Kaieteur News

Saturday Edition

Online readership yesterday 81,431

November 17, 2012 - Vol. 6 No. 43 - Price $80 kaieteurnews@yahoo.com Website:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

GPHC dumps $49.5M worth of expired drugs Santa Claus dances ‘Gangnam style’ at Courts Christmas tree light up

CSEC Police launch Top Explosive student 2012 Christmas dominates thrown at senior security prog. graduation citizen’s home

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Kaieteur News

Murder of Mabaruma schoolgirl...

Health, Regional officials disagree on medivac delay

T

he Ministry of Health and officials from Mabaruma yesterday gave conflicting accounts on why no flight was available to airlift 15-year-old Bibi Zaleena Shadeek immediately to the city.

Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran told Kaieteur News that health officials desperately tried to have the critically injured girl medivacced out of Mabaruma the very night that she was stabbed and slashed.

He added that Health staffers informed him that they contacted officials from a private aircraft company on Wednesday night but were told that only one pilot was available.

Two Instrument Rated pilots have to be on any plane that is performing medivac operations at night.

“We did not get a second pilot. We were on top of it (the situation)…we were calling throughout the night, but we could not get a second pilot,” Minister

Ramsaran said.

But Region One Chairman, Paul Pierre, told Kaieteur News that the real reason for the delay was because no Air Traffic Control operator was available at the Ogle Airport to authorize flights to depart.

Mr. Pierre said that two pilots from Air Services Limited were on stand-by Wednesday night for similar emergencies. He said that both pilots had lived at Mabaruma; one currently resides at Ogle and the other at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara.

“But they could not operate without an air traffic controller… They would have been risking their licences.”

According to Mr. Pierre, officials from another chartered company at Ogle were also contacted, but only one pilot was available.

And the only available plane at Mabaruma, operated by the non-profit organization, Wings For Humanity (WFH), also

could not take off because the female pilot was not authorized to fly at night, the Regional Chairman said.

It was not until the following day that a plane, operated by Wings For Humanity (WFH) left Mabaruma with Shadeek, but she succumbed on the way to the city.

Shadeek, a former fifth form student who was preparing for CXC early next year, was stabbed in the stomach and had her neck slashed by a young man at around 19:30 hours on Wednesday at her home at Kumaka Stretch, BarimaWaini, Region One. Her attacker, identified as 18-year-old Ronnie Ramit, subsequently hanged himself.

Shadeek was rushed to the Mabaruma Hospital but there was no doctor there at the time. Kaieteur News was told that a doctor arrived one hour and ten minutes later, but in the interim the injured girl was being treated by a nurse.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Santa Claus dances ‘Gangnam style’ at Courts Christmas tree light up

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h o u s a n d s g a t h e r e d yesterday at the Courts (Guyana) Main Street branch to witness the annual Courts Christmas concert and tree lighting ceremony.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali and officials from Courts Guyana Incorporated were all there.

The programme commenced with the singing of the National Anthem by Guyana’s very own, Lisa Punch. Then followed a series of entertaining episodes that indulged the crowd that filled almost all of Main Street.

The people were entertained by Jackie Hanover, the Courts choir, the National Dance Company and the Dance School.

In addition, Angela Seales, the winner of this week’s Courts Big Prize (Drive Away) promotion also collected her prize— a brand new motorcar.

Seales, who entered the competition by purchasing an air-conditioning unit, is now the owner of a car worth more than $2M. M i n i s t e r A l i congratulated Courts on its annual festivity and urged Guyanese to harmony.

Prime Minister Samuel

Hinds, after wishing the people of a Guyana a Merry Christmas was given honour of illuminating the trees.

With just the touch on a portable screen, Main Street was immediately transferred into a magical atmosphere.

Santa and his team that included Dora, Spiderman and Sponge Bob, later made a grand appearance on a well lighted and beautifully decorated truck sharing sweets and other goodies to children.

The light up ended with Santa and Mrs. Claus dancing to the Universal hit song-‘Oppa Gangnam style’.

The crowd, both young and old, went wild.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

GPHC dumps $49.5M worth of expired drugs The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

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Magistrate Octive-Hamilton resigns over transfer to Essequibo Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton has resigned. Legal sources confirmed that Magistrate Octive-Hamilton, who has been on leave, tendered her resignation a few months ago. Kaieteur News was told that Ms. OctiveHamilton’s decision to step down stemmed from a decision to have her transferred from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to Essequibo.

A source said that the Magistrate, who had performed duty in rural communities during various stages of her career, “did not feel that it was in her interest to accept the

transfer from central Georgetown.”

She subsequently proceeded on leave around September. According to a source, Ms. Octive-Hamilton was to have resumed duty in October but never did.

Some sources suggested that sections of the judiciary were unhappy with some of Magistrate Octive-Hamilton’s rulings in a few cases.

Magistrate Octive-Hamilton had come in for criticism from some quarters last June for jailing a father for six weeks for beating his wayward 14-year old daughter.

MUSE OR AMUSE A total of $49.498M of expired drugs was dumped by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) as at May last. This was highlighted in the Auditor General’s Report 2011.

During a recent inspection at the facility, it was revealed that there were 57 instances where expired drugs were at the facility, waiting to be dumped.

The hospital, in its defence, said that some degree of expiration is inescapable in hospitals. “We are required to have drugs

available at all times so we cannot afford to have shortage hence we risk overstocking with some degree of expiration.”

However, the percentage of expiry drugs can create arguments about the efficiency of the system. One doctor said that the system ought to have issued drugs based on expiry dates.

This newspaper had pointed out the Auditor general Reports of successive years that chastised the Hospital and Ministry of Health for

Police force denies ‘Police Reduced To Security Guards’ The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has refuted an article in Kaieteur News which suggested that policemen have been reduced to security guards.

The police hierarchy took offence at claims made in the article that the Police can only boast of solving clear cut murders and robberies.

The GPF was also upset over a quote by a Police officer that the Force has never solved any execution style killings.

In a statement, the GPF stated that the reporter could have used the Police records which are “readily available at the CID Headquarters” instead of quoting a “Police source.”

The Police Force stated that the article “displays no due diligence of the Editor so it was simply wheel barrowed into the newspaper.”

Between 2008 and present, the Police said that there were 38 incidents of execution style murders. Of these, the GPF claimed that the Police have so far laid

charges in relation to ten of those incidents and are on the verge of completing investigations into two others. Those two incomplete investigations, the GPF stated, do not include the “Lindo Creek” murders, the investigations into which have been completed and the file submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

The 10 incidents in which charges are laid include the highly publicized Lusignan and Bartica Massacres, the drug related “Drive by Shooting” of Mark Caesar c/ d Lil Mark in Broad Street on October 1, 2010 and the shooting of Clementine Fiedtkou c/d Granny in Robb Street on August 17, 2011.

In addition, the Police Force said it has disciplined its ranks for unprofessional behaviour and has charged, criminally, 17 of its ranks from January 1, 2011 to current for offences related to dishonesty, including corruption, robbery and larceny.

accepting late delivery of drugs from New GPC over the past three years, the supplier would have defaulted on delivery every year.

While there is no information to verify the delivery dates vis-à-vis the expiry dates, there has to be an effect on the system of ordering and re-ordering, one Doctor said.

It was recommended by the Audit Office that GPHC conduct a study to assess the need for these drugs and more accurately determine their purchases.

Recently, the hospital was under fire for purchasing drugs from New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC) at exorbitant prices.

One such drug was the antifungal cream, Ketoconazole cream which is being retailed in India, inclusive of taxes, for as low as $80 but was bought for $1909.

During a recent interview with one of the facility’s health officials, it was revealed to this publication that despite the hospital dumping so many expired drugs, there were many instances where the hospital was short of critical drugs. The system of re-order levels and trend analysis should provide for a good system of stockmanagement, especially since the main suppliers are Guyanese-based.

The Auditor General’s report has pointed out that New GPC supplies more than 80% of total drugs procured for the Hospital – as well as for the Ministry of Health. In all instances the drugs are fully paid for notwithstanding late delivery by New GPC. A Hospital official has confirmed that surgical sutures, operating materials, medications and kits to perform blood test were among some of the items that were unavailable.

The hospital had promised to launch an investigation.

Bokkle and Sanders Did you ever hear about the bokkle? Did you ever hear of someone asking or tell you about the bokkle? Were you ever offered a bokkle of beer? A bokkle of water? Did you get the bokkle? Hilarious?

No, serious! Where did bokkle come from?

Maybe someone can tell us. But, friends, I hope when you drink, you do so from a bottle.

Break the bokkle; use bottle.

Need a pair of sanders? I was recently in the lovely company of a university graduate, let’s call her Rebecca. She was charming and well-mannered – that is, until the sanders came up. Yes, you read this correct. Sanders became the subject matter.

Our conversation started off very pleasantly; she was cheerful and sweet. Educated; after all, a university graduate. Then she said to me, “I would like to buy a pair of sanders. What do

you think is the best?”

Whoa! Did I hear correct? What is “sanders”? Maybe she’s talking about the sanding machine? My mind reeled. I didn’t want to appear dumb to this Grad. Maybe it was a new fashion? So, I timidly asked, “Pardon me? You want to buy…?”

“Man you deaf? I wan’ buy sanders?” She was getting a bit irritated with me. But, what sanders? My mind was racing. A sexy new thing? I wonder if it’s pink? Or red? Maybe it was lacy? Or sheer nylon? Maybe I could offer to buy for her? After all, she mentioned it to me! But how do I ask her to describe it for me?

I want to learn about this new sexy thing….but suppose she ridicules me?

Anyway, I built up my courage and said to her that I didn’t hear about that one.

Sanders was a new brand maybe? And then (Continued on page 10)

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Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Privacy may not be what it is

Privacy is one of the most cherished things in the lives of people. Such is privacy that there are laws to protect it.

Anyone invading the privacy of an individual can face serious sanctions. Because of the privacy laws, the home is the most private of places. It is where people indulge in their whims and fancies without fear.

Indeed they cannot be prosecuted for certain acts committed in the home; if however, those acts are in direct contravention of national laws then the privacy laws would not apply. A man, for example, cannot kill his spouse and declare that the act was done in the privacy of his home.

Similarly, abuses conducted in a home cannot lead to the perpetrator invoking the privacy laws.

Marijuana possession is illegal but one may argue that smoking it in the home is a private act and indeed, we do not recall anyone being prosecuted for smoking marijuana or any drugs in his or her home. Having quantities for sale is another matter.

And so it is that we should take a look at other issues of privacy. Intruders are deemed unwanted and could face prosecution. People found where they should not be in private property are deemed to be trespassers.

So seriously is privacy taken that people have gone to the courts when there have been breaches. The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company went to great lengths to assure its subscribers and customers that their landline conversations were indeed private. People have breached that security.

There was the case of former Police Commissioner Winston Felix who left his office to go overseas. Someone breached the security of his telephone, recorded conversations and distributed these. Nothing came of that matter except some embarrassment to the Commissioner and to the then head of the Guyana Defence Force.

In more recent times there has been wireless communication by virtue of the introduction of the mobile phones. For years these signals have been intercepted by third parties. It is now history that Shaheed Roger Khan used a piece of equipment to triangulate and to intercept calls. The police did seize the piece of equipment but even people had doubts.

In other countries we know that telephone conversations have been intercepted and the result has not been good for the criminal-minded. Because of the laws, the authorities first had to secure permission to intercept the calls. Having got the permission, the collected information could have been used in court.

Guyana has similar interception laws but the nation was never aware that interceptions had begun. People suspected that they had unwanted people at the end of their telephone line but without proof, many simply felt that they were the victims of rumours.

We were aware that the government, following the passage of the legislation, had leaned on the telephone service providers to acquire equipment that would have allowed them to intercept calls and to record those calls. Since the early queries about the state of the equipment the nation has not been informed that their calls may be intercepted.

The service providers are mum and had it not been for a tacit admission by the Head of the Presidential Secretariat one would not have known that there were actually cases of recorded conversations. This being the reality, one must now wonder at the failure of the government to arrest any drug dealer. As was once said, the smallest child knows them. The police would, therefore, not have had difficulty identifying the dealer and monitor his conversations.

Is the focus on the political opposition? We know that attempts were made to record some people accused of treason. Despite the law there was a resort to the use of less than sophisticated recording equipment.

Suffice it to say that Dr. Luncheon has said that the courts have given the state and other laws enforcement personnel the right to intercept calls. We do not know whose calls are being intercepted and we do not know how long this has been going on.

We do know, though, that our private moments may not be so private after all. And knowing the quality of the police, what is there to stop anyone from blackmailing anyone?

Saturday November 17, 2012

Letters... Where your views make the news

The motion to unseat Minister Rohee is constitutionally impermissible

DEAR EDITOR, In recent proceedings in the National Assembly on a “no confidence motion” against the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, much emphasis was placed on the concept of ministerial responsibility as that concept is applied in Britain.

According to Professor H.W. Wade in his text on Administrative Law, page 29, “ministerial responsibility is one aspect of the supremacy of parliament under which ministers are responsible to it both individually and collectively through the cabinet.”

It is important to note immediately, that Britain does

not have a written constitution as Guyana does.

In Britain, it is the Supremacy of Parliament that is recognized. The Courts in Britain cannot strike down an Act of Parliament as the Courts of Guyana can. In this country our Constitution is the supreme law and it is the supremacy of the constitution that is recognized.

In the constitutional framework of Guyana, there is no provision for individual ministerial responsibility to Parliament.

The Constitution makes provision for cabinet’s collective responsibility to Parliament.

Article 106(2) of the

Constitution provides: “The cabinet shall aid and advise the President in the general direction and control of the Government of Guyana and shall be collectively responsible therefor to Parliament.”

In India, the concept of “collective responsibility” of the cabinet to Parliament is, like Guyana, also provided for by the Indian Constitution. It is said that this collective responsibility is joint and indivisible. There is no provision in the Constitution of India, laying down the individual responsibility of a minister and his accountability to Parliament for all the acts of omission

and commission in his departmental charge.

The “no confidence motion” against Minister Rohee, stemmed from an allegation of police excesses at Linden recently. Note is to be taken of section 7 (1) of the Police Act which provides: “7 (1): The Commissioner shall, subject to the general orders and directions of the Minister, have the command and superintendence of the Force, and shall be responsible to the Minister for peace and good order throughout Guyana…”

It could not reasonably be argued the Minister has (continued on page 6)

The Guyanese people will just have to learn to live and let live DEAR EDITOR, I read about the Government’s sale of its GT&T shares. One sentence struck me, i.e. “Initially, when the shares were placed on the market almost three years ago, employees had offered to buy them but this was rejected by Government who wanted them to be purchased en bloc”. (In the 1990s, when privatisation of GT&T was being discussed, I wondered often why no one suggested sale of shares to employees).

I find the ‘en bloc’ view ironic. One of the most successful companies in the UK, started in 1864, is now owned by its employees. It is

a chain of department stores and operates as a partnership, covering not only the department stores, but supermarkets and some other services. ‘The company is owned by a trust on behalf of all its employees - known as partners - who have a say in the running of the business and receive a share of annual profits, which is usually a significant addition to their salary’. This company has consistently declared healthy profits year after year, which suggests that when employees own shares in the company they work for, they feel personally committed to its success and dedicate

themselves totally to make that happen. The company’s success is thus guaranteed and everyone benefits. It is a business philosophy worth thinking about elsewhere.

Next, I read a letter about the late Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan “bequeathing ethnic parties and ethnic voting”. I find it difficult to believe that these men were racists; I would concede clannish maybe – we all tend to identify closely and associate with people we can relate to. But both leaders happened to attract and retain a large following according to their race, and eventually, unfortunately, this manifested

itself in a very unpleasant way, with very strong feelings surfacing at election time.

Let us not forget the 1953 general elections, held under universal adult suffrage, when the two major races voted as one and the PPP won the elections handsomely, and those two men were top of the heap. Then they drifted apart.

The Guyanese people now live with the consequences, and it would be difficult to break the mould.

They will just have to learn to live and let live and hope their children learn from past mistakes.

Geralda Dennison

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

Let us reach out with open hands rather than clenched fists DEAR EDITOR, Every year the head of state, government, the opposition, political parties, and trade unions, business houses etc., send out Dipavali messages to the Hindu community and the nation as a whole. Dipavali is a national holiday, for better or worse.

So it is encouraging to see this level of participation and respect for this very sacred Hindu festival.

However, I have a humble request of all concerned.

Please do not use this

occasion, or any other religious occasion for that matter, to attack one another.

If Dipavali represents the goodwill and sharing that all speak about then our messages should show more generosity and charity of attitudes.

Yes, we cannot separate religion and politics. The Hindu notion of Dharma encompasses politics, government, economy, ethics, law and spirituality among other vital values and dimensions of human life. But

DEAR EDITOR, Our nation needs a tremendous amount of help in the area of Road Courtesy.

Who is responsible for imparting this to this category of our citizenry? Help is very urgently needed. This is very evident at the traffic lights from day to day, or if a courteous driver on the road makes one of the perceived mistakes e.g.

- signals that he/she is stopping to permit an old man or woman, bent in half and using a cane, to cross the road.

- signals that he/she is stopping to permit a resident to exit his home in his car, as his home now happens to be on a main roadway leading to a traffic light.

- signals that he/she is stopping to permit one or two little children whose height may be shorter than the windscreen of the driver’s car.

What happens on our roads is that these discourteous drivers, who are

all in a hurry to arrive somewhere and think that you too should be, press their horns continuously until the vehicles in front of them move out of their way. Dave Martins cleverly referred to this alleged disease as “hornitis.”

Who is responsible for training our bus and taxi drivers? The need for this type of training is very urgent.

These drivers are: - giving our country a bad name - killing and maiming several and - making the rest of us drivers ill at ease as we wait in green light queues.

We should not be promoting Tourism with little or no attention to Road Courtesy. Let us condemn this behaviour with the same verve with which we are condemning Domestic Violence. But let us do more than this as well. Let us suggest how these two groups can be trained.

A very concerned citizen

Rising levels of discourtesy among bus and taxi drivers

there is no need to use Dipavali to take swipes at one another. Let us reach out with open hands rather than clenched fists.

We have all witnessed the conclusion of the US presidential elections and the magnanimity shown both by the incumbent President Obama and his challenger Governor Mitt Romney. In spite of all the harsh and ugly things, sometimes verging on open racist remarks, expressed in the campaigns, both men showed remarkable maturity and extended the

hand to each other. This is a useful lesson for our leaders.

All ethnic, religious and political groups in our country have a vested interest in our progress and stability, and no one should consider it their sole monopoly, to the exclusion of others. We may have different visions for Guyana and espouse different paths to get to the goal, but our country’s ultimate good is what we should not lose sight of.

We may be opponents but not enemies.

In this regard I have a special word for our nation’s youngest political party – the AFC, and especially its three young and brilliant leaders.

You are the next generation of political leaders and someday this country may entrust the responsibilities of government in your hands.

Of recent you have shown an uncompromising intransigence, the very thing you accuse others of. You seem to believe in a scorched earth policy, leaving no room for the other side to extend any sign of conciliation.

Let us use this occasion of Dipavali to search our conscience, remembering that our country’s future is at stake. We must believe that each person is inherently endowed with a well of goodness. Strange as it may seem, when some people are calling for conflict and encouraging and precipitating crisis, the challenge is for us to so open ourselves in such a way that even our opponent will not fail to find the good that is present in us.

Swami Aksharananda

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 17, 2012

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

The motion to unseat Minister Rohee... ( from page 4) responsibility for the day to day management, superintendence and command of the Police Force. It is evident that such directions as the Minister can give to the Commissioner would be administrative in nature and would relate to the command and superintendence of the Force. The Minister does not give the Commissioner operational instructions, directions relating to effective policing and law enforcement.

In a decided English case, the Judge speaking of the role of the Commissioner of Police in Britain observed: “I hold it to be the duty of the Commissioner of Police, as it is of every Chief Constable, to enforce the law of the land. He must take steps to post his men that crimes may be detected and that honest citizens may go about their affairs in peace.

He must decide whether or not suspected persons are to be prosecuted and if need be, bring the prosecution or see that it is brought. But in all these things, he is not the servant of anyone, save the law itself. No Minister ……. can tell him that he must or

must not keep observation on this place or that, or that he must not prosecute this man or that one. Nor can any police authority tell him so.

The responsibility for law enforcement lies on him…”

Per Lord Denning in R v Commissioner of Police ex p Blackburn (1968) 2 QB 150.

In this context one notes the statement by Professor de Smith in his text, Constitutional and Administrative Law 7th Edition, page 164: “If a minister has no power or duty to take any action with regard to a matter, he cannot properly be held accountable to parliament for what is done or left undone; hence a minister is not expected to answer parliamentary questions about the day to day administration of nationalized industries and many other public corporations or most of the activities of local government authorities of the Police.”

Given the above and in the context of the Constitutional prescription of the collective responsibility of the

cabinet to Parliament, and w h e n t h e o p p o s i t i o n ’s motion of “no confidence” is scrutinized, the position in India with similar Constitutional provisions becomes extremely instructive. In India, the prevailing legal position is that: “In view of the express constitutional provision regarding collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha, a motion expressing want of confidence in an individual Minister is out of order: under the rules, only a motion expressing want of confidence in the Council of Ministers as a body is admissible.”

It would appear therefore, that if the National Assembly could not or should not have proceeded against the Minister individually, then no legally permissible consequences can flow f r o m t h e o p p o s i t i o n ’s , motion of “no confidence” which was approved only because the opposition used its threadbare numerical strength in the house to pass a motion which ought not to have been put up for debate in the first place given its unconstitutional focus. So

those proceedings attract the maxim –ex nihilo, nihil fit- out of nothing, cometh nothing.

If therefore, consequential action is contemplated against Minister Rohee, (who should undoubtedly retain his seat in the National Assembly) then such contemplated action should be the basis for challenge of the constitutionally impermissible Motion as well as any contemplated action therefrom.

If the Opposition seeks from the Motion to unseat Minister Rohee, their expectations in that regard would be misconceived and misguided.

Interestingly, in 1950 US Secretary of State Dean Acheson, came under heavy criticism from US Congressional Republicans for being “soft on communism”. On December 15 th , 1950, Congressional Republicans unanimously resolved that Acheson be removed from office.

President Truman ignored the resolution and retained Dean Acheson as Secretary of State. Acheson voluntarily retired from office three years later.

Hydar Ally

I don’t need a battery of foreign divas to help me with my self-esteem DEAR EDITOR, I am writing about the full page article (seems like an infomercial to me but I could not find a disclaimer informing me of such) on the show ‘Night of the Divas’ in your November 16, 2012 online edition.

The article tells us that a collection of female artistes, who I guess are divas, are supposed to highlight in concert what it means to be a woman and at the same time speak out on domestic violence.

I have several problems with this show and its supposed messages.

In a multi-ethnic country, I am a bit concerned that the show and its sponsors could only find one race of divas.

Even after outsourcing from our multi-ethnic neighbour Trinidad they still came with a mono-ethnic group of divas.

As a matter of fact, it seems as though our divas in Guyana could not even meet their criteria, since no local divas are headlining the show.

Are we promoting selfesteem and speaking out on

violence against women by a concert with the raunchiest of female entertainers in the Caribbean?

As a matter of fact, one of these “divas”, Gaza Slim, is presently in court for allegedly perverting the course of justice (excellent person to speak to us on selfesteem!).

I am still trying to find anything in her body of work that would be uplifting any woman.

The promoters are free to put together any concert that they wish, but please do not try to sell it to us as a source of self-esteem for Guyanese women.

May I humbly suggest to the promoters that they have a concert and call it what it is - a bubble, lime, bacchanal, session or whatever. Just leave the issues of women’s self-esteem and domestic violence to the professionals (preferably local ones). As a Guyanese woman I don’t need a battery of foreign divas to help me with my selfesteem.

Candice Ramessar

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

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

Is wrong the new normal in Guyana?

DEAR EDITOR, Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Chairman of the NIS, Dr. Roger Luncheon, needs to be told there is a distinct difference between spin bowling and spinning.

The former may help you take wickets in cricket; the latter could result in dizzying spells that cause you to pass out.

Judging from his ongoing lame spins on government failings and transgressions, he has definitely passed out many times in his own mind but somehow manages to keep appearing alert and conscious.

In response to a recent actuarial report that claims the NIS could run out of benefits to pensioners in nine years, Dr. Luncheon defended the NIS Board’s performance, saying that not all the recommendations made in 2007 in the routine five-year report could practically be implemented. However, he subsequently admitted that “greater attention” should have been paid to the recommendations. Talk about dizzying spin!

Then he stoutly defended the NIS’ financial viability (“NIS will not sink,” KN, November 16) by noting it has

GY$30B (US$150) in reserves invested in places like the Berbice Bridge, without providing hard financial data showing how much the Berbice Bridge has repaid the NIS since the bridge became operational.

Okay, can he now tell NIS beneficiaries how much money the Berbice Bridge has since repaid NIS so we can know if, based on current traffic trends, the bridge can generate enough revenue to ensure the NIS remains solvent beyond the next nine years? Also, how much actual cash is sitting in the NIS reserves?

Government taking NIS money and investing in incomegenerating projects is normal universally with pension schemes, but Guyana seems to be in a universe of deception under the PPP and that’s why we have to demand answers and accountability.

For example, when Dr. Luncheon says NIS has investments in ‘places like the Berbice Bridge’, is he not inferring there are other projects besides the Berbice Bridge in which the NIS has invested? We should not let this deception go unnoticed, but demand to know what the other projects are!

Dr. Luncheon was NIS

chairman when the institution invested US$30M with Clico (Guy), which experienced a catastrophic collapse in January 2008, wiping out NIS’ US$30M plus an additional US$4M of other depositors’ monies. But long before the Clico (Guy) collapse, the government knew Clico was violating the insurance law – with incremental financial penalties and jail time for violators - limiting local insurance companies to investing only 15% of their local funds overseas. At the time of collapse, Clico (Guy) had invested 53% of its local funds overseas.

Then Commissioner of Insurance, Maria van Beek, repeatedly wrote then CEO of Clico (Guy), Ms. Geeta SinghKnight, about this violation, which logically meant her boss, the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, as well as NIS Chairman, Dr. Luncheon and his boss, and President Bharrat Jagdeo, also had to know.

Ironically, Ms. SinghKnight is also the Chairman of the Berbice Bridge Project, and ironically it was Jagdeo who became the principal spokesman of Clico (Guy) as it collapsed, even ensuring it

was placed under Bank of Guyana supervision without an independent probe.

That the government knew Clico (Guy) was breaking the insurance law and did nothing to stop it was unacceptable, but to also know that US$30M of NIS money was at stake and then tried to cover-up the misdeed - deception - when Clico (Guy) collapsed is unforgivable. I deliberately rehashed all of that to show why Dr. Luncheon’s assertion that NIS has reserves invested in places like the Berbice Bridge Project deserves to be immediately investigated. We simply cannot trust these people anymore, fellow Guyanese!

In fact, not only can we not trust them anymore, but the debilitating crisis of confidence in government they have spawned, has reached the stage where the parliamentary opposition, the private media and all concerned stakeholders have to take a collective stand and confront the government, which belongs to all Guyanese and not the PPP. We badly need a revival of a GUARD-type movement because we are right back to pre-1992 in worse ways!

Some people thought President Donald Ramotar, would at least chart a new course after November 28, 2011, but he recently made it clear that Jagdeo’s policies and positions were a reflection of the PPP’s. So here we are less than two weeks away from Election Day anniversary, and the problems that pre-dated Ramotar’s ascension to the presidency are still with us and getting worse.

We all know what is wrong, but what are we going to do about it, besides reading and complaining to each other about the excuses to cover-up or explain away the wrongs with no recourse

to corrective actions? Is wrong the new normal in Guyana?

Unless there is an endgame plan by those, other than the corrupt regime, to end this madness passing for governance, might as well the parliamentary opposition give up demanding accountability and transparency, the AG stops auditing accounts, newspapers cease reporting the ongoing mismanagement, murders and mayhem, and we await whatever fate has in store for the people in our once dear and great land of Guyana that is now a political mud-land. Talk about being stuck on stupid, see the PPP! Emile Mervin

DEAR EDITOR, A printing error has allowed for an incorrect date to be printed on some Old Age payment vouchers for the month of November 2012.

Instead of November 5, 2012, being described as the date for payment, December 5, 2012 is recorded.

These vouchers are encashable at all National

Insurance Offices and special arrangements have been made for pensioners residing at Lethem, Rupununi and Kwakwani where Officers of the Scheme will facilitate encashment of the vouchers.

The inconvenience caused is regretted.

Nicola Seepaul-Petrie Publicity and Public Relations Officer (ag)

A printing error and special arrangements

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 17, 2012

Strategic moves crucial in HIV/AIDS fight - Health Minister “Changing behavioural patterns is vital in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran.

The Minister expressed satisfaction that the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) has been doing an admirable job in fostering such changes so much so that “we are now on top of the disease.”

According to him, the disease has transformed from being an acute emergency into more of a chronic disease.

This development, he said, could have only

occurred “because of the hard work that was put in by the public health practitioners at the National AIDS Planning Secretariat and the Ministry of Health.”

He noted too that the laudable achievement has been supported in a significant way by international agencies which will be given due recognition at the appropriate time.

However, the Minister said that the need for role models is yet needed to support the efforts of the public health sector.

The Minister’s remarks

were forthcoming as he along with the NAPS Programme Manager, Dr. Shanti Singh, introduced role models to the media who will be supporting the upcoming national testing drive.

The role models, who include pageant queens and sports personalities, will help to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing.

This move is especially crucial, Minister Ramsaran said, since HIV does not discriminate against gender or even age.

He made reference to the fact that the disease has been increasingly infecting a

younger population.

The Minister said that the Ministry has been doing a lot of investments on the part of the Health Ministry and its partners to combat the disease.

According to him, efforts have allowed the Ministry to win the support of the population, most of whom have overcome the stigma and taboo associated with the disease causing them to want to know their status.

“It has now become a tradition for Guyanese to get tested and we are now going to be having new approaches to

Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran.

testing...probably making it very available but the stress of mass testing will have to be tempered,” said the Minister, a move that has been imitated across the globe. According to the Minister, facilitating testing drives are in fact expensive undertakings since kits have to be procured, they have to be stored in adequate conditions, distributed to various locations and workers must be trained to conduct the testing activities.

However, he assured that the Ministry intends to sustain the testing activities despite it being financially burdensome.

In this regard, he related that the Ministry is looking at innovative ways of getting the same work done with probably less or the same resources. “That is why we have to concentrate on the more vulnerable groups and

the more at-risk groups of the population such as the prison population, TB patients and commercial sex workers.”

Moreover, the Ministry is seeking to craft a strategy that will be tailored to suit the dynamics of the disease which will be integrated into all levels.

One of the main tools, to be incorporated, Minister Ramsaran said, is to educate people so that they understand that HIV/AIDS can affect anyone.

“We need to at the present time, in a condition of constricting resources, maintain that momentum...”

With this in mind, he disclosed that the Ministry is appealing for continued support from the media to help heighten awareness about HIV so as to ensure that there will be a constant stream of people seeking to be tested.

Smith Memorial celebrates 169th anniversary Smith Memorial Congregational Church, Brickdam, will celebrate its 169th Anniversary tomorrow at 09:00 hrs.

The Church stands on the lush green lawns of the parish situated on the Southeastern shoulder of Brickdam, Georgetown.

It was erected to the memory of Reverend John Smith, a London Missionary Society Minister, who was sentenced to die by hanging for the role he allegedly played in the notorious East Coast Demerara Slave Insurrection of 1823.

He died while a prisoner on Death Row, on February 6, 1824. He subsequently came to be referred to as the ‘Demerara Martyr’, as a result of the circumstances surrounding his death.

Smith arrived in Demerara in February 1817, to succeed the Reverend John Wray at Bethel Chapel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. Smith, like his predecessor, Wray, gave instructions to the slaves. He taught them to read the Bible

and Catechism.

He along with the Rev. John Wray and the early missionaries laid the foundation for organized schooling and primary education for their congregations.

Quamina, a slave, was Senior Deacon at Bethel Chapel located at Le Ressouvenir.

His son, Jack Gladstone, and other slaves suffered death for the role allegedly played by them during the 1823 uprising, which had as its goal, the freedom of the slaves.

On November 24, 1843, exactly 20 years after the date on which the Reverend John Smith was sentenced to death, Smith Memorial Church was opened as a tribute to the work and suffering he had to endure on behalf of his deacons, members and other followers.

Even the lay of the church was one of defiance. While churches were constructed with the chapel in the east, this building had a north to south configuration.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 9

THE NIS NEEDS REFORM Many years ago, I had a discussion in her apartment.

She was an immigrant from Guyana and in front of her obviously embarrassed husband, made it known in no under certain manner that she wanted nothing to do with Guyana.

Apparently, she had suffered a personal misfortune which to today she still blames on the public health system in Guyana. So hurt she was by that experience that despite many years as an illegal immigrant in the United States she made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with Guyana, with any institution in Guyana, nor did she ever want to go back to her homeland.

A few years ago we met again at a religious function and when the conversation switched to Guyana, she was keen to find out how she could claim some benefits from the National Insurance Scheme, benefits she said she had earned and was entitled to.

She is not alone in having an interest in Guyana only because of the National Insurance Scheme. The pensions now being paid by the NIS are healthy and many overseas-based Guyanese, some of whom who left here a very long time ago, are keen to receive these benefits.

NIS benefits are now a hot topic in the Diaspora and many of those who like to bad mouth Guyana are keen to cash in on whatever benefits their contributions entitle them to. Years ago these benefits were so small that very few bothered. Today the NIS is helping to buy the groceries for many a retired Guyanese in New York.

The NIS is not going to fail. It is too big to fail; it is too important to fail and the government now has the resources- unlike in the pastto bail out the NIS should it encounter any difficulties.

It is not likely to, however, encounter any difficulties bordering on a collapse. It is normal for regular actuarial reviews to be done. These reviews are usually premised on certain assumptions based on the growth of the economy, the labour force participation rate, the participation rate within the NIS and the contribution rate.

Most actuarial reviews signal that the NIS is in a crisis and often it is said that unless there is reform, the scheme could collapse. A previous review had indicated that the fund would have run into problems in 2011 unless there were reforms. There were no serious reforms, except for adjustments of rates and insurable ceilings and the NIS is still on its feet. It has not been wobbled by the fact that it lost a major investment in CLICO. It will recover that investment through the government of Guyana.

There have been a lot of criticisms and hype over the NIS over the years. Once when it made a loan to a private sector entity a big furor was made that the Scheme would collapse. But for years the scheme has had very little profitable sources of both short and long term investments and yet it did not collapse.

This however does not portend that all is right with the scheme. There are many problems with the National Insurance Scheme and reforms are needed so as to

Dem boys seh...

De Bees milk NIS

Whenever de government want money it does tun to de NIS. Dem want money fuh de Caricom Secretariat, dem milk NIS; dem want money fuh de Berbice Bridge dem tun to NIS; dem want money fuh lend Clico dem raid NIS. Dem boys did expect that when dem decide that dem gun build de Marriott was de NIS dem woulda tun to. But when dem tun to NICIL dem boys realize that something wrang; that de cash cow run out of milk. People peep de bank book and dem see NIS lose de money that dem lend to Clico and that in a couple years from now people wouldn’t get dem pension. Wha dem boys didn’t know was that dem have people like de Bees, Irfaat, Rob Earth and some more of Bharrat friends who got more money than NIS and dem was de people who decide that

dem money gun build de Marriott but that dem gun use NICIL as a shadow. That was really why dem didn’t really tackle NIS fuh de money.

But NIS was bruck in truth. Nuff people wasn’t surprise when de chief spin doctor claim how de NIS got plenty money but that it could get bruck in a short time if dem don’t do nutten. It like Sonny who got a small change in he bank book but it can’t do fuh pay de people he owe.

Dem boys seh that money deh in people pocket and under dem bed like sand. Dem is de people who de Feds want to interview. Sonny is only a front. De Feds know who really had de money in Easy Come Easy Go. Dem same people trying fuh buy couple washing machine.

Talk half and don’t think bout de NIS money.

ensure that benefits which overseas Guyanese now find so attractive can be sustained and improved.

For one, the scheme needs to examine its policy of paying for spectacles and dental work. These benefits rebound primarily to the dentists and opticians in the country and should be reexamined since dental care can be had free at public institutions. The public health system is capable of providing cheap spectacles for those in need. These benefits serve the professional class and in some instances payments are made in advance.

Secondly, the participation rate and contribution rate are too low.

Too many persons are not paying NIS and this is resulting in pressures to increase contributions.

Eventually the NIS will have to increase contributions but before this is done they need to ensure that in compliance with the law all employees including domestics and farmhands are registered with the Scheme and their employers remit contributions. Too many workers are not paying NIS and this has to be laid at the feet of the employers. Instead of the NIS using the heavy

rod of correction, it should try moral suasion by encouraging workers to have their bosses deduct their contributions from their wages and remit these to the NIS. Thirdly, employment costs are too high. Most insurance companies today have managed through computerization to drastically slash employment costs. The NIS however still employs a great many persons and with increased computerization, including networking employers with the NIS, it can drastically reduce its employment costs which are far too high.

To achieve reforms that would improve the financial health of the NIS, overcome the pace of computerization and reduce operational expenses, the government should do what many Latin American countries have done. They should privatize the NIS. While the NIS is too big to fail, it has proven too big for the government to effectively administer.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 17, 2012

Health Ministry recruits role models to support national testing drive Dr. Shanti Singh (standing) reveals plans for the national testing drive. She is flanked by (from left) Winston George, Soyini Fraser and Dr. Vivienne Mitchell.

There will be no compromising in the quality of testing when the annual national testing activities commence on November 29.

This assertion was yesterday made by Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme, Dr. Shanti Singh, as she officially unveiled plans for a scaled-down testing drive, which will serve as a prelude to World AIDS Day celebration.

World AIDS Day, which is observed globally on December 1, will have as its theme this year, ‘Getting to Zero’.

According to Dr Singh, premised on the need to ensure that there is a high standard of operation, “there will be a strict and high level of confidentially as you get tested. These two important parameters will be closely monitored throughout the initiative,” she asserted yesterday.

The testing drive will be supported by so-called celebrities in the persons of Olympic runner, Winston George; second place winner at ‘Ride for life’ 2012; Paul De Nobrega; Miss United Nations 2012, Soyini Fraser; Miss Guyana/Universe 2012, Ruqayyah Boyer, and Miss Guyana Renaissance 2012, Dr. Vivienne Mitchell.

They along with the Health Minister and UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Roberto Bant Campos, were ceremoniously tested to emphasise the importance of knowing one’s status.

Referring to the initiative as a very important one, Dr. Singh said that the recruited sports personalities and pageant queens are expected to act as voluntary role models and are therefore expected to encourage others to know their status.

“They are being tested today (yesterday) as an example for many of those persons who we would want to get tested during the initiative,” said Dr. Singh.

Over the past five years, the annual national testing drive had lasted for five days, with the activity allowing for more than 40,000 individuals

to be tested last year.

The three-day testing activity, which will be conducted under the theme ‘Zero Stigma, Get Tested’, would in fact be different from the customary testing drive since there will be no VCT sites as in previous years.

The plan, according to Dr. Singh, is to undertake outreaches and have mobile setups with a view of taking the service to the community. “We want to go to the workplaces and places of gatherings such as market places, the City Mall and other places to allow people to be tested.” She anticipates that a significant number of young people will seek to know their status when the testing drive commences. Dr. Singh revealed yesterday too that Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has remained one of the key cornerstones which has allowed for the evolution of the whole concept of treatment and prevention of the HIV/AIDS. And in recognition of the fact that there can only be two outcomes when a person is tested (positive or negative), she alluded to the crucial role of VCT as the main avenue to achieve the goals attached to the fight against HIV/AIDS. “If you are HIV negative we will work with you on all of the risk reduction strategies, making sure that that individual remains HIV negative and if you are HIV positive we will work with that individual to make sure that that person gets into the care and treatment programme and get managed appropriately,” said Dr. Singh.

This move is designed to ensure that there are no new infections. An imitation testing drive was orchestrated yesterday, complete with Counsellors and Testers, with a view of “ensuring that people are given all assurance that certain things will happen during this testing initiative,” Dr. Singh informed.

Guyana HIV response was kicked into motion in 1987 when the first AIDS case was diagnosed and “our response has really evolved over the years in many ways,” she stressed.

MUSE OR AMUSE

From page 3 abuse started. Rebecca was on fire. She called me uneducated and unread! She wants to simply buy sanders! How come I didn’t know about sanders when I was wearing sanders?

Poor me. I still didn’t know what she was talking about.

So I asked her to spell it for me since, yes, I was probably uneducated. And she did! S-A-N-D-E-R-S! Then for some reason, my toes curled as the penny dropped in place. “Footwear?” I asked. “YES!” she shouted, “You finally got it you dunce!”

Do you get it?

Do you wear sandals or sanders. I am amused.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Guyana’s top CSEC student dominates graduating ceremony S

he is intelligent, assertive and like doing things on her own. Sixteenyear-old, Sarah Hakh, Abrams Zuil’s former student, who copped 16 distinctions at one sitting at t h i s y e a r ’s C a r i b b e a n Examination Council, graduated amongst loud praise while receiving top honours, on November 10, last at the school’s 23rd graduation ceremony.

The rice farming community of Essequibo, and moreso Guyana, was again placed on the academic map, due to the hard work and diligence displayed by Ms. Hakh.

The event which was believed to be the largest graduation exercise held in the school’s auditorium, featured loud cheers and an outpouring of praise for Ms. Sarah Hakh as she frequented the stage to collect her prizes from her graduating class of 2012, parents, senior members of the Department of Education, The Regional Democratic Council, head teachers of other Schools in the Region and current students of Abrams Zuil Secondary. They expressed their delight at Hakh’s

extraordinary performance.

Guest speaker of the event, Dr. Yesu Persaud, drew comparison to Guyana in the early years under the sugar cane plantations from which our ancestors came and the present.

Persaud urged politicians and leaders to ensure the expectations of the graduating class of 2012 are met, while showering praises on Ms. Hakh and her former school, Abrams Zuil Secondary.

Former student and pastor, Aotto Christiani, charged the graduates to make good choices. He left them with ‘control’ as their watchword for them as they go about their new life whether in the world of work or furthering their Education.

In her valedictory speech Ms. Sarah Hakh expressed gratitude to her parents, Mr. Nazeemul and Mrs. Shareeda Hakh, who she said were always there for her to lean on.

“Be who you are and say what you mean because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Hakh also implored on her fellow colleagues to smile because it has

Prisoner escapes from courthouse D e Jesus Narine is currently on remand for two counts of simple larceny and for escaping from police custody. Yesterday he almost succeeded after yet another effort to evade the process of justice.

Word reaching this newspaper is that Narine walked out and left the court house without being noticed by any of the police officers on duty.

According to a source the prisoner must have “slipped out”. Eyewitnesses, who claimed that they saw the escapee based on the description of his attire which the police gave, noted that the man “pelted out the courthouse and hurriedly fled the vicinity.”

He was however recaptured some time later in the vicinity of Georgetown by ranks who recognized him by the clothing that he was wearing since the runaway had already cut his hair in an attempt at disguise.

Narine is on trial for stealing a quantity of clothing from a boutique owned by Diana Bowen, and a cellular phone belonging to Akash Mohamed.

He is also facing another charge as he escaped from police custody the first time that he was arrested. According to sources another charge to that effect is likely to be brought against the defendant shortly. Meanwhile police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

happened and chill out before you burn.

Some 109 students graduated. Ms. Hakh copped the best Academic, Best all round, Best Business Stream, Best in Guyana and the Caribbean Awards. She was also awarded prizes for outstanding performance in the Guy Aid Essay competition and for her participation in sports.

Sarah Hakh with Dr. Yesu Persaud

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 17, 2012

Police still investigating missing cash from coffers A senior police official says that the force is still continuing to probe the disappearance of the $3.547M which went missing at Eve Leary Finance Office in 2011, when persons unknown accessed a strong box within the cashier cage and removed the components of payroll kept in the same strong box.

The Auditor General in his 2011 report made mention about the incident and had urged the police to follow up on the matter. The official told Kaieteur News that several persons were questioned about the incident. The

source explained that the police are currently following up some leads which could lead to arrest.

The Auditor General in his report also noted that the police force overpaid a supplier some $5.601M for fuel and lubricants in 2010. He recommended that the police force take action to introduce measures for stricter control over acquisitions of fuel.

In the report the force is criticized by the AG when he says that the force is still to reach a consensus with the Ministry of Finance on provisions for the purchase of uniforms and other items

of military kit such as boots, shoes, socks, belting and name tags.

The report explained that the force made purchases for uniform and related accessories amounting to $155.439M during the year 2011. In 2010, 2009 and 2008 the respective purchases amounted to $245.698M; $280.210M; and $378.692M. The AG noted that these purchases should not happen. They should be included under benefits and allowances. It was explained that if it is done, the benefits and allowances as an accounting concept connotes

the receipt of cash or kind by a payee for his or her use or consumption. Further the GPF stockpiles uniform material and other associated components which are not utilized specifically in the period but over a number of years.

The Auditor General recommended that the police force must take affirmative follow up actions to resolve this matter given the protracted period over which it was referred to the Ministry of Finance.

Like the Guyana Defence Force, the Police Force is also yet to take the necessary

steps to secure and retain all vouchers in support of expenditure. As such the AG said that one payment voucher totaling $116,700 was not presented for 2011.

There were similar situations in 2008 and 2009 with the result that for those years there are 167 outstanding vouchers for expenditure amounting to $83.739M. The force through its finance officer explained that efforts are ongoing to have these vouchers located and

then have them presented for audit inspection. The finance officer noted that the amount for 2009 has since been reduced to 34 missing vouchers for audit examination.

On the matter of fuel and lubricants, the GPF acquired quantities valued at $206.769M from Guyoil for the period under review.

However it was noted that in 2011, the police force owed the supplier amounts totaling $1.647M.

Explosive thrown at senior citizen’s home

The opening on the roof caused by the explosive A senior citizen of Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice, nearly suffered a heart attack after someone threw a bomb, or some sort of explosive device on the roof of his one-flat home on Thursday evening. Wilfred Mangra, 74, the lone occupant, stated that he was relaxing in his home around 6:45pm, “a bomb fall over that side first (another section of the building) and when I came around this side and sit down, another one fell on top here and when I peeped out my window I saw people running.

“The zinc burst up and so and it could have fallen on me.” He was sitting in a chair, inches from where the device landed on the roof.

The elderly man said that he has received threats from several villagers and it is quite disturbing. The matter was reported to the police who came and took photos and statements. A portion of the roof had been torn opened by the impact of the explosive.

The explosive which was allegedly thrown on the other side of the building did not detonate. All that was found was a strange device looking like a pen.

“I saw people and can call names but I won’t,” Mangra said, since the matter might have to go to court. He stated, too, that he is trying to get the ‘B’ Division Commander but was told that he was not

A tramautised Wilfred Mangra in office.

The man is frightened to live in the area since he believes that he is under attack from a group of villagers.

Over the past days, there have been several instances whereby firecrackers, squibs and other explosives have been detonated, especially in schools. A teacher of the Berbice Educational Institute was seriously injured on her foot after a student allegedly threw the explosive in the auditorium during a Diwali cultural programme.

Last week, two students of the Rosignol Secondary School in West Berbice allegedly threw explosives into the school toilet facilities and destroyed them. Their parents were called in and they had to replace the damaged toilet fixtures.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 17, 2012

Govt dubs opposition’s stance on Rohee …asks “What next?” “politically suicidal”

By Abena Rockcliffe The road of “unproductivity” along which the Tenth parliament is travelling seems to have no end as the Government Thursday restated its stance to support Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee.

At the same time, the Alliance for Change, on Wednesday, announced that a new motion has been crafted to remove Rohee and stated that the motion has

already gained the support of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, during his weekly post-Cabinet briefing, said that as Cabinet reflected on the more recent developments in the Tenth parliament, particularly the events of the November 8 sitting that led to an abrupt adjournment, it arrived at the assumption that the APNU and the AFC intended to, and indeed challenged the

authority of the house.

Luncheon asserted that the joint parliamentary opposition, obsessed with their motives, threw caution and compromise out the window.

He said that incomprehensively, threats “explicit and otherwise” have become part of the opposition’s defiant utterances.

Luncheon noted, however, that the opposition was “spectacularly” unsuccessful in its latest

attempt to unseat Rohee.

He said that Cabinet stands “firm” on Rohee’s tenure.

“Doing so, acknowledging, and being reassured that the ever widening range of support and justification for that stance of the administration has been provided.”

Cabinet has resolved to continue to impose responsibilities on the speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, to discharge his functions

“fearlessly”.

Further, the Cabinet Secretary stated that the body concluded that the way ahead in the Tenth parliament is full of uncertainty. The next sitting, he said, which is scheduled for November 22, leaves much for conjecture.

Dr. Luncheon contended that the opposition, each day, consolidates its incomprehensible position on the “Rohee problematic.”

“Because of their (the opposition) senseless and politically suicidal note on this matter, the rest of Guyana stands bewildered and uncertain about what to expect.”

He listed the commission of inquiry, the rulings at the High Court, the advice of Senior Counsel and public opinion. The opposition has “ignored all and has failed to move forward one inch.”

Citing that the APNU has “promised more” come the sitting of the National Assembly, Luncheon sarcastically asked, what next?

The Cabinet Secretary said that the National

Assembly is fast becoming a “stage for the antics of the extreme and the reckless and not the house of compromise.”

The opposition had passed a no confidence motion against Rohee. The Speaker, after seeking numerous sources of advice, announced that the President has no obligation to honour the motion.

While the government’s position has been and remains that the Minister does not sit based on the opposition’s confidence in him, the opposition has been adamant that “Rohee must go” During the last sitting, the opposition’s continued banging and chants that Rohee must go, forced the Speaker to suspend parliament until November 22.

It was stated that the Speaker has the option to suspend the entire opposition pending its continued actions.

Leader of APNU David Granger has signaled his party’s intent to mull other ways of silencing Rohee.

Region Eight Chairman, Mark Crawford, believes that Government is delaying payment of stipends to Councillors purposefully because the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) comprises representatives of Alliance for Change and A Partnership for National Unity.

According to Crawford, Councillors are owed stipends for as long as six months at a time. Though it is a stipend Councillors should be paid their monies timely, he added.

He said that when the RDC comprised majority PPP/ C’s Councillors there was no problem with stipends but things are very different now.

“Of course anybody with a modicum of commonsense would know that this is political because the combined Opposition controls the Region now. The former PPP/C Regional Chairman was never owed traveling subsistence for any length of time. As a matter of fact, he used to travel with money from the Imprest,” Crawford noted.

According to the Chairman, he is owed travelling subsistence from June to date. Most times he takes his personal money to

finance his travels. Crawford stressed that this behaviour of Government is unacceptable since the works of the Region should be the priority.

“I am calling on President Donald Ramotar to look into this matter for us. After all, he is the President for the entire Guyana and he is obligated to ensure every Region is treated fairly whether his Party controls the Region or another Party,” Crawford said.

According to Crawford, Toshaos within the Region are also not receiving their stipends timely and some were never paid since being sworn in March 2012.

“One example is the Toshao of Campbelltown, Mahdia, who has never received any stipends since she was sworn in March 2012.

Crawford said that every time the non-payment of stipends is raised with the Regional Executive Officer, Ronald Harsawack, the response is the Ministry of Finance has not released monies as yet.

“However, I once contacted the Ministry of Finance in relation to releases for (6211), and was told that the Ministry does not have any problem with releases of money to (6211),” Crawford stated.

Govt accused of withholding Region Eight stipends

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Republic Bank (Guyana) staffers await union protection Workers of Republic Bank (Guyana) believe that they are being short changed by not being afforded the representation of a Trade Union. They believe that this issue stems from deep within the hierarchical structure of the institute with local bank managers receiving orders from the Trinidad-based parent company reportedly refusing to have staff represented by a union.

This, however, is not the case. According to Kenneth Joseph, National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial (NAACIE) General Secretary, the Trinidad-based Republic Bank Board is pro-union and has no issue with the company’s Guyanese firm becoming unionized.

Joseph said that NAACIE had been approached by staff members of the bank some time back in relation to union representation and NAACIE was seeking to unionize the bank with some persons already filling out and submitting forms.

He however noted, “It was Frederick Kissoon who had stymied the process.” Joseph said that Kissoon had intervened and after airing that he would not have recommended NAACIE as the trade union for the bank, staffers backed out.

NAACIE, Joseph said, has a good relationship with the Republic Bank (Trinidad and Tobago). According to him, the parent company had indicated its willingness to have the Guyanese arm

unionized since the bank itself is trade union friendly.

Efforts, Joseph continued, were being made to have representatives from Trinidad visit Guyana to deal with the issue. These initiatives had all gone on pause, Joseph mentioned, following the decline of staff interest after Kissoon’s intervention.

This is however contrary to what Republic Bank staffers are contending.

Workers have for some time been crying out about their “none representation” and “low grade” benefits that they are subjected to. They have argued that Trinidadian, Barbadian and Grenadian Republic Bank workers benefit from a trade union which advocates for better working conditions, fringe benefits and salaries.

Some staffers have noted that fear of victimization by management is a major factor hindering the fight to be unionized. Kaieteur News was told that staffers were told by management that engaging a union would have to be done on “personal time and off the bank’s property.” “The staff is totally intimidated by management to come forward,” one worker said.

According to them, management had given them the go ahead to be unionized stating via letter that, “they are willing to respect and acknowledge our constitutional right to be unionized.” It was however mentioned that such meetings would not be held

with the bank’s support.

Workers argued that among the many benefits that bank staff enjoys, Guyana is significantly denied. Kaieteur News was told that Trinidadian workers enjoy the choice of retiring at age 50 once they have given at least 20 years’ service. They however noted that in Guyana workers can only consider retirement at age 60.

While Trinidadian workers enjoy paternity leave, Guyanese workers do not.

Overtime payments are vastly different from those of their Trinidad counterparts since that nation enjoys 43 hours’ work at time and half, three more hours is double pay and triple pay for any time more. It is not the same in Guyana. Guyanese, further have three days casual leave, while Trinidad enjoys five days.

When Trinidadians can work five days for another person and receive that person’s salary, Guyanese workers need to work 28 consecutive days before they can have the salary of the person they have worked for. There is also no vacation plan for the staff. Apart from that the staff mentioned that while Trinidadians work a 36hour week, Guyanese workers have to work a 40-hour job.

This they said was silently reduced from 45 hours after reports to the Labour Ministry which had noted that the act was an infringement of the law. The workers said they were never (Continued on page 16)

Diamond resident says GPL crew terrorized family …power company accuses him of electricity theft Moonieraj Singh, a resident of Diamond Housing scheme, is contending that his wife who is eight months pregnant, is having sleepless nights ever since she was reportedly terrorized by a twoman Guyana Power and Light (GPL) crew.

According to Singh, two Fridays ago, about 13:30 hrs, two GPL workers “quietly” entered his yard without permission. He claimed that at the time, his wife and daughter were preparing meals in the kitchen.

Singh said, “Me wife hear sounds coming from the yard and decided to go check it.

She tell me that when she go to the door she see like somebody in the yard and she knees get weak, then she fall down. Me son and daughter go to help she up and put she fuh sit. Then me son went outside only fuh see the two

men ripping down the (tarpaulin) I get on me verandah to keep out the rain.

When me son talk to dem, dem cuss he up.”

The man said that the two men photographed all over his yard then left.

Singh claimed that he subsequently had to take his wife to the hospital in the wake of the incident, she continues to be panting for breath and can’t sleep. Singh noted that he reported the matter and was asked to contact Kumar Sharma, Divisional Director Loss Reduction Department, who took the details of allegations against the crew and promised to return a call after investigation.

“Li’l bit after, he call me back and say how ‘I thiefing light and de men tell he that dem didn’t cuss me up’ he aint say nothing to represent my discomfort.”

GPL officials, when contacted, refuted the claims put forward by Singh. Loss reduction Field Service Manager, Loaknauth Singh, said that an investigation has been launched into the matter.

He stated that it is indeed suspected that the consumer is illegally using electricity. He noted that considering what the man has in his home, his consumption is “really low.”

The manager said that the crew claimed that they didn’t deface anything in the consumer’s compound.

Further, the manager said that photographs were taken to prove that the consumer’s meter has been tampered with.

Sharma said that the company intends to remove the meter from Singh’s verandah and put on the lamp post. “We will see if his consumption will go up after that.”

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 17, 2012

What is the status of Mahdia Roadway?

- Chairman says no works began, REO says works completed There are conflicting updates on the progress of maintenance works on Mahdia roadway following revelations by the Auditor General’s office that the Region Eight Administration in 2011, certified a $4.9M road project that never commenced, as completed.

According to Regional Chairman, Mark Crawford, maintenance works to Mahdia roadway have not begun contrary to Head of the Budget Agency’s response to the Auditor General that works are ongoing.

Auditor General’s Report 2011 stated, “A contract for the repairs to Mahdia roadway was awarded to the sole bidder in the sum of $4.9M. The works were certified by the Regional officials as having been satisfactorily completed and the full contract sum was paid to the contractor.

“However, a physical verification of the project revealed that no works were done and as such, the amount of $4.9M paid to the contractor should be recovered in full.”

The Head of the Budget Agency, responding to the Auditor General, merely acknowledged the acceptance of the never commenced project as completed as “a lapse, which is regretted and indicated that the works are presently ongoing by the contractor”.

Meanwhile, the Audit Office recommended that the Regional Administration ensures that works are verified as satisfactorily completed before any payments are made.

During a telephone interview with Regional Executive Officer, Ronald Harsawack, on Thursday, he said that maintenance works on Mahdia roadway are completed.

He had promised to

Region Eight Chairman, Mark Crawford

Former Region Eight Chairman, Senor Bell

provide details of the project but failed to do this up to yesterday.

In fact, calls to his telephone were unanswered.

According to Crawford, he was a Councillor of the former Regional Democratic Council but was never informed by the previous leaders of Region EightRegional Chairman Senor Bell and Executive Officer Ishwar Dass- of this maintenance project. “In fact, what is alarming is that Councillors were also never informed of the $8.950M road repairs from School Junction to Seven Miles Junction in Mahdia project. Again this project was said to be completed by Dass but no works were done,” Crawford noted.

He emphasized that as Regional Chairman, Bell was expected to inform Councillors of these projects but from all indications it appears that Councillors were left in the dark for sinister reasons.

Crawford said that had it not been for the Auditor General’s Report 2011 Councillors would not have known about the projects.

He believes that works which were recently poorly executed from School Junction to Seven Miles Junction were done because

of revelations in the report.

He found it alarming that officials would not be aware if works are being executed on roadways when they traverse the area daily.

Crawford said that it is worrying that Dass would blame poor documentation for overpayments, especially when millions of taxpayers’ dollars are involved.

He said that according to the report, “A contract for the construction of drains at Mahdia was awarded in the sum of $4.998M…As at 31 December, 2011 the full contract sum was paid to the contractor.”

“However, a physical verification of the project revealed that overpayments totaling $3.5M were made to the contractor.”

Another instance of overpayment highlighted in the report is, “A contract for the construction of Chuing Mouth Bridge was awarded to the most responsive of three bidders in the sum of $7.206M. As at 31 December 2011, the full contract sum was paid to the contractor.”

A physical verification of the project revealed that the works were not completed and seemed to be abandoned even as overpayments totaling $3.834M were made to the contractor.

Republic Bank (Guyana) staffers...

From page 15 compensated for the time they had already worked. The Trinidadian report, workers said, was handed over by the Trinidadian trade union representing workers there.

One staff member who was employed with the bank for 13 years charged that unions in Guyana are not forceful enough. Noting the corrupt state of affairs, workers are of the view that no meaningful effort is being made to assist bank workers citing the few insignificant tries in the past.

They said that approaching the necessary authorities prove to be fruitless since, for years the workers have highlighted their plight.

The workers also believe that it is a conspiracy plotted out against them to have the bank’s work fulfilled at their expense. This publication was told that at a meeting

addressed by the first managing director of the bank who is Trinidadian, an outright order was given for the Guyanese bank arm not to be unionized.

The man reportedly said, “Don’t let Guyana have a union….they will work for whatever we give them and they will work hard too.” Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, told Kaieteur News that it was not against the law for the bank to refuse the staff a union.

He said he had not received any complaints from bank employees but noted that with the right procedures they can work towards becoming unionized.

Kaieteur News was unable to get a comment from bank management.

Numerous calls to the institution were unanswered and when contact was eventually made, the call was abruptly cut off.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Police launch 2012 Christmas security prog.

As is customary at this time of the year the Guyana Police Force has launched its Policing Christmas programme with a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring that citizens carry out their activities throughout the festive season in a secure environment.

Yesterday Commander of ‘A’ Division, George Vyphuis, and Traffic Chief Brian Joseph, outlined some of the plans that took effect from November 15 and will continue up until January 15, next year.

Vyphuis said that it is expected that there will be an increase in commercial activities in the city and its environs. Hence there will be an increase in traffic flow for which the traffic department will have to cater.

According to the ‘A’ Division Commander, Georgetown will be divided into seven sectors in order to adequately police the city and its environs. Each sector will be commanded by an officer supported by adequate ranks.

This is to enhance security within the commercial sectors and the “shopping” public, including tourists and visitors. Vyphuis said there will be heightened special operations by the Criminal Investigation Department and Intelligence Section around the commercial banks.

The Commander added that members of the public, especially those persons who conduct business with large amount of cash, would be

advised via the media, television and flyers not to leave large sums of cash in their vehicles.

He added that the Force will exercise zero tolerance campaign on noise nuisance.

There will also be an increase in patrols around the city, Georgetown Prison, hotels, night spots, and post offices.

The commander also took the opportunity to urge members of the public to use credit and debit cards to conduct their business.

Vyphuis further stated that there will be continued information sharing through networking with Commanders, the Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement, Special Branch and Guyana Association of Professional Security Organization.

As it relates to the anticipated increase in traffic congestion, Traffic Chief Joseph said that his department is prepared to do its best with the resources at hand.

“The Traffic Department in anticipation of an increase in day and night road traffic during the 2012 Christmas season has put in place arrangements to ensure that citizens’ road safety expectations are met during this period,” Joseph said.

To avoid undue disruption, Joseph said that the public will be notified via the media of any proposed road closure or diversion of traffic. Further, to maintain a free flow of traffic by keeping traffic congestion to a minimum as far as is practicable in Georgetown

and its environs, special focus will be placed on those driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding and overloading.

In addition, the traffic ranks will be looking out for persons using mobile phones while driving and touting.

There will also be additional patrols both day and night.

Joseph also announced that there will be some changes relating to roads opened for two-way traffic.

These include one-way traffic being allowed to now flowing north along Hinck Street between Regent and Robb Streets.

Vehicles will be allowed to move west along south Street between Hinck and Water Streets then proceed north in Water Street. Sendall Place between Hadfield Street and Brickdam will be reopened to two-way traffic and Albert Street between North Road and Regent Street will be opened to two-way traffic.

Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell noted that all of the other Divisional Commanders will also be implementing their plans so it will be a collective effort to suppress crime throughout the country.

He called on his Commanders to look at the vulnerable and key areas as they roll out their respective plans.

“I want to urge all ranks to carry out their duties in a professional manner at all times and I think we should have a system where you save no one and up hold your oath to serve without fear or favour.”

Youth found guilty of murder - too young for death sentence The youth in the Number 54 Village Dam, Corentyne murder who was found guilty of the capital charge of murder on Monday by a mixed jury in the Berbice High Court and had his sentence deferred to Thursday because the court wanted to verify his age has been sent to jail ‘at the Pleasure of the Court’ .

Rayan Alli, called ‘Karran’, of Number 54 Village, Corentyne, and formerly of Black Bush Polder who was on trial before Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire for the murder of his relative Premchand Sugrim, called ‘Copper’ and ‘Pluck’ 48 of Number 54 Village, Corentyne on July 20, last year.

His sentence was deferred when Alli’s age came into question after the defence had argued that the accused was 15 years old at the time of the crime. The prosecution had given his date of birth as October 15, 1995. Justice GeorgeWiltshire had requested to see the Birth Certificate to certify his age. In court on Thursday his birth certificate was presented by defence Attorney Kumar Doorsammy and his date of birth was confirmed. At the time of the commission of the crime the accused was 15 years 9months. At the date of sentencing he was 17 years, one month old.

The Judge said that the accused could not be sentenced to death because he was under

age at the time of the commission of the crime.

“You are therefore sentenced to imprisonment at the Court’s Pleasure.” She also stated the matter is to be reviewed every two years on or about the anniversary of the initial sentencing.

The first date for review consideration will be on November 15, 2014.

Initially, such sentencing was at the Pleasure of the Queen. Subsequently it was changed to the Pleasure of the President. Now after ruling by the Supreme Court such sentencing is done at the pleasure of the court.

Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, on Monday, had summed up the evidence for the jury who took just under two hours to return with the unanimous verdict of guilty of Murder.

During the trial the accused had given an unsworn statement from the dock. His caution statement in which he had admitted lashing the accused, in which he had stated was self defence, was also admitted in court.

Alli who was 15 at the time used an iron pipe to lash Sugrim, who was his relative, in the head. Sugrim collapsed and was picked up and rushed to the Skeldon Hospital, before being transferred to the New Amsterdam hospital. He was then transferred to the Georgetown Hospital where he died on July 20, 2011. The state called nine witnesses.

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ImmigrationTALK: Questions & Answers By: Attorney Gail S. Seeram Through this “Question & Answer” column, we seek to answer the questions of our loyal readers. We appreciate your comments and questions about the every so complicated world of immigration. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, please email: Gail@Go2Lawyer.com.

Question #1: I was in removal proceedings in the U.S. and took voluntary departure but never left the U.S. I am currently married to a U.S. citizen, can I apply for a green card?

Answer #1: T h e answer to your question depends on when your voluntary departure order was issued. However, in general, if you agree to voluntary departure and do not leave the U.S. within the specified time, then the voluntary departure order automatically turns into a removal order. You will not be eligible for adjustment of status or to apply for a green card in the U.S. once the removal order is active. A possible option is filing a motion to reopen your prior

case and rescinding the removal order.

Question #2: I lost my wallet with my green card, driver’s license and social security card. How do I apply for a new green card?

Answer #2: It is good practice to copy your green card (front and back) and keep it in a safe deposit box. It is the law to carry your green card with you at all times so don’t think about leaving it at home or in a safe deposit box. Once you have your alien number, you can apply for a replacement green card. The process can take three to six months and the filing fee is $450.

Question #3: I am a green card holder and every time I enter the U.S. the officer takes me into a room for secondary inspection where they ask me questions and look at the computer?

Answer #3: S e c o n d inspection is conducted when the U.S. Custom and Border Protection officer sees something in your alien file that indicates that you may be inadmissible into the U.S. or the officer has questions about a note in your file. If you believe there is an error in your alien file and you

Gail S. Seeram would like it corrected then file a redress claim by visiting www.dhs.gov/trip.

Question #4: I am married and living with a U.S. citizen and he has not filed a sponsorship petition for me?

We have two children together who are U.S. citizens. I entered the U.S. with a visitor visa but overstayed and have no status.

My husband is verbally and physically abusive to me and the children. Do I have any options to self-petition on my own?

Answer #4: Yes, under the Violence Against Women Act, an abusive spouse can self-petition for a green card.

Note, you will be required to provide the abuse and submit evidence to document the abuse. It is not required that you have a petition pending or that your spouse filed a sponsorship petition for you.

Contact our office for a consultation.

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Kaieteur News

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NEW YORK-BASED GUYANESE SCULPTOR CHARGED IN US$11M SCHEME New York (http:// www.justice.gov/usao/nys) Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Mary Galligan, the Acting Assistant Director-inCharge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced Thursday the unsealing of an indictment charging Brian Ramnarine with attempting to sell a bronze sculpture that he falsely represented to be a genuine work of art by Jasper Johns, the well-known American artist.

Ramnarine was arrested at his home in Queens, New York, Thursday morning and he later the same day pleaded not guilty to the charge of wire fraud. He was released on $250,000 bond after an appearance before a Manhattan court.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, Brian Ramnarine not only cast a fake sculpture in his foundry shop, but he also cast a wide net in his efforts to pawn it off on the art world as a multi-million dollar masterpiece.

“Notwithstanding the forged documents and tales of friendship with the great artist, Jasper Johns, that he used to prove the sculpture’s provenance, he got caught, and will now be forced to answer for his alleged fraud.”

FBI Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge Mary Galligan said: “While the defendant had possession of the mold for ‘Flag,’ he had no authority to make the bronze casting he allegedly attempted to sell as a legitimate Jasper Johns work of art. He crafted a convincing sculpture, and he crafted a litany of lies and deceptions to peddle it.”

The following allegations are based on the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: In 1960, Johns created a sculpture that he titled “Flag.”

Although Johns gave the work to another artist, he retained a mold (the “Flag Mold”).

In or about 1990, Johns provided the Flag Mold to Brian Ramnarine, who owned a Queens, New York, foundry and had a reputation for being highly skilled in the casting of bronze sculptures.

Johns instructed Ramnarine to use the Flag Mold to make a wax cast. Ramnarine completed the wax cast and gave it to Johns, but he never returned to Johns the Flag Mold from which the wax cast was made.

Twenty years later, in spring 2010, Ramnarine began representing to various members of the art world that he owned a bronze sculpture, titled “Flag,” that was an authorized Jasper Johns work of art created in

1989 (the “Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture”).

In an effort to gauge interest in the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture, he showed it to a representative of an auction house who specialized in the sale of rare art, and to an art dealer.

Around the same time, Ramnarine also attempted to sell the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture directly to an art collector. At Ramnarine’s direction, several art brokers were in frequent contact with the art collector, and with the art collector’s representative, regarding the possible sale of what was represented to be a genuine and authorized Jasper Johns work of art.

Through an art broker to whom Ramnarine had shown the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture, the sculptor informed the art collector’s representative that he would sell it for approximately $11 million.

After the art collector expressed doubts about the authenticity of the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture, Ramnarine provided false and fraudulent documents and information in an effort to deceive the art collector into believing that the artwork was genuine. For example, Ramnarine stated that the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture was a gift from Johns. To support that assertion, Ramnarine provided an art broker with a letter dated August 23, 1989, purportedly from Johns, along with other documents that falsely and fraudulently reflected that the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture was a genuine John’s work of art, and that it was owned by Ramnarine.

In May 2010, Ramnarine and others met with the art collector’s representative at an art storage facility in Manhattan.

During this meeting, Ramnarine showed the art collector’s representative the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture. Ramnarine also provided additional documents that purported to show the sculpture’s authenticity and provenance.

However, the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture was a fake.

Johns never authorized its production nor did he transfer ownership to Ramnarine.

Instead, in or about 1990, against Johns’ earlier instructions and without authorization, Ramnarine used the original Flag Mold provided by Johns to make the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture, dated it “1989,” and forged Johns’ signature on the back of the sculpture.

Ramnarine also falsely stated that he could arrange for a meeting between Johns and the art collector who was interested in purchasing the Purported 1989 Bronze Sculpture.

However,

Ramnarine did not have an ongoing relationship with Johns and had no intention or ability to arrange for any such meeting.

Ramnarine, 58, of Queens, New York, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl is assigned to the case.

The first pretrial conference is scheduled for November 20, next, at 10:30 a.m.

Mr. Bharara praised the FBI for its outstanding work

in the investigation.

He also thanked the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Police Department and the New York State Police for their assistance.

The case is being handled by the Complex Frauds Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Feingold is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The worthless sculpture that had been billed as an $11 million Jasper Johns piece.

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Kaieteur News

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Secret deal for more BAE boats Trinidad Guardian Although the Government is claiming to have won an arbitration battle with British Aerospace Engineering Systems (BAE), one of the world’s largest military defence companies, indications are that a secret deal between the parties is in the works for T&T to acquire several second-hand boats.

“Information is there may be a secret deal going on between the Government and BAE for the purchase of

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 17, 2012

T&T legal bill is $200M for OPV arbitration second-hand military vessels,” a well-placed source, requesting strict anonymity, told the T&T Guardian Thursday.

“Reports are that BAE leased the vessels to another country and the lease came to an end. If it is true the Government plans to buy these second-hand vessels from BAE, it means there is some deal going on in conjunction with the arbitration,” said the source.

“There may be more to the

$1.382 billion settlement the Government got from BAE. There may be far more to the story than we think,” the source said.

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, contacted for a response on the matter, only said, “Talk to National Security Minister Jack Warner. I don’t want to comment on matters that concern his ministry.”

Meanwhile, the Opposition PNM is likely to contact BAE in a bid to get more

information on the arbitration matter, which it says is “very confusing and contradictory.”

PNM MP Colm Imbert was a member of an interministerial committee for the purchase of military assets (the OPVs) in the last administration. Asked if he had contacted BAE on the current issue, he replied, “I have not contacted them as yet.”

Imbert said he is not satisfied all the information

on the BAE settlement coming from the Government is correct and he’s checking to make sure all the facts are in order. He said reports from the international press are different from those coming from the Government.

“The international press is saying BAE won the arbitration and was paid by the Government. The Attorney General is saying these reports are a fabrication.”

Further compounding the confusion is the question of the real cost incurred by the Government in the OPV matter, Imbert said. “The legal costs are significant, but they pale in comparison to the costs incurred in training Coast Guard officers to use the

Anand Ramlogan vessels, and other costs, as well. Research leaves me to believe the AG is not talking about a lot of expenses the Government can’t recover.

“But any objective assessment of the costs must include all expenses. It’s far more than is being indicated by the Government,” said Imbert, who is promising to reveal more details soon.

Chavez foes hope for ‘political prisoner’ amnesty

Hugo Chavez CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s opposition leaders are calling on President Hugo Chavez to grant amnesty to the country’s self-proclaimed political prisoners.

Opposition congressman Edgar Zambrano said he was optimistic after presenting a proposed bill amnesty bill to the National Assembly on Thursday. “We perceive willingness within the government” to liberate some government opponents and allow others to return to Venezuela after years of exile, Zambrano said.

Chavez and his closest collaborators have not commented publicly on the initiative backed by relatives of imprisoned government adversaries and numerous political parties.

But Zambrano said he believes the president is open to

discussing the issue and hopes the proposed legislation will provide the framework for an agreement.

The congressman met with Vice President Nicolas Maduro last week to discuss cases of more than a dozen politicians behind bars, and he said he received assurances that the president was inclined to consider an amnesty petition.

Rights activists echoed Zambrano’s calls for the release of jailed Chavez foes.

“Venezuela has had a historical tradition of freeing political prisoners,” Marino Alvarado, director of the local human rights organization Provea, said Friday. Alvarado noted in a telephone interview that Chavez and dozens of other military officers benefited from the tradition after they were imprisoned for launching a botched 1992 coup attempt.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Finance Minister remains optimistic of a new IMF agreement Jamaica Observer Government is yet to reach an agreement for a new stand-by facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

However, an optimistic finance minister, Dr Peter Phillips, said the medium-term agreement being negotiated between the Jamaican government and the IMF could be completed by the end of the year, although much work remains to be done in order to seal a deal.

Dr Phillips, along with chief of the IMF mission here in Jamaica for the last 12 days, Jan Kees Martijn, said substantial progress had been made towards the completion of the agreement, and that discussions on a draft of the basic outline of the programme were underway.

“We have made substantial and significant progress over the past two weeks in advancing the work in structural reform including taxation policy and tax administration, pensions, wages, and the growth agenda,” Phillips told reporters at a press conference held at the finance ministry in Kingston.

“We are at the point where we are sufficiently advanced; we have started to discuss a draft outline of a Letter of Intent and memorandum of economic and financial policies which would be the embodiment of the programme,” added the minister.

Martijn, who has since September 25 held discussions with a wide cross section of institutional leaders in Jamaica, including Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, the private sector, the Opposition, Cabinet ministers, trade unions and Government officials, said

Dr Peter Phillips there has been shared diagnosis and understanding with the Government on the “short-term vulnerabilities and of the longstanding structural challenges facing Jamaica, in particular the cycle of low growth and high debt”.

Martijn said Jamaica needs a programme that “promotes high growth that includes strong macro-economic policies to foster stability and a sustainable position and social cohesion”.

The IMF mission, in a statement issued to the media, said the Jamaican authorities and the IMF team agreed on the need for a medium-term economic programme that, among other things, should improve productivity and competitiveness, fiscal and financial reforms and a more effective social safety net.

Asked if an agreement would be likely by year-end, Dr Phillips said it was “still possible and still feasible” if about two or three remaining technical issues were resolved.

Martijn, in the meantime, said a number of steps were involved in reaching an agreement, including negotiating, evaluating,

reaching a staff level agreement, administrative processes, prior actions, and finally the board meeting.

“We are committed to working together as fast a possible”, he said.

Dr Phillips said there were no sticking points in the discussion, and Martijn said that in the discussion strong emphasis was placed on economic growth and the creation of jobs. He said that following discussions with businesspersons, the financial sector among others, he was optimistic about opportunities for business here.

“It has become clear to us that there are a number of opportunities out there in a range of sectors — distribution, ICT (information and communications technology), agriculture and elsewhere,” he said.

Dr Phillips, along with Bank of Jamaica Governor Brian Wynter and Financial Secretary Dr Wesley Hughes were scheduled to leave the island for Tokyo, Japan, where the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank are scheduled to be held next week.

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Google denies T&T govt. request P O RT- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad – CMC - Google has denied a request from the Trinidad and Tobago government to remove 10 videos currently posted on YouTube featuring Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and Attorney General Anand Ramlogan.

The Trinidad Guardian newspaper reported yesterday that the videos are parodies that feature the two senior government ministers.

It said nine of the videos feature Persad-Bissessar dancing with a bottle in hand, while Ramlogan is featured in an interview which took place last year with Dominic Kalipersad, head of news at the CCN TV6 on the state of

emergency that had been announced by the coalition government to deal with the rising crime situation here.

In the video, the veteran newsman is hearing admonishing Ramlogan, stating at one point “Please don’t be rude.”

The newspaper said that the videos have generated more than 300,000 hits.

According to the search engine, Google’s Transparency Report, from January to June this year, Trinidad and Tobago was among 19 countries requesting that videos be removed for alleged defamation.

Other countries making similar requests include the

United States, China, India, Italy, Turkey and the United Kingdom. “We received a request from legal representatives of a member of the executive branch to remove ten YouTube videos for alleged defamation. We did not remove content in response to this request,” the newspaper quoted from the report.

“Like other technology and communications companies, Google regularly receives requests from government agencies and courts around the world to remove content from our services,” Google said. It said that governments had asked Google to remove content for many different reasons.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 17, 2012

Caribbean wants lasting reform of United Nations Security Council NEW YORK, United States – CMC - Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have joined other developing countries in calling for a “lasting and comprehensive reform” of the United Nations Security Council.

Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Raymond Wolfe, speaking on behalf of the L69 Group of countries that include CARICOM, Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, outlined the developing countries position as he addressed the United Nations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council.

Wolfe said the Group is “cemented in its firm conviction” that expansion in both the permanent and non permanent categories of membership of the Security Council is needed to better reflect contemporary world realities, and achieve a more accountable,

Raymond Wolfe representative and transparent Security Council.

“We were instrumental in starting the intergovernmental negotiations. We remain engaged in these negotiations on the understanding that the UN Charter, the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly as well as relevant GA resolutions requires support from twothirds majority of the UN membership for any decision in this regard.”

The Jamaican diplomat said that during the eighth round of intergovernmental negotiations held during the previous General Assembly

session it was clear that the UN membership desires early reform that comprises expansion in both the existing permanent and nonpermanent categories and improvements in the Council’s working methods.

He said the membership acknowledges the positive and constructive role that has been and continues to be played by the L69 Group.

“Indeed, the fact that ours is the only Group which has increased in membership over the years testifies to the Group’s influential role. In keeping with our tradition of active support for the reform process, we have also put forward a number of proposals for transforming our interactions and deliberations into real negotiations.”

He said the L69 Group has also been able to enhance convergences with other likeminded groups, in particular the African Group, indicating that the L69 and the C10 of the African Group have been collaborating closely for convergence between them

that embraces comprehensive reform.

“Let me reiterate today that the L69 acknowledges the African common position. We are of one mind in stressing that the reform we envisage is farreaching and intended to ensure that the Council’s structure and its way of doing business is fundamentally changed to make it reflective of current geopolitical realities.”

He said on each of the five key issues of Security Council reform there exist clear convergences and the L69 Group has adopted a position on the matter.

“First, the Security Council must be enlarged in both the permanent and nonpermanent categories.

Second, the new permanent members should have the same prerogatives and privileges as those of the current permanent members, including the veto.

“Third, additional seats in an expanded Council should include permanent members from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the

Caribbean region, as well a s f r o m t h e We s t e r n European and other States.

There should also be additional non-permanent seats from Africa, Asia, Eastern European Group, Latin America and the Caribbean region as well as one non-permanent seat for small island developing states across all regions. “ F u r t h e r, regional groups should coordinate to ensure that there is regular representation for

small developing states in the non-permanent category,” he said, noting that the L69 Group also wants the Council to be expanded to the midtwenties and it should adapt its working methods so as to increase the involvement of States not members of the Council in its work, as appropriate, enhance its accountability to the membership and increase the transparency of its work.

Skerrit urges acceptance of court ruling in UWP petition ROSEAU, Dominica Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is urging nationals to accept whatever ruling the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal hands down in the petition filed by the defeated candidates of the main Opposition United Workers Party.

The petition is challenging his nomination to contest the 2009 general election.

The court, which heard

the matter earlier this week, has reserved its judgement in the case which also involves Education Minister Peter Saint Jean.

There has been mounting speculation that Mr. Skerrit will most likely call a snap poll if the judges rule in favour of the Opposition, but he told reporters that there are too many issues confronting the country for one to be pre-occupied with elections at this time.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

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Israel moves on reservists after rockets target cities

Firefighters try to extinguish a fire at a factory, which according to Palestinians was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza yesterday. REUTERS/Ahmed Zakot GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli ministers were yesterday asked to endorse the call-up of up to 75,000 reservists after Palestinian militants nearly hit Jerusalem with a rocket for the first time in decades and fired at Tel Aviv for a second day.

The rocket attacks were a challenge to Israel’s Gaza offensive and came just hours after Egypt’s prime minister, denouncing what he described as Israeli aggression, visited the enclave and said Cairo was prepared to mediate.

Israel’s armed forces announced that a highway leading to the Gaza Strip and two roads bordering the enclave would be off-limits to civilian traffic until further notice.

Tanks and self-propelled guns were seen near the border area yesterday, and the military said it had already called 16,000 reservists to active duty. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened senior cabinet ministers in Tel Aviv after the rockets struck to decide on widening the Gaza campaign.

Political sources said ministers were asked to approve the mobilization of up to 75,000 reservists, in what could be preparation for a possible ground operation.

No decision was immediately announced and some commentators speculated in the Israeli media the move could be psychological warfare against Gaza’s Hamas rulers.

A quota of 30,000 reservists had been set earlier.

Israel began bombing Gaza on Wednesday with an attack that killed the Hamas military chief. It says its campaign is in response to Hamas missiles fired on its territory. Hamas stepped up rocket attacks in response.

Israeli police said a rocket fired from Gaza landed in the Jerusalem area, outside the city, yesterday. It was the first Palestinian rocket since 1970 to reach the vicinity of the holy city, which Israel claims

as its capital, and was likely to spur an escalation in its three-day old air war against militants in Gaza.

Rockets nearly hit Tel Aviv on Thursday for the first time since Saddam Hussein’s Iraq fired them during the 1991 Gulf War. An air raid siren rang out on Friday when the commercial centre was targeted again. Motorists crouched next to cars, many with their hands protecting their heads, while pedestrians scurried for cover in building stairwells. The Jerusalem and Tel Aviv strikes have so far caused no casualties or damage, but could be political poison for Netanyahu, a conservative favored to win re-election in January on the strength of his ability to guarantee security.

“The Israel Defence Forces will continue to hit Hamas hard and are prepared to broaden the action inside Gaza,” Netanyahu said before the rocket attacks on the two cities. Asked about Israel massing forces for a possible Gaza invasion, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said: “The Israelis should be aware of the grave results of such a raid and they should bring their body bags.”

Officials in Gaza said 28 Palestinians had been killed in the enclave since Israel began the air offensive with the declared aim of stemming surges of rocket strikes that have disrupted life in southern Israeli towns. The Palestinian dead include 12 militants and 16 civilians, among them eight children and a pregnant woman. Three Israelis were killed by a rocket on Thursday. A Hamas source said the Israeli air force launched an attack on the house of Hamas’s commander for southern Gaza which resulted in the death of two civilians, one a child.

A solidarity visit to Gaza

by Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil, whose Islamist government is allied with Hamas but also party to a 1979 peace treaty with Israel, had appeared to open a tiny window to emergency peace

diplomacy.

Kandil said: “Egypt will spare no effort ... to stop the aggression and to achieve a truce.”

But a three-hour truce that Israel declared for the duration of Kandil’s visit never took hold. Israel said 66 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip hit its territory yesterday and a further 99 were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system.

Israel denied Palestinian assertions that its aircraft struck while Kandil was in the enclave. Israel Radio’s military affairs correspondent

said the army’s Homefront Command had told municipal officials to make civil defence preparations for the possibility that fighting could drag on for seven weeks. An Israeli military spokeswoman declined to comment on the report.

The Gaza conflagration has stoked the flames of a Middle East already ablaze with two years of Arab revolution and a civil war in Syria that threatens to leap across borders.

It is the biggest test yet for Egypt’s new President Mohamed Mursi, a veteran Islamist politician from the

Muslim Brotherhood who was elected this year after last year’s protests ousted military autocrat Hosni Mubarak. Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood are spiritual mentors of Hamas, yet Mursi has also pledged to respect Cairo’s 1979 peace treaty with Israel, seen in the West as the cornerstone of regional security. Egypt and Israel both receive billions of dollars in U.S. military aid to underwrite their treaty.

Mursi has vocally denounced the Israeli military action while promoting Egypt as a mediator, a mission that

his prime minister’s visit was intended to further.

A Palestinian official close to Egypt’s mediators told Reuters Kandil’s visit “was the beginning of a process to explore the possibility of reaching a truce. It is early to speak of any details or of how things will evolve”.

Hamas fighters are no match for the Israeli military.

The last Gaza war, involving a three-week long Israeli air blitz and ground invasion over the New Year period of 2008-2009, killed more than 1,400 Palestinians, mostly civilians.

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Saturday November 17, 2012

Obama, Congress leaders meet to avert “fiscal cliff”

Caption - U.S. President Barack Obama hosts a bipartisan meeting with Congressional leaders in the Roosevelt Room of White House to discuss the economy, yesterday. Seen (L-R) are U.S. Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner, Speaker of the House John Boehner, President Obama, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. REUTERS/Larry Downing WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional leaders emerged from a meeting with President Barack Obama yesterday vowing to find common ground on taxes and spending that would allow them to head off a looming “fiscal cliff” that could push the economy back into recession.

Democrats said they recognized the need to curb spending and Republicans said they had agreed to put “revenue on the table” as the

two sides enter what are likely to be weeks of tense negotiations ahead of a December 31 deadline.

Both sides are eager to reassure investors that Washington will not see a repeat of the white-knuckle budget standoffs that spooked consumers and financial markets last year.

After a White House meeting that lasted a little more than an hour, the top two Republican leaders in Congress spoke alongside

the two Democratic leaders a rare occurrence.

“I feel very good about what we were able to talk about. We have the cornerstones of being able to work something out,” Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid said.

U.S. stock indexes went up on the positive remarks by Reid and the other leaders House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic Leader Nancy

Pelosi.

The meeting marked the first time Obama, a Democrat, has sat down with his Republican opposition since he won re-election last week.

“I think we’re all aware that we have some urgent business to do,” Obama told reporters at the beginning of the meeting.

Both sides are pledging cooperation even as they dig in on their long-held opening positions.

Obama insists that tax rates on the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans must rise, while Republicans pledge that they will not agree to any rate increase.

Republicans are also eager to rein in government health costs, which are projected to explode over the coming decade.

“We’re prepared to put revenue on the table provided we fix the real problem,” McConnell said, referring to Medicare and other government benefit programs.

There could be room for compromise.

Obama could agree to allow the top tax rate to rise to something less than the 39.6 percent he wants.

Policymakers, for example,

could also agree to limit the tax increase to households making more than $500,000 annually, rather than the $250,000 cap Obama is demanding.

Republicans have suggested generating more revenue by limiting tax breaks for the wealthiest, rather than raising their rates. Obama has said that would not raise enough money.

The negotiators also need to confront $109 billion in domestic and military spending cuts due to kick in on January 2, the result of earlier failures to craft a more nuanced budget deal.

Nonpartisan budget forecasters say failure to reach a deal could push the U.S. economy back into recession and drive up the unemployment rate.

Business leaders say the uncertainty is already weighing on the economy as employers postpone hiring and capital expenditures until they get a better sense of the tax and spending environment.

The S&P 500 has dropped 4.3 percent in the past two weeks, in part due to concerns over the fiscal cliff.

Pelosi suggested two sides might forge a temporary

deal that would get them past the cliff and give them more time to work out a more lasting solution. Lawmakers will almost certainly not have enough time to retool Medicare and overhaul the outdated tax code before the end of the year, but a preliminary agreement could provide a framework for doing so later.

“The speaker spoke about a framework going into next year. I was focusing on how we send a message of competence to consumers, to the markets, in the short run, too.” Pelosi said.

Boehner faces a delicate balancing act as he will have to sell any deal to his rankand-file conservatives, many of whom believe they owe it to their constituents to hold the line on taxes.

But after Obama won reelection and his Democrats picked up seats in the House and the Senate last week, they may be more willing to show that they can balance their ideals with the demands of the country as a whole.

“Going over the fiscal cliff, in my view, is a bucket of crazy,” Republican Representative Peter Roskam, one of Boehner’s deputies, said at a budget conference.

ROME (Reuters) - Italy’s president indicated yesterday that he was open to holding national elections on March 10 - a month earlier than foreseen - if parliament passes key legislation first.

Markets have been awaiting a signal on when the elections might be because of their desire that the next government continue economic reforms to overcome the debt crisis started by Prime Minister Mario Monti’s year-old technocrat administration.

The elections in the euro zone’s third-largest economy are due in spring after the end of parliament’s five-year term and the date of the vote had been widely expected to be in early April, with April 7 the most touted date until now.

After meeting the speakers of parliament, President Giorgio Napolitano issued a statement saying he believed that elections for local governments in three Italian regions - Lazio, Molise and Lombardy - should be held on March 10.

But he also said Italians should be spared “a frantic succession of elections” if possible, indicating that the national vote could be held on the same date.

Angelino Alfano, the

secretary of the centre-right People of Freedom Party (PDL), which has been calling for both elections to be held on one day, said he saw Napolitano’s statement as a sign that national elections would be held on March 10.

Napolitano, who is the only person who can dissolve parliament and call early elections, said he wanted parliament to pass the 2013 budget before he makes his definitive decision.

The president also restated his hope that parliament could approve changes to Italy’s convoluted election law before the end of the legislature.

The law, known as “the pigsty” because it is so messy, enables party leaders to handpick members of parliament and guarantees a strong majority to the winning coalition, however small their share of the vote.

There had been uncertainty over the date of the regional polls, particularly for Lombardy and Lazio, two regions where centre-right governments were driven out by corruption scandals.

The PDL - the party of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi - fears it will do badly in both Lombardy and Lazio because of the scandals

and some PDL leaders are concerned that could have a knock-on effect on the national vote if the two are held separately - and want both held on the same day.

Some in the party have suggested the PDL should withdraw support for Monti’s government if the local polls were held first, bringing down the government and forcing an election before April.

By indicating he was open to national elections a mere month early under certain conditions, Napolitano appeared to be proposing a compromise between the centre right and centre left.

The PDL, which backs Monti in parliament under a cross-party agreement with the centre-left Democratic Party, is trailing in the opinion polls is not expected to form the next government.

Both the PDL and the PD will be holding primaries to choose their candidates for prime minister. The PDL is expected to choose its secretary, Alfano, and the PD is expected to choose its secretary, Pierluigi Bersani.

Berlusconi, who is on trial accused of paying for sex with a minor, has said he will not be a candidate.

Italy president indicates March 10 as possible vote day

Saturday November 17, 2012

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China’s commerce minister voted out in rare congress snub BEIJING (Reuters) China’s commerce minister was surprisingly blocked from a spot on the ruling Communist Party’s elite body during a conclave this week, sources said, a rare snub for an official that could raise questions about trade policies during his tenure.

The failure of Chen Deming to secure a seat on the 25-member Politburo marks one of the few surprises to emerge from the party’s five-yearly congress that wrapped this week with the anointing of a new slate of top leaders who will run the world’s second largest economy.

It is also the first time in more than two decades that an official designated for a Politburo spot has been voted out of the party’s 205member Central Committee in elections. Central Committee membership is a prerequisite for a Politburo seat.

“Chen Deming was voted out during multi-candidate elections to the Central Committee,” one source told Reuters. State news agency Xinhua said there were eight

percent more candidates than seats in a preliminary vote before the formal election on Wednesday.

Not being name as an alternate or full member during the party’s 18th congress means Chen, who was previously an alternate member, is almost certain to step down as commerce minister next March. Party regulations require cabinet ministers to be Central Committee members.

It is unclear why Chen, who was seen as a strong candidate for a vice premiership and at 63 is young enough to serve another fiveyear term under party rules, did not secure the votes for a seat on the Central Committee.

Tianjin Mayor Huang Xingguo, 58, who was elected a full member of the Central Committee, is front-runner to replace Chen as commerce minister, two sources with ties to the leadership said.

Ma Kai, 66, secretary general of the State Council, or cabinet, is tipped to become a vice premier now that Chen is out of the running, the sources said, requesting anonymity to avoid

repercussions for discussing secretive elite politics.

Until now, a politician designated to become a Politburo member has not been barred from the Central Committee since 1987, when Deng Liqun, an ultra-conservative and reviled Marxist ideologue, was voted out at the 13th congress in a deeply embarrassing fall from grace.

C h e n ’s imminent retirement as commerce minister, a post he has held since taking over from now disgraced politician Bo Xilai in late 2007, would come as China faces growing tension with major trade partners in Europe and the United States and Chinese officials warn of increasing protectionism.

China’s leaders set a goal for 10 percent export growth this year, but it is more likely to come in at around 7 percent as the world has struggled to recover from financial crisis.

Some experts suggest that Chen’s age was the main factor in his ouster.

“Minister Chen didn’t get onto the Central Committee

because of his age. He was born in 1949 and that makes him too old to serve a full term,” said a Commerce Ministry official who declined to be identified.

But exceptions to the mandatory retirement age of 65 are often made for cabinet ministers and provincial governors and politicians can become a vice premier before they turn 68.

Du Qinglin, 66, a vice chairman to parliament’s advisory body, was just elected to the Central Committee.

At a news conference last week on the sidelines of the congress, Chen declined to answer questions about whether he was being considered for a vice premier post, but he defended the ministry’s record at the World Trade Organisation.

“When you consider the volume of trade cases in which China is involved, we’ve won quite a few,” Chen said.

“But we haven’t bragged about our wins, whereas some of our foreign

Weiwen, director of the China-U.S. Trade Research Centre at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

Under Chen, the ministry has increased its use of WTO legal processes, in part to gain experience.

Chen Deming colleagues have trumpeted theirs.”

Analysts said Chen had a reputation as a competent a n d m o d e r a t e m i n i s t e r, suggesting his performance may not have been at the center of his failure to secure a central committee seat, and despite the questions that are bound to arise, policy would probably not change.

“China’s overall trade policy is not set by the ministry, but by the central government,” said He

China has a relatively short history of participating in multilateral institutions and while it has lost most of WTO cases filed against it, most countries defending against complaints have the same problem.

Scott Kennedy, director of the Research Centre for Chinese Politics and Business at Indiana U n i v e r s i t y s a i d C h e n ’s departure from the Central Committee was puzzling and political motives could be at play.

“I don’t think he could be punished for his record as minister of commerce.

I think overall he’s done a pretty decent job with the hand he has been dealt,” Kennedy said.

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Saturday November 17, 2012

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 29

Systems in place for RCMTC, Banks Classic...

From page 35 Construction Limited and Racing Stables, Jumbo Jet Auto sales and stables, Trophy Stall Bourda market, the Guyana Tourism Authority, Ashmins Trading, Dennis DeRoop and Simple Royal Racing stable, Delmur Shipping Company, De Quan Trading, Innovative Construction Company, Cush Construction, Yunas Construction and Racing stables, Net Surf Internet Café and Businessman Hookumchand and family.

Eight races have been carded for the day. The track at the RCMTC is undoubtedly the best racing track in the country and with the current dry weather an exciting day of racing is promised.

With the entries for the B and lower encounter, the race might very well turn out to be the race of the year. The winning prize is $1M from a total prize of close to $2M and with the distance being 1700M no quarters is expected to be given.

The Message, California Strike, the Score Is Even, Mission King, Who So Ever, Technology, Night Crescendo, stormy Flame, Got to Go, Work Force, Face the Fire The Bailiff, This Trip on Me and Reina Del Café are among those so far expected to take to the turf for the big prize money.

The 3yrs old race for West Indies Bred horses with a

winners money of $400,000 and trophy over 1600M is expected to be a keenly contested affair with Red Cloud, Joyful Victory, Rock Sona, Serenity, Silent Lizzie, Princess Kiara, Windy war, Feels Like Gold, Gypsy Rose, R J Express, Times Have Change all in with a chance to take the coveted title.

The E and lower race with a pole position taking of $350,000 and trophy over 1500M has the likes of Night Crescendo, Majestic, Traditional Man, Captain Crock, War Craft, Delmar Gold, Bridle Stone Corner, Home Bush Baby, Swing Easy, The Bailiff, Prado gold, Time Have Change, Sleeping in Town.

Gold Rush, Another Jet, Party Time, Princess Alisha, Ameera’s Joy, Rain Boy Flyer, True Gold are among those entered in the race for two year the West Indies Bred animals which will see the winner collecting $350,000 and trophy over 1200M. Delmar Gold, Bridle Stone Corner, Appealing Harvest, Celebrating Love, Intriguing Account, Stormy Lass, Treacle, Sleeping In Town, Time of Change, Maya, Sweet Miss, Prado Gold and Princess Kiara are among the lot competing in the G and lower 1200M match up for a winning take of $250,000 and trophy also over 1200M. The H and Lower 1100M sprint for a winning reward of $200,000and trophy among

Packed itinerary as amateur boxers engage Trinidadians and local counterparts Four local amateur boxers will be required to dig deep if they are to com e o u t victorious when the amateur segment of the Friday Night Fights get underway at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) Friday November 30 next. Whereas in the past they have battled among themselves, these boxers will now be matched against their Trinidadian counterparts as the executives of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) continues their drive to provide the locals with top quality competition.

Middleweight, Eon Bancroft will match gloves with Trinidadian Declan Ellixce, while Laured Stewart opposes another Trinidadian, Leon Nottingham in a welterweight bout.

Lightweight Stephon Gouveia will oppose Michael Alexander, while Imran Khan

opposes Aaron Cumberbatch in a bantamweight shindig.

Meanwhile, local boxers will be in action this evening and tomorrow evening when the GABA presents the National Intermediate Championships on the tarmac of the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Several action packed bouts are envisaged when such pugilists as Mark Marshall and Trevon King, both of the Guyana Defence Force take to the ring.

Several other boxers noted for their exciting styles will also grace the ring including Travis Hubbard of the Harpy Eagle’s, Odeny Moore out of the Essequibo Boxing Gym and Joel Williamson of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym. The boxers will be at the venue of the fights this morning for weigh in. the action gets underway at 18:30hrs.

those entered are Funny Side, Watch My Shadow, Savion, Wicked Intention, Joyful Victory; I want Revenge, Dream Girl, Mona Lisa, Third World, Gap, De Lion.

The winner of the ‘I2’ and lower event has a chance to take home $150,000 and trophy in the 1200M race and among those competing are Mona Lisa, Speed Vision, Silver Kid, Savion, Easy to Win, Justin, Summer Breezier, I Want Revenge, Pixie Fire, Diplomat, Dylan, Try Again, Bounty Fire, Prince Bayaya,

Face De Heat and Wonder Flower.

The final race for the day is for animals classified J&K (Division 1 and 2,) and the likes of Windy killer, Face De Heat, Prince Baya, Wonder Flower, Dancing Monster, Sky, Master Christopher, Lady Secret, Prince Street, Sophia Choice, Summertime will be matching strides over 1200M with the winners also set to collect $150,000.

Asked on the issue of fans encroaching on the track,

Elcock informed that at the RCMTC the turfites have been cooperative, while the Police have been doing a wonderful job of ensuring the safety of all.

Race time is 13:00 hrs and Elcock called on all to be on time for a prompt start of the action so as to have all the events staged before darkness set in.

Outstanding individual performers including top Jockey, trainer and stable will be presented with accolades

compliments of the Trophy Stall, Bourda Market and the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club.

Further information can be had by contacting the club’s office at Number 13 Hermitage East Coast Berbice (19 Road).

Bobby Vaughn can be contacted on telephone number 624-6788 or Larissa Mohabir on numbers 333-0290 or 333-0301. Dr. Dwight Walrond on Telephone numbers 623-0100 or 2206557.

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Flex Night Int. Health & Fitness Expo – Dec 8 @ NCC

Exhibitors excited to showcase services & products The momentum ahead of the Flex Night International Show and Health & Fitness Expo set for Saturday December 8, 2012 at the National Cultural Centre is beginning to increase as athletes and fans alike continues to make preparations for the big night.

A few days ago at the competition venue, a few members of the organizing committee officially introduced to the Media, those entities that would be participating in the Health & Fitness Expo.

They {exhibitors} number 22 in total and have all expressed delight at being afforded the opportunity to showcase what they have to offer with the aim of driving home the objective of the event, which is to raise the awareness on a national scale about the importance and benefits of pursuing the health and fitness lifestyle.

Ranging from health drinks, natural products, exercise equipment, training attire, healthy snacks and

refreshments, sport resources and initiatives, the event promises to give patrons a wide variety of options and choices in pursuit of healthy lifestyles.

Some of those persons present at the Media gathering spoke of their level of involvement and what the public can expect.

Manager / Owner of Fitness Express (Sheriff Street, Campbellville) Jamie Mc Donald noted that it was important for the Ministry of Sport to give its approval for such an event and they are very excited to be involved. “We’re going to be showcasing some of the products that we have, mainly focusing on sports supplements. But we also have fitness gear and wear and we’re bringing in some fitness equipment for Christmas.”

Annabelle Vieira, Owner of Fusion Fitness (19 Water Street, Georgetown), a new entity that has opened its doors with a focus on helping persons achieve their fitness goals, will be hosting a 30 minute demonstration of what they have to offer.

Vieira, an A.C.E Certified

Group Fitness Professional said her classes are conducted for groups and is something that’s new to Guyana.

“I’ve been asked to come and showcase my new class and I want to be a part of the Expo because I need the exposure. I’m so glad that Guyana has finally decided to do something like this, to open up a healthier lifestyle, we’re in the stone ages here, we need to move ahead so this is excellent.

At Fusion Express, it’s a group fitness class where I teach kickboxing. We take moves from the mixed martial arts, karate, kung fu and taekwondo. I want to emphasize that this class is for men and women; I mean, it’s hardcore and could be soft too for the lesser fit and older people since we all kinds of people attending. “ It was also pointed out that the classes focus on strength, flexibility and balance. Persons will be able to view firsthand what Fusion Fitness has to offer on December 8, for 30 minutes sometime between 17:00 and 18:30hrs.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition

Semifinal action on today at Thirst Park Play in the Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition continues today with semifinal action, at the Thirst Park ground and parents, fans and scouts are being urged to come out and witness the raw ability of some of the country’s young aspiring footballers showcase their talent.

In the feature clash, Tucville, who have the most lethal scorer in the competition to date in their line will battle another team North Georgetown, impressive winners last week. Tucville will be led by the prolific Simeon Hackett, who netted the equaliser in regulation time to save them from defeat against a stubborn Redeemer, while their opponents North Georgetown have a cadre of top players capable of being match winners.

They will have in their lineup the likes of Tyrese Prescott, who lashed in a brace last week, while support will come from Laman Lord, Tyriq Saunders and Joshua Denny.

In the other semi-final clash, Marian Academy plays

(Flashback) - Some of the action in this year’s competition.

West Ruimveldt and this too having the making of a cliff hanger with the former slightly favoured to reach the final.

However, they will have to play positive and technically sound football to get past another team that has shown admirable resilience and equal ability.

Marian Academy will be led by last week’s goalscorer Diarra Thomas, but support could also come from Dominic Roberts, while West Ruimveldt’s quest to advance will rest on the shoulders of Anton Porter, Victor Brown and Japheth Singh.

Saturday November 17, 2012

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GFSCA Softball continues on Sunday... Football referees advancement...

From page 29 Ravendra Ramnauth 3 for 15.

Challengers 101 for 9 in 15 overs. Mark Harold 3 for 9.

Rajkumar Orie 3 for 19.

Front Liners Masters def.

Savage Masters by 137 runs.

Front Liners 308 for 4 in 25 overs. Linden McCoy 103 not out. E. Lovell 99. Savage 171 for 9 in 16.5 overs. Talesh Ramoutar 59. Gary McCoy 3 for 37. G. Mangru 3 for 18. Park Rangers def. Success Masters by 40 runs. Park Rangers 170 for 7 in 25 overs.

Hardat Narine 71. Danny Mohanram 69. Success 130 all out. B. Mueller 37. Tony Singh 4 for 16. Ricky Persaud 2 for 12.

Floodlights def. Bedi Ramjewan Masters by 3 wickets Bedi 148 for 9 in 20 overs. Danny Gangadin 50.

Ramchand Ragbeer 3 for 22.

Clyde Canterbury 3 for 16.

Wayne Jones 2 for 8.

Floodlight 149 for 8 in 19.4

overs. Uniss Yusuf 29. Wayne Jones 26. R. Basdeo 4 for 18.

Regal Masters def.

Enterprise Legends by 3 wickets. Enterprise 123 all out in 25 overs. Nandlal Seebarran 26. Jitlall Alli 22 not out. Troy Kippins 3 for 6. M. Chunilall 2 for 16.

Regal 124 for 8 in 21.2 overs.

Linden Lyght 29. M. Chunilall 27 not out. N. Seebarran 3 for 31. R. Phaghoo 4 for 21.

Trophy Stall Angels def.

Lady Jaguars by 38 runs.

Trophy Stall 109 for 6 in 10 overs. Nalini Sumintra 31.

Maria Hutson 2 for 22. Lady Jaguars 71 for 7 in 10 overs.

Nalini Sumintra 2 for 15.

Regal Champs def. 4R Lioness by 58 runs. Regal 99 in 10 overs. S. Fraser 25.

4R Lioness 41 all out.

Wellwoman def. Fazal Kayume Angels.

A timely gift from Giftland...

From page 35 favourably acknowledged.

Already, the organizers have collected two motorcycles which will be put up as gate prizes for the patron whose ticket stub is pulled during a draw at the game.

Further, the best coach receives one motorcycle, while the Most Valuable Player will win a luxury motor car.

Additionally, the winning team wins with four million

dollars and a trophy. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has donated the trophy as well as a lucrative financial package that will be given to the winning team in the U-13 tournament that will be played simultaneously with the main tournament.

The team finishing second receives one million dollars while the third and fourth places will cart off $750,000 and $500,000 respectively.

Saturday November 17, 2011 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Romance can develop; however, it will most probably be short-lived. Valuable information can be yours if you listen to those with experience. Invite friends in for a visit.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You'll be able to discuss your ambitions with your mate. Get them to pitch in, if you need help. You may end up being blamed if anything goes wrong.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Beware of individuals who are not that reliable or well known to you. Your family needs to spend some time with you, too.

Don't fall for damaging rumors, and refuse to get involved in gossip.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be emotional about your personal life. Get help to finish a project if you need it.

Deal with the needs of children and get into groups that deal with self awareness.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Talk about your intentions and confirm that you both feel the same way. You may find it difficult to communicate. Complete those hobbies you started a long time ago.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You need to concentrate on your business ventures more than on your relationship today. You can make headway if you share your intentions with someone you care about. Creative pursuits should payoff.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Someone important may be watching you from afar. You will be emotional about money matters. Opportunities to get together with people in powerful positions could help you get ahead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You may interest some of them in a service you have to offer. Finish overdue paperwork and catch up on letter writing and reading.

SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Children's needs could be more costly than you anticipated. Deception is probable if you don't use discrimination. Don't ruffle the feathers of those you care about most.

CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) This will not be the best day to initiate change. You have so much to offer; open up and let your thoughts be known.

Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

Don't make large purchases unless you have discussed your choices with your mate.

Be cautious who you deal with financially. You need to focus on yourself, not on others.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You should get into programs that will enhance your appearance and help you to be the best that you can. Get involved in groups and organizations that are of a distinguished nature.

From back page clearance of the gears,” he declared.

The FIFA official expressed disbelief that government officials have assumed such a hardened position when in fact the entire country stands to benefit from FIFA's chivalry. “I hope that we will have a favourable resolution to this issue if only for the continued development of the sport,” Mr. Prendergast concluded.

Meanwhile, Acting President of the GFF, Franklyn Wilson, also expressed remorse at the turn of events.

He said that he had written to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Frank Anthony, on the matter but to date has not even been accorded a letter of acknowledgment much less a favourable response. He said that his organization has benefitted from the largesse of the ruling football body and he could not fathom why Government could not appreciate such benevolence and reciprocate for the good of local ball weavers.

Up to press time the gears were still sitting on the wharf awaiting the requisite government approval. Efforts to solicit a response from Mr. Anthony proved futile as we were informed that he was not in office. Similar efforts to speak with Permanent Secretary, Alfred King were also unsuccessful as we were told he was in a meeting.

Otherwise, more than 30 referees participated in the programme under the direction of the two FIFA facilitators, Mr. Prendergast and Costa Rican, Allan Brown Morgan; several executives of the GFF were also present. Mr. Prendergast noted the diversity of the group saying that the contrasting mix of age, gender and experience was unprecedented in the Caribbean and bodes well for local football development.

Mr. Wilson commended the referees for their commitment that resulted in a large group attending the sessions.

He feels that at the end of the

Peter Pendergras

Allan Brown

sessions the affiliates will be much more competent to administer their duties. Mr. Wilson also expressed deep gratitude to FIFA officials for investing in the development of local referees. He charged the participants to apply themselves diligently while employing professionalism, self respect and discipline in their endeavours. Several other officials delivered brief remarks including General Secretary (GFF), Noel Adonis and FIFA Assistant Interna-

tional referee, Deon Inniss.

The course is a follow up to an earlier one in Jamaica from July 30-August 4 where several local affiliates including Colin Aaron, Lawrence 'Sparrow' Griffith and Anson Ambrose, attended a Referee's Instructor's Course.

They were then mandated to impart their knowledge to their local counterparts. The current course will touch on similar matters while assessing the competence of local referees.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 17, 2012

City Mall Hadi’s\GCA 1st division 2 day tourney launched

Managing Director of City Mall Hadi’s Nazar Mohamed hands over the sponsorship cheque to Vice President of the GCA Azad Abrahim in the presence of the other GCA members.

City Mall Hadi’s Inc has thrown their support behind the Georgetown Cricket Association by sponsoring a first division 2 day round robin competition.

The tournament was officially launched Thursday at the City Mall in Regent Street and will feature all Georgetown first division teams.

Speaking at the ceremony Chairman of the Competition’s Committee, Shaun Massiah, said that the clubs will play each other once and the team with the most points will be the champions.

He stated that the fielding teams will be given one bonus point for the first three wickets taken and one for every two wickets taken after that.

Batting teams will also be given one bonus point scoring 150 runs and one for every 50 runs scored there after, however no team will be given more than 5 bonus

points in an innings.

He also asked that teams submit their list of players no later that Tuesday 20 th of November. Teams which fail to meet this requirement will not be issued with a fixture.

Managing Director of City Mall Hadi’s inc Mr. Nazar Mohamed said he was honoured to sponsor the competition and will do so annually. He recalled his playing days stating that he represented Essequibo and attended National trials. He lauded the GCA for organising the competition.

Meanwhile, President of the GCA Roger Harper thanked Mr. Mohamed for coming on board and said his sponsorship will go a long way towards the development of the game. The winning and runner up teams will receive $120,000 and $80,000 respectively. Trophies and medals will also be given to outstanding players.

ECDCA\Enterprise Busta SC T20 Festival starts today The East Coast Demerara Cricket Association in collaboration with the Enterprise Busta Sports Club Twenty 20 cricket competition commence today with Lusignan facing Lioness XI at 10:00 hrs and Strathaven

coming up against Buxton at 01:30 hrs. Both matches will be played at Enterprise.

Tomorrow, at Unity, Bravados will clash with Bee Hive at 10:00 hrs at and Unity playing Lusignan from 01:30 hrs.

Defending champs made to fight...

From back page The Norton Street side increased their forays and even managed to silence the home support, but stout defending by the champs kept them at bay before time expired.

Norton Street East created a bit of an upset when they squeezed past East La Penitence through a solitary strike off the boots of Radison George in the 6th minute.

Princess Street produced a stunning performance to clobber a clearly outclassed Laing Avenue 6-0 with Shevane Seaforth (17th and 20th) and Leon Grumble (26th and 27th), hitting in a brace apiece.

In the night's full results: GAME 1 Bent Street defeated Festival City 1-0 Scoring for Bent Street was Frank Dover (3rd) GAME 2 Princess Street beat Laing Avenue 6-0 For Princess StreetRonson Williams (3rd), Kelvin McKenzie (11th), Shevon

Seaforth (17th and 20th), Leon Grumble (26th and 27th) GAME 3 Lodge Housing Scheme and Albouystown drew 0-0 GAME 4 Sophia B def. Island All star 1-0 For Sophia B- Josh Kamal (4th) GAME 5 Back Circle bt. Norton Street West 2-1 For Back Circle- Andy Duke (1st) and Own Goal (4th), while Nigel DeCamp (16th) responded for Norton Street West.

Game 6 Norton Street East bt. East La Penitence 1-0 For Norton StreetRadison George (6th) Game 7 Globe Yard def.

Albouystown 1-0 For Globe Yard- Lionel Grimes (1st) GAME 8 Queen Street bt. East Front Road 2-0 For Queen Street - Deon Alfred (5th and 18th)

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Downes, Miller, Leacock and Lewis GFSCA Softball into Men’s Open semi-finals continues tomorrow The Guyana Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) softball tournament sponsored by Mike’s Pharmacy, Ariel Enterprise, Trophy Stall, Ramchand Auto Spares, Survival, Motor Trend, and Petama Enterprise, continues tomorrow, Sunday Nov. 18th.

Fixtures are as follows: Education ground: Pitch 1: 9:30am-Cotton Field Wild Oats vs Herstelling. 11:30amTrophy Stall A vs Oldendroff Carriers. 1:30pm-Winners to play. Pitch 2: 9:30am-R ONE Lemon vs Regal X1. 11:30amSuper Star X1 vs Memorex.

1:30pm-Winners to play.

Matches continued last Sunday Nov. 11th. Results are as follows: Richard Latiff smashed Trophy Stall B attack, blasting 153 not out.

Front Liners Masters rolled over Savage Masters with Linden McCoy’s 103 not out.

Young Guns def. P & P Vipers by 42 runs. Young Guns 174 for 7 in 15 overs.

Zulfikar Alli 52. D. Thomas 46. P & P Vipers 132 all out.

D. Thomas 4 for 18.

Herstelling def. Success Warriors by 9 wickets.

Success 135 for 6 in 15 overs. K. Singh 38. S. Hussein 2 for 17. T. Narine 2 for 25. Herstelling 138 for 1 in 9.4 overs. Omesh Narine 58. Avinash Mohabir 30.

Rockaway def.

Desperados by 127 runs.

Rockaway 184 for 8 in 15 overs. Asif Ali 40 not out.

Kumar Bishundial 29.

Chandrika Harpaul 24. S. Boodram 4 for 23.

Desperados 57 all out in 7.1 overs. Chandrika Harpaul 6 for 10. Krishna Deosaran 3 for 15.

Super Star X1 def. Farm by 7 wickets. Farm all out in 14.1 overs. Davendra Persaud 3 for 4. Super Star X1 178 for 3 in 13 overs.

Devendra Persaud 51 not out. Marvin Bob 29. Quinsi Holder 41 not out. Trophy Stall B def. L.B.I. Top Guns by 4 wickets. L.B.I. Top Guns 123 for 9 in 15 overs.

K. Dowlatram 32. V. Gewan 3 for 15. Trophy Stall B 125 for 6 in 12 overs. D. Dindyal 64. R. Dowlatram 2 for 26.

Challengers def. El Commandante by 5 wickets. El Commandante 110 all out in 13.5 overs.

Dianand Singh 4 for 12.

Challengers 111 for 5 in 11.3 overs. Suraj Sadaram 24.

Trophy Stall A def. One Love by 7 wickets. One Love 109 all out in 14.5 overs. Rajkumar Orie 3 for 6. Kevin Hortford 3 for 27.

Trophy Stall A 115 for 3 in 11 overs. Fazal Rafic 35.

Regal X1 def. Trophy Stall B by 100 runs. Regal 207 for 4 in 15 overs. Richard Latiff 153 not out. Trophy Stall B 107 for 6 in 15 overs. Herstelling def.

Rockaway by 6 wickets.

Rockaway 125 all out. R. Gomes 20. Shameer Hussein 3 for 19. Avinash Mohabir 2 for 19. Herstelling 127 for 4 in 9.4 overs. Omesh Narine 42.

Uniss Yusuf 27.

Super Star X1 def. Young Guns by 6 wickets. Young Guns 84 all out in 11.1 overs.

Zulfikar Alli 23. Delroy Perreira 4 for 14. Marlon Williams 3 for 10. Super Star X1 88 for 4 in 8.4 overs. Rohit Duthin 35.

Amin Gag 2 for 22. Trophy Stall A def. Challengers by 37 runs.

Trophy Stall A 138 for 8 in 15 overs. Anand Dindial 29.

Continued on page 27

Top seeds in the Men’s Open category at the Pegasus Tennis Open, Anthony Downes and Jeremy Miller both booked places in the semi-finals with impressive wins. Downes had the tougher assignment as he faced five times winner of Pegasus Phillip Squires who despite being off the circuit is still a dangerous opponent.

Downes took advantage of his opponents’ ability to play consistently and forced the issue with some aggressive play.

Downes serve and forehands were on song despite him being under the weather with the flu and he quickly secured a break on Squires serve to go ahead, which he maintained until taking the set 6-2.

Squires had his moments in the set as he secured some break points which he could not convert as unforced errors piled up.

The second set saw Squires changing strategy and getting into a groove as the players were tied at 2 all.

Downes who has lost to Squires on several occasions in the past was however prepared for Squires comeback and raised his own level to pull away and take the set 6-3. Downes is on course for a showdown against second seed Jeremy Miller should he get past Leyland Leacock who had an easy path to the semi-finals as he dismissed Benedict Sukra 6-0 6-1.

Miller course to the semifinals included wins over Viraj Jugdeo who battled gamely in his 6-2 6-1 defeat and Daniel Lopes 6-2 6- 2 who could

Powell hits ton before...

From back page Veerasammy Permaul in ahead of S h i v n a r i n e Chanderpaul, who fell ill after smashing a double century in the first innings, and the debutant struck two fours in the first two balls he faced to ease some pressure.

But Gazi bowled him for 10 on the final ball of the day

to cap in a remarkable session for Bangladesh.

Earlier, Bangladesh's Nasir Hossain missed out on his maiden test century when he was out for 96, caught by Gayle at slip off Tino Best.

Nasir resumed on 33 and added 121 runs for the seventh wicket with fellow overnight batsman Mahmudullah, who made 62.

AR Auto Sales over 40 T20 final set for tomorrow The final of the AR Auto Sale over 40 Twenty\20 competition is set for 01:30 hrs tomorrow at the Lusignan Community Center ground between Unity Tiger and Lusignan.

Rastafarian King and United will clash in the third place off at 09:30 hrs. Sheik Mohamed and Naim Chan will

spearhead Unity challenge, while Jeffery Ramgopaul and Raymond Karim are expected to lead Lusignan.

Rastafarian King will depend on players such as Mark Commerbatch and Nikita Lawson while United will look to the likes of Suresh Sookram and Basher Khan for success.

The duo helped Bangladesh to overhaul their previous highest test total of 488 against Zimbabwe at Chittagong.

F o l l o w i n g Mahmudullah's dismissal with the total on 489, Nasir kept his focus and nudged a single to take Bangladesh over the 500-run mark for the first time.

Bangladesh then snatched an unlikely 29-run first-innings lead courtesy of Nasir's 61-run ninth wicket stand with Shahadat Hossain, the last man out as Sunil Narine bowled him for his third wicket of the day.

Scores: West Indies 527 for 4 dec and 244 for 6 (Powell 110, Bravo 76, Rubel 2-35) lead Bangladesh 556 (Naeem 108, Nasir 96, Shakib 89, Rampaul 3-118) by 215 runs.

Lowden and Adams face off for Over-35 Title not match Millers’ power from the baseline in their many rallies.

Miller serve was on song as he sent down some big first serves that Lopes had no chance of returning.

Also posting impressive wins was Carlos Adams who cantered into the finals with comprehensive wins over Anthony Amerally and Rudy Grant and Godfrey Lowden who got past Andre Lopes and Mario Niamatalli.

The two will face off in Men’s 35 singles final on Friday evening which will be followed by the Men’s Doubles semifinals which will see defending champions Jeremy Miller and Jason Andrews taking on Gavin Lewis and Benedict Sukra.

Men’s Open Singles Anthony Downes def Phillip Squires 6-2 6-3 Men’s Open Singles Jeremy Miller def Viraj Jugdeo 6-2 6-1 Men’s Over 35 Singles Carlos Adams def Rudy Grant 6-1 6-2

Carlos Adams

Anthony Downes

Men’s Open Singles Leyland Leacock def Benedict Sukra 6-0 6-1

Men’s Open Singles Jeremy Miller def Daniel Lopes 6-2 6-2

Guyana lose again in Caribbean Cup football Guyana suffered their second loss in the Caribbean Cup Football tournament last night in the Spice Isle of Grenada. They went down to the host nation 2-1 last evening. Daniel Wilson

scored the consolation for the Guyanese.

In the other match French Guiana scored a major victory in the tournament, beating Haiti 1-0. More details in tomorrow’s edition.

Page 34

Kaieteur News

BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana Inc Open Challenge Basketball

Raiders, Bulls send top seeds Kings, Jets crashing out of C/ship Retrieve Raiders scored a fascinating 48-44 win over the top seeded Kashif and Shanghai Kings, while Half Mile Bulls stunned the second ranked Amelia’s Ward Jets 49-48 on Tuesday night to qualify to contest the final of the inaugural BOSAI Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc sponsored Open Challenge basketball championship, which will be played tonight.

A keenly contested matchup between the two sides is anticipated tonight and gauging from the semifinal results Raiders and Bulls are expected to pull out all the stops to win the contest. The third place game between Kings and Jets will precede the final. Playing in the semifinals on Diwali Night at the Mackenzie sports Club hard court, the sixth ranked Retrieve Raiders survived the ejection of their leading player, national centre Dwayne ‘Brown’ Sugar Roberts, to turn in a scintillating fourth quarter display, while the fifth ranked Bulls demonstrated excellent team play to hold off the Jets in what were low scoring affairs in front of an appreciative crowd.

The Raiders were led to their

Pair to contest final tomorrow

Michael Turner

Sheldon Noel

win behind Roberts’ top score of 11 points, while he was admirably supported by guards Sheldon Noel and Anson Durant each with eight and forward Louis James with seven as Alexander Rose chipped in with five.

Kings could only blame themselves as they led by four going into the final quarter 34-30 after controlling the scores at the end of the first quarter 10-9 and 24-19 as guard Marvin Hartman returned to form in that game high

16 pints as guard Steve Neils, Omally Sampson and Abdullah Hamid each scored seven points and forward Curtis Gravesande had six in a losing cause.

In the other game, guards Michael Turner and Sean Easton produced the top scores for the Bulls with 10 apiece and Travin Dryden contributed eight for the winners, while t h e We b s t e r b r o t h e r s Allister and Shane had 13 and 12 respectively, to lead the scoring for the Jets.

Saturday November 17, 2012

Systems in place for RCMTC, Banks Classic Horserace meet Head of the Ryan Crawford Turf Club and Sports Facilities, Colin Elcock, yesterday called a media briefing to inform that all systems are in place for tomorrow’s RCMTC and Banks DIH Classic Horserace Meeting at their Alness, Corentyne Racetrack.

Elcock disclosed that the competition promises to be keen as over 70 of the leading racehorses have been entered, while several additional sponsors have come on board to ensure a successful meeting. He stated that except for the 2-year old event, all the others have 12 or more entries at the starting gates.

He noted that the J&K Division has been divided into three sub-divisions to ensure all the entrants have a chance at taking the attractive purses on offer in the two races catering for horses in that category.

A lot of the top horses have been entered and sponsors have been lending assistance. Elcock stressed the need for sponsors to assist the sport and expressed gratitude for such assistance.

Colin Elcock addressing the media at yesterday’s briefing.

The most recent sponsors are Palace de Leon Suites, Bobby Misir, Serious Off R o a d e r s , Attorney at law Abiola Wong - Inniss and Attorney at

Law Rajendra N. Poonai.

Those already on board are Banks DIH Limited, Digicel, Mohammed “Nankoo” Shariff, General Continued on page 29

Saturday November 17, 2012

Kaieteur News

Page 35

56 teams set for playoffs as A timely gift from Giftland as F & H Printing countrywide K&S preparations continue dominoes climaxes this weekend

Hazim Hakh The F&H Printing Countrywide Million Dollar Plus Dominoes competition will conclude this weekend starting with the playoffs today at 11:00hrs and the grand finale tomorrow at the National Gymnasium.

A total of 56 teams are set to compete in these finals stages which will be played on a two in, one out basis until the finalists are decided. Unfortunately, only the Mahaica/Mahaicony zone failed to participate.

Five (5) rounds of dominoes will be played today and four (4) rounds, including the final will be contested tomorrow.

Director of Sport Neil Kumar will be on hand for the march pass and will also deliver remarks at today's programme.

Hazim Hakh of F&H Printers, disclosed that, “The matches have been highly competitive and that level of competitiveness will be expecting to continue in the playoffs come Saturday and Sunday. At this point it is hard to pick a likely winner, possibly F & H Supreme.”

Speaking on his business entity being involved in the organisation of this event, Hakh noted, “We recognized there was a decrease in teams participating in domino competitions, so we organize this competition with the hope of regaining that lost ground and on that note the response was grand because we were able to attract teams from almost every Region in Guyana.”

Questioned on if they had achieved that objective, he stated, “Yes it has, our future objective is to attract other oversees teams, and to encourage other sponsors to

Aubrey 'Shanghai' Major (L) gratefully collects the sponsorship cheque from Mr. Babb in the presence of Kashif Muhammad.

Some of the major trophies up for grabs this weekend could come on board to assist in this revival of competitive domino in Guyana.

“We would like to see more participation from the various Corporation teams.

The sponsor intend to make this an annual event as their contribution of support towards the boosting the playing of domino as a national sport.”

Prizes up for grabs are: Winner $500,000 + trophy and 9 Gold medals; first runner-up $250,000 + trophy and 9 Silver medals; second runner-up $100,000 + trophy and 9 bronze medals; third runner-up $60,000; fourth runner-up $35,000; fifth runner-up $25,000; MVP (Finals) $10,000; first double love (playoffs) $5,000; best female (Playoffs) $5,000; first love (Finals) $$3,000; best far reaching area team $25,000; best Corporation team $15,000; best uniformed team $30,000; teams winning their respective zones have already received zone prizes of $10,000 each.

Teams are reminded to be on time because those not present will be disqualified if the match is called. The schedule for today: 11.00 hrs - March Pass and Judging of the best uniform team 11.05 hrs - Opening Address 11.10 hrs - Outline of

play and code of conduct 1 1 . 1 5 h r s Announcement of the Winner of the Best Uniform Team Prize 11.20 hrs - Distribution of score sheets 11.45 hrs - Drawing 12.00/12.30 hrs Commencement of play The general public is invited to attend this weekend's action.

In just under one month football lovers will witness the kickoff of the Kashif and Shanghai football extravaganza, scheduled to get underway on December 16 next. Corporate input has always been the oxygen to the success of the tournament and many local entities have acquiesced to tangible support which in turn would give the organizers added resources to enhance the quality of the tournament.

Ye s t e r d a y m o r n i n g , Giftland Office Max, Water and Holmes Streets, Georgetown continued to demonstrate good corporate

citizenship when the management handed over a substantial cheque to the two principals of the K&S organization. Public Relations Manager of the donating company, Compton Babb, handed over the gift and expressed delight at once again being afforded the opportunity of supporting the K&S tournament and by extension, local football development. He wished the organizers well and urged the public to support the tournament. This is Giftland's 7th year on the sponsorship team and Mr. Babb pledged future support

for the tournament.

Mr. Muhammad was grateful for the support and told Mr. Babb just so. “We are indeed pleased that we have been able to build a high level of confidence among your executives to cause them to continue supporting our tournament,” he said.

The Director also intimated that all systems are in place and hinted that patrons might get an opportunity to win motorcycles at all of the games providing requests for support from several business entities are Continued on page 31

t r o Sp Football referees advancement in jeopardy Powell hits ton before Bangladesh following government laissez-faire attitude Local referees and administrators of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) defied government's reluctance to waive the duties associated with several pieces of gears donated by the world governing football body, FIFA, and lifted the curtains on the FIFA's Referee's Assistant Programme (RAP) which got underway at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street Georgetown, yesterday morning and culminates next Monday when members of the referee's committee will be installed.

However, all is not well, for though activities have commenced, and though the two FIFA facilitators, Jamaican, Peter Prendergast and Costa Rican, Allan Brown Morgan have opted

trigger Windies collapse

Football officials and some of the referees shortly before the commencement of sessions to proceed with the course, the local officials were told that they will not receive the requisite certificates until the Government waives the custom duties of approximately $800,000 for the release of the gears.

Mr. Prendergast was

delivering brief remarks at the opening ceremony yesterday morning. He disclosed that FIFA has sent the gears which consist of boots, trunks, vests and other apparel for the referees' use during the course. “FIFA has spent millions of dollars to

support this programme and officials are disturbed with the turn of events,” said Mr. Prendergast. “While the course will go ahead, regrettably we will not hand over the certificates unless the government agrees to the Continued on page 31

Guinness 'Greatest of de Streets' Futsal Competition

Defending champs made to fight for win Defending champions Back Circle was made to fight in their encounter against Norton Street West, before prevailing 2-1 as action in the Banks DIHsponsored Guinness 'Greatest of de Streets' Futsal Competition continued on Thursday evening at the East

Ruimveldt Basketball Court.

Before another capacity crowd, the homesters' bouyed by the partisan support were the first to enter the scoresheet through inspirational player Andy Duke, who tapped in a neat pass from the left side that scurried across the goal area.

Three minutes after that, they were gifted an own goal after an opposing player in his attempt to clear a shot on goal could only watch in dismay as the ball ricochet off his foot and trickled into the goal.

However, that only served to inspire them and

they attacked relentlessly for their first goal and got it one minute into the second period when a clever piece of work from the left wing was nonchalantly hit into an empty goal by Nigel DeCamp stationed unnoticed on the back post.

Continued on page 32

Kieran Powell sweeps (AFP) DHAKA (Reuters) Kieran Powell notched up his second century of the match before Bangladesh brought alive the first test by grabbing five West Indian wickets in 13.1 overs on Friday to raise the specter of an unlikely victory.

The visitors will take a 215-run lead into the final day but will struggle to add to their tally as the only recognised batsman remaining, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, is unwell and may not be able to bat.

West Indies reached 2446 at the close on the fourth day and the hosts will fancy their chances of notching up their first test win against a top side having scored their highest ever total of 556 in the first innings.

Powell became the ninth Caribbean batsman to score two centuries in a single test after scoring a patient 110 from 197 balls, adding to the 117 he amassed in the first

innings. He shared a 189run second-wicket stand with Darren Bravo, mainly thanks to the butter fingers of Zunaed S iddique w ho dropped the batsman on 17 at slip.

Bangladesh got an early breakthrough when Rubel Hossain had Gayle caught behind for 19, but Powell and Bravo denied them any chance of gaining an upper hand with their prolific stand.

Rubel dismissed Bravo for 76 before off-spinner Sohag Gazi forced Marlon Samuels (1) to loft a catch to Shahriar Nafees at forward short leg to trigger a late West Indian collapse.

Left-arm spinner Shakib Al-Hasan induced an edge from Powell to end his knock, which included 12 fours and a six, and trapped first innings centurion Denesh Ramdin for five.

West Indies sent Continued on page 33

Naeem Islam celebrates his century (AP) Action in the clash between Globe Yard and Albouystown which the former won 1-0.

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