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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
MAN’S INHUMANITY
The facts surrounding the beating of 40-year-old Nigel Lowe to death by some residents of Sophia are still unclear. But what is very clear is that it did not prick the conscience of the mob that committed this murder that Lowe’s life may have had some intrinsic worth that should have been respected. What could Lowe have possibly done that so enraged the individuals who took the law into their own hands and delivered its ultimate sanction? Whether he was a petty thief or a trespasser, Lowe’s murder - and there can be no other word for the act of vigilantism - demands a national introspection as to what is happening to our moral compass as a nation. While we may shudder at the news of the Ohio man who kidnapped and held three young women captive for almost a decade, it may be considered as the acting out of the fantasies of a warped and sick mind. The Sophia murder, however, in which Lowe was stripped, tied to a stake and “broadsided” with a cutlass and about to be burnt alive, must have caused him to cry out in pain and agony. But evidently all the neighbours did was to close their doors even tighter. At some level they agreed with the barbaric action being taken by one of their own. But surely the spate of robberies that apparently were committed in the area was not justification for murder. The entire neighbourhood, therefore, share some of the responsibility and guilt for the commission of the murder. But at a deeper level, what happened in Sophia is a symbol of what is happening to us as a nation. We have lost the empathy to view each other as fellow citizens worthy of each other’s help. Our society began as one in which the ordinary folks were all oppressed and from that experience we evolved the value of cooperation for survival. Our history is replete with examples of sacrifices for the ‘common good’. But gradually we lost the camaraderie and unity engendered in our ancestors and we have reverted to the philosophy of “each man for himself and the devil take the hindmost”. And this starts, most insidiously, from the very top: “insidious” because as leaders go, so will the ordinary people. Look at the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few in our country - headed by the politicians. To live in luxury while fellow citizens wallow in poverty, has to be based on a philosophy that tells the elite that there is nothing morally wrong with such a situation. And in fact we are being guided by just such a philosophy. Today, in the developed world led by the USA and Europe, even as their economies crumble and millions are out of jobs, the banks are declaring record profits, which are distributed to the elite that include the politicians. It has become a cliché now to speak of the “1%” that controls the bulk of the wealth in those countries. Notice in Guyana the steady announcements about the banks raking in record-breaking multi-billion-dollar profits. Who spares a thought about those (in this instance Nigel Lowe) who essentially drop out of the economy? We believe the lesson to be imbibed from the horror in Sophia is that we as a nation have to recommit to a vision of development that is much more inclusive than the one that presently prevails. Ironically, in 1974, the then government promulgated a “Declaration of Sophia” that was in fact couched in such aspirations. That the effort failed was due not to its aims, but to the means chosen to achieve them. Since that time we have the experience of many other nations such as China and Singapore that have managed to lift their citizens at the bottom without sacrificing the evident need to offer profit incentives to the business class. We too must find a middle way and regain our humanity rather than reverting to the law of the jungle.
Friday May 10, 2013
Letters... Where your views make the news
PLAIN TALK DRAWS PSC’S IRE
DEAR EDITOR, Last week’s Plain Talk so angered some top leaders of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) that they began a buzz with email exchanges describing that programme and another on Channel 9 as constituting a “blistering attack” and “serious attempt to discredit the PSC”. It exhorted the troops, so far embarrassingly unsuccessfully, “to act”. Yet, amidst all this vituperation, one of the chief protagonists admitted to me by email that he had not seen the programme or knew its topic. The topic of the Plain Talk was Budget 2013 – an Epilogue with Mr. Ramon Gaskin. During the hour-long programme, the focus of which was an 11-point letter by Messrs. David
Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan to President Ramotar a few days prior to the 2013 Budget, Gaskin, while defending the private sector in its wider sense named Messrs. Dookhoo, Urling, Webster and Gouveia as individuals who collectively do not come as “a neutral professional private sector body”, but as “the Government’s friends”, “persons with whom the Government is comfortable”. Mr. Gaskin also named and compared Mr. Carvil Duncan with former Ethnic Relations Commission Chairman-turned- Government Minister Mr. Juan Edghill, who Gaskin described as having always been a Civic in civil cloth. Fortunately, the private sector is
bigger, more diverse, measured, balanced and independent than the PSC and those at its helm. Unfortunately, by their silence the wider membership does nothing to help the PSC regain the authority and independence it lost when Mr. Mike Correia clammed up after Dr. Jagdeo embarrassed him at a Guyexpo opening a few years ago. This Sunday I will give the PSC leaders another opportunity to look at the programme by having it rebroadcast on WRHM Channel 7. The leaders can then make a reasoned assessment whether they may have over-reacted and whether Gaskin’s opinion of them has any merit, or is shared by the public. Christopher Ram
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
BURNHAM NOT DESERVING OF OT AWARD
DEAR EDITOR, This is in response to several commentaries (Messrs. Mark Archer, Hamley Case, Aubrey Norton, Freddie Kissoon, Maxwell Shaw, etc. in KN criticizing the South African government’s decision to withdraw the Oliver Tambo award to the late dictator Forbes Burnham. Many, including this writer, protested the granting of the award after it was announced by the South African ANC government. The petition led to the ANC withdrawing the award that is usually conferred to someone of repute who championed a struggle against apartheid rule. I applaud KN and those who engaged in the exchange on the OT award. Contrary to what others feel, Burnham does not deserve such a prestigious award. He was a racist bigot and a hypocrite in addition to being a colonialist and a supporter of imperialist forces. The honor should go to Dr. Walter Rodney who was murdered by Burnham, or Eusi Kwayana, etc. Accabre Nkosi, an African, wrote a brilliant pamphlet during the 1970s in which he documented how Burnham was a rank colonialist, racist and an imperialist destroying the African spirit of freedom and
independence. And the literature is replete of commentaries of how Burnham collaborated with imperialist forces (including the U.S and U.K) and conspired with them against Guyanese during the freedom struggle delaying our independence. It was bigotry of Burnham to oppose racism in South Africa but practise it in Guyana. As the US State department consistently reported and as Prof. Arthur Schlesinger also wrote, Burnham was a racist and a rank political opportunist who embraced any ism when it suited his purpose to acquire and retain power. Burnham stood for nothing and did not oppose apartheid from the bottom of his heart. Had he done so, he would not have institutionalized a racist state. Many seem to forget that Guyana was also described in the international press (Washington Post, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, London Mail, etc.) during the 1980s as “a mini-apartheid state”. During the early 1980s, Sir Shridath Ramphal as head of the Commonwealth Secretariat carried out an unrelenting struggle to isolate South Africa because of its racist policy of apartheid. In response, the London Times, Financial Times and London
Daily Sun carried scathing editorials criticizing Ramphal’s hypocrisy for “condemning apartheid in South Africa but remaining silent on apartheid in Guyana” (the newspapers’ own words). Burnham’s defenders seem to forget that Burnham was the illegal head of the state no different from PW
Botha or John Vorster or Ian Smith. He anointed himself as leader through electoral fraud (denying ethnic groups the right to vote – not very dissimilar to how Whites disenfranchised Blacks, Indians Coloreds, etc. in South Africa) and therefore Burnham had no right to determine what assistance
should be given to the freedom fighters in Southern Africa. It was wrong for Burnham to dole out funds to Africa freedom fighters or anyone else without consultation and approval from the over 60 per cent of the population that rejected him in elections. Non-supporters of PNC may very well have
supported granting money to the liberation fighters. But Burnham’s action was controversial. And the mere fact that he ran an illegal government and denied Whites, Indians, Amerindians, Coloreds, etc. the right to their vote disqualified Burnham for an award. Vishnu Bisram
A TRAVESTY DEAR EDITOR, It is evident that somewhere along the way and for reasons which are complex, many of our Guyanese seem to have lost compassion and a concern for others— particularly the underdog the disadvantaged. I spent some time in the Barnwell - Mocha Arcadia area on Monday May 6, and visited the relatives of those concerned with the death of Mark Fredericks, better known as ‘Markle’. I also visited the alleged assailant a young mother, Simone Daniels, at the East Ruimveldt Police Station, she was in custody and likely to be charged with murder. May I add this good piece, the police officer and ranks at the East Ruimveldt Police Station were extremely polite and professional, and so in spite
of her lack of freedom Simone had no complaints against the police - but back to my concern. Both of these young people live in a heavily depressed area at the end of a dam without lighting facilities and other amenities. Both the incarcerated Simone and the dead ‘Markie’ are victims of our uncaring social environment. This young lady who says that she is 26 but her sister says 27 years old has five children. She is from Marlboro Village, Pomeroon, says that she was sexually assaulted on two previous occasions since living in that remote area, but no one was
arrested. With respect to this recent incident she described quite vividly how on that faithful day Markie fondled her and try to removed her underwear in spite of her protest. She said her fear was heightened because she believes that Markie was H.I.V positive. To protect herself she inflicted a single blow with a knife. People in the community described Mark, the dead man, as a troublemaker who is known to have assaulted both of his parents. He is alleged to have once broken his father’s arm and set the family house on fire.
This young lady who herself is clearly a victim of our torn social fabric, was up till last night left on her own. From a lay person’s point of view, it is a shame that this young lady should be in the lockups and we are yet to hear from all these social activists and young female lawyers. I know that Mr. Joe Harmon, MP and Ms. Debbie Backer MP agreed to help — but what of the large army of young lawyers and human right activists. Please let this letter appeal for the female lawyers to come out in full force to offer Simone and others support. Hamilton Green, J.P.
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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
HORACE CAMPBELL’S CATHARTIC FICTION DEAR EDITOR, A remarkable thing happened along the journey of the likely Oliver Tambo award to the late Forbes Burnham. Notwithstanding its merits, a menagerie of hate and extremism seem to instruct those who advocate that such an award is not worthy of Forbes Burnham, because, he is alleged to have had a central role in the death of the brilliant historian Dr. Walter Rodney. In doing so, Professor Horace Campbell and his band of co-conspirators have arrogated to themselves, the right to prosecute (or is it persecute?) the identified offender some thirty years later, for this dastardly act. However, at an elementary level, one would think that at least such a process requires the precepts of foundational fairness for all involved. It is important that the widow and children of the late Dr. Rodney secure justice, and, at the same time, attain some closure in what had to have been a painful and tragic episode in their lives. Yet, one must ponder, how and why the current exercise to deny Forbes Burnham a well deserved award, will achieve
that outcome? It must be noted that no amount of awards to Forbes Burnham can diminish the work and admiration for the late Dr. Walter Rodney in and out of Guyana. His status is secured by every objective standard and application. Therefore, upon reflection, it is critical that we examine the fuel that gave rise to the flames of hate emanating from Campbell and his gang, Is this about fidelity to Dr. Rodney and his life’s work? Or, are there forces exogenous to Rodney’s death, and located in the extreme form of hate and intolerance that continue to retard national cohesion and progress? Apart from attributing Rodney’s death to the late Forbes Burnham, we are witnessing the manufacturing of new myths and folly around Burnham’s support for African liberation during his tenure. As if to suggest that the mere claim that Burnham was responsible for the death cannot achieve their desired outcome, there is this deliberate attempt to distort and frame a new narrative about Burnham’s contribution to the liberation of African liberation.
The good Professor begins by suggesting that Forbes Burnham played little or no role in the cause of African Liberation. Seeking to buttress this tenuous argument, he further added that Burnham was a pliant tool of Western and imperialist forces. Unfortunately for Horace Campbell, irrefutable facts and supporting evidence defeat what one can only describe as his clever work of fiction. Exercises in fiction in itself are harmless, and on their own, should be encouraged. Campbell himself may seek to
be recognized for this fictional excursion. However, when that fiction seeks to undermine or distort, it must be refuted. As if these excursions where not enough to achieve the devious deed, there comes the band of coconspirators armed with attendant hate and extremist framings. Forbes Burnham is the embodiment of all evil then and now in Guyana. Moving from the central theme attributing responsibility for the death of Dr. Rodney to the former leader, the evolving framing
seeks to construct an edifice founded on some contorted logic that Burnham’s support for the liberation struggle was limited to mere rhetoric and lip service. Maybe the refueling of Cuban fighter jets at Guyana’s airport was a work of fiction. These well crafted efforts in pursuit of denying Forbes Burnham the Oliver Tambo award only serve a singular purpose. This is not about the merits of Forbes Burnham and Guyana’s contribution to the cause of African liberation. This is a skillful yet pathetic effort seeking the
prosecution of Forbes Burnham for the death of Dr. Rodney by proxy. Maybe this episode offers each of us the opportunity to reflect on how we genuinely find solution to our problems. Interestingly, the very South Africa offers us a template on how it is possible to move forward in our national discourse. Maybe, as we cloak ourselves in Pan African ideal and precepts, their efforts at Truth and Reconciliation will inform us. Hopefully, the time is not too late. LeRoy Nelson
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Is the party of Forbes Burnham still around? APNU is going to hold solid for some time yet. The fractures that have developed in the wake of the deferral of the award by the South African government to Forbes Burnham are not serious enough to undermine the partnership, if that is what it can be called. APNU remains quintessentially the PNC cobbled with the remnants of the WPA and a few relatively unknown political groupings. None of these groupings were ever able over the past ten years to win a seat, contesting individually, at general elections. In fact, the once formidable WPA had resorted to acting like a political leech, surviving by attaching itself to other parties, as it did firstly with GAP and now with the PNCR. With APNU having such weak partners, the PNCR the main party in the partnership, is likely to remain the most dominant political force in APNU and whatever fallout exists over the issue of the deferred award to Forbes Burnham would be inconsequential, because the WPA has reduced itself to a party of little consequence. That is a sad indictment of what can happen to a party which, in trying to reorganize after the Burnham regime’s murderous forays, abandoned its traditional militancy which had so distinguished it during the period of The Great Civil Rebellion of 1978-1980. The WPA is now rebelling against itself. But that is a story for another day. For
now, it has sufficed itself in sucking egg from off the table of APNU which is dominated by the PNCR. At least in name, that is, because one has to seriously question what has happened to the R in the PNCR and whether what we have now is even the PNC. The R in the PNCR came about because of Desmond Hoyte’s attempt to remake the party into a more businessfriendly outlook. After the PNC lost power, it needed the support of rich businessmen in order to finance itself and its campaigns. The support that the PNC previously enjoyed from the business community quickly evaporated after it lost power. It still got its envelopes from the usual sources during the campaign period, but it knew that what it received in campaign donations in those envelopes was tokenism. The bigger envelopes were being now being given to the PPP. In fact, one well-known member of the Committee for the Reelection of the President (CREEP) immediately jumped ship when the PPP came to power. The member has been handsomely rewarded by his PPP friends and continues to be so rewarded. Another member of CREEP maneuvered his way very high up the political ladder. Such is the fickleness of political loyalties in Guyana. Because of this, Hoyte was forced to become more dependent on a handful of business supporters who essentially bankrolled his party especially during election campaigning.
The working class likes to delude itself into believing that it is important to the survival of political parties. The working class, however, contributes very little to election coffers of political parties. On the other hand it is the powerful business interests that help finance election campaigns and without finances, political parties would stagnate. As a result of this dependence on these business interests, Hoyte decided that he had to incorporate the business elements within the leadership of his party. This
was done through the incorporation of the Reform into the PNC which officially became the PNC Reform, abbreviated PNCR. The problem that now arises is that the PNCR is about Reform only in name. The Reform that rallied to the side of Hoyte and later around Robert Corbin is no longer around and therefore what we have in essence is really the PNC and not PNCR. But there are other changes that have taken place within the PNC, which beg the question whether the PNC has not also disappeared and been
replaced by a new configuration of veterans. In fact there is growing speculation that what we have is a completely new party, dominated by new forces who were not part of either the membership or leadership of the pre-2011 PNCR. Questions are thus likely to eventually be asked as to whether we are witnessing the final days of the PNC and whether, like many associations that exist in Guyana, the once vanguard party of Guyana has not been completely overrun by forces which are not fully familiar
with its history and ideological development. Only time will tell whether the old PNC will resurface, but by the tell-tale signs it looks like APNU is here to stay and once it stays, the WPA may yet find enough oxygen for a rebirth and who knows, even one day end up leading the PNC.
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Friday May 10, 2013
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Are some people in Sophia humans or animals? It was only on Wednesday morning that I told my daughter that the poorer folks in Pakistan and India have absolutely nothing to do with their time. Once there is a shout of some race or religious complaint, all hell breaks loose and people get killed in the most vicious ways that take humans to a very low level. You wonder if in these places, people just wait for an opportunity to demonstrate the thin line between Homo sapiens and lower animals. That was on Wednesday, then, on Thursday came the front page of Kaieteur News. I thank the paper for resisting criticism for publishing these photos no matter how gruesome they are. They tell Guyanese what is taking
place in their country. The animal behaviour in our society must not be hidden from the society. Mr. ‘Kit’ Nascimento and Mrs. Gem MadhooNascimento remarked in 2011 that the constant reporting on crime was damaging the tourist industry. Then, President Jagdeo and Ministers of Government warned the society that too much crime news on the front page hurts Guyana. They are still in that lamentation mood (see my replies – Sep 2, 2009, “Crime, Bad Governance and Guyana’s Image” and Jan 24, 2011, “Tourism, Crime and Journalism.”) It its Thursday edition, KN has a front page image of a naked man, pulverized to death by some residents in
Sophia. They tied him up, placed wood around him and were ready to burn him. What was his crime? He was accused of being a barefaced thief who preyed on the neighbourhood. Of course it irritates you when you wake up and see that your battery in the car is gone. Then next week’s it is the neighbour’s television. But does any neighbourhood thief deserve to die like that? This was a human being who, no matter how recidivist he had been, might have had a redemptive capacity. This was a human being, period! He should not have been put to death like that. This macabre expression of animal anger is happening too often in Guyana. Let us be realistic, a rapist will get beaten, a driver who killed a child on the road will get seriously mauled, but should a neighbourhood thief be so brutally put to death by a vigilante gang? The answer is no. No matter how hardened you are, that image in KN yesterday has to move you. We cannot accept this kind of animal behaviour in the 21st century. We should not.
The police will have a hard time to gather evidence. The gang members will not talk. Villagers will be scared to speak, and those willing may be threatened by the perpetrators. One has the uneasy feeling that this death that marks a terrible low in Guyanese civilization may go un-prosecuted. One suggestion is for the police and civil society to put up a reward for those willing to come forward. This columnist says most shamelessly, I cannot afford it from my budget but I will make the sacrifice and immediately contribute $10,000 to the reward. I call upon every decent Guyanese to chip in so we can have a handsome sum and we can put these people behind bars. Am I optimistic? I am not. There have been at least four similar killings the past five years with one being carried out last year in the district south of Cemetery Road. The sister of the murdered man told the press that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Apparently, the burglar was noticed and he ran. This was at 2 a.m. At the same time, the man
was seen riding his bike in the area. He was hauled off of it and beaten to death. The most vicious incident was this one in Sophia. They tied him to a utility pole and were ready to burn him. Maybe he was still alive. I would suggest that all political parties, religious groups and human rights organizations go into Sophia and urge decent citizens to expose these killers. No one deserves to die like that for simple neighbourhod “thiefing.” This country has crossed the line that separates the world of barbarism and civilization. People are eating fish and drinking beer at a restaurant
Frederick Kissoon in my district of Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust. A robbery with a gun takes place in full view of the patrons. A shot victim slumps to the ground and the revelers get on with their fish and beer. In the village of Success, a man’s throat is slashed, he lies dying and the beer and rum drinkers watch and continue to imbibe. God made strange creatures named Guyanese.
Dem boys seh...
Barbie get another contract Guyana buying plenty TB drugs and dem boys ain’t got to worry about who getting de contract. Dem didn’t know that dem had so much TB in Guyana, but like is everybody got, suh dem buying more than $30 million. When de Lunch Man mek de announcement dem boys start to wonder if between the HIV drugs and de TB drugs if somebody ain’t scamming more money to mek up fuh wha get cut from de budget. Was a time when de Ministry of Health boost up de number of people who got HIV and AIDS. This mek de country look bad, but it also mek dem big countries send in money. That was de whole idea fuh pushing up de figure. When dem get ketch, dem claim how was poor checking. Now dem hustling wid de TB drugs. De specialists seh that TB is an opportunistic infection and it now coming from HIV and AIDS. Dem boys seh that dem coming to de belief that Barbie wishing if de whole country get TB, because he gun get more rich. Is de same thing wid some of dem road contract. People getting contract fuh do wuk and dem can hardly hold a spade. When dem mess up de wuk, de government does announce how it gun mek de contractor pay. This time de contractor done pay—but it pay people who collecting perks fuh pass on to dem big ones. That is why Khemraj and all of dem asking fuh specifics fuh contracts before dem approve money. Dem see so much cockishness that dem don’t know what is genuine or what is de funnel fuh tek de money out of de treasury. And dem boys still want to know who is de local people who invest in de Marriott. De hotel gone a far way and de people still don’t know who got money inside. De government was smart. It didn’t go to parliament fuh money out of de budget. Some things still remain a secret. Talk half and wait fuh see wha more drugs dem buying.
Friday May 10, 2013
Kaieteur News
Distribution of cable, radio licenses shows government’s ineptitude By Latoya Giles - Freddie Kissoon Veteran columnist and social activist Freddie Kissoon says that the People’s Progressive Party has “reached a point where they think that they are invincible”. Kissoon made the statement recently while commenting on the selective distribution of the cable and radio licenses by former President, Bharrat Jagdeo. According to Kissoon, the party began to operate in this manner ever since Jagdeo was elected to office. Kissoon said that the present administration has treated laws, morality, and the ethical foundation of Guyana as if they are toys in their hands. Further Kissoon said that no one has truly analyzed or even debated the implication of the e-governance cable. According to the columnist, with the cable being in operation, it would allow persons to tamper with any website in Guyana. “They can now interfere with programmes,” Kissoon stressed. He explained that if someone has registered their website in New York, and once the cable is operational, the government can block Twitter, Facebook and numerous other social media websites. Kissoon noted that the move by the government truly makes it “one of the most inept governments in the Caribbean, and probably the worst outside Latin America”. The issue of limited spectrum has also been a cause of much concern in Guyana after former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, used his executive powers to grant to several persons, including his party’s newspaper, The Mirror, five frequencies to broadcast countrywide. This happened
days before Jagdeo’s Presidential term was due to end in November 2011 when General Elections were held. The move has widely been seen as carefully planned by Jadgeo and the ruling party to control the airwaves of Guyana. Jagdeo also granted five radio frequencies to his personal friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop and another five to Omkar Lochan, Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources Ministry whose Minister, Robert Persaud, happens to be the nephew-in-law of Jagdeo. The former President did not stop there. He also granted two cable licenses to close associates–Brian Yong and Vishok Persaud. Persaud is the son of the late former Government Parliamentarian and Agriculture Minister, Reepu Persaud, while Yong was a candidate for the ruling party during the 2011 elections. Reportedly, the 2.5 Gigahertz band granted to Persaud and Yong is capable of offering other services, including catering to smartphones and the popular tablet computers. Radio and telephone services could also be offered using this band. There have been several protests by local media houses which had
applications in for radio licenses but were inexplicably sidelined when Jagdeo made his decision. There are indications that no procedures were followed and that the former President merely used his executive powers, knowing he had days left in office. The Donald Ramotar administration, hard pressed to recall the licences, has defended Jagdeo, saying he did nothing wrong. The administration was silent on accusations that one businessman – Maxwell Thom- was granted a licence although he was facing financial problems in 2011. One of the criteria was for the applicant to show that he/ she has the finances. Both Kaieteur News and Stabroek News, two independent newspapers, were sidelined by Jagdeo. They and others are now being asked to submit fresh applications. Radio and television licenses have been a sore issue between the Opposition and Government with an agreement brokered in early 2000 for no new ones until reforms in the broadcasting legislation. This was passed in the National Assembly during 2011. Jagdeo did not wait on the mandated Broadcast Authority to handle the licencing, despite the new law.
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Govt. reaffirms flag carrier status for CAL - Move cements direct flights on North American routes
Two days after US-based Delta Airlines pulled out, Government yesterday reaffirmed that it has granted Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) flag carrier status. The first announcement was made last December. Yesterday Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said that the recommendation was made by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. The administration, late
last year, announced it was moving to have the Trinidad & Tobago-owned airline accorded the status which essentially allows it to fly international routes allowed to Guyana. A government statement on December 7, headlined “Guyana accords flag carrier status to Caribbean Airlines”, said that based “on instructions from President Donald Ramotar and the
Cabinet, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn accorded flag carrier status to Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL).” “I’ve been instructed by the President to accord to Caribbean Airlines flag carrier status for all areas flying out of Guyana; this will give Caribbean Airlines the opportunity to use Guyana as a base and to make more (Continued on page 13)
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 10, 2013
No suitable candidate yet for Town Clerk position By Zena Henry An interview panel, including Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Patricia ChaseGreen, turned down six applications for the position of Town Clerk on Tuesday last, as none of those vying for the post had satisfied the necessary requirements and/ or criteria. This means, according to the advice of the Local Government Minister, that the Town Clerk (acting) Carol Sooba will have to continue in her current position since the Council is unable to attain a suitable replacement. This, however, is not sitting well with Mayor Hamilton Green, who from last week has been playing an active role to ensure the removal of the Town Clerk (ag) because of what he indicated was “…insubordination, due to her refusal to carry out orders given and blatant disrespect”. The Mayor told the media yesterday that he has sent
another letter to Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud to address the issue pertaining to the Town Clerk’s replacement. He said what was gathered from last week’s meeting with the Local Government Minister is that the Council should bear with Sooba until a suitable replacement has been located. This is despite numerous calls from stakeholders to have the Town Clerk removed based on allegations that she is deliberately trying to stall the work of the Council. Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green however said yesterday that last Tuesday’s interview for the Town Clerk position was not held, since none of the applicants possessed the requisite qualifications. She pointed out that the interview panel took a decision that they were not going to entertain the applications and invoke, “a false sense of hope” in the
City Mayor, Hamilton Green
Acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba
applicants; knowing very well that they could not fill the position. Chase-Green said that seven persons applied, including the acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba. One of the applicants - the most qualified with a Master’s degree -was no longer interested as he found employment elsewhere. Another she said was over the age limit which is 55, while the others were between the ages of 41 to 52. Of the least qualified was Sooba, the Deputy Mayor informed. The basic requirements, she continued, were possessed by none of the applicants. She related that the panel could not comprehend the reason for the Ministry sending the applications knowing that the persons did not possess the
relevant documentation. For that reason, the list of names was sent back to the Ministry for short listing. Those who seemed most relevant, Chase-Green said, would be accepted and the interview process would have to restart. Applicants for the Town Clerk position must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, public administration, economics, business management or law, among other disciplines. The applicants also need a Master’s Degree in any of the mentioned disciplines, knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework in which the municipality functions, a minimum of 10 years experience of which five had to be in a senior management capacity, among other requirements. The applicant would also
have to fulfill the functions of the position which include carrying out the orders of the Council. The Mayor and the majority of M&CC’s Councillors are seeking to remove Sooba citing their inability to work with the Town Clerk (ag). The Council has constantly been making complaints against Sooba; about her alleged reluctance to carry out Council business. Sooba has on the other hand blamed the Council for the woes of the city and has cited the incapability of the Councillors to function within, “the posts that they are being paid for.” Since the appointment of the Acting Town Clerk by the Local Government Minister in June of last year, there has been disapproval, as it has been seen as an imposition on the City Council. Vendors and other concerned persons picketed the office of the Minister of Local Go v e r n m e n t l a s t Thursday to firmly express their disapproval with Sooba. They called on the Ministry to remove her or vowed to picket every day until she is relieved of the position. The protest, it was revealed, came about after a “rude and disrespectful” memo was sent to Mayor Green. The Mayor said he had requested the Town Clerk to set a meeting
concerning vending on the streets and the restoration of Georgetown which is in k e e p i ng with a motion passed in the National Assembly. Sooba, he said, refused to set the meeting and told the Mayor that he should stop interfering with the work of the Town Clerk, knowing that he and his Councillors had caused the deterioration of the city. Kaieteur News was told that this memo was sent to the vendors since they were to play an integral role in the restoration programme. The vendors in turn decided to protest City Hall where the Town Clerk’s office is located, before taking the picketing exercise to the Local Government offices. Prior to picketing, Mayor Green said Sooba was given one week to withdraw her memo and to apologize, but had not done so. He said it was also the order of the Local Government Minister that Sooba should withdraw her memo and apologize, calling her action insubordination. Green said when the Minister was finally reached, he assure d t h a t t h e interview process for the post would have been held as soon as possible. Green said that now that no one has been able to fill the position, they are not willing to go on with Sooba in place. “I hope we do not have to take to the streets again and protest,” Green said.
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Govt. reaffirms flag... Two perish in separate accidents
The car which was involved in the accident at Madewini.
Two men perished in separate accident on Wednesday last, one on the Timehri Public Road and the other at Huntley, Mahaicony. According to reports Albert Yarris, 58, was pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre at about 17:00 hours on Wednesday after he was struck down by a speeding car. Marika Yarris, one of the man’s daughters, told this publication that she last saw her father alive on Tuesday morning after he returned home from work. Ms. Yarris said on Wednesday she knew he was working overtime, but she nevertheless waited up for him. However the man who is an ex-police Sergeant never came home at the time he was expected. Ms. Yarris said she eventually retired to bed and at about 02:00 hours she was awakened. “I heard noise over in the
neighbour yard and someone saying is over there he live, so I go outside”. Ms. Yarris said when she went outside she saw a trembling woman who related to her that her father was involved in an accident and did not survive. Hoping what she was told was not true, Ms. Yarris said she and her younger sister went to the hospital where their worst fears were confirmed. She then visited the Madewini Outpost where she was told that her father was heading home on his motorcycle and was struck down by a car. The young woman said she immediately made contact with her mother who is holidaying in Trinidad and broke the news to her. Kaieteur News was told that the driver of the car has been detained and is assisting with investigations. Meanwhile, the police in a report stated that at about
Dead: Albert Yarris 23:45 hours on Wednesday, a motor vehicle is reported to have run over the body of carpenter Ganesh Seepersaud, 48 years, of Huntley, Mahaicony. The police said the man was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and lying on the roadway. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahaicony Hospital. Investigations are in progress.
(From page 11) efficient their logistics with respect to their operations and to make that more efficient and economical; and we want to see success in their operations,” Benn said The proclamation was made when the airline launched its inaugural nonstop flight from Guyana to Canada in December. Two months later, during a press conference in February at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to speak on Delta’s announced pullout, Minister Benn stated that CAL was “not granted flag carrier status as yet”. Disclosing the CAL decision yesterday, Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, while not addressing the timing, said the move by government will allow the Trinidad airline to fly directly between New York and Georgetown and the Toronto, Canada route. Guyana’s decision regarding CAL will now be communicated to aviation authorities in the US and Canada, the official said in his weekly press conference at the Office of the President yesterday. On Monday, after almost five years flying the critical New York/Georgetown route, Delta pulled out of Guyana citing a lack of profit. The decision to end its flights in early May was announced by that airline in February. Guyana is badly in need of airlines to fly
especially the New York and Toronto routes with large portions of the Diaspora residing in those North American cities and the continent as a whole. However, over the years, passengers have been plagued by high fares as one after another, the airlines and charters folded. Even Guyana’s national airline, Guyana Airways went under. Last year, low cost charters, Redjet and EZjet, both fell from the skies also from financial problems leaving passengers stranded. CAL has been around for years now and was at one time known as BWIA or “ B e e We e ” . G o v e r n m e n t would be hoping that the decision to grant CAL the facility will help allay fears over airfares, especially with the presence of only one airline in Guyana. It would also hope CAL introduces more flights. Suriname Airways is planning to start New York flights from Guyana by midyear. Another airline, Fly Jamaica, a company part owned by Guyanese pilot
Ronald Reece, has also applied to government to fly the route. Yesterday, Luncheon said that applications for permission to fly are not “instantaneous” and there is no “prescribed time” for approvals. In the case of Fly Jamaica, the regulatory body, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), is in all likelihood still processing the application as these have not been brought to Cabinet of Ministers for approval.The government spokesman made it clear that the Cabinet is the ultimate authority in granting permission to airlines and once GCAA makes a recommendation, it is likely to be approved by government. Government has also signaled intentions to be careful in its checks over new airlines, ensuring that there is a mandatory cash deposit to cover refunds in the case of problems. Luncheon also made it clear that the demands are consistent with what is required for applications…be it local and foreign operators.
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Govt. shrugs off US criticisms over radio licencing …
Guyana is a sovereign state that makes its own decisions Government has shrugged off criticisms by the United States over the manner in which radio licenses were granted by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, yesterday insisting that Guyana is a sovereign state that has the right to make its own decisions. Government spokesman, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, also again defended Jagdeo’s decision to grant the 11 licences, saying the previous broadcast law gives the President, as the Minister of Information, the final say. “I stick with the law. The Postal and Telegraph Act confers on the President, the Minister of Information, the final say.” According to Luncheon, the new law – the Broadcast Act of 2011- was not in effect at the time when Jagdeo made his decision, days before he
Government spokesman Dr. Roger Luncheon
US Ambassador, D. Brent Hardt
ended his constitutional term in office and just before the November 2011 General Elections. The granting of the radio licenses has sparked tensions and protests not only because of the manner in which they were granted, but
also in whose hands they actually ended up. Government and the Opposition, back in the 2000s, had brokered a binding agreement not to issue any more licences for radio and television stations until new legislation was in place. The Jagdeo administration also agreed that an independent body would assess the applications and make recommendations. The new Broadcast Act of 2011 was passed in the National Assembly and assented to by Jagdeo in September 2011. The new laws mandated the establishment of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority. However, Jagdeo did not wait on the Broadcast Authority to be established. Legal observers said he was in breach when he took it upon himself to grant the 11 radio and two cable licenses. The details only came to
light when Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was forced to answer questions posed by the opposition. The disclosures sparked protests by several entities with local and international media bodies condemning the allocations. The Opposition has already said it is a dangerous situation during elections time with government totally controlling the airwaves with those allocations. SOVEREIGN STATE Asked yesterday whether recent call by US Ambassador, D. Brent Hardt, for a review of the applications was creating pressure for government, Luncheon was adamant of Guyana’s independence in making internal decisions. “Do you really believe a sovereign state, on an issue like this, would turn to one of its diplomatic partners to say, or readily say, your contributions have moved me from over in the east to over in the west? Those are decisions that we make. Those are decisions of the sovereign state. It is the same all over the world.” “And I am not offering… I am telling you that is behaviour that is the convention of sovereign states. They make the decisions.” He was also questioned about the complaints of the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA) that its press freedom is under threat because of recent budget cuts by the Opposition. It is the
same argument being used by media houses whose licences were not considered. “Kaieteur News never had a radio license and so they could jump high and low, all they could claim is that we are denied getting a radio license… and I am certain in every jurisdiction in the world where radio licenses are given, whether by sale, by gift, by friend, there will always be some who don’t get.” According to Luncheon, “there will always be a Kaieteur News sitting around in the country.” The spokesman argued that if the door is being opened to a “principled complaint” by those who are disappointed because they were not granted licences then “bannas we gon be complaining whole year, because I know the Kaieteur Newses of this world will continue to be denied”. He also said that in no part of the world is there that belief that an application, because of how long it has been filed, has to be granted or honoured. “Not in the real world.
Maybe where Glenn deh, but not in the real world where we live in.” Luncheon was referring to the Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, who highlighted the radio licenses issue with US representatives and at an international media forum that was held recently in Curaçao, a Dutch territory in the Caribbean. According to the US Ambassador during the observance last week of World Press Freedom Day, while new radio broadcasting licences are welcomed, the process by which such licences are issued must be fair and transparent. “Guyana created a reasonable foundation for such a process through its 2011 Broadcasting Legislation, which paved the way for the creation of a National Broadcast Authority. It is now time for the Authority to do its work — to promptly review and approve qualified applicants, including many long established media houses whose applications in various forms have been pending since the late 1990s.”
Dishonest female cop gets three years Police Corporal Sharon Logan was yesterday sentenced to three years imprisonment by Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. During her trial, Logan denied the allegations which stated that she demanded money in the sum of $10,000 from a man, along with another person, who decided that they no longer wished to proceed with a matter. Logan, of 638 Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara was stationed at the Kitty Police Station. Court documents stated that on June 25, at the aforementioned station, while being a public servant, Logan collected $10,000 from Rawle Timothy for her own personal gain, other than legal remuneration, so that the correct charge would not be recorded based on a report made by Timothy. Logan was found guilty and the sentence was handed down.
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“High Blood Pressure patient” Culture Ministry to remanded on ganja possession charge digitise national archives
“Your worship, I am begging you for another chance. Please, I am so sorry. I am begging you for bail. I am suffering from high blood pressure and I am asking for bail so that I can seek medical attention.” This was the plea from 46year-old Allan Scott when he appeared before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court to answer to the charge of possession of narcotics for
the purpose of trafficking. The charge states that on May 8, the carpenter who lives at 105 Second Street, Craig, had in his possession for the purpose of trafficking, 56 grams of cannabis and a separate parcel of 8 grams of cannabis. To both charges, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Though the facts of the case were not read in open court, Magistrate Lovell explained to the defendant that in this particular case,
bail would not be given unless the court is provided with special reasons. It was at that point, Alan Scott begged the court for mercy. To this, Magistrate Lovell said “While I sympathize with you, those are not special reasons. My hands are tied and you are here by remanded to prison.” Scott is expected to appear before the court on May 16 for the beginning of his trial.
Alleged robber refused bail Despite his remorseful appeals to the court, Kevin Maloney was remanded to prison for the charge of robbery which was read to him by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday. The particulars of the charge read that on May 8, within the vicinity of Georgetown, the defendant robbed Marissa Parris of one gold bracelet worth $80,000. Maloney pleaded not guilty with explanation. He explained to the court that he had known the woman for
some time and they were at the Big Market having a drink together. During that time, the woman’s bracelet slipped off her hands and he picked it up, only to return it to her, but she suddenly started shouting “thief” and accused him of robbing her. The prosecution rose at this point to refute the alleged false utterances of the defendant that were made in open court. Prosecutor Alexis David-Hossanah stated that the defendant does not know the virtual complainant. Secondly, police reports
stated that Parris was walking along the Bourda Market area and the Maloney followed her for some time until he finally snatched the bangle from her hand. She turned around, and they got into a scuffle as she tried to retrieve her property. Public spirited citizens then intervened and held onto the suspect. Maloney was then taken to the station, where he was charged with the said offence. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on May 16.
14-month sentence shocks shoplifter Due to his criminal history and the fact that he did not waste the court’s time, 54year-old Derrick Persaud, of 45 Stanleytown, Berbice, who appeared yesterday before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown M a g i strates’ court, was sentenced to 14 months for the charge of simple larceny. The prosecution revealed to the court that on May 8, the defendant was caught trying to steal two packets of Gillette Cool Wave gel worth $4,786 from Bounty Supermarket on Water Street. Before the defendant could
make good his escape, he was apprehended and taken to the police station where he was charged for the said offence. Persaud, who was previously sentenced for the possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking,
pleaded guilty to the present allegations. Persaud, who was obviously in a state of shock when the court served its judgment, exclaimed “What! Is wha’ story is this? 14 months just fuh shoplifting? I know is 6 months.”
Robin Singh (centre) demonstrates to Minister Anthony, and Permanent Secretary Alfred King, how the programme will work The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport is now moving towards making all information available in the national archives become technologically accessible. This was revealed during a launching ceremony held at the Walter Rodney Archives on Wednesday last. These documents will be digitised and microfilmed. Robin Singh of DEV InfoTech Simplified has been contracted by the Ministry to put the project together. During the launch, Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, and Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, were given a demonstration of how the online programme will work. And because the occasion of Indian Arrival was recently celebrated, the project will start off with information on Indian Indentured Labourers.
The Ministry, along with staffers of the National Archives, is hoping that the database project will put less strain on the already fragile records. Some of these hardcopy records have deteriorated over the years, despite being housed in suitable conditions. But, with the digital version, the information can be easily stored and put on back up files. It can also be easily duplicated. The employees of the National Archives anticipate that this move will assist with the space constraints for storage of these records. This project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Kaieteur News understands that the project which is being done in phases is being funded by UNESCO. This project is also being
done to assist historians in their work, especially in the case of old newspapers. It will include the National Archives, the Daily Chronicle from 1819 to current (while it carried the same name it was not the same newspaper for the whole of that period) along with the Evening Post 1958-1973, the Daily Argosy 1880-1889, Royal Gazette 1816-1889, The Creole 18561882, The Colonist 1851-1883 and the Guyana Graphic 19461970. The National Archives, which falls under the Culture Ministry, also houses many government records. While the national archive is somewhat like a library, it is mostly used by professional researchers, and those seeking to find information on their ancestors, particularly the Indian Immigrants.
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Impact of budget cuts...
Govt will have to pay millions in damages for affected projects - Nandlall As tempers continue to flare on the Government’s side over moves by the parliamentary opposition to slash more than $30 billion from the 2013 National Budget, particularly the $1.25 billion allocated to the Specialty Hospital, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandall, in his most recent deliberation on the state of affairs has insisted that the act can be described as a “mystery.” “On what basis a political party that seeks to present itself as an alternative Government can act in a manner to deny people of our country proper and competent modern health care? It is simply a mystery!” Nandlall said at a recent People’s Progressive Party Civic press conference.
Moreover, he noted that no amount of machinations with words can justify the moves by the parliamentary opposition to deny the people of Guyana the quality of medical care and attention that the Specialty Hospital was designed to bring. Leader of the Alliance for Change, Khemraj Ramjattan, in retaliatory mode to claims that he had engineered the cuts because of personal interest, insisted that the cuts were imposed because the contract for the construction of the facility was “badly awarded” to the Indian company, Surendra Engineering Corporation. But according to Nandlall, because of the budgetary cuts, the nation is now in a position where it is exposed to a tremendous
amount of legal liability. This, he said, is due to the fact that “we have contracts now that we cannot discharge our obligations under. These contracts carry with them serious punitive sanctions for their breach.” Turning his attention to cuts to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project, Nandlall disclosed that this project carries liquidated damages to the tune of some US$110, 000 per day which translates to approximately G$22 million if the Government is for any reason unable to discharge its obligation. “Every 10 days it is $200 million...who will pay for this, if not the Guyanese people’s taxpaying dollars?” Nandlall asked. “Instead of investing in
other projects that can benefit our country, we now have to pay damages to external organisations...that is the jeopardy to which the opposition has exposed us,” the Legal Affairs Minister stressed. He also mused over the issuance of a statement by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which according to him, seemed to suggest that it was forced to act in the way it did - that is, to slash sections of the $208.8 billion 2013 National Budget because it owed a duty to the people of the nation. “Can you believe that a major opposition party in this country is telling the people of this country that they have a duty to deny them health care, they have a duty to deny them cheap and affordable
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandall and reliable electricity rates and sources of electricity, they have a duty to deny them lower airfares, that they have duty to expose them to the hazards of travels in the interior, because they have cut all the budgetary
allocations to improve the safety of the airstrips in the interior,” Nandlall said. He noted too that it is because of the unmitigated condemnation that “they have received from every level of the society they have been blocked into a corner and are now coming up with one puerile, infantile and ingenious explanation in their efforts to try to justify what they have done in the National Assembly.” Nandlall pointed to his belief that an alternative government in any democracy ought to present an alternative plan to the Government if it disagrees with the Government’s plan for the development of the country. “What alternative plan has this opposition presented – none...what they have done is to reduce our budget by 15 per cent. Is that a plan to develop this country?”
National minimum wage set at $35,000 monthly - To come into effect July 1 Full-time workers outside the Public Sector would not be paid no less than $35,000 monthly, $8,000 weekly, or $200 (US$1) per hour, thanks to the new national minimum wage that will be implemented from July 1. This announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon during his post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday. According to Dr. Luncheon, “The new national
minimum wage does indeed take into consideration other provisions some statutory… perilously close to statutory. They have been in existence and so hallowed for so long they almost become statute.” Dr. Luncheon explained that pump attendants and barmen may not be considered permanent employees. They would not benefit from the new national minimum wage. Those part-time employees would benefit from other annual increases governed by other statutes and initiated by the Labour Minister. The new national minimum wage was agreed upon by Government, Labour and the private sector, he added. According to Luncheon, Cabinet noted that since 1977 when the Public Service minimum wage was promulgated the country did not have a national minimum wage. The Public Service minimum wage exceeds this new national minimum wage.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Sparendaam plane crash…
Aircraft’s insurance does not cover South American territories - GCAA -Operator was advised to take out third party risk - Aircraft Owners’ Association wants to meet with Ramotar By Keeran Danny Insurance for the American-registered aircraft that crashed into a Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara house on April 13, did not include coverage for its operations in South America. Since, Guyana is a South American territory, the operator was advised to be insured against third party risk, and the liability issues resulting from the aircraft crash are viewed as transferring to the charterer of the aircraft. This is according to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in a press release yesterday. According to the press statement, “Approval was given to Digital World Mapping to operate the specific aircraft to conduct a LiDar Survey for the Amaila Hydropower Project. In that approval the operator was advised that the aircraft must be insured against third party risk. Detailed examination, based on information provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the USA has revealed that the insurance coverage for the aircraft did not include coverage for operations in South America. As a consequence the liability issues resulting from the aircraft crash are viewed as devolving to the charterer of the aircraft.” However, the regulatory
agency did not definitively say whether the aircraft operator acted on the advice and insured the aircraft against third party risk. In fact, Paula Mc Adam, GCAA’s Director of Aviation Safety Regulation, 10 days after the crash, had said that GCAA was unable to ascertain the name of the insurance company. And, normally whenever there are incidents of this type, insurance companies “are usually quick on the scene”. According to a source, GCAA’s Air Transport Management Department did not verify if the aircraftowned and piloted by Pierre Angiel of Angiel EnviroSafe, Inc. - was insured and had requested assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration to help in locating the insurance company. On April 13, the twinengine Piper Aztec, with registration N27-FT, crashed into Florence Tyndall’s house and also burnt a section of her neighbour Michelle Belle’s house. Tyndall escaped unharmed but Angiel and his passenger Canadian Scientist Nick Dmitriev perished. It was due to the mishap that some senior officials and the Aviation Safety Regulation Department of the GCAA became aware that the aircraft was operating in Guyana’s airspace, a source said. According to the source, the Air Transport Management Department
also did not inform the Aviation Safety Regulation Department that the aircraft was operating in Guyana. Without denying that its Aviation Safety Regulation Department was not informed about the aircraft, GCAA said, “Among the duties of the Aviation Safety Regulation Directorate is the requirement to carry out ramp inspections of aircraft operating in Guyana. The ramp inspection entails inspection of the aircraft records and a walk around of the aircraft to ascertain that there are no obvious defects on its exposed surfaces, both external and internal. There is no requirement for the Authority to carry out an in-depth examination of any foreign registered aircraft unless there is suspicion or knowledge that there may be problems with the aircraft. As a signatory of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Chicago Convention, Guyana is obliged to accept the documentation provided by another signatory country regarding the airworthiness status of that country’s aircraft.” According to a source, had the Aviation Safety Regulation Department been knowledgeable of the aircraft, one of the records that would have been examined is the logbook. This would have disclosed the date of the aircraft’s last inspection. But,
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon what was written in the logbook remains a mystery, because it was destroyed in the crash. GCAA said that it was never made aware that this particular aircraft had any problems prior to the date of the crash. But it remains a mystery as to how the GCAA could have been aware that the aircraft had problems if no inspection was carried out. “If concerns were raised with the Authority, action would have been taken to ensure that the problems were rectified before it was allowed to continue operating in our airspace. Failing this, then the Authority would have been in gross dereliction of duty.” In defending the absence of the ramp inspection the GCAA said that “even if a ramp inspection had been conducted it would not have revealed the defects that were subsequently revealed when the aircraft started to fly in Guyana.” The regulatory body said
Director General of GCAA, Zulficar Mohamed
President Donald Ramotar
that prior to conducting interviews it was gathering information, during which it took some time to determine who the eyewitnesses were and who would be other persons of interest who could provide information that would contribute to the accident investigation. Mr. Charles Hutson was one of the first witnesses interviewed in relation to the aircraft crash. His interview provided valuable insight into the aircraft operation and the pilot, as he was one of the few persons who had had a conversation with the pilot. Hutson during an interview with this publication said that the plane, like many aircraft, after a number of years, had some defects. He said that Angiel had mentioned two defects to him. Hutson said that Angiel was concerned that the light of the undercarriage lock of the aircraft was not working. As such, Angiel was unable to determine when the undercarriage was locked or open. In addition, the auto pilot electrical system socket was ‘popping’, interfering with the circuit breaker. And importantly, Hutson confirmed earlier reports in this publication that two days prior to the crash, the right engine of the aircraft ‘popped’ when it took off from Ogle Airport. 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 whether 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 FAA-
registered aircraft. This incident has raised concerns among members of the local Aircraft Owners Association who have written to President Donald Ramotar. The Association is worried that the aircraft entered Guyana without proper due diligence being carried out by the GCAA. The letter pointed out that GCAA should not be the body conducting the investigations since they are the subject of investigation. And the regulations provide for the President to direct the investigations. Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon during his post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday at the Office of the President said that Government has been in receipt of many letters making similar observations and they would be attended to. Dr. Luncheon indicated that the letter from the Association may incite an engagement with the President. “And, let us wait to see what happens. Let’s not jump the gun and pull out an investigation from out of our back pockets as the next step in trying to get some clarity in what transpired with the approval mechanism for this ill-fated aircraft,” Dr. Luncheon added. He said that Cabinet makes the final decision whether an aircraft international or domestic operates in Guyana. “When the regulatory body, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, makes a recommendation it is almost always to go ahead and to approve and endorse the grant of the licences. If GCAA is not supportive it never comes to Cabinet, it dies right there in the regulatory body,” Dr. Luncheon said.
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U.S. -EU pact will be trade IMF: Egypt’s financial ‘game changer’ - EU envoy situation deteriorating (Reuters) - European Union officials yesterday touted the huge economic potential of a proposed free trade pact with the United States even as they poked fun at its cumbersome name, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. “We’ve launched this strange animal called TTIP (‘tee tip’),” EU Ambassador to the United States João Vale de Almeida said at a reception to mark Europe Day. “This is a game-changer. As I like to say, this is the mother of all free trade areas.” The two sides are expected to begin talks on the pact in July and hope to finish in one to two years. If successful, the final agreement would cover half the world’s economic output and about a third of global trade. The proposed pact “sends a strong signal ... that despite our economic challenges (in the EU and United States), we are all open for business and trade,” EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton told the group. “I was recently in China.
Catherine Ashton (They) were very, very interested in what this meant, not just for us, but also for them,” she said, in an apparent reference to Chinese concerns the agreement could adversely affect their exports. The United States is already negotiating another free trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Partnership with 11 countries in the Asia Pacific region, so there is symmetry in the moniker for the proposed U.S.-EU pact. But Ashton still said it was “bizarrely named ... I call it a free trade agreement. I can’t get my head around
TTIP.” Whatever it is called, negotiations are expected to be tough, with EU lawmakers already backing French demands to exempt cultural and audiovisual services, which would be a big disappointment for U.S. film and television companies. Members of the U.S. Congress also want the pact to tackle long-time barriers to U.S. farm products, potentially requiring many European countries to overcome their aversion to importing U.S. genetically modified crops. It will be “a long difficult process of negotiations. We have of course the best negotiators on the European side. But we respect a lot the American negotiators,” Vale de Almeida said to laughter from the crowd. Last week, President Barack Obama nominated Mike Froman to be the next U.S. Trade Representative, effectively charging his longtime friend and chief international economic affairs adviser with the task of completing the U.S.-EU deal.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The International Monetary Fund said yesterday that Egypt’s financial situation is deteriorating and the lending agency won’t move ahead with a $4.8 billion loan until receiving updated economic information and reform plans from President Mohammed Morsi’s government. Negotiations have dragged on for more than a year for the crucial funding, which is expected to usher in unpopular austerity measures. But by building confidence, the money could open the door for more loans and investment. IMF spokesman Gerry Rice told reporters that the agency was working with Egypt to ensure that the loan package would successfully address “rising fiscal and balance of payment imbalances” and lead to broad economic growth. Strains in Egypt’s economy include a widening budget deficit and shrinking foreign currency reserves. The 2011 uprising that toppled Egypt’s longtime autocratic ruler, Hosni Mubarak, dealt a blow to foreign investment and tourism, a main revenue source. Neither has recovered, with investors and tourists still scared away by unrest and political turmoil. Egypt’s budget deficit has surpassed 10 percent of
Mohammed Morsi gross domestic product. The finance minister has said the draft spending plan for the budget year beginning in July projects a deficit of $28.5 billion, which is about $1.7 billion more than this year. With revenues down, the government is burning through its foreign currency reserves, which have fallen to just $14.4 billion, less than half of pre-uprising levels. Much of the foreign reserves have gone to propping up the value of the local currency and importing fuel and wheat for the country’s subsidy system. Egypt’s poor rely on the subsidies for cheap fuel and food, but the assistance sucks up large portions of the budget.
The IMF loan has been delayed by months of negotiations over how Egypt will reduce the huge subsidies. The harsh austerity measures lack broad political and social consensus in the highly polarized country where nearly half of more than 85 million people live near or below the poverty line of $2 a day. One of the difficulties in pinning down the loan package has been the flux in economic conditions amid political turmoil over the drawn-out period of discussions. Rice said the IMF has not discussed or scheduled any future mission to Egypt as discussions have to take into account evolving economic conditions and the agency needs new economic data and the government’s reform plans. He also alluded to the political upheaval that has roiled Egypt, saying there needs to be broad consensus surrounding reforms the IMF deems critical. “We stand ready to support a homegrown program that addresses the economic and financial challenges that Egypt is facing, that is socially balanced and has broad ownership so that it can restore confidence,” Rice said. Egypt’s Islamist
Canada says loosening austerity a mistake, wary of bubbles LONDON (Reuters) - Big countries’ weakening resolve to cut debt is a mistake, and surplus capital coursing through the world economy risks inflating asset bubbles and causing fresh turmoil, Canada’s finance minister said yesterday. Jim Flaherty, in Britain to attend a two-day meeting of G7 finance ministers, told Reuters that although it was possible to reduce national debt and foster growth, it was the former which was indispensable. “I think the resolve has weakened and I think it’s mistaken. We need to press for fiscal consolidation in the medium-term, to have a plan to get our debt/GDP ratios going down rather than up, and at the same time to have some incentives for economic growth,” the veteran finance minister said in an interview. “I would like to achieve a consensus that we need to do both ... fiscal consolidation and economic growth,” he
said of the Friday and Saturday meeting of finance ministers from the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy, France and Canada. Flaherty’s assessment chimes with that of Britain and Germany, which is cautious about calls within the euro zone to ease up on debtcutting. “(In 2007) there was too much capital sloshing around the world. We all agreed on that as finance ministers. Today we have too much capital sloshing around the world, so one always worries about bubbles,” the 63-yearold said. “All the more reason for all of us to make sure that we have sound fiscal policies and are moving in the mediumterm to reduce our debt/GDP ratios.” Flaherty said he did not know where asset bubbles might be building, saying that in Canada he had already taken steps to tighten up the
Jim Flaherty housing market. “We are seeing moderation in the Canadian housing market. We did not have a bubble, but we had the beginnings of the indications of a bubble.” Flaherty said the summit marked a welcome return to an informal chat without a communiqué where frank views could be exchanged. He expected to discuss the
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Immigration bill passes first early test in Senate WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - In the first legislative test for the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan immigration bill, the Judiciary Committee rejected a Republican attempt to significantly delay the legalization process for 11 million undocumented immigrants, a central focus of the bill. Only the two Republican co-authors of the bill, Senators Jeff Flake of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, voted with the panel’s Democrats to defeat the Republican plan on a 12-6 vote. The vote, which was not a surprise, came in the first hours of the first day of what is expected to be a weeks-long effort to agree on a comprehensive immigration bill that would be sent to the full Senate. The committee’s 10 Democrats and eight Republicans were prepared to argue over as many as 300 amendments to the overhaul of U.S. immigration laws
crafted by the bipartisan “Gang of 8” senators. Some of the proposed amendments are designed to appeal to the Democratic majority as ways to improve the measure, while others are seen as ways to possibly kill it. Four of the senators who crafted the complex measure are on the committee, and these two Democrats and two Republicans have agreed to jointly oppose any amendment seen as a “poison pill.” The day began with a warning from the panel’s top Republican that he would make the process as long and “arduous” as possible. “I plan to ask many questions throughout this process,” Iowa Senator Charles Grassley warned. “I want to know how the bill doesn’t repeat the mistakes of the past.” Grassley, in a statement, promised an “arduous” and “robust” debate. Grassley followed up with an amendment to require that
the Obama administration achieve full control against illegal immigration of every part of the U.S. border before any of the undocumented people currently in the United States could be considered for legal status. As currently written, the legislation would begin the legalization process almost immediately after enactment, while the administration simultaneously begins a new border security program. “This amendment would set a standard that would basically delay probably forever” the legalization of the 11 million, argued Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York, one of the Gang of 8. This early test vote will not end what is expected to be a tense argument over the next several weeks over whether the southwestern U.S. border is adequately secured and whether illegal immigrants, many with deep roots in the United States, should be rewarded with a pathway to citizenship. The kick-off of Senate
North Korea: Detained American smuggled in propaganda
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea delivered its most in-depth account yet of the case against a KoreanAmerican sentenced to 15 years’ hard labor, accusing him late yesterday of smuggling in inflammatory literature and trying to establish a base for antiPyongyang activities at a border city hotel. Still, the long list of allegations included no statement from Kenneth Bae, other than claims that he confessed and didn’t want an attorney present during his sentencing last week for what Pyongyang called hostile acts against the state. Since the sentencing came during a period of tentative diplomatic moves following weeks of high tension and North Korean threats of nuclear and missile strikes on Washington and Seoul, outside analysts have said Pyongyang may be using Bae as bait to win diplomatic concessions in the standoff over its nuclear weapons program. North Korea repeated its denial of such speculation in the new statement, but the pattern has occurred repeatedly. The North’s state media described the statement from an unidentified Supreme Court spokesman as a response to U.S. government and media assertions that the legal case against Bae was unreasonable and other
claims “that he was not tried in a transparent manner and (the North) was trying to use this issue as a political bargaining chip.” The spokesman said Bae, 44, could’ve faced death but the court reduced the penalty because he confessed. He was arrested in North Korea in November. Bae, a Washington state resident described by friends as a devout Christian and a tour operator, is at least the sixth American detained in North Korea since 2009. The others eventually were deported or released without serving out their terms, some after trips to Pyongyang by prominent Americans, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. There has been no sign yet of a high-profile American envoy set to make a clemency mission to North Korea, which has only recently eased a near-daily, weekslong torrent of threats that followed greater U.N. sanctions over Pyongyang’s February nuclear test. The North’s statement said Bae gave antiPyongyang lectures in China and “infiltrated” about 250 students into the city of Rason, a special economic zone in North Korea’s far northeastern region bordering China and Russia. It didn’t elaborate on the students’ activities, however. Young leader Kim Jong Un has the power to grant
special pardons under the North’s constitution. Earlier this week, former NBA star Dennis Rodman attempted to use his friendship with Kim on Bae’s behalf, asking the leader to “do me a solid” and release the American. Rodman visited North Korea in February and apparently hit it off with Kim, a die-hard basketball fan. Pyongyang hasn’t responded to Rodman’s appeal on Twitter. Rodman said after his trip to North Korea that he planned to return in August to vacation with Kim.
Judiciary Committee debate on the bill came as a new Pew Research Center poll found that 75 percent of Americans believe that immigration policy needs major changes and 73 percent say there should be a way for illegal immigrants to stay in the United States. But less than half, 44 percent, said they favored allowing undocumented residents to apply for citizenship. The opening day of the debate reflected both the deep divisions and high hopes surrounding a measure that would put 11 million illegal residents on a path to citizenship and totally revamp the criteria for who gets into the United States and for what purpose. Before the session began, a group of spectators with the words “Campaign for Citizenship” emblazoned across their white T-shirts stood in a circle in the hearing room, their hands raised above their heads, for a silent
prayer. The Rev. Alvin Herring of Washington, D.C., told Reuters: “It’s going to take prayer and it’s going to take us acting on our prayers” in order to get immigration legislation enacted. Despite those prayers, senators quickly got into some heated exchanges. Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, a vigorous opponent of the bill, contended it would bring 30 million new immigrants into the United States over the next 10 years, costing Americans jobs and hurting the U.S. economy. Schumer rejected that claim and invoking a phrase that haunted Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney last year, asked, “Do you believe they should all be self-deported?” Romney had suggested that life for the 11 million should be made so uncomfortable that they would simply “self-deport.”
The stance was seen contributing to Hispanic voters’ overwhelming rejection of Republican candidates in 2012 elections. At another stage in the debate, Graham caused a stir in the room when he said that immigrants cross the southwestern border with Mexico because they “live in hell holes and they want to live here.”
(Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron took on eurosceptic critics in his own party yesterday, saying he was able to negotiate a better deal with Brussels and it was wrong to say Britain should leave the European Union. He described as pessimists those who argue Britain should leave the bloc and say there is no prospect of reforming the EU. “I think they are wrong ... I think it is possible to change and reform this organisation,” Cameron told an investment conference. Cameron came under renewed pressure from within his Conservative party this
week when former Chancellor Nigel Lawson said a plan to renegotiate Britain’s commitments to the EU, before an expected membership referendum in 2017, was doomed to fail and the country should leave the bloc. London mayor Boris Johnson, speaking at the same conference, said the party should rally around Cameron and his plan. But Johnson, who is believed to harbour ambitions to succeed Cameron as leader of the Conservative party, also said Britain should be ready to “walk away” from the EU if it fails in its renegotiation bid.
“This is not for Britain the existential question it was ... when we joined at the height of the Cold War,” he said. “We now live in a globalised economy where the real growth markets are to be found outside the European Union.” Membership of the EU has been a divisive issue for the Conservatives for decades and Cameron hopes the referendum will settle it once and for all. It depends not only on securing more favourable EU membership terms but also on the Conservatives forming Britain’s next government after elections in 2015.
Jeff Flake
Cameron says Britain can change EU, dismisses sceptics
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UNC leader hints at expelling Warner PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Leader of the ruling United National Congress (UNC), Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has hinted that her embattled former national security minister Austin “Jack” Warner could be expelled from the party if he decides to contest an upcoming by-election as an independent candidate. But in an almost immediate response, Warner, who said he has been a UNC member for the past 15 years, has said he would keep his options open, if he is not chosen as the candidate of the party in the Chaguanas West constituency. “As a member of the UNC, I will go for screening; if I am not successful, I will keep my options open,” he told reporters. Prime Minister Persad Bissessar told reporters that while no candidate has been decided, “ I repeat, the party is open for nominations; after the nominations, the process will be the screening process that will take place and then a
candidate will be decided. “No candidate has been approached. I have not spoken to any person to be or not to be a candidate. There are persons who have expressed interest; I have received a few text messages, e-mails, but it is for the party process at party headquarters,” she added. Warner, 70, a former international football executive last Sunday launched his bid for reelection to the Trinidad and Tobago parliament after resigning his ministerial post as well as the UNC chairmanship in the wake of a damning report by the Confederation of Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) that was released in Panama last month. The report by the CONCACAF Integrity Committee, headed by former Barbados Chief Justice Sir David Simmons, slammed as “fraudulent in their management” the conduct of
Austin “Jack” Warner the soccer confederation’s affairs by Warner, who headed the body for 20 years, and American Chuck Blazer, who served as general secretary. Neither Warner nor Blazer cooperated with the investigation. Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said the party’s constitution outlines the sanctions and provisions that would prevent a member from
contesting a seat as an independent candidate. “The constitution of the party provides for what will happen if a person should go up on any other ticket except that of the party. I think the constitution provides that such a person would be expelled,” Persad-Bissessar said. “When there’s an election, people get more excited, but been there, done that as they would say. All will be well. The party remains, as I said on Mon-day night, solid as a rock, will continue to work together and in any mass of humanity, any gathering of persons, you will have different views from time to time, but the democracy will prevail in the end,” she said. The prime minister also indicated that her “hands were tied” as it regards the naming of the date for the by-
election, after Warner indicated he hoped the authorities would take into consideration the holy month of Ramadan. “I did not trigger this process. This process was triggered by the resignation of a member of parlia-ment, and given the constitution time frame, it has been triggered in the month of Ramadan. “I cannot go outside the Constitution to hold it after. I have to work with the hand that has been dealt to me, which is to say that I have to count to 90 days (from the date of the declaration of the vacancy), which takes us to August 10, and I am being advised that Eid may be 9th or 10th August. “So I cannot change that process, which was triggered not by my doing. I will have to follow the Constitution,”
she said, adding that elections have taken place during the Muslim holy month before” Meanwhile, the Congress of the People (COP), the second biggest partner in the coalition People’s Partnership government, says it will not contest the seat if the UNC, the biggest partner in the coalition, decides to contest the vacant seat. COP leader and Minister of Legal Affairs Prakash Ramadhar told the Express newspaper “our agreement is, and we are co-parents of the Partnership, we will not contest where it is agreed one of the partners will be contesting. Media reports said that the UNC is likely to back Trade Minister Vasant Bharath as its choice for the seat.
Colombia demands ELN release hostages before any peace talks
(Reuters) - Colombia will not enter peace talks with the country’s second-biggest guerrilla group, the ELN, until it releases captives including a Canadian citizen held hostage since January, President Juan Manuel Santos said Wednesday. The National Liberation Army, a rebel group with about 3,000 fighters known as ELN, has expressed interest in seeking a peace accord similar to the one being discussed in Cuba with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. The ELN seized Canadian geologist Jernoc Wobert in northern Bolivar province along with two Peruvian and three Colombian miners contracted by gold mining company Braeval Mining. His five colleagues were later freed by the rebels.
Juan Manuel Santos “Eventually, if the ELN decides to enter, and for us to agree, it has to free its captives, above all the Canadian it holds,” Santos said during an address to soldiers in Bogota.
The FARC has been hammering out peace terms with government negotiators since November to bring an end to five decades of war that has killed more than 100,000 people. The government wants a peace agreement signed by the end of this year. Santos’ demands come a day after the ELN conditioned Wobert’s release on Braeval Mining handing over mining rights to people living close to its installations in northern Colombia. The rebel group, like the FARC, objects to foreign companies exploiting the land and damaging the environment. Both insurgent groups want the government to change the way it deals with overseas investors, something the government has refused to consider.
Compensation for people who lost in Ponzi scheme operated by Jamaican national KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The United States says people who lost money from investments in companies operated by convicted Jamaican fraudster David Smith may be eligible to receive compensation from Washington. But the Association of Concerned OLINT Members here said it is adopting a cautious approach to the payment, noting that there have been failed attempts in the past to compensate victims. Chairman of the
Association, Dr Godfrey McAllister said given discussions with the District Attorney’s Office dealing with the David Smith case, no new money has been found nor are the authorities in a better position than they were a year ago to compensate. The US Department of Justice said the compensation for those who invested money in the failed Ponzi scheme, Olint, will be done through a process called “remission”. A date for the payout has not been set but only those who invested
during the period February 3, 2005 through to July 15, 2008 will be eligible. Smith claimed that the companies were private investment clubs that purportedly traded in foreign currency on investors’ behalf. He made false and fraudulent statements indicating that members could expect high returns on their investment with low risk to principal. Rather than investing the funds as promised, Smith used them for personal gain and paid returns using new investors’ money.
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CAL Five Absent...Board fails to Antigua made excellent progress in meet after ‘free tickets’ report restoring debt sustainability, IMF says Trinidad Guardian - The board of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) did not meet Wednesday as scheduled because vice-chairman Mohan Jaikaran and other directors were absent. Jaikaran, who is also the chairman of WIN Communications Ltd (WINTV), was among five directors who were a noshow Wednesday. The other absentee directors were Gizelle Russell, Avedanand Persad, Venosh SagewanMaraj and the Jamaican representative, Dennis Lalor. T&T Guardian learned chairman Rabindra Moonan was the lone director who turned up at CAL yesterday after the board meeting was cancelled. An exclusive T&T Guardian story Wednesday reported that Jaikaran had requested 19 complimentary tickets for a Mother’s Day concert scheduled for New York City and Toronto this weekend. After the publication of the article Wednesday, a number of people telephoned the T&T Guardian to complain the next available flight to John F Kennedy International Airport was on May 26. Several questioned whether they were “bumped off” flights to facilitate Jaikaran’s request. When the T&T Guardian called to ask about flights to New York, a
Mohan Jaikaran reservation clerk confirmed the next available flight was on May 26. Contacted yesterday, Moonan confirmed that the board meeting did not take place. “Two directors called in sick and the other three directors had other engagements,” Moonan said. Asked if he was aware that a directive had been given by Jaikaran to issue the 19 complimentary tickets to him, Moonan said: “What I found out is that no directive was given. An application was made for sponsorship for some bands to go to Toronto and New York and it was approved at a management level.” The 19 tickets did not have to go to the board for approval, he said. “Management approves that.
It would have been between the marketing department and the acting CEO, Robert Corbie.” Told that information obtained by the T&T Guardian revealed that Corbie had not approved the 19 complimentary tickets, Moonan replied: “The information you have probably is different to the information that was made available to me.” Performers carded for the concert include Raymond & Dil-E-Nadan, Ravi B & Karma, and KI & 3Veni Band. The concert is being held on Saturday at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel near the Toronto airport and on Sunday (Mother’s Day) at Jamaica Avenue, Richmond Hill, New York. Jaikaran is listed as a co-promoter of the event.
Trinidad blocks honey imports from Grenada Grenada said on Tuesday it is prepared to take its concerns to a “higher body” if Trinidad and Tobago does not live up to its commitment to resolve the restriction imposed on the import of honey from the neighbouring Caribbean Community country. The issue was discussed at the Council for Trade and Economic Development meeting in Guyana last week, where Grenada made a submission under the heading ‘Confiscation of
honey exported to Trinidad and Tobago’. According to Dr Patrick Antoine, the chief economic adviser to the Keith Mitchell government, Port-of-Spain gave a commitment to take steps towards resolving the issue. He said that following the submission, Trinidad a n d Tobago gave an undertaking to examine the matter within a 30-day period. “However, if nothing is done so that we can export to
that market, we will be taking our concerns to a higher body,” Antoine said. Trade officials said Trinidad and Tobago is using a 1964 law to protect honey produced in the twin-island republic and has not provided any evidence to substantiate its claim that the move to restrict the importation of honey from Grenada is to stem the entry of disease that may be harmful to the bee industry in that country. (CMC)
T&T Opposition Leader to file motion of no confidence in government P O R T- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC – As the coalition People’s Partnership gets ready to celebrate its third anniversary in office, Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley says he is filing a motion of no confidence in the government. A brief statement from the Office of the Opposition
Leader gave no details as to the reasons behind the move, but the motion requires a 12day notice and takes priority over all parliamentary business. If the motion gets the nod from Speaker Wade Mark, it will be the second motion of no confidence in the government of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-
Bissessar since it came to power by a 29-12 margin in the May 24, 2010 general election that had been called more than two years early by then prime minister Patrick Manning. Rowley had also filed a motion of no confidence against Attorney General Anand Ramlogon. Both motions were defeated.
WASHINGTON - CMC The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Antigua and Barbuda has made “excellent progress” towards achieving its goal of restoring debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability. An IMF mission headed by Geoffrey Bannister has recently completed a review of the 2010 multi-million dollar Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) to the island. “On the fiscal side, the fiscal outturn for March 2013 was well above programme targets, surpassing the performance criterion on the overall fiscal balance and the indicative target for the primary balance by a wide margin. “This was partly as a result of strong revenue performance in the first quarter, in line with programme targets due to a large one-off reduction of tax arrears and partly to continued expenditure restraint,” Bannister said. He said the first quarter results put the economy “on a good footing” to achieve the annual fiscal targets for
2013: a central government primary surplus of three per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and an overall surplus of 0.3 per cent of GDP. “Notable progress has also been made on structural reforms, with five important benchmarks completed in March-April,” he said, noting that a new Customs Control and Management Act (CCMA), consistent with international best practice, was presented to Parliament on April 5, and the Harmonized System 2007 customs code for classifying imports was implemented on April 2. The mission chief said technical assistance in March also facilitated the completion of a tax expenditure study and the establishment of an institutional oversight and reporting framework for stateowned enterprises within the Ministry of Finance. In addition, he said the Baldwin Spencer administration adopted a system to improve commitment control for capital expenditure projects. Bannister said of the
remaining fiscal reforms under the program, the IMF expects that two “important benchmarks” linked to the presentation to Parliament and passage of the Tax Administration and Procedures Act (TAPA) will also be completed before June. He also said that the IMF expects that 24 out of the 28 fiscal, debt, civil service and public enterprise reforms under the programme will have been achieved by the end of the programme in June, “a noteworthy accomplishment that will help sustain positive fiscal and macroeconomic results going forward”. Bannister said some progress has also been made on financial sector issues, stating that stand-alone legislation to govern the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) is “on track” for presentation to Parliament by mid-May 2013 and efforts continue towards improving compliance with Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards.
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Body found in gutted house Letters... Where your views make the news Some pointers for Freddie after gunshots, explosion - victim believed to be businessman In what appeared to be a brutal execution-style killing, police and firefighters today located the charred body of a man in the bedroom of a twoflat concrete house at Guysuco Scheme, East Coast Demerara, after a of fire mysterious origin gutted the Lot 22 property. Sources said that the victim is believed to be popular businessman Totaram Mootoo, called ‘Beer’, who, along with his wife, Bhajmattie Mootoo, were the sole occupants of the building. Eyewitnesses said that the fire started at around 23: 00 hrs on Friday, after gunshots were heard near the premises. A resident said that the blaze started after a loud explosion occurred in the building. The explosion blew
a large hole on the wall facing the roadway. A resident said that the blaze started in the same master bedroom in which the body was found. At press time today detectives and firefighters were trying to locate Mootoo’s spouse. A close friend described Mootoo as an individual who owned several businesses, and who was also in the fuel business. The friend told Kaieteur News that he was at a shop some distance away when he heard two gunshots. He said that he then heard a loud explosion. The man said that he hurried to the area and saw Mootoo’s house ablaze. The friend said that he became concerned when he saw both of Mootoo’s
vehicles parked near the premises, since that seemed to indicate the couple was still inside the burning house. He then forced the gate open and smashed a window to gain entry. However, his efforts to locate the couple were futile. Relatives also failed to contact Mootoo on his cell phone despite repeated attempts. Firefighters later came to the scene and found the body in the bedroom. Asked if he had observed anything suspicious, a resident who was one of the first to arrive on the scene said that he observed a white car with tinted windows, which were wound up driving away from near the burning building. (See more details in tomorrow’s issue).
DEAR MR KISSOON, Although I am a teacher I try to avoid acting like a wise act or smartass. I esteem your articles very much because as they were the most important source for me to help me -as a foreigner – to understand a little bit about Guyana and its people. So allow me to tell me that your headline is not quite correct: 1. “Excuse me “ = a)
“ Entschuldigen Sie (bitte)” b) better, as you made an exclamation-mark: “Entschuldigung!” 2.”wassen” is a word which does not exist in the German language, only as slang, as an abbreviation of “was ist ?” = “was`n (los)? = “what`s up”? Correct: “wissen”. 3. Word order: Contrary to the English language, Germans do NOT need an
auxiliary for questions of/in? every tense (exception: the 2 Simples and “be”). The German language changes subject and verb in its 2 Simples, as the English does with “be”. 4. The German language is quite strict with its commas. 5. “Entschuldigung! Wissen Sie, wer F.B. war?” Linda Keil, Germany
DEAR EDITOR, It has been a great indictment on the Georgetown public and in particular newspaper readers not to comment on the harassment the Mayor and his clique are conducting against the acting Town Clerk, Ms Sooba. The Town Clerk resisted giving the Mayor, Mr Green, a hefty subvention of nine million dollars of City funds to pay the taxes owed on his wife’s property. The basis of her resistance to the Mayor’s demand was that it was illegal and corrupt. She advised Mr Green that he should secure the approval of the Minister of Local Government. Except such approval was secured, she would be the one who
would be charged for the illegal transaction and pulled before the Courts, not Mr Green. The various political parties are saying nothing about the corruption, including Mr Green’s party. Mr Green, according to the Town Clerk, calls regular meetings of the staff during working hours, holding up the work of the Administration and inconveniencing the public. These meetings are invariably useless and of no consequence and have no result. Mr Green ordered one such meeting on “the restoration of Georgetown” shortly after he had had a similar meeting a few days before. The Town Clerk, as an administrator, could no longer
countenance this skylarking. The acting Town Clerk was able to save the sum of $83,000,000 during the nine months she has been serving, a truly astonishing achievement in a continuously loss-making entity. Instead of thanking the acting Town Clerk, the Deputy Mayor, is indicating that the Town Clerk should have wiped out over a billion dollars of debt Ms ChaseGreen and her clique had accumulated over the years. The Minister of Local Government and the various political parties should stop Mayor Green and his Deputy Ms Chase-Green from carrying on their disgraceful comedy. F. Gibbs
DEAR MR. EDITOR, Reference is made to an article in the Kaieteur News, May 1, 2013, under the caption “Govt. still looking for contractor for Kato Hydro project”. The article infers that there was an opening of the tender for the project and that an extension was given because no suitably qualified bid had been received.
We wish to inform the public that tenders have not been opened for the Kato Project. The tender process provides for a mandatory Clarification Meeting and Site Visit for potential bidders approximately one month prior to the closing date for the bids. A decision was taken by the Contracting Authority,
the Ministry of Finance, to extend the dates for these two events to allow for greater participation in the process. This extension automatically meant that the deadline for submission of bids will be commensurately extended. Hinterland Electrification Unit Office of the Prime Minister
In defence of Carol Sooba
Kato tender not yet opened
Salute Our Nurses
DEAR SIR, Rawsi Williams stated that “To do what nobody else will do, a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; is to be a nurse.” I am reminded that May 6 to May 12 is regarded as National Nurses Week, in many countries, including Guyana. So today I take a special time out to say
congratulations and thanks to all the nurses in Guyana, for caring for the sick in our society. Too often we forget the critical role these professionals play, in our daily lives and we seldom remember to say a simple word of thanks. I want to, especially, recognize the nurses who work in the public hospitals
around the country. These nurses, in the pursuit of their mission to bring relief to every patient, face tremendous obstacles daily, but yet they press on regardless of the situation. They work with limited resources, inadequate safety gear and yet remain true to the profession. I have seen nurses, at the Georgetown Public Hospital, try to make two patients comfortable on one bed, and smiled in the face of insults being hurled at them, by patients who, clearly, were aiming at the wrong targets. Today, I salute our nurses and trust that they will continue to serve. As we go about our daily lives let us take time out to say thanks and show appreciation to these deserving professionals. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish every mother a Happy Mother’s Day. Lurlene Nestor
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Ex-State Senator jailed for Scotiabank continues looting taxpayer-funded charity to support GRC - had secretly recorded Sen. Sampson, other elected colleagues for FBI
Employees of the Scotiabank Robb Street branch handing over the items and cheque to GRC’s Welfare Officer Rohini Bonar (third from right) In an effort to preserve the obligation by the Guyana Relief Council (GRC) to ‘care and share’, ScotiaBank, represented by several of its Robb Street branch employees, has made provisions to supply those who have experienced losses, due to various mishaps, with items that they desperately need. Yesterday, five boxes of clothing along with a cheque were donated to the GRC in
order to aid in providing for homeless and disasterstricken individuals, a practice that has been repeated for some eight years. It was stressed by the bank employees that the items come directly from fellow staffers who are fixed in their devotion to relieve those in need. The initiative is partnered by a three-month charity programme which also lends assistance to other divisions of society. The next
‘three-month’ charity event to take place will be a Father’s Day lunch at Uncle Eddie’s Home. Meanwhile, Welfare Officer of the GRC, Rohini Bonar, expressed gratitude on behalf of the council for the donation. Speaking in relation to the numerous occurrences of fires in recent times that have left so many homeless and in need, she appealed to other organisations to follow the example set by Scotiabank.
Stray-catching programe bearing fruit - MOHA If every animal owner were to pay the fine for animals impounded since the Ministry of Home Affairs reintroduced the stray-catching programme, the administration would have been $22M richer. A release from the Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday revealed that a total of 4529 animals were impounded since the commencement of the programme in Georgetown in March 2011. These comprised 76 asses, 2361 cows, 972 goats, 474 horses and 646 sheep. The Georgetown unit alone has been responsible for a total of 2230 animals, comprising all asses, 1060 cows, 649 goats, 49 horses and 396 sheep. While the Berbice unit, which was launched in July the following year impounded 2299 animals comprising 1301 cows, 323 goats, 425 horses and 250 sheep. The release of the figures appears to be a justification of the work being done by the stray catchers, in the face of severe criticisms since the
launch of the programme. Embarrassing exposures had apparently put a temporary halt to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ straycatching programme. Incidents of animals dying while in the custody of the police at several pounds and allegations of wrongful impounding of animals have bedeviled the programme. While the initiative was bearing some fruit, there appears to be a return to the wanton roaming of cattle along the roadways, much to the annoyance of motorists and residents. With rainy weather already being experienced, motorists are of the view that only until an accident involving cattle occurs then the programme will be re-intensified. But two years after the programme was launched, the Ministry and the police are still grappling with some of the teething problems, such as care of impounded animals at the police pounds. On one occasion, a cow, which was involved in an accident on the East Coast of Demerara, was left to die while in the custody
of the police at the Cove and John Station. Then there was the case of unwanted and unbranded animals which are left unattended and end up dying in the police pounds. The Ministry of Home Affairs in an earlier report on March 31st, 2013, stated that a total of 603 animals were impounded for the first quarter of this year by both the Georgetown and Berbice Units. Continuing the programme during the month of April, the Georgetown Unit impounded a total 239 animals, comprising 103 cows, 96 goats, four horses and 36 sheep. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, also in April, the Berbice Stray Catching Unit did a little better, impounding a total 401 animals, comprising 313 cows, 49 goats, three horses and 36 sheep. The Ministry is advising cattle owners to ensure proper supervision of their animals so as to prevent fatal, serious or damage accidents and eventual reduction to their herd.
A 74-year-old state senator who secretly recorded her elected colleagues for the FBI was sentenced yesterday to a year and a day in prison for looting a taxpayer-funded charity she controlled. Ex-Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Queens) pleaded for mercy before Brooklyn Federal Judge Jack Weinstein imposed his sentence. In an even-tempered voice, Huntley faced the judge and said: “I am requesting that you give me another chance. I vow to spend my remaining years to redeem myself in the eyes of those I have embarrassed.” Weinstein said he was required to give her jail time “because the law expects the highest honesty from elected officials.” The sentence was less than the 18-month minimum under federal sentencing guidelines, and with time off for good behaviour she could be out by February. Huntley has emerged as a central figure in a growing investigation of political corruption that’s so far resulted in two arrests and the revelation that five other legislators are currently under
Ex-Sen. Shirley Huntley the FBI’s microscope. Last summer when the FBI confronted Huntley with allegations of wrongdoing, she agreed to cooperate and told them she knew of ongoing acts of political corruption. The FBI suggested she invite a parade of seven elected officials and two political aides to her Jamaica, Queens, home where they could record the discourse. The list of politicians caught on tape in those chats included Sens. Malcolm Smith (D-Queens) and John Sampson (D-Brooklyn), both of whom were arrested in the
last six weeks. Huntley’s cooperation followed her admission that she embezzled $87,700 from a Queens non-profit that was supposed to help parents of public school students. The charity, Parents Information Network, was funded with tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars sponsored by Huntley. She also admitted taking $1,000 from an unnamed businessman after lobbying the Port Authority to expand his lease at JFK International Airport. She agreed to repay the money as part of her deal. Court papers and sources say Sampson asked Huntley to “use her official influence” to help the businessman expand his lease. Sampson was arrested Monday in an unrelated matter, charged with embezzling $440,000 from escrow accounts he oversaw as a court-appointed referee in foreclosure sales. Prosecutors say he used that money to fund a failed bid for Brooklyn district attorney in 2005. Yesterday Brooklyn Federal Judge Dora Irizarry the judge assigned to (Continued page 41)
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WANTED One female to cook for family in Interior- contact:697-2129 One person to look after layer-birds in Interiorcontact:697-2129 Urgently needed live-in waitress to work in Bar: Good salary offeredTele:681-9683 One night guard, preferably from the Kitty area. Wage $18,000 per week. Call 691-8960 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 One cashier—Call 691-8960 One computer literate operator. Call 691-8960 One sales boy to work in interior- contact:695-3368 One live-in baby sitter to work in interior- contact:6953368 Are you selling your Land in Parfaite Harmonie- Call Ron:675-7292 Girls to work at Courtney’s Boutique stall ‘B’ Bourda market- Call:227-3407 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
Kaieteur News
WANTED (1) One house Lot in Tushencall:616-1422/626-2612 For Road Construction: (A) operator for Paver (barber green), (B) Rake MenTele:622-1643 Attractive live in waitresscall:228-5129 Experienced Porters for Warehouse Building Material Depot Inc. Tele:2318529 All-rounder male/female: No education needed: Around Georgetown 18-30 yearsCall:621-2453 1 Experienced Diesel Mechanic for Interior: Must know about engine electricalcall:226-9492/ 9:00-4:00pm Experienced cooks- Call:6260189/653-0222 Babysitter, domestic, live in/ live out- call:225-6070 Experienced drivers and dispatchers, also contract vehicles for a Reputable Taxi service- call:645-0025 One live-in or live out maidcall: 668-3985/ 264-3355/ 6837936 2 Wash bay attendants living in G/Town- Contact:227-5169 Wanted to buy, small living trench fishes, Patwa, etcTele:644-8381
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
Khemraj & Son landscaping - Call: 6275969; 18 months coconut tree, plant for sale, mould for sale, trimming plants
187.5 KVA Cummins Generator 3 phase- volt 208460: silent working $5 million Neg. Contact Daniel: 6221165/220-9889
Prime property located in Kitty- contact owner:6545400 06 Toyota Avensis, European model: New tyres, hands free alarm, TV: Excellent conditionCall:677-1237
HID lights call: 642-2850 Live/pluck chicken call:6504421,220-9203 1-225 Miller Welding Generator, 1- Big 40 Miller Welding Generator- call:6165424 or 220-4818 Diving suit call: 613-5158 M.Khan Now in stock at Alabama Trading: PVC Ceiling, white & coloured candles, Tarpaulin etc- Tele:225-5800 Refrigerator- $70,000; 123 Suite- $60,000; 29" Flat screen TV- $65,000; China Cabinet- $25,000; 30" Gas Stove- $60,000- Call:684-6053 15-15-5 fertilizer call:2662711,609-4594 AT 192 Rotor $7000, AT 192 Drum $5800, RZ Five hole rotor- Tele:654-6394/227-6689 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call:225-9032,647-2943 Rock star hollow blocks available in large quantity in 3",4" & 6" call: 269-1406, 617-9230
Accounts Clerk, CXC Accounts grades 1 or 2, from E.B.D- Call:602-0945
Lumber Sales, dressed (B) grade quality at Lumber Master Sawmill- Tele: 684-5868
Sales Assistant from E.C.D to work on Lorry- Call: 266-4427
Now in stock at Alabama Trading: Aloe Vera drink, Fruit drink, Cereal milkTele:225-5800
General Unskilled Male Workers ages 18-24 from E.B.D- Call:266-4427 Security Guards from E.B.DCall:266-4427 Contract cars to work at Gem’s Taxi – Tele:667-9013/ 231-3709 One mechanic/ welder to work in the interior: Interested persons call Tele: 625-5136: 8am-4pm Honest live-in domesticCall:646-1758 Between 9:00am-7:30pm Attractive salary offered 1 Attractive waitresscall:678-1481 One gas asselitin welder: Equipment not neededcall:628-1756/228-5655 Handy boys to work: Living accommodations freecall:228-5655/628-1756
LAND FOR SALE House lots 50"x118" New Hope EBD serious enquires only 266-2711, 609-4594 Kuru Kururu 20 acres with creek and farm housecall:261-5500/643-1861 2 ½ Acres lease land with creek: Residential area, KuruKururu: Ideal for Resort $40,000 US- Call:669-3058/ 601-7060
Friday May 10, 2013
One GX110 Toyota Mark2. Lady driven. Excellent condition. $2.1M neg. Call 609 2466. 1 Printer copier (cannon 420)-$30,000, Flat Screen TV 20"-$35,000/ 27"-$50,000, IBM computers-$120,000, Lenova$40,000- Call: 650-9999 Tibetian & Dashan PupsCall:680-0192/216-3408/2252958
Pitbulls for sale- call:674-1186
One male pure-bred Rottweiler 12 weeks, 1 female pure-bred German Shepherd 7 months- Call:220-6879 Exotic plants & more for Mother’s Day- call:652-8322 Mother’s Day plant sale outside of St. Roses High School on Saturday, May 11th Boat 30’×9’: Licensed with 2200HP Yamaha: Excellent condition- Tele:695-8381 Tibetian Terror for sale, fully vaccinated- call:225-4780 or 686-0509 Original Play Station2 game discs just arrived. Dozens to choose from- call:609-8132 or 672-8569 Max Dell laptops & desktops complete computers from $55,000 Futuretech, call: 2312206 1- Flat screen TV 28"- $55,000; 1- Fridge $130,000; 1- 4 burner Gas Stove $30,000; 1- Double Bed frame + Mattress $35,000- Tele:604-6435 3 Fridges: 2 Kenmore & 1 GEcontact:616-2338 1 Rigid Pressure Washer, 130gl Air Compressor, 1-300 Amp bus bar, filing cabinetCall:627-7835 Marine parts, engines 120400HP Cummins/Perkins, GM. Propellers, Transmissions, Shafts, All electronics, GPS, Radios- call:674-3735/652-8970 MF 1085 Tractor $2.5M USA; Miller Diesel welder $650,000; Hobart gas welder $495,000, $125,000- Call:619-6863/6018276 50 panes of steel scaffolding, 75 Norton street- call:2268100
Golden Grove East Bank Demerara- Call:610-5761
Brand new car radio’s complete with antennas, low frequency: Good for taxi services- call:216-0781/6900066
House lot for sale: Friendship EBD & drafting of house plans call: 223-0733, 223-0730
1 (one) Kubota Diesel 4 CYL engine (V2003 model)Tel:666-4000/666-9455
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call 660-5257, 6471773
Providence Prime developed land, available in ¼ , ½, 1, 2,4 & 7 acres plots- call:6683100/615-8810
8 Weeks Pit Bull: Fully vaccinated and de-wormed: Call:622-7057/668-4377/2182170
New classes -Cosmetology , Nails, Wigs, Designs, MakeUp, Hair-Styling; call Abby 216-1950, 666-5241, 619-7603
SERVICES Vehicle lights restoration service on the spot, 297 Independence Boulevard LaPenitence Georgetowncall:624-6471 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, c a l l : 2 2 5 9032,647-2943 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar ONLINE SHOPPING ZERO COMMISSION, WEEKLY S H I P M E N T S , AFFORDABLE RATES, FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX. CALL:231-5789, 225-9030. WE FILLOUTVISA FORMS: USA, UK & CANADA & CREDIT CARD SERVICES CALL: 231-5789 Services and repairs to Gas stoves, washing machines, electric stoves call:686-6209 PERMANENT& VISITORS VISA APPLICATIONS, PROFRESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT ROOM D5 MARAJ BUILDING CALL: 225-6496, 662-6045, 2238115 House Plan Drafting for only $10,000- call:6949843/227-2766 Ron’s Professional Computer Service in homes- Call:6757292 Repairs to walk in cool room, fridge, washing machines, ice making machines etc: contact:666-2276 We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699 Looking for a job & need assistance? Contact: N&A Establishment: na.estab@yahoo.com or 694-0096 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves, TV, DVD Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick)
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 Untouchable Car Rental: Low Rate , Low Deposit call:2318653,621-6827 Adian’s car rental- Tele:6987807 Fab’s Rental: Cars to rentcall:671-6051 or 609-6890 Car Rental- Tele:643-1131 Premio, Vitz call:679-7139, 639-4452
VEHICLE 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 Toyota Spacio $2.350M, 4WD Fielder $2.250M, 2001212 $1.950M- Tele: 617-2891 1- F150 XLT in excellent condition, 22" Mag fully loaded- call:690-6520/6420110 Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered Runx, Allion call:652-3820,665-4529 1 2007 Toyota Avensis unregistered-Call:698-0674 1 Toyota Land-cruiser Prado PMM series- call:225-0188/ 225-6070 1- Toyota 4 Runner surf, EP82 & EP71 Starlet, AT192, 1-Honda Civic, BMW 318I, 1-Nissan Van E24- Tele:6445096/697-1453 1 EFI Long base Mini Bus, BJJ- RZ Call:277-0042 First Class Auto (03 & 06) Allion, (03 & 04) Spacio, (01) Carina, (07) Axio, VerossaCall:609-8188/226-2689 1-F150 Ford $1.2M, Spacio $2.3M, Raum $2.2M unregistered- contact:6416516 or 264-2644 Unregistered Toyota Sienta 2004, 7 seats, 1500cccall:617-5536 Black CRV: PMM seriescontact:692-5460 Leading Auto- Unregistered: Allex, Runx, Spacio, IST, Allion, Premio, Tacoma (06), F150 (06)- Tele:677-7666/6107666 Tractor MF 285 $24M, Pick up red Ford Ranger sport $1.7M: Just arrived from Canada- Call:628-9596/6825230 One Nissan canter, needs minor repairs- call:228-5655/ 628-1756 (1) 2003 Toyota Tundra 4×4 immaculate condition: Owner resides overseas: :Low miles: Never driven offroad: call:627-0700 Unregistered: Raum with reverse camera $2.150M; Solid DEF 4×4 Pick-up; 2 Ton Dump canter $2.3M- call:2271737 (2) F-150 Trucks, blue-$1.8 million, white-$2.5 million: Both in very good working condition- Call:674-3735/ 652-8970 Priced to sell: BMW 528E good condition $500,000: New engine- Tel:612-1486 (Continued on page 42)
Friday May 10, 2013
Kaieteur News
Couple found dead in car at Pearl - Murder-suicide suspected Police were last night probing a suspected murdersuicide after the bodies of a young couple, with gunshot wounds, were found at around 22:00 hrs in a car at Pearl, East Bank Demerara. Relatives identified the victims as Vijay Arjune called ‘Kevin’, 23, an auto electrician, of 4 Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, and Priya Ragoo, 20, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. Kaieteur News understands that Arjune was found slumped in the driver’s seat of the white rented car, PNN 9189, with a bullet
wound to the body and a handgun near to his right leg, with Ragoo slumped in the front passenger seat. According to reports, Arjune had returned from Suriname a few days ago and the couple was planning to get married. However, there are reports that Ragoo was pregnant and that the family of the victims had planned to call off the wedding. Arjune’s parents told Kaieteur News that they had expected him to return home at around 16:00 hrs, and became worried after failing repeatedly to reach him on his mobile phone. Ragoo’s
relatives also reportedly attempted to reach her without success. The young man’s parents launched a search for him, and at around 22:00 hrs, they eventually spotted the vehicle that he had rented, parked in a desolate area near Pearl Village, on the East Bank Demerara Public Road. Relatives then looked inside and saw the dead couple. Up to 00:37 hrs today, police were still scouring the cordoned-off scene for clues and porters from the Lyken Funeral Parlour who turned up were still to remove the bodies.
Ex-State Senator jailed for... From page 25 Sampson’s case - sat in to observe Huntley’s sentencing. Huntley’s three months of recording politicians produced “evidence useful to law enforcement” against three elected officials they declined to name. Sources say one was Sampson. Yet she failed to win a cooperation agreement from Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch that could have lightened her sentence.
That’s because Lynch’s prosecutors felt that during the investigation, Huntley gave “false, implausible and inconsistent” answers to their questions, undermining her credibility as a witness. In court, Huntley’s attorney, Sally Butler, claimed Huntley went to the FBI while she was already under investigation by state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Butler said Huntley told
the FBI “about corruption involving” Schneiderman, although she did not elaborate. She also claimed Huntley told Brooklyn federal prosecutors that there was a mole in their office leaking law enforcement secrets. Samuel Noel, a paralegal in that office, has been charged with leaking secrets to his high school pal, Sen. Sampson. He was fired and is now cooperating with the FBI.
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Budget cuts have worrying potential – PSC Finance Director The notion that Government’s expenditure is designed to play a significant role in the economy has been amplified by Finance Director of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Persaud, as he sought to analyse the potential impact of recent cuts imposed by the parliamentary opposition to the 2013 National Budget. Persaud speaking during a recent media briefing explained that during the budget-setting process of any country or even a company, the priorities of stakeholders are at times different or sometimes clash. He however added that “what is of concern today and what we need to pay attention to is the significant role that Government’s expenditure plays in an economy like Guyana.” He further expounded that Government expenditure represents a significant proportion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and any reduction will vary as it relates to the development of the economy and the development of its people. The Finance Director in making reference to the 30-odd million dollars that were slashed from the $208.8 billion National Budget, said that in the local economy this would translate to lower disposable income and less money available for the country to spend. This is possible, he said, because “the monies are not going to come back through the projects that are supposed to happen, coupling with all of the economic challenges that we are facing internationally such as the reduction in commodity prices.” Persaud said too that it is important for all parties concerned to have a right to defend the rights of their stakeholders, adding that “the opposition has the right to ask questions and Government
has a right to answered all the right questions to ensure that clarifications are done.” Moreover, he disclosed that it is the view from within the private sector that a reduction in Government expenditure at this stage, regardless of which ever project it belongs to, will have an impact on the economy. As such he admitted that “we are worried about that. We are worried because many of the projects that have been cut and the source for those funding for those projects will be overseas funding that are going to cushion the current crisis that we are having with regards to the non-availability of US dollars within the system.” In fact, Persaud disclosed that commercial banks of recent have had fewer US dollars available, a state of affairs that has prompted significant negotiations. For this reason, he speculated that if Government expenditure is not allowed clear passage, thereby preventing the availability of funds to various agencies, the expected cushioning effect will not occur. He disclosed too that many countries worldwide would have depended on stimulus packages which meant that fiscal policies play an important role in managing the economy and “that is why we are worried with regards to the amount of money that is being cut.” Persaud opined that while the developing situation does not mean that there will be immediate cash flow difficulties, if the funds slashed from the budget are not restored it would result in some eventual difficulties. It is the view of the private sector commission that “we don’t pass a budget that is functional to serve the country it could create widespread social problems.”
Friday May 10, 2013 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): If you are still conserving your energy, it may be time to experiment with letting go of control now.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): You were fairly certain about your point of view yesterday, but your confidence may wane today.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): It makes sense to anticipate the future so you can be ready for any contingency.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): The stubbornness of a friend may have tested your patience over the past couple of days.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20): The Moon’s shift into your sign can be like an emotional wake-up call that moves you out of your head and down into the rest of your body.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): If you are struggling to break out of a rut or eliminate an old habit, it may be time to find someone to help you out today.
CANCER (June 21–July 22): At first you may lose interest in anything you start today, but it’s just that your mind is on too many things at once.
CAPRICORN(Dec.22–Jan.19): You may be out of step with your environment today because you don’t have the same intense level of focus that you had yesterday.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): Career-related issues finally seem to be under control now, blessing you with enough free time to think farther into the future without having to be so practical.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): The electric light bulbs in your brain begin to flash with brilliant creativity today.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): It’s likely that you were doing fine yesterday, but now your sense of order seems to be quickly falling apart as you are deluged with contradictory data.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): There’s plenty of chit-chat at home or on the job now, and you may have difficulty keeping up with it all. It’s not that you lack interest, it’s just that you don’t have the energy to follow up on each idea or feeling that is expressed.
Page 42
Kaieteur News
Friday May 10, 2013
Goals mark start of Beach Championship (From page 40) MASSAGE American Style massage services- Call:609-4036
LEARN TO DRIVE
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 Furnished executive two bedroom suite in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners. Call 609 2466. 2 Bedrooms Apartment on E.C.D- Tele:684-8906 Harmony Inn Apartments: Fully furnished, air conditioned apartments $5000 per night- Call:668-0306/6947817/602-8769 (1) 3 Bedrooms upper flat concrete with telephone: Zeelugt Public road W.C.DCall:650-0233/683-7381 Two bedrooms apartment at 143cc Eccles park- $50,000Call:233-2219/604-1788 Kitty-$75,000; Diamond $70,000; BelAir-US $1800; Campbellville -$90,000- call Diana:227-2256/626-9382 Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call:6797139, 639-4452 Rooms available at Adventure Travel Lodge Hotel in Essequibo Coast- Contact:654-3277 House by itself: (1) Ogle $160,000 (2) Paradise, furnished $600 (3) Vlissengen Rd US $1800 (4) Regent St $80,000 (5) Bondscontact:615-8810/668-3100
Soman & Sons Driving School , First Federation Building Call 225-4858, 6445166,622-2872,615-0964
VACANCY Administrative support. Excellent English skills. Fast, accurate typist. $140K per month www. capitaltyping. com/gyjob to apply Popular 24 hour East Coast Guyoil needs day & night pump attendants, sales girl, cleaners/maintenance- Tele: 698-5559/ 684-2838 Vacancy exist for computer literate person: Apply with written application to :Manager @ Trophy stall, Bourda Market Medical Clinic seeks driver/ office assistant: Please send applications to PO Box:26022 Hair Stylist & nail technicians at TJ’s Barber shop, Grove E.B.D- contact Christine @266-0864/642-9139. Exists for 1 Cashier & 1 Sales Clerk. Please bring written application to Mike’s Pharmacy, 56 Sheriff Street, Campbellville Trainee refrigeration Technician call:231-0655,6838734
Rooms to rent- Call:225-9223/ 225-3234
Give away price!! Original Lexus LS 400 Luxury car, excellent condition- $4.750 milliontel:612-1486/ 639-4398 Reduced! Reduced! BMW 740 IL $4.950 million, luxury car: excellent conditionTele:612-1486/639-4398
EDUCATIONAL LEARN TO DANCE LATIN STLE:SALSA, MERENGUE, WALTZ, TANGO, ETC. COME & FEEL THE EXCITEMENT CALL: 6126475, 629-8842 Learn to bake, icing and design cakes- Call:231-1360/ 681-9461
PROPERTY FOR SALE Two storey business property Agriculture Road call:612-2522 (1) Stabroek $130M (2) Regent street $35M (3) Eccles AA $55M & BB $25M (4) Enmore $15M (5) Diamond $60M (6) Ogle $33M- contact:615-8810/ 668-3100 Two storey concrete Diamond New Scheme near to Secondary school $20MTele:225-1005/225-9230
FOR RENT
VEHICLE FOR SALE Bush Truck model M, GNN series, have winch and needs repairs $1.7 millionCall:674-3735/652-8970
NASSAU, Bahamas - The 2013 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship, the confederation’s qualifying competition for the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, got off to a roaring start on Wednesday with 36 goals scored in four group stage games at the Malcolm Park Beach Soccer and Futsal Facility. The opening day marked the first time that a Caribbean country hosted the confederation’s beach soccer championship. Defending champion Mexico led the strike parade with 10 tallies in a shutout victory over Canada, as Morgan Plata (4) and Angel
Furnished short term apartments- call:646-5147 Active Business place for rent: Ideal for Internet & Boutique- Call Mariama:6140599 Commercial Building to rent at Adventure, Stelling road Essequibo Coast- contact: 693-3751: email: indiisingh @yahoo.co.uk 2 Bedrooms apartment $55,000-Newly renovated – Call:674-3735/652-8970
Diamond- $6M-35M; Anna Catherina-$11M; Prospect$13M; Charlestown-$40MCall Diana:227-2256/ 6269382 Versailles 5 Bedroom House with modern facilities and beautiful landscape- Call: 592-684-9203 / 592-624-8704 Parcel 877 of Block XXXIII public rd., Bachelors Adventure E.C.D opposite Guywa:0.585 acre- call Pearl Realty:689-9991 Charlestown property with Business potentialTele:673-5882 House for sale- Contact: 6090062
Rodriguez (3) combined for seven goals. Lesly St. Fleur netted three goals to propel tournament host Bahamas past Puerto Rico, 9-1, a result that pleased the home supporters. Here’s a recap of Wednesday’s action: GROUPA United States 5, Guatemala 2 The United States got three goals from Nicolas Perea to defeat Guatemala 5-1 in the tournament’s opening match. Erick Suriano had given the Central Americans the lead only two minutes into the encounter, before Perea leveled with his first three minutes later. The U.S., looking to make its first World Cup appearance since 2007, closed the first period with goals from Jason Leopoldo (7') and a second from Perea (1'). Guatemala’s Jaime Veliz (10') cut the deficit to one with the second period’s only goal, but Brendon Taguinod (3') and Perera (1') made sure the
Americans wouldn’t stumble by increasing the Americans’ lead in the third period. Puerto Rico 1, Bahamas 9 The Bahamas broke a 1-1 tie after the first period, scoring eight unanswered goals to beat Puerto Rico, 91. Lesly St. Fleur, who scored five goals in a FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 qualifier against Turks and Caicos Islands, found the back of the net once in each quarter to finish with a game-high three strikes. Esteban Torres netted Puerto Rico’s only goal, while Gary Joseph added a brace for the home side. GROUP B Mexico 10, Canada 0 Mexico sent a strong message that it intended to defend its CONCACAF title with a comprehensive 10-0 win over Canada. Morgan Plata took an early advantage as the tournament’s top scorer, netting four goals in the opening 26 minutes. Angel Rodríguez scored two firstperiod goals and added a third
with seven minutes left in the game. Mexico can qualify for the semifinals with a win over Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday. GROUP C El Salvador 7, Jamaica 2 El Salvador started its quest for a fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearance with a 7-2 win over Jamaica. Walter Torres, Agustín Ruiz and Frank Velasquez scored two goals each for the Central American side. The Cuscatlecos jumped out to a 4-1 lead, but Phillip Peddie gave the Jamaicans hope, cutting the deficit in half with a goal just before the end of the second period. The third period belonged, however, to the Salvadorans, who got goals from Ruiz (9'), Velasquez (4') and Torres (3'). El Salvador, which can qualify for the semifinals with a win in its next game on Friday, finished fourth at the 2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Mario Balotelli scores twice as AC Milan beat Pescara (BBC Sport) - Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli scored twice as AC Milan closed in on Serie A’s third and final Champions League qualifying place with a 40 win over Pescara. Balotelli has now scored 11 goals in 11 games for Milan since his £19m move from City in January. Milan are four points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina with two games left. But their city rivals Inter Milan have missed out on European football altogether after losing 3-1 to Lazio. The 2010 Champions League winners have taken just three points from the last 18 possible to drop out of the running for a Europa League spot. Conversely, victory in either of AC Milan’s final two matches - at home to Roma or away to Siena - would ensure they join champions Juventus and second-placed Napoli as the Italian entrants for next season’s Champions League. After hitting the crossbar in the opening two minutes, Balotelli, 22, scored a ninth-
minute penalty and later netted from close range to round off the scoring. Sulley Muntari and Mathieu Flamini, formerly of Portsmouth and Arsenal respectively, scored between the Italy’s international’s goals. Serie A’s top scorer Edinson Cavani scored his 27th league goal of the season as Napoli secured second spot with a 3-0 win over Bologna while Juventus, already crowned champions, made it nine successive league wins by beating Atalanta 1-0. Alessandro Matri scored the only goal of the game for the ‘Old Lady’ in a match that was briefly suspended before Juventus Manager Antonio Conte and the Atalanta players appealed to their respective sets of fans to stop throwing fireworks at each other. If Juventus beat Cagliari and Sampdoria in their final two games, they will surpass the club-record tally of 91 points set in winning the league in the 2005-06 season, a title they were stripped of for their part in the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal.
::: Letter to the Sports Editor :::
June 16 not approved for horseracing at Port Mourant Dear Sports Editor, I refer to an article appearing in your issue of May 8 date at page 35 under the heading “Jumbo Jet rolls out another massive horserace programme”. I wish to state that the date mentioned in the article for the race meeting (*June 16) has not been approved as a racing date for the Port Mourant Turf Club. Therefore, that meeting is
totally un-authorized. If the Club wishes to run off a race meeting on the June 16, it must apply to the Guyana Horse Racing Authority for approval. Dates for race meetings are given to a Club and not to an individual, who feel that he can fix race meetings at his whims and fancy. The Guyana Horse Racing Authority has been trying its best to put things
in order in horseracing and a Club which wishes to depart from the decisions of the Authority will face serious consequences. We cannot allow things to get out of hand. We must recognize the decisions of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Cecil C. Kennard President, Guyana Horse Racing Authority
Friday May 10, 2013
Kaieteur News
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Strong Guyanese squad for Jamaican Boxing Card - Andrew Lewis & Sakima Mulling to sign contract A strong team of Guyanese boxers are scheduled to travel to Jamaica to participate in a professional boxing card organized by Jamaican promoters in collaboration with officials of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC). GBBC official, Eon Jardine said that several local boxers are scheduled to travel to Jamaica to comprise a card in the Island Land of Reggae scheduled for June 8 next. Sakima Mullings, who has recently defeated Guyanese pugilist, Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman, will battle with Iwan Azore over 10 rounds while Edmond DeClou will p u t h i s Wo r l d B o x i n g Council Caribbean Boxing Federation (WBCCABOFE) Middleweight belt on the line in a 12 rounds fight against another Jamaican,
Anthony Osborne. WBC/CABOFE Flyweight champion, Dexter Marques, will also comprise a part of the card and he will take on the tough Rudolph Hedge in defense of his title. Gladwin Dorway, who recently suffered his first loss to Mark Austin, will be on the redemption trail in an 8 rounds Welterweight affair with Donovan Campbell while former amateur champion, Theophilus King will be making his professional debut in a 4 rounds heavyweight encounter with Jamaican, Jamaro Nooks. Mullings last fought at the Princess Hotel, Providence EBD, when he employed a two fisted attack and defeated Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman to claim the World Boxing Council Caribbean Boxing Federation (WBC/CABOFE)
Welterweight title. Shortly afterwards, the Jamaican called out former World Boxing Association Welterweight champion, Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis saying that he was ready to take on the fight anytime and anywhere. Lewis has recently called Mullings’ bluff and organizers of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) are currently engaged in discussions with their counterparts in Jamaica to bring the bout to fruition. Boxing Referee, Eon Jardine has been in the forefront of negotiations and said that the bout should be finalized soon. Meanwhile, ‘Sixhead’ Lewis will travel with the Guyanese contingent where he is expected to sign the contract for the Mullings encounter. However, the date
Andrew Lewis
Gladwin Dorway
Sakima Mullings
for the bout will depend on several developments including the result of
Mullings’ fight in the WBC 50th Anniversary Cup championships early next
month. The local boxers that will comprise the card are already in training.
Guyana Independence T20 Cup picks up momentum - Ansa McAl on board
David Moyes is appointed new Manchester United boss
Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes shaking hands (BBC Sport) - David Moyes will succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager on a six-year deal starting on July 1st. Moyes, who leaves Everton after 11 years in charge at Goodison Park, was Ferguson’s recommendation to succeed him as manager at Old Trafford. The 50-year-old was out of contract at Everton at the end of the season. “We unanimously agreed on David Moyes,” said Ferguson, who announced his retirement on Wednesday after 26 years as United boss. “David is a man of great integrity with a strong work ethic. I’ve admired his work for a long time and approached him as far back as 1998 to discuss the
position of assistant manager here. “There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this club.” Moyes, who was recommended to the United board by Ferguson and will be introduced as Red Devils boss in “due course”, said it was “a great honour” to be appointed as the new manager of the Premier League champions. “I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job. I have great respect for everything he has done and for the football club,” added the Scot. Moyes, described as having “all the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy” by incoming chief executive Ed
Woodward, also paid tribute to current club Everton and vowed to remain fully committed until the end of the season. “I have had a terrific job at Everton, with a tremendous chairman and board of directors, and a great set of players,” he said. “Between now and the end of the season, I will do everything in my power to make sure we finish as high as possible in the table. “Everton’s fantastic fans have played a big part in making my years at Goodison so enjoyable and I thank them wholeheartedly for the support they have given me and the players. Everton will be close to me for the rest of my life.” Everton said in a statement: ”The chairman, on behalf of the club, would like to place on record his thanks to David for the massive contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in March 2002. He has been an outstanding manager.” Moyes was installed as favourite to leave Everton for United following a rush of bets over the weekend, even before speculation mounted about Ferguson retiring. Meanwhile, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez and Swansea boss Michael Laudrup have both been strongly linked with a move to Goodison Park to replace Moyes.
Anil Beharry (left) receives the cheque from Ansa Mcal's Mark Bhikhai
As the date approaches for the eagerly awaited Guyana Independence Twenty20 competition, Berbicians have already began preparing for the big day at the Albion Sports Complex Ground on May 26, 2013 where they will be part of what is anticipated to be an exciting day. The Tournament which is slated as part of celebrations to mark Guyana’s 47th Independence Anniversary will see four of the best teams in the Ancient County Universal DVD Berbice Titans, Karibee Rice Tigers, East Coast Demerara Raiders and Georgetown Jaguars battling for bragging rights as the best in the business and over one million in cash and prizes. Coming on board recently was beverage giants Ansa McAl Trading, their Berbice Branch Office, Manager Mark Bhikhai presented the
company’s hefty sponsorship cheque to coordinator of the Tournament, Anil Beharry. Speaking briefly, Mr. Bhikhai expressed Ansa McAl’s delight with being part of the tournament under the ‘Carib Beer Brand’. He said he views the game as an event that will help to promote the sport of cricket in Berbice. Ansa McAl has been actively involved in community development through sports. Beharry thanked the sponsor for their contribution while pledging that the tournament will be managed with proper accountability and transparency. Patrons will have an opportunity to win fabulous gate prizes including cell phones, MP3 players and hampers among other tokens from various companies. Action will commence at 10:30hrs, two matches will be played during the day
followed by a cultural ceremony. As the evening sets, the atmosphere will be transformed when the Big Screen Projectors are turned on and the Cheer Leaders takes centre stage as the lead up to what is anticipated to be an exhilarating finale under lights like never before witnessed at this venue. Fireworks and musical entertainment will be provided along with live local artistes rocking the night away to the rhythm of Crown Vibes International Sound System. Admission to the venue will be $500 for adults with gates open from 09:00hrs. Tickets will be sold only at selected venues to be named. Patrons are being encouraged to purchase tickets early. Other sponsors on board to date are Universal DVD, Karibee Rice, Sentinel Security, Metro Office and Computer Supplies.
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Friday May 10, 2013
MUSCLE INVASION - GABBFF Novice & Int. C\ships
Banks DIH & Sterling Products Ltd add muscles Beverage giants Banks DIH, under its Vita Malt brand and leading local manufactures Sterling Products Ltd are the latest entities to lend support to the Guyana Amateur Body Building & Fitness Federation (GABBFF) for its 2013 Novice & Intermediate Championships set for this Sunday under the theme, ‘Muscle Invasion’. Banks DIH Brand Manager of Malta Supreme Clayton McKenzie handed over a cheque for an unrevealed amount to the Organizing Secretary of the GABBFF Videsh
Sookram at the company’s Thirst Park, Head Office. McKenzie stated that company strongly supports a fit and healthy lifestyle and would have been supporting the sport for many years now at every level. Over at Sterling Products Ltd, Sales and Marketing Assistant of the company Rita Beharry presented her entities contribution to Sookram stating that the company is pleased to be associated with the championships and aid in the promotion of fitness and healthy
Banks DIH Brand Manager of Malta Supreme Clayton Mc Kenzie (right) presents the sponsorship cheque to GABBFF’s Videsh Sookram.
WICB Regional 4 day final Barbados are in firm control against Trinidad and Tobago in the final of the West Indies Cricket Board Regional 4 day tournament at the Kensington Oval. The host ended the first day yesterday on 144-2 with Kraigg Brathwaite not out on 49. Earlier Trinidad and Tobago batted first and were dismissed for 110. Rayad Emrit and Steven Katwaroo were their leading b a t s m e n w i t h 3 4 and 24 respectively. Miguel Cummins and Kemar Roach made early inroads after Trinidad and Tobago were sent in. With only four runs on the board Cummins had Adrian Barath (01) caught at fourth slip before accounting for Yannick Carriah (00) at 8. Kemar Roach then had Lendl Simons taken by wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich for 5 as he edged a back foot drive at 9-3 in the 5th over. Cummins removed Jason Mohamed (00) before Akeal Hosein square drove Roach for the first boundary of the day to get off the mark. Cummins then induced Dinesh Ramdin (03) to edge one to second slip leaving the score at 19-5. Hosein who was dropped by wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich when on 14, and Steven Katwaroo added 32 for the sixth wicket.
living. Sookram expressed gratitude to both Banks DIH and Sterling Products Ltd. for their continued support and assistance towards making the sport a success and helping athletes and supporters to understand its importance towards a healthy and holistic lifestyle. Athletes are currently winding down preparations for what is anticipated to be an explosive evening on Sunday at the Theatre Guild from 19:00hrs. Athletes from Berbice, East Coast Demerara, West Bank Demerara, Georgetown and Linden will be flexing muscles on Sunday evening as they seek the top positions individually then the overall titles. Competition will be held in the Flyweight (Under 132 lbs) which is a new category introduced, Junior Under 21 years old, Bantamweight (Under 143lbs), Welterweight (144lbs-154lbs), Lightweight (155lbs-165lbs), Light Middleweight (166-176lbs), Heavyweight (177lbs and over), Over 35 and Masters category. The females will compete in the Miss Fitness Open and Miss Physique. Mr. Barbados 2011, Stevenson Belle is the guest poser. Admission to the venue is $1,500.
Barbados takes first innings points from T&T; Cummins grabs 5-30 The duo brought up their team’s fifty in 97 minutes in 19.1 overs before Hosein was caught behind off Ashley Nurse for 17. The Trinis then went to lunch at 64-6 with Katwaroo on 24 and Imran Khan on 01. Sulieman Benn had success almost immediately after the break when he accounted for Katwaroo (24) second ball after lunch. Khan then drove Benn to the cover boundary before Roach sent back Marlon Richards for (01) and Khan (05) in quick succession to leave the score at 69-9. Rayad Emrit and Shannon Gabriel put together 41 for the last wicket stand. The pair brought up their team’s one hundred in 170 minutes off 36 overs. However Emrit (34) steered Cummins to fourth slip as the Trinis innings ended in 37.4 overs; Gabriel was left unbeaten on 07. Cummins ended with 5-30 from 12.4 overs while Benn had 2-13 and Roach 2-35. Brathwaite and Rashidi Boucher got the Bajans off to a bright start with Boucher cutting Gabriel over third man for six before driving the said bowler to cover. The pair posted their team’s fifty in 51 minutes in 11.2 overs. Boucher after seemingly well set
Miguel Cummins for a half century was caught and bowled by Khan for 46 at 62. Brathwaite who was put down on 15 off Richards and Kirk Edwards continued to dominate the opposition bowling with an enterprising second wicket stand of 62. Edwards punched Carriah through cover to bring up their team’s triple figure in 120 minutes off 28.3 overs before he was dismissed on the stroke of time for 48 as Barbados closed in the driver’s seat. Simmons (1-5) and Khan (1-21) are the wicket takers so far for the visitors.
Sales and Marketing Assistant of Sterling Products Ltd Rita Beharry (left) hands over the cheque to the Organizing Secretary of the GABBFF Videsh Sookram.
Western Union continues investment in RHTY&SC junior cricketers Western Union yesterday hosted the fifth edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Junior Ambassador Programme where the company presented a quantity of cricket gears worth $310,000 each to five players from the Ancient County at their office in Water Street. The players, Shawn Pereira, Gudakesh Moti Kanhai, National female player Phaffiana Millington, Askay Homraj and Daniel Lewis received a bat, a pair of batting pads and gloves, helmet, bag and a set of uniform. Both Perreira and Kanhai are national Under-19 players while Millington is a promising cricketer; Lewis is the Club’s Under-17 Captain while Kumar is one of the Club’s most exciting players. CEO/Secretary of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster said one of the main reasons for the success of the Club
over the years is the huge investment being placed in the youngsters. “We at the management level strongly believe in the development of youths and as such great efforts are being made to develop our players at all levels - educational, personal and on the field. We want our cricketers to be positive role models and ambassadors for the sport” added Foster. Foster thanked the entity for their support while highlighting the role the company is playing in the development of the young players. Meanwhile, Marketing Manager of Grace Kennedy Remittance Services Ms. Natheeah Mendonca stated that it feels good to know that cricketers who came through this programme have moved to a higher level and their investment is not in vain. Ms. Mendonca encouraged the players to continue working hard.
World Athletics Day Meet set for Sunday The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will commemorate IAAF World Athletics Day with its usual track and field meet on Sunday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary. The meet will commence at 09:00hrs. Events expected in the Under-16 Inter-Schools Championships include 80m, 150m, 1000m and a 2000m Race Walk. In the Field Events, there will be Long Jump, Shot Putt and Discuss. Entry to the event is free and the top three athletes will be awarded prizes. The IAAF Trophy will be awarded to the school gaining the most points. There will be a contest among youth athletes (Under-18 as at December 31, 2013; born in 1996-1997). Youth Events (Boys): 100m; 800m; 3000m; Long Jump; Shot Putt; Javelin; 3000m Race Walk; (Girls): 100m, 400m; 1500m; Long Jump; Discus; Shot Putt; 2000m Race Walk. Entries close today at noon at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Headquarters. The entry forms can be returned via Fax or email.
Friday May 10, 2013
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Sorry Warriors slide to their 11th defeat At the halfway stage, it looked like Pune Warriors had given themselves a target that was achievable, but the batting fizzled out, and Warriors fell to their 11th defeat this year, this time against Kolkata Knight Riders, who are yet to be convinced they are out of the race for playoffs this season. When asked if the team was motivated to end the tournament on a high, Gautam Gambhir had said at the toss, “playing for KKR is a big enough motivation. If someone needs to look somewhere else for motivation, he shouldn’t be in the dressing room.” He showed the same intent when he came out to bat, stroking a couple of boundaries through the off
side in the second over. Manvinder Bisla joined in and the two were off to a quick start as 44 came off the first five overs. Parvez Rasool, the debutant off spinner from Jammu & Kashmir, began his spell with a couple of tossed up deliveries but once Gambhir drove him through cover, he lowered his trajectory, shortened the length and started firing them in to good effect. He earned the big wicket of Jacques Kallis in his second over as the batsman failed to clear short cover where Angelo Mathews held on to the catch on second attempt. In between Rasool’s overs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had Bisla stumped by the wicketkeeper, giving him first
such victim in any form of cricket. The two consecutive losses made the positive start go pear-shaped as the boundaries dried up. Only 22 runs came between overs six and 10. With the pitch not offering any pace to the batsmen, Gambhir and Morgan had to contend with singles and doubles as Rasool and Mathews ran through their overs. When Morgan finally tried a ramp shot off Mitchell Marsh, he ended up playing it into the hands of the fielder at short fine leg. Gambhir’s innings lost steam at the other end; he had six boundaries to score 35 off his first 22, but managed only 15 without a boundary off the next 22 and although he scored a half-century, he was
Royals in second place after eight-wicket victory A masterful death bowling effort, and Ajinkya Rahane’s third straight fifty, helped consolidate Rajasthan Royals’ place in the top four as they beat Kings XI Punjab by eight wickets in Mohali. Kevon Cooper was the primary architect of Kings XI’s slow-down towards the end of their innings, as his measured slower deliveries exploited the slow nature of the Mohali surface, and swept away much of the momentum Shaun Marsh and Adam Gilchrist had secured in a 102-run stand. Having arrived at the 14th over at 100 for 1, Kings XI could only stumble to 145 for 6 in their 20 overs and the batsmen failed to hit a boundary in the last four overs of their innings. Cooper’s first victim was Gilchrist, who reinstated himself in the side after three matches. He had batted securely for 42 from 32, and helped Marsh overcome an indifferent start, until he offered Cooper a return catch off an offcutter that took longer to arrive than he had anticipated. Cooper returned in the 17th over, proving difficult to get away, and should have had Marsh out then, had Rahul Dravid held on to a catch running back from cover. Cooper got both Marsh and David Miller next over though, again off slower balls, as both men perished attempting heaves across the line. He finished with 3 wickets for 23 from his four overs. At the toss, Dravid had cited his side’s preference for chasing scores as a reason for
caught soon at midwicket attempting a cross-batted heave. Pathan came and Pathan went, and Knight Riders were left tottering at 99 for 5 with four overs to spare. The man of the moment turned out to be the often ignored Netherlands allrounder Ryan ten Doeschate, who was playing his first match this season and only his 10th in his third year with Knight Riders. He revived the innings with a muscular thwack off the first ball of the 17th over that went way over midwicket, ending a seven-over boundary drought, then he powered two more fours straight down the ground to add some spring to the innings. The late spurt in energy was contagious as Manoj Tiwary, making a comeback after injury, also added a few bonus runs, while Rajat Bhatia tarnished Wayne Parnell’s last over with a six and four to help Knight Riders to a match-winning total of 152. Warriors’ openers, their best bet in the chase, scooted to 19 off the first two overs,
Gautam Gambhir but the wheels came off as early as the third over. Aaron Finch had a reprieve in the first ball of the over when he was caught backing up too far as a straight drive from Robin Uthappa hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Kallis was convinced the ball had flicked his toe, but the replays were inconclusive. Later in the over Kallis, who argued unnecessarily with umpire Sudhir Asnani,
bowled Finch with one that stayed a touch low. Yuvraj Singh’s sorry run of scores received yet another entry and, apart from Uthappa and Angelo Mathews, no one got into double-digit scores. L Balaji made the most of the slowness in the wicket with a miserly 3 for 19, ending this minor tussle between two competitors, who have been lapped in the race this year, in an utterly one-sided fashion.
Heat scorch Bulls 115-78 Kevin Cooper
fielding first, and his choice proved an insightful one as Royals executed a smooth run chase to record their seventhstraight victory batting second. Dravid was uncharacteristically undone by the flight of a dipping Bipul Sharma delivery, but Rahane steadied the chase, alongside Shane Watson, and they rarely allowed the run rate to waver. The pitch seemed to quicken as the match headed to its denouement - again a phenomenon Dravid had expected at the toss - and the hosts’ fast bowlers could not build any pressure on the batsmen. Among Rahane’s finest strokes was a languid six over extra-cover off Piyush Chawla, and an arrogant punch through the covers off Parvinder Awana.
Watson and Rahane put on 66 before Watson was dismissed by Chawla. Rahane subsequently gained a bundle of spirited raw-talent in 18-year-old Sanju Samson, who actually outshone Rahane in the latter part of the innings. The pair relied largely on singles and twos to form the base of their partnership, but quickly began finding the boundary as well, Samson doing so with particular audacity. He was unbeaten on 47 from 33 after hitting the winning boundary at the end of the 19th over, with Rahane on 59 from 49. Marsh’s 64-ball 77 was the backbone of Kings XI’s foundation, but their failure to kick on from a good start ultimately cost them the match.
MIAMI (AP) - For the first time in these playoffs, the Miami Heat were facing some real adversity. They responded with a technical knockout. After nine technical fouls, two ejections and a whole lot of extracurricular pushing and shoving, the end results were as follows: The biggest postseason win in Heat history, the biggest postseason loss in Chicago Bulls history, and tons of fresh venom pulsing through the veins of this now-tied Eastern Conference semifinal series. Miami won 115-78, a stunning outcome for a game that was basically back-andforth for much of the first half. That is, until the Heat started embarrassing the Bulls, and the Bulls started embarrassing themselves for good measure. ‘’No matter if you win by 20, 30, or one point, it’s a 1-1 series,’’ Heat star LeBron James said. ‘’They came in and did their job. They got one on our floor and took home court. So, we’ve got to try to go Chicago and get it back.’’ Game 3 is Friday (today) in Chicago, where the Heat will have to win at least one game if they’re going to win the series. Ray Allen scored 21
points in only 19 minutes, James finished with 19 points and nine assists, and the Heat led by as many as 46 points. Sure, the Heat have lost home-court advantage when they dropped Game 1. But this domination made the reigning NBA champions look like the clear-cut team to beat in this title race once again. Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson were ejected in the fourth quarter for Chicago, and the league will almost certainly review some of the things said and done in a game that was close for the first 20 minutes. The Bulls were called for six player technical’s, the most by any team in a playoff game since Boston had that many against Indiana in 2005. Bulls forward Carlos Boozer, who scored only eight points, said he didn’t fault his teammates for
speaking their minds although cameras suggested that Gibson’s language was more than a little colorful. The Heat had three technicals assessed, a season-high for them. Norris Cole scored 18 points for Miami, which got 15 from Dwyane Wade and 13 from Chris Bosh. The Heat led 4238 with 3:42 left in the first half, before going on an absurd 62-20 run. Yes, 62-20. It was that one-sided. Miami shot 60 percent to Chicago’s 36, outrebounded the Bulls 41-28, and enjoyed huge edges in points off turnovers (28-7) and fastbreak points (20-2). The only stat that Chicago dominated: Technicals, where the Bulls outpaced Miami 6-3. Marco Belinelli scored 13 for the Bulls, who got 12 from Noah and 11 from Robinson.
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Friday May 10, 2013
AMATEURS TRAINING INTENSIFIES FOR CUBA TOURNAMENTS
There had been a slight delay but the organizers of ‘Firestorm,’ a card promoted by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), finally came good on a previous promise and handed over 4 large food hampers to the amateur boxers that participated in the programme. To this effect, Quincy Boyce (GDF), Keron Griffith (RHTJ), Candacie Benjamin (GDF) and Akisha Arokium (RHTJ) convened at Abdool and Abdools Insurance Brokers, the Avenue of the Republic office of President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool, where they received their prizes. Top Coach and Tournament Organizer of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Terrence Poole witnessed the process and extended deep appreciation to the GBBC President. He said that the boxers are encouraged by the gesture which apart from being a morale booster, would serve
to minimize the economic challenges experienced by the young boxers. Consequently, Mr. Poole informed that the team of boxers has intensified training in preparation for the Roberto Balado and the Cardova Cardin Boxing tournaments scheduled for Cuba early next month. He said that the required funds to field the team is astronomical and the administrators of the GBA are working assiduously to procure that sum. He also said that Boxing administrators are scheduled to meet with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Frank Anthony to discuss issues pertaining to the tour as well as Government’s contribution to the trip. Further, GBA officials have also written to the hierarchy of the Guyana Defense Force and the Guyana Police Force soliciting any assistance for the tournament. The boxers were at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym yesterday afternoon and will
continue sessions there this afternoon. They are also engaged in stiff road work at the National park from Monday to Friday starting at 04:00hrs. Mr. Poole is receiving support in the gym from National Coach, Wensel Thomas and Cuban Coach, Francisco Hernandez Roldan. He said that the boxers are anxious to show off their wares in the Spanish speaking country known for its production of world renowned amateur pugilists. The boxing administrator is pleading for the requisite support to make the trip a reality. The team consists of welterweights Eon Bancroft and Ron Smith, light/ middleweight Bert Braithwaite, light/weight, Clairmont Gibson, middleweight Dennis Thomas, bantamweight, Imran Khan, featherweight, Delon Charles and lightweight, Stephon Gouviea.
Warriors end skid at 30 in San Antonio, tie series SAN ANTONIO (AP) Golden State coach Mark Jackson insisted the Warriors’ historic collapse in the opener of the Western Conference semifinals would only help his team’s growth. The young Warriors took a big step in their development Wednesday night, withstanding another furious rally by the San Antonio Spurs for a 100-91 victory to even their series at one game apiece and snap a 30-game skid in the Alamo City. Klay Thompson had a career-high 34 points and 14 rebounds, and Stephen Curry added 22 points for Golden State, which had not won in San Antonio since Feb. 14, 1997. None of the losses was as painful as the one Monday. Tim Duncan scored 23 points and Tony Parker added 20 for San Antonio, which had won five straight in the postseason. Manu Ginobili had 12 points and Kawhi Leonard had 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Warriors blew a 16point lead with 4 minutes left in regulation in the series opener and lost 129-127 in double overtime. No NBA team had blown such a big lead with such little time left in a playoff game.
Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson (11) scores as San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) defends It appeared Golden State was headed for a similar collapse Wednesday night, but the heartbreaking loss actually helped settle the players’ nerves. Golden State led by 20 points with 8:38 left in the third quarter, but San Antonio pulled within 97-89 on Ginobli’s 3-pointer with 4:23 left in the game. But it was the closest the Spurs would come, as they missed six straight shots
before Cory Joseph sank a 16footer with 18.9 seconds remaining. Thompson, who scored 29 points in the first half, finished 8 for 9 on 3pointers and 13 for 26 overall. The Warriors host Game 3 on Friday night and Game 4 Sunday. The double-overtime victory game appeared to leave San Antonio drained in the first half, while the Warriors were energized.
GBBC President, Peter Abdool (3rd right) and Terrence Poole (extreme left) share a delightful moment with the boxers shortly after they had collected their hampers.
Matthias refutes claims by Tappin, Xavier By Rawle Welch It is now 27 days since a new executive has been installed in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and already there are clear signs that the new Body is under attack by some who are still grumbling about the outcome of the Electoral Congress held on April 12. President of the GFF, Christopher Matthias, during an interview with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, in response to accusations of his unwillingness to give backing to the Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA)’s Select Squad, said that the attempt by a few to disrupt his tenure in office will simply not work, since the Body is relentlessly focused on completing and disseminating the National Development Plan that was promised to all of its members at the earliest possible date. The GFF came in for a scathing attack from two officials (Rollin Tappin and Mark Xavier), who claimed to be the Assistant Coach and Manager respectively, of the Select Squad, and who were attempting to accompany the team to the CONCACAF Qualifiers for the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas. Matthias, to whom much of the blame was apportioned, refuted the accusations of lack of support for the team and was adamant that the GFF executive will remain attentive to its set agenda as advised by FIFA, CONCACAF, CFU and the Government. According to the GFF Head, it is instructive that the real executive of the GBFA did not come out and offer any support for the two officials who both, in releases carried in some sections of the media, blamed Matthias for the team’s no-show at the tournament, pointing to his handling of the issue in relation to assuring the travel agency that the tickets purchased would be paid as the main theme for their gripe. However, this newspaper has seen a copy of an e-mail purportedly sent by Xavier on Monday, May 6, 2013 to Beach Soccer World Wide Competitions Department’s Assistant Manager, Egor Xepkin Bulgakov, where it was stated that “our tickets for our flight have already been bought so we will definitely be participating”.
Christopher Matthias Matthias said that the Federation could not ascertain the accuracy of the promises supposedly made by business entities as mentioned by the two officials and secondly, he had intimated to them very early that the Federation was heavily indebted and not in a position to facilitate any financing for such an undertaking. “First of all, allow me to make this revelation, the GFF currently owes a set of individuals and companies over $29 million and this figure is what the new executive inherited when it came to office, among which is a significant amount owed to the said travel agency in question, and the executive was not prepared to add more on to that debt, so we could not endorse those tickets,” Matthias said. Evidently, not keen on referring to the issue as a small matter, Matthias informed that he is aware of the sacrifices the players made to prepare themselves, but it should not be seen as the GFF being obstructive in assisting the advancement of their respective careers. He said the blame must be put squarely at the door of the two officials, who according to him, in the first instance, were allegedly not authorised by the GBFA and secondly, furnished inconsistent information to the GFF, GBFA and the Beach Soccer World Wide Competitions Department.
Friday May 10, 2013
Kaieteur News
Afruica Gentle captures Antigua Junior Invt’l title Up and coming junior player Afruica Gentle stole the show at the Antigua’s Junior Tennis Invitational to claim the Girls 12 and under title. Afruica is the younger sister of former junior national champion Shawna Gentle. She easily dispatched J a m a i c a ’s M i c h a e l a Stephens 6-2, 6-2 in the finals on Sunday. The younger Gentle along with three other Guyanese junior players had to fight their way through the qualifying round of the tournament in order to make it, into the main draw. Former National Under12 winner Shivani Persaud, Keenan Persaud and Jordan Beaton were the other players on the team to Antigua. Keenan Persaud and Jordan Beaton were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Main Draw under 12 boys’ categories while Shivani Persaud made the semif i n a l s o f t h e g i r l ’s tournament. The Antigua 12 and Under Junior tournament is referred to as the “Caribbean Junior Invitational”, where players from several Islands are invited to play, namely Trinidad, Jamaica, Grenada amongst others. National Coach Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan, who accompanied the team stated that the players all played exceptional tennis for their age group but it was Gentle who stood out for the Guyanese Contingent. Ramdyhan in reporting on the competition noted that “the players all found it a bit difficult to adapt to conditions at the start of the competition, due largely in part to their late arrival”. She said that the players took a bit of time to come to grips with the playing conditions. We got into the hotel late the evening and then we had to play at 9:30 the following morning. With the little practice time we had about10-15 minutes, the kids performed creditable,” Ramdyhan stated. She was high in praise for the two female players, young Persaud and Gentle who made the Semi Finals and Finals respectively. “The main aim of this y e a r ’s i n t e r n a t i o n a l competitions but specifically the recent one is
Afruica Gentle to work on the fitness of all players, since that was one of the downfalls for the junior players last year”. The national coach reported. She stated that “at last year’s Inter Guiana Games, players were unfit, out of sorts and un-adaptive to conditions, but more regional exposure would be great for the team as was shown by gentle”. The tournament, a regular feature on the Antigua calendar featured a very high level of competition. The national junior coach highlighted that the win by Afruica Gentle has earned her an invitation into the Jamaican Junior Invitational in July. The Association has also received a formal Invitation to the St Lucian Invitational. Along with that the association would be sending a strong contingent t o t h e S t Vi n c e n t Invitational. This would be a great exposure of high level tennis for Gentle and the other players of whom would be selected for these oversees tournaments. VP of the Association Grace McCalman congratulated Gentle on her victory and applauded the team on its performance.
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 10, 2013
E-Networks on board with RHTY&SC
E-Networks CEO Gerald Singh (left) hands over the cheque to the club’s test cricketer Assad Fudadin. By Zaheer Mohamed The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has committed itself to a total of 175 programmes\activities for the year 2013 under the headings Education, Health, Social, Sports, Awards, Tr i b u t e s , Yo u t h Development, Coaching, C h a r i t y, C o m m u n i t y Development and Religion, and as a result E-Networks has decided to assist the club in this venture. Yesterday at their Camp Street Office, the company which recently started operations in Berbice, made that commitment official. According to the Club’s Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, the company also donated one free year of cable television service to their Cricketer-of-the-year, Delbert Hicks and that makes them their second largest sponsor. Foster said that every single activity the Club undertakes will touch the lives of many youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Foster stated that due to
the club’s unbelievable list of activities they managed to secure a number of sponsors. “In these difficult economic times, most NGO’s and clubs find it difficult to survive much less to do anything to fulfill their mandate. The RHTY&SC has been blessed with an ability to attract and maintain sponsors over a long period of time mainly b e c a u s e o f o u r achievements, honesty, hard work, public relation programmes and a capability to make our sponsors feel as a part of our club’s success story”, added Foster. He thanked the company for their assistance to Guyana’s leading youth and sports organization and indicated that their members will be available to do promotional work for the company. He informed that the club will also name its Annual Awards Ceremony and Father of the Year award after the company. Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of E-Networks Gerald Singh said the company is happy to serve the people of Berbice.
Friday May 10, 2013
Kaieteur News
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t r o Sp AINLIM sponsors b/ball uniforms for Marian Academy
M
arian Academy received new basketball uniforms from AINLIM Group of Companies that will be used for its Under-14, Under-17 and Senior teams. The branded uniforms will certainly add a new-look to the school’s basketball team. In photo, Co-curricular Coordinator at Marian Academy, Chris Bowman (left), collects samples of the uniforms from an AINLIM representative.
Matthias refutes claims by Tappin, Xavier
Marketing Manager of Grace Kennedy Remittance Services (Guy) Ltd, Natheeah Mendonca (4th left) with the rewarded players. Test cricketer Assad Fudadin is 3rd right.
Western Union continues investment in RHTY&SC junior cricketers
Goals mark start of Heat scorch Beach Championship Bulls 115-78
Beach Soccer action in the Bahamas.
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots against Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer (5)
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