Kaieteur News

Monday May 14, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 3

…Brassington statements akin to a pleading criminal about to be jailed - Ramjattan Recent statements by Executive Director of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington on the state of affairs of the finances for the Government Holdings Company are akin to those of a criminal about to be incarcerated.

This is according to Alliance for Change (AFC) Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, who says that the NICIL’s Executive Director’s statement now claiming that NICIL’s coffers only contain $700M as against the billions touted is very “circumspect.”

“I don’t believe him,” said Ramjattan.

The AFC Chairman says that Brassington is now “behaving like a criminal who has been caught and now is about to give a statement.”

“Where are the billions invested?” asked Ramjattan.

He called on the NICIL Director to not only make verbal pronouncements but also to produce tangible documentation.

He said that the NICIL

Executive Director must not only make oral statements broadly saying that NICIL only has $700M and the rest has been invested.

Ramjattan said that Brassington must immediately provide documents detailing all of NICIL investments so that there can be a determination of where the money is.

While Ramjattan is in full support of his colleague Parliamentarian, Carl Greenidge’s call for taxpayers to take private action against NICIL, he is opposed to the proposed method.

The veteran parliamentarian says that should a private lawsuit be filed against NICIL then the ‘sub judice’ regulations would apply and the matter cannot be deliberated in the House until its determination in the Courts.

As such he is advocating that the matter be fully ventilated in the House before private action is taken.

Until such time, Ramjattan says that he is eagerly awaiting the documents from

NICIL, detailing where and how NICIL’s billions are invested.

Ramjattan maintains that the company has billions under its control whether in investments or liquid in bank accounts.

Brassington on Saturday sought to clear the air on NICIL finances and told this publication that its accounts hold some $700M and the majority of its proceeds over recent years have been invested.

Brassington says that when monies are netted by NICIL, the company has three options.

He said that overhead expenditures are met, dividends are paid and the company can invest.

Brassington was quick to caution, however, that the $700M represents only that which is in NICIL accounts as a singular entity and would only include proceeds from the Privatization Unit.

The Privatization Unit, according to Brassington, falls under NICIL accounts given that it is not an independent legal entity but

NICIL Head Winston Brassington

NICIL Deputy Head Marcia Nadir-Sharma

AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan

rather, an arm or agent of NICIL. He said that the $700M referred to as reflected in NICIL accounts, does not reflect the accounts of any of the subsidiaries of NICIL. The Subsidiary Companies that NICIL controls include the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Chronicle, NCN, GUYOIL, National Edible Oil Company, Guyana National Printers Limited, Linden Electricity Company and Guyana National Shipping Corporation. It has shares in several other companies including Guyana Stockfeeds Limited and more recently, Guyana Telephone and

Telegraph Company and the Pegasus.

The accumulated monies in these accounts are still unknown publicly.

Speaking to Opposition criticism that NICIL’s money does not find its way into the Consolidated Fund, Brassington pointed this publication to the 2012 Budget Estimates which illustrate a figure of $744.2M being paid to the Consolidated Fund from NICIL as “Dividends from Equity Holdings.”

The 2012 Budget Estimates point also to some $454M paid to the Consolidated Fund for 2010 and a projection of some $600M to be paid over this

year.

The 2011 Budgetary Estimates illustrate also that some $1.2B was paid over from the Consolidate Fund from NICIL in 2009.

According to the most recently available Auditor General’s Report (2010) “the amount of $475M reflected as Dividends from Non-financial Institutions was received from the Guyana Oil Company as dividends for 2008, while the sum of $454M shown as Dividends from Equity Holdings includes amounts totalling $154M and $300M, which represents amounts received from NICIL for Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and (BOSAI) respectively.”

New ‘crime wave’ puts Enmore on edge The brutal murder of Enmore grocery store watchman Rudolph Narine has brought home the stark reality that the once secure community is fast becoming a haven for drug addicted thieves.

And if nothing is done to arrest the problem, the situation threatens to reach alarming proportions where criminals could reign as they once did in another East Coast Demerara village only a few short years ago.

Narine was found with his throat slit at his place of employment, the R. Ramlogan grocery establishment early Saturday morning.

The killers then ransacked the business, carting off an undisclosed amount in valuables.

This was just a few days after a popular business place a few doors away was broken into and millions of dollars in cellular phones and similar equipment stolen.

And just a little under two weeks ago, the bound body was taxi driver Rajendra Narine was dumped in the village, not too far from where Narine was slain.

And a little over a month ago, another Enmore man was found in the outfall canal, a death which is still the subject of controversy.

Dead: Rudolph Narine No one has been held responsible for these crimes.

These recent incidents have sent shockwaves throughout the Enmore community and while there have been several suggestions as to what is responsible along with recommendations for its arrest, the blame game is being played out.

While the statutory law enforcement agency -the Guyana Police Force has to accept the main responsibility, the performance of the village’s Community Policing Group and the commitment of the residents themselves to crime prevention are also coming under question.

Chairman of the Enmore Station Management

Committee Taijnauth Jadunauth is of the view that residents, including businessmen in the village must understand that community policing is everybody’s business, and merely giving financial assistance alone will not keep the community safe.

“They have to show their support by volunteering their services to patrolling the village,” Jadunauth told this newspaper.

He acknowledged that there has been a lull in active community policing.

Jadunauth said that the police are not doing enough work in profiling the youths of the community.

“As Chairman of the Station Management Committee, my minutes to the Commissioner of Police refer to certain names of regular perpetrators. But the police are doing selective patrols. In law enforcement profiling is important and in Enmore, people know who the perpetrators are but the police are not targeting them,” Jadunauth explained.

Some of his sentiments

were echoed by a prominent businessman who asked not to be identified.

“There is a group of young boys, drug addicts, who I believe are responsible for most of the criminal activities in this community,” the businessman told this newspaper.

And there is some talk about police collusion with the criminal elements in the area.

This newspaper understands that following investigations into a recent breakage in Enmore, the police had arrested several persons after recovering some of the stolen items.

But according to residents, the suspects were released last week, two days before the watchman’s brutal slaying.

“They stole cell phones and just after the police finish taking statements a young woman turned up with one of the stolen phones to buy batteries for it. She took the police to people she bought it from and yet there is no proper prosecution,” one resident complained.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

Residents said that so much is criminally wrong in their village but people are afraid to speak out because of fear of being targeted by criminal elements.

But the police have their version of the situation and the constraints they face in effectively carrying out their duties there.

One investigator told Kaieteur News that, while the situation is definitely getting out of hand, residents are themselves to be blamed.

“Many times when we make arrests in Enmore, relatives of the persons detained will call some big

one and we get instructions to release them. These people got connections to top people and they run all over the place and complain that we lock up Tom or Harry,” the investigator said.

He believes that the police have so many villages to focus on and can only do so much in one particular area at a time.

However, they are hoping that the recent upsurge in criminal activity in Enmore will spur residents to cooperate more with the law enforcement bodies to return the village to it former secure status.

Page 4

Kaieteur News

KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

Editorial

ON MOTHERS Mother’s Day was invented in the USA, as increasingly as so many of our social practices, thanks to the power of the US media. In that vein, a beachhead has recently been opened on the celebration of “Thanksgiving Day”, complete with turkey and pumpkin pie. But back to Mother’s Day. The driving force behind Mother’s Day was Anna Jarvis, who organized observances in West Virginia and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. As the annual celebration became popular around the country, Jarvis asked members of Congress to set aside a day to honour mothers. She finally succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as “Mother’s Day.” As it turned out, her mother, Ann, had started Mother’s Day Work Clubs in five cities to improve health and sanitary conditions during the Civil War; soldiers from both sides were cared for equally. After her mother died, Anna Jarvis organized memorials in what ultimately led to the congressional action on Mother’s Day. But Anna Jarvis eventually came to resent the commercialization of the holiday — so much so that she campaigned for its abolition — to no avail.

She is said to have complained that she wanted it to be “a day of sentiment, not profit,” but instead had become a bonanza for greeting cards which she saw as “a poor excuse for the letter you are too lazy to write.”

She and her sister spent the family assets trying to end it — and she was once arrested for protesting a sale of carnations for Mother’s Day after florists and greeting card companies realized in the early 1920s that the holiday could be a bonanza for them.

In this space we have regularly inveighed against, not necessarily Mother’s Day per se, but the excuse it offers some ‘lazy’ children to salve their conscience by only remembering their mothers on this day. Each country has its own ethos and practices, derived hopefully from their own experiences.

The US has commercialized Mother’s Day and maybe it has worked for them because they are such a mobile and transient society. There, it is expected that children will move out of their parents’ home as soon as they become adults – whether they are married or not.

It is very rare that the move out of the maternal home is to another home in the same community. And it is therefore not unusual for children to literally and figuratively move ‘away’ from their mothers (and fathers).

In Guyana, we are certainly not in a situation where we are as separated from our parents geographically as the Americans. And it should not become the practice to only remember our mothers one day per year.

We have to do better. Maybe part of the reason why violence against females in our society is increasing is that we are moving away from the high regard for mothers that traditionally typified our practices.

During slavery, our traditional family was torn asunder by the slave masters: it was mothers that kept the family going and bore all responsibility for its maintenance. There are more than vestiges of this practice stubbornly surviving into the present and all praise must be given to mothers.

In the indentured culture brought from India, ‘mother’ was defined as the highest role in the community and all respect, and indeed worship was offered to mothers.

The worst insult that could be hurled at anyone was accusing them of neglecting their mother. In fact for adult males, they were exhorted to look at all other females, other that their wives as their mothers so that they could be given respect and not be abused or insulted in any way.

But even as we exhort Guyanese not to arbitrarily import foreign customs, we note that President Obama just approved “same sex” marriage, which will definitely expand the meaning of ‘mother’.

We can expect to be exhorted to follow suit. What we are advising that unlike the blind practice of the commercialised “Mother’s Day’, we must have a very open debate on the practice.

Monday May 14, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

There should be an immediate Commission of Inquiry into this situation DEAR EDITOR, For decades Uitvlugt was the estate with the highest rainfall, the worst lands, the poorest drainage and consequently the lowest yield in the Guyana sugar industry,whilst Skeldon was the best yielding estate of cane and sugar per acre and was the flagship of Bookers and then GuySuCo from 1976.

Last year and 2010, the sugar industry in Guyana failed to produce 230,000 tons when as recently as 2004 we produced 325,000 tons.

As of the weekend of 6thof May 2012, the Guyana sugar industry produced a total of 67,299 tonnes of sugar, a new low in first crop production for over 20 years.

Last year, 2011, at the end of the first crop the industry had produced 106,627 tonnes of sugar!

This is nearly the middle of May 2012 and the first crop of the sugar industry is not

finished and they are reaping canes in this May/June rainy season. They did it last year as well and I warned that it was not good practice and the results would be disastrous…It was.

Economists tell us that it is not how much sugar we produce; it is how much it costs to produce it that counts. Reaping cane in the wet is bad practice since after reaping, the fields are exposed to the rainfall on the bare land which encourages soil compaction and poor regrowth, it also washes away fertilizers, promotes weed growth etc. I will not even go into the compaction of the soil in the fields resulting in poor regrowth from having the cane cutters walking all over the wet soil of the inter-rows to fetch the cane out of the fields.

In addition, because of the intermittent grinding due to the low rate of harvesting in the rain, the factory

becomes completely uneconomical to operate, so why do it? To save face? And only three factories produced sugarcane during week ending 6th May 2012, Rose Hall produced 79 tonnes; Blairmont produced 139 tonnes; and Enmore produced 156 tonnes! What is the point of keeping these factories grinding through the rain with these ridiculously low weekly performance figures! It’s expensive, it’s wasteful and it’s very poor management, since it does untold damage to the cultivation and deprives the 50 odd year-old factories of badly needed maintenance.

At the same time to complete the pantomime, there is a release from the Ministry of Agriculture [MOA] in today’s newspapers 12th May telling the rice farmers that they should keep to the principle of May/June being the

traditional times for the midyear rain, so they must plant their rice with these facts in mind, since apparently several thousand acres of rice will fall victim to this lack of guidance from the MOA, which is now exhibiting 20/ 20 vision after the fact; but GuySuCo is planning to carry the industry’s first crop to July. I am reminded of the saying ‘Physician heal thyself’.

I understand that one of the Directors of this ailing and fast collapsing industry,who knows nothing about sugar, is brought here from the US, where he resides, for the Board meetings with all of the expenses which that entails; airfare, hotel accommodation etc., financed by the Corporation.

The rest of the Board of GuySuCo except one former Manager knows nothing about the sugar industry and are taking us into a tailspin Continued on page 5

Public figures act as if anything less than a win puts them at a disadvantage DEAR EDITOR, I am sometimes overwhelmed from observing public figures becoming embroiled in matters and making statements which with – hindsight, should have been left unsaid or - at best should only have been uttered by subordinates.

Although I firmly believe that it is best to be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and prove it true, I myself have been guilty of a faux pas or two; but then again, I am not a public figure.

What I am saying is that public figures sometimes need to interpose themselves less in contentious areas of public discourse if there is a possibility that their pronouncements will not lead to healing but fan the flames of divisions.

Nowadays what seems to be the dominant feature in the communication process is the application of (what I term) the “survival” concept called “plausible deniability” (PD) where - invariably there is an almost insatiable desire to be in a win-win position.

In this situation public figures tend to act as if anything less than a win puts them at a disadvantage to the detriment of those who would support them and justifiably anticipate benefits through astute representation.

The working definition of PD is a method or scheme to allow an authority to deny, in a plausible fashion, responsibility for illegal or

discreditable acts performed by subordinates.

In the PD mode people say and do things which can be easily denied and that denial will be taken as the truth by most people who do not have the intellect to realize that the denial is a lie.

However, it should not be thought that PD absolves anyone from responsibility since all it does is highlight a patent lack of accountability.

Change Factory’s Accountability and the art of plausible deniability argues that PD is a private and public sector issue “because it leaves open the door to abuse of authority and resources, shifting blame and deflecting accountability.”

Among the techniques used in PD are (i) offering a plausible argument while setting up a defensive shield to deny any request or query (“I cannot be expected to recall all correspondence meeting my office”); (ii) attacking the credibility of the questioner rather than addressing the substantive issue; (iii) omission of information (what is not said rather than what is said); and (iv) use of a word (or words) to give subtle changes in meaning thus enabling equivocation at a later stage (“We discussed concessions but I cannot recall the exact terms and conditions”).

One of the more familiar approaches by senior officials in both sectors is where you are required to communicate with subordinates so they can

plausibly deny knowledge of the conversation or be able to say that the subordinate misrepresented their position.

Among the names which have been linked to PD in one or more of its forms are: Rupert Murdoch; Karl Rove; Bill Clinton.

The argument has been used that PD is intended to insulate the leader from direct knowledge of skullduggery or some unsavoury plot, since it is not unknown for the boss to be conveniently absent when henchmen hatched plots and introduced the devil to the details; case in point the Bob Ehrlich/ Julius Henson role in the Democratic voters’

suppression scandal.

Serious consequences are likely to arise including loss of legitimacy, effectiveness, popularity, resources, and political stability when public figures avoid accountability and rely heavily on PD. Those who duck accountability and are willing to sacrifice the longer term benefits of the greater number for the immediate short term gains of a few, stand to lose the trust of the very people that they need to follow them because while plausible deniability works some of the time, it won’t fool all of the people all of the time.

Patrick E. Mentore

Coca Cola bottle with a Pepsi Cola cap DEAR EDITOR, I smiled when I read about the Coco Cola bottle with the Pepsi Cola cap, kept for a quarter of a century, and that “not too many people will keep a bottle of drink without opening it for 25 years”: I am happy to say that I am one of the ‘not too many people’.

At last I have found someone of like mind and a compatriot at that. In 1987 I took a holiday in what was then Yugoslavia, and spent the time in the city of Porec on the Istrian Coast, part of Croatia. While there, I bought a large bottle of Istravino Domachi Rum, 40 Vol. 1987, No. 070481 and I have kept it intact ever since. I was never tempted to open the bottle and, as events unfolded there, I had ideas about disposal.

Talk about coincidences - my maiden name was the same as the Pepsi Cola chap’s, we bought the bottles in the same year in a foreign country and have kept them intact with almost the same idea in mind! However, I would only let mine go to help a Charity for the elderly and infirm.

It would be interesting to know how many others have similar stuff at least a quarter-of-a-century old stored in cupboards!

Geralda Dennison

Monday May 14, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 5

Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news

This wickedness must stop now Parliament needs statesmen to steer DEAR EDITOR, The tenth Parliament has really brought to light the true nature and heart of the PPPC government. Their response to the opposition’s call for transparency and much needed reform in specific entities such as NCN have been met with the full force of evil. Only a people who are under the control and direction of the evil one or the great deceiver will go on a vendetta, seeking to deceive this nation with the hope of furthering their own agenda.

All fear-minded persons will agree that it is reasonable for the opposition who represents more than fifty percent of voters to demand answers as it relates to whereabouts of finances belonging to the people of this country and access to N.C.N. These are just two of the basic requests made by the opposition, and again an opposition mandated by over

half of voting public.

Only a PPPC government can easily see these requests as unreasonable. As if this was not enough, they now turn around and paint a picture of the opposition being uncaring and willing to see people to lose their jobs etc. This is a massive campaign to take the eyes of Guyanese from the real issues raised by the opposition.

The method the PPPC government has chosen to accomplish this task is by DECEPTION and cannot be deemed politics by any stretch of the imagination.

This is deceit in its filthiest form.

This is what our elected leaders in government have chosen to give our people.

This is the example being set by government. It is wicked, distasteful and ungodly.

The world’s all time bestselling book says “righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach

Still no telephone service in Bare Roots DEAR EDITOR, Good day, kindly allow me a space in your letter column to highlight an issue affecting our community of Bare Roots, East Coast Demerara.

Almost one year ago the Guyana Telephone and telegraph Company completed installing cables in our community; the residents were excited to know that they would finally be granted access to the use of the telephone grid.

It has been almost another one year since the said development, and we the residents, are concerned and would like an explanation as to why it is taking the company so long to connect us with the service. We are therefore calling on the relevant authority to treat our concern as a matter of urgency.

Don Sullivan

to any people”. When our leaders can openly practice injustice and deliberately set out to mislead people, it is in reality, endorsing crime. So, crime becomes the norm of the day. So what do you find; on Wednesday 9th May, 2012 four young men walked into a place of worship and proceeded to rob the man of God along with his wife.

This tells us that there is no safe place in a country where its leaders have an aversion to equality and are obsessed with power to the extent that they would do whatever it takes to ensure that they are answerable to no one.

The actions of government demonstrate the disrespect they have for the intelligence of the people of this country.

Their lawlessness far exceeds what one can barely tolerate, bringing immediately to memory the report in a recent newscast where a Minister was seen wiggling her rear at persons during a protest and another Minister in parliament seen grabbing a microphone stand to assault an AFC member.

I am certain that there are decent, fair-minded people in the Governing party but the events in recent times have proven that they are far outnumbered and or their influence is just not enough to make a positive and meaningful difference at this time. This wickedness must stop and must stop now for it has the propensity to spread all over this nation.

Ray Phillips

There should be an immediate...

From page 4 of economic disaster and chaos. The day to day management of the industry also shows every indication that all of us should be alarmed at their lack of competence.

For the first time in known historySkeldon [6,596 Tonnes] produced less sugar than Uitvlugt [6,944 tonnes] but we did not spend $200 million US dollars [40 billion Guyana dollars] rebuilding the Uitvlugt factory and expanding the cultivation.

We spent it at Skeldon to produce the lowest amount of sugar in the 2012 first crop than any other factory in the entire industry!

The rest of the industry did not perform up to par either. In 2011, the first crop at Albion produced 28,504 tonnes of sugar; in 2012 it only produced 16,135 tonnes up to weekend 6th May. Rose Hall also did not do as well as 2011, they produced 10,640 tonnes this year compared to 15,430 tonnes last year first crop. At Blairmont, in 2011 they made

17,611 tonnes, while as of week end 6thMay 2012 they have produced only 10,122 tonnes.

At the end of the first crop last year, LBI factory was closed and all of the cane from LBI is now being ground at the Enmore factory but one has to question this decision, since in 2012 LBI/Enmore only made 8,246 tonnes compared to 2011 when Enmore/LBI combined produced 13,452 tonnes, a drop of nearly 50%.

Wales produced 8615 tonnes in 2012 compared to 10,752 tonnes last year, while Uitvlugt produced 6999 tons in 2012 compared to 10,442 last year.

And the sinking flagship at Skeldon, a monument to Jagdeo’s disastrous tenure as President of this Republic and the incompetence of Robert Persaud and the Board of GuySuCo, produced 10,435 tonnes in 2011 and only 6,596 in 2012!

Words Mr. Editor cannot adequately describe the extent of this disaster we have left for our children but

the word Titanic comes to mind.

There should be an immediate Commission of Inquiry into this situation. I am calling on the opposition to use its power in the Parliament to demand it.

It is almost superfluous to add, that to allow the same company which left us with this monstrous disaster in our sugar industry, to rebuild our already inefficient and expensive GP&L system defies logic or understanding and also should be the subject of a Commission of Inquiry.

Tony Vieira

the ship of the State on a safe course

DEAR SIR, With regards to your ‘Peeping Tom’ article of Friday 11th May, 2012 on the Ethnic Relations Commission, I might support the view that the action of some members of staff, maybe four or five, may have harmed the perception about the Commission’s future ability to be impartial. Fact may often be distorted by perception.

The fact is that each member of staff is an individual, who is entitled to an opinion, and a choice of which political party he/she supports. However, it is made clear that in the office and at work, they are to remain neutral.

I know of one incident where an individual, working with the Commission, brought into the office political literature and application forms concerning a particular party. He was severely reprimanded and nearly dismissed.

However, it was a first offence so he was not dismissed, nor was the offence repeated.

The Commission can do nothing to reassure staff they will be paid. Staff may continue to work at their own risk, it is their choice. Can it be expected that anyone will pay transportation to and from work, and all the expenses of a home, to go to a job which cannot even advise when salaries will be paid? Be realistic. So, some in desperation chose to go to their elected representative in a Parliament which failed them, to complain about their immediate problem.

Parliament is the culprit. It has failed to act on the E.R.C matter since 2007. “Is na me, is he”. This is the blame game, which the parties use to avoid their responsibility, in this case since 2007. Then, as now, each Parliamentarian is responsible to each person for his/her job.

It may only be twenty jobs. In the scheme of things a mere twenty; but if you, as an

individual, lose your job, and your family suffers, it is very different. Parliament runs the country but it is also responsible to the citizens for their quality of life.

Currently there is a Parliament which needs statesmen to steer the ship of the State on a safe course. This calls for fluid positions based on arguments put forward. It is my understanding (right or wrong, I don’t know), that in the last Parliament, the matter of the list of constituents was agreed at subcommittee level, but failed to be approved because of one stumbling block. This block has been removed. It is my understanding (right or wrong, I don’t know), that the Parliament can, once all members agree, adopt the list of constituents proposed by the subcommittee of the last Parliament. In this way time may be saved to appoint new Commissioners (long overdue).

Parliament created this child, the E.R.C, perhaps a subvention can be made to keep the child alive with a further allocation until such time as new Commissioners are appointed and the subvention increased.

I dislike having to write such a letter but circumstances seem to warrant it. Many persons do not seem to understand that the constituents who make up the constituency are not from Parliament but from various organizations, which choose a person, normally by a vote of members, to represent it. That person’s name is sent to Parliament, which in turn will forward the name to his Excellency to be sworn in as Commissioner of the Ethnic Relations Commission. Seven Commissioners, when sworn in, elect their Chairman.

L.J.P Willems

The opposition leader should not have hastily appointed a commissioner DEAR EDITOR, I wish to comment on the recent appointment of Ms. Sandra Jones to the Guyana Elections Commission replacing the late Mr. Robert Williams and at the same time tender my congratulations.

Let me say from the onset that I have no difficulty with the woman’s competence but the circumstance under which she was appointed.

First I am of the view that the opposition leader should not have hastily appointed a commissioner at this time, such an appointment should have been done as part of a package aimed at reforming the commission. These reforms should include the

structure of the secretariat, the composition of the commission and the removal of GECOM as a budget agency and make it autonomous.

Secondly if they were an urgent need for the appointment then the recommendation of the AFC should have been favorable considered. Given the fact Mr. Williams was a nominee of the then TUF his replacement should have come from the smaller parliamentary party.

Such a nomination would have signaled Mr. Granger’s genuine desire at inclusionary democracy.

It is time for Mr. Granger to come out of the “we lead you Follow” mode and start

to treat the AFC with respect and as equal partner in this new dispensation. Doing otherwise is treading on dangerous ground.

Finally Ms. Jones only claim to political or electoral fame was her recent involvement in the manipulated internal Presidential election of the PNCR which say Mr. Granger emerging victorious. Thus, her appointment begs the question – Is Ms. Jones appointment payback for her role in those elections?

While this may be a question of many Guyanese, that may not be answered, history will be the judge of the wisdom of such an appointment Paul Rodman

Page 6

Kaieteur News

NICIL monies belong to NICIL … transfer to treasury done at the discretion of the Directors - Brassington

Executive Director of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington, appeared on the State-owned National Communications Network (NCN) last evening and declared that the monies in NICIL accounts belong to NICIL. Brassington was at the time being interviewed by former beauty queen, Olive Gopaul, who was told that while there is no obligation placed on NICIL by the Constitution of Guyana to have its monies turned over to the Consolidated Fund; it is done at the discretion of NICIL’s directors.

The Directors at NICIL at present include Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, Dr Roger Luncheon and Marcia Nadir-Sharma.

Brassington, during the televised interview, reminded that NICIL is a company incorporated under the Companies Act and as such the Directors can treat with its profits like any other company.

He reiterated that the monies or dividends earned through NICIL are paid to the Consolidated Fund at the discretion of the Directors.

The Executive Director of NICIL said that the manner in which the company operates is as a result of how it was established by the People’s National Congress in 1990.

He said that the PNC went to great pains to establish the modus operandi for NICIL

which he says in essence, is a Holdings and Investment Company.

“There is a list of about 21 things which the company can do,” said Brassington.

The NICIL Executive Director reiterated, as had been pronounced on by the Head of State Donald Ramotar and the Finance Minister Dr Singh, that there is no requirement by law for the money held by NICIL to be put into Consolidated Fund.

He said that the laws provide for NICIL to hold the funds and for dividends to be declared at the discretion of the directors.

“Distribution of profit is at the discretion of the directors,” said Brassington.

Interim dividends can be declared, he added.

He however continued to stress that it is not mandatory to put the money in Consolidated Fund. In expanding his interpretation of the independence of NICIL and the monies it controls Brassington explained to Gopaul that “the monies in NICIL accounts belong to NICIL.” He said that any “asset or money we receive has to be accounted for in the books of NICIL.” Brassington opined that should this not happen and the monies be turned straight over to the Consolidated Fund and bypass NICIL, then it would be a violation of the company laws.

He was adamant, however, that there are occasions where

NICIL Head Winston Brassington the monies in NICIL accounts are turned over to the Consolidated Fund. Over the years this money has amounted to more than $20B. Speaking to the lag in the books for NICIL, Brassington lamented the situation and blamed the Audit Office and its constraints, coupled with the fact that some of the subsidiaries of NICIL have also lagged behind for various reasons.

“We have no choice in picking the auditor…It is set out in law and in law we have to submit everything to be audited…we prepare our financial statements,” said Brassington who was adamant that the Financial Statements for up to 2010 have been completed and the audit opinion should be completed in two months.

He said that in any given year there are about 14 companies that would fall as a subsidiary under NICIL saying that at one point there were as many as 20 companies that were subsidiaries of NICIL. Some of the companies known to be subsidiaries of NICIL include The Guyana National Newspapers

Limited, publishers of the Chronicle, NCN, GUYOIL, National Edible Oil Company, Guyana National Printers Limited, Linden Electricity Company, and Guyana National Shipping Corporation. It has shares in several other companies including Guyana Stockfeeds Limited among others.

Brassington also reminded that the first set of Consolidated Accounts for the NICIL group was only completed three years ago and this was for the year 2002.

He said that the remaining audited reports should be completed shortly.

“We don’t make the accounts public until they are audited,” said Brassington even as he expressed optimism that the AG will complete its audits shortly and, “a lot of this will be behind us.”

He chided the opposition saying that there are several parliamentary avenues which could have been explored to gain information but none has been used thus far.

According to Brassington, “There are many ways to get the information they are seeking but we have to be guided by what the laws state.”

The NICIL Executive Director maintained that he is willing to cooperate and answer any question and make information available in the interest of transparency but, “we have to be guided by the laws that deal with disclosures… I will fully cooperate in answering questions provided that they are within the law.”

He said that the opposition critics are engaging in nothing but “political theatrics.”

Monday May 14, 2012

Rice farmers protest non-payment of monies

by Mahaicony Rice Mills - Ministry urges farmers to notify authorities Rice farmers along the Essequibo Coast are calling on Government to intervene in the matter where the Mahaicony Rice Mills (MRL) is yet to pay outstanding sums owed to them.

Several of these farmers on Friday, last, staged a protest in their region as they complained about the actions of this rice mill. They voiced their concerns with regards to the delayed payments by the company.

One man explained that he wanted the owner of the MRL to meet with the farmers and discuss the terms of their payments. “We need to speak with the owner, because he needs to talk to us like human beings and tell us when and how we will get our money. It isn’t like we are begging for money, it belongs to us because they took our rice and are supposed to pay for it. But we allowed them to take it on credit and the time has come for the MRL to pay us back,” he stated.

Another farmer who told this newspaper that he hails from Devonshire said that he has been “back and forth” trying to get his outstanding payments but has been unsuccessful to date.

“We want our money because we have expenses and need the money to run our homes and buy new tractor parts and maintain our machinery and such. This isn’t fair that we have to go through this for our money.

We need the Government to help us get our money.”

Kaieteur News was also told that one farmer, Indarpaul Bhagratie from Hampton Court, claimed that MRL owes him over $450,000 for the sale of paddy in October 2011, while another farmer alleged that the company issued him a bounced cheque for paddy he sold many months ago.

Many of these farmers told this newspaper that most of the money that the company owes to them belongs to the bank since they took loans to purchase equipment, machinery and continue their businesses.

“MRL has over $1M to pay me so many months now and I took a loan from the bank and have to repay them as well as pay for other expenses.

The bank’s interest continues to rise with passing time and it is me who is losing out. The Ministry of Agriculture needs to intervene.”

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, yesterday told this publication that in December, 2011, the sum of outstanding monies was over $200M. However, payments were

made during December to March, 2012 and the figure outstanding dropped significantly to about $50M. Dr. Ramsammy explained that some of these farmers notified his Ministry that MRL was making payments and that a majority of the affected rice farmers received most of their payments.

“Some of these farmers called between January to April at the Ministry to say that MRL was making payments to them. Most of the farmers had received most of the money owed to them.

At December last year it was over $200M owed to the farmers but these payments have reduced the figure to about $50M.” He stated that in the past government intervened when the said company failed to make payments to rice farmers and that is was the government who paid the affected farmers the large sums of money.

However, when government was trying to recoup this money from MRL, the farmers still continued to sell their produce on credit to the rice mill.

According to the Agriculture Minister, some of the rice farmers do not notify the Ministry of their transactions with MRL and it is only when there are payment problems that they turn to the Ministry.

He did acknowledge that there are some farmers who would contact the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and other relevant authorities to make them aware of their arrangements with the rice mill. When this is done it is much easier for the authorities to verify those who have been affected and to what extent, Ramsammy said.

“We don’t have all the names of the farmers who the MRL owes since the farmers had private transactions with this rice mill and the MRL has not shared such information with the Ministry. We have been calling on these farmers to come forward and say who they are and how much money they have been owed and have gone even so far as to place an advertisement in the newspapers some weeks ago asking that they make contact with us so we can know. We want them to come forward so we can determine how much money is outstanding and to whom.”

He urged that for future transactions all of the farmers notify some authority so that if such an occasion should arise once more the Ministry will be able to deal with the situation at a faster pace.

Monday May 14, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 7

Guyana consistently achieves 90 percent vaccination coverage over five year period - Health Minister Guyana has consistently achieved over 90 percent coverage of vaccination of children for routine preventable childhood diseases for the past five years, according to Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran.

Dr Ramsaran said Guyana once again received an International award for its consistency in achieving vaccination coverage consecutively for the past five years.

“We received in two previous years two other prestigious awards in consecutive years… We have practically eradicated some potentially fatal childhood diseases due to the aggressive and country wide access to routine vaccines,” Ramsaran explained.

Adding that the Ministry of Health on 11th January, 2012 introduced after a protracted period of sensitization and education work on the vaccine against

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Ramsaran said this will protect girls from cervical cancer as they mature later in life.

Stressing that cervical cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths among Guyanese women; Ramsaran said the Health Ministry has placed Maternal and Child Health on the front burner.

Dr. Ramsaran said that the vaccines were dispatched to various Regions. When completed over 6,000 girls will be recipients. He asserted the girls who received the vaccines at the launching of the programme are healthy.

There were no reports of ‘socalled’ minor side effects like pains, which happen with any vaccination.

The programme, which targets mainly females between the ages of 11 and 13 years, has been met with resistance by several women, who have requested the Ministry to terminate the

campaign until the population is furnished with adequate information on the side effects of the Gardasil vaccine. However, the vaccination has been continuous.

Health reports reveal that Gardasil was only studied for about five years before it was licensed and nobody knows how potentially ineffective this poorly studied vaccine will turn out to be – especially if the four HPV strains in the vaccine are replaced by one or two of the many HPV strains that are not contained in the vaccine.

However, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention noted that HPV vaccines are given as three shots to protect against HPV infection and HPV-related diseases; two vaccines, cervarix and gardasil, have been shown to protect against most cervical cancers in women.

HPV vaccines offer the greatest health benefits to

individuals who receive all three doses before having any type of sexual activity.

That is why HPV vaccination is recommended for preteen girls and boys at age 11 or 12 years. HPV vaccines are recommended for all teen girls and women through age 26, who did not get all three doses of the vaccine when they were younger.

This programme is also part of the PAHO/WHO regional initiative for the reduction of cervical cancers.

The vaccine is currently being implemented in 33 countries, in all the continents around the world.

Dr Ramsaran noted that the vaccine will not only help prevent cervical cancer, but genital warts as well as. The Minister explained that the reason for administering the vaccine to children at a young age, or before their first sexual encounter, is because 80 per cent of the world’s population is at some time exposed to HPV.

‘Operation Safeway’ sees decrease in road deaths The police have stated via traffic statistics that there has been a decrease in the number and categories of accidents that occurred on Guyana’s roadways from January 1 to April 30 of 2012, in comparison to that same period last year.

There have also been decreases in the number of deaths occurring during the January/April period of this year which resulted in six less fatalities.

Four categories of accidents were noted by the traffic authorities. These included fatal accidents, serious accidents, minor accidents and accidents where damages alone occurred.

Twenty-seven accidents occurred from January to April of 2012, while there were 34 accidents in 2011 that resulted in a 21 percent decrease in fatalities. There was a 17 percent decrease in serious accidents; 109 occurred during the first four months of 2012, while 132 occurred in 2011.

One hundred and fiftyeight minor accidents occurred during the four

month period of 2012 while 186 occurred in 2011, a 15 percent decrease. Accidents with damages alone decreased by nine percent, since 319 of those particular accidents occurred during the four month period in 2012.

Three hundred and fifty one of those same accidents took place in 2011.

Deaths decreased by 18 percent in 2012 since 34 persons died in 2011 and 28 died in 2012. Two minors perished in the January/ April period for 2012 while none died by accident last year.

For each month of the specified period, for every accident that occurred in 2011, at least one life was lost.

Out of the 34 persons that died in the four month period in 2011, January had the most deaths and the most accidents occurring.

Thirteen accidents and deaths occurred in that month. February and April had eight accidents and eight deaths. March had five deaths resulting from five accidents.

For 2012, eight accidents and eight deaths occurred in

January. February had nine accidents and 10 deaths.

March had four accidents and four deaths, and April had six accidents and six deaths.

Apart from the death and accident statistics for the first four months of the previous and present year, the police information also showed a continuous pattern that the most death- related accidents occurred in the city.

Georgetown in both years, for the specified four- month period, had the most accidents and deaths occurring, although there was a decrease in the number of accidents and deaths that occurred from January to April of this year compared to that of last year.

Thirteen accidents and 13 deaths took place in Georgetown from January to April of 2011, while 10 accidents and 10 deaths occurred in that same region in 2012, a 23 percent decrease.

In Berbice, seven accidents and seven deaths took place in the four month period of 2011 while one accident and one death occurred in 2012 causing an 86 percent decrease in road

fatalities.

There were five accidents and five deaths that occurred from January to April of 2012 in West Coast West Bank Demerara, while there were two deaths and two accidents last year, a 67 percent increase in fatalities.

Two accidents and two deaths occurred in the hinterland for the four month period of both the present and past year. In Essequibo, two accidents and two deaths occurred in 2012 resulting in a 100 percent increase in deaths since one accident and one death took place last year.

Speeding was the common factor in most fatal accidents that occurred at the start of the year. Five thousand, five hundred and fifty-six persons were prosecuted for speeding and 17 others lost their lives as a result.

“Quietly we are successfully working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs.)…In this regard I noted with great satisfaction the 100% passes in two of the three Nursing Schools operated by the Health Ministry at the recently concluded Midwifery examinations.

These are the Georgetown and the Linden Schools of Nursing. These recently graduated Mid-wives have already been re-deployed to the various regions to strengthen the Ministry of Health “SAFE MOTHERHOOD” thrust.

This will ensure that close to over 90% of births will be delivered by a trained birth attendant,” Ramsaran explained.

He added that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) recently commissioned a 10 unit Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to provide care to neonates needing special care – such as the premature neonates, those with extremely low birth weight and those born of high risk pregnancies.

Senior Afghan peace negotiator shot dead in Kabul KABUL (Reuters) Gunmen shot dead a top Afghan peace negotiator in the capital Kabul yesterday, police said, dealing another blow to the country’s attempts to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban.

Maulvi Arsala Rahmani was one of the most senior members on Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, set up

by President Hamid Karzai two years ago to liaise w i t h insurgents. “He (Rahmani) was stuck in heavy traffic when another car beside him opened fire,” said General Mohammad Zahir, head of the investigations unit for Kabul police.

The Taliban denied involvement in the killing of Rahmani, a Taliban defector but with strong ties to the movement. “Others are involved in this,” its spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.

Rahmani was on his w a y to a meeting with lawmakers and other officials in a government-run media centre in the heavily barricaded diplomatic centre of Kabul when he was shot dead. “His driver did not immediately realize that Rahmani had been killed,”

police official Zahir told Reuters, adding that no one had been arrested in connection with the shooting.

The Taliban said his death would not alter peace talks. “We don’t believe it’s a big blow to peace efforts because the peace council has achieved nothing,” Mujahid told Reuters. The 70member High Peace Council appears to have made little progress in negotiating with the Taliban to end the war now in its eleventh year.

Any progress was severely halted when its head, former Afghan president Barhanuddin Rabbani, was assassinated by a suicide bomber last year. He has since been replaced by his son Salahuddin. Rahmani told Reuters at the start of the year he was optimistic secret peace talks with the Taliban had a good chance of success and that the Taliban were ready to moderate their fundamentalist positions.

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Jack wants shadow MPs for all 41 seats Jack Warner said the shadow MP would be able to take hold of the leadership of that constituency whenever Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar announces a date for any elections.

Warner was speaking at the installation of the UNC national executive at the party’s headquarters at Rienzi Complex in Couva.

The national executive was elected during the party’s internal elections on March 24. “Starting from this afternoon, our work is to ensure the 41 constituencies, which represent the political demographics of Trinidad and Tobago have a functioning constituency executive working to secure the success of our party.

“In each of the 41 constituencies, we are going to work with the

Jack Warner constituency executives to establish party groups across our nation state to ensure the mobilisation of our ground troops and to guarantee that the party always maintains its state of readiness to contest any elections,” he said.

Warner did not say whether shadow MPs would

be placed in constituencies run by members of the Congress of the People (COP), Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) and National Joint Action Committee (NJAC)— four political parties in the People’s Partnership Government.

Following the ceremony, Persad-Bissessar said she believed Warner was referring to People’s National Movement (PNM) constituencies. She said there were PNM constituencies where the membership and supporters of the UNC were not being properly represented.

Warner added he was ready to embark on a membership drive by calling on all UNC members to return.

(Trinidad Express)

Child rights advocates to lead protest in Grenada The Grenada National Coalition on the Rights of the Child says it will be leading a protest later this month to highlight injustices against children that are happening across the country.

The event is scheduled for May 21 and a statement from the organisers has listed a number of concerns it

wants the Tillman Thomas government to address.

These include an end to the incarceration of juveniles at the Richmond Hill prison, which is a violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Grenada Prison Act of 1980.

The Coalition says it is also concerned that lenient

sentences are being handed down to perpetrators of sexual crimes against children, while juveniles are being sent to prison.

This was in reference to a 16-year-old who was sent to prison because she has repeatedly ran away from her home.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Monday May 14, 2012

Opposition wants referendum ahead of Jamaica joining CCJ KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC - The main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) says the government must hold a national referendum before the island joins the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final court of appeal.

JLP spokesman on Justice, Delroy Chuck, also believes that the citizens must have a say in whether or not Jamaica should become a republic and remove Britain’s Queen Elizabeth as its head of state.

“I rather doubt that it can come in place during this fiscal year because the opposition’s position is that we must have a referendum and every argument suggests that we must go to the people by way of a referendum and also change the relevant sections of the Constitution. It seems to me that a referendum is necessary,” Chuck said.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, delivering the traditional Throne Speech on Thursday, said that the Portia Simpson-Miller administration intends to table legislation dealing with the CCJ among the 32 pieces

of legislation during this parliamentary year.

“The key pieces of legislation to be passed include, An Act to establish the Caribbean Court of Justice as Jamaica’s final Court of Appeal. This process will involve further dialogue with the Opposition,” Sir Patrick said.

Jamaica, like most of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have signed on to the orginal jurisdiction of the CCJ that acts as an international tribunal that interprets the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the regional integration movement.

However, only Barbados, Belize and Guyana are signatories to the appellate jurisdiction of the court that was established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the regional final court.

Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year announced plans for a phased withdrawal from the Privy Council and earlier this year Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said her newly elected government

would seek to end the long standing relationship with the London-based court.

She told reporters on Thursday that “the CCJ is critical because Jamaicans, particularly the poor, will never be able to travel to England to get their proper defence.

On Friday, Constitutional lawyer, Dr Lloyd Barnett recommended having both the CCJ and the Republic issues decided in one referendum, saying it would be both democratic and practical.

But Chuck argued that the change to Republican status should be decided ahead of the CCJ.

OTTAWA, - CMC Despite Haiti’s chequered history and the 2010 earthquake among other recent events, the country’s first ambassador to Canada in nearly six years, Frantz Liautaud, has said here his country is ready for international investment.

Liautaud, a former businessman and recent president of the HaitianCanadian Chamber of Commerce, told reporters here that many views about his country are obsolete and have held back the nation’s ability to wean itself off

foreign aid. “What we need to do is change our image and make sure people get the right image,” he said, adding that Haiti may have a willing partner in the Conservative Canadian government, which is expected to begin pumping tens of millions of dollars in aid for economic development.

Singer-turned-president Michel Martelly, who marks his first anniversary in office today, had made the attraction of foreign investment a top priority, Liataud said, as a way to tackle a jobless rate of 40 per cent.

Frantz Liautaud

Delroy Chuck

Haiti ‘ready for investment’, says new envoy to Canada

St. Kitts-Brazil sign partial scope agreement BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - CMC - St. Kitts and Nevis and Brazil Friday signed a partial scope agreement that Basseterre said made the twin-island Federation as “the only Caribbean country with almost zero-tariff access” to the Brazilian market.

Dr. Douglas said that local manufacturers will now have the advantage unlike their competitors of accessing the Brazilian market. “This enhanced attractiveness of St. Kitts and Nevis as a manufacturing base will, in turn, mean additional employment, additional entrepreneurial opportunities, and increased revenue inflows for our Federation,” he added.

The agreement was signed by Brazil’s Special Envoy, Ruy Pereira and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Trade, Charleton Edwards.

Dr. Douglas described the agreement as “historic” recalling it began as a “vision, an idea, a hope, and a vision in which the objective was clear, but the path, at first, less than a straight line. “As is the case with all historic accomplishments, however, this initial idea soon gave way to meticulous planning, in-depth analysis, and careful cost/benefit deliberations as we strove to establish this mutually beneficial economic alliance,” he said, making reference to the enhanced trade, expanded entrepreneurial and employment opportunities.

Monday May 14, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

NO LEGAL LIMB TO STAND ON This is not a defence of NICIL. It is a counter to the proposition that the revenues and other moneys earned by NICIL should be passed into the Consolidated Fund.

There has been an uninformed and misguided attempt over the past few weeks to deflect attention from the Budget cuts instituted by the opposition.

As part of this diversion, the spotlight has been thrown onto NICIL and in the process, erroneous argument advanced that NICIL is required to pass its revenues through the Consolidated Fund because the constitution says so.

The Constitution of Guyana does not state that all revenues and moneys earned

by Guyana should be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

What it says is that all revenues or other monies raised by Guyana shall be

paid into the Consolidated Fund except for moneys which are payable by or UNDER any Act of Parliament, into some fund created for a specific purpose.

NICIL was created UNDER an Act of Parliament and specifically the Companies Act, and as a body corporate is required to keep certain accounts and funds. This very fact excludes it from having to pass its revenues through the Consolidated Fund.

The critics also find themselves in a quandary when it comes to explaining how it is that the revenues earned by GUYSUCO, also a body corporate, are not paid into the Consolidated Fund.

And the reason is that, like NICIL, the revenues of GUYOIL, GNSC and GUYSCO are not controlled by the Consolidated Fund because if this were the case

it would make these agencies Budget agencies and not corporations.

It should be recalled that when the former PNC government wanted to extract moneys from the Guyana Sugar Corporation, it did not argue that the revenues from the sale of sugar should pass through the Consolidated Fund. What it did was move a law that allowed it to institute a levy on the corporation.

When interpreting an article of the Constitution, one has to, apart from examining the literal words used, consider the specific intent of the article. Article 216 was intended to create the Consolidated Fund.

When interpreting constitutional provisions, it is also at times necessary to do so in the context of case law since this can clarify useful concepts and relationships,

Dem boys seh

Brazzy learn Ratamatics When people go to school dem learn Maths and Science and English and all dem things. When dem come out of school dem can further dem studies and learn further Maths and things like that.

Brazzy been to school and then he go to high school. He learn more than Maths.

He go pun de TV de other day and he start fuh talk bout NICIL. He tell everybody how NICIL ain’t got to put money in de Consolidated Fund but when it feel like it can give de government some money.

Dem boys listen and dem couldn’t understand de Maths he give when he start fuh talk how NICIL does send de money to Government.

Dem boys seh that instead of Mathematics he learn Ratamathics. De man twist

everything just like how rat does twist he tail.

But Brazzy didn’t stop there. He claim how he did hire Chris Ram fuh audit he books. Ram didn’t tell people but from wha Brazzy seh it look like if he involve. Brazzy shifting blame and he want people fuh believe is that Ram thief de money from NICIL. He don’t sleep these days because he never believe that he Brazzy woulda deh in this position. All d time he spend and give away money like if was he own. Now dem boys in control he got to answer and all of a sudden he see jail.

He talking but wha he talking only sinking he more and more. Is nuff stupidness.

Like wha de Chronicle print.

Imagine de Chronicle claim

how Hen See Hen got to cut down expenses and increase revenue.

Now everybody know that is how business does run.

But de Chronicle put de thing like if is de greatest word of wisdom and like if it is something new.

Dem boys want to know why Donald got dem at de Chronicle still close to de paper. He should fire de Manager, de Chief editor, de senior reporter and everybody who had something to-do wid that article. He should also shutdown Hen See Hen . Dem wasting time. Is a good thing de opposition tek way de money because dem woulda waste that too.

Talk half and don’t waste de other half.

including about the standing of public corporations.

Denning L. J. in Tamlin v Hannaford (1950) had this to state about the public corporation: ‘ In the eye of the law, the ( public) corporation is its own master and is answerable as fully as any other person or corporation. It is not the Crown and has none of the immunities and privileges of the Crown. Its servants are not civil servants and its property is not Crown property.’

NICIL is not required under the constitution to pass its revenues through the Consolidated Fund. It, however, as a 100% government owned entity, can pay dividends, as it claims it has been doing for the past twenty years, into the said Consolidated Fund.

NICIL is not the first and will not be the last holding and parent company for state assets and entities. Before NICIL, there was the Public Corporations Secretariat.

And before that, there was GUYSTAC, and also COFA and a host of other parent companies that were responsible for the many public enterprises that existed. As the State divests itself of public assets and invests the proceeds, there will always be a need for a NICIL type body.

Those who wish to see parliament control the funds held by NICIL have no legal case. If they did they would not have been arguing these in the letter pages of the newspapers. They would have sought judicial review of the actions of NICIL. They have not and are not likely to risk their considerable reputations on this score.

Having no case they have resorted to certain schemes that are well known. First, they believe that by constantly repeating a

contention, it will stick regardless of its lack of merit.

And so we can expect that this discredited argument about NICIL having to pass its revenues through the Consolidated Fund will be constantly repeated in the hope that unlike a rolling stone it will through repetition gather the moss of credibility.

Secondly, extraneous matters to the argument will be introduced. We have had a lot of that also.

Thirdly, arguments relating to the use of the funds by NICIL will be used to create a moral case against NICIL. And this is happening also.

We have been hearing a great deal about the possible abuse of funds and the lack of audited statements by NICIL. This column is on record as having expressed concerns about many of the activities of NICIL, including controversial divestments.

This column has also been in the forefront of arguing that state funds should not be sunk into the hotel project at Kingston.

There have also been criticisms about the level of transparency and disclosure of NICIL. This is all part of the arguments to establish a political/moral case against NICIL. Those who wish to see greater accountability by NICIL have a line of recourse.

The executives and directors of NICIL can be summoned before the Economic Services Commission of parliament and

answers demanded. But why instead of going this route can a simple request not be made for the government to provide the information requested.

The government has said that it is willing to do so. And it has made public some of the contracts which the opposition was querying.

And it has even held a special meeting to answer questions about the Amalia Falls Hydroelectric Project.

So there are options but to press these options now would not deflect from the raging criticisms about the Budget cuts.

The issues about disclosure, transparency and the wisdom of investments of NICIL are however separate from the legal arguments about whether NICIL is lawfully required to pass its funds through the Consolidated Fund.

Those who are insisting that the constitution allows for NICIL funds to pass through the Consolidated Fund and this be controlled by parliament, may have a moral case about the need for timelier and greater disclosure

by NICIL about its work. But they have no legal limb to stand on when it comes to the right of NICIL to not pass its revenues through the Consolidated Fund.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Government using budget cuts to discriminate - AFC Alliance for Change member Gerrida Lowe has said that her party is well aware that the Government plans to send home certain workers using the reduction made to the 2012 budget as the excuse. Lowe made these statements at a recent press conference that the party held.

According to Lowe, instead of ‘weeding out’ the cronies and ‘fat-cats’ from the system, the PPP/C Government is sacrificing ordinary cleaners and clerks and cutting the salaries of other rank and file employees to make a political point. She described the act as being devious.

Lowe explained that prior, during and after the 2012 Budget debate and especially during the examination of the Estimates, the AFC made it clear that they did not want to send ordinary workers home. She said that the party was targeting the ‘supersalary’ contract employees and the political dinosaurs that are paid as so-called, ‘advisors’.

She said that instead of the government sending off

these political relics of the past, the Ramotar regime is turning ordinary workers into sacrificial lambs. Lowe said that any attempt to secure s u p p l e m e n t a r y appropriations without the reforms called for by the collective opposition must be seen as an attempt to secure the positions of the PPP/C government cronies.

“It is clear that this present PPP regime has no interest in carrying out the necessary reforms to make government and national institutions function more efficiently. It is clear that they intend to carry on with their wanton wastage and abuse of taxpayers’ money and national resources” Lowe posited.

Further, she told the media that the AFC has been informed that a circular has been passed around to the staff of GPL informing them of daily ‘black-outs’.

According to Lowe GPL has not even spent a third of its $5 billion allocation but they are already signalling daily power outages. She said it was a vile attempt to fool the people into thinking that the

cut to the GPL subsidy is the cause for the company not being able to provide electricity.

She described the move as an insult to the intelligence of the Guyanese people.

Further, she said that the government instead of trying to operate more efficiently and show that they can manage well, their decision is to punish the people.

She maintained that the Alliance For Change will over the course of the next few weeks be meeting with a number of locally and internationally based stakeholders, the international donor community and interest groups to update them on these situations.

“For almost two decades Guyanese have been at the mercy of the PPP/C, forced to accept whatever conditions are imposed upon them....the Administration must realise that they cannot continue to punish the people of this country....on November 28, 2011 the people voted to break the PPP yolk of tyranny and we will not be cowered” Lowe posited to the media.

“Contractor, Cost and Deadline” for Cemetery Road bridge will be given Senior Government Engineer Walter Willis has promised to disclose the cost of works which are being done on the dilapidated bridge at Cemetery Road.

Repair works commenced last week, just days after 16-yearold Elbert Thorne died when the vehicle he was in veered off the bridge and into the canal last Saturday.

Willis told Kaieteur News that the cost of the repairs, the contract and the deadline for the completion of works will be known after a meeting tomorrow. According to Willis the meeting will be between himself, the Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn and other Ministry officials.

On Wednesday, Willis had told Kaieteur News that selected contractors from the Ministry of Public Works had already submitted bids.

He explained that the new

- Government engineer bridge will be constructed with reinforced concrete with steel decks and plates.

Meanwhile, relatives of the dead teenager yesterday said that they are to meet with a lawyer on Tuesday to further explore legal avenues.

Relatives are of the opinion that the incident could have been prevented if the relevant authorities had looked after the bridge.

The lad succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation shortly after midnight last week Sunday.

Kaieteur News understands that he had sustained head injuries, and water had entered his lungs after he was trapped in the submerged car for several minutes.

The tragedy occurred after the car in which the mother and son were

passengers veered off the decrepit bridge and toppled into a canal.

The mother, Alma Thorne and the driver managed to s c r a m b l e t o s a f e t y b ut Elbert Thorne, a former student of Kingston Community High School and Zenon Academy, was trapped in the overturned vehicle for several minutes.

An eyewitness had indicated that the driver suffered a blowout and lost control after accidentally driving into one of the large holes on the bridge.

Prior to this, US-based Guyanese Christopher Giles almost perished after his vehicle also toppled off the same bridge. He managed to unbuckle his seat-belt and crawl through the driver’s window.

Monday May 14, 2012

Public Works officials concerned road expansion will affect drainage

A section of the East Bank Demerara canal that is being filled Senior managers of the Public Works Ministry are concerned that the current designs of the East Bank and East Coast Demerara Public Road expansion projects do not provide adequate drainage to the areas.

This is according to Technical Adviser to Public Works Minister, Walter Willis, who disclosed that ongoing works to fill existing waterways to construct new roadways have proven to result in flooding after heavy downpours.

The East Bank four-lane expansion works are ongoing from Providence to Diamond, where the main drainage canals run from east to west and empty into the Demerara River. The canal that runs north to south is being filled so the roadway can be expanded.

And the East Coast extension project starts from Better Hope to Golden Grove

where the main drainage runs from north to south and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Along this corridor the east to west drainage system is being filled so the road can be widened.

According to Willis, the Ministry is seeking to reroute the drainage systems on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara. Without going into details, he explained that in some areas there is already alternative drainage.

He indicated that the rerouting plans should be concluded before construction is completed because “you can’t fill drains in your yard without having alternative.”

In the case of the East Bank construction works, Willis explained that the new roadway will block the east to west flow of water into the Demerara River. As such, another canal running east to west will be dug behind the

villages, until concrete drains are constructed.

He emphasized this was done when the four-lane road was being built from Ruimveldt to the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

However, he is questioning when the rerouting plans would conclude.

Willis refused to comment on why this challenge was not foreseen when the East Bank road was being designed and plans to widen the East Coast roadway were being crafted.

The design for the East Coast four-lane road was not completed when construction works to widen the road began last year.

He also declined to comment on whether the communities would be affected by severe flooding after the construction has concluded. But he expressed hope that this would not occur.

Pensioners’ subsidy for water service needs to be registered - GWI Guyana Water Incorporated, GWI, is advising old aged pensioners (65 and older) that through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security there is a subsidy for eligible GWI customers for payments of their bills. However, there needs to be registration by beneficiaries.

According to GWI,

customers of Georgetown are granted $11,880 yearly, while customers outside of Georgetown are granted $8,976 yearly.

The Pensioners’ subsidy is granted by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to persons who are recipients of the Government’s Old Age

Pension.

Adding that pensioners can be disconnected for nonpayment, GWI, says pensioners should advise GWI of their Old-age Pension Status by calling 227-8701 since the pensioner’s subsidy only covers one property; and the water bill must be in the pensioner’s name before the subsidy is granted.

Underscoring that the subsidy is only granted to the address stated on the pensioner’s voucher, GWI notes the Pensioners’ subsidy is not an exemption.

A pensioner must pay any arrears that exceed the granted subsidy; while the Pensioners’ Subsidy is granted to both domestic and commercial GWI customers who are Pensioners.

Monday May 14, 2012

If I were writing a “brief” history of warfare and sought to uncover the truth about the relationship between underwear and violence, I would start with the “Boxer” Rebellion of 1898 - 1901. A young student encountering a question on that topic in his history exam sought to explain it as an act of resistance against the imposition of Christian values on Chinese society, notably a law that men should wear a particular type of undergarment named after a species of dog instead of going around in tongs. This is not strictly true.

The lowly Chinese were upset that foreigners had them by the short and curlies with unequal treaties favouring opium traders and

Kaieteur News

Christian missionaries. This is how Boxers started.

Eventually Boxers were considered revolting and China had to pay the foreign powers, including the US, a lot of money in reparations.

Now China has become a tightly knit society and is getting its own back by exporting boxers and other men’s underwear to all those countries that fought against them. They have moved from the battlefront to the Y-front.

If you doubt that boxers can be injurious to your health, consider this very strange case. The doctor said, “Joe, the good news is I can cure your headaches. The bad news is that it will require castration. You have a very rare medical condition, which causes your testicles to press

on your spine, and the pressure creates one hell of a headache. The only way to relieve the pressure is to remove the testicles.” Joe was shocked and depressed but decided to take the surgery. When he left the hospital he was without a headache for the first time in 20 years but he was still depressed. To cheer himself up and to make a new beginning, Joe decided to buy a new suit.

He entered a men’s clothing store and told the salesman, “I’d like a new suit.” The elderly tailor eyed him briefly and said, “Let’s see, size 44 long.” Joe laughed, “That’s right. How did you know?” “Been in the business 60 years!” the old man responded. Joe tried on

the suit. It fit perfectly. As Joe admired himself in the mirror, the salesman asked, “How about a new shirt?” Joe thought for a moment and then said, “Sure.” The salesman eyed Joe and said, “Let’s see, 34 sleeve & 16-1/2 neck.” Again, Joe was surprised, “That’s right again!”

The salesman beamed, “Been in the business 60 years!”

The shirt fit perfectly. The salesman then sold Joe some new shoes, again guessing the size right and again boasting about his 60 years in the business.

Then the salesman said, “How about some new boxer shorts?” When Joe agreed, the salesman stepped back, eyed Joe’s waist and said, “Let’s see- size 36.” Joe

Elderly woman missing A 79 year old grandmother has been missing since Wednesday and desperate relatives have mounted a search to find her.

The woman Elma Griffith Thom lives alone at Lot 3 Tucber Park in New Amsterdam.

According to her nephew, popular promoter Andrew Griffith, his aunt is taken care of by a neighbor who would provide her meals and take care of her other chores. When she was last seen she was wearing a green dress.

Griffith stated that he and other relatives would usually check on her and make regular calls. Griffith stated that he last spoke to his aunt on Wednesday morning and she was all right. He said that Ms. Thom has no known health problems and would usually

Missing: Elma Griffith Thom go out on her own and return.

She attends the All Saints Anglican Church and once worked at the Central Police

Station as a caretaker.

Mr. Griffith stated that he was informed on Wednesday afternoon by friends and relatives that his aunt had gone out and could not be found.

Relatives, he said immediately mounted a search, but have so far come up empty handed.

They have since made a report at the Central Police Station.

They have contacted a number of relatives and friends and have searched the various hospitals and other places. According to Griffith, he was reliably informed by friends that his aunt was seen on Friday in the vicinity of Church Street, New Amsterdam wearing the same clothes that she left home with.

Relatives have since placed notices on the local

television stations in Berbice and have printed and distributed a number of flyers with her photographs throughout Berbice.

Her daughter Cheryl Griffith, who lives in Trinidad has since flown into the country and is hoping that she can find her mother, so that they can spend another Mother's Day together and she can taken her back with her to Trinidad.

The relatives are asking persons who may see Ms. Elma Thom to keep her and contact her daughter Cheryl Griffith, on telephone numbers 333-5485; her nephew Andrew Griffith on 337-4448 or 692-8044, Nicola Forde on 681-5501. Other numbers that could be contacted are 6857888, 676-0374 or 333-6078 or the nearest police station.

Hit-and-run driver kills US-based Guyanese A Guyanese construction worker was among two pedestrians killed in separate incidents less than an hour apart in Queens, New York yesterday.

The New York Daily news reported that Rohan Singh, a Guyanese, was crossing Liberty Ave. near 108th St. at about 3:15 a.m. in Ozone Park after leaving a bar when a driver plowed into him and kept going, police sources said.

Singh, 47, a construction worker who sends money back to his wife and teenage sons in his native Guyana, was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he died.

Cops are looking for a black Nissan Maxima with front-end damage, sources said.

Singh’s family broke the news to Chanrooytie Arjun, his frail 70-year-old mother

Sunday.

“That was her Mother’s Day gift,” said the victim’s devastated brother, Chateran Singh, 45. “She burst into tears.”

According to the New York Daily News. Arjun had planned on celebrating Mother’s Day with a meal of baked lamb with her children.

Instead she wept on the couch as her three surviving children tried to console her.

“Of all her kids, she loved him a lot,” said Chateran Singh. “Whoever hit him, they should have come forward.”

The report added that earlier in the morning, a 24year-old man hailing a cab was struck by livery cab driver Avedis Sayesh at the corner of 46th St. and Greenpoint Ave. in Sunnyside about 2:35 a.m., police sources and witnesses said.

The victim, whose name was not released, was waiting for the light to change to grab a yellow taxi cab after a night out, according to a friend who was with him.

“I see the [livery\] cab coming at us very fast and I tried to push my friend back, but it was too late,” said Bernardo Reyes, 23.

“He was on the floor, his legs were broken, bleeding”.

Sayesh, 58, lost control of his gray 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis livery cab after clipping a parked box truck,

police sources said. He careened onto the curb, slamming into the victim on the sidewalk, then sideswiped several more cars before coming to a stop in front of a flower shop.

“This guy was crazy, he was driving so fast,” Reyes said.

The victim, suffering head trauma, was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital but could not be saved, police said.

Charges against Sayesh include manslaughter and driving drunk.

Page 15

laughed. “Ah ha! I got you!

I’ve worn size 34 since I was 18 years old.” The salesman shook his head, “You can’t wear a size 34. A size 34 boxer would press your testicles up against the base of your spine and give you one hell of a headache.”

An even bigger headache came from another source linked to underwear – nuclear testing on Bikini Atoll. The American Government, originally implicated in the Boxer Rebellion, displaced the inhabitants of this south sea paradise and carried out 67 nuclear tests between 1946 and 1948. Equivalent to 7,000 times the force of the Hiroshima bomb, the tests had major consequences on the geology, the environment and the health of those exposed to radiation.

Then the cover up on Bikini began and the American Government sought to dress up what was a reprehensible practice with bare lies which nobody believed atoll, atoll.

Now, as Al Qaeda jockeys with other terrorist organisations for supremacy, the terrorist organization has shown that it not only has ulterior motives, but interior and posterior ones as well. It has come up with an underwear bomb. The first attempt was on Christmas Day 2009 in Detroit. A would be suicide bomber, Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, was arrested when his device failed to explode fully. He had used the same explosive that Richard Reid had used in his shoe in 2001. Reid was seized by passengers when a stewardess realized that some kind of mischief was afoot and was later sentenced to three consecutive life sentences.

A few days ago it was revealed that Al Qaeda had

continued trying to perfect the underwear bomb and that an upgraded version had been seized by US intelligence services. The Washington Post came up with the most appropriate headline for the seizure of the underwear bomb, “CIA UNRAVELED BOMB PLOT FROM WITHIN.” This has to mean that the bomb did not only contain plastic but may have been fabricated.

My interpretation is slightly different. Based on the seized Bin Laden documents which showed that Al Qaeda was cashstrapped, I believe that Osama was in Pakistan to set up an underwear factory that would have as its niche market the many suicide bombers of the Middle East. Eschewing Joe Boxer, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss, the Al Qaeda boss targeted CQ and decided to go on the market with the AQ (Al Qaeda) brand.

AQ would give you more bang for your buck, send you to higher heights and blow up your endowments out of proportion. Despite the marketing hype and the promised houris, it would take a really brave man with considerable intestinal and testicular fortitude to wear one of these. I can just imagine the underwear fitter talking to a very scared young man whose testicles were already jamming against the base of his spine and asking, “Do you prefer boxers or briefs?” Teeth chattering, head bursting and feeling very frightened indeed, the young man would reply, “Depends.” *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that in this case he will go with the Joe Boxer slogan, “There’s more to life than underwear.”

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Monday May 14, 2012

Renowned artist Philip Moore dies

Philip Alphonso Moore Guyana’s most renowned artist, painter and sculptor Philip Alphonso Moore has died. He was 90.

According to his son, Philip Moore (Jr), his father, the designer behind the 1763 Monument, died quietly in his sleep at around 04:30 hrs yesterday at his home at Lancaster on the Corentyne. According to his son, Moore was bedridden and suffered from ailments of the heart and kidneys.

Moore was born on October 12, 1921, in Manchester Village, Corentyne.

He attended the Manchester Primary School and received a schoolleaving certificate in 1938.

His childhood was filled with images of friends and neighbours working hard in the fields by day and playing animated games of cricket in the evening. Moore sometimes accompanied his father, a rubber-gatherer, on his expeditio n s i n t o t h e tropical forests.

Around 1940 at the age of 19 Moore converted to Jordanite Christianity.

It is said that around 1955, Moore dreamed that a large hand reached down to him from the heavens, and a voice commanded

him to begin his career as an artist. This is the reason Moore considered himself to be “spirit-taught.”

The dream was a decisive moment in his life.

H e b e g a n m o d e s t l y, refining his skills by carving wooden canes and quickly developed proficiency in manipulating tropical hardwoods. By 1964, his intuitive carving abilities came to the attention of local authorities at the Department of Culture, who hired him to teach craft and arts.

In 1976 with the assistance of the government, he created what would be the largest bronze sculpture in the region, Moore’s 1763 Monument, nearly 25 feet tall, sits at the Square of the Revolution.

Apart from his paintings and sculpture Moore taught at the Burrowes School of Art and the Princeton University in the USA as a guest professor. Moore returned to Berbice in 2004 after taking ill, but continued to work from home. He later became bedridden and was being cared for by his children.

Moore sold the bulk of his work to the Department of Culture, which installed his pieces in the National Art Gallery, Castellani House, in Georgetown.

He was the recipient of several awards including the Cacique Crown of Honour.

Moore was the father of five (three of his children are deceased) and was married to Eula Moore (nee Grant) now deceased.

He has nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His son does part time painting and is keen to take up the mantle, having worked with his father on numerous occasions.

Philip Moore and some family members

Some of Moore’s sculptures

Black Bush Polder Road misses April deadline - bad weather, cement shortage cited The contractor, BK International, of the US$6.6M Black Bush Polder Road, Region Six, has missed the project’s April deadline. The contractor has written to the Public Works Ministry requesting November 2012 to be the new deadline.

This is according to Bridges Engineer, Sunil Ganesh, who disclosed that the consultant, CEMCO, is reviewing the request for extension. He added that some factors such as poor weather condition and shortage of cement have caused the delay.

The project began in September 2010 and was slated to conclude by the end of 2011. However, while the contractor was executing works, it was observed that beneath the existing roadway there were wooden culverts, which farmers utilized to drain their rice fields.

As such, April 2012 was the new date

given to facilitate the installation of 80 pipe culverts, which were not in the initial design, along the 34.5 kilometres (km) of roadway.

The project is 60 percent complete and the contractor is on target if the new completion date is November.

To date, the contractor has installed 52 pipe culverts, erected five concrete bridges and constructed16.5 km of roadways.

Currently, preparation works are ongoing to construct 14 km of roadways.

“The contractor has completed excavation works along the stretch and sand-filling works are ongoing in Adventure and Yakusari,” he said.

The scope of the project involves the rehabilitation of the existing roadway with an asphalted concrete surface. The stretch will be widened to six metres to facilitate two lanes of traffic.

Monday May 14, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 17

The Abigail Column Dating first cousin DEARABIGAIL, What are the pros and cons (legally and morally) of dating your 1st cousin? To make a long story short, my cousin and I became close friends, then fell in love with each other. We have that “don’t care” attitude on what others say or think about our relationship, but are curious anyway.

First Cousin

Dear First Cousin, Negative reactions to cousins who pair off stem largely from the belief that children from such relationships may have physical and/or mental abnormalities.

Regarding your question of the moral consequences of dating your first cousin, it’s up to the two of you to know what your values are, what you’re thinking about for the future, and what’s best for you as individuals, a couple, and a family. As with all moral

decisions, this is a personal, but complicated matter, given societal norms and the many who see cousin marriages as taboo.

You say you have a “don’t care” attitude, but you are smart to ask about the risks — legal, moral, and medical. Additionally, while you may not care what society thinks, do you care what other members of your family think? You may want to consider discussion how your relationships affects them.

Monday May 14, 2012 ARIES (March 21 - April 19): If you think that you can only meet up with that certain someone in your dreams, think again. The only thing stopping you from having a rewarding conversation with them is you -- or rather, your fears. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): When was the last time you really took the time to realize how important the people in your life are to you?

Do it today -- as soon as you can this morning, you should make some social plans with the friends you enjoy the most. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): The delicate balance between your family and your career is finally getting easier to manage, and you are just about over the learning curve. ******************** CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Get ready to get busy!

There are lots of things about to come your way that you will definitely want to get involved with. Fun, creativity and even a tiny bit of exciting drama are all in your near future -- but are you ready? ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): You are in a very amenable phase of life right now, and you could be easily influenced to do things you might never normally do. ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept.

22): The more people are focused on a problem today, the less progress will be made.

That seems contradictory, but it will be quite true. But ask yourself: Is it really that big of a problem if not a lot gets done today? ********************* LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22): You can take command today -- if you want to. Slowly,

you have been noticing how those in power are also those who are most scrutinized. Are you ready for the extra attention? Your experience, intelligence and flexibility have made you well-prepared to step up to a plate, but emotionally you might not quite be ready for that. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): Get out your lucky shovel and do some digging to find out about your latest crush today. You may discover some information that confuses you. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 Dec. 21): When someone bends your ear a bit too long today, you need to be prepared with an escape route -think of tasks so unentertaining that they will discourage this attention-hungry person from tagging along. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 Jan. 19): F i n a n c e a n d money in general will be a big force in your life today.

If you are in a 'saving' mode, congratulations. This day will offer you an opportunity to make a great return on your investment. Plump up your rainy day fund even more. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): Trends come and go, and can be a lot of fun to get involved with for a little while - like a harmless flirtation. But watch that you don't become too infatuated with what the masses are infatuated with right now. ********************* PISCE S ( F e b . 1 9 March 20): Some big congratulations are in order today, as you round third base and start heading for home -figuratively speaking, of course.

DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55hrs. Sign On 09:00hrs. Live! With Kelly 10:00hrs. Spice Goddess 10:30hrs. Everyday Exotic 11:00hrs. The View 12:00hrs. World News 12:30hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00hrs. The Talk 15:00hrs. Boy Meets World 16:00hrs. Beverly Hills, 90210 17:00hrs. The Wayans Brothers 18:00hrs. World News 18:30hrs. Nightly News 19:00hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00hrs. Channel 8 News 20:30hrs. Dancing with the Stars (Semi-Finals) 22:00hrs. Hawaii Five-0 (Season Finale) 23:00hrs. Sign Off NCN CHANNEL 11 03:00hrs – Movie 05:00hrs – Inspiration 05:30hrs – Newtown Gospel 06:00hrs – NCN Week in Review(R/B) 06:30hrs – IPL #61 Royal Challengers Banglalore vs Mumbai Indians 10:00hrs – IPL #62 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings 14:00hrs – Stop the Suffering 14:30hrs – NCN Newsbreak 14:35hrs – Weekly Digest 15:00hrs – Law Enforcement & you 17:00hrs – Anderson 18:00hrs – NCN News Magazine – Live 18:30hrs – Feature 19:00hrs – Al Jazeera 19:30hrs – Feature 20:00hrs – 3d/daily millions/ play de dream/lotto draw 20:05hrs – NCLO Presents 21:05hrs – We Linkin 21:35hrs – Excellence Dazzell Show 22:05hrs – NCN Late Edition News 22:35hrs – Movie MTV CHANNEL 14/ CABLE 65 06:00hrs Islamic Perspective 06:30hrs The Diary 07:00hrs DAYBREAK ( live) 08:00hrs Dabi’s Musical Hour 08:30hrs Avon Video & DVD Musical Melodies 09:00hrs Current Affairs 09:15hrs Top Notch Music Break

09:30hrs Caribbean Temptation music break 10:00hrs Payless Variety music break 10:30hrs Double day Music break 11:00hrs Double Day Int. Music Break 11:30hrs Salvation Message with Pastor Kelvin 11:45hrs The View 12:00hrs Weekly Digest 12 30hrs The Young and The Restless 13:30hrs Days of our lives 14:00hrs The Revolution 15:00hrs General Hospital 16:00hrs The Bold and the Beautiful

17:00hrs Birthdays & other Greetings 17:15hrs Death Announcements/ In Memoriam 17:30hrs Sitcom 18:00hrs Aracari Resort Hour 19:00hrs Al Ja Zeera news 19:30hrs News Update 20:30hrs Getting it Right 21:30hrs Documentary: Community Security Action 22:00hrs English Movie: Sound of Music 23:00hrs News Update 23:30hrs English movie: Sound Of Music continues Sign Off

Guides are subjected to change without notice

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Monday May 14, 2012

No 10/10 finals on TV…

NCN fee too extravagant - GT&T CEO SERVICES Permanent &Visitors Visa Applications Professional Immigration Consultant Room E-4 Maraj Building 225-6496/223-8115/6626045.

Supreme Repairs. All wiring, fridge, washer (AC), freezers, dryer, ect. Tel: 629-8136, 6532719 US & Canada VISA application services. Call 643-6630. Family discounts available.

Now open KDRS Pharmacy at Mon Repos Mall 220-8675 nutritionist available every Saturday We refill HP cartridges for $1,800. Call:650-7699

(From page 19)

CAR RENTAL Progressive auto rental, cars from $4,000 per day. Call: 6435122, 656-0087, www.progressiveautorental.com First Choice Car Rental cars $5,000-7,000 per day 6680306, 225-6337 Al’s Car & Pick-up Rental.

Call: 698-7807

Visa and Immigration forms prepared for Canada, USA and UK. Also Passport forms. Call 626-9857 Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & Stoves.

Ultra Cool: 225-9032, 6472943 Looking for a job? Office Domestic & need assistance, contact Angela: 694-0096 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer. Call: 231-0655, 683-8734 Omar.

Roxy’s Catering. Creole foods, cakes, pastries, snacks, finger foods, etc.

Call# 223-0095, 223-0092 or 689-5169 Hello, the doctor is back!!

Have your gas stove repaired and serviced. Tel: 601-0595, 220-4073, 220-5785 Service & repairs to gas stove, deep fryers, washing machines, electric stoves.

Call 686-6209.

Get your VISA or get refunded. Call: 233-2338 House plan drafting for only $10,000. Building estimate for only $10,000. Call: 6949843.

ONLINE SHOPPING NO COMMISSION, WEEKLY S H I P M E N T S , AFFORDABLE RATES, FREE PRIVATE MAILBOX. TEL: 231-5789.

FREIGHTLINKEXPRESS@ GMAIL.COM WE FILL OUT PASSPORT & VISA FORMS: USA, UK & CANADA. TEL: 2315789

TO LET Harmony inn fully furnished self contained a/c apartments, Short term& long term Parfaite Harmony WBD Tel:694-7817 Four (4) bedroom apartment.

Contact: 682-8875 1 2 bedroom house, 1 1 bedroom house, Good Hope, Essequibo. Call: 680-4990, 277-3033

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Yog Mahadeo is accusing the National Communications Network Inc (NCN) of using its monopoly to engage in price hiking towards the very people who take their business to the entity.

Mahadeo made the comments hours after negotiations between the two entities on the price for broadcasting the recently concluded GTT 10/10 finals live on NCN television failed.

The GT&T CEO in an interview said late last week GT&T was informed through its marketing agent, Guyenterprise, that NCN had decided to charge the phone company $2 million for the coverage of the games, a price that far exceeds the amount paid to NCN by the phone company for the same service previously.

Mahadeo explained that initially there was an agreement between the two sides for the television station to carry the games live on both radio and television.

However, due to the breakdown in talks the games were only carried live on the Voice of Guyana (VOG). He added that even up to the time that the first ball was bowled at the National Stadium on Saturday, GT&T still had its

Short term apartments. Tel: 667-1549 Fully furnished two bedroom apartment with internet in Linden. Short term. Overseas & local guests. 614-4415/4444704 (2) bedroom furnished house @ 31 Second Street, Liliandall Pump Road. Tel: 222-3838, 617-9004

MASSAGE American Style Massage Service. Call 609-4036 Treat yourself to a relaxing massage. 622-6256

ACCOMMODATION Signature Inn Luxury Suites & Apartments 83 Laluni Street, Queenstown. Call for reservations 226-2145, 2275037

DRESS MAKING 6 weeks designing/sewing classes. Sharmela 225-2598, 641-0784

Job fair , girls guide Pavilion, May 18 1-8PM Call:223-1719 FOR RENT Salon Chairs for rent. Exotic Glow Harbour Bridge Mall. # 233-5495/600-1969 Chairs for rent. Pauline’s Hair Salon, 177 Charlotte St. #6443555/680-1969

LEARN TO DRIVE B&C Driving School. Pickup & drop off. Contact 2250150, 680-6826, 229-7258 Soman & Sons Driving School; First Federation Building. Call: 225-4858, 6445166, 622-2872, 615-0964

LAND FOR SALE 32 Acres for sale, Lot 5 Content, E.C.D, $256,000.00(USD) Call: 813319-4219 or rpooran@tampabay.rr.com Bazaar St., Parika. No agents. 661-3043

Chief Executive Officer of NCN, Mohamed Sattaur

Chief Executive Officer of GT&T, Yog Mahadeo

fingers crossed, hoping that NCN would have reconsidered its decision on the clearly hefty and unreasonable price.

According to Mr. Mahadeo, GTT has done a lot of business with NCN in the past by placing thousands of ads and sponsoring several programmes aired on the network. He added that the move by NCN has hurt the workers of the company and Guyanese who feel betrayed

by NCN’s position. Mahadeo noted that NCN was even listed as a sponsor of the GTT 10/10 games and is well aware of the investment made by the telephone company to make the game a success.

In pointing out that GT&T has over the years been ensuring that it shares its ads among all the media houses in this country, the move by NCN will likely see a change in the business relationship between the two entities.

Mahadeo added that while GT&T would like to see such a relationship continue, the company is at the same time prepared to channel its money elsewhere if entities and businesses are not

willing to have a relationship with his company.

The GTT CEO also made reference to recent statements by the CEO of NCN, Mohamed Sattaur a few weeks ago that his company was subsiding several programmes on its network including the GTT’s Feel The Beat. Mahadeo added that no company in this country including NCN can boast about subsiding anything that GT&T does.

He pointed out that his company is resourceful enough and it stands on its own. However, Mahadeo explained that NCN might consider its discounts to marketing agencies for the volume of ads they bring to the company. He added that with GuyEnterprise being the entity that handles the advertising placements for his company, NCN may be considering that a form of subsidy to the phone company.

Mahadeo said that his company was totally upset that there was no national coverage of the event. He explained that one of the main reasons GT&T invests in

bringing the games live on television is for the thousands of Guyanese who are unable to leave their homes and travel to the National Stadium including seniors and children living in the outlying regions.

He said that the negotiations with NCN also included radio coverage and after the jacking up of the price by NCN the phone company was forced to settle for only the radio coverage which was more economical and feasible. He pointed out that the move by the National Communications Network has left them like the dog without a bone as they were forced to run overseas programming during the time the games would have been on the air and for which NCN would have earned for itself much needed revenue.

The GT&T head lamented that the GTT 10/10 games have brought together thousands of Guyanese from across the country. Further, Mahadeo said that he as an individual hates bullies and moreover his company takes offence at any move by organizations and agencies who think that they can take GT&T for a ride on the basis of its resources and kindness.

The decision of the National Communications Network did not hurt the GTT 10/10 games as the attendance to the event was overwhelming Mahadeo added.

He said that GT&T will continue to fulfill its responsibility to the Guyanese people since it remains true and genuine to everything that it does for the Guyanese public especially on the entertainment and performing arts fronts.

Coalition talks stall, Greece faces ‘moment of truth’ ATHENS (Reuters) Greek political leaders yesterday ignored a final plea from the president to form a coalition government to avert a repeat election, pushing the debt-stricken nation closer to bankruptcy and a possible exit from the euro zone.

Leaders of the three biggest parties met at the presidential mansion for a final attempt to bridge their differences, but the talks quickly hit an impasse as they traded accusations on a deeply unpopular bailout package tied to harsh spending cuts.

Conservative leader Antonis Samaras, who finished first in last week’s election, pinned the blame on the far-left SYRIZA party, which flatly rules out backing a pro-bailout coalition with

Samaras’s New Democracy and Socialist PASOK parties.

“They are not asking for agreement, they are asking us to be their partners in crime and we will not be their accomplices,” said Alexis Tsipras, who has become an overnight sensation since leading SYRIZA to a surprise second place in the vote.

The other leader at the morning talks - Socialist leader Evangelos Venizelos said he was holding on to hopes that a deal could still be salvaged, but warned time was running out.

“Despite the impasse at the meeting we had with the president, I hold on to some limited optimism that a government can be formed,” said Venizelos, w h o s e PA S O K p a r t y finished a humiliating third

in the election, a shadow of its former might. “The moment of truth has come.

We e i t h e r f o r m a government or we go to elections.”

Both New Democracy and PASOK - which have taken turns in ruling Greece for nearly four decades and jointly negotiated a bailout that requires deep cuts in wages, pensions and spending - are eager to avoid facing the voters again.

Polls since the election show the balance of power tipping even further towards opponents of the bailout, who were divided among several small parties but now appear to be rallying behind Tsipras, a 37-year-old exCommunist student leader.

Monday May 14, 2012

Kaieteur News

WANTED

WANTED

One cook, must know to cook Roti & Puri. Call 6477432

East Coast Guyoil pump attendants wanted (day and night), wash man, office assistant & sales girls. 6842838, 602-5031

One domestic @ 118 Farmer ’s Field, South Sophia. Call: 693-0821, 2194223 1 female cook to work in interior. Serious enquires only. Contact #225-2940 Live-in domestic must know to cook and 1 waitress, salary 50,000 monthly.

Call:610-5043 Persons/family to live & take care of farm @ E.C.D, attractive salary offered.

Contact: 690-1943, 691-8021 Two male shop assistants to work in Georgetown & the interior, serious enquiries only. Call: 225-2940, 225-0305 Urgently: chainsaw operator to work in the interior. Call: 626-0006, 231-3159 Live in attractive waitress contact 228- 5129 1 Tutor to teach Form 1, apply Bissan’s Trading, 94 King Street. Call: 227-7306 One live-in or out maid & experienced sales girl. Call: 264-3356, 253-3149, 668-3985 1 driver to drive in the interior. Must have bus and canter license. Tel# 688-0197 Manager’s Assistant general duties including Custom and Bond, Security Guards, accommodation available. Call: 676-6700 Female workers needed, 3 subjects or sound secondary education call 225- 7307 Waitress to work night shift @ Container Bar, Vryheid’s Lust Road, E.C.D. Tel: 6585357, 220-3810 Honest/Experienced sales clerk. Apply with written application Nanda’s Boutique, 223 Camp St. Tel 226-1621 Taxi Drivers at Princess Hotel.

Contact 616-5419, 265-7075 Sales Girls & Porters. Apply with written application at Best Buys Food Supplies, 1E Dennis & Middleton Streets, Campbellville.

Security Guards.

Investigative & Tactical Services. 227 South Rd. Lacytown. Must have valid ID, NIS & TIN. Cooks, Waitresses and Bartenders to work in Kitty area. Call tel# 226-7054 or 623-9645

VACANCY

FOR SALE

Kitchen assistant @ Charlestown- ages 18-35.

Call: 614-1020

One Hilux Vigo (new) GNN series 231-5171, 619-7134

One Driver & one Salesman at Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd. Tel 2257864

1 male or female to look after layer birds in the interior.

Tele# 688-4905

Experienced Hair Dresser at Nalline Beauty Salon, Vreeden-Hoop Junction (Raymond Building).

Attractive salary. Contact: 687-3341, 639-9884

Contract cars. Must be in Hire & Yellow. Base free. $3500 weekly. Call 660-9977

Be part of our world class customer care team. Join us now! Phone: 220-0401-3

Full time gardener/ handyman reference needed.

Call: 226-0240, 225-3557

Vacancy exists for 3 guards, 2 males and 1 female, and a Mechanic for TM Trucks.

Call: 642-0176, 699-4483

45 plus years driver for week end duties. Tel: 22-71830 Waitresses @ Diamond Gate Liquor Restaurant and Bar, Lot 18 Belmont Mahaica.

Tel# 228-5013, 622-5599 Carpenter with own tools.

Apply at Guyana Variety Store, 68 Robb Street. Tel no.

225-4631 1 female storekeeper. Must be computer literate. 1 female Bahir to work in the interior.

Call: 231-3159, 626-0006 1 female to wash. Come in person to Dian’s Delli. Bar St., Kitty, opposite Kitty Market.

Experienced sewing machine operators. Tele no.: 220-4337

1 driver to drive in the interior.

Must have bus and canter license. Tel# 688-0197 Male & female between the ages of 18-24 years, for general work in stall 15 K&L Bourda Market.

Drivers with lorry license.

Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd. Girls to work as waitress , age 18 to25 in Bar. Call: 256-4096 Intelligent live in to look after (1) female elderly & (1) middle aged person. Person Health Certificate required. Tel Maria: 226-8094

NARS lipgloss, eyeshadow & Clinique Chubby Stick. Tel: 669-8374.

15-15-15 fertilizer. Call: 2662711, 609-4594 2x2x1.5MM, Hollow section $4500 VAT inclusive. Call: 220-6100, 680-5900 Peking ducks, call: 266-2711 / 609-4594 Used: QSC Amps MX2000 & MX3000, Roland sampler SP404, Rcf speaker: 12" & 18", celestion speaker: 15".

Contact: 644-3390 One ERF Hauler with 45 ft trailer (in-contract) & one Model M Truck. Tel: 6534455

Hire car drivers & dispatchers wanted from East Coast. Contact 220-1000

1 Mitsubishi Fuso truck, 4 ton enclosed, 20 feet, new $5.2M. Call Salim 641-5075, 622-6746

Live-in Maid/Nanny. Long term employment. Location: (Kuru Kururu) 35-50 yrs. 6561284.

New Air Brush Kit, gun, hose, compressor $35,000.

592-643-5720

Customer Service Rep. Cyberzone Internet Café.

Telephone: 692-7171, 6482557. Must have experience.

Roofing shingles. Call: Mr. Skepmire . 227-5195 (8am to 5pm)

WANTED Sales boy and girl. 615-3090

Mixed breed, short foot puppies. Dewormed & vaccinated. #663-3397 Going cheap, foreign used Perkins Engines. 661-3043 15ft Fiber glass boat $170,000 call: 260-0301, 685-1233

SALON Make up courses, artist trained & certified in Trinidad: 660-5257,647-1773 Qualify yourself in Cosmetology or nails, make up, Register, Limited spaces.

Call Abby: 216-1950, 6197603, 666-5241

Skilled carpenters to work out of town. Must be able to work with limited supervision. # 615-7526 Labourers to work at Jettoo’s lumberyard & Sawmill @ Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara. Call: 2615041, 261-5042, 226-2756

Toyota Starlet 2 E Turbo engine with gearbox and ECU: Call: 624-7155.

One driver needed with at least (5) years experience.

Requirements CXC subjects, driver’s license & police clearance. Tel: 2272969, 225-8229.

Taxi Drivers and Carpenter.

Call: 225-3234 Labourers and Porters.

Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd. Sales representatives, country wide, for musical CD original. Tel: 267-1565, 6788193

Page 19

Sale Sale Sale on all zinc sheets 40% off. All lumber 30% off. All pine lumber 8% off. Tel: 226-7054 Spares for washer, microwaves, fridges, stovetimers, gear boxes, pumps, etc. Contact 225-9032, 6472943 Now in stock, solar panel, 180 watts, at Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. 225-9230

EDUCATIONAL Princeton College Forms 1-5, CXC adults’ classes’; $1500 a subject S.A.T/ Phonics etc. Call: 6905008, 611-3793 LIVE AND WORK IN CANADA. GET CANADIAN CERTIFICATION AS A CAREGIVER. CALL 227 – 4881 OR 416 674 7973 Imperial College – CXC Jan/ June 2013 exam. Day/ Evening classes, flexible hours. Contact 227-7627, 6835742 Private tutor – homeschooling CXC/GCE English A&B. Call: 649-4247 Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies for CSEC students 2012. $15,000 discount. MicroGraphics Technology. Vreed-En-Hoop 264-3057 Special Computer Classes for 2012 CSEC students.

MicroGraphics Technology, Parika (Bollywood building) Tel: 670-5734

PROPERTY FOR SALE 20 X 40 two flat concrete building @ Kitty. All amenities. Price $28 M Call: 668 – 9512, 223- 2570 25 acre farm land with 4 bedroom concrete house.

Located Parika Backdam.

Tel: 615-8046 Enterprise Gardens. 3 bedroom concrete, EBD $15M, $30M Riverside, North $18.5M. Call: 2312199, 231-2200, 618-7483 PEN PAL Mixed male, age 52, with own home seeking female companion. Tel: 683-0040

1 dragline 10RB. 687-6174

FOR SALE Games for PS2 $900, XBox 360 $2600, PS3 $2600. Call Junior 672-2566, 265-3231 One 21 inches tv, slim white PS2 and 5 authentic game discs. Tele# 227-7175, 6445462 Lenovo laptops brandnew $60,000 Call: 681-2111 Slate pool table, 6 base music set, merry go round Call:2282098

Original slimming green coffee 800 $1300 W/sale and original slimming green coffee 1000 $2300 w/sale Call:6812111 True Shattaz fashion, closing down sale #689-3860 (1) New Model 212 Carina & RZ minibus in private & (1) 3Y foreign use engine Call” 678-0109,220-1693,658-7034

Just arrived: Allion and Premio, tel: 624-2000, 6221610 Leading Auto. Unregistered Allion, Premio, Allex, Runx, Verossa, Avensis, 2 ton Canter, 212. Tel: 677-7666, 610-7666 Verossa PNN. Call:665-3067, 228-2609 1 Nissan Cube ( like Raum) PMM 1088, 1.350 M Neg. call 233 – 5557, 610 -1309 Mercedes Benz A-140 fully powered, sound system PMM series $2.8M neg.

Call: 621-4000, 690-6000.

2005 H2 Hummer, 38,500 mileage fully loaded, chrome kit etc. Call: 6393100, 619-5400 Hilux 4x4 solid def pick-up, diesel, long base, excellent condition Call: 623-0243 1 special edition Toyota Runx PNN. 2 Nissan Wingroad Wagon. Tel: 6122522 Corolla Fielder just registered, AT 170 Carina.

Price negotiable. Call 6149623

Brand new Blackberry Torch 9800, under $100,000. Call: 676-7443 1 240 Massey Ferguson Tractor. 687-6174 1 Kawasaki Ninja Bike model 2009, 600 cc. C.G. 2468.

Contact # 677-1218, 216-0317

VEHICLES FOR SALE 99 Honda Civic Leather interior. Call:648-2075

VEHICLES FOR SALE Toyota Tacoma, 4wd, 2.7L engine, very good condition. Contact Andrew: 638-8599 2004 Mazda RX8, body kit, black, unregistered, $3M. 617-2891 One EP71 and 82 Starlet, 1Toyota Ceres and RZ Minibus,1Nissan Pathfinder, PMM Call: 6445096,697-1453 One RZ Minibus, BMM 1420 $2.5M Call: 615-7825

One Toyota RZ Longbase EFI, hardly used BKK series $1.6M. Call: Rocky 621-5902 2005 White Nissan Titan V8 engine with 6 CD changer and a/c. Contact: 682-9021.

(GKK 9391) for further information.

One EP71 Starlet, 1 AE91 Sprinter, Toyota Ceres & Fun Cargo, 1 Nissan Pathfinder PMM, 1 Honda Fit 2004. Call: 644-5096, 6971453 Unregistered Allion and Spacio. Tel# 697-0294 1 Premio PNN series, TV, camera. # 616-6000 2000 Ford Economy Club Wagon. Heavy duty, power steering, V8 50400CC. 7715388, 771-5387, 680-1198 2 & 3 ton enclosed canter, unregistered. 617-2891 Ford F150, 4wd, V8 engine.

Including cab. Excellent condition. Contact Hans: 645-5596 One Toyota Short Base, enclosed canter, GMM series, hardly used $1.8M. Credit can be arranged. Tel: 673-6660 Lexus LS400/Luxury, BMW 740IL/Luxury, BMW 635CSI/ Sports. Bring mechanic, make offer. Call: 612-1486, 646-8326 1 Carina 192. No. HB 8358.

Call: 663-2882 (Continued on page 18)

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Root cashes in against depleted West Indians Joe Root, the Yorkshire batsman, hit an unbeaten hundred as England Lions cruised to a 10-wicket victory against the West Indians on the final day in Northampton. Root and Michael Carberry ensured the Lions knocked off their target of 197 with considerable ease with the visitors disappointingly going through the motions after showing much more spirit the previous day.

The West Indians provided barely a threat with a depleted bowling attack after the last two wickets had been removed in the opening half an hour. Kemar Roach did not bowl during the Lions chase after taking a blow on his right hand while batting to add to the twisted ankle he picked up on the second day. Ravi Rampaul then left the field after an opening fourover spell, while Fidel Edwards was not given much further work ahead of the first Test despite the visitors’ lack of cricket on tour.

Whether there were serious concerns ahead of the Test remained to be seen, but if they do opt to play offspinner Shane Shillingford, one of the three quicks on show here will have to make way for Darren Sammy, who was rested.

It meant the bowling was largely in the hands of the two spinners, Shillingford and Marlon Samuels, plus an appearance from the rarely seen medium pace of Darren Bravo who bowled for just the second time in his first-class career. Root and Carberry had few problems as they compiled their partnership at a steady pace in a match that had lost any semblance of intensity.

The 21-year-old Root, who is often compared to Michael Vaughan, is in the early stages of his Lions career and remains a longer-term project in terms of international recognition.

The attack he faced during this innings did not allow many judgements to be made, but neither did he let the opportunity of a lengthy stay in the middle pass him by, which will have been noted.

He also made it a good day for Yorkshire following the earlier call-up for Jonny Bairstow to the squad for the first Test.

Root’s hundred, like Kieran Powell’s yesterday, was just the second of his first-class career and came off 132 balls. He had skipped ahead of Carberry during the latter half of his innings against the comfortable bowling on offer with Shillingford conceding more than four an over.

The Lions had not taken long to wrap up the West Indian second innings after being given a tough day in the field on Saturday with Powell making his stubborn century. However, the home side did add two more dropped catches to their tally during a below-par fielding display. Nick Compton spilled Roach at slip and Root put down Rampaul at short leg both off Matt Coles, but Coles wrapped up the innings to finish with hard-earned figures of 4 for 76.

Scores: England Lions 341 (Taylor 118) and 197 for 0 (Root 115*, Carberry 72*) beat West Indians 147 (Bravo 51) and 390 (Powell 108, Coles 4-76) by 10 wickets.

Monday May 14, 2012

Williams Pastor Maldonado takes landmark Spanish Grand Prix win Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado took his maiden victory and Williams’s first since 2004 in a strategic battle with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.

Maldonado, who is in only his second season in Formula 1, won the Spanish Grand Prix after his team outsmarted Ferrari with pitstop timing. Alonso survived a late charge from Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen, who took third. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton fought up from the back of the grid to eighth, with team-mate Jenson Button taking ninth.

Alonso’s second place moves him into a tie on points at the head of the championship with Sebastian Vettel, who was sixth in his Red Bull, passing Button, then Hamilton and finally Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg in quick succession in the closing laps. Vettel is classified as the leader on results countback.

Alonso and Ferrari may

well privately regret the decision to delay their second pit stop until two laps after Maldonado made his on the 24th of 66 laps. Alonso, who started second, beat polesitter Maldonado into the first corner and led through the first pit-stop period, after which he had a 3.4-second lead on lap 12.

But Maldonado closed that advantage to 1.5secs by lap 21 and when he could not get any closer Williams decided to try to ‘undercut’ Alonso with an earlier pit stop.

It worked to perfection.

Ferrari’s decision not to stop on the next lap simply made life easier, especially when Alonso was held up by Marussia’s Charles Pic during that period - for which the Frenchman earned a drivethrough penalty.

BBC F1 technical analyst Gary Anderson said: “I think Alonso was a lap too late and that has cost them.”

That left Maldonado with

Glasgow opted to drop down the order which turned out to be a strategic blunder that cost them the game.

The breakthrough was all that The Angels needed as wickets fell regularly thereafter at 36, 36, 48, 55, 69, 69 which slowed up the run rate considerably.

Shameeza Williams was their best batter with 22; Lashuna Toussaint made 14, while extras contributed 11.

For Trophy Stall Angels, Alicia Allen took 2-7 while Rukminee Persaud, who was on a hat-trick, had 2-13 as they designed a memorable championship win for their side. The match that the thousands of fans on hand were waiting to see saw the defending champions, who have decimated all and sundry en-route to final being asked to bat first on a picturesque and lush green field.

Regal, like Wolf ’s Warriors, played unbeaten also and is regarded as one of the better teams in this version of the game. They

a 6.2-second lead. Alonso closed in throughout their third stints, getting the gap down to 4.2secs before Maldonado stopped for the final time on lap 41.

Williams had a problem fitting his left rear tyre and that left Alonso only 3.1secs adrift when he rejoined from his final stop three laps later.

The double world

Lakers outlast Nuggets 96-87 in thrilling Game 7 LOS ANGELES (AP) Pau Gasol was consumed by determination, holding off Kenneth Faried with one arm and relentlessly tipping the ball at the hoop with the other in the fourth quarter of Game 7. One, two, three, four - five!

- offensive rebounds later, the ball finally surrendered and dropped through the hoop.

A few minutes later, the truth was as undeniable as

that 7-foot Spaniard.

Although the Nuggets drove them to the brink of playoff collapse, the Los Angeles Lakers still have the tenacity to win on the biggest nights of the postseason.

Even when Kobe Bryant doesn’t lead them.

Gasol had 23 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocked shots, Metta World Peace scored 15 points in his

Regal & Trophy Stall Angels are GT&T 10/10 kings...

From back page 76-8 with Vinod Nandkishore 23 and Surendra Sookdeo 12, the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Trophy Stall Angels, led by their dependable and inspiration Captain June Ogle, who was named player-ofthe-match, were asked to take first strike by her opposite number Tracy Glasgow. The Angels, who are comfortable chasing exhibited their ability to also set up winning totals.

Ogle, who is the only player not to have ever been out in this year’s tournament, having also scored four (4) half centuries, again led her side with assurance and coolness, ending unbeaten on 47. Kavita Yadram contributed 15 and Monica Seales 14 as Trophy Stall Angels posted 87-2 off their 10 overs.

With their eyes set on the big prize, 4R Lioness began their quest for the victory target in confident style posting 36 for the first wicket having changed up their batting order, Captain Tracy

Pastor Maldonado

champion quickly closed on to the rear of the Williams, but Maldonado drove cleverly to ensure he was always far enough ahead at the start of the pit straight to ensure Alonso could not pass him.

It concludes a remarkable recovery from Williams, who had slumped in recent years to the worst season in their history last year. But changes to the way the team operates, and key personnel at the top, have produced a turnaround in fortunes. “It’s a wonderful day for the team which has been pushing so hard,” Maldonado said.

“We have been trying to improve so much. It was a tough race with the strategy and the tyres after a couple of laps we were struggling after as couple of laps with the rear grip, Fernando did a better start than me, I was just following the pace. “It was my first podium and my first victory. You can imagine what I feel.”

came with a plan and executed it to perfection against a side that has some devastating stoke makers who were not allowed to get into their stride.

The Warriors were subdued by some excellent bowling and equally impressive fielding by Regal and apart from their dependable Captain Amerith Rai (28) whose ability to destroy bowlers was not evident on the night, no other batsman was able to get going. Vishnu Tannechandra contributed 12 and Youghister Bachan 11 as the Warriors posted 77-6 when their 10 overs expired. They were 37-2 after the first 5overs.

Leading the bowling for Regal was Ayume Mohamed with 2-15 from his 2 overs.

Troy Kippins, Balram Roopnarine and Ricky Sergeant took one wicket each.

Their score of 77 was never going to be a tough ask for the opposing side which went about the task of

overhauling same, in businesslike manner.

But like true champions, Warriors went about the task of defending, stoutly. Regal lost their first wicket with the score on 15 when Patrick Rooplall fell to a stupendous catch by Azad Azeez running in from the boundary. Despite that loss, smart batting by Regal urged on by their fans, helped them maintain the momentum as a few big sixes and fours came their way.

Ayume Mohamed who stroked 28 (2x4) and Chien Gittens, run out for 25 with the score on 76-4, did their team proud by taking on the Wolf Warriors bowlers to snatch a unforgettable win for their team and with it, the champions trophy, cash and bragging rights for the next year.

Regal ended on 78-4, Wazim Haslim 2 and Richard Latiff 0 were the not out batsmen when the win was achieved which sparked an invasion of the pitch as the fans and fellow players celebrated a deserving win.

return from a seven-game suspension, and the Lakers outlasted Denver for a thrilling 96-87 victory Saturday night to win their first-round series.

Steve Blake scored a playoff career-high 19 points and Bryant had a quiet 17 points and eight assists against regular double-teams for the Lakers, who blew a 16point lead in the second half before surviving a finale with wild momentum swings and furious physical play.

With Gasol leading the Lakers’ emotional effort exemplified by those five offensive rebounds on a single, unbelievable tip play with 7:10 left - the Lakers narrowly avoided becoming the ninth team in NBA history to blow a 3-1 series lead. ‘’We were aggressive,’’ Gasol said. ‘’We attacked the paint better. We pounded the boards as hard as we could, every single time. ... Our backs against the wall also had something to do with it.’’

Andrew Bynum had 16 points, a career playoffhigh 18 rebounds and six blocked shots for Los Angeles, which must open the second round Monday night in Oklahoma City against the second-seeded Thunder.

Ty Lawson and Al Harrington scored 24 points apiece for the sixth-seeded Nuggets, who committed 19 turnovers and managed just 7-of-27 shooting in the fourth quarter. Arron Afflalo scored

15 points in just the third Game 7 in franchise history for the Nuggets, who have lost in the first round in eight of the last nine postseasons but never with this much excitement.

Gasol’s focus was obvious from the opening tip.

The four-time All-Star had just three points and three rebounds in Game 6, but he played the finale with emotion and aggression, hustling for loose balls and rebounds while demonstratively celebrating baskets and playing to the crowd.

The Nuggets fell behind 62-46 midway through the third quarter, but erased the entire Lakers lead in a furious 6 1/2-minute stretch led by Lawson, who scored 13 points in the period. Denver took a lead on the first shot of the fourth, but the Lakers never trailed after Blake’s 3pointer with 9:03 left.

The Lakers improved to 15-1 in a Game 7 at home, winning 11 straight since the 1969 NBA finals. They’ve won three straight Game 7s since losing a first-rounder at Phoenix in 2006, also the last time an NBA team blew a 3-1 series lead.

The Lakers narrowly avoided becoming the ninth team to waste a 3-1 lead after losing two closeout games in the previous four days. Los Angeles had been 12-1 in closeout games since acquiring Gasol in 2008 before stumbling twice against the Nuggets, who led for almost every possession of the past two contests.

Monday May 14, 2012

Kaieteur News

Manchester City grab dramatic Premier League title win

The Manchester City players celebrate with the trophy following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium. (Getty Images) Manchester City scored twice in stoppage time to be crowned champions for the first time in 44 years by beating Queens Park Rangers to win the Premier League on goal difference amid almost unbearable drama.

City’s hopes of claiming the title looked to be slipping away as QPR - safe after Stoke City drew with Bolton - held on desperately to an unlikely lead and Manchester United led at Sunderland.

City, needing three points to clinch the prize, led through Pablo Zabaleta at half-time but Djibril Cisse levelled for QPR just after the break.

QPR lost Joey Barton after he was shown a red card following a clash with Carlos Tevez but then stunned the Etihad Stadium into silence as Jamie Mackie headed them in front.

City set up permanent camp in QPR’s half but looked to be condemned to misery as QPR keeper Paddy Kenny produced a string of saves to ensure Mark Hughes’ side held firm.

Then, as the clock ticked into five minutes of additional time, City and their supporters were transported from the depths of despondency to Position Team 1 Man City 2 Man Utd 3 Arsenal 4 Tottenham 5 Newcastle 6 Chelsea 7 Everton 8 Liverpool 9 Fulham 10 West Brom

the highest high in the space of moments.

Substitute Edin Dzeko headed an equaliser two minutes into the extra period and then - in a stadium almost bordering on hysteria Sergio Aguero drove into the penalty area and flashed a finish past Kenny.

The Etihad Stadium was an explosion of joy and relief as 44 years of frustration poured out, Aguero wheeling his shirt about his head in celebration and manager Roberto Mancini, who had cut an increasingly frantic figure, racing around on the turf in ecstasy.

As Mike Dean’s final whistle blew, the reality dawned on City as they capped a run of form that has seen them overturn United’s eight-point advantage in the space of five weeks.

And for supporters who have suffered watching the successes of neighbours United under Sir Alex Ferguson, this was the perfect moment of redemption. The atmosphere was a mixture of the tense and triumphal as the teams came out to a torrent of golden ticker tape raining down from the stands.

QPR’s intentions soon

Played 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38

GD 64 56 25 25 5 19 10 7 -3 -7

Points 89 89 70 69 65 64 56 52 52 47

became clear as City ran into massed ranks of resistance and the early celebratory mood became tense as Mancini’s side struggled to fashion clear-cut chances.

The breakthrough finally came six minutes before halftime. Yaya Toure had been struggling for some time with a hamstring injury, but he was able to play in Zabaleta and his shot squirmed through the hands of QPR keeper Kenny and in off the far post.

QPR were level shortly after the restart when Cisse took advantage of Joleon Lescott’s poor header to beat Hart - but they were then plunged even further into a rearguard action when Barton was sent off. He will

claim he was provoked by Tevez, but he can have no complaints as he raised his arm to the Argentine and then kicked his fellow countryman Aguero after he received the red card.

QPR lifted the siege in stunning fashion when Mackie stole in at the far post to head them in front and all City’s efforts were thwarted as Kenny saved well from David Silva, Aguero and Dzeko among others. It looked like the day that had started for City with such anticipation and expectation was going to end in despair then came the finale and the goals from Dzeko and Aguero that will live forever in the memories of every City fan who witnessed them.

Page 21

Golden Jaguars begin camp for Jamaica Friendly and Parbo Bier Cup After enjoying the offfield ambience during the launching ceremony of third round, World Cup Qualifiers at Princess Hotel on Saturday, the Golden Jaguars have now refocused on their on-field tasks, as they prepare for international friendly action against Jamaica as well as the Parbo Bier Cup in Suriname within the next fortnight.

Currently, 21 second tier players, the majority of which were part of recent matches in Martinique and Guadeloupe, began camp on Saturday morning with a two hour training session from 08:00-10:00hrs under the guidance of Assistance Coach Wayne Dover at the Softball Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Quincy Madramootoo, Clive Andries and Andrew Murray are the players omitted from the previously selected touring squad.

Jamaica’s “Reggae Boyz” recently announced a powerful 22-man squad that includes 14 foreign based players for the fixture against Guyana on May 18 at the Montego Bay, Sports Complex.

Ricardo Fuller of English Premier League side Stoke City, Marlon King of English Championship side Birmingham City, Luton Shelton of Turkish side Karabukspor and Omar “Ratty” Daley of Scottish team Motherwell are some of notable names in the Jamaican contingent.

Guyana’s English & United States based players in the Cort brothers Leon and Carl, Ricky Shakes, the Newton brothers Jake and

Young Squash stars to be tested at...

From back page Ince said with assurance.

“It’s not like Guyana is alone… many of those countries lost their senior players as well,” the English trained coach added.

Some of the players that GSA still have available and that will be competing for a place on the team this week include Caribbean under-17 boys champion Jason Ray Khalil, as well Akeila Wiltshire and champion Nyron Joseph, who swept the Caribbean under-15 titles. Akeila’s sister Larissa was also the runner up in the under-15 championship last year, while Ben Mekdeci won the boys under-15 title.

Mekdeci, who will be making his debut in the under-15 category this year,

began the year on a promising note and carted of the Most Outstanding Player award in the last tournament.

Following that last tournament, Ince said that Mekdeci has improved significantly over the last year and continues to develop gradually.

Three-time Caribbean champion Mary Fung-A-Fat is also in the squad this year, and in the younger category, eight year-old Shomari Wiltshire will be competing in his sophomore edition of the tournament hoping to create some major upsets in the under-13 category.

Apart from the established names, Ince noted that they are quite a few other competitors that have been training persistently

with the aspiration of representing Guyana at junior CASA this year.

Ince remarked that the competition amongst the junior players has always been thrilling and unpredictable as many players substitute heart where they lack skill.

With the desire close to the heart of many, this week’s Nationals are expected to be quite the showdown on the courts are the young stars make a case for national selection.

With this in mind Ince said that he is anxiously awaiting the results of this week’s tournament since it will give a clear picture of the appearance of the squad and Guyana’s prospects at the event this year.

Howard, Chris Bourne, Captain Chris Nurse, John Paul “JP” Rodrigues and Gregory Richardson are unavailable due to club commitments and other reasons.

However the Trinidad based players, Walter ‘Boyd’ Moore, Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard, Vurlon Mills, Kayode McKinnon, Ronson Williams, Colin Nelson, Trayon Bobb and Sheldon Holder, are expected to make up the final squad that goes to Jamaica.

Following the Jamaica clash, predominately youthful Jaguars following on in the ‘Two-Tier’ system, will travel to neighbouring Suriname to compete in the Parbo Bier Cup competition from May 23 - 27.

The multiplicity of matches is in an effort to expand the national talent pool by exposing younger players, along with playing as much friendly matches as possible ahead of the opening World Cup Qualifying match against host Mexico on June 8.

The current ‘Golden Jaguars’ 21-man training squad: Colin Edwards, Richard Reynolds, Michael Crandon, Ryan Crandon, Kris Camacho, Denvor Dennis, Konata Manning, Anthony Benfield, Travis Grant, Dwight Peters, Pernell Schultz, Eon Alleyne, Dwaine Jacobs, Kester Jacobs, Daniel Wilson, Jamal Booker, Philbert Moffat, Calvin Sheppard, William Europe, Anthony Abrams and Julien Edwards.

Technical staff: Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, Assistant Coach Wayne Dover, Assistant Coach/ Trainer Ivan Persaud, Goalkeeper Coach Andrew Hazel, Equipment Manager Trevor Burnett, Physios Donna Marie Wickham and Debita Harripersaud, The two Managers are Rawle Adams and Mark Xavier.

Meanwhile, tickets for Guyana’s home matches against Costa Rica on June 12, El Salvador on September 7 and Mexico on October 12 will go on sale at Ashmins from today.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Garraway takes gold at IAAF World Athletics Day Championship

Tevin Garraway (right) is unchallenged in the boys Under-18 100m.

As expect, Guyana’s little upcoming bullet, Tevin Garraway of the Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) blazed the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary in the U-18 100m boys when the global symbolic event, IAAF World Athletics Day Championships for junior athletes was celebrated.

Garraway, CARIFTA 100m and 200m finalist, stormed to 11.4 seconds on the ground which was damped by the May-June rain ahead of Samuel Doris 11.8 seconds and Jason Yaw 12.1 seconds on the Eastern section of field.

Shaquane Daniels of Running Brave Athletic Club, who came second last year in the girls U-18 100m in 13.2 seconds, upped her game this year to hit below the 13 seconds barrier to claim the golden position.

Daniels 12.7 seconds was registered when she dipped at the finish line ahead of Deja Smartt (12.9 seconds) of Ruralities Track Club. Susan Moshett of Upper Demerara

was third in 13.2 seconds.

Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) gold medalist, Ernesto Thomas (2:06.1 seconds) was equally impressive as Garraway and Shaquane Daniels in the U-18 boys 800m.

Mark Jarvis (2:07.6 seconds) of Mercury Faster Laners (MFL), who was second, thought he would have taken the gold as he sprinted home from the final 120m of the race but Thomas powerful finish was good enough to compete with Jarvis’ finish. Shaquille Smartt of Upper Demerara was in a distant third in 2:14.5 seconds.

National Schools’ Track and Field athlete, Shamaine Daniels easily took the U-18 girls 400m in 1:01.7 seconds.

Avon Samuels and Dequan Vancooten dominated in the U-16 category in the girls and boys 80m respectively. Samuels registered 9.6 seconds, while Ruth Sanmogan and Briana Trotman turned in 10 seconds and 10.4 seconds. Vancooten blazed down the track to finish alone at the line in 9.1 seconds; Darryl Dublin was

second in 9.3 seconds with Shaquan Williams third in 9.9 seconds.

Cassey George won the 1000m in 3:16.9 seconds to leave Cassie Kirton to battle for the runner-up position in 3:26.5 seconds. Jamal Johnson (3:03.6 seconds) was the winner of male version of the race.

Natrecia Hooper and Keoma Dover were unchallenged in the 150m.

Kennyah Baird, Cassie Kirton and Orlando Adams were victorious in the field events. Baird best throw of 3m90cm won the girls shot putt. Kirton 13m46cm throw in the discus allowed her to cop the top position in the discus. Adams easily won the boys discus with his 20m32cm throw.

Meanwhile, Christianburg Wismar Secondary School amassed 48 points to win the Inter Schools Category of the Championship.

New Campbellville Secondary School and New Silver City Secondary were second and third with 30 and 21 points.

Shaquane Daniels (second left) takes the girls Under-18 100m ahead of Deja Smartt (first left) with her torso at the Police Sports Club ground, yesterday afternoon.

Monday May 14, 2012

England vs West Indies, 1st Test, Lord’s

Bairstow gets call after Bopara injury Jonny Bairstow has been handed his first Test call up after injury ruled Ravi Bopara out of the opening match against West Indies at Lord’s starting on Thursday. Bopara picked up a thigh injury during Essex’s Championship clash with Kent and has suffered another setback in trying to relaunch his Test career.

Bairstow, who is a wicketkeeper-batsman but will not be required to have the gloves in the Test side, had gathered momentum in recent weeks after scoring two hundreds for Yorkshire this season and he struck a confident half-century for England Lions against the West Indians in Northampton. Over a 50-match first-class career he averages 46.37 with a highest score of 205.

He has had a taste of international cricket with six ODIs and six Twenty20 internationals, playing a match-winning innings in each format when he hit an unbeaten 41 against India on his ODI debut and then struck 60 during the Twenty20 series against Pakistan in the UAE. Geoff Miller, the national selector, said: “Jonny Bairstow has put in a number of impressive performances both for England Lions and Yorkshire and has been working hard on the England Performance Programme over the last couple of years. He is an exciting young player who now has an opportunity to experience the Test environment.”

Bopara will be left to rue the second untimely injury that has stalled his prospects

Jonathan Bairstow of adding to 12 Test caps. He was in line for a recall against Sri Lanka earlier this year after Eoin Morgan was dropped but picked up a side strain which prevented him from bowling and Samit Patel was preferred with England keen for a fifth-bowling option in hot conditions.

This time it appears that bowling has caused the injury after he went off following one over against Kent and although he batted with a runner, making 19 from No. 8, it soon became clear that his chances of making the Test squad were receding.

“He’s got this grade one tear. He’s got to rectify that before we can revisit it,” Miller said. “He was very much part of the discussion, but as soon as the injury occurred we had to go somewhere else. He’s got to be fully fit to do himself justice and do a job for the side. On this occasion, this is not the case.

He’s got to go away and put himself back in the frame.”

Bairstow replaces Samit Patel from the side that

levelled the series against Sri Lanka in Colombo in April, which was England’s only Test victory of a disappointing winter to leave them clinging to the No. 1 ranking by a fraction of a point ahead of South Africa, who they play later this season.

The batting failed in four out of the five Tests but the top five have been given a vote of confidence ahead of the new campaign.

“This is an important period for us following a challenging winter where we learnt some valuable lessons and we are preparing for a highly competitive series against a West Indies side full of quality players,” Miller said. “We have selected a very strong 13-man squad which allows us to consider a number of options before making a decision about Thursday’s side.”

Elsewhere, the squad is as expected with Graham Onions earning a place among five quick-bowling options. Onions has not played Test cricket since January 2010 after which he suffered a career-threatening back injury but has been back around the national set-up over the last year following his recovery. He is vying for the third fast-bowling slot along with Tim Bresnan and Steven Finn.

Squad: Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior (wk), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Steven Finn, Graham Onions.

Former fast bowler Bishop believes Windies face ‘impossible’ task against England London (ANI): Former West Indies bowler Ian Bishop believes the Caribbean team has no chance against world’s number one ranked Test team England in the three-match Test series, starting on May 17 at Lord’s.

Bishop believes the Windies top order lacks experience and won’t be able to face the world class bowling attack of England seamers in bowler friendly conditions.

“It’s about being realistic and the facts suggest this is an impossible task for the West Indies. The West Indies batting worries me with Adrian Barath, Kieron Powell and Kirk Edwards in the top three,” The Daily Star quoted Bishop, as saying.

“They are all young and

Ian Bishop their form has not been great, maybe with the slight exception of Edwards. They are still learning their game.

None of them have any experience of conquering English conditions. This is

their first UK tour, and I think, they will struggle,” he added.

Bishop feels so strongly about the struggle facing his team because of the respect he has for the England bowling attack, and he compared their bowling attack to that of South Africa’s pace battery.

The bowlers were let down by the out of form batsmen against Pakistan but Bishop doesn’t think that will be the case this time.

“In English conditions, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan or Steve Finn is an outstanding attack. The only attack in world cricket that compares is South Africa’s, with Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander,” he said.

(ANI)