Kaieteur News

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May 15, 2012 - Vol. 5 No. 20 - Price $80

Email: kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Online: http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Man killed, car stolen Pg 2

Dead: Bert Whyte

Dead: Ramal ‘Rayman’ Madray

Pg 3

Driver dead, five critical Guyana Consul in Boa Vista Pg flocked 9 …as campaign against illegal mining continues

NICIL's CEO

Pg 3

willing to debate Ramjattan on TV

Woman, 56, found dead outside highway shop

Dead: Judy Joseph

Pg 6

Page 02

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Man killed, car stolen Grief smothered a Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara family following the shocking news that 44year-old, Bert Whyte was killed in the city last evening.

Whyte was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was rushed minutes after collapsing in front of the Palm Court Restaurant and Bar on Main Street.

He was believed to have been stabbed in the region of his heart by a man who eventually made off with his Toyota Sprinter PKK 8566.

The incident occurred shortly after 19:00 hours and up to late last night police had no trace of the missing car.

Police Public Relations O ff i c e r, J o h n S a u e r s , speaking outside the hospital's Accident and Emergency Unit last night said that Whyte sustained two stab wounds to his leftside chest in a suspected robbery.

It is alleged that Whyte was attacked in the vicinity of Bentick Street, Tiger Bay and ran to Palm Court in search of help after he was stabbed.

An eyewitness said that he saw Whyte, a former Personnel Manager at the GPHC, who now works in the insurance industry, scuffling with a man before breaking away and running towards Main Street.

Before collapsing in front of the popular Main

Street nightspot, Whyte gave his cellular phone to the security personnel at the establishment who subsequently contacted relatives.

Investigators suspect that the motive of the attack on Whyte was to rob him and steal his car.

H o w e v e r, f r o m a l l indications, Whyte managed to prevent the robbery on his person, since he was still in possession of his wallet with cash, his cellular phone and a gold ring on his finger.

As news of Whyte's death spread, tearful relatives converged at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Even staff members at the medical institution temporarily left their posts and hurried to the Accident and Emergency Unit for a glimpse of his body.

Kaieteur News was told that Whyte had resigned from the GPHC a few months ago and had taken up

a managerial post at an insurance company in the city.

His niece, Anashia Whyte, who cried mournfully, said that she last made contact with her uncle at 19:01 hrs. She stated that Whyte had earlier dropped off a package for her at Bent S t r e e t , We r k - e n - R u s t .

However, she was not around so he messaged her later to inquire if she received the package.

Fighting back tears, Anashia said what a generous man her uncle was.

Whyte was never married and had no children but the love he showed his nieces and nephews was immense.

“My aunt died and he (Whyte) cared for her three children…He sent them to school and give them education…The girl is currently at University studying… He took care of all his nieces and nephews,” Anashia said.

Investigators and

Dead: Bert Whyte

relatives are still trying to figure out what led Whyte to that particular area at the time of night when he was attacked.

There are reports that minutes earlier Whyte had visited a city bank ATM and might have been trailed by his attacker(s).

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 3

One dead, five critical in West Berbice accident

By Leon Suseran Mother’s Day ended horribly for one young man who died in a two-car collision on the Number Two Village, West Coast Berbice Public Road. Six others were badly injured, most of them critically and are now patients with multiple injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

One other has been released.

Ramal ‘Rayman’ Madray, 22, of Bennet Dam, Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice was driving his car, PFF 9723, around 23:00 hrs on Sunday when he lost control and slammed head on into a car heading in the opposite direction.

Travelling eastward in Madray’s car at the time were his brother, Premal ‘Boy’ Madray, 29, of Lot 203 Bath Settlement, WCB, whose birthday was on Sunday;

Satyan ‘Kevin’ Persaud of Adventure, Essequibo Coast and his fiancee Kimberly. The trio survived the crash and is critical in hospital.

The mangled wreck of the Madrays’ car was still, up to late Monday, at the spot where the accident occurred.

The other car was towed away. Police ranks are investigating the accident.

The car heading in the direction of Georgetown was being driven by 39- year- old Geeta Persaud, of Bush Lot, WCB. The other occupants were Babita and Kevin (only names given), both of whom are in their 30’s of Golden Grove, WCB. They are friends of Persaud.

While Babita was discharged late Monday, the other two are also listed as critical.

Persaud’s mother,

Dead: Ramal ‘Rayman’ Madray speaking from her Bush Lot residence last evening, said that her daughter, whose husband, Paor Motielall Persaud, was brutally murdered last August in their

NICIL’s CEO willing to take on Ramjattan on TV Chief Executive Officer of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) Winton Brassington says that he is prepared to discuss any fact relating to NICIL, including all statements made by Mr. Ramjattan in the public arena.

In a statement issued by the Government Information Agency, Brassington said that he is also prepared to discuss any fact relating to privatization and more importantly, the integrity of any transaction, including any transaction or statement in the media by Mr. Ramjattan and the individual filings with the Integrity Commission.

For many months, the CEO of NICIL has sought to refrain from responding to the many dishonest and unsubstantiated reports of Kaieteur News and Mr. Ramjattan, GINA stated.

These attacks suggest that Mr. Ramjattan prefers to act in a cowardly manner rather than confront these issues by face to face dialogue or in the Parliament, it added.

“Therefore, if Mr. Ramjattan is interested in the truth, then a press interview on television is proposed, where both the CEO of NICIL and Mr. Ramjattan can ask questions. The date, venue

Winton Brassington

Khemraj Ramjattan

and moderator can be jointly agreed,” Brassington said.

“NICIL has paid to the Consolidated Fund over G$9B in dividends since 2002. In recent weeks, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan of the Alliance For Change has made a number of attacks on NICIL and its Executive Director Winston Brassington.

“The attacks on NICIL’s, CEO remain unsubstantiated.

Mr. Ramjattan continues to attack without producing any shred of information, GINA stated. The Kaieteur News’ headline of May 14 again seeks by innuendo to attack the integrity of the CEO, it added.

“The Auditor General is the auditor of NICIL, as set out in the law. NICIL as a company has had its audit

completed to the end of 2010.

NICIL as a group has had its audit completed to the end of 2005. The annual report for 2004 for NICIL has been laid in Parliament. “ Additionally, NICIL has sought to lay in Parliament the audited accounts of its subsidiaries as soon as these are available; in the last two years, over 80 sets of annual reports/audited accounts related to NICIL’s subsidiaries have been laid over to Parliament by the Minister of Finance,” GINA stated.

Critical: Geeta Persaud

Discharged: Babita

Critical: Satyan ‘Kevin’ Persaud

home, said that Persaud has suffered a broken right leg and is due for surgery soon.

She said that her daughter has also suffered head, stomach and hand injuries.

The mother of the Madray boys, Pam Madray, was inconsolable. She said that the younger boy who perished, worked with his father, Malcolm Madray,

selling rice and bran.

“He was a very loving son to me; he cared so much for me”, she said. She last spoke with him earlier in Sunday evening when she telephoned him and “me asked he if he ain’t coming home and he said ‘mommy ah coming’”.

It was indeed a very tragic end to what had been deemed

a very memorable Mother’s Day. It was the birthday of her other son, the one who survived. She even posed for photographs with her son, Ramal Madray, at home earlier on Mother’s Day. Little did she know that would be her last moments with the boy, and indeed final photos she would ever take with him.

68-year-old miner remanded for drug possession A 68-year-old miner from 11 Miles Mahdia/Potaro, Essequibo, was yesterday remanded to jail after 2,510 grammes of cannabis was reportedly found hidden in the bottom of a stove that was in the man’s home.

Jacob Israel Bishop appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octive- Hamilton at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge of narcotics possession. It was alleged that on May 12 at the said location Bishop was found with the illicit drug at his residence. The drug, police said, was for the purpose of

trafficking.

Defence Attorney Latchmie Rahamat, in association with Peter Hugh, appeared for the accused.

She applied for bail for her client and alleged that special reasons existed as to why Bishop should be granted bail.

Rahamat said that her client is single with one child at his home. She said that four other persons reside there.

She continued that when the police visited the location her client was the only one at home. After a search was conducted on the premises the drug was found in the bottom of the stove, and it

was then showed to her client.

The prosecution however contended that Bishop was the only occupant at the house. They requested that the man be remanded to jail since no information showed that other persons resided at the home.

Bishop he will appear at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court on July 18.

Page 4

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The interest of the nation is on money matters The general public is being exposed to a host of issues that would normally have been one day reports in the media.

They are being exposed to the issue of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL); they are asked to decide whether the benefits accruing to past presidents are exorbitant; whether the government has a right to fund the operations of the state-owned radio station and television station; whether Parliament as constituted is operating in the best interest of the people of Guyana.

The public was never asked to consider these things because a parliamentary majority always conspired to make every issue look like nothing more than an attack against the government, or a case of disgruntled people finding non-issues to criticize.

Sometimes motions to entertain such discussions in Parliament were not entertained. The result is that more often than not, the issue at hand was never ventilated.

Sometimes, depending on how interested the government was in getting something highlighted, there would be the initial press release. Then there would be the panel discussions, a few more press releases and perhaps the parliamentary debate. In short, the government controlled the extent to which an issue became of national interest.

Examples that come readily to mind were the Bills that dealt with sexual preferences and one dealing with abortion.

There were rarely debates on issues that placed the government at the centre of any controversy. For example, it has been more than a decade since the nation has had an Ombudsman. Try as it might, the parliamentary opposition or even the political opposition parties have not been able to get this issue before the public eye.

For three years, the public heard that there could be no promotions in the police and public service because there were no service commissions. The only times the nation became aware that promotions were halted at a certain level was when someone who should have been promoted was forced to retire without being promoted. And this only came to the fore when the person made hue and cry in the public media.

A few years before the elections the media became the prime crusaders against the inefficiencies and the patently dishonest acts that were being perpetrated in the various sections of Government, not least among contractors who were expected to fashion certain facilities with funds from the public treasury. This was a different story. The issue was money and money was what affected people’s lives.

Queries of the government for the failure to declare the extent of monies received and paid out to people affected by the floods of 2005 grabbed the attention. The public wanted to know where the money went. Today, there is a new dispensation. Both the government and the parliamentary opposition are seeking the attention of the public to protest certain interventions.

One of these interventions has to do with the new dispensation as it regards the seats on the various parliamentary committees. That issue has not been as commanding as the NICIL issue because the wider society really does not care much about those things. Such things do not put food on the table or provide shelter. Money does.

Similarly, they have not paid any attention to the failure of President Bharrat Jagdeo to sign the Access to Information Bill thus making it an Act. But they are paying keen attention to the monies that should be in NICIL. In the same way they paid close attention to monies spent on the Skeldon Modernisation Programme, on the Enmore Packaging Plant that appears to cost more than it should, the various road and koker contracts and now the NICIL situation.

For a while they actually believed the report that the staff of the National Communication and the Government Information Agency would lose jobs. That was something with which they could empathise. But event that seems to have passed without a whimper.

Not so the NICIL issue. Of course this involves more

Shocking, only $700 million is left with NICIL DEAR EDITOR, Winston Brassington’s attempt to clear the air on NICIL only makes the water murkier. Here are some questions the people of Guyana must ask of the PPP on NICIL and some issues to ponder.

How does a government corporation that has handled over $1 trillion dollars ($1,000,000,000,000) in transactions and revenues from itself and subsidiaries since 1992 and has made over $30 billion in profit from 1992 to 2003 have only $700 million in its accounts?

Regardless of whether this amount is only from the Privatisation Unit or not, it is absurd and shocking that all that is left in NICIL’s accounts is $700 million after 20 years of selling this country left, right and centre.

Not only is it delinquent and fiscally dangerous to have $700 million leveraging over $1 trillion in assets held directly and through subsidiaries, it is reprehensible that NICIL is allowed to take this preposterous risk by its directors and others who are in the highest offices of the PPP. This would lead to criminal charges against the

directors and managers of any government corporation in any other country but the PPP’s Guyana.

This is the height of financial impropriety to allow this kind of risk-taking and gambling with state assets.

NICIL is not a Winston Brassington secret. Ashni Singh and Roger Luncheon are directors of NICIL. Ashni Singh knows or ought to know of every key transaction emanating from NICIL. The PPP inner circle knows of NICIL. They know of the fact that audits were not completed. The PPP cabal will not back down on NICIL because many careers and reputations will be wrecked if the truth comes out on NICIL. What are these investments Brassington is referring to? Did we make any profits or losses on those investments? Is taxpayers’ money collected through NICIL being used to invest in projects and companies held by private individuals with connections to the bigwigs in the PPP government?

For example, NICIL wanted to invest millions of US dollars in the Marriott hotel project. Was that investment going directly into companies owned by the usual suspects?

Was NICIL money ever used since 1992 to fund the kind of scam typically run by dictatorships such as Mubarak and Gaddafi, where taxpayers’ money is used to primarily fund major and massive investment projects where the corrupt crooks in power and their friends put up insignificant sums through shell companies but get the highest preferred shares while the public’s money get ordinary shares.

The corrupt villains then collect most of the profits from the investment while the people get little to nothing.

The thieving crooks also use their fat returns on their minuscule investment to buy the rest of the business thereby stealing taxpayers’ money under a cloak of pretentious legitimacy.

While this looks legitimate on paper it is theft, as it uses public money to take all the risk and to generate a windfall for the scoundrels.

Brassington’s half-baked responses will not cut it.

NICIL either opens its books or has its books opened for it

by Parliament and the Judiciary. The Caribbean Court of Justice is salivating at the prospect of setting a precedent of regional governmental transparency

using NICIL. Was money taken from NICIL to fund the PPP’s election campaign or activities relating to the election or to help the PPP’s image during the election?

How much are Brassington and his deputy paid? What are NICIL’s expenses? How does a small entity generate such massive expenses?

The dividends paid by NICIL to the Consolidated Fund are a gimmick. NICIL does not transfer all its profits.

However, they do set a precedent of NICIL transfers to the Consolidated Fund. By law, NICIL is supposed to hand over all its profits. Its ability to invest profits from sale of public property should be curtailed given its dismal accountability.

The opposition should pass legislation that radically alters this corporate entity. It should pass a motion for a comprehensive audit of NICIL by a foreign accounting firm, paid for by an appropriation from the Consolidated Fund.

Those companies that fall under NICIL should be removed from NICIL. Donald Ramotar’s indecision has cost him his integrity.

M. Maxwell

My comments on ex-presidents’ pension were misread

DEAR EDITOR, Lurlene Nestor’s retort (KN May 12) saying any comparison with pension and expenses of Guyana’s exPresident with former US Presidents “is not sober reasoning” is replete with unsubstantiated conclusions and inaccuracies about my positions on the “Jagdeo Pension Act” (her description, not mine).

Contrary to what Nestor penned, I never offered a position on the issue of pension for Guyana’s exPresidents other than to state it should be based on affordability (socioeconomics) to which should also be added socio-politics, given the divisive nature of the society.

And contrary to what Nestor penned, I never offered a defence or “justification for the Act”. On the contrary, I don’t think we can afford it.

Also, I did not make any comparisons in pensions and benefits granted by the ‘Jagdeo Act’ and those benefits received by exAmerican Presidents and I

did not support the President’s Pension Act . I simply provided information on recent benefits received by former American Presidents and suggested that the Guyana government should not pay for expenses of ex-Presidents if they are earning high income. (I do not know if Jagdeo is earning an income).

Again, contrary to what Nestor penned, no mention was made of benefits received by Jagdeo and its appropriateness. Prior to Nestor ’s comment that Jagdeo is getting $3M per month (her figure), I did not know the amount. I did, however, state that if the President were to receive a salary, he should waive any expenses to be covered by the state under the Pension Act as it is being called for in the US relating to benefits received by ex-US Presidents.

The Guyana ex-President is entitled to a pension, as indeed all former leaders of nations around the world are entitled. As I clearly stated, a

money than should have been in any one place outside the public treasury; it also has people thinking about strange things that have happened in the past.

They think about mansions that once poor people constructed and they think about rampant corruption that has been brought to the fore. That is why ordinary people are so engrossed in the NICIL affair.

pension to former leaders should be based on affordability and standard of living, etc. It is for the Parliament or a commission to determine an appropriate amount.

Contrary to the conclusion drawn by Nestor, I do not have any political affinity with the PPP/C and the issue is inconsequential to me. However, I agree the nation can’t afford a pension of $3M a month for anyone.

But Nestor is not addressing the issue dispassionately.

Instead, she, like her PNC colleagues, is playing politics with the issue. Nestor knows

that the Act cannot be changed without support from the government and its assent by President Ramotar.

The matter should be addressed in a non-partisan way without the parties appearing to gain political mileage from it.

I notice also she is only addressing Jagdeo’s pension, not that which is being received by the former Opposition Leader and others. Nestor’s opposition to Jagdeo’s pension and the tone of her retort to my letters comes across as vindictive. It gives an impression that she wants to get back at Jagdeo for his Presidency.

Vishnu Bisram

This club is deserving of a National Award DEAR EDITOR, The Government since Independence in 1966 has honoured numerous citizens and organisations for services to the people of Guyana.

Most of these awardees deserved their national awards while some were questionable. The main aim of our national award scheme I suppose was to recognize and honour those individuals and NGOs who have worked beyond the call of duty to make differences in the lives

of Guyanese.

As a Berbician who has been involved in public service, I would like to recommend an organisation for a national award which in my mind is long overdue. This organisation is the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, which since its formation in 1990, has had an unbelievable impact on the lives of thousands upon thousands of lives not only in Berbice but throughout (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 5

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

This club is deserving...

DEAR EDITOR, Pastor Phillip Lee of “His way out ministries” wrote quite a long letter defending traditional marriage in American Society (May 13th Kaieteur News).

Some might argue that the pastor is defending traditional bigotry and is denying gays and lesbians their “way out” of the closet.

Pastor Lee says that his position, (opposite-sex marriage, as some Christians call it,) is not about “whether or not gays and lesbians are nice people or good citizens.”

And he is right.

It is about whether these good citizens are being denied the basic human rights guaranteed to them under the American Constitution.

Pastor Lee can thump the Bible all he wants, ultimately gay marriage is a legal issue, which is why it is being determined in the Courts of Law and not in a church.

The pastor says he is standing upon “The Authority of Scripture” which holds to a specific “God-given format” regarding marriage. I could almost feel the fire and brimstone when Pastor Lee thundered: “Marriage was established

by God Himself and as a result cannot be redefined by each new generation.”

Really? Then let’s consult the “Authority”. In Exodus 21:10, a man is allowed to marry an unlimited number of women. In 2 Samuel 5:13, 1 Chronicles 3:1-9, 14:3, we learn that King David had six wives and numerous concubines.

In 1 Kings 11:3, King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. In 2 Chronicles 11:21, King Solomon’s son Rehoboam had 18 wives and 60 concubines. In Deuteronomy 21:15 we are taught authoritatively what a man must do if he “has two wives, and he loves one but not the other, and both bear him sons...” I can go on and on, as there are many examples of non-traditional marriages in

the Bible. So I am amused that Pastor Lee, without a hint of irony, says that marriage must be between “one father and one mother.” I have no doubt he has a way of rationalizing away the “authority” of God’s word.

Polygamy is against the law and I am not suggesting that anyone do anything illegal while claiming a Godgiven right to go on a marriage spree. My point is to prove that marriage was in fact “redefined” through the passage of time. And I say that on good “authority.”

There are some, of course, who would reject the system of Old Testament in favour of the New and while looking you straight in the eye, and without batting an eyelid, they would quote scripture arguing that their God is unchanging and immutable.

Self-contradiction? What are you talking about they would ask.

To those who would try this sleight-of-hand I remind them of what the Lord of the New Testament said: ”Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets [Old Testament]. . . I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest part or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law . . .” The Old Testament, the one that does not condemn slavery - that “authority” stands.

Pastor Lee says, “a compassionate society

should never, ever, intentionally create motherless and fatherless families. And that’s exactly what the experiment of samesex marriage does.” I refer him to a bestselling book written

by Zach Wahls called, “My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family.” Zach, an epitome of manliness and an environmental engineering student, told the Iowa House Judiciary Committee on January 31, last year that, “The sexual orientation of my parents has had zero effect on the content of my character.”

Ten countries are currently engaged in what Pastor Lee anxiously dubs a “radical social experiment”.

These are Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, and Sweden. Same-sex marriages are also performed and are recognized in the Brazilian state of Alagoas and several American States.

An increasing number of countries are also granting same-sex Civil Unions. So far, none of these countries have broken off and fallen into the ocean.

Coincidentally, in the ancient world males who were naturally impotent for procreative sex, or innately gay men, were referred to as “eunuchs” or “born eunuchs”. Jesus did not condemn, ridicule or preach bigotry against these people.

He basically shrugged and probably said, it is what it is.

In Matthew 19:12 (KJV) Jesus acknowledged that some people are just born different explaining,”There are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb. . .”

And so, from the immortal words of Jesus to the enlightened lyrics of Lady Gaga: ”I’m beautiful in my way ‘Cause God makes no mistakes I’m on the right track, baby I was born this way Don’t hide yourself in regret Just love yourself and you’re set I’m on the right track, baby I was born this way.”

It is just matter time to the fulfillment of marriage equality, and the achievement of the basic human rights enshrined in this social contract.

Meanwhile, I expect Pastor Lee’s next letter defending marriage to be a scathing condemnation of divorce. I’m sure he would agree that divorce is having a devastating effect on his sanctified “traditional marriage”.

And let’s not even start on its effect on the issue closest to Pastor Lee’s heart – that of broken families and a single sex parent.

Justin de Freitas

From page 4 Guyana. The club’s list of activities includes sports, youth development, community development, charity, educational, social, anti-drugs, finding jobs for youths and less fortunate.

As Secretary of the Berbice Cricket Board, I can say without fear that the successes of the Berbice Board has been because of the hard work and effort of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its Management.

Dozens of youths and sports clubs in the ancient county are still active because of that club, while countless sportsmen/women and less fortunate school children have been able to achieve their dreams because of the assistance of this dynamic organisation.

Less fortunate families, the orphans and the elderly have been assisted on a regular basis while sportsmen, teachers, retired senior citizens and students have all been honoured each year under the series of awards and tribute programmes.

To organise a record breaking 130-140 programmes/activities each year is proof of this club’s ability to go beyond the horizon and the county of Berbice, and the township of Rose Hall would forever be grateful for its services.

The club has received

numerous awards for its work, including four Guyana Cricket Board ‘Club of the Year’, four Berbice Cricket Board ‘Club of the Year’, a Rotary International Vocational Award, and only recently I was present when President Donald Ramotar handed over the International Olympic Committee Award for Sports. In addition, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club became the first organisation to produce an official who was the National Sports Personality for work done at the club level and has also produced two junior sportsmen/women runner-up awards.

I am confident that the majority of Guyanese would agree with me when I recommend to President Ramotar, that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club deserves to be honoured with a Medal of Service at the upcoming 2012 National Awards Ceremony.

It would be a fitting honour to a role model NGO whose work in Berbice and Guyana has not only changed the lives of countless, but is unmatched locally.

Angela Haniff, Secretary, Berbice Cricket Board

Page 6

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Woman, 56, found dead outside highway shop - cops questioning two The partly nude body of a 56-year-old mother of five was found around 4:00 hrs yesterday outside a Swan, Soesdyke/Linden Highway shop where she had gathered with family members and friends some hours earlier to celebrate Mother’s Day. Judy Joseph, known as ‘Auntie Judy, was found dead outside the shop by the owners of the property, several hours after she had gone there to drink with a small gathering.

While police said that her body bore no visible marks of violence, her pants and underwear were down to her knees, giving rise to suspicion that she had been sexually assaulted and slain.

Kaieteur News understands that the victim’s slippers were found a short distance away.

Residents are also puzzled that the woman was found near the shop, especially since the shopkeeper is adamant that she had seen Ms. Joseph heading for home.

Police took two men into custody after learning that they were among the last persons with whom the victim was drinking. Kaieteur News

Dead: Judy Joseph, called ‘Auntie Judy’ understands that one of the men had remained behind with Ms. Joseph after the others had left. He resides at a community further along the Soesdyke/ Linden highway.

Police brought the men back to the scene before taking them to the Timehri Police Station.

Eileen Joseph, one of the victim’s daughters, told Kaieteur News that she was among the family members and friends who accompanied her mother on Sunday for a ‘get-together’ at a shop, located a short

distance from their home.

The daughter, who is pregnant, said she left around 23:00 hrs on Sunday. She recalled that at the time, her mother had fallen asleep at one of the tables. According to her, the shopkeeper, Felicia Pierre and the two men, who were subsequently detained, were also there.

“She (the shopkeeper) asked if I could carry her (the mother) home, and I said ‘no’, because of my condition,” and she said that my mother could sleep upstairs at her,” the daughter said.

The daughter said that around 04:15 hrs yesterday, another sister informed her that something had happened to their mother. The siblings then went over to the shop where they saw their mother’s body.

Asked if her mother had any serious medical problems, the daughter said that she suffered from low blood pressure but was otherwise healthy.

Felicia Pierre, the shopkeeper, told Kaieteur News that she joined her close friend “Auntie Judy” and a few other residents at the shop “to drink and celebrate Mother’s Day” around 06:00 p.m. on Sunday.

“She (Ms. Joseph) was

Detectives at the scene examine Joseph’s body

determined that I drink with her; we come a long way.”

Ms. Pierre confirmed that the daughter rose to leave at around 23:00 hrs. At the time, Ms. Joseph had fallen asleep at one of the tables. The shopkeeper said that she woke Ms. Joseph and suggested that the woman rest in her home.

However, Ms. Joseph declined after reassuring the shopkeeper that “she ain’t drunk.” She reportedly then indicated that she would catch up with her daughter who had just departed.

According to the shopkeeper, she watched as Ms. Joseph left her yard on her way home. She recalled that one of the men who police have detained was the only remaining guest. She

said that as Ms. Joseph was leaving, the man said “Auntie, you going home.”

“She didn’t respond, and I said ‘Joe, have nothing to tell auntie, just go home,’ and he say ‘alright, I going,’ and he left in a different direction.”

The woman said that when she got up to cook at around 04:05 yesterday, she recalled that she had left her shop door open and went to close it.

While checking the premises, she observed someone lying on the floor outside the shop. It was only after she had trained her torch on the figure that she realized that the person was ‘Auntie Judy.’ Although she observed that the woman’s pants and underwear had been pulled

below her knees, she assumed that her friend was merely asleep.

“I shake she and say ‘Judy, look the condition that you deh in,’ and she didn’t wake up.”

Suspecting the worst, the woman summoned her husband, and after they had examined Ms. Joseph, confirmed that she was indeed dead.

They then summoned the woman’s daughters and contacted the police.

There has been just been one murder in recent years in the small, predominately Amerindian community off the Soesdyke/Linden highway. A few years ago, an elderly man was chopped to death on his farm, allegedly by a deranged stepson.

Security guard found dead at Corentyne poultry farm An elderly security guard was found in a pool of blood early yesterday at a Corentyne poultry farm where he was employed for the past eight years.

Dead is 71-year- old Karamchand ‘Guru’ Panchoo formerly of East Canje and who resided at his daughter’s Madramootie Karamchand’s residence, at 24 Section ‘C’, Nigg Settlement, Corentyne.

According to Karamchand, she and other relatives, including her mother, Iris Panchoo, received a telephone call from ‘Tej’s Fowl Farm’ around 07:45 hrs informing them that the man had died.

They rushed to the Don Robin, Number 19 Village, Corentyne farm where they found Panchoo lying in a pool of blood.

“When we went, I saw my father lying face down; blood pouring out from behind his neck”, Karamchand told Kaieteur News. She added

that their viewing of the body was short and brief since police did not allow them to go closer.

The woman said that she noticed, too, cuts and chops about the man’s face. His body was removed and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary where it is awaiting a Post- mortem examination billed for tomorrow.

At least one other guard was on duty during the night shift Sunday, according to relatives of the deceased.

The other guard, Rudy Singh, of Albion, Corentyne, when questioned by the police and family said that bandits entered the farm Sunday evening around 21:00 hrs and tied him [Singh] up and beat and killed Panchoo.

However, the family does not buy that story since they are accusing Singh of murder in the cold blood. It is reported that nothing was missing from the farm.

Karamchand alleged that Singh and her father had a turbulent relationship whereby it is alleged that Singh regularly threatened “to kill” her father.

“I told him ‘you killed my father’, because my father always give us complain that he [Singh] used to threaten him to kill him” She alleged that Singh punched Panchoo in the eye two weeks ago and that the family, time and again, encouraged Panchoo to quit the job, but he did not.

“He [Singh] is the murderer— is he murder him!” cried out the man’s wife.

Panchoo was described as a loving husband, who only from time to time, used to take his ‘little drinks’. He leaves to mourn five children: Rajesh, 40; Devi, 38; Baby, 37; Dolly, 30; and Naresh, 36.

Efforts to contact the owners of ‘Tej Fowl Farm’ (since they do not reside on the farm itself) and Rudy Singh, proved futile.

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 7

More can still be done for eye care in Guyana - Ophthalmologist Despite innovative moves by the Government to introduce the National Ophthalmology Centre at Port Mourant with a view to improving the delivery of eye care, there still remains a need for more local vision experts.

This is according to Dr. George Norton who has been the lone Ophthalmologist attached to the Ophthalmology Department of the country’s premier public hospital, the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), for close to two decades.

Even with the setting up of the Ophthalmology Centre, Dr. Norton said that the GPHC is still tasked with attending to a number of referrals from the Port Mourant facility. The facility is manned primarily by Cuban eye experts.

“I don’t know much about

what happens there, we have heard so many things that are being said by the authorities but patients come and tell us something different,” Dr. Norton revealed during a recent interview.

The GPHC, according to the Main Opposition Party’s (A Partnership for National Unity) Shadow Minister of Health, attends to an average of 200 patients per day, five days a week. Among the cases that are seen, he said, are disorders which cause persons to develop vision difficulties including infections such as conjunctivitis and other conditions that are linked to age such as cataract and glaucoma.

However, the ophthalmologist observed that more persons are today fully aware of the importance

Dr. George Norton of visiting an eye doctor, almost as much as they recognise the importance of keeping their annual dental appointments.

“You don’t have to necessarily be suffering from any pathology of the eye before you visit the eye

doctor. There is a certain type of glaucoma that is asymptomatic and you can only recognise that you are suffering from an irreversible blinding condition by just a coincident visit...”

In recognition of the need for more local experts in the field, Dr. Norton stressed the importance for more persons to specialise in ophthalmology. “Training for persons has been happening to some extent but not as a main agenda of the government.

“The Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are coming into Guyana and offering post-grad training...but with respect to the government actually offering services in ophthalmology this isn’t happening as it should. I think we need to get that in a

City Nursing School full but recruits still sent there

- GPSU contemplating industrial actions

Georgetown School of Nursing

News of additional students being admitted to the already overcrowded Georgetown School of Nursing has frustrated tutors, who believe that the quality of nursing is being compromised for quantity output.

Yesterday's orientation ceremony held for the newcomers at the Regency Suites, sparked concerns as to where they would be placed and what will happen to existing students. The function was not attended by a representative of the school.

Currently, the school has a student population of about 400, which makes it difficult for the seven tutors to lecture and execute administrative duties. The Nurse Assistant Programme and Clinical areas have one tutor each.

There are two midwifery tutors and four tutors for the Professional Nursing Programme.

Major concerns expressed by tutors include overcrowding, ad hoc admission of students, and the negative attitude of some students towards nursing. These challenges hamper tutors from effectively teaching theory and clinical.

According to staff, the newcomers temporarily stationed at the school annex are expected to be placed at the Georgetown School of Nursing. This is troubling to tutors who are fearful that adverse conditions facing current students will increase.

“We do not need anymore students because we have a responsibility to produce competent nurses…Even if

you bring more tutors the quality of nurses must not be compromised for quantity…These nurses will have to be in charge of shifts where they will need to make decisions with patients' lives at risk,” they stated.

Overcrowding of students has been blamed for some students taking a 'free ride' through nursing school.

The tutors emphasized that the present third year batch is large and many students are not competent in first year skills.

They stressed, “Some students have a negative attitude towards studies…For them it is about stipend collection…This attitude compounded by the large student population makes it difficult for (continued on page 13)

routine manner. We need to be able to say that we will turn out a certain amount of eye specialists at a specific time,” Dr. Norton asserted.

He noted, too, that while he is all for the introduction of tertiary eye care being established right here in Guyana there is also need for the input of local experts. “I would be the first to support such a move whether it involves me or not...Because I have been around for such a long time working at the main referral centre, one would have reasoned that any form of eye care I might have been involved in.

“Unfortunately that is not the case when it comes to the National Ophthalmology Centre.”

Dr. Norton said that the public hospital has over the years shown the capacity to undertake surgical operations that have been done at the Ophthalmology Centre.

He said that the GPHC has embarked on other operations such as the Partial Thickness Corneal Graft “They have all been successful but the reason why there haven’t been other surgeries of that nature is because of the lack of the donor tissue you need for this

operation...”

Dr. Norton explained that for this operation the cornea from cadavers are required.

“You harvest them and keep them in a bank, a process that doesn’t take any kind of sophistication but it is more a medical-legal kind of situation and culture of course...”

If we start harvesting corneas in Guyana we would get a ready market and we could be able to contribute so much to the revenue of the health service,” Dr Norton speculated.

He revealed that while a proposal of this nature has been made it has not been to a large extent even as he alluded to the notion that the hospital has seen support from a number of countries including Russia, Africa, China and Cuba.

“They only come for a short period of time and then they go...this has not only been the situation in eye care but in other specialist areas as well,” the ophthalmologist confessed.

He stressed too that in order for more eye care services to be made available to the public such as the state of the art cataract surgery which was previously offered, there is need for a greater injection of funds.

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 15, 2012

SON KILLS MOM, SELF Family feud turns deadly on Mother’s Day (Trinidad Express) A mother who wanted nothing more than to be reunited with her estranged son on Mother’s Day was brutally beaten on the head by the man, who afterwards took his own life Sunday.

Batia Ramsumair, 70, collapsed and died on the doorsteps of her son’s house at Sukhan Trace, Barrackpore.

Her son, Basdeo Ragoobar, who wanted nothing to do with his mother and siblings, drank a poisonous substance and died in a track at the back of his house.

Relatives said the mother and son severed ties almost 18 years ago when he beat and chased her from the family’s home.

Ramsumair moved in with an older son, Sookdeo, at

Jones Trace, Barrackpore.

Police said there was an ongoing dispute between the mother and son.

Several reports of domestic violence were made against 47-year-old Ragoobar.

He was recently imprisoned for breaching a protection order, police said.

Dass Ragoobar, another son, said: “But she kept trying to talk to him. That was her son and she wanted him to come back into her life. She loved him so much. And every time she tried to talk to him he would want to beat her.

Yesterday (Saturday) I was talking to her and she tell me she going to talk to (Basdeo) this (Sunday) morning because it is Mother’s Day and he will have to talk to her.

I beg her to stay away from him because he was a violent

person. He always wanted to beat people. But she said no, it is Mother’s Day and she going by her son.”

Ramsumair took a taxi to her son’s house around 9 a.m.

Neighbours said they heard loud voices and then Ramsumair was seen lying in the front yard.

Her face was covered in blood.

Police said the elderly woman was struck on the head with a blunt object.

A murti of the Hindu god Hanuman was on the ground, near Ramsumair’s body.

But officers were unable to confirm if the murti was used as the murder weapon.

Ragoobar ran through a track at the back of his unfinished house after the attack.

Police responded to the report and found Ragoobar lying face down in the bushes, dressed in a pair of short pants. A bottle containing a brown liquid was near his body. A relative and six-yearold child were at Ragoobar’s

home when the incident happened.

Police were Sunday evening searching for the woman and child who left after Ramsumair was killed.

Ramsumair was a mother of five.

“My father was sick, so he couldn’t do much. My mother single-handedly raised five children. She sacrificed and make sure her children always had something to eat. She used her own hands and build the house that Basdeo was living in and he put her out. She loved all of her children and because of that love she was killed,” Dass Ragoobar said.

Ramsumair’s four children and grandchildren had planned a surprise luncheon to celebrate Mother’s Day. Her son-in-law, Ravi Ramdass, said they had planned to cook and spend the day with the elderly woman.

“Yesterday (Saturday) we took her out to a restaurant and for a drive. And today

Lottery scammers running scared - Police say con artists scrambling to dump assets (Jamaica Observer) Local law enforcers say the pressure they have been putting on lottery scammers has resulted in the criminals scrambling to find more creative ways to hide or get rid of their assets, including luxury cars and homes worth millions.

Despite the challenges of trying to clamp down on the pervasive criminal network that has tentacles across the country and that has seen US citizens being conned out of

more than $300 million annually, local authorities are confident they are putting a dent in the scam.

Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey, who is in charge of the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID), told the Observer Press Club last Thursday that these criminals are being driven into a corner by the cops.

“They are running, they are running,” Bailey said, explaining that the con artists

have been spooked by the latest efforts of the constabulary, including arrests and seizures of assets.

“They are selling them (cars and property), they are transferring them into other people’s names, they are hiding them all over the place.

They are panicking,” Bailey declared, likening the mad rush to hide the loot to the rapid disposal of assets by illegal drug traders a few years ago during an intense police crackdown.

“Remember when pressure was brought to bear on the drug traffickers, they sold their expensive vehicles and bought cheap cars,” Bailey said.

He noted that there is evidence that the scammers have sought the help of experts to hide their money in an effort to shake law enforcers off their financial trail. “I think they have advisors, there are people advising them. I think it might actually be lawyers that are advising them, telling them where to hide their money.

You would be amazed how they hide their money,” he

Batia Ramsumair

(Sunday) we were in the grocery buying things to make lunch for her when we got the call,” he said.

His wife, Annie, was inconsolable.

“My mother wanted to spend Mother’s Day with him (Basdeo). Look she get to spend Mother’s Day with him, but not with us,” she cried.

Relatives described Ramsumair as a loving mother, who always wanted

to see her children happy.

Her 15-year-old grandson, Krishna Rajkumar, said, “Nani just wanted to speak with her son on Mother’s Day. She loved him so much. I can never accept something like this.”

The bodies of mother and son lay side by side as they were taken to the Forensic Science Centre in St James.

Southern Homicide Division officers are continuing investigations.

said. “Nowadays, you can hardly find any significant assets in the scammers’ names. It’s in their family’s name, people that you would never dream have any connection to lottery scammers.

“We identified about seven houses that are owned by a scammer, that we know are owned by him, and none of them is in his name,” added Bailey.

According to head of the C o n s t a b u l a r y Communication Network, Deputy Superintendent Steve Brown, it is in the hiding of these spoils that brutal murders occur.

“This also contributes to the murders, because if you take their money and use their

money, you are gonna die.

You have all this money in your name and you can’t touch it. If you touch it, you’re gonna die,” Brown said.

For the OCID chief, nonetheless, the effort that the crooks are putting into disguising their assets is just evidence that his team’s efforts to crush the scheme are bearing fruit.

He promised that in short order, the country would hear of more arrests of persons involved in the lottery scam.

Two weeks ago, the police made significant headway in dismantling the lottery scammers’ network when six persons were arrested in the Corporate Area.

In the first instance, a man and a woman were arrested on May 3 after the man went to a financial institution to retrieve money from a United States currency account.

Detectives from OCID initiated contact with a victim in the United States, who has been fleeced of more than US$120,000.

The investigations led them to the man. Police say that the suspect’s bank account contained close to US$60,000.

In the second instance, four persons, including two women, were arrested by police on May 4. The cops carried out a raid at two premises where a number of computers with information on the lottery scam, lead lists, magic jacks and several television sets were seized.

Deported Jamaican convict wins £1 for wrongful detention A Jamaican who was convicted in the UK, who said he was illegally detained before being deported, has won £1 in damages from the Home Office, the Telegraph reported yesterday.

The man, known only as LE, fought the case in the High Court and Court of Appeal even after being deported, the report said.

The judges ruled that part of the time he was locked up “was technically unlawful because there was a failure to carry out monthly reviews of his custody”, the report said.

The man, 47, had spent 20 years in Britain and served seven years in jail “for plotting kidnap and blackmail” before his deportation.

His legal team fought the case and won a ruling that, “as there was a failure to carry out monthly reviews of his custody, his detention was unlawful for about seven months in 2006”.

He was awarded the £1 in damages.

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

THE AIRPORT WORKS CAN END UP COSTING FAR MORE! One of the projects that escaped the AFC Budget cuts is the proposed works to make the Cheddi Jagan International Airport into a category one facility.

The funds for this project are not coming from NICIL. The US$ 150M price tag is going to be loaned to Guyana by a Chinese Bank. And no doubt it will be a Chinese firm that will undertake the contract.

This is how it works when foreign governments lend you monies. Their companies have to get the job. It happens with the Chinese and it happens with the Americans.

Perhaps because this project was being funded by the Chinese was responsible for it not being slashed by the opposition parties.

Yet, from the controversy that is raging about this loan and project, one would have anticipated that the opposition parties would have been vigorously protesting this project.

If a series of paid advertisement that appeared in the Kaieteur News are factual, then there is reason to be concerned.

It was, of course, no surprise that those behind the

paid advertisement chose the Kaieteur News to “skin- up” the airport project. Kaieteur News and particularly Glenn Lall have been in the forefront of efforts to expose the many controversial deals entered into under the Jagdeo presidency and the latest advertisement only vindicates the previous concerns.

What is being suggested in that advertisement raises serious questions about the uses to which taxpayers’ funds have been put? It raises concerns as to the extent to which taxpayer’s funds were used to facilitate investments by cronies of the former administration.

There is now a need for a Commission of Inquiry into the origin of this airport project for as the advertisements revealed, there are some coincidences that raise serious question marks.

What is now being asked is whether there is a group of rich and well- connected businesses that like the high risk game. How else does one explain it in the midst of the global financial crisis going into the airline business?

Why would these businessmen in a small country like Guyana where

Dem boys seh ...

Brazzy is a big spinner Monkey know wha limb fuh jump pun. Brazzy now talking big how he ready fuh talk bout NICIL wid Prakash pun TV. He seh that he ready fuh talk all he know bout NICIL. He seh that he gun also talk bout Maasee.

De same Brazzy tell a reporter that he willing to talk to de Waterfalls paper including de Waterfalls boss man bout de Marriott and NICIL. De spit nah even dry in he mouth when he change he mind. He claim that he nevah seh that he promise to talk to anybody from de Waterfalls paper.

Dem boys seh that is not de fuss time he spin dem words.

He tun a spinner. He spin pun Fip and FIP mess up and gone.

He spin pun de new hospital, he spin pun de one laptop project, he spin pun de hydro and everything, even NICIL. But de man don’t spin when it come to de Marriott, and de new airport. He does dance pun dem.

Dem boys seh that dem mustn’t talk pun Hen See Hen because dem have a way of cutting off people voice. And no hen mustn’t do de interview. Dem must have a proper man like Hen Rico wid a proppa voice.

Is funny how Brazzy just like de Rat. De Rat use to put spin pun anything but not everything. Like when dem boys ask him to explain de CLICO and de NBS money in de Berbice Bridge he run and hide. Even when dem boys seh that he does thief he put a spin pun that.

He mek de country get de name as thiefing state and of course is Bharrat Jagdeo mek that happen. He is de richest man in de region. Soon dem boys plan to reveal, everything little by little. He alone own half of Guyana and wid he friends, dem own three-quarters of de country.

Talk half and keep de last quarter

airlines have folded because of the small or non-existent margins become involved?

Why would anyone want to start up an airline at a time of economic downturn in the world.

So far it is believed that some US$150M is going to be sunk into the airport project.

And the reason provided is so that Guyana can meet category one status.

Now what are the benefits of a category one airport? And how can these benefits be justified given the massive debt that Guyana will accrue because of this investment?

Guyana could have remained, as it has done for a long time, a category two airport. But no! It wants to be a category one.

One of the reasons that is being suggested for Guyana wanting this rating is to allow for a national carrier to fly between Guyana and other airports.

But what is the system that is in place to allow for an airline to be designated the national carrier? How much is Guyana going to be paid to so certify an airline? We do not know.

Perhaps, no one within the government has yet figured out that Guyana should not be giving away flag carrier status free, that the successful bidder should pay a high premium for the right to be designated as the national airline of Guyana. After all, with such a branding, that successful airline will make a

great deal of money.

More importantly, a lot of money is likely to be spent just to have this brand. If the works at the airport are indeed necessary so that a national airline can fly between Guyana and other airports, then it means that effectively we are burdening ourselves with a massive debt simply to give flag carrying status to an airline.

This cannot be allowed. If this is the case the government should move to halt the airport project.

Just as how Guyana does not need for the government to sink money into a specialty hospital that will make money for private investors, so too Guyana does not need a category one rating simply to

allow for an airline to be designated a national carrier.

Not at a minimum price tag of US 150M. And mind you, this may not be the price for the entire project. It could end up costing more, far more. And the increased air traffic, if any at all, is not going to justify the level of investment being made.

The opposition missed the airport project in their cuts. Let us hope that the government does not do the same and given the questions swirling around this project that the Donald Ramotar administration will soon announce its cancellation.

Guyana Consul in Boa Vista flocked … as campaign against illegal mining continues Brazilian miners, popularly called garimpieros, have been flocking the Guyana Consulate in Boa Vista to seek legal status in Guyana following several raids to root out illegal miners.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have launched “Operation El Dorado” to enforce mining regulations to reduce illegal mining and other illicit activities within the sector.

An official told Kaieteur News that since the first interior raid nabbed some 100 illegal miners, Brazilians in neighbouring Boa Vista have been crowding the Guyana Consulate there.

Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Boa Vista is Leila King. She recently visited with a high level delegation from the State of Roraima.

King has been dealing with scores of cases of

Brazilians wanting work permits and others inquiring about how they can secure these permits.

For years, Brazilian miners have operated illegally in Guyana and it is a problem that was before largely ignored.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo once brushed aside the issue, saying that illegal miners have in fact introduced Guyanese to new technologies in mining.

In mid-April, Operation El Dorado targeted the Puruni area, Region Seven. The operation involved inspection of mining camps and operations to determine the status of the property being worked, verification of mining privileges and certificate of registration for persons employed, inspection of the requisite documentation, including dredge licences and production books, sanitation, environmental and occupational health and safety compliance.

Also, the Guyana Police

Force’s (GPF) Tactical Services Unit team checked for guns, ammunition and drugs, while an immigration team checked the status of foreign workers.

As a result of that operation, almost 100 illegal miners were nabbed. In most cases, these mine workers were without work-permits while some had expired visas.

Over 30 local mines workers were also picked up in the operation. It was found that in Puruni, owners of mines who were told to cease operations had ignored this

order and continued to work.

The operation also found mining on the prohibited river bank buffer zones, while the Guyana Police Force discovered an illegal firearm.

A quantity of raw gold that was illegally obtained was seized. The GGMC is being supported by the GPF in the ongoing ‘Operation El Dorado’.

Further, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has been urging the authorities to step up its campaign on illegal mining.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 15, 2012

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Selling stale wine and cheap perfume At the beginning of 2012, Mr. Ravi Dev in one of his columns referred to me as an extremist. This came from a man who wrote a few years back that if East Indians had not come to Guyana, it would have remained a mangrove swamp. I guess that was a pretty extremist judgement, not to mention that African rights activists took extensive umbrage.

Over the past ten years, Mr. Dev has attacked my columns as falling into the category of inciting and hatepreaching. Mr. Dev was at it again last Sunday.

In his article entitled, “Keeping Hate Alive,” Mr. Dev returned to his customary accusation - I incite people against the PPP and its constituencies. I read Mr. Dev’s piece in last Sunday’s KN early in the morning then left to

participate in a Mother’s Day hamper distribution sponsored by the Region Three branch of the Alliance for Change I was trembling in my boots. Would I be attacked and killed? The PPP won handsomely in Region Three in the last general elections and if according to Dev, I am a preacher of hate then maybe I should stay home.

I was encouraged to go West Coast by the reception I received the night before (Saturday) in Port Mourant when I was a guest speaker at the AFC public meeting to explain to Berbicians the AFC reasons for the budget cuts.

I guess by now someone would have told Dev and his newly found friends at Guyana Times and the PPP, that the attendance was phenomenal. Any person coming from another part of

the world would have thought that it was a PPP rally and that the PPP had bussed their supporters into Berbice.

Let us leave any discussion of the numbers for now. I guess Moses Nagamootoo will talk about that so he can get the PPP kings and queens to start pulling their hair out of their skulls.

I was rapturously welcomed by Berbicians and so was my speech. I wasn’t deterred by the Sunday column of Dev. I went to Region Three and was treated with wonderful affection. The hospitality was impeccable.

So to whom am I directing this hate? Surely, it cannot be PPP constituencies as was evident by the reception I received Saturday evening in Port Mourant and the whole of Sunday in Region Three.

Is it possible that the

people that I am directing my hate to lie inside the tortuous mind of a failed politician by the name of Ravi Dev? Well, it has to be. I travel around my country, and I see no venom thrown at me. The only thing thrown at me was filth that was probably caused by persons who read the extremist, insane, emotional invectives that the Chronicle has been saying about me these past ten years.

Who are these people that I have been inciting against and have besieged with my extremist statements according to the gospel of Ravi Dev? Strangely, over the past ten years, Dev repeats his accusations but he never offers one quote from any column I have written, television interview I have given or public speech I have made. Of course these victims do not exist. They live inside the

propagandistic soul of Ravi Dev. But what about the other side of the coin? If I incite against the PPP, I haven’t seen anyone from the leadership of the PPP being attacked or was made the victim of a violent act based on Freddie Kissoon’s writing.

On the contrary, I was a victim of two vicious assaults, one in 2004 when I was beaten, my car was stolen, nothing was taken from it and was neatly parked one block away from KN offices and again in 2009, when a miasmic substance was heaved upon me as I was in my car (by you know who).

Ravi Dev obviously doesn’t read the Chronicle. I don’t blame him. Nobody does. That is why its propaganda (along with what I suspect maybe Dev’s paper now, the Guyana Times) failed to help the PPP in the last

Frederick Kissoon national elections.

If Dev used to read the Chronicle, then he would know that out of 365 editions in a year, there is a derogatory letter on me in two hundred of those editions. I guess Dev must have been pressed by his paymasters that it’s time to return to his usual postures of describing anti-PPP critics as calling for violence.

Dev and I should travel to Berbice to talk to people and there and then Guyana will see and know who is who.

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 11

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Page 13

Kaieteur News

Missing woman found dead in desolated area

T

he decomposed body of Elma Griffith Thom was found on Monday about eight miles from her home some six days since she was reported missing.

The woman who lived alone at Lot 3 Tucber Park, in New Amsterdam, was missing since Wednesday.

Her nude bloated body was found in a trench some three miles down a lonely dam at the back of Lochaber, West Canje, Berbice. She was clad in black tights only.

According to her nephew, Andrew Griffith, the family got the news around 13:30 hrs. He was informed that his aunt’s bag was found by a fisherman down the dam. It contained a loaf of bread, sugar, cheese, a pair of long boots, an umbrella.

Mrs. Griffith’s bag and other items

Dead: Elma Griffith Thom He stated that some time later his aunt’s body was found a little distance away in a trench.

Her only daughter, Cheryl Griffith, who lives in

Trinidad and Tobago and flew into the country on Friday after getting the report that her mother was missing, stated that she had planned to come home to be with her mother and to take her back to Trinidad.

She said that her mother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and might have wandered off after going out on an errand.

The woman stated that the same young man who found her mother’s bag had

stated that he had pulled her out of a trench and had asked a group of estate workers to help lead her out of the area to safety but they apparently did not.

She stated that they got information that her mother was seen in the area on Friday. Griffith stated that they searched the same area on Saturday but did not venture to the back which is a far, desolate and muddy area.

Undertakers from the Arokium Funeral Parlour,

City Nursing School full but recruits still sent there From page 7 tutors to effectively manage the students.”

The class size undergoing clinical studies at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is large. This enables some students to sign the register and skip classes later.

The student population also affects the length of time students experience practical studies at GPHC's Intensive Care Unit, Accident and Emergency Unit and Operating Theatre.

“Students in batches of four are expected to spend one month at those units… If there are 200 students and everyone has to undergo training that would take years…Therefore, the length of time students spend at those areas is reduced to two weeks.”

The tutors emphasized that the school administration and key stakeholders met with the former Permanent Secretary of Health Ministry, Hydar Ally, and discussed some major issues in depth, especially the ad hoc placement of students at the facility.

They related that there is documentation stipulating March and September as the

entry period for students.

However, this is not being respected with students being sent at anytime during the year. This affects examinations.

“Last November students were sent to the school…Those students did no work until January but they were given stipends…Students should not be taken in like that…There should be a demand for those students first,” the tutors said.

The tutors said that the absence of a representative of the school on the Selection Board contributes to the poor quality of some students who join the school.

In early 2000s, the responsibility of the school to interview students was removed.

They recommended that the entry age of students should be changed from age 16 to 18 since the adult students complain of distractions posed by their younger colleagues.

Tutors of the Georgetown School of Nursing are not the only ones concerned about the quality of nurses being produced.

According to President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU),

Patrick Yarde, the Union's position remains unchanged as it relates to the reckless and irresponsible actions of the Ministry of Health to recruit more student nurses.

He emphasized that what the Ministry is attempting to do is now compounding the situation and threatened that “if necessary we will take appropriate industrial actions.”

This recent student intake disrespects and disregards tutors and is

impacting their morale, Yarde said.

He added that it is clear that the priority is not the quality of training nurses receive but a desire to prove some unknown point.

“The public should take action against this…They should stand up against the rascality… They must recognize that the tutors, Nursing Association and GPSU are looking at the condemnation in the public interest,” he said.

relatives and police had to secure the services of a tractor to traverse the desolate area. They returned some time after 17:30 hrs with the body.

Andrew Griffith had stated that his aunt was usually taken care of by a neighbour who used to provide her meals and take care of her other chores.

Griffith stated that he last spoke to his now dead aunt on Wednesday morning and she was all right.

She would usually go out on her own and would return.

She used to attend the All Saints Anglican Church and once worked at the Central Police Station as a caretaker.

The man stated that they first got news of her being missing on Wednesday

afternoon. They immediately mounted searches. They also made a report to the Central Police station. They contacted a number of relatives and friends and had searched the various hospital and other places.

The family had also placed notices on the local Television stations in Berbice and had printed and distributed a number of flyers with her photographs throughout Berbice.

Police have since taken possession of her bag with the items and have questioned a number of persons. A Post Mortem examination is expected to be conducted shortly and investigations are continuing.

Page 14

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Enmore watchman's murder …

11 detained for questioning

Police release Venezuelan boat after collision

- police hope to match fingerprints obtained from crime scene Police on the East Coast of Demerara are checking for matches between fingerprints obtained from the scene of Saturday's murder of watchman Rudolph Narine. Eleven persons have been arrested over the past two days.

This newspaper understands that the 11 suspects, some of whom are well known to the police, were picked up from the Enmore/Foulis District and investigators will try to match their fingerprints with those obtained from the window through which Narine's killers gained entry into the building he was guarding.

Some of the suspects in custody have been involved in previous break and enter and larceny matters and investigators are working on the theory that Narine's killers are from the Enmore community and was recognized by the watchman.

Villagers are convinced that the perpetrators are elements from within the

Rudolph Narine community, who timed the movements of the village community policing group to perfection.

Narine's death has plunged the once peaceful and secure community of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, into panic as residents once again grapple with the second murder in less than two weeks.

The body of the 60-yearold Narine, called 'Uncle

Boy', was discovered about 06:30 hours on Saturday at the R. Ramlagan Grocery at 34 Logwood, Enmore.

His throat was slit and his head showed signs of being battered. His mouth was gagged and his feet tied with a piece of white rope.

Police Public Relations O ff i c e r, J o h n S a u e r s , yesterday disclosed that a post mortem examination revealed that Narine had a fractured skull and a wound to his neck.

“The investigation has no limits,” Sauers who was recently stationed on East Coast Demerara told Kaieteur News.

Narine had been working at the establishment, one of the most popular weekend shopping spots on the East Coast of Demerara, for the past two weeks.

After killing Narine, the killers proceeded to ransack the business place, before carting off an undisclosed quantity of goods.

But according to a source, the thieves made off with only several cartons of

cigarettes and a few other items.

This murder occurred 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 of 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.

No one has been held responsible for these crimes.

These recent incidents have sent shockwaves throughout Enmore 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.

Already, the police Sergeant, who was stationed at Enmore has been transferred and police have pledged to intensify patrols in Upper East Coast Demerara area to augment the work of the various Community Policing Groups.

The Venezuelan vessel and its seven-member crew have been released from police custody.

But while this has happened, the police are maintaining that investigations into the latest boat collision at Pomeroon, involving Ramjattan Lall, the farmer, are continuing. Lall's boat was severely damaged and he lost everything including 20,000 coconuts, a 25-horse power engine and other farming equipment. He has expressed dissatisfaction with the current investigation.

Lall is contending that the Venezuelans were released before the 72 hours and on the assurance that they will return to Guyana on Friday.

Lall added the men were released to allow them to discharge a quantity of fish that was deemed as perishable, that they were transporting to Venezuela, when the incident occurred Friday night last.

Initial reports have

suggested that Lall, accompanied by three of his workers, was proceeding towards the farmers wharf at Charity when the unlit trawler named "Miliannys" which was proceeding at a fast rate; hit his boat on its starboard side, sinking it within minutes of the impact.

While Lall's boat sustained extensive damage, he and his workers were left stranded in the water and had to shout desperately for help.

The farmer relayed that after some time, the Mackbool family at Charity rendered assistance to them.

He lodged a report about the incident at the Charity police station and was forced to hire two boats, which transported the police, who apprehended the vessel and men on board some ten miles from Charity.

"The men hit us and speed away,” Lall insisted.

Lall said that a senior official from the Maritime Department visited the Coast and did a general investigation.

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

VACANCY Kitchen assistant @ Charlestown- ages 18-35.

Call: 614-1020 WANTED One cook, must know to cook Roti & Puri. Call 6477432 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

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: 231-2199, 231-2200, 618-7483 1 three bedroom house Prashad Nagar, asking price $29M neg. Call: 227-2563, 684-2115

1 Tutor to teach Form 1, apply Bissan’s Trading, 94 King Street. Call: 227-7306 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 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, 2657075 Sales Girls & Porters. Apply with written application at Best Buys Food Supplies, 1E Dennis & Middleton Streets, Campbellville.

Cooks, Waitresses and Bartenders to work in Kitty area. Call tel# 226-7054 or 623-9645 Experienced sewing machine operators. Tele no.: 220-4337 Taxi Drivers and Carpenter.

Call: 225-3234

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

Attractive salary. Contact: 687-3341, 639-9884 Be part of our world class customer care team. Join us now! Phone: 220-0401-3 Hire car drivers & dispatchers wanted from East Coast. Contact 220-1000 Live-in Maid/Nanny. Long term employment. Location: (Kuru Kururu) 35-50 yrs. 6561284.

Customer Service Rep. Cyberzone Internet Café.

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

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

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

WANTED East Coast Guyoil pump attendants wanted (day and night), wash man, office assistant & sales girls. 6842838, 602-5031 1 male or female to look after layer birds in the interior.

Tele# 688-4905

Accountant.

ACCA qualified, 5 years experience.

Application sent to: info@mahdiagold.com, Mahdia Gold Corp, 72 Barrack St. Kingston, Georgetown.

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 One live-in or out maid & experienced sales girl. Call: 264-3356, 253-3149, 668-3985 1 Lorry Driver. Call: 687-6595 Experienced jet & marack men to work in interior. Serious enquires only. Tel: 694-2310 1 General Domestic. Must know to cook, from East Bank Dem. Area. Tel# 614-4358 Labourers to work at Jettoo’s lumberyard & Sawmill @ Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara. Call: 2615041, 261-5042, 226-2756

FOR SALE One Hilux Vigo (new) GNN series 231-5171, 619-7134 Toyota Starlet 2 E Turbo engine with gearbox and ECU: Call: 624-7155.

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

FOR SALE One Massey Ferguson 399 Tractor. Call: 619-6093 1 four wheel Utility Trailer, 1 16" Bore irrigator pump on trailer. Tel: 227-1830 Yamaha outboard engine parts for 115HP-200HP, crankshaft fat & fine top, pistons, bearings. Call: Terry665-9405 Massage Leather table, brand new, heavy duty & hot stone kit with electric warmer. Call: 665-9405. $99,000 20 flat screen TVs, cheap 19"-50" : Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung; LG. Need repairs. Call: 665-9405 Exercise Bike new Schwinn 131 Digital info screen with Heart Rate Monitor, $79,000.

665-9405 CRV PMM, DVD, TV, CD. Good condition. 226-7915, 668-6586

Labourers and Porters.

Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd.

Drivers with lorry license.

Apply Wieting & Richter Ltd.

Lyvan Motor Cycle. Good condition. 226-7915, 6686586, 600-5130

Intelligent live in to look after (1) female elderly & (1) middle aged person. Person Health Certificate required.

Tel Maria: 226-8094

Girls to work as waitress , age 18 to25 in Bar. Call: 256-4096

Lenovo laptops brandnew $60,000 Call: 681-2111

Sales representatives, country wide, for musical CD original.

Tel: 267-1565, 678-8193

1 Tundra, 1 Perkins engine & Welder 400 amps. Call: 6605462, 611-5114

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

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

Visa and Immigration forms prepared for Canada, USA and UK. Also Passport forms. Call 626-9857

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

592-643-5720

Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & Stoves.

Ultra Cool: 225-9032, 6472943

Roofing shingles. Call: Mr. Skepmire . 227-5195 (8am to 5pm) Going cheap, foreign used Perkins Engines. 661-3043 15ft Fiber glass boat $170,000 call: 260-0301, 685-1233 Sale Sale Sale on all zinc sheets 40% off. All lumber 30% off. All pine lumber 8% off. Tel: 226-7054

Contract cars. Must be in Hire & Yellow. Base free. $3500 weekly. Call 660-9977 Full time gardener/ handyman reference needed.

Call: 226-0240, 225-3557

Page 15

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 Brand new Blackberry Torch 9800, under $100,000. Call: 676-7443 1 dragline 10RB. 687-6174 1 240 Massey Ferguson Tractor. 687-6174 1 Kawasaki Ninja Bike model 2009, 600 cc. C.G. 2468.

Contact # 677-1218, 216-0317 Original slimming green coffee 800 $1300 W/sale and original slimming green coffee 1000 $2300 w/sale Call:681-2111 True Shattaz fashion, closing down sale #6893860

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

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 2005 H2 Hummer, 38,500 mileage fully loaded, chrome kit etc. Call: 639-3100, 6195400 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 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.

Toyota Tacoma, 4wd, 2.7L engine, very good condition. Contact Andrew: 638-8599

Hello, the doctor is back!!

Have your gas stove repaired and serviced. Tel: 601-0595, 220-4073, 220-5785

2004 Mazda RX8, body kit, black, unregistered, $3M. 617-2891

Service & repairs to gas stove, deep fryers, washing machines, electric stoves.

Call 686-6209.

One EP71 and 82 Starlet, 1Toyota Ceres and RZ Minibus,1Nissan Pathfinder, PMM Call: 6445096,697-1453

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

One RZ Minibus, BMM 1420 $2.5M Call: 615-7825 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

WE FILL OUT PASSPORT & VISA FORMS: USA, UK & CANADA. TEL: 2315789

Ford F150, 4wd, V8 engine.

Including cab. Excellent condition. Contact Hans: 645-5596

Job fair , girls guide Pavilion, May 18 1-8PM Call:223-1719

One Toyota Short Base, enclosed canter, GMM series, hardly used $1.8M. Credit can be arranged. Tel: 673-6660

(1) New Model 212 Carina & RZ minibus in private & (1) 3Y foreign use engine Call” 678-0109,220-1693,658-7034 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

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

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 20)

Page 16

Kaieteur News

Flooding in Region Nine …

Govt. officials visit region to monitor, assess damages

A section of a main road in Lethem that was partially covered with water.

Flooding in Region Nine is subsiding and is said to be under control as a team of officials from the Government visited the area yesterday to assess, monitor and address the magnitude of damage.

Reports disclose that yesterday there was some amount of rain; however, this was not significant.

Health officials are also on the alert in the region, ready to provide medical assistance and supplies if necessary.

The flooding which was caused by the heavy rains and subsequent overflowing of the Takatu River, which borders Guyana and Brazil, has affected dozens of communities.

“About two weeks ago I talked about monitoring the situation in Brazil, in Boa Vista, where they’ve had continuous rainfall and the water rising in the Takatu and other rivers.

This has had a huge impact because we believe that the rain in other parts, not necessarily in Guyana, is contributing to the rise of water in Region Nine area,” Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy noted.

Dr. Ramsammy says the Ministries of Agriculture, Amerindian Affairs and Local Government, are dispatching teams to monitor the situation in Region Nine.

“In terms of how people deal with transportation, moving people out of the

danger and so would be the purview of other ministries, we know that we have to help when it comes to food and water and we are prepared to do so and the ministry has been monitoring and discussing possible action to be taken.”

According to Claire Singh, Regional Executive Officer of Region Nine, a team will ensure residents and livestock are taken to safe ground, while providing food and water.

Due to the rising water in the last few days, some families were relocated to the Culvert City Nursery School, Christian Brethren Church Compound, some Government buildings and homes of their relatives.

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Bel Air robbery accused to get trial date at next hearing On June 1, next, persons charged for the brazen multimillion-dollar heist at the Bel Air Park home of businessman Malcolm Panday, will receive a date for the commencement of their trial. The matter is being heard summarily.

Mother-in-law of the victim, Chandrada Rampersaud, and Jermaine Mitchell, Hardat Kumar and Aubrey Simon faced Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Two others Rayon Jones and Rabindra Seemangal are also involved in the matter.

Another, ex- policeman Shawn Hinds had charges against him withdrawn.

According to police, the Director of Public Prosecutions had advised that enough evidence did not exist to uphold the charges, against the ex-cop.

Defence Attorneys Vic Puran, George Thomas and Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos appeared for the four who went to court yesterday.

De Santos addressed the court and asked for a short time to put certain things in place.

The matter was brought before the courts on July 15, last year. The police had informed that certain actions were being taken and that they were awaiting certain instructions from superiors.

Early last week, Seemangal pleaded guilty to all the charges against him.

Again, certain steps are being taken in light of this new information.

The court however wished for no further delays

Armed bandits beat and rob mostly females in Canefield household Three armed bandits assaulted and terrorised a Lot 983 New Area, Canefield, Canje household consisting of mostly women around 19:30 hrs Sunday.

Faro Haniff, 27, was in her bedroom resting while her three children, three nieces cousins and two other children were in the hall talking and watching television when three men (with bandanas covering their faces), and with three guns (1 small and 2 long guns) entered the one- flat house and started to make their demands, brutalising some of the females in the process.

The young women, who were still in shock during the interview related what happened. Tishyanie Seeraj, 12, Haniff’s niece, said that the men came through the front door after disembarking

a White 192 Model care “which dropped them off and left”.

“One of them tell we to lay down on the ground...and don’t make any noise or they will shoot we mother (the bandits had thought that Haniff was their mother).

Haniff stated that the men then entered her room and demanded she give them “everything”, “so whilst I was taking out the jewels one of them gave me one lash with a gun in my head and another came and asked for the gold and they said ‘that’s not all...that’s not all’”.

To please the men, Haniff took out a bag with over $100,000 and gave them. The men carted off with a video camera as well as five cellular phones, but not after ransacking the entire room.

She said that they

“knocked up the children with the guns and they said they will kill me and said it (the gun) was fully loaded”.

The bandits hit one of her daughters, Nikki with a gun and pushed the young lady into the wardrobe, breaking the mirror as a result of the hard impact. “They collected what they had to collect and they spent over 7 minutes in all”, Haniff said.

She said that she called the police at the nearby Reliance Police Station but after she tried to relate a few words of distress to the person on the other side of the phone, the individual seemingly hung up on her.

Feeling hopeless, she alerted other neighbours whom she alleged also telephoned for police but “they got no response...it rang out”. The cops did arrive

on the scene 30 minutes later and took the usual statements.

The females all had to visit the New Amsterdam Hospital for medical attention.

They suffered from head, shoulder and back injuries from all the gun butting and hits by the men, including the impact one of them resulted in from the push into the wardrobe mirror.

Haniff was confused and questioned what benefit airing her story in the media will bring, since “it’s of no use”.

“They (the police) coming and take statement and we got to give reports but nobody don’t give you back nothing— it’s a waste of time— they (the police) come and ask for names and even time and nothing don’t happen”.

in the matter. The magistrate requested that all parties have the relevant statements and information on the matter so that a date could be fixed at the next hearing.

Eight persons were arrested for the robbery, but only seven were charged.

When Hinds had his matter withdrawn, six persons were left to answer to armed robbery committed against Anne Ramsood and her husband Malcolm Panday.

Pandy is said to be the owner of a chain of clothing stores.

It was alleged that on July 12, last, at Bel Air, the accused robbed Ramsood of $7.4M. Jermaine Mitchell, Rabindra Seemangal, Aubrey Simon and Rayon Jones were charged for robbing Ramsood of one Blackberry Curve cell phone valued at $47,000 and $380,000 cash at the said location on the same day.

Aubrey Simon faced separate charges. It is alleged that on the same day he had in his possession eight rounds of 9mm ammunition.

He was also accused of having an unlicensed 9mm pistol. The police further said that Simon fraudulently used an identification mark on a motorcar which was reportedly used in the heist.

Other charges inclusive

of gun and ammunition possession were laid against the other accused.

In the first court appearance, the prosecution alleged that Chandrada Rampersaud, was once employed at the victims’ home as a house keeper, but was fired. They said that she subsequently told a cousin about the money the Pandays kept in the house and the defendants started planning the robbery.

On the day in question masked men stormed the businessman’s home with guns and held up the family and the domestic staff.

The woman of the house was forced to open a safe which contained an undisclosed amount of local and foreign currencies that the gunmen reportedly made off with.

Panday managed to escape the robbers and called for police assistance. Given a description of the vehicles used by the suspects, the police intercepted a car at Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Another car was cornered at the Ocean Spray Hotel compound after the police gave chase.

Seemangal is currently in police custody but the other accused persons are out on bail.

Assault over $100 lands “cart man” in court A push cart operator who reportedly attacked a stall owner over $100 on Friday was yesterday reprimanded on charges of assault and threatening behaviour when he appeared before Magistrate Hazel OctiveHamilton at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Akeem Anthony Castillo was spared when the court found that the police conducted improper investigations since the stories of both parties differed from the information of the court prosecutor.

Prior to this revelation, Castillo, on May 11 at Brickdam, reportedly assaulted and threatened Tarcharran Bharrat. To the charge he pleaded guilty.

The court prosecutor then told the court that the victim in the matter is a vendor at the Stabroek Market and that on the day of the incident; the defendant collected some produce from the wife of the victim at their Prasad Nagar home and was supposed to take the goods to Bharrat’s stall in the Stabroek Market.

The police continued that when Castillo arrived at the market he charged $200 for the

delivery of the goods but the stall owner refused to pay the requested fee. Instead, Castillo was told by the complainant that he would usually pay $100 to deliver the goods and that was what he was paying.

According to the police, the defendant became annoyed and picked up a knife that the complaint had at his stall and started firing stabs at the victim. Bharrat reportedly managed to take the knife away from the defendant who then resolved to butting the victim several times to the head. After falling to the ground, the police said, the stall owner got up and went to the police mobile unit located at the market and made a report. Castillo was later arrested and charged for the offence.

Castillo wasted no time in informing the court of the inconsistencies in the police report. The defendant when asked to give his side of the story said that he did go to the victim’s home to collect goods and that while there he informed the man’s wife that he would deliver the goods for a fee of $200. He said that Mrs. Bharrat allegedly told (continued on page 18)

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 17

Production decline hitting housing boom hard …

Logging companies woo banks to lend more Earnings from forestry exports over the past year have dropped alarmingly. A worried regulator and government are now urging banks to consider innovative financing that will help loggers and others to boost production.

Commercial banks are reportedly hesitant to lend for logging and other forestry activities, calling for heavy collateral amidst what they say are uncertainties.

Yesterday, several banks, loggers and Guyana Forestry Commission met to discuss, among other things, the possibilities of using Timber Sales Agreement (TSA) as a

means of collateral.

Guyana’s booming housing sector which has been on a roll now for several years, is likely to be stymied because of low production, says long-time furniture maker, Mohabir Singh, owner of the Guyana Furniture Manufacturing (GFM).

According to Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, during the meeting at Sleep Inn Hotel on Brickdam, the forestry sector is under-performing with production below the allowed levels.

Mohabir Singh said that despite the meager 3.5 per cent that forestry contributed

to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country last year, there is potential to raise this to 15 per cent. This could see export earnings increase fivefold to US$250M and see 5,000 new jobs being created.

The businessman was also worried that lumber is being imported to Guyana although there is evidence that Guyana has far superior woods as well as abundant supplies. He blasted a lack of cooperation among forestry operators and not enough action by the private sector.

A cluster approach where several operators band together using common resources like kiln facilities

Representatives of the banking sector, logging companies and sawmills during the meeting

Abused mother and kids find safe haven

and sawmills have proven unsuccessful so far although it is an approach that should be explored fully, he said.

The forestry sector also has a lot of unexplored areas like the increased usage of lesser known species of wood. Recently a study found that Baromalli, a wood use mainly for making plywood, could also be used to make doors.

The businessman also urged a relook at the region for its wood markets where “big bucks’ could be made. He also noted that Linden, an area where logs have to be trucked through, is ideal for a kiln drying facility.

Meanwhile, the potential of the sector was plugged by Minister Persaud who noted

that exports have moved significantly from US$32M in 2004 to US$41M last year.

Recent concessions granted have indicated that operators will have to work deeper in Guyana’s jungles to cut logs, a fact that will require heavy investments that could only be met by the banks.

There should be no worry over the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) with the forestry sector performance seeing 10,000 hectares less being harvested between October 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011.

Yesterday’s event was organized by the Forest Products Development and Marketing Council (FPDMC), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the

forestry sector.

According to Persaud, there “has been no shift” in Government’s policy to make forest lands available. But he called for an increase in valueadded products.

As a matter of fact, Persaud said, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is now making moves to upgrade the National Log Export Policy.

Forestry activities are safe and an attractive investment.

Also there were Chairman of the GFC, Clinton Williams and Chairman of the Forest Products Association, Hilbertus Cort.

The banks present yesterday where the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry, Scotiabank, Citizens Bank and Demerara Bank.

Ramotar to meet with OAS today

The mother (standing) and her kids in clean clothes and safe...Mrs Kissoon sits in the hammock The Number Four Village, West Coast Berbice, mother and her four children have finally found a safe haven.

They are now at the Camal International Home for Battered Women and Homeless Children located at Albion Front, Corentyne.

They entered the safe haven over the weekend.

Avon De Cunha and her four children were given enough money by the concerned neighbour and placed in a minibus over the weekend, for Albion. Her husband had been behaving very badly on Friday night and was arrested by the West

Berbice police, though it is believed that his incarceration— as in previous times— would be short and he would be out again.

Head of the home, Mrs Carmen Kissoon, said that she welcomed the battered woman and her children. She said that she did not ask De Cunha any questions. There is a usual 24- hour “cooldown” period, during which the new occupants of the home get settled in and adjust to their new environment.

She noted that she will begin to question De Cunha after the “cool- down” period and would make contact with

the Child Care and Welfare Services in New Amsterdam to get advice on how to proceed with the matter.

Kissoon said that she would welcome the father of the children to talk and even get counseled and her doors are always opened.

However, she said, that will be a decision the welfare services will have to make and she awaits their advice.

For now, though, the young mother and her children have found a safe, healthy, caring and peaceful environment in which they can be at peace without any fear.

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) will today receive President Donald Ramotar.

Ramotar is on a tour to the United States for a series of meetings, which includes top officials of the US State Department in Washington, to discuss a range of issues including economic, investment and security.

The OAS’ recent engagement with Guyana was the November 28, 2011 general and regional elections. The OAS Observer group made several recommendations for improvement to future electoral processes.

They said that mechanisms should be incorporated to ensure sufficient time for the planning, testing and troubleshooting of issues that pertain to relocation of polling stations; communications regarding changes in procedures and

policies from previous elections; transmission of preliminary and final results; and standardization of the electoral calendar with specific deadlines and milestones.

The mission recommended that additional mechanisms to ensure the security of electoral results are implemented throughout the course of the transfer of electoral materials between the regional offices and GECOM’s central tabulation centre.

These mechanisms should include the confirmation of accredited, escorted and previously identified individuals, the OAS Observers stated.

While in meetings with the US State Department, Ramotar was expected to focus on collaboration between US and Guyana on security in the context of the expanding Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and economic engagements

President Donald Ramotar including investments.

After his engagements in the United States, Ramotar will head to Barbados on Sunday for the CARICOMMexico Summit on political and economic cooperation.

President Ramotar is being accompanied to the United States by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, Natural Resources and the E n v i r o n m e n t M i n i s t e r, Robert Persaud, Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali and Director General, Ministry of Foreign Aff a i r s , Ambassador Elisabeth Harper.

Page 18

Kaieteur News

Man stabs friend over $1500

The injured man at GPHC A business deal between two Diamond, East Bank Demerara friends on Saturday turned sour and resulted in one nursing a stab wound at the hospital while the assailant is on the run.

Quincy Roberts, 26, of 118 Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was stabbed to his abdomen and is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Yesterday, Roberts told this publication that he had lent his friend a bicycle and a cellular phone since last year but never received it back. He said he would normally

confront his friend on numerous occasions and would enquire about his items but according to the 26year-old, “he would never answer me.”

“Last week, he gave me a cell phone to sell. He told me to sell it for $7000 and I should take $4000 and give him $3000.”

Roberts said that he gave his friend $1500 in advance and collected the phone. “I eventually sold the phone but the person who bought it was in some problems so he did not give me the money.”

Kaieteur News

understands that Roberts’ attacker confronted him last night at a popular liming s p o t , 9 9 Av e n u e , i n Diamond, where he and his friends were liming and demanded his money.

“I told him that the man did not pay me and he start behave stupid because he did not want wait for he money so I told him that I will pay him when he return my phone and bicycle and he get mad and pull out the knife and stabbed me.”

Roberts was rushed to the hospital by friends. Police are trying to locate the assailant.

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Suspect remanded for pastor’s robbery One of the suspects who allegedly robbed Pastor Kenrick Corbin and his wife, Faith Corbin, of several pieces of gold jewellery on Wednesday last was yesterday remanded to jail yesterday after making an appearance before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Nineteen-year-old Lawrence Allicock, of 21 Independence Boulevard, Albouystown was not required to plead to the indictable charge of armed robbery.

When he appeared before her, Magistrate Hamilton informed the prosecution that the accused was known to her but that he had appeared using another name, Leonard Allicock.

The defendant however insisted that his correct name was Lawrence. Allicock was

... court remembers accused under different name however slapped with two charges. It is alleged that on May 9 at Howes Street, Charlestown, while armed with a gun, he robbed Faith Corbin of four gold rings valued at $620,000.

Allicock was also told that on the same day at the said location, he robbed Kenrick Corbin of one gold chain and pendant, one gold band and a gold and diamond ring totaling $M1.9 million.

Prosecutor Tracymay Gittens objected to bail because of the prevalence and seriousness of the offence. The court upheld the prosecutor’s application and Allicock was remanded to jail.

He was also ordered to produce his birth certificate

when he appears in Court Three before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday.

Three bandits had stormed the Faith Miracle Ministries located on Howes Street and robbed the pastor and his wife minutes after they concluded their Wednesday evening service.

The pastor said he was standing on the pulpit with his wife not too far away when the men went into the church.

One pointed a gun to his head and another pointed one to his chest and ordered that he hand over his jewellery.

The pastor said he willingly gave his belongings to the bandits who then made good their escape.

Minibus driver flees after crashing into parked pick-ups

Assault over $100 lands “cart man” ...

From page 16 him to request his fee from her husband.

Castillo said that when he arrived at the market he told the stall owner what his fee was but in a harsh manner, Bharrat replied that he only paying $100. Castillo said this then prompted him to ‘seize’ one of the man’s squash as payment for his services.

It was at that point he said the stall owner picked up

the said knife that the police spoke about and threatened him. He said Bharrat attacked him and he received a stab wound on the left hand. That wound was shown to the magistrate and she concluded that the man’s wound was consistent with his story.

Castillo then said that he butted the stall owner who fell to the ground. Next thing, the man said, he felt ‘one box behind he head’ and then

NDC Chairman, community at odds over trench clearing Members of a concerned residents’ group in Mocha/ Arcadia are calling on the Chairman of the community to be involved in the community enhancement project.

The aim of the project is to ensure that the trenches in the New Housing Scheme are cleared.

Reports are that machines were organised by the residents to execute the project but, owing to the narrowness of the streets in the scheme, there was dire need for a truck to remove the stuff as the machine cleared the trenches.

Residents said that permission and assistance

from the Chairman of the community, Gregory John, was sought as early as January via writing to the N e i g h b o u r h o o d Democratic Council (NDC).

Claims are that John considered the letter to be ‘rude’.

Residents also stated that based on ‘reliable sources’, John has a sum of money, some $700,000, which he could use to assist with the removal of the debris.

However, when contacted, John said that no letter was written to the NDC and he has no idea of the project that is currently in progress.

noticed that it was the victim’s wife. Bharrat then got up from the ground and went to make a report to the police.

Bharrat too had a story to tell. He maintained that Castillo picked up the knife on him and after taking it away the man bit him on the chest.

That wound was also shown to the court and it was confirmed that he too had injuries.

The court then determined that a scuffle was what really transpired at the stall. She put together that the parties had a scramble which resulted in both persons being hurt.

But none of what was revealed to the court was in the police file. The magistrate was quite upset about the police’s investigation of the matter, if any was conducted, as she stated. It was also discovered that not even a statement from the investigating rank could be found in the police file. And since proper investigations were not conducted, the appropriate charges were not laid.

The defendant also said that he was locked up since Friday last.

After a stern talk to both parties about their behaviour, Castillo was reprimanded on the charge and he was told to use the time he had already spent in the lock ups for reflection.

The minibus that crashed into the three parked vehicles.

A route 42 minibus driver fled the scene of an accident on Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara after he lost control of minibus BHH 8816 which slammed into a parked pick-up.

That started a chain reaction that resulted in two other pick-ups being damaged.

According to the owner of the three parked pick-ups, Keith Parks, the intoxicated driver of the minibus fled the scene after crashing into a motorcyclist, then into his three unregistered pick-ups parked in front his premises.

“One of the vehicles was parked several feet away from the other, you can imagine the force he was going with to crash into all those vehicles.” one eyewitness said. Eyewitnesses revealed that the minibus was filled with passengers but no one was seriously injured. However, the driver who appeared to be “drunk” escaped the scene of the accident by joining another minibus.

Nurse succumbs after poison dose A 23-year-old Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s nurse, who drank poison some time last week succumbed early yesterday in the hospital’s High-Dependency-Unit (HDU).

The nurse, Nadya Giddings, drank a potentially deadly dose of gramoxone because she was experiencing “some love issues with her partner.”

Minutes after she ingested the poisonous substance, she was rushed to GPHC, where she remained a patient in the hospital’s HDU until she died.

According to information, the nurse, who works in the hospital’s new wing, drank the substance over a local

Dead Nadya Giddings recording artist.

Giddings’s colleagues described her as a peaceful and loving person. Some of them are still shocked at her action.

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 19

The Abigail Column The writing’s on the wall read it DEARABIGAIL, I fell for a man who was on a ‘break’ from his girlfriend.

It was magic ... for a month.

Then he got back together with her. He continued to contact me while they were still together and insisted that he wished he could go back in time to when he was happy about having met “a smart, cute girl.”

I rebuffed these advances for the most part, but since we have mutual friends, I

would see the two of them from time to time. Afterward, he would always contact me again. We finally talked and found that we wanted to be together.

He broke up with the girlfriend with the intention that he was going to be with me. We spent some time together, and it was great ... but now he just wants to hang out with his friends.

He reassured me that he meant everything he said about how much he wanted me, but is “messed up right now.” Contact with him has become more and more scarce. I don’t know what to do or if there is anything to

do. Is my only option to sit back and wait for him to get it together?

Pat Dear Pat, No, your other option is to get a grip, recognise trouble when you see it and flee. He clearly doesn’t know what he wants, let alone with whom he wants it.

Romantic relationships are tough enough without having to do a reclamation job. His breaking up with what’s-hername and then deciding he wants to hang with friends suggests he is confused, and his uncertainty is definitely something you don’t need.

Tuesday May 15, 2012 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): You may be asked to assume a leadership role in a cultural organisation. This position will help you cultivate your own imagination. There’s nothing more stimulating than being in the company of creative minds. ****************************** TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20): A confidential engagement may be centred around career talks. Maybe you’re meeting with an employment agency. Perhaps you’re studying with an apprentice. ****************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Attendance at a trade show, club or social gathering will expand your horizons.

Seek out people with exotic backgrounds, they can introduce you to people and practices that will make your life much easier. ****************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): You may be put in charge of handling other people’s resources today. Whether you’re delegating funds or assigning work is immaterial. ****************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): You may have a meeting of the minds with someone who shares your religious beliefs or philosophy of life. It’s such a relief to talk about such matters with a person who understands where you are coming from. ****************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): If you need money to fund a big idea, approach a loved one. This person may have the resources to turn your dream into a living reality. There’s also a chance that things are heating up between you and a co-worker.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): Collaboration has always been your strong suit, and that’s especially true today. Falling in love with a business partner, attorney or agent is a strong possibility. If you’re in a serious relationship, you may decide to get married. ****************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): You’re extremely productive today, probably because you’ve got your heart in your work. Finding quicker, easier methods of doing things comes naturally to you. ****************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): Educational activities have always given you lots of pleasure, and that’s especially true today. If you’re taking a class, you could develop a crush on a fellow student. ****************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): Family life is your primary focus, prompting you to make some changes to your routine. Perhaps you’ll be doing more around and about the house in the weeks ahead. ****************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): Social activities with siblings, neighbours or cousins give you spiritual fulfilment. You’re tired of pouring all of your energy into work. Connecting with your nearest and dearest helps you see the bigger picture. ****************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): You’re more determined than ever to make money from your creative efforts. Your instincts are totally understandable, considering that others have profited from your imagination many times over.

NTN CHANNLE 18/ CABLE 69 05:00h - Sign on with the Mahamrtunjaya Mantra 05:15h - Meditation 05:30h - Quran This Morning 06:00h - R. Gossai General Store Presents Hanuman Bhajans 06:15h - Jettoo’s Lumber Yard Presents Hanuman Bhajans 06:30h - Muneshwar Limited Presents Hanuman Bhajans 06:45h - Double Standard Taxi Presents Hanuman Bhajans 07:00h - RRT Enterprise Presents Hanuman Bhajans 07:15h - M & M Fast Food Presents Raja Yoga Discourses 07:30h - Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital Inc Presents Hanuman Bhajans 07:45h - The Family of The Late Leila & David Persaud Presents Hanuman Bhajans 08:00h - NTN This Morning Live with Reyaz Husein 09:30h - Indian Soap - Choti Bahu 10:00h - Indian Soap Yahaan Mein 10:30h - IPL #64 - DELHI DAREDEVILS v KINGS X1 PUNJAB 14:00h - Indian Soap Pavitra Rishta 14:30h - Indian Soap - Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuyien 15:00h - Indian Soap - Punar Vivaah 15:30h - Headline News 16:00h - Investigation Discovery 16:45h - Dying Tears 17:15h - World’s Hindi Teaching by Sanskar Bharati International 17:30h - Ganesh Parts Presents - BHAGAVAD GITA( Discourses in English) Serial 17:45h - Birthday Greetings / Deaths Announcement & In Memoriam 18:00h - TBA 19:00h - DECOR & GIFT GALLERY Live With Joel Ghansham 20:00h - Square Talk Live with Kwame McCoy 21:00h - Indian Soap - Choti Bahu 21:30h - Indian Soap Yahaan Mein 22:00h - Indian Soap Pavitra Rishta 22:30h - Indian Soap - Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuyien 23:00h - Sign off with the Gayatri Mantra

NCN CHANNEL 11 02:00 – NCN Late Edition(R/B) 02:30 – Late Nite with GINA 03:00 – Movie 05:00 – The Path of Forgetting Part 1 05:30 – Newtown Gospel 06:00 – NCN Late Edition(R/B) 06:30 – Feature 07:00 – Guyana Today 08:00 – GWI Alert (R/B) 08:30 – Pulse Beat 09:00 – Revelation & Power 09:30 – Cartoons 10:00 – IPL#63 Delhi Daredevils VS Kings XI Punjab 14:00 – NCN Newsbreak 14:05 – Ravi D Show (R/B) 15:00 – Feature 15:30 – Rise & Be Healed 16:00 – Feel the Beat (R/B) 17:00 – Anderson 18:00 – NCN News Magazine – Live 18:30 – Pulse Beat 19:00 – Al Jazeera 19:30 – Homestretch Magazine 20:00 – 3d/daily millions/ play de dream/lotto draw 20:05 – Your Health the Nations Wealth

21:05 – XI Interface 21:35 – Feature 22:05 – NCN News Late Edition 22:30 – Caribbean Newsline 23:00 – Movie DTV CHANNEL 8 08:55 hrs. Sign On 09:00 hrs. Live! With Kelly 10:00 hrs. Spice Goddess 10:30 hrs. Everyday Exotic 11:00 hrs. The View 12:00 hrs. Prime News 12:30 hrs. The Young and the Restless 13:30 hrs. The Bold and the Beautiful 14:00 hrs. The Talk 15:00 hrs. Boy Meets World 16:00 hrs. Beverly Hills, 90210 17:00 hrs. The Wayans Brothers 18:00 hrs. World News 18:30 hrs. Awakening 19:00 hrs. Greetings and Announcements 20:00 hrs. Alliance on the Move 21:00 hrs. NCIS: Los Angeles (Season Finale) 23:00 hrs. Sign Off

Guides are subjected to change without notice

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 15, 2012

ASTP / GT&T / MCYS / NSC Windball Cricket C/ships....

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(From page 15)

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Alness, Auchlyne and McGowan were among the latest teams to record wins when the Al Sport & Tour Promotions (ASTP) / GT&T / Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport (MCYS) / National Sports Commission (NSC) 15th Annual Windball Cricket Championships for Primary Schools continued, at the Bush Lot Farm ground with play in the Central Corentyne / Black Bush Polder Zone.

In the day’s full results: BoysAlness defeated McGowan by 12 runs.

Alness batted first and compiled 67-3 with Nigel Russell 45, being the principal scorer.

McGowan in their reply was restricted to 55-6.

Nicholas Fordyce made 10,

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From page 23 Boxing gym and Fraser in Trinidad and Tobago. A keen and entertaining match is therefore envisaged. Jones has a 9-5-2 record and is spewing confidence of defeating Corbin.

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while Chandrapaul Govindan 3-14 and Lyndon Lovell 2-2 were the chief wicket takers.

Region 6 defending champions Kildonan the failed to advance to the next phase after losing to Auchlyne by 10 wickets.

Kildonan batted first and scored 44-7, Uroy George 11, Revaldo Williams 10.

Surendra Budhoo 4-10, Andrew Harlequin 2-6.

Auchlyne replied with 450. Budhoo 24, Arron Mangal 12.

Auchlyne then beat No.36 by 7 wickets.

No. 36 Primary 30-7, Arron Mangal took 3wkts.

Auchlyne in reply, reached 31-3. Daniel Gajadhal 2wkts.

Alness squeezed past Joanna by 1 run.

Alness 39-5, Nigel Russell 21.

Joanna 38-7, Ajai Tikaran

10. C Govindan 3-13, Carl La Rose 2-10, Nigel Russell 2-10.

Zone FinalAuchlyne cruised to an easy 10 wickets win over Alness.

Alness made 48-9 taking first strike with Timothy Tennasse 14 and L Lovell 10, the top-scorers.

A. Mangal grabbed 5 wkts including a hat-trick, while S. Budhoo and A. Harlequin supported with 2 wkts apiece.

Auchlyne in reply, knocked off the required runs ending on 49-0, S. Budhoo stroked 32.

Girls: McGowan beat No.36 by 10 wickets.

No. 36 Primary ended on 39-1, Trishana Prince 10.

Mc Gowan in reply, made 40-0, Kibbian Fraser 19, Jennifer Park 15.

Auchlyne defeated

Alness by 7 runs.

Auchlyne 46-1, Kellieann Henry 12, Nandanie Hyman 15.

Alness reached 39-4 when the overs expired. Crystal Campbell 12.

McGowan eased to a comfortable 7-wicket triumph over Eversham.

Eversham 68-2, Diana Leitch 25, Manah Bownauth 12 McGowan 69-3, Jennifer Park 25, Aqueena Skeete 15.

Zone FinalAuchlyne defeated McGowan by 7 wickets.

Mc Gowan won the toss batted first and scored 42-4, A. Skeete 17, Tessa Fraser 11.

Nandanie Tyman 2-7.

Auchlyne in reply, made 43-3, N. Tyman 25, K Henry 19. Marlino Appan 2-6.

Photos on server Claude as: Aaron Mangal and Nigel Russell.

Slowly but surely for Sammy From back page succumbing to a five-wicket loss. Similarly, they came to close to upsetting Australia in Bridgetown, only for another second innings batting collapse to eventually sentence them to a three-wicket defeat.

“The only thing that has not been happening is the victories,” Sammy told ESPNcricinfo. “We’ve been playing good, competitive cricket against strong sides like India and Australia and all our Tests have been going five days and down to the wire. Not many teams go to India and give India a run for their money, but we did that.

“Coming from where we are right now, we are not going to start winning straight away.

We are taking baby steps to the ultimate goal.

We are playing well and dominating teams throughout matches.

“The problem is that we keep losing key moments in matches. One bad session keeps costing us. Champion teams seize the moment but we keep having a bad session where we might lose five wickets in an hour. We just need to cut that out. Once we eliminate those bad sessions then we’ll make progress.”

Sammy also reminded England that the sides did not have to look back very far to the last team his side caused an upset.

A young West Indies squad travelled to England to play two T20 internationals last September and, having lost the first game by 10 wickets, they hit back with a 25-run win to square the series. West Indies also won the last Test series between the sides in the Caribbean.

“We were a very inexperienced team in September,” Sammy said. “People said we were just on our way to Bangladesh, but we beat England.

“Every team that comes here, the media try and bring them down for England. So we know what to expect. We have to handle the distractions - be they the weather or the press - and concentrate on doing our best on the pitch. People don’t expect much from us, but we know that once we play to our potential we can compete very hard against England.

If we can put runs on the board, we back our bowlers to take 20 wickets against England.” If West Indies are to do that, it is crucial that they have their best attack available

to them. As things stand there are slight injury doubts hanging against all three of their leading seamers - Kemar Roach (foot), Ravi Rampaul (neck) and Fidel Edwards (back) though it looks as if all three should be fine.

As Roach, who is eagerly anticipating his first Tests at Lord’s put it: “Everyone wants to be here; there’s nothing going to stop me playing.”

Sammy also said his entire side had been inspired by the documentary Fire in Babylon, which tells the story of West Indies’ domination of Test cricket in the 1970s and 80s. He drew parallels in the challenges facing his team and West Indies team of the early 70s.

“Fire in Babylon is my inspiration,” Sammy said. “I have watched it many times. I knew our history - but to see it again, to hear the passion in the voices of the players - it’s got to make you think about how important what we do is to the people of the Caribbean.

“All of the guys have seen it and been inspired. The guys are aware of how important West Indies cricket is to the fans.

They appreciate the history and they carry the legacy. Some never knew about it - they knew the team had been great - but they didn’t understand what previous teams had gone through and what they had to endure. They didn’t understand about the challenges they had to rise above.

“We have different challenges now. We dominated the world for 17 years and conquered all teams. People got used to success.

A lot is expected of all West Indies teams since then. It could be a burden - every fast bowler is compared to Ambrose or Walsh and every batsman is compared to Greenidge or Lara but I prefer to see it as an inspiration. That’s the path we have to follow.

“Everyone in the Caribbean wants West Indies to do well. When we are playing well our brand of cricket is very entertaining. The turnout from the public in our last series - in Tests and ODIs and T20s - we’ve not seen that sort of support for our team in a long while.

The reason is that they see the team competing. We’re not winning, but we’re playing with passion and if we do that, the victories should be just around the corner. We’re fighting, we’re showing passion: we understand what we have to do.”

Tuesday May 15, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Field event records can be shattered Sunday at Classic III

By Juanita Hooper The President’s/Jefford Classic 2011 female Champion athlete, Natasha Alder, will be looking to retain her title when the Classic III gets underway at the MSC Ground in the Mining Town this Sunday from 10am, but will seriously face challenges.

The all-round athlete’s name was recorded as the record holder for four events in the Annual Classic, which was initiated in 2010; those events are Long Jump (2011), Triple Jump (2011), Javelin (2011) and Shot Putt (2010).

Alder, who is a Digicel National U-23 and President’s/Jefford Classic II Champion and represents the Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC), leaped to 4m76cm in the Women’s Long Jump to seize the golden position on the podium ahead of her opponents. She was able to repeat her outstanding performance in the Triple Jump with a 10m05cm leap.

Apart from using her legs, the athlete is also exceptional with her arms when it comes to the Javelin and Shot Putt.

Her 39m46cm throw in the Javelin was a first-class

performance that allowed her to be Guyana’s present record holder, as well as the record holder of the Classic. She still holds the Shot Putt record for the Classic, which she set in 2010.

But Alder’s records can be seriously threatened with the senior and junior upcoming athletes that have been creating interchangeable storms, ready to script their names in history.

The triple and long jump could be two of her records that will be shattered when her club mates, Alita Moore, Tracey Moses, Marcia Isaacs and Juanita Hooper, along with Running Braves’, Natrena Hooper assemble at the jumping area for the event.

Natrena Hooper and Juanita Hooper were equally impressive at the recent Digicel’s National U-23 Games at the Police Sports Club ground last month.

Natrena Hooper separated herself by a centimeter in the Triple Jump from Juanita Hooper to be crowned Digicel’s National U-23 Triple Jump winner with a leap of

Concerted and corrective approaches are necessary if local athletes should achieve prestigious accolades Juanita Hooper

Natrena Hooper 11m27cm. Moore, the present U-23 100m champion, was third with 11m22cm.

Moore and Juanita Hooper along Moses recorded great distances in the long jump at the National Youth, Junior and Senior Championship. Talented Moore sprung to 5m33cm while Hooper leaped to 5m32cm as Moses leaped to 5m15cm.

The performances from this group of athletes have all surpassed the current records of the Classic, which leads one to believe that Alder could be firmly challenged as she aims to continue her dominance.

Natasha Alder Moses, who lately entered the field event arena of athletics, also jumped her personal best with 5m89cm at the Guyana Defence Force Developmental Meet earlier in the year.

Marcia Isaacs also recorded her personal best at the same meet with a massive leap of 5m73cm, which is the leading mark in Guyana this year.

Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) Inter-Schools Competition...

SoE, CWSS joint leaders on six points apiece Four more matches were contested in the inaugural Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) InterSchools Competition currently being played, at the Christianburg facility.

In the opening game, Christianburg / Wismar Secondary (CWSS) gained a walk over from Mackenzie High.

In the second match, School of Excellence (SoE) defeated New Silvercity Secondary (NSSS) 3-0 with

Chaka Hall netting a double in the 24th and 30th minutes, while O’Neil Gentle added another in the 29th minute.

Linden Foundation Secondary (LFSS) then beat Marcia Craig’s Institute (MCI) 2-1 with Massiah Joseph scoring in the 16th and 23rd minutes for the winners, while Jermaine Grenville’s 8th minute goal had given MCI the lead initially.

In the final game of the day, Wisburg secondary

Last-ball six keeps...

From page 22 bowled trying to cut.

When Knight Riders had been sent in after losing the toss, Gambhir and Brendon McCullum had set off at breakneck speed, adding 99 in 11.2 overs before they were dismissed in the space of five deliveries. Gambhir had continued his prolific scoring streak, taking charge of accelerating his team’s innings while McCullum played second fiddle, relatively speaking. They were setting Knight Riders for a formidable total when McCullum was run-out and Gambhir was bowled after the ball came off his inside edge and pad, gone for 62 off 43 balls. With the Knight Riders

openers gone and two new batsmen at the crease, Super Kings began to drag the runrate back, by striking regularly.

The hosts slipped from 99 for 0 to 128 for 5. Jacques Kallis was unlucky to be given caught behind while sweeping, because the ball came off the arm, and Yusuf Pathan hit his customary solitary six before holing out to Bravo on the long-on boundary. Bravo caught Manoj Tiwary there soon after and Knight Riders were eventually kept to 158.

Scores: Chennai Super Kings 160 for 5 (Hussey 56, Narine 2-14) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 158 for 6 (Gambhir 62, Jakati 2-26) by five wickets.

(WSS) inflicted a 9-2 drubbing on Harmony (HSS).

For the victors, Runic Velloza booted in a treble in the 15th, 18th and 24th minutes, while there was one each for Maxwell Hamilton (3RD), Tevin Thompson (20th), Trevon Archibald (19th), Akeem Gullen (30th), Julian Fortune (9th) and

Nobert Sansculotte (16th).

Following the conclusion of second round action, the points standing is as follows: CWSS and SoE lead with 6 points apiece followed by MHS 3, NSSS 3, LFSS 3 and WSS on 3 each, while MCI and Harmony are yet to register a point.

Rayudu, Pollard pull off stunning chase for Mumbai Ambati Rayudu (81 n.o.) and Kieron Pollard (52 n.o.) pulled off a remarkable chase on Monday evening as Mumbai Indians overcame an early implosion to gun down the 172 target they were set by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

After Mayank Agarwal’s fireworks lifted Bangalore to 171 in the rain-delayed first

innings, Mumbai looked down for the count in their pursuit at 51-5 in the ninth over then Rayudu and Pollard got together, and refused to get out.

Scores: Mumbai Indians 173 for 5 (Rayudu 81*, Pollard 52*) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 171 for 6 (Agarwal 64, Dilshan 47) by five wickets.

Woodpecker National Junior Championships begins today The Guyana Squash Association will serve off the Woodpecker National Junior Squash Championships today instead of yesterday as previously mentioned.

The tournament will have male and female competitors in the Under 19, Under 17, Under 15, Under 13, as well as the Under 11 category this year. Keen competition is anticipated among the junior players as they battle for not only titles from this event, but places on Guyana’s term for the Regional Championships shortly.

By Michael Benjamin Thirty odd years after the successful staging of the inaugural Three Stage Cycle Road Race under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, and after enjoying minimal successes, Guyanese riders are now hard pressed to dominate the activity and recent results of this annual event have uncovered several inconsistencies that should be addressed if only to improve the chances of local pedal pushers and retain even a modicum of respectability to the sport.

This year’s activities pedaled off at Corriverton and the first leg culminated at New Amsterdam where Frank Traveiso, representing Team Coco’s of Miami, rode off with the honours.

Hours later, the cyclists journeyed from the Ancient County to the old Guyana National Service Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue where another Team Coco’s representative, Frank Travieso prevailed. The final leg from the Mining Town of Linden to Georgetown was a replica of the inaugural leg where Travieso captured the honours and subsequently was adjudged overall winner even posting a new time record.

At the prize giving ceremony at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), shortly after the culmination of the event, Minister Anthony complimented the victorious riders of Team Coco’s but lamented the absence of a strategic approach by local riders. Indeed, the general consensus of cycling pundits was that the local riders, instead of combining forces to outwit their rivals, elected to carry individual fights even as members of the winning team joined forces to out-muscle and eventually out-smart their nemesis.

It is always advisable to separate politics from sports as this is often dubbed a combustible mix. However, it seems as though, judging from what transpired during the course of the just concluded race, that sports activities could now be juxtaposed with our political landscape where the cooperative spirit has been shelved even as individual players attempt to hog the glory. One needs not conduct a forensic study to conclude that our cyclists erred in their strategies. By now they should realize the counter-productiveness of their approach even as they are forced to admit that their strategy was selfish to say the least.

Further, shortly after the culmination of the event, some pundits complained of the absence of an ambulance to accompany the riders as they engaged in grueling competition. The general complaint seems to suggest that this service should have been made readily available even as one considered the cyclists’ risks to life and limb along the arduous route. As a matter of fact, we were reliably informed that some cyclists were involved in two spills during the first leg while veteran cyclist, Jude Bentley, crashed out following a similar incident minutes into the second leg.

While incidents of this nature are unavoidable and to some extent expected, what is unacceptable is the absence of an ambulance with the requisite medical practitioners to deal with such eventualities. The affected riders complained that while a vehicle was identified for medical purposes during the first leg of the race, this was not done for the other two legs. The cyclists also feel that the identified medical vehicle was not properly equipped to deal with injuries incurred by the racers.

While giving a summary of activities, Minister Anthony berated the media for not documenting the race over its 30 years existence and besieged them to commence the process.

Well if after 30 years our cyclists cannot get it right nor can the organizers, why should we be alarmed if media practitioners are affected by such apathy? Mr. Anthony did point out that an imminent 5 stage cycle race will give local pedal pushers an opportunity to reorganize their strategies to produce the desired results. The just concluded event, coupled with the Minister’s observations should rightfully serve as a gentle caveat to media practitioners to retain, for posterity, the details of such national events.

Likewise, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports should aspire to inculcate the relevant and necessary principles that will transform the Three Stage Cycle Road Race and others of similar ilk into the national events they are supposed to be. Then, and only then, must anyone point an accusing finger at another for their shortcomings.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

President’s / Jefford Track & Field Classic...

Lifetime Realty back on board Managing Director of Lifetime Realty Alfred Mentore in a simple ceremony conducted at the entity’s Head Office on North Road maintained his support for the President’s / Jefford Track & Field Classic after pledging an undisclosed sum to Coorganiser of the event Edison Jefford yesterday.

Mentore, a former national youth cricketer and an outstanding golfer and sports enthusiast, has been on board from the Classic’s inauguration and according to him, the principal motive for his assistance is the fact that it provides the opportunity for the young athletes to showcase their talent, while at the same time aiding in the development of the sport.

The easy going realtor, who is known also for his charitable endeavours said he was indeed happy to be part of the event and promised his continued support in the future.

The current President of the Demerara Cricket Club, Alfred challenged the business community to do more for the development of sports and the facilities that serve athletes and even took the time to make mention of an upcoming project that the club has undertaken.

“I would like to take this opportunity to solicit the support of the business community for the coming magazine that the club has embarked on as part of its 100th Anniversary. Their support is critical for the viability of the project which proceeds will go towards the infrastructural improvement of the club that provided the foundation for the careers of great West Indian cricketers

Managing Director of Lifetime Realty Alfred Mentore (right) hands over the cheque for an undisclosed sum to Co-organiser of the President’s / Jefford Track & Field Classic Edison Jefford yesterday. such as Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs and Roy Fredericks, just to name a few,” Mentore mentioned.

Jefford in his response thanked the entity for its continued assistance and promised a Meet that will meet the high standard that most would like.

“I would like to extend thanks to Lifetime Realty and more directly Mr. Mentore for seeing the need to provide another opportunity for our young athletes to get the necessary exposure that is critical for their individual development and the sport at large.”

The Classic will be staged on Sunday, May 20, at the Mackenzie Sport Club and among those anticipated top participate are Guyana’s middle distance star Marian Burnett and athletes from Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Barbados in the international segment, while over 30 races

are carded for the locals.

The winning club is set to take home $500,000, runnerup $300,000 and 3rd place $100,000, while there will be gate prizes specifically intended to give back to the fans, especially those from the community.

The international races also have special prizes on offer for the top three finishers.

Among the top locals expected to participate in the Classic are women’s 100 metres champion Alisha Fortune, Chavez Ageday, Stephan James, Tevin Garraway, Kevin Bayley, Elton Bollers, Jevina Straker, Juanita Hooper, Neisa Allen, Tiffany Carto, Shauna Thornhill, Natasha Alder,, Alita Moore, Alika Morgan, Janella Jonas, while the Mining Town will be represented by Winston Caesar, Nathaniel Giddings, Bevon Noble and Parish Cadogan.

Tuesday May 15, 2012

TV channel alleges spot-fixing and black money in IPL India Today - A TV channel on Monday claimed to have blown the lid off “murky deals” in the IPL among players, organisers, owners and big guns of Indian cricket, prompting the BCCI to warn that stringent action will be taken if the report is found to be true.

The channel, India TV, claimed it had done a sting operation in which many players confessed on hidden camera they get much more than their prescribed auction under the table.

According to the channel, its operation also revealed that spot-fixing is not only prevalent in IPL but also that first class matches are fixed and women played an important role in matchfixing.

Superstars of Indian cricket and even an international player, who is a captain of one of the teams, are involved in fixing the matches, the channel said in a statement.

Asked about the sting operation, BCCI chief N Srinivasan said, “We will ensure that the integrity of the

game is protected. BCCI believes in the integrity of the game. We will take the strictest possible action. We will have to have the tapes and the moment we see it, whoever is the player, we will take very very strict action.”

“If there is any truth in it...

It is a fact that we will take strictest action. Even if it means suspending the player immediately. But (that has to be) based on some evidence and fact, for which I have asked the COO of IPL Sundar Raman to request for the tape,” he said.

Srinivasan said he has asked the Governing Council of the IPL so that in the morning there will be a teleconferencing of the governing council to go into this matter. We will act to show that this is not tolerated.”

“IPL, we believe is clean.

We have got the AntiCorruption Unit covering it.

They are the in-charge of the security. We have got Ravi Swami, who was heading BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit to take it up for us.”

“People can make allegations. But if there is any

shred of evidence, we will take action. The channel claimed that an IPL player confessed that he was getting Rs.1.45 crore from its owner whereas he was in the Rs.30 lakh slab.

It named an IPL player, claiming he had bowled a noball in last year’s first class match on the insistence of the channel’s reporter. He had also assured to change his team in future if he was paid Rs.60 lakh, the channel said.

Another player demanded Rs.10 lakh for bowling a noball in an IPL match, it said.

The channel said a pattern has emerged where a particular bowler pitches easy deliveries and there are dropped catches.

The BCCI also said in release that it will seek a “complete footage” of the ‘sting operation’ and examined thoroughly. “The complete footage of the ‘sting operation’ will be sought, and examined thoroughly. The GC will meet on an emergent basis to review the footage and take appropriate strict action,” Board Secretary Sanjay Jagdale said in the release.

Last-ball six keeps Chennai alive With Chennai Super Kings needing five runs to win off the final delivery, Rajat Bhatia, who had bowled MS Dhoni and conceded only four from the previous five balls, bowled a full toss. Dwayne Bravo, who had missed a heave off the fifth ball, heaved again, and this time he hit the ball high into the night sky.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Gautam Gambhir, fielding in the circle, kept his eyes fixed on the ball as it began its descent, and grimaced as he watched it fall agonisingly out of reach of his fielder at long-on, and just over the boundary. The Super Kings were out of the dugout, craning their necks to see where the ball landed, and once they saw it was a match-winning six, there were several streaks of yellow speeding to embrace Bravo, who

stood with arms aloft having kept his team alive in the IPL. Had the match been tied, it would have been less of a surprise, for Super Kings’ chase had followed a pattern eerily similar to Knight Riders’ first innings.

In pursuit of 159, Michael Hussey and M Vijay added 97 runs in 10.1 overs before Sunil Narine, who continued to confound batsmen with his variations during his spell of 4-0-142, dismissed both of them in the space of three balls. Hussey had demonstrated impeccable timing on a pitch that demanded application, hitting four sixes in a half-century that threatened to make short work of the chase, before he top-edged a sweep. Vijay was (Continued on page 21)

Evon Jotis wins BCB/Scotia Bank Spelling Bee competition Eleven year-old Evon Jotis of St. Therese Primary School of New Amsterdam held his nerves on Friday last to win the annual Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) organised Scotia Bank Inter Primary School Spelling Bee Competition.

The event which was held at the Rose Hall Town Primary School attracted students from ten schools – Kildonan, Tain, Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant, Belvedere, Sheet Anchor, Bohemia, St Therese, St. Aloysius and All Saints.

BCB Special Events Committee Chairman, Hilbert Foster, said that the competition was a huge success and forms part of the Board’s efforts to promote the

value of education for all youths.

All Berbice cricketers, Foster stated must know that they cannot be successful if they are not fully educated and understand their duties as role models to their peers.

Stating his pleasure at the high standard of the competition, Foster noted that he was pleasantly surprised at the spelling ability of the students. The finals lasted for close to three hours as close to three hundred words had to be used by the spelling Master Mr. Eon Carter before the winner was decided.

Seven of the ten contestants were eliminated after failing to spell three words and the three finalists

were Jotis, Naomi Ramoutar of Sheet Anchor Primary and Cynthia Greenidge of St. Aloysius.

Foster praised the contestants for their outstanding performances and described them all as winners and ambassadors of their schools.

He said that as a youth and sports leader, he sometimes feels frustrated with the educational level of his charges but expressed pleasure at the passion and remarkable skills of the contestants.

They were urged them to remain focused on their education and to get involved in playing cricket at the club level in their areas.

BCB Secretary Angela Haniff expressed gratitude to Ms.

1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner posed with the other participants

Jennifer Cipriani and Scotia Bank for their sponsorship of the competition and stated that the 2013 edition would be bigger and better.

The winner Evon Jotis received $15,000, first runnerup Naomi Ramoutar $10,000 and second runner-up Cynthia Greenidge, $5,000.

Trophies were also given to the top 3 finishers. The winning school St. Therese collected a cheque for $25,000.