nd right. Alfred Mentore was re-elected unopposed as President of the Demerara Cricket Club at its Annual General Meeting held recently at the Club's pavilion at Lance Gibbs and New Garden Streets, Georgetown. Patrick Harding and Ian John returned unopposed as the two Vice Presidents, while Seon Greaves returned as Secretary. Terry Cadogan who served as committee member last year was elected as the new Treasurer, and Ms. Ruth Howard was elected Assistant/Secretary Treasurer. Jamal Hinckson and Carlyle Barton who served as Club Captain and Indoor Captain respectively were reelected unopposed. Daren Torrington is the new Public Relations Officer while the other Committee Members are Ron Amos, Ulanda Wiltshire, Kashif Amsterdam, Garvin Nedd (Coach) and
Trevor Williams (Member of the National Assembly). In his thank you remarks, President Alfred Mentore expressed gratitude to the membership for showing the continued faith, trust and confidence in electing him and his executive team to office for another term. Mentore stressed that the Club must move forward while appealing to members, friends and corporate Guyana to support his Executive team which features some new faces. The former Guyana player strongly believes that this Executive has the knowledge, resources and wherewithal to further improve the club in every way possible. He also added, plans are in the making to build the indoor practice facility which is intended to serve the club during the wet season.
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Kaieteur News
Nations best spellers go head to head as GASP presents Labour Day Open today
Leon Belony
Abigail McDonald
Just three days ago, top scrabble player, Leon Belony, turned in one of his better performances, rebounded from a first round loss to Colin Chichester and eventually amassed 5 points and a positive spread of 530 to capture the honours when the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) staged the GASP Open Championship at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomaslands Sunday afternoon last. Additionally, the prolific word former had staved off strong challenges from top seed, James Krakowsky and National Scrabble Champion, Abigail McDonald, to his eventual triumph. This morning, the players will square off once again when the subject entity stages the Labour Day Open at the very venue. Other than those three principals, several other word formers have shown great improvement and will be out to clinch the spoils. Orlando Michael had been ominous during the prelunch session of the last tournament and had chalked up 3 points after defeating Grace Hercules (128), Maurice Munro (87) and Colin Chichester (47). The competitiveness of the tournament was apparent when Michael returned in the post lunch session and failed to register a win, surrendering all three games to Krakowsky (91), Cave (58) and Belony (71) respectively. He would have
rued his luck, licked his wounds and return this morning, invigorated and anxious to reverse his f o r t u n e s . Moen Gafoor was unavailable for the last competition and is likely to compete in today's tournament. When one adds Colin Chichester, former national champion, Fred Collins, Maurice Munru and the ever improving Wayne Cave to the equation, selecting a winner is certainly a troublous task and Belony will realize that the going will not be that e a s y t o d a y . Further, the players will soon be engaged in the National Scrabble Championships due to get underway soon and they will obviously view these tournaments as worthwhile practice sessions. Once again lucrative prizes will be on offer and players are asked to note that the registration period commences at 09:30hrs with the first tile being moved half an hour later. The registration fee is $700 but players conforming within the specified 30 minutes will enjoy a $200 discount. Otherwise late comers will pay the original $700 and their clocks will be started in their absence. Those players with clocks and boards are asked to have them at the venue at least half an hour prior to the start of the competition.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Hicks and Campbelle are RHTY&SC Cricketers of the Year Former National player Delbert Hicks copped the prestigious cricketer-of-the-year award and was well rewarded when that entity held an impressive Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Sunday last in the Ancient County.
Walking away with the female cricketer-of-the-year accolade was West Indies player Shemaine Campbell. Both awardees were presented with numerous prizes, Hicks receiving over $400,000 including one year's supply of cable television from E-Networks.
Shemaine Campbell receives her trophy and prizes from Ms. Avie Lindie, Regional Manager of Metro.
Delbert Hicks (left) is presented with his trophy by GT&T's Chief Financial Officer Justin Nedd.
Wednesday May 01, 2013
Kaieteur News
Page 45
Mackeson 'Keep Your Five Alive' starts at California Square tonight The Mackeson 'Keep Your Five Alive' Football tournament will start tonight at East Ruimveldt Community Centre Hard Court, which is also known as California Square, with eight games and eight teams qualifying for the next round of the knockout competition. The street football competition that is being played under the theme “Your skill, your style, your five, your stout” will be played at several venues in Georgetown with the triumphant team taking home $300,000 and the runner-up $150,000 in cash prizes. Coordinator of the competition, Kevin Adonis told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that all systems are in place for the commencement of the competition from 8pm tonight. He said that he anticipates a good response from the football oriented communities. “Everything's good; everything is in place for tomorrow. We have the bibs; the teams are ready and we imported the balls for this format from Suriname,” Adonis said, confirming that the event is ready for kick off
as per schedule tonight in East Ruimveldt. He stated that he anticipates a good response from the communities as the tournament is aimed at unearthing hidden talents within communities. “I think it's very interesting, it's different, you got to bring your 'A' game every time,” Adonis believes. The Coordinator is of the view that teams have to come out with one aim, which is to keep their five alive in the gruelling competition. The contest is in its third year and will feature 48 teams from Georgetown with participation being encouraged from teams from the East Coast and East Bank. Games tonight will feature Liliendall against East Dam; Wolves (Sophia) will play Lodge Housing Scheme; Ben Corton (West) comes up against West Back Road; King Street Ballers will play Castillo; California versus Lane Venue; Broad Street against East Front Road; Tiger Bay 'A' against Norton Street and Albouystown 'A' against Globe Yard. The Mackeson Real
Mohabir Baljeet Sukhpaul Memorial cricket tourney postponed due to rain Torrential rains over the past few weeks have forced the postponement of many sports activities and the latest casualty is the Mohabir Baljeet Sukhpaul (Beto) Memorial Twenty20 cricket competition initially slated for Sunday April 28 last, at the Skeldon Community Centre Ground. Organizers are currently eying the weather in order to fix a new date for the commencement of activities. When the weather improves, four teams will compete in the one day competition which will feature the four zone winners in the Upper Corentyne 40 overs competition. Those battling for honours are No 48 Challengers, No70 MYO, No71 and Skeldon Community Centre (SCC). The competition is being sponsored to the tune of $155,000 and is organized by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA). The sponsors are Swarendra Sukhpaul (Suren) and Rajendra (Raj) Sukhpaul, sons of the late proprietor of Sukhpaul Business Enterprise. The new date for the tournament will be announced shortly.
A very dangerous message has been delivered to the people of Guyana. If the independent media can be so spitefully cast aside for selfish pleasures, then the ordinary citizen - man, woman or child – has absolutely no chance.
Smooth competition will be held during May 1-25 at venues such as the National Cultural Centre tarmac, Sophia C Field Market Square, California Square, East Ruimveldt, and Punt Trench and School Street, Albouystown for a total of eight playing days.
Each game will last for 15 minutes; 7½ minute per half with no extra time allowed in the preliminary rounds if the game is drawn after regulation time; a penalty shootout will decide the team that moves forward to the next round. However, extra time will
be allowed in the final game; six minutes and three minutes for each of the teams. Teams, and players, were reminded that there will be a zero-tolerance attitude towards issues of indiscipline as the tournament is aimed at development.
Kevin Adonis
t r o Sp Guyana vs British Team Rifle Shooting championship
Challenging conditions but British shooters still surge ahead Members of the Guyana and British teams compete at 300 yards range yesterday. Leader David Calvert is at right.
David Calvert
WHAT’S INSIDE
Guinness 'Greatest of the Streets' Futsal Competition
Defending champs T.L.C. Russians booted from final; Silver Bullets join Assasins in national playoffs
Mackeson 'Keep Your Five Alive' starts at California Square tonight
The changing face of boxing - just the antidote for local boxers' advancement
PJ Patterson to Chair CPL Committee
The 'Old Master' Collie Hercules (with ball) of Silent Assasins works his magic between two T.L.C. Russian defenders during their semi-final clash on Monday.
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